Drainpipe strainer

#The present invention relates to straining of liquids within drainpipes.

#Drainpipes invariably receive solids along with the waste liquids to be drained. A common plugging condition in typical households is caused from hair collecting in the drainpipes and eventually clogging the pipe.

#Typical drain installations include a "trap" which is a sharply bent section of pipe. Traps are used to prevent gases from escaping back upwardly through the drainpipe to exit out the drain opening in the adjacent sink or tub. Drainpipes usually include a removable trap to facilitate cleaning. The trap must be removed for this purpose--a task not lightly undertaken by the typical homeowner. Furthermore, not all drain stoppages occur within the drain trap. Stoppage may occur away from the trap. When this happens, further measures must be taken to unplug the drain. Various chemicals and apparatus have been developed for this purpose. Perhaps the most common mechanical device is the "snake". A "snake" is an elongated wound wire that is sufficiently flexible to be guided through the drain and trap, seeking a clogged area. The snake is usually turned by hand or by an appropriate electric motor as it is fed into the drain. Snakes often require removal of the trap before they will function effectively.

#The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a drain with the present structure mounted thereto;

#FIG. 2 is a sectional view through a drainpipe and the present device as attached thereto;

#In compliance with the constitutional purpose of the Patent Laws "to promote the progress of science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section 8), applicant submits the following disclosure of the invention.

#The present straining device is indicated by the reference numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings. The straining device 10 is attachable to an existing form of drainpipe 11 for removing solid material such as hair, etc., from liquids passing through the drainpipe interior bore 12.

#It is pointed out that the present device 10 can be secured within an appropriate radial hole 13 formed at any point along the length of the drainpipe. FIG. 1 shows the device 10 mounted at the bottom of a trap 14. FIG. 2 shows the device mounted to a straight section of drainpipe through an appropriate radial hole 13.