Patent Publication Number: US-9834919-B1

Title: Lavatory accessory positioning device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/374,728 filed on Aug. 12, 2016 entitled “Devices for Disinfecting and Drying a Toilet-Brush Within a Toilet-Bowl”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This patent specification relates to the field of devices and systems configured to facilitate the maintenance of toilets and toilet areas. More specifically, this patent specification relates to devices configured to position lavatory accessories to provide a sanitary and organized toilet and toilet environment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The toilet-brush is an essential tool for keeping good sanitation of a toilet-bowl. Due to the matters coming in contact with the toilet-brush, in reality, a user will not let it leave the vicinity of the toilet-bowl after use, but rather insert it into its storage-container, which is usually coupled with the brush as a set and can be found next to every household toilet. The lack of means to maintain the sanitation of the toilet-brush after use, leaving those who care with the options to immerse the brush-head into a disinfecting solution mixed with the water at the water-reservoir of the toilet-bowl, shake the brush within the interior of the toilet-bowl, tack and balance it in between the toilet-seat and the edge of the toilet-bowl for dripping and drying. When not done so, the brush is inserted into the storage-container and often will still be wet and dripping upon retrieval at next use. 
     A toilet-brush has a densely arranged large amount of bristles that traps large amount of water and other sediments and when stored in the storage-container with lack of air ventilation, creates environment which can promote and lead to growth of fungus, bacteria, algae, mold and other hazardous and unhealthy conditions to humans and pets. That also results in the need to often maintain the cleanliness of the storage-container, which in reality left neglected. Due to not having the proper tools for disinfecting and drying the toilet-brush in the immediate area of the toilet-bowl, in an easy and effective way, it creates an exception to the rule that otherwise is not skipped when it comes to storage of items involving wetness and in this case fecal matters as well, which may be referred to as “The toilet-brush global epidemic”. The invention described herein is dedicated to solve those conflicting problems, will change the perception on how a toilet-brush needs to be maintained and promote safe and healthy living for generations to come. 
     Therefore a need exists for a novel toilet maintenance devices and systems which promote safe and healthy living for generations to come. There is also a need for novel toilet maintenance devices and systems which prevent the creation of an environment which can promote and lead to growth of fungus, bacteria, algae, mold and other hazardous and unhealthy conditions to humans and pets. A further need exists, for novel toilet maintenance devices and systems which are able to position a toilet-brush after use to dry and maintain the sanitation of the toilet-brush. Finally, a need exists for novel toilet maintenance devices and systems which are able to facilitate the ability of a user to clean a toilet and to maintain an organized toilet area. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A lavatory accessory positioning device is provided which is configured to be coupled to an object, such as a toilet, and to removably couple and position a lavatory accessory, such as a toilet brush, above the object, such as above the bowl of a toilet. When the device is not in use it may be compacted so as to preferably be out of view while remaining coupled to the object. 
     In some embodiments, the device may include a support bracket having an aperture which may be used to couple the device to a toilet. A support pole may be coupled to the support bracket, and the support pole may be movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A support platform may be coupled to the support pole. A hanger bracket may be coupled to the support platform, and the hanger bracket may be movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position. The hanger bracket may have a distal accessory holder which may be configured to removably couple a lavatory accessory to the device. When a lavatory accessory is coupled to the distal accessory holder and the support pole is in the extended position and the hanger bracket is in the horizontal position, the lavatory accessory may be positioned above a portion of the toilet to which the device is coupled. When a lavatory accessory is not coupled to the distal accessory holder and the support pole is in the retracted position and the hanger bracket is in the vertical position, the device may be positioned under and/or behind a portion of the toilet to which the device is coupled so that the device may be out of sight. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an example of a lavatory accessory positioning device according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an example of a lavatory accessory positioning device coupled to a toilet having a support pole in an extended position and a hanger bracket in a horizontal position, the support bracket coupled to a lavatory accessory above the bowl of the toilet, according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 3  shows a top perspective view of an example of a lavatory accessory positioning device coupled to a toilet and positioning a lavatory accessory above the bowl of the toilet according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a bottom perspective view of an example of a lavatory accessory positioning device coupled to a toilet having a support pole in a retracted position and a hanger bracket in a vertical position according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a top perspective view of another example of a lavatory accessory positioning device coupled to a toilet and positioning a lavatory accessory above the bowl of the toilet according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 6  shows a top perspective view of a further example of a lavatory accessory positioning device coupled to a toilet and positioning a lavatory accessory above the bowl of the toilet according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a perspective exploded view of an adjustable tensioner according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a top perspective view of still another example of a lavatory accessory positioning device coupled to a toilet and positioning a lavatory accessory above the bowl of the toilet according to various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 9  shows a partial perspective view of an alternative example of a lavatory accessory positioning device coupled to a toilet and positioning a lavatory accessory according to various embodiments described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “rear”, “front”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     New devices configured to position lavatory accessories are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
     The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. 
     The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.  FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a lavatory accessory positioning device (“the device”)  100  according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the device  100  may comprise a support bracket  11  having an aperture  12 . A support pole  21  may be coupled to the support bracket  11 , and the support pole  21  may be movable between an extended position  28  and a retracted position  29 . A support platform  41  may be coupled to the support pole  21 . A hanger bracket  31  may be coupled to the support platform  41 , and the hanger bracket  31  may be movable between a horizontal position  38  and a vertical position  39 . The hanger bracket  31  may have a distal accessory holder  45  which may be configured to removably couple a lavatory accessory  200  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) to the device  100 . 
     The device  100  may comprise one or more support brackets  11  which may be configured to couple the device  100  to an object such as a toilet  300  ( FIGS. 2-4 ). The support bracket  11  may be made from any durable and substantially rigid material or combination of materials such as steel alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, any other type of metal or metal alloy, any type of ceramic, earthenware, natural stone, synthetic stone, various types of hard plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, nylon, Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) also known as acrylic, melamine, hard rubbers, fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins, such as epoxy resin, wood, other plant based materials, or any other material including combinations of materials that are substantially rigid. 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  may comprise an aperture  12  which may pass through the support bracket  11  and shaped to allow a male fastener  302  ( FIG. 4 ) to be inserted through the aperture  12 . One or more male fasteners  302 , bushings, and/or female fasteners  303  ( FIG. 4 ) may be used to couple the support bracket  11  to an object such as a toilet  300  via one or more apertures  12 . An aperture  12  may be generally circular in shape, rectangular in shape, or configured in any other shape and/or size. 
     The support bracket  11  may comprise an elongated shape having a support aperture  12  at one end and a support pole  21  coupled to the support bracket  11  at the opposing end. In preferred embodiments, the support bracket  11  may comprise a proximal section  13  and a distal section  14 . The proximal section  13  may form the portion of the support bracket  11  into which an aperture  12  may be formed and the distal section  14  may form the portion of the support bracket  11  to which the support pole  21  may be coupled. Optionally, the proximal section  13  may extend above the distal section  14 . For example, the support bracket  11  may comprise a medial section  15  which may separate the proximal section  13  from the distal section  14 , and the medial section  15  may be angled so that the proximal section  13  may be extended above the distal section  14 . In other embodiments, the support bracket  11  may be linear, curved, or otherwise shaped to enable a proximal section  13  to be level with, above, or below a distal section  14 . 
     The device  100  may comprise one or more support poles  21  which may be coupled to a support bracket  11 . A hanger bracket  31  and/or support platform  41  may also be coupled to a support pole  21 , and the support pole  21  may be used to separate and position the hanger bracket  31  and/or support platform  41  relative to the support bracket  11 . A support pole  21  may comprise any type of elongated structure such as a rod, pole, shaft, or mast. In some embodiments, a support pole  21  may comprise one or more telescoping sections  22  which may be positioned or disposed between a support bracket  11  and the hanger bracket  31  and/or support platform  41 . A telescoping section  22  may allow the hanger bracket  31  and/or support platform  41  to be moved towards and away from the support bracket  11 . For example, a support pole  21  may comprise one or more telescoping sections  22  or segments which may be retracted into and extended from each other. The telescoping sections  22  may be transitioned between an extended position  28  ( FIGS. 1-3 ), in which the hanger bracket  31  and/or support platform  41  is relatively farther from the support bracket  11 , and a retracted position  29  ( FIG. 4 ), in which the hanger bracket  31  and/or support platform  41  is relatively closer to the support bracket  11 . Optionally, a knob  37  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) or other hand graspable object may be coupled to the support platform  41  which may be manipulated by a user to raise and lower the support platform  41  via the telescoping section(s)  22 . 
     The device  100  may comprise one or more hanger brackets  31  which may be configured to hold a lavatory accessory  200  and to allow the lavatory accessory  200  to be positioned relative to the support bracket  11  and therefore relative to a toilet  300  that the device  100  may be coupled to. In some embodiments, a hanger bracket  31  may be pivotally coupled to a support platform  41  so that the hanger bracket  31  may be pivoted or rotated relative to the support platform  41  between the horizontal position  38  and the vertical position  39 . A hanger bracket  31  may be made in various shapes, sizes, and durable materials such as metal, metal alloys, plastics, wood, and the like. Preferably, the hanger bracket  31  may be formed by a length of elongated material which may be bent, formed, molded, or otherwise fabricated to form the elements of the hanger bracket  31 . 
     In some embodiments, a hanger bracket  31  may comprise one or more arms, such as a first arm  32  and a second arm  33 . An arm  32 ,  33 , may be pivotally coupled to a support pole  21 , optionally via a support platform  41 , and the arm  32 ,  33 , may be configured to be removably coupled to a lavatory accessory  200 . In further embodiments, a hanger bracket  31  may comprise a single arm, such as the first arm  32 , pivotally coupled to the support platform  41  with another arm, such as the second arm  33 , coupled to the first arm  32  between the portion of the first arm  32  coupled to the support platform  41  and the distal accessory holder  45  portion of the first arm  32 . A tensioner  36  may be coupled to both arms  32 ,  33 , which the second arm  33  also forming part of the distal accessory holder  45 . In this manner, a hanger bracket  31  may comprise a distal accessory holder  45  formed by portions of both arms  32 ,  33 , with the hanger bracket  31  coupled to the support platform  41  at a single location. 
     Generally, an arm  32 ,  33 , may comprise an elongated structure which may be used to position a distal accessory holder  45  from the hanger bracket  31  and/or support platform  41  to which the arm  32 ,  33 , may be coupled. For example, an arm  32 ,  33 , may comprise a length of metal wire, plastic tubing, or any other elongated structure which may be used to separate a distal accessory holder  45  from the hanger bracket  31  and/or support platform  41  to which the arm  32 ,  33 , may be coupled. In further embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 9 , a hanger bracket  31  may comprise one or more telescoping bracket sections  31 A which may be movable relative to each other to allow the distal accessory holder  45  to be moved towards and away from the support platform  41 . For example, one or more bracket sections  31 A may be configured to retract into and extend from one or more other bracket sections  31 A in a telescoping manner to allow the distal accessory holder  45  to be moved towards and away from the support platform  41 . In other embodiments, a bracket section  31 A may be movably coupled to another bracket section  31 A, a first arm  32  and/or a second arm  33 , or a tensioner  36  with any other suitable method to enable to length of the hanger bracket  31  to be lengthened or shortened. In still further embodiments, any element of the hanger bracket  31 , such as the prongs  34 ,  35 , arms  32 ,  33 , or any other section of the hanger bracket  31 , may be configured to extend from and retract into another section of the hanger bracket  31  that that element may be coupled to in a telescoping manner, which may eliminate the need for a tensioner  36  while still providing the same adjustment features of a tensioner  36 . 
     The hanger bracket  31  may comprise a distal accessory holder  45  which may be formed by portions of one or more arms  32 ,  33 , and which may couple a lavatory accessory  200  to the hanger bracket  31 . A distal accessory holder  45  may be configured to removably couple or secure a lavatory accessory  200  to the device  100 . In preferred embodiments, a first arm  32  may comprise a first prong  34  and a second arm  33  comprise a second prong  35  which may be both form a distal accessory holder  45  by being adapted to removably clasp a handle  201  of a lavatory accessory  200 . For example, a first prong  34  and a second prong  35  may be configured to flex apart when a handle  201  of a lavatory accessory  200  is positioned between the prongs  34 ,  35 , so that the prongs  34 ,  35 , may be tensioned against the handle  201  to frictionally secure the handle  201  in the distal accessory holder  45 . 
