U.S. patent application number 10/748366 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-05 for storage device for bathroom implements.
This patent application is currently assigned to Freudenberg Household Products LP. Invention is credited to Laux, Christopher J., Mendenhall, Andrew B..
Application Number | 20040149608 10/748366 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32713436 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040149608 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Laux, Christopher J. ; et
al. |
August 5, 2004 |
Storage device for bathroom implements
Abstract
A device for storing multiple bathroom implements that includes
a housing having four vertical walls, wherein one of the vertical
walls is partly or mostly open, and wherein the housing further
includes a detachable base and an internal support member for
receiving and supporting one of the cleaning implements. A front
panel is attached, by hinge means, to the bottom portion of the
open side of the housing at one end and includes, at its opposite
end, a channel that is specifically designed to receive and support
one of the cleaning implements. The first cleaning implement is a
plunger that includes a handle-mounted splash guard, the geometry
of which corresponds to the shape and dimensions of the internal
support member within the housing. The second cleaning implement is
a toilet brush that also includes a handle-mounted splash guard,
the geometry of which corresponds to the shape and the dimensions
of the channel that is formed in the front panel. The handles of
the brush and the plunger cooperate to form an assembly wherein the
brush sits adjacent to the plunger within the housing, and wherein
the head of the brush is offset from the heard of the plunger.
Inventors: |
Laux, Christopher J.;
(Hamilton, OH) ; Mendenhall, Andrew B.;
(Indianapolis, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CALFEE, HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP
1110 FIFTH THIRD CENTER
21 EAST STATE STREET
COLUMBUS
OH
43215-4243
US
|
Assignee: |
Freudenberg Household Products
LP
Northlake
IL
|
Family ID: |
32713436 |
Appl. No.: |
10/748366 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60439131 |
Jan 10, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/349 ;
206/361 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 17/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/349 ;
206/361 |
International
Class: |
B65D 083/10 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A device for storing bathroom cleaning implements, comprising:
(a) a housing; and (b) a tray mountable within said housing for
catching fluid draining from said bathroom cleaning implements.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said tray may be completely
removed from said housing for cleaning.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said tray is covered by or
impregnated with an anti-microbial substance or material.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said cleaning implements further
comprise a toilet brush and a plunger.
5. A device for storing bathroom cleaning implements, comprising:
(a) a housing; (b) a base connectable to said housing; (c) a tray
mountable within said base for catching fluid draining from said
bathroom cleaning implements.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein said tray may be completely
removed from said base for cleaning.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein said tray is covered by or
impregnated with an anti-microbial substance or material.
8. The device of claim 5, wherein said cleaning implements further
comprise a toilet brush and a plunger.
9. A device for storing cleaning implements, comprising: (a) a
housing defining a single chamber therein; (b) a removable first
implement mounted within said chamber, wherein said first implement
further comprises a handle, a shaft connected to said handle, and a
head connected to or integral with said shaft; and (c) a removable
second implement mounted within said chamber, wherein said second
implement further comprises a handle, a shaft connected to said
handle, and a head attached to or integral with said shaft, and
wherein said first implement handle cooperates with said second
implement handle such that said first implement sits adjacent to
said second implement within said chamber, and wherein the shaft of
said first implement is formed such that said first implement head
is offset above, below, or to either side of said second implement
head within said housing.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said housing further comprises a
rear portion and a front portion attached said rear portion by
hinge means, and wherein said rear portion is formed to support one
of said implements and said front portion is formed to support the
other of said implements.
11. The device of claim 9, wherein said housing further comprises a
tray mountable within said housing for catching fluid draining from
said bathroom cleaning implements.
12. The device of claim 9, wherein said housing further comprises a
base detachably connected to the bottom portion of said
housing.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein said base further comprises a
tray mounted within said base.
14. The device of claim 9, wherein said first implement is a toilet
brush or a plunger.
15. The device of claim 9, wherein said second implement is a
toilet brush or a plunger.
16. The device of claim 9, wherein said housing further comprises
at least one aperture passing through the material of said housing
for allowing air to circulate through said housing.
17. A device for storing bathroom implements, comprising: (a) a
four-sided housing defining a single chamber therein, and wherein
one side of said housing is open, and wherein said housing further
comprises an internal support member for supporting one of said
cleaning implements; (b) a panel attached to the bottom of the open
side of said housing by hinge means, said panel further comprising
a channel in the end of said panel opposite said hinge means for
supporting one of said cleaning implements; (c) a first implement,
wherein said first implement further comprises a splash guard at
one end, and wherein said splash guard is formed to correspond to
the shape of said support member; and (d) a second implement,
wherein said second implement further comprises a splash guard at
one end, and wherein said splash guard is formed to correspond to
the shape of said channel.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein said housing further comprises
a tray mountable within said housing for catching fluid draining
from said bathroom cleaning implements.
19. The device of claim 17, further comprising a base detachably
connected to the bottom portion of said housing.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein said base further comprises a
tray mounted within said base.
21. The device of claim 19, wherein said base is covered by or
impregnated with an anti-microbial substance or material.
22. The device of claim 17, wherein said first implement is a
toilet brush or a plunger.
23. The device of claim 17, wherein said second implement is a
toilet brush or a plunger.
24. The device of claim 17, wherein said first implement further
comprises a handle, a shaft connected to said handle, and a head
connected to or integral with said shaft; and said second implement
further comprises a handle, a shaft connected to said handle, and a
head attached to or integral with said shaft, and wherein the rear
portion of said first implement handle cooperates with the front
portion of said second implement handle such that said first
implement sits adjacent to said second implement within said
housing, and wherein the shaft of said first implement is formed
such that said first implement head is offset above, below, or to
either side of said second implement head within said housing.
25. The device of claim 17, wherein said panel further comprises a
drip cup mounted near the bottom of the inward facing side of said
panel for catching fluid draining from said bathroom
implements.
26. The device of claim 17, wherein said housing further comprises
at least one aperture passing through the material of said housing
for allowing air to circulate through said housing.
27. A device for storing bathroom implements, comprising: (a) a
housing, said housing further comprising: (i) two sidewalls
opposite one another; (ii) a rear wall connecting said two
sidewalls; (iii) a support member extending transversely between
said sidewalls at the top portion of said housing for supporting
one of said cleaning implements; and (iv) a trough-like member
extending transversely between said sidewalls at the bottom portion
of said housing, said trough-like member further comprising an
aperture on each said of said member; (b) a front panel detachably
connected to the front of said housing, said panel further
comprising: (i) a substantially cylindrical member at one end, said
member further comprising two pins on either side of said member
and corresponding to said apertures on said trough-like member; and
(ii) a channel at the other end of said panel for supporting one of
said cleaning implements; (c) a base detachably connected to the
bottom of said housing; (d) a first implement, wherein said first
implement further comprises a splash guard at one end, and wherein
said splash guard is formed to correspond to the shape of said
support member; and (e) a second implement, wherein said second
implement further comprises a splash guard at one end, and wherein
said splash guard is formed to correspond to the shape of said
channel.
28. The device of claim 27, wherein said base further comprises a
tray mounted within said base.
29. The device of claim 27, wherein said base is covered by or
impregnated with an anti-microbial substance or material.
30. The device of claim 27, wherein said first implement is a
toilet brush or a plunger.
31. The device of claim 27, wherein said second implement is a
toilet brush or a plunger.
32. The device of claim 27, wherein said first implement further
comprises a handle, a shaft connected to said handle, and a head
connected to or integral with said shaft; and said second implement
further comprises a handle, a shaft connected to said handle, and a
head attached to or integral with said shaft, and wherein the rear
portion of said first implement handle cooperates with the front
portion of said second implement handle such that said first
implement sits adjacent to said second implement within said
housing, and wherein the shaft of said first implement is formed
such that said first implement head is offset above, below, or to
either side of said second implement head within said housing.
33. The device of claim 27, wherein said panel further comprises a
drip cup mounted near the bottom of the inward facing side of said
panel for catching fluid draining from said bathroom
implements.
34. The device of claim 27, wherein said housing further comprises
at least one aperture passing through the material of said housing
for allowing air to circulate through said housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/439,131 filed on Jan.
10, 2003 and entitled "Bathroom Caddy," the disclosure of which is
incorporated as if fully rewritten herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to containers for
home cleaning products, and more specifically to a device for
storing a toilet brush and a plunger in a single enclosure.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH
[0003] This invention was not made by an agency of the United
States Government nor under contract with an agency of the United
States Government.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Tools or implements designed for use in cleaning bathrooms
are commonplace in most modern households. Cleaning implements used
for sinks, bathtubs and toilets typically include brushes, sponges,
and sink or toilet plungers. Brushes are often stored in a
water-catching basin of some sort that is often placed to the side
of the toilet and plungers are often stored in a cabinet beneath
the sink or in a location outside of or away from the bathroom.
Thus, despite the fact that cleaning a toilet often requires more
than one cleaning implement, the necessary tools are typically
stored separate from one another, creating an inconvenience for the
individual attempting to complete their cleaning tasks.
Furthermore, in the event of a possible overflow, lack of quick and
easy access to a plunger can result in significant damage to the
floor of the bathroom and any carpet, rugs or other items that may
have been placed on the floor. Thus, there is a need for a storage
device that houses both a brush and a plunger and that may be
conveniently placed within a bathroom such that an individual may
easily access either or both implements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] These and other deficiencies of the prior art are overcome
by the present invention which provides a device for storing
multiple bathroom implements in a compact arrangement in a
relatively small enclosure that fits into narrow spaces. In the
most general sense, the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention includes a housing with four vertical walls, wherein one
of the vertical walls, i.e., the front wall, is partly or mostly
open. The housing also includes a closed or detachable base and an
internal support member for receiving and supporting one of the
cleaning implements. A panel is attached, by hinge means, to the
bottom portion of the open side of the housing at one end and
includes, at its opposite end, a channel that is specifically
designed for receiving and supporting one of the cleaning
implements.
[0006] The first cleaning implement in the exemplary embodiment is
a plunger that includes a handle-mounted splash guard, the geometry
of which corresponds to the shape and dimensions of the internal
support member within the housing. The second cleaning implement of
the exemplary embodiment is a toilet brush that also includes a
handle-mounted splash guard, the geometry of which corresponds to
the shape and the dimensions of the channel that is formed in the
panel. Additionally, the handles of the brush and the plunger
cooperate to form an assembly wherein the brush sits adjacent to
the plunger within the housing. In the exemplary embodiment, the
shaft of the brush is shorter than the shaft of the plunger,
resulting in a configuration that places the head of the brush
slightly above the head of the plunger when the device is in the
closed position.
[0007] Further advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and
understanding the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate one or
more exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the
general description given above and detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of
the storage device of the present invention showing the
construction of the housing and the interior components.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exterior of an alternate
embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1, depicting the storage
device in its assembled state and including an optional pull-out
tray not shown in the other figures.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front view of the exterior of the device shown
in FIG. 1, depicting the storage device in its assembled state.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of the exterior of the device shown in
FIG. 1, depicting the storage device in its assembled state.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view of the device shown in FIG. 1
showing the arrangement of the cleaning implements within the
housing.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device shown FIG. 1
showing the front panel of the device in the open position.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the front panel
and a portion of the housing showing the relative positions of the
components that comprise the hinging mechanism of the storage
device shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cleaning implements
removed from the housing to illustrate the preferred configuration
of the handles of the implements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention provides a device for conveniently
storing a toilet brush and a plunger in single, space-saving
enclosure. The exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures is
designed to be placed in a relatively small space, such as one of
the corners typically created by the space between a toilet and a
bathroom wall or cabinet. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary
embodiment of storage device 10 includes the following basic
components:
[0018] (i) a housing 12, (ii) a detachable base 30, (iii) a hinged
front panel 40, (iv) a brush subassembly 50, and (v) a plunger
subassembly 70.
[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, housing 12 includes an single
internal chamber for storing bathroom implements. Housing 12 is
somewhat triangular in profile and includes a rear vertical wall 13
that forms the tallest portion of the housing. Two vertical
sidewalls 14 also form a portion of the housing and each side wall
further includes a plurality of vents 20 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4)
that pass completely through the material of the side walls and
provide a means by which air may circulate through storage device
10 for the purpose of drying the items inside the enclosure and the
interior of the enclosure itself. These vents may be circular,
elliptical, triangular, rectangular, or any other of a variety of
shapes or combinations of shapes and sizes. Plunger support 18 is a
cup-like structure that extends across the uppermost portion of
housing 12 and joins the two sidewalls 14 to the rear vertical wall
13. In the exemplary embodiment, the geometry of plunger support 18
corresponds to the shape of plunger splashguard 74 and provides a
platform or shelf-like structure upon which plunger subassembly 70
rests when properly situated in housing 12. A transverse inner wall
22 extends between the two sidewalls near the bottom of housing 12
and provides both structural support to housing 12 and a support
surface for drip cup 48 (see FIG. 6) which catches water draining
from brush head 62 when the brush is returned to its resting
position following use. The bottom portion of housing 12 behind
inner wall 22 is open, as is most of the front portion of the
housing (see FIG. 1), i.e., the area between the front edge of
handle support 18 and the top edge of inner wall 22.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, a trough-like structure 24 extends
transversely between the sidewalls 14 in front of inner wall 22.
The lowermost portion of trough 24 extends below the bottom edges
of housing 12 and includes on either side, a rounded aperture 26
that passes completely through the material of the housing. These
apertures 26 correspond to the two pins 47 that are formed at each
end of cylindrical member 43, which is found on the lowermost
portion of front panel 40 (see FIG. 7). Front panel 40 may be
attached to housing 12 by placing pins 47 within apertures 26. When
the pins are properly situated within the rounded apertures, a
functional hinge is formed that allows the user of the storage
device to easily move front panel 40 between an open and a closed
position. Once front panel 40 has been attached by the hinge means
described above to housing 12, the housing may then be attached to
base 30.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, on each of the sidewalls 14 of the
exemplary embodiment, an aperture 20 is formed in the material of
housing 12 near its bottom edge. Each of these apertures
corresponds to a connecting member 36 that is formed on either side
of base 30. Base 30 further comprises a substantially flat floor
32, and a raised lip 34 that surrounds floor 32, thereby forming a
small reservoir for catching any water draining from the brush or
the plunger. The housing and front panel assembly is attached to
base 30 by aligning the front or forward portion of the housing,
i.e., the front edge of trough 24, with the front edge 38 of the
base and dropping the housing down on base 30. The apertures 20
align with the connecting members 36 such that when housing 12 is
properly placed over and on top of base 30, the connecting members
engage the apertures and the housing snaps securely into place on
the base when downward force is exerted on housing 12. When the
housing and the base are properly assembled, trough 24 rests in the
space between support members 39. Housing 12 may be removed from
base 30 by simply pressing inward on the connecting members and
lifting the housing up and off of the base.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the floor 32 of
base 30 is covered with or impregnated with an antimicrobial
solution, preparation, or material that inhibits the growth of
mold, fungus, bacteria, and/or other microorganisms. In another
embodiment, a sponge or other absorbent material is placed on floor
32 to catch any fluid draining from the cleaning implements.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, optional tray 31 (not shown in the other
Figures) may be situated within base 30. Tray 31 may be inserted
into or removed from base 31 by means of a slot formed in the front
portion of the base. When fully inserted into base 30, tray 31 acts
as a shallow basin for catching water or fluid draining off of the
brush or plunger. In one embodiment, tray 31 may be removed from
the base for cleaning by simply pulling outward on the front edge
of the tray. In an alternate embodiment, tray 31 can be pulled out
for cleaning but cannot be completely removed from the base.
Regarding the placement of tray 31, although the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 2 depicts the tray mounted within base 30,
other configurations are possible. For example, in an alternate
embodiment, base 30 is absent from the storage device, and tray 31
is mounted or otherwise situated within housing 12. In embodiments
of the present invention that include tray 31, the tray may be
treated with an antimicrobial solution, preparation, or
material.
[0024] As previously stated, storage device 10 is designed to
accommodate both a plunger and a toilet brush. In the exemplary
embodiment shown in the Figures, both the plunger and the brush
components of this invention include features that make them
uniquely compatible with housing 12 and front panel 40. More
specifically, the handles and splashguards of the plunger and the
brush are designed to fit closely together and to sit within
corresponding structures included on the housing and the front
panel.
[0025] As best shown by FIG. 1, brush subassembly 50 includes a
handle grip 52, a splash guard 54, a shaft 56, a centrally tapped
flange 58, and a brush head 62. Handle grip 52 provides a means by
which a user of device 10 may hold and manipulate the brush while
splash guard 54 protects the user against unwanted contact with the
water from the basin being cleaned. Shaft 56 extends downward to
flange 58 which provides the female threaded portion for threaded
stem 60. In the exemplary embodiment, the brush head 62 is attached
to flange 58 by simply threading the brush head onto the flange In
alternate embodiments, other attachment means are possible,
including non-threaded attachment means. In one embodiment, brush
head 62 is formed integrally with shaft 56. Once assembled, brush
subassembly 50 may be secured within storage device 10 by placing
the brush in channel 42 as described below.
[0026] As best shown in FIG. 1, the front wall 46 of front panel 40
further includes a channel 42, a protrusion 44, and a shelf 45.
These structures accommodate and support brush subassembly 50 when
the brush assembly is properly situated within housing 12. In
particular, the geometry of channel 42, which is formed in front
panel 40 at the end opposite cylindrical member 43, corresponds to
the shape of splashguard 54 and provides a means by which to guide
the brush assembly into the front panel. In the exemplary
embodiment, channel 42 further comprises two flattened portions on
either side of the channel that serve as supports for brush splash
guard 54. As best shown in FIG. 5, groove 57, found on the front
portion of the shaft of the brush assembly, engages shelf 45 and
forms an interlocking mechanism for securing the brush assembly
within channel 42. This mechanism also permits brush handle grip 52
to be used as a handle to move front panel 40 into the open or
closed position (see, for example, FIG. 6).
[0027] Again with reference to FIG. 1, plunger subassembly 70
includes handle grip 72, splash guard 74, shaft 76 and plunger head
92. Handle grip 72 is substantially perpendicular to shaft 76 and
provides a means by which a user of device 10 may hold and
manipulate the plunger while splash guard 74 protects the user
against unwanted contact with the water from the basin or bowl
being cleared. Shaft 76 extends downward from the handle grip to
flange 78 which includes a threaded stem 80. In the exemplary
embodiment, plunger head 92 includes a tapped bore 90 and may be
threaded onto stem 80 (note: other attachment means are possible,
including non-threaded means). Once assembled, plunger subassembly
70 may be hung within storage device 10 by moving front panel 40 to
its open position and placing plunger splash guard 74 into plunger
support 18 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The plunger assembly may be
removed from housing 12 by simply moving the front panel to the
open position and lifting the plunger assembly up and out of
plunger support 18.
[0028] A primary advantage of the storage device of the present
invention is that two typically unsightly and awkward cleaning
implements can be stored in a single, relatively compact
space-saving enclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, both the brush and the
plunger have been designed to fit compactly together inside the
housing. More specifically, the geometry of the rear portions of
brush handle grip 52 and splash guard 54 closely corresponds to the
geometry of the front portions of plunger handle grip 72 and splash
guard 74. Furthermore, by placing the brush in channel 42, hanging
the plunger in housing 12, and moving the front panel into the
closed position, the handle grips of the two devices come together
to form a uniform are that rises above the body of housing 12 (see
FIGS. 2-4) and gives the appearance of a single "handle." Because,
as shown in FIG. 8, the brush assembly sits in front of the plunger
assembly inside the storage device, and the brush head is situated
above the head of the plunger, the width and depth of the storage
device need only be slightly greater than the dimensions of the
cleaning implements themselves. Therefore, the overall dimensions
of storage device 12 make it suitable for placement in narrow
spaces.
[0029] Regarding the space-saving features of the present
invention, in should be noted that in addition to the exemplary
configuration of the brush and plunger shown in the Figures, other
configurations are possible. More specifically, in an alternate
embodiment the relative positions of the plunger and brush are
reversed, and the plunger sits or hangs in front of the brush
within the housing. In another embodiment, the two cleaning
implements sit or hang side by side within the housing. In still
other embodiments, the cleaning implements are situated adjacent to
one another in any number of possible configurations. Likewise,
while the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures depicts the
brush head hanging slightly above the plunger head, in an alternate
embodiment the respective positions of the plunger head and brush
head are reversed with the plunger head hanging above the brush
head. Numerous variations of this approach to arranging the
cleaning implements within the housing are possible, and in
alternate embodiments the heads and/or handles of the devices are
offset relative to one another in any number of configurations that
make it possible to store multiple cleaning implements in very
close proximity to one another within a single housing.
[0030] Storage device 10 may be manufactured from a variety of
materials by techniques known by those skilled in the art. For
example, with the exception of the brush head and the plunger head
(in certain embodiments), the various components of the present
invention may be manufactured from solid plastic, polymer,
polypropylene, polyethylene, hard rubber, or any other suitably
rigid, durable, and moldable material. In most cases, manufacturing
techniques such as vacuum molding or injection molding are suitable
for manufacturing the components of storage device 12. The brush
head and the plunger head may be manufactured by these or other
widely known manufacturing techniques, if desired.
[0031] While the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as exemplification of certain preferred
embodiments. Numerous other variations of the present invention are
possible, and is not intended herein to mention all of the possible
equivalent forms or ramifications of this invention. Various
changes may be made to the present invention without departing from
the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *