U.S. patent application number 12/350447 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-08 for splash cover for plunger.
Invention is credited to Hamid Reza HAJI-KARAMI-MAHABADI.
Application Number | 20100170030 12/350447 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42310724 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100170030 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HAJI-KARAMI-MAHABADI; Hamid
Reza |
July 8, 2010 |
SPLASH COVER FOR PLUNGER
Abstract
A splash cover for a plunger, the plunger having an elongate
handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate
handle for engaging of a drainage site. The splash cover includes a
collar member having a circumferential edge and having a central
aperture for engaging the elongate handle, and a plurality of
separate flaps connected by way of hinge connections at one end
around the circumferential edge and extending lengthwise from the
collar member. Each flap is pivotable at its hinge connection to a
radially-outward position for providing coverage to the drainage
site. The collar member has a sleeve section forming the aperture
and an outwardly extending flange section forming the edge to which
the flaps are connected. A handle member is also provided having a
recess for engaging a top end of the elongate handle.
Inventors: |
HAJI-KARAMI-MAHABADI; Hamid
Reza; (Burlington, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG BASILE
3001 WEST BIG BEAVER ROAD, SUITE 624
TROY
MI
48084
US
|
Family ID: |
42310724 |
Appl. No.: |
12/350447 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2009 |
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 splash cover for a plunger, the plunger having an elongate
handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate
handle for engaging a drainage site, the splash cover comprising: a
collar having a central sleeve section forming a central aperture
for engaging the elongate handle and a radially outwardly extending
flange extended around said sleeve section; and a plurality of
separate flaps having inner ends connected by way of hinge
connections distributed around the circumference of the collar,
said flaps extending lengthwise from the flange; and wherein each
flap is rotatable at its respective hinge connection from an inward
position where the flap extends along the length of the handle to a
radially-outward position for providing coverage at the drainage
site.
2. The splash cover of claim 1, wherein each flap is dimensioned to
overlap an adjacent flap in its inward position along the length of
the elongate handle.
3. The splash cover of claim 2, wherein each flap is formed of a
rigid material and is substantially planar.
4. The splash cover of claim 1 wherein each flap has two outer
corners located away from its inner end, each outer corner is
notched, and the adjacent notches of adjacent flaps form recesses
each adapted to receive part of a hinge for a toilet seat during
use of the splash cover on a toilet.
5. The splash cover of claim 1, wherein each flap is formed of a
transparent material.
6. The splash cover of claim 2, wherein the hinge connections are
integral hinges formed by creases between the flaps and the
flange.
7. The splash cover of claim 2, wherein the central aperture is
lined with a frictional material.
8. The splash cover of claim 1, wherein each flap has a length in
the range of 12 to 20 cm.
9. The splash cover of claim 2, wherein each flap has a length
selected to enable the flap to rest on the rim of a standard toilet
bowl when the flap is in the radially-outward position.
10. A plunger system for providing coverage to a drainage site,
comprising: a plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head
located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging a
drainage site; and a splash cover mounted on said handle and
including a collar member having a central aperture through which
the handle extends and a plurality of separate flaps connected by
way of hinge connections distributed around the collar member, said
flaps extending lengthwise from the collar member; wherein each
flap is dimensioned to be overlapping an adjacent flap when the
flaps are pivoted to an inward position where each flap extends
along the handle and wherein each flap is pivotable at its hinge
connection to a radially-outward position for providing coverage at
the drainage site.
11. The plunger system of claim 10, further comprising a handle
member having a recess for receiving a top end of the elongate
handle of the plunger.
12. The plunger system of claim 10 wherein said collar member
includes a sleeve section forming said central aperture and a
radially outwardly extending flange section extending around said
sleeve section and each flap is connected by its respective hinge
connection to said flange section.
13. The plunger system of claim 10, including a detachable,
elongate, flexible fastener usable to secure said plurality of
flaps in said inward position.
14. The plunger system of claim 11, wherein each flap has two outer
corners spaced from said collar member, each of said outer corners
is formed with a notch having a concave edge, and the adjacent
notches of adjacent flaps form semi-circular recesses each adapted
to receive part of a hinge for a toilet seat during use of the
splash cover on a toilet.
15. A kit for providing coverage to a drainage site, comprising: a
plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head located at a
bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging a drainage site; and
a splash cover including a collar member having a circumferentially
extending edge and having a central aperture for snuggly receiving
the elongate handle and a plurality of separate flaps connected by
way of hinge connections around said circumferential edge of the
collar member, said flaps extending lengthwise from the collar,
wherein during use of the plunger and splash cover, each flap is
pivotable to an inward position where each flap extends along the
handle and partially overlaps an adjacent flap, and each flap is
pivotable at its hinge connection to a radially-outward position
for providing coverage at the drainage site.
