Plumbing apparatus

Abstract

A plumbing apparatus intended for unclogging a drain pipe. The apparatus includes a substantially rigid member and a compressible member, one of the substantially rigid member and the compressible member including a valve. The compressible member may seal a drain and the drain pipe and a fluid may be introduced into the drain pipe through the valve.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a plumbing apparatus and more specifically, to an apparatus intended for use in unclogging a drain pipe. The apparatus enables the user to regulate the pressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount of time to displace the clogging debris.

Background of the Invention

Since the advent of indoor plumbing, drain pipes have experienced clogging. From kitchen and bathroom sinks to tubs and showers, debris proceeding down the drain builds-up or otherwise becomes trapped in certain locations of the drain pipe. The limited diameter of many of these pipes and the complex array of bends and turns associated with the pipes in an indoor plumbing system contribute to the clogging. Once clogged, the sink or other device associated with the clogged drain pipe becomes substantially unusable, thereby requiring user intervention to dislodge or otherwise remove the debris.

Several methods, compounds, and devices have been developed to unclog a drain pipe. For instance, one primitive method involves disassembling the drain pipe to physically remove the debris. This disassembly requires an extensive amount of time and often results in the standing water above the clog leaking out onto the floor or surrounding area. Moreover, many clogs reside in remote locations in the drain pipe that are nearly inaccessible without sever destruction to the plumbing system.

In an attempt to overcome the need for disassembly, chemical compounds have been developed to chemically erode the debris. Unfortunately, these compounds are often highly toxic. This results in a health hazard to humans, as well as a danger to the environment. Furthermore, the introduction of chemicals into the water system results in increased costs for processing waste water. Additionally, the caustic chemicals in these compounds may damage the pipes in a plumbing system. These compounds also may not sufficiently erode large amounts of debris, thereby requiring additional devices or methods to unclog the drain.

To overcome the disadvantages of chemical compounds, several mechanical devices have been developed. For example, plungers are well known devices for use in attempting to unclog a drain pipe. These devices generally include some form of cup or bellows for supplying bursts of air to the drain pipe. Unfortunately, these devices may only supply a small volume of air to the drain pipe for a very short amount of time. Moreover, these devices fail to adequately seal the drain associated with the clogged drain pipe. This results in air escaping around the cup or bellows during the plunging operation. Therefore, the user must repeat the plunging operation many times and may be unable to build up enough pressure in the drain pipe to displace the clogging debris.

Other devices incorporate an air pump to direct a burst of air at an elevated pressure into the drain pipe. These devices includes a rubber cup that fits over the drain having the clogged drain pipe. Similar to the plunger, this rubber cup fails to properly seal the drain, therein allowing air to escape around the cup and failing to deliver a sufficient volume of air to displace the clog. Moreover, these devices utilize a chamber to build up pressure and a valve actuated by a trigger to release the air. Similar to the plunger, this results in a short burst of air into the line insufficient to displace the clogging debris in the drain pipe. Due to the failure of these devices to properly seal the drain and their ability to only provide a short burst of air, these devices do not enable the user to regulate the pressure in the drain pipe. Accordingly, these devices cannot supply a continuous pressure for a desired amount of time.

Besides devices using bursts of air as the fluid to attempt unclogging the drain pipe, other devices use water to try displacing the debris. These devices sometimes include a bulb that fills with water, thereby expanding to seal the drain pipe. Once sealed the water proceeds down the drain pipe to unclog the debris. Unfortunately, these devices do not seal at the drain of the sink. Therefore, the user must disassemble a portion of the drain pipe to insert the device. This disassembly is time consuming and often results in standing water in the sink draining into the area surrounding the sink.

Another mechanical device utilizes a flexible tube or shaft (sometimes referred to as a “snake”) to attempt displacement of the clogging debris. This requires the user to direct the snake down the drain pipe to the clogged area and push or otherwise displace the debris. Unfortunately, these devices are limited by their length, therein making it difficult or impossible to reach debris at remote locations in the drain pipe. Moreover, structure often found in a drain, such as a screen or other insert, prevents easy entry of the snake into the drain pipe. Therefore, the user may have to disassemble a portion of the drain or drain pipe to enable insertion of the snake. Additionally, the snake is messy to use. Debris located in the drain pipe covers the snake as it proceeds through the drain pipe. Upon removal of the snake, this debris must be cleaned or it may transfer to undesired locations.

Accordingly, the plumbing arts have need for an apparatus that may seal the drain and drain pipe without any disassembly of the sink or drain pipe. The apparatus would enable a user to introduce a fluid into the drain pipe and regulate the pressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount of time to displace the clogging debris.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, a new and improved plumbing apparatus intended for unclogging a drain pipe is described. The plumbing apparatus includes a substantially rigid member and a compressible member, one of the substantially rigid member and the compressible member including a valve. The compressible member may seal a drain and the drain pipe and a fluid may be introduced into the drain pipe through the valve to displace the debris clogging the drain line.

Broadly stated, the present invention presents a plumbing apparatus that enables a user to seal a drain and a drain pipe and then regulate the pressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount of time to displace the clogging debris. A user simply places the plumbing apparatus into the drain and manipulates an adjustable member, such as a wing nut and bolt, to draw a first and second plates toward one another. This movement of the plates results in compression of a compressible member. As an exterior surface of a wall engages a sidewall of the drain, the plumbing apparatus seals the drain and drain pipe. At this point, the user may regulate the pressure in the drain pipe, therein promoting release of the debris causing the clog. To accomplish this, the user may connect the auxiliary fluid source to a valve adapted to receive a fluid. Next, the user may initiate the fluid delivery to the drain pipe. Since the plumbing apparatus seals the drain and drain pipe while enabling the user to deliver fluid to the drain pipe, the user may build up or otherwise regulate pressure in the drain pipe and ultimately displace the debris clogging the drain pipe. A skilled artisan will appreciate that this enables the user to deliver a substantially continuous fluid supply for an extended amount of time. Upon displacing the debris causing the clog, the user may disconnect the fluid supply and manipulate the adjustable member to allow movement of the first and second plates away from one another. This movement of the plates enables the compressible member to return to its relaxed position and allows for removal of the plumbing apparatus from the drain.

In one embodiment, the plumbing apparatus includes first and second substantially rigid members, such as plates, having recessed regions that project into an opening of the compressible member. The plumbing apparatus may also include an adjustable member that retains the first and second substantially rigid plates on the compressible member. The adjustable member may comprise a bolt and a corresponding wing nut positioned substantially in the center of the first and second plates. Movement of the wing nut in a clockwise direction draws the first and second plates towards one another, therein compressing the compressible member. When the device becomes positioned in the drain, the compression results in a wall of the compressible member engaging a surface of the drain, therein sealing the drain and drain pipe. Introduction of a fluid, such as air or water, into the valve and drain pipe enables the user to regulate the pressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount of time to displace the clogging debris.

In the following description there is shown and described one possible embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1a is an exploded perspective view of a sink having a drain pipe to be unclogged utilizing one embodiment of the plumbing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the sink of FIG. 1a with the plumbing apparatus installed in the drain;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plumbing apparatus of FIGS. 1a and 1b;

FIG. 3a is a detailed cutaway view along the line X-X of FIG. 1b showing a compressible member of the plumbing apparatus in a relaxed configuration; and

FIG. 3b is a detailed cutaway view along the line X-X of FIG. 1b showing the compressible member of the plumbing apparatus of FIG. 1b in a sealed position.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Reference is now made to the exploded view of FIG. 1 showing a sink 10 with a drain 12 having a drain pipe 14 to be unclogged utilizing one embodiment of the plumbing apparatus 16 of the present invention. In one embodiment, the apparatus 16 seals the drain 12 and the drain pipe 14, therein enabling regulation of pressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount of time to displace the clogging debris.

