JP5385898B2 - Toilet bowl cleaning and / or deodorizing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a location on the inner surface of a toilet bowl below the toilet water line and / or a location above the toilet water line and / or a location above the toilet water line and / or below the toilet rim. Is a toilet bowl cleaning device capable of cleaning the entire circumference of the toilet bowl.

  Toilet bowls require care to prevent the accumulation of unsightly deposits, to reduce odors, and to prevent bacterial growth. Traditionally, toilet cleaning, deodorization, and disinfection have been performed by hand scrubbing with a liquid or powder cleaning disinfectant. This work required laborious labor to keep the toilet bowl clean.

  Various toilet cleaner dispensers have been proposed in order to eliminate this objectionable manual scrubbing. One type of dispenser suspends solid blocks or solid particles of material for cleaning and cleaning from the toilet rim into a container located in the fountain water path. US Pat. No. 4,777,670 (incorporated herein by reference with all other documents cited herein) shows an example of this type of toilet cleaning system. . Typically, each time water is spouted, a portion of the solid block dissolves in the spout water and a certain amount of spout water containing the dissolved product is fed into the toilet bowl for toilet flushing.

  Other toilet bowl cleaning systems use a liquid detergent that is supplied in a fixed amount in the toilet bowl. For example, US Pat. Nos. 6,178,564 and 6,230,334, and PCT International Publications Nos. 99/66139 and 99/66140 all remove liquid agent from the bottle each time the water is blown out. A cleaning and / or cleaning device is disclosed that can be suspended from the rim of a toilet bowl for injection into spout water. In these devices located under the toilet rim, the liquid agent is dispensed downward from the reservoir (supported by a pedestal suspended from the toilet rim) onto a dispenser plate. The device is suspended from the toilet rim so that the flow of squirt water from the toilet bowl strikes the dispenser plate during ejection. The squirt water carries the liquid agent on the dispenser plate into the toilet bowl and cleans and cleans the toilet bowl.

  Other toilet dispensers deliver a certain amount of aerosol deodorant and / or detergent into the toilet bowl through a conduit attached to the toilet rim. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,178,070 discloses an aerosol container attached to a toilet rim with a bracket and having a tube extending over the rim, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,029,286 and 5, 862,532 discloses a toilet dispenser that includes a pressurized reservoir of fluid, a conduit connected to a fluid source, and a spray nozzle attached to the toilet rim.

  One of the weaknesses of these known toilet rim-type dispenser devices is that they remove deodorant and / or detergent in one place of water in the toilet bowl, or in the toilet bowl or the inner surface of the toilet bowl. It is a point that can be applied only to a limited range. As a result, cleaning of the inner surface of the toilet bowl may be limited to the area of the toilet bowl near the device.

  US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 312,281, owned by the owner of the present invention, among other things, describes an automatic or manual toilet bowl cleaning device that cleans the inner surface of the toilet bowl over the entire circumference of the toilet bowl. Yes. In one embodiment illustrated in that application, the downstream end of the fluid conduit terminates in a rotating nozzle that allows the fluid to be sprayed outward and applied to the inner surface of the toilet bowl.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,670 US Pat. No. 6,178,564 U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,334 U.S. Pat. No. 3,178,070 US Pat. No. 6,029,286 US Pat. No. 5,862,532

  In light of the technological advances provided by the apparatus of US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 312,281, it would be in the consumer interest to further improve this technique.

  The aforementioned requirements can be met by a toilet flushing and / or deodorizing device according to the present invention, which discharges chemicals into the toilet bowl. The term “chemical substance” means a chemical component or a mixture of a plurality of chemical components. A variety of cleaning and / or deodorizing chemicals are suitable for use in the toilet bowl cleaning device according to the present invention. The toilet bowl cleaning and / or deodorizing device according to the present invention comprises suitable chemicals and a dispenser system. As used herein, the term “cleaning” also includes “sterilization” and / or “disinfection”, and the term “deodorization” also includes “cleaning”.

  In terms of chemicals, in order to clean and clean the toilet bowl, the chemical substance is applied directly to the inner surface of the toilet bowl and / or water in the toilet bowl. When applied to the inner surface of the toilet bowl, the chemical is typically a liquid (single or multiple types of chemicals). When added to the water in the toilet bowl, chemicals can also be added as liquids (single or multiple chemicals) to act as a precaution or to create an environment that works to automatically clean the toilet bowl. ).

  With respect to the dispenser system, the dispenser system includes a number of subsystems that are means for applying appropriate chemicals to the inner surface of the toilet bowl to perform the cleaning process. The dispenser system can include, but is not limited to, (i) a chemical storage container, (ii) a chemical propulsion system, (iii) a chemical discharge system, and (iv) a toilet connection means.

