U.S. patent application number 11/608354 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for plunger device.
This patent application is currently assigned to WE-FLEX, LLC. Invention is credited to Douglas M. Sheffield, Tamara K. Sheffield.
Application Number | 20080134421 11/608354 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39496236 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080134421 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sheffield; Douglas M. ; et
al. |
June 12, 2008 |
PLUNGER DEVICE
Abstract
A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible
base formed from a first material. The base has an outer surface
and an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer
surface. The base further has a non-circular periphery extending
around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner
surface of the base. The plunger further includes a handle
extending from the outer surface of the base.
Inventors: |
Sheffield; Douglas M.;
(Chesterfield, MO) ; Sheffield; Tamara K.;
(Chesterfield, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA, 101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
WE-FLEX, LLC
Chesterfield
MO
|
Family ID: |
39496236 |
Appl. No.: |
11/608354 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/255.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/308 20130101;
E03D 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/255.11 |
International
Class: |
E03D 11/00 20060101
E03D011/00 |
Claims
1. A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes, the plunger
comprising: a flexible base formed from a first material, said base
having an outer surface, an inner surface including a concave
portion opposite the outer surface, and a non-circular periphery
extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the
inner surface of the base; and a handle extending from the outer
surface of the base.
2. A plunger as set forth in claim 1 wherein the handle is
non-cylindrical.
3. A plunger as set forth in claim 2 wherein the handle has a shape
corresponding to a shape of the periphery of the base.
4. A plunger as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base has a color
corresponding to a shape of the periphery of the base.
5. A plunger as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a second
material selected to emit a desired aroma connected to the
base.
6. A plunger as set forth in claim 5 wherein the aroma corresponds
to a shape of the periphery of the base.
7. A plunger as set forth in claim 5 further comprising a marking
formed on the handle, wherein the aroma corresponds to the marking
on the handle.
8. A plunger as set forth in claim 5 wherein the aroma corresponds
to a shape of the handle.
9. A plunger as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a marking
formed on the base at a position selected from a group of positions
consisting of an outer position on the outer surface, an inner
position on the inner surface, and an intermediate position between
the outer surface and the inner surface.
10. A plunger as set forth in claim 9 wherein the marking formed on
the base corresponds to a shape of the periphery of the base.
11. A plunger as set forth in claim 9 further comprising a marking
formed on the handle corresponding to the marking on the base.
12. A plunger as set forth in claim 9 further comprising a second
material selected to emit an aroma corresponding to the marking on
the base connected to the base.
13. A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes, the plunger
comprising: a flexible base formed from a first material and having
an outer surface, an inner surface including a concave portion
opposite the outer surface, and a periphery extending around the
base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the
base; a non-cylindrical handle extending from the outer surface of
the base; and a second material selected to emit an aroma
corresponding to a shape of the handle connected to the base.
14. A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes, the plunger
comprising: a flexible base formed from a first material and having
an outer surface, an inner surface including a concave portion
opposite the outer surface, and a periphery extending around the
base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the
base; a marking formed on the base; a non-cylindrical handle
extending from the outer surface of the base; and a second material
selected to emit an aroma corresponding to the marking on the base
connected to the base.
15. A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes, the plunger
comprising: a flexible base formed from a first material and having
an outer surface, an inner surface including a concave portion
opposite the outer surface, and a periphery extending around the
base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the
base; a non-cylindrical handle extending from the outer surface of
the base; a marking formed on the handle; and a second material
selected to emit an aroma corresponding to the marking on the
handle connected to the base.
16. A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes, the plunger
comprising: a flexible base formed from a first material and having
an outer surface, an inner surface including a concave portion
opposite the outer surface, and a periphery extending around the
base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the
base; a marking formed on the outer surface of the base including
at least one characteristic of a group of characteristics
consisting of a depression and a protrusion; and a handle extending
from the outer surface of the base.
17. A plunger as set forth in claim 16 wherein said marking on the
base corresponds to a shape of the handle.
18. A plunger as set forth in claim 16 wherein said marking on the
base corresponds to a shape of the periphery of the base.
19. A plunger as set forth in claim 16 wherein said base is colored
as desired and the color corresponds to the marking on the
base.
20. A plunger as set forth in claim 16 further comprising a second
material selected to emit a desired aroma connected to the
base.
21. A plunger as set forth in claim 20 wherein the aroma
corresponds to the marking formed on the base.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to plunger devices and more
particularly to plunger devices including a base having a
non-circular periphery and/or a non-cylindrical handle.
[0002] Since their inception, conventional plungers have not
changed much from their ubiquitous design including a rigid
cylindrical handle attached to a flexible circular base or cup made
of an elastomeric material such as rubber. For example, although
plungers have changed from usually having wooden handles to
sometimes having handles made of plastic and although materials
used for the base have changed due to advancements in material
technology, the rigid cylindrical handle and the flexible base are
still a mainstay.
[0003] Although conventional plungers have fulfilled the functional
needs of users, they have not developed much aesthetically. A
likely reason for the lack of development beyond the conventional
circular shape of the base is that designers have been unaware of
an ability to make non-circular bases having the same or greater
function for clearing pipes. One reason for the lack of development
of the handle of plungers beyond the conventional cylindrical shape
may be that designers have not recognized and/or fully appreciated
an interest that consumers may have in decorative handles that
perform at least as good as conventional cylindrical handles.
Plungers are sought that have the same or better performance as
conventional plungers but are pleasing to the senses, such as by
having a non-circular base, a non-cylindrical handle, materials
selected to emit a desired aroma, desired colors, and/or markings
formed on the base and/or the handle.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a plunger
for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base formed
from a first material. The base has an outer surface and an inner
surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface. The
base further has a non-circular periphery extending around the
base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the
base. The plunger further includes a handle extending from the
outer surface of the base.
[0005] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base
formed from a first material and having an outer surface and an
inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer
surface. The base further has a periphery extending around the
base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the
base. The plunger further includes a non-cylindrical handle
extending from the outer surface of the base and a second material
selected to emit an aroma corresponding to a shape of the handle
connected to the base.
[0006] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a
plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base
formed from a first material. The base has an outer surface, an
inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer
surface, and a periphery extending around the base, surrounding the
outer surface and the inner surface of the base. The plunger
further includes a marking formed on the base and a non-cylindrical
handle extending from the outer surface of the base. The plunger
also includes a second material selected to emit an aroma
corresponding to the marking on the base connected to the base.
[0007] In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a
plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base
formed from a first material and having an outer surface and an
inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer
surface. The base further has a periphery extending around the
base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the
base. The plunger further includes a non-cylindrical handle
extending from the outer surface of the base and a marking formed
on the handle. The plunger also includes a second material selected
to emit an aroma corresponding to the marking on the handle
connected to the base.
[0008] In yet still another aspect, the present invention relates
to a plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible
base formed from a first material and having an outer surface and
an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer
surface. The base further has a periphery extending around the
base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the
base. The plunger further includes a marking formed on the outer
surface of the base including at least one characteristic of a
group of characteristics consisting of a depression and a
protrusion. The plunger also includes a handle extending from the
outer surface of the base.
[0009] Other aspects of the present invention will be in part
apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective of a plunger according to a first
embodiment of the present invention shown.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross section of the plunger taken along line
2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the plunger in a default shape.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the plunger taken along line
3-3 of FIG. 1 showing the plunger in the default shape positioned
adjacent a conventional toilet.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross section of the plunger contacting the
toilet.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross section of the plunger shown in an
actuated shape adjacent the toilet.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective of a plunger according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross section of the plunger of the second
embodiment taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective of a plunger according to a third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Referring to the figures, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a
plunger according to a first embodiment of the present invention is
designated in its entirety by reference number 10. The plunger 10
is used for clearing clogged pipes. The plunger 10 comprises a
flexible or deformable cup or base 12 having an outer surface 14,
an inner surface 16 opposite the outer surface, and a periphery 18
extending around the base and surrounding the inner surface and the
outer surface. The periphery 18 of the base 12 may be circular or
form various non-circular shapes, as described below in further
detail. The base 12 is formed from a flexible first material.
