Levitated drain stopper
OwnerBrian Zimmermaninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A stopper mechanism for a drain includes one of a magnetic stopper and a diamagnetic and a magnetic field generator with a fixed position in relation to the drain which produces a magnetic field having a precise combination of position, geometry, and strength to support the stopper in a stable, levitated, distal position with relation to a drain to permit fluid and waste to pass by the stopper and which does not provide any contact points for collection of debris thereon, and wherein the magnetic field can be changed to cause the magnetic stopper to engage the drain to restrict flow through the drain. The application of the electromagnetic levitation principles creates a truly “clogless” drain mechanism.
Claims14
A method for supporting a stopper within a drain of a sink, comprising:
- providing a stopper having a head with a perimeter seal and a part of which is one of magnetic and diamagnetic, and
- arranging a magnetic field to support said stopper in a stable position with relation to the drain to permit fluid and waste to pass by said stopper in an unobstructed manner, whereby said magnetic field may be actuated to cause said head perimeter seal to engage the drain to restrict flow through the drain.
A magnetic support mechanism, comprising:
- a magnetic field arranged to support one of a magnetic stopper and a diamagnetic stopper in a stable noncontact position with relation to a drain and a vessel whereby said one of magnetic stopper and said diamagnetic stopper may be moved by remote actuation of said magnetic field to engage said one of magnetic stopper and said diamagnetic stopper with the drain to restrict flow there between.
A magnetic stopper mechanism for a drain, comprising:
- a stopper including one of a magnetic material and diamagnetic material;
- and
- a magnetic field generator with a fixed position in relation to the drain which produces a magnetic field having a precise combination of position, geometry, and strength to support said stopper in a stable distal position with relation to the drain to permit fluid and waste to pass by said stopper and which does not provide any interconnecting structure to said stopper within the drain for collection of debris thereon, whereby said magnetic field can be changed to cause said stopper to engage the drain to restrict flow through the drain.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.