Drain cleaner

Abstract

A drain cleaner is contemplated that includes a body having a first section and a second section, the first section including a lower portion connected to a lower handle and an upper portion connected to an upper handle, the upper portion configured to move relative to the lower portion based on movement of the upper handle relative to the lower handle when the upper and lower handles are squeezed together by a user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 438,176, filed January 10, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a handheld drain cleaner that can be used to clear drains to improve drain flow. [Background technology]

[0003] Drain cleaners are typically designed to clear a section of a drain pipe. Drain cleaners usually have a flexible cable attached to a handheld drain auger that is pushed into the drain pipe while the user rotates a drum to which the flexible cable is tethered. Similar to handheld drain augers, drain rods can be used to clear clogs in long, straight pipes.

[0004] Many handheld drain augers have flexible cables thin enough to fit through common sink traps, and advantages of handheld drain augers include their relative low cost and the ease with which these tools are available at hardware stores. However, conventional handheld drain augers are ineffective at allowing a strong push or pull force to be applied to the flexible cable, resulting in insufficient force to clear clogs. Furthermore, even when using a drill to directly rotate the flexible cable, the user's axial push of the drill against the flexible cable may not generate enough force to apply a strong push or pull force to the flexible cable. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a handheld drain cleaner that can impart a strong pushing or pulling force to a cable or shaft by allowing a user to push or pull with both hands at two spaced apart locations on the handheld drain cleaner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A drain cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body having a first section and a second section, the first section including a lower portion connected to the lower handle and an upper portion connected to the upper handle, the upper portion configured to move relative to the lower portion based on movement of the upper handle relative to the lower handle when the upper and lower handles are squeezed together by a user.

[0007] A drain cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a body having a first section and a second section connected to the first section, a first rotating member rotatably disposed within the first section, a collet rotatably disposed within the first section and configured to grip a shaft extending through the first section, a second rotating member rotatably disposed within the second section and in communication with the first rotating member, and a handle portion connected to the first section and configured to allow a user to hold the handle portion.

[0008] The first section may include an upper portion, a first upper housing adjacent to the upper portion, a first lower housing, and a lower portion interposed between the first upper housing and the first lower housing and connected to the first upper housing and the first lower housing, and the handle portion may include an upper handle connected to the upper portion and a lower handle connected to at least one of the lower portion and the first lower housing.

[0009] The upper portion may be connected to the upper housing by a hinge for pivotal movement relative to the upper housing.

[0010] The upper portion can include an upper slot, the lower portion can include a lower slot, and a rod connected to the collet extends through the upper and lower slots and is adapted to slidably move within the upper and lower slots upon movement of the upper handle.

[0011] The collet may include a collet body, a collet head connected to the collet body, and a bore for accommodating a shaft extending through the collet body and the collet head.

[0012] The collet head can include a first end distal to the collet body and a second end proximal to the collet body, the collet head being frusto-conical in shape.

[0013] The collet head may further include a cutout extending axially of the hole.

[0014] The cutting portions may include a plurality of main cutting portions extending along the collet head and a plurality of secondary cutting portions extending between the plurality of main cutting portions.

[0015] The first rotating member can include a hole having an inner wall, and the collet head is configured to be inserted into the hole of the first rotating member such that the first rotating member and the collet head rotate together when the handle portion is squeezed by a user.

[0016] A biasing device may be interposed between the first rotating member and the collet body to urge the collet body.

[0017] The collet body may include a collet notch and a rod connected to the collet notch for enabling the collet to engage the first rotating member.

[0018] The first rotating member may include a first bearing connected to the first section, a first rotating gear connected to the first bearing, and a first central hole, wherein the first bearing, the first rotating gear, and the first central hole are axially aligned.

[0019] The second section can include a second upper housing and a second lower housing coupled to the second upper housing, the second upper housing and the second lower housing defining an interior of the second section.

[0020] The second rotating member can include a second bearing connected to the second lower housing, a second rotating gear connected to the second bearing, and a central shaft connected to the second bearing and the second rotating gear, wherein the central shaft, the second bearing, and the second rotating gear are axially aligned.

[0021] The first axis of rotation of the first rotatable member and the second axis of rotation of the second rotatable member are either parallel to each other or angled relative to each other.

[0022] The handle portion can include an upper handle connected to the upper portion and a lower handle connected to at least one of the lower portion and the first lower housing, the upper handle being straight or curved.

[0023] The drain cleaner may be configured so that a user can hold the handle portion with a first hand and the drill connected to the second rotating member with a second hand, and so that the user can push the drain cleaner away from the user or pull the drain cleaner towards the user.

[0024] A drain cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a first section housing a first rotating member and a collet configured to rotate with the first rotating member when engaged with the first rotating member, and a second section connected to the first section housing a second rotating member configured to engage a drill, wherein rotation of the drill rotates the second rotating member, the first rotating member, and the collet.

[0025] A shaft may be provided extending through the first section that is configured to rotate based on rotation of the drill. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] The rotating cable and flexible shaft are not held by the user. Instead, the user holds a cable holder or cleaner. This allows the rotating cable to enter the drain with more force. The flexible shaft allows the cable to rotate without losing torque.

[0027] The cable can be rotated at the speed of a hand drill. The rotating cable can be moved up and down relative to the drain pipe. These movements can open a clogged drain or clear the drain. The length of the flexible shaft or rotating cable can be adjusted by holding or releasing the flexible shaft. The product is compact and lightweight, making it easy for users to handle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is an elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a close-up view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a handheld drain cleaner connected to a drill and shaft. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a diagram of a handheld drain cleaner with a conduit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is another view of a handheld drain cleaner with a conduit. [Figure 8] A diagram of a handheld drain cleaner in use. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram of a vacuum suction machine that can be used with embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention in use. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the collet and second upper housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a detailed view of the collet from another perspective and an exploded view of the second upper housing and bearing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a side view of a typical collet that can be used with the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary collet that can be used with the present invention; [Figure 18] 1 is a drawing of another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] This product uses a drain cleaner, such as a handheld drain cleaner, that uses a collet to move a rotating cable attached to a flexible shaft. The user's hand controls the up and down movement of the rotating cable. Rotation of the cable is accomplished by a hand drill.

[0030] The rotating cable and flexible shaft are not held by the user; instead, the user holds the cable holder or cleaner. This allows the rotating cable to enter the drain with more force and allows the user to feel resistance when clearing or removing a clog in the drain.

[0031] The flexible shaft allows the cable to rotate without loss of torque.

[0032] The cable can be rotated at the speed of a hand drill. The rotating cable can be moved up and down relative to the drain. These movements can open a clogged drain or clear the drain.

[0033] The length of the flexible shaft or rotating cable can be adjusted by holding or releasing the flexible shaft.

[0034] This product is compact and lightweight, making it easy for users to handle.

[0035] For example, as shown in Figures 1-18, a handheld drain cleaner is provided that can be used, for example, to clear drains when clogged or to improve drain flow.

[0036] In this regard, FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] 1-4, handheld drain cleaner 1 may include a body 10 having a first section 20 and a second section 40. First section 20 is adjacent to and connected to second section 40. In an embodiment of the present invention, first section 20 and second section 40 may be welded at their outer surfaces, but this is not required, and first section 20 and second section 40 may be attached to one another by fastening means such as, but not limited to, rivets, nut and bolt combinations, screws, or by fitting the pieces together.

[0038] First section 20 may include a lower portion 22 connected to lower handle 25 and an upper portion 21 connected to upper handle 24. Upper portion 21 may be movable relative to lower portion 22 based on movement of upper handle 24 relative to lower handle 25 when upper handle 24 and lower handle 25 are squeezed together or released by user 100 according to FIG. 8 . Upper handle 24 is connected to upper portion 21 by a lever that can close or release upper portion 21 relative to lower portion 22. Upper portion 21 and lower portion 22 may be movably connected by hinge 33.

[0039] 1 and 2, the first section 20 further includes a housing, including a first upper housing 32 and a first lower housing 23. The first upper housing 32 and the first lower housing 23 may be connected together by means including, but not limited to, welding, using rivets, a nut and bolt combination, using screws, or fitting the pieces together.

[0040] In embodiments of the present invention, the first section 20 may be generally cylindrical, and therefore the first upper housing 32 and the first lower housing 23 may also each have a cylindrical shape. However, the shapes of the first section 20, the first upper housing 32, and the lower housing 23 may vary, with rectangular, oval, polygonal, and the like shapes being within the scope of the present invention. In various embodiments, the shapes of the first upper housing 32 and the first lower housing 23 may be the same or different from each other.

[0041] The upper portion 21 may be formed in the shape of a semicircle or semi-ring and may partially surround the first upper housing 32. The upper portion 21 is connected to the first upper housing 32. For example, the means for connecting the upper portion 21 and the first upper housing 32 may be a first bolt 27 attached at a first end to the first upper housing 32 and attached at a second end to the upper portion 21. The upper portion 21 may pivot relative to the first upper housing 32 at a hinge 33 that accommodates the first bolt 27. As the upper portion 21 pivots, the upper handle 24 attached to the upper portion 21 may move away from or toward the lower handle 25.

[0042] Upper portion 21 further includes an upper slot 29 (e.g., a horizontal slot) between the attachment point with upper handle 24 and hinge 33 (or first bolt 27). Upper slot 29 includes room or space to accommodate second bolt 28 extending outward from first upper housing 32. Second bolt 28 is connected to or attached to a collet 80 located inside first section 20 (see FIG. 9 ). When upper portion 21 pivots relative to first upper housing 32, the room or space in upper slot 29 allows second bolt 28 to move or slide across upper slot 29, allowing second bolt 28 to raise or lower collet 80 relative to first upper housing 32.

[0043] The first upper housing 32 further includes a lower slot 26 (e.g., a vertical slot) in the lower portion 22. The lower slot 26 is located on the lower portion 22 between the attachment point with the lower handle 25 and the attachment point with the second section 40. The lower slot 26 exposes a side of a collet 80 located inside the first section 20. The lower slot 26 also accommodates a second bolt 28 extending outward from the first upper housing 32 and includes room or space such that the second bolt 28 can move or slide relative to the upper housing 32 of the first housing across the lower slot 26. Thus, when the upper portion 21 pivots relative to the first upper housing 32, the second bolt 28 moves or slides laterally within both the upper slot 29 and the lower slot 28, thereby raising or lowering the collet 80 within the first upper housing 32. The lower slot 26 and the upper slot 29 extend in intersecting directions. In one example, the lower slot 26 and the upper slot 29 extend in orthogonal directions and overlap.

[0044] The first lower housing 23 can be attached to the lower portion 22 by a first connection 34. The first connection 34 can be a weld, but is not limited to this, and other attachment means are within the scope of this disclosure, such as, but not limited to, rivets, nut and bolt combinations, screws, or by fitting the pieces together.

[0045] 4, the first lower housing 23 may include a first lower hole 35 that can communicate with the interior space of the first upper housing 32. The first lower housing 23 also includes an interior space. The bottom surface of the first lower housing 23 is circular, and the first lower hole 35 is located in the center of this bottom surface.

[0046] 5 to 8, the drain pipe cleaner 1 can be configured such that the main body 10 is connected to a drill 70, and the drill 70 can rotate the shaft 50 and the auger head 60 disposed at the end of the shaft 50 to clean the drain pipe 90. The conduit 60 can house the shaft 50 so as to protect the user from fluids, mud, and dirt that may come into contact with the shaft 50 while the shaft 50 is inside the drain pipe. The conduit 61 can be connected to the main body 10 via a conduit connector 62 and a conduit receiving portion 63.

[0047] 1-4 and 9, the first lower housing 23 houses a first rotary gear 38 connected to a first bearing 36. The first bearing 36 includes a first central hole 37 that communicates with the first lower hole 35. A collet 80 is also housed in the interior space of the first upper housing 32. A collet head 84 may also be partially inserted into the first central hole 37.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 9 , a first rotary gear 38 is provided inside the first section 20. The first rotary gear 38 may be supported by a first bearing 36. The upper portion 21 may include a collet portion 30 including a collet 80. The collet 80 may have a shape (e.g., conical, but may also be cylindrical or other polygonal, such as hexagonal) with slits or cutouts that allow a divided wall (collet head) 84 of the collet 80 to clamp or capture the shaft 50 when movement of the handles 24, 25 presses the collet 80 against the first central hole 37 of the first rotary gear 38 or the inner wall of the lower portion 22. The first section 20 may be provided with a biasing device 85, such as a spring, that interacts with the collet portion 30 to bias the collet 80 to disengage from the first central hole 37 of the first rotary gear 38 or the lower portion 22. The collecting portion 30 may have an upper surface that is planar and aligned with the upper edge of the first upper housing 32 .

[0049] 9 and 13-15, the collet 80 may include a collet body 81, a collecting notch 82 disposed on the collet body 81, a collet shaft 83 connected to the connecting body 81, a collet head 84, and a collecting surface 801 or recess 86 disposed on one side of the collet body 81. A biasing device 85 may also be provided with the collet 80.

[0050] The collet 80 can be installed within the interior space of the first upper housing 32, such that the collet head 84 is disposed toward the first central hole 37 and the collet body 81 is disposed toward the first upper hole 31. The collet body 81 can be a disk that can rotate within the interior space of the first upper housing 32. The collet shaft 83 can be a cylinder having an internal bore connected to the collet body 81, and the collet head 84 can be a partial cone having an internal bore also connected to the collet shaft 84. The internal bores of the collet head 84, the collet shaft 83, and the collet body 81 communicate with one another in the axial direction, providing an internal passageway connecting an end of the collet head 84 to an end of the collet body 81.

[0051] The collet head 84 may be a partial cone or a truncated cone having a profile that varies along the axial direction of the collet head 84 from the first end to the second end of the collet head 84. The first end of the collet head 84 is narrower than the second end of the collet head 84, and the first end of the collet head 84 is connectable to the first central bore 37 of the first bearing 36. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first end of the collet head 84 may be inserted into the first central bore 37 to squeeze a portion of the first end of the collet head 84, thereby narrowing the opening of the interior bore of the collet head 84 at the first end.

[0052] The biasing device 85 may have a first end that contacts the first bearing 36 and a second end that contacts the collet body 81 at the collet recess 86 or collet groove 87. When the collet 80 is biased toward the first bearing 36, the biasing device 85 may be pushed or compressed so that the spacing between the coils of the biasing device 85 becomes closer. When the pressure on the collet 80 is released, the spring in the biasing device 85 returns, pushing the collet 80 away from the first bearing 36 and the spacing between the coils of the biasing device 85 becomes wider.

[0053] 9 , collet notch 82 receives second bolt 28, and movement of upper handle 24 is transmitted to collet 80 via second bolt 28, providing pressure that urges collet 80 toward first bearing 36. Meanwhile, releasing pressure from upper handle 24 allows biasing device 85 to transmit movement away from first bearing 36 to upper handle 24 via second bolt 28.

[0054] The shaft 50 may be flexible. The collet 80 and shaft 50 may be rotated. The shaft 50 may be fed through a passageway, including the first upper hole 31, in the first section 20, for example, in the first rotating gear 38 or the collet 80, and may be held when the handles 24, 25 are squeezed, but may be released when the handles 24, 25 are released, thereby adjusting the length of the shaft 50 used to clean the drain pipe. The shaft 50 may be connected to the auger head 60 by a connector 55.

[0055] 1-4 and 9, the second section 40 includes a housing including a second lower housing 41 and a second upper housing 42 containing a second rotary gear 48, and has an outwardly extending central shaft 43. The central shaft 43 can be coupled to a drill 70 that can rotate the second rotary gear 48 connected to the central shaft 43. The second rotary gear 48 communicates with the first rotary gear 38 such that rotation of the drill 70 is transmitted to the first rotary gear 38 via the second rotary gear 48. The rotational speed of the shaft 50 can be controlled by the rotational speed of the drill 70.

[0056] The second lower housing 41 can be attached to the first lower housing 23 at the second connection portion 44, which can allow the second rotary gear 48 to communicate with the first rotary gear 38. At the second connection portion 44, a second cutout portion 46 can be formed in the side wall of the second lower housing 41, which allows a portion of the second rotary gear 48 to protrude outside the second lower housing 41. When the second lower housing 41 is connected to the first lower housing 23, a portion of the second rotary gear 48 can extend through a hole in the second cutout portion 46 and partially enter the internal space of the first lower housing 23, allowing the teeth of the second rotary gear 48 to mesh with the teeth of the first rotary gear 38.

[0057] The drain cleaner 1 can be held in one hand 110 of the user 100 and the drill 70 can be held in the other hand 110 of the user 100, thereby providing stability and ease of use to the drain cleaner 1.

[0058] To protect the user 100 and to maintain cleanliness, the portion of the shaft 50 remote from the drain cleaner 1 may be surrounded by a conduit 61 .

[0059] A vacuum suction device 95 may be used with the drain cleaner 1 and may be connected to the conduit 61 to remove or suck up debris.

[0060] 13 shows details of the second lower housing 41, the first lower portion 26, and the lower handle 25. Also shown are details of elements disposed within the interior spaces of the second lower housing 41 and the first lower portion 26.

[0061] For example, the second rotary gear 48 is connected to a second bearing 47. The central shaft 43 is directly connected to the second rotary gear 48, so that rotation imparted to the central shaft 43 also rotates the second rotary gear 48. The second bearing 47 supports the rotation of the central shaft 43 and the second rotary gear 48. A second retainer 49 on the bottom portion of the second rotary gear 48 can be installed on a recess in the second lower housing 41 that communicates with the second lower hole 45. Furthermore, when the second rotary gear 48 is installed in the internal space of the second lower housing 41, the second upper housing 42 can cover the internal space of the second lower housing 41. The second upper housing 42 includes a second upper hole 450 that communicates with the internal space of the second lower housing 41. The second upper hole allows the central shaft 43 to pass through the second upper housing 42.

[0062] The second upper housing 42 and the second lower housing 41 can be joined and mated to form the second section 40. The second upper housing 42 and the second lower housing 41 can be joined by fasteners. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the fasteners can be screws that pass through the second upper housing 42 and connect to the second lower housing 41, although this is not required and the second upper housing 42 can be connected to the second lower housing 41 by welding, for example, by a third connection. However, using fasteners such as screws allows the second upper housing 42 and the second lower housing 41 to be separated, for example, to access the second rotating gear 48 for maintenance or replacement purposes.

[0063] 14 , the collet head 84 and the collet shaft 83 may include multiple sections or divided walls that annularly define the inner bore of the collet head 84. The multiple sections of the collet head 84 may include at least two or more sections, but embodiments of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, three sections, four sections, or five sections. The collet shaft 83 may also include multiple sections or divided walls that annularly define the inner bore of the collet shaft 83. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of sections of the collet head 84 may be the same as or different from the number of sections of the collet shaft 83. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, each section of the collet head 84 may be connected to a respective section of the collet shaft 83.

[0064] Between the sections of the collet head 84 and the collet shaft 83 are cutouts that can extend from the first end of the collet head 84 to the collet shaft 83. Each section of the collet head 84 can be moved independently. When the first end of the collet head 84 is urged into the first central bore 37 of the first bearing 36, the sections of the collet head 84 are squeezed together, narrowing the size of the opening at the first end of the collet head 84 so that the sections abut against the shaft 50, which extends through the collet head 84, the collet shaft 83, and the inner bore of the collet body 81. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as the collet head 84 is further inserted into the first central bore 37, the sections of the collet head 84 can be further squeezed together due to the conical shape of the collet head 84 at the first end. As collet head 84 is squeezed together with greater force, greater force can be applied to the outer surface of shaft 50, ensuring that shaft 50 is tightly clamped by the divided walls of collet head 84 and rotates with the rotation of first rotary gear 38. Collet head 84 can be squeezed together with greater force by applying greater squeezing force to upper handle 24 and lower handle 25.

[0065] 15 , the second rotary gear 48 may be connected to a second holder 49 on one side and to a second holder 401 on another side. The second bearing 47 may be connected to the second holder 401. Each of the second holder 49, the second rotary gear 48, the second holder 401, and the second bearing 47 may be attached to the central shaft 43, such that the second rotary gear 48 rotates as the central shaft 43 rotates.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 15, collet 80 includes an internal bore in the form of a collet passageway 88 surrounded by a collet head 84 supported by a collet bearing 89 connected to a collet surface 801 of a collet body 81 .

[0067] Figure 16 is a collet according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 17 shows details of the collet according to another embodiment of the present disclosure of Figure 16, and Figure 18 shows a drain cleaner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] 16, the configuration of the collet in FIG. 16 can be substantially the same as the collets in FIG. 9 and FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, except for the configuration of one or more patterns of the collet head and the separation walls, so a duplicated description will be omitted. The same reference numerals are used for the same components. Hereinafter, the description of the same reference numerals will be made with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 13 to FIG. 15.

[0069] 16 , the collet 800 includes a collet body 81 having a collet notch 82. The collet 800 also includes a collet head 840, which may have multiple divided walls at a first end of the collet head 840 separated by a major cutting portion extending from the collet body 81 toward the tip of the collet head 840. In addition, at least one divided wall may further include a minor cutting portion disposed midway along the at least one divided wall. Thus, the at least one divided wall may be defined into two halves by the minor cutting portion, and these two halves may be connected at the first end of the collet head 840 distal from the collet body 81. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and at least one divided wall may have two or more minor cutting portions and multiple subsections or halves. Additionally, the connection of the sub-section of at least one divided wall defined by the sub-cut portion may be located near the first end of the collet head 840, or at a location away from the first end of the collet head 840 (e.g., near the collet body 81), or a combination thereof.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 17 , the collet 800 of FIG. 16 is shown in more detail. The same reference numerals are used for the same components. Referring to FIG. 17 , the collet head 840 has a major cutting portion and a minor cutting portion that extend in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the collet head 840. As shown in FIG. 17 , the collet 800 need not have a collecting shaft, or it can have a short collecting shaft. In FIG. 17 , the collet 800 includes a collet base 830 that connects the collet head 840 to the collet body 81. The compact size of the collet base 830 allows the collet head 840 to be connected more immediately to the collet body 81, allowing the collet head 840 to more firmly support the collet body 81. Meanwhile, the major cutting portion and the minor cutting portion of the divided walls of the collet head 840 provide the collet head 840 with flexibility to better grip the shaft 50. While the main cutting portion and the secondary cutting portion are shown as being essentially parallel to the axial direction of the collet head 840, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and at least one of the main cutting portion and the secondary cutting portion can extend in a direction other than the axial direction, for example, a vertical direction, an angled direction, a transverse direction, etc.

[0071] 18, the configuration of the drain cleaner in FIG. 18 may be substantially the same as the drain cleaner in FIGS. 1 to 4, except for the configuration of the upper handle 240 and the second section 400, so a duplicated description will be omitted. The same reference numbers are used for the same components. Hereinafter, the description of the same reference numbers will be made with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0072] 18, the upper handle 240 may be curved or angled to provide an easier, more ergonomic grip, requiring less force to achieve a greater grip. The curve of the upper handle 240 may provide a shorter clamping distance between the upper handle 240 and the lower handle 250. The position of the curve may also be set to provide a predetermined angular momentum to the drain cleaner to provide a predetermined force to the collet head (e.g., 84, 840) to grip the shaft 50.

[0073] Additionally, the second section 400 can be connected to the first section 20 at an angle other than the parallel configuration of FIG. 1, thereby allowing, for example, the drill 70 to be attached to the central shaft 430 of the second section 400 at an angle, e.g., a more ergonomic angle that allows for better application of arm force and also provides a comfortable grip.

[0074] By using two points of contact with the user 100 via the upper and lower handles and the central shaft, the user 100 can push the drain cleaner 1 with more force and also pull the drain cleaner 1 towards the user 100 more easily.

[0075] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be embodied in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all respects and do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the scope of the following claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent range thereof should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 Drain cleaner 10 Main Unit 20 First Section 21 Upper part 22 Lower part 23 First lower housing 24 Upper handle 25 Lower Handle 26 Lower slot 27 First Bolt 28 Second Bolt 29 Upper slot 240 Upper Handle 250 lower handle 30 Collet part 31 First upper hole 32 first upper housing 33 Hinge 34 First connection 35 First lower hole 36 First Bearing 37 First central hole 38 First rotating gear 40 Second Section 41 second lower housing 42 second upper housing 43 Central Shaft 44 Second Housing 45 Second upper hole 46 Second Cut 47 Second Bearing 48 Second rotating gear 49 Second holder 400 Second Section 401 Second Support 410 second lower housing 420 second upper housing 430 Central Shaft 50 shaft 55 Connector 60 Auger Head 61 Conduit 62 Conduit Connector 63 Conduit receiving part 70 Drill 80 Colette 81 Collet body 82 Collet notch 83 Collet shaft 84 Collet head 85 Powering Device 86 Collet recess 87 Collet groove 88 Collet Passage 89 Collet Bearing 800 Collet 801 Collect Surface 830 Collect Base 840 Collect Head 90 Drain pipe 95 Vacuum suction machine 100 users 110 User's Hand

Claims

1. a body having a first section and a second section Equipped with the first section includes a lower portion connected to a lower handle and an upper portion connected to an upper handle; The drain cleaner is configured so that the upper portion moves relative to the lower portion based on movement of the upper handle relative to the lower handle when the upper and lower handles are squeezed together by a user.

2. a body having a first section and a second section connected to the first section; a first rotating member rotatably disposed within the first section; a collet rotatably disposed within the first section and configured to grip a shaft extending through the first section; a second rotating member rotatably disposed within the second section and in communication with the first rotating member; a handle portion connected to the first section and configured to allow a user to hold the handle portion; A drain pipe cleaner comprising:

3. The first section comprises: The upper part and a first upper housing adjacent to the upper portion; a first lower housing; a lower portion interposed between the first upper housing and the first lower housing and connected to the first upper housing and the first lower housing; Including, The handle portion an upper handle connected to the upper portion; a lower handle connected to at least one of the lower portion and the first lower housing; 3. The drain cleaner of claim 2, comprising:

4. 4. The drain cleaner of claim 3, wherein the upper portion is connected to the upper housing by a hinge for pivotal movement relative to the upper housing.

5. the upper portion includes an upper slot; the lower portion includes a lower slot; 4. The drain cleaner of claim 3, wherein a rod is connected to the collet, the rod passing through the upper slot and the lower slot and adapted to slidably move within the upper slot and the lower slot upon movement of the upper handle.

6. The collet is A collet body, a collet head connected to the collet body; Including, 3. The drain cleaner of claim 2, wherein a bore for accommodating the shaft extends through the collet body and the collet head.

7. the collet head includes a first end distal to the collet body and a second end proximal to the collet body; 7. The drain cleaner of claim 6, wherein the collet head is shaped like a frusto-cone.

8. 7. The drain cleaner of claim 6, wherein the collet head further includes a cutout extending axially of the hole.

9. 9. The drain cleaner of claim 8, wherein the cutting portions include a plurality of main cutting portions extending along the collet head and a plurality of secondary cutting portions extending between the plurality of main cutting portions.

10. the first rotatable member includes a bore having an inner wall; 7. The drain cleaner of claim 6, wherein the collet head is configured to be inserted into the hole in the first rotatable member such that the first rotatable member and the collet head rotate together when the handle portion is squeezed by the user.

11. 7. The drain cleaner of claim 6, further comprising a biasing device interposed between the first rotating member and the collet body for urging the collet body.

12. The collector body is Collet notch and a rod connected to the collet notch for enabling the collet to engage the first rotating member; 7. The drain clearer of claim 6, comprising:

13. The first rotating member includes: a first bearing connected to the first section; a first rotary gear connected to the first bearing; a first central hole; Including, 3. The drain cleaner of claim 2, wherein the first bearing, the first rotary gear, and the first central bore are axially aligned.

14. The second section comprises: a second upper housing; a second lower housing coupled to the second upper housing; Including, 3. The drain cleaner of claim 2, wherein the second upper housing and the second lower housing define the interior of the second section.

15. The second rotating member includes: a second bearing connected to the second lower housing; and a second rotary gear connected to the second bearing; a central shaft connected to the second bearing and the second rotary gear; Including, 15. The drain cleaner of claim 14, wherein the central shaft, the second bearing, and the second rotary gear are axially aligned.

16. 3. The drain cleaner of claim 2, wherein the first axis of rotation of the first rotatable member and the second axis of rotation of the second rotatable member are either parallel to each other or angled relative to each other.

17. The handle portion an upper handle connected to the upper portion; a lower handle connected to at least one of the lower portion and the first lower housing; Including, 3. The drain cleaner of claim 2, wherein the upper handle is either straight or curved.

18. 3. The drain cleaner of claim 2, wherein the drain cleaner is configured so that the user can hold the handle portion with a first hand and a drill connected to the second rotating member with a second hand, and so that the user can push the drain cleaner away from the user or pull the drain cleaner towards the user.

19. a first section housing a first rotating member and a collet configured to rotate with the first rotating member when engaged with the first rotating member; a second section connected to the first section, the second section housing a second rotating member configured to engage a drill; Equipped with A drain cleaner, wherein rotation of the drill rotates the second rotating member, the first rotating member, and the collet.

20. 20. The drain cleaner of claim 19, further comprising a shaft extending through the first section configured to rotate based on the rotation of the drill.

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