Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF INVENTION
MULTI-CARTRIDGE DRAIN GUNS, ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, AND METHODS
OF USE AND MANUFACTURE THEREOF
BACKGROUND
[0001] A drain line (e.g. tube) can be used to conduct a condensate (e.g.
water) from
a first location (e.g. pump) to a second location (e.g. container). The drain
line can get
clogged for various reasons (e.g. algae). As such, a drain gun can be used to
unclog the
drain line.
SUMMARY
[0002] In an embodiment, a device comprises: a drain gun including a handle
and a
trigger, wherein the handle includes a channel and a plurality of check
valves, wherein
the check valves feed the channel, wherein the trigger causes a staged release
of a
plurality of fluids from a plurality of cartridges to the channel via the
check valves when
the cartridges are stored in the handle and feeding the check valves.
100031 In an embodiment, a method comprises: causing a drain gun to be fluidly
coupled to a drain line that is clogged, wherein the drain gun hosts a
plurality of cartridges
storing a plurality of fluids; and causing the fluids to be output from the
drain gun
controllably in stages such that the drain line is unclogged via the fluids.
[0004] In an embodiment, a device comprises: a drain gun including a handle
and a
trigger, wherein the handle includes a channel and a plurality of inlets,
wherein the inlets
feed the channel, wherein the trigger causes a staged release of a plurality
of fluids from
a plurality of cartridges to the channel via the inlets when the cartridges
are stored in the
handle and feeding the inlets.
[0005] In an embodiment, a device comprises: a drain gun including a handle
and a
trigger, wherein the handle includes a channel, an inlet, a pressure gauge,
and a display,
wherein the inlet feeds the channel, wherein the trigger causes a release of a
fluid from
a cartridge to the channel via the inlet when the cartridge is stored in the
handle and
feeding the inlet, wherein the display presents based on the pressure gauge,
wherein the
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pressure gauge monitors the cartridge when the cartridge is stored in the
handle and
engaging the inlet.
[0006] In an embodiment, a method comprises: causing a barrel of a drain gun
to be
fluidly coupled with a tip of an adapter, wherein the adapter includes an
inflatable portion,
wherein the inflatable portion includes an end portion defining an opening
therein, wherein
the drain gun hosts a plurality of cartridges storing a plurality of fluids;
causing the
inflatable portion to be inserted into a drain line that is clogged, wherein
the drain line
includes an inner surface, wherein the inner surface faces the inflatable
portion; and
causing a release of the fluids from the cartridges such that the fluids
travel via the barrel,
the tip, and the inflatable portion to the opening, the inflatable portion is
inflated thereby
creating a seal against the inner surface, and the fluids are output via the
opening into
the drain line during the seal thereby at least partially unclogging the drain
line.
[0007] In an embodiment, a method comprises: causing a shuttle to be inserted
into
an inlet of a drain line that is clogged, wherein the drain line includes an
outlet; causing a
source of a fluid to be fluidly coupled with the drain line; and causing a
release of the fluid
such that the fluid propels the shuttle down the drain line toward the outlet
such that the
drain line is at least partially unclogged via the shuttle.
[0008] In an embodiment, a method comprises: causing a stepped section with an
outer surface and an open end to be inserted into a drain line with an inner
surface such
that the outer surface faces the inner surface, wherein the stepped section is
coupled to
a wingnut section, wherein the wingnut section is coupled to a fitting
section, wherein the
wingnut section includes a wingnut, wherein the stepped section is coupled to
the fitting
section, wherein the drain line is clogged; causing the wingnut to be rotated
relative to the
fitting section such that the outer surface engages against the inner surface
thereby
forming a seal; and causing a fluid to be input into the fitting section
during the seal such
that the fluid is output into the drain line via the open end during the seal
thereby at least
partially unclogging the drain line during the seal.
[0009] In an embodiment, a method comprises: causing a stepped section with an
outer surface and an open end to be inserted into a drain line with an inner
surface such
that the outer surface faces the inner surface, wherein the stepped section is
coupled to
a cam lever, wherein the cam lever is coupled to a fitting section, wherein
the cam lever
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defines an internal opening, wherein the stepped section is coupled to the
fitting section,
wherein the drain line is clogged; causing the cam lever to be rotated
relative to the fitting
section such that the outer surface engages against the inner surface thereby
forming a
seal and such that the fitting section extends through the internal opening
without bending
during the seal; and causing a fluid to be input into the fitting section
during the seal such
that the fluid is output into the drain line via the open end during the seal
thereby at least
partially unclogging the drain line during the seal.
100101 In an embodiment, a method comprises: causing a stepped section with an
outer surface and an open end to be inserted into a drain line with an inner
surface such
that the outer surface faces the inner surface, wherein the stepped section is
coupled to
a cam lever, wherein the cam lever is coupled to a fitting section, wherein
the stepped
section is coupled to the fitting section, wherein the fitting section is
bendable, wherein
the drain line is clogged; causing the cam lever to be rotated relative to the
stepped
section such that the outer surface engages against the inner surface thereby
forming a
seal and such that the cam lever urges the fitting section to bend during the
seal based
on the cam lever being rotated; and causing a fluid to be input into the
fitting section
during the seal such that the fluid is output into the drain line via the open
end during the
seal thereby at least partially unclogging the drain line during the seal.
[0011] In an embodiment, a method comprises: causing a stepped section with an
outer surface and an open end to be inserted into a drain line with an inner
surface such
that the outer surface faces the inner surface, wherein the stepped section is
coupled to
a fitting section, wherein the drain line is clogged; causing the outer
surface to engage
against the inner surface thereby forming a seal; and causing a fluid to be
input into the
fitting section during the seal such that the fluid is output into the drain
line via the open
end during the seal thereby at least partially unclogging the drain line
during the seal.
[0012] In an embodiment, a method comprises: causing a
first tubular portion to be
fluidly coupled to a source of a fluid; causing a second tubular portion to be
fluidly coupled
to a drain line that is clogged; and causing the fluid to be input into the
first tubular portion
such that the fluid travels from the first tubular portion to a third tubular
portion while
passing the second tubular portion such that a suction is formed at the second
tubular
portion and the drain line is at least partially unclogged via the suction.
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[0013] In an embodiment, a method comprises: causing a stepped section with an
outer surface and an open end to be inserted into a drain line with an inner
surface such
that the outer surface faces the inner surface, wherein the stepped section is
coupled to
a cam lever, wherein the cam lever is coupled to a fitting section, wherein
the stepped
section is coupled to the fitting section, wherein the fitting section is L-
shaped, wherein
the drain line is clogged; causing the cam lever to be rotated relative to the
stepped
section such that the outer surface engages against the inner surface thereby
forming a
seal; and causing a fluid to be input into the fitting section during the seal
such that the
fluid is output into the drain line via the open end during the seal thereby
at least partially
unclogging the drain line during the seal.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a drain gun according
to this disclosure.
[0015] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a drain gun according to this disclosure.
[0016] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a trigger action of a drain gun according
to this
disclosure.
100171 Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a plurality of
displays of a drain gun according
to this disclosure.
[0018] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a drain gun with a pressure gauge
according
to this disclosure.
[0019] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a drain gun with a cover in an open
position
according to this disclosure.
[0020] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a drain gun with a cover in a closed
position
according to this disclosure.
[0021] Fig. 8 shows an embodiment a drain gun storing a
plurality of cartridges
according to this disclosure.
[0022] Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a drain gun with a cap in an open
position
according to this disclosure.
[0023] Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of a drain gun with an opening according to
this
disclosure.
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[0024] Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of a hose and a tip adapter for usage with
a drain
gun according to this disclosure.
[00251 Figs. 12a-12d show a plurality of embodiments of a
plurality of accessories that
can be used with a drain gun according to this disclosure.
10026] Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of a shuttle that can be used with a drain
gun
according to this disclosure.
[0027] Figs. 14a-14e show a plurality of embodiments of a
plurality of expanding-grip
stepped plugs that can be used with a drain gun according to this disclosure.
[0028] Fig. 15 shows an embodiment of a Venturi effect suction fitting that
can be used
with a drain gun according to this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Generally, this disclosure discloses various drain
guns, accessories therefor,
and methods of use and manufacture thereof. For example, a drain gun can
include a
handle and a trigger. The handle can include a channel and a plurality of
inlets, which can
include a plurality of check valves. The inlets, inclusive of the check
valves, can feed the
channel. The trigger can cause a staged release of a plurality of fluids from
a plurality of
cartridges to the channel from the inlets, inclusive of the check valves, when
the cartridges
are stored in the handle and feeding the inlets, inclusive of the check
valves. As such,
when a drain line is clogged, then the drain line can be unclogged via the
drain gun. For
example, the drain line can drain from an heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC)
system, a refrigeration system, or others. For example, the drain line can
conduct a
condensate (e.g. water) resulting from at least some operations of the HVAG
system, the
refrigeration system, or others. Further, various hoses, accessories, and
adapters are
provided that can work with the drain gun and other hoses, accessories, tips,
and
adapters for unclogging the drain line. For example, some of these include an
inflatable
tip adapter, a tethered shuttle, an expanding-grip stepped plug, and a Venturi
effect
suction fitting. However, note that this disclosure may be embodied in many
different
forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to various
embodiments
disclosed herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure is
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thorough and complete, and fully conveys various concepts of this disclosure
to skilled
artisans.
[0030] Note that various terminology used herein can imply
direct or indirect, full or
partial, temporary or permanent, action or inaction. For example, when an
element is
referred to as being "on," "connected," or "coupled" to another element, then
the element
can be directly on, connected, or coupled to another element or intervening
elements can
be present, including indirect or direct variants. In contrast, when an
element is referred
to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element,
then there are
no intervening elements present.
[0031] As used herein, various singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended
to
include various plural forms as well, unless specific context clearly
indicates otherwise.
[0032] As used herein, various presence verbs "comprises," "includes" or
"comprising," "including" when used in this specification, specify a presence
of stated
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not
preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,
operations, elements,
components, or groups thereof.
100331 Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a drain gun according
to this disclosure. In
particular, a drain gun 100 includes a handle 102, a trigger 104, and a barrel
106. The
trigger 104 and the barrel 106 are coupled (e.g. assembled, fastened, mated,
interlocked,
unitary) to the handle 102. The handle 102, the trigger 104, and the barrel
106 can include
plastic, metal, rubber, or other materials. Although the handle 102, the
trigger 104, and
the barrel 106 are described relative to one lateral side (e.g. left side) of
the drain gun
100, note that any side (e.g. front, rear, left, right) of the drain gun 100
can be configured
as disclosed herein.
[0034] The handle 102 (e.g. housing, case, frame) defines an opening 108 (e.g.
closed-shape, open-shaped, symmetrical, asymmetrical, 0-shaped, D-shaped,
rectangle, square, oval, circle, triangle) through which a strap, a hook (e.g.
belt hook), or
a carabiner can extend. The handle 102 hosts a safety lock 110, which is
movable (e.g.
laterally, longitudinally, pivotable, hinged, mated, fastened, interlocked)
between an open
position and a closed position, as further disclosed below. For example, the
trigger 104
can be configured to not be able to be pressed when the safety lock 110 is in
the closed
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position. For example, the safety lock 110 can be manually movable (e.g. user
movable)
or automatically movable between the open position and the closed position.
[00351 The handle 102 hosts a plate 112 defining a pair of openings for a
plurality of
displays 114. The openings can be of any shape (e.g. symmetrical,
asymmetrical, closed-
shape, open-shaped, 0-shape, D-shape, rectangle, square, oval, circle,
triangle). Note
that the openings are identical to each other in terms of type, shape, or
structure.
However, the openings can be non-identical to each other in terms of type,
shape, or
structure (and the handle 102 can be adapted for such variations). The
displays 114 are
analog, but can be digital (e.g. monochrome, color). For example, when the
displays 114
are digital and when the handle 102 contains a battery, which can be
rechargeable or
replaceable, then the battery can power the displays 114. The displays 114 can
output a
content, such as a binary content (e.g. black/white, red/green, 1(0,
full/empty) or a gradual
content (e.g. counter, odometer, scale/range, red/yellow/green,
full/half/empty), as further
disclosed below. Note that the displays 114 are identical to each other in
terms of type,
shape, weight, modality, or structure. However, the displays 114 can be non-
identical to
each other in terms of type, shape, weight, modality, or structure (and the
handle 102 can
be adapted for such variations).
[00361 The handle 102 hosts a plurality of covers 116, which can open and
closed
(e.g. pivot, slide, detach) as further disclosed below. The covers 116 include
a plurality of
openings 118. The openings 118 are tapered in shape, but that shaping can vary
(e.g.
symmetric, asymmetric, closed-shape, open-shape, D-shape, 0-shape, rectangle,
square, oval, circle, triangle). The openings 118 can host a plurality of
windows (e.g.
transparent, translucent, glass, plastic) or nets/screens/meshes or avoid
hosting the
windows or nets/screens/meshes and thereby enabling direct access into the
handle 102.
Note that the covers 116 can avoid the openings 118 as well. Note that the
covers 116
are identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight, or structure.
However, the
covers 116 can be non-identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight,
or structure
(and the handle 102 can be adapted for such variations).
[0037] The handle 102 hosts a plurality of latches 122. The latches 122 are
configured
to engage with the covers 116 when the covers 116 are closed (e.g. pivoted
closed, slid
closed, attached closed), as further disclosed below. Note that the latches
122 are
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identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight, or structure.
However, the latches
122 can be non-identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight, or
structure (and
the handle 102 can be adapted for such variations). Note that although the
handle 102
includes the latches 122, there can be a single latch 122.
[0038] The handle 102 stores a plurality of cartridges 120 dependent or
independent
of each other. For example, there can be two, three, four, five, six, seven,
eight, nine, ten,
or more of the cartridges 120 stored in the handle 102. The cartridges 120 are
visible
through the openings 118. The handle 102 stores the cartridges 120
sequentially side-
by-side. However, handle 102 can store the cartridges 120 differently, such as
a bundle
of cartridges 120 forming any shape (e.g. circle, oval, square, rectangle,
octagon,
pentagon, star, crescent). Note that the handle 102 can also store a single
cartridge 120,
whether or not the handle 102 is configured for storing at least two of the
cartridges 120.
For example, the handle 102 can be configured to only receive and only store
the single
cartridge 120.
[0039] The cartridges 120 can store a plurality of fluids
(e.g. gas, liquid) under
pressure. For example, the fluids can include a compressed gas (e.g. air,
carbon dioxide,
nitrogen, hydrogen), whether the compressed gas is flammable or non-flammable_
For
example, at least one of the cartridges 120 can be a disposable sixteen gram
steel carbon
dioxide cartridge. Note that although the cartridges 120 are identical, the
cartridges 120
can also be non-identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight,
volume, texture,
content, or structure (and the handle 102 can be adapted for such variations).
Likewise,
the fluids can be identical or non-identical to each other in terms of
content, chemistry,
type, pressure, color, temperature, volume, or other fluid characteristics
(and the drain
gun 100 can be adapted for such variations). Note that at least one of the
cartridges 102
can store at least two fluids (e.g. at least two liquids, at least two gases,
at least one liquid
and at least one gas), whether identical or non-identical to each other in
terms of content,
chemistry, type, pressure, color, temperature, volume, or other fluid
characteristics. In
one mode of operation, the drain gun 100 provides a staged release of the
fluids from the
cartridges 120, as activated via the trigger 104, via the barrel 106.
[0040] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a drain gun according
to this disclosure. In
particular, a drain gun 200 is similar to the drain gun 100. However, there
are some
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differences. The drain gun 200 includes a handle 210 defining a plurality of
openings 212.
The openings 212 are dual direction tapered in shape, but that shaping can
vary (e.g.
symmetric, asymmetric, closed-shape, open-shaped, D-shape, 0-shape, rectangle,
square, oval, circle, triangle, single-direction tapered). Note that the
openings 212 are
identical to each other in terms of type, shape, or structure. However, the
openings 212
can be non-identical to each other in terms of type, shape, or structure (and
the handle
210 can be adapted for such variations). The openings 212 can host a plurality
of windows
(e.g. transparent, translucent, glass, plastic) or nets/screens/meshes or
avoid hosting the
windows or nets/screens/meshes and thereby enabling direct access into the
handle 210.
Note that the handle 210 can avoid the openings 212. Further, note that the
windows or
nets/screens/meshes are identical to each other in terms of type, shape,
weight, or
structure. However, the windows or nets/screens/meshes can be non-identical to
each
other in terms of type, shape, weight, or structure (and the handle 210 can be
adapted
for such variations).
[0041] The handle 210 hosts a safety lock 202 that is
movable (e.g. longitudinally,
laterally, pivotable, hinged, mated, fastened, interlocked) between an open
position and
a closed position. The handle 210 hosts a plate 204 defining a cavity 206
(e.g. closed-
shaped, open-shaped, symmetrical, asymmetrical, 0-shaped, D-shaped, rectangle,
square, oval, circle, triangle) through which a fastener 208 (e.g. bolt,
screw) secures the
plate 204 to the handle 210. However, note that the fastener 208 can be absent
and the
plate 204 is secured to the handle 210 in other ways (e.g. adhering, mating,
interlocking,
magnetizing).
[0042] The handle 210 hosts a plurality of caps 214 coupled (e.g. fastened,
mated,
snapped, interlocked) thereto. The caps 214 can include plastic, metal, or
other materials.
The caps 214 are externally grooved, bumped, or knurled for grip enhancement,
but can
be externally smooth. The caps 214 can be of any shape (e.g. tubular,
cylinder, dome,
cuboid, cube, hemisphere, pyramid, cone). Note that the caps 214 are identical
to each
other in terms of type, shape, weight, or structure. However, the caps 214 can
be non-
identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight, or structure (and the
handle 210
can be adapted for such variations).
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[0043] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a trigger action of a drain gun according
to this
disclosure. In particular, the drain gun 100 (or the drain gun 200) includes
the handle 102
hosting a channel 134, a plurality of inlets 138, a plurality of check valves
126, and a
plurality of nozzles 136.
[0044] The channel 134 is longitudinally rectilinear
between the barrel 106 and the
safety lock 110, but can be longitudinally non-rectilinear (e.g. arcuate,
sinusoidal). The
channel 134 has a circular lateral cross-section, but can have a non-circular
lateral cross-
section (e.g. square, rectangle, oval, triangle). The channel 134 is a hollow
tube (e.g.
metal, plastic) extending within the handle 102, but can be a hollow cavity
defined within
the handle 102. The channel 134 can extend between the opening 108 and the
cavity
206.
[0045] The channel 134 has a front end portion (e.g. open) and a rear end
portion (e.g.
open). The front end portion of the channel 134 feeds the barrel 106 (e.g.
fluid
communication between the front end portion of the channel 134 and the barrel
106). As
such, at least some output from the front end portion of the channel 134 is
directed to the
barrel 106. The rear end portion of the channel 134 is in proximity (e.g.
within about 2
inches) of the safety lock 110, which can operably engage therewith, as
further disclosed
below.
[0046] The inlets 138 are longitudinally rectilinear
between the barrel 106 and the
safety lock 110, but can be longitudinally non-rectilinear (e.g. arcuate,
sinusoidal). The
inlets 138 have a circular lateral cross-section, but can have a non-circular
lateral cross-
section (e.g. square, rectangle, oval, triangle). Each of the inlets 138 is a
hollow tube (e.g.
metal, plastic, rubber) extending within the handle 102, but can be a hollow
cavity defined
within the handle 102. The cavity 206 can be positioned between the inlets
138. The inlets
138 feed the channel 134 (e.g. fluid communication between the channel 134 and
the
inlets 138 between the front end portion of the channel 134 and the rear end
portion of
the channel 134). For example, the inlets 138 and the channel 134 define a U-
shape or
a C-shape thereby, although other shapes are possible (e.g. J-shape, S-shape).
As such,
at least some output from the inlets 138 is directed to the channel 134
between the front
end portion of the channel 134 and the rear end portion of the channel 134.
Note that the
inlets 138 are identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight, or
structure.
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However, the inlets 138 can be non-identical to each other in terms of type,
shape, weight,
or structure (and the handle 102 can be adapted for such variations).
[00471 The inlets 138 can host (e.g. internally) the check valves 126 between
the
barrel 106 and the safety lock 110. Each of the check valves 126 (e.g. one-way
valve)
allows a fluid (e.g. gas, liquid) to flow therethrough in only one direction.
The check valves
126 can be two-port valves (e.g. two body openings - one for fluid to enter
and one for
fluid to exit). The check valves 126 can include plastic, metal, Ribber, or
other materials.
The check valves 126 can include a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve,
a swing
check valve, a stop check valve, a lift-check valve, an inline check valve, a
duckbill valve,
a pneumatic non-return valve, or other check valves. The check valves 126 can
be
configured to puncture or pierce the cartridges 120 (e.g. seal, cap, neck,
top, sidewall)
when the check valves 126 engage with the cartridges 120 via the nozzles 136.
For
example, the check valves 126 can host needles (e.g. rectilinear, non-
rectilinear) or
blades (e.g. rectilinear, non-rectilinear) configured to puncture or pierce
the cartridges
120 (e.g. seal, cap, neck, top, sidewall) when the check valves 126 engage
with the
cartridges 120 via the nozzles 136. Note that the check valves 126 are
identical to each
other in terms of type, shape, weight, modality, or structure. However, the
check valves
126 can be non-identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight,
modality, or
structure (and the handle 102 can be adapted for such variations). The check
valves 126
can operate independently of each other or dependently on each other. The
check valves
126 (and the handle 102) can allow independent loading of the cartridges 120.
Note that
although the drain gun 100 (or the drain gun 200) are described with the check
valves
126, the drain gun 100 (or the drain gun 200) can employ non-check valves
(e.g. flow
control valve, bidirectional valves). The check valves 126 feed the channel
134 (e.g. fluid
communication between the check valves 126 and the channel 134 between the
front
end portion of the channel 134 and the rear end portion of the channel 134).
As such, at
least some output from the check valves 126 is directed to the channel 134
between the
front end portion of the channel 134 and the rear end portion of the channel
134.
[0048] The inlets 138 are coupled to the nozzles 136 (e.g. fastened, mated,
telescoped, adhered, magnetized, sealed, unitary, assembled). The nozzles 136
are
configured to receive the cartridges 120 (e.g. fastening, mating,
interlocking). As such,
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the cartridges 120 can be inserted into the nozzles 136 (e.g. longitudinally)
and the
nozzles 136 can receive (e.g. snugly, loosely, securely, magnetically,
fastenably) the
cartridges 120 when the cartridges are contained within the handle 102. For
example, the
cartridges 120 can thread into the nozzles 136 or magnetically attach to the
nozzles 136.
[0049] The trigger 104 is coupled to a valve poppet 124 (e.g. mechanical
linkages,
gears, bars, cables, springs, shape-memory materials, pulleys, hinges, cams
electric
motors, actuators). The valve poppet 124 can be a single valve poppet 124 for
the check
valves 126 or there can be at least two of the valve poppets 124 for the check
valves 126
(e.g. one-to-one correspondence).
[0050] The handle 102 stores (e.g. temporarily, permanently) the cartridges
120. The
cartridges 120 can be positioned between the latches 122 and the channel 134
or the
opening 108. The cavity 206 can be positioned between the cartridges 120. The
cartridges 120 have a plurality of necks 132 and a plurality of bodies 130.
The necks 132
longitudinally extend from the bodies 130 and are narrower than the bodies 130
in
external diameter. For example, at least one of the cartridges 120 can be a
disposable
sixteen gram steel carbon dioxide cartridge. For example, the handle 102 can
be
configured to secure the cartridges 120 based on the cartridges 120 being
fastened into
the nozzles 136 and thereby pushing the necks 132 into the nozzles 136 where
the
cartridges 120 are punctured or pierced (e.g. seal, cap, neck, top, sidewall),
sealed, and
activated for use. Although the necks 132 and the bodies oppose each other
within the
handle 102, the neck 132 and the bodies can be offset relative to each other
(e.g. one
cartridge 120 is closer to the channel 134 than another cartridge 120, one
neck 132 is
closer to the channel 134 than another neck 132).
[0051] The handle 102 hosts the safety lock 110 opposite of the barrel 106 in
proximity
(e.g. within about 2 inches) of the rear end portion of the channel 134. The
safety lock
110 is shown as a lever that is pivolable (e.g. manually, automatically) about
a shaft (e.g.
rectilinear, non-rectilinear, arcuate, sinusoidal, plastic, metal, bar, bolt,
screw) extending
into the handle 102, where the lever can pivot (e.g. manually, automatically)
between the
open position and the closed position. For example, the lever can pivot toward
the
opening 108 (e.g. open position) or away from the opening 108 (e.g. closed
position) or
vice versa. Note that although the safety lock 110 is described as the lever,
the safety
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lock 110 can include a button, a slider, a dial, or another input device,
whether additional
or alternative to the lever. The trigger 104 and the safety lock 110 (e.g.
lever) can be
mechanically linked (e.g. mechanical linkages, gears, bars, cables, springs,
shape-
memory materials, pulleys, hinges, cams, electric motors, actuators) to each
other such
that at least some operations of the trigger 104 depend on whether the safety
lock 110 is
in the closed position or the open position (e.g. as user controlled).
[0052] When the safety lock 110 is in the closed position (e.g. away from the
opening
108) and the trigger 104 is at a default position 128 (e.g. zero stage), then
the rear end
portion of the channel 134 avoids at least some fluid communication with an
ambient
environment external to the rear end portion of the channel 134 (e.g. external
to the
handle 102). As such, this configuration can create a state of being where
actuation of
the valve poppet 124 via the trigger 104 is effectively reduced, minimized, or
prevented
(e.g. negative pressure, vacuum, movement stops) and the trigger 104 remains
at the
default position 128 when pressed (e.g. not depressed).
[0053] When the safety lock 110 is in the open position (e.g. moved toward the
opening 108) and the trigger 104 is at a first position 127 (e.g. first
stage), then the rear
end portion of the channel 134 is in at least some fluid communication with
the ambient
environment external to the rear end portion of the channel 134 (e.g. external
to the
handle 102). Resultantly, this configuration can create a state of being where
the valve
poppet 124 is lifted, moved backward or forward, or sideways via the trigger
104 being at
the first positon 127 (e.g. partially depressed). Consequently, this
positioning of the valve
poppet 124 allows at least one of the check valves 126 to source at least some
fluid from
at least one of the cartridges 120 to travel along a path 140 through at least
one of the
inlets 138, respectively, and guide that fluid into the channel 134, which in
turn guides
that fluid to the front end portion of the channel 134 and then into the
barrel 106 for
subsequent output therefrom. Note that this state of being can also keep at
least one of
the check valves 126 closed such that at least some fluid from at least one of
the
cartridges 120 does not travel along the path 140 and is not input into the
channel 134
via at least one of the inlets 138, respectively. Accordingly, releasing the
trigger 104 such
that the trigger 104 moves from the first position 127 to the default position
128 would in
turn enable the valve poppet 124 to be lifted, moved backward or forward, or
sideways
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and thereby shut or close at least one of the check valves 126 and effectively
stop or
reduce flow of at least some fluid along the path 140 from at least some of
the cartridges
120. Note that at least some fluid in the cartridges 120 flows from the bodies
130 to the
necks 132, while the necks 132 are extending within the nozzles 136, and then
along the
path 140 to the check valves 126 via the inlets 136 and then to the channel
134 and then
to the barrel 106. Further, note that the trigger 104 can avoid contacting the
handle 102
in the first position 127 in at least two places (e.g. internally and
externally).
[0054] When the safety lock 110 is or remains in the open position (e.g. moved
toward
the opening 108) and the trigger 104 is at or further moved from the first
position 127 to
a second position 129 (e.g. second stage), then the rear end portion of the
channel 134
is or remains in at least some fluid communication with the ambient
environment external
to the rear end portion of the channel 134 (e.g. external to the handle 102).
Resultantly,
this configuration can create a state of being where the valve poppet 124 is
or is further
lifted, moved backward or forward, or sideways via the trigger 104 being at or
further
moved to the second positon 129 (e.g. fully depressed). Consequently, this
positioning of
the valve poppet 124 allows at least one of the check valves 126 (e.g.
different from one
during first stage) to source at least some fluid from at least one of the
cartridges 120 to
travel along a path 142 through at least one of the inlets 138, respectively,
and guide that
fluid into the channel 134, which in turn guides that fluid to the front end
portion of the
channel 134 and then into the barrel 106 for subsequent output therefrom. For
example,
the trigger 104 can contact the handle 102 in the second position 129 in at
least two
places (e.g. internally and externally). Note that this state of being can
also keep or enable
at least one of the check valves 126 to close (e.g. different from one during
first stage) or
be closed such that at least some fluid from at least one of the cartridges
120 does not
travel along the path 142 and is not input into the channel 134 via at least
one of the inlets
138, respectively. Note that this state of being can also allow that check
valve 126 to
remain open when that respective cartridge 120 is empty. Accordingly,
releasing the
trigger 104 such that the trigger 104 moves or further moves from the second
position
129 to the first position 127 or the default position 128 would in turn enable
the valve
poppet 124 to be lifted, moved backward or forward, or sideways or further
lifted, moved
backward or forward, or sideways and thereby shut or close or further shut or
close at
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least one of the check valves 126 and effectively stop or reduce or further
reduce flow of
at least some fluid along the path 142 from at least some of the cartridges
120. Note that
at least some fluid in the cartridges 120 flows from the bodies 130 to the
necks 132, while
the necks 132 are within the nozzles 136, and then along the path 142 to the
check valves
126 via the inlets 136 and then to the channel 134 and then to the barrel 106.
[0055] Note that although Fig. 3 shows a staged release from the cartridges
120 based
on the trigger 104 being moved between the default position 128, the first
position 127,
and the second position 129, the drain gun 100 (or the drain gun 200) can be
configured
for a concurrent release from the cartridges 120 based on the trigger 104
being moved
from the default position 128 to the first position 127 or the second position
129 or vice
versa. Note that as the trigger 104 moves between the default position 128,
the first
position 127 (e.g. first stage), and the second position 129 (e.g. second
stage), the trigger
104 can be configured to provide a haptic output (e.g. vibration, bump) that
at least one
of the default position 128, the first position 127, or the second position
129 is reached.
As such, the trigger 104 can cause the staged release of the fluids from the
cartridges
120 along the path 140 and the path 142 to the channel 134 from the check
valves 126
when the cartridges 120 are stored in the handle 102 and feeding the check
valves 126.
[0056] Note that although Fig. 3 shows the staged release occurring from a
rightmost
cartridge 120 to a leftmost cartridge 120, the staged release can be reversed
and thereby
occur from the leftmost cartridge 120 to the rightmost cartridge 120. If the
handle 102
stores more than two of the cartridges 120 (e.g. three or more), then the
staged release
can be fixed in order, user adjustable in order (e.g. knob, button, or switch
on handle 102
controlling staged release order), serial in order (e.g. toward trigger 104,
away from trigger
104), parallel in order, or others.
[0057] Note that the handle 102 can be configured to control a degree of the
staged
release of the fluids from the cartridges 120. For example, one of the
cartridges 120 can
be outputting with one pressure, while another cartridge 120 can be outputting
with
another pressure. For example, such control of the degree of the staged
release from the
cartridges 120 can be done via the handle 102 having a user interface (e.g.
button, knob,
lever, switch, touchscreen) that controls (e.g. mechanically, electronically)
at least one of
the channel 134, at least one of the inlets 138, or at least one of the check
valves 126.
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For example, this form of control can widen or narrow the channel 134 or at
least one of
the inlets 138. For example, this form of control can increase or decrease
fluid amount
being input into or output via at least one of the check valves 126.
[130581 Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a plurality of
displays of a drain gun according
to this disclosure. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a drain gun with a pressure
gauge
according to this disclosure. Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a drain gun with a
cover in
an open position according to this disclosure. Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a
drain gun
with a cover in a closed position according to this disclosure. Fig. 8 shows
an embodiment
a drain gun storing a plurality of cartridges according to this disclosure. In
particular, the
drain gun 100 (or the drain gun 200) hosts the plate 112 defining the openings
for the
displays 114. The openings can be of any shape (e.g. open-shaped, closed-
shaped,
symmetrical, asymmetrical, 0-shape, D-shape, rectangle, square, oval, circle,
triangle).
Note that the openings are identical to each other in terms of type, shape, or
structure.
However, the openings can be non-identical to each other in terms of type,
shape, or
structure (and the handle 102 can be adapted for such variations).
[0059] The displays 114 can be positioned on any side of the handle 102 (e.g.
top,
bottom, lateral, front, rear). The displays 114 are analog, but can be digital
(e.g.
monochrome, color). For example, when the displays 114 are digital and when
the handle
102 contains a battery (e.g. above cartridges, between cartridges, below
cartridges),
which can be single use, rechargeable, or replaceable, then the battery can
power the
displays 114. The displays 114 can output a content, such as a binary content
(e.g.
black/white, red/green, 1/0, full/empty) or a gradual content (e.g. counter,
odometer,
scale/range, red/yellow/green, full/half/empty), as further disclosed below.
For example,
the binary content or the gradual content can be seen in dark (e.g. backlight,
phosphorescent). Note that the handle 102 has a lateral side that hosts the
displays 114.
For example, the handle 102 hosts the displays 114 above the covers 116. For
example,
the covers 116 can avoid hosting the displays 114. However, the displays 114
can be
distributed among a plurality of sides (e.g. frontal, rear, lateral, top,
bottom) of the handle
102 (e.g. opposite, adjacent). The displays 114 are identical to each other in
terms of
type, shape, weight, modality, or structure. However, the displays 114 can be
non-
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identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight, modality, or
structure (and the
handle 102 can be adapted for such variations).
[00601 The content is based on a plurality of pressure
gauges 144 (e.g. analog, digital,
manometers, pressure actuators, springs). The pressure gauges 144 are coupled
(e.g.
mechanically, fluidly, electrically, thermally, optically) to the displays 114
and the check
valves 126. For example, the pressure gauges 144 can be positioned between the
displays 114 and the check valves 126. For example, the pressure gauges 144
and the
check valves 126 can be a pair of distinct units or a single unit (e.g. single
housing, single
chassis, single case, single frame). For example, the covers 116 can avoid
hosting the
pressure gauges 144. As such, the pressure gauges 144 monitor (e.g. read) at
least some
pressure of the cartridges 120 when the cartridges 120 are stored within the
handle 102
and engage the pressure gauges 144 and the check valves 126, which can be
through
the nozzles 136. For example, the pressure gauges 144 can monitor at least
some
pressure of the cartridges 120 when the check valves 126 are not inputting at
least some
fluids from the cartridges 120 or outputting at least some fluids into the
inlets 138, while
the cartridges are within the nozzles 136 and engaging the check valves 126.
Accordingly,
when at least some pressure of the cartridges 120, as measured via the
pressure gauges
144, reaches or satisfies or avoids reaching or avoids satisfying a
predetermined or
dynamic threshold (e.g. empty, half full, half empty, full), then the displays
114 can adjust
accordingly or present accordingly. Note that the pressure gauges 144 are
identical to
each other in terms of type, shape, weight, modality, or structure. However,
the pressure
gauges 144 can be non-identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight,
modality,
or structure (and the handle 102 can be adapted for such variations).
[00611 The handle 102 includes a plurality of shafts 146
(e.g. rectilinear, non-
rectilinear, arcuate, sinusoidal) extending between the safety lock 110 and
the barrel 106.
The shafts 146 can include plastic, metal, or other materials. The shafts 146
are identical
to each other in terms of type, shape, weight, volume, texture, or structure.
However, the
shafts 146 can be non-identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight,
volume,
texture, or structure (and the handle 102 can be adapted for such variations).
Note that
although the shafts 146 corresponds to the covers 116 in a one-to-one
correspondence,
there can also be a single shaft 146 corresponding to the covers 116.
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[0062] The handle 102 includes the covers 116 pivotally coupled to the shafts
146.
Note that the covers 116 are identical to each other in terms of type, shape,
weight,
modality, or structure. However, the covers 116 can be non-identical to each
other in
terms of type, shape, weight, modality, or structure (and the handle 102 can
be adapted
for such variations). Although the covers 116 are pivotally coupled to the
shafts 146, the
shafts 146 can be omitted and the covers 116 fasten, mate, interlock, or snap
onto the
handle 102, yet still be pivotable relative to the handle 102 or removable
from the handle
102. For example, the covers 116 can pivotally engage with the handle 102 via
a plurality
of C-shape snap end mounts.
10063] The covers 116 host a plurality of tails 148
extending therefrom (e.g. assembly,
unitary). The tails 148 are configured to engage with the latches 122. The
tails 148 extend
from the covers 116 such that a plurality of L-shapes is defined, although
other shapes
are possible (e.g. J-shape, V-shape). The tails 148 can engage with the
latches 122 via
mating, but other techniques are possible (e.g. interlock, magnetize, hook-and-
loop,
snap). Note that the tails 148 are identical to each other in terms of type,
shape, weight,
modality, or structure. However, the tails 148 can be non-identical to each
other in terms
of type, shape, weight, modality, or structure (and the handle 102 can be
adapted for such
variations).
[0064] The covers 116 host a plurality of ribs 150 extending therefrom (e.g.
assembly,
unitary). The ribs 150 are configured to support the cartridges 120. For
example, the ribs
150 can freely support the cartridges 120 or couple (e.g. fasten, adhere,
mate, interlock,
magnetize, snap) to the cartridges 120. For example, the ribs 150 can mimic,
accommodate, or structurally correspond to the bodies 130 (e.g. curved ribs
150 to curved
bodies 130). The ribs 150 extend from the covers 116 between the shafts 146
and the
tails 148 such that a plurality of L-shapes is defined, although other shapes
are possible
(e.g. J-shape, V-shape). Note that the ribs 150 are identical to each other in
terms of type,
shape, weight, modality, or structure. However, the ribs 150 can be non-
identical to each
other in terms of type, shape, weight, modality, or structure (and the handle
102 can be
adapted for such variations).
[00651 The handle 102 contains a plurality of carriages 152. The carriages 152
are
configured to host (e.g. support, hold) the cartridges 120 (e.g. freely,
snugly, securely,
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mate, fasten, magnetize, adhere, interlock, snap). The carriages 152 can
correspond to
the cartridges 120 in a one-to-one manner, although a single carriage 152 can
host the
cartridges 120. When the covers 116 are closed, then the cartridges 120 are
positioned
between the carriages 152 and the covers 116. Note that the handle 102
contains a
partition wall (e.g. solid, perforated) thereby defining a plurality of
internal chambers of
the drain gun 100 (or the drain gun 200), where the internal chambers contain
the
carriages 152 in a one-to-one correspondence. However, note that the partition
wall can
be omitted thereby enabling the drain gun 100 (or the drain gun 200) to have a
single
internal chamber containing the carriages 152.
[0066] As shown in Figs. 5-8, the carriages 152 can be stationary within the
handle
102 or mobile within the handle 102. For example, within the handle 102, the
carriages
152 can travel toward the channel 134 and away from the latches 122, as shown
in Figs.
6-7. For example, within the handle 102, the carriages 152 can contact the
nozzles 136
when moved toward the channel 134 and away from the latches 122 or the nozzles
136
can act as a plurality of movement stops for the carriages 152, as shown in
Fig. 7.
Likewise, within the handle 102, the carriages 152 can travel away from the
channel 134
and toward the latches 122, as shown in Figs. 6 and 8. As such, the carriages
152 can
travel based on the covers 116 being opened or closed, as shown in Figs. 6-8.
For
example, the carriages 152 can travel toward the channel 134 and away from the
latches
122, as the covers 116 are being closed. For example, the carriages 152 can
travel away
from the channel 134 and toward the latches 122, as the covers 116 are being
opened.
[0067] Within the handle 102, the carriages 152 can travel based on mechanical
linkages, gears, bars, cables, springs, shape-memory materials, pulleys,
hinges, cams,
electric motors, actuators, or others. As such, the handle 102 can include a
plurality of
bars 156 coupled (e.g. mated, fastened, interlocked, magnetized, fastened) to
the
carriages 152 and to the covers 116, whether identically or non-identically.
The bars 156
are U-shaped, but this shaping can vary (e.g. C-shape, L-shape, T-shape).
Likewise, the
covers 116 have a plurality of projections 158 (e.g. unitary, assembled, open-
shaped,
closed-shaped, symmetrical, asymmetrical, cam, circle, oval, square,
rectangle,
pentagon, octagon, triangle). The projections 158 are distal to the tails 148
and the ribs
150. Therefore, when the covers 116 are pivoted closed, the projections 158
engage the
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bars 156 and thereby pull (e.g. lift, urge) the carriages 152 to travel
towards the channel
134 and away from the latches 122. Likewise, when the covers 116 are pivoted
open, the
projections 158 engage the bars 156 and thereby push (e.g. lower, urge) the
carriages
152 to travel away from the channel 134 and towards the latches 122. Note
that, whether
additionally or alternatively, within the handle 102, the carriages 152 can
travel towards
the channel 134 and away from the latches 122 based on at least some urging,
assistance, aid, help, movement, or guidance of the ribs 150 based on the ribs
150 being
inserted, injected, or positioned between the latches 122 and the carriages
152, as shown
in Fig. 7.
10068] The carriages 152 are J-shaped, but this shaping can vary (e.g. L-
shape, U-
shape, C-shape, P-shape, T-shape). Note that at least one of the carriages 152
can
include a lower base configured (e.g. sized, dimensioned) to host, support, or
receive at
least one of the necks 132 when that respective cartridge 120 is stored upside-
down (e.g.
storage, delay activation), where that respective body 130 is in proximity of
that respective
nozzle 136 (e.g. within about 2 inches) or not within that nozzle 136, yet
stored within the
handle 102 and hosted within that respective carriage 152, as shown in Figs. 5
and 8. For
example, the lower base can define an opening therein (e.g. open-shaped,
closed-shape,
symmetrical, asymmetrical, 0-shape, D-shape, circle, square, triangle,
rectangle,
pentagon, octagon), where the opening is configured (e.g. sized, dimensioned)
to receive
that neck 132 extending therethrough, as shown in Figs. 5 and 8. For example,
the
opening can match an external profile of that neck 132 in shape or be snug
therewith. As
such, the handle 102 can define an opening 154 (e.g. open-shaped, closed-
shape,
symmetrical, asymmetrical, 0-shape, D-shape, circle, square, triangle,
rectangle,
pentagon, octagon) therethrough. The opening 154 can be configured (e.g.
sized,
dimensioned) to receive that neck 132 extending therethrough after that neck
132 extends
through the opening of the lower base of that respective carriage 152. Note
that the
carriages 152 are identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight,
modality, range
of travel, direction of travel, or structure. However, the carriages 152 can
be non-identical
to each other in terms of type, shape, weight, modality, range of travel,
direction of travel,
or structure (and the handle 102 can be adapted for such variations). Note
that the handle
102 can avoid the carriages 152 as well.
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[00691 Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a drain gun with a cap in an open
position
according to this disclosure. In particular, the drain gun 200 is similar to
the drain gun 100
except for various features disclosed below relative to Fig. 2.
[00701 The handle 210 hosts the caps 214 coupled (e.g. fastened, mated,
snapped,
interlocked) thereto. The caps 214 can include plastic, metal, rubber or other
materials.
The caps 214 are externally grooved, bumped, or knurled for grip enhancement,
but can
be externally smooth. The caps 214 can be of any shape (e.g. tubular,
cylinder, dome,
cuboid, cube, hemisphere, pyramid, cone). Note that the caps 214 are identical
to each
other in terms of type, shape, weight, or structure. However, the caps 214 can
be non-
identical to each other in terms of type, shape, weight, or structure (and the
handle 210
can be adapted for such variations).
[0071] The caps 214 are tethered to the handle 210 via a
plurality of lines 216 (e.g.
tether, string, cable, chain, strap, rope, braid, bar, shaft, planar member).
The lines 216
are coupled to the handle 210 (e.g. fasten, mate, interlock, adhere,
magnetize, snap,
hook-and-loop), whether identically or non-identically. The lines 216 are
coupled to the
caps 214 (e.g. fasten, mate, interlock, adhere, magnetize, snap, hook-and-
loop), whether
identically or non-identically. The lines 216 can include plastic, metal,
rubber, or other
materials, whether identical or non-identical to each other. The lines 216 can
be rigid or
flexible, whether identical or non-identical to each other. The lines 216 can
retract into or
out of the handle 210. For example, when retracted into the handle 210, the
lines 216 can
be positioned between the cartridges 120 stored within the handle 210 between
the caps
214 and the channel 134. The lines 216 are sufficiently long to enable caps
214 to avoid
interfering with the cartridges 120 being inserted into the handle 210 or
being from the
handle 210. As such, the cartridges 120 are inserted into the handle 210 or
removed from
the handle 210 (e.g. fall out, slide) when the caps 214 are not controlling
access into the
handle 210 or from the handle 210.
[0072] Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of a drain gun with an opening according to
this
disclosure. In particular, the handle 102 defines the opening 108 (e.g. closed-
shape,
open-shaped, symmetrical, asymmetrical, 0-shaped, D-shaped, rectangle, square,
oval,
circle, triangle) through which a strap, a hook (e.g. belt hook), or a
carabiner can extend.
The opening 108 extends between the trigger 104 and the safety lock 110.
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[0073] Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of a hose and a tip adapter for usage with
a drain
gun according to this disclosure. In particular, a system 1100 includes a tube
1102 (e.g.
plastic, metal, rubber, braided, armored, flexible, rigid, transparent,
translucent, opaque,
insulated, non-insulated) having a first end portion 1104 and a second end
portion 1106.
For example, the tube 1102 can be a hose that is flexible. The first end
portion 1104 is
configured for coupling to the barrel 106 (e.g. fastening, mating,
interlocking, snapping,
magnetizing, telescoping into/over). The second end portion 1106 is configured
to couple
(e.g. fastening, mating, interlocking, snapping, magnetizing, telescoping
into/over) to a tip
adapter 1108. The tip adapter 1108 is conical in order to fluidly engage with
a drain line,
which can vary in width. For example, the tip adapter 1108 can fluidly engage
and form a
seal with the drain line. As such, (1) the barrel 106 can couple to the first
end portion
1104, (2) the tip adapter 1118 can couple to the second end portion 1106, and
(3) the tip
adapter 1118 can fluidly engage the drain line. Therefore, when the trigger
104 is pressed
toward the handle 102, the drain gun 100 (or the drain gun 200) can perform a
staged
output of the fluids from the cartridges 120.
[0074] In one mode of operation, the drain gun 100 (or the drain gun 200)
includes the
handle 102 and the trigger 104. The handle 102 includes the channel 134 and
the check
valves 126. The check valves 126 feed the channel 134 and the trigger 104
causes the
staged release of the fluids from the cartridges 120 to the channel 134 from
the check
valves 126 when the cartridges 120 are stored in the handle 102 and feeding
the check
valves 126. The handle 102 can include the pressure gauges 144 and the
displays 114,
where the displays 114 can present based on the pressure gauges 144. The
pressure
gauges 144 monitor the cartridges 120 when the cartridges 120 are stored in
the handle
102 and engaging the check valves 126. The displays 114 can be analog and can
present
the gradual content or the binary content. The binary content can include a
plurality of
colors that are visually distinct from each other. The handle 102 can include
a lateral side
hosting the displays 114. The handle 102 can include the internal chambers.
The lateral
side can include the covers 116 controlling access to the internal chambers,
where the
internal chambers are sized to contain the cartridges 120. The pressure gauges
144 and
the displays 114 can be not hosted via the covers 116. The handle 102 can host
the
carriages 152 configured to move toward the channel 134 as the covers 116 are
being
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closed and where the carriages 152 are configured to host the cartridges 120.
The
carriages 152 can be configured to move away from the channel 134 as the
covers 116
are being opened. The covers 116 can include the ribs 150 that engage the
carriages 152
when the covers 116 are closed such that the carriages 152 are positioned
between the
ribs 150 and the channel 134. The handle 210 can include the internal
chambers, where
the handle 210 hosts caps 214 controlling access to the internal chambers and
where the
internal chambers are positioned between the channel 134 and the caps 214 and
where
the internal chambers are sized to contain the cartridges 120. The caps 214
can thread
onto the handle 210 and can be coupled to the handle 210 via the lines 216,
where the
lines 216 are configured to recede into handle 210 when the caps 214 contact
the handle
210. The handle 102 can define 108 the opening sized for engaging with at
least one of
a strap, a belt hook, or a carabiner, wherein the channel 134 is positioned
between the
opening 108 and the check valves 126. The staged release can include a
plurality of
stages, wherein the trigger 104 can provides a haptic output that at least one
of the stages
is reached. The handle 102 can include the covers 116, where the handle 102
includes
the internal chambers to which the covers 116 control access, where the
internal
chambers are sized to contain the cartridges 120. The handle 102 can host the
carriages
152, where the carriages 152 are configured to move toward the channel 134 as
the
covers 116 are being closed and where the carriages 152 are configured to host
the
cartridges 120. The covers 116 can include the ribs 150 that engage the
carriages 152
when the covers 116 are closed such that the carriages 152 are positioned
between the
ribs 150 and the check valves 126. The handle 102 can host the carriages 152
where the
carriages 152 are configured to move away from the channel 134 as the covers
116 are
being opened and where the carriages 152 are configured to host the cartridges
120. The
handle 210 can include the internal chambers, where the handle 210 can host
the caps
216 controlling access to the internal chambers and where the internal
chambers are
positioned between the channel 134 and the caps 214 and where the internal
chambers
are sized to contain the cartridges 120. The caps 214 can thread onto the
handle 210 and
the caps 214 can be coupled to the handle via the lines 216 and the lines 216
can be
configured to recede into handle 210 when the caps 214 contact the handle 210.
The
fluids from the cartridges 120 can define a full capacity of the cartridges
120, where the
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full capacity is dispensed at once when the trigger 104 is pulled to a full
stroke. The handle
102 can include the safety lock 110 that prevents an unintended discharge of
the staged
release. The handle 102 can be configured to store at least one of the
cartridges 120
without puncturing or piercing (e.g. seal, cap, neck, top, sidewall) the at
least one of the
cartridges 120 and while the at least one of the cartridges 120 is not
engaging the check
valves 126. For example, a method can comprise: coupling the drain gun 100 (or
the drain
gun 200) to a drain line that is clogged. The drain gun 100 (or the drain gun
200) can host
the cartridges 120 storing the fluids. The method can comprise outputting the
fluids from
the drain gun 100 (or the drain gun 200) controllably in stages such that the
drain line is
unclogged via the fluids.
[0075] Figs. 12a-12d show a plurality of embodiments of a
plurality of accessories that
can be used with a drain gun according to this disclosure. In particular, an
inflatable tip
adapter 1200 includes a coupling portion 1202 and an insertion portion 1204.
The
insertion portion 1204 is assembled with the coupling portion 1202 (e.g.
fastened, mated,
interlocked, adhered, magnetized, nested, mounted, friction engaged, clamped),
but can
be unitary therewith (e.g. single piece inclusive of same material). The
coupling portion
1204 has or avoids having a material (e.g. plastic, metal, rubber, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC),
rigid, flexible, opaque, transparent, translucent) in common with the
insertion portion
1204.
[0076] The coupling portion 1202 includes an end portion
1206 (e.g. plastic, metal,
rubber) configured for coupling to the drain gun 100 or the drain gun 200 or
the tube 1102
or the tip adapter 1108 or a tip adapter 1216 (e.g. mechanically, fluidly,
mated,
interlocked, adhered, magnetized, nested, mounted, friction engaged, clamped).
For
example, the drain gun 100 or the drain gun 200 can be directly coupled to the
end portion
1206 via threading thereunto (e.g. barrel 106) such that the barrel 106 is in
fluid
communication with the end portion 1206. For example, the drain gun 100 or the
drain
200 can be indirectly coupled the end portion 1206 via the tube 1102 where the
tube 1102
is in fluid communication with the barrel 106 on the first end portion 1104 at
one end
thereof (e.g. mechanical coupling, fastened, mated, interlocked, adhered,
magnetized,
nested, mounted, friction engaged, clamped) and in fluid communication with
the end
portion 1206 on the second end portion 1106 on opposing end thereof (e.g.
mechanical
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coupling, fastened, mated, interlocked, adhered, magnetized, nested, mounted,
friction
engaged, clamped).
[0077] The insertion portion 1204 includes an inflatable
portion 1208 (e.g. rubber,
latex, elastomeric, shape memory) that longitudinally and cylindrically (e.g.
rectilinear,
arcuate, sinusoidal) extends in a direction (e.g. opposite, perpendicular,
acute, obtuse)
away from the end portion 1206. The inflatable portion 1208 has a round
lateral cross-
section, but other lateral cross-sections are possible (e.g. square,
rectangle, triangle,
octagon, pentagon, D-shape, closed-shape, open-shape, symmetrical,
asymmetrical). As
shown in Fig. 12b, the inflatable portion 1208 is at a deflated state. As
shown in Fig. 12d,
the inflatable portion 1208 is at an inflated state.
[0078] The inflatable portion 1208 includes a plurality of
ridges 1210 (e.g. solid walls,
perforated walls) circumferentially extending along the inflatable portion
1208 and are
spaced apart from each other along the inflatable portion 1208. Note that the
inflatable
portion 1208 can host at least one of the ridges 1210 or two or more of the
ridges 1210,
whether identical or non-identical to each other in shape, structure,
material, properties,
or others. The ridges 1210 can be extend perpendicular to the inflatable
portion 1208 or
non-perpendicular to the inflatable portion 1208 (e.g. acute, obtuse). The
ridges 1210 can
be solid lines (e.g. uniform height, variable height) or broken lines (e.g.
uniform height,
variable height). The ridges 1210 can intersect, face, or overlap each other
or avoid
intersecting, facing, or overlapping each other, whether the inflatable
portion 1208 is
inflated or not. This spacing can be equal (e.g. parallel) or unequal (e.g.
non-parallel) ,
whether the inflatable portion 1208 is inflated or not. Note that the ridges
1210 can extend
helically, spiral, or coil about or along the inflatable portion 1208, whether
the inflatable
portion 1208 is inflated or not. The ridges 1210 are longitudinally circular,
but other shapes
are possible (e.g. oval, square, triangle, octagon, pentagon, D-shape, open-
shape,
closed-shape, symmetrical, asymmetrical). The ridges 1210 are unitary with the
inflatable
portion 1208 (e.g. single piece inclusive of same material), but can be
assembled
therewith (e.g. mechanical coupling, fastened, mated, interlocked, adhered,
magnetized,
nested, mounted, friction engaged, clamped) or can include at least some
material
different from the inflatable portion 1208.
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[00791 The inflatable portion 1208 includes an end portion 1210 distal from
and
opposing the end portion 1206. The end portion 1210 projects outward away from
the
end portion 1206 (e.g. dome-shaped, conical, pyramidal), but can be planar or
dimple
inward toward the end portion 1206 (e.g. depression, well). The end portion
1210 is
substantially closed (e.g. at least 50.1%, 51%, 66%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%,
97%,
99%) except for defining an opening 1212, which can be positioned at a leading
edge
(e.g. rounded, pointed) thereof when the leading edge is present. Note that
the opening
1212 is circular, but can be shaped differently (e.g. slit, oval, square,
triangle, octagon,
pentagon, ID-shape, open-shape, closed-shape, symmetrical, asymmetrical). For
example, the opening can be an elongated slit, a closed-shape slit, a circular
slit, a
crescent shape slit, or others. For example, the end portion 1210 can includes
a set of
openings 1212 (e.g. at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,
ten, twenty)
distributed thereabout (e.g. salt-shaker style), whether randomly or according
to a pattern
(e.g. star, alphanumeric character, logo, character).
[0080] The inflatable tip adapter 1200 is inserted into an open end of a tube
1214 (e.g.
plastic, metal, rubber, PVC, rigid, flexible, opaque, transparent,
translucent) such that the
inflatable portion 1208 is substantially within the tube 1214 (e.g. at least
50.1%, 51%,
66%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99%, 100%) or until the open end of the
tube
1214 engages (e.g. contacts) the coupling portion 1202. For example, the tube
1214 is a
drain line or is fluidly associated with a drain line. When the inflatable
portion 1208 is
within the tube 1214 and the tube 1214 has an inner surface (e.g. smooth,
rough, knurled),
the ridges 1210 contact or avoid contacting the inner surface 1214. As such,
at least one
of the ridges 1210 can create a seal, which can be hermetic, with the inner
surface of the
tube 1214. Note that at least some gas (e.g. air) can remain between the
ridges 1210, the
inner surface of the tube 1214, and the inflatable portion 1208.
[001311 In one mode of operation, the inflatable tip adapter
1200 has the inflatable
portion 1208 that is inserted into the open end of the tube 1214. When the
drain gun 100
or the drain 200 output the fluids (e.g. gas, liquid) therefrom, the
inflatable tip portion 1208
expands and thereby seals via at least one of the ridges 1210, whether
contacting or
avoiding contact with the inner surface of the tube 1214, and grips via at
least one of the
ridges 1210 against the inner surface of the tube 1214, which prevents the
inflatable tip
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adapter 1200 from slipping out from the tube 1214. The opening 1212 allows at
least
some of the fluids (e.g. gas. liquid) to proceed through the tube 1214 and
unclog the tube
1214 downstream. For example, the coupling portion 1202 can be connected to
the barrel
106 or the second end portion 1106 (with the first end portion 1104 being
fluidly connected
to the barrel 106) of the tube 1102. The insertion portion 1204 inserted into
the open end
of the tube 1214. Then, the drain gun 100 or the drain gun 200 can dispense
the fluids
(e.g. gas, liquid) therefrom. During this dispensation, the inflatable portion
1208 is inflated
and causes at least some of the ridges 1210 to create a seal against the inner
surface of
the tube 1214. The seal enables at least some pressure to build on the end
portion 1210
and thereby outputting the fluids from the opening 1212 and pushing at least
some clog
materials through and out of the tube 1214.
[0082] Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of a shuttle that can be used with a drain
gun
according to this disclosure. In particular, a shuttle 1300 includes a body
1302 that hosts
a plurality of ridges 1304. The shuttle 1300, inclusive of the body 1302 and
the ridges
1304, can include a material that includes or can be plastic, metal, rubber,
latex,
elastomeric material, PVC, rigid, flexible, opaque, transparent, translucent,
or others. For
example, the shuttle 1300 can be embodied as a tube plug.
[0083] The body 1302 includes a leading end portion 1306 and a trailing end
portion
1308. The body 1302 is longitudinally elongated (e.g. rectilinear, arcuate,
sinusoidal)
between the leading end portion 1306 and the trailing end portion 1308. The
body 1302
can be internally hollow between the leading end portion 1306 and the trailing
end portion
1308 or internally solid between the leading end portion 1306 and the trailing
end portion
1308. The body 1302 can include an internal channel (e.g. rectilinear,
arcuate, sinusoidal)
between the leading end portion 1306 and the trailing end portion 1308. The
body 1302
can be inflatable (e.g. gas, liquid) or non-inflatable.
[0084] The ridges 1304 (e.g. solid walls, perforated walls)
are circumferentially
extending along the body 1302 and are spaced apart from each other along the
body
1302. Note that the body 1302 can host at least one of the ridges 1304 or two
or more of
the ridges 1304, whether identical or non-identical to each other in shape,
structure,
material, properties, or others. The ridges 1304 can be extend perpendicular
to the body
1302 or non-perpendicular to the body 1302 (e.g. acute, obtuse). The ridges
1304 can
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be solid lines (e.g. uniform height, variable height) or broken lines (e.g.
uniform height,
variable height). The ridges 1304 can intersect, face, or overlap each other
or avoid
intersecting, facing, or overlapping each other, whether the body 1302 is
inflated or not.
This spacing can be equal (e.g. parallel) or unequal (e.g. non-parallel) ,
whether the body
1302 is inflated or not. Note that the ridges 1304 can extend helically,
spiral, or coil about
or along the body 1302, whether the body 1302 is inflated or not. The ridges
1304 are
longitudinally circular, but other shapes are possible (e.g. oval, square,
triangle, octagon,
pentagon, D-shape, open-shape, closed-shape, symmetrical, asymmetrical). The
ridges
1304 are unitary with the body 1302 (e.g. single piece inclusive of same
material), but
can be assembled therewith (e.g. mechanical coupling, fastened, mated,
interlocked,
adhered, magnetized, nested, mounted, friction engaged, clamped). The trailing
end
portion 1308 is coupled (e.g. fastened, mated, interlocked, adhered, bonded,
looped,
stitched, weaved, magnetized, injected, tied) to a leading end portion of a
line 1310 (e.g.
tether, rope, cable, chain, rod, plunger, string, braid, planar extension, X-
shaped
extension, helical extension, coiled extension, spiral extension, stretchable
extension,
resilient extension, elastic extension, rigid extension). The line 1310 has a
trailing end
portion that can be coupled (e.g. fastened, mated, interlocked, adhered,
bonded, looped,
stitched, weaved, magnetized, injected, tied) to the drain gun 100 (e.g.
barrel 106, handle
102) or the drain gun 200 (e.g. barrel 106, handle 102) or another device
(e.g. stationary,
mobile, drain gun end effector, hose, fixture, furniture, appliance, tube, air
handler,
building floor) or be manually held (e.g. arm, finger, palm, garment).
[0085] In one mode of operation, the shuttle 1300 is
inserted into an open end (e.g.
inlet) of a drain line having an inner surface (e.g. smooth, rough, knurled)
such that the
ridges 1304 contact or avoid contact with the inner surface of the drain line
and the shuttle
1300 can be propelled therethrough via the fluids sourced from the drain gun
100 or the
drain gun 200, yet still be recoverable from within the drain line via pulling
on the line
1310, whether this pulling is manual or automatic (e.g. motor, actuator,
reel). This form of
travel can clear at least some obstructions of the drain line. For example,
the shuttle 1300
can be inserted into the open end of the drain line, whether with the line
1310 or without
the line 1310, such that the ridges 1304 face the inner surface of the drain
line.
Resultantly, the line 1310 trails the body 1302. Then, when the drain gun 100
or the drain
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200 outputs the fluids (e.g. gas, liquid) therefrom, the shuttle 1300 is
propelled within the
drain line and away from the open end of the drain line. The ridges 1304 can
contact or
avoid contacting the inner surface of the drain line. The leading end portion
1306, the
body 1302, or at least some of the ridges 1304 can exert a positive force
(e.g. pressure)
onto a clog within the drain line and can mechanically loosen or push the clog
longitudinally along the drain line, which can include to an outlet thereof.
Then, the line
1310 can be pulled or retracted from the open end of the drain line (e.g.
fishing style)
such that the body 1302 can be retrieved from the open end of the drain line
from which
the body 1302 was launched. Alternatively, the body 1302 can be retrieved from
the outlet
of the drain line, whether with the line 1310 or without the line 1310, which
can depend
on how the body 1302 was launched.
[0086] Figs. 14a-14e show a plurality of embodiments of a
plurality of expanding-grip
stepped plugs that can be used with a drain gun according to this disclosure.
In particular,
as shown in Fig. 14a, an expanding-grip stepped plug 1400a includes a stepped
section
1402, a wingnut section 1404, and a fitting section 1406.
[0087] The stepped section 1402 includes a plurality of tubular members 1408
that are
concentric with each other and progressively and longitudinally step-down away
from the
wingnut section 1404 (e.g. decrease in outer diameter, decrease in outer
perimeter,
decrease in inner diameter, decrease in inner perimeter) in order to fit
various drain line
inner diameter sizes. The stepped section 1402 contains an inner channel (e.g.
open-
shape, closed-shape, symmetrical, asymmetrical, square, rectangular,
triangular,
pentagon, octagonal, star, uniform internal width, varying internal width,
tapered internal
width) centrally extending through the tubular members 1408. The stepped
section 1402
includes an open end portion 1410 defining an opening (e.g. open-shape, closed-
shape,
symmetrical, asymmetrical, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagon,
octagonal, star) in
fluid communication with the inner channel.
[0088] The tubular members 1408 are circular, but this shaping can vary (e.g.
open-
shape, closed-shape, symmetrical, asymmetrical, square, rectangular,
triangular,
pentagon, octagonal, star). The tubular members 1408 are identical to each
other in
shape, but differ from each other in size (e.g. stepped). However, some of the
tubular
members 1408 can differ in shape from each other as well (e.g. circle and
oval). The
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tubular members 1408 have smooth outer surfaces, but this can vary (e.g.
rough, knurled,
projections, bumps, depressions). The tubular members 1408 are unitary with
each other
(e.g. single piece inclusive of same material), but can be assembled with each
other (e.g.
adhering, magnetizing, interlocking, fastening, mating, bonding). The tubular
members
1408 can include an elastic, elastomeric, flexible, or shape memory material
(e.g.
polymer, plastic, rubber, latex, silicon, nitinol).
[0089] The wingnut section 1404 includes a wingnut with a plurality of wings
external
to the stepped section 1402 and positioned between the tubular members 1408
and the
fitting section 1406. The wings are outwardly tapered, but this can vary (e.g.
wings
inwardly taper, wings do not taper). The wingnut section 1404 has an inner
channel (e.g.
open-shape, closed-shape, symmetrical, asymmetrical, square, rectangular,
triangular,
pentagon, octagonal, star, uniform internal width, varying internal width,
tapered internal
width) centrally extending therethrough and in fluid communication with the
inner channel
of the stepped section 1402. The wingnut section 1404 can be rigid or flexible
or differ
from the stepped section 1406 in material (e.g. plastic, metal, rubber, PVC,
rigid, flexible,
opaque, transparent, translucent). The inner channel of the stepped section
1402 and the
inner channel of the wingnut section 1404 can be co-aligned along a common
axis and
the wingnut with the wings can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about
the
common axis.
[0090] The fitting section 1406 (e.g. plastic, metal,
rubber, latex, shape-memory,
elastomeric, PVC, rigid, flexible, opaque, transparent, translucent) includes
an open end
portion configured to fluidly couple (e.g. fasten, mate, interlock, magnetize,
adhere) to the
drain gun 100 or the drain gun 200 or the tube 1102 or the tip adapter 1108.
The fitting
section 1406 can be rigid, elastic, resilient, shape memory, or flexible,
whether rectilinear
or non-rectilinear. For example, the fitting section 1406 can be rigid or
shaped in various
ways (e.g. l-shape, L-shape, J-shape, S-shape, T-shape, plus-shape, X-shape).
For
example, the fitting section 1406 can bend between about 0 degrees and about
180
degrees (e.g. living hinge, drinking straw-type hinge) in a single direction
or among a
plurality of directions. For example, the fitting section 1406 can bend
between about 0
degrees and about or less than 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, 80,
70, 60,
50, 40, 30, 20, 10, or 5 degrees in a single direction or among a plurality of
directions.
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The fitting section 1406 includes an inner channel (e.g. open-shape, closed-
shape,
symmetrical, asymmetrical, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagon,
octagonal, star,
uniform internal width, varying internal width, tapered internal width)
extending
therethrough. The inner channel of the fitting section 1406 and the inner
channel of the
wingnut section 1404 or the stepped section 1402 can be co-aligned along a
common
axis. Alternatively, the inner channel of the fitting section 1406 can extend
through the
wingnut section 1404 and the stepped section 1402 (e.g. wingnut section 1404
and
stepped section 1402 envelop, extend about, or mounted onto fitting section
1406). For
example, the wingnut section 1404 can be mounted over (e.g. adhered, bonded)
the inner
channel of the fitting section 1406 and the inner channel of the fitting
section 1406 can be
extending through the inner channel of the wingnut section 1404. Likewise, the
stepped
section 1402 can be mounted over (e.g. adhered, bonded) the inner channel of
the fitting
section 1406 and the inner channel of the fitting section 1406 can be
extending through
the inner channel of the stepped section 1402.
[0091] In one mode of operation, the stepped section 1402
is inserted into an open
end (e.g. inlet) of a drain line (e.g. rigid tube, flexible tube) having an
inner surface such
that the opening of the open end 1410 is in fluid communication with the drain
line and at
least some of the tubular members 1408 face, contact, or snug against the
inner surface.
For example, the stepped section 1402 can be inserted up to a nearest matching
drain
line inner diameter size. At that point, the wingnut section 1404 can be
rotated clockwise
or counterclockwise (e.g. fastened) such that at least one of the tubular
members 1408
(e.g. matching to drain line inner diameter size) can be outwardly expanded to
contact,
grip, or seal, which can be hermetic, against the inner surface of the drain
line. Therefore,
the stepped section 1402 can be inserted into the open end of the drain line
when the
drain line is clogged. The wingnut section 1404 can be fastened such that at
least one of
the tubular members 1408 (e.g. matching to drain line inner diameter size) can
be
outwardly expanded to contact, grip, or seal, which can be hermetic, against
the inner
surface of the drain line. The drain gun 100 or the drain gun 200 or the tube
1102 or the
tip adapter 1108 can be fluidly coupled (e.g. fastened, mated, interlocked) to
the fitting
section 1406 such the at least one of the cartridges can source at least one
of the fluids
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through the fitting section 1406, the wingnut section 1404, and the stepped
section 1402
into the drain line and thereby at least partially unclog the drain line.
[0092] As shown in Fig. 14b and Fig. 14c, an expanding-grip stepped plug 1400b
includes the stepped section 1402 and the fitting section 1406 and an
expanding-grip
stepped plug 1400c includes the stepped section 1402 and the fitting section
1406.
However, the expanding-grip stepped plug 1400b and the expanding-grip stepped
plug
1400c differ from the expanding-grip stepped plug 1400a by having a cam lever
1412 and
a cam lever 1416, respectively.
[0093] As shown in Fig. 14b, the cam lever 1412 is shaped in an L-shape, as
defined
via a base 1420 and a column 1418. However, note that the cam lever 1412 can
be
shaped differently (e.g. J-shape, C-shape, U-shape). The cam lever 1412 also
includes
a pivot 1422 (e.g. rectilinear, arcuate, sinusoidal) extending from the
fitting section 1406
into the base 1420 or vice versa. The pivot 1422 can be flush with the base
1420 or
extend past the base 1420. The pivot 1422 can be unitary with the fitting
section 1406
(e.g. single piece inclusive of same material) or the pivot 1422 can be
assembled with the
fitting section 1406 (e.g. fastened, mated, interlocked, adhered, magnetized,
bonded).
Alternatively, the pivot 1422 can be unitary with the base 1420 (e.g. single
piece inclusive
of same material) or the pivot 1422 can be assembled with the base 1420 (e.g.
fastened,
mater, interlocked, adhered, magnetized, bonded). The column 1418 defines an
internal
opening 1414 structured such that the fitting section 1406 fits therethrough,
without
bending, when the cam lever 1412 is rotated about 90 degrees about the pivot
1422. For
example, the opening 1418 can be rectangular, oval, L-shaped, or others. Note
that the
fitting section 1406 can be rigid or flexible.
[0094] As shown in Fig. 14c, the expanding-grip stepped plug 1400c differs
from the
expanding-grip stepped plug 1400b by the fitting section 1406 being L-shaped
or
bendable or flexible or resilient or elastic and the expanding-grip stepped
plug 1400c
having the cam lever 1416 being equipped with the column 1418 lacking the
opening
1414 (e.g. solid), although the column 1418 can be perforated or latticed. As
such, the
fitting section 1406 remains L-shaped, while the cam lever 1416 is pivoted
about the pivot
1422. For example, the fitting section 1406 being L-shaped can be useful in
tight spaces.
Note that the fitting section 1406 can be configured such that a hose or an
adapter fluidly
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coupled thereto distal from the stepped section 1402 can clear the fitting
section 1406
regardless of positioning of the cam lever 1412 or the cam lever 1416. For
example, the
hose or the adapter may need not be fluidly connected to the fitting section
1406, while
the cam lever 1412 is pivoted about the pivot 1422. Alternatively, the fitting
section 1406
is bendable or flexible or resilient or elastic and therefore correspondingly
bends or flexes,
as being urged by the column 1418, when the cam lever 1416 is pivoted about
the pivot
1422.
[0095] In one mode of operation, the stepped section 1402 is inserted into an
open
end (e.g. inlet) of a drain line (e.g. rigid tube, flexible tube) having an
inner surface such
that the opening of the open end 1410 is in fluid communication with the drain
line and at
least some of the tubular members 1408 face, contact, or snug against the
inner surface.
For example, the stepped section 1402 can be inserted up to a nearest matching
drain
line inner diameter size. At that point, the cam lever 1412 or the cam lever
1416 can be
pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise (e.g. fastened) about the pivot 1422
such that at
least one of the tubular members 1408 (e.g. matching to drain line inner
diameter size)
can be outwardly expanded to contact, grip, or seal, which can be hermetic,
against the
inner surface of the drain line. Therefore, the stepped section 1402 can be
inserted into
the open end of the drain line when the drain line is clogged. The cam lever
1412 or the
cam lever 1416 can be rotated (e.g. fastened) such that at least one of the
tubular
members 1408 (e.g. matching to drain line inner diameter size) can be
outwardly
expanded to contact, grip, or seal, which can be hermetic, against the inner
surface of the
drain line. The drain gun 100 or the drain gun 200 or the tube 1102 or the tip
adapter 1108
can be fluidly coupled (e.g. fastened, mated, interlocked) to the filling
section 1406 such
the at least one of the cartridges can source at least one of the fluids
through the fitting
section 1406 and the stepped section 1402 into the drain line and thereby at
least partially
unclog the drain line.
[0096] As shown in Fig. 14d, the expanding-grip stepped plug 1400a includes
the
fitting section 1406 longitudinally and concentrically extending through the
wingnut
section 1404 and the stepped section 1402 along a common axis. In the stepped
section
1402, the fitting section 1406 extends through the tubular members 1408. As
such, since
the fitting section 106 has a flange at an end thereof, when the wingnut is
rotated via the
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wings about the common axis, whether clockwise or counterclockwise, the flange
translates this rotation thereby compressing and outwardly expanding the
stepped section
1402 (e.g. tubular members 1408) against the inner surface of the drain line
such that the
stepped section 1402 can create the seal against the inner surface of the
drain line.
[0097] As shown in Fig. 14e, the expanding-grip stepped plug 1400b includes
the
fitting section 1406 longitudinally and concentrically extending through the
stepped
section 1402 along a common axis. The pivot 1422 is orthogonal or
perpendicular to the
common axis and the cam lever 1412 pivots about the pivot 1422 relative to the
fitting
section 1406. Therefore, based on such pivoting, the base 1420 is positioned
such that
the base 1420 compresses and outwardly expands the stepped section 1402 (e.g.
tubular
members 1408) against the inner surface of the drain line (e.g. wine stopper
style).
[0098] Fig. 15 shows an embodiment of a Venturi effect suction fitting that
can be used
with a drain gun according to this disclosure. In particular, a Venturi effect
suction fitting
1500 includes a first tubular portion 1502, a second tubular portion 1504, and
a third
tubular portion 1506. The first tubular portion 1502, the second tubular
portion 1504, and
the third tubular portion 1506 are arranged with each other such that a T-
shape is defined
thereby. However, note that this shaping can vary (e.g. Y-shape, W-shape, M-
shape, E-
shape). For example, although the first tubular portion 1502 and the second
tubular
portion 1504 are orthogonal or perpendicular with each other, the first
tubular portion 1502
and the second tubular portion 1504 can be acutely angled or obtusely angled
with each
other. Likewise, although the third tubular portion 1506 and the second
tubular portion
1504 are orthogonal or perpendicular with each other, the third tubular
portion 1506 and
the second tubular portion 1504 can be acutely angled or obtusely angled with
each other.
Similarly, although the first tubular portion 1502 and the third tubular
portion 1506 are
polar opposite of each other, the first tubular portion 1502 and the third
tubular portion
1506 can be acutely angled, obtusely angled, or perpendicular or orthogonally
angled
with each other. At least two of the first tubular portion 1502, the second
tubular portion
1504, or the third tubular portion 1506 are unitary with each other (e.g.
single piece
inclusive of same material), but can be assembled with each other (e.g.
fastening, mating,
interlocking, bonding, adhering, magnetizing). At least one of the first
tubular portion
1502, the second tubular portion 1504, or the third tubular portion 1506 can
include
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plastic, metal, rubber, shape memory, or other materials, whether rigid,
elastic,
elastomeric, resilient, or flexible, whether transparent, opaque, or
translucent.
[0099] Each of the first tubular portion 1502, the second
tubular portion 1504, and the
third tubular portion 1506 contains an inner channel (e.g. open-shape, closed-
shape,
symmetrical, asymmetrical, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagon,
octagonal, star,
uniform internal width, varying internal width, tapered internal width)
extending
therethrough, whether identical to or non-identical from each other in shape,
orientation,
diameter, cross-section, or other properties. The inner channel of the first
tubular portion
1502 and the inner channel of the third tubular section 1506 are in fluid
communication
with each other and can be or can avoid being co-aligned along a common axis.
The inner
channel of the second tubular section 1504 is in fluid communication with the
inner
channel of first tubular section 1502 and the inner channel of the third
tubular section
1506. The inner channel of the second tubular section 1504 is perpendicular or
orthogonal
to the inner channel of the first tubular section 1502 or the inner channel of
the third
tubular section 1506. However, this can vary. For example, although the inner
channel of
the first tubular portion 1502 and the inner channel of the second tubular
portion 1504 are
orthogonal or perpendicular with each other, the inner channel of the first
tubular portion
1502 and the inner channel of the second tubular portion 1504 can be acutely
angled or
obtusely angled with each other. Likewise, although the inner channel of the
third tubular
portion 1506 and the inner channel of the second tubular portion 1504 are
orthogonal or
perpendicular with each other, the inner channel of the third tubular portion
1506 and the
inner channel of the second tubular portion 1504 can be acutely angled or
obtusely angled
with each other. Similarly, although the inner channel of the first tubular
portion 1502 and
the inner channel of the third tubular portion 1506 are polar opposite of each
other, the
inner channel of the first tubular portion 1502 and the inner channel of the
third tubular
portion 1506 can be acutely angled, obtusely angled, or perpendicular or
orthogonally
angled with each other.
[00100] The first tubular portion 1502 is configured for coupling (e.g.
mechanical,
chemical, fluid, fastening, mating, interlocking, adhering, magnetizing,
bonding, friction,
snug, nesting) to the drain gun 100 or the drain gun 200 or the tube 1102 or
the tip adapter
1108 or a source of a pressurized fluid (e.g. gas tank, elastic bladder,
inflatable balloon).
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The second tubular section 1504 has a plurality of barbs or threads 1508
configured for
coupling to a drain line (e.g. outlet, inlet). However, note that the second
tubular section
1504 can be configured for coupling to the drain line in many ways (e.g.
mechanical,
chemical, fluid, fastening, mating, interlocking, adhering, magnetizing,
bonding, friction,
snug, nesting). The third tubular portion 1506 has a plurality of barbs or
threads 1510
configured for coupling to an exhaust tube (e.g. inlet, outlet). However, note
that the third
tubular section 1506 can be configured for coupling to the exhaust tube in
other ways
(e.g. mechanical, chemical, fluid, fastening, mating, interlocking, adhering,
magnetizing,
bonding, friction, snug, nesting). As such, the Venturi effect suction fitting
1500 can be
used where at least some access to an inlet of a drain line (e.g. tube, pipe)
is restricted
or limited or difficult to obtain. In such situations, the Venturi effect
suction fitting 1500
employs a Venturi effect with a pressurized fluid (e.g. gas, liquid) to clear
an obstruction
by suction, from an outlet of the drain line.
[00101] In one mode of operation, the first tubular portion 1502 is coupled
(e.g.
mechanical, chemical, fluid, fastening, mating, interlocking, adhering,
magnetizing,
bonding, friction, snug, nesting) to an open end portion of a hose (e.g.
rigid, flexible) or to
the drain gun 100 or the drain gun 200 or a gas tank or a hose or an accessory
nozzle or
an adapter fitting or others, just like others, as disclosed herein, whether
intermediary
devices or sources of fluids. The second tubular portion 1504 is coupled (e.g.
mechanical,
chemical, fluid, fastening, mating, interlocking, adhering, magnetizing,
bonding, friction,
snug, nesting) to an outlet of a drain line (e.g. conduit) that is clogged.
The third tubular
portion 1506 is pointed to a safe direction or coupled (e.g. mechanical,
chemical, fluid,
fastening, mating, interlocking, adhering, magnetizing, bonding, friction,
snug, nesting) to
another tube or adapter therefor. Then, a pressurized fluid (e.g. gas, liquid,
air, nitrogen,
water) is input into the first tubular portion 1502 (e.g. cartridge
dispensation, drain gun,
gas tank). Since the pressurized fluid is input at a high-volume and the
pressurized fluid
at the high-volume flows from the first tubular portion 1502 to the third
tubular portion
1506, then at least some of such flow creates a negative pressure (e.g.
suction, vacuum
suction) at the second tubular portion 1504. Since the second tubular portion
1504 is
coupled to the outlet of the drain line, the negative pressure pulls (e.g.
suctions) at least
some clogs within the drain line towards the outlet of the drain line and then
into the
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second tubular portion 1504 and then into the third tubular portion 1504,
which expels
those clogs.
[00102] In some embodiments, any devices, as disclosed herein, can be
packaged,
whether alone or with any others, whether disclosed herein or not, in a kit.
For example,
the kit can include a package (e.g. plastic bag, sealed bag, storage
container, cardboard
box, transport package, consumer package, bubble wrap, foam blanket, garment
blanket,
can, shrink-wrap, molded pulp, blister pack). For example, the package can
include a
cuboid box, a shipping box, an intermodal container, or others. The package
can include
one or more devices, as disclosed herein or not disclosed herein. Although
various
technologies, as disclosed herein, are described in context of HVAC or
refrigeration
systems, this disclosure is not limited to HVAC or refrigeration systems, but
can be used
in other contexts. For example, the drain gun 100 or the drain gun 200 can be
used to
pump inflatables (e.g. vehicular tires, wearable vests, balloons, bladders,
water toys,
sports balls).
[00103] As used herein, a term "or' is intended to mean an inclusive "or'
rather than an
exclusive "or." That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X
employs A or
B" is intended to mean any of a set of natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X employs
A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is
satisfied under
any of the foregoing instances.
[00104] As used herein, a term "or others," "combination", "combinatory," or
"combinations thereof' refers to all permutations and combinations of listed
items
preceding that term. For example, "A, B, C, or combinations thereof' is
intended to include
at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a
particular
context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this
example,
expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item
or term,
such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. Skilled
artisans understand that typically there is no limit on number of items or
terms in any
combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.
[00105] As used herein, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including
technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by
one of
ordinary skill in an art to which this disclosure belongs. Various terms, such
as those
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defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a
meaning that
is consistent with a meaning in a context of a relevant art and should not be
interpreted
in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[00106] As used herein, relative terms such as "below," "lower," "above," and
"upper"
can be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element
as
illustrated in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings. Such relative
terms are
intended to encompass different orientations of illustrated technologies in
addition to an
orientation depicted in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings. For
example, if a
device in the set of accompanying illustrative drawings were turned over, then
various
elements described as being on a "lower' side of other elements would then be
oriented
on "upper' sides of other elements. Similarly, if a device in one of
illustrative figures were
turned over, then various elements described as "below" or "beneath" other
elements
would then be oriented "above" other elements. Therefore, various example
terms
"below" and "lower" can encompass both an orientation of above and below.
[00107] As used herein, a term "about" or "substantially" refers to a +/- 10%
variation
from a nominal value/term. Such variation is always included in any given
value/term
provided herein, whether or not such variation is specifically referred
thereto.
[00108] Features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined
in
or with various some embodiments in any permutational or combinatory manner.
Different
aspects or elements of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, may be
combined in
a similar manner.
[00109] Although the terms first, second, can be used herein to describe
various
elements, components, regions, layers, or sections, these elements,
components,
regions, layers, or sections should not necessarily be limited by such terms.
These terms
are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from
another
element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element,
component, region,
layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component,
region,
layer, or section without departing from various teachings of this disclosure.
[00110] Features described with respect to certain example embodiments can be
combined and sub-combined in or with various other example embodiments. Also,
different aspects or elements of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, can
be
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combined and sub-combined in a similar manner as well. Further, some example
embodiments, whether individually or collectively, can be components of a
larger system,
wherein other procedures can take precedence over or otherwise modify their
application.
Additionally, a number of steps can be required before, after, or concurrently
with example
embodiments, as disclosed herein. Note that any or all methods or processes,
at least as
disclosed herein, can be at least partially performed via at least one entity
in any manner.
[00111] Example embodiments of this disclosure are described herein with
reference
to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of
this disclosure.
As such, variations from various illustrated shapes as a result, for example,
of
manufacturing techniques or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, various
example
embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited
to various
particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are to include deviations
in shapes that
result, for example, from manufacturing.
[00112] Any or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same,
structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, or be separately
manufactured or
connected, such as being an assembly or modules. Any or all elements, as
disclosed
herein, can be manufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additive
manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, or other any other types of
manufacturing. For
example, some manufacturing processes include three dimensional (3D) printing,
laser
cutting, computer numerical control routing, milling, pressing, stamping,
vacuum forming,
hydrofomning, injection molding, lithography, and so forth.
[00113] Various corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of
all means
or step plus function elements in various claims below are intended to include
any
structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with
other claimed
elements as specifically claimed_ Various embodiments were chosen and
described in
order to best disclose various principles of this disclosure and various
practical
applications thereof, and to enable others of ordinary skill in a pertinent
art to understand
this disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to a
particular use contemplated.
[00114] This detailed description has been presented for various purposes of
illustration
and description, but is not intended to be fully exhaustive or limited to this
disclosure in
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various forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations in techniques and
structures
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in an art without departing from a
scope and
spirit of this disclosure as set forth in various claims that follow.
Accordingly, such
modifications and variations are contemplated as being a part of this
disclosure. Scope
of this disclosure is defined by various claims, which include known
equivalents and
unforeseeable equivalents at a time of filing of this disclosure.
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