GB2354998A

GB2354998A - Draining and storage container for bath toys

Info

Publication number: GB2354998A
Application number: GB9923462A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Amanda Marie Cofek; Michael Ernest King
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-10-06
Filing date: 1999-10-06
Publication date: 2001-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2019-10-06
Also published as: GB9923462D0; GB2354998B

Abstract

A draining and storage container for bath toys comprises an inner self draining container 2 having a grid-like base 3 for receiving the toys and an outer container 1 for receiving the inner container 2. Legs 4 on the inner container 2 provide for a space below the inner container 2 to receive drained water and hand holes 5 are provided to facilitate handling. A lid may be provided and the outer container may have a moulded design to be attractive to children.

Description

2354998 A DRAINING AND STORAGE CONTAINER FOR BATH TOYS The invention

refers to the problem of drainage and storage of children's bath toys.

Unless bath toys are drained thoroughly so as to be dry when they are put away, they become mouldy and slimy rendering them not hygienic for use as well as spoiling their appearance and use. Hygiene particularly relates to smaller children who are more likely to put their bath toys in their mouth. In busy family life it is not always possible to drain toys thoroughly before the next family member takes a bath, making this a daily problem. In addition, dripping toys stored inadequately can spoil the bathroom furniture, such as the floor.

According to the present invention of a draining and storage container for bath toys, it comprises of a self draining container received within a larger container into which the wet toys can be placed to dry out. The inner container comprises of a grid base or similar (i.e. honeycomb base, etc.) which does not allow for water to collect in corners or on the surface, so that the container is self-draining and does not have'to be held at an angle to drain fully. The specific size of the grid allows for quick drainage but retains small toys. The base of the inner container is flat to allow for maximum toy storage. The inner container has legs to ensure room for draining below the grid and hand holds to facilitate removal from the larger container. since wet toys can be heavy. The hand holds are part of the inner container and not raised. This contributes to streamline design which does not have parts raised which small children could knock into, as well as contributing to easier manufacturing and the possibility of an optional lid. The water in the larger container can be poured out when the toys are dry. Alternatively, the inner container can sit in the empty bath and be stored in the larger container when the toys are dry. The materials used could polypropylene. The size could be suitable to fit in the corner of the average bathroom, or under the sink perhaps. An optional design could be moulded into the shape of the outer box and optional lid, for example, in the shape of a dolphin, or a treasure chest design.

I A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a partially sectioned isometric view:- The larger container (1) could be solid to avoid water getting out. The inner container (2) could have a grid bottom (3) to let all water pass through, but small enough to retain the smaller toys. There could also be legs (4) to ensure total draining. Hand-holds (5) could facilitate removal of the inner container. A lid could be optional.

3 CLAIMS

1 A draining and storage container for bath toys, whereby there is a self draining container within a larger container into which the wet toys can be placed to dry out.

2 A draining and storage container for bath toy s as claimed in claim 1, whereby the inner container has legs to ensure room for draining into the outer container.

3 A draining and storage container for bath toys as claimed in claims I 2 comprising of a self draining container, whereby the base is moulded into a grid base or similar (i.e. honeycomb base) shape of a minimum of 2 centimetres between spaces.

4 A draining and storage container for bath toys as claimed in claims I 3 wherein the containers comprise plastics material, such as polypropylene or similar.

A draining and storage container for bath toys as claimed in claims 1 - 4 whereby because of the nature of the grid shape, water has no corner or surface on which to collect.

6-- A draining and storage container for bath toys as claimed in claims 1 - 5 whereby the grid base of the inner container is flat and does not at any point touch the base of the outer container.

7 A draining and storage container for bath toys as claimed in claim I - 6 comprising of a larger waterproof container into which a self draining container as claimed in claims 1 - 5 is placed.

8 A draining and storage container for bath toys as claimed in claims I 7 in which the self draining container has built-in hand holds which when the inner container is placed inside the outer container, are within the whole structure.

9 A draining and storage container for bath toys as claimed in claims 1 8 of a size which could be suitable to fit in the corner of the average bathroom, or under the sink perhaps.

4 A draining and storage container for bath toys as claimed in claims 1 9 which could be optionally designed into a particular shape, such as, the outer box sides being moulded into the shape of a dolphin, or a pirate treasure chest design, etc.

11 A draining and storage container for bath toys as claimed in claims I 10 with an optional lid for a tidy look.

12 A draining and draining container for bath toys as described herein with reference to figure 1.