Patent Publication Number: US-2023135122-A1

Title: Plumber Rotor Machine Helper Device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/273,240, which was filed on Oct. 29, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of plumbing drain cable devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved plumbing drain cable device that provides users with a device for clearing plumbing drain blockages and is designed to remove the blockage without damaging a rotor machine. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in plumbing drain cable devices. Cleaning blockages in plumbing systems can take a considerable amount of time and money. Further, a plumber&#39;s rotor machine cable can get damaged trying to clear blockages. Plumbing companies may have to frequently replace their rotor machine cable due to kinks. 
     Additionally, the rotating motion of a plumber&#39;s drain cleaning cable can cause damage to adjacent items in the work area. Further, the plumber&#39;s drain cleaning cable can cause messes and spread dirt and debris during use. Accordingly, there is a need for a cleaning cable device that protects the plumbing cable device by being positioned over a particular section of a plumber&#39;s drain cleaning cable as needed on the worksite. Further, there is a need for a plumber to be able to have the option of joining multiple drain cable devices together as needed. Further, there is a need for a drain cleaning cable that will fit various sizes of plumber&#39;s drain cleaning cables. 
     Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a plumbing drain cable device that provides users with a device for cleaning plumbing drain blockages designed to remove the blockage without damaging a rotor machine. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a plumbing drain cable device that utilizes a stainless-steel corrugated tube to guide the rotor machine cable through tight and sharp turns within the system. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a plumbing drain cable device that features a rubber coating on the exterior to assist with grip when inserted into the system. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows users to bend the tube within the drain fitting and add extensions via a nut and adapter, if needed. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a plumbing drain cable device that ensures a snake machine cable can travel through the tube and up the direction of the drain without causing damage to the rotor machine. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a plumbing drain cable device that provides users with a device that saves time and money without frequently replacing the rotor machine cable due to kinks. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a plumbing drain cable device. The drain cable device is a device for cleaning a plumbing drain blockage. The device is comprised of a flexible stainless steel corrugated tube with a nut on one end to allow connections for multiple extensions to lengthen the tube, as needed. The device has a rubber coating on the outside to help assist with grip and is cut at a 45-degree angle with rubber coating wrapped around the inside edge of the cutout to protect a user from cuts. Users would bend the tube in the direction of a drain fitting, and if more extensions are needed, the nut and adapter will allow the user to add more extensions. A snake machine cable will travel through the tube of the device and up the direction of the drain to the clogged area. The stainless-steel corrugated tube will have the stiffness and flexibility to be shaped in any way to help guide rotor machine cables through a one way clean out without getting the cable kinked and/or stuck. 
     In this manner, the plumbing drain cable device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that prevents a rotor machine cable from kinking. The device provides users with a flexible tube for enclosing the rotor machine cable. The device comprises a rubber/poly coating which helps with better grip and easy cleanup. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a plumbing drain cable device. The drain cable device is a device for cleaning a plumbing drain blockage. The device is comprised of a flexible stainless steel corrugated tube with a nut on one end to allow connections for multiple extensions to lengthen the tube, as needed. The device has a rubber coating on the outside to help assist with grip and is cut at a 45-degree angle with rubber coating wrapped around the inside edge of the cutout to protect a user from cuts. 
     In one embodiment, the plumbing drain cable device comprises a flexible hose or tube. The flexible hose or tube can be any suitable shape or size as is known in the art, as long as the flexible tube is sized and shaped to retain a snake machine cable within it. Specifically, the tube of the device encapsulates the snake machine cable. Generally, once the tube of the device is in place, the snake machine cable is threaded through it to clear the drain blockage. 
     In another embodiment, the flexible hose or tube is manufactured of stainless steel, aluminum, polymers, or other suitable flexible materials as is known in the art. Typically, the flexible hose is made from materials which are durable and provide strength and rigidity as well as resistance to rusting. Further, the flexible hose would be fabricated using known techniques such as extrusion. 
     In one embodiment, the flexible tube or hose is corrugated, such that the tube can bend in the direction of the drain fitting and retain its shape. The corrugated tube comprises enough flexibility to be bent in various directions, and also comprises enough rigidity that the tube can be directed through the drain. Thus, the corrugated tube guides the encapsulated snake machine cable through a one way clean out without getting the cable kinked and/or stuck. 
     In one embodiment, the flexible tube comprises a coupling affixed to at least one end. In another embodiment, the flexible tube comprises a coupling affixed to both ends. The coupling comprises at least one of a nut, a spring coupler, a push coupling, etc., or any other suitable coupling as is known in the art. The coupling allows a connection for an extension component. The extension component lengthens the flexible tube. Any suitable number of extensions can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The couplings on the ends of the flexible tube allow the user to join multiple drain cable devices together as needed. 
     In one embodiment, the flexible tube comprises a rubber coating on the outside surface for assisting with grip and durability, as well as providing easy cleanup. Further, any other suitable coating could be utilized as is known in the art, such as silicone, polymers, etc. 
     In another embodiment, an end of a flexible tube is cut at approximately a 45-degree angle, which helps guide the tube down the drain. The angled end helps guide the tube around corners without getting stuck. In one embodiment, the rubber coating is wrapped around the inside edge of the 45-degree angle cutout to protect a user from cuts, scratches, etc., during use. 
     The plumbing drain cable device is utilized to protect the work area from the actions of a plumber&#39;s snake machine cleaning cable. Further, operation of a plumber&#39;s snake machine cleaning cable is made safer and easier to use with a drain cable device. Additionally, the plumbing drain cable device is designed to be used with any size plumber&#39;s snake machine cleaning cable as is known in the art. 
     In yet another embodiment, the plumbing drain cable device comprises a plurality of indicia. 
     In use, users would bend the flexible tube of the plumbing drain cable device in the direction of a drain fitting, and if more extensions are needed, the nut and adapter component will allow the user to add more extensions to the flexible tube, as needed. A snake machine cable will then be threaded into the flexible tube, to travel through the flexible tube of the device and up the direction of the drain to the clogged or blocked area. Thus, the flexible tube of the device will have the stiffness and flexibility to be shaped in any way to help guide the snake machine cables through a one way clean out without getting the cables kinked and/or stuck, and by allowing for easy cleanup. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of clearing a plumbing drain blockage is described. The method includes the steps of providing a plumbing drain cable device comprising a flexible stainless steel corrugated tube with a nut on one end to allow connections for multiple extensions to lengthen the tube as needed. The method also comprises bending the tube in the direction of a drain fitting. Further, the method comprises adding more extensions via the nut and adapter, if extensions are needed. The method also comprises inserting a snake machine cable through the tube of the device and up the direction of the drain to the clogged area. Finally, the method comprises guiding the snake machine cable through a one way clean out without getting the cable kinked and/or stuck. 
     Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the plumbing drain cable device of the present invention with a snake machine cable being inserted into the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the plumbing drain cable device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the plumbing drain cable device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a flowchart showing the method of clearing a plumbing drain blockage in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a plumbing drain cable device that provides users with a device for cleaning plumbing drain blockages designed to remove the blockage without damaging a rotor machine. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a plumbing drain cable device that utilizes a stainless-steel corrugated tube to guide the rotor machine cable through tight and sharp turns within the system. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a plumbing drain cable device that features a rubber coating on the exterior to assist with grip when inserted into the system. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows users to bend the tube within the drain fitting and add extensions via a nut and adapter, if needed. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a plumbing drain cable device that ensures a snake machine cable can travel through the tube and up the direction of the drain without causing damage to the rotor machine. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a plumbing drain cable device that provides users with a device that saves time and money without frequently replacing the rotor machine cable due to kinks. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel plumbing drain cable device. The drain cable device is a device for cleaning a plumbing drain blockage. The device is comprised of a flexible stainless steel corrugated tube with a nut on one end to allow connections for multiple extensions to lengthen the tube, as needed. The device has a rubber coating on the outside to help assist with grip and is cut at a 45-degree angle with rubber coating wrapped around the inside edge of the cutout to protect a user from cuts. The present invention also includes a novel method of clearing a plumbing drain blockage. The method includes the steps of providing a plumbing drain cable device comprising a flexible stainless steel corrugated tube with a nut on one end to allow connections for multiple extensions to lengthen the tube as needed. The method also comprises bending the tube in the direction of a drain fitting. Further, the method comprises adding more extensions via the nut and adapter, if extensions are needed. The method also comprises inserting a snake machine cable through the tube of the device and up the direction of the drain to the clogged area. Finally, the method comprises guiding the snake machine cable through a one way clean out without getting the cable kinked and/or stuck. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the plumbing drain cable device  100  of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the plumbing drain cable device  100  is an improved drain cable device  100  that is used for clearing a plumbing drain blockage. The plumbing drain cable device  100  comprises a tube  102  with a nut  104  on one end  106  to allow for connections of multiple extensions. 
     The plumbing drain cable device  100  comprises a flexible hose or tube  102 . The flexible hose or tube  102  can be any suitable shape or size as is known in the art, as long as the flexible tube  102  is sized and shaped to retain a snake machine cable  108  within it. Specifically, the tube  102  of the device  100  encapsulates the snake machine cable  108 . Generally, once the tube  102  of the device  100  is in place, the snake machine cable  108  is threaded through it to clear the drain blockage. 
