Abstract:
An improved toilet plunger for unclogging drains, such as those typically associated with a toilet, preferably comprised of a stem, a bell with a generally oblong opening, and a plurality of baffles attached to said bell. The unique shape of the bell and bell opening, combined with the presence and function of the baffles, make the improved plunger device particularly effective for unclogging modern trough-like toilet drains.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/454,000 filed on Mar. 18, 2011. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a plunger device for unclogging drains, such as those associated with toilets, comprised of an improved bell design. In a preferred embodiment, the improved plunger device further comprises at least one baffle for increasing the effectiveness of the device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Plungers are well known in the art for unclogging drains such as those associated with a toilet. However, while toilet and drain designs have improved over the years, the same cannot be said of the technology associated with the plunger. Traditional shaped plungers, with a generally circular bell opening, are not particularly effective on most modern day toilets because of their trough-like drains. More specifically, traditionally shaped plunger bells are ineffective because they are typically incapable of achieving the necessary seal around the drain opening or trough due to their shape. An improper seal between the plunger bell and the toilet drain may result in the inverting of the traditionally shaped plunger bell and/or waste contaminated water being splashed out of the toilet bowl and onto the user when the plunger bell is compressed, both of which are highly undesirable and can be frustrating for the user. 
         [0004]    Moreover, a user that is unable to unclog a drain with a plunger may have to resort to calling a plumber, which can be expensive, or the use of more expensive and complicated plumbing tools such as drain snakes, roto-rooters and other drain cleaning devices. Further, the repeated use of these types of devices can be both costly and may cause damage to the toilet and/or the drain, which could lead to even more costly repairs and/or the need to replace the toilet, the drain and/or the associated plumbing. 
         [0005]    Consequently, there exists in the art a long-felt need for an improved plunger device for unclogging drains, particularly those associated with modern day toilets and trough-like drains. Additionally, there is a long-felt need for an improved plunger device that enables the user to create the appropriate seal between the plunger bell and the drain to maximize or increase the effectiveness of the plunger device, and to reduce the likelihood of splash-back or that the user will have to resort to more expensive and time consuming repairs. Finally, there is a long-felt need for an improved plunger device that accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and that is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture and use. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0007]    The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a stem and a plunger bell. Further, the bell is preferably comprised of a dome, a base, and a generally oblong bell opening. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improved plunger device further comprises at least one, and preferably more than one, flap or baffle attached to said dome. Said baffles are capable of dropping below or hanging down from said dome or base to improve the seal between the bell and the drain. 
         [0008]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front elevational view of one embodiment of the improved plunger device of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the improved plunger device depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the improved plunger device depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom view of the improved plunger device depicted in  FIG. 1  with the baffles in a closed position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a bottom view of another embodiment of the improved plunger device of the present invention without baffles. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front elevational and cross-sectional view of the improved plunger device depicted in  FIG. 1  placed over an older style toilet drain. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a front elevational and cross-sectional view of the improved plunger device depicted in  FIG. 1  placed over a modern style trough-like toilet drain. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. 
         [0017]    Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the plunger device  100  of the present invention which is preferably comprised of a bell  120 , a stem  170  and a handle  190 . As depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , bell  120  is preferably comprised of a dome  130 , a base  140  that is either part of or attached to dome  130 , an optional at least one baffle  150 , and a bell opening  160 . Unless otherwise stated, each of dome  130 , base  140 , and at least one baffle  150  is preferably comprised of rubber, though it is also contemplated that other flexible materials could be used such as silicone, deformable plastic or the like, without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. 
         [0018]    As previously stated, dome  130  and base  140  can be integrally formed as a single unit, or base  140  can be separately formed and attached to dome  130  by any means commonly known in the art for attaching a plunger base to a plunger dome. Base  140  further comprises an outer surface  142 , a bottom surface  144  and an inner surface  146 , the purposes of which are described more fully below. 
         [0019]    Dome  130 , base  140  and bell opening  160  are somewhat similar in general structure and function to the plungers of the prior art, with the exception that instead of bell  120  and bell opening  160  having a generally circular shape as in the case of a prior art plunger, bell  120 , dome  130 , base  140  and bell opening  160  of the present invention each have a generally oblong shape to better accommodate the trough-like nature of most modern day toilet drains as described more fully below and shown in  FIG. 5 . By stating that the shape is generally oblong, applicant means that the radius of bell opening  160 , as measured from the center point of bell opening  160  to the outer surface  142  of base  140  is not uniform along the entire outer surface  142  of base  140 . For example, it is contemplated that the radius of bell opening  160  at its widest portion is between 3 and 5 inches wide, and the radius at the narrowest portion is between 2 and 4 inches wide. It is also contemplated that the depth of dome  130  is between 2 and 4 inches, as measured between the top of bell  120  (i.e., where the bell  120  meets stem  170 ) and the centerline of the plane created by bottom surface  144  of base  140 . Notwithstanding, it is contemplated that different sized bells  120  can also be used without affecting the overall concept of the present invention, and the forgoing preferred dimensional ranges should not be interpreted as limitations. 
         [0020]    As discussed below and depicted in  FIG. 5 , the plunger device  100  of the present invention is also effective when applied to conventional toilet drains. The volume of dome  130  is generally in the range of 55 to 70 cubic inches, which is larger than prior art plunger domes whose volume typically ranges from 25 to 40 cubic inches, though it is also contemplated that other sized domes could be used without impacting the overall concept of the present invention. 
         [0021]    An additional distinguishing feature between known plunger devices and the plunger device  100  of the present invention is that bell  120  preferably further comprises at least one baffle  150  and, more preferably, a plurality of baffles  150 , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . More specifically, baffles  150  are tab- or flap-like structures further comprised of an exterior surface  152 . Baffles  150  preferably extend from the inner surface  146  of base  140  towards the center of bell opening  160 , as best shown in  FIG. 4 , when baffles  150  are in a closed position. Each of baffles  150  is generally semi-circular shaped and measure approximately 2 to 4 inches long by 4 to 6 inches wide, though it is also contemplated that other size and shaped baffles could also be used without impacting the overall concept of the present invention. Baffles  150  may also partially overlap one another when in the closed position, and may generally abut one another when in the open position and in use, as described more fully below. 
         [0022]    It is also contemplated that baffles  150  can extend from the interior portion of dome  130  toward the center of bell opening  160  when in the closed position without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. Baffles  150  are preferably integrally formed as a single unit with dome  130  and/or base  140 . When plunger device is in an upright position, gravity causes baffles  150  to be in an open position, meaning that one or more baffles  150  extend downward from inner surface  146  and below bottom surface  144  of base  140 . Additionally, when plunger device  100  is used, the force of air/water being expelled from the bell  120  will also cause baffles  150  to move to an open position as described more fully below. 
         [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of the plunger device  100  of the present invention being used in connection with a graphical representation of a conventional toilet drain  200  with a conventional, generally circular drain opening  220 . More specifically, when bell  120  is positioned over drain opening  220 , baffles  150  extend downward from inner surface  146 , below bottom surface  144  of base  140 , and into drain opening  220 , thereby helping to create a seal between plunger device  100  and drain  200  and increase the effectiveness of plunger device  100 . Moreover, the generally oblong shape of bell  120  and bell opening  160 , combined with the presence of baffles  150 , also helps to reduce the likelihood of splash back occurring, which is a common problem with prior art plunger devices. 
         [0024]      FIG. 5A  illustrates one embodiment of the plunger device  100  of the present invention being used in connection with a graphical representation of a modern toilet drain  300  with a modern, generally oblong or trough-like drain opening  320 . More specifically, when bell  120  is positioned over drain opening  320  such that the generally oblong shape of bell opening  160  covers drain opening or trough  320 , baffles  150  extend downward from inner surface  146 , below bottom surface  144  of base  140 , and into drain opening  320 , thereby helping to create a seal between plunger device  100  and drain  300  and increase the effectiveness of plunger device  100 . The generally oblong shape of bell  120  and bell opening  160 , combined with the presence of baffles  150 , also helps to reduce the likelihood of splash back occurring, which is a common problem with prior art plunger devices. 
         [0025]    As previously mentioned, plunger device  100  further comprises a stem  170 . Stem  170  is well known in the art with respect to prior art plunger devices and is preferably comprised of an elongated member with a first end  172  and a second end  174 , as depicted in the FIGS. A user (not shown) can use the first end  172  of stem  170  to manipulate the plunger device  100  of the present invention, as described more fully below. The bell  120  is typically attached to the second end  174  of the stem  170 , though it is also contemplated that the arrangement could be reversed such that the bell  120  is attached to the first end  172 , and the second end  174  of the stem is used to operate the plunger device  100 . In either instance, bell  120  is attached to stem  170  in any matter commonly known in the art, and stem  170  is preferably comprised of wood, metal or plastic, though it is contemplated that other durable materials could also be used without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. 
         [0026]    As previously mentioned, plunger device  100  may further comprise a toggle or handle  190  attached to the end  172  or  174 , opposite of bell  120 , as illustrated in the FIGS. Handle  190  and stem  170  can be formed as a single unit, or handle  190  can be attached to stem  170  by any means commonly known in the art for attaching a plunger handle to a plunger stem, such as with fasteners or glue. Handle  190  can be comprised of any durable material known in the art such as metal, wood or plastic, and helps to facilitate the use of plunger device  100  as more fully described below. Notwithstanding, it is also contemplated that plunger device  100  can function as intended without handle  190 , and with the user manipulating plunger device  100  via stem  170 . 
         [0027]    Having now described the preferred embodiment of plunger device  100 , its use and usefulness will now be described. A user (not shown) desiring to unclog a modern trough-like  drain  300 , such as the drain depicted in  FIG. 5A , simply places the bell  120  of plunger device  100  over the clogged drain opening  320 , thereby permitting the baffles  150  to extend downward from inner surface  146  or dome  130 , and partially into drain opening  320 . The user will then apply a generally downward (i.e., in the direction of the drain opening  320 ) pressure to the stem  170  or handle  190  in a manner commonly known to those in the art that use plungers to unclog toilet drains, causing the dome  130  to compress or collapse and expel the volume of air or water contained therein into drain opening  320  in an effort to unclog drain  300 . As the air/water is expelled from the dome  130 , it forces the exterior surface  152  of baffles  150  against the sides of the drain opening  320 , thereby further sealing the connection between the device  100  and the drain  300  and reducing or eliminating the likelihood of splash-back. 
         [0028]    After the dome  130  is collapsed, the user can pull upward (i.e., in a direction opposite the drain  300 ) on the stem  170  or handle  190 , thereby creating a vacuum in the drain  300  that could also dislodge the clog (not shown). As the plunger device  100  is removed from the drain  300 , the rubber or otherwise elastic dome  130  will resort to its original shape similar as to with prior art generally circular plungers. As with prior art plungers, these motions (i.e., downward and then upward) can also be repeated multiple times until the drain  300  is unclogged. Importantly, the generally oblong shape of the bell  120 , dome  130 , base  140  and bell opening  160 , along with the presence of baffles  150 , help to create a better seal between the plunger device  100  and the drain  300 , thereby increasing the effectiveness of device  100  and avoiding or reducing the possibility of splash-back. 
         [0029]    Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. 
         [0030]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0031]    Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.