U.S. patent application number 12/217394 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-07 for splash shield and kit for use when plunging a toilet.
Invention is credited to Robert S. Martinisko.
Application Number | 20100000010 12/217394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41463208 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100000010 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martinisko; Robert S. |
January 7, 2010 |
Splash shield and kit for use when plunging a toilet
Abstract
A disposable splash shield sized to fit on a toilet bowl rim to
prevent splashing of water from the bowl when a plunger is used to
free an obstruction in the toilet. The shield is foldable in half
and a gasket seal is affixed to a bottom marginal edge portion to
effect a seal between the shield and the toilet bowl rim. Adhesive
material on the underside of the gasket seal, or strips of adhesive
tape on the marginal edge of the shield, releasably secures the
shield in position. In a preferred embodiment the shield is made of
cardboard. A toilet kit includes the splash shield, gloves, at
least one paper towel, and a flattened box, all packaged in an
envelope-like bag that can be used to contain and dispose of these
items following use.
Inventors: |
Martinisko; Robert S.;
(Clifton, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dennis H. Lambert & Associates
7000 View Park Drive
Burke
VA
22015
US
|
Family ID: |
41463208 |
Appl. No.: |
12/217394 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/255.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/255.11 |
International
Class: |
E03D 11/00 20060101
E03D011/00 |
Claims
1. A disposable splash shield for preventing splashing of water out
of a toilet when: a plunger is being used to unclog the toilet,
said shield comprising: a substantially flat planar shield body
having an annular marginal edge portion with a bottom surface
adapted to fit on an upper surface of a toilet bowl rim; means
forming an opening through a central portion of said shield body
for receiving a plunger handle, said opening being positioned in
said shield body so that it is in substantial alignment with a
drain opening from the toilet bowl when the splash shield is in use
and is correctly positioned on the rim of a toilet bowl; said
shield body having means enabling a user to view through the shield
and into the toilet bowl when the shield is operatively positioned
on a toilet bowl; a gasket seal affixed to the bottom surface of
said marginal edge portion for effecting a seal between said shield
and said toilet bowl rim; and adhesive means carried by said shield
for releasably securing said shield in place on a toilet bowl.
2. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
shield body is foldable in half about a transverse fold line for
compact storage and shipment.
3. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
shield body is transparent, said transparent body comprising said
means enabling a user to view into a toilet bowl when said shield
is in operative position on a toilet bowl.
4. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
shield body is opaque, and said means enabling a user to view
through the shield and into the toilet bowl when the shield is
operatively positioned on a toilet bowl comprises an opening
through said body, and a transparent sheet secured over said
opening.
5. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 4, wherein: said
shield body is made of cardboard.
6. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
shield body is made of cardboard.
7. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
shield body is made of a transparent plastic material, said
transparent plastic material comprising said means enabling a user
to view into a toilet bowl when said shield is in operative
position on a toilet bowl.
8. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
adhesive means comprises an adhesive band on an underside of said
gasket seal.
9. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
adhesive means comprises a plurality of strips of adhesive tape
affixed to a marginal edge portion of said shield body for
attachment to an adjacent upper outer surface portion of a toilet
bowl.
10. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said
adhesive means comprises a plurality of strips of adhesive tape
affixed to an outer marginal edge portion of said shield body for
attachment to an adjacent upper outer surface portion of a toilet
bowl.
11. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said
shield body is made of cardboard.
12. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 8, wherein: a
strip of peel-away material is applied to said adhesive band to
prevent it from adhering to something until it is desired to use
the shield.
13. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 9, wherein: a
strip of peel-away material is applied to said strips of adhesive
tape to prevent them from adhering to something until it is desired
to use the shield.
14. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
shield body is made of cardboard and is foldable about a transverse
fold line to make it more compact for storage and shipping; said
means enabling a user to view through the shield and into the
toilet bowl when the shield is operatively positioned on a toilet
bowl comprises an opening through said body, and a transparent
sheet secured over said opening; and said adhesive means comprises
a plurality of strips of adhesive tape affixed to an outer marginal
edge portion of said shield body for attachment to an adjacent
upper outer surface portion of a toilet bowl.
15. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 14, wherein:
said shield is part of a kit that includes said shield body, a pair
of latex or nitrile rubber gloves, at least one paper towel, and an
envelope-like bag, said shield body, said gloves, and said at least
one paper towel being packaged in said envelope-like bag for
display and sale, and said bag comprising a container for receiving
and disposing of said shield body, said gloves, and said at least
one paper towel following use thereof.
16. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 14, wherein: a
plurality of shields are packaged together in an envelope for
display and sale.
17. A disposable splash shield kit, comprising: an envelope-like
bag; a disposable splash shield packaged in said bag, said shield
intended for preventing splashing of water out of a toilet when a
plunger is being used to unclog the toilet, and comprising a
substantially flat planar shield body having an annular marginal
edge portion with a bottom surface adapted to fit on an upper
surface of a toilet bowl rim, said shield body being folded in
half; a pair of latex or nitrile rubber gloves packaged in said bag
with said splash shield; and at least one paper towel packaged in
said bag with said gloves and said splash shield, said bag
comprising a container for receiving and disposing of said splash
shield, said gloves, and said at least one paper towel following
use thereof.
18. A kit as claimed in claim 17, wherein: a box in a flattened
condition is in said bag, said box being openable to an expanded
condition to hold a plunger following use for carrying the plunger
to a location to be cleaned.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to apparatus for use in plunging
flush toilets, and particularly to a splash shield for preventing
splashing of water out of a toilet when a plunger is being used to
unclog the toilet.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Residential and commercial toilets dispose of human waste by
using water to flush it through a drainpipe to another location.
Most modern flush toilets incorporate an `S` bend or trap that
normally remains filled with water to create a water seal that
prevents flow of noxious gases back through the toilet. The trap
also provides a siphon action that helps accelerate the flushing
process. When the toilet is flushed, water fills up the bowl and
creates a high pressure area that forces the water past the trap.
If the trap should become obstructed, the toilet can overflow when
it is flushed. A plunger typically is used to remove the
obstruction, but its use can result in splashing of water and other
material from the toilet.
[0003] Several devices have been developed in the prior art to
prevent splashing of water from the toilet when a plunger is being
used to remove an obstruction from the toilet. Exemplary of such
devices are those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,458,368, 4,831,669,
4,922,555, 5,706,528, 5,860,170, 6,487,730, 6,594,831 and
7,134,450. These devices either are intended for re-use and are
relatively expensive and complex in construction, and/or are
difficult to use.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a simple,
inexpensive, easy to use disposable splash shield is provided to
prevent splashing of water from a toilet when a plunger is being
used to remove an obstruction from the toilet, said disposable
splash shield comprising:
[0005] a substantially flat planar shield body having an annular
marginal edge portion with a bottom surface adapted to fit on an
upper surface of a toilet bowl rim;
[0006] means forming an opening through a central portion of said
shield body for receiving a plunger handle so that the plunger can
be reciprocated relative to the shield without moving the shield
away from the rim and destroying the seal, said opening being
positioned in said shield body so that it is in substantial
alignment with a drain opening from the toilet bowl when the splash
shield is in use and is correctly positioned on the rim of a toilet
bowl;
[0007] said shield body having means enabling a user to view
through the shield and into the toilet bowl when the shield is
operatively positioned on a toilet bowl;
[0008] a gasket seal affixed to the bottom surface of said marginal
edge portion for effecting a seal between said shield and said
toilet bowl rim; and
[0009] releasable adhesive means carried by said shield for
releasably securing said shield in place on a toilet bowl.
[0010] In one form the releasable adhesive means comprises strips
of tape around the periphery of the shield that are pressed
downwardly against an upper outer surface of the toilet bowl to
hold the shield in place. In another form the releasable adhesive
means comprises an adhesive material applied to the underside of
the sealing gasket, whereby the marginal edge portion of the shield
merely needs to be pressed downwardly against the rim of the toilet
bowl.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment the shield is made of cardboard
having a transparent panel in it so that the user can observe the
level of water in the toilet when the shield is being used. In
another preferred embodiment the shield is made of a transparent
plastic material having sufficient thickness and rigidity to
maintain its shape.
[0012] In a still further preferred embodiment the shield is
foldable so that it can be folded into a smaller configuration for
shipping and storage.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a kit is
provided that includes the splash shield, a pair of latex or
nitrile rubber gloves, a box for transporting a plunger to a
location to be cleaned after it has been used, and optionally one
or more paper towels. The shield, gloves, box and paper towels
preferably are packaged together in an envelope-like bag that can
be used to dispose of these items following their use. If desired,
an inexpensive disposable plunger can be a part of the package.
