U.S. patent application number 13/621660 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-20 for plunger device with a plumbing auger attachment.
This patent application is currently assigned to VISTA CONTAINERS & ENCLOSURES LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Qing Hai ZENG. Invention is credited to Qing Hai ZENG.
Application Number | 20140075661 13/621660 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50272899 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140075661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZENG; Qing Hai |
March 20, 2014 |
PLUNGER DEVICE WITH A PLUMBING AUGER ATTACHMENT
Abstract
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a plunger
device for clearing a clog from drain. The plunger device includes
a handle, a plunger cup, and an auger attachment. The handle has a
shaft removably connected to the plunger cup at the top of the cup,
and the auger attachment is also releasably connected to the
plunger cup at the bottom of the cup. The auger attachment extends
beyond the rim and cup body of the plunger cup so that the auger
attachment is mechanically inserted into the drain. The auger
attachment is formed of a stronger material than the plunger cup.
The push and pull of the handle creates the air pressure and vacuum
action of the plunger cup to clear the clog. Also, the action
creates the boring and retraction action of the auger attachment
against the clog in the drain.
Inventors: |
ZENG; Qing Hai; (Houston,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ZENG; Qing Hai |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
VISTA CONTAINERS & ENCLOSURES
LLC
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
50272899 |
Appl. No.: |
13/621660 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/255.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/00 20130101; E03C
1/302 20130101; E03F 9/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/255.11 |
International
Class: |
E03D 11/00 20060101
E03D011/00 |
Claims
1. A plunger device comprising: a handle means comprised of shaft,
said shaft having a threaded end and a gripping end opposite said
threaded end; a plunger cup means releasably attached to said
handle means at said threaded end, said plunger cup means being
comprised of a rim and cup body, said rim and said cup body being
made integral and being formed of a first material; and an auger
attachment means releasably connected to said plunger cup means,
said auger attachment means being mounted on a bottom side of said
plunger cup means, said handle means being mounted on a top side of
said plunger cup means, said auger attachment means extending
through said cup body and beyond said rim of said plunger cup
means.
2. The plunger device according to claim 1, said plunger cup means
further comprising a first engagement means on said top side of
said plunger cup means, said first engagement means being removably
connected to said handle means, and said first engagement means
being made integral with said cup body and said rim and being
formed of said first material
3. The plunger device according to claim 2, said handle means being
snap-fit into said plunger cup means by said threaded end attaching
to said first engagement means.
4. The plunger device according to claim 2, said handle means being
in threaded engagement with said plunger cup means by said threaded
end being screw-fit into said first engagement means.
5. The plunger device according to claim 1, said plunger cup means
further comprising a second engagement means on said bottom side of
said plunger cup means, said second engagement means being
removably connected to said auger attachment means, said second
engagement means being within said cup body, said second engagement
means being made integral with said cup body and said rim and being
formed of said first material, and said second engagement means
being generally cylindrical and having a cavity for engaging said
auger attachment means.
6. The plunger device according to claim 5, said auger attachment
means being snap-fit into said plunger cup means by attaching to
said second engagement means.
7. The plunger device according to claim 5, said auger attachment
means being in threaded engagement with said plunger cup means by
being screw-fit into said second engagement means.
8. The plunger device according to claim 1, said auger attachment
means being comprised of a second material, said first material
being more flexible than said second material.
9. The plunger device according to claim 8, said auger attachment
means having an attachment end and a boring end, said attachment
end engaging said plunger cup means, said boring end being extended
through said cup body and beyond said rim.
10. The plunger device according to claim 1, said auger attachment
means being comprised of a connector piece and an insertion means,
said connector piece removably engaging said plunger cup means.
11. The plunger device according to claim 10, said connector piece
being at said attachment end, said insertion means being at said
boring end, and said connector piece being removably connected to
said second engagement means.
12. The plunger device according to claim 11, said connector piece
being screw-fit into said second engagement means.
13. The plunger device according to claim 11, said connector piece
being a male connector, said second engagement means being a female
connector.
14. The plunger device according to claim 11, said insertion means
having an extension element and an auger tip, said extension
element having a length so as to extend through said cup body and
beyond said rim, said extension element being flexible.
15. A method of clearing a clog in a drain, comprising the steps
of: positioning a plunger device against said drain, said plunger
device comprising a handle comprised of shaft, said shaft having a
threaded end and a gripping end opposite said threaded end; a
plunger cup releasably attached to said handle at said threaded
end, said plunger cup being comprised of a rim and cup body, said
rim and said cup body being made integral and being formed of a
first material; and an auger attachment releasably connected to
said plunger cup, said auger attachment means being mounted on a
bottom side of said plunger cup, said handle being mounted on a top
side of said plunger cup, said auger attachment extending through
said cup body and beyond said rim of said plunger cup; inserting
said auger attachment into said drain into an original position
within said drain, said auger attachment being comprised of a
second material, said second material being less flexible than said
first material; covering an opening of said drain with said cup
body so as to form a seal around said drain; pushing said handle so
as to deform said cup body from an original shape and to push air
in said cup body into said drain, said auger attachment being
inserted further into said drain beyond said original position;
pulling said handle away from said drain so as to return said cup
body to said original shape and to vacuum fluid into said cup body
from said drain, said auger attachment being retracted to said
original position; repeating the steps of pushing and pulling said
handle until said clog is cleared from said drain; and releasing
said plunger device from said drain.
16. The method of clearing a clog, according to claim 15, said
plunger cup means further comprising a first engager on said top
side of said plunger cup, said first engager being made integral
with said cup body and said rim and being formed of said first
material, the method further comprising the step of: removably
connecting said first engager to said handle.
17. The method of clearing a clog, according to claim 15, said
plunger cup further comprising a second engager on said bottom side
of said plunger cup, the method further comprising the step of:
removably connecting said second engager to said auger
attachment.
18. The method of clearing a clog, according to claim 15, said
auger attachment being comprised of a second material, said first
material being more flexible than said second material, said step
of pushing said handle further comprising: deforming said plunger
cup without deforming said auger attachment.
19. The method of clearing a clog, according to claim 15, said
auger attachment having an attachment end and a boring end, said
attachment end engaging said plunger cup, the method further
comprising: extending said boring end through said cup body and
beyond said rim and into said drain to said original position so as
to physically contact blockage in said drain.
20. The method of clearing a clog, according to claim 15, said
connector piece being at said attachment end, said inserter being
at said boring end, said inserter having an extension element and
an auger tip, the method further comprising: extending said
inserter into said drain to said original position so as to
physically contact blockage in said drain.
Description
RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to a plunger device to clear
clogs in a toilet or other plumbing drain. In particular, the
present invention relates to a plunger device with a plumbing auger
attachment for extension into the toilet drain.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art Including Information
Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
[0007] Clogged toilet drains can lead to messy and embarrassing
situations. Depending upon the severity of the clog, there are a
variety of mechanical implements that can be used to clear toilet
drains. Typically stored near the toilet, a plunger is the most
common tool used to unclog a toilet. The plunger includes a shaft
and a rubber cup at one end of the shaft. The free end of the shaft
is the handle, used to place the plunger into position. The cup is
positioned to cover the toilet drain within in the bowl of the
toilet and in the water. Using the handle, the cup is pushed
towards the drain. Air in the cup is forced into the drain to break
the clog, while the cup is flattened. Using the handle again, the
cup is pulled into its original shape, causing a vacuum. The vacuum
also acts to loosen or break the clog. The air push and the vacuum
pull work to clear the clog or other blockage in the drain. The
plunger can be used on other drains besides a toilet drain, such as
a sink drain or bath tub drain.
[0008] Another mechanical implement is the toilet snake or
plumber's snake. This device is a flexible coil with an auger end,
which is inserted into the toilet drain to physically contact and
displace the clog or blockage. The plumber's snake normally
includes a coiled metal wire with an auger end and a crank attached
to the metal wire. The crank rotates the metal wire as the
plumber's snake enters the drain. The auger end has screw threads
for boring into a clog. The combination of the rotation of the wire
and the boring action of the auger end results in clearing a clog
or blockage. There is the corkscrew action of the auger end to dig
into the clog. The clog can be pulled out of the drain with the
auger end anchored into the clog. There is the rupture of the clog
with the snake drilling through the blockage, allowing some fluid
to pass through the clog to break down the clog. Additionally, the
mechanical action of rubbing the auger end and the coil against the
blockage loosens and breaks the clog.
[0009] The plunger is not always effective against all clogs,
especially more serious clogs and blockages. The plumber's snake is
usually reserved for particularly difficult clogs, and there are
professional services with technically advanced and strongly
powered versions of the plumber's snake. These advanced services
are costly and disruptive. There is a need for another type of
device to be effective against clogs that cannot be cleared by the
prior art plunger, while being more easy to use, efficient and less
costly than the plumber's snake.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
embodiment of the plunger device with plumbing auger
attachment.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
embodiment of the plunger device with plumbing auger attachment to
clear a clog with air pressure.
[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an embodiment of the plunger device with plumbing auger
attachment to clear a clog with vacuum pressure.
[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an embodiment of the plunger device with plumbing auger
attachment to clear a clog with physical contact by the auger
attachment.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an embodiment of the plunger device with a plumbing auger
attachment fixedly and securely connected to the plunger
device.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an embodiment of the plunger device with a plumbing auger
attachment removable connected to the plunger device.
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
embodiment of the plunger device with a plumbing auger attachment,
wherein the auger attachment is able to be separately cleaned and
stored.
[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
embodiment of the plunger device with plumbing auger attachment,
wherein the material strength of the auger attachment is different
from the material strength of the cup of the plunger device.
[0018] These and other objectives and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached
specifications and appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] An embodiment of the present invention is a plunger device
for clearing a clog from a drain. The plunger device includes a
handle with a shaft, a plunger cup formed by a cup body and a rim,
and an auger attachment releasably connected to the plunger cup.
The shaft of the handle has a threaded end and a gripping end, and
the plunger cup releasably attaches to the handle at the threaded
end. The plunger cup, including the cup body and rim and made
integral and formed of a first material. The auger attachment is
mounted on a bottom side of the plunger cup and extends through the
cup body and beyond the rim of the plunger cup.
[0020] The auger attachment is formed of a second material, which
is stronger and less flexible than the first material of the
plunger cup. The auger attachment can be textured, threaded,
coiled, flexibly jointed and/or covered in protrusions. The auger
attachment has an attachment end with a connector piece and a
boring end with an inserter for extending into the drain. The
inserter can have an extension element to reach deep into the drain
and an auger tip for drilling into the clog or blockage. The
extension element is flexible for bending with contours of the
drain and durable for physically contacting, penetrating, and
scraping the clog or blockage from the drain.
[0021] For removable attachment, the plunger cup has a first
engager to connect to the handle. The first engager is also made
integral and formed of the first material, just as the cup body and
rim. The handle can be snap-fit or screw-threaded into the first
engager with a complementary threaded end of the shaft. The plunger
cup has a second engager to connect to the auger attachment. The
second engager is also made integral and formed of the first
material. The auger attachment can also be releasable attached to
the second engager, by snap-fit or screw-threaded or other means,
with a complementary structure, such as the connector piece.
[0022] A method of clearing a clog using an embodiment of the
present invention includes positioning the plunger device against
the drain, inserting the auger attachment into the drain, covering
an opening of the drain with the cup body so as to form a seal
around the drain, pushing the handle so as to deform the cup body
from an original shape and to push air in the cup body into the
drain, pulling the handle away from the drain so as to return the
cup body to the original shape and to vacuum fluid into the cup
body from the drain, concurrently driving the auger attachment back
and forth through the drain corresponding to movement of the
handle, and repeating the steps of pushing and pulling the handle
until the clog is cleared from the drain. The plunger cup action
and the auger attachment action both work to clear the clog. The
plunger cup, handle, and auger attachment are detachable for
cleaning and storage after use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of the plunger device of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
the plunger device of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevation view of the plunger cup and
auger attachment of an embodiment of the plunger device of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plunger
cup and auger attachment of the embodiment of the plunger device of
the present invention as shown in FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 5 is another exploded cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of the plunger device of the present invention, showing
another embodiment of an auger attachment.
