BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to plumbing fixtures and hardware, and more particularly to drain closures actuation methods, and still more particularly to a drain closure actuation apparatus wherein a portion of the linkage assembly is housed and concealed in the overflow cavity of a sink.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional drains for sinks, basins, and tubs typically employ a vertically movable drain stopper which seats over a drain hole to prevent the discharge of fluids from a sink or basin. When actuated by a valve lift lever, the stopper moves upwardly to expose the drain hole to allow fluids (usually water) to drain. When the stopper is elevated, a generally circular opening is created to provide means to drain fluids from the sink, basin, or tub. For convenience, these fluid containing vessels are hereinafter variously referred to either by their individual names or collectively as a "sink", and all terms denote a fluid-containing apparatus, vessel, or receptable having a drain disposed in its bottom for selectively draining fluid from the interior fluid-containing portion of the apparatus.

[0003] Conventional drain assemblies are generally installed beneath the sink and typically include a drain body having a drain flange at its upper end that fits down into the drain opening from above the sink. The drain flange includes a threaded end that threads into the valve body positioned beneath the sink. The valve lift lever is mechanically connected to a valve assembly in the valve body at a point below the sink and includes a handle portion that extends above the sink so that a user can actuate the stopper simply by lifting, pushing, or

pulling the valve lift lever handle.

[0004] The conventional designs import several distinct disadvantages. Firstly, valve lift lever handles are almost invariably present a hard to reach surface that collects water, soap film, scum and dirt. They are hard to clean. Secondly, the valve lift lever mechanisms fail and require maintenance in a typically cramped dark space underneath the sink. Thirdly, the valve lift lever mechanism generally includes metal apparatus with sharp edges. In some installations, e.g., those in which the underside of the sink is exposed, a wheelchair occupant can actually strike and cut his or her legs by contacting the valve lift lever structures below the sink. [0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a drain actuation method in which the valve lift lever mechanism or other drain actuation method is enclosed and protected from users. Perhaps optimally, it would be desirable to provide a drain actuation method housed in the overflow cavity of a sink. [0006] Some designs illustrative of various drain stop control mechanisms and their installation structures are shown in the following United States patents:

[0007] US Pat. No. 6,415,463, to Slothower, which shows a drain stop and overflow mechanism for a free-standing bathtub. It includes a drainpipe connected to a water drain opening in the bathtub, a standpipe connected to a waste water line and to the drainpipe, a sleeve providing an internal overflow system within the standpipe, and a plunger controlling drainage is positioned within the sleeve.

[0008] A typical linkage assembly is shown in US Pat. No. 6,061,847, to Jourdan, which discloses a linkage assembly for a pop-up drain stopper assembly which includes an elongated connector bar having a plurality of apertures adjacent both its upper and lower ends. The assembly also includes a stem having a J-shaped portion of its lower end that is received within a select aperture. A lever arm is received within an aperture adjacent the lower end of the connector bar, the opposing end of which is attached to a drain stopper. This is typical of assemblies installed outside the fluid containing portion of the basin.

[0009] Recent years have seen the advent of alternative means of actuating basin and sink drains, most notably including means to actuate basin drains pneumatically and hydraulically, as disclosed in United States Patent No. 6,484,329, to the present inventor, issued November 26, 2002, and entitled, Bladder-controlled stopper device, and also in United States Patent 6,427,255 to the present inventor, issued August 6, 2002, and entitled, Remote controlled stopper device, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. An even more elegant alternative to mechanical drain stopper linkages is shown in published United States Patent Application Number 11/219,548, Pub. No. 20060000015, having a publication date 05/01/2006 (5 January 2006), also incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 20060000015. This published application discloses a pneumatically actuated drain stopper system and apparatus which includes a source of compressed gas, a pressure regulator, a piston drain, a push-button or toggle switch interposed between the piston drain and the pressure regulator, and pneumatic lines connecting the piston drain to the switch and the switch to the gas source, and bringing all elements into fluid communication with one another. As will be readily appreciated, the mechanism shown in this published application is precisely the kind suitable for installation in a sink such that some actuation elements and the drain stopper linkage assembly are concealed in the overflow cavity of the sink. [0010] None of the foregoing references show a means of concealing from view the unsightly mechanical elements comprising the drain stopper actuation apparatus. It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a means to route and conceal the drain stopper actuation apparatus so that pneumatic or hydraulic fluid lines, or push wire mechanical lines are entirely concealed from view. Accordingly, while the foregoing patents and published patent applications reflect the current state of the art of which the present inventor is aware, reference to, and discussion of, these patents is intended only to aid in discharging Applicant's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the above-indicated patents and published patent applications disclose, teach,

suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in combination, the invention described and claimed herein.

Disclosure of Invention [0011] The present invention is a sink having a drain actuation apparatus housed in the overflow cavity.

[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to conceal the drain actuation apparatus by housing it in the integrally formed or molded overflow cavity of a conventional sink, basin, or tub. [0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a basin, tub, sink, or other fluid containing vessel or receptacle (a "sink"), having a drain and drain stopper, and having stopper actuation means and linkage apparatus principally protected from damage and tampering by being housed in the overflow cavity of the sink. [0014] Other novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further obj ects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this disclosure. The invention resides not in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] The invention will be better understood and the objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed

description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: [0016] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional side view in elevation taken along section lines A-A of FIG. 2, showing the inventive method for concealing a drain actuation method by housing it in an overflow cavity; and [0017] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a sink having a drain actuation device installed in the overflow cavity, and particularly showing the location of the push button for operating the basin drain.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [0018] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated an overflow cavity 110 integrally formed in a sink 120 and having a drain stopper actuation apparatus concealed in the sink overflow cavity. The drawings also illustrate a method of concealing a drain stopper actuation apparatus, generally denominated 100, by housing it in the overflow cavity 110 of sink 120. The actuation apparatus includes an actuator button 130 connected to a drain stopper actuation linkage, preferably including a tube or line 140 for conveying a force applied to the actuator button to a drain stopper 150 at the top of and selectively covering a drain tube 160 disposed in the bottom of the sink. As will be readily appreciated, the drain stopper may be actuated by a flexible wire or cable moving axially in a sheath or tube 140, or alternatively by compressed air or fluid transferred to a piston connected pneumatically through a fluid reservoir 170 to tube 140 (as detailed in the references cited in Paragraph 0009, above). [0019] In order to minimize required structural modifications to the sink and to provide for easy reach and use, the actuator button is preferably located in a position 180 either immediately behind the overflow cavity or immediately above the overflow cavity at a position 190 on the front apron 200 of the sink upper surface. This latter position facilitates easy depression by a disabled person, as might be required under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

[0020] The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. [0021] While the particular drain actuation apparatus howed in overflow cavity shown and disclosed herein in detail is fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages stated herein, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the detail of construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.