GB2410985A

GB2410985A - Suction device

Info

Publication number: GB2410985A
Application number: GB0402860A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gordon James Ballantyne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-02-10
Filing date: 2004-02-10
Publication date: 2005-08-17
Also published as: GB0402860D0

Abstract

A suction device 300, configured to adhere to a surface, comprises a first and second sealing members 302 and 303 configured to form at least on chamber 304 when the device contacts the surface. The chamber comprises a valve 305 such that air may be extracted from the chamber creating a vacuum. The first and second sealing members may be arranged concentrically such that at least one, annular, vacuum chamber and may be circular, rectangular or triangular and may be deformable or non-deformable. The device may be used as a plumbing aid, a glazing tool or a lifting aid.

Description

SUCTION DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improvement to existing suction devices.

The invention further relates to devices configured for use as a plumbing tool.

The invention also consists of devices useful as glazing tools. The invention also relates to lifting aids.

Backaround to the Invention

To The evacuation of gas from an enclosed system causing the adhesion of one body to another is well known. This process of suction has been applied in a number of different roles with varying degrees of success. Methods which use suction mediated adhesion have a number of advantages over more permanent means for attaching two bodies, most important of all, the evident semi permanent nature of suction mediated adhesion.

One aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a device which adheres to a surface via suction and causes either the redirection or stoppage of the transmission of materials from a hole in the surface. With reference to Fig. 1 2 o herein there is shown a common problem in domestic plumbing systems wherein a blockage has occurred between a sink and mains waste water pipe. This causes the retention of waste water between the sink and the blockage and makes it impossible to use the sink for fear of overfilling the sink with water which cannot drain away.

A conventional means of unblocking this sink would be to utilise a plunger, a common plumbing tool which generally consists of a flexible cup connected to a more solid handle, the cup is placed over the plug hole and through rapid undulations of the plunger handle pressure is exerted onto the water contained 3 o within the system leading, in most cases, to dislodgment and subsequent removal of the blockage. As can be seen from Fig. 1 this plumbing system also comprises an overflow pipe which is connected to an overflow outlet which is made into one side of the sink.

A function of the overflow outlet is to allow the removal of excess water if the sink ever becomes filled to the level of the overflow outlet. A common occurrence when plunging such a sink system however, is for waste water to be ejected from the overflow outlet due to an increase in pressure in the system, in many cases drenching the technician tasked to removing the blockage.

To An existing solution to this problem is to cover the overflow outlet with a piece of cloth whilst plunging of the system is taking place. A problem with using such a piece of cloth in this way is that it must continue to be held in place whilst the plunging is taking place which can be made all the more complicated if the technician conducting the plunging is by themselves as the plunger may require several undulations in order to remove the blockage, causing the technician in many cases to loosen their grip upon the cloth or to allow seepage or escape of material from the overflow outlet. Another disadvantage of using a piece of cloth in this way is that given the porous nature of cloth the system is in no way pressurized by this additional piece of work which has to be conducted by the o technician charged with removing the blockage from the system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a device which may be useful when disks or other shapes of material are required to be cut from a pane of glass or other transparent material. It is a known as problem when undertaking certain glazing activities that the danger exists of shards of glass escaping when the sheet is cut. Existing solutions to this problem include always cutting windows and other such structures from an exterior surface such that shards of material fall inside of the structure which the window is a component of. In addition, or alternatively, glaziers also use dust sheets or so other large pieces of material positioned at, or about, the window to be cut and, upon which, it is intended shards or other fragments of material will fall.

These existing solutions have a number of problems including the sometimes impracticality of accessing the exterior of a building to perform detailed cutting work, the random trajectory of glass fragments from an upper storey window which may take them far beyond the limited surface area which is protected by a dust sheet.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a solution to the problem of lifting and carrying heavy objects which do not have suitable handles or other means of carrying out such carrying and lifting activities.

To Existing solutions to this problem include the use of rope and single chamber suction cups. Each of these solutions has a number of problems related thereto.

Summarv of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and cost effective s solution to the problems outlined in relation to: blocking a hole in a surface so as to prevent the blow back of materials therefrom; o a means to collect stray fragments of material during cutting operations; an improvement to existing technologies relating to the lifting of objects.

Accordingly, in a 15t aspect, the invention provides a device configured to adhere to a surface using suction, comprising a first sealing member and a second sealing member, wherein the first sealing member and/or the second sealing member are configurable to form at least one chamber when the device is in close proximity to the surface and wherein each of these chambers comprises a valve such that air is able to be extracted and introduced into these 3 o chambers.

The invention, as described above, may be further characterised wherein the second sealing member is contained within the circumference of the first sealing member.

5An advantage of this configuration of the device is that a chamber of the device may be positioned between the first and second sealing members.

According to an alternate feature of the present invention the second sealing member may be positioned outside of the circumference of the first 10sealing member.

The device may be further characterized that the chamber is defined as being inside the circumference of either the first sealing member or the second sealing member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention the device may comprise a second chamber.

According to a further aspect of the present invention this second chamber 2 omay be positioned within the circumference of the first sealing member.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention the second chamber may be contained within the circumference of the second sealing member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention this second chamber may be configured such that it is filled, for example it may be formed from a solid mass.

soAccording to a still further aspect of the present invention the second chamber may be configured such that it forms an enclosed space when the device is in use. According to this specific aspect of the invention the closed space is formed on one side by the surface to which the device is adhered, on a second side a surface of the device and around the periphery of the chamber either the first and/or the second sealing member.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention the second chamber of the device may be substantially open to the environment when the device is in use.

According to a further aspect of the present invention the device may comprise an additional sealing member.

According to this further aspect of the present invention the additional sealing member may be formed outside of the circumference of the first sealing member.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention the additional sealing member may also be formed outside of the circumference of the second sealing member.

go According to a still further aspect of the present invention the device may comprise an additional chamber.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention this additional chamber may be either filled or substantially closed when said device is in use or substantially open when said device is in use to the environment.

According to a further aspect of the present invention the additional chamber may also comprise at least one additional valve.

so According to a further aspect of the present invention the valves of the device are configurable for use with a pooter. Pooter being a mouth suction device used by several professions including plumbers, electricians and entomologists.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention the valves of the device may be configurable for use with a pump. In this way the device may be attached to a given to a given surface using a pump, as is utilised by several trades including plumbers.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention the device may be substantially circular in cross section.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention the device may be substantially square, rectangular or triangular or any other simple geometric shape in cross section.

According to a further aspect of the present invention one or more of the chambers of the device may be circular, square, rectangular, triangular or any other suitable regular geometric shape.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention any one of the sealing members of the device may be circular, square, triangular, rectangular or any other simple geometric figure.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention the sealing members of said device may be constructed from materials which have a non deformable character.

According to a further aspect of the present invention any one of the sealing members may comprise a component formed of a material which has deformable 3 0 characteristics.

According to the specific feature of the invention the resilient, deformable component of the sealing member is a rubber band.

According to a further aspect of the present invention any one of the sealing members of the device may comprise a curved surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention the device may be configurable for use as a plumbing aid, a glazing tool, a lifting tool.

o According to a further aspect of the present invention the device may further comprise a handle.

According to a second specific aspect of the present invention there is provided a device configured to adhere to a surface, such that the device substantially blocks a hole in the surface. The device comprises an upper and a lower portion wherein the lower portion is substantially in contact with the surface when the device is in use. The lower portion comprises at least one inner sealing member and at least one outer sealing member, so that at least one inner sealing member and said at least one outer sealing member forming a first chamber when said device is in use. The first chamber further comprises a valve configured to regulate air flow to the first chamber. The lower portion further comprises a second chamber configured to substantially block the hole when the device is in use, the second chamber being positioned within the diameter of said at least one inner sealing member.

According to a third specific embodiment of the present invention there is provided a device configured to adhere to a surface, such that the device redirects the flow of material from a hole in the surface. Wherein the device comprises a first sealing member configured to form a first chamber when said 3 0 device substantially contacts said surface. The first chamber comprising a valve configured to regulate air pressure in the first chamber. The device further comprises a second sealing member configured to form a second chamber when the device substantially contacts the surface. The second chamber being configurable to substantially abort the hole and wherein the second chamber is configurable to redirect the flow of material from the hole via an aperture formed into this second chamber.

According to a fourth specific aspect of the present invention there is provided advice configured to adhere to the surface and prevent the escape of material from said surface. The device comprises an upper and a lower portion and the lower portion is substantially in contact with the surface when the device To is in use. The lower portion comprises at least one inner sealing member and at least one outer sealing member. Said at least one inner sealing member and said at least one outer sealing member forming a first chamber when said device is in use. This first chamber comprises a valve configured to regulate air flow to the first chamber. Lower portion further comprises a second chamber configurable to prevent the escape of material from the surface. The second chamber being positioned within the diameter of said at least one inner sealing member.

According to a fifth specific aspect of the present invention there is provided a device configured to adhere to the surface of a load, such that the device may be used as a lifting aid. The device comprises a plurality of sealing members configured to form a plurality of chambers when the device is in contact with the surface of a load. Each chamber of said plurality of chambers comprises at least one valve and each valve is configured to regulate air pressure in each chamber.

Brief Descrintion of the Drawinas For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present o invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Detailed Descrintion There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

According to a first specific embodiment of the present invention and with Jo reference to Fig. 1 herein there is shown a common problem experienced in all types of plumbing systems. Taking as an example a standard domestic sink and drainage system, there is provided a sink 101, a plug and chain 102 and a primary means of draining water from the sink via plug hole 103 and an auxiliary means of removing excess water from the sink via overflow outlet 104. Waste water from the sink 101 is most normally drained via plug hole 103 which is connected to waste water pipe 105 which is connected into the main waste water pipe 106 and then carried away from the house for further processing and recycling. In the case that the sink 101 becomes overly full with water, additional liquid can also drain from the sink via overflow outlet 104 through overflow pipe go 107 which is connected to waste water pipe 105 which is in turn, as previously explained is connected to the main waste water pipe 106.

A blockage 108 has arisen in said waste water pipe 105 which has caused the unwanted retention of water in the waste water pipe 105, overflow pipe 107 and sink 101. The most normal means of clearing such a blockage would be to utilise a plunger, a common plumbers tool. The plunger would be placed over the plug hole 103 and through a series of violent undulations would cause an increase in pressure in the water contained in the waste water pipe 105 hopefully dislodging the blockage 108.

However, If such plunging was undertaken in the plumbing system as shown in Fig. 1, due to an increase in the pressure of water in the waste water pipe 105 it is likely that a back flow of liquid would emerge from the connected overflow outlet 104 via overflow pipe 107. If the water contained in this domestic plumbing arrangement is soiled this would be an unpleasant experience for the individual undertaking the plunging as they would, in all likelihood, be sprayed with this soiled water.

With reference to Fig. 2 herein there is shown a similar domestic plumbing system in which the waste water pipe 105 of a sink 101 has developed a blockage 108 causing the retention of waste water in the waste water pipe 105, the overflow pipe 107 and the sink 101. In Fig. 2 there is also shown a device 201 according to a first specific embodiment of the present invention which has been adhered to the surface of the sink 101 such that the device 201 abuts the overflow outlet 104 of the sink. The device 201 adheres to the surface of sink 101 using suction.

Once the device 201 has been securely attached to the sink 101 so as to overlie the overflow outlet 104, the plumbing system may be safely plunged using a plunger 202 upon plug hole 103. As the overflow outlet 104 is now sealed via device 201 no back flow of liquid from the domestic plumbing system will occur So and the individual plunging the plug hole 103 may safely continue to do so without fear of being sprayed with soiled water from the overflow outlet 104.

In addition the attachment of device 201 to sink 101 over overflow outlet 104 also causes the plumbing system formed from overflow pipe 107 and waste water pipe 105 to become pressurised such that when this system is plunged using plunger 202 no pressure is dissipated via the overflow outlet 104 and as a result of this, increased pressure is applied to the blockage 108 facilitating its removal from the waste water pipe 105.

o In addition according to this first specific embodiment of the present invention the device 201 comprises a second chamber which is positioned over the overflow outlet 104, this second chamber is of a size sufficient to contain the plug and chain 102 which are semi-permanently attached to the overflow outlet 104. This second chamber in the device means that the plug and chain 102 do not need to be removed from the overflow outlet 104/sink 101 before sealing of the overflow outlet can be achieved, cutting down on the work involved in attending to this blockage 108 in the plumbing system.

With reference to Fig. 3 herein, there is shown a lower surface 301 of a device according to this first specific embodiment of the present invention. The lower surface/portion of the device 300 comprises a first sealing member 302 and JO a second sealing member 303. According to this specific embodiment of the present invention the device 300 is circular in cross section and cylindrical in three dimensions. The first sealing member 302 is arranged at the circumference of the device 300. The second sealing member 303 is arranged as an internal circle within the circumference of the first sealing member 302. Defined between the outer circumference of the second sealing member 303 and the inner circumference of the first sealing member 302 is a suction chamber 304. The suction chamber 304 further comprises a valve 305, via this valve 305 air pressure may be regulated in the suction chamber 304 such that when said device 300 is placed in contact with a surface and air is evacuated from the 2 o suction chamber 304, the device 300 adheres to the surface.

According to a further aspect of this specific embodiment of the present invention the device 300 further comprises a sealed chamber 306. This sealed chamber 306 is contained within the circumference of the second sealing 2 5 member 303 and in this specific example of the present invention is formed as a circle whose centre is placed at the centre of the device 300.

With reference to Fig. 4 herein there is shown a cut through view of the device 300. As stated previously the device consists of a lower surface 301 and an upper surface 401. Formed into the device is a first sealing member 302 which runs around the complete periphery of the lower surface 301 of the device 300. Inside of the circumference of this first sealing member 302 is a second sealing member 303. Defined by the relative circumferences of the first sealing member 302 and the second sealing member 303 is a suction chamber 304.

