U.S. patent application number 11/818135 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for toilet bowl cleanser dispenser device.
Invention is credited to Joseph Han, Jack T. Nguyen.
Application Number | 20070289054 11/818135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38834033 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070289054 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Han; Joseph ; et
al. |
December 20, 2007 |
Toilet bowl cleanser dispenser device
Abstract
A toilet cleanser dispenser system includes a compartment for
containing a cleansing agent, a housing at least partially
enclosing the compartment, and a refill tube. A first portion of
refill water is directed from a fill valve directly to an overflow
tube through the refill tube, while a second portion of refill
water is diverted to the housing. The second portion of refill
water comes in contact with the cleansing agent forming a cleanser
solution. The cleansing solution is then directed from the housing
to the refill tube. The cleansing agent compartment is isolated
with at least one water trap.
Inventors: |
Han; Joseph; (Irvine,
CA) ; Nguyen; Jack T.; (Rancho Santa Margarita,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Vic Lin;Myers Dawes Andras & Sherman LLP
Suite 1150
19900 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine
CA
92612
US
|
Family ID: |
38834033 |
Appl. No.: |
11/818135 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60814387 |
Jun 16, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/225.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/038 20130101;
E03D 2009/024 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/225.1 |
International
Class: |
E03D 9/00 20060101
E03D009/00 |
Claims
1. A toilet cleanser dispenser system, comprising: a compartment
for containing a cleansing agent; a first housing at least
partially enclosing the cleansing agent compartment; and a refill
tube fluidly connected to the first housing for directing a first
portion of refill water from a fill valve to the overflow tube, and
a cleansing solution from the first housing to the overflow tube,
the refill tube comprising a diverter for directing a second
portion of the refill water to the first housing to cause the
second portion of the refill water to come into contact with the
cleansing agent to form the cleansing solution, wherein the first
housing comprises: at least one water trap for isolating the
cleansing agent compartment; and an outlet for directing the
cleansing solution to the refill tube.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a venturi for
siphoning the cleansing solution into the refill tube through the
outlet.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein an orifice of the venturi in the
refill tube is substantially crescent shaped, and a cross section
of the refill tube is substantially circular.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein an orifice of the venturi in the
refill tube is substantially circular.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one water trap
comprises an outlet water trap, the system further comprising an
inlet water trap.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second housing
connected to the refill tube and adapted to be coupled to the first
housing a water-tight receptacle.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one water trap is
formed by nesting surfaces of the first housing and the second
housing, and wherein the at least one water trap comprises a
substantially U-shaped portion.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the cleansing agent compartment
comprises a cartridge carrying the cleansing agent, the cartridge
being removably coupled to at least one of the first and second
housings.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a blind cylinder at
the bottom of the first housing for providing a support to the
cleansing agent compartment.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the cleansing agent compartment
comprises at least one port for permeating water in and out of the
compartment.
11. A toilet cleanser dispenser system, comprising: an overflow
tube; and a cleansing dispenser device coupled to the overflow
tube, the cleanser dispenser device including: a cleansing agent
compartment for containing a cleansing agent; a first housing at
least partially enclosing the cleansing agent compartment; and a
refill tube fluidly connected to the first housing for directing a
first portion of refill water from a fill valve to the overflow
tube, directing a second portion of the refill water from the fill
valve to the first housing to come into contact with the cleansing
agent to form the cleansing solution, and for receiving the
cleansing solution from the housing and directing the cleansing
solution to the overflow tube; wherein the first housing comprises:
at least one water trap for isolating the cleansing agent
compartment; and an outlet for directing the cleansing solution to
the refill tube.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the cleansing dispenser device
further comprising a second housing removably attached to the first
housing, wherein: the cleansing dispenser device further comprises
a cleansing agent cartridge substantially enclosed in the cleansing
agent compartment, and wherein the cartridge is removably coupled
to at least one of the first and second housings.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the cleansing dispenser device
further comprises: a venturi for siphoning the cleansing solution
into the refill tube through the outlet, wherein the siphoning is
provided by the first portion of refill water flowing through the
refill tube adjacent the venturi.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one water trap
comprises an inlet water trap, and wherein the cleansing dispenser
device further comprises an outlet water trap.
15. A method for refilling a toilet bowl, comprising: directing a
first portion of refill water from a fill valve to an overflow tube
through a refill tube; diverting a second portion of refill water
through a diverter in the refill tube to a first housing containing
a cleansing agent; forming a cleanser solution as a result of the
second portion of water contacting the cleansing agent; and
directing the cleanser solution to the refill tube.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein directing the cleanser solution
to the refill tube comprises directing the cleanser solution
through a venturi by a siphoning force from a flow of the first
portion of refill water through the refill tube adjacent the
venturi.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: trapping fumes from
the cleansing agent with at least one water trap.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: housing the
cleansing agent in a disposable cartridge; and coupling the
disposable cartridge to at least one of the first housing and a
second housing removably attached to the first housing.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: removing the
disposable cartridge from the coupling with at least one of the
first and second housings; and coupling a replacement cartridge to
at least one of the first and second housings.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to, claims priority from, and
incorporates herein by reference, as if fully set forth, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/814,387 filed on Jun.
16, 2006 and entitled "BLEACH TOILET BOWL CLEANSER DISPENSER
DEVICE."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to cleanser
dispenser systems for toilets.
[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information
[0005] Cleansing dispenser systems for toilets are commonly located
in the toilet tanks. Conventional dispensers are often purchased as
add-on, after-market products, and have some common drawbacks.
[0006] For example, dispensers typically are clipped to the wall of
the toilet tank using clips. These clips often get in the way of
the toilet lid, preventing the toilet lid from being able to fully
close on the toilet tank.
[0007] Cleansing agents in the form of tablets, for example, which
dissolve into the refill water upon contact may generate harmful
fumes that can damage the interior components of the toilet tank.
The need to prevent the escape of fumes has led to awkward and
bulky structures that also cause the entire dispenser unit to take
up the limited space within the toilet tank. Accordingly, certain
dispenser units in the prior art do not allow the lid to close on a
standard toilet tank, thereby creating a rocking or tilted
appearance which is undesirable.
[0008] A toilet usually needs a refill water system that supplies
adequate amount of refill water to the bowl while the fill valve
restores water in the tank after flush. Siphonic toilets will not
properly function if residual water inside bowl is not restored
properly per the manufacturer's specification.
[0009] To conserve the cleansing agent and thus maximize its usage
and lifespan, it is desirable not to dissolve the agent in the
flush water that drains the toilet bowl, but only in the refill
water that fills the bowl after the flush.
[0010] This way, a lesser amount of the cleansing agent is used
with each flush, and the cleansing agent is used more efficiently
as it is not being wasted with flushing water. To accomplish this,
the cleansing agent must be fluidly coupled to the water line that
refills the bowl, namely, between the fill valve and the overflow
tube. Such an arrangement has required a variety of hoses, clips
and mechanical fasteners to provide fluid communication from the
dispenser unit to the overflow tube. Hoses can become loose,
thereby dumping harmful chemicals into the toilet tank unknown to
the consumer.
[0011] Further, conventional add-on dispenser units also present
fluctuations in the water level therein, caused by the height
differences between the top of an overflow tube and the mounting
location of the unit. Thus, the concentration of the cleanser
solution exiting such a prior art dispenser unit may vary with each
toilet depending upon these height differences.
[0012] In addition, conventional dispensers that are connected to
the refill system reduce some amount of refill water due to the
pressure drop that occurs through the dispenser. This becomes a
problem especially for the advanced toilet that requires precise
amount of water in the toilet bowl.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention provides structures and methods which
overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.
[0014] In one aspect, a toilet cleanser dispenser system is
provided for use in connection with a flush valve in a toilet tank.
The flush valve has an overflow tube. The system includes a
compartment for containing a cleansing agent, a first housing at
least partially enclosing the compartment, and a refill tube
fluidly connected to the first housing for directing a first
portion of refill water from a fill valve to the overflow tube, and
for directing a cleansing solution from the first housing to the
overflow tube. The refill tube has a diverter for directing a
second portion of the refill water to the first housing to cause
the second portion of the refill water to come into contact with
the cleansing agent to form the cleansing solution. The first
housing includes at least one water trap for isolating the
cleansing agent compartment, and an outlet for directing the
cleansing solution to the refill tube.
[0015] The system further includes a venturi for siphoning the
cleansing solution into the refill tube through the outlet. In one
embodiment, an orifice of the venturi in the refill tube is
substantially crescent, and a cross section of the refill tube is
substantially circular. In another embodiment, the orifice of the
venturi in the refill tube is substantially circular.
[0016] In one embodiment, the at least one water trap includes an
outlet water trap. The system further includes an inlet water
trap.
[0017] The system may further include a second housing connected to
the refill tube and adapted to be coupled to the first housing a
water-tight receptacle. In accordance with an embodiment of the
invention, the at least one water trap is formed by nesting
surfaces of the first housing and the second housing, and the at
least one water trap includes a substantially U-shaped portion.
[0018] In one embodiment, the cleansing agent compartment includes
a cartridge carrying the cleansing agent, the cartridge being
removably coupled to at least one of the first and second
housings.
[0019] In one embodiment, the system further includes a blind
cylinder at the bottom of the first housing for providing a support
to the cleansing agent compartment.
[0020] In one embodiment, the cleansing agent compartment includes
at least one port for permeating water in and out of the
compartment.
[0021] In another aspect, a toilet cleanser dispenser system is
provided. The system includes an overflow tube, and a cleansing
dispenser device coupled to the overflow tube. The cleanser
dispenser device includes a cleansing agent compartment for
containing a cleansing agent, a first housing at least partially
enclosing the cleansing agent compartment, and a refill tube
fluidly connected to the first housing for directing a first
portion of refill water from a fill valve to the overflow tube, and
for directing a second portion of the refill water from the fill
valve to the first housing to come into contact with the cleansing
agent to form the cleansing solution, and for receiving the
cleansing solution from the housing and directing the cleansing
solution to the overflow tube. The first housing includes at least
one water trap for isolating the cleansing agent compartment, and
an outlet for directing the cleansing solution to the refill
tube.
[0022] The system preferrably further includes a second housing
removably attached to the first housing. The cleansing dispenser
device further comprises a cleansing agent cartridge substantially
enclosed in the cleansing agent compartment. The cartridge is
removably coupled to at least one of the first and second
housings.
[0023] In one embodiment, the system further includes a venturi for
siphoning the cleansing solution into the refill tube through the
outlet. The siphoning is provided by the first portion of refill
water flowing through the refill tube adjacent the venturi.
[0024] In on embodiment, the at least one water trap includes an
inlet water trap. The system further includes an outlet water
trap.
[0025] A method for refilling a toilet bowl is also provided. The
method includes directing a first portion of refill water from a
fill valve to an overflow tube through a refill tube, diverting a
second portion of refill water through an opening in the refill
tube to a first housing containing a cleansing agent, forming a
cleanser solution as a result of the second portion of water
contacting the cleansing agent, and directing the cleanser solution
to the refill tube.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, directing the cleanser solution
to the refill tube includes directing the cleanser solution through
a venturi by a siphoning force from a flow of the first portion of
refill water through the refill tube adjacent the venturi. In one
embodiment, the system further includes trapping fumes from the
cleansing agent with at least one water trap.
[0027] In one embodiment, the method further includes housing the
cleansing agent in a disposable cartridge, and coupling the
disposable cartridge to at least one of the first housing and a
second housing removably attached to the first housing. The method
may further includes removing the disposable cartridge from the
coupling with at least one of the first and second housings, and
coupling a replacement cartridge to at least one of the first and
second housings.
