Pipe Cleaning Device

Abstract

In one embodiment, a pipe cleaning device includes an elongated rod section having a first end, a second end, and a rod axis, the first end of the elongated rod section being oppositely disposed relative to the second end of the elongated rod section; a rotary motion input section connected to the first end of the elongated rod section by a crimped connection; and a tip section connected to the second end of the elongated rod section, the tip section including a plurality of protruding elements projecting outwardly from the tip section, the plurality of protruding elements being disposed along at least a portion of a length of the tip section. In another embodiment, a pipe cleaning kit includes a pipe cleaning device and a powder-based or liquid-based drain clog remover, the powder-based or liquid-based drain clog remover configured to dislodge debris inside an interior cavity of a pipe.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pipe cleaning device, comprising:
 an elongated rod section having a first end, a second end, and a rod axis, the first end of the elongated rod section being oppositely disposed relative to the second end of the elongated rod section;   a rotary motion input section connected to the first end of the elongated rod section by a crimped connection; and   a tip section connected to the second end of the elongated rod section, the tip section including a plurality of protruding elements projecting outwardly from the tip section, the plurality of protruding elements being disposed along at least a portion of a length of the tip section;   whereby, upon rotation of the plurality of protruding elements of the tip section, the plurality of protruding elements are configured to dislodge and grab debris from an interior wall of a pipe.   
     
     
         2 . The pipe cleaning device according to  claim 1 , wherein the rotary motion input section comprises a hollow shaft portion with a cylindrical hole for receiving the first end of the elongated rod section, the hollow shaft portion of the rotary motion input section being connected to the first end of the elongated rod section by the crimped connection. 
     
     
         3 . The pipe cleaning device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongated rod section further comprises a central core portion and an outer covering bonded to the central core portion, the outer covering formed from a hook material strip, the hook material strip comprising the plurality of protruding elements of the elongated rod section, and the hook material strip being made from a hook side of a hook-and-loop fastener material. 
     
     
         4 . The pipe cleaning device according to  claim 3 , wherein the central core portion is formed from a semi-flexible cable, the semi-flexible cable comprising a plurality of inner wires surrounded by an outer sheathing, the hook material strip being bonded to the outer sheathing of the semi-flexible cable. 
     
     
         5 . The pipe cleaning device according to  claim 3 , wherein the central core portion is formed from a plastic core. 
     
     
         6 . The pipe cleaning device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pipe cleaning device is configured to be discarded after being used to dislodge and grab debris from the interior wall of the pipe. 
     
     
         7 . The pipe cleaning device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pipe cleaning device is provided as part of a kit that includes the pipe cleaning device and a powder-based or liquid-based drain clog remover, the powder-based or liquid-based drain clog remover configured to dislodge debris inside an interior cavity of the pipe. 
     
     
         8 . A pipe cleaning kit, comprising:
 a pipe cleaning device that includes:
 an elongated rod section having a first end, a second end, and a rod axis, the first end of the elongated rod section being oppositely disposed relative to the second end of the elongated rod section; and 
 a tip section connected to the second end of the elongated rod section, the tip section including a plurality of protruding elements projecting outwardly from the tip section, the plurality of protruding elements being disposed along at least a portion of a length of the tip section; 
 whereby, upon rotation of the plurality of protruding elements of the tip section, the plurality of protruding elements are configured to dislodge and grab debris from an interior wall of a pipe; and 
   a powder-based or liquid-based drain clog remover, the powder-based or liquid-based drain clog remover configured to dislodge debris inside an interior cavity of the pipe.   
     
     
         9 . The pipe cleaning kit according to  claim 8 , wherein the elongated rod section of the pipe cleaning device further comprises a central core portion and an outer covering bonded to the central core portion, the outer covering formed from a hook material strip, the hook material strip comprising the plurality of protruding elements of the elongated rod section, and the hook material strip being made from a hook side of a hook-and-loop fastener material. 
     
     
         10 . The pipe cleaning kit according to  claim 9 , wherein the central core portion of the elongated rod section is formed from a semi-flexible cable, the semi-flexible cable comprising a plurality of inner wires surrounded by an outer sheathing, the hook material strip being bonded to the outer sheathing of the semi-flexible cable. 
     
     
         11 . The pipe cleaning kit according to  claim 9 , wherein the central core portion of the elongated rod section is formed from a plastic core. 
     
     
         12 . The pipe cleaning kit according to  claim 8 , wherein the pipe cleaning device is configured to be discarded after being used to dislodge and grab debris from the interior wall of the pipe. 
     
     
         13 . The pipe cleaning kit according to  claim 8 , wherein a composition forming the powder-based or liquid-based drain clog remover comprises at least one of: (i) a strong acid, and (ii) a surfactant. 
     
     
         14 . The pipe cleaning kit according to  claim 13 , wherein the composition forming the powder-based or liquid-based drain clog remover further comprises a fragrance.