Plug washer for use in a sink

Abstract

The present application relates to a plug washer for use in a sink. Provided herein are a plug washer for use in a sink and a method of using a plug washer in a sink, where such plug washer receives and conducts light from a light source located in or below a sink flange, such as in a food waste disposer. The plug washer includes a body having a plug base and a light conducting core extending through the plug base, and a washer attached to the body below the plug base. The method of using the plug washer includes inserting a portion of the plug washer into the sink flange and allowing light from the light source to be conducted through the light conducting core.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 18 / 934,574, filed November 1, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This technology relates to a stopper scrubber for use in a sink and a method of using a stopper scrubber in a sink, and more specifically to such a stopper scrubber for receiving and transmitting light. Background Technology

[0004] When a food waste disposer is installed under the sink, the installation typically includes a sink flange with a baffle. For example, Figure 1 A sink 10 is shown, having a garbage disposal unit (not shown) mounted below it. The garbage disposal unit's sink flange 12 and baffle 14 are visible in the sink's drain. Typically, sink plugs are known to be used with sinks, including those with food waste disposal units. Conventional sink plugs are configured to cover the drain and prevent water from flowing into it, thus retaining any water or other substances in the sink.

[0005] In addition, cleaning tools (such as dishwashers) are frequently used at the sink to scrub its surfaces and remove food scraps from plates and utensils. These food scraps are often transferred to cleaning tools, potentially accumulating unwanted amounts of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, molds, and milky molds, which can then transfer to other surfaces around the sink. Sink plugs can also become a breeding ground for these unwanted microorganisms. Utility Model Content

[0006] This application covers, but is not limited to, the following aspects.

[0007] 1) A stopper washer for use in a sink, characterized in that the stopper washer comprises: The main body has a plug base and a light-conducting core extending through the plug base. A washer, the washer being attached to the body below the plug base; and A first light-guiding surface is attached to the upper surface of the plug base; The light guide core extends through at least a portion of the first light guide surface.

[0008] 2) The plug washer according to 1), characterized in that, The light guide core extends through the center of the plug base; or The plug washer further includes a second light-guiding surface attached to the bottom surface of the plug base, wherein the light-guiding core extends through at least a portion of the second light-guiding surface; or The plug base includes an outer rim and a sealing ring attached to the outer rim, the sealing ring being configured to be received within a water tank flange and to form a seal with the water tank flange.

[0009] 3) The plug cleaner according to 1), characterized in that the plug cleaner further includes a handle portion, the handle portion being attached to the first light guide surface and extending above the first light guide surface, and the light guide core extending through the handle portion to the top surface of the handle portion.

[0010] 4) The plug washer according to 1), characterized in that the washer comprises a plurality of bristles.

[0011] 5) The plug cleaner according to 4) is characterized in that the plug cleaner further includes a second light guide surface attached to the bottom surface of the plug base, and the plurality of bristles extend from the second light guide surface.

[0012] 6) The plug washer according to 5), characterized in that, The multiple bristles are provided in groups forming multiple concentric circles; or The multiple bristles are provided in a layered pattern forming a cone shape, the cone shape being longest at a position near the center of the plug base.

[0013] 7) The plug washer according to 1), characterized in that the washer includes a scrubbing pad attachment interface, and the scrubbing pad attachment interface has a tapered shape with its longest point near the center of the plug base.

[0014] 8) A stopper washer for use in a sink, characterized in that the stopper washer comprises: The main body has a plug base and a light guide core extending through the plug base; A washer, the washer being attached to the body below the stopper base, wherein the washer has a tapered shape that is longest at a position near the center of the stopper base; and A first light-guiding surface is attached to the upper surface of the plug base, wherein the light-guiding core extends through at least a portion of the first light-guiding surface.

[0015] 9) The plug cleaner according to 8) is characterized in that the plug cleaner further includes a handle portion, the handle portion being attached to and extending above the first light guide surface, and the light guide core extending through the handle portion to the top surface of the handle portion.

[0016] 10) The plug washer according to 8), characterized in that, The plug washer further includes a second light-guiding surface attached to the bottom surface of the plug base, wherein the light-guiding core extends through at least a portion of the second light-guiding surface; or The plug base includes an outer edge configured to be received within a water tank flange and to form a seal with the water tank flange; or The stopper washer further includes a second light-guiding surface attached to the bottom surface of the stopper base, and multiple bristles extending from the second light-guiding surface; or The washer includes a washing pad attachment joint.

[0017] 11) A method of using a stopper washer in a sink, wherein the stopper washer includes a body having a stopper base, a first light-guiding surface attached to an upper surface of the stopper base, a light-guiding core extending through the stopper base and through at least a portion of the first light-guiding surface, and a washer attached to the body below the stopper base, the method comprising: A water tank is provided, the water tank including a water tank flange; A light source is provided in or below the water tank flange; At least a portion of the plug washer is inserted into the water tank flange, allowing light from the light source to be conducted through the light guide core of the plug washer. Attached Figure Description

[0018] For illustrative and descriptive purposes, specific examples have been selected and are shown in the accompanying drawings, forming part of the specification.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example of a prior art sink flange, in which a baffle is mounted in the sink.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a first front perspective view of an embodiment of the plug washer of the present technology, wherein the plug washer is in an upright position.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The second front perspective view of the plug washer, with the plug washer in a stationary position.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figures 2 to 3 A top view of the plug-type washer.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figures 2 to 4 Bottom perspective view of the plug-type washer.

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figures 2 to 5 A perspective view of the plug washer inserted into the sink flange in the sink.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the plug washer of this technology, wherein the plug washer is in an upright position.

[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Bottom perspective view of the plug washer.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional and partial front view of a food waste disposer assembly, which has a relative position to the sink and Figures 2 to 6 The plug washer is equipped with an antimicrobial light source.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a plug washer method using this technology.

[0029] While the various embodiments discussed herein may be adapted to modifications and alternatives, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described, but is intended to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the terms “example” and “embodiment” as used throughout this application are illustrative only and not limiting. As used herein, the term “about” relating to a measurement means the measurement plus or minus a 10% error range. As used herein, the term “configured to” meaning that a component is “configured to” have certain structural characteristics or perform certain functions in a particular situation means that the component is structurally formed such that the component satisfies the structural characteristics or performs the function in a particular situation without further modification. As used herein, the terms “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “top,” and “bottom” refer to a plug washer in its upright position (e.g., when it is in an upright position). Figure 2 The figures (shown) are directional terms indicating orientation. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals are used in different figures to denote similar or identical items. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The plug washer of this technology is a plug washer configured to receive and conduct light from a light source outside the plug washer (such as from within a garbage disposal or sink flange) during use. In at least some examples, the plug washer of this technology can be a hygienic plug washer configured to receive and conduct antimicrobial light during use. Some non-limiting examples of processor systems incorporating antimicrobial light sources are described in pending U.S. Application Serial No. 18743992 entitled “Antimicrobial LED Disposer System and Method,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0031] As used herein, the term "antimicrobial light" includes any light that tends to kill or slow the spread of microorganisms, including ultraviolet (UV) and violet (UV) light. Violet light is light with wavelengths ranging from about 380 nanometers (nm) to about 750 nm, for example, in the range of about 380 nm to about 420 nm. Unlike UV light, violet light does not harm the human eye or skin. However, violet light has been found to reduce or prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, hairy molds, and powdery molds, and can kill them, especially when used continuously for a period of time.

[0032] Typically, a stopper washer of this technology includes a body having a stopper base, a light guide core extending through the stopper base, a washer attached to the body below the stopper base, and a first light guide surface attached to the upper surface of the stopper base. The light guide core extends through at least a portion of the first light guide surface. As used herein, the term "washer" means any appliance configured to be a washing device itself or attached to a washing device, such as a scrubbing pad. Non-limiting examples of washers include: bristles, brushes, sponges, scrubbing pads, scrubbing pad attachment joints (such as hook-and-loop joints, etc.). A stopper washer of this technology may include a handle portion attached to and extending above the first light guide surface, or the first light guide surface may serve as a handle. A stopper washer of this technology may also include a second light guide surface attached to the bottom surface of the stopper base, and the light guide core may extend through at least a portion of the second light guide surface.

[0033] Figures 2 to 8 Some embodiments of the plug washer of this technology are shown. Figures 2 to 6 A first embodiment of the plug washer 100 of this technology is shown. Figures 7 to 8 A second embodiment of the plug washer of this technology is shown.

[0034] refer to Figures 2 to 6 A first embodiment of the stopper washer 100 includes a body 102 having a stopper base 104. The body 102 also includes a light guide 106 extending through the stopper base 104. The stopper washer also includes a washer 116 attached to the body 102 below the stopper base 104.

[0035] The light guide 106 can be cylindrical (as shown), or any other suitable shape, and can be centered along the schematic longitudinal axis A of the stopper washer 100. Therefore, the light guide 106 can extend along and through the center of the stopper base. The light guide can be clear, transparent, or translucent, and can be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, silicone or plastic.

[0036] The stopper base 104 has an upper surface 108 and a bottom surface 110. The stopper base 104 may be circular or generally circular, and may also include an outer edge 112. A sealing ring 114 may be attached to the outer edge 112. The sealing ring 114 may be configured to be received within the sink flange and form a seal with the sink flange when the stopper washer 100 is placed to stop or block the drain.

[0037] The stopper washer 100 also includes a first light-guiding surface 118, which is attached to and extends above the upper surface 108 of the stopper base 104. As shown, a light guide core 106 extends through at least a portion of the first light-guiding surface 118, allowing light to be conducted through the light guide core into and through the first light-guiding surface 118. The first light-guiding surface can have any suitable shape. The first light-guiding surface 118 can be clear, transparent, or translucent, and can be made of any suitable material, such as silicone or plastic. The first light-guiding surface 118 can be made of the same material as the light guide core 106 or a different material. The first light-guiding surface 118 can conduct light to illuminate the upper surface 108 of the stopper base 104.

[0038] In some examples, the first light-guiding surface 118 can be used as a handle for the user to hold when using the plug washer 100. However, as Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6 As best shown, the plug washer 100 includes a handle portion 120 attached to and extending above a first light guide surface 118. (See reference...) Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6The light guide 106 can extend through the handle portion 120 to the top surface 126 of the handle portion 120. In this way, at least a portion of the top of the handle portion 120 can be illuminated because the light guide 106 conducts light from the light source.

[0039] The washer 116 can be made of any suitable material and have any suitable shape. However, in at least some examples, it is preferred that the washer 116 has a tapered shape, which is located closest to the schematic longitudinal axis A or at the schematic longitudinal axis A ( Figure 2 The longest point around the perimeter is 116, and the shortest point is closest to the outer edge 112. When the washer has a tapered shape, when the washer is inserted into the sink flange, the placement of the plug washer to block or clog the drain outlet can promote downward deformation of the baffle fins caused by the washer. This insertion of the washer 116 into the sink flange and the downward deformation of any associated baffle fins can allow light from the light source to illuminate the washing material and the light guide core 106 of the washer 116. The tapered shape of the washer 116 can also promote the ability of light from the light source to hit at least most or even all of the surface area of ​​the washer 116.

