DRAIN CLOG REMOVER

Abstract

The present invention discloses a drain clog remover, including an elongate member for removing a clog from a pipe, a first case for accommodating the elongate member in a form of a coil, which is annular and defines an opening in its inner circumferential surface, a second case sleeved on the first case and configured to slide relative to the first case; a stop member, which is connected to the second case and configured to prevent dislodgement of the elongate member from the first case during retraction of the elongate member. The present invention can effectively prevent dislodgement of the elongate member from the first case during stowing, making the drain clog remover more convenient to use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application claiming benefit of PCT/CN2023/106850 filed on Jul. 12, 2023, which claims priorities to Chinese Patent Application No. 202221801436.7 filed on Jul. 12, 2022, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202310840621.X filed on Jul. 10, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tool for cleaning a pipe and, in particular, to a drain clog remover.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Drain pipes are often blocked by clogs formed by hair, fibers and other debris that entangle and accumulate therein. When this happens, cleaning is necessary with drain clog removers. Drain augers are one kind of drain clog removers. During use of existing drain augers available on the marketplace, the turning knob may be turned to retract the snake back into the case after it is pulled out. However, in this process, the snake may not move in full synchronization with the turning knob due to interaction therebetween, or may be entangled with or stuck by a foreign object, leading to eccentricity of the snail coil under stress. When the eccentricity reaches a critical value, the snake may be dislodged. That is, the snake may partially remain outside of the containing case, which can result in inconvenience in use.

Therefore, those skilled in the art are directing their effort toward developing a drain clog remover capable of effectively avoiding dislodgement of a snake from a containing case during its retraction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Conventional drain augers suffer from the problem of snake dislodgement during retraction of the snake after it is pulled out for use.

In order to overcome this shortcoming, the present invention provides a drain clog remover capable of effectively preventing a snake from dislodging from its case. To this end, the present invention provides a drain clog remover, comprising:

an elongate member for removing a clog from a pipe;

a first case for accommodating the elongate member in a form of a coil, which is annular and defines an opening in its inner circumferential surface;

a second case sleeved on the first case and configured to slide relative to the first case;

a stop member, which is connected to the second case and configured to prevent dislodgement of the elongate member from the first case during retraction of the elongate member.

Preferably, the stop member comprises an extension extending along a circumferential direction of the first case from a body of the second case, the extension covering part of the first case so that the rest of the first case forms a turning member.

Further, a line connecting an end of the body of the second case and a center of a circle defined by the first case forms an angle of 90 degrees with a line connecting an end of the extension and the center of the circle defined by the first case.

Preferably, the stop member comprises a stop ring extending from the second case along the inner circumferential surface of the first case, one end of the stop ring connected to one end of the second case, the other end of the stop ring connected to the other end of the second case such that the stop ring defines a circle together with an inner circumferential surface of the second case.

Further, at least part of the stop ring is inserted in the first case.

Further, the stop member further comprises a rolling member rotatably connected to the stop ring.

Preferably, the stop member comprises a bracket arranged in a circumferential area of the first case, the bracket comprising at least one bracket arm, one end of the bracket arm connected to the second case, the other end defining a stop portion inserted in the first case.

Further, the bracket comprises a first bracket arm and a second bracket arm, one end of the first bracket arm connected to one end of the second case, one end of the second bracket arm connected to the other end of the second case, the other end of the first bracket arm and the other end of the second bracket arm joined to each other and together defining the stop portion at the joint.

Further, the stop portion is curved.

Further, the stop member further comprises a rolling member rotatably connected to the stop portion.

Preferably, the second case is made up of a first portion and a second portion, which are disposed in opposition to each other and located at two respective axial ends of the first case.

Preferably, the stop member comprises a stop portion, which extends along the inner circumferential surface of the first case from the first portion so that the stop portion and the first portion define an L-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional shape.

Preferably, the stop member comprises a stop lever disposed on at least one end of the first portion, the stop lever having a free end inserted within the first case.

Preferably, the stop member further comprises a rolling member rotatably connected to the free end of the stop lever.

Preferably, the stop lever is integrally formed with the second case.

Preferably, a pressing block is formed at the free end of the stop lever, the pressing block contacting and pressing the elongate member across a curved surface.

Further, the pressing block is provided thereon with a metal washer in contact with the elongate member.

Preferably, the stop lever is rotatably connected to the second case and a resilient member is connected to the stop lever and the second case and exerts a pre-tensioning force on the stop lever toward the elongate member.

Preferably, the resilient member is a torsion spring disposed on a rotating shaft for the stop lever and the second case.

Preferably, the second portion defines an outlet guide channel serving as a channel for guiding out the elongate member.

Further, the outlet guide channel is tangent to a circumference of the first case.

The present invention has the following benefits: through the use of the stop member, the elongate member can be effectively prevented from dislodging from the first case during stowing, making the drain clog remover more convenient to use.

Below, the concept, structural details and resulting technical effects of the present application will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide a full understanding of the objects, features and effects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a drain clog remover according to the present invention (not showing a stop member);

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a second case;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an elongate member;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an outlet guide channel defined on the second case;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the second embodiment with added rolling members;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a third embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the third embodiment with an added rolling member;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded view of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a left view of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 14 taken along A-A;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a first portion of a first case in the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an angle formed by lines connecting two respective rolling members and the center of a circle in the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sixth embodiment, showing a pressing block;

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of a metal washer added to the pressing block in the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a schematic enlarged view of a seventh embodiment.

In these figures, 1 denotes a drain clog remover; 2, an elongate member; 3, a first case; 4, a cavity; 5, an opening; 6, an auger head; 7, a second case; 8, an outlet guide channel;

11, a body; 12, an extension; 13, a turning member;

21, a stop ring; 22, a rolling member;

30, a bracket; 31, a first bracket arm; 32, a second bracket arm; 33, a stop portion; 34, a cross arm; 35, a rolling member;

41, a first portion; 42, a second portion; 43, a stop portion;

51, a first portion; 52, a second portion; 53, a fastener; 54, a stop member; 55, a stop lever; 56, a rolling member; 57, a pin; 58, a recess;

61, a pressing block; 62, a metal washer;

71, a stop lever; 72, a resilient member; 73, a rolling member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A few preferred embodiments of the present application will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings so that technical contents thereof will become more apparent and easier to understand. This application can be embodied in various different forms and its scope of protection is in no way limited to the several embodiments mentioned herein.

Throughout the figures, parts of the same structures are marked with the same reference numerals, and like elements with similar structures or functions are marked with like reference numerals. The dimensions and thickness of each component in the accompanying drawings are arbitrarily shown, and the present application is not limited to any particular dimensions and thickness of each component. Certain parts may be shown somewhat exaggerated in thickness in the interest of clarity.

FIG. 1 shows a drain clog remover 1 including: an elongate member 2 for removing a clog from a pipe; a first case 3 for accommodating the elongate member 2; and a second case 7 for grip. The elongate member 2 can be extended into a pipe to remove a clog. Referring to FIG. 2, the first case 3 is annular and defines an internal cavity 4 for accommodating the elongate member 2 in a form of a coil. The first case 3 defines a circumferential opening 5 in its inner circumferential surface. Preferably, the first case 3 has a U-shaped (radial) cross-section. The second case 7 is disposed over the first case 3 so as to cover part of the first case 3 and part of the opening 5. The second case 7 can slide on the first case 3. In use, a user may hold the second case 7 by hand, while turning the first case 3 in its circumferential direction to retract the elongate member 2 into the first case 3 or extend it from the first case 3. An auger head 6 may be provided at an end of the elongate member 2 exposed outside of the first case 3. On the one hand, this can enhance the ability of the elongate member 2 to remove a clog. On the other hand, during retraction of the elongate member 2, the auger head 6 can serve as a stopper, which can prevent the elongate member 2 from being completely coiled into the first case 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the elongate member 2 is somewhat flexible and can extend in a pipe, curve in conformity with the shape thereof and coil. It may be implemented as a steel strip, fishing line strip or other flexible elongate member.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second case 7 defines an outlet guide channel 8 on one side of the first case 3. The outlet guide channel 8 provides a channel in the second case 7 for guiding outward extension of the elongate member 2. Said end of the elongate member 2 extends out of the first case 3 through the outlet guide channel 8. The auger head 6 of the elongate member 2 may be shaped like a spearhead and has a radial dimension larger than an opening size of the outlet guide channel 8, allowing the auger head 6 to always remain out of the second case 7. Preferably, the outlet guide channel 8 is tangent to the circumference of the first case 3. That is, the outlet guide channel 8 extends at a right angle γ to a radius of the first case 3.

During use of the drain clog remover 1 shown in FIG. 1, the elongate member 2 normally coils in its majority within the cavity 4, and due to elastic expansion of the coil of the elongate member 2, it will not protrude out of the first case 3 from the opening 5. However, when the elongate member 2 is subject to an external force (e.g., because the snake is stuck by a foreign object or to itself, or due to other reasons), additionally retracting the elongate member 2 by turning the first case 3 may lead to a smaller diameter of the coil of the elongate member 2 within the first case 3 than supposed due to its own stress. Consequently, the coil of the elongate member 2 may partially escape from the first case 3 through the opening 5 (i.e., dislodgement of the elongate member 2 may occur), possibly resulting in inconvenience to the user.

In order to overcome the problem of possible dislodgement of the elongate member 2, a stop member is provided at the opening 5 of the first case 3 in accordance with the present invention. The stop member can prevent (stop or impede) the elongate member 2 from escaping from the first case 3. The stop member can serve as a barrier or confinement device which prevents the elongate member 2 from dislodging from the first case 3. It may contact the elongate member 2 and thereby exert a force thereon, preventing its dislodgement.

Several Examples are presented below to describe the present invention in detail. It will be appreciated that the above-discussed structure of the drain clog remover 1 applies to each of the Examples.

EXAMPLE 1

As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, there is provided a drain clog remover, which is a modification from the drain clog remover of FIG. 1. Specifically, the second case 7 is lengthened and extended at one end along the circumference of the first case 3, and the extension 12 surrounds the first case 3. That is, the second case 7 includes a second case body 11 (grip) and the extension 12. The second case 7 is disposed over the first case 3 in such a manner that part of the first case 3 is exposed and not covered by the second case body 11 or the extension 12. The extension 12 forms a stop member which prevents dislodgement of the elongate member 2. The exposed part of the first case 3 serves as a turning member 13, and a user can hold the turning member 13 and turn the first case 3. This enables convenient manipulation of the first case 3 by the user. Except for the turning member 13, the rest of the first case 3 (including a corresponding portion of the opening 5) is completely surrounded by the second case body 11 and the extension 12. During use, the user holds the second case body 11 and manipulates the turning member 13 to turn the first case 3, thereby retracting or extending the elongate member 2. When the elongate member 2 gets stuck, further turning the first case 3 may cause the elongate member 2 within the first case 3 to dislodge from the first case 3 through the opening 5 due to its own stress. Thanks to the extension 12, when the elongate member 2 reaches the opening 5, it will be stopped and cannot escape from the first case 3. As such, dislodgement of the elongate member 2 from the first case 3 can be effectively avoided, making the drain clog remover 1 more convenient to use.

Lines connecting respective ends of the second case 7 and the center of the first case 3 form an angle α. The value of this angle can be suitably configured to effectively define an arc length of the turning member 13 and a covered length of the first case 3, which not only facilitate the user's manipulation of the turning member 13, but can also effectively prevent dislodgement of the elongate member 2. Preferably, the angle α is set to 90 degrees.

The extension 12 may be integrally formed with the second case 7. Alternatively, they may be separately formed and then securely attached to the second case 7.

EXAMPLE 2

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in this embodiment, there is provided a drain clog remover, which is a modification from the drain clog remover of FIG. 1. This embodiment differs from Example 1 in incorporating another stop member than the extension of Example 1. Specifically, the stop member includes a stop ring 21 disposed at the opening 5 of the first case 3. The stop ring 21 extends circumferentially around and within the first case 3 to cover the opening 5. One end of the stop ring 21 is attached to one end of the second case 7, and the other end of the stop ring 21 is attached to the other end of the second case 7. In this way, the stop ring 21 entirely spans the inner surface of the second case 7 and covers the opening 5 of the first case 3. The stop ring 21 can slide relative to the first case 3. In use, the first case 3 is turned, with the second case 7 and the stop ring 21 being held stationary, thereby retracting or extending the elongate member 2. The stop ring 21 may either at least partially extend into the first case 3 (see FIG. 7) or only cover the opening 5. During retraction of the elongate member 2, when it gets stuck under the action of an external force, the diameter of a circle defined by the elongate member 2 will decrease, causing the elongate member 2 to tend to dislodge from the first case 3. However, blocked by the stop ring 21, dislodgement of the elongate member 2 will not happen.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 8, the stop ring 21 may be provided thereon with at least one rolling member 22 which is rotatably coupled to the stop ring 21. In a rest state of the elongate member 2, the rolling member 22 may directly contact with the elongate member 2 at a point to prevent dislodgement of the elongate member 2. It will be appreciated that in the rest state of the elongate member 2, there is a gap between the rolling member 22 and the elongate member 2, which prevents contact of the two. However, when the elongate member 2 is subject to an external force (e.g., it is stuck by a foreign object, entangled or otherwise stressed), the diameter of a circle defined by the elongate member 2 received in the first case 3 may decrease, causing the elongate member 2 to tend to dislodge from the first case 3. At this point, the gap between the rolling member 22 and the elongate member 2 will disappear, and the two will come into contact with each other (resulting in a point of pressure application that provides outward support). The rolling member 22 can not only continue urging the elongate member 2 to additionally prevent dislodgement of the elongate member 2, but can also reduce friction between the elongate member 2 and the stop member, reducing wear and tear of the elongate member 2. The rolling member 22 may be implemented as a roller. Preferably, two rolling members 22 are provided on the stop ring 21 at respective opposing circumferential ends of the second case 7. Preferably, the two rolling members 22 are arranged to be close to the second case 7.

EXAMPLE 3

As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, there is provided a drain clog remover 1, which differs from Examples 1 to 2 in incorporating a different stop member which includes a bracket 30 arranged in a region within the circumference of the first case 3. The bracket 30 includes at least one bracket arm. One end of the bracket arm is coupled to the second case 7, and the other end serves as a stop portion and extends into the first case 3 to block or impede dislodgement of the elongate member 2 from the first case 3.

In some preferred embodiments, the bracket 30 may include two bracket arms, i.e., a first bracket arm 31 and a second bracket arm 32. One end of the first bracket arm 31 and one end of the second bracket arm 32 are respectively connected to the circumferential ends of the second case 7. The other end of the first bracket arm 31 and the other end of the second bracket arm 32 intersect to form a stop portion 33. As such, the bracket 30 and the second case 7 generally make up of a triangle-like structure which exhibits excellent stability. The stop portion 33 is inserted into the first case 3 through the opening 5. In a rest state of the elongate member 2, the stop portion 33 may directly contact the elongate member 2 at a point. It will be appreciated that in the rest state of the elongate member 2, there is a gap between the stop portion 33 and the elongate member 2, which prevents contact of the two. However, when the elongate member 2 is subject to an external force (e.g., it is stuck by a foreign object, entangled or otherwise stressed), the diameter of a circle defined by the elongate member 2 received in the first case 3 may decrease, causing the elongate member 2 to tend to dislodge from the first case 3. At this point, the gap between the stop portion 33 and the elongate member 2 will disappear, and the two will come into contact with each other, resulting in a point of pressure application that provides outward support. In this way, a force can be exerted on the elongate member 2 to prevent its dislodgement. Preferably, the stop portion 33 may be curved to reduce wear and tear that it causes to the elongate member 2. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 10, the stop portion 33 may be rotatably provided thereon with a rolling member 35, which can directly contact the elongate member 2 when the latter is in the rest state (resulting in a point of pressure application that provides outward support). Alternatively, the rolling member 35 may come into contact with the elongate member 2 as a result of a decreasing diameter of a circle defined by the elongate member 2. The rolling member 35 can reduce wear and tear caused to the elongate member 2.

Since the elongate member 2 is circularly coiled within the first case 3, its dislodgement from the first case 3 would occur across a sector segment of the coil rather than at a point. Due to the presence of the blocking second case 7, the portion of the elongate member 2 that is most prone to dislodgement is its portion opposite to the second case 7. According to this embodiment, the stop portion 33 provided by the bracket 30 is arranged in opposition to the second case 7. Moreover, the stop portion 33 or the rolling member 35 contacts the elongate member 2, resulting in a point of pressure application, which provides outward support from the inner side of the elongate member 2 and achieves radial restriction of the coil of the elongate member 2. As the elongate member 2 is somewhat rigid, under the action of said point of contact, the elongate member 2 will be blocked by the stop portion 33 on both sides of the point of contact. As a result, the elongate member 2 more readily tends to expand outwardly toward the first case 3, and collapse of the coil of the elongate member 2 is less likely to take place. As a result, it is avoided that the elongate member 2 cannot coil and may dislodge from the first case 3.

In some embodiments, the bracket 30 may be provided with a cross arm 34, which is connected, respectively at opposing ends thereof, to the first bracket arm 31 and the second bracket arm 32 to enhance the stability of the bracket 30. Preferably, the bracket may be integrally fabricated.

EXAMPLE 4

As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, there is provided a drain clog remover, which differs from Examples 1 to 3 in incorporating a different second case 7 and a different stop member. Specifically, the second case 7 is composed of two portions, i.e., a first portion 41 and a second portion 42, which are arranged in opposition to each other on opposing sides of the first case 3 with respect to its axis. When put together, the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 can surround the first case 3. The first portion 41 is provided with a stop portion 43, which extends over the first portion 41 so that the stop portion 43 and the first portion 41 together define an L- or U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second portion 42 defines an outlet guide channel 8 for the elongate member 2. In some implementations, the stop portion 43 consists of multiple bent segments covering the opening 5 of the first case 3, or is partially inserted into the first case 3 through the opening 5, in order to block dislodgement of the elongate member 2 from the first case 3. In some embodiments, the stop portion 43 may has an arcuate shape substantially matching that of the inner circumferential surface of the first case 3 and cover the opening 5 of the first case 3 to block dislodgement of the elongate member 2 from the first case 3.

EXAMPLE 5

FIGS. 12 to 17 show a fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, there is provided a drain clog remover, which differs from Examples 1 to 4 in incorporating a different second case 7 and a different stop member 54.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the second case 7 includes a first portion 51 and a second portion 52 which are arranged in opposition to each other on opposing sides of the first case 3 with respect to its axis. When put together, the two portions surround the first case 3. The first portion 51 and the second portion 52 may be secured to each other by fasteners 53 such as screws or buckles. The second portion 52 defines an outlet guide channel 8, and the first portion 51 is provided with a stop member 54. Specifically, the stop member 54 includes a stop lever 55 provided at least one circumferential end of the first portion 51. The stop lever 55 as be considered as a circumferential extension of the first portion 51 extending from said end. The stop lever 55 is provided at a free end thereof with a rolling member 56, which is rotatably connected to the stop lever 55. The rolling member 56 is inserted into the first case 3 through the opening 5. In a rest state of the elongate member 2, the rolling member 56 may contact the elongate member 2 at a point and thereby block dislodgement of the elongate member 2. It will be appreciated that, in the rest state of the elongate member 2, there is a gap between the rolling member 56 and the elongate member 2, which prevents contact of the two. However, when the elongate member 2 is subject to an external force (e.g., it is stuck by a foreign object, entangled or otherwise stressed), the diameter of a circle defined by the elongate member 2 received in the first case 3 may decrease, causing the elongate member 2 to tend to dislodge from the first case 3. At this point, the gap between the rolling member 56 and the elongate member 2 will disappear, and the two will come into contact with each other at a point. Preferably, the rolling member 56 is implemented as a roller attached to the stop lever 55 using a pin 57. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 16, the free end of the stop lever 55 defines a recess 58 for accommodating the rolling member 56 therein. The recess 58 is open toward the elongate member 2, and the rolling member 56 is mounted in the recess 58 by the pin 57.

Preferably, respective stop levers 55 are provided at both circumferential ends of the second portion 52. Both stop levers 55 extends circumferentially away from the second portion 52 into the first case 3 through the opening 5. Both stop levers 55 are rotatably provided at their free ends with rolling members 56. With this arrangement, the second portion 52 can contact the elongate member 2 at points at its both ends. During coiling and retraction of the elongate member 2, the two rolling members 56 push the elongate member 2 from its inner side. That is, two points of pressure application that provide outward support are formed at the inner side of the elongate member 2 (at the points of contact), radially restricting the coil of the elongate member 2. As a result, the elongate member 2 more readily tends to expand outwardly toward the first case 3 (see area C in FIG. 15), and collapse of the coil of the elongate member 2 is less likely to take place. Thus, it is avoided that the elongate member 2 cannot coil and may dislodge from the first case 3. As shown in FIG. 17, lines connecting the two respective rolling members 56 and the center of the first case 3 form an angle β, which may be configured within a range determined according to, for example, dimensions of the second case 7 and the first case 3. In some implementations, the angle is preferably greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Preferably, the angle is within the range of 110-150 degrees. More preferably, the angle is set to 132 degrees.

The stop lever(s) 55 may be integrally formed with the first portion 51. Alternatively, it/they may be separately formed and then securely attached to the first portion 51.

EXAMPLE 6

This embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the rolling member in the fifth embodiment is replaced with a pressing block 61. All the other features of this embodiment are the same as those of the fifth embodiment, and further description thereof is omitted here. As shown in FIG. 18, the pressing block 61 is provided at the free end of the stop lever 55 in such a manner as to be inserted into the first case 3 through the opening 5 and come into contact with the elongate member 2, resulting in a point of pressure application that provides outward support. The pressing block 61 contacts and presses the elongate member 2 across a curved surface. There is sliding friction between the pressing block 61 and the elongate member 2. Preferably, the pressing block 61 is made of plastic. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, a metal washer 62 may be provided on the side of the pressing block 61 facing the elongate member 2. In this case, the metal washer 62 directly contacts the elongate member 2, making the pressing block 61 more resistant to wear. The pressing block may be integrally formed with the first portion 51. Alternatively, it may be separately formed and then securely attached to the first portion 51. The pressing block 61 may directly contact the elongate member 2 when the latter is in its rest state, or come into contact with the elongate member 2 as a result of a decreasing diameter of a circle defined by the elongate member 2.

The same number of pressing block(s) 61 may be provided as that of the stop lever(s) in the fifth embodiment. That is, either one or two pressing blocks 61 may be provided. In example implementations, two pressing blocks 61 are provided at the respective circumferential ends of the first portion of the second case 7 in order to push the elongate member 2 from its inner side. That is, two points of pressure application that provide outward support are formed at the inner side of the elongate member 2, radially restricting the coil of the elongate member 2. As a result, the elongate member 2 more readily tends to expand outwardly toward the first case 3, and collapse of the coil of the elongate member 2 is less likely to take place. Thus, it is avoided that the elongate member 2 cannot coil and may dislodge from the first case 3.

EXAMPLE 7

This embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the stop lever 71 is connected to the second case 7 in a different manner. As shown in FIG. 20, one end of the stop lever 71 is rotatably coupled to the second case 7, and the other end is inserted into the first case 3 through the opening 5 and brought into contact with the elongate member 2 at a point. Here, it would be appreciated that the other end of the stop lever 71 may be configured as a rolling member 73 (in the same way as the fifth embodiment) or as the pressing block of the sixth embodiment. That is, the stop lever 71 may be implemented as the pressing block in the sixth embodiment.

A resilient member 72 is provided at the joint of the stop lever 71 and the second case 7. The resilient member 72 can resiliently urge the stop lever 71, exerting thereon a pre-tensioning force toward the elongate member 2. Preferably, the resilient member 72 is implemented as a torsion spring disposed on a rotating shaft at the joint of the stop lever 71 and the second case 7.

Preferred specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It is to be understood that, those of ordinary skill in the art can make various modifications and changes based on the concept of the present invention without exerting any creative effort. Accordingly, all the technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art by logical analysis, inference or limited experimentation in accordance with the concept of the present invention on the basis of the prior art are intended to fall within the protection scope as defined by the claims. CLAIMS

Claims

1. A drain clog remover, characterized in comprising:

an elongate member for removing a clog from a pipe;

a first case for accommodating the elongate member in a form of a coil, which is annular and defines an opening in its inner circumferential surface;

a second case sleeved on the first case and configured to slide relative to the first case;

a stop member, which is connected to the second case and configured to prevent dislodgement of the elongate member from the first case during retraction of the elongate member.

2. The drain clog remover of claim 1, wherein the stop member comprises an extension extending along a circumferential direction of the first case from a body of the second case, the extension covering part of the first case so that the rest of the first case forms a turning member.

3. The drain clog remover of claim 2, wherein a line connecting an end of the body of the second case and a center of a circle defined by the first case forms an angle of 90 degrees with a line connecting an end of the extension and the center of the circle defined by the first case.

4. The drain clog remover of claim 1, wherein the stop member comprises a stop ring extending from the second case along the inner circumferential surface of the first case, one end of the stop ring connected to one end of the second case, the other end of the stop ring connected to the other end of the second case such that the stop ring defines a circle together with an inner circumferential surface of the second case.

5. The drain clog remover of claim 4, wherein at least part of the stop ring is inserted in the first case.

6. The drain clog remover of claim 5, wherein the stop member further comprises a rolling member rotatably connected to the stop ring.

7. The drain clog remover of claim 1, wherein the stop member comprises a bracket arranged in a circumferential area of the first case, the bracket comprising at least one bracket arm, one end of the bracket arm connected to the second case, the other end defining a stop portion inserted in the first case.

8. The drain clog remover of claim 7, wherein the bracket comprises a first bracket arm and a second bracket arm, one end of the first bracket arm connected to one end of the second case, one end of the second bracket arm connected to the other end of the second case, the other end of the first bracket arm and the other end of the second bracket arm joined to each other and together defining the stop portion at the joint.

9. The drain clog remover of claim 7, wherein the stop member further comprises a rolling member rotatably connected to the stop portion.

10. The drain clog remover of claim 1, wherein the second case is made up of a first portion and a second portion, which are disposed in opposition to each other and located at two respective axial ends of the first case.

11. The drain clog remover of claim 10, wherein the stop member comprises a stop portion, which extends along the inner circumferential surface of the first case from the first portion so that the stop portion and the first portion define an L-shaped or U-shaped cross-sectional shape.

12. The drain clog remover of claim 10, wherein the stop member comprises a stop lever disposed on at least one end of the first portion, the stop lever having a free end inserted within the first case.

13. The drain clog remover of claim 12, wherein the stop member further comprises a rolling member rotatably connected to the free end of the stop lever.

14. The drain clog remover of claim 12, wherein the stop lever is integrally formed with the second case.

15. The drain clog remover of claim 12, wherein a pressing block is formed at the free end of the stop lever, the pressing block contacting and pressing the elongate member across a curved surface.

16. The drain clog remover of claim 15, wherein the pressing block is provided thereon with a metal washer in contact with the elongate member.

17. The drain clog remover of claim 12, wherein the stop lever is rotatably connected to the second case and a resilient member is connected to the stop lever and the second case and exerts a pre-tensioning force on the stop lever toward the elongate member.

18. The drain clog remover of claim 15, wherein the resilient member is a torsion spring disposed on a rotating shaft for the stop lever and the second case.

19. The drain clog remover of claim 10, wherein the second portion defines an outlet guide channel serving as a channel for guiding out the elongate member.

20. The drain clog remover of claim 19, wherein the outlet guide channel is tangent to a circumference of the first case.