Patent Publication Number: US-9890524-B1

Title: Plunger device

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims the benefit of and/or is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/397,807 filed Sep. 21, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/423,989 filed Nov. 18, 2016. The foregoing applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to consumer product and, more specifically, to a plunger device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a plunger device includes, but is not limited to, a shaft; a plunger suction cup coupled to the shaft, which plunger suction cup flares from the shaft to a perimeter edge to define a concavity; and a receptacle centrally positioned within the concavity on an underside of the plunger suction cup for removably retaining one or more disposable plunger bags. 
     In another embodiment, a plunger device includes, but is not limited to a shaft; a handle extending at least partially horizontally from the shaft; and a plunger suction cup coupled to the shaft, which plunger suction cup flares from the shaft to a perimeter edge to define a concavity. 
     In a further embodiment, a plunger device includes, but is not limited to, a shaft including a hollow chamber for storing one or more disposable plunger bags; a handle that extends at least partially horizontally from the shaft; a plunger suction cup coupled to the shaft, which plunger suction cup flares from the shaft to a perimeter edge to define a concavity; a receptacle centrally positioned within the concavity on an underside of the plunger suction cup for removably retaining one or more disposable plunger bags; a removable cap that includes a perimeter flange with open bottom that accommodates the handle therewithin and that includes a solid top that provides a table surface for supporting objects when the plunger device is between uses; and a base receptacle that covers the plunger suction cup when the plunger device is between uses. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a plunger device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of a plunger device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a plunger device handle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of a plunger device cup, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a plunger device with a removable handle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a plunger device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of accessories for a plunger device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This invention relates generally to a consumer product and, more specifically, to a plunger device. Specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in  FIGS. 1-7  to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment, or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment. 
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a plunger device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, a plunger device  100  includes, but is not limited to, a shaft  102 ; a plunger suction cup  104  coupled to the shaft  102 , which plunger suction cup  104  flares from the shaft  102  to a perimeter edge  106  to define a concavity; and a receptacle centrally positioned within the concavity on an underside of the plunger suction cup  104  for removably retaining one or more disposable plunger bags. 
     In another embodiment, a plunger device  100  includes, but is not limited to, a shaft  102 ; a handle  112  extending at least partially horizontally from the shaft  102 ; and a plunger suction cup  104  coupled to the shaft  102 , which plunger suction cup  104  flares from the shaft  102  to a perimeter edge  106  to define a concavity. 
     In one embodiment, the shaft  102  includes, but is not limited to an elongated member  102  that extends from the plunger suction cup  104 ; and a hollow chamber  108  disposed within the elongated member  102  for storing one or more disposable plunger bags  110 . In certain embodiments, the hollow chamber  108  is disposed within the elongated member  102  at an end of the elongated member  102  opposite the plunger suction cup  104 . 
     In one embodiment, a handle  112  extends at least partially horizontally from the shaft  102 . In certain embodiments, the handle includes, but is not limited to, a circular member  112  having one or more radial arms  114  that extend at least partially horizontally from the shaft  102 , the circular member  112  circumscribing the shaft  102  about a substantially constant radius. In one particular embodiment, the circular member  112  comprises two radial arms  114  that extend upwardly and outwardly from an end of the shaft  102 . 
     In one embodiment, one or more disposable biodegradable and flushable plunger bags  110  are provided and stowable/retrievable from the hollow chamber  108 . 
     The plunger device  100  can be variously sized and shaped. For example, the plunger device can be approximately 2-5 feet tall. The shaft  102  can be approximately 1 inch to 3 inches in diameter. The handle  112  can be approximately 6 inches to 12 inches in radius and ½ to 3 inches in diameter. The suction cup  104  can be approximately 2 inches to 6 inches in radius. The plunger device  100  can be constructed of various materials including plastic, fiberglass, leather, cloth or fabric, rubber, carbon fiber, metal, wood, ceramic, or any other synthetic or natural material. 
     The handle  112  can be removable as shown from the shaft  102  or can be part of a unitary structure as further discussed and illustrated herein. The handle  112  can include one, two, three, or more radial arms  114  for structural integrity and/or design appeal. Additionally, different handles  112  are contemplated including a horizontal bar, a butterfly grip, and many others that are shown and illustrated in the provisional patent applications incorporated by reference herein. In instances where the handle  112  is removably attached to the shaft  102 , a clasp  116  can be provided to secure the handle  112  to the shaft  102 . However, other means of securing the handle  112  to the shaft  102  are possible including a friction lock, threads, a locking screw, a locking pin, or a snap fit. 
