GB2397753A

GB2397753A - Toilet wand

Info

Publication number: GB2397753A
Application number: GB0302004A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Firth Robinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-01-29
Filing date: 2003-01-29
Publication date: 2004-08-04
Also published as: GB0302004D0

Abstract

A rod or blade attached to a handle which may be used for the dispersal of faecal stools in a toilet bowl. The rod (15) which is attached to a pommel grip handle (2) may be housed in a central tube (4) which is an integral part of the handle of a toilet brush. When required the rod may be simply withdrawn from the handle of the brush and replaced after use. The device may be in the form of a long rigid spatula blade with a square ended scraper tip. The wand may be produced as a stand alone device which fits into its own receptacle. It may be produced in plastic material or even biodegradable plastic, and may be flexible.

Description

TOILET WANDS

It is the human condition to produce large stools from time to time that are resistant to the strongest toilet flush. Over recent years I have learnt of people immersing their hands and lower arms in the toilet water to crush uncompromising solid waste in the pan and outflow pipe, with the risk of cross-infection.

The toilet brush is quite unsuitable for the maceration of solids. Excrement adheres to the bristles, which is subsequently spread to the ceramic surfaces of the pan/bowl, creating further unpleasantness. The later cleaning of the toilet brush can be distasteful and time consurmng.

To obviate these problems, I propose the use of specific ergonomically manufactured toilet wands for the slicing, maceration and reduction of long compacted stools that are unable to be flushed away, the removal of excremental residues from the surface of the toilet pan and the expulsion of the dissected solids into the pan's outflow pipe.

The toilet wand can be seen as a hygienic designer adjunct to the traditional toilet brush and act as a physical assistant to the liquid toilet cleaners. Their action is immediate and can prevent embarrassment during domestic social functions and everyday living. Furthermore, in of lice complexes that operate the "economy flush", detriment may be left in the pan.

The use of toilet wands will prevent faecal build up and concomitant foul odors.

In the domestic setting, toilet wands are ideally suited for grouping with a traditional style of toilet brush. The toilet wand can form a part of the toilet brush or be paired with the brush within the same container. Once the immobile detriment has been reduced and flushed away, the brush is used in the normal manner. Any remaining excremental residues can be removed with the tip of the toilet wand.

The most practical expression of the toilet wand concept in commercial or public buildings is that it stands alone in its own receptacle. Toilets in heavy use frequently promote faecal build up in the pan. The presence of a toilet brush is problematical in that it is continually fouled. A toilet wand, by comparison, is easy to wipe and cleanse. An inexpensive heavyduty stand-alone version of the toilet wand, for use by the patrons and/or the cleaning staff, is appropriate to hotels, restaurants, airports and other premises where the clearing of accumulated waste from the toilet pan can be a constant burden. The stand-alone toilet wand could be used in the home as a hygienic alternative to the toilet brush.

To facilitate the wiping and sterilization of the toilet wands, they should be made from smooth non-corrosive and chemical resistant materials with a potential for flexibility, such as stainless steel, plastic or a combination of both. I envisage that the toilet wand, brush and receptacle be made in bright contrasting coloured opaque plastic or in clear tinted plastic allowing varying shades of translucent bathroom purples, blues and greens to be employed to maximise the appearance of the product and make a style statement.

Packaged disposable toilet wands made from biodegradable plastic would be appropriate for occasional use in any location.

Doubtless, there are many design permutations for the integrated, paired, stand-alone and disposable toilet wands. An example for each category is given below, in conjunction with a traditional style toilet brush, where appropriate, and a standard type of receptacle.

I) The Brush/Toilet Wand Combination is intended for those individuals who prefer to have a multi-purpose toilet brush. A strong rod, which is attached to a pommel grip handle, is housed by push-fit in a central tube within the convex longitudinal handle, transverse splashguard and strong rounded shaft of a traditional toilet brush. The pommel grip of the toilet wand forms an integral part of the handle of the brush/toilet wand combination. When the toilet wand is required for the slicing and reduction of long solid immobile stools wedged in the pan, it is simply withdrawn from the central tube within the brush.

The brush/toilet wand combination is housed in a flared cylindrical receptacle (outlined on page 15), which has a 'D' shaped rounded handle. The flare creates a larger base area for stability on an uneven floor. The transverse circular splashguard between the handle and the shaft of the brush/toilet wand combination holds it vertical in its container. The lip moulding at the edge of the splashguard is shaped around the 'D' shaped handle of the flared cylindrical receptacle. The lip moulding on either side of the 'D' shaped handle holds the brush/toilet wand combination in a fixed position in its container. A small circular hole in the splashguard above the brush head facilitates ventilation of the container.

