Click-clack mechanism for a drain for sanitary fixtures and drain comprising said click-clack mechanism

Abstract

A click-clack mechanism, or shutter, for a drain for sanitary fixtures is described. The click-clack mechanism comprises a lower portion and an upper portion: the upper portion is constrainable to a head of a drain intended to open and close the outlet of a sanitary fixture and the lower portion is constrainable to the sanitary fixture. The upper portion and the lower portion are coupled telescopically to one another and are coaxial with respect to a longitudinal axis for activating the click-clack mechanism. The upper portion is movable, with respect to the lower portion, between a raised position and a lowered position in response to a thrust imparted by a user on the upper portion and always directed towards the lower portion. Advantageously, the click-clack mechanism integrates means to allow the upper portion to rotate on the longitudinal axis with respect to the lower portion, in response to a force exerted by a user. In particular, at least at a first angular position of the upper portion, the same upper portion is movable longitudinally with respect to the lower portion and the click-clack mechanism is enabled. At least at a second angular position of the upper portion, the same upper portion is in a configuration locked against the longitudinal displacements and the click-clack mechanism is inhibited.

Description

[0001] Click-clack mechanism for a drain for sanitary fixtures and drain comprising said click-clack mechanism

[0002] ***

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The present invention concerns a click-clack mechanism of a drain for sanitary fixtures and a drain for sanitary fixtures comprising said click-clack mechanism.

[0006] Known art

[0007] In the sanitary fixtures industry, the expression drain tap, or more simply drain, denotes a device for closing the drain hole of sanitary fixtures, such as sinks, washbasins and tubs.

[0008] A common drain comprises a cylindrical body having a bottom grid through which the water is drained at its base and, at its top, a ring-shaped rosette delimiting the mouth for the passage of the water through the drain body. The body of the drain is insertable through the drain hole of the sanitary fixture and intended to be fixed to the respective siphon by means of an adapter element.

[0009] A shutter is housed in the drain body and movable axially between a lowered position, in which the head of the shutter intercepts the rosette and prevents the passage of the water through the mouth, and a raised position, in which the head of the shutter is above the rosette and does not intercept the opening of the mouth, thus allowing the passage of the water.

[0010] In practice, the shutter is movable between a lowered position, also identified as closed drain configuration, and a raised position, also identified as open drain configuration.

[0011] Alternatively, it is possible to provide a drain in which the shutter is placed at a height lower than the rosette. In this case, when the shutter is in the lowered position, the drain is in the open configuration, whereas when the shutter is in the raised position, the drain is in the closed configuration. In the simplest solutions, the drain is operated manually, i.e. the shutter is lowered and raised by the user by exerting a thrust with a hand.

[0012] For example, drains with manual control of the so-named click-clack type are known. Drains of this type are described in US 8,499,376 and in US 865,552.

[0013] Generally, a shutter having such a manual control is also named clickclack mechanism.

[0014] In these solutions, the opening and closing of the drain occur manually. In particular, after having closed the drain by pushing the head downward with a finger, so that to bring back the drain to the open position, the user must exert a thrust on the same with a finger, thus bringing it up to the position of maximum closure. The head returns to the open position from the position of maximum closure due to the force exerted by a spring.

[0015] It may be the case that, when using drains comprising a click-clack mechanism, the drain may close accidentally, i.e. not in response to a thrust intentionally exerted by a user. For example, when there are various dishes in the sink and during the washing operations of the same, or the sink, it may occur that the drain is closed unintentionally. Whenever the user does not promptly notice the accidental closure of the drain, the water can fill the sink with the risk of overflowing, especially whenever the sink is not provided with an “overflow” drain hole.

[0016] Otherwise, it can happen that, for fun, at school, at home or in other contexts, a child can close the drain and leave the water tap open. This circumstance can also be risky, because children may not be fully aware of the risks associated with the closing of the drain when the water tap stays open.

[0017] WO 91 / 16847 describes a drain comprising a head 12 slidingly fitted on a supporting element 7.

[0018] The head 12 has a recess 13 comprising a gripping portion 14 at which a user can rotate the head 12 to open and close the drain.

[0019] In fact, the head is rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, passing from an intermediate configuration.

[0020] In the closed configuration of the drain, a pin 23 is in abutment on the upper surface 26 of a projection 25 of the supporting element 7 and keeps the head 12 in the raised position with respect to the supporting element 7. By rotating the head 12 in the intermediate configuration, the pin 23 is aligned with the upper section of a groove 26 obtained in the supporting element 7. In this configuration, thanks to the presence of a resilient element of an overflow mechanism, the head 12 can lower on the supporting element 7 to allow the passage of the water, when the level of water in the sanitary fixture exceeds a predetermined level.

[0021] In order to bring the drain into the open configuration, the user must push the head 12 completely downward and then rotate it so that to house the pin 23 in a portion of the groove 26 extending from a lower border of the groove 36 itself.

[0022] CN 106284551 describes a drain comprising a shutter provided with an upper portion 9 and a lower portion 8. At its lower end, the upper portion 9 has a plurality of pins 9b12 which are inserted into corresponding through holes 8a obtained in the lower portion.

[0023] The upper portion 9 is provided with a knob 9a2 convex towards the top, which can be rotated by a user to open and close the drain.

[0024] In the drain in the closed configuration, the upper portion 9 is in abutment on the lower portion 8 and each pin 9b12 is completely housed in the corresponding through hole 8a (figure 4).

[0025] To open the drain, a user must rotate the upper portion 9 in a first direction; this way, the upper portion 9 translates away from the lower portion 8, guided by the movement of positioning portions 8b in corresponding guide holes 9b11 arranged in oblique direction.

[0026] At the end of such rotation, the drain is in the open configuration and each positioning portion 8b is guided into a corresponding recess 9b121 provided in the end section of the respective pin 9b12. The recesses 9b121 prevent the upper portion 9 from rotating on the lower portion 8 up to a point of disengagement of the upper portion 9 from the lower portion 8.

[0027] In order to bring the drain to the closed configuration, it is sufficient to rotate the upper portion 9 in a second direction opposite the first opening direction, because the inclined side walls of the recesses 9b121 can guide the positioning portions 8b into the guide holes 9b11 .

[0028] In practice, in the drains described in WO 91 / 16847 and CN 106284551 , the shutter is not a click-clack mechanism; in fact, the opening and closing of the shutter are achieved by rotating an upper portion, or head, alternately in one direction and in the opposite direction, with respect to a lower portion, or support.

[0029] In light of the known art, there is a need to find a simple, inexpensive and compact solution which allows to easily and quickly open and close a drain and which simultaneously allows to avoid the drawbacks set forth above with respect to the possibility of accidentally closing the drain.

[0030] Summary of the invention

[0031] Object of the present invention is thus to provide a solution which solves the problems described above.

[0032] Further object of the present invention is to provide a shutter of a drain for sanitary fixtures which is compact, which allows to easily and quickly open and close a drain and which simultaneously prevents such drain from accidentally closing, or which anyhow allows the drain to be closed only by a user aware of the possible risks associated with it.

[0033] Further object of the present invention is to provide a shutter of the type with a click-clack mechanism which allows to lock a drain in the open, or almost open, position.

[0034] A first aspect of the present invention thus concerns a click-clack mechanism for a drain for sanitary fixtures according to claim 1 .

[0035] The click-clack mechanism according to the present invention is in fact intended to be assembled in a drain for sanitary fixtures, preferably a drain for sinks.

[0036] The click-clack mechanism comprises a lower portion and an upper portion: the upper portion is constrainable to a head of a drain and the lower portion is constrainable to corresponding fastening means of a drain (in practice, the lower portion is constrainable to a sanitary fixture). Thus, the upper portion and the lower portion are defined as such considering the click-clack mechanism as traditionally mounted in a drain.

[0037] The upper portion and the lower portion are coupled telescopically to one another, in the sense that the upper portion can be inserted into / removed from the lower portion or preferably the lower portion can be inserted into / removed from the upper portion.

[0038] The upper portion and the lower portion extend along a longitudinal axis and are thus coaxial to one another. Such longitudinal axis corresponds to the activation axis of the click-clack mechanism.

[0039] Moreover, the upper portion can translate, with respect to the lower portion, between a raised position and a lowered position, and vice-versa, in response to a thrust imparted by a user on the upper portion always directed towards the lower portion. In other words, the user must push the upper portion towards the lower portion along the activation axis of the click-clack mechanism both to bring the upper portion to the raised position and to bring the lower portion to the lowered position.

[0040] Thus, the user shall not rotate the upper portion with respect to the lower portion but axially push the upper portion downward, to bring the upper portion to the lowered position or the raised position with respect to the lower portion.

[0041] This is an advantage over known solutions which provide for the upper portion of the shutter to be rotated in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first, with respect to the lower portion, to raise or lower the upper portion itself and thus cause the opening or closing of the corresponding drain. In fact, in these solutions, the user must remember the direction in which to rotate the head of the drain (and thus also the upper portion of the shutter) to allow or prevent water from draining from the sink. Instead, by using the clickclack mechanism described herein, the user knows he must always exert a downward thrust to both open and close the drain.

[0042] The click-clack mechanism according to the present invention integrates means to allow the upper portion to rotate on the longitudinal axis with respect to the lower portion. In other words, the upper portion is susceptible to rotation on the lower portion in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first in response to a force exerted by a user (for example by imparting a rotation at the upper portion).

[0043] The click-clack mechanism is rotatable at least between a first angular position and a second angular position, and vice-versa.

[0044] In particular, when the upper portion is in the first angular position, the upper portion itself is movable longitudinally with respect to the lower portion and the click-clack mechanism is enabled. In practice, by rotating the upper portion to the first angular position, the click-clack mechanism can be activated and the upper portion can move axially, i.e. with respect to the longitudinal axis, between the lowered position and the raised position, and vice-versa, with respect to the lower portion.

[0045] Instead, when the upper portion is rotated to the second angular position, the same upper portion is in a position locked against the longitudinal displacements, i.e. it cannot translate along the longitudinal axis between the raised position and the lowered position, and vice-versa.

[0046] Thus, in the locked configuration, the click-clack mechanism is inhibited.

[0047] In other words, by rotating the upper portion to the second angular position, the click-clack mechanism cannot be activated and the upper portion is locked axially with respect to the lower portion. To allow the activation of the click-clack mechanism again, it is possible to rotate the upper portion from the second angular position to the first angular position.

[0048] In practice, the click-clack mechanism integrates means therein which allow to lock the upper portion in a position, with respect to the lower portion, corresponding to a drain (comprising the click-clack mechanism according to the present invention) in the open, or almost open, configuration.

[0049] In fact, rotating the upper portion to the second angular position ensures that the upper portion stays locked, with respect to the lower position, at a height, with respect to the longitudinal axis X, which allows the drain in which the click-clack mechanism is assembled to stay open, or almost open, so that to prevent the water from accumulating in the sanitary fixture and from overflowing.

[0050] The means which allow the upper portion to rotate, with respect to the lower portion, for locking the upper portion in the axial movements with respect to the lower portion, are not directly involved in the activation of the snap mechanism for opening and closing the click-clack mechanism, because such mechanism is only activated by axially pushing the upper portion towards the lower portion and not also by rotating the first with respect to the second.

[0051] In addition to the advantages set forth above, the click-clack mechanism according to the present invention is compact and ensures, when assembled in a drain, an easy and quick opening and closing of the same, since its activation requires a pressure to be exerted always in the same direction, i.e. towards the lower portion. Moreover, it is not necessary to provide further devices or components other than the shutter / click-clack mechanism according to the present invention to make sure the drain, inside which the click-clack mechanism is combined, does not accidentally close.

[0052] Whenever the click-clack mechanism is in a locked configuration, the upper portion can be locked against the longitudinal displacements: in the raised, or almost raised, position with respect to the lower portion, or, in the lowered, or almost lowered, position with respect to the lower portion.

[0053] In either case, it depends on how the drain, inside which the click-clack mechanism is intended to be assembled, is made.

[0054] A technician of the field will know how to configure the click-clack mechanism depending on how the drain, for which the click-clack mechanism is intended, is made.

[0055] For example, if the drain is in the open configuration when the upper portion of the click-clack mechanism is in the raised position, the click-clack mechanism is made so that, in the locked configuration, the upper portion stays locked in the raised, or almost raised, position with respect to the lower portion.

[0056] Instead, if the drain is in the open configuration when the upper portion of the click-clack mechanism is in the lowered position, the click-clack mechanism is made so that, in the locked configuration, the upper portion stays locked in the lowered, or almost lowered, position with respect to the lower portion.

[0057] The click-clack mechanism preferably comprises at least one longitudinal groove provided in the lower portion. Such at least one longitudinal groove extends in a direction parallel, or almost parallel, to the longitudinal axis and allows to guide the upper portion in its respective axial displacements when the upper portion is rotated to the first angular position with respect to the lower portion. In practice, such at least one longitudinal groove guides the upper portion in the axial displacements related to the activation of the click-clack mechanism, in response to a force exerted by a user on the upper portion always directed towards the lower portion.

[0058] The click-clack mechanism preferably comprises at least one housing, or transverse groove, extending into / on the lower portion transversally to the longitudinal axis, i.e. not parallel thereto. Since the upper portion and the lower portion are preferably cylinder-shaped, or almost, said at least one housing, or transverse groove, preferably extends into / on the lower portion along a circumferential segment.

[0059] The at least one housing, or transverse groove, preferably does not have an extent, considered in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, which allows the upper portion locked in the housing, or transverse groove, to slide axially on the lower portion with the respective activation of the click-clack.

[0060] Whenever the upper portion is rotated to the second angular position, the upper portion is in fact locked, in the at least one housing or transverse groove, against axial displacements of the upper portion on the lower portion.

[0061] The upper portion preferably comprises at least one engaging portion, for example tooth-shaped, which is set up to be positioned in the at least one longitudinal groove or in the at least one housing, or transverse groove.

[0062] In practice, whenever the upper portion is in the first angular position, the engaging portion preferably is positioned in the at least one longitudinal groove and is guided into the longitudinal groove itself during the axial movements of the upper portion, with respect to the upper portion, which are associated to the click-clack mechanism enabled.

[0063] Instead, whenever the upper portion is in the second angular position, the engaging portion preferably is positioned in the at least one housing, or transverse groove, and does not allow the upper portion to be able to slide axially with respect to the lower portion. In practice, in this case, the click-clack mechanism is inhibited, because if a user exerts a thrust on the upper portion towards the lower portion whenever the upper portion is rotated to the second angular position, the engaging portion goes into abutment on a lower border of the housing, or transverse groove, and cannot thus slide parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0064] The housing, or transverse groove, preferably opens on one side of the longitudinal groove. This way, by rotating the upper portion from the first angular position to the second angular position, the engaging portion preferably is displaced from the longitudinal groove to the housing, or transverse groove, which opens at a side of the longitudinal groove itself, and vice-versa.

[0065] The at least one longitudinal groove preferably has a first end, at which the upper portion is in the raised position on the lower portion, and a second end opposite the first, at which the upper portion is in the lowered position on the lower portion. In practice, considering how the click-clack mechanism is assembled in a drain, the second end is, with respect to the longitudinal axis, in a position lower than the first end.

[0066] The at least one housing, or transverse groove, can open on one side of the at least one longitudinal groove: at the first end; at the second end; in an intermediate position between the first end and the second end, for example in a position proximal to the first end or in a position proximal to the second end.

[0067] In light of what is set forth above concerning the position in which the upper portion can be locked with respect to the lower portion, depending on how the drain is configured, it is clear that:

[0068] - if the drain, for which the click-clack mechanism is intended, opens when the upper portion of the click-clack mechanism is in the raised position with respect to the lower portion, the at least one housing, or transverse groove, can open on one side of the at least one longitudinal groove, at the first end or in a position proximal to the first end;

[0069] - if the drain, for which the click-clack mechanism is intended, opens when the upper portion of the click-clack mechanism is in the lowered position with respect to the lower portion, the at least one housing, or transverse groove, can open on one side of the at least one longitudinal groove, at the second end or in a position proximal to the second end.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the click-clack mechanism according to the present invention, the lower portion comprises at least two ribs extending in relief on an outer surface of the lower portion itself, along respective directions parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0071] Since the lower portion is preferably cylinder-shaped, the at least two ribs extend parallel to the longitudinal axis at respective angular positions considered with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0072] In this embodiment, the at least one longitudinal groove is delimited at the border between such at least two ribs.

[0073] Preferably, at least one of the two ribs has a first rib segment and a second rib segment separated from one another by an interstice. Such interstice corresponds to the at least one housing or transverse groove.

[0074] Thus, the at least one housing, or transverse grove, does not have interruptions with the at least one longitudinal groove.

[0075] In a second embodiment, the at least one longitudinal groove and the corresponding at least one housing, or transverse groove, are real grooves, or furrows, obtained in an outer surface of the lower portion. Also in this case, the at least one housing, or transverse groove, does not have interruptions with the at least one longitudinal groove.

[0076] The click-clack mechanism according to the present invention preferably comprises an opening and closing snap mechanism. In practice, the upper portion automatically switches from the lowered position to the raised position, and vice-versa, in response to a pressure exerted onto the upper portion and always directed towards the lower portion.

[0077] Preferably, the lower portion comprises a ring nut, or ring, fitted on the lower portion and rotatable on the longitudinal axis with respect to the lower portion itself. The rotation of the ring nut occurs conditional to a force exerted onto the upper portion and always directed towards the lower portion. The upper portion further comprises a resilient element set up to be compressed during the lowering of the upper portion on the lower portion and to extend to bring back the upper portion to the raised position on the lower portion.

[0078] The ring nut comprises at least one tooth, or protrusion, engaging a corresponding profile provided in the upper portion or in the lower portion. The profile has at least one upper seat and at least one lower seat.

[0079] In fact, whenever the ring nut engages the at least one upper seat, the upper portion is raised with respect to the lower portion, whereas whenever the ring nut engages the at least one lower seat, the upper portion is lowered with respect to the lower portion. Preferably, the upper portion comprises a body fitted on the lower portion and which has a cavity extending along the longitudinal axis from side to side of the body. In practice, such cavity is defined at an inner surface of the body itself.

[0080] In the preferred embodiment, the profile of the opening and closing snap mechanism is provided at such inner surface of the body.

[0081] In the preferred embodiment, the profile of the opening and closing snap mechanism comprises at least one relief jutting out radially towards the longitudinal axis and extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis on the inner surface of the body itself. Such profile extends between a lower edge positioned at a lower end of the body, and an upper edge. The upper edge of the relief constitutes the at least one upper seat of the profile and is engaged by the at least one tooth of the ring nut whenever the upper portion is in the raised position with respect to the lower portion. In other words, the at least one tooth of the ring nut in abutment on the upper edge of the relief corresponds to the upper portion in the raised position with respect to the lower portion.

[0082] Preferably, the profile comprises a side extension of the at least one relief. Since the body is preferably cylinder-shaped, such side extension can also be identified as a circumferential extension of the at least one relief. Considering a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, the circumferential extension in fact extends from a border of the relief itself. Considering a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the circumferential extension extends on the inner surface of the body between a lower edge positioned at a lower end of the body, and an upper edge. The upper edge defines a lower seat of the profile which is engaged by the at least one tooth of the ring nut whenever the upper portion is in the lowered position. In fact, the at least one tooth of the ring nut in abutment on the upper edge of the circumferential extension corresponds to the upper portion in the lowered position with respect to the lower portion.

[0083] Preferably, the profile comprises a plurality of reliefs and a plurality of circumferential extensions arranged circumferentially, with respect to the longitudinal axis, on the inner surface of the body, alternating a relief with a circumferential extension.

[0084] Preferably, the upper portion comprises a plug of the body positioned inside the body on the opposite side with respect to the lower portion. The plug is provided with a base, which closes the cavity of the body, and a perimeter border which in turn has an outer surface and an inner surface. The plug is constrained to the inner surface of the body at its outer surface, whereas, at its inner surface, the plug comprises a notched profile provided with a plurality of tooth-shaped elements angularly staggered with respect to the upper edges of the reliefs and circumferential extensions of the profile. The ring nut is intended to go into abutment on said notched profile with its at least one tooth, thus making the opening and closing snap mechanism snap whenever the user provides to push the upper portion to a position completely lowered with respect to the lower portion.

[0085] In a second embodiment, the profile of the opening and closing snap mechanism is provided on the lower portion.

[0086] A second aspect of the present invention concerns a drain for sanitary fixtures according to claim 27, comprising a click-clack mechanism according to the present invention.

[0087] In a third aspect, the present invention concerns a method of locking a click-clack mechanism according to claim 28.

[0088] Brief list of the figures

[0089] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer in the review of the following detailed description of two preferred, although not exclusive, embodiments, illustrated by way of example and without limitations with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0090] - figure 1 is a front elevation view of a click-clack mechanism for sanitary fixtures according to a first embodiment, with an upper portion raised with respect to the lower portion (in a configuration defined as open);

[0091] - figure 2 is a front elevation view of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 1 , with the upper portion lowered with respect to the lower portion (in a configuration defined as closed);

[0092] - figure 3 is an exploded view of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 1 and 2, comprising a body, a pin, a ring nut, a resilient element and a plug;

[0093] - figure 4 is a sectional view considered according to the plane N-N of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 3;

[0094] - figure 5 is an elevation view of a component, in particular of the body, of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 3;

[0095] - figure 6 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane L-L of the body shown in figure 5;

[0096] - figure 7 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane M-M of the body shown in figure 5;

[0097] - figure 8 is a top plan view of the body shown in figure 5;

[0098] - figure 9 is a top perspective view of the body shown in figure 5;

[0099] - figure 10 is a front elevation view of another component, in particular of the pin, of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 3;

[0100] - figure 11 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane R-R of the pin shown in figure 10;

[0101] - figure 12 is a side elevation view of the pin shown in figure 10;

[0102] - figure 13 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane P-P of the pin shown in figure 12;

[0103] - figure 14 is a side-front perspective view of the pin shown in figure 10;

[0104] - figure 15 is a bottom plan view of the pin shown in figure 10;

[0105] - figure 16 is an elevation view of a further component, in particular of the ring nut, of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 3;

[0106] - figure 17 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane M-M of the ring nut shown in figure 16;

[0107] - figure 18 is a top plan view of the ring nut shown in figure 16;

[0108] - figure 19 is a top perspective view of the ring nut shown in figure 16;

[0109] - figure 20 is an elevation view of another component, in particular of the plug, of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 3;

[0110] - figure 21 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane M-M of the plug shown in figure 20;

[0111] - figure 22 is a bottom plan view of the plug shown in figure 22;

[0112] - figures 23 and 24 are perspective bottom views, with different degrees of inclination, of the plug shown in figure 20;

[0113] - figures 25, 28, 31 and 34 are side elevation views of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 1 , respectively, in an open and completely lowered configuration before closing, in a closed and completely lowered configuration after closing;

[0114] - figures 26, 29, 32, 35 are sectional views considered on the plane N-N of the click-clack mechanism shown, respectively, in figures 25, 28, 31 , 34;

[0115] - figures 27, 30, 33, 36 are vertical section views of the click-clack mechanism shown, respectively, in figures 25, 28, 31 and 31 considered from the front with the ring nut shown in transparency;

[0116] - figure 37 is a side elevation view of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 1 in a configuration defined as locked.

[0117] - figure 38 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane T-T of the click-clack mechanism in the locked configuration shown in figure 37;

[0118] - figures 39 is a vertical side view of the click-clack mechanism in the locked configuration shown in figure 37, considered from the front, with the ring nut shown in transparency;

[0119] - figure 40 is a vertical section view of a drain comprising the click-clack mechanism in the locked configuration shown in figure 37, with a sealing element and screwed head.

[0120] - figure 41 is perspective bottom and partial vertical section view of the click-clack mechanism present in the drain shown in figure 40;

[0121] - figure 42 is an elevation view of a drain for sanitary fixtures comprising a click-clack mechanism according to the first embodiment, provided with a sealing element and a head screwed thereto; - figure 43 is a front elevation view of a click-clack mechanism for sanitary fixtures according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration defined as open;

[0122] - figure 44 is a front elevation view of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 43, in a configuration defined as closed;

[0123] - figure 45 is an elevation view of a component, in particular of the body, of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 43;

[0124] - figure 46 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AB-AB of the body shown in figure 45;

[0125] - figure 47 is a top plan view of the body shown in figure 45;

[0126] - figure 48 is an elevation view of another component, in particular of the pin, of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 43;

[0127] - figure 49 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AF-AF of the pin shown in figure 48;

[0128] - figure 50 is an elevation view of another component, in particular of the insert, of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 43;

[0129] - figure 51 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AD-AD of the insert shown in figure 50;

[0130] - figure 52 is an elevation view of another component, in particular of the ring nut, of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 43;

[0131] - figure 53 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AE-AE of the ring nut shown in figure 52;

[0132] - figure 54 is an elevation view of another component, in particular of the plug, of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 43;

[0133] - figure 55 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AC-AC of the plug shown in figure 54;

[0134] - figure 56 is a bottom view of the click-clack mechanism in the open configuration shown in figure 43;

[0135] - figure 57 is a sectional view of the click-clack mechanism in the open configuration shown in figure 43 and considered with respect to the plane AJ-AJ of figure 43;

[0136] - figure 58 is a sectional view of the click-clack mechanism in the open configuration shown in figure 43 and considered with respect to the plane AKAR of figure 43;

[0137] - figure 59 is an elevation view of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 43, in a configuration defined as snap;

[0138] - figure 60 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AN-AN of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 59;

[0139] - figure 61 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AM- AM of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 59;

[0140] - figure 62 is a bottom view of the click-clack mechanism in the closed configuration shown in figure 44;

[0141] - figure 63 is a sectional view of the click-clack mechanism in the closed configuration shown in figure 44 and considered with respect to the plane AP- AP of figure 44;

[0142] - figure 64 is a sectional view of the click-clack mechanism in the closed configuration shown in figure 44 and considered with respect to the plane ARAR of figure 44;

[0143] - figures 65, 66 and 67 are elevation views of the click-clack mechanism according to the second embodiment, respectively in the open, intermediate and locked configurations;

[0144] - figure 68 is a bottom plan view of the click-clack mechanism in the locked configuration, shown in figure 67;

[0145] - figures 69, 70 and 71 are perspective bottom views of the shutters shown, respectively, in figures 65, 66 and 67;

[0146] - figure 72 is an elevation view of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 43, in the locked configuration;

[0147] - figure 73 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AW- AW of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 72;

[0148] - figure 74 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AV-AV of the click-clack mechanism shown in figure 72;

[0149] - figure 75 is an elevation view of a drain for sanitary fixtures comprising a click-clack mechanism according to the embodiment, in the open configuration;

[0150] - figure 76 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AT-AT of figure 75;

[0151] - figure 77 is an elevation view of a drain for sanitary fixtures comprising a click-clack mechanism according to the second embodiment, in the closed configuration;

[0152] - figure 78 is a sectional view considered with respect to the plane All-All of figure 77.

[0153] Detailed description of the invention

[0154] With the help of figures 1 -42, a first embodiment of a click-clack mechanism according to the present invention will be described hereunder, identified by reference number 1 , whereas with the help of figures 43-78, a second embodiment of a click-clack mechanism according to the present invention will be described, identified by reference number T.

[0155] Although described after the click-clack mechanism 1 , the click-clack mechanism T is the preferred embodiment of the click-clack mechanism according to the present invention.

[0156] It is pointed out that, in the following description, the click-clack mechanism 1 and the click-clack mechanism T will be identified respectively as shutter 1 and shutter T.

[0157] The shutter 1 can be mounted in a drain of a sink.

[0158] The drain can be of the type shown in figures 40 and 42 which precisely depict an assembly comprising a drain 200 with the shutter 1 integrated therein.

[0159] The drain 200 is made in a known way and comprises a substantially cylindrical body 201 suitable for being housed in an appropriate seat of a siphon of a sanitary fixture not shown in the figures. For this, the drain 200 preferably has, on its bottom, a threaded portion 202 with which it can be screwed into a corresponding siphon.

[0160] The body 201 extends along a longitudinal axis Y and is hollow, i.e. has a cavity 203, shown in figure 40, which crosses the body 201 from end to end.

[0161] On top, i.e. at the opposite end with respect to the threaded portion 202, the drain ends with an annular rosette 204 which delimits the mouth 205, shown in figure 40, for the passage of the water in the cavity 203 of the drain 200.

[0162] The drain 200 further comprises fastening means 206 for fastening the shutter 1 in the body 201 , which are visible in figure 40. The fastening means 206 are preferably configured as a bridge-like structure which radially crosses the cavity 203 and which has, at the longitudinal axis Y, a threaded hole into which the shutter 1 is screwed.

[0163] The shutter 1 is housed in the body 201 of the drain 200 to open / close the mouth 205 and thus to allow (whenever in an open configuration shown in figure 1 ) or prevent (whenever in a closed configuration shown in figure 2) the passage of water towards the drain duct.

[0164] The shutter 1 will be better described with reference to figures 1 -4.

[0165] The shutter 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X and comprises a shutter body 2, henceforth simply identified as body 2. The body 2 is provided with a threaded portion 3 on top, which threaded portion is intended to be screwed to a corresponding head 207 shown in figures 40 and 42.

[0166] The head 207 is set up to go into abutment on the rosette 204 whenever the shutter 1 lowers to close the mouth 205.

[0167] As shown in figures 3-4, the shutter 1 further comprises, in addition to the body 2, a pin 4, a ring nut 5, a resilient element 6 and a plug 7.

[0168] These elements extend along the longitudinal axis X of the shutter 1 , which is shared by them, and will be described in more detail hereunder; the reader is now invited to pay attention to figures 1 and 2, from which it is evident that the ring nut 5, the resilient element 6 and the plug 7 stay completely housed in the body 2, whereas the pin 4 protrudes below from the body 2, at least for a part corresponding to a threaded portion 8 of the pin 4 itself. As shown in figure 40, the threaded portion 8 is set up to be screwed into a corresponding hole of the fastening means 206 of the drain 200.

[0169] The shutter 1 is thus screwed to the body 201 of the drain 200 at the threaded portion 8 of the pin 4 and is coaxial to the drain itself (the axes X and Y coincide in figure 40).

[0170] By comparing figures 1 and 2, it is possible to appreciate that whenever the shutter 1 is in the open configuration (figure 1 ), the pin 4 protrudes more from the body 2 than when the shutter 1 is in the closed configuration (figure 2); this denotes that the body 2 and the pin 4 are susceptible to reciprocal movements with each other.

[0171] In light of the fact that the shutter 1 , whenever combined with a drain 200, remains constrained to the body 201 of the drain 200 at the pin 4, it is clear that during the passage of the shutter 1 from the open configuration to the closed configuration, and vice-versa, the pin 4 stays stationary with respect to the body 201 of the drain 200, whereas the body 2, the ring nut 5, the resilient element 6 and the plug 7 move towards and away from the pin 4 itself.

[0172] Thus, in the shutter 1 , it is possible to identify:

[0173] - a lower, stationary, portion denoted by the reference number 9, and

[0174] - an upper, movable, portion denoted by the reference number 10 and which is susceptible to movements between a raised position, corresponding to the shutter opened, and a lowered position corresponding to the shutter closed.

[0175] In practice, the upper portion 10 is movable towards and away from the lower portion 9 to close and open the shutter 1 and, consequently, also the passage of water in the corresponding drain 200.

[0176] In the light of what is set forth above, in the description made hereunder, the pin 4 will be considered positioned below the body 2; thus, whenever reference is made to a downward or upward movement of one or more of the components of the shutter 1 , reference is made, respectively, to a movement towards the threaded portion 8 of the pin 4 or to a movement away from the threaded portion 8 of the pin 4. Moreover, whenever reference is made to the reciprocal positioning, in height, of two or more components, reference is made to the axial positioning of such components, i.e. to a respective axis parallel to the longitudinal axis X, considering the shutter 1 in a vertical position, as fixed within the drain 200 of figure 40.

[0177] The shutter 1 is of the snap movement type, i.e. the upper portion 10 automatically switches, for example because pushed upward by the resilient element 6, from the lowered position shown in figure 2 to the raised position shown in figure 1 , following a pressure exerted manually thereon by the user towards the lower portion 9.

[0178] In practice, the user must exert, on the upper portion 10, a pressure directed towards the lower portion 9 both to open and close the shutter 1 . The pressure can be exerted onto the head 207 or directly onto the upper portion 10 of the shutter 1 , at the plug 7 or the body 2. The components of the shutter 1 mentioned above and their interconnections will be described hereunder.

[0179] In particular, the body 2 is shown in detail in figures 5-9.

[0180] The body 2 is cylinder-shaped and extends along the longitudinal axis X between an upper end 11a, at which the threaded portion 3 is present, and a lower end 11 b.

[0181] The body 2 is hollow, i.e. has a cavity 12 extending along the longitudinal axis at the inner surface 13 of the body 2.

[0182] At the inner surface 13, the lower end 11 b has a portion radially jutting out towards the longitudinal axis X, i.e. into the cavity 12. In practice, the lower end 11 b forms a ring 14 which has an abutment surface 15 inside the cavity 12. The abutment surface 15 thus extends radially and circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0183] As better shown in figures 8 and 9, the ring 14 is in turn provided with teeth 16 extending in a radial and cantilever way towards the longitudinal axis X. In the embodiment shown herein, the teeth 16 are two and face one another, i.e. form a 180° angle with each other. On the outside, the body 2 has, in addition to the threaded portion 3, a wall 17 arranged below the threaded portion 3 itself. The wall 17 has a circular pattern with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0184] Two lips 18a, 18b, also identified as first lip 18a and second lip 18b, extending radially from the body 2 towards the outside, i.e. away with respect to the longitudinal axis X and parallel to one another, are present between the wall 17 and lower end 11b. The first lip 18a is proximal to the upper end 11a, whereas the second lip 18b is proximal to the lower end 11 b.

[0185] A housing 19, which runs along the entire circumference of the body 2 and which is arranged for fastening a sealing element 208 shown in figures 40- 42, is defined between the two lips 18a and 18b. The sealing element 208 is suitable for cooperating with the body 201 of the drain 200 to sealingly close the drain 200 whenever the shutter 1 is closed and to prevent the passage of the water.

[0186] Returning to figures 5-9, it is possible to note that openings 20 are obtained at the wall 17. In practice, the openings 20 are through holes, preferably with a rectangular section, which cross the body 2 radially. In the embodiment shown herein, the openings 20 are four and are obtained in the body 2, at the same height and equidistant from one another. In practice, a 90° angle is identified between an opening 20 and the adjacent one. Preferably, as shown in figure 9, two openings 20 are obtained in the body 2 at the same angular position, with respect to the longitudinal axis X, of the two teeth 16.

[0187] A series of grooves 21 extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X, at the openings 20, are obtained on the inner surface 13.

[0188] For example, the grooves 21 are four, as shown in the section of the body 2 shown in figure 7 or in the top view of figure 8.

[0189] As shown in figures 6 and 9, the grooves 21 extend between an upper end 21a positioned at the upper end 11a of the body 2, and a lower end 21 b positioned on the inner surface 13 at about the height of the first lip 18a present on the outside. Figures 10-15 instead show the pin 4.

[0190] The pin 4 has a substantially cylinder-shaped body 22 extending along the longitudinal axis X between an upper end 22a and a lower end 22b, both depicted in figure 10. As mentioned above, the pin 4 has a threaded portion 8 positioned at the lower end 22b, by means of which the shutter 1 is fixed in a drain 200.

[0191] The body 22 of the pin 4 is hollow and has an inner surface 23a and an outer surface 23b.

[0192] At the inner surface 23a, the body defines a cavity 24 extending from the upper end 22a to the lower end 22b along the longitudinal axis. For example, the cavity 24 is shown at the upper end 22a in figure 14, whereas the cavity 24 is shown at the lower end 22b in figure 15.

[0193] With particular reference to figure 13, it is possible to see that the cavity 24 extends in an upper segment 24a and in a lower segment 24b; the upper segment 24a has a greater diameter than the lower segment 22b and a central segment 24c is present between the two segments 24a and 24b.

[0194] At the upper segment 24a, the body 22 has ribs 25 which run along, in relief, the inner surface 23a parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The ribs 25 are also shown in figure 11 , which is a section considered on the plane R-R of figure 10.

[0195] In the embodiment shown herein, the ribs 25 are four and are obtained on the inner surface 23a so that a 90° angle is defined between two adjacent ribs 25.

[0196] The ribs 25 extend in the upper segment 24a between the upper end 22a and the central segment 24c.

[0197] A narrowing of the section of the cavity 24, which, indeed, in the subsequent lower segment 22b has a smaller diameter than that of the previous upper segment 22a, occurs at the central segment 24c. In fact, as shown in figures 11 and 13, the central segment 24c has an inclined wall 26 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X and a step 27, or abutment surface, extending radially towards the longitudinal axis X, so that to precisely define a lower segment 22b of a smaller diameter than that of the upper segment 22a.

[0198] Shifting attention to the outer surface 23b of the pin 4, it can be noted that the pin 4, at the upper end 22a, has a series of teeth 28 extending in a radial and cantilever way from the body 2 towards the outside, away from the longitudinal axis X.

[0199] In the embodiment described herein, the teeth 28 are four and are arranged on the outer surface 23b of the body 22 angularly staggered with respect to the ribs 25 present on the inner surface 23a.

[0200] As shown in figures 10, 12 and 14, two profiles, generally denoted by the reference number 29, are obtained on the outer surface 23b between the upper end 22a of the body 22 and the threaded portion 8.

[0201] As shown in figure 12, the profiles 29 are obtained in the body 22 in opposite positions one with respect to the other, mirroring the longitudinal axis X; they are one of the components of the mechanism described hereunder that allows the snap movement of the shutter 1. The two profiles 29 are identical and, thus, what is described hereunder with reference to a profile 29 can also be extended to the other.

[0202] As shown in figures 12 and 14, the profile 29 comprises a longitudinal groove 30 extending into the body 22 parallel to the longitudinal axis X, between the upper end 22a and the threaded end 8.

[0203] In practice, the longitudinal groove 30 extends on a plane containing the longitudinal axis X.

[0204] The longitudinal groove 30 is obtained in the body 22 in an angular position corresponding to that of one of the ribs 25; in practice, two ribs 25 present on the inner surface 23a correspond to two longitudinal grooves 30 present on the outer surface 23b. This is shown in the section shown in figure 11.

[0205] As shown in figure 12, the longitudinal groove 30 has a first side 30a shown on the right in figure 12, and a second side 30b shown on the left in figure 12.

[0206] The longitudinal groove 30 opens on one of its two sides, in particular on the second side 30b, in a transverse groove 31 which circumferentially runs along, for a certain length, the body 2 between a first end 31a, at the longitudinal groove 30, and a second end 31 b. The second end 31 b is positioned at the same height, or almost at the same height, as the first end 31a with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0207] In practice, the transverse groove 31 extends on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X.

[0208] In addition to the longitudinal groove 30 and the transverse groove 31 , the profile 29 further comprises a circuit 32, better shown in figures 10 and 14. The circuit 32 is substantially a groove obtained in the body 22 and which originates at the second end 31 b of the transverse groove 31 .

[0209] In practice, the transverse groove 31 puts the longitudinal groove 30 in communication with the circuit 32.

[0210] Mainly, the profile 29 is therefore a groove obtained in the body 22 of the pin 4 and extending in a longitudinal groove 30, in a transverse groove 31 and in a circuit 32.

[0211] As far as the circuit 32 is concerned, the reader is invited to consider figures 10, 12, 11 and 14.

[0212] First, it is possible to note that the circuit 32 runs around a central relief 33 extending in height up to a level of the outer surface 23b.

[0213] Being the groove obtained in the outer surface 23b and around a central relief 33, the circuit 32 has an outer wall 34, at the outer surface 23b, and an inner wall 38, at the central relief 33.

[0214] With particular reference to figure 10, the outer wall 34 can be subdivided into an upper border 34a, a first side border 34b positioned on the right, a lower border 34c and a second side border 34d positioned on the left.

[0215] The upper border 34 has an arc-shaped pattern and comprises, on its top, a seat 60 extending to the proximity of the upper end 22a. The first side border 34b instead has a substantially rectilinear pattern and the circuit 32 opens in the transverse groove 31 thereat.

[0216] The lower border 34c has, running from the first side border 34b to the second side border 34d, a first concavity 35, a cusp 36 and a second concavity 37.

[0217] Finally, the second side border 34d also has a substantially rectilinear pattern parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0218] Instead, as far as the inner wall 38 is concerned, it is possible to note that it comprises an upper portion denoted by the reference 38a in figure 14, a first side portion 38b, a lower portion denoted by the reference 38c in figure 10, and a second side portion 38d.

[0219] The upper portion 38a faces the upper border 34a and slopes down in an inclined direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X, to about the height of the transverse groove 31 . The first side portion 38b and the second side portion 38d face, respectively, the first side border 34b and the transverse groove 31 , and the second side border 34d. They have a substantially rectilinear pattern.

[0220] The lower portion 38c, which instead faces the lower border 34c, extends forming a recess identified with the reference 39 in figure 10, in the central relief 33. The recess 39 extends upward, i.e. towards the upper end 22a, and is, on the inner wall 38, between the first concavity 35 and the second concavity 37 and, more in particular, between the cusp 36 and the second concavity 37.

[0221] Shifting attention to figures 16-19, the ring nut 5 of the shutter 1 is instead described.

[0222] The ring nut 5 is constituted by a ring-shaped body 40 extending along the longitudinal axis X and having an upper edge 40a and a lower edge 40b.

[0223] The body 40 defines a cavity 41 extending from the upper edge 40a to the lower edge 40b at an inner surface 42 of the body 40.

[0224] A series of recesses 43, which circumferentially run along the first edge 40a and which are spaced out by portions 44 of the first edge 40a itself, are obtained at the upper edge 40a in the body 40, at the level of the border of the inner surface 42. In the embodiment described herein, the recesses 43 are four and the portions 44 of the upper border 40a are just as many. Each recess 43 extends for an arc of a circumference which forms an angle slightly less than 90°, so that each portion 44 forms, with the adjacent portions 44, 90° angles.

[0225] Hemispherical, or almost hemispherical, protrusions 45 emerge in a radial and cantilever way from the inner surface 42 towards the longitudinal axis X. The protrusions 45 are positioned below two of the portions 44 of the upper edge 40a.

[0226] They are preferably two and face one another.

[0227] Finally, the shutter further comprises a plug 7 described in detail with reference to figures 20-24. The plug 7 has a substantially cylinder-shaped body 50 extending along the longitudinal axis X between an upper end 50a and a lower end 50b.

[0228] The plug 7 defines therein a housing 51 open at the lower end 50b and closed at the upper end 50a by a wall 52 of the plug 7.

[0229] The body 50 thus has an outer surface 53 and an inner surface 54 at the housing 51 .

[0230] A series of hooking means 55 defining an undercut 56 with the body 50 is provided on the outer surface 53 of the body 50. The hooking means 55 are preferably configured as snap-fit mounting elements positioned at the lower end 50b. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the hooking elements 55 are four and are arranged circumferentially on the body 50, all at the same height and equidistant from one another. Preferably, the hooking means 55 form, two by two, a 90° angle.

[0231] As shown in the figures, a cylinder-shaped stem 57, which is concentric with respect to the body 50, extends from the wall 52 into the housing 51 , along the longitudinal axis X.

[0232] As shown in figure 21 , the stem 57 has an upper end 57a and a lower end 57b: the upper end 57a is located at the wall 52 of the body 50, whereas the lower end 57b extends beyond the lower end 50b of the body 50 and protrudes below from the body 50 itself.

[0233] The stem 57 is hollow, i.e. defines therein a housing which can be considered part of the housing 51 mentioned above. In practice, the stem 50 subdivides the housing 51 into an outer housing 51 a defined between the body 50 and the stem 57, and an inner housing 51 b delimited by the walls of the stem 57 itself.

[0234] The stem 57 has ribs 58 extending cantileverly into the outer housing 51 a, parallel to the longitudinal axis X. Such ribs 58 run along the stem 57 for its entire length and have a dovetail section, as shown in figure 22.

[0235] Preferably, the ribs 58 are four and are arranged circumferentially equidistant from one another, so that a 90° angle is defined between two adjacent ribs 58.

[0236] The assembling of the components described above occurs in the following way, also with reference to figures 3 and 4.

[0237] The ring nut 5 is fitted on the pin 4 by inserting the threaded portion 8 of the pin 4 into the cavity 41 of the ring nut 5 and simultaneously aligning each protrusion 45 of the ring nut 5 with a corresponding longitudinal groove 30 of the pin 4. The ring nut 5 is slid along the pin 4 until the protrusions 45 reach the transverse groove 31 of the pin 4. At this point, the ring nut 5 is rotated with respect to the pin 4 by making the protrusions 45 slide inside the transverse groove 31 until reaching the inside the circuit 32. Once the protrusions are inside the circuit 32, the ring nut 5 is rotated and translated towards the upper end 22a of the pin 4, so that each protrusion 45 is housed in a respective seat 60 of the circuit 32. This way, the teeth 28 of the pin 4 go into abutment in the recesses 43 of the ring nut 5.

[0238] The pin 4 and the ring nut 5 are made so that to allow such an assembly. For example, the body 40 of the ring nut 5 is made so that to allow to fit the ring nut 5 on the pin 4 and to ensure both protrusions 45 can slide at the same time into the profiles 29 of the pin 4.

[0239] The pin 4 and the ring nut 5 thus assembled are inserted into the cavity 12 of the body 2 from the upper end 11a, by aligning the longitudinal grooves 30 with the teeth 16 of the body 2. The pin 4 and the ring nut 5 are thus pushed towards the lower end 11 b and the teeth 16 of the body 2 stay positioned in the longitudinal groove 30, without a possibility of respective rotation between the body 2 and the pin 4 in the longitudinal groove 30.

[0240] The ring nut 5 thus rests on the ring 14 of the body 2, thus going into abutment on the abutment surface 15, so that the pin 4 can protrude below from the body 4, as shown in figures 1 and 2.

[0241] Also in this case, the body 2, the pin 4 and the ring nut 5 are sized to allow this particular assembly.

[0242] At this point, a resilient element 6, for example a spring 6, is housed inside the cavity 24 of the pin 4 and, in particular, in the upper segment 24a of the pin 4.

[0243] The resilient element 6 rests at the central segment 24c of the cavity 24. In particular, the resilient element 6 goes into abutment with an end thereof 6a, shown in figure 4, on the step 27.

[0244] The opposite end of the resilient element 6, i.e. the end 6b, protrudes from the body 2 and the plug 7 is fitted thereat.

[0245] In practice, the stem 57 of the plug 7 is fitted on the resilient element 6 by inserting the end 6b into the inner housing 51 b, so that the resilient element 6 rests against the wall 52 of the plug 7.

[0246] At this point, the plug 7 is pushed towards the body 2 and inserted therein, thus compressing the resilient element 6. In particular, the plug 7 is inserted into the cavity 12 of the body 2 from the upper end 21a, with the pin 4 and the ring nut 5 already therein, by aligning the hooking means 55 of the plug 7 with the grooves 21 of the body 2.

[0247] The plug 7 is thus inserted into the body 2, thus resting against the ring nut 5. This way, the hooking means 55 are inserted with the respective undercuts 56 into the openings 20 of the body 2, thus locking the plug 7 and the pin 4, the ring nut 5 and the resilient element 6 therewith inside the cavity 12 of the body 2.

[0248] In the shutter 1 thus assembled, the resilient element 6 is precompressed and the plug 7 is flush with respect to the upper end 11a of the body 2.

[0249] In light of what is described above, what was mentioned above with reference to the operation of the shutter 1 is clearer: the body 2, with the plug 7 and the ring nut 5, are part of the upper portion 10 and are susceptible to movements towards and away from the pin 4, i.e. from the lower portion 9. In these downward and upward movements, the teeth 16 of the body 2 slide in the longitudinal grooves 30 of the pin 4.

[0250] This way, the upper portion 10 can be lowered and raised with respect to the lower portion 9 to close and open the shutter 1 .

[0251] The shutter 1 moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration whenever a user exerts a first downward pressure, i.e. towards the pin 4, at the plug 7 or body 2 to close the shutter 1 (whenever the shutter 1 is mounted in a drain 200, the pressure can be directly exerted onto the head 207). In this circumstance, the resilient element 6 is compressed.

[0252] The shutter 1 instead moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration whenever a user exerts a second downward pressure at the plug 7 or body 2 (whenever the shutter 1 is mounted in a drain 200, the pressure can be directly exerted onto the head 207) to open the shutter 1 and allow the passage of water inside the drain. In this circumstance, the resilient element 6 extends to raise the upper portion 11 .

[0253] The opening and closing snap mechanism of the shutter 1 , which allows to achieve the snap movement of the shutter 1 itself, is described hereunder with reference to figures 25-36.

[0254] In particular, figures 25-27 show the shutter 1 in the open configuration, with the upper portion 10 raised with respect to the lower portion 9, so that to allow the passage of water inside the drain 200 (not shown in this figures).

[0255] In practice, in this configuration, the pin 4 protrudes from the body 2 with its body portion 22 comprised between the threaded portion 8 and the transverse groove 31 , as shown in figure 25. Moreover, the resilient element 6 is at the maximum extension reached inside the shutter 1 (is anyhow precompressed) and the protrusion 45 of the ring nut 5 is housed inside the seat 60 of the circuit 32, as shown in figure 27.

[0256] With reference to figure 26, it is possible to see that the plug 7 rests on the ring nut 5 which in turn rests on the abutment surface 15 of the ring 14 of the body 2; the plug 7, with the respective wall 52, is spaced from the pin 4, i.e. is not abutting thereon. In fact, the stem 57 of the plug 7 is only partially inserted into the upper segment 24a of the pin 4 and, for this, the outer housing 51a of the plug 7 is free, i.e. no elements are housed therein (the resilient element 6 is instead housed in the inner housing 51 b).

[0257] Whenever a user wishes to prevent the passage of water inside the drain 200, he / she closes the shutter 1 by completely pushing the upper portion 10 of the shutter 1 downward. In practice, to close the shutter 1 , the user exerts a pressure on the plug 7 or body 2 in the direction denoted by the arrow in figure 27, towards the threaded portion 8 of the pin 4.

[0258] As a result of the pressure exerted, the upper portion 10 lowers completely on the pin 4, with the downward sliding of the body 2 and the ring nut 5 on the pin 4. As shown in figure 29, the plug 7 lowers and goes into abutment, or almost, with its wall 52 on the upper end 22a of the pin 4. This way, the stem 57 of the plug 7 is completely inserted into the upper segment 24a of the cavity 24 of the pin 4 until almost going into abutment with the lower end 57b at the central segment 24c of the pin 4. Consequently, the outer housing 51a of the plug 7 is no longer free but is occupied by the pin 4.

[0259] This way, the upper portion 10 reaches the position of maximum lowering on the lower portion 9. Such position is in fact shown in figures 28-30.

[0260] It is possible to see that, in this circumstance, only the threaded portion 8 protrudes from the body 2 (the lower end 11 b of the body 2 is in the proximity of the threaded end 8) and that the resilient element 6 reaches the maximum compression.

[0261] Moreover, due to the thrust exerted, the ring nut 5 slides on the pin 4 until resting with its protrusion 45 in the first concavity 35, as shown in figure 30.

[0262] In this movement, it should be noted that the respective position between the body 2, the ring nut 5 and the plug 7 does not change: what changes is the position of these components with respect to the pin 4.

[0263] Once the pressure exerted by the user ends, the shutter 1 goes into the closed configuration shown in figures 31-33.

[0264] In this configuration, the shutter 1 does not allow the passage of water inside the drain 200. By comparing figure 25, which shows the shutter 1 in the open configuration, and figure 31 , which shows the shutter 1 in the closed configuration, it is evident that in the latter configuration the upper portion 10 is really in a lowered position with respect to the lower portion 9. In fact, the pin 4 of the shutter 1 in the closed configuration protrudes less from the body 2 than when the shutter 1 is in the open configuration.

[0265] Contrarily, by comparing figure 28, which shows the upper portion 10 in the position of maximum lowering on the portion 9, and figure 31 , it is evident that the pin 4 of the shutter in the closed configuration protrudes more from the body 2 than when the upper portion 10 is completely pushed downward. In fact, in figure 31 , it is possible to see that, in addition to the threaded portion 8, part of the body 22 of the pin 4 also protrudes from the body 2.

[0266] In this configuration, the resilient element 6 is more compressed than when the shutter 1 is in the open configuration and the stem 57 is not completely housed in the upper segment 24a of the cavity 24 of the pin 4. It should further be noted that the outer housing 51a of the plug 7 is only partially occupied by the pin 4. In fact, there is a free space 61 , shown in figure 32, between the pin 4 and the wall 52 of the plug 7.

[0267] As shown in figure 33, whenever the shutter 1 is in the closed configuration, the protrusion 45 of the ring nut 5 is in abutment in the recess 39 of the central relief 33 of the circuit 32. In practice, after the shutter 1 is completely pushed downward by the user, it goes into the closed configuration, due to the upward thrust of the resilient element 6, and stays in the closed configuration (until the user exerts a second downward thrust) because the protrusion 45 in abutment on the recess 39 counteracts the upward thrust of the resilient element 6.

[0268] To bring the shutter 1 back to the open configuration, the user must push the upper portion 10 downward again, in the direction denoted by the arrow in figure 33; this way, the upper portion 10 is brought to the completely lowered position again, as shown in figures 34-36.

[0269] The axial position of the upper portion 10 with respect to the lower portion 9 is similar to the one described with reference to figures 28-30.

[0270] However, it is possible to note, by comparing figure 30 and figure 36, that, in response to the second downward thrust exerted by the user, the upper portion 10 goes to the completely lowered position with the protrusion 45 of the ring nut 5 in abutment in the second concavity 37 of the pin 4, instead of the first concavity 35.

[0271] When the user interrupts the downward thrust on the upper portion 10, the latter goes back to the raised position shown in figures 25-27, thanks to the upward thrust exerted by the resilient element 6.

[0272] As can be understood from what is described above, the path traveled by the protrusion 45 of the ring nut 5 in the circuit 32 of the pin 4 is strictly related to the shape of the outer wall 34 and inner wall 38 of the circuit 32 itself.

[0273] Specifically, starting from the shutter in the open configuration shown in figure 27, whenever the user exerts a first pressure onto the upper portion 10, the ring nut 5 slides downward in the circuit 32 with the protrusion 45; in particular, the protrusion 45 comes out of the seat 60, thus going into abutment on the upper portion 38a of the central relief 33.

[0274] Since the upper portion 38a has a pattern sloping down in the direction of the side border 34b, the protrusion 45 follows the pattern of such portion and reaches the abutment on the lower border 34c of the outer wall 34, at the side border 34b. Since the lower border 34c runs downward in the first concavity 35, the protrusion 45 follows such profile, precisely resting in the first concavity 35, as shown in figure 30.

[0275] Once the thrust exerted by the user is over, the ring nut 5 raises axially with respect to the pin 4, due to the upward thrust exerted by the resilient element 6. The protrusion 45 thus goes into abutment on the lower border 38c of the inner wall 38 which turns upward inside the recess 39. Thus, the protrusion 45 runs along the lower border 38c and rests inside the recess 39, as shown in figure 33, so that to keep the shutter 1 in the locked configuration.

[0276] Whenever the user exerts a second downward thrust on the upper portion 10 to open the shutter 1 , the ring nut 5 lowers with respect to the pin 4 and the protrusion 45 rests on the cusp 36 which, by sloping down towards the second concavity 37, leads the protrusion 45 into the second concavity 37, as shown in figure 36.

[0277] Once such second downward thrust is over, the resilient element 6 pushes the upper portion 10 upward; the ring nut 5 thus slides upward on the pin 4 and the protrusion 45 runs along the circuit 32, passing between the second side border 34d of the outer wall and the side portion 38d of the inner wall, until reaching the upper border 34a and resting in the seat 60.

[0278] The path traveled by the protrusion 45 in the circuit 32 does not only depend on the downward or upward movements of the ring nut along the longitudinal axis with respect to the pin 4 but also occurs because the ring nut 5 can rotate on the longitudinal axis X with respect to the pin 4.

[0279] The upper portion can be locked in the raised, or almost raised, position with respect to the lower portion. In practice, the shutter is set up to move to a locked configuration, i.e. in a configuration in which the upper portion 10 is locked axially on the lower portion 9.

[0280] In this configuration, the shutter 1 allows the passage of water inside the drain but is prevented from moving to the closed configuration in response to a possible downward thrust exerted onto the upper portion 10. In particular, the shutter 1 in the locked configuration is shown in figures

[0281] 37-41 .

[0282] By comparing figure 25, which shows the shutter 1 in the open configuration, and figure 37, which shows the shutter 1 in the locked configuration, it is possible to note that, when the shutter 1 is in the locked configuration, the upper portion 10 is slightly lowered on the lower portion 9 and rotated with respect to the lower portion 9 itself.

[0283] In fact, in figure 37, it is possible to see that the body 2 is lowered on the pin 4, thus hiding the transverse groove 31 from the outside (in figure 25, the transverse groove 31 is instead visible).

[0284] In practice, the upper portion 10 is in an intermediate position between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0285] Even if the upper portion 10 is slightly lowered with respect to when the shutter 1 is in the open configuration, it is anyhow possible to consider the shutter 1 open also when it is in the locked configuration.

[0286] Moreover, in figure 37, it is also possible to note that the opening 20 is not aligned with the longitudinal groove 30 but is displaced to the left, indicating that the body 2, and in general the upper portion 10, has rotated on the left with respect to the pin 4, clockwise when looking at the shutter 1 from above.

[0287] In particular, as shown in figures 38-41 , in the shutter 1 in the locked configuration, the upper portion 10 is locked inside the lower portion 9 at the tooth 16 of the body 2, which thus acts as an engaging portion for engaging the upper portion 10 in the lower portion 9.

[0288] In practice, the tooth 16 of the body 2 is inserted into the transverse groove 31 of the pin 4, thus preventing the body 2 and the other components of the upper portion 10 to move axially, upward or downward, along the longitudinal axis X.

[0289] This can be seen, for example, in figure 41 , in which it is evident that the tooth 16 is engaged in the transverse groove 31 and not in the longitudinal groove 30. Instead, whenever the shutter 1 is in the open configuration or in the closed configuration, the tooth 16 is positioned in the longitudinal groove 30, with the possibility of sliding downward and upward in the longitudinal groove 30 during the closing and opening movements of the shutter 1.

[0290] In practice, the shutter 1 in the locked configuration allows the passage of water inside the drain and stays in such configuration also whenever an intentional or accidental pressure is exerted onto the plug 7 or body 2.

[0291] This can be seen in figure 40, in which a shutter 1 in the locked configuration and mounted in a drain 200 is shown. It is possible to see that the head 207 is raised with respect to the rosette 204 and that the sealing element 208 does not cooperate with the body 201 of the drain 200 to close the passage of the water. This indicates that, in the locked configuration, the shutter 1 anyhow allows the water to drain from the sanitary fixture, even when the upper portion 10 is slightly lowered on the lower portion 9 in this configuration.

[0292] Moreover, in figure 30, it is possible to note that the protrusion 45 is outside the seat 60 and not in abutment against one of the walls of the circuit 32, thus demonstrating that the lock of the shutter 1 is independent of the closing and opening snap mechanism described above.

[0293] The fact that the shutter can move to a locked configuration allows to prevent the shutter 1 from being accidentally closed by a user. For example, whenever washing dishes in a sink, the user does not want to run the risk of water accumulating, he / she just has to bring the shutter to the locked configuration, so that to prevent it from closing inadvertently.

[0294] Or, bringing the shutter 1 to the locked configuration is advantageous whenever at home, at school or in other places attended by children, there is the risk that they close shutter while simultaneously leaving the tap open: bringing the shutter 1 to the locked configuration ensures to drain the water from the sink without the risk of overflowing from the sink.

[0295] In order to lock the shutter 1 , starting from the shutter in the open configuration, it is sufficient to gently push the upper portion 10 downward and to then rotate the same clockwise, or it is possible to push the upper portion 10 and to rotate it clockwise.

[0296] This way, the tooth 16 of the body 2 initially engaged inside the longitudinal groove 30 migrates into the transverse groove 31 , inside which it stays until the user provides to rotate the upper portion 10 anticlockwise.

[0297] Alternatively, it is possible to implement the transverse groove 31 at a height, with respect to the longitudinal groove 30, so that it is sufficient to rotate the upper portion 10 without having to push it downward for a short length to lock the shutter 1.

[0298] In substance, it is sufficient to provide the upper portion 10 rotatable with respect to the lower portion 9, in an angular position corresponding to a locked configuration.

[0299] Finally, to unlock the shutter 1 , it is sufficient to rotate the upper portion anticlockwise, so that to make the tooth 16 travel the path backwards; in practice, in response to the anticlockwise rotation, the tooth 16 comes out of the transverse groove 31 and returns to the longitudinal groove 30, so that to allow the closing and opening movements of the shutter 1 .

[0300] The reader is now invited to shift his / her attention to figures 43-78, which, as mentioned, describe a second embodiment constituting a shutter T made according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0301] It is specified that, unless stated otherwise, what is set forth above with reference to the shutter 1 can be extended to the shutter T.

[0302] The shutter T can be mounted in a drain of a sink of the type shown in figures 75-78, which precisely depict an assembly comprising a drain 200 with a shutter T integrated therein.

[0303] The drain 200 shown in these figures is made in a known way, as described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0304] The shutter T can be described in its general aspects with reference to figures 43 and 44.

[0305] The shutter 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X’ and comprises a shutter body 2’, henceforth simply identified as body 2’. The body 2’ is provided with hooking means 3’ which are intended to be coupled to a head 207 shown in figures 75-78.

[0306] The head 207 is set up to go into abutment on the rosette 204 whenever the shutter 1 lowers to close the mouth 205.

[0307] As will be set forth with reference to the subsequent figures, it is disclosed that the shutter T further comprises, in addition to the body 2’, a pin 4’, a ring nut 5’, a resilient element 6’, a plug 7’ and an insert 115’.

[0308] The reader is now invited to shift his / her attention to figures 43 and 44, from which it is evident that the ring nut 5’, the resilient element 6’, the insert 115’ and the plug 7’ stay completely housed inside the body 2’, whereas the pin 4’ protrudes below from the body 2’, at least for a part corresponding to a threaded portion 8’ of the pin 4’ itself.

[0309] As shown in figures 76 and 78, the threaded portion 8’ is set up to be screwed into a corresponding hole of the fastening means 206 of the drain 200.

[0310] Figures 43 and 44 show, respectively, the shutter in the open configuration and in the closed configuration.

[0311] Similarly to what is described for the shutter T, it is possible to identify in the shutter T:

[0312] - a lower, stationary, portion denoted by the reference number 9’, and

[0313] - an upper, movable, portion denoted by the reference number 10’ and which is susceptible to movements between a raised position, with respect to the lower portion 9’, corresponding to the shutter opened, and a lowered position corresponding to the shutter closed.

[0314] The components of the shutter T mentioned above and their interconnections will be described hereunder.

[0315] In particular, the body 2’ is shown in detail in figures 45-47.

[0316] The body 2’ is cylinder-shaped and extends along the longitudinal axis X between an upper end 11 ’, at which the hooking means 3’ are present, and a lower end 1T b. The body 2’ is hollow, i.e. has a cavity 12’ extending along the longitudinal axis X’ at an inner surface 13’ of the body 2’.

[0317] At the inner surface 13’, the lower end 11’b has at least one tooth 16’ radially jutting out towards the longitudinal axis X’, i.e. jutting out into the cavity 12’.

[0318] As shown in figure 47 (which shows the body 2’ from above), in the embodiment shown herein, the teeth 16’ are four and are positioned circumferentially and equidistant from one another on the body 2’.

[0319] Moreover, an interstice 10T is defined between each tooth 16’ and the adjacent one; thus, in all, four interstices 10T are defined and, running along the circumference defined by the body 2’, a tooth 16’ and an interstice 10T are alternated.

[0320] By focusing the attention on figure 46, which shows a sectional view considered with respect to the plane AB-AB of figure 45, it is possible to note that a seat 103’ is obtained at the upper surface 102’ of each tooth 16’. The seats 103’ are also shown in figure 47.

[0321] On the outer surface 14’ of the body 2’, as mentioned above, the body 2’ has hooking means 3’, or flaps, set up to be coupled to a head 207; such hooking means are configured as snap-fit mounting elements and define an undercut 15’ with the outer surface 14’.

[0322] The hooking means 3’ are four and are arranged on the outer surface 14’ in angular positions corresponding to those of the interstices 10T, as shown in the top view of figure 47.

[0323] Grooves 104’ extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X’, between the hooking means 3’ and the lower end 11 ’b, are further obtained on the outer surface 14’.

[0324] Finally, it is possible to note that, at the upper end 11 ’a, the body 2’ has a ring 105’ jutting out cantileverly from the outer surface 14’ and delimiting the upper border of the body 2’ itself. From figures 45 and 46, it can be seen that the hooking means 3’ are constrained to the body 2’ just at the ring 105’. In figures 45 and 46, it is possible to note that, at the ring 105’, openings 20’ are obtained in the body 2’. In practice, the openings 20’ are through holes, preferably with rectangular section, which cross the body 2’ radially. In the embodiment shown herein, the openings 20’ are four and are all obtained in the body 2’, at the same height and equidistant from one another. In practice, a 90° angle is identified between an opening 20’ and the adjacent one. Preferably, the openings 20’ are obtained in the body 2’ at the same angular position, with respect to the longitudinal axis X, of the seats 103’.

