US20150176637A1 - Cable couplings for drain cleaning tools - Google Patents
Cable couplings for drain cleaning tools Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150176637A1 US20150176637A1 US14/641,518 US201514641518A US2015176637A1 US 20150176637 A1 US20150176637 A1 US 20150176637A1 US 201514641518 A US201514641518 A US 201514641518A US 2015176637 A1 US2015176637 A1 US 2015176637A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- plunger
- coupling
- female coupling
- interior chamber
- cable
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C1/00—Flexible shafts; Mechanical means for transmitting movement in a flexible sheathing
- F16C1/02—Flexible shafts; Mechanical means for transmitting movement in a flexible sheathing for conveying rotary movements
- F16C1/08—End connections
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
- B08B9/043—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
- B08B9/045—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes the cleaning devices being rotated while moved, e.g. flexible rotating shaft or "snake"
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
- F16D1/02—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for connecting two abutting shafts or the like
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D1/00—Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements
- F16D1/10—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially
- F16D1/108—Quick-acting couplings in which the parts are connected by simply bringing them together axially having retaining means rotating with the coupling and acting by interengaging parts, i.e. positive coupling
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S464/00—Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for rotary shafts
- Y10S464/901—Rapid attachment or release
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/32—Articulated members
- Y10T403/32254—Lockable at fixed position
- Y10T403/32467—Telescoping members
- Y10T403/32475—Telescoping members having detent
- Y10T403/32483—Spring biased
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/70—Interfitted members
- Y10T403/7045—Interdigitated ends
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/70—Interfitted members
- Y10T403/7075—Interfitted members including discrete retainer
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20396—Hand operated
- Y10T74/20402—Flexible transmitter [e.g., Bowden cable]
- Y10T74/20462—Specific cable connector or guide
Definitions
- the present subject matter relates to releasable couplings for rotating cable assemblies such as used in drain cleaning tools.
- a variety of couplings and coupling assemblies are known in the art for engaging a torque transmitting cable such as a drain cleaning cable to another cable or component. Many of these couplings utilize male and female components attached at corresponding cable ends. The male and female components typically include interlocking shapes or configurations that once engaged, provide axial engagement of a cable section or component to another.
- the present subject matter provides a drain cleaning cable coupling assembly comprising a male coupling including a pair of engagement prongs.
- the engagement prongs are spaced apart from one another and define a docking region therebetween.
- the cable coupling assembly also comprises a female coupling having a circumferential wall defining a pair of receiving regions sized and shaped to fittingly engage the pair of engagement prongs of the male coupling.
- the female coupling also defines an outer end face.
- the circumferential wall of the female coupling defines a generally hollow interior chamber accessible via the end face and the pair of receiving regions.
- the cable coupling assembly also comprises a plunger movably disposed within the interior chamber of the female coupling. The plunger is linearly displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position.
- a torque transmitting cable coupling assembly comprising a male coupling including (i) a disc shaped head defining an outer face and an oppositely directed inner face, (ii) a centrally disposed and axially extending cable receiving section extending from the inner face of the head, and (iii) a pair of axially extending engagement prongs extending from the outer face of the head.
- the pair of engagement prongs are spaced apart from each other to thereby define a docking region.
- the cable coupling assembly also comprises a female coupling including (i) a cylindrical body having an outer circumferential surface and defining an outer face and an oppositely directed inner face, the body further defining an interior chamber accessible from the outer face of the body, and (ii) a centrally disposed and axially extending cable receiving section extending from the inner face of the body, the body further defining a pair of receiving regions in the body. Each receiving region extends between the outer circumferential surface and the interior chamber and each receiving region is sized and shaped to fittingly engage a corresponding engagement prong of the male coupling.
- the cable coupling assembly also comprises a plunger movably disposed in the interior chamber defined in the body of the female coupling.
- the plunger is axially positionable within the interior chamber between (i) a retracted position in which the pair of receiving regions defined in the body of the female coupling are unobstructed and (ii) an extended position in which at least a portion of the plunger obstructs the pair of receiving regions defined in the body of the female coupling assembly.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded and perspective view of an embodiment of a cable coupling in accordance with the present subject matter.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling of FIG. 1 illustrating a plunger of the cable coupling in an extended position.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling of FIG. 1 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic cross sectional top view of the cable coupling of FIG. 1 illustrating the plunger in an extended position.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic cross sectional top view of the cable coupling of FIG. 1 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded and perspective view of another embodiment of a cable coupling in accordance with the present subject matter.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling of FIG. 6 illustrating a plunger of the cable coupling in an extended position.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling of FIG. 6 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded and perspective view of another embodiment of a cable coupling and a tool in accordance with the present subject matter.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling of FIG. 9 illustrating a plunger of the cable coupling in an extended position.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling of FIG. 9 illustrating insertion of the tool into a female coupling.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling of FIG. 9 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling of FIG. 9 illustrating retaining the plunger in a retracted position.
- FIG. 14 is a schematic exploded and perspective view of another embodiment of a cable coupling in accordance with the present subject matter.
- FIG. 15 is a schematic cross sectional top view of the cable coupling of FIG. 14 illustrating a plunger of the cable coupling in an extended position.
- FIG. 16 is a schematic cross sectional top view of the cable coupling of FIG. 14 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling of FIG. 14 illustrating a plunger of the cable coupling in an extended position.
- FIG. 18 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling of FIG. 14 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position.
- the coupling assemblies of the present subject matter generally comprise a male coupling and a female coupling that can be securely connected by engaging the two components with or without a tool.
- a biased plunger retained in the female coupling is urged or linearly displaced out of coupling overlap, i.e., retracted, so the couplings may be engaged together perpendicular to a cable axis.
- the biased plunger is displaced toward the male coupling to prevent perpendicular movement between the couplings.
- the connected couplings provide a secure joint able to withstand the forces generated by the rotating cable. To disconnect the couplings from one another, the plunger is retracted from the coupling overlap.
- a tool may be inserted into an aperture in the female coupling to assist in retracting the plunger from the coupling overlap so the couplings can be at least partially separated. The tool is then removed and the couplings can be detached from each other by displacing or moving them perpendicular to the cable axis.
- the present subject matter provides several embodiments of the coupling assembly.
- at least one projection and more particularly two radially oriented and diametrically disposed pins are used in the female coupling.
- the pins project into an interior chamber in the female coupling which houses a spring-biased axially positionable plunger.
- the two pins retain the plunger within the female coupling.
- the male coupling is either engaged or releasable therefrom.
- the assembly uses an expanded collar positioned within the interior chamber of the female coupling.
