Power Tool Adapter For A Drain Cleaning Device

A power tool adapter for a drain cleaning device is disclosed herein. The power tool adapter includes an adapter body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion of the adapter body being oppositely disposed relative to the distal end portion of the adapter body. The distal end portion of the adapter body is configured to be coupled to a drain cleaning device having a plurality of hook elements disposed thereon, the plurality of hook elements configured to grab and collect debris from a drain pipe; and the proximal end portion of the adapter body is configured to be coupled to a rotary motion input device that is sufficient to rotate the plurality of hook elements of the drain cleaning device about a rotational axis so as to grab and collect the debris from the drain pipe.

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to a power tool adapter for a drain cleaning device. More particularly, the invention relates to a power tool adapter that enables a drain cleaning device to be coupled to a rotary motion input device for removing debris from a drain pipe.

Bathroom drains are clogged most often by hair that enters the drain and collects from the drain trap at the bottom up to the drain opening. Most frequently, the hair combines with sticky products such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste and builds a “log-jam” of sorts where these drain obstructions catch the hair, and some settles in the drain trap. After sufficient amounts of hair have collected in the drain trap or around the upper opening, the water from the sink basin begins to drain noticeably more slowly, and eventually can completely block the water from draining. Drain chemicals, home remedies such as baking soda and vinegar and plungers are frequently used for these clogs, but often fail to dissolve or dislodge the hair clogging the drain. In extreme cases, the only remaining remedy is to disassemble the drain or use a device that can effectively reach, snag, and extract the hair (e.g., a drain snake).

Also, liquid or gel-based chemical drain unclogging agents can contain corrosive chemicals that may damage the drain structure. The drain cleaning chemicals may also cause health problems to those who handle the liquids or gels incorrectly. Another problem with chemical agents is that a significant portion of the chemical agent may flow past the hair-clog (for example, in the vertical portion of a bathroom sink drain) such that the chemical cannot effectively submerge the hair in order to completely dissolve it.

In addition, because the hair and other debris may be tightly twisted around the drain structure, it may be difficult to remove this hair and debris manually using a drain snake. The manual removal of this hair and other debris may be particularly difficult for a user that is elderly or disabled.

Therefore, what is needed is a power tool adapter for a drain cleaning device that enables a user to utilize the power of a power tool to clear sink and tub drain clogs, rather than having to manually manipulate the drain snake device by hand.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a power tool adapter for a drain cleaning device that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a power tool adapter for a drain cleaning device. The power tool adapter includes an adapter body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion of the adapter body being oppositely disposed relative to the distal end portion of the adapter body. In these one or more embodiments, the distal end portion of the adapter body is configured to be coupled to a drain cleaning device having a plurality of hook elements disposed thereon, the plurality of hook elements configured to grab and collect debris from a drain pipe; and the proximal end portion of the adapter body is configured to be coupled to a rotary motion input device that is sufficient to rotate the plurality of hook elements of the drain cleaning device about a rotational axis so as to grab and collect the debris from the drain pipe.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the proximal end portion of the adapter body comprises a shank section for being inserted into a recess of the rotary motion input device.

In yet a further embodiment, the rotary motion input device for rotating the drain cleaning device is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a drill, (ii) a screwdriver, (iii) a power drill, and (iv) a power screwdriver.

In still a further embodiment, the shank section at the proximal end portion of the adapter body is in a form of a drill bit shank section for being inserted into a drill chuck recess.

In yet a further embodiment, the drill bit shank section has a generally hexagonal or round cross-sectional shape.

In still a further embodiment, the distal end portion of the adapter body comprises one or more recesses formed therein that are configured to interlock with one or more corresponding protrusions on a proximal end portion of the drain cleaning device.

In yet a further embodiment, the power tool adapter further comprises an adapter sleeve member that is slidable along a length of the adapter body between (i) a disengaged position where the drain cleaning device is able to be released from the power tool adapter, and (ii) an engaged position where the distal end portion of the adapter body is locked into engagement with the proximal end portion of the drain cleaning device.

In still a further embodiment, in the engaged position of the adapter sleeve member, the adapter sleeve member is rotatably disposed about the adapter body, the adapter sleeve member configured to be grasped by a hand of a user during the spinning of the drain cleaning device by the rotary motion input device so as to help stabilize the drain cleaning device, the drain cleaning device being configured to be rotated relative to the adapter sleeve member while the adapter sleeve member is held stationary by the hand of the user.

In yet a further embodiment, the distal end portion of the adapter body comprises a first partial cylinder section and a proximal end portion of the drain cleaning device comprises a second partial cylinder section, the first partial cylinder section on the distal end portion of the adapter body configured to engage with the second partial cylinder section on the proximal end portion of the drain cleaning device such that a generally complete cylinder section is formed.

In still a further embodiment, the distal end portion of the adapter body is configured to be removably coupled to a proximal end portion of the drain cleaning device such that the drain cleaning device is able to be replaced after being used to remove the debris from the drain pipe.

In yet a further embodiment, the drain cleaning device is configured to be discarded after being used to remove the debris from the drain pipe.

In still a further embodiment, the drain cleaning device further comprises an elongated rod section having a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongated rod section being oppositely disposed relative to the second end of the elongated rod section, and the elongated rod section further includes the plurality of hook elements projecting outwardly from the elongated rod section, the plurality of hook elements being disposed at least partially around a periphery of the elongated rod section and along at least a portion of a length of the elongated rod section between the first end and the second end.

In yet a further embodiment, the elongated rod section further comprises a central core portion and an outer covering bonded to the central core portion, the outer covering formed from a hook material strip, the hook material strip comprising the plurality of hook elements of the elongated rod section, and the hook material strip being made from a hook side of a hook-and-loop fastener material.

In still a further embodiment, the plurality of hook elements on the elongated rod section comprise a plurality of injection-molded micro-hooks.

In yet a further embodiment, at least some of the plurality of injection-molded micro-hooks are in the form of inverted J-shaped projections protruding outwardly from a central core portion of the elongated rod section of the drain cleaning device.

In still a further embodiment, at least some of the plurality of injection-molded micro-hooks are in the form of T-shaped projections protruding outwardly from a central core portion of the elongated rod section of the drain cleaning device.

In yet a further embodiment, the drain cleaning device further comprises an elongated sleeve member rotatably disposed on a longitudinal portion of the elongated rod section, the elongated sleeve member configured to be grasped by a hand of a user during the spinning of the drain cleaning device by the rotary motion input device so as to help stabilize the drain cleaning device, the drain cleaning device being configured to be rotated relative to the elongated sleeve member while the elongated sleeve member is held stationary by the hand of the user.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense.

Throughout the figures, the same parts are always denoted using the same reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only be described once.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A first illustrative embodiment of a drain cleaning assembly is seen generally at100inFIGS.1-7.FIG.1shows a perspective view of the illustrative drain cleaning assembly100including a reusable power tool adapter10and a disposable drain cleaning device40. The disposable drain cleaning device40is attached to the power tool adapter10by engagement of the proximal end portion42(i.e., the end that is closest to the person when operating the device) of the drain cleaning device40fully engaged with the distal end portion16of the power tool adapter10. A slidable sleeve member20is shown in the engaged position and the drain cleaning device40, as shown inFIG.1, is in the fully engaged configuration. The sleeve member20in this engaged position ensures that the drain cleaning device40and power tool adapter10are fully engaged, i.e., interlocked at their corresponding ends, and the device is ready for use, such as for clearing a clogged drain pipe or for other similar pipe-cleaning functions.

In the illustrative embodiment, as shown inFIGS.1-5and11, the power tool adapter10generally comprises an adapter body12having a proximal end portion14and a distal end portion16, the proximal end portion14of the adapter body12being oppositely disposed relative to the distal end portion16of the adapter body12. InFIGS.1-5, it can be seen that the distal end portion16of the adapter body12is configured to be coupled to a drain cleaning device40having a plurality of hook elements48disposed thereon, the plurality of hook elements48configured to grab and collect debris from a drain pipe. Also, as shown inFIGS.1-5, the proximal end portion14of the adapter body12is configured to be coupled to a rotary motion input device (e.g., a drill70—seeFIGS.8A-8D) that is sufficient to rotate the plurality of hook elements48of the drain cleaning device40about a rotational axis so as to grab and collect the debris from a drain pipe88(refer toFIG.9).

In the illustrative embodiment, as shown inFIGS.1-5and8A, it can be seen that the proximal end portion14of the adapter body12of the power tool adapter10comprises a shank section18for being inserted into a recess of the rotary motion input device (e.g., a drill70). For example, the rotary motion input device for rotating the drain cleaning device40may comprise a drill, a screwdriver, a power drill, or a power screwdriver. In the illustrative embodiment, the power tool adapter10is configured for use with a drill70, and the shank section at the proximal end portion of the adapter body is in a form of a drill bit shank section18for being inserted into a drill chuck recess. In the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS.1-5and8A, the drill bit shank section18has a generally hexagonal cross-sectional shape for being inserted into the drill chuck recess. In another embodiment, the drill bit shank section may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape for being inserted into the drill chuck recess.

In the illustrative embodiment, as will be described in further detail hereinafter, a user inserts the drill bit shank section18into a drill and tightens the chuck in the same fashion as using a drill bit. The slidable sleeve member20moves axially along the center of the power tool adapter10between an engaged position (i.e., a locking position) and a disengaged position (i.e., a release position). This sliding action of the sleeve member20fully engages or releases the replaceable drain cleaning device40, which attaches to the distal end portion16of the adapter body12. Once the drill bit shank section18of the power tool adapter10is locked into the drill chuck, the user grasps the drill in one hand and the spinning sleeve member20with the other hand, and inserts the attached drain cleaning device40into a sink or tub drain until they engage the resistance of a clog. Then, rather than having to manually crank the device40, the user simply runs the drill on slow speed and allows the drill to power the drain cleaning device40, rather than using the effort of manually cranking the device40. The user can then detach the removable drain cleaning device40by sliding the spinning sleeve20of the power tool adapter10up toward the proximal drill end, exposing the mated, interlocking ends of both the adapter10and removable drain cleaning device40, thereby allowing for removal and replacement of the drain cleaning device40.

In the illustrative embodiment, the sleeve member20of the power tool adapter10can be moved back and forth between two possible positions along the adapter body12: (i) a disengaged position (seeFIGS.12and13) where the drain cleaning device40is able to be released from the power tool adapter10, and (ii) an engaged position (seeFIGS.1-5) where the distal end portion16of the adapter body12is locked into engagement with the proximal end portion42of the drain cleaning device40.

As shown inFIGS.1-5and7, the distal tip section46of the drain cleaning device40can be equipped with a hair-catching structure (e.g., a plurality of hook elements48) that collects hair material or debris clogging a drain.

After use, the drain cleaning device40is disengaged from the power tool adapter10(as described below) and can be discarded in an appropriate disposal receptacle, or in an appropriate recycling collection container.

In the illustrative embodiment, the sleeve member20of the power tool adapter10has a generally cylindrical shape, but may include a notch22at its proximal end24(seeFIGS.11and14). When the sleeve member20is moved backward to its disengaged position (i.e., theFIG.8Bposition), the interlocking ends of the drain cleaning device40and power tool adapter10are exposed and can be detached.

