Patent Grant
11346098
The present subject matter relates to augers and plumbing tools for clearing stoppages or clogs in waste pipes and particularly those leading from sinks, urinals, and toilets. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to coupling assemblies used in augers for transferring rotary motion to a drain cleaning cable and enabling extension of the cable in a convenient and intuitive manner.
Many known augers utilize an arrangement of two concentrically arranged tubes. An outer tube serves as a guide tube, and an inner tube serves as a handle extension. A cable header slides inside the inner tube between various positions. Because of this arrangement, the cable header is generally not accessible to the user. Because the cable header is not accessible, adjustment of the length of cable extending from the auger in many applications is difficult and not readily intuitive for the occasional user and cumbersome overall.
Specifically, in many known augers, a user extends or pushes the drain cleaning cable further into a drain or other region by extending the telescopic handle portion of the auger. This is typically performed by pushing a detent button and pulling the telescopic handle portion from the remaining portion of the auger to increase the overall length of the auger. Once lengthened, the auger end and drain cleaning cable extending therefrom are pushed further into the drain. In order to retract the cable back into the telescopic housing, the user holds or grasps the cable, presses the detent, and slides the telescopic tube back over the cable. This procedure is not intuitive and frequently requires the user to contact dirty water or debris from the drain. Accordingly, a need remains for an improved auger assembly and method of use.
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 toilet auger having an extendable drain cleaning cable. The auger comprises an auger housing defining a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a hollow interior extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the housing. The auger also comprises a drain cleaning cable at least partially disposed in the housing. The cable defines a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a hollow interior extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the cable. The auger also comprises a coupling assembly engaged with the proximal end of the drain cleaning cable. And, the auger comprises a torque transmission shaft at least partially disposed in the hollow interior of the drain cleaning cable. The torque transmission shaft defines a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The coupling assembly enables selective engagement between the torque transmission shaft and the cable. The coupling assembly is sized and configured to be slidably positionable within the hollow interior of the housing.
In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a coupling assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging a torque transmission shaft and a drain cleaning cable. The coupling assembly comprises a threaded coupler having a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a passage extending therethrough between the proximal end and the distal end. The threaded coupler includes (i) a plurality of axially extending fingers projecting from the proximal end of the threaded coupler, and (ii) a threaded engagement region defined along an outer surface of the threaded coupler. The coupling assembly also comprises a grip nut having a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a passage extending therethrough between the proximal end and the distal end. The grip nut includes a threaded engagement region defined along an inner surface of the passage in the grip nut. The passage defined in the grip nut is sized and shaped to receive the proximal end of the threaded coupler and the threaded engagement regions of the threaded coupler and the grip nut are configured to threadedly engage each other.
In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides a coupling assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging a torque transmission shaft and a drain cleaning cable in which the torque transmission shaft defines a plurality of retention depressions along a length portion of the shaft. The coupling assembly comprises a quick release sleeve defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The quick release sleeve also includes an interior region of reduced span, and an interior ramp wall extending between the passage and the interior region of reduced span. The coupling assembly also includes a quick release coupling defining a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The quick release coupling also includes a spindle sized and shaped to be received within the passage of the quick release sleeve, the spindle defining at least one ball capture region. The coupling assembly also includes at least one ball sized and shaped to be received in the ball capture region defined in the spindle and also in the retention depressions defined in the torque transmission shaft.
In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a coupling assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging a torque transmission shaft and a drain cleaning cable. The coupling assembly comprises a torsion lock body defining a proximal end, a distal end, an interior passage extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a locking groove region. The coupling assembly also comprises a torsion lock sleeve defining a proximal end, a distal end, an interior passage extending between the proximal and distal ends, and at least one aperture providing access to an interior region of the torsion lock sleeve. The interior region is accessible from the distal end of the sleeve. The proximal end of the torsion lock body is positioned within the interior region of the torsion lock sleeve such that the locking groove region is disposed under and aligned with the aperture defined in the torsion lock sleeve.
In still another aspect, the present subject matter provides a method of clearing blockage in a drain. The method comprises providing an auger having an extendable drain cleaning cable, the auger including (i) an auger housing defining a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a hollow interior extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the housing, (ii) a drain cleaning cable at least partially disposed in the housing, the cable defining a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a hollow interior extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the cable, (iii) a coupling assembly engaged with the proximal end of the drain cleaning cable, (iv) a torque transmission shaft at least partially disposed in the hollow interior of the drain cleaning cable, the torque transmission shaft defining a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and (v) an auger tool affixed to the distal end of the drain cleaning cable. The coupling assembly enables selective engagement between the torque transmission shaft and the cable. The coupling assembly is sized and configured to be slidably positionable within the hollow interior of the housing. The method also comprises positioning the auger in a drain to be cleared or unblocked. The method also comprises applying rotational motion to the proximal end of the torque transmission shaft which thereby imparts rotational motion to the coupling assembly, the drain cleaning cable, the distal end of the drain cleaning cable, and the auger tool.
In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides a method of selectively engaging and disengaging a torque transmission shaft with a drain cleaning cable of an auger. The method comprises providing an auger including (i) an auger housing defining a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a hollow interior extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the housing, (ii) a drain cleaning cable at least partially disposed in the housing, the cable defining a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a hollow interior extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the cable, (iii) a coupling assembly engaged with the proximal end of the drain cleaning cable, and (iv) a torque transmission shaft at least partially disposed in the hollow interior of the drain cleaning cable, the torque transmission shaft defining a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The coupling assembly enables selective engagement between the torque transmission shaft and the cable. The coupling assembly is sized and configured to be slidably positionable within the hollow interior of the housing. The method also comprises displacing the coupling assembly beyond the proximal end of the auger housing to thereby expose and make accessible the coupling assembly to a user. The method further comprises actuating the coupling assembly to thereby disengage the torque transmission shaft from the drain cleaning cable. The method additionally comprises axially displacing the torque transmission shaft relative to the drain cleaning cable. And, the method also comprises actuating the coupling assembly to thereby engage the torque transmission shaft to the drain cleaning cable.
In still another aspect, the present subject matter provides a toilet auger having an extendable drain cleaning cable. The auger comprises an auger housing defining a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a hollow interior extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the housing. The auger also comprises a drain cleaning cable at least partially disposed in the housing. The cable defines a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a hollow interior extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the cable. The auger further comprises a torque transmission shaft at least partially disposed in the hollow interior of the drain cleaning cable. The torque transmission shaft defines a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The torque transmission shaft is slidably disposed within the hollow interior of the drain cleaning cable and can be extended from the proximal end of the drain cleaning cable.
In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides a threaded coupler for use in a coupling assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging a torque transmission shaft and a drain cleaning cable. The threaded coupler has a proximal end, an opposite distal end, and a passage extending therethrough between the proximal end and the distal end. The threaded coupler includes (i) a plurality of axially extending fingers projecting from the proximal end of the threaded coupler, and (ii) a threaded engagement region defined along an outer surface of the threaded coupler. At least one of the axially extending fingers includes a region of reduced cross sectional area.
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.
The present subject matter relates to coupling assemblies used in extendable toilet augers that enable a torque transmission shaft to be easily disengaged and re-engaged with a drain cleaning cable (or component thereof) to allow extension and/or retraction of the cable relative to the auger. The present subject matter also relates to augers utilizing the coupling assemblies.
In many of the descriptions herein, the terms “distal” and “proximal” are used to refer to particular regions, ends, or portions of components and/or assemblies. These terms as used herein are with respect to positioning of the auger and its components during typical use by a user. That is during use, the proximal region, end or portion of a component is closer to the user as compared to the corresponding distal region, end or portion of that component. And similarly, the distal region, end or portion of a component is farther from the user as compared to the corresponding proximal region, end or portion of that component.
Generally, the augers include a guide tube, outer tube or housing; a flexible drain cleaning cable also referred to in the industry as a “snake;” a cable header which is an end portion of the cable or a component attached to an end of the cable; a coupling assembly attached to the cable header; and a centrally disposed torque transmission shaft, which at least partially is disposed within the cable. The auger also includes engagement provisions for delivering rotary power to the torque transmission shaft such as a manually powered handle or crank, or power engagement assemblies for engaging a power tool such as a handheld drill or the like. Although the description herein is primarily with regard to augers utilizing manually powered handles or cranks, it will be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to such and includes augers driven by electrically powered motors such as in handheld drills.
The coupling assembly serves to connect the drain cleaning cable or snake, to the torque transmission shaft (engaged with a crank handle or other power delivering means) to thereby provide torque transmission from the crank handle to the drain cleaning cable.
To adjust the length of the drain cleaning cable (relative to a distal end of the auger), the user pulls the torque transmission shaft and coupling assembly engaged therewith out of the housing toward the user and past the proximal end of the housing to expose the coupling assembly. The user then disengages a coupling component of the coupling assembly to release the torque transmission shaft from the drain cleaning cable. The user then re-positions the torque transmission shaft relative to the cable. The user then engages the coupling again. The user can now push the cable header along the length of the guide tube and the cable attached to the cable header down the drain, while rotating the cable with the crank handle.
When retracting the cable, the user pulls up the torque transmission shaft toward the user until the coupling becomes accessible. After disengaging the coupling, the user can push the torque transmission shaft inside the cable for storage and re-engaging the coupling.
Typically, the cable header is a proximal end portion of the drain cleaning cable that engages a coupling component of the coupling assembly. In many versions, the cable header threadedly engages an axially extending stem portion of the coupling component such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,140 herein incorporated by reference. Specifically, the stem portion includes helical groove(s) to mate with the helical coils of the drain cleaning cable. A crimp ring as described in greater detail herein can be used to secure or further secure an end of the cable to the coupling component. However, the present subject matter includes a wide array of engagement provisions to attach a proximal end of the drain cleaning cable to the coupling component.
In a first embodiment, the coupling assembly includes a grip nut and a threaded coupler that provides a friction fit between the torque transmission shaft and the cable header in the axial connection. The torque is transferred through the form fit between the torque transmission shaft which typically exhibits a hexagonal cross sectional shape and the threaded coupler thereby transferring torque from the torque transmission shaft to the drain cleaning cable. In many versions, the torque transmission shaft may have a variety of cross sectional shape(s) such as a n-sided polygon in which n is within a range of from 3 to about 8 or more. For a torque transmission shaft having a hexagonal cross sectional shape, n is equal to 6. It is also contemplated that the torque transmission shaft could exhibit a circular cross sectional shape or a non-circular cross sectional shape.
The threaded coupler can be provided as one or more separate part(s) or can alternatively be integrated with the end of the cable header. In many embodiments, a proximal end of the torque transmission shaft includes a “power groove” connection by which the shaft can be easily connected to an electrically powered drill or other rotary power source. Alternatively or in addition, a crank handle can be provided, that can be connected to the torque transmitting shaft. The advantage of this embodiment in which the coupling assembly utilizes a grip nut and a threaded coupler is that the length position of the cable and torque transmission shaft can be adjusted to near infinitely small increments.
In another embodiment, the coupling is in the form of a quick change coupling and includes a quick release sleeve and a quick release coupling. The quick release coupling includes at least one engagement or locking ball that is engagingly received in peripheral grooves or recessed regions on the torque transmission shaft. In a locked position, the quick release sleeve prevents the ball(s) from moving out of the peripheral grooves. A spring or other member can be used to bias the quick release sleeve to the locked position. When the user moves the sleeve to an unlocked position, the ball(s) can move radially out of the grooves, and the torque transmission shaft can be moved axially relative to the cable header and cable. If used, a torque transmission shaft having a multi-sided polygon cross sectional geometry allows for torque transfer from the crank handle to the cable header independently of whether the quick change coupling is in a locked or unlocked position.
In certain embodiments, the auger and/or coupling assemblies may optionally include a stop. If a stop is provided, there should be an option to override this stop to allow the cable header to be pulled out of the guide tube, typically toward the user. This is typically required to completely retract the distal end of the cable into the guide tube when the guide tube is inserted into the toilet bowl at the beginning of the cleaning operation. One possible way to provide this stop cost efficiently, is by use of wire form as described in greater detail herein. Additional details and aspects of stops are provided herein.
In contrast to known devices, augers of the present subject matter utilize an inverted configuration. That is, instead of a tubular handle extension that houses the cable header, the torque transmission shaft is at least partially stored or otherwise disposed inside the drain cleaning cable. The cable header becomes accessible and the adjustment becomes more intuitive. Significantly, the inconvenient ball detents as used in certain previously known augers that penetrate the handle tube from the inside out are no longer required. Depending on the choice of the coupling assembly, the handle length and the length of the cable that can be fed out into the drain, can be adjusted in increments depending on the number of grooves in the torque transmission shaft or infinitely with a threaded coupler as previously noted. These and other aspects are described in greater detail herein.
Specifically, referring to
The collection of the torque transmission shaft 70, the drain cleaning cable 60, and the coupling assembly 50 is disposed and more particularly slidingly disposed within a hollow interior 96 of the housing 90. The hollow interior 96 of the housing extends between a proximal end 92 and an opposite distal end 94 of the housing 90.
Although the housing 90 of the auger 10 is illustrated as a hollow tube or cylinder, it will be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to such and includes other shapes and configurations for the housing 90.
As will be understood, the coupling assembly 50 enables a user to selectively affix the cable header, i.e., the proximal end 62, and the drain cleaning cable 60 to a desired location along the length of the torque transmission shaft 70. The coupling assembly 50 also enables a user to selectively decouple a previously affixed cable 60 from the torque transmission shaft 70. Upon affixing the cable 60 to the torque transmission shaft 70, extension or retraction of the torque transmission shaft 70, results in a corresponding linear displacement of the cable 60. And, rotation of the torque transmission shaft 70 results in corresponding rotation of the cable 60. Upon decoupling the cable 60 from the torque transmission shaft 70, the cable 60 can be axially moved independently of the torque transmission shaft 70, and vice versa. In many versions, upon such decoupling, rotation of the torque transmission shaft 70 still results in corresponding rotation of the cable 60. However, the present subject matter includes configurations in which upon decoupling, rotary motion of the torque transmission shaft 70 does not result in rotary motion of the drain cleaning cable 60.
The coupling assembly 50 may also utilize one or more biasing members such as spring(s) 52. The biasing members or spring(s) 52 may serve to promote engagement or disengagement between the grip nut 150 and the threaded coupler 170. A representative example of a spring biasing member 52 is depicted in
The auger 10 may utilize a quick change coupling assembly 200 instead of the coupling assembly 50 described herein. The coupling assembly 200 and its components are illustrated in
Referring to
A wide array of drain cleaning cables can be used in association with the augers and coupling assemblies described herein. The cables typically are in the form of a flexible, helically wound wire or metal member. The drain cleaning cable typically has a length of 3 feet or 6 feet, or a length within a range of from 3 to 6 feet. However, the present subject matter includes the use of cables having lengths less than 3 feet or greater than 6 feet.
As previously noted, in certain versions, the augers may include a power groove connection by which the torque transmission shaft can be readily affixed or otherwise engaged with an electrically powered drill. A power groove can be provided by forming or otherwise providing a recessed region within the torque transmission shaft at or near the proximal end of the shaft. The recessed region can be in the form of a retention depression similar to for example, the retention depression 75 described herein, which is adjacent the proximal end 72 of the torque transmission shaft 70. Preferably, the power groove is located within about 0.5 to about 2 inches of the proximal end 72 of the shaft 70. In order to affix or engage a powered drill to the power groove, the crank clamp 40 (see
As previously noted, in certain versions of the augers, a stop is provided to prevent the cable header from inadvertently being displaced out of the guide tube or housing and particularly, beyond the proximal end of the guide tube. Thus, the stop serves to retain the cable header and the coupling assembly within the interior of the housing. In many versions, the stop is a component or assembly generally disposed between the proximal end of the housing and the coupling assembly. The stop is typically selectively positionable between a first position in which the stop prevents displacement or movement of the coupling assembly beyond the proximal end of the housing, and a second position in which the stop allows displacement of the coupling assembly beyond or past the proximal end of the housing, to thereby expose and make accessible the coupling assembly to the user.
The stop can be provided in a wide variety of forms and configurations so long as the stop enables selective displacement of the cable header and coupling assembly out of and/or beyond the proximal end of the guide tube. A representative stop which can be selectively positioned in the auger to prevent or allow displacement of the cable header and coupling assembly out of the guide tube or housing, is shown in
Referring further to
The proximal portion 170A and the distal portion 1706 of the modified coupler 170 can be affixed to one another in a variety of techniques. In the version depicted in
The hybrid cable header assembly illustrated in
The present subject matter also includes hybrid cable header assemblies using a modified version of the quick release coupling 270. Thus, in these versions, the coupling 270 includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, in which these portions are formed from differing materials and are coupled together by one or more pins.
In yet another embodiment of the present subject matter, an auger coupling assembly 300 is provided. The coupling assembly 300 is configured for use with a torque transmission shaft 70 and/or in association with a toilet auger as previously described. Referring to
The torsion lock body 370 defines an interior passage 371 sized and shaped to slidably receive the torque transmission shaft 70. Interior passage 371, shown as a hexagonal bore, snuggly receives the hexagonally-shaped torque transmission shaft 70 and transfers torque from hex shaft 70 to the coupling assembly 300. Typically, the passage 371 is sized and shaped to allow the lock body 370 to be axially moved with respect to the shaft 70, however not allow rotational movement of the lock body 370 relative to the shaft 70. The torsion lock body 370 defines a proximal end 372 and an opposite distal end 374. As will be understood, a drain cleaning cable 60 is affixed or otherwise secured to the lock body 370 typically at the distal end 374 of the lock body 370. The torsion lock body 370 also defines a recessed receiving region 373 for accommodating at least a portion of the primary spring 310. In many versions, the receiving region 373 is cylindrically shaped, however, the present subject matter includes other shapes for this region and is not limited to a cylindrical shape. The torsion lock body 370 also defines a locking groove region shown as channel 376. The locking groove region 376 in
The torsion lock sleeve 350 defines a proximal end 352 and a distal end 354. The lock sleeve 350 also defines an interior passage 351 extending between the ends 352, 354 and which is sized and shaped to slidably and rotatably receive the torque transmission shaft 70. Typically, the passage 351 is sized and shaped to allow the sleeve 350 to be axially moved and rotated about the shaft 70. The torsion lock sleeve 550 also defines one or more apertures 356 for receiving the securing element(s) 330. In many versions, the aperture(s) 356 and the securing element(s) 330 include threads and so the securing element(s) 330 can be threadedly engaged in the aperture(s) 356. The aperture(s) 356 provide access to an interior region of the torsion lock sleeve 350. That interior region is accessible from the distal end 354 of the sleeve 350.
The torsion lock sleeve 350 includes an interior circumferential wall 353 that separates a generally cylindrical inner receiving region 355 from an outer annular receiving region 357. The inner region 355 is configured to receive the primary spring 310. The outer region 357 is configured to receive the secondary spring 320. In many versions, the lock sleeve 350 includes one or more capture structures 358 within the inner receiving region 355. The capture structure 358 is configured to engage an end of the primary spring 310 which as noted is typically a torsion spring.
The torsion lock body 370 and the torsion lock sleeve 350 are adapted to engage each other. In this configuration, the interior passage 371 of the lock body 370 is aligned and generally co-extensive with the interior passage 351 of the lock sleeve 350. As will be understood, the torque transmission shaft 70 extends through the passages 371 and 351. Specifically, a portion and typically a proximal end portion 372 of the torsion lock body 370 is sized for positioning within the torsion lock sleeve 350 and typically within a distal end portion 354 of the sleeve 350. The receiving region 373 of the torsion lock body 370 may also include a capture structure 378 which is configured to engage an end of the primary spring 310. The locking groove region 376 is located along the torsion lock body 370 at a location such that upon engagement between the lock body 370 and the lock sleeve 350, the locking groove region 376 is aligned or disposed underneath the aperture(s) 356 defined in the lock sleeve 350. This arrangement enables an inner face 331 of a securing element 330 to be positioned within the locking groove region 376 of the torsion lock body 370. In many versions, the diameter or interior span of the receiving region 373 of the torsion lock body 370 is the same or substantially so as the diameter or interior span of the inner receiving region 355 of the torsion lock sleeve 350. As noted, upon assembly and incorporation of the primary torsion spring 310 within the regions 373 and 355, one end of the torsion spring 310 engages the capture structure 378 of the torsion lock body 370, and another end of the torsion spring 310 engages the capture structure 358 of the torsion lock sleeve 350. In addition, upon assembly of the components, the proximal end 372 of the torsion lock body 370 is directed toward and in close proximity with the interior circumferential wall 353 of the torsion lock sleeve 350. Upon such assembly, the secondary compression spring 320 is disposed and enclosed within the outer receiving region 357 of the torsion lock sleeve 350.
The coupling assembly 300 provides an axially releasable engagement between the assembly 300 and the torque transmission shaft 70. That is, upon engagement of the lock body 370 with the lock sleeve 350 and incorporation of the primary and secondary springs 310, 320 therebetween, the coupling assembly 300 can be selectively affixed at a desired location along the shaft 70 by rotating the sleeve 350 relative to the lock body 370. In this locked state, the securing element(s) 330 are at least partially disposed in the locking groove region 376 and specifically, the axially extending portion 376B. The secondary spring 320 promotes retainment of this locked state by urging the sleeve 350 and specifically the securing element(s) 330 toward an end 376C of the locking groove region 376, as shown in
In operation, coupling assembly or mechanism 300 (
The present subject matter also provides methods of clearing blockage(s) in drains. The methods involve providing an auger as described herein. The methods also include positioning the auger in a drain to be cleared or unblocked. Specifically, this typically includes inserting the auger tool attached to the distal end of the drain cleaning cable, into the drain until the auger tool contacts the blockage. The user applies rotational motion to the torque transmission shaft. As previously described, the rotational motion can be applied manually such as by movement of a crank or other handle, or by application of a powered source of rotary motion. Rotation of the torque transmission shaft results in rotating of the coupling assembly, the drain cleaning cable, and the auger tool attached to the distal end of the drain cleaning cable. The method of use may also include the user urging the auger tool further into the drain. Typically, this is accompanied by continuous or intermittent rotary motion of the drain cleaning cable and auger tool attached thereto.
It may be necessary or desirable to further extend the drain cleaning cable from the distal end of the auger housing. In accordance with the present subject matter, this procedure is as follows. The user moves or otherwise displaces the coupling assembly beyond or past the proximal end of the auger housing. This typically involves pulling the coupling assembly out of the auger housing to thereby expose and make accessible the coupling assembly to the user. The user then adjusts or otherwise actuates the coupling assembly to decouple or disengage the torque transmission shaft from the drain cleaning cable. When utilizing the previously described coupling assembly 50, the user unscrews the grip nut 150 from the threaded coupler 170 so that the torque transmission shaft 70 may axially move past the fingers 176 of the coupler 170. When utilizing the previously described quick change coupling assembly 200, the user axially moves the quick release sleeve 250 away from the quick release coupling 270 to thereby expose the one or more locking ball(s) positioned in corresponding ball capture regions 277. Upon sufficient axial movement of the sleeve 250, the ball(s) may then disengage from their former position(s) in retention depression(s) 75 of the torque transmission shaft 70. This in turn enables axial movement of the torque transmission shaft relative to the drain cleaning cable. When using the previously described coupling assembly 300, the user urges the sleeve 350 toward the lock body 370, and then rotates the sleeve 350 relative to the shaft 70 and lock body 370 to loosen the primary spring 310 out of frictional engagement with the shaft 70. This enables axial movement of the shaft 70 relative to the drain cleaning cable.
After desired positioning of the drain cleaning cable relative to the torque transmission shaft, the coupling assembly is actuated to thereby couple or engage the torque transmission shaft to the drain cleaning cable. This locks or secures the components together so that the user can push or otherwise displace the torque transmission shaft and urge the coupling assembly back into the hollow interior of the auger housing. Such movement also causes extension of the distal end of the cable housing and auger tool attached thereto, relative to the distal end of the auger housing. As will be appreciated, this enables the user to urge the auger tool further into the drain to clear blockages.
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 and/or illustrated in association with an embodiment and another feature is described and/or illustrated 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.
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