Multi stage sink strainer with positive mechanical stops

Abstract

A multi stage sink strainer with positive mechanical stops for providing a sink strainer that is superior in function and appearance. Having mechanical stops for easy positive operation and the ability to be removed as an assembly for easy cleaning. Also, having locating features to ease the assembly of the components. Also, having the ability to be appearance customized by the consumer. The inventive device includes a strainer cup, a stopper and a stopper support. The strainer cup provides a fine stage of straining and serves to contain the strained material. The cup includes features that provide mechanical stops for operation. The cup also provides features for removal as an assembly. The cup also includes locating features that ease the assembly of the components. The cup also includes features that allow for the stopper to be held in multiple orientations. The stopper is sized and shaped to cover the fine straining holes 5 with a sealing area while also providing a coarse straining stage. The stopper support provides a means of locating and supporting the stopper in it's various open, closed and assembly positions. It's centralized position under the stopper gives the assembly an enhanced overall appearance.

1 . A sink basket, stopper and support assembly comprising:
 i) A basket portion configured and dimensioned to be receivable and removable within an existing sink drain opening, the bottom portion having a plurality of openings, said basket portion having mechanical stops to limit movement of said support portion, said basket portion having features for locating said support portion when receiving said support portion.   ii) A stopper portion configured and dimensioned to be receivable and removable within said basket portion, said stopper having an open and closed position, said stopper portion when in the open position is sized to limit the size of strained material from flowing around said stopper periphery, said stopper portion when in the closed position is sized to cover the plurality of openings in said basket portion limiting the flow of fluid thru said openings.   iii) A support portion having ribs configured and dimensioned to hold said stopper portion in the open and closed positions, said support portion having at least one locating feature to locate said support portion when being received in said basket portion, said support portion being attached centrally underneath said stopper portion, said support portion having at least one feature to releasably attach said support portion to said basket portion.   
     
     
         2 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said basket portion has at least one sealing surface to limit flow of fluids between said basket portion and the sink opening. 
     
     
         3 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said basket portion has a sealing surface to limit flow of fluids between said basket portion and said stopper portion when stopper portion is in the closed position. 
     
     
         4 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said basket portion has a plurality of openings for allowing fluid flow when said stopper portion is in the open position. 
     
     
         5 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said basket portion has openings configured to accept said support portion when in the closed position. 
     
     
         6 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said basket portion has at least one feature for limiting the movement of said support portion between a closed position and an open position. 
     
     
         7 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said basket portion has at least one feature for locating said support portion when receiving said support portion. 
     
     
         8 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said stopper portion has at least one sealing surface for limiting flow of fluids between said basket portion seal of  claim 3  and said stopper portion when stopper portion is in the closed position. 
     
     
         9 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said stopper portion is configured and dimensioned to create a gap between said stopper and said basket when in the open position, for the purpose of limiting the size of strained material from flowing around said stopper portion's periphery. 
     
     
         10 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said stopper portion has at least one feature for grasping said stopper portion facilitating the movement of said stopper between the open and closed positions. 
     
     
         11 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said support portion has at least three legs for stability configured to support the stopper in the open position when bottom of legs are in contact with said basket portion bottom. 
     
     
         12 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said support portion legs of  claim 11  are configured to pass thru openings of  claim 5  in said basket bottom when in the closed position. 
     
     
         13 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said support portion legs are configured to limit movement between the open and closed positions in conjunction with said basket portion feature of  claim 6 . 
     
     
         14 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said support portion has at least one feature to locate support within said basket portion feature of  claim 7 . 
     
     
         15 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said support portion has at least one feature to releasably attach said support portion to said basket portion. 
     
     
         16 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the sealing surface of  claim 2  is a separate component. 
     
     
         17 . The device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the sealing surface of  claim 8  is a separate component.