Patent Publication Number: US-2023151600-A1

Title: Sheathed flexible shaft drain cleaner

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/279,351 filed on Nov. 15, 2021. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present subject matter relates to drain cleaning equipment and particularly drain cleaning equipment using sheathed flexible shaft drain cleaning cables. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A wide array of drain cleaning equipment is known. Flex shaft type drain cleaners use a rotatable, flexible cable member enclosed within a non-rotating sheath. The cable member and sheath typically are positioned inside a round channel of a drum or other housing component of the drain cleaner. 
     Flex shaft type drain cleaners typically enable an operator to extend or retract the flexible cable from the drain cleaner, such as in applications in which a distal end of the cable is inserted into a blocked or obstructed pipe or other member. Engagement or other application of a rotary power source to a proximal end of the flexible cable, such as at the drain cleaner, results in powered rotation of the cable member within the sheath. Various tools such as rotating cutting heads can be attached at the distal end of the cable for removal of blockage or other operations within the pipe. 
     Certain flex shaft type drain cleaners are typically operated in a horizontal orientation, in which a cable guide tube rotates about a vertically oriented axis as flexible cable is extended or retracted relative to the drain cleaner. This promotes coiling of the cable around the interior drum channel upon retraction of the cable into the drain cleaner. 
     Although satisfactory in many respects, a need exists for improved drain cleaning equipment and particularly such equipment using sheathed flexible shaft drain cleaning cables. 
     SUMMARY 
     The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previous approaches are addressed in the present subject matter as follows. 
     In one aspect, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaner comprising a first housing component and a second housing component. The first and the second housing components are sized and shaped to matingly engage each other to define a generally enclosed interior region. The drain cleaner also comprises a cable clamp mount assembly disposed within the interior region. The cable clamp mount assembly defines a shaft receiving region. The drain cleaner additionally comprises a rotary power shaft assembly for receiving rotary power. The rotary power shaft assembly is disposed in the shaft receiving region and at least partially supported by the cable clamp mount assembly. The shaft receiving region defines an inclination angle within a range of from 10° to 80°. 
     In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaner comprising a first housing component defining a centrally located cable port and a second housing component. The first and the second housing components are sized and shaped to matingly engage each other to define a generally enclosed interior region. The second housing component defines an inner cone support member. The inner cone support member and the cable port defined in the first housing component are aligned and share a common center axis. 
     In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaner comprising a first housing component defining a centrally located cable port and a second housing component. The first and the second housing components are sized and shaped to matingly engage each other to define a generally enclosed interior region. The second housing component defines an inner cone support member. The drain cleaner also comprises a cable clamp mount assembly disposed within the interior region. The drain cleaner additionally comprises a rotary power shaft assembly. The rotary power shaft assembly is at least partially supported by the cable clamp mount assembly. 
     In still another embodiment, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaner comprising a housing that defines a generally hollow interior. The housing further defines a first face, an oppositely directed second face, and an inner cone support member extending within the hollow interior. The first face of the housing defines an opening. The drain cleaner further comprises a cable clamp mount assembly disposed within the hollow interior of the housing. The cable clamp mount assembly defines a shaft receiving region that defines an inclination angle within a range of from 10° to 80°. The drain cleaner further comprises a removable housing cap sized and shaped to releasably engage the opening defined in the first phase of the housing. 
     As will be realized, the subject matter described herein is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a drain cleaner in accordance with the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic partially exploded assembly view of the drain cleaner depicted in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of the drain cleaner shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic cross sectional view of the drain cleaner of  FIG.  1   , taken along a section line shown in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom perspective view of the drain cleaner of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic exploded assembly view of an embodiment of a cable clamp mount assembly in accordance with the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  7    is a top perspective view of the drain cleaner of  FIG.  1    with an optional wear insert component. 
         FIG.  8    is a top view of the drain cleaner and wear insert component depicted in  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic cross sectional view of the drain cleaner and wear insert component taken across a section line shown  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a portion of an interior region of the drain cleaner of  FIG.  1    illustrating an embodiment of a cable guide tube. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic side elevational view of the cable guide tube shown in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  12    is another schematic side elevational view of the cable guide tube. 
         FIG.  13    is a top schematic view of the cable guide tube. 
         FIG.  14    is a schematic exploded assembly view of the cable clamp mount assembly of  FIG.  6    optionally used in conjunction with a clutch assembly, in accordance with the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  15    is a top perspective view of the drain cleaner of  FIG.  1    with an optional locking clip. 
         FIGS.  16  and  17    illustrate the locking clip in a locked position. 
         FIG.  18    illustrates the locking clip in an unlocked position. 
