Pneumatically actuated drain stopper system and apparatus

Abstract

A pneumatically actuated drain stopper system and apparatus which includes a source of compressed gas, a pressure regulator, a piston drain, a push-button or toggle switch interposed between the piston drain and the pressure regulator, and pneumatic lines connecting the piston drain to the switch and the switch to the gas source, and bringing all elements into fluid communication with one another.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 09 / 888,186, filed Jun. 21, 2001 (Jun. 21, 2001); and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 665,615, and 60 / 665,610, each filed Mar. 24, 2005 (Mar. 24, 2005). Each of the foregoing patent applications are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX [0003] Not applicable. TECHNICAL FIELD [0004] The present invention relates generally to plumbing fixtures, more particularly to a pneumatically actuated drain stopper apparatus for basins, tubs, sinks, and toilets. BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART [0005] The typical modern sink, tub, or water basin employs a pop-up linkage for controlling the stopper that blocks its drain. Most commonly the pop-up linkage is purely mechanical and c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a stopper device system which operates smoothly and reliably and which, over time, is as fully functional after considerable time as it was when new.

Problems solved by technology

The physical and functional elements comprising the typical sink include several intersecting sharp abrasive surfaces that are not shielded and which, over time, loosen and become mechanically compromised.

They then present to a user a less-than-ideal drain stopper control device.

Over time, the typical pop-up linkage can become so loose that when the control rod is pushed or pulled to its fully usable length, the stopper may not rise from the drain sufficiently to enable its basin to be evacuated of its contained waste water in a reasonably short period of time; additionally, it will not sufficiently seat upon the drain inlet to provide a substantially water-tight seal to retain water within the basin.

Moreover, wearing of the parts, corrosion, friction at the insertion of the pivot rod, and so forth, can combine to make actuation of the assembly physically difficult.

Efficient hydraulic systems, however, generally employ an oil for system fluid, and because hydraulic systems are prone to leaks, they are entirely unsuitable for use in drains that release into municipal sewer mains.

While an electrical motor powering a drain stopper would be considerably more responsive, it would also introduce an element of risk of injury into a simple plumbing fixture.

While a hydraulically powered stopper would be more powerfully driven, the hydraulic system imports a risk of environmental contamination.

And while a mechanical system can be more economical (at least potentially), they are prone to failure, as described above.

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