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As best shown in the diagram, the washer 116 of the plug washer 100 includes a plurality of bristles 122. The plurality of bristles 122 are arranged around a schematic longitudinal axis A of the plug washer 100 (… Figure 2 The bristles are provided in a manner that forms multiple concentric circles of bristle groups 124. Furthermore, the multiple bristles are provided in a layered pattern, wherein each of the concentric circles of the bristle groups 124 forms a layer, and this layered pattern forms a cone shape, which is located along the schematic longitudinal axis A. Figure 2 It is longest around the center of the plug base 104 and shortest near the outermost edge 112.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the plug washer 100 may include a second light-guiding surface 128, which may be attached to the bottom surface 110 of the plug base 104. A light guide core 106 may extend through at least a portion of the second light-guiding surface 128. Furthermore, in an example where the washer has multiple bristles 122, the bristles 122 may extend through or at least from the second light-guiding surface 128. The second light-guiding surface 128 may have any suitable shape, such as a tapered shape. The second light-guiding surface 128 may be transparent, clear, or translucent, and may be made of any suitable material, such as silicone or plastic. The second light-guiding surface 128 may be made of the same material as the light guide core 106 and / or the first light-guiding surface 118, or a different material. The second light-guiding surface 128 may conduct light to illuminate the material of the washer and / or the bottom surface 110 of the plug base 104.

[0042] refer to Figures 7 to 8 The second embodiment of the stopper washer 200 includes many of the same features and components as the stopper washer 100 of the first embodiment. For ease of reference, the same components and features are labeled with the same reference numerals. The stopper washer 200 includes a body 102 having a stopper base 104. The body 102 also includes a light guide 106 extending through the stopper base 104. The stopper washer also includes a washer 116 attached to the body 102 below the stopper base 104.

[0043] The light guide 106 can be cylindrical (as shown) or any other suitable shape, and the light guide 106 can be centered along the schematic longitudinal axis B of the stopper washer 200. Therefore, the light guide 106 can extend along and through the center of the stopper base 104. The light guide can be clear, transparent, or translucent, and can be made of any suitable material, such as silicone or plastic.

[0044] The plug base 104 has an upper surface 108 and a bottom surface 110. The plug base 104 may be circular or generally circular, and may also include an outer edge 112. A sealing ring 114 may be attached to the outer edge 112. The sealing ring 114 may be configured to be received within the sink flange and form a seal with the sink flange when the plug washer 200 is positioned to plug or block the drain outlet.

[0045] The stopper washer 200 also includes a first light guide surface 118, which is attached to and extends above the upper surface 108 of the stopper base 104. As shown, a light guide core 106 extends through at least a portion of the first light guide surface 118, allowing light to be conducted through the light guide core into and through the first light guide surface 118. The first light guide surface can have any suitable shape. The first light guide surface 118 can be clear, transparent, or translucent, and can be made of any suitable material, such as silicone or plastic. The first light guide surface 118 can be made of the same material as or a different material from the light guide core 106. The first light guide surface 118 can conduct light to illuminate the upper surface 108 of the stopper base 104. As shown in this second embodiment, Figure 7 As best shown, the first light-guiding surface 118 can be used as a handle for the user to hold when using the plug washer 200.

[0046] Return to reference Figures 7 to 8 The scrubber 116 can be made of any suitable material and have any suitable shape. The scrubber 116 of the second embodiment includes a washpad attachment joint 202. The washpad attachment joint 202 is configured to attach a washpad to the scrubber. As shown, the washpad attachment joint 202 is a hook-and-loop washpad attachment joint, but it should be understood that any suitable type of washpad attachment joint can be used. Figure 7 As best shown, the washer 116 (particularly the wash pad attachment interface 202) may be tapered, with the tapered shape being longest near or around the schematic longitudinal axis B and shortest near the outer edge 112. The features and functions of this tapered shape have been discussed above with respect to the first embodiment and can be applied to the second embodiment.

[0047] refer to Figure 8 The washing pad attachment joint 202 includes a light path 204 aligned with the light guide core 106 to allow light from the light source to illuminate the light guide core 106 and be conducted by the light guide core 106.

[0048] Figure 9 The use of water tank 300 is shown. Figures 2 to 6 A drain cleaner 100, wherein a sink 300 has a food waste disposer 302 mounted below the sink 300. The sink 300 includes a sink flange 304 defining a drain outlet. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 9The plug base 104 includes an outer edge 112 and a sealing ring 114 attached to the outer edge 112. The sealing ring 114 is configured to be received within and form a seal with the sink flange 304 when the plug washer is placed to plug or block the drain. In some examples, the sink flange 304 may include a light source 306, which may be an antimicrobial light source. In alternative examples, the light source may be located elsewhere, such as within the processor 302. When the plug washer 100 is placed to plug or block the drain, at least a portion of the plug washer 100 is inserted into the sink flange 304. Specifically, at least the washer 116 of the plug washer is inserted into the sink flange 304, which exposes the washer 116 to light from the light source 306. In an example including a baffle (not shown), the scrubber 116 pushes the baffle's fins downward to a deformed position when it is inserted into the sink flange 304, thereby allowing light from the light source 306 to be conducted through the light guide core 106 of the plug scrubber. Light (such as antimicrobial light in the example where the light source 306 emits antimicrobial light) is guided by the scrubber (e.g., Figures 2-6 The light is received by the filter 116 and conducted through the light guide core 106 of the filter 100. Light can be conducted through the light guide core to and through the first light guide surface 118 and any other light guide surface of the filter 100.

[0049] Figure 10 An example of a method 400 for using a plug washer of this technology in a sink is shown, for example in... Figure 9 The sink 300 shown uses a stopper washer 100, but this method is applicable to any stopper washer of this technology, including stopper washer 200. Reference Figures 2 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the plug washer 100 or 200 includes a body 102 having a plug base 104, a light guide core 106 extending through the plug base 104, a washer 116 attached to the body 102 below the plug base 104, and a first light guide surface 118 attached to an upper surface 108 of the plug base 104, wherein the light guide core 106 extends through at least a portion of the first light guide surface 118. Method 400 begins at step 402, which includes providing a water tank including a water tank flange. The method may continue to step 404, which includes providing a light source in or below the water tank flange. The method may continue to step 406, which includes inserting at least a portion of the plug washer into the water tank flange, allowing light from the light source to be conducted through the light guide core of the plug washer.

[0050] In the water tank, baffles (such as...) Figure 1In the example of baffle 14 shown, step 402 of the method may include providing a water tank including a water tank flange and a baffle, wherein the baffle has one or more deformable flaps that are in a closed, undeformed position when at rest. Alternatively, in such an example, step 406 may include inserting at least a portion of a plug washer into the water tank flange such that the washer pushes the flaps of the baffle into a deformed position, thereby allowing light from a light source to be conducted through the light guide core of the plug washer.

[0051] Based on the aforementioned public information, this article provides a stopper washer and a method for using a stopper washer.

[0052] In at least a first aspect, a plug cleaner is provided, comprising: a body having a plug base and a light guide core extending through the plug base; a cleaner attached to the body below the plug base; and a first light guide surface attached to an upper surface of the plug base, wherein the light guide core extends through at least a portion of the first light guide surface.

[0053] Such a stopper washer may also include one or more additional components or features. For example, a light guide core may extend through the center of the stopper base. As another example, the stopper washer may also include a handle portion attached to and extending above a first light guide surface. The light guide core may extend through the handle portion to the top surface of the handle portion. As yet another example, the stopper washer may also include a second light guide surface attached to a bottom surface of the stopper base, and the light guide core may extend through at least a portion of the second light guide surface. As yet another example, the stopper base may include an outer edge and a sealing ring attached to the outer edge, the sealing ring being configured to be received within a water tank flange and form a seal with the water tank flange.

[0054] Furthermore, various types of washers can be included as part of the stopper washer. Preferably, the washer may have a tapered shape with its longest point near the center of the stopper base. In some examples, the washer may include multiple bristles, which may be provided in groups forming multiple concentric circles and / or in a layered pattern forming a tapered shape with its longest point near the center of the stopper base. In examples where the stopper washer includes a second light-guiding surface attached to the bottom surface of the stopper base, the multiple bristles may extend from the second light-guiding surface. In other examples, the washer may include a wash pad attachment joint, which can be configured to attach a wash pad to the washer.

[0055] In some examples of the first aspect, a combination of a food waste disposer assembly with an antimicrobial light source and a plug washer can be provided. In such an example, the food waste disposer assembly includes a sink flange and a food waste disposer body, wherein the light source is fixed within the sink flange or the food waste disposer body. The light source can be an antimicrobial light source. In such an example, the light source emits antimicrobial light, which is received by the washer and conducted through the light guide core of the plug washer. The light can be conducted through the light guide core to a first light guide surface and through the first light guide surface, as well as through any other light guide surface of the plug washer.

[0056] In at least a second aspect, a method of using a stopper washer in a water tank is provided, wherein the stopper washer includes a body having a stopper base, a light guide core extending through the stopper base and through at least a portion of a first light guide surface, a washer attached to the body below the stopper base, and a first light guide surface attached to an upper surface of the stopper base. The method includes providing a water tank including a tank flange. A light source is provided in or below the tank flange, and at least a portion of the stopper washer is inserted into the tank flange, allowing light from the light source to be conducted through the light guide core of the stopper washer.

[0057] Based on the foregoing, it will be understood that although specific examples have been described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that the appended claims, including all equivalents, are intended to specifically point out and clearly claim protection for the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A plug washer for use in a sink, characterized in that, The plug washer includes: The main body has a plug base and a light guide core extending through the plug base; A washer, the washer being attached to the body below the plug base; and A first light-guiding surface is attached to the upper surface of the plug base; The light guide core extends through at least a portion of the first light guide surface.

2. The plug washer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light guide core extends through the center of the plug base; or The plug washer further includes a second light-guiding surface attached to the bottom surface of the plug base, wherein the light-guiding core extends through at least a portion of the second light-guiding surface; or The plug base includes an outer edge and a sealing ring attached to the outer edge, the sealing ring being configured to be received within a water tank flange and to form a seal with the water tank flange.

3. The plug washer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plug washer also includes a handle portion that is attached to and extends above the first light guide surface, and the light guide core extends through the handle portion to the top surface of the handle portion.

4. The plug washer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washer includes multiple bristles.

5. The plug washer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plug cleaner also includes a second light-guiding surface attached to the bottom surface of the plug base, and the multiple bristles extend from the second light-guiding surface.

6. The plug washer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The multiple bristles are provided in groups forming multiple concentric circles; or The multiple bristles are provided in a layered pattern forming a cone shape, with the cone shape being longest near the center of the plug base.

7. The plug washer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washer includes a wash pad attachment joint, and the wash pad attachment joint has a tapered shape with its longest point located near the center of the plug base.

8. A plug washer for use in a sink, characterized in that, The plug washer includes: The main body has a plug base and a light guide core extending through the plug base; A washer, the washer being attached to the body below the stopper base, wherein the washer has a tapered shape that is longest at a position near the center of the stopper base; and A first light-guiding surface is attached to the upper surface of the plug base, wherein the light-guiding core extends through at least a portion of the first light-guiding surface.

9. The plug washer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plug washer also includes a handle portion that is attached to and extends above the first light guide surface, and the light guide core extends through the handle portion to the top surface of the handle portion.

10. The plug washer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plug washer further includes a second light-guiding surface attached to the bottom surface of the plug base, wherein the light-guiding core extends through at least a portion of the second light-guiding surface; or The plug base includes an outer edge configured to be received within a water tank flange and to form a seal with the water tank flange; or The stopper washer further includes a second light-guiding surface attached to the bottom surface of the stopper base, and multiple bristles extending from the second light-guiding surface; or The washer includes a washing pad attachment joint.

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