Apparatus and method for a fluid dispensing brush

Abstract

A fluid dispensing brush apparatus includes a brush and a storage device. The brush has a handle that defines a reservoir for a fluid and a head. The handle has a grip and includes an actuation mechanism that releases the fluid into the head. The head includes a plurality of bristles an aperture that directs the flow of the fluid from the brush. The storage device has an outer tube and an inner tube that are received by a base. A distal end of the brush is positionable in the storage device. The inner tube also supports the positioning of a decorative layer of material.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to brushes and more specifically to fluid dispensing brushes that can be used with storage devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hand held cleaning brushes can define reservoirs in their handles for the dispensing of a fluid to assist in the cleaning or disinfecting of a surface. The handles of the brushes have a resealable port for filling the reservoir and the opposed end of the brush has through holes for the dispensing of the fluid from the reservoir. Cleaning brush for toilet bowls can be especially aided by the dispensing of a fluid directly from the brush that is then used to scrub the area where the fluid has been applied.

[0003] Cleaning devices dispense fluids from the reservoir in the handle using manually applied pressure or gravity. Devices that apply pressure manually can have the disadvantage that the application of too much pressure causes the cleaning liquid to splatter over the undesirable areas in the bathroom and the user. Devices that use gravity are often limited in their application by the bristles of the cleaning head that undesirably limit the direct application of the cleaning liquid independent of the bristles.

[0004] A hand held cleaning device is needed that dispenses a stream of fluid from an internal reservoir of the brush at a controlled rate and direction for cleaning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A fluid dispensing toilet brush apparatus is disclosed that comprises a handle that has a wall that defines a reservoir. The handle includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion that define a longitudinal axis. The handle includes a first sealable aperture in the wall that is in fluid communication with the reservoir and a second sealable aperture in the wall of the distal end portion.

[0006] An actuation mechanism is connected to the handle that includes a movable switch and a rod. The switch is fixedly connected to a proximal end portion of the rod and a valve is connected to the distal end portion of the rod. The rod extends through the second aperture and the valve opens and seals the second aperture. The actuation mechanism is biased to seal the second aperture.

[0007] A brush head is connected to the distal end portion of the handle. The brush head has a wall that defines a tube that has a distal aperture and a proximal aperture that are in fluid communication with the valve. The brush head includes a plurality of bristles connected to the wall.

[0008] The brush of the fluid dispensing toilet brush apparatus has a first position wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are sealed and a second position wherein the switch is moved to open the second aperture and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the distal aperture of the brush head.

[0009] The actuation mechanism preferably includes a housing and a bias member. The housing is positioned in the reservoir and sealed from the reservoir. The bias member urges the switch to the first position.

[0010] The rod in the vicinity of the second aperture has a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that changes and the flow through the second aperture varies with the change in the cross-sectional area. The reservoir can include a fluid and gravity forces the fluid from the reservoir through the distal aperture. The flow of the fluid from the second aperture is interrupted by the valve. An inside surface of the wall of the brush head receives the interrupted fluid flow from the valve and provides a stream of fluid flow from the distal aperture. The force of gravity on the fluid in the brush can be augmented by at least one disk connected to the rod in the reservoir.

[0011] The actuation mechanism includes a housing that connects to the grip and at least partially extends into the reservoir. The housing is sealed from the reservoir. The switch connects to an arm that extends into the housing and the arm connects to the proximal end of the rod.

[0012] The handle includes a flange and a tubular wall portion can enclose a volume that is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The brush can include a storage device. The handle preferably includes a flange and the storage device receives at least the distal end portion of the brush and interfaces with the flange.

[0013] A toilet brush and storage device that comprises a brush that has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion that define a longitudinal axis. The proximal end portion includes a handle and the distal end portion includes a brush head. The handle has a grip and the brush head has a plurality of bristles.

[0014] A storage device that receives a distal end portion of the brush in a storage position. The storage device comprises a first tubular wall of the storage device that has an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge connects to a rim and the inner edge of the rim connects to a downwardly depending tubular extension that has a free terminal end. The rim and extension define an aperture that receives at least the distal end portion of the brush.

[0015] A second tubular wall of the storage device has an upper free end and a lower end that connect to a bottom. The upper free end is removably positionable between the first tubular wall and the downwardly depending tubular extension. The second tubular wall is adapted to include a decorative material. The second tubular wall is at least partially visible through the first tubular wall.

[0016] The brush includes a flange that abuts the rim and limits the downward positioning of the brush in the storage position. The flange includes a distally extending tubular portion that is received by the downwardly depending tubular extension from the rim in the storage position. The flange and the rim are preferably approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] An outer surface of the second tubular wall of the storage device includes a decorative material that is visible through the first tubular wall. The outer surface of the second tubular wall of the storage device can also be adapted to receive a removable piece of decorative material that is visible through the first tubular wall.

[0018] The second tube of the storage device has a diameter that is tapered from the free end to the bottom. The first tube and the second tube have a cylindrical outer shape and are concentrically positioned by the base.

[0019] The handle of the brush includes a wall that defines a reservoir. The handle has a proximal end portion that defines a grip and a first sealable aperture is defined in the wall that is in fluid communication with the reservoir. A second sealable aperture is defined in the wall of a distal end portion of the handle. A distal aperture is defined in the wall of the brush head that is in fluid communication with the second aperture. An actuation mechanism is connected to the handle that selectively opens and seals the second aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, wherein like numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the fluid dispensing brush and storage device constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 of a handle of the fluid dispensing brush;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 of a distal end portion of the fluid dispensing brush of FIG. 1; and

[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1 of the storage device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of a fluid dispensing brush apparatus 10 includes a brush 12 that has a proximal end portion 14 and a distal end portion 16 that define a longitudinal axis-X. Apparatus 10 can also include a storage device or container 18 that is an elongate receptacle for brush 12 that defines a longitudinal axis-X'. Brush 12 is in a storage position when axes X and X' are approximately aligned and brush 12 is positioned in storage device 18.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, a handle 20 of brush 12 includes a wall 22 that preferably has an elongate tubular shape that defines an interior reservoir 23. Handle 20 has a proximal end portion that includes a grip 24, an aperture 25, and a cap 26. Grip 24 is configured for grasping by a single hand. Aperture 25 is in fluid communication with reservoir 23. Cap 26 is shown in a closed and scaled position and provides access to and a fluid tight seal of aperture 25. Cap 26 and handle 20 are shown as having a threaded connection that includes an O-ring type seal 26a, but the interface can be any type of connector that provides a fluid tight seal such as a snap or friction fit mechanism, for example. A distal end portion of handle 20 defines an aperture 28 in wall 22 that is in fluid communication with reservoir 23. Brush 12 is preferably made of rigid polymer materials, but it can include composite, metal, glass, elastomer and flexible polymer materials.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, handle 20 preferably includes a disk shaped cross guard or flange 28 approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that extends outwardly from wall 22. Flange 28 has a flat distal surface, opposed flat proximal surface and an outer edge. Flange 28 includes a tubular wall portion 29 that is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis and extends distally from the distal surface of flange 28. The outer edge of flange 28 preferably extends a predetermined distance outward from tubular wall portion 29 to define a lip. Flange 28 and tubular wall portion 29 protect the hand of the user during the application of fluid from brush 12 and interface with storage device 18.

[0028] In one alternative embodiment, flange 28 and tubular wall portion 29 define an enclosure that is in fluid communication with reservoir 23. In this alternative embodiment, brush 12 can advantageously retain an additional volume of fluid that can be dispensed from reservoir 23.

[0029] Handle 20 has an actuation mechanism 30 that includes a switch 31 that is connected to a rod 40 for the selective opening and closing of distal aperture 28. Switch 31 preferably slides approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis along a first or outer wall surface of a housing 32 and/or the outer surface of wall 22 on grip 24. Switch 31, as defined herein, can be any type of knob, disk or button that produces movement that selectively seals and unseals or opens aperture 28. Housing 32 is fixedly connected to wall 22 on grip 24. The outer surface of the wall of housing 32 is approximately aligned with the surface of wall 22 of grip 24 and is connected to one or more walls that extend into handle 20 and define an operating space of predetermined dimensions. Housing 32 is isolated from reservoir 23 and vented to the external air. An arm 33 is fixedly connected to switch 31 and extends into housing 32 approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0030] Continuing with the preferred embodiment, rod 40 has a proximal end portion that is connected to arm 33 and a distal end portion that includes a valve 41. Rod 40 extends from arm 33 through a sealed aperture 34 in housing 32 and through aperture 28 in the distal end portion of handle 20. Valve 41 moves in response to the movement of switch 31 and selectively seals and opens aperture 28. Housing 32 preferably includes a longitudinally extending beam that assists in aligning the sliding movement of arm 33 and/or rod 40.

[0031] A first position of brush 12 is defined by valve 41 sealing aperture 28 and switch 31 in a proximal position. A bias member 35 is positioned between arm 33 and housing 32 that urges arm 33 of switch 31 and rod 40 proximally in housing 32 to seal aperture 28 closed. Bias member 35 is shown as a spring coiled around rod 40 in this one embodiment, but bias member 35 could also be a leaf spring or resilient polymer and use any alternative positioning between housing 32 and arm 33. Bias member 35 has sufficient resilience to retain a fluid tight seal of aperture 28 when brush 12 is positioned at any angle and reservoir 23 is full of a fluid.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, rod 40 is preferably solid, but has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that varies to perform specific functions. For example, rod 40 in the vicinity of aperture 34 of housing 32 preferably has a cylindrical outer shape and aperture 34 includes a seal that interfaces with the cylindrical outer shape of rod 40 when static and during any longitudinally directed movements to isolate housing 32 from any fluid in reservoir 23. Similarly, the portion of rod 40 that is in the vicinity of preferably circular aperture 28 changes cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and/or area from a solid cylinder that abuts valve 41 to a shape that defines a cross-section with a reduced area. In one preferred embodiment, the reduced cross-sectional area includes one or more longitudinally aligned channels in rod 40. The portions of rod 40 in the vicinity of apertures 34 and 28, as defined herein, include the length of rod 40 that interfaces with apertures 34 and 28 during the range of longitudinal movement of rod 40 between the open and sealed positions of aperture 28.

[0033] Valve 41 includes a terminal end 42 that is connected to a seal 43. The force of bias member 35 securely positions valve 41 directly against and precludes fluid flow from reservoir 23 through aperture 28 in the first position of brush 12. In the preferred embodiment, seal 43 has a cup shape that securely receives and is attached to a disk shaped terminal end 42. A proximal side of seal 43 provides a fluid tight seal directly with a distal side of aperture 28 in wall 22. The second position of brush 12 is defined as switch 31 moved distally to position valve 41 in spaced relation aperture 28 in wall 22 for fluid flow through aperture 28 from reservoir 23.

[0034] As switch 31 is forwarded distally against the force of bias member 35, rod 40 is also moved distally from the first position sealing aperture 28 closed to the second position opening aperture 28. As rod 40 moves distally, the cross-sectional shape and/or area of the portion of rod 40 directly in aperture 28 preferably changes from a solid cylinder with a first cross-sectional area to a second smaller cross-sectional area that increases fluid flow from reservoir 23. In the preferred embodiment, the portion of rod 40 with the smaller cross-sectional area has a shape of a cross or an "X" that defines one or more longitudinal channels. Thus, the amount of distance switch 31 and rod 40 are forwarded distally controls the size of the cross-sectional area directly in aperture 28. Aperture 28 in the open position is in fluid communication with brush head 50 and reservoir 23.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment of brush 12, rod 40 includes one or more disks 45 that distally advance the fluid in reservoir 23 when switch 31 is moved to the second position. This embodiment can further include rod 40 having disk 45 that is a helical screw and the movement of switch 31 initiating a rotational movement of fluid along the longitudinal axis, for example, that forcefully advances the fluid. This embodiment can advantageously provide additional pressure on the fluid in reservoir 23 as it nears emptying.

[0036] Brush head 50 has a wall 52 that defines a tubular shaped conduit for the dispersing of fluid from brush 12. Brush head 50 has a distal end portion that includes a plurality of bristles 54 and a proximal end portion that connects to the distal end portion of handle 20. Brush head 50 is preferably removably connected to handle 20 by threads or a similar fluid sealing connector mechanism as described previously between cap 26 and handle 20. The proximal end portion of wall 52 of head 50 defines an aperture 57 and has a first inside diameter that is greater than the inside diameter of the distal end portion of head 50. The distal end portion of wall 52 defines an aperture 55. Apertures 55 and 57 are preferably aligned with aperture 28 and the longitudinal axis. The inner surface of wall 52 includes an approximately concave conical shape that provides a distally directed tapered transition between the larger first diameter of the proximal end portion and the smaller second diameter of the distal end portion of brush head 50.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, storage device 18 provides a storage receptacle for brush 12 and further includes a structure for the positioning of a decorative insert 90. Storage device 16 includes a first or outer tube 60, a second inner tube 70 and a base 80. Base 80 is constructed for positioning on a flat surface such as a floor or shelf. First tube 60 and second tube 70 connect with and extend upwardly from base 80.

[0038] In one preferred embodiment, first tube 60 has a tubular wall 62 that defines an upper edge 63 and a lower edge 64. Upper edge 63 includes a rim 65 that extends inwardly a predetermined distance in a direction approximately perpendicular to longitudinal axis-X'. A tubular wall 66 appends from rim 65 in the direction of lower edge 64 a predetermined distance to a terminal free end. Wall 66 and rim 65 define an aperture 67 aligned with longitudinal axis-X'. First tube 60 provides visibility to second tube 70 and is preferably a tube with a solid wall that is made of a transparent material such as glass or polymer. Alternatively, tube 60 can also be made of non-transparent material that provides visibility through a plurality of apertures defined in tube 60 such as those that could be defined by a tubular wall 62 made of wires, bars or plates, for example.

[0039] Wall 62 preferably has a tapered truncated conical shape with a diameter that reduces from lower edge 64 to upper edge 63. Tubular wall 66 is preferably tapered conversely with the terminal free end having a smaller diameter than rim 65.

[0040] Second tube 70 has a tubular wall 72 that defines an upper edge 73 that is a free end and a lower edge that is connected to a bottom 74. Edge 73 defines an aperture that has a first diameter that is preferably larger than the diameter of bottom 74. Edge 73 of wall 72 has a diameter that can be received in proximity to rim 65 between wall 62 and wall 66 of tube 60. Second tube 70 can have a decorative design and/or color. Second tube 70 is preferably made of polymer materials, but can also be constructed of glass, metal, cellulose and composite materials. The outer surface of tubular wall 72 can also be connected with a separate decorative layer 90 that can be temporary or permanently attached.

[0041] Continuing with this preferred embodiment, base 80 has a first tubular wall 82 that defines an upper edge 83 that is a free end and a lower edge that is connected to a bottom 84. Base 80 also includes a second tubular wall 85 that is positioned in fixed spaced relation to wall 82, has an upper edge 86 that is a free end and a lower edge that is connected to bottom 84. Wall 85 defines a recess with bottom 84 that receives bottom 74 of second tube 70 in a close fitting relationship. An annular channel is defined between wall 82, bottom 84 and wall 85. Base 80 is preferably made of a resilient polymer or elastomer that has sufficient rigidity to retain tube 70 and tube 80 in their respective positions.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, storage device 18 is advantageously constructed to display a decorative layer, wrapper or sheath of material 90 such as a wall paper, ribbon, wrapping paper or contact paper. The decorative layer of material 90 can be a paper, polymer, natural fiber or any other substance that provides the desired decorative effect.

[0043] As described previously, in operation the preferred embodiment of storage device 18 first tube 60 provides visibility to second tube 70. Storage device 18 can be readily disassembled and decorative layer 90 attached to the outer surface of wall 72 of second tube 70 to match, accent and/or coordinate with a desired bathroom decor. Second tube 70 can include fasteners, such as one or more recesses or projections that can assist in retaining decorative layer 90 in position against wall 72. Decorative layer 90 is thus protected on the outside by second tube 70 and from the inside by second tube 80 from any damage. Storage device 18 is then reassembled.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, in the operation of fluid dispensing brush 10 the longitudinal axis-X of brush 12 is approximately aligned with the longitudinal axis-X' for positioning into and removal from container 18. The plurality of bristles 53 has a diameter that is approximately equal to or less than aperture 67. The positioning of the distal end 14 of brush 12 in container 18 is limited by flange 28. The rim of flange 28 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of aperture 67 of storage device 18. Tubular wall 29 and flange 28 interface with wall 66 and rim 65 aperture 67 to retain brush head 50 in a stable upright position in storage device 18 with grip 24 extending approximately along the longitudinal axis-X'. Second tube 70 retains any liquids that drip from brush 12 while in the storage position and can be subsequently removed from storage device 18. The drippings can be disposed of, tube 70 cleaned, and storage device 18 reassembled. Brush 12 is easily withdrawn from container 18 along longitudinal axis-X'.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, brush 12 in operation is initially in the first position with actuation mechanism 30 biased to make a fluid tight seal against aperture 28. Brush 12 is filled, as required, with a fluid by opening cap 26 and filling reservoir 23 to a desired level. Cap 26 is replaced to seal reservoir 23 closed. Brush 12 can initially be used to scrub a surface without the dispensing of fluid from reservoir 23 or the fluid can be dispensed at the desired location prior to or during scrubbing.

[0046] To dispense the fluid, distal end portion 14 of brush 12 is pointed downwards and aperture 55 is oriented in the direction of the desired area for cleaning. Switch 31 on grip 24 is manually actuated to forward arm 33 and rod 40 to open valve 41 for fluid flow through second aperture 28. In the preferred embodiment, the flow of fluid from brush 12 is due to gravity and/or the motion of the grasping hand. If switch 31 is advanced a first predetermined distance, the flow from reservoir 23 is limited to the gap defined between the cylindrical portion of rod 50 and preferably circular aperture 28. When switch 31 and rod 50 are fully advanced, the fluid flow of reservoir 23 is increased due to the reduced cross-sectional area of rod 50.

[0047] The flow from aperture 28 is interrupted by the proximal side of valve 41 and is deflected towards the inner surface of wall 52 of head 50. The fluid advances distally approximately along the inner surface of wall 52 along a converging approximately conical path and then exits through aperture 55 as a stream of fluid. Aperture 28, rod 40 and aperture 55 preferably have a directional orientation along longitudinal axis-X.

[0048] The interruption of the flow from aperture 28 by valve 41 advantageously controls the rate and/or energy of the flow of the fluid from reservoir 23. In particular, this interrupted flow pattern limits the force of gravity on the rate of flow when reservoir 23 is full and/or an excessively rapid movement of brush 12 is made in the first position. This combination of interrupted and then collected flow pattern retains the control of the direction and rate of the flow through aperture 55. The control of the force of the fluid from brush 12 also advantageously limits the undesired splash and/or spray that can result from fluid flows with excessive energy.

[0049] In the preceding specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will however, be evident that various modifications, combinations and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. For example, the cross-sectional shapes and areas perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of aperture 28 and rod 50 can each vary to provide a range of flow rates. Similarly, while the present invention is described as a preferably gravity flow device, it is understood that the present invention could be readily modified to include a pressurized configuration. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A fluid dispensing toilet brush apparatus that comprises: a handle that has a wall that defines a reservoir, the handle includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion that define a longitudinal axis, the handle includes a first sealable aperture in the wall that is in fluid communication with the reservoir and a second sealable aperture in the wall of the distal end portion; an actuation mechanism connected to the handle that includes a movable switch and a rod, the switch is fixedly connected to a proximal end portion of the rod and a valve is connected to the distal end portion of the rod, the rod extends through the second aperture and the valve opens and seals the second aperture, the actuation mechanism biased to seal the second aperture; a brush head connected to the distal end portion of the handle, the brush head has a wall that defines a tube that has a distal aperture and a proximal aperture that are in fluid communication with the valve, the brush head includes a plurality of bristles connected to the wall; a first position of the brush wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are sealed; and a second position of the brush wherein the switch is moved to open the second aperture and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the distal aperture of the brush head.

2. The toilet brush of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism includes a housing and a bias member, the housing positioned in the reservoir and sealed from the reservoir, the bias member urges the switch to the first position.

3. The toilet brush of claim 1, wherein the rod in the vicinity of the second aperture has a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that changes and the flow through the second aperture varies with the change in the cross-sectional area.

4. The toilet brush of claim 1, wherein the reservoir has a fluid and gravity forces the fluid from the reservoir through the distal aperture.

5. The toilet brush of claim 1, wherein the reservoir has a fluid and the flow of the fluid from the second aperture is interrupted and directed outward from the longitudinal axis by the valve.

6. The toilet brush of claim 5, wherein an inside surface of the wall of the brush head receives the interrupted fluid flow from the valve and provides a stream of fluid flow from the distal aperture.

7. The toilet brush of claim 4, wherein the force of gravity is augmented by at least one disk connected to the rod in the reservoir.

8. The toilet brush of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism includes a housing that connects to the grip and at least partially extends into the reservoir, the housing sealed from the reservoir, the switch connects to an arm that extends into the housing and the arm connects to the proximal end of the rod.

9. The toilet brush of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a flange and a tubular wall portion that enclose a volume that is in fluid communication with the reservoir.

10. The toilet brush of claim 1 that further includes a storage device and the handle includes a flange, the storage device receives at least the distal end portion of the brush and interfaces with the flange.

11. A toilet brush and storage device that comprises: a brush that has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion that define a longitudinal axis, the proximal end portion includes a handle and the distal end portion includes a brush head, the handle has a grip and the brush head has a plurality of bristles; a storage device that receives a distal end portion of the brush in a storage position; a first tubular wall of the storage device that has an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge connects to a rim and the inner edge of the rim connects to a downwardly depending tubular extension that has a free terminal end, the rim and extension define an aperture that receives at least the distal end portion of the brush; a second tubular wall of the storage device that has an upper free end and a lower end that connects to a bottom, the upper free end removably positionable between the first tubular wall and the downwardly depending tubular extension, the second tubular wall is adapted to include a decorative material, the second tubular wall at least partially visible through the first tubular wall; and a base that connects the first tubular wall and the second tubular wall.

12. The toilet brush and storage device of claim 11, wherein the brush includes a flange that abuts the rim and limits the downward positioning of the brush in the storage position.

13. The toilet brush and storage device of claim 12, wherein the flange includes a distally extending tubular portion that is received by the downwardly depending tubular extension from the rim.

14. The toilet brush and storage device of claim 11, wherein an outer surface of the second tubular wall of the storage device includes a decorative material that is visible through the first tubular wall.

15. The toilet brush and storage device of claim 11, wherein an outer surface of the second tubular wall of the storage device is adapted to receive a removable piece of decorative material that is visible through the first tubular wall.

16. The toilet brush and storage device of claim 12, wherein the flange and the rim are approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

17. The toilet brush and storage device of claim 11, wherein the first tube of the storage device has a diameter that is tapered from the lower end to the rim.

18. The toilet brush and storage device of claim 11, wherein the second tube of the storage device has a diameter that is tapered from the free end to the bottom.

19. The toilet brush and storage device of claim 11, wherein the first tube and the second tube have a cylindrical outer shape and are concentrically positioned by the base.

20. The toilet brush and storage device of claim 11, wherein the handle of the brush includes a wall that defines a reservoir, the handle has a proximal end portion that defines a grip and a first sealable aperture defined in the wall of the grip that is in fluid communication with the reservoir, a second sealable aperture defined in the wall of a distal end portion of the handle, a distal aperture defined in the wall of the brush head that is in fluid communication with the second aperture, an actuation mechanism connected to the handle that selectively opens and seals the second aperture.