Patent Description:
The present invention relates to drain cleaners, and specifically, to cable feed control mechanisms for drain cleaners.

Drain cleaners are used to clean dirt and debris out of drains or other conduits that collect debris in locations that are difficult to access. Drain cleaners typically have a cable or snake that is inserted into the drain to collect the debris. Some cables are manually fed into the drain, while others are driven into the drain by a motor. A sewer cleaning machine is described in <CIT>, which disclose a drain cleaner according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The machine comprises a housing, a motor, a drum, a drive means, a cable, a screw feed member, a flexible tubular handle member, and a cutting blade secured to an outer free end of the cable. The machine has an electric circuit including a double-throw-switch for winding the cable in and out on the drum, and limit switch means. <CIT> describes a plumbing tool which is usable in small spaces and which has an electric motor mounted so as to drive a hollow shaft through which a plumber's flexible sewer clean-out rod may be extended. A pair of handles is mounted on opposite sides of the housing for the motor and hollow shaft so as to allow a firm and positive control over the machine and balance for ease of handling.

The invention provides a drain cleaner according to claim <NUM>. Further embodiments are disclosed by the dependent claims.

<FIG> illustrate a drain cleaner <NUM>. The illustrated drain cleaner <NUM> includes a handle assembly <NUM>, a shroud <NUM>, a drum <NUM> (<FIG>), and a nose assembly <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may be a drum shield. As shown in <FIG>, the drain cleaner <NUM> also includes a motor <NUM> and a drive mechanism <NUM> for rotating the drum <NUM>. The drain cleaner <NUM> further includes a flexible cable <NUM> (<FIG>) that is stored within the drum <NUM> and extends out of the nose assembly <NUM>. The cable <NUM> is insertable into a drain, or other conduit, for cleaning the drain. The illustrated cable <NUM> is formed similar to a spring in which a long wire is shaped into a helix. The helical pattern helps to grip debris. The pitch of the helix determines how tight or loose the cable <NUM> is and whether there is any space between each turn of the helix. Alternatively, the cable <NUM> is not helical and may include other textures or gripping elements (e.g., protrusions or the like). The cable <NUM> may include an auger head or other tool attachment at its distal end.

The handle assembly <NUM> extends rearwardly from the shroud <NUM>. The handle assembly <NUM> includes a grip <NUM> that is configured to be grasped by a user for carrying and operating the drain cleaner <NUM>. The handle assembly <NUM> supports an actuator <NUM> (e.g., a trigger) adjacent the grip <NUM> and a forward/reverse shuttle or button <NUM> adjacent the grip <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is actuatable (e.g., depressible) by a user to selectively energize the motor <NUM> and, thereby, operate the drain cleaner <NUM>. The forward reverse shuttle <NUM> is moveable between a first position in which the motor <NUM> rotates in a first rotational direction and a second position in which the motor rotates in a second rotational direction. The illustrated handle assembly <NUM> also includes a battery receptacle <NUM> for receiving and supporting a battery pack <NUM>. The battery receptacle <NUM> includes terminals that electrically connect the battery pack to the motor <NUM> and the actuator <NUM>. Alternatively, the handle assembly <NUM> may support a power cord to electrically connect the motor <NUM> to an AC power source.

The illustrated handle assembly <NUM> further includes a stand <NUM>. The stand <NUM> is a base. The stand <NUM> is positioned generally beneath the shroud <NUM> and the motor <NUM>. More particularly, the stand <NUM> is positioned beneath a center of gravity of the drain cleaner <NUM>. The stand <NUM> is configured to engage and rest on a support surface (e.g., a table, a workbench, a countertop, the floor, etc.) to provide ease of use during operation.

The shroud <NUM> is coupled to the handle assembly <NUM> generally above the stand <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> is fixed to the handle assembly <NUM> such that the shroud <NUM> is stationary (i.e., does not rotate or otherwise move) relative to the handle assembly <NUM> during operation of the drain cleaner <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> is positioned around the drum <NUM> to help protect the drum <NUM>. Further, the shroud <NUM> protects a user from the spinning drum <NUM>, and provides ease of use if the user supports the drain cleaner <NUM> with his/her body <NUM> during operation (e.g., rests the drain cleaner <NUM> on a knee or hip).

As shown in <FIG>, the drum <NUM> is positioned substantially within the shroud <NUM>. The drum <NUM> is configured to rotate within the shroud <NUM>. The drum <NUM> is coupled to the drive mechanism <NUM> such that rotation of the motor <NUM> is transmitted to the drum <NUM> through the drive mechanism <NUM>. The drum <NUM> may be coupled to the drive mechanism <NUM> using any suitable means to transmit force (e.g., rotation) from the drive mechanism <NUM> to the drum <NUM>. Rotation of the drum <NUM> results in rotation of the cable <NUM>. Specifically, friction between the inner surface of the drum <NUM> and the cable <NUM> causes the cable <NUM> to rotate or spin with the drum <NUM>.

The nose assembly <NUM> extends from the shroud <NUM> in a direction away from the handle assembly <NUM>. More specifically, the nose assembly <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM> that is proximal to the shroud <NUM> to a second end <NUM> that is distal from the shroud <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the nose assembly <NUM> includes a tube <NUM> that has a generally cylindrical shape with an interior surface <NUM> and an exterior surface <NUM>. The tube <NUM> is elongated and defines a feed axis <NUM> extending longitudinally through the tube <NUM>. The tube <NUM> has a partially hollow interior that creates a passageway for receiving the cable <NUM>. The tube <NUM> guides the cable <NUM> from the drum <NUM>, where the cable <NUM> is coiled, to an outlet <NUM> of the drain cleaner <NUM>, where the cable <NUM> can exit the drain cleaner <NUM> and extend into a drain. The cable <NUM> is fed into and out of the drain cleaner <NUM> along the feed axis <NUM>. More specifically, the cable <NUM> is extended into the drain by moving linearly along the feed axis <NUM> in a first direction. Similarly, the cable <NUM> is retracted by moving linearly along the feed axis <NUM> in a second direction opposite the first direction.

