SHEATHED FLEXIBLE SHAFT DRAIN CLEANER

A drain cleaner is disclosed having a housing with an interior region for storing a flexible drain cleaning cable. The drain cleaning cable can be extended from the drain cleaner and includes a rotatable member within a non-rotating sheath. The drain cleaner includes an engageable drive shaft coupled to the rotatable member. In certain versions, the drive shaft is coupled to the rotatable member through a torque limiting device such as a clutch. Upon engagement of the drive shaft with a rotary power source, a rotating distal end of the flexible cable can be used to dislodge obstructions in pipes. The interior region of the drain cleaner is configured to promote efficient coiling of the drain cleaning cable. The drain cleaner includes additional features for reducing wear of cable and components, and securely retaining the cable to the drain cleaner.

FIELD

The present subject matter relates to drain cleaning equipment and particularly drain cleaning equipment using sheathed flexible shaft drain cleaning cables.

BACKGROUND

A wide array of drain cleaning equipment is known. Flex shaft type drain cleaners use a rotatable, flexible cable member enclosed within a non-rotating sheath. The cable member and sheath typically are positioned inside a round channel of a drum or other housing component of the drain cleaner.

Flex shaft type drain cleaners typically enable an operator to extend or retract the flexible cable from the drain cleaner, such as in applications in which a distal end of the cable is inserted into a blocked or obstructed pipe or other member. Engagement or other application of a rotary power source to a proximal end of the flexible cable, such as at the drain cleaner, results in powered rotation of the cable member within the sheath. Various tools such as rotating cutting heads can be attached at the distal end of the cable for removal of blockage or other operations within the pipe.

Certain flex shaft type drain cleaners are typically operated in a horizontal orientation, in which a cable guide tube rotates about a vertically oriented axis as flexible cable is extended or retracted relative to the drain cleaner. This promotes coiling of the cable around the interior drum channel upon retraction of the cable into the drain cleaner.

Although satisfactory in many respects, a need exists for improved drain cleaning equipment and particularly such equipment using sheathed flexible shaft drain cleaning cables.

SUMMARY

The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previous approaches are addressed in the present subject matter as follows.

In one aspect, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaner comprising a first housing component and a second housing component. The first and the second housing components are sized and shaped to matingly engage each other to define a generally enclosed interior region. The drain cleaner also comprises a cable clamp mount assembly disposed within the interior region. The cable clamp mount assembly defines a shaft receiving region. The drain cleaner additionally comprises a rotary power shaft assembly for receiving rotary power. The rotary power shaft assembly is disposed in the shaft receiving region and at least partially supported by the cable clamp mount assembly. The shaft receiving region defines an inclination angle within a range of from 10° to 80°.

In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaner comprising a first housing component defining a centrally located cable port and a second housing component. The first and the second housing components are sized and shaped to matingly engage each other to define a generally enclosed interior region. The second housing component defines an inner cone support member. The inner cone support member and the cable port defined in the first housing component are aligned and share a common center axis.

In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaner comprising a first housing component defining a centrally located cable port and a second housing component. The first and the second housing components are sized and shaped to matingly engage each other to define a generally enclosed interior region. The second housing component defines an inner cone support member. The drain cleaner also comprises a cable clamp mount assembly disposed within the interior region. The drain cleaner additionally comprises a rotary power shaft assembly. The rotary power shaft assembly is at least partially supported by the cable clamp mount assembly.

In still another embodiment, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaner comprising a housing that defines a generally hollow interior. The housing further defines a first face, an oppositely directed second face, and an inner cone support member extending within the hollow interior. The first face of the housing defines an opening. The drain cleaner further comprises a cable clamp mount assembly disposed within the hollow interior of the housing. The cable clamp mount assembly defines a shaft receiving region that defines an inclination angle within a range of from 10° to 80°. The drain cleaner further comprises a removable housing cap sized and shaped to releasably engage the opening defined in the first phase of the housing.

As will be realized, the subject matter described herein is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present subject matter provides drain cleaners adapted for use with a sheathed flexible drain cleaning cable. The cable or multiple sections of cable engaged together, can be conveniently and neatly coiled in an interior region of the drain cleaner. A proximal end of the drain cleaning cable retained within the drain cleaner is engaged to a drive shaft assembly. A rotary power source can be engaged to the drive shaft assembly alongside the exterior of the drain cleaner. Application of rotary power to the drive shaft results in rotation of a flexible cable member enclosed within a non-rotating sheath of the drain cleaning cable. The distal end of the drain cleaning cable is extended from a housing cap opening, a cable port opening, or a cable outlet in the housing of the drain cleaner. An operator can easily extend drain cleaning cable from the drain cleaner and utilize the distal end of the cable to dislodge pipe obstructions. A unique configuration inside the drain cleaner enables the operator to readily collect extended cable back within the interior region of the drain cleaner in a stacked coil. It will be recognized that the present subject matter includes configurations in which the cable is not collected in a stacked coil. For example, the cable could be collected in a coil in which the cable is not necessarily stacked. Moreover, the present subject matter includes configurations in which the cable is collected in a random fashion with the interior region of the housing. Additional features are described that enable the drain cleaning cable to be conveniently secured to the housing of the drain cleaner.

FIGS.1and2illustrate an embodiment of a drain cleaner10in accordance with the present subject matter. The drain cleaner10comprises a first or top housing component20and a second or bottom housing component30. The top and bottom housing components20,30are sized and shaped to matingly engage each other to define a generally enclosed hollow interior region34. The present subject matter includes an embodiment utilizing a single or integral housing, i.e., without multiple housing components. The resulting housing is generally toroidal in shape. One or more sections of a flexible shaft drain cleaning cable40are disposed at least partially within the interior region34. The flexible cable40defines a proximal end42and an opposite distal end44. The drain cleaner10also comprises a rotary power shaft assembly50, generally supported by one or both of the top and bottom housing components20,30. The drain cleaner10may also comprise one or more handle(s) and/or gripping member(s) for facilitating carrying and/or use by an operator. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain cleaner10comprises a handle60. As described in greater detail herein, the drain cleaner10also comprises an inner cone support member70which facilitates administration of flexible cable40within the interior region34of the drain cleaner10. The drain cleaner10also comprises a cable clamp mount assembly90disposed within the interior region34of the drain cleaner10. As described in greater detail herein, the cable clamp mount assembly90supports the rotary power shaft assembly50and orients the proximal end42of the flexible cable40for improved engagement with the rotary power shaft assembly50.

Referring further toFIGS.1and2, the first and second housing components20,30are affixed or otherwise secured to each other. In the depicted drain cleaner10, a plurality of fasteners36are used to releasably engage the first and second housing components20,30together. As will be understood, apertures22can be defined in the first housing component20and corresponding receiving members32provided in the second housing component30. The apertures22and receiving members32are aligned and adapted to engagingly receive the fasteners36. As will be appreciated, other configurations and/or components can be used to secure the first and second housing components20,30together. Also, as previously noted, the present subject matter includes the use of a single housing rather than multiple housing components that are affixed or engaged together. The present subject matter also includes housing components that are attached by releasable fasteners such as latches and/or if a housing cap is not utilized.

The first housing component20defines a centrally located cable port26providing access to the interior region34defined by the housing components20,30. In certain versions, the first housing component20also defines a conical tapered edge24extending about the cable port26. The conical tapered edge24can be in the form of a funnel or depression along an exterior or first face21of the first housing20extending around the periphery of the cable port26. As described in greater detail herein, upon placement of the flexible cable40within the interior region34, the distal end44and portion of the cable40can be extended through the cable outlet or cable port26. In versions of the first housing component20defining the noted conical region24, that region24symmetrically extends about the cable port26. The conical region24promotes and/or facilitates cable feeding, cable retrieval, or other cable administration operation(s).

The drain cleaner10also defines an accessway28in one or both of the first and second housing components20,30through which the rotary power shaft assembly50is accessible. In the depicted embodiment, drain cleaner10, the accessway28is in the form of an opening in the first housing component20sized and shaped to enable engagement to the rotary power shaft assembly50. As described in greater detail herein, the accessway28is configured to allow convenient access to an outwardly extending drive shaft52of the rotary power shaft assembly50. In certain versions, the accessway28is configured to also allow ready engagement to the drive shaft52extending outward at an acute angle or an angle between and including 0 degrees and 90 degrees, relative to a plane generally bisecting the housing components20,30, and generally parallel to their interface. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes a variety of arrangements and orientations of the accessway28and drive shaft52. For example, the drive shaft52can in certain versions extend outward in a direction parallel to the noted plane. In such a configuration, the noted angle is 0 degrees. The particular angular orientation of the drive shaft52in certain versions, is described in greater detail herein.

FIGS.3-5illustrate the drain cleaner10and various features in greater detail. Specifically,FIG.4is a cross section taken across a section line shown inFIG.3and illustrates the inner cone support member70. The inner cone support member70extends into the interior region34of the drain cleaner10. Viewed from an exterior or second face31of the second housing component30, the configuration of the inner cone support member70provides an exterior recessed region72along the exterior face31. However, it will be understood that the second housing component30can include structures or members to avoid the recessed region72, such as a flat planar member (not shown). The inner cone support member70is generally aligned with and centrally disposed relative to the cable port26. Referring toFIG.4, preferably the inner cone support member70and the cable port26share a common center axis illustrated as axis X.

In particular versions, the inner cone support member70exhibits a dual conical configuration as follows. The support member70includes a first conical region74extending between a planar wall76of the second housing component30and a circular belt line78defined about the periphery of the support member70. The support member70includes a second conical region80extending between the belt line78and an apex82of the support member70. In this version, the configuration of the first conical region74is different than that of the second conical region80. More specifically, when viewed in cross section such as inFIG.4, an angle of wall orientation of the first conical region74is different than an angle of wall orientation of the second conical region80. For example, generally the angle of wall orientation of the first conical region74, taken with respect to a plane Y of the planar wall76, is within a range of from 45° to 80° and preferably about 55°. Generally, the angle of wall orientation of the second conical region80, taken with respect to the plane Y, is within a range of from 10° to 45° and preferably about 35°. The relatively large angle of the first conical region74improves cable retention within the interior region34of the drain cleaner10. The relatively small angle of the second conical region80promotes and directs cable into a coiled arrangement within the interior region34of the drain cleaner10.

FIG.6illustrates the rotary power shaft assembly50and the cable clamp mount assembly90in greater detail.FIG.6also illustrates the proximal end42of the flexible drain cleaning cable40. The rotary power shaft assembly50includes a drive shaft52. The drive shaft52defines a proximal end54and an opposite distal end56. The proximal end54is adapted for coupling or other affixment to the proximal end42of the flexible cable40. Generally, the proximal end54of the drive shaft52is engaged to the proximal end42of the flexible cable40at a location within the interior region34of the drain cleaner10. A retaining pin59can be used to affix the proximal end42of the flexible cable40to the proximal end54of the drive shaft52. The distal end56of the drive shaft52is adapted for engagement to a rotary power source (not shown). Examples of rotary power sources can include hand-held electrically powered drills. Preferably, the hand-held electrically powered drill is a battery powered drill. It will be understood that the distal end56of the drive shaft52is accessible through the previously described accessway28defined in the housing of the drain cleaner. The distal end56of the drive shaft52can include a variety of cross sectional shapes such as for example square or hexagonal to promote engage with a rotary power source. The rotary power shaft assembly50may also comprise one or more bearings58to promote rotation of the shaft52and/or rotatably support the shaft52. Typically, engagement between a rotary power source and the distal end56of the drive shaft52occurs at a location along the exterior of the drain cleaner10. In certain applications and particularly if the rotary power source is in the form of a hand-held electrically powered drill such as a battery powered drill, the drill can be positioned in contact with one or both of the first and second housing components20,30. The exterior contour of the drain cleaner10can be configured to contact and receive a typical hand-held drill placed in or on the housing such that the housing counteracts torque from operation of the drill. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes a wide array of placement and/or positioning arrangements of the rotary power source relative to the drain cleaner10.

The cable clamp mount assembly90typically includes a first or top member92and a second or base member94. One or both of the first and second members92,94define a shaft receiving region96at one end97and a cable receiving region98at another end99. Upon placement and engagement of the first and second members92,94to each other, the shaft receiving region96is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the drive shaft52, and the cable receiving region98is sized and shaped to receive the proximal end42of the flexible cable40and at least a portion of the flexible cable40. Specifically, upon engagement of the first member92with the second member94, the resulting engagement defines a shaft receiving region96at one end97, and a cable receiving region98at another end99of the resulting engagement. A plurality of fasteners100can be used to releasably engage the first and second members92,94together. As will be understood, apertures102can be defined in the first member92and corresponding receiving regions104provided in the second member94. One or more bearing support regions106can be provided in one or both of the first and/or second members92,94. As will be understood, the bearing support regions106are sized and shaped to receive, retain, and support the bearings58. In certain versions, the first member92and/or the second member94serve to both clamp and secure the distal end42of the drain cleaning cable40and also clamp and secure the bearing(s)58.

In particular versions of the cable clamp mount assembly90, the cable receiving region98defined by the first and/or the second member94extends along a curved or arcuate axis, and in certain versions extends along a helical axis. Referring toFIGS.19-21, a second member94A is illustrated which exhibits a helical cable receiving region98A. It will be understood, that the second member94A can be utilized in a cable clamp mount assembly similar to the previously described assembly90depicted inFIG.6. Specifically, with reference toFIGS.19-21, the second member94A defines a helical cable receiving region98A. A helical configuration of the cable receiving region98A provides an arcuate or curved path for the cable receiving region98A in both a first plane such as when viewing the member94A from its top as shown inFIG.20and also in a second plane, perpendicular to the first plane, such as when viewing the member94A from its end as shown inFIG.21. This particular configuration of the cable receiving region98A and/or the member94A results in improved operational efficiency and reduces potential for binding or wear of a drain cleaning cable positioned within the cable receiving region98A. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes variant configurations such as a non-helical path for the cable receiving region98for example a configuration in which the region98extends in an arcuate fashion in only one of the noted planes.

FIGS.7-9illustrate an optional wear insert component110utilized in the embodiment of the drain cleaner10. As previously described, the first housing component20defines a cable outlet or cable port26providing access, i.e., entry and/or exit, to the interior region34defined by the engaged first and second housing components20,30. The wear insert component110is sized and shaped to fittingly engage the portion of the housing component20defining the cable port26. Typically, the cable port26exhibits a circular opening shape, and so the wear insert component110is also circular in shape. However, it will be understood that the present subject matter includes other shapes and configurations. Furthermore, in certain versions, the wear insert component110is rotatably engaged with the first housing component20, and so the component110can be rotated in its engaged affixment in the cable port26. Again, it will be appreciated that the present subject matter includes a wide array of other configurations and versions of the wear component for example non-rotatable engagements and non-circular shapes.

The wear insert component110serves to provide a low friction point of contact for flexible drain cleaning cable40entering or exiting the interior region34of the drain cleaner10. Thus, in many versions, the wear insert component110is formed from or includes an outer coating of a low friction material such as but not limited to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon-based materials, and/or acetal-based materials as known in the art. The present subject matter includes the use of other low friction materials. It is contemplated that the wear insert component110could be easily replaced if exhibiting excessive wear.

FIG.7also illustrates another aspect of particular versions of drain cleaners such as the depicted embodiment, drain cleaner10. In this aspect, the outwardly extending distal end56of the drive shaft52is oriented within a range of angles of from about 10° to about 80°, and in certain versions at about 30°. These noted angles are shown inFIG.7as angle Z and are taken with regard to the previously noted planar wall76of the second housing component30. The angular orientation of the drive shaft52can be achieved by the configuration of the cable clamp mount assembly90. In many embodiments, the angular orientation of the drive shaft52is determined by an inclination angle defined by the shaft receiving region96of the cable clamp mount assembly90. This inclination angle is expressed as previously described angle Z. Thus, the inclination angle of the shaft receiving region typically is within a range of from about 10° to about 80°, and in certain versions is about 30°. Angular orientation of the drive shaft52may promote ergonomic placement and positioning of a hand-held drill alongside the drain cleaner. However, it will be understood that the present subject matter includes other configurations and drive shaft orientations. For example, the subject matter includes drain cleaners with a drive shaft oriented to extend at an angle perpendicular or substantially so to a plane bisecting the housing components20,30and parallel to their interface. The subject matter also includes drain cleaners with a drive shaft oriented to extend at an angle parallel or substantially so to a plane bisecting the housing components20,30and parallel to their interface. The drive shaft52is located on one side of the housing spaced apart from the center of the housing. The position of the drive shaft52and the cable clamp mount assembly90is such that the power transmission is directed substantially tangential to the coiled portion of flexible cable40within the interior chamber34of the drain cleaner10.

FIGS.10-13illustrate a cable guide tube component120used in the embodiment of the drain cleaner10.FIG.10illustrates the second housing component30and the guide tube component120which is rotatably secured thereto. In the depicted embodiment, the guide tube component120is rotatably secured to the inner cone support member70and, the guide tube component120rotates about the previously noted axis X described in association withFIG.4. The guide tube120promotes and/or assists in directing flexible drain cleaning cable (not shown) into and from the interior region34of the drain cleaner10. The guide tube120includes a cylindrical trunk122and an arm124extending outward from the trunk to an arm distal end126. The guide tube120defines a passageway128extending between an end121of the trunk adjacent the cable port26defined in the first housing portion20, and the arm distal end126. The passageway128is sized and shaped to accommodate the flexible drain cleaning cable being axially displaced therethrough. As will be understood, as flexible cable is extended from or withdrawn into the interior region34of the drain cleaner10, the guide tube120rotates about axis X. Thus, rotation of the guide tube120occurs as flexible cable passes through, i.e., is axially displaced through, the passageway128extending between ends121and126of the guide tube120, and is wound into a coil in the interior region34. The direction of rotation of the guide tube120depends upon whether drain cleaning cable is being extended from the drain cleaner10, or directed into the drain cleaner10. Upon cable extension from the drain cleaner10, the guide tube120rotates in a first rotational direction, i.e., clockwise or counter-clockwise. Upon cable retraction, the guide tube120rotates in a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotational direction.

FIG.14illustrates the cable clamp mount assembly90previously described in association withFIG.6.FIG.14depicts an optional use of a clutch assembly140. The clutch assembly140provides a rotatably engageable and/or disengageable communication between the proximal end54of a first drive shaft portion52A and the distal end56of a second drive shaft portion52B. As will be understood, the clutch assembly140can be used to selectively disengage rotation from a rotary power source (not shown) such as applied to the distal end56of the drive shaft portion52B, and a flexible cable40engaged to the proximal end54of the drive shaft portion52A. In certain applications, application of high levels of torque to the rotary power shaft assembly50can damage the flexible drain cleaning cable engaged thereto.

Incorporation of a clutch assembly140can serve to prevent transfer of excessive levels of torque from a rotary power source to the drain cleaning cable and thereby prevent such damage. As previously described in association withFIG.6, the various components can be supported using one or more bearings58and secured with first and second members92and94. In a particular versions, the clutch assembly140can be in the form of a clutch with an internal spring-biased mechanism, and particularly a spring-biased detent mechanism. However, a wide array of clutch mechanisms can be used such as a drill clutch employing a series of roller balls or sliders and a spring plate with provisions enabling the plate to axially separate and temporarily disengage from another plate that is in mechanical communication with the drain cleaning cable.

FIGS.15-18illustrate an optional locking clip assembly130used in the embodiment of the drain cleaner10. The locking clip assembly130includes a pivotable member132movably secured at a base134adjacent the cable port26defined in the first housing component20. In this version, the housing component20also defines a cable harbor136in communication with the cable port26. The cable harbor136is sized and shaped to receive the flexible cable40. The member132is positionable and pivotally secured at the base134to govern access to the cable harbor136. As will be understood by reference to the figures, upon positioning the member132to an unlocked position such as shown inFIG.18, the cable40can be positioned from the cable port26to the cable harbor136, and vice-versa. The member132is also positionable to a locked position such as shown inFIG.17in which the member132blocks access or communication between the cable port26and the cable harbor136. In certain versions, the locking clip assembly130also includes one or more biasing member(s) such as spring(s) to urge the member132to the locked position shown inFIG.17.

The drain cleaner10is typically used as follows. An operator can conveniently carry the drain cleaner10containing a drain cleaning cable40, by the handle60to a location of a clogged drain or other concern. If a distal end44of the cable40is secured to the housing of the drain cleaner10, such as by the locking clip assembly130, the member132is pivoted to its unlocked position. The cable40is then repositioned from the cable harbor136to the cable port26. At this position, the cable40can be axially displaced relative to the drain cleaner10. A rotary power source such as a hand-held drill is engaged to a distal end of the drive shaft52accessible along the exterior of the drain cleaner10. The operator then manually pulls the cable40from the drain cleaner10and inserts a distal end44of the cable40, to which a tool is typically attached, into a pipe or other member. Rotation of the tool is performed by actuation of the rotary power source, for example the noted drill. The operator can then push or otherwise displace the tool and distal end44of the cable40into the pipe until blockage or other obstruction is removed. The drain cleaning cable40can be conveniently wound within the interior region34of the drain cleaner10by the operator pushing the cable into and through the cable port. The guide tube120rotates within the interior region34and directs cable40into a neatly coiled stack arrangement. Upon returning all or a portion of drain cleaning cable40to the interior region34of the drain cleaner10, the cable40can be securely retained to the housing20by placement of the cable40in the cable harbor136and locking the noted clip assembly130.

FIGS.22to36illustrate another embodiment of a drain cleaner210in accordance with the present subject matter. The drain cleaner210comprises a first or top housing component220and a second or bottom housing component230. The top and bottom housing components220,230are sized and shaped to matingly engage each other to define a generally enclosed hollow interior region234. The present subject matter includes an embodiment utilizing a single or integral housing, i.e., without multiple housing components. The resulting housing is generally toroidal in shape. One or more sections of a flexible shaft drain cleaning cable240are disposed at least partially within the interior region234. The flexible cable240defines a proximal end typically located within the interior234, and an opposite distal end244. Many of the figures illustrate an optional tool300engaged to the distal end244of the cable240. The drain cleaner210also comprises a rotary power shaft assembly250, generally supported by one or both of the top and bottom housing components220,230. The drain cleaner210may also comprise one or more handle(s) and/or gripping member(s) for facilitating carrying and/or use by an operator. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain cleaner210comprises a handle260. As described in greater detail herein, the drain cleaner210also comprises an inner cone support member270as previously described which facilitates administration of flexible cable240within the interior region234of the drain cleaner210. Further, the inner cone support member270may include a flat region271in addition to first and second conical regions similarly defined above as first conical region74and second conical region80. The drain cleaner210also comprises a cable clamp mount assembly (not shown) as previously described disposed within the interior region234of the drain cleaner210. As previously described in greater detail herein, the cable clamp mount assembly supports the rotary power shaft assembly250and orients the proximal end of the flexible cable240for improved engagement with the rotary power shaft assembly250.

Referring further to the referenced figures, the first and second housing components220,230are affixed or otherwise secured to each other. In the depicted embodiment210, a plurality of fasteners236are used to releasably engage the first and second housing components220,230together. As will be understood, apertures can be defined in the first housing component220and corresponding receiving members provided in the second housing component230. The apertures and receiving members are aligned and adapted to engagingly receive the fasteners236. As will be appreciated, other configurations and/or components can be used to secure the first and second housing components220,230together. Also as previously noted, the present subject matter includes the use of a single housing rather than multiple housing components that are affixed or engaged together.

The drain cleaner210also defines an accessway228in one or both of the first and second housing components220,230through which the rotary power shaft assembly250is accessible. In the depicted embodiment210, the accessway228is in the form of an opening in the first housing component220sized and shaped to enable engagement to the rotary power shaft assembly250. As described in greater detail herein, the accessway228is configured to allow convenient access to an outwardly extending drive shaft252of the rotary power shaft assembly250. In certain versions, the accessway228is configured to also allow ready engagement to the drive shaft252extending outward at an acute angle or an angle between and including 0 degrees and 90 degrees, relative to a plane generally bisecting the housing components220,230, and generally parallel to their interface. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes a variety of arrangements and orientations of the accessway228and drive shaft252. For example, the drive shaft252can in certain versions extend outward in a direction parallel to the noted plane. In such a configuration, the noted angle is 0 degrees. In another example, the drive shaft252can extend outward in a direction transverse to the noted plane. In such a configuration, the noted angle is 90 degrees.

The drain cleaner210defines a centrally located opening330sized and shaped to matingly engage a removable housing cap310. The opening330is typically defined in the first or top housing220. As described in greater detail herein, the housing cap310allows for and/or facilitates a tool and distal end of the drain cleaning cable to be inserted and retained with the housing during transport of the drain cleaner210. Upon desired use of the drain cleaner210, the housing cap310is removed from the housing to thereby enable greater access to the interior region234and removal of the tool and distal end244of the drain cleaning cable240. The tool and cable end are passed through a central aperture defined in the housing cap310. As described herein, this central aperture is referred to as a cable outlet or cable port226. Then, the housing cap310is re-engaged with the drain cleaner housing220. The housing cap310shown in isolation inFIGS.30-31, is configured to be selectively removable from the housing, and typically the first or top housing220. The outer perimeter of the housing cap310may exhibit a wide array of shapes, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal. In the embodiment depicted in the referenced figures, the housing cap310defines at least one generally circular outer edge312and an outwardly extending lip313, separating an outer face314and an oppositely directed inner face316. In this version, the opening330defined in the first or top housing220is also generally circular. Typically, the size or maximum span of the opening330is sized to receive and accommodate the outer edge312of the housing cap310. The lip313extends outward, a distance such that the maximum span of the cap310taken from between opposite locations on the lip313, is greater than the maximum span of the opening330. As will be understood, this configuration prevents unintended insertion of the housing cap310through the opening330. As explained in greater detail herein, the housing cap310can be removed and/or disengaged from the drain cleaner210housing by partial rotation within the opening330to enable removal of the cap310. Upon such removal, the exposed opening330enables greater access to the interior234of the drain cleaner210.

In certain embodiments, particular ratios are utilized for the size of the opening of the cable outlet or port, the interior headroom of the inner cone support member, and the outer diameter of the drain cleaning cable. Specifically, referring toFIG.31, an opening span S is shown which represents the maximum size of the opening of the cable outlet such as the cable outlet226. For versions in which the cable outlet226is a circle, the opening span S corresponds to a diameter of the opening. The interior headroom of the inner cone support member such as the support member70is depicted inFIG.36as headroom W. The interior headroom W is measured from the top or apex of the inner cone support member270and the opening226of the cable outlet defined in the housing cap310. As will be understood, the outer diameter D of the drain cleaning cable such as cable240generally corresponds to the outer diameter of the sheath enclosing an inner cable. Utilizing particular ratios between S, W, and D are beneficial and promote ease of use and operation of the drain cleaners. A preferred ratio between the opening span S and the cable diameter D is from about 2 to about 8, and most preferably from about 4 to about 6.75. A preferred ratio between the headroom W and the cable diameter D is from about 2 to about 6, and most preferably about 3.3. A preferred ratio of headroom W and the opening span S is from about 0.3 to about 1.0, and most preferably about 0.6. It will be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to any of these ratios and includes a wide array of ratios outside of these ranges.

In certain versions of the housing cap310, the cap310includes at least one gripping member to facilitate disengagement of the cap310from the housing of the drain cleaner210. For example, in the version of the cap310depicted inFIGS.30-31, the cap310includes a first recess or gripping member320taken with respect to the outer face314. The cap310further include a second recess or gripping member322, typically located opposite the first recess so that the cable outlet or cable port226is between the two recesses320,322. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes a wide array of components, configurations, and provisions for the gripping member(s).

As previously noted, the housing cap component310defines a centrally located cable outlet or port226providing access to the interior region234defined by the housing components220,230. In certain versions, the housing cap310also defines a conical tapered edge224extending about the cable outlet or cable port226. The conical tapered edge224can be in the form of a funnel or depression along an outer face314of the housing cap310extending around the periphery of the cable outlet226. As described in greater detail herein, upon placement of the flexible cable240within the interior region234of the drain cleaner210, the distal end244and portion of the cable240can be extended through the cable outlet226. The conical region224promotes and/or facilitates cable feeding, cable retrieval, or other cable administration operation(s).

In certain versions, the drain cleaner210includes one or more locking assemblies that retain or further secure the housing cap310to the housing, which as noted is typically the first housing component220. Specifically, the locking assembly secures the housing cap310in the opening330upon placement therein and positioning the housing cap310to a locked position shown as position “L” inFIG.32. Specifically, upon initial placement of the housing cap310in the opening330, the rotational position of the cap310is typically in the unlocked or “U” position. The cap310is secured and engaged to the housing component220by rotation in the direction of arrow A shown inFIG.32. The housing cap310is removed from the housing component220by rotating the cap310toward the unlocked “U” position, i.e., in the direction of arrow B. In the unlocked position, shown as position “U”, the housing cap310can be removed, i.e., separated, from the housing component220. Upon such removal, the opening330provides access to the interior234of the drain cleaner210. Upon alignment and placement of the housing cap310in the opening330, and rotation of the housing cap310to the locked “L” position, the housing cap310is securely retained with the housing.

A wide array of configurations and/or components can be used for the locking assemblies that selectively retain and engage the housing cap310to the housing of the drain cleaner210. In a particular version, the locking assembly comprises at least one and typically a plurality of flexible tabs340extending outward from the outer edge312of the housing cap310. A corresponding number of tab receiving regions345are defined in the opening330of the housing, e.g., the housing component220, of the drain cleaner210. The tab receiving regions345are positioned along the opening330so as to receive and accept the tabs340of the housing cap310upon alignment of the cap310with the opening330. As will be understood by reference toFIGS.30-33, upon appropriate alignment of the housing cap310with the opening330, and insertion of the tabs340within the tab receiving regions345, and ultimately within the interior234of the drain cleaner, the cap310can then be fittingly positioned relative to the housing. At this phase of engagement between the cap310and the housing, the cap310is in the unlocked position U as shown inFIG.32. Upon rotation of the cap310relative to the housing, to the locked position L, the tabs340rotatingly slide along an interior surface of the housing and thereby securely retain the cap310thereto.

As noted, a wide array of techniques and configurations can be used to enable selective engagement and/or removal of the housing cap310from the housing.FIGS.32-35illustrate a series of operations to unlock and remove the housing cap310from the drain cleaner210and thereby release and/or expose a distal end244of the drain cleaning cable240for subsequent use. Specifically, after previous engagement of the housing cap310and positioning to a locked position L, a user rotates the cap310the unlocked position U as shown inFIG.32. The user then removes the cap310from the housing and the opening330defined therein as depicted inFIG.33. The interior234of the drain cleaner210can then be easily accessed. A user can then extend their hand through opening330into the interior region234and grasp the distal end244of the drain cleaning cable240as shown inFIG.34. The user then positions the distal end244of the cable240through the cable outlet226defined in the cap310, as shown inFIG.35. The cap310can then be secured to the housing as previously described herein.

In certain embodiments, the drain cleaner can include on-board tool storage provisions. Referring toFIG.23, a tool retaining member400is formed or otherwise provided in the housing or a housing component such as the first housing component220. The member400is accessible along an exterior region of the housing or housing component. The member400is configured to receive and releasably retain a tool positioned therein. Although a wide array of releasable retention assemblies and/or configurations can be used, a non-limiting example is the use of one or more frictional engagement members that deform upon insertion or placement of a tool therein. Also included in the present subject matter are one or more tools402for placement and storage with the noted member400. Non-limiting examples of such tools include one or more hex tools, one or more screw drivers, and one or more gripping tools such as pliers.

All patents, applications, standards, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present subject matter includes all operable combinations of features and aspects described herein. Thus, for example if one feature is described in association with an embodiment and another feature is described in association with another embodiment, it will be understood that the present subject matter includes embodiments having a combination of these features.

As described hereinabove, the present subject matter solves many problems associated with previous strategies, systems and/or devices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of components, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present subject matter, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the claimed subject matter, as expressed in the appended claims.