Method and device for cleaning the toilet bowl and spraying air freshener

Abstract

Toilet bowl cleaned automatically on pressing flush-handle of water cistern by adding cleaning liquid to the water to be flushed into toilet bowl. Uses any liquid cleanser or disinfectant. Cleanser container is stored inside water cistern. Same flush-handle movement presses on can of air freshener to introduce pleasant odor into toilet room. Air freshener is stored inside water cistern. Possibility to replace existing water cistern lid with new lid with above apparatus attached thereto.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is in the field of automated cleaning devices and more specifically the automatic cleaning and/or disinfecting of toilet bowls and the perfuming the air space of toilet rooms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is well known in this field there are many difficulties related to the task of keeping clean and hygienic, toilets and their rooms. This is so in each and every private home and a bigger problem in office buildings, hotels, educational institutions and other places of public usage. The central problems are keeping the room and apparatus, in particular the toilet bowl, clean, hygienic and pleasant for all users with a minimum usage of labour. In the home this ‘minimum usage of labour’ is for the convenience and pleasant working environment for the member of the household or the cleaning helper who generally cleans the toilet room. In buildings used by the public this ‘minimum usage of labour’ has the additional and important factor of the cost of manpower to clean the toilet rooms. As is well known, especially in the case of toilets used by the public or even a portion of the public for example in office buildings, the toilets become unpleasant to use after a short time unless they are frequently and persistently cleaned, disinfected and where possible, also perfumed to counteract unpleasant odours.

The cost of manpower is high even when the toilet rooms are kept at an average standard of cleanliness and hygiene. A commonly used method to clean toilets consists of a slowly dissolving solid usually housed in a plastic container which allows water freely to enter and leave, thereby dissolving some of the solid matter when the flushing water comes in contact with the said solid matter. This plastic container is either placed in the cistern which holds the water next to be flushed or alternatively it is hooked onto the edge of the toilet bowl so that when the water is flushed, a portion of the water flows through the holes in the container and then into the bowl. These plastic containers are costly as they are individual units and have to be replaced at relatively frequent intervals.

This manual replacement of the dissolving solid type of cleaner is both costly in manpower and involves much direct and manual contact of the worker with the toilets and their bowls. Such manual contact is undesirable especially in the case of the said cleaning units which hang in the bowl itself as the bowl often harbors a high degree of bacteria and could transfer disease to the worker.

Another disadvantage of the said plastic bowl hangers containing the dissolvable solid is that they are easily knocked out of place and there is a good chance that they will fall in the bowl. This requires immediate removal otherwise blockages occur with unpleasant and sometimes costly consequences. Such immediate removal requires readily available manpower, thus adding to the hidden costs of such devices.

A further disadvantage of this prevalent method of cleaning toilet bowls, namely the container with a dissolving solids inside which are placed in the flushing cistern or hung on the edge of the bowl, is that they frequently disappear from toilets to which the public have access, shortly after they are installed. Until this is discovered by the cleaning staff there may be a build up of dirt, bacteria and odour. In addition there is the expense of replacement. It is generally considered not to be worth locking such cisterns and the type which hangs in the bowl is difficult to lock.

Regarding the removal of fowl odours and replacing with pleasant ones, this is usually achieved by toilet cleaning workers spraying a hand held spray when they do their periodical cleaning or automatic devices whether electrically operated or not, which give off their particular aromas constantly, twenty-four hours a day. Those fresh air dispensers which can release at pre-programmed intervals, a pre-programmed quantity of air freshener are in a different (higher) price bracket from the present invention which is a simple and mechanical device.

Prior art similar to the present invention, reveals air freshening devices placed on the external face of the toilet cistern. For example, US Patent Application No. 20040128751 where an adjustable size basket is positioned in such a way that the common spray can of air freshener will have its spray released each time the flushing handle is pressed down. The spray is released by the physical pressure of the flushing handle pressing down on the spray release nozzle of the said can. This device is more likely to lead to abuse or theft as it is openly visible to the public. Also the unscrupulous may waste the contents of the can by holding the flushing handle down for longer than necessary.

In the present invention the spray can is not visible to the public as it is situated inside the cistern which could be locked as the refilling of the cleansing fluid and replacing of the spray can be done without lifting the water cistern lid. Furthermore, the present invention works in such a way that when the flushing handle has been pressed it will cause a burst of spray from the air freshener can but no more than that even if the flushing handle is held down for a longer than necessary time.

The present invention only releases cleansing agents into the bowl and air fresheners into the air, as and when the user flushes water into the bowl. This is a cost saving factor while ensuring that these cleansing operations are done each time the toilet is flushed.

The present invention solves most of the above mentioned problems as will be revealed in more detail below. Some of the cost saving aspects of the present invention are as follows:

• • a) no need to replace individual units of cleansing material as the material is liquid,
  • b) no need to replace the said units on a frequent basis as the container for the cleansing material is large,
  • c) no unit sits on the rim of the toilet bowl so no possibility of falling in and causing a blockage which uses manpower otherwise occupied with routine work or requires the expense of sub-contractors to clear the blockage,
  • d) also as a result of there not being a small unit on the toilet rim, the present invention is much harder to steal than individual units,
  • e) manpower costs are greatly reduced as the invention works automatically every time the toilet is used with a flushing action thereby keeping a high standard of cleanliness, hygiene and pleasant odours while keeping costs to a minimum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview, or framework, for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.

The present invention comprises apparatus which is situated in the flushing cistern and dispenses cleansing and/or disinfecting fluids into the toilet bowl. This is done each time the flushing handle is depressed to flush water into the bowl.

In addition this invention comprises a container also situated in the flushing cistern and which releases a spray of for example, air deodorizer or air freshener into the air space of the toilet room. This is also done each time and at the same time as the flushing handle is depressed to flush water into the bowl.

The apparatus of this invention could be part of a whole cistern or be attached to the lid of the cistern with the object of replacing an existing lid thereby adding the apparatus of this invention to existing cisterns.

The flushing lever usually is pressed each time the toilet is used. This invention works with levers, pivots, valves and the like that are triggered by the movement of the toilet flushing lever handle movement. No electricity is needed for the operation of this invention.

There are two basic parts that operate at the same time. Firstly the disinfecting liquids that are controllably released into the toilet bowl together with the flushing water Secondly the same movement of the flushing lever presses on a standard air freshening spray can nozzle thereby releasing air freshener into the air of the toilet room.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain, by way of example only, the principles of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of the side view of a toilet cistern filled with water and ready to be used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of the side view of a toilet cistern showing the existing water leaving and fresh water entering.

FIG. 3 is a schematic depiction of the side view of a toilet cistern with the present invention installed therein.

FIG. 4 is a sectional diagram of a toilet cistern with the present invention installed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As will be appreciated the present invention is capable of other and different embodiments than those discussed above and described in more detail below, and its several details are capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the embodiments set forth below are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of the side view of a toilet cistern 100. The system works as follows: Water enters via pipe 202 from the main water supply into the cistern 100 via pipe 209. The float 204 rises with the level of the water and at a pre-set level the arm holding the float 204 presses a rubber seal into the aperture of the incoming water to stop more water from entering. The cistern 100 is then full and ready for use.

The flushing action is activated by depressing handle 203 which is situated on the outside of the cistern 100. When the handle 203 is depressed the cylinder 205 is raised slightly which in turn raises the rubber seal 207 and the water 206 in the cistern 100 flows with the aid of gravitational force, through pipe 288 to the toilet bowl below.

FIG. 2 is a similar schematic depiction as FIG. 1 showing the situation in the cistern after the handle 203 has been depressed. As described above, when cylinder 205 is raised by the depressing of handle 203 it also raises seal 207 which in turn allows the water 206 to flow out through pipe 208 into the bowl below. As the water level in the cistern drops the float drops with it thereby opening the said seal holding back the inflow of water from the main water supply, namely through pipe 202. This incoming water enters the cistern via pipe 209. When the handle 203 is released, the cylinder 205 returns to its position thereby sealing the bottom of the cistern 100 with its seal 207. This prevents the fresh water entering the cistern 100 from being lost down pipe 208 before the cistern is full.

At this stage when the outflow of water has been stopped and fresh water is entering, the float 204 gradually rises with the water level until it reaches a pre-determined position whereupon the arm of the float 204 presses against a seal at the opening of the inflow pipe 202. The cistern 100 is once again ready for use.

FIG. 3 is a similar schematic depiction as FIG. 2 with the present invention installed. The container 210 holds the cleansing and/or disinfecting agent. The said agent passes from the container 210 via pipe 215 into the down pipe 208. This will only occur when handle 203 is depressed and in turn valve 216 is opened. Valve 216 is otherwise closed and prevents the said cleansing agent from flowing out of container 210. Valve 216 releases a pre-determined and adjustable volume of the said cleansing agent.

Yet another action is achieved by depressing handle 203 and that is pushing the arm 217 which in turn presses the release valve 213 of the air freshener in container 212. The said air freshener is under pressure so when the valve 213 is pressed a certain amount of its contents is forced by the said pressure into the air via nozzle 214.

Container 210 and the holding device 218 for the air freshener container 212 and all their relevant connecting arms as described above, can be attached to the inside of the lid of the cistern 100 designed at the manufacturing stage to be inserted as one unit in a conventional cistern. The re-filling of cleansing or disinfecting fluids can be achieved by an opening in the lid of the cistern 100. This facilitates the refilling process making it easier, quicker and more hygienic than the existing system whereby the lid has to be lifted each time and for example, a device inserted in the water.

The container 218 holding the aerosol device for spraying air freshener is adjustable in size to accommodate a variety of standard sized products. The replacement of the spray cans is through a covered opening in the lid of the cistern, in order to avoid lifting the main lid of the cistern.

FIG. 4 shows the basic contents of the standard toilet cistern with the present invention installed therein. The toilet cistern 100 is shown in its state before a flush of water when the cistern 100 is full of water. This is seen by the float 106 being close to the horizontal. The tube 112 holds the bung 110 firmly in place on the exit hole preventing water from flowing down the down-pipe 108 to the toilet bowl below.

The tank 120 of disinfecting fluid is attached to the flush handle 114 in such a way that when the flush handle 114 is pressed to flush water into the toilet bowl, a valve in the tank 120 releases a controlled amount of disinfectant fluid into the cistern 100 via pipe 132.

The water flushes out of the cistern 100 relatively fast and the bung then returns to block the exit of the water so that the majority of disinfectant released mixes with the fresh water that fills up the cistern 100 after each flush has completed.

The second main aim of this invention is to spray air freshener with the same action of the flushing handle 114. When the flush handle 114 is pushed down the upper part of the pipe 112 lifts up raising the arm 122. The arm 122 is pivoted at the joint 124 so that when arm 122 raises, the other side of the pivot 124 namely the arm 125 is forced down to press on the nozzle head 126 of the spray-can 130 thereby spaying the pressurized contents out of the nozzle 128.

The spring 134 is placed so that it returns the arm 122 and the pieces attached to it to their starting position awaiting the next flush of the water.

FIG. 5 shows the same embodiment as FIG. 4 immediately after the flush handle 114 has been pressed. The bung 110 is raised to allow the water with the disinfection liquid mixed therein to flow down the down-pipe 108 into the toilet below. The pipe 112 is raised thereby lifting arm 122 and lowering arm 125 as a result of the centrally placed pivot 124. The arm 125 rests on the spray nozzle 126 so that when arm 125 is pushed down spray freshener 136 is released into the air.

FIG. 6 shows the lid unit 150 complete with the apparatus of this invention attached that could be simply installed into existing toilet cisterns by replacing their lids. The tank 120 contains the cleansing fluid. The hole 121 is used to fill cleansing fluids into the tank 120 without lifting the lid 150. The spray container 130 sprays its contents when the arm 125 presses down on the nozzle head 126. When flush handle is pressed the pipe 112 rises, pushing up the section 136 into housing 137. The rising of section 136 lifts arm 122 which in turn causes arm 125 to press down on the nozzle head 126 due to the pivot effect of pin 124.

Claims

1. A method and device in toilet flushing apparatus comprising:

a) a container to hold cleansing fluids with a valve for controlled release of the said fluids into the water cistern of a toilet;

b) a container to hold an aerosol sprayer; and

c) various connecting rods and connections connecting the said container of the cleansing fluids and the said aerosol sprayer to the handle used to flush the water in the said cistern into a toilet bowl, whereby upon pressing the said handle the said rods and connections cause the opening of the said valve releasing cleansing fluids into the water of the said cistern and cause the release of air freshener spray into the air surrounding the said toilet and whereby toilet bowls will be cleaner and the air of toilet rooms will be fresher.

2. A lid onto which is attached toilet flushing apparatus comprising:

a) a container to hold cleansing fluids with a valve for controlled release of the said fluids into the water cistern of a toilet;

b) a container to hold an aerosol sprayer; and

c) various connecting rods and connections connecting the said container of the cleansing fluids and the said aerosol sprayer to the handle used to flush the water in the said cistern into a toilet bowl, whereby upon pressing the said handle the said rods and connections cause the opening of the said valve releasing cleansing fluids into the water of the said cistern and cause the release of air freshener spray into the air surrounding the said toilet and whereby toilet bowls will be cleaner and the air of toilet rooms will be fresher and whereby the said lid with its said attachments can replace existing water cistern lids.

3. A method and device as claimed in claim 2 wherein there is an opening in the said lid for the purpose of re-filling the said cleansing fluids making maintenance work cleaner and quicker.

4. A method and device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the said aerosol sprayer is replaced from an opening in the said lid of the said cistern making maintenance work cleaner and quicker.

5. A method and device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the said cleaning fluids are re-filled and the said aerosol sprayer is replaced by lifting the said lid of the said cistern.

6. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said container of the cleansing fluids and the said container of the aerosol sprayer, together with the relevant connecting rods are affixed to and/or inserted in toilet flushing systems.

7. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the movement of the flushing handle also causes the release of cleansing fluid into the water in the said cistern.

8. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the movement of the flushing handle also causes the depression of the nozzle of the said aerosol sprayer which releases air freshener into the air space surrounding the toilet.

9. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the movement of the flushing handle causes simultaneously both the said release of cleansing fluid and the said depression of the nozzle of the aerosol sprayer.

10. A method and device as claimed in claims 7 and 9 wherein the said release of cleansing fluid is achieved by opening a valve at the base of the said container of said fluid.

11. A method and device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the said valve, when opened, releases a constant but variable and controllable volume of cleansing fluid.

12. A method and device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the said release of cleansing fluid is directed into the down pipe which leads the flushing water from the cistern to the toilet bowl.

13. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said cleansing fluid comprises at least one of the following list namely; soap, detergent, disinfectant, anti-bacteria, dye, fragrant releaser.

14. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said aerosol sprayer comprises at least one of the following list namely; air freshener, air disinfector, anti-bacteria, odour absorber.

15. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the release of cleansing fluid from its container and the release of propellant from the said aerosol are achieved mechanically.

16. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the release of cleansing fluid from its container and the release of propellant from the said aerosol are achieved electronically.

17. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said handle is a button causing the water to flush by manual movement.

18. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said handle is a button causing the water to flush by electronic means.

19. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said aerosol sprayer is positioned vertically and the depression of the said cistern handle causes a downward pressure on the said aerosol's head and thereby causing the spray to be released.

20. A method and device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said aerosol sprayer is positioned horizontally and the depression of the said cistern handle causes a horizontal pressure on the said aerosol's head and thereby causing the spray to be released.