Push-up Fitting

The present invention relates to an improved push-up fitting for a sink, tub or the like.

Push-up fittings are important components in sanitation facilities such as sinks, tubs or similar facilities. Their main purpose is to discharge the outflowing water in a controlled manner, at the same time filtering out solids or impurities. This is achieved by means of valves, filter baskets and other mechanical elements.

Typically, push-up fittings are inserted into sinks or tubs from the top. They are normally designed such that they can be easily introduced in the respective hole in the sink bottom from the top. On the bottom, they are frequently connected to a siphon trap so as to ensure an odorless discharge.

Due to the different thicknesses of sinks, tubs and other devices, there are many different versions of push-up fittings. They are rarely adaptable and must be selected from a plurality of different versions in order to ensure safe and efficient installation in the respective environments.

Some sinks and tubs are equipped with spillway systems for preventing overflow. In such configurations, the water reaches the push-up fittings from the spillway, which requires a special design for handling this additional flow of water.

Push-up fittings can be provided with push-up valves which make it possible to control the water discharge manually by pressing the valve. Normally, the outlet is opened by pressing of the valve into the discharge position, and is returned into the closing position by pressing the valve again.

Push-up fittings are normally operated manually by a user wherein he operates the valve or plugs the spillway. In some models, technological solutions such as sensors or remote control may also be integrated.

Because wastewater pipes tend to be clogged by hair and other particles, there is a continuous need for opening push-up fittings in order to remove these elements. This is necessary not only for maintenance but also for maintaining regular discharge and preventing clogging. Here, access to filter baskets or valves without the use of tools comes into play so as to allow easy and efficient cleaning.

The aim of the present invention is to provide an improved push-up fitting for sinks, tubs or similar devices which allows different versions of efficient and user-friendly discharge, wherein a push-up valve can be inserted into and removed from the push-up fitting without the use of tools.

This aim is achieved by a push-up fitting having the characteristics of Claim, with the push-up fitting being provided for a sink, a tub or the like.

Advantageous further developments of the invention are indicated in the dependent Claims.

Preferably, the push-up fitting has a drain pipe with a central longitudinal axis whose upper axial end is adapted for attachment to a sink or tub bottom and whose lower axial end has an outlet. The drain pipe has a fluid channel between the upper axial end and the outlet. The push-up fitting additionally has a push-up valve adapted as an insert for the drain pipe so that it can be fitted into the drain pipe from above. The push-up valve has a spring and locking mechanism which can lock the valve in a closing position and in a discharge position. The push-up valve is equipped with a plug which, in the closing position, rests on the drain pipe in order to close the push-up fitting, and which in a discharge position opens the outlet of the drain pipe. The push-up fitting advantageously has a reservoir in particular for fragrances. The push-up fitting has a support element for the spring and locking mechanism of the push-up valve, which element serves as an abutment for the push-up valve when the spring and locking mechanism of the push-up valve is operated by pressure on the plug of the push-up fitting. The drain pipe has a constriction which carries the support element in the drain pipe so that it is supported during operation.

By “sinks, tubs and the like”, presently various sanitary tanks used to accommodate liquids or to achieve cleaning purposes in buildings are to be intended. This comprises, among others, sinks in bathrooms and kitchens, bathtubs, showers for body cleansing, rinsing bowls in kitchens for washing dishes, seating tubs for comfortable sitting during bathing, whirlpools or jacuzzis with water jets for therapeutic effects as well as various tubs in public facilities. The expression refers to a plurality of sanitary facilities used in homes, public buildings and commercial entities.

The push-up fitting normally consists of a drain pipe with a central longitudinal axis. As a rule, the upper axial end of this drain pipe is adapted to be fastened to the bottom of a sink, a tub or a similar unit. Frequently, at this upper end, a head of the drain pipe is formed as a collar which snugly conforms to the bottom of the sink or tub so as to ensure safe and tight fastening.

The lower axial end of the drain pipe has an outlet through which normally the received fluid is forwarded to a subsequent drain pipe. This drain pipe is frequently connected to a siphon trap. A siphon trap, as a rule, is a bent piece of pipe having the shape of an “S” or a “U”, which is filled with water. Roughly, the function of a siphon trap is to form a water seal. This water seal prevents the rise of unpleasant odors and gases from the drain pipe into the room since the water in the siphon trap acts as a barrier. At the same time, the siphon trap allows unimpeded outflow of liquids. When water flows through the drain pipe, the water seal is for a short time interrupted and then restored, the odor barrier being maintained in this manner.

The push-up fitting has a push-up valve. A push-up valve comprises, in a well-known manner, a mechanism used to control discharge of the water. This push-up valve is equipped with a spring and locking mechanism. The spring and locking mechanism allows the push-up valve to lock one of two main positions: the closing position and the discharge position.

In the closing position, the plug of the push-up fitting rests on the drain pipe, closing the push-up fitting. In this position, the outlet of the drain pipe is blocked, preventing the water discharge.

For opening the push-up fitting, the push-up valve is normally operated manually. Pressing the valve actuates the spring and locking mechanism of the push-up valve, pressing the plug of the push-up fitting upwards, where it reaches the discharge position. In this discharge position, the outlet of the drain pipe is freed and the water can flow down unimpeded.

Operation therefore commonly takes place by simple pressing of the push-up valve, offering a comfortable and user-friendly possibility of controlling water discharge in the push-up fitting.

The plug of the push-up fitting preferably has a diameter of 4 to 8 cm, preferably 6 cm.

The push-up valve necessitates a supporting element for the spring and locking mechanism of the push-up valve in order to guarantee a stable and functioning construction. The supporting element for the push-up valve has a decisive role by acting as the point of support for the spring and locking mechanism of the push-up valve.

The supporting element for the push-up valve is adapted so as to withstand the pressure exerted on the plug when the push-up valve is operated. In case of pressure on the plug, the spring and locking mechanism of the push-up valve is actuated, and the supporting element with the constriction of the drain pipe supports the process. This process ensures that the mechanism functions properly and alternates with precision between the closing position and the discharge position.

In practice, this means that the supporting element, with the constriction of the drain pipe, acts as a point of resistance when the plug of the push-up fitting is pressed. This action actuates the spring and locking mechanism of the push-up valve which then lifts the plug of the push-up fitting and reaches the desired position. The supporting element with the constriction of the drain pipe thus contributes to guarantee stability and efficiency of the mechanism when the push-up valve is operated.

The reservoir is preferably designed such that it offers the possibility of receiving a fragrance or a disinfectant. Here, the reservoir is preferably used as a carrier for the fragrance or the disinfectant so as to provide the outflowing water with a pleasant odor or a hygienic component.

The fragrance or disinfectant in the reservoir can have the form, for instance, of gel capsules, aroma balls or other safe and water-soluble carrier materials. When water flows through the reservoir, it at least partially comes in contact with the content of the reservoir. In this manner, the fragrance is activated and/or the disinfectant released and it can mix with the outflowing water.

This function adds an olfactory or hygienic aspect to the outflowing water. Thus, it adds not only a functional, but also a sensory asset to the push-up fitting. Dosing of the fragrance or disinfectant can be adapted to the individual preferences or requirements of the user.

In an alternative embodiment of the reservoir in the push-up fitting, a filter, for instance, can be used to retain and filter solids and impurities from the outflowing water. The reservoir acts as a kind of sieve or filter which catches larger particles, like hair, dirt or other solids, before the water continues to flow through the discharge system.

More specifically, the outflowing water can be guided through the reservoir for this purpose, while solid particles remain in the basket. This function prevents particles from reaching the drain pipe and potentially causing clogging. In this manner, with this design, the reservoir allows effective cleaning of the outflowing water and helps to maintain the functionality and unimpeded operation of the push-up fitting.

Cleaning or evacuating the reservoir at regular intervals is necessary for removing accumulations of solids and ensuring optimum filter performance. This function of the reservoir is particularly preferred in sanitary facilities where hair, soap residues and other particles can frequently reach the wastewater system.

The drain pipe preferably has a length of at least 4 cm, preferably 7 cm, particularly preferably 10 cm.

The reservoir preferably has an outer diameter of 2.5 to 4 cm, preferably 3.2 cm.

According to the invention, the push-up valve is embodied as an insert for the drain pipe, which means that it can be introduced into the drain pipe directly from above. This construction allows easy installation and maintenance, given that the push-up valve can be introduced into the drain pipe directly from above.

In addition, the drain pipe has a constriction which is specifically adapted for carrying the supporting element for the push-up valve in the drain pipe. This constriction of the pipe is designed to support and stabilize the supporting element for the push-up valve, in particular during operation of the push-up valve.

The structure with the constriction of the drain pipe ensures that the supporting element for the push-up valve, which is of decisive importance for functioning of the push-up valve, is sufficiently retained during push-up valve operation. This is important for ensuring proper operation of the mechanism and guaranteeing reliable locking in the various positions, such as the closing position and the discharge position.

In summary, constructing the push-up valve as an insert and providing a constriction within the drain pipe allow easy handling, installation and safe functioning of the push-up fitting.

Various embodiments of the constriction in the drain pipe are possible in order to carry the supporting element for the push-up valve and support it during operation of the same. These are some possible variants:

1. Tapering web at the lower end: the constriction of the drain pipe might have the form of a tapering web at the lower end of the fluid channel. This taper is used for holding the supporting element for the push-up valve and provide a supporting structure.

2. Circumferential tapering edge: a circumferential tapering edge along the fluid channel of the drain pipe might act as the constriction of the pipe. This edge could comprise the supporting element for the push-up valve and retain it when the push-up valve is operated.

3. Shape of the fluid channel: the fluid channel itself could taper or have a shape which acts as the constriction of the drain pipe. A conical shape or a specific contour of the fluid channel could carry the supporting element for the push-up valve in the drain pipe.

4. Interior ribs or braces: the drain pipe might have interior ribs or braces along the fluid channel so as to offer structural support for the supporting element of the push-up valve.

5. Combination of different elements: it is also possible to use a combination of these approaches, for instance a circumferential edge in combination with a tapering web at the lower end or interior ribs.

In the preferred embodiment, the drain pipe has the form of a circular ring. That means that it has the shape of a circular ring or an annular structure. This shape is, as a rule, similar to a cylinder, the inner and outer rim of the drain pipe forming a closed ring. Alternatively, other embodiments of the drain pipe which deviate from the form of a circular ring are possible as well, for instance elliptical shapes.

Specifically, the drain pipe may be conceived as having the shape of a hollow cylinder wherein the cross-section forms a closed ring. The annular design is characterized by a preferably continuous, closed outer circumferential line.

This shape provides certain advantages, such as easy handling, an even flow of water and good adaptability to different sink and tub bottoms. The annular embodiment also allows efficient integration in various sanitary facilities, and facilitates installation as well as operation of the push-up fitting.

In the preferred embodiment, the drain pipe is provided with a thread along its outer surface area. This means that there is a screw-like structure along the outer circumference of the pipe.

This threaded embodiment allows easy and secure fastening of the drain pipe to different sink, tub or similar bottom surfaces.

The thread is preferably a 1¼ inch thread.

In addition, a fixation element is provided in this preferred embodiment, which can be screwed onto the thread from below. The fixation element is used to fasten the drain pipe stably and securely to the sink, the tub or a similar structure. By screwing in the fixation element, the drain pipe is securely connected to the respective bottom structure.

The fixation element which is screwed onto the thread from below preferably has an outer diameter of 5 to 6 cm, preferably 5.7 cm.

This combination of a thread on the drain pipe and the fixation element which can be screwed onto it represents a robust fastening method ensuring easy assembly and safe retention. This configuration also allows an adaptation to different thicknesses of sink or tub bottoms since the fixation element can be flexibly adjusted.