Drain tool guide and method for using same

Abstract

A drain tool guide for use with a drain tool and a pipe system having a first pipe joined to a second pipe by a connector having an inlet inclined at an angle to the first pipe. The drain tool guide includes a tube adapted for receiving a drain tool and extending along a longitudinal axis. The tube has a first end and an opposite second end. A guide tip is coupled to the second end of the tube and has a tubular curved end extending at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The guide tip is configured to direct the drain tool through the angle of the connector and into the first pipe.

Description

DRAIN TOOL GUIDE AND METHOD FOR USING SAMEInventors: Brian Dwayne Sarinova James Scott DuncanCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 63 / 559,869 filed February 29, 2024, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by this reference.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to drain cleanout tools, and more particularly to devices for guiding such tools.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventional drain cleaning methods struggle when attempting to access upstream pipes through cleanout lines with acute angle connectors. Current tools often fail to navigate these sharp angles, resulting in damage to pipes, ineffective cleaning, prolonged maintenance and increased downtime, service time and costs. In this regard, existing drain tools such as conventional camera, snake or jetting tools often encounter limitations when navigating through complex plumbing configurations like Y-junctions, combos, and cleanouts.

[0004] There is a need for an innovative solution that enables plumbers to effectively navigate and clear clogged sewer drains from various angles, including upstream sewer lines from acute angle connectors.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The drawings herein are schematic and not drawn to scale, and are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a first side elevational view of an embodiment of the drain tool guide of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a front-end view of the drain tool guide of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a second side elevational view of the drain tool guide of FIG. 1 taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drain tool guide of FIG. 1 taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a step of a method of the invention utilizing a drain tool guide of the invention in a sewer line having a sewer line clean out.

[0011] FIG. 6 is an end view of the drain tool guide of FIG. 5 taken along the line 9-9 of FIG. 5.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a sewer line clean out with a drain tool guide of the invention disposed therein.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the sewer line clean out of FIG. 7 with a drain tool guide of the invention disposed therein taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sewer line having a drain tool guide of the invention disposed in the sewer cleanout line of the sewer line and approaching an acute angle connector of the sewer clean out line relative to the upstream pipe of the sewer outflow line.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sewer line having a drain tool guide of the invention disposed in the sewer cleanout line of the sewer line and extending across an acute angle connector of the sewer cleanout line relative to the upstream pipe of the sewer outflow line with a drain tool extending through the drain tool guide and up the upstream pipe from the acute angle connector.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the drain tool guide of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The invention is a specialized tool designed for use in the maintenance and clearance of clogged sewer drains or lines. The tool enables the user to navigate complex piping geometries with tools, including for example drain cameras, drain snakes, waterjets, pipe cleaning tools, pipe inspection tools or any combination of the foregoing. The piping or sewer system to be treated can include first and second pipes joined together with any suitable connector having an inlet for accessing the piping or sewer system. The inlet can optionally extend at a right angle to the first or second pipe. The inlet can optionally extend at any suitable acute angle, that is an angle less than 90°, relative to the first or second pipe. For example, the connector can optionally be a T or TEE connector, a combo connector, a Y connector or a WYEconnector. The first pipe can optionally be an upstream sewer line directing flow through the connector to the second pipe, which can optionally be a downstream sewer line. The inlet of the connector can optionally extend at any suitable acute angle relative to the upstream pipe. The piping or sewer system can optionally include a cleanout line coupled or joined to the inlet of the connector for accessing one or both of the first and second pipes.

[0018] A drain tool guide of the invention can include a tube having an internal passageway or receiving a drain tool. The tube, which can optionally be referred to as a shaft or main shaft, can extend along a longitudinal axis and have a first end portion, for example to direct the drain tool guide in a cleanout line, and an opposite second end portion. A suitable handle can optionally be provided on the first end of the tube. The tube can be of any suitable length, have any suitable internal diameter and any suitable external diameter. A suitable guide tip can optionally be coupled to the second end of the tube, for example to permit removal and interchange of guide tips, or formed integral with the second end of the tube. The guide tip can optionally be tubular and have an opening at its end. The guide tip can optionally have an internal diameter approximating the internal diameter of the tube. The guide tip can optionally have an external diameter approximating the external diameter of the tube. The opening can optionally be an end opening or a side opening in the tubular guide tip. The guide tip can optionally include any suitable curved tubular portion or end extending at an inclined or obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis, for example outwardly from the tube. The curved tubular end can serve to direct a drain tool through the angle of a connector and into one of the pipes of the sewer line or system to which the connector is joined or coupled.

[0019] The outwardly curved end of the guide tip, which can optionally be referred to as a tubular guide tip, can optionally have a single bend having an end extending at an inclined or obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The curved end, which can optionally be referred to as a tubular curved end, can extend sideways a distance from the tube optionally ranging from 0.05 to 0.08 inch, 0.5 to three inches, 1.5 to three inches or approximately three inches. The curved end can extend through an angle optionally ranging from 15 to 180 degrees, 15 to 60 degrees, 45 to 90 degrees or approximately 35 degrees. The curved end can optionally have an end piece, which can optionally be referred to as a tubular end piece, provided with a side opening and a curved end surface for directing the drain tool out the side opening. The side opening can be of any suitable shape, for example oblong relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0020] The outwardly curved guide tip can optionally be S-shaped or serpentine shaped, with at least first and second curves or bends. The S-shaped or serpentine shaped tubular guide tip can optionally extend in a single plane. The first and second curves or tubular bends can optionally extend in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube. For example, a first tubular bend or curve can optionally extend from the second end of the tube and curve relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube in a first direction, for example away from the longitudinal axis and tube to end extending at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and the second tubular bend or curve can optionally extend from the end of the first to the first curve or bend and curve relative to the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, for example to an end extending at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The first tubular bend or curve can optionally extend sideways from the tube a distance optionally ranging from 0.5 to six inches. 0.5 to three inches, one to three inches or approximately three inches. The first bend or curve can extend through an angle optionally ranging from 20 to 160 degrees, 15 to 70 degrees, 45 to 90 degrees or approximately 35 degrees. The second tubular bend or curve can extend sideways from the first bend, for example in the same plane as the first bend, a distance from the tube optionally ranging from 0.5 to six inches, 0.5 to eight inches, one to three inches or approximately six inches. The second bend or curve can extend through an angle optionally ranging from 20 to 160 degrees, 15 to 70 degrees, 45 to 90 degrees or approximately 60 degrees. The second bend or curve can optionally be coupled to the first bend with a straight portion of the guide tip. The S-shaped guide tip can optionally have an end piece provided with a side opening and a curved end surface for directing the drain tool out the side opening. The side opening can be of any suitable shape, for example oblong relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0021] It is appreciated that the guide tips, for example tubular guide tips, of the invention can be provided with different curvature profiles to accommodate a wide range of pipe configurations. For example, it is appreciated that the guide tip with outwardly curved end of the drain tool guide of the invention can have other configurations and shapes, and can optionally incorporate and combination of the features of the guide tip disclosed herein.

[0022] When the pipe system includes a cleanout or other line or pipe coupled to the inlet of the connector, guide tip with outwardly curved end optionally has a maximum transverse dimension less than the internal diameter of the cleanout line. The maximum transversedimension of the drain tool guide can be tailored to the specific application. Such maximum transverse dimension can optionally range from one to six inches.

[0023] The tube and guide tip can optionally be formed of any suitable single material, or any combination of materials, including a rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), stainless steel 303, 304, 316, 409, 309, aluminum, steel, flexible polymers, reinforced rubber, semi rigid rubber, or metal alloys that provide sufficient rigidity while allowing for necessary flexibility when navigating pipe or connector bends. Each of the tube and the guide tip can optionally be formed with sections of varying flexibility. For example, at least a portion of the guide tip can optionally be formed from a semi rigid but bendable material. The guide tube can optionally be coupled or joined to the second end of the tube with a bendable or flexible coupler of any suitable type. The drain tool guide of the invention can optionally be constructed in a modular fashion, allowing for interchangeable components including tubes of varying lengths and diameters and guide tips with different curvature profiles, for example to accommodate a wide range of sewer pipe or line configurations.

[0024] The drain tool guide of the invention, for example the tube, can optionally include visual indicia indicating the orientation of the guide or tube about its longitudinal axis relative to the inlet of the connector.

