Patent Application
20240410151
The present invention relates generally to the field of toilet bowl cleaning solutions. More specifically, the present invention relates to pre-packaged strip/sheet infused with a cleaning solution to remove hard stains from a toilet bowl. Each individual strip/sheet of the present invention utilizes the special cleaning solution comprised of water and bleach that helps to remove the stains, and thereby reduce bacteria growth. The strip/sheet can be placed on a desired area of the toilet bowl and is left for a predetermined time such as overnight. The strip/sheet can then be removed and discarded. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, toilet bowls are designed to collect excrement (solid waste). A small amount of water is present in the bottom of the toilet bowl to prevent odors from coming up through the drain. This minimal water level also facilitates flushing by allowing the waste to be pushed down the drain effectively. The interior space of the bowl can easily become soiled as the excrement is collected inside the toilet bowl and flushing removes it with water flow. The combination of waste, water, and frequent use can lead to the buildup of mineral deposits and bacterial growth. This also results in the formation of hard stains in the toilet bowl. These stains can cause a noticeable discoloration in the bowl, typically appearing as an unsightly brownish, orangish, or pinkish ring around the interior of the toilet bowl. Stains cause health hazards for users due to the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms. Additionally, the stains can permanently damage the toilet bowl or the plumbing system if not properly addressed.
Consumers often find it frustrating and time consuming to remove these hard stains. People often resort to using various chemicals and expensive cleaning products, as well as employing various tools such as toilet cleaning brushes, pumice stones, sponges, etc. to clean away stains, mineral rings, etc. found inside the toilet bowl.
However, commercially available toilet bowl cleaning products on the market are ineffective, leading to wasted time, effort, and money. Using brushes and other tools for toilet bowl cleaning is time consuming, requires manual effort and is not suitable for the elderly and people with limited mobility. Also, unwanted and unpleasant sounds are generated while rubbing the brushes and tools against the toilet bowl inner surface, thereby making the user uncomfortable. Storage of existing cleaning products and tools after cleaning the toilet bowl is also a problem for users as they can be unhygienic and consume space. Therefore, people desire an easier and more effective method for cleaning toilet bowl stains.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved toilet bowl cleaning product. There is also a long felt need in the art for a toilet bowl cleaning product that is easy to use and effective in cleaning hard stains. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art of a toilet bowl cleaning product that is less expensive and more effective for cleaning the interior of a toilet bowl. Moreover, there has been a long felt need in the art for an improved cleaning product designed to remove toilet bowl stains effortlessly and does not expose users to harmful chemicals. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a toilet bowl cleaning product that eliminates use of harmful chemicals and use of brushes and other tools to clean inner surfaces of a toilet bowl. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a toilet bowl cleaning product that can be discarded after use thus eliminating the requirement of storing cleaning products after use. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art of a toilet bowl cleaning device that affords users the ability to effortlessly rid their toilet of stains without any manual cleaning or using harmful chemicals.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a toilet bowl cleaning strip/sheet infused in a cleaning solution. The cleaning fabric strip/sheet is infused with the cleaning solution for removing hard stains from the inner surface of a toilet bowl. The cleaning solution includes water, bleach, and fragrance and the strip/sheet is placed over a stain for a certain period of time such as overnight for disinfecting and removing the stain. The bleach can be chlorine-based or chlorine free bleach and the solution is alkaline and non-corrosive. The solution contains about 90% water and about 10% bleach by weight.
In this manner, the novel bleach cleaning fabric strip/sheet of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a relatively easy, cost-effective, and safe solution to using fabric strip/sheet for removing stains from a toilet bowl. The toilet bowl cleaning solution strip/sheet of the present invention are also user friendly, inasmuch as they are less expensive than their alternatives, and do not require the user to exert much effort or labor into eliminating hard stains and reducing bacteria growth from the toilet bowl.
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 general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
As used herein, the term “fabric” or “fabric strip/sheet” refers to a woven or non-woven cloth or fabric infused with bleach cleaning solution. The bleach cleaning solution is applied to the entire roll or stack of fabric during manufacture or before dispensing. The amount of bleach contained within each fabric can vary depending on the type of material used to provide the fabric. In addition, the user may prefer bleach that is organically sourced and compatible with cleaning of toilet bowl. Generally speaking, it is anticipated that for effective cleaning of stains from toilet bowl inner surface, each fabric can contain from about 100 to 300 wight percent of the bleach solution, or more preferably, from about 150 to 200 weight percent of the bleach solution, based on the dry weight of the fabric. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bleach may also comprise a scent or a fragrance.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a unique toilet bowl cleaning product. The cleaning product includes a plurality of fabric strip/sheet. The individual fabric strips/sheets are infused with a bleach solution that removes hard stains from the inner surface of a toilet bowl. The invention offers a novel and effective solution that allows a user to place a plurality of fabric strip/sheet over the stains in the toilet bowl to effectively clean the stains without rubbing and using other cleaning products.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a toilet bowl cleaning solution for impregnating a woven or non-woven fabric strip/sheet to clean toilet bowl stains is disclosed and comprises water and bleach solution. The toilet bowl cleaning solution includes generally 1 part bleach solution by weight, 10 parts water by weight, and 1 part scent by weight. The bleach solution functions as an oxidizing agent for killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in the toilet bowl. Sodium hypochlorite ingredient of the bleach solution lightens and removes stains. The pH of the toilet bowl cleaning solution is preferably in the range of 9-11. Such a range is relatively non-corrosive and does not require ventilation. In another embodiment, the cleaning solution of the present invention has a pH of about 13.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fabric strip/sheet product specifically used for reducing bacterial growth and cleaning stains in a toilet bowl is disclosed and comprises a fibrous and porous fabric strip/sheet, wherein the fabric strip/sheet is infused with an aqueous bleaching solution comprising water, chlorine bleach or chlorine-free bleach, and fragrance.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of using toilet bowl cleaning fabric strip/sheet of the present invention is disclosed to remove stains, bacteria, and other microbes from a toilet bowl. The steps of the method comprise initially acquiring one or more fabric strip/sheet impregnated with the unique solution of the present invention from a plurality of fabric strip/sheet disposed within a container. The unique solution is preferably comprised of water, chlorine bleach or chlorine-free bleach, and a fragrance. Next, an individual flushes the toilet to clean the toilet bowl, turns off the water source of the toilet bowl, and places the acquired fabric strip/sheet over stains of the toilet bowl. The strips/sheets are placed overnight and are finally removed and discarded in the morning to remove stains and associated microbes.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, bleach used in the cleaning solution is made of hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate.
In a still further embodiment of the presently described invention, a fabric strip/sheet soaked in a bleach solution is described and includes a non-woven material. Each fabric strip/sheet is substantially equal in length and width and has dimensions of about 0.5″-6″ in width×2″-12″ in length. The bleach solution including at least water and bleach is used to infuse the fabric strip/sheet, the amount of the bleach solution used for each strip/sheet is approximately 100 to 300 percent of the dry weight of the individual strip/sheet such that the strip/sheet adheres to the inner surface of a toilet bowl.
In yet still a further embodiment of the presently described invention, a method of using a combination dispensing container and toilet bowl cleaning fabric strip/sheet supply is described. The method comprises the steps of initially providing a container that has an enclosed area and an opening covered by a removable lid. Next, a toilet bowl cleaning fabric strip/sheet is inserted into the container and the supply is infused with the novel cleaning solution of the present invention. More specifically, the cleaning solution is alkaline and is comprised of water and bleach. The supply is separated into individual strip/sheet. Next, an individual strip/sheet is removed from the container and is applied over stains of the toilet bowl. The strip/sheet is placed overnight and is removed and disposed of in the morning.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
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 are 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.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
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 and 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 an improved toilet bowl cleaning product. There is also a long felt need in the art for a toilet bowl cleaning product that is easy to use and effective in cleaning hard stains. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art of a toilet bowl cleaning product that is less expensive and more effective for cleaning the interior of a toilet bowl. Moreover, there has been a long felt need in the art for an improved cleaning product designed to remove toilet bowl stains effortlessly and does not expose users to harmful chemicals. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a toilet bowl cleaning product that eliminates use of harmful chemicals and use of brushes and other tools to clean inner surfaces of a toilet bowl. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a toilet bowl cleaning product that can be discarded after use thus eliminating the requirement of storing cleaning products after use. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art of a toilet bowl cleaning device that affords users the ability to effortlessly rid their toilet of stains without any manual cleaning or using harmful chemicals.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a method of using toilet bowl cleaning fabric strip/sheet to remove stains, bacteria, and other microbes from a toilet bowl. The steps of the method comprise initially acquiring one or more fabric strip/sheet impregnated with a unique solution of water and bleach. The bleach can be chlorine bleach or chlorine-free bleach and includes a fragrance. Next, an individual flushes the toilet to clean the toilet bowl, turns off the water source of the toilet bowl, and places the acquired fabric strip/sheet over stains of the toilet bowl. The strips/sheets are placed overnight and are finally removed and discarded in the morning to remove stains and associated microbes.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The strip/sheet 100, 200 of different embodiments of the present invention can come in a package or kit, for example, a stacked form or can be in the form of a roll having perforations allowing an individual to cut or tear a desired size of the strip/sheet. In preferred embodiments, the strip/sheet 100, 200 are made from fabric such as a polyester material or a natural fiber such as cellulosic fibers. Synthetic fibers such as Nylon can also be used for forming the strip/sheet 100. 200. In some embodiments, the toilet bowl cleaning strip/sheet can be made flushable and made of a flushable material which breaks down in a drainage sewer or septic system.
The preferred composition of the solution 300 is comprised of about 5%-15% bleach and 85%-95% water which can be distilled water. In an alternative embodiment, the solution 300 includes from about 10% to 15% bleach and from about 85% to 90% water, by weight. In some embodiments, the solution 300 can include from about 5% to about 15% bleach, from about 2% to about 10% essential oil for fragrance, and from about 75% to about 90% water. The solution 300 is alkaline and provides disinfection, stain removal, and whitening of the toilet bowl.
When a strip/sheet as illustrated in
The strips/sheets are placed on the surface of the toilet bowl for about 4-12 hours and then at step 408, are removed and discarded. The strips/sheets help in removing the stains and help in killing all the microbes. In some of the embodiments, the strips/sheets are flushable and are not required to be removed from the toilet bowl.
It should be noted that the cleaning solution infused toilet bowl cleaning strips/sheets of the present invention do not require a user to use a brush or any other cleaning products. The strip/sheet 100, 200 can be made in different sizes and colors and can have any fragrance. The surface of the individual strip/sheet is flat but can contain raised or lowered patterns. The cleaning strip/sheet can come in different containers such as a wall mounted container or a tabletop container.
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 “cleaning strip/sheet”, “toilet bowl cleaning strip/sheet”, and “strip/sheet” are interchangeable and refer to the toilet bowl cleaning strip/sheet 100, 200 infused with a toilet bowl cleaning solution 300 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the toilet bowl cleaning strip/sheet 100, 200 of the present invention can be of any suitable size 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 the toilet bowl cleaning strip/sheet 100, 200 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the toilet bowl cleaning strip/sheet 100, 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the toilet bowl cleaning strip/sheet 100, 200 are important design parameters for user convenience, the toilet bowl cleaning strip/sheet 100, 200 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
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.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/506,939, which was filed on Jun. 8, 2023 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63506939 | Jun 2023 | US |
