Abstract:
A drain clog removing apparatus. An apparatus for use with a plumbing drain includes a conduit, a drain isolation device for sealingly connecting the conduit to the drain, and at least one releasable connector for attaching and detaching a pressure source to the conduit. The apparatus may include multiple releasable connectors for use with corresponding multiple pressure sources. The apparatus is useful for removing liquids, as well as clogs, from drains.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to plumbing devices and methods and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a drain clog removing apparatus. 
         [0002]    When a clog is experienced in a household drain, it is common practice to initially attempt to loosen or remove the clog using a plunger. If the plunger is unsuccessful, a chemical drain cleaner may be attempted. If success is still not achieved, a plumber may be summoned at substantial expense of time and money. 
         [0003]    Unfortunately, the typical plunger is difficult for frail or disabled persons to operate, and its effectiveness is severely limited by the operator&#39;s physical strength. In addition, no matter how strong the person operating a plunger, the amount of air or liquid the plunger can displace is limited by its internal volume. Chemicals having sufficient reactivity to dissolve most common clogs are not environmentally friendly, and can damage plumbing and septic systems. 
         [0004]    Therefore, it may be seen that improvements are needed in the art of clog removal. It is among the objects of the present invention to provide such improvements. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In carrying out the principles of the present invention, an apparatus is provided which solves at least one problem in the art. One example is described below in which a clog removal apparatus has provisions for releasably attaching various pressure sources to the apparatus. Another example is described below in which the apparatus has uses other than in removal of clogs. 
         [0006]    In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for use with a plumbing drain is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit, a drain isolation device for sealingly connecting the conduit to the drain, and at least one releasable connector for attaching and detaching a pressure source to the conduit. 
         [0007]    The pressure source may be a source of compressed gas, a source of negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, or a source of pressurized water (hot or cold). The apparatus may be configured for use of any combination of pressure sources. 
         [0008]    The apparatus may include any number of the releasable connectors. Examples are described below wherein the apparatus includes one, two and three of the connectors. 
         [0009]    The apparatus may include a swivel interconnected between the conduit and the releasable connector. The apparatus may include interchangeable lengths of the conduit. 
         [0010]    The apparatus may include a threaded fitting having an outer housing and a hardenable substance within the housing. The hardenable substance may be molded about an externally threaded portion of a fitting for the releasable connector. 
         [0011]    These and other features, advantages, benefits and objects of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments of the invention hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are indicated in the various figures using the same reference numbers. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a partially cross-sectional schematic view of a drain clog removing apparatus embodying principles of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a partially cross-sectional schematic view of a first alternate configuration of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a partially cross-sectional schematic view of a second alternate configuration of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged scale partially cross-sectional schematic view of an internally threaded fitting for use in the apparatus; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an elevational view of an optional swivel device as used in the apparatus; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged scale partially cross-sectional view of an optional fitting for use in the apparatus; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged scale cross-sectional view of another optional fitting for use in the apparatus; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged scale cross-sectional view of a further optional fitting for use in the apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention described herein may be utilized in various orientations and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of the present invention. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of the principles of the invention, which is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments. 
         [0021]    Representatively illustrated in  FIG. 1  is an apparatus  10  which embodies principles of the present invention. The apparatus  10  is used in conjunction with a plumbing drain  12 , which may be any type of drain. The drain  12  may be in a shower, sink, commode, basement, floor, or any other location. The drain  12  may be in a house, recreational vehicle, boat, plane, commercial building, or any other facility. 
         [0022]    The apparatus  10  provides for applying positive or negative pressure to the drain  12 . This pressure may be applied, for example, to loosen, remove or dissolve a clog, or to displace fluid out of the drain  12 , etc. One purpose for displacing fluid out of the drain  12  would be to winterize a recreational vehicle or house (i.e., to prevent fluid from remaining in a P-trap of the drain and freezing), or to allow disassembly or maintenance of the drain and associated P-trap without spillage of fluid, etc. 
         [0023]    The apparatus  10  includes a conduit  14  made of a tubular material, such as metal or PVC pipe. A cap  16  is threaded onto a lower end of the conduit assembly, and an opening  18  is provided in the cap. 
         [0024]    The opening  18  is preferably sized to adequately restrict flow between the conduit  14  and the drain  12 , so that very sudden pressure surges are not applied to the drain. A diameter of approximately 3/16 inch has proven satisfactory for this purpose, but other sizes may be used for the opening  18  if desired. 
         [0025]    A drain isolation device  20  is attached at a lower end of the conduit  14 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the device  20  is similar is some respects to a lower end of a conventional plunger. However, the device  20  is configured to permit fluid communication between the conduit  14  and the drain  12 , while isolating the drain from the external environment. Note that the device  20  may have other shapes, and may have other means of providing sealed communication between the conduit  14  and the drain  12 , in keeping with the principles of the invention. 
         [0026]    To secure the device  20  to the conduit  14 , a coupling  22  and short conduit section  24  are threaded to the conduit and cap  16 . This threaded connection of the section  24  between the coupling  22  and cap  16  allows the device  20  to be compressed between the coupling and cap. Locking washers  26  may be used to prevent loosening of these threaded connections. 
         [0027]    The apparatus  10  as depicted in  FIG. 1  permits any of three pressure sources  28 ,  30 ,  32  to be releasably connected to the conduit  14 . Valves  34 ,  36 ,  38  are provided for the individual pressure sources  28 ,  30 ,  32 , so that pressure may be applied from each source independently and as needed. 
         [0028]    Note that it is not necessary for all three pressure sources  28 ,  30 ,  32  to be connected to the apparatus  10  simultaneously. Instead, a particular circumstance may call for connecting only a single one of the pressure sources  28 ,  30 ,  32 , and other circumstances may call for connection of a combination of two or three of the pressure sources. 
         [0029]    For example, if the apparatus  10  is to be used for displacing water out of a P-trap, then only the pressure source  30  may be connected to the apparatus. The pressure source  30  may be a source of compressed gas, such as an air compressor, accumulator or storage tank. 
         [0030]    As another example, if the apparatus  10  is to be used for loosening a clog in the drain  12 , then both of the pressure sources  28 ,  32  may be connected to the apparatus. The pressure source  28  may be a source of negative pressure (relative to atmospheric pressure), such as a shop vacuum. The pressure source  32  may be a source of pressurized fluid, such as a municipal water supply. In this manner, alternating positive and negative pressures may be applied to the drain  12  (by alternately opening and closing the valves  34 ,  38 ) to loosen the clog. 
         [0031]    Releasable connectors  40 ,  42 ,  44  are included in the apparatus  10 , so that the pressure sources  28 ,  30 ,  32  may be conveniently connected to the conduit  14  in any desired combination. For example, the connector  40  may be a slip-on adapter for a shop vacuum, the connector  42  may be a conventional air chuck, and the connector  44  may be a conventional water hose connector. 
         [0032]    A water hose connector may be most convenient, since a pressurized water source is typically located near a drain. To assist in dissolving a clog, a hot water source may be used. 
         [0033]    An additional conduit section  46  and T-fittings  48  are provided so that the valves  34 ,  36 ,  38  and connectors  40 ,  42 ,  44  are conveniently arranged. However, it will be readily appreciated that a wide variety of configurations of conduits, fittings, etc. could be provided, instead of the particular configuration depicted in  FIG. 1 , while still permitting selectable fluid communication between the conduit  14  and the various pressure sources  28 ,  30 ,  32  and permitting the pressure sources to be releasably connected to the conduit. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  depicts a configuration of the apparatus  10  in which only the pressure sources  30 ,  32  are releasably connected to the conduit  14 .  FIG. 3  depicts a configuration of the apparatus  10  in which only the pressure source  32  is releasably connected to the conduit  14 . Any combination of the pressure sources  28 ,  30 ,  32  (or other types of pressure sources) may be used in keeping with the principles of the invention. 
         [0035]    In addition, note that the conduit  14  has different lengths in  FIGS. 1-3 . The conduit  14  may have interchangeable lengths (for example, by providing threaded connections at each end of the conduit, so that it is conveniently replaced) to provide for different circumstances of use. One length may be appropriate for use in a shower drain in a house, while another length may be appropriate for use in a sink in a recreational vehicle, etc. 
         [0036]    In operation, the availability of multiple pressure sources (as in the configurations of  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 ) provides a variety of options for removing a clog. This allows the user to select which of the options is best for a particular situation. For example, in the  FIG. 2  configuration, air pressure may be applied first, followed by water pressure, or vice versa. As another example, a mixture of air and water may be applied, followed and/or preceded by either air or water pressure. 
         [0037]    Although only a single pressure source is used, the configuration of  FIG. 3  still uses the T-fitting  48  to connect the valve  38  to the conduit  14 , because the T-fitting provides a convenient handle for carrying the apparatus  10 , stabilizing the apparatus while in use, etc. For this purpose, a conduit section  50  and cap  52  are provided in this configuration, but it will be appreciated that these elements and the T-fitting  48  are not necessary for use of the apparatus  10 , since the valve  38  could instead be connected directly to the conduit  14 . 
         [0038]    In the configurations of  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 , the valve  36  and an associated pressure gauge  54  are connected to the conduit assembly via an internally threaded cap  56 . If the cap  56  is constructed of a relatively soft or thin-walled material, such as a PVC fitting, merely forming threads in an outer housing  58  of the cap may not provide sufficient pressure-holding capability or strength. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  depicts a manner in which this problem may be solved. A hardenable substance  60 , such as epoxy, may be poured into the housing  58  and allowed to set. Threads  62  formed in the housing  58  and hardened substance  60  will be much stronger and capable of holding pressure than if they were formed only in the housing. 
         [0040]    In a preferred method of forming the threads  62 , an externally threaded fitting (such as a pipe nipple) is threaded through the housing  58 , so that it extends into the interior of the housing. The substance  60  is then poured around the fitting in the housing  58  and is allowed to set, so that the threads are effectively molded into the hardened substance. 
         [0041]    The externally threaded fitting may be removed after the substance  60  has hardened, or it may be left in place and used to connect the valve  36  and pressure gauge  54  to the cap  56 . Of course, other means of connecting the valve  36  and pressure gauge  54  to the conduit assembly may be used, without departing from the principles of the invention. 
         [0042]    Referring additionally now to  FIG. 5 , an optional feature of the apparatus  10  is representatively illustrated. In some circumstances, space for use of the apparatus  10  may be limited (for example, in recreational vehicles, boats, planes, etc.), or another reason for changing the orientation of the releasable connectors  40 ,  42 ,  44  may exist (convenience of connecting the pressure sources  28 ,  30 ,  32 , etc.). 
         [0043]    For this purpose, a swivel  64  may be provided between any of the releasable connectors  40 ,  42 ,  44  and the conduit assembly. This allows the connectors  40 ,  42 ,  44  to be oriented as desired for maximum convenience in connecting the pressure sources  28 ,  30 ,  32 . 
         [0044]    Referring additionally now to  FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus  10  is representatively illustrated with an optional fitting  66  used in place of the coupling  22 , conduit section  24 , cap  16  and lock washers  26  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The fitting  66  provides for a simpler, more economical construction of the apparatus  10 . 
         [0045]    A lower end  68  of the fitting  66  has external threads formed thereon for threading into the device  20 . An upper end  70  of the fitting  66  has internal threads formed therein for receiving the conduit  14  therein. 
         [0046]    An internal passage  72  of the fitting  66  may provide the flow restricting function otherwise provided by the opening  18  in the cap  16  as described above, or the cap or another flow restricting element could be used in conjunction with the fitting  66 . However, it should be understood that it is not necessary for flow to be restricted at the device  20 , fitting  66  or cap  16  in keeping with the principles of the invention. 
         [0047]    Referring additionally now to  FIG. 7 , a cross-sectional view of another optional fitting  74  is representatively illustrated. The fitting  74  may be used in place of the T-fitting  48 , cap  56  and associated conduit sections shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The fitting  74  provides for a simpler, more economical construction of the apparatus  10 . 
         [0048]    The fitting  74  has an internally threaded lower end  76  for receiving the conduit section  14  or  46  therein, an internally threaded end  78  for receiving the conduit section leading to the valve  34  therein (alternatively, the valve  34  could be threaded directly into the end  78  of the fitting  74 ), and an internally threaded end  80  for receiving the valve  36  and pressure gauge  54  assembly therein. 
         [0049]    Preferably, the fitting  74  is molded as a single element. If, for example, the pressure source  28  is not used, then the end  78  could be plugged or capped off. As another example, if the pressure source  30  is not used, then the end  80  could be plugged or capped off. 
         [0050]    Instead of plugging or capping off the ends  78 ,  80  if a particular pressure source is not used, the fitting  74  may be formed without the respective internal threads. In  FIG. 8 , the fitting  74  is illustrated in a configuration in which it may be used in the apparatus  10  if the pressure source  28  is not to be used. Note that the end  78  is not internally threaded, but is instead solid. 
         [0051]    In another configuration, the end  80  could be solid and the end  78  could be internally threaded. In this configuration, the fitting  74  may be used in the apparatus  10  as depicted in  FIG. 3  (i.e., with only the pressure source  32  being used). Thus, it will be appreciated that many different configurations of the apparatus  10  are possible in keeping with the principles of the invention. 
         [0052]    Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description of representative embodiments of the invention, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to these specific embodiments, and such changes are within the scope of the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.