[0014] A further embodiment comprises an envelope containing a
plurality of splash shields, with or without gloves or other
accessories as described above in the full kit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing, as well as other objects and advantages of
the invention, will become apparent from the following detailed
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like parts
throughout the several views, and wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an elongated toilet bowl
with a transparent plastic splash shield according to a first form
of the invention in place over the toilet bowl rim and a plunger in
operative position below the shield, with the handle of the plunger
received through the slit opening in the shield.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a slightly enlarged fragmentary side view in
elevation of the toilet bowl and shield of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the shield of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the shield of FIG. 3,
showing the protective peel-away strip being removed from the
adhesive surface of the gasket seal on the underside of the shield
of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along
line 5-5 in FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to
FIG. 5, but showing an embodiment wherein the shield is made of
cardboard.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a splash shield like that of
FIG. 1, but with a plurality of strips of adhesive tape spaced
around the margin of the shield for securing it in place over the
rim of a toilet bowl rather than the continuous band of adhesive on
the gasket seal as used in the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary side view in elevation of
the shield of FIG. 7 secured in place on a toilet bowl.
[0024] FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along
line 9-9 in FIG. 7, showing the protective peel-away strip being
removed from the adhesive side on one of the strips of adhesive
tape in that form of the invention wherein strips of adhesive tape
are used in lieu of the adhesive band on the gasket seal.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of
splash shield according to the invention wherein the shield has a
round configuration for use on a round toilet bowl, and showing in
dot-and-dash lines the strips of adhesive tape that may be used in
lieu of the band of adhesive on the underside of the gasket
seal.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the round
splash shield of FIG. 10, depicting the protective peel-away strip
being removed from the adhesive on the underside of the gasket
seal
[0027] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an embodiment of splash shield
according to the invention, wherein the shield is made of an opaque
material such as cardboard and a viewing cut-out is formed in the
shield, covered with a film or sheet of transparent material to
enable a person using the shield to see into the toilet bowl.
[0028] FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken
along line 13-13 in FIG. 12.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a further embodiment
of the shield of the invention, wherein the shield comprises a
layer of cardboard adhesively secured to a layer of plastic.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a kit according to the invention,
wherein a splash shield, gloves, paper towels, and a flattened box
are packaged in an envelope-like bag.
[0031] FIG. 16 depicts the bag of FIG. 15 being used to dispose of
a used shield, towels and gloves, and also showing it being used to
carry a plunger to be cleaned or for disposal.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view showing the box from the
package of FIG. 15 in an expanded or opened up condition and being
used to carry a used plunger to a location to be cleaned.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a plan view of an embodiment wherein a plurality
of splash shields is packaged in an envelope.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0034] A first form of splash shield according to the invention is
indicated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1-5. In this form of the
invention the shield 11 is made of a transparent plastic material
having sufficient thickness and rigidity to maintain its shape when
being used, and has an elongated shape to conform to the shape of
the rim of an elongated toilet bowl 12. A plurality of slits 13 are
made in the shield in a position to be in approximate alignment
with the drain opening from the toilet bowl when the shield is in
operative position, and a gasket seal 14 extends around the margin
of the shield on its underside. The gasket seal mates with the rim
of the toilet bowl to effect a good seal between the shield and the
toilet bowl.
[0035] In one embodiment the underside of the gasket seal has an
adhesive 15 applied to it, either in the form of double sided tape
or a coating of adhesive on the gasket seal. In either case, a
protective peel-away strip 16 of paper or other material known in
the art for this purpose preferably is applied to the adhesive to
prevent it from adhering to something until ready for use. The
peel-away strip is then removed, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0036] As seen best in FIG. 2, the edge 17 of the shield 11 could
project slightly beyond the outer surface of the toilet bowl to
provide an edge under which the fingers can be placed to facilitate
lifting of the shield from the bowl when desired.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment the shield is foldable in half
about a hinge line 18 for more compact shipping and storage and to
minimize dripping of waste water onto the floor when the shield is
removed from the rim of the toilet bowl, as explained more fully
hereinafter.
[0038] The enlarged fragmentary sectional view of FIG. 5 shows the
gasket seal 14, adhesive 15 and peel-away strip 16 applied to a
plastic splash shield 11, and the enlarged fragmentary sectional
view of FIG. 6 shows the gasket seal 14, adhesive 15 and peel-away
strip 16 applied to a splash shield 11' made of cardboard. These
two forms of the invention are identical except for the fact that
shield 11' is made of cardboard and the shield 11 is made of
plastic.
[0039] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show an embodiment 10A wherein the adhesive
layer 15 on the underside of the gasket seal is omitted, and in
lieu thereof strips 19 of adhesive tape are spaced around the
periphery of the shield for securing it in place on the rim of a
toilet bowl. Four such strips of tape are shown in FIG. 7, but any
number could be used, as desired or necessary. Alternatively, both
forms of adhesive securing means could be provided in combination,
if desired.
[0040] As depicted in FIG. 9, the strips of adhesive tape
preferably have a protective peel-away strip 20 applied to the
adhesive side to prevent the strips of tape from adhering to
objects until ready for use. In use, the shield is positioned on
the rim of the toilet bowl, the peel-away strips are removed, and
the strips of tape pulled downwardly and pressed against the
outside of the toilet bowl to secure the shield in place.
[0041] FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment 10B, wherein the
shield 22 is round rather than elongated as in the first form of
the invention. In all other respects this form of the invention is
the same as that previously described, and preferably has a gasket
seal 23 on its underside to engage against the top surface of the
rim of a toilet bowl, with either an adhesive applied to the
underside of the gasket seal and/or strips of adhesive tape 24
spaced around the margin of the shield.
[0042] A further embodiment 10C is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,
wherein the shield 30 is made of an opaque material such as
cardboard rather than the transparent plastic of the first form
described above. The use of a cardboard material is advantageous in
that it will absorb some of the water that splashes onto it,
minimizing dripping when the shield is removed from the toilet.
Otherwise, and with the exception of the viewing opening described
below, this form of the invention is essentially identical to the
forms described above. As shown in FIG. 12 the shield is round as
in the FIG. 10 embodiment, but it could have an elongated
configuration as in the FIG. 1 embodiment. In order to enable the
user to see into the bowl when an opaque shield is used, an opening
31 is made through the shield and a transparent film or sheet 32 is
secured over the opening. Slits 13 are formed through the sheet to
form an opening for receiving the handle of a plunger.
[0043] Another embodiment is indicated generally at 10D in FIG. 14.
In this embodiment a layer of cardboard 40 is laminated with a
plastic layer 41, both of which extend over the full area of the
shield. As in the FIG. 12 embodiment, an opening 31 is formed
through the cardboard so that the user can see through the shield
into the toilet. The transparent plastic layer 41 covers the
opening and is slit at 13 to accommodate the handle of a plunger. A
separate gasket seal 14 may be applied to the underside of the
cardboard layer at its outer margin as indicated by dot-and-dash
lines. However, since the bottom surface of the shield comprises
cardboard, the gasket seal could be omitted if desired.
Alternatively, a band of releasable adhesive could be applied on a
bottom marginal portion of the cardboard layer to secure the shield
in position on a toilet bowl rim as in the FIG. 1 embodiment.
Strips of adhesive as in the FIG. 7 embodiment could be used in
lieu of the band of adhesive.
[0044] A flexible strap 45 can be secured to a top surface of any
of the forms of the shield disclosed herein to serve as a handle to
lift the shield, if desired. The handle can comprise any suitable
material, including plastic, and may be secured with adhesive or
other suitable means. The handle is shown in full lines in FIGS. 1
and 2, and in dot-and-dash lines (as an optional feature) in FIGS.
7, 8 and 10.
[0045] In addition to its more compact size for shipping and
storage, the use of a foldable shield as described can be
advantageous because the plunger can be used to lift the shield
when it is removed from the toilet bowl, resulting in the opposite
sides of the shield folding downwardly about the plunger, thereby
helping to reduce dripping of soiled water from the shield onto the
floor.
[0046] A disposable splash shield kit incorporating a shield
according to the invention is shown at 50 in FIG. 15. The kit
comprises an envelope-like bag 51 in which are packaged a shield 11
(shown folded in half), a pair of latex or nitrile rubber gloves
52, one or more paper towels 53, and a small flattened or collapsed
cardboard box 54. The bag preferably has an eyelet 55 in one end,
and a frangible tear line 56 to enable the bag to be opened to gain
access to the contents.
[0047] After the shield has been used, the shield, gloves, and used
paper towels may be returned to the bag 51 for disposal, as
depicted in FIG. 16. If a disposable plunger has been used it may
also be placed in the bag as shown. If the plunger is not to be
disposed of, the box 54 can be opened up and the plunger placed in
the box as depicted in FIG. 17 so that the plunger can be carried
to a location to be cleaned without dripping soiled water onto the
floor.
[0048] FIG. 18 shows an embodiment 50' wherein a plurality of
splash shields 11 are packaged in the envelope 51', without gloves
or other accessories provided in the package. Any number of shields
may be included, but 5-10 are contemplated. Further, the full kit
shown in FIG. 15 may include a plurality of splash shields, if
desired.
[0049] The invention is usable with any type of plunger, and may be
adapted to any shape and size of toilet. Although cardboard and
transparent plastic have been disclosed as preferred materials, it
should be understood that other materials could be used as long as
they are suitable for the intended purpose. The kit may include a
disposable plunger or sold without a plunger included, as
desired.
[0050] Although particular embodiments of the invention are
illustrated and described in detail herein, it is to be understood
that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention
without departing from the spirit and intent of the invention as
defined by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *