US20200284010A1

US20200284010A1 - Device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like

Info

Publication number: US20200284010A1
Application number: US16/396,630
Authority: US
Inventors: Glen E. Kotapish
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-04-26
Filing date: 2019-04-26
Publication date: 2020-09-10

Abstract

The present invention is a device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like. In a first embodiment, the device has a springy, coiled body and a central void. The springy, coiled body has an outer side, an inner side, a top side and a bottom side, and forms a continuous loop around the central void to provide the device with a bracelet-like, ring-like or doughnut-like configuration. In a second embodiment, the device has a body and a central void. The body has an outer side, an inner side, a top side and a bottom side, and surrounds the central void to provide the device with a disc-shaped configuration. The body tapers inwardly from the top side to the bottom side. The top side includes a plurality of teeth positioned in an arrangement of rings wherein this arrangement of rings of teeth function to trap debris.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a nonprovisional application of and claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/663,254, filed Apr. 26, 2018 and entitled “DEVICE FOR TRAPPING DEBRIS IN BATHTUBS, SHOWER STALLS, SINKS AND THE LIKE,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to devices, appratuses and systems for trapping and catching debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like, and for removing debris in drains, drainage systems, pipes and the like of bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like. More specifically, the present invention is a device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like by being preferably positioned around a top end of a stopper or within an opening of a drain.

Description of the Related Art

Devices, appratuses and systems for trapping and catching debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like, and for removing debris in drains, drainage systems, pipes and the like of bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like are known in the art.
The present invention overcomes one or more of the shortcomings of devices, appratuses and systems for trapping and catching debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like, and for removing debris in drains, drainage systems, pipes and the like of bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like. The Applicant is unaware of inventions or patents, taken either singly or in combination, which are seen to describe the present invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like by being preferably positioned around a top end of a stopper or within an opening of a drain.
In a first embodiment of the present invention, the device has a springy, coiled body and a central void or hole. The springy, coiled body has a first end, a second end, an outer side, an inner side, a top side and a bottom side. The springy, coiled body forms a continuous loop around the central void or hole to provide the device with a bracelet-like, ring-like or doughnut-like configuration.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, the device has a body and a central void or hole. The body has an outer side, an inner side, a top side and a bottom side. The body surrounds the central void or hole to provide the device with a disc-shaped configuration. The body tapers inwardly from the top side to the bottom side. The top side includes a plurality of teeth positioned in an arrangement of rings wherein this arrangement of rings of teeth function to trap or retain debris.
As a third embodiment of the present invention, the device has a body and a central void or hole. The body has an outer side, an inner side, a top side and a bottom side. The body surrounds the central void or hole to provide the device with a disc-shaped configuration. The body has a plurality of smaller apertures or holes positioned at predetermined locations on the top side and extending through to the bottom side, and a plurality of teeth at the perimeter of the body. Preferably, the top side and bottom side are substantially or exactly the same. The plurality of smaller apertures or holes allow fluids, water, and small debris to filter down into the drain, pipe, etc. of a bathtub, shower stall, sink or the like, while the top side of the body and plurality of teeth function to trap or retain debris.
As a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the device has a crown-shaped, body and a central void or hole. The body has an outer side, an inner side, a top side and a bottom side. The body surrounds the central void or hole to provide the device with a crown-shaped configuration. The top side includes a plurality of teeth positioned in an arrangement wherein the teeth function to trap or retain debris.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top or bottom view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is an environmental, perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, wherein the device is positioned inside an upper end of a drain of a bathtub, a shower stall, a sink or the like;

FIG. 4B is an environmental, perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, wherein the device is removed from the inside of an upper end of a drain of a bathtub, a shower stall, a sink or the like;

FIG. 5 is an environmental, perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, wherein the device is positioned around a stopper of a drain of a bathtub, a shower stall, a sink or the like;

FIG. 6 is a perspective, top view of a second embodiment of a device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective, bottom view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an environmental, perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, wherein the device is positioned around a stopper of a drain of a bathtub, a shower stall, a sink or the like;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like according to the present invention;

