Fastening system and method of assembling the same, food waste disposer system

Abstract

A securing system for securing a garbage disposer and a method of assembling the same, and a food garbage disposer system. The securing system includes a first flange member including first and second end portions and a tubular structure, a securing flange member having an inner edge at least partially defining an aperture, the aperture and the tubular structure both extending along a first axis when the first portion of the tubular structure is received within the aperture, the tubular structure including a plurality of first protrusions, the securing flange member including a plurality of lugs proximate or along the inner edge, each of the lugs including respective first and second end portions and respective first and second raised features positioned at or proximate the end portions, respectively, the securing flange member being secured relative to the first flange member when the respective lugs are aligned with the respective first protrusions and when the tubular structure is positioned in the aperture along the first axis far enough such that the respective tips of the respective lugs are positioned between the respective first protrusions and the first end portion of the first flange member.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese national phase patent application No. 201980035207.3, which was filed on November 25, 2020, after the international application No. PCT / US2019 / 024210, with an international filing date of March 27, 2019, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Fixing a Food Waste Disposer Relative to a Sink". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to garbage disposals such as food waste disposers and methods for fixing such garbage disposals relative to other structures such as sinks, and particularly to garbage disposal components or fixing components for such garbage disposals, and methods for fixing such garbage disposals relative to other structures such as sinks by such garbage disposal components or fixing components. Background Technology

[0003] Food waste disposers are used to grind food waste into particles small enough to pass through household drain pipes. Referring to Figure 1 (prior art), a conventional food waste disposer 10 is typically fixed to a sink, such as a kitchen sink (not shown), and includes a food delivery section 12, a motor section 14, and a grinding section 16 disposed between the food delivery section and the motor section. The food delivery section 12 includes a housing 18 forming an inlet for receiving food waste and water. The food delivery section 12 delivers food waste to the grinding section 16, and the motor section 14 includes a motor that applies rotational motion to a motor shaft to operate the grinding section.

[0004] Conventional food waste disposers, such as food waste disposer 10, are typically installed to the sink in two steps using a fixing assembly 100, an example of which is shown in exploded view relative to the food waste disposer in Figure 1. First, a sink flange assembly 102 is installed or secured relative to the sink (also not shown in Figure 1). This sink flange assembly 102 includes a sink (or strainer) flange 104, a sink gasket 106, a support flange 108, an upper fixing flange 110, bolts 112, and a retaining ring 114. Second, a disposer assembly 30 is attached to the sink flange assembly 102. This disposer assembly 30 includes the food waste disposer 10 and also includes a fixing (or sealing) gasket 116 and a lower fixing flange 118. The combination of the disposer assembly 30 and the fixing assembly 100 can be considered to constitute the overall food waste disposer assembly 150.

[0005] More specifically, regarding the attachment of the processor assembly 30 to the sink flange assembly 102, it should be understood that the lower retaining flange 118 is positioned around the housing 18 forming the inlet of the food delivery section 12. The retaining washer 116 is also positioned above the lower retaining flange 118 around the inlet by means of the lip of the inlet of the housing 18, in a manner that tends to secure the retaining washer 116 to the inlet. Attaching the processor assembly 30, including the food waste processor 10, to the sink flange assembly 102 and thus to the sink is specifically achieved by engaging the retaining tab 120 of the lower retaining flange 118 to the ramp (or inclined retaining fastener, edge, or ridge) 122 of the upper retaining flange 110, and then rotating the lower retaining flange 118 relative to the upper retaining flange 110 until it is secure. When the lower retaining flange 118 and the upper retaining flange 110 are secured together, the retaining washer 116 is pressed between them.

[0006] Although food waste disposers have been successfully installed relative to the sink in the manner described above (or similarly) for a long time, difficulties associated with the installation process remain, causing undesirable challenges or inconveniences for some who are performing the process. One difficulty some customers have encountered when installing conventional food waste disposers relative to the sink, particularly as part of the step of installing the sink flange assembly, concerns the removal of the retaining ring (e.g., retaining ring 114 in Figure 1) and then reinstalling it (e.g., to the bottom of the sink flange). In fact, the removal and reinstallation of the retaining ring can be extremely inconvenient for customers who do not frequently install food waste disposers.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an improved food waste disposer assembly (or other waste disposer assembly), and / or an improved fixing component for such food waste disposer assembly (or other waste disposer assembly), and / or an improved method of mounting or fixing such waste disposer assembly or fixing component relative to other structures such as sinks, to alleviate or resolve one or more of the problems discussed above associated with conventional waste disposer assemblies, or to alleviate or resolve one or more other problems or disadvantages, or to provide one or more advantages compared to conventional arrangements. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In at least some exemplary embodiments, this disclosure relates to a fixing system for fixing a garbage disposal unit. The fixing system includes a first end and a second end, and a tubular structure having an outer cylindrical surface, the tubular structure extending along a first axis between the first end and the second end. The fixing system also includes a fixing flange member having an inner edge that at least partially defines an orifice extending through the fixing flange member and sized such that a first portion of the tubular structure, including the second end, can partially enter or completely pass through the orifice, wherein both the orifice and the tubular structure extend along the first axis when the first portion of the tubular structure is received within the orifice. The tubular structure includes a plurality of first protrusions extending radially outward from the outer cylindrical surface, the plurality of first protrusions including a first of the first protrusions and one or more additional first protrusions. The fixing flange member also includes a plurality of lugs with corresponding tips adjacent to or along the inner edge, the plurality of lugs including a first of the lugs and one or more additional lugs. Furthermore, the corresponding lugs are arranged around the orifice, and the corresponding first protrusions are arranged around the outer cylindrical surface, such that if the first portion of the tubular structure is positioned inside the orifice such that the first lug is rotatably aligned with the first first protrusion about the first axis, then each of the one or more other lugs is also rotatably aligned with the corresponding first protrusion about the first axis. Further, when the corresponding lug is aligned with the corresponding first protrusion, and when the tubular structure is positioned sufficiently far along the first axis within the orifice such that the corresponding tip of the corresponding lug is positioned between the corresponding first protrusion and the first end of the first flange member, the fixing flange member is secured relative to the first flange member.

[0009] Furthermore, in at least some further exemplary embodiments, this disclosure relates to a method of assembling a fixing system for attaching a food waste disposer to a sink. The method includes positioning a fixing flange member relative to a sink flange member such that an orifice extending through the fixing flange member and at least partially defined by an inner edge of the fixing flange member approaches a first end portion of an outer cylindrical surface of a tubular structure of the sink flange member. The method further includes moving the fixing flange member relative to the tubular structure along a first axis extending therefrom, such that a first portion of the tubular structure including the first end portion can partially or completely enter through the orifice, and the fixing flange member moves toward a second end portion of the outer cylindrical surface. The method further includes rotating the fixing flange member relative to the tubular structure about the first axis, such that a plurality of lugs extending from the fixing flange member and each having a corresponding tip approaching or along the inner edge of the fixing flange member are rotationally aligned with a plurality of first protrusions extending radially outward from the outer cylindrical surface. Due to the rotation of the fixed flange member relative to the tubular structure, the corresponding tip of the lug is positioned between the first protrusion and the second end of the water tank flange member, thereby securing the fixed flange member relative to the water tank flange member.

[0010] Furthermore, in at least some other exemplary embodiments, this disclosure relates to a food waste disposer system. The food waste disposer system includes: a food waste disposer; a fixing assembly configured to allow the disposer system to be fastened to a sink; and at least one coupling member connecting the disposer to the fixing assembly. Additionally, the fixing assembly includes a sink flange member having a first end and a second end, and a tubular structure having an outer cylindrical surface extending along a first axis between the first end and the second end, and including a plurality of first protrusions extending radially outward from the outer cylindrical surface. Furthermore, the fixing assembly includes a fixing flange member having an inner edge at least partially defining an orifice extending through the fixing flange member and sized such that a first portion of the tubular structure including the second end can partially enter or completely pass through the orifice, the fixing flange member including a plurality of lugs with corresponding tips near or along the inner edge. Furthermore, the fixing assembly also includes a device that allows the first protrusion to pass relative to the fixing flange member as the fixing flange member rotates relative to the tubular structure about the first axis, such that the first protrusion travels from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the sink flange member having the first protrusion is axially movable relative to the fixing flange member along the first axis. In the second state, the corresponding tip of the corresponding lug is positioned along the first axis between the first protrusion and the first end of the sink flange member, such that the sink flange member is no longer able to move axially relative to the fixing flange member along the first axis. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings disclose embodiments of food waste disposer assemblies (or other waste disposer assemblies), fixing components for such waste disposer assemblies, and related methods, and these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only. The waste disposer / fixing component devices and methods included herein are not limited in their application to the construction details, component arrangements, or other aspects or features shown in the drawings, but rather include other embodiments or can be practiced or performed in various other ways. The same reference numerals are used to indicate the same components. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a prior art food waste disposer assembly, which includes a fixing component and a disposer assembly including a food waste disposer, and the food waste disposer assembly can be mounted relative to another structure such as a sink.

[0013] Figure 2This is a partial cross-sectional, partial frontal view of an exemplary improved food waste disposer assembly according to the exemplary embodiments contained herein, the food waste disposer assembly having an improved fixing component fixed relative to the sink;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of a first embodiment of the improved fixing component, wherein the portion is shown in a first axial and rotational position relative to each other.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of the improved fixing component, wherein the portion is shown in a second axial and rotational position relative to each other;

[0016] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The line cut from 5-5 Figure 3 and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the improved fixing component;

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the second embodiment of the improved fixing component;

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partially cutaway perspective view of a portion of the improved fixing component, wherein the perspective view is relative to... Figure 6 Rotate the 3D image;

[0019] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The line cut from 8-8 Figure 6 and Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the improved fixing component, wherein Figure 8 The part shown (with) Figure 6 and Figure 7 In comparison, it also includes baffles;

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Bottom view of the improved fixing component of the water tank flange;

[0021] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 The line cut from 10-10 Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the water tank flange component;

[0022] Figure 11 yes Figure 6A detailed perspective view of a portion of the improved fixing component, with particular emphasis on the lug part of the component;

[0023] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the improved fixing component of Figure l1, taken along line 12-12 of Figure l1;

[0024] Figure 13 yes Figure 6 Another bottom view of the improved fixed component part;

[0025] Figure 14 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the third embodiment of the improved fixing component shown;

[0026] Figure 15 It is along Figure 14 The line cut at 15-15 Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the improved fixing component;

[0027] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 and Figure 15 Bottom view of the improved fixing component of the water tank flange;

[0028] Figure 17 It is along Figure 16 The line 17-17 was cut off Figure 16 Cross-sectional view of the water tank flange component;

[0029] Figure 18 yes Figure 2 A front perspective view of a portion of the fourth embodiment of the improved fixing component;

[0030] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Top perspective view of the upper fixing flange component of the improved fixing assembly;

[0031] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 The bottom perspective view of the upper fixing flange component shown;

[0032] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 Detailed view of the section of the upper fixed flange component;

[0033] Figure 22 When Figure 18 A bottom perspective view of the assembly of the improved fixing component's upper fixing flange and the water tank flange when they are assembled together;

[0034] Figure 23 It can be any one of the fixed components of the several improvements described herein (including, for example) Figure 3 A top perspective view of an exemplary support flange (a part of the improved fixing component); and

[0035] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 The bottom perspective view of the exemplary support flange shown is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0036] refer to Figure 2 An improved food waste disposer assembly 200, mounted or fixed relative to a sink 202, according to exemplary embodiments contained herein. Although Figure 2 A side view of the food waste disposer assembly 200 is shown, but... Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the sink 202 is also provided to better illustrate how the food waste disposer assembly is mounted relative to the sink. The food waste disposer assembly 200 specifically includes a disposer assembly 204, which includes a food waste disposer 206 and an improved mounting component (or sink flange assembly) 208 that allows the disposer assembly 204 to be attached to the sink 202. As will be described in further detail below, the improved mounting component 208 specifically includes an improved upper mounting flange 210 and an improved sink flange (or filter flange) 214.

[0037] It should be understood that the food waste disposer assembly 200 in this embodiment may be similar to the food waste disposer assembly 150 in FIG. 1 in many respects. Furthermore, it should be understood that the retaining component 208 in the food waste disposer assembly 200 may include not only the sink flange 214 and the upper retaining flange 210, but also components corresponding to the sink washer 106, support flange 108, and bolt 112 in FIG. 1. However, it is noteworthy that the retaining component 208 in this embodiment does not employ or requires a retaining ring or snap ring corresponding to the retaining ring 114 in FIG. 1 (although, in some alternative embodiments, the retaining component may be used in conjunction with a retaining ring such as the retaining ring 114). Moreover, as discussed further below, the upper retaining flange 210 in this embodiment is fastened relative to the sink flange 214 by a different mechanism, thus eliminating the need for a retaining ring (or snap ring) (although, in some alternative embodiments, a retaining ring or snap ring may still be present). Furthermore, the processor assembly 204, in addition to including the food waste disposer 206, may further include other components corresponding to the processor assembly 30 in FIG1, including components corresponding to the fixing (or sealing) gasket 116 and the lower fixing flange 118.

[0038] Meanwhile, in other embodiments, the fixing assembly 208 and the processor assembly 204 do not need to include components corresponding to the respective components of the sink flange assembly 102 and the processor assembly 30 in FIG1, or may include one or more additional components other than those shown in FIG1 or different from those shown in FIG1. ​​Furthermore, although Figure 2 The food waste disposer 206 in this embodiment may be the same as or substantially similar to the food waste disposer 10 in FIG1. ​​In alternative embodiments, other types of food waste disposers may be employed. In fact, this disclosure is intended to include a wide variety of embodiments, including embodiments with other types of waste disposers (including waste disposers suitable for handling other materials rather than food) and waste disposers that are mounted on a structure other than a sink.

[0039] although Figure 2 While there are real or possible similarities between the improved food waste disposer assembly 200 and the food waste disposer assembly 150 in FIG. 1, the improved food waste disposer assembly 200 and, in particular, its improved fixing component 208 include features different from those of the embodiment of FIG. 1, and offer one or more advantages compared to conventional food waste disposer assemblies such as those shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, as... Figures 3 to 17 Further details described, in Figure 2 The fixing component 208, as represented (or included), represents several fixing component embodiments configured such that the upper fixing flange 210 is fastened to the sink flange 214 without requiring any retaining rings (or snap rings) for this purpose. As described below, in these embodiments of the fixing component 208, the sink flange 214 has a plurality of protrusions or bumps formed on the periphery of the sink flange, and the upper fixing flange 210 includes a plurality of lugs or extensions (or tabs) configured to engage with the protrusions to allow the upper fixing flange to be fastened relative to the sink flange. In one or more of these embodiments, additional features are also shown that facilitate this operation and / or provide other advantages.

[0040] Turning Figure 3 The 3D diagram shows Figure 2 The improved fastening component 208 includes a portion 300 of a first exemplary embodiment of the improved fastening component, in order to particularly highlight certain features of the fastening component. In this example, portion 300 of the fastening component specifically includes an upper fastening flange 310 and a sink flange 314, the upper fastening flange 310 being... Figure 2 An example of the improved upper fixing flange 210 shown, wherein the sink flange 314 is Figure 2An example of the improved sink flange 214. Additionally, in this illustration, portion 300 also includes a support flange 308 that may take the form of a support flange 108 similar to that of FIG1.

[0041] To facilitate understanding of the features and operation of the sink flange 314 and the upper fixing flange 310, portion 300 is shown as independent of a number of other possible parts or sections that would form part of the fixing assembly (e.g., fixing assembly 208) and food waste disposer assembly (e.g., food waste disposer assembly 200). Furthermore, portion 300 is shown as independent of any sink (e.g., sink 202) or any other structure to which the fixing assembly containing portion 300 would be attached, in particular to facilitate understanding of the features and operation of portion 300. However, it should be appreciated that when implemented relative to a sink such as sink 202, the edge (or lip) 312 of the sink flange 314 will be positioned on the upper surface of the sink's base plate. Furthermore, when implemented in this way, the tubular section (or extension or portion) 316 of the sink flange 314 extends from the upper surface of the base plate through an opening formed in the base plate of the sink to a position below the base plate of the sink, where the tubular section can be connected to a food waste disposer, such as... Figure 2 The food waste disposer 206 is arranged in this manner. When positioned in this way, the support flange 308 can be directly positioned below the bottom plate of the sink, between the upper fixing flange 310 and the sink 202 (and also between the upper fixing flange 310 and the edge 312 of the sink flange 314, as shown). Figure 3 (as shown in the image).

[0042] Furthermore, it should be understood that the ramp (or inclined fastener, edge, or ridge) 390 extending, in particular, from the side of the upper fixing flange 310 is a structure through which a food waste disposer, such as food waste disposer 206, can be directly or indirectly coupled to the upper fixing flange and the fixing assembly 208, and thus attached to the sink (or possibly another structure) via the fixing assembly. In at least some embodiments, the ramp 390 specifically allows a lower locking ring or lower fixing flange (such as lower fixing flange 118 of FIG. 1) to be attached to the upper fixing flange 310 described above with respect to FIG. 1, wherein a fixing washer (such as fixing washer 116) is positioned between the two flanges. Assuming that the food waste disposer 206 (or other waste disposer) is sequentially connected to the lower fixing flange 118 as discussed above (e.g., via fixing washer 116), this arrangement thus allows the waste disposer to be indirectly attached to the sink flange 314 via the upper fixing flange 310, and thereby indirectly attached to the sink (or possibly other structures) via the fixing assembly 208.

[0043] Apart from Figure 3In addition, it also provides Figure 4 and Figure 5 To show another view of part 300. More specifically, it should be understood that the upper fixing flange 310 may surround relative to the sink flange 314 (and the support flange 308). Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each of the axes 318 shown in the diagram rotates, and Figure 3 The upper fixed flange 310 is shown to have a rotatable position relative to the water tank flange 314, while Figure 4 and Figure 5 The portion 300 is shown when the upper fixed flange 310 has a second rotatable position relative to the water tank flange 314.

[0044] exist Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, it should be particularly understood that the sink flange 314 and the upper fixing flange 310 have complementary features that allow the upper fixing flange to be fastened to the sink flange via a three-step process described below. More specifically in this regard, the tubular section 316 of the sink flange 314 includes a plurality of (six in this example) protrusions 320 that are equidistantly spaced around the periphery of the tubular section 316 near its bottom edge 322. Five of the protrusions 320 are located at... Figure 3 It is particularly visible in the middle, and the four protrusions are 320. Figure 5 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the sink flange 314 and its tubular section 316, including the protrusion 320, are formed of a metal sheet such as stainless steel. In this case, in order to form the protrusion 320 protruding outward from the outer cylindrical surface 324 of the tubular section 316, there is a corresponding indentation or notch formed along the inner cylindrical surface 326 of the tubular section.

[0045] Further as shown in the figure, in this embodiment, each protrusion 320 typically has a capsule shape, such that the corresponding protrusion has a corresponding width (or end-to-end arc length) dimension 328 that is greater than the corresponding height dimension 330, and has a corresponding top edge 332 and bottom edge 334, and has a corresponding left curved edge 336 and right curved edge 338 (e.g., Figure 5(See in detail). In this example, the top edge 332 and the bottom edge 334 are specifically parallel to the first plane defined by the bottom edge 322 of the tubular segment 316, and also parallel to the second plane defined by edge 312. In this arrangement and assuming a typical installation (where axis 318 is vertically oriented relative to the ground and perpendicular to the aforementioned first and second planes), the top edge 332 and the bottom edge 334 will extend horizontally relative to the ground, although this is not necessarily the case in other installations and embodiments. Furthermore, the protrusion 320 is generally arranged to coincide with or be positioned at or near a third plane, which lies between the aforementioned first and second planes defined by the bottom edge 322 and edge 312, respectively, wherein the distance between the third plane and the first plane of the bottom edge is significantly closer than the distance between the third plane and the second plane of the edge.

[0046] In addition to the protrusion 320 provided on the sink flange 314, the upper fixing flange 310 further has a complementary feature that allows the upper fixing flange to engage and secure to the sink flange via the protrusion 320. Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, the upper retaining flange 310 includes a plurality of (six in this example) notches or release notches (or notch constructions) 340. The notches 340 are equidistantly spaced around an inwardly facing surface or inner periphery 342 of the upper retaining flange 310, which defines an orifice 350 in which a tubular segment 316 of the sink flange 314 can be positioned (see also...). Figure 4 ).

[0047] As shown in the figure, each notch 340 has a corresponding width (or arc length or length) 344 that is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the width dimension 328 of the protrusion 320. Further, each notch 340 has a depth dimension 346, which, in terms of radial extent outward from the innermost radial edge portion 348 of the inner periphery 342, is equal to or greater than the distance by which each protrusion 320 extends outward from the outer cylindrical surface 324 of the tubular segment 316. Given these features, from Figure 3 It should be understood that when the protrusion 320 is respectively with, as Figure 3 When the corresponding notches 340 shown are aligned, the upper fixed flange 310 can be moved axially along the axis 318 toward the water tank flange 314, so that the tubular section 316 of the water tank flange enters the orifice 350, and in particular, the corresponding protrusion 320 is received in the corresponding notch 340.

[0048] Special Reference Figure 4After the upper fixing flange 310 is moved axially along axis 318 relative to the sink flange 314 far enough (towards edge 312) so that the protrusions 320 respectively enter the recesses 340, the upper fixing flange 310 can rotate relative to the sink flange 314 about axis 318. In this embodiment, the rotation of the upper fixing flange 310 relative to the sink flange 314, as indicated by arrow 352 (e.g., when viewing portion 300 from the side of edge 312 towards the upper fixing flange along axis 318, or assuming a typical mounting orientation, when viewing the assembly from bottom to top, is counterclockwise), results in the upper fixing flange 310 being axially secured relative to the sink flange 314 and along axis 318. As discussed further below, this securing is achieved due to the relative engagement of an additional feature formed on the upper fixing flange 310, referred to as lug 360, with respect to the protrusions 320.

[0049] More specifically, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the upper fixing flange 310 includes a plurality of lugs 360 (six in this example) equidistantly spaced from each other along an upper surface 358 of the upper fixing flange 310, wherein the upper surface 358 is the surface of the upper fixing flange oriented generally toward the edge 312 rather than away from the edge during installation. In this embodiment, the lugs 360 are positioned between adjacent recesses in the recesses 340 of the upper fixing flange 310 such that the recesses 340 and the lugs 360 generally alternate with each other as the upper fixing flange and its inner periphery 342 are traveled.

[0050] In addition, such as from Figure 4 (as well as Figure 3 As clearly seen in the diagram, each lug 360 is separated from each adjacent recess in the recess 340 by a corresponding inner ridge 356 of the upper fixing flange 310. It should be understood that although each ridge 356 has an innermost edge corresponding to the inner periphery 342, each corresponding ridge 356 hangs over a region or channel 354 below the ridge (i.e., further away from the upper surface 358), which will connect with an adjacent recess 340 adjacent to the ridge and an adjacent lug 360 also adjacent to the ridge (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 3 (An example of a channel 354 is visible in the image). By means of the channels 354 formed below the respective ridges 356, when the upper fixed flange 310 rotates relative to the tank flange 314, the protrusion 320 can travel from being aligned with the respective recess 340 to being aligned with the respective lug 360 by passing through the respective channels 354.

[0051] Special Reference Figure 5 ,along Figure 4The cross-sectional view of portion 300 taken from line 5-5 reveals in more detail the shape of the lug 360 and the manner in which the lug engages with the protrusion 320 when the upper fixing flange 310 is fully rotated relative to the tank flange 314 so that the protrusion engages with the lug. More specifically, as shown, the respective lug 360 extends upward in an arched manner from the upper surface 358 of the upper fixing flange 310, extending both axially (along axis 318) away from the surface 358 and radially inward. Each of the respective lugs 360 includes a respective inner contact surface 362, which is curved so that when the upper fixing flange 310 is rotated so that the respective protrusion engages with the respective lug, the inner contact surface generally follows the outer circular profile of the respective one of the protrusions 320. Figure 5 It should be understood that when the protrusion 320 is positioned to be rotatably aligned with and in contact with the corresponding lug 360, the fixing flange 310 is assembled to the sink flange 314 and fastened relative to the sink flange 314.

[0052] In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that part 300 can be assembled such that the upper fixing flange 310 is fastened to the sink flange 314 by means of a three-step process. The process specifically includes: (1) positioning the upper fixing flange 310 such that the bottom edge 322 of the tubular section 316 is aligned with the orifice 350 and positioned for entry (or initial entry) into the orifice 350; (2) axially moving the upper fixing flange 310 along axis 318 toward the edge 312 of the sink flange 314 such that the protrusion 320 enters the recess 340; and (3) then rotating the upper fixing flange 310 about axis 318 relative to the sink flange 314 such that the protrusion 320, respectively, moves from within the corresponding recess 340, through the corresponding channel 354, to be rotatably aligned with the corresponding lug 360 such that the lug 360 contacts the corresponding protrusion and is positioned between the corresponding protrusion and the edge 312.

[0053] Accordingly, it should be understood that in this embodiment, the upper fixing flange 310 can be detached / released from the sink flange 314 by performing the above steps in reverse. That is, in order to remove the upper fixing flange 310 from the sink flange 314 from the state where these components are assembled and fastened relative to each other, (1) the upper fixing flange 310 is rotated about axis 318 relative to the sink flange 314 (e.g., in a clockwise direction opposite to the direction of arrow 352) such that the protrusions 320 pass through the respective channels 354 to align with the respective recesses 340 rather than the respective lugs 360; (2) the upper fixing flange 310 is moved axially away from the edge 312 of the sink flange 314 such that the protrusions 320 pass through the recesses 340; and (3) after the entire tubular section including its bottom edge 322 has left the orifice 350, the tubular section 316 of the upper fixing flange 310 away from the sink flange 314 is removed or moved.

[0054] It should be understood that, although the above description involves Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 While this disclosure pertains to part 300, it is intended to include many other embodiments. For example, although in the foregoing embodiments the upper fixing flange 310 becomes secured relative to the sink flange 314 by rotating the upper fixing flange counterclockwise relative to the sink flange 314 in a direction corresponding to the direction of arrow 352, in other embodiments, securing can be achieved by rotating the upper fixing flange in the opposite direction relative to the sink flange, and correspondingly, releasing the upper fixing flange from the sink flange would involve rotation in the counterclockwise direction. Moreover, although in Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the protrusion 320 takes the form of a capsule as described above, but in other embodiments, the shape of the protrusion may be different. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the protrusion may have an elliptical, cylindrical, circular, or rectangular or substantially rectangular shape.

[0055] Furthermore, although not described above, it should be recognized that in some embodiments, the contact surface 362 of the lug 360 and / or the engagement surface of the protrusion 320 may be surfaces in which the level of the respective surfaces may vary slightly when viewed along axis 318 as the device rotates along these surfaces. Such surface variations of the contact surface 362 and / or engagement surface may be complementary in some embodiments, and in other embodiments, only certain surfaces will have any variation. In some embodiments with such surface variations, rotation of the upper retaining flange 310 relative to the sink flange 314 during installation may have a threaded reinforcement effect (and, conversely, rotation in the opposite direction during removal may have a loosening effect).

[0056] For further reference Figure 23 and Figure 24 It should be understood that, Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The support flange 308 that can be used in the improved fixing component portion 300 may take a slightly different form from the support flange 108 of FIG. 1. Specifically, although the periphery 2300 of the support flange 308 may be the same as or substantially the same as the periphery of the support flange 108, the inner opening 2302 of the support flange 308 is defined by a combination of six radially inwardly extending protrusions 2304 and six radially outwardly extending recesses 2306, which alternate with each other as the circumference of the inner opening 2302 is traveled. Specifically, each recess 2306 is positioned between corresponding adjacent pairs of protrusions 2304, and vice versa. As shown from... Figure 24 As clearly seen in the bottom perspective view of the support flange 308 shown (compared to the top perspective view providing the flange) Figure 23 In contrast, each protrusion 2304 is not only far from the periphery 2300 but also toward the center of the inner aperture 2302 (e.g., toward the center of the inner aperture 2302). Figure 3 The axis 318 extends radially inward and also includes a corresponding downwardly extending lip 2308 (in Figure 24 In the case of the inverted orientation of the support flange 308 shown, as Figure 24 (As shown, extending upwards).

[0057] It should be understood that this exemplary embodiment of the support flange 308 may differ from the support flange 108, particularly in that the support flange 308 includes a notch 2306. The notch 2306 is arranged to interrupt the inner diameter of the support flange to accommodate the presence of a protrusion 320 on the tubular extension 316 of the sink flange 314, and thereby allows assembly of the support flange relative to the sink flange. More specifically, it can be appreciated that by positioning the support flange, the bottom edge 322 of the tubular section 316 is aligned with and positioned to enter (or begin entering) the inner orifice 2302, and along the axis 318 (see...). Figure 3 The support flange 308 moves axially toward the edge 312 of the water tank flange 314 via the protrusion 320, and the support flange 308 can be assembled to the water tank flange 314. It should be understood that the notches 2306 are spaced apart from each other along the support flange 308 in a manner complementary to the spacing of the protrusions 320 surrounding the tubular extension 316, such that as long as the support flange 308 is positioned at an angle relative to the tubular extension such that the protrusions 320 are aligned with the notches 2306, the support flange can move along the tubular extension 316 toward the edge 312 via the protrusions 320.

[0058] Although the above description involves Figure 3 , Figure 4and Figure 5 While this disclosure is limited to part 300, it is also intended to include other embodiments of the food waste disposer assembly and associated fixing components, which are included in... Figure 2 The food waste disposer component 200 and, in particular, its fixing component 208. See below for further details. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagrams show, through perspective, sectional perspective, and cross-sectional views, what can be included... Figure 2 The second exemplary mounting fastening component portion 400 within the fastening component 208. With Figure 6 Compared to part 400 shown, Figure 7 The provided perspective view shows portion 400, slightly rotated about axis 418. This will be described in further detail below. Figure 8 Not only did it show, but it also demonstrated, Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the other portion 400 shown also illustrates... Figure 6 (or Figure 7 Another part not shown in the diagram, namely the cross-sectional view of baffle 406, and the baffle even when Figure 6 (or Figure 7 (Not shown in the text) can also be considered as being in another part 400.

[0059] By relative Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 observe Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 It should be understood that part 400 includes components that are identical or substantially similar in many respects. In particular, part 400 includes a sink flange 414 having an outer edge 412, a tubular section (or extension or portion) 416 extending about an axis 418, and each of a plurality (in this case, six) of protrusions 420 equidistantly spaced around the outer cylindrical surface 424 of the tubular section, the protrusions being located closer to the bottom edge 422 of the tubular section than to the outer edge 412. Figure 6 Each protrusion 420 is shown to have a width dimension 428, a height dimension 430, a top edge 432, a bottom edge 434, a left curved edge 436, and a right curved edge 438 (viewed from the outside of the tubular segment 416), which correspond to respectively Figure 5 The protrusion 320 in the middle has a width dimension of 328, a height dimension of 330, a top edge of 332, a bottom edge of 334, a left curved edge of 336, and a right curved edge of 338.

[0060] Furthermore, part 400 includes: an upper fixing flange 410 having a notch 440 and a lug 460, a channel 454 connecting these notches and lugs, and an opening 450 within the upper fixing flange 410 for receiving a tubular section 416 of a sink flange 414. Further, it should be understood that the ramp (or inclined fastener, edge, or ridge) 490 extending from the side of the upper fixing flange 410 is specifically a structure by which a food waste disposer, such as food waste disposer 206, can be directly or indirectly coupled to the upper fixing flange (e.g., via the lower fixing flange discussed above) and the entire fixing assembly, and thus attached to the sink (or possibly other structure). In addition to what is further described below, Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The components / features 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 440, 450, 454, and 460 correspond to respectively Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The components / features 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 324, 340, 350, 354, and 360 are the same as or substantially similar to those. Furthermore, although portion 400 is not shown as including a support flange corresponding to support flange 308, such a support flange will frequently appear during installation through portion 400.

[0061] Moreover, it should be understood that, Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment, the upper fixing flange 410 is relative to the water tank flange 414 to about Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The fastening is performed in a manner substantially the same as described in the embodiments. Specifically, the protrusions 420, notches 440, and lugs 460 allow the upper fixing flange 410 to be fastened relative to the sink flange 414 by the same process as described above, namely, (1) positioning the upper fixing flange 410 such that the bottom edge 422 of the tubular section 416 is aligned with and enters the orifice 450; (2) axially moving the upper fixing flange 410 along axis 418 toward the outer edge 412 of the sink flange 414 such that the protrusion 420 enters the notch 440; and (3) then rotating the upper fixing flange 410 about axis 418 relative to the sink flange 414 such that the protrusion 420 passes through the channel 454 and aligns with the lug 460 such that the lug 460 is positioned between these protrusions and the outer edge 412. Similarly, removing the upper fixing flange 410 from the sink flange 414 requires the reverse process.

[0062] Although there are similarities between portion 400 and portion 300, portion 400 has significantly additional features relative to portion 300 because the sink flange 414 further includes a plurality of (six in this example) additional protrusions 402 also formed along the tubular section 416. As shown, the additional protrusions 402 are oriented opposite to the protrusions 420 because while the protrusions 420 extend outward from the outer cylindrical surface 424, the additional protrusions 402 extend inward into the tubular section, towards the axis 418, into the internal passage 404 of the sink flange 414. Further as shown, the additional protrusions 402 are positioned at the same axial position along the axis 418 as the protrusions 420, and each additional protrusion 402 is positioned midway between a corresponding pair of adjacent protrusions of the protrusions 420 arranged along the tubular section 416 (and vice versa). It should be recognized that, despite the presence of protrusion 420 and another protrusion 402, the aforementioned support flange 308 is still suitable for use with the sink flange 414, even when the other protrusion 402 extends inward.

[0063] For further reference Figure 8 Additionally, it provides along Figure 6 The 400-degree cross-sectional view of the portion cut from line 8-8. Figure 8 The specific cross-sectional diagram provided is similar to Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shown illustrates, in particular, how the two protrusions 420 are positioned within or below the two lugs 460 to contact them when the upper fixing flange 410 is fastened relative to the sink flange 414. Figure 8 More specific features of the additional protrusion 402 are also illustrated. Specifically, it can be seen that the additional protrusion 402 (such as protrusion 420) is capsule-shaped, although in other embodiments, the additional protrusion may have other shapes (e.g., oval / elliptical, cylindrical, circular, rectangular, or substantially rectangular shapes). In the case where the additional protrusion 402 is capsule-shaped, each additional protrusion includes a corresponding width dimension 468 and a corresponding height dimension 470, wherein the width dimension is substantially larger than the height dimension. Furthermore, each protrusion 402 includes a top edge 472 and a bottom edge 474, both linear, as well as a left-curved edge 476 and a right-curved edge 478. It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the top edge 472 and the bottom edge 474 are not precisely horizontal or parallel to the plane formed by the bottom edge 422 of the tubular segment 416, but are slightly inclined, for reasons that will be further described below. However, in other embodiments, the top edge 472 and the bottom edge 474 may be parallel to the plane formed by the bottom edge 422 or otherwise arranged.

[0064] As mentioned above, Figure 8 (and Figure 6 or Figure 7 (Compared to) This shows an additional portion positioned within the internal passage 404 of the sink flange 414, namely baffle 406, and this baffle can be considered to be within portion 400. It should be understood that baffle 406 can be a removable baffle formed of rubber (e.g., nitrile rubber) or other flexible materials (e.g., polypropylene, nylon, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)), such that when implemented as part of a food waste disposer assembly (such as food waste disposer assembly 200), the baffle can restrict or otherwise affect or impede the passage of food waste or other waste from the sink into and out of the food waste disposer. Figure 8 In the diagram, relative to the position where baffle 406 should be positioned when fully implemented relative to the sink flange 414, baffle 406 is not shown fully in place, but rather positioned within the internal passage 404, slightly above its position when fully implemented. That is, baffle 406 is shown axially movable along axis 418 from the bottom edge 422 of the tubular section 416 toward the outer edge 412 of the sink flange 414 relative to its position when fully implemented in the sink flange 414.

[0065] In this exemplary embodiment, the additional protrusion 402 is specifically configured to support the baffle 406 when the baffle is fully implemented. As shown by the dashed lines, the baffle 406 includes a plurality of (six in this example) support features 408 positioned around the outer edge of the baffle 406. Figure 8 In the example shown, the support feature 408 is specifically configured to lie on the additional protrusion 402 as the baffle moves axially from the outer edge 412 of the tank flange 414 toward the bottom edge 422, such that the support feature contacts the additional protrusion 402. In this embodiment, the support feature 408 is specifically configured to have an inclined bottom edge 409. In this way, when the top edge 472 of the additional protrusion is inclined as described above, the support feature 408 is complementary in shape to the additional protrusion 402. Therefore, when the support feature 408 is located on the top edge 472 of the additional protrusion 402, the baffle 406 (and in particular the outer edge of the baffle) is located parallel to or substantially parallel to the bottom edge 422 of the tubular section 416.

[0066] although Figure 8An embodiment is shown, but baffles suitable for engaging additional protrusions 402 can also take other forms. For example, in another embodiment, the outer edge or periphery of such a baffle may have a plurality of recesses (or notches or recessed features) arranged around the outer edge or periphery, which, in their respective relative positions, correspond to corresponding additional protrusions 402 and are complementary in shape to the corresponding additional protrusions 402. Further, for example, for a sink flange 414 having six capsule-shaped additional protrusions 402, a baffle having an outer edge including six complementary inverted capsule-shaped recesses would be suitable. Such a baffle is implemented relative to the sink flange 414 by pushing the baffle into the appropriate position within the sink flange so that the additional protrusions 402 snap into the corresponding recesses on the periphery of the baffle. Since such a baffle is elastomeric, it will deform to allow this engagement of the recesses on the six complementary inverted capsule-shaped recesses of the baffle with the additional protrusions 402. Furthermore, when positioned in this way, the indentation will surround the additional protrusion 402 and increase resistance to the baffle moving up or down (e.g., vertically) along axis 418. This implementation is advantageous because it feels similar to the feel of implementing or locking the baffle relative to the filter flange in a conventional arrangement perceived by the installer (e.g., where a circumferentially extending groove around the inner periphery of the baffle or filter flange is configured to fit tightly with a complementary annular structure circumferentially extending around other components of these parts).

[0067] It should be understood that, due to this arrangement (where the additional protrusion 402 has the features described above), the sink flange 414 is specifically configured as a support baffle and engagement baffle, such as a baffle 406 complementary to one or more features of the additional protrusion 402. More specifically, in embodiments where the additional protrusion 402 is capsule-shaped and has an inclined top edge 472 as described above, the sink flange 414 is configured as a support baffle and engages with a support feature having one or more complementary characteristics, such as, for example, a particular inclined shape of support feature 408, or a complementary inverted capsule-shaped shape of the indentation also discussed above. However, to what extent the additional protrusion presents a different shape, a baffle having a support feature with a different configuration than those support features applicable to the sink flange 414 (e.g., different from support feature 408 or the complementary inverted capsule-shaped indentation described above) will be suitable for use with a sink flange having the additional protrusion. For example, if the top edge 472 of the additional protrusion 402 is parallel to the bottom edge 422 of the sink flange 414, then this arrangement will be suitable for a baffle with complementary support features (e.g., a bottom edge that is horizontal or parallel to the outer edge of the baffle). In this way, only certain types of baffles will fit the sink flange 414, while other types of baffles will not fit properly relative to the sink flange.

[0068] To provide further exemplary details of the sink flange 414, particularly its protrusion 420 and additional protrusion 402, further exemplary details are provided. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The figures show the bottom view and the view along the water tank flange 414, respectively. Figure 9 The side view of the water tank flange taken from line 10-10. Figure 9 Specifically, in this embodiment, each protrusion 420 extends outward from the outer cylindrical surface 424 by a distance of 0.1 inches. It can be seen that each protrusion 420 extends outward via a first rounded edge 900 and a second rounded edge 902, which are then connected by a curved (approximately straight) circumferential segment or edge 904. Also in this embodiment, each rounded edge has an outer radius of 0.06 inches, and in this example, the total width of each of the protrusions 420 (corresponding to...) Figure 6 The width dimension (428) of each of the protrusions shown is 0.414 inches. The rounded edges 900 and 902 correspond in degree to the curved edges 436 and 438, and edge 904 corresponds in degree to the top edge 432 and the bottom edge 434.

[0069] for Figure 10 In this cross-sectional view, another example dimension of the additional protrusion 402 is shown. Specifically, Figure 10 Each protrusion 402 is shown to have an outer radius of 0.08 inches, and each of the top edge 472 and bottom edge 474 has a length of approximately 0.565 inches. Furthermore, the inner flat portion 1000 of each additional protrusion 402 (i.e., the innermost part of the corresponding additional portion) has a height of approximately 0.119 inches, with the rounded corners providing the difference between this dimension and the total height dimension 470. Moreover, in this embodiment, the inner flat portion 1002 of protrusion 420 has a dimension of 0.138 inches. In this embodiment, the depth of each additional protrusion 402 is 0.073 inches. Furthermore, although information regarding... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The dimensions described above are examples, but it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to embodiments having any of these dimensions, but is intended to include many other embodiments having features with any of the other dimensions.

[0070] Additionally, see reference Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 Provided Figures 7 to 10 Another view of aspect 400 shown. In particular, Figure 11A perspective sectional view of one of the lugs 460 that engages with one of the protrusions 420 is provided, and Figure 12 It shows along Figure 11 The cross-sectional view taken by line 12-12 illustrates the details of the cross-section. Figure 11 Lugs 460 and protrusions 420 interlock. For Figure 13 Another bottom view of portion 400 is also provided. In this view, from an advantageous position looking from the bottom edge 422 of the tubular section 416 of the upper fixing flange 410 and the sink flange 414 toward the outer edge 412 of the sink flange, the protrusion 420 is shown engaging with the lug 460. Figure 13 You can also see the notch 440 in the middle.

[0071] Further reference Figure 12 ,from Figure 12 It should be particularly obvious in the figure how the contact surface 462 of the lug 460 shown in the figure engages with the protrusion 420 shown in the figure (where the contact surface 462 also corresponds to...). Figure 5 (One of the 362 contact surfaces in the middle). From Figure 12 The shape of the lug 460 is also clearly visible. The lug 460 is shown with a wavy profile because it extends upward toward the outer edge 412 (not shown) of the water tank flange 414 in a direction parallel to the axis 418, and also extends radially inward toward the water tank flange. That is, the lug 460 is shown as including: a first segment 1202 extending generally upward, a second segment 1204 extending generally radially inward, a third segment 1206 extending generally upward again, and a final segment 1208 extending radially inward again.

[0072] In this configuration, the upper curved region 1210 of the contact surface 462 of the lug 460 extending along sections 1206 and 1208 specifically engages with the corresponding contact surface 1212 of the protrusion 420. Because the contact surfaces 462 and 1212 engage respectively, downward movement of the upper fixing flange 410 relative to the tubular section 416 of the sink flange 414 is specifically prevented, i.e., movement from the outer edge 412 toward the bottom edge 422 of the sink flange is prevented. For example, in terms of dimensions, Figure 12 In the example shown, assuming the radius of the protrusion 420 (or bump) is 0.100 inches, the tangential overlap distance (or contact surface length) between the contact surface 462 and the corresponding contact surface 1212 is 0.074 inches. Furthermore, in Figure 11In the present exemplary embodiment shown, the width of each lug 460 (or extension or tab) is 0.454 inches. Additionally, although the foregoing dimensions are provided as examples, it should be understood that the present disclosure is in no way limited to embodiments having any of these dimensions, but rather the present disclosure is intended to encompass many other embodiments having features with any of a variety of other dimensions.

[0073] Next referring to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , there are shown, respectively in perspective view and cross-sectional view, portions 1400 of a third exemplary fixing component included by a fixing component 208 that can be adopted by Figure 2 . Similar to the portion 400 shown in Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the portion 1400 does not include a support flange corresponding to the support flange 308, but it should be understood that such a support flange can generally occur during installation of the food waste disposer component through the portion 1400. And, with respect to Figure 6 and Figure 8 , it should be understood from the observations of Figure 14 and Figure 15 that the portion 1400 includes components / features that are the same as or substantially or largely similar to the components / features of the portion 400 in many respects. In fact, as further described below, the portion 1400 includes Figure 14 and Figure 15 the components / features 1402, 1410, 1412, 1414, 1416, 1418, 1420, 1422, 1424, 1440, 1450, 1454 and 1460 shown therein, which respectively correspond to Figure 6 and Figure 8 the components / features 402, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424, 440, 450, 454 and 460 in

[0074] More particularly, the portion 1400 includes a sink flange 141x having an outer edge 1412, a tubular section (or extension or portion) 1416 coaxial about an axis 1418, and each of a plurality of protrusions 1420 spaced equidistantly apart about the outer cylindrical surface 1424 of the tubular section and located at a position closer to the bottom edge Figure 15The curved edges are shown from the inside, so that the curved edges are reversed; these correspond to... Figure 6 The protrusion 420 has a width dimension of 428, a height dimension of 430, a top edge of 432, a bottom edge of 434, a left curved edge of 436, and a right curved edge of 438.

[0075] Furthermore, portion 1400 includes an upper fixing flange 1410 having a notch 1440 and a lug 1460, and an orifice 1450 within the upper fixing flange 1410 for a tubular section 1416 of a water tank receiving flange 1414. Although in Figure 14 or Figure 15 While not clearly visible, it should be understood that portion 1400 also includes a channel corresponding to channel 454 of portion 400, formed in the upper fixing flange 1410 and connecting the adjacent lug 1460 and recess 1440. Furthermore, it should be understood that the ramp (or inclined mounting fastener, edge, or ridge) 1490 extending from the side of the upper fixing flange 1410 is specifically structured such that a food waste disposer, such as food waste disposer 206, can be directly or indirectly coupled to the upper fixing flange and the entire fixing assembly (e.g., by means of the lower fixing flange discussed above), and thus attached to the sink (or possibly another structure).

[0076] Furthermore, portion 1400 includes a plurality of additional protrusions 1402, which are equidistantly spaced along axis 1418 at the same axial position as protrusion 1420 around the outer cylindrical surface 1424 of the water tank flange 1414. Each additional protrusion 1402 is equidistantly spaced from a corresponding pair of adjacent protrusions of protrusion 1420 (and vice versa). Moreover, each additional protrusion 1402 (like protrusion 420) is capsule-shaped. In this capsule shape, each additional protrusion 1402 includes a corresponding width dimension 1468 and a corresponding height dimension 1470, wherein the width dimension is substantially larger than the height dimension. In addition, each additional protrusion 1402 also includes a top edge 1472 and a bottom edge 1474, both of which are linear, and a left-curved edge 1476 and a right-curved edge 1478, respectively.

[0077] Similar to the additional protrusion 402, the top edge 1472 and bottom edge 1474 of the additional protrusion 1402 are not precisely horizontal or parallel to the plane formed by the bottom edge 1422 of the tubular segment 1416, but are slightly inclined, for reasons that will be further described below. However, despite the foregoing description, in other embodiments, the protrusion 1420 and the additional protrusion 1402 may have other shapes (e.g., oval or elliptical, cylindrical, circular or rectangular, or substantially rectangular), and the additional protrusion may have a top edge and a bottom edge parallel to the plane of the bottom edge 1422. Also despite the foregoing description, in some other embodiments, for baffle retention purposes, fewer additional protrusions (or baffle retaining features) 1402 may be implemented than the number of protrusions (or bumps) 1420 interlocking with the upper fixing flange feature (such as lug 1460). For example, although there are six protrusions 1420 in the gutter flange, in an alternative embodiment, only three additional protrusions may be present for baffle retention purposes. The smaller number of additional protrusions for baffle retention can simplify the manufacture of the gutter flange by reducing the number of features that need to be stamped into the gutter flange.

[0078] Furthermore, it should be understood that the protrusion 1420, the notch 1440, the lug 1460 and the additional protrusion 1402 are used for substantially the same functional purposes as the protrusion 420, the notch 440, the lug 460 and the additional protrusion 402. That is, the protrusion 1420, the notch 1440 and the lug 1460 allow the upper fixing flange 1410 to be fastened relative to the sink flange 1414 by the same process as described above, namely, (1) positioning the upper fixing flange 1410 such that the bottom edge 1422 of the tubular section 1416 is aligned with and enters the orifice 1450; (2) moving the upper fixing flange 1410 axially along the axis 1418 toward the outer edge 1412 of the sink flange 1414 such that the protrusion 1420 enters the notch 1440; and (3) then rotating the upper fixing flange 1410 about the axis 1418 relative to the sink flange 1414 such that the protrusion 1420 passes through the channel and is aligned with the lug 1460 such that the lug 1460 is positioned between these protrusions and the outer edge 1412. Similarly, removing the upper fixing flange 1410 from the sink flange 1414 requires the reverse process. Furthermore, although not in Figure 15 As shown in (e.g. in Figure 8 (same as above), but it should be understood that part 1400 may also include corresponding to Figure 8 The baffle 406 in the middle, and this baffle can be supported in the water tank flange 1412 by an additional protrusion 1402.

[0079] Despite the aforementioned similarities, part 1400 differs from part 400 in that part 1400 has three protrusions 1420, three notches 1440, and three lugs 1460, instead of having six protrusions 420, six notches 440, and six lugs 460. Further, by comparison... Figure 14 and Figure 4 It should be recognized that protrusion 1420 is substantially larger than protrusion 420, particularly where the width dimension 1428 of each protrusion 1420 is larger than the width dimension 428 of each protrusion 420. Given that protrusions 1420 differ in number and size from protrusion 420, it should be recognized that if a support flange corresponding to the aforementioned support flange 308 is used relative to portion 1400, such a support flange could have as few as three radially outwardly extending notches corresponding to notches 2306, but such notches would have a larger angular range than notches 2306 to accommodate protrusions 1420. Furthermore, instead of portion 1400 having six additional protrusions 402, there are three additional protrusions 1402. Therefore, although the additional protrusions 1402 are used to accommodate protrusions such as... Figure 8 The baffle 406 shown is supported on the additional protrusion 402 in essentially the same way, but in... Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the case of an embodiment, such a baffle will have an inclined support feature that will be appropriately configured to be located on three additional protrusions 1402 instead of six additional protrusions 402.

[0080] To provide further exemplary details of the sink flange 1414, particularly further exemplary details of its protrusion 1420 and additional protrusion 1402, the following are provided: Figure 16 and Figure 17 The figures show the bottom view and the view along the water tank flange 1414, respectively. Figure 16 The cross-sectional view of the water tank flange taken from line 17-17. Figure 16 Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, each protrusion 1420 extends outward from the outer cylindrical surface 1424 by a distance of 0.1 inches. It can be seen that each protrusion 1420 extends outward via a first rounded edge 1600 and a second rounded edge 1602, which are then connected by a curved (approximately straight) circumferential segment or edge 1604. In this embodiment, each of the rounded edges 1600, 1602 has an outer radius of 0.06 inches, and the total width of each of the protrusions 1420 (corresponding to the width in this example) is... Figure 16The width dimension (1428) of each of the protrusions shown is 0.891 inches. The rounded edges 1600 and 1602 roughly correspond to the curved edges 1436 and 1438, and edge 1604 roughly corresponds in range to the top edge 1432 and the bottom edge 1434.

[0081] for Figure 17 In this cross-sectional view, another example dimension of the additional protrusion 1402 is shown. Specifically, Figure 17 Each additional protrusion 1402 is shown to have an outer radius of 0.08 inches, and each of the top edge 1472 and bottom edge 1474 has a length of approximately 0.661 inches. The inner flat portion 1700 of each additional protrusion 1402 (i.e., the innermost portion of the corresponding additional protrusion) has a height of approximately 0.119 inches, with rounded corners providing the difference between this dimension and the total height dimension 1470. Moreover, in this embodiment, the inner flat portion 1702 of each protrusion 1420 has a dimension of 0.138 inches. Although not compared with Figure 10 The same manner is shown, but in this embodiment, the depth of the additional protrusion 1402 is also 0.073 inches. Additionally, although reference... Figure 16 and Figure 17 The dimensions described above are provided as examples, but it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to embodiments having any of these dimensions, but is intended to include many other embodiments having features with any of the other dimensions.

[0082] Based on the above explanation, it should be understood that the adoption of Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 The embodiment of the fixing component of part 1400 differs from that of the one using several aspects. Figures 6 to 13 The embodiment of part 400. In particular, the embodiment having part 1400 has three protrusions (or bumps) 1420 and three additional protrusions (or baffle retaining features) 1402, the protrusions 1420 allowing the upper fixing flange 1410 to be assembled to the sink flange 1414, and the additional protrusions 1402 allowing a baffle (not shown) to be fixed within the sink flange. By comparing the embodiment employing part 400 described above, the embodiment employing part 1400 allows for the manufacture of the sink flange 1414 and the upper fixing flange 1410 using a simplified stamping process.

[0083] Furthermore, it should be recognized that because the width of protrusion 1420 is twice that of protrusion 420 (e.g., in terms of width dimension 1428 relative to width dimension 428), protrusion 1420 is able to withstand the load from the upper fixed flange 1410 on the tank flange 1414, even though there are only three protrusions 1420 instead of six protrusions 420. Meanwhile, because the embodiment with protrusion 420 has six such protrusions (each protrusion being half the width of protrusion 1420), the load from the fixed flange is distributed over more locations than in the embodiment using three protrusions 1420.

[0084] Next reference Figure 18 The front stereoscopic view shows what can be included Figure 2 The fourth exemplary fixing component 1800 is a portion of the fixing component 208. The portion 1800 includes several components that are identical or substantially (or largely) similar in many respects to components of one or more other embodiments of the fixing component described above, and more specifically, to those mentioned above. Figure 6 The second exemplary fixing component described is identical or substantially (or largely) similar to portion 400. More specifically, portion 1800 includes: a water tank flange 414 having an outer edge 412, and a tubular segment (or extension or portion) 416 extending about axis 418 between the outer edge 412 and the bottom edge 422 (see...). Figure 22 ), and six protrusions 420 and six additional protrusions 402 (a total of twelve protrusions). In addition, as discussed above, the six protrusions 420 are equidistantly spaced around the outer cylindrical surface 424 of the tubular section, and each additional protrusion 402 is positioned at the midpoint between a corresponding pair of adjacent protrusions of the protrusions 420 arranged along the tubular section 416 (and vice versa).

[0085] In addition to the 414 sink flange Figure 18 Part 1800 also includes a corresponding support flange 308 (as discussed above, which is often positioned relative to the support flange 308 during installation). Figure 6 Part of 400 exists, even in Figure 6 (Not shown in the image) a support flange 1808. Further, in this embodiment, portion 1800 includes a support flange 1808 that corresponds in position and function to... Figure 6 The upper fixing flange 410 shown is the upper fixing flange 1810. Figure 18In this arrangement, the upper fixing flange 1810 is shown connected to the support flange 1808 via support screws 1806 (two of which are shown and correspond in function to the bolts 112 described above with respect to FIG. 1). Like the upper fixing flange 410, the upper fixing flange 1810 includes an opening 1850 for receiving a tubular section 416 of the sink flange 414. Furthermore, the upper fixing flange 1810 includes a ramp (or inclined mounting fastener, edge, or ridge) 1890 extending from the side of the upper fixing flange 1810. Also in this case, the ramp 1890 is constructed such that a food waste disposer, such as the food waste disposer 206, can be directly or indirectly connected to the upper fixing flange (e.g., via the lower fixing flange discussed above) and the entire fixing assembly, and thus attached to the sink (or possibly other structures).

[0086] Although similar in some respects to the upper fixing flange 410, the upper fixing flange 1810 has several features that differ from those of the upper fixing flange 410. Specifically, the upper fixing flange 1810 includes six lugs 1860 and six recesses 1840, which differ structurally from the lugs 460 and recesses 440 of the upper fixing flange 410, respectively. This is illustrated in the top and bottom perspective views of the upper fixing flange 1810, respectively. Figure 19 and Figure 20 As is clearly seen, each lug 1860 takes the form of a flat shoulder or flat platform having a corresponding upper surface 1884 and a corresponding lower surface 1896. Each lug 1860 extends radially inward from the main circumference 1812 of the upper fixing flange 1810 into the orifice 1850 (e.g., when the sink flange 414 and the upper fixing flange 1810 are as follows). Figure 18 (as shown in the diagram, when assembled together, they are oriented toward the central axis 418). Although each lug 1860 extends radially inward, the lug 1860 does not extend upward above the upper surface 1858 of the upper fixing flange 1810, as is the case with the lug 460 of the upper fixing flange 410.

[0087] Furthermore, each lug 1860 has a corresponding first end 1876 and a second end 1878, and extends circumferentially around the aperture 1850 between these corresponding first and second ends. For recesses 1840, they are respectively positioned between a corresponding pair of adjacent lugs of the lug 1860 (e.g., between the first end 1876 of the first corresponding adjacent lug and the second end 1878 of the second corresponding adjacent lug), and spaced apart around the aperture 1850. In effect, the recesses 1840 can be considered to form the radially outermost portion of the aperture 1850, extending radially outward to the main circumference 1812 between the corresponding pair of lugs of the lug 1860.

[0088] In addition, each lug 1860 includes a corresponding pair of first indentation features 1872 and second indentation features 1874 respectively located at or near the first end 1876 and the second end 1878 of the respective lug. Figure 21 A detailed view 1880 of a portion of the upper fixing flange 1810 shown specifically illustrates a pair of exemplary first indentation features 1872 and second indentation features 1874 of one of the lugs 1860 (this detailed view corresponds to...). Figure 20 The area shown (1882) also has an upper fixed flange 1810 according to Figure 20 The orientation of the bottom view shown is as follows. Figure 19 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 It should be understood that, due to the presence of the first indentation feature 1872 and the second indentation feature 1874, the lug 1860 is not perfectly flat along its length. Instead, along the corresponding upper surface 1884 of the respective lug 1860, the first recess 1886 and the second recess 1888 are respectively present at or near the corresponding first end 1876 and the second end 1878 of each respective lug, respectively at the location of the first indentation feature 1872 and the second indentation feature 1874 of each respective lug. Moreover, along the corresponding lower surface 1896 of the respective lug 1860, the first bulge feature 1892 and the second bulge feature 1894 are respectively present at or near the corresponding first end 1876 and the second end 1878 of each respective lug, respectively at the location of the first indentation feature 1872 and the second indentation feature 1874 of each respective lug. (Although the terms “recess” and “raised feature” are used relative to features 1886, 1888, 1892 and 1894, it should be understood that the use of these terms is not intended to suggest the orientation of these structures relative to the ground, but rather to suggest the orientation of these structures relative to other features of lug 1860, such as the lower surface 1896 or the upper surface 1884.)

[0089] For further reference Figure 22 A bottom view is provided, showing the assembly of the upper fixing flange 1810 and the sink flange 414 when they are assembled together. In view of the above description of the protrusion 420 on the sink flange 414 and the lug 1860 on the upper fixing flange 1810, it should be understood that the upper fixing flange 1810 can be aligned with... Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The embodiments (and other embodiments described above, such as) Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The embodiment described above describes a fastening method highly similar to that described above for fastening the upper fixing flange 1810 relative to the sink flange 414. In particular, the protrusion 420, notch 1840, and lug 1860 allow the upper fixing flange 1810 to be fastened relative to the sink flange 414 using the same process as described above, i.e., (1) positioning the upper fixing flange 1810 such that the bottom edge 422 of the tubular section 416 is aligned with and enters the orifice 450; (2) moving the upper fixing flange 1810 axially along axis 418 toward the outer edge 412 of the sink flange 414 such that the protrusion 420 enters (and passes through) the notch 1840; and (3) then rotating the upper fixing flange 1810 relative to the sink flange 414 about axis 418 such that the protrusion 420 passes under and aligns with the lug 1860 such that the lug 1860 (including the portion of its radially innermost edge or tip 1898, such as Figure 20 (As shown) is positioned between these protrusions and the outer edge 412. Similarly, removing the upper retaining flange 1810 from the sink flange 414 requires the reverse process.

[0090] Although this assembly (and disassembly) process of the upper fixing flange 1810 relative to the tank flange 414 is highly similar to the process described with respect to the other embodiments above, there are some differences. First, it should be understood that... Figures 18-22 The upper fixing flange 1810 in the middle has no structure corresponding to the ridge 356, which is positioned on the side of the lug 360 and as described above. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As discussed, it does not hang over an area or define any channel. Instead, only the lug 1860 extends radially inward from the main circumference 1812 of the upper fixing flange 1810. Correspondingly, during assembly, the rotation of the upper fixing flange 1810 relative to the sink flange 414 about axis 418 involves only moving the corresponding protrusion 420 from the corresponding position within the corresponding recess 1840 to the corresponding position aligned with and below the corresponding lug 1860, between the corresponding first bulge feature 1892 and the second bulge feature 1894 associated with the corresponding first recess feature 1872 and the second recess feature 1874 of the corresponding lug 1860.

[0091] Furthermore, it should be understood that the first indentation feature 1872 and the second indentation feature 1874 of the lug 1860 play an important role in holding the upper fixing flange 1810 in the assembled state relative to the water tank flange 414. That is, by providing the lug 1860 with the first indentation feature 1872 and the second indentation feature 1874, and in particular the first bulge feature 1892 and the second bulge feature 1894 respectively associated with those corresponding indentation features, after the upper fixing flange 1810 has been fully rotated relative to the water tank flange 414 so that the corresponding bulge 420 reaches such a position, the corresponding bulge 420 tends to be held in its corresponding position between the corresponding first indentation feature 1872 and the second indentation feature 1874 of the corresponding lug 1860. In other words, by employing an upper fixed flange 1810 with a flat shoulder or platform having raised features 1892 and 1894 (or raised edges) as lugs 1860, the sink flange (or filter flange) 414 is less likely to rotate to the point where the protrusion (or “bump”) 420 on the sink flange moves past the points 1876 and 1878 of the lug (or “drop”) at the edge of the flat shoulder, to the extent that the lower surface 1896 of the lug 1860 is considered a supporting surface of the protrusion, for example, as Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). Effectively, the corresponding first raised feature 1892 and second raised feature 1894 associated with the corresponding lug 1860 tend to serve as stops for the protrusion 420 and tend to prevent accidental over-rotation of the upper fixed flange 1810 relative to the sink flange 414 after the upper fixed flange and the sink flange have been assembled together. Therefore, this arrangement tends to prevent the upper fixed flange 1810 from accidentally disengaging from the sink flange 414.

[0092] It should also be understood that, in this embodiment, the distance between the first indentation feature 1872 and the second indentation feature 1874 of any given lug 1860 is significantly greater than the width dimension 428 of the protrusion 420 (as per [reference]). Figure 6 (As discussed). Therefore, although the first and second ridge features 1872 and 1874 of the lug 1860 tend to hold the protrusion 420 when the protrusion is positioned between the first ridge feature 1892 and the second ridge feature 1894 associated with these corresponding ridge features, the lug does not tend to strictly restrict or lock these protrusions 420 to a specific position below the lug. Instead, when the corresponding protrusion 420 is positioned below the corresponding lug 1860, between the corresponding first ridge feature 1892 and the second ridge feature 1894 of the corresponding lug, the movement of the corresponding protrusion 420 has some angular / rotational freedom (in contrast, in at least some embodiments or cases, Figure 6The lug 460 can be considered a locking lug, which forms a defined space at the point where the protrusion on the water tank flange is intended to stop when the upper fixing flange is assembled to the water tank flange.

[0093] Despite the above regarding Figures 18 to 22 The description relates to portion 1800 of the fixing component (and particularly the upper fixing flange 1810), but it should be understood that this disclosure is intended to include many other embodiments of the fixing component or portions of the fixing component that include one or more features other than or different from those described with respect to portion 1800. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the fixing component may include the absence of an additional protrusion 402 (e.g., with...). Figure 3 (Similar to the portion 1800 shown). For example, the number of lugs 1860 can be reduced or increased from six, for instance, if the number of protrusions 420 is also reduced or increased accordingly. Furthermore, although portion 1800 is configured such that the first indentation feature 1872 and the second indentation feature 1874 are positioned at or adjacent to the first end 1876 and the second end 1878, in other embodiments, lug 1860 may include an end extension extending angled outward from the indentation feature, such that the indentation feature is positioned more inwardly along the lug from the end of the lug. In some such embodiments, such an end extension may be considered to correspond to the ridge 356 discussed above. In some alternative embodiments, the lug 1860 may be flat along its length and without any one of the first indentation feature 1872 and the second indentation feature 1874, the first recess 1886 and the second recess 1888, and the first bulge feature 1892 and the second bulge feature 1894, or the lug may have only one of the indentation feature and the associated recess and bulge feature at one end of the respective lug (but not at the other end).

[0094] The embodiments of the fixing components included herein (such as those described above) can provide any one or more of a variety of advantages. In light of the foregoing discussion, it should be understood that one or more embodiments included herein implement a fixing component by which an upper fixing flange can be easily and directly attached to a sink flange, and thus facilitates the attachment of a garbage disposal, such as a food waste disposer, to a structure such as a sink. Such embodiments particularly eliminate or minimize the difficulties associated with the removal and reinstallation of retaining rings. In at least some embodiments, securing the upper fixing flange to the sink flange can be achieved without the use of retaining rings or clasps. As described above, the installation process may involve only positioning the upper fixing flange relative to the sink flange, sliding the upper fixing flange relative to the sink flange through a protrusion (e.g., protrusions 320, 420, or 1420) such that the protrusion is located within (or through) a complementary notch, and rotating the upper fixing flange relative to the sink flange such that the protrusion is secured relative to a lug (e.g., lug 360, 460, 1460, or 1860). The operation of the protrusions (e.g., protrusions 320, 420, or 1420) of the sink flange relative to the features of the upper fixed flange effectively involves providing a groove or support on which the upper fixed flange can sit or be located, and provides the installer with feedback that the upper fixed flange and the sink flange have been successfully secured.

[0095] Furthermore, by rotating and evenly distributing lugs such as lugs 360, 460, 1460, or 1860 with ramps such as ramps 390, 490, 1490, or 1890 (or inclined mounting fasteners, edges, or ridges), and relatedly, by rotating and evenly distributing protrusions such as protrusions 320, 420, or 1420 with these lugs during attachment of the upper retaining flange to the sink flange, one or more of the retaining components included herein are configured to provide a desired load distribution. Additionally, one or more embodiments included herein provide a novel way of retaining a baffle (particularly a removable baffle) by using additional protrusions (such as additional protrusions 402 or 1402) that differ from conventional snap ring retention features. Furthermore, as discussed above, in at least some embodiments, this additional protrusion is angled or inclined, rather than lying in the plane of a horizontal plane or along an axis (such as any one of axes 318, 418, and 1418) extending perpendicular to the tubular section of the sink flange. A key feature of this feature is that it prevents the implementation of unsuitable baffles (e.g., outdated baffles or baffles intended for use in other waste disposal systems) within the sink flange. Correspondingly, baffles intended for use with the sink flange 1412 having the additional protrusion 1402 will tend not to be usable in other sink flanges where these baffles are not intended to be used.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, in addition to the advantages described above, one or more such embodiments included herein allow the fixing components (and the entire food waste disposer assembly) to be implemented to be compatible with standard sink hole sizes without altering the depth of the sink that the fixing components (and the entire food waste disposer assembly) can utilize to implement. Furthermore, the dimensions of the sink (or filter) flange, including protrusions formed thereon (e.g., protrusions 320, 420, or 1420), can be configured to fit within an industry-standard sink drain. Any complementary notches / recesses formed within the sink flange due to the presence of these protrusions will be covered by baffles implemented within the sink flange. Moreover, one or more such embodiments included herein remain backwards compatible with existing waste disposer designs and fixing gaskets. Furthermore, one or more such embodiments included herein can be implemented using thin sink flanges (or filter flanges) that maximize the opening diameter and reduce the extent to which the sink flange may protrude upwards into the sink. Therefore, at least some of the embodiments described herein facilitate the ease of installing garbage disposers by eliminating or reducing the level of difficulty associated with installation (especially in terms of the attachment of the upper fixing flange to the sink flange), while maintaining backward compatibility and being the same or substantially similar in size to older fixing features / components.

[0097] Furthermore, it should be understood that while the various embodiments described above may share one or more advantages, they may also have additional or different advantages compared to one or more other embodiments described above. For example, compared to some embodiments described above that employ a raised lug (e.g., lug 460), the above-described embodiments employing an upper fixing flange 1810 with lug 1860 may have different advantages. Figures 18 to 22 The described arrangement of the fixing components can be advantageous. More specifically, the use of lugs 1860 with flat shoulders or platforms allows the upper fixing flange 1810 to be assembled relative to the sink flange 414 without the need for recesses for positioning the protrusion 420, since the flat shoulders or platforms (or ramps) can provide more surface area for support (e.g., along the lower surface 1896 of the respective lug 1860, between the respective first raised feature 1892 and the second raised feature 1894 of the respective lug). Moreover, compared to some other embodiments, the upper fixing flange 1810 having (and due to having) lugs 1860 with flat shoulders can be manufactured by a simpler process, such as by stamping.

[0098] In particular, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and illustrations covered herein, but includes modifications of these embodiments, including portions of embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims and combinations of elements of different embodiments.

Claims

1. A fixing system for fixing a garbage disposal unit, the fixing system comprising: A first flange component includes a first end and a second end, and a tubular structure having an outer cylindrical surface, the tubular structure extending along a first axis between the first end and the second end; A fixed flange member has at least partially defining an inner edge of an orifice extending through the fixed flange member and sized such that a first portion of the tubular structure, including the second end, can partially enter or completely pass through the orifice. When the first portion of the tubular structure is received within the orifice, both the orifice and the tubular structure extend along the first axis. The tubular structure includes a plurality of first protrusions extending radially outward from the surface of the outer cylinder. The fixing flange component includes a plurality of lugs with corresponding tips near or along the inner edge, wherein the lugs extend radially inward from the main circumference of the fixing flange component, wherein each lug includes a corresponding first end and a second end, and wherein each lug includes a corresponding first raised feature and a second raised feature, the first raised feature and the second raised feature being respectively located at or near the first end and the second end, and Wherein, when the corresponding lug is aligned with the corresponding first protrusion, and when the tubular structure is positioned far enough along the first axis in the orifice such that the corresponding tip of the corresponding lug is positioned between the corresponding first protrusion and the first end of the first flange member, the fixing flange member is fastened relative to the first flange member. The first protrusion is a capsule-shaped protrusion, each capsule-shaped protrusion having a corresponding first arc width dimension measured perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first axis and a first height dimension measured parallel to or substantially parallel to the first axis, wherein the first arc width dimension is substantially larger than the first height dimension, and wherein the first protrusion has a first arc edge and a second arc edge substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and a first curved edge and a second curved edge connecting the first arc edge and the second arc edge.

2. The fixing system of claim 1, wherein the first flange member includes an outer edge located at or near the first end, and wherein the first protrusions are arranged along or near the first plane, the first plane being perpendicular to the first position along the first axis.

3. The fixing system of claim 2, wherein when the tubular structure is positioned sufficiently far in the orifice along the first axis such that the respective tips of the corresponding lugs are positioned between the first protrusion and the first end of the first flange member, the tips of the lugs are arranged in or near the second plane, the second plane being aligned or substantially aligned with the first plane, and wherein the plurality of lugs comprises at least six lugs, and the plurality of first protrusions comprises at least six first protrusions.

4. The fixing system of claim 1, wherein the corresponding first protrusion has a corresponding first contact surface and the corresponding tip of the corresponding lug has a corresponding second contact surface, and wherein the corresponding first contact surface contacts the corresponding second contact surface when the fixing flange member is fastened relative to the first flange member.

5. The fixing system of claim 4, wherein the shape of each of the first protrusions is selected from the group consisting of an oval or elliptical, cylindrical, circular, and rectangular or substantially rectangular shape.

6. The fixing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first protrusions includes a first first protrusion of the first protrusions and one or more additional first protrusions of the first protrusions, wherein the plurality of lugs includes a first lug of the lugs and one or more additional lugs of the lugs, and wherein a corresponding lug is arranged around the orifice, and a corresponding first protrusion is arranged around the outer cylindrical surface, such that if the first portion of the tubular structure is positioned inside the orifice such that the first lug of the lugs is rotatably aligned with the first first protrusion of the first protrusions about the first axis, then each of the one or more additional lugs of the lugs is also rotatably aligned with a corresponding first protrusion of the one or more additional first protrusions of the first protrusions about the first axis.

7. The fixing system of claim 1, wherein the lug is a substantially flat shoulder structure, wherein each of the lugs extends circumferentially around the orifice between a respective first end and a second end of the corresponding lug, wherein each of the lugs further includes a corresponding first recess and a second recess, the first recess and the second recess being aligned with a corresponding first bulge feature and a corresponding second bulge feature of the corresponding lug, respectively, and wherein the corresponding first recess and the second recess of the corresponding lug are positioned along a corresponding upper surface of the corresponding lug, and the corresponding first bulge feature and the corresponding second bulge feature of the corresponding lug are positioned along a corresponding lower surface of the corresponding lug.

8. The fixing system of claim 6, wherein the fixing flange member further includes a plurality of recessed structures positioned along the inner edge, wherein the plurality of recessed structures includes a first recessed structure and one or more additional recessed structures, wherein each of the respective recessed structures is substantially positioned along the inner edge between a respective pair of said lugs, and wherein each of the respective lugs is substantially positioned along the inner edge between a respective pair of said recessed structures.

9. The fixing system of claim 8, wherein the corresponding notch configuration is arranged around the orifice, and the corresponding first protrusion is arranged around the outer cylindrical surface such that if the first portion of the tubular structure is positioned to partially enter or completely pass through the orifice such that the first protrusion of the first protrusion is rotate-aligned with the first notch configuration of the notch configuration, then each of the one or more other first protrusions of the first protrusion is also rotate-aligned with the corresponding notch configuration of the one or more other other notches configurations of the notch configuration.

10. The fixing system of claim 9, wherein each of the notches is sized such that, with respect to the corresponding arc width and radial depth, it is capable of receiving a corresponding first protrusion among the first protrusions when the first portion of the tubular structure partially enters or completely passes through the orifice.

11. The fixing system of claim 9, wherein the fixing flange member includes a plurality of circumferentially extending passages, wherein each of the circumferentially extending passages connects a corresponding notch in the notch configuration to a corresponding lug in the lug.

12. The fixing system of claim 11, wherein the assembly and fastening of the fixing flange member relative to the first flange member is achieved by rotation of the fixing flange member relative to the first flange member about the first axis from a first rotational position to a second rotational position, wherein in the first rotational position, the corresponding first protrusion is positioned within the corresponding recessed structure, and in the second rotational position, the corresponding first protrusion is rotatably aligned with and contacts the corresponding lug, wherein during rotation, the corresponding first protrusion passes through the corresponding circumferentially extending passage between the corresponding recessed structure and the corresponding lug.

13. The fixing system of claim 1, wherein the tubular structure includes a plurality of second protrusions extending radially inward from the inner cylindrical surface of the tubular structure toward the first axis.

14. The fixing system of claim 13, further comprising a baffle that can be positioned in an internal passage formed within the tubular structure, wherein the baffle can be fixed relative to the tubular structure by contact between the baffle and the second protrusion.

15. The fixing system of claim 14, wherein each of the second protrusions has a corresponding first edge inclined relative to a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and wherein the baffle includes a plurality of complementary configurations along an outer edge portion of the baffle, wherein the corresponding complementary configurations are configured to engage the corresponding first edge of the corresponding second protrusion such that the outer edge portion lies in or parallel to the first plane.

16. A garbage disposal system comprising the fixing system of claim 1, wherein the garbage disposal system is a food waste disposal system and includes the garbage disposal unit, wherein the garbage disposal unit is a food waste disposal unit, wherein the first flange member is a sink flange member, and wherein the food waste disposal unit is connected to the first flange member at least indirectly through the fixing flange member.

17. A method of assembling a fixing system for connecting a food waste disposer to a sink, the method comprising: Positioning a fixed flange member relative to a water tank flange member, such that an opening extending through the fixed flange member and at least partially defined by the inner edge of the fixed flange member approaches a first end of the outer cylindrical surface of the tubular structure of the water tank flange member; The fixed flange member is moved relative to the tubular structure along a first axis extending therefrom, such that a first portion of the tubular structure, including the first end, can partially enter or completely pass through the orifice, and the fixed flange member moves toward a second end toward the outer cylindrical surface; as well as Rotating the fixed flange member relative to the tubular structure about the first axis, such that a plurality of lugs extending from the fixed flange member and each having a corresponding tip near or along the inner edge of the fixed flange member are rotated to align with a plurality of first protrusions extending radially outward from the outer cylindrical surface. Wherein, due to the rotation of the fixed flange member relative to the tubular structure, the corresponding tip of the corresponding lug is positioned between the first protrusion and the second end of the water tank flange member, so that the fixed flange member is fastened relative to the water tank flange member, and the corresponding protrusion is positioned along the corresponding lug between the corresponding first raised feature and the second raised feature, the first raised feature and the second raised feature being positioned at or near the first end and the second end of the corresponding lug, respectively, so that the corresponding protrusion tends to remain in the position between the corresponding first raised feature and the second raised feature of the corresponding lug; The first protrusion is a capsule-shaped protrusion, each capsule-shaped protrusion having a corresponding first arc width dimension measured perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first axis and a first height dimension measured parallel to or substantially parallel to the first axis, wherein the first arc width dimension is substantially larger than the first height dimension, and wherein the first protrusion has a first arc edge and a second arc edge substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and a first curved edge and a second curved edge connecting the first arc edge and the second arc edge.

18. The method of claim 17, The movement of the fixed flange member relative to the tubular structure includes positioning the plurality of first protrusions within the plurality of recessed structures of the fixed flange member, and The rotation of the fixed flange member relative to the tubular structure includes moving the first protrusion from being positioned within the recessed structure to contacting the lugs.

19. A food waste disposer system, comprising: Food waste disposers; A fixing component configured to allow the waste disposal system to be securely fastened to the sink; as well as At least one connecting component connects the waste disposer to the fixing assembly, wherein the fixing assembly includes: A water tank flange component has a first end and a second end, and a tubular structure having an outer cylindrical surface, the tubular structure extending along a first axis between the first end and the second end, and including a plurality of first protrusions extending radially outward from the outer cylindrical surface; A fixing flange member having an inner edge that at least partially defines an orifice extending through the fixing flange member and sized such that a first portion of the tubular structure, including a second end, can partially enter or completely pass through the orifice. The fixing flange member includes a plurality of lugs extending radially inward from a main circumference of the fixing flange member. Each lug has a corresponding tip near or along the inner edge, a corresponding first end and a second end, and corresponding first and second raised features respectively positioned at or near the corresponding first and second ends. The device allows the first protrusion to pass relative to the fixed flange member as the fixed flange member rotates relative to the tubular structure about the first axis, such that the first protrusion travels from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the sink flange member having the first protrusion is axially movable relative to the fixed flange member along the first axis. In the second state, the corresponding tip of the corresponding lug is positioned along the first axis between the first protrusion and the first end of the sink flange member, such that the sink flange member is no longer axially movable relative to the fixed flange member along the first axis. Furthermore, the corresponding protrusion is positioned along the corresponding lug between the corresponding first raised feature and the corresponding second raised feature of the corresponding lug, such that the corresponding protrusion tends to remain in a position between the corresponding first raised feature and the corresponding second raised feature of the corresponding lug. The first protrusion is a capsule-shaped protrusion, each capsule-shaped protrusion having a corresponding first arc width dimension measured perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first axis and a first height dimension measured parallel to or substantially parallel to the first axis, wherein the first arc width dimension is substantially larger than the first height dimension, and wherein the first protrusion has a first arc edge and a second arc edge substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and a first curved edge and a second curved edge connecting the first arc edge and the second arc edge.

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