The drain cleaner <NUM> further includes one or more feed control mechanisms <NUM>. The feed control mechanisms <NUM> operate to control the linear movement of the cable <NUM>. As will be described in further detail below, the feed control mechanisms <NUM> can include a passive feed mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>), an active feed mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>), and a feed limiting mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>). The feed control mechanisms <NUM> can be used to automatically feed the cable <NUM> into and out of the drain without a user having to manually feed the cable <NUM> into the drain. Additionally, the feed control mechanisms <NUM> can be used to extend the cable <NUM> into the drain as well as retract the cable <NUM> out of the drain and into the drum <NUM>. Alternatively, the feed control mechanisms <NUM> are only capable of feeding the cable <NUM> in one direction.

With reference to <FIG>, the passive feed mechanism <NUM> is substantially housed within the tube <NUM>. The illustrated passive feed mechanism <NUM> includes a set of feed wedges <NUM>, a set of rollers <NUM>, a sleeve <NUM>, and a collar <NUM>. The feed wedges <NUM> are disposed within the tube <NUM>, and are positioned around the feed axis <NUM> in a circular arrangement. The feed wedges <NUM> are spaced apart from the feed axis <NUM> to allow enough room for the cable <NUM> to extend through the circular arrangement along the feed axis <NUM>. Three feed wedges <NUM> are used to form the circular arrangement. In other embodiments, additional feed wedges <NUM> may be used.

The illustrated feed wedges <NUM> each include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The feed wedges <NUM> are oriented so that the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> are axially spaced apart along the feed axis <NUM>. The feed wedges <NUM> also include an inner wall <NUM>, an outer wall <NUM>, and two side walls <NUM> (<FIG>). Each of these walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extends between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> faces radially inward towards the center of the circular arrangement. The outer wall <NUM> faces radially outward away from the center of the circular arrangement. The side walls <NUM> extend between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM>.

The inner wall <NUM> is curved in the direction generally perpendicular to the feed axis <NUM> (i.e., curved circumferentially around the feed axis <NUM>). In other words, when viewed from a cross-section perpendicular to the feed axis <NUM>, the inner wall <NUM> is concave (<FIG>). The inner wall <NUM> is straight in the direction generally parallel to the feed axis <NUM> (<FIG>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer wall <NUM> is curved in the direction generally perpendicular to the feed axis <NUM>. However, when viewed from the direction generally parallel to the feed axis <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM> includes a straight surface <NUM>, a first inclined surface <NUM>, and a second inclined surface <NUM> (<FIG>). The straight surface <NUM> is generally parallel to the feed axis <NUM>, and is located between the first inclined surface <NUM> and the second inclined surface <NUM>. The first inclined surface <NUM> is proximate the first end <NUM> of the feed wedge <NUM>, and tapers radially inward towards the first end <NUM>. The second inclined surface <NUM> is proximate the second end <NUM> of the feed wedges <NUM>, and tapers radially inward towards the second end <NUM>. Accordingly, when viewed from a cross section parallel to the feed axis <NUM>, the feed wedge <NUM> forms a triangular shape with a flat peak.

The side walls <NUM> are generally planar. The feed wedges <NUM> are arranged relative to one another so that the side walls <NUM> of each feed wedge <NUM> are aligned generally parallel to a side wall <NUM> of an adjacent feed wedge <NUM>. In addition, the feed wedges <NUM> are biased radially outward and away from one another so that adjacent side walls <NUM> are not in contact when in a neutral position. The feed wedges <NUM> are biased outwardly by springs (not shown) that extend into bores in the side walls <NUM> of adjacent feed wedges <NUM> to hold the feed wedges <NUM> apart. Although the springs and bores are not illustrated in the passive feed mechanism <NUM>, a similar feature is illustrated in the feed limiting mechanism <NUM> (see <FIG>). As will be discussed in greater detail below, the feed wedges <NUM> can be moved radially inward by a counterforce that overcomes the outward biasing force. The side walls <NUM> of adjacent feed wedges <NUM> come in contact with one another when the feed wedges <NUM> are forced radially inward. Alternatively, the side walls <NUM> are moved closer to one another but do not come in contact.

The rollers <NUM> are supported by the feed wedges <NUM>. Each feed wedge <NUM> supports one roller <NUM>, and thus, the rollers <NUM> are also arranged in a circular pattern around the feed axis <NUM>. Alternatively, more than one roller <NUM> can be supported by each feed wedge <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> are disposed within an opening in each feed wedge <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> are supported by the feed wedges <NUM> in a manner than enables the rollers <NUM> to spin relative to the feed wedge <NUM>. Specifically, the rollers <NUM> are rotably coupled to the feed wedges <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> are coupled to the feed wedge <NUM> by a pin that extends through the center of each roller <NUM> and into the body <NUM> of the feed wedge <NUM>. Alternatively, different mechanisms can be used to rotatably couple the rollers <NUM> to the feed wedges <NUM>.

