Force Cup (e.g., A Plunger) Patents (Class 4/255.11)
  • Patent number: 11613884
    Abstract: A combination toilet unblocking/cleaning apparatus for providing both a toilet unblocking and toilet cleaning tool in one convenient unit. The toilet unblocking tool further includes an adjustable auger, a combined tongs, and a detachable rod. Wherein, the adjustable auger includes two drain cleaning cable connected to a slider and slidable held in an elongated sleeve member; and the detachable rod is removably attached to the adjustable auger to form a combined tongs, constructed in such manner that the rod member can be used individually as drain rod. Also, the combination toilet cleaning tool is using the combined tongs as a handle with a plurality of different detachable bathroom accessories. Accessories may include a brush, a plunger, and a scraper; in which the brush, the plunger, and the scraper are configured to be selectively and removably coupled to the combined tongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Chi Fu Wang
  • Patent number: 11608623
    Abstract: A single-hand use collapsible anti-bacterial plunger and base is disclosed herein. The single-hand use function of the present disclosure is facilitated by a locking mechanism in the handle, connection joints in the shaft, and a stabilizing foot tab on the base. The collapsible feature of the present disclosure is facilitated by a telescoping shaft. The anti-bacterial feature of the present disclosure is accomplished by an antimicrobial or anti-bacterial agent on the telescoping shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Michelle Salas
  • Patent number: 11523718
    Abstract: A toilet brush with a quick replaceable cleaning head is disclosed herein. It comprises a rod body having a first end and a second end; a handle disposed at the first end of the rod body; a feeding unit for connecting the handle; an action rod accommodated in the rod body for connecting the feeding unit and having a clamping head; and a cleaning head having a sleeve and an aperture into which the clamping head is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Sunyee Brush Land Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Han Yang
  • Patent number: 11346091
    Abstract: A plunger sanitation device includes an elongated flexible container having an opening at one end and sides depending therefrom. A bottom portion depends from the sides at a distal end from the opening and the bottom portion sized to fit a circumference of a dome-shaped cup of a plunger. The elongated flexible container is water resistant and, in some embodiments, the bottom portion is concave are for extending into the dome-shaped cup of a plunger. In some embodiments, the elongated flexible container is made from a material that dissolves in water after use, allowing for flushing of the elongated flexible container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Jeremy Shapiro
  • Patent number: 10801195
    Abstract: The system disclosed herein is directed to a plunger having a protective sleeve for shielding contaminants from the plunger. The plunger includes a handle, and a flexible cup. The body further includes a tab, a shoulder region, a central portion, a first tail, and a second tail. An inlet is disposed on the external surface of the flexible cup. The inlet is coupled to a connector. A through-hole is disposed in the flexible cup or the handle. The through-hole is configured to receive the body of the protective sleeve by passing a portion of the body through an opening of the flexible cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas C. Morse
  • Patent number: 10760252
    Abstract: An automatic air release plunger is provided for unclogging an obstructed drain in a plumbing fixture having undrained wastewater. The plunger includes a handle and a hollow, compressible plunger head. The plunger head is coupled to the handle at the plunger head's proximal end. The plunger head also includes a seal extending from its distal end that is capable of sealing the plunger head to a drain opening of the plumbing fixture. Additionally, the handle and plunger head include automatic air release features that allow air to flow along an air-escape path from inside of the hollow plunger head into a void formed in the interior of the handle, and thereafter into a channel which extends from the proximal end of the plunger head to a gap at a proximal end of the handle where the air is released whenever the plunger head is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: George Tash
  • Patent number: 10631692
    Abstract: The plunger cover of the present application comprises a plurality of enclosure elements and a handle. In one embodiment, the plunger cover comprises two enclosure elements connected by an integrated hinge. The enclosure elements are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and they may be retained in the closed configuration by a retaining mechanism, such as a latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Edward G. Guirlinger
  • Patent number: 10287763
    Abstract: A plunger having a plunger body with a handle flange portion for connection to an associated handle, a domed portion extending from the handle flange portion, a frustoconical portion extending from the domed portion, and a first bulbous portion extending from the frustoconical portion, wherein the domed portion is configured to collapse at least partially into the frustoconical portion during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.
    Inventors: Tianzhe Wang, Jason Sharratt, Andrew Byron Logar, Martin Dusan Marsic
  • Patent number: 10271972
    Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a stent having an inner surface defining a lumen and an outer surface; and a polymeric cover on the outer surface of the stent. The polymeric cover includes a base and adhesion elements. When the endoprosthesis is expanded to the expanded state in a lumen defined by a vessel wall, the adhesion elements create an interlock between the vessel wall and the endoprosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Ismail Guler, Allan Charles Shuros, Eric A. Mokelke, Adam David Grovender, Joel P. Grover, Timothy Lawrence Rubesch
  • Patent number: 10213072
    Abstract: A storage caddy for a cleaning implement can include a holder configured to receive a wand or cleaning implement and a storage container having a lid connected to the storage container. The storage caddy can also include a tray for holding a first set of cleaning pads and a sleeve for holding a second set of cleaning pads. The first set of cleaning pads can be arranged in an upper portion of the storage container above the second set of cleaning pads, and the second set of cleaning pads can be located in a lower portion of the storage container. The wand or cleaning implement can be configured to receive one of the first set of cleaning pads from the tray or one of the second set of cleaning pads from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil P. Williams, Christopher Conley, Jo Anthony Sasota, Chrysoula Myrto Nigl, Heather Harwood, Christopher Alan Harris, Christopher T. Strahm
  • Patent number: 10194776
    Abstract: A cleaning cartridge and a handling unit of a cleaning system are provided. The cleaning cartridge comprises an outer housing having a mouth; a cap for sealing the housing at the mouth; a stiffening component attached to the cap; and a cleaning element attached to the stiffening component, and the cartridge is receivable in and dispensable from the handling unit; the stiffening component has a compact position and an expanded position, and in the compact position, the stiffening component and cleaning element fit into the housing and the housing is sealable by the cap; and in the expanded position, the stiffening component expands the cleaning element to provide a cleaning surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Dakota Supplies Inc.
    Inventors: Vaughan Payne, Deborah Humphries
  • Patent number: 9970186
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plunger including, in combination, a handle, a plunger bell with an inner bell surface, and an elongated tubular sheath, wherein the sheath at least substantially encases the handle and plunger bell, and the sheath is at least partially secured to the inner bell surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Scot Hodkiewicz
  • Patent number: 9945109
    Abstract: A hollow device that surrounds a toilet plunger to maintain contact between the plunger and the toilet bowl as the plunger is moved upward and downward within the device to unplug a toilet. The device has a bottom area for engaging the head of the plunger and a main body on an upper end of the device to grasp in order to apply downward pressure on the device and on the head of the plunger. The device is hollow from its upper end to its lower end so that it can be inserted over the head and handle of a toilet plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Scott L. White
  • Patent number: 9408633
    Abstract: An obstetrical instrument includes an elongated handle and a fetal head support portion coupled with a distal end of the elongated handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: DAYLIGHT OB, LLC
    Inventor: Rosemary E. Leitch
  • Patent number: 9371638
    Abstract: A toilet plunger device facilitates sealed engagement of a plunger around a trap opening in a toilet bowl. The device includes a shaft having a top end and a bottom end. A cup is coupled to the bottom end of the shaft. A bottom edge of the cup has an arcuate portion and a tip positioned opposite the arcuate portion wherein the bottom edge is teardrop shaped and configured for abutting a toilet bowl surrounding a trap opening in the toilet bowl forming a seal between the cup and the toilet bowl. Thus, movement of the cup relative to the toilet bowl produces pressure through the trap opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Silas Wong
  • Patent number: 9328492
    Abstract: A plunger with evaporative base is disclosed where the evaporative base has a standoff joined to a drainage bottom and a stump and stump channel arrangement for keeping the plunger suspended slightly above the drainage bottom. A plunger is disclosed that mates with the evaporative base and has a plunger bell standoff that mates with the evaporative base standoff to further keep the plunger suspended slightly above the drainage bottom. The outer perimeter of the bell of the plunger is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the evaporative base body to allow for air circulation between the plunger bell and the evaporative base. Good air circulation and drying promotes cleanliness and reduces the incidence of mold, mildew and bacteria on the plunger and base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: CASABELLA HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Elliot Cohen
  • Patent number: 9255390
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toilet purging device that ejects gas, when a switch is operated. The toilet purging device includes a pipe body that has a gas channel through the pipe body, a firing unit that includes a firing pin disposed to be longitudinally movable and a switch for moving the firing pin to the pipe body when pushed. The firing pin is coupled to the upper end of the pipe body. The toilet purging device includes a tightening cap that is thread-fastened to the top of the firing unit with a gas container therebetween and moves the gas container to be in close contact with the firing pin when turned, and a connector that is coupled to the lower end of the pipe body and inserted into a drain pipe of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: MIRI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Il Do Park
  • Publication number: 20150074890
    Abstract: Pressure plunger apparatus for mitigating a clogging in a channel and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a plunger apparatus can include an outer tube, an actuator positioned inside the outer tube, a seal positioned between the outer tube and the actuator, and a fitting attached to the tube component. The seal is operably attached to the outer tube and fixedly attached to the actuator. The actuator is configured to be moved reciprocally so as to generate a pressure difference of a fluid positioned inside the outer tube. The pressure difference can drive at least a portion of the fluid positioned inside the outer tube to be ejected from the outer tube to the channel so as to mitigate the clogging in the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: William S. Gray
  • Publication number: 20150060313
    Abstract: A transparent, biodegradable, disposable splash shield sized to fit on a toilet bowl rim to prevent splashing of water from the bowl when a plunger is used to free an obstruction in the toilet. The shield is dome shaped and has an upstanding projection on its top that can be gripped to pull the shield from the plunger handle following use. An annular flange on the bottom end of the shield is adapted to rest on rim of a toilet bowl. Adhesive material on the underside of the flange, or strips of adhesive tape on the marginal edge of the shield, releasably secure the shield in position. The shield is nestable and may be foldable in half. A toilet kit includes the splash shield, gloves, at least one paper towel, and a flattened box, all packaged in an envelope-like bag that can be used to contain and dispose of these items following use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Robert S. Martinisko
  • Publication number: 20150040302
    Abstract: The Splash-Free SaniPlunge is a sanitary plunger comprising an ergonomically designed handle with an encompassing splash guard for use in plunging a toilet or sink, thereby providing consumers with a cleaner, easier, and more efficient plunging experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: MELINDA CAMERON, SCOTT BARTHOLDSON
  • Publication number: 20150007384
    Abstract: A method and device for unclogging a drain assembly by creating an airtight, watertight seal in the drain assembly. An overflow cover device functions to form a complete seal in the drain assembly, such that no air and water pressure is lost throughout the drain assembly while a plunging device creates pressure and a vacuum over a drain opening. The water pressure generated by the plunging device is maximized to remove a clog in the drain assembly. The overflow cover device includes a front surface, and a mounting surface. The mounting surface includes a cover seal on the peripheral edge for inhibiting the escape of air and water. The mounting surface engages the overflow opening, and secures into place through machine screws that pass through one or two holes in the overflow cover device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Mark A. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20140366257
    Abstract: A splash shield for a plunger. The shield is capable of receiving a plunger. The shield has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The shield is also capable of receiving a cover which forces adjusts the shield from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The device may include a secondary shield disposed on the shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory Dempsey
  • Publication number: 20140298579
    Abstract: A device to reduce the size of objects in the toilet and then to plunge the objects from the toilet bowl if necessary. Prior art devices attempt to remove blockages from the pipe of a toilet or drain. The present invention reduces the size of objects to the point they can be flushed easily without the need to place unwanted pressure on the plumbing or the toilet itself. The size of the objects is quickly reduced by moving the cutting blade up and down then flushing to remove all debris present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Joe Nowak
  • Publication number: 20140182052
    Abstract: A plunger with evaporative base is disclosed where the evaporative base has a standoff joined to a drainage bottom and a stump and stump channel arrangement for keeping the plunger suspended slightly above the drainage bottom. A plunger is disclosed that mates with the evaporative base and has a plunger bell standoff that mates with the evaporative base standoff to further keep the plunger suspended slightly above the drainage bottom. The outer perimeter of the bell of the plunger is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the evaporative base body to allow for air circulation between the plunger bell and the evaporative base. Good air circulation and drying promotes cleanliness and reduces the incidence of mold, mildew and bacteria on the plunger and base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Casabella Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Elliott Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140115768
    Abstract: A plunger cup has a unitary body with curved outer and inner surfaces that extend to a circumferential edge. A sealing flange extends outwardly from the unitary body about the circumferential edge, and supporting structure is formed in the unitary body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: COBRA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Jung-Shih Wang
  • Publication number: 20140075661
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: VISTA CONTAINERS & ENCLOSURES LLC
    Inventor: Qing Hai ZENG
  • Patent number: 8650670
    Abstract: An improved plunger comprises a generally V-shaped handle attached to a top distal end of a shaft. The handle comprises two mirrored arms that face inwards from a base so that neither of them nor the shaft shares a vertical or a horizontal plane. The handle is removably detachable from the plunger so that it can be washed, disinfected, and sanitized. At least one extension shaft portion extends a height of the shaft when it is not collapsed into and housed in the hollow shaft. A snaking attachments formed of a linearly aligned, spiral wound coil has an attachment end attachable to said dislodging protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Harvey Lewis Stein
  • Publication number: 20140033419
    Abstract: A plunger is provided with a flange having a length, a width and a thickness. The length is greater than the width to cover an elongated toilet trapway. A peripheral seal extends away from the flange to seal with the elongated toilet trapway. A plunger adapter is provided with a flange having a length, a width and a thickness. The length is greater than the width to cover an elongated toilet trapway. A peripheral seal extends away from the flange to seal with an elongated toilet trapway. A cylindrical receptacle is formed into the flange and spaced apart from the seal for cooperation with a radially symmetrical plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: BRASSCRAFT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael James Daciw
  • Patent number: 8510874
    Abstract: A toilet plunger cleaning system wherein a toilet plunger is provided having a handle with an inner chamber and a plunger head. The handle chamber has a reciprocating cylinder filled with a cleaning fluid. A plurality of circumferentially spaced normally closed holes are provided in the handle communicating with holes in the cylinder. A lever on the exterior of the handle is activated to align the holes in the cylinder with the holes in the handle to release fluid about the lower portion of the handle and the plunger head to clean and/or sanitize the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Carol Duboc
  • Publication number: 20130139309
    Abstract: Highly durable hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coatings and methods and compositions for their production are described herein. Also described herein is a plunger having a hydrophobic surface prepared using the coating compositions described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ROSS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas Bleecher, Philip Harsh, Michael Hurley, Andrew K. Jones, Boon Chan Lor, Vinod K. Sikka
  • Publication number: 20130125298
    Abstract: A plunger of the present invention is a generally hollow structure having a number of integrally-formed sections disposed between the top and the bottom. The plunger has a conical upper portion having an increasing diameter moving downwardly from the top of the plunger toward a central portion. There is a pleated bellows section at the central portion of the plunger. Extending downwardly from the central portion is a lower conical portion having a decreasing diameter moving from the central portion toward the bottom. The top includes an opening for a handle and the bottom comprises an opening to the interior cavity of the plunger. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the plunger is formed of a resilient rubber-like material that is capable of being deformed and then returning to an un-deformed shape, the material having memory. The plunger can be used in standard or specially-configured toilet bowl outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: LAVELLE INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: LAVELLE INDUSTRIES, INC.
  • Patent number: 8418274
    Abstract: A vacuum drainage system for unclogging a clogged drain comprises a source of vacuum, a hose having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion of the hose being connected to the source of vacuum when the system is in use, and a drain clean-out device being received on the distal end portion of the hose when the system is in use. The drain clean-out device comprises a hollow tubular structure, a sealing member receiving portion located on the exterior surface of the hollow tubular structure at the first end portion of the structure, and a sealing member mountable on the sealing member receiving portion for creating a seal between the sealing member and the exterior service of the structure and between the sealing member and a clogged drain when the hollow tubular structure, with the sealing member mounted thereon, is positioned over a clogged drain, with the sealing member being in contact with an entrance to the drain or with a surface surrounding the entrance to the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Edward Dodson
  • Publication number: 20130067650
    Abstract: An improved plunger comprises a generally V-shaped handle attached to a lop distal end of a shaft. The handle comprises two mirrored arms that face inwards from a base so that neither of them nor the shaft shares a vertical or a horizontal plane. The handle is removably detachable from the plunger so that it can be washed, disinfected, and sanitized. At least one extension shaft portion extends a height of the shaft when it is not collapsed into and housed in the hollow shaft. A snaking attachments formed of a linearly aligned, spiral wound coil has an attachment end attachable to said dislodging protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Harvey Lewis Stein
  • Publication number: 20130036542
    Abstract: The combined plunger and scrub brush device comprises a hollow cylinder connected to a plunger with an elongate handle rod or shaft movably received in the hollow cylinder and having a scrub brush mounted to a lower end of the handle rod or shaft, the plunger cup having a closing flap connected by a living hinge to the plunger cup and positioned to cover a lower opening of the hollow cylinder when the scrub brush is moved from a lowered scrubbing position upwardly to a closed position in the hollow cylinder above the closing flap. The hollow cylinder mounts a locking ring having a protrusion extending radially inwardly therefrom for being received in a slot or in one of two notches or in a notch in a disk body fixed to the handle shaft for locking the handle shaft in a lower scrubbing position or in the retracted upper closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Mary Loughman
  • Patent number: 8307468
    Abstract: An improved plunger comprises a generally V-shaped handle attached to a top distal end of a shaft. The handle comprises two mirrored arms that face inwards from a base so that neither of them nor the shaft shares a vertical or a horizontal plane. The handle is removably detachable from the plunger so that it can be washed, disinfected, and sanitized. At least one extension shaft portion extends a height of the shaft when it is not collapsed into and housed in the hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Harvey Lewis Stein
  • Patent number: 8250679
    Abstract: A plunger apparatus, comprising a force cup assembly having a top edge, a neck, and a first bottom edge. An elongated connector has a tube comprising a first top end and a first bottom end. A housing assembly has a second top end and a second bottom edge. An adaptor has a third top end and a third bottom edge. A valve assembly comprises a valve and a fitting. The force cup assembly comprises at least one ridge and the second bottom edge rests upon the at least one ridge. In operation, a force is placed upon the valve assembly, thus biasing the second bottom edge against the at least one ridge to cause the first bottom edge to form a seal upon a drain. Flushing means comprise liquid matter entering via the fitting and flowing through the elongated connector and the force cup assembly when the valve is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Manuel Fariña
  • Patent number: 8245329
    Abstract: An improved plunger comprises a generally V-shaped handle attached to a top distal end of a shaft. The handle comprises two mirrored arms that face inwards from a base so that neither of them nor the shaft shares a vertical or a horizontal plane. The handle is removably detachable from the plunger so that it can be washed, disinfected, and sanitized. At least one extension shaft portion extends a height of the shaft when it is not collapsed into and housed in the hollow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Harvey Lewis Stein
  • Patent number: 8209790
    Abstract: A combination bathroom plunging and cleaning tool. Implementations may comprise a handle with a plurality of different detachable accessories. Accessories may include a plunger, a brush and a scrubber, for example. One or more of the accessories may comprise electronic components such as a vibrator or rotator to further accentuate the cleaning process. The handle and accessories may be stored in a storage caddy when not in use and the storage caddy may comprise air vents and a fan to dry the accessories after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Garry, John Kinnard
  • Publication number: 20120066823
    Abstract: A toilet plunger is used to unclog a drain of a toilet by removing impurities. The toilet plunger includes a gas container, with an opening thereof closed by a closing plate. A body has defined therein a passage extending in the lengthwise direction to allow gas to pass through and a gas container-receiving portion. A puncture pin is disposed in the central portion of the gas container-receiving portion. A cover has an inner space for receiving a portion of the gas container opposite the opening. The cover is screw-coupled to the upper portion of the body, such that the container is moved toward the puncture pin according to a screw motion. An insert is connected to the lower end of the body to guide the discharged gas along the passage toward the drain. A portion of the insert, which is intermediate in length, is bent in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Jong Bum Lee, Sung Won Kim
  • Patent number: 8127402
    Abstract: An attachment for clutchingly covering a major portion of a handle of a plunger, enhancing grip of the handle of the plunger, and absorbing shock from repeated thrusts of the plunger. The attachment includes an end cap and a sleeve. The end cap covers the free end of the handle of the plunger and absorbs the shock from the repeated thrusts of the plunger. The sleeve depends from the end cap, clutchingly covers the major portion of the handle of the plunger, and enhances the grip of the handle of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Overgaard
  • Patent number: 8104102
    Abstract: A toilet unclogging device rests on top of a toilet bowl rim and a user actuating a diaphragm or expandable central portion generates a temporary vacuum that repositions or reshapes an obstruction located below a water line to unclog the toilet without submerging any items beneath the water line of the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Alex H. O'Hanley
  • Publication number: 20120017362
    Abstract: The sports-themed toilet and plunger set includes a toilet that is inscribed with a favored team's logo and is painted in that team's basic colors. The set also includes a plunger that is inscribed with a rival team's logo and is painted in the rival team's basic colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Richard S. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120012136
    Abstract: A plunger that operates by a piston to drive a purging flow at relatively high pressure is disclosed. The plunger includes features so that the exterior of the plunger remains in a dry and sanitary condition. An optional storage unit is also disclosed where the storage unit includes at least one UV element. Where the UV element decreases the amount of pathogens on the plumbing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SMART PRODUCTS AND INVENTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Francois P. NGUYEN, Josh P. DEFOSSET, H. Lee HOLDEN
  • Publication number: 20110314596
    Abstract: A valve mechanism for controlling release of pressurized fluid includes a fluid chamber. A plunger is received in an aperture in the fluid chamber, and is movable between a fluid retention position in which fluid is substantially trapped in the fluid chamber and a fluid release position in which fluid can escape from the fluid chamber through passages in the plunger. The plunger is biased into the fluid retention position. A driver drives a plunger actuator, and the plunger actuator is guided into engagement with the plunger to cause the plunger and the plunger actuator to move in unison and move the plunger into the fluid release position during a first portion of a stroke of the driver towards the fluid chamber, and the plunger actuator is further guided to permit the plunger to return to the fluid retention position during a second portion of the stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Josef K. Kihs
  • Patent number: 8065754
    Abstract: The pole plunger includes a main shaft having an upper disc secured to an upper end and a lower disc secured to a lower end. The lower disc has a radius greater than that of the upper disc, allowing the user to select the appropriately sized disc which matches the radius of a drain pipe to be plunged. Additionally, a handle portion may be secured to the main shaft, extending in a direction orthogonal thereto, providing the user with a handle to grip during the plunging process. The handle portion further has a handle disc secured to its free end, with the handle disc having a radius between that of the upper and lower discs, providing the user with a third size disc for plunging of the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: Carlos J. Johnson, Robert Dreher
  • Patent number: 8020223
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to a plunging system including, inter alia, a plunger having a handle and a plunger member, the handle having first and second opposed ends with the plunger member being coupled to the second end of the handle; and a receptacle, having a top portion coupled to a body portion, the body portion including a recess defining support regions cincturing the recess, and a body portion coupled to a neck portion, the neck portion including a second recess defining a second supporting region cincturing the second recess, with a segment of the top portion in superimposition with the recess of the body portion defining a chamber, with the receptacle being coupled to the first end of the handle such that the handle is positioned within the recess of the neck portion, with the chamber comprising a plurality of bags positioned therein that may be dispensed from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: Michael David Falcon, Ernest William Falcon
  • Patent number: 8020222
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates generally to a plunging system including, inter alia, a plunger having a handle and a plunger member, the handle having first and second opposed ends with the plunger member being removably coupled to the second end of the handle; and a receptacle, having a top portion coupled to a body portion, the body portion including first and second recesses defining first and second support regions, the first support region cincturing the first recess and second support region cincturing the first support region and the first and second recesses, with a segment of the top portion in superimposition with the second recess defining a chamber, with the receptacle being coupled to the first end of the handle such that the handle is positioned within the first recess, with the chamber comprising a plurality of bags positioned therein that may be dispensed from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventors: Michael David Falcon, Ernest William Falcon
  • Patent number: 7908681
    Abstract: A plunger that operates by a piston to drive a purging flow at relatively high pressure is disclosed. The plunger includes features so that the exterior of the plunger remains in a dry and sanitary condition. An optional storage unit is also disclosed where the storage unit includes at least one UV element. Where the UV element decreases the amount of pathogens on the plumbing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Smart Products and Inventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Francois Nguyen, Josh P. Defosset, H. Lee Holden
  • Publication number: 20110056007
    Abstract: A toilet and urinal drain unclogging device and method enabled thereby includes a plunger assembly, a central cylinder assembly and a rotating flexible rod assembly. By manually pushing the plunger assembly into the central cylinder assembly, a rotating flexible rod emerges from the bottom of the central cylinder assembly. The rotating flexible rod enters the drain where it is caused to contact and break up or remove the clog within the toilet or urinal drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew G. Caywood, Bradly Arthur Lewis
  • Patent number: 7900287
    Abstract: A toilet tool generally includes a handle assembly and one or more disposable toilet tool implements such as a cleaning pad and a plunger cup. The handle assembly receives either the cleaning pad or the plunger cup with sufficient engagement to prevent inadvertent release during use yet is easily released in a hands-free manner for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cobra Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Wildauer, Chris Agami, Paul Metaxatos