         FIG.  19    is a schematic side elevational view of an alternate member used in a cable clamp mount assembly in accordance with the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  20    is a top view of the alternate member shown in  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  21    is an end view of the alternate member shown in  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  22    is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a drain cleaner in accordance with the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  23    is a top view of the drain cleaner illustrated in  FIG.  22   . 
         FIG.  24    is a bottom view of the drain cleaner of  FIG.  22   . 
         FIGS.  25 - 28    are end views of the drain cleaner depicted in  FIG.  22   . 
         FIG.  29    is a partially exploded assembly view of the drain cleaner of  FIG.  22   . 
         FIG.  30    is a detailed view of a housing cap used in the drain cleaner of  FIG.  22   . 
         FIG.  31    is another detailed view of the housing cap illustrated in  FIG.  30   . 
         FIGS.  32 - 35    illustrate operations of unlocking and removing the housing cap from a drain cleaner and accessing a distal end of a drain cleaning cable retained by the housing cap. 
         FIG.  36    is a partial schematic cross section of the drain cleaner illustrated in  FIG.  22   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present subject matter provides drain cleaners adapted for use with a sheathed flexible drain cleaning cable. The cable or multiple sections of cable engaged together, can be conveniently and neatly coiled in an interior region of the drain cleaner. A proximal end of the drain cleaning cable retained within the drain cleaner is engaged to a drive shaft assembly. A rotary power source can be engaged to the drive shaft assembly alongside the exterior of the drain cleaner. Application of rotary power to the drive shaft results in rotation of a flexible cable member enclosed within a non-rotating sheath of the drain cleaning cable. The distal end of the drain cleaning cable is extended from a housing cap opening, a cable port opening, or a cable outlet in the housing of the drain cleaner. An operator can easily extend drain cleaning cable from the drain cleaner and utilize the distal end of the cable to dislodge pipe obstructions. A unique configuration inside the drain cleaner enables the operator to readily collect extended cable back within the interior region of the drain cleaner in a stacked coil. It will be recognized that the present subject matter includes configurations in which the cable is not collected in a stacked coil. For example, the cable could be collected in a coil in which the cable is not necessarily stacked. Moreover, the present subject matter includes configurations in which the cable is collected in a random fashion with the interior region of the housing. Additional features are described that enable the drain cleaning cable to be conveniently secured to the housing of the drain cleaner. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate an embodiment of a drain cleaner  10  in accordance with the present subject matter. The drain cleaner  10  comprises a first or top housing component  20  and a second or bottom housing component  30 . The top and bottom housing components  20 ,  30  are sized and shaped to matingly engage each other to define a generally enclosed hollow interior region  34 . The present subject matter includes an embodiment utilizing a single or integral housing, i.e., without multiple housing components. The resulting housing is generally toroidal in shape. One or more sections of a flexible shaft drain cleaning cable  40  are disposed at least partially within the interior region  34 . The flexible cable  40  defines a proximal end  42  and an opposite distal end  44 . The drain cleaner  10  also comprises a rotary power shaft assembly  50 , generally supported by one or both of the top and bottom housing components  20 ,  30 . The drain cleaner  10  may also comprise one or more handle(s) and/or gripping member(s) for facilitating carrying and/or use by an operator. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain cleaner  10  comprises a handle  60 . As described in greater detail herein, the drain cleaner  10  also comprises an inner cone support member  70  which facilitates administration of flexible cable  40  within the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10 . The drain cleaner  10  also comprises a cable clamp mount assembly  90  disposed within the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10 . As described in greater detail herein, the cable clamp mount assembly  90  supports the rotary power shaft assembly  50  and orients the proximal end  42  of the flexible cable  40  for improved engagement with the rotary power shaft assembly  50 . 
     Referring further to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the first and second housing components  20 ,  30  are affixed or otherwise secured to each other. In the depicted drain cleaner  10 , a plurality of fasteners  36  are used to releasably engage the first and second housing components  20 ,  30  together. As will be understood, apertures  22  can be defined in the first housing component  20  and corresponding receiving members  32  provided in the second housing component  30 . The apertures  22  and receiving members  32  are aligned and adapted to engagingly receive the fasteners  36 . As will be appreciated, other configurations and/or components can be used to secure the first and second housing components  20 ,  30  together. Also, as previously noted, the present subject matter includes the use of a single housing rather than multiple housing components that are affixed or engaged together. The present subject matter also includes housing components that are attached by releasable fasteners such as latches and/or if a housing cap is not utilized. 
     The first housing component  20  defines a centrally located cable port  26  providing access to the interior region  34  defined by the housing components  20 ,  30 . In certain versions, the first housing component  20  also defines a conical tapered edge  24  extending about the cable port  26 . The conical tapered edge  24  can be in the form of a funnel or depression along an exterior or first face  21  of the first housing  20  extending around the periphery of the cable port  26 . As described in greater detail herein, upon placement of the flexible cable  40  within the interior region  34 , the distal end  44  and portion of the cable  40  can be extended through the cable outlet or cable port  26 . In versions of the first housing component  20  defining the noted conical region  24 , that region  24  symmetrically extends about the cable port  26 . The conical region  24  promotes and/or facilitates cable feeding, cable retrieval, or other cable administration operation(s). 
     The drain cleaner  10  also defines an accessway  28  in one or both of the first and second housing components  20 ,  30  through which the rotary power shaft assembly  50  is accessible. In the depicted embodiment, drain cleaner  10 , the accessway  28  is in the form of an opening in the first housing component  20  sized and shaped to enable engagement to the rotary power shaft assembly  50 . As described in greater detail herein, the accessway  28  is configured to allow convenient access to an outwardly extending drive shaft  52  of the rotary power shaft assembly  50 . In certain versions, the accessway  28  is configured to also allow ready engagement to the drive shaft  52  extending outward at an acute angle or an angle between and including 0 degrees and 90 degrees, relative to a plane generally bisecting the housing components  20 ,  30 , and generally parallel to their interface. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes a variety of arrangements and orientations of the accessway  28  and drive shaft  52 . For example, the drive shaft  52  can in certain versions extend outward in a direction parallel to the noted plane. In such a configuration, the noted angle is 0 degrees. The particular angular orientation of the drive shaft  52  in certain versions, is described in greater detail herein. 
       FIGS.  3 - 5    illustrate the drain cleaner  10  and various features in greater detail. Specifically,  FIG.  4    is a cross section taken across a section line shown in  FIG.  3    and illustrates the inner cone support member  70 . The inner cone support member  70  extends into the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10 . Viewed from an exterior or second face  31  of the second housing component  30 , the configuration of the inner cone support member  70  provides an exterior recessed region  72  along the exterior face  31 . However, it will be understood that the second housing component  30  can include structures or members to avoid the recessed region  72 , such as a flat planar member (not shown). The inner cone support member  70  is generally aligned with and centrally disposed relative to the cable port  26 . Referring to  FIG.  4   , preferably the inner cone support member  70  and the cable port  26  share a common center axis illustrated as axis X. 
     In particular versions, the inner cone support member  70  exhibits a dual conical configuration as follows. The support member  70  includes a first conical region  74  extending between a planar wall  76  of the second housing component  30  and a circular belt line  78  defined about the periphery of the support member  70 . The support member  70  includes a second conical region  80  extending between the belt line  78  and an apex  82  of the support member  70 . In this version, the configuration of the first conical region  74  is different than that of the second conical region  80 . More specifically, when viewed in cross section such as in  FIG.  4   , an angle of wall orientation of the first conical region  74  is different than an angle of wall orientation of the second conical region  80 . For example, generally the angle of wall orientation of the first conical region  74 , taken with respect to a plane Y of the planar wall  76 , is within a range of from 45° to 80° and preferably about 55°. Generally, the angle of wall orientation of the second conical region  80 , taken with respect to the plane Y, is within a range of from 10° to 45° and preferably about 35°. The relatively large angle of the first conical region  74  improves cable retention within the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10 . The relatively small angle of the second conical region  80  promotes and directs cable into a coiled arrangement within the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates the rotary power shaft assembly  50  and the cable clamp mount assembly  90  in greater detail.  FIG.  6    also illustrates the proximal end  42  of the flexible drain cleaning cable  40 . The rotary power shaft assembly  50  includes a drive shaft  52 . The drive shaft  52  defines a proximal end  54  and an opposite distal end  56 . The proximal end  54  is adapted for coupling or other affixment to the proximal end  42  of the flexible cable  40 . Generally, the proximal end  54  of the drive shaft  52  is engaged to the proximal end  42  of the flexible cable  40  at a location within the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10 . A retaining pin  59  can be used to affix the proximal end  42  of the flexible cable  40  to the proximal end  54  of the drive shaft  52 . The distal end  56  of the drive shaft  52  is adapted for engagement to a rotary power source (not shown). Examples of rotary power sources can include hand-held electrically powered drills. Preferably, the hand-held electrically powered drill is a battery powered drill. It will be understood that the distal end  56  of the drive shaft  52  is accessible through the previously described accessway  28  defined in the housing of the drain cleaner. The distal end  56  of the drive shaft  52  can include a variety of cross sectional shapes such as for example square or hexagonal to promote engage with a rotary power source. The rotary power shaft assembly  50  may also comprise one or more bearings  58  to promote rotation of the shaft  52  and/or rotatably support the shaft  52 . Typically, engagement between a rotary power source and the distal end  56  of the drive shaft  52  occurs at a location along the exterior of the drain cleaner  10 . In certain applications and particularly if the rotary power source is in the form of a hand-held electrically powered drill such as a battery powered drill, the drill can be positioned in contact with one or both of the first and second housing components  20 ,  30 . The exterior contour of the drain cleaner  10  can be configured to contact and receive a typical hand-held drill placed in or on the housing such that the housing counteracts torque from operation of the drill. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes a wide array of placement and/or positioning arrangements of the rotary power source relative to the drain cleaner  10 . 
     The cable clamp mount assembly  90  typically includes a first or top member  92  and a second or base member  94 . One or both of the first and second members  92 ,  94  define a shaft receiving region  96  at one end  97  and a cable receiving region  98  at another end  99 . Upon placement and engagement of the first and second members  92 ,  94  to each other, the shaft receiving region  96  is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the drive shaft  52 , and the cable receiving region  98  is sized and shaped to receive the proximal end  42  of the flexible cable  40  and at least a portion of the flexible cable  40 . Specifically, upon engagement of the first member  92  with the second member  94 , the resulting engagement defines a shaft receiving region  96  at one end  97 , and a cable receiving region  98  at another end  99  of the resulting engagement. A plurality of fasteners  100  can be used to releasably engage the first and second members  92 ,  94  together. As will be understood, apertures  102  can be defined in the first member  92  and corresponding receiving regions  104  provided in the second member  94 . One or more bearing support regions  106  can be provided in one or both of the first and/or second members  92 ,  94 . As will be understood, the bearing support regions  106  are sized and shaped to receive, retain, and support the bearings  58 . In certain versions, the first member  92  and/or the second member  94  serve to both clamp and secure the distal end  42  of the drain cleaning cable  40  and also clamp and secure the bearing(s)  58 . 
     In particular versions of the cable clamp mount assembly  90 , the cable receiving region  98  defined by the first and/or the second member  94  extends along a curved or arcuate axis, and in certain versions extends along a helical axis. Referring to  FIGS.  19 - 21   , a second member  94 A is illustrated which exhibits a helical cable receiving region  98 A. It will be understood, that the second member  94 A can be utilized in a cable clamp mount assembly similar to the previously described assembly  90  depicted in  FIG.  6   . Specifically, with reference to  FIGS.  19 - 21   , the second member  94 A defines a helical cable receiving region  98 A. A helical configuration of the cable receiving region  98 A provides an arcuate or curved path for the cable receiving region  98 A in both a first plane such as when viewing the member  94 A from its top as shown in  FIG.  20    and also in a second plane, perpendicular to the first plane, such as when viewing the member  94 A from its end as shown in  FIG.  21   . This particular configuration of the cable receiving region  98 A and/or the member  94 A results in improved operational efficiency and reduces potential for binding or wear of a drain cleaning cable positioned within the cable receiving region  98 A. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes variant configurations such as a non-helical path for the cable receiving region  98  for example a configuration in which the region  98  extends in an arcuate fashion in only one of the noted planes. 
       FIGS.  7 - 9    illustrate an optional wear insert component  110  utilized in the embodiment of the drain cleaner  10 . As previously described, the first housing component  20  defines a cable outlet or cable port  26  providing access, i.e., entry and/or exit, to the interior region  34  defined by the engaged first and second housing components  20 ,  30 . The wear insert component  110  is sized and shaped to fittingly engage the portion of the housing component  20  defining the cable port  26 . Typically, the cable port  26  exhibits a circular opening shape, and so the wear insert component  110  is also circular in shape. However, it will be understood that the present subject matter includes other shapes and configurations. Furthermore, in certain versions, the wear insert component  110  is rotatably engaged with the first housing component  20 , and so the component  110  can be rotated in its engaged affixment in the cable port  26 . Again, it will be appreciated that the present subject matter includes a wide array of other configurations and versions of the wear component for example non-rotatable engagements and non-circular shapes. 
     The wear insert component  110  serves to provide a low friction point of contact for flexible drain cleaning cable  40  entering or exiting the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10 . Thus, in many versions, the wear insert component  110  is formed from or includes an outer coating of a low friction material such as but not limited to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon-based materials, and/or acetal-based materials as known in the art. The present subject matter includes the use of other low friction materials. It is contemplated that the wear insert component  110  could be easily replaced if exhibiting excessive wear. 
       FIG.  7    also illustrates another aspect of particular versions of drain cleaners such as the depicted embodiment, drain cleaner  10 . In this aspect, the outwardly extending distal end  56  of the drive shaft  52  is oriented within a range of angles of from about 10° to about 80°, and in certain versions at about 30°. These noted angles are shown in  FIG.  7    as angle Z and are taken with regard to the previously noted planar wall  76  of the second housing component  30 . The angular orientation of the drive shaft  52  can be achieved by the configuration of the cable clamp mount assembly  90 . In many embodiments, the angular orientation of the drive shaft  52  is determined by an inclination angle defined by the shaft receiving region  96  of the cable clamp mount assembly  90 . This inclination angle is expressed as previously described angle Z. Thus, the inclination angle of the shaft receiving region typically is within a range of from about 10° to about 80°, and in certain versions is about 30°. Angular orientation of the drive shaft  52  may promote ergonomic placement and positioning of a hand-held drill alongside the drain cleaner. However, it will be understood that the present subject matter includes other configurations and drive shaft orientations. For example, the subject matter includes drain cleaners with a drive shaft oriented to extend at an angle perpendicular or substantially so to a plane bisecting the housing components  20 ,  30  and parallel to their interface. The subject matter also includes drain cleaners with a drive shaft oriented to extend at an angle parallel or substantially so to a plane bisecting the housing components  20 ,  30  and parallel to their interface. The drive shaft  52  is located on one side of the housing spaced apart from the center of the housing. The position of the drive shaft  52  and the cable clamp mount assembly  90  is such that the power transmission is directed substantially tangential to the coiled portion of flexible cable  40  within the interior chamber  34  of the drain cleaner  10 . 
       FIGS.  10 - 13    illustrate a cable guide tube component  120  used in the embodiment of the drain cleaner  10 .  FIG.  10    illustrates the second housing component  30  and the guide tube component  120  which is rotatably secured thereto. In the depicted embodiment, the guide tube component  120  is rotatably secured to the inner cone support member  70  and, the guide tube component  120  rotates about the previously noted axis X described in association with  FIG.  4   . The guide tube  120  promotes and/or assists in directing flexible drain cleaning cable (not shown) into and from the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10 . The guide tube  120  includes a cylindrical trunk  122  and an arm  124  extending outward from the trunk to an arm distal end  126 . The guide tube  120  defines a passageway  128  extending between an end  121  of the trunk adjacent the cable port  26  defined in the first housing portion  20 , and the arm distal end  126 . The passageway  128  is sized and shaped to accommodate the flexible drain cleaning cable being axially displaced therethrough. As will be understood, as flexible cable is extended from or withdrawn into the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10 , the guide tube  120  rotates about axis X. Thus, rotation of the guide tube  120  occurs as flexible cable passes through, i.e., is axially displaced through, the passageway  128  extending between ends  121  and  126  of the guide tube  120 , and is wound into a coil in the interior region  34 . The direction of rotation of the guide tube  120  depends upon whether drain cleaning cable is being extended from the drain cleaner  10 , or directed into the drain cleaner  10 . Upon cable extension from the drain cleaner  10 , the guide tube  120  rotates in a first rotational direction, i.e., clockwise or counter-clockwise. Upon cable retraction, the guide tube  120  rotates in a second rotational direction opposite from the first rotational direction. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates the cable clamp mount assembly  90  previously described in association with  FIG.  6   .  FIG.  14    depicts an optional use of a clutch assembly  140 . The clutch assembly  140  provides a rotatably engageable and/or disengageable communication between the proximal end  54  of a first drive shaft portion  52 A and the distal end  56  of a second drive shaft portion  52 B. As will be understood, the clutch assembly  140  can be used to selectively disengage rotation from a rotary power source (not shown) such as applied to the distal end  56  of the drive shaft portion  52 B, and a flexible cable  40  engaged to the proximal end  54  of the drive shaft portion  52 A. In certain applications, application of high levels of torque to the rotary power shaft assembly  50  can damage the flexible drain cleaning cable engaged thereto. 
     Incorporation of a clutch assembly  140  can serve to prevent transfer of excessive levels of torque from a rotary power source to the drain cleaning cable and thereby prevent such damage. As previously described in association with  FIG.  6   , the various components can be supported using one or more bearings  58  and secured with first and second members  92  and  94 . In a particular versions, the clutch assembly  140  can be in the form of a clutch with an internal spring-biased mechanism, and particularly a spring-biased detent mechanism. However, a wide array of clutch mechanisms can be used such as a drill clutch employing a series of roller balls or sliders and a spring plate with provisions enabling the plate to axially separate and temporarily disengage from another plate that is in mechanical communication with the drain cleaning cable. 
       FIGS.  15 - 18    illustrate an optional locking clip assembly  130  used in the embodiment of the drain cleaner  10 . The locking clip assembly  130  includes a pivotable member  132  movably secured at a base  134  adjacent the cable port  26  defined in the first housing component  20 . In this version, the housing component  20  also defines a cable harbor  136  in communication with the cable port  26 . The cable harbor  136  is sized and shaped to receive the flexible cable  40 . The member  132  is positionable and pivotally secured at the base  134  to govern access to the cable harbor  136 . As will be understood by reference to the figures, upon positioning the member  132  to an unlocked position such as shown in  FIG.  18   , the cable  40  can be positioned from the cable port  26  to the cable harbor  136 , and vice-versa. The member  132  is also positionable to a locked position such as shown in  FIG.  17    in which the member  132  blocks access or communication between the cable port  26  and the cable harbor  136 . In certain versions, the locking clip assembly  130  also includes one or more biasing member(s) such as spring(s) to urge the member  132  to the locked position shown in  FIG.  17   . 
     The drain cleaner  10  is typically used as follows. An operator can conveniently carry the drain cleaner  10  containing a drain cleaning cable  40 , by the handle  60  to a location of a clogged drain or other concern. If a distal end  44  of the cable  40  is secured to the housing of the drain cleaner  10 , such as by the locking clip assembly  130 , the member  132  is pivoted to its unlocked position. The cable  40  is then repositioned from the cable harbor  136  to the cable port  26 . At this position, the cable  40  can be axially displaced relative to the drain cleaner  10 . A rotary power source such as a hand-held drill is engaged to a distal end of the drive shaft  52  accessible along the exterior of the drain cleaner  10 . The operator then manually pulls the cable  40  from the drain cleaner  10  and inserts a distal end  44  of the cable  40 , to which a tool is typically attached, into a pipe or other member. Rotation of the tool is performed by actuation of the rotary power source, for example the noted drill. The operator can then push or otherwise displace the tool and distal end  44  of the cable  40  into the pipe until blockage or other obstruction is removed. The drain cleaning cable  40  can be conveniently wound within the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10  by the operator pushing the cable into and through the cable port. The guide tube  120  rotates within the interior region  34  and directs cable  40  into a neatly coiled stack arrangement. Upon returning all or a portion of drain cleaning cable  40  to the interior region  34  of the drain cleaner  10 , the cable  40  can be securely retained to the housing  20  by placement of the cable  40  in the cable harbor  136  and locking the noted clip assembly  130 . 
       FIGS.  22  to  36    illustrate another embodiment of a drain cleaner  210  in accordance with the present subject matter. The drain cleaner  210  comprises a first or top housing component  220  and a second or bottom housing component  230 . The top and bottom housing components  220 ,  230  are sized and shaped to matingly engage each other to define a generally enclosed hollow interior region  234 . The present subject matter includes an embodiment utilizing a single or integral housing, i.e., without multiple housing components. The resulting housing is generally toroidal in shape. One or more sections of a flexible shaft drain cleaning cable  240  are disposed at least partially within the interior region  234 . The flexible cable  240  defines a proximal end typically located within the interior  234 , and an opposite distal end  244 . Many of the figures illustrate an optional tool  300  engaged to the distal end  244  of the cable  240 . The drain cleaner  210  also comprises a rotary power shaft assembly  250 , generally supported by one or both of the top and bottom housing components  220 ,  230 . The drain cleaner  210  may also comprise one or more handle(s) and/or gripping member(s) for facilitating carrying and/or use by an operator. In the illustrated embodiment, the drain cleaner  210  comprises a handle  260 . As described in greater detail herein, the drain cleaner  210  also comprises an inner cone support member  270  as previously described which facilitates administration of flexible cable  240  within the interior region  234  of the drain cleaner  210 . Further, the inner cone support member  270  may include a flat region  271  in addition to first and second conical regions similarly defined above as first conical region  74  and second conical region  80 . The drain cleaner  210  also comprises a cable clamp mount assembly (not shown) as previously described disposed within the interior region  234  of the drain cleaner  210 . As previously described in greater detail herein, the cable clamp mount assembly supports the rotary power shaft assembly  250  and orients the proximal end of the flexible cable  240  for improved engagement with the rotary power shaft assembly  250 . 
     Referring further to the referenced figures, the first and second housing components  220 ,  230  are affixed or otherwise secured to each other. In the depicted embodiment  210 , a plurality of fasteners  236  are used to releasably engage the first and second housing components  220 ,  230  together. As will be understood, apertures can be defined in the first housing component  220  and corresponding receiving members provided in the second housing component  230 . The apertures and receiving members are aligned and adapted to engagingly receive the fasteners  236 . As will be appreciated, other configurations and/or components can be used to secure the first and second housing components  220 ,  230  together. Also as previously noted, the present subject matter includes the use of a single housing rather than multiple housing components that are affixed or engaged together. 
     The drain cleaner  210  also defines an accessway  228  in one or both of the first and second housing components  220 ,  230  through which the rotary power shaft assembly  250  is accessible. In the depicted embodiment  210 , the accessway  228  is in the form of an opening in the first housing component  220  sized and shaped to enable engagement to the rotary power shaft assembly  250 . As described in greater detail herein, the accessway  228  is configured to allow convenient access to an outwardly extending drive shaft  252  of the rotary power shaft assembly  250 . In certain versions, the accessway  228  is configured to also allow ready engagement to the drive shaft  252  extending outward at an acute angle or an angle between and including 0 degrees and 90 degrees, relative to a plane generally bisecting the housing components  220 ,  230 , and generally parallel to their interface. It will be understood that the present subject matter includes a variety of arrangements and orientations of the accessway  228  and drive shaft  252 . For example, the drive shaft  252  can in certain versions extend outward in a direction parallel to the noted plane. In such a configuration, the noted angle is 0 degrees. In another example, the drive shaft  252  can extend outward in a direction transverse to the noted plane. In such a configuration, the noted angle is 90 degrees. 
     The drain cleaner  210  defines a centrally located opening  330  sized and shaped to matingly engage a removable housing cap  310 . The opening  330  is typically defined in the first or top housing  220 . As described in greater detail herein, the housing cap  310  allows for and/or facilitates a tool and distal end of the drain cleaning cable to be inserted and retained with the housing during transport of the drain cleaner  210 . Upon desired use of the drain cleaner  210 , the housing cap  310  is removed from the housing to thereby enable greater access to the interior region  234  and removal of the tool and distal end  244  of the drain cleaning cable  240 . The tool and cable end are passed through a central aperture defined in the housing cap  310 . As described herein, this central aperture is referred to as a cable outlet or cable port  226 . Then, the housing cap  310  is re-engaged with the drain cleaner housing  220 . The housing cap  310  shown in isolation in  FIGS.  30 - 31   , is configured to be selectively removable from the housing, and typically the first or top housing  220 . The outer perimeter of the housing cap  310  may exhibit a wide array of shapes, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal. In the embodiment depicted in the referenced figures, the housing cap  310  defines at least one generally circular outer edge  312  and an outwardly extending lip  313 , separating an outer face  314  and an oppositely directed inner face  316 . In this version, the opening  330  defined in the first or top housing  220  is also generally circular. Typically, the size or maximum span of the opening  330  is sized to receive and accommodate the outer edge  312  of the housing cap  310 . The lip  313  extends outward, a distance such that the maximum span of the cap  310  taken from between opposite locations on the lip  313 , is greater than the maximum span of the opening  330 . As will be understood, this configuration prevents unintended insertion of the housing cap  310  through the opening  330 . As explained in greater detail herein, the housing cap  310  can be removed and/or disengaged from the drain cleaner  210  housing by partial rotation within the opening  330  to enable removal of the cap  310 . Upon such removal, the exposed opening  330  enables greater access to the interior  234  of the drain cleaner  210 . 
     In certain embodiments, particular ratios are utilized for the size of the opening of the cable outlet or port, the interior headroom of the inner cone support member, and the outer diameter of the drain cleaning cable. Specifically, referring to  FIG.  31   , an opening span S is shown which represents the maximum size of the opening of the cable outlet such as the cable outlet  226 . For versions in which the cable outlet  226  is a circle, the opening span S corresponds to a diameter of the opening. The interior headroom of the inner cone support member such as the support member  70  is depicted in  FIG.  36    as headroom W. The interior headroom W is measured from the top or apex of the inner cone support member  270  and the opening  226  of the cable outlet defined in the housing cap  310 . As will be understood, the outer diameter D of the drain cleaning cable such as cable  240  generally corresponds to the outer diameter of the sheath enclosing an inner cable. Utilizing particular ratios between S, W, and D are beneficial and promote ease of use and operation of the drain cleaners. A preferred ratio between the opening span S and the cable diameter D is from about 2 to about 8, and most preferably from about 4 to about 6.75. A preferred ratio between the headroom W and the cable diameter D is from about 2 to about 6, and most preferably about 3.3. A preferred ratio of headroom W and the opening span S is from about 0.3 to about 1.0, and most preferably about 0.6. It will be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to any of these ratios and includes a wide array of ratios outside of these ranges. 
     In certain versions of the housing cap  310 , the cap  310  includes at least one gripping member to facilitate disengagement of the cap  310  from the housing of the drain cleaner  210 . For example, in the version of the cap  310  depicted in  FIGS.  30 - 31   , the cap  310  includes a first recess or gripping member  320  taken with respect to the outer face  314 . The cap  310  further include a second recess or gripping member  322 , typically located opposite the first recess so that the cable outlet or cable port  226  is between the two recesses  320 ,  322 . It will be understood that the present subject matter includes a wide array of components, configurations, and provisions for the gripping member(s). 
     As previously noted, the housing cap component  310  defines a centrally located cable outlet or port  226  providing access to the interior region  234  defined by the housing components  220 ,  230 . In certain versions, the housing cap  310  also defines a conical tapered edge  224  extending about the cable outlet or cable port  226 . The conical tapered edge  224  can be in the form of a funnel or depression along an outer face  314  of the housing cap  310  extending around the periphery of the cable outlet  226 . As described in greater detail herein, upon placement of the flexible cable  240  within the interior region  234  of the drain cleaner  210 , the distal end  244  and portion of the cable  240  can be extended through the cable outlet  226 . The conical region  224  promotes and/or facilitates cable feeding, cable retrieval, or other cable administration operation(s). 
     In certain versions, the drain cleaner  210  includes one or more locking assemblies that retain or further secure the housing cap  310  to the housing, which as noted is typically the first housing component  220 . Specifically, the locking assembly secures the housing cap  310  in the opening  330  upon placement therein and positioning the housing cap  310  to a locked position shown as position “L” in  FIG.  32   . Specifically, upon initial placement of the housing cap  310  in the opening  330 , the rotational position of the cap  310  is typically in the unlocked or “U” position. The cap  310  is secured and engaged to the housing component  220  by rotation in the direction of arrow A shown in  FIG.  32   . The housing cap  310  is removed from the housing component  220  by rotating the cap  310  toward the unlocked “U” position, i.e., in the direction of arrow B. In the unlocked position, shown as position “U”, the housing cap  310  can be removed, i.e., separated, from the housing component  220 . Upon such removal, the opening  330  provides access to the interior  234  of the drain cleaner  210 . Upon alignment and placement of the housing cap  310  in the opening  330 , and rotation of the housing cap  310  to the locked “L” position, the housing cap  310  is securely retained with the housing. 
     A wide array of configurations and/or components can be used for the locking assemblies that selectively retain and engage the housing cap  310  to the housing of the drain cleaner  210 . In a particular version, the locking assembly comprises at least one and typically a plurality of flexible tabs  340  extending outward from the outer edge  312  of the housing cap  310 . A corresponding number of tab receiving regions  345  are defined in the opening  330  of the housing, e.g., the housing component  220 , of the drain cleaner  210 . The tab receiving regions  345  are positioned along the opening  330  so as to receive and accept the tabs  340  of the housing cap  310  upon alignment of the cap  310  with the opening  330 . As will be understood by reference to  FIGS.  30 - 33   , upon appropriate alignment of the housing cap  310  with the opening  330 , and insertion of the tabs  340  within the tab receiving regions  345 , and ultimately within the interior  234  of the drain cleaner, the cap  310  can then be fittingly positioned relative to the housing. At this phase of engagement between the cap  310  and the housing, the cap  310  is in the unlocked position U as shown in  FIG.  32   . Upon rotation of the cap  310  relative to the housing, to the locked position L, the tabs  340  rotatingly slide along an interior surface of the housing and thereby securely retain the cap  310  thereto. 
     As noted, a wide array of techniques and configurations can be used to enable selective engagement and/or removal of the housing cap  310  from the housing.  FIGS.  32 - 35    illustrate a series of operations to unlock and remove the housing cap  310  from the drain cleaner  210  and thereby release and/or expose a distal end  244  of the drain cleaning cable  240  for subsequent use. Specifically, after previous engagement of the housing cap  310  and positioning to a locked position L, a user rotates the cap  310  the unlocked position U as shown in  FIG.  32   . The user then removes the cap  310  from the housing and the opening  330  defined therein as depicted in  FIG.  33   . The interior  234  of the drain cleaner  210  can then be easily accessed. A user can then extend their hand through opening  330  into the interior region  234  and grasp the distal end  244  of the drain cleaning cable  240  as shown in  FIG.  34   . The user then positions the distal end  244  of the cable  240  through the cable outlet  226  defined in the cap  310 , as shown in  FIG.  35   . The cap  310  can then be secured to the housing as previously described herein. 
     In certain embodiments, the drain cleaner can include on-board tool storage provisions. Referring to  FIG.  23   , a tool retaining member  400  is formed or otherwise provided in the housing or a housing component such as the first housing component  220 . The member  400  is accessible along an exterior region of the housing or housing component. The member  400  is configured to receive and releasably retain a tool positioned therein. Although a wide array of releasable retention assemblies and/or configurations can be used, a non-limiting example is the use of one or more frictional engagement members that deform upon insertion or placement of a tool therein. Also included in the present subject matter are one or more tools  402  for placement and storage with the noted member  400 . Non-limiting examples of such tools include one or more hex tools, one or more screw drivers, and one or more gripping tools such as pliers. 
     Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology. 
     All patents, applications, standards, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     The present subject matter includes all operable combinations of features and aspects described herein. Thus, for example if one feature is described in association with an embodiment and another feature is described in association with another embodiment, it will be understood that the present subject matter includes embodiments having a combination of these features. 
     As described hereinabove, the present subject matter solves many problems associated with previous strategies, systems and/or devices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of components, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present subject matter, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the claimed subject matter, as expressed in the appended claims.