Debris entrapment apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for entrapping foreign matter and debris in drains is disclosed. The apparatus has a bristle holding device, bristles and an optionally detachable bottom base. The apparatus can be easily removed, cleaned, and then placed back into the drain for additional use, or the apparatus may be discarded and replaced with a new apparatus. The apparatus can be used in multiple drain types including pop-up, plunger, push-pull tub sink or shower drains and stationary drains, such as those found in a shower. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as a replacement part.

1 . A debris entrapment apparatus for use inside a drain comprising a bristle holding device, a plurality of bristles and a bottom end, wherein
 said bristles radiate from said bristle holding device, and   said bottom end is removably attached via an attaching means to said bristle holding device.   
   
   
       2 . A debris entrapment apparatus for use inside a drain comprising a bristle holding device, at least one overflow channel, a plurality of bristles and a bottom end, wherein
 said overflow channel traverses at least a portion of the length of the bristle holding device,   said bristles radiate from, but are not necessarily attached to said bristle holding device, and   said bottom end is removably attached via an attaching means to said bristle holding device.   
   
   
       3 . A debris entrapment apparatus for use inside a drain comprising a bristle holding device, tubular outer body, a plurality of retractable bristles and bottom end, wherein
 said bristle holding device is a bristle holding inner member with a movable support running down the center of said member,   said outer body is positioned over said inner member and is provided with a plurality of apertures for bristle passage,   said bristles attach to the movable support located within the tubular outer body to move between a position in which said bristles project through said apertures and a position in which they are retracted, and   said bottom end removably attaches via an attaching means to a member wherein the member is selected from the group consisting of a tubular outer body or a bristle holding inner member.   
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprises a bristle sheet, said bristles radiate from said bristle sheet. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said bristle holding device has at least one hole. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the apparatus is part of a kit, wherein the kit has component parts capable of being assembled in the field or at home, the kit comprising the combination of:
 a bristle holding device,   a plurality of bristles radiating from said bristle holding device,   a bottom end, each bottom end removably attaches via an attachment means to said bristle holding device, and   a second bristle holding device, said second bristle holding device adapted to serve as a replacement bristle holding device.   
   
   
       7 . The apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said bristles are attached to the bristle holding device at at least one end of the bristle. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said bristles are distributed as layers on said bristle holding device. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said bristles are attached to the bristle holding device such that said bristles radiate from said bristle holding device in any direction but parallel to the length direction of said bristle holding device. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as in  claim 2 , wherein said bristles are attached to the bristle holding device at at least one end of the bristle. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus as in  claim 2 , wherein said bristles are distributed as layers on said bristle holding device. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus as in  claim 2 , wherein said bristles are attached to the bristle holding device such that said bristles radiate from said bristle holding device in any direction but parallel to the length direction of said bristle holding device. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus as in  claim 2 , wherein said overflow channel is substantially free of obstruction and the overflow channel has at least a first opening to allow a liquid to enter the overflow channel before the liquid reaches the plurality of bristles and the overflow channel has at least a second opening allowing the liquid to flow from the overflow channel at a point after the plurality of bristles. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus as in  claim 3 , further comprising means for manually retracting and projecting said bristles in the apertures. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus as in  claim 3 , wherein said bristles are attached to the bristle holding device at at least one end of the bristle. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as in  claim 3 , wherein said bristles are distributed as layers on said bristle holding device. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as in  claim 3 , wherein said bristles are attached to the bristle holding device such that said bristles radiate from said bristle holding device in any direction but parallel to the length direction of said bristle holding device. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus as in  claim 3 , further comprising an overflow channel, said overflow channel traverses at least a portion of the length of the bristle holding device.