Motorized drain cleaner

An article of manufacture for providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing is disclosed. The motorized drain cleaner includes a three ring aluminum frame surrounding a rotating drum containing a drain snake drum, the rotating drain snake drum being coupled to a multi-directional motor, an outside frame coupled to a pair of pivoting wheels at its base, the outside frame having a plurality of frame support arms connecting a handle to a base about the pair of wheels and a control panel between the plurality of frame support arms about the handle, a pair of pivot support arms coupled between the three ring aluminum frame and the plurality of frame support arms of the outside frame permitting the three ring aluminum frame and the drain snake drum contained therein to pivot upward and downward about the pivot support arms, the drain snake drum coupled to a feed neck that is connected to a drain snake outlet coupled to the three ring frame supporting the drain snake outlet about a center of rotation of the rotating snake drum, and a drain snake cable having a cutting tool coupled to an outward end and being coupled to the drain snake drum such that rotation of the drain snake drum within the three ring frame causes the drain snake cable to rotate accordingly, the drain snake cable arranged to pass through the drain snake outlet as the drain snake cable exits the drain snake drum.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a plumbing tool, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing.

BACKGROUND

Plumbers and technicians have used rotating drain line cleaners to pass a rotating cutting tool through a drain line that has become blocked in order to clear the line from any debris and root growth that is preventing the drain line from emptying. Machines that provide the rotating cutting tools on the end of a rotating snake line are utilized to cut their way through the clogs. Getting these machines to and from locations where access to the drain line can be a difficult task. Controlling the operation of the rotating cutting tool while viewing, and feeding the rotating snake line into the clogged drain line, observing the ongoing progress of the rotating snake line as is moved into the drain line, and starting and stopping the motor as needed all a the same time is also challenging. All of these efforts may be performed in dark, wet, and small spaces that make the coordinated actions of the operator while in this environment all the more challenging.

Therefore, a need exists for an article of manufacture for providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention. The present invention attempts to address the limitations and deficiencies of existing system according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing an article of manufacture for providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention. An article of manufacture for providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing is disclosed. The motorized drain cleaner includes a three ring aluminum frame surrounding a rotating drum containing a drain snake drum, the rotating drain snake drum being coupled to a multi-directional motor, an outside frame coupled to a pair of pivoting wheels at its base, the outside frame having a plurality of frame support arms connecting a handle to a base about the pair of wheels and a control panel between the plurality of frame support arms about the handle, a pair of pivot support arms coupled between the three ring aluminum frame and the plurality of frame support arms of the outside frame permitting the three ring aluminum frame and the drain snake drum contained therein to pivot upward and downward about the pivot support arms, the drain snake drum coupled to a feed neck that is connected to a drain snake outlet coupled to the three ring frame supporting the drain snake outlet about a center of rotation of the rotating snake drum, and a drain snake cable having a cutting tool coupled to an outward end and being coupled to the drain snake drum such that rotation of the drain snake drum within the three ring frame causes the drain snake cable to rotate accordingly, the drain snake cable arranged to pass through the drain snake outlet as the drain snake cable exits the drain snake drum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a plumbing tool, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

As used herein, the term “about” means that dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill. Further, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” shall expressly include “exactly.”

The terms “worker,” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g. a human, using the motorized drain cleaner for providing drain cleaning and clearing associated with the invention. The term user herein refers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Motorized Drain Cleaner.” Invention may be used interchangeably with snake cable and drain cleaner.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufacture for providing a plumbing tool. To better understand the present invention,FIG.1illustrates an example embodiment of a rear view of an article of manufacture providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention. The motorized drain cleaner100consists of a control panel101, a machine frame102, a pair of machine wheels103attached to corresponding machine shocks104, an electric motor105, and a drain snake drum106. The electric motor105rotates causing a belt and pulleys to spin a drain snake cable with a detachable cutting tool (not shown) on its end.

The cutting tool and the drain snake cable are fed into a clogged pipeline to clear the clog. The electric motor105rotates causing the belt and pulleys to rotate the drain snake outlet shaft114about a rotating shaft121. The drain snake cable rotates through and exits the motorized drain cleaner100through a feed neck112and is controlled by the electric motor105. The drain snake cable is slowly pushed through the drainpipe by hand as the user pulls the rotating drain snake cable from within the drain snake drum106and pushes it into the drainpipe. The cutting tool attached to the drain snake cable rotates when the electric motor105spins the cable, permitting it to cut through clog-causing objects within the drainpipe.

The machine frame102includes a frame base122that couples to the machine frame102about the machine wheels103located on either side of the motorized drain cleaner100. The pair of machine wheels103a-bare connected to the machine frame102by corresponding machine shocks104coupled to either side of the machine frame102. The entire machine frame102may pivot about the machine wheels103to lift the frame base122off the ground as the motorized drain cleaner100is moved to and from the drainpipe access point.

The belt and pulleys connect the drain snake outlet shaft114to the electric motor105using a lower pulley111located at an inner end of the drain snake outlet shaft114and directly below the electric motor105. The outer end of the drain snake outlet shaft114connects the feed neck112to the drain snake outlet shaft114and permits the drain snake cable to exit the drain snake drum106. When the motorized drain cleaner100is not in use, the drain snake cable is stored within the drain snake drum106.

In a preferred embodiment, the control panel101comprises an ignition key, a forward and reverse switch for the electric motor105, a speed control for the RPM of the electric motor105, on/off switch for a forward-facing LED light, a connection to accept a 48-volt battery or a GFI protected AC power plug for connecting to an extension cord, an AC to 42V transformer, a wireless or wired connection to a foot pedal motor activation switch with supporting circuit to generate an electric motor105enable/disable signal, and a GPS location tracker.

In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor105is a 42-volt powered motor of varying sizes. The electric motor105may be powered using either a battery (not shown) or an electrical cable (not shown) that is connected to a standard 110V AC power source. The 42V electric motor105may receive its power via the ordinary transformer within the control panel101when an AC power source is used.

The electric motor105is operated using the foot switch (not shown) that activates the electric motor105when depressed and stops the electric motor105when released. The user may therefore easily engage the drain snake cable and its cutting tool to rotate when desired. The foot switch is connected to the electric motor105using a control signal wire (not shown). The foot switch also may be wirelessly connected to the electric motor105using an RF signal. The foot pedal is within a waterproof enclosure.

The motorized drain cleaner100also may have the front-facing LED light source coupled to the machine frame102and powered by the electrical source powering the electric motor105to illuminate the work area around the drainpipe access point as needed. The motorized drain cleaner100may also include a GPS tracking device (not shown) that obtains a position of the motorized drain cleaner100itself that may be used with online maps and similar resources to estimate distances between the machine and other locations. Additionally, the GPS will allow the owner of the motorized drain cleaner100to locate their machine at any time, i.e. when they are lost or stolen.

The motorized drain cleaner100may be made in different sizes and power configurations for various embodiments. Each one of these embodiments are 110 V machines which have transformers to bring AC voltage down to DC voltage between 36 V-48 V. All of the embodiments function exactly the same. The difference between the embodiments relates to the size of the drain snake drum106and drain snake cable it can hold.

These embodiments are also capable of adding battery supply. All of the embodiments of the motorized drain cleaner100are made for providing safety to technicians and bystanders. All our power supplies are ground fault receptacle extension cords. All of the power on each unit is low voltage for technicians and bystanders of electrocution. The control panel101has several indicating lights (not shown) when power is brought to the control panel101. A green indicator light which will allow the technician to see there is power to the unit. The rest of the control panel101must be activated by a key switch (not shown) which will power the total machine. The control panel101has a forward and reverse switch for the motor, a switch for a forward facing light, has an air switch for operating the machine. Also, the control panel101has a remote switch pedal to do the same functions. the control panel101has a dual USB port for iPad and smartphones to provide camera assistance. The control panel101has an outlet supply 110 V which works off the ground fault supply and can be used for drills, saws and lights etc. Additional details regarding the control panel101and its dashboard enclosure701are disclosed below in reference toFIGS.7a-e.

The motorized drain cleaner100are designed and built to provide safety to technicians and bystanders while in operation. Safety is provided in part by the use low voltage motors. The motorized drain cleaner100is made of aluminum for light weightlifting up and down stairwells, thus making it easier for the technicians to maneuver. Also, the drain cleaner drums106are encased by three rings of aluminum framing301a-cas shown inFIG.3to protect the technician from a spinning drum106. The motorized drain cleaner100pivots up and down as shown inFIG.4which is for the technicians to work with cable above a floor. Prior art machines typically are 100% stationary and are exposed. Prior art drums are belt driven on the outside of the drum which may be a hazard. The present invention provides led lights to light up the work area for the technician. The key switch that provides power to the motorized drain cleaner100also provides a measure of safety preventing others from operating the motorized drain cleaner100when the technician is not present. The addition of a remote control foot pedal provides technicians with a means of operating the machine in a safe manner.

FIG.2illustrates an example embodiment of a side view of an article of manufacture providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention. This embodiment shows the drain snake outlet shaft114coupled to three snake outlet supports113a-cat a center end of the drain snake outlet shaft114and the various points on the drain snake drum106. To move the motorized drain cleaner100using the pair of machine wheels103, a user pulls back on the machine frame102above the control panel101causing the machine frame102to pivot about the machine wheels103and lift the frame base122off of the ground.

In a preferred embodiment all the components of the machine frame102and frame base122may be made using No. 6061 aluminum tubing and aircraft aluminum which has been tempered for hardness. The machine frame102design is a housing of 3 circular tubing of aluminum to form a set of frame rings301surrounding the drain snake drum106. The front housing also supports the feed neck112which has attachments for the automatic drain snake cable feed to slide in and out of the drain snake drum106. The machine frame102also houses an electric motor105which supplies power to the drain snake drum106. The machine frame102also contains a lower pulley111that connects the drain snake drum106to the electric motor105using a belt. A drain snake outlet shaft114is coupled to the lower pulley111mechanism which in turn connects from the electric motor105to the drain snake outlet shaft114. A sprocket (not shown) permits a user to remove the drain snake drum106for easy access to change the cable.

FIG.3illustrates an example embodiment of a front bottom view of an article of manufacture providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention. The view of the motorized drain cleaner100inFIG.3highlights the components within the drain snake drum106and its connection between the feed neck112and a set of three frame rings301a-c. The feed neck112is located at an outer end of the drain snake outlet shaft114and is supported by the set of three frame rings301. The leftmost and rightmost snake outlet supports113are coupled to the front most frame rings301aand the center snake outlet support113bis connected to all three frame rings301a-cas it runs the length of the drum walls302coupled to the inner portion of the three frame rings301a-c.

A rotating drain snake device303is coupled to the drain snake outlet shaft114to direct the drain snake cable to the feed neck112as the drain snake drum106rotates.

FIG.4illustrates another example embodiment of a bottom side view of an article of manufacture providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention. The view of the motorized drain cleaner100shown inFIG.4highlights the machine wheels103and the machine shocks104connections to the machine frame102and the drain snake drum106pivoting connection to the machine frame102. The machine frame102can pivot downward about a pivot drum pivot402that is attached to the frame rings301by pivot support arms401. A pivot support arm401is located on opposite sides of the machine frame102and drain snake drum106to support the drain snake drum106. The drum pivot402permits the drain snake drum106, and thus the feed neck112, to rotate toward the floor for lower floor drains or to pivot 40 degrees upward for all plumbing lines higher than floor level.

The outer part of the machine frame102that holds the drain snake drum assembly106is a heavier aluminum frame that supports the drum pivot arms402of the drain snake drum housing106. The outer machine frame102has machine shock absorber forks104a-bto hold the machine wheels103allowing shock absorption from stairs, curbs, entryways, etc. to prevent damage to the machine or to a customers' property. In some embodiments of the motorized drain cleaner100, the machine frame102has fork and machine shock assemblies104with power-motored machine wheels103that can power the control panel101forward and reverse while walking using controls located on the control panel101.

FIG.5illustrates an example embodiment of an article of manufacture providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention. The view of the motorized drain cleaner100inFIG.5again highlights the connection between the machine frame102and the machine wheels103by the machine shocks104and highlights the rotating drain snake device303coupled to the drain snake outlet shaft114while the three snake outlet supports113a-care between the frame rings301and the feed neck112.

FIG.6illustrates an example embodiment of a front view of an article of manufacture for providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention. The view of the motorized drain cleaner100inFIG.6again highlights the rotating drain snake device303that rotates about the drain snake outlet shaft114as powered by the electric motor105. The drain snake outlet shaft114is shown in its relative position to the\three snake outlet supports113a-cconnecting the frame rings301of the drain snake drum106to the feed neck112.

FIGS.7a-eillustrate each of the side views from a dashboard enclosure from an example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention.

FIG.7ashows a bottom surface of the dashboard enclosure701. The dashboard enclosure includes a pair of air vents705-706which includes a computer fan for cooling mounted in the box (not shown).

FIG.7bshows a back surface of the dashboard enclosure701. A female 120 V receptacle outlet708allows the technician to plug in hand tools and similar power devices such as drills, saws, and the like. An air switch708the motor by using an air foot pedal (not shown). A charging adapter707provides a power input for charging battery of the motorized drain cleaner100.

FIG.7cshows a front facing surface of the dashboard enclosure701. An RPM indicator709is provided as a digital light. A speed control710is included for adjusting the rotations per minute (RPM) at which the motorized drain cleaner100operated. The speed control710permits a technician to increase or to decrease the speed of the motor.

FIG.7dshows a bottom surface of the dashboard enclosure701. An access door718to a male receptacle allows a 110 V extension cord to be plugged into the dashboard enclosure701. An indicator light711that shows electrical voltage is active to an attached extension cord. A rocker switch712has a forward, stop, and reverse settings to control the operation of the motor for both forward and reverse rotation. An on/off rocker switch713turns the front facing light on or off. A dual USB port714allows the technician to plug in a cell phone, iPad, and similar mobile devices. A battery indicator715lights with digital bars to display a current state of electrical of the battery. An indicator light716shows that the dashboard enclosure701is energized and ready to operate. A key on/off switch717energizes the dashboard. The key on/off switch717has multiple positions that may be changed only when a proper key is within the switch717. Removal of the key permits the technician to ensure the motorized drain cleaner100to be secured when the technician is not operating the device. A pair of piano hinges719-720are attached to a cover that may be positioned over the dashboard when not in use.

FIG.7eshows a pair of 3D views of the dashboard enclosure701. The top and bottom sides of the dashboard enclosure701are shown inFIG.7e. The two sides of the dashboard enclosure701are not shown directly. End caps may be attached as desired once the components are assembled within the dashboard enclosure701. The dashboard enclosure701is mounted and welded between the handles102of the motorized drain cleaner100.

FIG.8an exploded view of components combined to create an article of manufacture for providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing according to the present invention. The motorized drain cleaner100is constructed using components electrically connected that include a control panel801, a transformer802, a motor803, a radio transceiver804, one or more batteries having recharging circuitry805, and a GPS locator806. The transformer802generates one or more voltages811to be connected to and provide operating voltage to the other components in the circuitry800.

The control panel801contains the input components described above in reference toFIG.7a-e. The control panel801is connected to the motor providing a set of signals812that instructs the motor803whether it is to rotate the drain cleaner tool, in which direction the motor, and thus the drain cleaner is to spin, and the speed of rotation to be operated. The control panel801using the multi-position rocker switch712and the power on switch717(with its key) provide signals to indicate to the motor how it is to operation. The control panel801also provides indicator lights711,716to inform an operator that the circuitry within the motorized drain cleaner100are energized.

The radio transceiver804communicates with an external foot pedal820to allow the operator to communicate when to activate the motor803and thus the drain cleaner tool. The external radio foot pedal820provides a signal when the operator desires the motor to be activated. The radio transceiver804sends a signal814to the control panel801indicating the operators command. This signal814is similar to an input signal from a button that was located directly on the control panel801that activates the motor803when the button is depressed. The radio transceiver820and the external radio foot pedal820allows this control input to be moved to various locations by the operator when the machine is in use. The control panel801contains circuitry to provide the necessary control logic that generates the control signals812to the motor803in a manner required by the motor803.

The GPS locator806is a self-contained and commercially off the shelf GPL locator device that is powered by the power bus811to obtain its position from GPS satellites and provide them for receipt by a computing system the searches for the GPS locator806and the motorized drain cleaner100.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included to this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.