Apparatus and method for automatically cleaning a tank-style toilet

Abstract

An apparatus is provided which is positioned in a reservoir tank of a conventional tank toilet and which injects cleaner into a toilet bowl operatively connected to said reservoir tank when the toilet is flushed. The apparatus includes a “T” connector, a diaphragm valve connected to a collapsible supply bag, an injection tube connected to said diaphragm valve and running the length of said supply bag and exiting the supply bag at the top of the bag through a sealed exit. When the toilet is flushed, the “T” connector diverts water from a water inlet valve located within the reservoir tank and directs the water to the diaphragm valve. The water operates the diaphragm valve, which forces cleaner from the valve through the injection tube, and out the injection tube into an overflow pipe located with the reservoir tank. The overflow pipe leads to the toilet bowl; thus allowing for the cleaner exiting the tube to be enter the bowl to clean the toilet. After the flushing ends, the water from the water inlet valve is reduced, allowing the diaphragm to return to a relaxed position and cleaner to fill the valve from the supply bag.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to automatic dispensers for toilet cleaners, and, more specifically, to dispensers located in a toilet utilizing a reservoir tank so that they are not visible during normal operation of the toilet.

[0002] The cleanliness of a toilet is an issue that has fostered the creation of hundreds of products and devices. However, cleaning toilets remains an unpleasant task. As a result, many of these products and devices were developed to automatically clean the toilet with minimal human interaction.

[0003] One such method is by injecting a cleaner into a toilet bowl or urinal. These injections typically happen periodically. Some systems have been developed to inject the cleaner after a set period of time. Other systems have been developed to inject fluid during each flush.

[0004] Injection systems that inject cleaner over after a set period of time typically are inefficient. When a system injects cleaner after a period when the toilet is not use, cleaner is wasted. Conversely, when the system injects cleaner periodically when the toilet is used often, not enough cleaner is used and the toilet becomes foul, making it undesirable to use.

[0005] With toilets that utilize a reservoir tank, one such method of injecting cleaner during each flush is by placing concentrated cleaner in the reservoir tank and letting the concentrated cleaner dissolve into the water in the tank, which then enters the toilet bowl or urinal during the flushing period. Such cleaners can be liquid, solid or powder. However, this procedure allows for inconsistent amounts of dissolved cleaner to be injected into the toilet or urinal depending on the time period between flushes. Furthermore, the solid or powder can settle in the reservoir tank, creating an undesirable mess or staining the tank.

[0006] Other dispensing systems require water to enter the dispenser and mix with the concentrated cleaner, relying on the turbulence of the water flow to conduct the mixing and ensure that the cleaner enters the toilet bowl. However, turbulence often does not ensure even distribution or dissolution of the cleaner. Also, this method does not provide an optimal process of ensuring that a consistent amount of cleaner is released with every flush.

[0007] Other systems rely on multiple moving parts to inject the cleaner. The moving parts are susceptible to jamming. Furthermore, if a part breaks, it can be difficult and expensive to repair or replace. Finally, systems with moving parts, along with systems that mix a concentrated cleaner in a container, are often large, taking up space in the tank which otherwise be filled with water intended by the design of the toilet.

[0008] Therefore, it is an objective of this invention to provide a toilet cleaner dispenser that can be easily mounted in a toilet reservoir tank and is activated when the toilet is flushed, using water pressure from the bleeder valve to push a cleaning solution through an outlet tube and into the overflow pipe, immediately injecting the fluid into the toilet bowl without unnecessary mixing.

[0009] It is another objective of the current invention to provide an inexpensive, yet reliable device that can be installed easily into a toilet reservoir tank without the use of tools or plumbing expertise.

[0010] Another objective of the current invention is to provide a device in which the amount of cleaner injected can be easily controlled.

