IL168413A - Method and system comprising a refillable reservoir for adding solid or liquid chemicals into the toilet flushing water - Google Patents

Description

168413 ρ·η I 453470 τηκ H7D N7 Π 3ηϋ ϋ] 11],7 ll-ITl ΠΕ)01Π7 ·,Π-Ί_1 7ΐ)Τ] Π7713Π TOIDD! ΠΪΓϋ] METHOD AND SYSTEM COMPRISING A REFILLABLE RESERVOIR FOR ADDING SOLID OR LIQUID CHEMICALS INTO THE TOILET FLUSHING WATER - - METHOD AND SYSTEM COMPRISING A REFILLABLE RESERVOIR FOR ADDING SOLID OR LIQUID CHEMICALS INTO THE TOILET FLUSHING WATER Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and system for the addition of the solid or liquid chemicals to the toilet flushing water and more particularly, the invention relates to a method and system comprising a refillable reservoir for adding disinfectant or like chemicals into said toilet flushing water.

Background of the Invention Generally, the purpose of the chemicals dispensed into the flushing water has been to disinfect the toilet flushing water and to add fresh fragrance. There is an additional intention to add to the toilet flushing water an attractive color.

A number of various apparatuses were proposed to solve the problem of odor and prevent development of infection inside the toilet bowl. One type of apparatus cited in prior art by which chemicals are dispensed into toilet flushing water is based on the method, whereby chemicals are situated inside the toilet flushing water tank. According to this method, the chemicals are either dissolved directly into the flushing water or a dosage of them is dispensed by effect of the water level fluctuations. For example, WO 83/00713 presents means by which the chemicals used in chemical effluent purification are dispensed into a flushing liquid. The chemicals are efficiently mixed with the waste in connection with the flushing operation. The means utilizes a secondary flow from the filling flow of the waste flushing tank achieved by technology known in the art. The means comprises a dissolving vessel containing an undissolved precipitation chemical. The secondary flow from the filling of the flushing tank entering - - the means through a pipe becomes saturated during its passage through the dissolving vessel to become a chemical solution, which is conducted into the flushing tank. The chemical solution which is formed in the flushing tank becomes efficiently mixed with the waste during the flushing of the waste. However, this method employs the use of an additional vessel having a complex structure which must be attached to the conventional toilet flushing tank by means of two pipes. The vessel occupies additional space near said conventional toilet flushing tank. Furthermore, the vessel comprises a filter, which must be replaced periodically, since the chemicals flowing through the pipe from the vessel to the flushing tank without any pressure, can cause the sealing of said pipe.

EP 0570326 Al discloses an apparatus and method for dispensing a first liquid into a second reservoir liquid. The apparatus comprises a container adapted to hold the dispensable liquid, a dispensing nozzle and a sensing tube. The dispensing nozzle is positioned on the container below the dispensable liquid level within the container. The sensing tube has two open ends, the first open end is positioned above the dispensable liquid level within the container and the second open end is positioned outside the container and below the dispensing nozzle. However, as with WO 83/00713, the method and apparatus disclosed in this patent application have a complex structure using an additional container with two pipes, with one pipe being used for the flow of the dispensing liquid from said container to a reservoir and the other pipe being used for the flow of air inside said container in order to fill the resulting empty space.

Another type of liquid dispenser for cleaning toilet bowls is presented in WO 01/88286 Al. This patent application concerns a product dispenser for toilet bowls, comprising means for attaching on the bowl and a reservoir of liquid product connected with a tube. In its lower part, the reservoir has a free opening its size such that the flow of liquid is prevented when there is no - - flushing. When flushing occurs, the liquid flow in the vicinity of the tube or along it, or the up-flow of water in the tube causes the liquid to be dispensed by a hydrodynamic effect. However, this dispenser has plastic components, such as the reservoir for the liquid and the catching means which must be thrown away after the liquid is finished. The proposed dispenser in this patent application is not designed for multiple uses.

Furthermore, a number of patents describe fluid dispensing bottles with particular provisions allowing the bottle to be hung in an inverted orientation on the side of a toilet tank, to point downward within the tank so that the fluid dispensing end of the bottle extends into a region that is normally full of water, but is drained of water from the tank, and subsequently refilled, whenever the toilet is flushed. US 6,691,328 B2 discloses a refillable bottle used to dispense a fluid for cleaning a toilet bowl. Such a bottle includes a reservoir, a metering portion, and a cover, which is removable to expose an opening within the reservoir for refilling. The cover may include the metering portion, or it may be formed as a cap at an end of the reservoir opposite the metering portion. However, since the end of the bottle extends into a region that is normally full of water from the tank, the fluids for cleaning toilet bowls located in said bottle are continuously dispensed, even when the toilet is not flushed, and therefore said fluids are futilely wasted.

Therefore, there is a need to provide an efficient method and system for measured dispensing of solid or liquid disinfectant or like chemicals into the toilet flushing water.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system which can be refilled upon need. 168413/2 It is another object of the present invention to provide a system which can be reused indefinitely, avoiding the necessity for users to discard any parts and in this way saving money.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and system which does not employ any movable parts.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and system wherein the dispersion of the disinfectant or like solution into the water is uniform.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a method and system preventing the flow of the disinfectant or like solution when there is no flushing.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a method and system which is user friendly.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a method and system which is relatively inexpensive.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and system for adding solid or liquid chemicals into the toilet flushing water.

The system for adding chemicals to the toilet flushing water comprises: 168413/2 a. a reservoir having an upper and lower section that is attached to a pipe, wherein fluid communication exists between said pipe and said lower section of said reservoir through a plurality of holes in the common wall between them, said plurality of holes located in said lower section; b. a plate having a plurality of holes, located within said reservoir close to its lower section; c. an opening in said reservoir, optionally covered with a cap, wherein said cap is removed in order to expose said opening for inserting said chemicals; and d. an opening in said common wall, said opening located in said upper section of said reservoir.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the opening in the common wall has a funnel-shaped form.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the form of the reservoir is selected from the group, comprising: (a) circular; (b) oval; (c) triangular; and (e) polygonal.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the opening in the reservoir is located on the side surface of said reservoir.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the opening in the reservoir is located on the top surface of the reservoir.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid dispensed from the reservoir through the plurality of holes comprises chemicals selected from one or more of the following: (a) chemicals that help keeping the toilet bowl clean; (b) chemicals that comprise a dye(s) for coloring the 168413/2 toilet bowl water; (c) chemicals that provide a pleasant fragrance; and (d) chemicals that are disinfectants.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir is attached to the pipe by one or more of the following: (a) adhesive means; (b) one or more holders; and (c) one or more restraints.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plate located inside the reservoir is attached to said reservoir by adhesive means.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the plate located inside the reservoir is attached to the pipe by adhesive means.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pipe has an List-aped form.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the pipe has a straight form.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the chemicals are selected from the group, comprising: (a) solid chemicals; and (b) liquid chemicals.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid chemicals are contained in an insert, which is inserted inside the reservoir.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the insert is connected to the reservoir by a threaded aperture.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the insert comprises: 168413/2 a. a container which is filled with liquid chemicals, said container having top and bottom sections; b. a component extending from the bottom of the bottom section; c. a receptacle connected to said component, said receptacle having a plurality of holes and a plurality of teeth; d. a narrow pipe being placed inside a hole in said component and connected to the bottom of the bottom section of said container, thereby forming a passageway for said liquid chemicals from said container to a narrow groove located at the bottom of said component, said narrow groove enabling said liquid chemicals to flow from said narrow pipe to said receptacle; e. optionally, a cap at said top section for connecting said insert to the reservoir; and f. optionally, an additional cap which is connected to said cap, said additional cap covering an opening for inserting said liquid chemicals into said container.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the container is connected to the cap.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle has the saucer-like form.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the additional cap is connected to the cap, connecting said insert to the reservoir by means of a threaded aperture.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom section of the container has a convex or straight form. 168413/2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle comprises an additional small receptacle for inserting the component into it.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the additional small receptacle has the saucer-like form.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the additional small receptacle comprises a plurality of teeth.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the narrow pipe is connected to the bottom section of the container, whereby the liquid chemicals from said container spill into the upper end of the narrow pipe and flow within said narrow pipe towards the receptacle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle is connected to the component.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the component is connected to the bottom section of the container.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir further comprises a U-shaped protrusion to be attached to the pipe.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir further comprises at least one funnel-like conduit for enabling the water to flow from the pipe to said reservoir.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir further comprises at least one funnel-like conduit for enabling the water to flow from said reservoir to the pipe. 168413/2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the funnel-like conduit is connected to the reservoir by means of a washer.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the funnel-like conduit is connected to the pipe by means of a washer.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the washer is made of rubber or plastic.

The method for adding chemicals to the toilet flushing water comprises: a. providing: a.l. a reservoir having an upper and lower section that is attached to a pipe, wherein fluid communication exists between said pipe and said lower section of said reservoir through a plurality of holes in the common wall between them, said plurality of holes located in said lower section; a.2. a plate having a plurality of holes, located within said reservoir close to its lower section; a.3. an opening in said reservoir, optionally covered with a cap, wherein said cap is removed in order to expose said opening for inserting said chemicals; and a.4. an opening in said common wall, said opening located in said upper section of said reservoir; b. inserting said chemicals into said opening in said reservoir; and c. flushing the toilet.

The method for adding liquid chemicals to the toilet flushing water further comprises: 168413/2 a. providing: a.l. a container which is filled with liquid chemicals, said container having top and bottom sections; a.2. a component extending from the bottom of the bottom section; a.3. a receptacle connected to said component, said receptacle having a plurality of holes and a plurality of teeth; a.4. a narrow pipe being placed inside a hole in said component and connected to the bottom of the bottom section of said container, thereby forming a passageway for said liquid chemicals from said container to a narrow groove located at the bottom of said component, said narrow groove enabling said liquid chemicals to flow from said narrow pipe to said receptacle; a.5. optionally, a cap at said top section for connecting said insert to the reservoir; and a.6. optionally, an additional cap connected to said cap, said additional cap covering an opening for inserting said liquid chemicals into said container; b. inserting said liquid chemicals into said opening; and c. flushing the toilet.

Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings: - Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the L-shaped pipe with a reservoir attached to it, wherein said reservoir is open and is ready to be filled with chemicals, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 168413/2 Fig. IB is a perspective view of the L-shaped pipe with a reservoir attached to it, wherein said reservoir is filled with chemicals and covered with a cap, which can be removed to expose an opening within said reservoir for refilling, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1C is a perspective view of the pipe with a reservoir attached to it, wherein said reservoir is filled with chemicals and covered with a cap, according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2A is a side view of the L-shaped pipe with a reservoir attached to it, wherein said reservoir is covered with a cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2B to Fig. 2D are perspective illustrations of an open reservoir, according to different embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 3A is a front view of a funnel, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a funnel, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 to Fig. 5B are perspective illustrations of the L-shaped pipe with a reservoir attached to it, showing different ways of incorporation of the present invention inside the conventional pipe structure in the toilet, according to different embodiments of the present invention; 168413/1 - 11a - Fig. 6A is a perspective illustration of an insert enabling the addition of liquid chemicals into the toilet flushing water, wherein said insert is filled by said chemicals and sealed by means of a cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6B is a perspective illustration of an insert enabling the addition of liquid chemicals into the toilet flushing water, wherein said insert is unsealed and illustrated without a saucer-like receptacle at the base, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6C is a perspective illustration of a cylindrical component having a narrow groove to enable a flow of liquid chemicals into the saucerlike receptacle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6D is a perspective illustration of the saucer-like receptacle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6E is a perspective illustration of a narrow pipe, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6F is a perspective illustration of the narrow pipe integrated into a bottom section of the insert for enabling the addition of liquid chemicals, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the L-shaped pipe with a reservoir attached to it, in which a insert for enabling the addition of liquid chemicals into the toilet flushing water reservoir is integrated, wherein said insert is filled with said chemicals and covered with a cap, which can be removed to expose an opening within said insert for refilling, according to an embodiment of the present invention; - - Figs. 8A to 8C are perspective views of the pipe and reservoir, filled with chemicals, to be attached to said pipe by means of U-shaped protrusion and by means of funnel-like conduits, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figs. 8D and 8E are perspective views of the pipe and reservoir, filled with chemicals, to be attached to said pipe by means of one or more holders, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Fig. 1A is a perspective view 100 of L- shaped pipe 101 with a reservoir attached to it, wherein said reservoir is open and is ready to be filled with chemicals, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Pipe 105, having a proximate end 106 and a distal end 105, is attached to reservoir 110. Reservoir 110 having an upper section 120 and a lower section 115 is located near the distal end 105 of L-shaped pipe 101. The reservoir comprises a plate 125 located close to said reservoir lower section 115 having a plurality of holes. The Reservoir further comprises an opening 150 having threaded aperture 170. Section 130 of pipe 101 also comprises a plurality of holes. Pipe 101 comprises a funnel 140 making it possible for the water, flowing within said pipe 101 from its distal end 105 to its proximate end 106, to enter reservoir 110 by means of said funnel 140. The water entering reservoir 110, flows out to proximate end 106 of L-shaped pipe 101 168413/1 - 11c - since plate 125, which is located within reservoir 110, and section 130 of said L-shaped pipe 101 has a plurality of holes. The stream of the water flows through the above holes towards opening 165 of pipe 101.

- - It should be noted, that according to an embodiment of the present invention, all components of the present invention are manufactured from any material, such as plastic, aluminum, wood etc, which does not dissolve in the water.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, pipe 101 has any form being different from L-shape form drawn in Fig. 1A.

It should be noted, that reservoir 110 can be attached to pipe 101 at any location, thereby creating a closed space by means of a common wall defined by said pipe 101 and reservoir 110.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, plate 125 is a net, manufactured from plastic, metal, wood, etc. According to another embodiment of the present invention, plate 125 can comprise a plurality of slots. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, plate 125 can be any component enabling the water to flow through it from reservoir 110 to proximate end 106 of L-shaped pipe 101.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, section 130 of pipe 101 is an opening in said pipe enabling water to flow through said opening from reservoir 110 to proximate end 106 of L-shaped pipe 101. According to another embodiment of the present invention, section 130 of pipe 101 can comprise a plurality of slots. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, section 130 of pipe 101 can be any component enabling the water to flow through said component from reservoir 110 to proximate end 106 of L-shaped pipe 101.

Fig. IB is a perspective view of L-shaped pipe 101 with a reservoir 110 attached to it, wherein said reservoir is filled with chemicals 190 and - - covered with a cap 175, which can be removed in order to expose an opening 150, illustrated in Fig. 1A within said reservoir 110 for refilling, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each time the water is flushed from the toilet container and streams through the opening 160 in pipe 101, a part of said water stream enters reservoir 110 via funnel 140 and dissolves part of the chemicals 190 located on plate 125. The fluid, containing the dissolved chemicals, flows through a plurality of holes in plate 125 and in section 130 of pipe 101 towards opening 165 in said pipe. When chemicals 190 in reservoir 110 are completely dissolved, they can be refilled. In order to refill chemicals in the reservoir, a user of the present invention has to open cap 175, exposing an opening 150 illustrated in Fig. 1A, and place chemicals inside said reservoir. After closing cap 175, the present invention is ready for use. The proposed process of refilling is very simple and does not require any unnecessary efforts on the part of the user. Chemicals 190 may be located anywhere on plate 125 and it is not necessary to place them on a special location on said plate.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid dispensed from the reservoir includes, for example, chemicals that help keep the toilet bowl clean, a dye to color the toilet bowl water, chemicals providing a pleasant fragrance or disinfectant chemicals.

It should be noted, that cap 175, according to another embodiment of the present invention, is closed by means of screwing, by means of pressure or by any other conventional means which are known to the persons skilled in the art.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, reservoir 110 is attached to pipe 101 by means of gluing, screwing or it may be manufactured together with pipe 101 as one inseparable part. Similarly, plate 125 may be attached to reservoir 110 and to pipe 101 by means of - - gluing or it may be manufactured together with said pipe or said reservoir as one inseparable part.

Fig. 1C is a perspective view of pipe 101 with a reservoir 110 attached to it, wherein said reservoir is filled with chemicals 190 and covered with a cap 175, according to another embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, pipe 101 may have a straight form and not be L-shaped, as illustrated in Fig. 1A.

Fig. 2A is a side view of the L-shaped pipe 101 with a reservoir attached to it, wherein said reservoir is covered with a cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water streams through the opening 160 in pipe 101 towards the proximate end 106 of said pipe, while a part of said water stream enters reservoir 110 via opening 155 in funnel 140. Then the water comes out from the reservoir via a plurality of holes in plate 125 and in section 130 of pipe 101.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pipe can be inserted into opening 155 for enabling the water to enter reservoir 110 by means of said pipe. The above pipe can be used instead of funnel 140. It should be noted, that instead of funnel 140 can be used any component enabling the water, streaming through opening 160, to enter reservoir 110.

Fig. 2B is a perspective view of an open reservoir 110, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the reservoir 110 should be attached to pipe 101 by means of edges 201, 202, 203, 204 and/or 205. The reservoir does not comprise a side limited by said reservoir edges 201 to 204. The chemicals 190, illustrated in Fig. IB, should be inserted via opening 150 in the reservoir. Then the reservoir can be sealed by means of cap 175.

- - Fig. 2C is a perspective view of an open reservoir 110, according to another embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the reservoir 110 should be attached to pipe 101 by means of its side limited by edges 201, 202, 203, 204. The chemicals 190, illustrated in Fig. IB, should be inserted via opening 150 in the reservoir. Then the reservoir can be sealed by means of cap 175. Section 210 of the reservoir located near its lower section 115 comprises a plurality of holes. When connecting the reservoir to the pipe by means of its side limited by edges 201, 202, 203, 204, the holes in section 210 must match the holes in section 130 of said pipe in order to allow the water to flow through said matched holes towards opening 165 in said pipe.

Fig. 2D is a perspective view of an open reservoir 110, according to still another embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the reservoir should be attached to pipe 101 by means of its side limited by edges 201 to 205. The section 210 of the reservoir, illustrated in Fig. 2C comprising a plurality of holes, is absent according to this embodiment. The chemicals 190, illustrated in Fig. IB, should be inserted via opening 150 in the reservoir. Then the reservoir can be sealed by means of cap 175. The water entering the reservoir exits said reservoir by means of a plurality of holes located in plate 125 and in section 130 of pipe 101.

Fig. 3A is a front view of a funnel 140 and Fig. 3B is a perspective view of said funnel, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The funnel comprises an opening 155. The water enters reservoir 110 via opening 155 in the funnel and flows towards lower section 115 of said reservoir.

Fig. 4 to Fig. 5B are perspective illustrations of the L-shaped pipe with a reservoir attached to it, showing different ways of incorporation of the present invention inside the conventional pipe structure in the toilet, - - according to different embodiments of the present invention. According to Fig. 4, distal end 420 of pipe 101 may be expanded in order to enable the insertion of pipe 440 into the expanded opening 450 of pipe 101. Similarly, proximate end 410 of L-shaped pipe 101 may be constricted in order to enable its insertion into the pipe 430. According to an embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent water leaks, distal end 420 and proximate end 410 are connected, respectively, to pipes 440 and 430 by any adhesive means. In addition, a rubber gasket or "O" ring can be inserted between distal end 420 and pipe 440, and proximate end 410 and pipe 430.

It should be noted, that according to an embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the proximate and distal ends of pipe 101 may be interchanged.

According to Fig. 5A, distal end 105 of pipe 101 may be directly attached to water container 510, while proximate end 106 may be directly attached to toilet bowl 540. The water flushed from container 510 flows towards the toilet bowl, entering the reservoir 110 via opening 155 in funnel 140, and then dissolving part of the chemicals 190 located on plate 125. The water comes out of said reservoir via a plurality of holes in said plate 125 and in section 130 of pipe 101. Then the fluid with the dissolved chemicals flows towards toilet bowl 540.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, distal end 105 of pipe 101 may be attached to edge 520 of water container 510 by any adhesive means, by means of screwing or by any other method known to the person skilled in the art. Similarly, proximate end 106 of pipe 101 may be attached to edge 530 of toilet bowl 540 by any adhesive means, by means of screwing or by any other method known to the person skilled in the art.

- - According to another embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent water leaks, a rubber gasket or "O" ring is inserted between distal end 105 and pipe 562, and proximate end 106 and pipe 561.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent water leaks, distal end 105 and proximate end 106 are connected to pipes 562 and 561, respectively, by means of heating to a predetermined temperature edges of said distal end 105, proximate end 106, pipe 562 and pipe 561.

According to Fig. 5B, distal end 105 of pipe 101 is attached to pipe 562 leading to water container 510, while proximate end 106 is attached to pipe 561 leading to toilet bowl 540. It should be noted, that distal end 105 and/or proximate end 106 may be attached to edge 570 of pipe 562 and to edge 560 of pipe 561, respectively, by any adhesive means, by means of screwing or by any other method known to the person skilled in the art.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the opening in the reservoir with the cap, which can be removed in order to refill chemicals, is located at any place on said reservoir. For example, the opening with the cap can be located anywhere on the surface of said reservoir between its upper and lower section, also including the surface of these sections. According to another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. IB, the opening with the cap can be located on the top surface of upper section of said reservoir.

It should be noted, that according to another embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir has a circular, oval, triangular, polygonal form or any combinations of these forms.

- - Further, it should be noted that according to still another embodiment of the present invention, the opening in reservoir 110, which can be covered with cap 175, has to be large enough in order to enable the insertion of chemicals inside said reservoir.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, reservoir 110 is attached to the L-shaped pipe by any adhesive means or by any other method known to the person skilled in the art.

According to still a further embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir 110, funnel 140 and section 130 of L-shaped pipe 101 having a plurality of holes are located close to proximate end 106 of said L-shaped pipe 101 instead of being located close to distal end 105 of said L-shaped pipe, as illustrated in Fig. 1A, for example.

It should be noted, that Fig. 1A to Fig. 5B disclose the system for adding solid chemicals into the toilet flushing water. The following figures disclose a insert for enabling the addition of liquid chemicals. In order to use the above insert, it must be integrated into the system presented in Fig. 1A to Fig. 5B.

Fig. 6A is a perspective illustration of an insert 600 enabling the addition of liquid chemicals 655 into the toilet flushing water, wherein said insert is filled by said chemicals and sealed by means of a cap 611, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In order to use the above insert, it must be integrated into the opening 150 illustrated, for example, in Fig. 1A. The insert is inserted inside reservoir 120 and connected to it by means of screwing of cap 610 on threaded aperture 170. The insert comprises a reservoir 620 filled with the liquid chemicals 655 having top section 623 and bottom section 624. The top section of reservoir 620 is connected adhesively or by any other way to a cap 610 having threaded aperture 615. Additional cap 611, connected to cap 610 by means of threaded aperture 635, is used for refilling reservoir 620 with liquid chemicals. The bottom section of reservoir 620 has a convex form and is connected to cylindrical component 640 having a narrow groove 650 enabling liquid chemicals by means of a narrow pipe 645 to flow from said reservoir to saucer-like receptacle 651, which is connected to said cylindrical component 640. Saucer-like receptacle 651 comprises a plurality of holes 654, and a plurality of teeth 652 and 653 to enable toilet flushing water, mixed with the liquid chemicals in saucer-like receptacle 651, to flow easily through them.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, insert 600 is one-time insert and it does not comprise additional cap 611. When liquid chemicals inside the above one-time insert are finished, said insert should be replaced by another one filled with liquid chemicals.

It should be noted, that the size of narrow groove 650 depends on a viscosity of liquid chemicals 655. The more viscous are liquid chemicals 655, the greater is the size of narrow groove 650. Analogically, the less viscous are liquid chemicals 655, the smaller is the size of narrow groove 650.

Fig. 6B is a perspective illustration of an insert enabling the addition of liquid chemicals into the toilet flushing water, wherein said insert is unsealed and illustrated without a saucer -like receptacle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cap 611 (Fig. 6A) is open and reservoir 620 can be refilled with liquid chemicals. Bottom section 624 of reservoir 620, having a convex form, is connected to cylindrical component 640. Narrow pipe 645 and narrow groove 650 are clearly seen within cylindrical component 640.

Fig. 6C is a perspective illustration of a cylindrical component 640 having a narrow groove 650 to enable a flow of liquid chemicals into the saucer-like receptacle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cylindrical component comprise a hole 641 for inserting narrow pipe 645. The height of the narrow groove is defined by its upper end 657 and its lower end 658.

Fig. 6D is a perspective illustration of a saucer-like receptacle 651, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Saucer-like receptacle 651 comprises a small saucer-like receptacle 656 for inserting cylindrical component 640 into it. Saucer-like receptacle 651 comprises a plurality of holes 654, and teeth 652 and 653 for enabling toilet flushing water, mixed with the liquid chemicals accumulated between teeth 653 of small saucerlike receptacle 656, to flow easily through them.

Fig. 6E is a perspective illustration of a narrow pipe 645, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The narrow pipe has an upper end 625 and a lower end 626.

Fig. 6F is a perspective illustration of the narrow pipe 645 integrated into a bottom section 624 of the insert 600 to enable the addition of liquid chemicals 655, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Narrow pipe 645 is connected adhesively or by any other way to bottom section 624. Its upper end 625 is located inside reservoir 620 enabling liquid chemicals to flow through said narrow pipe into small saucer-like receptacle 656. The flow of liquid chemicals into small saucer-like receptacle 656 continues until the level of liquid rises above the height of narrow groove 650 in cylindrical component 640. Then the air access to the reservoir 620 is closed and the flow of liquid chemicals 655 into small saucer-like receptacle 656 is stopped. The liquid chemicals 655 collect between a plurality of teeth 653 of small saucer-like receptacle 656.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the L-shaped pipe 101 with a reservoir 120 attached to it, in which a insert 600 is integrated, wherein said insert is filled with liquid chemicals 655 and covered with a cap 611, which can be removed to expose an opening within said insert for refilling, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The toilet flushing water enters reservoir 120 by means of opening 155 in funnel 140 and flushes the liquid chemicals collected between a plurality of teeth 653 of small saucer-like receptacle 656, which is part of saucer-like receptacle 651. The toilet water, mixed with the above accumulated liquid chemicals, is flushed via a plurality of holes 654 and teeth 653, 652 of saucer-like receptacle 651, and via a plurality of holes in plate 125 and in section 130 back to pipe 101 towards opening 165.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, saucer 651 is connected to cylindrical component 640 adhesively or by any other means. According to another embodiment of the present invention, cylindrical component 640 is connected to bottom section 624 of reservoir 620 adhesively or by any other means.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the bottom section 624 of the reservoir 620 has a straight form. -21a- Figs. 8A to 8C are perspective views of pipe 101 and reservoir 110, filled with chemicals 190, to be attached to said pipe 101 by means of U-shaped protrusion 810 and by means of funnel-like conduits 805' and 805", according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment of the present invention, pipe 101 has one or more openings 155' at its distal end for enabling the water to flow into reservoir 110 through funnel-like conduit 805', and it further has one or more openings 155" at its proximate end 106 for enabling the water to flow back from said reservoir 110 through funnel-like conduit 805". Reservoir 110 can be attached to pipe 101 by means of its U-shaped protrusion 810 and by means of said funnel- like conduits 805' and 805".

When a user flushes the toilet water, the water flows from pipe 101 into reservoir 110 through funnel-like conduit 805'. Then, the water flows towards plate 125, having a plurality of holes, located near lower section 115 of said reservoir. Chemicals 190 are placed on the top of said plate 125, and each time the user flushes the toilet water, a portion of said chemicals 190 is dissolved within the water. After that, the water with the dissolved, chemicals flows through openings in plate 125 to lower section 115 of said reservoir 110, and then to proximate end 106 of pipe 101 through funnel-like conduit 805".

According to an embodiment of the present invention, funnel-like conduits 805' and 805" are connected to reservoir 110 by means of rubber (or any other material, such as plastic, etc.) washers (or the like) 815' and 815", respectively, for allowing substantially hermetic opaque of the openings within said reservoir 110, to which said funnel-like conduits 805' and 805" are inserted. As a result, it prevents from the water to leak from said openings of said reservoir 110. -21b- According to an embodiment of the present invention, funnel-like conduits 805' and 805" are further connected to pipe 101 by means of washers or the like, similar to washers 815' and 815", for preventing from the water to leak from openings 155' and 155" of said pipe 101.

It should be noted that according to an embodiment of the present invention, U-shaped protrusion 810 of reservoir 110 and washers 815', 815" can be attached to pipe 101 by any means, such as adhesively or by any kind of holders (such as presented on Figs. 8D and 8E) for supporting said reservoir 110 and preventing leakage of water.

Figs. 8D and 8E are perspective views of pipe 101 and reservoir 110, filled with chemicals 190, to be attached to said pipe 101 by means of holders 850' and 850", according to another embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment of the present invention, one or more holders (such as holders 850' and 850") are used for supporting said reservoir 110 and preventing leakage of water. Holders 850' and 850" can surround said reservoir 110 or to be integrated into it (e.g., during the manufacturing process). Further, the ends of said holders 850' and 850" can be connected one to another by any means, such as by screws 851' and 851", respectively.

It should be noted that according to still another embodiment of the present invention, any type of restraints (e.g., made of plastic or metal) are used instead of said holders 850' and 850".

While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be put into practice with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims (66)

18709/04 168413/2 - 22 - Claims ^

1. A system for adding chemicals to the toilet flushing water, comprising: O I ) T a. a reservoir having an upper and lower section that is attached to a pipe, wherein fluid communication exists between said pipe and said lower section of said reservoir through a plurality of holes in the common wall between them, said plurality of holes located in said lower section; a plat!¾aving a plurality of holes, located within said reservoir close to its lower section; c. an opening in said reservoir, optionally covered with a cap, wherein said cap is removed in order to expose said opening for inserting said chemicals; and d. aann ooppeenniinngg IInn ssaaiidd ccoommmmoonn wall, said opening located in said upper section of said reservoir.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the opening in the common wall has a funnel-shaped form.

3. System according to claim 1, wherein the form of the reservoir selected from the group, comprising: a. circular; b. oval; c. triangular; and d. polygonal.

4. System according to claim 1, wherein the opening in the reservoir is located on the side surface of said reservoir.

5. System according to claim 1, wherein the opening in the reservoir is located on the top surface of the reservoir. 18709/04 168413/2 - 23 -

6. System according to claim 1, wherein the fluid dispensed from the reservoir through the plurality of holes comprises chemicals selected from one or more of the following: (a) chemicals that help keeping the toilet bowl clean; (b) chemicals that comprise a dye(s) for coloring the toilet bowl water; (c) chemicals that provide a pleasant fragrance; and (d) chemicals that are disinfectants.

7. System according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir is attached to the pipe by one or more of the following: a. adhesive means; b. one or more holders; and c. one or more restraints.

8. System according to claim 1, wherein the plate located inside the reservoir is attached to said reservoir by adhesive means.

9. System according to claim 1, wherein the plate located inside the reservoir is attached to the pipe by adhesive means.

10. System according to claim 1, wherein the pipe has an L-shaped form.

11. System according to claim 1, wherein the pipe has a straight form.

12. System according to claim 1, wherein the chemicals are selected from the group, comprising: a. solid chemicals; and b. liquid chemicals.

13. System according to claim 12, wherein the liquid chemicals are contained in an insert, which is inserted inside the reservoir. 18709/04 168413/2 - 24 -

14. System according to claim 13, wherein the insert is connected to the reservoir by a threaded aperture.

15. System according to claim 13, wherein the insert comprises: a. a container which is filled with liquid chemicals, said container having top and bottom sections; b. a component extending from the bottom of the bottom section; c. a receptacle connected to said component, said receptacle having a plurality of holes and a plurality of teeth; d. a narrow pipe being placed inside a hole in said component and connected to the bottom of the bottom section of said container, thereby forming a passageway for said liquid chemicals from said container to a narrow groove located at the bottom of said component, said narrow groove enabling said liquid chemicals to flow from said narrow pipe to said receptacle; e. optionally, a cap at said top section for connecting said insert to the reservoir; and f. optionally, an additional cap which is connected to said cap, said additional cap covering an opening for inserting said liquid chemicals into said container.

16. System according to claim 15, wherein the container is connected to the cap.

17. System according to claim 15, wherein the receptacle has the saucerlike form.

18. System according to claim 15, wherein the additional cap is connected to the cap, connecting said insert to the reservoir by means of a threaded aperture. 18709/04 168413/2 - 25 -

19. System according to claim 15, wherein the bottom section of the container has a convex or straight form.

20. System according to claim 15, wherein the receptacle comprises an additional small receptacle for inserting the component into it.

21. System according to claim 20, wherein the additional small receptacle has the saucer-like form.

22. System according to claim 20, wherein the additional small receptacle comprises a plurality of teeth.

23. System according to claim 15, wherein the narrow pipe is connected to the bottom section of the container, whereby the liquid chemicals from said container spill into the upper end of the narrow pipe and flow within said narrow pipe towards the receptacle.

24. System according to claim 15, wherein the receptacle is connected to the component.

25. System according to claim 15, wherein the component is connected to the bottom section of the container.

26. System according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir further comprises a U-shaped protrusion to be attached to the pipe.

27. System according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir further comprises at least one funnel-like conduit for enabling the water to flow from the pipe to said reservoir. 18709/04 168413/2 - 26 -

28. System according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir further comprises at least one funnel-like conduit for enabling the water to flow from said reservoir to the pipe.

29. System according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the funnel-like conduit is connected to the reservoir by means of a washer.

30. System according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the funnel-like conduit is connected to the pipe by means of a washer.

31. System according to claim 29, wherein the washer is made of rubber or plastic.

32. System according to claim 30, wherein the washer is made of rubber or plastic.

33. A method for adding chemicals to the toilet flushing water, comprising: a. providing: a.l. a reservoir having an upper and lower section that is attached to a pipe, wherein fluid communication exists between said pipe and said lower section of said reservoir through a plurality of holes in the common wall between them, said plurality of holes located in said lower section; a.2. a plate having a plurality of holes, located within said reservoir close to its lower section; a.3. an opening in said reservoir, optionally covered with a cap, wherein said cap is removed in order to expose said opening for inserting said chemicals; and a.4. an opening in said common wall, said opening located in said upper section of said reservoir; 18709/04 168413/2 - 27 - b. inserting said chemicals into said opening in said reservoir; and c. flushing the toilet.

34. Method according to claim 33, further comprising providing the opening in said common wall in a funnel-shaped form.

35. Method according to claim 33, further comprising providing the reservoir in a form selected from the group, comprising: a. circular; b. oval; c. triangular; and d. polygonal.

36. Method according to claim 33, further comprising locating the opening in the reservoir on the side surface of said reservoir between upper and lower sections of said reservoir.

37. Method according to claim 33, further comprising locating the opening in the reservoir on the top surface of the reservoir.

38. Method according to claim 33, further comprising providing the fluid, dispensed from the reservoir through the plurality of holes, which comprises chemicals selected from one or more of the following: (a) chemicals that help keeping the toilet bowl clean; (b) chemicals that comprise a dye(s) for coloring the toilet bowl water; (c) chemicals that provide a pleasant fragrance; and (d) chemicals that are disinfectants.

39. Method according to claim 33, further comprising attaching the reservoir to the pipe by more of the following: a. adhesive means; 18709/04 168413/2 - 28 - b. one or more holders; and c. one or more restraints.

40. Method according to claim 33, urther comprising attaching the plate to the reservoir by adhesive means, said plate being located inside said reservoir.

41. Method according to claim 33, further comprising attaching the plate to the pipe by adhesive means, said plate being located inside said reservoir.

42. Method according to claim 33, further comprising providing the pipe in an L-shaped form.

43. Method according to claim 33, further comprising providing the pipe in a straight form.

44. Method according to claim 33, further comprising providing the chemicals, which are selected from a group, comprising: a. solid chemicals; and b. liquid chemicals.

45. Method according to claim 44, further comprising providing the liquid chemicals in an insert located inside the reservoir.

46. Method according to claim 45, further comprising connecting the insert to the reservoir by a threaded aperture.

47. Method for adding liquid chemicals to the toilet flushing water according to claim 45, comprising: a. providing: 18709/04 168413/2 - 29 - a.l. a container which is filled with liquid chemicals, said container having top and bottom sections; a.2. a component extending from the bottom of the bottom section; a.3. a receptacle connected to said component, said receptacle having a plurality of holes and a plurality of teeth; a.4. a narrow pipe being placed inside a hole in said component and connected to the bottom of the bottom section of said container, thereby forming a passageway for said liquid chemicals from said container to a narrow groove located at the bottom of said component, said narrow groove enabling said liquid chemicals to flow from said narrow pipe to said receptacle; a.5. optionally, a cap at said top section for connecting said insert to the reservoir; and a.6. optionally, an additional cap connected to said cap, said additional cap covering an opening for inserting said liquid chemicals into said container; b. inserting said liquid chemicals into said opening; and c. flushing the toilet.

48. Method according to claim 47, further comprising connecting the container to the cap.

49. Method according to claim 47, further comprising providing the receptacle in the saucer-like form.

50. Method according to claim 47, further comprising connecting the additional cap to the cap by means of a threaded aperture. 18709/04 168413/2 - 30 -

51. Method according to claim 47, further comprising providing the bottom section of the container in a convex or straight form.

52. Method according to claim 47, further comprising providing an additional small receptacle within the receptacle for inserting the component into it.

53. Method according to claim 52, further comprising providing the additional small receptacle in the saucer-like form.

54. Method according to claim 52, further comprising providing a plurality of teeth within the additional small receptacle.

55. Method according to claim 47, further comprising connecting the narrow pipe to the bottom section of the container, whereby the liquid chemicals from said container spill into the upper end of the narrow pipe and flow within said narrow pipe towards the receptacle.

56. Method according to claim 47, further comprising connecting the receptacle to the component.

57. Method according to claim 47, further comprising connecting the component to the bottom section of the container.

58. Method according to claim 33, further comprising attaching the reservoir to the pipe by means a U-shaped protrusion.

59. Method according to claim 33, further comprising enabling the water to flow from the pipe to the reservoir by means of at least one funnellike conduit. 18709/04 168413/1 - 31 -

60. Method according to claim 33, further comprising enabling the water to flow from the reservoir to the pipe by means of at least one funnellike conduit.

61. Method according to claim 59 or 60, further comprising providing a washer for connecting the funnel-like conduit to the reservoir.

62. Method according to claim 59 or 60, further comprising providing a washer for connecting the funnel-like conduit to the pipe.

63. Method according to claim 61, further comprising providing the washer made of rubber or plastic.

64. Method according to claim 62, further comprising providing the washer made of rubber or plastic.

65. System according to claim 1, substantially as described and illustrated.

66. Method according to claim 33, substantially as described and illustrated.