Abstract:
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.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/556,991, filed Nov. 8, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Pipes that move fluids and solids are prone to clogging, especially pipes in toilets. Toilet paper, paper towels, or other items dropped in toilet bowl may become lodged into the pipes and prevent the water and waste from exiting the inner toilet bowl area. In some cases failure to remove the blockage can cause overflow of the inner toilet bowl if the bowl is repeatedly flushed. Traditional plungers have been in use for years to help unclog a clogged, pipe, especially toilets. These plungers typically have a rubber membrane in a hemisphere shape attached to a pole. The membrane is placed into the inner toilet bowl and by pushing on the pole pushes the obstruction through the pipe. The membrane comes into contact with the blockage frequently rendering the plunger unsanitary after use, likewise there may be a back splash of unsanitary fluids from the toilet bowl that either exit the toilet, or get on the user themselves. Many users simply place the plunger next to the toilet after use without properly cleaning it, which increases germ life and chance for infections. Likewise, some bathrooms may not have a plunger readily available when one is needed. 
         [0004]    In view of the foregoing, it would be beneficial if the user could have a device which could efficiently and sanitarily clean and remove pipe and toilet clogs. The present invention provides a novel inventive device that is stored in the bathroom, or any other room. The present inventive device can be used with any type of toilet on the market in both, old and newly designed toilets and pipes. The present inventive device is designed specifically to simplify the present plungers keeping the sanitary issues in mind. As a result, the present inventive device is one the most sanitary plunger available. The present inventive device provides the consumer a practical way in which to swiftly eradicate clogs from pipes or toilets in a simple splash-free manner sparing the consumer exertion associated with repeatedly pumping a plunger up and down experienced by present conventional plungers. The present inventive device would prevent the user from experiencing splashing and spilling onto the floor and in worse case scenarios, onto the user. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In various embodiments, the present disclosure describes mechanical tubular cleaning systems including preferably three sections. The three sections preferably include a shaft portion with a constant diameter section, a tip portion of the shaft that maybe indented in the middle resembling, substantially, a concave shape creating, preferably, two triangular points. The handle section is preferably an oval shape that is graspable by a user with one hand. The handle also preferably includes a guard separating the handle from the shaft section. The handle guard preferably allows for leverage when contending with blockage in a pipe or tubular orifice allowing the user to apply force on the blockage. The handle guard also preferably protects the user from materials back splashing from the pipe and striking the user. 
         [0006]    When the present inventive device is inserted into a pipe, as in the case of a toilet bowl, in one embodiment of the invention, the constant diameter section of the shaft of the present invention penetrates into the toilet pipes and tubes threading through the toilet siphon moving internal to the siphon until contacting the stoppage. As pressure is applied downward on the handle, the preferably tapered concave tip section of the shaft allows the tip of the shaft to engage the clogs, and blockage and preferably dislodge the blockage. By either forcing the clogs and/or blockage through the trap of the toilet and/or fragmenting the clogs and/or blockage the toilet bowl siphon and/or pipes are cleared and the toilet may properly function. This method of use can be applied to a variety of other pipes as would be known in the art. 
         [0007]    The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a drawing of a complete system of one embodiment of the present invention showing an embodiment of the shaft system and an embodiment of the sheath system; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a drawing of a complete system of one embodiment of the present invention showing an embodiment of the shaft system and an embodiment of the sheath system with the shaft inserted into the sheath; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view showing an embodiment of the present disclosure in application to declog a pipe. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc. so as to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art. 
         [0013]    Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale. 
         [0014]    While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster&#39;s Dictionary, 11th Edition, 2008. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not, unless specifically stated in this specification or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity. 
         [0015]    As used herein, the term “gripping” will be used to describe a condition holding an item with one&#39;s hand. 
         [0016]    In general, the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure are distinguished from and advantageous over other pipe and/or siphon declogging devices that are conventional in the art, because the systems and methods of the present disclosure use a guarded shaft to declog pipes and/or siphons. Further, the systems and methods of the present disclosure increases the speed and ease of unclogging pipes/siphons. Still further, in some embodiments, the systems and methods of the present disclosure offers enhanced sanitary features over conventional plungers by preventing splash back of unsanitary materials on the user and over the rim of the toilet. 
         [0017]    In various embodiments, the present disclosure describes a sheath used in tandem with the shaft portion of the inventive device. In various embodiments, the present disclosure describes a sheath housed in the hollow of a wall in a bathroom, or like room, wherein the sheath can be stored. In various embodiments of the invention, the storage of the sheath in the hollowed wall with the shaft allows for benefits of having a unclogging device readily available in a bathroom without the unsanitary and esthetically unappealing storage of a conventional art plunger next to or in proximately with a toilet. 
         [0018]    It is envisioned that various materials are suitable for use in the systems and methods of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, it is envisioned that rubber, metal, plastics, synthetic solid blended materials, and others flexible but rigid materials of use in the industry could be used to compose the solid materials of the present invention. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a drawing of a complete system of one embodiment of the present invention showing an embodiment of the shaft system and an embodiment of the sheath system. Shown in  FIG. 1  is the elongated shaft  10 . In one embodiment of the invention elongated shaft  10  is preferable comprised of a flexible, but rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastics, synthetic solid blended materials, and others flexible but rigid materials of use in the industry. In one embodiment of the invention, elongated shaft  10  is between 20 inches and 30 inches in length. In one embodiment of the present invention elongated shaft has multiple sections, which preferably are an engaging end  4 , a shielding member  6 , and a gripping end  2 . In one embodiment of the invention the engaging end  4  is preferably between 14 and 24 inches in length. In one embodiment of the present invention the engaging end is preferable of a constant diameter. The engaging end  4  of the elongated shaft  10  is likewise preferable comprised of a flexible but rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastics, synthetic solid blended materials, and others flexible but rigid materials of use in the industry. It is preferable that the engaging end  4  is made of a material that is readily sanitizable and is fashioned to be substantial with a smooth surface so as to not retain materials after use. In one embodiment of the preferred invention the engaging end  4  can be tapered or shaped in any suitable geometric shape  8  such as triangular flukes, or any other shape that can be machined. It is envisioned that the geometric shapes  8  can be fashioned to aid in the removal of clogs in a pipe when the elongated shaft  10  is in use. 
         [0020]    In the preferred embodiment of the invention, on the elongated shaft  10  adjacent to the engaging end  4 , is a shielding member  6 . Shielding member  6  maybe comprised of a flexible but rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastics, synthetic solid blended materials, and others flexible, but rigid, materials of use in the industry. In one embodiment of the present invention, shielding member  6  may be comprised of materials that are metals coated with a noncorrosive coating. Shielding member  6  is preferably constructed to be substantially flat so as to interface with the shielding interface  22  attached to the elongated sheath  20 . Shielding member  6  may be of any geometric shape, but in the preferred embodiment is substantially rectangular. Shielding member  6  is preferably constructed to be between 12-16 square inches of surface area. It is preferable that the shielding member  6  is made of a material that is readily sanitizable and is fashioned to be substantial with a smooth surface so as to not retain materials after use. 
         [0021]    In the preferred embodiment of the intention, on the elongated shaft  10  adjacent to the shielding member  6  is a gripping end  2 . Gripping end  2  maybe comprised of a flexible, but rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastics, synthetic solid blended materials, and other flexible, but rigid, materials of use in the industry. In one embodiment of the present invention, gripping end  2  may be comprised of materials that are metals coated with a noncorrosive coating. Gripping end  2  is preferable constructed to be substantially handle shaped, but could be shaped in any of a variety of shapes conducive to being gripped by a user&#39;s hand. It is preferable that the gripping end  2  is made of a material that is readily sanitizable and is fashioned to be substantial with a smooth surface so as to not retain materials after use. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  also illustrates the elongated sheath  20  of one embodiment of the present invention. Elongated sheath  20  is substantially hollow so as to allow releasable insertion by the elongated member  10 . The elongated sheath  20  has an aft section  26  which can releasably engage the engaging end  4  when the elongated member  10  is inserted into the elongated sheath  20 . In one embodiment of the present invention the aft section  26  is perforated  28  to allow for the exit of fluids or gasses. Elongated sheath  20  maybe comprised of a flexible but rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastics, synthetic solid blended materials, and others flexible but rigid materials of use in the industry. Elongated sheath  20  is preferable constructed to be substantially a well-fitting sheath for the elongated member  10 . It is preferable that the elongated sheath  20  is made of a material that is readily sanitizable and is fashioned to be substantial with a smooth surface so as to not retain materials after use. 
         [0023]    In the preferred embodiment of the intention, on the elongated sheath  20  adjacent to the aft end  26 , is a shielding interface  22 . Shielding interface  22  maybe comprised of a flexible but rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastics, synthetic solid blended materials, and others flexible but rigid materials of use in the industry. In one embodiment of the present invention, shielding interface  22  may be comprised of materials that are metals coated with a noncorrosive coating. Shielding interface  22  is preferable constructed to be substantially flat so as to interface with the shielding member  6  when the engaging member  4  is inserted into the elongated sheath  20 . Shielding interface  22  may be of any geometric shape, but in the preferred embodiment is substantially rectangular. Shielding interface is preferably constructed to be between 12-16 square inches of surface area. It is preferable that the shielding interface  22  is made of a material that is readily sanitizable and is fashioned to be substantial with a smooth surface so as to not retain materials after use. Shielding interface  22  preferably has an orifice  24  in its front face. The orifice  24  is preferably designed to allow for the insertion of the engagement member  4  into the aft section  26 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention the orifice  24  is substantially of the same shape to allow insertion as the engaging end  4 . 
         [0024]    It is envisioned that the elongated member  10  and the elongated sheath could be molded, or cast as a single unit piece. It is also envisioned that the elongated member  10  and the elongated sheath could be constructed as multiple pieces, or units as is known in the art, Such that the engaging end  4 , shielding member  6 , gripping end  2 , shielding interface  22 , and/or aft section  26  maybe composed of separate pieces that interlock and are replaceable. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of the invention in which the elongated member  10  is releasably engaged into the elongated sheath  20 . It is envisioned that the elongated sheath  20  could be housed in the hollow of a bathroom wall, if the wall was modified for its inclusion. It is also envisioned that elongated sheath  20  may have an aft section  26  which does not have perforations. It is further envisioned the elongated sheath  20  maybe removed from a wall hollowed out for its inclusion, such that it may be cleaned or replaced at a users&#39; discretion. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates one use of the present invention to declog a pipe. As shown in  FIG. 3  is a standard toilet  30  with a pipe or siphon  32 . The siphon  32  has an obstruction  34  at its base. In one preferred mode of application, the elongated member  10  of the present inventive device is inserted in to the toilet  30  and pushed to the bottom where the base of the siphon  32  is located. The user will then push the elongated member  10  into the siphon  32 , thereby dislodging the obstruction  34 . The shield guard  6  is designed preferably so no materials from either the obstruction  34 , or the fluid  36  in the toilet  30  will splash past the shield guard  6  and strike the user. After the obstruction  34  is removed, the elongated member  10  is removed from the toilet  10 , and the engaging member  4  may be cleaned. After cleaning the engaging member  4 , the elongated member  10  is reinserted into the elongated sheath  20  for future use. It is envisioned that the present inventive device can be used in a similar described method with all forms of pipes and is not limited to toilets. 
         [0027]    Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.