Sink strainer with bridged stem

Abstract

A stopper drain guide stem is provided for centering and positioning a stopper in a drain guide hole. The unitary guide stem has a spindle portion extending axially downwardly therefrom for attachment to a drain stopper. The downwardly extending flexible stem portion of the guide element has a radiused nose portion for supporting the drain stopper in its raised, draining position, and for centering the stem and guiding it into a central aperture of the drain body assembly. The intermediate length of the stem portion is bifurcated, having a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel flexible leg portions with a flexible spacer member extending therebetween intermediate their length, to promote flexibility of the stem, so as to enable its use in a wider range of sizes of guide hole, and to enhance lateral stabilizing frictional engagement of the stem with the inner peripheral surface of the drain guide hole. The improved guide element can be used with a simple stopper having a stopper washer, or with a sink stopper including a perforated strainer basket. The enhanced flexbility of the legs enabling use in combination with a wider range of sizes of sink guide holes promotes the value and utility of the invention to the aftermarket.