Abstract:
Quick release mechanisms for auger type cleanout tools are described. The mechanisms enable engagement and disengagement of a handle to an auger without the use of separate retainers or fasteners. Also described are auger type tools and related methods of use utilizing the quick release mechanisms.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority upon U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/896,174 filed Oct. 28, 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present subject matter relates to augers and plumbing tools for clearing stoppages or clogs in waste pipes and particularly those leading from sinks, urinals, and toilets. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to assemblies for engaging handles or other components to an auger. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Augers and related plumbing tools are known in which the auger can be manually operated such as by use of a handle on an offset crank. Drain cleaners are also known which can be powered by attachment of a handheld drill or other source of rotary power. More recently, handheld drain cleaning tools have been developed that enable an operator to utilize either a manual or a powered mode of operation. 
         [0004]    However, difficulties arise in converting or switching from one mode of operation to another. Disengaging a handle or hand crank so that a powered driver may be engaged may involve removal of retainers or other fasteners. Removal or attachment of fasteners typically requires the use of other tools. In addition, the retainers or fasteners typically become separated from the auger and eventually lost. Furthermore, even if not lost, it is often difficult to re-attach a hand crank using the retainers or fasteners, particularly after repeated use of the auger and collection of dirt and debris thereon. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, a need exists for an assembly that avoids these problems and enables quick and convenient engagement and/or disengagement of a handle or hand crank relative to an auger or similar plumbing tool. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previously known augers are addressed in the present apparatus for an auger or plumbing tool and related methods of use. 
         [0007]    In one aspect, the present subject matter provides a quick release assembly for an auger plumbing tool. The assembly comprises an auger drive having an exposed outwardly extending rod. The rod defines a distal end and an outer surface proximate the distal end. The rod also defines a recess along the outer surface. The assembly also comprises a crank member engageable with and separable from the rod of the auger drive. The crank member includes (i) a collar affixed to an end of the crank member, (ii) a positionable sleeve disposed on the collar and movably retained on the collar, and (iii) a plurality of spherical members disposed about an outer periphery of the collar and disposed within an annular region defined between the collar and the sleeve. The collar defines a generally hollow receiving region adapted to receive the distal end of the rod of the auger drive. The collar also defines a plurality of apertures extending through a wall of the collar thereby providing access to the generally hollow receiving region. Each of the apertures is sized to enable a corresponding spherical member to partially protrude into the generally hollow receiving region yet not pass entirely through the aperture. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, the present subject matter provides an auger plumbing tool comprising an elongate housing defining a hollow interior. The housing defines a working end and an operator end. The auger tool also comprises a flexible drain cleaning cable disposed in the hollow interior of the housing. The auger tool additionally comprises an auger drive having an exposed outwardly extending rod. The rod defines a distal end and an outer surface proximate the distal end. The rod defines a recess along the outer surface. The auger tool also comprises a crank member engageable with and separable from the rod of the auger drive. The crank member includes (i) a collar affixed to an end of the crank member, (ii) a positionable sleeve disposed on the collar and movably retained on the collar, and (iii) a plurality of spherical members disposed about an outer periphery of the collar and disposed within an annular region defined between the collar and the sleeve. The collar defines a generally hollow receiving region adapted to receive the distal end of the rod of the auger drive. The collar also defines a plurality of apertures extending through a wall of the collar thereby providing access to the generally hollow receiving region. Each of the apertures is sized to enable a corresponding spherical member to partially protrude into the generally hollow receiving region yet not pass entirely through the aperture. 
         [0009]    In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides a method of releasably engaging a crank handle with an auger, the auger having an exposed rod having a recess proximate an end of the rod. The method comprises incorporating a quick release assembly with a crank handle. The quick release assembly includes (i) a collar affixed to an end of the crank member, (ii) a positionable sleeve disposed on the collar and movably retained on the collar, and (iii) a plurality of spherical members disposed about an outer periphery of the collar and disposed within an annular region defined between the collar and the sleeve. The collar defines a generally hollow receiving region adapted to receive the distal end of the rod of the auger drive. The collar also defines a plurality of apertures extending through a wall of the collar thereby providing access to the generally hollow receiving region. Each of the apertures is sized to enable a corresponding spherical member to partially protrude into the generally hollow receiving region yet not pass entirely through the aperture. The method also comprises positioning the sleeve so that the spherical members are in their unseated position. The method also comprises inserting the end of the rod into the hollow receiving region defined by the collar such that the recess of the auger rod is accessible through the plurality of apertures. And, the method also comprises positioning the sleeve so that the spherical members are in their seated position and contact the recess of the rod, whereby the crank handle is engaged with the auger. 
         [0010]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a typical auger used for clearing clogs in waste pipes. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view of a handle region of an auger utilizing a quick release engagement assembly in accordance with the present subject matter. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a schematic cross sectional view of components of an embodiment of the quick release engagement assembly taken across line AA in  FIG. 6  illustrating the components in a disengaged or separated state. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a schematic cross sectional view of the engagement assembly taken across line AA in  FIG. 6  in an engaged state. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a schematic cross sectional view of the engagement assembly taken across line AA in  FIG. 6  during disengagement from an engaged state. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a schematic elevational view of the components of the quick release engagement assembly in an engaged state. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a schematic elevational view of a portion of an inner housing drive tube of an auger depicting an exposed outwardly extending rod in accordance with the present subject matter. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a schematic end view of the inner housing shown in  FIG. 7  taken from line BB. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a schematic cross sectional view of the inner housing in  FIG. 7  taken across line CC. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a schematic cross sectional view taken across line DD in  FIG. 12 , of a releasable crank handle used in an auger in accordance with the present subject matter. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a schematic cross sectional view taken across line EE in  FIG. 12  depicting a region of the crank handle. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a schematic elevational view of the crank handle used in an auger of the present subject matter. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a schematic end view taken from line FF in  FIG. 12  showing the noted crank handle. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a schematic perspective view of the separable crank handle used in an auger of the present subject matter. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is another schematic perspective view of a handle region of an auger using a quick release engagement assembly of the present subject matter, illustrating engagement and disengagement between the separable crank handle and a handle region of the auger. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    Generally, the present subject matter provides plumbing tool augers having a quick release mechanism that enables a handle and particularly a crank handle, to be rapidly and easily removed from, or attached to, the auger. The quick release mechanism and related methods of use do not require any type of fasteners or other separable components that could otherwise become lost or separated from the auger and/or handle. Engaging or disengaging the components does not require any tools. In addition, the releasable engagement provisions are generally enclosed and protected from dirt, debris, and/or other environmental contaminants. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment of the present subject matter, a quick release mechanism comprises a hand crank or handle having a collar and sleeve encapsulating a plurality and in particular three spherical members such as for example, ball bearings. The sleeve and collar are threadedly engaged with one another such that upon screwing or rotating the sleeve in one direction relative to the collar, the balls are seated in apertures in the collar. If the hand crank is initially engaged with an engagement component of the auger such as an outwardly extending rod, the noted rotation of the sleeve causes the spherical members to be further urged against a groove or recess in the rod of the auger to thereby secure the hand crank to the auger. The collar thus engages the rod so that the assembly cannot be axially separated. Screwing or rotating the sleeve in an opposite direction relative to the collar releases the balls so that the hand crank can be removed, i.e., axially separated from the auger, thereby exposing the rod of the auger for drill attachment. As described in greater detail herein, rotational engagement provisions are also included that couple or otherwise rotationally engage the collar and the hand crank to the auger so that rotary motion of the hand crank is transmitted to the auger and specifically, to a drive rod or drive component of the auger. 
         [0028]    In another embodiment, a quick release mechanism incorporates a spring or biasing assembly rather than a threaded connection that governs axial engagement between the hand crank and the auger. A spring loaded sleeve of a hand crank can be pulled back to release the balls and allow the hand crank to be installed on a rod of an auger. Once the hand crank is in engagement position, release of the sleeve will result in the spring pushing the sleeve to trap the balls against the rod of the auger. The hand crank can be removed by reversing these operations. Rotational engagement provisions are also included that couple or otherwise rotationally engage the collar and hand crank to the auger. 
         [0029]    With reference to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , an auger  10  includes a housing  12  and a drain cleaning cable  16  housed in the housing. In view of the enclosed cable  16 , the augers described herein are easier and cleaner to use than other known augers which do not include a housing. The type of auger  10  allows the operator to avoid handling the cable, if desired. 
         [0030]    In the depicted embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the auger  10  has a length that is between about two feet (0.8 m) and about 4 feet (1.2 m), and typically about 3 feet (1 m). The auger  10  is particularly useful in cleaning drains of urinals, but it can also be used to clean other drains or components. 
         [0031]    The housing  12  in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  provides an external enclosure for the auger  10  and the cable  16  therein. The external housing  12  includes an elongate hollow tube  22  that, in the depicted embodiment, has a generally circular configuration in a cross section taken normal to a longitudinal axis  24  of the tube  22 . The housing  12  is made from a durable rigid material, for example plastic, metal, or a composite material. The external housing  12  also includes a curved hollow tube  26  at its distal or working end. The distal end of the external housing  12  is preferably curved in the shape illustrated so that the distal end can be inserted into a urinal; however, other curved shapes or other configurations may be used or desired for other operations. The curved hollow tube  26  can also be made from a durable rigid material, for example plastic, metal, or a composite material. 
         [0032]    An optional feed mechanism (not shown) may be interposed between the elongate hollow tube  22  and the curved hollow tube  26 . Alternatively, the curved hollow tube can also attach to the elongate hollow tube using a hollow connector. Additionally, the elongate hollow tube and the curved hollow tube can be made as an integral, i.e. one-piece, tube. 
         [0033]    The drain cleaning cable  16  is received inside the cable housing. The cable  16 , as is conventional, is an elongate, flexible member made of tightly wound spring wire. The free or outer end of the cable  16  extends through the curved hollow tube  26  and outwardly beyond its distal end and, in the embodiment illustrated, the outermost end of the cable is formed to provide an auger tip  42 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , approximately three feet (1 m) of cable is provided. The length of the cable, however, will be a function of the length of the outer housing  12 . 
         [0034]    One or more driven members can be provided for rotating the cable  16  as desired. Typically, the cable  16  is disposed within an inner housing drive tube (not shown in  FIG. 1  but described in greater detail herein). The cable  16  can be rotated manually or the cable can be rotated using a powered, e.g. electrical, hydraulic or fuel-powered, machine or motor. The cable rotates about a cable axis that is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis  24 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , a driven member comprises an offset or S-shaped crank bar  50  that connects on one end to the cable and/or an inner housing drive tube and carries on the opposite second or operator end a first handle  52 . The bar  50  is bent or otherwise angled so that the first handle  52  is disposed generally parallel to and spaced from the longitudinal axis  24 . The handle  52  is adapted for rotation by the operator, thus in turn driving the crank bar  50 , about the longitudinal axis  24  to rotate and/or deploy the cable  16  from a distal end of the outer housing  12 . When the handle  52  is rotated about the longitudinal axis  24 , the cable and/or the inner housing drive tube rotates freely within the outer elongate tube  22 . The rotation of the first handle  52  about the longitudinal axis  24  results in the rotation of the cable  16  generally about the longitudinal axis. 
         [0035]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , a second handle  54  is connected to a proximal end of the outer housing  12 . The second handle  54  is fixed to the outer elongate tube  22  to preclude rotation of the second handle with respect to the outer elongate tube. 
         [0036]    Multiple cable feed mechanisms can be provided to deploy selected lengths of the cable  16  from the outer housing  12  and to retract the cable into the housing. Examples of such cable feed mechanisms are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,395,791; 6,158,076; and 6,360,397, and U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2005/0193508 and 2008/0244816, each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. It will be understood that the actual length of the cable  16  extending from the end of the auger  10  shown in  FIG. 1  would actually be about 2 feet because the first handle  52  is shown in a non-extended position. Alternatively, upon retracting the cable  16  relative to the housing  12 , the handle  52  is extended in a rearward direction away from the handle  54 , generally along axis  24 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 2-6  schematically illustrate an embodiment of a quick release mechanism in accordance with the present subject matter. Generally, the quick release assembly is disposed between a crank handle  152  and an auger handle  154 . Specifically, a quick release assembly  100  is depicted comprising a crank member  150  extending from the crank handle  152 . The crank member  150  includes an engagement end  151  defining a generally hollow receiving region sized and adapted for receiving an end of a solid rod  180  of an auger or other plumbing tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the hollow receiving region is accessible at the engagement end  151 . The crank member  150  includes a collar  160  and a positionable sleeve  170  described in greater detail herein. In the particular embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2-6 , the collar  160  is cylindrical and is affixed or otherwise secured to an end of the crank member  150  and extends outward therefrom to thereby provide the hollow receiving region and in certain embodiments the engagement end  151 . However, the present subject matter includes alternate variations of this configuration. The sleeve  170  is disposed about the outer periphery of the collar  160  and is linearly positionable relative to the end  151 . 
         [0038]    The quick release assembly  100  also comprises a plurality of spherical members  110  which may for example be in the form of spherical ball bearings. The collection of members  110  are disposed about the outer periphery of the collar  160  and in certain embodiments are equally spaced apart from one another. If the collar  160  is cylindrical in form, the spherical members  110  can be equally spaced about the circumference of the collar. The collar  160  defines a plurality of apertures  115  each of which is sized to partially receive a spherical member  110  yet retain the member  110  along the outer periphery of the collar  160  and not allow the member  110  to pass entirely through the aperture  115  in the collar  160  and into the generally hollow receiving region. In certain versions, the apertures  115  are circular and have a diameter that is from about 50% to about 90% of the diameter of the spherical member  110 . More particularly, the apertures  115  are sized and/or shaped such that they allow the spherical members  110  to partially protrude within the interior of the collar  160 , i.e. the generally hollow receiving region. If the collar is cylindrical, the collar typically includes a circumferential wall through which the apertures  115  extend. 
         [0039]    The collection of spherical members  110  are retained along the outer periphery of the collar  160  by the sleeve  170 , and particularly within an annular region defined between an outer surface of the collar  160  and an outwardly projecting flange  172  of the sleeve  170 . 
         [0040]    In the particular version depicted in  FIGS. 3-5 , the annular region includes a narrowing ceiling resulting from an inclined interior wall  174  of the sleeve  170 . Thus, upon linear displacement of the sleeve  170  in the X direction shown in  FIG. 3 , the spherical members  110  are loosely retained in or proximate their corresponding apertures  115 , i.e., referred to herein as their unseated position. Upon linear displacement of the sleeve  170  in the Y direction shown in  FIG. 4 , the spherical members  110  contact the inclined interior wall  174  of the sleeve  170 , and are urged radially inward into the apertures  115  and into a seated position. When in their seated positions, the spherical members  110  protrude into the generally hollow receiving region within the interior of the collar  160 . 
         [0041]    In a particular version of the quick release assembly  100 , upon engagement of the solid rod  180  with the crank member  150 , the rod  180  is disposed within the hollow receiving region defined by the collar  160 . A circumferential groove or recess  184  defined along the outer surface of the rod  180  is located under and/or accessible through the plurality of apertures  115  defined in the wall of the collar  160 . Upon seating of the spherical members  110  in their corresponding apertures  115 , each of the spherical members is received within and/or contacts the recess  184  or at least a portion of the recess  184  defined along the outer surface of the rod  180 . This provides axial engagement between the crank member  150  and the rod  180  of the auger. As described in greater detail herein, a slot  135  (see  FIGS. 14 and 15 ) or receiving region in the collar  160  and particularly at an engagement end  151  of the crank member  150 , engages with a pin  134  (see  FIG. 7 ) to thereby rotatingly engage the collar  160  and crank member  150  with the rod  180 . 
         [0042]    A variety of configurations and biasing arrangements can be used for positioning the sleeve  170  and/or for urging the sleeve  170  to one or more positions relative to the engagement end  151  of the crank member  150 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , the quick release assembly  100  comprises a biasing member or spring  190  which is captured or otherwise retained along the collar  160  or crank member  150  and urges the sleeve  170  toward the engagement end  151 . In this particular embodiment, as a result of biasing from the spring  190 , the spherical members  110  are urged to a seated position in their apertures  115 . 
         [0043]    The spring  190  is positioned about the outer periphery of the collar  160  and between the sleeve  170  and the collar  160 . The spring  190  is located between an end wall  176  provided by the sleeve  170  and an affixment member  162  of the collar  160 . It will be appreciated that the present subject matter includes a wide array of alternate configurations and arrangements for retention and mounting of the spring  190  or other biasing member(s). 
         [0044]    As previously noted, in another embodiment, the quick release assembly uses a threaded engagement between the sleeve  170  and the collar  160 . It is also contemplated that both threaded engagement provisions and one or more biasing members could be used in combination with one another and/or in combination with other assemblies. 
         [0045]    Engagement and disengagement between a crank member  150  and a solid rod  180  of an auger using the quick release assembly  100  are as follows. The crank member  150  is oriented with the solid rod  180  of an auger such that the generally hollow receiving end  151  of the collar  160  is facing a distal end  181  of the rod  180 . The collar  160  is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the solid rod  180  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The sleeve  170  is displaced away from the end  151  in the X direction as depicted in  FIG. 3 . Such displacement results in compression of the spring  190 . Displacement of the sleeve  170  away from the end  151  releases the spherical members  110  from their seated position in their corresponding apertures  115 . 
         [0046]    Next, the distal end  181  of the solid rod  180  is inserted into the end  151  and specifically within the generally hollow receiving region of the collar  160 . The collar  160  and the solid rod  180  are urged or otherwise displaced toward one another to their engagement state as shown in  FIG. 4 . The sleeve  170  is then displaced toward the end  151  as shown in  FIG. 4  by positioning of the sleeve  170  in the direction Y. As will be understood, displacement of the sleeve  170  toward the end  151  of the collar  160  urges the spherical members  110  radially inward and into their seated position in their respective apertures  115 . Upon seating of each of the spherical members  110 , a portion of the members  110  protrudes into the generally hollow receiving region. A portion of each member  110  also extends into the recess  184  defined in the solid rod  180 . The recess  184  can be in the form of a recessed groove extending about the periphery of the solid rod  180 . In addition, a pin associated with the rod  180  is engaged and received within a slot  135  formed in the collar  160  accessible at the end  151  (described in greater detail herein). Thus, upon engagement between the crank member  150  and the rod  180  and displacement of the sleeve  170  toward the end  151  of the collar  160  to a sleeve extended position as shown in  FIG. 4 , the crank member  150  and the rod  180  are engaged and secured to each other. 
         [0047]    The crank member  150  and the rod  180  are disengaged from each other by moving the sleeve  170  in the direction X shown in  FIG. 5  and away from the end  151  of the collar  160 , thereby releasing the spherical members  110  from their seated position. The crank member  150  and the rod  180  are then displaced apart and separated from one another. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , in the particular embodiments described and illustrated herein, a pin  134  is provided in the rod  180  of the auger. The collar  160  includes a slot  135  or receiving region that is sized and shaped to accommodate the pin  134  upon engagement of the assembly. Positioning of the pin  134  within the slot  135  rotationally engages the crank  150  with the rod  180  of the auger. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 7-9  illustrate an end region of an auger inner housing drive tube  123  having the solid rod  180  releasably affixed thereto. One or more retention pins  124  can be used to releasably retain the solid rod  180  to the housing  123 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, the assembly includes a circular base  130  which receives a portion of the solid rod  180 . The solid rod  180  may also include one or more stop members or utilize the drive pin  134  with which the collar  160  engages upon the coupling crank member  150  and the solid rod  180  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 10-13  illustrate the crank member  150 , associated collar  160 , the sleeve  170 , and spherical members  110  in greater detail. As noted, the present subject matter includes a variety of alternate configurations and component variations. For example the sleeve  170  in  FIGS. 10-13  is depicted as having a length greater than the length of the sleeve  170  shown in  FIGS. 2-6 . The crank member  150  includes a mounting region  153  for a crank handle  152  such as shown in  FIG. 6 . As will be appreciated, a crank handle (not shown in  FIGS. 10-13 ) is rotatably mounted on region  153  of the crank member  150 . 
         [0051]    Incorporation of a quick release assembly in a plumbing tool and particularly in conjunction with a crank handle of an auger, enables rapid and easy engagement and disengagement between the crank handle and auger. Furthermore, no fasteners or other components become separated from the auger or assembly. In addition, no additional tools are required to engage or disengage the components. Moreover, the particular assembly described herein reduces the potential for collection of dirt and debris that would otherwise interfere with engagement of the components. It will be understood that the present subject matter can be implemented in a wide array of devices, tools, and systems. For example, although the present subject matter has been described herein in terms of an auger, and generally illustrated as a urinal auger, it will be appreciated that the present subject matter can be utilized in association with toilet augers, closet augers, drain cleaning augers, and the like. 
         [0052]    Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology. 
         [0053]    All patents, published applications, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
         [0054]    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.