EP1591592A1 - Liquid cleaner dispenser for toilet - Google Patents
Liquid cleaner dispenser for toilet Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1591592A1 EP1591592A1 EP04010373A EP04010373A EP1591592A1 EP 1591592 A1 EP1591592 A1 EP 1591592A1 EP 04010373 A EP04010373 A EP 04010373A EP 04010373 A EP04010373 A EP 04010373A EP 1591592 A1 EP1591592 A1 EP 1591592A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- dispenser
- dispensing device
- toilet tank
- bottom opening
- tank
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
- E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
- E03D9/03—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing consisting of a separate container with an outlet through which the agent is introduced into the flushing water, e.g. by suction ; Devices for agents in direct contact with flushing water
- E03D9/033—Devices placed inside or dispensing into the cistern
- E03D9/037—Active dispensers, i.e. comprising a moving dosing element
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
- E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
- E03D2009/028—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing using a liquid substance
Definitions
- the present invention relates to toilet cleaning devices and more particularly to a liquid cleaner dispenser mounted in a toilet tank with improved characteristics.
- cleaners have been developed by cleaner manufacturing companies.
- the cleaners are adapted to remove dirt or the like from toilet bowl. Further, such cleaners are available to enable a user easily clean toilet. It is known that a laboring cleaning of toilet by using cleaner may cause dirty water to spill over a user. This is not desirable. It is also known dirt can be easily formed after a period of time since a previous cleaning. Hence, a cleaning per use is required. This is a tedious job.
- solid cleaners shaped as blocks e.g., cleaning blocks
- the cleaning block has ingredients of cleaner and deodorant.
- the cleaning block can be directly thrown into a toilet tank to dissolve. As a result, water is mixed with the dissolved cleaning block to form a cleaning solution. After using toilet, a person can flush defecation and/or urination with the cleaning solution stored in the toilet tank. As an end, dirt is not easy to accumulate on a toilet bowl.
- amount of the cleaning block dissolved in the toilet tank may reduce gradually as time passes. Also, amount of the cleaning block mixed with water at one period of time may be different from that at another period of time (e.g., either longer or shorter). Hence, it is typical that one flushing having excessive amount of dissolved cleaning block can sufficiently clean toilet and fill the rest room with a fragrant odor with the expense of wasting portions of the cleaning block. To the contrary, a desired cleaning cannot be achieved if amount of the cleaning block dissolved in the toilet tank is not sufficient.
- the cleaning block can be sufficiently mixed with water in the toilet tank after a predetermined period of time since a previous water refilling.
- no sufficient dissolution of the cleaning block in water is made after the predetermined period of time (i.e., no water refilled) even the cleaning block is still dissolving.
- large concentrations of cleaner and deodorant exist on the bottom of toilet tank.
- dirt can be easily removed by flushing water contained the dissolved cleaner while leaving small concentration of deodorant.
- an effective time of the remaining deodorant is limited after flushing.
- One object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device comprising a dispenser for storing liquid cleaner, the dispenser comprising an upper channel and a bottom opening; a connecting cup extended downward from the dispenser, the connecting cup including at least one aperture on a bottom thereof; and a float in the connecting cup opposite the bottom opening.
- the dispenser is mounted in a toilet tank.
- the float is adapted to either engage with or move away from the bottom opening as the water level in the toilet tank rises or falls.
- the dispenser is adapted to automatically dispense liquid cleaner to the toilet tank or stop dispensing liquid cleaner to the toilet tank as the float falls or rises. As a result, a fixed amount of liquid cleaner is dispensed to the toilet tank to be fully mixed with water in the toilet tank.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a small, enclosed dispenser in the toilet tank, a large container outside the toilet tank, the container being adapted to store liquid cleaner, and a flexible tube interconnected the container or a top opening of the dispenser and the toilet tank.
- fluid level of the toilet tank is perpendicular to the dispenser by bending the flexible tube.
- the dispenser is suitably disposed in the toilet tank.
