Hydraulic Plunger Device

Abstract

A toilet plunger device relating to a hydraulic plunger that may be inserted into a toilet to create a seal beyond or below the siphon jet that, further, may employ pressurized water to dislodge a clogged toilet drain. The plunger includes an elongated carrier body with a coupling, a first flange, a second flange, and a resilient foam body. This assembly is connected to an elongated tubular wand that is connected to a trigger valve which, in turn, is connected to a source of pressurized liquid. The foam body is inserted into the toilet drain and creates a tight seal around the drain. The trigger valve then operatively releases a flow of pressurized liquid through the tubular wand and the elongated carrier body to break up debris and clear the drain.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to toilet plunger devices, and more particularly, relating to a hydraulic plunger device that may be inserted into a toilet to create a seal beyond or independent of the siphon jet that, further, may employ pressurized water to dislodge a clogged toilet drain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Previous toilet plunger devices typically employed a manual hand operated plunger, typically consisting of a rubber cup and stick to dislodge a clogged toilet drain. While the traditional suction cup plunger with a wide flat face may still be popular, it may be difficult to use these plungers on newer curved toilet drains.

[0003] Other hand operated cup plungers will not have the open face of the traditional plungers but, instead, are typically designed to fit the tubular curve-shaped toilet drains and often have a rubber flange extending from the bottom of the cup to allow for the plunger to fit in the toilet drain with a tighter seal on curved surfaces. These plungers still suffer from a great deal of slippage while in use and require additional pumping strokes to be effective.

[0004] Newer cup plungers have tiered-sections of rubber for the purpose of maintaining a better seal around the drain from all angles. In use, however, the pumping motion of these plungers often results in the undesired creation of waves, bubbling, and backsplash of the water within the toilet.

[0005] A newer spring plunger, with a bellows-shaped chamber, has a taller compression chamber and a funnel nose designed to be inserted into the toilet drain before plunging. The plunger therefore offers more pressure on the drain per square inch than standard plungers. This greater pressure that is created with every plunge is able to clear some of the most stubborn clogs. While spring plungers have the potential to be very effective, the size and shape of the plunger, namely the chamber, may prove to be cumbersome and difficult to use. For example, the chamber may remain compressed after several plunges, the chamber may turn inside out, and vigorous plunges may also result in backsplash. In addition, water and/or sewage which may have entered the chamber may not be completely removed from the chamber after use.

[0006] Hydraulic plungers using pressurized water are also known in the art. However, these plungers do not form effective seals in the drains.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a toilet plunger that is capable of conforming to any toilet trap to provide a tight seal beyond or below the siphon jet in order to maximize the pressure that is to be applied to the blockage, while decreasing backsplash. Furthermore, there is a need for a toilet plunger that minimizes the manual operation that is needed with conventional hand plungers and for a toilet plunger that is easily cleaned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The preferred embodiments of the present invention address this need by providing a hydraulic plunger capable of conforming to any toilet trap and capable of forming a tight seal beyond the siphon jet to maximize the pressure applied to the blockage, while decreasing backsplash and minimizing manual operation.

[0009] The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a hydraulic plunger that is capable of conforming to any toilet trap to provide a tight seal beyond the siphon jet.

[0010] The preferred embodiments of the present invention further maximize the pressure that is to be applied to the blockage, while decreasing backsplash.

[0011] The preferred embodiments of the present invention further provide a toilet plunger that minimizes the manual operation that is needed with conventional hand plungers.

[0012] The preferred embodiments of the present invention further provide a toilet plunger that is easily cleaned.

[0013] To achieve these and other advantages, in general, in one aspect, a hydraulic plunger is provided. The hydraulic plunger includes an elongated carrier body having a liquid inlet end, a liquid outlet end, and an internal through passage extending along the carrier body and through the liquid inlet and said liquid outlet ends; a coupling at the liquid inlet end for connecting the internal through passage with a source of pressurized liquid and discharging the pressurized liquid through the liquid outlet end; a first flange encircling the elongated carrier body and projecting outwardly therefrom; a second flange encircling the elongated carrier body and projecting outwardly therefrom, the second flange longitudinally spaced along the carrier body from said first flange; and a resilient foam body extending completely between the first and the second flanges and encircling the elongated carrier body.

[0014] In general, in another aspect, the hydraulic plunger includes a foam body that extends laterally outwardly from the elongated carrier body beyond the first and the second flanges.

[0015] In general, in another aspect, the hydraulic plunger includes a foam body, wherein the foam body is spherical shaped.

[0016] In general, in another aspect, the hydraulic plunger includes first and second flanges that are dome-shaped.

[0017] In general, in another aspect, the hydraulic plunger includes a water-proof skin that may cover the foam body, or both the foam body and the flanges, if desired.

[0018] In general, in another aspect, the hydraulic plunger includes the first flange being disposed at a longitudinally inward location from the liquid inlet end and forming a seal shoulder.

[0019] In general, in another aspect, the hydraulic plunger includes the second flange being flush with the liquid outlet end.

[0020] In general, in another aspect, the hydraulic plunger includes the carrier body being an elongated tubular body.

[0021] In general, in another aspect, the hydraulic plunger further comprises an elongated tubular wand having opposite first and second ends and an internal fluid carrying passage extending between the opposite ends; the second end of the elongated wand connected to the coupling at the liquid inlet end such that the internal fluid carrying passage of the elongated wand and the internal through passage of the carrier body are fluidically connected; and a trigger valve connected to the first end of the elongated wand and having a second coupling for connecting said trigger valve to a source of pressurized liquid, the trigger valve operable to control the flow of a pressurized liquid through the tubular wand.

[0022] In general, in another aspect, the hydraulic plunger comprises a 45-degree coupling between the second end of the elongated tubular wand and the coupling at the liquid inlet end such that the internal fluid carrying passage of the elongated wand and the internal through passage of the carrier body are fluidically connected at an angle to facilitate the positioning of the carrier body.

[0023] In general, in another aspect, the hydraulic plunger comprises a pulsator operable to induce a pulsating flow in a liquid flow exiting the internal through passage of the carrier body.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0026] As such, 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.

[0027] 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

[0028] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included to provide further understanding of the invention for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used to indicate a similar feature of a feature with similar functionality. In the drawings:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the hydraulic plunger device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention illustrating the apparatus in-use;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the foam body of the device, showing or illustrating the relationship of the foam body to the second end of the tubular wand connecting to the coupling of the elongated carrier body of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 3 is an exploded front elevation view of an embodiment of the hydraulic plunger device, showing or illustrating a 45-degree coupling to connect the tubular wand and the coupling;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the hydraulic plunger device, showing or illustrating the tubular wand, a pulsator, and the foam body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] With reference now to FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, a new hydraulic plunger device embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the present invention and generally designated by the reference number 10 will be described.

[0034] The hydraulic plunger 10 generally includes an elongated tubular handle or wand 12 configured to be connected to a source of pressurized fluid, such as water from a conventional water faucet, and a plunger head 14 that is secured to an end of the wand and through which the pressurized fluid is discharged. The plunger head 14 is positioned below the siphon discharge nozzle 18 of a toilet 20 so that the pressurized fluid is discharged through the drainage passage to release any blockages therein.

[0035] As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the plunger head 14 generally includes a carrier body 22, a coupling 24, a first 26 and second 28 flange, and a resilient foam body 30.

[0036] The elongated carrier body 22 has a liquid inlet end 32, a liquid outlet end 34, and an internal through passage 36 that extends along the carrier body and through the liquid inlet end 32 and liquid outlet end 34. In an embodiment, the elongated carrier body 22 is an elongated tubular member.

[0037] Located proximate to the liquid inlet end 32 is a coupling 24 that connects the internal through passage 36 to a source of pressurized liquid. The pressurized liquid travels the length of the internal through passage 36 and is discharged through the liquid outlet end 34 of the carrier body 22.

[0038] Encircling the liquid inlet end 32 of the elongated carrier body 22 is a first flange 26 that encircles the elongated carrier body 22 and projects outwardly from the elongated carrier body 22. In an embodiment, the first flange 26 is disposed at a longitudinally inward location from the liquid inlet end 32 and forms a seal shoulder. Encircling the liquid outlet end 34 of the elongated carrier body 22 is a second flange 28 encircling the elongated carrier body 22. The second flange 28, which also projects outwardly from the elongated carrier body 22, is longitudinally spaced along the carrier body 22 from the first flange 26. In an embodiment, the second flange 28 is flush with the liquid outlet end 34. In another embodiment, both the first flange 26 and the second flange 28 are dome-shaped.

[0039] A resilient foam body 30 extends between the first 26 and the second 28 flanges and encircles the elongated carrier body 22. The resilient foam body 30 may come in a variety of shapes that are sufficient in volume to allow the resilient foam body 30 to be positioned below the siphon discharge nozzle 18 and make a sealing contact with the drain so that all of the pressurized water may be discharged through the drainage passage 16, and none of the pressurized water will make its way into the siphon discharge nozzle 18. The first flange 26 prevents the foam body 30 from dislodging upwardly during insertion, and the second flange 28 prevents the foam body 30 from dislodging downwardly upon removal. The foam body 30 extends laterally, in an outward direction from the elongated carrier body 22, beyond the first 26 and the second 28 flanges to provide a sealing surface that is deformable to complement the interior shape of the toilet drain passage 16. In an embodiment, the foam body 30 is spherical in shape and extends laterally, in an outward direction from the elongated carrier body 22, beyond the dome-shaped flanges 26 and 28. Covering the resilient foam body 30, and optionally flanges 26 and 38, is a water-proof skin.

[0040] It may be understood that the elongated carrier body 22, the coupling 24, and the first 26 and second 28 flanges may be made of non-marring material, such as plastic, so as not to damage the porcelain toilet surface. The carrier body 22 may be made of one seamless continuous piece of material to be completely unitary.

[0041] The resilient foam body 30 may then be applied and adhered between the first 26 and the second 28 flanges and, further, to encircle the elongated carrier body 22 laterally, in an outward direction from the elongated carrier body 22. The application of the foam body 30, in this manner, prevents the foam body from sliding, distorting, and bunching along the elongated carrier body 22 and also prevents sewage from entering any part of the elongated carrier body 22, coupling 24, and flange 26 and 28 assembly. This assembly may further be immersed in a liquid plastic to form the skin covering 38. The liquid plastic may be infused with antimicrobial or antibacterial compounds.

[0042] Furthermore, the shape and material of the foam body 30 will allow the foam body 30 to conform to the contours of any toilet trap and bypass a toilet siphon jet to create a tight positive seal against the drain and, therefore, maximize the amount of pressure on the drain per square inch. This design, further, will not disturb the surface of the water in use, and will therefore prevent backsplash and bubbling of the water.

[0043] The assembly of the elongated carrier body 22, the coupling 24, and the first 26 and second 28 flanges may also be a single-use disposable assembly to avoid the necessity of cleaning the assembly. This may be beneficial, for example, in hospitals that may wish to maintain sanitary conditions.

[0044] As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the device further includes an elongated tubular wand 12 having opposite first 40 and second 42 ends. Extending between the first 40 and second 42 ends of the elongated tubular wand 12 is an internal fluid carrying passage 44, as seen in FIG. 2. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the second end of the elongated wand 42 is connected to the coupling 24 that is located at the liquid inlet end 32 of the elongated carrier body 22. Provided between the elongated tubular wand 12 and the seal shoulder 46 of the first flange 26, there may be a circumferential o-ring to create a sealed connection. When the elongated wand 12 is connected to the coupling 24, the internal fluid carrying passage 44 of the elongated wand 12 and the internal through passage 36 of the carrier body 22 are fluidically connected. Connected to the first end 40 of the elongated tubular wand 12 is a trigger valve 48. The trigger valve, itself, also has a second coupling 50 for connecting the trigger valve to a source of pressurized liquid and is operable to control the flow of pressurized liquid through the tubular wand 12.

[0045] Therefore, it is understood that in order to clear a clogged toilet drain, a user would forcibly insert the foam body 30 into the drain. The shape of the foam body will distort and conform to the shape of the drain, thereby creating a tight seal. The user may utilize the second coupling 50 to connect the trigger valve 48 to a source of pressurized liquid. After the user has connected the trigger valve 48 to the source of pressurized liquid, the user may then insert the foam body 30 into the drainage passage 16 and operate the trigger valve 48 to release a flow of pressurized liquid through the tubular wand 12 and the internal through passage 36 to break up debris and clear the drain.

[0046] In an embodiment, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the hydraulic plunger may further include a 45-degree coupling 52 connected between the second end 42 of the elongated tubular wand 12 and the coupling 24 located at the liquid inlet end 32 of the carrier body 22. In use, the 45-degree coupling will fluidically connect the internal fluid carrying passage 44 of the elongated wand 12 and the internal through passage 36 of the carrier body 22 at a 45-degree angle to facilitate the positioning of the carrier body 22 to be perpendicular to the toilet drain by a user.

[0047] In another embodiment, as best illustrated in FIG. 4, the hydraulic plunger includes a pulsator 54, which is known in the art. The pulsator 54, which may be located at either end of the elongated tubular wand 12, operates to induce a pulsating liquid flow exiting the internal through passage 36 of the carrier body 22 by providing a water valve which alternately opens in response to water pressure and closes in response to nonlinear restoring force for causing pulsed water flow to a point of use. This pulsating liquid flow may effectively loosen clogs and debris.

[0048] A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A hydraulic plunger comprising: an elongated carrier body having a liquid inlet end, a liquid outlet end, and an internal through passage extending along said carrier body and through said liquid inlet and said liquid outlet ends; a coupling at said liquid inlet end for connecting said internal through passage with a source of pressurized liquid and discharging the pressurized liquid through said liquid outlet end; a first flange encircling said elongated carrier body and projecting outwardly therefrom; a second flange encircling said elongated carrier body and projecting outwardly therefrom, said second flange longitudinally spaced along said carrier body from said first flange; and a resilient foam body extending completely between said first and said second flanges and encircling said elongated carrier body.

2. The hydraulic plunger of claim 1, wherein said foam body extends laterally outwardly from said elongated carrier body beyond said first and said second flanges.

3. The hydraulic plunger of claim 2, wherein said foam body is spherical shaped.

4. The hydraulic plunger of claim 3, wherein said first and said second flanges are dome-shaped.

5. The hydraulic plunger of claim 1, further comprising: a water-proof skin covering said foam body.

6. The hydraulic plunger of claim 5, wherein said water-proof skin further covers said first and said second flanges.

7. The hydraulic plunger of claim 1, wherein said first flange is disposed at a longitudinally inward location from said liquid inlet end and forms a seal shoulder.

8. The hydraulic plunger of claim 1, wherein said second flange is flush with said liquid outlet end.

9. The hydraulic plunger of claim 1, wherein said carrier body is an elongated tubular body.

10. The hydraulic plunger of claim 1, further comprising: an elongated tubular wand having opposite first and second ends and an internal fluid carrying passage extending between said opposite ends; said second end of said elongated wand connected to said coupling at said liquid inlet end such that said internal fluid carrying passage of said elongated wand and said internal through passage of said carrier body are fluidically connected; and a trigger valve connected to said first end of said elongated wand and having a second coupling for connecting said trigger valve to a source of pressurized liquid, said trigger valve operable to control the flow of a pressurized liquid through said tubular wand.

11. The hydraulic plunger of claim 10, further comprising: a 45-degree coupling between said second end of said elongated tubular wand and said coupling at said liquid inlet end such that said internal fluid carrying passage of said elongated wand and said internal through passage of said carrier body are fluidically connected at an angle to facilitate the positioning of said carrier body.

12. The hydraulic plunger of claim 10, further comprising: a pulsator operable to induce a pulsating flow in a liquid flow exiting said internal through passage of said carrier body.

13. A hydraulic plunger comprising: a spherical shaped foam body comprised of a resilient foam material; a tubular member having opposed first and second ends and extending completely through said spherical shaped foam body; a first dome-shaped flange encircling said first end of said tubular member and projecting outwardly therefrom and engaged with a first end of said spherical shaped foam body; a second dome-shaped flange encircling said second end of said tubular member and projecting outwardly therefrom and engaged with a second end of said spherical shaped foam body; and a coupling at said first end of said tubular member for connecting an internal through passage thereof with a source of pressurized liquid.

14. The hydraulic plunger of claim 13, wherein said foam body extends laterally outwardly from said elongated carrier body beyond said first and said second flanges.

15. The hydraulic plunger of claim 13, further comprising: a water-proof skin covering said foam body.

16. The hydraulic plunger of claim 13, wherein said first flange is disposed at a longitudinally inward location from said liquid inlet end and forms a seal shoulder.

17. The hydraulic plunger of claim 13, wherein said second flange is flush with said liquid outlet end.

18. The hydraulic plunger of claim 13, further comprising: an elongated tubular wand having opposite first and second ends and an internal fluid carrying passage extending between said opposite ends; said second end of said elongated wand connected to said coupling at said liquid inlet end such that said internal fluid carrying passage of said elongated wand and said internal through passage of said carrier body are fluidically connected; and a trigger valve connected to said first end of said elongated wand and having a second coupling for connecting said trigger valve to a source of pressurized liquid, said trigger valve operable to control the flow of a pressurized liquid through said tubular wand.

19. The hydraulic plunger of claim 18, further comprising: a 45-degree coupling between said second end of said elongated tubular wand and said coupling at said liquid inlet end such that said internal fluid carrying passage of said elongated wand and said internal through passage of said carrier body are fluidically connected at an angle to facilitate the positioning of said carrier body.

20. The hydraulic plunger of claim 18, further comprising: a pulsator operable to induce a pulsating flow in a liquid flow exiting said internal through passage of said carrier body.

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