     Further, the flexible hose or tube  102  is manufactured of stainless steel, aluminum, suitable polymers, or any other suitable flexible materials as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the flexible hose  102  is made from materials which are durable and provide strength and rigidity as well as resistance to rusting. Further, the flexible hose  102  would be fabricated using known techniques such as extrusion, or any other suitable methods as is known in the art. One skilled in the art will understand that any suitable material possessing an appropriate amount of flexibility, rigidity, and resiliency may be used to manufacture the flexible tube  102  of the plumbing drain cable device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the flexible tube or hose  102  is corrugated  200  along its length, such that the tube  102  can bend in the direction of the drain fitting and retain its shape. The corrugated  200  tube  102  comprises enough flexibility to be bent in various directions, and also comprises enough rigidity that the tube  102  can be directed through the drain. Thus, the corrugated  200  tube  102  guides the encapsulated snake machine cable  108  through a one way clean out without getting the cable  108  kinked and/or stuck. If not corrugated, the flexible tube  102  can be segmented to allow for rigidity and flexibility as the tube  102  is directed through the drain. 
     Additionally, the flexible tube  102  comprises a coupling  202  affixed to at least one end  106 . In one embodiment, the flexible tube  102  comprises a coupling  202  affixed to both ends  106 . The coupling  202  comprises at least one of a nut  104 , a spring coupler, a push coupling, etc., or any other suitable coupling  202  as is known in the art. The coupling  202  allows a connection for an extension component  204 . The extension component  204  lengthens the flexible tube  102 . Any suitable number of extension components  204  can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The couplings  202  on the ends  106  of the flexible tube  102  allow the user to join multiple drain cable devices  100  together as needed. 
     Furthermore, the flexible tube  102  comprises a rubber coating  206  on the outside surface for assisting with grip and durability, as well as for providing easy cleanup. Further, any other suitable coating could be utilized as is known in the art, such as silicone, polymers, etc., depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , an end  106  of a flexible tube  102  is cut at approximately a 45-degree angle  300 , or any other suitable angle which helps guide the tube  102  down the drain. Specifically, the angled end  300  helps guide the tube  102  around corners without getting stuck. In one embodiment, the rubber coating  206  is wrapped around the inside edge  302  of the 45-degree angle cutout  300  to protect a user from cuts, scratches, etc., during use. 
     Accordingly, the plumbing drain cable device  100  is utilized to protect the work area from the actions of a plumber&#39;s snake machine cleaning cable  108 . Further, operation of a plumber&#39;s snake machine cleaning cable  108  is made safer and easier to use with the drain cable device  100 . Additionally, the plumbing drain cable device  100  is designed to be used with any size plumber&#39;s snake machine cleaning cable  108  as is known in the art. 
     Furthermore, the plumbing drain cable device  100  comprises a plurality of indicia  304 . The flexible tube  102  of the device  100  may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the flexible tube  102 , or any other indicia  304  as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia  304  as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be plumbing or brand related. 
     In use, users would bend the flexible tube  102  of the plumbing drain cable device  100  in the direction of a drain fitting, and if more extension components  204  are needed, the nut and adapter component  104  will allow the user to add more extension components  204  to the flexible tube  102 , as needed. A snake machine cable  108  will then be threaded into the flexible tube  102 , to travel through the flexible tube  102  of the device  100  and up the direction of the drain to the clogged or blocked area. Thus, the flexible tube  102  of the device  100  will have the stiffness and flexibility to be shaped in any way to help guide the snake machine cables  108  through a one way clean out without getting the cables  108  kinked and/or stuck, and by allowing for easy cleanup. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a flowchart of the method of clearing a plumbing drain blockage. The method includes the steps of at  400 , providing a plumbing drain cable device comprising a flexible stainless steel corrugated tube with a nut on one end to allow connections for multiple extensions to lengthen the tube as needed. The method also comprises at  402 , bending the tube in the direction of a drain fitting. Further, the method comprises at  404 , adding more extensions via the nut and adapter, if extensions are needed. The method also comprises at  406 , inserting a snake machine cable through the tube of the device and up the direction of the drain to the clogged area. Finally, at  408 , the method comprises guiding the snake machine cable through a one way clean out without getting the cable kinked and/or stuck. 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “plumbing drain cable device”, “drain cable device”, “drain device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the plumbing drain cable device  100  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the plumbing drain cable device  100  of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the plumbing drain cable device  100  as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4    are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the plumbing drain cable device  100  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the plumbing drain cable device  100  are important design parameters for user convenience, the plumbing drain cable device  100  may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.