Rim wrap splash guard

Abstract

A rim wrap toilet splash guard to enclose the open upper portion of a toilet bowl to shield and contain liquid and matter splashing from the interior thereof when attempting to unclog or dislodge debris from the plumbing when using a plunger including an upper elongated handle and a lower plunger member, the rim wrap toilet splash guard comprising a cover with an upper opening to receive a portion of the upper elongated handle there through such that when the rim wrap toilet splash guard is operatively mounted on the toilet bowl rim with the lower plunger member disposed therein liquid and matter is shielded and contained when splashed there from when the plunger is used to dislodge debris from the plumbing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A rim wrap toilet splash guard to enclose the open upper portion of a toilet bowl to shield and contain liquid and matter splashing from the interior thereof, onto person plunging, or surrounding areas, when attempting to unclog or dislodge debris from the plumbing when using a plunger.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Plungers or plumber's helpers is well known for use to unclog a toilet or associated plumbing. Such plungers normally have a concave hemispherical rubber cup with handle attached. Manual reciprocation of the handle alternately compresses and expands the rubber cup, alternating applying pressure and suction to an obstructed fluid flow line thereby clearing the line. The plunger works best when operated vigorously, which increases the chances for splashing, often directed at the operator, and or the surrounding exposed areas.

3. Several devices have been developed in the prior art to prevent splashing of water from the toilet when a plunger is being used to remove an obstruction from the toilet. Exemplary of such devices are those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,458,368, 4,762,315, 4,831,669, 4,922,555, 5,133,607, d341,414, 5,560,049, 5,685,018, 5,706,528, 5,860,170, 6,487,730, 2002/0184701, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,594,831, 7,134,450, and 2010/0000010. These devices either are intended for re-use and are relatively expensive and complex in construction, and/or are difficult to use. None have a securing mechanism consisting of a means of securing said devices from being detached or lifting from the toilet bowl while plunging vigorously.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a rim wrap toilet splash guard to enclose the open portion of a toilet bowl to shield and contain liquid and matter splashing there from when attempting to unclog or dislodge debris when using a plunger. The plunger comprises an upper handle and a lower plunger member.

The rim wrap toilet splash guard comprises a cover including an upper opening in the pliable horizontal flat panel in the form of a slit for the plunger handle adjacent thereto, and a lower opening with a bowl seal disposed adjacent thereto.

The rim wrap toilet splash guard cover comprises a pliable plastic or plastic like material membrane; while there is a slit for the handle to protrude there from, and the bowl seal comprises a resilient or elastic like material of a continuous element, extending from said element, on each side of the truncated end, is a loop or other attaching device.

In use, the upper handle is passed through the upper opening slit with the handle such that the lower plunger member is disposed beneath the pliable plastic or plastic like membrane. So assembled, the lower plunger member and the lower portion of the upper handle are placed into the interior of the toilet bowl.

With the rim wrap toilet splash guard and the plunger so positioned relative to the toilet bowl the continuous elastic bowl seal is placed against the outer surface of the lower toilet bowl rim, the truncated edge to the rear of the toilet, and attaching loops, to seal the lower opening with the upper portion of the toilet bowl rim. The splash guard may be used with the seat in either the up or down position with equal performance.

With the rim wrap splash guard in place, and the truncated end, and associated loops attached to the underside of the toilet seat bolts, the rim wrap splash guard, when being plunged, the rim wrap splash guard is less likely to be pulled off the toilet rim when the plunger is vigorously plunged. Therefore keeping the integrity of the seal between the rim wrap slash guard and the toilet rim in tact.

With lower plunger member placed over the lower portion of the toilet or associated plumbing, the upper handle of the plunger is vigorously moved up and down to dislodge or unclog debris from the lower portion of the toilet or associated plumbing with the plastic or plastic like pliable membrane of the rim wrap toilet splash guard shielding and containing liquid or matter splashing from the interior of the toilet bowl.

When the process is complete, the toilet is flushed with the splash guard in place to assist in containing any liquid or matter overflow if plunging is unsuccessful. Then the rim wrap toilet splash guard and the plunger are removed from the toilet bowl as one. Holding the plunger handle and the rim wrap over the bowl folding the exposed end of the elastic edge containing any affluent from dripping onto surrounding area. Finally, the rim wrap toilet splash guard is removed from the lower rubber cup and disposed of.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the rim wrap toilet splash guard of the present invention in combination with a plunger handle slit, truncated rear end, and attachment loops.

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the rim wrap toilet splash guard of the present invention in combination with a plunger and toilet.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional left side view of the rim wrap toilet splash guard of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 in combination with a plunger and toilet with the rim wrap toilet splash guard positioned on the toilet and the plunger in the operative position.

FIG.4 is a partial cross-sectional right side view of the rim wrap toilet splash guard of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 in combination with a plunger and toilet with the rim wrap toilet splash guard positioned on the toilet and the plunger in the operative position.

FIG. 5 is a full frontal top perspective view of the rim wrap toilet splash guard of the present invention in combination with a plunger handle slit and toilet with the rim wrap toilet splash guard positioned on the toilet and the plunger in the operative position.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIG. 1 the present invention relates to an rim wrap toilet splash guard generally indicated as 20. including a centrally disposed upper minor opening 52 having a periphery 6 to allow the handle of a plunger to be inserted from the bottom up through the slit. A continuous elastic band 8 around the entire perimeter edge 16 of the rim wrap splash guard 20. At the truncated edge 12 there is also a continuous elastic band 14. On the left side of the truncated end is a loop 54 that is also part of the continuous elastic band 14 & 8 and on the right side of the truncated end 12 there is another loop 10 this loop 10 is also part of the continuous elastic band 14 & 8. The continuous elastic band 14 & 8 is attached to the entire perimeter 16 including the truncated edge 12 of the rim wrap splash guard 20. At the edge of the rim wrap 18 this edge will rest on the outer edge of the toilet bowl rim, more details will follow in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 & 5

As shown in FIGS. 2, the present invention relates to a rim wrap toilet splash guard generally indicated as 20 to enclose the open upper end portion 38 of a toilet bowl 28 adjacent the rim 42 thereof to shield and contain liquid 48 and matter 36 splashing from the interior 34 thereof when attempting to unclog or dislodge debris (not shown) from the lower portion of the toilet or associated plumbing beneath the toilet (not shown) when using a plunger generally indicated as 40. The plunger 40 comprises an, upper elongated handle 32 and a hemispherical lower plunger member or concave cup 44.

The rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 comprises a cover generally indicated as 22 including a centrally disposed upper minor opening 52 having a periphery slit 6 with a handle seal generally indicated as 52 disposed adjacent thereto and a lower major opening 34 having a periphery 16 and truncated edge 12 with a bowl seal generally indicated as 60 disposed adjacent thereto.

The cover 22 comprises a membrane or pliable plastic horizontal flat panel and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member 20; while, the bowl seal 8 and truncated edge 14 comprise a resilient or elastic band like or continuous element 8 and truncated edge 14 to seal underside of outer rim 60. The left side elastic loop 54 and the right side elastic loop 10 comprise a resilient or elastic band like or continuous element attached to the continuous element of 8 and the truncated end 14.

In use, the upper elongated handle 32 of the plunger 40 is passed through the centrally disposed upper minor opening 52 having a periphery slit 6 with a handle seal generally indicated as 52 sealing the periphery 6 of the centrally disposed upper minor opening 52 against the upper elongated handle 32 of the plunger 40 such that the lower plunger member or concave cup 44 is disposed beneath the membrane 58 or horizontal pliable plastic flat panel of the cover 22. So assembled, the lower plunger member or concave cup 44 and the lower portion of the upper elongated handle 32 are placed into the interior 34 of the toilet bowl 28.

FIG. 3. With the left side loop 54 attached to the underside of the seat screw 56, and the truncated edge stretched across the back flat end of the rim 62, FIG. 4. the right side loop 10 is then attached to the underside of the right screw 24.With the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 and the plunger 40 so positioned relative to the toilet bowl 28, the resilient or elastic band-like or continuous element 8 are placed against the outer surface 42 of the upper portion 38 of the toilet bowl 28 below the outer rim 60 the truncated edge 12 with the continuous elastic band 14 with the toilet seat 26 in a opened position to seal the periphery 16 and truncated edge 12 of the lower major opening 34 with the upper portion 60 of the toilet bowl 28 and around the toilet outer rim 42.

With lower plunger member or concave cup 44 of the plunger 40 placed over the lower portion of the toilet or associated plumbing (not shown), the upper elongated handle 32 of the plunger 40 is vigorously moved up and down to dislodge or unclog debris from the lower portion of the toilet or associated plumbing (not shown) with the membrane 64 or horizontal pliable plastic flat panel of the cover 22. of the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 shielding and containing liquid FIG. 2/48 or matter FIG. 2/36 splashing from the lower major interior opening 34 of the toilet bowl 28.

When the process is complete, the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 and the plunger 40 are removed from the toilet bowl 28. The operator simple lifts the plunger up with the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 still attached to the plunger 40, Grabs hold of the entire edge 18 and the truncated edge 14 and crunches all together and folds in hand while still holding the plunger upper elongated 32 is will prevent any debris or liquid matter from dripping thereby allowing the operator freedom to bring plunger 40 and rim wrap splash guard 20 to a safe area. The rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 is removed from the upper elongated handle 32 and disposed of.

FIG. 4. shows an alternate embodiment 10 of the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 with similar structural elements similarly designated. Specifically, the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 comprises a cover generally indicated as 22 including a lower major interior opening 34 having a periphery 16 and truncated end 12 with a bowl seal generally indicated 60 disposed adjacent thereto.

The cover 22 comprises a membrane or pliable plastic horizontal flat panel and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member 20;while, the bowl seal 60 comprises a resilient or elastic band-like or continuous element 8 and truncated end 14. The left side elastic loop 54 and the right side elastic loop 10 comprise a resilient or elastic band like or continuous element attached to the continuous element of 8 and the truncated end 14.

In use, the upper elongated handle 32 of the plunger 40 is at least partially disposed with the membrane or pliable plastic horizontal flat panel and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member 20; such that the lower plunger member or concave cup 44 is disposed beneath the membrane or pliable plastic horizontal flat panel and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member 20; of the cover 22. So assembled, the lower plunger member or concave cup 44 and the lower portion of the upper elongated handle 32 are placed into the interior 34 of the toilet bowl 28.

With the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 and the plunger 40 so positioned relative to the toilet bowl 28, the resilient or elastic band-like or continuous element 14 and truncated end 8 are placed against the outer surface 42 with the truncated end against surface 62 of the upper portion 38 of the toilet bowl 28 below the rim 42 and in front of the toilet seat 26 in the opened position to seal the periphery 16 and truncated end 12 sealing flat surface 62 of the lower major opening 66 with the upper portion 38 of the toilet bowl 28 and in front of the toilet seat 26. The left side elastic loop 54 is attached to the underside left screw 56 and the right side elastic loop 10 is attached to the underside right screw 24 both comprise a resilient or elastic band like or continuous element attached to the continuous element of 14 and the truncated end 8

With lower plunger member or concave cup 44 of the plunger 40 placed over the lower portion of the toilet or associated plumbing (not shown), the upper elongated handle 32 of the plunger 40 is vigorously moved up and down to dislodge or unclog debris from the lower portion of the toilet or associated plumbing (not shown) with the membrane or pliable plastic horizontal flat panel and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20; shielding and containing liquid 48 or matter 36 splashing from the interior 34 of the toilet bowl 28.

When the process is complete, the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 and the plunger 40 are removed from the toilet bowl 28. The operator simple lifts the plunger up with the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 still attached to the plunger 40, Grabs hold of the entire edge 18 and the truncated edge 14 and crunches all together and folds in hand while still holding the plunger upper elongated 32 is will prevent any debris or liquid matter from dripping thereby allowing the operator freedom to bring plunger 40 and rim wrap splash guard 20 to a safe area. The rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 is removed from the upper elongated handle 32 and disposed of.

FIG. 5 is a full frontal top perspective view of the rim wrap toilet splash guard of the present invention in combination with a plunger handle slit and toilet with the rim wrap toilet splash guard positioned on the toilet and the plunger in the operative position shows all alternate embodiment of the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 with similar structural elements similarly designated. Specifically, the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 comprises a cover generally indicated as 22 including a lower major interior opening FIG. 2/34 having a periphery 16 and truncated end 12 with a bowl seal generally indicated 60 disposed adjacent thereto.

The cover 22 comprises a membrane or pliable plastic horizontal flat panel and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member 20;while, the bowl seal 60 comprises a resilient or elastic band-like or continuous element 8 and truncated end 14. The left side elastic loop 54 and the right side elastic loop 10 comprise a resilient or elastic band like or continuous element attached to the continuous element of 8 and the truncated end 14.

In use, the upper elongated handle 32 of the plunger 40 is at least partially disposed with the membrane or pliable plastic horizontal flat panel and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member 20; such that the lower plunger member or concave cup 44 is disposed beneath the membrane or pliable plastic horizontal flat panel and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member 20; of the cover 22. So assembled, the lower plunger member or concave cup 44 and the lower portion of the upper elongated handle 32 are placed into the interior 34 of the toilet bowl 28.

With the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 and the plunger 40 so positioned relative to the toilet bowl 28, the resilient or elastic band-like or continuous element 8 and truncated end 14 are placed against the outer surface 42 with the truncated end against surface 62 of the upper portion 38 of the toilet bowl 28 below the rim 42 and in front of the toilet seat 26 in the opened position to seal the periphery 16 and truncated end 12 sealing flat surface 62 of the lower major opening 66 with the upper portion 38 of the toilet bowl 28 and in front of the toilet seat 26. The left side elastic loop 54 is attached to the underside left screw 56 and the right side elastic loop 10 is attached to the underside right screw 24 both comprise a resilient or elastic band like or continuous element attached to the continuous element of 8 and the truncated end 14.

With lower plunger member or concave cup 44 of the plunger 40 placed over the lower portion of the toilet or associated plumbing (not shown), the upper elongated handle 32 of the plunger 40 is vigorously moved up and down to dislodge or unclog debris from the lower portion of the toilet or associated plumbing (not shown) with the membrane or pliable plastic horizontal flat panel and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20; shielding and containing liquid 48 or matter 36 splashing from the interior 34 of the toilet bowl 28.

When the process is complete, the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 and the plunger 40 are removed from the toilet bowl 28. The operator simple lifts the plunger up with the rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 still attached to the plunger 40, Grabs hold of the entire edge 18 and the truncated edge 14 and crunches all together and folds in hand while still holding the plunger upper elongated 32 is will prevent any debris or liquid matter from dripping thereby allowing the operator freedom to bring plunger 40 and rim wrap splash guard 20 to a safe area The rim wrap toilet splash guard 20 is removed from the upper elongated handle 32 and disposed of.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A rim wrap toilet splash guard to enclose the open upper portion of a toilet bowl to contain liquid and matter splashing from the interior thereof when attempting to unclog or dislodge debris from the plumbing when using a plunger including an upper elongated handle and a lower plunger member, said rim wrap toilet splash guard comprising a cover including a disposable pliable plastic horizontal flat plane on top of the toilet rim and than extending down the sides of the outer rim having a lower opening with an elastic element disposed adjacent the periphery thereof to receive a portion of the outside surface of the toilet bowl and to seal said rim wrap toilet splash guard against the outside of the toilet such that liquid and debris in the toilet bowl is contained by said rim wrap toilet splash guard as the plunger dislodges debris whereby debris and liquid is reflected back into the toilet.

2. The disposable rim wrap toilet splash guard of claim 1 wherein said pliable horizontal flat panel and having a slit or opening such as to allow the insertion of the upper portion of the upper elongated handle of a plunger, and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member. The disposable rim wrap toilet splash guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal flat panel for means of inserting the handle of a plunger having a slit in the said horizontal pliable flat panel, enabling easy movement and adjustment of said plunger handle.

The disposable rim wrap toilet splash guard of claim 1 wherein said pliable horizontal flat panel and side extensions comprising a one piece pliable member, such as to seal the upper open portion of said toilet bowl.

3. A disposable splash shield as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said rim wrap toilet splash guard body is transparent, said transparent body comprising said means enabling a user to view into a toilet bowl when said shield is in operative position on a toilet bowl. A disposable rim wrap toilet splash guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein said attaching means comprises a stretchable elastic band affixed to the marginal edge portion of said shield body for attachment to an adjacent upper and side of the outer surface portion of a toilet bowl.

4. A disposable toilet rim wrap splash guard that has the element that the rear portion of the rim wrap splash guard is truncated. A disposable toilet rim wrap splash guard as claimed in claim 3 wherein said attaching means comprises a stretchable elastic band affixed to the marginal edge portion of the see through pliable plastic or plastic type material, and would lay against the flat rear portion of the upper rim of the toilet bowl. A disposable toilet rim wrap splash guard that has a rear element that is truncated that lays against the rear flat upper rim of the toilet bowl, and extending from right end of the truncated element, and also extending from the left end of the truncated element, there is a stretchable elastic band in the form of loops. A disposable toilet rim wrap splash guard as claimed in claim 3 having two elastic band loops or other type of attaching devices, one on each side of the rear truncated element, having the ability of looping and attaching to the underside of the bottom portion of the toilet seat screws.