US20240035265A1

US20240035265A1 - Plunger for use with sanitary disposable cover

Info

Publication number: US20240035265A1
Application number: US18/193,478
Authority: US
Inventors: Laura Barrie Diamond; Kaleigh Francesca Diamond
Original assignee: Lalila LLC
Current assignee: Lalila LLC
Priority date: 2022-08-01
Filing date: 2023-03-30
Publication date: 2024-02-01

Abstract

A method includes positioning a disposable cover over a base of a plunger and extending along a handle of the plunger. The method also includes securing the disposable cover to the handle of the plunger using a disposable cover fastener.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 63/370,095 filed on Aug. 1, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to plunger devices and processes. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an improved plunger for use with a sanitary disposable cover.

BACKGROUND

Plungers are typically used for clearing out clogged pipes. Typically, when a pipe is clogged, the fluids that are backed up contain waste materials. When a plunger is used, the waste materials contact the plunger. The plunger drips and transfers the contaminants outside the area of the clogged pipe. Additionally, plungers are typically let to dry out without cleaning. When this happens, the contaminants remain on a surface of the plunger and can spread through the area in which the plunger is stored.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides an improved plunger for use with a disposable cover.
In a first embodiment, a method includes positioning a disposable cover over a base of a plunger and extending along a handle of the plunger. The method also includes securing the disposable cover to the handle of the plunger using a disposable cover fastener.
In a second embodiment, an apparatus includes a disposable cover and a disposable cover fastener. The disposable cover can be positioned over a base of a plunger and extending along a handle of the plunger. The disposable cover fastener can be configured to secure the disposable cover to the handle of the plunger.
In a third embodiment, an apparatus includes a plunger, a disposable cover, and a disposable cover fastener. The plunger includes a base and a handle. The disposable cover can be positioned over the base of the plunger and extending along the handle of the plunger. The disposable cover fastener can be configured to secure the disposable cover to the handle of the plunger.
In an embodiment, a plunger system includes a plunger for clearing a clogged pipe and a plunger container for receiving and storing the plunger. The plunger includes a plunger cup, a plunger handle, and a disposable cover fastener. The plunger cup is formed of a flexible material and is configured to create a seal when applied around a pipe to define an inner volume and plunge the inner volume of air down the clogged pipe when compressed. The plunger handle is coupled to a center of an outer surface of the plunger cup and is configured to transfer a force applied by a user to the plunger cup. The plunger handle includes a fixed portion and a removable portion. The fixed portion is coupled to the plunger cup at a first end the fixed portion including a disposable cover passage extending through a center of the fixed portion. The removable portion is removably coupled to a second end of the fixed portion, the removeable portion including a disposable cover storage configured to store a plurality of disposable covers, where the disposable covers can be removed through an opening in the removable portion and threaded through the disposable cover passage to an interior of the plunger cup. The disposable cover fastener is coupled to the plunger handle and configured to secure a disposable cover around the plunger cup and at least a portion of the plunger handle. The plunger container includes a container base, a container body, a container lid, and a container dome. The container base is configured to support the plunger. The container body is coupled to the container base and configured to isolate the plunger from an exterior of the plunger container. The container lid is removably coupled to the container body and is configured to open or close to access or secure the plunger in an interior of the container body. The container dome is coupled to the container base and extends into the interior of the container body and configured to position the disposable cover within an interior of the plunger cup, where a shape of the container dome compliments an interior surface of the plunger cup.
Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example plunger system in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an example plunger system in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example plunger system in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example plunger system in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate an example plunger container in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example plunger container with straps for accepting a disposable bag pouch in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example plunger with perforated disposable bags stored in a plunger handle in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example plunger container with a portion of the container body separating in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example container lid with a secondary lid for access to a disposable cover storage in the container lid in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 10A through 10C illustrate an example dual hinge container lid for access to a disposable cover in the container lid in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example container lid with a disposable cover drawer in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate disposable covers in accordance with this disclosure;

FIGS. 13A through 13G illustrate a disposable cover fastener in accordance with this disclosure;

