The present subject matter generally relates to a drain cleaning apparatus. More specifically, the present subject matter relates to a drain cleaning apparatus including a bracket for removably securing a drum and a feed mechanism to a frame of the drain cleaning apparatus.
Drain cleaning machines typically include a rotating drum that is mounted on a frame. A cable is coiled inside the drum and is dispensed out of the front of the drum and into a drain or sewer pipe to clean out debris that has collected in the drain pipe. Often, drain cleaning machines also include a cable feed mechanism mounted on the frame that moves the cable in and out of the drum and into and out of the drain pipe. The drum, feed mechanism, and other apparatus are secured to the frame by mechanical fasteners.
In operation, different size cables may be used depending on the size of the drain pipe and the accessibility of the pipe. If the entire length of the cable is dispensed from the drum during drain cleaning, or if the cable breaks or is damaged, it may be required to remove the first drum and install a second drum with another cable on the machine. The process of replacing the first drum can involve several steps to detach and remove the first drum, and then attach a second drum to the machine. Such steps may require other apparatus, such as the feed mechanism, to also be removed from the machine in order to access and remove the first drum.
For example, replacing a drum on a drain cleaning apparatus that has a cable feed mechanism often involves numerous steps including first removing the feed mechanism from the frame of the machine. This process can include unscrewing mechanical fasteners holding the feed mechanism to the frame and then removing the feed mechanism from the frame. This is followed by unscrewing mechanical fasteners holding a latch that secures the drum on the frame, releasing the latch, and then removing the first drum. Moreover, these numerous steps are required to be performed in the reverse sequence in order to install the second drum on the machine. These numerous steps can be time consuming and tedious, and cause delay at a worksite and therefore incur additional labor expense. Furthermore, separate tools (such as screwdrivers, wrenches, socket sets, or drills) are required to unscrew the mechanical fasteners holding the feed mechanism to the frame and holding the latch.
Accordingly, a need exists for a simpler, easier to perform, and less time consuming manner in which to replace a drum on a drain cleaning apparatus.
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 cleaning apparatus comprising a frame. The apparatus also comprises a bracket including (i) a base arranged on the frame. The base includes first and second bores, and a first plunger pin that is moveable between a first position in which the first plunger pin impinges upon the first bore, and a second position in which the first plunger pin does not impinge upon the first bore. The bracket also includes (ii) a latch pivotably mounted on the base and movable to a closed position, and including, a second plunger pin that is moveable between a first orientation in which the second plunger pin impinges upon the second bore when the latch is in the closed position, and a second orientation in which the second plunger pin does not impinge upon the second bore when the latch is in the closed position. The bracket also includes (iii) a hinge pivotably connecting the latch to the base. The apparatus also comprises a drum rotatably and removably secured to the bracket. The drum includes a drum bearing. The apparatus also comprises a feed mechanism removably secured to the bracket, the feed mechanism including a first mounting pin and a second mounting pin.
In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaning apparatus comprising an integral structural component defining a base and a frame integral with the base. The apparatus also comprises a cable feed mechanism including a mounting pin defining a longitudinal axis and a peripheral depression. The base defines a bore dimensioned and axially aligned to receive the mounting pin. The apparatus also comprises a drum mounted on the integral structural component and including a drum bearing rotatable about an axis relative to the structural component. The apparatus also comprises a latch pivotally mounted on the base and having a surface configured to mate with the drum bearing for securing the drum bearing against rotation relative to the integral structural component. The apparatus also comprises a plunger pin mounted on the latch. The plunger pin includes an end portion disposable into the peripheral depression for securing the cable feed mechanism to the integral structural component.
In yet another aspect, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaning apparatus comprising an integral structural component defining a base and a frame integral with the base. The apparatus also comprises a cable feed mechanism including at least two spaced-apart mounting pins, each defining a longitudinal axis and a respective peripheral depression. The base defines at least two bores, dimensioned and axially aligned to receive the at least two mounting pins. The apparatus also comprises a drum mounted on the integral structural component and including a drum bearing. The apparatus also comprises a latch pivotally mounted on the base and having a surface configured to mate with the drum bearing for securing the drum bearing. The apparatus also comprises a plunger pin mounted on the latch. The plunger pin includes an end portion disposable into one of the at least two peripheral depressions for securing the cable feed mechanism to the integral structural component. The end portion of the plunger pin is removable from the one of the at least two peripheral depressions for releasing the cable feed mechanism from the integral structural component.
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.
In one aspect, the present subject matter provides a bracket or bracket assembly for mounting a drum and a feed mechanism to a frame of a drain cleaning apparatus. The bracket comprises a base and a latch. The base is for connecting the bracket to the frame of the drain cleaning apparatus. The base includes first and second bores. The latch is pivotably mounted on the base and movable between an open position and a closed position. The first and second bores are configured to accept mounting pins of the feed mechanism for mounting the feed mechanism to the base. When the latch is in the closed position, a space between the latch and the base is configured to accept a drum bearing of the drum for mounting the drum to the base.
In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a bracket for removably securing a drum bearing and a feed mechanism to a frame of a drain cleaning apparatus. The bracket comprises a base for connecting the bracket to the frame of the drain cleaning apparatus. The base includes first and second bores, and a first plunger pin that is moveable between a first position in which the first plunger pin impinges upon the first bore, and a second position in which the first plunger pin does not impinge upon the first bore. The bracket also includes a latch pivotably mounted on the base and movable between an open position and a closed position. The latch includes a second plunger pin that is moveable between a first orientation in which the second plunger pin impinges upon the second bore when the latch is in the closed position, and a second orientation in which the second plunger pin does not impinge upon the second bore when the latch is in the closed position. The bracket includes a hinge pivotably connecting the latch to the base.
In still another aspect, the present subject matter provides drain cleaning apparatus comprising a frame, a bracket, a drum, and a feed mechanism. The bracket includes a base, a latch, and a hinge pivotably connecting the latch to the base. The base is arranged on the frame and includes first and second bores, and a first plunger pin that is moveable between a first position in which the first plunger pin impinges upon the first bore, and a second position in which the first plunger pin does not impinge upon the first bore. The latch is pivotably mounted on the base and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The latch includes a second plunger pin that is moveable between a first orientation in which the second plunger pin impinges upon the second bore when the latch is in the closed position, and a second orientation in which the second plunger pin does not impinge upon the second bore when the latch is in the closed position. The drum is rotatably and removably secured to the bracket and is rotatable about a rotation axis. The drum includes a drum bearing. The feed mechanism is removably secured to the bracket, and when actuated, axially displaces a cable inwardly or outwardly of the drum. The feed mechanism includes a first mounting pin and a second mounting pin. The drum is removably secured to the bracket when the drum bearing is arranged between the base and the latch, and the latch is secured in the closed position. The feed mechanism is removably secured to the bracket when the first mounting pin is fully inserted in the first bore, the second mounting pin is fully inserted in the second bore, the latch is in the closed position, the first plunger pin is in the first position, and the second plunger pin is in the first orientation.
With reference to the figures, the present subject matter provides a single bracket 2 for removably securing both a drum 4 and a cable feed mechanism 6 to a drain cleaning apparatus 8 (also referred to herein as drain cleaning machine, drain cleaner, or machine). The bracket 2 permits easy manual attachment and removal of both the feed mechanism 6 and the drum 4 to and from the drain cleaner 8 by hand, and without requiring separate tools. The bracket 2 is not particularly limited by the present subject matter, and can be constructed from metal, polymers, or other materials and combinations thereof. In one non-limiting embodiment, the bracket 2 is constructed from metal.
The bracket 2 includes a base 10 that is connected to a frame 12 of the drain cleaning apparatus 8, and a latch 14 that is pivotably mounted at its proximal end 16 to the base 10. The latch 14 is movable between an open position 18 (
In one embodiment depicted in
The base 10 includes a first bore 40, a second bore 42, a third bore 44, and a fourth bore 110. The first bore 40 and the second bore 42 run from the front 34 to the rear 36 of the base 10, and open at least to the front 34, and optionally also to the rear 36 of the base 10, e.g. a through bore. The third bore 44 runs transverse to the first and second bores 40, 42, and originates from a locking side 46 of the base 10, runs towards a hinge side 48 of the base 10, and intersects with and terminates in the second bore 42. The fourth bore 110 runs transverse to the first bore 40 and the second bore 42, originates from a top of the base 10, runs toward a bottom of the base 10, and intersects with and terminates in the first bore 40. The fourth bore 110 is sized to accept the first plunger pin 22 and to allow the first plunger pin 22 to extend therethrough and into the first bore 40. The first and second bores 40, 42 are arranged and sized to accept respective first and second mounting pins 50, 52 of the feed mechanism 6, wherein the first mounting pin 50 can fit into the first bore 40 and the second mounting pin 52 can fit into the second bore 42. The third bore 44 is sized to accept the second plunger pin 26, or at least a portion (e.g. tip) thereof.
The base 10 includes two knuckles 54, 54 on the hinge side 48 of the base, which mate with knuckle(s) 56, 56 on the proximal end 16 of the latch 14. The knuckles 54, 54, 56, 56 are held together by a hinge pin 58 to form the pivotable hinge 24 between the base 10 and the latch 14.
The latch 14 is pivotable about the hinge 24 between the open position 18 and the closed position 20. The latch 14 forms a curved shape between the proximal and distal ends 16, 28, such that when the latch 14 is in the closed position 20, the latch 14 and the base 10 form an annular-like enclosure 92 in which a drum bearing 60 of the drum 4 can be secured to the bracket 2. The latch 14 has an interior surface 62 that may be shaped to mate with an exterior surface 64 of the drum bearing 60. In one embodiment, as depicted in the figures, the drum bearing 60 is in the shape of a hexagon type nut, and the interior surface 62 of the latch may include for example, planar sections that correspond in shape to the exterior surface 64 of the hexagon type nut of the drum bearing 60. The latch 14 also includes a collar 66, extending inward toward the annular-like enclosure 92. The collar 66 helps to surround the drum bearing 60 at the front of the bearing 60 when the latch 14 is in the closed position 20, and thereby inhibit the drum bearing 60 from being released from between the closed latch 14 and the base 10.
The second plunger pin 26 is arranged on a tab 68 at the distal end 28 of the latch 14. The tab 68 may be sized and shaped to fit within a recess 70 at the locking side 46 of the base 10 when the latch 14 is in the closed position 20.
The first plunger pin 22 is arranged in the fourth bore 110, and is moveable between a first position 72 in which the first plunger pin 22 impinges upon the first bore 40 (
The second plunger pin 26 is moveable between a first orientation 78 in which the second plunger pin 26 impinges upon the second bore 42 when the latch 14 is in the closed position 20 (
The drum 4 is not particularly limited by the present subject matter, and can include a cable guide tube support shaft 82 (
To secure the drum 4 to bracket 2, the drum bearing 60 is placed between the latch 14 and the base 10 while the latch 14 is in the open position 18 (
The feed mechanism 6 is not particularly limited by the present subject matter, and can include those known to skilled artisan and including rollers that selectively engage the cable 88 by use of a manually operated lever 98 in order to axially displace the cable 88 inwardly or outwardly of the front 86 of the drum 4.
The feed mechanism 6 can be secured to the bracket 2 by inserting the first mounting pin 50 into the first bore 40 and inserting the second mounting pin 52 into the second bore 42 (e.g. as depicted between
The first mounting pin 50 includes a first depression 102, and the second mounting pin 52 includes a second depression 104. The first and second depressions 102, 104 may each be in the form of an annular groove as shown in the figures, or other arrangement. When the mounting pins 50, 52 are fully inserted into the first and second bores 40, 42 and the latch 14 is moved to the closed position 20 (e.g. as depicted between
When the latch 14 is in the open position 18, the first and second plunger pins 22, 26 do not impinge on the first and second bores 40, 42 (See
The drum 4 and feed mechanism 6 can be removed from the drain cleaning apparatus 8 by moving the latch 14 to the open position 18. This can be accomplished by releasing the latch 14 from being locked in the closed position 20. Unlocking the latch 14 can include moving the second plunger pin 26 from the first orientation 78, out of the second bore 42 (which removes the second plunger pin 26 from the second depression 104 in the second mounting pin 52), out of the third bore 44, and to the second orientation. When the second plunger pin 26 is moved out of the third bore 44, the latch 14 is unlocked and can be freely pivoted about the hinge 24 from the closed position 20 to the open position 18. Movement of the latch 14 to the open position 18 allows for removal of the drum bearing 60 from the bracket 2 and the drum 4 from the drain cleaning apparatus 8 for replacement with another drum, repair of the drum 4 or cable 88, or for other purposes. Additionally, movement of the latch 14 to the open position 18 causes the first plunger pin 22 to move by engagement with the cam 76 from the first position 72, out of the first bore 40, out of the first depression 102 of the first mounting pin 50, and to the second position 74. When the first and second plunger pins 22, 26 no longer impinge on the first and second bores 40, 42 (i.e. removed from the first and second bores 40, 42), the mounting pins 50, 52 are free to be pulled out of the first and second bores 40, 42, and the feed mechanism 6 can then be removed from the bracket 2.
In certain embodiments, the plunger pin 26 has a primary function and in particular embodiments, a dual function. The plunger pin 26 keeps the latch 14 closed and engaged with the base 10. This is accomplished through engagement of the plunger pin 26 with the bore 44. The plunger pin 26 also secures the mounting pin 52 through engagement of the plunger pin 26 with the peripheral groove or depression 104 on the mounting pin 52.
In certain embodiments, both the first and the second plunger pins 22, 26 are spring biased to extend into the first and the second bores 40, 42. Specifically, the first plunger pin 22 is spring biased to extend into the first bore 40, and the second plunger pin 26 is spring biased to extend into the second bore 42. In particular embodiments, the first plunger pin 22 is lifted or otherwise displaced out of the first bore 40 when the latch 14 is opened, for example when the latch 14 engages the head of the plunger pin 22.
In certain embodiments, the first and second mounting pins 50, 52 define chamfers that allow or promote insertion of the mounting pins 50, 52 into the first and second bores 40, 42. Specifically, the first mounting pin 50 defines a first chamfer or tapered region 51 at its distal end. And the second mounting pin 52 defines a second chamfer or tapered region 53 at its distal end. In particular embodiments, the mounting pins 50, 52 can be inserted into the bores 40, 42 while the latch 14 is in a closed position. When doing so, the chamfers 51, 53 on the mounting pins 50, 52 serve to push or otherwise displace the first and second plunger pins 22, 26 out of the way so that springs will push or otherwise displace the plunger pins 22, 26 into engagement with the peripheral depressions or grooves 102, 104 defined on the mounting pins 50, 52. During this insertion operation, the second plunger pin 26 remains engaged with the transverse aperture or third bore 44 defined in the base 10. Thus, the latch 14 remains secured in its closed position.
In certain embodiments, at least the second mounting pin 52 is required for the previously noted operation(s) to occur. Thus, the first mounting pin 50 is not necessarily needed. For example, the first mounting pin 50 could be shorter in length than as depicted in the referenced figures. The first mounting pin 50 could be shorter in length than that of the second mounting pin 52. The first mounting pin 50 could be free of the peripheral groove or depression 102. In certain versions, the first mounting pin 50 only assists in proper positioning of the feed mechanism, and not in securing the feed mechanism axially.
In one embodiment, a system for mounting multiple apparatus on a drain cleaning machine is provided and includes a bracket 2, a drum bearing 60, and first and second mounting pins 50, 52 as described herein. In this embodiment, it is possible for other apparatus, besides the feed mechanism 6, to be mounted on the bracket 2 as long as the other apparatus include mounting pins similar to those described herein for the feed mechanism 6 that mate with the first and second bores 40, 42 in the base 10. The system may further include other typical components of a drain cleaning machine 8 including the drum 4 rotatably connected to the drum bearing 60, the feed mechanism 6 connected to the first and second mounting pins 50, 52, the frame 12 upon which the bracket 2 is mounted with mechanical fasteners (
In another embodiment, a drain cleaning apparatus 8 is provided that includes the frame 12, the bracket 2, the drum 4 rotatably and removably secured to the frame 12, and the feed mechanism 6 removably secured to the bracket 2 as described herein. The drum 4 includes the drum bearing 60, and is rotatable about a rotation axis 90.
In another embodiment, a method of removably mounting multiple apparatus to a drain cleaning machine 8 is provided, and includes securing a drum 4 and feed mechanism 6 to a bracket 2 as described herein, which itself is secured (e.g. integrally attached, or attached by fasteners) to a frame 12 of the drain cleaning machine 8. The drum 4 and feed mechanism 6 can be selectively removed from the bracket 2 as described herein by manual operation of the latch 14 of the bracket 2 and by manual operation of the second plunger pin 26.
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.
This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application and claims priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 15/825,237 filed on Nov. 29, 2017.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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2926372 | O'Brien | Mar 1960 | A |
3246354 | Cooney | Apr 1966 | A |
3747153 | O'Neill | Jul 1973 | A |
4364139 | Babb et al. | Dec 1982 | A |
5031263 | Babb | Jul 1991 | A |
5193242 | Irwin | Mar 1993 | A |
5309595 | Salecker et al. | May 1994 | A |
6009588 | Rutkowski | Jan 2000 | A |
20160175899 | Dunkin | Jun 2016 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20200230667 A1 | Jul 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15825237 | Nov 2017 | US |
Child | 16838151 | US |