Toilet cleaning brush with integral toilet plunger

Abstract

The current invention performs two functions: (1) it operates as a standard cylindrical toilet cleaning brush for toilet-surface-cleaning, and (2) it operates as a toilet plunger for toilet-trap-unclogging. In one embodiment, it is a conventional cylindrical toilet cleaning brush combined with a circular diaphragm. As toilets become more water-efficient, they become more prone to clogging. This invention greatly reduces the aggravation associated with water-saving toilets by providing a toilet-trap-unclogging function discreetly at hand.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part to my (USA) application Ser. No. 10 / 731,930 filed Dec. 10, 2003. The benefit of the earlier filing is requested under 35 U.S.C. 120.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] The current invention relates to two separate groups of household tools: (1) toilet cleaning brushes, and (2) toilet plungers. Before the current invention, these two groups of implements were separate and distinct. The current invention combines the functions of the two groups and discloses an interesting new way to unclog a toilet trap. [0005] The current invention performs two separate and distinct functions: (1) toilet-surface-cleaning, and (2) toilet-trap-unclogging. The prior art includes both toilet related and non-toilet relat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0096] At first glance, the current invention looks like an ordinary cylindrical toilet cleaning brush. Closer inspection reveals a new type of toilet plunger partially hidden within the implement. Both aspects of the invention, the toilet cleaning components, and the toilet plunging components, are fully functional and do not interfere with each other. In fact, the current invention functions better in both the brushing mode AND the plunging mode, compared to the performance of earlier separate implements. The performance of the current invention the toilet trap unclogging mode is particularly noteworthy.

Problems solved by technology

Toilet trap unclogging requires some force, for which a poorly supported sponge collar is wholly unsuited.

Even then, a sponge collar has many properties that make it an inferior substitute for a diaphragm.

Furthermore, Bernet '529 contains several other design problems that would defeat it's use as a toilet trap unclogging implement (to be detailed in subsequent paragraphs).

However, a diaphragm would interfere with the primary purpose of Bernet '529, as a sponging / brushing implement.

This slow recovery makes sponge a poor choice for a seal material where a higher stroke rate is desired.

Therefore, the Bernet '529 is unsuitable for toilet trap unclogging.

This strategy makes sense as the typical toilet trap tapers from approximately three inches in diameter, to approximately two inches in diameter, while bending upward, then downward, with some zig-zags - - - an extremely challenging configuration for a cleaning implement that relies on frictional contact.

The Pike '979 implement is shown with pinned links, which are great for pulling, but can be challenging in the opposite direction.

Pushing something with a bicycle chain would demonstrate the difficulty of such a task.

Firing a powder charge behind a plugged barrel often results in a burst barrel, sometimes with catastrophic consequences to the marksman and to bystanders on the range.

The means of actuating Feagin '008 would not be suitable for toilets: firing a powder charge in close proximity to a porcelain bowl of fowl water has serious safety and sanitation ramifications that the reader can readily imagine.

Such leakage pathways could result in the leaking and squirting of non-pristine water if Gesell '574 was used in a plunging manner.

This slow recovery makes sponge a poor choice for a seal material in most applications, including this one.

Failure to clean the Gesell '574 in such a detailed manner would result in an extremely unsanitary condition.

Therefore, such an unsatisfactory design with such a high maintenance burden, should be considered useless for toilet unclogging.

If the pipe is clogged, the cable 24 installation would not be possible.

A twisted cable 24 can kink and knot itself into a tangled mess, which could be catastrophic in an underground pipe run.

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