Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6662379
-
Patent Number
6,662,379
-
Date Filed
Thursday, December 27, 200123 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, December 16, 200321 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Huson; Gregory L.
- Flynn; Amanda
Agents
- Myers; Richard L.
- Myers Dawes Andras & Sherman, LLP
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A toilet cleaning dispenser system adapted for placement in a toilet tank includes a hanger, a dispenser housing and a cartridge device removably coupled to the dispenser housing. The cartridge device, which includes a cleanser tablet enclosed within a cartridge housing, is inserted into a cavity of the dispenser housing and turned in one direction to lock the device and, alternatively, in an opposite direction to unlock the device. The cartridge housing may be formed to turn as one unit, or be formed as a basket and a rotatable cap that can be turned with respect to the basket. The dispenser housing includes an inlet water trap and an outlet water trap, each comprising a pair of concentric, nested tubes that retain liquid after flushing so as to prevent fumes from exiting the dispenser housing into the toilet tank.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to cleaning dispensers for toilet tanks.
2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information
Cleaning systems for toilets typically include a cleaning agent composed of water soluble material formed into a tablet. The tablet is commonly disposed in the toilet bowl or the toilet tank. When placed in the toilet bowl, the cleaning agent is coupled to an interior of the bowl by supporting means, such as wires. Since a cleaning agent must be capable of dissolving quickly due to the short duration in which passing water makes contact with the agent, such cleaning agents get used quickly. This requires the frequent replacement of the supporting means. Since the supporting means is located in the toilet bowl, manually replacement can be messy and undesirable.
Cleaning agents, such as tablets, for placement in a toilet tank are also adapted to dissolve quickly. This results in the release of fumes and various other gases which can cause damage to the plumbing of toilet tank. Cleaning agents placed inside the tank are adapted to be dissolved by a large volume of water, which volume passes through with each flush. As a result, much of the cleaning agent is wasted, thereby requiring frequent replacement.
Cleaning agents, provided in the form of cleanser tablets, for example, may contain chemicals which are harmful upon direct contact with human skin and eyes. Replacement cleanser tablets which are commonly sold separately require the user to make direct contact as the tablet is removed from its packaging and placed into a dispenser. Furthermore, common cleanser tablets which are often brightly colored may tempt younger children to touch or even ingest the cleaning agent, especially if placed in the toilet bowl where a child can gain access.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, structures and associated methods are disclosed which overcome these deficiencies.
In one aspect, a toilet cleaner dispensing system is provided. The system comprises a dispenser housing and a cartridge housing removably coupled to the dispenser housing. The dispenser housing includes an inlet water trap, an outlet water trap and an opening. The cartridge housing is configured to fit in the opening.
The inlet water trap comprises a first downwardly extending tube and a first upwardly extending tube axially aligned with the first downwardly extending tube. The first downwardly extending tube and the first upwardly extending tube have a nesting relationship. The outlet water trap comprises a second downwardly extending tube and a second upwardly extending tube axially aligned with the second downwardly extending tube. The second downwardly extending tube and the second upwardly extending tube also have a nesting relationship. A tablet composed of a toilet cleaning agent is disposed within the cartridge housing. The system further comprises means for releasably locking the cartridge housing to the dispenser housing. The system further comprises a detent locking mechanism. The detent locking mechanism comprises a projection included in the dispenser housing, and a void included in the cartridge housing and configured to receive the projection.
In another aspect, a removable toilet cartridge device is provided and adapted for use in connection with a toilet cleaner dispenser system. The cartridge device comprises a basket including a first sidewall having portions defining a first plurality of apertures, and a cap including a second sidewall having portions defining a second plurality of apertures. The cap is movable with respect to the basket to facilitate alternatively an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the first plurality of apertures has a communicating relationship with the second plurality of apertures. For example, the second plurality of apertures are aligned with the first plurality of apertures in the open position. In the closed position, the first plurality of apertures does not have a communicating relationship with the second plurality of apertures. The second plurality of apertures is preferably configured to match the first plurality of apertures. A cleanser tablet is enclosed within the cap and the basket. The cap further comprises a knob and external threads.
