Means for clearing a blockage in a toilet

Abstract

Means for clearing a blockage in a toilet comprising a substantially rigid closure adapted to extend over the upper opening of a toilet bowl and form an airtight seal around the rim thereof.

1 . Means for clearing a blockage in a toilet comprising a substantially rigid closure adapted to extend over the upper opening of a toilet bowl and form an airtight seal around the rim thereof.  
     
     
         2 . Means as claimed in  claim 1  in which said closure comprises a substantially rigid sealing plate.  
     
     
         3 . Means as claimed in  claim 2  in which the lower surface of said closure is provided with a resilient sealing material to assist in forming an airtight seal.  
     
     
         4 . Means as claimed in  claim 3  in which the resilient sealing material is rubber or artificial rubber sheet.  
     
     
         5 . Means as claimed in  claim 3  or  claim 4  in which said sealing material is provided as a separate item.  
     
     
         6 . Means as claimed in  claim 3  or  claim 4  in which said sealing material is attached to the closure.  
     
     
         7 . Means as claimed in  claims 1  to  6  in which said closure is dimensioned to fit different sizes of toilet bowls.  
     
     
         8 . Means as claimed in  claims 1  to  7  in which said closure is substantially rectangular in plan and has a minimum width of 48 cm.  
     
     
         9 . Means as claimed in  claims 1  to  6  in which said closure is shaped to conform to the general plan shape of the plan shape of the upper rim of the toilet bowl with which it is adapted to be used but with slightly larger dimensions.  
     
     
         10 . Means as claimed in  claims 1  to  9  in which the closure is made from wood, a synthetic plastics material or metal.  
     
     
         11 . Means as claimed in  claim 1  in which said closure is formed by a seat in combination with a cover therefore, and sealing elements between the seat and the upper rim of the bowl and between the seat and the cover.  
     
     
         12 . Means as claimed in  claim 11  in which the sealing elements are provided by continuous rings of resilient sealing material attached respectively to the cover and the lower surface of the seat or the upper rim of the bowl.  
     
     
         13 . A toilet bowl provided with a closure device as set forth in claims  11  or  12 .  
     
     
         14 . A kit of parts to convert a standard toilet seat and cover into the means for clearing a blocking as set forth in  claim 11  or  claim 12  which comprises a first sealing ring adapted for location between an existing cover and an existing toilet seat and a second sealing ring adapted for location between said existing toilet seat and the upper rim of the toilet bowl with which it is to be used.  
     
     
         15 . A method of clearing a blockage in a toilet which includes placing a substantially rigid closure adapted to extend over the upper opening of a toilet bowl over said upper opening to form an airtight seal around the rim thereof and flushing the toilet.