Plunger

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to plungers for clearing plumbing clogs, such as clogs or obstructions in toilets and drains. The shape and size of the footprint (i.e. area occupied) of the plunger of the present disclosure is different and unique compared to that of any existing plunger. The rear section of the plunger footprint (which sets towards the rear of the toilet bowl drain opening) is circular in shape, while the front section of the footprint takes an elliptical shape. The size and shape of this footprint provides more coverage of the toilet bowl drain area in the majority of toilets, resulting in a tighter seal over the drain area, and subsequently creating better suction than existing plungers, when operating the plunger.

1 . A plunger, comprising:
 an elongated handle having a first end and an opposing second end;   a cup connected to the second end of the elongated handle, the cup comprising:
 a front-end portion having a generally elliptical shape; and 
 a rear-end portion having a generally circular shape, where the front-end portion and the rear-end portion form a tear drop shape; and 
   a flange integrally connected to the cup, where the flange is a continuous section extending downward from inside of the cup creating a tight seal against a vertical surface of a drain.   
     
     
         2 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein a top of the elongated handle has a T-shaped grip. 
     
     
         3 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein the flange further comprises:
 a front-end wall extending upwardly and outwardly into the front-end portion of the cup; and   a back-end wall extending upwardly and outwardly into the rear-end portion of the cup; and   where the front end-wall and the back-end wall are integrally connected forming a side wall of the flange.   
     
     
         4 . The plunger of  claim 3 , wherein the outwardly projecting front-wall end forms a recess allowing the cup to sit at or above a drain reducing an occurrence of water splashing back during use. 
     
     
         5 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein the flange has a circular shape. 
     
     
         6 . The plunger of  claim 1 , wherein the cup and the flange are made of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         7 . The plunger of  claim 6 , wherein the elastomeric material is rubber. 
     
     
         8 . A plunger assembly comprising:
 a cover, the cover comprising:
 an elongated inner handle; 
 a cup section integrally connected to the elongated inner handle; 
   a plunger configured to be received within the cover, the plunger comprising:   an elongated outer handle having a first end and an opposing second end;   a cup connected to the second end of the elongated handle, the cup comprising:
 a dome; and 
 a flat member integrally connected to the dome, the dome having an elliptical shape; and 
   a flange integrally connected to, and extending downwardly from, the cup; and   wherein the cover is configured to be placed over the plunger to protect the plunger; and   wherein the elongated outer handle is configured to be received in the elongated inner handle; and   wherein the cup section is configured to receive the cup of the plunger.   
     
     
         9 . The plunger assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the flange is located in a same vertical plane as the dome. 
     
     
         10 . The plunger assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the cup and the flange are made of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         11 . The plunger assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the elastomeric material is rubber. 
     
     
         12 . A plunger comprising:
 an outer handle;   an inner handle, the outer handle configured to slideably receive the inner handle;   an upper membrane connected to the outer handle;   a lower membrane connected to the upper membrane and the inner handle;   where the inner handle moves vertically within the outer handle; and   where moving the inner handle in an up and down motion actuates the lower membrane displacing liquid within a drain.   
     
     
         13 . The plunger of  claim 12 , wherein the outer handle is stationary. 
     
     
         14 . The plunger of  claim 12 , wherein the upper and lower membranes are made of rubber. 
     
     
         15 . The plunger of  claim 12 , wherein the upper and lower membranes are made of silicone. 
     
     
         16 . The plunger of  claim 12 , wherein the upper and lower membranes are made of a semi-flexible material. 
     
     
         17 . The plunger of  claim 12 , wherein the lower membrane is less rigid than the upper membrane.