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  Toilet protector and protection methodUSPTO Application #: 20060000014Title: Toilet protector and protection method Abstract: A protective device is provided in which the protective device comprises a bag configured to fit over a toilet to be protected. An opening in the bag permits placement of the bag over a toilet, and a securing feature can be used to secure the bag to the toilet. In certain embodiments, the securing feature comprises a drawstring. In other embodiments, the bag may comprise printed text, such as a warning not to use the protected fixture. In yet other embodiments, small holes can be provided in the bag for safety purposes. A protected toilet is also provided, in which a toilet is protected by a protective device, as discussed above. A method of protecting a toilet is also provided, in which a bag is placed over a toilet and secured to the toilet. (end of abstract) Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP - Irvine, CA, US Inventors: Pat Mullen, Gary Crouch, Dan Mullen USPTO Applicaton #: 20060000014 - Class: 004661000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Baths, Closets, Sinks, And Spittoons, Miscellaneous The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060000014. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/578,741, filed on Jun. 10, 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to protective covers for fixtures. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] There are many situations where preventing the use of an installed or uninstalled toilet is warranted. In a residential or commercial construction environment, construction debris may be improperly flushed down the toilet, resulting in clogged pipes. During residential construction projects, it is common for homeowners to tour their home while it is under construction. During such a visit, homeowners are often very offended if they see that the toilet has been used by someone else. It is not uncommon for the warranty department of a builder to get a call on Monday morning after a weekend of visitors to the project, asking that all of the toilets in one or more houses be removed and replaced. The builder will commonly respect these wishes and replace them. [0006] Even in non-construction environments, a toilet may be inoperable, a home or business owner may wish to keep a particular toilet reserved for certain people or events, the toilet may be damaged or clogged, or the water supply may not be working properly. [0007] Thus, an inexpensive and attractive method of preventing toilet use would be useful. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] In one embodiment, a protected toilet is provided, including a plastic bag having an opening, the bag placed over the toilet with the opening proximate to a base of said toilet. [0009] In another embodiment, a method of protecting a toilet is provided, including placing an opening of a bag over a toilet, the bag being configured to fit over the toilet, positioning the bag such that the toilet is substantially covered by the bag; and securing the bag to the toilet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1A shows a front view of an embodiment of a bag suitable for fixture protection. [0011] FIG. 1B shows a side view of an embodiment of a bag suitable for fixture protection, shown in an unexpanded state. [0012] FIG. 1C shows an embodiment of a gusset suitable for use on a panel of the [0013] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 in an expanded and open configuration. [0014] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 over a toilet. [0015] FIG. 4 illustrates the opening of a bag comprising a drawstring around the base of the toilet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0016] The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. [0017] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a plastic bag 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The bag 10 comprises a bottom opening 12, which may advantageously be provided with a drawstring 14 for closure. The use of a drawstring enables the creation of a bag which can be easily secured in place while adding very little additional material, and therefore very little weight. [0018] The bag 10 may be seamless, or may include side and top seams. In certain advantageous embodiments, the bag is provided with pleats or gussets on either or both the top and sides. Such embodiments permit bags 10 to be stored in a compressed, or unexpanded, state, as shown in FIG. 1B. An exemplary gusset 22 is depicted in FIG. 1C. With gusseted top and sides, the bag may open up into an approximate shape. In certain embodiments, the bag may open up into a rectangular shape having a size of about 2' to 4' in each dimension. This is illustrated in FIG. 2, which shows the bag of FIG. 1 after being opened and expanded with the gussets 16, 18. In other embodiments, particularly those in which fixtures other than toilets are being protected, the dimensions of the open bag can be modified as appropriate. [0019] The bag 10 could be formed from clear or colored plastic. The bag 10 could be made in a wide variety of thicknesses. In certain embodiments, the bag may have a thickness of less than about 2 mil. In some embodiments, the bag is provided with small holes to limit any possible asphyxiation danger. It will be appreciated that such a bag can be made disposable, easy to manufacture, and inexpensive. Continue reading... Full patent description for Toilet protector and protection method Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Toilet protector and protection method patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Toilet protector and protection method or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Zip and clean Next Patent Application: Pneumatically actuated drain stopper system and apparatus Industry Class: Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Toilet protector and protection method patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 2.39329 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Accenture , Agouron Pharmaceuticals , Amgen , AT&T , Bausch & Lomb , Callaway Golf |
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