GB2200709A

GB2200709A - Device for clearing a waste trap

Info

Publication number: GB2200709A
Application number: GB08703009A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Thompson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-02-10
Filing date: 1987-02-10
Publication date: 1988-08-10
Also published as: GB8703009D0

Abstract

The device comprises a length of flexible hose 1 having a tap connector 2 at one end and a tubular lance 4 at the other end for insertion into the trap via an entry grid (Fig 2). The end 6 of the lance remote from the hose 1 is closed but there is a lateral water outlet opening 7 adjacent to that end. The lance 4 is of a malleable material such as copper allowing it to be set in a bent or curved configuration. <IMAGE>

Description

WASTE TRAP CLEARING DEVICE It is quite common for blockages to occur in household waste traps, particularly those of sinks which tend to collect solidified fat, sand and a general bacterial build-up. Sink plungers are sold for the purpose of clearing such blockages, but these have only limited success. The only really effective way of clearing them is to remove the trap from beneath the sink and thoroughly clean it out, which is dirty and time consuming and is not a job which is relished by most people.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a simple, clean and effective solution to this problem.

The solution offered by the present invention lies in a device for clearing out a waste trap, comprising a length of flexible hose having a tap connector at one end and a tubular lance at the other end for insertion into the trap through the waste entry grid.

With the connector coupled to the tap the lance can be used to flush out the trap in the immediate vicinity of a blockage.

Preferably the lance has a lateral opening for ejecting a jet of water laterally around the bend of the trap.

The lance is preferably such that it can be set in a bent or curved configuration.

The invention will now be exemplified in the following description to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a general view of a device in accordance with the invention, and Figure 2 is a longitudinal section through a typical waste trap showing the device in use.

Referring firstly to Fig. 1, the device comprises a length of flexible hose 1, e.g. of rubber, Nylon or other plastics, approximately 60cm long. A conventional tap coupler 2 is connected to one end of the hose for attachment onto the spout of a tap by tightening a wing nut 3.

At the opposite end of the tube there is a lance 4 which is formed of a length (approximately 25cm) of copper tube inserted a short distance into the respective end of the hose 1. The lance is held within the hose by a band 5 which is tightened around the end of the hose. The free end of the lance 4 is closed by an end wall 6, and a lateral opening 7 is formed in the side of the lance adjacent to the end wall 6.

In use, the coupler 2 is connected to any convenient tap adjacent to the waste to be cleared. The cold tap will normally be best since this is usually at a higher pressure than the hot tap. As shown in Fig. 2, the lance is then inserted through the entry grid A to the trap B to be cleared, which for the purpose of illustration is shown as a U-trap. The tap is then turned on so that a high pressure water jet 8 is emitted from the opening 7. The lance can then be manipulated so that the water jet plays upon any blockage or any build-up of debris at the bottom of the trap to flush it away.

Since the lance is of copper it can be bent as required to extend a short distance around the bend of the trap.

The device is very effective for clearing the traps of household sinks, baths and hand basins and has been used to completely clear fat, sand and similar stubborn blockages.

Materials other than copper could be used for the lance provided they can be given a semi-permanent set in the same way as copper.

Although a U-trap has been used for the purpose of illustration, the device can be used with any known form of trap such as P and bottle traps.

Claims

1. A device for clearing out a waste trap via an entry grid, the device comprising a length of flexible hose, a tap connector provided at one end of the hose, and a tubular lance provided at the other end of the hose for insertion into the trap via the said entry grid.

2. A device according to Claim 1, in which the lance has a non-linear configuration.

3. A device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the lance is provided with a lateral water outlet opening located at the end of the lance which is remote from the hose.

4. A device according to Claim 3, in which an end portion of the lance adjacent to the said end is laterally offset towards the side which is provided with the said water outlet.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, in which the lance is of a malleable material enabling it to be set in a non-linear configuration.

6. A device according to Claim 5, in which the lance is of copper.

7. A method of clearing out a waste trap provided with an entry grid, which comprises taking a device comprising a length of flexible hose, a tap connector provided at one end of the hose, and a tubular lance provided at the other end of the hose, and connecting the tap connector to a tap adjacent to the waste trap, inserting the lance into the trap via the said entry grid, and turning on the tap so that a jet of water is introduced directly into the trap through the lance.

8. A method according to Claim 7, which comprises using a device in which the lance is of a malleable material and which comprises setting the lance into a non-linear configuration before insertion into the trap.

9. A device for clearing out a waste trap via an entry grid, substantially as described with reference to the drawings.

10. A method of clearing out a waste trap provided with an entry grid, substantially as decribed with reference to the drawings.