In a further aspect, a disposable toilet cleaning system adapted for use with a toilet including a tank is provided. The cleaning system comprises a toilet cleaning dispenser adapted for disposition in the tank of the toilet and a plurality of disposable cartridge devices. Thus, a single dispenser may be employed while each disposable cartridge device, once used, may be discarded and replaced with a new cartridge device. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing with an inlet water trap, an outlet water trap, and a cavity. Each disposable cartridge device comprises a cartridge housing and a cleanser tablet disposed within the cartridge housing. Each cartridge housing is compatible with the dispenser and thus configured to removably fit in the opening. The disposable cartridge housing comprises a cap with a first aperture and a basket having a second aperture. The cap is movable with respect to the basket to facilitate an open position in which the first aperture is aligned with the second aperture and a closed position in which the first aperture is not aligned with the second aperture. Each cartridge housing comprises a cylindrical sidewall with a first plurality of apertures and a base with a second plurality of apertures.
Accordingly, a disposable toilet cartridge device adapted for use in connection with a toilet cleaning dispenser housing is provided as well. The device comprises a cartridge housing adapted to be removably coupled to the cleaning dispenser housing and a cleansing tablet disposed within the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing comprises a basket and a cap. The cap is movable with respect to the basket to facilitate alternatively an open position providing fluid access to the cleansing tablet and a closed position blocking fluid access to cleansing tablet. The basket includes a first sidewall with a first aperture. The cap includes a second sidewall and a second aperture. The cap is rotatable with respect to the basket to facilitate alternatively the open position in which the first aperture is aligned with the second aperture and the closed position in which the first aperture is not aligned with the second aperture. The cap further comprises a knob.
In another aspect, a toilet cleaning dispenser assembly comprises a dispenser housing comprising an opening, and a cartridge device adapted to be releasably locked to the dispenser housing. The cartridge device comprises a cartridge housing configured to fit in the opening and a cleanser tablet disposed within the cartridge housing. At least a portion of the cartridge housing is movable with respect to the dispenser housing to facilitate alternatively a locked relationship with the dispenser housing and an unlocked relationship with the dispenser housing. The portion of the cartridge housing that is movable with respect to the dispenser housing comprises a cap with a knob. The cartridge housing further comprises a basket coupled to the cap. The cartridge housing may alternatively comprise a cylindrical sidewall with a first plurality of apertures and a base with a second plurality of apertures.
A method for installing and removing a toilet cleanser in a toilet tank is provided. The method comprises enclosing a cleanser tablet in a cartridge housing, inserting the cartridge housing in a dispenser housing, turning at least a portion of the cartridge housing in a first direction to lock the cartridge housing to the dispenser housing, and turning at least the portion of the cartridge housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction to unlock the cartridge housing from the dispenser housing.
The step of enclosing a cleanser tablet in a cartridge housing comprises the step of housing the cleanser tablet with a basket and a cap that is movable with respect to the basket. The step of turning at least a portion of the cartridge housing in a first direction to lock the cartridge housing to the dispenser housing comprises the step of rotating the cap in the first direction. The step of turning at least the portion of the cartridge housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction to unlock the cartridge housing from the dispenser housing comprises the step of rotating the cap in the second direction.
The method further comprises the step of keeping the basket stationary when the cap is rotated. The step of rotating the cap in the first direction comprises the step of providing fluid access to the cleanser tablet. The step of rotating the cap in the second direction comprises the step of blocking fluid access to the cleanser tablet. The step of turning at least a portion of the cartridge housing in a first direction to lock the cartridge housing to the dispenser housing comprises the step of rotating the cartridge housing as one unit in the first direction. The step of turning at least the portion of the cartridge housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction to unlock the cartridge housing from the dispenser housing comprises the step of rotating the cartridge housing as one unit in the second direction.
Furthermore, a method is provided for dispensing toilet cleanser in a toilet having a toilet tank, a fill tube and an overflow tube. The method comprises channeling liquid from a fill tube into a dispenser housing, absorbing a cleanser tablet in the dispenser housing with the channeled liquid, directing liquid out of the dispenser housing to the overflow tube, and preventing fumes from escaping the dispenser housing into the toilet tank.
The step of preventing fumes from escaping the dispenser housing into the toilet tank comprises the steps of blocking the fumes from entering the fill tube with a first water trap and blocking the fumes from entering the overflow tube with a second water trap. The step of blocking the fumes from entering the fill tube with a first water trap comprises the step of providing a first pair of concentric tubes in a nested relationship. The step of blocking the fumes from entering the overflow tube with a second water trap comprises the step of providing a second pair of concentric tubes in a nested relationship.
The method further comprises the step of preventing siphoning of liquid out of the dispenser housing through the fill tube. The step of preventing siphoning of liquid out of the dispenser housing through the fill tube comprises the step of providing the dispenser housing with an air check valve.
In summary, a toilet cleaning dispenser system adapted for placement in a toilet tank includes a hanger, a dispenser housing and a cartridge device removably coupled to the dispenser housing. The cartridge device, which includes a cleanser tablet enclosed within a cartridge housing, is inserted into a cavity of the dispenser housing and turned in one direction to lock the device and, alternatively, in an opposite direction to unlock the device. The cartridge housing may be formed to turn as one unit, or be formed as a basket and a rotatable cap that can be turned with respect to the basket. The dispenser housing includes an inlet water trap and an outlet water trap, each comprising a pair of concentric, nested tubes that retain liquid after flushing so as to prevent fumes from exiting the dispenser housing into the toilet tank.
The invention, now having been briefly summarized, may be better visualized by turning to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a cutaway perspective view of a toilet tank employing a first preferred embodiment of a cleaner dispenser system;
FIG. 2A
is a top plan view of the toilet cleaner dispenser system;
FIG. 2B
is a front elevation view of the dispenser system;
FIG. 2C
is a side elevation view of the dispenser system;
FIG. 3
is a cutaway, exploded view of a first preferred dispenser housing.
FIG. 4A
is an exploded, perspective view of the dispenser system;
FIG. 4B
is a perspective view of the dispenser system; and
FIG. 5A
is an exploded, perspective view of a cartridge device;
FIG. 5B
is a perspective view of the cartridge device illustrating a closed position;
FIG. 5C
a perspective view of the cartridge device illustrating an open position;
FIG. 5D
is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge device;
FIG. 6
is cross-sectional of view of the dispenser system prior to operation;
FIG. 7
is a schematic, cross-sectional front view of the dispenser system in operation as a toilet is initially flushed;
FIG. 8
is a schematic, cross-sectional front view of the dispenser system in operation as the flushing is almost complete;
FIG. 9
is a schematic, cross-sectional front view of the dispenser system in a steady state subsequent to flushing;
FIG. 10
is a schematic front view of the dispenser system illustrating a vacuum breaking, or anti-siphoning, feature in effect during the steady state;
FIG. 11A
is an exploded, perspective view of a second preferred cartridge device;
FIG. 11B
is a top perspective view of the second preferred cartridge device;
FIG. 11C
is a bottom perspective view of the second preferred cartridge device; and
FIG. 12
is a cutaway, exploded view of a second preferred dispenser housing.
The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF INVENTION
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a toilet tank assembly
10
employing a preferred dispenser system
20
according to the invention. The dispenser assembly
20
is coupled to a fill valve
24
and an overflow tube
28
. In particular, a fill tube
22
extends from the fill valve
24
to the dispenser system
20
. An outflow tube
26
is coupled to the dispenser system
20
and the overflow tube
28
.
The dispenser system
20
is adapted for placement within a toilet tank
31
. In particular, the system
20
includes a hanger
33
configured to hang from a rear sidewall
35
of the tank
31
. The system
20
is thus sufficiently compact to fit conveniently within the tank
31
while enabling easy access for maintenance.
In
FIGS. 2A-2C
, the dispenser system
20
includes a dispenser housing
37
preferably configured to be removably coupled to the hanger
33
. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser housing
37
comprises ratcheted tabs, or detents,
39
, shown also in
FIG. 3
, that slide into slots
42
defined in the hanger
33
. It is to be expressly understood that a variety of mechanisms may be employed to removably couple the dispenser housing
37
to the hanger
33
.
FIG. 3
is a cutaway, exploded view of a first preferred dispenser housing
37
. The dispenser housing
37
includes an inlet port
44
for receiving incoming liquid from the fill tube
22
and an outlet port
46
for directing fluid out through the outflow tube
26
. The inlet port
44
is preferably disposed above the outlet port
46
. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser housing
37
comprises a first portion
48
and a second portion
51
which may be formed integrally with or separately from the first portion
48
. The housing
37
includes a first, or inlet, water trap
53
and a second, or outlet, water trap
55
, both of which are configured to trap water so as to prevent fumes within the dispenser housing
37
from escaping into the tank
31
where they might cause damage. As described in further detail below, the water traps
53
,
55
are configured to prevent fumes from entering the fill tube
22
and outflow tube
26
, respectively.
The first water trap
53
comprises a first pair of aligned tubes
57
,
59
. The tubes
57
,
59
have a nesting relationship wherein a first small tube
57
extending downwardly from a ceiling
62
of the first dispenser portion
48
is nested within a first large tube
59
extending upwardly from a floor
64
of the second dispenser portion
51
.
Accordingly, the second water trap
55
comprises a second pair of aligned tubes
66
,
71
that also have a nesting relationship. In particular, a second large tube
66
extending downwardly from the ceiling
62
is nested within a water trap wall
71
extending upwardly from the floor
64
. The water trap wall
71
is formed around an outlet tube
68
that is open at both ends to direct liquid out of the dispenser system
20
through the outlet port
46
. The outlet tube
68
protrudes downwardly from the floor
64
so as to provide portion to be coupled to the outflow tube
26
, as shown in FIG.
6
. The water trap wall
71
has a top edge
73
that defines a equilibrium point, or threshold, as operatively described further below. Thus, each water trap
53
,
55
comprises a downwardly extending tube
57
,
66
aligned with and nested within a wider, upwardly extending tube
59
,
71
.
In
FIGS. 3
,
4
A and
4
B, the dispenser housing
37
comprises a cavity
75
configured to receive a cartridge device
77
. The cavity
75
is defined by a cylinder
79
that preferably includes threads
82
. A vertical guide
84
extending from the cylinder
79
serves to position and help secure the cartridge device
77
disposed in the cavity
75
. A projection
85
extends upwardly from the floor
64
to secure a basket
91
of the cartridge device
77
as described further below.
In
FIGS. 5A-5D
, the cartridge device
77
comprises a cartridge housing
86
and a cleanser tablet
88
enclosed within. The cleanser tablet
88
is composed of a cleaning agent and is dissolvable upon contact with water. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge housing
86
comprises a cup, or basket
91
, and a cap
93
that is movable with respect to the basket
91
. The basket
91
includes a cylindrical sidewall
95
with opposing portions that define a first plurality of apertures
97
. In
FIG. 5D
, the basket
91
further comprises a base
99
that defines a slot, or groove
102
for receiving the projection
85
shown in FIG.
3
.
The cap
93
also comprises a cylindrical sidewall
104
with portions that define a second plurality of apertures
106
. The second plurality of apertures
106
are configured in accordance with the first plurality of apertures
97
and are thus provided in opposite groupings. A sealing gasket
108
is disposed in an annular groove
111
defined above an external threads
113
. The cap
93
also comprises a top knob
115
.
In a preferred method of assembly, the basket
91
and the cap
93
are brought together axially with the cleanser tablet
88
enclosed. In particular, the basket
91
and cap
93
are assembled in a closed position wherein the first plurality of basket apertures
97
are not aligned with the second plurality of cap apertures
106
. In this closed position in which the cartridge device
77
would be shipped and sold, it will be appreciated that the enclosed cleanser tablet
88
is sealed from external fluid communication. The cleanser tablet
88
is further blocked from any direct human contact. Users handling the cartridge device
77
will appreciate not having to make any direct skin contact with the cleanser tablet
88
. This unique safety feature also prevents children who may grab hold of the cartridge device
77
from licking, touching, or making any type of direct contact with the cleanser tablet
88
.
In this closed position, the cartridge device
77
is inserted into the cavity
75
of the dispenser housing
37
as shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B
. The cartridge device
77
is configured such that the cap
93
is movable with respect to the basket
91
to facilitate alternatively an open position providing fluid access to the cleanser tablet
88
and the closed position blocking fluid access to the cleanser tablet
88
. In particular, the cap
93
is rotatable with respect to the basket
91
between the closed position shown in
FIG. 5B
, wherein the first plurality of basket apertures
97
do not have a communicating relationship with the second plurality of cap apertures (not shown), and the open position shown in
FIG. 5C
wherein the first plurality of basket apertures
97
have a communicating relationship with the second plurality of cap apertures
106
.
A releasable locking mechanism
117
for the basket
91
and cap
93
is provided in the form of detents
119
formed at a bottom of the basket cylindrical sidewall
95
and corresponding holes
122
formed at a bottom of the cap cylindrical sidewall
104
. Rotation of the knob
115
, and thus rotation of the cap
93
, is interrupted at precise locking positions wherein the detents
119
protrude through the holes
122
, thereby releasably locking the cap to the basket
91
in a closed or open position. The detents
119
and holes
122
are configured in accordance with the configuration of the basket apertures
97
and the cap apertures
106
such that the locking positions comprise the open or closed position as discussed above.
In a preferred method of installation as shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B
, the cartridge device
77
is removably coupled to the dispenser housing
37
. In particular, the cartridge device
77
in the as-sold closed position is inserted into the cavity
75
of the dispenser housing
73
, with the groove
102
of the basket
91
aligned with the projection
85
of the dispenser housing
37
. Substantially the full length of the cap cylindrical sidewall
104
is inserted into the cavity
75
. The vertical guides
84
help position the cartridge housing
86
.
By turning the knob
115
in a first direction (shown clockwise in FIGS.
4
A and
4
B), the following occur:
1) the basket
91
is rotated with respect to the cap
93
to facilitate an open position which provides fluid access to the enclosed cleanser tablet (not shown), thereby activating the cartridge device
77
;
2) the cartridge device
77
is releasably locked to the dispenser housing
37
as the external threads
113
of the cap
93
mates with the internal threads
82
of the dispenser cylinder
79
.
To facilitate rotation of the cap
93
with respect to the basket
91
, the basket
91
is secured to the dispenser housing
37
and kept stationary by virtue of the groove
102
of the basket
91
receiving the projection
85
of the dispenser housing as shown in FIG.
6
. It will be appreciated that with a single rotating motion in the first direction, the cartridge device
77
is concurrently activated and secured to the dispenser housing
37
. Accordingly, with a single rotating motion in a second direction (i.e., counter-clockwise in the illustrated embodiment) opposite to the first direction, the cartridge device
77
is deactivated as it is brought to the closed position. Concurrently, the cartridge device
77
is unlocked from the dispenser housing
37
, enabling the device
77
to be removed and replaced.
FIG. 6
illustrates an installed dispenser system
20
prior to usage. The fill tube
22
extending from the fill valve (not shown) is coupled to the inlet tube
44
while the outflow tube
26
is coupled to the outlet tube
68
. An anti-siphon check valve
126
included in the dispenser housing
37
comprises a valve chamber
128
with an upper valve orifice
131
and a lower aperture
133
such that the chamber
128
is in fluid communication with both the first downwardly extending tube
57
and an exterior
137
of the system
20
. The valve
126
includes a ball
138
disposed within the chamber
128
and configured to block the valve orifice
131
when liquid enters the chamber
128
.
FIG. 7
illustrates the dispenser system
20
in operation as a toilet is initially flushed. Liquid enters the system
20
from the fill tube
22
through the inlet port
44
. The valve chamber
128
is flooded, causing the ball
138
to seal the valve orifice
131
. Liquid is directed by the first downwardly extending tube
57
into the first upwardly extending tube
59
until it rises above an inlet water trap level
139
defined by the top of the first upwardly extending tube
59
. As this inlet water trap
53
is flooded, liquid overflows onto the floor
64
and begins to fill the system
20
. The liquid fills the space within the system
20
, including the cartridge device
77
, thereby making contact with the cleanser tablet
88
and absorbing the cleaning agent. Displaced air within the system
20
is vented out through the outlet water trap
55
.
As liquid continues to fill the system
20
as shown in
FIG. 8
, the water level
142
will rise above the top edge
73
of the water trap wall
71
. At this point, liquid which has been exposed to the cleanser tablet
88
fills the outlet water trap
55
and exits the system
20
through the outlet tube
68
and the outflow tube
26
. Air
144
remaining in the system
20
is trapped as pressure builds to a system equilibrium. It will be appreciated that the airspace
146
in the system
20
is minimized so as to provide optimum reaction time before liquid begins exiting the system
20
. This maximizes the capacity of the liquid to absorb the cleaning agent during an initial tank flush before the toilet flush valve (not shown) closes.
Once the fill valve (not shown) has shut off, liquid continues to exit the system
20
via siphoning until the water level
142
descends to the top edge
73
of the water trap wall
71
as shown in FIG.
9
. Drainage by siphoning may be accomplished by positioning a distal end (not shown) of the flexible outflow tube
26
at a level below the dispensing system
20
. While the outlet tube
68
is emptied of liquid, the outlet water trap
55
retains liquid disposed between an outer surface of the outlet tube
68
and an inner surface of the second downwardly extending tube
66
. Similar to the water level
142
outside the outlet water trap
55
, the water level
148
within the outer water trap
55
also descends to the height of the top edge
73
of the water trap wall
71
. The inlet water trap
53
also retains liquid with a water level
151
. Air enters the check valve
126
as the ball
138
drops.
Therefore, once siphoning ceases, liquid is retained in both the inlet water trap
53
and the outlet water trap
55
, thereby sealing the airspace
146
defined therebetween. Air
144
in this airspace
146
which may include fumes released as a result of the dissolution of the cleanser tablet
88
is trapped. Thus, the trapped air
144
is prevented from escaping the system
20
through the inlet tube
44
or the outlet tube
68
. The cleanser tablet
88
is partially submerged in the residual water
153
outside the water traps
53
,
55
. It will be appreciated that the top edge
73
of the water trap wall
71
may be adjusted to alter the height of the residual water
153
at a higher or lower level relative to the cleanser tablet
88
.
In
FIG. 10
, it will be appreciated that an anti-vacuum, or vacuum breaking, feature is facilitated by the check valve
126
. In particular, should air be drawn out of the inlet tube
44
through the fill tube
22
, as indicated by arrow
155
, air outside the system
20
is drawn in through the check valve
126
, thereby breaking any potential vacuum. Air entering the check valve
126
percolates above the water level
151
in the inlet water trap
53
and travels out the fill tube
22
, but does not enter the sealed off airspace
146
.
FIGS. 11A-11C
illustrate a second preferred embodiment of a removable cartridge device
157
. The cartridge device
157
comprises a cleanser tablet
159
enclosed within a cartridge housing
162
. The cartridge housing
162
comprises a main cylindrical sidewall
164
with portions defining a plurality of apertures
166
. A top portion
168
of the housing
162
includes a turning knob
171
, a groove
173
that receives a gasket
175
, and external threads
177
. The cartridge housing
162
also comprises a base
178
. The base
178
includes a bottom floor
179
with a plurality of apertures
182
. An upwardly extending cylindrical rim
184
is configured to fit within and abut the main cylindrical sidewall
164
. Therefore, unlike the first preferred cartridge
77
which includes a pair of concentric sidewalls
95
,
104
movable with respect to each other to facilitate open and closed positions as shown in
FIGS. 5A-5D
, the second preferred cartridge housing
162
comprises a single sidewall
164
. The bottom groove
102
of the first preferred cartridge device
77
is preferably omitted in the second preferred cartridge housing
162
since the cartridge housing
162
does not comprise parts that are movable with respect to each other. The cartridge housing
162
may be provided as one integral housing, or as a plurality of separate parts.
