US20190174977A1

US20190174977A1 - Toilet bowl brush container system and method of use

Info

Publication number: US20190174977A1
Application number: US16/214,067
Authority: US
Inventors: Jason J. Beeber
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-12-08
Filing date: 2018-12-08
Publication date: 2019-06-13

Abstract

A toilet brush container system includes a container forming an interior cavity to receive a toilet brush, the container having a locking mechanism; a lid to seal against the container, the lid having an exterior wall; an interior wall; a channel formed between the exterior wall and the interior wall to receive a top edge of the container; a release to engage with the locking mechanism; pressing the release allows the lid to be removed from the container.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems, apparatus, and methods of using a toilet bowl brush and storage container. Further, the present invention relates to a toilet brush that is easily stored in a storage container. More specifically, the invention is related to a combination toilet bowl brush and storage container, wherein the toilet bowl brush is configured to seal the storage container.

2. Description of Related Art

Toilet bowl brushes for cleaning the inside bowl portion of the toilet are well known in the art. Storage containers are also well known in the art. However, one of the problems commonly associated with these devices is difficulty to contain dripping of liquids after the user has cleaned the toilet with the brush while attempting to store the brush for later use. For example, the user must use a toilet brush to clean the bowl of the toilet. While bringing the toilet brush from its storage location, which may or may not be a covered location, it is difficult to not let any previous liquids from cleaning the toilet drip onto the user or surrounding area. Additionally, once the user has cleaned the toilet bowl, it is difficult to replace the now wet toilet brush in its storage location.
Although great strides have been made in the area of toilet bowl brushes and storage containers, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a toilet bowl brush container system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the system of FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is an interior bottom view of the lid of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the method of use of the system of FIG. 1.

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional toilet bowl brushes and storage containers. Specifically, the system of the present application is utilized to easily store a toilet brush in a sanitary manner and protect the user and surroundings from liquid dripping off the toilet brush after use. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.
Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a front view of the toilet bowl brush-storage container system 101 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that toilet bowl brush storage container combination overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional toilet brushes and storage locations.
In the contemplated embodiment, the toilet brush with storage container system 101 includes a storage container 107 preferably composed of a sturdy and protective material that is easy to sanitize and allows the user to easily store the toilet brush without creating additional messes from liquids that may drip from the toilet brush after use. In one exemplary embodiment, the material could be composed of a rigid plastic.
Referring to FIG. 1, the system 101 of a toilet bowl brush configured to seal a storage container, the toilet bowl brush portion of the present invention includes a handle 103, a lid portion 105 made from the same material as the handle. In the preferred embodiment, a release mechanism 111 is located on the lid and is configured to engage with a locking mechanism 113 on the container such that the user can press the release 111 to release the lid from the container. The release mechanism 111 is configured in such a way that when the user needs to use the toilet bowl brush, pressure can be applied to the release which releases the lid 105 from the storage container 107. In similar manner, when the user needs to store the toilet brush, the brush can be placed inside the storage container 107 and pressure is applied downward so that the lid 105 clicks into place through the release mechanism 111 and locking device 113.
As further shown in FIG. 1, the system 101 can include a brush attachment location 115 which can be a threaded engagement or the like, thereby allowing for the user to remove and replace the toilet bowl brush as desired.
In FIG. 2, the system 101 is shown in a closed position. It should be appreciated that the brush (not shown) can vary in shape, size, and materials, and is configured to be secured in the container when not in use, thereby providing for improved sanitation.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an underneath, interior view of lid 105 is shown. Lid 105 having one or more release mechanisms 111 a-b, which in the preferred embodiment are buttons configured to release a catch 301 which is configured to engage with the locking mechanism 113 on the container. The lid includes a channel 303 which is configured to receive the rim of the container such that the catch 301 engages with the locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the catch 301 includes an angled surface which is configured to engage with a cutout. As the release is pushed, the angled surface is pushed away from the cutout on the container, thereby releasing the lid. As shown, the lid 105 includes an opening 305 in which the handle is secured.
The lid as depicted can vary in shape, however, one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present invention is that the lid is configured to seal around the edge of the container to seal in bacteria and germs. This feature is achieved via the channel 303 created between an exterior wall 307 and an interior wall 309 of the lid and the locking and release mechanism discussed above.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a flowchart 401 depicts the preferred method of use of the present invention. The method comprises providing a container and toilet bowl brush configured to be stored in the container 403, pressing the release button on a protruding lip portion of a lid connected to the toilet brush 405, removing the toilet brush from the container 407, using the toilet brush to clean a toilet 409, placing the toilet brush back into the container and pressing a lid portion of the toilet bowl brush onto the top of the container until it clicks to lock into place 413, thus sealing the brush inside the storage container.
The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A toilet brush container system, comprising:

a container forming an interior cavity to receive a toilet brush therein, the container having a locking mechanism;

a lid configured to seal against the container, the lid having:

an exterior wall;

an interior wall;

a channel formed between the exterior wall and the interior wall to receive a top edge of the container;

a release configured to engage with the locking mechanism;

wherein pressing the release allows the lid to be removed from the container.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the release is a button.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises:

a catch configured to secure to the locking mechanism.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a handle configured to extend from the lid.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

an attachment device configured to removably receive a toilet brush.