US20240057822A1

US20240057822A1 - Sink Drain Plug With Cleaning Brush Attachment

Info

Publication number: US20240057822A1
Application number: US18/446,085
Authority: US
Inventors: John Dick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-08-18
Filing date: 2023-08-08
Publication date: 2024-02-22

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drain plug for a sink. More specifically, the present invention provides a drain plug for a sink that includes an attached brush that may be utilized to clean dishes and other items in the sink. The device includes a drain plug configured to seal the drain of a sink. The drain plug may include apertures for straining solid materials and letting liquid flow out of the sink. The drain plug may also be a solid plug. An upper end of the drain plug includes a connector that removably secures a cleaning brush thereto. The cleaning brush has different configurations, such as handles for optional hand use. The connector of the drain plug is utilized to attach different cleaning brush types for different purposes.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/399,036 filed on Aug. 18, 2022. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many individuals utilize cleaning brushes to clean dishes, cups, plates, eating utensils, and other items within a kitchen sink. Different cleaning brushes have been developed for different purposes. For example, some cleaning brushes include ergonomic handles and brush head configurations designed to easily clean the interior of drinking vessels in addition to other items. Other brush head configurations include a suction cup or similar fastener to secure the brush within the sink, such that an individual may move the item to be cleaned along the stationary brush. One drawback to these types of brushes is that the suction cup fasteners are prone to failure, and the individual must often re-secure the brush during use. Additionally, the fastener takes up room within the sink basin that could otherwise be used to hold more items to be cleaned.
In view of the above concerns, the present invention provides a sink drain plug with an upper connector that removably secures a cleaning brush thereto. This allows individuals to easily secure different types and sizes of brushes to the drain plug for a variety of uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of sink drain plugs with cleaning brush attachments now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment wherein the same may be utilized for providing convenience for the user when using the sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.
The present invention comprises a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment that includes an attached brush that may be utilized to clean dishes and other items in the sink. Use of the drain plug with cleaning brush attachment is straightforward. Having the cleaning brush attachment on the top side of a sink stopper allows a user to connect a cleaning brush attachment to it. It also allows the user to disconnect the cleaning brush attachment and keep the sink stopper in place. While the stink stopper is in place, the user may use the cleaning brush attachment. When the drain stopper is not in use, the connector acts as a dish brush holder.
The sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment is completely operable with one hand. People with disabilities or amputees will be able to use the drain plug with cleaning brush attachment with ease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.

FIG. 4 shows a front cross-sectional view along Line A-A of FIG. 3 of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.

FIG. 6 shows a front cross-sectional view along Line B-B of FIG. 5 of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.

FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a handle of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.

FIG. 8 shows a front cross-sectional view along Line C-C of FIG. 7 of one embodiment of a handle of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.

FIG. 9 shows an overhead perspective view of one embodiment of a drain plug of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.

FIG. 10 shows a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a drain plug of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached figures. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiments will be discussed as used for providing a sink drain plug and cleaning brush attachment, wherein different types of cleaning brushes may be removably secured to the sink drain plug. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 100.
The sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 100 may include a drain plug 110 that is adapted to be removably secured within a sink drain (not shown) via a friction fit or the like.
The drain plug 110 may be composed of rubber or a similar material that allows a seal to be formed against the walls of the sink drain. In one embodiment, the drain plug 110 may be solid to stop all liquids and solids from entering the sink drain. In another embodiment, the drain plug 110 may include relatively smaller drain apertures 112 that allow liquid to flow through the sink drain while preventing relatively larger solid materials from going down the sink drain.
The upper end 110A of the drain plug 110 may include a connector 114 thereon. The connector 114 may be removably securing a cleaning brush 120 to the drain plug 110. In one embodiment, the connector 114 may be a slot 116 or the like that removably secures a handle element 122 of the cleaning brush 120 via friction fit. Other embodiments may include other mechanisms of securing the handle element 122 or other connector 114 of the cleaning brush 120 to the drain plug 110, including a threaded connector 114A, a magnetic connector 114B, or any other suitable connector. The connector 114 may receive different types of cleaning brushes 120. For example, an individual may secure the handle element 122 of an elongated handheld brush 120C to the drain plug 110, or may instead secure a relatively smaller brush's connector 114 to the drain plug 110. The configuration of the lower portion of the cleaning brush 120 therefore may vary depending on the desired use and method of cleaning.
FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 100.
The cleaning brush 120 may include different structural features depending on their intended use. For example, the cleaning brush 120 may include a single elongated connector 114 with a cleaning brush 120. In another embodiment, the cleaning brush 120 may include a handle with gripping material and a removably secured cleaning brush 120, which may be replaced with like or different brush heads, allowing for full modularity. The cleaning brush 120 may include a pair of forks 126 that branch out to have two separated brush heads 126A, 126B, allowing for more efficient cleaning of inner and outer surfaces. Overall, the primary feature of the present invention is the drain plug 110 being able to removably secure any suitable type of cleaning brush 120 thereto.
FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 200.
The sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 200 may include a drain plug 210 and a cleaning brush 220.
The drain plug 210 may be adapted to be removably secured within a sink drain (not shown).
The cleaning brush 220 may have a single elongated connector 222 with a first end 222A and a second end 222B. The first end 222A of the single elongated connector 222 may be coupled to the drain plug 210. The second end 222B of the single elongated connector 222 may be coupled to a brush head 224. The single elongated connector 222 may serve as a handle 222′ having a gripping material 222C disposed on the handle 222′. The brush head 224 may include a plurality of cone-shaped bristles 224A that extend from the brush head 224. The handle 222′ may be disposed on a middle portion 222D of the single elongated connector 222 and is indented inward on both sides of the middle portion 222D of the single elongated connector 222 for ergonomic grasping.
FIG. 4 shows a front cross-sectional view along Line A-A of FIG. 3 of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 200.
The drain plug 210 may be magnetically coupled to the first end 222A of the single elongated connector 222. The brush head 224 may be screwed into the second end 222B of the single elongated connector 222.
FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 200.
The handle 222′ may be disposed on an upper portion of the single elongated connector 222.
FIG. 6 shows a front cross-sectional view along Line B-B of FIG. 5 of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 200.
The drain plug 210 may be magnetically coupled to the first end 222A of the single elongated connector 222 with a vertical extension 223.
FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 200.
The drain plug (FIG. 6, 210 ) may be coupled to the first end 222A of the single elongated connector 222 with a pair of extended tabs and corresponding apertures (FIG. 8, 225 ).
FIG. 8 shows a front cross-sectional view along Line C-C of FIG. 7 of one embodiment of a handle 222′ of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 200.
The drain plug 210 may be friction fit coupled to the first end 222A of the single elongated connector 222. The brush head 224 may be friction fit into the second end 222B of the single elongated connector 222.
FIG. 9 shows an overhead perspective view of one embodiment of a drain plug 210 of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 200.
The drain plug 210 may include a plurality of raised protrusions 212 disposed on an edge 210A of the drain plug 210 that are slanted outward and equidistant apart. The drain plug 210 may be composed of rubber that is adapted to be a seal against the sink drain via friction fit.
FIG. 10 shows a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a drain plug 210 of a sink drain plug with cleaning brush attachment 200.
The drain plug 210 may have a drainage aperture 214 to drain any liquid on the drain plug 210.
It is therefore submitted that the present invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, comprising:

a drain plug adapted to be removably secured within a sink drain; and

a cleaning brush having a single elongated connector with a handle with gripping material, the cleaning brush includes a pair of forks that branch out to have two separated brush heads allowing for more efficient cleaning of inner and outer surfaces.

2. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 1, wherein the drain plug is composed of rubber that allows a seal to be formed against the sink drain that is removably secured within the sink drain via friction fit.

3. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 1, wherein the drain plug is solid to stop all liquids and solids from entering the sink drain.

4. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 1, wherein the drain plug includes a plurality of drain apertures that allow liquid to flow through the sink drain while preventing solid materials from going down the sink drain.

5. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 1, wherein an upper end of the drain plug includes a connector that removably secures the cleaning brush to the drain plug.

6. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 1, wherein the connector is a slot that removably secures a handle element of the cleaning brush by friction fit.

7. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 6, wherein the slot that removably secures the handle element of the cleaning brush is by a threaded connector.

8. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 6, wherein the slot that removably secures the handle element of the cleaning brush is by a magnetic connector.

9. A drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, comprising:

a drain plug adapted to be removably secured within a sink drain; and

a cleaning brush having a single elongated connector with a first end and a second end;

wherein the first end of the single elongated connector is coupled to the drain plug;

wherein the second end of the single elongated connector is coupled to a brush head; and

wherein the single elongated connector serves as a handle having a gripping material disposed on the handle.

10. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 9, wherein the drain plug includes a plurality of raised protrusions disposed on an edge of the drain plug that are slanted outward and equidistant apart.

11. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 9, wherein the drain plug is composed of rubber that is adapted to be a seal against the sink drain via friction fit.

12. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 9, wherein the drain plug is magnetically coupled to the first end of the single elongated connector.

13. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 12, wherein the drain plug is magnetically coupled to the first end of the single elongated connector with a vertical extension.

14. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 9, wherein the drain plug is friction fit coupled to the first end of the single elongated connector.

15. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 9, wherein the drain plug is coupled to the first end of the single elongated connector with a pair of extended tabs and corresponding apertures.

16. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 9, wherein the brush head is screwed into the second end of the single elongated connector.

17. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 9, wherein the brush head includes a plurality of cone-shaped bristles that extend from the brush head.

18. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 9, wherein the brush head is friction fit into the second end of the single elongated connector.

19. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 9, wherein the handle is disposed on a middle portion of the single elongated connector and is indented inward on both sides of the middle portion of the single elongated connector for ergonomic grasping.

20. The drain plug with cleaning brush attachment, according to claim 9, wherein the handle is disposed on an upper portion of the single elongated connector.