Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Obstruction remover
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-11
2001-10-02
Eloshway, Charles R. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Obstruction remover
C004S255060, C004S255090
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295659
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to drain plumbing clean out devices and more particularly to water stream producing structures conformed to direct the stream towards a drain pipe obstruction.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
In a household obstruction of a sink drain pipe or other drain plumbing occurs with some regularity. Typically the obstruction is in the first convolution of the plumbing trap, and it is at this level that most of the households resort to some self-help or do-it-yourself procedures.
In the past various devices have been developed that in one way or another assist the homeowner in his or her obstruction cleaning efforts. Amongst these are various plungers, flexible augers and even chemical aids that are now widely found in a household, each providing one or another advantage. Since most plumbing obstructions occur in drain plumbing that is proximate a fresh water supply at pressure, there has also been some development of drain clearing structures that rely on this high pressure flow.
Examples of such devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,135 to Tan; U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,296 to Leighton, U.S. Pat. No. 3,109,178 to Bailey; and U.S. Pat. 5,261,128 to Davenport, each describing one or another form of a water pressure plunger. While suitable for the purposes intended, the foregoing devices each rely on producing static water pressure behind the obstruction to clear the drain. With some frequency, however, this static water pressure acts to compact the obstruction even further, resulting in a drain that remains plugged up while producing unpleasant back flow and back spray.
To resolve these events, there have also been devised in the past structures which attempt to direct a focused water stream at the obstruction. Included amongst these are those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,480 to Fish; U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,514 to Miller; and U.K. Patent 2,200,709 to Thompson. While suitable for the purposes intended, each of the foregoing describe one form or another of a high pressure stream structure that is either insertable into the drain or fitted into a gasket or seal at the drain opening but not movable relative thereto.
A structure that effects a seal at the drain opening while being also movable relative the obstruction is therefore extensively sought, and it is one such structure that is disclosed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is the general purpose and object of the present invention to provide a drain obstruction clearing assembly in which a high-pressure water stream can be directed across a seal towards the obstruction.
Other objects of the present invention are to provide a water stream directing structure sealed at the drain opening.
Yet further objects of the invention are to provide a drain clearing assembly that is convenient in use and in fabrication.
Briefly, these and other objects are accomplished within the present invention by providing an elongate tubular extension connected at one end to a ball valve receiving water at pressure from a hose and including an end fitting at the other end that is axially pierced to produce a narrow exit stream. The extension is passed through an elastomeric circular gasket or seal, of a platform greater than a drain opening, useful to contain any back flow once the extension is aligned on the drain to direct the stream towards the obstruction. A tubular housing, open at both ends, surrounds the extension in the course of its use and is useful to compress by one end the gasket against the surfaces adjacent the drain opening. The housing may further include lateral cutouts at the other end to allow pivotal translation of the valve operating handle.
Preferably the extension is shorter than the housing allowing for sliding manipulation through the seal that is captured by a retaining washer between the housing and the drain opening, providing for a dished recess above the drain. The high pressure, narrow focus, water stream emerging from this dished recess is then useful to fraction the obstruction and then wash it away.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1714789 (1929-05-01), Kolstad
patent: 1861899 (1932-06-01), Beach, Jr.
patent: 2045731 (1936-06-01), Solari
patent: 2086149 (1937-07-01), Allen
patent: 2274453 (1942-02-01), Matter
patent: 3605135 (1971-09-01), Tan
patent: 3644943 (1972-02-01), Parodi Fu Leonardo et al.
patent: 4141090 (1979-02-01), Rowan
patent: 4756480 (1988-07-01), Fish
patent: 5497514 (1996-03-01), Miller
patent: 5974596 (1999-11-01), Strzok
patent: 315098 (1956-09-01), None
patent: 2200709 (1988-08-01), None
Eloshway Charles R.
Quirk & Tratos
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