US20100213111A1

US20100213111A1 - Ultra thin disposable drain strainer

Info

Publication number: US20100213111A1
Application number: US12/799,332
Authority: US
Inventors: Haion Won
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-25
Filing date: 2010-04-22
Publication date: 2010-08-26

Abstract

A disposable ultra-thin drain strainer is removably received within a drain opening of a sink, shower or bathtub having an adjacent drain rim substrate. The strainer has a strainer portion, a ring portion, and has a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch) for disposability. In another embodiment the strainer includes a seal release mechanism. Top and bottom surfaces of the ring portion are adapted to sealingly engage the drain rim substrate. The disposable drain strainer is preferably composed of a biodegradable or environmentally friendly material. The ultra-thin strainer may be composed of a variety of materials, including fiber materials, polymeric materials, starch, sugarcane, or water-insoluble edible film. The strainer is composed of a material soluble in water, and preferably includes a water-insoluble edible film coating. Owing to its thin nature, the disposable drain strainer is appointed to be disposed after use, so that the user does not have to clean the strainer. It is cost efficient to produce and transport. Due to the strainer's environmentally friendly composition, the strainer can be readily discarded without harming the environment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/284,568, filed Sep. 23, 2008, entitled “Disposable Sink Drain Strainer” which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/440,760, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,442,296, filed on May 25, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ultra thin environmentally friendly disposable sink, shower and bathtub drain strainers appointed to be used in conjunction with a drain opening of a plumbing fixture; and more particularly, to an ultra thin disposable sink, shower and bathtub drain strainer having a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch) for convenient disposal of the strainer itself and the collected contents therein.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Strainer devices for sink, shower and bathtub drains are commonly utilized for preventing debris from entering drains of kitchen, bathroom, and shower or bath plumbing fixtures. These devices require frequent cleaning as debris accumulates causing fluid passage through the strainer to be slowed and, consequently, water back up and slowed drainage from the sink. Moist environments inherent to plumbing fixtures aggregated with accumulation of food particles and other debris creates an ideal breading ground for bacterial growth within the debris itself, the drain strainer/filter, sink, and overall plumbing.
Cleaning of these devices is often an undesirable task, and can be difficult in removing entangled debris therefrom without intimate contact with the debris. In addition, removal of a strainer from the sink can be cumbersome particularly when the strainer is moistened from water and heavy with debris. Handling of the debris filled strainer in removal of the debris exposes the handler to harmful bacteria. Despite cleaning or removal of the debris placement of the contaminated strainer back in the drain can be unsanitary, and in addition, many times small amounts of stubborn debris remain entangled in the apertures of the strainer. Remaining debris entrapped in the strainer can result in sink drainage problems, compound bacterial growth, and eventually wash through the strainer and clog the joints of domestic water and sewer lines.
Various types of strainer devices for plumbing fixtures attempt to attend to the aforementioned problems associated with debris accumulation, removal, and bacterial growth. However, none of these drain strainers or filters provide a simple, economically conducive, sanitary strainer composed of a flexible material, which can be readily removed from the sink and disposed of, thereby providing a more sanitary sink environment. Moreover, none of the drain strainers heretofore disclosed and utilized provides a ready release means so that the strainer or filter is removed from the drain with minimal effort. Additionally, none of the heretofore disclosed and utilized drain strainers provide an ultra thin strainer composed of environmentally friendly materials for biodegradation or for consumption by animals.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,535,455, 5,397,464, 6,387,261, 4,045,351 and 4,024,062 disclose drain strainer devices generally integrated within plumbing fixtures. The integrated sink drain strainer devices have limitations because they cannot be simply placed over the exterior of the drain and readily cleaned or discarded when soiled. Integration of strains within plumbing fixtures results in issues involving sink drain compatibility, installation and increased overall manufacturing costs. Moreover, accessing the strainer or filter element for cleaning or replacement can become cumbersome and time consuming.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,303,032 and 5,486,287 disclose drain strainers or filters that covers a substantial portion of a sink's bottom, and does not merely provide filtering or straining over the drain area. These types of strainers are not disposable in nature and are appointed for continuous reuse. Debris must be cleaned from the device, and bacteria growth is likely promoted.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,601,242, 4,984,309, 4,910,811, 4,706,306 and 4,205,710, as well as www.ImprovementsCatalog.com disclose drain strainer combination devices, such as combined drain-strainer, strainer-plug and funnel-strainer combinations. These devices have several limitations because they are not disposable, and are instead continuously re-used. Therefore debris must be cleaned from these devices regularly. These devices do not provide a removal means, such as a tab or other release means, and as a result are inherently difficult to retrieve from the sink's drain.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,376,264, 4,134,162 and 3,982,289 disclose disposable strainers assemblies. The assemblies concern disposable filters and strainers but have limitations because of the lack of ability to provide for an ultra thin strainer appointed to be discarded upon single use. What is more, none of the disposable strainers provide for a biodegradable or edible composition. As a result, frequent disposal of the conventional disposable strainers is both economically steep as well as environmentally harmful.
Notwithstanding the efforts of prior art workers to construct a drain strainer for plumbing fixtures including sinks, showers and bathtubs there remains a need in the art for a disposable drain strainer having an ultra thin construction. In particular, there is a need in the art for an ultra thin disposable strainer having in a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch) for cost benefit manufacturing, disposability and cost benefit transportation and packaging. In addition, there is a need in the art for a lightweight, economical, sanitary strainer composed of a material that can be readily removed from the sink, shower and/or bathtub and disposed of, thereby providing a more sanitary sink environment. Moreover, there is a need in the art for a drain strainer that is composed of environmentally sound materials and is green for the environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a lightweight, ultra-thin disposable drain strainer removably received within a drain opening having an adjacent drain rim substrate. Preferably the strainer is composed of a biodegradable material and is preferably intended for single use. The strainer may include an environmentally friendly binding agent, such as that approved by SGS, in the composition of the strainer. The strainer has a strainer portion, a ring portion, and has a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch) for disposability. In another embodiment the strainer includes a seal release mechanism. Top and bottom surfaces of the ring portion are adapted to sealingly engage the drain rim substrate. The disposable drain strainer is preferably composed of a biodegradable or environmentally friendly material. The ultra-thin strainer may be composed of a variety of materials, including fiber materials, polymeric materials, starch, sugarcane, or water-insoluble edible film. Wherein the strainer is composed of a material soluble in water, the strainer preferably includes a water-insoluble edible film coating. Owing to its thin nature, the disposable drain strainer is appointed to be disposed after use so that the user does not have to clean the strainer and is cost efficient to produce and transport. Due to the strainer's environmentally friendly composition the strainer can be readily discarded without harming the environment.
The ultra-thin disposable drain strainer can be readily placed in a drain to effect substantial sealing engagement with the drain perimeter so that debris is retained by the strainer while water and other fluids pass therethrough. When the disposable drain strainer is filled with debris, the strainer is simply discarded along with the debris. Preferably the strainer is appointed for a single use—or one time use—so that it is discarded after use and a new strainer provided in its place. Upon removal from the drain, the strainer device and the debris therein can be readily discarded.
Due to the thinness of the strainer, the strainer can be manufactured, packaged and transported with minimum cost. At the same time, the thinness of the strainer provides cost benefit as to the disposable nature of the strainer; as the ultra-thin strainer is cheaper to manufacture, package and transport, the disposability of the strainer is feasible with minimum cost to the consumer for replacement. Preferably the strainer is sold in a package including a plurality of strainers therein—which may be sold as a stack of disposable ultra-thin strainers.
In a first embodiment the disposable drain strainer device for use in conjunction with a drain opening comprises a strainer portion comprising strainer walls and a strainer bottom. The strainer portion has a plurality of small apertures therein and is adapted to be removably received within the drain opening. A ring portion is fixedly attached to the strainer walls of the strainer portion. The ring portion is constructed having top and bottom surfaces and is adapted to substantially sealingly engage the drain rim substrate. What is more, the disposable drain strainer has a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch). In one embodiment the drain strainer comprises a seal release means.
In another embodiment a disposable drain strainer for use with a drain opening having an adjacent drain rim substrate is provided that comprises a strainer portion constructed having strainer walls and a strainer bottom. The strainer portion has a plurality of small apertures therein and is adapted to be removably received within the drain opening. A ring portion is fixedly attached to the strainer walls of the strainer portion. The ring portion includes top and bottom surfaces and being adapted to substantially sealingly engage the drain rim substrate. Additionally, a seal release means is provided that is integral within the ring portion for facilitating release of the ring portion and removal of the strainer from the drain. The seal release means comprises a press-release integrated within the ring portion so that the ring portion further comprises arced ring walls having convex and concave configurations with a ring edge. The convex configuration is engaged when the ring portion forms the seal with the adjacent drain rim area. Conversely, the concave configuration is engaged when the top portion of the ring portion is pressed, the seal being released and the disposable drain strainer being removed from the drain opening and discarded. Lastly, the disposable drain strainer has a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a illustrates a top planer view of a first embodiment of the disposable drain strainer having a release tab appointed to be grasped by a person's fingers and having particular applications for use in a shower;

