Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments herein relate to apparatuses and methods for applying a cleaning substance to a bathroom surface.

Background

[0002] Cleaning/deodorizing compositions for use in toilets are available in several forms. Sprays and liquids are typically applied directly to an interior surface of the toilet bowl to aid mechanical cleaning (i.e., with a toilet brush or sponge). However, these cleaners require the use of a toilet brush or other means for mechanically removing surface debris.

[0003] Solid and semi-solid formulations are also available for use in toilets. Some pucks may be dropped into the tank portion of the toilet to release bleach, cleaners, disinfectants, and/or fragrances into the water each time the toilet bowl is refilled after flushing. Others may be suspended within the toilet bowl, such as below the upper rim of the bowl. In order to use these products, however, a user must remove the lid of the tank or mechanically attach and subsequently remove a hook or other suspension means from inside the toilet bowl. In addition, the amount of cleaner or deodorizer released may vary dramatically throughout the useful life of the product.

[0004] More recently, semi-solid cleaners such as gels have become available for use in toilet bowls. A multi-use dispenser is pre-filled with adhesive gel. The dispenser forms the adhesive gel into discs, which are then stamped onto an interior surface of a toilet bowl. Each adhesive gel disc adheres to the surface and gradually dissolves over a predetermined period or time or number of flushes, at which time the dispenser is used again to stamp a new adhesive gel disc onto the interior surface of the toilet bowl. The dispenser typically requires assembly by the user. Incorrect assembly or use may cause the adhesive gel to be dispensed in greater than desired volumes. Further, the user must re-cap the end of the dispenser that has contacted the inside of the toilet bowl and store the dispenser for future use of the remaining adhesive gel. Such re-use of the soiled dispenser compromises sanitation and increases the risk of spreading and/or transmitting bacteria and/or toilet waste. Summary

[0005] Embodiments provide an apparatus for applying a cleaning substance to a toilet bowl, the apparatus comprising a body having a wall defining a distally-facing cavity for releasably retaining the cleaning substance, the body further having a proximally-extending mechanism configured to facilitate gripping the apparatus and applying the cleaning substance to the toilet bowl when the cleaning substance is pressed against the toilet bowl.

[0006] Another embodiment provides an apparatus for applying a cleaning substance to a bathroom surface to be cleaned. The apparatus includes a body having a distally-facing wall defining a cavity for releasably retaining a cleaning substance, the body further having a proximally-extending releasing mechanism configured to selectively deform the wall and thereby deform the cavity to release the cleaning substance from the cavity when the cleaning substance is pressed against the surface

[0007] Another embodiment provides a method for applying a cleaning substance to a toilet bowl. The method includes the following steps: selecting a wall defining a distally-facing cavity that releasably retains the cleaning substance, the wall having a distally-disposed terminal edge and a proximally-extending releasing mechanism; pressing the cleaning substance against the toilet bowl and manipulating the wall via the releasing mechanism to distort the wall and the cavity to release the cleaning substance from the cavity and apply the substance to the toilet bowl; and withdrawing the wall from the toilet bowl via the releasing mechanism.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for applying a substance to a surface in accordance with the present invention.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a top elevational view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 1. [0011] Fig. 3 is a bottom elevational view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 1 , taken at 4- of Fig. 2.

[0013] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 1 containing a substance to be applied to a surface.

[0014] Fig. 6 A is a side elevational view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 1 prior to application.

[0015] Fig. 6B is a side elevational view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 1 during application.

[0016] Fig. 6C is a side elevational view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 1 after application.

[0017] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for applying a substance to a surface in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatus for applying a substance to a surface in accordance with the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for applying a substance to a surface in accordance with the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the apparatus depicted in Fig. 9.

Detailed Description of Disclosed Embodiments

[0021] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of

embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0022] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. [0023] The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments.

[0024] The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used.

It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0025] Reference is made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. For ease of description, the components of embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the normal (upright) operating position, and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc., are used with reference to this position. It will be understood, however, that the components of embodiments of the present disclosure may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in an orientation other than the position described.

[0026] Figures illustrating the components of embodiments of the present disclosure show some conventional mechanical elements that may be known and that may be recognized by one skilled in the art. The detailed descriptions of such elements are not necessary to an understanding of the disclosure, and accordingly are herein presented only to the degree necessary to facilitate an understanding of the novel features of the present disclosure.

[0027] As used herein and in the appended claims, the term "comprising" is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional unrecited elements, compositional components, or method steps. Accordingly, the term "comprising" encompasses the more restrictive terms "consisting essentially of and "consisting of."

[0028] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the use of substantially any plural terms herein may be translated by those having skill in the art from the plural to the singular as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. [0029] In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "an apparatus having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but not be limited to, apparatuses that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0030] The description may use the terms "embodiment" or "embodiments," which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms

"comprising," "including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous.

[0031] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present invention pertain. Although a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.

[0032] The term "cleaning substance" as used herein refers to any cleansing,

deodorizing, disinfecting, and/or fragrancing substance configured to adhere to a non-horizontal surface (e.g., a porous or non-porous surface comprising a plastic/polymer, ceramic, metal, glass, or stone surface) and remain substantially in place, without the aid of a separate supporting structure or mechanism, until at least partially dissolved, dissipated, or otherwise removed (e.g., by disintegration, sublimation, or mechanical force). Cleaning substances may be composed of one or more cleaning agents (e.g., surfactants, detergents), alkalis, oxidizers, petrochemicals / oleochemicals, emulsifiers, thickeners, enzymes, antimicrobials, fragrances, dyes, preservatives, fillers, and/or stabilizers. In addition, cleaning substances may take on any solid or semi-solid form such as but not limited to gels, pastes, waxes, and other solids or semi-solids.

[0033] Cleaning substances as contemplated in the present invention may be formed, and/or filled after blending operations, by one or more known manufacturing methods, such as melting and casting, extrusion, and/or compression, alone or in any combination. For example, a cleaning substance may be cast or compressed within, or extruded into, the cavity of an applicator in accordance with the claimed invention during the manufacturing process.

Alternatively, the cleaning substance may be extruded in a log or other shape into the cavity of the applicator and severed at or near the edge of the cavity opening with a cutting device. As another alternative, the cleaning substance may be formed as a solid insert in a separate process and subsequently inserted into the cavity of the applicator (e.g., during the manufacturing process or by the end user prior to use). Accordingly, the cleaning substance and applicator may be supplied as separate components. While crescent or dome-shaped cleaning substances are described herein by way of example because such smooth, symmetrical shapes encourage even dissolution or dissipation of the cleaning substance, any variety of shapes may be used, such as but not limited to stars, flowers, fruits, rings, paw prints, and geometric designs.

[0034] The applicators as described herein may be constructed from one or more polymers such as polyethylene and/or polypropylene and manufactured by any suitable method known in the art for shaping plastics. Examples include, but are not limited to, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, extrusion, casting, and compression/transfer molding.

[0035] Surfaces to which substances described herein may be applied include, but are not limited to, surfaces generally found in bathrooms, such as toilet bowls, sinks, bathtubs, bathtub walls, shower walls, and the like.

[0036] Figs. 1-6 depict a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of an apparatus for applying a cleaning substance to a bathroom surface in accordance with the claimed invention. Figs. 2-3 are top and bottom elevational views of the apparatus, respectively. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along line 4— 4 of Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the apparatus containing a cleaning substance. Figs. 6A-C are side elevational views of the apparatus containing the cleaning substance prior to application to the bathroom surface, during application, and after application, respectively.

[0037] Referring to Figs. 1 -3, apparatus 10 comprises a body 20 having a distally- extending wall 30, a distally-disposed terminal edge 40, and a proximally-extending releasing mechanism 50. The body 20 may be formed of either flexible or rigid material. As best shown in Fig. 5, wall 30 defines a cavity 60 for releasably retaining a cleaning substance 100. The cavity 60 is typically wider than it is deep so that the cleaning substance filling the cavity also takes a wide but shallow shape. This facilitates water or other fluid flowing over the top of the cleaning substance while exerting a minimum amount of dislodging force on the solution. Releasing mechanism 50 proximally extends from body 20 and may be actuated to selectively release cleaning substance 100 from cavity 60. As shown in Figs. 6A-6C, the terminal edge 40 is shown to be slightly set back from the distal surface of the cleaning substance 100, but it should be understood that in other embodiments the terminal edge may be coextensive with the distal surface of the cleaning substance or may even extend distally slightly beyond the distal surface of the cleaning substance.

[0038] In the first embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in Fig. 1 , releasing mechanism 50 comprises a pair of proximally-extending spaced members 80 that, when displaced with respect to one another, cause wall 30 and cavity 60 to deform and release cleaning substance 100 from cavity 60 onto a bathroom surface to be cleaned. It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that releasing mechanism 50 is not limited to the embodiments depicted in Figs. 1 , 7, 8, and 9. Releasing mechanism 50 may include, but is not limited to, one or more tabs, wings, stems, and/or other surface textures coupled to wall 30, or acting against or in cooperation with wall 30. For example, releasing mechanism 50 may simply exert a distal force on wall 30 in such a way that the wall is distorted sufficiently to release cleaning substance 100.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1 , apparatus 10 includes several mechanisms for facilitating the distortion of wall 30 and thereby the release of cleaning substance 100 onto a bathroom surface. Members 80 each include a gripping feature 90 that provides tactile texture to the outer surfaces of members 80, thereby improving a user's grip as he or she handles the apparatus and applies inward force to displace members 80. Wall 30 may additionally include a weakened portion 70 to aid distortion of wall 30 and release of cleaning substance 100 from cavity 60. In the depicted embodiment, weakened portion 70 is in the form of a radial extending, linear score line positioned between members 80, but may take other forms as well such as a weakened region of the wall 30. If weakened portion 70 takes a linear form as depicted, it creates a hinge or flex point that encourages distortion of wall 30 along the weakened portion. When members 80 are displaced to actuate releasing mechanism 50, wall 30 distorts easily along weakened portion 70, thereby facilitating the release of cleaning substance 100 from cavity 60. In the depicted embodiment, members 80 are pressed toward each other to distort the wall 30, but in other instances, the members may be designed to be moved away from each other or be displaced in other directions to achieve the desired distortion in the wall 30. In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may additionally include a releasing agent or material composed of, for example, a

"hydrophobic" substance applied to at least a portion of a distally-facing wall of body 20 to further aid the release of cleaning substance 100 from cavity 60.

[0040] In operation, as depicted in Fig. 6A, cavity 60 retains cleaning substance 100 prior to application to a bathroom surface to be cleaned 1 10, and apparatus 10 is extended in the direction of bathroom surface 1 10. As shown in Fig. 6B, cleaning substance 100 makes contact and adheres to bathroom surface 1 10. Additional force may be applied to members 80 to force terminal edge 40 against bathroom surface 1 10 to reinforce contact and adhesion between cleaning substance 100 and bathroom surface 1 10, or as noted above, in certain applications the terminal edge 40 would contact the bathroom surface simultaneously with the cleaning substance or even prior to contact of the cleaning substance with the bathroom surface to be cleaned. Also shown in Fig. 6B, after contact and adhesion is made between cleaning substance 100 and bathroom surface 1 10, members 80 of releasing mechanism 50 are displaced with respect to one another, such as by inward squeezing or pressing toward one another, to distort wall 30 at weakened portion 70. Finally, as shown in Fig. 6C, after distortion of wall 30 and release of cleaning substance 100 from cavity 60, apparatus 10 is extended away, leaving cleaning substance 100 applied to bathroom surface 1 10.

[0041] Apparatus 10 may additionally include one or a combination of gripping features to improve a user's grip on the apparatus. These features may provide the additional benefit of supplying visual cues to a user, allowing him or her to intuit proper operation of the apparatus without the use of instructional manuals or written directions. In Fig. 1 , which depicts a first embodiment of the claimed invention, for example, gripping feature 90 is a raised ridge. In a second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, gripping feature 190 is a raised pad configured to substantially conform to the shape and size of a finger pad. This particular embodiment provides strong visual cues to a user to place his or her thumb and index finger at the position of the raised pads. In a third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, gripping feature 290 is comprised of an aperture or hole also configured to substantially conform to the shape and size of a finger pad.

[0042] Figs. 9-10 depict a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of an apparatus for applying a cleaning substance to a bathroom surface in accordance with the claimed invention. Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the apparatus.

[0043] Referring to Figs. 9-10, apparatus 310 comprises a body 320 having a wall 330, a distally-disposed terminal edge 340, and a proximally-extending mechanism 350. The wall may formed of a flexible or rigid material. Wall 330 defines a distally-facing cavity 360 for releasably retaining a cleaning substance. The cavity 360 is typically greater in width than depth so that fluid such as water can flow over the top of it while exerting a minimum of dislodging force. The wall 330 may also include a weakened portion like that depicted at 70 in Fig. 1 but that portion has not been depicted in Figs. 9 and 10. Mechanism 350 proximally extends from body 320 and may be used to grip apparatus 310 and facilitate application of the cleaning substance to a bathroom surface. As in previous embodiments, terminal edge 340 may be coextensive with, set slightly back from, or extend distally slightly beyond the distal surface of the cleaning substance.

[0044] As shown in Figs. 9-10, mechanism 350 comprises a proximally-extending member 380 to facilitate gripping apparatus 310. It will be understood that other embodiments may include a plurality of members 380. It also be understood that mechanism 350 is not limited to the embodiment depicted in Figs. 9-10. Mechanism 350 may include, but is not limited to, one or more tabs, wings, stems, and/or other surface textures coupled to wall 330, or acting against or in cooperation with wall 330.

[0045] In operation, like in previous embodiments, cavity 360 retains a cleaning substance prior to application to a bathroom surface to be cleaned. A user, holding member 380, extends the apparatus in the direction of a bathroom surface until contact is made and the cleaning substance adheres to the bathroom surface. Unlike in previous embodiments, however, after contact and adhesion is made, there may be no displacement of members 380 or distortion of wall 330 at a weakened portion. On the other hand, if the wall 330 is formed of flexible material the wall in fact may be distorted by pressing one distal side of the wall against the surface to be cleaned. The adhesive properties in the cleaning substance are typically sufficient to attach the cleaning substance to the bathroom surface after removal of the apparatus. When this occurs the cleaning substance is released from cavity 360, but remains applied to the bathroom surface.

[0046] As noted in previous embodiments, terminal edge 340 may make contact with the bathroom surface before, after, or simultaneously with the cleaning substance. In addition, apparatus 310 may include a releasing agent or material composed of, for example, a "hydrophobic" substance that is applied to at least a portion of a distally- facing wall of body 320 to aid the release of the cleaning substance from cavity 360.

[0047] Although cylindrical or dome-shaped applicators have been described herein by way of example, applicators may be formed in a variety of other shapes and/or include decorative patterns, designs, and/or other surface textures. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, wall 230 includes a series of radially extending surface ribs 220, which may distally extend into cavity 260. Typically, however, as noted above, wall 230 is normally relatively wide and shallow so that the deposited cleaning substance is thereby wide and shallow as well.

[0048] The depicted embodiments illustrate an apparatus that is supplied as a disposable single-use applicator that is pre-filled with a unit dose of a cleaning substance to be applied. Once the applicator has been used to dispense the cleaning substance onto the desired surface, the applicator may be discarded. In some examples (not shown here), the open end of the cavity proximate the terminal edge may be sealed with a removable feature that is pulled away from the applicator and discarded prior to application. Such removable features protect the cleaning substance during packaging and shipping and ensure optimal freshness and/or adhesion upon application. Examples of such removable features include, but are not limited to, induction seals, heat sealed films, injection molded covers, or trays that protect the cleaning substance contained in multiple applicators.

[0049] Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.