  The chemical storage container holds and stores chemicals used for toilet cleaning. A non-limiting example is a standard plastic bottle, such as found in a triggered sprayer.

  The chemical propulsion system provides a method of applying appropriate energy to the chemical to move it through the dispensing system so that the chemical can move from the storage container to the appropriate range in the toilet bowl. Examples of this subsystem include a pump or pump mechanism for moving liquid, such as a vane pump, a bellows pump, an impeller driven pump, a piston pump, a peristaltic pump, a gear driven pump, and the like.

  The chemical delivery system provides a way to move chemicals from their storage containers to the appropriate area in the toilet bowl. The dispensing subsystem can include a hose and a sprayer (eg, a nozzle).

  The toilet connection means provides a means and method of attachment to the toilet to keep the hose out of the way, to prevent the hose from bending, and to secure the spray nozzle in place on the toilet rim or toilet lid.

  These subsystems work in concert to deliver the desired chemical benefit by dispensing (a predetermined amount) of the appropriate chemical.

  Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for spraying fluid onto the inner surface of an enclosure wall. The enclosure may be any of a bathtub, a shower, a toilet bowl, and the like. The apparatus comprises a container of fluid, the fluid sprayer capable of spraying fluid laterally at least part way around the periphery of the fluid sprayer, and means for attaching the fluid sprayer near the inner surface of the enclosure wall. A fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid sprayer, and a manual pump for supplying fluid from the container to the fluid sprayer via the fluid conduit during operation of the manual pump. A “manual” pump means a pump that is operated by hand or foot rather than a pneumatically driven device (eg, a can filled with gas) or an electrical device (eg, a battery powered or AC powered device).

  In one form of the invention, the pump is reciprocated within the pump chamber by reciprocating in the pump chamber, a pump chamber in fluid communication with the container, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the pump chamber, and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. A piston that draws from the container into the pump chamber and moves from the pump chamber through the discharge conduit to the fluid conduit. The pump may further include an operating portion in contact with the piston for manually reciprocating the piston within the pump chamber. The operating part may be a pivot trigger or a cross member substantially perpendicular to the piston.

  The pump may further include means for adjusting the amount of fluid that travels from the pump chamber through the discharge conduit to the fluid conduit in a single operation of the piston within the pump chamber. The pump may further include a check valve between the fluid conduit and the discharge conduit. In one form, the pump chamber is oriented in the same line or parallel to the vertical axis of the container. In one example, the device sprays on the inner surface of the toilet bowl and the pump supplies about 5-10 milliliters of fluid to the fluid sprayer with a single movement of the piston within the pump chamber. In another example, the apparatus sprays on the inner surface of the shower enclosure and the pump supplies up to about 50-60 milliliters of fluid to the fluid sprayer with a single operation of the piston within the pump chamber.

  In one form of the invention, the fluid sprayer is configured to spray fluid laterally over the entire periphery of the fluid sprayer. The fluid sprayer may be a rotating nozzle. In one form, the nozzle includes a deflection plate, a fluid inlet at the upper end of the nozzle, a passage extending between the fluid inlet and the deflection plate, a groove in fluid communication with the lower end of the passage, and both sides of the groove. And a pair of fins extending upward from the deflection plate. As the fluid impinges on the fins, the nozzle rotates and the fluid is sprayed laterally across the entire periphery of the fluid sprayer.

  In one form of the invention, the means for attaching the fluid sprayer near the inner surface of the enclosure wall includes a base, a hook configured to support the base by the enclosure wall, and attaching the fluid sprayer to the base. Means. The means for attaching the fluid sprayer to the base may be an arm extending from the base.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for spraying chemicals on the inner surface of a toilet. The apparatus comprises a chemical container, a sprayer capable of spraying the chemical substance laterally at least part way around the sprayer, means for attaching the sprayer beside the toilet rim, the container and the sprayer A fluid conduit in fluid communication and a manual pump for supplying chemicals from the container via the fluid conduit to the nebulizer during operation of the manual pump.

  In one aspect of the invention, the pump is reciprocated in the pump chamber by reciprocating in the pump chamber, in fluid communication with the container, in discharge fluid in fluid communication with the pump chamber, and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. A piston that draws material from the container into the pump chamber and moves from the pump chamber through the discharge conduit to the fluid conduit. The pump can include a manual or foot-operated operating portion in contact with the piston for manually reciprocating the piston within the pump chamber. The pump may further include means for adjusting the amount of chemical that moves from the pump chamber through the discharge conduit to the fluid conduit in a single operation of the piston within the pump chamber.

