Grapple Patents (Class 15/104.32)
  • Patent number: 10570596
    Abstract: The drain pipe cleaner plumbing tool is a set of tools that allow an individual to clean a clogged drain and to reduce the likelihood of future blockages. It comprises a cap to replace the retaining nut after the pivot rod and built-in stopper are removed from a sink, a tool that reaches into a drain line all the way to the wall and pulls out foreign material, a mesh drain liner that collects foreign objects near the drain hole where they can be easily removed, and a manual stopper that mates with the mesh drain liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventors: Steve Schneck, Paul Gerber
  • Patent number: 9809430
    Abstract: The anchor and clevis system comprises a quick, tactical, and safe means to deploy a canine into an attic or other intended space to conduct a search and/or for the apprehension of a criminal suspect and comprises an anchor adapted to lock onto a support structure and a clevis attached to the anchor and threaded to accept a pole for remote deployment. Attached to the anchoring device by a carabiner is the top pulley. A lift rope is threaded through the top pulley allowing the user on the ground or lower floor to quickly lift a dog into an attic with minimal exposure to harm. The lift rope engages a lower pulley allowing a subject to be lifted by one user. Attached to the lower pulley by a second carabiner is a snap-shackle release system which allows the user to disengage the dog from the device remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventors: James Edward Wescott, Kenneth Moran
  • Patent number: 8984698
    Abstract: Lightweight sewer cable that may include an elongate central resilient non-metallic core member, an elongate metallic helical coil spring surrounding the core member, and an elongate non-metallic spacer between the core member and the coil spring are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Seescan, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Olsson
  • Patent number: 8510891
    Abstract: A plumbing auger attachment tool which provides means for solid object retrieval from the interior of a toilet waste pipe or other drain pipes. The attachment has a series of rubber tentacles affixed to the end of the spiral wiring of a plumbing snake auger. The lengths of string act to entangle solid debris otherwise blocking the flow of water through the pipe. A magnetic casing also assists to attract ferrous material blockages in the pipe. This improvement on a standard plumbing snake permits solid item retrieval, such as pens and toys, which a wire coil auger is not capable. The strings are sent down the length of pipe at the base of a toilet by a rotating action, which rotates and extends the wire coil auger and the improved attachment. Once entangled with a debris source, that debris can be removed from the pipe to clear the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Clarence E Fivecoate
  • Patent number: 7367077
    Abstract: Drain cleaning apparatus comprises a housing in which a drain cleaning cable is coiled and from which the cable is displaced for introducing an outer end of the cable into a drain to be cleaned. The housing is stationary and the cable is rotated about its axis relative to the housing by a drive motor coupled to an inner end of the cable. A manually operable cable feeding device can be coupled with the housing for feeding the cable outwardly and inwardly relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael J. Rutkowski, Larry F. Babb
  • Patent number: 7246398
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing an object from a drain for includes a pair of arms each having a first end, a second end, a medial portion, a first side and a second side. Each of the first sides is convexly curved. A pivot member extends between and is pivotally attached to the medial portions so that the first sides facing each other. A slide member engages each of the first sides and urges the first ends toward each other as the slide member moves toward the pivot member. An actuator is configured to selectively move the slide member toward or away from the pivot member. A connector is attached to the actuator and is configured to releasably couple the actuator to a drain snake. Rotation of the drain snake actuates the actuator to grip the object when the first ends are adjacent to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Leonardo G. Chavez
  • Patent number: 6880178
    Abstract: The invention is drawn to a retractable guard for use in a sewerage or drainage line having a plurality of prongs with hooked ends are disposed within a sewage pipe downstream of a toilet. The opposite ends of the prongs are connected to a tubular member which, in turn is slidable within a housing connected to the pipe. These prongs can be used to trap articles which can then be easily removed to rectify stoppage problems or prevent contraband from being distributed through the drainage lines. For convenience in cleaning, the guard device can also be provided with a quick-release connection which separates from the pipe with a simple twist. The prongs can also be magnetized to trap metal objects. The prongs may also be mounted on a pivoting shaft to enable mounting within an angled pipe. For convenience in inspection, the guard device can be provided with a clear portion to enable visual inspection of the interior of the guard device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: W. J. Sonny Pino
  • Patent number: 6637064
    Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus has a remotely adjustable cable feed control. The drain cleaning apparatus includes a rotatable cable drum that carries a drain cleaning cable. Also included is a cable advancing mechanism. The cable is adapted to pass from the cable drum and through the cable advancing mechanism. The cable is also adapted to rotate about its feed or longitudinal axis when the cable drum is rotated. The cable advancing mechanism includes a plurality of rollers for engaging the cable. The rollers are selectively adjustable among a cable displacing position and a neutral position. A guide conduit assembly is coupled to the cable advancing mechanism. The rollers may be selectively adjusted between the cable displacing and the neutral positions by an operator remotely rotating the guide conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Lee H. Silverman, Arthur A. Silverman
  • Publication number: 20030056810
    Abstract: A tool for removing hair and other debris from a basin drain is disclosed. The tool comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end and a mid-section. The first shaft end forms a handle and the second shaft end forms a hook. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Steven M. Petit
  • Patent number: 6523554
    Abstract: A street sewer passive clean-out system is provided as a system and method to aid municipal workers in the cleaning of street sewers. A net type screen is provided on the end of a fiberglass pole. The pole would be variable in length from eight feet to sixteen feet. The screen would be available in 7, 9 and 11 inch sizes and would be interchangeable on the end of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Harvey J. Bryant, Sr.