2) The Toilet Wand Spatula is paired with a traditional toilet brush within the same container. The toilet wand spatula consists of a rounded longitudinal pommel handle with a long rigid spatula blade that has a square ended flexible scraper tip. The edges of the blade slice, separate and reduce long compacted stools wedged in the toilet pan that are unable to be flushed away. The surface of the blade can hold, push and expel material into the pan's outflow pipe during the toilet flush. The square ended flexible scraper tip removes excremental residues from the ceramic surface of the pan that are resistant to the action of a toilet brush.

The blade is longer than the depth of the flared cylindrical receptacle and is kept upright in the container by a straight vertical partition. The partition, which adjoins the rim and inner surface of the receptacle and is of a limited depth, is at a right angle and adjacent to the 'D' shaped handle at the back of the receptacle.

The width of the spatula blade will vary according to the design specification preferred. To fulfill an alternative function, the spatula blade could be made flexible for the dispersal waste caught in the water trap (the 'U' shaped bend).

The versatility and shape of the toilet wand spatula lends itself to an easily packaged disposable version, for occasional emergency use in the home or office, or for generalised use in hospitals and other public buildings where faecal build up in the toilet pan is problematical. A pack would contain both rigid and flexible bladed toilet wand spatulas.

3) The paired traditional toilet brush comprises a rounded longitudinal pommel handle, a transverse circular splashguard (except for a segmental indent at the back) that holds it vertical in its container, and a strong rounded shaft that broadens into a slightly curved circular brush head, which is angled away from the axis of the shaft. The brush head has short firm plastic bristles on its under surface. The bristles at the centre of the circular brush head are longer than those at the edge, presenting a domed effect in profile. The brush has the capacity to scrub the ceramic surface of the toilet pan in conjunction with liquid cleaners.

This brush is kept in a fixed position in the receptacle by the blade of the toilet wand spatula that stands slightly proud of the splashguard. The toilet wand spatula is housed in the partitioned space adjacent to the 'D' shaped handle at the back of the flared cylindrical receptacle, as already stated. Ventilation of the container, with the brush and toilet wand spatula in place, occurs through the rear compartment and through the small circular hole in the splashguard above the brush head.

The toilet wand with a rod can also be paired with the traditional toilet brush (as opposed to being integrated with it) and housed in a vertical tubular compartment of a limited depth at the back of the flared cylindrical receptacle adjacent to the 'D' shaped handle. The paired brush is kept in a fixed position in the receptacle by the rod of the toilet wand, which is longer than the depth of the container, and stands slightly proud of the splashguard. The lose fit of the splashguard indent against the rod allows ventilation of the container at this point.

The limited depth of the rear compartment enables the paired toilet wand and the brush to be cleansed at the same time when disinfectant is poured into the flared cylindrical receptacle. it also allows the whole of the lower inner surface of the container to be easily cleaned with a cloth.

4) The stand-alone toilet wand spatula mirrors exactly the actions of the toilet wand spatula. The design differs only in that it has a transverse circular splashguard between the rounded longitudinal handle and the rigid spatula blade (with square ended flexible scraper tip) to keep it vertical in its own container. The lip moulding at the edge of the splashguard is shaped to fit round the 'D' shaped handle ofthe flared cylindrical receptacle. The lip moulding on either side of the 'D' shaped handle holds the stand- alone toilet wand in a fixed position in its container. The stand-alone toilet wand is intended for use in heavily utilised toilets in commercial and public buildings where faecal build up in the toilet pan is common, or as a hygienic alternative to the toilet brush in the home.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown through the following descriptions and drawings of the individual toilet wands and their containers.

Item 1: The Brush/Toilet Wand Combination FIGURE 1 shows the front view FIGURE 2 shows the back view FIGURE 3 shows the right side view FIGURE 4 shows the left side view FIGURE 5 shows the left side view of the brush without the toilet wand FIGURE 6 shows the plan view of the brush without the toilet wand FIGURE 7 shows the end view of the brush FIGURE 8 shows the all side view of the toilet wand FIGURE 9 shows the plan view of the toilet wand FIGURE 10 shows the end view of the toilet wand In Figures 1 2 3 and 4 the brush/toilet wand combination comprises a convex longitudinal pommel handle 1. The pommel 2 is the grip to a strong rod that forms the toilet wand (Fig 8). The strong rod is housed by push-fit in a central tube (not visible - see 14,Fig.6) within the convex longitudinal handle 3, transverse splashguard 6 and rounded shaft 4 of the toilet brush. To macerate solid immobile waste in the pan, the toilet wand is simply withdrawn from the central tube within the brush. The point of separation is immediately below the pommel 5. The circular splashguard 6 holds the brush/toilet wand combination vertical in the flared cylindrical receptacle. It is moulded at the edge 7 to fit over the lip of the container. The moulding is absent at the back 11 to fit around the 'D' shaped handle ofthe flared receptacle (Figure 2). The moulding on either side of the 'D' handle holds the brush/toilet wand combination in a fixed position in its container. The end of the rounded shaft 4 broadens into a slightly curved circular brush head 9 that is angled forward from the axis of the shaft. The brush head has short firm plastic bristles on its under surface 10 to scrub staining from the surface of the pan in conjunction with liquid toilet cleaners. The bristles at the centre of the brush head are longer than those at the edge, presenting a domed effect in profile 13 (Figures 3 and 4).

At the base of the rounded shaft 4 there are two small holes 12 situated diametrically opposite one another on the right and left sides (Figures 3 and 4). These penetrate through to the bottom of the central tube within the brush. They enable disinfectant to enter the tube to facilitate cleaning.

Figure 5 shows the brush with the toilet wand withdrawn from the central tube (not visible - seel4, Figure 6) within the convex longitudinal handle 3, the transverse splashguard 6 and the rounded shaft of the toilet brush 4.

Figure 6 shows the opening of the tube 14 through the centre of the convex longitudinal handle 3, the transverse splashguard 6 and down into the rounded shaft of the brush (which is not visible). A small circular hole at the front of the splashguard immediately above the brush head 8 facilitates ventilation of the receptacle.

Figure 7 shows the transverse circular splashguard 6 that is moulded at the edge 7 to fit over the lip of the container. The moulding is absent at the back 11 where it fits around the D' shaped handle of the eared cylindrical receptacle. The slightly curved circular brush head 9 is angled forward away from the axis of the rounded shaft. The underside of the brush head has short firm plastic bristles 10.

Figure 8 shows the pommel grip 2 and the blunted rod 15 for the maceration of long immobile stools.

Figure 9 shows the toilet wand's pommel grip 2.

Figure 10 shows the underside of the pommel grip 2 and the tip of the blunted rod 15.

Item 2: The Toilet Wand Spatula FIGURE 1 shows the front view FIGURE 2 shows the back view FIGURE 3 shows the right side view FIGURE 4 shows the left side view FIGURE 5 shows the plan view FIGURE 6 shows the end view The toilet wand spatula is paired with a traditional style of toilet brush within the same container. As shown in Figures 1 2 3 and 4 the toilet wand spatula comprises a rounded longitudinal pommel handle I and long rigid spatula blade 2. The blunted edges of the blade 3 slice and separate long solid stools wedged in the toilet pan that are unable to be flushed away. The spatula blade has a flexible square ended scraper tip 4 (visible in Figures 1 and 2 and in profile in Figures 3 and 4) for the removal of excremental residues from the ceramic surface of the toilet pan. The blade is longer than the depth of the flared cylindrical receptacle and is kept upright in the container by a straight vertical partition.

To fulfill an alternative function, the spatula blade 2 could be made from flexible plastic for the dispersal of waste material in the pan's outflow pipe.

The versatility and shape of the toilet wand spatula lends itself to an easily packaged disposable version of the rigid and flexible toilet wand spatula.

Figure 5 shows the pommel of the longitudinal rounded pommel handle 1.

Figure 6 shows the underside of the longitudinal rounded pommel handle I, the rigid spatula blade 2, the blunt edges 3 and the square ended flexible scraper tip 4.

Item 3: The Paired Brush FIGURE I shows the front view FIGURE 2 shows the back view FIGURE 3 shows the right side view FIGURE 4 shows the left side view FIGURE 5 shows the plan view FIGURE 6 shows the end view A traditional style toilet brush is paired with the toilet wand spatula within the flared cylindrical receptacle. As shown in Figures l 2 3 and 4 the paired brush comprises a rounded longitudinal pommel handle I which is separated from a strong rounded shaft 2 by a transverse circular splashguard 3, which holds the brush vertical in its container. The splashguard is mouldcd at the edge 4 to fit over the lip of the receptacle. The moulding is absent at the back of the splashguard 5 where there is a segmental indent (visible in Figure 2). The brush is kept in a fixed position at the segmental indent by the blade of the toilet wand spatula that stands slightly proud of the splashguard. The rounded shaft 2 broadens into a slightly curved circular brush head 7 that is angled forward away from the axis of the shaft. The brush head has short firm plastic bristles 8 on its under surface to scrub the ceramic surface of the toilet pan in conjunction with liquid toilet cleaners. The bristles at the centre of the circular brush head are longer than those at the edge, presenting a domed effect in profile 9 (Figures 3 and 4).

Figure 5 shows the pommel of the rounded longitudinal pommel handle 1 and the transverse circular splastguard 3 with the segmental indent at the back 5. There is a small circular hole above the brush head at the front of the splashguard 6 to facilitate ventilation of the container.

Figure 6 shows the transverse circular splashguard 3, the splashguard moulding 4, the segmental indent 5 and the short plastic bristles 8 on the underside of the circular brush head 7.

Item 4: The Stand-alone Toilet Wand Spatula FIGURE 1 shows the front view FIGURE 2 shows the back view FIGURE 3 shows the right side view FIGURE 4 shows the left side view FIGURE 5 shows the plan view FIGURE 6 shows the end view The stand-alone toilet wand spatula is seated in its own receptacle. As shown in Figures 1 2 3 and 4 the stand-alone toilet wand spatula comprises a rounded longitudinal pommel handle 1, which is separated from a long rigid spatula blade 2, by a transverse circular splashguard 3 that holds the wand vertical in its the container. The splashguard is moulded at the edge 4 to fit over the lip of the container. The moulding is absent at the back 5 to fit around the 'D' shaped handle of the flared cylindrical receptacle (Figure 2). The moulding on either side of the 'D' shaped handle holds the stand-alone toilet wand spatula in a fixed position in its container. The blunted edges of the spatula blade 7 slice and separate long compacted stools wedged in the toilet pan. The blade has a square ended flexible scraper tip 8 (visible in Figures 1 and 2 and in profile in Figures 3 and 4) for the removal of excremental residues from the ceramic surface of the toilet pan.

Figure 5 shows the pommel of the rounded longitudinal handle 1 and the transverse circular splashguard 3. A small circular hole at the front of the splashguard 6 facilitates ventilation of the receptacle.

Figure 6 shows the transverse circular splashguard 3, the small circular ventilation hole at the front 6, the splashguard moulding 4, the absence of moulding at the back 5 where it fits around the 'D' shaped handle of the flared cylindrical receptacle, the rigid spatula blade 2, the blunted edges 7 and the square ended flexible scraper tip 8.

Item 5: The Flared Cylindrical Receptacle FIGURE I shows the front view FIGURE 2 shows the back view FIGURE 3 shows the right side view FIGURE 4 shows the left side view FIGURE 5 shows the plan view FIGURE 5A shows an alternative plan view FIGURE 6 shows the end view Figure I shows the cylindrical container 1 that is flared at the bottom for stability 2.

Figure 2 illustrates the cylindrical container 1 that is flared at the bottom 2. The back of the D' shaped handle 3 is visible.

Figure 3 illustrates the cylindrical container I with the flare at the bottom 2. The 'D' shaped handle 3 projects to the left at a right angle from the cylindrical container.

Figure 4 shows the cylindrical container I with the flare at the bottom 2. The 'D' shaped handle 3 projects to the right at a right angle from the cylindrical container.

Figure 5 shows the rim of the cylindrical container 4 and the top of the straight vertical partition adjoining it 5, which is at a right angle and adjacent to the 'D' shaped rounded handle 3 at the back of the receptacle (of which only the top is visible). The partition extends down to a depth that enables the toilet wand spatula to stand vertical in the receptacle with the tip of the spatula resting on the base. The width of the partition is only slightly wider than the scapula blade and, as a consequence, facilitates a snug fit.

Figure 5A shows an alternative plan view. The toilet wand with a rod shaft can also be paired with the traditional toilet brush (as opposed to being integrated with it) and housed in a vertical tubular compartment of limited depth 7. This compartment adjoins the rim 4 and inner surface of the container at the back of the flared cylindrical receptacle adjacent to the 'D' shaped handle 3. The rod is of sufficient length to allow the tip to rest on the base and yet stands slightly proud of the receptacle's rim.

Figure 6 shows the base of the cylindrical receptacle 6 and the underside of the 'D' shaped handle 3.

The flared cylindrical receptacle (with the straight vertical partition) is multi-purpose in that it can accommodate the Brush/Toilet Wand Combination or the Paired Brush and the Toilet Wand Scapula, or the Standalone Toilet Wand Spatula.

Claims

1. The toilet wand has a blade or rod with a handle, which is used to slice, macerate and disperse long compacted stools in the toilet pan that are unable to be flushed away.

2. A toilet wand as claimed in 1 can form a part of a traditional toilet brush. The toilet wand can be separated from the brush to reduce stools in the pan. The brush/toilet wand combination is accommodated in a standard receptacle.

3. A toilet wand as claimed in I can be paired with a traditional toilet brush in the same container. This toilet wand has a rigid spatula blade with a flexible scraper tip. The blunted edges of the blade slice and reduce long compacted stools wedged in the toilet pan. The flat surface of the blade will hold and push dissected solids into the pan's outflow pipe during the toilet flush. The scraper tip of the spatula blade will remove excremental residues from the surface of the toilet pan.

4. A toilet wand as claimed in I can have a flexible blade or rod for the dislodging of solids and other matter in the pan's water trap (the 'U' bend).

5. A toilet wand as claimed in 1 with a rigid or flexible blade or rod can be packaged and made for disposable use.

6. A toilet wand as claimed in 1 can be seated in its own receptacle without the presence of a brush, for the reduction of solid waste wedged in the toilet pan.