[0011] Another objective of the current invention is to inject a cleaner into a toilet bowl without the assistance of batteries, electricity, or circuits.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0012] These and other objectives and advantages of the present invention are provided in an apparatus and method for automatically dispensing toilet cleaner from a container in the toilet tank into the toilet bowl. The toilet reservoir tank contains a water inlet valve and an overflow pipe. Typically, when the toilet is flushed the reservoir empties. When the reservoir empties, the inlet water valve opens and begins to refill the reservoir. Simultaneously, a bleeder valve opens and injects water into the overflow pipe, which then enters the toilet bowl. This is done to ensure that the “P” trap remains full of water and prevents sewer gas from escaping. Furthermore, if the level in the reservoir approaches the top of the tank, excess water will enter the overflow pipe and empties into the toilet bowl.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, a “T” connector is operatively linked to the bleeder valve, so that when the bleeder valve opens, water enters the “T” connector through a first opening and exits through a second and third opening. The second opening is located within the overflow pipe and the third opening is operatively connected to a diaphragm valve via an inlet nipple. The diaphragm valve is located within a collapsible bag near the bottom of the bag. Seals exist between the bag walls and the valve to ensure that cleaner does not leak from the bag. An outlet nipple is positioned opposite the inlet nipple. Both the inlet nipple and outlet nipple traverse the walls of the bag. An injection tube is operatively connected to the outlet nipple, and runs up the exterior of the bag. The injection tube then bends in a downward direction and is connected to an injection tube holder positioned on the “T” connector located the overflow pipe. A connecting device connects the cleaner bag to the wall of the toilet tank reservoir and ensures that the bend in the tube is above the top of the overflow pipe.

[0014] In another aspect, a method is disclosed of using water pressure to inject a measured amount of cleaner into an overflow pipe. In this method, a portion of the water from the bleeder valve is diverted by the use of a “T” connector. The diverted water is sent to a diaphragm valve, where it is applied with force against a relaxed diaphragm within a water chamber of a diaphragm valve. The diaphragm then flexes, pushing cleaner out of a cleaner chamber in the diaphragm valve into an injection tube. The method then forces cleaner out of the injection tube and into said overflow pipe.

[0015] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description, within the scope of the invention, and protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of the toilet tank cleaner dispenser of the present invention showing one placement of the “T” connector, the inlet tube, the diaphragm valve; the bag, the injection tube and the bag hanger in relation to the toilet tank, the inlet valve and the overflow pipe;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side perspective of the “T” connector;

[0018] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional perspective view of a diaphragm valve of one embodiment of the present invention in a static position prior to a flushing event;

[0019] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional perspective view of said diaphragm valve of FIG. 3A in a sealed position immediately after a flushing event;

[0020] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional perspective view of said diaphragm valve of FIG. 3A in a partial injection position during a flushing event;

[0021] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional perspective view of said diaphragm valve of FIG. 3A in a stalled position nearing the end of a flushing event;

[0022] FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of the diaphragm valve containing a diaphragm with a raised circumference;

[0023] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the diaphragm valve containing a diaphragm and an o-ring;

[0024] FIG. 4C is an exploded perspective view of the diaphragm valve containing a diaphragm;

[0025] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cleaner injection tube and the level of the cleaner within the tube and bag prior an initial flushing event;

[0026] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cleaner injection tube and the level of the cleaner within the tube and bag during a flushing event;

[0027] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cleaner injection tube and the level of the cleaner within the tube and bag when the diaphragm is in a stall position; and

[0028] FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cleaner injection tube and the level of the cleaner with the tube and bag when the diaphragm returns to the static position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a toilet reservoir tank 100 typically contains a water inlet valve 105 and an outlet overflow pipe 110. When the toilet flushes, water from the reservoir tank 100 enters the toilet bowl (not shown), and the toilet reservoir 100 empties. When the reservoir 100 empties, the water inlet valve 105 opens, refilling the reservoir tank 100. Simultaneous with the water inlet valve opening, a bleeder valve 113 opens and injects liquid into the outlet overflow pipe 110 to maintain water in the “P” trap (not shown), preventing sewer gas from escaping.

[0030] In accordance with the present invention, the toilet reservoir tank 100 also contains a water inlet tube 115 connecting the bleeder valve 113 to a first opening in a “T” connector 120, which has a second opening located within the overflow pipe 110. A connector tube 125 connects a third opening of the “T” connector to a diaphragm valve 130. The diaphragm valve 130 is located within a lower portion of a cleaner bag 135. The diaphragm valve 130 is situated in the cleaner bag 130 so that a first side of the diaphragm valve 130 is heat-sealed to a first side of the cleaner bag 135 and a second side of the diaphragm valve 130 is heat-sealed to a second side of the cleaner bag 135. A fluid-tight seal is formed around the diaphragm valve 130 so that no water from the reservoir tank 100 enters the cleaner bag 135 and no cleaner from the cleaner bag 135 enters the reservoir tank 155. Such a seal may be made by heat, an adhesive, or other suitable means well-known in the art. An injection tube 140 is connected to the diaphragm valve 130, runs vertically outside the cleaner bag 135, traverses a hole 145 in the seal on the upper end of the bag 145 and is connected to a holder on the “T” connector 120 located in the overflow pipe 110. The bag is mounted to the toilet reservoir tank 100 by a mounting device 150. The mounting device 150 should position the cleaner bag 135 so that the hole in the seal 145 is above the top of the overflow pipe 110.

[0031] FIG. 2 further details the “T” connector 200. The “T” connector 200 consists of first and second nippled channels 210, 220 and a non-nippled channel 230 interconnected at a center location 240. In the present embodiment, said first and second nippled channels 210, 220 are separated by 160 degrees and said first and second nippled channels 210, 220 are separated from said non-nippled channel 230 by approximately 100 degrees. The first nippled channel 210 is connected to the water inlet tube 115 (FIG. 1). The second nippled channel is connected to the connector tube 125 (FIG. 1). The non-nippled channel 230 is inserted into the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1). The nipples on the channels, 210, 220 ensure a seal between the tubes 115, 125 (FIG. 1) and the “T” connector 200 during the operation of the device. Additionally, a fourth channel 250 runs parallel to the non-nippled channel 230. This channel 250 is tapered so that the top end is larger than the lower end. The channel 250 holds the injection tube 140 in place in the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1). The tapered shape ensures that the injection tube 140 (FIG. 1) is held in place above the diaphragm valve 130 (FIG. 1), which is required for the diaphragm valve 130 (FIG. 1) to operate properly. Furthermore, the fourth channel 250 guarantees that the cleaner will be injected into the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1).

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the fourth channel of the “T” connector does not hold the injection tube 140 (FIG. 1) inside the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the fourth channel is attached to the “T” connector 200, but is located on the outer surface of the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1). The fourth channel is attached to the “T” connector 200 by a connecting bridge. The “T” connector 200 is located within the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1) and the fourth channel outside the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1), with the bridge resting on the wall of the overflow pipe.

[0033] Alternatively, the fourth channel need not be attached to the “T” connector 200, but may be attached separately to the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1), the bag 135 (FIG. 1), bag holder 150 (FIG. 1), or wall of the reservoir tank 100 (FIG. 1). The fourth channel can be attached using a clamp clip, rubberband, or other method known in the art. In these alternative embodiments, any cleaner exiting the injection tube 140 (FIG. 1) will not enter the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1), but will enter the reservoir tank 100 (FIG. 1). As a result, the cleaner will mix with the water from the reservoir tank 100 (FIG. 1) before entering the bowl (not shown) instead of directly entering the bowl (not shown) via the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1).

[0034] FIGS. 3A through 3D illustrate one operative cycle of the diaphragm valve 130 (FIG. 1). FIG. 3A displays a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm valve (FIG. 1) in its static position. The diaphragm valve 130 (FIG. 1) is comprised of a first housing half 305 and a second housing half 310. The first housing half 305 contains a first nippled connector 315, generally perpendicular to said first housing 305. The second housing half 310 also contains a second nippled connector 320, which is at an angle with said second diaphragm housing half. The second nippled connector points in an upward direction so that the injection tube 140 (FIG. 1) will not crimp and prevent cleaner flow. In another embodiment, the angle between the second housing half 310 and the second nippled connector 320 is between 30 and 60 degrees, while in a third embodiment, the angle is 45 degrees. The two housing halves 305, 310 are connected by corresponding mating engagements 325 located on both halves 305, 310. These mating engagements can be snap fit, press fit, or heat stake engagements. In between the two housings 305, 310 is a flexible diaphragm 330, which can be made of latex, rubber, or any other suitable flexible material. The first diaphragm housing half 305 and diaphragm 330 form a water chamber 335. Similarly, the second diaphragm housing half 310 and the diaphragm 330 form a cleaner chamber 340. The diaphragm 330 provides a fluid-tight seal between the water chamber 335 and the cleaner chamber 340.

[0035] The seal can be created by any suitable method known in the art. For example, FIG. 4A shows a seal formed by a diaphragm 410 having a raised ring 420 around the circumference of the diaphragm. This raised ring fits snugly into a corresponding channel 430, 440 on the circumferences of one or both diaphragm housing halves creating a fluid-tight seal. Alternatively, FIG. 4B demonstrates a diaphragm 450 comprising a flat, circular piece of flexible material and an o-ring 460 placed in the channel in one or both housing halves 430, 440 to form the fluid-proof seal. In yet another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4C, the diaphragm valve may be sealed by lodging the diaphragm in the mating engagements 325 (FIG. 3A) of the housings halves 305, 310 (FIG. 3A).

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4A, the second housing half includes sixteen cleaner channel channels 470 (FIG. 4A) positioned concentrically and equidistantly around the second diaphragm housing. The second diaphragm housing half further contains diaphragm seal contact 350 (FIG. 3A), which concentrically encircles the second nippled valve. The sixteen cleaner channels 470 (FIG. 4A) are positioned outside the diaphragm seal contact 350 (FIG. 3A), but within the mating engagements 325 (FIG. 3A). In an alternative design, the second housing half contains at least one channel to allow flow into the cleaner chamber with varying spacing around the circumference.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 3A, the diaphragm is located in the bag 360 so that only the first and second nippled connectors 315, 320 protrude from the bag 360. Both housing halves 305, 310 are heat-sealed to the body of the bag 360, allowing the connectors 315, 320 to protrude. The first diaphragm housing half 305 is heat-sealed along the flat-side of the first diaphragm housing half 305. The flat side of the second diaphragm housing half 310 is also heat-sealed to the body of the bag. Alternatively, the seal can be made by adhesives, or other methods known in the art.

[0038] In between flushing cycles, the diaphragm is in a static position, as shown in FIG. 3A. In this position, the pressure in the water chamber 335 is not significant enough to displace the diaphragm 330 from its relaxed, open position to a closed position in which the diaphragm 330 engages the seal contacts 350. As a result, the cleaner chamber 340 is in liquid communication with the bag cavity 360 through the sixteen channels 345 positioned at equal intervals concentrically around the second diaphragm housing 310. Cleaner therefore flows freely into the cleaner chamber 340 from the cleaner bag 360.

[0039] FIG. 3B depicts the position of the flexible diaphragm valve 330 after flushing begins. When flushing begins, water flows from the bleeder valve 113 (FIG.1), via the water inlet tube 115 (FIG. 1), through the “T” connector 120 (FIG. 1) and connector tube 125 (FIG. 1). From the connector tube 125 (FIG. 1), water enters the outer nippled channel 315 and the water chamber 335. The force of the water entering the chamber 335 then increases the pressure in the water chamber 335, and therefore, increases the pressure on the diaphragm 330. The diaphragm 330 then extends away from the water chamber 335 and engages the diaphragm seal contacts 350, thereby sealing the cleaner chamber 340 from the sixteen cleaner channels 345, preventing the cleaner from back-flowing into the cleaner bag 360 and limiting the amount of cleaner to be injected in the bowl to the volume of the cleaner chamber 340.

[0040] FIG. 3C illustrates the diaphragm midway through the flush cycle. As the volume of water in the water chamber 335 increases, the pressure in the chamber also increases. Conversely, the volume of the cleaner chamber decreases. This decrease in volume forces cleaner out of the cleaner chamber, through the second nippled channel 320 and into the injection tube 140 (FIG. 1). The cleaner ejected from cleaner chamber 340 forces a portion of the cleaner in the injection tube 140 (FIG. 1) out of the tube and into the outlet overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1).

[0041] FIG. 3D demonstrates the point when the exact amount of cleaner is dispensed into the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1) and the diaphragm valve 130 (FIG. 1) reaches a stall position. In FIG. 3D, the pressure from the water inlet valve 105 (FIG. 1) forces the diaphragm 330 completely against the second diaphragm housing half 310. This minimizes the volume of the cleaner chamber as the volume of the water chamber 335 is maximized. At this point the entire predetermined amount of cleaner is injected into overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1). Furthermore, no cleaner can enter or exit the cleaner chamber 340. The diaphragm 330 remains in this position as long as the water inlet valve 105 (FIG. 1) and bleeder valve 113 (FIG. 1) are open.

[0042] When the flushing cycle is complete, water flow from the bleeder valve 113 (FIG. 1) is terminated and water pressure in the water chamber 335 decreases, allowing the diaphragm 330 to return to its static position, which in turn allows the cleaner chamber 340 to return to its static state, as indicated in FIG. 3A. When in its static position, the diaphragm 330 no longer engages the diaphragm seal contacts 350, and allows cleaner to flow from bag cavity 360 through the sixteen cleaner channels 345, refilling the cleaner chamber 340. Simultaneously, remaining cleaner in the injection tube also returns to the cleaning chamber 340 until the cleaner chamber 340 is filled. At this point the cleaner dispenser is ready to inject cleaner into the overflow pipe when the toilet is flushed again. The invention does not require batteries or electricity because the cleaner is injected using the diaphragm valve, which is operated solely by the change in water pressure. Furthermore, the invention contains no moving parts subject to malfunction because the only part that moves is the diaphragm, which automatically returns to its relaxed position after every use.

[0043] In another embodiment, the diaphragm valve 130 (FIG. 1) is positioned so that the first housing half is on the outside of the bag and the second housing half is inside the bag. The bag is then sealed around the valve by placing a portion of the bag between the first and second diaphragm housing halves. An alternative embodiment allows the diaphragm valve to be external to the bag. In this embodiment, the sixteen cleaner channels 345 are replaced by a cleaner tube or other connector which operatively connects the bag to the cleaner chamber. The cleaner tube entrance is situated outside the diaphragm seal, but within the connector means.

[0044] FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate the level of cleaner in the injection tube 140 during one flushing cycle of operation. FIG. 5A represents the level of the cleaner in the tube when the diaphragm is in its static position. In the present invention, the injection tube 510 is connected to the second nippled channel 320 (FIG. 3A). A second tube 520 is located within the injection tube so that the outer diameter of the second tube 520 in contact with the inner diameter of the injection tube 510. The second tube 520 extends up through the injection tube 510 to the maximum level of the cleaner in the bag 530. When the diaphragm valve 130 (FIG. 1) is in its static position, the cleaner in the injection tube 540 is level with the level of cleaner in the cleaner bag 530 as a result of liquid seeking its own level. The cleaner level in the tube 540 remains at approximately this level while the diaphragm is in both the static and sealing positions.

[0045] FIG. 5B demonstrates the level of the cleaner at the beginning of the flush cycle when the diaphragm has partially moved (FIG. 3C). At this point, the cleaner has risen beyond the level of cleaner within the cleaner bag 530 and enters the downward portion 550 of the injection tube and reaches an outlet opening 560. However, the liquid cannot escape the tube because a vacuum exists within the tube.

[0046] FIG. 5C illustrates the level of cleaner when the diaphragm 330 (FIG. 3A) has pushed all the cleaner out of the cleaner chamber 340 (FIG. 3A) and the diaphragm valve 130 (FIG. 1) reaches the stall position. At this point, the amount of cleaner that will be injected into the toilet bowl has exited the outlet opening 560 and entered the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1). However, any cleaner that has not passed the outlet opening 560 will not be injected during this cycle.

[0047] At the end of the flush cycle, the diaphragm returns to the static position (FIG. 3A). When the diaphragm 330 (FIG. 3A) relaxes, not only does cleaner enter the cleaner chamber 340 (FIG. 1) from the cleaner bag cavity 360, but cleaner also returns to the cleaner chamber 340 (FIG. 3A) from the injection tube 510 due to a siphoning effect. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 5D, as the cleaner enters the cleaner chamber 340 (FIG. 3A) from the injection tube 510, the level of cleaner in the bag 570 drops. Additionally, the level of cleaner 580 in the injection tube 510 drops to the level of cleaner in the bag 570.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 5A, the second tube 520 serves the purpose of accurately maintaining the amount of cleaner injected during each flush. Because the level of liquid in the injection tube 5 10 must be equal to the level of cleaner in the bag 530, when the cleaner level drops, more cleaner is required to fill the tube, and consequentially, less cleaner is injected. By having the inner tube 520 extend to the maximum level of cleaner in a bag 530, the volume required to be displaced when the level of cleaner is reduced. Therefore, during successive flushes, a smaller change in the amount injected will occur.

[0049] For example, if the injection tube has a radius of 4 mm and the cleaner level in the bag drops 0.5 mm, and additional 25.1 mm3 of cleaner will be required to fill the injection tube, and therefore, the amount of cleaner will injected into the overflow pipe will be reduced by 25.1 mm3. However, if a second tube with an inner radius of 2 mm is placed into the injection tube, then if the cleaner level in the bag drops 0.5 mm, only an additional 6.3 mm3 of cleaner is required to fill the tube. Finally, if the inner radius of the second tube is 1 mm, then only an additional 1.57 mm3 of cleaner is required to fill the injection tube 140 (FIG. 1). As a result, the inner tube ensures that a more consistent amount of cleaner is repeatedly injected into the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1).

[0050] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the width of the injection tube 140 (FIG. 1) can be altered to manipulate the amount of cleaner entering the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1) if the volume of the diaphragm valve is not altered. For example, if an injection tube 140 (FIG. 1) of standard length and standard diameter releases a standard amount of cleaner, an alternate tube of standard length but greater than standard diameter would release a lesser than standard amount of cleaner. Similarly, if the length remains the same and the diameter becomes even greater, the amount of cleaner released decreases again. The decrease in the amount of cleaner released occurs because the volume in the tube has increased. As a result of the increase in volume, more cleaner is required to fill the tube, and conversely, less exits the tube opening 410. Therefore, less cleaner enters the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1).

[0051] Following the same principle, if the diameter of the injection tube 140 (FIG. 1) is decreased, the amount of cleaner released increases. This increase occurs because the volume in the injection tube decreases, requiring less cleaner to fill the tube and allowing more cleaner to enter into the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1).

[0052] Similarly, the length of the injection tube can be manipulated to adjust the amount of cleaner released into the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1) if the size of the diaphragm valve remains constant. If a larger amount of released cleaner is desired, the injection tube should be shortened. As a result the volume of the injection tube is decreased, allowing more cleaner to exit the tube opening and be released into the overflow pipe 110 (FIG. 1).

[0053] On the other hand, if less cleaner is desired per release, the length of the injection tube should be increased. An increase in the length of the injection tube increases the tube volume. As a result, more cleaner is required to reach the opening and less cleaner actually passes the opening and is injected. The overall length of the tube does not affect the length of the inner tube because the length of the tube is solely dependent minimizing the volume of the tube below the maximum level of cleaner in the bag.

[0054] The principles outlined in the preceding paragraphs allow a user of the cleaning apparatus to easily adjust the amount of cleaner dispensed during a flushing cycle. The user can be provided with a tube of excessive length, and adjust the tube so that a desired amount of cleaner is released. Then, the user can remove any length of tubing that is not needed. As a result, the amount of cleaner dispensed per flush can be adjusted without the assistance of a professional with the minimal use of tools.

[0055] Finally, the size of the diaphragm valve can be altered to vary the amount of cleaner injected into the overflow pipe. Assuming the length and with of the injection tube remains constant, a larger diaphragm valve having a larger cleaner chamber in its static position would inject more fluid. Conversely, a smaller diaphragm valve with a cleaner chamber in its static position would inject less fluid.

[0056] Various embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated. However, the description and illustrations are by way of example only. Other embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention and will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details of the representative embodiments, and illustrated examples in this description. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except as necessitated by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning a toilet having a reservoir tank including a water inlet valve and an overflow pipe, said apparatus comprising:

a container including a top, a bottom and front and back walls forming a chamber;

a diaphragm valve operatively connected to said container, said valve comprising a front housing, a rear housing, and a flexible diaphragm between said front and rear housings;

first and second conduits extending from said front and rear housings respectively in a direction opposite said front and back walls.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said container contains a liquid cleaner.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm valve is located within said container and said first and second conduits extend through said front and back walls respectively.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein in said front and rear housings are coupled by mating engagement.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said rear housing allows said liquid cleaner to enter said diaphragm valve.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said front and rear housings and said flexible diaphragm are substantially circular.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a channel around an outer circumference of said front housing and an O-shaped ring wherein said O-shaped ring is positioned between the front housing and the flexible diaphragm to from a fluid tight seal between said front and rear housings.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the circumference of said flexible diaphragm is crimped between the circumferences of said front and rear housings.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible diaphragm further comprises an outer front surface having a flange extending around a circumference of said front surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a mounting device for affixing said apparatus inside said tank.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second conduit is angled in an upward direction.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a connector tube connected to said first conduit and an injection tube connected to said second conduit.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein at least a portion of said injection tube transverses a holder at the top of the container.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the injection tube further comprises an inner tube.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said inner tube is a shorter than said injection tube.

16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said injection tube has a first end and a second end and said first end is connected to said second conduit and said second end ejects into said tank.

17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said injection tube has a first end and a second end and said first end is connected to said second conduit and said second end extends into said overflow pipe.

18. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a hollow T-shaped connector having a first portion substantially opposite a second portion, a third portion substantially perpendicular to the first and second portions, and a fourth portion parallel to said third portion wherein said first portion is connected to an end of said connector tube opposite said diaphragm.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said second portion is in fluid communication with said inlet valve and said third portion extends into said overflow pipe.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said fourth portion is in fluid communication with said injection tube.

21. An apparatus for dispensing cleaning fluid in a toilet having a tank, said tank comprising a bleeder valve and a water overflow pipe, said apparatus comprising:

a hollow connector having a first branch in fluid communication with said bleeder valve, a second branch substantially opposite said first branch, a third branch substantially perpendicular to and in fluid communication with the first and second branches; said third branch in fluid communication with said overflow pipe.

a diaphragm valve comprising first and second halves and a flexible diaphragm, said first half and said diaphragm forming a water chamber, said second half and said diaphragm forming a cleaner chamber respectively, said flexible diaphragm having a relaxed open position and a closed position, wherein said water chamber is in fluid communication with said second branch;

a bag containing a liquid cleaner, said liquid cleaner in fluid communication with said cleaner chamber when said flexible diaphragm is in the relaxed position.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising an injection tube having first and second ends, said first end in fluid communication with said cleaning chamber and said second end ejects in said tank.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said hollow connector further comprises a fourth branch substantially parallel to said third branch.

24. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising an injection tube having first and second ends, said first end in fluid communication with said cleaning chamber and said second end ejects in said fourth branch.

25. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 24 wherein said second end of said injection tube is higher in said tank than said diaphragm valve.

26. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 21 wherein said injection tube further comprises an inner tube thereby reducing the volume of the injection tube.

27. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 26 wherein said inner tube is shorter than said injection tube.

28. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 21 further comprising a water inlet tube connecting said bleeder valve to said connector.

29. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 21 further comprising a connector tube connecting said second opening with said water chamber.

30. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 21 wherein said diaphragm valve is located in said bag.

31. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 21 wherein said diaphragm has a raised ring around the circumference of said diaphragm; said diaphragm valve has a channel around the circumference of said diaphragm valve, and said ring fits into said channel.

32. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 21 wherein said diaphragm valve has a channel around the circumference of said diaphragm valve, and the circumference of said diaphragm is affixed in said channel by an o-ring.

33. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 22 wherein said injection tube extends through an opening at the top of said bag.

34. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 22 wherein the length of said injection tube between determines the amount of said cleaner entering said overflow pipe.

35. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 22 wherein the diameter of said injection tube determines the amount of said cleaner entering said overflow pipe.

36. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 21 further comprising a hanger for operatively connecting said to a wall of said toilet tank.

37. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 36 wherein said hanger is positioned so that said diaphragm is located at a bottom end of the bag, and said injection tube runs vertically along said bag, through an exit at a top end of said bag, and into said overflow pipe.

38. The toilet cleaner dispenser of claim 37 wherein said bag hanger is positioned so that said second end of said injection tube is higher than said diaphragm valve in said tank.

39. A method of cleaning a toilet bowl of a tank style toilet, said tank comprising a bleeder valve and an overflow pipe, said method comprising:

providing a liquid cleaner in a bag, said bag further comprising a diaphragm valve including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a flexible diaphragm between said chambers, said flexible diaphragm movable between an open and a closed position in response to a pressure differential caused by water flow, said second chamber in fluid communication with said liquid cleaner when said diaphragm is in the open position;

filling said second chamber with liquid cleaner;

activating a flushing cycle of said toilet;

diverting water from said bleeder valve into said first chamber during said flushing cycle;

filling said first chamber with said diverted water thereby forcing said flexible diaphragm to the closed position and sealing said second chamber from said liquid cleaner;

injecting liquid cleaner from said second chamber into an injection tube when said diaphragm is forced beyond the closed position;

dispensing said cleaning fluid in said tube into said toilet bowl; and

reducing the flow of diverted water into said first chamber thereby returning the flexible diaphragm to the open position and the second chamber into fluid communication with said liquid cleaner.

40. The method of claim 39 further comprising refilling the second chamber with liquid cleaner.

41. The method of claim 39 further comprising mounting said bag inside said tank.

42. The method of claim 39 wherein dispensing the cleaning fluid in said tube into said toilet bowl further comprises injecting said cleaning fluid into said overflow pipe.

43. The method of claim 29 wherein dispensing the cleaning fluid in said tube into said toilet bowl further comprises injecting said cleaning fluid into said tank.

44. The method of claim 39 wherein diverting said flow of water is performed by connecting a first opening of a connector to said water inlet valve, placing a second opening of said connector in said overflow pipe, and connecting a third opening of said connector to said diaphragm valve.

45. The method of claim 39 further comprising the step of manipulating the length of said injection tube to adjust the amount of cleaner dispensed into said overflow pipe.

46. The method of claim 39 further comprising the step of manipulating the diameter of said injection tube to adjust the amount of cleaner dispensed into said overflow pipe.

47. An apparatus for injecting a liquid, comprising:

a container containing a top, a bottom and from and back walls forming a chamber, wherein said container holds said liquid;

a diaphragm valve operatively connected to said container, said valve comprising a front housing, a rear housing, and a flexible diaphragm between said front and rear housing;

first and second conduits extending from said front and rear housings respectively in a direction opposite said front and back walls.

48. The apparatus of claim 47 wherein said front and rear housing are coupled by mating engagement.

49. The apparatus of claim 47 wherein said rear housing allows said liquid to enter the diaphragm valve.

50. The apparatus of claim 47 wherein said from and rear housing and said flexible diaphragm are substantially circular.

51. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the circumference of said diaphragm is crimped between the circumferences of said front and rear housings.

52. The apparatus of claim 49 further comprising a connector tube connected to said first conduit and an injection tube connected to said second conduit.

53. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said injection tube further comprises an inner tube.

54. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein said inner tube is shorter than said injection tube.