Abstract:
A flexible member formed of opposed and facing accordion pleated triangular walls is arranged to orient the triangular walls on diametrically opposed sides of a commode bowl mounted to a commode bowl top wall, with the V-shaped walls further mounted to a commode lid bottom wall, such that lifting of the commode lid effects opening of the V-shaped walls to provide for a shield structure relative to the commode bowl.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The field of invention relates to commode bowl splash guard structure, and more particularly pertains to a new commode bowl splash guard wherein the same is arranged to afford protection relative to splashing adjacent a commode bowl structure. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Commode bowl structure such as indicated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,914,803; 4,348,776; and 4,912,784 are available in the prior art. 
     The prior art has heretofore failed to afford the use of accordion pleated structure permitting ease of interfolding of the structure during periods of non-use and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of commode bowl splash guard structure now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a commode bowl splash guard wherein the same is arranged to provide for a barrier relative to diametrically opposed sides of the commode bowl. 
     To attain this, the present invention provides a flexible member formed of opposed and facing accordion pleated triangular wails arranged to orient the triangular walls on diametrically opposed sides of a commode bowl mounted to a commode bowl top wall, with the V-shaped walls further mounted to a commode lid bottom wall, such that lifting of the commode lid effects opening of the V-shaped walls to provide for a shield structure relative to the commode bowl. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a new commode bowl splash guard which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new commode bowl splash guard which is of a durable and reliable construction. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new commode bowl splash guard which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such commode bowl splash guards economically available to the buying public. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new commode bowl splash guard which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
     Even still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new commode bowl splash guard which provides a flexible member formed of opposed and facing accordion pleated triangular walls arranged to orient the triangular walls on diametrically opposed sides of a commode bowl mounted to a commode bowl top wall, with the V-shaped walls further mounted to a commode lid bottom wall, such that lifting of the commode lid effects opening of the V-shaped walls to provide for a shield structure relative to the commode bowl. 
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of the invention in a folded configuration relative to an associated commode structure. 
     FIG. 2 is an isometric illustration of the invention arranged for partial opening relative to the commode bowl structure. 
     FIG. 3 is an isometric illustration of the invention in a fully opened configuration relative to the commode bowl structure. 
     FIG. 4 is an isometric illustration of an individual support tube structure arranged for mounting onto the bottom wall of the commode seat. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-4 thereof, a new commode bowl splash guard embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described. 
     More specifically, the commode bowl splash guard 10 of the instant invention is arranged for securement to a commode bowl 11 having an annular top wall rim 12, with a hinge 13 mounted to the annular top wall 12 adjacent the commode bowl tank, such that a scat 14 having a scat bottom wall 15 is hingedly mounted about the hinge 13 relative to the top wall rim 12. The invention 10 comprises first and second accordion pleated webs 16 and 17 provided in a facing coextensive relationship relative to one another and mounted to diametrically opposed sides of the annular top wall 12, with the first web 16 including a first web apex 18 adjacent the hinge 13, and the second web 17 having a second web apex 19 adjacent the hinge 13, as shown in FIG. 3. A connecting web 20 extends between the first and second apexes 18 and 19 to form a substantially water tight enclosure. 
     The first web 16 includes a first web first end 21 having a first mounting leg 27, and the second web 17 includes a second web first end 22 having a second mounting leg 28. Each mounting leg 27 and 28 extends to the respective apex 18 and 19 of the respective web 16 and 17, whereat the mounting leg bends to extend into a parallel relationship with the commode bowl rim 12 and provide a resilient spring force tending to extend the webs into an open configuration. To securely couple the device 10 to the commode bowl lid 15, the first mounting leg 27 is pivotally received within a first leg support tube 29, while the second mounting leg 28 is pivotally received within a second leg support tube 30 (see FIG. 3). The first and second leg tubes 29 and 30 are constructed, as indicated in FIGS. 3 and 4, to each include respective first and second extension flanges 31 and 32 that in turn are secured to the seat bottom wall 15 by mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or the like as desired and convenient. To secure the web 16 and 17 to the commode bowl rim 12, the first web 16 further includes a first web second end 23 mounting a first web C-shaped resilient clamp 25 arranged to engage the commode bowl 11 by extending over the top wall 12, and the second web 17 has a second web second end 24, with a second web C-shaped resilient clamp 26 mounted onto the commode bowl 11 and extending over the top wall 12. In addition, respective first and second bumper pairs 33 and 34 are arranged for extension from the first and second flanges 31 and 32 respectively to provide for a cushioned engaging surface to engage the respective C-shaped clamps 25 and 26 respectively when in a stored configuration, as indicated in FIG. 1. 
     As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, the same should be apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly no further discussion relative to the manner of operation of the instant invention shall be provided. 
     Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use. 
     Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification. 
     Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the Abstract provided at the beginning of this specification is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms of phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define the invention or the application, which only is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.