GB2216622A

GB2216622A - Hygiene device

Info

Publication number: GB2216622A
Application number: GB8806276A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Michael Dolman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-03-16
Filing date: 1988-03-16
Publication date: 1989-10-11
Anticipated expiration: 2008-03-16
Also published as: GB2216622B; GB8806276D0

Abstract

This invention relates to hygiene devices and in particular to such devices for use in configuration with the cleaning of toilet bowls. A plug 15 comprises a flat body 16, surrounded by a flexible seal 17, and a handle 18 which is pivotally hinged to the body at 19. The plug can be inserted in the outlet 11 to block it just below the water line 13. The pivot 19 may be locked by a sleeve 20. <IMAGE>

Description

"HYgiene Device" This invention relates to hygiene devices and in particular to such devices for use in conjunction with the cleaning of toilets.

In present-day supermarkets the shelves are filled with a wide variety of formulations which claim to kill every known germ and cleans every known stain. In addition they are provided with a variety of high-tech nozzles and are given a range of consistencies in an attempt to make them maintain some long-term contact with the bowl surface above the water line.

In practice these chemical approaches are not altogether successful and over a period of time staining builds up, particularly around the outlet of the bowl just above the water line. Once such staining has a foothold, even a vigorously wielded brush will not normally shift it.

From one aspect the invention consists in a plug comprising a body dimensioned for insertion in the outlet of a toilet bowl to block the outlet.

Preferably the body is dimensioned to block the outlet just below the normal water line so that bleach can be poured into the bowl and the toilet flushed.

With the outlet blocked this mixture of bleach and water can be held within the bowl to attack the stains over a long period of time. If one is dealing with particularly harsh stains just near the water line, just bleach may be added.

In a preferred embodiment the plug further comprises a handle attached to the body to assist with the insertion and withdrawal. The body may be hinged to the handle for movement between an operative position and a storage position, in which--case the plug may further comprise a sleeve slidably mounted on the handle for movement into and out of a position in which it surrounds the hinge when the body is in the operative position to lock it in that position.

Conveniently, the body is surrounded by a flexible seal and is itself rigid.

The plug may be provided with a storage container.

The invention may be performed in various ways and a specific embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a toilet bowl and waste outlet with a plug inserted therein; Figure 2 is a more detailed partially crosssectional view of a toilet plug; Figure 3 is an end view of the plug of Figure 2; and Figure 4 shows the plug of Figure 2 in its storage position and mounted in a storage container.

In Figure 1 a toilet bowl 10 is provided with a waste outlet 11 which has the usual U-section 12 in which water is retained. The water finds its own level at 13 and staining can be seen at 14.

A plug generally indicated at 15 is inserted in the outlet 11 to block it just below the water line 13.

Once the plug 15 is in position, bleach solution can be added so that the staining 14 can be attacked as described above.

Turning to the remaining Figures, the plug 15 has a flat rigid rectangular body 16, which is surrounded by a flexible bleach-resistant seal.;i7, and a handle 18 which is pivotally hinged to the body 16 at 19. The handle 18 carries a sleeve 20 which can be moved along the handle so as to cover or reveal the hinge 19. In the former position it will be seen that it locks the body 16 into its operative position, whilst in the latter it allows the body 16 to fold upwardly in line with the handle. In the storage position the plug 15 may be placed in a suitable storage container 21.

It will be appreciated that the body 16 may have a variety of cross-sections to allow for different outlets or the plug may be sold with adaptor kits to provide these cross-sections.

Although the form of plug described is considered to be particularly suitable, other variations are included within the invention. For example, the body may be inflatable so that it can deal with any appropriate cross-section, in which case it may have a tube connectable to a bicycle pump. The body may be weighted in-that case to carry it below the water line.

If the plug is used with water flushed on top of it, so that the bleach can deal with a greater surface area of the bowl, it is possible that people might experience difficulty in releasing it. Accordingly, the body 16 could be provided with an appropriate valve, such as a slide valve, so that the water could drain away prior to removal of the plug 15.

Claims

1. A plug comprising a body dimensioned for insertion in the outlet of a toilet bowl to block the outlet.

2. A plug as claimed in Claim 1 further comprising a handle attached to the body to assist insertion and withdrawal,

3. A plug as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the body is hinged to the handle for movement between an operative position and a storage position.

4. A plug as claimed in Claim 3 further comprising a sleeve slidably mounted on the handle for movement into and out of a position in which into surrounds the hinge when the body is in the operative position to lock it in that position.

5. A plug as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims wherein the body is surrounded by a flexible seal.

6, A plug as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the body is rigid.

7. A plug substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.