[0028] In summary, an automatic toilet cleanser dispenser system
and a method for refilling a toilet bowl with a cleanser solution
are provided. The system includes a compartment for containing a
cleansing agent, a housing at least partially enclosing the
compartment, and a refill tube. A first portion of refill water is
directed from a fill valve directly to an overflow tube through the
refill tube, while a second portion of refill water is diverted to
the housing. The second portion of refill water comes in contact
with the cleansing agent forming a cleanser solution. The cleansing
solution is then directed from the housing to the refill tube. The
cleansing agent compartment is isolated with at least one water
trap.
[0029] The invention, now having been briefly summarized, may be
better appreciated by the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a cleanser
dispenser system with U-shaped water traps in accordance with a
first preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view of a second preferred
embodiment of the cleanser dispenser system;
[0032] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of a preferred
venturi device;
[0033] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional top view of the second
preferred embodiment of cleanser dispenser system;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third preferred
embodiment of the cleanser dispenser system with simplified water
traps;
[0035] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the third
embodiment of the cleanser dispenser system in a state with the
cleanser solution removed for clarity;
[0036] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a first housing
separate from the cleanser dispenser system in the third
embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the second housing
separate from the cleanser dispenser system in the third
embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of
the cleanser dispenser system during a flushing cycle; and
[0039] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a preferred method for
refilling a toilet bowl with a cleanser solution.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The invention and its various embodiments can now be better
understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein
illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly
understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as
examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as
ultimately defined in the claims.
[0041] A flush valve cleanser dispenser system has been described
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/409,675, which provides a
context of the dispenser system, i.e., the flush valve and the
overflow tubing as well as a sequence to activate the dispenser
system. The application is assigned to the assignee of the present
invention, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0042] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment
of the toilet cleanser dispenser system 100. The cleanser dispenser
system 100 may be clipped onto the overflow tube 102 using a hook
or clip 104. The dispenser system 100 comprises a cleanser agent
compartment 114 that contains a cleanser agent 112. The cleanser
agent 112 may be in the form of tablets, powders, granules, or
solid, a mix of the foregoing, or any other suitable form. The
compartment 114 may contain, or itself be, a disposable cartridge
as discussed further below.
[0043] The cleanser agent 112 is housed in a container 103 that is
in fluid communication with a refill water tube 108. In the first
preferred embodiment, the container 103 comprises a first housing
110, and a second housing 106 covering the first housing 110,
although it is to be expressly understood that the container 103
may be formed as a unitary structure where the first housing 110
may be integral with the second housing 106.
[0044] The first housing 110 substantially encloses the compartment
114, and is fluidly connected to the refill water tube 108. The
refill water tube 108 is preferably slanted downward toward the
overflow tube 102. The refill water tube 108 is fluidly coupled to
the second housing 106, which as shown provides a cover for the
first housing 110. The refill water tube 108 receives refill water
115 from a fill valve (not shown). A first portion 121 of the
refill water flows directly into the overflow tube 102 through the
slanted refill water tube 108 bypassing the cleanser agent 112. A
diverter 101 in the refill tube 108 diverts a second portion 113 of
the refill water into the first housing 110 through the inlet 111.
Although the diverter 101 as shown is a merely an opening in the
sidewall of the refill tube 108, it is to be expressly understood
that a diverter of any shape and size can be used.
[0045] The size and shape of the diverter 101 is related to the
amount of the second portion 113 of the refill water that is
diverted into the first housing 110, which in turn is related to
the concentration of the cleanser solution. The cleanser solution
123 and the first portion 121 of refill water dispensed with each
flush have a total volume about the same as the volume of refill
water 115. In other words, the volume of fluid refilling the toilet
bowl through the overflow tube 102 remains approximately the same
with or without the cleanser dispenser system.
[0046] It will be appreciated that the lifespan of the cleansing
agent 112 may be controlled by determining the amount of the
diverted second portion 113 of refill water relative to the
undiverted first portion 121. In particular, providing a dispenser
first housing 110 with a larger portion of water results in more of
the cleansing agent 112 being dissolved with each flush. This may
be controlled by, for example, increasing the size of the tube
opening 101 or providing an adjustable diverting mechanism. This
would lead to a shorter lifespan of the cleansing agent 112.
Conversely, a smaller opening 101 would divert less water into the
first housing 110. This would dissolve less of the cleansing agent
112 per flush, which in turn leads to a longer life span of the
cleansing agent 112.
[0047] Water traps 120, 118 are provided upstream and downstream,
respectively, from the first housing 110 to prevent harmful fumes
from escaping into the ambient environment. The second portion 113
of the refill water may travel through an inlet water trap 120
before entering the first housing 110. The inlet water trap 120
helps isolate the compartment 114 from the ambient to prevent
harmful fumes or odors from leaking into the ambient environment
such as the water tank or the room.
[0048] The water diverted into the first housing 110 may permeate
into the compartment 114 through openings 117 near the bottom of
the compartment 114, or through ports 119. The bottom openings 117
may simply be a gap between the compartment 114 and the bottom of
the first housing 110.
[0049] The second portion 113 of the refill water that enters the
first housing 110 comes into contact with and dissolves a portion
of the cleanser agent 112, thereby forming a cleanser solution. As
the second portion 113 continues to enter the first housing 110,
the resulting cleanser solution 123 overflows a barrier 127 and
re-enters the refill water tube 108 through an outlet 109. The
amount of cleanser solution that flows into the slanted refill
water tube 108 is approximately the same as the second portion 113
of the refill water diverted into the first housing 110.
[0050] As an alternative or supplement to the overflow mechanism,
the outlet 109 may comprise a venture, and a siphoning force may be
provided by the flow of a first portion 121 of the refill water 115
adjacent the venturi. The overflow or siphoned cleanser solution
123 from the first housing 110 and the undiverted first portion 121
of water mix and flow into the toilet overflow tube 102. The
cleanser solution 123 may travel through an outlet water trap 118
disposed downstream from the first housing 110 before entering the
opening or venturi 109. The outlet water trap 118 helps block fumes
from the cleanser agent as does the inlet water trap 120.
[0051] The water traps 118 and 120 as shown comprise U-shaped
passageways formed by nesting surfaces or tubes, preferably
cylindrical, of the first housing 110 and the second housing 106.
The second housing 106 may be snapped or threaded onto the first
housing a water-tight receptacle 116. Alternatively, the first
housing 110 and the second housing 106 may be glued together using
adhesives, or bolted together using screws. As a further
alternative, the container 103 may be formed as a unitary
structure.
[0052] The container 103 has a clip or hook 104 coupled to the
outer periphery of the overflow tube 102. The second housing 106
and the tube 108 can be removed from the first housing 110, leaving
an opening for removing the compartment or cartridge 114 and
replacing it with a new one. Alternatively, the clip or hook 104
may be formed as part of the second housing 106 instead of the
first housing 110. When replacing the cartridge 114, the first
housing may be removed from the bottom of the second housing 106.
Yet alternatively, an opening and a water-tight door may be
included in the first housing 110 or the second housing 106 to
facilitate replacing the compartment or cartridge 114.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, when the second portion 113 of refill
water enters the first housing 110, the flow of water does not
directly hit the cleanser agent 112. This prevents an uneven
cleanser solution and a waste of the cleanser agent. Rather, the
water dissolves merely a portion of the cleanser agent 112
uniformly through openings 117 and/or ports 119.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 2A, in accordance with a second
preferred embodiment of the invention, a tube connection 211 is
used to direct cleanser solution and the refill water to the
overflow tube 102 from the dispenser system 200. With a flexible
tube connection 211, the location of the dispenser system 200 and
the shape of the refill tube 208 are more flexible in design. For
example, the refill tube 208 may be in a substantially horizontal
direction relative to the dispenser system 200.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2A, a disposable cartridge 214, which is
coupled to the second housing 206, can be easily removed and
replaced. The second housing 206 is further snapped or threaded
onto the first housing 210 using water-tight receptacles 216. Thus,
the cartridge 214 can also be removed together with the second
housing 206 from the first housing 210. The first housing 210 also
has a blind cylinder 213 in the center of the bottom of the
housing. The blind cylinder 213 provides support to the cartridge
214.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 2B, a venture 209 is provided in the refill
tube 208 to facilitate the movement of cleanser solution to the
overflow tube. The venturi 209 in FIG. 2B is in line with the tube
208. A water trap 218 is also formed at the connection between the
tube 208 and the second housing 206. The refill water flowing
horizontally through the tube 208 will have a second portion
diverted into the first housing 210 through an inlet 222. The flow
of the refill water through the refill water tube 208 also causes
the venturi 209 to siphon cleanser solution through the outlet 224
back to the tube 208, and toward the overflow tube 102 through the
connection 102.
[0057] As shown in a top cross-sectional view in FIG. 2C, the
dispenser 200 comprises a divider rib 230, which provides partial
support to the cartridge 214, and divides the first housing 210, or
divides the first housing 210 and the second housing 206 together,
into two compartments 231 and 232. Fresh refill water 215 flowing
through the refill tube 208 is partially diverted, through the
inlet 218, into the compartment 231 that mostly contains fresh
water. The fresh water flows passing the cartridge 214 through the
holes 219 on the cartridge and comes into contact with the
cleansing agent and becomes the cleansing solution when entering
the compartment 232. The compartment 232 receives and retains the
cleansing solution. The cleansing solution is then siphoned into
the tube through outlet 224 by the venturi 209.
[0058] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third preferred
embodiment of the dispenser system 300. As shown, the top surface
of the blind cylinder 313 is also the bottom of the compartment 314
that carries the cleansing agent. When the second housing 306 is
coupled to the first housing 310, the sidewalls of the compartment
314 also couple to the blind cylinder 313 at a joint 319. The joint
319 may be a press fitting joint, a snap-on receptacle, or a
threaded connection.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, the inlet water trap 320 and the outlet
water trap 318 are simply defined by nesting surfaces of the first
housing 310, the second housing 306, and the compartment 314. It is
noted that in the third preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the
second housing 306 and the cleanser agent compartment 314 are a
unitary structure. A top plan view of the tube 308 from one end is
also provided in FIG. 3. The refill water tube 308 may comprise a
substantially circular profile, while the venturi orifice 309 is
substantially crescent shaped.
[0060] The fourth preferred embodiment of the dispenser 400 is
shown in FIG. 4A with the first housing 406 coupled to the second
housing 410. As shown in the cross-sectional view, the venturi
orifice 409 is substantially circular, while the main tube 408 has
an eclipse-shaped opening.
[0061] FIGS. 4B and 4C provide cross-sectional side views of the
first housing 410 and the second housing 406, respectively. As seen
in FIG. 4B, the first housing 410 provides a water-tight snap-fit
receptacle 416 for coupling the first housing 406. In addition, the
blind cylinder 413 provides a snap or press fit, or a threaded
joint receptacle 419 to couple with the compartment 414. In this
configuration, the compartment 414 including the upper surface of
the blind cylinder 413 carries the cleansing agent 412 directly,
and the whole dispenser 400 is disposable, or refillable, after the
cleansing agent 412 is depleted. Alternatively, a cartridge similar
to that of FIG. 2A can be disposed in the compartment 414 where the
cartridge, but not the compartment 414, carries the cleansing agent
directly.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 4C, the compartment 414, or alternatively a
cartridge, has a plurality of holes 430 that allow the water in the
first housing 410 to come in contact with the cleansing agent 412
and to dissolve a portion of the cleansing agent 412, thereby
forming the cleansing solution.
[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates a flushing sequence with the dispenser
system 400, wherein flows of refill water and cleansing solution
are indicated by arrows. As shown, the dispenser 400 is mounted on
the overflow tube 102. A variety of coupling and fastening
mechanisms may be employed to couple the dispenser 400 to the
overflow tube 102. The slanted refill water tube 408 on its upper
end is connected to the fill valve 501 using a refill connection
tube 503. The refill connection tube 503 may be flexible.
[0064] As the flush cycle is activated by a flush lever (not
shown), refill water flows through the slanted refill tube 408. A
first portion 521 of the refill water flows directly into the
overflow tube 102 and then to the toilet bowl, which bypasses the
dispenser system 400. As refill water flows in the slanted tube
408, a second portion 513 of the refill water is diverted into the
cleansing agent compartment 414 (e.g., an inner cylinder). The
cleansing solution formed from the second portion of water 513
permeates into the first housing 410 (e.g., the outer cylinder)
from the compartment 414.
[0065] As the first portion 521 of refill water flows directly
toward the end of the slanted tube 408 passing by the venturi
device 409, venturi action occurs at the venturi device 409. This
venturi action will draw the cleansing solution from the first
housing 410 and cause it to mix with the undiverted first portion
521 of refill water. In the overflow tube 102, the first portion
521 refill water is properly mixed with the cleansing solution and
becomes a solution more diluted than that in the first housing 410.
This diluted cleansing solution is then carried down to the toilet
bowl through the overflow tube 102.
[0066] The pressure drop caused by the dispenser 400 is almost
negligible since a relatively small portion 513 of refill water is
diverted to the dispenser 400, and the venturi action draws the
cleansing solution from the dispenser 400, as opposed to the
conventional dispensers where all the refill water flows through
many tortuous passes. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of the
dispenser of the invention is comparably lower than similar
dispensers as fewer parts are used.
[0067] In the above preferred embodiments, the first and second
housings, the cleansing agent compartment, and the disposable
cartridge as shown have substantially cylindrical shapes. However,
those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other shapes
may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred method 600 for refilling a
toilet bowl with a cleanser solution. The method 600 comprises a
step 602 of directing refill water through a refill water tube
connected to a container. The container carries a cleansing agent.
Step 604 includes diverting a portion of the refill water into the
container. In step 606, an undiverted portion of the refill water
is directed through the refill tube directly towards the overflow
tube, bypassing the container.
[0069] In step 608, the refill water in the housing is brought into
contact with the cleansing agent to form a cleanser solution. This
step 608 may comprise directing the refill water into contact with
the cleansing agent held inside a cartridge removably coupled to
the housing. Step 610 comprises directing the cleanser solution
from the dispenser container to an overflow tube together with the
main portion of the refill water that bypasses the container. This
step 610 may include overflowing the cleanser solution as shown in
FIG. 1, or by siphoning the cleanser solution through a venturi as
shown in FIG. 5. This step 610 may also include mixing the cleanser
solution with the undiverted refill water in the refill tube to
form a diluted cleanser solution prior to entering the overflow
tube.
[0070] Step 612 comprises blocking fumes emanating from the
cleanser agent from escaping into the ambient environment by using
one or more water traps. The method 600 may further include a step
614 replacing the disposable cleanser agent cartridge.
[0071] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and
method for automatically dispensing a cleanser solution to the
toilet bowl via the overflow tube during a flush. The cleanser
solution is isolated and does not mix with the toilet tank water. A
portion of the refill water after each flush is used to dissolve a
portion of cleansing agent and is then mixed with the undiverted
portion of the refill water to form a diluted cleanser solution
that enters the overflow tube.
[0072] The dispenser device is small and simple, and can be easily
fit into most toilet tanks. The dispenser device has an integrated
clip for direct attachment to the overflow tube of the flush valve.
After a certain period of time on a regular basis of use, e.g., a
few months, the cleanser agent content of the dispenser is
exhausted. The entire depleted dispenser device may be removed and
replaced with a complete, new dispenser device. Alternatively, a
cartridge containing the cleanser agent may be replaced instead of
replacing the whole dispenser device.
[0073] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the
purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting
the invention as defined by the following claims. For example,
notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood
that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or
different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not
initially claimed in such combinations.
[0074] The words used in this specification to describe the
invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only
in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by
special definition in this specification the generic structure,
material or acts of which they represent a single species.
[0075] The definitions of the words or elements of the following
claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only
include the combination of elements which are literally set forth.
In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent
substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the
elements in the claims below or that a single element may be
substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements
may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that
one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases
be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination
may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a
subcombination.
[0076] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
[0077] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is
specifically illustrated and described above, what is
conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and
also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
* * * * *