16. The kit of claim 15 wherein said collar member has a sleeve
section forming said central aperture and a radially extending
flange section forming said circumferentially extending edge and
each hinge connection is an integral hinge formed between the
respective flap and an adjacent portion of said edge.
17. The kit of claim 16, further comprising a handle member having
a recess for receiving a top end of the elongate handle of the
plunger.
18. The kit of claim 15 including a detachable, elongate cord or
strap for holding said plurality of flaps in said inward
position.
19. The kit of claim 17, wherein the handle has a hemispherical top
surface and recessed finger contours opposite said top surface to
assist in gripping the handle member.
20. The kit of claim 16, wherein each of said flaps has two outer
corners spaced from said circumferentially extending edge of the
collar member, the outer corners of two or more of said flaps are
notched, and the adjacent notches of adjacent flaps form recesses
each adapted to receive part of a hinge for a toilet seat during
use of the splash cover on a toilet.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a splash cover adapted for a
plunger, for providing coverage to a drainage site, a plunger
system, and a kit of parts for making a plunger system.
[0002] Conventional plungers are typically used for engaging a
clogged toilet by creating a suction force at the drainage site of
the toilet. Operation of such plungers to create the suction force
often results in splashing of the surrounding water which may
escape the toilet bowl area and even onto the user.
[0003] An example of a plunger with an anti-splash shield is found
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,368 to Wallace. This patent describes a
plunger member having an anti-splash shield. The shield has an
expandable resilient means at the outer edge for expanding and
engaging the inner surface of a toilet bowl. The anti-splash shield
is formed of accordion-like pleats or folds to allow folding of the
shield inwardly towards the plunger when not in use. A difficulty
with this device is that these pleats may be cumbersome to
manufacture within the shield as they require back and forth
folding by the manufacturing process. The pleats also require the
shield to be formed of a number of different materials. These
materials would include the need for sufficiently flexible or
resilient material to allow for such back and forth folding.
[0004] It would be advantageous to provide for a splash cover which
addresses at least some of the above-identified difficulties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, the present application describes a splash
cover for a plunger, the plunger having an elongate handle and a
plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for
engaging a drainage site. The splash cover includes a collar having
a central sleeve section forming a central aperture for engaging
the -elongate handle, a radially outwardly extending flange extend
around the sleeve section, and a plurality of separate flaps having
inner ends connected by way of hinge connections around the
circumference of the collar and extending lengthwise from the
flange. Each flap is rotatable at its respective hinge connection
from an inward position where the flap extends along the length of
the handle to a radially-outward position for providing coverage at
the drainage site.
[0006] In another embodiment of the invention, a plunger system for
providing coverage to a drainage site includes a plunger having an
elongate handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the
elongate handle for engaging a drainage site. The plunger system
also includes a splash cover with a collar member having a central
aperture for engaging the elongate handle, and a plurality of
separate flaps connected by way of hinge connections distributed
around the circumference of the collar member and extending
lengthwise from the collar member. Each flap is dimensioned to
overlap an adjacent flap when the flaps are pivoted to an inward
position where each flap extends along the handle. Each flap is
pivotable at its hinge connection to a radially-outward position
for providing coverage at the drainage site.
[0007] In yet another aspect, the present application describes a
kit of parts for providing coverage at a drainage site. The kit
includes a plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head
located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging a
drainage site. The kit also includes a splash cover including a
collar member having a circumferentially extending edge and having
a central aperture for snuggly receiving the elongate handle and a
plurality of separate flaps connected by way of hinge connections
around the circumferential edge of the collar member. Each flap is
pivotable to an inward position where each flap extends along the
handle and is pivotable at its hinge connection to a
radially-outward position for providing coverage at the drainage
site.
[0008] The kit can also include a hemispherical handle member
having a recess for engaging a top end of the elongate handle of
the plunger.
[0009] Embodiments will now be described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
numerals are used to indicate similar features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a front side view of a plunger system having a
splash cover in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention in an operable mode;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a front side view of the plunger system in a
storage mode;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a partial top view of the splash cover in the
storage mode;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the splash cover in the operable
mode;
[0014] FIG. 5A shows a left side view of a handle member to be used
in the plunger system;
[0015] FIG. 5B shows an isometric view of the handle member;
[0016] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate the assembly of the plunger
system;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a bathroom environment for operation of
the plunger system; and
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a top view of another embodiment of the splash
cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] The present application generally provides a splash cover
for a plunger which includes a collar or collar member having a
circumference and having a central aperture for receiving an
elongate handle of the plunger, and a plurality of flaps connected
by way of hinge connections at one end around the circumference of
the collar and extending from the collar along a length of the
elongate handle. Each flap is independently operable and separable
from an adjacent flap.
[0020] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows a plunger
system 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention. The plunger system 10 includes a plunger 12, a splash
cover 14, and a handle member 16. Generally, upon operation of the
plunger 12, the splash cover 14 may be used to prevent liquids or
waste from escaping from a drainage site. The handle member 16 is
also provided to assist a user in gripping of the plunger 12.
[0021] Reference is made briefly to FIG. 7, which illustrates a
bathroom environment 50 for operation of the plunger system 10.
Plungers are generally used where there is some blockage at some
point within the drainage site or surrounding areas. Operation of
plungers may cause splashing or escaping of waste from drainage
sites to the bathroom environment 50. The plunger system 10 may be
used on a number of drainage sites, which include those found in
toilet 52, sink 54 and bathtub 56. In the illustrative example
shown in FIG. 7, the plunger system 10 is used on toilet 52.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the plunger 12 includes an elongate
handle 18 having a bottom end 20 and a top end 22. A plunger head
24 is located at the bottom end 20 of the elongate handle 18. As is
known in the art, the plunger head 24 may be formed of a rubber or
rubber-like material. The plunger head 24 includes an annular
extension 26 about an open end to sealingly engage the drainage
site.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, the splash cover 14 includes a
collar member 28 generally for supporting flaps 30, which can be
used to provide coverage at the drainage site upon operation of the
plunger 10. The collar 14 includes a neck member or sleeve 32 which
is rigid and cylindrically shaped to accommodate the elongate
handle 18. The neck member 32 has defined therein a central
aperture 34 for passage of the elongate handle 18; The neck member
32 may be mounted at various positions along the elongate handle
18. The central aperture 34 can be dimensioned to frictionally
engage the elongate handle 18 so that the collar 14 may remain on
the elongate handle 18 in a snug-fit. In other example embodiments,
the central aperture 34 may have the interior surface lined with a
frictional coating or material such as rubber (not shown). In other
example embodiments, fasteners such as ring collar fasteners or
stops (not shown) may also be used to maintain the desired position
of the collar 14.
[0024] Referring still to FIG. 2, the plurality of flaps 30 are
positioned around the circumference of the collar 28 in one
position, the flaps 30 extend from a radially outwardly extending
flange 31 of the collar member 28 along the length of the elongate
handle 18 towards the plunger head 24. Each flap 30 is hingedly
connected at one end to the collar 28 via its respective hinge
connection 36. The hinge connection 36 is for example an integral
hinge created by forming a crease in the material between the flap
28 and the collar 28. In the storage position of FIG. 2, each flap
30 is naturally positioned in a downward position (based on
gravity) and the cover has a generally compact form for storage. In
the storage mode the flaps 30 may be further secured in the storage
position by the use of temporary fasteners between a flap and the
elongate handle 18, or a fastener 70 connecting adjacent flaps
together. The illustrated fastener 70 is shown detached in FIG. 2
but it will be understood that it can be secured tightly around the
flaps to hold them in their downward or inward position. The
fastener 70 can be a detachable, elongate, flexible cord or strap
that will extend completely around the folded flaps. Its ends can
be secured together by Velcro.TM. strip fasteners at 71 and 72.
Other temporary fasteners include magnets, latches, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the operable mode, each flap is pivotable at
the collar 28 to a radially-outward position for providing coverage
to the drainage site when in operation. In the operable mode the
flaps 30 can remain in the radially-outward position by being
dimensioned at an appropriate length to rest on the rim of the
toilet or sink, etc. Further, in the operable mode, the
radially-outward position of the flaps 30 are positioned at an
angle with respect to the length of the elongate handle 18. As
shown in FIG. 1, the angle of the flaps 30 is substantially
perpendicular to the elongate handle 18.
[0025] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows a schematic
view of part of the splash cover 14 in the storage mode. Each flap
30 is generally flat and wedge-shaped or triangular shaped wherein
each flap 30 has a narrow width near the collar 28 and has a wider
width at the opposite end. Each flap 30 is, independent and
separate from an adjacent flap. This can assist in operation of the
splash cover 14 as each flap can individually be opened or closed
as appropriate depending on the shape of the drainage site and
surrounding environment (such as uniquely shaped toilet bowls and
sink rims). As shown in FIG. 3, in the storage mode each flap 30 is
also dimensioned to be overlapping to an adjacent flap, for example
having a maximum overlap width 38 and the overlap width tapering at
the collar 28. The maximum overlap width 38 may for example be one
inch, but may be varied depending on the particular application or
configuration.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 4, in the operating mode the flaps 30
are positioned in their radially-outward position forming a
generally circular configuration. The flaps 30 are dimensioned such
that in the radially-outward position there are minimal or no gaps
between each flap and the adjacent flaps. In this position there is
little or no overlap between each flap and the adjacent flap as in
the storage mode (FIG. 3). The positioning of the flaps 30 thereby
provides coverage upon operation of the plunger 12 at the drainage
site. The flaps 30 in the operable mode can be thought of as being
in a pie-shaped configuration.
[0027] Reference is now made to FIG. 5A which shows a side view of
an exemplary handle member 16 to be used in the plunger system, and
FIG. 5B which shows a side view of the handle member 16 in
operation. The handle member 16 is generally hemispherical in
shape, having an upper convex portion and a generally flat bottom
portion. The handle member 16 has a central recess 60 in its bottom
for engaging the top end 22 of the elongate handle 18. The handle
member 16 also has finger contours 62 in its bottom for assisting
the user in gripping the handle member 16. The finger contours 62
are spaced apart recesses within the handle member 16 at a suitable
depth to accommodate the fingers of the user. A thumb contour can
also be positioned on side of the handle member 16 for gripping of
the thumb if desired. The position of the finger contours 62 would
depend on the particular application, and may for example be
positioned on a side portion of the handle member 16.
[0028] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, which
illustrate the assembly of the plunger system 10. The plunger 12,
splash cover 14, and handle member 16 may be collectively provided
in a kit of parts for assembly by the end user. As shown in FIGS.
6A and 6B, the splash cover 14 is slideably mounted onto the
elongate handle 18 to a desired point. As shown in FIG. 6C, the
handle member 16 can be mounted thereafter to the top end 22 of the
elongate handle 18.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 7, a user may operate the plunger
system 10 on suitable drainage sites such as in the toilet 52. Each
flap 30 is shown in the operating mode and is supported by the rim
of the toilet 52. The user can operate the plunger 12
conventionally in a manner well known by those skilled in the art.
During the up and down motion of the plunger 12, the splash cover
14 prevents water and waste from escaping the toilet and splashing
onto the rest of the bathroom environment 50. Upon completion of
the operation the user may lift the plunger system 10 causing the
flaps 30 to move to the storage mode by gravity. The temporary
fastener (not shown) may be used to keep the flaps 30 in storage
mode.
[0030] The flaps 30 are formed of a rigid material such as plastic.
Suitable plastics would also provide some flexibility while in
operation, depending on the particular application. The plastic can
be a transparent material to assist the user in viewing the
drainage site upon operation of the plunger system 10. The splash
cover can be formed by a conventional plastic-molding process as
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0031] Suitable dimensions of the flaps 30 can be based on a
conventional plunger and toilet rim size. In an example embodiment,
the length of the flaps 30 is 14.5 cm. Exemplary embodiments of the
flaps have a length in the range of 12 to 20 cm. In an example
embodiment, the handle member 16 is 10 cm in diameter and 7 cm in
height. In an exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of the splash
cover including the flaps are chosen so that the splash cover can
not only be used on a toilet but is also suitable for a kitchen
sink of standard dimension.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows another exemplary embodiment of the splash
cover of this disclosure. This splash cover 80 can be constructed
in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 except for
the additional feature of corner cut-outs or notches 82. These
notches are located in the two outer corners 84 of each flap 30.
Each notch can be formed with a concavely curved edge 86. The
adjacent notches of adjacent flaps form recesses which as shown can
have a substantially semi-circular shape. Each recess is adapted to
receive one end of a hinge for a standard toilet seat. In one
particular embodiment, the total width W of the open side of this
recess is about 2 cm while the depth of the recess is about one (1)
cm. During use of this particular splash cover, at least one and
possibly two of these recesses can be engaged with one (or possibly
two) end section of the toilet seat hinge. This engagement helps
prevents the splash cover from moving, shifting or flopping during
use, thereby making it easier to use.
[0033] In some example embodiments, the splash cover 14 and handle
member 16 are formed of the same material (such as plastic) for
ease of manufacture. The material can also be of the same color,
for example, the splash cover 14 and handle member 16 can be
uniformly colored if they are produced from the same colored
plastic resin. In some example embodiments, the splash cover 14 and
handle member 16 uniformly come in various colors (e.g., red, blue,
green) to match the decor of the bathroom environment 50.
[0034] In other example embodiments, the handle member 16 is formed
of a soft material such as rubber or suitable plastic, for example
to provide additional comfort to the user. Other mechanism may be
used to create the hinge connection 36. For example, mechanical
hinges can be mounted onto the flaps 30 and collar 28 to create the
hinge connection 36.
[0035] While the invention has been described in detail in the
foregoing specification, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that variations may be made without departing from the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *