Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TRIANGULAR-SHAPED PLUNGER HEAD AND TOILET PLUNGER HAVING
THE SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates generally to toilet plungers, and more
particularly, to
a triangular-shaped plunger head and a toilet plunger having the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Toilet plungers have been in use for years and conventionally have a
circular-
shaped plunger head or cup. Some newer toilets have triangular-shaped drain
holes, and conventional circular-shaped plunger heads are incapable of making
a
sealing contact with the triangular-shaped drain holes for the plunger to work
properly in clearing a clogged drain. Accordingly, a desire and need exists
for a
new toilet plunger head and toilet plunger having the same that provides an
adequate seal for the newly designed toilet drain holes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[003] In view of the foregoing problems with existing toilet plungers,
embodiments of
the present invention provide a new triangular-shaped plunger head and toilet
plunger having the same. The plunger head has a novel design that makes a
sealing contact between the plunger head and a triangular-shaped drain hole of
a
toilet bowl.
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[004] In general, in one aspect, a triangular-shaped plunger head for a
plunger is
provided. The triangular-shaped plunger head includes a triangular-shaped
bottom
edge having first, second, and third rounded corners, a first straight side
extending
between the first and second rounded corners, a second straight side extending
between the second and third rounded corners, and a third straight side
extending
between the third and first rounded corners. Further included is a bottom
wall, an
opening through the bottom wall, and a lip formed around the opening. The lip
being triangular shape and includes fourth, fifth, and sixth rounded corners,
a
fourth straight side extending between said fourth and fifth rounded corners,
a
fifth straight side extending between said fifth and sixth rounded corners,
and a
sixth straight side extending between said sixth and fourth rounded corners.
[005] 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 are illustrated embodiments of
the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[006] In the drawings:
[007] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a triangular-shaped plunger
head and toilet
plunger having the same that is constructed in accordance with the principles
of
an embodiment of the present invention;
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[008] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the triangular-shaped
plunger head and
toilet plunger having the same;
[009] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the triangular-shaped plunger head;
[010] Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of triangular-shaped plunger head;
[011] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the triangular-shaped plunger
head and toilet
plunger having the same; and
[012] Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the triangular-shaped plunger head,
shown in
use, in connection with a toilet having a triangular-shaped drain hole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[013] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, there is representatively illustrated a
new toilet
plunger that is constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention and is designated by reference number 10.
[014] In the representatively illustrated embodiment, the toilet plunger 10
has an
elongated handle 12 that is connected to a plunger head 14. The handle 12 is
constructed of a rigid material. The handle 12 has a first end 16 and a second
end
18, and is representatively shown as being cylindrically shaped. The first end
16
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includes a rubber grip 20 for holding the plunger 10 and the second end 18 is
connected to the plunger head 14 at a coupling 22 located on the top of the
plunger head.
[015] The plunger head 14 has a novel triangular shape that is designed to
making a
sealing contact with triangular-shaped toilet drain holes. The plunger head 14
is
cup shaped and is made of a flexible and resilient material, such as rubber,
for
example. The plunger head 12 is triangular shaped in cross-section and
includes a
bottom edge 24 having three rounded corners 26a, 26b, and 26c and three
straight
sides 28a, 28b, and 28c. Side 28a extends between corners 26a and 26b, side
28b
extends between corners 26b and 26c, and side 28c extends between corners 26c
and 26a.
[016] The plunger 14 further includes a triangular-shaped opening 30 formed
through a
bottom wall 32. A lip 34 is formed around the circumference of opening 30 and
extends generally perpendicular to bottom wall 32. Similar to edge 24, lip 34
includes three rounded corners 36a, 36b, and 36c and three straight sides 38a,
38b, and 38c. Side 38a extends between corners 36a and 36b, side 38b extends
between corners 36b and 36c, and side 38c extends between corners 36c and 36a.
[017] With reference to FIG. 6, there is shown a partial view of a toilet
40 (from the
underside) having a triangular-shaped drain hole 42 and with the plunger head
14
making sealing contact with the drain hole 42. A shown, the edge 24 and the
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bottom wall 32 contact the toilet bowl 40 at a position around the drain hole
42
and the lip 34 extends into the drain to create a sealing contact between the
plunger head 14 and the toilet bowl 40. In operation, the plunger 10 is
manipulated in a conventional manner to clear a clog.
