US20040099562A1

US20040099562A1 - Tablet containing system

Info

Publication number: US20040099562A1
Application number: US10/718,962
Authority: US
Inventors: Rafael Vazquez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-11-21
Filing date: 2003-11-21
Publication date: 2004-05-27

Abstract

A tablet containing system that helps prevent tablet-portions from interfering with the toilet flushing mechanism, can be tethered within the toilet bowl, and allows for tablet-portions to be easily removed from the toilet tank.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of related provisional application serial No. 60/428,530, filed Nov. 21, 2002, entitled “TABLET CONTAINING SYSTEM”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by their mention in this cross-reference section.[0001]

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to providing a tablet containing system that contains a tablet submerged under water within a toilet tank. The tablet may comprise detergent and/or bleach and/or dye, and assists in disinfecting and treating the water in the toilet tank. In the past, such tablets have been placed directly into toilet tanks without a container. Over time, as the tablet dissolved and disintegrated, pieces of the tablet broke off and could interfere with the operation of the flushing mechanism. For example, tablet pieces that came in direct contact with the toilet tank flapper could block the flapper from achieving a proper seal, causing the flapper to leak. Parts of the flushing mechanism made of rubber (or similar material) that came in direct contact with tablet pieces could result in the accelerated degradation of such flushing mechanism parts.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a tablet containing system that helps prevent tablet-portions from interfering with the toilet flushing mechanism. Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a tablet containing system that can be tethered within the toilet bowl. Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a tablet containing system that allows for tablet-portions to be easily removed from the toilet tank. Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a tablet containing system that can conveniently be tethered to the toilet tank flush lever to provide extra agitation to the water surrounding the tablet when the toilet is flushed.

Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide a tablet containing system that combines a container clasping function with a tether attachment function for convenience and efficiency.

A further primary object and feature of the invention is to provide such a system, which is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a tablet container system for containing at least one cleaning tablet in a toilet tank comprising a flushing mechanism and containing flushable water, comprising, in combination: at least one container, comprising at least one interior portion and at least one exterior portion, structured and arranged to contain the at least one tablet; wherein such at least one container is structured and arranged to allow access to such at least one interior portion of such at least one container wherein the at least one tablet can be removably inserted; at least one fastener structured and arranged to prevent accidental access to such at least one interior portion of such at least one container; and a plurality of orifices structured and arranged to permit substantially free flow of the water between such at least one exterior portion and such at least one interior portion of such at least one container; wherein such plurality of orifices are structured and arranged to substantially block egress of significantly-sized tablet-portions from such at least one interior portion of such at least one container. Moreover, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such plurality of orifices are structured and arranged to substantially block egress of tablet-portions larger than about ⅛ inch diameter from such at least one interior portion of such at least one container. Additionally, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such plurality of orifices are structured and arranged to substantially block egress of tablet-portions larger than about {fraction (1/16)} inch diameter from such at least one interior portion of such at least one container. Also, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such plurality of orifices permits fluid to enter such at least one interior portion through a first side of such container and exit such at least one interior portion through a second side, opposite such first side, of such at least one container. In addition, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such plurality of orifices are located over more than half of a total exterior surface area of such at least one container. And, it provides such a tablet container system further comprising at least one tether structured and arranged to tether such at least one container to the toilet tank. Further, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such at least one container consists essentially of integrally-molded plastic.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a tablet container system for containing at least one cleaning tablet in a toilet tank comprising a flushing mechanism and containing flushable water, comprising, in combination: at least one container, comprising at least one interior portion and at least one exterior portion, structured and arranged to contain the at least one tablet; wherein such container is structured and arranged to allow access to such at least one interior portion of such at least one container, wherein the at least one tablet can be removably inserted; at least one fastener structured and arranged to prevent accidental access to the at least one interior portion of such container; a plurality of orifices structured and arranged to permit substantially free flow of fluid between such at least one exterior portion and such at least one interior portion of such at least one container; and at least one tether structured and arranged to tether such at least one container to the toilet tank; wherein such at least one tether comprises such at least one fastener. Even further, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such at least one tether comprises at least one chain. Moreover, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such at least one tether comprises at least one cable. Additionally, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such at least one fastener comprises at least one clip. Also, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such at least one clip comprises metal.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a tablet container system for containing at least one cleaning tablet in a toilet tank comprising a toilet tank flush lever and containing flushable water, comprising, in combination: at least one container, comprising at least one interior portion and at least one exterior portion, structured and arranged to contain the at least one tablet; wherein such container is structured and arranged to allow access to such at least one interior portion of such at least one container, wherein the at least one tablet can be removably inserted; at least one fastener structured and arranged to prevent accidental access to the at least one interior portion of such container; a plurality of orifices structured and arranged to permit substantially free flow of fluid between such at least one exterior portion and such at least one interior portion of such at least one container; and at least one tether structured and arranged to tether such at least one container to the toilet tank flush lever. In addition, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such plurality of orifices are structured and arranged to substantially block egress of tablet-portions larger than about ⅛ inch diameter from such at least one interior portion of such at least one container. And, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such plurality of orifices permits fluid to enter such at least one interior portion through a first side of such container and exit such at least one interior portion through a second side, opposite such first side, of such at least one container. Further, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such at least one tether comprises such at least one fastener. Even further, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such at least one container comprises: at least one first container portion; at least one second container portion; and at least one hinge; wherein such at least one hinge connects such at least one first container portion to such at least one second container portion. Even further, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such at least one container essentially consists of integrally-molded plastic. Even further, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such plurality of orifices are located over more than half of surface area of such at least one container. Even further, it provides such a tablet container system wherein such at least one fastener is located on a side of such at least one container opposite from such at least one hinge.

Additionally, this invention provides each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this provisional patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tablet container, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a tablet being inserted into the opened tablet container. [0010]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tablet container of FIG. 1, closed and adjacent to two different embodiments of a tether. [0011]
FIG. 3 is a front view of a toilet tank (partially cut-away) showing tablet-containing systems installed in three different ways within the toilet tank. [0012]
FIG. 4 is a top view of the tablet container of FIG. 1, partially showing an attached tether. [0013]
FIG. 5 is a side view of the tablet container of FIG. 1, partially showing an attached tether. [0014]
FIG. 6 is a side view (in section) of the tablet container of FIG. 1, partially showing an attached tether. [0015]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an attacher fastener and part of an attached tether. [0016]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a tablet container (with a shape different than the embodiment of FIG. 1). [0017]
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a tablet containing system with a square shaped tablet container. [0018]
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a tablet container (in the closed/clasped position). [0019]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tablet container of FIG. 10 in the closed/clasped position. [0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of [0021] tablet container 100, with interior portion 110 and exterior portion 112, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing at least one tablet 150 being inserted into the opened tablet container 100 (embodying herein at least one container, comprising at least one interior portion and at least one exterior portion, structured and arranged to contain the at least one tablet). There are many instances throughout the specification where Applicant uses the phrase, “at least one”, to indicate that, although only one may be shown in the drawings, it is contemplated that more than one may suffice. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as tablet size, tablet container size, etc., other tablet container arrangements may suffice, such as, for example, a tablet container adapted to contain more than one tablet 150 and a tablet container adapted to contain tablets of different sizes and shapes, etc. Preferably, tablet container 100 comprises container portion 102 a connected to container portion 102 b by hinge 104, as shown. Preferably, hinge 104 permits access to interior portion 110 of tablet container 100, allowing tablet 150 to be removably inserted within tablet container 100, as shown (embodying herein wherein such at least one container is structured and arranged to allow access to such at least one interior portion of such at least one container wherein the at least one tablet can be removably inserted; and embodying herein wherein such at least one container comprises at least one first container portion, at least one second container portion, at least one hinge, wherein such at least one hinge connects such at least one first container portion to such at least one second container portion).
Preferably, [0022] tablet container 100 comprises clasp 106, as shown. Preferably, clasp 106 comprises clasp portion 106 a and clasp portion 106 b, as shown. Preferably, clasp portion 106 a and clasp portion 106 b clasp container portion 102 a and container portion 102 b together (keeping tablet 150 within interior portion 110). Preferably, clasp portion 106 a and clasp portion 106 b each comprise tab 114, with hole 116, as shown. Preferably, when container portion 102 a and container portion 102 b are pressed together, hole 116 in each clasp portion 106 are aligned, and container fastener 122 can be inserted through such aligned hole 116 to lock container portion 102 a and container portion 102 b in place (with tablet container 100 in a “closed” arrangement), as shown (embodying herein at least one fastener structured and arranged to prevent accidental access to such at least one interior portion of such at least one container; and embodying herein wherein such at least one tether comprises such at least one fastener). Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as production cost, material selection, convenience, etc., other container fastening arrangements, such as snaps, threaded fittings, interlocking tabs (as shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11), tabs without holes 116, fastening arrangements where container fastener 122 is not used for locking, etc., may suffice. Preferably, clasp 106 is located on a side of the container portion 102 a (and container portion 102 b) opposite hinge 104, as shown, so that tablet container 100 can be fastened to effectively contain portions of tablet 150 (embodying herein wherein such at least one fastener is located on a side of such at least one container opposite from such at least one hinge). Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as production cost, type of container fastening mechanism, etc., other locations for clasp portion 106, etc., may suffice, for example, in a case where container portion 102 a and container portion 102 b are fastened by a threaded connection, it may suffice to eliminate clasp portion 106 and/or eliminate hinge 104. Thus, tablet 150 can be secured within tablet container 100.
Preferably, for efficiency and reduced cost, [0023] container portion 102 a, clasp portion 106 a, container portion 102 b, clasp portion 106 b, and hinge 104, consist essentially of integrally-molded plastic, molded together as a single unit (embodying herein wherein such at least one container consists essentially of integrally-molded plastic). Preferably, hinge 104 comprises plastic sufficiently flexible such that hinge 104 may bend, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as production cost, durability, chemical reactivity, etc., other materials may suffice, such as, for example, metal, etc. Also upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as production cost, material selection, etc., other hinge arrangements may suffice, such as, for example, a butt-hinge with a pin, etc.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of [0024] tablet container 100 in the closed position and adjacent to two different embodiments of tether 120. Preferably, tablet containing system comprises tether 120. Preferably tablet containing system comprises container fastener 122, for fastening container to tether 120. Container fastener 122 may or may not be used to assist in locking container portion 102 a and container portion 102 b in a closed position. Preferably, container fastener 122 comprises metal clip, as shown (embodying herein wherein such at least one fastener comprises at least one clip, and embodying herein wherein such at least one clip comprises metal).
Preferably, [0025] tether 120 comprises container fastener 122, cable 128 (embodying herein wherein such at least one tether comprises at least one cable), and attacher fastener 124. Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as manufacturing cost, durability, etc., other tether arrangements may suffice, such as, for example, replacing cable 128 with something else, such as, for example, chain 130 (embodying herein wherein such at least one tether comprises at least one chain), as shown, etc. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as which part of the toilet tank tablet holder will be tethered, etc., other types of attacher fastener arrangements may suffice, such as, for example, clips, such as, for example, attacher fastener 126, hooks, such as, for example, attacher fastener 126 b (see FIG. 9), etc. A plurality of orifices 108 allows water flow 222 through tablet container 100. Orifices 108 allow water into and/or out of tablet container 100 so that dissolved portions of tablet 150 can mix with water in toilet tank 200. Preferably, orifices 108 are small enough such that if “significantly-sized” pieces of tablet 100 break off, such pieces are still retained within tablet container 100 (embodying herein wherein such plurality of orifices are structured and arranged to substantially block egress of significantly-sized tablet-portions from such at least one interior portion of such at least one container). Pieces of tablet 150 are considered “significantly-sized” if they are large enough to interfere with the functioning of the toilet tank flushing system (for example, by pieces blocking a toilet tank flapper from achieving a proper seal). Preferably, each of orifices 108 comprises an effective diameter (“effective diameter” being defined as the largest diameter solid sphere that can pass through the orifice) of less than about {fraction (3/16)} inch, preferably an effective diameter of less than about ⅛ inch (embodying herein wherein such plurality of orifices are structured and arranged to substantially block egress of tablet-portions larger than about ⅛ inch diameter from such at least one interior portion of such at least one container), preferably an effective diameter of less than about {fraction (1/16)} inch (embodying herein wherein such plurality of orifices are structured and arranged to substantially block egress of tablet-portions larger than about {fraction (1/16)} inch diameter from such at least one interior portion of such at least one container), since experiment has shown that orifices 108 of this size are small enough to effectively block the egress of “significantly-sized” portions of tablet 150, and yet orifices 108 of this size are still sufficiently large enough to permit substantially free flow of fluid between said exterior and said interior of said container (embodying herein a plurality of orifices structured and arranged to permit substantially free flow of the water between such at least one exterior portion and such at least one interior portion of such at least one container). Preferably, portions of tablet 150 are contained within tablet container 100 so that portions of tablet 150 can be easily removed from the toilet tank 200 (as opposed to portions of tablet 150 potentially being scattered throughout the bottom of toilet tank 200 when tablet 150 is placed directly in toilet tank 200 without tablet container 100). Tether 120 allows a user to remove the remains of tablet 150 without the need to submerge the user's hand to the bottom of toilet tank 200. Preferably, orifices 108 are located on opposing sides of tablet container 100, to permit fluid to enter one side and exit the other side, promoting the free flow of fluid through tablet container 100, as shown (embodying herein wherein such plurality of orifices permits fluid to enter such at least one interior portion through a first side of such container and exit such at least one interior portion through a second side, opposite such first side, of such at least one container). Preferably, orifices 108 are located over more than half of a total exterior surface area of tablet container 100 to promote the free flow of fluid through tablet container 100, as shown (embodying herein wherein such plurality of orifices are located over more than half of a total exterior surface area of such at least one container). Preferably, orifices 108 comprise a square or slotted shape, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as production cost, material selection, how particular kinds of tablets disintegrate, and what size portions of tablet 150 will interfere with the functioning a toilet flushing mechanism, etc., other orifice arrangements may suffice, such as, for example, other orifice shapes (such as, for example, circular, star-shaped, etc.) and other orifice sizes, etc.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a toilet tank (partially cut-away) showing tablet-containing systems installed in three different ways within the toilet tank. As shown, preferably, [0026] tether 120 may be used to tether tablet container 100 below water surface 220 (embodying herein at least one tether structured and arranged to tether such at least one container to the toilet tank) from toilet tank flush lever 206 (embodying herein at least one tether structured and arranged to tether such at least one container to the toilet tank flush lever). Toilet tank flush lever 206 is attached to toilet tank flush handle 204, so that when toilet tank flush handle 204 is depressed, tablet container 100 moves, thereby agitating the water surrounding the tablet container 100 and increasing water flow 222 (See FIG. 2) through such plurality of orifices 108, as shown. Preferably, tether 120 is connected to toilet tank flush lever 206 by connecting attacher fastener 124 to one of the openings 208. Tether 120 allows tablet 150 to be removed from toilet tank 200 more easily and conveniently, since a user does not have to reach down into toilet tank 200 to remove tablet 150, but instead, may pull the tablet container 100 up by tether 120. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as the convenience of tethering tablet container 100 to toilet tank flushing mechanisms, etc., other tablet container installation arrangements may suffice, such as, for example, tethering tablet container 100 to toilet tank wall, for example, by attaching attacher fastener 124 to tank wall fastener 132, as shown, or letting tablet container 100 rest on the bottom of toilet tank 200, as shown, etc.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the [0027] tablet container 100 of FIG. 1, partially showing an attached tether 120.
FIG. 5 is a side view of [0028] tablet container 100, partially showing attached tether 120.
FIG. 6 is a side view (in section) of [0029] tablet container 100, partially showing an attached tether 120.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of [0030] tether 120 and attached tank wall fastener 132. Tank wall fastener 132 is preferably structured and arranged to hang on the top lip of toilet tank wall 202, as shown. Preferably, tablet container 100 comprises a round shape, as shown in FIG. 4, since tablet 150 typically comprises a round shape. Preferably, dimensions of tablet container 100 are sized to accommodate a typical tablet 150 within tablet container 100, as shown. Preferably, tablet container 100 comprises a diameter of about 3½ inches. Preferably, tablet container 100 comprises a width of about 1½ inches. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as tablet size, tablet shape, etc., other tablet container arrangements may suffice, such as, for example, different dimensions, different diameters, widths, shapes, etc.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a tablet containing system. [0031] Tablet container 100 b (analogous to tablet container 100) comprises a square shape, as shown.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of a tablet containing system. Preferably, tablet container [0032] 100 c (analogous to tablet container 100) has slot-shaped orifices 108 c, as shown. Preferably, clasp 106 comprises clasp portion 106 aa and clasp portion 106 bb, which comprise interlocking tabs, as shown. Preferably, tablet container 100 c comprises tether tab 127, preferably with hole 127 b, as shown, for attaching tether 120 to tablet container 100 c. Preferably, tether 120 is attached to tether tab 127 with tether fastener 122 c, as shown.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of [0033] tablet container 100 d (in the closed/clasped position). Preferably, tablet container 100 d (analogous to tablet container 100) has slot-shaped orifices 108 d, as shown. Preferably, clasp 106 comprises clasp portion 106 a′ and clasp portion 106 b′, which comprise interlocking tabs, as shown. Preferably, tablet container 100 d comprises tether tab 127, preferably with hole 127 b, as shown, for attaching tether 120 to tablet container 100 d. Preferably, tether 120 is attached to tether tab 127 with tether fastener 122 c, as shown.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of [0034] tablet container 100 d in the open position.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes, sizes, materials, etc. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims. [0035]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) A tablet container system for containing at least one cleaning tablet in a toilet tank comprising a flushing mechanism and containing flushable water, comprising, in combination:

a) at least one container, comprising at least one interior portion and at least one exterior portion, to contain the at least one tablet;

b) wherein said at least one container is adapted to allow access to said at least one interior portion of said at least one container wherein the at least one tablet can be removably inserted;

c) at least one fastener to prevent accidental access to said at least one interior portion of said at least one container; and

d) a plurality of orifices adapted to permit substantially free flow of the water between said at least one exterior portion and said at least one interior portion of said at least one container;

e) wherein said plurality of orifices are adapted to substantially block egress of significantly-sized tablet-portions from said at least one interior portion of said at least one container.

2) The tablet container system according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of orifices are structured and arranged to substantially block egress of tablet-portions larger than about ⅛-inch diameter from said at least one interior portion of said at least one container.

3) The tablet container system according to claim 2 wherein said plurality of orifices are structured and arranged to substantially block egress of tablet-portions larger than about {fraction (1/16)}-inch diameter from said at least one interior portion of said at least one container.

4) The tablet container system according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of orifices permits fluid to enter said at least one interior portion through a first side of said container, and exit said at least one interior portion through a second side, opposite said first side, of said at least one container.

5) The tablet container system according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of orifices are located over more than half of a total exterior surface area of said at least one container.

6) The tablet container system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one tether to tether said at least one container to the toilet tank.

7) The tablet container system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one container consists essentially of integrally-molded plastic.

8) A tablet container system for containing at least one cleaning tablet in a toilet tank comprising a flushing mechanism and containing flushable water, comprising, in combination:

b) wherein said container is adapted to allow access to said at least one interior portion of said at least one container wherein the at least one tablet can be removably inserted;

c) at least one fastener to prevent accidental access to the at least one interior portion of said container;

d) a plurality of orifices structured and arranged to permit substantially free flow of fluid between said at least one exterior portion and said at least one interior portion of said at least one container; and

e) at least one tether to tether said at least one container to the toilet tank;

f) wherein said at least one tether comprises said at least one fastener.

9) The tablet container system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one tether comprises at least one chain.

10) The tablet container system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one tether comprises at least one cable.

11) The tablet container system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one fastener comprises at least one clip.

12) The tablet container system according to claim 11 wherein said at least one clip comprises metal.

13) A tablet container system for containing at least one cleaning tablet in a toilet tank comprising a toilet tank flush lever and containing flushable water, comprising, in combination:

e) at least one tether to tether said at least one container to the toilet tank flush lever.

14) The tablet container system according to claim 13 wherein said plurality of orifices are structured and arranged to substantially block egress of tablet-portions larger than about ⅛-inch diameter from said at least one interior portion of said at least one container.

15) The tablet container system according to claim 14 wherein said plurality of orifices permits fluid to enter said at least one interior portion through a first side of said container, and exit said at least one interior portion through a second side, opposite said first side, of said at least one container.

16) The tablet container system according to claim 15 wherein said at least one tether comprises said at least one fastener.

17) The tablet container system according to claim 16 wherein said at least one container comprises:

a) at least one first container portion,

b) at least one second container portion,

c) at least one hinge,

d) wherein said at least one hinge connects said at least one first container portion to said at least one second container portion.

18) The tablet container system according to claim 17 wherein said at least one container essentially consists of integrally-molded plastic.

19) The tablet container system according to claim 18 wherein said plurality of orifices are located over more than half of surface area of said at least one container.

20) The tablet container system according to claim 19 wherein said at least one fastener is located on a portion of said at least one container opposite from said at least one hinge.