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US20240415342A1 - Self-Cleaning Toilet Brush and Toilet Brush Holder Assembly - Google Patents

Self-Cleaning Toilet Brush and Toilet Brush Holder Assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US20240415342A1
US20240415342A1 US18/705,102 US202218705102A US2024415342A1 US 20240415342 A1 US20240415342 A1 US 20240415342A1 US 202218705102 A US202218705102 A US 202218705102A US 2024415342 A1 US2024415342 A1 US 2024415342A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
toilet
toilet brush
brush
tank
brush holder
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.)
Pending
Application number
US18/705,102
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English (en)
Inventor
Alfredo Laria Muñiz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Onofredo SL
Original Assignee
Onofredo SL
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Onofredo SL filed Critical Onofredo SL
Assigned to ONOFREDO, S.L. reassignment ONOFREDO, S.L. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LARIA MUÑIZ, Alfredo
Publication of US20240415342A1 publication Critical patent/US20240415342A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K11/00—Closets without flushing; Urinals without flushing; Chamber pots; Chairs with toilet conveniences or specially adapted for use with toilets
    • A47K11/10—Hand tools for cleaning the toilet bowl, seat or cover, e.g. toilet brushes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K17/00—Other equipment, e.g. separate apparatus for deodorising, disinfecting or cleaning devices without flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers; Holders for toilet brushes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
    • E03D9/06—Auxiliary chambers with water connection to the flushing pipe and adapted to receive utensils for bowl-cleaning, e.g. brushes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
    • E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
    • E03D9/03—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing consisting of a separate container with an outlet through which the agent is introduced into the flushing water, e.g. by suction ; Devices for agents in direct contact with flushing water

Definitions

  • This disclosure falls within the cleaning and hygiene sector. More specifically, a self-cleaning toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly is proposed.
  • the toilet brush holder together with the toilet brush, is located in the toilet itself (in the toilet tank or in the bowl) or comprises a chamber connected to the toilet tank.
  • the key feature of the present disclosure is that it allows the brush of the toilet brush to be continuously cleaned with the water for filling the toilet tank and it additionally allows cyclic cleaning with the water that is flushed in each flush cycle. The correct sanitation of the brush is thus guaranteed.
  • the handle of the toilet brush comprises adjustment means for adjusting the length thereof, which allows the size of the handle to be adjusted and allows, in a certain position, said handle to be completely concealed either inside the toilet (in the tank or the bowl) or inside the chamber connected to the toilet tank.
  • toilet brush holder and toilet brush assembly is completely concealed inside the toilet tank or bowl or inside the chamber connected to the toilet tank.
  • the toilet brush is no longer a source of germ transmission and is also safer for children, pets, etc.
  • Bathroom toilets have at least one bowl and one toilet tank.
  • a seat with a cover can be arranged on the bowl where the user sits to use the toilet.
  • the bowl comprises a receptacle containing water into which the excrement, solid or liquid, of the users, falls. Clean water is stored in the toilet tank where it remains until the user activates the water flush mechanism and releases the water from the toilet tank to the bowl. With each use cycle, the water in the toilet tank and the water in the bowl receptacle are renewed.
  • the clean water that was stored in the toilet tank passes into the bowl, dragging with it any excrement that may be in the bowl and displacing same outwards, towards the pipes and/or the sanitary sewage network.
  • Toilet brushes generally have a handle, through which the user holds the toilet brush, and they have a brush, which is the element responsible for cleaning the bowl by rubbing.
  • a toilet brush holder a container specially designed to receive the toilet brush.
  • Said toilet brush assembly in particular having brush with handle, and the toilet brush holder, are available as a whole, with no replacement parts for the brush of the toilet brush, or for said complete toilet brush, available to be adjusted to the corresponding toilet brush holder. This means that, sometimes, it is necessary to discard the entire assembly or replace a toilet brush the dimensions or aesthetics of which do not match the available toilet brush holder.
  • Both the toilet brush and the toilet brush holder are a proven source of bacteria, viruses, fungi and microscopic protozoa that can cause diseases. Germs are created and multiplied inside the toilet brush holder, so that any stagnant water that has remained in it must be always removed and proceed to the disinfection thereof. It is also possible to use disinfectants mixed with water.
  • a correct disinfection operation requires a certain time during which the disinfectant acts, before rinsing the toilet brush holder with hot water.
  • the wet toilet brush should never be stored in the toilet brush holder as mildew may appear and germs may be generated. If the toilet is cleaned first and subsequently the dirty toilet brush is introduced, the desired cleaning and disinfection will not be achieved. That is, the first, essential step is always to disinfect the toilet brush and once it is clean, proceed to clean the toilet thoroughly.
  • the correct use of the toilet brush involves the cleaning and disinfection thereof both before use and after having carried out the task for which it is intended (cleaning the toilet). Efficient cleaning of the toilet brush also includes cleaning the toilet brush holder, where the toilet brush is subsequently housed. The situation is even more accentuated when it comes to collective or community bathrooms (hotels, residences, etc.), since it is common for the same toilet brush to be used for several toilets, without cleaning and disinfecting the toilet brush between each use, despite health regulations requiring same.
  • the toilet brushes are discarded when they are damaged by use, but they do not always end up in garbage containers for recycling thereof, generating waste and increasing the carbon footprint. It is known that abandoned plastic waste generates Greenhouse Gases (GHG) when it degrades, so that said waste is very harmful to the environment.
  • GFG Greenhouse Gases
  • toilet brush holders in which the toilet brushes are housed are generally arranged on the bathroom floor and in positions as close as possible to the toilet is that this greatly hinders bathroom cleaning operations, which are essential considering the amount of bacteria that exists in these environments.
  • Another popular option is to have the toilet brush holders fixed to one of the bathroom walls, thus freeing up space on the floor, but it does not prevent germs from being created and spread.
  • toilet brush holders even in the case in which water and/or soapy water are placed on them, are not efficient in terms of the disinfection and cleaning required of the toilet brush and the toilet brush holder itself. This is because they do not completely cover the brush of the toilet brush, which is where the germs are found, so proper hygiene and disinfection cannot be carried out.
  • Solutions are also known from the state of the art that remove the brush of the toilet brush from the toilet brush holder and house it in the toilet bowl.
  • a user wants to use the toilet brush, they take the handle (arranged outside the toilet) and connects it to the brush of the toilet brush, housed in a container in the toilet bowl (usually hanging with a hook from the upper end of the toilet bowl into same).
  • the user separates both elements again, leaving the brush in the bowl and the handle outside the toilet.
  • the brush remains housed in the hook at all times, in a position accessible to the user, so that the user can, for example, urinate on the brush, even if involuntarily, which would generate bacteria and/or mildew or other microorganisms.
  • the brush is arranged very close to the user's body when they sit on the toilet bowl to use the same, which could even cause direct contact with the user.
  • the bathroom and, especially the toilet is an element shared by more than one user in homes and communities, so that it represents an area of special importance when it comes to cleanliness and hygiene, since it is a point where germs can be generated and shared.
  • the correct use of the toilet brush aims to mitigate this situation.
  • both the toilet brushes that are located on the floor or hanging on the wall and the rest of the available solutions are not efficient enough and germs are created and spread to the environment by not receiving the necessary cleaning nor the time required to achieve correct sanitation.
  • the present disclosure relates to a self-cleaning toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly, that is, it is not necessary for the user to clean the toilet brush after use because just by placing same back in the toilet brush holder proper sanitation is already guaranteed.
  • the key to the present disclosure is that the brush of the toilet brush is housed in clean water at all times.
  • the toilet brush holder is configured to be installed in the tank of the toilet tank itself, in contact with the water in the toilet tank, constantly being rinsed, self-cleaning taking place, or it is arranged in the toilet bowl (preferably in the rear portion that is between the bowl receptacle and the toilet tank) or comprises a chamber connected to the tank of the toilet tank. In addition, with each flush cycle the water is renewed and rinsing is even more effective.
  • the cleaning toilet brush which is usually positioned on the floor, into the toilet itself, or into a chamber connected thereto, freeing up space and improving tidiness to facilitate bathroom hygiene, avoiding the appearance of obstacles and allowing more efficient cleaning of the bathroom.
