Toilet brush holder

Abstract

A toilet brush holder includes a unit constructed and arranged for recessing in a wall, and having a toilet paper roll holder and a toilet brush compartment. An openable lid is configured to cover the toilet brush compartment portion of the unit. A drain is placed at the bottom of the toilet brush compartment. Means are provided for holding the toilet brush holder in place.

Description

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 60/537,585, filed Jan. 20, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toilet brush holder. In particular, the present invention relates to an in-the-wall toilet brush holder.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

Toilet brush holders are generally placed on the floor and must be moved to wash the floor. They are inconvenient and unattractive.

A need, therefore, remains in the art for a toilet brush holder which is recessed into the wall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to a toilet brush holder which is recessed into the wall. As a feature, the toilet brush holder includes a toilet paper holder formed as a unit. A drain below the toilet brush holder drains water.

A toilet brush holder according to the present invention comprises a unit constructed and arranged for recessing in a wall, and having a toilet paper roll holder and a toilet brush compartment. An openable lid is configured to cover the toilet brush compartment portion of the unit. A drain is placed at the bottom of the toilet brush compartment. Means are provided for holding the toilet brush holder in place.

The drain usually comprises a generally horizontal surface having drain holes located over a reservoir. As an alternative, the drain may include a plumbed outlet rather than a reservoir.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for holding the unit in place comprises holes formed in the unit, screws and a bracket. A flange formed around the edges of the unit, for example about one inch wide and running around the entire unit, includes the holes.

Preferably, the toilet brush holder of claim 1 is formed of injection molded plastic. The toilet brush holder is generally provided as a kit with a toilet cleaning brush, a template, and instructions for installation. A preferred embodiment of the toilet brush holder has the approximate dimensions 20 inches tall, 7 inches wide, 3¼ inches deep.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an isometric drawing showing the features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an isometric drawing showing the features of the toilet brush holder 100 of the present invention. The present invention is an in-the-wall unit 100 which includes a toilet paper holder 102, a toilet brush holder 104, a drain element 106, and a lid 108.

Conventional toilet paper holders are commonly recessed into the wall. In particular, a hole is cut into a 2″×4″ constructed wall covered with sheet rock or paneling. The conventional toilet paper holder is then recessed into the hole and held in place with a bracket or flange and screws.

The present invention works very similarly, and can be retrofit into a bathroom having such a toilet paper holder. The conventional toilet paper holder is removed, the hole in the wall is made bigger and the unit 100 is inserted into the bigger hole and held in place with, for example screws. It can also be used in new construction.

Lid 108 covers the toilet brush compartment 104 only, leaving the toilet paper visible when it is shut, but concealing the toilet brush 110. Lid 108 is shown in FIG. 1 as opening to the left side, but alternatively it may open to the right side, or upward (with hinges at the top of lid 108), or downward. If desired, a snap closure or magnetic closure or the like may be used to hold lid 108 closed.

Drain element 106 allows toilet brush 110 to drain after use. Drain element 106 is removable for cleaning. Generally drain element 106 comprises a flat surface having drain holes over a reservoir. Hence, when drain element 106 is removed, any water in the reservoir may be emptied. If desired, the drain element may be plumbed instead.

Unit 100 is generally held in place in the wall with four screws 112 and a bracket 114 which is held in place by two screws (not shown).

Unit 100 is approximately 20 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and 3¼ inches deep. Preferably, the unit is made from injection molded plastic, while lid 108 may be plastic or various decorator materials (wood, glass, stainless steel, etc.).

Unit 100 is preferably supplied as part of a kit, along with toilet cleaning brush 110, bracket 114, screws 112, a template (not shown), and instructions for installation (not shown).

While the present invention has been shown and described in the context of specific examples and embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that numerous changes in the form and details may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as encompassed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A toilet brush holder comprising:

a unit constructed and arranged for recessing in a wall, the unit having a toilet paper roll holder and a toilet brush compartment;

an openable lid which is configured to cover the toilet brush compartment;

a drain placed at the bottom of the toilet brush compartment; and

means for holding the toilet brush holder in place.

2. The toilet brush holder of claim 1 wherein the drain comprises a generally horizontal surface having drain holes located over a reservoir.

3. The toilet brush holder of claim 1 wherein the drain includes a plumbed outlet.

4. The toilet brush holder of claim 1 wherein the means for holding comprises holes formed in the unit, screws and a bracket.

5. The toilet brush holder of claim 1 formed of injection molded plastic.

6. The toilet brush holder of claim 1 which is provided as a kit with a toilet cleaning brush, a template, and instructions for installation.

7. The toilet brush holder of claim 1 further comprising a flange formed around the edges of the unit.

8. The toilet brush holder of claim 7 wherein the flange is about one inch wide and runs around the entire unit.

9. The toilet brush holder of claim 7 wherein the means for holding comprises holes formed in the flange.

10. The toilet brush holder of claim 1 which has the approximate dimensions 20 inches tall, 7 inches wide, 3¼ inches deep.