Apparatus to Capture and Extract Drain Clog Debris

Abstract

An apparatus for removing a dog from a drain consists of an elongated, flexible shaft member with a corkscrew or coil member on one end and an integrated handle at the other end. Inserting the corkscrew end into a dogged drain and manually turning the handle allows the corkscrew portion of the apparatus to worm through the matter that is dogging the drain, and when the apparatus is pulled from the drain the dogging matter is held within the corkscrew member to capture the dogging matter or debris for easy removal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]This invention generally relates to a low cost, single use, disposable device for clearing a clog from a drain, and more particularly, for clearing a clog from a bathroom sink, shower, or bathtub drain.[0005]Simple drain clogs have been a problem ever since the creation of plumbing. Bathroom sinks, showers and tubs tend to be subject to clogs from hair and soap. Bathroom sinks in addition have toothpaste, shaving creams, hair jells as well as other substances that people use in the bathroom. Whatever the substance, the substances tend over time to attach, ball up, and form clogs that slow, and eventually stop up the drain.[0006]Consumers have had several paths to alleviate the problem of clogs by calli...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a device that can be used to clear blockages in drains. It is made from a flexible material that can bend and still keep its shape. The device has a part that can be inserted into the drain and turned to help clear the blockage. It is designed to be easily inserted and removed, and can be shaped differently for different drain sizes. The device also has micro barbs on the outside to help grab debris and free hair that may be causing the blockage, while the inside is smooth to allow the blockage to be drawn up into the device.

Problems solved by technology

Simple drain clogs have been a problem ever since the creation of plumbing.

Bathroom sinks, showers and tubs tend to be subject to clogs from hair and soap.

Whatever the substance, the substances tend over time to attach, ball up, and form clogs that slow, and eventually stop up the drain.

A drawback of chemicals is that they are generally caustic to the drain, and they can be deadly to the user as well as the environment.

And if not deadly, chemicals can get in the eyes of a user and potentially cause serious harm.

Large snake devices are expensive, and if not used correctly, can push the material causing a clog to move further down the drain.

First, the Luoma device has to be pushed into a clog, which may actually only push the clog deeper into the drain beyond the limited reach of the Luoma device.

Second, the Luoma device, having the barbed portions interspersed along its length, present sharp edges that pose a risk to the user who could be cut or poked by the barbed portions along the length of the device.

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