FIG. 1 b illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 a taken along line M-M′;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top planer view of another embodiment of the disposable drain strainer having particular applications for use in a sink;

FIG. 3 a illustrates a top planer view of another embodiment of the disposable drain strainer having particular applications for use in bathtub;

FIGS. 3 b-3 e illustrate top and cross-sectional views of the embodiment of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 a illustrates a top planer view of a first embodiment of the disposable drain strainer with the seal release mean's tab appointed to be grasped by a person's fingers pivotally and fixedly attached to the ring portion;

FIG. 4 b illustrates a side view of the disposable drain strainer disposed in a drain, the seal release mean's tab being pivotally and fixedly attached to the ring portion and including an inner aperture fixed therein to facilitate easy grasping of the tab by a person;

FIG. 4 c illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along X-X of FIG. 4 a showing the thinness of the strainer;

FIG. 5 a illustrates a top planer view of an embodiment of the disposable drain strainer wherein a seal release mean's tab is configured as an arc tab that is semicircular and expands circumferentially around half of the ring portion, and is pivotally and fixedly attached to the top surface of the ring portion by a connection means, the arc tab having a flat configuration as when the disposable drain strainer is in use in a sink;

FIG. 5 b illustrates a side view of the disposable drain strainer show in FIG. 5 a, wherein the arc tab is lifted upward as when the disposable drain strainer is ready to be removed from the sink;

FIG. 6 a illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the disposable drain strainer wherein the ring portion further comprises a seal gasket located on the bottom surface of said ring portion;

FIG. 6 b illustrates a cross-sectional side view taken along line V of FIG. 6 a, showing the seal gasket located on the bottom surface of said ring portion;

FIG. 7 a illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the disposable drain strainer wherein the ring portion further comprises a suction-cup gasket located on the bottom surface of said ring portion;

FIG. 7 b illustrates a cross-sectional side view taken along line X of FIG. 7 a, showing the suction-cup gasket in the non-deformed or non-sealed condition, such as before applying pressure to the ring portion to from the seal;

FIG. 7 c illustrates a cross-sectional side view taken along line X of FIG. 7 a, showing the suction-cup gasket in the deformed or sealed condition, such as after applying pressure to the ring portion to from the seal;

FIG. 8 a illustrates a top planer view of another embodiment of the disposable drain strainer wherein the seal release means comprises a press-release integrated within the ring portion;

FIG. 8 b illustrates a side view of the disposable drain strainer of FIG. 8 a disposed in a sink;

FIG. 9 a illustrates a planer view taken along line M of FIG. 8 a, showing engagement and disengagement from a sealed condition by moving the ring wall between convex and concave configurations to achieve a press-release;

FIG. 9 b illustrates a planer view taken along line M of FIG. 8 a, showing the rim portion in the concave configuration; and

