SPLASH COVER FOR PLUNGER

Abstract

A splash cover for a plunger, the plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging of a drainage site. The splash cover includes a collar member having a circumferential edge and having a central aperture for engaging the elongate handle, and a plurality of separate flaps connected by way of hinge connections at one end around the circumferential edge and extending lengthwise from the collar member. Each flap is pivotable at its hinge connection to a radially-outward position for providing coverage to the drainage site. The collar member has a sleeve section forming the aperture and an outwardly extending flange section forming the edge to which the flaps are connected. A handle member is also provided having a recess for engaging a top end of the elongate handle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a splash cover adapted for a plunger, for providing coverage to a drainage site, a plunger system, and a kit of parts for making a plunger system.

Conventional plungers are typically used for engaging a clogged toilet by creating a suction force at the drainage site of the toilet. Operation of such plungers to create the suction force often results in splashing of the surrounding water which may escape the toilet bowl area and even onto the user.

An example of a plunger with an anti-splash shield is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,368 to Wallace. This patent describes a plunger member having an anti-splash shield. The shield has an expandable resilient means at the outer edge for expanding and engaging the inner surface of a toilet bowl. The anti-splash shield is formed of accordion-like pleats or folds to allow folding of the shield inwardly towards the plunger when not in use. A difficulty with this device is that these pleats may be cumbersome to manufacture within the shield as they require back and forth folding by the manufacturing process. The pleats also require the shield to be formed of a number of different materials. These materials would include the need for sufficiently flexible or resilient material to allow for such back and forth folding.

It would be advantageous to provide for a splash cover which addresses at least some of the above-identified difficulties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present application describes a splash cover for a plunger, the plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging a drainage site. The splash cover includes a collar having a central sleeve section forming a central aperture for engaging the -elongate handle, a radially outwardly extending flange extend around the sleeve section, and a plurality of separate flaps having inner ends connected by way of hinge connections around the circumference of the collar and extending lengthwise from the flange. Each flap is rotatable at its respective hinge connection from an inward position where the flap extends along the length of the handle to a radially-outward position for providing coverage at the drainage site.

In another embodiment of the invention, a plunger system for providing coverage to a drainage site includes a plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging a drainage site. The plunger system also includes a splash cover with a collar member having a central aperture for engaging the elongate handle, and a plurality of separate flaps connected by way of hinge connections distributed around the circumference of the collar member and extending lengthwise from the collar member. Each flap is dimensioned to overlap an adjacent flap when the flaps are pivoted to an inward position where each flap extends along the handle. Each flap is pivotable at its hinge connection to a radially-outward position for providing coverage at the drainage site.

In yet another aspect, the present application describes a kit of parts for providing coverage at a drainage site. The kit includes a plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging a drainage site. The kit also includes a splash cover including a collar member having a circumferentially extending edge and having a central aperture for snuggly receiving the elongate handle and a plurality of separate flaps connected by way of hinge connections around the circumferential edge of the collar member. Each flap is pivotable to an inward position where each flap extends along the handle and is pivotable at its hinge connection to a radially-outward position for providing coverage at the drainage site.

The kit can also include a hemispherical handle member having a recess for engaging a top end of the elongate handle of the plunger.

Embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front side view of a plunger system having a splash cover in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention in an operable mode;

FIG. 2 shows a front side view of the plunger system in a storage mode;

FIG. 3 shows a partial top view of the splash cover in the storage mode;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the splash cover in the operable mode;

FIG. 5A shows a left side view of a handle member to be used in the plunger system;

FIG. 5B shows an isometric view of the handle member;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate the assembly of the plunger system;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bathroom environment for operation of the plunger system; and

FIG. 8 shows a top view of another embodiment of the splash cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present application generally provides a splash cover for a plunger which includes a collar or collar member having a circumference and having a central aperture for receiving an elongate handle of the plunger, and a plurality of flaps connected by way of hinge connections at one end around the circumference of the collar and extending from the collar along a length of the elongate handle. Each flap is independently operable and separable from an adjacent flap.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows a plunger system 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. The plunger system 10 includes a plunger 12, a splash cover 14, and a handle member 16. Generally, upon operation of the plunger 12, the splash cover 14 may be used to prevent liquids or waste from escaping from a drainage site. The handle member 16 is also provided to assist a user in gripping of the plunger 12.

Reference is made briefly to FIG. 7, which illustrates a bathroom environment 50 for operation of the plunger system 10. Plungers are generally used where there is some blockage at some point within the drainage site or surrounding areas. Operation of plungers may cause splashing or escaping of waste from drainage sites to the bathroom environment 50. The plunger system 10 may be used on a number of drainage sites, which include those found in toilet 52, sink 54 and bathtub 56. In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 7, the plunger system 10 is used on toilet 52.

Referring to FIG. 1, the plunger 12 includes an elongate handle 18 having a bottom end 20 and a top end 22. A plunger head 24 is located at the bottom end 20 of the elongate handle 18. As is known in the art, the plunger head 24 may be formed of a rubber or rubber-like material. The plunger head 24 includes an annular extension 26 about an open end to sealingly engage the drainage site.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the splash cover 14 includes a collar member 28 generally for supporting flaps 30, which can be used to provide coverage at the drainage site upon operation of the plunger 10. The collar 14 includes a neck member or sleeve 32 which is rigid and cylindrically shaped to accommodate the elongate handle 18. The neck member 32 has defined therein a central aperture 34 for passage of the elongate handle 18; The neck member 32 may be mounted at various positions along the elongate handle 18. The central aperture 34 can be dimensioned to frictionally engage the elongate handle 18 so that the collar 14 may remain on the elongate handle 18 in a snug-fit. In other example embodiments, the central aperture 34 may have the interior surface lined with a frictional coating or material such as rubber (not shown). In other example embodiments, fasteners such as ring collar fasteners or stops (not shown) may also be used to maintain the desired position of the collar 14.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the plurality of flaps 30 are positioned around the circumference of the collar 28 in one position, the flaps 30 extend from a radially outwardly extending flange 31 of the collar member 28 along the length of the elongate handle 18 towards the plunger head 24. Each flap 30 is hingedly connected at one end to the collar 28 via its respective hinge connection 36. The hinge connection 36 is for example an integral hinge created by forming a crease in the material between the flap 28 and the collar 28. In the storage position of FIG. 2, each flap 30 is naturally positioned in a downward position (based on gravity) and the cover has a generally compact form for storage. In the storage mode the flaps 30 may be further secured in the storage position by the use of temporary fasteners between a flap and the elongate handle 18, or a fastener 70 connecting adjacent flaps together. The illustrated fastener 70 is shown detached in FIG. 2 but it will be understood that it can be secured tightly around the flaps to hold them in their downward or inward position. The fastener 70 can be a detachable, elongate, flexible cord or strap that will extend completely around the folded flaps. Its ends can be secured together by Velcro™ strip fasteners at 71 and 72. Other temporary fasteners include magnets, latches, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, in the operable mode, each flap is pivotable at the collar 28 to a radially-outward position for providing coverage to the drainage site when in operation. In the operable mode the flaps 30 can remain in the radially-outward position by being dimensioned at an appropriate length to rest on the rim of the toilet or sink, etc. Further, in the operable mode, the radially-outward position of the flaps 30 are positioned at an angle with respect to the length of the elongate handle 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the angle of the flaps 30 is substantially perpendicular to the elongate handle 18.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows a schematic view of part of the splash cover 14 in the storage mode. Each flap 30 is generally flat and wedge-shaped or triangular shaped wherein each flap 30 has a narrow width near the collar 28 and has a wider width at the opposite end. Each flap 30 is, independent and separate from an adjacent flap. This can assist in operation of the splash cover 14 as each flap can individually be opened or closed as appropriate depending on the shape of the drainage site and surrounding environment (such as uniquely shaped toilet bowls and sink rims). As shown in FIG. 3, in the storage mode each flap 30 is also dimensioned to be overlapping to an adjacent flap, for example having a maximum overlap width 38 and the overlap width tapering at the collar 28. The maximum overlap width 38 may for example be one inch, but may be varied depending on the particular application or configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in the operating mode the flaps 30 are positioned in their radially-outward position forming a generally circular configuration. The flaps 30 are dimensioned such that in the radially-outward position there are minimal or no gaps between each flap and the adjacent flaps. In this position there is little or no overlap between each flap and the adjacent flap as in the storage mode (FIG. 3). The positioning of the flaps 30 thereby provides coverage upon operation of the plunger 12 at the drainage site. The flaps 30 in the operable mode can be thought of as being in a pie-shaped configuration.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5A which shows a side view of an exemplary handle member 16 to be used in the plunger system, and FIG. 5B which shows a side view of the handle member 16 in operation. The handle member 16 is generally hemispherical in shape, having an upper convex portion and a generally flat bottom portion. The handle member 16 has a central recess 60 in its bottom for engaging the top end 22 of the elongate handle 18. The handle member 16 also has finger contours 62 in its bottom for assisting the user in gripping the handle member 16. The finger contours 62 are spaced apart recesses within the handle member 16 at a suitable depth to accommodate the fingers of the user. A thumb contour can also be positioned on side of the handle member 16 for gripping of the thumb if desired. The position of the finger contours 62 would depend on the particular application, and may for example be positioned on a side portion of the handle member 16.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, which illustrate the assembly of the plunger system 10. The plunger 12, splash cover 14, and handle member 16 may be collectively provided in a kit of parts for assembly by the end user. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the splash cover 14 is slideably mounted onto the elongate handle 18 to a desired point. As shown in FIG. 6C, the handle member 16 can be mounted thereafter to the top end 22 of the elongate handle 18.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a user may operate the plunger system 10 on suitable drainage sites such as in the toilet 52. Each flap 30 is shown in the operating mode and is supported by the rim of the toilet 52. The user can operate the plunger 12 conventionally in a manner well known by those skilled in the art. During the up and down motion of the plunger 12, the splash cover 14 prevents water and waste from escaping the toilet and splashing onto the rest of the bathroom environment 50. Upon completion of the operation the user may lift the plunger system 10 causing the flaps 30 to move to the storage mode by gravity. The temporary fastener (not shown) may be used to keep the flaps 30 in storage mode.

The flaps 30 are formed of a rigid material such as plastic. Suitable plastics would also provide some flexibility while in operation, depending on the particular application. The plastic can be a transparent material to assist the user in viewing the drainage site upon operation of the plunger system 10. The splash cover can be formed by a conventional plastic-molding process as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Suitable dimensions of the flaps 30 can be based on a conventional plunger and toilet rim size. In an example embodiment, the length of the flaps 30 is 14.5 cm. Exemplary embodiments of the flaps have a length in the range of 12 to 20 cm. In an example embodiment, the handle member 16 is 10 cm in diameter and 7 cm in height. In an exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of the splash cover including the flaps are chosen so that the splash cover can not only be used on a toilet but is also suitable for a kitchen sink of standard dimension.

FIG. 8 shows another exemplary embodiment of the splash cover of this disclosure. This splash cover 80 can be constructed in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 except for the additional feature of corner cut-outs or notches 82. These notches are located in the two outer corners 84 of each flap 30. Each notch can be formed with a concavely curved edge 86. The adjacent notches of adjacent flaps form recesses which as shown can have a substantially semi-circular shape. Each recess is adapted to receive one end of a hinge for a standard toilet seat. In one particular embodiment, the total width W of the open side of this recess is about 2 cm while the depth of the recess is about one (1) cm. During use of this particular splash cover, at least one and possibly two of these recesses can be engaged with one (or possibly two) end section of the toilet seat hinge. This engagement helps prevents the splash cover from moving, shifting or flopping during use, thereby making it easier to use.

In some example embodiments, the splash cover 14 and handle member 16 are formed of the same material (such as plastic) for ease of manufacture. The material can also be of the same color, for example, the splash cover 14 and handle member 16 can be uniformly colored if they are produced from the same colored plastic resin. In some example embodiments, the splash cover 14 and handle member 16 uniformly come in various colors (e.g., red, blue, green) to match the decor of the bathroom environment 50.

In other example embodiments, the handle member 16 is formed of a soft material such as rubber or suitable plastic, for example to provide additional comfort to the user. Other mechanism may be used to create the hinge connection 36. For example, mechanical hinges can be mounted onto the flaps 30 and collar 28 to create the hinge connection 36.

While the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing specification, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A splash cover for a plunger, the plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging a drainage site, the splash cover comprising:

a collar having a central sleeve section forming a central aperture for engaging the elongate handle and a radially outwardly extending flange extended around said sleeve section; and

a plurality of separate flaps having inner ends connected by way of hinge connections distributed around the circumference of the collar, said flaps extending lengthwise from the flange; and

wherein each flap is rotatable at its respective hinge connection from an inward position where the flap extends along the length of the handle to a radially-outward position for providing coverage at the drainage site.

2. The splash cover of claim 1, wherein each flap is dimensioned to overlap an adjacent flap in its inward position along the length of the elongate handle.

3. The splash cover of claim 2, wherein each flap is formed of a rigid material and is substantially planar.

4. The splash cover of claim 1 wherein each flap has two outer corners located away from its inner end, each outer corner is notched, and the adjacent notches of adjacent flaps form recesses each adapted to receive part of a hinge for a toilet seat during use of the splash cover on a toilet.

5. The splash cover of claim 1, wherein each flap is formed of a transparent material.

6. The splash cover of claim 2, wherein the hinge connections are integral hinges formed by creases between the flaps and the flange.

7. The splash cover of claim 2, wherein the central aperture is lined with a frictional material.

8. The splash cover of claim 1, wherein each flap has a length in the range of 12 to 20 cm.

9. The splash cover of claim 2, wherein each flap has a length selected to enable the flap to rest on the rim of a standard toilet bowl when the flap is in the radially-outward position.

10. A plunger system for providing coverage to a drainage site, comprising:

a plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging a drainage site; and

a splash cover mounted on said handle and including a collar member having a central aperture through which the handle extends and a plurality of separate flaps connected by way of hinge connections distributed around the collar member, said flaps extending lengthwise from the collar member;

wherein each flap is dimensioned to be overlapping an adjacent flap when the flaps are pivoted to an inward position where each flap extends along the handle and wherein each flap is pivotable at its hinge connection to a radially-outward position for providing coverage at the drainage site.

11. The plunger system of claim 10, further comprising a handle member having a recess for receiving a top end of the elongate handle of the plunger.

12. The plunger system of claim 10 wherein said collar member includes a sleeve section forming said central aperture and a radially outwardly extending flange section extending around said sleeve section and each flap is connected by its respective hinge connection to said flange section.

13. The plunger system of claim 10, including a detachable, elongate, flexible fastener usable to secure said plurality of flaps in said inward position.

14. The plunger system of claim 11, wherein each flap has two outer corners spaced from said collar member, each of said outer corners is formed with a notch having a concave edge, and the adjacent notches of adjacent flaps form semi-circular recesses each adapted to receive part of a hinge for a toilet seat during use of the splash cover on a toilet.

15. A kit for providing coverage to a drainage site, comprising:

a plunger having an elongate handle and a plunger head located at a bottom end of the elongate handle for engaging a drainage site; and

a splash cover including a collar member having a circumferentially extending edge and having a central aperture for snuggly receiving the elongate handle and a plurality of separate flaps connected by way of hinge connections around said circumferential edge of the collar member, said flaps extending lengthwise from the collar,

wherein during use of the plunger and splash cover, each flap is pivotable to an inward position where each flap extends along the handle and partially overlaps an adjacent flap, and each flap is pivotable at its hinge connection to a radially-outward position for providing coverage at the drainage site.

16. The kit of claim 15 wherein said collar member has a sleeve section forming said central aperture and a radially extending flange section forming said circumferentially extending edge and each hinge connection is an integral hinge formed between the respective flap and an adjacent portion of said edge.

17. The kit of claim 16, further comprising a handle member having a recess for receiving a top end of the elongate handle of the plunger.

18. The kit of claim 15 including a detachable, elongate cord or strap for holding said plurality of flaps in said inward position.

19. The kit of claim 17, wherein the handle has a hemispherical top surface and recessed finger contours opposite said top surface to assist in gripping the handle member.

20. The kit of claim 16, wherein each of said flaps has two outer corners spaced from said circumferentially extending edge of the collar member, the outer corners of two or more of said flaps are notched, and the adjacent notches of adjacent flaps form recesses each adapted to receive part of a hinge for a toilet seat during use of the splash cover on a toilet.