Positioned between the upper surface 401 of the device 300 and the suction chamber 304 of the device is a suction valve 305. Inside the circumference of the second sealing member 303 is a second chamber which is also sealed 306 when the device is in use.

As can be seen in this cut through view of the device 300 the suction chamber 304 and sealed chamber 306 are formed due to the first sealing JO member 302 and the second sealing member 303 being configured at a greater height than the majority of the lower surface 301 of the device 300. According to a further aspect of the first specific embodiment of the present invention said first sealing member 302 and said second sealing member 303 comprise the following component parts: one rubber band (402 and 403) per sealing member.

As previously explained the first sealing member 302 and second sealing member 303 protrude from the majority of lower surface 301 of the device 300.

The first sealing member 302 and the second sealing member 303 further comprise a cylindrical rubber band 402 and 403 for said first sealing member 302 2 o and said second sealing member 303 respectfully. These rubber bands 402 and 403 are positioned in a groove 404 and 405 for said first sealing member and said second sealing member 303 respectfully. These rubber bands 402 and 403, function when said lower surface 301 of said device 300 is positioned upon a surface, given the resilient nature of rubber a seal is quickly formed around the 2 5 first chamber/suction chamber 304 and the second chamber/sealed chamber 306 defined by the relative positioning of the first sealing member 302 and the second sealing member 303 on the lower surface 301 of the device.

Air is evacuated from the suction chamber 304 via the suction valve 305 and the device 300 adheres to the surface via this suction. The grooves 404 and 405 made into the first sealing member 302 and the second sealing member 303 respectively allow the rubber bands 402 and 403 some degree of movement when forces begin to act upon the device 300 due to the removal of air from the suction chamber 304 and the pulling of the device into closer contact with the surface.

According to a second specific embodiment of the present invention and with reference to Fig. 5 herein there is provided a further device configured to adhere to a surface and redirect the flow of material from a hole in the surface.

The inventors consider this second specific embodiment of the present o invention to be useful in situations as depicted in Figs. 1 and 2 and/or subsequent Figs relating to the general problems of blow back from plumbing systems which are being plunged or otherwise worked upon to remove blockages. With reference to Fig. 5 herein and according to this second specific embodiment of the present invention, the device 500 comprises the following features, an upper and a lower portion 501, wherein the lower portion 501 of the device is configurable to contact said surface when said device 500 is in use. The lower surface 501 of the device 500 further comprises a first sealing member 502, and according to this second specific embodiment of the present invention this first sealing member 502 is in the form of a rectangle.

Defined by the circumference of this first sealing member 502 is a first chamber 503. This first chamber 503 comprises a valve 504, and via this valve 504 the pressure of air in the first chamber 503 may be regulated.

The lower surface 501 of the device 500 further comprises a second sealing member 505, and according to this specific embodiment of the present invention this second sealing member 505 is in the form of a triangle formed away from said first sealing member 502. Defined by the circumference of the second sealing member 505 is a second chamber 506 which functions as a redirection So means for material flowing from a hole in the surface to which the device 500 is configured to adhere. This second chamber/redirection means 506 further comprises an aperture 507 such that material flowing from the hole is directed out of the second chamber 506 through the aperture 507.

The lower surface 501 of the device 500 further comprises a third sealing member 508. According to this specific embodiment of the present invention the third sealing member is formed as a continuous structure around the circumference of said lower surface 501. A third chamber 509 is defined by the relative dimensions of the third sealing member 508. According to this second specific embodiment of the present invention the first sealing member 502, the To first chamber 503, the second sealing member 505 and the second chamber 506 are all contained within the circumference of this third sealing member 508.

With reference to Fig. 6 herein there is shown an upper portion 601 of said device 500. The upper portion 601 of the device 500 comprises the valve 504, the second chamber/redirection means 506 and the aperture 507. The device 500 further comprises a handle 602 such that the device 500 can be efficiently positioned and held in place prior to its adhesion to the surface.

The device 500 may be used as follows, with reference to Fig. 1 herein said 2 0 device 500 is positioned such that the second chamber/redirection means 506 is positioned over the overflow outlet 104. Once this is achieved the remainder of the device 500 is positioned such that it is in contact with the surface of the sink 101. In particular, the first sealing member 502 is ensured to be in good contact with the surface of said sink. Once this is achieved air is extracted via valve 504 from said first chamber 503 such that the device adheres to the surface of the sink 101. Following this attachment the plumbing system may be effectively plunged as previously explained, once such plunging commences it is expected that water will flow up said overflow pipe 107 through said overflow outlet 104 and into said second chamber/redirection means 506. Seeking to escape this second chamber 506, water will be ejected from said overflow outlet 104 and will pass through said aperture 507 and be directed to the bottom of said sink 101 and will not contact the operator of the plunger.

The aperture 507 is configured such that the plug and chain 102 may be threaded through said aperture before the attachment of the device 500 to the sink surface. The inventors consider this embodiment of the present invention to be particularly useful when it is not considered advisable to increase the pressure in the system, due to ageing fixtures or defective pipe work for instance. The system must still be plunged if the blockage is to be removed, but undue pressure stresses are not placed onto the plumbing system as pressured liquids can be ejected from the system via said overflow outlet 104 and said aperture JO 507 relieving any such pressure build ups.

With reference to Fig. 7 herein there is shown a further use to which the first and second embodiments of the present invention may be put. Shown in Fig. 7 is a common arrangement of sinks, seen in many public venues, for instance, cinemas, supermarkets and pubs. As can be seen this particular aperture bathroom system 701 comprises 5 sinks (702, 703, 704, 705 and 706). As previously explained with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 herein each of these sinks comprises a plug hole (707, 708, 709, 710, 711) which is connected via a first waste water pipe (724, 725, 726, 727, 728) to the main waste water pipe of the go system 723. In addition, each of these sinks also comprises an overflow outlet (712, 713, 714, 715, 716) which is connected to the first waste water pipe of each sink via an overflow pipe (717, 718, 719, 720, 721).

As can be seen from Fig. 7, a blockage 729 has occurred in the trunk waste water pipe 722 causing the retention of waste water throughout the system and leading to the blockage of all 5 sinks. The blockage 729 has occurred in the waste water pipe 722 after the joining of the waste water pipe 728connected to the last sink 706, the row comprising this sink system 701. A conventional means to remove this blockage would be to use a plunger 730 as shown in Fig. o 7. The efficiency of using such a plunging device on this type of sink system 701 wherein the system comprises a plurality of sinks, each sink having a plug hole and overflow outlet is less than the efficiency of using such a plunging device on a more simple plumbing system as shown in Fig. 1 and 2 herein. This is due to the dissipation of pressure produced by the plunging action of the plunger on the system, through the displacement of water out of any one of the plurality of plug holes (707, 708, 709, 710, 711) and overflow outlets (712, 713, 714, 715, 716) in the system 701. Also, as previously explained the discharge of such waste water from these plug holes and overflow outlets is a problem for any individual undertaking such action, as, in all likelihood, they will become wet from such waste water discharge.

To The inventors therefore consider the use of their device in such a situation to be beneficial for a number of reasons. As seen in Fig. 7 devices according to either the first or second embodiment of the present invention has been affixed to the overflow outlet (712, 713, 714, 715, 716) and plug hole (707, 708, 709, 710, 711) of sinks 702, 703, 704 and 705. In addition, a device according to a first or second embodiment of the present invention has also been affixed over the overflow pipe of sink 706. As previously described sink 706 lies closest to the blockage 729 in the trunk waste water pipe 722 and therefore the application of a plunging action upon the plug hole of sink 706 should cause the maximum increase in pressure upon said blockage resulting in an efficient and speedy o resolution of the blockage.

The choice of whether to use a device according to a first or second embodiment of the present invention would be left to the individual who is undertaking the removal of the blockage 729. As will be clear, the use of devices Q according to the first specific embodiment of the present invention will lead to a sealing of the plumbing system and therefore a pressurization of the plumbing system will occur, which will further facilitate the removal of the blockage 729 once plunging begins as the pressure placed into the system via the plunging device will seek to be dissipated and in all likelihood this will cause a dislodging of o the blockage 729 as the body least resistant.

The use of devices in this situation which are as described for the second specific embodiment of the present invention would again lead to an increase in the pressure in the system as the aperture made into each of the devices according to the second specific embodiment would, in almost all situations, be less than the size of the overflow outlet and/or plug hole. So although an increase pressure in the system would eventually be displaced through the devices according to the second specific embodiment there would still be an increase in the pressure in the system as the evacuation of such waste water would have to take place through a smaller space.

As previously explained in certain situations an individual may choose to use devices according to the second specific embodiment of the present invention if they consider the overall plumbing system or, as in this example, sink system 701 to be unable to withstand the pressurization which would result from s the use of only devices according to the first specific embodiment of the present invention.

As a further way of utilising the invention the inventors also consider it possible that in a situation as shown in Fig. 7 devices according to the first and go second specific embodiment may be used upon different overflow outlets and plug holes as seems appropriate to the technician charged with removing the blockage.

With reference to Fig. 8 herein there is shown a further specific embodiment of the present invention. According to this third specific embodiment of the present invention there is provided a device 801 which is configurable to be fitted into the toilet bowl 802 of a standard toilet 803 such that via the adhesion of the device 801 to the surface of the toilet bowl 802 the passage of material from below the device into the toilet bowl is substantially prevented. The device 801, 3 o functions in a similar manner to either the first or second specific embodiments of the present invention. Meaning that the device 801 may act as a complete barrier to the passage of material from below the device into the toilet bowl or alternatively the device 801 may comprise an aperture such that materials from below of the device 801 may pass through this aperture into the toilet bowl but the flow of these materials is redirected such that they do not contact or cause damage to either the toilet, the toilets immediate environment or any individuals who may be near by.

Now shown here in Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a set of two cubicled toilets as may be found in many public venues, for instance, supermarkets, cinemas, pubs. In a first cubicle 901 there is shown the toilet 803 To as illustrated in Fig. 8. This toilet consisting of a toilet bowl and a water chamber 804. As can be seen this toilet 803 is connected via a sewage pipe 902 to a larger second sewage pipe 903 which itself is connected to the main sewage pipe 904 which would lead directly to a sewer. A blockage 910 has occurred in sewer pipe 903 such that water and material in sewage pipe 902 and 903 have not been able to escape into the main sewage pipe 904.

This toilet system further comprises a second cubicle 905, in which is situated a second toilet 906 which comprises a toilet bowl 907 and a water chamber 908. The second toilet 906 is again connected to the main sewage pipe 2 o 904 via a first sewage pipe 909 and the connecting larger sewer pipe 903. As the blockage 910 in the second sewage pipe 903 is situated between the connection of sewage pipe 909 to sewage pipe 903 and the connection of sewage pipe 903 to the main sewage pipe 904, water and material is also unable to be evacuated from the second toilet 906.

With reference to Fig. 8 herein a device 801 has been fitted into the toilet bowl 802 of the first toilet 803 such that material from sewage pipe 902 cannot find a way into toilet bowl 802. As will be obvious, even more so than when working upon a sink system, it is imperative that when acting to remove a So blockage from a toilet system no trapped waste water or materials inside the system are allowed to escape as these are potentially very noxious and unpleasant to say nothing of the potential health implications of coming into contact with such materials.

The removal of blockages from a sink, or sink system involves plunging of the system and is an effective means of removing most types of simple blockage.

Also, as previously explained when such plunging is conducted upon a plumbing system the water contained within the system will seek to relieve the pressure via the easiest means. Therefore, if device 801 was not securely attached to the toilet bowl 802 of said first toilet 803 when plunging of the second toilet bowl 907 Jo occurred in all likelihood some water and/or material would be issued from said toilet 803 at least into said toilet bowl 802. The use of device 801 in said toilet bowl 802 prevents this occurrence.

The use of the device acts as a pressurization seal onto the system further facilitating the removal of blockage 910.

An alternate means of removing such blockages from plumbing systems particularly utilised with reference to toilet systems is a flexible rod apparatus, which, in this particular example, would be passed into sewage pipe 909 through toilet bowl 907 and then into pipe 903 and then through manipulation passed down pipe 903 towards the main sewage pipe 904 until contact is made with blockage 910. Through manipulation of the flexible rod apparatus attempts would be made to remove the blockage by direct physical contact.

The introduction of such apparatus into the plumbing system will again lead to an increase in pressure within the system and also require the displacement of water and/or materials from the system of an identical quantity to the size of the flexible rod which is introduced into the system. Therefore, the device 801 could again be effectively used to ensure that no waste water and/or materials escaped o from said sewage pipe 902 into toilet bowl 802 or further afield.

The use of such flexible rod apparatus is also possible for unblocking sinks, and therefore when such apparatus is used on sink systems devices according to any of the first or second specific embodiments of the present invention may be utilised.

With reference to Fig. 10 herein there is shown a device according to a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention 1001, this device comprises a first sealing member 1002 and a second sealing member 1003. The first sealing member 1002 is arranged around the circumference of the device 1001 in JO a continuous and uninterrupted fashion. The second sealing member 1003 is arranged within the circumference of the first sealing member 1002 and is also arranged in a continuous uninterrupted manner. Between the first sealing member 1002 and the second sealing member 1003 is a first chamber 1004.

:5 When the device is in use the first chamber 1004 and the first and second sealing members 1002 and 1003 respectively are configured to be in close proximity to the surface to which said device will adhere. The first chamber 1004 further comprises a suction valve 1005, the valve 1005 is used to regulate air pressure in said 1St chamber 1004, when said first and second sealing members 2 o are in contact with said surface to which the device 1001 will adhere. In this way, the device 1001 may be adhered to a surface using suction forces such that the first chamber 1004 attaches to the surface when air pressure inside is reduced via the valve 1005.

The device 1001 further comprises a second chamber 1006, the second chamber 1006 is positioned within the circumference of the second sealing member 1003. This second chamber 1006 comprises a centre indication 1007, this centre indication 1007 indicates the centre of the device and may be utilised by the user of the device to accurately position a cutting tool or other device in or over the centre of the second chamber 1007. The second chamber 1006 also comprises a series of radius measurement gradiations 1008 originating about the centre indication 1007.

With reference to Fig. 11 herein there is shown the device 1001 according to the specific embodiment of the present invention in use. The device 1001 has been adhered to a pane of glass 1101 which forms a window positioned in window frame 1102. The device 1001 has been adhered to the glass 1101 via the evacuation of air from the first chamber 1004 using the valve 1005. As the first chamber is defined by the first sealing member 1002 and the second sealing member 1003 the first chamber 1004 is sealed against the window/glass 1101.

The inventors consider this specific embodiment of the present invention to o be particularly useful as a glaciers aid. Once the device 1001 has been successfully adhered to the window/glass 1101, through the glass 1101 the centre indication 1007 and radius measurement gradiations 1008 can be seen.

Then, using a glass cutter 1103, a glazier or other individual can position the glass cutter such that one end (most normally a fixing member suction cup) can be fitted over the centre indication and then using the radius measurement gradiations the cutting of the glass cutter can be positioned over pertinent radius measurement and a glass disk of an appropriate size can be cut from the glass/window 1 101.

So The presence of the device on the opposite side of the glass/window 1101 means that any particles or shards of glass created during the cutting of the window are captured by the second chamber 1006 and cannot present a hazard to others present in the vicinity of this glazing activity. In the absence of the device, such particles or shards of glass would be free to drop from the window thereby having the potential to cause harm to others in the immediate environment, also such shards, even if not causing immediate harm, would need to be adequately cleared away to make the immediate environment safe afterwards.

3 o At the end of the cutting procedure air is reintroduced into the first chamber 1004 via the first valve 1005 and the device 1001 may be simply peeled away from glass/window 1101 ensuring that any shards or particles of glass created during the cutting remain inside the second chamber 1006 making the disposal of these glass shards a simple affair.

With reference to Fig. 12 herein there is shown a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device configured to adhere to a surface of a load, such that the device may be used as a lifting aid in the movement of said load.

The device 1200 comprises a lower portion 1201 and an upper portion 1301 JO as shown in Fig. 13. When in use the device 1200 is configured such that the lower portion 1201 is in contact with the surface of said load.

According to this fifth specific embodiment of the present invention the lower portion 1201 of the device 1200 comprises a first sealing member 1202, a :s second sealing member 1203 and a third sealing member 1204. The first sealing member 1202, the second sealing member 1203 and third sealing member 1204 are arranged concentrically such that a series of 3 chambers are defined by the relative dimensions and positioning of the first sealing member 1202, second sealing member 1203 and third sealing member 1204.

Between the first sealing member 1202 and the second sealing member 1203 which is entirely contained within the circumference of said first sealing member 1202 is a first chamber 1205. Similarly, between the inner circumference of said second sealing member and the outer circumference of : said third sealing member which is entirely contained within the circumference of said second sealing member, is defined a second chamber 1206. Finally, contained within the circumference of said third sealing member 1204 is a third chamber 1207. Each of the first, second and third chambers (1205, 1206 and 1207 respectively) also comprises a valve (1208, 1209, 1210). The first valve o 1208 being positioned in said first chamber, the second valve 1209 being positioned in said second chamber 1206 and the third valve 1210 being positioned inside said third chamber 1207. As with previous embodiments of the present invention the function of each of these valves is to regulate the air pressure inside the respective chambers to which they are connected.

With reference to Fig. 13 herein there is shown the upper surface 1301 of the device according to this fifth specific embodiment of the present invention.

Said upper surface 1301 of said device 1200 comprises said first, second and third valves (1208, 1209 and 1210 respectively) and a handle 1302. The handle 1302 allows the user of the device 1200 to attain a better grip upon a load to which the device 1200 is attached.

With reference to Fig. 14 herein there is shown a load 1401 to which has been attached two devices according to this fifth specific embodiment of the present invention (1402 and 1403 respectively). As can be seen from Fig.14 the first and second device (1402 and 1403 respectively) have been attached to one side of the load 1401. Similarly, a further two devices have been attached to the opposite side of the load detail not shown in Figure.

These devices are attached to the load according to the methodology as previously explained for the other embodiments of the present invention. That is, o the device is placed upon a surface of the load and then air is evacuated from the first, second and third valve such that the device adheres to this surface. A similar methodology is repeated for the second device and all subsequent devices which are adhered to the surface of the load.

s As can be seen from Fig. 14 in this particular example the load is a smooth sided cuboid without any obvious means of lifting or safely carrying. The use of two devices upon either side of the load 1401 means that one, or a number of individuals, can use the specially formed handles (1404 and 1405 respectively) to lift and carry the load to its required destination.

The construction of the device according to this specific embodiment of the present invention which uses multiple chambers to adhere the device to a surface of a load means that even if one of these suction chambers is disrupted the remaining chambers should allow the load to be safely lowered back to the ground after which the device can be firmly reattached to the surface.

Claims

Claims: 1. A device configured to adhere to a surface using suction,

comprising; a first sealing member; and a second sealing member; wherein said first sealing member and/or said second sealing member are o configured to form at least one chamber when said device contacts said surface; wherein said at least one chamber comprises a valve such that air is extractable from said at least one chamber.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second sealing member is contained within the circumference of said first sealing member.
3. A device as claimed in either claim 1 or 2 wherein said at least one chamber is positioned between said first sealing member and said second sealing member.
4. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second sealing member is outside of the circumference of said first sealing member.
5. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 4, wherein said at least one chamber is defined as being inside the circumference of either said first sealing member or said second sealing member.
6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said device o comprises a second chamber.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said second chamber is positioned within the circumference of said first sealing member.
8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said second chamber is contained within the circumference of said second sealing member.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said second chamber is filled.
10. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said second chamber forms a closed space when said device is in use.
11. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said second chamber is substantially open when said device is in use.
12. A device as claimed in any preceding claims wherein said device comprises at least one additional sealing member.

o
13. A device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said at least one additional member is outside of the circumference of said first sealing member.
14. A device as claimed in either of claims 12 or 13, wherein said at least one additional sealing member is outside of the circumference of said :s second sealing member.
15. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said device comprises at least one additional chamber.
16. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of said at least one additional chambers is filled.
17. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of said at least one additional chambers is closed when said device is in use.
18. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of said at least one additional chambers is open when said device is in use.
19. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said device comprises at least one additional valve.
20. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the valves of said device are configurable for use with a pouter.
21. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said valve is configurable for use with a pump.
22. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said device is substantially circular.
23. A device as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein said To device is substantially square.
24. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein said device is substantially rectangular.
25. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein said device is triangular.
26. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said at least one chamber is circular.
27. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said at least one chamber is square.
28. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said at least one chamber is rectangular.
29. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said at least one chamber is triangle.
30. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein any one of said sealing members is circular.
31. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein any one of said sealing members is square.
32. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein any one of said sealing members is rectangular.
33. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein any one of said sealing members is triangle.
34. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said sealing members are non-deformable.
35. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 33, wherein said sealing members comprise a deformable component.
36. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said resilient component comprises a rubber band.
37. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said sealing o member comprises a curved surface.
38. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is configured for use as a plumbing aid.
39. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said device is configured for use as a glazing tool.
40. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said device is configured for use as a lifting aid.
41. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said device further comprises a handle.
42. A device configured to adhere to a surface, such that said device substantially blocks a hole in said surface; wherein said device comprises an upper and a lower portion, wherein said lower portion is substantially in contact with said surface when said device is in use; So said lower portion comprising at least one inner sealing member and at least one outer sealing member, said at least one inner sealing member and said at least one outer sealing member forming a first chamber when said device is in use; said first chamber comprising a valve configured to regulate air flow to said first chamber; said lower portion further comprising a second chamber, configured to substantially block said hole when said device is in use; ' said second chamber being positioned within the diameter of said at least one inner sealing member.
43. A device configured to adhere to a surface, such that said device redirects the flow of material from a hole in said surface; wherein said device comprises a first sealing member, configured to form a first chamber when said device substantially contacts said surface; said first chamber comprises a valve configured to regulate air pressure in said first chamber; said device further comprises a second sealing member, configured to form a second chamber when said device substantially contacts said surface; said second chamber being configurable to substantially abuts said hole; wherein said second chamber is configurable to redirect the flow of material from said hole via an aperture formed into said second chamber.
44. A device configured to adhere to a surface and prevent the escape 2 0 of material from said surface; wherein said device comprises an upper and a lower portion and said lower portion is substantially in contact with said surface when the device is in use; said lower portion comprises at least one inner sealing member and at least one outer sealing member, said at least one inner sealing member and said at least one outer sealing member forming a first chamber when said device is in use; 3 o said first chamber comprising a valve configured to regulate air flow to said first chamber; said lower portion further comprising a second chamber configurable to prevent the escape of material from said surface; said second chamber being positioned within the diameter of said at least one inner sealing member.
45. A device configured to adhere to a surface of a load, such that said device is configurable for use as a lifting aid; To said device comprising a plurality of sealing members, configured to form a plurality of chambers, when said device is in contact with said surface; wherein each chamber of said plurality of chambers comprises at least one valve, said at least one valve being configured to regulate air pressure in said chamber.