- the collar is sized to slidably receive the plunger.
- the collar is used instead of the two pins, and serves to retain the plunger within the female coupling.
- the assembly utilizes a plunger having a tool-receiving passage extending across a thickness or diameter of the plunger.
- the female coupling includes a slotted or enlarged aperture through which the passage in the plunger can be accessed.
- the plunger can be readily retracted within the female coupling by inserting a tool in the slotted aperture and at least partially within the plunger passage and then moving the tool and plunger away from the male coupling.
- FIGS. 1-5 depict a cable coupling 10 in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the cable coupling 10 comprises a male coupling 20 , a female coupling 50 , and a linearly positionable plunger 80 disposed within the female coupling.
- the male coupling 20 includes a head 30 defining an inner face 28 and an oppositely directed outer face 26 .
- the male coupling 20 also includes a cable receiving section 24 generally extending from the inner face 28 of the head 30 .
- the cable receiving section 24 typically includes provisions to support and securely retain an end of an adjoining cable 22 .
- An example of such provisions include a radially projecting and helically extending ridge in the section 24 corresponding to the size and configuration of the cable 22 .
- the male coupling 20 also comprises one or more, and typically a pair, of engagement prongs 34 extending from the outer face 26 of the head 30 .
- Each engagement prong includes an expanded or bulbous end region 36 and a projection member 38 extending between the expanded end region 36 and the outer face 26 .
- the engagement prongs 34 are spaced apart from one another to thereby define a docking region 40 between the engagement prongs 34 for a plunger, as described in greater detail herein.
- the female coupling 50 includes a body 60 defining an inner face 58 and an oppositely directed outer face 56 .
- the coupling 50 also includes a cable receiving section 54 extending from the inner face 58 of the body 60 for engagement with an end of an adjoining cable 52 .
- the section 54 can include provisions to promote engagement and contact with cable 52 such as previously described with regard to the cable receiving section 24 of the male coupling 20 .
- the female coupling 50 and particularly the body 60 defines an outer circumferential surface 62 and an interior chamber 68 which in certain embodiments is cylindrical or at least partially cylindrical in shape. However, the present subject matter includes other shapes and configurations for the interior chamber.
- a circumferential wall 64 of the body 60 may provide the outer circumferential surface 62 and define the interior chamber 68 .
- the female coupling 50 also defines at least one, and typically a pair, of receiving regions 66 .
- the interior chamber 68 is generally accessible via the receiving regions 66 and the outer end face 56 .
- the receiving regions 66 are generally sized and shaped to fittingly engage the engagement prongs 34 of the male coupling 20 .
- the female coupling 50 also defines an interior end wall 76 which also constitutes or partially constitutes an end wall of the interior chamber 68 .
- the cable coupling 10 also comprises a plunger 80 .
- the plunger 80 is sized and shaped to movably reside within the interior chamber 68 defined in the female coupling 50 .
- the plunger 80 is cylindrical in shape. Regardless, the plunger defines an inner end 87 that faces the interior wall 76 within the female coupling, and an oppositely directed outer end 88 .
- the plunger 80 also includes at least one member extending laterally outward from an outer surface of the plunger. In certain embodiments, such member is in the form of a radially extending ridge that extends around or partially around the circumference of the plunger.
- the plunger 80 includes an inner ridge 84 proximate the inner end 87 , and an outer ridge 86 proximate the outer end 88 .
- One or more biasing members such as a coil spring 90 for example can be used to bias the plunger to an extended position as described in greater detail herein.
- the plunger 80 can be configured to interface and/or receive the spring 90 .
- the plunger 80 can include a recessed region 81 accessible along the inner end 87 of the plunger that receives the spring 90 .
- the plunger 80 and biasing member(s) 90 are disposed within the interior chamber 68 defined in the female coupling 50 .
- the female coupling 50 also includes one or more projections that extend into the interior chamber 68 of the body 60 .
- the projection(s) is located in the interior chamber 68 relative to the plunger 80 also disposed therein, such that the projection contacts at least one of the previously noted inner ridge 84 or outer ridge 86 of the plunger, depending upon the positional state of the plunger, i.e., extended or retracted. In certain embodiments, upon positioning the plunger 80 to an extended position such as shown in FIGS.
- the projection contacts the inner ridge 84 and thus serves to preclude further axial displacement of the plunger 80 relative to the female coupling 50 and thus retains the plunger 80 within the interior chamber 68 .
- the inner ridge 84 may contact the interior end wall 76 and/or the projection may contact the outer ridge 86 .
- the projection can be in the form of a pin 72 , or a pair of such pins, that is received in a radial aperture 70 defined in the body 60 of the female coupling 50 .
- the male coupling 20 is engaged with the female coupling 50 as follows.
- One engagement prong 34 is aligned with and then inserted into one of the receiving regions 66 of the female coupling 50 .
- the plunger 80 is retracted and typically against a biasing force provided by the spring 90 into a retracted position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 so that the pair of receiving regions 66 are unobstructed by the plunger.
- a key or tool may be used to assist in plunger retraction.
- the male coupling 20 is moved into further engagement with the female coupling 50 so that the engagement prong 34 previously disposed in one of the receiving regions 66 is positioned into the other previously unoccupied receiving region 66 .
- the other engagement prong 34 is also positioned into the other previously occupied receiving region 66 .
- the plunger 80 is then moved to its extended position such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 . In its extended position, the plunger and particularly its outer end 88 , is disposed within the docking region 40 defined between the engagement prongs 34 thereby preventing unintended disengagement between the male and female couplings.
- a tool can optionally be used during engagement and/or disengagement of the male and female couplings 20 , 50 . If a tool is used, a sufficiently sized and shaped tool is inserted into an aperture such as aperture 61 defined in the body 60 of the female coupling 50 . The tool contacts the plunger 80 and is used to move the plunger to a retracted position. If a tool is not used, one of the engagement prongs 34 can be used to contact the plunger 80 and move the plunger to a retracted position.
- a portion or region of the engagement prong 34 can be angled, chamfered, or inclined to promote retraction of the plunger during displacement of a prong 34 in a direction that is perpendicular to a cable axis.
- FIGS. 6-8 illustrate another cable coupling 110 in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the cable coupling 110 comprises a male coupling 120 and a female coupling 150 , and a linearly positionable plunger 180 disposed in the female coupling 150 .
- the male coupling 120 generally corresponds to the previously described male coupling 20 and includes a head 130 and a cable receiving section 124 for engaging an end of a cable 122 , and one or more and particularly a pair of engagement prongs 134 .
- Each engagement prong 134 includes an expanded end region 136 and a projection 138 as shown and as previously described.
- a docking region 140 is defined between the spaced apart prongs 134 also as previously described.
- the female coupling 150 includes a body 160 which is generally as the previously described body 60 .
- the body 160 defines an outer circumferential surface 162 .
- the female coupling 150 defines an interior chamber 168 and corresponding receiving regions 166 for the engagement prongs 134 .
- the interior chamber 168 is accessible via the receiving regions 166 and an outer end face 156 of the female coupling 150 .
- the female coupling 150 also includes a cable receiving section 154 for engaging an end of a cable 152 .
- the cable coupling 110 also comprises a plunger 180 which is typically cylindrical in shape.
- the plunger 180 includes a projection which in certain embodiments is in the form of an inner ridge 184 extending around the circumference of the plunger 180 and located proximate an inner end 187 of the plunger.
- the plunger 180 also defines an oppositely directed outer end 188 .
- One or more biasing members or springs 190 can be used to bias or urge the plunger 180 to an extended position as described in greater detail herein.
- the cable coupling 110 also comprises a collar 195 that is sized and shaped and incorporated within the interior chamber 168 of the female coupling 150 so as to retain the plunger 180 within that chamber 168 .
- the collar 195 is positioned within the interior chamber 168 such that upon extension of the plunger 180 such as due to the spring 190 , the collar 195 contacts the inner ridge 184 of the plunger and thereby retains the plunger 180 within the chamber 168 of the female coupling 150 .
- the plunger 180 is disposed within the collar 195 and contacts the collar 195 at both the retracted position as shown in FIG. 8 and the extended position as shown in FIG. 7 .
- a tool may optionally be used to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the couplings 120 , 150 from one another by insertion into an aperture 161 of the female coupling 150 .
- FIGS. 9-13 illustrate another cable coupling 210 in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the cable coupling 210 comprises a male coupling 220 , a female coupling 250 , and a linearly positionable plunger 280 disposed in the female coupling 250 .
- the male coupling 220 generally corresponds to the previously described male coupling 20 and includes a head 230 and a cable receiving section 224 for engaging an end of a cable 222 , and one or more and particularly a pair of engagement prongs 234 .
- Each engagement prong 234 includes an expanded end region 236 and a projection 238 as shown and as previously described.
- a docking region 240 is defined between the spaced apart prongs 238 also as previously described.
- the female coupling 250 includes a body 260 which is generally as the previously described body 60 of the female coupling 50 .
- the female coupling 250 defines an interior chamber 268 and corresponding receiving regions 266 for the engagement prongs 234 of the male coupling 220 .
- the interior chamber 268 is accessible via the receiving regions 266 and an outer end face 256 of the female coupling.
- the female coupling 250 also includes a cable receiving section 254 for engaging an end of a cable 252 .
- the cable coupling 210 also comprises a plunger 280 which is typically cylindrical in shape.
- the plunger 280 defines an inner end 287 .
- the plunger 280 also defines an oppositely directed outer end 288 .
- One or more biasing members or springs 290 can also be used to bias or urge the plunger 280 to an extended position as described in greater detail herein.
- the plunger 280 defines a passage 281 that extends across at least a portion of a thickness of the plunger or if the plunger is cylindrical, the passage 281 extends diametrically across the plunger.
- the female coupling 250 defines a slotted or enlarged aperture 261 through which the plunger passage 281 can be accessed, particularly as follows. Generally, the plunger passage can be accessed via the aperture 261 when the plunger is positioned to one or both of the retracted and extended positions. In certain embodiments, the aperture allows accessing the plunger passage at both retracted and extended positions of the plunger.
- the cable coupling 210 may optionally also include a tool 295 that comprises a longitudinal member 296 for insertion into the aperture 261 of the female coupling 250 and further into the plunger passage 281 .
- a sleeve 298 can also be provided that is disposed in or otherwise engaged with the plunger 280 and which is accessed through the aperture 261 such as by use of the tool 295 .
- the sleeve 298 extends through the plunger passage 281 .
- the sleeve 298 defines an interior bore 297 which accommodates the longitudinal member 296 of the tool 295 .
- the tool 295 can also be used without the sleeve 298 .
- the tool is sized such that the longitudinal member 296 can be at least partially inserted into the plunger passage. If a sleeve is used, the sleeve is at least partially disposed in the plunger passage and can be accessed via the aperture 261 .
- engaged male and female couplings 220 and 250 respectively can be disengaged from one another by inserting the longitudinal member 296 of the tool 295 into the bore 297 of the sleeve 298 .
- This operation is depicted in FIG. 11 in which the tool 295 is moved in the direction of arrow A. Once the tool 295 is appropriately inserted, the tool 295 is linearly displaced away from the male coupling 220 in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 12 .
- Such movement results in retraction of the plunger 280 and specifically, withdrawal of the plunger 280 from the docking region 240 defined between the pair of engagement prongs 234 of the male coupling 220 .
- the plunger 280 is linearly displaced to its retracted position as shown in FIG. 12 , the male and female couplings can be separated or otherwise disengaged from one another.
- the tool 295 and the female coupling 260 are provided with provisions to retain the plunger 280 in a desired position such as in a retracted position.
- Such provisions are useful when one or more biasing members are used such as springs 290 that bias or urge the plunger 280 to an extended position such as shown in FIGS. 10-11 .
- the provisions to retain the plunger 280 in a retracted position can include a projecting face or ledge 299 defined along a face of the tool 295 from which the longitudinal member 296 extends. The projecting face 299 is sized and shaped to be received in an outer region of the enlarged aperture 261 of the female coupling 250 .
- the tool 295 is further inserted into the female coupling 250 as shown in FIG. 13 .
- the tool 295 is moved in the direction of arrow C to insert or seat the projecting face 299 into the enlarged aperture 261 of the female coupling 260 .
- the plunger 280 is retained in its retracted position.
- FIGS. 14-18 illustrate another cable coupling 310 in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the cable coupling 310 comprises a male coupling 320 and a female coupling 350 , and a linearly positionable plunger 380 disposed in the female coupling 350 .
- the male coupling 320 generally corresponds to the previously described male coupling 20 and includes a head 330 and a cable receiving section for engaging an end of a cable 322 , and one or more and particularly a pair of engagement prongs 334 .
- Each engagement prong 334 includes an expanded end region 336 and a projection as shown and as previously described.
- a docking region is defined between the spaced apart prongs 334 also as previously described.
- the female coupling 350 includes a body 360 which is generally as the previously described body 60 .
- the body 360 defines an outer circumferential surface 362 .
- the female coupling 350 defines an interior chamber 368 and corresponding receiving regions 366 for the engagement prongs 334 .
- the interior chamber 368 is accessible via the receiving regions 366 and an outer end face of the female coupling 350 .
- the female coupling 350 also includes a cable receiving section for engaging an end of a cable 352 .
- the cable coupling 310 also comprises a plunger 380 which is typically cylindrical in shape.
- the plunger 380 defines an inner end 387 .
- the plunger 380 also defines an oppositely directed outer end 388 .
- One or more biasing members or springs 390 can be used to bias or urge the plunger 380 to an extended position as described in greater detail herein.
- the plunger 380 also defines a slotted or elongated passage or aperture 381 which is sized and shaped to slidably receive a pin 372 .
- the pin 372 extends through apertures 370 defined in the female coupling 350 and also at least partially extends through the plunger 380 via the slotted aperture 381 .
- the configuration of the pin 372 , female coupling 350 , and plunger 380 of FIGS. 14-18 is similar to that of the sleeve 298 , female coupling 250 , and plunger 280 of FIGS. 9-13 . However, in the assembly 210 shown in FIGS.
- a tool may optionally be used to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the couplings 320 , 350 from one another by insertion into an aperture 361 of the female coupling 350 .
- the present subject matter includes various combinations of components and features of one embodiment with other components and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the present subject matter also includes various methods of use of the coupling assemblies and methods of securely engaging a cable or cable component with another cable or cable component.
Abstract
Cable coupling assemblies are described which can be readily engaged and separated from one another. The couplings are particularly useful for use in torque transmitting cables such as those used in drain cleaning applications.
Description
- The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/051,543 filed Oct. 11, 2013.
- The present subject matter relates to releasable couplings for rotating cable assemblies such as used in drain cleaning tools.
- A variety of couplings and coupling assemblies are known in the art for engaging a torque transmitting cable such as a drain cleaning cable to another cable or component. Many of these couplings utilize male and female components attached at corresponding cable ends. The male and female components typically include interlocking shapes or configurations that once engaged, provide axial engagement of a cable section or component to another.
- In order to additionally secure such interlocking male and female components to one another and prevent unintended disengagement, an array of assemblies and fasteners have been used to further secure the components to one another. An example of a coupling assembly with such engagement provisions is described in US 2011/0182656. The '656 publication describes a key 45 that is either depressed or rotated which thereby allows a
male component 20 to be fully received and engaged in a correspondingfemale component 40. - Although satisfactory in many respects, a need remains for a cable coupling assembly that can be used in a wide range of applications, is relatively low cost, will provide long durability and service, and can be quickly and easily engaged or disengaged as desired.
- The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previously known couplings and assemblies are addressed in the present coupling assemblies.
- In one aspect, the present subject matter provides a drain cleaning cable coupling assembly comprising a male coupling including a pair of engagement prongs. The engagement prongs are spaced apart from one another and define a docking region therebetween. The cable coupling assembly also comprises a female coupling having a circumferential wall defining a pair of receiving regions sized and shaped to fittingly engage the pair of engagement prongs of the male coupling. The female coupling also defines an outer end face. The circumferential wall of the female coupling defines a generally hollow interior chamber accessible via the end face and the pair of receiving regions. The cable coupling assembly also comprises a plunger movably disposed within the interior chamber of the female coupling. The plunger is linearly displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position.
- In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a torque transmitting cable coupling assembly comprising a male coupling including (i) a disc shaped head defining an outer face and an oppositely directed inner face, (ii) a centrally disposed and axially extending cable receiving section extending from the inner face of the head, and (iii) a pair of axially extending engagement prongs extending from the outer face of the head. The pair of engagement prongs are spaced apart from each other to thereby define a docking region. The cable coupling assembly also comprises a female coupling including (i) a cylindrical body having an outer circumferential surface and defining an outer face and an oppositely directed inner face, the body further defining an interior chamber accessible from the outer face of the body, and (ii) a centrally disposed and axially extending cable receiving section extending from the inner face of the body, the body further defining a pair of receiving regions in the body. Each receiving region extends between the outer circumferential surface and the interior chamber and each receiving region is sized and shaped to fittingly engage a corresponding engagement prong of the male coupling. The cable coupling assembly also comprises a plunger movably disposed in the interior chamber defined in the body of the female coupling. The plunger is axially positionable within the interior chamber between (i) a retracted position in which the pair of receiving regions defined in the body of the female coupling are unobstructed and (ii) an extended position in which at least a portion of the plunger obstructs the pair of receiving regions defined in the body of the female coupling assembly.
- 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.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded and perspective view of an embodiment of a cable coupling in accordance with the present subject matter. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 1 illustrating a plunger of the cable coupling in an extended position. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 1 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross sectional top view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 1 illustrating the plunger in an extended position. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross sectional top view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 1 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded and perspective view of another embodiment of a cable coupling in accordance with the present subject matter. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 6 illustrating a plunger of the cable coupling in an extended position. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 6 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded and perspective view of another embodiment of a cable coupling and a tool in accordance with the present subject matter. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 9 illustrating a plunger of the cable coupling in an extended position. -
FIG. 11 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 9 illustrating insertion of the tool into a female coupling. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 9 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position. -
FIG. 13 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 9 illustrating retaining the plunger in a retracted position. -
FIG. 14 is a schematic exploded and perspective view of another embodiment of a cable coupling in accordance with the present subject matter. -
FIG. 15 is a schematic cross sectional top view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 14 illustrating a plunger of the cable coupling in an extended position. -
FIG. 16 is a schematic cross sectional top view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 14 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position. -
FIG. 17 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 14 illustrating a plunger of the cable coupling in an extended position. -
FIG. 18 is a schematic cross sectional side view of the cable coupling ofFIG. 14 illustrating the plunger in a retracted position. - The coupling assemblies of the present subject matter generally comprise a male coupling and a female coupling that can be securely connected by engaging the two components with or without a tool. In certain embodiments, a biased plunger retained in the female coupling is urged or linearly displaced out of coupling overlap, i.e., retracted, so the couplings may be engaged together perpendicular to a cable axis. Once connected, the biased plunger is displaced toward the male coupling to prevent perpendicular movement between the couplings. The connected couplings provide a secure joint able to withstand the forces generated by the rotating cable. To disconnect the couplings from one another, the plunger is retracted from the coupling overlap. A tool may be inserted into an aperture in the female coupling to assist in retracting the plunger from the coupling overlap so the couplings can be at least partially separated. The tool is then removed and the couplings can be detached from each other by displacing or moving them perpendicular to the cable axis.
- Specifically, the present subject matter provides several embodiments of the coupling assembly. In one version, at least one projection and more particularly two radially oriented and diametrically disposed pins are used in the female coupling. The pins project into an interior chamber in the female coupling which houses a spring-biased axially positionable plunger. The two pins retain the plunger within the female coupling. Depending upon the axial position of the plunger in the female coupling, the male coupling is either engaged or releasable therefrom.
- In another version, the assembly uses an expanded collar positioned within the interior chamber of the female coupling. The collar is sized to slidably receive the plunger. The collar is used instead of the two pins, and serves to retain the plunger within the female coupling.
- In yet another version, the assembly utilizes a plunger having a tool-receiving passage extending across a thickness or diameter of the plunger. The female coupling includes a slotted or enlarged aperture through which the passage in the plunger can be accessed. The plunger can be readily retracted within the female coupling by inserting a tool in the slotted aperture and at least partially within the plunger passage and then moving the tool and plunger away from the male coupling. These and other aspects are described in greater detail herein.
-
FIGS. 1-5 depict acable coupling 10 in accordance with the present subject matter. Thecable coupling 10 comprises amale coupling 20, afemale coupling 50, and a linearlypositionable plunger 80 disposed within the female coupling. - The
male coupling 20 includes ahead 30 defining aninner face 28 and an oppositely directedouter face 26. Themale coupling 20 also includes acable receiving section 24 generally extending from theinner face 28 of thehead 30. Thecable receiving section 24 typically includes provisions to support and securely retain an end of an adjoiningcable 22. An example of such provisions include a radially projecting and helically extending ridge in thesection 24 corresponding to the size and configuration of thecable 22. Themale coupling 20 also comprises one or more, and typically a pair, ofengagement prongs 34 extending from theouter face 26 of thehead 30. Each engagement prong includes an expanded orbulbous end region 36 and aprojection member 38 extending between the expandedend region 36 and theouter face 26. The engagement prongs 34 are spaced apart from one another to thereby define adocking region 40 between the engagement prongs 34 for a plunger, as described in greater detail herein. - The
female coupling 50 includes abody 60 defining aninner face 58 and an oppositely directedouter face 56. Thecoupling 50 also includes acable receiving section 54 extending from theinner face 58 of thebody 60 for engagement with an end of an adjoiningcable 52. Thesection 54 can include provisions to promote engagement and contact withcable 52 such as previously described with regard to thecable receiving section 24 of themale coupling 20. Thefemale coupling 50 and particularly thebody 60 defines an outer circumferential surface 62 and aninterior chamber 68 which in certain embodiments is cylindrical or at least partially cylindrical in shape. However, the present subject matter includes other shapes and configurations for the interior chamber. Acircumferential wall 64 of thebody 60 may provide the outer circumferential surface 62 and define theinterior chamber 68. Thefemale coupling 50 also defines at least one, and typically a pair, of receivingregions 66. Theinterior chamber 68 is generally accessible via the receivingregions 66 and theouter end face 56. The receivingregions 66 are generally sized and shaped to fittingly engage the engagement prongs 34 of themale coupling 20. Thefemale coupling 50 also defines aninterior end wall 76 which also constitutes or partially constitutes an end wall of theinterior chamber 68. - The
cable coupling 10 also comprises aplunger 80. Theplunger 80 is sized and shaped to movably reside within theinterior chamber 68 defined in thefemale coupling 50. In many embodiments, theplunger 80 is cylindrical in shape. Regardless, the plunger defines aninner end 87 that faces theinterior wall 76 within the female coupling, and an oppositely directedouter end 88. Theplunger 80 also includes at least one member extending laterally outward from an outer surface of the plunger. In certain embodiments, such member is in the form of a radially extending ridge that extends around or partially around the circumference of the plunger. Particularly, in such embodiments, theplunger 80 includes aninner ridge 84 proximate theinner end 87, and anouter ridge 86 proximate theouter end 88. One or more biasing members such as acoil spring 90 for example can be used to bias the plunger to an extended position as described in greater detail herein. In certain embodiments, theplunger 80 can be configured to interface and/or receive thespring 90. For example, as depicted inFIGS. 2-5 , theplunger 80 can include a recessedregion 81 accessible along theinner end 87 of the plunger that receives thespring 90. - The
plunger 80 and biasing member(s) 90 are disposed within theinterior chamber 68 defined in thefemale coupling 50. Typically, thefemale coupling 50 also includes one or more projections that extend into theinterior chamber 68 of thebody 60. The projection(s) is located in theinterior chamber 68 relative to theplunger 80 also disposed therein, such that the projection contacts at least one of the previously notedinner ridge 84 orouter ridge 86 of the plunger, depending upon the positional state of the plunger, i.e., extended or retracted. In certain embodiments, upon positioning theplunger 80 to an extended position such as shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 , the projection contacts theinner ridge 84 and thus serves to preclude further axial displacement of theplunger 80 relative to thefemale coupling 50 and thus retains theplunger 80 within theinterior chamber 68. Upon positioning theplunger 80 to a retracted position such as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 , theinner ridge 84 may contact theinterior end wall 76 and/or the projection may contact theouter ridge 86. In certain embodiments, the projection can be in the form of apin 72, or a pair of such pins, that is received in aradial aperture 70 defined in thebody 60 of thefemale coupling 50. - In the
coupling assembly 10 depicted inFIGS. 1-5 , themale coupling 20 is engaged with thefemale coupling 50 as follows. Oneengagement prong 34 is aligned with and then inserted into one of the receivingregions 66 of thefemale coupling 50. Theplunger 80 is retracted and typically against a biasing force provided by thespring 90 into a retracted position as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 so that the pair of receivingregions 66 are unobstructed by the plunger. As described in greater detail herein, a key or tool may be used to assist in plunger retraction. Themale coupling 20 is moved into further engagement with thefemale coupling 50 so that theengagement prong 34 previously disposed in one of the receivingregions 66 is positioned into the other previously unoccupied receivingregion 66. Thus, theother engagement prong 34 is also positioned into the other previously occupied receivingregion 66. Theplunger 80 is then moved to its extended position such as shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 . In its extended position, the plunger and particularly itsouter end 88, is disposed within thedocking region 40 defined between the engagement prongs 34 thereby preventing unintended disengagement between the male and female couplings. - As noted, a tool (not shown) can optionally be used during engagement and/or disengagement of the male and