In the illustrative embodiment, the interlocking region at the proximal end of the drain cleaning device40includes a partial annular shoulder stop54and a partial cylindrical end section52that match a respective partial annular shoulder stop34and partial cylindrical end section28at the distal end of the power tool adapter10(seeFIGS.12and13). When the sleeve member20is moved to the disengaged position as shown inFIG.8B, the two corresponding partial cylindrical portions28and52, are exposed and can be decoupled or detached. Alternatively, when the sleeve member20is moved to the engaged position (seeFIGS.1-5and8D), the distal end26of the sleeve member20is moved axially forward until it rests against the two partial annular shoulder stops,34and54. When a drain cleaning device40is engaged, i.e., its proximal end portion42is interlocked with the distal end portion16of the power tool adapter body12, the sleeve member20can be moved to its engaged position and the drain cleaning device40is ready for use and can be properly operated.

The interlocking region of the drain cleaning device40and the power tool adapter10is shown in more detail in the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS.12and13.

When sleeve member20is moved to its disengaged position, the drain cleaning device40can be disengaged from the distal end portion16of the power tool adapter10. In this position, the partial cylindrical end section28at the distal end of the power tool adapter10is clearly exposed (seeFIG.8B).

When interlocked with the corresponding end of the drain cleaning device40, the partial cylindrical end section52of the drain cleaning device40combines with the partial cylindrical end section28at the distal end of the power tool adapter10to form a generally cylindrical interlocked structure that fits inside the bore of the sleeve member20; and this interlocked structure can rotate inside the sleeve member20(e.g., during routine operation) when the sleeve is moved to the engaged position.

In addition, in the illustrative embodiment shown inFIGS.1-5, when the drain cleaning device40is interlocked with the power tool adapter10, protrusion58(seeFIG.12) of the drain cleaning device40fits in the corresponding opening38(seeFIGS.12and13), and axial stop60and surfaces62and64of the proximal end of the drain cleaning device40fit in the corresponding stop32and surfaces30and36at the distal end of power tool adapter10(refer toFIGS.12-14).

In the illustrative embodiment, a further shaped axial stop surface56is provided at the proximal end of the drain cleaning device40(seeFIGS.12and13), which matches a correspondingly shaped cavity or opening (in axially proximal surface of opening38) in the distal end of the power tool adapter10to ensure a uniquely matched interlock between the drain cleaning device40and the power tool adapter10. That is, as best shown inFIGS.12and13, the partial cylindrical end section52of the drain cleaning device40is provided with an internal zigzag protruding surface64that interlocks with an internal zigzag recess in the partial cylindrical end section28of the power tool adapter10connected to opening38.

In the illustrative embodiment, a further detent can be provided at the distally lower surface of protrusion58to engage with a corresponding receiving indentation in the radially outer portion of opening38in the power tool adapter10, in order to ensure a snap fit or other secure attachment.

In the illustrative embodiment, contact surface62at the distal end of the drain cleaning device40mates with corresponding contact surface36at the distal end of power tool adapter10, when the drain cleaning device40and power tool adapter10are fully engaged. Similarly, when engaged, axial stop surface60at the end of the drain cleaning device40mates with the corresponding adapter stop surface32. Furthermore, any tab feature, as shown projecting from surface36of the distal end of the power tool adapter10, can be provided to mate with a corresponding opening in the proximal end of the drain cleaning device40.

However, it is noted that the combination of the protrusion58and corresponding opening38, as well as other notch-opening relationships between the proximal end of the drain cleaning device40and the distal end of the power tool adapter10are exemplary of mating relationships that can vary in size and shape. It is most important that the mating contours of the proximal end of the drain cleaning device40and the corresponding distal end of the power tool adapter10match in a manner that ensures the adequate transmission of the torque produced by the power tool (e.g., the drill70inFIG.9) to the distal tip section46of the drain cleaning device40without loosening or disengaging the two interlocked ends during use. It is also important that different reusable power tool adapters10be provided with unique mating contours at the interlocking end section to match drain cleaning devices40that are uniquely matched to mate and interlock with the reusable power tool adapter10.