     The biodegradable bags  110  are sized and shaped to fit over the suction cup  104  during usage of the plunger device  100  while clearing toilet or pipe clogs. The biodegradable bags  110  are shown rolled up and stowed within the hollow chamber  108 , but it is also possible to fold or stuff the biodegradable bags  110  within the hollow chamber  108 . Additionally, the biodegradable bags  110  may be non-biodegradable or compostable. In certain embodiments, the biodegradable bags  110  have a shape, volume, and curvature that conforms to the suction cup. However, the biodegradable bags  110  may also be standard square or rectangular bags similar to those use for pet waste. 
     The hollow chamber  108  can be differently sized or shaped, such as cubical, rectangular, oval, or other regular or irregular shape. Furthermore, the hollow chamber  108  can be positioned differently such as within the radial arm  114 , the circular handle  112 , or the shaft  102 . 
     The shaft  102  can be cylindrical as depicted or another shape, such as rectangular, square, triangular, curvilinear, or other regular or irregular shape. The shaft  102  can be adjustable in length or fixed. Furthermore, the shaft  102  may include an articulating joint to permit movement. 
     The suction cup  104  can be removable or fixed to the shaft  102 . Typical suction cups can be used for the suction cup  104  or the suction cup  104  can be customized for a particular purpose. As is illustrated and discussed further herein, the suction cup  104  can include an attachment point on its underside for securing a disposable bag  110  thereon. 
     Therefore, the plunger device  100  provides a convenient and ergonomical handle that maximizes leverage during usage of the plunger device  100  to clear or unclog a toilet, drain, or other pipe or conduit. The disposable bags  110  are storable between uses and, when needed, are removable to protect the suction cup  104  during usage. 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of a plunger device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, a plunger device  100  includes, but is not limited to, a shaft  102 ; a plunger suction cup  104  coupled to the shaft  102 , which plunger suction cup  104  flares from the shaft  102  to a perimeter edge to define a concavity  204 ; and a receptacle  202  centrally positioned within the concavity  204  on an underside of the plunger suction cup  104  for removably retaining one or more disposable plunger bags  110 . 
     In another embodiment, a plunger device  100  includes, but is not limited to, a shaft  102 ; a handle  112  extending at least partially horizontally from the shaft  102 ; and a plunger suction cup  104  coupled to the shaft  102 , which plunger suction cup  104  flares from the shaft  102  to a perimeter edge  106  to define a concavity  204 . 
     In certain embodiments, the receptacle  202  includes, but is not limited to, a hollow chamber in line with a longitudinal axis of the shaft  102  and having an opening  208  facing an underside of the plunger suction cup  104  within the concavity  204  for insertion of a portion of one or more disposable plunger bags  110 . In  FIG. 2 , the hollow chamber is behind the opening  208  of the receptacle  202 . In a further embodiment, one or more slots  206  are provided to frictionally retain a portion of one or more disposable plunger bags  110  within the receptacle  202 . In a further particular embodiment, a plurality of radially oriented slots  206  are provided that frictionally retain a portion of one or more disposable bags  110  within the receptacle  202 . 
     The purpose of the receptacle  202  is to retain a disposable bag  110  in position while covering the suction cup  104 . For instance, a disposable bag  110  can be opened, a hand inserted into the opened disposable bag  110 , and a finger can push a small portion of the disposable bag  110  into the receptacle  202 . Upon removal of the finger from the receptacle  202 , the disposable bag  110  can be retained therein via friction provided from the slots  206 . The disposable bag  110  can then be pulled over the suction cup  104  to completely seal the suction cup  104  from contamination that may occur during use of the plunger device, such as to unclog a toilet or sink. The disposable bag  110  can be held in place over the suction cup  104  by hand or can be retained by another retaining element such as a hook, clasp, or receptacle on the shaft  102  or the handle  112 . 
     In view of the foregoing, the receptacle  202  can be differently located. For instance, the receptacle  202  can be offset to one side within the concavity  204 . Alternatively, the receptacle  202  can be on an outside surface of the suction cup  104 . Furthermore, the receptacle  202  can be positioned on the shaft  102 . There may also be multiple receptacles  202  such as the one illustrated and another receptacle  202  such as one on the shaft  102  to retain a disposable bag  110  in multiple places. 
     The slots  206  can be one, two, three, four, or more in number. The flaps surrounding the slots  206  can be semi-flexible, yet rigid enough to maintain shape and retain a disposable bag  110  in place until unneeded. 
     The receptacle  202  can be substituted with a hook or clasp. For instance, the receptacle  202  can be a hook and a disposable bag  110  can include a tab for sliding over the hook. Alternatively, the receptacle  202  can be a clasp that removably secures a portion of a disposable bag therein until released. 
     It is further possible to omit the receptacle  202  altogether. In such embodiments, a disposable bag  110  is placed over the receptacle and held in place by hand during usage of the plunger device  100 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a plunger device handle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, a handle  112  is removable and attachable to a plunger device. The handle  112  includes a circular member  302  having one or more radial arms  114  that extend at least partially horizontally from the handle shaft  304 , the circular member  302  circumscribing the handle shaft  304  about a substantially constant radius. In certain embodiments, the circular member  302  comprises two radial arms  114  that extend upwardly and outwardly from an end of the handle shaft  304 . The handle  112  includes a hollow chamber  108  disposed within the handle shaft  304  for storing one or more disposable plunger bags  110 . 
     The circular member  302  can be oval, square, rectangular, a horizontal bar, a horizontal bar with vertical handles, a butterfly handle, or other handle shapes as illustrated and described in the provisional applications incorporated by reference. 
     The radial arms  114  can be one, two, three, or more radial arms or may be omitted in favor of a disk shape or other structural supporting member. The radial arms  114  extend horizontally and lightly vertically out from the handle shaft  304  to the circular member  302 . However, the radial arms  114  can alternatively extend less vertically, such as directly horizontal/perpendicular to the handle shaft  304 . Moreover, the radial arms  114  can extend downwardly from an end of the handle shaft  304 . The radial arms  114  are depicted as extending from an end of the handle shaft  304 , but the radial arms  114  can alternatively extend from a point before an end of the handle shaft  304 . 
     The hollow chamber  108  is positioned at an end of the handle shaft  304  to permit storage and access to a roll of disposable bags  110 . The hollow chamber  108  is approximately ½ inches to 3 inches in diameter. However, the hollow chamber  108  can be located in a different position on the handle  112 . For example, hollow chamber  108  can be positioned on a side surface of the handle shaft  304 , such as near the clasp  116 . Alternatively, the hollow chamber can be incorporated into the circular member  302  or the radial arms  114 . It is also possible to omit the hollow chamber  108  altogether. 
     The handle  112  is therefore removably attachable to an existing plunger handle by sliding the handle shaft  304  over a tip of an existing plunger handle and engaging the clasp  116 . Once secured to an existing plunger handle, the handle  112  provides enhanced leverage and ergonomics and further provides storage and access to the disposable bags  110 . 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of a plunger device cup, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, a plunger device  100  includes, but is not limited to, a shaft  102 ; a plunger suction cup  104  coupled to the shaft  102 , which plunger suction cup  104  flares from the shaft  102  to a perimeter edge  106  to define a concavity  204 ; and a receptacle  202  centrally positioned within the concavity  204  on an underside of the plunger suction cup  104  for removably retaining one or more disposable plunger bags  110 . 
     In certain embodiments, the receptacle  202  includes, but is not limited to, a hollow chamber in line with a longitudinal axis of the shaft  102  and having an opening  208  facing an underside of the plunger suction cup  104 . The receptacle  202  can include a cover  402  over a hollow chamber, which cover includes the opening  208  for insertion of a portion of the one or more disposable plunger bags  110 . One or more slots may be provided to frictionally retain a portion of the one or more disposable plunger bags  110 . The one or more slots  206  can be radially oriented as depicted. 
     In other embodiments, the shaft  102  includes an elongated member that extends from the plunger suction cup  104  and that stores the one or more disposable plunger bags  110 . 
     In one particular embodiment, the one or more disposable bags  110  are biodegradable and/or flushable plunger bags. 
     In certain embodiments, the disposable bag  110  can be pushed into the receptacle  202  using a finger or other pointed object such that the slots  206  pinch the disposable bag  110  at least partially therein. Typically, the center of the disposable bag  110  is jammed or inserted into the receptacle  202  as depicted such that the remainder of the disposable bag  110  flows therefrom. An edge  404  of the disposable bag  110  can thereafter be pulled over the suction cup  104  such that the inside surface  406  is exposed and the outside surface  408  faces the suction cup  104 . The edge  404  of the disposable bag  110  can be gripped by hand or secured to a bullous tab, hook, or clasp associated with the shaft  102 . Thus, the plunger device  100  can be used to unclog or clear a pipe, toilet, drain, or channel whilst the disposable bag  110  insulates the suction cup  104  and the shaft  102  from contamination. The receptacle  202  keeps the disposable bag  110  close to the suction cup  104  during usage of the suction cup  104 . Thereafter, the disposable bag  110  can be removed by pulling or otherwise disconnecting it from the suction cup  104  (e.g., allowing the water from a flush to pull it off). In the case of a toilet, the disposable plunger bag can be dropped into the toilet and flushed therethrough. The plunger device  100  can be returned to its stowed location without requiring cleaning or sanitization. 
     The disposable bag  110  can be approximately 5 to 18 inches by 5 to 18 inches or can define a volume of approximately ½ gallon to 3 gallons. The disposable bag can include one or more handles proximate the edge  404  (e.g., holes or extensions) that can facilitate grip during usage of the disposable bag  110 . The disposable bag  110  can be non-disposable (e.g., reusable and washable) or disposable. The disposable bag  110  can further be compostable, biodegradable, recyclable, or non-biodegradable or non-compostable. In the case of being compostable or degradable, the disposable bag  110  dissolves or begins to breakdown when exposed to water or other liquid after approximately 1-5 minutes to allow for structural integrity during operation of the plunger device  100 . In the case of being biodegradable, the disposable bag  110  may be flushable by dissolving or breaking down when exposed to water or other liquid after approximately 2-5 minutes to allow for structural integrity during operation of the plunger device  100 . 
     The disposable bag  110  can be stored within the receptacle  202  and pulled therefrom for usage. Multiple bags can be stored within the receptacle and separable along a perforation. Alternatively, the one or more disposable bags  110  can be stored within the shaft  102 , such as rolled around the shaft  102  or disposed within a concavity or bin within the shaft  102 . Likewise, the disposable bag  110  can be stored within a pouch or pocket of the suction cup  104 . 
     The shaft  102  or the receptacle  202  can include a guide or clasp or hook to secure the disposable bag  110  in position during usage. Alternatively, the disposable bag  110  can be gripped by hand around the shaft  102  while the plunger device  100  is in operation. 
     It is contemplated that the disposable bag  110  can be non-secured within the receptacle  202  or the like. For instance, the disposable bag  110  can simply cover the suction cup  104  when the plunger is used. The plunger device  100  can further be used without a disposable bag  110 , such as in the event of exhaustion of supply of any disposable bags  110 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a plunger device with a removable handle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the plunger device  100  includes, but is not limited to a plunger  502  and a removable handle portion  504 . The plunger  502  includes a shaft  102  and a suction cup  104 . The removable handle portion  504  includes a handle  112  connected to a tubular portion  506  via one or more radial arms  114 . 
     In certain embodiments, the plunger  502  can include any of the embodiments described or illustrated herein. Alternatively, the plunger  502  can be a common plunger that is typically acquirable via one or more retailers. The removable handle portion  504  can be removably attached to the plunger  502  by sliding the shaft  102  within the tubular portion  506 . The clasp  116  can be engaged to cinch and/or secure the removable handle portion  504  to the shaft  102  and/or can be disengaged to release the removable handle portion  504  from the shaft  102 . Thus, in some embodiments, the removable handle portion  504  can be used with existing common plunger devices to improve usability. 
     The handle  112  can assume any of the shapes or sizes described an illustrated herein, including the description and figures of all incorporated by reference provisional patent applications. The radial arms  114  likewise can be one, two, three, or more, or even can be eliminated or used as handles themselves. The tubular portion  506  can be approximately 3 inches to approximately two feet in length and can be approximately ½ inch to 3 inches in diameter. The tubular portion  506  can include a hollow bored internal area that spans a portion or substantially the entire length of the tubular portion  506  to permit insertion of the shaft  102 . The tubular portion can include threads, gaskets, or other structure to assist in securing and maintaining the shaft  102  within the tubular portion  506 . The claps  116  can be adjustable in tension and can be supplemented or replaced by many alternative securing mechanisms. For instance, threads of the tubular portion  506 , a locking pin, a snap button, or the like can be used in lieu of or in addition to the clasp  116 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a plunger device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the plunger device  100  includes a handle  112  connected to the shaft  102  via one or more radial arms  114 . A suction cup  104  is connected to the shaft  102  opposite the handle  112 . This embodiment illustrates that the handle  112  can be integrated with the shaft  102 . Other embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein may apply to the integrated handle  112 /shaft  102  combo. For example, the handle  112  may include a storage compartment for one or more disposable bags to facilitate stowing and dispensing of the one or more disposable bags. Likewise, the suction cup  104  may include a retaining mechanism on its underside to facilitate retaining of a portion of the one or more bags during usage of the plunger device  100 . For instance, the retaining mechanism may include a slotted opening, a flap, a hook, a clasp, or the like. 
     In certain embodiments, the plunger device  100  may be constructed of wood, metal, plastic, rubber, natural, or synthetic material. The plunger device  100  can include an overall height of approximately 2 feet to 5 feet. The handle  112  can include a diameter of approximately 6 inches to approximately 2 feet. The suction cup  104  can be approximately 3 inches to 1 foot in diameter. The suction cup  104  can be removable and the handle  112  can be similarly removable. 
     In other embodiments, the handle  112  can adopt any of the shapes described and illustrated herein or within any of the incorporated by reference provisional patent applications. For instance, the handle  112  can be a horizontal bar, a horizontal bar with vertical grips on opposing ends of the horizontal bar, a butterfly grip, or the like. The radial arms  114  can similarly be one, two, three, or more or can even be eliminated as described herein. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of accessories for a plunger device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the accessories to the plunger device can include a removable cap  702  that attaches to or covers the handle  112  to provide a table surface for supporting objects and/or concealing the handle  112  when the plunger device  100  is between uses. In one particular embodiment, the removable cap  702  includes a perimeter flange  704  with open bottom that accommodates the circular member of the handle  112  and that includes a solid top  705  that provides a table surface for supporting objects or concealing the handle  112  when the plunger device  100  is between uses. 
     In another embodiment, the accessories to the plunger device  100  can include a base receptacle  704  that covers the plunger suction cup  104  when the plunger device  100  is between uses. In one particular embodiment, the base receptacle  704  includes a sidewall  707  that flares outwardly from a top aperture  709  to a bottom surface, which base receptacle  704  defines an enclosure for receiving the plunger suction cup  104 . In another particular embodiment, the base receptacle  704  includes a slidable door  714  in the sidewall  707 , which slidable door  714  is configured to open and close the base receptacle  704  for storing or retrieving the suction cup  104 /the plunger device  100  therefrom. In one specific embodiment, the slidable door  714  includes a slidable panel. 
     In a further embodiment, the accessories to the plunger device  100  include an enclosure (e.g.,  706 ,  708 , or  710 ) that includes a slidable panel  712 . The enclosure  706  may include a recessed waist  713  with a horizontal top surface  711  The enclosure  706  may be sized and shaped to store an entire plunger device  100  therewithin between uses, wherein the plunger device  100  is insertable and removable relative to the 3 enclosure  706  via the slidable panel  712 . 
     The removable cap  702  can be differently sized or shaped. For example, the removable cap  702  can be square, triangular, rectangular, or other regular or irregular shape. The removable cap  702  can include one or more perimeter edges which can be ½ inch to 5 inches in height. The removable cap can be approximately 6 inches to 3 feet in diameter. The removable cap  702  can have multiple levels or shelves to permit storage or display of objects in a Z or height axis. Furthermore, additional storage or display surfaces may be provided along the shaft  102 , such as one or two surfaces that are securable midway along the shaft. 
     The base receptacle  704  can be differently sized or shaped. For instance, the flared shape depicted may be substituted with a cylindrical, cubical, or other regular or irregular shape. The slidable door  714  may be omitted to reveal an opening for inserting or removing the suction cup  104 . Alternatively, the slidable door  714  may include a flap or a door that opens about a hinge. Furthermore, the base receptacle  704  may extend partly or entirely upwards to conceal the shaft  102 . 
     The enclosure  706  can assume a variety of shapes. For instance, the enclosure  706  can be cylindrical, triangular, square, or any other regular or irregular shape. The enclosure  706  can include storage shelves, drawers, or small cabinets built-in, such as to store toiletries or reading material. The horizontal surface  711  can include a circular, square, triangular, or other shape. One particular shape is depicted which includes a teardrop shape that permits the horizontal surface to be fitted within a corner, which is often present adjacent to a toilet. 
     While preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.