The rollers <NUM> are configured to selectively engage the cable <NUM> to help feed the cable <NUM> into or out of the drain. More specifically, when the feed wedges <NUM> are forced radially inward, the rollers <NUM> move inward with the feed wedges <NUM> and can engage the cable <NUM>. As the cable <NUM> is rotated by the motor <NUM>, the rollers <NUM> frictionally engage the cable <NUM> to move the cable <NUM> in a linear direction. When the inward radial force is removed, the feed wedges <NUM> return to their outwardly biased position and the rollers <NUM> disengage from the cable <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> can be arranged so that the axis of rotation each roller <NUM> is at an oblique angle relative to the feed axis <NUM> and the cable <NUM>. For example, the rollers <NUM> are oriented at an angle that matches the pitch of the helical pattern of the cable <NUM>. Alternatively, the rollers <NUM> are oriented at a <NUM> degree angle relative to the feed axis <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> may be oriented at other angles relative to the feed axis <NUM>. The angle of the rollers <NUM> can help increase the friction with the cable <NUM>, or can affect the speed at which the cable <NUM> is fed. The cable <NUM> is fed at speeds of <NUM> centimetres per second (<NUM> inches per second) or faster. Alternatively, the cable <NUM> is fed at speeds between <NUM> centimetres per second (<NUM> inches per second) and <NUM> centimetres per second (<NUM> inches per second). Alternatively, the cable <NUM> is fed at a speed of <NUM> centimetres per second (<NUM> inches per second).

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the collar <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> can be used to force the feed wedges <NUM> radially inward to selectively engage the rollers <NUM> with the cable <NUM>. The illustrated collar <NUM> includes a cylindrical body <NUM> having a partially hollow interior space <NUM> defined by an interior wall. The first ends <NUM> of the feed wedges <NUM> are at least partially received within the interior space <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>. The interior wall includes an angled surface that forms a first cam surface <NUM>. The first cam surface <NUM> is configured to align with the first inclined surfaces <NUM> of the feed wedges <NUM> such that the first cam surface <NUM> and the first inclined surfaces <NUM> are generally parallel. The first cam surface <NUM> is conical, with the widest portion of the cone opening toward the feed wedges <NUM>. Alternatively, the first cam surface <NUM> includes a plurality of first cam surfaces <NUM>, with each of the plurality of first cam surfaces <NUM> configured to engage with one or more of the first inclined surfaces <NUM>. The collar <NUM> further includes a pair of arms <NUM> extending radially outward from the cylindrical body <NUM>. The illustrated collar <NUM> includes two arms <NUM> extending axially along the length of the collar <NUM>. Alternatively, the collar <NUM> may include arms <NUM> having different shapes as sizes, or may include greater or fewer arms <NUM>. For example, the illustrated arms <NUM> are replaced by an annular ring that extending radially outward from the cylindrical body <NUM>. The arms <NUM> extend through openings in the tube <NUM> of the nose. The arms <NUM> are configured to engage with the sleeve <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> has a generally cylindrical shape with a hollow interior. The sleeve <NUM> is disposed around the outside of the tube <NUM> such that the tube <NUM> extends through the hollow interior. The sleeve <NUM> and the tube <NUM> are co-axial. The arms <NUM> extend through the openings of the tube <NUM> where the arms <NUM> are received by the sleeve <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> includes a recess <NUM> (<FIG>) sized and shaped to receive the arms <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is an annular recess. Alternatively, the recess <NUM> can be different shapes and sizes that are configured to receive the arms <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> can slide longitudinally along the tube <NUM>. As the sleeve <NUM> slides along the tube <NUM>, the annular recess <NUM> engages with the arms <NUM> of the collar <NUM> to move the collar <NUM> with the sleeve <NUM>. In other words, linear movement of the sleeve <NUM> in the direction parallel to the feed axis <NUM> results in linear movement of the collar <NUM>. Additionally, the sleeve <NUM> includes a lip <NUM> on each rim of the sleeve <NUM>. The lips <NUM> extend outwardly from the sleeve <NUM> to create a grip on the sleeve <NUM>. The lips <NUM> help a user maintain a grip on the sleeve <NUM> when sliding the sleeve <NUM> along the tube <NUM>.

The drain cleaner <NUM> further includes various retaining members to limit movement of the sleeve <NUM> with respect to the tube <NUM>. For example, the drain cleaner <NUM> may include retaining members that can limit movement of the sleeve in a linear direction between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. More specifically, the sleeve <NUM> includes fins <NUM> within the interior of the sleeve <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the fins <NUM> may extend only partially around the interior of the sleeve <NUM> such that the interior circumference of the sleeve <NUM> includes a portion with fins <NUM> and a portion without fins <NUM>. The fins <NUM> can selectively engage with ridges <NUM> (<FIG>) on the exterior surface <NUM> of the tube <NUM> to help maintain a linear position of the sleeve <NUM> along the tube <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The fins <NUM> and the ridges <NUM> may be replaced with other types of retaining members, such as a cam surface that limits movement of the sleeve <NUM> with respect to the tube <NUM>.

For example, the fins <NUM> and the ridges <NUM> can help maintain the sleeve <NUM> in a feed position, towards the second end <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> can be moved linearly along the tube <NUM> toward the first end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> until the ridges <NUM> are positioned within the interior of the sleeve <NUM>. In particular, the sleeve <NUM> is oriented on the tube <NUM> so that the ridges <NUM> of the tube <NUM> are aligned with a portion of the sleeve <NUM> without fins <NUM>. Then the sleeve <NUM> may be rotated relative to the tube <NUM> so that the fins <NUM> engage with the ridges <NUM>. Once the fins <NUM> and the ridges <NUM> are engaged, the fins <NUM> and ridges <NUM> help maintain the sleeve <NUM> at that position relative to the tube <NUM>. The tube <NUM> includes multiple sets of ridges <NUM> that are capable of maintaining the sleeve <NUM> in different linear positions relative to the sleeve <NUM>.

In addition, the drain cleaner <NUM> may include retaining members that can limit rotation of the sleeve <NUM>. For example, the sleeve <NUM> includes a pair of posts <NUM> (<FIG>) that are received within holes <NUM> (<FIG>) in the interior of the sleeve <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the posts <NUM> engage with a channel <NUM> on the exterior surface <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. The channel <NUM> extends parallel to the feed axis <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. Accordingly, when the sleeve <NUM> slides longitudinally along the tube <NUM>, the posts <NUM> can slide within the channel <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. In addition, the engagement of the posts <NUM> and the channel <NUM> inhibit rotational movement of the sleeve <NUM> relative to the tube <NUM>. The ends of the posts <NUM> include detent members (not shown) that can snap into and out of the channel <NUM>. When the detent members are engaged with the channel <NUM>, the posts <NUM> guide the sleeve <NUM> in an axial direction and limit rotational movement of the sleeve <NUM>. However, the sleeve <NUM> can be rotated by applying enough force to the sleeve <NUM> to snap the detent members out of the channel <NUM>. Alternatively, the holes <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM> that receive the posts <NUM> can be elongated to allow a limited amount of rotation of the sleeve <NUM> relative to the tube <NUM>. Furthermore, the sleeve <NUM> includes both the fins <NUM>, for engaging with the ridges <NUM> on the tube <NUM>, as well as the posts <NUM>, for engaging with the channel <NUM> on the tube <NUM>.

In operation, the passive feed mechanism <NUM> operates as follows. A user may press the actuator <NUM> to activate the motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> rotates the drum <NUM>, which causes the cable <NUM> to rotate. Although the motor <NUM> drives the rotational movement of the cable <NUM>, the motor <NUM> does not create linear movement of the cable <NUM> to feed the cable <NUM> in and out of the drain. The cable <NUM> can be moved linearly by the passive feed mechanism <NUM>. In particular, the sleeve <NUM> is slid linearly in a first direction along the tube <NUM> from a neutral position (<FIG>) to a feed position (<FIG>). The first direction is toward the outlet <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. Linear movement of the sleeve <NUM> in the first direction causes linear movement of the collar <NUM> in the first direction. As the collar <NUM> moves in the first direction, the first cam surface <NUM> engages with the first inclined surfaces <NUM> of the feed wedges <NUM>, causing the feed wedges <NUM> to move radially inward. In other words, linear movement of the sleeve <NUM> and the collar <NUM> creates a counter force that can overcome the outward biasing force of the springs, such that the feed wedges <NUM> are forced radially inward. The second inclined surfaces <NUM> of the feed wedges <NUM> also engage with a retaining surface <NUM> formed by the interior surface <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. The retaining surface <NUM> inhibits the feed wedges <NUM> from being pushed out of the tube <NUM>. The retaining surface <NUM> also acts as a cam surface to help force the feed wedges <NUM> radially inward.

The rollers <NUM> move inward with the feed wedges <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> will then engage with the cable <NUM> to feed the cable <NUM> into or out of the tube <NUM> (and the drain). Specifically, the rollers <NUM> frictionally engage the cable <NUM>. Although the rollers <NUM> are not driven by the motor <NUM>, the combination of the cable <NUM> rotation and the friction of the cable <NUM> with the rollers <NUM> cause the cable <NUM> to move linearly as well as rotationally. Therefore, the cable <NUM> can be fed into or out of the drain while still continuing to rotate. When the cable <NUM> is rotating in the first rotational direction, engagement of the rollers <NUM> feeds the cable <NUM> in a first linear direction. When the cable <NUM> is rotating in the second rotational direction, engagement of the rollers <NUM> feeds the cable <NUM> in a second linear direction. The first linear direction corresponds to the extension of the cable <NUM> out of the drain cleaner <NUM> and into a drain, while the second linear direction corresponds to the retraction of the cable <NUM> out of the drain and into the drain cleaner <NUM>. The rotational direction of the cable <NUM> can be controlled by the actuator <NUM> and a directional switch.

In addition, the sleeve <NUM> may be maintained in the feed position by the fins <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> and the retaining ridges <NUM> on the tube <NUM>. Accordingly, if a user does not wish to manually hold the sleeve <NUM> in the feed position, the user can rotate the sleeve <NUM> to engage the fins <NUM> with the ridges <NUM> so that the sleeve <NUM> remains in the feed position.

The drain cleaner <NUM> can also include additional feed control devices <NUM> to control the movement of the cable <NUM> into and out of the drain. For example, the feed limiting mechanism <NUM> can be used to inhibit linear movement of the cable <NUM>. The feed limiting mechanism <NUM> may be useful when a user is trying to dislodge debris from the drain and needs to push or pull on the cable <NUM> without the cable <NUM> uncoiling from the drum <NUM> any further.

Referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the feed limiting mechanism <NUM> includes clamping wedges <NUM>, a collar, and a sleeve. The feed limiting mechanism <NUM> shares the collar <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> of the passive feed mechanism <NUM>. Alternatively, the feed limiting mechanism <NUM> has a separate collar and sleeve than the passive feed mechanism <NUM>. The clamping wedges <NUM> are positioned within the tube <NUM> in a similar arrangement as the feed wedges <NUM>. Specifically, clamping wedges <NUM> are positioned around the feed axis <NUM> in a circular arrangement. The clamping wedges <NUM> are spaced apart from the feed axis <NUM> to allow enough room for the cable <NUM> to extend through the circular arrangement along the feed axis <NUM>. Three clamping wedges <NUM> are used to form the circular arrangement. Alternatively, additional clamping wedges <NUM> may be used.

In addition, the clamping wedges <NUM> have a similar shape as the feed wedges <NUM>. Each clamping wedge <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, an inner wall <NUM>, an outer wall <NUM>, and two side walls <NUM> extend between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> faces radially inward towards the center of the circular arrangement, and the outer wall <NUM> faces radially outward away from the center of the circular arrangement. The side walls <NUM> extend between the inner wall <NUM> and the outer wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer wall <NUM> of each clamping wedge <NUM> is curved in the direction generally perpendicular to the feed axis <NUM>. When viewed from the direction generally parallel to the feed axis <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM> includes a straight surface <NUM>, a first inclined surface <NUM>, and a second inclined surface <NUM>. The straight surface <NUM> is generally parallel to the feed axis <NUM>, and is located between the first inclined surface <NUM> and the second inclined surface <NUM>. The first inclined surface <NUM> is proximate the first end <NUM> of the clamping wedge <NUM>, and tapers radially inward towards the first end <NUM>. The second inclined surface <NUM> is proximate the second end <NUM> of the feed wedges <NUM>, and tapers radially inward towards the second end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the inner wall <NUM> has a gripping surface. The inner wall <NUM> has a gripping surface that is internally threaded. The internal threads are sized and shaped to match the helical pattern of the cable <NUM>. Alternatively, the inner wall <NUM> may have other gripping surfaces. The side walls <NUM> are generally planar.

When in a neutral position, the clamping wedges <NUM> are biased radially outward. Accordingly, when in the neutral position, the side walls <NUM> of adjacent clamping wedges <NUM> are not in contact with one another and the inner surfaces <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM> are not in contact with the cable <NUM>. The clamping wedges <NUM> are biased outwardly by springs <NUM> that extend into bores <NUM> in the side walls <NUM> of adjacent clamping wedges <NUM> to hold the clamping wedges <NUM> apart (<FIG>). Like the feed wedges <NUM>, the clamping wedges <NUM> can be moved radially inward by a counterforce that overcomes the outward biasing force. The side walls <NUM> of adjacent clamping wedges <NUM> come in contact with one another when the clamping wedges <NUM> are forced radially inward. Alternatively, the side walls <NUM> are moved closer to one another but do not come in contact.

When the clamping wedges <NUM> are moved radially inward, the inner surfaces <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM> frictionally engage the cable <NUM>. Frictional engagement of the cable <NUM> by the clamping wedges <NUM> inhibits linear movement of the cable <NUM> in the direction of the feed axis <NUM>. Specifically, the internal threads of the inner surface <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM> engage with the helical pattern of the cable <NUM>. The internal threads of the illustrated clamping wedges <NUM> help create friction between the clamping wedges <NUM> and the cable <NUM> to inhibit linear movement of the cable <NUM>. Alternatively, other textures or gripping elements can be incorporated into the clamping wedges <NUM> to help increase the friction.

Similar to the passive feed mechanism <NUM>, the collar <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> can be used within the feed limiting mechanism <NUM> to force the clamping wedges <NUM> radially inward to selectively engage the cable <NUM>. The second ends <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM> are at least partially received within the interior space <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. The interior wall of the collar <NUM> includes a second angled surface that forms a second cam surface <NUM>. The second cam surface <NUM> is configured to align with the second inclined surfaces <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM>, such that the second cam surface <NUM> and the second inclined surfaces <NUM> are parallel. The second cam surface <NUM> is conical, with the widest portion of the cone opening toward the clamping wedges <NUM>. Thus, the first cam surface <NUM> and the second cam surface <NUM> faces away from one another.

As previously described, the arms <NUM> of the collar <NUM> engage with the sleeve <NUM> so that linear movement of the sleeve <NUM> creates linear movement of the collar <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> may be moved from a neutral position to a locked position (<FIG>), in which the clamping wedges <NUM> are clamped onto the cable <NUM> to inhibit linear movement of the cable <NUM>. In addition, the various retaining members discussed earlier may be used to limit movement of the sleeve <NUM>. For example, the fins <NUM> in the sleeve <NUM> and the ridges <NUM> on the tube <NUM> can be used to selectively maintain the sleeve <NUM> in the locked position. Specifically, the sleeve <NUM> can be moved linearly towards the first end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> and then the sleeve <NUM> can be rotated to allow the fins <NUM> to engage with the ridge <NUM> to maintain the sleeve <NUM> in the locked position.

In operation, the feed limiting mechanism <NUM> operates as follows. A user may press the actuator <NUM> to activate the motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> rotates the drum <NUM>, which causes the cable <NUM> to rotate. When a user wants to push or pull on the cable <NUM> to help dislodge debris without unwinding the cable <NUM> any further, the user can activate the feed limiting mechanism <NUM>. To so do, the user slides the sleeve <NUM> linearly in a second direction along the tube <NUM> from a neutral position (<FIG>) to a locked position (<FIG>). The second direction is toward the drum <NUM> (i.e., opposite the first direction). Linear movement of the sleeve <NUM> in the second direction causes linear movement of the collar <NUM> in the second direction. As the collar <NUM> moves in the second direction, the second cam surface <NUM> engages with the second inclined surfaces <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM>, which forces the feed wedges <NUM> to move radially inward. The first inclined surfaces <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM> also engage with a retaining surface <NUM> formed by the interior surface <NUM> of the tube <NUM>. The retaining surface <NUM> inhibits the clamping wedges <NUM> from being pushed out of the tube <NUM> and into the drum <NUM>. The retaining surface <NUM> also acts as a cam surface to help force the clamping wedges <NUM> radially inward.

As shown in <FIG>, when the clamping wedges <NUM> move radially inward, the inner surfaces frictionally engage the cable <NUM> to inhibit any linear movement of the cable <NUM>. Similar to the passive feed mechanism <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM> may be rotated so that the fins <NUM> engage with the ridges <NUM> on the tube <NUM> to maintain the sleeve <NUM> in the locked position. The clamping wedges <NUM> inhibit linear movement of the cable <NUM> while still allowing the cable <NUM> to rotate. When this is the case, the clamping wedges <NUM> may rotate with the cable <NUM> as the cable <NUM> rotates. Rotation of the clamping wedges <NUM> may be aided by rotating support cups <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). One support cup <NUM> is positioned to receive the first ends <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM> and another support cup <NUM> is positioned to receive the second ends <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM>. The support cups <NUM> can be separate components, or can be formed by other components of the drain cleaner <NUM>. For example, the support cup <NUM> that receives the second ends <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM> is formed by a portion of the collar <NUM>. This support cup <NUM> also defines a portion of the second cam surface <NUM>. In addition, the support cup <NUM> that receives the first ends <NUM> of the clamping wedges <NUM> forms the retaining surface <NUM> that prevents the clamping wedges <NUM> from being pushed out of the tube <NUM> and into the drum <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the drain cleaner <NUM> may include yet another feed control mechanism <NUM> - the active feed mechanism <NUM>. Unlike the passive feed mechanism <NUM>, the active feed mechanism <NUM> uses a motor to feed the cable <NUM> in a linear direction. While both the passive feed mechanism <NUM> and the active feed mechanism <NUM> use the motor <NUM> to rotate the cable <NUM>, the active feed mechanism <NUM> uses a second motor to drive the linear movement of the cable <NUM>. The active feed mechanism <NUM> is a separate and distinct unit from the drain cleaner <NUM>. The active feed mechanism <NUM> is designed to engage the cable <NUM> of the drain cleaner <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and assist in feeding the cable <NUM> into the drain. Alternatively, the active feed mechanism <NUM> is integrated into the drain cleaner <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The active feed mechanism <NUM> includes an elongated body <NUM> having a motor housing <NUM> that supports a second motor (not shown) and a battery receptacle <NUM> for receiving a battery. The second motor is configured to drive a plurality of wheels <NUM>, which in turn, drive the cable <NUM> into or out of the drain. The wheels <NUM> are located on an end of the elongated body <NUM>. The example includes one drive wheel <NUM> and two driven wheels <NUM>. Alternatively, the second motor may drive a greater or a fewer number of wheels <NUM>. The active feed mechanism <NUM> may include a greater or a fewer number of wheels <NUM>, and the number of drive wheels <NUM> and driven wheels <NUM> may vary. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the illustrated feed mechanism <NUM> includes one drive wheel <NUM> and one driven wheel <NUM>. Alternatively, the motor may drive two drive wheels <NUM>, which in turn, drive one driven wheel <NUM>. The feed mechanism may include an arrangement of two wheels, four wheels, five wheels, six wheels, etc., with some wheels being drive wheels and some wheels being driven/idle wheels. The wheels <NUM> are positioned side by side and oriented with the axis of rotation <NUM> of each wheel <NUM> being generally parallel to one another. The wheels <NUM> are positioned in a triangular configuration (<FIG>). The active feed mechanism <NUM> is positioned with the elongated body <NUM> extending generally perpendicular to the feed axis <NUM> of the drain cleaner <NUM>. The axis of rotation <NUM> of the each of the wheels <NUM> is also generally perpendicular to the feed axis <NUM>. This orientation allows the cable <NUM> to extend between the wheels <NUM> along the path <NUM> indicated by a dotted line in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, each wheel <NUM> includes a plurality of bearings <NUM> arranged circumferentially around the wheel <NUM>. The number of bearings <NUM> on each wheel <NUM> may vary depending, for example, on the size of the bearings <NUM> and the size of the wheel <NUM>. In addition, the type of bearing <NUM> can vary in different examples. The axis of rotation of each bearing <NUM> is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation <NUM> corresponding to each wheel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the bearings <NUM> on each wheel <NUM> are arranged in two rows, creating a channel between the two rows of bearings <NUM>. The cable <NUM> is received within the channel created by the bearings <NUM>. Specifically, the cable <NUM> weaves between the wheels <NUM> and is engaged by the bearings <NUM>. In other words, the cable <NUM> weaves through the wheels <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation <NUM> of the wheels <NUM>. When the cable <NUM> weaves between the wheels <NUM>, the drive wheel <NUM> is positioned above the cable <NUM> and the driven wheels <NUM> are positioned below the cable <NUM>. The bearings <NUM> allow the cable <NUM> to rotate with a reduced amount of friction between the cable <NUM> and the circumference of the wheels <NUM>.

Alternatively, the active feed mechanism <NUM> can include different types of wheels <NUM>. In addition, the wheels <NUM> can be driven by the motor through different configurations or wheel engagement mechanisms. <FIG> illustrate some of the different types of wheels <NUM> and different configurations for engaging the wheels <NUM> to be driven by the motor. More specifically, as shown in <FIG> some of the different types of wheels <NUM> can include, but are not limited to, worm, hypoid, or bevel wheels <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the wheels <NUM> can be engaged by the motor through a spur, a belt, a bevel, or a dual wheel configuration. In addition, the wheels <NUM> can be threaded, toothed, or variable timing wheels <NUM>.

The drive wheel <NUM> is driven by the second motor via a drive shaft <NUM> (<FIG>). Specifically, the second motor rotates the drive shaft <NUM>, which, in turn, rotates the drive wheel <NUM>. When the drive wheel <NUM> is engaged with the cable <NUM>, rotation of the drive wheel <NUM> can drive the cable <NUM> into or out of the drain. The drive wheel <NUM> is selectively engageable with the cable <NUM> to selectively feed the cable <NUM>. The driven wheels <NUM> are positioned on a platform <NUM> that is configured to move relative to the drive wheel <NUM>. The platform <NUM> can slide within a recess <NUM> in the elongated body <NUM>. As the platform <NUM> slides toward the drive wheel <NUM>, the driven wheels <NUM> move closer to the drive wheel <NUM>, thereby squeezing the cable <NUM> between the drive wheel <NUM> and the driven wheels <NUM>. The platform <NUM> can be adjusted to move the wheels <NUM> between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the platform <NUM> and the driven wheels <NUM> are positioned away from the drive wheel <NUM> so that the drive wheel <NUM> is disengaged from the cable <NUM>. In the engaged position, the platform <NUM> and the driven wheels <NUM> are moved toward the drive wheel <NUM> so that the drive wheel <NUM> engages with the cable <NUM>. When the wheels <NUM> are in the engaged position, there is an overlap between the bottom edges of the drive wheel <NUM> and the top edges of the driven wheels <NUM>. Accordingly, the cable <NUM> bends as it weaves along the path. This helps the wheels <NUM> tightly grip the cable <NUM> to drive the cable <NUM> forward or backward.

A lever <NUM> is configured to slide the platform <NUM> toward the drive wheel <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the elongated body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lever <NUM> includes a cam surface <NUM> that can engage with the platform <NUM>. As the lever <NUM> rotates, the cam surface <NUM> engages with the platform <NUM> and forces the platform <NUM> to slide toward the drive wheel <NUM>. In particular, the lever <NUM> can rotate from a first position, in which the wheels <NUM> are in the disengaged position, to a second position, in which the wheels <NUM> are in the engaged position. <FIG> illustrate two different levers <NUM>.

In operation, the motor <NUM> that is located in the main housing of the drain cleaner <NUM> rotates the drum <NUM>, which causes the cable <NUM> to rotate. When the wheels <NUM> are in the disengaged position, the cable <NUM> will rotate but will not move linearly along the feed axis <NUM>. The bearings <NUM> help reduce the friction between the cable <NUM> and the wheels <NUM> to allow the cable <NUM> to rotate more easily. The second motor drives the wheels <NUM>, which, in turn, can drive the cable <NUM> forward or backward in a linear direction. More specifically, the second motor rotates the drive wheel <NUM>. When the wheels <NUM> are in the disengaged position, the cable <NUM> will continue rotating without moving in a linear direction. To feed the cable <NUM> into or out of the drain, a user rotates the lever <NUM> to the second position to move the wheels <NUM> into the engaged position, in which the drive wheel <NUM> is in contact with the cable <NUM>. In the engaged position, the wheels <NUM> move the cable <NUM> linearly along the feed axis <NUM> while still allowing the cable <NUM> to rotate. The active feed mechanism <NUM> can advance the cable <NUM> at speeds of <NUM> centimetres per second (<NUM> inches per second) or greater. Alternatively, the active feed mechanism <NUM> can advance the cable <NUM> between <NUM> and <NUM> centimetres per second (<NUM> and <NUM> inches per second). Further alternatively, the cable <NUM> may be advanced <NUM> centimetres per second (<NUM> inches per second).

<FIG> illustrate a drain cleaner <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, the drain cleaner <NUM> includes a drum <NUM> housed inside a carrier <NUM>, a cable <NUM>, a cable shroud <NUM>, and a feed control mechanism <NUM>. The drain cleaner <NUM> also includes a motor <NUM> and a drive mechanism (not shown) for rotating the drum <NUM>. The drum <NUM> and motor <NUM> can be similar to the drum <NUM> and motor <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The drum <NUM> and the motor <NUM> are configured to rotate within the carrier <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier is bag, such as a soft-sided bag that can be carried by a user. More particular, the illustrated carrier is a backpack <NUM> having straps 518a, 518b, but could be another bag type such as an over-the-shoulder bag. The cable <NUM> is partially housed within the drum <NUM> and partially housed within the cable shroud <NUM>. The cable shroud <NUM> extends between the drum <NUM> and the feed control mechanism <NUM>, and includes a first end <NUM> proximate the drum <NUM> and a second end <NUM> proximate the feed control mechanism <NUM>. The feed control mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the second end <NUM> of the cable shroud <NUM>. The cable shroud <NUM> and the feed control mechanism <NUM> work together to direct the cable <NUM> into the drain. In use, the cable <NUM> extends from the drum <NUM>, through the cable shroud <NUM> to the feed control mechanism <NUM>, and into the drain.

With reference to <FIG>, the feed control mechanism <NUM> is a handheld unit positioned on the second end <NUM> of the cable shroud <NUM> at a distance from the carrier <NUM> and the drum <NUM>. Accordingly, a length of the cable extends from the drum <NUM> to the feed control mechanism <NUM>. The handheld unit is configured to be carried by the user separately from the carrier <NUM>. The feed control mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the motor <NUM> to control operation of the motor <NUM> and to feed the cable <NUM> into and out of the drum <NUM>.

