Drain cleaner cord retention system
AssigneeRidge Tool Company
InventorsScott Kruepke, Robert Skrjanc, Glen R. Chartier, Ben Azzam, Billy Yrad
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Electrical power supply cord retention systems are described. Also described are drain cleaning machines using such cord retention systems. In addition, methods of selectively retaining power cords in association with drain cleaning machines are described.
Claims23
An electrically powered machine comprising:
- an enclosure and a frame;
- an electric motor supported on the frame;
- an electrical power supply cord for providing electric power to the electric motor, wherein the cord defines a distal end at which is located an electrical plug;
- a selectively moveable member for actuating the machine, wherein the selectively movable member is positionable between a first position and a second position, wherein machine use is enabled at the second position, and wherein the selectively movable member includes a cord hold adapted to retain the electrical power supply cord when the selectively movable member is at the first position and release the cord when the member is at the second position.
A drain cleaning machine comprising:
- a frame assembly;
- an electric motor supported on the frame;
- an electrical power supply cord for providing electric power to the electric motor, the cord defining a distal end at which is located an electrical plug;
- a lever pivotally secured to the drain cleaning machine, the lever positionable between a first position and a second position at which machine use is enabled, the lever including a cord hold configured to retain the cord when the lever is at the first position and release the cord when the member is at the second position.
The drain cleaning machine of 14 wherein the cord hold is located within a length region 20% from the axis of pivotal securement of the lever to the machine.
A method for retaining and releasing an electrical power supply cord used in a drain cleaning machine, the machine including (i) an enclosure and frame defining an exterior surface and an interior region;
- (ii) an electric motor supported on the frame, (iii) an electrical power supply cord for providing electric power to the electric motor, the cord defining a distal end at which is located an electrical plug, and (iv) a selectively moveable member for actuating the drain cleaning machine, the member positionable between a first position and a second position in which machine use is enabled, the member including a cord hold adapted to retain the cord when the member is in the first position and release the cord when the member is in the second position, the method comprising:
- positioning the member in the first position;
- wrapping the cord between the cord hold and at least one other location on the drain cleaning machine to form a wound cord;
- positioning the member from the first position to the second position, thereby imparting slack into the wound cord and enabling release of the cord from the cord hold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.