[0325] By shifting the attention to figure 46, which shows a section of the body 2’ considered with respect to the plane AB-AB of figure 45, the body 2’ will be described below with respect to the inner surface 13’.

[0326] At the inner surface 13’, the ring 105’ extends between an upper border of the body 2’ and an abutment surface 17’ shown in figure 47.

[0327] Moreover, in figures 46 and 47, it is possible to see that, still at the inner surface 13’, the ring 105’ has grooves 18’ extending, for a certain length, from the upper border up to almost the abutment surface 17’. In the embodiment shown herein, the grooves 18’ are four and are provided in an angular position corresponding to that of the interstices 10T.

[0328] On the inner surface 13’, between the abutment surface 17’ and the teeth 16’, a profile 106’ obtained cantileverly on the inner surface 13’ itself, is provided.

[0329] The profile 106’ can be appreciated, in elevation, in the section shown in figure 46 and, from the top, in figure 47.

[0330] We reveal that such profile 106’ is one of the components of the opening and closing snap mechanism mentioned above and which will be described more in detail hereunder.

[0331] The profile 106’ is defined at one or more reliefs 107’ and at one or more respective circumferential extensions 112’.

[0332] In fact, the profile 106’ comprises one or more reliefs 107’, or ridges, jutting out from the inner surface 13’ of the body 2 towards the longitudinal axis X’.

[0333] Each relief 107’ has a first, left, side border 111 ’a and a second, right, side border 111 ’b; such borders are parallel to the longitudinal axis X’. Each relief 107’ further has an upper edge 108’ and a lower edge positioned at the lower end 9’ of the body 2’.

[0334] Each relief 107’ further has a circumferential extension 112’ at its lower portion. Each circumferential extension 112’ connects the second side border 111 ’ b of the relief 107’ with the first side border 111 ’a of the adjacent relief 106’.

[0335] As shown in figure 46, each circumferential extension 112’ also in turn has an upper edge 109’ inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0336] In practice, the reliefs 107’ and the respective circumferential extensions 112’ constitute a plateau, in relief with respect to the inner surface 13’, jutting out towards the longitudinal axis X’.

[0337] From an operative viewpoint, the upper edge 108’ of the reliefs 107’ can also be identified as the upper seat of the profile 106’, whereas the upper edge 109’ of the circumferential extensions 112’ can be identified as the lower seat of the profile 106’.

[0338] As shown in figure 46, the upper seats and lower seats are arranged circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis X’, alternating an upper edge 108’ with an upper edge 109’.

[0339] Each upper edge 108’ and each upper edge 109’ extends along about a 45° angle with respect to the longitudinal axis X’.

[0340] As mentioned above, the upper edges 108’ and 109’ are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X’.

[0341] Each upper edge 108’ has an initial section 108’a and an end section 108’b; similarly, each upper edge 109’ has an initial section 109’a and an end section 109’b. The upper edges 108’ and 109’ slope down downward from the corresponding initial section 108’a, 109’a to the corresponding end section 108’b, 109’b.

[0342] In figure 46 it is possible to see that, at the end section 108’b of each upper edge 108’, the profile 106’ has a step 110’ which is configured as an upward extension of the respective relief 107’.

[0343] Recalling that the reliefs 107’ jut out from the inner surface 13’ towards the longitudinal axis X’, as shown in figure 46, the portion of inner surface 13’ delimited between an upper edge 109’, a second border 111 ’b of a relief 107’ and a first border 111’a of an adjacent relief 107’ is configured as a groove 113’.

[0344] In practice, the grooves 113’ are guide portions to / from the lower seats.

[0345] In an alternative embodiment, the body 2’ has an outer shape similar to that of the body 2 described with reference to the first embodiment.

[0346] Figures 48 and 49 instead show the pin 4’.

[0347] The pin 4’ has a substantially cylinder-shaped body 22’ extending along the longitudinal axis X’ between an upper end 22’a and a lower end 22’b. As mentioned above, the pin 4’ has a threaded portion 8’ positioned at the lower end 22’b, by means of which the shutter T is fixed in a drain 200.

[0348] The body 22’ of the pin 4’ is hollow and has an inner surface 23’a and an outer surface 23’b.

[0349] At the inner surface 23’a, the body defines a cavity 24’ extending from the upper end 22’a to the lower end 22’b along the longitudinal axis X’.

[0350] With particular reference to figure 49, it is possible to see that the cavity 24’ extends in an upper segment 24’a and in a lower segment 24’b; the upper segment 24’a has a greater diameter than the lower segment 24’b.

[0351] At the sectional narrowing from the upper segment 24’a to the lower segment 24’b, the inner surface 23’a has a step 27’, or abutment surface 27’, extending ring-shaped with respect to the longitudinal axis X’.

[0352] Shifting attention to the outer surface 23’b of the pin 4’, it can be noted that the pin 4’, at the upper end 22’a, has a ring 28’ extending in a radial and cantilever way from the body 22’, away from the longitudinal axis X’.

[0353] Between the ring 28’ and the threaded portion 8’, the outer surface 23’b has ribs 25’ running along it, in relief, parallel to the longitudinal axis X’.

[0354] In the embodiment shown herein, the ribs 25’ are four and are obtained on the outer surface 23’b, so that a 90° angle is defined between two adjacent ribs 25’.

[0355] Each rib 25’ has two segments: a first segment 25’a proximal to the ring 28’ and a second segment 25’b distal with respect to the ring 28’.

[0356] The first segment 25’a is preferably made integral with the ring 28’, whereas the second segment 25’b runs along the body 22’ to the proximity of the threaded portion 8’.

[0357] An interstice, configured as a transverse groove 3T, i.e. extending transversally to the longitudinal axis X’, is defined between the first segment 25’a and the second segment 25’b.

[0358] The transverse groove 3T can be considered “transverse” also with respect to a corresponding longitudinal groove 30’ delimited by two adjacent ribs 25’; more in particular, a longitudinal groove 30’ is delimited on the sides between the second segments 25’b of two adjacent grooves 25’.

[0359] For example, two longitudinal grooves 30’ and three transverse grooves 3T are shown in figure 48.

[0360] From the figure, it is possible to also appreciate that there are no interruptions between the longitudinal grooves 30’ and the transverse grooves 31’.

[0361] With reference to figures 50 and 51 , the insert 115’ will be described hereunder.

[0362] We reveal that the insert 115’ is defined as such due to the fact that, in the shutter assembled, it is intended to be inserted into the cavity 24’ of the pin 4’.

[0363] The insert 115’ has a substantially cylinder-shaped body 116’ extending along the longitudinal axis X’ between an upper end 116’a and a lower end 116’b.

[0364] The body 116’ is hollow, i.e. defines a cavity 117’ extending from the upper end 116’a to the lower end 116’b along the longitudinal axis X’.

[0365] With particular reference to figure 51 , it is possible to see that the cavity 117’ has an upper segment 117’a and a lower segment 117’b; the upper segment 117’a has a greater diameter than the lower segment 117’b.

[0366] At the sectional narrowing from the upper segment 117’a to the lower segment 117’b, the insert 115’a has a step 118’, or abutment surface 118’, extending ring-shaped with respect to the longitudinal axis X’.

[0367] Outside, it can be noted that the insert 115’, at the upper end 116’a, has a ring 119’ extending in a radial and cantilever way from the body 116’, away from the longitudinal axis X’.

[0368] Shifting attention to figures 52 and 53, the ring nut 5’ of the shutter T is instead described.

[0369] The ring nut 5’ is constituted by a ring-shaped body 40’ extending circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis X’. The ring nut 5’ has an upper edge 40’a and a lower edge 40’b.

[0370] The body 40’ defines a cavity 4T extending from the upper edge 40’a to the lower edge 40’b at an inner surface of the body 40’.

[0371] With particular reference to figure 53, it is possible to see that the cavity 4T has an upper segment 41’a and a lower segment 41’b; the upper segment 4T has a greater diameter than the lower segment 41’b.

[0372] At the sectional narrowing from the upper segment 41’a to the lower segment 41’b, the ring nut 5’ has a step 42’, or abutment surface 42’, extending ring-shaped with respect to the longitudinal axis X’.

[0373] On the outer surface 43’, the ring nut 5’ is provided with triangle-shaped teeth 44’ provided in relief on the outer surface 43’ itself.

[0374] Preferable, the ring nut 5’ has four teeth 44’ arranged circumferentially with respect to the longitudinal axis X’, in a position equidistant from one another so that a 90° angle is defined between two teeth 44’ positioned adjacent to one another.

[0375] Being triangle-shaped, each teeth 44’ has three sides 45’a, 45’b and 45’c; as shown in figure 52, the teeth 44’ have the shape of an isosceles triangle in which the base is the side 45’a and in which the vertex opposite the base is identified with reference number 46’.

[0376] The side 45’a extends parallel to the axis X’ from the upper edge 40’a to the lower edge 40’b, so that the vertex 46’ is positioned at about halfway between the upper edge 40’a and the lower edge 40’b.

[0377] The teeth 44’ are all oriented in the same direction; for example, with reference to figure 52, it is possible to see that each tooth 44’ has the side 45’a positioned to the left and the vertex 46’ positioned to the right.

[0378] Finally, the shutter further comprises a plug 7’ described in detail with reference to figures 54-55. The plug 7’ has a circular-shaped base 50’, with geometric center on the longitudinal axis X’.

[0379] The upper surface 51’a of the base 50’ is flat, whereas, at the lower surface 51’b, the plug 7’ has a stem 57’ extending on the longitudinal axis X’ between a proximal end 57’a and a distal end 57’b tapered downward. Four ribs 58’, which run along the entire length of the stem 57’, are present on the stem 57’; each rib 58’ defines a 90° angle with an adjacent rib 58’.

[0380] The base 50’ is provided with a circular perimeter border 52’ extending downward. Such perimeter border 52’ has an outer surface 52’a, at which a series of hooking means 53’ is provided, and an inner surface 52’b, at which a notched profile 54’ is present. The notched profile 54’ is in relief and juts out towards the longitudinal axis X’; it also circumferentially runs along the perimeter border 52’ itself.

[0381] The notched profile 54’ is constituted by a series of tooth-shaped elements 55’ having a side border 56’a, which originates from the base 50’ and extends downward and parallel to the longitudinal axis X’, and a lower border 56’b, which originates from the side border 56’a and extends inclined, with respect to the longitudinal axis X’, to the base 50’.

[0382] The tooth-shaped elements 55’ follow one another circumferentially without interruptions. In the embodiment shown herein, the notched profile 54’ comprises 8 tooth-shaped elements 55’.

[0383] In an alternative embodiment, the plug 7’ has an outer shape similar to that of the plug 7 described in the first embodiment.

[0384] The assembly of the components described above occurs in the following way.

[0385] The insert 115’ is inserted into the ring nut 5’, thus going into abutment with the ring 119’ on the step 42’ of the ring nut 5’.

[0386] The insert 115’ and the ring nut 5’ thus combined are assembled to the pin 4’ by inserting the body 116’ of the insert 115’ (which protrudes bellow from the ring nut 5’) into the cavity 24’ of the pin, until the lower end 116’b of the insert 115’ goes into abutment on the step 27’ of the pin 4’.

[0387] This way, the ring nut 5’ is in abutment on the upper end 22’a of the pin 4’ and the upper end 116’a of the insert 115’ is flush with respect to the upper end 40’a of the ring nut 5’.

[0388] The ring nut 5’ assembled between the pin 4’ and the insert 115’, as described above, is susceptible to rotations on the longitudinal axis X, in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first.

[0389] In the shutter T completely assembled, however, the ring nut 5’ rotates in only one direction.

[0390] Such assembly is housed in the body 2’ taking care to align:

[0391] - the angular position of the ribs 25’ of the pin 4’ with the angular position of the interstices 10T delimited between the teeth 16’ of the body 2’, and

[0392] - the angular position of the teeth 44’ of the ring nut 5’ with the upper edge 109’ of the circumferential extensions 112’ of the body 2’.

[0393] This way, the ring nut 5’ goes into abutment in the body 2’ precisely at the upper edges 109’ and the pin 4’ protrudes below from the body 2’ with its body portion 22' comprising the threaded portion 8’ and the second segments 25’b of the ribs 25’. In practice, the lower end 11’b of the body 2’ is at the same height, or flush, with respect to the first segments 25’a of the ribs 25’ of the pin 4’.

[0394] At this point, a resilient element 6’, for example a spring visible for example in figure 57, is housed in the insert 115’. In practice, the resilient element 6’ is in abutment on the step 118’ of the insert 115’ and protrudes with respect to the upper end 11 ’a of the body 2 before the plug 7’ is also assembled.

[0395] Whenever the stem 57’ of the plug T is inserted into the resilient element 6’ at the opposite end with respect to the insert 115’, one proceeds by compressing the resilient element 6’ until the base 50’ is flush with respect to the upper end 11 ’a of the body 2’. In this circumstance, the hooking means 53’ of the plug 7’ are coupled, by interference, to the grooves 18’ and openings 20’ provided on the ring 105’ of the body 2’, so that the plug 7’ stays housed in the body 2’ and isn’t pushed upward by the resilient element 6’ which is preloaded in the shutter T.

[0396] A shutter T in the open configuration is thus obtained, shown in elevation in figure 43 and in section in figure 57.

[0397] Similarly to what is described with reference to the first embodiment, the body 2’, the plug 7’, the ring nut 5’ and the insert 115’ are part of the upper portion 10’ and are susceptible to movements towards and away from the pin 4’, i.e. from the lower portion 9’. In these downward and upward movements, the teeth 16’ of the body 2’ slide between the ribs 25’ of the pin 4’, i.e. in the longitudinal grooves 30’ of the pin 4’.

[0398] This way, the upper portion 10’ can be lowered and raised with respect to the lower portion 9’ to close and open the shutter T.

[0399] The shutter T moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration whenever a user exerts a first downward pressure, i.e. towards the pin 4’, at the plug 7’ or body 2’ to close the shutter T (whenever the shutter T is mounted in a drain 200, the pressure can be directly exerted onto the head 207). In this circumstance, the resilient element 6’ is compressed.

[0400] The shutter 1 ' instead moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration whenever a user exerts a second downward pressure at the plug 7’ or body 2’ (whenever the shutter T is mounted in a drain 200, the pressure can be directly exerted on the head 207) to open the shutter T and allow the passage of water inside the drain. In this circumstance, the resilient element 6’ extends to raise the upper portion 11’.

[0401] In practice, the user must push the upper portion 10’ downward, i.e. towards the lower portion 9’, both to close and open the shutter T.

[0402] In the translation movements along the longitudinal axis X’, the upper portion 10 is guided on the lower portion 9’ in the longitudinal grooves 30’ of the pin 4’. In particular, the teeth 16’ of the body 2 slide inside the longitudinal grooves 30’.

[0403] By comparing figure 43, which shows the shutter T in the open configuration, and figure 44, which shows the shutter T in the closed configuration, it is possible to appreciate that, in the closed configuration, the pin 4’ is housed in the body 2’ until almost at the threaded portion 8’.

[0404] The opening and closing snap mechanism of the shutter T can be illustrated with reference to figures 43, 44 and 56-64.

[0405] The shutter T in the open configuration is shown in elevation in figure 43, from the bottom in figure 56, in section with respect to the plane AJ-AJ of figure 43 in figure 57 and in section with respect to the plane AK-AK of figure 43 in figure 58.

[0406] In figure 56, it is possible to see that the pin 4’ and the body 2’ were not rotated one with respect to the other. In fact, the ribs 25’ are in the same angular position as that of the hooking means 3’ of the body 2’.

[0407] In figure 57, the pin 4’ is shown rested on the teeth 16’ with its ring 28’; in particular, an interstice, between the ring 28’ and the teeth 16’, corresponding to the seat 103’ shown in figures 46 and 47 can be noted.

[0408] In figure 58, it can be seen that, in the shutter in the open configuration, the tooth 44’ of ring nut 5’ is in abutment (due to the preload of the resilient element 6’) on the upper edge 109’ of the circumferential extensions 112’ of the profile 106’ of the body 2’. In practice, the tooth 44’ is positioned in the lower seat of the profile 106’, whereas the upper edge 108’ is not engaged by the teeth 44’.

[0409] In this figure and in the subsequent ones, all the teeth 44’ or all the upper edges 108’ or 109’ are not shown, it is however clear that what is shown and described for only one tooth 44’ or only one upper edge 109’ can be considered valid also for all the others.

[0410] Figures 59-61 instead show the shutter T in the completely lowered, or snap, configuration. A user pushes the upper portion 10’ into the completely lowered position on the portion 9’ whenever he / she wishes to close the shutter T, or whenever he / she wishes to open the shutter T after having closed it.

[0411] The shutter T in the snap configuration is shown in elevation in figure 59, in section with respect to the plane AN-AN of figure 59 in figure 60 and in section with respect to the plane AM-AM of figure 59 in figure 61 .

[0412] By comparing the shutter T in figure 59 with the shutter T in the closed configuration of figure 44, it is possible to see that indeed, in the shutter T in the snap configuration, the pin 4’ protrudes less from the body 2’ than in the closed configuration.

[0413] From the section shown in figure 60, it can be appreciated that, in the snap configuration, the pin 4’ is no longer in abutment on the teeth 16’ of the body 2’ and with respect to which teeth the ring 28’ of the pin 4' is instead distal.

[0414] The ring 28’, the ring nut 5’ and the insert 115’ are instead in the position proximal to the plug 7’, away from the pin 4’.

[0415] In fact, from the section of figure 61 it is evident that, in the snap configuration, the teeth 44’ of the ring nut 5’ are in the proximity of the notched profile 54’ of the plug 7’. In particular, in this figure, the tooth 44’ is shown just before going into abutment on the notched profile 54’.

[0416] In practice, by pushing the shutter in the snap configuration, the tooth 44’ moves away from the upper edge 109’ and runs along the groove 113’ and away from the upper edge 109’ until going into abutment, with its side 45’c, on the lower border 56’b of the tooth-shaped element 55’ depicted in figure 61 .

[0417] The tooth 44' is made complementary to the notched profile 54’. i.e. the respective borders are inclined of the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis X’. Once the shutter T has been brought to a completely lowered position, the tooth 44’ slides on the lower border 56’b until resting against the side border 56’a.

[0418] The tooth-shaped element 55’ is in a different angular position with respect to the upper edge 109’, thus the fact that the tooth 44’ slides on the tooth-shaped element 55’ reveals that the ring nut 5’, on which the tooth 44’ is provided, rotates with respect to the longitudinal axis X’, on the insert 115’.

[0419] The snap configuration is an intermediate configuration between the open configuration and the closed one.

[0420] Above, a comparison has already been made between the shutter T shown in figure 44 (in the closed configuration) and the shutter T shown in figure 43 (in the open configuration) and in figure 59 (in the snap configuration).

[0421] With reference to figures 62-64, we will try to describe the shutter T in the closed configuration more in detail.

[0422] First, in the bottom view of figure 62, it is possible to see that the angular position of the pin 4’, with respect to the body 2’, is not changed if compared to the angular position of these same components in figure 56; this implies that, in the passage from the open configuration to the closed configuration, and vice- versa, there is no respective rotation between the pin 4’ and the body 2’.

[0423] In the sectional view of figure 63, which corresponds to the sectional view according to the plane AP-AP of figure 44, it is possible to observe that the ring nut 5’, the pin 4’ and the insert 115’ are, with respect to the plug 7’, in an intermediate position between that of the shutter T in the open configuration, shown in figure 57, and the one in the snap configuration, shown in figure 60.

[0424] In practice, the ring nut 5’, with its respective teeth 44’, is not in abutment on the notched profile 54’ of the plug 7’ but is separated therefrom.

[0425] In fact, as shown in figure 64, which shows a section of the shutter T in the closed configuration considered with respect to the plane AR-AR of figure 44, the tooth 44’ of the ring nut 5’ is in abutment on the upper edge 108’, i.e. is housed in the upper seat of the profile 106’ and spaced with respect to the notched profiled 54’ of the plug 7’.

[0426] In practice, after the tooth 44’ was pushed into abutment on the toothshaped element 55’ due to the thrust exerted by the resilient element 6’, the tooth 44’ translates in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X’ until going into abutment on the upper edge 108’ positioned immediately below the side border 56’a.

[0427] Since the upper edge 108’ has an inclination complementary to that of the side 45’b of the tooth 44’, once the tooth 44’ has rested on the upper edge 108’, it translates, always due to the thrust exerted by the resilient element 6’, in abutment on the step 110’, against which it stops, thus keeping the shutter T in the closed configuration.

[0428] Also in this case, the tooth 44’ translates to an angular position different from the one previously assumed in the snap configuration and this is in fact allowed because the ring nut 5’ is provided rotatable, with respect to the insert 115’, on the longitudinal axis X’.

[0429] To bring back the shutter T to the open configuration, the user must exert a second pressure on the plug 7’ so that to bring back the shutter T to the snap configuration. In this circumstance, the tooth 44’ returns into abutment on the notched profile 54’ but on a tooth-shaped element 55’a subsequent to the one denoted by the reference number 55’ in figure 64.

[0430] Similarly to what is described above, once rested on the tooth-shaped element 55’a, the tooth 44’ is intended to translate up to the respective side border (with a further consequent rotation of the ring nut 5’) and, once the force exerted by the user is completed, the tooth 44’ translates away from the plug 7’, thus in abutment against the upper edge of the circumferential extension 112’ following the one shown in figure 58.

[0431] In practice, recalling the reciprocal arrangement of the upper edges 109’ and 108’ with respect to the longitudinal axis X’, the ring nut 5’ performs a 45° rotation, for example clockwise, in the switching of the shutter T from the open configuration to the closed configuration. By pushing the shutter T to the open configuration again, the ring nut 5’ performs a further 45° rotation in the same direction as the previous one.

[0432] This opening and closing snap mechanism is alternative and preferred over the one described in the first embodiment and allows to open and close the shutter more simply and quickly than the solutions described above with reference to the known art, which provide, in order to open and close the shutter itself, to reciprocally rotate the upper portion with respect to the lower portion.

[0433] Similarly to what is set forth in regard to the first embodiment, the shutter T also allows to lock the upper portion 10’ in the raised position. In practice, the shutter T is set up to move to a locked configuration, i.e. in a configuration in which the upper portion 10’ is locked axially on the lower portion 9.

[0434] In particular, this mechanism will be described with reference to figures 65-74.

[0435] Figures 65 and 69 show a shutter T, respectively in elevation and in perspective from the bottom, in an open configuration, whereas figures 67 and 71 show a shutter T in a locked configuration.

[0436] The shutter T shown in figures 66 and 70 instead is an intermediate configuration between the open one and the locked one.

[0437] In the open configuration, the lower end 11 ’b of the body 2’ is flush with respect to the first segment 25’a of the ribs 25’ and each first segment 25’a is housed in the interstice 10T defined between the corresponding teeth 16’.

[0438] In this configuration, the body 2’ cannot rotate with respect to the pin 4’ due to the interference between the teeth 16’ and the first segment 25’a of the ribs 25’.

[0439] By exerting a slight pressure on the upper portion 10’, the teeth 16’ translate into the respective longitudinal grooves 30’ until the lower end 11 ’b of the body 2’ is flush with respect to the upper end of the second segment 25’b of the ribs 25’, as shown in figures 66 and 70.

[0440] In this intermediate configuration, each interstice 10T is at the respective transverse groove 3T. As the interference caused by the ribs 25’ is no longer present, the body 2’, but generally the entire upper portion 10’, can be rotated on the longitudinal axis X’ with respect to the pin 4’, i.e. to the lower portion 9’.

[0441] The shutter T in the rotated, locked, configuration is in fact shown in figures 67 and 71 .

[0442] As mentioned above, in this configuration, the upper portion 10’ is locked in the movements parallel to the longitudinal axis X’ with respect to the lower portion 9’, because the teeth 16’ are no longer free to slide in the respective longitudinal grooves 30’ due to the interference caused by the second segments 25’b of the grooves 25’.

[0443] In the locked configuration, the body 2’ is rotated by 45° with respect to the pin 4’ and the first segments 25’a are in abutment on the upper surface 102’ of the respective teeth 16’.

[0444] In particular, each first segment 25’a is housed in a corresponding seat 103’ provided on the teeth 16’.

[0445] This can be seen, for example, in the section shown in figure 73 and in figure 74, which are considered, respectively, at the planes AW-AW and AV-AV of figure 72.

[0446] Finally, in figure 68, which shows the shutter T in the locked configuration from the bottom, it is possible to appreciate that the body 2’ is actually rotated by 45° with respect to the pin 4’: the ribs 25’ are no longer in the same angular position of the hooking means 3’, as is instead shown in figure 56 relating to the open configuration, and the interstices 10T, which were not visible in figure 56 due to the ribs 25’ in axis therewith, are visible.

[0447] In order to meet contingent and specific needs, a person skilled in the art can make numerous changes and modifications to the present invention in the embodiments shown and described, all of which moreover are included within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A click-clack mechanism (1 , T) for a drain (200) for sanitary fixtures, the click-clack mechanism (1 , T) comprising a lower portion (9, 9’) and an upper portion (10, 10’), wherein the upper portion (10, 10’) is constrainable to a head (207) of a drain (200) intended to open and close the outlet of a sanitary fixture, and the lower portion (9, 9’) is constrainable to a sanitary fixture, and wherein the upper portion (10, 10’) and the lower portion (9, 9’) are coupled telescopically to one another and are coaxial with respect to a longitudinal axis (X, X’) for activating the click-clack mechanism (1 , 1 ’), and wherein the upper portion (10, 10’) is movable, with respect to the lower portion (9, 9’), between a raised position and a lowered position in response to a thrust imparted by a user on the upper portion (10, 10’) and always directed towards the lower portion (9, 9’), characterized in that it integrates means to allow the upper portion (10, 10’) to rotate on the longitudinal axis (X, X’) with respect to the lower portion (9, 9’), in response to a force exerted by a user, and wherein: at least at a first angular position of the upper portion (10, 10’), the same upper portion (10, 10’) is movable longitudinally with respect to the lower portion (9, 9’) and the click-clack mechanism is enabled; at least at a second angular position of the upper portion (10, 10’), the same upper portion (10, 10’) is in a configuration locked against the longitudinal displacements and the click-clack mechanism is inhibited.

2. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to claim 1 , wherein the lower portion (9, 9’) and the upper portion (10, 10’) are cylinder-shaped, or almost, and extend on said longitudinal axis (X, X’) by being rotatable one with respect to the other on longitudinal axis (X, X’) itself.

3. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’) of the lower portion (9, 9’) extending in a direction parallel, or almost parallel, to the longitudinal axis (X,X’) and intended to guide the upper portion (10, 10’) in its respective axial displacements, with the upper portion (10, 10’) rotated to the first angular position with respect to the lower portion (9, 9’), in response to a force exerted by a user on the upper portion (10, 10’) and always directed towards the lower portion (9, 9’).

4. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to claim 3, wherein the upper portion (10, 10’) comprises at least one engaging portion (16, 16’) guided in said at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’) of the lower portion (9, 9’) during the axial movements of the upper portion (10, 10’) on the lower portion (9, 9’).

5. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to claims 1 -4, comprising at least one housing, or a transverse groove (31 , 31’), extending along a circumferential segment in the lower portion (9, 9’) and wherein the upper portion (10, 10’), rotated to the second angular position, is locked against axial displacements of the upper portion (10, 10’) on the lower portion (9, 9’) in said at least one housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’).

6. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to claim 5, wherein the upper portion (10, 10’) comprises at least one engaging portion (16, 16’) and wherein, in the upper portion (10, 10’) rotated to the second angular position, said engaging portion (16, 16’) is positioned at said at least one housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’), without being able to slide along the longitudinal axis (X, X’).

7. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to the preceding claim 6, wherein said at least one engaging portion (16, 16’) comprises a seat (103’) intended to engage an upper border of said at least one housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’).

8. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the lower portion (9, 9’) comprises at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’) extending in a direction parallel, or almost parallel, to the longitudinalaxis (X, X’), and at least one corresponding housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’), extending along a circumferential segment on one side (30b) of the longitudinal groove (30, 30’); the upper portion (10, 10’) comprises at least one engaging portion (16, 16’) engaging said at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’) or said at least one housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’), wherein said at least one engaging portion (16, 16’) sliding in its respective axial displacements, with respect to the longitudinal axis (X, X’), in said at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’), corresponds the upper portion (10, 10’) rotated to the first angular position, the click-clack mechanism being enabled, and wherein the displacement of said at least one engaging portion (16, 16’) from said at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’) to said at least one housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’), corresponds to a rotation of the upper portion (10, 10’) in said at least one second angular position, in the direction of said side (30b) of said at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’), in the locked configuration of the upper portion (10, 10’) with respect to the lower portion (10, 10’).

9. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to claim 8, wherein said at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’) is a groove (30) obtained in an outer surface (23a) of the lower portion (9) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), or is a groove (30’) delimited on the sides between two ribs (25’) extending in relief on the lower portion (9’) and parallel to the longitudinal axis (X’).

10. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to claim 9, wherein said at least one housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’), is a groove (31 ) obtained in said outer surface (23a) of the lower portion (9) transversally to the longitudinal groove (30) or is a groove (31’) delimited between a first segment (25’a) of a rib (25’) and a second segment (25’b) of the same rib (25’), considering a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X, X’).

11. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to any one of precedingclaims 8-10, wherein said at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’) comprises a first end, at which the upper portion (10, 10’) is in the raised position on the lower portion (9, 9’), and a second end opposite the first, at which the upper portion (10, 10’) is in the lowered position on the lower portion (9, 9’), and wherein said at least one housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’), opens on said side (30b) of said at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’) at the first end or at the second end or in an intermediate position between the first end and the second end.

12. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to any one of preceding claims 8-11 , wherein said at least one housing, or a transverse groove (31 , 31’), opens on said side (30b) of said at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’) in an intermediate position between the first end and the second end of said at least one longitudinal groove (30, 30’) and wherein the displacement of the engaging portion (16) from said at least one longitudinal groove (30) to said at least one housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’), corresponds to a lowering of the upper portion (10, 10’) on the lower portion (9, 9’) with the upper portion (10, 10’) rotating in the direction of said side (30b) of the longitudinal groove (30), in the locked configuration of the click-clack mechanism (1 , T).

13. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to any one of preceding claims 8-12, wherein the upper portion (10, 10’) is rotatable between said at least one first angular position and said at least one second angular position, and vice-versa, in response to a stress imparted by a user on the upper portion (10, 10’) in a first direction and / or in a second direction opposite the first.

14. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to any one of preceding claims 8-13, wherein the lower portion (9, 9’) comprises a first longitudinal groove (30, 30’) and a second longitudinal groove (30, 30’) extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X, X’), respectively at said first angular position and at a third angular position with respect to the longitudinal axis (X, X’), wherein said at least one housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’),originates from said first longitudinal groove (30, 30’) and opens in said second longitudinal groove (30, 30’), said at least one housing, or transverse groove (31 , 31’), corresponding to said second angular position, wherein the upper portion (10, 10’) is rotatable from the first angular position, corresponding to the click-clack enabled, to the second angular position, corresponding to the click-clack inhibited, and is further rotatable: from the second angular position to the first angular position, or from the second angular position to said third angular position, and vice-versa, wherein said third angular position also corresponds to the upper portion (10, 10’) movable longitudinally with respect to the lower portion (9, 9’) and to the click-clack mechanism enabled.

15. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower portion (9, 9’) is configured as a pin (4, 4’) at which the click-clack mechanism (1 , T) is adapted to be constrained to fastening means (206) of a drain (200), and wherein the upper portion (10, 10’) comprises a body (2, 2’) slidingly mounted on said pin (4, 4’) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X, X’), and a resilient element (6, 6’) housed inside the body (2, 2’), said resilient element (6, 6’) being prearranged to be compressed during the lowering of the body (2, 2’) on the pin (4, 4’) and to extend to bring back the body (2, 2’) to the raised position on the pin (4, 4’).

16. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to any one of claims 1-15, comprising an opening and closing snap mechanism, wherein the upper portion (10, 10’) automatically switches from the lowered position to the raised position, and vice-versa, in response to a pressure exerted onto the upper portion (10, 10’) and always directed towards the lower portion (9, 9’).

17. Click-clack mechanism (1 , T) according to claim 16, wherein the upper portion (10, 10) comprises a ring nut (5, 5’) fitted on the lower portion (9, 9’) and rotatable on the longitudinal axis (X, X’), with respect to the lower portion(9, 9’) itself, in response to a pressure exerted onto the upper portion (10, 10’) always directed towards the lower portion (9, 9’), and a resilient element (6, 6’) arranged to be compressed during the lowering of the upper portion (10, 10’) on the lower portion (9, 9’) and to extend to bring back the upper portion (10, 10’) to the raised position, wherein said ring nut (5, 5’) comprises at least one tooth (44’), or protrusion (45), engaging a corresponding profile (106’, 29) provided in the upper portion (10’) or in the lower portion (9), wherein said profile (106’, 29) has at least one upper seat and at least one lower seat, and wherein: the upper portion (10, 10’) raised with respect to the lower portion (9, 9’) corresponds to the ring nut (5, 5’) engaged in said at least one upper seat, the upper portion (10, 10’) lowered with respect to the lower portion (9, 9’) corresponds to the ring nut (5, 5’) engaged in said at least one lower seat.

18. Click-clack mechanism (T) according to claim 17, wherein the upper portion (10’) comprises a body (2’) fitted on the lower portion and defining, at an inner surface (13’) thereof, a cavity (24’) extending on the longitudinal axis (x’), wherein said profile (106’) is provided at said inner surface (13’) of the body (2’).

19. Click-clack mechanism (T) according to claim 18, wherein the profile (106’) comprises at least one relief (107’) jutting out radially towards the longitudinal axis (X’) and extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X’) on the inner surface (13’) of the body (2’) between a lower edge positioned at a lower end (11 ’b) of the body (2’), and an upper edge (108’), wherein the upper edge (108’) defines an upper seat of the profile (109’) engaged by said at least one tooth (44’) of the ring nut (5’) when the upper portion (10’) is in the raised position with respect to the lower portion (9’).

20. Click-clack mechanism (T) according to claim 19, wherein the profile (106’) comprises a circumferential extension (112’) of said at least onerelief (107’) extending from a border (111 ’b) of the relief (107’) itself, wherein said circumferential extension (112’) extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X’) on the inner surface (113’) of the body between a lower edge positioned at a lower end (11 ’ b) of the body (2’), and an upper edge (109’), wherein the upper edge (109’) defines a lower seat of the profile (109’) engaged by said at least one tooth (44’) of the ring nut (5’) in the upper portion (10’) in the lowered position, and wherein the upper edge (109’) of the circumferential extension (112’) is in an intermediate axial position between the upper edge (108’) of the relief and said lower end (11 ’b) of the body.

21. Click-clack mechanism (T) according to claim 20, wherein the upper edge (108’) of the relief (107’) and the upper edge (109’) of the circumferential extension (112’) extend inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (X’) between an initial section (108’a, 109’a) and an end section (108’b, 109’b), wherein the end section (108’b, 109’b) is, with respect to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X’), in an intermediate position between the initial section (108’a, 109’a) and said lower end (11 ’b) of the body (2’).

22. Click-clack mechanism (T) according to claim 21 , wherein the relief (107’) has an axial extension, or step (110’), at the respective end section (108’b), against which the tooth (44’) is in abutment when the lower portion (10’) is in the raised position on the lower portion (9’).

23. Click-clack mechanism (1’) according to any one of preceding claims 18-22, wherein the profile (106’) comprises a plurality of reliefs (107’) and a plurality of circumferential extensions (112’), the latter being arranged circumferentially on the inner surface (13’) of the body (2’), alternating a relief (107’) with a circumferential extension (112’).

24. Click-clack mechanism (T) according to any one of preceding claims 18-23, comprising a plug (7’) of the body (2’) positioned inside the body (2’) on the opposite side with respect to the lower portion (9’), said plug (7’) comprising a base (50’), which closes the cavity (24’) of the body (2’) on top, and a perimeter border (52’) constrained, at an outer surface (52’a) thereof, tothe inner surface (13’) of the body, wherein a notched profile (54’) provided with tooth-shaped elements (55’) angularly staggered with respect to the upper edges (108’, 109’) of the profile (106’), is provided at an inner surface (52’b) of the plug (7’), wherein the ring nut (5’) is intended to go into abutment on said notched profile (54’) with its at least one tooth (44’) in response to a thrust imparted by a user on the upper portion (10’) always directed towards the lower portion (9’).

25. Click-clack mechanism (1’) according to claim 17, wherein said profile (29’) is provided on the lower portion (9).

26. Click-clack mechanism (1 ) according to claim 25, wherein the lower portion (9) is configured as a pin (4) at which the click-clack mechanism(1 ) is suitable for being fixed in a corresponding drain (200), wherein the upper portion (10) comprises a body (2) slidingly mounted on said pin (4), and a resilient element (6) housed in the body (2) and in abutment on said pin (4), said resilient element (6) being arranged to be compressed on the pin (4), during the lowering of the body (2), and to extend with the raising of the body(2), the upper portion further comprising a ring nut (5) housed in the body (2) and fitted on the pin (4), said ring nut (5) being provided with at least one protrusion (45) engaging a corresponding circuit (32) obtained on the outer surface (23b) of the pin (4), said circuit (32) defining a seat (60) and a recess (39) for housing said protrusion (45), wherein the seat (60) is positioned, with respect to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), between the resilient element (6) and the recess (39), and wherein the protrusion (45) is housed in said seat (60) when the click-clack mechanism (1 ) has the upper portion (10) raised with respect to the lower portion (9) and the protrusion (45) is housed in said recess (39) when the clickclack mechanism (1 ) has the upper portion (10) lowered on the lower portion (9).

27. Drain (200) for sanitary fixtures, comprising a click-clack mechanism according to any one of preceding claims 1 -26.

28. Method of locking a click-clack mechanism (1 , T) for a drain (200) for sanitary fixtures, the method comprising the steps of: a) Providing a click-clack mechanism (1 , T) comprising a lower portion (9, 9’) and an upper portion (10, 10’), wherein the upper portion (10, 10’) is constrainable to a head (207) of a drain (200) intended to open and close the outlet of a sanitary fixture, and the lower portion (9, 9’) is constrainable to a sanitary fixture; b) set-up the upper portion (10, 10’) and the lower portion (9, 9’) coupled telescopically and coaxial to one another with respect to a longitudinal axis (X, X’) for activating the click-clack mechanism (1 , T), and set-up the upper portion (10, 10’) movable, with respect to the lower portion (9, 9’), between a raised position and a lowered position in response to a thrust imparted by a user on the upper portion (10, 10’) and always directed towards the lower portion (9, 9’), characterized by c) providing means integrated in the click-clack mechanism to allow the upper portion (10, 10’) to rotate on the longitudinal axis (X, X’) with respect to the lower portion (9, 9’), in response to a force exerted by a user, and wherein: at least at a first angular position of the upper portion (10, 10’), the same upper portion (10, 10’) is movable longitudinally with respect to the lower portion (9, 9’) and the click-clack mechanism is enabled; at least at a second angular position of the upper portion (10, 10’), the same upper portion (10, 10’) is in a configuration locked against the longitudinal displacements and the click-clack mechanism is inhibited.

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