CA2124016C - Universal toilet fish with inflatable ending - Google Patents
Universal toilet fish with inflatable endingInfo
- Publication number
- CA2124016C CA2124016C CA 2124016 CA2124016A CA2124016C CA 2124016 C CA2124016 C CA 2124016C CA 2124016 CA2124016 CA 2124016 CA 2124016 A CA2124016 A CA 2124016A CA 2124016 C CA2124016 C CA 2124016C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flexible member
- plumber
- snake
- distal end
- sleeve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B9/00—Hand-held gripping tools other than those covered by group B25B7/00
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)
- Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
The aim of this invention is to provide universal toilet fish which will be able to remove all the objects which might fall into the toilet. At present not all the objects may be removed from the toilet bowl by means of the flexible spring.
Flexible spring has no means to attach itself to such an object like a small bottle or hockey puck. Therefore their removal becomes impossible. The only way of removing of such an object from the toilet bowl is to unscrew the toilet bowl, drain it from water, turn it upside down and shake hoping that the object will dislodge itself and fall off. With the old installations this often leads to damage to the tile file and damage to the lead connecting pipe increasing substantialy thecost of the repair. Universal toilet fish solves this problem. At the end of theflexible spring there is an inflatable baloon attached. This baloon is protected by the plastic cone which also facilitates its introduction into the toilet bowl. This baloon has a plastic pumping line which is lead in the center of the flexible spring to the crank of the flexible spring. On the crank this line is equipped with thebicycle valve. After the introduction of thus equipped flexible spring into the toilet bowl, the baloon must be inflated with the bicycle pump. The baloon expands closing the toilet bowl space chamber. By carefully withdrawing the flexible spring from the toilet bowl we remove all the objects trapped before the inflated baloon.
Flexible spring has no means to attach itself to such an object like a small bottle or hockey puck. Therefore their removal becomes impossible. The only way of removing of such an object from the toilet bowl is to unscrew the toilet bowl, drain it from water, turn it upside down and shake hoping that the object will dislodge itself and fall off. With the old installations this often leads to damage to the tile file and damage to the lead connecting pipe increasing substantialy thecost of the repair. Universal toilet fish solves this problem. At the end of theflexible spring there is an inflatable baloon attached. This baloon is protected by the plastic cone which also facilitates its introduction into the toilet bowl. This baloon has a plastic pumping line which is lead in the center of the flexible spring to the crank of the flexible spring. On the crank this line is equipped with thebicycle valve. After the introduction of thus equipped flexible spring into the toilet bowl, the baloon must be inflated with the bicycle pump. The baloon expands closing the toilet bowl space chamber. By carefully withdrawing the flexible spring from the toilet bowl we remove all the objects trapped before the inflated baloon.
Description
Patent Application of Robert Pludowski for PLUMBER SNAKE HAVING AN EXPANDABLE END SECTION
Back~round - Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of plumber snakes and is particularly concerned 10 with a plumber snake having an expandable end portion for facilitating the dislodgment of objects inside drains.
Back~round - Prior Art Plumber snakes are dcvices that are widely used to unclog drains. The conventional plumber snakes include an elongated flexible member typically made of coiled wires. The upper portion of the flexible member extends through a prehension sleeve. The upper end of the flexible member is attached to a handle. The handle is adapted to allow the user to move the flexible member relatively to the sleeve.
Optionally, the flexible member has a spiral tip attached to its lower end. In use, the lower end of the flexible member is pushed into the drain until it reaches the clogged region. While t~
21240t6 holding onto the sleeve with one hand, the user grasps the handle and uses the latter to move the flexible member to unclog the drain. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U. S. Patent 4,771,500 issued to Kovacs on Scptember 28, 1988 and in U. S. Patent 5,230,116 issued to Rodriguez on July 27, 1993.
Although efficient for working with drains that are moderately clogged with relatively soft material such as a mass of tissue paper or hair, the conventional plumber snake is relatively inefficient for removing relatively hard objects such as small bottles, hockey pucks, toothbrushes or the like, which sometimes fall into drains such as the conducts of a toilet.
When such an object is for example trapped in the toilet, the latter must be drained, unscrewed from the floor, and then turned upside down to dislodge the object. The operation is not only tiresome and time consuming but potentially harmful to both the floor and the seal between the toilet and its main drain.
Sl~mn~ry of the Invention Accordingly, it is an objcct of the present invention to provide an improved plumber snake. The plumber snake in accordance with the present invention will allow its user to dislodge 20 relatively hard objects clogged inside a drain. The plumber snake in accordance with the present invention is adapted to conform to conventional forms of manufacturing, be of simple construction and easy to use, as to provide a plumber snake that will be economically feasible, J~
long lasting and relatively trouble-free in operation.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a plumber snake COIllyliSillg a substantially elongated and cylindrical sleeve member, the sleeve member having a sleeve channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the sleeve member having a sleeve distal end and a sleeve proximal end; a substantially elongated and flexible member, the flexible member having a flexible member proximal end and a proximal member distal end; the flexible member extending through the sleeve channel and out of the sleeve channel at the sleeve distal end; a displacement means fixed to the flexible member proximal end for allowing manual displacement 10 of the flexible member relatively to the sleeve member; an expendable component fixed to the flexible member distal end; an actuating means linked to the expendable component for selectively allowing the expendable component to expend and to retract.
Preferably, the flexible member has a flexible member channel extending longitudinally therethrough; the achlating means includes a substantially elongated act-~ting means tr~n~mi~sion component extending through the flexible member channel for allowing an intended user to expend or retract the expendable component by performing an action adjacent the flexible member proximal end.
20In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the expendable member is an inflatable pouch made of substantially elastic material;
.~.
Conveniently, the inflatable pouch is made of an elastomeric material.
Preferrably, the inflatable pouch is hxed to the flexible member distal end by a fixing collar.
Conveniently, the expendable member is an inflatable pouch, the ~ctu~ting means transmission is a flexible tube, the flcxible tube having a tube proximal end and a tube distal end, the tube distal end being pneumatically coupled to the inflatable pouch.
Preferrably, the snake further comprises a pneumatic valve for selectively allowing though passage of a fluid in the tube, the valve being pneumatically coupled to the tube proximal end.
In accordance with a second cmbodiment of the invention, the expendable member is a meshed structure.
Preferrably, the meshed structure is made of a set of substantially rigid yet bendable wires, and the plumber snake furthcr comprises a meshed structure fixing collar attached to the flexible member distal end; an actuating collar; each of the wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to the mcshcd fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to the 20 actuating collar.
Conveniently, the wircs has a structurally weakened region located substantially midway ~t~
between the meshed structure fixing collar and the actuating collar. 2 1 2 4 0 1 6 Preferably, the expendable member is a meshed structure, the meshed structure is made of a set of substantially rigid yet bendable wires and the plumber snake further comprises a meshed structure fixing collar attached to the flexible member distal end; an actu~ting collar;
each of the wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to the meshed fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to the actuating collar, the actllatin& means transmission component is an actuating cable attached at one of its longitudinal end to the achl~ting collar and protruding at its opposed longitudinal end through the flexible member proximal end.
Conveniently, a grasping handle is attached to the longitudinal end of the açtuating cable that protrudes through the flexible member proximal end.
The present invention also relates to an expendable member adapted to be fixed to a plumber snake, the plumber snake comprising a substantially elongated and flexible member, the flexible member having a flexible member proximal end and a proximal member distal end; the flexible member extending through the sleeve channel and out of the sleeve channel at the sleeve distal end, the expendable member bcing adapted to be fixed to the flexible member distal end, the expendable member comprising an inflatable pouch made of substantially elastic material; a 20 flexible tube, the flexible tube having a tube proximal end and a tube distal end, the tube distal end being pneumatically coupled to the inflatable pouch, the tube extending through the flexible member channel for allowing an intendcd user to expend or retract the expendable component ~1~
~' by injecting a fluid into the pouch through the tube; a pneumatic valve for selectively allowing though passage of the fluid in thc tube, thc valve being pneumatically coupled to the tube proximal end.
Conveniently, the expendable member further comprises a substantially cone-shaped protective tip made of substantiall~ puncture resistant yet bendable material, the protective tip being fixed to a distal end portion of the pouch for protecting the latter against puncture.
The invention also relates to an expcndable member adapted to be fixed to a plumber 10 snake, the plumber snake comprising a substantially elongated and flexible member, the flexible member having a flexible member proximal end and a proximal member distal end; the flexible member extending through the sleeve channel and out of the sleeve channel at the sleeve distal end, the expendable member bcing adapted to be fixed to the flexible member distal end, the expendable member comprising: a meshed structure, the meshed structure being made of a set of substantially rigid yet bendable wires; a meshed structure fixing collar attached to the flexible member distal end; an actuating collar; each of the wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to the meshed fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to the ~ctll~ting collar;
an actuating cable attached at onc of its longitudinal end to the ~ct~l~ting collar and protruding at its opposed longitudinal cnd through the flexible member proximal end.
Conveniently the pouch of thc first embodiment of the snake further comprises a substantially cone-shaped protectivc tip made of substantially puncture resistant yet bendable material, the protective tip being fixed to a distal end portion of the pouch for protecting the latter against puncture.
Brief Description of the Drawin~s An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which:
~ IGURE 1: in an elevational view, illustrates a plumber snake in accordance with a first 10 embodiment of the present invention with a section of its sleeve partially broken away;
~IGURE 2: in a partial cross-sectional view, illustrates a plumber snake in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention having its flexible member inserted inside a toilet conduit;
~IGURE 3: in an elevational view, illustrates a plumber snake in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention with a section of its sleeve partially broken away. The expandable end section of the plumber snake is shown in a retracted configuration;
20 FIGURE 4: in an elevational view, illustrates a plumber snake in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention with a section of its sleeve partially broken away. The expandable end section of the plumber snake is shown in an expanded configuration.
r ~
Detailed Description Referring to figure 1, there is shown a plumber snake 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The plumber snake 10 has a generally elongated configuration. The plumber snake lO comprises an elongated, hollow and substantially flexible member 12. The member 12 is preferably made of a closely coiled wire or the like.
The member 12 defines a channel 14 extending longitudinally therethrough. The member 12 has a member proximal end 16 and a member distal end 18.
A proximal section of the member 12 extends through a substantially rigid sleeve 20. The sleeve 20 has a substantially cylindrical configuration. The sleeve 20 has a sleeve proximal end 22 and a sleeve distal end 24.
A rotating plate 26 is rotatably mounted on the sleeve proximal end 22. The rotating plate 26 is mounted on the sleeve 20 to rotatc about a longitudinal axis of the latter.
A handle bar 28 is mounted on the pivoting plate 26. The member proximal end 16 is attached to the pivoting plate 26. The handle bar 28 and the rotating plate 26 are adapted to allow 20 manual rotation of the flexible member 12 about its longitudinal axis.
It should be understood that the plumber snake as described to this point substantially ~, - 21 2~01 ~6 corresponds to a conventional plumber snake. It should also be understood that the present invention could also be used with other types of conventional plumber snakes such as plumber snakes wherein the flexible member slidably translates inside the rigid sleeve instead of rotating about its longitudinal axis without departing from the scope of the present invention.
One of the main features of the present invention resides in the presence of an expandable component 30 at the distal end 18 of the flexible member 12. The expandable component 30 can either be sold in the form of an adapter which can be fixed to conventional plumber snakes or it can be initially incorporated with the plumber snake.
The expandable component 30 is releasably attached to the member distal end 18 by an :~n~chment collar 32. The ~tt~chment collar 32 includes a ring 34 fitted over the member distal end 18. The ring 34 has an attachment aperture 36 extending radially therethrough. The attachment collar 32 also includes a fixing screw threadaly inserted into the attachment aperture 36. The distal end of the fixing screw is adapted to frictionally abut against the member distal end 18 for releasably fixing the collar 32 to the flexible member 12.
It should be understood that other types of fixing means such as a fixing collar welded, glued or otherwise attached to the flexible member 12 could be used without departing from the 20 scope of the present invention.
In the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the expandable component 30 takes the ~. ' form of an inflatable pouch 38.Thc pouch 38 has an open neck 40 and an opposed pouch distal end 41. When the pouch 38is in its dcflatcd and thus retracted configuration, as illustrated in full lines in figure 1, the pouch 38 prcfcrably has a generally conical and elongated configuration.
The pouch 38is preferably madc of a substantially elastic material such as an elastomer.
A substantially cone-shaped protectivc tip mcmber 42 is preferably fixed over the pouched distal end 41. The tip member 42 is typically adhcsively fixed to the pouch 38 by a layer of suitable adhesive material positioned betwccn the tip member 42 and the pouch 38.
The neck 40 of the pouch 38is pneumatically coupled to an air conduit 44. The conduit 44 extends through the channel 14 from the neck 40 to a valve 46. The conduit 44 is made of a substantially flexible material such as a conventional polymeric resin.
The valve 46 protrudcs through the rotating plate 26. The valve 46 is adapted to selectively control the flow of air into and out of the pouch 38 through the conduit 44. The air flowing through the valve, through the air conduit and into the pouch 38is adapted to expand the latter to an expanded configuration illustrated in phantom lines in figure 1. Conversely, air flowing out of the pouch is adaptcd to retract the pouch 38 to its retracted configuration illustrated in full lines in figurc l.
In use, the plumbcr snakc l() can bc used with its expandable component 30 either in its expanded configuration or in its contractcd configuration.
When the expandable component 30 is in its contracted configuration, the plumber snake 10 is used substantially like a conventional plumber snake. The member distal end 18 with the attached expandable component 30 are first pushed into the drain.
Once the distal end 18 with the attached expandable component 30 have reached the clogged region, the user grips the sleeve 20 with one hand and uses the other to rotate the handle bar 28 and thus the pivoting plate 28 relatively to the sleeve 20. Since the member proximal end 16 is ~ttached to the pivoting plate 26, rotation of the handle bar 28 causes the member 12 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The rotation of the member 12 typically unclogs moderately 10 clogged drains and enhances the displacement of accumulations of sludge and/or other types forming in the drain that restrain its diameter.
As mentioned previously, in some instances, for example when a relatively rigid object such as a small bottle, a toothbrush or the like is clogging the drain, it becomes virtually impossible for a conventional plumber snake to work efficiently.
An example of such a situation is illustrated schematically in figure 2. Figure 2 shows a relatively hard object, in the form of a chicken bone B that is stuck between the walls of the toilet siphon S of a conventional toilet T drain and thus clogs the latter.
To remove such an object, the pouch 38 in its retracted configuration is first pushed into the siphon drain S until it clears the bone B. During insertion, the protective tip member 42 is ~'' adapted to prevent potentially sharp edges of an object from puncturing the pouch 38. The protective tip member 42 is also adapted to facilitate insertion of the pouch 38 since it provides a substantially hydrodynamical surface.
Once the pouch 38 has rcached the position located beyond the object B, a source of pressurized air such as conventional bicycle pump is pneumatically connected to the valve 46.
The source of pressurized air then pumps the air into the valve 46, into the conduit 44 and into the pouch 38, as schematized by the arrow R. The pressurized air inside the pouch 38 inflates the latter.
The pouch 38 is preferably inflated until its forming membrane abuttingly contacts the inner surface of the siphon drain, in this case the siphon drain S, which needs to be unclogged.
Once the pouch 38 is properly inflated, the user pulls the snake 10 out of the drain. As the pouch 38 is being pulled out, it dislodges the bone B and drags it out of the drain.
Figures 3 and 4 illustratc a plumber snake 10' in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The plumbcr snake 10' has a generally elongated configuration. The plumber snake 10' compriscs an elongated, hollow and substantially flexible member 12'. The 20 member 12' is preferably madc of a closely coiled wire or the like.
The member 12' defines a channcl 14' extending longitudinally therethrough. The member i~, ~, ,;~, .
12' has a member proximal end 16' and a member distal end 18'.
A proximal section of the member 12' extends through a substantially rigid sleeve 20'. The sleeve 20' has a substantially cylindrical configuration. The sleeve 20' has a sleeve proximal end 22' and a sleeve distal end (not shown).
A rotating plate 26' is rotatably mounted on the sleeve proximal end 22'. The rotating plate 26' is mounted on the sleeve 20' to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the latter.
A handle bar 28' is mounted on the pivoting plate 26'. The member proximal end 16' is attached to the pivoting plate 26'. The handle bar 28' and the rotating plate 26' are adapted to allow manual rotation of the flexible member 12' about its longitudinal axis.
It should be understood that the plumber snake as described to this point substantially corresponds to a conventional plumber snake. It should also be understood that the present invention could also be used with other types of conventional plumber snakes such as plumber snakes wherein the flexible member slidably translates inside the rigid sleeve instead of rotating about its longitudinal axis without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As with the previous embodiment, one of the main features resides in the presence of an expandable component 30' at the distal end 18' of the flexible member 12'. The expandable component 30' can either be sold in the form of an adapter that can be fixed to conventional .
plumber snakes or it can be initially incorporated with the plumber snake.
The expandable component 30' is releasably attached to the member distal end 18' by an attachment collar 32'. The attachment collar 3 '' includes a ring 34' fitted over the member distal end 18'. The ring 34' has an attachment aperture 36' extending radially therethrough. The attachment collar 32' also includcs a fixing screw threadaly inserted into the attachment apellule 36'.
As with the previous embodiment, it should be understood that other types of fixing 10 means such as a fixing collar weldcd, glued or otherwise attached to the flexible member 12' could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The main difference betwccn the plumber snake 10 and the plumber snake 10' resides in the type of expandable componcnt. Whilc the expandable component 30 is formed by an inflatable pouch 38, the expandablc component 30' is formed by a meshed structure. The meshed structure is itself formed by flexiblc wires 48.
Each wire 48 has a proximal end and a distal end. Each wire 48 is fixed as it proximal end to the attachment collar 32'. Each wire 48 is fixed at its proximal end to the fixing ring 34' 20 and at its distal end to a tensioning ring 5(). The wires 48 are symmetrically disposed around both the fixing ring 34 and the tensioning ring 50.
~F
2t24016 The wires 48 are preferably formed of a substantially rigid yet bendable material such as a metallic alloy, stainless steel, or the like. Each wire 48 is preferably manufactured with a structurally weakened area A located substantially midway between the fixing ring 34' and the tensioning ring 50. The weakened area a is configured to facilitate bending of the wires 48 about the weakened area.
A tensioning cable 52 is attached at its distal end to the tensioning ring 50. The tensioning cable 52 extends longitudinally through the tensioning ring 50. A bulging structure 54 extending integrally from the tensioning cable 52 prevents the latter from retracting from the 10 tensioning ring 50. It should be understood that the distal end of the tensioning cable 52 could be attached to the tensioning ring 50 in many other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The tensioning cable 52 extends through the meshed structure, through the ~tt~c~lment collar 32', through the channel 14', through the sleeve 20' and through the pivoting plate 26'. The proximal end of the tensioning cable 52 protrudes through the pivoting plate 26'.
A grasping handle 55 is attached to the proximal end of the tensioning cable 52. In one method of fixing the grasping handle 55 to the proximal end of the tensioning cable 52, the latter 20 is provided with an external thread 56. The grasping handle 55 is provided with a corresponding treaded recess for threadaly fixing the grasping handle 55 to the tensioning cable 52.
.
As with the previously described embodiment, in use, the plumber snake 10' can be used with its expandable component 30' either in its expanded configuration or in its contracted configuration.
When the expandable componcnt 30' is in its contracted configuration, the plumber snake 10' is used substantially similarly like a conventional plumber snake. The member distal end 18' with the attached expandable component 30' are first pushed into the drain. Once the distal end 18' with the attached expandable component 30' have reached the clogged region, the user grips 10 the sleeve 20' with one hand and uses the other to rotate the handle bar 28' and thus the pivoting plate 28' relatively to the sleeve 20'.
Since the member proximal cnd 16' is attached to the pivoting plate 26', rotation of the handle bar 28' causes the member 12' to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The rotation of the member 12' typically unclogs moderately clogged drains and enhances the displacement of accumulations of sludge and/or other types forming in the drain which restrain its diameter.
As mentioned previously, in some instances, for example when a relatively rigid object such as a small bottle, a toothbrush or the like is clogging the drain, it becomes virtually 20 impossible for a conventional plumber snake to work efficiently.
An example of such a situation is illustrated schematically in figure 2. Figure 2 shows a relatively hard object, in the form of a chicken bone B that is stuck between the walls of the toilet siphon S of a conventional toilet T drain and thus clogs the latter. Although figure 2 illustrates a plumber snake 10 in accordance with the previously described embodiment, it should be understood that the bone B could also be dislodged using the plumber snake 10', as will be hereinafter described.
To remove such an object, the meshed structure in its retracted configuration is first pushed into the siphon drain S until it clears the bone B. Once the meshed structure has reached the position located beyond the object B, the intended user pulls on the grasping handle 55 with one hand while holding unto the sleeve 20' with the other hand.
The pulling action is schematically symbolized by the arrow P in figure 4. As can be seen, the pulling action causes the tensioning cable 52 to which the grasping handle 54 is attached to slide relatively to the sleeve 20', the ~tt~chment collar 32' and the meshed structure.
Since the distal end of the tensioning cable 52 is attached to the tensioning ring 50, the pulling action causes the latter to be pulled towards the ~tt~chment ring 34'.
In tum, the movement of the tensioning ring 50 towards the attachment ring 34' causes the flexible wires 48 to bend outwardly about their respective weakened area A, as illustrated in figure 4. The bending of the flexible wires 48 causes the expendable component 30' to take-up its expanded configuration.
~P
-The expendable component 30' is preferably expanded until its flexible wires 48 abuttingly contacts the inner surfacc of the siphon drain, in this case the siphon drain S, which needs to be unclogged.
Once the expendable componcnt 30' is properly expended, the user pulls the snake 10' out of the drain. As the the expendablc component 30' is being pulled out, it dislodges the bone B
and drags it out of the drain.
Back~round - Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of plumber snakes and is particularly concerned 10 with a plumber snake having an expandable end portion for facilitating the dislodgment of objects inside drains.
Back~round - Prior Art Plumber snakes are dcvices that are widely used to unclog drains. The conventional plumber snakes include an elongated flexible member typically made of coiled wires. The upper portion of the flexible member extends through a prehension sleeve. The upper end of the flexible member is attached to a handle. The handle is adapted to allow the user to move the flexible member relatively to the sleeve.
Optionally, the flexible member has a spiral tip attached to its lower end. In use, the lower end of the flexible member is pushed into the drain until it reaches the clogged region. While t~
21240t6 holding onto the sleeve with one hand, the user grasps the handle and uses the latter to move the flexible member to unclog the drain. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U. S. Patent 4,771,500 issued to Kovacs on Scptember 28, 1988 and in U. S. Patent 5,230,116 issued to Rodriguez on July 27, 1993.
Although efficient for working with drains that are moderately clogged with relatively soft material such as a mass of tissue paper or hair, the conventional plumber snake is relatively inefficient for removing relatively hard objects such as small bottles, hockey pucks, toothbrushes or the like, which sometimes fall into drains such as the conducts of a toilet.
When such an object is for example trapped in the toilet, the latter must be drained, unscrewed from the floor, and then turned upside down to dislodge the object. The operation is not only tiresome and time consuming but potentially harmful to both the floor and the seal between the toilet and its main drain.
Sl~mn~ry of the Invention Accordingly, it is an objcct of the present invention to provide an improved plumber snake. The plumber snake in accordance with the present invention will allow its user to dislodge 20 relatively hard objects clogged inside a drain. The plumber snake in accordance with the present invention is adapted to conform to conventional forms of manufacturing, be of simple construction and easy to use, as to provide a plumber snake that will be economically feasible, J~
long lasting and relatively trouble-free in operation.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a plumber snake COIllyliSillg a substantially elongated and cylindrical sleeve member, the sleeve member having a sleeve channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the sleeve member having a sleeve distal end and a sleeve proximal end; a substantially elongated and flexible member, the flexible member having a flexible member proximal end and a proximal member distal end; the flexible member extending through the sleeve channel and out of the sleeve channel at the sleeve distal end; a displacement means fixed to the flexible member proximal end for allowing manual displacement 10 of the flexible member relatively to the sleeve member; an expendable component fixed to the flexible member distal end; an actuating means linked to the expendable component for selectively allowing the expendable component to expend and to retract.
Preferably, the flexible member has a flexible member channel extending longitudinally therethrough; the achlating means includes a substantially elongated act-~ting means tr~n~mi~sion component extending through the flexible member channel for allowing an intended user to expend or retract the expendable component by performing an action adjacent the flexible member proximal end.
20In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the expendable member is an inflatable pouch made of substantially elastic material;
.~.
Conveniently, the inflatable pouch is made of an elastomeric material.
Preferrably, the inflatable pouch is hxed to the flexible member distal end by a fixing collar.
Conveniently, the expendable member is an inflatable pouch, the ~ctu~ting means transmission is a flexible tube, the flcxible tube having a tube proximal end and a tube distal end, the tube distal end being pneumatically coupled to the inflatable pouch.
Preferrably, the snake further comprises a pneumatic valve for selectively allowing though passage of a fluid in the tube, the valve being pneumatically coupled to the tube proximal end.
In accordance with a second cmbodiment of the invention, the expendable member is a meshed structure.
Preferrably, the meshed structure is made of a set of substantially rigid yet bendable wires, and the plumber snake furthcr comprises a meshed structure fixing collar attached to the flexible member distal end; an actuating collar; each of the wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to the mcshcd fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to the 20 actuating collar.
Conveniently, the wircs has a structurally weakened region located substantially midway ~t~
between the meshed structure fixing collar and the actuating collar. 2 1 2 4 0 1 6 Preferably, the expendable member is a meshed structure, the meshed structure is made of a set of substantially rigid yet bendable wires and the plumber snake further comprises a meshed structure fixing collar attached to the flexible member distal end; an actu~ting collar;
each of the wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to the meshed fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to the actuating collar, the actllatin& means transmission component is an actuating cable attached at one of its longitudinal end to the achl~ting collar and protruding at its opposed longitudinal end through the flexible member proximal end.
Conveniently, a grasping handle is attached to the longitudinal end of the açtuating cable that protrudes through the flexible member proximal end.
The present invention also relates to an expendable member adapted to be fixed to a plumber snake, the plumber snake comprising a substantially elongated and flexible member, the flexible member having a flexible member proximal end and a proximal member distal end; the flexible member extending through the sleeve channel and out of the sleeve channel at the sleeve distal end, the expendable member bcing adapted to be fixed to the flexible member distal end, the expendable member comprising an inflatable pouch made of substantially elastic material; a 20 flexible tube, the flexible tube having a tube proximal end and a tube distal end, the tube distal end being pneumatically coupled to the inflatable pouch, the tube extending through the flexible member channel for allowing an intendcd user to expend or retract the expendable component ~1~
~' by injecting a fluid into the pouch through the tube; a pneumatic valve for selectively allowing though passage of the fluid in thc tube, thc valve being pneumatically coupled to the tube proximal end.
Conveniently, the expendable member further comprises a substantially cone-shaped protective tip made of substantiall~ puncture resistant yet bendable material, the protective tip being fixed to a distal end portion of the pouch for protecting the latter against puncture.
The invention also relates to an expcndable member adapted to be fixed to a plumber 10 snake, the plumber snake comprising a substantially elongated and flexible member, the flexible member having a flexible member proximal end and a proximal member distal end; the flexible member extending through the sleeve channel and out of the sleeve channel at the sleeve distal end, the expendable member bcing adapted to be fixed to the flexible member distal end, the expendable member comprising: a meshed structure, the meshed structure being made of a set of substantially rigid yet bendable wires; a meshed structure fixing collar attached to the flexible member distal end; an actuating collar; each of the wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to the meshed fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to the ~ctll~ting collar;
an actuating cable attached at onc of its longitudinal end to the ~ct~l~ting collar and protruding at its opposed longitudinal cnd through the flexible member proximal end.
Conveniently the pouch of thc first embodiment of the snake further comprises a substantially cone-shaped protectivc tip made of substantially puncture resistant yet bendable material, the protective tip being fixed to a distal end portion of the pouch for protecting the latter against puncture.
Brief Description of the Drawin~s An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which:
~ IGURE 1: in an elevational view, illustrates a plumber snake in accordance with a first 10 embodiment of the present invention with a section of its sleeve partially broken away;
~IGURE 2: in a partial cross-sectional view, illustrates a plumber snake in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention having its flexible member inserted inside a toilet conduit;
~IGURE 3: in an elevational view, illustrates a plumber snake in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention with a section of its sleeve partially broken away. The expandable end section of the plumber snake is shown in a retracted configuration;
20 FIGURE 4: in an elevational view, illustrates a plumber snake in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention with a section of its sleeve partially broken away. The expandable end section of the plumber snake is shown in an expanded configuration.
r ~
Detailed Description Referring to figure 1, there is shown a plumber snake 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The plumber snake 10 has a generally elongated configuration. The plumber snake lO comprises an elongated, hollow and substantially flexible member 12. The member 12 is preferably made of a closely coiled wire or the like.
The member 12 defines a channel 14 extending longitudinally therethrough. The member 12 has a member proximal end 16 and a member distal end 18.
A proximal section of the member 12 extends through a substantially rigid sleeve 20. The sleeve 20 has a substantially cylindrical configuration. The sleeve 20 has a sleeve proximal end 22 and a sleeve distal end 24.
A rotating plate 26 is rotatably mounted on the sleeve proximal end 22. The rotating plate 26 is mounted on the sleeve 20 to rotatc about a longitudinal axis of the latter.
A handle bar 28 is mounted on the pivoting plate 26. The member proximal end 16 is attached to the pivoting plate 26. The handle bar 28 and the rotating plate 26 are adapted to allow 20 manual rotation of the flexible member 12 about its longitudinal axis.
It should be understood that the plumber snake as described to this point substantially ~, - 21 2~01 ~6 corresponds to a conventional plumber snake. It should also be understood that the present invention could also be used with other types of conventional plumber snakes such as plumber snakes wherein the flexible member slidably translates inside the rigid sleeve instead of rotating about its longitudinal axis without departing from the scope of the present invention.
One of the main features of the present invention resides in the presence of an expandable component 30 at the distal end 18 of the flexible member 12. The expandable component 30 can either be sold in the form of an adapter which can be fixed to conventional plumber snakes or it can be initially incorporated with the plumber snake.
The expandable component 30 is releasably attached to the member distal end 18 by an :~n~chment collar 32. The ~tt~chment collar 32 includes a ring 34 fitted over the member distal end 18. The ring 34 has an attachment aperture 36 extending radially therethrough. The attachment collar 32 also includes a fixing screw threadaly inserted into the attachment aperture 36. The distal end of the fixing screw is adapted to frictionally abut against the member distal end 18 for releasably fixing the collar 32 to the flexible member 12.
It should be understood that other types of fixing means such as a fixing collar welded, glued or otherwise attached to the flexible member 12 could be used without departing from the 20 scope of the present invention.
In the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the expandable component 30 takes the ~. ' form of an inflatable pouch 38.Thc pouch 38 has an open neck 40 and an opposed pouch distal end 41. When the pouch 38is in its dcflatcd and thus retracted configuration, as illustrated in full lines in figure 1, the pouch 38 prcfcrably has a generally conical and elongated configuration.
The pouch 38is preferably madc of a substantially elastic material such as an elastomer.
A substantially cone-shaped protectivc tip mcmber 42 is preferably fixed over the pouched distal end 41. The tip member 42 is typically adhcsively fixed to the pouch 38 by a layer of suitable adhesive material positioned betwccn the tip member 42 and the pouch 38.
The neck 40 of the pouch 38is pneumatically coupled to an air conduit 44. The conduit 44 extends through the channel 14 from the neck 40 to a valve 46. The conduit 44 is made of a substantially flexible material such as a conventional polymeric resin.
The valve 46 protrudcs through the rotating plate 26. The valve 46 is adapted to selectively control the flow of air into and out of the pouch 38 through the conduit 44. The air flowing through the valve, through the air conduit and into the pouch 38is adapted to expand the latter to an expanded configuration illustrated in phantom lines in figure 1. Conversely, air flowing out of the pouch is adaptcd to retract the pouch 38 to its retracted configuration illustrated in full lines in figurc l.
In use, the plumbcr snakc l() can bc used with its expandable component 30 either in its expanded configuration or in its contractcd configuration.
When the expandable component 30 is in its contracted configuration, the plumber snake 10 is used substantially like a conventional plumber snake. The member distal end 18 with the attached expandable component 30 are first pushed into the drain.
Once the distal end 18 with the attached expandable component 30 have reached the clogged region, the user grips the sleeve 20 with one hand and uses the other to rotate the handle bar 28 and thus the pivoting plate 28 relatively to the sleeve 20. Since the member proximal end 16 is ~ttached to the pivoting plate 26, rotation of the handle bar 28 causes the member 12 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The rotation of the member 12 typically unclogs moderately 10 clogged drains and enhances the displacement of accumulations of sludge and/or other types forming in the drain that restrain its diameter.
As mentioned previously, in some instances, for example when a relatively rigid object such as a small bottle, a toothbrush or the like is clogging the drain, it becomes virtually impossible for a conventional plumber snake to work efficiently.
An example of such a situation is illustrated schematically in figure 2. Figure 2 shows a relatively hard object, in the form of a chicken bone B that is stuck between the walls of the toilet siphon S of a conventional toilet T drain and thus clogs the latter.
To remove such an object, the pouch 38 in its retracted configuration is first pushed into the siphon drain S until it clears the bone B. During insertion, the protective tip member 42 is ~'' adapted to prevent potentially sharp edges of an object from puncturing the pouch 38. The protective tip member 42 is also adapted to facilitate insertion of the pouch 38 since it provides a substantially hydrodynamical surface.
Once the pouch 38 has rcached the position located beyond the object B, a source of pressurized air such as conventional bicycle pump is pneumatically connected to the valve 46.
The source of pressurized air then pumps the air into the valve 46, into the conduit 44 and into the pouch 38, as schematized by the arrow R. The pressurized air inside the pouch 38 inflates the latter.
The pouch 38 is preferably inflated until its forming membrane abuttingly contacts the inner surface of the siphon drain, in this case the siphon drain S, which needs to be unclogged.
Once the pouch 38 is properly inflated, the user pulls the snake 10 out of the drain. As the pouch 38 is being pulled out, it dislodges the bone B and drags it out of the drain.
Figures 3 and 4 illustratc a plumber snake 10' in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The plumbcr snake 10' has a generally elongated configuration. The plumber snake 10' compriscs an elongated, hollow and substantially flexible member 12'. The 20 member 12' is preferably madc of a closely coiled wire or the like.
The member 12' defines a channcl 14' extending longitudinally therethrough. The member i~, ~, ,;~, .
12' has a member proximal end 16' and a member distal end 18'.
A proximal section of the member 12' extends through a substantially rigid sleeve 20'. The sleeve 20' has a substantially cylindrical configuration. The sleeve 20' has a sleeve proximal end 22' and a sleeve distal end (not shown).
A rotating plate 26' is rotatably mounted on the sleeve proximal end 22'. The rotating plate 26' is mounted on the sleeve 20' to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the latter.
A handle bar 28' is mounted on the pivoting plate 26'. The member proximal end 16' is attached to the pivoting plate 26'. The handle bar 28' and the rotating plate 26' are adapted to allow manual rotation of the flexible member 12' about its longitudinal axis.
It should be understood that the plumber snake as described to this point substantially corresponds to a conventional plumber snake. It should also be understood that the present invention could also be used with other types of conventional plumber snakes such as plumber snakes wherein the flexible member slidably translates inside the rigid sleeve instead of rotating about its longitudinal axis without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As with the previous embodiment, one of the main features resides in the presence of an expandable component 30' at the distal end 18' of the flexible member 12'. The expandable component 30' can either be sold in the form of an adapter that can be fixed to conventional .
plumber snakes or it can be initially incorporated with the plumber snake.
The expandable component 30' is releasably attached to the member distal end 18' by an attachment collar 32'. The attachment collar 3 '' includes a ring 34' fitted over the member distal end 18'. The ring 34' has an attachment aperture 36' extending radially therethrough. The attachment collar 32' also includcs a fixing screw threadaly inserted into the attachment apellule 36'.
As with the previous embodiment, it should be understood that other types of fixing 10 means such as a fixing collar weldcd, glued or otherwise attached to the flexible member 12' could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The main difference betwccn the plumber snake 10 and the plumber snake 10' resides in the type of expandable componcnt. Whilc the expandable component 30 is formed by an inflatable pouch 38, the expandablc component 30' is formed by a meshed structure. The meshed structure is itself formed by flexiblc wires 48.
Each wire 48 has a proximal end and a distal end. Each wire 48 is fixed as it proximal end to the attachment collar 32'. Each wire 48 is fixed at its proximal end to the fixing ring 34' 20 and at its distal end to a tensioning ring 5(). The wires 48 are symmetrically disposed around both the fixing ring 34 and the tensioning ring 50.
~F
2t24016 The wires 48 are preferably formed of a substantially rigid yet bendable material such as a metallic alloy, stainless steel, or the like. Each wire 48 is preferably manufactured with a structurally weakened area A located substantially midway between the fixing ring 34' and the tensioning ring 50. The weakened area a is configured to facilitate bending of the wires 48 about the weakened area.
