U.S. patent application number 14/171715 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for pinkie closet.
The applicant listed for this patent is Elena Josefina Orozco, Raul Orozco. Invention is credited to Elena Josefina Orozco, Raul Orozco.
Application Number | 20140216957 14/171715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51258390 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140216957 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Orozco; Elena Josefina ; et
al. |
August 7, 2014 |
Pinkie Closet
Abstract
A pinkie closet assembly may enclose a suspended plunger, a
suspended toilet bowl brush, and may incorporate a shelf on which
cleaning supplies and related items can be stored. A suspension
mechanism holds the handle of the plunger, thus suspending the bell
in mid-air. Similarly, a suspension mechanism, hanging hook, or
similar device can be used to suspend a toilet brush. A removable
drip tray is provided under the suspended tool(s) to catch any
water that drips therefrom. A disposable absorbent pad may be
adapted to fit within the tray. A door is provided so that the
closet can be closed, concealing the items therein; and the entire
assembly then adds to the appearance of the bathroom rather than
detracting from it. A top exterior surface of the pinkie closet
provides a convenient shelf to hold items for display, reading
materials, etc.
Inventors: |
Orozco; Elena Josefina;
(Aurora, CO) ; Orozco; Raul; (Denver, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Orozco; Elena Josefina
Orozco; Raul |
Aurora
Denver |
CO
CO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51258390 |
Appl. No.: |
14/171715 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61760437 |
Feb 4, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 81/005 20130101;
A47K 17/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 |
International
Class: |
A47K 17/00 20060101
A47K017/00 |
Claims
1. A pinkie closet assembly, comprising: a top surface attached to
a left side and a right side; a bottom positioned below the top
surface and attached to the left side and the right side, thereby
defining an interior within the pinkie closet; a front door adapted
to open to provide access to the interior and to close when access
to the interior is no longer needed; a suspension mechanism located
within the interior that is adapted to grasp a handle portion of a
toilet tool; a drip tray in the interior; wherein the toilet tool
is selected from the set of a toilet bowl brush and a toilet
plunger; wherein the suspension mechanism is further adapted to
vertically suspend the toilet tool within the interior such that a
working portion opposite a handle portion and comprising that
portion of the toilet tool that engages the toilet and performs a
primary working function of the toilet tool, does not contact any
surface; and wherein the drip tray is located below the toilet tool
and is adapted to contain any items that drip from the toilet tool
after use thereof
2. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 1 wherein the drip tray
further comprises a disposable absorbent pad that is adapted to fit
within the drip tray and absorb any drips from the plunger.
3. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
side shelf within the interior of the pinkie closet that is adapted
to hold cleaning supplies.
4. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a
side shelf within the interior of the pinkie closet that is adapted
to hold cleaning supplies.
5. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the
pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
6. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a
plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the
pinkie Closet when the front door is in a closed position.
7. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a
plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the
pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
8. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a
plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the
pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
9. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 8, wherein the drip tray
further comprises a drip tray handle that is adapted to provide a
grasping point on the drip tray to be used when inserting and
removing the drip tray from the pinkie closet.
10. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 9, further comprising a
hook portion attached on an underside of the top shelf and adapted
to suspend therefrom a handle of a toilet bowl brush.
11. A pinkie closet assembly, comprising: a top planar surface
attached to a left side and a right side; a bottom attached to the
left side and the right side; a back attached to at least two of
the left side, the right side, the top planar surface and the
bottom; wherein the top planar surface, the right side, the left
side, the bottom and the back define an interior within the pinkie
closet; a front door adapted to open to provide access to the
interior and to close when access to the interior is no longer
needed; a suspension mechanism located within the interior that is
adapted to grasp a handle portion of a toilet plunger; a drip tray
in the interior; wherein the suspension mechanism is further
adapted to vertically suspend the toilet plunger within the
interior such that a plunger bell of the toilet plunger does not
contact any surface; and wherein the drip tray is located below the
toilet plunger and is adapted to contain any items that drip from
the plunger after use thereof.
12. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 11 wherein the drip tray
further comprises a disposable absorbent pad that is adapted to fit
within the drip tray and absorb any drips from the plunger.
13. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a
side shelf within the interior of the pinkie closet that is adapted
to hold cleaning supplies.
14. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a
side shelf within the interior of the pinkie closet that is adapted
to hold cleaning supplies.
15. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a
plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the
pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
16. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a
plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the
pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
17. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 13, further comprising: a
plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the
pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
18. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 14, further comprising: a
plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow through the
pinkie closet when the front door is in a closed position.
19. The pinkie closet assembly of claim 11, wherein the drip tray
further comprises a drip tray handle that is adapted to provide a
grasping point on the drip tray to be used when inserting and
removing the drip tray from the pinkie closet.
20. A pinkie closet assembly, comprising: a top planar surface
attached to a left side and a right side; a bottom positioned below
the top planar surface and attached to the left side and the right
side, thereby defining an interior within the pinkie closet; a
front door adapted to open to provide access to the interior and to
close when access to the interior is no longer needed; a top shelf
in the interior and attached to the left side and the right side;
wherein the top shelf includes a first suspension mechanism that is
adapted to grasp a first handle portion of a toilet plunger, and a
second suspension mechanism that is adapted to grasp a second
handle portion of a toilet brush; a side shelf within the interior
of the pinkie closet above a plunger bell of the toilet plunger and
that is adapted to hold cleaning supplies above the bottom; a drip
tray in the interior; wherein the suspension mechanism is further
adapted to vertically suspend the toilet plunger and the toilet
brush within the interior such that the plunger bell of the toilet
plunger does not contact any surface and a brush head of the toilet
brush does not contact any surface; wherein the drip tray is
located below the toilet plunger and is adapted to contain any
items that drip from the plunger after use thereof; wherein the
drip tray further comprises a disposable absorbent pad that is
adapted to fit within the drip tray and absorb any drips from the
plunger; and a plurality of air vents adapted to provide air flow
through the pinkie Closet when the front door is in a closed
position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/760,437 entitled PINKIE CLOSET and filed on Feb.
4, 2013, which is specifically incorporated by reference herein for
all that it discloses and teaches.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of bathroom and
toilet accessories, and more particularly to a closet for cleanly
and neatly storing and organizing toilet plungers, toilet brushes,
and other toilet/bathroom items.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A number of tools, cleaning supplies, and other accessories
are often stored in proximity to a toilet in a bathroom. For
example, it is not uncommon to see a toilet brush, plunger, bottle
of cleaner, etc. placed beside, behind, or near a toilet. Such
open, visible storage is unsightly and unattractive. Further, both
the toilet brush and the toilet plunger will often drip unsanitary
water after usage and can create additional mess and
unsightliness.
[0004] A number of stand-alone holders or storage items have been
developed to address these problems, but they fall woefully short
of a complete solution. For example, small stands that enclose the
base of a toilet brush are available. They hide the bristle head
portion of the brush and collect any water, cleaning solution, etc.
that drips off the brush head after use. However, the brush handle
itself is still visible and the entire assembly is unattractive.
Similar items are available for toilet plungers; but they have the
same inherent flaws: the entire assembly is unattractive, and the
head of the plunger rests on a surface and so traps water and
bacteria therebetween. Further, the water that drips from both
plungers and brushes into such currently known enclosures, often
can not evaporate quickly and so creates a place for bacteria,
mold, mildew, etc. to grow and flourish. Furthermore, such
enclosures do no provide a neat and convenient place to store
cleaning fluids and accessories.
[0005] What is needed is a small closet that stores plungers,
toilet brushes, and other accessories. The plungers, brushes and/or
other toilet tools should be suspended such that the bristle/brush
head or plunger bell (collectively, working portion) does not rest
on a surface and trap water and bacteria, so it can quickly dry. A
drip catch mechanism should be included under the suspended toilet
tool(s) to catch any remaining water that drips from the tools.
Further, a shelf or similar structure should be incorporated on
which to store cleaning supplies, gloves, and related items.
SUMMARY
[0006] One embodiment of the present invention comprises a pinkie
closet assembly that encloses a suspended plunger and a suspended
toilet bowl brush, and incorporates a shelf on which cleaning
supplies and related items can be stored. A suspension mechanism
holds the handle of the plunger, thus suspending the bell in
mid-air. Similarly, a suspension mechanism, hanging hook, or
similar device can be used to suspend the toilet brush as well. In
other embodiments, other toilet tool(s) are suspended within the
pinkie closet. A removable drip tray is provided under the
suspended toilet tool to catch any water that drips from said
tools. A disposable absorbent pad may be adapted to fit within the
tray. The assembly can include additional storage hooks, clamps,
shelves, and compartments to efficiently organize and store items
such as gloves, brushes, sponges, etc. A door is provided so that
the closet can be closed, concealing the items therein; and the
entire assembly then adds to the appearance of the bathroom rather
than detracting from it. A top exterior surface of the pinkie
closet provides a convenient shelf to hold items for display,
reading materials, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of a Pinkie Closet;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary
embodiment of a Pinkie Closet;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of another
exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of three
exemplary embodiments of differently shaped Pinkie Closets; and
[0011] FIG. 5A illustrates a top plan view of a top shelf inside an
exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet highlighting a plurality of
suspension mechanisms holding a brush and a plunger.
[0012] FIG. 5B illustrates a top plan view of a plurality of
suspension mechanisms, one empty and the other holding a
plunger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] In the following discussion, numerous specific details are
set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present
disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
embodiments may be practiced without such specific details.
Furthermore, lists and/or examples are often provided and should be
interpreted as exemplary only and in no way limiting embodiments to
only those examples.
[0014] Exemplary embodiments are described below in the
accompanying Figures. The following detailed description provides a
comprehensive review of the drawing Figures in order to provide a
thorough understanding of, and an enabling description for, these
embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand
that in some cases well-known structures and functions have not
been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring
the description of the embodiments.
[0015] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective
view of an exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet 100. The closet
assembly includes a top planar surface 10, a bottom 18, a left side
14 and a right side 12, a back 16 and a front door 20 that together
define an interior 11 that encloses a number of other components,
including: a top shelf 19, a side shelf 50, and a drip tray 40. The
top exterior planar surface 10 of the Pinkie Closet provides a
convenient shelf to hold items for display, reading materials, etc.
In other embodiments, the back, top shelf, and/or other components
may or may not be included.
[0016] The embodiment in FIG. 1 incorporates a top shelf 19 that
has includes a plurality of suspension mechanisms 80 and 90. In
other embodiments, other suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 may be
used without a top shelf 19. For example, extended spring clamps
may be mounting within the Pinkie Closet such that they suspend the
toilet tools, without the need for a top shelf 19. The suspension
mechanisms 80 and 90 are adapted to vertically suspend one or more
toilet tools such as a toilet bowl brush 60 and a toilet plunger
70. In another embodiment, the Pinkie Closet is designed to hold a
plunger 70 only and not a toilet brush 60. In yet another
embodiment, the Pinkie Closet is adapted to hold a toilet brush 60
only, and not a plunger 70.
[0017] Said tools 60 and 70 are suspended over a drip tray 40 that
catches and contains any water, etc. that may drip from either tool
after use. The drip tray 40 may incorporate a disposable absorbent
pad 48 that is constructed of materials that function like a diaper
or sanitary pad. The disposable absorbent pad 48 is adapted to fit
within the drip tray 40, and can include disinfectant(s) and/or
deodorizer(s) therein. The pad 48 can be easily removed and
disposed of after use. An additional new pad can then be installed.
The drip tray can also incorporate a drip tray handle that is
adapted to provide a grasping point on the drip tray to be used
when inserting and removing the drip tray from the Pinkie
Closet.
[0018] The side shelf 50 is adapted to hold cleaning supplies such
as containers of cleaning products 54, gloves, sponges, etc. One or
more hooks can be attached under the side shelf 50 from which to
hang items. Because toilet tool(s) have a relatively narrow handle
portion above and opposite a wider working portion (see the plunger
bell 76 and the brush head 66 of the exemplary toilet tools 70 and
60, respectively, in FIG. 1 in comparison to the upper handle
portions of both tools), the side shelf 50 can be tucked into the
Pinkie Closet 100 above the working portion without unduly widening
the assembly. Note that the toilet tools each have a handle portion
and, opposite the handle portion, a working portion comprising that
portion of the toilet tool that engages the toilet and performs the
primary working function of the toilet tool. As shown in FIG. 1,
the working portion of the toilet brush 60 is the brush head 66 and
the working portion of the toilet plunger 70 is the plunger bell
76.
[0019] One or more air vents 30 and 32 can be incorporated into the
Pinkie Closet 100. The air vents 30 and 32 are adapted to provide
air flow through the Pinkie Closet even when the front door 20 is
closed. The air flow helps to dry the plunger and brush after use
so as to minimize the moisture available to grow bacteria, mold,
etc.
[0020] Note that both the brush head 66 and the plunger bell 76 are
completely suspended inside the Pinkie Closet 100. By not allowing
these items to contact other surfaces, the Pinkie Closet 100 helps
to keep things sanitary while providing airflow around the brush
head 66 and plunger bell 76 so that they can quickly dry after use.
Any remaining water that drips from either tool will be caught by
the drip pan 40 and absorbed by the disposable absorbent pad 48.
The entire drip tray 40 can be easily removed from the Pinkie
Closet 100 simply by grasping the drip tray handle 42 and sliding
the tray out from under the tools.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary
embodiment of a Pinkie Closet. The closet assembly includes a top
planar surface 10, a bottom 18, a left side 14 and a right side 12,
and a front door (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIG. 1, item 20) that
together enclose a number of other components, including: a top
shelf 19, a side shelf 50, and a drip tray 40. Note that in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2 there is no back component (see item 16,
FIG. 1). If the Pinkie Closet is placed in proximity to a wall, no
back component is needed to hide the contents of the Pinkie Closet.
Furthermore, air flow through the interior is enhanced when no back
is built into the Closet. In another embodiment, only a portion of
a back 16 is included in the Pinkie Closet assembly. In yet another
embodiment, the back 16 incorporates holes or other air vents.
[0022] Note how both the plunger 70 and the toilet brush 60 are
suspended within the Pinkie Closet above the drip tray 40. No
portion of the brush head 66 or plunger bell 76 is in contact with
any surface. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, two exemplary
suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 are used to suspend both the toilet
brush 60 and the plunger 70. In other embodiments, other types of
suspension mechanisms may be utilized. For example, one or more
spring clamps can be attached within the interior of the Pinkie
Closet to grasp and hold the handles of the tools and suspend them
above the drip tray 40 without utilizing a top shelf 19.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of another
exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet. The closet assembly
includes a top planar surface 10, a bottom 18, a left side 14 and a
right side 12, a back 16 and a front door (not shown in FIG. 3, see
FIG. 1, item 20) that together enclose a number of other
components, including: a top shelf 19, a side shelf 50, and a drip
tray 40. Note how both the plunger 70 and the toilet brush 60 are
suspended within the Pinkie Closet above the drip tray 40. No
portion of the brush head 66 or plunger bell 76 is in contact with
any surface. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a single
exemplary suspension mechanism 90 is used to suspend the plunger 70
and a hook 89 is used to suspend the toilet brush 60. In other
embodiments, other types of hooks and suspension mechanisms may be
utilized, see, for example, FIG. 5B.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of three
exemplary embodiments of differently shaped Pinkie Closets. The
leftmost Pinkie Closet 94 is triangular in shape and fits nicely
within a bathroom corner location or against a shelf unit, shower
stall, etc. The center Pinkie Closet 96 is a rounded design that
fits a more elegant design motif The rightmost Pinkie Closet 98 is
a boxy design that fits a modern design motif Regardless of their
external look and feel, all three Pinkie Closets 94, 96, and 98
provide the functionality described above. In yet other
embodiments, the Pinkie Closet can have other shapes, sizes,
height/width ratios, colors, styles, etc. without departing from
the scope of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 5A illustrates a top plan view of a top shelf 19 inside
an exemplary embodiment of a Pinkie Closet highlighting a plurality
of suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 holding a brush 60 and a plunger
70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the suspension mechanisms
comprise an elongated U shaped channel that decreases in width as
you approach the trough of the U. On the sides of the channel are
clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 that grasp and hold the handles of
the tools inserted therebetween. Note how the tool handles 60 and
70 realign the clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 as the tool handles
are pushed deeper into the U channel. The clamping mechanisms 82
and 92 can be any sufficiently deformable yet springy material,
such as rubber, foam, silicone, etc. In other embodiments, other
suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 and/or clamping mechanisms 82 and
92 can be utilized. For example, spring claws, spring clamps, pinch
clamps, etc. can be used to hold the handle(s) of the tool(s) (see
FIG. 5B, for example).
[0026] FIG. 5B illustrates a top plan view of a plurality of
suspension mechanisms 80 and 90, one empty (80) and the other (90)
holding a plunger 70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the
suspension mechanisms comprise clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 that
grasp and hold the handles of the tools 70 inserted therein. Note
how the tool handle 70 realigns the clamping mechanism 92 as the
tool handle is pushed into the suspension mechanism 90; compare
this to the arrangement of the clamping mechanism 82 within the
empty suspension mechanism 80. The clamping mechanisms 82 and 92 in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B are spring clamps that have clamp
arms on one end that grasp the tool handles, a hinge in the middle,
and a spring mechanism on the other end. In other embodiments,
other suspension mechanisms 80 and 90 and/or clamping mechanisms 82
and 92 can be utilized. For example, spring claws, spring clamps,
pinch clamps, etc. can be used to hold the handle(s) of the tool(s)
such that the working portion of each tool is suspended.
[0027] While particular embodiments have been described and
disclosed in the present application, it is clear that any number
of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without
departing from the spirit and the scope of this disclosure.
[0028] Particular terminology used when describing certain features
or aspects of the embodiments should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any
specific characteristics, features, or aspects with which that
terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the
following claims should not be construed to be limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the
above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms.
Accordingly, the actual scope of the claims encompasses not only
the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of
practicing or implementing the claimed subject matter.
[0029] The above detailed description of the embodiments is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise
embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular fields of
usage mentioned above. While specific embodiments and examples are
described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent
modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as
those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the
teachings of the embodiments provided herein can be applied to
other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The
elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be
combined to provide further embodiments.
[0030] Any patents, applications and other references that may be
listed in accompanying or subsequent filing papers, are
incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of embodiments can be
modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and
concepts of various references to provide yet further
embodiments.
[0031] In light of the above "Detailed Description," the Inventor
may make changes to the disclosure. While the detailed description
outlines possible embodiments and discloses the best mode
contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text,
embodiments may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus,
implementation details may vary considerably while still being
encompassed by the spirit of the embodiments as disclosed by the
inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when
describing certain features or aspects should not be taken to imply
that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to
any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the
embodiments with which that terminology is associated.
[0032] While certain aspects are presented below in certain claim
forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects in any number
of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add
additional claims after filing the application to pursue such
additional claim forms for other aspects.
[0033] The above specification, examples and data provide a
description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations
of the described articles of manufacture and methods. It is
important to note that many implementations can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *