Abstract: An improved apparatus for temporarily sealing a vent or overflow aperture provided in the upper portion of a fixture such as a wash basin, sink, bathtub or bidet so that a pneumatic or hydraulic type sewer cleanout device can be used to clear a blockage located in a sewer line downstream of the fixture by generating fluid pressure within the sewer line intermediate the blockage and the main water drain of the fixture. The apparatus is of simple construction and embodies an assembly made up of a pressure plate, a threaded tube and a wing nut which can be threadably advanced along the tube to cause the pressure plate to sealably engage the apertured wall of the fixture.

Abstract: An improved plumbers' tool of the type employing a helically wound coiled spring which is controllably inserted into waste lines to remove blockages. In operating the tool of the invention, a storage drum from which the clean-out spring is payed out is rotated, usually by a small electric motor, and the spring is clamped in a chucking mechanism so as to rotate with the housing. The improvement of the present tool resides in the provision of a unique actuating mechanism which provides a substantial mechanical advantage that enables the operator, using only one hand to grip a forwardly positioned stationary handle with the fingers and move a pivotally movable, rearwardly positioned handle with the heel of the hand to cause the chucking mechanism to positively engage the coiled spring in a manner to prevent slippage even under severe torque loading conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily sealing a vent or overflow aperture provided in the upper portion of a fixture such as a wash basin, sink, bathtub or bidet so that a pneumatic or hydraulic type sewer cleanout device can be used to clear a blockage located in a sewer line downstream of the fixture by generating fluid pressure within the sewer line intermediate the blockage and the main water drain of the fixture.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device for use in wastelines and the like having a one piece yieldably deformable valving member which permits free flow of liquids in one direction but blocks the flow of liquids and gasses in the opposite direction. Fluid flow through the device is directly proportional to the fluid pressure exerted on the valving member.

Abstract: An internal pipe wrench adapted to engage the inner walls of a pipe for applying torque thereto. The wrench comprises a rotatable mandrel which is generally triangular in cross-section and three cooperating gripping jaws movable into gripping engagement with the pipe upon rotation of the mandrel. The gripping jaws are retained in operable proximity with the mandrel by means of a yieldably resilient rubber or plastic material and are uniformly configured so that upon rotation of the mandrel in either direction, the leading edge of the gripping jaws will move into positive gripping engagement with the inner walls of the pipe.

Abstract: An improved pipe cleaning machine of the type which uses an elongated, flexible coil spring or plumbers snake formed of helically wound spring wire which is housed within a rotatable spring storage reel and is withdrawn therefrom for insertion into the pipe to be cleaned. The machine of the present invention embodies a novel one-piece rotatably driven spring storage reel or housing having a forward guide portion for guiding the dispensing and retraction of the spring and a rearwardly open spring storage portion. Extending into the rearwardly open reel and adapted for relative rotation therewith is an independently rotatable torque reaction element adapted to engage the spring and in cooperation with the reel, prevent the spring or snake from kinking or back-looping in response to torque build-up in the spring caused by the spring encountering an obstruction in the pipe being cleaned.

Abstract: An improved plumbers snake and the method of making same of unique construction having a metal core concentrically disposed within a coiled spring wire member and an intermediate resilient body in gripping engagement with the metal core. The intermediate body includes a helically-shaped protrusion extending along its length, the turns of which are interposed between and operably engage the coils of the spring wire member so as to yieldably resist axial bending of the snake and optimize rigidity and flexibility.