FIG. 14A through 14F illustrate disposable cover containers in accordance with this disclosure; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a disposable cover fastener for a plunger in accordance with this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 15 , described below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.
As described above contaminants from clogged pipes can cause a plunger container and the area around the clogged pipe to also become contaminated due to improper cleaning of a used plunger. There are neuro viruses that can survive on the plunger for more than two weeks. Plungers can harbor dangerous bacteria and spread the bacteria to other objects in a bathroom.
The most common types of bacteria that can be spread by a used plunger can include E. Coli, salmonella, shigella, vibrio, etc. E. Coli can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, etc. Salmonella can cause vomiting, nausea, headaches, chills, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, etc. Shigella can cause bloody diarrhea, adnominal pains, stomach cramps, fever, etc. Vibrio can cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever, etc.
Soap and water is not enough to kill these viruses. Every part of the plunger must be totally disinfected with a bleach disinfectant immediately following each use in order to not spread these viruses. If a plunger is contaminated, the floor and the plunger container will also be contaminated.
The USA has over 123.6 million households, 139,930 schools, 5300 colleges and or universities, and countless businesses, restaurants, malls, airplanes, cruise ships, buses, trains, and hotels. All of these have toilets which can become clogged and most likely use a plunger. 76% of Americans have experienced a clogged toilet in a public restroom. Toilets can clog in various way including excessive toilet paper, baby wipes, feminine products, child toys, excessive dumping, etc. 86% of Americans say a clogged public restroom toilet would negatively impact their opinion of a business. Additionally, clogged toilets can result in foul odors, restroom closures, unhappy customers, and increased maintenance costs.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example plunger system 100 in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1A illustrates an example plunger system 100 with a plunger 102 in a plunger container 104, FIG. 1B illustrates an example disposable bag 106 applied to the plunger 102 within the plunger container 104. The embodiments of the plunger system 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B are for illustration only. FIGS. 1A and 1B do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a plunger system.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, plunger system 100 can reduce contamination spread by incorporating a disposable cover 106. The disposable cover 106 can isolate the surfaces of the plunger 102 from any contaminants related to a backed up pipe. The disposable cover 106 can conform to the inner surfaces of the plunger 102 to maximize the air plunged to relieve a clogged pipe. After the pipe is unclogged, the disposable cover 106 can be removed from the plunger 102 and disposed of in the toilet or other trash. The plunger 102 can be returned to the plunger container 104 without spreading any contaminants. In certain embodiments, a replacement disposable cover 108 can be manually or automatically positioned over the plunger 102 to be ready for a subsequent clogging.
The plunger 102 can be used to relieve clogged pipes and can fit within the plunger container 104. The plunger 102 can include a plunger cup 110, a plunger handle 112, and a disposable cover fastener 114. When a pipe needs to be unclogged, the plunger cup 110 can have an opened end placed over the pipe or area leading to a pipe such as a toilet. The plunger cup 110 can create a seal around the pipe between a pocket of air inside of the plunger cup 110 and the environment outside of the plunger cup 110. A user can apply a linear force to the plunger handle 112 in the direction of the plunger cup 110 to forcibly move the air into the pipe, relieving the clogged pipe after one or more pumps.
When the clogged pipe is not relieved on a pump, the plunger handle 112 can be lifted in the opposite direction of the pump to break the seal of the plunger cup 110. The plunger cup 110 is replaced around the pipe opening to reengage the seal of the plunger cup 110. The process can be repeated until the clogged is relieved. A typical plunger 102 can be around twenty inches in height from a base of the plunger cup 110 to a top of the handle 112. The plunger cup 110 can create a seal around an opening of a clogged pipe to isolate a pocket of air within the plunger cup 110 from an outside environment.
The plunger handle 112 can be used by a user to hold the plunger 102 and apply a force to the plunger cup 110. The plunger handle 112 can include a fixed portion 116 and a removable portion 118.
The fixed portion 116 provides a grippable surface for the plunger 102. The fixed portion 116 is fixed to an outside surface of the plunger cup 110. The fixed portion 116 can be centered in relation to a fringe of the plunger cup 110. The fixed portion 116 can be made of any sturdy material including wood, plastics, metal, or any other suitable sturdy material.
The removable portion 118 can be removably coupled to an end of the fixed portion 116 opposite from an end of the fixed portion 116 coupled to the plunger cup 110. In certain embodiments, the removable portion 118 can extend three inches.
The removable portion 118 can include a disposable cover storage 120 for storing disposable covers 106. The disposable cover storage 120 can store multiple disposable covers 106. As a disposable cover 106 is removed from the disposable cover storage 120 for use, a subsequent disposable cover 108 can have a portion extend from the disposable cover storage 120 for the next use.
In certain embodiments, the disposable cover storage 120 can be accessible to replace subsequent disposable covers 108. For example, a pack of disposable covers 106 or multiple disposable covers can be inserted into the disposable cover storage 120 for multiple uses. The disposable cover storage 120 can have a flexible opening that can be expanded to access the disposable cover storage.
In certain embodiments, the disposable cover storage 120 is not accessible without destroying the removable portion 118 of the plunger handle 112. A separate removable portion 118 of the plunger handle 112 can be purchased with a disposable cover storage 120 filled with disposable covers 106. Each time the disposable cover storage is emptied, a new removeable portion 118 with a disposable cover storage 120 filled with disposable covers 106 can replace the old removable portion 118 that has a disposable cover storage 120 depleted of disposable covers 106.
The plunger handle 112 can further include a disposable cover passage 122. The disposable cover passage 122 can extend through either or both of the fixed portion 116 and the removable portion 118 of the plunger handle 112. The disposable cover passage 122 can end on an inside of the plunger cup 110.
The disposable cover fastener 114 can fasten the disposable cover 106 to the plunger handle 112. While illustrated as positioned between the fixed portion 116 and the removeable portion 118 of the plunger handle 110, the disposable cover fastener can be positioned anywhere on the fixed portion 116 or the removeable portion 118 of the plunger handle 110.
The disposable cover fastener 114 can be an expandable ring that contracts around the plunger handle 110. The expandable ring can be made of an elastic material, such as a rubber, amorphous polymer, or any other suitable elastic material. The expandable ring can be pulled to place ends of the disposable cover 106 between the expandable ring and the plunger handle 112. Once the ends of the disposable cover 106 are in place, the expandable ring can be released to retract, compressing and holding the ends of the disposable cover 106 to the plunger handle 112 in order to maintain the disposable cover 106 around the plunger cup 110.
In certain embodiments, the disposable cover fastener 114 can be a hook, clip, or any other fastener for holding a cover around an outside surface of the plunger cup 110 and the fixed portion 116 of the plunger handle 112. The disposable cover 106 can be fastened on using the disposable cover fastener 114 to maintain the disposable cover 106 to the outside of the plunger 102 while clearing a clogged pipe.
The container 104 can store the plunger 102 while being more aesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 104 can also protect the plunger 102 from other contaminants while not in use. The container 104 can include a container body 124, a container base 126, a container lid 128, a container dome 130, and a container handle 132. The container body 124, the container base 126, and the container lid 128 can contain the plunger 102.
The container body 124 can be any shape to receive the plunger 102. For example, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. The container body 124 can extend a length greater than a length of the plunger 102. The container body 124 can be made of a sturdy material that is aesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any other suitable material.
The container base 126 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of the container body 124. The container base 126 can include features like feet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 126 can be the same material or a different material from the container body 124. For example, the container base 126 could be a hard plastic while the container body 124 is metal.
The container lid 128 can removably coupled to an end of the container body 124 opposite from the container base 126. The container lid 128 can be removed in order to store or remove the plunger 102. The container lid 128 can be fit coupled with the container body 124 where the container lid 128 can be manually or automatically separated from the container body 124. The container lid 128 can be hingedly coupled with the container body 124. The container lid 128 can be rotated about a hinge to expose an interior of the container body 124. The container lid 128 can be made of a similar material or different material from either or both of the container body 124 and the container base 126. In certain embodiments, the container lid 128 and the container body 124 can be made of matching materials while the container base 126 can be made of a different material. In other embodiments, the container lid 128 and the container base 126 can be made of matching materials while the container body 124 can be made of a different material.
The container dome 130 can extend from the container base 126 into the interior of the container body 124. The container dome 130 can be shaped similarly to an inside of the plunger cup 110. The container dome 130 can help position the disposable cover 106 within the interior of the plunger cup 110. The container dome 130 can be made of a similar material to the base 126. In certain embodiments, the container dome 130 can be made of a less expensive plastic due to not being seen from the exterior of the container 104.
The container handle 132 can be coupled to the container lid 128. The container handle 132 can be used to control coupling and removing of the container lid 128. For example, a user can lift the container handle 132 to expose an interior of the container 104. The container handle 132 can be made of a matching or different material from the container lid 128.