  In one form of the invention, the nebulizer is configured to be able to spray chemicals laterally over the entire circumference of the nebulizer. In one form, the means for attaching the sprayer by the toilet rim includes a base, a hook configured to support the base by the toilet rim, and means for attaching the sprayer to the base. The nebulizer can include a nozzle having a fluid inlet and a deflection plate, wherein the fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and the deflection plate, and the chemical from the fluid inlet strikes the deflection plate and the deflection plate. By rotating, the chemical substance is sprayed laterally over the entire periphery of the sprayer, and the chemical substance is sprayed over the entire circumference of the inner surface of the toilet.

  Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a toilet bowl cleaning device that cleans the inner surface of the toilet bowl over the entire circumference of the toilet bowl. The device cleans the entire toilet bowl by enhancing gloss and preventing biofilm, mold and / or white mold growth. The device is capable of dispensing liquids that remove or eliminate stains (hard water, limestone, metal, organic matter), mold, white mold, microorganisms, odors, and bacteria. The device can be sprayed on the entire toilet and is not limited to only one narrow area of the toilet.

  These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon review of the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

It is a perspective view of the toilet bowl washing | cleaning apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention attached to the toilet bowl. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portion along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the clip and spray nozzle of the toilet bowl cleaning device of FIG. It is a side view which has a notch which shows a part of inside of the clip of FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the clip of FIG. 2. It is a front view which shows the hook of the clip of FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of a portion of the clip of FIG. 2. It is a front view of the clip of FIG. 2 which shows the clip of the direction after rotation (a dashed-dotted line) and the direction which does not rotate (solid line). FIG. 8 is a top view of a portion of a clip sprayer taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3; 1 is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser pump that can be used to inject fluid from a container into the nebulizer of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fluid dispenser pump of FIG. 9. FIG. 6 is a front view of another fluid dispenser pump that can be used to inject fluid from a container into the nebulizer of the present invention. 12 is a detailed vertical cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing system of the fluid dispenser pump of FIG. 11 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a detailed vertical cross-sectional view of yet another fluid dispenser pump that can be used to inject fluid from a container into the nebulizer of the present invention.

  In the following description of the drawings, like reference numerals are used for like elements across the drawings.

  The present invention provides an apparatus for spraying chemicals on the inner surface of a toilet. Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are illustrated and described for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

  1 and 2 show one exemplary embodiment of a device for spraying chemicals on the inner surface of a toilet bowl. The device includes a clip 10 for attachment to an enclosure (here toilet 12). The clip 10 is fixed to the rim 14 of the toilet 12 by a hook 16. A base 18 is supported by hooks 16 and houses a fluid sprayer (here spray nozzle 20). Fluid is supplied from the container 22 through the fluid conduit 24 to the nozzle 20 and a certain amount is applied to the inner surface 26 of the toilet 12. The fluid can be supplied from the container 22 to the fluid sprayer by various types of manual pumps as detailed below.

  With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the hook 16 supports the base 18, attaches the clip 10 to the toilet 12, and has three main parts. They are the toilet bowl portion 28, the upper rim portion 30, and the inner rim portion 32. All three portions 28, 30, 32 are preferably integrally formed from plastic (eg, polyethylene or polypropylene) to form the flexible hook 16. Toilet portion 28 has a generally rectangular cross-section and has a flared elastomeric gripping foot 34 at the lower end with elastomeric ribs 37 to assist in securing clip 10 to toilet 12. Non-limiting examples of elastomeric materials suitable for the gripping foot 34 and the rib 37 include neoprene, polyurethane rubber, and silicone rubber. The toilet portion 28 extends upward substantially vertically and is connected to the upper rim portion 30 at the flexible elbow 35. The flexible elbow 35 allows the hook 16 to bend in the FF direction (shown in FIG. 3) to fix the clip 10 to a toilet bowl of various shapes and sizes. The upper rim portion 30 has a substantially rectangular cross section, extends horizontally from end to end of the rim 14 of the toilet 12, and is connected to the inner rim portion 32 by another flexible elbow 36, again a flexible elbow. The hook 16 can be bent by 36. The inner rim portion 32 extends vertically downward from the elbow 36 and is configured to connect and support the base 18.

  In the inner rim portion 32 of the hook 16, the front surface 38 and the back surface 40 are connected by two short side surfaces 42. A rib 44 projects from the back surface 40 of the inner rim portion 32 and extends the length of the inner rim portion 32. As will be described in detail later, the rib 44 limits the rotation angle of the base 18 with respect to the hook 16. The ribs 44 of the present exemplary embodiment have a generally rectangular cross section, but the ribs 44 may be curved, square, or composed of two members that are separated from each other. It may be other than that. Further, the rib 44 may not extend to the length of the inner rim portion 32 as long as it is connected to the base 18 over the desired adjustable range of the base 18. The short side 42 has ratchet teeth 46 that are connected to the base 18 to limit the vertical movement of the base 18 along the vertical axis 48. Other restrictions (eg, a friction fit between hook 16 and base 18) are possible.

  Toilet portion 28 and upper rim portion 30 include a series of C-shaped grooves 50 that allow conduit 24 to be routed around the periphery of hook 16 to reach nozzle 20 of base 18. Is restrained. The toilet bowl portion 28 of the present embodiment includes three C-shaped grooves 50 whose openings are staggered. Although the conduit 24 is pushed into the C-shaped groove 50, the groove 50 may be rectangular or any other suitable shape to constrain the conduit 24. In the upper rim portion 30, preferably one groove 50 assists in the routing of the conduit 24, although multiple grooves 50 may be used if desired.

  Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the base 18 includes a back surface 52, a pair of side surfaces 54 that extend forward from the back surface 52, a top surface 56 and a front surface 58 that extend between the side surfaces 54, and a side surface. 54, an upper surface 56, and a curved surface 60 extending between the front surface 58. The surfaces 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 define a partial cavity 62 that houses a portion of the nozzle 20. The base 18 has a tab 53 that extends rearward from the back surface 52 of the base 18. The tab 53 assists the orientation of the base 18 with respect to the rim 14 when the clip 10 is attached to the toilet bowl 12, as will be described later. The tab 53 may be a single continuous member as shown in the present exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, the tab 53 may include a plurality of members extending from the base 18. The base 18 is preferably molded from plastic (for example, polyethylene or polypropylene).

  With particular reference to FIG. 6, the base 18 includes a groove 64 that receives the inner rim portion 32 of the hook 16. The groove 64 includes a slit 66 that receives the rib 44, and the slit 66 has an inlet 68, an outlet 70, and an intermediate portion 72. The width of the slit 66 is narrowed from the entrance 68 to the intermediate portion 72 and is widened from the intermediate portion 72 to the exit 70. In one embodiment, the intermediate portion 72 is approximately halfway between the inlet 68 and the outlet 70, but the narrowest point may not be between the inlet 68 and the outlet 70 and between the ends of the slit 66. It can be anywhere. Further, the maximum width of the slit 66 may vary depending on the desired degree of adjustment of the base 18 relative to the hook 16. If the desired degree of rotational adjustment of the base 18 is greater, the maximum width of the slit 66 at the inlet 68 and outlet 70 can be increased, and alternatively (or additionally) the width of the rib 44 can be reduced. .

  The groove 64 includes a pair of protrusions 74 that extend from the walls of the short side 65 of the groove 64, which protrusions 74 and the ratchet teeth 46 of the hook 16 as the inner rim portion 32 of the hook 16 slides within the groove 64. Engage. The protrusion 74 is configured to prevent the base 18 from sliding in the vertical direction with respect to the hook 16 by meshing with the ratchet teeth 46. The protrusion 74 may be rounded, pointed, or other suitable shape. This desired limitation can be provided by many other structures, for example, spring loaded balls are contained in cavities formed in the groove 64 and the outer shape of the groove 64 (eg, ratchet teeth 46). This is possible with a structure that is extruded against. The engagement between the protrusion 74 and the ratchet teeth 46 is performed so that the base 18 can be rotated as desired (described later) without disengagement between the protrusion 74 and the ratchet teeth 46.

  The base 18 further includes means for attaching the nozzle 20. In the exemplary embodiment, nozzle 20 is constrained laterally between fluid inlet 80 and barrel 78. The base 18 includes an arm 76 that extends downward from the base 18. Arm 76 has a flat bar that bends in a J-shape and extends forward, and has a barrel 78 at the distal end of arm 76. Barrel 78 includes a recess that receives the bottom of nozzle 20. Furthermore, there is a fluid inlet 80 in the curved surface 60 of the base 18, and the fluid inlet 80 is tapered from the opening (see FIG. 3). The combination of the fluid inlet 80 and the barrel 78 limits the lateral movement of the nozzle 20, but it is possible for the nozzle 20 to rotate about the nozzle shaft 82. A sensor 98 that senses the environment surrounding the clip 10 can be attached to the base 18.

  With reference to FIG. 8, one exemplary embodiment of the nozzle 20 will be described. The nozzle 20 is preferably molded from plastic (for example, polyethylene or polypropylene). The nozzle 20 includes a circular deflection plate 84 and a passage 86 extending upward from the deflection plate 84 and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 80. A groove 88 extends radially outwardly from a passage 86 near the deflection plate 84, which is bent from the first path of the groove 88 at point A, as shown in FIG. A pair of fins 90 extending upward from the deflection plate 84 are located on both sides of the groove 88. The profile of the grooves 88 and fins 90 may vary depending on the desired rotational speed of the nozzle 20, fluid pressure, and the like.

  3 and 8, the spindle 92 extending from the underside of the deflector plate 84 is inserted into the recess of the barrel 78 of the arm 76 and the tapered end of the fluid inlet 80 is passed through the passage 86. The nozzle 20 is constrained in the lateral direction in the base 18 by being inserted into the base and being applied to the shelf-like protrusion 94 formed in the passage 86. The nozzle 20 rotates freely around the nozzle shaft 82, but the lateral movement is suppressed.

  The means for attaching the fluid sprayer may include suspending the nozzle 20 from the base 18 without using the arm 76. The nozzle 20 may be snapped into the base 18, may be screwed to the base 18, or may be pushed into the base 18. Furthermore, an arc arm (not shown) may be extended from the base 18 to support the nozzle 20.

  In operation, fluid moves from the container 22 through the conduit 24 routed in the groove 50 along the hook 16 to the fluid inlet 80 of the base 18. The fluid flows into the top of the nozzle 20, descends the passage 86 and is directed radially outward by the groove 88. As the fluid exits the groove 88, the fluid path is altered by angled fins 90 located on either side of the groove 88. The reaction causes the nozzle 20 to rotate counterclockwise as seen in FIG. As a result, fluid is ejected radially outward from the nozzle 20 and strikes the inner surface 26 of the toilet 12.

  Having described the overall structure and operation of the fluid ejection device, attention is now focused on means for adjusting the range covered by the fluid supplied from the nozzle 20 by rotating the base 18. Returning to FIGS. 4 and 6, and with reference to FIG. 7, the base 18 is relative to the hook 16 about a horizontal axis 96 that extends substantially perpendicularly from a plane defined by the vertical axis 48 and the back surface 52 of the base 18. It is possible to rotate. The slit 66 formed in the groove 64 is flared at the inlet 68 and the outlet 70. Thereby, the base 18 can rotate around the horizontal axis 96 in the vicinity of the intermediate position 72 until the rib 44 protruding from the hook 16 hits the slit side surface 45 formed on the back surface 52.

  For example, referring to FIG. 7, if the base 18 is rotated by an angle R1 relative to the vertical axis 48 (as indicated by the dashed line), the relative placement of the nozzles 20 is accordingly angled, thereby The range covered by the fluid supplied from the nozzle 20 by a certain amount changes. Furthermore, when the base 18 rotates in the opposite direction by the angle R2, the range covered by the fluid supplied from the nozzle 20 by a certain amount changes again. As the base 18 rotates, the protrusion 74 slides within each tooth of the ratchet teeth 46. Therefore, the engagement between the protrusion 74 and the ratchet teeth 46 must be such that the base 18 is freely rotated and the vertical movement of the base 18 is suppressed. By adjusting the rotation in this manner, the clip 10 can accommodate various types of toilets and enclosures.

  The means for rotating the base 18 may not include the slit 66 described above. For example, the back surface 52 can include a number of opposing fingers on the surface defined by the back surface 52 to limit the rotation of the ribs 44 of the hook 16. The opening between the pair of opposing fingers near the inlet and the opening between the pair of opposing fingers near the outlet is between the pair of opposing fingers located between the inlet finger and the outlet finger. Larger than the opening. As a result, the base 18 is rotatable until the ribs 44 engage the fingers near the inlet and outlet. In another embodiment, the slit 66 can be V-shaped tapering from the inlet to the outlet (or from the outlet to the inlet). Thus, the rotation point of the base 18 is near the exit of the slit 66 or the smaller of the entrance and exit. Also in this case, the rotation of the base 18 is limited by the meshing between the rib 44 and the slit side surface 45.

  The rotation adjustment of the base 18 may be performed manually by the user of the clip 10 or automatically when the clip 10 is attached to the enclosure (here, the toilet bowl 12). Referring to FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 7 as a whole, the attachment method of the clip 10 is generally as follows. The clip 10 is fixed to the rim 14 of the toilet 12. For that purpose, the hook 16 is spread in the FF direction so as to be separated from the base 18, and the clip 10 is placed on the rim 14. Once the hook 16 is secured, the base 18 is slid along the vertical axis 48 above the hook 16 and ratchet teeth 46 until the tab 53 engages the underside of the rim 14. Since the tab 53 of the base 18 continues to mate with the lower side of the rim 14, the base 18 rotates about the horizontal axis 96, which causes the nozzle 20 to line up with the lower surface of the rim 14 and from the nozzle 20. To ensure that a certain amount of fluid is delivered to the inner surface 26 of the toilet 12 (assuming that the lower surface of the rim 14 is parallel to the surface defined by the upper side of the rim 14). ). The tab 53 can further include an elastomeric grip 51 that protrudes from the distal end of the tab 53, which assists in securing the base 18 in a mating position on the rim 14. The base 18 may not include the tab 53, and in this embodiment the base 18 is adjustable relative to the hook 16 by manual rotation by the user.

  Although the clip 10 for securing the spray nozzle 20 near the rim 14 of the toilet 12 has been described, various manual pumps that supply fluid from the container to the spray nozzle 20 can also be described. FIGS. 9 and 10 show a fluid dispenser pump 120 that can be used to inject fluid from a container 122 into a conduit 24 (which supplies fluid to the spray nozzle 20 as described above). The fluid dispenser pump 120 can be attached to the side of the toilet tank as shown in FIG. 1, or can be placed on top of the toilet tank or on the floor. The fluid dispenser pump 120 can be connected to the container 122 with a threaded seal 124 as is conventional.

  The fluid dispenser pump 120 includes a dispenser head 126 that defines an operating portion and has a discharge conduit 128. The dispenser head 126 is connected to a hollow tubular piston 130, and a ball valve 132 is provided at the upper end of the piston 130. The piston 130 translates in a collar 134 that is secured to the opening of the sealing device 124. The fluid dispenser pump 120 further includes an accumulator 136, which defines a pump chamber and is contained in the housing 138. An annular seal 140 at the bottom of the piston 130 seals the inner surface 142 of the accumulator 136. A compression coil spring 144 is disposed between the lower shoulder 146 of the piston 130 and the lower shoulder 148 of the accumulator 136. At the lower end of the accumulator 136 is a ball valve 150. The accumulator 136 further includes an annular injection port 152 that receives a dip tube 154 that draws fluid from the container 122. The direction of the accumulator 136 is collinear with the vertical (longitudinal) axis of the container 122.

  FIG. 10 shows the dispenser head 126 in the upper position. When the dispenser head 126 is pushed down in its direction D from its upper position by hand (or foot) and then released, fluid is sucked from the container into the accumulator 136 as the piston 130 rises (this rise is caused by the upward movement of the spring 144). Is due to the biasing force). When the piston 130 is lowered and raised several times and a sufficient amount of fluid is accumulated in the accumulator 136, the subsequent piston 130 descends, and the fluid rises and passes the ball valve 132 to the discharge conduit 128. Go. Discharge conduit 128 is in fluid communication with conduit 156, and conduit 156 is in fluid communication with conduit 24 via a one-way check valve assembly 158. The one-way check valve assembly 158 allows fluid to flow only in the direction W shown in FIG. The fluid entering the conduit 24 is sprayed against the inner surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12 by the nozzle 20 as described above. The amount of fluid delivered by a single descent of the fluid dispenser pump 120 can be varied by changing the size of the pump components (such as piston 130 and accumulator 136). In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid dispenser pump 120 dispenses 8 milliliters of fluid with a single descent of the piston 130. The fluid pressure can range from 10 to 20 psi (69 to 138 kilopascals).

  FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another fluid dispenser pump 220 that can be used to inject fluid from a container 222 into a conduit 24 (which supplies fluid to the spray nozzle 20 as described above). The fluid dispenser pump 220 can be attached to the side of the toilet tank as shown in FIG. 1, or can be placed on top of the toilet tank or on the floor. The fluid dispenser pump 220 can be connected to the container 222 with a threaded seal 224 as is conventional.

  The fluid dispenser pump 220 includes a piston 225, which has an upper end grip 226 defining an operating portion. The piston 225 further has a piston head 228. The piston 225 translates within a collar 234 attached to a hollow cylinder 236 that defines a pump chamber and is integrated with a base 238 that is secured to a sealing device 224. The piston head 228 seals the inner surface 242 of the cylinder 236. A compression coil spring 244 is disposed between the lower surface of the end grip 226 of the piston 225 and the upper surface of the collar 234. The direction of the cylinder 236 is parallel to the vertical (longitudinal) axis of the container 222.

  The base 238 has a central manifold 246 in fluid communication with the injection port 252 that receives a dip tube 254 that draws fluid from the container 222. A ball valve 255 is installed on the injection port 252 to prevent fluid from returning to the container 222 when the piston 225 is lowered. The cylinder 236 and the manifold 246 are in fluid communication by a fluid passage 256. Base 238 further includes a discharge conduit 258 in fluid communication with central manifold 246. Coupling 262 allows conduit 24 to be in fluid communication with discharge conduit 258. A compression spring 266 biases the ball valve 264 from the valve seat 265 of the discharge conduit 258. Ball valve 264 allows fluid to flow out of discharge conduit 258 when the piston is lowered and prevents fluid from returning to central manifold 246 when piston 225 is raised.

  FIG. 11 shows the piston 225 in the upper position. When the piston 225 is pushed down in the direction D by hand (or foot) and then released, fluid is sucked from the container 222 into the cylinder 236 as the piston 225 is raised (this rise is due to the upward biasing force of the spring 244). ). In this way, the pump 220 is primed. Subsequent lowering of the piston 225 causes the fluid to pass through the ball valve 264 and exit to the discharge conduit 24. The fluid entering the conduit 24 is sprayed against the inner surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12 by the nozzle 20 as described above.

  The amount of fluid supplied with a single descent of the piston 225 can be varied by adjusting the distance between the end grip 226 of the piston 225 and the collar 234. Means for changing the downward movement of the piston 225 include a shaft 272, a collar 274, and a setting screw 276. The shaft 272 is attached to the lower side of the end grip 226 of the piston 225 and translates the opening of the collar 274. The setting screw 276 is fitted on the threaded side of the opening of the collar 274, and the shaft 272 in the collar 274 can be prevented from moving by contact between the setting screw 276 and the shaft 272. . By moving the shaft 272 downward in the collar 274 and preventing the shaft 272 from moving with the setting screw 276, the distance between the end gripping portion 226 of the piston 225 and the collar 234 is shortened. The amount of fluid sucked into 236 is reduced. In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid dispenser pump 220 can dispense a maximum of 10 milliliters of fluid with a single lowering of the piston 225, preferably dispenses 5-10 milliliters, preferably 7-8 milliliters. It is most preferable to discharge.

  FIG. 13 shows yet another fluid dispenser pump 320 that can be used to inject fluid from the container 322 into the conduit 24 (which supplies fluid to the spray nozzle 20 as described above). The fluid dispenser pump 320 can be attached to the side of the toilet tank as shown in FIG. 1, or it can be placed on top of the toilet tank or on the floor. The fluid dispenser pump 320 can be connected to the container 322 with a threaded seal 324 as is conventional. The dispenser 320 has a main body 332 and a spray mechanism held by the main body 332 (or formed in the main body 332). The spray mechanism includes a piston 336 and a cylinder 338 having a cylinder head space 340 above the surface of the piston 336. A pump chamber 342 in fluid communication with the cylinder head space 340 is defined by the cylinder 338. The dispenser 320 further includes a dip tube 344 that transfers fluid from the container 322 to the chamber 342. The fluid transfer means includes a ball check valve 346 that allows the fluid transferred by the fluid transfer means to flow only in a direction toward the chamber 342 and not in a direction away from the chamber.

  The dispenser 320 further includes a trigger 348 operated by a finger. The trigger 348 defines an operation unit, and the cylinder head space 340 is alternately increased or decreased by reciprocating the piston 336 in the cylinder 338. The liquid is sucked into the pump chamber 342, and the liquid is discharged from the chamber 342. The dispenser 320 further includes a discharge manifold 350 and a discharge conduit 352 that provides fluid communication between the chamber 342 and the discharge manifold 350. The discharge conduit 352 has a discharge check valve 354 that allows the fluid to move toward the discharge manifold 350 and not return to the chamber 342. Fluid flows from the discharge manifold 350 into the conduit 24. The conduit 24 is fixed by press-fitting the nozzle cap 362 into the opening 359. The fluid entering the conduit 24 is sprayed against the inner surface 26 of the toilet bowl 12 by the nozzle 20 as described above.

  Thus, the present invention provides a toilet bowl cleaning device that sprays chemicals laterally around the nozzle of the device. As a result, it is possible to cover the entire inner surface of the toilet bowl with chemicals.

  A variety of cleaning and / or deodorizing chemicals are suitable for use in the toilet bowl cleaning device according to the present invention. For example, weakly acidic and near neutral pH antibacterial components such as those described in US Pat. Nos. 6,471,974 and 6,162,371 are advantageous when used in a toilet bowl cleaning device according to the present invention. It is possible that there is. Alkaline antibacterial toilet bowl preparations such as those described in US Pat. No. 6,425,406 can also be advantageous. Alkaline antibacterial toilet cleaning formulations such as those described in US Pat. No. 6,812,196 can also be advantageous. When using steel containers and acidic formulations, a steel container with a plastic lining or a steel container with a bag of ambient spray gas is desirable to minimize acid corrosion of the steel container. I will. Aluminum containers may also be an option for acidic formulations. The amount of chemical applied to the toilet bowl and / or water in the toilet bowl will vary depending on the choice of formulation. For example, for an acidic formulation containing lactic acid, surfactant, and solvent, a single dose of chemical would be 2-10 milliliters. The foregoing chemicals are non-limiting illustrative examples of cleaning and / or deodorizing chemicals suitable for use in the toilet bowl cleaning device according to the present invention. Other suitable chemicals include, for example, enzymes, chelating agents, caustic agents, amino acids and the like.

  Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced with embodiments other than those described. The embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiments included in this specification.

  The present invention provides a toilet bowl cleaning device that sprays cleaning and / or deodorizing chemicals on the inner surface of the toilet bowl and / or water in the toilet bowl and / or under the toilet rim.

Claims (13)

A device for spraying chemicals on the inner surface of a toilet,
A container of the chemical substance;
The sprayer capable of spraying the chemical substance laterally at least halfway around the periphery of the sprayer;
First attachment means for attaching the sprayer near the rim of the toilet;
A fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the nebulizer;
The chemicals during operation of the manual pump from the container and a said manual pump supplied to the atomizer through the fluid conduit,
The manual pump is
A pump chamber in fluid communication with the vessel;
A discharge conduit in fluid communication with the pump chamber and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit;
A piston that reciprocates in the pump chamber to draw the chemical from the container into the pump chamber and to move the chemical from the pump chamber to the fluid conduit through the discharge conduit.
The sprayer comprises a nozzle;
The nozzle includes a fluid inlet and a deflection plate,
The fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and the deflection plate;
Said deflection plate is in contact with said chemicals from said fluid inlet, you rotate, device. The manual pump is
For reciprocating the piston manually within the pump chamber further comprises an operating portion in contact with said piston, according to claim 1. The manual pump is
Further comprising adjusting means for adjusting the amount of the chemicals to be moved by one operation of said piston within said pump chamber from said pump chamber to said fluid conduit via the discharge conduit, according to claim 1 apparatus.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sprayer is configured to spray the chemical in a lateral direction across the entire periphery of the sprayer. The first attachment means for attaching the sprayer beside the rim of the toilet bowl,
Base and
A hook configured to support the base by the rim of the toilet;
The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second attachment means for attaching the sprayer to the base. A device for spraying fluid on the inner surface of an enclosure wall,
Said fluid container;
The fluid sprayer capable of spraying the fluid laterally at least halfway around the periphery of the fluid sprayer;
First attachment means for attaching the fluid sprayer by the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure;
A fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid sprayer;
The fluid from the container during the operation of the manual pump through the fluid conduit and a said manual pump supplied to the fluid sprayer, the manual pump,
A pump chamber in fluid communication with the vessel;
A discharge conduit in fluid communication with the pump chamber and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit;
By reciprocating the pumping chamber, the fluid draws from the container to the pump chamber, and a piston is moved to the fluid conduit via the discharge conduit from the pump chamber,
The fluid sprayer includes a rotating nozzle, and the rotating nozzle includes:
A deflection plate;
A fluid inlet at the upper end of the rotating nozzle;
A passage extending between the fluid inlet and the deflection plate;
A groove in fluid communication with the lower end of the passage;
The positioned on both sides of the groove, extends upwardly from the deflection plate, wherein rotating the rotating nozzle and the fluid impinges, and a pair of fins, Ru with a device. The manual pump is
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising adjustment means for adjusting the amount of fluid that travels from the pump chamber through the discharge conduit to the fluid conduit in a single operation of the piston within the pump chamber. . The manual pump is
The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising a check valve between the fluid conduit and the discharge conduit. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the pump chamber is oriented in the same line or parallel to the vertical axis of the container. 7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the manual pump is capable of supplying about 50 milliliters or more of fluid to the fluid sprayer with a single operation of the piston within the pump chamber. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the fluid sprayer is configured to spray the fluid laterally across the entire periphery of the fluid sprayer. The first attachment means for attaching the fluid sprayer by the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure comprises:
Base and
A hook configured to support the base by the wall of the enclosure;
The apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising second attachment means for attaching the fluid sprayer to the base. The second attachment means for attaching the fluid sprayer to the base includes:
The apparatus of claim 12 , comprising an arm extending from the base.

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