Obstruction Remover Patents (Class 4/255.01)
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Patent number: 11406234Abstract: A toilet bowl screen apparatus for preventing animals from exiting a toilet bowl includes a screen edge conforming to the shape of a rim of a toilet bowl. A screen body is coupled to the screen edge. The screen body is mesh and has a plurality of gaps with each gap small enough to prevent a snake or other animal from crawling therethrough. Each of a pair of rear clips is coupled to the screen body to selectively engage a rim rear portion of the rim of the toilet bowl. A front clip has a front hook portion pivotably coupled to the screen edge and a handle portion coupled to the front hook portion. The handle portion allows a user to move the front hook portion with the front hook portion selectively engaging or disengaging a rim front portion of the rim of the toilet bowl.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Inventor: Sven Cadogan
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Patent number: 11175068Abstract: An air conditioning drain line system is disclosed where the drain line includes an access connector pipe for inserting a chemical delivery strand of material into the drain pipes. The connector pipe may be a Y-shaped connector pipe and retain the strand. The strand may extend into the drain pipes and around an elbow in the pipes. The elbow may be designed to receive standard drain pipes into receiving inlets and create a smooth flow channel through the pipe without any elevational differences between the inner diameter of the elbow at the junction point of the elbow and the received pipes and the inner diameter of the received pipes.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Inventor: Brian Desilets
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Patent number: 11110494Abstract: A plumbing clog removal apparatus that includes a vacuum chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and a compressor port. The clog removal apparatus also includes an inlet seal disposed at the vacuum chamber inlet. The vacuum chamber inlet seal is movably coupled to the vacuum chamber inlet and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The plumbing clog removal apparatus also includes, an outlet seal disposed at the vacuum chamber outlet. The outlet seal is movably coupled to the vacuum chamber outlet and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The vacuum chamber also includes an air compressor fluidically connected to the vacuum chamber compressor port. The compressor is configured to remove air from the compressor chamber and form a low pressure condition inside the vacuum chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Inventor: William John Yerkes
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Patent number: 10889974Abstract: The tool for clearing a clog includes a tool shaft, a nozzle body, and a handle portion. The tool shaft includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and radial supports for the inner tube. The outer tube can be symmetrical so that the nozzle body can be aimed according to alignment of the outer tube. The nozzle body includes a nozzle connector, a sealing member with a hardness less than the nozzle connector and a diameter greater than the nozzle connector, and a nozzle tip. The sealing member can create the seal. The handle portion includes a handle body, handles, a handle chamber with a pin member, air cartridge, and a button member, and a handle body cover. The attachment of the handle body cover sets the button member in a sealed position to release the blast of air from the air cartridge, when moved to the released position.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Core Pacific LLCInventor: Patrick Gwen
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Patent number: 10508427Abstract: This safety cleanout cap system provides for the removal of water and debris from drains. It consists of a flow channel having sidewalls, a turning segment and a downward bend. The turning segment is on the same lateral plane as the safety cleanout cap and has left and right side depressions that extend above the downward bend. The depressions have tracks that are formed to diverge inwardly between top and bottom lateral edges and cooperatively receive and prevent tools from upward and downward movement along the sidewalls of the flow channel. The safety cleanout cap can be attached to pipe fittings in order to regulate the flow of fluid in compressed spaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Inventors: Costel Sfredel, Otilia Sfredel
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Patent number: 10415220Abstract: A glove includes: a palm; a suction cup coupled to the palm; and a suction releaser coupled to the suction cup. A method includes: positioning a suction cup over a drain, with the suction cup being coupled to a palm of a glove; and plunging the drain via the suction cup.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Inventor: Jean Andre Piquant
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Patent number: 10041238Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Brasscraft Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Michael James Daciw
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Patent number: 9945108Abstract: A drain cleaning device with a combination of elements which quickly removes upper-drain hair clogs from bathroom drains without taking the drain apart, and without handling offensive clogs. The drain cleaning device includes a handle section and a disposable drain cleaning section which snap together. The drain cleaning section has an extended rod portion with a multistrand wire core covered with a layer of thousands of miniature hair-grabbing, hook elements embedded in a textile material which covers the rod portion's entire length. In particular, the J-shaped hook elements are circumferentially oriented on the rod portion to snag hair while rotating the device. Also, a method of making the device by assembling the disposable rod section from a length of hook strip, a length of multistrand wire core, a hook-covered tip and a connector, which can then be connected to the handle section before use.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Inventor: Stephen S. Turner
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Patent number: 9737917Abstract: An apparatus for accessing longitudinal bores which includes: a length of resilient tube configured to be extendible along at least a portion of its length; wherein one end of the resilient tube includes a utility head thereon; and wherein the other end of the tube is configured to directly or indirectly connect to, and receive a force from, a physical energy source.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Inventors: Campbell Alan Booth, Gary Alan Gibson, Patrick David Maguire
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Patent number: 9574335Abstract: A drain trap adaptor adapted to allow draining of a drain trap and retrieval of a material. The drain trap includes a first drain pipe having an entry portion and an exit portion, a second drain pipe extending from the exit portion and a bore disposed substantially at the exit portion. The drain trap adaptor includes a ball valve having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is adapted to connect to the bore; and a container adapted to connect to the outlet end of the ball valve. The container is configured to receive the drainage trapped in the drain trap and the material at the bore upon opening of the ball valve such that the drain trap can be drained and the material can be retrieved.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Precision Accuracy Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Jack Hancosky
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Patent number: 9359751Abstract: A plumbing trap flushing device for use in association with one of a drain in a sink, an overflow drain in a basin, a drain in a bathtub, an overflow drain in a bathtub and the like is disclosed. The plumbing trap flushing device includes a connector, a conduit and a nozzle. The connector is releasably attachable to a tap. The conduit is in flow communication with the connector and has an outside diameter and an inside diameter. The outside diameter is dimensioned to fit into the drain, whereby when the conduit is in the drain air and water freely flows around the conduit into the drain. The nozzle is in flow communication with the distal end of the conduit. The nozzle has a nozzle inside diameter less than the inside diameter of the conduit whereby the water exits the nozzle in a stream.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: BOEMAR INC.Inventor: Bart Donald Beaumont
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Patent number: 9238908Abstract: A curb vent stack plunger for clearing sewer drains includes an elongated pole. A first substantially circularly shaped rubberized disc is located adjacent the bottom end of the pole and lies in a first plane perpendicular to the axis of the pole. A second substantially circularly shaped rubberized disc is secured to the pole at a distance spaced upwardly from the bottom end. The second disc lies in a second plane perpendicular to the pole axis but parallel to the first disc. A soft rubberlike semi-spherically shaped bumper is secured to the remote bottom end of the pole.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Inventor: Andrew A. DeSanto
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Patent number: 9044251Abstract: In a chuck for medical applications, including a housing having a passage extending axially therethrough with clamping elements movable supported in the housing together with a drive structure for moving the clamping element into and out of a clamping position for the engagement and release of a rotating tool, a space is provided around the drive structure for moving the clamping elements and flushing passages are provided for flushing out the space around the drive structure and, in the process, cleaning all the components of the chuck.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2008Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Josef Albrecht Bohrfutterfabrik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dieter Schwarz, Martin Schmideder
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Publication number: 20150143623Abstract: This toilet unclogging tool has a handle attached at the proximal end of, a shaft, either straight or bent, and a bullet shaped head portion, attached at the distal end of the shaft, which head is made of a semi-rigid material such as closed cell polyethylene foam. The head has a series of grooves, usually four of a V-shape, along the length thereof to permit fluid to pass there through when one attempts to push a blockage forward over the trap of a toilet. A rigid cap having a flat face is disposed into the forward end of the head to enhance the ability of the device to push a clog without deforming the head.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventor: Toby Brummer
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Publication number: 20150020297Abstract: In general, a flush toilet with a built-in clog removal system is described. In one embodiment, the disclosed toilet is defined by: a bowl connected to an drain pipe; at least one one-way valve positioned pipe; and a pump in fluid communication with the pipe so that (a) initiating the pump to force the piston downward or upward causes fluid-flow in the pipe so that the one-way valve closes or opens as a result of pressure or a vacuum against debris clogging the drain.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventor: Shane Durkin
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Patent number: 8910322Abstract: Drain chain systems include a cap connected to a chain. The cap rests on a drain and can include holes to facilitate the passage of water through the cap. The cap can include a decorative shape. The chain is flexible and is placed in the drain, sometimes through a hole in a drain cover. The chain can be detachably connected to the cap by a coupling element to facilitate easy replacement of the chain, or can be integrally connected to the cap. During use, hair gathers on the chain. The chain is pulled out of the drain by the decorative cap positioned over the drain. The chain can be cleaned of entangled hair and reused, or the chain can be discarded with or without the cap, by either leaving the chain connected to the cap or by detaching the chain from the cap and replacing it with a new chain.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Inventors: Gifford L. Briggs, Jennifer Briggs
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Publication number: 20140325747Abstract: The tool for cleaning a drain includes a handle, a strip member, and an end piece. The handle inserts and removes the tool from the drain. The strip member has an elongated and undulated shape and is formed by segments. Each segment has a curvature with a concave side and convex side, which alternate from adjacent segments. Each segment also has barbs on each concave side. The barbs are shielded by an adjacent convex side of an adjacent segment. The end piece connects to a bottom segment of the strip member and has a collar and tip. The collar has a protective shoulder to shield barbs of the bottom segment and an actuatable spike to collect debris when bent. The tip has a distal point with prongs and a distal shoulder, which shields the prongs. The tip may also include a shaft with shaft barbs protected by a shaft shoulder.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2013Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventor: Patrick GWEN
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Publication number: 20140223653Abstract: Plumbing tools (50, 110, 140, 180, 220, 260, 290, 340, and 400) comprise a ramrod (10, 90, 112, 188, 222, or 402) with longitudinal portions (188 and 190, 130, or 142 and 144) that include unidirectional and/or bidirectional stiffening, or three longitudinal portions (142, 140, and 144 or 188, 190, and 192) that include unidirectional and/or bidirectional stiffening. The method includes manual ramming (FIGS. 7, 10, 13, 17, and 26), slide hammering (FIG. 30), and power-impact ramming (FIGS. 31-33). Power-impact ramming (FIGS. 31-33) optionally includes a rotary-to-impact converter (FIG. 33). The method includes flexibly threading a ramrod (10, 90, 112, 142, 188, 226, or 402) into a passageway (16), ramming one end, elastically transferring ramming energy, and impacting a blockage (30). Optionally the method includes distributing the plumbing tool (110, 140, or 180) as promotional merchandise.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventor: Wendell E. Miller
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Patent number: 8782822Abstract: A plunger cup of a flexible material for sealing an opening of a drain has an elongated rim for sealing an opening of a drain. This plunger cup is particularly useful for releasing stoppages in a clogged drain having a noncircular opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Inventor: Dirk M. Vandenbergh
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Patent number: 8776281Abstract: The system for unclogging toilets is a wire-based unclogging system for toilets, allowing clogs formed on either side of a bend in a toilet outflow pipe to be cleared simultaneously. The system includes a hollow tube having opposed upper and lower ends. The tube is mounted on a toilet so that a pair of apertures formed through the lower end communicate with an interior of the bend of the toilet outflow pipe. A plunger is slidably mounted within an interior of the tube and is resiliently biased with respect to the upper end. An air pump delivers pressurized air to the interior of the tube through a port formed through the upper end, so that the plunger may be driven downward. A pair of wires are secured to a lower surface of the plunger and extend through the apertures into either side of the bend of the toilet outflow pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsInventors: Mehmet Dondurur, Ahmet Z. Sahin
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Patent number: 8756721Abstract: An improvement on a conventional toilet having a built-in plunger has a tank portion that contains a housing having a plunger apparatus and a bowl portion having a bowl, an outlet drain and one or a plurality of channels for transporting plunged water from the plunger apparatus in the tank to one or a plurality of locations in the outlet drain in order to clear a clog.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Inventor: Ryan Dewey
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Publication number: 20140123377Abstract: A pipe unclogging device and method of use with a shaft and a handle separated by a guard which when contending with blockage in a pipe or tubular orifice allows the user to apply force on the blockage through the handle and the shaft therein dislodging blockage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: CAIN TORRES, Nolan P. Strange
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Publication number: 20140026306Abstract: An obstruction clearing assembly for clearing an obstruction from a plumbing fixture and the respective pipe. The assembly positions inside the fixture, and is accessible and controlled from outside the fixture by a handle. The handle joins with a cable that passes through the fixture, and through the pipe. The handle controls the flailing, rotation, and thrust of the cable within the pipe. The cable includes a tip, which positions in proximity to the obstruction. A prong joins to the end of the tip, and is configured to engage the obstruction. The prong moves in conjunction with the cable to provide sufficient agitation to clear the obstruction. A casing provides a watertight conduit for the cable and the tip to pass through the pipe. A sleeve provides a rigid frame for the cable. A fitting joins variably sized components of the assembly, while a gasket provides a seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventors: Floro Magnaye Rosal, Aries M. Rosal
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Publication number: 20140026307Abstract: A combination snake and plunger, in an integral body, wherein the snake feeds through an aperture in the plunger cup, allowing use, as a plunger, a snake, or a combination device, for removing clogs from drains. The present invention includes a feed mechanism for the snake; a spool for snake storage; a hose adaptor to clean the snake and add hydraulic pressure; and a crank-wheel to re-spool the snake.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventor: Frank Dwight Washington, JR.
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Publication number: 20130239315Abstract: Drain clean-out assemblies that can be used to drain the contents of a drain line prior to removing a clean-out plug mounted to the assembly or to which the assembly is mounted. The drain clean-out assembly includes clean-out plug and a device for selectively preventing and permitting drainage of a fluid through a drain port of the assembly. The assembly may include a housing having oppositely-disposed first and second ends, wherein the first end of the housing is configured to attach to a drain line, the second end of the housing is a clean-out port, the clean-out plug is removably attached to the clean-out port, and the drain port is defined by and through the clean-out plug and in fluidic communication with an interior of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventor: Brian Michael Kipp
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Publication number: 20130227771Abstract: This invention serves to enable a person to simply and easily fix a clogged toilet without the need to make contact with the contents of the bowl. This is achieved by sealing the bowl and leveraging the pressure (head) of the water from the tank to push the clog through and return the toilet to normal operation. It improves on previous methods of clearing clogs in being simpler for the end user to apply, and much more sanitary.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventor: Christopher Michael Hotz
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Publication number: 20130205485Abstract: Drain chain systems include a cap connected to a chain. The cap rests on a drain and can include holes to facilitate the passage of water through the cap. The cap can include a decorative shape. The chain is flexible and is placed in the drain, sometimes through a hole in a drain cover. The chain can be detachably connected to the cap by a coupling element to facilitate easy replacement of the chain, or can be integrally connected to the cap. During use, hair gathers on the chain. The chain is pulled out of the drain by the decorative cap positioned over the drain. The chain can be cleaned of entangled hair and reused, or the chain can be discarded with or without the cap, by either leaving the chain connected to the cap or by detaching the chain from the cap and replacing it with a new chain.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Gifford L. Briggs, Jennifer Briggs
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Patent number: 8418274Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventor: Larry Edward Dodson
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Publication number: 20130061378Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Josef Karl Kihs
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Publication number: 20130055493Abstract: Toilet ramrods (10, 90, 100, 130, 150, 202, 280, or 300) comprise extruded plastic (10), steel strip (92), wires (102 and 104), and/or a coiled spring (206). Two toilet ramrods (130 and 150) include unidirectional stiffening. Toilet ramrod apparatus (70, 110, 200, 240, or 270) comprises a toilet ramrod (10, 90, 100, 130, 150, 202, 280, or 300), a sleeve (72 or 204), a ramming handle (112, 212, or 258), an impacting foot (114 or 210), a slide hammer (252), a power-impacting device (272), and/or a torque deactivator (334+336). The method includes threading an elongated member (10, 90, 100, 130, or 202) into a curved discharge passageway (16) and elastically ramming the elongated member (10, 90, 100, 130, or 202) against a blockage (30). Optionally the method includes distributing the toilet ramrod (10, 130, or 150) as promotional merchandise.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventor: Wendell E. Miller
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Patent number: 8365343Abstract: An implement for clearing debris from a drain cup or basket strainer in a sink includes an upright handle for gripping and operating the implement. A cutting member configured to cut up the debris and force it through the drain cup or basket strainer is mounted on a lower end of the handle. The cutting member includes a centrally disposed recess for the strainer basket handle or the basket attachment nut in the drain cup. A plurality of radially extending grooves are formed in a lower surface of the cutting member with cutting edges being formed on the edges of the grooves for cutting the debris and forcing it through the drain cup or basket strainer. The recess in the cutting member permits the blades of the cutting assembly to reach the base of the strainer without interference from the strainer basket handle or attachment nut.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Inventors: Leland J Sherwood, Leonard G Sherwood
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Patent number: 8359679Abstract: A toilet clog removal device comprised of a collapsible high volume bellows that fits between a toilet seat and the rim of a toilet bowel. When a bellows is compressed with the toilet seat a positive pressure is generated in the toilet bowl and the clogging materials are pushed down. The bellows will also flush most of the water from a toilet, leaving a small amount of water in the toilet bowl allowing a toilet cleaner to be less diluted and thus more effective in cleaning a toilet. After use the bellows may be collapsed by twisting and folding for convenient storage.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Inventor: Donald L Martin
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Patent number: 8322358Abstract: A plug puller device and method for removing a clean-out plug from a drain clean-out and permit draining of a drain line below an obstruction prior to removing the obstruction. The device includes first and second housings. The first housing includes a drain connected to its interior. The first end of the first housing is adapted to be removably attached to the clean-out. The first end of the second housing is removably attached to the second end of the first housing. A rod is slidably received in an opening at the second end of the second housing. A fitting is attached to a first end of the rod for coupling and uncoupling with the plug through movement of the rod. A second end of the rod forms a connector to which a tool can be coupled to rotate the rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventor: Brian Michael Kipp
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Patent number: 8312572Abstract: A telescoping plumbing device and method is provided. The telescoping plumbing device and method may employ a flexible cable at least partially disposed within a plurality of nested pipes or tubes capable of being extended and retracted telescopically, so that the cable may be pushed down a toilet or drain by collapsing the plurality of pipes abruptly and forcibly from the extended position to the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Inventor: Robert Scott Heffner
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Patent number: 8286275Abstract: Drain clean-out assemblies that can be used to drain the contents of a drain line prior to removing a clean-out plug mounted to the assembly or to which the assembly is mounted. The drain clean-out assembly includes clean-out plug and a device for selectively preventing and permitting drainage of a fluid through the assembly. The assembly may include a housing having oppositely-disposed first and second ends and a drain between the first and second ends and in fluidic communication with an interior of the housing, wherein the first end of the housing is configured to attach to a drain line, the preventing and permitting device is within the housing, and the clean-out plug is removably attached to the housing. Alternatively, the preventing and permitting device may be permanently mounted to the clean-out plug.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Inventor: Brian Michael Kipp
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Publication number: 20120204334Abstract: The disclosed toilet de clogging instrument is an embodiment of a flushable toilet stick 40 that unclogs, disinfects, cleans and dissolves away after use. Toilet stick is comprised of an elongated shaft 42 a handle portion 44 with optional serrated edges 46 and a pointed head 48 at the opposite shaft end. In addition an optional means of storing the toilet sticks in a storage box 52 on the side water storage tank 26.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Gary R. Floto, Reba A. Floto
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Publication number: 20120167293Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: Alexander H. O'Hanley
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Patent number: 8104102Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Inventor: Alex H. O'Hanley
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Patent number: 8096318Abstract: A valve flap for a plumbing valve, includes a body having a first face, a second face, a top and a bottom. A pivotal mounting is provided in the vicinity of the top. A curved lower snake deflecting contact face is provided in the vicinity of the bottom, adapted to facilitate sliding contact with a plumbing snake. This valve flap enables a plumbing snake to be inserted into and withdrawn from the plumbing valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
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Patent number: 8065754Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventors: Carlos J. Johnson, Robert Dreher
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Patent number: 8020222Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventors: Michael David Falcon, Ernest William Falcon
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Patent number: 8020223Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventors: Michael David Falcon, Ernest William Falcon
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Patent number: 7962974Abstract: A system and method for a plunger for unclogging a toilet. A plunger system comprising an elongated cylinder, a flexible material at a first end of the elongated cylinder, an air reservoir located inside the cylinder having an outlet extending through the flexible material, and a valve adapted to release compressed air stored inside the air reservoir through the outlet. The flexible material is capable of being expanded to seal the exit port of a toilet. A method for unclogging a toilet with a plunger device comprising the following steps: inserting a first end of a plunger device into an exit port of the toilet, expanding a flexible material attached to the first end of the plunger device to seal the exit port, and releasing a bolus of air into the exit port past the flexible material to unclog the toilet.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Inventor: Justin Lee Lanier
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Patent number: 7891027Abstract: A seal assembly for a drain vent is provided to direct the pressure exerted by a plunger to the face of a drain clog rather than escaping through the drain vent. The seal assembly of the invention comprises a tubular body having a first closed end and a second open end to define a substantially rigid a cup-like structure or cavity. A sealing member concentric with a longitudinal axis of the tubular body is attached to the second open end of the tubular body to form a seal against a surface containing the drain vent. A handle is attached to the closed end of the cup-like structure and extends away from the closed first end of the tubular body to provide a mechanism for the user to hold the sealing member against the surface containing the drain vent during the plunging process.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventor: Robert Blu Mooney
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Patent number: 7877821Abstract: A hand-held gun-shaped device having an air compressor, an air chamber, and at least one detachable drain-sealing adapter, which are used together to clear soft stoppages from single drains. Air compressor power may be supplied by a removable power cord or battery. Optional features include a detachable side handle, a toilet plunger adapter, a hollow cup adapter for shower and kitchen sink drains, a funnel-shaped adapter for bathtub and sink drains, an air compressor tire valve, a tire valve attachment, a safety-release valve, and a pressure gauge. An operator sets the PSI setting dial or display on the air compressor above a needed threshold air chamber pressure and starts the air compressor. When the air compressor stops and an air chamber release button is activated, a drain-unclogging air burst is released from the air chamber. One charge of the air chamber provides one air burst.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Giuseppe Prestia
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Patent number: 7810203Abstract: An improved drain cleaning assembly (10) is provided having a coupling apparatus (18) designed to mate with the open end of a clogged drainpipe (12), an elongated, powered, axially-rotatable drain cable (16) passing through the apparatus (18) and into pipe (12), and water inlet and outlet lines (20, 26) coupled with apparatus (18) for delivery of water therethrough during the course of drain cleaning operations. The apparatus (18) includes a unitary main tubular body (38) receiving a drainpipe connection fitting (46) via quick-connect structure (44). The body (38) also has an internal sponge-type cable cleaning component (94) and a spray fitting (54) for directing incoming water onto cable (16). Preferably, the lines (20, 26) are each equipped with a check valve (21, 28) to control water flow through body (38) during drain unclogging and to facilitate visual verification of an unclogged condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Stoltz & Murphy, Inc.Inventor: David Stoltz
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Patent number: 7810176Abstract: A compact, smooth surfaced, flexible and formable, elongate apparatus that has a hair-clog snagging end portion for insertion into drains for snagging and removing the common hair clogs that exist in the upper portion of drains typically around the drain pop-up mechanism and drain trap. The elongate shaft (10) may be bent along its complete length into any shape and remain fixed in that shape to accommodate compact storage as well as forming a grasping and twisting handle for the shaft while it is in the drain or bending the hair-snagging end of the shaft for easier insertion and navigation within the drain. The hair-clog snagging portion, which is at the distal end of the shaft, is in the form of a pad (12), which maximizes the surface area of hair hooking members (38).Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: Scott I. Turner
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Publication number: 20100252071Abstract: Disclosed are methods of unclogging toilet drains using a novel dissolvable paper tool to dislodged a blocking impediment in the clogged drain.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventor: Kevin B. Bounds
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Patent number: 7797768Abstract: The present invention is directed a splash guard for containing the contents of a toilet during plunging, comprising: a substantially ovular pliable shield having a top side, a bottom side, a peripheral edge and a blunted posterior end, the pliable shield having a size from 5-20% greater than the size of said toilet seat; a drape member having an upper edge, a bottom edge, and a distance between the upper edge and said bottom edge of 3 to 8 inches; and a resilient element; the top edge of the drape member circumferentially affixed to the peripheral edge of the pliable shield at a seam, the resilient element being tensioned and operatively affixed along the length of the seam but optionally the elastic element not being affixed to the seam at the blunted end; the pliable shield further having a minor opening sized and positioned for slideably receiving a plunger handle, whereby when the splash guard is positioned on the underside of the toilet seat and the resilient element is stretched outwardly, and then upwType: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: Thomas E. St. John
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Publication number: 20100212075Abstract: A plug puller device and method for removing a clean-out plug from a drain clean-out and permit draining of a drain line below an obstruction prior to removing the obstruction. The device includes first and second housings. The first housing includes a drain connected to its interior. The first end of the first housing is adapted to be removably attached to the clean-out. The first end of the second housing is removably attached to the second end of the first housing. A rod is slidably received in an opening at the second end of the second housing. A fitting is attached to a first end of the rod for coupling and uncoupling with the plug through movement of the rod. A second end of the rod forms a connector to which a tool can be coupled to rotate the rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventor: Brian Michael Kipp