In summary, the plumbing apparatus 16 enables a user to seal the drain 12 and the drain pipe 14 and then regulate the pressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount of time to displace the clogging debris. A user simply places the plumbing apparatus 16 into the drain 12 and manipulates an adjustable member 32, such as a wing nut 36 and bolt 34, to draw first and second plates 18, 20 towards one another. This movement of the plates results in compression of a compressible member 22. As an exterior surface 30a of a wall 30 engages a sidewall 42 of the drain 12, the plumbing apparatus 16 seals the drain 12 and drain pipe 14. At this point, the user may regulate the pressure in the drain pipe 14, therein promoting release of the debris causing the clog. To accomplish this, the user may connect the auxiliary fluid source (not shown) to a valve 44 adapted to receive a fluid. Next, the user may initiate the fluid delivery to the drain pipe 14. Since the plumbing apparatus 16 seals the drain 12 and drain pipe 14 while enabling the user to deliver fluid to the drain pipe 14, the user may build up or otherwise regulate pressure in the drain pipe and ultimately displace the debris clogging the drain pipe 14. A skilled artisan will appreciate that this enables the user to deliver a substantially continuous fluid supply for an extended amount of time. Upon displacing the debris causing the clog, the user may disconnect the fluid supply and manipulate the adjustable member 32 to allow movement of the first and second plates 18, 20 away from one another. This movement of the plates enables the compressible member 22 to return to its relaxed position and allows for removal of the plumbing apparatus 16 from the drain 12.

The embodiment of the plumbing apparatus 16 shown in FIG. 2 includes first and second rigid members, such as the first plate 18 and the second plate 20, and the compressible member 22. The first plate 18 rests on a top surface 22a of the compressible member 22, while the second plate 20 resides at an opposite end of the compressible member 22, adjacent a bottom surface 22b. Manipulation of the relative positions of the first and second plates 18, 20 results in compression or relaxation of the compressible member 22, as discussed below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the compressible member 22 may comprise a ring having the wall 30 defining an opening 28. The compressible member 22 is preferably formed from an elastomer material, such as rubber, but may be any compressible material. To assist with compression of the compressible member 22, the first plate 18 may have an overall shape similar to the shape of the top surface 22a of the compressible member. In the configuration shown, this results in the top plate having a substantially circular appearance. Similarly the second plate 20 also has a substantially circular appearance mimicking the shape of the bottom surface 22b of the compressible member 22. The circularity of the first and second plates 18, 20 enables insertion of the plumbing apparatus 16 into the drain 12 and also assists in sealing the drain 12, as discussed below. Although shown as being substantially circular, the first and second plates 18, 20 and the compressible member 22 may comprise any shape or size, but would preferably be a shape adapted to fit within a drain. Additionally, the first and second plates 18, 20 may be formed from any material, but would preferably be a corrosion resistant metal, such as stainless steel.

In one embodiment, the first and second plates 18, 20 may have recessed regions 18a, 20a, respectively (FIGS. 2, 3a, and 3b). The recessed regions 18a, 20a define lips 24, 26 that contact the top and bottom surfaces 22a, 22b, while the recessed regions 18a, 20a project into the opening 28 of the compressible member 22. This configuration of recessed regions 18a, 20a and lips 24, 26 assist in focusing compressive force on the compressive member 22, thereby resulting in outward projection of the wall 30 of the compressible member 22, as discussed below.

The plumbing apparatus 16 also includes the adjustable member 32 (FIGS. 3a and 3b) that retains the first and second plates 18, 20 on the compressible member 22. In one embodiment, the adjustable member 32 may comprise multiple pieces, such as a threaded shaft or the bolt 34 and corresponding wing nut 36, as shown in FIG. 2. The bolt 34 becomes inserted through an aperture 37a in the second plate 20, the opening 28 of the compressible member 22, and an aperture 38a of the first plate 18. The bolt 34 may include a collar 34a adapted to engage the aperture 37a and prevent rotation of the bolt 34. Once fully inserted, the wing nut 36 attaches to the bolt 34 to secure it to the plumbing apparatus 16. One or more washers 35 may become positioned between the bolt 34 or wing nut 36 and the first and second plates 18, 20. A skilled artisan will appreciate that positioning the adjustable member 32 substantially in the center of the first and second plates 18, 20 results in even radial expansion, in the radial direction R₁ (FIG. 1b), during compression the compressible member 22.

FIGS. 1 shows the complete plumbing apparatus 16 with the compressible member 22 in its uncompressed or relaxed condition prior to insertion of the plumbing apparatus 16 in the drain 12. With the compressible member 22 in the relaxed condition, the plumbing apparatus 16 may easily become placed in the drain 12. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, the relaxed compressible member 22 preferably has a smaller outer diameter D₁ than the diameter D₂ of the drain 12. The second plate 20 also has a diameter smaller than the diameter D₂ of the drain 12 to facilitate insertion of the plumbing apparatus into the drain 12. Also, as shown, the first plate 18 preferably has an outer diameter D₃ larger than the diameter D₂ of the drain 12. In this configuration, a portion of the lip 24 resides outside of the drain 12 and engages an inner surface 10a of the sink.

To seal the drain 12 and drain pipe 14 after installation of the plumbing apparatus 16, a user turns the wing nut 36 in a clockwise direction Z₁ (FIG. 1b) to draw the first and second plates 18, 20 toward one another. This movement of the plates 18, 20 causes compression of the compressible member 22. Accordingly, the greater the wing nut 36 becomes tightened, the more the compressible member 22 becomes compressed, therein resulting in radial expansion of the wall 30. In other words, the movement of the first and second plates 18, 20 towards one another forces the wall 30 of the compressible member to outwardly buckle or bulge. As the wall 30 projects in the radial direction, the exterior surface 30a of the wall 30 engages the sidewall 42 of the drain. This engagement of the wall 30 of the compressible member 22 with the sidewall 42 seals the drain 12 and drain pipe 14.

To unseal the drain 12 and drain pipe 14, the user simply turns the wing nut 36 in the counterclockwise direction Z₂ (FIG. 1b). The elastomer material forming the compressible member 22, desires to return to its relaxed and uncompressed state. Accordingly, as the wing nut 36 becomes loosened, the compressible member 22 pushes the first and second plates 18, 20 away from each other until the compressible member 22 returns to its fully relaxed condition.

As mentioned above, another feature of the present plumbing apparatus 16 is that it enables regulation of the pressure in the drain pipe therein promoting release of the debris causing the clog. To facilitate this, the apparatus 16 includes the valve 44 adapted to receive a fluid, such as air or water, from an auxiliary source (not shown). In one embodiment, the valve 44 comprises a standard self-sealing air valve similar to those found on car tires. The valve 44 includes a stem 46 having a base 48 with an aperture 48a positioned at one end and plunger 50 at the other end. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3a, and 3b, the valve 44 may reside on the second plate 20 with the base 48 attached at the aperture 37b, therein placing the aperture 48a in fluid communication with the drain pipe 14. In this configuration, the stem 46 projects through the opening 28 of the compressible member 22 and an aperture 38b of the first plate 18. This enables a user to place the auxiliary fluid supply source in fluid communication with the valve 44. For instance, a user may connect a manual air pump or an air compressor to the valve 44. The air pump or compressor includes a connector that depresses the plunger 50 of the valve 44 such that air may proceed through the stem 46 and out the aperture 48a. Additionally, the plunger 50 and valve 44 enable a user to bleed or release pressure in the drain pipe. For instance, the valve 44 with plunger 50 allow the user to build up pressure in the drain pipe 14 and then release some of the pressure, such as when cycling pressure in the drain pipe 14 or removing the plumbing apparatus 16 after displacing clogging debris.

The present invention presents a plumbing apparatus 16 that enables placement of the apparatus 16 in the drain 12, without disassembly of the drain 12 or drain pipe 14, for sealing the drain 12 and the drain pipe 14. This enables the user to introduce a fluid into the drain pipe and regulate the pressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount of time. Thus, the apparatus 16 allows a user to displace clogging debris at any location in the drain pipe 14.

The foregoing discussion was chosen to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications suited to the particular use contemplated. For example, the plumbing apparatus 16 may include any number of rigid members, plates 18, 20, or compressible members 22. Additionally, the plumbing apparatus 16 may have any size or shape to accommodate various configurations of drains 12. Instead of becoming placed in the drain 12 for sealing the drain 12 and the drain pipe 14, the plumbing apparatus 16 may become placed directly in the drain pipe 14. Additionally, multiple plumbing apparatuses 16 may be used simultaneously in a plumbing system or otherwise in conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the plumbing apparatus 16 may become configured without a valve 44, therein only serving to seal the drain 12 or the drain pipe 14. All modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. An apparatus intended for use in unclogging a drain pipe, comprising:

a first substantially rigid member;

a compressible member; and

a valve positioned on one of the first substantially rigid member and the compressible member, wherein the compressible member may seal the drain pipe and a fluid may be introduced into the drain pipe through the valve.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second substantially rigid member, such that the compressible member resides between the first and second substantially rigid members.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first substantially rigid member has a larger diameter than the second substantially rigid member, such that a portion of first substantially rigid member engages a surface of the sink when the apparatus seals a drain of a sink associated with the drain pipe.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an adjustable member that retains the first and second substantially rigid members on the compressible member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the adjustable member comprises a bolt and corresponding wing nut, movement of the wing nut causes movement of the first and second substantially rigid members and compression or relaxation of the compressible member.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the valve includes an aperture for introducing the fluid into the drain pipe and the valve resides on the second substantially rigid member.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve is an air valve adapted for receiving air.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve is a water valve adapted for receiving water.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the compressible member is an elastomer ring having a wall defining an opening.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable member that retains the first substantially rigid member on the compressible member.

11. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said adjustable member comprises a bolt and wing nut positioned substantially in the center of the first substantially rigid member.

12. An apparatus intended for use in unclogging a drain pipe, comprising:

first and second substantially rigid plates;

a valve positioned on one of the first and second substantially rigid plates and adapted to receive a fluid from an auxiliary fluid source for introducing the fluid into the drain pipe; and

a compressible member positioned between the first and second substantially rigid plates, wherein the movement of the first and second substantially rigid plates causes compression or relaxation of the compressible member and the compressible member may seal a drain of a sink associated with the drain pipe.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first and second substantially rigid plates have recessed regions that project into an opening of the compressible member.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an adjustable member that retains the first and second substantially rigid plates on the compressible member.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the adjustable member comprises a bolt and corresponding wing nut positioned substantially in the center of the first and second substantially rigid plates to enable even radial expansion of the compressible member during compression.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the valve is an air valve that resides on the second plate and projects through an opening of the compressible member and an aperture of the first plate.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the diameter of the first substantially rigid plate is larger than the diameter of the second substantially rigid plate.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first plate includes a lip that engages a surface of the sink when the apparatus seals the drain.

19. A method of unclogging a drain pipe, comprising:

inserting a plumbing apparatus into a drain associated with the drain pipe;

sealing the drain with the plumbing apparatus; and

introducing a fluid into the drain pipe to regulate the pressure in the drain pipe for a desired amount of time to displace clogging debris.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the sealing step comprises placing an apparatus having a compressible member in the drain and manipulating an adjustable member of the apparatus to compress the compressible member and seal the drain pipe.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the introducing a fluid step comprises attaching an auxiliary fluid source to a valve of the apparatus and initiating the fluid delivery from the fluid source to the drain pipe.