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US20140000017A1 - Toilet Bowl Cleaning Device and Method - Google Patents

Toilet Bowl Cleaning Device and Method Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140000017A1
US20140000017A1 US13/534,008 US201213534008A US2014000017A1 US 20140000017 A1 US20140000017 A1 US 20140000017A1 US 201213534008 A US201213534008 A US 201213534008A US 2014000017 A1 US2014000017 A1 US 2014000017A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
water
inflatable
cleanser
guiding member
toilet bowl
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/534,008
Inventor
Hai C. Quach
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US13/534,008 priority Critical patent/US20140000017A1/en
Publication of US20140000017A1 publication Critical patent/US20140000017A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47KSANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K11/00Closets without flushing; Urinals without flushing; Chamber pots; Chairs with toilet conveniences or specially adapted for use with toilets
    • A47K11/10Hand tools for cleaning the toilet bowl, seat or cover, e.g. toilet brushes
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03DWATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for cleaning a toilet bowl. More particularly, the present invention relates to a toilet bowl cleaning device, which is a simple, compact and inexpensive device to effectively clean under the upper rim of any size of toilet bowl.
  • a flush toilet is a flushing device that flushes human wastes through a drainpipe.
  • the flush toilet includes a toilet bowl and a flushing mechanism to flush the wastes in the toilet bowl by using water through the drainpipe.
  • a plurality of water outlets is provided at the upper rim of the toilet bowl to direct the flush water in the tank to the drainpipe through the toilet bowl.
  • Cleaning brushes have been utilized as one of common toilet cleaning device to scrub the bowl surface to remove the stains thereof. Unfortunately, cleaning under the upper rim of the toilet bowl is difficult because the stains are hidden under the upper rim. Unless a curved and small cleaning brush is utilized to reach and scrub the unsighted area at the upper rim of the toilet bowl, germs and bacteria will accumulate around the upper rim of the toilet bowl.
  • Cleaning chemicals are also added to the toilet bowl, allowing the cleaning chemicals mixing with flush water to stand for a period of time and effectively removing the stains in the toilet bowl.
  • the cleaning chemicals cannot be applied to the bowl surface above the level of the flush water. That is to say, it is still necessary to clean the bowl surface above the water level by the cleaning brush.
  • the present invention overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks and limitation by incorporating a toilet bowl cleaning device, which is a simple, compact and inexpensive device.
  • the primary objective of the present invention is that the toilet bowl cleaning device can effectively clean under the upper rim of any size of toilet bowl.
  • Another objective of the present invention is that the water stopper of the cleaning device is inflatable to fit and seal at the bottom drain of the toilet bowl.
  • the cleaning device is designed to be user-friendly.
  • the cleaning device is readily available, and inexpensive in manufacturing cost. Advantages include a requirement of very small storage area, ease of use, and instant sealing at the bottom drain of the toilet bowl.
  • Another objective of the present invention is that the cleaning device fitting for any size or shape of the bottom drain of the toilet bowl.
  • the water stopper When the water stopper is inflated, the water stopper will self-deform to seal at the bottom drain of the toilet bowl.
  • the water stopper When the water stopper is deflated, the water will be instantly released through the bottom drain of the toilet bowl.
  • Another objective of the present invention is that the cleaning device is compatible with any toilet bowl having the bottom drain.
  • the toilet cleaning device of the instant invention comprises a guiding member, an inflatable water stopper, and a pump device.
  • the guiding member is formed in an elongated and hollow structure, wherein the guiding member has an air passage defined between an upper end and a bottom end.
  • the inflatable water stopper is extended from the bottom end of the guiding member, wherein the inflatable water stopper is designed for positioning in the bottom drain of the toilet bowl.
  • the pump device is provided at the upper end of the guiding member, wherein the pump device is actuated to inflate the inflatable water stopper through the air passage of the guiding member.
  • the inflatable water stopper is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with a size of the bottom drain of the toilet bowl to water-seal thereat and for raising water level in the toilet bowl when water is added.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a toilet cleaning device in accordance with the presently first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is shows the toilet cleaning device being used in a toilet bowl in accordance with the presently first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a toilet cleaning device in accordance with the presently second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is shows the toilet cleaning device being used in a toilet bowl in accordance with the presently second embodiment of the invention.
  • the present invention provides a toilet cleaning device for a toilet bowl 10 having an upper rim and a bottom drain 12 .
  • the flushing water rushes into the toilet bowl 10 from the outlets at the upper rim and drains out from the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 .
  • the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 includes the drain opening 14 of the toilet bowl 10 and the drain channel 16 extended from the drain opening 14 to the drain pipe of the toilet.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the toilet cleaning device as a presently first embodiment.
  • the toilet cleaning device of the invention comprises a guiding member 100 , an inflatable water stopper 200 , and a pump device 300 .
  • the guiding member 100 is formed in an elongated and hollow structure, wherein the guiding member 100 has an air passage 102 defined between an upper end 104 and a bottom end 106 .
  • the guiding member 100 is a flexible and stretchable air tube forming the air passage 102 within an interior of the guiding member 100 .
  • the guiding member 100 is made of rubber or other air-sealed flexible material.
  • the inflatable water stopper 200 is extended from the bottom end 106 of the guiding member 100 , wherein the inflatable water stopper 200 is designed for positioning in the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to provide a water sealing effect thereat.
  • the inflatable water stopper 200 comprises an inflatable bladder 202 integrated with the bottom end 106 of the guiding member 100 .
  • the interior of the inflatable bladder 202 communicates with the air passage 102 of the guiding member 100 to let the air pumping into the inflatable bladder 202 through the air passage 102 and to let the air releasing from the inflatable bladder 202 through the air passage 102 .
  • the wall of the inflatable bladder 202 is thinner than the wall of the guiding member 100 . Therefore, only the inflatable bladder 202 is inflated.
  • the pump device 300 is provided at the upper end 104 of the guiding member 100 .
  • the pump device 300 is coupled at the upper end 104 of the guiding member 100 and the pump device 300 cannot be detached from the guiding member 100 .
  • the pump device 300 is affixed to the guiding member 100 by a clamp.
  • the pump device 300 comprises a hand squeezable pump 302 coupled at the upper end 104 of the guiding member 100 and an air releasable valve 304 provided at the guiding member 100 .
  • the hand squeezable pump 302 of the pump device 300 is actuated, air is pumped into the inflatable bladder 202 through the air passage 102 of the guiding member 100 to inflate the inflatable bladder 202 .
  • the hand squeezable pump 302 is actuated to pump the air at one single direction to the inflatable bladder 202 .
  • the air releasable valve 304 is actuated at its closed position.
  • the air releasable valve 304 is actuated at its opened position.
  • the inflatable bladder 202 of the inflatable water stopper 200 is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with a size of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to water-seal thereat and for raising water level in the toilet bowl 10 when water is added.
  • the inflatable bladder 202 can be stopped being inflated at any time when the wall of the inflatable bladder 202 is sealed at the wall of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 by the air pressure within the inflatable bladder 202 .
  • the inflatable bladder 202 will not be deflated unless the air releasable valve 304 is actuated at its opened position.
  • the inflatable bladder 202 will also be self-deformed to match the shape and size of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to provide the water sealing effect thereof.
  • the inflatable bladder 202 can be positioned at the drain opening 14 of the toilet bowl 10 or the drain channel 16 thereof.
  • the size of the drain opening 14 should be larger the size of drain channel 16 .
  • the inflatable bladder 202 can be inflated at different sizes to match with the size of the drain opening 14 or the drain channel 16 .
  • the size of the inflated inflatable bladder 202 should be bigger. However, relatively less amount of water will be filled into the toilet bowl 10 to reach the upper rim thereof.
  • the size of the inflated inflatable bladder 202 should be smaller. However, relatively large amount of water will be filled into the toilet bowl 10 to reach the upper rim thereof.
  • the position of the inflatable bladder 202 can be selected according to the preference of the user.
  • the inflatable water stopper 200 further comprises a weighting element 204 provided at a bottom of the inflatable bladder 202 to ensure the inflatable bladder 20 being sunken to the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 .
  • the weighting element 204 will apply the downward force to the inflatable bladder 202 to force the inflatable bladder 202 downwardly sliding to the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 .
  • the user is able to pull up the guiding member 100 to adjust the position of the inflatable bladder 202 close to the drain opening 14 or to push down the guiding 100 to adjust the position of the inflatable bladder 202 toward the drain channel 16 .
  • the weighting element 304 is made of metal and is disposed inside the inflatable bladder 202 . It should be appreciated that the weighting element 204 can be attached to the exterior bottom side of the inflatable bladder 202 to add the sinking weight of the inflatable bladder 202 .
  • the water can be added, from the flushing water tank or a bucket of water, into the toilet bowl 10 to raise the water level up to the upper rim of the toilet bowl 10 .
  • a cleanser made of water soluble, can be added into the water for removing the stains especially the stains accumulated around the upper rim of the toilet bowl 10 .
  • the toilet cleaning device further comprises a cleanser releasing container 400 provided at the guiding member 100 close to the inflatable water stopper 200 for containing the cleanser and releasing the cleanser into the water.
  • the cleanser releasing container 400 comprises a body 402 having a cavity to receive the cleanser and a re-closable cap 404 detachably coupled with the body 402 to enclose the cavity.
  • the body 402 has a mesh structure to release, in particularly slow release, the cleanser inside the cavity to the water.
  • the cleanser can be in liquid form or solid form and can be refilled into the body 402 via the re-closable cap 404 .
