US 10,646,906 B2Granted

Mechanism for retention of multiple apparatus on plumbing tools

AssigneeRidge Tool Company

InventorsAlex M. Cole, Jon R. Dunkin

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Abstract

A mechanism for securing multiple apparatus to a drain cleaning machine is described. The mechanism includes a bracket arranged on a frame of the drain cleaning machine. The bracket allows a drum and a feed mechanism to be removably secured to the frame. The bracket includes a base and pivotable latch. A drum bearing from the drum can be secured between the base and the latch when the latch is in a closed position. Mounting pins from the feed mechanism can be inserted into two bores in the bracket, and secured therein by plunger pins. One plunger pin is manually operated, to selectively lock the latch in the closed position, and to selectively secure one of the mounting pins in one of the bores. Another plunger pin is operated by pivoting of the latch, and functions to selectively secure the other mounting pin in the other bore.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A drain cleaning apparatus comprising:

a frame,
a bracket including,
a base arranged on the frame, the base including,
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,
a latch pivotably mounted on the base and movable between an open position and 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, and
a hinge pivotably connecting the latch to the base;
a drum rotatably and removably secured to the bracket and being rotatable about a rotation axis, the drum including a drum bearing,
a feed mechanism removably secured to the bracket, and that when actuated axially displaces a cable inwardly or outwardly of the drum, the feed mechanism including a first mounting pin and a second mounting pin,
wherein 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, and
wherein 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.

9 more elements

A drain cleaning apparatus comprising:

an integral structural component defining a base and a frame integral with the base;
a cable feed mechanism including at least two spaced-apart mounting pins, each defining a longitudinal axis and a respective peripheral depression, wherein the base defines at least two bores, dimensioned and axially aligned to receive the at least two mounting pins;
a drum mounted on the integral structural component and including a drum bearing rotatable about an axis relative to the structural component, the drum bearing defining an external surface of predetermined configuration;
a latch pivotally mounted on the base and having a surface configured to mate with the external surface of the drum bearing for securing the drum bearing against rotation relative to the integral structural component;
and
a plunger pin mounted on the latch, wherein 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, and wherein 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.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 15/825,237Filed 29 Nov 2017
Published: US 2019/0160499 A130 May 2019
Granted: 12 May 2020
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

B08B 9/045
Moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes: the cleaning devices being rotated while moved , e.g.…
B08B 9/051
Having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes , i.e. self-propelled: the cleaning devices having internal…
E03C 1/302
Devices to facilitate removing of obstructions in waste-pipes or sinks: using devices moved through the pipes
E03F 9/005
Cleaning sewer pipes by mechanical means: apparatus for simultaneously pushing and rotating a cleaning device carried by the leading end of a…