US20020116752A1 - Automatic toilet cleaning dispenser assembly - Google Patents
Automatic toilet cleaning dispenser assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020116752A1 US20020116752A1 US09/795,992 US79599201A US2002116752A1 US 20020116752 A1 US20020116752 A1 US 20020116752A1 US 79599201 A US79599201 A US 79599201A US 2002116752 A1 US2002116752 A1 US 2002116752A1
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- Prior art keywords
- tube
- closed container
- toilet
- tank
- liquid
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- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 29
- 239000012459 cleaning agent Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000005465 channeling Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 abstract description 9
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002195 soluble material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
- E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
- E03D9/03—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing consisting of a separate container with an outlet through which the agent is introduced into the flushing water, e.g. by suction ; Devices for agents in direct contact with flushing water
- E03D9/033—Devices placed inside or dispensing into the cistern
- E03D9/038—Passive dispensers, i.e. without moving parts
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to cleaning dispensers for toilet tanks.
- Cleaning agents for toilets typically consist of water soluble material formed into a tablet.
- One area in which a cleaning agent is commonly disposed is in the toilet bowl.
- the cleaning agent is coupled to an interior of the bowl by supporting means, such as wires.
- Such a cleaning agent must be capable of dissolving quickly due to the short duration in which passing water makes contact with the agent. As a result, such cleaning agents get used quickly.
- the supporting means therefore, must be manually replaced frequently.
- Another area in which the tablet may be located is in the toilet tank. Since the material of the tablet is typically designed to dissolve quickly, such materials often release fumes and various other gases as a result of their dissolution into the water. The release of such fumes causes damage to the plumbing of toilet tank. Furthermore, cleaning agents which are simply placed inside the tank get dissolved by a large volume of water, which volume passes through with each flush. Not only is much of the cleaning agent wasted, the agent also gets used quickly, thus requiring frequent replenishment.
- a cleaner dispenser apparatus is provided and adapted for use with a toilet tank having a refill valve and an overflow tube.
- the apparatus comprises a closed container for holding a cleaning agent.
- the container is adapted for disposition in the toilet tank in fluid communication with the refill valve.
- the apparatus further comprises a first conduit and a second conduit.
- the first conduit is adapted to couple the closed container to the overflow tube.
- the first conduit defines a first passageway in which liquid is disposed when the toilet is in a steady state subsequent to flushing.
- the second conduit is adapted to couple the closed container to the overflow tube.
- the second conduit defines a second passageway in which liquid is disposed when the toilet is in a steady state subsequent to flushing.
- the closed container comprises a receptacle, a removable lid and a bottom wall.
- the first conduit has a first inlet and a first outlet.
- the second conduit has a second inlet and a second outlet.
- the first inlet is disposed further from the bottom wall of the closed container than the second inlet.
- the first outlet is disposed above the second outlet.
- the first conduit has an inner diameter sufficiently small to cause droplets of liquid disposed on an inner surface of the first conduit by way of surface tension to collect so as to block the first passageway.
- Each of the first passageway and the second passageway is bent back on itself to form a substantially U-shaped configuration.
- a toilet in another aspect, comprises a water tank, a fill valve disposed in the water tank, a closed container adapted for holding a cleaning agent, a refill tube coupled to the fill valve and the closed container, an overflow tube, a first discharge tube coupled to the closed container and the overflow tube, and a second discharge tube coupled to the closed container and the overflow tube.
- the first discharge tube defines a first passageway.
- the second discharge tube defines a second passageway.
- the first discharge tube and the second discharge tube are configured to retain sufficient liquid to block the first passageway and the second passageway, respectively, at a steady state subsequent to flushing.
- the first discharge tube comprises a first inlet and a first outlet.
- the second discharge tube comprises a second inlet and a second outlet.
- the first inlet is disposed above the second inlet.
- the second outlet disposed beneath the first outlet.
- the first discharge tube and the second discharge tube are U-shaped.
- a toilet cleaning apparatus for use with a toilet tank having a refill valve and an overflow tube.
- the apparatus comprises means for holding a cleaning agent, means for directing liquid from the refill valve to the holding means, means for directing liquid from the holding means to the overflow tube, and means for preventing gas from escaping the holding means into the toilet tank when the toilet tank is in a steady state.
- the means for directing liquid from the holding means to the overflow tube further comprises means for simultaneously directing air into the holding means.
- the means for preventing gas from comprises means for trapping liquid.
- a method for automatically cleaning a toilet having a tank comprises channeling liquid from a fill valve to a closed container holding a cleaning agent upon flushing, directing the liquid in the closed container to an overflow tube via first and second discharge lines, directing air into the closed container via the first discharge line while siphoning fluid out of the closed container via the second discharge line, and preventing gas from escaping the closed container into the tank. Preventing gas from escaping the closed container into the tank comprises blocking the refill line, the first discharge line, and the second discharge line with the liquid.
- a cleaning dispenser assembly to be used in connection with a toilet tank is coupled to a fill valve and an overflow tube of the tank.
- the dispenser assembly includes a container with a removable lid.
- a refill tube is coupled to a fill valve of the tank and the container.
- Tall and short discharge ports are coupled to the container at different heights to facilitate the withdrawal of fluid from the container while preventing a vacuum from developing within the closed container.
- U-traps are formed in the refill tube and the discharge tubes to retain a portion of liquid in a steady state so as to seal the passageways in order to prevent gases from escaping into the tank.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet tank employing a preferred dispenser assembly according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispenser assembly
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispenser assembly
- FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the dispenser assembly
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the dispenser assembly
- FIG. 6 is a side view the dispenser assembly
- FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly prior to operation
- FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly in operation as a toilet is initially flushed
- FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly in operation as the flushing is almost complete
- FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly in operation after the flush
- FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly in operation as fluid in a container of the assembly is almost drained;
- FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly in a steady state subsequent to flushing
- FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly illustrating a vacuum breaking feature
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a toilet tank employing an alternate embodiment of a dispenser assembly
- FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of the alternate embodiment of the dispenser assembly in FIG. 14.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet tank assembly 10 employing a preferred dispenser assembly, or dispenser apparatus 20 , according to the invention.
- the tank assembly 10 includes a fill valve 22 and an overflow tube 24 .
- the dispenser assembly 20 is coupled to the fill valve 22 and the overflow tube 24 .
- the dispenser assembly 20 is sufficiently compact to fit conveniently within the tank 12 while enabling easy access for maintenance.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the dispenser assembly 20 .
- the dispenser assembly 20 includes a container 30 for holding a cleaning agent 32 .
- the container 30 also holds water which passes through the assembly 20 and dissolves the agent 32 .
- the container 30 comprises a open top receptacle 34 having a side wall 36 with indentations 38 that extend axially.
- a top 41 of the receptacle which includes external threads 43 is adapted to mate with internal threads of a removable cap, or lid, 45 .
- the container 30 further comprises a tablet holder 52 disposed within the receptacle 34 .
- the tablet holder 52 includes a base 54 for securely fitting within the receptacle 34 and a bar 56 for retaining the cleaning tablet 32 .
- the dispenser assembly 20 further includes a uniquely shaped cleaning agent 32 whose outer surface 62 conforms to an inner surface 47 of the receptacle 34 .
- the cleaning agent 32 comprises multiple lobes 64 that correspond to the lobed shape of the receptacle 34 .
- the agent 32 further comprises a central aperture 66 which receives the bar 56 of the tablet holder 52 .
- multiple tubes are coupled to the container 30 . More specifically, a refill tube 70 , a tall discharge tube or tall tube 72 , and a short discharge tube or short tube 74 are coupled to the receptacle 34 .
- the refill tube 70 is coupled to the fill valve 22 .
- the refill tube 70 includes a U-shaped portion, or U-trap, 76 .
- Each discharge tube or conduit 72 , 74 also includes a corresponding U-trap 78 , 80 , respectively. Since the tubes 70 , 72 , 74 are disposed outside of the container 30 in the preferred embodiment, the U-traps 76 , 78 , 80 are thus disposed outside of the container 30 .
- the tubes 70 , 72 , 74 and the container 30 form a sub-assembly 82 that is substantially disposed in a housing 84 .
- the housing 84 includes a first substantially cylindrical portion 86 coupled to a second substantially cylindrical portion 88 by a connector portion 91 .
- the first cylindrical portion 86 receives the container 30 while the connector portion 91 receives the U-traps 76 , 78 , 80 of the tubes 70 , 72 , 74 , respectively.
- An outlet portion 93 of the short discharge tube 74 is disposed at least in part within the second cylindrical portion 88 while the outlet end 95 of the tall discharge tube 72 is disposed adjacent the second cylindrical portion 88 .
- the dispenser assembly 20 comprises a compact structure capable of being conveniently disposed within a toilet tank.
- the removable lid 45 enables a user to easily access the receptacle for replenishing cleaning agents.
- FIGS. 7 - 13 the operation of the dispenser assembly 20 will be described.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly 20 upon installation and prior to flushing.
- the refill tube 70 is coupled to the receptacle 34 at an uppermost position 102 that is higher than an intermediate coupling position 104 of the tall tube 72 .
- the short tube 74 is coupled to the receptacle at a lowermost position 106 .
- the second cylindrical portion 88 of the housing 84 is coupled to the overflow tube 24 by fitting around the tube 24 . Being disposed in the second cylindrical portion 88 , the tail portion 93 of the short tube 74 is also disposed at least in part within the overflow tube 24 .
- the refill tube 70 includes an exit port 108 .
- the tall tube 72 includes a tall inlet port 110 and a tall outlet port 112 while the short tube 74 includes a short inlet port 114 and a short outlet port 116 .
- the tall inlet port 110 is thus disposed above the short inlet port 114 .
- the tall outlet port 112 is preferably disposed above the short outlet port 116 .
- the refill tube 70 directs water from the fill valve to the container 30 , as shown in FIG. 8. As the water collected by the container 30 starts to rise to a level 121 above the short inlet port 114 , a portion of the water begins to fill the short tube 74 , rising to a level 123 substantially equal to the level 121 in the container 30 . The water collected by the container 30 absorbs materials from the cleaning agent 32 . In FIG. 9, the refill tube 70 continues to direct water from the fill valve into the container 30 , thus increasing the level 121 of the water above the tall inlet port 110 . The increased pressure within the container 30 causes the water therein to exit through both of the discharge tubes 72 , 74 . The tubes 72 , 74 thus siphon the water out of the container 30 .
- Remnant water droplets 125 cling to the inner surface of the tall tube 72 As the short tube 74 continues to siphon the remaining water in the container 30 , the decreasing pressure in the container 30 causes air to flow into the container through the tall tube 72 .
- the use of multiple discharge tubes which in the preferred embodiment comprises a pair, helps prevent a vacuum from developing within the container 30 which would otherwise cause liquid therein from flowing out.
- the coupling of the discharge tubes 72 , 74 to the container 30 at different heights also facilitates the prevention of any vacuum.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the dispenser assembly 20 in a steady state subsequent to flushing.
- steady state refers to a static condition of the dispenser assembly 20 subsequent to flushing when fluid is no longer moving through the dispenser assembly 20 .
- the water droplets 125 in the tall tube 72 collect in the U-trap 78 so as to seal the tube 72 .
- each of the U-traps 76 , 78 , 80 retains a sufficient amount of liquid so as to seal the passageways of their respective tubes 70 , 72 , 74 and thereby to prevent any gas in the container 30 , or in the tubes 70 , 72 , 74 , from escaping into the tank.
- the combination of the sealed container 30 and sealed tubes 70 , 72 , 74 forms a sealed environment whereby any fumes generated from the dissolution of the cleaning agent 32 is prevented from escaping into the tank.
- the dispenser assembly 20 therefore preserves the plumbing within the toilet tank that would otherwise be damaged by a cleaning agent in the tank.
- FIG. 13 Another unique feature of the dispenser assembly 20 is illustrated in FIG. 13. If the fill valve coupled to the refill tube 70 should draw air out of the container 30 and into the refill tube 70 , the employment of multiple discharge tubes helps break a potential vacuum in the container 30 . As air is drawn from the container 30 through the refill tube 70 , pressure within the container 30 is decreased. However, the tall tube 72 directs air into the container 30 , thus breaking any potential vacuum therein. Since the tall outlet port 112 is disposed above the short outlet port 116 , the tall tube 72 will not draw in the liquid disposed in the overflow tube 24 .
- FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an alternate embodiment 200 wherein the refill tube 70 a and the discharge tubes 72 a , 74 a are inserted through a bottom of the container 30 a .
- U-traps 76 a , 78 a , 80 a are formed in the tubes 70 a , 72 a , 74 except that portions 71 a of the 75 a of the tubes 70 a , 73 a , respectively, are disposed within the container 30 a .
- the operation of the alternate dispenser assembly 20 a functions substantially the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 - 13 .
- a sealed environment is provided for preventing gases, generated as a result of the water absorbing the cleaning agent 32 , from escaping into the tank. It will be further appreciated that the lack of moving parts in the dispenser assembly provides an automatic system of dispensing cleaning agent each time the toilet is flushed. The use of a plurality of discharge tubes prevents a potential vacuum from developing within the container whether liquid is being drained from the container or air is being drawn away from the container by the fill valve.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates generally to cleaning dispensers for toilet tanks.
- 2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information
- Cleaning agents for toilets typically consist of water soluble material formed into a tablet. One area in which a cleaning agent is commonly disposed is in the toilet bowl. The cleaning agent is coupled to an interior of the bowl by supporting means, such as wires. Such a cleaning agent must be capable of dissolving quickly due to the short duration in which passing water makes contact with the agent. As a result, such cleaning agents get used quickly. The supporting means, therefore, must be manually replaced frequently.
- Another area in which the tablet may be located is in the toilet tank. Since the material of the tablet is typically designed to dissolve quickly, such materials often release fumes and various other gases as a result of their dissolution into the water. The release of such fumes causes damage to the plumbing of toilet tank. Furthermore, cleaning agents which are simply placed inside the tank get dissolved by a large volume of water, which volume passes through with each flush. Not only is much of the cleaning agent wasted, the agent also gets used quickly, thus requiring frequent replenishment.
- In accordance with the present invention, a structure and associated method are disclosed which overcome these deficiencies.
- In one aspect, a cleaner dispenser apparatus is provided and adapted for use with a toilet tank having a refill valve and an overflow tube. The apparatus comprises a closed container for holding a cleaning agent. The container is adapted for disposition in the toilet tank in fluid communication with the refill valve. The apparatus further comprises a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit is adapted to couple the closed container to the overflow tube. The first conduit defines a first passageway in which liquid is disposed when the toilet is in a steady state subsequent to flushing. The second conduit is adapted to couple the closed container to the overflow tube. The second conduit defines a second passageway in which liquid is disposed when the toilet is in a steady state subsequent to flushing.
- The closed container comprises a receptacle, a removable lid and a bottom wall. The first conduit has a first inlet and a first outlet. The second conduit has a second inlet and a second outlet. The first inlet is disposed further from the bottom wall of the closed container than the second inlet. The first outlet is disposed above the second outlet. The first conduit has an inner diameter sufficiently small to cause droplets of liquid disposed on an inner surface of the first conduit by way of surface tension to collect so as to block the first passageway. Each of the first passageway and the second passageway is bent back on itself to form a substantially U-shaped configuration.
- In another aspect, a toilet is provided. The toilet comprises a water tank, a fill valve disposed in the water tank, a closed container adapted for holding a cleaning agent, a refill tube coupled to the fill valve and the closed container, an overflow tube, a first discharge tube coupled to the closed container and the overflow tube, and a second discharge tube coupled to the closed container and the overflow tube. The first discharge tube defines a first passageway. The second discharge tube defines a second passageway. The first discharge tube and the second discharge tube are configured to retain sufficient liquid to block the first passageway and the second passageway, respectively, at a steady state subsequent to flushing.
- The first discharge tube comprises a first inlet and a first outlet. The second discharge tube comprises a second inlet and a second outlet. The first inlet is disposed above the second inlet. The second outlet disposed beneath the first outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the first discharge tube and the second discharge tube are U-shaped.
- In a further aspect, a toilet cleaning apparatus is provided for use with a toilet tank having a refill valve and an overflow tube. The apparatus comprises means for holding a cleaning agent, means for directing liquid from the refill valve to the holding means, means for directing liquid from the holding means to the overflow tube, and means for preventing gas from escaping the holding means into the toilet tank when the toilet tank is in a steady state. The means for directing liquid from the holding means to the overflow tube further comprises means for simultaneously directing air into the holding means. The means for preventing gas from comprises means for trapping liquid.
- A method for automatically cleaning a toilet having a tank is also provided. The method comprises channeling liquid from a fill valve to a closed container holding a cleaning agent upon flushing, directing the liquid in the closed container to an overflow tube via first and second discharge lines, directing air into the closed container via the first discharge line while siphoning fluid out of the closed container via the second discharge line, and preventing gas from escaping the closed container into the tank. Preventing gas from escaping the closed container into the tank comprises blocking the refill line, the first discharge line, and the second discharge line with the liquid.
- In summary, a cleaning dispenser assembly to be used in connection with a toilet tank is coupled to a fill valve and an overflow tube of the tank. The dispenser assembly includes a container with a removable lid. A refill tube is coupled to a fill valve of the tank and the container. Tall and short discharge ports are coupled to the container at different heights to facilitate the withdrawal of fluid from the container while preventing a vacuum from developing within the closed container. U-traps are formed in the refill tube and the discharge tubes to retain a portion of liquid in a steady state so as to seal the passageways in order to prevent gases from escaping into the tank.
- The invention, now having been briefly summarized, may be better visualized by turning to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet tank employing a preferred dispenser assembly according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispenser assembly;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispenser assembly;
- FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the dispenser assembly;
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the dispenser assembly;
- FIG. 6 is a side view the dispenser assembly; and
- FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly prior to operation;
- FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly in operation as a toilet is initially flushed;
- FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly in operation as the flushing is almost complete;
- FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly in operation after the flush;
- FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly in operation as fluid in a container of the assembly is almost drained;
- FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly in a steady state subsequent to flushing;
- FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the dispenser assembly illustrating a vacuum breaking feature;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a toilet tank employing an alternate embodiment of a dispenser assembly;
- FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of the alternate embodiment of the dispenser assembly in FIG. 14.
- The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a
toilet tank assembly 10 employing a preferred dispenser assembly, ordispenser apparatus 20, according to the invention. Thetank assembly 10 includes afill valve 22 and anoverflow tube 24. Disposed within atoilet tank 12, thedispenser assembly 20 is coupled to thefill valve 22 and theoverflow tube 24. Thedispenser assembly 20 is sufficiently compact to fit conveniently within thetank 12 while enabling easy access for maintenance. - FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the
dispenser assembly 20. Thedispenser assembly 20 includes acontainer 30 for holding acleaning agent 32. As will be explained below in the operation of theassembly 20, thecontainer 30 also holds water which passes through theassembly 20 and dissolves theagent 32. Thecontainer 30 comprises a opentop receptacle 34 having aside wall 36 withindentations 38 that extend axially. A top 41 of the receptacle which includesexternal threads 43 is adapted to mate with internal threads of a removable cap, or lid, 45. Thecontainer 30 further comprises atablet holder 52 disposed within thereceptacle 34. Thetablet holder 52 includes abase 54 for securely fitting within thereceptacle 34 and abar 56 for retaining the cleaningtablet 32. - The
dispenser assembly 20 further includes a uniquely shaped cleaningagent 32 whoseouter surface 62 conforms to aninner surface 47 of thereceptacle 34. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaningagent 32 comprisesmultiple lobes 64 that correspond to the lobed shape of thereceptacle 34. Theagent 32 further comprises acentral aperture 66 which receives thebar 56 of thetablet holder 52. - In FIG. 2, multiple tubes are coupled to the
container 30. More specifically, arefill tube 70, a tall discharge tube ortall tube 72, and a short discharge tube orshort tube 74 are coupled to thereceptacle 34. Therefill tube 70 is coupled to thefill valve 22. Therefill tube 70 includes a U-shaped portion, or U-trap, 76. Each discharge tube orconduit tubes container 30 in the preferred embodiment, the U-traps 76, 78, 80 are thus disposed outside of thecontainer 30. - The
tubes container 30 form a sub-assembly 82 that is substantially disposed in ahousing 84. Thehousing 84 includes a first substantiallycylindrical portion 86 coupled to a second substantiallycylindrical portion 88 by aconnector portion 91. In FIGS. 2-6, the firstcylindrical portion 86 receives thecontainer 30 while theconnector portion 91 receives the U-traps 76, 78, 80 of thetubes outlet portion 93 of theshort discharge tube 74 is disposed at least in part within the secondcylindrical portion 88 while the outlet end 95 of thetall discharge tube 72 is disposed adjacent the secondcylindrical portion 88. In FIGS. 3-6, it will be appreciated that thedispenser assembly 20 comprises a compact structure capable of being conveniently disposed within a toilet tank. Furthermore, theremovable lid 45 enables a user to easily access the receptacle for replenishing cleaning agents. - Turning now to FIGS.7-13, the operation of the
dispenser assembly 20 will be described. - FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic front view of the
dispenser assembly 20 upon installation and prior to flushing. Therefill tube 70 is coupled to thereceptacle 34 at an uppermost position 102 that is higher than an intermediate coupling position 104 of thetall tube 72. Theshort tube 74 is coupled to the receptacle at alowermost position 106. The secondcylindrical portion 88 of thehousing 84 is coupled to theoverflow tube 24 by fitting around thetube 24. Being disposed in the secondcylindrical portion 88, thetail portion 93 of theshort tube 74 is also disposed at least in part within theoverflow tube 24. Therefill tube 70 includes anexit port 108. Thetall tube 72 includes atall inlet port 110 and atall outlet port 112 while theshort tube 74 includes ashort inlet port 114 and ashort outlet port 116. Thetall inlet port 110 is thus disposed above theshort inlet port 114. Though it is not necessary, thetall outlet port 112 is preferably disposed above theshort outlet port 116. - When the toilet is flushed, the
refill tube 70 directs water from the fill valve to thecontainer 30, as shown in FIG. 8. As the water collected by thecontainer 30 starts to rise to alevel 121 above theshort inlet port 114, a portion of the water begins to fill theshort tube 74, rising to alevel 123 substantially equal to thelevel 121 in thecontainer 30. The water collected by thecontainer 30 absorbs materials from the cleaningagent 32. In FIG. 9, therefill tube 70 continues to direct water from the fill valve into thecontainer 30, thus increasing thelevel 121 of the water above thetall inlet port 110. The increased pressure within thecontainer 30 causes the water therein to exit through both of thedischarge tubes tubes container 30. - As the flush is substantially completed and the fill valve is shut off, as illustrated in FIG. 10, water ceases to flow through the
refill tube 70. It is of particular advantage that a portion of the water from the fill valve is retained by theU-trap 76 of therefill tube 70, thereby preventing any fumes from escaping through thetube 70. Though pressure ceases to increase inside thecontainer 30, the siphoning action of thedischarge tube 74 will continue to draw water out of thecontainer 30. Thetall tube 72 will be substantially emptied of water as air is drawn in to displace the droppingwater level 121 in thecontainer 30. -
Remnant water droplets 125 cling to the inner surface of thetall tube 72. As theshort tube 74 continues to siphon the remaining water in thecontainer 30, the decreasing pressure in thecontainer 30 causes air to flow into the container through thetall tube 72. It will be appreciated that the use of multiple discharge tubes, which in the preferred embodiment comprises a pair, helps prevent a vacuum from developing within thecontainer 30 which would otherwise cause liquid therein from flowing out. Furthermore, the coupling of thedischarge tubes container 30 at different heights also facilitates the prevention of any vacuum. - As the
water level 121 in thecontainer 30 lowers to the level of theshort inlet port 114, the siphon flow through theshort tube 74 ceases, andair 127 begins to enter thecontainer 30 through theshort tube 74, as shown in FIG. 11. Once thewater level 121 in thecontainer 30 drops below theshort inlet port 114, the siphoning in theshort tube 74 ceases. Liquid is thus trapped in theU-trap 80 of theshort tube 74. In thetall tube 72,residual water droplets 125 are disposed on the inner surface thereof by way of surface tension. The inner diameter of thetall tube 72, and more, specifically, the U-trap 78 is configured to be small enough that thedroplets 125 will collect to form a seal in the passageway of thetube 72. - FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the
dispenser assembly 20 in a steady state subsequent to flushing. As used herein and in the claims, “steady state” refers to a static condition of thedispenser assembly 20 subsequent to flushing when fluid is no longer moving through thedispenser assembly 20. In FIGS. 11 and 12, thewater droplets 125 in thetall tube 72 collect in the U-trap 78 so as to seal thetube 72. - It will be appreciated that each of the U-traps76, 78, 80 retains a sufficient amount of liquid so as to seal the passageways of their
respective tubes container 30, or in thetubes container 30 and sealedtubes cleaning agent 32 is prevented from escaping into the tank. Thedispenser assembly 20 therefore preserves the plumbing within the toilet tank that would otherwise be damaged by a cleaning agent in the tank. - Another unique feature of the
dispenser assembly 20 is illustrated in FIG. 13. If the fill valve coupled to therefill tube 70 should draw air out of thecontainer 30 and into therefill tube 70, the employment of multiple discharge tubes helps break a potential vacuum in thecontainer 30. As air is drawn from thecontainer 30 through therefill tube 70, pressure within thecontainer 30 is decreased. However, thetall tube 72 directs air into thecontainer 30, thus breaking any potential vacuum therein. Since thetall outlet port 112 is disposed above theshort outlet port 116, thetall tube 72 will not draw in the liquid disposed in theoverflow tube 24. - FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an
alternate embodiment 200 wherein therefill tube 70 a and thedischarge tubes container 30 a. U-traps 76 a, 78 a, 80 a are formed in thetubes portions 71 a of the 75 a of thetubes container 30 a. The operation of the alternate dispenser assembly 20 a functions substantially the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-13. - It will be appreciated that a sealed environment is provided for preventing gases, generated as a result of the water absorbing the
cleaning agent 32, from escaping into the tank. It will be further appreciated that the lack of moving parts in the dispenser assembly provides an automatic system of dispensing cleaning agent each time the toilet is flushed. The use of a plurality of discharge tubes prevents a potential vacuum from developing within the container whether liquid is being drained from the container or air is being drawn away from the container by the fill valve. - Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.
- The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.
- The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
- Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
- The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (1)
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US09/795,992 US6449779B1 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2001-02-28 | Automatic toilet cleaning dispenser assembly |
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US09/795,992 US6449779B1 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2001-02-28 | Automatic toilet cleaning dispenser assembly |
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US20020116752A1 true US20020116752A1 (en) | 2002-08-29 |
US6449779B1 US6449779B1 (en) | 2002-09-17 |
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US09/795,992 Expired - Lifetime US6449779B1 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2001-02-28 | Automatic toilet cleaning dispenser assembly |
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NL2002473C2 (en) * | 2009-02-01 | 2010-08-03 | V L D Verwarming Loodgieten Dakbedekking | AID DEVICE FOR INSERTING A TABLET CLEANING UNIT, A TOILETER PROVIDED FOR SUCH A WASHER AND A CLEANING UNIT, AND THE CLEANING TABLET. |
US9175462B2 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2015-11-03 | Donald P. Berry | System for delivering chemicals to a toilet bowl |
CN107859126A (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2018-03-30 | 厦门科牧智能技术有限公司 | A kind of quick connector, container assemblies and attachment structure for liquid container |
WO2024108135A1 (en) * | 2022-11-17 | 2024-05-23 | Thyroff Louis E | Toilet tank cleaning solution dispenser |
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NL2002473C2 (en) * | 2009-02-01 | 2010-08-03 | V L D Verwarming Loodgieten Dakbedekking | AID DEVICE FOR INSERTING A TABLET CLEANING UNIT, A TOILETER PROVIDED FOR SUCH A WASHER AND A CLEANING UNIT, AND THE CLEANING TABLET. |
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US9175462B2 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2015-11-03 | Donald P. Berry | System for delivering chemicals to a toilet bowl |
CN107859126A (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2018-03-30 | 厦门科牧智能技术有限公司 | A kind of quick connector, container assemblies and attachment structure for liquid container |
WO2024108135A1 (en) * | 2022-11-17 | 2024-05-23 | Thyroff Louis E | Toilet tank cleaning solution dispenser |
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