Foreign Matter Trap for Drains

Abstract

A coil or spring device in the shape of a cone or funnel with a decreasing radius and decreasing pitch that can be inserted in a drain to trap hair and other foreign matter that would otherwise cause a clogging condition in waste water drain pipes and plumbing systems. The device is preferably biodegradable and is designed to fit in a wide variety of drain pipe diameters and to be removably positionable to allow for easy inspection, replacement, and disposal.

1 . A drain trap device for trapping hair and other foreign matter that can clog or impede the flow of downwardly flowing water as in a waste water drain pipe, said device comprising a coil or spring in the shape of a cone or funnel. 
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  is cone or funnel-shaped and has a decreasing radius. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  is cone or funnel-shaped and has a decreasing pitch. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the coil or spring has an abrasive surface coating or surface texture to help trap hair and other foreign matter. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the coil or spring has upwardly and downwardly directed surface protrusions or teeth to help trap hair and other foreign matter. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the protrusions or teeth are perpendicularly positioned along the coil. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the coil has breakaway indentations to allow for easy clip-to-fit, cutting to size, and universal installation to a wide variety of drain pipe opening diameters. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising cross-members extending between the coils. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the cross-members are perpendicularly positioned between the coils to help trap hair and other foreign matter. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the cross-members are perpendicularly positioned between the coils to allow the device to be pressed flat for packaging and shipping. 
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the cross-members are perpendicularly positioned between the coils to allow the device additional structure and to be formed into a cone or funnel-shape from a flat packaging condition. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the coil is manufactured and/or packaged as a flat coil and is formed into a cone or funnel-shaped device prior to installation. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the coil is constructed of a semi flexible material suitable for injection molding. 
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said material is biodegradable. 
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the coil is removably positionable in a drain.