GB2606420A

GB2606420A - A device for the application of cleaning fluid to a toilet pan

Info

Publication number: GB2606420A
Application number: GB2114332.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nichols Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-05-04
Filing date: 2021-10-07
Publication date: 2022-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 2041-10-07
Also published as: GB202106373D0; GB2606420B; GB202114332D0

Abstract

An applicator 100 for applying a cleaning fluid to a toilet pan comprising an applicator tube 101 forming a loop and having perforations 102 formed through a wall of the tube, wherein the loop is sized to fit an inner wall of the toilet pan. Preferably the applicator is located under the rim of the toilet and is biased against the rim. Further disclosed is a toilet comprising a toilet pan and an applicator connectable to a source of cleaning fluid and located within the toilet pan for applying the fluid to the toilet pan.

Description

A DEVICE FOR THE APPLICATION OF CLEANING FLUID TO A TOILET PAN

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to the field of sanitary devices, and more particularly to an applicator for applying a cleaning fluid to a toilet pan, a toilet, and a system for cleaning a toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Toilets require maintenance to prevent the accumulation of invisible deposits, reduce odours, and prevent bacterial growth. For both residential and commercial premises, the recurring unpleasant issue of maintaining the cleanliness of toilets affects all levels of society and grades of hotels and restaurants.

Conventionally, toilets have been cleaned with a cleaning liquid, such as bleach, and by scrubbing the toilet pan with a toilet brush. This work requires manual labour to keep the toilet pan clean.

Existing types of cleaning product dispenser, such as a toilet rim hanger, use a solid block or particles of cleaning material hung from the toilet rim or placed within the water cistern. Typically, a portion of the solid block is dissolved in water with each flush, and the water containing dissolved product is dispensed into the toilet pan for cleaning the toilet pan.

A disadvantage of such toilet rim dispensing devices is that these devices only apply the cleaning material to one location in the toilet pan and only when the toilet is flushed. On the other hand, cistern dispensing mechanisms quickly and disproportionately dissolve and dispense the cleaning material over several flushes. As a result, either the cleaning of the toilet pan is limited to an area of the toilet pan near the toilet rim dispensing device or the majority of cleaning material is dispensed inefficiently in only a few flushes.

Thus, there is a need for an improved toilet pan cleaning device, which applies toilet cleaning fluids uniformly and in a controlled and efficient manner to the toilet pan around its entire inner circumference, from under the toilet rim to the toilet waterline.

The present invention seeks to solve the above-mentioned problem.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an applicator for applying a cleaning fluid to a toilet pan, comprising: an applicator tube forming a loop and having perforations formed through a tube wall of the applicator tube, wherein the loop is sized to fit an inner wall of the toilet pan.

With the provision of perforations in the applicator tube, cleaning fluid can be efficiently dispensed into a toilet pan to provide a cleaner and more hygienic toilet pan for each user. Since the applicator tube forms a loop, it is possible to clean the entirety of the pan. In addition, by sizing the loop to fit an inner wall of the toilet pan, the applicator tube can be mounted within the toilet and dispense the cleaning fluid to flow down across the pan under gravity to perform cleaning.

Preferably, the loop is sized to fit in a cavity under a rim of the toilet pan.

By sizing the loop to fit in a cavity under and/or around the rim of a toilet pan (noting that various different designs of toilet pan are possible), cleaning fluid can be dispensed to the inner surface of the toilet pan from the cavity to the toilet waterline or below. Accordingly, the inner surface of the toilet pan can be cleaned thoroughly and will be maintained in a cleaner state, which in turn reduces the frequency of manual cleaning required.

Preferably, when the applicator tube is viewed in cross-section, the perforations are located at a plurality of positions arranged around the circumference of the applicator tube.

With the provision of perforations at a plurality of positions arranged around the circumference of the applicator tube, cleaning fluid can be dispensed upwards and in a plurality of other directions under the toilet rim as well as downward toward the waterline.

Preferably, the perforations are located at a plurality of positions forming an array around at least a portion of a length of the loop.

Preferably, the perforations are formed at regular intervals.

With the provision of perforations at regular intervals, cleaning fluid is dispensed uniformly to the inner surface of the toilet pan.

Preferably, the applicator tube is formed of a resilient material, and the loop is sized such that the applicator tube is biased against an inner wall of the toilet pan in use.

By using an applicator tube formed of a resilient material and sized such that the applicator tube material is mechanically biased against the inner wall and/or rim of the toilet pan in use, the applicator tube can retain its location inside the toilet pan. More specifically, the applicator tube loop expands from a folded or coiled state due to the resilient (elastic) property of its material after being inserted into the toilet pan, until the outer edge of the loop makes contact with an inner surface of the pan. In that state, friction between the tube and the pan maintains the position of the applicator without requiring retaining fixtures. In addition, the applicator tube can be stored compactly by folding or coiling the loop when not in use.

Preferably, a biasing force of the applicator tube against the inner wall is sufficient to hold the applicator in place within the toilet pan in use.

In some cases, the applicator tube is formed of a plastics material.

Preferably, the applicator tube is formed of polyethylene.

Suitably, the perforations are nozzles.

Preferably, the applicator further comprises a three-port connector, wherein the applicator tube comprises a length of tubing having two ends, the two ends being joined by two ports of the three-port connector to form the loop.

According to the present invention, there is provided a toilet, comprising: a toilet pan; and an applicator connectable to a source of cleaning fluid and located within the toilet pan for applying the cleaning fluid to the toilet pan.

With the provision of the above toilet, a cleaning fluid can be applied to the toilet pan prior to and/or following the use of the toilet, without the need to handle or touch the cleaning fluid or the toilet pan. Accordingly, the toilet can be left in a clean state for the next user. In addition, the frequency of periodic manual cleaning can be reduced, and a more pleasant toilet environment and experience is provided for users.

In some cases, the toilet further comprises a pump for supplying the cleaning fluid, wherein the applicator is connected to an outlet of the pump.

Preferably, the toilet further comprises a container configured to hold a cleaning fluid, the container having a fluid connection to an inlet of the pump.

Alternatively, the toilet further comprises a container configured to hold a cleaning fluid, the container having a fluid connection to the applicator.

Preferably, the toilet further comprises cleaning fluid contained in the container. Preferably, the applicator of the toilet is the applicator as described above.

Suitably, the toilet further comprises a supply tube connecting the applicator and the pump.

Suitably, the applicator is the applicator described above having a three-port connector, and the supply tube is connected to a third port of the three-port connector.

Preferably, the applicator is disposed in a cavity under a rim of the toilet pan.

In this way, cleaning fluid can be dispensed to an inner surface of the toilet pan, from the toilet rim to the toilet waterline or below.

According to the present invention, there is provided a system for cleaning a toilet, comprising: a pump having an inlet connectable to a container; and the applicator as described above connected to an outlet of the pump.

With the provision of the above system, a cleaning fluid can be applied to the toilet pan prior to and/or following the use of the toilet without the need to handle or touch the cleaning fluid. In addition, the frequency of periodic manual cleaning of the toilet can be reduced.

Preferably, the system further comprises a container configured to hold a fluid and connected to the inlet of the pump.

As used herein, the term "cleaning" also includes sanitising and/or disinfecting. As used herein, the term "connected" could also be understood to mean "coupled to", and the term "toilet pan" could also be understood to mean "toilet bowl". Combinations and sub-combinations of specific features disclosed herein are also provided, except where features are mutually exclusive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1A is a top view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

S

Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a toilet pan according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2A is a schematic view of a toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2B is a schematic view of a toilet according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2C is a top view of a toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the accompanying Figures 1-3, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, the present invention is explained hereafter.

Figure 1 shows an applicator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The applicator 100 is for applying a cleaning fluid, such as bleach, to a toilet pan 206. The applicator 100 is particularly suited for commercial settings, such as hotels and restaurants. However, the applicator 100 can also be used in a residential setting.

A standard toilet includes a toilet pan 206 having a rim 211, as shown in Figure 1C. The rim 211 surrounds an upper edge of the toilet pan 206. The rim 211 serves as a seating surface of a toilet seat (not shown). A portion of the rim 211 extends horizontally over an inner wall of the toilet pan 206 (i.e. towards the centre of the toilet pan 206) to form a cavity 210 under the rim 211. The cavity 210 typically has one or a plurality of openings (not shown) to allow flow of flush water into the toilet pan 206. In many toilet designs, flush water is dispersed along an entire perimeter of the cavity 210. Flush water flows from the cavity 210, down the inner surface of the toilet pan 206, into a large hole at the bottom of the toilet (not shown).

The applicator 100 comprises an applicator tube 101, which forms a loop, as shown in Figure 1A. The loop is approximately lm in length, preferably in the range 0.5-1.5m. The loop is roughly the length of the circumference of the toilet pan with which it is designed to operate. The actual length of a given embodiment of the applicator tube is determined by the design and size of the rim recess of the toilet pan with which the applicator is intended to cooperate. The diameter of the tube is preferably in the range 4mm to lOmm. The loop or coil is sized to fit an inner wall of the toilet pan, as shown in Figure 1C. Preferably, the tube is sized to fit in the cavity 210 under the rim 211 of the toilet, as shown in Figures 1C and 2C. Accordingly, the applicator tube 101 can be mounted discreetly within the toilet, and flush water can be dispensed onto the applicator tube 101 to facilitate the flow of the cleaning fluid to the toilet pan 206. Alternatively, the applicator tube 101 may be sized to fit the toilet pan 206 lower down the pan, but above the toilet waterline (dashed line in Figure 1C).

The applicator tube 101 has perforations 102 formed through a tube wall of the applicator tube 101, which allow a cleaning fluid to be dispensed from the applicator tube 101. In some implementations, the perforations 102 have a diameter in the range 1mm to 3mm. The perforations 102 are substantially circular in this example but may have other shapes. Different sizes of perforations are suitable for use with different viscosities of cleaning fluids, larger perforations being suitable for more viscous fluids to flow through at a given rate.

The perforations form nozzles in some embodiments. The nozzles may taper in diameter from a wider opening on an inner wall of the applicator tube to a narrower opening on an outer wall of the tube. Cone-shaped protrusions may also be formed on the outer wall of the tube, each protrusion surrounding an outlet of one of the nozzles so that the outlet projects from the tube.

The perforations 102 are located at a plurality of positions arranged around the circumference of the applicator tube 101, when viewed in cross-section, as shown in Figure 1B. Additionally, the perforations 102 are located at a plurality of positions forming an array around at least a portion of a length of the loop.

Figure 1A shows the perforations 102 located at a plurality of positions forming an array around the entirety of the loop. The perforations 102 are formed at regular intervals, x. Figure 1A shows a first perforation 102a and a second perforation 102b. The regular interval x is defined as the spacing between the centre of a first perforation 102a and the centre of an adjacent second perforation 102b.

Figure 1B shows a cross-section of the applicator tube 101. The perforations 102 are located at a plurality of positions arranged around the circumference of the applicator tube 101. The perforations 102 are formed at regular intervals, y. Figure 1B shows a third perforation 102c and a fourth perforation 102d. The regular interval y is defined as the spacing between the centre of a third perforation 102c and the centre of an adjacent fourth perforation 102d. As an example, suitable intervals or spacings x between perforations around the loop are in the range 5mm to 20mm. As an example, suitable intervals or spacings y between perforations around the circumference of the tube are in the range 5mm to 20mm.

The internal diameter of the tube is preferably in the range 2mm to 10mm. Different internal diameters of tube are suitable for different viscosities of cleaning fluids. Larger internal diameters are suitable for more viscous fluids to flow through at a given rate.

The thickness of the wall of the applicator tube is preferably in the range 2mm to 4mm when the tube is made of a polymer material such as polyethylene.

The applicator tube 101 may be formed of a resilient material such as an elastomeric or viscoelastic polymer material. A particularly suitable material for the tube 101 is polyethylene. The applicator tube 101 formed of a resilient material springs outwards in use so as to be biased against an inner wall of the toilet pan 206. A biasing force of the applicator tube 101 against the inner wall is sufficient to hold the applicator 100 in place within the toilet pan 206 in use. Accordingly, the tube can retain its location inside the toilet pan 206 by friction alone, without any type of retaining fixture. In alternative embodiments, the applicator 100 may be held in place using a conventional mounting structure such as a wire hanger. In addition, the applicator tube 101 formed of a resilient material can be stored compactly when not in use. The applicator tube 101 may be formed of plastics or any other suitable resilient material.

The applicator tube 101 comprises a length of tubing having two ends, 103a and 103b. In this example, the length of the tube is approximately lm, which fits a standard toilet pan 206. The two ends 103a and 103b are joined by two ports (a first port and second port) of a three-port connector 104 to form the loop, as shown in Figure 1A. The three-port connector 104 allows the formation of the applicator tube 101 into a loop. It further allows the loop to be connected to a source of cleaning fluid via a third port of the connector 104.

Figures 2A-C show a toilet 205 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The toilet 205 includes a toilet pan 206 having a rim 211. As an example, the toilet pan 206 may be formed of a ceramic material.

The toilet 206 further includes a pump mechanism 207, having an inlet 207a and an outlet 207b, for supplying the toilet pan cleaning fluid. The pump 207 can be either operated by manual control or by electrical control. The manually operated pump example features a mechanical pump mechanism that is operated and powered manually by human physical movement. The electrically operated pump mechanism utilises electrical energy to operate a pumping mechanism. The source of electrical energy can be batteries or an electrical power supply source such as a mains plug socket.

The electrically operated pump can be any type of liquid pump, for example a low flow rate liquid pump located as a separate unit but connected to a cleaning fluid container 208. Providing the pump as a separate unit from the container makes it easier to replace or refill the cleaning fluid reservoir. The electrical pump may also be a type of semi-submersible pump located withing the cleaning fluid reservoir.

The pump is preferably activated using a push button. Pressing the button may provide the force necessary to drive the pump via a known mechanism when a manually driven mechanical pump mechanism is used. When an electrical pump is used, the push button may operate a switch that connects the pump mechanism to a source of electrical power. The button is preferably mounted either on the floor near to the toilet for foot operation or on a nearby wall for operation by hand.

The toilet 206 further includes an applicator 100 connected to the outlet of the pump 207b. The applicator 100 is located within the toilet pan 206, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, to apply cleaning fluid to the toilet pan 206. More specifically, the applicator 100 is disposed in the recess or cavity 210 under the rim 211 of the toilet pan 206, such that the applicator 100 is generally hidden and so does not come into direct contact with human waste, as shown in Figure 1C and Figure 2C. The applicator may be the above-described applicator 100 but could be an alternative such as a spray head, having an array of nozzles, in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump.

The toilet 206 may further include a container 208, as shown in Figure 2B, for holding a cleaning fluid. The container 208 is connected to the inlet 207a of the pump. Alternatively, a source of cleaning fluid may be located outside the toilet itself.

A supply tube 209 is provided to connect the applicator 100 and the pump 207. The supply tube 209 is connected to the third port of the three-port connector 104. The supply tube 209 does not include perforations.

In an alternative embodiment, the pump is omitted and the container is directly connected to the applicator. In this modification, the cleaning fluid can be supplied to the applicator under gravity by mounting the container at a higher elevation than the applicator with a supply tube connecting the container to the applicator. Alternatively or in addition, the container may be formed of a flexible material so that the cleaning fluid can be supplied to the applicator by manually squeezing the container. For example, this is possible using a standard plastic bottle of bleach. This modification has the advantages of reduced cost and a reduced number of parts, which can further reduce the maintenance required.

The system 212 shown in Fig. 3 includes the pump 207 and the above-described applicator 100 connected to the outlet of the pump 207b, for cleaning a toilet. The system 212 may further include the container 208 for holding fluid, as shown in Figure 3.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An applicator for applying a cleaning fluid to a toilet pan, comprising: an applicator tube forming a loop and having perforations formed through a tube wall of the applicator tube, wherein the loop is sized to fit an inner wall of the toilet pan.
2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the loop is sized to fit in a cavity under a rim of the toilet pan.
3 The applicator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the applicator tube is viewed in cross-section, the perforations are located at a plurality of positions arranged around the circumference of the applicator tube.
4 The applicator according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the perforations are located at a plurality of positions forming an array around at least a portion of a length of the loop.
S. The applicator according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the perforations are formed at regular intervals.
6. The applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator tube is formed of a resilient material, and the loop is sized such that the applicator tube is biased against an inner wall of the toilet pan in use.
7 The applicator according to claim 6, wherein a biasing force of the applicator tube against the inner wall is sufficient to hold the applicator in place within the toilet pan in use.
8. The applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator tube is formed of a plastics material.
9 The applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator tube is formed of polyethylene.
10. The applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the perforations are nozzles.
11. The applicator according to any preceding claim, further comprising a three-port connector, wherein the applicator tube comprises a length of tubing having two ends, the two ends being joined by two ports of the three-port connector to form the loop.
12. A toilet, comprising: a toilet pan; and an applicator connectable to a source of cleaning fluid and located within the toilet pan for applying the cleaning fluid to the toilet pan.
13. The toilet according to claim 12, further comprising a pump for supplying the cleaning fluid, wherein the applicator is connected to an outlet of the pump.
14. The toilet according to claim 13, wherein the toilet further comprises a container configured to hold a cleaning fluid, the container having a fluid connection to an inlet of the pump.
15. The toilet according to claim 12, wherein the toilet further comprises a container configured to hold a cleaning fluid, the container having a fluid connection to the applicator.
16. The toilet according to claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising cleaning fluid contained in the container.
17. The toilet according to any of claims 12-16, wherein the applicator is the applicator of any one of claims 1-11.
18. The toilet according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising: a supply tube connecting the applicator and the pump.
19. The toilet according to claim 18, wherein: the applicator is the applicator of claim 11, and the supply tube is connected to a third port of the three-port connector.
20. The toilet according to any one of claims 12-19, wherein the applicator is disposed in a cavity under a rim of the toilet pan.
21. A system for cleaning a toilet, comprising: a pump having an inlet connectable to a container; and the applicator according to one of claims 1-11 connected to an outlet of the pump.
22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the system further comprises a container configured to hold a fluid and connected to the inlet of the pump.