Drain cleaning apparatus having remote power feed

Abstract

A drain cleaning apparatus comprises an auger for insertion into a drain pipe or conduit which is adapted to rupture or dislodge debris therein; a motorized drive for causing rotational motion of the auger, which motorized drive is associated with a receptacle for the storage and distribution of the auger therefrom; and a remote power feed device affixed to the motorized drive by a guide tube in which the auger is extended. The remote power feed selectively engages the external surface of the auger and translates the rotational movement of the auger caused by the motorized drive into lateral movement through the interaction of angularly mounted or threaded engagement means. A guide conduit is rotatably mounted within the guide tube, encircling the auger therein. The guide conduit is mounted to the rotatable auger containment receptacle and the motorized drive, but is freely rotatably displaced within the guide tube. The guide conduit is adapted to rotate in a synchronous fashion with the motorized drive, the rotatable auger containment receptacle and the auger itself. The guide conduit is further adapted to provide a reduction in the frictional interface between the auger and the inner surface of the guide tube. It terminates within the guide tube proximate to the remote power feed. The guide conduit may be constructed of any flexible material which is adapted to resist compression in the lateral or axial direction. It may be constructed of a flexible plastic tube, or, most preferably, a spring.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.