Patent Publication Number: US-5251339-A

Title: Retrieving device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a device for retrieving objects from sewer pipes. More particularly, it relates to a device for retrieving objects, such as contraband, from sewer pipes in prisons and other correctional facilities where prisoners attempt to dispose of such objects by flushing them down a toilet. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A problem particular to prisons is the need to prevent objects from being flushed through the prison sewage system. In many instances the objects are contraband, such as plastic bags of controlled substances, that the prisoner is trying to dispose of in order to avoid being caught in possession of these prohibited devices. 
     There is a need for retrieving such objects and also for retrieving clothing, bed clothes and the like to prevent them from clogging the sewer lines. 
     Although the need exists, at the present time there is no simple, practical device for retrieving objects, especially contraband, which have been flushed down a toilet. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a simple, practical device which will permit objects introduced into a sewer pipe to be retrieved. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a device which catches objects, such as contraband, near the point of their introduction and prevents disruption of the entire sewage system. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide such a device which can be easily removed and cleaned. 
     The retrieving device of the present invention comprises a hook for catching solid objects which is positioned in a sewer pipe downstream of a toilet; a plug for closing an opening in the sewer pipe upstream of the toilet and a cable which is connected at one end to the hook and which extends to and is connected at the other end to the plug. 
     The aforementioned objects and other objects apparent to those skilled in the art result from the practice of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partly in section, showing a sewer pipe with the device of the present invention in place. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Without limiting the scope of the invention, the preferred embodiment of the invention is hereinafter set forth. 
     Turning to FIG. 1, a sewage pipe 10 is seen connected to a flush toilet 11. The upper end of pipe 10 is vented to the outside and is provided with a tee 12 which is located upstream of the toilet 11. The stem 13 of tee 12 has mouth 13a which has internal threads. 
     The retrieving device of the present invention is best seen in FIG. 2 and it is generally referred to as 15. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 it includes a plug 16 which has outer threads 17 that permit it to be screwed into and to close the mouth 13a of the tee 12. 
     As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plug 16 has an inwardly projecting arm 18 to which one end 19a of a cable 19 is attached. The other end of the cable 19b is attached to a hook 20. The hook 20, as seen in FIG. 1, is suspended by the cable 19 in the sewer pipe 10 downstream of the toilet 11 so that the hook 20 can catch any solid object flushed down the toilet 11. 
     Objects caught by the hook 20 can be readily retrieved by unscrewing and removing the plug 16 from the open mouth 13a of the tee 12 and withdrawing the cable 19, the hook 20 and any object(s) caught by the hook through the open mouth 13a. Once the object has been retrieved, the retrieving device 15 can be cleaned and reset with the hook 20 repositioned and the plug 16 screwed back in place in the mouth 13a as shown in FIG. 1. 
     In FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment of the retrieving device 15 can be seen in greater detail. As seen therein, the hook 20 is a quad hook and the cable 19 is connected at one end 19a to the arm 18 and at the other end to an eye 20a of the hook 20. As a result, the cable 19 hangs down from the arm 18 without kinking. 
     There are, of course, many alternate embodiments and modifications of the invention which are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. For example, in place of a conventional hook an equivalent object catching mechanism can be used. Therefore, the term &#34;hook&#34; as used herein is intended to include equivalents.