Drain Stopper With Detachable Solid Matter Receptacle

Abstract

An improved drain stopper valve assembly is disclosed that replaces the conventional drain stopper and includes an integral strainer that completely surrounds the underside of the stopper valve. It has perforated, tubular upper and lower sections that connect together via a bayonet coupling that enables easy disassembly for cleaning or removal of debris or a lost object. The lower section of the strainer body is also tapered to enable freer flow of liquid through the stopper valve assembly even if the lower section is filled with debris that has been strained. The replacement stopper valve assembly is designed to fit all standard basin drain plumbing, and to be easily removable from the drain.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A stopper valve for a drain, comprising:
 an upper tubular cylindrical section suspended at an upper end thereof from the underside of a drain stopper;   a lower tubular tapered section detachably coupled at an upper end thereof to a lower end of the upper tubular cylindrical section;   a bayonet coupling having at least two mating J-slot and coupling pin features respectively formed in corresponding adjoining ends of the upper and lower tubular sections for detachably coupling the upper and lower tubular sections; and   a lift relief and locking pocket for receiving an inward end of a lift rod disposed near the upper end of an outer side of the lower tubular section; wherein   the walls of the upper and lower tubular sections are perforated with multiple apertures disposed substantially uniformly through at least 25% of the surface area of the walls of the upper and lower tubular sections to permit the flow of liquids there through while retaining debris and other solid objects within the tubular sections to be removed when the upper and lower tubular sections are detached.   
     
     
         2 . The stopper valve of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the upper tubular cylindrical section and the drain stopper valve are formed as a single component.   
     
     
         3 . The stopper valve of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the lower tubular tapered body is formed as a single component that tapers toward a truncated apex at its lower end to permit a freer flow of liquid through the drain.   
     
     
         4 . The stopper valve of  claim 1 , wherein the drain stopper valve comprises:
 a circular drain cover supported on an open pedestal attached to the upper tubular cylindrical section and having a concentric sealing gasket groove disposed underneath the drain cover; and   a gasket washer sized to fit the sealing gasket groove and formed of a natural or synthetic rubber material.   
     
     
         5 . The stopper valve of  claim 1 , wherein the bayonet coupling comprises:
 at least two pin elements circumferentially disposed around the upper end of the lower tubular section; and   at least two J-slot elements circumferentially disposed around the lower end of the upper tubular section; such that   when the lower tubular section is rotated slightly and pulled axially away from the upper tubular section, the bayonet coupling disengages to detach the lower and upper tubular sections for cleaning.   
     
     
         6 . The stopper valve of  claim 1 , wherein the bayonet coupling comprises:
 at least two pin elements circumferentially disposed around the lower end of the upper tubular section; and   at least two J-slot elements circumferentially disposed around the upper end of the lower tubular section; such that   when the upper tubular section is rotated slightly and pulled axially away from the lower tubular section, the bayonet coupling disengages to detach the upper and lower tubular sections for cleaning.   
     
     
         7 . The stopper valve of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the lift relief is formed as an elongated slot extending vertically downward from the locking pocket to enable removal of the drain stopper valve assembly for cleaning without removal or disassembly of the lift rod.   
     
     
         8 . The stopper valve of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a lift rod configured for use with the receptacle and coupling with a lift member to raise and lower the stopper valve within the drain.   
     
     
         9 . The stopper valve of  claim 1 , wherein the multiple apertures comprise:
 a substantially uniform array of closely spaced openings to form a mesh-like pattern to enable a free flow of liquid and to block the passage of debris and solid objects.   
     
     
         10 . The stopper valve of  claim 9 , wherein the multiple apertures comprise:
 an array of substantially identical openings through the side walls of the upper and lower sections of the stopper valve.