The handheld unit includes a main body <NUM> having a handle <NUM> to be grasped by a user, and a sleeve <NUM> extending forwardly of the handle <NUM>. The main body <NUM> includes a forward/reverse shuttle or button <NUM>. In addition, in some embodiments, a battery <NUM> may be provided on the main body <NUM> just below the handle <NUM> to provide power to the feed control mechanism <NUM>. Accordingly, the battery <NUM> drives the motor <NUM>, although it is positioned remotely from the motor <NUM> and coupled to the handheld unit. In other embodiments, the battery <NUM> may be positioned elsewhere, such as within the carrier <NUM>. In other embodiments, the drain cleaner <NUM> may support a power cord within the backpack or on the main body <NUM> of to electrically connect the motor <NUM> to an AC power source. The cable <NUM> extends through the sleeve <NUM> and can be directed into the drain by directing the sleeve <NUM> in the desired direction.

The feed control mechanism <NUM> can be used to selectively feed the cable <NUM> into or out of the drain. The feed control mechanism <NUM> may be used to control the speed and direction in which the cable <NUM> is fed into the drain. In particular, the feed control mechanism <NUM> includes an axial feed mechanism <NUM> capable of extending the cable <NUM> in a forward direction into the drain or retracting the cable <NUM> in a reverse direction into the drum <NUM>. The axial feed mechanism <NUM> is disposed on the sleeve <NUM> and includes a first actuator <NUM> and a second actuator <NUM>. The first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> are aligned adjacent to one another in the axial direction of the sleeve <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> can be positioned in different locations on the sleeve <NUM>, for example, on opposite sides of the sleeve <NUM>. Additionally, the sleeve <NUM> can be moved or rotated about the cable <NUM> to reorient the axial feed mechanism <NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows the axial feed mechanism <NUM> is an orientation above the sleeve <NUM>, while <FIG> shows the axial feed mechanism <NUM> in an orientation below the sleeve <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, when the first actuator <NUM> is actuated, the cable <NUM> is fed in the forward direction, and when the second actuator <NUM> is actuated, the cable <NUM> is fed in the reverse direction.

The feed control mechanism <NUM> also includes a speed control switch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the feed control switch <NUM> is a trigger that is actuatable (e.g., depressible) by a user to selectively energize the motor <NUM> and, thereby, operate the drain cleaner <NUM>. In particular, the speed control switch <NUM> is electrically coupled to the drum <NUM> to selectively rotate the drum <NUM>. The speed control switch <NUM> controls the speed that the drum <NUM> and the cable <NUM> rotate, which in turn, controls the speed at which the cable <NUM> is fed in the axial direction. Thus, the speed control switch <NUM> can be used to control the speed that the cable <NUM> is feed into or out of the drain. In some embodiments, the speed control switch <NUM> may be a binary-type switch that rotates the drum <NUM>, but does not alter the speed at which the drum <NUM> rotates. The speed control switch <NUM> and the axial feed mechanism <NUM> are both positioned on the same handheld unit of the feed control mechanism <NUM>. By having the speed control switch <NUM> and the axial feed mechanism <NUM> in close proximity to one another, a user is able to reach both control features easily, making the overall control of the drain cleaner <NUM> more convenient. Additionally, by positioning the feed control mechanism <NUM> proximate the portion of the cable <NUM> that will be directed into the drain and away from the backpack <NUM> and the drum <NUM>, a user can more easily access tight spaces.

In some embodiments, the feed control mechanism <NUM> is also operable to lock the cable <NUM> in place and prohibit the cable <NUM> from moving axially. For example, either or both of the actuators <NUM> or <NUM> could also act as the locking mechanism. Alternatively, an additional actuator <NUM> or <NUM> may be positioned elsewhere on the sleeve <NUM> or elsewhere on the main body <NUM> to actuate a lock mechanism (e.g., similar to the feed limiting mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>). It is also contemplated that the trigger may include a locking mode.

It should be understood that the drain cleaner <NUM> can also include one or more of the feed control mechanisms <NUM> described herein, including the passive feed mechanism <NUM>, the active feed mechanism <NUM>, and the feed limiting mechanism <NUM>. The feed control mechanisms <NUM> can be incorporated into the feed control mechanism <NUM> or can be positioned along other portions of the drain cleaner <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the feed control mechanisms <NUM> can be disposed along the cable shroud <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A drain cleaner (<NUM>) comprising:
a carrier (<NUM>) configured to be carried by a user;
a cable (<NUM>) configured to be inserted into a drain;
a drum (<NUM>) positioned and rotatable within the carrier, the drum supporting the cable;
a motor (<NUM>) positioned within the carrier and operable to rotate the drum; and
wherein the drain cleaner further comprises a cable feed control mechanism (<NUM>) coupled to the motor to control operation of the motor, the cable feed control mechanism configured to feed the cable out of the drum,
the cable feed control mechanism including a first actuator (<NUM>) and a second actuator (<NUM>), the first actuator operable to feed the cable in a forward direction, and the second actuator is operable to retract the cable in a reverse direction,
characterised in that the cable feed control mechanism is positioned at a distance from the carrier so a length of the cable extends from the drum to the cable feed control mechanism, said cable feed control mechanism is configured to be carried by the user separately from the carrier,
and in that the carrier is a backpack having first and second straps (518a, 518b)