Although the base 12 may include other first materials without
departing from the scope of the present invention, in one
embodiment the first material is rubber. The plunger 10 further
includes a handle 20 extending from the outer surface 14 of the
base 12. The handle 20 may be unitarily formed with the base 12 or
formed from separate components connected together. The handle 20
may be generally cylindrical or form various non-cylindrical
shapes, as described below in further detail.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface 14 may include a
convex portion 22 and the inner surface 16 includes a concave
portion 24 opposite the outer surface. The concave portion 24 of
the inner surface 16 has a center 26. For embodiments in which the
outer surface 14 includes the convex portion 22, the concave
portion 24 of the inner surface 16 may be opposite the convex
portion.
[0021] The periphery 18 may be symmetric, such as circular, square,
or oval, or non-symmetric. For example, the periphery 18 of the
base 12 shown in FIG. 1 is non-circular and non-symmetric and,
specifically, shaped like a human foot. In one embodiment, the
periphery 18 is non-circular and non-oval. The shape of the base 12
may represent an object. The term "object" is used in a broad sense
and exemplary objects include but are not limited to common
geometric shapes such as a triangle, a star, a heart (e.g., a
cardiod), and a hexagon, animate objects such as a person, an
animal, and a tree, and inanimate objects such as a vehicle (e.g.,
a boat, a car, or an airplane), a building, a bridge, and common
household articles such as a shoe. The periphery 18 of the base 12
may also form a shape of an object selected from a group of objects
consisting of a piece of athletic equipment, a cartoon character,
and an item of nature. Exemplary pieces of athletic equipment
include a tennis racket, a spiked shoe or cleat, a hockey or figure
skate, a football (such as the football-shaped periphery 68 shown
in FIG. 6), and a baseball home plate (such as the home
plate-shaped periphery 118 shown in FIG. 8). Other sports-related
objects may correspond to a sports playing field, such as a golf
putting green and some sports-related objects may be considered
part of the playing field and as athletic equipment, such as the
baseball home plate. Exemplary items of nature include an animal
such as a fish, an octopus, a dolphin, flowers, a fruit, and a
person. Other exemplary periphery 18 shapes are described below
with respect to additional embodiments of the present
invention.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the base 12 may include a locator or
guide flange 28 extending from the inner surface 16. The guide
flange 28 is generally circular and configured and located on the
base 12 so that it engages the opening of the pipe in which the
base is positioned for using the plunger 10. The guide flange 28
may be made of the same material as the balance of the base 12 and
may be unitarily formed with the base (i.e., integrally formed as
one-piece with the base).
[0023] Conventional plungers have circular bases because spring or
reflex forces developed within them are naturally distributed in a
uniform circular pattern and the base adjacent its circular
periphery easily forms and maintains sealed contact with an opening
of a pipe. Maintaining sealed contact between the flexible base of
the plunger and the opening of the pipe is needed for highly
effective plunging as described below in further detail. As the
flexible base 12 is deformed toward an actuated shape (shown in
FIG. 5), reflex or spring forces are created in the base between
the convex and concave portions 22, 24 that act to return the base
to its default shape (shown in FIG. 3). As will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, the flexible base 12 must include
materials and be shaped so the reflex forces created in the
deformed base are strong enough to bias the base toward the default
shape enough to ensure sealed contact between the base and the
opening of the pipe as the base is moved toward the actuated shape
and the default shape for creating the plunging force and
suction.
[0024] The base 12 must also be sized and shaped so the base can
seal with the opening of the pipe. For example, if a circular base
12 is too small, the base may not securely engage sides of the
opening of the pipe as needed for highly effective plunging. As
another example, if a non-circular-shaped base 12 is not large
enough, the non-circular portion of the base adjacent the periphery
18 contacting the opening of the pipe may contact the opening of
the pipe and allow the base to partially deform but will not
contact the pipe continuously for sealing with the pipe and may not
allow sufficient deformation of the base for creating enough
positive pressure or suction for effective plunging.
[0025] The flexible base 12 has a thickness t.sub.b (shown in FIG.
2) measured between the outer surface 14 and the inner surface 16
of the base. The thickness t.sub.b may be generally constant or
vary throughout the flexible base 12. One way to reduce the effect
of non-circular reflex forces in bases 12 having a non-circular
periphery 18 is to taper (e.g., steadily decrease) the thickness
t.sub.b of the base between the center 26 of the concave portion 24
of the inner surface 16 and the periphery of the base. For example,
the thickness t.sub.b of the base 12 may vary from a maximum
thickness of between about 0.05 inch and about 0.5 inch adjacent
the center 26 of the concave portion 24 of the inner surface 16 and
a minimum thickness of between about 0.05 inch and about 0.2 inch
adjacent the periphery 18. In one particular embodiment, the
thickness t.sub.b of the base 12 varies from a maximum thickness of
between about 0.09375 inch and about 0.3125 inch adjacent the
center 26 of the concave portion 24 of the inner surface 16 and a
minimum thickness of between about 0.09375 inch and about 0.1875
inch adjacent the periphery 18. The reflex forces developed in
tapered bases 12 during deformation of them are more uniform
because there is less material nearer the periphery 18 where the
base is non-uniformly shaped. The base 12 near the periphery 18
contributes less to the reflex forces of the base in proportion to
the decreased thickness, allowing the reflex forces distributed
more uniformly around a center of the base to predominate the sum
of the reflex forces. By developing more uniform reflex forces in
the base 12, devices 10 having a tapered thickness t.sub.b can
securely maintain a seal with the opening of the pipe.
[0026] It is contemplated that reflex forces may also be reduced by
varying the material or material properties of the flexible base 12
between the center 26 and the periphery 18. For example, the
material of the base 12 may be less resilient nearer the periphery
to reduce reflex forces created by the base adjacent the periphery.
In bases 12 having varying characteristics (e.g., thickness
t.sub.b, material, and material properties) between the center 26
of the inner surface 16 and the periphery 18, the variation may be
uniform around the base (e.g., base tapers from a maximum thickness
of 0.09375 inch to a minimum thickness of 0.3125 inch at the same
rate at all portions of the base between the center of the inner
surface and the periphery) or different at different portions of
the base. For example, the thickness t.sub.b between the center 26
of the inner surface 16 and the periphery 18 shown in the view of
FIG. 2 may taper less than the taper between the center of the
inner surface and the periphery shown in the view of FIG. 3 of the
same plunger 10 and the base in some portions between the center
and the periphery may not taper at all.
[0027] Another way to reduce the effect of non-circular reflex
forces is by forming the base 12 so the inner surface 16 includes a
bend 30 (shown in FIG. 2) adjacent a boundary 32 of a suction
portion 34 of the inner surface. The bend 30 may be positioned
between the boundary 32 of the suction portion 34 and the periphery
18 of the base 12 and may overlap the boundary of the suction
portion. The suction portion 34 consists of the surface of the base
12 that interacts with the opening of the pipe to create the seal
required for plunging. The suction portion 34 includes the concave
portion 24 of the inner surface 16 and the boundary 32 extends
around and defines the suction portion. The base 12 further
includes an additional portion 36 between the suction portion 34
and the periphery 18.
[0028] The additional portion 36 of the base 12 is not needed to
create the seal between the base and the pipe that required for
highly effective plunging by positive pressure or suction. The base
12 may include the additional portion 36 even if the inner surface
16 of the base does not include the bend 30. Although the bend 30
may change a direction of the inner surface 16 by other amounts
when the flexible base 12 is undeformed, in one embodiment the bend
changes the direction of the inner surface by between about
5.degree. and about 20.degree. when the flexible base is
undeformed. As with the base thickness t.sub.b, material, and
material properties, which may vary as described above, the bend 30
may be uniform around the base or vary differently at different
portions of the base. The base 12 may have any combination of a
tapered base thickness t.sub.b, varying base material, varying
material properties, and the bend 30 adjacent the boundary 32 of
the suction portion 34 of the inner surface 16. For example, the
base 12 may have a tapered thickness t.sub.b, generally homogenous
base material and material properties, and no bend 30 in the inner
surface 16 of the base.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows the flexible base 12 of the plunger 10
positioned adjacent a mouth or opening 38 of a pipe 40. The
illustrated pipe 40 is associated with a toilet 42 containing water
44. Although the plunger 10 is primarily described as being used to
force water 44 through the pipe 40 associated with the toilet 42,
the plunger may be used with pipes of other structures to move
water and/or other fluids. Other exemplary structures include
sinks, bathtubs, and showers. A plunger 10 without a guide flange
28 is generally easier to use in most sinks, bathtubs, showers, and
other structures that do not have a tapered pipe opening for
receiving the flange, such as the tapered opening 38 of toilets 42.
However, plungers 10 having a guide flange 28 may be configured so
the guide flange can be rolled, flipped, or otherwise bent (not
shown) into the concave portion 24 of the base 12 for using the
plunger in combination with structures that do not have a tapered
opening.
[0030] Most toilets 42 are configured and set so a bowl 46 of the
toilet holds enough water 44 so most or all of the inner surface 16
of the base 12 contacts the water when the base contacts the
opening 38 of the pipe 40 of the toilet 42 as shown in FIG. 4. When
a toilet 42 is set to hold too little water or sometimes when the
toilet pipe 40 is clogged and keeping water from entering the bowl
46, water fills less of the bowl than usual. Even when the inner
surface 16 of the plunger base 12 directly contacts little or no
water 44 when the base contacts the opening 38 of the pipe 40, the
plunger 10 can still be used to clear a clog by pushing or sucking
air adjacent the surface of the water (i.e., air adjacent the
opening 38 of the pipe 40) away form or toward the base 12, as the
case may be. When a sufficient positive or negative pressure is
created in the air adjacent the water 44, the adjacent water will
be pushed or pulled accordingly. Creating the positive pressure and
suction conditions in the water 44 positioned in the pipe 40 using
the plunger 10 is described in further detail below.
[0031] To use the plunger 10, a user grasps the handle 20 and
positions the flexible base 12 adjacent the opening 38 of the pipe
40 when the base is in the default shape so the inner surface 16 of
the base faces the pipe, as shown in FIG. 3. The user then
maneuvers the handle 20 so the base 12 contacts the opening 28 of
the pipe as shown in FIG. 4. By positioning the flexible base 12 in
this way, the base and the pipe 40 form a cavity 48. The guide
flange 28 may assist in positioning the base 12 in the toilet 42 as
desired by engaging the sides of the opening 38 of the pipe during
positioning. A user can sense when the guide flange 28 is
positioned in the opening 38 because the opening will brace the
base from moving much laterally.
[0032] The flexible base 12 is configured so that when the base is
in the default shape and positioned adjacent the opening 38 as
shown in FIG. 3 and moved through the intermediate shape shown in
FIG. 4 toward the actuated shape shown in FIG. 5, the inner surface
16 of the base contacts the opening 38 of the pipe 40 continuously
around the opening (i.e., causing the inner surface to conform to
the opening of the pipe) to create a seal between the base and the
pipe. After this seal is created between the base 12 of the plunger
10 and the pipe 40 and the user pushes the handle 20 toward the
opening 38 of the pipe, the base moves from the default shape shown
in FIG. 3 toward the actuated shape shown in FIG. 5.
[0033] The flexible base 12 moves through various intermediate
shapes when it is moved between the default shape and the actuated
shape. For example, FIG. 4 shows the base 12 in one intermediate
shape. The plunger 10 may be used to effectively unclog a pipe by
moving the base 12 between the default shape and an intermediate
shape or between the actuated shape and an intermediate shape,
depending on the size and shape of the base with respect to the
size and shape of the pipe and characteristics of the clog.
[0034] When the base 12 is moved toward the actuated shape, the
concave portion 24 of the inner surface 16 moves toward the pipe 40
thereby forcing fluid (e.g., water 44, air, or both) positioned in
the cavity 48 formed between the base and the pipe into the pipe
and toward the debris clogging the pipe. For embodiments of the
plunger 10 including a guiding flange 28, the guiding flange may be
configured so that it contacts the opening 38 of the pipe 40 for
positioning the plunger in the toilet 42 but does not block fluid
from passing between the base and the pipe when the base is moved
between the default and actuated shapes. Because debris at least
partially blocks the pipe 40, the fluid forced toward the debris
increases pressure in the fluid between the plunger 10 and the
debris. This increased pressure creates a pressure differential
within the pipe between a proximate or plunger side of the debris
and a distal or far side of the debris. When the pressure
differential is sufficiently high (e.g., when the pressure on the
plunger side of the debris is sufficiently high), the force of the
higher pressure on the plunger side dislodges the debris from its
clogging position in the pipe 40.
[0035] As described above, the reflex forces created in the base 12
between the convex and concave portions 22, 24 as the flexible base
is deformed toward the actuated shape act to return the base to its
default shape. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
the material, the size, and the shape of the flexible base 12 must
be selected so the reflex forces are strong enough to bias the base
toward the actuated shape for maintaining the seal between the base
and the pipe 40. For example, if the reflex forces formed in the
base 12 as it is moved from the default shape toward the actuated
shape are too small, the base will not be biased against the
opening 38 of the pipe 40 enough to ensure a continuous seal
between the base and the pipe. When the base 12 does not form a
continuous seal with the opening 38 of the pipe 40 when moving the
base from the default shape to the actuated shape, the plunger 10
creates a smaller increase in pressure between the base and the
debris than would be created by larger reflex forces and perhaps an
insufficient amount of pressure for dislodging the debris.
[0036] The plunger 10 may also be used to pull or draw fluid
through the pipe 40 toward the plunger to unclog the pipe. The
plunger 10 pulls fluid (e.g., water 44 or water and air) toward
itself through the pipe 40 when the flexible base 12 is positioned
adjacent the opening 38 of the pipe in its actuated shape forming a
seal between the base and the pipe as shown in FIG. 5 and moved to
or past the intermediate shape shown in FIG. 4 and toward the
default shape shown in FIG. 3. For embodiments of the plunger 10
including a guiding flange 28, the guiding flange may be configured
so that it contacts the opening 38 of the pipe 40 for positioning
the plunger in the toilet 42 but does not block fluid from passing
between the base and the pipe when the base is moved between the
actuated and default shapes. Because debris at least partially
blocks the pipe 40, drawing fluid toward the base 12 decreases
pressure in the fluid between the plunger 10 and the debris. This
decreased pressure or suction creates a pressure differential
within the pipe 40 between the plunger side of the debris and the
far side of the debris. When the pressure differential is
sufficiently great (e.g., when the pressure on the plunger side of
the debris is sufficiently low), the force of the lower pressure on
the plunger side dislodges the debris from its clogging position in
the pipe 40.
[0037] As described above, the reflex forces created in the
flexible base 12 between the convex and concave portions 22, 24
when the base is deformed away from the default shape act to return
the base to the default shape. The material, the size, and the
shape of the flexible base 12 must be selected so the reflex forces
are strong enough to maintain the seal between the base and the
pipe 40 while the base is being moved to the default shape. For
example, if the reflex forces in the base 12 as it is moved from
the actuated shape toward the default shape are too small, the base
will not be biased against the opening 38 of the pipe 40 enough to
ensure a continuous seal between the base and the pipe. When the
base 12 does not form a continuous seal with the opening 38 of the
pipe during deformation toward the default shape, the plunger 10
creates less suction or vacuum between the base and the debris and
perhaps insufficient suction for dislodging the debris.
[0038] As described above, the periphery 18 of the base 12 can form
various shapes as long as the suction portion 34 is sized and
shaped to seal against the opening 38 of the pipe 40 and create the
increased pressure or the suction that moves the clogging debris.
The additional portion 36 of the base 12, between the boundary 32
of the suction portion 34 and the periphery 18, can be sized and
shaped in various ways because the additional portion is not needed
for creating the seal between the base and the pipe 40 nor for
increasing pressure or suction in the pipe 40 to clear the
clog.
[0039] The plunger 10 may include one or more markings 50 formed on
the base 12 at a position selected from a group of positions
consisting of an outer position on the outer surface 14, an inner
position on the inner surface 16, and an intermediate position
between the outer surface and the inner surface. The markings 50
may be formed on the base 12 in various ways without departing from
the scope of the present invention. The markings 50 may include a
protrusion 52 and/or a depression 54. The shape of the base 12 may
be changed by the markings 50 on the base. Specifically, markings
50 in the form of protrusions 52 and depressions 54 may change the
shape of the base. Protrusions 52 may be formed on the base 12 by
adding the first material forming the base and/or another material
to the base. Material on the base 12 may be considered added
material (i.e., a protrusion 52) when it is formed with or on the
base in addition to the base 12 required for the plunging function.
For example, in FIG. 2, the base 12 needed for proper plunging is
designated by reference number 56. The needed portion 56 of the
base may correspond to the suction portion 34 of the inner surface
16 of the base 12. Additional material 58 added to the required
portion 56 of the base 12 is a marking 50 in the form of a
protrusion 52.
[0040] For the foot-shaped base 12 shown in FIGS. 1-5, protrusions
52 and/or depressions 54 may form the toes including toe nails. For
example, a body of the toes (e.g., including knuckles not shown in
detail) may be formed by protrusions 52 and the toe nails may be
formed by depressions 54. Protrusions 52 and depressions 54 may be
formed on a protrusion. For example, the protrusions 52 forming
toes may be formed on the additional material 36 of the base, which
may be a marking as described above.
[0041] The markings 50 formed on the base 12 may correspond to a
shape of the periphery 18 of the base. For example, the protrusions
52 on the base 12 shown in FIG. 1 form characteristics of the foot
formed by the shape of the periphery 18. Specifically, the
protrusions 52 form raised portions accenting the toes of the foot
formed by the shape of the periphery 18. Other exemplary markings
formed on the base by protrusions are described below regarding
other embodiments.
[0042] The depressions 54 may be formed on the base 12 in a variety
of ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, the depressions 54 may be formed on the base 12 by
removing material 58 from the base that is not needed for plunging.
Material may be removed from the base 12 by, for example, cutting,
chiseling, engraving, melting, or etching. A depression 54 may also
be formed by providing material in some areas when forming the base
12 but not in a particular area thereby forming the depression. For
example, a mold used for forming the base 12 may include a
protrusion resulting in a depression in the base. The depressions
54 on the base 12 shown in FIG. 1 include toe nail portions as
described above and cavities forming crevices between the toes
formed by the periphery 18 and the protrusions 52. Depressions 54
and protrusions 52 may be formed on the base 12 by displacing
material of the base, such as by impressing, etching, melting, and
molding.
[0043] Markings 50 may be printed or painted on the outer surface
14 of the base 12, printed or painted on the inner surface 16 of
the base, printed on a label (not shown in detail) adhered to the
outer surface of the base, molded into the base, melted into the
base, etched into the base, doped into the base, impressed into the
base, or engraved into the base. For example, the markings 50 on
the foot-shaped base 12 of the plunger 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5 may
include tan, beige, or brown paint on the outer surface 14 of the
base matching common human skin tones. If the periphery 18 of the
base 12 formed a shape of a shoe (not shown), the markings 50 could
include colors of the shoe and a logo, as well as protrusions 52
and/or depressions 54 forming details of the shoe, such as laces
and a tongue.
[0044] The markings 50 may also include painted, printed, or
otherwise formed lines, coloring, or other impressions added to the
base 12 to accent the object formed by the shape of the periphery
18. For example, instead of or along with forming toes including
toe nails by protrusions 52 and/or depressions 54, the toes and
nails may be formed or accented by paint or another medium. The
markings 50 in the form of protrusions 52, depressions 54, and
additional accenting may be added to provide a more realistic and
three-dimensional appearance. The markings 50 described in this
paragraph are additional examples of markings formed on the base 12
corresponding to the shape of the periphery 18 because the markings
form aspects of the foot formed by the shape of the periphery.
[0045] The markings 50 on the base 12 may further include a message
(not shown). The message may be formed by markings in various ways
such as by forming images and/or symbols on the outer surface 14 of
the base 12, on the inner surface of the base, and/or between the
outer surface and the inner surface. In one embodiment, the
markings 50 include one or more letters and/or numbers. For
example, the markings 50 may include letters forming words and/or
other symbols (e.g., a logo) corresponding to a company in a
foot-related industry (e.g., a podiatrist or a shoe company)
painted, printed, or otherwise formed on the base 12 of a plunger
10 distributed by that company as a marketing instrument.
[0046] The handle 20 may be made of a variety of materials without
departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the
handle 20 may include wood, plastic, rubber, glass, or metal. The
handle 20 must be sized, shaped, and rigid enough to allow the user
to grasp and maneuver it for moving the base 12 of the plunger 10
as required for highly effective plunging as described above. The
handle 20 may be solid or hollow and may form various shapes
including cylindrical and a variety of non-cylindrical shapes.
[0047] For embodiments of the plunger 10 including a hollow handle
20 (not shown in detail), the handle may be transparent and the
plunger 10 may further include one or more items positioned in the
hollow being viewable through the handle. Exemplary items include
fluids or beads having one or more select colors. Further, the
hollow handle 20 may be filled with a select substance for
deodorizing and/or cleaning the toilet 42. For example, the handle
20 may be filled with a toilet bowl cleaning fluid including
material having a desired color and emitting a select scent and
have an adjustable or removable cap (not shown in detail) for
selectively dispensing the fluid into the toilet bowl 46. Other
substances positionable in the handle 20 include deodorizing and/or
cleaning powders or granules.
[0048] The shape of the handle 20 may be changed by forming a
marking on the handle (such as the markings 86, 124 on the handles
70, 120 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8). The handle 20 may form various
shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, the handle 20 may form the shape of an object, the
term "object" being used in a broad sense. Exemplary objects
include pieces of athletic equipment, inanimate objects, items of
nature, and other common items. Exemplary inanimate objects include
pieces of athletic equipment. Exemplary items of nature include a
person, an animal, a tree, the moon, the sun, and a flower.
Exemplary pieces of athletic equipment include a tennis racket, a
boat, a race car, a hockey stick, a pool cue, a fishing pole, a
football goal post (see e.g., FIG. 6), baseball bat or bat and ball
(see e.g., FIG. 8), a golf club, and a golf flag.
[0049] The handle 20 may also form a shape corresponding to a shape
of the periphery 18 of the base 12. For example, in one embodiment
(not shown) the handle 20 forms the shape of a golf club and the
base 12 is shaped and colored as a putting green or a golf ball.
Other exemplary embodiments include a handle shaped as a football
goal post corresponding to a football-shaped base (see e.g., the
handle 70 and the base 62 shown in FIG. 6) and a handle shaped as a
baseball bat and ball corresponding to a base shaped as a baseball
home plate (see e.g., the handle 120 and the base 112 shown in FIG.
8). As yet another example (not shown), the handle 20 may be shaped
as a fishing pole corresponding to a base 12 shaped as a fish.
[0050] The handle 20 may be connected to the base in a variety of
ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. The
handle 20 and the base may be removably attached to each other. For
example, the handle 20 and the base 12 may have corresponding
threads 59 so the handle and the base can be screwed together. As
another example (not shown), the base 12 and the handle 20 may have
corresponding shapes allowing the handle to lock or snap into the
base. For instance, the base 12 may have a void connected to the
outer surface 14 of the base by a relatively narrow opening for
receiving and holding an anchoring end (e.g., a bulbous tip) of the
handle. The handle 20 may also be permanently attached to the base
12 such as by fusing them together in any of various ways or
forming them unitarily.
[0051] Removably connecting the handle 20 and the base 12 allows
interchanging of bases and handles. A user can easily replace a
base 12 or a handle 20 as desired for various reasons, such as if
one of them breaks. The user can also make various combinations of
handles 20 and bases 20 for creative reasons. For example, in one
embodiment (not shown), the user replaces a golf club shaped and
marked handle 20 on a golfing green shaped and marked base 12 with
a golf flag shaped and marked handle. In another embodiment (not
shown), the user replaces a football shaped and marked base 12
(such as the base 62 shown in FIG. 6) connected to a football goal
post shaped and marked handle 20 (such as the handle 70 shown in
FIG. 6) with a football helmet-shaped base.
[0052] As described above, the base 12 is formed of a flexible
first material. As a base material, the base 12 may include a
polymer or other elastomeric material such as rubber. The base
material for the base 12 may include thermoplastics or other
plastics. Particular examples of materials for the base 12 are
silicone, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or another polyvinyl or
vinyl, neoprene, formed by polymerization of chloroprene, and
nitrile or Buna-N, which is a copolymer of butadiene and
acrylonitrile. The base material of the base 12 may be a single
material or a combination of materials. The particular base
material used depends on desired performance characteristics such
as resilience, texture, and appearance, including color. The base
12 must be somewhat resilient and elastic so the base acts to
return to the default shape when it is moved to the actuated shape
thereby pressing toward the opening 38 of the pipe 40 for
maintaining the seal between the base and the pipe as described
above. However, if the base 12 is too resilient, it will be too
difficult to move the base to the actuated shape.
[0053] The base 12 may also include a second material (not shown in
detail) selected to emit a desired scent or aroma connected to the
base. The aroma emitted from the base 12 may mask, cover, or subdue
unwanted smells in a bathroom such as smells emitted from unwanted
residue or debris on the plunger 10 or on or around the toilet 42.
The scented material of the base 12 may include a single component,
such as a single fragrant oil, or may include a combination of
components. Various scents may be used without departing from the
scope of the present invention. For example, the scented material
may emit an aroma selected from a group of aromas including floral
scents, fruit scents, spices, herbs, other natural scents, and
combinations of these scents. Exemplary floral scents include
jasmine, lilac, lily, rose, ylang-ylang, magnolia, orchid, cherry
blossom, and honeysuckle. Exemplary fruit scents include citrus,
coconut, orange, banana, lemon, watermelon, cherry, strawberry or
other berries, mango, watermelon, pineapple, kiwi, and grapefruit.
Exemplary spices include cinnamon, coffee, and nutmeg. Exemplary
herbs include rosemary, lemongrass, bergamot, chamomile, and mints
such as sage, basil, oregano, thyme, peppermint, and lavender.
Other natural scents include sandalwood, cucumber, patchouli,
vanilla, eucalyptus, and pine. Further, the scented material may
also emit other common aromas such as cotton candy, baby powder,
and musk. In addition, the aroma may resemble a popular perfume or
cologne of a newly created perfume or cologne.
[0054] Although the scented material may have other forms, in one
embodiment the scented material is in the form of a gel, a powder,
or a liquid such as an oil. In one embodiment, the scented material
of the base 12 is a liquid concentrate. The scented material may be
added to the base material of the base 12 at various stages of
development of the base 12. In one embodiment, the scented material
is coated onto the outer surface 14 and/or the inner surface 16 of
the base 12. Although the scented material may be coated onto the
outer surface 14 and/or the inner surface 16 of the base 12 in
other ways without departing from the scope of the present
invention, in one embodiment the scented material is coated onto
the outer surface and/or the inner surface of the base by dipping
the base into a bath of the scented material, spraying the base
with the scented material, or painting the base with the scented
material such as by brush or other applicator. It is contemplated
that the material emitting an aroma may also be part of or formed
on a thin item or film such as a label or sticker attached to the
outer surface 14 of the base 12.
[0055] In one embodiment, the scented material is impregnated into
the base 12 during manufacture of the base. The scented material
may be added to the base material before the base material is
molded and/or cured to form the resulting shaped base 12. For
example, in one embodiment the scented material in the form of an
oil is added to and mixed with a liquid or gel silicone base
material before molding and curing the base material to form the
shaped base 12.
[0056] The molding and curing steps of forming flexible plunger
bases are well known and include positioning the base material and
any processing agents into a mold, such as by injection, and
setting or curing that material to form the resulting base 12. As
will be apparent to those skilled in the art, an inhibitor or an
accelerator may be added to the mixture forming the base 12 to
control the rate and manner at which the base is molded and cures.
Also, the base material of the base 12 may be vulcanized during
formation by adding select chemical agents to add useful properties
to the base or enhance such properties in the base including, for
example, elasticity, strength, and stability. Vulcanizing materials
include activators to initiate vulcanization, fillers, such as
carbon, to reinforce the structure thereby enhancing chemical and
mechanical properties of the base 12, and vulcanization agents to
cross-link polymers. Other agents that may be added to the base
material to affect the formation process and characteristics of the
resulting base 12 include plasticizers, which soften the material
and/or improve processing, processing aids, which may ease handling
during mixing, extrusion, calendaring, or molding, mold release
agents, which may be coated onto the mold such as by spraying and
make it easier to remove the bases from the mold they are molded
in, and age-resistors, which retard aging of the base. In addition,
as described in further detail below, pigments may be added to the
base material to color the base 12 as desired. The pigments may
color or tint the base 12 as desired and in addition to or instead
of color or tint added as desired to the base 12 in other ways
(e.g., by painting).
[0057] The base material and the scented material and the manner in
which they are combined and processed affect characteristics of the
plunger 10 such as a tendency to maintain the seal against the
opening 38 of the pipe 40 during plunging and aroma emitting
characteristics. In one embodiment, the base material is selected,
the scented material is selected and added to the base material,
and the base is processed so the plunger 10 emits a relatively
strong aroma. In another embodiment, the base material is selected,
the scented material is selected and added to the base material,
and the base is processed so the device emits aroma for a
relatively long period of time (e.g., for one or more years).
[0058] Although emission of aroma from the base 12 may be
controlled in other ways without departing from the scope of the
present invention, in one embodiment the emission of aroma from the
base is controlled by controlling a rate of evaporation of the
scented material. The rate of evaporation or diffusion of the
scented material depends on the substance of the scented material
because various substances evaporate in different ways. For
example, one scented material may evaporate rapidly when exposed to
air, thus providing a strong aroma for a relatively shorter period
of time, and another scented material may evaporate more slowly,
providing an aroma for a longer period of time. Also, it is
believed that the rate of evaporation may be controlled by
controlling the presence and configuration of voids formed in the
base material of the base 12 and channels connecting the voids (not
shown in detail) to the each other and to the surfaces 14, 16. By
experimentation that is within the ability of those skilled in the
art, a designer of the plunger 10 can select particular base
materials, scented materials, and processing agents and methods to
make an aromatic plunger having desired characteristics. For
example, the designer may experiment with materials and processes
to create a plunger 10 with desired performance characteristics
such as an ability to form a continuous seal with the pipe 40,
deform as needed to create positive pressure and suction required
for plunging, and emit a strong aroma for a relatively long period
of time.
[0059] The handle 20 of the plunger 10 may also be formed of a
material selected to emit a desired aroma. The aroma emitted from
the handle 20 may mask, cover, or subdue unwanted smells in the
bathroom such as smells emitted from unwanted residue or debris on
the plunger 10 or on or around the toilet 42. The scented material
of the handle 20 may be a supplemental material connected to a base
material of the handle. For example, the handle 20 may include a
wooden or plastic material and a scented material connected to the
base material. The scented material may be connected to the
material of the handle in various ways without departing from the
scope of the present invention. Although the scented material may
have other forms, in one embodiment the scented material is in the
form of a gel, a powder, or a liquid such as an oil. In one
embodiment, the scented material of the base 12 is a liquid
concentrate. The scented material may be added to the material of
the handle 20 at various stages of development of the handle. In
one embodiment, the scented material is coated onto an outer
surface of the handle 20. Although the scented material may be
coated onto the outer surface of the handle 20 in other ways
without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one
embodiment the scented material is coated onto the outer surface of
the handle by dipping the handle into a bath of the scented
material, spraying the handle with the scented material, or
painting the handle with the scented material such as by brush or
other applicator. It is contemplated that the material emitting an
aroma may also be part of or formed on a thin item or film such as
a label or sticker attached to the outer surface of the handle 20.
In one embodiment in which the scented handle 20 includes a scented
material connected to a material of the handle, the scented
material is impregnated into the handle 20 during manufacture of
the handle. The scented material may be added to the material of
the handle 20 before the material of the handle is molded and/or
cured to form the resulting handle.
[0060] The aroma emitted by the scented material of the handle 20
may include any of the aromas described above regarding the aroma
emitted by the second material of the base 12 and may be the same
as or different than the aroma emitted by the second material of
the base. The aroma emitted by the base 12 and the aroma emitted by
the handle 20 may correspond to each other and/or various other
characteristics of the plunger 10. For example, the aroma emitted
by the base 12 and/or the handle 20 may correspond to the shape of
the periphery 18 of the base. For instance, the periphery 18 of the
base 12 may be shaped as a head of a flower (not shown) and the
scented material of the base and the scented material of the handle
may be selected to emit a floral aroma such as those described
above. As another example of the aroma of the base 12 and/or the
aroma of the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the periphery
18, the periphery may be shaped as a piece of fruit such as a
strawberry or a lemon and the base and the handle may emit a
strawberry or lemon aroma. As yet another example of the aroma of
the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the
periphery 18, the periphery may be shaped as a pine tree and the
base and the handle may include material selected to emit a pine
aroma. As still another example of the aroma of the base 12 and/or
the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the periphery 18, a
base shaped as a bumble bee may include a material selected to emit
a honey aroma. The honey aroma and the bumble bee shape of the base
12 relate to each other because bees make honey.
[0061] As another example of the aroma emitted by the base 12
and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 20 corresponding to a
characteristic of the plunger 10, the aroma of the base and/or the
aroma of the handle may correspond to a shape of the handle. For
example, in the embodiment described above in which the periphery
18 of the base 12 is shaped as the head of a flower, the handle 20
may be shaped and marked as a flower stem (e.g., being slightly
bent and colored green) and the base and/or the handle may include
a material selected to emit a floral scent corresponding to the
floral stem formed by the handle. As another example of the aroma
emitted by the base 12 and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 20
corresponding to a shape of the handle, the handle may be shaped as
a banana and the base and the handle may include a material
emitting a banana aroma. As yet another example of the aroma
emitted by the base 12 and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 20
corresponding to a shape of the handle, the handle may be shaped as
a trunk or stem portion of a fruit tree, such as the trunk of a
coconut or orange tree, and the base and/or the handle may include
a material selected to emit an aroma associated with the tree, such
as a coconut or citrus aroma. The handle 20 of this example may
include aspects of the tree it portrays such as branches, leaves,
and fruit.
[0062] As yet another example of the aroma emitted by the base 12
and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 20 corresponding to a
characteristic of the plunger 10, the aroma of the base and/or the
handle may correspond to the marking 50 formed on the base. For
example, in the embodiment described above in which the periphery
18 of the base 12 is shaped as the head of a flower, the plunger 10
may include markings 50 forming details of the flower such as lines
and/or grooves between petals of the flower and the base and/or the
handle 20 may include material selected to emit a floral scent
corresponding to the floral markings on the base. The floral aroma
emitted by the base 12 and/or handle 20 may correspond to the
markings 50 forming floral details on the base 12 even if the
periphery 18 of the base does not form the shape of a flower. As
another example of the aroma of the base 12 and/or the handle 20
corresponding to markings 50 on the base, in the embodiment
described above in which the periphery 18 of the base is shaped as
a bumble bee, the plunger 10 may include markings 50 forming
details of the bee such as lines and colors showing details of the
base, head, and wings of the bee and the base and/or the handle 20
may include material selected to emit a honey scent corresponding
to the markings of the bee formed on the base. The honey aroma and
the bumble bee shape of the base 12 relate to each other because
bees make honey. As another example of the aroma of the base 12
and/or the handle 20 corresponding to markings 50 on the base, in
one embodiment the periphery 18 of the base is shaped as one piece
or a cluster of fruit such as strawberries, the plunger 10 includes
markings forming details of the fruit, and the base and/or the
handle includes material selected to emit a fruit scent (e.g.,
strawberry) corresponding to the markings of the fruit formed on
the base. As yet another example of the aroma of the base 12 and/or
the handle 20 corresponding to markings 50 on the base, in one
embodiment the periphery 18 of the base is shaped as one or more
leaves from a tree or bush, the plunger 10 includes markings
forming details of the leaves, and the base and/or the handle
includes material selected to emit an herbal or other related scent
(e.g., eucalyptus or peppermint) associated with the leaves
corresponding to the markings of the leaves formed on the base.
[0063] As mentioned above, the base 12 of the plunger 10 may be
colored or tinted as desired. Manners of coloring the base 12
include painting the base and adding pigment to the base material
during the formation process. Another manner of providing a base 12
having a desired color is to select a base material inherently
having certain color characteristics. For example, some flexible
base materials have a default color, such as blue, black, red,
green, white, orange, tan, grey, brown, purple, yellow, or
variations of these colors, such as a translucent green or a
brownish red. As described above, the markings 50 formed on the
base 12 may include the color added to the base.
[0064] The handle 20 may also be colored or tinted as desired. The
handle 20 may be colored or tinted in a variety of ways without
departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the
handle 20 may be colored or tinted by painting or by adding pigment
to the base material of the handle. As described above, the
markings 50 formed on the base 12 may include the color added to
the base.
[0065] The color or tint of the base 12 and/or the color or tint of
the handle 20 may correspond to various characteristics of the
plunger 10. For example, the base 12 and/or the handle 20 may have
a color or tint corresponding to an aroma emitted by the base
and/or handle. In one embodiment, the base 12 and/or the handle 20
is colored dark green and the base and/or the handle includes a
material selected to emit a pine aroma corresponding to the dark
green coloring. In one embodiment (not shown), the base 12 and/or
the handle 20 are colored yellow and the base and/or the handle
include a material selected to emit a banana aroma corresponding to
the yellow coloring. As still another example of the base 12 and/or
the handle 20 including a color or tint corresponding to an aroma
emitted by the base and/or the handle, a base shaped as a bumble
bee may be colored with alternating yellow and black stripes and
include a material emitting a honey aroma. In this example, the
coloring of the base 12, the aroma emitted by the base, and the
shape of the periphery 18 relate to each other. The honey aroma
relates to the colored stripes because the stripes form a pattern
reminiscent of the base of bees, which make honey.
[0066] As another example of the color or tint of the base 12
and/or the handle 20 corresponding to another characteristic of the
plunger 10, the base and/or the handle may include a color or tint
corresponding to a shape of the base and/or a shape of the handle.
For example, in the embodiment described above in which the handle
20 is shaped as a banana, the base 12 and/or the handle may be
colored yellow corresponding to the banana shape of the handle. As
another example, in the embodiment described above in which the
base 12 is shaped as the head of a flower and the handle 20 is
shaped as a flower stem, the base and/or the handle may include
corresponding floral colors. Specifically, the handle 20 may be
colored or tinted green corresponding to the flower head shape of
the base 12 and the flower stem shape of handle and the base may be
colored one or more floral colors (e.g., yellow, pink, red, or
pastel colors) corresponding to the shapes of the base and handle.
As another example of the color or tint of the base 12 and/or the
handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the base and/or the shape
of the handle, a base shaped as an apple or a heart may be colored
red corresponding to a common color of apples and heart-shaped
objects. As yet another example of the color or tint of the base 12
and/or the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the base and/or
the shape of the handle, a base shaped as a lemon or lime may be
colored yellow or lime green corresponding to a common color of
lemons and limes. As still another example of the color or tint of
the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the
base and/or the shape of the handle, a base shaped as a leaf may be
colored green, yellow, orange, and/or red corresponding to common
colors of leaves.
[0067] As another example of the color or tint of the base 12
and/or the handle 20 corresponding to another characteristic of the
plunger 10, the base and/or the handle may include a color or tint
corresponding to markings 50 on the base. For example, in the
embodiment described above in which the base 12 is shaped as a head
of a flower and includes markings 50 forming details of the flower
on the base, the base and/or the handle may include flower coloring
corresponding to the floral details formed on the base.
Specifically in this example, the handle 20 may be colored or
tinted green corresponding to the flower details formed by the
markings 50 on the base and the base 12 may be colored one or more
floral colors (e.g., yellow, pink, red, and pastel colors)
corresponding to floral details formed on the base. The floral
colors of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 may correspond to the
markings 50 forming floral details on the base 12 even if the
periphery 18 of the base does not form the shape of a flower. In
another embodiment (not shown), the base 12 is shaped as a golf
ball and the handle 20 is shaped as a golf club, the base and the
handle include markings 50 forming details of the ball (e.g.,
dimples) and the club (e.g., grip), respectively, and the base is
colored as a golf ball (e.g., white) and the handle is colored as a
club (e.g., silver or gray for a shaft portion and black for a grip
portion) corresponding to the shape and the markings of the golf
ball and the golf club.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates a plunger 60 according to another
embodiment of the present invention comprising a base 62 including
a flexible base and having an outer surface 64, an inner surface 66
opposite the outer surface, and a periphery 68 extending around the
base and surrounding the inner surface and the outer surface. The
periphery 68 of the base 62 may have various shapes without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The periphery 68
of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is shaped as a football. The
deformable base 62 is formed from a flexible first material, such
as rubber. The plunger 60 further includes a handle 70 extending
from the outer surface 64 of the base 62. The handle 70 may be
generally cylindrical or non-cylindrical, as described below in
further detail.
[0069] The plunger 60 may include one or more markings 72 formed on
the base 62 at a position selected from a group of positions
consisting of an outer position on the outer surface 64, an inner
position on the inner surface 66, and an intermediate position
between the outer surface and the inner surface. The markings 72
may be formed on the base 62 in various ways without departing from
the scope of the present invention. The markings 72 may include a
protrusion 74 and/or a depression 75. The shape of the base 62 may
be changed by the markings 72 on the base. Specifically, markings
72 in the form of protrusions 74 and depressions 75 may change the
shape of the base. Protrusions 74 may be formed on the base 62 by
adding the first material forming the base and/or another material
to the base. Material on the base 62 may be added material (i.e., a
protrusion 74) when it is formed with or on the base in addition to
the base 62 required for the plunging function. For example, in
FIG. 7, the base 62 needed for proper plunging is designated by
reference number 76. Additional material 78 added to the required
portion 76 of the base 62 is a marking 72 in the form of a
protrusion 74.
[0070] Depressions 75 may be formed on the base 62 by, for example,
removing material from the base that is not required for the
plunging function of the base. Material may be removed from the
base 62 by, for example, cutting, chiseling, engraving, melting, or
etching. A depression 75 may also be formed by providing material
in some areas when forming the base 62 but not in a particular area
thereby forming the depression. For example, a mold used for
forming the base 62 may include a protrusion forming a depression
75 in the base. Protrusions 74 and depressions 75 and protrusions
74 may be formed on the base 62 by displacing material of the base,
such as by impressing, etching, melting, and molding.
[0071] The markings 72 formed on the base 62 may correspond to a
shape of the periphery 68 of the base. For example, the markings 72
on the base 62 of the plunger 60 shown in FIG. 6 include
protrusions 74 forming laces 80 of the football formed by the shape
of the periphery 68. As another example of the markings 72
corresponding to the shape of the periphery 68 of the base 62, the
markings may also include material elevated from the base 62 to
form the seams 82 usually present between panels 84 of a football
between the elevated portions. The seams 82 may be considered
depressions 75. As yet another example of the markings 72
corresponding to the shape of the periphery 68 of the base 62, the
markings may include depressions 75 forming dimples (not shown in
detail) on the outer surface 64 like those present on actual
footballs.
[0072] The markings 72 may also be printed or painted on the outer
surface 64 of the base 62, printed or painted on the inner surface
66 of the base, printed on a label (not shown in detail) adhered to
the outer surface of the base, molded into the base, melted into
the base, etched into the base, doped into the base, impressed into
the base, or engraved into the base. For example, the markings 72
on the base 62 of the plunger 60 shown in FIG. 6 may include brown
paint on the panels 84 matching the brown color of the panels of an
actual football. The markings 72 on the base 62 of the plunger 60
may also include white paint on the protrusion 74 forming the laces
80 matching the white color of laces fn an actual football. The
markings 72 may also include painted, printed, or otherwise formed
lines, coloring, or other impressions added to the base 62 to
accent the object formed by the shape of the periphery 68. For
example, instead of or along with forming the seams 82 described
above by forming protrusions and/or depressions on the base,
markings 72 in the form of paint or another medium may be added to
the base to give an effect of depressed seams in a realistic and
more three-dimensional manner. Similar lines, coloring, or other
impressions may be added to the base 62 to form or accent other
aspects of the base, such as the dimples and laces 80 described
above. The markings 72 described in this paragraph are additional
examples of markings formed on the base 62 corresponding to the
shape of the periphery 68 because the markings form details of the
football formed by the shape of the periphery.
[0073] The markings 72 on the base 62 may further include a message
(not shown). The message may be formed by markings in various ways
such as by forming images and/or symbols on the outer surface of
the base, on the inner surface of the base, and/or between the
outer surface and the inner surface. In one embodiment, the
markings 72 include one or more letters and/or numbers. For
example, the markings 72 may include symbols (e.g., a logo) and/or
letters forming words corresponding to a particular high school,
college, or professional football team painted, printed, or
otherwise formed on the football-shaped base 62 shown in FIG.
6.
[0074] As described above regarding another embodiment, the handle
70 of the plunger 60 may be cylindrical or form various
non-cylindrical shapes. The non-cylindrical shape of the handle 70
may be changed by forming a marking 86 on the handle. The markings
86 may be formed on the handle 70 in various ways without departing
from the scope of the present invention. The markings 86 on the
handle 70 may include a protrusion 88 and/or a depression (such as
the depression 130 shown in FIG. 8). The shape of the handle 70 may
be changed by the markings 86 on the handle. Specifically, markings
86 in the form of protrusions 88 and depressions may change the
shape of the handle. Protrusions 88 may be formed on the handle 70
by adding the same material used for forming the handle and/or
another material to the handle. Material on the handle 70 may be
considered added material when it is formed with or on the handle
in addition to the material of the handle needed for the handle to
function properly. The material of the handle 70 needed for proper
functioning of the plunger 60 is the material that provides
sufficient length, width, and rigidity allowing a user to grasp and
maneuver the handle as needed to position and deform the base 62
for plunging. For example, in FIG. 7, the needed material of the
handle 70 is designated by reference number 90. Additional material
92 added to the required portion 90 of the handle 70 is a marking
86 in the form of a protrusion 88. The required portion 90 of the
handle 70 may form a generally cylindrical shape such as most
conventional plunger handles.
[0075] Depressions (such as the depressions 130 shown in FIG. 8)
may be formed on the handle 70 by, for example, removing additional
material 92 from the handle. Material may be removed from the
handle 70 by, for example, cutting, chiseling, engraving, melting,
or etching. A depression may also be formed by providing material
in some areas when forming the handle but not in a particular area
thereby forming the depression. For example, a mold used for
forming the handle 70 may include a protrusion forming a depression
in the handle. Depressions and protrusions 88 may be formed on the
handle 70 by displacing material of the handle, such as by
impressing, melting, etching, and molding.
[0076] The markings 86 formed on the handle 70 may correspond to a
shape of the periphery 68 of the base 62. For example, the markings
86 on the handle 70 of the plunger 60 shown in FIG. 6 include
protrusions 88 forming uprights or prong portions 94 of a football
goal post 96 corresponding to the football-shaped periphery 68 of
the base 62. In this embodiment, the needed portion 90 of the
handle 70 forms a stem 98 of the goal post 96 formed by the
handle.
[0077] The plunger 60 may also include ornamentation 100 attached
to the base 62 and/or the handle 70. For example, plunger 60 shown
in FIG. 6 includes flags 102 attached to a top of each upright 94
like those often attached to the uprights of actual football goal
posts. Another example (not shown) of ornamentation 100 attached to
a handle 70 of the plunger is a flag attached to a golf flag pole
shaped and marked (e.g., colored white) handle. The plunger 60 may
also include a goal post pad 104 surrounding a lower portion of the
stem 98 of the goal post 96 like the pads that often surround the
lower portion of actual football goal posts. The goal post pad 104
may be releasably or permanently attached to the stem 98 as an
ornamentation 100. Alternatively, the goal post pad 104 may be
formed as part of the handle 70, such as by being molded unitarily
with the balance of the handle or being otherwise connected to the
balance of the handle to form a marking 86 in the form of a
protrusion 88.
[0078] Markings 86 on the handle 70 may also be printed or painted
directly on the handle, printed or painted on a label (not shown in
detail) adhered to handle, or molded, melted, etched, doped,
impressed, or engraved into the handle. For example, the markings
86 on the handle 70 of the plunger 60 shown in FIG. 6 may include
yellow, white, or silver paint covering the goal post 96
corresponding to the color of many actual goal posts. For
embodiments in which the goal post pad 104 is a protrusion 88
instead of an ornamentation 100 as described above, the markings 86
on the handle 70 may include blue or another color of paint on the
pad corresponding to the coloring of actual goal post pads. The
markings 86 described in this paragraph are further examples of
markings formed on the handle 70 corresponding to the shape (i.e.,
football shape) of the periphery 68.
[0079] The markings 86 may also include painted, printed, or
otherwise formed lines, coloring, or other impressions added to the
handle 70 to accent aspects of the object formed by the shape of
the handle. Markings 86 in the form of paint or the like may be
added to the base 62 to provide increased detail and/or more of a
three-dimensional effect to the object(s) formed by the handle 70.
For example, a zipper or other fastener (not shown) on the goal
post pad 104 may be painted on the goal post pad. The markings 86
described in this paragraph are additional examples of markings
formed on the handle 70 corresponding to the shape of the periphery
68 because the markings forming details of the football goal post
104 relate to the football-shaped periphery.
[0080] The markings 86 on the handle 70 may further include a
message 106. The message 106 may be formed by markings 86 in
various ways such as by forming images and/or symbols on an outer
surface of the handle 70, on an inner surface of the handle
(regarding hollow handles), or in an interior (not shown in detail)
of the handle. In one embodiment, the markings 86 include one or
more letters and/or numbers. For example, the markings 86 may
include symbols (e.g., logo) and/or letters forming words
corresponding to a football team painted, printed, or otherwise
formed on the handle 70. The message 106 formed on the pad portion
104 of the goal post 96 formed by the handle 70 shown in FIG. 6
includes letters forming the word "TEAM".
[0081] As described above, the aroma emitted by the second material
of the base 62 and/or the aroma emitted by material of the handle
70 may correspond to characteristics of the plunger 60. As another
example of such a relationship, the aroma emitted by material of
the base 62 and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 70 may
correspond to the marking 86 formed on the handle. For example, in
the embodiment described above in which the handle is shaped as a
banana, the plunger 60 may include markings 86 such as lines,
protrusions 88, and/or depressions forming details of the banana
(e.g., the banana body and banana stem) by, for example, shading
and coloring and the aroma emitted by the second material of the
base 62 and/or the handle 70 may be selected to emit a banana aroma
corresponding to the markings of the banana on the handle. The
banana aroma emitted by the second material of the base 62 and/or
the handle 70 may correspond to markings 86 forming the banana
details on the handle even if the periphery 68 of the base does not
form a banana shape. As yet another example of the aroma emitted by
material of the base 62 and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 70
corresponding to the marking 86 formed on the handle, the second
material of the base and/or the handle may emit a fruit aroma
corresponding to markings forming details of the fruit on the
handle even if the periphery 68 of the base does not form a shape
of the fruit. For example, the handle 70 of this example may be
colored red and include markings 86 forming small seeds, stem, and
leafs of strawberries even if the periphery 68 does not form a
strawberry shape.
[0082] As described above, the color or tint of the base 62 and/or
the handle 70 may correspond to other characteristics of the
plunger 60. As another example of the color or tint of the base 62
and/or the handle 70 corresponding to a characteristic of the
plunger 60, the base and/or the handle may include a color or tint
corresponding to markings 86 on the handle. The plunger 60
according to this embodiment may otherwise be identical to the
first embodiment and therefore will not be described in further
detail.
[0083] FIG. 8 illustrates a plunger 110 according to another
embodiment of the present invention comprising a base 112 including
a flexible base and having an outer surface 114, an inner surface
116 opposite the outer surface, and a periphery 118 extending
around the base and surrounding the inner surface and the outer
surface. The periphery 118 of the base 112 may have various shapes
without departing from the scope of the present invention. The
periphery 118 of the base 112 shown in FIG. 8 is shaped as a home
plate used in the sport of baseball. Other exemplary
baseball-related objects that the periphery 118 may be shaped as
are a baseball hat and a baseball helmet (not shown). The
deformable base 112 is formed from a flexible first material, such
as rubber. The plunger 110 further includes a handle 120 extending
from the outer surface 114 of the base 112. The handle 120 may be
generally cylindrical or non-cylindrical, as described below in
further detail.
[0084] The plunger 110 may include one or more markings 122, 124
formed on the base 112 and/or the handle 120. The plunger 110 may
include various types of markings 122, 124 including markings like
those described above regarding the bases and handles of other
embodiments of the invention. The markings 122 formed on the base
112 of the plunger 110 shown in FIG. 8 may include, for example, a
trim portion 126 corresponding to an edge of actual home plates.
The trim portion 126 may be formed by providing additional material
(i.e., a protrusion) on the base 112 shaped to form the trim
portion or by removing material (i.e., a depression) at the trim
portion. In addition to or instead of forming the trim portion 126
by protrusion or depression, the trim portion may be formed by
selectively painting or otherwise coloring or accenting the base
112. For example, the trim portion 126 may be painted black
corresponding to a black edge formed on many actual baseball home
plates.
[0085] The markings 124 formed on the handle 120 of the plunger 110
of this embodiment include protrusions 128 and a depression 130
forming a shape of a baseball bat 132 and a baseball 134.
Protrusions 128 may be formed on the handle 120 by adding the same
material used for forming the handle and/or another material to the
handle. Material on the handle 120 may be considered added material
when it is formed with or on the handle in addition to the material
of the handle needed for the handle to function as needed for
plunging. The material of the handle 120 needed for proper
functioning of the plunger 110 is the material that provides
sufficient length, width, and rigidity allowing a user to grasp and
maneuver the handle as needed to position and deform the base 112
for plunging. For example, in FIG. 8, the needed material of the
handle 120 is designated by reference number 136. Additional
material 138 added to the required portion 136 of the handle 120 is
a marking 124 in the form of a protrusion 130. The required portion
136 of the handle 120 may form a generally cylindrical shape.
[0086] For the plunger 110 shown in FIG. 8, markings 124 on the
handle 120 in the form of protrusions 128 may include elevated
portions of the baseball 134 forming the stitching or seams 140
corresponding to the seams of actual baseballs. The markings 124
may also include painting or other coloring on the handle 120, such
as white coloring on panel portions 142 of the ball 134
corresponding to the leather panels on actual baseballs connected
by the seams 140 and red coloring on the seams imitating the color
of an actual baseball.
[0087] The markings 124 on the handle 120 may further including a
message 144, such as a message associated with a particular person
or team. The markings 124 shown in FIG. 8 include letters forming
the words "TEAM NAME". Other examples (not shown) of markings 124
that may be formed on the handle 120 are lines, coloring, and other
impressions showing detail of the bat 132, such as lines, coloring,
or other impressions indicating a grip (e.g., made of tape) on a
grip portion 146 of the bat 132 corresponding to the grip commonly
placed on the grip portion of actual baseball bats.
[0088] Characteristics of the handle 120 and the base 112 may
relate to each other in various ways. For example, the markings 122
on the base 112 may correspond to the shape of the base 112. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the markings 122 on the base 112 form
details of the home plate formed by the shape of the base. As
another example, the markings 124 on the handle 120 may correspond
to the shape of the handle. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the
markings 124 on the handle 120 form details of the baseball bat and
ball formed by the shape of the handle.
[0089] As yet another example of characteristics of the plunger 110
relating to each other, the shape of the handle 120 may correspond
to a shape of the base 112 and/or markings 122 on the base. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the baseball bat and ball shape of the
handle 120 corresponds to the baseball home plate shape of the base
112 and the markings 122 on the base forming details of the
baseball home plate. As still another example of characteristics of
the plunger 110 relating to each other, the markings 124 on the
handle 120 may correspond to the shape of the base 112 and/or to
the markings 122 on the base. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8,
the markings 124 forming details of the baseball bat and ball
formed by the shape of the handle 120 correspond to the shape of
the base forming a baseball home plate and to the markings 122 on
the base forming details of the home plate. The plunger 110
according to this embodiment may otherwise be identical to the
previously described embodiments and therefore will not be
described in further detail.
[0090] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the", and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0091] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
* * * * *