A tensioning cable 52 is attached at its distal end to the tensioning ring 50. The tensioning cable 52 extends longitudinally through the tensioning ring 50. A bulging structure 54 extending integrally from the tensioning cable 52 prevents the latter from retracting from the 10 tensioning ring 50. It should be understood that the distal end of the tensioning cable 52 could be attached to the tensioning ring 50 in many other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The tensioning cable 52 extends through the meshed structure, through the ~tt~c~lment collar 32', through the channel 14', through the sleeve 20' and through the pivoting plate 26'. The proximal end of the tensioning cable 52 protrudes through the pivoting plate 26'.
A grasping handle 55 is attached to the proximal end of the tensioning cable 52. In one method of fixing the grasping handle 55 to the proximal end of the tensioning cable 52, the latter 20 is provided with an external thread 56. The grasping handle 55 is provided with a corresponding treaded recess for threadaly fixing the grasping handle 55 to the tensioning cable 52.
.
As with the previously described embodiment, in use, the plumber snake 10' can be used with its expandable component 30' either in its expanded configuration or in its contracted configuration.
When the expandable componcnt 30' is in its contracted configuration, the plumber snake 10' is used substantially similarly like a conventional plumber snake. The member distal end 18' with the attached expandable component 30' are first pushed into the drain. Once the distal end 18' with the attached expandable component 30' have reached the clogged region, the user grips 10 the sleeve 20' with one hand and uses the other to rotate the handle bar 28' and thus the pivoting plate 28' relatively to the sleeve 20'.
Since the member proximal cnd 16' is attached to the pivoting plate 26', rotation of the handle bar 28' causes the member 12' to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The rotation of the member 12' typically unclogs moderately clogged drains and enhances the displacement of accumulations of sludge and/or other types forming in the drain which restrain its diameter.
As mentioned previously, in some instances, for example when a relatively rigid object such as a small bottle, a toothbrush or the like is clogging the drain, it becomes virtually 20 impossible for a conventional plumber snake to work efficiently.
An example of such a situation is illustrated schematically in figure 2. Figure 2 shows a relatively hard object, in the form of a chicken bone B that is stuck between the walls of the toilet siphon S of a conventional toilet T drain and thus clogs the latter. Although figure 2 illustrates a plumber snake 10 in accordance with the previously described embodiment, it should be understood that the bone B could also be dislodged using the plumber snake 10', as will be hereinafter described.
To remove such an object, the meshed structure in its retracted configuration is first pushed into the siphon drain S until it clears the bone B. Once the meshed structure has reached the position located beyond the object B, the intended user pulls on the grasping handle 55 with one hand while holding unto the sleeve 20' with the other hand.
The pulling action is schematically symbolized by the arrow P in figure 4. As can be seen, the pulling action causes the tensioning cable 52 to which the grasping handle 54 is attached to slide relatively to the sleeve 20', the ~tt~chment collar 32' and the meshed structure.
Since the distal end of the tensioning cable 52 is attached to the tensioning ring 50, the pulling action causes the latter to be pulled towards the ~tt~chment ring 34'.
In tum, the movement of the tensioning ring 50 towards the attachment ring 34' causes the flexible wires 48 to bend outwardly about their respective weakened area A, as illustrated in figure 4. The bending of the flexible wires 48 causes the expendable component 30' to take-up its expanded configuration.
~P
-The expendable component 30' is preferably expanded until its flexible wires 48 abuttingly contacts the inner surfacc of the siphon drain, in this case the siphon drain S, which needs to be unclogged.
Once the expendable componcnt 30' is properly expended, the user pulls the snake 10' out of the drain. As the the expendablc component 30' is being pulled out, it dislodges the bone B
and drags it out of the drain.
Claims (16)
1. A plumber snake comprising:
- a substantially elongated and cylindrical sleeve member, said sleeve member having a sleeve channel extending longitudinally therethrough, said sleeve member having a sleeve distal end and a sleeve proximal end;
- a substantially elongated and flexible member, said flexible member having a flexible member proximal end and a proximal member distal end; said flexible member extending through said sleeve channel and out of said sleeve channel at said sleeve distal end;
- a displacement means fixed to said flexible member proximal end for allowing manual displacement of said flexible member relatively to said sleeve member;
- an expendable component fixed to said flexible member distal end;
- an actuating means linked to said expendable component for selectively allowing said expendable component to expend and to retract.
- a substantially elongated and cylindrical sleeve member, said sleeve member having a sleeve channel extending longitudinally therethrough, said sleeve member having a sleeve distal end and a sleeve proximal end;
- a substantially elongated and flexible member, said flexible member having a flexible member proximal end and a proximal member distal end; said flexible member extending through said sleeve channel and out of said sleeve channel at said sleeve distal end;
- a displacement means fixed to said flexible member proximal end for allowing manual displacement of said flexible member relatively to said sleeve member;
- an expendable component fixed to said flexible member distal end;
- an actuating means linked to said expendable component for selectively allowing said expendable component to expend and to retract.
2. A plumber snake as recited in claim 1, wherein - said flexible member has a flexible member channel extending longitudinally therethrough;
- said actuating means includes a substantially elongated actuating means transmission component extending through said flexible member channel for allowing an intended user to expend or retract said expendable component by performing an action adjacent said flexible member proximal end.
- said actuating means includes a substantially elongated actuating means transmission component extending through said flexible member channel for allowing an intended user to expend or retract said expendable component by performing an action adjacent said flexible member proximal end.
3. A plumber snake as recited in claim 1 wherein said expendable member is an inflatable pouch made of substantially elastic material;
4. A plumber snake as recited in claim 3 wherein said inflatable pouch is made of an elastomeric material.
5. A plumber snake as recited in claim 3 wherein said inflatable pouch is fixed to said flexible member distal end by a fixing collar.
6. A plumber snake as recited in claim 2, wherein - said expendable member is an inflatable pouch, - said actuating means transmission is a flexible tube, said flexible tube having a tube proximal end and a tube distal end, said tube distal end being pneumatically coupled to said inflatable pouch.
7. A plumber snake as recited in claim 6, further comprising a pneumatic valve for selectively allowing though passage of a fluid in said tube, said valve being pneumatically coupled to said tube proximal end.
8. A plumber snake as recited in claim 1, wherein said expendable member is a meshed structure.
9. A plumber snake as recited in claim 8, wherein said meshed structure is made of a set of substantially rigid yet bendable wires, said plumber snake further comprising - a meshed structure fixing collar attached to said flexible member distal end;
- an actuating collar;
each of said wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to said meshed fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to said actuating collar.
- an actuating collar;
each of said wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to said meshed fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to said actuating collar.
10. A plumber snake as recited in claim 9, wherein each of said wires has a structurally weakened region located substantially midway between said meshed structure fixing collar and said actuating collar.
11. A plumber snake as recited in claim 2, wherein said expendable member is a meshed structure, said meshed structure is made of a set of substantially rigid yet bendable wires and said plumber snake further comprises a meshed structure fixing collar attached to said flexible member distal end; an actuating collar; each of said wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to said meshed fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to said actuating collar, said actuating means transmission component is an actuating cable attached at one of its longitudinal end to said actuating collar and protruding at its opposed longitudinal end through said flexible member proximal end.
12. A plumber snake as recited in claim 11, wherein a grasping handle is attached to said longitudinal end of said actuating cable that protrudes through said flexible member proximal end.
13. An expendable member adapted to be fixed to a plumber snake, said plumber snake comprising a substantially elongated and flexible member, said flexible member having a flexible member proximal end and a proximal member distal end; said flexible member extending through said sleeve channel and out of said sleeve channel at said sleeve distal end, said expendable member being adapted to be fixed to said flexible member distal end, said expendable member comprising:
- an inflatable pouch made of substantially elastic material;
- a flexible tube, said flexible tube having a tube proximal end and a tube distal end, said tube distal end being pneumatically coupled to said inflatable pouch, said tube extending through said flexible member channel for allowing an intended user to expend or retract said expendable component by injecting a fluid into said pouch through said tube;
- a pneumatic valve for selectively allowing though passage of said fluid in said tube, said valve being pneumatically coupled to said tube proximal end.
- an inflatable pouch made of substantially elastic material;
- a flexible tube, said flexible tube having a tube proximal end and a tube distal end, said tube distal end being pneumatically coupled to said inflatable pouch, said tube extending through said flexible member channel for allowing an intended user to expend or retract said expendable component by injecting a fluid into said pouch through said tube;
- a pneumatic valve for selectively allowing though passage of said fluid in said tube, said valve being pneumatically coupled to said tube proximal end.
14. An expendable member as recited in claim 13 further comprising a substantially cone-shaped protective tip made of substantially puncture resistant yet bendable material, said protective tip being fixed to a distal end portion of said pouch for protecting the latter against puncture.
15. An expendable member adapted to be fixed to a plumber snake, said plumber snake comprising a substantially elongated and flexible member, said flexible member having a flexible member proximal end and a proximal member distal end; said flexible member extending through said sleeve channel and out of said sleeve channel at said sleeve distal end, said expendable member being adapted to be fixed to said flexible member distal end, said expendable member comprising:
- a meshed structure, said meshed structure being made of a set of substantially rigid yet bendable wires;
- a meshed structure fixing collar attached to said flexible member distal end;
- an actuating collar;
each of said wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to said meshed fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to said actuating collar;
- an actuating cable attached at one of its longitudinal end to said actuating collar and protruding at its opposed longitudinal end through said flexible member proximal end.
- a meshed structure, said meshed structure being made of a set of substantially rigid yet bendable wires;
- a meshed structure fixing collar attached to said flexible member distal end;
- an actuating collar;
each of said wires being fixed at one of their longitudinal ends to said meshed fixing collar and at their opposed longitudinal end to said actuating collar;
- an actuating cable attached at one of its longitudinal end to said actuating collar and protruding at its opposed longitudinal end through said flexible member proximal end.
16. A plumber snake as recited in claim 3 wherein said pouch further comprises a substantially cone-shaped protective tip made of substantially puncture resistant yet bendable material, said protective tip being fixed to a distal end portion of said pouch for protecting the latter against puncture.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2124016 CA2124016C (en) | 1994-05-20 | 1994-05-20 | Universal toilet fish with inflatable ending |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2124016 CA2124016C (en) | 1994-05-20 | 1994-05-20 | Universal toilet fish with inflatable ending |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2124016A1 CA2124016A1 (en) | 1995-11-21 |
| CA2124016C true CA2124016C (en) | 1998-05-12 |
Family
ID=4153637
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2124016 Expired - Fee Related CA2124016C (en) | 1994-05-20 | 1994-05-20 | Universal toilet fish with inflatable ending |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2124016C (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| CN102309066A (en) * | 2011-09-08 | 2012-01-11 | 湖南中烟工业有限责任公司 | Core clamp for cigarette filter tip |
| CN104088343A (en) * | 2014-07-18 | 2014-10-08 | 衢州乐创节能科技有限公司 | Spring air-pressure pipeline dredger |
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| CN104818751B (en) * | 2015-05-21 | 2016-03-30 | 黄河 | Domestic sewer dredger |
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| CN109778969A (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2019-05-21 | 宁波博拉斯哈德水暖器材有限公司 | A kind of easy unclog the pipe |
| CN112177117A (en) * | 2020-09-30 | 2021-01-05 | 刘建国 | Water stopping device convenient for cleaning toilet and toilet cleaning method |
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1994
- 1994-05-20 CA CA 2124016 patent/CA2124016C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102309066A (en) * | 2011-09-08 | 2012-01-11 | 湖南中烟工业有限责任公司 | Core clamp for cigarette filter tip |
| CN104088343A (en) * | 2014-07-18 | 2014-10-08 | 衢州乐创节能科技有限公司 | Spring air-pressure pipeline dredger |
| CN104088343B (en) * | 2014-07-18 | 2015-11-11 | 衢州乐创节能科技有限公司 | A kind of spring dredging device of pressure pipeline |
| CN104818751B (en) * | 2015-05-21 | 2016-03-30 | 黄河 | Domestic sewer dredger |
| CN105401622A (en) * | 2015-12-11 | 2016-03-16 | 王本 | Spring dredging head of dredger |
| CN109914545A (en) * | 2019-01-09 | 2019-06-21 | 潘福东 | A kind of Household sewage conduit claw is quickly oriented to dredger |
| CN110762327A (en) * | 2019-10-21 | 2020-02-07 | 苏军 | Auxiliary water plugging device for repairing water leakage pipeline |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2124016A1 (en) | 1995-11-21 |
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