The disposable cover 106 can cover the plunger cup 106 and the fixed portion 116 of the plunger handle 112. Multiple disposable covers 106 can be stored in the disposable cover storage 120 of the handle 112. A disposable cover 106 can be partially withdrawn from the disposable cover storage 120 of the removeable portion 118 of the plunger handle 112. The partially withdrawn portion of the disposable cover 106 can be used to remove the entire disposable cover 106 from the disposable cover storage 120 or to be threaded through the disposable cover passage 122 to an inside of the plunger cup 110. The disposable cover 106 can be pulled out of the disposable cover passage 122 and inverted around the plunger cup 110. The disposable cover 106 can be attached to the plunger handle 112 by the disposable cover fastener 114.
As back end of the disposable cover 106 is finally removed from the disposable cover passage 122, a subsequent disposable cover 108 is exposed from the disposable cover passage 122 a distance that allows for subsequent use while not interfering with the current plunging. The front end of the disposable cover 106 is opened and the back end of the disposable cover 106 is closed. When the subsequent disposable cover 108 is pulled through the disposable cover passage 122, the disposable cover can extend into the plunger cup for an amount that can be gripped by a user but not interfere with plunging.
After plunging activities have occurred, the disposable cover 106 can be removed from the disposable cover fastener 114. The disposable cover 106 can be flipped inside out trapping the contaminants inside of the disposable cover. The disposable cover 106 can be disposed of in the trash. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover 106 is made of a material that disintegrates after an extended period from exposure to fluids, including water. The disposable cover 106 can be properly disposed of in the toilet or unclogged pipe. For example, the disposable cover 106 can be designed to dissolve after ten minutes of exposure to fluids, including water.
Although FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example plunger system 100, various changes may be made to FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 100 and their individual components can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placement of various components of the plunger system 100 can vary as needed or desired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any other suitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processes described above.
FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an example plunger system 200 in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2A illustrates an example plunger system 200 with a plunger 202 in a plunger container 204, FIG. 2B illustrates an example plunger container 204, and FIG. 2C illustrates an example disposable bag 206 applied to the plunger 202 within the plunger container 204. The embodiments of the plunger system 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2C are for illustration only. FIGS. 2A through 2C do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a plunger system.
As shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C, plunger system 200 can reduce contamination spread by incorporating a disposable cover 206. The disposable cover 206 can isolate the surfaces of the plunger 202 from any contaminants related to a backed up pipe. The disposable cover 206 can conform to the inner surfaces of the plunger 202 to maximize the air plunged to relieve a clogged pipe. After the pipe is unclogged, the disposable cover 206 can be removed from the plunger 202 and disposed of in the toilet or other trash. The plunger 202 can be returned to the plunger container 204 without spreading any contaminants. In certain embodiments, a replacement disposable cover 208 can be manually or automatically positioned over the plunger 202 to be ready for a subsequent clogging.
The plunger 202 can be used to relieve clogged pipes and can fit within the plunger container 204. The plunger 202 can include a plunger cup 210, a plunger handle 212, and a disposable cover fastener 214. When a pipe needs to be unclogged, the plunger cup 210 can have an opened end placed over the pipe or area leading to a pipe such as a toilet. The plunger cup 210 can include one or more through holes 216. The through hole 216 is a hole that extends completely through the plunger cup 210, which would typically render the plunger cup 210 useless by not being able to create a sealed pocket of air on the interior of the plunger cup 210. However, when the plunger 202 is placed into the disposable cover 206, a barrier is created by the disposable cover 206. The through holes 216 allow any air between an interior surface of the plunger cup 210 and the corresponding surface of the disposable cover 206 to be evacuated outside of the plunger cup 210. This evacuation of air from the plunger cup 210 cause a vacuum to draw the disposable cover to the interior surface of the plunger cup 210 blocking the through holes and effectively allowing for the disposable cover 206 to create the pocket of air used to plunge the clogged pipe. The number of through holes can vary with a size of a plunger cup 210. Also, the placement of the through holes 216 can vary and include multiple rows at different heights of the plunger cup 210.
The plunger cup 210 with the disposable cover 206 can create a seal around the pipe between a pocket of air inside of the plunger cup 210 and the environment outside of the plunger cup 210. A user can apply a linear force to the plunger handle 212 in the direction of the plunger cup 210 to forcibly move the air into the pipe, relieving the clogged pipe after one or more pumps.
When the clogged pipe is not relieved on a pump, the plunger handle 212 can be lifted in the opposite direction of the pump to break the seal of the plunger cup 210. The plunger cup 210 is replaced around the pipe opening to reengage the seal of the plunger cup 210. The process can be repeated until the clogged is relieved. A typical plunger 202 can be around twenty inches in height from a base of the plunger cup 210 to a top of the plunger handle 212. The plunger cup 210 can create a seal around an opening of a clogged pipe to isolate a pocket of air within the plunger cup 210 from an outside environment.
The plunger handle 212 can be used by a user to hold the plunger 202 and apply a force to the plunger cup 210. The plunger handle 212 provides a grippable surface for the plunger 202. The plunger handle 212 is fixed to an outside surface of the plunger cup 210. The plunger handle 212 can be centered in relation to a fringe of the plunger cup 210. The plunger handle 212 can be made of any sturdy material including wood, plastics, metal, or any other suitable sturdy material. The disposable cover fastener 214 can fasten the disposable cover 206 to the plunger handle 212. The disposable cover fastener can be positioned anywhere on the plunger handle 210.
The disposable cover fastener 214 can be an expandable ring that contracts around the plunger handle 210. The expandable ring can be made of an elastic material, such as a rubber, amorphous polymer, or any other suitable elastic material. The expandable ring can be pulled to place ends of the disposable cover 206 between the expandable ring and the plunger handle 212. Once the ends of the disposable cover 206 are in place, the expandable ring can be released to retract, compressing and holding the ends of the disposable cover 206 to the plunger handle 212 in order to maintain the disposable cover 206 around the plunger cup 210.
In certain embodiments, the disposable cover fastener 214 can be a hook, clip, or any other fastener for holding a cover around an outside surface of the plunger cup 210 and the plunger handle 212. The disposable cover 206 can be fastened on using the disposable cover fastener 214 to maintain the disposable cover 206 to the outside of the plunger 202 while clearing a clogged pipe.
The container 204 can store the plunger 202 while being more aesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 204 can also protect the plunger 202 from other contaminants while not in use. The container 204 can include a container body 224, a container base 226, a container lid 228, and disposable cover fixtures 230. The container body 224, the container base 226, and the container lid 228 can contain the plunger 202.
The container body 224 can be any shape to receive the plunger 202. For example, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. The container body 224 can extend a length greater than a length of the plunger 202. The container body 224 can be made of a sturdy material that is aesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any other suitable material.
The container base 226 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of the container body 224. The container base 226 can include features like feet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 226 can be the same material or a different material from the container body 224. For example, the container base 226 could be a hard plastic while the container body 224 is metal.
The container lid 228 can removably coupled to an end of the container body 224 opposite from the container base 226. The container lid 228 can be removed in order to store or remove the plunger 202. The container lid 228 can be fit coupled with the container body 224 where the container lid 228 can be manually or automatically separated from the container body 224. The container lid 228 can be hingedly coupled with the container body 224. The container lid 228 can be rotated about a hinge to expose an interior of the container body 224. The container lid 228 can be made of a similar material or different material from either or both of the container body 224 and the container base 226. In certain embodiments, the container lid 228 and the container body 224 can be made of matching materials while the container base 226 can be made of a different material. In other embodiments, the container lid 228 and the container base 226 can be made of matching materials while the container body 224 can be made of a different material.
The disposable cover fixtures 230 can be used to hang disposable covers 206. The disposable cover fixtures 230 can extend from an interior surface of the container body 224. The disposable cover 206 can cover the plunger cup 206 and the plunger handle 212. Multiple disposable covers 206 can be stored in the interior of the plunger container on the disposable cover fixture 230. A disposable cover 206 can be partially withdrawn from the disposable cover fixture 230. The partially withdrawn portion of the disposable cover 206 can be used to separate an open end of the disposable cover 206. The plunger 202 can be inserted into the disposable cover 206 for a next use.
As the disposable cover 206 is removed from the disposable cover fixture 230, a subsequent disposable cover 208 can be partially removed from the disposable cover fixture 230 a distance that allows for subsequent use while not interfering with removing the plunger 202 from the plunger container 204.
After plunging activities have occurred, the disposable cover 206 can be removed from the disposable cover fastener 214. The disposable cover 206 can be flipped inside out trapping the contaminants inside of the disposable cover. The disposable cover 206 can be disposed of in the trash. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover 206 is made of a material that disintegrates after an extended period from exposure to fluids, including water. The disposable cover 206 can be properly disposed of in the toilet or unclogged pipe. For example, the disposable cover 206 can be designed to dissolve after ten minutes of exposure to fluids, including water.
Although FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an example plunger system 200, various changes may be made to FIGS. 2A through 2C. For example, the sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 200 and their individual components can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placement of various components of the plunger system 200 can vary as needed or desired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any other suitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processes described above.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example plunger system 300 in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 3A illustrates an example plunger system 300 with a plunger 302 in a plunger container 304, FIG. 3B illustrates an example disposable bag 306 applied to the plunger 302 within the plunger container 304. The embodiments of the plunger system 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B are for illustration only. FIGS. 3A and 3B do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a plunger system.
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, plunger system 300 can reduce contamination spread by incorporating a disposable cover 306. The disposable cover 306 can isolate the surfaces of the plunger 302 from any contaminants related to a backed up pipe. The disposable cover 306 can conform to the inner surfaces of the plunger 302 to maximize the air plunged to relieve a clogged pipe. After the pipe is unclogged, the disposable cover 306 can be removed from the plunger 302 and disposed of in the toilet or other trash. The plunger 302 can be returned to the plunger container 304 without spreading any contaminants. In certain embodiments, a replacement disposable cover 308 can be manually or automatically positioned over the plunger 302 to be ready for a subsequent clogging.
The plunger 302 can be used to relieve clogged pipes and can fit within the plunger container 304. The plunger 302 can include a plunger cup 310, a plunger handle 312, and a disposable cover fastener 314. When a pipe needs to be unclogged, the plunger cup 310 can have an opened end placed over the pipe or area leading to a pipe such as a toilet. The plunger handle 312 can include a through hole 316. The through hole 316 is a hole that extends completely through the plunger handle 312 from the plunger cup 310, which would typically render the plunger cup 310 useless by not being able to create a sealed pocket of air on the interior of the plunger cup 310. However, when the plunger 302 is placed into the disposable cover 306, a barrier is created by the disposable cover 306. The through hole 316 allows any air between an interior surface of the plunger cup 310 and the corresponding surface of the disposable cover 306 to be evacuated outside of the plunger cup 310. This evacuation of air from the plunger cup 310 cause a vacuum to draw the disposable cover to the interior surface of the plunger cup 310 blocking the through holes and effectively allowing for the disposable cover 306 to create the pocket of air used to plunge the clogged pipe.
The plunger cup 310 with the disposable cover 306 can create a seal around the pipe between a pocket of air inside of the plunger cup 310 and the environment outside of the plunger cup 310. A user can apply a linear force to the plunger handle 312 in the direction of the plunger cup 310 to forcibly move the air into the pipe, relieving the clogged pipe after one or more pumps.
When the clogged pipe is not relieved on a pump, the plunger handle 312 can be lifted in the opposite direction of the pump to break the seal of the plunger cup 310. The plunger cup 310 is replaced around the pipe opening to reengage the seal of the plunger cup 310. The process can be repeated until the clogged is relieved. A typical plunger 302 can be around twenty inches in height from a base of the plunger cup 310 to a top of the plunger handle 312. The plunger cup 310 can create a seal around an opening of a clogged pipe to isolate a pocket of air within the plunger cup 310 from an outside environment.
The plunger handle 312 can be used by a user to hold the plunger 302 and apply a force to the plunger cup 310. The plunger handle 312 provides a grippable surface for the plunger 302. The plunger handle 312 is fixed to an outside surface of the plunger cup 310. The plunger handle 312 can be centered in relation to a fringe of the plunger cup 310. The plunger handle 312 can be made of any sturdy material including wood, plastics, metal, or any other suitable sturdy material. The disposable cover fastener 314 can fasten the disposable cover 306 to the plunger handle 312. The disposable cover fastener can be positioned anywhere on the plunger handle 310.
The disposable cover fastener 314 can be an expandable ring that contracts around the plunger handle 310. The expandable ring can be made of an elastic material, such as a rubber, amorphous polymer, or any other suitable elastic material. The expandable ring can be pulled to place ends of the disposable cover 306 between the expandable ring and the plunger handle 312. Once the ends of the disposable cover 306 are in place, the expandable ring can be released to retract, compressing and holding the ends of the disposable cover 306 to the plunger handle 312 in order to maintain the disposable cover 306 around the plunger cup 310.
In certain embodiments, the disposable cover fastener 314 can be a hook, clip, or any other fastener for holding a cover around an outside surface of the plunger cup 310 and the plunger handle 312. The disposable cover 306 can be fastened on using the disposable cover fastener 314 to maintain the disposable cover 306 to the outside of the plunger 302 while clearing a clogged pipe.
The container 304 can store the plunger 302 while being more aesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 304 can also protect the plunger 302 from other contaminants while not in use. The container 304 can include a container body 324, a container base 326, a container lid 328, and disposable cover fixtures 330. The container body 324, the container base 326, and the container lid 328 can contain the plunger 302.
The container body 324 can be any shape to receive the plunger 302. For example, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. The container body 324 can extend a length greater than a length of the plunger 302. The container body 324 can be made of a sturdy material that is aesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any other suitable material.
The container base 326 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of the container body 324. The container base 326 can include features like feet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 326 can be the same material or a different material from the container body 324. For example, the container base 326 could be a hard plastic while the container body 324 is metal.
The container lid 328 can removably coupled to an end of the container body 324 opposite from the container base 326. The container lid 328 can be removed in order to store or remove the plunger 302. The container lid 328 can be fit coupled with the container body 324 where the container lid 328 can be manually or automatically separated from the container body 324. The container lid 328 can be hingedly coupled with the container body 324. The container lid 328 can be rotated about a hinge to expose an interior of the container body 324. The container lid 328 can be made of a similar material or different material from either or both of the container body 324 and the container base 326. In certain embodiments, the container lid 328 and the container body 324 can be made of matching materials while the container base 326 can be made of a different material. In other embodiments, the container lid 328 and the container base 326 can be made of matching materials while the container body 324 can be made of a different material.
The disposable cover fixtures 330 can be used to hang disposable covers 306. The disposable cover fixtures 330 can extend from an interior surface of the container body 324. The disposable cover 306 can cover the plunger cup 306 and the plunger handle 312. Multiple disposable covers 306 can be stored in the interior of the plunger container on the disposable cover fixture 330. A disposable cover 306 can be partially withdrawn from the disposable cover fixture 330. The partially withdrawn portion of the disposable cover 306 can be used to separate an open end of the disposable cover 306. The plunger 302 can be inserted into the disposable cover 306 for a next use.
As the disposable cover 306 is removed from the disposable cover fixture 330, a subsequent disposable cover 308 can be partially removed from the disposable cover fixture 330 a distance that allows for subsequent use while not interfering with removing the plunger 302 from the plunger container 304.
After plunging activities have occurred, the disposable cover 306 can be removed from the disposable cover fastener 314. The disposable cover 306 can be flipped inside out trapping the contaminants inside of the disposable cover. The disposable cover 306 can be disposed of in the trash. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover 306 is made of a material that disintegrates after an extended period from exposure to fluids, including water. The disposable cover 306 can be properly disposed of in the toilet or unclogged pipe. For example, the disposable cover 306 can be designed to dissolve after ten minutes of exposure to fluids, including water.
Although FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example plunger system 300, various changes may be made to FIGS. 3A and 3B. For example, the sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 300 and their individual components can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placement of various components of the plunger system 300 can vary as needed or desired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any other suitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processes described above.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example plunger system 400 in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates an example plunger system 400 with a plunger 402 in a plunger container 404, FIG. 4B illustrates an example disposable bag 406 applied to the plunger 402 within the plunger container 404. The embodiments of the plunger system 400 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B are for illustration only. FIGS. 4A and 4B do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a plunger system.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, plunger system 400 can reduce contamination spread by incorporating a disposable cover 406. The disposable cover 406 can isolate the surfaces of the plunger 402 from any contaminants related to a backed up pipe. The disposable cover 406 can conform to the inner surfaces of the plunger 402 to maximize the air plunged to relieve a clogged pipe. After the pipe is unclogged, the disposable cover 406 can be removed from the plunger 402 and disposed of in the toilet or other trash. The plunger 402 can be returned to the plunger container 404 without spreading any contaminants. In certain embodiments, a replacement disposable cover 408 can be manually or automatically positioned over the plunger 402 to be ready for a subsequent clogging.
The plunger 402 can be used to relieve clogged pipes and can fit within the plunger container 404. The plunger 402 can include a plunger cup 410, a plunger handle 412, and a disposable cover fastener 414. When a pipe needs to be unclogged, the plunger cup 410 can have an opened end placed over the pipe or area leading to a pipe such as a toilet. The plunger handle 412 can include a through hole 416. The through hole 416 is a hole that extends completely through the plunger handle 412 from the plunger cup 410, which would typically render the plunger cup 410 useless by not being able to create a sealed pocket of air on the interior of the plunger cup 410. However, when the plunger 402 is placed into the disposable cover 406, a barrier is created by the disposable cover 406. The through hole 416 allows any air between an interior surface of the plunger cup 410 and the corresponding surface of the disposable cover 406 to be evacuated outside of the plunger cup 410. This evacuation of air from the plunger cup 410 cause a vacuum to draw the disposable cover to the interior surface of the plunger cup 410 blocking the through holes and effectively allowing for the disposable cover 406 to create the pocket of air used to plunge the clogged pipe.
The plunger cup 410 with the disposable cover 406 can create a seal around the pipe between a pocket of air inside of the plunger cup 410 and the environment outside of the plunger cup 410. A user can apply a linear force to the plunger handle 412 in the direction of the plunger cup 410 to forcibly move the air into the pipe, relieving the clogged pipe after one or more pumps.
When the clogged pipe is not relieved on a pump, the plunger handle 412 can be lifted in the opposite direction of the pump to break the seal of the plunger cup 410. The plunger cup 410 is replaced around the pipe opening to reengage the seal of the plunger cup 410. The process can be repeated until the clogged is relieved. A typical plunger 402 can be around twenty inches in height from a base of the plunger cup 410 to a top of the plunger handle 412. The plunger cup 410 can create a seal around an opening of a clogged pipe to isolate a pocket of air within the plunger cup 410 from an outside environment.
The plunger handle 412 can be used by a user to hold the plunger 402 and apply a force to the plunger cup 410. The plunger handle 412 provides a grippable surface for the plunger 402. The plunger handle 412 is fixed to an outside surface of the plunger cup 410. The plunger handle 412 can be centered in relation to a fringe of the plunger cup 410. The plunger handle 412 can be made of any sturdy material including wood, plastics, metal, or any other suitable sturdy material. The disposable cover fastener 414 can fasten the disposable cover 406 to the plunger handle 412. The disposable cover fastener can be positioned anywhere on the plunger handle 410.
The disposable cover fastener 414 can be an expandable ring that contracts around the plunger handle 410. The expandable ring can be made of an elastic material, such as a rubber, amorphous polymer, or any other suitable elastic material. The expandable ring can be pulled to place ends of the disposable cover 406 between the expandable ring and the plunger handle 412. Once the ends of the disposable cover 406 are in place, the expandable ring can be released to retract, compressing and holding the ends of the disposable cover 406 to the plunger handle 412 in order to maintain the disposable cover 406 around the plunger cup 410.
In certain embodiments, the disposable cover fastener 414 can be a hook, clip, or any other fastener for holding a cover around an outside surface of the plunger cup 410 and the plunger handle 412. The disposable cover 406 can be fastened on using the disposable cover fastener 414 to maintain the disposable cover 406 to the outside of the plunger 402 while clearing a clogged pipe.
The container 404 can store the plunger 402 while being more aesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 404 can also protect the plunger 402 from other contaminants while not in use. The container 404 can include a container body 424, a container base 426, a container lid 428, and disposable cover fixtures 430. The container body 424, the container base 426, and the container lid 428 can contain the plunger 402.
The container body 424 can be any shape to receive the plunger 402. For example, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. The container body 424 can extend a length greater than a length of the plunger 402. The container body 424 can be made of a sturdy material that is aesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any other suitable material.
The container base 426 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of the container body 424. The container base 426 can include features like feet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 426 can be the same material or a different material from the container body 424. For example, the container base 426 could be a hard plastic while the container body 424 is metal.
The container lid 428 can removably coupled to an end of the container body 424 opposite from the container base 426. The container lid 428 can be removed in order to store or remove the plunger 402. The container lid 428 can be fit coupled with the container body 424 where the container lid 428 can be manually or automatically separated from the container body 424. The container lid 428 can be hingedly coupled with the container body 424. The container lid 428 can be rotated about a hinge to expose an interior of the container body 424. The container lid 428 can be made of a similar material or different material from either or both of the container body 424 and the container base 426. In certain embodiments, the container lid 428 and the container body 424 can be made of matching materials while the container base 426 can be made of a different material. In other embodiments, the container lid 428 and the container base 426 can be made of matching materials while the container body 424 can be made of a different material.
The disposable cover fixtures 430 can be used to hang disposable covers 406. The disposable cover fixtures 430 can extend from an interior surface of the container body 424. The disposable cover 406 can cover the plunger cup 406 and the plunger handle 412. Multiple disposable covers 406 can be stored in the interior of the plunger container on the disposable cover fixture 430. A disposable cover 406 can be partially withdrawn from the disposable cover fixture 430. The partially withdrawn portion of the disposable cover 406 can be used to separate an open end of the disposable cover 406. The plunger 402 can be inserted into the disposable cover 406 for a next use.
As the disposable cover 406 is removed from the disposable cover fixture 430, a subsequent disposable cover 408 can be partially removed from the disposable cover fixture 430 a distance that allows for subsequent use while not interfering with removing the plunger 402 from the plunger container 404.
After plunging activities have occurred, the disposable cover 406 can be removed from the disposable cover fastener 414. The disposable cover 406 can be flipped inside out trapping the contaminants inside of the disposable cover. The disposable cover 406 can be disposed of in the trash. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover 406 is made of a material that disintegrates after an extended period from exposure to fluids, including water. The disposable cover 406 can be properly disposed of in the toilet or unclogged pipe. For example, the disposable cover 406 can be designed to dissolve after ten minutes of exposure to fluids, including water.
Although FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example plunger system 400, various changes may be made to FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, the sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 400 and their individual components can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placement of various components of the plunger system 400 can vary as needed or desired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any other suitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processes described above.
FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate an example plunger container in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 5A illustrates an example plunger system 500 with a plunger 502 in a plunger container 504, FIG. 5B illustrates an example plunger container 504, and FIG. 5C illustrates an example disposable bag 506 applied to the plunger 502 within the plunger container 504. The embodiments of the plunger system 500 illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5C are for illustration only. FIGS. 5A through 5C do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a plunger system.
As shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C, the container 500 can store a plunger while being more aesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 500 can also protect the plunger from other contaminants while not in use. The container 500 can include a container body 524, a container base 526, a container lid 528, and disposable cover fixtures 530. The container body 524, the container base 526, and the container lid 528 can contain a plunger.
The container body 524 can be any shape to receive a plunger. For example, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. The container body 524 can extend a length greater than a length of the plunger. The container body 524 can be made of a sturdy material that is aesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any other suitable material.
The container base 526 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of the container body 524. The container base 526 can include features like feet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 526 can be the same material or a different material from the container body 524. For example, the container base 526 could be a hard plastic while the container body 524 is metal.
The container lid 528 can removably coupled to an end of the container body 524 opposite from the container base 526. The container lid 528 can be removed in order to store or remove the plunger 502. The container lid 528 can be fit coupled with the container body 524 where the container lid 528 can be manually or automatically separated from the container body 524. The container lid 528 can be hingedly coupled with the container body 524. The container lid 528 can be rotated about a hinge to expose an interior of the container body 524. The container lid 528 can be made of a similar material or different material from either or both of the container body 524 and the container base 526. In certain embodiments, the container lid 528 and the container body 524 can be made of matching materials while the container base 526 can be made of a different material. In other embodiments, the container lid 528 and the container base 526 can be made of matching materials while the container body 524 can be made of a different material.
The disposable cover fixtures 530 can be used to hang disposable covers 506. The disposable cover fixtures 530 can extend from an interior surface of the container lid 528. When the container lid 528 is opened, the disposable covers 506 are lifted from the interior above a top surface of the container body 524 providing easier access to the disposable cover 506. Multiple disposable covers 506 can be stored in the interior of the plunger container 500 on the disposable cover fixture 530. A disposable cover 506 can be partially withdrawn from the disposable cover fixture 530. The partially withdrawn portion of the disposable cover 506 can be used to separate an open end of the disposable cover 506. The plunger can be inserted into the disposable cover 506 for a next use.
Although FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate an example plunger system 500, various changes may be made to FIGS. 5A through 5C. For example, the sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 500 and their individual components can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placement of various components of the plunger system 500 can vary as needed or desired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any other suitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processes described above.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example plunger container 600 in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 6A illustrates an example plunger container 600 with a, FIG. 6B illustrates an example disposable bag 606 applied to the plunger 602 within the plunger container 604. The embodiments of the plunger system 600 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B are for illustration only. FIGS. 6A and 6B do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a plunger system.
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the container 600 can store a plunger while being more aesthetically pleasing in a bathroom. The container 600 can also protect the plunger from other contaminants while not in use. The container 600 can include a container body 624, a container base 626, a container lid 628, and disposable cover fixtures 630. The container body 624, the container base 626, and the container lid 628 can contain a plunger.
The container body 624 can be any shape to receive a plunger. For example, the container body can be shaped as a hollow cylinder. The container body 624 can extend a length greater than a length of the plunger. The container body 624 can be made of a sturdy material that is aesthetically pleasing, including metals, plastics, or any other suitable material.
The container base 626 can be fixedly coupled at a first end of the container body 624. The container base 626 can include features like feet, non-slip pads, etc. The container base 626 can be the same material or a different material from the container body 624. For example, the container base 626 could be a hard plastic while the container body 624 is metal.
The container lid 628 can removably coupled to an end of the container body 624 opposite from the container base 626. The container lid 628 can be removed in order to store or remove the plunger 602. The container lid 628 can be coupled with the container body 624 using a hinge 610. The container lid 628 can be rotated about a hinge to expose an interior of the container body 624. The container lid 628 can be made of a similar material or different material from either or both of the container body 624 and the container base 626. In certain embodiments, the container lid 628 and the container body 624 can be made of matching materials while the container base 626 can be made of a different material. In other embodiments, the container lid 628 and the container base 626 can be made of matching materials while the container body 624 can be made of a different material.
The container lid 628 can also contain disposable cover container fasteners 604 for holding a disposable cover container 602. The disposable cover container fasteners 604 can be any type of fastener for securing a disposable cover container 602 to an inside of the container lid 628. For example, the disposable cover container fasteners can be flexible straps. The flexible straps can be extended to insert of remove the disposable cover container 602.
The disposable cover container 602 can hold multiple disposable covers 606. The disposable cover container 602 can have a flexible outer surface with an opening 608 that can be opened by adding an inward force from opposite ends of the disposable cover container 602. The opening allows for gripping a subsequent disposable cover 606 and overcoming a perforation between adjacent disposable covers 606.
Although FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example plunger system 600, various changes may be made to FIGS. 6A and 6B. For example, the sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the plunger system 600 and their individual components can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placement of various components of the plunger system 600 can vary as needed or desired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any other suitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processes described above.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example plunger 700 in accordance with this disclosure. In particular, FIG. 7A illustrates an example plunger 700 and FIG. 7B illustrates an example disposable bag 706 applied to the plunger 700. The embodiments of the plunger 700 illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B are for illustration only. FIGS. 7A and 7B do not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a plunger.
As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a disposable cover 706 can isolate the surfaces of the plunger 700 from any contaminants related to a backed up pipe. The disposable cover 706 can conform to the inner surfaces of the plunger 700 to maximize the air plunged to relieve a clogged pipe. After the pipe is unclogged, the disposable cover 706 can be removed from the plunger 700 and disposed of in the toilet or other trash. The plunger 700 can be returned to the plunger container without spreading any contaminants. In certain embodiments, a replacement disposable cover 708 can be manually or automatically positioned over the plunger 700 to be ready for a subsequent clogging.
The plunger 700 can be used to relieve clogged pipes and can fit within a plunger container. The plunger 700 can include a plunger cup 710, a plunger handle 712, and a disposable cover fastener 714. When a pipe needs to be unclogged, the plunger cup 710 can have an opened end placed over the pipe or area leading to a pipe such as a toilet. The plunger cup 710 can create a seal around the pipe between a pocket of air inside of the plunger cup 710 and the environment outside of the plunger cup 710. A user can apply a linear force to the plunger handle 712 in the direction of the plunger cup 710 to forcibly move the air into the pipe, relieving the clogged pipe after one or more pumps.
When the clogged pipe is not relieved on a pump, the plunger handle 712 can be lifted in the opposite direction of the pump to break the seal of the plunger cup 710. The plunger cup 710 is replaced around the pipe opening to reengage the seal of the plunger cup 710. The process can be repeated until the clogged is relieved. A typical plunger 700 can be around twenty inches in height from a base of the plunger cup 710 to a top of the handle 712. The plunger cup 710 can create a seal around an opening of a clogged pipe to isolate a pocket of air within the plunger cup 710 from an outside environment.
The plunger handle 712 can be used by a user to hold the plunger 700 and apply a force to the plunger cup 710. The plunger handle 712 can include a fixed portion 716 and a removable portion 718.
The fixed portion 716 provides a grippable surface for the plunger 700. The fixed portion 716 is fixed to an outside surface of the plunger cup 710. The fixed portion 716 can be centered in relation to a fringe of the plunger cup 710. The fixed portion 716 can be made of any sturdy material including wood, plastics, metal, or any other suitable sturdy material.
The removable portion 718 can be removably coupled to an end of the fixed portion 716 opposite from an end of the fixed portion 716 coupled to the plunger cup 710. In certain embodiments, the removable portion 718 can extend three inches.
The removable portion 718 can include a disposable cover storage 720 for storing disposable covers 706. The disposable cover storage 720 can store multiple disposable covers 706. As a disposable cover 706 is removed from the disposable cover storage 720 for use, a subsequent disposable cover 708 can have a portion extend from the disposable cover storage 720 for the next use.
In certain embodiments, the disposable cover storage 720 can be accessible to replace subsequent disposable covers 708. For example, a pack of disposable covers 706 or multiple disposable covers can be inserted into the disposable cover storage 720 for multiple uses. The disposable cover storage 720 can have a flexible opening that can be expanded to access the disposable cover storage.
In certain embodiments, the disposable cover storage 720 is not accessible without destroying the removable portion 718 of the plunger handle 712. A separate removable portion 718 of the plunger handle 712 can be purchased with a disposable cover storage 720 filled with disposable covers 706. Each time the disposable cover storage is emptied, a new removeable portion 718 with a disposable cover storage 720 filled with disposable covers 706 can replace the old removable portion 718 that has a disposable cover storage 720 depleted of disposable covers 706.
The plunger handle 712 can further include a disposable cover passage 722. The disposable cover passage 722 can extend through either or both of the fixed portion 716 and the removable portion 718 of the plunger handle 712. The disposable cover passage 722 can end on an inside of the plunger cup 710.
The disposable cover fastener 714 can fasten the disposable cover 706 to the plunger handle 712. While illustrated as positioned between the fixed portion 716 and the removeable portion 718 of the plunger handle 710, the disposable cover fastener can be positioned anywhere on the fixed portion 716 or the removeable portion 718 of the plunger handle 710.
The disposable cover fastener 714 can be an expandable ring that contracts around the plunger handle 710. The expandable ring can be made of an elastic material, such as a rubber, amorphous polymer, or any other suitable elastic material. The expandable ring can be pulled to place ends of the disposable cover 706 between the expandable ring and the plunger handle 712. Once the ends of the disposable cover 706 are in place, the expandable ring can be released to retract, compressing and holding the ends of the disposable cover 706 to the plunger handle 712 in order to maintain the disposable cover 706 around the plunger cup 710.
In certain embodiments, the disposable cover fastener 714 can be a hook, clip, or any other fastener for holding a cover around an outside surface of the plunger cup 710 and the fixed portion 716 of the plunger handle 712. The disposable cover 706 can be fastened on using the disposable cover fastener 714 to maintain the disposable cover 706 to the outside of the plunger 700 while clearing a clogged pipe.
The disposable cover 706 can cover the plunger cup 706 and the fixed portion 716 of the plunger handle 712. Multiple disposable covers 706 can be stored in the disposable cover storage 720 of the handle 712. A disposable cover 706 can be partially withdrawn from the disposable cover storage 720 of the removeable portion 718 of the plunger handle 712. The partially withdrawn portion of the disposable cover 706 can be used to remove the entire disposable cover 706 from the disposable cover storage 720 or to be threaded through the disposable cover passage 722 to an inside of the plunger cup 710. The disposable cover 706 can be pulled out of the disposable cover passage 722 and inverted around the plunger cup 710. The disposable cover 706 can be attached to the plunger handle 712 by the disposable cover fastener 714.
As back end of the disposable cover 706 is finally removed from the disposable cover passage 722, a subsequent disposable cover 708 is exposed from the disposable cover passage 722 a distance that allows for subsequent use while not interfering with the current plunging. The front end of the disposable cover 706 is opened and the back end of the disposable cover 706 is closed. When the subsequent disposable cover 708 is pulled through the disposable cover passage 722, the disposable cover can extend into the plunger cup for an amount that can be gripped by a user but not interfere with plunging.
After plunging activities have occurred, the disposable cover 706 can be removed from the disposable cover fastener 714. The disposable cover 706 can be flipped inside out trapping the contaminants inside of the disposable cover. The disposable cover 706 can be disposed of in the trash. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover 706 is made of a material that disintegrates after an extended period from exposure to fluids, including water. The disposable cover 706 can be properly disposed of in the toilet or unclogged pipe. For example, the disposable cover 706 can be designed to dissolve after ten minutes of exposure to fluids, including water.
Although FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example plunger 700, various changes may be made to FIGS. 7A and 7B. For example, the sizes, shapes, and dimensions of the plunger 700 and their individual components can vary as needed or desired. Also, the number and placement of various components of the plunger 700 can vary as needed or desired. In addition, the plunger system may be used in any other suitable sanitary process and is not limited to the specific processes described above.
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example plunger container 800 with a portion 802 of the container body 804 separating from another portion 806 of the container body 804 in accordance with this disclosure. The lid 808 secures the first portion 802 and the second portion 806 from separating. Removing the lid 808 allows for the first portion 802 open and away from the second portion 806.
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example container lid 900 with a secondary lid 902 for access to a disposable cover storage 904 in the container lid 900 in accordance with this disclosure. The secondary lid 902 can be coupled to the container lid 900 by any means, including fitting, hinge, etc. Disposable covers can be stored in the disposable cover storage 904 of the container lid 900.
FIGS. 10A through 10C illustrate an example dual hinge container lid 1000 for access to a disposable cover storage 1002 in the container lid 1000 in accordance with this disclosure. The container lid 1000 can include a primary lid 1004 for accessing the interior of a plunger container 1006 and a secondary lid 1008 for accessing the disposable cover storage 1002. The primary lid 1004 can be coupled with the plunger container 1006 using a first hinge 1010. The secondary lid 1008 can be coupled to the primary lid 1004 using a secondary hinge 1012.
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example container lid 1100 with a disposable cover drawer 1102 in accordance with this disclosure. The disposable cover drawer 1102 can be pulled out of the container lid 1100 the expose a disposable cover storage.
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate disposable covers 1200, 1210 in accordance with this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12A, the disposable cover 1200 can have a main portion 1202 that extends for a height greater than a distance from a bottom of a plunger cup to a disposable cover fastener. A circumference of a cross section of the main portion 1202 along the length is greater than a largest circumference of a plunger cup. The disposable cover 1200 includes a ledge portion 1204 extending from an end of the main portion 1202. The ledge portion 1204 can extend at least a thickness of a plunger cup. The disposable cover 1200 can also include a cup portion 1206 that can extend into the plunger cup. The ledge portion 1204 can stop the disposable cover from pulling too tightly over the plunger, allowing the cup portion 1206 to extend into the plunger cup.
As shown in FIG. 12B, the disposable cover 1210 can have a main portion 1212 that extends for a height greater than a distance from a bottom of a plunger cup to a disposable cover fastener. A circumference of a cross section of the main portion 1212 along the length is greater than a largest circumference of a plunger cup. The disposable cover 1210 includes a narrow portion 1214 extending from an end of the main portion 1212. The narrow portion 1214 has a cross section that is smaller than a largest circumference of the plunger cup. The disposable cover 1210 can also include a cup portion 1216 that can extend into the plunger cup. The narrow portion 1214 can stop the disposable cover from pulling too tightly over the plunger, allowing the cup portion 1216 to extend into the plunger cup.
FIGS. 13A through 13G illustrate a disposable cover fasteners 1300-1307 in accordance with this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13A, the disposable cover fastener 1300 can be formed in a “C” shaped cylinder. The “C” shaped cylinder can have an opening that is used to position the disposable cover fastener 1300 around a grip of the plunger to secure a disposable cover around a plunger. The disposable cover fastener 1300 can be made of a flexible material, such as silicon, to allow for insertion of the plunger into a center of the disposable cover fastener 1300.
As shown in FIG. 13B, disposable cover fastener 1301 can be shaped similar to disposable cover fastener 1300. The disposable cover fastener 1301 can have a top portion 1310 that has a greater thickness than a body portion 1312.
As shown in FIG. 13C, the disposable cover fastener 1302 can include hinges 1320 and clasps 1322. The hinges 1320 can allow for the disposable cover fastener 1302 to be opened and closed. The clasps 1322 can be secured to maintain the disposable cover fastener 1302 in a closed positioned around a disposable cover and plunger.
As shown in FIGS. 13D and 13E, the disposable cover fasteners 1303 and 1304 can be formed of an elastic material to bias a “wrapped” configuration. That is, the disposable cover fasteners 1303 and 1304 can be stretched flat to be positioned on the plunger and when released the disposable cover fasteners 1303 and 1304 can use the bias to wrap around the plunger.
As shown in FIG. 13F, the disposable cover fastener 1305 can include hinges 1320, clasps 1322 and silicon rings 1324. The silicon rings 1324 can be formed with a thicker silicone than the body portion 1312. The silicon rings 1324 can create a seal with the plunger to keep water from entering the bags and exposing the plunger to contaminated liquid.
As shown in FIG. 13G, the disposable cover fastener 1306 can include hinges 1320 and silicon rings 1324. The silicon rings 1324 can be formed with a thicker silicone than the body portion 1312. The silicon rings 1324 can create a seal with the plunger to keep water from entering the bags and exposing the plunger to contaminated liquid.
FIG. 14A through 14E illustrate disposable cover containers 1400-1405 in accordance with this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 14A, disposable cover fastener can include a disposable cover storage 1400. The disposable cover storage 1400 can extend from a top surface of a disposable cover fastener. The disposable cover storage 1400 can include a storage portion 1410 and a lid 1412. The storage portion 1410 can connect to a surface of the disposable cover fastener and have an interior space for storing disposable covers. The lid 1412 can be separated from the storage portion 1410 to expose the stored disposable cover to be removed for covering the plungers.
As shown in FIG. 14B, the storage portion 1410 of the disposable cover container 1401 can include a bottom surface 1414 and a slit dispenser 1416. The bottom surface 1414 can secure the disposable covers in the interior of the storage portion 1410. The slit dispenser 1416 can be located on a different surface from the bottom surface 1414. The slit dispenser 1416 allows for easy removal of disposable covers from an interior of the storage portion 1410 of the disposable cover container 1401.
As shown in FIG. 14C, the disposable cover container 1402 can be a waterproof sealed box. The disposable cover container 1402 can include different storage compartments 1418 and 1420. The storage compartment 1418 can be used to store disposable covers and the storage compartment 1420 can be used to store any of the disposable cover fasteners. The storage compartment 1418 can include a cover with a slit dispenser 1422 for removing individual disposable covers from the storage compartment 1418. The disposable cover container 1402 can also include a lid 1424 for enclosing the storage compartments 1418 and 1420. The lid 1424 can be secured using a latch 1426.
As shown in FIG. 14D, the disposable cover container 1403 can include separate lids 1428 and 1430 for each storage compartment 1418 and 1420. In certain embodiments, the disposable cover container 1403 can have a lid 1428 that does not cover the storage compartment 1418 for the slit dispenser 1422.
As shown in FIG. 14E, the disposable cover container 1404 can have separate lids 1428 and 1430 for each storage compartments and the lids 1428 and 1430 can be rotate in opposite directions to be opened.
As shown in FIG. 14F, the disposable cover container 1405 can include a seal 1432. The seal 1432 can be positioned along an edge of the storage container 1418 or along an edge of the lid 1424. The seal 1432 makes the interior of the disposable cover container 1405 airtight when the lid 1424 is closed with the storage container 1418.
FIG. 15 illustrates a disposable cover fastener 1500 for a plunger 1502 in accordance with this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 15 , the disposable cover fastener 1500 can be formed in a “C” shaped cylinder. The “C” shaped cylinder can have an opening that is used to position the disposable cover fastener 1500 around a grip of a plunger 1502 to secure a disposable cover around the plunger 1502. The disposable cover fastener 1500 can include a center portion 1502 and outside portions 1504. The center portion 1502 corresponds to an indentation 1506 on the plunger 1502. The indentation 1506 is a portion of the handle of the plunger 1502 with a reduced diameter. The center portion 1502 of the disposable cover fastener 1500 has inner diameters that correspond to the outside diameter of the indentation 1506. The outside portions 1504 have a larger inner diameter than the center portion 1502. The disposable cover fastener 1500 can be made of a flexible material, such as silicon, to allow for insertion of the plunger 1502 into a center of the disposable cover fastener 1500.
It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.
The description in the present application should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of the claims invokes 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying a function.
Although the present disclosure has been described with exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompasses such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. None of the descriptions in this application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element that must be included in the claims scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined by the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising:

positioning a disposable cover over a base of a plunger and extending along a handle of the plunger; and

securing the disposable cover to the handle of the plunger using a disposable cover fastener.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the disposable cover is made of a material that degrades when exposed to water for a period of at least a minute.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the material degrades in water at a temperature at or above room temperature.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed in a C-shaped cylinder.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed of an elastic material to compress the disposable cover against the handle of the plunger.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the disposable cover fastener includes hinges configured to open and close the C-shaped cylinder around the handle of the plunger.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed with an elastic material in a ring shape.

8. An apparatus comprising:

a disposable cover positioned over a base of a plunger and extending along a handle of the plunger; and

a disposable cover fastener configured to secure the disposable cover to the handle of the plunger.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the disposable cover is made of a material that degrades when exposed to water for a period of at least a minute.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the material degrades in water at a temperature at or above room temperature.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed in a C-shaped cylinder.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed of an elastic material to compress the disposable cover against the handle of the plunger.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the disposable cover fastener includes hinges configured to open and close the C-shaped cylinder around the handle of the plunger.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed with an elastic material in a ring shape.

15. An apparatus comprising:

a plunger including a base and a handle;

a disposable cover positioned over the base of the plunger and extending along the handle of the plunger; and

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the disposable cover is made of a material that degrades when exposed to water for a period of at least a minute.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the material degrades in water at a temperature at or above room temperature.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed in a C-shaped cylinder.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed of an elastic material to compress the disposable cover against the handle of the plunger.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the disposable cover fastener is formed with an elastic material in a ring shape.