US20080134421A1

US20080134421A1 - Plunger device

Info

Publication number: US20080134421A1
Application number: US11/608,354
Authority: US
Inventors: Douglas M. Sheffield; Tamara K. Sheffield
Original assignee: We-Flex LLC
Current assignee: We-Flex LLC
Priority date: 2006-12-08
Filing date: 2006-12-08
Publication date: 2008-06-12
Also published as: WO2008073236A2; WO2008073236A3; CN101600838A

Abstract

A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base formed from a first material. The base has an outer surface and an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface. The base further has a non-circular periphery extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the base. The plunger further includes a handle extending from the outer surface of the base.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to plunger devices and more particularly to plunger devices including a base having a non-circular periphery and/or a non-cylindrical handle.
Since their inception, conventional plungers have not changed much from their ubiquitous design including a rigid cylindrical handle attached to a flexible circular base or cup made of an elastomeric material such as rubber. For example, although plungers have changed from usually having wooden handles to sometimes having handles made of plastic and although materials used for the base have changed due to advancements in material technology, the rigid cylindrical handle and the flexible base are still a mainstay.
Although conventional plungers have fulfilled the functional needs of users, they have not developed much aesthetically. A likely reason for the lack of development beyond the conventional circular shape of the base is that designers have been unaware of an ability to make non-circular bases having the same or greater function for clearing pipes. One reason for the lack of development of the handle of plungers beyond the conventional cylindrical shape may be that designers have not recognized and/or fully appreciated an interest that consumers may have in decorative handles that perform at least as good as conventional cylindrical handles. Plungers are sought that have the same or better performance as conventional plungers but are pleasing to the senses, such as by having a non-circular base, a non-cylindrical handle, materials selected to emit a desired aroma, desired colors, and/or markings formed on the base and/or the handle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base formed from a first material. The base has an outer surface and an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface. The base further has a non-circular periphery extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the base. The plunger further includes a handle extending from the outer surface of the base.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base formed from a first material and having an outer surface and an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface. The base further has a periphery extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the base. The plunger further includes a non-cylindrical handle extending from the outer surface of the base and a second material selected to emit an aroma corresponding to a shape of the handle connected to the base.
In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base formed from a first material. The base has an outer surface, an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface, and a periphery extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the base. The plunger further includes a marking formed on the base and a non-cylindrical handle extending from the outer surface of the base. The plunger also includes a second material selected to emit an aroma corresponding to the marking on the base connected to the base.
In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base formed from a first material and having an outer surface and an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface. The base further has a periphery extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the base. The plunger further includes a non-cylindrical handle extending from the outer surface of the base and a marking formed on the handle. The plunger also includes a second material selected to emit an aroma corresponding to the marking on the handle connected to the base.
In yet still another aspect, the present invention relates to a plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes including a flexible base formed from a first material and having an outer surface and an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface. The base further has a periphery extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the base. The plunger further includes a marking formed on the outer surface of the base including at least one characteristic of a group of characteristics consisting of a depression and a protrusion. The plunger also includes a handle extending from the outer surface of the base.
Other aspects of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a plunger according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the plunger taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the plunger in a default shape.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the plunger taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing the plunger in the default shape positioned adjacent a conventional toilet.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the plunger contacting the toilet.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the plunger shown in an actuated shape adjacent the toilet.

FIG. 6 is a perspective of a plunger according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of the plunger of the second embodiment taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a plunger according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a plunger according to a first embodiment of the present invention is designated in its entirety by reference number 10. The plunger 10 is used for clearing clogged pipes. The plunger 10 comprises a flexible or deformable cup or base 12 having an outer surface 14, an inner surface 16 opposite the outer surface, and a periphery 18 extending around the base and surrounding the inner surface and the outer surface. The periphery 18 of the base 12 may be circular or form various non-circular shapes, as described below in further detail. The base 12 is formed from a flexible first material. Although the base 12 may include other first materials without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the first material is rubber. The plunger 10 further includes a handle 20 extending from the outer surface 14 of the base 12. The handle 20 may be unitarily formed with the base 12 or formed from separate components connected together. The handle 20 may be generally cylindrical or form various non-cylindrical shapes, as described below in further detail.
As shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface 14 may include a convex portion 22 and the inner surface 16 includes a concave portion 24 opposite the outer surface. The concave portion 24 of the inner surface 16 has a center 26. For embodiments in which the outer surface 14 includes the convex portion 22, the concave portion 24 of the inner surface 16 may be opposite the convex portion.
The periphery 18 may be symmetric, such as circular, square, or oval, or non-symmetric. For example, the periphery 18 of the base 12 shown in FIG. 1 is non-circular and non-symmetric and, specifically, shaped like a human foot. In one embodiment, the periphery 18 is non-circular and non-oval. The shape of the base 12 may represent an object. The term “object” is used in a broad sense and exemplary objects include but are not limited to common geometric shapes such as a triangle, a star, a heart (e.g., a cardiod), and a hexagon, animate objects such as a person, an animal, and a tree, and inanimate objects such as a vehicle (e.g., a boat, a car, or an airplane), a building, a bridge, and common household articles such as a shoe. The periphery 18 of the base 12 may also form a shape of an object selected from a group of objects consisting of a piece of athletic equipment, a cartoon character, and an item of nature. Exemplary pieces of athletic equipment include a tennis racket, a spiked shoe or cleat, a hockey or figure skate, a football (such as the football-shaped periphery 68 shown in FIG. 6), and a baseball home plate (such as the home plate-shaped periphery 118 shown in FIG. 8). Other sports-related objects may correspond to a sports playing field, such as a golf putting green and some sports-related objects may be considered part of the playing field and as athletic equipment, such as the baseball home plate. Exemplary items of nature include an animal such as a fish, an octopus, a dolphin, flowers, a fruit, and a person. Other exemplary periphery 18 shapes are described below with respect to additional embodiments of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the base 12 may include a locator or guide flange 28 extending from the inner surface 16. The guide flange 28 is generally circular and configured and located on the base 12 so that it engages the opening of the pipe in which the base is positioned for using the plunger 10. The guide flange 28 may be made of the same material as the balance of the base 12 and may be unitarily formed with the base (i.e., integrally formed as one-piece with the base).
Conventional plungers have circular bases because spring or reflex forces developed within them are naturally distributed in a uniform circular pattern and the base adjacent its circular periphery easily forms and maintains sealed contact with an opening of a pipe. Maintaining sealed contact between the flexible base of the plunger and the opening of the pipe is needed for highly effective plunging as described below in further detail. As the flexible base 12 is deformed toward an actuated shape (shown in FIG. 5), reflex or spring forces are created in the base between the convex and concave portions 22, 24 that act to return the base to its default shape (shown in FIG. 3). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the flexible base 12 must include materials and be shaped so the reflex forces created in the deformed base are strong enough to bias the base toward the default shape enough to ensure sealed contact between the base and the opening of the pipe as the base is moved toward the actuated shape and the default shape for creating the plunging force and suction.
The base 12 must also be sized and shaped so the base can seal with the opening of the pipe. For example, if a circular base 12 is too small, the base may not securely engage sides of the opening of the pipe as needed for highly effective plunging. As another example, if a non-circular-shaped base 12 is not large enough, the non-circular portion of the base adjacent the periphery 18 contacting the opening of the pipe may contact the opening of the pipe and allow the base to partially deform but will not contact the pipe continuously for sealing with the pipe and may not allow sufficient deformation of the base for creating enough positive pressure or suction for effective plunging.
The flexible base 12 has a thickness t_b(shown in FIG. 2) measured between the outer surface 14 and the inner surface 16 of the base. The thickness t_bmay be generally constant or vary throughout the flexible base 12. One way to reduce the effect of non-circular reflex forces in bases 12 having a non-circular periphery 18 is to taper (e.g., steadily decrease) the thickness t_bof the base between the center 26 of the concave portion 24 of the inner surface 16 and the periphery of the base. For example, the thickness t_bof the base 12 may vary from a maximum thickness of between about 0.05 inch and about 0.5 inch adjacent the center 26 of the concave portion 24 of the inner surface 16 and a minimum thickness of between about 0.05 inch and about 0.2 inch adjacent the periphery 18. In one particular embodiment, the thickness t_bof the base 12 varies from a maximum thickness of between about 0.09375 inch and about 0.3125 inch adjacent the center 26 of the concave portion 24 of the inner surface 16 and a minimum thickness of between about 0.09375 inch and about 0.1875 inch adjacent the periphery 18. The reflex forces developed in tapered bases 12 during deformation of them are more uniform because there is less material nearer the periphery 18 where the base is non-uniformly shaped. The base 12 near the periphery 18 contributes less to the reflex forces of the base in proportion to the decreased thickness, allowing the reflex forces distributed more uniformly around a center of the base to predominate the sum of the reflex forces. By developing more uniform reflex forces in the base 12, devices 10 having a tapered thickness t_bcan securely maintain a seal with the opening of the pipe.
It is contemplated that reflex forces may also be reduced by varying the material or material properties of the flexible base 12 between the center 26 and the periphery 18. For example, the material of the base 12 may be less resilient nearer the periphery to reduce reflex forces created by the base adjacent the periphery. In bases 12 having varying characteristics (e.g., thickness t_b, material, and material properties) between the center 26 of the inner surface 16 and the periphery 18, the variation may be uniform around the base (e.g., base tapers from a maximum thickness of 0.09375 inch to a minimum thickness of 0.3125 inch at the same rate at all portions of the base between the center of the inner surface and the periphery) or different at different portions of the base. For example, the thickness t_bbetween the center 26 of the inner surface 16 and the periphery 18 shown in the view of FIG. 2 may taper less than the taper between the center of the inner surface and the periphery shown in the view of FIG. 3 of the same plunger 10 and the base in some portions between the center and the periphery may not taper at all.
Another way to reduce the effect of non-circular reflex forces is by forming the base 12 so the inner surface 16 includes a bend 30 (shown in FIG. 2) adjacent a boundary 32 of a suction portion 34 of the inner surface. The bend 30 may be positioned between the boundary 32 of the suction portion 34 and the periphery 18 of the base 12 and may overlap the boundary of the suction portion. The suction portion 34 consists of the surface of the base 12 that interacts with the opening of the pipe to create the seal required for plunging. The suction portion 34 includes the concave portion 24 of the inner surface 16 and the boundary 32 extends around and defines the suction portion. The base 12 further includes an additional portion 36 between the suction portion 34 and the periphery 18.
The additional portion 36 of the base 12 is not needed to create the seal between the base and the pipe that required for highly effective plunging by positive pressure or suction. The base 12 may include the additional portion 36 even if the inner surface 16 of the base does not include the bend 30. Although the bend 30 may change a direction of the inner surface 16 by other amounts when the flexible base 12 is undeformed, in one embodiment the bend changes the direction of the inner surface by between about 5° and about 20° when the flexible base is undeformed. As with the base thickness t_b, material, and material properties, which may vary as described above, the bend 30 may be uniform around the base or vary differently at different portions of the base. The base 12 may have any combination of a tapered base thickness t_b, varying base material, varying material properties, and the bend 30 adjacent the boundary 32 of the suction portion 34 of the inner surface 16. For example, the base 12 may have a tapered thickness t_b, generally homogenous base material and material properties, and no bend 30 in the inner surface 16 of the base.
FIG. 3 shows the flexible base 12 of the plunger 10 positioned adjacent a mouth or opening 38 of a pipe 40. The illustrated pipe 40 is associated with a toilet 42 containing water 44. Although the plunger 10 is primarily described as being used to force water 44 through the pipe 40 associated with the toilet 42, the plunger may be used with pipes of other structures to move water and/or other fluids. Other exemplary structures include sinks, bathtubs, and showers. A plunger 10 without a guide flange 28 is generally easier to use in most sinks, bathtubs, showers, and other structures that do not have a tapered pipe opening for receiving the flange, such as the tapered opening 38 of toilets 42. However, plungers 10 having a guide flange 28 may be configured so the guide flange can be rolled, flipped, or otherwise bent (not shown) into the concave portion 24 of the base 12 for using the plunger in combination with structures that do not have a tapered opening.
Most toilets 42 are configured and set so a bowl 46 of the toilet holds enough water 44 so most or all of the inner surface 16 of the base 12 contacts the water when the base contacts the opening 38 of the pipe 40 of the toilet 42 as shown in FIG. 4. When a toilet 42 is set to hold too little water or sometimes when the toilet pipe 40 is clogged and keeping water from entering the bowl 46, water fills less of the bowl than usual. Even when the inner surface 16 of the plunger base 12 directly contacts little or no water 44 when the base contacts the opening 38 of the pipe 40, the plunger 10 can still be used to clear a clog by pushing or sucking air adjacent the surface of the water (i.e., air adjacent the opening 38 of the pipe 40) away form or toward the base 12, as the case may be. When a sufficient positive or negative pressure is created in the air adjacent the water 44, the adjacent water will be pushed or pulled accordingly. Creating the positive pressure and suction conditions in the water 44 positioned in the pipe 40 using the plunger 10 is described in further detail below.
To use the plunger 10, a user grasps the handle 20 and positions the flexible base 12 adjacent the opening 38 of the pipe 40 when the base is in the default shape so the inner surface 16 of the base faces the pipe, as shown in FIG. 3. The user then maneuvers the handle 20 so the base 12 contacts the opening 28 of the pipe as shown in FIG. 4. By positioning the flexible base 12 in this way, the base and the pipe 40 form a cavity 48. The guide flange 28 may assist in positioning the base 12 in the toilet 42 as desired by engaging the sides of the opening 38 of the pipe during positioning. A user can sense when the guide flange 28 is positioned in the opening 38 because the opening will brace the base from moving much laterally.
The flexible base 12 is configured so that when the base is in the default shape and positioned adjacent the opening 38 as shown in FIG. 3 and moved through the intermediate shape shown in FIG. 4 toward the actuated shape shown in FIG. 5, the inner surface 16 of the base contacts the opening 38 of the pipe 40 continuously around the opening (i.e., causing the inner surface to conform to the opening of the pipe) to create a seal between the base and the pipe. After this seal is created between the base 12 of the plunger 10 and the pipe 40 and the user pushes the handle 20 toward the opening 38 of the pipe, the base moves from the default shape shown in FIG. 3 toward the actuated shape shown in FIG. 5.
The flexible base 12 moves through various intermediate shapes when it is moved between the default shape and the actuated shape. For example, FIG. 4 shows the base 12 in one intermediate shape. The plunger 10 may be used to effectively unclog a pipe by moving the base 12 between the default shape and an intermediate shape or between the actuated shape and an intermediate shape, depending on the size and shape of the base with respect to the size and shape of the pipe and characteristics of the clog.
When the base 12 is moved toward the actuated shape, the concave portion 24 of the inner surface 16 moves toward the pipe 40 thereby forcing fluid (e.g., water 44, air, or both) positioned in the cavity 48 formed between the base and the pipe into the pipe and toward the debris clogging the pipe. For embodiments of the plunger 10 including a guiding flange 28, the guiding flange may be configured so that it contacts the opening 38 of the pipe 40 for positioning the plunger in the toilet 42 but does not block fluid from passing between the base and the pipe when the base is moved between the default and actuated shapes. Because debris at least partially blocks the pipe 40, the fluid forced toward the debris increases pressure in the fluid between the plunger 10 and the debris. This increased pressure creates a pressure differential within the pipe between a proximate or plunger side of the debris and a distal or far side of the debris. When the pressure differential is sufficiently high (e.g., when the pressure on the plunger side of the debris is sufficiently high), the force of the higher pressure on the plunger side dislodges the debris from its clogging position in the pipe 40.
As described above, the reflex forces created in the base 12 between the convex and concave portions 22, 24 as the flexible base is deformed toward the actuated shape act to return the base to its default shape. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the material, the size, and the shape of the flexible base 12 must be selected so the reflex forces are strong enough to bias the base toward the actuated shape for maintaining the seal between the base and the pipe 40. For example, if the reflex forces formed in the base 12 as it is moved from the default shape toward the actuated shape are too small, the base will not be biased against the opening 38 of the pipe 40 enough to ensure a continuous seal between the base and the pipe. When the base 12 does not form a continuous seal with the opening 38 of the pipe 40 when moving the base from the default shape to the actuated shape, the plunger 10 creates a smaller increase in pressure between the base and the debris than would be created by larger reflex forces and perhaps an insufficient amount of pressure for dislodging the debris.
The plunger 10 may also be used to pull or draw fluid through the pipe 40 toward the plunger to unclog the pipe. The plunger 10 pulls fluid (e.g., water 44 or water and air) toward itself through the pipe 40 when the flexible base 12 is positioned adjacent the opening 38 of the pipe in its actuated shape forming a seal between the base and the pipe as shown in FIG. 5 and moved to or past the intermediate shape shown in FIG. 4 and toward the default shape shown in FIG. 3. For embodiments of the plunger 10 including a guiding flange 28, the guiding flange may be configured so that it contacts the opening 38 of the pipe 40 for positioning the plunger in the toilet 42 but does not block fluid from passing between the base and the pipe when the base is moved between the actuated and default shapes. Because debris at least partially blocks the pipe 40, drawing fluid toward the base 12 decreases pressure in the fluid between the plunger 10 and the debris. This decreased pressure or suction creates a pressure differential within the pipe 40 between the plunger side of the debris and the far side of the debris. When the pressure differential is sufficiently great (e.g., when the pressure on the plunger side of the debris is sufficiently low), the force of the lower pressure on the plunger side dislodges the debris from its clogging position in the pipe 40.
As described above, the reflex forces created in the flexible base 12 between the convex and concave portions 22, 24 when the base is deformed away from the default shape act to return the base to the default shape. The material, the size, and the shape of the flexible base 12 must be selected so the reflex forces are strong enough to maintain the seal between the base and the pipe 40 while the base is being moved to the default shape. For example, if the reflex forces in the base 12 as it is moved from the actuated shape toward the default shape are too small, the base will not be biased against the opening 38 of the pipe 40 enough to ensure a continuous seal between the base and the pipe. When the base 12 does not form a continuous seal with the opening 38 of the pipe during deformation toward the default shape, the plunger 10 creates less suction or vacuum between the base and the debris and perhaps insufficient suction for dislodging the debris.
As described above, the periphery 18 of the base 12 can form various shapes as long as the suction portion 34 is sized and shaped to seal against the opening 38 of the pipe 40 and create the increased pressure or the suction that moves the clogging debris. The additional portion 36 of the base 12, between the boundary 32 of the suction portion 34 and the periphery 18, can be sized and shaped in various ways because the additional portion is not needed for creating the seal between the base and the pipe 40 nor for increasing pressure or suction in the pipe 40 to clear the clog.
The plunger 10 may include one or more markings 50 formed on the base 12 at a position selected from a group of positions consisting of an outer position on the outer surface 14, an inner position on the inner surface 16, and an intermediate position between the outer surface and the inner surface. The markings 50 may be formed on the base 12 in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. The markings 50 may include a protrusion 52 and/or a depression 54. The shape of the base 12 may be changed by the markings 50 on the base. Specifically, markings 50 in the form of protrusions 52 and depressions 54 may change the shape of the base. Protrusions 52 may be formed on the base 12 by adding the first material forming the base and/or another material to the base. Material on the base 12 may be considered added material (i.e., a protrusion 52) when it is formed with or on the base in addition to the base 12 required for the plunging function. For example, in FIG. 2, the base 12 needed for proper plunging is designated by reference number 56. The needed portion 56 of the base may correspond to the suction portion 34 of the inner surface 16 of the base 12. Additional material 58 added to the required portion 56 of the base 12 is a marking 50 in the form of a protrusion 52.
For the foot-shaped base 12 shown in FIGS. 1-5, protrusions 52 and/or depressions 54 may form the toes including toe nails. For example, a body of the toes (e.g., including knuckles not shown in detail) may be formed by protrusions 52 and the toe nails may be formed by depressions 54. Protrusions 52 and depressions 54 may be formed on a protrusion. For example, the protrusions 52 forming toes may be formed on the additional material 36 of the base, which may be a marking as described above.
The markings 50 formed on the base 12 may correspond to a shape of the periphery 18 of the base. For example, the protrusions 52 on the base 12 shown in FIG. 1 form characteristics of the foot formed by the shape of the periphery 18. Specifically, the protrusions 52 form raised portions accenting the toes of the foot formed by the shape of the periphery 18. Other exemplary markings formed on the base by protrusions are described below regarding other embodiments.
The depressions 54 may be formed on the base 12 in a variety of ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the depressions 54 may be formed on the base 12 by removing material 58 from the base that is not needed for plunging. Material may be removed from the base 12 by, for example, cutting, chiseling, engraving, melting, or etching. A depression 54 may also be formed by providing material in some areas when forming the base 12 but not in a particular area thereby forming the depression. For example, a mold used for forming the base 12 may include a protrusion resulting in a depression in the base. The depressions 54 on the base 12 shown in FIG. 1 include toe nail portions as described above and cavities forming crevices between the toes formed by the periphery 18 and the protrusions 52. Depressions 54 and protrusions 52 may be formed on the base 12 by displacing material of the base, such as by impressing, etching, melting, and molding.
Markings 50 may be printed or painted on the outer surface 14 of the base 12, printed or painted on the inner surface 16 of the base, printed on a label (not shown in detail) adhered to the outer surface of the base, molded into the base, melted into the base, etched into the base, doped into the base, impressed into the base, or engraved into the base. For example, the markings 50 on the foot-shaped base 12 of the plunger 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5 may include tan, beige, or brown paint on the outer surface 14 of the base matching common human skin tones. If the periphery 18 of the base 12 formed a shape of a shoe (not shown), the markings 50 could include colors of the shoe and a logo, as well as protrusions 52 and/or depressions 54 forming details of the shoe, such as laces and a tongue.
The markings 50 may also include painted, printed, or otherwise formed lines, coloring, or other impressions added to the base 12 to accent the object formed by the shape of the periphery 18. For example, instead of or along with forming toes including toe nails by protrusions 52 and/or depressions 54, the toes and nails may be formed or accented by paint or another medium. The markings 50 in the form of protrusions 52, depressions 54, and additional accenting may be added to provide a more realistic and three-dimensional appearance. The markings 50 described in this paragraph are additional examples of markings formed on the base 12 corresponding to the shape of the periphery 18 because the markings form aspects of the foot formed by the shape of the periphery.
The markings 50 on the base 12 may further include a message (not shown). The message may be formed by markings in various ways such as by forming images and/or symbols on the outer surface 14 of the base 12, on the inner surface of the base, and/or between the outer surface and the inner surface. In one embodiment, the markings 50 include one or more letters and/or numbers. For example, the markings 50 may include letters forming words and/or other symbols (e.g., a logo) corresponding to a company in a foot-related industry (e.g., a podiatrist or a shoe company) painted, printed, or otherwise formed on the base 12 of a plunger 10 distributed by that company as a marketing instrument.
The handle 20 may be made of a variety of materials without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the handle 20 may include wood, plastic, rubber, glass, or metal. The handle 20 must be sized, shaped, and rigid enough to allow the user to grasp and maneuver it for moving the base 12 of the plunger 10 as required for highly effective plunging as described above. The handle 20 may be solid or hollow and may form various shapes including cylindrical and a variety of non-cylindrical shapes.
For embodiments of the plunger 10 including a hollow handle 20 (not shown in detail), the handle may be transparent and the plunger 10 may further include one or more items positioned in the hollow being viewable through the handle. Exemplary items include fluids or beads having one or more select colors. Further, the hollow handle 20 may be filled with a select substance for deodorizing and/or cleaning the toilet 42. For example, the handle 20 may be filled with a toilet bowl cleaning fluid including material having a desired color and emitting a select scent and have an adjustable or removable cap (not shown in detail) for selectively dispensing the fluid into the toilet bowl 46. Other substances positionable in the handle 20 include deodorizing and/or cleaning powders or granules.
The shape of the handle 20 may be changed by forming a marking on the handle (such as the markings 86, 124 on the handles 70, 120 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8). The handle 20 may form various shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the handle 20 may form the shape of an object, the term “object” being used in a broad sense. Exemplary objects include pieces of athletic equipment, inanimate objects, items of nature, and other common items. Exemplary inanimate objects include pieces of athletic equipment. Exemplary items of nature include a person, an animal, a tree, the moon, the sun, and a flower. Exemplary pieces of athletic equipment include a tennis racket, a boat, a race car, a hockey stick, a pool cue, a fishing pole, a football goal post (see e.g., FIG. 6), baseball bat or bat and ball (see e.g., FIG. 8), a golf club, and a golf flag.
The handle 20 may also form a shape corresponding to a shape of the periphery 18 of the base 12. For example, in one embodiment (not shown) the handle 20 forms the shape of a golf club and the base 12 is shaped and colored as a putting green or a golf ball. Other exemplary embodiments include a handle shaped as a football goal post corresponding to a football-shaped base (see e.g., the handle 70 and the base 62 shown in FIG. 6) and a handle shaped as a baseball bat and ball corresponding to a base shaped as a baseball home plate (see e.g., the handle 120 and the base 112 shown in FIG. 8). As yet another example (not shown), the handle 20 may be shaped as a fishing pole corresponding to a base 12 shaped as a fish.
The handle 20 may be connected to the base in a variety of ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. The handle 20 and the base may be removably attached to each other. For example, the handle 20 and the base 12 may have corresponding threads 59 so the handle and the base can be screwed together. As another example (not shown), the base 12 and the handle 20 may have corresponding shapes allowing the handle to lock or snap into the base. For instance, the base 12 may have a void connected to the outer surface 14 of the base by a relatively narrow opening for receiving and holding an anchoring end (e.g., a bulbous tip) of the handle. The handle 20 may also be permanently attached to the base 12 such as by fusing them together in any of various ways or forming them unitarily.
Removably connecting the handle 20 and the base 12 allows interchanging of bases and handles. A user can easily replace a base 12 or a handle 20 as desired for various reasons, such as if one of them breaks. The user can also make various combinations of handles 20 and bases 20 for creative reasons. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), the user replaces a golf club shaped and marked handle 20 on a golfing green shaped and marked base 12 with a golf flag shaped and marked handle. In another embodiment (not shown), the user replaces a football shaped and marked base 12 (such as the base 62 shown in FIG. 6) connected to a football goal post shaped and marked handle 20 (such as the handle 70 shown in FIG. 6) with a football helmet-shaped base.
As described above, the base 12 is formed of a flexible first material. As a base material, the base 12 may include a polymer or other elastomeric material such as rubber. The base material for the base 12 may include thermoplastics or other plastics. Particular examples of materials for the base 12 are silicone, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or another polyvinyl or vinyl, neoprene, formed by polymerization of chloroprene, and nitrile or Buna-N, which is a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile. The base material of the base 12 may be a single material or a combination of materials. The particular base material used depends on desired performance characteristics such as resilience, texture, and appearance, including color. The base 12 must be somewhat resilient and elastic so the base acts to return to the default shape when it is moved to the actuated shape thereby pressing toward the opening 38 of the pipe 40 for maintaining the seal between the base and the pipe as described above. However, if the base 12 is too resilient, it will be too difficult to move the base to the actuated shape.
The base 12 may also include a second material (not shown in detail) selected to emit a desired scent or aroma connected to the base. The aroma emitted from the base 12 may mask, cover, or subdue unwanted smells in a bathroom such as smells emitted from unwanted residue or debris on the plunger 10 or on or around the toilet 42. The scented material of the base 12 may include a single component, such as a single fragrant oil, or may include a combination of components. Various scents may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the scented material may emit an aroma selected from a group of aromas including floral scents, fruit scents, spices, herbs, other natural scents, and combinations of these scents. Exemplary floral scents include jasmine, lilac, lily, rose, ylang-ylang, magnolia, orchid, cherry blossom, and honeysuckle. Exemplary fruit scents include citrus, coconut, orange, banana, lemon, watermelon, cherry, strawberry or other berries, mango, watermelon, pineapple, kiwi, and grapefruit. Exemplary spices include cinnamon, coffee, and nutmeg. Exemplary herbs include rosemary, lemongrass, bergamot, chamomile, and mints such as sage, basil, oregano, thyme, peppermint, and lavender. Other natural scents include sandalwood, cucumber, patchouli, vanilla, eucalyptus, and pine. Further, the scented material may also emit other common aromas such as cotton candy, baby powder, and musk. In addition, the aroma may resemble a popular perfume or cologne of a newly created perfume or cologne.
Although the scented material may have other forms, in one embodiment the scented material is in the form of a gel, a powder, or a liquid such as an oil. In one embodiment, the scented material of the base 12 is a liquid concentrate. The scented material may be added to the base material of the base 12 at various stages of development of the base 12. In one embodiment, the scented material is coated onto the outer surface 14 and/or the inner surface 16 of the base 12. Although the scented material may be coated onto the outer surface 14 and/or the inner surface 16 of the base 12 in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the scented material is coated onto the outer surface and/or the inner surface of the base by dipping the base into a bath of the scented material, spraying the base with the scented material, or painting the base with the scented material such as by brush or other applicator. It is contemplated that the material emitting an aroma may also be part of or formed on a thin item or film such as a label or sticker attached to the outer surface 14 of the base 12.
In one embodiment, the scented material is impregnated into the base 12 during manufacture of the base. The scented material may be added to the base material before the base material is molded and/or cured to form the resulting shaped base 12. For example, in one embodiment the scented material in the form of an oil is added to and mixed with a liquid or gel silicone base material before molding and curing the base material to form the shaped base 12.
The molding and curing steps of forming flexible plunger bases are well known and include positioning the base material and any processing agents into a mold, such as by injection, and setting or curing that material to form the resulting base 12. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, an inhibitor or an accelerator may be added to the mixture forming the base 12 to control the rate and manner at which the base is molded and cures. Also, the base material of the base 12 may be vulcanized during formation by adding select chemical agents to add useful properties to the base or enhance such properties in the base including, for example, elasticity, strength, and stability. Vulcanizing materials include activators to initiate vulcanization, fillers, such as carbon, to reinforce the structure thereby enhancing chemical and mechanical properties of the base 12, and vulcanization agents to cross-link polymers. Other agents that may be added to the base material to affect the formation process and characteristics of the resulting base 12 include plasticizers, which soften the material and/or improve processing, processing aids, which may ease handling during mixing, extrusion, calendaring, or molding, mold release agents, which may be coated onto the mold such as by spraying and make it easier to remove the bases from the mold they are molded in, and age-resistors, which retard aging of the base. In addition, as described in further detail below, pigments may be added to the base material to color the base 12 as desired. The pigments may color or tint the base 12 as desired and in addition to or instead of color or tint added as desired to the base 12 in other ways (e.g., by painting).
The base material and the scented material and the manner in which they are combined and processed affect characteristics of the plunger 10 such as a tendency to maintain the seal against the opening 38 of the pipe 40 during plunging and aroma emitting characteristics. In one embodiment, the base material is selected, the scented material is selected and added to the base material, and the base is processed so the plunger 10 emits a relatively strong aroma. In another embodiment, the base material is selected, the scented material is selected and added to the base material, and the base is processed so the device emits aroma for a relatively long period of time (e.g., for one or more years).
Although emission of aroma from the base 12 may be controlled in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the emission of aroma from the base is controlled by controlling a rate of evaporation of the scented material. The rate of evaporation or diffusion of the scented material depends on the substance of the scented material because various substances evaporate in different ways. For example, one scented material may evaporate rapidly when exposed to air, thus providing a strong aroma for a relatively shorter period of time, and another scented material may evaporate more slowly, providing an aroma for a longer period of time. Also, it is believed that the rate of evaporation may be controlled by controlling the presence and configuration of voids formed in the base material of the base 12 and channels connecting the voids (not shown in detail) to the each other and to the surfaces 14, 16. By experimentation that is within the ability of those skilled in the art, a designer of the plunger 10 can select particular base materials, scented materials, and processing agents and methods to make an aromatic plunger having desired characteristics. For example, the designer may experiment with materials and processes to create a plunger 10 with desired performance characteristics such as an ability to form a continuous seal with the pipe 40, deform as needed to create positive pressure and suction required for plunging, and emit a strong aroma for a relatively long period of time.
The handle 20 of the plunger 10 may also be formed of a material selected to emit a desired aroma. The aroma emitted from the handle 20 may mask, cover, or subdue unwanted smells in the bathroom such as smells emitted from unwanted residue or debris on the plunger 10 or on or around the toilet 42. The scented material of the handle 20 may be a supplemental material connected to a base material of the handle. For example, the handle 20 may include a wooden or plastic material and a scented material connected to the base material. The scented material may be connected to the material of the handle in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although the scented material may have other forms, in one embodiment the scented material is in the form of a gel, a powder, or a liquid such as an oil. In one embodiment, the scented material of the base 12 is a liquid concentrate. The scented material may be added to the material of the handle 20 at various stages of development of the handle. In one embodiment, the scented material is coated onto an outer surface of the handle 20. Although the scented material may be coated onto the outer surface of the handle 20 in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the scented material is coated onto the outer surface of the handle by dipping the handle into a bath of the scented material, spraying the handle with the scented material, or painting the handle with the scented material such as by brush or other applicator. It is contemplated that the material emitting an aroma may also be part of or formed on a thin item or film such as a label or sticker attached to the outer surface of the handle 20. In one embodiment in which the scented handle 20 includes a scented material connected to a material of the handle, the scented material is impregnated into the handle 20 during manufacture of the handle. The scented material may be added to the material of the handle 20 before the material of the handle is molded and/or cured to form the resulting handle.
The aroma emitted by the scented material of the handle 20 may include any of the aromas described above regarding the aroma emitted by the second material of the base 12 and may be the same as or different than the aroma emitted by the second material of the base. The aroma emitted by the base 12 and the aroma emitted by the handle 20 may correspond to each other and/or various other characteristics of the plunger 10. For example, the aroma emitted by the base 12 and/or the handle 20 may correspond to the shape of the periphery 18 of the base. For instance, the periphery 18 of the base 12 may be shaped as a head of a flower (not shown) and the scented material of the base and the scented material of the handle may be selected to emit a floral aroma such as those described above. As another example of the aroma of the base 12 and/or the aroma of the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the periphery 18, the periphery may be shaped as a piece of fruit such as a strawberry or a lemon and the base and the handle may emit a strawberry or lemon aroma. As yet another example of the aroma of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the periphery 18, the periphery may be shaped as a pine tree and the base and the handle may include material selected to emit a pine aroma. As still another example of the aroma of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the periphery 18, a base shaped as a bumble bee may include a material selected to emit a honey aroma. The honey aroma and the bumble bee shape of the base 12 relate to each other because bees make honey.
As another example of the aroma emitted by the base 12 and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 20 corresponding to a characteristic of the plunger 10, the aroma of the base and/or the aroma of the handle may correspond to a shape of the handle. For example, in the embodiment described above in which the periphery 18 of the base 12 is shaped as the head of a flower, the handle 20 may be shaped and marked as a flower stem (e.g., being slightly bent and colored green) and the base and/or the handle may include a material selected to emit a floral scent corresponding to the floral stem formed by the handle. As another example of the aroma emitted by the base 12 and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 20 corresponding to a shape of the handle, the handle may be shaped as a banana and the base and the handle may include a material emitting a banana aroma. As yet another example of the aroma emitted by the base 12 and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 20 corresponding to a shape of the handle, the handle may be shaped as a trunk or stem portion of a fruit tree, such as the trunk of a coconut or orange tree, and the base and/or the handle may include a material selected to emit an aroma associated with the tree, such as a coconut or citrus aroma. The handle 20 of this example may include aspects of the tree it portrays such as branches, leaves, and fruit.
As yet another example of the aroma emitted by the base 12 and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 20 corresponding to a characteristic of the plunger 10, the aroma of the base and/or the handle may correspond to the marking 50 formed on the base. For example, in the embodiment described above in which the periphery 18 of the base 12 is shaped as the head of a flower, the plunger 10 may include markings 50 forming details of the flower such as lines and/or grooves between petals of the flower and the base and/or the handle 20 may include material selected to emit a floral scent corresponding to the floral markings on the base. The floral aroma emitted by the base 12 and/or handle 20 may correspond to the markings 50 forming floral details on the base 12 even if the periphery 18 of the base does not form the shape of a flower. As another example of the aroma of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to markings 50 on the base, in the embodiment described above in which the periphery 18 of the base is shaped as a bumble bee, the plunger 10 may include markings 50 forming details of the bee such as lines and colors showing details of the base, head, and wings of the bee and the base and/or the handle 20 may include material selected to emit a honey scent corresponding to the markings of the bee formed on the base. The honey aroma and the bumble bee shape of the base 12 relate to each other because bees make honey. As another example of the aroma of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to markings 50 on the base, in one embodiment the periphery 18 of the base is shaped as one piece or a cluster of fruit such as strawberries, the plunger 10 includes markings forming details of the fruit, and the base and/or the handle includes material selected to emit a fruit scent (e.g., strawberry) corresponding to the markings of the fruit formed on the base. As yet another example of the aroma of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to markings 50 on the base, in one embodiment the periphery 18 of the base is shaped as one or more leaves from a tree or bush, the plunger 10 includes markings forming details of the leaves, and the base and/or the handle includes material selected to emit an herbal or other related scent (e.g., eucalyptus or peppermint) associated with the leaves corresponding to the markings of the leaves formed on the base.
As mentioned above, the base 12 of the plunger 10 may be colored or tinted as desired. Manners of coloring the base 12 include painting the base and adding pigment to the base material during the formation process. Another manner of providing a base 12 having a desired color is to select a base material inherently having certain color characteristics. For example, some flexible base materials have a default color, such as blue, black, red, green, white, orange, tan, grey, brown, purple, yellow, or variations of these colors, such as a translucent green or a brownish red. As described above, the markings 50 formed on the base 12 may include the color added to the base.
The handle 20 may also be colored or tinted as desired. The handle 20 may be colored or tinted in a variety of ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the handle 20 may be colored or tinted by painting or by adding pigment to the base material of the handle. As described above, the markings 50 formed on the base 12 may include the color added to the base.
The color or tint of the base 12 and/or the color or tint of the handle 20 may correspond to various characteristics of the plunger 10. For example, the base 12 and/or the handle 20 may have a color or tint corresponding to an aroma emitted by the base and/or handle. In one embodiment, the base 12 and/or the handle 20 is colored dark green and the base and/or the handle includes a material selected to emit a pine aroma corresponding to the dark green coloring. In one embodiment (not shown), the base 12 and/or the handle 20 are colored yellow and the base and/or the handle include a material selected to emit a banana aroma corresponding to the yellow coloring. As still another example of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 including a color or tint corresponding to an aroma emitted by the base and/or the handle, a base shaped as a bumble bee may be colored with alternating yellow and black stripes and include a material emitting a honey aroma. In this example, the coloring of the base 12, the aroma emitted by the base, and the shape of the periphery 18 relate to each other. The honey aroma relates to the colored stripes because the stripes form a pattern reminiscent of the base of bees, which make honey.
As another example of the color or tint of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to another characteristic of the plunger 10, the base and/or the handle may include a color or tint corresponding to a shape of the base and/or a shape of the handle. For example, in the embodiment described above in which the handle 20 is shaped as a banana, the base 12 and/or the handle may be colored yellow corresponding to the banana shape of the handle. As another example, in the embodiment described above in which the base 12 is shaped as the head of a flower and the handle 20 is shaped as a flower stem, the base and/or the handle may include corresponding floral colors. Specifically, the handle 20 may be colored or tinted green corresponding to the flower head shape of the base 12 and the flower stem shape of handle and the base may be colored one or more floral colors (e.g., yellow, pink, red, or pastel colors) corresponding to the shapes of the base and handle. As another example of the color or tint of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the base and/or the shape of the handle, a base shaped as an apple or a heart may be colored red corresponding to a common color of apples and heart-shaped objects. As yet another example of the color or tint of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the base and/or the shape of the handle, a base shaped as a lemon or lime may be colored yellow or lime green corresponding to a common color of lemons and limes. As still another example of the color or tint of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to the shape of the base and/or the shape of the handle, a base shaped as a leaf may be colored green, yellow, orange, and/or red corresponding to common colors of leaves.
As another example of the color or tint of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 corresponding to another characteristic of the plunger 10, the base and/or the handle may include a color or tint corresponding to markings 50 on the base. For example, in the embodiment described above in which the base 12 is shaped as a head of a flower and includes markings 50 forming details of the flower on the base, the base and/or the handle may include flower coloring corresponding to the floral details formed on the base. Specifically in this example, the handle 20 may be colored or tinted green corresponding to the flower details formed by the markings 50 on the base and the base 12 may be colored one or more floral colors (e.g., yellow, pink, red, and pastel colors) corresponding to floral details formed on the base. The floral colors of the base 12 and/or the handle 20 may correspond to the markings 50 forming floral details on the base 12 even if the periphery 18 of the base does not form the shape of a flower. In another embodiment (not shown), the base 12 is shaped as a golf ball and the handle 20 is shaped as a golf club, the base and the handle include markings 50 forming details of the ball (e.g., dimples) and the club (e.g., grip), respectively, and the base is colored as a golf ball (e.g., white) and the handle is colored as a club (e.g., silver or gray for a shaft portion and black for a grip portion) corresponding to the shape and the markings of the golf ball and the golf club.
FIG. 6 illustrates a plunger 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention comprising a base 62 including a flexible base and having an outer surface 64, an inner surface 66 opposite the outer surface, and a periphery 68 extending around the base and surrounding the inner surface and the outer surface. The periphery 68 of the base 62 may have various shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. The periphery 68 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is shaped as a football. The deformable base 62 is formed from a flexible first material, such as rubber. The plunger 60 further includes a handle 70 extending from the outer surface 64 of the base 62. The handle 70 may be generally cylindrical or non-cylindrical, as described below in further detail.
The plunger 60 may include one or more markings 72 formed on the base 62 at a position selected from a group of positions consisting of an outer position on the outer surface 64, an inner position on the inner surface 66, and an intermediate position between the outer surface and the inner surface. The markings 72 may be formed on the base 62 in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. The markings 72 may include a protrusion 74 and/or a depression 75. The shape of the base 62 may be changed by the markings 72 on the base. Specifically, markings 72 in the form of protrusions 74 and depressions 75 may change the shape of the base. Protrusions 74 may be formed on the base 62 by adding the first material forming the base and/or another material to the base. Material on the base 62 may be added material (i.e., a protrusion 74) when it is formed with or on the base in addition to the base 62 required for the plunging function. For example, in FIG. 7, the base 62 needed for proper plunging is designated by reference number 76. Additional material 78 added to the required portion 76 of the base 62 is a marking 72 in the form of a protrusion 74.
Depressions 75 may be formed on the base 62 by, for example, removing material from the base that is not required for the plunging function of the base. Material may be removed from the base 62 by, for example, cutting, chiseling, engraving, melting, or etching. A depression 75 may also be formed by providing material in some areas when forming the base 62 but not in a particular area thereby forming the depression. For example, a mold used for forming the base 62 may include a protrusion forming a depression 75 in the base. Protrusions 74 and depressions 75 and protrusions 74 may be formed on the base 62 by displacing material of the base, such as by impressing, etching, melting, and molding.
The markings 72 formed on the base 62 may correspond to a shape of the periphery 68 of the base. For example, the markings 72 on the base 62 of the plunger 60 shown in FIG. 6 include protrusions 74 forming laces 80 of the football formed by the shape of the periphery 68. As another example of the markings 72 corresponding to the shape of the periphery 68 of the base 62, the markings may also include material elevated from the base 62 to form the seams 82 usually present between panels 84 of a football between the elevated portions. The seams 82 may be considered depressions 75. As yet another example of the markings 72 corresponding to the shape of the periphery 68 of the base 62, the markings may include depressions 75 forming dimples (not shown in detail) on the outer surface 64 like those present on actual footballs.
The markings 72 may also be printed or painted on the outer surface 64 of the base 62, printed or painted on the inner surface 66 of the base, printed on a label (not shown in detail) adhered to the outer surface of the base, molded into the base, melted into the base, etched into the base, doped into the base, impressed into the base, or engraved into the base. For example, the markings 72 on the base 62 of the plunger 60 shown in FIG. 6 may include brown paint on the panels 84 matching the brown color of the panels of an actual football. The markings 72 on the base 62 of the plunger 60 may also include white paint on the protrusion 74 forming the laces 80 matching the white color of laces fn an actual football. The markings 72 may also include painted, printed, or otherwise formed lines, coloring, or other impressions added to the base 62 to accent the object formed by the shape of the periphery 68. For example, instead of or along with forming the seams 82 described above by forming protrusions and/or depressions on the base, markings 72 in the form of paint or another medium may be added to the base to give an effect of depressed seams in a realistic and more three-dimensional manner. Similar lines, coloring, or other impressions may be added to the base 62 to form or accent other aspects of the base, such as the dimples and laces 80 described above. The markings 72 described in this paragraph are additional examples of markings formed on the base 62 corresponding to the shape of the periphery 68 because the markings form details of the football formed by the shape of the periphery.
The markings 72 on the base 62 may further include a message (not shown). The message may be formed by markings in various ways such as by forming images and/or symbols on the outer surface of the base, on the inner surface of the base, and/or between the outer surface and the inner surface. In one embodiment, the markings 72 include one or more letters and/or numbers. For example, the markings 72 may include symbols (e.g., a logo) and/or letters forming words corresponding to a particular high school, college, or professional football team painted, printed, or otherwise formed on the football-shaped base 62 shown in FIG. 6.
As described above regarding another embodiment, the handle 70 of the plunger 60 may be cylindrical or form various non-cylindrical shapes. The non-cylindrical shape of the handle 70 may be changed by forming a marking 86 on the handle. The markings 86 may be formed on the handle 70 in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. The markings 86 on the handle 70 may include a protrusion 88 and/or a depression (such as the depression 130 shown in FIG. 8). The shape of the handle 70 may be changed by the markings 86 on the handle. Specifically, markings 86 in the form of protrusions 88 and depressions may change the shape of the handle. Protrusions 88 may be formed on the handle 70 by adding the same material used for forming the handle and/or another material to the handle. Material on the handle 70 may be considered added material when it is formed with or on the handle in addition to the material of the handle needed for the handle to function properly. The material of the handle 70 needed for proper functioning of the plunger 60 is the material that provides sufficient length, width, and rigidity allowing a user to grasp and maneuver the handle as needed to position and deform the base 62 for plunging. For example, in FIG. 7, the needed material of the handle 70 is designated by reference number 90. Additional material 92 added to the required portion 90 of the handle 70 is a marking 86 in the form of a protrusion 88. The required portion 90 of the handle 70 may form a generally cylindrical shape such as most conventional plunger handles.
Depressions (such as the depressions 130 shown in FIG. 8) may be formed on the handle 70 by, for example, removing additional material 92 from the handle. Material may be removed from the handle 70 by, for example, cutting, chiseling, engraving, melting, or etching. A depression may also be formed by providing material in some areas when forming the handle but not in a particular area thereby forming the depression. For example, a mold used for forming the handle 70 may include a protrusion forming a depression in the handle. Depressions and protrusions 88 may be formed on the handle 70 by displacing material of the handle, such as by impressing, melting, etching, and molding.
The markings 86 formed on the handle 70 may correspond to a shape of the periphery 68 of the base 62. For example, the markings 86 on the handle 70 of the plunger 60 shown in FIG. 6 include protrusions 88 forming uprights or prong portions 94 of a football goal post 96 corresponding to the football-shaped periphery 68 of the base 62. In this embodiment, the needed portion 90 of the handle 70 forms a stem 98 of the goal post 96 formed by the handle.
The plunger 60 may also include ornamentation 100 attached to the base 62 and/or the handle 70. For example, plunger 60 shown in FIG. 6 includes flags 102 attached to a top of each upright 94 like those often attached to the uprights of actual football goal posts. Another example (not shown) of ornamentation 100 attached to a handle 70 of the plunger is a flag attached to a golf flag pole shaped and marked (e.g., colored white) handle. The plunger 60 may also include a goal post pad 104 surrounding a lower portion of the stem 98 of the goal post 96 like the pads that often surround the lower portion of actual football goal posts. The goal post pad 104 may be releasably or permanently attached to the stem 98 as an ornamentation 100. Alternatively, the goal post pad 104 may be formed as part of the handle 70, such as by being molded unitarily with the balance of the handle or being otherwise connected to the balance of the handle to form a marking 86 in the form of a protrusion 88.
Markings 86 on the handle 70 may also be printed or painted directly on the handle, printed or painted on a label (not shown in detail) adhered to handle, or molded, melted, etched, doped, impressed, or engraved into the handle. For example, the markings 86 on the handle 70 of the plunger 60 shown in FIG. 6 may include yellow, white, or silver paint covering the goal post 96 corresponding to the color of many actual goal posts. For embodiments in which the goal post pad 104 is a protrusion 88 instead of an ornamentation 100 as described above, the markings 86 on the handle 70 may include blue or another color of paint on the pad corresponding to the coloring of actual goal post pads. The markings 86 described in this paragraph are further examples of markings formed on the handle 70 corresponding to the shape (i.e., football shape) of the periphery 68.
The markings 86 may also include painted, printed, or otherwise formed lines, coloring, or other impressions added to the handle 70 to accent aspects of the object formed by the shape of the handle. Markings 86 in the form of paint or the like may be added to the base 62 to provide increased detail and/or more of a three-dimensional effect to the object(s) formed by the handle 70. For example, a zipper or other fastener (not shown) on the goal post pad 104 may be painted on the goal post pad. The markings 86 described in this paragraph are additional examples of markings formed on the handle 70 corresponding to the shape of the periphery 68 because the markings forming details of the football goal post 104 relate to the football-shaped periphery.
The markings 86 on the handle 70 may further include a message 106. The message 106 may be formed by markings 86 in various ways such as by forming images and/or symbols on an outer surface of the handle 70, on an inner surface of the handle (regarding hollow handles), or in an interior (not shown in detail) of the handle. In one embodiment, the markings 86 include one or more letters and/or numbers. For example, the markings 86 may include symbols (e.g., logo) and/or letters forming words corresponding to a football team painted, printed, or otherwise formed on the handle 70. The message 106 formed on the pad portion 104 of the goal post 96 formed by the handle 70 shown in FIG. 6 includes letters forming the word “TEAM”.
As described above, the aroma emitted by the second material of the base 62 and/or the aroma emitted by material of the handle 70 may correspond to characteristics of the plunger 60. As another example of such a relationship, the aroma emitted by material of the base 62 and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 70 may correspond to the marking 86 formed on the handle. For example, in the embodiment described above in which the handle is shaped as a banana, the plunger 60 may include markings 86 such as lines, protrusions 88, and/or depressions forming details of the banana (e.g., the banana body and banana stem) by, for example, shading and coloring and the aroma emitted by the second material of the base 62 and/or the handle 70 may be selected to emit a banana aroma corresponding to the markings of the banana on the handle. The banana aroma emitted by the second material of the base 62 and/or the handle 70 may correspond to markings 86 forming the banana details on the handle even if the periphery 68 of the base does not form a banana shape. As yet another example of the aroma emitted by material of the base 62 and/or the aroma emitted by the handle 70 corresponding to the marking 86 formed on the handle, the second material of the base and/or the handle may emit a fruit aroma corresponding to markings forming details of the fruit on the handle even if the periphery 68 of the base does not form a shape of the fruit. For example, the handle 70 of this example may be colored red and include markings 86 forming small seeds, stem, and leafs of strawberries even if the periphery 68 does not form a strawberry shape.
As described above, the color or tint of the base 62 and/or the handle 70 may correspond to other characteristics of the plunger 60. As another example of the color or tint of the base 62 and/or the handle 70 corresponding to a characteristic of the plunger 60, the base and/or the handle may include a color or tint corresponding to markings 86 on the handle. The plunger 60 according to this embodiment may otherwise be identical to the first embodiment and therefore will not be described in further detail.
FIG. 8 illustrates a plunger 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention comprising a base 112 including a flexible base and having an outer surface 114, an inner surface 116 opposite the outer surface, and a periphery 118 extending around the base and surrounding the inner surface and the outer surface. The periphery 118 of the base 112 may have various shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. The periphery 118 of the base 112 shown in FIG. 8 is shaped as a home plate used in the sport of baseball. Other exemplary baseball-related objects that the periphery 118 may be shaped as are a baseball hat and a baseball helmet (not shown). The deformable base 112 is formed from a flexible first material, such as rubber. The plunger 110 further includes a handle 120 extending from the outer surface 114 of the base 112. The handle 120 may be generally cylindrical or non-cylindrical, as described below in further detail.
The plunger 110 may include one or more markings 122, 124 formed on the base 112 and/or the handle 120. The plunger 110 may include various types of markings 122, 124 including markings like those described above regarding the bases and handles of other embodiments of the invention. The markings 122 formed on the base 112 of the plunger 110 shown in FIG. 8 may include, for example, a trim portion 126 corresponding to an edge of actual home plates. The trim portion 126 may be formed by providing additional material (i.e., a protrusion) on the base 112 shaped to form the trim portion or by removing material (i.e., a depression) at the trim portion. In addition to or instead of forming the trim portion 126 by protrusion or depression, the trim portion may be formed by selectively painting or otherwise coloring or accenting the base 112. For example, the trim portion 126 may be painted black corresponding to a black edge formed on many actual baseball home plates.
The markings 124 formed on the handle 120 of the plunger 110 of this embodiment include protrusions 128 and a depression 130 forming a shape of a baseball bat 132 and a baseball 134. Protrusions 128 may be formed on the handle 120 by adding the same material used for forming the handle and/or another material to the handle. Material on the handle 120 may be considered added material when it is formed with or on the handle in addition to the material of the handle needed for the handle to function as needed for plunging. The material of the handle 120 needed for proper functioning of the plunger 110 is the material that provides sufficient length, width, and rigidity allowing a user to grasp and maneuver the handle as needed to position and deform the base 112 for plunging. For example, in FIG. 8, the needed material of the handle 120 is designated by reference number 136. Additional material 138 added to the required portion 136 of the handle 120 is a marking 124 in the form of a protrusion 130. The required portion 136 of the handle 120 may form a generally cylindrical shape.
For the plunger 110 shown in FIG. 8, markings 124 on the handle 120 in the form of protrusions 128 may include elevated portions of the baseball 134 forming the stitching or seams 140 corresponding to the seams of actual baseballs. The markings 124 may also include painting or other coloring on the handle 120, such as white coloring on panel portions 142 of the ball 134 corresponding to the leather panels on actual baseballs connected by the seams 140 and red coloring on the seams imitating the color of an actual baseball.
The markings 124 on the handle 120 may further including a message 144, such as a message associated with a particular person or team. The markings 124 shown in FIG. 8 include letters forming the words “TEAM NAME”. Other examples (not shown) of markings 124 that may be formed on the handle 120 are lines, coloring, and other impressions showing detail of the bat 132, such as lines, coloring, or other impressions indicating a grip (e.g., made of tape) on a grip portion 146 of the bat 132 corresponding to the grip commonly placed on the grip portion of actual baseball bats.
Characteristics of the handle 120 and the base 112 may relate to each other in various ways. For example, the markings 122 on the base 112 may correspond to the shape of the base 112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the markings 122 on the base 112 form details of the home plate formed by the shape of the base. As another example, the markings 124 on the handle 120 may correspond to the shape of the handle. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the markings 124 on the handle 120 form details of the baseball bat and ball formed by the shape of the handle.
As yet another example of characteristics of the plunger 110 relating to each other, the shape of the handle 120 may correspond to a shape of the base 112 and/or markings 122 on the base. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the baseball bat and ball shape of the handle 120 corresponds to the baseball home plate shape of the base 112 and the markings 122 on the base forming details of the baseball home plate. As still another example of characteristics of the plunger 110 relating to each other, the markings 124 on the handle 120 may correspond to the shape of the base 112 and/or to the markings 122 on the base. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the markings 124 forming details of the baseball bat and ball formed by the shape of the handle 120 correspond to the shape of the base forming a baseball home plate and to the markings 122 on the base forming details of the home plate. The plunger 110 according to this embodiment may otherwise be identical to the previously described embodiments and therefore will not be described in further detail.
When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes, the plunger comprising:

a flexible base formed from a first material, said base having an outer surface, an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface, and a non-circular periphery extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the base; and

a handle extending from the outer surface of the base.

2. A plunger as set forth in claim 1 wherein the handle is non-cylindrical.

3. A plunger as set forth in claim 2 wherein the handle has a shape corresponding to a shape of the periphery of the base.

4. A plunger as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base has a color corresponding to a shape of the periphery of the base.

5. A plunger as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a second material selected to emit a desired aroma connected to the base.

6. A plunger as set forth in claim 5 wherein the aroma corresponds to a shape of the periphery of the base.

7. A plunger as set forth in claim 5 further comprising a marking formed on the handle, wherein the aroma corresponds to the marking on the handle.

8. A plunger as set forth in claim 5 wherein the aroma corresponds to a shape of the handle.

9. A plunger as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a marking formed on the base at a position selected from a group of positions consisting of an outer position on the outer surface, an inner position on the inner surface, and an intermediate position between the outer surface and the inner surface.

10. A plunger as set forth in claim 9 wherein the marking formed on the base corresponds to a shape of the periphery of the base.

11. A plunger as set forth in claim 9 further comprising a marking formed on the handle corresponding to the marking on the base.

12. A plunger as set forth in claim 9 further comprising a second material selected to emit an aroma corresponding to the marking on the base connected to the base.

13. A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes, the plunger comprising:

a flexible base formed from a first material and having an outer surface, an inner surface including a concave portion opposite the outer surface, and a periphery extending around the base, surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface of the base;

a non-cylindrical handle extending from the outer surface of the base; and

a second material selected to emit an aroma corresponding to a shape of the handle connected to the base.

14. A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes, the plunger comprising:

a marking formed on the base;

a non-cylindrical handle extending from the outer surface of the base; and

a second material selected to emit an aroma corresponding to the marking on the base connected to the base.

15. A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes, the plunger comprising:

a non-cylindrical handle extending from the outer surface of the base;

a marking formed on the handle; and

a second material selected to emit an aroma corresponding to the marking on the handle connected to the base.

16. A plunger for use in clearing clogged pipes, the plunger comprising:

a marking formed on the outer surface of the base including at least one characteristic of a group of characteristics consisting of a depression and a protrusion; and

a handle extending from the outer surface of the base.

17. A plunger as set forth in claim 16 wherein said marking on the base corresponds to a shape of the handle.

18. A plunger as set forth in claim 16 wherein said marking on the base corresponds to a shape of the periphery of the base.

19. A plunger as set forth in claim 16 wherein said base is colored as desired and the color corresponds to the marking on the base.

20. A plunger as set forth in claim 16 further comprising a second material selected to emit a desired aroma connected to the base.

21. A plunger as set forth in claim 20 wherein the aroma corresponds to the marking formed on the base.