Shutter for a sink drain plug

The shutter with a plastic telescopic pin design addresses unscrewing and environmental issues, ensuring reliable operation and compliance with lead regulations, while simplifying production and disposal.

EP4752296A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-03L B PLAST SRL

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
L B PLAST SRL
Filing Date
2025-11-27
Publication Date
2026-06-03

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Abstract

Shutter for a sink drain plug, which comprises a basket (2) and a pin (3), which is connected to the basket (2), and is extended along a main extension direction (X), between a first end (3'), connected to the basket (2), and an opposite second free end (3"). The pin (3) comprises a first cylindrical body (4), which is fixed to the basket (2) and comprises the aforesaid first end (3'), and a second cylindrical body (5), which is integral in rotation with the first cylindrical body (4) around the main extension direction (X), and is placed coaxial with respect to the first cylindrical body (4). The first cylindrical body (4) and the second cylindrical body (5) are slidable with respect to each other along the main extension direction (X), in order to vary the length of the pin (3), and the shutter (1) comprises snap engagement means (5), placed to connect between the first cylindrical body (4) and the second cylindrical body (5) of the pin (3), which are configured for mutually constraining the second cylindrical body (5) with respect to the first cylindrical body (4) along the main extension direction (X), in order to adjust the distance between the first end (3') and the second end (3") of the pin (3).
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Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention regards a shutter for a sink drain plug according to the preamble of the independent claim 1.

[0002] The present shutter is intended to be employed for opening and closing a sink drain plug, so as to allow or not allow the outflow of the water from the sink through the drain hole of the latter.

[0003] The shutter, object of the present invention, is therefore inserted in the industrial field of production of accessories for bathroom furnishing and in particular in the field of production of accessories for kitchen sinks.State of the art

[0004] As is known, sinks (in particular kitchen sinks) are provided, on their bottom wall, with at least one drain hole in order to allow the evacuation of the water contained at their interior through a drain pipe placed below the sink itself. In particular, the sink comprises a drain plug which is placed in the drain hole and hydraulically connects the sink to the underlying drain pipe. A shutter is applied to the plug, such shutter closing or not closing the plug itself (and hence the drain hole) so as to prevent or not prevent the evacuation of the water.

[0005] Examples of such plugs of known type are described in the documents US2016 / 251839, US 4160293 and US 2023 / 078534.

[0006] In detail, the drain plugs of known type are provided with conveyance body (known in the technical jargon with the term "gattinara"), which is intended to be fixed to the containment tank of the sink at the drain hole, and is susceptible of conveying the water from the tank towards drain pipes. For such purpose, the conveyance body has a substantially funnel-shaped form and is extended between an upper opening, which is placed at the drain hole of the tank of the sink, and a lower wall, which is provided with one or more through openings communicating with the drain pipe.

[0007] In addition, the drain plugs of known type comprise a bush, which is fixed to the lower wall of the conveyance body, is extended below the latter and is adapted to support the shutter, as explained in detail hereinbelow.

[0008] The shutter (known in the technical jargon with the term "basket cap") is intended to be slidably engaged with the bush between an open position, in which it allows the passage of liquid through the conveyance body towards the drain pipe, and a closed position, in which it prevents the passage of liquid through the through opening of the conveyance body, thus allowing the accumulation of water in the sink.

[0009] The shutter generally comprises a basket, which has concave form directed upward, is placed within the conveyance body of the plug, is provided with multiple through openings in order to allow the passage of the water, and is susceptible of collecting solid residues possibly present in the water, preventing them from falling into the drain pipe. In addition, the shutter comprises a pin, made of brass, which is fixed below the basket and intended to be slidably inserted within the bush in order to move the shutter itself between the open position and the closed position. The pin of the shutters of known type is internally hollow, and has a threaded insertion hole, in which it is engageable for screwing a screw.

[0010] In particular, the screw projects on the lower part from the pin, up to an enlarged head, which is intended to abuttingly receive an actuation element in order to allow automating the movement of the shutter, between the lifted and lowered position, for respectively allowing or preventing the downflow of the water from the sink towards the drain plug. Such shutters for drain plugs of known type have proven in practice that they do not lack drawbacks.

[0011] In particular, the main drawback lies in the fact that during use the screw of the pin can be unscrewed, determining a modification of the total length of the pin.

[0012] In such case, it can happen that the pin and thus the basket is no longer correctly adjusted, and thus that its up / down movement no longer ensures the correct opening or closing of the drain opening of the plug.

[0013] In order to overcome such drawback, a blocking nut is also usually mounted on the pins of the prior art, which is screwed on the screw up to placing it in abutment against the pin, and which allows limiting the aforesaid unscrewing of the screw.

[0014] However, also such solution has in practice shown that it does not lack drawbacks.

[0015] In particular, a first drawback lies in the fact that such solution does not always ensure that the screw does not unscrew from the pin, and hence does not allows allow preventing the aforesaid problem of re-adjusting the the length of the pin.

[0016] A further drawback lies in the fact that such pins of the prior art result difficult to produce, as well as requiring longer and more complicated mounting and adjusting, since in fact they also provide for the production of a separate blocking nut (in addition to the screw) and the adjustment thereof, together with the screw, during the step of mounting / dismounting and adjustment.

[0017] A further drawback lies in the fact that, as reported above, the pin of the shutter is made of brass, which can involve considerable environmental impact for the disposal of the product. Indeed, the brass used in industry contains a percentage of lead at its interior, which as is known can involve undesired effects - even grave ones - if dispersed into the environment, for example during disposal at the end of the useful lifetime of the products attained therewith.

[0018] For such purpose, in recent years increasingly stringent laws have been enacted that are aimed to reduce and possibly eliminate the presence of lead in bathroom fixtures.

[0019] In addition, the process of disposal of the shutters of known type does not result particularly easy, above all in order to allow the recycling of the material constituting the different components.

[0020] Examples of shutters for plugs of conventional type are describe in documents US 2009 / 007322 and US 2012 / 036624.Presentation of the invention

[0021] In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is that of overcoming the drawbacks manifested by the art known up to now, by providing a shutter for a drain plug which eliminates the risk of a loosening of the pin following its installation.

[0022] Further object of the present invention is to provide a shutter for a drain plug, which is simple to mount / dismount and adjust during its useful lifetime.

[0023] Further object of the present invention is to provide a shutter for a drain plug, which allows reducing the number of components necessary for its production.

[0024] Further object of the present invention is to provide a shutter for a drain plug, which is simple and inexpensive to attain.

[0025] Further object of the present invention is to provide a shutter for a drain plug, which does not involve significant problems for disposal, in particular in terms of recycling and ecosustainability.

[0026] Further object of the present invention is to provide a shutter for a drain plug which is fully compliant with the laws regarding bathroom fixtures, in particular in relation to the maximum allowed percentages of lead.

[0027] Further object of the present invention is to provide a shutter for a drain plug, which does not involve a particular environmental impact.

[0028] Further object of the present invention is to provide a shutter for a drain plug, which is entirely reliable in operation.Brief description of the drawings

[0029] The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects, are clearly seen in the content of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent a merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in which: figure 1 shows a perspective view of a drain plug assembly comprising a shutter, object of the present invention; figure 2 shows a sectional view of the drain assembly of figure 1 with the shutter in an open position; figure 3 shows a front view of the shutter of figure 1; figure 4 shows a front view of a detail of the shutter of figure 3, relative to a pin; figure 5 shows an exploded view of the pin of figure 4; figure 6 shows a bottom view of a detail of the pin of figure 4, relative to a first cylindrical body; figure 7 shows a bottom exploded view of the pin of figure 5; figure 8 shows a perspective exploded view of the pin of figure 5. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0030] With reference to the enclosed drawings, reference number 1 overall indicates an embodiment of a shutter for a drain plug 10, object of the present invention.

[0031] As will be described with greater detail hereinbelow, the present shutter 1 is intended to be applied to a drain plug 10 for a sink.

[0032] As is known, the sink comprises a containment tank within which a liquid is susceptible of being collected, like the water coming from a faucet mounted on the sink itself. More in detail, the containment tank is open on the upper part and comprises a bottom wall and a lateral wall which define a filling volume. In addition, the containment tank is provided with at least one drain hole, generally made on the bottom wall, through which the liquid can be evacuated from the tank in order to empty the sink.

[0033] In the present description, by sink it will be intended any one bathroom furnishing intended to contain a liquid (e.g. a kitchen sink, a washbasin, a sink, a bidet, a shower, etc.) which is provided with a containment tank provided with at least one aforesaid drain hole.

[0034] Also forming the object of the present invention is a drain assembly for a sink which comprises the aforesaid shutter 1 and the aforesaid plug 10.

[0035] The plug 10 is intended to be applied to the drain hole of the sink, and in particular it is inserted within such drain hole.

[0036] In a per se known manner, the plug 10 is intended to be fixed to the bottom wall of the tank of the sink and to hydraulically connect the containment volume of the tank with one or more drain pipes of a hydraulic system in order to allow the downflow of the liquid from the sink.

[0037] In particular, advantageously, the plug 10 comprises a conveyance body (known in the technical jargon with the term "gattinara"), which defines a housing seat open on the upper part and is provided with at least one through opening (and preferably more than one) through which the liquid contained in the sink is susceptible of passing in order to reach the drain piping.

[0038] In this manner, the liquid contained in the tank of the sink is susceptible of being conveyed into the drain piping through the passage opening (when the shutter 1 is in open position, as discussed hereinbelow).

[0039] Preferably, the plug 10 comprises a bush 100, defining an insertion hole, that is substantially vertical.

[0040] As will be discussed with more detail hereinbelow, the shutter 1, object of the present invention, is preferably intended to be applied in a movable manner to the plug 10 of the drain assembly in order to allow or prevent the passage of the liquid through the plug 10 itself.

[0041] In accordance with the invention, the shutter 1 comprises a basket 2, which is intended to be placed to close a drain opening of the plug 10, in order to allow or prevent the downflow of water from the sink through the plug 10.

[0042] More in detail, the basket 2 is intended to be placed within a housing seat defined by the conveyance body of the plug 10.

[0043] Advantageously, the basket 2 has concave form with concavity directed upward and it is provided with a plurality of through openings 20 susceptible of allowing the passage of the liquid, retaining possible solid agglomerates with dimensions greater than the dimensions of the through openings 20.

[0044] Advantageously, the shutter 1 comprises sealing means placed below the basket 2, and intended to make a seal on the plug 10 in order to close it so as to prevent the passage of liquid through the plug 10 itself.

[0045] The shutter 1 also comprises a pin 3, preferably made of plastic material, which is connected to the basket 2, in particular below the latter and towards the interior of the conveyance body of the plug 10. In particular, the pin 3 is intended to be slidably inserted, at least partially, in an insertion hole of the bush of the plug 10.

[0046] The pin 3 is extended along a main extension direction X, preferably substantially vertical, between a first end 3', mechanically connected to the basket 2, and an opposite free second end 3".

[0047] In particular, the second end 3" is advantageously intended to be placed below the insertion hole of the bush, while the opposite first end 3' is advantageously intended to be placed above and outside the aforesaid insertion hole of the same plug 10.

[0048] As set forth above, the pin 3 of the shutter 1 is slidably inserted in the insertion hole of the bush 100, and is in particular movable along a movement direction, which is preferably parallel to the main extension direction X.

[0049] In particular, when the pin 3 of the shutter 1 is inserted in the insertion hole of the bush, the shutter 1 is movable, along the movement direction, between an open position, in which it allows the passage of the liquid through the plug 10, and a closed position, in which it prevents the passage of the liquid through the plug 10 itself. In particular, in the open position, the sealing means are spaced from the conveyance body in order to allow the exit of the liquid from the sink through the passage opening.

[0050] Preferably, in the open position, the shutter 1 is in a lifted position, in a manner such to maintain the sealing means spaced from the conveyance body on the upper part, and in the closed position, the shutter 1 is in a lowered position in order to press the sealing means against the conveyance body.

[0051] Advantageously, the plug 10 on which the shutter 1 is intended to be mounted, object of the present invention, is an automatic plug, i.e. provided with means 8 for moving the pin 3, which can be remotely actuated by a user, e.g. by means of a button, a lever, a knob etc. positioned in proximity to the sink, e.g. on the edge of the tank.

[0052] In a per se known manner, such movement means 8 comprise a lever 80, which is advantageously placed in abutment against a lower end of the pin 3, in order to move it between the lowered position and the lifted.

[0053] Such automated mechanisms are nevertheless well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail hereinbelow.

[0054] In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the pin 3 comprises a first cylindrical body 4, preferably made of plastic material, which is fixed to the basket 2 and comprises the first end 3' of the pin 3. More in detail, the first end 3' of the pin 3 is defined by an (upper) end of the same first cylindrical body 4, which will preferably therefore be fixed below the basket 2.

[0055] The pin 3 also comprises a second cylindrical body 5, preferably made of plastic material, which is integral in rotation with the first cylindrical body 4 around the main extension direction X.

[0056] In particular, during use (as will be better clarified hereinbelow) the first cylindrical body 4 and the second cylindrical body 5 are constrained in rotation with each other around the main extension direction X, such that the movement in rotation of any one of the two cylindrical bodies 4, 5 determines the substantial identical movement of the other cylindrical body 4, 5, around the same main extension direction X.

[0057] The second cylindrical body 5 is placed coaxial with respect to the first cylindrical body 4. In particular, the first cylindrical body 4 and the second cylindrical body 5 are telescopically engaged with each other.

[0058] The second cylindrical body 5 comprises the second end 3" of the pin 3. More in detail, the second end 3" of the pin 3 is defined by a (lower) end of the same second cylindrical body 5, which will therefore preferably be free.

[0059] The first cylindrical body 4 and the second cylindrical body 5 are slidable with respect to each other along the main extension direction X, in order to vary the length of the pin 3. In addition, still in accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the shutter 1 comprises snap engagement means, which are placed to connect between the first cylindrical body 4 and the second cylindrical body 5 of the pin 3, and are configured for mutually constraining the second cylindrical body 5 with respect to the first cylindrical body 4 along the main extension direction X, in order to adjust the distance between the first end 3' and the second end 3" of the pin 3.

[0060] In this manner, it is possible to adjust the total length of the pin 3, by mutually translating first of all the first cylindrical body 4 and the second cylindrical body 5, and then constraining them in the desired position by means of the snap engagement means 6. Therefore, in this manner it is possible to easily adjust the exact lifted and lowered position of the shutter 1, such that these positions correspond respectively with the correct opening and closing (preferably by way of the sealing means) of the drain opening of the plug 10.

[0061] In addition, the arrangement of a pin 3 entirely made of polymer material, being formed by the first cylindrical body 4 and by the second cylindrical body 5 both made of polymer material, allows simplifying the production, limiting the costs, and also allows reducing the environmental impact (in particular due to disposal) of the pin 3 and hence of the entire shutter 1 and plug 100.

[0062] Advantageously, the first cylindrical body 4 of the pin 3 is extended between an upper end thereof, which coincides with the first end 3' (of the pin 3), and a first terminal end 4'.

[0063] Advantageously, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the second cylindrical body 5 is engaged telescopically, coaxially, within the first cylindrical body 4.

[0064] Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, it is possible to provide that the first cylindrical body 4 be engaged telescopically, coaxially, within the second cylindrical body 5.

[0065] More in detail, in accordance with such first embodiment, the first cylindrical body 4 is advantageously provided with an internal cavity 40, which is extended parallel to the main extension direction X, and has an insertion opening 41, which is extended starting from the first terminal end 4', towards the first end 3' of the pin 3. Advantageously, the second cylindrical body 5 is slidably inserted in the aforesaid internal cavity 40 of the first cylindrical body 4.

[0066] Advantageously, the first cylindrical body 4 comprises a head portion 400, which is fixed to the basket 2 and is extended starting from the first end 3' of the pin 3 up to an intermediate end, and a main portion 401, having cylindrical form, which is connected to the head portion 400 and is extended from the aforesaid intermediate end up to the second end 3" of the pin 3.

[0067] Advantageously, the head portion 400 has a substantially cylindrical form, and is preferably provided with multiple ribs that are extended radially projecting from its external surface, and which have the purpose of improving the mechanical connection between the head portion 400 of the first cylindrical body 4 and the basket 2, which for example occurs by shape coupling fitting.

[0068] Advantageously, the head portion 400 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the main portion 401, and is preferably connected to the latter by a radial shoulder. Preferably, the internal cavity 40 of the first cylindrical body 4 is extended from the insertion opening 41 for the entire main portion 401, up to the intermediate end and thus preferably not into the head portion 400 of the first cylindrical body 4. Advantageously, the second cylindrical body 5 of the pin 3 is extended between a second terminal end 5', which is housed in the first cylindrical body 4 when the pin 3 is mounted, and a free lower end thereof, which preferably coincides with the first end 3', and which is placed outside the first cylindrical body 4.

[0069] Preferably, the second cylindrical body 5 has an external diameter substantially coinciding with the diameter of the internal cavity 40 of the first cylindrical body 4. In other words, the second cylindrical body 5 is housed substantially to size in the internal cavity 40 of the first cylindrical body 4.

[0070] Advantageously, one between the first cylindrical body 4 and the second cylindrical body 5, e.g. the first cylindrical body 4, comprises at least two, and preferably multiple, engagement openings 6, which are spaced from each other along the main extension direction X.

[0071] More in detail, with the expression "spaced along the main extension direction X" it is intended that one of the two openings is placed closer to the first end 3' of the pin 3, while the other is placed closer to the second end 3" of the same pin 3, and it is not to be inferred that they are aligned along such main extension direction X.

[0072] Advantageously, the other between the first cylindrical body 4 and the second cylindrical body 5, e.g. the second cylindrical body 5, comprises a coupling element 7, which is configured for being snap engaged within one of the aforesaid engagement openings 6, in order to mechanically constrain the first cylindrical body 4 and the second cylindrical body 5 along the main extension direction X.

[0073] Preferably, the engagement openings 6 and the coupling element 7 have a planar shape that is polygonal, for example rectangular or square.

[0074] More in detail, each engagement opening 6 is extended in a depression, preferably through, along a radial direction starting from a lateral surface of the corresponding first or second cylindrical element 4, 5.

[0075] In particular, each engagement opening 6 is delimited along the main extension direction X by two opposite abutment walls 60, which are placed facing each other, preferably parallel, and vertically delimit an insertion seat for the coupling element 7. Advantageously, when the coupling element 7 is inserted, preferably to size, in the engagement opening 6, it is susceptible of interfering with one of the two abutment walls 60, which thus prevent the relative movement between the first and the second cylindrical element 4, 5 along the main extension direction X.

[0076] Advantageously each engagement opening 6 is delimited along a direction Y, orthogonal to the main extension direction X, by two opposite lateral walls 60', which are placed facing each other, preferably parallel, and laterally delimit the aforesaid insertion seat for the coupling element 7.

[0077] Advantageously, when the coupling element 7 is inserted, preferably to size, in the engagement opening 6, it is susceptible of interfering with one of the two lateral walls 60', which thus prevent the relative rotation between the first and the second cylindrical element 4, 5 around the main extension direction X.

[0078] In other words, and more clearly, the engagement openings 60 have a closed shape, and are delimited laterally by respective walls (abutment 60 and lateral 60' walls) such that once the coupling element 7 is engaged, along a radial direction Z (which is orthogonal to the main extension direction X and to the direction Y), the latter cannot exit therefrom if not through an analogous movement along the radial direction Z (in the sense opposite that of insertion).

[0079] In this manner, the relative movement between the first and the second cylindrical element 4, 5 is in fact prevented along directions different from the aforesaid radial direction Z, e.g. along and around the main extension direction X.

[0080] Advantageously, the corresponding first cylindrical body 4 or second cylindrical body 5 comprises at least one first engagement opening 61, and at least one second engagement opening 62.

[0081] In particular, the first engagement opening 61 and the second engagement opening 62 are spaced from each other along the main extension direction X, and have a different angular position with respect to the same main extension direction X.

[0082] In other words, the first engagement opening 61 and the second engagement opening 62 are placed in distinct circumferential positions with respect to the extension axis of the corresponding cylindrical element 4, 5, and are for example preferably placed in diametrically opposite positions.

[0083] Advantageously, the corresponding first cylindrical body 4 or second cylindrical body 5 comprises a group of first engagement openings 61, which are aligned with each other along a first direction, parallel to the main extension direction X, and a group of second engagement openings 62, which are aligned with each other along a second direction, parallel to the same main extension direction X.

[0084] Preferably, the corresponding first cylindrical body 4 or second cylindrical body 5 comprises two groups of engagement openings 61, 62, which are placed aligned in a row along two distinct directions, which are parallel to each other.

[0085] Of course, it is also possible to provide for engagement openings 6 which are placed in a helical manner on the corresponding first cylindrical body 4 or second cylindrical body 5.

[0086] Advantageously, the coupling element 7 is an elastic element, which is connected to the corresponding first cylindrical body 4 or to the second cylindrical body 5, and is configured for being elastically snap engaged within one of the engagement openings 6, in order to mechanically constrain the first cylindrical body 4 and the second cylindrical body 5 along the main extension direction X.

[0087] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures, the coupling element 7 comprises a flexible tab 70, elastically pliable, which is fixed, preferably in a single body, to the corresponding first cylindrical body 4 or second cylindrical body 5.

[0088] More in detail, the flexible tab 70 is extended radially, preferably parallel to the radial direction Z, from the corresponding first cylindrical body 4 or second cylindrical body 5, between a connection end 70', fixed to the lateral surface (internal or external) of the corresponding cylindrical body 4, 5, and a free engagement end 70", which is preferably provided with a shaped engagement head 71 configured for being engaged within one of the aforesaid engagement openings 6.

[0089] In particular, the flexible tab 70 is preferably made of plastic material, and with a size such to allow the elastic bending of the flexible tab 70 when its engagement end 70" is moved along the radial direction Z.

[0090] Advantageously, in accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the enclosed figures, the engagement openings 6 are made on the first cylindrical body 4 and the second cylindrical body 5 instead comprises the coupling element 7.

[0091] Therefore, in accordance with such preferred embodiment, the aforesaid engagement openings 6 are provided for on the first cylindrical body 4, placed on the outside, while the coupling element 7 is made on the second cylindrical body 5, slidable within the first cylindrical body 4, and in particular the above-described flexible tab 70.

[0092] In particular, the first cylindrical body 4 comprises a first external surface 42, preferably cylindrical, and the engagement openings 6 are extended passing through such external surface 42, and are communicating with the internal cavity 40 of the same first cylindrical body 4. In this manner, it is possible for a user to act on the coupling element 7 by acting on the outside of the first cylindrical body 4.

[0093] Advantageously, the second cylindrical body 5 comprises a second external surface 50, and the coupling element 7 is extended radially projecting from the second external surface 50 of the second cylindrical body 5.

[0094] More in detail, the flexible tab 70 of the coupling element 7 is extended projecting, at least partially radially, from the second external surface 50 of the second cylindrical body 5.

[0095] In particular, as stated above, the flexible tab 70 is extended between the connection end 70', fixed to the lateral external surface of the second cylindrical body 5, and a free engagement end 70'', which is preferably provided with a shaped engagement head 71, which is extended along the radial direction Z and is configured for being engaged within one of the aforesaid engagement openings 6.

[0096] Preferably, the flexible tab 70 comprises a first section, which is extended starting from the connection end 70', substantially parallel to the main extension direction X, up to an upper end, and a second section (which comprises the aforesaid engagement head 71) which is extended starting from the upper end up to the engagement end 70", along the aforesaid radial direction Z, preferably substantially orthogonal to the main extension direction X.

[0097] In other words, the flexible tab 70 has an extension that is substantially L shaped, in which preferably the aforesaid first section defines the long section (vertical) of the L, while the second section defines the short section (horizontal) of the L.

[0098] Advantageously, the first section of the flexible tab 70 is placed facing and spaced from the lateral surface 50 of the second cylindrical body 5.

[0099] Advantageously, the second cylindrical body 5 comprises a drain 500, which is made in a depression starting from the second external surface 50 of the second cylindrical body 5, and the coupling element 7 is placed at the aforesaid drain 500. More in detail, the drain 500 is extended for a first radial extension, while the flexible tab 70 has, between the connection end 70' and the engagement end 70", a second radial extension, which is greater than the first radial extension of the drain 500.

[0100] In particular, in operation, the flexible tab 70 is actuatable between a constraint position, in which the first section is placed spaced from the lateral surface 50 of the second cylindrical body 5 and the engagement head 71 is placed to engage an engagement opening 6, and a release position, in which the first section is placed backed against the lateral surface 50 of the second cylindrical body 5 and the engagement head 71 is brought close in order to fall within the first radial extension defined by the drain 500, in order to allow the release of the flexible tab 7 from the engagement opening 6.

[0101] More in detail, such actuation can be carried out by a user following a pressure, along the radial direction Z, of the coupling element 7 (e.g. the flexible tab 70), preferably by means of one of the aforesaid engagement through openings 6.

[0102] More clearly, in order to mount the pin 3, the user presses the coupling element 7 along the radial direction Z, and inserts the second cylindrical body within the cavity 40 of the first cylindrical body 4, making it slide along the main extension direction X, preferably taking care to offset the coupling element 7 from the engagement openings 6. Once the desired height of the pin 3 is reached, measured therefore from the distance between the first end 3', defined by the first cylindrical body 4, and the second end 3", defined by the second cylindrical body 4, the user mutually rotates the first and the second cylindrical body 4, 5 up to snap engaging the coupling element 7 in the engagement openings 6, possibly by operating a slight adjustment vertically (along the main extension direction X).

[0103] In a similar manner, in order to dismount or adjust the height of the pin 3 once again, the user newly presses the coupling element 7 along the radial direction Z, in order to release the coupling element 7 from the engagement openings 6, and simultaneously mutually rotate the first and the second cylindrical body 4, 5.

[0104] Once the coupling element 7 is disengaged from the engagement openings 6, the user can telescopically slide (along the main extension direction X) the second cylindrical body 5 with respect to the first cylindrical body 4, so that the coupling element 7 is offset with respect to the engagement openings 6. Once the desired height of the pin 3 is reached, or once this has been dismounted, the user newly rotates the first and the second cylindrical body 4, 5 with respect to each other, in order to once again snap engage the coupling element 7 in the engagement openings 6.

[0105] In this manner, it is possible to obtain a quick and easy adjustment of the length of the pin 3, allowing the use of the pin 3 in any type of plug 100 and sink, regardless of their length.

[0106] The invention thus conceived therefore attains the pre-established objects.

Claims

1. Shutter for a sink drain plug, which comprises: - a basket (2), which is intended to be placed to close a drain opening of said plug (10), in order to allow or prevent the downflow of water from said sink through said plug (10); - a pin (3), which is connected to said basket (2), and is intended to be slidably inserted, at least partially, in an insertion hole of a bush (100) of a plug (10); in which said pin (3) is extended along a main extension direction (X), between a first end (3'), connected to said basket (2), and an opposite second free end (3"); said shutter (1) comprising: - a first cylindrical body (4), which is fixed to said basket (2) and comprises the first end (3') of said pin (3); and - a second cylindrical body (5), which is integral in rotation with said first cylindrical body (4) around said main extension direction (X), is placed coaxial with respect to said first cylindrical body (4), and comprises the second end (3") of said pin (3); in which said first cylindrical body (4) and said second cylindrical body (5) are slidable with respect to each other along said main extension direction (X), in order to vary the length of said pin (3); wherein said shutter (1) comprises snap engagement means, placed to connect between the first cylindrical body (4) and the second cylindrical body (5) of said pin (3), and configured for mutually constraining said second cylindrical body (5) with respect to said first cylindrical body (4) along said main extension direction (X), in order to adjust the distance between the first end (3') and the second end (3") of said pin (3); said shutter being characterized in that: - one between said first cylindrical body (4) and said second cylindrical body (5) comprises at least two engagement openings (6), which are spaced from each other along said main extension direction (X); and - the other between said first cylindrical body (4) and said second cylindrical body (5) comprises a coupling element (7), which is configured for being snap engaged within one of said engagement openings (6), in order to mechanically constrain said first cylindrical body (4) and said second cylindrical body (5) along said main extension direction (X).

2. Shutter according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cylindrical body (4) of said pin (3) is extended between said first end (3') and a first terminal end (4'), and in that said first cylindrical body (4) is provided with an internal cavity (40), which is extended parallel to said main extension direction (X), and has an insertion opening (41), which is extended starting from said first terminal end (4'), in which said second cylindrical body (5) is slidably inserted.

3. Shutter according to claim 2, characterized in that the second cylindrical body (5) of said pin (3) is extended between a second terminal end (5'), which is housed in said first cylindrical body (4), and said first end (3'), which is placed outside said first cylindrical body (4).

4. Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the corresponding said first cylindrical body (4) or said second cylindrical body (5) comprises at least one first engagement opening (61), and at least one second engagement opening (62); in which said first engagement opening (61) and said second engagement opening (62) are spaced from each other along said main extension direction (X), and have a different angular position with respect to said main extension direction (X).

5. Shutter according to claim 4, characterized in that the corresponding said first cylindrical body (4) or said second cylindrical body (5) comprises a group of first engagement openings (61), which are aligned with each other along a first direction parallel to said main extension direction (X), and a group of second engagement openings (62), which are aligned with each other along a second direction parallel to said main extension direction (X), and are preferably placed diametrically opposite with respect to the group of said first openings (61).

6. Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coupling element (7) is an elastic element, which is connected to the corresponding said first cylindrical body (4) or said second cylindrical body (5), and is configured for being elastically snap engaged within one of said engagement openings (6), in order to mechanically constrain said first cylindrical body (4) and said second cylindrical body (5) along said main extension direction (X).

7. Shutter according to claim 6, characterized in that said coupling element (7) comprises a flexible tab (70), elastically pliable, which is fixed, preferably in a single body, to the corresponding said first cylindrical body (4) or said second cylindrical body (5).

8. Shutter according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said engagement openings (6) are made on said first cylindrical body (4) and said second cylindrical body (5) comprises said coupling element (7).

9. Shutter according to claim 8, characterized in that said first cylindrical body (4) comprises a first external surface (42), and said engagement openings (6) are extended passing through said external surface (42) and communicating with the internal cavity (40) of said first cylindrical body (4); in which said second cylindrical body (5) comprises a second external surface (50), and said coupling element (7) is extended radially projecting from the second external surface (50) of said second cylindrical body (5).