Drain Strainer with Support Ribs

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/647,893, filed on May 15, 2024, entitled DRAIN STRAINER WITH SUPPORT RIBS, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present subject matter relates generally to the field of kitchenware and, more particularly, to sink accessories designed for debris management and water drainage.

Kitchen sinks serve an important role in food preparation and cleanup. They therefore require efficient water drainage and effective management of food debris. The introduction of debris into kitchen sinks is inevitable, and preventing such debris from clogging the drainage system is an important consideration.

Conventional drain strainers address this issue by capturing debris while allowing water to pass through. However, they are not designed to accommodate the simultaneous placement of dishes in the sink. This oversight leads to a common problem where dishes, utensils, or other kitchenware placed in the sink obstruct the drain strainer, thereby impeding water flow and limiting the strainer's effectiveness. The obstruction not only slows down kitchen activities due to the need for constant clearance of the waterway but also compromises the purposes of the strainer by trapping water and debris together, which can lead to unsanitary conditions and promote the growth of mold and bacteria in standing water. Additionally, existing strainers lack a structural design that can support the weight of dishes without significant deformation or displacement of the strainer, which further exacerbates the issue of water flow obstruction.

Conventional solutions do not integrate a debris management system with the capability to function effectively under the weight of kitchenware. This has created a demand for an improved strainer design that can accommodate dishes without compromising drainage, thereby enhancing the utility and hygiene of kitchen sinks.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a drain strainer for filtering debris from water as it enters a sink drain. In some embodiments, the strainer comprises a strainer base. In some embodiments, the strainer comprises a debris collection chamber connected to the inner perimeter of the strainer base, the chamber forming therethrough a plurality of drainage pores configured to allow water passage through the chamber. In some embodiments, the strainer comprises a plurality of support ribs connected to and vertically extending from the strainer base, wherein the ribs are configured to elevate items placed directly on the strainer, thereby facilitating unobstructed water flow beneath such items and into the debris collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the strainer base has a circular geometry defined by a perimeter edge designed to rest within a sink drain, the perimeter edge being angled downward to facilitate the direction of water flow over the strainer base and into the debris collection chamber, thereby enhancing the strainer's water filtration efficiency.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber is invertible, facilitating the removal of accumulated debris by manually applying upward pressure to the chamber from below.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber is hemispherical with a flat base, the hemispherical shape conducive to guiding debris towards the flat base for accumulation and subsequent disposal.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber is integrally formed with the strainer base.

In some embodiments, the support ribs are arranged radially from a central point of the drain strainer. In some embodiments, the support ribs are uniformly spaced around the circumference of the strainer base, each rib positioned equidistant from adjacent ribs.

In some embodiments, the support ribs comprise a non-slip surface to prevent movement of items placed on the ribs.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of support ribs comprises a base connected to the strainer base and a top opposite the base, wherein each of the support ribs is tapered with the base thicker than the top.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of support ribs has an outer end proximate to the outer perimeter of the strainer base and an inner end proximate to the inner perimeter of the strainer base, wherein the inner end is taller than the outer end such that the top of the support rib angles inwardly, such than an item resting on the support rib is angled upwardly over the debris collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the base of the support rib is substantially triangular having one side proximate to the inner perimeter of the strainer base and one vertex proximate to the outer perimeter of the strainer base. In some embodiments, the triangular base of each support rib is rounded at its vertices. In some embodiments, the support ribs have a rounded apex.

In some embodiments, the support ribs extend upward from the strainer base to a height sufficient to create a clearance between the bottom of a dish and the top surface of the strainer base, facilitating unobstructed water flow to the drainage pores.

In some embodiments, the support ribs are constructed of a rubberized material, thereby limiting the risk of damage to items placed on the ribs.

In some embodiments, the strainer base is constructed of a rubberized material, providing enhanced grip and resistance to movement when in contact with sink surfaces.

In some embodiments, the drainage pores are dimensioned to block debris particles exceeding a specific size threshold, enabling only water and smaller particles to pass through.

In some embodiments, the drain strainer is constructed from materials with antimicrobial properties.

In some embodiments, the drainage pores are positioned in concentric circles within the debris collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a method of manufacturing a drain strainer. In some embodiments, the method comprises injection molding a material to form a strainer base with a plurality of support ribs and a debris collection chamber. In some embodiments, the support ribs extend vertically from the strainer base at a specific height and contour for elevating items placed directly on the strainer, facilitating unobstructed water flow to the drainage pores. In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber is molded with plurality of drainage pores sized to allow water passage while preventing the passage of debris.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional features and advantages of the disclosed technology will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present disclosure pertains to a drain strainer designed to improve water drainage and debris management in kitchen sinks.

In some embodiments, the drain strainer comprises a strainer base with an upper and a lower surface, support ribs, and a debris collection chamber. In some embodiments, the strainer base is circular, configured to fit around the perimeter of a sink drain. However, the subject matter disclosed herein is not so limited. Instead, the strainer base can be any shape, including, for example, rectangular, and triangular. It possesses an upper surface from which support ribs extend and a lower surface to which the debris collection chamber is securely attached.

