U.S. patent application number 10/573379 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-01 for means for disenabling the use.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mag Solutions Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Warwick Brown, Douglas Grevett, Stephen Martinuzzo, Andrew McDonald, Shannon Smith.
Application Number | 20070250997 10/573379 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34318321 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070250997 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McDonald; Andrew ; et
al. |
November 1, 2007 |
Means for Disenabling the Use
Abstract
A toilet blocker for temporarily blocking a toilet bowl
comprises a cover means (10; 100; 200; 300) for temporarily
covering a toilet bowl (50), and a locking arrangement connected to
or connectable to the cover means for securing the cover means in
position covering the bowl of the toilet. The locking arrangement
is arranged to engage with or under the lower edge of the
splashback preventer of the rim (54) of the toilet bowl (50).
Various embodiments of toilet blocker are disclosed in some of
which a bracket (18; 116; 218) rotates into position under the rim
54 of the toilet. In another embodiment the bracket (314) is
V-shaped and slides and is pulled upwards to lock to the rim (54)
of the toilet.
Inventors: |
McDonald; Andrew; (New South
Wales, AU) ; Grevett; Douglas; (New South Wales,
AU) ; Brown; Warwick; (Victoria, AU) ;
Martinuzzo; Stephen; (Victoria, AU) ; Smith;
Shannon; (Victoria, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROWDY AND NEIMARK, P.L.L.C.;624 NINTH STREET, NW
SUITE 300
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-5303
US
|
Assignee: |
Mag Solutions Pty Ltd
New South Wales
AU
|
Family ID: |
34318321 |
Appl. No.: |
10/573379 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
September 23, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU04/01301 |
371 Date: |
June 15, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/253 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 13/242
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/253 |
International
Class: |
A47K 13/00 20060101
A47K013/00; A47K 13/24 20060101 A47K013/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 24, 2003 |
AU |
203905239 |
Claims
1. A toilet blocker for temporarily blocking a toilet bowl, the
toilet bowl including a depending lip/splashback preventer having a
lower edge, the toilet blocker including a cover means for covering
the bowl of the toilet and means for removably locking the cover
means in position over the bowl, wherein the means for removably
locking the cover means in position includes a least one bracket
which locates at least partly under, or touching the lower edge of
the splashback preventer of the toilet bowl in a first position to
secure the cover in position blocking the toilet bowl, and which is
movable to a second position to allow the release of the cover
means from the toilet bowl.
2. A toilet blocker as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracket or
brackets engage under the lower edge of the splashback preventer of
the toilet bowl at least two locations spaced apart from each
other.
3. A toilet blocker as claimed in claim 1 wherein the brackets are
rotatable into position to locate under the lower edge of the
splashback preventer of the toilet bowl.
4. A toilet blocker as claimed in claim 3 wherein means are provide
to prevent or hinder rotation in a counter direction to release the
brackets.
5. A toilet blocker as claimed in claim 1 wherein the brackets form
part of a bracket arrangement connectable to the cover means, the
bracket arrangement comprising a first bracket defining a first
longitudinal axis and being supportable on the upper surface of the
rim of a toilet bowl and a lower bracket defining a second
longitudinal axis connected to the first bracket in such a manner
that the axes are rotatable relative to one another, the lower
bracket having a length such that it may be inserted under the
lower edge of the fluid splashback preventer of the toilet bowl in
one orientation relative to the bowl but which may be engaged under
the lower edge of the fluid splashback preventer of the toilet bowl
in a second orientation, and including means for locking the lower
bracket in that second orientation.
6. A toilet blocker as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracket is
generally C-shaped and defines a series of projections for engaging
under the lower edge of the splashback preventer and wherein a cam
means or the like in provided to expand the bracket outwardly to
engage the projections under the splashback preventer.
7. A toilet blocker as claimed in claim 1 wherein the brackets are
located adjacent the edges of the cover means and may be rotated
into position under the rim by turning a knob or bolt or the like
and are raised up to the lower edge of the rim also by rotating the
knob/bolt.
8. A toilet blocker as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracket is
generally v-shaped and is arranged to slide into position under the
rim for locking the cover means to the toilet bowl and which may be
pulled upwardly to engage around the lower edge of the splashback
preventer, thereby locking the cover means is place.
9. A toilet blocker as claimed in claim 8 wherein the bracket
includes a stem, a handle and a pivot about which the bracket may
pivot and wherein the underside of the cover means defines a
plurality of curved channels in which the pivot means may locate
for pivoting of the bracket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from Provisional
Patent Application No 2003905239 filed on 24 Sep. 2003, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention concerns a means for temporarily disenabling
the use of toilet facilities.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] During construction of residential buildings such as blocks
of units or apartments, temporary portable toilet facilities are
provided for building and construction workers who are engaged in
the construction of these buildings. Such facilities are often
referred to as "portaloos" and are a common feature on building
sites around Australia However, such "portaloos" are often located
some distance from where the workers are engaged, particularly in
the case of high rise buildings. Due to this inconvenience, workers
are more often than not, reluctant to waste time travelling to and
from the "portaloos". Therefore, there is an unfortunate tendency
by building workers to make use of toilet facilities newly
installed in the buildings. This use commonly takes place prior to
connection of the toilet facilities to plumbing systems and often
results in the blockage of toilet facilities. This is an unsavoury
and unhealthy practice not to mention costly for the construction
company as plumbers are required to travel to the site to unblock
the toilet facilities, and restore the status of the
facilities.
[0004] A second problem arises when toilets which are located in
facilities such as public conveniences, toilets in bars, nightclubs
and hotels cease to function properly, become blocked or the like.
It is usually necessary to temporarily stop patrons using
non-functioning toilets pending their repair by a plumber or the
like. At present there is no simple and secure way of preventing
patrons from using non-functioning toilets.
[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices,
articles or the like which has been included in the present
specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for
the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that
any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were
common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present
invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of
this application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a first broad aspect, the invention provides a cover
means for temporarily blocking a toilet bowl and means for
removably locking the cover means in position.
[0007] More particularly, the invention may comprise a toilet
blocker for temporarily blocking a toilet bowl, the toilet bowl
including a depending lip/splashback preventer having a lower edge,
the toilet blocker including a cover means for covering the bowl of
the toilet and means for removably locking the cover means in
position wherein the means for removably locking the cover means in
position includes a least one bracket which locates at least partly
under, or touching the lower edge of the splashback preventer of
the toilet bowl in a first position to secure the cover in position
blocking the toilet bowl, and which is movable to a second position
to allow the release of the cover means from the toilet bowl.
[0008] Typically, the bracket or brackets engage under the lower
edge of the splashback preventer of the toilet bowl at at least two
locations spaced apart from each other.
[0009] The brackets may be rotatable in a first into position to
locate under the lower edge of the splashback preventer of the
toilet bowl.
[0010] Typically, means are provided to prevent or hinder rotation
in a counter direction to release the brackets.
[0011] In one preferred embodiment the invention, as currently
envisaged is a means for temporarily blocking a toilet bowl, which
comprises a cover means for temporarily blocking a toilet bowl, and
a bracket arrangement connectable to the cover means, the bracket
arrangement comprising a first bracket defining a first
longitudinal axis and being supportable on the upper surface of the
rim of a toilet bowl and a lower bracket defining a second
longitudinal axis connected to the first bracket in such a manner
that the axes are rotatable relative to one another, the lower
bracket having a length such that it may be inserted under the
lower edge of the fluid splashback preventer of the toilet bowl in
one orientation relative to the bowl but which may be engaged under
the lower edge of the fluid splashback preventer of the toilet bowl
in a second orientation, and including means for locking the lower
bracket in that second orientation.
[0012] The cover means is preferably in the form of an oval plate
made of mild steel, with a protective rubber pad extending around
the perimeter of the plate.
[0013] Typically, the plate is attachable to the first bracket by
means of tamperproof screws or the like.
[0014] The brackets may be made of mild steel and may include
protective rubber pads on their ends.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Examples of the invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a toilet
blocker embodying the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the toilet blocker of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the toilet blocker
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cut away perspective view illustrating the
toilet blocker in use.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the
invention;
[0021] FIGS. 6a to 6c are cross-sectional views illustrating the
installation and removal of the embodiment of FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 7a is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 7b is a perspective view of a the embodiment of FIG.
7a;
[0024] FIGS. 8a to 8c are cross-sectional views illustrating the
installation and removal of the embodiment of FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of FIG. 7a
having increased security;
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment of a toilet cover
means;
[0027] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a locking means of the third
embodiment of the invention; and
[0028] FIGS. 12a to 12c are cross-sectional views illustrating the
installation and removal of the embodiment of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] Referring to the drawings, a toilet blocker is shown at 10
in FIGS. 1 to 3. The toilet blocker includes a generally
oval/elliptical top plate 12 having a length (major axis) L of
approximately 380 mm and width (minor axis) W of approximately 340
mm. Two holes 14 are defined in the plate, the centres of those
holes are spaced apart at a distance d of approximately 200 mm.
[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the
blocker includes an upper bracket 16 defining a longitudinal axis
16a and a lower bracket 18 defining a longitudinal axis 18a
disposed on the underside of the plate 12.
[0031] The upper bracket is in the shape of a relatively wide
generally U shaped channel defining flanges 20 either side of the U
shaped channel. The base 22 of the channel has a length 1.sub.1 of
180 mm. The height h.sub.1 of the sidewalls 24 of the channel is
approximately 30 mm. Each flange 20 on either side of the central
channel portion has a length of approximately 70 mm. As can best
seen in FIG. 3, there is a hole 26 in the centre of the base 22 of
the upper bracket and a hole 28 in each flange adjacent the side
walls 24.
[0032] The lower bracket 18 is flat has a length of approximately
320 mm and also has a hole 30 in its centre.
[0033] Both brackets are typically made of mild steel.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a partially exploded sectional view of the
toilet blocking apparatus illustrating the fitting of the apparatus
to the upper part 50 of a toilet bowl. The toilet bowl defines an
upper surface or rim 52 on which a toilet seat may rest in use and
an internal depending lip 54 which depends down from the rim 52 and
has a bottom edge 56 and functions as a fluid splashback preventer
when the toilet is flushed.
[0035] Also shown in FIG. 4, is a protective rubber rim 60 which
extends around the perimeter of the mild steel plate 12 and
protective rubber pads 62 defined on the ends of the two brackets
16 and 18. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper bracket 16 and lower
bracket 18 are joined by a bolt 64 extending through the holes. A
plastic knob 66 is provided on the bowl head for use in tightening
the bolt 64 and drawing the two brackets together. Except when
otherwise restrained, the lower bracket 18 and upper bracket 16 are
able to rotate relative to each about the axis defined by the bolt
56.
[0036] In use, the brackets are initially linked by the bolt but
separate from the blocking plate 12. The brackets are inserted into
a toilet bowl so that the upper bracket rests on the upper surface
of the rim 52 of the bowl and the lower bracket is located below
the lower edge of level of the depending lip/fluid splashback
preventer 54. As is well known, toilet rims tend to be elliptical
or oval in shape having a relatively larger major axis and a
relatively shorter minor axis. The length of the lower bracket is
such that it will fit relatively easily under the rim into the bowl
and past the lower edge of the depending lip/fluid splashback
preventer 54 when it is aligned with the longer major axis of a
typical toilet bowl. However when the axis 18a of the lower bracket
is rotated relative to the major axis, the diameter of the toilet
bowl decreases and the end portions of the lower bracket locate
underneath the rim 52 and typically abut against the outer walls of
the narrower part of the toilet bowl. Once the lower bracket 18 is
located underneath the rim 52, the bolt 64 can be tightened using
the knob 66 to prevent relative movement of the upper and lower
brackets and to lock the brackets to the toilet bowl.
[0037] Tamperproof screws can then be used to lock the plate to the
upper bracket of through the holes 14 in the plate and 28 in the
upper bracket, thereby preventing unauthorised use of the toilet
bowl. The process of removal of the plate is the opposite of
installation with a special tool being required to remove the
tamperproof screws.
[0038] FIGS. 5 to 6c illustrate a second embodiment of a toilet
blocker 100. This embodiment includes a circular plate 102 defining
a central hub 104 which is generally cylindrical and which defines
integrally moulded pawls 106. The centre of the hub defines a
recess 107 having a hexagonal cross-section. As is best seen in
FIGS. 6a to 6c a cylindrical sleeve 109 having an annular
cross-section projects up from the base 107a of the recess. The
sleeve is omitted from FIG. 5 to allow other components to be seen.
Two diametrically opposed curved slots 108 are defined in the hub.
As shown the slots define a first end 108a and a second end 108b
and subtend an angle of about 90.degree. about the centre of the
circular plate. The first end 108a of each slot is located adjacent
the hub 104. The second end 108b is located distal from the hub and
adjacent the outer edge of the circular plate.
[0039] A "wishbone" bracket 110 for locking under the rim of a
toilet is in the form of a generally C-shaped plastic moulding. An
arm 112 extends radially inwards at either end of the bracket 110.
A protrusion or plug 114 (refer to FIGS. 6a to 6c) depends from the
end of each radial arm. A series of ramped lugs 116 project from
the exterior of the bracket 110. As is best seen in FIG. 6a these
lugs define a first ledge portion 116a which is generally
perpendicular to the and a second angled portion 116b which slopes
down and way from the hub 104.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 5, one plug 114 locates in each
arcuate slot 108.
[0041] The toilet blocker includes a moulded cover 118 for covering
the bowl and surrounding area of a toilet which includes a central
circular aperture including depending walls which define a series
of sloping teeth for engagement with the pawls 106.
[0042] A handle 120 defines a hexagonal depending portion 122 which
engages in the aperture 107 in the hub. A bolt 124 which engages in
the sleeve 109 secures the handle to the circular plate 102 as is
best seen in FIGS. 6a to 6c. The cover 118 is sandwiched between
the handle 120 and plate 102. The handle and plate 102 which rotate
together by engagement of the hexagonal portion 122 and aperture
108. The 35 spring 126 acts on the head of the bolt and biases the
handle and plate towards each other. A trim 128 snap fits to the
handle to cover the head of the bolt 124.
[0043] In use, the toilet blocker is placed over a toilet seat with
the arms 112 located at the ends 108a of the slots 108 nearest the
hub 104. With reference to FIG. 6a, the handle 120 is then turned
clockwise. The plate 102 rotates, however the bracket 110 does not.
The plugs 114 travel along the slots 108 (which finction as a cam)
forcing the arms outwards towards the edge of the plate 102, which
in turn causes the C-shaped bracket to deform and expand outwardly.
As is best seen in FIG. 6b as the lugs 116 contacts the rim of the
toilet, specifically the lower edge of the splashback preventer,
the ramped parts 116b forces their respective lug downwards
allowing the lugs 116 to automatically adjust to the height of the
rim. The ratchet 119 and pawl 106 mechanism defined by the hub and
the handle prevents the handle from being turned in an
anti-clockwise direction and maintains pressure on the bracket, as
shown in FIG. 6b.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 6c, to release the toilet blocker,
the trim 128 is removed from the handle and a pen 130 or
screwdriver or the like is used to push down on the head of the
bolt 124 to depress the hub 104 and release the ratchet and pawl
mechanism to allow the handle to be turned counter-clockwise
releasing the bracket 110 from engagement under the toilet rim.
[0045] FIGS. 7a to 9 show a yet further embodiment of a toilet
blocker. FIG. 7b shows the blocker 200 comprising a cover 202
incorporating two clamping mechanisms 204. In this embodiment two
wells 206 are moulded in the cover. The wells have a base 208 and a
sleeve 210 extends upwardly from the base 208. The sleeve 210 is
omitted from FIG. 7a, but shown in FIGS. 8a to 8c. A lever 212
having a projection 214 which projects into the well and can be
moved away from the well is defined in the walls of the well.
[0046] A clamp 216 comprises a hollow cylinder with an integrally
moulded projecting bracket 218. A threaded aperture 220 (not shown
in FIG. 7b--refer to FIG. 8a) is defined in the centre of the
clamp.
[0047] A hex bolt 222 locates in a rotatable cylindrical knob 224
defining a central bore having a hexagonal cross-section matching
the head of the hex bolt, and a channel 226 which extends around
the exterior of the knob close to its top.
[0048] The device is shown assembled in FIG. 8a prior to use. The
hex bolt 222 is located in the sleeve with the head of the hex bolt
located in the bore of the knob which in turn is located in the
well 206. A spring 228 is disposed between the base 208 of the well
and the knob. The top of the knob is closed by a cover plate
230.
[0049] An initial turn of the knob rotates the bracket into
position under the rim 54 and the bracket is impeded from rotating
further by contact with the walls of the toilet bowl. Further turns
of the sleeve draw the clamp upwards as shown in FIG. 8b as the hex
bolt turns in the threaded aperture 220. When the bracket is drawn
upwards sufficiently to touch the lower edge of the splashback
preventer of the toilet, the knob is depressed and the projection
214 clips into engagement in the channel 226, locking the knob in a
recessed position a shown in FIG. 6c. Pushing the lever 212 down
and away from the knob releases the projection from the channel and
allows the knob to spring upwards for release of the bracket 218 by
turning the sleeve counter-clockwise.
[0050] FIG. 9 shows a variant of the toilet blocker of FIG. 7a in
which the sleeve and hex bolt are replaced by a tamper proof
fastener 250 and a steel plate 252 covers the top of the cover.
[0051] FIGS. 10 to 12c illustrate a fourth embodiment of a toilet
blocker plate 300. In this embodiment the brackets 308 slide rather
than rotate to engage with or under the rim. A cover 302 defines
two opposed recessed portions 304, one on either side of the cover.
A corrugated portion 307 extends between the recessed portions. The
underside of the recessed portion defines a series of concave
channels 307a as is best seen in FIGS. 12a to 12c. Each recessed
portion defines an elongate slot 306.
[0052] A removable locking tab 320 which matches the shape of the
recess may be located in the recess by means of a tamper resistant
screw 322. The tab defines a narrow elongate slot 324 which is
superposed on the slot 306 when the tab is secured in position in
the recess. Slot 324 is narrower than slot 306.
[0053] The brackets are in the form of a one-piece moulding 308,
which include a body portion 310, one end of which defines a
transverse cylindrical rod 312 or pivot, and the other end of which
defines a generally v-shaped bracket or channel 314 for engaging a
rim 54 of a toilet. A stem 316 extends upwardly from the body
portion and is serrated to define a series of angled faces
separated by channels, the faces being angled do that the stem may
be pulled in one direction (upwards) through the slot 324 in the
locking tab only but cannot be pushed down. A handle or grip 318 is
defined at the top of the stem. The handle 318 projects through the
slot 306 and through the narrower slot in the locking tab as
illustrated in FIG. 12a.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 12a to 12c, in use, the cover 300 is
located on a toilet bowl 50 and the clamps are slid outwards with
the serrated stem 316 below the slot 320 in the locking tab. When
the grip 314 is located below the rim 54 of the toilet the handle
318 is pulled upwards to lock the grip to the lower edge of the
splashback preventer (refer to FIG. 12b). The cover cannot be
released since the serrations on the stem 316 prevent the stem
being pushed downwards. To remove the cover means it is necessary
to remove the locking tab which is held in place by the tamper
proof fastener, 322.
[0055] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The
present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *