U.S. patent application number 11/730999 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for splunger.
Invention is credited to Robert L. Wilson.
Application Number | 20070240269 11/730999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46327676 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070240269 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; Robert L. |
October 18, 2007 |
Splunger
Abstract
A combined toilet brush and plunger, termed the Splunger,
combines both functions in one tool. In order to do so, the
Splunger can be converted, conveniently and without tools, from a
substantially rigid configuration in which a mop head is
effectively mounted on one end of a rigid handle, so as to be
employed as a conventional toilet brush, to a flexible
configuration in which the mop head is extended on a flexible but
incompressible member, so that it can be forced into the
constricted passages of a toilet, clearing it out.
Inventors: |
Wilson; Robert L.;
(Lambertville, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael de Angeli
60 Intrepid Lane
Jamestown
RI
02835
US
|
Family ID: |
46327676 |
Appl. No.: |
11/730999 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11404113 |
Apr 14, 2006 |
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11730999 |
Apr 5, 2007 |
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60672100 |
Apr 18, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/00 20130101; A47K
11/10 20130101; A46B 2200/304 20130101; A47L 13/10 20130101; A46B
2200/3013 20130101; A46B 5/0033 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/106 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/10 20060101
A47L013/10 |
Claims
1. A combined toilet brush and plunger, comprising: an elongated
rigid tubular outer handle; an elongated flexible but
incompressible tubular member, disposed within the interior of said
tubular outer handle, and arranged to slide longitudinally
therewithin; a mop head mounted on a distal end of the flexible but
incompressible member; an elongated control member disposed within
the flexible but incompressible tubular member and arranged to
slide longitudinally therewithin, a proximal end of said control
member extending out of a proximal end of said outer handle and
adapted to be gripped; and wherein said control member is adapted
to be selectively affixed to said flexible but incompressible
member at spaced relative positions thereof, whereby said control
member can be affixed to said flexible but incompressible member at
a first relative position thereof and manipulated to urge said
flexible but incompressible member out of the distal end of the
outer handle or can be affixed to said flexible but incompressible
member at a second relative position thereof and manipulated to to
withdraw said flexible but incompressible member into the outer
handle.
2. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 1, wherein the
distal end of the flexible but incompressible member comprises a
fitting having an internal thread, for receiving a corresponding
thread on the distal end of said control member, such that said
control member can thereby be selectively affixed to the distal end
of the flexible but incompressible member.
3. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 2, wherein the
proximal end of the flexible but incompressible member comprises a
second fitting having an internal thread for receiving the thread
on the control member, and wherein the control member extends
proximally through said second fitting, such that said control
member can thereby be selectively affixed to the proximal end of
the flexible but incompressible member.
4. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 2, further
comprising a distal cap fitting over the distal end of the outer
handle, said distal cap having a bore therethrough for allowing
passage of said flexible but incompressible member.
5. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 4, further
comprising a cup member secured to said distal cap, wherein the mop
head fits within the cup member sufficiently snugly that the cup
member frictionally secures the mop head against rotation, allowing
the control member to be unthreaded from said fitting.
6. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 5, wherein said
cup member is perforated to allow water to escape therefrom.
7. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 6, further
comprising a second outer cup member secured to said outer handle
for receiving said perforated cup member.
8. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 1, further
comprising a proximal cap fitting over the proximal end of the
outer handle, said proximal cap having a bore therethrough for
allowing passage of said control member.
9. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 1, wherein said
flexible but incompressible member is made using a length of
reinforced plastic tubing.
10. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 1, wherein said
control member is formed to define discontinuities at spaced
locations therealong, and said flexible but incompressible tubular
member comprises a mechanism at its proximal end for being
selectively coupled to one of said discontinuities.
11. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 10, wherein said
rigid tubular outer handle is selectively weakened in a
predetermined region, said region surrounding said mechanism when
said control member is operated to bring the proximal end of said
flexible but incompressible member to a predetermined position,
whereby said tool may be reconfigured from one operating
configuration to the other by a user exerting hand pressure
sufficient to deform said tubular outer handle inwardly and operate
said mechanism.
12. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 10, wherein said
discontinuities are circumferential grooves formed in said control
member adapted to receive a ball confined by said mechanism to move
longitudinally with said flexible but incompressible tubular member
but permitted to move controllably radially inwardly and outwardly
with respect thereto, whereby said control member can be affixed to
said flexible but incompressible tubular member by disposition of
said ball in one of said grooves in said control member while
preventing radial outward movement of said ball.
13. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 12, wherein said
control member fits within a tube one end of which is fixed to said
flexible but incompressible tubular member, a hole being bored
transversely in said tube for receiving said ball, whereby said
ball is constrained to move longitudinally with said flexible but
incompressible tubular member.
14. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 13, wherein a
sleeve is disposed over said tube, said sleeve having an inside
bore having at least one groove formed therein, said bore being
sized that said ball is prevented from moving radially outwardly
from said grooves in said control member except when said at least
one groove in the inside bore of said sleeve is juxtaposed to the
groove in said control member in which said ball is then
disposed.
15. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 14, wherein said
sleeve is spring-biased to a position with respect to said tube
such that said ball is prevented from moving radially outwardly
except when said sleeve is displaced against said bias.
16. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 15, wherein said
sleeve is disposed between opposed springs, one confined between
said sleeve and the proximal end of said flexible but
incompressible tubular member, and the other confined between said
sleeve and a bushing affixed to the proximal end of said tube.
17. The combined toilet brush and plunger of claim 16, wherein said
rigid tubular outer handle is selectively weakened in a
predetermined region, such that a user can exert hand pressure
sufficient to deform said tubular outer handle inwardly and grip
said sleeve so as to restrain motion of said sleeve against the
bias of said springs as the flexible but incompressible tubular
member is moved with respect to said control member by hand
pressure applied to the proximal end of the control rod.
18. A method of use of a single tool reconfigurable to be
selectively operable as a toilet brush, having a mop head attached
substantially rigidly to a handle, or as a plunger having a mop
head attached to a flexible but incompressible member, said tool
comprising: an elongated rigid tubular outer handle; an elongated
flexible but incompressible tubular member, disposed within the
interior of said tubular outer handle and arranged to slide
longitudinally therewithin; a mop head mounted on a distal end of
the flexible but incompressible member; an elongated control member
disposed within the rigid tubular outer handle and arranged to
slide longitudinally therewithin, a proximal end of said control
member extending out of a proximal end of said outer handle, and
said control member being selectively affixable to said flexible
but incompressible tubular member at spaced relative positions
thereof, wherein said method of use of the tool as a plunger
comprises the steps of affixing said control member to said
flexible but incompressible tubular member such that the distal end
of said control member is juxtaposed to the proximal end of said
flexible but incompressible tubular member, and urging said control
member into said outer handle such that the flexible but
impressible member extends out of said outer handle, such that tool
can be employed as a plunger, and said method of use of the tool as
a toilet brush comprises the steps of affixing said control member
to said flexible but incompressible member such that the distal end
of said control member is substantially juxtaposed to the distal
end of said flexible but incompressible member and withdrawing said
control member from said outer handle such that the flexible but
incompressible member is substantially contained within said outer
handle, such that said tool can be employed as a toilet brush.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein first and second fittings are
secured to the proximal and distal ends of the flexible but
incompressible member, said fittings having an internal thread for
receiving a corresponding thread on the distal end of said control
rod, whereby the distal end of the control member can be
selectively affixed to one of the proximal and distal ends of the
flexible but incompressible member by threading the thread on the
distal end of the control member into the corresponding thread on
said fitting.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein said control member is formed
to define discontinuities at spaced locations therealong, and said
flexible but incompressible tubular member comprises a mechanism at
its proximal end for being selectively coupled to one of said
discontinuities.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said rigid tubular outer handle
is selectively weakened in a predetermined region, said region
surrounding said mechanism when said control member is operated to
bring the proximal end of said flexible but incompressible member
to a predetermined position, whereby said tool may be reconfigured
from one operating configuration to the other by a user exerting
hand pressure sufficient to deform said tubular outer handle
inwardly and operate said mechanism.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein said discontinuities are
circumferential grooves formed in said control rod, and said
mechanism comprises a ball confined to move longitudinally with
said flexible but incompressible tubular member but permitted to
move controllably radially inwardly and outwardly with respect
thereto, whereby said control member can be selectively affixed to
said flexible but incompressible tubular member by disposition of
said ball in one of said grooves in said control member while
preventing radial outward movement of said ball.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said control member fits within
a tube one end of which is fixed to said flexible but
incompressible tubular member, a hole being bored transversely in
the wall of said tube for receiving said ball, whereby said ball is
confined to move longitudinally with said flexible but
incompressible tubular member.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein a sleeve is disposed over said
tube, said sleeve having an inside bore having at least one groove
formed therein, said bore and said at least one groove therein
being sized that said ball is prevented from moving radially
outwardly from said grooves in said control member except when said
at least one groove in the inside bore of said sleeve is juxtaposed
to the groove in said control member in which said ball is then
disposed.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said sleeve is spring-biased to
a position with respect to said tube such that said ball is
prevented from moving radially outwardly except when said said
sleeve is displaced against said bias.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein said sleeve is disposed between
opposed springs, one confined between said sleeve and said flexible
but incompressible tubular member and the other confined between
said sleeve and a bushing affixed to the proximal end of said
tube.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein said rigid tubular outer handle
is selectively weakened in a predetermined region, said region
surrounding said sleeve when said control member is operated to
bring the proximal end of said flexible but incompressible member
to a predetermined position, whereby said tool may be reconfigured
from one operating configuration to the other by a user exerting
hand pressure sufficient to deform said tubular outer handle
inwardly and grip said sleeve so as to restrain motion of said
sleeve against the bias of said springs, while moving the flexible
but incompressible tubular member with respect to said control
member by hand pressure applied to the proximal end of the control
rod.
28. The method of claim 18, wherein the control member is somewhat
longer than the outer tubular handle, so that when the control
member, having been affixed to the distal end of said flexible but
incompressible member to which the mop head is attached, is drawn
partially into the tubular handle, the flexible but incompressible
member extends somewhat from the handle, and wherein a wringer cup
within which said mop head fits relatively snugly is disposed
around the distal end of said tubular handle, whereby if said
control member is drawn fully into the outer handle said mop head
is drawn into said wringer cup, whereby water is effectively wrung
from said mop head by said wringer cup.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said wringer cup is perforated,
and a second outer cup is affixed to said tubular handle over said
wringer cup.
30. The method of claim 18, wherein a cup is secured to the distal
end of said tubular handle, such that said flexible but
incompressible member extends through an opening in said end of
said cup, and whereby said tool can be used as a plunger, the
distal end of the control member having first been secured to the
proximal end of the flexible but incompressible member, by urging
an open distal end of said cup against a water passage to be
cleared, and pushing said control member into said handle, such
that said mop head is urged by said flexible but incompressible
member into the water passage.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.
11/404,113, filed Apr. 14, 2006, which claimed priority from
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/672,100, filed Apr. 18,
2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an improved household tool
combining in one device, termed herein the "Splunger," the
principal functions of toilet brush and plunger, thus realizing
simplification and economy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Typically one requires a toilet brush, essentially a brush
or mop head on a rigid handle, to clean a toilet, while one needs a
plunger, commonly a large rubber suction cup also on a rigid
handle, to force clogs out of the constricted "trap" passageways of
the toilet (especially the new limited-flow toilets, which are very
susceptible to clogging) and into the soil plumbing. See Scott U.S.
Pat. No. 2,473,452. Alternatively, a flexible but non-compressible
shaft--such as a stiff spring--can be used as the shaft for a tool
designed to be thrust through the trap and associated passages and
thus clear any clogging. See Browning U.S. Pat. No. 1,154,369 and
Palmer U.S. Pat. No. 4,025,982. In either case both a brush and a
separate device for clearing clogging are normally required. It
would desirable to provide a single tool providing both cleansing
and trap-clearing functions, and such is the object of the
invention. Other aspects and objects of the invention will appear
as the discussion thereof proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a combined toilet brush and
trap clearing device, termed the Splunger herein, which combines
both functions in one tool. In order to do so, the Splunger can be
converted, conveniently and without tools, from a relatively rigid
configuration in which a mop head mounted on one end of a rigid
handle can be employed as a conventional toilet brush, to a
flexible configuration in which the mop head is extended on a
flexible but incompressible member, so that it can be thrust into
the constricted trap passages of a toilet, clearing clogs
therefrom.
[0005] The Splunger comprises a rigid tubular outer handle, closed
at proximal and distal ends by cap members having central bores
therethrough. A small mop head is mounted on a distal end of a
relatively flexible but substantially incompressible tubular member
(abbreviated hereinafter simply as the "FIT" member), extending
through the bore in the distal cap on the outer handle; the FIT
member can be made using a length of reinforced plastic tubing,
such as used for water piping and the like. A control member
extends coaxially within the rigid outer handle. The proximal end
of the control member extends outwardly through a cap on the
proximal end of the outer handle and has a gripping knob or the
like fixed thereto.
[0006] According to an important aspect of the invention, the
distal end of the control member can be selectively secured to the
proximal or distal end of the FIT member. (Equivalently, the
proximal end of the FIT member can be selectively affixed to the
control member at spaced locations therealong. Both possibilities
are shown in detail below, and the description herein should be
read to include both except where specifically indicated to the
contrary.) If the distal end of the control member is secured to
the proximal end of the FIT member, and the control member is
pulled proximally out of the outer handle, the mop head is received
at or near the distal end of the rigid handle. In this "toilet
brush" configuration, the Splunger can be used as a relatively
rigid toilet brush, for scrubbing and the like. Alternatively, and
preferably, the user will disconnect the distal end of the control
member from the proximal end of the FIT member, slide the control
member into the tool without moving the FIT member, and then
connect the distal end of the control member to the distal end of
the FIT member; as the elongated control member then no longer
protrudes from the handle, this alternative "toilet brush"
configuration is somewhat more convenient in use.
[0007] If instead the control member is pushed into the outer
handle while the distal end of the control member is still attached
to the proximal end of the FIT member, the FIT member will be
extended out of the distal end of the handle, taking the "plunger"
configuration. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, a
cup is mounted on the end of the rigid handle, with the FIT member
extending through an aperture therein. In order to use the Splunger
as a plunger to clear clogs, its distal end is inserted into the
toilet bowl, so that the cup makes a reasonably effective seal
around the exit aperture in the toilet bowl, and so that the mop
head is positioned to enter the discharge passage. As the FIT
member is flexible but capable of transmitting a compressional
force, if one then pushes on the withdrawn proximal end of the
control rod, the thrust will be transmitted to the FIT member and
thence to the mop head, forcing the mop head into the outlet
passage of the toilet, acting as a piston or plunger, pushing a
column of water into the toilet outlet passage to clear any clogs
or the like.
[0008] In a first "threaded connection" embodiment, the fitting by
which the mop head is attached to the FIT member has an internal
thread on its proximal end, for receiving a corresponding thread on
the distal end of the control member. A second fitting, also with
an internal thread for receiving the thread on the control member,
is secured to the proximal end of the FIT member; the control
member extends out through this fitting and through the bore in the
proximal cap on the outer handle, and, as noted, has a knob on its
proximal end. Equivalently, as in a second "quick-change"
embodiment, added by the present continuation-in-part application,
the proximal end of the FIT member can be selectively affixed to
the control member at spaced locations therealong, e.g., using a
locking-ball mechanism.
[0009] More specifically, the control member is a few inches longer
than the outer tubular member. When the distal end of the control
member is secured to the distal end of the FIT member and pushed
almost entirely into the outer handle, all but the distal end of
the FIT member is received within the distal end of the rigid outer
handle. In this "toilet brush" configuration, although the mop head
is actually affixed to the distal end of the FIT member, because
all but a few inches of that end of the relatively flexible FIT
member are confined in the distal end of the outer tubular member,
the mop head is relatively rigidly supported, so that the Splunger
can be used effectively as a toilet brush. When it is desired to
use the Splunger as a clog-clearing tool, the control member is
detached from the distal end of the FIT member, pulled most of the
way out of the tubular member and FIT member, and secured to the
proximal end of the FIT member. (As noted, equivalently, as in the
implementation of the second "quick change" embodiment of the
invention discussed in detail below, the proximal end of the FIT
member can be selectively affixed to the control member at spaced
locations therealong.) The control member can then be pushed into
the tubular handle, forcing the length of the FIT member out of the
bore in the cap at the distal end of the tubular member. When this
has been accomplished, so that the mop head is carried only by the
FIT member, which is flexible but substantially incompressible, as
described above, the mop head can be forcibly urged into the
passages of the toilet. It has been found that a properly sized mop
head functions as a sort of hydraulic ram or piston, and is very
effective in clearing clogged toilets.
[0010] After use, the control member can again be secured to the
distal end of the FIT member, near the mop head, and the control
member drawn all the way rearwardly, so as to take a storage
position in which the mop head is drawn into a snugly-fitting cup
member, for convenience in storage and ease of cleaning. In a
preferred embodiment, the mop head fits relatively tightly into a
first inner "wringer" cup member, forcing water from the mop head,
which is perforated for drainage; the first cup member may be
surrounded by a second, imperforate cup member, so as to control
dripping of water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention will be better understood if reference is made
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows an elevational view with the Splunger in its
"wringer" configuration;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a similar view, with the Splunger in the "toilet
brush" configuration;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a similar view, with the Splunger in the "plunger"
configuration;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cutaway, cross-sectional view, showing a first
"threaded connection" embodiment of the Splunger;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a toilet, showing the
Splunger in use in its plunger configuration;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a partial view corresponding to FIG. 4,
illustrating an alternative embodiment of the mop head and
surrounding cup assembly;
[0018] FIG. 7 shows an elevational view of a of a second
"quick-change" embodiment of the Splunger, in its "toilet brush"
configuration;
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a partial cross-sectional, partially cut-away
view of a portion of the "quick-change" embodiment of the Splunger,
showing an actuating grip that is provided in this embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view through the grip of the
"quick-change" embodiment of the Splunger in the "toilet brush"
configuration; and
[0021] FIG. 10 shows a similar view, with the Splunger in a
transition configuration, whereby it is reconfigured from the
"toilet brush" to the "plunger" configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] As discussed above, the Splunger of the invention is a tool
that can be reconfigured to take a "toilet brush" configuration
(FIG. 2), in which the mop head is essentially rigidly connected to
the handle, to enable effective scrubbing; a "trap cleaning device"
configuration (FIG. 3), in which the mop head can be forced through
a curved "trap" passageway in a toilet (as illustrated by FIG. 5),
clearing it out, and a "wringer" configuration (FIG. 1). FIG. 4
illustrates a first "threaded connection" embodiment of the
inventive construction that makes this versatility possible. A
second quick-connect" embodiment is discussed below in connection
with FIGS. 7-10.
[0023] The Splunger comprises a rigid tubular outer handle 12,
closed at proximal and distal ends 12a and 12b, respectively, by
cap members 14 and 16, respectively, having central bores
therethrough. A mop head 18 is mounted on a distal end of a
flexible but incompressible tubular "FIT" member 20, extending
through the bore in the distal cap 16 on the outer handle 12; the
FIT member 20 can be made using a length of reinforced plastic
tubing, such as used for household water piping and the like.
[0024] In a first "threaded connection" embodiment, shown in FIG.
4, the fitting 22 by which the mop head 18 is attached to distal
end of the FIT member 20 has an internal thread 22a formed therein
for receiving a corresponding thread 24 on the distal end of a
rigid control member 26 extending coaxially within the FIT member
20. A second fitting 28, also with an internal thread 28a for
receiving the thread 24 on the control member 26, is secured to the
proximal end 20a of the FIT member 20; the control member 26
extends out through this fitting 28 and through the bore in the
proximal cap 14 on the outer tubular handle 12, and has a knob 36
(or is otherwise adapted to be gripped by a user's hand) on its
proximal end 30.
[0025] The control member 26 is a few inches longer than the outer
tubular handle 12. Thus, when the thread 24 on the control member
26 is threaded into the fitting 22 at the proximal end of the FIT
member 20, and the control member 26 is pulled almost entirely into
the outer handle 12, a short length of FIT member 20 protrudes from
the distal end of outer handle 12, as shown in FIG. 2. In this
configuration, the mop head 18 is substantially supported by the
outer tubular member 12. That is, although the mop head 18 is
mounted to the flexible FIT member 20, the FIT member 20 does not
protrude from the fitting 22 enough that its relative flexibility
allows the mop head 18 to move with respect to the handle to a
degree that would interfere with use of the Splunger as a scrub
brush, i.e., the mop head does not move substantially with respect
to the handle. Accordingly, in this position the Splunger can be
used as a toilet brush, which requires a relatively rigid
connection between the handle 12 and mop head 18 to enable
effective scrubbing.
[0026] When it is desired to use the Splunger as a clog-clearing
tool, the thread 24 on the control member 26 is unthreaded from the
fitting 22 at the distal end of the FIT member 20; the mop head
fits within wringer cup member 34 (which is fixed to tubular handle
12) sufficiently snugly that the cup member 34 holds the mop head,
allowing the control member to be unthreaded from fitting 22. (The
snug fit also allows cup 34 to serve as a wringer, forcing water
from the mop head when drawn into cup 34.) Then the control member
26 is pulled most of the way out of the tubular handle 12 and FIT
member 20, and thread 24 is threaded into the fitting 28 at the
proximal end of the FIT member 20. The control member 26 can then
be pushed back into the tubular handle 12, forcing the length of
the FIT member 20 out of the bore in the cap 16 at the distal end
of the tubular member 12, so as to take the "plunger" configuration
of FIG. 3.
[0027] In this configuration, wherein the mop head 18 is carried
only by the FIT member 20, which is flexible, but substantially
incompressible, as described above, the mop head 18 can be thrust
into the trap and associated passages of the toilet to clear clogs
therefrom, as illustrated in FIG. 5. As noted, it has been found
that a properly sized mop head 18 functions very effectively as a
sort of hydraulic ram or piston, and is very effective in clearing
clogged toilets. A useful technique for so clearing clogs is to
place the cup member 34 firmly over the drain opening in the
toilet, with the control member 26 pulled back with respect to the
tubular member 12, and then press axially on the control knob 36,
so that the control member 26 and FIT member together force the mop
head 18 into the trap and associated passages, clearing any clogs.
As it is constrained within the outlet passage of the toilet the
FIT member cannot kink or buckle and so effectively transmits the
user's"pushing" force to-the mop head 18. Of course, the mop head
18 can be thrust into and withdrawn from the toilet repeatedly as
needed to unclog the discharge passages.
[0028] Thus, it will be appreciated that an important
constructional feature of the Splunger is that the control member
26 can be selectively affixed to the FIT member 20 at spaced
relative locations thereof. In the first "threaded connection"
embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the distal end of the control member is
selectively threadedly engaged with either of fittings 22 and 28 at
opposed ends of the FIT member 20. With the control member engaged
with the proximal end of the FIT member 20, the FIT member 20 can
be fully extended by pushing the control member 26 out of the
tubular handle 12. In this circumstance the FIT member 20 is
flexible, allowing it to pass along the convoluted trap passages of
a toilet; the mop head 18 serves as a sort of hydraulic piston,
effectively clearing clogs. When the control member 26 is
withdrawn, all but a few inches of the FIT 20 are within the
tubular handle 12. The FIT is made of material selected so that in
this configuration, as noted above, the mop head 18 is
substantially supported by the distal end of the handle 12,
allowing the Splunger to be used as an effective toilet brush.
[0029] The Splunger can be used in this "toilet brush"
configuration with the control member threaded to the fitting at
either end of the FIT member 20, although it is more convenient to
do so after unthreading the control member 26 from the fitting at
the proximal end of the FIT member 20 and pushing the control
member 26 into the handle 12, so that the control member 26 does
not protrude awkwardly; preferably the control member 26 is then
threaded into the fitting 22 at the distal end of the FIT member
20, so that the FIT member does not tend to slide in and out of the
handle 12.
[0030] After use, presuming that the thread 24 on the control
member 26 is threaded into the fitting 22 at the distal end of the
FIT member 20, the control member 26 and FIT member 20 can be drawn
rearwardly, so as to take a wringer position (see FIG. 1) in which
the mop head 18 is pulled into and surrounded by a wringer cup
member 34. Again, the fit of the mop head 18 in inner cup member 34
is sufficiently firm that the mop head is gripped frictionally
within the wringer cup member 34, so that the control member 26 can
be effectively threaded thereinto; this good fit also causes water
to be effectively squeezed from the mop head as it is drawn into
the cup member, so that little dripping takes place thereafter, and
providing an effective self-cleaning function. As illustrated, cup
member 34 may be perforated, for better drying of mop head 18.
[0031] Other aspects of the construction of the Splunger that have
not been discussed are as follows. (Of course, the invention is not
limited to the specific constructional details shown.) The mop head
includes a central fitting to which fitting 22, threaded to accept
coupling 24, can readily be attached. An O-ring 32 can be
interposed between an inward-extending ring on cap 16 (which can be
modified from a conventional PVC plastic pipe coupling) and the
distal end of tubular handle 12, to provide a seal between tubular
handle 12 and FIT member 20.
[0032] As will appear to those of skill in the art, the FIT member
20 needs to be flexible enough to conform to the curved outlet
passages of the toilet forming the trap, while being sufficiently
incompressible and resistant to buckling or kinking that a firm
push on the control member and transmitted thereby to the proximal
end of the FIT member 20 is capable of urging the mop head into the
trap. As mentioned, FIT member 20 can usefully be made from a
length of reinforced plastic water tubing, as used in various home
plumbing systems; this material is sufficiently flexible to be
thrust readily through the convoluted trap and associated passages
of a toilet, yet is sufficiently rigid that, at least while
constrained within the outlet passage of the toilet, it does not
tend to kink, so that force exerted on the proximal end of the
control member is efficiently transmitted to the mop head at the
distal end of the FIT.
[0033] Other materials providing these characteristics and no
disqualifications could also be used. For example, a FIT member 20
made from a long, tightly wound tension spring, such as the type
employed for closing screen doors, or as a plumber's snake, would
likely be functionally adequate but might tend to scar the inner
surfaces of the toilet, and/or to rust. Unreinforced rubber tubing
would presumably be too likely to kink, preventing efficient
transfer of force to the mop head, but reinforced rubber hose, e.g,
as used for fuel lines, might be adequate. Likewise, while the
tubular handle 12 is preferably a length of PVC tubing, other
plastics and other classes of materials might be acceptable if
sufficiently rigid to serve as a handle. Similarly, the control
rod, while successfully implemented as a length of stainless steel
rod 1/4-inch in diameter, could be made of tubular material if
sufficiently rigid to transfer force so as to thrust the mop head
into the toilet passages to free clogs therein.
[0034] Accordingly, terms such as "flexible but incompressible" and
"rigid" as used herein to describe these components are to be
understood to suggest the functional requirements of these
components to those of skill in the art, not to limit the
invention.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows an alternative construction of the wringer cup
assembly, which is presently preferred. In this embodiment, wringer
cup member 34' is essentially cylindrical, to efficiently wring
water from mop head 18 as the mop head is drawn into the cup 34'.
Wringer cup member 34' is supported by an outer cup member 40 that
is secured to tubular handle 12. More specifically, a radially- and
proximally-extending flange 34a mates with outer cup member 40 such
that they can be glued together. Perforations 34b provide an escape
path for water forced out of the mop head 18 as it is drawn into
wringer cup 34'. An O-ring or resilient washer 42 is confined
between the distal end 12b of tubular handle 12 and outer cup 40,
providing a seal between the FIT member 20 and handle 12. As
illustrated, the distal end of wringer cup 34' is flared slightly,
to provide a good seal against the exit orifice of the toilet, so
that when the mop head 18 is forced into the outlet passage of the
toilet a water column is pushed ahead, leading to efficient removal
of clogs.
[0036] FIGS. 7-10 show a second "quick-change" embodiment of the
Splunger. This embodiment includes a mechanism secured to the
proximal end of the FIT member which is operable to selectively
affix the control member at two spaced points therealong to the FIT
member. In other respects, this embodiment is similar to that
discussed above. In this "quick-change" embodiment, a ball
longitudinally fixed with respect to the FIT member, but operable
to be controllably moved radially outwardly and inwardly, is
selectively retained within one or the other of two spaced grooves
in the control member, so as allow the FIT member to be effectively
secured to either end of the control member. Selection of the
relative positions of the control member and FIT member can be made
quickly and conveniently in this embodiment, as the delay involved
in threading and unthreading the control member from the FIT member
required by the FIG. 4 "threaded connection" embodiment discussed
above is eliminated.
[0037] As indicated, the basic advantage of the "quick-change"
embodiment is to provide convenient reconfiguration of the Splunger
from one of the "toilet brush" and "plunger" configurations to the
other, that is, to allow ready repositioning of the control member
with respect to the FIT member, so that by manipulation of the
control member the FIT member can be extended out of the
surrounding handle, so that the Splunger takes the "plunger"
configuration, or withdrawn into the handle, taking the "toilet
brush" configuration.
[0038] In the implementation of the "quick-change" embodiment of
the invention illustrated, reconfiguration is accomplished by
operating the control member so that a mechanism (detailed below)
that is fixed to the proximal end of the FIT member 46 and is
operated to selectively affix the FIT member to the control member
at a desired location therealong is brought under an actuating grip
50. In this region the handle is selectively weakened, if
necessary, so that as grip 50 is squeezed inwardly by hand
pressure, the inner surface of tubular handle 52 engages and
releases the mechanism; the control member can then be operated to
reconfigure the Splunger as desired.
[0039] More specifically, as shown by FIG. 7, in this
"quick-change" embodiment actuating grip 50 is disposed around and
may be secured to tubular handle 52 near its proximal end. As shown
by FIG. 8, the tubular handle 52 may be longitudinally slotted, as
indicated at 52a, selectively weakening handle 52 in this region,
so that hand squeezing pressure applied to grip 50, as indicated by
arrows 56, is sufficient to deform handle 52 inwardly and operate
the mechanism. Comparison of FIG. 9, where grip 50 is shown in its
"relaxed" position, no pressure being applied, and FIG. 10, showing
the deformation occasioned by hand pressure, makes this clear.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a currently preferred embodiment
of the mechanism whereby the control member 48 can be affixed at
one of several desired locations therealong to the proximal end 46a
of FIT member 46 comprises a locking sleeve 54 that slides on a
tube 58 coaxial with tubular handle 52. A distal end of tube 58 is
fixed to proximal end 46a of FIT member 46, and the proximal end of
tube 58 is secured to a bushing 60. Springs 62, between bushing 60
and locking sleeve 54, and 64, between locking sleeve 54 and the
proximal end 46a of FIT member 46, together provide a
self-centering action to sleeve 54, so that unless the device is
being operated to reconfigure the Splunger, sleeve 54 takes the
position shown in FIG. 9.
[0041] A ball 66, e.g., a steel ball as used in a ball bearing, is
confined in a hole 58a bored in the wall of tube 58. Two
circumferential grooves, a proximal groove 48a and a distal groove
48b, are formed in control member 48, and are sized to receive a
portion of ball 66, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In the position shown
in FIG. 9, the inner surface of locking sleeve 54 retains ball 66
in distal groove 48b, so that ball 66 locks control member 48 to
tube 58, and thus to FIT member 46. Grooves 48a and 48b are spaced
along control member 48 near its opposed ends, defining the
respective positions at which the control member 48 may be
selectively affixed to the FIT member 46. When ball 66 is received
in distal groove 48b (as in FIG. 9), and the control member 48 is
pushed into the tubular handle 52, the Splunger is then in its
"plunger" configuration in which the FIT member 46 and the mop head
18 are spaced well away from the distal end of tubular handle 52.
By comparison, when control member 48 is pulled into tubular handle
52 and ball 66 is disposed in the proximal groove 48a, FIT member
46 is disposed substantially entirely within tubular handle 52, so
that the Splunger takes its "toilet brush" configuration. In this
configuration the control member 48 can be pulled proximally so as
to bring mop head 18 into a cup, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and
6.
[0042] Reconfiguration of the Splunger from one of its "toilet
brush" and "plunger" configurations to the other therefore requires
that ball 66 be allowed to escape from the one of grooves 48a and
48b in which it is currently disposed, so that control member 48
can be moved with respect to FIT member 46. Actuating sleeve 54 has
circumferential grooves 54a and 54b formed in its bore, sized to
receive ball 66, so that ball 66 can be freed from one of the
grooves 48a and 48b in control member 48 by movement of sleeve 54
with respect to the hole 58a in tube 58.
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 10, movement of sleeve 54 with
respect to tube 58 is accomplished by squeezing grip 50,
compressing tubular handle 52, so that the inner surface of handle
52 engages sleeve 54. Control member 48 is then pushed or pulled as
desired; it is illustrated having been pushed rightwardly in FIG.
10. When pushing is thus initiated, ball 66 is still locking
control member 48 to tube 58, and thus to FIT member 46, so the
assembly of FIT member 46, tube 58, ball 66, and bushing 60 is
moved rightwardly with respect to sleeve 54, compressing the
corresponding spring (proximal spring 62 in FIG. 10) until ball 66
reaches groove 54b. At that point the curved surface of groove 48b
will urge ball 66 outwardly, to be received in groove 54b in sleeve
54. This releases ball 66 from groove 48b and allows the control
member 48 to be moved rightwardly, as indicated by arrow 68. Ball
66 will then be confined in hole 58a and groove 54b, as illustrated
in FIG. 10, allowing control member 48 to move freely with respect
to FIT member 46. At this point the user's grip can be eased,
whereupon spring 62 will urge sleeve 54 rightwardly, toward the
centered position. When control member 48 has been moved
sufficiently that proximal groove 48a is aligned with groove 54b,
ball 66 will drop into proximal groove 48a; if the user's grip has
not previously been eased, as above, spring 62 will then urge
sleeve 54 rightwardly to its centered position, so that ball 66 is
retained in proximal groove 48a. At this point the control member
is essentially within the tubular handle, and the Splunger is in
its "toilet brush" configuration. Reconfiguration in the opposite
sense is accomplished similarly, by squeezing grip 50 so as to
secure sleeve 54 and then moving the control member 48 and FIT
member 46 until ball 66 is released; control member 48 can then be
moved separately from FIT member 46, allowing reconfiguration.
[0044] Those of skill in the art will recognize that there are
numerous modifications that could be made to the above-described
embodiments, and numerous different mechanisms altogether that
might be employed so as to allow the Splunger to be readily and
conveniently reconfigured, and all such are intended to be within
the scope of the invention.
[0045] More particularly, it will appreciated that in the first
"threaded connection" embodiment, the control member can be
selectively affixed to either end of the the FIT member, while in
the second "quick-change" embodiment, the proximal end of the FIT
member is selectively affixed to the control member at one of two
spaced locations therealong. Various mechanisms are within the
skill of the art that would effectuate either alternative. For
example, it is straighforward to envision an embodiment wherein a
ball would be fixed longitudinally with respect to the control rod,
and arranged to be controllably moved radially inwardly and
outwardly, so as to be selectively received within spaced grooves
at either end of the FIT member. In this case the control member
might be configured as a tube with a spring-biased control rod
running down its center and arranged to urge the ball outwardly
except when moved against the spring bias, e.g., by a push-bottom
at the distal end of the control member.
[0046] Having described the invention in detail, the following
constructional features of the preferred embodiment, to which the
invention is not to be limited, the scope of the invention being
limited only by the appended claims, and the advantages provided
thereby will be of interest:
[0047] FEATURE: The " Splunger" is a small attractive unit adapted
both to clean the bowl and unclog the water trap of modem flush
toilets. ADVANTAGE: One can do the jobs of cleaning and unclogging
with a single tool.
[0048] FEATURE: The mop head is designed to clean the toilet bowl
and is of a size that will conform to fit a clogged water trap as a
hydraulic ram or piston, so as to push a clog through and out of
the trap. ADVANTAGE: Novel approach to solve the problem of the
clogged toilet.
[0049] FEATURE: The mop head, being provided with inner and outer
cup members, allows water to be wrung from the mop head, while all
manual operations can be carried out from the opposite end of the
handle. ADVANTAGE: Cleaning the mop head is simple, neat, and easy,
while one's hands will not come in contact with contaminated
water.
[0050] FEATURE: The mop head wringer housing, that is, the inner
cup receiving the mop head, is designed so as to divert water out
through drain holes pointing away from the hand held position of
the device. ADVANTAGE: Any water pulled into the wringer cup will
not enter the hollow handle shaft of the Splunger.
[0051] FEATURE: The mop head outer cap is designed to enter the
bowl drain and stop at the proper position to ensure smooth entry
of the mop head into the water trap. ADVANTAGE: Positioning the cup
housing properly assures a smooth entrance of the mop head into a
clogged water trap.
[0052] FEATURE: Use of plastic tubing as the flexible but
incompressible member allows one to push the mop head through the
water trap but not mark the ceramic toilet bowl. ADVANTAGE: No
permanent marks are left, as might occur if a metal coil spring or
plumber's "snake" were used.
[0053] FEATURE. Construction is of durable plastic and stainless
steel. ADVANTAGE: Designed to outlast other toilet cleaning
devices.
[0054] FEATURE: Mop-head is easily replaceable. ADVANTAGE: If the
mop-head wears out one need not replace a complete unit.
[0055] While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown
and described in detail, the invention should not be limited
thereby.
* * * * *