[0028] FIG. 6 is still another exploded perspective view of an
embodiment of the plunger device of the present invention as shown
in FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the plunger device 10 of
the present invention. The plunger device 10 includes a handle
means 12. The handle means 12 has a shaft 14 with a threaded end 16
and a gripping end (not shown). The gripping end is opposite the
threaded end 16, and a user holds the gripping end to position and
move the plunger device 10. The plunger device also has a plunger
cup means 20 releasably attached to the handle means 12 at the
threaded end 16. The plunger cup means 20 has a rim 22 and cup body
24. These components, the rim 22 and the cup body 24 are made
integral with a first material for both. The rim 22 forms the seal
on the opening of the drain for the use of pressure to clear the
blockage in the drain. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the cup body 24 extending
beyond the rim 22. Other variations of the cup body 24 and rim 22
are also compatible with the present invention. The threaded end 16
is screw-threaded into the plunger cup means 20 for attaching and
detaching. The plunger cup means 20 contacts the toilet water and
the drain. The plunger cup means 20 can be detached for separate
cleaning from the handle means 12.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is also an auger
attachment means 30 releasably connected to the plunger cup means
20. The auger attachment means 30 is mounted on a bottom side of
the plunger cup means 20. FIG. 2 shows how the handle means 12
mounts on a top side of the plunger cup means 20, opposite from the
auger attachment means 30. FIGS. 1 and 2 both show the auger
attachment means 30 extending through the cup body 24 and beyond
the rim 22 of the plunger cup means 20.
[0031] FIGS. 3 and 4 show enlarged views of the plunger cup means
20 as attached to the auger attachment means 30. FIGS. 3 and 4 show
the plunger cup means 20 with a first engagement means 26 on the
top side and a second engagement means 28 on a bottom side. The
first engagement means 26 is removably connected to the handle
means 12 (shown in FIG. 1, not FIGS. 3 and 4). One embodiment is
threaded engagement between the plunger cup means 20 and the
threaded end 16 of the handle means 12. The screw-fit relationship
allows the handle means 12 to attach and detach according to the
needs of the user. In other embodiments, there is snap-fit
engagement between the plunger cup means 20 and the handle means 12
(not shown). The first engagement means 26 can snap-fit onto the
handle means 20 or even be friction-fit for the removable
connection. As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the first engagement means 26 is
made integral with the cup body 24 and the rim 22. A first material
forms these parts of the plunger cup means, such as rubber, plastic
or other flexible and durable materials.
[0032] Additionally, there is a second engagement means 28 on the
bottom side of the plunger cup means 20 for removably connecting
the auger attachment means 30. The second engagement means 28 is
positioned within the cup body 24 interior and usually positioned
opposite the first engagement means 26. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the
first engagement means 26 on a top side and a second engagement
means 28 on the opposing bottom side of the plunger cup means 20.
The second engagement means 28 is generally cylindrical and has a
cavity for engaging the auger attachment means 30. One embodiment
is threaded engagement between the plunger cup means 20 and the
auger attachment means 30. The screw-fit relationship allows the
auger attachment means 30 to attach and detach according to the
needs of the user. In other embodiments, there is snap-fit or
friction-fit engagement between the plunger cup means 20 and the
auger attachment means 30, similar to variations between the handle
means 12 and the plunger cup means 20. The second engagement means
28 can be snap-fit by the auger attachment means 30 or even be
friction-fit for the removable connection. Similar to the first
engagement means 26, the second engagement means 28 is made
integral with the cup body 24 and the rim 22. The same first
material forms this part of the plunger cup means 20 as well.
[0033] FIGS. 1-4 show enlarged and exploded views of embodiments of
the auger attachment means 30 of the present invention. In all
embodiments, the auger attachment means 30 is comprised of a second
material, wherein the first material is more flexible than the
second material. The difference in materials allows the plunger cup
means 20 to be deformed and re-formed during the pushing and
pulling of the handle means 12, while the auger attachment means 30
remains rigid and stable for penetrating and scraping the blockage
in the drain. The rim 22 and cup body 24 can be made concave by
pushing the handle means 12, without deforming the auger attachment
means 30.
[0034] FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 show the auger attachment means 30 having
an attachment end 32 and a boring end 34. The attachment end 32 is
affixed to the plunger cup means 20, as shown in FIG. 4. The boring
end 34 can be generally cylindrical, tapered or conical for
drilling into a blockage. The boring end 34 may also be threaded,
textured, or covered with protrusions for physically scraping and
clearing the blockage in the drain. In any case, the boring end 34
must extend through the cup body 24 and beyond the rim 22. The
reach of the auger attachment means 30 must be greater than the
plunger cup means 20 in order to extending into the drain and
contact the blockage. FIGS. 1-4 show an embodiment of the auger
attachment means 30 as coiled wire 36, similar to materials
suitable for a plumber's snake. This embodiment includes an auger
attachment means 30 comprised of a connector piece 38 at the
attachment end 32 and an insertion means 40 at the boring end 34.
The connector piece 38 removably engages the plunger cup means 20.
For example, the threads on the connector piece 38 can engage the
second engagement means 28 of the plunger cup means 20. The
connector piece 38 can be a male connector with compatibility with
the second engagement means 28 as a female connector. There is a
screw-fit attachment in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 but other removable
attachments are also possible, such as snap-fit and friction-fit.
The connector piece 38 is shown with a textured surface and conical
shape. Other protrusions or threads on the surface may be useful to
scrape blockage from the drain, if close enough to the connector
piece 38.
[0035] The insertion means 40 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 has
an extension element 44 and an auger tip 46. The length of the
extension element 44 allows the auger attachment 30 to extend
through the cup body 24 and beyond the rim 22 and into the drain.
The extension element 44 allows physical contact with the blockage
in the drain. The extension element 44 can be flexible or even
spring-like in order to extend into the drain and follow the
contours of the drain and pipes. In the figures, the extension
element 44 includes a friction-fit latch piece 42 for attaching the
insertion means 40 to the connector piece 38. The latch piece 42
may be easier to reach and activate for the attachment of the auger
attachment means 30. The difficulty of rotating and screwing the
entire insertion means 40 is avoided by a quick snap action of the
latch piece 42 onto an extended rim 48 of the connector piece
38.
[0036] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an embodiment of the auger attachment
means 130 with an extension element 144 comprised of a plurality of
flexible joints. Extension elements 44, 144 may have textured
surfaces, such as screw threads or coils, or other protrusions
along the length of the extension element 44, 144. The length of
the extension element 44, 144 is variable as long as the auger
attachment means 30, 130 can reach the blockage in the drain. The
extension elements 44, 144 physically contact the blockage in the
drain and can be used to scrape away the blockage mechanically. The
extension element 44, 144 is comprised of a different material,
just as other parts of the auger attachment means 30, 130. The
materials of the auger attachment 30, 130 have different
flexibility than the first material of the plunger cup means 20.
The advantages of the different materials are realized in all
embodiments of the auger attachment means 30, 130.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows the extension element 44 having a respective
auger tip 46. Various embodiments can be conical, threaded,
textured, or covered with protrusions. Similar to the extension
elements 44, 144, the auger tip 46 physically contacts the blockage
in the drain and can be used to penetrate and bore through the
blockage mechanically. A twisting action through the extension
element 44, 144 can rotate the auger tip 46 for drilling action
against a blockage to relieve fluid flow and ease the scraping
action of the extension element 44, 144, which may or may not push
through the blockage, depending upon the size of the blockage.
[0038] The plunger device of the present invention provides an
inventive method of clearing a clog in a drain. The plunger device
is positioned against the drain. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
plunger device 10 includes a handle 12 with a shaft 14, a plunger
cup 20 with a rim 22 and cup body 24, and an auger attachment 30
comprised of a material different from the plunger cup 20. The
auger attachment 30 is inserted into the drain into an original
position within the drain, and the opening of the drain is covered
with the cup body 24 so as to form a seal around the drain. The
user pushes the handle 12 so as to deform the cup body 24 from an
original shape and to push air in the cup body 24 into the drain.
Also, the auger attachment 30 further inserts further into the
drain beyond rim 22 and the cup body 24 and beyond the original
position. The user pulls the handle 12 away from the drain so as to
return the cup body 24 to the original shape and to vacuum fluid
into the cup body 24 from the drain. Concurrently, the auger
attachment 30 retracts to the original position. The steps of
pushing and pulling the handle are repeated until the clog is
cleared from the drain; then, the plunger device is released from
the drain. The pushing and pulling creates the same effect on the
blockage in the drain as a regular prior art plunger; however, the
present invention further includes the auger attachment 30 for
physically contacting the blockage to also mechanically remove the
blockage.
[0039] The method further includes removable attachment of the
handle 12 to the plunger cup 20. The handle has a shaft with a
threaded end and a gripping end opposite the threaded end. The
plunger cup has a first engager on a top side for releasably
attaching to the handle at the threaded end. The handle can be
attached in a snap-fit or screw-fit connection or other locking
manner with the first engager of the plunger cup. The handle can be
detached in the same manner after use. The handle and plunger cup
can be stored and cleaned separately.
[0040] The method further includes removable attachment of the
auger attachment 30 to the plunger body 20 on a bottom side of the
plunger cup. The auger attachment can have an attachment end and a
boring end. The plunger cup has a second engager on a bottom side
for releasably attaching to the auger attachment at the attachment
end. The auger attachment can be attached in a snap-fit or
screw-fit connection or other locking manner with the second
engager of the plunger cup. The auger attachment can be detached in
the same manner after use. The auger attachment, handle and plunger
cup can be stored and cleaned separately.
[0041] The method of the present invention further includes
deforming the plunger cup without deforming the auger attachment.
The plunger cup with the cup body, rim, first engager, and second
engager is comprised of a first material, while the auger
attachment is comprised of a second material. The first material is
more flexible than the second material, so that the steps of
pushing and pulling the handle by the user deform the plunger cup
without deforming the auger attachment. Additionally, the extra
rigidity of the auger attachment allows the boring end of the auger
attachment to extend through the cup body and beyond the rim and
into the drain to the original position so as to physically contact
blockage in the drain. The mechanical contact of penetrating the
blockage or drilling into the blockage clears the drain with the
action of the auger attachment. When an embodiment of the auger
attachment is comprised of a connector piece and an inserter, the
inserter extends into the drain, while the connector piece
removably attaches to the plunger cup. Attaching and detaching the
connector piece from the plunger cup allows for separate cleaning
and storage. The inserter may also be comprised of an extension
element and an auger tip, such that the method of clearing the
drain further comprises extending the extension element and auger
tip into the drain to an original position so as to physically
contact blockage in the drain and actuating the extension element
and auger tip further into the drain by action of the handle to
mechanically remove the blockage. The back and forth action of the
inserter clears the blockage, in addition to the air pressure and
vacuum of the plunger cup.
[0042] The embodiments of the present invention provide a plunger
device with a plumbing auger attachment to clear a clog with air
pressure and vacuum pressure. The plunger device also clears the
clog by physical contact by the auger attachment. The mechanical
action of the auger attachment scraping the blockage is concurrent
with the pressure pumping. The plunger device can also be assembled
and disassembled to allow for separate cleaning and storage of the
individual parts. The handle can be separated from the plunger cup,
and the auger attachment can also be separated from the plunger
cup. Furthermore, the material strength of the auger attachment is
different from the material strength of the cup of the plunger
device, which enables effective dual action against the blockage in
the drain. The plunger cup of the first material is sufficiently
flexible to seal the opening of the drain, exert pressure against
the blockage through the piper, and create a vacuum to further
break the blockage. The auger attachment of the second material is
stronger than the first material, such that the auger attachment is
not deformed by the pushing and pulling action of the handle. The
auger attachment can continue to mechanically remove the blockage
without being affected by the force used to deform the plunger
cup.
[0043] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is
illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the
details of the illustrated structures, construction and method can
be made without departing from the true spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *