Disinfection Patents (Class 4/222)
  • Patent number: 11350803
    Abstract: A toilet comprising a frame; a bowl supported by the frame; a seat also supported by the frame; a shroud covering the frame; a lift mechanism supported by the frame for adjusting the position of the seat; a foot platform positioned to support the feet of a user sitting on the seat wherein the foot platform comprises a plurality of foot platform weight sensors; a plurality of seat weight sensors between the frame and the seat for measuring the weight of a user on the seat; and a controller receiving data from the plurality of foot platform weight sensors and from the plurality of seat weight sensors; wherein the controller uses the data from the foot platform weight sensors to calculate the weight distribution of the user between the seat and foot platform; and wherein the controller uses the data from the foot platform weight sensors to calculate the weight distribution of the user between the left and right side of the foot platform; and wherein the controller uses the calculated weight distributions to cont
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Medic, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Crismon
  • Patent number: 11304575
    Abstract: An auto cleaning toilet seat assembly with a cover coupled to a toilet seat and defining a fluid transport conduit surrounding the toilet seat. The cover also includes an air deflector formed as part of the upper wall and at the front end of the cover, wherein the air deflector includes two opposing surfaces converging together away from the inner surface of the outer sidewall. The assembly is operably to emit a liquid on a rear portion of a toilet seat and induce a gas to transport that liquid from the rear of the toilet seat to the front of the toilet, whereby the air deflector directs the liquid and air through the fluid transport conduit and into a toilet bowl utilizing the two opposing surfaces of the air deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Auto Cleaning Toilet Seat USA, LLC
    Inventor: Maximo Dorra
  • Patent number: 11255078
    Abstract: A toilet cleaning system integrated with a flush valve of a toilet so that a cleaning agent is kept separate from sensitive seals of a tank of the toilet. Additionally, the toilet cleaning system provides a path for the cleaning agent solution to pass through a rim of a bowl of the toilet so that most of the toilet bowl is affected by the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: DeWayne A. Davis, Gary R. Jacobs, Charles W. Hettrick
  • Patent number: 11255077
    Abstract: A quick-assembly deodorant drainer for washbasin. The deodorant drainer comprises a drainer body including a mounting portion mounted in a water outlet of the washbasin and extends downward, a connecting portion mounted at a lower end of the mounting portion and is provided with a deodorant anti-overflow device, and a sewer pipe connected to a lower end of the connecting portion, shaped as a cylindrical straight pipe, and is provided with at least one bending portion. Wherein, the deodorant anti-overflow device includes a cylinder and a sealing cover, an upper end of the cylinder is open and a water-flow hole is disposed at a lower end thereof, and a cylindrical convex portion is disposed at an inner bottom portion of the cylinder and extends upwardly; the convex portion is internally provided with a through hole, and the sealing cover is disposed at the bottom of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: JIANGMEN SURRAIN SHOWER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jingwen Tan
  • Patent number: 11220243
    Abstract: A system and method to control the cleaning and emptying of a wastewater holding tank on a Recreational Vehicle. The system has the ability to autonomously open the drain valve allowing the tank to be emptied while connected to a suitable drain hose. It also has the ability to automatically rinse the tank from an external water source—should the system be so equipped. Further, the system and method can operate a wastewater system with two or more tanks each tank having its own gate valve used to empty the tank. In, this configuration the system will only open one gate valve at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventors: Jimmy Bell, David James Keener
  • Patent number: 10724219
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cleaning apparatus comprising: a housing; a cleaning solution compartment having: a reservoir configured to hold liquid; a valve associated with the reservoir; a pump compartment having: a reservoir tube extending out from the valve; a pump connected to the reservoir tube, the pump being configured to dispense the liquid held in the reservoir via the reservoir tube; and a pump tube extending from the pump and out of the housing; wherein the pump is further configured to dispense the liquid through the pump tube; toilet bowl tubes connected to the pump tube via a splitter, such that the liquid is further dispensed from the pump tube to each toilet bowl tube and is sprayed out of the toilet bowl tubes and into the toilet bowl; and an actuator button, wherein a power source is configured to power the pump when the actuator button is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Beatris Huitron
  • Patent number: 10544574
    Abstract: A toilet that includes a bowl; a tank having a sidewall and a bottom defining a reservoir; a container located inside the reservoir and configured to contain a chemical compound that mixes with water to form a cleaning compound; a connector for coupling the container to the sidewall; and a flush valve. The connector has a bracket coupled to the container, a threaded protrusion that extends from the bracket into a hole in the sidewall of the tank, and a threaded fastener having a threaded body and a head, which is larger radially than the threaded body such that the head contacts an outside of the sidewall in a secured position in which the threaded body threads to the threaded protrusion. The flush valve is fluidly connected to the container to introduce the cleaning compound into the bowl through an outlet in the bottom during a cleaning cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: William Kuru, Clayton Garrels, Peter W. Denzin
  • Patent number: 10501921
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a toilet and a flushing control method thereof. The toilet includes a toilet bowl, a toilet lid, a water tank, at least one image collector, at least one sprayer, and a controller. The toilet lid is arranged on the toilet bowl, the controller is arranged at any one of the toilet bowl, the toilet lid and the water tank, the image collector is arranged at a surface of the toilet lid facing the toilet bowl and communicatively connected to the controller, and the sprayer is movably arranged at the surface of the toilet lid facing the toilet bowl, connected to the water tank and communicatively connected to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Changlin Leng
  • Patent number: 10492647
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for preventing fatal bathroom accidents relating to drowning. Accordingly, in a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a bath plug device for closing a drain pipe of a bath tub, comprising a bath plug, a cone attached to the top of the bath plug, and at least one pedal-like unit attached to the left and/or to the right of the cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Rudolf C. King
  • Patent number: 10301806
    Abstract: In an example, a system for disinfecting a lavatory in a vehicle includes a UV light source in the lavatory and configured to emit UV light when activated. The system also includes a switch actuatable between a first state and a second state. The switch is configured to: (i) while in the first state, provide an input power from a power source of the vehicle to a lavatory device in the lavatory, and (ii) while in the second state, provide the input power from the power source to the UV light source and cease providing the input power to the lavatory device. The system further includes an activation control system configured to actuate the switch between the first state and the second state to deactivate and activate the UV light source, respectively. The input power is insufficient to simultaneously operate the lavatory device and activate the UV light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jamie J. Childress, Karen L. Hills, Melanie L. Kimsey-Lin, Claudia E. Fritz-Thompson
  • Patent number: 9863130
    Abstract: A pressure flushing funnel for a toilet is a funnel that is curved to make a 90 degree bend, one end of which can be inserted into the opening of the flush channel of a toilet bowl. The funnel is held in place via a holding bracket that overlaps the sides of the bowl and prevents lateral movement. A predetermined amount of water is rapidly poured into the top end of the funnel which increases pressure as it nears the opening of the flush channel to dislodge the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Tony Abram, Linda Abram
  • Patent number: 9719274
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present door handles include a housing, a hand sanitizer delivery system coupled to the housing, the hand sanitizer delivery system having a reservoir configured to contain hand sanitizer, a nozzle in selective fluid communication with the reservoir, and a pump configured to communicate hand sanitizer from the reservoir to the nozzle, and a first lever movably coupled to the housing, where the housing is configured to be mounted to a door having a movable latch such that movement of the first lever a first distance in a first direction actuates the door latch, and where the hand sanitizer delivery system can be actuated independently of the door latch. In some embodiments, the housing is configured to be mounted to the door such that movement of the first lever a second distance, smaller than the first distance, in the first direction actuates the hand sanitizer delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SETON HEALTHCARE FAMILY
    Inventors: James Allred, C. Kenneth French
  • Patent number: 9661960
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterless urinal, in which a urine guide rod of a urine guide member is coupled to a discharge guide surface of a discharge guide member such that a discharge guide surface is quickly opened by urine moving to the urine guide member, thereby increasing a drainage velocity of urine, and thus sludge, scale, and a urinary calculus formed by the protein of urine are not generated, such that the function of the discharge guide surface may be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ECOSH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Soo Hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 9487939
    Abstract: A pre-moistened (wet) with surfactant and humectant, flushable, toilet bowl liner shield which reduces the need for manual cleaning by providing a barrier shield between the bowl of the toilet and solid waste and using an Essential Oil based water surface barrier to reduce or eliminate toilet odor. The pre-moistened toilet bowl liner shield is for use in a flushable toilet wherein the water has an upper surface. The upper surface of the flat liner sits directly on top or slightly under the upper surface edge of the water. The liners reduce or prevent soiling of the interior of a toilet bowl and for efficient removal and flushing of human waste. The liners are treated with Essential Oils that create a surface barrier and reduce or eliminate toilet odor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Erica Ridgeway Cook
  • Patent number: 9469979
    Abstract: A hollow sphere fabricated of a plastic material has a plurality of holes extending there through. Deodorant in a spherical shape has a diameter less than the diameter of the hollow sphere. An intermediate support fabricated of plastic has a central section, an upper section, and a lower section. The central section being in a J-shaped cross sectional configuration. The upper section is an annular flange. The lower section is a circular upstanding edge with a diameter less than the diameter of the hollow sphere. The central section is formed with radial slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Cappa
  • Patent number: 9392915
    Abstract: An air freshening toilet seat device dispenses air freshener through a toilet seat. The device includes a toilet seat and a channel extending through the toilet seat. A plurality of apertures extends through the toilet seat. Each of the apertures is in fluid communication with the channel. An air freshener is held in a reservoir. A pump is coupled to the toilet seat. The pump is in fluid communication with the channel and the reservoir wherein the air freshener is dispensable through the apertures when the pump is manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Emmanuel Jones
  • Patent number: 9358751
    Abstract: There are provided an accessory member capable of suppression of adhesion of dirt to its surface, and easy removal of adherent dirt, as well as to provide an accessory comprising the accessory member. An accessory member includes a sintered ceramic body, a kurtosis Rku derived from a surface roughness curve of an outer surface of the sintered ceramic body falling in a range of 0.5 or more and 2.5 or less. In this case, since the sintered ceramic body has many rounded asperities at its outer surface, it is possible to suppress adhesion of dirt to the outer surface, as well as to remove adherent dirt with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Ippei Miwa, Muneki Koga
  • Patent number: 8990972
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to control ware washing to provide and maintain health safety through the use of an automated system. The method and apparatus adheres and maintains to FDA/EPA standards which consistently clean water, high detergent, correct water temperature and sanitizer levels, to ensure the removal of all human DNA, oils and other food waste that could, when not properly removed after the three step washing process of wash, rinse and sanitize, form a bacterial growth on the kitchen cooking equipment, plates, glasses and utensils, contaminating future food and liquid use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Auto Fill-N-Drain, Inc.
    Inventor: David Lopaciuk
  • Publication number: 20150074887
    Abstract: A sanitary device sanitizes the floor area in front of and around a toilet, urinal, or other restroom fixture. An ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) lamp or LED irradiates and sanitizes the floor area surrounding the toilet, urinal, or similar fixture. The device operates automatically in response to the detection of motion by a motion sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Allan Theuerl, Nancy Beth Pluta
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8819872
    Abstract: There is provided a disinfectant/deodorizer apparatus capable of disinfecting and/or deodorizing garbage disposals and other effluent pipes and drains through an automated process that will be activated through an electronic timer on a circuit board. The circuit board activates a motor that will turn and push on an actuator that forces the disinfectant/deodorizer canister up, forcing the tip to depress into a hole in the top end receiver of the apparatus, which will receive the material substance in a small diameter tubing that ends into an opening on a garbage disposal, or an effluent pipe or drain, thus causing disinfecting and/or deodorizing of said piping or appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Odor and Out LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Bradley, Gregory Goldsand, Reinhold Franz Wirth
  • Publication number: 20140223651
    Abstract: A degradable sanitary ring configured for nesting within a drain portion of a sink, such as a kitchen sink or bathroom sink, is further configured to elute one or more sanitizing agents as the ring degrades. The sanitizing agents may include antimicrobial agents or scented oils. The degradable sanitary ring is used to improve sanitation in and around the sink area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas P. Melheim
  • Patent number: 8789214
    Abstract: A method for determining the point in time for the replacement of one or more of wearing parts, blocking fluids and fragrance and cleaning substances, dependent on the use of a sanitary apparatus, includes the step of placing an indicator element in the run-out region of the sanitary apparatus, which indicator element has an optically recognizable chemical or physical conversion indicator that provides an observable conversion after a predetermined, or pre-set, number of uses, or wettings, of the sanitary apparatus for altering maintenance personnel that maintenance of the sanitary apparatus is required. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Enswico IP AG
    Inventor: Hans Keller
  • Publication number: 20140157504
    Abstract: A marine sanitising and deodorising device comprises a reservoir for containing sanitising fluid, a dose controllable pump for discharging a predetermined dose of sanitising fluid from the reservoir into a water inlet conduit of a marine toilet system, a flow detector for detecting the flow of water within the water inlet conduit, and a controller for controlling the dose controllable pump upon flow detection by the in use flow detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Derek Witrington
  • Publication number: 20140123375
    Abstract: A toilet cleaning device has an element which closes an outlet pipe of a toilet bowl so that water accumulates in the toilet bowl to clean it and then allows the water to flow out through the outlet pipe, and the element includes a base which closes the outlet pipe of the toilet bowl and a tube connected with the base and capable of being grabbed by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Carlos Coll Medina
  • Publication number: 20140115764
    Abstract: The sanitization mechanism of the toilet seat is using control circuit(s) to ensure an enclosed compartment between toilet seat and toilet cover then activating UV LEDs to sanitize the toilet seat. In addition to safe operation, fast response and effective sanitization, it can reduce toilet seat paper or restroom chemicals consumption, especially in high traffic public locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Ying Chang Cheng, Yu-Lin Cheng, Jen-Gieh Cheng
  • Patent number: 8646118
    Abstract: Cartridge (1) for coupling to a toilet flusher comprising at least one chamber (2) for receiving at least one free-flowing toilet cleaning preparation (6). The chamber (2) has an outlet (4) that lies in the direction of gravitation such that the toilet cleaning preparation can be released from the chamber (2) due to the force of gravity. The outlet (4) is, prior to a first coupling to the toilet flusher, secured prior to the release of the toilet cleaning preparation (6). The preparation is released from the cartridge (1) through the outlet due to the force of gravity when the cartridge (1) is first coupled to the toilet flusher. The chamber (2) has a communicating bar (8), wherein the bar and at least one other chamber (10) are designed so that they interact whereby the chamber (10) can be arranged on or next to the bar (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Ralph Butter-Jentsch, Hans-Georg Muehlhausen
  • Publication number: 20140033416
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed towards a sink drain conditioning system that comprises a sink drain conditioning composition and a sink drain device, wherein the device houses the composition, provides for at least partial exposure of the composition, and is geometrically configured for placement within a sink drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Cary Cohen
  • 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
  • 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: 20130312170
    Abstract: A device that applies liquid soap and/or hand sanitizer to a user's hand when the user manually actuates the flush mechanism of a toilet or urinal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Elden S. GJERDE
  • Publication number: 20130239313
    Abstract: A toilet cleaning block which comprises perfume, at least one alkylbenzene sulfonate and at least one olefin sulfonate and not more than 2.5% by weight of nonionic surfactants can be shaped in a rolling machine or a press to give a rotationally symmetric body, especially to give a ball, and is employed in a system composed of at least one cleaning block and at least one release device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Marc-Steffen Schiedel, Brigitte Giesen, Anke Ernst, Christian Reichert, Robert Stephen Cappleman, Michael Horn
  • Patent number: 8453273
    Abstract: A molded object made out of resin, plastic or other suitable scent absorbing material which is impregnated with an odor absorbing scent. The scent impregnated object which be in any shape such as the shape of an animal, a celestial body (star, moon, etc) or any other shape is retained onto the flexible retaining belt by which a rimmed cage retaining a deodorant block is retained onto the upper exterior rim of a toilet bowl. The rimmed cage retaining the deodorant block extends into the toilet bowl and the present invention odor absorbing object rests just above the rimed cage and provides a continuous source of scent to absorb fowl odors and mask fowl odors from the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Worldwide Integrated Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred I. Morad
  • Publication number: 20130125297
    Abstract: A sanitary agent for treatment of a sanitary appliance includes a solid or semi-solid active body, with a treatment compound having at least an active element for treatment of the sanitary appliance and at least a non-ionic surfactant. The treatment compound includes at least an adhesive element derived from colophony resin, destined to realise adhesion of the active body to a wall of the sanitary appliance. In this way, good adhesion of the sanitary agent to the sanitary appliance to be treated is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: RE.LE.VI. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Pagani
  • Publication number: 20130025038
    Abstract: A release device for releasing a flowable preparation includes an electrical energy source, a control unit connected to the energy source, a sensor unit, a release element and an acoustic transducer. The sensor unit is a piezoelectric element suitable for picking up sound waves and/or structure-borne noise from the surrounding environment and converting them into a sensor signal which is converted in the control unit into a control signal for the release element. The release element is the same piezoelectric element and is supplied with electrical signals from the control unit and sprays at least one first preparation from at least one first container. The acoustic transducer is the same piezoelectric element and is supplied with electrical signals from the control unit, which electrical signals are converted by the piezoelectric element into audible acoustic signals in a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
  • Patent number: 8291523
    Abstract: In a liquid delivery device for a toilet, a container (3) for the liquid has an outlet (15) which extends into a cup (35). The cup (35) is open to the atmosphere and liquid flows into the cup (35) until the mouth (25) of the outlet is covered by liquid in the cup. The cup wall has a weir (45) and liquid in the cup (35) overflows the weir (45). A collar (61) around the outside of the cup (35) forms a capillary with the cup wall to control the flow of liquid and feed it to capillary channels on a delivery plate (9) below the level of the weir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Jeyes Group Limited
    Inventor: Peter Virica
  • Patent number: 8266729
    Abstract: The dispenser for a W.C. bowl comprises a support means (40) having a support (41, 42) for containing a first active substance in liquid or solid form and provided with at least one exit aperture (3) for said active substance; and hooking means (43) for supporting said support (41, 42) below the rim (21) of the W.C. bowl (20), in a position exposed to the action of the flushing water flow. According to the invention, at least one pocket (5) is provided, shaped to be associated with the outside of the support means (40), within said pocket (5) there being defined a chamber (6) comprising a perfuming substance or other active substance. Preferably, said perfuming substance is in the form of granules formed of absorbent plastic material. Alternatively, said perfuming substance is liquid and contained in an enclosure with an osmotic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Re.Le.Vi—S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Pagani
  • Patent number: 8256038
    Abstract: A urinal block for use in a conventional water-based urinal where the water has been shut off, the block includes a first block portion that makes up about forty percent to sixty percent of the urinal block and has a first portion composition substantially similar to a conventional, non-paradichlorobenzene block used in water-based urinals for deodorizing during each flush, a second block portion that makes up about forty to sixty percent of the urinal block and has a second portion composition of a blended mixture of a non-paradichlorobenzene block portion, an odor counteractant gel, and a bacterial culture gel, and a liquid-pervious and liquid-insoluble layer covering at least the second block portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Jay D. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20120204334
    Abstract: The disclosed toilet de clogging instrument is an embodiment of a flushable toilet stick 40 that unclogs, disinfects, cleans and dissolves away after use. Toilet stick is comprised of an elongated shaft 42 a handle portion 44 with optional serrated edges 46 and a pointed head 48 at the opposite shaft end. In addition an optional means of storing the toilet sticks in a storage box 52 on the side water storage tank 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Gary R. Floto, Reba A. Floto
  • Publication number: 20120180206
    Abstract: A toilet cover for a toilet securement is disclosed. An example method for covering a toilet securement includes providing a shell member to fit over the toilet securement. The method also includes providing a decorative component on the shell member. The method also includes providing an air freshener compartment as part of the shell member or decorative component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Ramona P. Leonida
  • Publication number: 20120144569
    Abstract: In combination with a toilet, the invention provides a device for disinfecting a toilet bowl. The device includes a light source, a powering unit and a switch. The light source may be configured to emit an ultraviolet beam of light. The light source may be mounted on or within a surface of a toilet seat lid so that the ultraviolet beam of light is directed into a cavity of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat lid is disposed in a generally horizontal closed position for covering an opening of the toilet bowl. The switch may be operatively coupled between the light source and the powering unit to selectively activate and deactivate said light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: TOM KODAT
  • Patent number: 8181282
    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: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Ralph Butter-Jentsch, Hans-Georg Muehlhausen
  • Patent number: 8177102
    Abstract: A pump comprising a container containing a dispense material, an outlet and an actuator arranged to alternate between a first and a second configuration in response to a change in the pump's environment, which change in configuration causes an aliquot of dispense material to be expelled through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Robert Hammond, Malcolm Tom McKechnie
  • Patent number: 8166580
    Abstract: A dispensing means (10) for delivering a dose of a first liquid into a second liquid is provided, the dispensing means comprising an enclosure (12) for the first liquid, and valve means (16), the dispensing means being operable such that raising a level (114) of a second liquid relative to the dispensing means so as to subject the dispensing means to hydrostatic pressure causes a dose of the first liquid to be displaced from the enclosure (12) to establish a column (118) of the first liquid that acts on the valve means, and subsequent lowering of the level (114) of the second liquid relative to the dispensing means so as to reduce the hydrostatic pressure acting on the valve means (16) causes the valve means to deliver the dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: International Trade Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Brian Parry Slade
  • Patent number: 8161579
    Abstract: A self contained battery energized apparatus is mounted within the water tank of a conventional flush toilet to eliminate malodorous gases. Air from the toilet bowl is drawn through the stand pipe in the toilet tank into a housing to expose the air to UV radiation to produce ozone molecules that have an oxidizing effect on organic matter and the UV radiation serves as a germicide and a virucide. The ozonated and oxidized gases are exhausted through a carbon filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Zuvo Water, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond P. Denkewicz, Jr., Rolf Engelhard
  • Publication number: 20120084908
    Abstract: A toilet training device includes an odor remediation system for absorbing or masking odors that may be created during toilet training. The odor remediation system may include a modular odor remediating insert that may be releasably positioned within a recess that is provided within the toilet training device. The odor remediating insert may include an odor absorbing substance such as sodium bicarbonate, an odor masking substance such as a fragrance or a combination of an odor absorbing substance and an odor masking substance. The toilet training device also includes a system for dispensing wipes that may utilize a recess that is defined in a side wall of the main body portion of the toilet training device. A wipes cartridge is designed so that it can be used to conveniently dispense wipes regardless of whether it is separated from the toilet training device or mounted within the recess of the toilet training device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Keith G. Ciampa, Mark A. Hatherill, Mark G. Tebbe, Huisok Pyon
  • Patent number: 8112824
    Abstract: A dosing device for dosing chemicals (9) into outlet water for flushing a toilet having a toilet bowl. The dosing device comprises a place of dosing, at which outlet water and the chemicals are mixed during a flushing of the toilet. The place of dosing is arranged between an inlet to an overflow pipe (5) and an inlet to the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ifo Sanitar AB
    Inventor: Stefan Danielsson Spogardh
  • Publication number: 20110289665
    Abstract: A urinal outlet device including a hollow perforated cage for retaining one or more effluent treatment blocks within the cage. The cage is provided with spacing means, in the form of spikes on the inside of the cage for holding the blocks at a spaced distance from an inside surface of the cage. The cage, spacing means, are dimensioned, shaped and positioned relative to the blocks and an outlet flow of effluent from the urinal so that, in use of the device, the blocks are spaced from a surface of the urinal whilst enabling the one or more blocks to be exposed to the flow of urine. Where the urinal is a water flushable urinal, the blocks are held substantially out of the main flow of flushing water flowing to the outlet of the urinal to prolong the life of the blocks without impairing their ability to disinfect and deodorise the urinal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicants: ECOSAVE SYSTEMS LIMITED, SELADIS BIO LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard Lees
  • Patent number: 8056153
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for advertising a product or service and for sanitizing, deodorizing, and preventing splatter of fluids discharged in a urinal. The apparatus comprises a fluid permeable receptacle herein referred to as “receptacle” suspended along its longitudinal axis for absorbing discharged fluids and releasing the absorbed fluids into a drain of the urinal, an advertisement layer, and fasteners for fastening the receptacle to the urinal. The receptacle comprises particulate material embedded within compartments of the receptacle. The particulate material comprises an anti-splatter material for preventing splatter of fluids, an odor removal material for removing undesired odor from the fluids, and a sanitizing material for cleaning and disinfecting the fluids. Grommets along with the fasteners may be used for fastening the receptacle to the urinal. Advertisements may be printed on the surface of the receptacle or the advertisement layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Javier Fernando Ruedas
  • Patent number: 8046848
    Abstract: A self-cleansing portable urine collection device and method of collecting urine in a self-cleansing portable urine collection device is provided. The collection device includes a housing which houses a urine collection receptacle configured to collect urine from a user. A cleansing container which retains a cleansing solution is configured to supply the cleansing solution to the receptacle. The device further includes a reservoir coupled to the receptacle and configured to receive the urine and the cleansing solution collected by the receptacle. A pump coupled to the receptacle and the reservoir is configured to transport the urine and the cleansing solution from the receptacle to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Beechwood Technologies LC
    Inventors: Philip J. Birbara, Brett L. Stevenson