Disposable Splash Shield for Use When Plunging A Toilet

Abstract

A transparent, biodegradable, disposable splash shield sized to fit on a toilet bowl rim to prevent splashing of water from the bowl when a plunger is used to free an obstruction in the toilet. The shield is dome shaped and has a gripping bead at a top central portion thereof. A gasket seal is affixed to a bottom marginal edge portion to affect a seal between the shield and the toilet bowl rim. Adhesive material on the underside of the gasket seal, or strips of adhesive tape on the marginal edge of the shield, releasably secure the shield in position. The shield is nestable and may be foldable in half. A toilet kit includes the splash shield, gloves, at least one paper towel, and a flattened box, all packaged in an envelope-like bag that can be used to contain and dispose of these items following use.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to apparatus for use in plunging flush toilets, and particularly to a splash shield for preventing splashing of water out of a toilet when a plunger is being used to unclog the toilet.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Residential and commercial toilets dispose of human waste by using water to flush it through a drainpipe to another location. Most modern flush toilets incorporate an ‘S’ bend or trap that normally remains filled with water to create a water seal that prevents flow of noxious gases back through the toilet. The trap also provides a siphon action that helps accelerate the flushing process. When the toilet is flushed, water fills up the bowl and creates a high pressure area that forces the water past the trap. If the trap should become obstructed, the toilet can overflow when it is flushed. A plunger typically is used to remove the obstruction, but its use can result in splashing of water and other material from the toilet.[0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]According to one aspect of the invention, a simple, inexpensive, easy to use, disposable splash shield is provided to prevent splashing of water from a toilet when a plunger is being used to remove an obstruction from the toilet. The splash shield of the invention comprises a transparent biodegradable domed shield body having sufficient thickness and rigidity to maintain its shape and having an annular marginal edge portion with a bottom surface adapted to fit on an upper surface of a toilet bowl rim. A gasket seal is affixed to the bottom surface of the marginal edge portion for effecting a seal between the shield and the toilet bowl rim, and means forms an opening through the shield body for receiving a plunger handle so that the plunger can be reciprocated relative to the shield without moving the shield away from the rim and destroying the seal. The opening is positioned in the shield body so that it is in substantial alignment with a drain opening from the toilet bowl when the splash shield is in use and is correctly positioned on the rim of a toilet bowl. Releasable adhesive means is carried by the shield for releasably securing the shield in place on a toilet bowl.

Problems solved by technology

If the trap should become obstructed, the toilet can overflow when it is flushed.

A plunger typically is used to remove the obstruction, but its use can result in splashing of water and other material from the toilet.

These devices are either intended for re-use and are relatively expensive and complex in construction, and / or are difficult to use.

However, the shield is flat and provides minimal clearance for movement of water during use.

Moreover, it fits closely around the plunger handle extending through it, increasing the risk that use of the plunger will dislodge the shield from the rim of the toilet bowl.

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