Toilet Splash Guard

Abstract

A toilet splash guard. The toilet splash guard includes a planar member having an aperture therethrough, wherein a sidewall extends away from a lower surface of the planar member. The sidewall can removably secure within an opening of a toilet bowl such that an outer surface of the sidewall rests flush against an inner surface of a rim of the toilet bowl. The lower surface further rests flush against an upper surface of the rim, such that the toilet splash guard rests upon the rim.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/654,648 filed on Apr. 9, 2018. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toilet splash guard. More particularly the present invention relates to a toilet splash guard configured to fit over the rim of a toilet bowl, wherein the splash guard further includes a sidewall configured to secure within a toilet bowl opening.

Dirt, grime, and other various unsanitary buildup frequently accumulates in the vicinity of the toilet. This is often caused by splashing in the bowl of the toilet, wherein the splashing water exits the toilet bowl and lands on the floor around the toilet. Additionally, splashes may land on the rim of the toilet and gradually drip down an exterior surface of the toilet. This results in unsanitary conditions that must be frequently cleaned. Cleaning this buildup is often time-consuming, frustrating, and disgusting.

Over the years, many have attempted to manage the need to clean about a toilet area. Typically, these solutions require bath mats that are placed around the toilet, wherein the bath mat comprises a rubber lower surface, such that any spills, splashes, and drips fall onto the bath mat instead of the surrounding floor. However, these bath mats also accumulate unsanitary grime, dirt, and urine therein. Additionally, as most bath mats include a soft upper surface, the bath mats are absorbent, leading to discomfort and disgust for users as they often are forced to stand on damp bath mats while using the toilet. Other sanitary toilet cleaning solutions are limited to reducing the frequency of manually cleaning the bowl of a toilet. These include cleaning agent dispensers, slowly dissolving cakes of cleaning agents, and the like. These solutions, however, fail to provide an apparatus capable of reducing the frequency of cleaning an exterior of a toilet and the surrounding area.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing toilet splash guards. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of toilet splash guards now present in the known art, the present invention provides a toilet splash guard wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when protecting the exterior of a toilet bowl from unsightly damage and minimizing the frequency of cleaning the exterior of the toilet bowl.

The present system comprises a planar member having an aperture therethrough, wherein a sidewall extends perpendicularly away from a lower surface of the planar member about the aperture. The lower surface is configured to rest flush against an upper surface of a rim of a toilet bowl and the sidewall is configured to removably secure within an opening of the toilet bowl. An outer surface of the sidewall is configured to rest flush against an inner surface of the rim when the sidewall is secured therein, such that the splash guard is secured within the toilet via friction fit. In some embodiments, an outer perimeter of the planar member is aligned with an outer perimeter of the rim when the sidewall is secured within the opening. In another embodiment, a diameter of the aperture is less than a diameter of the sidewall, such that a lip extends radially inwardly from the aperture. In other embodiments, a rear side of the planar member is linear. In yet another embodiment, the rear side is configured to rest flush against a toilet tank when the sidewall is secured within the opening. In some embodiments, the lower surface comprises a coefficient of friction greater than one. In another embodiment, a pair of notches are disposed within a rear side of the planar member, each of the pair of notches configured to receive a toilet seat fastener therein. In other embodiments, an outer sidewall extends perpendicularly away from the lower surface along an outer perimeter of the planar member such that a channel is formed between the sidewall and the outer sidewall, the channel configured to receive the rim therein. In yet another embodiment, an upper surface of the planar member is configured to rest flush against a lower surface of a toilet seat when the toilet seat is in a lowered position. In some embodiments, the splash guard further comprises a break-away section disposed opposite a rear side of the planar member, wherein the break-away section is configured to be removed from the planar member to provide gap therein. In other embodiments, the break-away section is defined by lines of perforation through the planar member and the sidewall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the toilet splash guard.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the toilet splash guard.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the toilet splash guard being secured to a toilet rim.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the toilet splash guard removably secured to a toilet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the toilet splash guard. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown perspective views of various embodiments of the toilet splash guard. The toilet splash guard 11 comprises a planar member 12 having an aperture 13 therethrough, wherein the planar member 11 is dimensioned to match a toilet bowl. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, the planar member 12 comprises a rounded shape, however in alternate embodiments such as shown in FIG. 1B, the planar member 12 comprises an elongated shape, such that the planar member 12 is configured to conform to various styles of toilet bowl. The planar member 12 is configured to overlay a rim (shown in FIG. 2, 17) of the toilet bowl, such that any splashing within the toilet bowl is contained therein or alternatively strikes the toilet splash guard 11. In this way, the user can easily remove the toilet splash guard 11 from the toilet bowl, such that the user can easily clean the toilet splash guard 11 instead of the toilet bowl, thereby avoiding bending kneeling, or otherwise uncomfortable positions to clean an exterior of the toilet. In some embodiments, a perimeter of the planar member 12 is configured to rest flush with an outer perimeter of the toilet bowl, such that the toilet splash guard 11 is more readily camouflaged when secured to a toilet. Additionally as the planar member 12 does not protrude from the rim of the toilet bowl, the user can comfortably use a toilet without the planar member 12 pressing into the user's legs.

The toilet splash guard 11 further comprises a sidewall 14 extending perpendicularly away from a lower surface 15 of the planar member 12 about the aperture 13. The sidewall 14 is configured to removably secure within an opening of a toilet bowl, such as, in some embodiments, via friction fit. In this way, the toilet splash guard 11 is secured to the toilet when in use, thereby preventing movement of the toilet splash guard 11. The sidewall 14 is further configured to abut an interior surface (shown in FIG. 2, 20) of the rim of the toilet, such that splashing within the toilet bowl strikes the sidewall 14 rather than the rim, thereby preserving the cleanliness of the toilet. In some embodiments, the sidewall 14 is configured to extend along an entire length of the rim, thereby protecting the entirety thereof from marring due to splashes. In the illustrated embodiments, a diameter of the aperture 13 is less than a diameter of the sidewall 14, such that a lip 23 extends radially inwards relative to the aperture 13.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, the toilet splash guard 11 further comprises a pair of notches 26 within a rear side 24 of the planar member 12, wherein the pair of notches 26 are configured to receive fittings of a toilet seat therein. In this way, the pair of notches 26 allow the toilet splash guard 11 to more securely affix to the toilet, as the pair of notches 26 are configured to prevent lateral movement of the toilet splash guard 11 during use. In some embodiments, the rear side 24 is linear such that the rear side is configured to rest flush against a toilet tank such that the toilet splash guard 11 is anchored thereagainst, thereby allowing the toilet splash guard 11 to remain in a desired position during use.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, the toilet splash guard 11 further comprises a break-away section 31 disposed opposite the rear side 24, wherein the break-away section 31 is configured to be removed from the toilet splash guard 11. In this way, a gap is formed in the planar member 12 and the sidewall 14, such that the toilet splash guard 11 conforms to the shape of typical commercial toilet seats. In the illustrated embodiment, the break-away section is defined by lines of perforation 32 on opposing sides thereof, wherein the lines of perforation 32 are configured to allow the break-away section 31 to cleanly and easily be removed from the toilet splash guard 11. In some embodiments, the lines of perforations 32 are curved, such that rounded edges are formed, thereby preventing sharp and potentially painful portions being created in the planar member 12. The break-away section 31 further allows a user to selectively determine whether the toilet splash guard 11 should be used with typical residential toilet seats, by leaving the break-away section 31 within the toilet splash guard 11 or removing the break-away section 31 to conform to traditional commercial toilet seats. This additionally reduces manufacturing costs, allowing a singular mold and manufacturing process, as the toilet splash guard 11 can be altered for various types of toilet seats.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the toilet splash guard being secured to a toilet rim. The toilet splash guard 11 is configured to removably secure to the rim 17 of a toilet bowl, such that the lower surface 15 rests flush against an upper surface 16 of the rim 17. In this way, the toilet splash guard 11 can rest between a toilet seat and the rim 17 during use, without significantly affecting the height of the toilet seat during use. In the illustrated embodiment, an exterior surface 19 of the sidewall 14 is further configured to rest flush against an interior surface 20 of the rim 17. In this way, the sidewall 14 can removably secure within an opening 18 of the toilet bowl via friction fit, thereby ensuring the toilet splash guard 11 remains stationary during use.

As described above, the lip 23 reduces the size of the aperture 13 relative to the opening 18 of the toilet bowl, such that the lip 23 is configured to intercept splashes occurring within the toilet bowl about the periphery thereof. As such, the lip 23 is configured to prevent splashing from the interior of the toilet bowl from exiting therefrom such that the surrounding area, including the rim of the toilet, is protected from additional dirt, grime, and unsanitary build up. Furthermore, these periphery splashes are generally responsible for contaminated toilet water impacting the rim of the toilet, which frequently then drips down an external surface of the toilet.

In the illustrated embodiment the toilet splash guard 11 further comprises an outer sidewall 28 extending perpendicularly away from the lower surface 15 about the perimeter of the planar member 12. In this way, a channel 29 is formed between the outer sidewall 28 and the sidewall 14, wherein the channel 29 is configured to receive the rim 17 therein, such that the toilet splash guard 11 is securely affixed thereto. This further protects the exterior surface of the rim 17 from contact with contaminated water from the interior of the toilet bowl, such that the toilet splash guard 11 acts to shield an increased surface area of the toilet, thereby minimizing the frequency of required cleaning thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer sidewall 28 is flush with the perimeter of the planar member 12, however in alternate embodiments, the planar member 12 extends beyond the outer sidewall 28 to provide increased structural integrity thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the toilet splash guard removably secured to a toilet. In one exemplary use, the toilet splash guard is inserted into a bowl of a toilet, such that the sidewall 14 is removably secured therein and the planar member 12 rests flush against an upper surface of the rim. In some embodiments, a toilet seat 30 is configured to rest flush against the planar member 12, such that the splash guard is more readily camouflaged thereby when in use. In this way, the user can hide the use of the toilet splash guard.

In the illustrated embodiment the toilet seat 30 is secured to the toilet via fasteners 27, wherein the fasteners 27 extend through the planar member 12 at the pair of notches 26. In this way, the toilet splash guard is anchored thereby, while also conforming to the positional restrictions imposed by the fasteners 27. Further shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rear side 24 of the planar member 12 comprises a linear arrangement, such that the rear side 24 is configured to rest flush against a toilet tank 25. In this way, the splash guard is prevented from rotating within the toilet seat, as lateral movement thereof is prevented by the rear side 24 impacting the toilet tank 25. In this way, the user can be ensured that the splash guard will remain immobile during use, even when outside forces are applied thereto, such as during typical shifting or repositioning when a user is on the toilet. Should the splash guard become soiled, the splash guard can then be easily removed from the toilet and cleaned, thereby minimizing uncomfortable positioning of the user during the cleaning operation.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A toilet splash guard, comprising:

a planar member having an aperture therethrough;

a sidewall extending perpendicularly from a lower surface of the planar member about the aperture;

wherein the lower surface is configured to rest flush against an upper surface of a rim of a toilet bowl;

wherein the sidewall is configured to removably secure within an opening of the toilet bowl such that an outer surface of the sidewall rests flush against an inner surface of the rim.

2. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein an outer perimeter of the planar member is aligned with an outer perimeter of the rim when the sidewall is secured within the opening.

3. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the aperture is less than a diameter of the sidewall, such that a lip extends radially inwardly from the aperture.

4. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein a rear side of the planar member is linear.

5. The toilet splash guard of claim 4, wherein the rear side is configured to rest flush against a toilet tank when the sidewall is secured within the opening.

6. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein the lower surface comprises a coefficient of friction greater than one.

7. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein a pair of notches are disposed within a rear side of the planar member, each of the pair of notches configured to receive a toilet seat fastener therein.

8. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, further comprising an outer sidewall extending perpendicularly away from the lower surface along an outer perimeter of the planar member such that a channel is formed between the sidewall and the outer sidewall, the channel configured to receive the rim therein.

9. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the planar member is configured to rest flush against a lower surface of a toilet seat when the toilet seat is in a lowered position.

10. The toilet splash guard of claim 1, further comprising a break-away section disposed opposite a rear side of the planar member, wherein the break-away section is configured to be removed from the planar member to provide gap therein.

11. The toilet splash guard of claim 10, wherein the break-away section is defined by lines of perforation through the planar member and the sidewall.