U.S. patent application number 09/448373 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-08 for single pleat drain plunger.
Invention is credited to KREITZER, DAVID F., POOL, DAN B..
Application Number | 20010037522 09/448373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26807491 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010037522 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
POOL, DAN B. ; et
al. |
November 8, 2001 |
SINGLE PLEAT DRAIN PLUNGER
Abstract
A drain plunger including an elongate handle having a first end
and a second end. A generally cylindrical chamber having a
continuous side wall defining a void and having a first end coupled
to the handle. A second end of the chamber forms a nozzle defining
an opening in communication with the void. Only a single pleat
formed in the side wall intermediate the first end of the chamber
and the second end of the chamber, the single pleat encircling the
void and movable between a compressed position and an expanded
position.
Inventors: |
POOL, DAN B.; (PHOENIX,
AZ) ; KREITZER, DAVID F.; (PHOENIX, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT A PARSONS
PARSONS & GOLTRY
340 EAST PALM LANE SUITE 260
PHOENIX
AZ
85004
|
Family ID: |
26807491 |
Appl. No.: |
09/448373 |
Filed: |
November 23, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60109900 |
Nov 25, 1998 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/255.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/308 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/255.11 |
International
Class: |
E03D 011/00 |
Claims
1. A drain plunger comprising: a chamber defining a void; an
elongate handle having a first end forming a grip, and a second end
coupled to a first end of the chamber; a second end of the chamber
forming a nozzle defining an opening in communication with the
void; and only a single pleat formed in the chamber intermediate
the first end of the chamber and the second end of the chamber, the
single pleat encircling the void and movable between a compressed
position and an expanded position.
2. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 1 wherein the chamber
includes a first volume with the pleat in the expanded position and
a second volume with the pleat in the compressed position.
3. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 2 wherein the volume of the
chamber is uniformly reduced when the single pleat is moved from
the expanded position to the compressed position.
4. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 1 wherein the nozzle is
semi-rigid, permitting deformation to sealing engage a drain.
5. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second end of
the handle is removably engaged to the first end of the
chamber.
6. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 1 wherein the handle is
hollow and in communication with the void via an aperture formed in
the first end of the chamber.
7. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 6 further including a
closable aperture formed in the handle in communication with the
void via the hollow handle.
8. A drain as claimed in claim 7 wherein the aperture is formed
proximate the first end of the handle.
9. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 1 wherein the single pleat
is formed proximate the first end of the chamber whereby the single
pleat is above water level when in use.
10. A drain plunger comprising: an elongate handle having a first
end and a second end; a generally cylindrical chamber having a
continuous side wall defining a void; a first end of the chamber
coupled to the second end of the handle; a second end of the
chamber forming a nozzle defining an opening in communication with
the void; and only a single pleat formed in the side wall
intermediate the first end of the chamber and the second end of the
chamber, the single pleat encircling the void and movable between a
compressed position and an expanded position.
11. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 10 wherein the chamber
includes a first volume with the pleat in the expanded position and
a second volume with the pleat in the compressed position.
12. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 11 wherein the volume of
the chamber is uniformly reduced when the single pleat is moved
from the expanded position to the compressed position.
13. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 10 wherein the nozzle is
semi-rigid, permitting deformation to sealing engage a drain.
14. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 10 wherein the second end
of the handle is threadably engaged to the first end of the
chamber.
15. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 10 wherein the handle is
hollow and in communication with the void via an aperture formed in
the first end of the chamber.
16. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 15 further including a
closable aperture formed in the handle in communication with the
void via the hollow handle.
17. A drain as claimed in claim 16 wherein the aperture is formed
proximate the first end of the handle.
18. A drain plunger as claimed in claim 10 wherein the single pleat
is formed proximate the first end of the chamber whereby the single
pleat is above water level when in use.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/109,900, filed Nov. 25, 1998.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a drain plunger, and in
particular, to an improved drain plunger.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] Plunger devices having a bellows coupled to a hollow handle
exist in the prior art. Typically, these plunger devices provide a
relatively large bellows to force a relatively large volume of
air/water into a drain to remove a clog. The large bellows has
multiple pleats that allow the large bellows to be compressed or
collapsed to force the air/water into the drain.
[0004] An example of a plunger device having a multiply-pleated
bellows coupled to a hollow handle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,745,641. This prior art patent is incorporated by reference
herein.
[0005] A problem with a prior art plunger that has relatively large
and multiply-pleated bellows is that when such a plunger is
initially inserted into a toilet bowl or basin that is full or
nearly full of water or other liquid (i.e. nearly overflowing with
liquid because of a clogged drain opening), a relatively large
volume of the liquid is caused to be displaced and therefore the
liquid may overflow out of the bowl or basin. A large volume of
liquid is displaced by the air trapped in the bellows and the
hollow handle when the plunger is inserted into the bowl or basin.
Also, the bellows of such a plunger is relatively long and
cumbersome and may not compress or collapse uniformly during use
and may cause liquid and/or debris to splash out of the bowl or
basin. Another problem with the prior art plungers is that a
relatively large bellows forces a relatively large volume of
air/water into the clogged drain area, and if the clog does not
clear from the drain, liquid and/or debris may end up being forced
or splashed out of the bowl.
[0006] Air vent mechanisms have been used with plungers to regulate
the pressure within the plunger. U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,641 discloses
an example of such an air vent mechanism that has a screw cap
handle. However, air vent mechanisms for preventing overflow or
displacement of liquid from a bowl or basin when the plunger is
being initially inserted into the bowl or basin have not been
explicitly taught or disclosed by the prior art, and such a
mechanism is certainly needed and desired. A further problem with
the prior art plungers is that debris from the bowl or basin may
become lodged or trapped within the pleats of the multiply-pleated
bellows thereby causing an unsanitary condition and complicating
the clean-up process.
[0007] Therefore, the present invention discloses and provides an
improved drain plunger that has features which provide further
convenience and improved and cleaner usage for the user and
overcome the above problems, disadvantages, and limitations of the
prior art.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] Set forth is a brief summary of the invention in order to
solve the foregoing problems and achieve the foregoing and other
objects, benefits, and advantages in accordance with the purposes
of the present invention as embodied and broadly described
herein.
[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved
drain plunger.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide a plunger
that is generally more compact and smaller and/or slimmer in
design.
[0011] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
drain plunger that prevents overflow or excessive displacement of
liquid when the plunger is initially inserted into a clogged bowl,
basin, or drain area.
[0012] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
improved drain plunger that prevents splashing or sloshing of the
liquid when the plunger is being used.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
drain plunger that compresses and expands neatly and more evenly
when the plunger is being used.
[0014] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
improved drain plunger that minimizes or reduces the amount of
debris trapped therein.
[0015] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
improved drain plunger that is cleaner and more sanitary to use and
store.
[0016] The above objects and advantages are achieved by a drain
plunger including an elongate handle having a first end and a
second end. A generally cylindrical chamber having a continuous
side wall defining a void and having a first end coupled to the
handle. A second end of the chamber forms a nozzle defining an
opening in communication with the void. Only a single pleat formed
in the side wall intermediate the first end of the chamber and the
second end of the chamber, the single pleat encircling the void and
movable between a compressed position and an expanded position.
[0017] The preferred embodiments of the inventions are described
below in the Figures and Detailed Description. Unless specifically
noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the
specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed
meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts.
If any other meaning is intended, the specification will
specifically state that a special meaning is being applied to a
word or phrase. Likewise, the use of the words "function" or
"means" in the Detailed Description is not intended to indicate a
desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. Section 112,
paragraph 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if the
provisions of 35 U.S.C. Section 112, paragraph 6, are sought to be
invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically
state the phrases "means for" or "step for" and a function, without
also reciting in such phrases any structure, material, or act in
support of the function. Even when the claims recite a "means for"
or "step for" performing a function, if they also recite any
structure, material or acts in support of that means of step, then
the intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Section
112, paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C.
Section 112, paragraph 6, are invoked to define the inventions, it
is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific
structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred
embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,
materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any
and all known or later-developed equivalent structures, materials
or acts for performing the claimed function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention
improved drain plunger with a preferred embodiment collapsible air
chamber and a preferred embodiment air vent mechanism;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the improved drain
plunger of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment air
vent mechanism for the improved drain plunger of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the improved drain
plunger taken along line the 4-4 of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention
improved drain plunger with another preferred embodiment
collapsible air chamber and another preferred embodiment air vent
mechanism;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the present
invention improved drain plunger of FIG. 5 showing the coupling
components of the air chamber and the handle and the air vent
mechanism;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the present
invention improved drain plunger showing the air vent mechanism in
an air vent open position;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the present
invention improved drain plunger showing the air vent mechanism in
an air vent closed position; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of a drain plunger
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention discloses an
improved drain plunger 10 having a hollow handle 20 that is
releasably coupled, in the preferred embodiment, to a single
pleated collapsible air chamber 30. The handle 20 is preferably
made of a ridged plastic material and has a grip 22 molded into the
handle 20. The single pleated collapsible air chamber 30 is
generally cylindrical and hollow and is made of a resilient,
flexible plastic material. A single pleat 32 is molded into and
extends entirely and uniformly around a perimeter portion of the
single pleated collapsible air chamber 30 to allow the single
pleated collapsible air chamber 30 to be easily compressed and
expanded during use. In other words, chamber 30 includes a
continuous side wall 28 defining an inner void 35 as can be seen
with additional reference to FIG. 4.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, the base of the single pleated
collapsible air chamber 30 includes side wall 28 terminating in a
sealing nozzle 34. Nozzle 34 defines a nozzle opening 34A in
communication with void 35. Opening 34A is engageable and sealable
into a drain opening of a toilet/basin or other drain openings so
that the pressure/suction from the single pleated collapsible air
chamber 30 is directed towards the clog within the drain. However,
the sealing nozzle 34 is sufficiently resilient so that it
collapses when the plunger 10 is used to unclog a drain having a
flat surface opening. The single pleated collapsible air chamber 30
is relatively compact and smaller/slimmer in diameter and holds a
relatively low volume of air/liquid thereby preventing liquid
and/or debris from being displaced or overflowed out of the bowl.
Also, since the single pleated collapsible air chamber 30 is
relatively compact and has just one pleat 32, the single pleated
collapsible air chamber 30 compresses and expands neatly and evenly
to direct pressure and suction towards a clog without splashing or
sloshing the surrounding liquid. Furthermore, since the single
pleated collapsible air chamber 30 is relatively compact and slim
in design, the present invention plunger 10 is easy to store. The
single pleated collapsible air chamber 30 is coupled to the hollow
handle 20 via a threaded portion 38 that threadingly couples to a
receiving threaded portion 24 of the hollow handle 20.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a preferred embodiment air vent
mechanism 46 is provided. The air vent mechanism 46 includes a vent
opening 26 provided in a generally upper portion of the hollow
handle 20 to allow the release of air that exists within the single
pleated collapsible air chamber 30 and the hollow handle 20. The
air vent mechanism 46 also includes a vent plug 40. When the
plunger 10 is being initially inserted into a bowl or basin or
other clogged liquid filled area, the vent plug 40 is disengaged
and/or removed from the vent opening 26 to release air from the
single pleated collapsible air chamber 30 and the handle 20. The
release of the air and the smaller and compact structure of the
single pleated collapsible air chamber 30 are provided to prevent
overflow or excessive displacement of liquid when the plunger 10 is
being initially inserted into the bowl or basin. If the vent plug
40 is engaged into the vent opening 26, the vent plug 40 is
released from the vent opening 26 by the user gently pulling
outwardly on a tab portion 44 of the vent plug 40.
[0030] After the plunger 10 is initially inserted into the bowl or
basin or other clogged liquid filled area and while the vent plug
40 is still disengaged from the vent opening 26, liquid fills into
at least parts of the inner portion 36 (i.e. see FIG. 4) of the air
chamber 30 and/or hollow handle 20. A retaining member 42 shown in
FIG. 2 projects from the vent plug 40 and fastens into the vent
opening 26 to retain the vent plug 40 at or near the vent opening
26 in the hollow handle 20 as shown in FIG. 3. When the plunger 10
is being used to unclog a clogged drain, the removable vent plug 40
is positioned into and engagingly seals the vent opening 26 to
prevent air and/or liquid from being released therefrom. Since the
plunger 10 is filled with at least some liquid after being
initially inserted therein, then liquid instead of air is being
forced to the clogged area helping prevent splashing of liquid and
helping provide more effective and forceful plunging.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, since the single pleated collapsible
air chamber 30 has only one single pleat 32 formed in side wall 31
and intermediate the ends thereof and encircling void 33, the inner
portion 36 of the single pleated collapsible air chamber 30 is
relatively free from debris trapping areas or obstructive areas
that may trap debris. Therefore, unsanitary debris from a clogged
drain is less likely to become trapped within the single pleated
collapsible air chamber 30 of the present invention during use.
Also, the plunger 10 may be disassembled (i.e. the single pleated
collapsible air chamber 30 is unscrewed and detached from the
hollow handle 20) for easy cleaning and/or storage.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 5, the present invention further discloses
an improved drain plunger 10 having a hollow handle 20 that is
releasably coupled to a preferred embodiment spiral pleated
collapsible air chamber 31. The handle 20 is preferably made of a
ridged plastic material and has a grip 22 molded into the handle
20. The spiral pleated collapsible air chamber 31 is generally
cylindrical and hollow and is made of a resilient, flexible plastic
material. A spiral pleat 33 is molded as part of the air chamber 31
and spirals around from an upper portion 31A of the air chamber 31
to a lower portion 31B of the air chamber 31. The spiral pleat 33
allows the air chamber 31 to be easily and uniformly compressed and
expanded during use (i.e. reduces wobbling and skewing of the air
chamber 31 when being compressed and expanded).
[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, the base of the spiral pleated
collapsible air chamber 31 has a sealing nozzle 34 with a nozzle
opening 34A that is engageable and sealable into a drain opening of
a toilet/basin or other drain openings so that the pressure/suction
from the spiral pleated collapsible air chamber 31 is directed
towards the clog within the drain. However, the sealing nozzle 34
is sufficiently resilient so that it collapses when the plunger 10
is used to unclog a drain having a flat surface opening. The spiral
pleated collapsible air chamber 31 is relatively compact and
smaller in diameter and holds a relatively low volume of air/liquid
thereby preventing liquid and/or debris from being displaced or
overflowed out of the bowl. Also, since the spiral pleated
collapsible air chamber 31 is relatively compact and has only a few
spirals within the spiral pleat 33, the spiral pleated collapsible
air chamber 31 compresses and expands neatly and evenly to direct
pressure and suction towards a clog without splashing or sloshing
the surrounding liquid. Furthermore, since the spiral pleated
collapsible air chamber 31 is relatively compact and slim, the
present invention plunger 10 is easy to store. The spiral pleated
collapsible air chamber 31 is coupled to the hollow handle 20 via a
snap fitting component 39 located above the upper portion 31A of
the air chamber 31. A snap fitting receiver 25 is located at a base
end of the hollow handle 20. The snap fitting receiver 25 is
coupled over and fittingly snaps to the snap fitting component 39
so that the hollow handle 20 and air chamber 31 are coupled
together so that they are secure but still allow rotational
movement of the handle 20 relative to the air chamber 31.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, another preferred embodiment
air vent mechanism 47 is provided. The air vent mechanism 47
includes vent openings 27 located along sides of the snap fitting
receiver 25 and vent openings 41 located along the sides of the
snap fitting component 39. Since the snap fitting receiver 25
rotates relative to the snap fitting component 39 (i.e. handle 20
and air chamber 31 when coupled together are still able to rotate
relative to each other), vent openings 27 and vent openings 41 may
be aligned to provide an air vent open position and may be offset
to provide an air vent closed position. The air vent mechanism 47
further has a range limiting tab 29 located between the vent
openings 27 that protrudes from a side of the snap fitting receiver
25. The air vent mechanism 47 also has an open stop 43 and a closed
stop 45 located at a base perimeter 49 of the snap fitting
component 39. The tab 29 is able to move between the open stop 43
and the closed stop 45.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, when the tab 29 is moved adjacent to
and in contact with the open stop 43, then the vent openings 27 and
41 are aligned to the air vent open position to allow the release
of air that exists within the spiral pleated collapsible air
chamber 31 and the hollow handle 20. The tab 29 is moved to the
open stop 43 by rotating the handle 20 in relation to the air
chamber 31 in the direction shown by arrow A in FIG. 7. The release
of the air and the smaller and compact structure of the spiral
pleated collapsible air chamber 31 are provided to prevent overflow
or excessive displacement of liquid when the plunger 10 is being
initially inserted into the bowl or basin.
[0036] After the plunger 10 is initially inserted into the bowl or
basin or other clogged liquid filled area and while the air vent
mechanism 47 is still in the air vent open position, liquid fills
into at least parts of an inner portion of the air chamber 31
and/or hollow handle 20. When the plunger 10 is being used to
unclog a clogged drain (i.e. sealing nozzle 34 contacts a drain
area), the tab 29 is moved adjacent to and in contact with the
closed stop 45 by rotating the handle 20 in relation to the air
chamber 31 in the direction shown by arrow B in FIG. 8. The vent
openings 27 and 41 are offset from each other as shown in FIG. 8.
When this offset of the vent openings 27 and 41 occurs, the air
vent mechanism 47 is in the air vent closed position to prevent air
and/or liquid from being released therefrom. Since the plunger 10
is filled with at least some liquid after being initially inserted
therein, then liquid instead of air is being forced to the clogged
area which helps prevent splashing of liquid and helps provide more
effective and forceful plunging. The air vent mechanism 47 may be
placed in the air vent open position and the air vent closed
position as needed and desired by the user.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, since the spiral pleated
collapsible air chamber 31 has a spiral pleat 33 with only a few
spirals, the inner portion of the spiral pleated collapsible air
chamber 31 is relatively free from debris trapping areas or
obstructive areas that may trap debris. Therefore, unsanitary
debris from a clogged drain is less likely to become trapped within
the spiral pleated collapsible air chamber 31 of the present
invention during use. Also, the plunger 10 is able to be
disassembled (i.e. the spiral pleated collapsible air chamber 31 is
unscrewed and detached from the hollow handle 20) for easy cleaning
and/or storage. When the plunger 10 with the spiral pleated
collapsible air chamber 31 is being used, the spiral pleat 33
creates a vortex action of the liquid therein. The vortex action
provides further downward and outward force and swirl (i.e.
multi-direction) action to the clogged area to help break and
dislodge the clogging debris therefrom. The vortex and swirl action
also helps direct the debris towards the center and out of the air
chamber 31 thereby further preventing debris from remaining or
being trapped within spiral pleat 33 of the air chamber 31.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 9, a plunger generally designated 50 is
illustrated. Plunger 50 includes an elongate handle 52 coupled to a
chamber 53. Handle 52 includes a grip formed at an end 54, and has
an opposing end 55 coupled to chamber 53. Chamber 53 is generally
cylindrical, having a continuous side wall 58 defining a void 59.
An end 60 of chamber 53 is coupled to end 55 of handle 52 removably
or formed as an integral piece. An opposing end 62 of chamber 53
forms a nozzle 63 defining an opening 64 in communication with void
59.
[0039] As with previous embodiments, only a single pleat 65 is
formed in side wall 58 intermediate ends 60 and 62 of chamber 53.
Single pleat 65 encircles void 59 and is movable between a
compressed position and an expanded position. However, in this
specific embodiment, single pleat 65 is formed proximate end 60 of
chamber 53, thus moving it to a location above a water line 67 of a
conventional toilet. In this manner, the compression and expansion
of the pleat does not greatly agitate the water in the bowl, thus
reducing splashing, while functioning similar to the previously
described single pleat plungers.
[0040] The preferred embodiment of the invention is described above
in the Figures and Detailed Description. Unless specifically noted,
it is the intention of the inventor that the words and phrases in
the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed
meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). The
foregoing description of a preferred embodiment and best mode of
the invention known to applicant at the time of filing the
application has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and
variations are possible in the light of the above teaching. The
embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the
principles of the invention and its practical application and to
enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in
various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to
the particular use contemplated. Furthermore, the present invention
is not in any way limited to the plunger configurations
specifically disclosed in this specification. For example, the
preferred embodiment air chambers and the preferred embodiment air
vent mechanisms disclosed in this specification may be interchanged
and used in any suitable combination or configuration.
* * * * *