U.S. patent application number 14/295007 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for cleaning apparatus for the base of a toilet.
The applicant listed for this patent is Steven Dong. Invention is credited to Steven Dong.
Application Number | 20150342424 14/295007 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54700382 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150342424 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dong; Steven |
December 3, 2015 |
CLEANING APPARATUS FOR THE BASE OF A TOILET
Abstract
There is provided a cleaning apparatus for the base of a toilet.
The apparatus includes an inner peripheral portion for extending at
least partially around the base of the toilet. The apparatus
includes an outer peripheral portion spaced-apart from the inner
peripheral portion. The apparatus includes an arcuate-shaped top
portion extending from the inner peripheral portion to the outer
peripheral portion. According to another aspect, there is provided
a cleaning apparatus for the base of a toilet. The apparatus
includes an absorbent member that is biased upwards and which may
be selectively lowered to abut a location adjacent to the base of
the toilet for absorbing fluid.
Inventors: |
Dong; Steven; (Vancouver,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dong; Steven |
Vancouver |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
54700382 |
Appl. No.: |
14/295007 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/160 ;
15/104.001 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 17/00 20130101;
A47G 27/0225 20130101; A47K 17/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 17/00 20060101
A47K017/00; A47K 17/02 20060101 A47K017/02 |
Claims
1. A cleaning apparatus for the base of a toilet, the apparatus
comprising: an inner peripheral portion for extending at least
partially around the base of the toilet; an outer peripheral
portion spaced-apart from the inner peripheral portion; and an
arcuate-shaped top portion extending from the inner peripheral
portion to the outer peripheral portion.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner and outer
peripheral portions are u-shaped.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including an
absorbent member interposed between the inner and outer peripheral
portions.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including an
interior positioned between the inner peripheral portion, the outer
peripheral portion and the top portion of the apparatus, and an
absorbent member positioned within the interior for selectively
absorbing fluid.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a
plurality of apertures extending through the top portion of the
apparatus and through which fluid may pass.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a
plurality of slits extending along and through the top portion of
the apparatus and through which fluid may pass.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a
plurality of bristles connected to and extending outwards from the
inner peripheral portion of the apparatus.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a
plurality of bristles connected to and extending outwards from the
outer peripheral portion of the apparatus.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including bristles
extending downwards from the inner and outer peripheral portions of
the apparatus at a front region of the apparatus, an absorbent
member positioned between the inner and outer peripheral portions
of the apparatus at the front region of the apparatus and a
plurality of apertures extending through the top portion of the
apparatus at the front region of the apparatus.
10. A cleaning apparatus for the base of a toilet, the apparatus
comprising: an absorbent member for absorbing fluid, the member
being biased upwards and which may be selectively lowered to abut a
location adjacent to the base of the toilet.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 further including an inner
peripheral portion, an outer peripheral portion spaced-apart
therefrom, the absorbent member extending between the inner and
outer peripheral portions, and a plurality of bristles extending
along and outwards from the inner and outer peripheral
portions.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 further including a
downwardly-extending protrusion about which rearward and front
regions of the apparatus may pivot, the absorbent member being part
of the front region, and the rearward region of the apparatus being
shaped to bias the front region of the apparatus upwards.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10 further including a female
connector, a male connector shaped to be selectively received by
the female connector and a resilient member positioned to bias the
female connector outwards relative to the male connector, a first
one of the female connector and the male connector being
operatively mountable on the floor and a second one of the female
connector and the male connector operatively connecting to the
absorbent member.
14. A cleaning apparatus for the base of a toilet, the apparatus
having a pair of spaced-apart, elongate side members, an
arcuate-shaped front member connecting the side members together,
an absorbent member connected to the front member, and a pair of
downwardly-extending protrusions interposed between the side
members and the front member, the side members being shaped to bias
the absorbent member upwards whereby applying force to the front
member causes the absorbent member to selectively lower downwards
for absorbing fluid.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, the apparatus being
u-shaped and is shaped to at least partially extend about the base
of the toilet.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the side members
and the front member are hollow and are arcuate-shaped in
transverse cross-section.
17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 further including a
plurality of apertures extending through the front member of the
apparatus.
18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 further including a
plurality of bristles adjacent to the absorbent member for
selectively scrubbing regions adjacent to the base of the toilet.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] There is provided an improved cleaning apparatus. In
particular, there is provided a cleaning apparatus for the base of
a toilet.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 6,295,658 to Jenkins provides a system
comprises a disposable pad having a plurality of layers, and means
for retaining the disposable pad either upon the upper surface of a
permanent base or directly onto the floor. The permanent base is
positioned upon the floor and the base has an upper surface that is
generally horizontal. The disposable pad includes a layer of
absorbent material, and a coating layer of waterproof material. The
pad is flame retardant and biodegradable. The system is useful for
keeping the floor dry and in a sanitary condition. The undersurface
of the disposable pad includes two bores for cooperative engagement
with two projections extending upwardly and affixed to the
floor.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,125,656 to Creamer provides a disposable,
absorbent pad adapted to be formed into a u-shaped configuration
and to be placed at least partially about the base of a toilet to
absorb moisture gravitating near such base. The pad is adjustable
and can be provided with a water-proof backing as well as means for
adhesively bonding the same to the floor. Several embodiments of
the pad are disclosed.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,075 to Nelson provides a mat adapted to
be placed on the floor around the base of a commode or urinal. The
mat is shaped to match the contours of the facility. A mat cover is
provided formed from plastic or rubber-like material having a solid
base and a hingedly attached cover formed as grille work. A
replaceable pad is contained in the mat cover and has an impervious
plastic film base with layers of absorbent material overlaying the
base, and a top permeable film of non-woven material. The top film
is sealed around its edges to the edges of the base film. When
installed, urine falling on the grille work of the mat passes
therethrough, through the permeable top film and is absorbed by the
layers of absorbent material. The absorbent material may be
impregnated with disinfectant and deodorizing chemicals. At
suitable intervals, the mat cover is opened, the used pad removed
and disposed of, the mat cover rinsed off, and a fresh pad is
installed.
[0005] United States Patent Publication No. 2009/0077728 to
Stickler et al. provides a mat designed to fit under the toilet
bowl area. The mat may inhibit unwanted urine from soiling the area
surrounding the toilet bowl while giving its user non-skid
protection. The base of the mat forms a u-shape around the toilet
bowl and the center top region of the plastic mat unit contains a
disposable absorbent pad. There is provided a method of joining two
types of material together comprising of a rigid disposable
absorbent pad and a multi-suction non-skid plastic mat.
[0006] While the above systems may function to absorb bodily fluid
around the base of the toilet to varying degrees of effectiveness,
there may still remain a need for an improved cleaning apparatus
therefor which may function to absorb bodily fluid, clean the floor
adjacent to the base of the toilet and air out the underlying floor
thereafter.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] There is accordingly provided a cleaning apparatus for the
base of a toilet. The apparatus includes an inner peripheral
portion for extending at least partially around the base of the
toilet. The apparatus has an outer peripheral portion spaced-apart
from the inner peripheral portion. The apparatus also includes an
arcuate-shaped top portion extending from the inner peripheral
portion to the outer peripheral portion.
[0008] According to another aspect, there is provided a cleaning
apparatus for the base of a toilet. The apparatus includes an
absorbent member that is biased upwards and which may be
selectively lowered to abut a location adjacent to the base of the
toilet for absorbing fluid.
[0009] According to a further aspect, there is provided a cleaning
apparatus for the base of a toilet. The apparatus has a pair of
spaced-apart, elongate side members. The apparatus has an
arcuate-shaped front member connecting the side members together.
The apparatus has an absorbent member connected to the front
member. The apparatus has a pair of downwardly-extending
protrusions interposed between the side members and the front
member. The side members are shaped to bias the absorbent member
upwards. Applying force to the front member causes the absorbent
member to selectively lower downwards for absorbing fluid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention will be more readily understood from the
following description of preferred embodiments thereof given, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet and a cleaning
apparatus therefor according to one aspect;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the cleaning apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the cleaning apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG.
2;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2,
with the apparatus being partially shown in fragment;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the cleaning apparatus
of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the cleaning apparatus of
FIG. 1, the rearward region of the apparatus biasing the front
region of the apparatus upwards;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the cleaning apparatus of
FIG. 1 and a person's foot shown biasing the front region of the
apparatus downwards;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a cleaning apparatus for the
base of a toilet, the cleaning apparatus being according to a
second aspect;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a cleaning apparatus for
the base of a toilet, the cleaning apparatus being according to a
third aspect;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a toilet and a cleaning
apparatus therefor according to a fourth aspect;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the cleaning apparatus taken
along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11, the apparatus being in a raised mode;
and
[0023] FIG. 13 is a section view similar to FIG. 12, the apparatus
being in a lowered mode.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Referring to the drawings and first to FIG. 1, there is
shown a toilet 20 having a base 22. The base of the toilet has a
pair of spaced-apart sides 24 and 26, a rear 27, and a front 28
which is spaced-apart from the rear, the rear and the front
extending between the sides. The toilet, including its various
parts and functionings, is conventional and well-known to those
skilled in the art. It will therefore not be described in further
detail.
[0025] There is further provided a cleaning apparatus 30 for the
base 22 of the toilet 20. The cleaning apparatus is generally
u-shaped in profile in this example as best seen in FIG. 2 and is
shaped to extend around the sides 24 and 26 and front 28 of the
base of the toilet.
[0026] As best seen in FIG. 3, the cleaning apparatus 30 includes
an inner peripheral portion 32 for extending at least partially
around the base of the toilet, in this example around the sides 24
and 26 and front 28 of the base of the toilet seen in FIG. 1. The
inner peripheral portion of the apparatus is u-shaped in this
example. The cleaning apparatus 30 includes an outer peripheral
portion 34 which is spaced-apart from the inner peripheral portion
32. The outer peripheral portion is also u-shaped in this
example.
[0027] The cleaning apparatus further includes a top portion 36
extending from inner peripheral portion 32 to outer peripheral
portion 34 as seen in FIG. 2. The top portion is arcuate-shaped in
this example, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The cleaning apparatus 30
includes an interior profile 38, seen in FIGS. 3 to 5, positioned
between the inner peripheral portion 32, the outer peripheral
portion 34 and the top portion 36 of the apparatus.
[0028] Referring back to FIG. 1, the cleaning apparatus 30 includes
a pair of spaced-apart, elongate side members 40 and 42 which
extend along and adjacent to the sides 24 and 26, respectively, of
the base 22 of the toilet 20 when in use. The side members of the
cleaning apparatus extend from the inner peripheral portion 32 to
the outer peripheral portion 34 of the apparatus from adjacent to
the rear 27 of the base 22 of the toilet 20 to adjacent to the
front 28 thereof. The side members 40 and 42 are located at a
rearward region 43 of the apparatus in this example.
[0029] The cleaning apparatus 30 includes an arcuate-shaped front
member 44 connecting the side members 40 and 42 together. In this
example, the front member is integrally connected to and formed
integrally with the side members although this is not essential.
The front member 44 extends from the inner peripheral portion 32 to
the outer peripheral portion 34 of the apparatus adjacent to the
front 28 of the base 22 of the toilet 20. The front member is
located at a front region 45 of the apparatus. The side members 40
and 42 and the front member 44 are hollow and are arcuate-shaped in
transverse cross-section as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0030] The cleaning apparatus 30 includes a plurality of openings,
in this example apertures 46 extending through the top portion 36
of the apparatus as seen in FIGS. 1 and 5. The apertures in this
example are located within the front member 44 at the front region
45 of the apparatus. The apertures are positioned and shaped to
enable fluid, such as bodily fluid, contacting the top portion 36
of the apparatus to pass therethrough and into the interior 38 of
the apparatus 30.
[0031] As best seen in FIG. 3, the cleaning apparatus includes a
replaceable absorbent member 48. The absorbent member has a top 50
that is arcuate-shaped in cross-section in this example, as seen in
FIG. 5. The absorbent member is generally in the shape of a curved,
rectangular prism in this example. However, this is not strictly
required and the absorbent member 48 may be provided in other
shapes, in other embodiments. The absorbent member is positioned
within the interior 38 for selectively absorbing fluid, such as
bodily fluid 49 seen in FIG. 7.
[0032] The absorbent member in this example is interposed between
the inner peripheral portion 32 and outer peripheral portion 34 of
the apparatus within the front region 45 of the apparatus. The
absorbent member 48 is positioned at and is a part of the front
region of the apparatus in this example. The absorbent member is
operatively connected to the front member 44 and, in this example,
is coupled to top portion 36 of the apparatus 30, as seen in FIG.
5.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the apparatus 30 includes a
plurality of bristles 52 connected to and extending downwards from
the inner peripheral portion 32 of the apparatus. The apparatus
includes in this example a plurality of bristles 54 connected to
and extending outwards from the outer peripheral portion 34 of the
apparatus. The bristles 52 and 54 are located with the front region
45 of the apparatus in this example and are aligned in elongate
rows in this example. The bristles are adjacent to the absorbent
member 48 for selectively scrubbing regions of floor 57 adjacent to
the base 22 of the toilet 20 seen in FIG. 1.
[0034] The apparatus 30 includes a biasing assembly 55, in this
example in the form of two pairs of downwardly-extending
protrusions interposed between the side members 40 and 42 and the
front member 44 of the apparatus, as shown by protrusions 56 and 58
interposed between side member 40 and front member 44 in FIGS. 3, 6
and 7. The protrusion 56 has a front portion that is semi arcuate
shaped in profile. The protrusion 56 further has a rear portion
which is tapered and extends downwards in a more gradual manner
relative to the front portion. Each of the pairs of protrusions is
outwardly arcuate-shaped in this example and extends from inner and
outer peripheral portions of the apparatus, respectfully, as seen
by protrusion 56 extending from outer peripheral portion 34 in FIG.
1. The protrusions are configured to abut the floor 57 and rearward
region 43 and front region 45 to allow the apparatus to pivot about
the protrusions, enabling the front region to pivot upwards and
downwards, as seen by arrow 59 in FIG. 1.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, the rearward region 43 of the
apparatus, in this example side members 40, is configured to bias
the front region 45, and thus absorbent member 48, upwards. This is
because the rearward region 43 is larger and heavier than front
region 45. Applying sufficient force to the front member 44, by way
of a user's foot 60, for example, causes the absorbent member to
selectively lower downwards for absorbing fluid 49 seen in FIG. 7.
The downward force is shown by arrow 62 in FIG. 8, which shows the
absorbent member in its lowered mode. Bristles 54 may selectively
abut and scrub the floor 57 in this manner. The absorbent member 48
thus may be selectively lowered to abut a location 64 adjacent to
the base 22 of the toilet 20, seen in FIG. 1, for absorbing
fluid.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a cleaning apparatus 30.1 for the base of a
toilet according to a second aspect. Like parts have like numbers
and functions as the cleaning apparatus 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8
with the addition of "0.1". Cleaning apparatus 30.1 is
substantially the same as cleaning apparatus 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to
8 with the exception that its openings are in the form of slits
46.1 instead of apertures. The slits extend through the top portion
36.1 of the apparatus adjacent to the front region 45.1 of the
apparatus.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows a cleaning apparatus 30.2 for the base of a
toilet according to a third aspect. Like parts have like numbers
and functions as the cleaning apparatus 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8
with the addition of "0.2". Cleaning apparatus 30.2 is
substantially the same as cleaning apparatus 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to
8 with the exception that it further includes downwards protrusions
at the respective rearward ends of the side members, as shown by
protrusion 66 at rearward end 68 of side member 40.2. The
protrusion 66 is shaped to enable the apparatus to move with a
smooth forward and backward motion when the apparatus is actuated.
It may include a filler material at the rear or be made of a
heavier material relative to the rest of the apparatus to provide
the weight distribution needed to raise the front and of the
apparatus. The rearward protrusions may extend from outer
peripheral portions 34.2 of the apparatus 30.2 and are be outwardly
arcuate-shaped in this example. The rearward protrusions 66
function to stabilize the rearward region 43.2 of the apparatus
30.2 and may function to add more weight to the rear section of the
apparatus.
[0038] FIGS. 11 to 13 show a cleaning apparatus 30.3 for the base
22.3 of a toilet 20.3 according to a fourth aspect. Like parts have
like numbers and functions as the cleaning apparatus 30 shown in
FIGS. 1 to 8 with the addition of "0.3". Cleaning apparatus 30.3 is
substantially the same as cleaning apparatus 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to
8 with the following exceptions.
[0039] Apparatus 30.3 includes a biasing assembly 55.3 in the form
of a pair of male connectors 70 and 72 that abut the floor 57.3. As
seen in FIG. 12, each male connector comprises an elongate portion
or shaft 74 in this example, and an enlarged distal end portion 76
that is spherical in this example. The end portion is integrally
formed with and is connected to the shaft in this example.
[0040] The biasing assembly 55.3 includes a pair of female
connectors for each male connector, as shown by female connector 78
in FIG. 12. The female connectors are shaped to selectively receive
the male connectors. Each female connector 78 comprises a pair of
resilient members that extend downwards from the top portion 36.3
of the apparatus 30.3, as shown by resilient members 80 and 82
which bias connector 78 upwards relative to connector 70. The
resilient members align above the distal end portion 76 of the male
connectors 70 and 72 when the apparatus is in the upper position
shown in FIG. 12. In this position, the outer ends 84 and 86 of the
resilient members abut adjacent to the top 88 of end portion
76.
[0041] The apparatus 30.3 is moveable from the upwardly biased
position shown in FIG. 12, to a lowered position, shown in FIG. 13,
when the user's foot abuts the front region 45.3 of the apparatus
for example and as shown by arrow 62.3. As the apparatus 30.3 is
lowered, the outer ends 84 and 86 of the resilient members 80 and
82 are spread-apart by end portion 76 of the male connector 70.
When downward force is removed the top portion 36.3 of the
apparatus 30.3, the resilient members 84 and 86, which are biased
inwards, spring back towards the position of FIG. 12 and cause top
portion 36.3 to raise upwards relative to the male connector, as
shown by arrow 90 in FIG. 13. In an alternative embodiment, the
male connector may extend from the top portion and the female
connector may abut the floor.
[0042] It will be appreciated that many variations are possible
within the scope of the invention described herein. It will be also
understood by someone skilled in the art that many of the details
provided above are by way of example only and are not intended to
limit the scope of the invention which is to be determined with
reference to at least the following claims.
* * * * *