초록 ▼

A device for storing and cleaning a toilet plunger includes an open-topped container and a lid having two lid-halves with each lid-half having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An internal closure mechanism having two closure members is disposed within the lid with one closure member proj

A device for storing and cleaning a toilet plunger includes an open-topped container and a lid having two lid-halves with each lid-half having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An internal closure mechanism having two closure members is disposed within the lid with one closure member projecting from the interior surface in each lid-half. Each closure member has a curved member for engaging a side wall of a toilet plunger cup and a linear member for engaging a toilet plunger cup end wall. The container has a base having upstanding walls, a base top having grooves, a base top surface and an opposing bottom surface. A counterweight is preferably disposed under the base top surface. The container walls have a portion defining a pour spout. The container and the lid are dimensioned for enclosing both the toilet plunger cup and a portion of the toilet plunger handle. The remainder of the toilet plunger handle protrudes through a hole in the lid when the toilet plunger is in the device. A handle is affixed to the walls of the container. A method for opening and closing the device using a toilet plunger and a method of cleaning a toilet plunger are disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [21.] A method for opening and closing a toilet plunger storing and cleaning device, using a toilet plunger having a handle with opposed end, and a cup disposed at one end thereof and having a sidewall terminating in a cup end wall,said method comprising the steps of:(a) openi

[ What is claimed is:] [21.] A method for opening and closing a toilet plunger storing and cleaning device, using a toilet plunger having a handle with opposed end, and a cup disposed at one end thereof and having a sidewall terminating in a cup end wall,said method comprising the steps of:(a) opening a device having (i) an open-topped container having an interior, (ii) a lid thereto having two lid-halves and a hole therethrough, (iii) a hinge mechanism connecting each said lid-half to said container, and (iv) an internal closure mechanism disposed within said lid and adjacent said hole; said hole penetrating said two lid-halves; each said lid-half having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a tab extending from said exterior surface; said internal closure mechanism having a curved portion for engaging the side wall of the cup of the toilet plunger and a linear portion for engaging the end wall of the cup of the toilet plunger; by depressing each said tab of said lid-halves causing each said lid-halves to pivot about said hinge mechanism to open and expose said interior of said container;(b) lowering the toilet plunger into said interior of said container;(c) engaging the end wall of the cup of the toilet plunger against said linear portion, causing said lid-halves to pivot shut to close said device;(d) resting the end wall of the cup of the toilet plunger in said container and enclosing both the cup of the toilet plunger and a portion of the handle of the toilet plunger and wherein a remainder of the handle protrudes through said hole in said lid;(e) grasping the handle and pulling the handle toward said lid-halves; and(f) engaging the side wall of the cup of the toilet plunger against said curved portion, causing said lid-halves to pivot open to open said device.