  • the handle of the toilet brush itself comprises adjustment means, which allow the position of said handle to be adapted, which in turn makes it possible for said handle to remain concealed inside the toilet.
  • the greatest advantage of the present disclosure is that, as the brush is continuously submerged in clean water and the water is renewed in each cycle, the brush is always kept clean, both due to the use of the brush and due to residues from previous cleaning of said brush. In this way, greater hygiene and continuous disinfection of the germ-laden brush is achieved.
  • water is saved, on the one hand because it is not necessary to fill the toilet brush holder with water for cleaning thereof, and on the other hand because it is not necessary to use additional water to clean the toilet brush or the toilet brush holder since this function is performed automatically.
  • the toilet brush holders in which the current state-of-the-art toilet brushes are placed are not properly disinfected.
  • the chamber of the toilet brush holder always comprises clean water and correct disinfection of the brush of the toilet brush is guaranteed.
  • the handle of the brush comprises the aforementioned adjustment means, configured to adapt the position of said handle, by adapting the length thereof.
  • said handle to be retractable so that, when it is housed in the toilet brush holder, is in a retracted position, concealed from the user's view and, when it is going to be used, it goes into an extended position to allow the use thereof.
  • the adjustment means allow the handle to be established in a first position, completely extended for the use of the toilet brush, up to a second position that is completely retracted, as well as in any intermediate position between said first and second positions. In the second position, the handle is completely or partially concealed.
  • the user acts on the adjustment means to establish the appropriate length of the toilet brush handle.
  • the adjustment means is are pressure mechanism, such that the user exerts pressure on the upper portion of the handle, which is transmitted to the reinforced ring, and causes the adjustment means to adjust the length of the handle.
  • the adjustment means are a telescopic mechanism present along the length of the handle.
  • the adjustment means comprise a drive body and a receiving body wherein the receiving body forms the exterior of the handle and the drive body is able to move inside said receiving body, and comprises a spring element, housed inside the receiving body, configured to control the movement of the drive body along said receiving body.
  • the toilet brush further comprises a lower body, coupled to the reinforced ring, configured to house the portion of the handle that is concealed from the user.
  • the upper portion of the handle when same is retracted is at the same height as the reinforced ring.
  • the toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly object of the present disclosure comprises the toilet brush which in turn comprises a brush, the toilet brush holder and a support configured to couple the toilet brush holder either to the toilet tank, or to the bowl or to the chamber connected to the toilet tank, according to the selected embodiment.
  • said support prevents friction between the toilet brush holder and the toilet elements, while at the same time preventing the movement of said toilet brush holder within the housing thereof, therefore fixing its position safely and preventing the toilet brush holder and toilet brush assembly from interfering in the operation of the water flush from the toilet tank of the toilet.
  • the toilet tank is configured to be arranged in a vertical position, higher than the toilet bowl.
  • the most suitable embodiment of the present disclosure is that which comprises a toilet brush holder configured to be installed in the toilet tank, in a particular embodiment through a support such as the aforementioned one. When inserting the toilet brush into the toilet brush holder, the toilet brush is in contact with the water in the toilet tank, completely submerged. The toilet brush is vertically arranged.
  • the toilet tank is built into the bathroom wall (concealed therein) so that the toilet brush, instead of being arranged in a vertical position, can be arranged in an oblique position, with the toilet brush holder built into the wall (with the toilet brush holder installed in the toilet tank or with the toilet brush holder installed attached to said tank).
  • the toilet brush holder essentially comprises a chamber in which it receives the brush.
  • sanitisers both liquid and solid, such as soaps or WC tablets, which contribute to the sanitisation of the toilet brush and the toilet bowl
  • the water in the toilet brush holder is the water in the toilet tank or the chamber connected thereto and is the water that falls into the bowl in each flush cycle.
  • this allows the solid sanitisers to be located within the toilet brush holder itself, allowing the user to check the condition thereof.
  • the location of the solid sanitisers inside the toilet brush holder prevents said solid sanitisers from moving inside the toilet tank, the bowl and/or the chamber connected to the toilet tank, leaving said position or blocking elements of the tank, that is, plugging or blocking that prevent the closing or opening of the water flush, which would slow down or prevent the correct use of the toilet tank in the toilet. Additionally, the location of the solid sanitisers inside the toilet brush holder allows same to be quickly replaced if necessary by the user.
  • the chamber of the toilet brush holder can be used for inspecting the interior of the toilet tank in cases where the toilet brush holder is configured to be installed in a toilet tank.
  • this allows access to the tank of the toilet tank through the chamber of the toilet brush holder, thus avoiding access by completely disassembling the tank of the toilet tank, which is complicated for the user and renders the water flush to the toilet bowl operation unusable.
  • the toilet brush holder comprises a chamber configured to be installed in a toilet bowl. In this case, it receives water from the tank and sends same to the bowl receptacle, always leaving part of that water in the chamber, to ensure that the toilet brush is completely submerged in water.
  • the toilet brush holder comprises a cylinder, which in turn comprises a lower cover, said lower cover being located on the side opposite to the lead-through hole.
  • the chamber of the toilet brush holder is configured between the side walls of the cylinder and the lower cover, so that the toilet brush is housed in said chamber. Additionally, the cylinder allows the inlet and outlet of water to the chamber of the toilet brush holder through the side opposite to the lower cover, which is open to the outside, and therefore in fluid communication either with the toilet tank, the chamber connected to the toilet tank or with the toilet bowl.
  • the inlet and outlet of water into the chamber of the toilet brush holder allows cleaning the brush of the toilet brush.
  • the toilet brush holder cylinder comprises holes or pipes (inlet and/or outlet) that allow the passage of water into the chamber of the toilet brush holder, which advantageously allows better cleaning of the brush of the toilet brush in the interior of said chamber of the toilet brush holder.
  • the lower cover comprises at least one through hole.
  • any of the through holes present in the toilet brush holder cylinder allow the inlet and outlet of water to the chamber of the toilet brush holder.
  • the toilet brush holder is configured to be installed in a toilet tank, it is preferably installed on the side that is furthest from the internal mechanisms of the toilet tank (the flusher and the buoy or float that are inside the toilet tank).
  • the assembly may comprise a trim in the lead-through hole of the chamber of the toilet brush holder. This trim further facilitates the correct insertion and position of the toilet brush.
  • the chamber of the toilet brush holder is preferably configured by means of a plastic basket (cylinder comprising holes), which is submerged in the water inside the tank (clean water).
  • the chamber of the toilet brush holder can also house disinfection tablets for toilet cleaning, thus ensuring an even more efficient disinfection of the brush of the toilet brush.
  • the disinfectant tablets remain trapped in the chamber (or plastic basket), dissolving little by little.
  • This chamber also prevents any object that accidentally falls through the lead-through hole from reaching the bottom of the tank and potentially blocking the flush or feeding mechanisms present in the tank in some way.
  • the tablets are dissolved, which in the state of the art are directly deposited at the bottom of the toilet tank, same move during each water loading and unloading cycle (due to the movement of the water itself). In some cases, they are placed in positions that obstruct and prevent the operation of the flush mechanism, producing continuous water losses, noise from the filling of the tank water, and lack of efficiency.
  • the brush comprises, between the brush and the handle, a reinforced ring configured both to join said elements together and to protect the brush of the toilet brush.
  • the reinforced ring acts as a structure that allows not only to keep the toilet brush elements in their proper position but also to withstand the force exerted by the user during use, therefore withstanding the pressure that the user exerts on the brush of the toilet brush. Additionally, said reinforced ring also allows the user to be protected from splashes when the toilet brush is in operation, that is, during its use inside the toilet bowl.
  • the reinforced ring comprises a cover, configured to cover the chamber of the toilet brush holder.
  • the handle of the toilet brush comprises an internal reservoir and/or a hollow pipe therein that can be filled with air fresheners or a disinfectant liquid so as not to have to use disinfectant tablets in the toilet brush holder.
  • first outlet holes arranged in a proximal section of the handle, which is the one outside the chamber of the toilet brush holder. If air freshener is introduced inside the handle, the aroma is perceived through said openings.
  • the handle comprises second holes in a distal section, which is the one that is housed in the toilet brush holder, and allows, when is introduced inside the handle, the disinfectant to be released into the water in the chamber. Therefore, it is possible to properly clean and disinfect the toilet brush without the need to use an additional external container, freeing up space in the bathroom and dispensing with the usual container for air fresheners.
  • the toilet brush differs from the hollow toilet brushes of the state of the art in that it does not comprise elements for activating/manipulating the content housed therein. That is, the hollow toilet brushes that are currently known comprise, for example, buttons to control the metering of the product arranged therein, which allow a jet or spray of the product to be released or bars of soap or disinfectant to be released. On the contrary, with the proposed toilet brush it is not necessary to use elements for metering/releasing the product but rather same is directly diffused into the environment (through the first outlet holes) or is diffused into the water in the chamber of the toilet brush holder (through the second outlet holes).
  • the hollow portion of the handle of the toilet brush that remains inside the chamber can itself be a cleaning product metering element, so that even if toilet disinfection tablets are not used, a product that performs the same function can be used.
  • the hollow portion of the handle of the toilet brush that remains on the outside, as it is hollow and having holes, can be a container for the introduction of air fresheners or related products.
  • the toilet brush holder provides easy and quick access to the interior of the toilet tank in which it is installed, through the lead-through hole. That is, it is not necessary to remove the entire cover every time that the interior of the tank receptacle is to be accessed. Operations such as unscrewing buttons/grip of the toilet tank are thus avoided.
  • This advantage is especially important to increase the useful life of the tank elements since the screwing and unscrewing operations of the tank buttons/grip usually cause misalignments of the flusher, causing malfunction of the buoy and/or the flusher seal, and generating water losses and constant filling noise.
  • This toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly improves efficiency in terms of hygiene and disinfection of bathrooms by self-cleaning the toilet brush, that is, it is continuously disinfected (submerged in water or water with soap or disinfectant inside the tank). It also reduces the time required for correct hygiene and disinfection of the bathrooms, which results in greater efficiency, especially when it comes to community bathrooms: hospitals, hotels, residences and any similar facility.
  • the key feature of the present disclosure is that the cleaning of the toilet brush is continuous because the brush is always submerged in clean water. Additionally, the water is renewed in each cycle.
  • the brush could be a source of virus transmission, on the one hand due to incorrect disinfection (in many cases toilet brush holders do not even have water and in many other cases the water in the toilet brush holder is not changed frequently enough) and on the other hand, for example in case of accidental contact of children with stained and infected toilet brushes.
  • the present disclosure makes it possible to solve the disinfection and cleaning problems of currently known systems. Due to the fact that the brush is completely submerged in the water of the tank of the toilet tank or the chamber in the toilet bowl or the chamber connected to the tank of the toilet tank, rinsing and disinfection is carried out at all times. That is, instead of carrying out a specific disinfection with each flush of the tank, a continuous disinfection is carried out because the brush is continuously submerged in clean water.
  • the toilet brush As the toilet brush is housed in the toilet tank, there is no possibility of the user inadvertently staining same with urine or excrement on the brush. At any time that it is to be used, the toilet brush is in optimal hygienic conditions that guarantee correct cleaning of the toilet (in addition to having ensured the correct disinfection of the toilet brush).
  • the handle and brush of the toilet brush are removable. This advantageously allows the user to exchange the brush.
  • the toilet brush itself and a toilet that comprises the toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly, installed in the tank or installed in the bowl, are also the object of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly in the embodiment in which it is configured to be installed in the tank of a toilet tank.
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly.
  • FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the toilet brush.
  • FIGS. 5 A-B show a view of a toilet tank and the toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly in an embodiment in which the toilet brush holder is intended to be installed on a wall and is connected to the tank of a toilet tank.
  • FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a toilet bowl with the integrated toilet brush holder.
  • FIG. 7 shows a view of the interior of the bowl of FIG. 6 where the water inlet channel to the toilet brush holder and the water outlet channel from the toilet brush holder to the bowl receptacle are observed.
  • FIG. 8 shows a detail view of the retractable handle according to one embodiment of the toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the toilet brush ( 2 ) and toilet brush holder ( 7 ) assembly in an embodiment in which the toilet brush holder is configured to be installed in a toilet tank.
  • the assembly comprises the toilet brush ( 2 ) which has a brush ( 4 ), a handle ( 5 ) and a cover ( 8 ) that corresponds to a projection that starts from the handle ( 5 ).
  • the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) comprises a chamber in which the brush ( 4 ) of the toilet brush is housed and at least one lead-through hole intended to allow the brush ( 4 ) and part of the handle ( 5 ) to pass through.
  • the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) is configured to be, preferably installed on the wall, and connected to the tank ( 1 ).
  • the chamber of the toilet brush holder comprises a water inlet pipe ( 11 ) and a water outlet pipe ( 12 ) configured to be connected to a tank ( 1 ) of a toilet tank, and the water outlet pipe ( 12 ) is arranged at a higher level than that of the brush ( 4 ) of the toilet brush ( 2 ) so that a minimum water level is always maintained in the chamber that guarantees that the brush ( 4 ) is submerged in water.
  • the chamber of the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) is configured to be installed in a toilet bowl, and comprises a water inlet pipe ( 11 ) connectable to the outlet of a tank ( 1 ) of a toilet tank and a water outlet pipe ( 12 ) with a free end configured to allow water to pass from the chamber of the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) to a receptacle of a toilet bowl ( 6 ) and where the water outlet pipe ( 12 ) is arranged at a higher level than that of the brush ( 4 ) of the toilet brush ( 2 ) when the toilet brush ( 2 ) is housed in the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) so that a minimum water level is always maintained in the chamber that guarantees that the brush ( 4 ) is submerged in water.
  • the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) is configured to be installed in the tank ( 1 ) of a toilet tank and the chamber of the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) comprises walls with openings that allow the water to pass from the tank to the chamber so that the brush ( 4 ) is always submerged in water.
  • the chamber of the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) is a plastic basket with mesh walls.
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly in the embodiment specially designed to be installed in the tank ( 1 ) of a toilet tank.
  • FIG. 3 shows the proposed toilet brush ( 2 ).
  • the toilet brush ( 2 ) comprises a pipe or a reservoir inside the handle ( 5 ).
  • the handle ( 5 ) comprises at least one opening ( 9 , 10 ) and preferably a plurality of openings ( 9 , 10 ) that communicate the exterior with the interior of the handle ( 5 ).
  • the toilet brush ( 2 ) may comprise, as can be seen in this figure, first openings ( 9 ), in a proximal section of the handle ( 5 ), intended to remain outside the chamber when the toilet brush ( 2 ) passes through the lead-through hole of the toilet brush holder ( 7 ).
  • the toilet brush ( 2 ) may also comprise second openings ( 10 ) in a distal section of the handle ( 5 ), which is intended to be submerged in the water of the chamber when the toilet brush ( 2 ) passes through the lead-through hole.
  • the handle ( 5 ) can contain, for example, air fresheners or sanitising liquid to increase cleaning efficiency.
  • the diffusion is carried out continuously, without the need for diffusion activation elements. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to perform any action and disinfection does not depend on the user remembering to perform said action. Disinfection and aroma diffusion are therefore guaranteed at all times.
  • the toilet brush ( 2 ) comprises in the handle ( 5 ) a cover ( 8 ) configured to fit into the lead-through hole, acting as a closure of said hole when the toilet brush ( 2 ) is inserted into the tank ( 1 ).
  • the handle ( 5 ) extends perpendicular to the cover ( 8 ). It is the preferred embodiment for cases in which the toilet tank in which the assembly is to be installed is exterior, as in the example in FIG. 1 . In another possible embodiment, the handle ( 5 ) extends obliquely to the cover ( 8 ). This embodiment is the one used in cases in which the toilet tank in which it is installed is embedded in the wall, as represented in the example of FIG. 4 or in cases in which the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) itself is installed on the wall (connected to the toilet tank) as seen in FIGS. 5 A and 5 B .
  • the cover ( 8 ) has a configuration corresponding to the section of the lead-through hole so that, when the toilet brush ( 2 ) is housed in the toilet brush holder ( 7 ), its interior cannot be seen from the outside of the toilet brush holder ( 7 ).
  • the toilet brush holder additionally comprises a trim arranged in the lead-through hole of the chamber such that, when the toilet brush ( 2 ) passes through the lead-through hole, the projection is fitted into the trim, closing the lead-through hole.
  • a toilet brush that comprises a brush ( 4 ) and a handle ( 5 ), the handle ( 5 ) being intended to allow grip by a user and the brush ( 4 ) is configured for cleaning a bowl ( 6 ) of a toilet.
  • the toilet brush comprises a pipe or a reservoir inside the handle ( 5 ) and said handle comprises at least one opening ( 9 , 10 ) that connects the pipe or reservoir inside the handle ( 5 ) with the outside and wherein the pipe or reservoir inside the handle ( 5 ) is configured to house an air freshener and/or disinfectant product that is diffused to the outside through the at least one opening ( 9 , 10 ). That is, unlike the hollow toilet brushes of the state of the art, it does not have diffusion activation elements. This diffusion is carried out constantly, as occurs in traditional diffusers, only in this case from the toilet brush ( 2 ) itself.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 show the exemplary embodiment in which the toilet brush holder is configured to be installed in the bowl ( 6 ) of a toilet.
  • the water inlet pipe ( 11 ) and the water outlet pipe ( 12 ) have been represented so that it can be clearly seen how the water passes from the tank ( 1 ) of the toilet tank to the bowl ( 6 ) receptacle through the chamber of said toilet brush holder ( 7 ). Due to the fact that the water outlet pipe ( 12 ) is arranged at the top at the height at which the brush ( 4 ) is arranged, it is guaranteed that there is always a certain water level that completely covers the brush ( 4 ). Furthermore, as previously explained, said water is renewed with each flush cycle of the tank ( 1 ) of the toilet tank in which it is installed.
  • the key feature is that the inside of the toilet brush holder is filled with clean water.
  • the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) can also be used to house a disinfectant tablet or similar, preventing it from moving during the flush cycles and ending up blocking the water outlet or interfering with any of the elements of the water supply and flush mechanisms.
  • the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) is installed in the tank of the toilet tank and in another possible embodiment, the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) is installed in the bowl ( 6 ). When it is installed in the tank ( 1 ) of the toilet tank, it is installed in correspondence with the tank cover ( 3 ) (as seen in FIG. 1 ).
  • the toilet of the present disclosure may also comprise, in the toilet tank, a container that can be used, for example, as a trash can or storage space.
  • a container that can be used, for example, as a trash can or storage space.
  • the tank ( 1 ) of the toilet tank has its water storage volume reduced but this is not a drawback because currently the capacity of toilet tanks is much greater than the volume of water which, according to regulations, can be flushed in each cycle.
  • the container may have a cover element configured to allow or prevent access to the container, concealing and/or protecting the contents of the interior thereof.
  • FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of the adjustment means for a handle ( 5 ) of the retractable toilet brush ( 2 ), that is, it can be extended to be used by the user or retracted and concealed inside the toilet brush holder ( 7 ).
  • the handle ( 5 ) can go from a retracted position to an extended position and vice versa.
  • the adjustment means for adjusting the handle ( 5 ) comprise an actuation body ( 13 ) and a receiving body ( 14 ) wherein the receiving body ( 14 ) forms the outside of the handle ( 5 ) and the drive body ( 13 ) is able to move inside said receiving body ( 14 ).
  • the handle ( 5 ) comprises at least one spring element ( 15 ), housed inside the receiving body ( 14 ), configured to control the movement of the drive body ( 13 ) along said receiving body ( 14 ).
  • the at least one spring element can be, for example, an automatic spring, rubber, gas, etc. device.
  • the cover ( 8 ) of the toilet brush ( 2 ) and the receiving body ( 14 ) are joined and in another possible embodiment, as seen in FIG. 8 , they form a single body.
  • the user simply has to press down on the drive body ( 13 ) and same lowers, being concealed in the toilet brush holder ( 7 ) (which in the example in FIG. 8 is housed in the tank ( 1 )), remaining flush with the surface of the cover ( 8 ).
  • the extended position of the handle ( 5 ) which is that which is shown in FIG. 8 , it is only necessary to lightly press the drive body ( 13 ), thus activating again the spring that moves the drive body ( 13 ) towards the outside of the receiving body ( 14 ), extending the handle ( 5 ).
  • a toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly wherein:
  • the chamber of the toilet brush holder comprises a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe configured to be connected to a tank of a toilet tank, and the water outlet pipe is arranged at a level higher than that of the brush of the toilet brush so that a minimum water level is always maintained in the chamber that guarantees that the brush is submerged in water.
  • the chamber of the toilet brush holder is configured to be installed in a bowl of a toilet, and comprises a water inlet pipe connectable to the outlet of a tank of a toilet tank and a water outlet pipe with a free end configured to allow water to pass from the chamber of the toilet brush holder to a receptacle of a toilet bowl and where the water outlet pipe is arranged at a higher level than that of the brush of the toilet brush so that a minimum water level is always maintained in the chamber that guarantees that the brush is submerged in water.
  • the toilet brush comprises a pipe or a reservoir inside the handle configured to receive an air freshener and/or disinfectant product and the handle comprises at least one opening that communicates the pipe or reservoir with the outside and through which the air freshener and/or disinfectant product is diffused outside.
  • toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly according to clause 5 wherein the toilet brush comprises first openings, in a proximal section of the handle, intended to remain outside the chamber when the toilet brush passes through the lead-through hole.
  • toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly according to any one of clauses 5 or 6 wherein the toilet brush comprises second openings in a distal section of the handle, intended to be submerged in the water of the chamber when the toilet brush passes through the lead-through hole.
  • the toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses which comprises a trim in the lead-through hole of the chamber of the toilet brush holder.
  • the toilet brush comprises a brush and a handle, the handle being intended to allow a user to grip same and the brush configured for cleaning a bowl of a toilet wherein it comprises a pipe or a reservoir inside the handle and said handle comprises at least one opening that connects the pipe or reservoir inside the handle with the outside and wherein the pipe or reservoir inside the handle is configured to house an air freshener and/or disinfectant product that is diffused to the outside through the at least one opening.
  • the toilet brush and toilet brush holder assembly according to clause 9 wherein the pipe or reservoir inside the handle of the toilet brush is divided into two housings, a first housing, at a proximal end of the handle and comprising first openings and a second housing, at a distal end of the handle, which comprises second openings, and each housing is configured to house an air freshener and/or disinfectant product that is diffused to the outside through the openings.
  • the handle of the toilet brush comprises a drive body and a receiving body wherein the receiving body forms the exterior of the handle and the drive body is able to move inside of said receiving body, and comprises a spring element, housed inside the receiving body, configured to control the movement of the drive body along said receiving body.

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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)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Non-Flushing Toilets (AREA)
US18/705,102 2021-02-18 2022-10-28 Self-Cleaning Toilet Brush and Toilet Brush Holder Assembly Pending US20240415342A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21382130 2021-02-18
ES202132117U ES1282566Y (es) 2021-02-18 2021-10-28 Conjunto de escobilla y escobillero con autolimpieza
ESU202132117 2021-10-28
PCT/ES2022/070699 WO2023073273A1 (es) 2021-02-18 2022-10-28 Conjunto de escobilla y escobillero con autolimpieza

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US20240415342A1 true US20240415342A1 (en) 2024-12-19

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US18/705,102 Pending US20240415342A1 (en) 2021-02-18 2022-10-28 Self-Cleaning Toilet Brush and Toilet Brush Holder Assembly

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ES (1) ES1282566Y (es)
WO (1) WO2023073273A1 (es)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4918769A (en) * 1989-04-10 1990-04-24 American Standard Inc. Flush tank for a water closet having self contained washing means
US5640722A (en) * 1995-11-08 1997-06-24 Bui; Lam Thanh Plunger and brush dispensing toilet cover
SE528542C2 (sv) * 2004-04-02 2006-12-12 Multivent Construction Ab Anordning för att förvara och rengöra toalettborstar
US8616796B2 (en) * 2010-02-14 2013-12-31 Naftali Lobl Dual purpose toilet brush
US8938822B2 (en) * 2011-05-06 2015-01-27 George Yiergos Eleftheriou Method and apparatus for use with a toilet

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WO2023073273A1 (es) 2023-05-04
ES1282566U (es) 2021-11-23
ES1282566Y (es) 2022-02-18

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