[0025] The invention includes any suitable method for accessing a pipe or sewer line from a connector, including any suitable method for utilizing a drain tool guide of the invention in this regard. A method of the invention can optionally include inserting a drain tool guide of the invention into a cleanout line until the guide tip is disposed in the connector facing the upstream pipe. A suitable drain tool can be slid through the drain tool guide and into the upstream pipe to perform a procedure in the upstream pipe. The connector can be of any suitable type, including an acute angle connector, a TEE connector, a combo connector, a Y connector or a WYE connector. A drain tool can be inserted into the drain tool guide and advanced through the guide tip and into the upstream pipe to perform a procedure in the upstream pipe. The guide tip of the drain tool can be of any suitable type, including any of the guide tips disclosed herein. The guide tip can optionally include any suitable curved guide tip disclosed herein, including any of the S- shaped guide tips disclosed herein.

[0026] The inserting step can optionally include inserting the drain tool guide into the cleanout line with the curved guide tip initially not facing the upstream pipe until the guide tip enters the connector and then rotating the drain tool guide in the cleanout line and simultaneously pushing the guide tip further into the connector until the curved guide tip is facing the upstream pipe. Such initial position of the curved guide tip not facing the upstream pipe can include the curved guide tip initially facing approximately perpendicular to the upstream pipe or initially facing in a direction approximately opposite to the upstream pipe. Suitable indicia can optionally be provided on the drain tool guide to indicate the angular position of the guide relative in the cleanout line. The rotating and simultaneously pushing step can optionally include deflecting some or all of the guide tip sideways of the longitudinal axis of the drain tool guide. For example, the guide tip can optionally be deflected sideways or bent relative to the longitudinally axis. If some or all of the guide tip is made from a flexible or bendable material, such portion of the guide tip can optionally be deflected during the rotating and simultaneously pushing step. It is appreciated that a drain tool guide of the invention can be provided with flexible or bendable portions such that the drain tool guide need not be rotated but instead only pushed for operable placement of the guide tip in the connector.

[0027] An optional drain tool guide of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-10. Drain tool guide 21 includes an elongate tube 22 extending along a longitudinal axis 23 between a first or operator end portion 22a and an opposite second or operation end portion 22b (see FIG. 1). The tube 22, which can optionally be referred to as a shaft or main shaft, can be made from any one or more of the materials disclosed above. Tube 22 is optionally made from a rigid metal. A guide tip 26, for example a curved tubular guide tip 26, is coupled or joined in any suitable manner to second end 22b of the tube 22. The curved guide tip has a first end portion 26a and an opposite second end portion 26b. The guide tip 26 can be made from any one or more of the materials disclosed above. Guide tip 26 is optionally made from a rigid metal.

[0028] The first end portion 22a of the tube 22 has a threaded end 27 for permitting the drain tool guide 21 to be removably coupled if necessary to any suitable extension tube, not shown, for permitting the curved guide tip 26 to reach the desired connector in a sewer line. A coupler 28 of any suitable type is provided on the tube end portion 22a for facilitating such connection to an extension tube.

[0029] The guide tip can be coupled to the second end portion 22b of the tube in any suitable manner, for example in a detachable manner, including by any suitable rigid coupling means or any suitable flexible or bendable coupling means. The guide tip 26, which can optionally be referred to as a tubular guide tip, can optionally be coupled to the second end portion 22b by a suitable flexible member 31, for example a flexible boot 31 made from any suitable material such as rubber. One end of the flexible member 31 can optionally be connected or secured to the second end portion 22b by any a coupler 32 or any other suitable connector. The other, opposite end of the flexible member 31 can optionally be connected or secured to the first end portion 26b of the guide tip by a coupler 33 or any other suitable connector.

[0030] The guide tip 26 has a tubular portion, for example a tubular bend, that extends or curves outwardly to an end extending at an inclined or obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The curved guide tip 26 has an optional S or serpentine shape. The first end portion 26a of the tip has a first tubular bend or curve 36 that extends relative to the longitudinal axis 23 in a first direction, for example away from the tube 22, through a suitable angle, for example approximately 30 to 35, 30 or 35 degrees, to an end inclined at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The second end portion 26b of the tip has a second tubular bend or curve 37, coupled to the end of the first bend or curve 36, that extends relative to the longitudinal axis 23 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to an end inclined at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis 23. The second tubular bend or curve extends outwardly relative to the end of the first bend or curve 36. The second tubular bend or curve 37 extends through a suitable angle, for example approximately 50 to 60, 50 or 60 degrees. The second tubular bend or curve 37 is optionally joined to the first bend or curve 36 by a first straight portion 38 of the guide tip 26. The tubular straight portion 38 has any suitable length, for example optionally ranging from 0.5 to four inches or approximately six inches. The curved guide tip has an end piece 41, which can optionally be referred to as a tubular end piece, extending from the end of the second curve or bend 37. The end piece has a curved surface 42 extending through an angle, for example optionally ranging from 30 to 120 degrees, approximately 45 degrees or approximately 60 degrees.

[0031] Drain guide tube 21 is tubular and provided with an internal lumen or passageway for receiving a drain tool (see FIG. 4). In this regard, elongate tube 22 is provided with passageway 46 formed by the tubular wall 47 of the tube. Passageway 46 extends to an opening 48 providedat threaded end 27 of the tube 22. The other end of passageway 46 communicates with the passageway 51 of the flexible boot 31. Boot passageway 51 communicates with the internal passageway 52 of guide tip 26 formed by the tubular wall 53 of the guide tip. The passageway of the guide tip 26 ends and communicates with a side opening 54 provided in end piece 41 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The curved surface 42 of the end piece 41 ends at side opening 54. The guide tip 26 can optionally have an internal diameter approximating the internal diameter of the tube 22. The guide tip 26 can optionally have an external diameter approximating the external diameter of the tube 22.

[0032] In an optional method of the invention, drain guide tube 21 can be utilized to enable a suitable drain tool to access a line or pipe of a sewer system or line to inspect the line or perform an operation or procedure in the sewer system, for example to determine the location of a blockage in the sewer system or remove a clog or debris in the sewer system. The sewer system 61, a portion of which is shown in FIGS. 5 and 7-10, can include a first or upstream line or pipe 62 and a second or downstream line or pipe 63 coupled together by a suitable connector 64, for example a central passageway 65 extending between the opposite ends of a combo connector 64. The combo connector includes a central passageway 64 and a side port 66 having a portion 67 inclined at an acute angle 68 relative to the upstream line 62 and communicating with the central passageway 64 (see FIG. 9). A cleanout line 71 is coupled or joined to the side port 66.

[0033] Drain guide tube 21, commencing with curved guide tip 26, is inserted into the cleanout line 71, with or without a necessary extension tube coupled to threaded end 27 of the elongate tube 22. The drain guide tube 21 is optionally angularly positioned in the cleanout line 71 so that curved guide tip points away from or does not face towards the upstream line 71 (see FIG. 5.) In an optional method, shown in FIG. 5, the curved guide tip 26 is facing perpendicular to or at a right angle relative to the upstream line 71. One or more optional indicia 76 of any suitable type can be provided on the drain guide tube to indicate the position of the curved guide tip 26 relative to the cleanout line, and thus the acute angled portion 67 of the connector 64. Optional indicia 76 can include one or more markers, for example different colored markers 76, provided on the coupler 28. The markers 76 can optionally be circumferentially spaced around the coupler, for example the upper face of the coupler 28 (see FIG. 6). When disposed in the cleanout line 71, the maximum transverse dimension 77 of the curve guide tube is less than the internal diameter of the cleanout line 71 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0034] The drain guide tube 21 is advanced into the cleanout line 71 until the curved guide tip engages the acute or inclined portion 67 of the connector 64 (see FIG. 9). Thereafter, the drain guide tube 26 is rotated in the cleanout line 71 and pushed, for example simultaneously, to advance the curved guide tip 26 past the inclined portion 67 so that the side opening 54 of the end piece 41 is disposed in the central passageway 65 of the connector 64 and facing the upstream line 62 (see FIG. 10). The flexible portion of the drain guide tube, for example the flexible boot 31 connecting the curved guide tip 26 to the second end portion 22b of the tube 22, facilitates the curved guide tip 26 traversing the inclined interior of the side port 66 so as to access the central passageway 65. The drain guide tube 26 is optionally rotated approximately 90° in the cleanout line 71 from its first or engagement position, illustrated in FIG. 9, and its second or operational position, illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0035] A suitable drain tool 81 is inserted into the drain guide tube 21 and advanced through passageways 46, 51, 52 of the tube 21 and out the side opening 54 of the end piece 41 into the upstream line 62 until it reaches the site of operation. The drain tool 81 can be operated in a conventional manner to accomplish its task in the upstream line 62, for example dislodging or removing blockage in the line 62.

[0036] An optional drain tool guide of the invention is shown in FIG. 11. Drain tool guide 91 includes an elongate tube 92 extending along a longitudinal axis 93 between a first or operator end portion 92a and an opposite second or operation end portion 92b. The tube 92, which can optionally be referred to as a shaft or main shaft, can be made from any one or more of the materials disclosed above. Tube 92 can optionally be made from a rigid metal or other material or optionally be constructed with one or more rigid portions and one or more flexible or bendable portions. The flexible or bendable portions can optionally be made from a semi rigid rubber. A guide tip 96, for example a tubular curved guide tip 96, is coupled or joined in any suitable manner to second end portion 92b of the tube 92. The curved guide tip has a first end portion 96a and an opposite second end portion 96b. The guide tip 96 can be made from any one or more of the materials disclosed above. For example, the guide tip 96 can optionally be made entirely from a rigid metal or other material. Guide tip 96 can optionally be constructed with one or more rigid portions and one or more flexible or bendable portions. For example, the first end portion 96a can be constructed from a flexible or bendable material and the second end portion96b can be made from a rigid metal or other material. The flexible or bendable material can optionally be a semi rigid rubber.

[0037] The first end portion 92a of the tube 92 has a threaded end 97 for permitting the drain tool guide 21 to be removably coupled if necessary to any suitable extension tube, not shown, for permitting the curved guide tip 96 to reach the desired connector in a sewer line. A coupler 98 of any suitable type is provided on the tube end portion 92a for facilitating such connection to an extension tube. The tube 92 is tubular and has an internal passageway, not shown, extending along the longitudinal axis 93 between the first end portion 92a and the second end portion 92b.

[0038] The guide tip 96 can be coupled to the second end portion 92b of the tube 92 in any suitable manner, for example in a detachable manner, including by any suitable rigid coupling means or any suitable flexible or bendable coupling means. The guide tip 96 can optionally be coupled to the second end portion 92b by a suitable flexible member 101, for example a flexible boot 101 made from any suitable tubular material such as rubber. One end of the flexible member 101 can optionally be connected or secured to the second end portion 92b by any a coupler, not shown, or any other suitable connector. The other, opposite end of the flexible member 101 can optionally be connected or secured to the first end portion 96b of the guide tip by a coupler, not shown, or any other suitable connector.

[0039] The curved guide tip 96 has an optional curved shape that curves relative to the longitudinal axis 92, for example outwardly at an inclined or obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The first end portion 96a of the guide tip can optionally be a tubular straight portion, for example extending along the longitudinal axis 93. The second end portion 96b of the guide tip 96 can optionally have a tubular bend or curve 102 that extends outwardly or away from longitudinal axis 93 and tube 92 in a direction through a suitable angle, for example optionally ranging from 30 to 120 degrees. The curved guide tip has an internal passageway extending between its first end portion 96a and its second end portion 96b that communicates with a side opening 102 in the second end portion 96b. The second end portion 96b has a curved surface 103 that ends at the side opening 102. The curved surface can extend through any suitable angle, for example ranging from 30 to 120 degrees, approximately 45 degrees or approximately 60 degrees.

[0040] In an optional method of the invention, drain guide tube 91 can be utilized to enable a suitable drain tool to access a line or pipe of a sewer system or line to inspect the line, performan operation or procedure in the sewer system or both, for example to determine the location of a blockage in the sewer system or remove a clog or debris in the sewer system. The sewer system, not shown, can be similar to sewer system 61 and can include a first or upstream line or pipe and a second or downstream line or pipe coupled together by a suitable connector, for example a central passageway extending between the opposite ends of the connector. The connector can include a side port communicating with the central passageway. A cleanout line can be is coupled or join to the side port of the connector.

[0041] When the connector is a T connector, the drain guide tube 91, commencing with curved guide tip 96, is inserted into the cleanout line, with or without a necessary extension tube coupled to threaded end 97 of the elongate tube 92. The curved guide tip can be pushed through the side port of the T connector so that the side opening 102 in the curved second end portion 96b of the guide tip faces or extends into the central passageway of the T connector. A suitable drain tool, for example drain tool 81, is inserted into the drain guide tube 91 and advanced through passageways of the drain guide tube 91 and out the side opening 102 of the curved guide tip 96 into the upstream line 62 until it reaches the site of operation. The drain tool can be operated in a conventional manner to accomplish its task in the upstream line, for example inspect the line, dislodge or remove blockage in the line or any combination of the foregoing.

[0042] When the connector is an acute angle connector, the drain guide tube 91, commencing with curved guide tip 96, is inserted into the cleanout line, with or without a necessary extension tube coupled to threaded end 97 of the elongate tube 92. The drain guide tube 91 can optionally be angularly positioned in the cleanout line so that curved guide tip points away from or does not face towards the upstream line. In an optional method, the curved guide tip 96 faces in an opposite direction relative to the upstream line. One or more optional indicia of any suitable type, or example indicia 76 disclosed above, can be provided on the drain guide tube to indicate the position of the curved guide tip 96 relative to the cleanout line, and thus the acute angled portion of the connector. The drain guide tube 91 is advanced into the cleanout line until the curved guide tip engages the acute or inclined portion of the connector. Thereafter, the drain guide tube 96 is rotated in the cleanout line and pushed, for example simultaneously, to advance the curved guide tip 96 past the inclined portion of the connector so that the side opening 102 of the curved end portion 96b of the guide tip is disposed in the central passageway of the connector and facing the upstream line. The flexible portion of the drain guide tube, forexample the flexible boot 101 connecting the curved guide tip 96 to the second end portion 92b of the tube 92, facilitates the curved guide tip 96 traversing the inclined interior of the side port so as to access the central passageway of the connector. The drain guide tube 96 is optionally rotated approximately 180° in the cleanout line from its first position, in which the guide tip engages the inclined portion of the connector, and its second or operational position, in which the side opening 102 of the curved guide tip is in the central passageway of the connector and facing towards the upstream line. A suitable drain tool, for example drain tool 81, is inserted into the drain guide tube 91 and advanced through passageways of the drain guide tube 91 and out the side opening 102 of the curved guide tip 96 into the upstream line 62 until it reaches the site of operation. The drain tool can be operated in a conventional manner to accomplish its task in the upstream line, for example inspect the line, dislodge or remove blockage in the line or any combination of the foregoing.

[0043] In another method of the invention when the connector is an acute angle connector, the curved guide tip 96 of the drain tube 91, as discussed above, can be constructed entirely or partially of a flexible or bendable material, for example a semi rigid rubber. The drain guide tube 91, commencing with curved guide tip 66, is inserted into the cleanout line, with or without a necessary extension tube coupled to threaded end 97 of the elongate tube 92. The drain guide tube 91 can optionally be angularly positioned in the cleanout line so that curved guide tip points towards the upstream line or in any other angular position in the cleanout line. One or more optional indicia of any suitable type, or example indicia 76 disclosed above, can be provided on the drain guide tube to indicate the position of the curved guide tip 96 relative to the cleanout line, and thus the acute angled portion of the connector. The drain guide tube 91 is advanced into the cleanout line until the curved guide tip engages the acute or inclined portion of the connector. Thereafter, the drain guide tube 96 is pushed further in the cleanout line to advance the curved guide tip 96 past the inclined portion of the connector so that the side opening 102 of the curved end portion 96b of the guide tip is disposed in the central passageway of the connector and facing the upstream line. The flexible or bendable curved guide tip 96 permits the curved guide tip 96 to traverse the inclined interior of the side port so as to access the central passageway of the connector. The drain guide tube 96 can be optionally rotated in the cleanout line in any suitable manner while the curved guide tip 96 traverses the inclined portion of the side port to enter the central passageway of the connector. A suitable drain tool, for exampledrain tool 81 , is inserted into the drain guide tube 91 and advanced through passageways of the drain guide tube 91 and out the side opening 102 of the curved guide tip 96 into the upstream line 62 until it reaches the site of operation. The drain tool can be operated in a conventional manner to accomplish its task in the upstream line, for example inspect the line, dislodge or remove blockage in the line or any combination of the foregoing.

[0044] The invention represents a significant advancement in the field of plumbing equipment, offering plumbers and other users a practical solution for addressing the challenges associated with clogged sewer drains. With its innovative design and key features, the tool provides users with the means to access and clear blockages from previously inaccessible angles, ultimately improving efficiency, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction in drain maintenance operations. The invention optionally includes a specialized tool designed for users to reverse snake, camera, jet sewer drains or other drain tools, providing access to clogged pipes within complex plumbing configurations such as Y-junctions, combos and cleanouts. It can employ a unique geometry that can optionally guide the drain tool through the sewer pipe cleanout in reverse, dropping down to the bottom of T-junctions, Y-junctions or other acute angle junctions or connector. The tool can optionally utilize a pop-out method to clear clogs in a backward motion.

[0045] The invention addresses the challenge faced by plumbers and others when dealing with clogged sewer pipes, particularly in instances where traditional methods fail to reach the obstruction. Th invention addresses the shortcomings or known tools and methods by introducing a specialized tool designed to overcome the limitations of such existing methods, enhancing efficiency, and improving the success rate of sewer drain maintenance procedures.

[0046] The method and devices of the invention are advantageous in many respects. The method and devices of the invention can provide access to previously inaccessible clogs, improving overall effectiveness in drain maintenance. The method and devices of the invention can increase the efficiency of maintenance procedures, including streamlining clearance procedures, reducing downtime and labor costs for plumbers. The methods and devices of the invention are versatile, for example compatible with various sewer pipe configurations and expanding utility for plumbing professionals and other users. The methods and devices of the invention improve the success rate of plumbing maintenance procedures, including by enhancing the likelihood of clearing stubborn clogs, leading to higher customer satisfaction and fewercallbacks. The methods and devices of the invention offer users a practical solution for addressing the challenges associated with clogged sewer drains, providing improved accessibility, efficiency, versatility, and success rates in drain maintenance operations.

[0047] The method and devices of the invention have many advantageous features. One feature is reverse functionality, in that the device is capable of guiding a drain tool, for example a camera, snake or jetter, through sewer pipe cleanouts in a reverse direction, allowing users to access clogs from new angles. Another feature is adaptive Geometry, in that with its specific geometry the device can navigate through complex plumbing configurations, including Y-or other acute angle junctions and combos, ensuring optimal access to clogged pipes. Another feature is drop-down capability, in that the device is designed to drop down to the bottom of acute angle junctions, positioning itself for effective clearance of blockages from the reverse direction. Another feature is pop-out method, in that upon application of force, such as pushing, the camera, snake cable, jetter or other drain tool pops out, facilitating the clearing of clogs.

[0048] The method and devices of the invention offer enhanced accessibility, in that users can reach clogs or areas located in previously inaccessible areas of the sewer system, improving the overall effectiveness of drain maintenance procedures. The method and devices of the invention offer increased efficacy, in that the device or tool streamlines the clearance process by providing users with a reliable solution for navigating through complex plumbing configurations, reducing downtime and labor costs. The method and devices of the invention offer versatility, in that the device or tool can be compatible with various sewer pipe configurations and can offer versatility in addressing a wide range of clogging scenarios, thereby expanding its utility for plumbing professionals. The method and devices of the invention improve success rates, in that enabling reverse camera, snake, jetting or other drain tool action, the device or tool enhances the success rate of clearing stubborn clogs, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and fewer callbacks.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A drain tool guide for use with a drain tool and a pipe system having a first pipe joined to a second pipe by a connector having an inlet disposed at an angle to the first pipe, comprising a tube adapted for receiving a drain tool and extending along a longitudinal axis, the tube having a first end and an opposite second end, a guide tip coupled to the second end of the tube and having a tubular curved end extending at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the guide tip is configured to direct the drain tool through the angle of the connector and into the first pipe.

2. The drain tool guide of Claim 1 for use with a connector having an inlet disposed at an acute angle relative the first pipe, wherein the guide tip is S-shaped and configured to direct the drain tool through the acute angle of the connector and into the first pipe.

3. The drain tool guide of Claim 2, wherein the S-shaped guide tip extends in a plane.

4. A drain tool guide according to Claims 2 or 3, wherein the S-shaped guide tip has a first tubular bend coupled to the second end of the tube and extending at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis in a first direction and a second tubular bend coupled to the first bend and extending at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis in an opposite second direction.

5. The drain tool guide of Claim 4, wherein the second bend is coupled to the first bend with a straight portion of the S-shaped guide tip.

6. The drain tool guide of Claim 4, wherein the S-shaped guide tip has an end piece coupled to the second bend, the end piece being configured to direct the drain tool sideways of the S-shaped guide tip relative to the longitudinal axis.

7. The drain tool guide of Claim 6, wherein the end piece has a side opening and a curved end surface for directing the drain tool out the side opening.

8. The drain tool guide of Claim 7, wherein the side opening is oblong relative to the longitudinal axis.

9. A drain tool guide according to Claims 2 or 3, wherein the S-shaped guide tip is coupled to the second end of the tube by a bendable coupler.

10. A drain tool guide according to Claims 1 to 3 wherein the pipe system includes a cleanout line coupled to the inlet of the connector, wherein the cleanout line has an internal diameter and the S-shaped guide tip has a maximum transverse dimension less than the internal diameter of the cleanout line.

11. A drain tool guide according to Claims 1 to 3, in combination with the drain tool selected from the group consisting of a drain camera, a drain snake, a sewer jetter, a pipe cleaning tool, a pipe inspection tool and any combination of the foregoing.

12. A drain tool guide according to Claims 1 to 3, wherein the tube includes sections of varying flexibility13. A drain tool guide according to Claims 1 to 3, wherein the tube includes visual indicia indicating the orientation of the tube about its longitudinal axis relative to the inlet of the connector.

14. The drain tool guide of Claim 1, wherein the guide tip is an interchangeable guide tip, whereby any number of differing guide tips can be utilized with the tube.

15. The drain tool guide of Claim 1, wherein the guide tip is made from a material selected from the group consisting of a rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), stainless steel 303, 304, 316, 409 or 309, aluminum, steel, flexible polymers, reinforced rubber, semi rigid rubber, metal alloys that provide sufficient rigidity while allowing for necessary flexibility when navigating pipe or connector bends and any combination of the foregoing.

16. A method of introducing a drain tool into an upstream pipe of a sewer outflow line connected to a cleanout line joined to the sewer outflow line by a connector disposed at an angle relative the upstream pipe, comprising inserting a drain tool guide having a tubular curved guide tip into the cleanout line until the tubular curved guide tip is disposed in the connector facing the upstream pipe, inserting the drain tool into the drain tool guide and advancing the drain tool through the tubular curved guide tip and into the upstream pipe to undertake an activity in the upstream pipe.

17. The method of Claim 16, wherein the drain tool guide has a tube extending along a longitudinal axis, the tube having a first end for guiding the tube through the cleanout line and an opposite second end, the second end including the tubular curved guide tip for placement inthe connector and having a portion extending at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis in a first direction to direct the drain tool through the connector into the upstream pipe.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the guide tip is S-shaped and has a first tubular bend and a second tubular bend coupled to the first tubular bend, the second tubular bend having an end portion extending at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

19. The method of Claim 17, wherein the guide tip includes an end piece with a side opening and a curved end surface for directing the drain tool out the side opening.

20. A method according to any of Claims 16-19, wherein the guide tip is coupled to the second end of the tube by a bendable coupler.

21. A method according to any of Claims 16-19, wherein at least a portion of the guide tip is formed from a semi rigid but bendable material.

22. A method according to any of Claims 16-19, wherein the inserting the drain tool guide step includes inserting the drain tool guide into the cleanout line with the curved guide tip not facing the upstream pipe until the guide tip enters the connector and then rotating the drain tool guide in the cleanout line and simultaneously pushing the guide tip further into the connector until the curved guide tip is facing the upstream pipe.

23. The method of Claim 22, wherein the inserting the drain tool guide includes inserting the drain tool guide into the cleanout line with the curved guide tip initially disposed relative to the upstream pipe in a position selected from the group consisting of facing approximately perpendicular to the upstream pipe and facing in a direction approximately opposite to the upstream pipe.

24. The method of Claim 22, wherein the pushing step includes deflecting the curved guide tip sideways of the longitudinal axis.

25. The method of any of Claims 16-19 and 23-25, wherein the connector is selected from the group consisting of a TEE connector, an acute angle connector, a combo connector, a Y connector and a WYE connector.

26. The method of Claim 16, further comprising selecting the tubular curved guide tip from a plurality of tubular curved guide tips having differing curvature configurations as a function of the configuration of the connector.

Images