US20210137325A1

US20210137325A1 - Toilet Ring Cleaning Device

Info

Publication number: US20210137325A1
Application number: US17/073,694
Authority: US
Inventors: Seth Hersey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-11-13
Filing date: 2020-10-19
Publication date: 2021-05-13

Abstract

This present invention relates to a hand toilet cleaning tool for effectively removing stains, mineral rings, and other debris from the interior surface of a toilet bowl without requiring the user to position their hand within the toilet bowl. The tool has an elongated handle with a gripping portion and a head portion, wherein an abrasive material may be attached to the head portion for scrubbing the interior of the toilet bowl. The abrasive is removable, and can be replaced after each use. The handle and the head portion are hingedly attached, thereby providing a user with 360-degree cleaning ability without significant bending or twisting.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/934,643, which was filed on Nov. 13, 2019 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of tools for cleaning a toilet bowl. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved hand tool for cleaning an interior of a toilet bowl that comprises a slightly curved handle, a gripping portion on one end of the curved handle for effective gripping of the tool, and a square head on the other end of the handle to which a waterproof sandpaper or scouring pad can be attached to effectively scrub off the minerals and other debris on the interior surface of the toilet. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Notwithstanding, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable with other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, toilets are used in almost all civilized countries in the world. Modern toilets are generally located within an enclosed space such as a bathroom, and are typically comprised of a toilet bowl in fluid communication with a drain, sewer, septic system or holding tank, a seat, a lid for covering the toilet bowl when not in use, a tank for holding water to service the toilet bowl during flushing, and a handle for actuating or flushing the toilet. More specifically, the toilet bowl is used to collect excrement and a minimal amount of water remains in the bottom thereof at all times to prevent odors from emanating up through the drain. The excrement collected by the toilet bowl is then removed by flushing with water that is stored in an associated tank, usually behind or above the toilet bowl to allow for gravity to move the water from the tank to the bowl. The excrement and the water is then sent down the drain to a disposal unit, such as a septic system or a municipal sewage system located outdoors.
Because excrement is collected inside the toilet bowl and frequent water flow is used for flushing out the excrement, the toilet bowl interior space is easily soiled and creates a contaminated environment. This is particularly true where the water stored in the bottom of the bowl and the tank is “hard” water, which is typically high in calcium, iron and other minerals. More specifically, calcium, iron and other minerals commonly found in the water supply may cause staining inside the toilet bowl. Further, the constant presence of moisture combined with the heat of the enclosed space encourages the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, which leads to toilet bowl rings, stains and discoloration. The mineral deposits and the bacterial growth results in a discoloration of the bowl, and can be seen as an unsightly brownish, orangish, and/or pinkish ring around the inside of the toilet bowl. The rings in the toilet bowl are unsightly and, if left unattended for long periods of time, may cause health hazards for users and can permanently damage the toilet or the plumbing. Therefore, the toilet bowl must be frequently cleaned and disinfected in order to avoid unsightly stains and to create a sanitary bathroom environment. However, the chemicals used to clean the toilet bowl can also lead to toilet bowl rings, as well as staining and discoloration on other faucets, fixtures and surfaces.
Liquid cleaning solutions including vinegar, chemicals, acids, etc. may be used along with water and/or toilet cleaning tools to clean toilets and remove stains, mineral build up, mold, mildew and the like inside of a toilet bowl. However, a user must take precaution when using such chemicals and cleaning agents, as the same may be toxic and harmful to the user and to others if not properly handled. More specifically, such chemicals and cleaning agents can cause skin irritation, damage to the eyes, and even death if accidently ingested. In addition, liquid cleaning solutions may require the impacted area to be soaked or subjected to the cleaning liquid for a prolonged period of time to be effective, thereby making the toilet unavailable for use for said prolonged period of time.
To overcome the problems associated with the use of hard water in a toilet, some users install a water softening system at home to reduce the formation of rings inside the toilet bowls. Unfortunately, such water softening systems are costly and may be outside of the budgetary capabilities of many people. Further, while water softening systems may reduce the stains caused by hard water, they will not solve the issues associated with the presence of repeated defecation, mold, mildew and the like.
Various tools such as toilet cleaning brushes, pumice stones, sponges, etc. are commonly used by people to clean away stains, mineral rings, etc. found inside the toilet bowl. However, such tools and devices suffer from a number of inherent limitations. For example, conventional toilet cleaning brushes typically have a brush head attached to a handle, but the brush head is not effective enough in scrubbing off the harsh mineral deposits and other stubborn stains, which results in an unhygienic condition within the toilet bowl. Also, the handle portion of such toilet brushes are oftentimes not long enough, thereby making the cleaning process an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience for the user who has to insert his or her hand or arm into the soiled toilet bowl to clean the same.
Pumice stones work through general abrasive action, and scour away mineral deposits, rings, rust, stains and scale from toilets, sinks, tubs and showers. More specifically, a user submerges the pumice stone in water and gently rubs the pumice stone with back and forth strokes against the stains and mineral rings inside the toilet bowl. However, due to the texture of the pumice stone, unwanted and unpleasant sound is generated while rubbing the stone against the toilet bowl inner surface, thereby making the user uncomfortable. Additionally, the texture of the pumice stone is rough and can be irritating to the hands of the user, and may also damage the porcelain finish within the toilet bowl. Further, it is both difficult and unsanitary for the user to have to position the pumice stone inside the toilet bowl with his or her hand to be able to effectively clean the toilet bowl, thereby exposing the user to germs, bacteria and the like.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a less expensive and more effective tool for cleaning the interior of a toilet bowl. There is also a long felt need in the art for a toilet cleaning tool that is safe and hygienic to use, and that does not require the user to reach deep within the toilet bowl to complete the cleaning process. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a hand tool that can be used to clean a toilet bowl that is capable of accessing all areas of the toilet bowl for an effective cleaning, and that will not damage the surface of the toilet bowl or the user's hand. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved toilet cleaning hand tool that does not expose the user to harmful chemicals and cleaning agents, and that does not generate unpleasant sounds and vibrations while cleaning the toilet bowl. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a toilet bowl cleaning tool that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and safe and easy to use.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toilet bowl cleaning tool having an elongated and slightly curved handle for gripping, a square head portion for receiving a cleaning attachment, and a cleaning attachment. More specifically, the square shaped head portion has a plurality of hook and loop fasteners outwardly facing thereon for mating engagement with corresponding hook and loop fasteners on the cleaning attachment. The cleaning attachment is preferably a waterproof sandpaper or other scrubbing surface that can be applied to the various surfaces of the toilet bowl to, for example, clean the bowl and any mineral deposits, defecation, mold, mildew, etc. thereon, including those traditionally hard to reach surfaces such as under the rim of the bowl. More specifically, the curved handle assists in easily applying the square-shaped head portion underneath the rim area of the toilet bowl where the water is introduced into the bowl, and the area generally where much of the mineral deposit build up occurs. The invention also offers a convenient method for cleaning and removing mineral rings, stains and other debris from inside the toilet bowl without the irritating sounds, sensations and/or vibrations created by less effective prior art devices. In this manner, the toilet ring cleaning tool of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively quick and easy solution to cleaning mineral deposits, stains and other debris from inside a toilet bowl.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toilet ring cleaning tool having an elongated and slightly curved gripping handle with a square head portion positioned on a forward end of the handle. The square shaped head portion includes outwardly facing (i.e., away from the handle portion) hook and loop or other suitable fasteners to removably attach a waterproof piece of sandpaper (e.g., wet surface sandpaper) or other semi-abrasive cleaning tool. The attached sandpaper is used for cleaning and removing the mineral deposits, defecation stains, mold, mildew, etc., from the interior surface of the toilet bowl. More specifically, the curved handle assists in easily applying the square-shaped head portion underneath the ring area of the toilet bowl along with sufficient pressure to remove the mineral buildup, etc.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toilet ring cleaning tool having an elongated handle with a head positioned on one end, and a cleaning instrument removably attached to the head. The elongated handle is comprised of a first end and a second end, wherein the head is attached at the first end, and a protruded hand grip is provided at the second end. The head portion features a plurality of hook and loop fasteners for attaching a waterproof sandpaper to the head end portion. The toilet ring cleaning tool is further comprised of a hanging loop attached to the second end of the handle for mounting the cleaning tool over a wall, door or other area where it may be convenient for the user to store until needed. The fastening mechanism is not limited to hook and loop fasteners, and the sandpaper or other cleaning instrument can be attached to the head end portion through an adhesive or other fastening mechanism, such as mechanical fasteners known in the art. Likewise, other alternatives for the hanging loop can also be employed with the tool, provided that the same allow for the toilet cleaning tool to be easily mounted on, for example, a hanger, wall, door, etc. when the tool is not in use.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a toilet ring cleaning device is disclosed. The toilet cleaning device is comprised of an elongated handle and a relatively square shaped head that is repositionable. More specifically, the handle has a first end that is hingedly or pivotally attached to the square shaped head, and a second end having a protruded handle structure for providing a gripping surface for the user. The square shaped head, in one embodiment, features a hook and loop fastening mechanism for attaching a piece of waterproof sandpaper or other abrasive material to the tool. The repositionable head portion makes it easier for the sandpaper to maintain contact with the curved interior of the toilet bowl as the tool is moved across the same in a scrubbing action.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the toilet cleaning tool can be made up of a plastic, rubber, wood, metal or the like, and can be of any color such as, but not limited to, red, blue, white, black or any other color that satisfies the needs or preferences of the user. The tool may further comprise the names or trademarks of the manufacturer or sponsor of the device, such as the provider of the abrasive used for the cleaning and removal of the mineral buildup. The toilet cleaning tool can be mounted on the wall when not in use, and can be unmounted when the user requires the tool for cleaning the toilet bowl.
In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of cleaning the interior of a toilet bowl using the toilet ring cleaning tool of the present invention is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of initially grasping the tool by a proximal end of a handle, and then attaching a piece or sheet of waterproof sandpaper or other abrasive material to a head end portion of the tool, which is hingedly or pivotally attached to the handle. The toilet ring cleaning device is used to clean stains, mineral rings, water lines, debris or the like from an interior space of the toilet bowl by moving the head end in different angles and directions such that the head end, with the sandpaper or abrasive material thereon, reaches every portion of the interior surface of the toilet bowl, including the lip of the toilet bowl.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2A illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2B illustrates a side partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the handle portion is substantially parallel to the head portion;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the handle portion is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the head portion;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front partially exploded perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein an abrasive pad is about to be removably mounted to the head portion;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the device is being used to clean an interior surface of a toilet bowl without requiring the user to place any portion of his or her hand inside of the toilet bowl;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a user using one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device of the present invention to clean an interior surface of a toilet owl without requiring the user to place any portion of his or her hand inside of the toilet bowl; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure, wherein the device is conveniently mounted to wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a toilet cleaning tool that is hygienic to use, and that does not require the user to reach deep within the toilet bowl to complete the cleaning process. There is also a long felt need in the art for a hand cleaning tool that can be used to clean a toilet bowl that is capable of accessing all areas of the toilet bowl for an effective cleaning, and that will not damage the surface of the toilet bowl or the user's hand. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved toilet cleaning hand tool that does not expose the user to harmful chemicals and cleaning agents, and that does not generate unpleasant sounds and vibrations while cleaning the toilet bowl. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a toilet bowl cleaning tool that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and safe and easy to use.
The innovative product of the present invention features a toilet ring cleaning tool having an elongated and slightly curved gripping handle with a square head portion. The square shaped head portion has an attachment device such as a removable adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or other similar mechanisms to removably attach a portion of waterproof sandpaper or other abrasive material thereto. The head end is hingedly or pivotally attached to the handle, which enables users to utilize the tool by applying different strokes to clean unsightly rings, stains and other debris from inside the toilet bowl without damaging the surface thereof.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the toilet ring cleaning device 100 is comprised of a handle 110, a plate head end 120, an attached waterproof sandpaper or abrasive material 300 and a hanging loop 140. The handle 110 is comprised of a first end 1102 hingedly or pivotably attached to the head end 120, and a second end 1104 that is bulkier than the first end and has one or more protrusions 111 thereon for easier gripping by a user.