FIG. 9 c illustrates a planer view taken along line M of FIG. 8 a, showing the rim portion in the convex configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a lightweight, ultra-thin disposable drain strainer removably received within a drain opening having an adjacent drain rim substrate. Preferably the strainer is composed of a biodegradable material and is preferably intended for single use. The strainer has a strainer portion, a ring portion, and has a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch) for disposability. In another embodiment the strainer includes a seal release mechanism. Top and bottom surfaces of the ring portion are adapted to sealingly engage the drain rim substrate. The disposable drain strainer is preferably composed of a biodegradable or environmentally friendly material. The ultra-thin strainer may be composed of a variety of materials, including fiber materials, polymeric materials, starch, sugarcane, or water-insoluble edible film. Wherein the strainer is composed of a material soluble in water, the strainer preferably includes a water-insoluble edible film coating. Owing to its thin nature, the disposable drain strainer is appointed to be disposed after use so that the user does not have to clean the strainer and is cost efficient to produce and transport. Due to the strainer's environmentally friendly composition the strainer can be readily discarded without harming the environment.
Advantageously, the ultra-thin strainer is light weight, less expensive to manufacture, easier to handle, and encounters low transportation and packaging costs, and low insurance costs and import taxes. In addition, the strainer is green, being composed of environmentally friendly material. The ultra-thin disposable drain strainer can be readily placed in a drain to effect substantial sealing engagement with the drain perimeter so that debris is retained by the strainer while water and other fluids pass therethrough. When the disposable drain strainer is filled with debris, the strainer is simply discarded along with the debris. Preferably the strainer is appointed for a single use—or one time use—so that it is discarded after use and a new strainer is provided in its place. Upon removal from the drain, the strainer device and the debris therein can be readily discarded.
The disposable strainer offers a sink strainer, shower strainer and bathtub strainer embodiments. The strainer is preferably made so that it is a “green” strainer for environmental friendly application. The strainer is preferably made of corn starch so that it is biodegradable within five months after disposal. After disposal, birds, squirrels or rabbits will eat the strainer. What is more, owing to the thinness of the strainer, not only is it environmentally friendly for disposal, but it is cheap to manufacture, ship and store. The retail price of the strainer is so inexpensive that it can readily be disposes of after a single use. Each pack of the strainers is inexpensive, and can be sold in cartons, for example containing fifty strainers. Additionally, the strainer offers a hygienic alternative to currently utilized metal or mesh strainers due to the disposability as the reusable metal/mesh/plastic strainers are difficult to clean and are a breeding ground for germs and are therefore non-hygienic. Further, disposal of currently utilized mesh/plastic and metal strainer are not environmentally friendly-taking hundreds of years to decompose.
Due to the thinness of the strainer, the strainer can be manufactured, packaged and transported with minimum cost. At the same time, the thinness of the strainer provides a cost benefit as to the disposable nature of the strainer. Inasmuch as the ultra-thin strainer is cheaper to manufacture, package and transport, its disposability is feasible with minimum cost to the consumer for replacement. Preferably the strainer is sold in a package including a plurality of strainers therein—which may be sold as a stack of disposable ultra-thin strainers. Because of the disposal nature of the ultra-thin strainer it is desirable that the strainer be composed of an ultra thin construction. The ultra-thin strainer may be composed of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polypropene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), Acrylonitrile and butadiene styrene (ABS). Alternatively, the disposable drain strainer may be composed of polystyrene in the form of extruded polystyrene foam such as that commonly sold under the trade name STYROFOAM of Dow Chemical Company.
Most preferably, the ultra-thin strainer is composed of a degradable environmentally friendly material such as a fiber material or paper material. Further, the ultra-thin strainer may be composed of an edible material so that animals can feed off the disposed strainer, such as starch, sugarcane, rice bran, polylactide (PLA), or a water-insoluble edible film such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,164. Such starches may include rice, wheat, maize (corn), potatoes and cassaya, or modified food starch products. As the strainer is appointed to be utilized in the presence of water, preferably the strainer includes a water-insoluble edible film coating such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,164. When the ultra-thin strainer is composed of a water soluble compound, such as some starches, it preferably includes a water insoluble coating or film as discussed to mitigate solubility during use in the sink or tub. For example, the ultra-thin strainer may be composed of or coated with a water-insoluble edible film including mixtures of protein [whey protein, preferably]/beeswax/sorbitol edible emulsion films such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,164. Alternatively, the coating may simply consist of a thin wax coating, and or gelatin coating to provide a barrier against water solubility of the strainer.