The particular contour of the matching shaped protrusion of the drain cleaning device40and shaped opening of the power tool adapter10, ensure that a unique drain cleaning device40can be uniquely engaged with a correspondingly unique power tool adapter10.

A kit containing a set of differently shaped drain cleaning devices, each with a correspondingly matched power tool adapter10, can be used, so long as the interlocking ends are suitably matched and the rotation of the power tool adapter10can cause the rotation of the drain cleaning device to remove debris from piping structures. Different kits can contain drain cleaning devices that are matched to one unique power tool adapter10, or to more than one power tool adapter in different kits. The drain cleaning devices in any individual kit have interlocking portions with proximal contours that match the corresponding contours of the interlocking portions of the power tool adapters in the individual kits.

In the illustrative embodiment, with reference toFIGS.1-5, it can be seen that the drain cleaning device40generally comprises an elongated rod section44with a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs50disposed along a length thereof, the plurality of longitudinally extending ribs50configured to add structural rigidity to the elongated rod section44, and the plurality of longitudinally extending ribs50further configured to facilitate the cleaning of grime from a side of a drain pipe90(seeFIG.9); and a tip section46connected to the elongated rod section44, the tip section46including a plurality of hook elements48disposed thereon (seeFIGS.1-5), the plurality of hook elements48configured to grab and collect debris from the drain pipe90.

In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of hook elements48of the tip section46are in the form of a plurality of injection-molded micro-hook elements configured to grab and collect the hair and/or debris from the drain pipe being cleaned. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of injection-molded micro-hook elements may be in the form of inverted J-shaped projections and T-shaped projections protruding outwardly from the elongated body of the cleaning device40. The plurality of injection-molded micro-hook elements may be disposed on opposite first and second sides of the elongated body of the cleaning device40. The injection-molded micro-hook inverted J-shaped elements that are disposed on the first side and the second side of the elongated body of the cleaning device may be arranged in rows where every other injection-molded micro-hook element points in an opposite direction (i.e., the injection-molded micro-hook elements point in alternating directions along the length of the elongated body—see e.g., FIGS. 10-12 in U.S. Pat. No. 10,857,577, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference).

In other embodiments, the plurality of hook elements of the drain cleaning device40may comprise a hook material strip30(e.g., made from the hook portion of Velcro®—see e.g., FIGS. 5 and 9 of U.S. Pat. No. 10,857,577), rather than being injection-molded micro-hook elements.

In the illustrative embodiment, the drain cleaning devices40are preferably disposable and can be made of any suitable disposable, recyclable or biodegradable material (e.g., a suitable plastic), such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic polymer, or nylon. The power tool adapter10is preferably reusable and can be made of a suitably durable material (e.g., a suitable plastic) to withstand repeated engagement and disengagement with drain cleaning devices40and repeated use.

Now, with reference to the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS.8A-8D, the manner in which the drain cleaning assembly100is attached to a driving power tool (e.g., a drill70) will be explained. First of all, as shown inFIG.8A, the drill bit shank section18of the power tool adapter10is inserted into the chuck72of the battery-powered drill70by a user (as diagrammatically indicated by the horizontal arrow66), and then the user tightens the jaws of the drill chuck72onto the drill bit shank section18of the power tool adapter10using the tightening collar of the chuck72(as diagrammatically indicated by the curved arrow68). Secondly, as shown inFIG.8B, the user slides the sleeve member20into its disengaged position (as diagrammatically indicated by the horizontal arrow74). Then, turning toFIG.8C, the user engages the proximal end portion42of the drain cleaning device40with the distal end portion16of the power tool adapter10(as diagrammatically indicated by the vertical arrow76). Finally, once the proximal end portion42of the drain cleaning device40is engaged with the distal end portion16of the power tool adapter10, the user slides the sleeve member20into its engaged position (as diagrammatically indicated by the horizontal arrow78) so as to secure the drain cleaning device40to the power tool adapter10.

When the drain cleaning assembly100is in the fully engaged configuration as shown inFIG.8D, the drain cleaning assembly100is ready for use. The distal tip section46of the drain cleaning device40can be inserted into a clogged drain or other similarly obstructed pipe. The user then places one hand80on the sleeve member20of the power tool adapter10and uses the other hand82to hold the drill70. Pressing the trigger on the drill70causes the drain cleaning device40to rotate inside the clogged drain or obstructed pipe, thereby removing obstructing materials. The power tool adapter10can be turned indefinitely to rotate the drain cleaning device40, thereby continuously collecting debris at the distal end of the drain cleaning device40.

InFIG.9, the operation of the drain cleaning assembly100is illustrated. More specifically,FIG.9shows the inventive drain cleaning assembly100being used in a sink86to remove clogging debris from the drain pipe90of the sink86. The sink86has an associated faucet84for dispensing water into the sink86. In the illustrative embodiment, the diameter of the elongated rod section44of the device40is sufficiently narrow to be easily inserted through openings in a typical drain cover all the way to the drain trap, often found in older residential bathrooms or modern drains having pop-up stoppers. Referring again toFIG.9, after insertion of the elongated rod section44into the drain88, the drain cleaning device40is rotated by the drill70, thus winding into and capturing the clogging debris. The particular construction of the hook elements on the tip section46allows the debris to be collected and grabbed by the drain cleaning device40. After grabbing the clogging debris, the device40is removed from the drain88.

In one or more embodiments, the drain cleaning device40is configured to be discarded after being used to remove the debris from the drain pipe90. In other words, the drain cleaning device40is disposable, and is designed for single cleaning of a drain. The used drain cleaning device40with the collected debris can be safely and environmentally discarded. Then, a new drain cleaning device40can be attached to the power tool adapter10, and used to remove hair from another clogged drain.

A second illustrative embodiment of a drain cleaning assembly is seen generally at200inFIGS.15-17.FIG.15shows a perspective view of the illustrative drain cleaning assembly200including the reusable power tool adapter10and a disposable drain cleaning device240. Referring to these figures, it can be seen that, in many respects, the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS.15-17is similar to that of the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS.1-7. Moreover, many elements are common to both such embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the elements that the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS.15-17has in common with the embodiment ofFIGS.1-7will not be discussed in detail because these components have already been described above.

Similar to that described above for the first illustrative embodiment, the disposable drain cleaning device240of the second illustrative embodiment is attached to the power tool adapter10by engagement of the proximal end portion242(i.e., the end that is closest to the person when operating the device) of the drain cleaning device240fully engaging with the distal end portion16of the power tool adapter10(seeFIG.18). A slidable sleeve member20is shown in the engaged position and the drain cleaning device240, as shown inFIG.15, is in the fully engaged configuration. The sleeve member20in this engaged position ensures that the drain cleaning device240and power tool adapter10are fully engaged, i.e., interlocked at their corresponding ends, and the device is ready for use, such as for clearing a clogged drain pipe or for other similar pipe-cleaning functions.

In the second illustrative embodiment, with reference toFIGS.15-17, it can be seen that the drain cleaning device240generally comprises an elongated rod section244having a first end with connector section243and a second end with tip246. The first end of the elongated rod section244is oppositely disposed relative to the second end of the elongated rod section244. The elongated rod section244further includes the plurality of hook elements248projecting outwardly from the elongated rod section244. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of hook elements248are disposed around a periphery of the elongated rod section244and along a length of the elongated rod section244between the first end and the second ends (seeFIG.15).

In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of hook elements248on the elongated rod section244are in the form of a plurality of injection-molded micro-hook elements configured to grab and collect the hair and/or debris from the drain pipe being cleaned. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of injection-molded micro-hook elements may be in the form of inverted J-shaped projections and T-shaped projections protruding outwardly from the elongated body of the cleaning device240. The plurality of injection-molded micro-hook elements may be disposed on opposite first and second sides of the elongated body of the cleaning device240. The injection-molded micro-hook inverted J-shaped elements that are disposed on the first side and the second side of the elongated body of the cleaning device may be arranged in rows where every other injection-molded micro-hook element points in an opposite direction (i.e., the injection-molded micro-hook elements point in alternating directions along the length of the elongated body—see e.g.,FIGS.10-12in U.S. Pat. No. 10,857,577, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference).

In other embodiments, the elongated rod section further comprises a central core portion and an outer covering bonded to the central core portion. The outer covering is formed from a hook material strip, and the hook material strip comprises the plurality of hook elements of the elongated rod section. In these other embodiments, the hook material strip may be made from a hook side of a hook-and-loop fastener material (e.g., made from the hook portion of Velcro®—see e.g., FIGS. 5 and 9 of U.S. Pat. No. 10,857,577), rather than being injection-molded micro-hook elements.

Referring toFIGS.15,18, and19, in the second illustrative embodiment, the drain cleaning device240further comprises an elongated sleeve member250rotatably disposed on a longitudinal portion of the elongated rod section244. The elongated sleeve member250is configured to be grasped by a hand of a user during the spinning of the drain cleaning device240by the rotary motion input device (e.g., a drill70) so as to help stabilize the drain cleaning device240. The drain cleaning device is configured to be rotated relative to the elongated sleeve member250while the elongated sleeve member250is held stationary by the hand of the user (e.g., similar to the adapter sleeve member20described above). In the illustrative embodiment, the elongated sleeve member250may be formed from a piece of thin extruded plastic with a slit, or from a thin molded plastic sleeve. In the illustrative embodiment, the elongated rod section244may have a length that is approximately 30 inches, and the elongated sleeve member250may have a length that is approximately 8 inches.

In the illustrative embodiment, the drain cleaning devices240are preferably disposable and can be made of any suitable disposable, recyclable or biodegradable material (e.g., a suitable plastic), such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic polymer, or nylon. The power tool adapter10is preferably reusable and can be made of a suitably durable material (e.g., a suitable plastic) to withstand repeated engagement and disengagement with drain cleaning devices240and repeated use.

Referring again toFIG.18, in the second illustrative embodiment, rather than using the power tool adapter10with the drain cleaning device240, the proximal end portion242of the disposable drain cleaning device240may be alternatively connected to the distal end portion262of a manual handle260that allows a user to manually rotate the drain cleaning device240without the use of a power tool. Advantageously, in the illustrative embodiment, the proximal end portion242of the disposable drain cleaning device240may be interchangeably connected with either the distal end portion16of the power tool adapter10or the distal end portion262of a manual handle260so that a user may select either powered or manual rotation of the drain cleaning device240. Like the power tool adapter10, the manual handle260is preferably reusable and can be made of a suitably durable material (e.g., a suitable plastic) to withstand repeated engagement and disengagement with drain cleaning devices240and repeated use.

It is readily apparent that the aforedescribed power tool adapter10for a drain cleaning device offers numerous advantages. For example, the power tool adapter10enables a user to utilize the power of a power tool for rotating the drain cleaning device40,240so as to clear sink and tub drain clogs, rather than having to manually manipulate the device40,240by hand. As such, when powered by a drill or other similar rotary motion input device, the drain cleaning assembly100,200effectively cleans a bathroom drain or other type of drain by unblocking the drain of accumulated hair and other debris. The drain cleaning assembly100,200may be used for cleaning drains by removing hair and other debris that is collected in the upper portion of the drain where stopper or strainer mechanisms and other obstructions occur or collected anywhere along the drain pipe down to the bottom elbow bends of the drain where hair and other debris has collected (e.g., in the drain trap). In addition to saving users time and effort, the power tool adapter10described herein that is used in conjunction with the drain cleaning device40,240provides the strength and mobility that some disabled users may need to do this common household task rather than calling in a professional.

Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this invention can be embodied in many different forms and that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.