CA2956555A1

CA2956555A1 - Drain cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA2956555A1
Application number: CA2956555A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Harold Kent Beck; Sanjay Ahuja; Stephen S. Hodgson
Original assignee: PF WATERWORKS LP
Current assignee: PF WATERWORKS LP
Priority date: 2016-01-28
Filing date: 2017-01-26
Publication date: 2017-07-28
Anticipated expiration: 2037-01-26
Also published as: CN107012929A; CN207130835U; CA2956555C

Abstract

A drain cleaning apparatus includes a handle and a clog-catching member detachably connected to the handle. Wings, barbs or hooks project radially from the clog-catching member. The wings, barbs or hooks provide an angled projection that catches and holds a clump of debris in a drain pipe for pulling the clump out and unclogging the drain. Different end tools can be removably connected to a clog- catching member or to a smooth extension member to provide multifunctionality. The handle, clog-catching members, smooth extension members and tools can be connected together using a quick-connect connector, such as a snap fastener or a side-release buckle, or a threaded connector. In addition to drain cleaning, the apparatus can be fitted with tools such as a magnet, grabber, light, camera and/or video for retrieval of objects and inspection of a space that is difficult to view directly.

Description

DRAIN CLEANING APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains to an apparatus for unclogging a stopped-up drain pipe from a sink, a bathtub, a shower or a toilet, and more particularly to a drain cleaning apparatus that can be assembled to have more than one length and which can be adapted to use different end tools for serving different purposes related to unclogging or cleaning a drain pipe or retrieving an object from a drain pipe or similar restricted space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A drain pipe from a sink, a bathtub, a shower or a toilet often becomes clogged and will not drain properly due to an accumulation of debris, such as hair, toothpaste, solid waste and paper. A drain snake has often been used to unclog a drain pipe, but a drain snake may be more than is needed for a clog that is located relatively close to a drain opening. U.S. Patent No. 6,775,873, issued to Luoma, is directed to an apparatus for removing hair from a drain. The Luoma apparatus consists of an elongate, flexible strip that has a handle formed integral on one end of the strip. The strip has barbed portions alternating along the sides of the strip. The strip can be inserted into a drain clogged with an accumulation of hair, and the barbed portions serve to grip the hair so that the hair can be removed from the drain as the strip is pulled out of the drain. The Luoma apparatus may be useful, but its usefulness is limited by its fixed length, its ability to negotiate bends in a drain pipe, its ability to clean hair and other debris from a drain pipe, and it is limited to cleaning hair from a drain pipe and does not provide for serving any other purpose. Consequently, there continues to be a need for an improved drain cleaning apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a drain cleaning apparatus that includes a handle having opposing ends and a grip with one end having a handle connector. A clog-catching member, which has a body with a length, a proximal end, a distal end and a proximal-end connector, is detachably connected to the handle connector with the proximal-end connector. Preferably, a plurality of wings project radially from the body with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body. One option is for the wings to have the appearance, arrangement and orientation of wings on an aircraft, except with multiple sets of wings. The purpose of the wings is to provide an angled projection that will catch onto and hold a clump of debris in a drain pipe so that the clump can be pulled out of the drain. It is preferable for functionality that the handle, the clog-catching member, and the plurality of wings have a combination of strength, stiffness, flexibility and length to enable a user to push the clog-catching member through a drain opening in a sink and into a drain pipe, preferably for unclogging the drain pipe by catching and pulling out of the drain pipe a clog, clump, wad or mass of debris in the drain pipe. The distal end of the clog-catching member preferably has a tool connector.

[0004] In a further embodiment, a tool, which has a mechanical device and a member connector, is connected to the tool connector of the clog-catching member in a manner that allows disconnection. For detachable connections, it is preferred that the connectors use a snap fastener comprising holes that receive studs, a quick-release coupling mechanism, a push-button mechanism, a side-release buckle mechanism or a threaded-connection mechanism. The present invention provides a multifunctional apparatus, which is generally, but not necessarily, used to unclog a clogged drain pipe in a location near a drain opening. Multifunctionality may be provided in part because a wide variety of tools may be removably attached to the clog-catching member or to a similar extension section. The mechanical device of the tool can be any one of any of the following elements or devices: a pointed element, a rounded element, a hemispherical element, a barbed element, a barbed spear, a spear with a plurality of barbs, a spear comprising a plurality of arrowheads, a retractable spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear that can rotate and has a plurality of barbs, a harpoon, a harpoon that has a plurality of fish hooks or J-hooks, a pusher/scraper, a puller/scraper, a brush, a magnet, a light, a corkscrew, a coiled spring, an element with an adhesive, a wisk, a hook, a camera, a video camera, a video camera and light assembly or an assembly that includes a video camera, a light and wireless transmission components.

[0005] The present invention provides in one embodiment an apparatus that has one or more sections of an elongate body having at least one of a plurality of wings, barbs or hooks that can be assembled into a number of different lengths and disassembled, which can be used with a handle and, optionally, with a tool on an end opposite the handle. The apparatus of this embodiment can be packaged and sold in retail stores or online as a kit containing the disassembled drain cleaning apparatus, preferably with one or more end tools. The kit may contain a handle having a connector A, at least one clog-snagging member and/or a smooth extension member having an elongate body with a connector B on one end and a connector C on the other end. A tool having a connector D and a size and shape suitable for insertion into a drain pipe from a sink, bathtub or a toilet for unclogging the drain pipe or cleaning the inside of the drain pipe or retrieving an object from inside the drain pipe is preferably included in the kit. A user can assemble the drain-cleaning apparatus by connecting the connector B to the connector A and connecting the connector D to the connector C. The user can use the drain-cleaning apparatus to unclog a drain and then can disassemble the apparatus. The components can be cleaned, stored and re-used or dirty components can be discarded while some components are reused. One option for the connectors is a snap fastener mechanism, where one connector has a plurality of holes and a mating connector has a plurality of studs that can be received in the holes in a snap fit for making a firm, but detachable, connection between elements.

[0006] Another embodiment of a drain cleaning apparatus includes an elongate body and a plurality of J-shaped or fish-hook-shaped hooks fixed to, embedded in or formed integral with the body near one end, so a user can push the elongate body and the hooks through a drain opening in a sink, bathtub, shower, toilet or similar plumbing fixture and into a clogged drain pipe to fish a clump, wad or mass of debris out of the drain pipe and unclog the drain. One would likely want a handle or a grip on the other end of the body to make it easier to push the body and hooks into the drain pipe and to pull it out, and in one embodiment a detachable handle is provided. A
further option is to provide a number of different lengths for the apparatus by using an extension member between the elongate body and the handle, where the extension member is removably connected to the handle, and where the elongate body is removably connected to the extension member. With this option, a user can attach the handle, one or more extension members and the elongate body, which has the hooks, together; unclog a clogged drain pipe; and then disassemble the drain cleaning apparatus. Alternatives to the hooks include an arrowhead, several arrowheads in a row on a shaft, and a spear that either has fixed or retractable barbs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] A better understanding of the invention can be obtained when the detailed description of exemplary embodiments set forth below is considered in conjunction with the attached drawings in which:

[0008] Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a drain cleaning apparatus, according to the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a side elevation in partial cross-section of a male portion and a female portion of a quick-connect connector before the portions are connected together, according to the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a side view of the quick-connect connector of Fig. 2, as seen from the left and in partial cross-section.

[0011] Fig. 4 s a side elevation in partial cross-section of the male portion and the female portion of the quick-connect connector of Fig. 2 after the portions are connected together.

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[0012] Fig. 5 is a cross section of the connected male and female portions of the connector of Fig. 4, as seen along the line 5-5.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a side elevation in partial cross-section of a male portion and a female portion of a quick-connect connector before the portions are connected together, according to the present invention.

[0014] Fig. 7 is a side view of the quick-connect connector of Fig. 6, as seen from the left and in partial cross-section.

[0015] Fig. 8 s a side elevation in partial cross-section of the male portion and the female portion of the quick-connect connector of Fig. 6 after the portions are connected together.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a cross section of the connected male and female portions of the connector of Fig. 8, as seen along the line 9-9.

[0017] Fig. 10 is a side elevation of a quick-connect connector having a male portion engaged with a female portion, where the male and female portions cannot be disassembled easily, according to the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 11 is a cross-section of the quick-connect connector of Fig. 10, as seen along the line 11-11.

[0019] Fig. 12 is a side elevation in partial cross-section of first and second portions of a quick-connect connector before the portions are connected together, according to the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 13 is a side view of the quick-connect connector of Fig. 12 in partial cross-section as seen from the left and after the first and second portions are connected together.

[0021] Fig. 14 is a side view of the quick-connect connector of Fig. 13 as seen from the left.

[0022] Fig. 15 is a cross-section of the quick-connect connector of Fig. 13 as seen along the line 15-15.

[0023] Fig. 16 is a side elevation of a pusher/scraper tool having a male, two-pronged quick-connect connector, according to the present invention.

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[0024] Fig. 17 is a bottom end view of the pusher/scraper tool of Fig. 16.

[0025] Fig. 18 is a side elevation of a pusher/scraper tool having a screw for detachable attachment to another element, according to the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 19 is a side elevation of a drain cleaning apparatus having elements detachably connected together using screws and having magnets in a tool end, according to the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 20 is a side elevation of an end tool having a cavity in which a magnet is received and having a male, two-pronged quick-connect connector, according to the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 21 is a side elevation of an end tool having a cavity in which a magnet is received and having a screw connector, according to the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 22 is a side elevation of an end tool having a body, a brush received in one end of the body and a screw connector on the other end of the body, according to the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 23 is a side elevation of a wisk, according to the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 24 is a side elevation in cross-section of a barbed spear with its barbs in a retracted position, according to the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 25 shows the barbed spear of Fig. 24 with its barbs in an extended position.

[0033] Fig. 26 is a cross-section of the barbed spear of Fig. 25 as seen along the line 26-26.

[0034] Fig. 27 is a side elevation of a helical barbed spear in partial cross-section, according to the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 28 is a side elevation a drain cleaning harpoon, according to the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 29 is a side elevation a drain cleaning harpoon, according to the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 30 is a side elevation of a flashlight, according to the present invention.

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[0038] Fig. 31 is a side elevation of a brush, according to the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 32 is a side elevation of a drain cleaning apparatus, according to the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 33 is a cross-section of a snap fastener in a closed position in the drain cleaning apparatus of Fig. 32, as seen along the line 33-33.

[0041] Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the snap fastener shown in Fig. 33, except in an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0042] For a drain pipe from a sink, bathtub, a shower or the like that has become clogged and is not draining properly, the present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning the drain pipe. Drains often become clogged due to an accumulation of debris, and the accumulation of debris is often in the form of a clump that is often a combination of hair and other debris. The apparatus of the present invention in one embodiment is an assembly of parts, which may include a handle, a clog-snagging member and an end piece, that can be used catch and pull a clump of debris from a drain and/or dislodge and break up a clump of debris, which can then be washed down the drain. The apparatus of the present invention is described herein with reference to its use in plumbing drain pipe, but the apparatus can be used for cleaning a clog from any pipe, not just plumbing drain pipe. For example, pipes are used in food processing, the oil and gas industry, the refining and petrochemical industry and the pulp and paper industry.
The apparatus also has applications for viewing and inspection of hidden spaces, which includes the inside of pipe in any use for the pipe as well as in any type of compartment.

[0043] Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of the invention. A drain cleaning apparatus 10 includes a T-shaped handle 12, a clog-snagging or clog-catching member 14, and an end tool 16. Drain cleaning apparatus 10 is an elongated, rod-shaped assembly of parts that has a longitudinal axis. Handle 12 has an elongate portion 12a that has a longitudinal axis that is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the drain cleaning .-..
apparatus 10. The elongate portion 12a of the handle 12 has opposing ends, one of which is a gripping portion 12b and the other of which is a handle connector 12c.
The gripping portion 12b in this embodiment is a length of material that has a longitudinal axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate portion 12a and is centered on the end of the elongate portion 12a so as to form a "T" shape. Other types of grips can be used to provide means for a person to hold handle 12, such as a ball on the end of elongate portion 12a or finger grips along the surface of the elongate portion. The gripping portion of the handle can be finger grips on a shaft, finger holes, a smooth, straight shaft or an element having the shape of a Roman numeral for the number one. Handle connector 12c can be any suitable connector, which is preferably quick and easy to use and which provides, preferably, a detachable connection. In this embodiment, handle connector 12c is a female portion of a side release buckle, which is described in further detail below.

The clog-snagging member 14 in this embodiment includes an elongate, cylindrical rod or body 14a and a plurality of wings 14b. Body 14a has a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of drain cleaning apparatus 10.
Wings 14b project radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of body 14a of clog-snagging member 14. A handle-end connector 14c is detachably connected to the handle connector 12c in this embodiment, although handle 12 and clog-snagging member 14 could be made as an integral unit such as by plastic injection molding.
Clog-snagging member 14 has a tool end 14d and a tool-end connector 14e. End tool 16 has a tool connector 16a that is detachably connected to the tool-end connector 14e of the clog-snagging member 14. End tool 16 has a body 16b with the tool connector 16a on one end of the body 16b and a somewhat rounded and somewhat pointed end that terminates in a pointed tip 16d. End tool 16 may be referred to as a bull nose. The purpose of end tool 16 is to puncture and protrude into and through a clump, wad or mass of debris, which clogs a drain pipe. A user can push the drain cleaning apparatus 10 into a drain pipe clogged by a clump, wad or mass of debris, pass the end tool 16 through the clump, wad or mass of debris, pass at least a portion of the clog-catching member 14 through the clump, wad or mass, and then pull the drain cleaning apparatus 10 out of the drain pipe, while also pulling the clump, wad or mass of debris out of the drain pipe because the clump, wad or mass is caught on and entangled with the wings 14b on the clog-catching member 14. Another embodiment of this invention omits the end tool 16, omits the tool-end connector 14e on the clog-snagging member 14, and provides simply a tip, which may be a pointed or rounded tip, for the tool end 14d of the clog-snagging member 14.
Another embodiment further omits the handle connector 12c and the handle-end connector 14c and provides some type of handle or gripping portion on the clog-snagging section 14, which may be nothing more than an end of the clog-snagging section 14, thereby providing a drain cleaning device that consists essentially of a rod or strip having wings for catching and holding a clump, wad or mass of debris in a drain pipe.
100451 With reference to the clog-snagging member 14 in Fig. 1, wings 14b can be barbs or hooks that will catch on a clump of debris for extracting the debris from a drain pipe, but in this embodiment, each wing 14b resembles the shape of an airplane wing. Wings 14b are arranged in pairs in this embodiment and located on opposite sides of body 14a. Wings 14b in a typical pair of wings are identified as elements 18 and 20 in Fig. 1 for providing a more detailed description of the shape and arrangement of the wings. Wings 18 and 20 are typical of wings 14b. Body 14a preferably has a cross-section in the shape of a circle or oval, although it could have a square or rectangular shape.
100461 For describing the wings 14b, the body 14a can be thought of like the fuselage of an airplane. Typical wing 18 projects radially outwardly toward the left as shown in Fig. 1, and typical wing 20 projects radially outwardly toward the right from body 14a of clog-snagging member 14. Typical wings 18 and 20 are located on opposite sides of body 14a, preferably about 180 degrees apart, although this may vary between 160 and 200 degrees, but is preferably within 170 to 190 degrees. Each wing 14b has the shape of a parallelogram in this embodiment. Typical wings 18 and 20 have leading edges 18a and 20a and trailing edges 18b and 20b, respectively. Typical wings 18 and 20 have inner edges 18c and 20c, respectively, that are attached to body 14a, preferably by being formed as an integral unit, such as by plastic injection molding.
Typical wings 18 and 20 have outer edges 18d and 20d, respectively, which are spaced away from body 14a. Outer edges 18d and 20d are essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of drain cleaning apparatus 10. Inner edges 18c and 20c are essentially parallel to outer edges 18d and 20d, respectively. Leading edges 18a and 20a are essentially parallel to trailing edges 18b and 20b, respectively. The leading edges 18a and 20a would be the first edges to enter a drain pipe and are farther from handle 12 than trailing edges 18b and 20b, which would enter a drain pipe after the leading edges are pushed into the drain pipe.
Lines along leading edges 18a and 20a intersect within body 14a and form a "V"
shape, which is like the shape of an arrowhead, where the arrow points away from handle 12.
The arrowhead shape of a typical pair of opposing wings 14b, as described for typical wings 18 and 20, allows a user to push drain cleaning apparatus 10 into a clump of debris inside a drain pipe and then to pull the apparatus 10 out of the drain pipe with the clump caught on wings 14b for extracting the clump from the drain pipe, thereby unclogging the drain pipe.
[0047] The purpose of the wings 14b is to catch on a clump of hair and other debris that is clogging a drain. Any shape or arrangement of wings, barbs or hooks can be used. The figures illustrate an apparatus made by injection molding, and the wings, barbs or hooks can be molded more easily if the wings, barbs or hooks are 180 degrees apart plus or minus 10, 15 or 20 degrees or so. The wings can easily be staggered rather than having pairs across from one another. The wings can have the shape of a quadrilateral, which includes a parallelogram, or a triangle if straight lines are used or any curved shape that will provide a barb or hook that will catch on and hold a clump of hair and other debris for extracting the clump from a drain pipe. Wings, barbs or hooks can be randomly spaced around the circumference of the rod or at spaced at 90, 120 or 180 degrees either aligned transverse or staggered. One can also mold a rod without wings, barbs or hooks and subsequently cut into the rod, preferably at an angle, to provide barbs.
Other manufacturing techniques can be employed to make an apparatus according to the present invention.

[0048] Figs. 2-5 show a quick-connect connector that can be used to connect the parts of drain cleaning apparatus 10 together. The quick-connect connector of Figs.
2-5 is a side-release buckle. Figs. 6-9 are another embodiment of a side-release buckle, showing another quick-connect connector. The connector in Figs. 2-4 is typical of handle connector 12c on handle 12, handle-end connector 14c and tool-end connector 14e on clog-snagging member 14, and tool connector 16a on end tool 16. Reference will be made to the connection between the clog-snagging member 14 and the handle 12 with the understanding that the same type of connector is used for connecting end tool 16 to clog-snagging member 14. Fig. 2 shows portions of handle 12 and clog-snagging member 14 before the two parts are connected together. Handle connector 12c is shown in partial cross-section and is a female portion of a connector. Handle connector 12c is open at an outer end 12d, and a cavity 12e is defined by an inside surface 12f. Handle connector 12c has opposing notched portions 12g and 12h, which provide side openings into cavity 12e. Handle-end connector 14c is a male portion of a connector, which has a pair of opposing prongs 14f and 14g. Prong 14f has a shaft portion 14h, an enlarged and pointed head portion 14i and a shoulder 14j defined between the larger-diameter head portion 14i and the smaller-diameter shaft portion 14h. Prong 14g has a shaft portion 14k, an enlarged and pointed head portion 14m and a shoulder 14n defined between the larger-diameter head portion 14m and the smaller-diameter shaft portion 14k. Handle-end connector 14c also has a central guide post 14p.
[0049] Fig. 2 shows portions of handle 12 and clog-snagging member 14 before being connected together and in the same orientation as shown in Fig.
1. Fig. 3 is a view of the connector of Fig. 2 as seen from the left side of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows portions of handle 12 and clog-snagging member 14 in partial cross-section connected together and in the same orientation as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-section of Fig. 4 as seen along the line 5-5. Clog-snagging member 14 is connected to handle 12 by inserting prongs 14f and 14g into cavity 12e of handle 12. Prongs 14f and 14g are sufficiently flexible and resilient to bend inwardly as prongs 14f and 14g are pressed into cavity 12e and then snap back to their normal position as head portions 14i and 14m expand outwardly into notched portions 12g and 12h of handle connector 12c.
Shoulders 14j and 14n of handle-end connector 14c engage the notched walls of handle connector 12c, thereby connecting and holding clog-snagging member 14 in engagement with handle 12. Clog-snagging member 14 can be disengaged from handle 12 by pressing prong heads 14f and 14g closer together until shoulders 14j and 14n lose contact with the side walls of notched openings 12g and 12h in handle connector 12c and pulling prongs 14f and 14g out of engagement with handle connector 12c and clog-snagging member 14 out of engagement with handle 12. End tool 16 and its tool connector 16a is detachably connected to the tool-end connector 14e of the clog-snagging member 14 in an identical manner using identical elements.
[0050] Figs. 6-9 are analogous to Figs. 2-5 and illustrate an alternative design for a detachable, quick-connect connector. A female connector 30 is shown in partial cross-section in an orientation as shown for handle connector 12c in Fig. 2. A
male connector 32 is shown in the same orientation as shown for handle-end connector 14c of clog-snagging member 14 in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a side view of Fig. 6 like Fig. 3 is a side view of Fig. 2. Fig. 8 shows male connector 32 engaged with female connector 30 for showing two elements connected together in a manner analogous to the description provided with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is a cross-section of the connectors 30 and 32 of Fig. 8 as seen along the line 9-9, which is analogous to Fig. 5. Female connector 30 has an end 30a, which has an opening 30b leading into a cavity 30c defined by an interior surface 30d. End 30a has a beveled edge 30e that slopes inwardly toward cavity 30c to facilitate receiving male connector 32 within cavity 30c. Side openings 30f and 30g are openings in the outside wall that defines cavity 30c and are located opposite one another.
[0051] Male connector 32 shown in Figs. 6-9 has a shaft 32a on its end, which terminates in two parallel prongs 32b and 32c that are spaced apart. Prongs 32b and 32c are tapered inwardly towards their terminal ends to facilitate penetration into the female cavity 30c of female connector 30. Shoulders 32d and 32e provide a means for a locking engagement after male connector 32 is inserted into female connector 30, as shown in Fig. 8. Prongs 32b and 32c have tapered outer surfaces 32f and 32g, which are angled by about the same amount as the beveled edge 30e. Prongs 32b and 32c have outermost tips 32h and 32i, which have an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of cavity 30c in female connector 30. As prongs 32b and 32c are pushed into cavity 30, prongs 32b and 32c flex inwardly until the shoulders 32d and 32e are pushed inwardly sufficiently for the prongs 32b and 32c to flex outwardly and thereby couple the male connector 32 to the female connector 30. Connectors 30 and 32 can be disengaged by pressing prongs 32b and 32c toward one another sufficiently for the shoulders 32d and 32e to slide outwardly through the cavity 30c.
[0052] Figs.
10 and 11 show a quick-connect connector that allows easy assembly, but it is a connector that cannot be easily disassembled. A female connector 34 has features that are very similar to the features of female connector 30 in Fig. 6.
Female connector 34 has an end 34a, which has an opening 34b leading into a cavity 34c defined by an interior surface 34d. End 34a has a beveled edge 34e that slopes inwardly toward cavity 34c to facilitate receiving a male connector within cavity 34c.
Side openings 34f and 34g are openings in the outside wall that defines cavity 34c and are located opposite one another. A male connector 36 has an end that terminates in a shaft 36a. Tapered wings 36b and 36c (shown in Fig. 11) have leading tapered edges 36d and 36e, respectively, which can be seen in Fig. 10. Shoulders 36f and 36g are defined where the tapered wings 36b and 36c extend outwardly from the shaft 36a. Shaft 36a and tapered wings 36b and 36c are a solid, integral component, unlike the prongs 32b and 32c of male connector 32 in Fig. 6, which are spaced apart and flexible and resilient.
However, with proper clearance and expandability and compressibility of materials, shaft 36a of male connector 36 can be forced into cavity 34c of female connector 34 to the point that shoulders 36f and 36g expand into the openings 34f and 34g, respectively, thereby engaging male connector 36 with female connector 34. Either the shaft 36a compresses or the female walls 34f and 34g expand or both, thereby providing a stored-energy state, which returns to a normal state after the connection is made.
However, it is not intended that male connector 36 can be removed from engagement with female connector 34 without some damage to one or both of the connectors.

_ [0053] Figs. 12-15 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a quick-connect connector that can be disconnected easily. The quick-connect connectors of Figs. 2 and 6 engaged axially. The quick-connect connector of Figs. 12-15 engages transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector. As best seen in Fig. 12, a connector 40 is formed integral with an upwardly extending rod portion 40a, and a connector 42 is formed integral with a downwardly extending rod portion 42a. Connector 40 has a recessed portion 40b along a length of connector 40. A pair of flanges 40c and 40d project transverse to the longitudinal axis of connector 40 within recessed portion 40b. Fig. 13 shows connectors 40 and 42 engaged with one another, and Fig. 15 shows a cross-section of the connectors 40 and 42 as seen along the line 15-15 in Fig. 13. The pair of flanges 40c and 40d are shown in Fig. 15. Connector 40 has a wall 40e on the right in Fig. 15, and flanges 40c and 40d project to the left from wall 40e. An outer edge of each of the flanges 40c and 40d taper in a manner for insertion into an opening that squeezes the flanges 40c and 40d toward each other. Recesses 40f and 40g are formed in the outer walls of flanges 40c and 40d, respectively. Shoulders 40h and 40i are defined adjacent to recesses 40f and 40g, respectively.
[0054] Connector 42 in Fig. 12 has a recessed cavity 42b, which can also be seen in Fig. 15. Connector 42 has an opening 42c facing connector 40, which may be best seen in Fig. 14. Opening 42c is narrower than cavity 42b due to projections 42d and 42e that project inwardly toward one another and define opening 42c.
Projections 42d and 42e are sized to fit within recesses 40f and 40g, respectively, of connector 40.
Flanges 40c and 40d of connector 40 are sized and designed to be received in the recessed cavity 42b of connector 40 through opening 42c by a force fit that squeezes flanges 40c and 40d toward one another after which flanges 40c and 40d, which are resilient, return to normal, thereby engaging the shoulders 40h and 40i of flanges 40c and 40d with the projections 42d and 42e of connector 42, as can be seen in Fig.
15. An identical grouping of cavity, opening and projections as found on connector 42 is provided on connector 40. An identical grouping of flanges and recesses as found on connector 40 is provided on connector 42. The flanges on connector 40 are pressed into , the cavity in connector 42 at about the same time as flanges on connector 42 are pressed into the cavity in connector 40, thereby engaging connector 42 with connector 40.
Connector 42 can be detached from connector 40 by squeezing the flanges together.
With reference to Fig. 15, a screwdriver can be inserted into space A to disengage flanges 40c and 40d of connector 40 from connector 42 at that point of engagement and similarly for the other point of engagement.
[0055] Fig. 16 is a side elevation of a pusher/scraper tool 50, which is a tool that can be connected to clog-snagging member 14 instead of end tool 16.
Pusher/scraper tool 50 has a quick-connect tool connector 52, which can be inserted into the tool-end connector 14e of the clog-snagging member 14. Tool connector 52 has a pair of prongs 52a and 52b and a central guide post 52c. Pusher/scraper 50 has an elongated body 54, which typically, but not necessarily, has a cross-section that is circular or oval in shape.
Body 54 has a connector end 54a, and tool connector 52 is attached to the body 54 at the connector end 54a, preferably by being formed integral with body 54, such as by plastic injection molding. Body 54 has a working end 54b, and a pusher/scraper element 56 is attached to the working end 54b of the body 54, preferably by integral formation, but possibly by quick-connect connection, including by a threaded connection. The pusher/scraper element 56 has a body end 56a, which has a size and/or diameter that is the same as that of body 54, and an outer end 56b, which has a diameter that is about the same or slightly more or less than that of a drain pipe that is to be worked on with the drain cleaning apparatus of the present invention. Pusher/scraper element 56 flares outwardly and has a conical shape in this embodiment between body end 56a and outer end 56b. Fig. 17 is an end view of pusher/scraper tool 50 looking at the outer end 56b of the pusher/scraper element 56. The outer end 56b of the pusher/scraper element 56 has a surface 56c that has concave, bowl shape. The outer end 56b of the pusher/scraper element 56 has an outer circumference 56d.
[0056] Pusher/scraper tool 50 is used to clean the inside of a drain pipe, dislodging debris adhered to the inside of the drain pipe. A user assembles the drain cleaning apparatus to have a handle 12, at least one clog-snagging member 14, but possibly several clog-snagging members connected end to end, and the push/scraper tool 50 is attached to the end of the clog-snagging member 14 that is away from the handle 12. The user inserts the pusher/scraper tool 50 into a drain pipe that is be cleaned and pushes the pusher/scraper tool 50 through the drain pipe as the clog-snagging member is inserted into the drain pipe. The pusher/scraper element 56 is preferably in close contact with the inside wall of a drain pipe that is to be cleaned. The outer circumference 56d of the pusher/scraper element 56 is preferably sized to fit snugly inside the drain pipe. The outer circumference 56d of the pusher/scraper element 56 scrapes the inside wall of the drain pipe as the user pushes the pusher/scraper tool 50 into the drain pipe.
Debris is scrapped off the inside wall of the drain pipe, collected into the bowl-shaped end surface 56c of the pusher/scraper element 56 and pushed downstream away from the opening of the drain pipe. The user can insert the pusher/scraper tool 50 into the drain pipe as far as desired by adding additional clog-snagging members to extend the length of the drain cleaning apparatus. After pushing the pusher/scraper tool 50 into the drain pipe as far as desired, the user pulls the drain cleaning apparatus out of the drain pipe and runs water through the drain pipe to flush the dislodged debris into a downstream portion of a plumbing system. The drain cleaning apparatus can be disassembled, cleaned and stored for a subsequent use, or it can be discarded.
100571 Fig. 18 is a side elevation of a pusher/scraper tool 58, which is similar in structure and functionality to the pusher/scraper tool 50 in Figs. 16 and 17, except pusher/scraper tool 58 has a threaded connector 60 instead of the quick-connect tool connector 52 used with pusher/scraper tool 50. The pusher/scraper tool 58 has a body 58a, a connector end 58b and an opposing pusher/scraper end 58c. A cross-section of the body 58a has a hexagonal shape and is preferably sized to receive a standard-sized wrench for threading pusher/scraper 58 into a clog-snagging member or into a handle or extension member. Threaded connector 60 has an elongate body 60a, which has male threads 60b on its outer surface.
100581 Pusher/scraper tool 50 of Figs. 16-18 is illustrated as having a fixed size. The bowl-shaped end of the tool may be made of a rubbery material that is stiff enough to scrape debris off a wall, but flexible enough to conform to the shape of the inside wall of a pipe. Pusher/scraper tool 50 pushes and dislodges debris on the inside wall of a pipe, and the debris can be subsequently flushed downstream. A
puller/scraper tool can also be used, which would allow a user to scrape debris from the inside of a pipe and pull the debris out as the tool is pulled out of the pipe. The puller/scraper tool can preferably be pushed through a clump of debris in a pipe in a somewhat closed position as it is pushed. After passing through the clump of debris, the puller/scraper tool is pulled out of the drain pipe, and the puller/scraper tool preferably tends to open up and rub and scrape the inside wall of the pipe. The mechanism of an umbrella serves as an analogy. As the puller/scraper tool is pushed into and through a clump of debris, it would be like pushing the pointed end of a closed umbrella through the clump. As the puller/scraper tool is pulled out of the pipe, an umbrella-like mechanism would allow the puller/scraper tool to open up and press against the inside wall of the pipe for scraping debris off the inside wall of the pipe. The umbrella analogy may imply mechanical elements, which could be used, but it is more likely that a polymeric material would be used. The puller/scraper tool can be made of a polymeric material with a webbing such as found on the underside of a mushroom cap, which would provide the mechanism for being closed while pushed and open while pulled.
100591 An alternative design for the puller/scraper tool is to use a balloon or bladder device. A large drain bladder can be pushed into a large-diameter pipe while empty and then filled with water or air under pressure, such as through a hose using water from a pressurized source, after which the drain bladder is pulled out of the pipe, which scrapes debris off the inside wall of the pipe. The drain cleaning apparatus may more likely use a small drain bladder and be used in a small-diameter pipe such as would be used as a drain pipe from a household sink, bathtub or shower. The smaller puller/scraper tool has an inflatable bladder and flexible tubing that connects the bladder to an air pump. The air pump can be a handheld bulb, which is squeezed repeatedly, a bicycle tire air pump, or an electrically-driven air pump, such as used for filling an automobile tire, to pump air into the bladder. After the bladder is filled, the puller/scraper tool is pulled out of the pipe, thereby scraping debris from the inside wall of the pipe and pulling the debris out of the pipe along with the puller/scraper tool.
[0060] Fig. 19 shows a side elevation of an embodiment 64 of a drain cleaning apparatus, according to the present invention, in which threaded connections are used to detachably connect a clog-snagging section 66 to a handle element 68.
A tool element 70 is connected to an end of the clog-snagging section 66 opposite the end where section 66 is connected to handle element 68. The handle element 68 has an elongate body 68a, which has opposing ends 68b and 68c. A grip 68d is attached to the end 68b to provide a T-shaped handle for convenience in use. Any suitable element can be used as a handle for allowing a user to grip and use the drain cleaning apparatus. A
user can grip an end of a clog-snagging member and use the end as a handle. The end 68c is opposite of the gripping end 68b and preferably has a bore 68d, which provides an opening on end 68c. The bore 68d is an elongate cavity having a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of elongate body 68a. The body 68a may or may not have female threads on an interior surface that defines bore 68d.
[0061] The clog-snagging section 66 has a handle end 66a and an opposing tool end 66b. A screw 66c is embedded in the handle end 66a of the clog-snagging section 66. Screw 66c can be threaded into the handle end 66a of the clog-snagging section 66, or it can be molded into the clog-snagging section 66 as the section is formed.
Screw 66c is preferably made of metal while the clog-snagging section is preferably made of plastic. It is preferable that the body 68a of the handle element 68 have bore 68d, but screw 66c can be a self-threading screw that can be threaded into a solid body 68a. If handle element 68 is made of a pliable plastic with a bore, it is not necessary for the bore to be defined by female threads. Screw 66c can thread into a bore defined by smooth walls. The clog-snagging section 66 can be connected to handle element 68 by screwing screw 66c into handle element 68 and can be disconnected by unscrewing screw 66c. Similarly, the tool element 70, which can be any of the tools described herein as well as other suitable tools, has a male screw 70a that can be threadedly connected and disconnected from the tool end 66b of the clog-snagging section 66. A screw system is a detachable connector that is an alternative to the other quick-connect connectors described in Figs. 2-15. The screw system of Fig. 19 and the connectors of Figs. 2-15 are all considered to be quick-connect connectors for the present description.
[0062] Fig. 19 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in that magnets 72a, 72b and 72c are embedded in the tool end 66b of the clog-snagging section 66. This embodiment of a clog-snagging section provides a tool for a user to retrieve an object that is susceptible to magnetic attraction. For example, if an iron-based screw is inadvertently dropped into a drain pipe connected to a sink, the screw will likely be caught in a P-trap. The embodiment 64 of the present drain cleaning apparatus can be inserted into the drain pipe and into the P-trap, and the lost screw should magnetically attach to one of the magnets 72a, 72b or 72c for retrieval. Tool end 66b and handle end 66a each have a cross-section that is hexagonal in shape for receiving a wrench to hold or turn clog-snagging section 66. The magnets 72a, 72b and 72c are received in different faces of the hexagonal shape of tool end 66b of clog-snagging section 66. One or more magnets can be embedded in the clog-snagging section 66 along its length rather than or in addition to having magnets in the tool end 66b.
[0063] Fig. 20 is a side elevation of an end tool 74 that has a cavity 74a in which a magnet can be received. Cavity 74a is a bore defined by a cylindrical inside wall 74b. A magnet 74c can be glued into the cavity 74a or held in place by a force-fit. An outer surface of magnet 74c is visible in Fig. 20 because end tool 74 is shown in partial cross-section. End tool 74 has a two-pronged quick-connect male connector 74d that can be connected to a clog-snagging element, as described with reference to Figs.
2-5.
[0064] Fig. 21 is a side elevation of an end tool 76 that has a cavity 76a in which a magnet can be received. Cavity 76a is a bore defined by a cylindrical inside wall 76b. A magnet is received in cavity 76a in the same manner as described with reference to Fig. 20. End tool 76 has a body 76c and a screw 76d, which has male threads on an external surface, protruding from an end of the body 76c opposite of the cavity 76a.
Magnetic end tool 76 can be threadedly connected to and disconnected from a handle, a clog-snagging member or an extension rod. An extension rod can be similar to a clog-snagging member as far as providing a length of material with connection points on the ends, but without wings for snagging hair and other debris.
[0065] Fig. 22 is a side elevation of an end tool 78, which has an elongate body 78a, a screw 78b protruding from one end of body 78a and a brush 78c protruding from the other end of body 78a. Screw 78b has male threads 78d on an outer surface.
Male threads 78d can be a self-threading type of thread for connection to a pliable plastic body of material. Brush 78c is shown in part and has a plurality of bristles 78e.
[0066] Fig. 23 is a side elevation of an end tool that is a wisk 80, which includes a tubular body 80a having a connector end 80b and a male, quick-release connector 80c on the connector end. The tubular body has an opposing open end 80d.
Two or more wires are looped with ends retained inside the tubular body 80a and loops 80e and 80f outside of the tubular body. A spacer 80g separates and holds the loops 80e and 80f in a desired position. The loops 80e and 80f form what is referred to here as a wisk, and the tool 80 is referred to as a wisk. The wisk can be used to dislodge debris adhered to an inside wall of a drain pipe and to break up a clump of debris in a drain pipe.
[0067] Figs. 24-26 illustrate a barbed spear 82 that has retractable barbs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d. Fig. 24 is a side elevation in cross-section of the barbed spear 82 with the barbs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d in a retracted position. Fig. 25 is a side elevation in cross-section of the barbed spear 82 with the barbs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d in an open and extended position. Fig. 26 is a cross-section of the barbed spear 82 as seen along the line 26-26 in Fig. 25. Barbed spear 82 has a tubular body 82e that has a cross-section that is rectangular in shape, as can be seen in Fig. 26. The tubular body has open ends 82f and 82g. The opening 82g is made smaller by shoulders 82h and 82i that protrude from a bottom edge of the lower end of body 82e into the opening 82g. As a rectangular tube, body 82e has broad sides 82j and narrow sides 82k. The narrow sides 82k have two pairs of opposing slots. Barbs 82a and 82b are received in the first pair of opposing slots, and barbs 82c and 82d are received in the second pair of opposing slots. Barbed spear 82 is preferably made of a plastic, although it could be made of a metal. A strip 82m having an arrowhead-shaped end 82n is received inside the tubular body 82e with the arrowhead end 82n outside. Barbs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d are connected to strip 82m by flexible hinges. Outer edges of barbs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d form a very acute triangular shape, and the base of the triangle is hinged to the strip 82m or formed integral with the strip and is of a flexible material. The strip 82m has a first set of detent notches 82p and 82q on opposing edges of the strip across from one another and spaced a short distance away from the arrowhead end 82n. The strip 82m has a second set of detent notches 82r and 82s on opposing edges of the strip across from one another and adjacent to the arrowhead end 82n. The shoulders 82h and 82i that protrude from the bottom edge of the lower end of the body 82e and into the open end 82g function as detent protuberances that engage with the detent notches for holding the strip 82m in a fixed, but temporary, position.
Barbed spear 82 has a male connector 82t like the connector described for Figs.6-9, which provides a quick-connector connector for connection to a handle, a clog-snagging member or an extension rod. Barbed spear 82 could instead be connected with connector of Figs. 10 and 11, the threaded connections of Fig. 19 or a different type of quick-connect connector.
[0068] The drain cleaning apparatus with the barbed spear 82 of the present invention is deployed into a drain with strip 82m fixed in position by engagement of shoulders 82h and 82i with detent notches 82p and 82q, respectively, which are spaced away from arrowhead end 82n, and arrowhead end 82n protrudes from the tubular body 82e with barbs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d retracted into the tubular body 82e. When barbed spear 82 encounters a clump, wad or mass of debris and is pushed into the clump of debris, strip 82m is pushed further inside the tubular body until shoulders 82h and 82i engage with detent notches 82r and 82s, respectively, which are proximate to or adjacent to the arrowhead end 82n of the strip 82m. As the strip 82m is pushed into the tubular body, barbs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d engage a portion of the narrow side walls 82k of the rectangular, tubular body 82e that defines the opposing slots in the narrow side walls 82k, which causes the barbs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d to extend radially outwardly from the retracted position shown in Fig. 24 to the extended position shown in Fig. 25.
The barbs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d pass into or through the wad or mass of debris, after which the _ _ drain cleaning apparatus can be pulled out of the drain, while the barbs 82a, 82b, 82c and 82d catch and hold the clump, wad or mass of debris, which often includes hair entangled with other debris, for extraction and removal from the drain pipe.
[0069] Fig. 27 is a side elevation of a helical spear 84 that has a body 84a that is preferably an elongate strip that has a cross-section rectangular in shape.
The rectangular shape provides opposing broad sides 84b and opposing narrow sides 84c.
The narrow sides 84c have many barbs 84d spaced along the length of the body 84a.
Helical spear 84 can have a male quick-connector like the one described for Figs. 6-9 on one end, but any suitable connector can be used. Fig. 27 illustrates a rotatable connector 84e, which allows the body 84a to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The other end of the helical spear 84 terminates in a point 84f. The rotatable connector 84e has an elongate body 84g with a male, quick-connect connector 84h on one end and an enclosed space 84i on its opposing end. The enclosed space 84i is defined by a cylindrical wall 84j, a separator wall 84k between connector 84h and cylindrical wall 84j, and a lower wall 84m. The lower wall 84m has a cylindrical opening 84n. Body 84a of the helical spear 84 has an upper end 84p opposite the point 84f. The upper end 84p has an elongate shaft 84q, which has end 84r attached to the body 84a of the elongate strip, and the shaft 84q has a circular cross-section. The shaft 84q has an upper end that terminates is a conical member 84s. A shoulder 84t is defined and formed because the conical member 84s has a diameter greater than the diameter of the shaft 84q. The conical member 84s tapers into a point 84u opposite the shoulder 84t. The conical member is received in the enclosed space 84i, and the shoulder 84f abuts the lower wall 84m, which retains the conical member 84s inside the enclosed space 84i. Shaft 84q can rotate within the opening 84n.
As a user pushes the helical body 84a into a clump, wad or mass of debris, a rotational force may be applied to the helical body 84a, and since shaft 84q can rotate, the helical body 84a can rotate.
[0070] A drain cleaning apparatus fitted with the helical spear 84 according to the present invention can be inserted into a clogged drain, where the point 84f can protrude or poke into a clog, clump or mass of debris, where the barbs 84d can catch and hold the clump of debris, so that the clump of debris can be pulled out of the drain to unclog the drain. The helical shape is believed to allow the helical spear to negotiate bends in the drain pipe better than a tube having a circular or rectangular cross-section or a strip having a rectangular cross-section. The helical shape is also believed to allow the helical spear to clean inside walls of the drain pipe better than other designs in some cases. The helical shape can also be expanded to have a greater radius and circumference and to have more the shape of a corkscrew or a spiral in addition to or instead of the twisting. Helical spear 84 can also be made as a strip having a rectangular cross-section, a fixed length and an integral handle portion, much like the drawing in Fig.
27, except with a handle instead of the connector 84e and with a desired length, which may be about 30 to 50 inches, preferably about 36 inches (75 to 125 cm, preferably about 90 cm).
[0071] Fig.
28 is a side elevation of another embodiment of the present invention. A drain cleaning apparatus 86 includes a T-shaped handle 88, an extension member 90, and a harpoon 92. Drain cleaning apparatus 86 is illustrated as having a T-shaped handle, but no grip or handle is required, and any kind of grip or handle can be used. Handle 88 has an elongate body 88a with opposing ends 88b and 88c. A
gripping element 88d is attached transverse to the body 88a on the end 88b. A female, quick-connect connector 88e is attached to or formed integral with the body 88a on the end 88c.
The extension member 90 has an elongate body 90a, an end 90b proximate to the handle 88 and an opposing end 90c. The end 90b of the extension member 90 has a male, quick-connect connector 90d, which is engaged with and coupled to the female, quick-connect connector 88e on the handle 88. The extension member 90 has guide fins 90e, which provide a guide through a drain pipe, which centers the extension member in the drain pipe and tends to keep the harpoon 92 from catching on joints in the drain pipe as the harpoon 92 is pulled out of the drain pipe. The extension member 90 has a female, quick-connect connector 90f on its end 90c. Extension member 90 is shown and described in Fig. 28 as a smooth rod, but the clog-snagging or clog-catching member 14 in Fig. 1, which has the plurality of wings 14b, could be used instead.

[0072] Harpoon 92 has a central elongate body 92a, an end 92b, where harpoon 92 connects to the extension member 90, and an opposing end 92c. End 92b has a male, quick-connect connector 92d, which is engaged with and coupled to the female, quick-connect connector 90f on the extension member 90. The opposing end 92c terminates in a pointed tip 92e. The body 92a has a cross-section that is circular or oval in shape. Two rows of barbs 92f, preferably having the shape of fish hooks, are located along the length of the body. The rows of barbs 92f are separated from one another by about 160 to 200 degrees, preferably by about 170 to 190 degrees and more preferably by about 180 degrees. A hook is a device that is bent or curved and used to catch and hold something.
[0073] A preferred and typical fish-hook shaped barb 94 is described as follows for all of the barbs 92f. The fish-hook shaped barb 94 has an inner curved surface 94a that has the shape of the inside of the letter "J," where the bottom portion of the letter "J" is an inwardly curved hook. Fish-hook shaped barb 94 has a smooth outer curved surface 94b, which has the shape of an arc of a circle. A proximal end 94e is attached to, fixed to, embedded in or formed integral with the body 92a of the harpoon 92. A distal end 94f of typical barb 94 terminates in a sharp, angular projection 94g, which is a definition of a barb. One end of the projection 94g is coincident with the distal end 94f of barb 94, and the other end of projection 94g extends inwardly toward the inner curved surface 94a, thereby providing a hook on the distal end 94f of the typical barb 94, which tends to securely connect the barb 94 to something through which the distal end 94f passes. A fish hook can be described as a device that has for centuries been used to catch fish, which has a point for penetrating a fish's mouth or flesh; a barb, which is a projection that extends away from the point and which secures the fish from unhooking;
an eye, which is on end opposite the point and is used to connect the fish hook to a fishing line or a fishing lure; a shank, which is the portion of the hook that connects the point and the eye; a bend or curved portion in the shank near the point; and a gap, which is the distance between the shank and the point in the bend. The description of a fish hook quite literally describes the typical fish-hook shaped barb 94. The fish-hook shaped , _ barbs 92f are oriented to place the smooth outer curved surface 94b towards the outer, pointed tip 92e of the body 92a of the harpoon 92. The distal end 94f of typical barb 94 is farther away from the outer tip 92e than is the proximal end 94e of the barb 94 because barb 94 is placed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body 92a.
The proximal end 94e of the typical barb 94 is embedded in or attached to or formed integral with the body 92a and is closer to the outer tip 92e of the harpoon 92 than is the distal end 94f, which is closer to the handle 88 of the drain cleaning apparatus 86. Barbs 92f closest to the outer tip 92e are shorter than are barbs 92f closer to the end 92b, where the harpoon 92 connects to the extension member 90. Barbs 92f gradually get longer between a shortest barb 92f proximate to the outer tip 92e and a longest barb 92f proximate to the end 92b, where the harpoon 92 connects to the extension member 90.
Consequently, a profile of the outer edges of the harpoon 92 has a shape similar to or the same as an isosceles triangle, which has at least two sides of equal length, which here is along an outer profile of the barbs 92f, and a base, which here is proximate to the connection of the harpoon 92 to the extension member 90.

Harpoon 92 has been described as practically two-dimensional because in one embodiment harpoon 92 is made using plastic injection molding, which is more appropriate for objects that are somewhat two-dimensional. Body 92a of harpoon could be a strip having a cross-section that is rectangular in shape. Harpoon 92 can have barbs 92f arranged around the circumference of body 92a, depending on the manufacturing process chosen. The embodiment of harpoon 92 illustrated in Fig.
28 is preferably made using injection molding with a polymer that will yield barbs 92f that are stiff, but flexible, and resilient, somewhat like the bristles on a hair brush or toothbrush that has stiff bristles. One can consider the materials and the methods for manufacturing toothbrushes, hair brushes, cleaning brushes and brooms for determining a preferred method for making harpoon 92. Possible materials to use in making barbs 92f and/or harpoon 92 include nylon, an acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and a styrene-butadiene rubber, particularly a styrene-butadiene rubber with a high styrene content for stiffness.

100751 Harpoon 92 could instead be made using a pair of twisted wires as illustrated by the brush described as one of the possible end tools of the present invention, such as in Fig. 31. Making the harpoon using twisted wires rather than injection molding could produce a harpoon with fish-hook-shaped or J-shaped bristles spaced around the full circumference of the twisted wires. The bristles would be placed across, transverse, one wire; a second wire would be placed over the bristles; and the wires twisted to secure the bristles between the wires. A single wire that is looped would likely be used rather than two individual wires. It may be possible to use plastic for the wires rather than metal and heat the brush to fuse the plastic wires and bristles into a more integral unit. A
challenge in using twisted wire is getting the hooks in a desired orientation.
100761 A user, who has a drain pipe from a sink, bathtub, shower, toilet or similar plumbing fixture clogged by a clump, wad or mass of debris, can insert the harpoon 92 into the drain pipe through a drain opening using one or more extension members 90 connected to the harpoon 92, preferably with a handle 88. The user pushes the drain cleaning apparatus 86 into and through the drain pipe until the outer, pointed tip 92e is pushed through the clump, wad or mass of debris that is clogging the drain pipe.
The smooth outer curved surface of the fish-hook shaped barbs 92f allow the barbs 92f to slide somewhat easily into and/or through the clump, wad or mass of debris. As the barbs 92f are pushed into the clump, wad or mass of debris, the barbs 92f tend to fold or collapse inwardly toward the body 92a, somewhat resembling a straight, closed umbrella.
After the user has pushed the harpoon 92 and its barbs 92f into and/or through the clump, wad or mass of debris that clogs the drain pipe, the user can gently pull the drain cleaning apparatus 86 of Fig. 28 out of the drain pipe. As the user pulls the harpoon 92 backwards toward the drain opening, the barbs 92f tend to open like an umbrella, and the curved portions of the barbs 92f catch on and hold the components of the clump, wad or mass of debris so that the debris can be pulled out of the drain pipe and out of the drain opening.
If hooks are provided on the distal ends of the barbs 92f, which is preferred but optional, the clump, wad or mass of debris is even more securely attached to the harpoon 92 than if hooks, such as formed with projection 94g, are not used. Hooked, or merely curved, -_ barbs will tend to catch on and hold components in a clump, wad or mass of debris, particularly if hair is one of the components in the debris.
[0077] Fig. 29 is a side elevation of a different embodiment of the present invention for a harpoon. A drain cleaning apparatus 96 includes an elongate strip 96a having opposing ends 96b and 96c, which preferably, but not necessarily, has a T-shaped handle 96d formed integral with the strip 96a on its end 96b. Drain cleaning apparatus 96 is illustrated as having a T-shaped handle 96d, but no grip or handle is required, and any kind of grip or handle can be used. Rounded ridges and valleys on a straight rod as finger grips or a rounded ball would be suitable as a handle. The strip 96a has a cross-section that has the shape of a rectangle, but it could have the shape of a circle or of an oval. A
harpoon 96e is formed on or near the end 96c opposite of the end with the handle.
Harpoon 96e can be described, made and used essentially the same as the harpoon 92 in Fig. 28. Harpoon 96e has a plurality of J-shaped hooks 96f The capital letter "J" in an anal font provides a very good illustration for a suitable shape for the J-shaped hooks 96f, although the fish-hook shape of the barbs 92f in Fig. 28 could be used instead.
[0078] The drain cleaning apparatus 96 of Fig. 29 is about the same as the drain cleaning apparatus 86 of Fig. 28, except for the following differences.
The drain cleaning apparatus 96 of Fig. 29 is an integral unit, preferably made by plastic injection molding, including the J-shaped hooks 96f, while the drain cleaning apparatus 86 of Fig.
28 has separate components that are assembled using connections that, generally, can be detached for disassembly of the components, which are the handle 88, the one or more extension members 90, and the harpoon 92. Strip 96a in Fig. 29 has a cross-section that has the shape of a rectangle, while the body 90a of the extension member 90 of Fig. 28 has a cross-section that has the shape of a circle or oval. The drain cleaning apparatus 96 of Fig. 29 uses J-shaped hooks 96f, while the drain cleaning apparatus 86 of Fig. 28 uses barbs 92f, which have a straight, angled projection at a distal end to provide a barb and thus have the shape of a fish hook. Otherwise, apparatus 96 is about the same as apparatus 86. Since the strip 96a has a cross-section that has the shape of a rectangle, strip 96a has a pair of broad sides and a pair of narrow sides. A plurality of J-shaped _ hooks are formed integral with or attached to each of the narrow sides of the strip 96a.
End 96c of strip 96a has an outermost tip 96g. The J-shaped hooks 96f can be the same length or be of different lengths and can be arranged in a random assortment of different lengths, as can the barbs 92f in Fig. 28. However, the embodiment in Fig. 29 shows J-shaped hooks 96f having different lengths arranged with a shortest length closest to the outermost tip 96g with gradually longer lengths as the hooks 96f are spaced farther from the outermost tip 96g. The J-shaped hooks are oriented to present a smooth curve toward the outermost tip 96g and are angled away from the outermost tip 96g.
100791 Harpoon 92 of Fig. 28 and harpoon 96e in Fig. 29 could alternatively be made as at least one arrowhead on a central shaft instead of having hooks on a central shaft. An arrowhead has a wedge shape. An arrowhead has a body with sides of about equal length that intersect at a point like an isosceles triangle. For the harpoon of the present invention, it is preferred for the base of the arrowhead opposite the point have the shape of a "V" that is upside down, making the distance between a center point of the base and the tip substantially shorter than the sides of the arrowhead. An arrowhead has a shape similar to a symbol meaning "greater than," which is the symbol " > ".
The shape " -->" is an example of an arrowhead on a central shaft, which is provided by computer, word-processing software. One (>), two (>>), three (>>>) or four arrowheads (>>>>) arranged end-to-end (tip of one adjacent to base of another) on a central shaft would make a suitable harpoon for the present invention. This embodiment would have a shape similar to the shape illustrated in Fig. 25, except as a fixed, integral body with barbs having the shape of an arrowhead.
100801 Fig. 30 is a side elevation in partial cross-section of an end tool or flashlight 98 that has an elongate body 98a and a light 98b. Body 98a has a connector end 98c and a light end 98d. A male, quick-connect connector 98e is formed integral with or attached to the connector end 98c. Connector 98e can be used to connect flashlight 98 to the handle 88 or extension member 90 of Fig. 28 or to the clog-catching member 14 of Fig. 1. A user may not wish to shine a light deep inside a small drain pipe, but the user may wish to illuminate a different, small, tight or dark space, which can be reached with flashlight tool 98 connected to extension members and/or to a handle. Body 98a is open on end 98d opposite the connector 98e and has a deep, cylindrical bore hole 98f that can receive at least one, preferably two or more, batteries, preferably of size AAA, AA, C or D. Body 98a has bore hole 98g at an outer end of end 98d, and a female-threaded side wall 98h defines bore hole 98g. A closure 98i has male threads 98j, which thread into engagement with the female threads in side wall 98h for enclosing bore holes 98f and 98g. Closure 98i has a central bore of two different diameters, including a smaller bore defined by a side wall 98k that has female threads and a larger bore defined by a side wall 98m. A light bulb 98n has a base with male threads, which is received in the female-threaded side wall 98k of closure 98i. Light bulb 98n has a glass bulb 98p, which has means for providing light. A metal spring 98q is fixed in the bottom of bore hole 98f. A conductive wire 98r having an on/off switch 98s connects spring 98q to the base of light bulb 98n. A clear window 98t encloses light bulb 98n inside the larger bore defined by defined by side wall 98m. Two AA batteries 98u and 98v are received end-to-end inside the deep, cylindrical bore hole 98f. These various components can be assembled to make the flashlight 98 operable for providing light for illuminating a space.
An alternative to making the flashlight 98 is to purchase a commercially-available flashlight of a suitable size, design and material and make an elongate body having a connector on one end and a cavity on the other end, which is illustrated in Fig. 20 as end tool 74, which has cavity 74a. One can mold the body around an end of the flashlight or glue the end of the flashlight into the cavity in the body.
[0081] Fig.
30 illustrates a conventional flashlight that can be used to inspect a space that is visible, except for needing light. Another end tool is a very small video camera, which preferably includes a light, for inspecting a space that cannot be seen otherwise. A lighted micro video camera can be connected to an end of as many extension rods as needed for a desired length, preferably with the other end of the extension rods connected to a handle. A cable can be strung along the extension rods to connect the lighted micro video camera to a power source and monitor for powering the light and camera and viewing images transmitted by the video camera. LED
lights -require very little energy and can be powered by a battery having the shape and size of a button or a coin. The video-camera end tool may include a camera system, which can transmit images wirelessly, one or more LED lights and one or more batteries, such as AAA batteries or coin batteries. A suitable camera system, which is preferably lighted, can be found by searching the internet with search terms such as video, camera, mini, micro, lens, LED, light, endoscope, borescope, sewer, inspection, USB, wireless, Bluetooth and/or waterproof. There are many uses for a small video inspection camera fitted on a variable-length element that is stiff enough to push into a hidden space and flexible enough to negotiate twists and turns, one of which is to inspect a drain pipe such as a main sewer line from a house, particularly a drain line that is accessible through a clean-out tee.
100821 Fig. 31 is a side elevation of a brush 99 having an elongate body 99a, which has a connector end 99b and a male, quick-connect connector 99c. The body 99a has a brush end 99d opposing the connector end 99b. A pair of twisted wires 99e and 99f are secured within the body 99a and protrude from the brush end 99d. Bristles 99g of different lengths are secured between the twisted wires 99e and 99f and project radially from the twisted wires at about a 90 degree angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the twisted wires 99e and 99f. Bristles 99g protrude from the full circumference of 360 degrees of the twisted wires 99e and 99f. The wires 99e and 99f are formed from a single wire that loops upon itself near an outer end 99h, which orients the bristles 99g in a hemispherical shape 99i near the outer end 99h.
[0083] Figs. 32-34 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention having a snap fastener for a connection mechanism. Fig. 32 is a side elevation of a drain cleaning apparatus 100, according to the present invention. Fig. 33 is a cross-section of a snap fastener in a closed position in the drain cleaning apparatus of Fig. 32, as seen along the line 33-33. Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the snap fastener shown in Fig. 33, except in an open position.
100841 Drain cleaning apparatus 100 includes a T-shaped handle 102, a clog-snagging or clog-catching member 104, which can be fitted with any one of the end tools _ described herein. Drain cleaning apparatus 100 is an elongated, rod-shaped assembly of parts that has a longitudinal axis. Handle 102 has an elongate portion 102a that has a longitudinal axis that is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the drain cleaning apparatus 100. The elongate portion 102a of the handle 102 has opposing ends, one of which is a gripping portion 102b and the other of which is a handle connector 102c. The gripping portion 102b in this embodiment is a length of material that has a longitudinal axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate portion 102a and is centered on the end of the elongate portion 102a so as to form a "T" shape. Other types of grips can be used to provide means for a person to hold handle 102, such as a ball on the end of elongate portion 102a or finger grips along the surface of the elongate portion. The gripping portion of the handle can be finger grips on a shaft, finger holes, a smooth, straight shaft or an element having the shape of a Roman numeral for the number one.
[0085] As best seen in Figs. 33 and 34, handle connector 102c in this embodiment comprises an elongate rod 102d having a generally rectangular and somewhat oval cross-section and a plurality of holes or openings 102e arranged in a straight line in rod 102d. Each of the holes 102e have two different inside diameters, a smaller diameter and a larger diameter. The rod 102d has a receiving side 102f and a non-receiving side 102g. The smaller diameter portion of the holes 102e are open to the receiving side 102f. The larger diameter portion of the holes 102e are open to the non-receiving side 102g.
[0086] The clog-snagging member 104 in this embodiment includes an elongate, cylindrical rod or body 104a and a plurality of wings 104b. Body 104a has a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of drain cleaning apparatus 100.
Wings 104b project radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of body 104a of clog-snagging member 104. The wings 14b in Fig. 1 have the shape of a parallelogram, where the opposing sides of the wings have an equal length.
Wings 104b are different in that wings 104b have the shape of a trapezoid, which a quadrilateral with just one pair of parallel sides. Wings 14b and 104b each have a side attached to the body that is shorter than the sides that extend away from the body. The side of a wing 104b ."
attached to the body 104a is longer than its opposing side, and each of these sides is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and parallel to each other. The sides of a wing 104b that are transverse to the body come closer together as the distance from the body increases and are not parallel to each other. Otherwise, the description of the wings 14b with respect to leading and trailing edges forming a V-shape and having the shape of an arrowhead also describes the wings 104b.
[0087] A handle-end connector 104c is detachably connected or connectable to the handle connector 102c in this embodiment, although handle 102 and clog-snagging member 104 could be made as an integral unit such as by plastic injection molding.
Clog-snagging member 104 has a distal end or tool end 104d and a tool-end connector 104e. The handle-end connector 104c comprises an elongate rod 104f having a generally rectangular and somewhat oval cross-section and a plurality of studs 104g arranged in a straight line in rod 104f. Each of the studs 104g have a cylindrical shank 104g' attached at one end to the rod 104f and a bulbous head 104g" attached to the shank 104g' opposite the rod 104f.
[0088] The clog-snagging member 104 is connected to the handle 102 as follows. The plurality of studs 104g are placed on the receiving side 102f of the handle connector 102c such that each stud 104g is adjacent to a hole 102e. The rod 104f is then pressed against the rod 102d, and the bulbous heads 104g" are forced through the holes 102e. The heads 104g" have a diameter that is slightly greater than the diameter of the smaller diameter in holes 102e and about the same size as the larger diameter in holes 102e. As the heads 104g" are forced through the holes 102e, either the head 104g" is compressed or the hole 102e is expanded or both. After the heads 104g" are forced through the holes 102e, the smaller diameter of the holes 102e fit snugly around the shank 104g' while the larger diameter of the holes 102e fit snugly around the bulbous head 104g". This type of connector is referred to as a snap fastener. A
similar snap fastener is described in U.S. Patent No. 2,397,801, issued to Mitchell.
[0089] In the same manner as described with reference to Fig. 34, the tool end or the distal end 104d of clog-snagging member 104 has the tool-end connector 104e, which is like the handle connector 102c of the handle 102 in that the tool-end connector 104e has a plurality of holes 104e'. The tool end 104d has a receiving side 104h (not shown) and a non-receiving side 104i. The holes 104e' have a smaller diameter on the receiving side 104h and a larger diameter on the non-receiving side 104i. A
second clog-snagging member 106 is connected to the clog-snagging member 104 with a snap faster mechanism 105 by aligning and pressing studs on the second clog-snagging member into the holes 104e' of clog-snagging member 104 in the same manner as described for connecting clog-snagging member 104 to handle 102. A third clog-snagging member 108 is connected to clog-snagging member 106 using a snap fastener 107, which has the structure shown in Figs. 33 and 34. Clog-snagging members can be connected end to end in this manner to make a drain cleaning apparatus of a desired length. The handle and the clog-snagging members are preferably made of a pliable, resilient polymeric material. A
clog-snagging member can be cut to provide a desired length and a desired shape for a tip. End tools such as end tool 16 in Fig. 1 can be made with a plurality of studs having bulbous heads as described for handle-end connector 104c. The end tools include a clog-catching member, a pointed element, a rounded element, a hemispherical element, a barbed element, a barbed spear, a spear with a plurality of barbs, a spear comprising a plurality of arrowheads, a retractable spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear that can rotate and has a plurality of barbs, a harpoon, a harpoon that has a plurality of fish hooks or J-hooks, a pusher/scraper, a puller/scraper, a brush, a magnet, a corkscrew, a coiled spring, an element with an adhesive, a wisk, a hook, a light, a camera, a video camera, a video camera and light assembly and an assembly that includes a video camera, a light and wireless transmission components.
Any of these end tools can be made for attachment to the handle 102 or the clog-snagging member 104 using a snap fastener. The end tools can be made with studs that project upright and outwardly for receipt in corresponding holes in the handle 102 or in the clog-snagging member 104, 106 or 108. The handle 102 and the tool end 104d have been illustrated as having holes while the handle-end connector 104c and the end tools or another clog-snagging member have been described as having studs, but this positioning can be reversed. One element needs one or more holes, preferably two or more, and the other needs, preferably, at least a corresponding number of studs, but either element can have the studs while the other has the holes.
[0090] Regarding the advantages and benefits of the present invention, prior art tools exemplified by U.S. Patent No. 6,775,873, issued to Luoma, for clearing clogs in sink, shower and bathtub drains are fixed in length and are generally around 18 to 21 inches long (about 45 to 55 cm). One limitation of these tools is the fixed length, which does not always allow the device to reach the location of a clog. Also, most of these devices are single use, and irrespective of the actual length used to unclog, the complete device is generally discarded. Key benefits of the present invention include:
(a) a length that is variable due to the ability to quickly connect/disconnect multiple sections; (b) since different sections are assembled together, only the section at the bottom that works on the clog is somewhat likely to be discarded, while the sections on the top are likely to be kept and reused; (c) the handle connects to the sections through a quick-release mechanism so the handle does not have to be discarded and can be reused multiple times, thereby saving money and natural resources; and (d) tools, such as a point, a harpoon, a barbed spear, a retractable spear, a helical barbed element, a magnet, a brush, a pusher/scraper, a puller/scraper and a wisk can be added to the bottom of the section to help with cleaning a drain more efficiently and effectively, and a tool such as a flashlight, a light, a camera, a video camera, a video camera and light assembly and an assembly that includes a video camera, a light and wireless transmission components can serve an additional purpose, particularly for viewing and inspection purposes.
[0091] Thus, one aspect of the present invention is the ability to add sections to extend the length of the drain cleaning device, which can allow a user to go beyond the vertical drain pipe to enter the P-trap, extension tube, and the main drain pipe to remove clogs. These sections can be added as needed. If the user is able to remove a clog by using one section to remove the clog, then that is all that is needed. If this is adequate, the disconnect allows the user to remove the used section and discard it or to clean it for reuse. If more sections are required, if the clog is deeper in the drain system, they one -..
can simply add additional sections. Upon completion of the cleaning task, the user can disconnect each section to allow the user to either clean individual sections or discard them. This can save time, money and natural resources. There are many other advantages to this type of implementation because of the flexibility of the quick disconnect. Many types of drain cleaning tools can be attached either at the bottom or integral to the assembly, which allows the user to customize the device to a particular problem. If there is a clog at pop-up drain control rod, then use one section;
clog in a P-trap ¨ use 2 or 3 sections; clog in an extension tube ¨ use 3 or 4 sections;
clog in a main drain ¨ add additional sections as required to reach the clog. Other attachments can be used for unusually difficult clogs. If there is a lost items that responds to magnetic attraction, then use a magnet attachment. To clean the inside of a drain pipe, use a brush attachment. Being able to easily connect and disconnect a handle from a drain cleaning apparatus is beneficial. The ability to connect and disconnect a vast variety of tools to the end of the device or within the device makes the device more flexible and cost effective than anything in the known prior art.
[0092]
Another aspect of the present invention is a handle that can be attached to one or more lengths of various types of rods or members for providing a variable length of a tool that can be used for various purposes including drain-cleaning, item-retrieval, lighting and remote-inspection. The handle can be a short gripping portion, or the handle can include a gripping portion and an integral length of rod for a desired length. Rods or members may be connected together to provide a desired length and may be connected to the handle. The assembly can be used and subsequently disassembled.
The drawings show drain-cleaning rods with projections that resemble airplane wings, but any kind of prongs, barbs or hooks can be used. Instead of projections having the shape of airplane wings, the clog-snagging member of the present invention can use the prongs, barbs, hooks and cleaning elements described in the following U.S.
Patents with the attachable-detachable elements and handle of the present invention:
5,769,960, issued to Nirmel; 5,836,032, issued to Hondo; 6,131,229, issued to Lincuna et al.;
6,775,873, issued to Luoma; 7,584,513, issued to Turner; 8,365,337, issued to Tash;

. CA 02956555 2017-01-26 ..
9,194,114, issued to Petry; 9,217,243, issued to Gwen and D511,278, issued to Carfagnini. These concepts for prongs, barbs, hooks and cleaning elements can be incorporated with the attachable-detachable rods, elements, clog-snagging members and handles described herein. A clog-snagging member can have the wing projections shown in the present drawings or any one of or combination of the prongs, barbs, hooks or cleaning elements in the listed patents. An end tool can be detachably connected to a clog-snagging member, or an end tool can be formed integral with or permanently connected to a clog-snagging member.
[0093] An aspect of the present invention is the ability to quickly connect elements together for the purpose of doing something in a small space that cannot be viewed by a person without some aid such as a camera. The invention contemplates end uses in a plumbing drain system, in automobile mechanical repair with respect to retrieval and inspection and in other applications. The term "quick-connect" means with respect to the present invention a connection that can be made by hand without the aid of a tool such as a wrench and without twisting one element into another for a threaded connection. A threaded connection relies on a friction connection resulting from male and female threads being pressed against one another. The "quick-connect"
connections of the present invention rely on the pliability and resilience of a material.
Consequently, a polymeric material is likely to be used to make the "quick-connect"
connectors of the present invention, as well as the clog-snagging elements and extension rods of the present invention, which can be pushed through a P-trap plumbing fitting that typically requires a 180 degree turn followed by a 90 degree turn.
[0094] The "quick-connect" connectors of the present invention rely on one connector that is female and one connector that is male, where one or both move out of a normal state or position while the connection is made and return to the normal state or position after the connection is made and have some type of locking mechanism for maintaining the connection after the connection is made. With reference to Fig. 2, the side-release buckle that comprises the female handle connector 12c and the male handle-end connector 12c is an example of a quick-connect connector of the present invention.

In Figs. 2-5, the prongs 14f and 14g have a normal state in which the prongs project somewhat parallel to the longitudinal axis of the clog-snagging member 14. As the male prongs 14f and 14g are inserted into the female handle connector 12c, the shape and size of the head portion 14i of each prong along with the shape and size of the inside surface 12f of the handle connector 12c causes the prongs to be pressed closer together, thereby moving the prongs from a normal state into a stored-energy state. After the head portions 14i pass through the cavity 12e, energy stored in the prongs is released and the prongs return to a normal state in which they are farther apart than while pressed closer together.
After returning to the normal state, the shoulders 14j and 14n serve to lock the handle-end connector 14c into the handle connector 12c. The side-release buckle of Figs.
6-9 has a deformation from a normal state to an energy-stored state while the connection is made, which returns to a normal, undeformed state after passing through a cavity.
Figs 2-9 show quick-connect connectors that can easily be connected and disconnected.
Figs. 10 and 11 show a quick-connect connector that is easy to connect together, but difficult to disconnect. Either the shaft 36a compresses or the female walls 34f and 34g expand or both, thereby providing a stored-energy state, which returns to a normal state after the connection is made. Quick-connect connectors of the present invention involve a deformation of a material into an energy-stored state while a connection is being made; a return to a normal state after the connection is made; and a locking mechanism for maintaining the connection after the connection has been made. The snap fastener of Figs. 32-34 is another example of a quick-connect connector in which there is a deformation of a material into an energy-stored state during and while the connection is made, which in this case is either the bulbous heads 104g" are compressed or the holes 102e are enlarged or both, followed by a return to an essentially normal state after the assembly, and the provision of a locking mechanism after the assembly for maintaining the connection, which in this case is the bulbous heads 104g" having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the holes 102e. A threaded connection such as shown in Figs. 18 and 19 is not considered a quick-connect connector with respect to the present invention. A quick-connect connector in the present invention does not involve or _ require numerous twisting motions, which is required to make a threaded connection. A
quick-connect connector in the present invention does not require a tool, such as a wrench, to make a connection.
100951 The "quick-connect" connectors of the present invention can be described as follows. An assembled apparatus can be made by connecting a connector B
to a connector A and by connecting a connector D to a connector C. The connectors A
and B and the connectors C and D are each a pair of quick-connect connectors.
Each pair of quick-connect connectors comprises a male connector and a female connector.
The male connector is inserted into the female connector during assembly of a connection.
Each of the male and female connectors have a normal state. One or both of the male and female connectors is deformed into an energy-stored state while a connection is being assembled. Each of the male and female connectors are in the normal state after the connection is assembled. The male and female connectors have a locking mechanism for keeping the male and female connectors together after the connection is assembled. The locking mechanism preferably includes a shoulder on the male connector, which is trapped and held by a wall on the female connector, and the wall preferably defines at least partially a cavity or opening for receiving a portion of the male connector that has the shoulder.
100961 Another aspect of the present invention is the material of construction for the apparatus. One or both of the connectors that make up a quick-connect connector is preferably capable of deforming into an energy-stored state while the connectors are being joined together. This implies that the material of construction should have some elasticity and resilience so that the material has the ability to return to its original size and shape after removal of a stress that causes a deformation such as stretching, compression, or torsion. After the material is deformed, it preferably returns to its original shape. A
material of construction is preferably used that provides the drain cleaning apparatus the capability of returning to an original size and shape after being deformed by a force.
Focusing now on the use of the apparatus to clean a clog such as a clump of hair and debris from a drain pipe from a sink, it is desirable for the material to have properties of stiffness, flexibility, elasticity, strength and resilience to enable a user to push the apparatus through a P-trap and beyond, which typically requires a 180 degree bend to pass through the U-shape in the P-trap, the distal end of the apparatus going down and then up, followed by a 90 degree turn towards a wall, where the distal end moves essentially horizontally, followed by a 90 degree turn downward inside a vertical pipe inside the wall. That is a great deal of twisting and turning. The user should be able to pull the apparatus out of the drain along with the clump of hair and debris, so the material of construction of the connectors, extension rods, clog-catching elements and end tools preferably have the strength to handle the force of the user pulling the apparatus out of the drain, while recognizing that some part of the apparatus may catch on some part of the drain system. After all of that stress, strain, stretching, elongation, compression, deformation, twisting and bending, it is desirable for the apparatus to return to its original shape and size. It is preferable that a clog-catching member and an extension rod be capable of bending 180 degrees in a radius of curvature of no more than 5 inches (13 cm), preferably a radius of curvature of no more than 4 inches (10 cm), more preferably in a radius of curvature of no more than 3 inches (8 cm), and even more preferably in a radius of curvature of no more than 2 inches (5 cm). For smaller-diameter drain pipes it may be necessary for the clog-catching member and the extension rod to be capable of bending 180 degrees in a radius of curvature of no more than 1.5 inches (4 cm), preferably a radius of curvature of no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm). The clog-catching member and the extension rod should preferably return to their original size and shape after being bent 180 degrees.

number of different polymeric materials have the properties of stiffness, flexibility, elasticity, strength and resilience to satisfy the requirement of a drain cleaning apparatus (1) to pass downwardly in a drain pipe, turn 180 degrees in the bottom of a P-trap, pass upwardly through the outlet portion of the P-trap, turn 90 degrees and pass horizontally and then turn 90 degrees and pass downwardly in a drain pipe; (2) to be retracted or pulled out of the drain pipe; and (3) return to its original size and shape. The material may not have complete resilience to completely return to its original size and _ -shape, as it may be difficult to satisfy all of the requirements, and some elements of the drain cleaning apparatus may be discarded after a single use. In addition to polymeric materials, there are metallic materials that have the properties of stiffness, flexibility, elasticity, strength and resilience to satisfy the requirements for the drain cleaning apparatus. Strong, lightweight alloys, which are generally a mixture of two or more metals, exist that have shape-memory. One can make a drain cleaning apparatus using the shape-memory metallic material that is used to make eyeglass frames that can be bent and will return to an original shape.
[0098] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a handheld device to remove a clog and/or hair from a sink drain, bathtub drain and/or a shower drain. The device preferably includes a quick connect/release handle and at least one quick connect/release clog catching section, which can be joined to the handle and/or to each other to make the assembly longer or shorter depending upon the location of the targeted clog. The clog catching sections may be cylindrical or flat or polygon or curved or sinusoidal. The sections can have a smooth outer surface for use as extension elements or can have barbs or prongs for catching and holding hair and other debris.
The quick release connection can be of any presently known or future mechanical and/or magnetic design for coupling and connecting two elements together. Various tools can be connected to a bottommost or outermost section for various purposes including removing a clog from a drain, cleaning a drain pipe, illuminating a space with a light and retrieving objects that are subject to magnetic attraction. Examples of tools include a pointed or rounded bull nose cap on the end of a section for protruding into a clog, a harpoon for protruding into and catching onto a clog, a spear having one or more barbs for protruding into and catching onto a clog, a brush for cleaning the inside of a pipe, a magnet and a light.
[0099] The present invention provides a drain cleaning harpoon in one embodiment. The harpoon includes an elongate body, which may have a cross-section that has the shape of a rectangle, a polygon, a circle or an oval. The elongate body has a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A plurality of J-shaped or fish-hook-shaped hooks are fixed to the elongate body near its distal end. The hooks are oriented to present a smooth curve toward the distal end and an inwardly curved hook toward the proximal end. The hooks preferably, but not necessarily, are longer the farther the hooks are spaced from the distal end. The drain cleaning harpoon preferably includes a handle on the proximal end of the elongate body. The drain cleaning harpoon is made as an integral unit by plastic injection molding in one embodiment and is made of separate components that can be assembled and disassembled in another embodiment.
[00100] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a multifunctional apparatus, preferably including a hair-clog remover. The apparatus preferably includes one or more sections of an elongate barbed device and a detachable, quick-release handle. The hair-clog remover can be inserted into a drain at a sink, bathtub, shower or toilet. Each section of the elongate barbed device may be about 6 to 18 inches long, preferably 8 to 12 inches (15 to 50 cm, preferably 20 to 30 cm). Multiple sections can be added end-to-end to reach a length of about 30 to 50 inches, preferably about 36 inches (75 to 125 cm, preferably about 90 cm). Quick-release connections, snap-fastener connections or threaded connections are preferably used to detachably connect a section to a handle and to connect sections together. The sections preferably have barbs, more preferably airplane-like wings, for catching and holding hair to pull hair out of a drain pipe. The sections can also be smooth, without barbs or wings.
A tool can be detachably attached to an end section, preferably by a snap-fit fastener or a quick-release connector, for various purposes, preferably for cleaning a clog from a drain pipe.
A tool can be attached that can be pushed into a clump of debris clogging a drain pipe for breaking the clog, catching and holding the clog for extraction from the drain pipe or breaking up the clog and pushing it downstream for subsequent flushing downstream.
Tools that can be attached to a section include a rounded or pointed tip, such as a bull nose, a pusher/scraper, a puller/scraper, a barbed spear, a spear having retractable barbs, a harpoon having multiple barbs, a clog breaker, a brush, a wisk, a magnet, a flashlight, a light, a camera, a video camera, a video camera and light assembly and an assembly that includes a video camera, a light and wireless transmission components. The apparatus offers tremendous flexibility to a consumer or end user, and natural resources are saved because the apparatus can be re-used and can be used for multiple purposes.
1001011 Additional embodiments of the present invention are described as follows.
[00102] 1. A device for removing a clog from a drain, comprising:
a) a handle;
b) a clog removal member detachably connected to the handle and including a central spine with a width or diameter, and a length;
c) a first set of fins extending radially outwardly from the spine;
d) a second set of fins extending radially outwardly from the spine;
e) the first set of fins being generally trapezoid-shaped and disposed closer to the handle than the second set of fins; and 0 the second set of fins being generally parallelogram-shaped and forming a plurality of pairs axially spaced on the spine.
[00103] 2. The device of embodiment 1, wherein a plurality of the second set of fins have a length greater than the width or diameter of the central spine.
[00104] 3. The device of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the pairs of second set of fins are generally equilaterally spaced along the entire length of the central spine.
[00105] 4. The device of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein each of the pairs of second set of fins comprises generally diametrically opposed fins.
1001061 5. The device of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first set of fins comprises two generally diametrically opposed fins.
[00107] 6. The device of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein each of the first set of fins includes an outermost edge for guiding the device along the inner surface of the drain.

[00108] 7. The device of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the second set of fins comprises five to twenty pairs of generally diametrically opposed fins.
[00109] 8. The device of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the clog removal member is connected to the handle by a side release locking mechanism or by a snap fastener mechanism in which bulbous heads on one are received in corresponding holes in the other.
[00110] 9. The device of embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising an accessory device for cleaning the inside of the drain.
[00111] 10. The device of embodiment 9, wherein the accessory device is detachably connected to the clog removal member by a side release locking mechanism.
[00112] 11. The device of embodiments 9 to 10, wherein the accessory device comprises a brush.
[00113] 12. The device of embodiments 9 to 10, wherein the accessory device comprises a magnetic member for removing a magnetically attractive metallic object from the drain.
[00114] 13. The device of embodiments 9 to 10, wherein the accessory device comprises a corkscrew.
[00115] 14. The device of embodiments 9 to 13, wherein the device comprises a plurality of the accessory devices.
[00116] 15. The device of embodiments 9 to 13, wherein the device comprises a plurality of the clog removal members and a plurality of the accessory devices.
[00117] 16. The device of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the device comprises a plurality of the clog removal members.
[00118] 17.
The device of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the length of the clog removal member is from about 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60 cm), preferably 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 cm) and more preferably from about 9 to 14 inches (22 to 36 cm) and may be about to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm).
[00119] 18. The device of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the clog removal member includes a generally conically shaped end member for boring through the clog.

_ [00120] 19. The device of embodiments 1 to 17 or of embodiment 18, wherein the end member includes a plurality of barbs.
[00121] 20. The device of embodiment 19, wherein the barbs extend radially outwardly and have progressively shorter lengths toward the tip of the end member.
[00122] 21. A device for removing a clog from a drain, comprising:
a) a handle;
b) a clog removal member detachably connected to the handle and including a central spine with a width or diameter, and a length;
c) a first set of guide fins extending radially outwardly from the spine for smooth insertion into and removal of the device from the drain;
d) a second set of generally parallelogram-shaped fins extending radially outwardly from the spine for trapping the clog;
e) the second set of fins forming a plurality of pairs generally equilaterally spaced along the entire length of the central spine; and f) a plurality of the second set of fins having a length greater than the width or diameter of the central spine.
[00123] 22. The device of embodiment 21, wherein the first set of guide fins are generally trapezoid-shaped and disposed closer to the handle than the second set of fins.
[00124] 23. A drain cleaning apparatus or a kit having elements that can be assembled to make the same, comprising:
1001251 a handle having opposing ends and a gripping portion, wherein one of the ends comprises a handle connector; and [00126] a clog-catching member having a body that has a length, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end has a proximal-end connector that is detachably connected to the handle connector, and wherein a plurality of wings project radially from the body with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body,

44 [00127] wherein the handle, the clog-catching member, and the plurality of wings have a combination of strength, stiffness, flexibility and length to enable a user to push the clog-catching member through a drain opening in a sink and into a drain pipe, and.
[00128] wherein the handle connector or the proximal-end connector has a plurality of holes and the other of the handle connector or the proximal-end connector has a plurality of studs that are or can be received in the holes for providing a snap fastener mechanism.
[00129] Having described the invention above, various modifications of the techniques, procedures, materials, and equipment will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that all such variations within the scope and spirit of the invention be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A drain cleaning apparatus, comprising:
a handle having opposing ends and a gripping portion, wherein one of the ends comprises a handle connector; and a clog-catching member having a body that has a length, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end has a proximal-end connector that is detachably connected to the handle connector, and wherein a plurality of wings, prongs, barbs or hooks project radially from the body with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body, wherein the handle, the clog-catching member, and the plurality of wings, barbs or hooks have a combination of strength, stiffness, flexibility and length to enable a user to push the clog-catching member through a drain opening in a sink and into a drain pipe.

2. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the clog-catching member has a tool connector, further comprising a tool having a mechanical device and a member connector that is detachably connected to the tool connector of the clog-catching member.

3. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the handle-end connector that is detachably connected to the handle connector and/or the tool connector that is detachably connected to the tool-end connector of the clog-catching member comprises a quick-release coupling mechanism, a push-button mechanism, a side-release buckle mechanism, a threaded-connection mechanism or a snap fastener mechanism.

4. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the handle connector and the proximal-end connector comprises one or more openings, apertures or sockets and the other comprises one or more studs, wherein the studs are received in the openings, apertures or sockets in a releasable snap fit for connecting the clog-catching member to the handle.

5. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the handle connector and the proximal-end connector comprises a plurality of openings and the other comprises a plurality of studs, wherein the openings have an inside diameter or first size and the studs have an outside diameter or a second size, wherein the outside diameter or second size is slightly greater than the inside diameter or first size, and wherein the studs are received in the openings in a releasable snap fit for connecting the clog-catching member to the handle.

6. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein the handle and the clog-catching member are made of a material that has sufficient elasticity and/or resilience for the openings to enlarge to receive the studs and then to shrink and engage the studs for fastening the clog-catching member to the handle.

7. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 3, wherein the mechanical device of the tool is selected from the group consisting of a pointed element, a rounded element, a hemispherical element, a barbed element, a barbed spear, a spear with a plurality of barbs, a spear comprising a plurality of arrowheads, a retractable spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear that can rotate and has a plurality of barbs, a harpoon, a harpoon that has a plurality of fish hooks or J-hooks, a pusher/scraper, a puller/scraper, a brush, a magnet, a corkscrew, a coiled spring, an element with an adhesive, a wisk, a hook, a light, a camera, a video camera, a video camera and light assembly and an assembly that includes a video camera, a light and wireless transmission components.

8. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle has the shape of the capital letter "T".

9. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein each wing of the plurality of wings that project from the body of the clog-catching member has the shape of a triangle, a parallelogram or a quadrilateral.

10. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein the wings that project from the body of the clog-snagging member are arranged in pairs on opposing sides of the body, and wherein the two wings in a pair of wings are separated by 180 degrees plus or minus 20 degrees.

11. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein each wing in a pair of wings has a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the leading edge is closer to the tool end of the clog-snagging member than to the handle end, wherein the trailing edge is closer to the handle end of the clog-snagging member than to the tool end, and wherein lines lying along the leading edges of a pair of wings intersect in the body of the clog-catching member and form a "V" shape that points away from the handle end of the clog-catching member.

12. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a guide element that projects from the body of the clog-catching member for guiding the clog-catching member through the drain pipe as the clog-catching member is retracted from the drain pipe.

13. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 12, wherein the guide element comprises a pair of opposing guide wings that have guide edges, wherein lines lying on the guide edge of each guide wing intersect to form a "V" shape that points toward the handle end of the clog-catching member.

14. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 13, wherein a magnet is embedded in the body of the clog-catching member or near or in its distal end.

15. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clog-catching member has a length between 6 and 24 inches (or 15 to 61 cm).

16. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein the body of the clog-catching member has a diameter of between 0.1 and 0.5 inches (or 0.25 to 1.27 cm).

17. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gripping portion of the handle comprises finger grips on a shaft, finger holes, a smooth shaft, an element having the shape of a Roman numeral for the number one or an element that has the shape of the capital letter "T".

18. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle connector and the proximal-end connector comprise a pair of quick-connect connectors, wherein the pair of quick-connect connectors comprise a male connector and a female connector, wherein the male connector is inserted into the female connector to make an assembled connection, wherein each of the male and female connectors have a normal state, wherein one or both of the male and female connectors is deformed into an energy-stored state while a connection is being assembled, wherein each of the male and female connectors are in the normal state after the connection is assembled, and wherein the male and female connectors have a locking mechanism for keeping the male and female connectors together after the connection is assembled.

19. A kit, comprising:
a disassembled drain-cleaning apparatus, comprising:
a handle having a connector A;

at least one clog-snagging member, wherein the member comprises a body that has a length and opposing ends with a connector B on one end and a connector C
on the other end, wherein the connector B can be removably connected to the connector A, wherein the body has a first plurality of wing-like projections spaced apart along the length of the body and a second plurality of wing-like projections spaced apart along the length of the body, wherein the first and second wing-like pluralities of projections are separated from one another by about 180 degrees plus or minus about 15 degrees; and at least one tool having a size and shape suitable for insertion into a drain pipe from a sink, bathtub or a toilet for unclogging the drain pipe or cleaning the inside of the drain pipe or retrieving an object from inside the drain pipe, wherein the tool has a connector D, wherein the connector D can be removably connected to the connector C, and wherein an assembled drain-cleaning apparatus can be made by connecting the connector B to the connector A and connecting the connector D to the connector C.

20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the connectors A, B, C and D are quick-connect connectors, snap fasteners or threaded connectors.

21. The kit of claim 19, wherein one of the connector A or B comprises a plurality of female sockets and the other comprises a plurality of male studs, wherein the male studs can be received in the female sockets in a snap fit thereby providing a snap fastener mechanism.

22. The kit of claim 21, wherein connector D can be connected to connector C by a snap fastener mechanism.

23. The kit of claim 19, wherein the tool is selected from the group consisting of a pointed element, a rounded element, a hemispherical element, a barbed element, a barbed spear, a spear with a plurality of barbs, a spear comprising a plurality of arrowheads, a retractable spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear that can rotate and has a plurality of barbs, a harpoon, a harpoon that has a plurality of fish hooks or J-hooks, a pusher/scraper, a puller/scraper, a brush, a magnet, a corkscrew, a coiled spring, an element with an adhesive, a wisk, a hook, a light, a camera, a video camera, a video camera and light assembly and an assembly that includes a video camera, a light and wireless transmission components.

24. A drain cleaning apparatus, comprising:
an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; and a plurality of J-shaped or fish-hook-shaped hooks fixed to, embedded in or formed integral with the body near the distal end of the body, wherein the elongate body has the size, strength, stiffness, flexibility and length to enable a user to push the elongate body and the hooks through a drain opening in a sink and into a drain pipe.

25. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 24, further comprising a handle, wherein the elongate body is connected directly or indirectly to the handle.

26. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 25, further comprising an extension member between the elongate body and the handle, wherein the extension member is removably connected to the handle, and wherein the elongate body is removably connected to the extension member so that the handle, the extension member and the elongate body can be assembled to form the drain cleaning apparatus and can be subsequently disassembled.

27. A drain cleaning apparatus, comprising:
a handle having a first quick-connect connector;

an extension member having a body that has a length and opposing ends, a second quick-connect connector on one end and a third quick-connector on the other end; and a tool for unclogging a drain pipe or for retrieving an item out of a drain pipe or for cleaning the inside of a drain pipe or for shining a light into a space or for inspecting a space, wherein the tool has a fourth quick-connect connector, wherein the second quick-connect connector can be connected to and disconnected from the first quick-connect connector, and wherein the fourth quick-connect connector can be connected to and disconnected from the third quick-connect connector.

28. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 27, wherein the tool is selected from the goup consisting of a clog-catching member, a pointed element, a rounded element, a hemispherical element, a barbed element, a barbed spear, a spear with a plurality of barbs, a spear comprising a plurality of arrowheads, a retractable spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear that can rotate and has a plurality of barbs, a harpoon, a harpoon that has a plurality of fish hooks or J-hooks, a pusher/scraper, a puller/scraper, a brush, a magnet, a corkscrew, a coiled spring, an element with an adhesive, a wisk, a hook, a light, a camera, a video camera, a video camera and light assembly and an assembly that includes a video camera, a light and wireless transmission components.

29. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 27, wherein the quick-connect connectors comprise a snap fastener, wherein the snap fastener comprises one member having one or more holes and another member having one or more studs that project from a surface, wherein the one or more studs are received in the one or more holes in a releasable snap fit.

30. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 29, wherein the one or more holes are defined by a cylindrical wall, wherein the wall has a circumferential groove, wherein the one or more studs have a bulbous head, and wherein a portion of the bulbous head is received in the circumferential groove while the one or more studs are connected to the one or more holes.

31. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 29, wherein each of the studs has the shape of a rivet having a cylindrical shaft and a head on an outer end.

32. The drain cleaning apparatus of claim 27, wherein a pair of quick-connect connectors comprises a male connector and a female connector, wherein the male connector is inserted into the female connector, wherein each of the male and female connectors have a normal state, wherein one or both of the male and female connectors is deformed into an energy-stored state while a connection is being assembled, wherein each of the male and female connectors are in the normal state after the connection is assembled, and wherein the male and female connectors have a locking mechanism for keeping the male and female connectors together after the connection is assembled.

33. A kit comprising a disassembled apparatus, the kit comprising:
a handle having a connector A;
at least one extension member, wherein the member comprises a body that has a length and opposing ends with a connector B on one end and a connector C on the other end, and wherein the connector B can be removably connected to the connector A; and at least one tool having a size and shape suitable for insertion into a drain pipe for unclogging the drain pipe or cleaning the inside of the drain pipe or retrieving an object from inside the drain pipe or for inspecting the inside of the drain pipe, wherein the tool has a connector D, wherein the connector D can be removably connected to the connector C, wherein an assembled apparatus can be made by connecting the connector B to the connector A and connecting the connector D to the connector C, and wherein the tool is selected from the group consisting of a clog-catching member, a pointed element, a rounded element, a hemispherical element, a barbed element, a barbed spear, a spear with a plurality of barbs, a spear comprising a plurality of arrowheads, a retractable spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear with a plurality of barbs, a helical spear that can rotate and has a plurality of barbs, a harpoon, a harpoon that has a plurality of fish hooks or J-hooks, a pusher/scraper, a puller/scraper, a brush, a magnet, a corkscrew, a coiled spring, an element with an adhesive, a wisk, a hook, a light, a camera, a video camera, a video camera and light assembly and an assembly that includes a video camera, a light and wireless transmission components.

34. The kit of claim 33, wherein the connectors are snap fasteners in which one member has openings or sockets and a mating member has studs that project outwardly that are received in the openings or sockets.

35. The kit of claim 33, wherein the connectors A and C comprise a plurality of openings, holes or sockets, preferably arranged in a straight line, wherein the connectors B and D comprise a plurality of upright studs, each stud preferably having a shank and a head, wherein the studs can be received in the openings, holes or sockets in a press and snap fit, thereby providing a snap fastener.

36. The kit of claim 33, wherein the connectors A and B and the connectors C and D
are each a pair of quick-connect connectors, wherein each pair of quick-connect connectors comprises a male connector and a female connector, wherein the male connector is inserted into the female connector, wherein each of the male and female connectors have a normal state, wherein one or both of the male and female connectors is deformed into an energy-stored state while a connection is being assembled, wherein each of the male and female connectors are in the normal state after the connection is assembled, and wherein the male and female connectors have a locking mechanism for keeping the male and female connectors together after the connection is assembled.