The second preferred cartridge device
157
thus remains in a constant open position. It will be appreciated that the encapsulated cleanser tablet
159
is nonetheless shielded from direct contact with a user. Installation and removal of the cartridge device
157
follows substantially the same procedure as described above in connection with the first preferred cartridge device
77
. Unlike the first preferred cartridge device
77
, however, rotating the second preferred cartridge device
157
to lock or unlock comprises rotating the entire cartridge housing
162
as one unit since the housing
162
omits parts that are movable with respect to each other.
With reference to
FIGS. 11A-11C
and
FIG. 12
, a detent locking mechanism is provided. In
FIG. 12
, a second preferred dispenser housing
186
has a substantially similar structure as the first preferred dispenser housing
37
shown in
FIG. 3
, except that the second preferred dispenser housing
186
includes internal threads
188
with at least one projection, or bump,
191
. In
FIGS. 11A-11C
, gaps, or breaks,
193
are formed in the external threads
177
so as form a space, or void, for releasably receiving the projection
191
. Thus, the projection
191
and the gaps
193
collectively form the detent locking mechanism which enables the cartridge device
157
to be releasably locked in a fixed position with respect to the dispenser housing
186
. Though releasable by manual operation, the detent locking mechanism prevents the cartridge device
157
from self disengagement under cycling pressure with normal usage.
With all the preferred embodiments of the cartridge devices, a disposable toilet cleaner system, or replacement system, is provided wherein a plurality of disposable, replacement cartridge devices may be provided for a single dispenser housing. Unlike conventional approaches in which separately sold cleanser tablets must be handled by the user, the disposable system according to the invention prevents any direct human contact with the enclosed cleanser tablet. Replacement cartridge devices, each with its own enclosed cleanser tablet, may be sold separately from the dispenser housing.
It will further be appreciated that an associated method for replacing toilet cleaner tablets is provided that prevents the user from directly contacting any cleanser tablet. To replenish the dispensing system, a user may simply remove and discard an existing, depleted cartridge device. A new cartridge device may then be installed by inserting the device into the cavity of the dispenser housing and twisting the knob in a first direction to releasably lock the cartridge device to the dispenser housing. Accordingly, twisting the knob in a second opposite direction will unlock the cartridge device from the dispenser housing, enabling the device to be retracted and thereafter discarded. Thus, in each embodiment, a bayonet coupling is provided between the dispenser housing and the cartridge housing. In particular, the cartridge housing is twisted with respect to the dispenser housing so as to form a releasable lock that prevents axial retraction of the cartridge housing.
Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.
The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.
The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
Claims
- 1. A toilet cleaner dispensing system, comprising:a dispenser housing having an opening; a first downwardly extending tube and a first upwardly extending tube included in the dispenser housing, the first downwardly extending tube having a first nesting relationship with the first upwardly extending tube to form an inlet water trap; a second downwardly extending tube and a second upwardly extending tube included in the dispenser housing, the second downwardly extending tube having a second nesting relationship with the second upwardly extending tube to form an outlet water trap; and a cartridge housing removably coupled to the dispenser housing, the cartridge housing being configured to fit in the opening.
- 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a tablet composed of a toilet cleaning agent and disposed within the cartridge housing.
- 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for releasably locking the cartridge housing to the dispenser housing.
- 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a detent locking mechanism.
- 5. A toilet cleaner dispensing system, comprising:a dispenser housing including an inlet water trap, an outlet water trap, and an opening; a cartridge housing removably coupled to the dispenser housing, the cartridge housing being configured to fit in the opening; and a detent locking mechanism comprising a projection included in the dispenser housing and a void included in the cartridge housing and configured to receive the projection.
- 6. A disposable toilet cleaning system adapted for use with a toilet including a tank, the cleaning system comprising:a toilet cleaning dispenser adapted for disposition in the tank of the toilet, the dispenser including a dispenser housing with a cavity; a first downwardly extending tube and a first upwardly extending tube included in the dispenser housing, the first downwardly extending tube having a first nesting relationship with the first upwardly extending tube to form an inlet water trap; a second downwardly extending tube and a second upwardly extending tube included in the dispenser housing, the second downwardly extending tube having a second nesting relationship with the second upwardly extending tube to form an outlet water trap; and a plurality of disposable cartridge devices, each disposable cartridge device comprising a cartridge housing and a cleanser tablet disposed within the cartridge housing, each cartridge housing being configured to removably fit in the cavity.
- 7. The system of claim 6, wherein each cartridge housing comprises:a cylindrical sidewall with a first plurality of apertures; and a base with a second plurality of apertures.
- 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the disposable cartridge housing comprises:a cap with a first aperture; and a basket having a second aperture.
- 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the cap is movable with respect to the basket to facilitate an open position in which the first aperture is aligned with the second aperture and a closed position in which the first aperture is not aligned with the second aperture.
- 10. A toilet cleaning dispenser assembly, comprising:a dispenser housing comprising an opening; and a cartridge device adapted to be releasably locked to the dispenser housing, the cartridge device comprising a cartridge housing configured to fit in the opening and a cleanser tablet disposed within the cartridge housing; wherein at least a portion of the cartridge housing is movable with respect to the dispenser housing to facilitate alternatively a locked relationship with the dispenser housing and an unlocked relationship with the dispenser housing.
- 11. The dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein the portion of the cartridge housing that is movable with respect to the dispenser housing comprises a cap with a knob.
- 12. The dispenser assembly of claim 11, wherein the cartridge housing further comprises a basket coupled to the cap.
- 13. The dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein:the dispenser housing further comprises an internal thread disposed in the opening, the internal thread including a projection; and the cartridge housing comprises an external thread with a void configured to receive the projection.
- 14. The dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein the cartridge housing comprises:a cylindrical sidewall with a first plurality of apertures; and a base with a second plurality of apertures.
- 15. The dispenser assembly of claim 14, wherein the cylindrical sidewall is rotatable with respect to the base to facilitate alternatively an open position wherein the first plurality of apertures are aligned with the second plurality of apertures, and a closed position wherein the first plurality of apertures are not aligned with the second plurality of apertures.
- 16. The dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein the cartridge housing is rotatable with respect to the dispenser housing to facilitate alternatively the locked relationship and the unlocked relationship.
- 17. The dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein the cartridge housing is substantially enclosed.
- 18. The dispenser assembly of claim 10, wherein the dispenser housing further comprises an inlet water trap and an outlet water trap.
- 19. The dispenser assembly of claim 18, wherein:the inlet water trap comprises a first pair of vertically nested tubes; and the outlet water trap comprises a second pair of vertically nested tubes.
- 20. A disposable toilet cleaning system adapted for use with a toilet including a tank, the cleaning system comprising:a toilet cleaning dispenser adapted for disposition in the tank of the toilet, the dispenser including a dispenser housing comprising an inlet water trap, an outlet water trap, a cap with a first aperture, a basket with a second aperture, and a cavity; and a plurality of disposable cartridge devices, each disposable cartridge device comprising a cartridge housing and a cleanser tablet disposed within the cartridge housing, each cartridge housing being configured to removably fit in the cavity, wherein the cap is movable with respect to the basket to facilitate an open position in which the first aperture is aligned with the second aperture and a closed position in which the first aperture is not aligned with the second aperture.
- 21. A toilet cleaning dispenser assembly, comprising:a dispenser housing comprising an opening and an internal thread disposed in the opening, the internal thread including a projection; and a cartridge device adapted to be releasably locked to the dispenser housing, the cartridge device comprising a cartridge housing configured to fit in the opening and a cleanser tablet disposed within the cartridge housing, the cartridge housing comprising an external thread with a void configured to receive the projection; wherein at least a portion of the cartridge housing is movable with respect to the dispenser housing to facilitate alternatively a locked relationship with the dispenser housing and an unlocked relationship with the dispenser housing.
US Referenced Citations (15)