Abstract:
The presently disclosed device and method uses a rubber bulb, tubing and an inflatable bladder to temporarily plug a toilet bowl or drain. The plugged drain for a toilet bowl to be thoroughly cleaned by allowing a solution, filled to the rim or other level of the toilet bowl, to soak away stains and disinfect the toilet bowl. The device can be disposable or reusable. The device can also be incorporated into common bathroom products, including but not limited to a toilet brush or plunger.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/119,903 filed 4 Dec. 2008 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). 
         [0002]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/219,377 filed 22 Jun. 2009 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0003]    This disclosure relates to stoppage devices, and more specifically to methods and devices to plug a drain pipe of a toilet using pressure. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    In order to maintain hygienic and aesthetic toilet bowls, toilet bowls are cleaned and disinfected periodically or as needed. Conventional apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting toilet bowls includes a mechanized toilet bowl cleaner as described in US patent application 2009/0044322 or a manual brush apparatus as described in US patent application 2003/0209458. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       [0005]    The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification. 
         [0006]    In one aspect, a device includes an inflation bulb includes a release valve an inflatable bladder, and a hollow semi-rigid tube joining the inflation bulb to the bladder. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, a device includes an inflation bulb including a release valve, a malleable apparatus having rounded contours, and a hollow semi-rigid tube joining the inflation bulb to the malleable apparatus having rounded contours. 
         [0008]    In yet another aspect, a device consists of an inflation bulb having a release valve, a malleable apparatus having rounded contours, and a hollow semi-rigid tube joining the inflation bulb to the malleable apparatus having rounded contours. 
         [0009]    In still another aspect, an apparatus includes a pressuring apparatus having a housing, the housing of the pressuring apparatus having an exterior and an interior, the housing of the pressuring apparatus having a passage between the pressuring apparatus housing interior and the pressuring apparatus housing exterior, the pressuring apparatus passage forming an opening on the exterior of the pressuring apparatus housing, the pressuring apparatus passage having a center, a tube having a first end and a second end, the tube having a passage through the longitudinal axis of the tube from the first end to the second end, the first end being operably coupled to the pressuring apparatus coincident with the opening of the exterior of the pressuring apparatus, and an inflatable/deflatable apparatus coupled to the tube, the inflatable/deflatable apparatus having a housing, the housing of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus having an exterior and an interior, the housing of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus having a passage between the interior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus housing and the exterior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus housing, the inflatable/deflatable apparatus passage forming an opening on the exterior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus housing, the passage of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus having a center, the second end of the tube operably coupled to the inflatable/deflatable apparatus coincident with the opening of the exterior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus. 
         [0010]    In a further aspect, an apparatus consists of a pressuring apparatus, the pressuring apparatus further including a housing, the housing of the pressuring apparatus further including an exterior and an interior, the housing of the pressuring apparatus further including a passage between the pressuring apparatus housing interior and the pressuring apparatus housing exterior, the pressuring apparatus passage forming an opening on the exterior of the pressuring apparatus housing, the pressuring apparatus passage further including a center, a tube, the tube further including a first end and a second end, the tube further including a passage through the longitudinal axis of the tube from the first end to the second end, the first end operably coupled to the pressuring apparatus coincident with the opening of the exterior of the pressuring apparatus, and an inflatable/deflatable apparatus, the inflatable/deflatable apparatus coupled to the tube, the inflatable/deflatable apparatus further including a housing, the housing of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus further including an exterior and an interior, the housing of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus further including a passage between the interior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus housing and the exterior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus housing, the inflatable/deflatable apparatus passage forming an opening on the exterior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus housing, the passage of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus further including a center, the second end of the tube operably coupled to the inflatable/deflatable apparatus coincident with the opening of the exterior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus. 
         [0011]    In yet a further aspect, a device includes an inflation bulb, and an inflatable bladder joined to the inflation bulb, 
         [0012]    In still yet a further aspect, a method of cleaning a toilet bowl includes repeatedly squeezing an inflation bulb to inflate an inflatable bladder until the inflatable bladder conforms to an interior of a drain of a toilet bowl, introducing a cleaning solution into the toilet bowl, and deflating the inflatable bladder by opening the release valve. 
         [0013]    A method of using the device and apparatus described herein includes holding the device by the inflation bulb and inserting the inflatable bladder into the toilet bowl drain. Then, with the release valve on the inflation bulb closed, inflate the inflation bladder until the toilet drain is adequately clogged. Waiting until the toilet drain is clogged allows for the toilet bowl to be filled with a stain removing soaking solution to the level desired, and/or other solutions or substances. After allowing some time for solution to work, the release valve on inflation bulb is opened to deflate the inflatable bladder and remove device. The toilet can then be flushed as normal. In order to construct the present device from its essential three subassemblies, insert the hollow, semi rigid tube into the inflation end of the inflation bulb. If using hose clamps, slide both hose clamps onto the tube. Use one to secure the inflation bulb to the tube. Insert the other end of tube into the inflatable bladder and secure using the other hose clamp. If using nylon tie straps, insert tube into the inflation bulb and secure with the nylon tie strap. Insert other end into inflatable bladder and secure with another nylon tie strap. If using bonding materials, such as glue or epoxy, coat both ends of tube and insert into inflation bulb on one end and inflatable bladder on the other. Allow to set and dry. 
         [0014]    Apparatus, systems, and methods of varying scope are described herein. In addition to the aspects and advantages described in this summary, further aspects and advantages will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the detailed description that follows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is block diagram of an overview of a system to expand and prevent flow of liquid through a pipe; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of a drain-blocking apparatus, according to an implementation; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of a pressuring apparatus, according to an implementation; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of a tube, according to an implementation; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of an inflatable bladder, according to an implementation; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a cross section block diagram of a three-way ball valve in an open position, according to an implementation; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a cross section block diagram of a three-way ball valve in a release position, according to an implementation; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a cross section block diagram of a quick-release valve having a spring internal to the apparatus, in a release position, according to an implementation; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a cross section block diagram of a quick-release valve having a spring internal to the valve, in a closed position, according to an implementation; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart of a method according to an implementation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations which may be practiced. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations, and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the implementations. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0026]    The detailed description is divided into four sections. In the first section, a system level overview is described. In the second section, apparatus of implementations are described. In the third section, implementations of methods are described. Finally, in the fourth section, a conclusion of the detailed description is provided. 
       System Level Overview 
       [0027]    A system level overview of the operation of an implementation is described in this section of the detailed description. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is block diagram of an overview of a system  100  to expand and prevent flow of liquid through a pipe. System  100  provides blockage to a drain pipe. 
         [0029]    System  100  includes a pressuring apparatus  102 . The pressuring apparatus  102  inflates and provides outward pressure on the external environment. 
         [0030]    System  100  also includes a tube  104  that includes a passage  106 . The passage  106  of the tube  104  is coupled to the interior of the pressuring apparatus  102  so that exchange of liquids and gases can occur between the passage  106  of the tube  104  and the interior of the pressuring apparatus  102  when pressure differences exist between the passage  106  of the tube  104  and the interior of the pressuring apparatus  102 . 
         [0031]    System  100  also includes an inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108 . The inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  can be expanded by application of higher pressure liquids and/or gases into the interior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108 , thus creating a larger volume of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108 . The inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  can shrink from an expanded state by releasing the liquids and/or gases in the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  into an environment having lower pressure than the interior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108 . The passage  106  of the tube  104  is coupled to the interior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  so that exchange of liquids and gases can occur between the passage  106  of the tube  104  and the interior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  when pressure differences exist between the passage  106  of the tube  104  and the interior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108 . 
         [0032]    The interior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  and the interior of the pressuring apparatus  102  are coupled through the passage  106  of the tube  104 . Thus, exchange of liquids and gases can occur between the interior of the pressuring apparatus  102  and the interior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  when pressure differences exist between the interior of the pressuring apparatus  102  and the interior of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108 . The inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108 , pressuring apparatus  102  and the passage  106  of the tube  104  are joined to form a continuous enclosure. 
         [0033]    When the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  is placed in a drain pipe (not shown), and the pressuring apparatus  102  creates a higher pressure than the pressure in the passage  106  of the tube  104  and the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108 , gases and/or liquids in the pressuring apparatus  102  and the passage  106  of the tube  104  will move towards and into the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108 , thus creating a higher internal pressure in the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  and causing the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  to expand. Upon application of sufficient pressure from the pressuring apparatus  102 , the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  can expand and conform to the dimension/circumference of the drain pipe, thus preventing movement of matter through the drain pipe and blocking passage of matter through the drain pipe. 
         [0034]    The blockage of the drain pipe is helpful in the cleaning and disinfecting of toilet bowls. In situations where system  100  is implemented to block a drain pipe of a toilet bowl, after the toilet bowl drain pipe is blocked, water, cleaning and/or disinfecting solutions can be added to the toilet bowl in order to cause the water, cleaning and/or disinfecting solutions to dwell in the toilet bowl. If the system  100  remains in the toilet bowl with the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  expanded to the interior dimension/circumference of the drain pipe for a long enough time and with sufficient concentration of cleaning and disinfecting solution in the toilet bowl, the toilet bowl will be cleaned and disinfected to as high a level as the water, cleaning and/or disinfecting solution reside within the toilet bowl. If the level of the water, cleaning and/or disinfecting solution is up to or close to the rim of the toilet bowl, the toilet bowl will be cleaned and disinfected up to or close to the rim of the toilet bowl. In particular, if the cleaning solution includes a decalcification agent, such as CLR™ manufactured by Jelmar of Skokie, Ill. which includes gluconic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, surfactants, glycolic acid and sulfamic acid (gluconic acid dissolves mineral deposits including calcium deposits, glycolic acid penetrates surfaces to remove deep stains and sulfamic acid cleans metal and removes rust), calcium deposits in the toilet bowl can be removed up to or close to the rim of toilet bowl. Other suitable cleaning solutions include chlorine, shock, Chlorox®, limeaway, CLR, and/or boric acid. 
         [0035]    While the system  100  is not limited to any particular pressuring apparatus  102 , tube  104 , passage  106  and inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108 , for sake of clarity a simplified pressuring apparatus  102 , tube  104 , passage  106  and inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  are described. 
       Apparatus Implementations 
       [0036]    In the previous section, a system level overview of the operation of an implementation was described. In this section, the particular apparatus of such an implementation are described by reference to a series of diagrams. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of a drain-blocking apparatus  200 , according to an implementation. Apparatus  200  is one implementation of system  100  in  FIG. 1 . Apparatus  200  can block a drain pipe for application of a cleaning and/or disinfecting solution on portions of the interior of the toilet bowl that are higher than the normal unassisted water level in the toilet bowl. 
         [0038]    Apparatus  200  includes an inflation bulb  202 . The inflation bulb  202  provides air pressure. The inflation bulb  202  is operated manually. When the inflation bulb  202  is compressed by external mechanical force, air is squeezed out of the bulb through an exit (not shown). Depending upon the structure of other items in apparatus  200 , the exit is located at various points in portion  204 . Portion  204  of the inflation bulb  202  is often referred to as a collar. When the inflation bulb is released, a mechanism of the inflation bulb  202  provides mechanical force to expand the inflation bulb to the original volume and thus air returns into the inflation bulb  202  through an entry (not shown). Thus, repeated cycles of compression and expansion of the inflation bulb  202  will provide air pressure through the exit. In some implementations the inflation bulb is easily malleable by an ordinary human of at least 5 years old. In some implementations, the inflation bulb is similar to the inflation bulb of a sphygmomanometer. The inflation bulb  202  is one example or implementation of the pressuring apparatus  102  in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0039]    In some implementations, the flow of air into and out of the inflation bulb is controlled by one-way check-valves. In some implementations, both the entry and the exit of the inflation bulb  202  include a one-way check valve. The exit one-way check valve allows air to flow out of inflation bulb  202 , but prevents air from entering the inflation bulb  202 . The entry one-way check valve allows air to flow in the inflation bulb  202 , but prevents air from enter in the inflation bulb  202 . The exit one-way check valve can be located either at the exit of the inflation bulb  202 , or the exit one-way check valve can be located in other apparatus that is coupled to the exit of the inflation bulb  202 . In some implementations, at least one of the one-way check valve(s) includes a hinged flap. In some implementations, at least one of the one-way check valve(s) consists of a flap, a hinge and a housing. 
         [0040]    In some implementations of apparatus  202  includes an inflatable bladder  206  or other malleable apparatus having rounded contours. The inflatable bladder  206  is not an inflatable bladder included as the cuff in a sphygmomanometer. In some implementations, the inflatable bladder  206  has rounded edges or corners along a longitudinal axis of the inflatable bladder  206 . In some implementations, the inflatable bladder  206  has a spherical, nearly spherical or elongated spherical geometry. The spherical or rounded inflatable bladder easily and readily conforms to the interior of the dimensions of a conventional toilet drain. In some implementations, the inflatable bladder  206  is sturdy reusable ballooning device. The inflatable bladder  206  is one implementation of the inflateable/deflateable apparatus  108  in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0041]    Some implementations of apparatus  200  include a tube  208 . In some implementations, the tube  208  is a hollow semi-rigid tube joining the inflation bulb  202  and the inflatable bladder  206 . In other implementations not shown, the inflation bulb  202  and the inflatable bladder  206  are joined directly together without the tube  208  between the inflation bulb  202  and the inflatable bladder  206 . The tube  208  is one implementation of the tube  104  in  FIG. 1 . The hollow aspect of tube  208  is one implementation of the passage  106  in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0042]    Some implementations of apparatus  200  include a release valve  210 . In some implementations, the release valve  210  is located on the collar  204  of the inflation bulb. In some implementations, the release valve  210  is located on a portion of the inflation bulb  202  other than the collar  204  of the inflation bulb. In some implementations of apparatus  204  that include a tube  208 , the release valve is located on the tube  208  (not shown). Some implementations of the release valve  210  are described in  FIG. 6-8 , such as an implementation of the release valve  210  that includes a three-way ball valve and an implementation of the release value  210  that consists of a three-way ball valve, such as implementation of the release valve  210  includes a plug or flap. 
         [0043]    In some implementations of apparatus  204  that include a tube  208 , the tube  208  is joined or coupled to the inflation bulb  202  and the inflatable bladder  206 , via ring fasteners  212  and  214 , respectively. 
         [0044]    When the inflatable bladder  206  is placed in a drain pipe (not shown), and the inflation bulb  202  is squeezed to create a higher pressure than the pressure in the tube  208  and in the inflatable bladder  206 , then the gases and/or liquids in the inflation bulb  202  and the tube  208  will move towards and into the inflatable bladder  206 , thus creating a higher internal pressure in the inflatable bladder  206  and causing the inflatable bladder  206  to expand. Upon application of sufficient pressure from the inflation bulb  202 , the inflatable bladder  206  can expand to the interior dimension/circumference of the drain pipe, thus preventing movement of matter through the drain pipe and blocking passage of matter through the drain pipe. 
         [0045]    The blockage of the drain pipe is helpful in the cleaning and disinfecting of toilet bowls. In situations where apparatus  200  is implemented to block a drain pipe of a toilet bowl, after the toilet bowl drain pipe is blocked, water, cleaning and/or disinfecting solutions can be added to the toilet bowl in order to cause the water, cleaning and/or disinfecting solutions to dwell in the toilet bowl. If the apparatus  200  remains in the toilet bowl with the inflatable bladder  206  expanded to the size of interior dimension/circumference of the drain pipe for a long enough time and with sufficient concentration of cleaning and disinfecting solution in the toilet bowl, the toilet bowl will be cleaned and disinfected to as high a level that the water, cleaning and/or disinfecting solution reside within the toilet bowl. If the level of the water, cleaning and/or disinfecting solution is up to or close to the rim of the toilet bowl, the toilet bowl will be cleaned and disinfected up to or close to the rim of the toilet bowl. 
         [0046]    In some implementations, the apparatus  200  includes a pressure-dependent automatic leak valve that releases contents of the apparatus when the interior pressure of the contents exceeds a threshold pressure. In some implementations, the pressure-dependent automatic leak valve remains open and releases contents of the apparatus until pressure in the interior is equal to the exterior pressure. In some implementations, the pressure-dependent automatic leak valve remains open and releases contents of the apparatus until pressure in the interior falls equal or below the threshold pressure. 
         [0047]    Apparatus  200  can be manufactured in disposable implementations or reusable implementations. The apparatus  200  can also be incorporated into common bathroom products, including but not limited to, a toilet brush or a toilet plunger. 
         [0048]    Apparatus  200  includes an inflatable or malleable (conformable) form-fitting device to conform to dimensions of toilet drain (drain trap) on the end of a tube. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of a pressuring apparatus  300 , according to an implementation. Pressuring apparatus  300  is one example of pressuring apparatus  102  in  FIG. 1  and inflation bulb  202  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0050]    Pressuring apparatus  300  includes a housing  302 . The housing  302  has an exterior and an interior (not labeled). The housing  302  of the pressuring apparatus  300  has a passage  304  between the interior of the pressuring apparatus housing and the exterior of the pressuring apparatus housing. The pressuring apparatus passage  302  forms an opening  306  on the exterior of the pressuring apparatus housing  302 . The passage  306  of the pressuring apparatus has a center  308 . 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the pressuring apparatus  300  is a handheld device which contains a certain volume of air. The pressuring apparatus  300  can be made of elastic and semi-elastic materials such as rubber, plastic or polymer blends. One end of the pressuring apparatus  300  houses a single direction check-valve  310  to allow outside air capture, while the other side consists of a narrow neck or collar. The collar is surrounded by at least one air release valve and possibly at least one gauge. 
         [0052]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of a tube  400 , according to an implementation. Tube  400  is one example of tube  104  in  FIG. 1  and tube  208  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0053]    The tube  400  has a first end  402  and a second end  404 . The tube  400  has a passage  406  through the longitudinal axis  408  of the tube  400  from the first end  402  to the second end  404 . 
         [0054]    In some implementations, the first end  402  is operably coupled to the pressuring apparatus  102  or inflation bulb  202  coincident with the opening (e.g.  306  in  FIG. 3 ) of the exterior of the pressuring apparatus  102  or the inflation bulb  202 . The coincident location of the passage  406  of the tube  400  and the opening  306  of the exterior of the pressuring apparatus  102  or the inflation bulb  202  provides clear passage of liquids and gases between the tube  104  and the inflation bulb  202 . In some implementations, the first end  402  of the tube  400  is coupled to the pressuring apparatus  102  over the opening  306  of the exterior  302  of the pressuring apparatus  300  such that the longitudinal axis  408  of the tube  400  is positioned about on the center  308  of the opening of the pressuring apparatus  300 . 
         [0055]    In some implementations, the tube  400  is a hollow, ¼-½ inch diameter semi-rigid tube and is approximately 2-3 feet in length. The tube  400  is rigid enough to support the weight of the device when held horizontally or inserted with moderate force against the walls of a toilet bowl. The tube  400  connects on the proximal end to the inflation bulb  202  in  FIG. 2  and on the distal end to an inflatable bladder  500  in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of an inflatable bladder  500 , according to an implementation. Inflatable bladder  500  is one example of the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  in  FIG. 1  and the inflatable bladder  206  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0057]    The inflatable bladder  500  has a housing  502 . The housing  502  of the inflatable bladder  500  has an exterior  504  and an interior  506 . The housing  502  of the inflatable bladder  500  has a passage  508  between the interior  506  of the inflatable bladder  500  housing and the exterior  504  of the inflatable bladder  500  housing. The passage  508  of the inflatable bladder  500  forms an opening  510  on the exterior  504  of the housing  502  of the inflatable bladder  500 . The passage  508  of the inflatable bladder  500  has a center  512 . In some implementations, the exterior  504  has relief, such as ridges, which allow the inflatable bladder  500  to more readily and easily grip and tract to the toilet bowl drain when inflated. 
         [0058]    The inflatable bladder  500  can be coupled to the second end  404  of the tube  400  in  FIG. 4  coincident with the opening  510  of the exterior of the inflatable bladder  500 . The coincident location of the passage  406  of the tube  400  and the opening  510  of the exterior  504  of the inflatable bladder  500  provides clear passage of liquids and gases between the tube  104  and the inflatable bladder  500 . In some implementations, the second end  404  of the tube  400  is operably coupled to the inflatable bladder  500  over the opening  510  of the exterior  504  of the inflatable bladder  500  such that the longitudinal axis  408  of the tube  400  is positioned about on the center  512  of the opening  510  of the inflatable bladder  500 . 
         [0059]    In some implementations, the inflatable bladder  500  is of sufficient dimensions to easily insert into a toilet bowl drain when not inflated. The inflatable bladder  500  is able to fit all size toilets and drainage pipes when inflated. In some implementations, the inflatable bladder  500  has an inflated diameter of approximately four inches. The inflatable bladder  500  will inflate and deflate in order to substantially plug and unplug the toilet bowl drain. Similar to the inflation bulb  202 , the inflatable bladder  500  can be permanently or removably attached to the tube  400  with clamps, nylon tie straps or other bonding devices. 
         [0060]      FIG. 6  is a cross section block diagram of a three-way ball valve  600  in an open position, according to an implementation. The three-way ball valve is one implementation of the release valve  210  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0061]    The three-way ball valve  600  includes a housing  602  and a three-way rotatable passage  604 . The three-way rotatable passage  604  rotates about center point  606 , the center point being  606  in the center of the housing  602 . The three-way rotatable passage  604  includes three arms,  608 ,  610  and  612 . Arms  608  and  610  are on opposite sides of the three-way rotatable passage  604  and arm  612  is positioned at a right angle to the other arms  608  and  610 . The three-way ball valve includes three openings  614 ,  616  and  618 . Opening  618  is often referred to as an exhaust opening. Openings  614  and  616  are on opposite sides of the housing  602  and opening  618  is positioned at a right angle to the other openings  614  and  616 . When the three-way rotatable passage  604  is positioned or rotated into a position where the opposite-positioned arms  608  and  610  are aligned with the opposite positioned openings  614  and  616  as shown in  FIG. 6 , the three-way ball valve  600  is in the open position that provides passage between the openings  614  and  616  and through arms  608  and  610 . In some implementations shown as shown in  FIG. 6  where one of the opposite openings is coupled to a pressuring apparatus  102  or an inflation bulb  202  and the other opposite opening is coupled to an inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  or an inflatable bladder  206 , the three-way rotatable ball valve provide passage of matter between the pressuring apparatus  102  or an inflation bulb  202  and the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  or an inflatable bladder  206 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 7  is a cross section block diagram of a three-way ball valve  600  in a release position, according to an implementation. The three-way ball valve is one implementation of the release valve  210  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0063]    When the three-way rotatable passage  604  is positioned or rotated into a position where one of the opposite-positioned arms  608  and  610  is aligned with release opening  618  as shown in  FIG. 7 , the three-way ball valve  600  is in a release position that provides passage of matter between the openings  618  and  616  and through arms  612  and  610 . In some implementations shown as shown in  FIG. 7  where one of the opposite openings is coupled to a pressuring apparatus  102  or an inflation bulb  202  and the other opposite opening is coupled to an inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  or an inflatable bladder  206 , the three-way rotatable ball valve provides release of matter from the inflatable/deflatable apparatus  108  or an inflatable bladder  206 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 8  is a cross section block diagram of a quick-release valve  800  having a spring internal to the apparatus, in a release position, according to an implementation. The quick-release valve  800  is one implementation of the release valve  210  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0065]    Quick-release valve  800  includes a valve  802  that fits into seat  804 . When the valve  802  is seated into seat  804  (not shown), no matter passes between the interior  806  of enclosure  808  and the exterior  810 . When the valve  802  is not seated into seat  804  (as shown), matter can pass between the interior  806  of enclosure  808  and the exterior  810 . In some implementations, the valve  802  is has a conical geometry, as shown in valve  902  in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0066]    A spring  812  or other force displacement mechanism presses upon the valve, urging the valve  802  into a closed state. When the valve  802  is forced inward and away from the seat  804  by pressing on a button  814  attached to the valve  802 , the quick-release valve  800  is in the release position and matter can pass between the interior  806  of enclosure  808  and the exterior  810 . In the implementation shown in  FIG. 8 , the spring  812  is located in the apparatus, inflation bulb  202  or tube  208 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 9  is a cross section block diagram of a quick-release valve  900  having a spring internal to the valve, in a closed position, according to an implementation. The quick-release valve  900  is one implementation of the release valve  210  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0068]    Quick-release valve  900  includes a valve  902  that fits into seat  904 . When the valve  902  is seated into seat  904  (as shown), no matter passes between the interior  906  of enclosure  808  and the exterior  810 . When the valve  902  is not seated into seat  904  (not shown), matter can pass between the interior  906  of enclosure  808  and the exterior  810 . In some implementations, the valve  902  is has a conical geometry, as shown in valve  802  in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0069]    A spring  912  or other force displacement mechanism presses the seat  904  and a button  914  apart, urging the valve  902  into a closed state against the seat  904 . When the valve  902  is forced inward and away from the seat  904  by pressing on the button  914  attached to the valve  902 , the quick-release valve  900  is in the release position and matter can pass between the interior  906  of enclosure  908  and the exterior  910 . In the implementation shown in  FIG. 9 , the spring  914  is located outside the apparatus, inflation bulb  202  or tube  208 . 
         [0070]    In regards to the materials of system  100  and apparatus  200 - 800 , material of nearly or about pure latex are disfavored because latex hardens in exposure to chlorine; chlorine being one of the possible cleaning solutions that can be employed by system  100  and apparatus  200 - 800 . Therefore, materials being either a latex compound or rubber can be implemented in the major components, such the inflation bulb  202 , the tube  208 , rings  212  and  214  and/or the inflatable bladder  206 . In particular, the portions of the apparatus that are most likely to be exposed to chlorine during immersion in the toilet bowl such as the tube  208 , ring  214  and/or the inflatable bladder  206  are particularly most beneficial to exclude a pure or about pure latex material. The relative dimensions and geometries of the items in apparatus  200  are purely instructive and are not limiting. 
       Method Implementations 
       [0071]    In the previous section, apparatus was described. In this section, the particular methods performed by system  100  and apparatus  200 - 800  are described by reference to a flowchart. 
         [0072]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart of a method  1000  according to an implementation. Method  1000  is a process of cleaning a toilet bowl using system  100  or apparatus  200 - 800 . 
         [0073]    Some implementations of method  1000  include inserting an inflatable bladder or other malleable apparatus into a drain of a toilet bowl, at block  1002 . 
         [0074]    Method  1000  also includes repeatedly squeezing the inflation bulb to inflate the inflatable bladder until the inflatable bladder conforms to the interior of a drain of a toilet bowl, at block  1004 . 
         [0075]    Some implementations of method  1000  include introducing liquid into the toilet bowl until the top level of the liquid is about at the top of the toilet bowl, at block  1006 . In some implementations, the liquid includes water. 
         [0076]    Some implementations of method  1000  include introducing a cleaning solution into the toilet bowl, at block  1008 . The actions at blocks  1006  and  1006  can be performed in parallel with each other (as shown), serially to each other (not shown) other in some implementations, one of the actions of  1006  and  1008  can be omitted (not shown). 
         [0077]    Method  1000  also includes deflating the inflatable bladder, such as by opening the release valve, at block  1010 . 
         [0078]    Some implementations of method  1000  include filling or adding  1012  water to the toilet bowl to a level that is sufficiently high level to cause the toilet to automatically flush. Some implementations of method  1000  include removing the inflatable bladder from the toilet bowl, at block  1014 . 
       Conclusion 
       [0079]    A toilet bowl cleaning apparatus is described. Although specific implementations are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific implementations shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that implementations can be made in other ways that provide the required function. 
         [0080]    In particular, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the names of the methods and apparatus are not intended to limit implementations. Furthermore, additional methods and apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical devices used in implementations can be introduced without departing from the scope of implementations. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that implementations are applicable to future cleaning and disinfecting compounds, different toilet drains, and new inflation bulbs and inflatable bladders. 
         [0081]    The terminology used in this disclosure is meant to include all environments and alternate technologies which provide the same functionality as described herein