It should be understood that the above-attached figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-13, the present invention is a device 100, 200, 300, 400 for trapping debris in bathtubs BT, shower stalls, sinks SI and the like.
As a first embodiment (shown in FIGS. 1-5) of the present invention, the device 100 has a springy, coiled body 110 and a central void or hole 120. The springy, coiled body 110 has a first end 111, a second end 113, an outer side 112, an inner side 114, a top side 116 and a bottom side 118. The springy, coiled body 110 forms a continuous loop around the central void or hole 120 to provide the device 100 with a bracelet-like, ring-like or doughnut-like configuration. The continuous loop may be formed, made or manufactured by molding, fusion, a securing method, or any method or means known to one of ordinary skill in the art such that the first end 111 and second end 113 are adjacent or proximate to one another 111, 113.
Preferably, the springy, coiled body 110 has sufficient stretchably that it can be stretched outwardly from a resting position RP (where the device 100 has a first or resting diameter D1) to at least one stretched position SP (where the device 100 has at least one changed or stretched diameter D2 wherein the at least one stretched diameter D2 is greater than the first or resting diameter D1) when the springy, coiled body 110, as a whole, is manipulated or moved by a user to expand outwardly relative to the central void or hole 120. Also, preferably, the device 100 can have at least one changed or contracted diameter D3 that is less than the first or resting diameter D1 when the springy, coiled body 110, as a whole, is manipulated or moved by the user to contract inwardly relative to the central void or hole 120. It is preferred that the springy, coiled body 110 has sufficient resiliency or a sufficient elastic property such that the device 100 can return to its resting position RP from the at least one stretched position SP or from the at least one contracted position CP after each manipulation. As a non-limiting example, the central void or hole 120 may be a small hole or a hole of minimal size such that the inner side 114 of a portion of the springy, coiled body 110 are adjacent or proximate to the inner side 114 of an opposite portion of the springy, coiled body 110. As another non-limiting example, the central void or hole 120 is not present nor included in the device 100 due to portions of the springy, coiled body 110 being meshed or intertwined with opposite portions of the springy, coiled body 110. In addition, it is preferred that the device 100 is magnetized or includes a magnet component so that the device 100 can stay in place, after being positioned at a desired use location, during multiple uses of the bathtubs BT, shower stalls, sinks SI and the like.
Preferably, the springy, coiled body 110 is made or manufactured of plastic, metal, steel, any material or combination of materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and any combination thereof.
Preferably, the device 100 is made or manufactured of different sizes or diameters such that the device 100 may be used in different settings and situations, such as, but not limited to, being able to be positioned inside of an upper opening of a drain DR, pipe, etc. of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like, or being able to be positioned around the upper end of sink stoppers or bathtub stoppers of different sizes.
In use, the device 100 may be positioned or placed at a desired use location, such as, but not limited to, inside of an upper opening of a drain DR, pipe, etc. of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like, wherein the outer side 112 of the springy, coiled body 110 is located about or adjacent the sidewall of the drain and the top side 116 of the springy, coiled body 110 is facing up into the basin of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like. Also, the device 100 may be positioned around the upper end of a sink stopper or a bathtub stopper such that the inner side 114 of the springy, coiled body 110 is located about or adjacent the sink stopper or a bathtub stopper.
During use, the device 100 acts as a drain strainer or refuse filter by trapping or retaining a sufficient amount of debris DE, such as hair, dirt, body waste, fallen or dropped objects (such as a ring, etc.), etc., on the top side 116 of and/or inside the springy, coiled body 110 instead of allowing much of the debris to go down the drain DR, pipe, etc. and possibly causing a clog within the drain DR, pipe, etc. After use, the device 100 may be cleaned by a user removing the trapped or retained debris directly from the device 100, or by the user removing the device 100 from the desired use location and then removing the trapped or retained debris from the device 100.
As a second embodiment (shown in FIGS. 6-10) of the present invention, device 200 has a body 210 and a central void or hole 220. The body 210 has an outer side 212, an inner side 214, a top side 216 and a bottom side 218. The body 210 surrounds the central void or hole 220 to provide the device 200 with a disc-shaped configuration. The body 210 tapers inwardly from the top side 216 to the bottom side 218. The top side 216 includes a plurality of teeth 226 positioned in an arrangement of rings wherein this arrangement of rings of teeth 226 function to trap or retain debris.
In addition, it is preferred that the device 200 is magnetized or includes a magnet component so that the device 200 can stay in place, after being positioned at a desired use location, during multiple uses of the bathtubs BT, shower stalls, sinks SI and the like.
Preferably, the body 210 is made or manufactured of plastic, metal, steel, any material or combination of materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and any combination thereof.
Preferably, the device 200 is made or manufactured of different sizes or diameters such that the device 200 may be used in different settings and situations, such as, but not limited to, being able to be positioned inside of an upper opening of a drain DR, pipe, etc. of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like, or being able to be positioned around the upper end of sink stoppers or bathtub stoppers of different sizes.
In use, the device 200 may be positioned or placed at a desired use location, such as, but not limited to, inside of an upper opening of a drain DR, pipe, etc. of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like, wherein the outer side 212 of the body 210 is located about or adjacent the sidewall of the drain and the top side 216 of the body 210 is facing up into the basin of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like. Also, the device 200 may be positioned around the upper end of a sink stopper or a bathtub stopper such that the the inner side 214 of the body 210 is located about or adjacent the sink stopper or a bathtub stopper.
During use, the device 200 acts as a drain strainer or refuse filter by trapping or retaining a sufficient amount of debris DE, such as hair, dirt, body waste, fallen or dropped objects (such as a ring, etc.), etc., on the top side 216 of and/or inside the body 210 instead of allowing much of the debris to go down the drain DR, pipe, etc. and possibly causing a clog within the drain DR, pipe, etc. After use, the device 200 may be cleaned by a user removing the trapped or retained debris directly from the device 200, or by the user removing the device 200 from the desired use location and then removing the trapped or retained debris from the device 200.
As a third embodiment (shown in FIGS. 11-12) of the present invention, the device 300 has a body 310 and a central void or hole 320. The body 310 has an outer side 312, an inner side 314, a top side 316 and a bottom side 318. The body 310 surrounds the central void or hole 320 to provide the device 300 with a disc-shaped configuration. The body 310 has a plurality of smaller apertures or holes 322 positioned at predetermined locations on the top side 316 and extending through to the bottom side 318, and a plurality of teeth 326 at the perimeter of the body 310. Preferably, the top side 316 and bottom side 318 are substantially or exactly the same. The plurality of smaller apertures or holes 322 allow fluids, water, and small debris to filter down into the drain DR, pipe, etc. of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like, while the top side 316 of the body 310 and plurality of teeth 326 function to trap or retain debris.
In addition, it is preferred that the device 300 is magnetized or includes a magnet component so that the device 300 can stay in place, after being positioned at a desired use location, during multiple uses of the bathtubs BT, shower stalls, sinks SI and the like.
Preferably, the body 310 is made or manufactured of plastic, metal, steel, any material or combination of materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and any combination thereof.
Preferably, the device 300 is made or manufactured of different sizes or diameters such that the device 300 may be used in different settings and situations, such as, but not limited to, being able to be positioned around the upper end of sink stoppers or bathtub stoppers of different sizes.
In use, the device 300 may be positioned or placed at a desired use location, such as, but not limited to, around the upper end of a sink stopper or bathtub stopper of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like, wherein the inner side 312 of the body 310 is located about or adjacent the upper end of the sink stopper or bathtub stopper and the top side 316 of the body 310 is facing up into the basin of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like.
During use, the device 300 acts as a drain strainer or refuse filter by trapping or retaining a sufficient amount of debris DE, such as hair, dirt, body waste, fallen or dropped objects (such as a ring, etc.), etc., on the top side 316 of and/or inside the body 310 instead of allowing much of the debris to go down the drain DR, pipe, etc. and possibly causing a clog within the drain DR, pipe, etc. After use, the device 300 may be cleaned by a user removing the trapped or retained debris directly from the device 300, or by the user removing the device 300 from the desired use location and then removing the trapped or retained debris from the device 300.
As a fourth embodiment (shown in FIG. 13) of the present invention, the device 400 has a crown-shaped, body 410 and a central void or hole 420. The body 410 has an outer side 412, an inner side 414, a top side 416 and a bottom side 418. The body 410 surrounds the central void or hole 420 to provide the device 400 with a crown-shaped configuration. The top side 416 includes a plurality of teeth 426 positioned in an arrangement wherein the teeth 426 function to trap or retain debris.
In addition, it is preferred that the device 400 is magnetized or includes a magnet component so that the device 400 can stay in place, after being positioned at a desired use location, during multiple uses of the bathtubs BT, shower stalls, sinks SI and the like.
Preferably, the body 410 is made or manufactured of plastic, metal, steel, any material or combination of materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and any combination thereof.
Preferably, the device 400 is made or manufactured of different sizes or diameters such that the device 400 may be used in different settings and situations, such as, but not limited to, being able to be positioned inside of an upper opening of a drain DR, pipe, etc. of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like, or being able to be positioned around the upper end of sink stoppers or bathtub stoppers of different sizes.
In use, the device 400 may be positioned or placed at a desired use location, such as, but not limited to, inside of an upper opening of a drain DR, pipe, etc. of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like, wherein the outer side 412 of the body 410 is located about or adjacent the sidewall of the drain and the top side 416 of the body 410 is facing up into the basin of a bathtub BT, shower stall, sink SI or the like. Also, the device 400 may be positioned around the upper end of a sink stopper or a bathtub stopper such that the the inner side 414 of the body 410 is located about or adjacent the sink stopper or a bathtub stopper.
During use, the device 400 acts as a drain strainer or refuse filter by trapping or retaining a sufficient amount of debris DE, such as hair, dirt, body waste, fallen or dropped objects (such as a ring, etc.), etc., on the top side 416 of and/or inside the body 410 instead of allowing much of the debris to go down the drain DR, pipe, etc. and possibly causing a clog within the drain DR, pipe, etc. After use, the device 400 may be cleaned by a user removing the trapped or retained debris directly from the device 400, or by the user removing the device 400 from the desired use location and then removing the trapped or retained debris from the device 400.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or as shown in the attached figures, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like, said device comprising:

a springy, coiled body comprising an outer side, an inner side, a top side and a bottom side; and

a central void or hole,

wherein said springy, coiled body forms a continuous loop around said central void or hole to provide said device with a bracelet-like, ring-like or doughnut-like configuration, and

wherein said device has a resting diameter when said springy, coiled body is in a resting position.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device further has at least one stretched diameter that is greater than said resting diameter when said springy, coiled body is manipulated or moved by a user to expand outwardly relative to said central void or hole.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device further has at least one contracted diameter that is less than said resting diameter when said springy, coiled body is manipulated or moved by a user to contract inwardly relative to said central void or hole.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is magnetized or further comprises a magnet component.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said springy, coiled body is made or manufactured of plastic, metal, steel, and any combination thereof.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device is positioned or placed at a desired use location of a bathtub, shower stall, sink or the like that is selected from the group consisting of (i) wherein said outer side of said springy, coiled body is located about or adjacent a sidewall of a drain and said top side of said springy, coiled body is facing up into a basin of the bathtub, shower stall, sink or the like, and (ii) wherein said device is positioned around an upper end of a sink stopper or a bathtub stopper such that said inner side of said springy, coiled body is located about or adjacent the sink stopper or the bathtub stopper.

7. A device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like, said device comprising:

a body comprising an outer side, an inner side, a top side and a bottom side; and

a central void or hole,

wherein said body surrounds said central void or hole to provide said device with a disc-shaped configuration, and

wherein said top side comprises a plurality of teeth positioned in an arrangement of rings wherein said arrangement of rings of teeth function to trap or retain debris.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein said device is magnetized or further comprises a magnet component.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein said body is made or manufactured of plastic, metal, steel, and any combination thereof.

10. The device according to claim 7, wherein said body tapers inwardly from said top side to said bottom side.

11. The device according to claim 7, wherein said device is positioned or placed at a desired use location of a bathtub, shower stall, sink or the like that is selected from the group consisting of (i) wherein said outer side of said body is located about or adjacent a sidewall of a drain and said top side of said body is facing up into a basin of the bathtub, shower stall, sink or the like, and (ii) wherein said device is positioned around an upper end of a sink stopper or a bathtub stopper such that said inner side of said body is located about or adjacent the sink stopper or the bathtub stopper.

12. A device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like, said device comprising:

a central void or hole,

wherein said body has a plurality of smaller apertures or holes positioned at predetermined locations on said top side and extending through to said bottom side, and a plurality of teeth about a perimeter of said body.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein said top side and said bottom side are at least substantially the same.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein said device is magnetized or further comprises a magnet component.

15. The device according to claim 12, wherein said body is made or manufactured of plastic, metal, steel, and any combination thereof.

16. The device according to claim 12, wherein said device is positioned or placed at a desired use location of a bathtub, shower stall, sink or the like that is selected from the group consisting of (i) wherein said outer side of said body is located about or adjacent a sidewall of a drain and said top side of said body is facing up into a basin of the bathtub, shower stall, sink or the like, and (ii) wherein said device is positioned around an upper end of a sink stopper or a bathtub stopper such that said inner side of said body is located about or adjacent the sink stopper or the bathtub stopper.

17. A device for trapping debris in bathtubs, shower stalls, sinks and the like, said device comprising:

a crown-shaped, body comprising an outer side, an inner side, a top side and a bottom side; and

a central void or hole,

wherein said crown-shaped, body surrounds said central void or hole to provide said device with a crown-shaped configuration, and

wherein said top side comprises a plurality of teeth positioned in an arrangement wherein said teeth function to trap or retain debris.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein said device is magnetized or further comprises a magnet component.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein said body is made or manufactured of plastic, metal, steel, and any combination thereof.

20. The device according to claim 7, wherein said device is positioned or placed at a desired use location of a bathtub, shower stall, sink or the like that is selected from the group consisting of (i) wherein said outer side of said body is located about or adjacent a sidewall of a drain and said top side of said body is facing up into a basin of the bathtub, shower stall, sink or the like, and (ii) wherein said device is positioned around an upper end of a sink stopper or a bathtub stopper such that said inner side of said body is located about or adjacent the sink stopper or the bathtub stopper.