U.S. patent application number 16/907782 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-08 for toilet trap water blocking device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Chien-Kuo Liu. Invention is credited to Chien-Kuo Liu.
Application Number | 20200318333 16/907782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004928002 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200318333 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Chien-Kuo |
October 8, 2020 |
TOILET TRAP WATER BLOCKING DEVICE
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a device and method for
blocking the toilet trap of a toilet for cleaning and disinfecting
purposes. The device includes an inflatable member having an
opening; an elongated fluid conduit having a proximal end and a
distal end, the proximal end of the fluid conduit is coupled to the
opening of the inflatable member; a disc coupled between the
opening of the inflatable member and the proximal end of the fluid
conduit; and a pump assembly coupled to the distal end of the
elongated fluid conduit, wherein the inflatable member, the
elongated fluid conduit, and the pump assembly are in fluid
communication, the pump assembly comprises a fluid pump for pumping
fluid under pressure and a release valve for releasing the fluid
under pressure.
Inventors: |
Liu; Chien-Kuo; (Honolulu,
HI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Liu; Chien-Kuo |
Honolulu |
HI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004928002 |
Appl. No.: |
16/907782 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03D 9/00 20060101
E03D009/00 |
Claims
1. A method of cleaning toilets, the method comprising: providing a
device, the device comprising: an inflatable member having an
opening; an elongated fluid conduit having a proximal end and a
distal end, the proximal end of the fluid conduit is coupled to the
opening of the inflatable member; a pump assembly coupled to the
distal end of the elongated fluid conduit, wherein the inflatable
member, the elongated fluid conduit, and the pump assembly are in
fluid communication; positioning the device into a toilet bowl
wherein the inflatable member is positioned into the toilet trap;
and operating the pump assembly to inflate the inflatable member
till the inflatable member snugly fits into the toilet trap
blocking the passage of water.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a
disc coupled to the proximal end of the elongated fluid
conduit.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pump assembly comprises a
fluid pump and a release valve, the fluid pump configured to pump
fluid under pressure, the release valve configured to release the
fluid under pressure.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the method further comprises the
steps of: filling water into the toilet bowl up to a predetermined
level; adding a cleansing agent to the water; and opening the
release valve to deflate the inflatable member after a
predetermined time.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the inflatable member is of oval
shape.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the inflatable member is of round
shape.
7. The method of claim 3, wherein the fluid pump is an electronic
pump, and the pump assembly further comprises a battery for
powering the electric pump.
8. The method of claim 3, wherein the fluid pump is a squeeze bulb,
and the pump assembly further comprises a first check valve and a
second check valve, the first check valve fluidly connects the
squeeze bulb to the elongated fluid conduit, the first check valve
configured to allow fluid to transfer from the squeeze bulb to the
elongated fluid conduit, the second check valve fluidly connects
the squeeze bulb to atmosphere and permits fluid from outside to be
drawn into the squeeze bulb.
9. The method of claim 4, wherein the fluid is air.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the elongated fluid conduit is
rigid but could bend under an external force to conform to the
shape of the toilet trap.
11. A device for blocking a toilet trap, the device comprising: an
inflatable member having an opening; an elongated fluid conduit
having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the
elongated fluid conduit is coupled to the opening of the inflatable
member; a disc coupled between the opening of the inflatable member
and the proximal end of the fluid conduit; and a pump assembly
coupled to the distal end of the elongated fluid conduit, wherein
the inflatable member, the elongated fluid conduit, and the pump
assembly are in fluid communication, the pump assembly comprises a
fluid pump for pumping fluid under pressure and a release valve for
releasing the fluid under pressure.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the fluid pump is an electric
fluid pump and the pump assembly further comprises a battery for
powering the electric pump.
13. The device of claim 11, wherein the fluid pump is a squeeze
bulb, and the pump assembly further comprises a first check valve
and a second check valve, the first check valve fluidly connects
the squeeze bulb to the fluid conduit, the first check valve
configured to allow fluid to transfer from the squeeze bulb to the
fluid conduit, the second check valve fluidly connects the squeeze
bulb to outside atmosphere and permits fluid to be drawn into the
squeeze bulb.
14. The device of claim 11, wherein the inflatable member is a
round shaped balloon that is dimensioned to snugly fit into the
toilet trap when inflated.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates an inflatable device and in
more particular, the present invention relates to an inflatable
device to assist in toilet cleaning.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Toilets often become dirty and acquire foul, unpleasant
odors. No one enjoys cleaning toilets, especially ones that are
caked with layers of waste, stains, and/or smell repulsive. No
matter the extent of filth, it is necessary to clean and maintain a
sanitary toilet. There are many toilet cleaning solutions and tools
on the market, most of which require the use of a brush or similar
tool to clean the toilet bowl. However, such a process of cleaning
the toilets is inefficient, time-consuming, and laborious.
[0003] Toilet manufacturers designed toilets to maintain a low
water level inside the base of the toilet. The lower curving
channel inside the base of the toilet is commonly known as a toilet
trap or trap way. This connects the toilet bowl to the drainage
pipe. Depending upon the curvature of the toilet trap, the lower
portion of the toilet trap always contains an amount of water. A
cleaning solution of disinfectant can be added to the water in the
toilet trap which keeps is clean. However, the upper portion of the
toilet bowl is empty and dry, which results in water rings, urine
stains, feces stains, and other contaminants that cause the toilet
bowl to become dirty.
[0004] Thus, a need is appreciated for a device that allows water
to be retained in the toilet bowl, above the limits of the toilet
trap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The principal objective of the present invention is
therefore directed to a device that allows retaining water in a
toilet bowl above the toilet trap's water level.
[0006] It is a further objective of the present invention that the
device is economical to manufacture.
[0007] It is an additional objective of the present invention that
the device can be easily deployed and removed from the toilet
bowl.
[0008] It is still an additional objective of the present invention
that the device allows the cleaning of the toilet bowl.
[0009] It is yet an additional objective of the present invention
is that the device can be used hygienically.
[0010] It is another objective of the present invention that the
device is compact for storage.
[0011] It is a further another object of the present invention that
the device allows water to be retained in the toilet bowl up to
desired levels.
[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention that the
device allows water to be retained in the toilet bowl up to brim
levels.
[0013] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a device
for temporarily blocking the toilet trap. The blocking of the
toilet trap results in retaining water above the toilet trap's
water level. The water can be filled into the toilet bowl up to
desired levels. The device comprises an inflatable member having an
opening; a fluid conduit for conveying fluid, the fluid conduit
having a proximal end and a distal end. The conduit at the proximal
end is in fluid communication with the opening of the inflatable
member. The distal end of the fluid conduit is coupled to a pump
assembly, wherein the inflatable member, the elongated fluid
conduit, and the pump assembly are in fluid communication. The pump
assembly comprises a fluid pump for pumping fluid under pressure
and a release valve for releasing the fluid under pressure.
[0014] In one aspect, the fluid pump is an electric fluid pump and
the pump assembly further comprises a battery for powering the
electric pump.
[0015] In one aspect, the fluid pump is a squeeze bulb, and the
pump assembly further comprises a first check valve and a second
check valve, the first check valve fluidly connects the squeeze
bulb to the fluid conduit, the first check valve configured to
allow fluid to transfer from the squeeze bulb to the fluid conduit,
the second check valve fluidly connects the squeeze bulb to the
atmosphere and permits fluid from outside to be drawn into the
squeeze bulb.
[0016] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method
for blocking a toilet trap. The method comprising the steps of
positioning the device into a toilet bowl wherein the inflatable
member is positioned into the toilet trap. Thereafter, operating
the pump assembly to inflate the inflatable member till the
inflatable member snugly fits into the toilet trap blocking the
passage of water. Once, the inflatable member blocks the toilet
trap, water can be filled into the toilet bowl up to a
predetermined level, for example, up to the brim of the toilet
bowl. Thereafter, a cleansing agent can be added to the water.
After a predetermined period, the release valve can be opened to
deflate the inflatable member, resulting in draining of the
water.
[0017] These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments
herein will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein,
form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the
present invention. Together with the description, the figures
further explain the principles of the present invention and to
enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the device for blocking a
toilet trap, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3A shows a round shape inflatable member, according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3B shows an oblong shape inflatable member, according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3C shows an oval shape inflatable member, according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a disc, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 5A is the perspective view of the fluid conduit,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5B is another perspective view of the fluid conduit,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a valve, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 7A shows a squeeze bulb, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7B shows an electric fluid pump, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows the device positioned into the toilet trap,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 9 shows the water retained up to brim level of the
toilet bowl, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter.
Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different
forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended
to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments
set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be
illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or
covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for
example, the subject matter may be embodied as devices and methods
of use thereof. The following detailed description is, therefore,
not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0033] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the
term "embodiments of the present invention" does not require that
all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature,
advantage, or mode of operation.
[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms
"a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as
well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be
further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising,",
"includes" and/or "including", when used herein, specify the
presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of
one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components, and/or groups thereof.
[0035] The following detailed description includes the best
currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary
embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in
a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating
the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the
invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any
resulting patent.
[0036] The following detailed description is described with
reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used
to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description,
for purposes of explanation, specific details may be set forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject
innovation. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject
matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block
diagram form in order to facilitate describing the subject
innovation. Moreover, the drawings may not be to scale.
[0037] The present invention is directed to a device for blocking a
toilet trap that allows water to be retained above the toilet
trap's water level. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 which shows an
exemplary embodiment of the device according to the present
invention. The device is having an inflatable member 1, a disc 2, a
fluid conduit 3, a valve assembly 4, and a squeeze bulb 5. The wall
of the inflatable member 1 can be made of elastic material that can
expand on inflation. Moreover, the wall of the inflatable member 1
can be made of durable material. Since the toilet trap is a
cylindrical channel, the inflatable member 1 can also be provided
in a round shape. FIG. 3A-3C shows exemplary embodiments of the
inflatable member being a spherical balloon shape, an oblong shape,
or an oval shape. Although FIG. 3A-3C shows exemplary shapes of the
inflatable member 1, a skilled person will appreciate that the
inflatable member 1 can be provided in any other shape provided
that it can block the toilet trap preventing the passage of water.
The dimension of the inflatable member 1 can be such that when
inflated, it can snugly fit into the toilet trap, wherein the fluid
inside the inflatable member 1 can exert enough pressure on the
walls of the inflatable member 1 to effectively block the toilet
trap. The inflatable member 1 has an opening for the drawing and
releasing the fluid. The fluid can be air.
[0038] Now referring to FIG. 5A-5B which shows an exemplary
embodiment of the fluid conduit 3. The fluid conduit 3 can be an
elongated conduit for conveying fluid. The fluid can be air or
liquid. The fluid conduit 3 can have a proximal end and a distal
end. The fluid conduit 3 at the proximal end can be coupled to the
opening of the inflatable member 1. The distal end of the fluid
conduit 3 can be coupled to a pump assembly for inflating the
inflatable member 1. In one implementation, the length of the fluid
conduit 3 can be such as when the inflatable member 1 is positioned
into the toilet trap, the other end, i.e. the distal end extends
above the toilet bowl, as can be seen in FIG. 8. In one
implementation, the fluid conduit 3 can be made of plastic or
metal. Moreover, the fluid conduit 3 can be flexible enough to
allow adjusting the position of the inflatable member into the
toilet trap. However, the fluid conduit 3 is rigid enough for not
getting bowed.
[0039] Pump assembly coupled to the distal end of the fluid conduit
3 delivers fluid under pressure into the inflatable member 1 for
inflation. In one implementation, the pump assembly can be an
electric fluid pump. In an alternate implementation, the pump
assembly can be a manual fluid pump. An embodiment of the electric
fluid pump is shown in FIG. 7B which includes an outlet port for
fluidly connecting to the distal end of the fluid conduit 3. Above
the port can be seen is a release valve that can be used to release
the pressure inside the inflatable member i.e. releasing the fluid
from the inflatable member. The functioning of the release valve is
known in the art. For example, the release valve can be a
screw-type release valve than can be unfastened to release the
fluid under pressure. The functioning of the electric fluid pump is
also known in the art. The pump assembly can include a battery for
powering the electric fluid pump.
[0040] The mechanical pump assembly can comprise a first valve, a
second valve, a release valve, and a squeeze bulb 5. The first
valve 4 is shown in FIG. 6 having an inlet and an outlet. The first
valve can be a one-way valve that allows fluid to be transferred
from inlet to outlet. The outlet can be coupled to the fluid
conduit 3, while the inlet can be coupled to the squeeze bulb.
Adjacent the outlet of the first valve can be configured a release
valve for releasing the fluid under pressure from the inflatable
member resulting in its deflation. An embodiment of the squeeze
bulb is shown in FIG. 7A. The squeeze bulb is having an elongated
resilient construction that is domed-shaped and provided with an
opening that can be coupled to the first valve. The squeeze bulb
can be collapsed under applied finger pressure, wherein the volume
of fluid evacuates the fluid chamber under the applied pressure and
transfers through the first valve into the inflatable member.
Between the squeeze bulb and the first valve, the second valve can
be configured, which is also a one-way valve. The second valve can
be configured to allow drawing the fluid from the atmosphere into
the squeeze bulb. When the applied finger pressure is released, the
squeeze bulb starts to expand radially outward and returns to its
original relaxed shape, resulting in the generation of air pressure
within the squeeze bulb that is lower than the external ambient air
pressure. The low air pressure, consequently, results in the
opening of the second valve, and a volume of the fluid is drawn
into the squeeze bulb. The walls of the squeeze bulb can be made of
any resilient material known to a skilled person used in the
manufacturing of resilient bulbs. For example, rubber is known to
have good resilient properties and can be used in the manufacture
of the squeeze bulb of the present invention. Alternatively,
resilient plastic material can also be used. Optionally, the walls
of the squeeze bulb can be reinforced with lateral ribs that also
enhance gripping of the squeeze bulb.
[0041] FIG. 8 shows the device deployed into the toilet bowl,
wherein the inflatable member is shown to be positioned into the
toilet trap. The fluid pump assembly extends above the toilet bowl.
The inflatable member can be inflated by pumping air till the
inflatable member snugly fits into the toilet trap. Thereafter
water can be filled into the toilet bowl up to desired level. FIG.
9 shows water filled into the toilet bowl up to the brim level.
Once, the toilet bowl is filled up to the desired level, a cleaning
or disinfecting agent can be added to the water. Alternatively, the
cleaning or disinfecting agent can be added first, and then the
water can be filled. The cleaning or disinfecting agent can also be
added while the water is being filled into the toilet bowl. For
example, bleach can be added for both cleaning and disinfecting the
toilet bowl.
[0042] To drain the water, the inflatable member can be deflated by
opening the release valve. As the inflatable member starts
deflating, the block is removed and the water in the toilet bowl
drains out. The device can be taken out and stored. The disc as
shown in FIG. 4 is coupled between the opening of the inflatable
member and the fluid conduit. The round shape disc decreases any
splashing in the toilet bowl caused by deflation of the inflatable
member and rushing for the water into the drainage pipe.
[0043] The present invention is a device and a method of use
thereof, that allows users to clean toilets without needing a brush
to scrub during the cleaning process. A user can add their desired
cleaning solutions once the water level has covered all the dirty
parts within the toilet bowl. The cleaning solution will then have
a greater efficiency rate within the toilet bowl as it will be able
to come in contact with everything that needs to be cleaned. The
interior of the toilet bowl will have a finished clean look once
the water is drained and flushed away. This device and method will
save time and energy of the user since the cleaning process does
not require the hassle of a brush and/or direct contact. The
present method is hygienic comparing with the average cleaning
process that uses a brush. The brush accumulates bits of waste from
the toilet bowl as it scrubs, which is unsanitary and a hassle for
the user. The components of the device including the inflatable
member, the disc, and the fluid conduit can have a smooth surface
avoiding sticking of any contaminants. The device can be easily
cleaned by placing the device under running water.
[0044] While the foregoing written description of the invention
enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered
presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will
understand and appreciate the existence of variations,
combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method,
and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited
by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all
embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the
invention as claimed.
* * * * *