AU3919499A

AU3919499A - Bath toy storage container

Info

Publication number: AU3919499A
Application number: AU39194/99A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Warrick Scott Walker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-07-14
Filing date: 1999-07-14
Publication date: 2001-01-18

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT BATH TOY STORAGE CONTAINER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 BATH TOY STORAGE CONTAINER This invention relates to improvements in containers designed for storing toys and novelties in the bathroom.

For many families who have small children, they also possess toys and novelties which the children play with whilst bathing. Parents usually store these toys in a container or basket of some kind in the bathroom after use. Many parents find the container or basket used for this purpose unsuitable for various reasons. For example, bath water invariably remains in varying quantities in a broad range of toys used in the bath. This water accumulates in the bottom of the storage container when the toys have been put away, leaving an unsightly film covering them. This film of scum discolours the toys, is unpleasant to touch and could pose a health risk as far as a potential breeding environment for bacteria. This could be harmful for children when these toys are handled, placed in new bath water or they put the toys in their mouth.

O Another problem associated with the storage of these toys is the durability of the container itself. For example, many families utilise a wicker or cane basket which is not waterproof, and after a period of time, rots. The same can be said for certain types of metal containers which rust. In addition to this, because there is no storage container designed specifically for this function, other containers that are adopted for S. this use generally are unattractive, do not have the capacity to adequately store the toys or do not spatially suit the bathroom itself.

These problems are overcome by the present invention which provides a bath toy storage container, comprising a rigid container of any shape made of plastic or metal, with an elevated base sloping at a slight angle down towards a draining aperture. A draining rack is inserted in the container to separate the stored toys from any water which drains from them. This water is released from the container via the draining aperture in the bottom of the container when required. To increase the flow of air throughout the container to enable quicker drying of the toys, small air vents are located where the handles are around the sides of the container body. In one form of the invention, a removable draining basket sits below the lid opening for the storage of small toys or components that would otherwise fall to the bottom of the container and become difficult to locate or keep dry.

A lid secures the stored toys in place and handles located on the side of the container allow it to be lifted and placed in the bath, shower recess or outside where water can be released from the draining aperture.

To assist with understanding the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing which shows one example of the invention.

In the drawing: Figure 1 shows one example of a bath toy storage container according to this invention (separate components illustrated and in order of assembly with storage areas); Referring to Figure 1, it can be seen that the bath toy storage container comprises moulded plastic or metal components that are pre-fabricated for assembly. The bottom draining rack fits into the main container body to separate the toys from any water which drains towards the base of the container. Small components, figurines or toys are put into the removable basket at and then placed into position with the lid securing the toys inside Small lugs at the side of the draining basket secure it in place just below the lid opening within the main storage container at Handles are provided at to carry the storage container.

Referring to Figure 1, the elevated base of the container slopes at a very minor angle down towards the draining aperture illustrated at The threaded sealing cap screws onto a small outlet on the base of the main container. The cap can be unscrewed to allow the water to be released from the container when required.

Referring to Figure 1, the main container is illustrated with a cut-a-way view showing S the three separate storage areas; at any water draining from the stored toys will collect in this space. At large toys are stored in the main container space and small toys or figurines are stored at It will be realised that the bath toy storage container according to this invention is not restricted to the shape, size or medium of manufacture shown in the example.

Claims

1. A bath toy storage container consisting of a rigid container with an elevated base sloping at a slight angle down towards a draining aperture in the centre with a threaded sealing cap where a draining rack is inserted into the main container to elevate the toys from the base.

2. The bath toy storage container of claim 1 wherein a removable draining basket that separates small figurines and toys sits above the main storage space of the container.

3. The bath toy storage container of claim 1 wherein the container utilises a series of air vents situated on the side of the container to assist in air circulation through the device.

4. The bath toy storage container of claim 1 wherein the main storage compartment is enclosed using a lid.

5. The bath toy storage container of any one of claims I to 4 wherein the container is made of plastic or metal.

6. The bath toy storage container of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the draining rack or draining basket is made of plastic or metal.

7. A bath toy storage container substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing. o• Warrick Scott Walker 1 st June, 1999