Patent Publication Number: US-2019174977-A1

Title: Toilet bowl brush container system and method of use

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to systems, apparatus, and methods of using a toilet bowl brush and storage container. Further, the present invention relates to a toilet brush that is easily stored in a storage container. More specifically, the invention is related to a combination toilet bowl brush and storage container, wherein the toilet bowl brush is configured to seal the storage container. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Toilet bowl brushes for cleaning the inside bowl portion of the toilet are well known in the art. Storage containers are also well known in the art. However, one of the problems commonly associated with these devices is difficulty to contain dripping of liquids after the user has cleaned the toilet with the brush while attempting to store the brush for later use. For example, the user must use a toilet brush to clean the bowl of the toilet. While bringing the toilet brush from its storage location, which may or may not be a covered location, it is difficult to not let any previous liquids from cleaning the toilet drip onto the user or surrounding area. Additionally, once the user has cleaned the toilet bowl, it is difficult to replace the now wet toilet brush in its storage location. 
     Although great strides have been made in the area of toilet bowl brushes and storage containers, many shortcomings remain. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a toilet bowl brush container system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 1  in a closed position; 
         FIG. 3  is an interior bottom view of the lid of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of the method of use of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional toilet bowl brushes and storage containers. Specifically, the system of the present application is utilized to easily store a toilet brush in a sanitary manner and protect the user and surroundings from liquid dripping off the toilet brush after use. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  is a front view of the toilet bowl brush-storage container system  101  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that toilet bowl brush storage container combination overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional toilet brushes and storage locations. 
     In the contemplated embodiment, the toilet brush with storage container system  101  includes a storage container  107  preferably composed of a sturdy and protective material that is easy to sanitize and allows the user to easily store the toilet brush without creating additional messes from liquids that may drip from the toilet brush after use. In one exemplary embodiment, the material could be composed of a rigid plastic. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the system  101  of a toilet bowl brush configured to seal a storage container, the toilet bowl brush portion of the present invention includes a handle  103 , a lid portion  105  made from the same material as the handle. In the preferred embodiment, a release mechanism  111  is located on the lid and is configured to engage with a locking mechanism  113  on the container such that the user can press the release  111  to release the lid from the container. The release mechanism  111  is configured in such a way that when the user needs to use the toilet bowl brush, pressure can be applied to the release which releases the lid  105  from the storage container  107 . In similar manner, when the user needs to store the toilet brush, the brush can be placed inside the storage container  107  and pressure is applied downward so that the lid  105  clicks into place through the release mechanism  111  and locking device  113 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  101  can include a brush attachment location  115  which can be a threaded engagement or the like, thereby allowing for the user to remove and replace the toilet bowl brush as desired. 
     In  FIG. 2 , the system  101  is shown in a closed position. It should be appreciated that the brush (not shown) can vary in shape, size, and materials, and is configured to be secured in the container when not in use, thereby providing for improved sanitation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an underneath, interior view of lid  105  is shown. Lid  105  having one or more release mechanisms  111   a - b , which in the preferred embodiment are buttons configured to release a catch  301  which is configured to engage with the locking mechanism  113  on the container. The lid includes a channel  303  which is configured to receive the rim of the container such that the catch  301  engages with the locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the catch  301  includes an angled surface which is configured to engage with a cutout. As the release is pushed, the angled surface is pushed away from the cutout on the container, thereby releasing the lid. As shown, the lid  105  includes an opening  305  in which the handle is secured. 
     The lid as depicted can vary in shape, however, one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present invention is that the lid is configured to seal around the edge of the container to seal in bacteria and germs. This feature is achieved via the channel  303  created between an exterior wall  307  and an interior wall  309  of the lid and the locking and release mechanism discussed above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a flowchart  401  depicts the preferred method of use of the present invention. The method comprises providing a container and toilet bowl brush configured to be stored in the container  403 , pressing the release button on a protruding lip portion of a lid connected to the toilet brush  405 , removing the toilet brush from the container  407 , using the toilet brush to clean a toilet  409 , placing the toilet brush back into the container and pressing a lid portion of the toilet bowl brush onto the top of the container until it clicks to lock into place  413 , thus sealing the brush inside the storage container. 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.