The second end 1104 of the handle 110 is attached to a hanging loop 140 for mounting the toilet bowl cleaning tool 100 on a wall, door or the like when not in use. The hinged attachment point between the head end 120 and the first end 1102 of the handle 110 allows the head end 120 to be rotated or pivoted in multiple different directions for effectively cleaning and removing stains, debris, mineral rings or the like from inside the toilet bowl. The hinged attachment provides the user with the advantage of using a rotational motion to scrape stubborn deposits from the toilet bowl by maintaining a greater surface area of the material 300 to the surface of the toilet bowl during the cleaning process, and by applying simultaneous circumferential and axial forces to the stains, debris, and mineral deposits, thereby making cleaning more efficient.
Sandpaper or other abrasive material 300 for use in connection with the present invention will have a particle size ranging from about 3 micrometers to about 160 micrometers, and more particularly a particle size ranging from about 8 to 40 micrometers. Using an abrasive material with a particle size above about 160 micrometers can cause damage to the porcelain of the toilet bowl, and using an abrasive with a particle size of below 3 micrometers will fail, in most cases, to remove the build-up of the mineral deposits or scale.
The present invention may also comprise a lubricant in connection with the abrasive material to aid in the removal of mineral deposits, stains and the like, and to reduce the load and or friction between the abrasive material 300 and porcelain finish of the toilet bowl. Further, if a cloth or paper is the backing that is used with the abrasive material, then the abrasive material 300 may also be treated with a disinfectant material such that when the abrasive material 300 is exposed to water, the disinfectant, anti-microbial or other material is slowly released and can aid in the cleaning process.
The square head 120 is a plate-shaped structure that preferably features a plurality of hook and loop fasteners or other fastener means for attaching a piece of sandpaper or other abrasive material 300 thereto to scrub off the stains and mineral build up from the toilet bowl interior space. More specifically, the square head 120 has an upper surface 1202 and a lower surface 1204, wherein the upper surface 1202 includes the hook fasteners 130 for attaching or detaching the sandpaper or abrasive material having loop fasteners, or vice versa. The hook and loop fastening mechanism enables the abrasive material 300 to be easily attached or removed from the head 120, thereby allowing the user to easily dispose of the sandpaper or abrasive material 300 after each use, or after multiple uses. The lower surface 1204 of the head 120 is attached to the first end or distal end 1102 of the handle 110 of the toilet ring cleaning tool 100. Notwithstanding, other fastening materials are also contemplated for removably attaching the abrasive material 300 to the head portion 120 including, but not limited to, a removable adhesive which temporarily bonds the head 120 and abrasive material 300 to one another and that can be quickly exchanged for a more abrasive material when needed.
As previously noted, the second end 1104 of the handle 110 is designed to be a thicker or bulkier portion of the handle 110 and preferably comprises at least two protrusions 111 to provide an ergonomic grip for the user while cleaning the toilet. Nonetheless, the number of protrusions 111 are not so limited, and one or more protrusions or other gripping textures can be included on the second end 1104 of the handle, which is proximal to the user hand, and the tool 100 is held through the second end 1104. Further, the handle 110 is elongated so as to enable the user to easily reach the otherwise hard to reach areas of the toilet to remove unsightly stains and rings with less effort, such as under the rim of the toilet bowl. More specifically, the user comfortably grasps the handle 110 at the second end 1104, and scrubs off the stains by moving the head portion 120 in different directions inside the toilet bowl. The handle 110 is curved from the X or horizontal axis by an amount ranging from 10° to 30° to provide sufficient ability to reach under the rim of the toilet bowl without the user having to bend over, or place his or her hand within the toilet bowl. More preferably, the curvature of the handle is about 15° to 20°.
The toilet cleaning tool 100 may be constructed from a plastic, rubber, metal, wood or the like, and can be of any color such as red, black, yellow, white or others as per the preferences of the user. The shape of the handle 110 is not limited, and other shapes can be employed while the advantages of the toilet cleaning tool 100 are still served. The toilet cleaning tool 100 can be of any length in the range of one foot to five feet, and can also be flexible for an efficient cleaning. Notwithstanding, the dimensions of the cleaning tool 100 are not so limited, in that they can be of any other suitable length as per the needs of the user. In one embodiment, the handle portion 110 of the cleaning tool 100 may include a length adjustment mechanism 150, such as a telescoping handle, to adjust the length of the cleaning tool 100 to better suit the needs and requirements of different users, and to provide for more convenient storage when not in use (i.e., because of its collapsibility).
The toilet cleaning tool 100 can also be provided as a kit comprising the handle 110, the head portion 120, and a plurality of attachable abrasive materials or sandpapers 300. For example, the kit may contain 20, 40, or 50 sheets of the same or different sandpaper. The number of sheets of sandpaper in the package is not so limited, and may be selected as per the needs and requirements of the user. The kit may also comprise abrasive sheets 300 having different sized abrasive particles so that the user may select an appropriate abrasive material 300 depending on the difficulty or level of buildup of the mineral deposits. The sandpaper or abrasive material may also be impregnated with antimicrobial, antibacterial, sanitizing, disinfecting agents or combinations thereof.
FIG. 2A illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the second end 1104 of the handle 110 is bulkier than the elongated body of the handle 110, and includes two protrusions 111 for providing an ergonomic grip to a user. The protruded structure 111 of the proximal or second end 1104 provides a better grip when the cleaning tool 100 is held by the user, while cleaning the mineral deposits from the toilet bowl. The enhanced grip enables the user to hold the cleaning tool 100 properly, and apply sufficient rubbing force in different directions through the head end 120 of the tool 100 for effectively cleaning the toilet rings and removing the mineral deposit build up. Other features such as a gripping band, a gripping texture, or the like can also be provided on the second end 1104 of the handle 110 to provide for a better grip of the cleaning tool 100 by a user.
FIG. 2B illustrates a side partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the handle portion 110 is substantially parallel to the head portion 120. More specifically, the first end 1102 of the handle 110 supports a hinge mechanism 200 for rotatably attaching the lower surface 1204 of the square head 120. The hinged mechanism 200 enables the square head 120 to be rotated in different directions, thereby enabling the user to use the cleaning tool 100 in different directions with relative ease. The handle 110 and the head end 120 can also be attached through any other fastening mechanisms similar to the hinged fixation 200. FIG. 2C illustrates a side partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the handle portion 110 is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the head portion 120, which is made possible via the presence and operation of the hinge mechanism 200, which may be, for example, a ball and socket type of arrangement to permit 360 degree rotation.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front partially exploded perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein an abrasive pad 300 is about to be removably mounted to the head portion 120. More specifically, a user may attach a strip or piece of sandpaper or other abrasive material 300 to the square head end 120 of the toilet ring cleaning tool 100 via, for example, hook and loop fasteners. The sandpaper 300 is, in an exemplary embodiment, generally square-shaped to match the shape and size of the head 120, waterproof, and reusable. The abrasive material 300 may also contain an antimicrobial, antibacterial, disinfectant agent, or sanitizing agent to aid in the cleaning and disinfection of the toilet bowl. Such agents may be released or otherwise activated with water, and because the abrasive material 300 is relatively waterproof, it will not materially degrade over prolonged use with water. The agents may be applied as a simple coating over the surface of the abrasive material 300, or the same may be impregnated into the base of the abrasive material 300.
The shape and size of the sandpaper or abrasive material 300 enables the sandpaper to completely cover the head 120 of the cleaning tool 100. In other embodiments, other shapes of sandpaper 300 can also be utilized, based on the shape of the head end 120 of the tool 100. For example, the size of the head 120 and the sandpaper 300 may be 3 inches in both length and width. In other embodiments, the head 120 and the sandpaper 300 both may have length and width in the range of two inches to four inches. It will be understood that based on the requirements and needs of the user, the length may be longer than the width and vice versa, thereby giving both the head 120 and the abrasive material 300 a rectangular shape. Nonetheless, other geometric shapes such as a circle, triangle, pentagon, and the like may be used to provide variations on the edges of the scrubbing head.
The abrasive material 300 is further comprised of a front surface 3002 and a back surface 3004. The front surface 3002 of the material 300 is relatively rough, and is utilized for scrubbing, abrading or rubbing any area of the toilet bowl having stains, mineral rings, scale buildup or the like. The back surface 3004 of the material 300 features loop fasteners 330 for fixing the material 300 to the head 120 of the cleaning tool 100. More specifically, the user presses the material 300 with loop fasteners 330 thereon in a direction 320 towards the front surface 1202 of the head 120, wherein the front surface 1202 includes hook fasteners 130, thereby causing the hook 130 to catch in the loops 330, and removably fastening the two together. Once the material 300 is attached to the head 120, the toilet ring cleaning tool 100 is ready to be used for cleaning the dirt and debris from the toilet bowl. Additionally, the user may change the material 300 after one or more uses as needed, by easily detaching or pulling the material 300 from the head 120 to break the hook and loop fastening connection. Nonetheless, other fastening mechanisms may also be used to removably attach the material 300 to the head portion 120 including, without limitation, a removable adhesive. Where an adhesive is used, the adhesive is covered by a removable release liner which is peeled away to expose the adhesive just prior to attachment of the abrasive material 300 to the head 120. The abrasive material 300 is then applied to the head 120. When the cleaning process is completed, the abrasive material 300 may be removed and discarded, and the next piece of abrasive material 300 may be affixed to the head 120.
As previously noted, in one embodiment of the present invention, the head end 120 of the cleaning tool 100 can be of any other shape such as a circle, triangle, rectangle, hexagon, pentagon or the like. Accordingly, the shape of the abrasive material 300 can be selected to completely overlap or cover the surface of the head 120. The abrasive material or sandpaper 300 can also be sized so that it will wrap around the edges of the head 120 so that the edges of the head 120 can also be used to aid in the cleaning of the toilet bowl.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the device 100 is being used to clean an interior surface 410 of a toilet bowl 400 without requiring the user to place any portion of his or her hand inside of the toilet bowl 400. More specifically, a user (not shown) grasps the toilet ring cleaning tool 100 through its proximal end 1104 of the handle 110, and cleans an interior space 410 of a toilet bowl 400. As previously stated, frequent use of the toilet bowl 400 and/or the presence of hard water causes the formation of mineral rings 420, stains, or the like in areas with a continuous moisture state. The user utilizes the toilet cleaning tool 100 of the present invention for cleaning such unsightly rings 420, by orienting the tool 100 at a precise angle, or thrusts it in a single direction to clean irregular or hard-to-reach toilet surfaces, 410 such as under the rim of the toilet bowl 400. The hinge mechanism 200 allows for the user to pivot or rotate the head 120 about the handle 110 in different directions to clean otherwise hard to reach and curved portions of the toilet bowl 400. The ergonomic design of the toilet cleaning tool 100 offers 360-degree cleaning that reaches every area of the toilet bowl 400 without the user having to bend or twist his or her body.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a user 500 using one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device 100 of the present invention to clean an interior surface 410 of a toilet bowl 400 without requiring the user to place any portion of his or her hand 510 inside of the toilet bowl 400. More specifically, the user 500 tightly holds the toilet ring cleaning tool 100 is his or her hand 510, and cleans and removes the mineral rings or stains 420 from inside the toilet bowl 400 in a bathroom 520. The toilet cleaning tool 100 enables the user to effectively clean the toilet bowl 400, and creates a sanitary environment for users. Further, the toilet ring cleaning tool 100 offers a convenient method of cleaning and removing mineral ring and debris inside 410 the toilet bowl 400 without the irritating sounds and/or vibrations created by less effective prior art devices.
The elongated handle 110 of the toilet cleaning tool 100 enables the user 500 to reach each and every area inside the toilet bowl 400 without much bending, which makes the tool 100 ideal for those users with back pain or other mobility problems. The curved handle 110 assists the user 500 in easily applying the head 120 with the abrasive material 300 attached thereto underneath the ring or rim area of the toilet bowl 400. The ergonomic design of the toilet cleaning tool 100 offers 360-degree cleaning and enables the user 500 to reach every area and lip of the toilet bowl 400 without significant bending or twisting. The toilet cleaning tool 100 can also be used with a commercially available toilet cleaning solution. For example, the toilet cleaning solution can be first applied to soften the rings, and then the toilet bowl surface can be scrubbed to clean the rings, stains, debris, etc. by applying force through the head end 120 of the cleaning tool 100.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the toilet ring cleaning device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure, wherein the device 100 is conveniently mounted to a wall 600 of a bathroom 520 and in close proximity to toilet bowl 400. More specifically, a wall mounted hook plate 610 may be mounted on the wall 600, and a user may mount the toilet cleaning tool 100 through the hanging loop 140 on any of the hooks of the wall mounted hook plate 610. The cleaning tool 100 is not limited to the aforementioned design. For example, the device 100 may also be of a bristled design, a mop or any other shape or design that could be used to scrub the surfaces of toilet bowl 400.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “toilet cleaning device”, “toilet cleaning equipment”, “cleaning tool”, “toilet cleaning tool” and “toilet ring cleaning tool” are interchangeable and refer to the toilet ring cleaning device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the toilet ring cleaning tool 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size, shape and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, shape, configuration and material of the toilet ring cleaning tool 100 and its various components as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes of the toilet ring cleaning tool 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the toilet ring cleaning tool 100 and its various components are important design parameters for user convenience, the toilet ring cleaning tool 100 and its components may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A toilet bowl cleaning tool comprising:

a handle having an ergonomic curvature, a first end and a second end;

a material attachment head located on the first end of the handle, and a hand grip located on the second end of the handle;

a hinge provided on the first end and attached to each of the handle and the material attachment head; and

an abrasive material removably attached to the material attachment head.

2. The toilet bowl cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the abrasive material has a particle size ranging from about 3 micrometers to about 160 micrometers.

3. The toilet bowl cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the abrasive material has a particle size ranging from about 8 to 40 micrometers.

4. The toilet bowl cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the abrasive material is further comprised of at least one of an antimicrobial, an antibacterial, a sanitizing agent, a disinfecting agent or a combination thereof.

5. The toilet bowl cleaning tool of claim 4, wherein the at least one of the antimicrobial, the antibacterial, the sanitizing agent, the disinfecting agent or the combination thereof is either a coating on the abrasive material or impregnated into the abrasive material.

6. The toilet bowl cleaning tool of claim 4, wherein the at least one of the antimicrobial, the antibacterial, the sanitizing agent, the disinfecting agent or the combination thereof is water activated.

7. The toilet bowl cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the abrasive material is waterproof.

8. The toilet bowl cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the second end of the handle is comprised of a hook for hanging the toilet bowl cleaning tool.

9. The toilet bowl cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the ergonomic curvature is between about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.

10. The toilet bowl cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the handle is comprised of an adjustment mechanism for lengthening the handle from between 1 foot and 5 feet.

11. The toilet bowl cleaning tool of claim 4, wherein the abrasive material is comprised of a lubricant.

12. A cleaning system for a toilet having a bowl, a lid and a rim, the cleaning system comprising:

a cleaning tool comprised of an elongated handle with an ergonomic curvature, a cleaning end, and a gripping end, wherein the cleaning end is pivotable about the elongated handle; and

an abrasive material removably attached to the cleaning end of the handle, wherein the abrasive material is comprised of a plurality of abrasive particles ranging in size from about 3 micrometers to 160 micrometers.

13. The cleaning system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of abrasive particles range in size from 8 micrometers to 40 micrometers.

14. The cleaning system for a toilet of claim 12, wherein the abrasive material includes at least one of an antimicrobial, an antibacterial, a sanitizing agent, a disinfecting agent and a combination thereof.

15. The cleaning system for a toilet of claim 14, wherein the at least one of the antimicrobial, the antibacterial, the sanitizing agent, the disinfecting agent and the combination thereof is water activated and applied by either a coating or an impregnation of the abrasive material.

16. The cleaning system for a toilet of claim 12, wherein the ergonomic curvature is between about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.

17. The cleaning system for a toilet of claim 12, wherein the abrasive material is attached to the cleaning end by one of a removable adhesive or a plurality of hook and loop fasteners.

18. A tool for cleaning a toilet bowl, the tool comprising:

an elongated handle having a curvature ranging from about 10° to about 30° from a horizontal axis, a gripping end, and a cleaning end, wherein the gripping end is comprised of a plurality of protuberances to aid a user in holding the tool, wherein a width of the tool is greater at the gripping end than at the cleaning end;

a cleaning head pivotably and rotatably attached to the cleaning end of the elongated handle; and

an abrasive material removably attached to the cleaning head, wherein the abrasive material is comprised of a plurality of abrading particles having a size ranging from 3 micrometers to 160 micrometers, and further wherein the abrasive material is attached to the cleaning head by one of a removable adhesive or a hook and loop fastening system.

19. A tool for cleaning a toilet bowl as recited in claim 18, wherein the cleaning head has a shape of one of a square, a circle, a triangle, a rectangle, a hexagon, or a pentagon.

20. A tool for cleaning a toilet bowl as recited in claim 18, wherein the abrasive material includes at least one of an antimicrobial, an antibacterial, a sanitizing agent, a disinfecting agent and a combination thereof.