# US 10,119,257 B2 · Drain chain systems and methods for cleaning drains > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,119,257 B2 - Document ID: US10119257B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/091,120 - Filed: 2016-04-05 - Published: 2016-07-28 - Granted: 2018-11-06 - Earliest claimed: 2012-02-09 - Applicants: Gifford L. Briggs; Jennifer Briggs - Inventors: Gifford L. Briggs; Jennifer Briggs - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10119257B2 ## CPC - E03C 1/302: using devices moved through the pipes {(and simultaneously rotated by means of a cable or rods E03F9/005)} - E03C 1/26: Object-catching inserts or similar devices for waste pipes or outlets (E03C1/28 takes precedence) - E03C 1/264: Separate sieves or similar object-catching inserts - E03F 5/041: {Accessories therefor} - E03C: DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER (not connected to either water-supply main or to waste pipe A47K; devices of the kind used in the ground E03B, E03F); SINKS - E03F: SEWERS; CESSPOOLS ## Abstract Drain chain systems can include a cap connected to a chain with an intermediate segment that is configured to pass between a plug and a surface of a tub or sink. The cap can be connected to a suction cup for attaching the system to the surface of the tub or sink. The intermediate segment is sized and shaped to prevent it from causing any substantial interference with the plug or plug sealing functionality. A ring can also be used, rather than the cap and suction cup, to position a chain within a drain. The ring can be positioned below the plug, so as to not interfere with the plug or plug sealing functionality at all. Small diameter caps and hooks can also be used to secure the chain within a drain, extending down from a drain cover. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A drain chain system configured in size and shape to be at least partially placed within a drain of a shower or tub and to maintain a position within the drain during use of the shower or tub and in such a manner as to entangle hair within the drain and for removing the hair from the drain, the drain chain system comprising: a cap; a flat intermediate segment connected to the cap, wherein the intermediate segment has a substantially rectilinear or flat cross-sectional profile with a maximum width and a maximum thickness, the maximum width being greater than the maximum thickness; a flexible chain, the chain being connected to the intermediate segment; and a suction cup connected to at least one of the intermediate segment or the cap. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, further comprising a suction cup, the suction cup being formed integrally with the cap. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the flexible chain comprises a string, a rope, fabric, or another woven, fibrous, or stranded material, composed of synthetic materials. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the flexible chain is a bead chain comprising a plurality of individual links that are connected along a length of the flexible chain from a first end to a second end. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, further comprising one or more interactive members connected to the flexible chain and extending in a lateral direction away from the flexible chain, the one or more interactive members including one or more of a hook-and-loop material, a rubber tine, or a hook. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate segment has a length of at least five centimeters. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate segment includes an over-molded connection to the flexible chain. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the flexible chain comprises a string, a rope, fabric, or another woven, fibrous, or stranded material, composed of natural materials. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the flexible chain has a length between two inches and twelve inches. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate segment is composed of a plastic material. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the maximum thickness is no greater than 0.1 inches. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate segment has a length between 2 inches and 12 inches. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the maximum width is at least 1.5 times the maximum thickness of the intermediate segment. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the suction cup is connected to the cap with a threaded coupling. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The drain chain system of claim 14, wherein the intermediate segment has an opening formed into a connection end of the intermediate segment through which at least a portion of the suction cup passes and connects to the cap. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate segment is composed of a different material than the flexible chain. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The drain chain system of claim 16, wherein the intermediate segment is composed of a plastic material. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The drain chain system of claim 1, wherein the maximum width is no greater than 0.8 inches. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The drain chain system of claim 18, wherein the intermediate segment has a body shape that is irregular with a variable width that varies between the maximum width and a minimum width.