Device for a toilet-cleaning brush, in particular for dispensing a cleaning and / or fragrance agent

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for a toilet-cleaning brush (2), in particular for dispensing a cleaning and / or fragrance agent, comprising: a disc-shaped or bell-shaped body (8); a mounting opening (3) in the disc-shaped or bell-shaped body (8) for detachably fastening the device (1) to a shaft (4) or grip of a toilet-cleaning brush (2) such that a brush head (6) of the toilet-cleaning brush (2) is at least partially covered by the device (1); and an optional reservoir (5) for a cleaning and / or fragrance agent, the reservoir (5) having openings (7) for releasing part of the cleaning and / or fragrance agent upon contact with water, characterised in that the entire device (1) consists of an elastically deformable material.

Description

[0001] Device for a toilet cleaning brush, in particular for dispensing a cleaning and / or fragrance agent.

[0002] The invention relates to a device for a toilet cleaning brush, in particular for dispensing a cleaning and / or fragrance agent.

[0003] Toilet cleaning brushes are widely known in the prior art. After a certain period of use, the brush heads of such cleaning brushes become soiled or discolored, for example, by aggressive cleaning agents. To conceal this soiling or discoloration, especially when the cleaning brush is not in use but stored in a container, the container can have a lid. The container is, for example, mounted on a wall and has a swivel mechanism, with the container being coupled to the lid in such a way that when the container is swiveled with the aid of the toilet brush, the lid is opened and the toilet brush can be removed from the container.After use, the toilet brush can be inserted back into the container and the container can be swung back into its original position using the toilet brush, with the lid being closed again and covering the brush head of the cleaning brush.

[0004] Alternatively, prior art solutions exist for covering a soiled or discolored brush head, where the lid is attached to the toilet cleaning brush. Such lids are rigid and, for example, have a disc shape. A container is provided to fit the cleaning brush, and the lid is precisely fitted to it. For example, German patent DE 20 2004 001 292 U1 and German patent GB 848 828 disclose toilet cleaning brushes with attached lids.

[0005] One disadvantage of such toilet brushes is that the lid is rigidly designed and immovably attached to the handle or grip of the toilet brush, and does not allow for complete cleaning of the toilet, as the lid hits protrusions or bulges in the toilet and the brush cannot be inserted further into the toilet.

[0006] Another disadvantage is that there is no prior art solution for retrofitting toilet cleaning brushes that lack both a container with a lid and a lid attached to the brush itself with a suitable cover. Furthermore, toilet cleaning brushes are known in the prior art that are stored in a container holding cleaning and / or disinfectant. In particular, the bristles of the toilet cleaning brush are immersed in the cleaning and / or disinfectant within the container. Such toilet cleaning brushes, including a container with cleaning and / or disinfectant, are known, for example, from DE 202 01 635 U1 or US 8,342,321 B2.However, a disadvantage of this is that the cleaning and / or disinfectant drips off the bristles of the toilet cleaning brush immediately after it is removed, thus contaminating the area between the container and the toilet.

[0007] From US patent 6,848,852 B2, a toilet cleaning brush is also known with a reservoir for a cleaning and / or fragrance agent arranged on the handle of the toilet cleaning brush. This prevents the aforementioned contamination of the area between the reservoir and the toilet, since the cleaning and / or fragrance agent only comes into contact with liquid during use. However, the reservoir is made of a rigid material and thus hinders the cleaning of the toilet with the toilet brush, as is the case with rigid toilet lids.

[0008] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to attach reservoirs containing a cleaning and / or fragrance agent to the toilet, particularly to the toilet rim, wherein the cleaning and / or fragrance agent in the reservoir comes into contact with water when the toilet is flushed, and the cleaning and / or fragrance agent is partially released. However, such reservoirs attached to the toilet obstruct the use of toilet brushes. Moreover, the attachment of the reservoir is often inadequate, so that the reservoir can unintentionally detach from the toilet rim.

[0009] It is also known from the prior art to adhere a cleaning and / or fragrance agent directly (without a separate reservoir) to the inside of the toilet bowl, whereby the cleaning and / or fragrance agent comes into contact with water with each flush and takes effect. However, even a cleaning and / or fragrance agent adhered directly to the toilet bowl hinders the use of toilet brushes.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a device for a toilet cleaning brush that improves toilet cleaning without restricting the function of the toilet cleaning brush. Furthermore, the device should cover soiling and / or discoloration of the toilet cleaning brush and be usable and retrofittable for any cleaning brush. In addition, the device itself should be easily replaceable when soiled or discolored, or after the cleaning and / or fragrance agent has been used up.

[0011] The problem is solved according to the invention by a device according to claim 1 and a toilet cleaning brush with a device according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the device are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] The invention relates to a device for a toilet cleaning brush, comprising a disc- or bell-shaped body. A mounting opening is provided in the disc- or bell-shaped body for detachably attaching the device to a handle or grip of a toilet cleaning brush, such that the brush head of the toilet cleaning brush is at least partially covered by the device. The entire device is made of an elastically deformable material.

[0013] The device can be attached to the handle or shaft of the toilet brush using the mounting opening, in particular in such a way that the brush head, with any discoloration or soiling, is at least partially concealed. The device according to the invention thus provides additional protection for the brush head, concealing dirt and discoloration. Furthermore, the device can be color-matched to the surrounding environment. Since the entire device attached to the toilet brush is made of a flexible material, it can deform during use and does not impede the function of the toilet brush.

[0014] The device according to the invention is universally applicable and can in particular be retrofitted to a toilet cleaning brush.

[0015] The term "bell-shaped" also includes, in particular, concave or convex shapes.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a reservoir for a cleaning and / or fragrance agent, wherein the reservoir has openings to partially release the cleaning and / or fragrance agent upon contact with water. When the toilet cleaning brush is used, the device, and in particular the cleaning and / or fragrance agent, comes into contact with water and can exert its effect. In this embodiment, the device according to the invention improves the cleaning effect and / or the room fragrance by releasing the cleaning and / or fragrance agent. The device is therefore suitable as a supplement to or replacement for conventional toilet cleaning agents or cleaning and fragrance dispensers mounted in the toilet.

[0017] Advantageously, the reservoir is formed within the disc- or bell-shaped body or is integral with the disc- or bell-shaped body.

[0018] According to a practical embodiment of the invention, the disc- or bell-shaped body is circular or oval, and the mounting opening is arranged centrally within the disc- or bell-shaped body. This ensures that the brush head of the toilet cleaning brush is optimally covered, thus concealing any discoloration or soiling.

[0019] According to a convenient variant of the invention, the device consists entirely of silicone or an elastically deformable plastic.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the device can be detachably slid onto the handle or shaft of the toilet brush via the elastically deformable mounting opening, so that the device is frictionally or force-fitted to the handle or shaft of the toilet brush in its mounting position. The device can thus be easily retrofitted to any toilet brush without the use of tools. For attachment to the toilet brush, the device can be placed onto the handle or shaft without having to remove the brush head. The entire device, including the mounting opening, is made of a flexible material, so that the handle or shaft of the toilet brush can easily pierce or grip the mounting opening, thus holding and fixing the device to the handle or shaft in its mounting position.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mounting opening comprises several flexible elements which, in the intended mounting position, bear against the circumference of the handle or shaft of the toilet cleaning brush in a force-fit manner. This improves the fixation of the device according to the invention to the handle or shaft of the toilet cleaning brush. The flexible elements are, for example, shaped like fingers, which are oriented radially towards the center of the mounting opening. This allows for particularly good adaptation to different handle or shaft diameters, while also ensuring a secure hold of the protective device on both thicker and thinner shafts or handles.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device has at least one radially projecting flexible lip arranged radially around a lateral wall region, in particular its outer edge, of the disc- or bell-shaped body. Such a flexible lip can tightly seal a container into which the toilet cleaning brush is inserted after use. The lip can lie close to the inner wall of the container or its opening rim.

[0023] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reservoir openings are closed in a resting position and open during use of the toilet cleaning brush due to the elastic deformation of the device, in particular the reservoir. Thus, the reservoir openings close immediately after the deformation of the reservoir has ceased, and any liquid present in the reservoir remains trapped and cannot drip out, which could contaminate the area around the toilet, especially during the movement of the toilet cleaning brush from the toilet to a storage container for the toilet cleaning brush.

[0024] According to a practical embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a handle element which, in the intended mounting position, is arranged on the side of the device opposite the brush head. This handle element allows the device according to the invention to be easily replaced, for example, if it becomes dirty or discolored. Furthermore, the protective device can be easily replaced to match the bathroom decor or the seasons. Removing the device using the handle element is just as simple as installing it. Without removing the brush head, the device can be pulled off the handle or shaft of the toilet brush and a new protective device can be installed.

[0025] The protective device can be a single piece or consist of several parts, all of which are designed to be flexible.

[0026] According to a variant of the invention, the device can further comprise elastically deformable stiffening elements, which are preferably arranged within the reservoir. The elastically deformable stiffening elements give the device according to the invention improved dimensional stability without negatively affecting the function of the toilet cleaning brush. Advantageously, the elastically deformable stiffening elements are arranged in the reservoir. For example, the stiffening elements can divide the reservoir into several sections and / or direct the liquid through the reservoir so that the cleaning and / or fragrance agent is optimally surrounded by the liquid.

[0027] The invention further relates to a toilet cleaning brush with a device according to the invention arranged thereon.

[0028] The device covers dirt and discoloration on the brush head. After extended use, the device can be replaced. To do this, it is simply pulled off the handle of the toilet brush without removing the brush head. A new device can then be attached to the toilet brush handle in the same manner. Furthermore, the device according to the invention automatically dispenses the cleaning and / or fragrance agent contained in the reservoir during use.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show:

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a toilet cleaning brush with a first embodiment of a device according to the invention in a sectional view;

[0031] Fig. 2a shows a side sectional view of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention;

[0032] Fig. 2b shows a view from below of the device according to the invention from Fig. 2a;

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a view of the device from Figs. 2a and 2b before mounting it on a toilet cleaning brush;

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a view of the device from Figs. 2a and 2b after mounting it on a toilet cleaning brush; and

[0035] Fig. 5 shows a side sectional view of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention;

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention; and

[0037] Fig. 7 shows a side sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention. Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a toilet cleaning brush 2 with a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention mounted therein for dispensing a cleaning and / or fragrance agent during use of the toilet cleaning brush 2.

[0038] In the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a bell-shaped body 8. A mounting opening 3 is provided in the bell-shaped body 8, by means of which the device 1 can be detachably attached to a handle 4 of the toilet cleaning brush 2. The device 1 is arranged directly adjacent to the brush head 6 of the toilet cleaning brush 2, so that the brush head 6 of the toilet cleaning brush 2 is at least partially covered by the device.

[0039] The device 1 further comprises a reservoir 5 for a cleaning and / or fragrance agent. The reservoir 5 has openings 7 to partially release the cleaning and / or fragrance agent upon contact with water. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the reservoir 5 is integrated into the bell-shaped body 8, and the openings 7 in the reservoir 5 and the bell-shaped body 8 are arranged on the side facing the brush head 6.

[0040] The entire device 1 consists of an elastically deformable material, in particular entirely of silicone or an elastically deformable plastic.

[0041] The bell-shaped body 8 is preferably circular or oval. Regardless of the shape of the body 8, the mounting opening 3 is expediently located centrally within the body 8 so that the device 1 evenly covers the brush head 6.

[0042] Since the entire device 1 is made of an elastically deformable material, the mounting opening is also elastically deformable, allowing the device 1 to be detachably slid onto the handle 4 of the toilet cleaning brush 2. The device 1 is thus attached to the handle 4 of the toilet cleaning brush 2 by friction or force.

[0043] The mounting opening 3 can include several flexible elements (not shown) which, in the intended mounting position, fit snugly around the circumference of the handle or stem 4 of the toilet cleaning brush 2.

[0044] Fig. 2a shows a side sectional view of a second embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention, and Fig. 2b shows a bottom view of the device according to the invention from Fig. 2a. In contrast to the first embodiment from Fig. 1, the device 1 according to the second embodiment from Figures 2a and 2b has a disc-shaped body 8 and not a bell-shaped body 8. The openings 7 are designed as slots, which are arranged on the side of the device 1 that is aligned with the brush head 6 in the intended mounting position. The slots 7 can, for example, be designed such that the openings 7 of the reservoir 5 are closed in a rest position and open during use of the toilet cleaning brush 2 due to the elastic deformation of the device 1, in particular of the reservoir 5.

[0045] As can be seen in Fig. 2b, the disc-shaped body 8 is circular and the mounting opening 3 is arranged in the center of the disc-shaped body 8.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a view of the device 1 from Figs. 2a and 2b before mounting on a toilet cleaning brush 2, and Fig. 4 shows a view of the device 1 from Figs. 2a and 2b after mounting on a toilet cleaning brush 2.

[0047] According to the invention, the entire device 1 is made of an elastically deformable material, so that the mounting opening is also elastically deformable. This allows the device 1 to be detachably slid onto the handle 4 of the toilet cleaning brush 2, even if the diameter of the handle of the toilet cleaning brush is larger than the diameter of the handle 4 of the toilet cleaning brush 2. In particular, no tools are required for this, and neither the brush head 6 nor the handle needs to be removed (if this is even possible). In this case, the diameter of the mounting opening 3 is adapted to the diameter of the handle 4 of the toilet cleaning brush 2, so that the device 1 is attached to the handle 4 of the toilet cleaning brush 2 by friction or force-fit.

[0048] Fig. 5 shows a side sectional view of a third embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. This third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments by an additional handle element 9, which, in the intended mounting position of the device 1, is arranged on the side of the device 1 opposite the brush head 6. This handle element 9 makes it particularly easy to remove the device 1 from the toilet cleaning brush 2. Because the handle element 9 is located on the side of the device 1 opposite the brush head 6, it is protected from dirt present in the area of ​​the brush head 6, which makes removing the device 1 from the handle of the toilet cleaning brush more convenient for the user. If the protective device 1 becomes heavily soiled or discolored, it can be replaced with a new one.The protective device 1 can also be decoratively coordinated with, for example, the bathroom decor or the seasons. Removing the protective device 1 is just as easy as installing it.

[0049] Fig. 6 shows a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. This fourth embodiment again has a bell-shaped body 8, which, however, does not have a curved upper region, but rather straight edges in the sectional view. Furthermore, the device 1 from Fig. 6 has a radially projecting flexible lip 10, which is arranged radially circumferentially on a lateral wall region, in particular its outer edge, of the disc- or bell-shaped body 8. This radially projecting lip can, for example, seal the gap to a storage container for the toilet cleaning brush 2.

[0050] Fig. 7 shows a side sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention. In this fifth embodiment, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a disc-shaped body 8 with a mounting opening 3 arranged therein. The device 1 can be slid onto a handle 4 of a toilet cleaning brush 2 by means of this mounting opening 3. Since the device 1 according to the invention consists entirely of a flexible material, the mounting opening 3 adapts to the diameter of the handle 4 of the toilet cleaning brush 2 and ensures a force-fit and / or friction-fit connection between the device 1 and the toilet cleaning brush 2. Due to the flexibility of the device 1 and the mounting opening 3, the device can also be slid over a handle of the toilet cleaning brush that may have an increased diameter.

[0051] In its installed position, the device 1 is arranged directly adjacent to the brush head 6 of the toilet cleaning brush 2 in order to cover it from above. This conceals dirt and / or discoloration from the user. "Directly adjacent" within the meaning of the invention means a distance of less than 10 cm, in particular 5 cm or less, between the device 1 and the brush head 6.

[0052] Should the device 1 according to the invention itself become dirty or discolored, it can be easily replaced using the handle element 9. The handle element 9 is arranged on the side of the device 1 opposite the brush head 6 in order to protect the handle element 9 from contamination and to make replacement more convenient for the user.

[0053] Reference symbol list

[0054] 1 Device

[0055] 2 toilet cleaning brushes

[0056] 3 Mounting opening

[0057] 4 handles (toilet cleaning brush)

[0058] 5 Reservoir

[0059] 6 brush heads

[0060] 7 openings (reservoir)

[0061] 8 bell- or disc-shaped bodies

[0062] 9 Handle element (device)

[0063] 10 radially projecting lip

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1 ) for a toilet cleaning brush (2), comprising: a disc- or bell-shaped body (8), a mounting opening (3) in the disc- or bell-shaped body (8) for detachably attaching the device (1) to a stem (4) or handle of a toilet cleaning brush (2), such that a brush head (6) of the toilet cleaning brush (2) is at least partially covered by the device (1 ), and characterized in that the entire device (1) is made of an elastically deformable material.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, for dispensing a cleaning and / or fragrance agent, further comprising a reservoir (5) for a cleaning and / or fragrance agent, wherein the reservoir (5) has openings (7) to partially release the cleaning and / or fragrance agent upon contact with water.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the disc- or bell-shaped body (8) is circular or oval and the mounting opening (3) is arranged centrally in the disc- or bell-shaped body (8).

4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device (1) consists entirely of silicone or an elastically deformable plastic.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device (1) can be detachably slid onto the stem (4) or handle of the toilet cleaning brush (2) by means of the elastically deformable mounting opening (3), so that the device (1) is attached to the handle or stem (4) of the toilet cleaning brush (2) in the mounting position by friction or force.

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the mounting opening (3) comprises several flexible elements which, in the intended mounting position, bear against the circumference of the handle or stem (4) of the toilet cleaning brush (2) in a force-fit manner.

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device (1) has at least one radially projecting flexible lip which is arranged radially circumferentially on a lateral wall region, in particular its outer edge, of the disc- or bell-shaped body (8).

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the openings (7) of the reservoir (5) are closed in a rest position and open during use of the toilet cleaning brush (2) by the elastic deformation of the device (1), in particular of the reservoir (5).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a handle element which is arranged in the mounting position of the device (1) on the side of the device (1) opposite the brush head (6).

10. Toilet cleaning brush (2) with a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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