female couplings aperture 61 defined in thebody 60 of thefemale coupling 50. The tool contacts theplunger 80 and is used to move the plunger to a retracted position. If a tool is not used, one of the engagement prongs 34 can be used to contact theplunger 80 and move the plunger to a retracted position. It is also contemplated that a portion or region of theengagement prong 34 can be angled, chamfered, or inclined to promote retraction of the plunger during displacement of aprong 34 in a direction that is perpendicular to a cable axis. -
FIGS. 6-8 illustrate anothercable coupling 110 in accordance with the present subject matter. Thecable coupling 110 comprises amale coupling 120 and afemale coupling 150, and a linearlypositionable plunger 180 disposed in thefemale coupling 150. - The
male coupling 120 generally corresponds to the previously describedmale coupling 20 and includes ahead 130 and acable receiving section 124 for engaging an end of acable 122, and one or more and particularly a pair of engagement prongs 134. Eachengagement prong 134 includes an expandedend region 136 and aprojection 138 as shown and as previously described. Adocking region 140 is defined between the spaced apart prongs 134 also as previously described. - The
female coupling 150 includes abody 160 which is generally as the previously describedbody 60. Thebody 160 defines an outer circumferential surface 162. Thefemale coupling 150 defines aninterior chamber 168 and corresponding receivingregions 166 for the engagement prongs 134. Theinterior chamber 168 is accessible via the receivingregions 166 and anouter end face 156 of thefemale coupling 150. Thefemale coupling 150 also includes acable receiving section 154 for engaging an end of acable 152. These features are as those associated with the previously describedfemale coupling 50. - The
cable coupling 110 also comprises aplunger 180 which is typically cylindrical in shape. Theplunger 180 includes a projection which in certain embodiments is in the form of aninner ridge 184 extending around the circumference of theplunger 180 and located proximate aninner end 187 of the plunger. Theplunger 180 also defines an oppositely directedouter end 188. One or more biasing members or springs 190 can be used to bias or urge theplunger 180 to an extended position as described in greater detail herein. - The
cable coupling 110 also comprises acollar 195 that is sized and shaped and incorporated within theinterior chamber 168 of thefemale coupling 150 so as to retain theplunger 180 within thatchamber 168. As shown inFIG. 7 , thecollar 195 is positioned within theinterior chamber 168 such that upon extension of theplunger 180 such as due to thespring 190, thecollar 195 contacts theinner ridge 184 of the plunger and thereby retains theplunger 180 within thechamber 168 of thefemale coupling 150. In certain embodiments, theplunger 180 is disposed within thecollar 195 and contacts thecollar 195 at both the retracted position as shown inFIG. 8 and the extended position as shown inFIG. 7 . - Engagement between the
male coupling 120 and thefemale coupling 150 in thecoupling assembly 110 occurs in the same manner as described in association with thecoupling assembly 10. A tool (not shown) may optionally be used to assist in engaging and/or disengaging thecouplings aperture 161 of thefemale coupling 150. -
FIGS. 9-13 illustrate anothercable coupling 210 in accordance with the present subject matter. Thecable coupling 210 comprises amale coupling 220, afemale coupling 250, and a linearlypositionable plunger 280 disposed in thefemale coupling 250. - The
male coupling 220 generally corresponds to the previously describedmale coupling 20 and includes ahead 230 and acable receiving section 224 for engaging an end of acable 222, and one or more and particularly a pair of engagement prongs 234. Eachengagement prong 234 includes an expandedend region 236 and aprojection 238 as shown and as previously described. Adocking region 240 is defined between the spaced apart prongs 238 also as previously described. - The
female coupling 250 includes abody 260 which is generally as the previously describedbody 60 of thefemale coupling 50. Thefemale coupling 250 defines aninterior chamber 268 and corresponding receivingregions 266 for the engagement prongs 234 of themale coupling 220. Theinterior chamber 268 is accessible via the receivingregions 266 and anouter end face 256 of the female coupling. Thefemale coupling 250 also includes acable receiving section 254 for engaging an end of acable 252. These features are as those associated with the previously describedfemale coupling 50. - The
cable coupling 210 also comprises aplunger 280 which is typically cylindrical in shape. Theplunger 280 defines aninner end 287. Theplunger 280 also defines an oppositely directedouter end 288. One or more biasing members or springs 290 can also be used to bias or urge theplunger 280 to an extended position as described in greater detail herein. Theplunger 280 defines apassage 281 that extends across at least a portion of a thickness of the plunger or if the plunger is cylindrical, thepassage 281 extends diametrically across the plunger. Thefemale coupling 250 defines a slotted orenlarged aperture 261 through which theplunger passage 281 can be accessed, particularly as follows. Generally, the plunger passage can be accessed via theaperture 261 when the plunger is positioned to one or both of the retracted and extended positions. In certain embodiments, the aperture allows accessing the plunger passage at both retracted and extended positions of the plunger. - The
cable coupling 210 may optionally also include atool 295 that comprises alongitudinal member 296 for insertion into theaperture 261 of thefemale coupling 250 and further into theplunger passage 281. Asleeve 298 can also be provided that is disposed in or otherwise engaged with theplunger 280 and which is accessed through theaperture 261 such as by use of thetool 295. In a particular embodiment, thesleeve 298 extends through theplunger passage 281. Thesleeve 298 defines aninterior bore 297 which accommodates thelongitudinal member 296 of thetool 295. Thetool 295 can also be used without thesleeve 298. The tool is sized such that thelongitudinal member 296 can be at least partially inserted into the plunger passage. If a sleeve is used, the sleeve is at least partially disposed in the plunger passage and can be accessed via theaperture 261. - Referring further to
FIGS. 9-13 , engaged male andfemale couplings longitudinal member 296 of thetool 295 into thebore 297 of thesleeve 298. This operation is depicted inFIG. 11 in which thetool 295 is moved in the direction of arrow A. Once thetool 295 is appropriately inserted, thetool 295 is linearly displaced away from themale coupling 220 in the direction of arrow B inFIG. 12 . Such movement results in retraction of theplunger 280 and specifically, withdrawal of theplunger 280 from thedocking region 240 defined between the pair ofengagement prongs 234 of themale coupling 220. Once theplunger 280 is linearly displaced to its retracted position as shown inFIG. 12 , the male and female couplings can be separated or otherwise disengaged from one another. - In certain embodiments, the
tool 295 and thefemale coupling 260 are provided with provisions to retain theplunger 280 in a desired position such as in a retracted position. Such provisions are useful when one or more biasing members are used such assprings 290 that bias or urge theplunger 280 to an extended position such as shown inFIGS. 10-11 . The provisions to retain theplunger 280 in a retracted position can include a projecting face orledge 299 defined along a face of thetool 295 from which thelongitudinal member 296 extends. The projectingface 299 is sized and shaped to be received in an outer region of theenlarged aperture 261 of thefemale coupling 250. Thus, after linear displacement of theplunger 280 by moving thetool 295 in the direction of arrow B as shown inFIG. 12 , thetool 295 is further inserted into thefemale coupling 250 as shown inFIG. 13 . Specifically, as shown inFIG. 13 , thetool 295 is moved in the direction of arrow C to insert or seat the projectingface 299 into theenlarged aperture 261 of thefemale coupling 260. Upon such insertion and seating of thetool 295 into theaperture 261 of thefemale coupling 250, theplunger 280 is retained in its retracted position. -
FIGS. 14-18 illustrate anothercable coupling 310 in accordance with the present subject matter. Thecable coupling 310 comprises amale coupling 320 and afemale coupling 350, and a linearlypositionable plunger 380 disposed in thefemale coupling 350. - The
male coupling 320 generally corresponds to the previously describedmale coupling 20 and includes ahead 330 and a cable receiving section for engaging an end of acable 322, and one or more and particularly a pair of engagement prongs 334. Eachengagement prong 334 includes an expandedend region 336 and a projection as shown and as previously described. A docking region is defined between the spaced apart prongs 334 also as previously described. - The
female coupling 350 includes a body 360 which is generally as the previously describedbody 60. The body 360 defines an outer circumferential surface 362. Thefemale coupling 350 defines aninterior chamber 368 and corresponding receivingregions 366 for the engagement prongs 334. Theinterior chamber 368 is accessible via the receivingregions 366 and an outer end face of thefemale coupling 350. Thefemale coupling 350 also includes a cable receiving section for engaging an end of acable 352. These features are as those associated with the previously describedfemale coupling 50. - The
cable coupling 310 also comprises aplunger 380 which is typically cylindrical in shape. Theplunger 380 defines aninner end 387. Theplunger 380 also defines an oppositely directedouter end 388. One or more biasing members or springs 390 can be used to bias or urge theplunger 380 to an extended position as described in greater detail herein. - The
plunger 380 also defines a slotted or elongated passage oraperture 381 which is sized and shaped to slidably receive apin 372. As depicted in the referenced figures, thepin 372 extends throughapertures 370 defined in thefemale coupling 350 and also at least partially extends through theplunger 380 via the slottedaperture 381. The configuration of thepin 372,female coupling 350, andplunger 380 ofFIGS. 14-18 is similar to that of thesleeve 298,female coupling 250, andplunger 280 ofFIGS. 9-13 . However, in theassembly 210 shown inFIGS. 9-13 , upon linear displacement of theplunger 280 within thefemale coupling 250, thesleeve 298 is also linearly displaced. Such linear displacement is accommodated by the slotted orelongated aperture 261 defined in thefemale coupling 250. In contrast, in theassembly 310 shown inFIGS. 14-18 , upon linear displacement of theplunger 380 within thefemale coupling 350, thepin 372 remains stationary with respect to thefemale coupling 350. Although thepin 372 extends through theplunger 380, linear displacement of theplunger 380 is accommodated by the slottedaperture 381 defined in theplunger 380. - Engagement between the
male coupling 320 and thefemale coupling 350 in thecoupling assembly 310 occurs in the same manner as described in association with thecoupling assembly 10. A tool (not shown) may optionally be used to assist in engaging and/or disengaging thecouplings aperture 361 of thefemale coupling 350. - The present subject matter includes various combinations of components and features of one embodiment with other components and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the present subject matter also includes various methods of use of the coupling assemblies and methods of securely engaging a cable or cable component with another cable or cable component.
- Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology.
- All patents, published applications, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- 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.
Claims (17)
1. A drain cleaning cable coupling assembly comprising:
a male coupling including a pair of engagement prongs, the engagement prongs spaced apart from one another and defining a docking region therebetween;
a female coupling having a circumferential wall defining a pair of receiving regions sized and shaped to fittingly engage the pair of engagement prongs of the male coupling, the female coupling also defining an outer end face, the circumferential wall defining a generally hollow interior chamber accessible via the end face and the pair of receiving regions;
a plunger movably disposed within the interior chamber of the female coupling, the plunger linearly displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position;
wherein the plunger includes a laterally extending ridge, the coupling assembly further comprising:
a collar disposed in the interior chamber of the female coupling, wherein upon displacement of the plunger to the extended position, the ridge contacts the collar and the plunger is thereby retained within the interior chamber.
2. The coupling assembly of claim 1 wherein the plunger is disposed within the collar and contacts the collar at both the retracted position and the extended position.
3. The coupling assembly of claim 1 wherein the plunger defines a plunger passage extending across at least a portion of a thickness of the plunger, and the female coupling defines an aperture extending through the circumferential wall and providing access to the interior chamber, the plunger passage accessible through the aperture upon the plunger being positioned to at least one of the retracted position and the extended position.
4. The coupling assembly of claim 3 wherein the plunger passage is accessible through the aperture at both retracted and extended positions of the plunger.
5. The coupling assembly of claim 3 further comprising a sleeve at least partially disposed in the plunger passage, wherein the sleeve can be accessed via the aperture defined in the circumferential wall of the female coupling.
6. The coupling assembly of claim 3 further comprising a tool including a longitudinal member sized and shaped for at least partial insertion into the plunger passage.
7. The coupling assembly of claim 4 wherein the plunger passage has an elongated shape.
8. The coupling assembly of claim 7 further comprising a pin at least partially disposed in the plunger passage.
9. A torque transmitting cable coupling assembly comprising:
a male coupling including (i) a disc shaped head defining an outer face and an oppositely directed inner face, (ii) a centrally disposed and axially extending cable receiving section extending from the inner face of the head, and (iii) a pair of axially extending engagement prongs extending from the outer face of the head, the pair of engagement prongs spaced apart from each other to thereby define a docking region;
a female coupling including (i) a cylindrical body having an outer circumferential surface and defining an outer face and an oppositely directed inner face, the body further defining an interior chamber accessible from the outer face of the body, and (ii) a centrally disposed and axially extending cable receiving section extending from the inner face of the body, the body further defining a pair of receiving regions in the body, each receiving region extending between the outer circumferential surface and the interior chamber and each receiving region sized and shaped to fittingly engage a corresponding engagement prong of the male coupling;
a plunger movably disposed in the interior chamber defined in the body of the female coupling, the plunger axially positionable within the interior chamber between (i) a retracted position in which the pair of receiving regions defined in the body of the female coupling are unobstructed and (ii) an extended position in which at least a portion of the plunger obstructs the pair of receiving regions defined in the body of the female coupling assembly.
10. The cable coupling assembly of claim 9 wherein the plunger includes at least one member extending laterally outward from an outer surface of the plunger, and the body of the female coupling includes a projection that extends into the interior chamber defined in the body of the female coupling, the projection located within the interior chamber such that the projection of the body and the member of the plunger contact each other upon positioning the plunger to the extended position.
11. The cable coupling assembly of claim 10 wherein the projection is a cylindrical collar engaged within the interior chamber defined within the body of the female coupling, the collar disposed proximate the outer face of the body of the female coupling, the plunger at least partially slidably disposed within the collar.
12. The coupling assembly of claim 9 wherein the plunger defines a plunger passage extending across at least a portion of a thickness of the plunger, and the female coupling defines an aperture extending through the circumferential wall and providing access to the interior chamber, the plunger passage accessible through the aperture upon the plunger being positioned to at least one of the retracted position and the extended position.
13. The coupling assembly of claim 12 wherein the plunger passage is accessible through the aperture at both retracted and extended positions of the plunger.
14. The coupling assembly of claim 12 further comprising a sleeve at least partially disposed in the plunger passage, wherein the sleeve can be accessed via the aperture defined in the circumferential wall of the female coupling.
15. The coupling assembly of claim 12 further comprising a tool including a longitudinal member sized and shaped for at least partial insertion into the plunger passage.
16. The coupling assembly of claim 13 wherein the plunger passage has an elongated shape.
17. The coupling assembly of claim 16 further comprising a pin at least partially disposed in the plunger passage.
Priority Applications (2)
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US14/641,518 US20150176637A1 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2015-03-09 | Cable couplings for drain cleaning tools |
US15/284,443 US10156252B2 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2016-10-03 | Cable couplings for drain cleaning tools |
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US14/051,543 US9080599B2 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2013-10-11 | Cable coupling |
US14/641,518 US20150176637A1 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2015-03-09 | Cable couplings for drain cleaning tools |
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US15/284,443 Continuation US10156252B2 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2016-10-03 | Cable couplings for drain cleaning tools |
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US14/641,518 Abandoned US20150176637A1 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2015-03-09 | Cable couplings for drain cleaning tools |
US15/284,443 Active 2034-02-04 US10156252B2 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2016-10-03 | Cable couplings for drain cleaning tools |
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US15/284,443 Active 2034-02-04 US10156252B2 (en) | 2013-10-11 | 2016-10-03 | Cable couplings for drain cleaning tools |
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US10704250B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2020-07-07 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Sewer cleaning machine |
US11505229B2 (en) | 2018-04-13 | 2022-11-22 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool support |
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USD745230S1 (en) * | 2013-10-04 | 2015-12-08 | Ridge Tool Company | Cable coupling |
US10265104B2 (en) * | 2015-09-23 | 2019-04-23 | Deniz Ufuk Erbulut | Pedicle screw |
CN105275967A (en) * | 2015-11-19 | 2016-01-27 | 上海贝洱热系统有限公司 | Flexible shaft connecting structure and automobile air-conditioning control device |
EP3327211B1 (en) | 2016-11-24 | 2019-10-30 | Ridge Tool Company | Drain cleaning tools |
CN111432947B (en) * | 2017-12-14 | 2022-07-19 | 里奇工具公司 | Sewer cable decoupling tool |
USD899017S1 (en) * | 2019-01-16 | 2020-10-13 | Juka Innovations Corporation | Drain clearance tool |
US11233349B2 (en) | 2019-07-02 | 2022-01-25 | Kuster North America, Inc. | Quick connector with spherical interface |
WO2021067926A1 (en) * | 2019-10-03 | 2021-04-08 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Drain cleaner cable decoupler tool |
US11274426B2 (en) * | 2019-11-06 | 2022-03-15 | Robert Alcala | Plumbing snake assembly |
USD919389S1 (en) | 2019-11-06 | 2021-05-18 | Ridge Tool Company | Decoupler tool |
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US2557119A (en) | 1945-11-16 | 1951-06-19 | Anton P Kjerulff | Sectional sewer rod and a swivel coupling therefor |
US2769191A (en) | 1954-01-22 | 1956-11-06 | Marco Products Co | Plumber's tool |
US3397420A (en) * | 1966-06-21 | 1968-08-20 | Schneider Michael | Sewer snake |
US4403885A (en) * | 1981-04-09 | 1983-09-13 | Emerson Electric Co. | Cable connector |
SE440388B (en) | 1983-11-22 | 1985-07-29 | Flygt Ab | HYLSFORBAND |
US5618123A (en) | 1995-08-11 | 1997-04-08 | Pettibone Corporation | Coupling device for sewer and drain cleaning cable |
US6760948B2 (en) | 2001-08-16 | 2004-07-13 | Masco Corporation | Snap latch drum release for a drain cleaning machine |
US20110182656A1 (en) | 2010-01-27 | 2011-07-28 | Emerson Electric Co. | Sleeved coupling |
CN201891165U (en) * | 2010-12-09 | 2011-07-06 | 淮安市苏通市政机械有限公司 | Floating type washing head for pipeline |
CN202090430U (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2011-12-28 | 章珩 | Safety guide device for sewage pipeline dredging device |
-
2013
- 2013-10-11 US US14/051,543 patent/US9080599B2/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-09-09 CN CN201410455096.0A patent/CN104577496B/en active Active
- 2014-10-07 DE DE102014220297.3A patent/DE102014220297B4/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-03-09 US US14/641,518 patent/US20150176637A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-10-03 US US15/284,443 patent/US10156252B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (1)
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US2680358A (en) * | 1952-05-14 | 1954-06-08 | John A Zublin | Flexible conduit for high-pressure fluid |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10704250B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2020-07-07 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Sewer cleaning machine |
US11603653B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2023-03-14 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Sewer cleaning machine |
US11505229B2 (en) | 2018-04-13 | 2022-11-22 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool support |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN104577496B (en) | 2017-05-24 |
US20170023052A1 (en) | 2017-01-26 |
US20150105163A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
DE102014220297A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
US9080599B2 (en) | 2015-07-14 |
DE102014220297B4 (en) | 2019-03-28 |
US10156252B2 (en) | 2018-12-18 |
CN104577496A (en) | 2015-04-29 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RIDGE TOOL COMPANY, OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DUNKIN, JON R.;RUTKOWSKI, MICHAEL J.;MORRIS, HUGH;REEL/FRAME:035111/0714 Effective date: 20131011 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |