The present disclosure relates to a cover for a plunger. More particularly, and not by way of limitation, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system or method for a reversible and securable cover for a plunger or toilet brush.
Many individuals dislike cleaning or unclogging toilets because of a fear of touching or dripping waste material or dirty water on themselves or common surfaces. It would be advantageous to have an apparatus, system, or method that allows individuals to avoid these unsanitary conditions associated with unclogging or cleaning a toilet.
The present disclosure is directed to a system for covering a plunger during use. The plunger can be inserted into a cover configured and sized to receive the plunger. The cover is capable of being coupled to a handle with a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism is capable of attaching to the cover for closing or securing the cover after the removal of a plunger. When the plunger is removed from the cover, the removal causes the cover to be inverted or reversed.
Thus, in one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for covering a plunger. The apparatus can include a handle with a coupling point that allows for an attachment to a cover configured and sized to receive the plunger. The cover can have an elongated structure, and a closure mechanism that attaches to the cover allowing the closure, securing, or cinching of the cover.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for utilizing a plunger. The method beginning with the insertion of a plunger into a cover. The cover allows for a coupling or attachment to a handle through a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism is configured to allow the cover to be closed, secured, or cinched. A toilet, drain or pipe system may be unclogged or cleaned utilizing the plunger or other device housed within the cover. When the plunger and the cover are removed from a toilet, and the plunger is removed from the cover, it reverses or inverts. When reversed or inverted, the cover retains water or waste material from the toilet within the cover.
The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
An embodiment of the disclosure will now be described.
The cover 108 can be made of materials that are water resistant or impermeable, such as, but not limited to, a thin film polymer, or polyurethane. The material may be of a thickness that allows for a plunger to be utilized in an aggressive manner without tearing, ripping, or otherwise opening to allow water or waste onto the plunger. While a plunger has been discussed and illustrated, in other examples toilet brushes or cleaners, litter scoops, or poop scoops may be utilized with the plunger cover system 100. In at least one embodiment, the cover 108 or handle 102, individually or in combination, may also have a closure mechanism (illustrated as 106A/106B) that allows for the cover 108 to be closed after the use and removal of the plunger. In at least one example, the handle 102 may include a first coupling link that allows for engagement with a second coupling link coupled to the closure mechanism. In some examples, the coupling link may be a tongue and groove connection, while in others the coupling link may be a friction fit configuration. For example, a closure mechanism may couple to a block or other shape that is friction fit to the handle. The cover 108 may also have a first cover end 114A and a second cover end 114B. In at least one embodiment, the first cover end 114A may have an opening 112 that allows for the insertion of a plunger into the cover 108, while the second cover end 114B is sealed or closed. The cover 108 or a closure mechanism 106A/106B, may define the opening 112. The sealing at the first cover end 114A, in at least one embodiment, can create a cover aperture or void 110 that allows for the passage of a strap or closure mechanism through or around the first cover end 114A.
The handle 102 may have a first handle end 104A, and a second handle end 104B. In at least one embodiment, the handle 102 is an elongated hollow cylinder or tubular structure. The handle 102 may be constructed of plastic, wood, metal, composite materials, carbon fiber, or materials of similar characteristics, or combinations thereof. In at least one example, the handle 102 may have an object or portion of an object, such as a closure mechanism 106A/106B, or a filling material that allows for the handle 102 to be filled in a manner that prevents the collapse of the handle 102 when it is utilized. The first handle end 104A and the second handle end 104B may each have an opening that allows for the hollow portion of the handle's cylindrical or tubular structure to be accessed. In at least one example, the handle 102 can define an aperture for receiving a closure mechanism, for example, a strap.
The closure mechanism 106A/106B allows for the cover 108 to be closed. In at least one example, the first portion of the closure mechanism 106A may be a locking or ratcheting mechanism that allows for the passage of a second portion of the closure mechanism 106B such as, but not limited to, a locking member or strap. In other examples, the first portion of the closure mechanism 106A can be a friction fit aperture defined by the handle 102 for receiving a strap or second portion of a closure mechanism 106B. For example, the first portion of the closure mechanism 106A may be a ratcheting pin system that corresponds to the second portion of the closure mechanism 106B that includes a strap with pin holes to assist in the locking or movement of the strap through the ratcheting pin system. Another example could be a zip or pull tie like system where the first portion of the closure mechanism 106A is the ratcheting or locking head, and the second portion of the closure mechanism 106B is the strap portion with locking notches in the strap. Other securing mechanisms may also be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
The closure mechanism 306A/306B, in at least one example, can be a strap and locking means; for example, a strap can be utilized that has apertures or punctures that allow for a locking or movement mechanism to be utilized to prevent or allow movement of the strap 320. In other examples, the securing means may include a block or adhesive for securing a strap to the block that is capable of disengaging upon a sufficient force being applied to strap 320 or the adhesive points. In yet another example, the closure mechanism 306A/306B may have a receiving aperture defined by the handle 302 for receiving the strap 320, and allowing for a friction fit securing of the strap 320 as it passes through the handle 302. Further to this example, a second portion of the closure mechanism 306B may include a tapering of the receiving aperture at or towards the second handle end 304B, thereby increasing the friction applied to the strap 320.
The cover 308 may also have a closure mechanism aperture or strap aperture 310 that allows for a closure mechanism or strap 320 to pass around a first end of the cover 308. For example, in a first state a strap 320 may pass through the closure mechanism aperture 310 to create or define a cover opening 312 with an opening structure 322. In a second state, when a user (not illustrated) applies a force to the strap 320, the opening 312 or opening structure 322 can shrink or collapse to a negligible amount, thereby closing or securing the cover 308.
The block 424, in at least one example, may be part of the handle 402 or be formed as part of the handle 402. In other examples, the block 424 may be part of a closure mechanism 406A/406B by having adhesive on one or more sides to secure a strap or other closure mechanism to the block 424 for insertion into the handle 402. The block 424 may also contain one or more receiving apertures 426A/426B that allow for a strap or other closure to be accessed or retrieved in order to apply a force to the strap or closure. The receiving apertures 426A/426B may extend through the body of the handle 402 to the second handle end 404B. The receiving apertures 426A/426B can allow for a strap 420 to pass through the handle 402 freely or with an applied friction.
The strap 620 can have a locking block 621A for engaging or interacting with a locking portion 621B of a strap 620. For example, the strap 620 may be a rachet, zip, or cable tie strap. In at least one example, the locking portion 621B may include the majority or all of the strap 620; while in other examples, a significant portion of the strap 620 includes the locking portion 621B. One of the strap apertures 636A/636B may receive the locking block 621A depending on the handedness of a user. A portion of the strap 620 may be secured by the strap cover 638 having a hinge 640 that allows for a clamshell like opening of the strap cover 638. In at least one embodiment, the hinge 640 may be activated by a button (not illustrated) on the handle 602.
The handle 802 can define a button aperture 848 that allows for a button 846 to be received. The button 846 may couple to the block 824 through adhesion, friction, or a fastener. In at least one embodiment, the button 846 is configured to allow for the removal of the handle 802 from a combination of the block 824, strap 820, or closure mechanism 806. In at least one example, when the button 846 is depressed, the handle 802 can be removed.
The block 924 can be configured to couple to a closure mechanism 906 that includes a strap 920. For example, the strap 920 may be a zip, cable, or pull tie with a ratcheting or locking feature that creates a securing engagement. The closure mechanism 906 may be glued, friction fit, or otherwise engaged with the block 924 through an aperture. The cover 908 may have a cover aperture 910 for receiving a strap 920.
After use, the plunger 1056 can be removed 1057 from the plunger cover system 1000. In at least one embodiment, the removal 1057 is in the opposite direction of the insertion 1055. As the plunger 1056 is removed from the cover 1008 through the cover opening 1012, the orientation of the cover 1008 can be inverted or reversed. For example, an outer surface 1060A of the cover 1008 can have water 1062A or waste material 1062B on the outer surface 1060A of the cover 1008. Further to this example, an inner surface 1060B can remain clean after use of the plunger 1056. During removal of the plunger, because of the inversion or reversal of the cover 1008, the outer surface 1060A becomes an inner surface, while the inner surface 1060B becomes an outer surface. By utilizing the plunger cover system 1000, a plunger head 1066 remains clean during and after use.
After the removal of the plunger 1056 from the plunger system 1000, a user can apply a force 1059 to a strap 1020. The force 1059 can cause the cover 1008 or cover opening 1012 to close, creating a closed cover 1064. When the cover 1008 is closed, water and waste material is kept within the inverted cover. The plunger cover system 1000, the cover 1008, or closure mechanism can then be thrown away or recycled. In some examples, the cover 1008 may be biodegradable.
The locking of the set of handles 1170A/1170B, in at least one example, may occur through a set of locking apertures 1172A/1172B that engages with a set of locking posts 1174A/1174B. Other manners of locking may include, but are not limited to, sliding, friction fit, tongue and groove, dove tail, snaps, magnetic, electro-mechanical, electro-magnetic, or other devices configured to create a locking engagement between the handles 1170A/1170B. The handles 1170A/1170B may be engaged through an engagement movement 1176. When engaged, the plunger 1156 can have a plunger head end (distal end) 1166 that is opposite a plunger handle end (proximal end) 1168. In at least one example, the plunger handle end 1168 would be closer to the set of handles 1170A/1170B (collectively 1170) than the plunger head end 1166.
The set of handles 1170 in interaction with the plunger 1156 can allow for a user to apply additional pressure or force during a plunging operation. In at least one embodiment, the plunger 1156 may have a rod 1178 connecting the plunger head end 1166 with the plunger handle end 1168. The rod 1178 may, in some examples, be separable into two or more sections. The rod 1178 can also be secured to the second handle 1170B. Through the securing of the rod 1178 and second handle 1170B, a user may have multiple points with which to hold the plunger cover system 1100 or plunger 1156. As illustrated in
In another step, the plunger is inserted into the cover coupled to the handle 1202. In some examples, the cover may couple to a strap or closure mechanism on the handle. A user may also perform a plunging operation, utilizing the plunger and cover system to unclog a toilet 1203. In at least one example, the plunger could be replaced with a toilet brush, or a scooper for other messes such as, but not limited to, dog poop or cat litter. Additionally, while unclogging the toilet has been provided as an illustration, in some examples the cover or cover system may also be utilized for cleaning a yard or a litter box.
In another step, the plunger and cover are removed from toilet 1204. A user may allow the cover and plunger to remain over the toilet before, during and after use. A user may then, in at least one embodiment, begin reversing the cover by removing the plunger from the cover 1205. By reversing the cover, an inversion of the cover occurs causing any water, fluid, or waste material on the outside of the cover to be contained within the inverted cover, preventing a user from touching, dripping, or coming in contact with the fluid, water, or waste materials.
In another step, the cover is closed using the closure mechanism, which contains water from the toilet within the cover 1206, where the closure can occur through retracting a strap through the closure mechanism 1207. Alternatively, the closure may occur through cinching an opening of the closed cover with a strap and locking mechanism 1208.
While this disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure 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 disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with any claims and their equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are provided in described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages.
Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically, and by way of example, although the headings refer to a “Technical Field,” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology as background information is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any embodiment(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Brief Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the embodiment(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple embodiments may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the embodiment(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.
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