FIG. 1 a illustrates a top planer view of a first embodiment of the disposable drain strainer, while FIG. 1 b shows a cross-sectional view taken along M-M′, shown generally at 1000. The strainer shown has particular applications for use in a shower, but can be used in a plethora of types of drains. Further, the strainer can be of a plethora of shapes and is not limited to the shape and/size shown in the figure. The disposable drain strainer 1000 comprises a strainer portion 1011 provided with a plurality of small apertures 1014. The plurality of small apertures 1014 are of a size and shape sufficiently small so that debris are prevented from passing beyond the drain opening wherein the strainer portion 1011 is engaged while drainage water is allowed to pass through the accumulated debris and apertures 1014. Preferably, these pluralities of small apertures 1014 range in diameter between 0.1 cm to 0.4 cm, and most preferably at 0.4 cm in diameter with a spacing of 0.3 cm. Optionally, the plurality of small apertures each have a slightly tapered configuration with sloped walls (see FIG. 2), wherein the top of the apertures is wider than the bottom of the aperture so that smaller particles pass the top of the aperture but are trapped nearer the bottom of the aperture where the aperture is tapered. The disposable drain strainer is ultra-thin, having a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch). The disposable drain strainer 1000 further comprises ring portion 1020 fixedly attached to strainer portion 1011. Although the strainer portion 1011 is shown having relatively flat confirmation, the strainer portion can have be concave/or curved. Ring portion 1020 may have a shallow depth so that it forms only a small or thin ring around strainer portion 1011. Ring portion 1020 further comprises a top surface 1021 and bottom surface 1022. Ring portion 1020 is constructed and arranged to engage with and form a substantial seal with adjacent drain rim area of a drain opening. This seal between ring portion 1020 and the adjacent drain rim area substantially prevents the seepage and passage of wayward debris from bypassing strainer portion 1011. Optionally, ring portion 1020 further comprises a seal gasket (see FIGS. 6 a and 6 b) or a suction-cup gasket (see FIGS. 7 a-7 c). A release tab 1031 is provided.
The strainer 1000 preferably further includes a downward cross reinforcement 1050 on the underside of the strainer portion 1011. This downward cross reinforcement is a cross shaped press down reinforcement that is centrally located symmetrical to the strainer portion 1011. The ring portion 1020 also preferably further includes an outer edge bend down reinforcement 1051 running circumferentially along ring portion 1020. A downward anti-move around embossing or etching may be integrated on the underside 1022 of the strainer 1000; the embossing may be on the underside of the ring portion 1020 and/or on the underside of the strainer portion 1011.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top planer view of another embodiment of the disposable drain strainer having particular applications for use in a sink, shown generally at 2000. The strainer can be used in a plethora of types of drains and can be of a plethora of shapes and is not limited to the shape and/size shown in the figure. The disposable drain strainer 2000 comprises a strainer portion 2011 provided with a plurality of small apertures 2014. Optionally, the plurality of small apertures each have a slightly tapered configuration with sloped walls 2014 a wherein the top of the apertures is wider than the bottom of the aperture so that smaller particles pass the top of the aperture but are trapped nearer the bottom of the aperture where the aperture is tapered. The disposable drain strainer is ultra-thin, having a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch). The disposable drain strainer 2000 further comprises ring portion 2020 fixedly attached to strainer portion 2011. Herein the strainer portion 2011 comprises strainer walls 2020′ abutting a strainer bottom 2020″ with the plurality of small apertures 2014 substantially located in said strainer bottom 2020″. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the strainer walls 2020′ may further include a plurality of drainage holes integrated therein.
FIGS. 3 a-3 e illustrate views of another embodiment of the disposable drain strainer having particular applications for use in bathtub, shown generally at 3000. The strainer can be used in a plethora of types of drains and can be of a plethora of shapes and is not limited to the shape and/size shown in the figure. The disposable drain strainer 3000 comprises a strainer portion 3011 (3011′ in FIGS. 3 b, 3 c; and 3011″ in FIGS. 3 d, 3 e) provided with a plurality of small apertures 3014, 3014′, 3014″. The disposable drain strainer is ultra-thin, having a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch). The disposable drain strainer 3000 further comprises ring portion 3020 (3020′ in FIGS. 3 b, 3 c; and 3020″ in FIGS. 3 d, 3 e) fixedly attached to strainer portion 3011. Herein the strainer portion 3020 comprises strainer walls 3020 a abutting a strainer bottom 3020 b with the plurality of small apertures 3014 substantially located in said strainer bottom 3020 b. Alternatively, the strainer walls 3020 a further include a plurality of drainage holes 3021 a integrated therein and running horizontally therein by way of elongated apertures.
FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c illustrate a first embodiment of the disposable drain strainer showing the seal release mean's tab appointed to be grasped by a person's fingers pivotally and fixedly attached to the ring portion. FIG. 4 a is a top planar view of the strainer, shown generally at 10. FIG. 4 b is a top side view wherein the disposable drain strainer, shown generally at 30, is received in a drain and wherein the seal release mean's tab pivotally and fixedly attached to the ring portion includes an inner aperture fixed therein to facilitate easy grasping of the tab by a person. FIG. 4 c illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along X-X of FIG. 4 a showing the thinness of the strainer. The disposable drain strainer 10, 30 comprises a strainer portion 11 comprising strainer walls 12 and a strainer bottom 13. The strainer portion 11 is provided with a plurality of small apertures 14 in the strainer walls 12 and strainer bottom 13. The plurality of small apertures 14 are of a size and shape sufficiently small that debris are prevented from passing beyond the drain opening 31 and into the drain pipe, while drainage water 33 is allowed to pass through the accumulated debris and apertures 14. Preferably, these pluralities of small apertures 14 range in diameter between 0.1 cm to 0.3 cm, and most preferably at 0.2 cm in diameter. Optionally, the plurality of small apertures each have a slightly tapered configuration with sloped walls, wherein the top of the apertures is wider than the bottom of the aperture so that smaller food/debris particles pass the top of the aperture but are trapped nearer the bottom of the aperture where the aperture is tapered. The disposable drain strainer is ultra-thin, having a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch).
Strainer portion 11 is removably received within a drain opening 31 having an adjacent drain rim area 32. The drain is preferably a kitchen sink drain or rinse basin, or the like, affixed to a plumbing fixture. The drain may be a bathroom sink drain or shower or tub drain. The size of the disposable drain strainer can vary to accommodate a vast array of sink drain sizes, shapes, and depths. Preferably, strainer walls 12 of strainer portion 11 extend and engage with strainer bottom 13 to form strainer containment well 15 having a depth ranging between 0.1 (0.039 inches) to 4 cm (1.57 inches). Strainer containment well 15 has a depth sufficient to receive debris therein.
The disposable drain strainer 10, 30, further comprises ring portion 20 fixedly attached to strainer walls 12 of strainer portion 11. Although the strainer portion 11 is shown having a concave nature/or curved nature, the strainer portion 11 may be of many confirmations, including a flat confirmation on the horizontal plane with the ring portion 20. Ring portion 20 may have a shallow depth so that it forms only a small or thin ring around strainer portion 11. Ring portion 20 further comprises a top surface 21 and bottom surface 22. Ring portion 20 is constructed and arranged to engage with and form a seal with adjacent drain rim area 32 of drain opening 31. This seal between ring portion 20 and adjacent drain rim area 32 substantially prevents the seepage and passage of wayward debris from bypassing strainer portion 11 and undesirably entering drain opening 31 and potentially clogging the plumbing piping. Optionally, ring portion 20 further comprises a seal gasket (see FIGS. 6 a and 6 b) or a suction-cup gasket (see FIGS. 7 a-7 c).
The disposable drain strainer 10, 30 may further comprise a seal release means, herein shown as tab 25, integrated within ring portion 20. In this embodiment, shown at 10 and 30, seal release means comprises a tab 25 pivotally and fixedly attached to the top surface 21 of ring portion 20 by way of a connection means 26. Preferably, tab 25 is connected to ring portion 20 so that the connection means 26 is located closer to the outside perimeter 23 of ring portion 20, and the tab opens as indicated by way of the arrow. Tab 25 comprises an interior surface 27 and an exterior surface 28. Interior surface 27 is in intimate contact with top surface 21 of ring portion 20 when tab 25 is in the closed configuration, as illustrated at 10 in FIG. 4 a. When tab 25 is in the open configuration, the area between interior surface 27 and top surface 21 of ring portion 20 becomes great, so that tab 25 can pivot 180° on top surface 21.
Continuing with FIGS. 4 a-4 c, optionally, the strainer 10, 30 further comprises an external water-insoluble coating indicated at 28 a to mitigate dissolving of the strainer 10, 30 when in use wherein the strainer 10, 30 is composed of a starch or sugar soluble in water. What is more, optionally interior surface 27 and exterior surface 28 of tab 25 have a friction coating fixed thereon to facilitate easy grasping of tab 25 by an individual. This friction coating provides enhanced grasping that enables the user to apply enough force to break the seal and remove the disposable strainer 10, 30, from the drain 31, while mitigating slippage of the fingers. This friction coating feature is especially advantageous, as debris and moisture or water droplets on tab 25 tend to cause a slippery grasp, which can heighten the difficulty of breaking the seal and removing a debris laden strainer. Alternatively, the interior surface 27 of tab 25 has a friction coating fixed thereon to facilitate easy grasping of tab 25; and exterior surface 28 does not include the friction coating. Optionally, tab 25 has an inner aperture 29 fixed therein to facilitate easy grasping of tab 25 by the user.
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate a variation of the first embodiment of the disposable drain strainer, as shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, but herein the tab comprises an arc tab that is semicircular and expands circumferentially around half of the ring portion and is pivotally and fixedly attached to the top surface of the ring portion by a connection means. FIG. 5 a illustrates a top planer view wherein the arc tab is in a flat configuration as when the disposable drain strainer is in use in a sink, shown generally at 110. FIG. 5 b illustrates a top-side view of the disposable drain strainer wherein the arc tab is lifted upward as when the disposable drain strainer is ready to be removed from the sink, shown generally at 130. The disposable drain strainer 110, 130 comprises a strainer portion 111 provided with a plurality of small apertures 114. Strainer portion 111 is removably received within a drain opening 131. The disposable drain strainer 110, 130, further comprises ring portion 120 having a top surface 121 and bottom surface 122 equipped with a seal release means, herein shown as tab 125. In this embodiment, tab 125 is configured as an arc tab that is semicircular expanding circumferentially around half of ring portion 120 and is pivotally and fixedly attached to top surface 121 of ring portion 120 by a connection means 126. Arc tab/tab 125 further comprises an inner arc aperture 132 (best seen in FIG. 5 b with the arc tab/tab 125 in the upward position) so that when arc tab/tab 125 is pivoted from top surface 121 of ring portion 120 and is rotated in an upward manner arc tab 125 forms a handle configuration, as shown in FIG. 5 b at 133, for easy removal of disposable drain strainer 110, 139 from drain opening 131 and for convenient carrying to a trash can for disposal. Ring portion 120 further has a rim 123, which may engage with a fastening mechanism or snap mechanism 139 attached to arc tab/tab 125 to ensure arc tab 125 remains in the folded condition while being used in drain opening 131. Preferably, arc tab/tab 125 sits in a groove located on top surface 121 of ring portion 120.
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate views of an embodiment of the disposable drain strainer wherein the ring portion further comprises a seal gasket located on the bottom surface of the ring portion. FIG. 6 a shows a top view at 210, while FIG. 6 b shows a cross-sectional side view taken along line V of FIG. 6 a at 230. Disposable drain strainer 210, 230 comprises a strainer portion 211 provided with a plurality of small apertures 214, a ring portion 220 having a top surface 221 and bottom surface 222 equipped with a seal release means, herein shown as tab 225. Ring portion 220 further comprises a seal gasket 231 located on bottom surface 222. Preferably, seal gasket 231 is housed in a groove 232 integrated within bottom surface 222 of ring portion 220. Ring portion 220 is constructed and arranged to engage with and form a seal with the adjacent drain rim area of a drain opening of a sink, as facilitated by seal gasket 231, to substantially prevent the seepage and passage of wayward debris from bypassing strainer portion 211 and undesirably entering the drain opening and potentially clogging the plumbing piping.
FIGS. 7 a-7 c illustrate views of an embodiment of the disposable drain strainer wherein the ring portion further comprises a suction-cup gasket located on the bottom surface of said ring portion. FIG. 7 a shows a top view at 310, FIG. 7 b shows a cross-sectional side view taken along line X of FIG. 7 a at 330 wherein the suction-cup gasket in the non-deformed or non-sealed condition, such as before applying pressure to the ring portion to form the seal, and FIG. 7 c shows the cross-sectional at 350 wherein the suction-cup gasket in the deformed or sealed condition, such as after applying pressure to the ring portion to form the seal. Disposable drain strainer 310 comprises a strainer portion 311 provided with a plurality of small apertures 314, a ring portion 320 having a top surface 321 and bottom surface 322 equipped with a seal release means, herein shown as tab 325. Ring portion 320 further comprises a suction-cup gasket 331 located on bottom surface 322. Preferably, suction-cup gasket 331 is a ring formation aligned with ring portion 320 and fixed to bottom surface 322 thereof. Suction-cup gasket 331 is formed having a cup like structure (which is elongated and in a ring formation) having an area space 335 that when pressed becomes deformed (as shown at 350) compressing air from area space 335 to substantially deform same to form a seal between a sink perimeter 334 of a sink basin 333 and ring portion 320. Further, preferably ring portion 320 includes an angled edge or rim 323 so that same lies substantially flush with sink perimeter 334 and/or sink basin 333. Thus, ring portion 320 is constructed and arranged to engage with and form a seal with the adjacent a drain rim area of a drain opening of a sink as facilitated by suction-cup gasket 331 to substantially prevent the seepage and passage of wayward debris into the drain.
FIGS. 8 a and 8 b illustrate an embodiment of the disposable drain strainer wherein the seal release means comprises a press-release integrated within said ring portion. FIG. 8 a is a top planar view in which the strainer is shown generally at 450. FIG. 8 b is a side view wherein the disposable drain strainer, shown generally at 470, is received in a drain. In this embodiment of the disposable drain strainer 450, 470, the seal release means comprises a press-release integrated within a ring portion 451 so that ring portion 451, having top surface 452 and bottom surface 453 further comprises arced ring walls 454 having convex and concave configurations. These arched ring walls are depicted at 501 and 502 in FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, and 9 c and will be described hereinafter in greater detail. The disposable drain strainer 450, 470, comprises a strainer portion 411 comprising strainer walls 412 and a strainer bottom 413. The strainer portion 411 is appointed with a plurality of small apertures 414 in the strainer walls 412 and strainer bottom 413 to form strainer containment well 415. The plurality of small apertures 414 may each have slightly tapered, sloped walls. Strainer portion 411 is removably received within drain opening 431 having an adjacent drain rim area 432.
Continuing with FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, the disposable drain strainer 450, 470, ring portion 451 fixedly attached to strainer walls 412 of strainer portion 411 is appointed with arced ring walls 454 having convex and concave configurations (shown in FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, and 9 c). Arced ring walls 454 further comprise a ring edge/sealing rim 455 that engages with and forms a seal with adjacent drain rim area 432 of drain opening 431. This seal between sealing rim 455 of ring portion 451 and adjacent drain rim area 432 prevents the seepage and passage of wayward debris from bypassing strainer portion 411 and undesirably entering drain opening 31 and potentially clogging the drain piping. Sealing rim 455 may further comprise a seal gasket 477 (best seen in FIG. 8 b) located on the bottom surface thereof. Preferably, the disposable drain strainer device has a thickness no greater than 0.2 cm (0.079 inch). Also, preferably, the disposable drain strainer is composed of a rubber material. Most preferably the disposable drain strainer is composed of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE).
FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, and 9 c illustrate the disposable drain strainer of FIG. 8 a taken along line M, wherein the seal release means comprises a press-release integrated within said ring portion. FIG. 9 a illustrates a planer view taken along line M in FIG. 8 a showing engagement and disengagement of the convex and concave configurations by way of a press-release, shown generally at 500. FIG. 9 b illustrates a planer view taken along line M of FIG. 8 a, showing the rim portion in the concave configuration, shown generally at 505. FIG. 9 c illustrates a planer view taken along line M of FIG. 8 a, showing the rim portion in the convex configuration, shown generally at 510. In this embodiment, as shown generally in FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, the seal release means comprises a press-release integrated within ring portion 551. Ring portion 551 further comprises arced ring walls 554 having convex 501 and concave 502 (shown in phantom) configurations. Ring portion 551 having top surface 552 and bottom surface 553 and arced ring walls 554 is fixedly attached to strainer portion 511. Strainer portion 511 is removably received within drain opening 531, which has an adjacent drain rim substrate 532.
Continuing with FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, and 9 c, the disposable drain strainer 500, 505, 510, ring portion 551 and arced ring walls 554 further comprise a sealing rim 555 that engages with and forms a seal with adjacent drain rim area 532 of drain opening 531. This seal between sealing rim 555 of ring portion 551 and adjacent drain rim area 532 prevents the seepage and passage of wayward debris from bypassing strainer portion 511 and undesirably entering drain opening 531 and potentially clogging the drain piping. Convex configuration 501 is engaged when ring portion 551 forms the seal with adjacent drain rim area 532. Concave configuration 502 is engaged when top portion 552 of ring portion 551 is pressed, for example by thumb or finger 503. As force is applied to top portion 552 by thumb 503, and the concave configuration 502 results, the seal between ring portion 551 and adjacent drain rim substrate 532 is broken. The concave configuration 502 results in upturned portions 506, which are readily grabbed by the individual. Using these upturned portions the disposable strainer device 500, 505, and 510 is readily removed from the drain and discarded by the user without having to touch the strainer contents.
Preferably, the disposable drain strainer device is composed of a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be selected from the group consisting of Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE). Most preferably, the ultra-thin strainer is composed of a degradable environmentally friendly material such as a fiber material or paper material. Further, the ultra-thin strainer may be composed of an edible material such as starch, sugarcane, or a water-insoluble edible film such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,164, so that animals can feed off the disposed strainer. Such starches may include rice, wheat, maize (corn), potatoes and cassaya, or modified food starch products. As the strainer is appointed to be utilized in the presence of water, preferably the strainer includes a water-insoluble edible film coating such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,164. When the ultra-thin strainer is composed of a water soluble compound, such as some starches, it preferably includes a water insoluble coating or film as discussed to mitigate solubility during use in the sink or tub. For example, the ultra-thin strainer may be composed of or coated with a water-insoluble edible film including mixtures of protein [whey protein, preferably]/beeswax/sorbitol edible emulsion films such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,164. Alternatively, the coating may simply consist of a thin wax coating.
The disposable drain strainer device has a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch). This thickness limitation and polymeric material composition yields a lightweight, economically viable, yet sturdy disposable strainer product. A thickness of no greater than 0.091 cm enables a disposable strainer to carry a load of debris without strainer breakage. Moreover, a thickness of no greater than 0.091 cm provides the ability to closely pack, ship, and distribute the disposable strainers in a cost effective manner, since many of the disposable strainers can be readily stacked upon one another during shipment and storage, and points of sale. In addition, cost saving benefits can be reaped through savings in raw materials (i.e. less materials being utilized for the thin strainers), production costs, reduced need for solvents and decreased generation of hazardous waste during manufacture.
Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.

Claims

1. A disposable drain strainer for use with a drain opening having an adjacent drain rim substrate, comprising:

a. a strainer portion having a plurality of small apertures therein and adapted to be removably engage with said drain opening;

b. a ring portion fixedly attached to said strainer walls of said strainer portion, said ring portion having top and bottom surfaces and being adapted to substantially engage said drain rim substrate; and

c. said disposable drain strainer having a thickness no greater than 0.091 (0.036 inch).

2. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1 comprising a seal release means.

3. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 2, wherein said seal release means is integral within said ring portion for facilitating release of said ring portion and removal of said strainer from said drain, said seal release means comprises a tab pivotally and fixedly attached to said top surface of said ring portion by a connection means, and said tab further comprises an interior and an exterior surface.

4. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polypropene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), Acrylonitrile and butadiene styrene (ABS).

5. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of paper material.

6. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of a fiber material.

7. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of polystyrene.

8. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of starch.

9. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of sugarcane.

10. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1 further comprising a water-insoluble edible film coating.

11. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of a water-insoluble edible film.

12. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said plurality of small apertures each have slightly tapered, sloped walls.

13. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said disposable drain strainer comprises environmentally friendly binding agent.

14. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said ring portion further comprises a seal gasket located on said bottom surface of said ring portion.

15. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said ring portion further comprises a suction-cup gasket located on said bottom surface of said ring portion.

16. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said strainer portion comprises strainer walls abutting a strainer bottom, and wherein said plurality of small apertures are substantially located in said strainer bottom.

17. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 16, wherein said strainer walls include a plurality of drainage holes integrated therein.

18. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 16, wherein said strainer walls of said strainer portion extend and engage with said strainer bottom to form a strainer containment well having a depth ranging between 0.1 (0.039 inches) to 4 cm (1.57 inches).

19. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1 comprising a downward cross reinforcement.

20. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1 comprising an outer edge bend down reinforcement.

21. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1 comprising a downward anti-move around embossing.

22. A disposable drain strainer for use with a drain opening having an adjacent drain rim substrate, comprising:

a. a strainer portion comprising strainer walls and a strainer bottom, said strainer portion having a plurality of small apertures therein and adapted to be removably received within said drain opening;

b. a ring portion fixedly attached to said strainer walls of said strainer portion, said ring portion having top and bottom surfaces and being adapted to substantially sealingly engage said drain rim substrate;

c. a seal release means integral within said ring portion for facilitating release of said ring portion and removal of said strainer from said drain;

d. said seal release means comprising a press-release integrated within said ring portion so that said ring portion further comprises arced ring walls having convex and concave configurations with a ring edge, wherein said convex configuration is engaged when said ring portion forms said seal with said adjacent drain rim area, and wherein said concave configuration is engaged when said top portion of said ring portion is pressed, said seal being released and said disposable drain strainer being removed from said drain opening and discarded;

e. said disposable drain strainer has a thickness no greater than 0.091 cm (0.036 inch).

23. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 22, wherein said ring edge of said portion further comprises a seal gasket located on said bottom surface of said ring portion.

24. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 22, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polystyrene (PS), polypropene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), Acrylonitrile and butadiene styrene (ABS).

25. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 22, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of paper material.

26. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 22, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of starch.

27. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 22, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of sugarcane.

28. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 22 comprising a water-insoluble edible film coating.

29. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 22, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of a water-insoluble edible film.

30. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from lactic acid, polylactide (PLA).

31. A disposable drain strainer as recited by claim 1, wherein said disposable drain strainer is composed of rice bran.