In some embodiments, support ribs, extending from the upper surfaceof the strainer base, function to elevate kitchenware placed in the sink, thereby allowing water to pass unobstructed through the debris collection chamber(as illustrated in). These support ribsextend vertically and can be uniformly distributed around the strainer baseto provide even support and weight distribution for objects resting on them.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamber is located beneath the strainer base and is characterized by a hemispherical shape with multiple drainage pores. In some embodiments, as depicted in, the debris collection chamber possesses curved sidewalls with a flat bottom, or a base platform, offering a different approach to debris collection and water drainage. These drainage pores are apertures in the debris collection chamber that allow water flow through the drain strainer. The chamber itself captures and retains debris that is not small enough to pass through the pores.

The debris collection chamber's shape and drainage pore arrangement contribute to the effective separation of debris from the water. The hemispherical shape of the debris collection chamber encourages debris to move towards the center and bottom of the chamber due to gravity. The uniform arrangement of the drainage pores encourages maximal water flow through the chamber, while the size of the pores prevents the passage of larger debris. In embodiments with a flat bottom, the debris is less likely to block all of the pores which are located at the bottom and center of the debris collection chamber, ensuring that water can still pass through the pores efficiently. In an exemplary embodiment, the pores are approximately 0.4 cm in diameter. In another embodiment, the pores may range from 0.1 cm to 2 cm in diameter.

depicts a top perspective view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the strainer baseforms the periphery of the drain strainer. The strainer baseis a ring-like structure that fits around a sink drain opening. The strainer basehas an upper surface, which serves as the supporting structure for support ribs. Support ribsextend from the upper surfaceof the strainer base, and function to elevate dishes and utensils placed in the sink, ensuring a clearance above the strainer base(as illustrated in), thereby facilitating the passage of water into the sink drain. The strainer basehas a lower surface, which serves as the supporting structure for a debris collection chamber. The lower surface of the strainer baseforms a seal with the portion of the sink basin that sits above and surrounds the sink drain, thus preventing water from leaking under the strainer base.

In some embodiments, as depicted in, a perimeter edgeis present at the outermost circumference of the strainer base. The perimeter edgeslopes downward from the upper surfaceof the strainer base, helping to direct water flow over the strainer base. This helps ensure that all, or almost all, water is processed by the debris collection chamber. Additionally, a central edgedelineates the interior zone of the strainer, sloping downward from the strainer basetowards the debris collection chamber.

In some embodiments, as depicted in, in the core of the drain straineris a debris collection chamber, characterized by a hemispherical shape. The debris collection chamberhas a plurality of drainage pores, or apertures, within the debris collection chamber. The drainage poresfilter out particles above a specific size threshold, effectively serving as a sieve. In some embodiments, these drainage poresare uniformly distributed across the debris collection chamber, allowing for both uniform water flow and optimal debris retention.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamberexhibits a tapering, hemispherical contour, visible in, which narrows progressively towards its base. This design channels debris towards the central lowest point of the debris collection chamber. In some embodiments, the debris collection chamberfeatures a base platform, which is a flat section at the bottom of the debris collection chamber. The base platformmay function to collect debris more efficiently in the lower central portion of the debris collection chamberand may facilitate the cleaning process by providing a simple, flat surface for debris removal.

depicts a bottom perspective view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.depicts the drain strainer'sunderside. The lower surfaceof the strainer base, serves as the support structure from which the debris collection chamberis connected. The strainer baseis designed to mirror the shape of a typical sink drain to ensure a secure fit and stable positioning. The central edge, visible inas a demarcating boundary within the strainer base'sinner circumference, indicates the transition point between the end of the strainer baseand the start of the debris collection chamber. The central edgeis angled downward from the strainer baseto direct water flow into the debris collection chamber.

The debris collection chamber, as previously discussed, is a recessed, hemispherical basin that functions as the primary receptacle for trapping debris. In some embodiments, drainage poresline the debris collection chamber. These drainage poresfilter debris while allowing water passage, thus preventing blockages and promoting continuous drainage. In some embodiments, the base platform, is a planar surface situated at the bottom of the debris collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chamberis invertible. The inversion mechanism can be facilitated by a manual upward push applied to the base platformor any part of the debris collection chamber, thereby allowing the debris collection chamberto evert and expel any retained debris. Such an inversion enables the disposal of accumulated debris.

depicts a side view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The support ribsextend vertically from the strainer baseand function to elevate kitchenware, ensuring that the flow of water through the debris collection chamberis unimpeded.

Directly below the strainer base, as depicted in, is the debris collection chamber, which exhibits a hemispherical form as previously discussed.depicts the drainage poresas small, circular apertures on the debris collection chamber. The arrangement of the drainage poresis designed to maximize the surface area for filtration while minimizing the potential for clogging. In some embodiments, as depicted in, the base platformis present as a flat surface at the bottom of the debris collection chamber. As previously discussed, the debris collection chambercan be inverted for debris removal, a process that entails applying manual pressure to the base platformor debris collection chamber.

depicts a cross-sectional view of the drain strainer, cutting through the support ribsand showing the internal structure of the strainer baseand the debris collection chamber, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This view is useful in understanding the internal configuration and the relational architecture of the drain strainercomponents.

In some embodiments, as depicted in, the support ribsextend from the strainer base. The support ribsare shaped as elongated members extending vertically from the strainer base. The support ribs are contoured with a tapered design, thick at the strainer base attachment point and narrowing towards the top and with their apexcloser to the debris collection chamber. The ribs do not encroach over the central debris collection chamber. In some embodiments, the support ribshave a rounded apexto support kitchenware gently.

In some embodiments, as depicted in, the perimeter edgeenhances the functionality of the drain strainerby its downward slope from the upper surfaceto the outer perimeter of the strainer base. Similarly, the central edgemarks a transition from the strainer baseto the debris collection chamberwith its own downward slope, effectively channeling water and debris into the debris collection chamberfor easier collection.

In some embodiments, as depicted in, the strainer base, with its flat upper surface, is integrally attached to the support ribsand the debris collection chamber. In some embodiments, the entire drain straineris formed from one material. This can be accomplished, for example and not limitation, by injection molding or additive manufacturing.

In some embodiments, the debris collection chambercan be fabricated from a flexible and or rubberized material. The material selection not only contributes to the debris collection chamber'sdurability and longevity but also facilitates an easy inversion process for debris disposal. The inherent flexibility of the rubberized material allows the debris collection chamberto be inverted with minimal effort.

In some embodiments, all components of the drain strainermay be fabricated from the same flexible and/or rubberized material, where the elastic nature of the material provides a sealing effect against the sink surface, contributing to the effectiveness of the drain strainer'sfiltration. Additionally, when incorporated into the support ribs, the flexible and/or rubberized material provides a gentle yet sturdy resting place for kitchenware.

In some embodiments, the material used for the drain straineris embedded with antimicrobial properties. This composition helps to maintain the hygienic standard of the kitchen environment where the drain straineroperates. The antimicrobial attribute could be a result of an infused agent within the material matrix or a surface treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold.

depicts another side view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This angle offers another view of the drain strainer'sform factor.

The depiction infurther emphasizes the configuration of the support ribsdiscussed previously.reaffirms the support ribs' role in creating a buffer zone above the strainer base. Each support ribis angled and spaced to evenly distribute the weight of dishes and utensils. Further, when compared against,illustrates how the support ribsemanates radially from the strainer baseand are evenly spaced to optimize the strainer's operational efficiency. This even spacing promotes unobstructed water flow while simultaneously serving as a platform for kitchenware.

depicts a top view of the drain strainer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.depicts the circular geometry of the strainer base. The strainer basefeatures a perimeter edge, which is found at the outermost circumference of the strainer. The central edgeis depicted inat the innermost circumference of the strainer base; the central edgedelineates the transition from the supporting structure of the strainer baseto the internal area of the debris collection chamber.

depicts the debris collection chamberas a circular structure within the strainer baseand with multiple drainage pores. In some embodiments, the drainage poreswithin the debris collection chamberare of uniform size, designed to prevent debris of a certain dimension from passing through, while allowing water to drain effectively. The drainage poresare distributed throughout the surface of the debris collection chamber;depicts the drainage poresfrom a top-down view, revealing their pattern and density. In, these drainage poresare arranged in concentric circles. This arrangement ensures equitable distribution of the filtration area and consistent water flow.

In some embodiments, as depicted in, the support ribsare arranged radially around the strainer base. In the embodiment depicted in, six support ribsare radially positioned above the strainer base. The even distribution of these ribs ensures stability, distributing the load evenly when dishes or other items are placed on top. This configuration minimizes the potential for deformation under weight while maximizing the clearance for water passage. The choice of six ribs allows for sufficient space between each rib, preventing debris accumulation and facilitating easy maintenance. While the embodiment depicted features six radially positioned support ribson the strainer base, the invention is not limited to this number. The design contemplates various configurations, with the number of ribs being modifiable to accommodate different sink sizes, user preferences, or specific functional requirements.

From the top view as depicted in, the support ribsare rounded triangular forms that taper from a wide base near the central part of the drain strainerout to a round, pointed tip at the outer perimeter. The support ribshave a broad area of contact near the strainer base'scenter. As the support ribsextend outward, they narrow to a rounded point, which aids in minimizing obstruction to the flow of water and facilitates easier passage of water and debris towards the debris collection chamber. The support ribs'triangular shaping, rounded for safety and ergonomic considerations, also contributes to the overall structural integrity of the drain strainer, evenly distributing any weight placed on them.