     In alternative embodiments, a distal accessory holder  45  may comprise any type of removable attachment method which may be used to removably couple or secure a lavatory accessory  200  to the device  100 , such as a J-hook with hanging loop type fastener, a magnetic fastener, a turn to lock connection method, or any other suitable removable attachment method. In still further embodiments, a distal accessory holder  45  may be formed by an arm  32 ,  33 , having a prong  34 ,  35 , which may be inserted through a hole, hook, or other opening which may be found on a handle  201  or other portion of a lavatory accessory  200  to removably couple or secure a lavatory accessory  200  to the device  100 . 
     In some embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 8 , the hanger bracket  31  may comprise a trigger surface  61  and/or a pad surface  63 . A trigger surface  61  may facilitate the insertion of a handle  201  or other element of a lavatory accessory  200  into the distal accessory holder  45  and may be disposed on an insertion trigger  62  or otherwise formed onto an arm  32 ,  33 , such as the first arm  32 , of the hanger bracket  31 . Generally, an insertion trigger  62  may comprise a protrusion onto which a trigger surface  61  may be formed that extends down below an arm  32 ,  33 , and preferably parallel with the support pole  21 . A trigger surface  61  may be contacted by a finger, such as an index finger, and used to hold the hanger bracket  31  steady by counter balancing the pushing force as a handle  201  or other element of a lavatory accessory  200  is inserted into the distal accessory holder  45 . 
     A pad surface  63  may facilitate the extraction of a handle  201  or other element of a lavatory accessory  200  from the distal accessory holder  45  and may be disposed on an extraction pad  64  or otherwise formed onto an arm  32 ,  33 , such as the second arm  33 , of the hanger bracket  31 . Generally, an extraction pad  64  may comprise a protrusion on a prong  34 ,  35 , such as the second prong  35 , onto which a pad surface  63  may be formed that extends away from the opposing prong  34 ,  35 , such as the first prong  34 . A pad surface  63  may be contacted by a finger, such as a thumb, and used to counter balance the pulling force exerted against the extended support pole  21  and the hanger bracket  31 , to facilitate the extraction of the handle  201  or other element of a lavatory accessory  200  from the distal accessory holder  45 . Optionally, an insertion trigger  62  may comprise a hook shape, J-shape, or any other shape which may enable the insertion trigger  62  to be utilized as a hanging point for a lavatory accessory  200  such as a brush/plunger with a hanging hole or a hanging string at the handle  201  by placing the hanging hole or hanging string onto the hook shaped insertion trigger  62 . 
     One skilled in the art will recognize that a trigger surface  61  and a pad surface  63  may be disposed on either or both arms  32 ,  33 , to facilitate their use by right and left handed individuals. Additionally, the shapes of the trigger surface  61 , insertion trigger  62 , pad surface  63 , and extraction pad  64  shown in  FIG. 8  are exemplary and in other embodiments, trigger surface  61 , insertion trigger  62 , pad surface  63 , and extraction pad  64  may be configured in any other shape and size. 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  may comprise one or more tensioners  36  which may be coupled to two arms  32 ,  33 , and which may be configured to tension portions of the arms  32 ,  33 , together. Optionally, portions of the arms  32 ,  33 , may be slightly flexible and/or flexibly coupled to the hanger bracket  31  and/or support platform  41  so that the arms  32 ,  33 , may be flexed towards and away from each other. In further embodiments and as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , a tensioner  36  may couple the arms  32 ,  33 , together thereby limiting or governing the distance the arms  32 ,  33 , may be flexed apart and therefore governing the tension that the prongs  34 ,  35 , may be tensioned against the handle  201  to frictionally retain the handle  201  in the distal accessory holder  45 . The tensioner  36  may be movably coupled to the first arm  32  and second arm  33 , such as by extending or wrapping around portions of the arms  32 ,  33 , so that the tensioner  36  may be moved towards and away from the distal accessory holder  45 . By positioning the tensioner  36  closer to the distal accessory holder  45 , the amount of tension or frictional engagement between a handle  201  and the distal accessory holder  45  may be increased, optionally allowing the distal accessory holder  45  to accommodate smaller sized or shaped handles  201 . Conversely, by positioning the tensioner  36  relatively farther from the distal accessory holder  45 , the amount of tension or frictional engagement between a handle  201  and the distal accessory holder  45  may be relatively decreased, optionally allowing the distal accessory holder  45  to accommodate relatively larger sized or shaped handles  201 . 
     In alternative embodiments and as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , a tensioner  36  may be an adjustable tensioner  36 A which may comprise a first section  51  and a second section  52  which may be removably and/or movably coupled together with one or more fasteners, such as a male fastener  53  and a female fastener  54 . An adjustable tensioner  36 A may be positioned in different locations along the arms  31 ,  32 , and may also have a cam lobe  57  that can spread the two arms  31 ,  32 , and change the distance between the prongs  34 ,  35 . When used with a lavatory accessory  200  having a pommel on the handle  201 , the cam lobe  57  may separate the prongs  34 ,  35 , a distance which allows for a free entrance of the handle  201  between the prongs  34 ,  35 , and for the resting of the pommel on the prongs  34 ,  35 , to support the accessory  200  rather than requiring the handle  201  to be clasped between the prongs  34 ,  35 . 
     In some embodiments, a male fastener  53  and a female fastener  54  may be threaded fasteners which may allow the first section  51  and second section  52  to be removably coupled together and/or movably coupled together so that the distance between the sections  51 ,  52 , may be changed or governed by the threaded engagement between the fasteners  53 ,  54 . In other embodiments, the sections  51 ,  52 , may be coupled together with any other suitable type of fastener(s). Preferably, the tensioner  36 A may comprise a first surface  55 , a second surface  56 , and a cam lobe  57 . A first surface  55  may be disposed on the first section  51 , a second surface  56  may be disposed on the second section  52 , and a cam lobe  57  may be disposed on either or both sections  51 ,  52 . 
     An adjustable tensioner  36 A may be engaged to the arms  32 ,  33 , by inserting the male fastener  53  and cam lobe  57  between the arms  32 ,  33 , and then coupling the female fastener  54  to the male fastener  53 . The cam lobe  57  may separate the arms  32 ,  33 , and the distance of separation may be governed by the size and shape of the cam lobe  57  so that by rotating the cam lobe  57  between the arms  32 ,  33 , the cam lobe  57  may push the arms  32 ,  33 , apart and allow the arms  32 ,  33 , to flex back together. Additionally, by tightening the fasteners  53 ,  54 , the first surface  55  and second surface  56  may be brought closer together to grip opposing sides of the arms  32 ,  33 , to maintain the position of the adjustable tensioner  36 A on the arms  32 ,  33 . 
     Optionally, the device  100  may comprise a support platform  41  which may couple the hanger bracket  31  to the support pole  21 . In some embodiments, a support platform  41  may be coupled to the upper end of the support pole  21  and may pivotally secure the hanger bracket  31  to the support pole  21 . The support platform  41  may be coupled to the hanger bracket  31  and may support the hangar bracket  31  generally perpendicular to the support pole  21  while the hanger bracket  31  is in the extended position  38 . Preferably, a support platform  41  may comprise a support surface  42  ( FIG. 3 ) upon which a hanger bracket  31  may rest and be supported while in the horizontal position  38 . In some embodiments, a support surface  42  may be configured with a generally annular planar shape, while in other embodiments, a support surface  42  may be formed by a bump, protrusion, or other structure upon which a hanger bracket  31  may rest and be supported while in the horizontal position  38 . A support platform  41  and support surface  42  may each be made of many different shapes and/or combinations of shapes. The support platform  41  may comprise a width or diameter which may be larger than the width or diameter of the support pole  21 . Similarly, the support surface  42  may also comprise a width or diameter which may be larger than the width or diameter of the support pole  21 . In preferred embodiments, the support platform  41  and support surface  42  have a width or diameter larger than the width or diameter of the support pole  21 , the hanger bracket  31  may be moved into the extended position  38  and supported by the support surface  42  without requiring a user to manipulate one or more fasteners in order to fasten or secure the hanger bracket  31  in the extended position  38 . 
     In further embodiments, the support platform  41  may comprise a hanger recess  43  ( FIGS. 3 and 5 ) which may be shaped an indent, depression, or recess and configured to receive portions of the hanger bracket  31  (but not the entire hanger bracket  31  or an entire arm  32 ,  33 , of a hanger bracket  31 ) when the hanger bracket  31  is collapsed downward in a vertical position  39  parallel to the support pole  21 . For example, portions of the hanger bracket  31 , such as portions of a first  32  and/or second  33  arm, may rest on or be supported by the support platform  41  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  when the hanger bracket  31  is in the horizontal position  38 , and once pivoted, portions of the hanger bracket  31 , such as portions of a first  32  and/or second  33  arm, may be supported by a support surface  42  and may also be received in one or more shaped hanger recesses  43  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  when the hanger bracket  31  is in the vertical position  39 . Optionally, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , a support surface  42  may be positioned to support portions of a first  32  and/or second  33  arm when the hanger bracket  31  is in the horizontal position  38  and when the hanger bracket  31  is pivoted over the support platform  41 , the support platform  41  may not interfere or contact the hanger bracket  31  when the hanger bracket  31  is in the vertical position  39  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     In still further embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 9 , a hanger bracket  31  may be pivotally coupled to a support platform  41  and be configured to be pivoted between the horizontal position  38  and vertical position  39  without requiring a hanger recess  43  on the support platform  41  to provide a recess or depression in the support platform  41  for receiving portions of the hanger bracket  31 . For example, the hanger bracket  31  may comprise a lateral extension  46  which may separate the pivotal coupling  44  from a portion of the hanger bracket  31 , such as a bracket section  31 A, a distance that is greater than the support surface  42 . By rotating the hanger bracket  31  up and over the support platform  41 , the lateral extension  46  may position the hanger bracket  31  a sufficient distance away from the support surface  42  so that the hanger bracket  31  may be moved into the vertical position  39  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     The support platform  41 , and therefore the hanger bracket  31 , may be configured to pivot or rotate around axis A ( FIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, the support platform  41  may be pivotally coupled to the support pole  21  so that by pivoting or rotating portions of the support platform  41 , the hanger bracket  31 , and therefore a distal accessory holder  45 , coupled to the support platform  41  may be pivoted or rotated relative to the support pole  21 . In further embodiments, the hanger bracket  31  may be pivotally coupled to the support platform  41  so that by pivoting or rotating portions of the hanger bracket  31 , the hanger bracket  31  and therefore a distal accessory holder  45 , may be pivoted or rotated relative to the support platform  41 . Optionally, the support platform  41  may be pivotally coupled to the support pole  21 , a telescoping section  22  may be pivotally coupled to another telescoping section  22 , and/or the support pole  21  may be pivotally coupled to the support bracket  11  to enable the support platform  41 , and therefore the hanger bracket  31 , to pivot or rotate around axis A. In preferred embodiments, the hanger bracket  31  may be movably coupled to the device  100  so that the hanger bracket  31 , and therefore a distal accessory holder  45 , may be pivoted or rotated relative to the support bracket  11 . In further embodiments, all or portions of the support pole  21  may be pivotally coupled to the support bracket  11  so that by pivoting or rotating portions of the support pole  21 , the hanger bracket  31 , and therefore a distal accessory holder  45 , coupled to the support pole  21  may be pivoted or rotated relative to the support bracket  11 . In still further embodiments, the hanger bracket  31  may be pivotally coupled to the support pole  21  so that by pivoting or rotating portions the hanger bracket  31 , the hanger bracket  31 , and therefore a distal accessory holder  45 , may be pivoted or rotated relative to the support pole  21 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate an example of a lavatory accessory positioning device  100  that is coupled to a toilet  300  and that is supporting a lavatory accessory  200  above portions of the toilet  300 . In this and preferred embodiments, the support pole  21  may be movable into an extended position  28  in which the portion of the support pole  21  to which the hanger bracket  31  is coupled, optionally via a support platform  41 , and the portion of the support pole  21  to which the support bracket  11  is coupled may be positioned relatively farther away from each other. For example, one or more telescoping sections  22  may be fully extended from each other. The hanger bracket  31  may also be movable into a horizontal position  38  in which the hanger bracket  31  may be generally perpendicularly oriented relative to the support pole  21 . Preferably, the hanger bracket  31  may be movably coupled to the device  100  so that the distal accessory holder  45  may be pivoted or rotated relative to the support bracket  11  and pivoted over the bowl  301  of the toilet  300 . In this example, a lavatory accessory  200 , such as a toilet brush, may be removably coupled to the distal accessory holder  45  by positioning a portion of the lavatory accessory  200 , such as the handle  201 , between the prongs  34 ,  35 , of the arms  32 ,  33 , which may be tensioned towards each other with a movable tensioner  36 , thereby allowing the prongs  34 ,  35 , of the arms  32 ,  33 , to frictionally engage with the lavatory accessory  200  to support the lavatory accessory  200  above the bowl  301  of the toilet  300  when the support pole  21  is in the extended position  28  and the hanger bracket  31  is in the horizontal position  38 . In other embodiments, a distal accessory holder  45  may removably couple a lavatory accessory  200  to the device  100  with any suitable method, thereby allowing the prongs  34 ,  35 , and/or arms  32 ,  33 , to frictionally engage with the lavatory accessory  200  to support the lavatory accessory  200  above the bowl  301  of the toilet  300  when the support pole  21  is in the extended position  28  and the hanger bracket  31  is in the horizontal position  38 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts an example of a lavatory accessory positioning device  100  that is coupled to a toilet  300  in which the support pole  21  is in a retracted position  29  and the hanger bracket  31  is in a vertical position  39 . In this and preferred embodiments, the support pole  21  may be movable into a retracted position  29  in which the portion of the support pole  21  to which the hanger bracket  31  is coupled, optionally via a support platform  41 , and the portion of the support pole  21  to which the support bracket  11  is coupled may be positioned relatively closer to each other. For example, one or more telescoping sections  22  may be fully retracted into another telescoping section  22 . The hanger bracket  31  may also be movable into a vertical position  39  in which the hanger bracket  31  may be generally oriented parallel to the support pole  21 . Preferably, the hanger bracket  31  may be movably coupled to the device  100  so that the distal accessory holder  45  may be pivoted or rotated relative to the support bracket  11  and pivoted away from being over the bowl  301  of the toilet  300 . Preferably, the device  100  may be coupled to the toilet  300  with a male fastener  302  that has been inserted through an aperture  12  of the support bracket  11  and with one or more female fasteners  303  which may be coupled to the male fastener  302 . 
     Typical of many toilets  300 , one or more threaded bolt type male fasteners  302  along with a bushing are used with one or more threaded nut type female fasteners  303  to secure the seat  304  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and/or lid  305  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) to the toilet. In this example, the aperture  12  may be placed over the bolt type male fastener  302  and secured thereto with a nut type female fastener  303  along with the bushing which may allow the support bracket  11  to be pivotally coupled to the toilet  300  so that when the support pole  21  is in a retracted position  29  and the hanger bracket  31  is in a vertical position  39 , portions of the device  100  may be pivoted under and/or behind portions of the toilet  300  so as to be generally out of view. Preferably, the support bracket  11  may comprise a proximal section  13  which may extend above the distal section  14  so that when the support pole  21  is in a retracted position  29  and the hanger bracket  31  is in a vertical position  39 , a support platform  41  may be able to be positioned under and/or behind portions of the toilet  300  so as to be generally out of view. 
     While some preferred shapes and configurations of the elements of the device  100  have been provided, it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the support bracket  11 , support pole  21 , hanger bracket  31 , support platform  41 , and any element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
     Additionally, while some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device  100  may be made from durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiber glass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device  100  may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device  100  may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device  100  may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device  100 . 
     Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.