- a vent hole is formed on the container for communicating with outside. Hence, inside and outside pressures of the container will be in equilibrium by the provision of vent hole. Further, liquid cleaner in the container will flow into the dispenser via the flexible tube by its own weight.
- the dispenser is provided to suspend in the toilet tank due to the following reasons: There is a water saving device installed in the toilet tank, resulting in an insufficient space for mounting a large container therein. Alternatively, inner wall of the toilet tank is inclined or curve, resulting in a difficulty of mounting the dispenser in the toilet tank. Still alternatively, a user does not want to be bothered by frequently removing the dispenser from the toilet tank for liquid cleaner refilling.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide a rail longitudinally disposed on an inner wall of the dispenser, an inverted U-shaped hoist rope slidable on the rail, an upper depressible spring detent on an outer surface of the dispenser facing the rail and being coupled to an inner end of the hoist rope, and a holed member having a plurality of apertures along the rail, any one of the apertures being adapted to lock the depressible spring detent when the hoist rope slides along the rail.
- the dispenser is suspended in the vertically disposed toilet tank by means of the hoist rope. Also, it is possible of changing a relative positioning of the dispenser in the toilet tank and controlling amount of liquid cleaner dispensed to the toilet tank. In other words, a user can adjust amount of liquid cleaner dispensed to the toilet tank as desired.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a liquid cleaner dispenser 1 mounted in a toilet tank 3 of toilet in accordance with the invention. As designed, fluid is automatically refilled into the tank 3 after flushing. Solution (e.g., liquid cleaner) is stored in the dispenser 1.
- the dispenser 1 comprises an upper channel 10 for refilling solution, a bottom opening 12, a connecting cup 16 extended downward in which a bottom of the connecting cup 16 is spaced from the bottom opening 12 by a predetermined distance and the connecting cup 16 includes at least one aperture 162 on the bottom.
- the dispenser 1 further comprises a float 2 in the connecting cup 16 opposite the bottom opening 12.
- the float 2 is floated in the connecting cup 16 to be disengaged from the bottom opening 12 for enabling solution in the dispenser 1 to flow out of the bottom opening 12 when a fluid level in the tank 3 is lower than the bottom opening 12.
- the float 2 will also rise to engage with the bottom opening 12 as the fluid level in the tank 3 continues to rise.
- the bottom opening 12 is closed by the float 2 to stop fluid in the dispenser 1 flowing out of the bottom opening 12.
- the dispenser 1 is adapted to automatically dispense solution to the tank 3 or stop dispensing solution to the tank 3.
- fluid is continuously refilling the tank 3 during the process of dispensing solution to the tank 3.
- refilled fluid e.g., water
- a small, enclosed dispenser 1 is mounted in the tank 3.
- the dispenser 1 is provided due to the following reasons: There is a water saving device installed in the tank 3, resulting in an insufficient space for mounting a large container therein. Alternatively, inner wall of the tank 3 is inclined or curve, resulting in a difficulty of mounting the dispenser 1 in the tank 3. Still alternatively, a user does not want to be bothered by frequently removing the dispenser 1 from the tank 3 for solution refilling.
- An opening 142 is formed on a side or top (as shown) of the dispenser 1.
- a flexible tube 4 has one end coupled to the top opening 142 and the other end coupled to a large container 5 on top of the tank 3.
- the container 5 is adapted to store solution.
- the container 5 comprises a top vent hole 52 for communicating with outside.
- fluid level of the tank 3 is perpendicular to the dispenser 1 by bending the flexible tube 4.
- the dispenser 1 is suitably disposed in the tank 3. Inside and outside pressures of the container 5 will be in equilibrium by the provision of vent hole 52. Further, solution in the container 5 will flow into the dispenser 1 via the flexible tube 4 by its own weight.
- the container 5 further comprises an open casing 54, a top cover 56 for enclosing the open casing 54 opposite the tank 3, and a side opening 58 bordered a bottom, the side opening 58 being coupled to the flexible tube 4.
- the vent hole 52 is disposed in the cover 56. As such, a user can remove the cover 56 from the container 5 for refilling solution.
- a cover 14 is fitted on top of the upper channel 10 of the dispenser 1.
- At least one opening 142 is formed in the cover 14.
- the provision of the cover 14 on the upper channel 10 aims at decreasing a possibility of dropping foreign objects into the dispenser 1, preventing the bottom opening 12 from being clogged by foreign objects, and facilitating solution in the dispenser 1 to flow out of the bottom opening 12.
- the provision of the opening 142 aims at avoiding the dispenser 1 from being enclosed and thus enabling a free communication with the outside. As such, solution in the dispenser 1 is able to flow out of the bottom opening 12 by its own weight when inside and outside pressures of the dispenser 1 are in equilibrium.
- a rail 182 is provided longitudinally on an inner wall of the dispenser 1.
- An inverted U-shaped hoist rope 186 is formed to be slidable on the rail 182.
- An upper depressible spring detent 184 is provided on an outer surface of the dispenser 1 facing the rail 182 and is coupled to an inner end of the hoist rope 186.
- a holed member having a plurality of apertures 181 are provided along the rail 182. Each of the apertures 181 is adapted to lock the depressible spring detent 184.
- the depressible spring detent 184 is adapted to lock in any one of the apertures 181 while the hoist rope 186 is being pushed vertically along the rail 182.
- a distance between a top portion of the hoist rope 186 and the connecting cup 16 can be changed.
- the dispenser 1 is suspended in the vertically disposed tank 3 by means of the hoist rope 186.
- the dispenser 1 is proximate a bottom of the tank 3 when the depressible spring detent 184 coupled to the hoist rope 186 is locked at a lowest aperture 181. Hence, water will rise quickly to reach the float 2 during the process of refilling water in the tank 3. As such, the float 2 will engage with the bottom opening 12 in a relatively short period of time to stop solution in the dispenser 1 from flowing out of the bottom opening 12. In this case amount of solution dispensed to the tank 3 is relatively small.
- the dispenser 1 is distal from the bottom of the tank 3 when the depressible spring detent 184 coupled to the hoist rope 186 is locked at a topmost aperture 181.
- water will rise slowly to reach the float 2 during the process of refilling water in the tank 3.
- the float 2 will engage with the bottom opening 12 in a relatively long period of time to stop solution in the dispenser 1 from flowing out of the bottom opening 12. In this case amount of solution dispensed to the tank 3 is relatively large.
- the float 2 comprises a top round plug 22 facing the bottom opening 12.
- the round plug 22 is inserted into the bottom opening 12 for stopping up the bottom opening 12 when the float 2 is engaged with the bottom opening 12.
- the float 2 is able to completely close the bottom opening 12.
- the float 2 further comprises a cylindrical wall 164 between the float 2 and the connecting cup 16.
- the cylindrical wall 164 is closely proximate the float 2 for defining an up-and-down movement of the float 2 in the cylindrical wall 164 and for enabling the round plug 22 to quickly stop up the bottom opening 12.
- a bottom of the dispenser 1 is formed as an arcuate section 11 having a lowest point about at the bottom opening 12.
- the provision of the arcuate section 11 aims at facilitating solution in the dispenser 1 to flow out of the bottom opening 12 by passing the arcuate section 11.
- a weight 188 is coupled to an outer end of the hoist rope 186.
- the weight 188 is slidable up-and-down along an outer surface of the tank 3.
- the provision of the weight 188 aims at accommodating with different thicknesses and inside spaces of various tanks 3.
- the dispenser 1 is adapted to stably mount in the tank 3 by appropriately selecting a weight 188 coupled to the hoist rope 186.
- an inner peripheral groove 166 is formed adjacent a top edge of the connecting cup 16.
- a mating outer peripheral protrusion 13 is formed at a lower portion of the tank 3 slightly higher than the bottom opening 12. As such, it is possible of mounting the float 2 within the cylindrical wall 164 of the connecting cup 16. Next, matingly couple the peripheral groove 166 to the peripheral protrusion 13 for securing the connecting cup 16 to the dispenser 1. Note that the peripheral groove 166 and the peripheral protrusion 13 are releasably secured so that it is possible of detaching the connecting cup 16 from the dispenser 1 when the bottom opening 12 is stopped up. Once the connecting cup 16 is detached from the dispenser 1 a user can clean the bottom opening 12 from outside of the dispenser 1.
- the user can mount the connecting cup 16 in the dispenser 1 again after cleaning the bottom opening 12.
- the invention can avoid the dispenser 1 from being inoperable because the bottom opening 12 is stopped up. As an end, a prolonged useful life of the dispenser 1 is made possible.
- the dispenser 1 is adapted to automatically dispense solution to the tank 3 and control amount of solution dispensed to the tank 3.
- the dispensed solution can be completely mixed with water in the tank 3 for overcoming the drawbacks of uneven amount of cleaner and deodorant dissolved from the cleaning block and incomplete mixing the same with water as experienced by directly throwing the cleaning block into the toilet tank in the prior art.
Abstract
The present invention is to provide a dispensing device comprising a
dispenser (1) having an upper channel (10) and a bottom opening (12) for storing
liquid cleaner; a connecting cup (16) extended downward from the dispenser (1) including
at least one aperture (162) on a bottom thereof, and a float (2) in the connecting
cup (16) opposite the bottom opening (12). While the dispenser (1) is mounted in a toilet
tank (3), the float (2) is adapted to either engage with or move away from the bottom
opening (12) as the water level in the toilet tank (3) rises or falls. As such, the
dispenser (1) is adapted to automatically dispense liquid cleaner to the toilet tank (3) or stop
dispensing liquid cleaner to the toilet tank (3) as the float falls or rises.
Description
The present invention relates to toilet cleaning devices and more particularly
to a liquid cleaner dispenser mounted in a toilet tank with improved
characteristics.
Conventionally, toilet cleaning is not a job that everybody likes to do. Also,
unpleasant toilet odor is strong if not sufficient cleaning is done. As such, a wide
variety of cleaners have been developed by cleaner manufacturing companies.
The cleaners are adapted to remove dirt or the like from toilet bowl. Further, such
cleaners are available to enable a user easily clean toilet. It is known that a
laboring cleaning of toilet by using cleaner may cause dirty water to spill over a
user. This is not desirable. It is also known dirt can be easily formed after a
period of time since a previous cleaning. Hence, a cleaning per use is required.
This is a tedious job. As a solution to the above drawback, solid cleaners shaped
as blocks (e.g., cleaning blocks) have been developed by cleaner manufacturing
companies. The cleaning block has ingredients of cleaner and deodorant. The
cleaning block can be directly thrown into a toilet tank to dissolve. As a result,
water is mixed with the dissolved cleaning block to form a cleaning solution. After
using toilet, a person can flush defecation and/or urination with the cleaning
solution stored in the toilet tank. As an end, dirt is not easy to accumulate on a
toilet bowl.
However, amount of the cleaning block dissolved in the toilet tank may
reduce gradually as time passes. Also, amount of the cleaning block mixed with
water at one period of time may be different from that at another period of time
(e.g., either longer or shorter). Hence, it is typical that one flushing having
excessive amount of dissolved cleaning block can sufficiently clean toilet and fill
the rest room with a fragrant odor with the expense of wasting portions of the
cleaning block. To the contrary, a desired cleaning cannot be achieved if amount
of the cleaning block dissolved in the toilet tank is not sufficient.
Moreover, it is found that the cleaning block can be sufficiently mixed with
water in the toilet tank after a predetermined period of time since a previous
water refilling. However, no sufficient dissolution of the cleaning block in water is
made after the predetermined period of time (i.e., no water refilled) even the
cleaning block is still dissolving. Hence, large concentrations of cleaner and
deodorant exist on the bottom of toilet tank. As a result, dirt can be easily
removed by flushing water contained the dissolved cleaner while leaving small
concentration of deodorant. As such, an effective time of the remaining
deodorant is limited after flushing.
Thus, it is desirable to provide an improved liquid cleaner dispenser in toilet
in which the dispenser is able to dispense a fixed amount of liquid cleaner in a
toilet tank, i.e., irrespective of different time intervals between any two continual
times of flushing, for a flushing thereafter.
One object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device
comprising a dispenser for storing liquid cleaner, the dispenser comprising an
upper channel and a bottom opening; a connecting cup extended downward
from the dispenser, the connecting cup including at least one aperture on a
bottom thereof; and a float in the connecting cup opposite the bottom opening.
The dispenser is mounted in a toilet tank. The float is adapted to either engage
with or move away from the bottom opening as the water level in the toilet tank
rises or falls. As such, the dispenser is adapted to automatically dispense liquid
cleaner to the toilet tank or stop dispensing liquid cleaner to the toilet tank as the
float falls or rises. As a result, a fixed amount of liquid cleaner is dispensed to the
toilet tank to be fully mixed with water in the toilet tank.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a small, enclosed
dispenser in the toilet tank, a large container outside the toilet tank, the container
being adapted to store liquid cleaner, and a flexible tube interconnected the
container or a top opening of the dispenser and the toilet tank. As such, fluid
level of the toilet tank is perpendicular to the dispenser by bending the flexible
tube. Also, the dispenser is suitably disposed in the toilet tank. A vent hole is
formed on the container for communicating with outside. Hence, inside and
outside pressures of the container will be in equilibrium by the provision of vent
hole. Further, liquid cleaner in the container will flow into the dispenser via the
flexible tube by its own weight. The dispenser is provided to suspend in the toilet
tank due to the following reasons: There is a water saving device installed in the
toilet tank, resulting in an insufficient space for mounting a large container
therein. Alternatively, inner wall of the toilet tank is inclined or curve, resulting in
a difficulty of mounting the dispenser in the toilet tank. Still alternatively, a user
does not want to be bothered by frequently removing the dispenser from the
toilet tank for liquid cleaner refilling.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a rail longitudinally
disposed on an inner wall of the dispenser, an inverted U-shaped hoist rope
slidable on the rail, an upper depressible spring detent on an outer surface of the
dispenser facing the rail and being coupled to an inner end of the hoist rope, and
a holed member having a plurality of apertures along the rail, any one of the
apertures being adapted to lock the depressible spring detent when the hoist
rope slides along the rail. As such, the dispenser is suspended in the vertically
disposed toilet tank by means of the hoist rope. Also, it is possible of changing a
relative positioning of the dispenser in the toilet tank and controlling amount of
liquid cleaner dispensed to the toilet tank. In other words, a user can adjust
amount of liquid cleaner dispensed to the toilet tank as desired.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with
the accompanying drawings.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a liquid cleaner dispenser 1
mounted in a toilet tank 3 of toilet in accordance with the invention. As designed,
fluid is automatically refilled into the tank 3 after flushing. Solution (e.g., liquid
cleaner) is stored in the dispenser 1. The dispenser 1 comprises an upper
channel 10 for refilling solution, a bottom opening 12, a connecting cup 16
extended downward in which a bottom of the connecting cup 16 is spaced from
the bottom opening 12 by a predetermined distance and the connecting cup 16
includes at least one aperture 162 on the bottom. The dispenser 1 further
comprises a float 2 in the connecting cup 16 opposite the bottom opening 12.
The float 2 is floated in the connecting cup 16 to be disengaged from the bottom
opening 12 for enabling solution in the dispenser 1 to flow out of the bottom
opening 12 when a fluid level in the tank 3 is lower than the bottom opening 12.
The float 2 will also rise to engage with the bottom opening 12 as the fluid level
in the tank 3 continues to rise. Eventually, the bottom opening 12 is closed by the
float 2 to stop fluid in the dispenser 1 flowing out of the bottom opening 12. In
brief, the dispenser 1 is adapted to automatically dispense solution to the tank 3
or stop dispensing solution to the tank 3. Also, fluid is continuously refilling the
tank 3 during the process of dispensing solution to the tank 3. Hence, refilled
fluid (e.g., water) continuously mixes with the solution in the tank 3. As a result,
water and solution are sufficiently mixed.
Referring to FIG. 1, in a first preferred embodiment of the invention a small,
enclosed dispenser 1 is mounted in the tank 3. The dispenser 1 is provided due
to the following reasons: There is a water saving device installed in the tank 3,
resulting in an insufficient space for mounting a large container therein.
Alternatively, inner wall of the tank 3 is inclined or curve, resulting in a difficulty of
mounting the dispenser 1 in the tank 3. Still alternatively, a user does not want to
be bothered by frequently removing the dispenser 1 from the tank 3 for solution
refilling. An opening 142 is formed on a side or top (as shown) of the dispenser 1.
A flexible tube 4 has one end coupled to the top opening 142 and the other end
coupled to a large container 5 on top of the tank 3. The container 5 is adapted to
store solution. The container 5 comprises a top vent hole 52 for communicating
with outside. As such, fluid level of the tank 3 is perpendicular to the dispenser 1
by bending the flexible tube 4. Also, the dispenser 1 is suitably disposed in the
tank 3. Inside and outside pressures of the container 5 will be in equilibrium by
the provision of vent hole 52. Further, solution in the container 5 will flow into the
dispenser 1 via the flexible tube 4 by its own weight.
In the preferred embodiment, the container 5 further comprises an open
casing 54, a top cover 56 for enclosing the open casing 54 opposite the tank 3,
and a side opening 58 bordered a bottom, the side opening 58 being coupled to
the flexible tube 4. Also, the vent hole 52 is disposed in the cover 56. As such, a
user can remove the cover 56 from the container 5 for refilling solution.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a second preferred embodiment of the
invention. A cover 14 is fitted on top of the upper channel 10 of the dispenser 1.
At least one opening 142 is formed in the cover 14. The provision of the cover 14
on the upper channel 10 aims at decreasing a possibility of dropping foreign
objects into the dispenser 1, preventing the bottom opening 12 from being
clogged by foreign objects, and facilitating solution in the dispenser 1 to flow out
of the bottom opening 12. Moreover, the provision of the opening 142 aims at
avoiding the dispenser 1 from being enclosed and thus enabling a free
communication with the outside. As such, solution in the dispenser 1 is able to
flow out of the bottom opening 12 by its own weight when inside and outside
pressures of the dispenser 1 are in equilibrium.
In the second preferred embodiment, a rail 182 is provided longitudinally on
an inner wall of the dispenser 1. An inverted U-shaped hoist rope 186 is formed
to be slidable on the rail 182. An upper depressible spring detent 184 is provided
on an outer surface of the dispenser 1 facing the rail 182 and is coupled to an
inner end of the hoist rope 186. A holed member having a plurality of apertures
181 are provided along the rail 182. Each of the apertures 181 is adapted to lock
the depressible spring detent 184. In detail, the depressible spring detent 184 is
adapted to lock in any one of the apertures 181 while the hoist rope 186 is being
pushed vertically along the rail 182. As such, a distance between a top portion of
the hoist rope 186 and the connecting cup 16 can be changed. In such a manner,
the dispenser 1 is suspended in the vertically disposed tank 3 by means of the
hoist rope 186. Also, it is possible of changing a relative positioning of the
dispenser 1 in the tank 3 depending on capacity or water level of the tank 3 as
well as controlling amount of solution dispensed to the tank 3.
Following is a detailed description of operation about the adjusted hoist rope
186 for fully understanding a position adjustment of the hoist rope 186 in the tank
3 and an amount control of solution dispensed to the tank 3.
The dispenser 1 is proximate a bottom of the tank 3 when the depressible
spring detent 184 coupled to the hoist rope 186 is locked at a lowest aperture
181. Hence, water will rise quickly to reach the float 2 during the process of
refilling water in the tank 3. As such, the float 2 will engage with the bottom
opening 12 in a relatively short period of time to stop solution in the dispenser 1
from flowing out of the bottom opening 12. In this case amount of solution
dispensed to the tank 3 is relatively small.
To the contrary, the dispenser 1 is distal from the bottom of the tank 3 when
the depressible spring detent 184 coupled to the hoist rope 186 is locked at a
topmost aperture 181. Hence, water will rise slowly to reach the float 2 during the
process of refilling water in the tank 3. As such, the float 2 will engage with the
bottom opening 12 in a relatively long period of time to stop solution in the
dispenser 1 from flowing out of the bottom opening 12. In this case amount of
solution dispensed to the tank 3 is relatively large.
In either preferred embodiment the float 2 comprises a top round plug 22
facing the bottom opening 12. The round plug 22 is inserted into the bottom
opening 12 for stopping up the bottom opening 12 when the float 2 is engaged
with the bottom opening 12. As such, the float 2 is able to completely close the
bottom opening 12. Moreover, in either preferred embodiment the float 2 further
comprises a cylindrical wall 164 between the float 2 and the connecting cup 16.
The cylindrical wall 164 is closely proximate the float 2 for defining an up-and-down
movement of the float 2 in the cylindrical wall 164 and for enabling the
round plug 22 to quickly stop up the bottom opening 12.
Moreover, in either preferred embodiment a bottom of the dispenser 1 is
formed as an arcuate section 11 having a lowest point about at the bottom
opening 12. The provision of the arcuate section 11 aims at facilitating solution in
the dispenser 1 to flow out of the bottom opening 12 by passing the arcuate
section 11.
In the second preferred embodiment of the invention a weight 188 is
coupled to an outer end of the hoist rope 186. The weight 188 is slidable up-and-down
along an outer surface of the tank 3. The provision of the weight 188
aims at accommodating with different thicknesses and inside spaces of various
tanks 3. As such, the dispenser 1 is adapted to stably mount in the tank 3 by
appropriately selecting a weight 188 coupled to the hoist rope 186.
Referring to FIG. 1 again, in the first preferred embodiment an inner
peripheral groove 166 is formed adjacent a top edge of the connecting cup 16. A
mating outer peripheral protrusion 13 is formed at a lower portion of the tank 3
slightly higher than the bottom opening 12. As such, it is possible of mounting
the float 2 within the cylindrical wall 164 of the connecting cup 16. Next, matingly
couple the peripheral groove 166 to the peripheral protrusion 13 for securing the
connecting cup 16 to the dispenser 1. Note that the peripheral groove 166 and
the peripheral protrusion 13 are releasably secured so that it is possible of
detaching the connecting cup 16 from the dispenser 1 when the bottom opening
12 is stopped up. Once the connecting cup 16 is detached from the dispenser 1
a user can clean the bottom opening 12 from outside of the dispenser 1. Next,
the user can mount the connecting cup 16 in the dispenser 1 again after cleaning
the bottom opening 12. In such a manner, the invention can avoid the dispenser
1 from being inoperable because the bottom opening 12 is stopped up. As an
end, a prolonged useful life of the dispenser 1 is made possible.
In brief, by configuring as above, the dispenser 1 is adapted to automatically
dispense solution to the tank 3 and control amount of solution dispensed to the
tank 3. Most importantly, the dispensed solution can be completely mixed with
water in the tank 3 for overcoming the drawbacks of uneven amount of cleaner
and deodorant dissolved from the cleaning block and incomplete mixing the
same with water as experienced by directly throwing the cleaning block into the
toilet tank in the prior art.
While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments,
numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in
the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the
claims.
Claims (11)
- A dispensing device mounted in a toilet tank, comprising:a dispenser for storing liquid cleaner, the dispenser comprising an upper channel for refilling the liquid cleaner and a bottom opening;a connecting cup extended downward from the dispenser, the connecting cup having a bottom spaced from the bottom opening by a predetermined distance and including at least one aperture on the bottom thereof; anda float in the connecting cup opposite the bottom opening.
- The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a first cover fitted on the upper channel and at least one vent hole in the first cover
- The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a rail longitudinally disposed on an inner wall of the dispenser, an inverted U-shaped hoist rope slidable on the rail, an upper depressible spring detent on an outer surface of the dispenser facing the rail and being coupled to an inner end of the hoist rope, and a holed member having a plurality of apertures along the rail, each of the apertures being adapted to lock the depressible spring detent.
- The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the float comprises a top plug facing the bottom opening.
- The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the connecting cup further comprises a cylindrical wall around and proximate the float for defining an up-and-down movement of the float therein.
- The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising an arcuate section at a bottom of the dispenser, the arcuate section having a lowest point at the bottom opening.
- The dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a weight coupled to an outer end of the hoist rope, the weight being slidable up-and-down along an outer surface of the toilet tank.
- The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is enclosed dispenser, and further comprising a flexible tube having one end coupled to dispenser and a liquid cleaner container outside the toilet tank, the container being coupled to the other end of the flexible tube, the container including a vent hole.
- The dispensing device of claim 2, wherein one end of the flexible tube is coupled to the first cover, and further comprising a liquid cleaner container outside the toilet tank, the container being coupled to the other end of the flexible tube and including a vent hole.
- The dispensing device of claim 9, wherein the container further comprises an open casing, a top cover for enclosing the open casing opposite the toilet tank, and a side opening bordered a bottom, the side opening being coupled to the flexible tube.
- The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the connecting cup further comprises an inner peripheral connecting member and the toilet tank comprises a mating outer peripheral connecting member at a lower portion thereof, the outer peripheral connecting member being adapted to matingly couple to the inner peripheral connecting member.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04010373A EP1591592A1 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2004-04-30 | Liquid cleaner dispenser for toilet |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04010373A EP1591592A1 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2004-04-30 | Liquid cleaner dispenser for toilet |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1591592A1 true EP1591592A1 (en) | 2005-11-02 |
Family
ID=34924826
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04010373A Withdrawn EP1591592A1 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2004-04-30 | Liquid cleaner dispenser for toilet |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1591592A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2022201733A1 (en) * | 2021-03-24 | 2022-09-29 | 隆士 ▲高▼松 | Washing water supplying device |
EP4159940A1 (en) * | 2021-09-30 | 2023-04-05 | Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Chemical feeding device |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE541141C (en) * | 1927-05-10 | 1932-01-09 | Lewis Ernest Saunders | Device for disinfecting water closets and similar systems |
US3023426A (en) * | 1960-04-13 | 1962-03-06 | Earl S Neal | Toilet dispenser |
US4436269A (en) * | 1980-11-28 | 1984-03-13 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Dispenser suspension means employing planar spring-loaded detent |
US5903930A (en) * | 1997-11-14 | 1999-05-18 | Huang; Fa-Tsia | Toilet cleansing agent dispenser |
US6212692B1 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2001-04-10 | Chao-Yun Hu | Automatic quantitative regulator for dissolvent in water tank |
GB2356851A (en) * | 1999-12-03 | 2001-06-06 | Chaub Eddra Djamel | A bleach dispenser for a toilet flush |
-
2004
- 2004-04-30 EP EP04010373A patent/EP1591592A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE541141C (en) * | 1927-05-10 | 1932-01-09 | Lewis Ernest Saunders | Device for disinfecting water closets and similar systems |
US3023426A (en) * | 1960-04-13 | 1962-03-06 | Earl S Neal | Toilet dispenser |
US4436269A (en) * | 1980-11-28 | 1984-03-13 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Dispenser suspension means employing planar spring-loaded detent |
US5903930A (en) * | 1997-11-14 | 1999-05-18 | Huang; Fa-Tsia | Toilet cleansing agent dispenser |
GB2356851A (en) * | 1999-12-03 | 2001-06-06 | Chaub Eddra Djamel | A bleach dispenser for a toilet flush |
US6212692B1 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2001-04-10 | Chao-Yun Hu | Automatic quantitative regulator for dissolvent in water tank |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2022201733A1 (en) * | 2021-03-24 | 2022-09-29 | 隆士 ▲高▼松 | Washing water supplying device |
EP4159940A1 (en) * | 2021-09-30 | 2023-04-05 | Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Chemical feeding device |
US11933032B2 (en) | 2021-09-30 | 2024-03-19 | Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | Chemical feeding device |
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