TANK DISPENSER FOR CLEAN TOILET

FIELD

The present application relates generally to cleaning devices for toilets. More specifically, the present application relates to a tank dispenser configured to dispense a cleaning compound.

BACKGROUND

Generally, toilets must be cleaned regularly to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, preventing the spread of diseases. Additionally, if not cleaned regularly biofilm growth in a toilet may cause unpleasant odors and/or stains. Many internal surfaces of toilets are difficult to reach, resulting in ineffective and/or infrequent cleaning of said internal surfaces. Accordingly, there is a need for cleaning devices and/or toilets configured to passively clean internal components of a toilet, eliminating pathogens and improving user experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure should become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a toilet in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a toilet in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a cleaning device in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG. 3 without a lid 130 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of the cleaning device of FIG. 3 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a back side of the cleaning device of FIG. 3 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7. Illustrates a partial view of the cleaning device of FIG. 3 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates diffuser in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a side of the cleaning device of FIG. 3 including a hanger in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of a hanger in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates an opening mechanism in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a transparent view of a cleaning device including the locking mechanism of FIG. 11 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cleaning device in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a toilet tank in accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cleaning device in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a cleaning device in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cleaning device in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cleaning device in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a cleaning device in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 illustrates a cleaning device in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 illustrates a cleaning device in accordance with another example of the present disclosure.

The figures illustrate several examples of the present disclosure in detail. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details and methodology set forth in the detailed description or illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for cleaning toilets. Specifically, described herein are dispensers configured to provide a cleaning solution to a toilet, toilets including dispensers, and methods of cleaning toilets. The dispensers described herein may include a housing with a reservoir disposed therein configured to store a cleaning compound. In some examples, the reservoir may be configured to store two or more units of a cleaning compound in a vertical arrangement. For example, the reservoir may be configured to store two tablets of a cleaning solution, the tablets disposed in a vertical arrangement. The reservoir may receive a flow of water and the water may mix with the cleaning compound in the reservoir forming or producing a cleaning solution. The dispenser may dispense or provide the cleaning solution to the toilet. For example, the dispenser may provide cleaning solution to the toilet during a flush or operational cycle of the toilet. In some examples, the dispenser may include a lid rotatably coupled to the housing and configured to selectively provide access to the reservoir. One or more units (e.g., tablets) of cleaning compound may be placed in or provided to the reservoir when the lid is in an open position. In some examples, the dispenser may include a button configured to engage the lid, when the button is pressed, the button may disengage the lid. In some examples, the dispenser may further include a biasing member, such as a spring, configured to impinge on the lid and push the lid upward when the button is pushed.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate toilets in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a skirted toilet 10 that includes a tank 11, a pedestal 21 (or base), a seat assembly 17 and a coupling or mounting assembly. The tank 11 may include a container 12 for storing the water used during operational (or flushing) cycles, a lid (or cover) 13 for providing selective access into the container 12, and an actuator 14 that is configured to initiate an operational cycle when activated. The actuator 14 or flush mechanism may be a button configured to activate when depressed (or pulled) a predetermined distance or when touched, a lever configured to activate when rotated a predetermined angular travel, or any suitable device configured to activate based upon an input manipulation by a user.

It should be noted that the shapes and configurations of the tank, pedestal, seat assembly, and the internal components (including the trapway and other features) may vary from the examples shown and described herein, and that the examples disclosed herein are not intended as limitations. It should be noted that various components of the toilet may be made of vitreous china. It should be noted that various components of the toilet may be polymeric and/or over molded or otherwise fixed to the toilet. It should be noted, for example, that although the toilet 10 is shown configured with the tank 11 formed separately from the pedestal 21 and later coupled to the pedestal, the tank may be integrally formed with the pedestal as a one-piece design. In other words, the toilet may be a one-piece design, a two-piece design, or have any suitable configuration. The toilet disclosed herein may have a wide variety of skirted toilet configurations, and all such configurations are intended to be encompassed herein. The following description of various toilet features is therefore intended only to illustrate several examples according to the present disclosure, and it should be understood by those reviewing the present description that similar concepts or features may be included in various other examples.

The tank 11 may include an inlet opening configured to receive water from a coupled water supply, such as from a hose (e.g., line, tube). The tank 11 may also include an inlet valve assembly or other device configured to control the flow of water from the water supply into the tank through the inlet opening. Within the tank 11 may be provided a float device for controlling the inlet valve assembly, such as by opening the valve to refill the container 12 of the tank 11 after an operational cycle and closing the valve when the water in the container 12 reaches a preset volume or height. The tank 11 may also include an outlet opening configured to transfer (e.g., conduct) the water stored in the container 12 of the tank to the pedestal 21 upon activation of the actuator 14. The pedestal 21 may include toilet bowl 23. The tank 11 may include an outlet valve assembly or other device configured to control the flow of water from the tank into the pedestal 21 through the outlet opening.

The pedestal 21 (or base) of the toilet 10 may include a wall 22 having any suitable shape that is configured to form a bowl 23 having an opening formed by an upper rim at the top of the opening. The pedestal 21 may also be configured to include a plurality of walls having varying shapes that together form a bowl having an opening formed by a rim. The wall 22 of the pedestal may extend downward and/or rearward from the bowl 23 to form a lower portion 25 configured to support the pedestal 21 and the toilet 10. The lower portion 25 may be formed by the end (e.g., lower rim) of the wall 22, or may include a member that extends generally in a horizontal plane from one or more than one end of the wall. The pedestal 21 may also include a top member 24 that extends between two sides of the wall 22 (or between two opposing walls) and is provided rearward (or behind) the bowl 23, wherein the top member 24 forms a plateau for supporting the tank 11, such as the bottom surface of the container 12 of the tank 11. The top member 24 may include an inlet opening that may be aligned with the outlet opening of the tank 11, such as when the tank 11 is coupled to (or resting above) the pedestal 21, wherein water is selectively transferred (e.g., conducted) from the tank 11 through the outlet opening of the tank to the pedestal 21 through the inlet opening of the pedestal 21, when the toilet is activated through the actuator 14. The outlet valve assembly may control the flow of water from the tank to the pedestal. The toilet may also include a gasket or seal that is provided between the tank 11 and the pedestal 21 to prohibit leaking. For example, a gasket may be provided between the outlet opening of the tank and the inlet opening of the pedestal to prohibit leaking between the tank and the pedestal.

The plateau or upper surface formed by the top member 24 of the pedestal 21 may also provide for coupling of the seat assembly 17 to the pedestal 21 of the toilet 10. For example, the top member 24 may include one or more than one opening, wherein each opening is configured to receive a fastening device (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) to couple (e.g., attach) the seat assembly 17 to the top member 24 of the pedestal 21. As another example, the top member 24 may include one or more than one fastening device (e.g., bolts, recessed nuts, etc.) integrally formed therein (i.e., already provided connected or coupled to the pedestal 21), wherein the fastening device may be used to couple or secure at least a portion of the seat assembly 17 to the pedestal 21. The seat assembly 17 may include a hinge, hinge shoulders configured to receive a fastener, a seat coupled to the hinge and a cover coupled to the hinge.

The bowl 23 of the pedestal 21 may be configured to include a receptacle (e.g., sump) and an outlet opening, wherein the water and waste is collected in the receptacle until being removed through the outlet opening, such as upon activation of the actuator 14. The pedestal 21 may also include a pedestal internal passageway, such as a trapway, that connects the outlet opening or discharge outlet of the bowl 23 to a drain or soil pipe. The passageway, or trapway, generally includes a first portion, a second portion, and a weir separating the first and second portions. The first portion of the passageway may extend from the outlet opening of the bowl 23 at an upwardly oblique angle to the weir. The second portion of the passageway may extend from the weir downwardly to the exiting device, such as the drain or soil pipe.

Between operational cycles (e.g., flush cycles) of the toilet 10, the water (and waste) is collected in the first portion of the trapway (in addition to the receptacle of the bowl), such that the weir prohibits the water from passing past the weir and into the second portion of the trapway. A flushing cycle may begin upon activation of the actuator 14. Upon activation of the actuator, additional water may be discharged into the bowl 23 of the pedestal 21, resulting in the flushing action and waste removal through the soil pipe. The flushing cycle may include generation of a siphon to assist the flushing action and waste removal.

The seat assembly 17 may include a cover member 18 (e.g., lid), a seat member 19 (e.g., ring member), and a hinge. The seat member 19 may be configured to include an annular member that encircles an opening, wherein the annular member provides a seating surface for the user of the toilet 10. The seat member 19 may also be pivotally coupled (e.g., attached) to the hinge, wherein the seat member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or seated position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 18 may be configured to be round, oval, or any other suitable shape. Typically, the profile or shape of the outer surface of the cover member will be configured to match (i.e., to be substantially similar) to the profile of the outer surface of the seat member to improve the aesthetics of the seat assembly and toilet. The cover member 18 may also be coupled to the hinge, wherein the cover member may rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, such as between a first lowered or down position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 18 may be provided above the seat member in the down position to thereby cover the opening of the seat member 19, as well as to conceal the inside of the bowl 23 of the pedestal 21. The cover member 18 may be configured to rest against the outside surface of the tank 11, when the cover member 18 is in the upright position, such that the cover member 18 remains in the upright position in order for a user to sit upon the seat member 19.

FIG. 2 illustrates a non-skirted toilet 20 according to another example of the present disclosure. The internal components, including the trapway 15, are visible in the pedestal 21 of non-skirted toilet 20. It should be noted that the devices, methods, and systems described herein may include and/or be used with both skirted and non-skirted toilets. It should further be noted that devices, methods, and systems described herein may include or be used with both toilets including tanks and tankless toilets. A waterline may supply a tankless toilet with water during a flush cycle.

Referring generally to FIGS. 3-9, a tank dispenser or cleaning device 100 is illustrated in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. The cleaning device 100 includes a housing 110, a reservoir 120, a lid 130, an inlet connector 140, and an outlet connector 150. In some examples, the cleaning device 100 further include an opening mechanism including a button 160 and a biasing member 170. In some examples, the cleaning device 100 may further include a dial 180 and/or a hanger 190.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the housing 110 includes a reservoir 120 configured to store a cleaning compound and a volume of water. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the reservoir 120 may be a hollow or open space (e.g., a compartment) disposed within the housing 110. FIG. 4 illustrates the cleaning device 100 without the lid 130 (as shown in FIG. 3) which may be rotatably coupled to the housing 110 so as to move between a closed (downward) position and an open (upward) position, selectively providing access to the reservoir 120. For example, a user may place one or more units of cleaning compound in the reservoir 120 when the lid 130 is disposed in the upward or open position. In some examples, the lid 130 may be transparent allowing a user to check a quantity of cleaning compound disposed in the reservoir 120 by looking through the transparent lid 130.

The cleaning compound and a volume of water provided to the reservoir may be configured to mix or react with one another in the reservoir 120 to form or produce a cleaning solution. According to some examples, a volume of water may be provided to the reservoir 120 by a fill valve (e.g., 420) disposed in a tank of the toilet (e.g., 10, 20). The cleaning solution may be provided or dispensed from the reservoir to one or more components (e.g., internal components or surfaces) of a toilet. The cleaning solution may clean the various components of a toilet to which it is provided (e.g., components or surfaces the cleaning solution comes into contact with), for example, removing and preventing biofilm and scale. In some examples, the housing 110 (and thus reservoir 120) may be disposed in the tank of a toilet. In some examples, the reservoir my provide the cleaning solution to an interior of the toilet tank (e.g., container 12) and subsequently, the cleaning solution may be provided to other components of the toilet (e.g., rim channel, rim outlet, bowl, sump, trapway, sump jet channel, sump jet outlet, etc.) during a flushing or operational cycle of the toilet. In other examples, the cleaning solution me be provided directly from the reservoir 120 to a flush valve and to components of the toilet other than the tank (e.g., rim channel, rim outlet, bowl, sump, trapway, sump jet channel, sump jet outlet, etc.) during a flushing or operational cycle of the toilet.

The cleaning compound may be any solid or liquid chemical, chemical compound, chemical element, or combination thereof. In some examples, the chemical compound may be in a dry state, such as in the form of a tablet, disk, or powder. In other example, the chemical compound may be in a liquid state. The cleaning compound and water may mix in the reservoir, forming an aqueous cleaning solution. In some examples, the cleaning compound may include chlorines, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid (PAA). Some additional, non-limiting examples of chemicals/compounds that may be used include polyphosphates, tetra-potassium pyrophosphate, low pH acids, dihydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and compounds thereof. Yet other examples of chemicals/compounds include but are not limited to didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite (such as bleach), PAA, triclosan, formic acid, and compounds thereof. In some examples, the cleaning compound may be a solid tablet including chlorine. According to some examples, the reservoir 120 may be configured to receive two or more units of cleaning compound. For example, each unit of cleaning compound may be a tablet having a predetermined volume and/or concentration of a chemical, chemical compound, chemical element, or combination thereof.

While disposed in the reservoir 120 the cleaning compound may mix or react with a volume of water supplied to the reservoir 120 forming a cleaning solution. For example, the volume of water may dissolve a solid cleaning compound forming or creating an aqueous cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may be provided to internal components, such as, an inside of a tank (e.g., container 12), a rim channel, a rim outlet, a sump jet channel, a sump jet outlet, a bowl, a sump, a trapway, and the like of the toilet, cleaning the toilet. In some examples, the volume of water may dissolve a solid cleaning compound including chlorine forming an aqueous chlorine cleaning solution.

According to some examples, only a portion (e.g., less than all) of the cleaning compound may be dissolved each time a volume (e.g., a predetermined volume of water) is provided to the reservoir 120. Accordingly, one or more units (e.g., tablets) of cleaning compound disposed in the reservoir 120 may mix with multiple volumes of water provided to the reservoir 120, such that the one or more units of cleaning compound may be used to produce multiple doses of cleaning solution, which may subsequently be provided to the toilet.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the cleaning device 100 is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in some examples, the housing 110 may have a cuboid or substantially cuboid shape; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the housing 110 may have another shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16 the housing 110 may have a cylindrical shape. Other shapes are possible, for example, the housing 110 may have a spherical, pyramid, conical, or another shape. In some examples, the housing 110 may have a first pair of sides 111 having a first length 112 and a second pair of sides 113 having a second length 114. In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the second length 114 may be longer than the first length 112. Accordingly, the housing 110 may have a rectangular prism shape.

Referring to FIG. 5, a partial perspective view of the cleaning device 100 is illustrated in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates the cleaning device 100 without a portion of the housing 110. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the reservoir 120 may be configured to store two or more disks or tablets 300 of cleaning compound in a vertical or stacked (e.g., vertically stacked) arrangement. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the tablets 300 of cleaning compound have a substantially cylindrical shape. In some examples, the tablets 300 may be less than 5 inches in diameter and may have a thickness of less than 2 inches.

In some examples, the reservoir 120 may have a depth in a vertical direction (along a first axis) greater than a length (along a second axis) and a width (along a third axis) of the reservoir. In some examples, the reservoir 120 may have a depth that is twice the length of the width of the reservoir 120. The reservoir 120 may be configured to receive a fluid (e.g., flow of water) while the cleaning compound is stored or disposed in the reservoir 120.

Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view including a back side of the cleaning device 100 is provided. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the cleaning device 100 may further include an inlet connector 140 and an outlet connector 150. In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 6, both the inlet connector 140 and the outlet connector 150 may be coupled to (e.g., the same) one of the second pair of sides 113 of the housing 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the inlet connector 140 and/or the outlet connector 150 may be coupled to a different side of the housing 110. For example, the inlet connector 140 and the outlet connector 150 may be coupled to one of the first pair of sides 111. In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 13 an inlet connector 140 and an outlet connector 150 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the housing (210 as illustrated in FIG. 12).

The inlet connector 140 may be in communication with a water source, such as an inlet valve of a toilet and may be configured to conduct or provide a flow or volume of water into the housing 110. In addition to providing a flow of water to the housing 110, the inlet connector 140 may be configured to connect or couple to a conduit (e.g., hose, tube) extending between the water source (e.g., inlet valve) and the inlet connector 140, the conduit configured to supply a flow or volume of water to the inlet connector 140. For example, the conduit may be coupled to the inlet connector 140 so as to circumscribe the inlet connector 140. In other examples, the conduit may be inserted into the inlet connector 140 so as to be circumscribed by the inlet connector 140. In some examples, a locking tie or clamp may be used to couple the inlet connector 140 and the conduit. In the inlet connector may be in communication with a diffuser disposed in the housing 110. A diffuser 195 is described in greater detail hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8.

The outlet connector 150 may be configured to provide or conduct a flow of cleaning solution to a flush valve and/or an interior of a toilet tank (e.g., container 12). A conduit (e.g., hose, tube) may extend between the outlet connecter 150 and a flush valve and/or interior of a toilet tank. In some examples, the cleaning solution may be provided directly to an interior of the toilet tank. In other examples, the cleaning solution may be provided to a flush valve and subsequently from the flush valve to an interior of the tank. In some examples, the cleaning solution may be provided (e.g., via a conduit, flush valve) to a rim channel, sump jet channel, or bowl of the toilet without being introduced to an interior of the toilet tank.

In addition to providing a flow or volume of cleaning solution to a flush valve, interior of a toilet tank, or another component of a toilet, the outlet connector 150 may be configured to connect or couple to a conduit configured to convey the cleaning solution to the flush valve, the interior of the toilet tank, or other component of the toilet. For example, the conduit may be coupled to the outlet connector 150 so as to circumscribe the outlet connector 150. In other examples, the conduit may be inserted into the outlet connector 150 so as to be circumscribed by the outlet connector 150. In some examples, a locking tie or clamp may be used to couple the outlet connector 150 and the conduit.

In some examples, the outlet connector 150 may be in fluid communication with a diffuser provided in the housing and may be configured to receive a flow or volume of cleaning solution from the diffuser. A diffuser 195 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure is described hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8.

The inlet connector 140 and the outlet connector 150 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 110. Specifically, each of the inlet connector 140 and the outlet connector 150 may be rotatably coupled to the housing so as to accommodate connection with conduits connected to the inlet connector 140 and the outlet connector 150, respectively, in a variety of orientations. The inlet connector 140 and the outlet connector 150 may be rotatably coupled to the housing to facilitate connection to conduits in toilet tanks having a variety of sizes, shapes, and layouts. For example, the inlet connector 140 and the outlet connector 150 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 110 to facilitate connection with a conduit configured to supply water to the housing 110 (e.g., reservoir 120) and convey cleaning solution from the housing 110 (e.g., reservoir 120), respectively, in a tank (e.g., container 12) in which there is little empty space.

Referring to FIG. 7, in some examples, the cleaning device 100 may further include a diffuser 195 in communication with the reservoir 120. The diffuser 195 may be configured to provide or conduct a volume of water to the reservoir and provide or conduct a volume of cleaning solution from the reservoir 120. Specifically, the diffuser 195 may include a tube 501 including a plurality of openings 507 in communication with the reservoir 120. In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the tube 501 may have a substantially “U” shape.

The tube 501 may be configured to both conduct a volume or flow of water to the reservoir 120 and conduct a volume or flow of cleaning solution from the reservoir 120. Specifically, the tube 501 may introduce a volume of water to the reservoir 120. The volume of water introduced to the reservoir 120 may mix with the cleaning compound, in some examples, dissolving (e.g., a portion of) the cleaning compound, forming a cleaning solution. In some examples, in addition to mixing with the cleaning compound, a volume of water introduced to the reservoir may also mix with a volume of cleaning solution (i.e., a volume of water previously introduced to the reservoir and mixed with the cleaning compound). In addition to providing a flow or volume of water to the reservoir 120, the tube 501 may be configured to conduct a volume of cleaning solution from the reservoir 120 (e.g., to outlet connector 150).

In some examples, the tube 501 may be disposed in the reservoir 120 and the diffuser 195 may be in direct fluid communication with the reservoir 120 via the openings 507. In other examples, each of the openings 507 may be in fluid communication with the reservoir 120 via a conduit (e.g., hose, tube) extending between the openings 507 and a corresponding (e.g., same shape, same size) opening disposed in a wall of the reservoir 120.

Referring to FIG. 8, an isolated view of a diffuser 195 is illustrated in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 8, in some examples, the diffuser 195 may further include an inlet port 503 disposed at a first end 505 of the tube 501, an outlet port 504 disposed at a second end 506 of the tube 501, and a cross tube 502 extending between the inlet port 503 and the outlet port 504.

The inlet port 503 may be coupled to and in fluid communication with the inlet connector 140. The inlet port 503 may receive a volume or flow of water from the inlet connector 140. The inlet port 503 may be in fluid communication with the tube 501 and the cross tube 502. The inlet port may conduct or provide the flow or volume of water to the tube 501 and/or the cross tube 502.

The outlet port 504 may be coupled to and in fluid communication with the tube 501, the cross tube 502, and the outlet connector 150. The outlet port 504 may provide or conduct a flow or volume of cleaning solution to the outlet connector 150. Specifically, the outlet port 504 may receive a volume of cleaning solution from the tube 501 and/or a volume of water from the cross tube 502. The outlet port 504 may conduct the volume of cleaning solution and/or the volume of water to the outlet connector 150.

The cross tube 502 may extend between the inlet port 503 and the outlet port 504. The cross tube 502 may convey a flow or volume of water from the inlet port 503 to the outlet port 504. Specifically, the cross tube 502 may operate as a bypass, allowing a flow of water to be provided from the inlet port 503 to the outlet port 504 without flowing through the tube 501 and mixing with the cleaning compound disposed in the reservoir 120. Accordingly, a volume and/or concentration of cleaning solution provided to the toilet may be varied by varying a quantity of water provided through the tube 501 and the cross tube 502. For example, a ratio of volume of water provided from the inlet port 503 to the tube 501 and the cross tube 502 may be used to control a quantity and/or concentration of cleaning solution provided to the toilet.

The diffuser may further include one or more valves configured to control a quantity and/or concentration of cleaning solution provided to the toilet by varying a quantity of water traveling through the tube 501 and/or the cross tube 502. For example, a valve may be disposed at the inlet port 503 and/or the outlet port 504. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a dial 180, described hereinafter in greater detail, may be operable by a user to vary a concentration and or quantity of cleaning solution supplied to a toilet may be coupled to the outlet port 504 and/or the one or more valves configured to control a quantity and/or concentration of cleaning solution supplied.

Referring to FIG. 9, in some examples, the cleaning device 100 may further include a dial 180. In some examples, the dial 180 may be configured to control a concentration of cleaning solution in the reservoir 120, such as by rotating the dial between two or more settings. For example, the dial 180 may control a degree and/or a duration of opening or closing of one or more valves supplying water to the reservoir, thus controlling a volume of water supplied to the reservoir 120 and a concentration of a cleaning solution. In other examples, the dial 180 may be configured to change a volume or quantity of cleaning solution dispensed by the cleaning device 100, such as by rotating the dial 180 between two or more settings. For example, the dial 180 may control a degree and/or a duration of opening or closing of one or more valves supplying the cleaning solution to the toilet tank. In some examples, a single dial 180 or two or more dials may be included, allowing a user to select a concentration of cleaning solution and a quantity of cleaning solution dispensed.

Still referring to FIG. 9, in some examples, the cleaning device 100 may further include a hanger 190. The hanger 190 may be used to couple the housing 110 to a side or wall (e.g., wall 26 of the tank 11 of FIG. 2) of a toilet tank. Specifically, the hanger 190 may have a hook shape including a first vertical section 191, a horizontal section 192, and a second vertical section 193. The first vertical section 191 may be coupled to the housing 110. When the hanger 190 is coupled to a side or wall of the tank, the first vertical section 191 may be disposed on a first side of a wall of the tank, the horizontal section 192 may be disposed across a top of the wall of the tank, and the second vertical section 193 may be disposed on a second, opposite side of the wall of the tank, such that the hanger 190 (and housing 110) hangs on the wall of the tank.

Referring to FIG. 10, in some examples, the hanger 190 may further include a mounting portion 601 configured to be coupled to the housings 110 and the first vertical section 191. Specifically, the mounting portion 601 may include two or more protrusions 602 extending therefrom. Each protrusion 602 may include a stem 603 and a flared portion 604. Additionally, the first vertical section 191 may include a plurality of slots 605 extending therethrough. Each of the slots 605 may be configured to receive one of the protrusions 602 extending from the mounting portion 601. Specifically, each slot 605 may include a flared or primary opening 606 and a notch 607 extending therefrom. Each of the protrusions 602 may be inserted through a respective one of the primary openings 606. After being inserted through the primary openings 606, the mounting portion 601 and/or first vertical portion may be moved relative to one another, so that the stem 603 of each protrusion is disposed in a notch 607, coupling the mounting portion 601 to the first vertical section 191.

In some examples, the first vertical section 191 may include more slots 605 than the mounting portion 601 includes protrusions 602. The slots 605 may be arranged vertically along the first vertical section 191. Accordingly, a height at which the mounting portion 601 is coupled to the first vertical section 191 may varied by varying the slots 605 through which one or more protrusions 602 are inserted.

In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the hanger 190 may be coupled to one of the first pair of sides 111 of the housing 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the hanger 190 may be coupled to another side of the housing 110. For example, the hanger 190 may be coupled to one of the second pair of sides 113 of the housing 110. Additionally, the mounting portion 601 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 110, such that an orientation (e.g., angle of the housing 110 relative a wall of the tank) may be changed.

Referring generally to FIGS. 11 and 12, in some examples, the cleaning device 100 may further include an opening mechanism including a button 160, a biasing member 170, and lid 130. The lid 130 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 110. For example, a pin 131 may rotatably couple the lid 130 to the housing 110. The lid 130 may be configured to move (e.g., rotate) about a central axis of the pin 131 between a downward or closed position (as illustrated in FIG. 12) and an upward or open position. When the lid 130 is in the upward or open position, the reservoir 120 may be accessible. For example, a cleaning compound, for example, one or more tablets, may be inserted into the reservoir 120 when the lid 130 is in the open position.

Referring to FIG. 12, in some examples, the button 160 may include a tab 161 configured to engage with the lid 130 when the lid is in a closed position. For example, the tab 161 may engage with a recess or notch 132 disposed in the lid 130. When the tab 161 is engaged with (e.g., disposed within) the notch 132, the tab 161 may maintain the lid 130 in the closed position. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the button 160 may further include one or more elastic members 162, for example, springs configured to maintain the button 160 in an upward position.

In some examples, a position of the tab 161 may change when a position of the button 160 changes (e.g., when the button 160 is depressed). For example, when the button 160 is in the upward position, the tab 161 may extend outward (e.g., be disposed in an extended position). When the tab 161 is in an extended position it may engage the lid 130. For example, when the tab 161 is in an extended position it may be disposed within the notch 132 of the lid.

An upward position of the button may correspond to an extend position of the tab 161 in which the tab 161 is disposed in the notch 132 of the lid 130. When pressed the button 160 may move (e.g., translate) downward and the tab 161 may move to a withdrawn position. The tab 161 may not engage the lid, for example, may not be disposed within the notch 132 when the tab 161 is in the withdrawn position. Specifically, when the button 160 is pressed, the tab 161 may disengage the lid 130.

Additionally, the cleaning device 100 may include a biasing member 170. The biasing member 170 may be configured to apply an upward force to the lid 130. Specifically, the biasing member 170 may be disposed below the lid 130 and include an elastic member 171, for example, a spring, and a rod 172. When the lid 130 is in a closed position, the rod 172 may be in contact with a bottom surface of the lid 130 and the position (i.e., closed position) of the lid 130 may cause the elastic member 171 to be compressed. Specifically, the elastic member 171 may be compressed between lid 130 and the housing 110. As noted above, when the lid 130 is in a closed position, the tab 161 of the button 160 may be disposed in the notch 132 of the lid 130, maintaining the lid 130 in the closed position. However, when the button 160 is pressed, the tab 161 may be withdrawn from the notch 132 and the biasing member 170 may apply an upward force to the lid 130 causing the lid 130 to move from an open position to a closed position.

Referring to FIG. 13, a tank dispenser or cleaning device 200 in accordance with another example of the present disclosure is illustrated. The cleaning device 200 includes a housing 210, reservoir, lid 130, inlet connector 140, outlet connector 150, button 160, dial 180, hanger 190 and diffuser 195. The lid 130, inlet connector 140, outlet connector 150, button 160, biasing member 170, dial 180, hanger 190 and diffuser 195 may all be the same as those described above with respect to FIGS. 3-12.

The housing 210 may be substantially similar to the housing 110 described above with respect to the cleaning device 100; however, the housing 210 may be smaller than the housing 110. Specifically, the housing 210 may include a reservoir that is substantially similar to reservoir 120; however, the reservoir included in housing 210 may be smaller than the reservoir 120 and may not be configured to store or accommodate two tablets of a cleaning compound in a vertically stacked arrangement. As a result, the housing 210 may be smaller than the housing 110.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the inlet connector 140 and the outlet connector 150 may be disposed on or coupled to a bottom surface of the housing 210. As described above, each of the inlet connector 140 and the outlet connector 150 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 210. Providing the inlet connector 140 and the outlet connector 150 on a bottom surface of the housing 210 may advantageously allow the cleaning device 200 be included a variety of different toilet tanks having various shapes and/or sizes. Additionally, providing the inlet connector 140 and outlet connector 150 on the bottom of the housing 210 may facilitate installation of the cleaning device 200.

Referring to FIG. 14, a toilet tank 400 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure is illustrated. The tank 400 may be included in the toilets 10 and 20 described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. The tank 400 may include a cleaning device 410. The cleaning device 410 may be one of the cleaning devices 100, 200 described herein. The tank 400 may further include an inlet valve 420 and a flush valve 430.

The inlet valve 420 may be configured to control a volume or flow of water into the tank 400. The inlet valve 420 may be in fluid communication with the cleaning device 410 via a first conduit 440. Specifically, the first conduit 440 may be coupled to an inlet connector (e.g., 140) of the cleaning device 410. The inlet valve 420 may be configured to control a volume or flow of water provided to the cleaning device 410. In some examples, the inlet valve 420 may include a float device 421 for controlling the inlet valve, such as by opening the valve to refill the tank 400 and provide water to the cleaning device 410 after an operational cycle and closing the valve when the water in the tank reaches a preset volume or height. In some examples, the fill valve 420 may be configured to provide a volume of water to the cleaning device 410 (e.g., via first conduit 440) and a volume of water directly to the tank 400 or flush valve 430.

The flush valve 430 may be configured to control a flow of water and/or cleaning solution from the tank 400 into the toilet (e.g., pedestal, rim channel, sump jet channel, bowl, sump, trapway, and the like). The flush valve 430 may be in fluid communication with the cleaning device 410 via a second conduit 450. Specifically, the second conduit 450 may be coupled to an outlet connector (e.g., 150) of the cleaning device 410. The cleaning device 410 may provide a flow of water and/or cleaning solution to the flush valve 430, for example, while the inlet valve 420 is open. The flush valve 430 may provide the volume of cleaning solution from the cleaning device 410 to the tank 400 and/or another component of the toilet. Specifically, in some examples the flush valve 430 provide the volume of cleaning solution into the tank 400. In other examples, the flush valve 430 may provide the volume of cleaning solution directly to a pedestal (e.g., 21), rim channel, sump jet channel, bowl, sump, or trapway of the toilet.

Referring to FIGS. 15-21 a plurality of cleaning devices each in accordance with an example of the present disclosure are illustrated. The cleaning devices 100 and 200 described herein may additionally or alternatively include any combination of features described below with respect to the cleaning devices 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, and 570.

Referring to FIG. 15, a cleaning device 510 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure is illustrated. The cleaning device 510 includes a lid 511 rotatably coupled to a housing 512 and a latch 513 configured to selectively lock the lid 511 in a closed position. Specifically, the latch 513 may be rotatably coupled to the lid 511 (e.g., an end of the lid) and may engage with a side of the housing 512, locking the lid 511 in a closed position. Specifically, the latch 513 may include a tab or protrusion configured to engage a notch or groove in a side of the housing 512, such that the protrusion is dispose in groove and the lid is maintained in a closed position. The latch 513 may disengage the housing 512 when pushed backwards allowing the lid 511 to be moved to an open position.

Referring to FIG. 16, a cleaning device 520 including a substantially cylindrical housing 521 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure is illustrated. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the cleaning device 520 includes a lid 522 having a substantially circular shape and a latch 523 configured to selectively maintain the lid 522 in a closed position.

Referring to FIG. 17, a cleaning device 530 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the cleaning device 530 includes a lid 531 rotatably coupled to a housing a 532 and a sliding lock 533 configured to selectively maintain the lid 531 in a closed position. Specifically, the sliding lock 533 may be movably (e.g., slidably) coupled to the housing 532 and may include a tab or protrusion configured to engage the lid 531 and maintain a closed position of the lid 531. Specifically, the tab or protrusion may engage the lid 531 by being disposed in a notch or groove in the lid 531. The sliding lock 533 may be pulled so as to slide or translate away from the lid 531, disengaging the lid and allowing the lid to move (e.g., rotate) to an open position.

Referring to FIG. 18, a cleaning device 540 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure is illustrated. As illustrated, the cleaning device 540 includes a lid 541 rotatably coupled to a housing 542 and a twisting lock 543 configured to selectively lock or maintain the lid 541 in a closed position. Specifically, the twisting lock 543 may include a tab or protrusion (e.g., proximate to a first end 544 of the twisting lock 543) configured to engage a notch or groove in the lid 541 maintaining the lid 541 in a closed position. The twisting lock 543 may be so as to disengage the lid 541 allowing the lid 541 to move to an open position. Specifically, the twisting lock 543 may be rotated such that a first end 544 of the twisting lock 543 moves away from the lid.

Referring to FIG. 19, a cleaning device 550 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure is illustrated. The cleaning device 550 includes a lid 551 rotatably coupled to a housing 552 and a latch 553 configured to selectively maintain the lid 551 in a closed position. Specifically, referring to FIG. 19, the lid 551 may extend or hang over a front of the housing 552 and the latch 553 may be disposed below the lid 551. The latch 553 may be disposed in the lid 551 and include a tab or protrusion configured to engage a notch or groove in the housing 552. When grabbed, an upward force may be applied to the latch 553 causing it to disengage the housing 552 and allowing the lid 551 to move to an open position.

Referring to FIG. 20, a cleaning device 560 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure is illustrated. The cleaning device 560 includes a lid 561 rotatably coupled to a housing 562. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the housing 562 may have the shape of an elliptic cylinder and the lid 561 may have an oblong or oval shape. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the lid 561 of the housing 562 may extend or overhang beyond the walls of the housing 562.

Referring to FIG. 21, a cleaning device 570 in accordance with one example of the present disclosure is illustrated. The cleaning device 570 includes a lid 571 rotatably coupled to a housing 572. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the lid 571 (e.g., an entirety of the lid 571) is disposed above the housing 572. Further, the lid 571 may be rotatably coupled to the housing so as to rotate between a closed position in which the lid 571 is disposed above the housing 572 and an open position in which the lid 571 is disposed to the side (e.g., as opposed to a back) of the housing 572. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the housing 572 is transparent, allowing a user to see into the housing and a reservoir (e.g., 120) to determine a quantity of cleaning compound disposed in the reservoir.

When a component, device, element, or the like of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, or the like, the component, device, or element should be considered herein as being “configured to” meet that purpose or to perform that operation or function.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

TANK DISPENSER FOR CLEAN TOILET

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