GB2338889A

GB2338889A - Washing machine for a toilet bowl cleaner

Info

Publication number: GB2338889A
Application number: GB9813374A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Sayles; Christine Elizabeth Sayles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-06-22
Filing date: 1998-06-22
Publication date: 2000-01-12
Also published as: GB9813374D0

Description

2338889 WASHING MACHINE FOR A TOILET BOWL CLEANER This invention relates

to a washing machine for a toilet bowl cleaner by which is meant a mechanical device which is intended to be located in bathrooms and toilets to facilitate the scrupulous cleaning of a toilet wand which is the subject of Patent Application No. GB9711287.4.

The tapered end of the wand is inserted into the top of the washing machine and the pressure of its weight causes the machine to become switched on.

A double period of washing then takes place utilising water, brushes, disinfectant and detergent. Once the water has drained away, the toilet wand can be perceived through a clear panel to be scrupulously clean, where it will remain until required.

The contents of Patent Application No. GB9711287.4 is known and relates to a toilet bowl cleaner in the form of a tapered wand. A paperboard sheath wrapped around with absorbent material is placed on the end of the wand, after which it is used to clean the toilet bowl and is subsequently flushed away.

It is also intended that the toilet wand will be used to unblock the toilet from time to time. Both these activities may cause the wand to come into contact with faecal or other matter.

It is essential, especially where the cleaning system will be used outside the home, e.g. in offices factories, hospitals and other public places, that the user is fully confident that the wand is absolutely clean and that no residue from prior usage remains thereon.

It is to overcome any perceived problems as to the hygienic nature of the wand that this invention has been created.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a washing machine for a toilet bowl cleaner which is as claimed in the appended claims.

The present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure 1 illustrates the exterior of the washing machine viewed from the front.

Figure 2 illustrates the interior of the washing machine viewed from the front.

The preferred shape of the machine is cylindrical although a number of different configurations may be used for the appliance. Likewise any combination of construction materials may be used, e.g. stainless steel, rubber, plastic, toughened glass etc.

After use, the toilet wand 7 shall be placed in the washing machine, the handle 2 resting at the entrance of a preferably stainless steel funnel 15.

The funnel 15 extends vertically downwards into the neck of the internal cylindrical drum 22.

The outer rim of the funnel rests on a flexible rubber/pvc gasket 10 and the weight of the wand will cause the pressure sensor 11 to switch the machine on.

When the toilet wand is in situ and the machine has become switched on, the water inlet valve 5 will function to allow the water to enter the internal drum 19 via the hose 4. A pressure sensor 23, placed near the base of the drum, will cause the valve to be closed once more.

At the same time the disinfectant inlet solenoid valve 17 will open to allow the cleaning fluid to enterthe chamber 19. This function will be time controlled by the circuit board/control panel 13 and will probably last approx. one second.

The motors 14 will then be switched on, enabling the spindles 18, which are covered with synthetic thread or other suitable material 13 to spin, thus allowing the threads, previously hidden from view by the outer casing of the machine 6 to thrash against the wand 7 when it will become clean.

Simultaneously, the pump 20 is switched on and water outlet solenoid valves 24 are opened to enable the water to be circulated back up into the drum via the hoses 25, metal pipes 27 (fig. 1) and out onto the wand via the nozzles 28.

After a period of approx. five seconds the valves 24 are closed and the solenoid valve 26 is opened to permit the spoiled water to pass through the pump 20 and out of the machine through the water output hose 9 where it will be linked to the usual sewerage system.A. second washing period then takes place, which may be of slightly less duration if desired, which will remove any contamination of the threads 13, internal drum 19, pumping system 20 and hoses 9 and 25.

The wand will thereafter remain in the machine ready for the next user and be perceived through the clear front panel 8 to be thoroughly cleansed.

The electrical wiring will run down the housing between the internal and external cylinders and the usual insulation materials, such as rubber, shall be used where necessary.

Base assembly: During assembly, the pump restraining bracket (not shown) shall be fixed to the base of the drum, together with the three hoses 21, 25, 25. The thread covered spindles 13 and 18 shall be retained in suitably secured cups 12 (fig. 2.) within the base of the drum.

Top assembly: Brackets shall be designed to restrain the motors 14 and transformer 1 situated at the top of the drum, one of which will include a fixing point for the pressure sensor 11 which will switch the system on.

A bracket shall also be made for retaining the circuit board/control system which may be located at any suitable point.

Exterior: A bracket shall also be made to secure the disinfectant reservoir 16 to the external surface of the machine 6, however, if desired, this may be housed between the inner drum and outer casing 29 with an access point for re-filling the reservoir in the exterior 6.

I

Claims

1. A washing machine for a toilet bowl cleaner substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 - 2 of the accompanying drawing.

t AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS CLAIMS 1. A washing machine for a toilet bowl cleaner in the form of a cylinder of dual drum construction the top of which incorporates a funnel into which a cleaning wand may be placed and supported during the washing process. Motors turn spindles onto which are fastened threads of fiber which will clean the wand in conjunction with a pumping system of water and cleaning fluid which is ejected via nozzles situated within the inner drum.

2. A washing machine for a toilet bowl cleaner as claimed in Claim 1 wherein clear panels are incorporated into the two cylindrical drums.

3. A washing machine for a toilet bowl cleaner as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the funnel incorporates and on/off switch.

4. A washing machine for a toilet bowl cleaner substantially as described herein with reference to Figures I - 2 of the accompanying drawings.