Dispensing To Bowl Patents (Class 4/223)
  • Patent number: 11959267
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and a method for automating the dispensing a liquid agent into a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Dennis Lee Sternitzky
  • Patent number: 11766499
    Abstract: An odor reducing device for a cat litterbox includes a housing and a fastener. The housing has a front sidewall and a rear sidewall. The front and rear sidewalls together defines a top opening that opens to an interior of the housing. The fastener is attached to the housing and is configured to support the housing on the litterbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Paxson, Michael Harper
  • Patent number: 11427996
    Abstract: An air freshener dispenser assembly includes a dispensing unit for containing a chemical fragrance. The dispensing unit releases a measured amount of the chemical fragrance when the dispensing unit is turned on. In this way the dispensing unit can enhance odors associated with an area proximate the dispensing unit. A pair of switches is each of the switches is coupled the dispensing unit and each of the switches is turned on when a user sits on the seat. The dispensing unit is turned on when the switches are turned on. In this way the dispensing unit reduces odors associated with the user employing the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: William Villafane
  • Patent number: 11285232
    Abstract: A method for making a waste bin odor-controlling pad configured to be hung within the waste bin by a connector, comprising providing a mold; providing a connector; positioning a first length of the connector within a mold at a predetermined position within the mold, while keeping a second length of the connector outside the mold; and pouring an active material within the mold; the predetermined position within the mold being selected based on the geometry of the pad to be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Jean-Gabriel Labrecque, Yvan Marcoux
  • Patent number: 11214949
    Abstract: A toilet deodorant container, including a main body to store a toilet deodorant upon an interior surface therein, at least one water aperture disposed on at least a portion of the main body to facilitate movement of water therethrough, and a hook assembly disposed on at least a portion of a side of the main body to connect via an outer surface of the hook assembly to a toilet bowl to suspend the main body into the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Gilbert Gonzales
  • Patent number: 11198141
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly comprises a hollow nozzle body having a central bore and a plurality of ports extending through the body from the central bore; and a switching valve assembly disposed in the central bore that directs fluid flow to ports upon application of fluid flow above a predetermined threshold to the inlet and directs fluid flow to different ports upon fluid flow having subsequently dropped below the predetermined threshold and then exceeding the predetermined threshold. The assembly comprises a cylindrical poppet slidably disposed within the central bore, a guide between the nozzle body and the poppet, and a biasing member within the cartridge case between the front portion of the nozzle body and the poppet urging the poppet away from the front portion of the cartridge case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: STONEAGE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Schneider, Timothy M. D. Tormey
  • Patent number: 11131087
    Abstract: A device is provided for cleaning a toilet having a toilet bowl, the device including a treatment unit including a housing having a cavity configured and enabled to collect and store flushing tank fluids of said toilet flowing via one or more openings in said housing, one or more cleaning materials, a spraying unit including one or more spraying devices, wherein the spraying devices are configured and enabled to spray said flushing tank fluids mixed with the cleaning materials via the one or more spraying devices into an interior of the toilet bowl, one or more pumps for drawing the flushing tank fluids mixed within the treatment unit with the one or more cleaning materials to the spraying unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: KILLER WHALE L.T.D
    Inventor: Binyamin Yefet Sonovani
  • Patent number: 11124954
    Abstract: Disclosed is an in-the-bowl dispensing device designed to dispense a composition after the flush of the toilet bowl is complete. In this manner the composition is retained in the toilet bowl until the toilet bowl is flushed by the next user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (Brands) Limited
    Inventors: Kris Carver, Jesse Delgigante, Henry Matthew Lawrence Fletcher, John Kenneth Hainsworth, Iain Christopher Smith, Alim Thawer
  • Patent number: 11091904
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method carried out by a sensor device arranged in and/or on a toilet bowl. The method includes the steps of detecting, by a sensor of the sensor device, at least one first environmental parameter in an environment of the sensor device with the first environmental parameter being characteristic of a cleanliness of the toilet bowl, and determining and/or effecting the determination of an item of control information by the sensor device at least partly depending on the detected first environmental parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Arnd Kessler, Tatiana Schymitzek, Lars Zuechner, Alexander Mueller, Georg Wawer, Nadine Goetz, Rudolf Lessmann
  • Patent number: 11041295
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and compositions for dispensing multiple compositions into a plurality of containers or atmospheres. In one embodiment, this disclosure pertains to treating and preventing offensive odors arising from toilets. The system includes a base station with at least one bag-on-valve (BOV) canister, which holds one or more compositions. A tube leads from the output of the bag-on-valve canister to a bowl clip and/or to a spray nozzle. The bowl clip can be mounted to a toilet bowl. One example embodiment of the invention includes a bowl clip with a sensor that initiates release of the composition(s) from the bag-on-valve (BOV) canister(s), while another embodiment initiates release of the composition(s) from the bag-on-valve (BOV) canister(s) using a motion sensor or activation switch. The compositions are delivered to treat and prevent offensive odors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Jonathan G. Foss
  • Patent number: 10941555
    Abstract: A robotic cleaning apparatus for cleaning a toilet includes a cleaning head, an articulated body, and a controller. The articulated body coupled to the cleaning head and mountable to the toilet. The body having one or more actuators that collectively move the cleaning head into contact with surfaces of the toilet bowl and toilet seat when the articulated body is mounted to the toilet. The controller communicatively coupled to the one or more actuators to send control signals that, when the articulated body is mounted to the toilet, direct the one or more actuators to move the cleaning head to a plurality of positions and determine an angular orientation of the toilet seat based at least in part on the plurality of positions. The cleaning head is in contact with the toilet seat or a rim of the toilet bowl in each of the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ALTAN ROBOTECH INC.
    Inventors: David D'Souza, Mina Bassalious, Zhenqiang Mi, Pritam Kumar Sarkar
  • Patent number: 10932630
    Abstract: A smart portable toilet bowl includes a bottom tank releasably connected to a top tank, a hollow ball valve device configured to open when the toilet seat is open and close when the toilet seat is closed, and a controller configured to detect when a user starts to use the smart portable toilet, start a deodorizing fan to introduce antibacterial and deodorizing materials into the top segment and at the same time start an extractor fan to draw out odor, and when the user finishes using the toilet, activating a spray nozzle to clean the user for a first predetermined amount of time, dry up the user using drying fan for a second predetermined amount of time, and clean the toilet bowl using a flushing ring for a third predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ton Duc Thang University
    Inventor: Toan Van Luu
  • Patent number: 10765266
    Abstract: A bathing system includes a primary reservoir, a secondary reservoir, and an atomizer. The primary reservoir is configured to hold a first volume of water. The secondary reservoir is in fluid communication with the primary reservoir by a channel. The secondary reservoir is configured to hold a second volume of water. The atomizer is disposed in the secondary reservoir, and is configured to introduce water from the second volume of water into a flow of air received in the channel by atomizing at least a portion of the second volume of water to form an air-water mixture upstream of the primary reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Stout
  • Patent number: 10626588
    Abstract: A toilet dispenser and light is disclosed. Upon detection and activation from sensors, a light may be used to illuminate a toilet bowl, and a treatment substance may be dispensed into the toilet bowl. The dispenser correspondingly configures to operate with the rim of a toilet bowl. Portions of the dispenser may be replaceable, such as a power source and a propellant container used to house a treatment substance. A system of multiple dispensers operable, respectively, to treat multiple toilets is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Homemation LLC
    Inventors: Taylor Brett Wood, Daken Marcus Tanner, Jeremy Todd Stevenson, Jacob Lynn Larsen
  • Patent number: 10597857
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a toilet device includes a flush toilet, a toilet seat, a spray device, a detecting sensor, and a controller. The flush toilet includes a bowl. The bowl includes a flush region and a non-flush region. The controller executes a pre-mist mode and an after-mist mode. The pre-mist mode includes automatically controlling the spray device, spraying the mist onto the flush region and the non-flush region, and forming a water droplet or a water film by causing the mist to accumulate in the flush region and the non-flush region. The after-mist mode includes automatically controlling the spray device to rinse away the water droplet or the water film formed in the non-flush region in the pre-mist mode by increasing a volume of the water droplet or the water film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Nogoshi, Satoshi Matsunaka, Ryo Suzuki, Yuki Moriizumi, Hiroaki Amemori, Kota Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 10584470
    Abstract: A toilet device with which a detergent tank and a pipe member connection part of a pipe member supplying a detergent to a toilet can be connected to each other without a movement of the detergent tank includes a detergent tank including a detergent tank discharge opening and a pipe member connection part connecting the detergent tank and a pipe member having a detergent supply path through which a detergent is supplied to a toilet portion after the detergent is supplied from the detergent tank to each other by being connected to the detergent tank discharge opening, in which the pipe member connection part constitutes a sliding structure advancing and retreating with respect to the detergent tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: LIXIL Corporation
    Inventor: Koki Hashinokuchi
  • Patent number: 10570599
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a toilet device includes a flush toilet, a toilet seat, a spray device, a detecting sensor, and a controller. The flush toilet includes a bowl, a rim upper surface, and a water discharge port. The bowl includes a flush region and a non-flush region. The controller executes a pre-mist mode by automatically controlling the spray device to spray the mist into the bowl. In the pre-mist mode, the controller controls the spray device to cause the mist to directly wet a front end part of the non-flush region and to cause an average wetting amount per unit area of the mist directly wetting an upper region of the front end part to be less than an average wetting amount per unit area directly wetting a lower region of the front end part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Nogoshi, Satoshi Matsunaka, Ryo Suzuki, Hiroaki Amemori, Kota Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 10563388
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a toilet device includes a flush toilet, a toilet seat, a sterilizer, a sprayer, and a controller. The flush toilet includes a bowl and a rim. The sterilizer generates sterilizing water. The sprayer sprays a mist of the sterilizing water onto the bowl, the rim, and the toilet seat. The controller controls the sprayer to cause an average wetting amount per unit area at the toilet seat and the amount per unit area at an upper surface of the rim each to be smaller than the amount per unit area at the bowl and smaller than the amount per unit area at an inner wall surface of the rim for one time of performing a mist mode to spray the mist of the sterilizing water onto the bowl, the rim, and the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Nogoshi, Satoshi Matsunaka, Ryo Suzuki, Yuki Moriizumi
  • Patent number: 10435876
    Abstract: A bubble generator includes an ejector including a flow passage, a water supplier that supplies water into the flow passage, an air supplier that supplies air into the flow passage, a cleaner supplier that supplies a cleaner into the flow passage, and a bubble discharger that discharges bubbles generated by mixing the water, the air, and the cleaner; a water supply device that supplies water to the flow passage via the water supplier, and a cleaner supply device that supplies the cleaner to the flow passage via the cleaner supplier. The cleaner supplier is formed on a lower surface of the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: LIXIL Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Shimasaki, Kouji Fukuya, Masato Wakabayashi, Shuhei Haida, Koji Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10435877
    Abstract: A flush toilet includes a toilet bowl part, flush water conduits that guides flush water toward the toilet bowl part, a bubble passage provided separately from the flush water conduits, the bubble passage that guides bubbles toward the toilet bowl part, and a bubble generator provided in the bubble passage, the bubble generator that generates bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: LIXIL Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Fukuya, Hirokazu Shimasaki, Masato Wakabayashi, Shuhei Haida, Koji Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10311641
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for technology that identifies a change in virtual camera orientation that will increase a virtual walkable space associated with a rendered environment in a head mounted display (HMD) system. Additionally, a saccadic movement state may be detected with respect to a wearer of the HMD system, wherein the change in virtual camera orientation is conducted when the saccadic movement state is present. In one example, the change in virtual camera orientation may be bypassed when the saccadic movement state is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Pohl
  • Patent number: 9644358
    Abstract: The invention contemplates automatic cleaning of an entire toilet bowel using an electrically powered motor that simultaneously spins flexible, but rigid, circular brushes that are substantially the same length as the height of the bowl in both vertical and horizontal directions, not only around the bowl, but also along the height of the bowl, with special attention to the two parts of the bowl that collect the most rust and debris: at the “water line” and “under the rim”. The longer one waits to clean a toilet bowl, the more likely an anti-rust chemical will be required to soak the water line and under the rim for a few minutes prior to brushing; and before administering chemicals, the toilet should be flushed. Automatically flushing, releasing chemicals, and soaking before cleaning (and then repeating until all debris is removed) requires a programmable microprocessor and debris sensor(s) to truly operate automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Prince Demond Qualls
  • Patent number: 9609985
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cover apparatus includes a lid housing having a lower portion and an upper portion extending upwardly from a rear end of the lower portion, the portions together defining a continuous interior channel. A flexible lid member is situated in the interior channel and slidably movable between a retracted configuration substantially in the interior channel of the upper portion and a deployed configuration substantially in the interior channel of the lower portion. A toilet seat is operatively coupled to a top surface of the lid housing and selectively movable between raised and lowered configuration. The lower portion of the lid housing defines an opening complementary to a center opening of the toilet seat and to an open top of the toilet bowl. Therefore, the lid member prevents communication between the toilet bowl and the toilet seat the deployed configuration and allows communication therebetween at the retracted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Lado Lodoka
  • Patent number: 9546477
    Abstract: Toilet basket (1) for receiving solid or gelled preparations having at least one container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) for receiving at least one preparation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), the container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) positionable below the toilet rim so that flushing water can flow over it when the toilet is flushed, and at least one inlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) and one outlet opening (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) shaped in the container wall (7) for the flushing water; a holder (2) for mounting the toilet basket (1) on the bowl rim; a flushing water distributing element (8) arranged and configured on the toilet basket (1) so that the flushing water distributing element (8) is impinged upon by flushing water upon flushing, and an equalized delivery of flushing water into the inlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Ralph Butter-Jentsch, Hans-Georg Muehlhausen
  • Patent number: 9422702
    Abstract: Toilet basket (1) for receiving solid or gelled preparations having at least one container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) for receiving at least one preparation (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), the container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) positionable below the toilet rim so that flushing water can flow over it when the toilet is flushed, and at least one inlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) and one outlet opening (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) shaped in the container wall (7) for the flushing water; a holder (2) for mounting the toilet basket (1) on the bowl rim; a flushing water distributing element (8) arranged and configured on the toilet basket (1) so that the flushing water distributing element (8) is impinged upon by flushing water upon flushing, and an equalized delivery of flushing water into the inlet opening (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the container (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Ralph Butter-Jentsch, Hans-Georg Muehlhausen
  • Patent number: 9332885
    Abstract: A toilet deodorizing device automatically dispenses a deodorizer into a toilet when a person sits on a seat of the toilet. The device includes a housing and a deodorizing substance contained in an interior space of the housing. A dispenser is coupled to the housing. The dispenser is actuated by pressing an upper surface of the dispenser towards the housing. A connector extends from the housing positioning the housing in a toilet bowl. The upper surface of the dispenser is positioned over the opening into the toilet bowl such that the dispenser is configured for contacting a seat coupled to the toilet bowl when the seat is in a nearly fully deployed position whereby pressure on the seat into a fully deployed position actuates the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Felton Todd
  • Patent number: 9126548
    Abstract: A motor vehicle such as an automobile includes a passenger seat and toilet system that includes a metal frame, a seat portion, a seat back and console adjacent to and slightly above the seat portion with a plurality of switches disposed in the console for activating a toilet system. The toilet system includes a privacy curtain and track way extendable around the seat and is integral with the passenger seat. The toilet system includes a toilet bowl, a waste disposal opening in a bottom portion thereof and is activatable by a number of push button switches. The system includes a remote water tank separate from the vehicle cooling system and an electric pump and hose for connecting the water tank to a nozzle for spraying water onto the toilet bowl and individuals sitting on the toilet. The system also includes a waste disposal drawer, a container positioned below the toilet bowl for receiving waste and a heavy duty plastic bag with a closure cord for receiving the waste and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Abeer E. M. Alneaimi
  • Publication number: 20150101113
    Abstract: There are provided a toilet cleaning apparatus having a bubble supply mechanism and a cleaning method thereof. The toilet cleaning apparatus having a bubble supply mechanism includes a mixture tank in which raw water supplied from a raw water supply unit, air introduced from an air supply unit, and a cleaning solution supplied from a cleaning solution supply unit are mixed and accommodated, a bubble generation unit provided in the mixture tank and generating bubbles with the raw water, air, and the cleaning solution by using an impeller, and a bubble discharging unit connected to the mixture tank and discharging bubbles generated by the bubble generation unit to the toilet bowl to cover water stored in the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: COWAY Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Hee Lee, Hyun-Kang Lee
  • Publication number: 20150074888
    Abstract: The invention relates to free floating automated toilet bowl cleaning devices that dispense a volatile composition (e.g., a fragrance) into air surrounding the toilet and dispense a cleaning composition (e.g., hypohalite bleach) into toilet tank water on which the device freely floats. The device includes a first compartment for housing the volatile composition. The first compartment is permeable to air, with the permeable portion of the first compartment positioned above a water line when the device is floated. The device includes a second compartment for housing the cleaning composition. The second compartment includes one or more inlets through the device body to allow fluid communication with the liquid on which the device floats during use. A floatation member is positioned above the second compartment (e.g., between the first and second compartments).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Sarah Coulter, Elizabeth Knipmeyer, Andrew Kilkenny, Stephen R. Dennis, Kerry Azelton
  • Patent number: 8966674
    Abstract: Cageless toilet dispensing devices for use in conjunction with a sanitary appliance particularly a toilet, and methods for their use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser LLC
    Inventors: Robert Zhong Lu, Dana Moseson
  • Publication number: 20150026873
    Abstract: A toilet cleaning system in which a hand held unit (28) is attached to a conduit (24) (e.g., a pipe, a hose, etc.) that is fully or in part flexible and is connected to a water supply (22). In this embodiment, a “trigger” device (30) is within the hand held unit (28) to prevent or allow the water to travel through the system. A chamber (32) is positioned within the hand held unit (28) and contains a sanitizing agent. The chamber (32) is connected to the portion of the hand held unit (34) containing the “trigger” (30) with a watertight connection (36). The water mixes with the sanitizing agent as it travels through the chamber section containing the sanitizing agent and the mixture exits at point (38) of the hand held unit either through the end of the unit or through a side (39) of the unit (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Wendy Becker, Glenn Frederick Mackay
  • Patent number: 8893315
    Abstract: A method of operating a toilet freshener includes the step of flushing water flow through a toilet bowl within a flushing water period [t1-t2], in which t1 represents the start of flush water flow and t2 the end of flush water flow. A sensor unit detects triggering of a flush water stream through the toilet bowl within the flushing water period [t1-t2] at a time ts. A sensor signal, which represents triggering of the flush water stream, is sent to a control unit. The sensor signal is converted, using the control unit, into a control signal for the release element, in response thereto, to release preparation from the container into the interior of the toilet bowl, release of the preparation from the container taking place with a time delay ?t after detection of the flush stream by the sensor unit and continuing for a first preparation release period ?t1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Daniel Frey
  • Publication number: 20140259336
    Abstract: A device may comprise first matter including a first material adapted, when in contact with a liquid, to clean the liquid and to maintain the liquid at a first color. The device may include second matter including a second material adapted, when in contact with the liquid, to maintain the liquid at a second color. The device may further include an interface configured to limit an exposure of the second material to the liquid before at least a portion of the first material contacts the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Aron Schuftan
  • Publication number: 20140250576
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spraying device for spraying an enclosure with a liquid cleanser. The device comprises a metering system communicating with a reservoir and a spray head containing a vibrating mesh spray actuator. The metering system comprises a metering chamber, a weir member and a conduit means. The device is rotatable between a first recharging orientation and a second dispensing orientation. The conduit means comprises an element selected from a check valve and a channel. In particular, the invention relates to a spraying device which is suited for automatically cleaning a toilet bowl. The invention also relates to a cartridge configured to be received by the spraying device. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for spraying an enclosure comprising a rotatable lid with a liquid cleanser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Conopco, Inc., d/b/a UNILEVER
    Inventors: Federico PASQUINI, Davide PIETRASANTA, Guy Richard THOMPSON
  • Patent number: 8826470
    Abstract: Disclosed are automated aerosol dispensers for delivering chemicals (e.g. cleaners, fragrances, insect control agents) from the dispenser to selected locations (e.g. the air; a toilet bowl; a shower enclosure). There is an actuator (e.g. a push button or a foot pedal) for initiating dispensing, and a holder for an aerosol container. The aerosol container stores the chemical before use. There is a switch associated with the holder that recognizes when the aerosol container has been mounted to the holder, and when thereafter that aerosol container has been dismounted from the holder. A controller controls dispensing of the chemical from the aerosol container in response to actuation. The controller has a timer that determines the amount of time that chemical is to be delivered from the aerosol container upon the dispenser being actuated by the actuator. A database is provided for assisting the controller in varying the time that the timer permits dispensing in response to activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Helf, Jeffrey L. Crull, James R. Crapser
  • Publication number: 20140245530
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a valve, and also dispensing or dosing apparatus (1) incorporating such a valve, for dispensing a predetermined dose of a first liquid into a second liquid, the apparatus comprising a sealed reservoir (10) for holding the first liquid, a reservoir outlet tube (24) connected to the reservoir at its in use upper region (18) and in fluid communication therewith, first valve means (30) for selectively dispensing a dose of the first liquid from the reservoir into the second liquid, and a dosing tube (26) between the reservoir outlet tube and the valve means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Parry Slade
  • Patent number: 8820664
    Abstract: A multiple nozzle differential fluid delivery head is disclosed. The fluid delivery head includes a body that defines a fluid chamber having a longitudinal axis. The body includes an inlet for connection to a fluid source, and the inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery head includes a plurality of outlet ports connected to and extending away from the body. Each outlet port has an interior space in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery head includes a nozzle insert removably secured in an outer end of each outlet port. At least one nozzle insert has a fluid delivery aperture in fluid communication with the interior space of its associated outlet port for delivering fluid out of the interior space of its associated outlet port. One or more of the outlet ports is angled away from a plane normal to the axis of the fluid delivery head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Sawalski, Michael J. Skalitzky, Nitin Sharma, Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Yong Chen, Allen D. Miller
  • Patent number: 8776277
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved toilet dispensing devices for use in conjunction with a sanitary appliance, particularly a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser LLC
    Inventor: Hui-Lian Leo
  • Publication number: 20140165277
    Abstract: The invention relates to an insert (3) that can be inserted into a drainage opening (2) of a urinal (1) and that can be designed, for example, as an odor seal. The insert (3) has at least one outlet opening (4) through which a liquid (5), in particular a cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid, is released, in particular injected or sprayed, onto a bowl surface (6) of a urinal (1), in the discharge opening of which the insert (3) is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: URIMAT HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Arthur Schmed, Werner Balkau
  • Publication number: 20140115765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a automated spraying device for spraying an enclosure with a liquid cleanser, the device having, a reservoir (16) for containing the liquid cleanser, a pump (14) in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a movable spray head (15) having an outlet orifice through which cleanser from the reservoir can be expelled during operation of the pump if there is such liquid cleanser in the reservoir. Said spraying device also contains an electrical motor drive mechanism (12) for sequentially operating th pump (14) and moving the spray head (15) to modify the direction of the spray there from, such that the spray head is not simultaneously spraying and moving. Furthermore, the spray head is suitable for producing an aerosol whereby the Dv50 of the aerosol is in the range of from 30 to 70 micron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew Chace Carpenter, Kenneth Allen Focht, Federico Pasquini, Davide Pietrasanta, Andrea Dias Sorze
  • Publication number: 20140059751
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying cleaning substance to toilet bowl includes body having a wall defining a distally-facing cavity for releasably retaining the cleaning substance. The cavity may be greater in width than depth, and the body may have a proximally-extending mechanism configured to facilitate gripping the apparatus and applying the cleaning substance when the cleaning substance is pressed against the toilet bowl. For bathroom surface applications, body can have a proximally-extending releasing mechanism configured to selectively deform, the wall and thereby deform the cavity to release the cleaning substance from the cavity when the cleaning substance is pressed against the surface. Method for cleaning toilets employs above-defined wall having distally-disposed terminal edge whereby pressing the cleaning substance against the toilet bowl and manipulating the wall via the releasing mechanism distorts wall and cavity to release cleaning substance from cavity and apply substance to toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Phoebe Leppla, Rachel Robinette, Brett McIntire, John L. Adair, III
  • Publication number: 20140047626
    Abstract: A toilet seat cover assembly that has a cover shaped to fit over a toilet seat, the cover including internal side walls and an arm assembly disposed within the cover, the arm assembly including at least one arm that radially spans from an axis of rotation, defines a path of rotation, has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end defining a discontinuity between the distal end and the internal side walls such that it is operable to move freely of the internal side walls, and defines a first plurality of cutouts fluidly coupled to a liquid source and sized to discharge liquid matter over the toilet seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Maximo Dorra
  • Publication number: 20140020164
    Abstract: A chemical system is provided for adding a small amount of chemicals to a toilet bowl during the refilling cycle. The system at least one chamber and uses water to force chemicals out and into the overflow tube of the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Donald P. Berry
  • Publication number: 20140000017
    Abstract: A toilet cleaning device includes an elongated and hollow guiding member, an inflatable water stopper and a pump device. The inflatable water stopper is extended from a bottom end of the guiding member and is positioned in a bottom drain of a toilet bowl. The pump device is provided at an upper end of the guiding member. The pump device is actuated to inflate the inflatable water stopper through the guiding member. Therefore, the inflatable water stopper is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with a size of the bottom drain of the toilet bowl to water-seal thereat and for raising water level in the toilet bowl when water is added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Hai C. Quach
  • Publication number: 20130333103
    Abstract: A device for spraying an inner surface of a wall of an enclosure with a fluid is disclosed. The device includes a reservoir for the fluid, a nozzle assembly through which the fluid can be sprayed on the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir and the nozzle, a pump for delivering fluid from the reservoir through the fluid conduit and to the nozzle when the pump assembly is activated, and a controller in electrical communication with the pump wherein the controller executes a stored program to activate and deactivate the pump. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle which directs the fluid in a fluid path, and the nozzle assembly further includes a deflection shield that is dimensioned to contact and redirect fluid in the fluid path, and the nozzle assembly further includes mounting structure for attaching the nozzle near the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure. The flow off of the deflector shield is laminar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 8603257
    Abstract: An automatic toilet bowl treatment device, wherein said device comprises: a fluid reservoir, a pump means, a hanger means, and a fluid spray means wherein the entire device is configured so that it can be suspended from, preferably wholly suspended from, a part of a toilet bowl and in particular, a part of the toilet bowl rim. The device is used for the automatic treatment of a lavatory appliance, preferably a toilet bowl and especially preferably the interior surfaces of a toilet bowl which process comprises operating the device to provide a quantity of a treatment composition at periodic intervals to one or more interior surfaces of the lavatory appliance, and preferably to one or more of the interior surfaces of a toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser LLC
    Inventors: Diane Joyce Burt, Wu Jin, Christopher King, Alexander W Mayes, Pawel Rudzinski, Jacobus Simon Petrus Van Diepen
  • Publication number: 20130305442
    Abstract: A chemical system is provided for adding a small amount of chemicals to a toilet bowl at the end of the flush cycle. The system has several chambers and a mechanism to add water to the system to force chemicals out and into the overflow tube of the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Donald P. Berry
  • Patent number: 8549675
    Abstract: A device for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a cleaning and/or deodorizing chemical is disclosed. The device includes a container for the chemical, a container holder, a sprayer through which the chemical can be sprayed laterally at least halfway around a perimeter of the sprayer, means for attaching the sprayer near a rim of the toilet bowl, and a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the sprayer. The toilet bowl cleaning device can include a hand or foot actuated lever for releasing a fluid from the container into a fluid delivery system, and a clip for mounting the sprayer adjacent an inner wall of the toilet bowl wherein the clip can be adjusted to fit different size toilet bowls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Abbondanzio, Ronald J. Schmidt, Jeffrey L. Crull, Paresh Shroff, Kristian Buschmann, Steven V. Bisbikis
  • Patent number: 8522370
    Abstract: A device for spraying an inner surface of a wall of an enclosure with a fluid is disclosed. The device includes a reservoir for the fluid, a nozzle assembly through which the fluid can be sprayed on the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir and the nozzle, a pump for delivering fluid from the reservoir through the fluid conduit and to the nozzle when the pump assembly is activated, and a controller in electrical communication with the pump wherein the controller executes a stored program to activate and deactivate the pump. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle which directs the fluid in a fluid path, and the nozzle assembly further includes a deflection shield that is dimensioned to contact and redirect fluid in the fluid path, and the nozzle assembly further includes mounting structure for attaching the nozzle near the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure. The flow off of the deflector shield is laminar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 8510872
    Abstract: Toilet flusher (1) comprising a power source (3), a control unit (4), and at least one first container (9) containing a first preparation (10), wherein the first container can be coupled to the toilet flusher (1), wherein at least the first preparation (10) has a viscosity less than 3,000 mPas, and wherein a pump (6) and/or a dispensing element (43) is configured so that when the pump (6) is idle or the dispensing element (43) is in the closed position, the preparation (10) is prevented from freely flowing into the surrounding area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Mühlhausen, Frank Pessel, Ralph Butter-Jentsch, Matthias Lueken