CA1267509A - Toilet bowl plunger - Google Patents
Toilet bowl plungerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1267509A CA1267509A CA000501545A CA501545A CA1267509A CA 1267509 A CA1267509 A CA 1267509A CA 000501545 A CA000501545 A CA 000501545A CA 501545 A CA501545 A CA 501545A CA 1267509 A CA1267509 A CA 1267509A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bellows
- plunger
- handle
- improved
- sealing member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
IMPROVED TOILET BOWL PLUNGER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The plunger includes an elongated knurled handle, a base sealing member having a central aperture extending there-through, and a multi-pleated bellows preferably releasably connec-ted to the bottom of the handle and preferably permanently connected to the top of the base sealing member. Preferably, the bellows and base sealing member are generally cylindrical and of rubber, plastic or the like. They may be integral. The sealing member may have an upper bowl sealing rim with a collapsable top wall adapted to receive the bellows, and a small diameter lower sealing ring, with depending skirt. Preferably, the transverse bellows pleats increase in diameter from the bellows top to bottom and may be arranged in sets for improved seating. The handle top can be removable and the handle can contain a central cavity extending longitudinally therethrough, which cavity can, if desired, be threaded to receive a garden hose. Thus, the handle top when unscrewed can act as a vacuum relief valve. The handle top can also include a padded transverse grip. The device is highly efficient and durable and is adapted for use in a variety of applications.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The plunger includes an elongated knurled handle, a base sealing member having a central aperture extending there-through, and a multi-pleated bellows preferably releasably connec-ted to the bottom of the handle and preferably permanently connected to the top of the base sealing member. Preferably, the bellows and base sealing member are generally cylindrical and of rubber, plastic or the like. They may be integral. The sealing member may have an upper bowl sealing rim with a collapsable top wall adapted to receive the bellows, and a small diameter lower sealing ring, with depending skirt. Preferably, the transverse bellows pleats increase in diameter from the bellows top to bottom and may be arranged in sets for improved seating. The handle top can be removable and the handle can contain a central cavity extending longitudinally therethrough, which cavity can, if desired, be threaded to receive a garden hose. Thus, the handle top when unscrewed can act as a vacuum relief valve. The handle top can also include a padded transverse grip. The device is highly efficient and durable and is adapted for use in a variety of applications.
Description
~ S~9 66239-1213 -BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to plumbing helpers and, more particularly, to an improved toilet bowl and drain plunger.
PRIOR ART
Conventional drain and toilet bowl plungers generally comprise a resilient rubber, smooth walled bell shaped plunger portion and a cylindrical handle connected to the upper end thereof. See, for example, United States Patent Nos. 2,496,525;
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to plumbing helpers and, more particularly, to an improved toilet bowl and drain plunger.
PRIOR ART
Conventional drain and toilet bowl plungers generally comprise a resilient rubber, smooth walled bell shaped plunger portion and a cylindrical handle connected to the upper end thereof. See, for example, United States Patent Nos. 2,496,525;
2,066,773; and 2,042,372. Such devices parallel rubber vacuum pumps used for other purposes, such as the pump of United States Patent No. 2,463,458. More exotically shaped bell drain plungers are illustrated in United States Patent Nos. 2,188,960 and 2,844,826.
Conventional drain and toilet bowl plungers are gener-ally characterized by being difficult to use. Thus, the rubber bell is initially very difficult to compress, then suddenly ~.
- 2 - ~ ~7~9 66239-1213 collapses. This causes a sudden shock on or surge to the drain and may loosen plumbing connections. Moreover, the rubber rim of the bell does not fit a toilet bowl properly to provide an effective seal, but slips around in the bowl, so that strong controlled pressure and vacuum cannot be exerted on the toilet drain to clear it of a blockage. While conven-tional plungers are generally better adapted for use in kitchen sinks, drain tubs and the like, they are sericusly deficient for use with toilets, as pointed out above.
Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved toilet drain blockage removing device which allows a smoothly controlled amount of pressure an~ vacuum to be exerted on the toilet drain, so as to protect the drain from damage, and which is easy and efficient to use. The device preferably should be durable and have readily replaceable parts. The seal exer-ted by the device should be improved over conventional plungers to provide quicker better drain clearing results. Such device should be capable of being made in a variety of efficient configurations at low cost from readily available materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVBNTION
The improved drain cleaning plunger of the present invention satisfies all the foregoing needs. The plunger comprises an elongated plunger handle having a bottom end; an annular flexible, resilient base sealing member having a central aperture extending vertically therethrough, a planar bottom portion having an inner and an outer periphery lying in a substantially horizontal plane and extending at said inner periphery radially from said central aperture, an annular peripheral sealing rim cGnnected to and extending only upwardly and outwardly from said outer periphery of said bottom portion, the arcuate curvature of said sealing rim extending in the vertical directional terminating at a thin walled collapsible top, said bottom portion and peripheral sealing rim defining a nesting area: a flexible, resilient, collapsible, multi-pleated bellows having its upper end connected to said bottom end of said handle, the pleats of said bellows being generally transverse to the vertical; said thin walled collapsible top lying in a substantially horizontal plane and having an inner and an outer periphery and being connected at said outer periphery to a top portion of said peripheral sealing rim; said bellows having a lower end, said bellows being connected at its lower end to said inner periphery of said collapsible top; and whereby compression of said bellows results in the nesting of the lower end of said bellows into said nesting area along with movement of said peripheral sealing rim radially outwards.
DRAWlNGS
Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of a first preferred embodiment of the improved toilet bowl plunger of the present invention, shown in the relaxed uncompressed state;
Figure 2 is a somewhat enlarged schematic fragmen-tary side elevation of the bellows and base sealing member of the plunger of Figure 1, shown with the bellows compressed (collapsed);
Figure 3 is a schematic fragmentary side elevation, partly broken away, of a second preferred embodiment of the bellows and base member of the improved plunger of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic fragmentary side elevation of a third preferred embodiment of the improved plunger of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a schematic fragmentary side elevation of a fourth preferred embodiment of the bellows and base member of the improved plunger of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a schematic fragmentary side elevation, partly broken away, of a modified version of the top of the handle of the improved plunger of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation of a fifth preferred embodiment of the improved plunger of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic cutaway side elevation of a sixth preferred embodiment of the impro~ed plunger of the present invention.
X
- 5 - 66239-12~3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGURES 1 and 2.
Now referring more particularly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a first preferred embodiment of the improved toilet bowl plunger of the present invention schematically depicted therein. Thus, plunger 10 is shown which comprises an elongated generally cylindrical handle 12, to the bottom end of which is connected, preferably releasablyi a bellows 14, in turn connected, preferably integrally, at its lower end to a base sealing member 16.
Handle 12 may be of wood, ceramic, metal, plastic, rubber or the like and preferably has a top cap 18, a knurled grip 20, a decorative surface 22 and a flared base 24. Alternatively, portion 24 may be the upper end of bellows 14.
Bellows 14 is generally cylindrical and hollow, is made of resilient, flexible rubber or plastic, preferably blow molded, and includes a plurality of transverse pleats 26 with sharply angled outer peripheries 28. Pleats 26 gradually and uniformly increase in diameter from the top 30 of bellows 14 to the bottom 32 thereof to facilitate easy and controlled collapsing and nesting of bellows 14 and more ready control of the extent of pressure and vacuum applied by bellows 14 to a toilet drain during operation of plunger 10. Bottom 32 is integrally connected to the upper portion 34 of member 16, which upper portion 34 includes a thin walled collapsible top 36 and a peripheral sealing rim 38.
Member 16 is hollow, with an open bottom 39.
,, 5(~9 When, as shown in Figure 2, bellows 14 is collapsed (compressed) so that its bottom 32 forces down top 36, rim 38 is deflected outwardly to more effectively seal plunger 10 against a toilet bowl into which plunger 10 may be inserted. The lower portion 40 of member 16 is sloped to a narrow bottom wear-resistant sealing ring 42 defining open bottom 39. Portion 40 is designed to fit down into the narrow bottom end or drain portion of a toilet bowl, with ring 42 seated therein in sealing engagement therewith for optional transfer of pressure and suction thereto and therefore optional drain block clearing efficiency.
On the down or compression stroke of handle 12, bellows 14 progressively exerts air pressure against such drain, while on the up stroke of handle 12 suction is exerted by bellows 14 on such drain to dislodge any obstruction. Efficient easily control-led pressure and suction are accomplished by the use of plunger 10 due to the seals effected by the shape of plunger 10 and the engagement of ring 42 and rim 38 with the toilet walls and to the nature of bellows 14. Plunger 10 can also be used to dislodge blocks in kitchen sinks, drain tubs, bath tubs, etc., with improved efficiency.