  • the body 402 of the cleanser releasing container 400 is made of floating material, wherein the cleanser releasing container 400 floats in the water within the toilet bowl 10 even when the cleanser is contained in the cleanser releasing container 400 . Since the cleanser releasing container 400 is affixed at the guiding member 100 close to the inflatable water stopper 200 , the cleanser releasing container 400 floats upward in the water toward the water level. The cleanser will float in the water to mix therewith. The floating feature of the cleanser releasing container 400 ensures the cleanser being released from the cleanser releasing container 400 and being evenly dissolved in the water. It should be appreciated that a floating element can be affixed to the body 402 to ensure the cleanser releasing container 400 floating in the water.
  • the presently first embodiment of the invention incorporates a cleaning method comprising the steps of:
  • the method further comprises a step of:
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the toilet cleaning device as a presently second embodiment, which is a modification of the presently first embodiment.
  • the toilet cleaning device of the invention comprises a guiding member 500 , an inflatable water stopper 600 , and a pump device 700 .
  • the guiding member 500 is modified to form in an elongated and hollow structure, wherein the guiding member 500 has an air passage 502 defined between an upper end 504 and a bottom end 506 .
  • the guiding member 500 is a rigid air pipe forming the air passage 502 within an interior of the guiding member 500 .
  • the guiding member 500 is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other air-sealed rigid material.
  • the inflatable water stopper 600 is extended from the bottom end 506 of the guiding member 500 , wherein the inflatable water stopper 500 is designed for positioning in the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to provide a water sealing effect thereat.
  • the inflatable water stopper 600 comprises an upper inflatable bladder 602 extended from the bottom end 106 of the guiding member 500 and a lower inflatable bladder 604 with a size smaller than a size of the upper inflatable bladder 602 .
  • each of the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 communicates with the air passage 502 of the guiding member 500 to let the air pumping into the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 through the air passage 502 and to let the air releasing from the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 through the air passage 502 .
  • Each of the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 of the inflatable water stopper 600 is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with a size of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to water-seal thereat and for raising water level in the toilet bowl 10 when water is added.
  • the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 can be stopped being inflated at any time when the wall of each of the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 is sealed at the wall of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 by the air pressure within the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 .
  • the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 are inflated at different locations of the bottom drain 12 for enhancing a water sealing effect thereat.
  • the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 are positioned at the drain opening 14 and the drain channel 16 .
  • the upper inflatable bladder 602 having a bigger size is positioned at the drain opening 14 to seal thereat.
  • the lower inflatable bladder 604 having a smaller size is position at the drain channel 16 to seal thereat. Therefore, the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 provide a double-sealing effect to seal at the bottom drain 12 .
  • the water can be added, from the flushing water tank or a bucket of water, into the toilet bowl 10 to raise the water level up to the upper rim of the toilet bowl 10 .
  • the pump device 700 is provided at the upper end 504 of the guiding member 500 .
  • the pump device 700 is detachably coupled at the upper end 504 of the guiding member 500 and the pump device 500 can be detached from the guiding member 500 .
  • the pump device 500 comprises a hand squeezable pump 702 coupled at the upper end 104 of the guiding member 500 and a detachable joint 704 provided at the guiding member 500 to detachably couple with the hand squeezable pump 702 .
  • the hand squeezable pump 702 of the pump device 700 When the hand squeezable pump 702 of the pump device 700 is actuated, air is pumped into the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 through the air passage 502 of the guiding member 500 to inflate both the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 .
  • the hand squeezable pump 702 is actuated to pump the air at one single direction to the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 .
  • the detachable joint 704 comprises a coupler having a threaded portion detachably coupled with the hand squeezable pump 702 by a rotational movement.
  • a sealing O-ring is preferred to couple at the detachable joint 704 to air-seal the connection between the detachable joint 704 and the hand squeezable pump 702 .
  • the hand squeezable pump 702 When the hand squeezable pump 702 is coupled with the guiding member 500 , the hand squeezable pump 702 can be actuated to inflate the inflatable water stopper 600 . To deflate the inflatable water stopper 600 , the hand squeezable pump 702 can be detached from the guiding member 500 to release the air from the inflatable water stopper 600 through the guiding member 500 .
  • the cleanser releasing container 400 is also provided at the guiding member 500 close to the inflatable water stopper 600 for containing the cleanser and releasing the cleanser into the water.
  • the air releasable valve 304 of the presently first embodiment can be used in the presently second embodiment. That is to say, the air releasable valve 304 can be closed when the hand squeezable pump 702 is coupled with the guiding member 500 . The air releasable valve 304 can be opened when the hand squeezable pump 702 is detached from the guiding member 500 .
  • the double inflatable bladder of the presently second embodiment can be used in the presently first embodiment, wherein the weighting member 204 can be added into the lower inflatable bladder 604 .
  • the presently second embodiment of the invention incorporates a cleaning method comprising the steps of:
  • the method further comprises a step of:

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)

Abstract

A toilet cleaning device includes an elongated and hollow guiding member, an inflatable water stopper and a pump device. The inflatable water stopper is extended from a bottom end of the guiding member and is positioned in a bottom drain of a toilet bowl. The pump device is provided at an upper end of the guiding member. The pump device is actuated to inflate the inflatable water stopper through the guiding member. Therefore, the inflatable water stopper is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with a size of the bottom drain of the toilet bowl to water-seal thereat and for raising water level in the toilet bowl when water is added.

Description

    BACKGROUND
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The present invention relates to a device for cleaning a toilet bowl. More particularly, the present invention relates to a toilet bowl cleaning device, which is a simple, compact and inexpensive device to effectively clean under the upper rim of any size of toilet bowl.
  • 2. Discussion of the Related Art
  • A flush toilet is a flushing device that flushes human wastes through a drainpipe. The flush toilet includes a toilet bowl and a flushing mechanism to flush the wastes in the toilet bowl by using water through the drainpipe. A plurality of water outlets is provided at the upper rim of the toilet bowl to direct the flush water in the tank to the drainpipe through the toilet bowl.
  • At an idle or static condition, a relatively small amount of residual water will remain at the bottom portion of the toilet bowl. Over extended periods of use, wastes will be accumulated on the bowl surface above that water level. Periodic cleaning the toilet bowl, especially the upper rim, is recognized as a difficult and unappealing job which still must be performed.
  • Cleaning brushes have been utilized as one of common toilet cleaning device to scrub the bowl surface to remove the stains thereof. Unfortunately, cleaning under the upper rim of the toilet bowl is difficult because the stains are hidden under the upper rim. Unless a curved and small cleaning brush is utilized to reach and scrub the unsighted area at the upper rim of the toilet bowl, germs and bacteria will accumulate around the upper rim of the toilet bowl.
  • Cleaning chemicals are also added to the toilet bowl, allowing the cleaning chemicals mixing with flush water to stand for a period of time and effectively removing the stains in the toilet bowl. Unfortunately, the cleaning chemicals cannot be applied to the bowl surface above the level of the flush water. That is to say, it is still necessary to clean the bowl surface above the water level by the cleaning brush.
  • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks and limitation by incorporating a toilet bowl cleaning device, which is a simple, compact and inexpensive device.
  • The primary objective of the present invention is that the toilet bowl cleaning device can effectively clean under the upper rim of any size of toilet bowl.
  • Another objective of the present invention is that the water stopper of the cleaning device is inflatable to fit and seal at the bottom drain of the toilet bowl.
  • Another objective of the present invention is that the cleaning device is designed to be user-friendly. The cleaning device is readily available, and inexpensive in manufacturing cost. Advantages include a requirement of very small storage area, ease of use, and instant sealing at the bottom drain of the toilet bowl.
  • Another objective of the present invention is that the cleaning device fitting for any size or shape of the bottom drain of the toilet bowl. When the water stopper is inflated, the water stopper will self-deform to seal at the bottom drain of the toilet bowl. When the water stopper is deflated, the water will be instantly released through the bottom drain of the toilet bowl.
  • Another objective of the present invention is that the cleaning device is compatible with any toilet bowl having the bottom drain.
  • The toilet cleaning device of the instant invention comprises a guiding member, an inflatable water stopper, and a pump device.
  • The guiding member is formed in an elongated and hollow structure, wherein the guiding member has an air passage defined between an upper end and a bottom end.
  • The inflatable water stopper is extended from the bottom end of the guiding member, wherein the inflatable water stopper is designed for positioning in the bottom drain of the toilet bowl.
  • The pump device is provided at the upper end of the guiding member, wherein the pump device is actuated to inflate the inflatable water stopper through the air passage of the guiding member. The inflatable water stopper is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with a size of the bottom drain of the toilet bowl to water-seal thereat and for raising water level in the toilet bowl when water is added.
  • For a more complete understanding of the present invention with its objectives and distinctive features and advantages, reference is now made to the following specification and to the accompanying drawings.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a toilet cleaning device in accordance with the presently first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is shows the toilet cleaning device being used in a toilet bowl in accordance with the presently first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a toilet cleaning device in accordance with the presently second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is shows the toilet cleaning device being used in a toilet bowl in accordance with the presently second embodiment of the invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a toilet cleaning device for a toilet bowl 10 having an upper rim and a bottom drain 12. The flushing water rushes into the toilet bowl 10 from the outlets at the upper rim and drains out from the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10. The bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 includes the drain opening 14 of the toilet bowl 10 and the drain channel 16 extended from the drain opening 14 to the drain pipe of the toilet.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the toilet cleaning device as a presently first embodiment. Generally, the toilet cleaning device of the invention comprises a guiding member 100, an inflatable water stopper 200, and a pump device 300.
  • The guiding member 100 is formed in an elongated and hollow structure, wherein the guiding member 100 has an air passage 102 defined between an upper end 104 and a bottom end 106. In the presently first embodiment, the guiding member 100 is a flexible and stretchable air tube forming the air passage 102 within an interior of the guiding member 100. The guiding member 100 is made of rubber or other air-sealed flexible material.
  • The inflatable water stopper 200 is extended from the bottom end 106 of the guiding member 100, wherein the inflatable water stopper 200 is designed for positioning in the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to provide a water sealing effect thereat. In the presently first embodiment, the inflatable water stopper 200 comprises an inflatable bladder 202 integrated with the bottom end 106 of the guiding member 100. The interior of the inflatable bladder 202 communicates with the air passage 102 of the guiding member 100 to let the air pumping into the inflatable bladder 202 through the air passage 102 and to let the air releasing from the inflatable bladder 202 through the air passage 102. The wall of the inflatable bladder 202 is thinner than the wall of the guiding member 100. Therefore, only the inflatable bladder 202 is inflated.
  • The pump device 300 is provided at the upper end 104 of the guiding member 100. In the presently first embodiment, the pump device 300 is coupled at the upper end 104 of the guiding member 100 and the pump device 300 cannot be detached from the guiding member 100. It is preferred that the pump device 300 is affixed to the guiding member 100 by a clamp. The pump device 300 comprises a hand squeezable pump 302 coupled at the upper end 104 of the guiding member 100 and an air releasable valve 304 provided at the guiding member 100. When the hand squeezable pump 302 of the pump device 300 is actuated, air is pumped into the inflatable bladder 202 through the air passage 102 of the guiding member 100 to inflate the inflatable bladder 202. The hand squeezable pump 302 is actuated to pump the air at one single direction to the inflatable bladder 202. When inflating the inflatable bladder 202, the air releasable valve 304 is actuated at its closed position. To deflate the inflatable bladder 202, the air releasable valve 304 is actuated at its opened position.
  • The inflatable bladder 202 of the inflatable water stopper 200 is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with a size of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to water-seal thereat and for raising water level in the toilet bowl 10 when water is added. The inflatable bladder 202 can be stopped being inflated at any time when the wall of the inflatable bladder 202 is sealed at the wall of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 by the air pressure within the inflatable bladder 202. The inflatable bladder 202 will not be deflated unless the air releasable valve 304 is actuated at its opened position. The inflatable bladder 202 will also be self-deformed to match the shape and size of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to provide the water sealing effect thereof.
  • The inflatable bladder 202 can be positioned at the drain opening 14 of the toilet bowl 10 or the drain channel 16 thereof. The size of the drain opening 14 should be larger the size of drain channel 16. However, the inflatable bladder 202 can be inflated at different sizes to match with the size of the drain opening 14 or the drain channel 16. When the inflatable bladder 202 is inflated to seal at the drain opening 14 of the toilet bowl 10, the size of the inflated inflatable bladder 202 should be bigger. However, relatively less amount of water will be filled into the toilet bowl 10 to reach the upper rim thereof. When the inflatable bladder 202 is inflated to seal at the drain channel 16 of the toilet bowl 10, the size of the inflated inflatable bladder 202 should be smaller. However, relatively large amount of water will be filled into the toilet bowl 10 to reach the upper rim thereof. The position of the inflatable bladder 202 can be selected according to the preference of the user.
  • Since the guiding member 100 is flexible, the inflatable bladder 202 may not able to precisely position at the right location of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10. The inflatable water stopper 200 further comprises a weighting element 204 provided at a bottom of the inflatable bladder 202 to ensure the inflatable bladder 20 being sunken to the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10. When the inflatable bladder 202 is placed in the toilet bowl 10, the weighting element 204 will apply the downward force to the inflatable bladder 202 to force the inflatable bladder 202 downwardly sliding to the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10. The user is able to pull up the guiding member 100 to adjust the position of the inflatable bladder 202 close to the drain opening 14 or to push down the guiding 100 to adjust the position of the inflatable bladder 202 toward the drain channel 16. In the presently first embodiment, the weighting element 304 is made of metal and is disposed inside the inflatable bladder 202. It should be appreciated that the weighting element 204 can be attached to the exterior bottom side of the inflatable bladder 202 to add the sinking weight of the inflatable bladder 202.
  • Once the inflatable bladder 202 is sealed at the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10, the water can be added, from the flushing water tank or a bucket of water, into the toilet bowl 10 to raise the water level up to the upper rim of the toilet bowl 10.
  • A cleanser, made of water soluble, can be added into the water for removing the stains especially the stains accumulated around the upper rim of the toilet bowl 10.
  • In the presently first embodiment, the toilet cleaning device further comprises a cleanser releasing container 400 provided at the guiding member 100 close to the inflatable water stopper 200 for containing the cleanser and releasing the cleanser into the water. The cleanser releasing container 400 comprises a body 402 having a cavity to receive the cleanser and a re-closable cap 404 detachably coupled with the body 402 to enclose the cavity. The body 402 has a mesh structure to release, in particularly slow release, the cleanser inside the cavity to the water. The cleanser can be in liquid form or solid form and can be refilled into the body 402 via the re-closable cap 404.
  • The body 402 of the cleanser releasing container 400 is made of floating material, wherein the cleanser releasing container 400 floats in the water within the toilet bowl 10 even when the cleanser is contained in the cleanser releasing container 400. Since the cleanser releasing container 400 is affixed at the guiding member 100 close to the inflatable water stopper 200, the cleanser releasing container 400 floats upward in the water toward the water level. The cleanser will float in the water to mix therewith. The floating feature of the cleanser releasing container 400 ensures the cleanser being released from the cleanser releasing container 400 and being evenly dissolved in the water. It should be appreciated that a floating element can be affixed to the body 402 to ensure the cleanser releasing container 400 floating in the water.
  • To clean the toilet bowl 10, the presently first embodiment of the invention incorporates a cleaning method comprising the steps of:
      • (A) Position the inflatable water stopper 200 in the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10, wherein the inflatable bladder 202 is dropped into the toilet bowl 10 and the weighting member 204 will sink the inflatable bladder 202 to the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10.
      • (B) Actuate the hand squeezable pump 302 of the pump device 300 at the time the air releasable valve 304 is closed, wherein the inflatable bladder 202 will start to inflate through the air passage 102 of the guiding member 100.
      • (C) Stop actuate the hand squeezable pump 302 of the pump device 300 and the air releasable valve 304 is remained closed, when the inflatable bladder 202 of the inflatable water stopper 200 is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with the size of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to water-seal thereat.
      • (D) Raise water level in the toilet bowl 10 up to the upper rim of the toilet bowl 10 when water is added. The water can be flush water from the water tank or can be tap water added by the user.
      • (E) Add the cleanser made of water soluble in the water. The cleanser can be contained in the cleanser releasing container 400 before the step (A) of disposing the inflatable water stopper 200 in the toilet bowl 10, therefore, the cleanser will mix and dissolve in the water when the water is added in the step (D). On the other hand, the cleanser can be added into the water after the step (D), wherein the user is able to pour the cleanser directly into the water when the inflatable water stopper 200 seals at the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10.
  • Once the cleaning operation is completed, the method further comprises a step of:
      • (F) Deflate the inflatable bladder 202 of the inflatable water stopper 200 to drain the water through the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10. The inflatable bladder 202 is deflated by opening the air releasable valve 304.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the toilet cleaning device as a presently second embodiment, which is a modification of the presently first embodiment. The toilet cleaning device of the invention comprises a guiding member 500, an inflatable water stopper 600, and a pump device 700.
  • The guiding member 500 is modified to form in an elongated and hollow structure, wherein the guiding member 500 has an air passage 502 defined between an upper end 504 and a bottom end 506. In the presently second embodiment, the guiding member 500 is a rigid air pipe forming the air passage 502 within an interior of the guiding member 500. The guiding member 500 is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other air-sealed rigid material.
  • The inflatable water stopper 600 is extended from the bottom end 506 of the guiding member 500, wherein the inflatable water stopper 500 is designed for positioning in the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to provide a water sealing effect thereat. In the presently second embodiment, the inflatable water stopper 600 comprises an upper inflatable bladder 602 extended from the bottom end 106 of the guiding member 500 and a lower inflatable bladder 604 with a size smaller than a size of the upper inflatable bladder 602. The interior of each of the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 communicates with the air passage 502 of the guiding member 500 to let the air pumping into the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 through the air passage 502 and to let the air releasing from the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 through the air passage 502.
  • Each of the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 of the inflatable water stopper 600 is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with a size of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 to water-seal thereat and for raising water level in the toilet bowl 10 when water is added. The upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 can be stopped being inflated at any time when the wall of each of the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 is sealed at the wall of the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10 by the air pressure within the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604.
  • In the presently second embodiment, the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 are inflated at different locations of the bottom drain 12 for enhancing a water sealing effect thereat. In FIG. 4, the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 are positioned at the drain opening 14 and the drain channel 16. The upper inflatable bladder 602 having a bigger size is positioned at the drain opening 14 to seal thereat. The lower inflatable bladder 604 having a smaller size is position at the drain channel 16 to seal thereat. Therefore, the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 provide a double-sealing effect to seal at the bottom drain 12. Once the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 are sealed at the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10, the water can be added, from the flushing water tank or a bucket of water, into the toilet bowl 10 to raise the water level up to the upper rim of the toilet bowl 10.
  • The pump device 700 is provided at the upper end 504 of the guiding member 500. In the presently second embodiment, the pump device 700 is detachably coupled at the upper end 504 of the guiding member 500 and the pump device 500 can be detached from the guiding member 500. The pump device 500 comprises a hand squeezable pump 702 coupled at the upper end 104 of the guiding member 500 and a detachable joint 704 provided at the guiding member 500 to detachably couple with the hand squeezable pump 702. When the hand squeezable pump 702 of the pump device 700 is actuated, air is pumped into the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 through the air passage 502 of the guiding member 500 to inflate both the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604. The hand squeezable pump 702 is actuated to pump the air at one single direction to the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604.
  • The detachable joint 704 comprises a coupler having a threaded portion detachably coupled with the hand squeezable pump 702 by a rotational movement. A sealing O-ring is preferred to couple at the detachable joint 704 to air-seal the connection between the detachable joint 704 and the hand squeezable pump 702.
  • When the hand squeezable pump 702 is coupled with the guiding member 500, the hand squeezable pump 702 can be actuated to inflate the inflatable water stopper 600. To deflate the inflatable water stopper 600, the hand squeezable pump 702 can be detached from the guiding member 500 to release the air from the inflatable water stopper 600 through the guiding member 500.
  • In the presently second embodiment, the cleanser releasing container 400 is also provided at the guiding member 500 close to the inflatable water stopper 600 for containing the cleanser and releasing the cleanser into the water.
  • It should be appreciated that all the distinguishing features of the presently first and second embodiments are interchangeable. For example, the air releasable valve 304 of the presently first embodiment can be used in the presently second embodiment. That is to say, the air releasable valve 304 can be closed when the hand squeezable pump 702 is coupled with the guiding member 500. The air releasable valve 304 can be opened when the hand squeezable pump 702 is detached from the guiding member 500. Or, the double inflatable bladder of the presently second embodiment can be used in the presently first embodiment, wherein the weighting member 204 can be added into the lower inflatable bladder 604.
  • To clean the toilet bowl 10, the presently second embodiment of the invention incorporates a cleaning method comprising the steps of:
      • (A) Position the inflatable water stopper 600 in the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10, wherein the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 are positioned at the drain opening 14 and the drain channel 16 by the guiding member 500.
      • (B) Actuate the hand squeezable pump 702 of the pump device 700 once the hand squeezable pump 702 is coupled to the guiding member 500, wherein the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 will start to inflate through the air passage 502 of the guiding member 500.
      • (C) Stop actuate the hand squeezable pump 702 of the pump device 700, when the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 of the inflatable water stopper 600 are inflated at a predetermined size for matching with the size of the drain opening 14 and the drain channel 16 of the toilet bowl 10 to water-seal thereat.
      • (D) Raise water level in the toilet bowl 10 up to the upper rim of the toilet bowl 10 when water is added. The water can be flush water from the water tank or can be tap water added by the user.
      • (E) Add the cleanser made of water soluble in the water. The cleanser can be contained in the cleanser releasing container 400 before the step (A) of disposing the inflatable water stopper 600 in the toilet bowl 10, therefore, the cleanser will mix and dissolve in the water when the water is added in the step (D). On the other hand, the cleanser can be added into the water after the step (D), wherein the user is able to pour the cleanser directly into the water when the inflatable water stopper 600 seals at the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10.
  • Once the cleaning operation is completed, the method further comprises a step of:
      • (F) Deflate the upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 of the inflatable water stopper 600 to drain the water through the bottom drain 12 of the toilet bowl 10. The upper and lower inflatable bladders 602 and 604 are deflated by detaching the hand squeezable pump 702 from the guiding member 500.
  • While the embodiments and alternatives of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (24)

What is claimed is:
1. A toilet cleaning device for a toilet bowl having an upper rim and a bottom drain, comprising a guiding member, an inflatable water stopper, and a pump device;
said guiding member formed in an elongated and hollow structure, and having an air passage defined between an upper end and a bottom end;
said inflatable water stopper for positioning in said bottom drain of said toilet bowl, wherein said inflatable water stopper is extended from said bottom end of said guiding member; and
said pump device provided at said upper end of said guiding member, wherein said pump device is actuated to inflate said inflatable water stopper through said air passage until said inflatable water stopper is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with a size of said bottom drain of said toilet bowl to water-seal thereat and for raising water level in said toilet bowl when water is added.
2. The toilet cleaning device of claim 1 wherein said guiding member is a flexible air tube extended between said pump device and said inflatable water stopper.
3. The toilet cleaning device of claim 2 wherein said bottom end of said guiding member is integrated with said inflatable water stopper.
4. The toilet cleaning device of claim 3 wherein said pump device comprises a hand squeezable pump coupled at said upper end of said guiding member and an air releasable valve provided at said guiding member to deflate said inflatable water stopper when said air releasable valve is opened.
5. The toilet cleaning device of claim 1 further comprising a weighting element provided at a bottom of said inflatable water stopper to ensure said inflatable water stopper being sunken to said bottom drain of said toilet bowl.
6. The toilet cleaning device of claim 4 further comprising a weighting element provided at a bottom of said inflatable water stopper to ensure said inflatable water stopper being sunken to said bottom drain of said toilet bowl.
7. The toilet cleaning device of claim 1 wherein said guiding member is a rigid air pipe extended between said pump device and said inflatable water stopper.
8. The toilet cleaning device of claim 7 wherein said pump device is detachably coupled at said upper end of said guiding member.
9. The toilet cleaning device of claim 8 wherein said pump device comprises a hand squeezable pump detachably coupled at said upper end of said guiding member, wherein said hand squeezable pump detached from said guiding member to deflate said inflatable water stopper through said upper end of said guiding member.
10. The toilet cleaning device of claim 1 further comprising a cleanser releasing container coupled at said guiding member close to said bottom end thereof, wherein said cleanser releasing container is used for containing a cleanser made of water soluble in such a way that said cleanser in said cleanser releasing container is released and dissolved in said water.
11. The toilet cleaning device of claim 6 further comprising a cleanser releasing container coupled at said guiding member close to said bottom end thereof, wherein said cleanser releasing container is used for containing a cleanser made of water soluble in such a way that said cleanser in said cleanser releasing container is released and dissolved in said water.
12. The toilet cleaning device of claim 9 further comprising a cleanser releasing container coupled at said guiding member close to said bottom end thereof, wherein said cleanser releasing container is used for containing a cleanser made of water soluble in such a way that said cleanser in said cleanser releasing container is released and dissolved in said water.
13. The toilet cleaning device of claim 10 wherein said cleanser releasing container is made of floating material for floating in said water.
14. The toilet cleaning device of claim 11 wherein said cleanser releasing container is made of floating material for floating in said water.
15. The toilet cleaning device of claim 12 wherein said cleanser releasing container is made of floating material for floating in said water.
16. The toilet cleaning device of claim 1 wherein said inflatable water stopper comprises an upper inflatable bladder and a lower inflatable bladder with a size smaller than a size of said upper inflatable bladder, wherein said upper and lower inflatable bladders are inflated at different locations of said bottom drain for enhancing a water sealing effect thereat.
17. The toilet cleaning device of claim 11 wherein said inflatable water stopper comprises an upper inflatable bladder and a lower inflatable bladder with a size smaller than a size of said upper inflatable bladder, wherein said upper and lower inflatable bladders are inflated at different locations of said bottom drain for enhancing a water sealing effect thereat.
18. The toilet cleaning device of claim 12 wherein said inflatable water stopper comprises an upper inflatable bladder and a lower inflatable bladder with a size smaller than a size of said upper inflatable bladder, wherein said upper and lower inflatable bladders are inflated at different locations of said bottom drain for enhancing a water sealing effect thereat.
19. In a method of cleaning a toilet bowl having an upper rim and a bottom drain, said method of cleaning comprising the steps of:
a) positioning an inflatable water stopper in said bottom drain of said toilet bowl, wherein said inflatable water stopper is extended from a bottom end of a guiding member;
b) actuating a pump device provided at an upper end of said guiding member, wherein said pump device is actuated to inflate said inflatable water stopper through an air passage of said guiding member;
c) stop actuating said pump device when said inflatable water stopper is inflated at a predetermined size for matching with a size of said bottom drain of said toilet bowl to water-seal thereat; and
d) raising water level in said toilet bowl up to said upper rim of said toilet bowl when water is added.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising a step e) of adding a cleanser made of water soluble in said water.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein said cleanser is contained in a cleanser releasing container at said guiding member close to said bottom end thereof, wherein said cleanser is released from said cleanser releasing container and dissolved in said water.
22. The method of claim 19 further comprising a step f) of deflating said inflatable water stopper to drain said water through said bottom drain of said toilet bowl.
23. The method of claim 19 wherein the step a) further comprises a step of adding a weighting element at a bottom of said inflatable water stopper to ensure said inflatable water stopper being sunken to said bottom drain of said toilet bowl.
24. The method of claim 19 wherein said pump device is actuated by a hand squeezable pump.
US13/534,008 2012-06-27 2012-06-27 Toilet Bowl Cleaning Device and Method Abandoned US20140000017A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022069473A1 (en) * 2020-10-02 2022-04-07 Ruediger Falko Device for cleaning a sanitary appliance

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US20040111792A1 (en) * 2002-12-17 2004-06-17 Ariel Shaltiel Plumber's tool
US6782567B1 (en) * 2003-11-03 2004-08-31 Linda Austin Fountain water toy utilizing a battery-powered pump
US6848852B2 (en) * 2000-08-02 2005-02-01 Winfried Engert Device for supplying active substances to a cleaning device
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US3480021A (en) * 1968-01-18 1969-11-25 John N Ewald Jr Method for cleaning toilet bowls
US3808611A (en) * 1971-05-14 1974-05-07 A Neuman Sewer opening adapter means
US4787659A (en) * 1987-12-09 1988-11-29 Durham R Richard Apparatus and method for retrieving articles lost in drains
US6848852B2 (en) * 2000-08-02 2005-02-01 Winfried Engert Device for supplying active substances to a cleaning device
US20040111792A1 (en) * 2002-12-17 2004-06-17 Ariel Shaltiel Plumber's tool
US6782567B1 (en) * 2003-11-03 2004-08-31 Linda Austin Fountain water toy utilizing a battery-powered pump
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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