Force Cup (e.g., A Plunger) Patents (Class 4/255.11)
  • Publication number: 20110016621
    Abstract: An improved toilet plunger includes a plunger assembly having an elongated plunger stem having an upper end and an opposite lower end with the lower end having a flared portion and a threaded stub extending therefrom for securement to the plunger socket of a standard plunger head and the toilet plunger also including a horizontally extending handle integrally formed to the upper end of the plunger stem with the handle further defining left and right hand portions and the underside of the handle having continuous undulated handle grips for ease of gripping by the fingers of the user and the horizontally extending handle reducing muscle strain by changing the way the handle is gripped thereby making plunging easier, more efficient, and less irksome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Robert G. Kares
  • Publication number: 20110010832
    Abstract: A device for removing obstructions from a drain is provided and is in the configuration of a toilet plunger having an agitator element for promoting movement of fluid and a shroud. The agitator element includes a driver having a cup that is formed with a plurality of accordion-like ribs or is semi-spherical in shape. The shroud limits any flow of fluid into a buffer space between the agitator element and the shroud, thereby operating as an anti-splash feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: George Tsiros
  • Publication number: 20100313345
    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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Harvey Lewis Stein
  • Publication number: 20100275356
    Abstract: A plunger cleaning system has a plunger having a plunger head and an elongated handle extending from the plunger head, and a sanitizing cleaning element having a center opening. The cleaning element is a water soluble, cleansing disinfectant solid compound which rapidly dissolves in water. The soiled plunger head is placed and submerged within the toilet basin, with the handle extending upward. The cleaning element is then positioned over the handle, with its center opening aligned over the upper end of the handle. The cleaning element is dropped onto the handle and allowed to slide down to the plunger head, where it contacts the water and dissolves around and cleans and disinfects the plunger head and lower end of the handle. Lamina borders around the center opening and outside perimeter surface of the cleaning element are provided to direct the flow of dissolved material from the cleaning element around and under the plunger head and up the lower end of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Justin A. Hovsepian, Alexander Hovsepian
  • Patent number: 7765626
    Abstract: A drain clearing device includes a first hollow tube having opposed first and second ends and a plunger head coupled to the first end. A second hollow tube includes a first end operatively coupled to the first end of the first tube, the first and second tubes being configured for telescoping movement between extended and retracted configurations. A snaking member is situated in the first and second tubes for movement between storing and operating configurations when the tubes are moved between extended and retracted configurations, respectively. A crank handle connected to the snaking member enables a user to rotate and extend the snake as needed. A plug is included for separating an inner tube area from an inner area of the plunger head and to prevent water spillage from the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Franco Sapia
  • Patent number: 7752684
    Abstract: A combination cleaning tool and plunger integrates a cleaning tool and plunger in a single shafted tool to save storage space and provide the tools required for non-invasive plumbing maintenance in one convenient tool assembly. The plunger portion of the tool may be attached in a position near the lower end of the shaft for use in plunging a drain, or slidably moved to be attached in a position near the shaft handle at the upper end of the shaft, exposing the cleaning tool at the lower end of the shaft for use. No disassembly of parts or handling of the working parts is required to use either tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: George Pieretti
  • Publication number: 20100170030
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Hamid Reza HAJI-KARAMI-MAHABADI
  • Patent number: 7743451
    Abstract: Described are preferred sanitary cleaning devices that include a disposable cleaning head portion and a handle portion. The cleaning head is releasably connectable to the handle portion. The handle portion includes a pair of elongate rods laterally spaced relative to one another and capable of deflection toward one another. The rods present prongs that are selectively received within and removed from apertures provided in the cleaning head. To attach the cleaning head to the handle, the rods are deflected, for example by compressing a grip area, and the prongs are positioned adjacent the receiving apertures, and thereafter the rods are released. This causes the prongs to be received within the apertures, to connect the cleaning head to the handle. Preferred devices of the invention are advantageous in that the user need not touch the cleaning head or adjacent areas expected to contact materials from the toilet to achieve connection and removal of the head from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Seok-Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20100132102
    Abstract: A high powered blast or suction of fast moving water to remove solid blockage or obstructions from within sink, bathtub, shower, and toilet bowl drain pipes uses a piston mounted within a cylinder with specifically designed interchangeable rubber plunger tips connected to the end of the piston powered manual water pumping plunger. The present invention provides a high powered blast or suction of fast moving water to remove solid blockage or obstructions from within sink, bathtub, shower, and toilet bowl drain pipes using specifically designed interchangeable rubber plunger tips and a piston powered manual water pumping plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Flamand
  • Publication number: 20100077541
    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: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Harvey Lewis Stein
  • Publication number: 20100000010
    Abstract: A 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 foldable in half and a gasket seal is affixed to a bottom marginal edge portion to effect a seal between the shield and the toilet bowl rim. Adhesive material on the underside of the gasket seal, or strips of adhesive tape on the marginal edge of the shield, releasably secures the shield in position. In a preferred embodiment the shield is made of cardboard. 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: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Robert S. Martinisko
  • Publication number: 20090293184
    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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Michael David Falcon, Ernest William Falcon
  • Publication number: 20090293185
    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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Michael David Falcon, Ernest William Falcon
  • Publication number: 20090106887
    Abstract: A toilet bowl plunger includes a fluid reservoir for containing a disinfectant fluid and a fluid dispensing mechanism for dispensing the disinfectant fluid from the reservoir out from the toilet bowl plunger upon activation by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Mark C. Dressel
  • Patent number: 7523510
    Abstract: A sanitary plunger including a hollow tubular handle shaft having a flexible force cup attached to the lower end thereof. The flexible force cup has a central opening communicating the interior of the hollow tubular handle shaft and the interior of the force cup. A distributor means allows a leading plastic protector bag to be withdrawn from the roll through the central opening of the force cup and pulled around the exterior surface of said force cup and around the lower portion of the exterior surface of said tubular handle shaft in a manner adapted to cover the interior and exterior surfaces of said force cup and the exterior of said lower portion of portion of said tubular handle shaft. A lock member holds the outer end of the bag against the outer surface of the hollow tubular handle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Biagi, Jacob C. Larson
  • Publication number: 20080308438
    Abstract: A plumbing tool transporting and storing device and method for entirely concealing a plumbing tool such as a toilet brush or plumbing plunger, and transporting that tool without risk of dripping effluent or displaying the device's contents, and for storing the tool efficiently and conveniently. The device is used by placing the tool into the device through a specially designed opening, then picking the device up by its handle, and carrying it to its destination, avoiding unwanted attention as the concealed tool is transported through common areas. The device may then be hung on a surface such as a wall or rack, by a bracket system or by the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Tracy Giles
  • Patent number: 7465942
    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: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Smart Products and Inventions, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Lee Holden
  • Publication number: 20080196150
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Donald L. Martin
  • Publication number: 20080134421
    Abstract: A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base formed from a first material. The base has an outer surface and an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface. The base further has a non-circular periphery extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the base. The plunger further includes a handle extending from the outer surface of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: WE-FLEX, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas M. Sheffield, Tamara K. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 7340783
    Abstract: An air plunger is described. The air plunger comprises an upper barrel and a lower barrel slidably received by the upper barrel. An air seal is fixed to the lower barrel and slidably engages with the upper barrel. A nozzle is attached to the lower barrel opposite to the upper barrel. A stop mechanism prohibits the upper barrel from disassociating with the lower barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventors: J. Kirk Leaphart, Jr., C. Mark Leaphart, Carlos R. Schoolcraft, Michael L. Ernst
  • Patent number: 7328793
    Abstract: A plunger storage unit with a base and a cap secured to the based. The base has a handle receiving void. A handle adapter is received in the handle receiving void. The handle adapter has an inner arc and an outer arc with a land between the inner arc and outer arc. Upper tabs and lower tabs are attached to the outer arc such that when the handle adapter is in the handle receiving void a portion of the cap is between the upper tabs and the lower tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventors: J. Kirk Leaphart, Jr., C. Mark Leaphart, William Noack, Eugene E. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7328792
    Abstract: A toilet plunger cabinet system for conveniently storing and transporting a plunger in a hygienic and aesthetically pleasing manner. The toilet plunger cabinet system includes a base for receiving a lower segment of a plunger and a cover removably connected to the base. The base has a lower plate with an extended portion extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof defining an upper opening. A support portion extends upwardly from the upper surface of the lower plate thereby allowing liquids to be removed from the inner portion of the suction cup of the plunger. The cover preferable includes a handle member for grasping by the user, wherein the cover removably fits about the extended portion. A strap member or a transporting handle may be attached to the base for allowing convenient transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Mary J. Benson
  • Patent number: 7308728
    Abstract: A toilet cleaning implement having a plunger with an elongated handle and a compressible cup attached to one end of the handle. The cup defines a cavity open at one end. An elongated rod is longitudinally slidably mounted to the handle and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A toilet cleaning brush is attached to one end of the handle so that, with the rod in its retracted position, the brush is nested within the cup cavity and with the rod in its extended position, the brush protrudes outwardly through the open end of the cup cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: The Evercare Company
    Inventor: Joseph Haviv
  • Patent number: 7299519
    Abstract: A tool for both plunging and cleaning plumbing fixtures and drains includes a handle and a plunger and a cleaning brush both coupled to the same end of the handle. The plunger is moveable between an extended position in which it covers a majority of the brush, and a retracted position in which it exposes a majority of the brush. The tool may be used for cleaning with the plunger retracted and for plunging with the plunger extended. Exemplary embodiments are particularly useful for cleaning and plunging toilets using a combination toilet plunger and toilet brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Garry
  • Patent number: 7281278
    Abstract: A sanitary plunger including a hollow tubular handle shaft having a flexible force cup attached to the lower end thereof. The flexible force cup has a central opening communicating the interior of the hollow tubular handle shaft and the interior of the force cup. A spindle having a spindle shaft is positioned within the hollow tubular handle shaft. The spindle shaft is adapted to receive a roll of plastic protector bags and allow bags to be withdrawn to surround the inner surface of the force cup and the lower portion of the hollow tubular handle shaft. Means are provided for releasably holding the outer end of a plastic protector bag against the hollow tubular handle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Biagi, Jacob C. Larson
  • Publication number: 20070192950
    Abstract: A plunger caddy for holding a plunger includes a top, a bottom opposing the top, and an upstanding sidewall to connect the top and the bottom. The top includes a first aperture to accept a seal portion of the plunger and the top to support an enlarged end of the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Floyd Anderson
  • Patent number: 7188377
    Abstract: A pump having a vessel with a hollow interior. An adaptor may be associated with the vessel and include an opening that facilitates selective flow of fluid relative to the interior. A piston may be slidably mounted within the vessel's interior and movable relative to the adaptor. The pump may also include a piston actuator having a first actuator end and a second actuator end in which the first actuator end is operably associated with the piston. The second actuator end may extend outside the interior such that the piston actuator is configured for facilitating selectable movement of the piston within the vessel. A valve assembly selectively attachable to the adaptor to facilitate selective flow of fluid relative to the adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Eric C. Smith, Steven Stroup, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7124450
    Abstract: A flushable cover for a plunger with a layer of a flushable paper material and a layer of a film soluble in cold water. The cover is constructed to maintain integrity during use of the plunger, but at the same time being capable of being broken down in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Dennis Davidson
  • Patent number: 7120943
    Abstract: An affordable plumbing device that uses a compressed gas and a burst disk having a relatively even surface of substantially uniform thickness to produce a sudden discharge of energy to forcibly act against any obstruction that may interfere with the proper function of a drain. The plumbing device has a cylindrical chamber for receiving the compressed gas and may generally take the shape of a plunger, which is flexible to use and is easy to store. A portion of the chamber forms a receiving chamber with the burst disk for harnessing and directing the energy of the compressed gas to clear the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: M.A.G. Engineering & Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Howard M. Allenbaugh, David M. Turchik, Gerard G. Adelmeyer
  • Patent number: 7089605
    Abstract: A toilet plunger assembly having telescopic features is disclosed. The plunger assembly includes a cup assembly, a tubular member and an elongated rod. The tubular member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion is fixed to the cup assembly. The elongated rod has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an outer diameter. The rod is slideably engaged within the tubular member such that the rod is moveable between a collapsed position and an extended position. In the collapsed position, the rod second end portion is removably joined to the cup assembly, while in the extended position, the rod second end portion is removably joined to the tubular member first end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Waxman Consumer Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Xin Jiang
  • Patent number: 7073211
    Abstract: A hydraulic plumber's friend has a cylindrical body, a lid, a compression assembly, a tapered end cap and a nozzle assembly. The cylindrical body has an open bottom and holds water to be injected into a clogged pipe. The compression assembly has a drive shaft and a piston mounted slidably in the cylindrical body. The tapered end cap is mounted on the open bottom of the cylindrical body and has a transverse partition, a tapered body and a spout. The nozzle assembly has a valve having a cylindrical disk mounted slidably in the spout and having a closed top, an open bottom, a cylindrical sidewall and multiple charging holes, a valve stem and a spring. When the charging holes are uncovered, water flows. The nozzle is mounted on the cylindrical disk and seals and directs water into an opening in a clogged pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Sam Rock Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuei-Kun Wu
  • Patent number: 7062800
    Abstract: A plunger for forcing a blockage through a trap of a toilet. The plunger includes a handle member being designed for being gripped by a hand of a user, a plunger portion is coupled to the handle member. The plunger portion is designed for being positioned in the bowl of the toilet. The plunger portion is designed for forcing fluid down a trap of the toilet to force debris, lodged in the trap, through the trap to allow the bowl of the toilet to drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Benjamin Alfred
  • Patent number: 7058993
    Abstract: A flora integrated cover for a toilet tool, which has a working portion and a handle extending therefrom. The cover comprises a flower pot shaped base, shaped and designed to receive the working portion of the toilet tool, and a flora arrangement, shaped and designed to mount over the handle of the toilet tool. Uniquely, the flora arrangement is in a general appearance of plant leaves. Additionally, the flora arrangement is in a general appearance of a flower arrangement. Also, the flora arrangement is in a general appearance of a combined flower and plant arrangement. The toilet tool may be a toilet bowl brush where the working portion is a brush. The toilet tool may also be a toilet bowl plunger where the working portion is a bell, or suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald Nasco
  • Patent number: 7032252
    Abstract: A drain plunger handle for use with a plunger head to remove obstructions in a plumbing system. The drain plunger handle comprises a handle body, a pair of handle members and a head connector for connecting to the plunger head. The handle members are vertically offset from each other and substantially within the same general vertical plane to provide an ergonomically beneficial grip on the drain plunger handle when used to clear the obstruction. The handle members can be slidably attached to the handle body to allow the user to adjust the amount of vertical offset. The head connector can include a connector body and a threaded post for threadably connecting to the plunger head. The present plunger handle allows the user to comfortably and easily apply more force to the plunger head so as to supply the necessary positive and negative pressure pulses to dislodge the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Abel Mercado
  • Patent number: 7017197
    Abstract: An adjustable plunger apparatus includes a plunger portion including an elongate shaft having opposed end portions rigidly connected to a suction portion at one of the end portions. The elongate shaft includes a depressible pin extending outwardly therefrom adjacent an opposed end portion of the shaft. The apparatus further includes a tube member having a hollow interior for receiving the shaft therein. The tube member includes an aperture for receiving the pin therethrough and for securely connecting the tube member to the plunger portion. A grip portion has a notch formed therein and an ashtray may be removably insertable into the notch. Alternately, a candleholder may be removably insertable into the notch. The apparatus may further include a base member for receiving the suction member therein during non-operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Eric H. Williams
  • Patent number: 7013499
    Abstract: The present toilet and sink drain plunger seals either around or in a toilet or sink drain hole despite the hole's size, configuration and location. The plunger includes an elongated upstanding handle connected to the top of a depending, preferably frusto-conical, open bottomed bellows in the sidewalls of which are formed a vertically stacked series of interconnected horizontal pleats. The plunger further includes a series of toilet drain hole seals connected to each other and to the bottom of the bellows to form a unitary whole depending below the bellows. The seals are of progressively smaller size from the uppermost to the lowermost and all feature inwardly and downwardly curved sealing surfaces. The seals are rings or doughnuts molded into the plunger body. The bottommost seal bears a short vertical small diameter annular wall depending therefrom and which acts both as a seal and a seat for the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: George Tash
  • Patent number: 6922854
    Abstract: An affordable plumbing device that uses a compressed gas and a burst disk having a relatively even surface of substantially uniform thickness to produce a sudden discharge of energy to forcibly act against any obstruction that may interfere with the proper function of a drain. The plumbing device has a cylindrical chamber for receiving the compressed gas and may generally take the shape of a plunger, which is flexible to use and is easy to store. A portion of the chamber forms a receiving chamber with the burst disk for harnessing and directing the energy of the compressed gas to clear the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: The Howard and Veronica Allenbaugh Family Trust
    Inventors: Howard M. Allenbaugh, David M. Turchik, Gerard G. Adelmeyer
  • Patent number: 6915533
    Abstract: An improvement for a plunger construction (10) having one of a variety of standard configuration deformable plunger cup members (40) provided with a mounting receptacle (43) where the improvement includes an elongated D-shaped handle member (20) having a pair of elongated support arms (22) (22) connected on their upper ends by a handle element (23) and connected on their lower ends by a base plate (24) to define a foot receiving opening (21) wherein, the base plate (24) is further provided with an adapter element (26) engageable in the mounting receptacle (43) of the plunger cup member (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Mark Gorobets
  • Patent number: 6898807
    Abstract: This invention relates to a drain plunger that snakes clogged drains at the same time that the drains are being plunged. The “snake plunger” includes a pleated bellows forming a head section which is removably coupled to a handle. Further, in one embodiment, the head and handle sections are jointly configured to release air from within the bellows while the plunger is being inserted into a basin filled with wastewater, thereby reducing or eliminating potential spillover. Further, a flexible elongated snake disposed within the interior of the bellows enters the drain as the plunger bellows is compressed. The snake is capable of dislodging and breaking up obstructions within a drain. Further, the snake may also have a hook at its lower end that is capable of snaring items causing obstructions within the drain. These features combine to create a plunger that provides a superior ability to effectively clear clogged drains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Tash Family Trust
    Inventor: George Tash
  • Patent number: 6883189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for concealing a cleaning device such as a toilet plunger within a toilet flush tank. A modified toilet plunger has been designed to include a hinge so that the plunger cup can pivot on the end of the plunger handle, thereby taking up less space. The folded toilet plunger is secured to the inside of the toilet flush tank by a holder, preferably on the toilet flush tank cover, so that the toilet plunger is readily accessible yet out of sight and will drain into the toilet flush tank after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Kristi Pierce
  • Patent number: 6862753
    Abstract: An air plunger is described. The air plunger comprises an upper barrel and a lower barrel slidably received by the upper barrel. An air seal is fixed to the lower barrel and slidably engages with the upper barrel. A nozzle is attached to the lower barrel opposite to the upper barrel. A stop mechanism prohibits the upper barrel from disassociating with the lower barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventors: J. Kirk Leaphart, Jr., C. Mark Leaphart
  • Patent number: 6859949
    Abstract: A toilet plunger apparatus includes a handle and an air compression/expansion bellows portion connected to the handle. The bellows portion includes a distal end. A substantially rigid offset-angle adapter is connected to the bellows distal end. The offset-angle adapter includes a first adapter arm portion having a first arm outer diameter and a second adapter arm portion having a second arm outer diameter. The second adapter arm portion includes an open distal arm portion end. The second arm outer diameter is less than the first arm outer diameter, and the second adapter arm portion is oriented with respect to the first adapter arm portion at an arm-to-arm offset angle which is preferably, approximately 135 angular degrees. An adapter kit having an offset-angle adapter in accordance with the invention can be provided for retrofitting a conventional bellows-type toilet plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Gavin
  • Patent number: 6813785
    Abstract: A storage container for a toilet plunger. Two asymmetrical opposing clamshell doors form the base and lid of the container and are hinged together at the top of the container. When not in use the plunger head is held within the container with the plunger handle sticking up through a aperture in the top of the container. When the plunger is needed, the base and lid of the container are opened and spread across the toilet seat. The base and lid now protect the user from splashes that may occur due to their plunging of their toilet. The container automatically closes around the plunger head upon raising the plunger from the toilet, thus containing any water on the plunger within the container. Any water so trapped can evaporate through an evaporation slot in the container wall. Two sizes of container are taught, to accommodate every type of plunger made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: William N. Baker
  • Patent number: 6804839
    Abstract: A combination toilet brush/plunger apparatus for providing both a plunger and a toilet cleaning brush in one convenient unit. The combination toilet brush/plunger apparatus includes a brush assembly including a brush support member, and also including a brush member being attached to the brush support member, and further including an elongate handle member being removably attached to the brush support member; and also includes a plunger assembly including a housing/support member and also including a plunger member being attached to the housing/support member with the brush support member being removably fastened to the housing/support member; and further includes a brush protective guard assembly being removably disposed in the housing/support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Randy McMaster
  • Patent number: 6729470
    Abstract: A plunger holder for storage of a plunger for easy access. The plunger holder provides drainage to avoid mildew and a removable drip tray for easy cleaning. The plunger holder comprises an enclosure, the enclosure having a first end and a second end, the first end having a lid opening, the second end having a drip tray opening; a lid adapted to fit the lid opening; a drip tray slidably insertable in the drip tray opening; and a support mounted within the enclosure above the drip tray. In one embodiment, the plunger holder can have ventilation openings. In yet another embodiment, the plunger holder can have an air freshener holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Elizabeth A. Watlington
  • Patent number: 6719134
    Abstract: A toilet plunger storage device includes a fluid-impervious receptacle to receive an elastomeric suction head portion of a toilet plunger and a cover fitted to the receptacle that receives the handle portion of the plunger. The receptacle includes a conical side wall from which a straight-sided cylindrical portion projects upwardly. The cover has a generally conical member at its lower end and an elongate, hollow, tapered tube that projects from the upper end of the conical member. The upper end of the cylindrical portion and the lower end of the cover are configured to engage each other in bayonet-type telescopic fashion to establish a sealing and locking relationship. A first handle extends from the side of the receptacle and a second handle is disposed at the top of the cover. The device can be formed integrally from a conventional plastics material such as high density polypropylene or polyethylene in a single, inexpensive molding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Vincent R. Phillips, Howard C. Phillips, III, Robert D. Wise
  • Publication number: 20040064878
    Abstract: An apparatus for clearing a clog in a pipe having an inside diameter, comprising a hollow, collapsible, generally cylindrical bellows portion, the bellows portion having an upper end, a lower end and an inside diameter that is less than the inside diameter of the pipe at the clog thereby providing a mechanical advantage in removing the clog; a handle attached to the upper end of the bellows portion; and a seal attached to the lower end of the bellows portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick James Walsh
  • Patent number: 6701540
    Abstract: A disposable plunger has a force cup and a handle removably coupled to the force cup. One end of a pliable, waterproof sleeve is sealed to the force cup and is coiled to form an annulus. Following coupling of the handle to the force cup the sleeve may be uncoiled so as to encircle a selected length of the handle. When the force cup and a portion of the handle are immersed in liquid, the sleeve prevents the liquid from contaminating the handle. When the need for the plunger has ended, the handle may be uncoupled from the force cup and the latter discarded together with the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Christine F. Gabriel
  • Publication number: 20040016048
    Abstract: An affordable plumbing device that uses a compressed gas and a burst disk having a relatively even surface of substantially uniform thickness to produce a sudden discharge of energy to forcibly act against any obstruction that may interfere with the proper function of a drain. The plumbing device has a cylindrical chamber for receiving the compressed gas and may generally take the shape of a plunger, which is flexible to use and is easy to store. A portion of the chamber forms a receiving chamber with the burst disk for harnessing and directing the energy of the compressed gas to clear the drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Howard M. Allenbaugh, David M. Turchik, Gerard G Adelmeyer
  • Publication number: 20040003458
    Abstract: A flora integrated cover for a toilet tool, which has a working portion and a handle extending therefrom. The cover comprises a flower pot shaped base, shaped and designed to receive the working portion of the toilet tool, and a flora arrangement, shaped and designed to mount over the handle of the toilet tool. Uniquely, the flora arrangement is in a general appearance of plant leaves. Additionally, the flora arrangement is in a general appearance of a flower arrangement. Also, the flora arrangement is in a general appearance of a combined flower and plant arrangement. The toilet tool may be a toilet bowl brush where the working portion is a brush. The toilet tool may also be a toilet bowl plunger where the working portion is a bell, or suction cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Nasco