FIÇURE 3.
Figure 3 schematically depicts a modified form of the bellows and base member of the improved plunger of the present invention. Thus, bellows 14a and base member 16a are shown.
Components thereof similar to those of Figure 1 bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "a". Bellows 14a differs ....... ..
,, *~; ~ , ~, ()9 - 7 - 6623~-1213 from bellow 14 only in that pleats 26a thereof have curved or rounded outer peripheries 28a in contrast to the sharply angled pleats 26. Pleats 26a are uniformly thin walled. In addition, portion 24a has a squared off configuration. So also does rim 38a, in contrast to the rounded contours of rim 38. Bellows 14a and base member 16a are otherwise identical to bellows 14 and base member 16 and can be used with handle 12 to provide the present improvéd plunger.
A third preferred embodiment of the improved plunger of the invention is schematically depicted in Figure 4. Thus, plunger lOb is shown. Components thereof similar to those of plunger 10 (Figure 1) bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "b". Thus, plunger lOb includes handle 12b, bellows 14b and base member 16b. Handle 12b includes cap 18b which ex-tends transversely of handle 12b and bears padding 50 to enable hand pressure to be exerted more efficiently on bellows 14b.
It will be noted that bellows 14b is identical to bellows 14 and that rim 38b is squared off in the manner of rim 38a. In addition, ring 42b has an annular, depending, resilient, flexible skirt 52 of rubber, plastic or the like depending there-from, which skirt 52 aids in sealing plunger lOb to a toilet bowl drain. Thus, when bellows 14b is compressed, skirt 52 expands outwardly, directly contacting the toilet bowl surface defining the drain and thereby improving the seal effected by ring 42b.
Thus, plunger lOb is more efficient than conventional plungers.
7~
FIGURE 5.
A fourth preferred embodiment of the bellows and base member portion of the improved plunger of the present invention are schematically depicted in Figure 5. Thus, bellows 14c and base member 16c are shown. Components thereof similar to those of bellows 14 and base member 24 bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "c". It will be noted that base member 16c is identical tobase member 16 and that bellows 14c is identical to bellows 14, except that pleats 26c thereof are arranged in three sets 26c, 26c2 and 26c3 of increasing diameter, with the pleats 26c within each set substantially identical. This arrange-ment of pleats 26c further facilitates proper sequential collaps-ing or compression of bellows 14c and proper rebound of bellows 14c during use of the present plunger. Components 14c and 16c can be used with handle 12.
FIGURE _.
In Figure 6 a modification of handle 12 of plunger 10 is shown. ~hus, a portion of handle 12d is depicted schematically.
Handle 12d is identical to handle 12 except that its cap 18d is threadably receivable in a central threaded cavity 56 extending the length of handle 12d into communication with the bellows thereof (not shown). Handle 12d can be substituted for handle 12.
Cavity 56 is dimensioned to threadably rece:ive the metal connec-tor 58 of a garden hose 60, so that water under pressure can be delivered via hose 60 through handle 12d, and the associated bellows and hose member (not shown) to a toilet drain or other drain being wor~ed on, for improved obstacle clearing efficiency.
It will be understood that with cap 18d (instead of hose 60) screwed tightly in place in cavity 56, air pressure can be fully applied by plunger 10. If it is desired to remove that pressure or the resulting suction, for example, in order to free plungerlO from sealing engagement with a toilet, or to somewhat reduce the pressure or suction, in order to better control the forces delivered through the plunger, cap 18d can be unscrewed to expose bleed-off groove 62 thereof. Accordingly, the modifications of Figure 6 are useful in the improved plunger of the invention.
FIGURE 7.
A fifth preferred embodiment of the improved plunger of the present invention is schematically depicted in Figure 7.
Thus, plunger lOe is shown. Components thereof similar to those of Figure 1 bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "e". Thus, plunger lOe has handle 12e releasably secured, as by a screw 64, to bellows 14e. Bellows 14e is bee hive-shaped and includes rounded pleats 26e gradually increasing in diameter down to base member 16e. That member is similar to member 16, ex-cept that it includes an internal reinforcing ring 42e and a lower skirt 52e which slopes down and inwardly. All other components are the same as in plunger 10, and plunger lOe functions similarly thereof.
FIGURE 8.
A sixth preferred embodiment of the improved plunger of the invention is schematically depicted in Figure 8, with ~ ~'7S()~3 portions thereof cutaway to more clearly show the interior of the plunger. Components thereof similar to those of plunger 10 (Figure 1) bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "f". Thus, plunger lOf includes 12f, bellows 14f and base member 16f.
Plunger lOf is shown in an operative position with handle 12f having been moved downwardly to compress bellows 14f and collapse rim portion 38f. Plunger lOf is shown in use on a flat surface 41 having a drain 43 terminating at flat surface 41.
Plunger lOf has a rim 45 extending inwardly from ring 42f which provides an additional sealing surface around drain 43.
Plunger lOf has been designed to be especially appli-cable on flat surface drains. If the ordinary plunger is collapsed over a flat surface drain opening with the funnel extended, the plunger has a tendency to wabble all over the place, thereby un-covering the drain opening. Accordingly, presently available plungers generally require a tucking under of their funnels by hand when covering a flat drain, which is quite unsanitary. If the plunger were to be subsequently used in a toilet or other recessed drain, the funnel would then be required to be pulled outward, again resulting in an unsanitary operation. Applicant's plunger lOf avoids these problems by providing a plunger capable of effecting a double seal (via rim 45 and rim 38f) about a drain 43 on a flat surface 41 application without employing one's hands, and upon removal from drain 43, is ready for use in a toilet or other recessed drain.
, . ..
~7~
~ 66239-1213 Various other modifications, changes, alterations and additions can be made in the improved plunger of the present invention, its components and parameters. A11 such modifications, changes, alterations and additions as are within the scope of the appended claims form part of the present invention.
Conventional drain and toilet bowl plungers are gener-ally characterized by being difficult to use. Thus, the rubber bell is initially very difficult to compress, then suddenly ~.
- 2 - ~ ~7~9 66239-1213 collapses. This causes a sudden shock on or surge to the drain and may loosen plumbing connections. Moreover, the rubber rim of the bell does not fit a toilet bowl properly to provide an effective seal, but slips around in the bowl, so that strong controlled pressure and vacuum cannot be exerted on the toilet drain to clear it of a blockage. While conven-tional plungers are generally better adapted for use in kitchen sinks, drain tubs and the like, they are sericusly deficient for use with toilets, as pointed out above.
Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved toilet drain blockage removing device which allows a smoothly controlled amount of pressure an~ vacuum to be exerted on the toilet drain, so as to protect the drain from damage, and which is easy and efficient to use. The device preferably should be durable and have readily replaceable parts. The seal exer-ted by the device should be improved over conventional plungers to provide quicker better drain clearing results. Such device should be capable of being made in a variety of efficient configurations at low cost from readily available materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVBNTION
The improved drain cleaning plunger of the present invention satisfies all the foregoing needs. The plunger comprises an elongated plunger handle having a bottom end; an annular flexible, resilient base sealing member having a central aperture extending vertically therethrough, a planar bottom portion having an inner and an outer periphery lying in a substantially horizontal plane and extending at said inner periphery radially from said central aperture, an annular peripheral sealing rim cGnnected to and extending only upwardly and outwardly from said outer periphery of said bottom portion, the arcuate curvature of said sealing rim extending in the vertical directional terminating at a thin walled collapsible top, said bottom portion and peripheral sealing rim defining a nesting area: a flexible, resilient, collapsible, multi-pleated bellows having its upper end connected to said bottom end of said handle, the pleats of said bellows being generally transverse to the vertical; said thin walled collapsible top lying in a substantially horizontal plane and having an inner and an outer periphery and being connected at said outer periphery to a top portion of said peripheral sealing rim; said bellows having a lower end, said bellows being connected at its lower end to said inner periphery of said collapsible top; and whereby compression of said bellows results in the nesting of the lower end of said bellows into said nesting area along with movement of said peripheral sealing rim radially outwards.
DRAWlNGS
Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of a first preferred embodiment of the improved toilet bowl plunger of the present invention, shown in the relaxed uncompressed state;
Figure 2 is a somewhat enlarged schematic fragmen-tary side elevation of the bellows and base sealing member of the plunger of Figure 1, shown with the bellows compressed (collapsed);
Figure 3 is a schematic fragmentary side elevation, partly broken away, of a second preferred embodiment of the bellows and base member of the improved plunger of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic fragmentary side elevation of a third preferred embodiment of the improved plunger of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a schematic fragmentary side elevation of a fourth preferred embodiment of the bellows and base member of the improved plunger of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a schematic fragmentary side elevation, partly broken away, of a modified version of the top of the handle of the improved plunger of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a schematic side elevation of a fifth preferred embodiment of the improved plunger of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic cutaway side elevation of a sixth preferred embodiment of the impro~ed plunger of the present invention.
X
- 5 - 66239-12~3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGURES 1 and 2.
Now referring more particularly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a first preferred embodiment of the improved toilet bowl plunger of the present invention schematically depicted therein. Thus, plunger 10 is shown which comprises an elongated generally cylindrical handle 12, to the bottom end of which is connected, preferably releasablyi a bellows 14, in turn connected, preferably integrally, at its lower end to a base sealing member 16.
Handle 12 may be of wood, ceramic, metal, plastic, rubber or the like and preferably has a top cap 18, a knurled grip 20, a decorative surface 22 and a flared base 24. Alternatively, portion 24 may be the upper end of bellows 14.
Bellows 14 is generally cylindrical and hollow, is made of resilient, flexible rubber or plastic, preferably blow molded, and includes a plurality of transverse pleats 26 with sharply angled outer peripheries 28. Pleats 26 gradually and uniformly increase in diameter from the top 30 of bellows 14 to the bottom 32 thereof to facilitate easy and controlled collapsing and nesting of bellows 14 and more ready control of the extent of pressure and vacuum applied by bellows 14 to a toilet drain during operation of plunger 10. Bottom 32 is integrally connected to the upper portion 34 of member 16, which upper portion 34 includes a thin walled collapsible top 36 and a peripheral sealing rim 38.
Member 16 is hollow, with an open bottom 39.
,, 5(~9 When, as shown in Figure 2, bellows 14 is collapsed (compressed) so that its bottom 32 forces down top 36, rim 38 is deflected outwardly to more effectively seal plunger 10 against a toilet bowl into which plunger 10 may be inserted. The lower portion 40 of member 16 is sloped to a narrow bottom wear-resistant sealing ring 42 defining open bottom 39. Portion 40 is designed to fit down into the narrow bottom end or drain portion of a toilet bowl, with ring 42 seated therein in sealing engagement therewith for optional transfer of pressure and suction thereto and therefore optional drain block clearing efficiency.
On the down or compression stroke of handle 12, bellows 14 progressively exerts air pressure against such drain, while on the up stroke of handle 12 suction is exerted by bellows 14 on such drain to dislodge any obstruction. Efficient easily control-led pressure and suction are accomplished by the use of plunger 10 due to the seals effected by the shape of plunger 10 and the engagement of ring 42 and rim 38 with the toilet walls and to the nature of bellows 14. Plunger 10 can also be used to dislodge blocks in kitchen sinks, drain tubs, bath tubs, etc., with improved efficiency.
FIÇURE 3.
Figure 3 schematically depicts a modified form of the bellows and base member of the improved plunger of the present invention. Thus, bellows 14a and base member 16a are shown.
Components thereof similar to those of Figure 1 bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "a". Bellows 14a differs ....... ..
,, *~; ~ , ~, ()9 - 7 - 6623~-1213 from bellow 14 only in that pleats 26a thereof have curved or rounded outer peripheries 28a in contrast to the sharply angled pleats 26. Pleats 26a are uniformly thin walled. In addition, portion 24a has a squared off configuration. So also does rim 38a, in contrast to the rounded contours of rim 38. Bellows 14a and base member 16a are otherwise identical to bellows 14 and base member 16 and can be used with handle 12 to provide the present improvéd plunger.
A third preferred embodiment of the improved plunger of the invention is schematically depicted in Figure 4. Thus, plunger lOb is shown. Components thereof similar to those of plunger 10 (Figure 1) bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "b". Thus, plunger lOb includes handle 12b, bellows 14b and base member 16b. Handle 12b includes cap 18b which ex-tends transversely of handle 12b and bears padding 50 to enable hand pressure to be exerted more efficiently on bellows 14b.
It will be noted that bellows 14b is identical to bellows 14 and that rim 38b is squared off in the manner of rim 38a. In addition, ring 42b has an annular, depending, resilient, flexible skirt 52 of rubber, plastic or the like depending there-from, which skirt 52 aids in sealing plunger lOb to a toilet bowl drain. Thus, when bellows 14b is compressed, skirt 52 expands outwardly, directly contacting the toilet bowl surface defining the drain and thereby improving the seal effected by ring 42b.
Thus, plunger lOb is more efficient than conventional plungers.
7~
FIGURE 5.
A fourth preferred embodiment of the bellows and base member portion of the improved plunger of the present invention are schematically depicted in Figure 5. Thus, bellows 14c and base member 16c are shown. Components thereof similar to those of bellows 14 and base member 24 bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "c". It will be noted that base member 16c is identical tobase member 16 and that bellows 14c is identical to bellows 14, except that pleats 26c thereof are arranged in three sets 26c, 26c2 and 26c3 of increasing diameter, with the pleats 26c within each set substantially identical. This arrange-ment of pleats 26c further facilitates proper sequential collaps-ing or compression of bellows 14c and proper rebound of bellows 14c during use of the present plunger. Components 14c and 16c can be used with handle 12.
FIGURE _.
In Figure 6 a modification of handle 12 of plunger 10 is shown. ~hus, a portion of handle 12d is depicted schematically.
Handle 12d is identical to handle 12 except that its cap 18d is threadably receivable in a central threaded cavity 56 extending the length of handle 12d into communication with the bellows thereof (not shown). Handle 12d can be substituted for handle 12.
Cavity 56 is dimensioned to threadably rece:ive the metal connec-tor 58 of a garden hose 60, so that water under pressure can be delivered via hose 60 through handle 12d, and the associated bellows and hose member (not shown) to a toilet drain or other drain being wor~ed on, for improved obstacle clearing efficiency.
It will be understood that with cap 18d (instead of hose 60) screwed tightly in place in cavity 56, air pressure can be fully applied by plunger 10. If it is desired to remove that pressure or the resulting suction, for example, in order to free plungerlO from sealing engagement with a toilet, or to somewhat reduce the pressure or suction, in order to better control the forces delivered through the plunger, cap 18d can be unscrewed to expose bleed-off groove 62 thereof. Accordingly, the modifications of Figure 6 are useful in the improved plunger of the invention.
FIGURE 7.
A fifth preferred embodiment of the improved plunger of the present invention is schematically depicted in Figure 7.
Thus, plunger lOe is shown. Components thereof similar to those of Figure 1 bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "e". Thus, plunger lOe has handle 12e releasably secured, as by a screw 64, to bellows 14e. Bellows 14e is bee hive-shaped and includes rounded pleats 26e gradually increasing in diameter down to base member 16e. That member is similar to member 16, ex-cept that it includes an internal reinforcing ring 42e and a lower skirt 52e which slopes down and inwardly. All other components are the same as in plunger 10, and plunger lOe functions similarly thereof.
FIGURE 8.
A sixth preferred embodiment of the improved plunger of the invention is schematically depicted in Figure 8, with ~ ~'7S()~3 portions thereof cutaway to more clearly show the interior of the plunger. Components thereof similar to those of plunger 10 (Figure 1) bear the same numerals, but are succeeded by the letter "f". Thus, plunger lOf includes 12f, bellows 14f and base member 16f.
Plunger lOf is shown in an operative position with handle 12f having been moved downwardly to compress bellows 14f and collapse rim portion 38f. Plunger lOf is shown in use on a flat surface 41 having a drain 43 terminating at flat surface 41.
Plunger lOf has a rim 45 extending inwardly from ring 42f which provides an additional sealing surface around drain 43.
Plunger lOf has been designed to be especially appli-cable on flat surface drains. If the ordinary plunger is collapsed over a flat surface drain opening with the funnel extended, the plunger has a tendency to wabble all over the place, thereby un-covering the drain opening. Accordingly, presently available plungers generally require a tucking under of their funnels by hand when covering a flat drain, which is quite unsanitary. If the plunger were to be subsequently used in a toilet or other recessed drain, the funnel would then be required to be pulled outward, again resulting in an unsanitary operation. Applicant's plunger lOf avoids these problems by providing a plunger capable of effecting a double seal (via rim 45 and rim 38f) about a drain 43 on a flat surface 41 application without employing one's hands, and upon removal from drain 43, is ready for use in a toilet or other recessed drain.
, . ..
~7~
~ 66239-1213 Various other modifications, changes, alterations and additions can be made in the improved plunger of the present invention, its components and parameters. A11 such modifications, changes, alterations and additions as are within the scope of the appended claims form part of the present invention.
Claims (8)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An improved drain clearing plunger, said plunger comprising, in combination (a) an elongated plunger handle having a bottom end;
(b) an annular flexible, resilient base sealing member having (1) a central aperture extending vertically therethrough;
(2) a planar bottom portion having an inner and an outer periphery lying in a substantially horizontal plane and extending at said inner periphery radially from said central aperture, (3) an annular peripheral sealing rim connected to and extending only upwardly and outwardly from said outer periphery of said bottom portion; the arcuate curvature of said sealing rim extending in the vertical directional terminating at a thin walled collapsible top, (4) said bottom portion and peripheral sealing rim defining a nesting area, (c) a flexible, resilient, collapsible, multi-pleated bellows having its upper end connected to said bottom end of said handle, the pleats of said bellows being generally transverse to the vertical;
(d) said thin walled collapsible top lying in a substantially horizontal plane and having an inner and an outer periphery and being connected at said outer periphery to a top portion of said peripheral sealing rim:
(e) said bellows having a lower end, said bellows being connected at its lower end to said inner periphery of said collapsible top, (f) whereby compression of said bellows results in the nesting of the lower end of said bellows into said nesting area along with movement of said peripheral sealing rim radially outwards.
(b) an annular flexible, resilient base sealing member having (1) a central aperture extending vertically therethrough;
(2) a planar bottom portion having an inner and an outer periphery lying in a substantially horizontal plane and extending at said inner periphery radially from said central aperture, (3) an annular peripheral sealing rim connected to and extending only upwardly and outwardly from said outer periphery of said bottom portion; the arcuate curvature of said sealing rim extending in the vertical directional terminating at a thin walled collapsible top, (4) said bottom portion and peripheral sealing rim defining a nesting area, (c) a flexible, resilient, collapsible, multi-pleated bellows having its upper end connected to said bottom end of said handle, the pleats of said bellows being generally transverse to the vertical;
(d) said thin walled collapsible top lying in a substantially horizontal plane and having an inner and an outer periphery and being connected at said outer periphery to a top portion of said peripheral sealing rim:
(e) said bellows having a lower end, said bellows being connected at its lower end to said inner periphery of said collapsible top, (f) whereby compression of said bellows results in the nesting of the lower end of said bellows into said nesting area along with movement of said peripheral sealing rim radially outwards.
2. The improved plunger of claim 1, wherein said bellows and base sealing member are unitary and wherein said handle is releasably secured thereto.
3. The improved plunger of claim 1 wherein said handle has a padded transversely extending upper end cap to facilitate operation of said bellows.
4. The improved plunger of claim 1 wherein said bellows and base sealing member are generally cylindrical and unitary and comprise rubber or plastic.
5. The improved plunger of claim 4 wherein said handle is generally cylindrical and knurled to provide a hand grip and has a flared bottom releasably connected to said bellows.
6. The improved plunger of claim 1 wherein said bellow pleats increase in diameter from about the top of said bellows to about the bottom thereof for improved bellows collapsibility.
7. The improved plunger of claim 6 wherein said bellows pleats uniformly increase in diameter from the top to the bottom of said bellows.
8. The improved plunger of claim 6 wherein said bellows has a plurality of sets of said pleats, the pleats within each set being of about uniform diameter.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000501545A CA1267509A (en) | 1986-02-11 | 1986-02-11 | Toilet bowl plunger |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000501545A CA1267509A (en) | 1986-02-11 | 1986-02-11 | Toilet bowl plunger |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1267509A true CA1267509A (en) | 1990-04-10 |
Family
ID=4132450
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000501545A Expired CA1267509A (en) | 1986-02-11 | 1986-02-11 | Toilet bowl plunger |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1267509A (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-02-11 CA CA000501545A patent/CA1267509A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |