Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 61/417,384 filed Nov. 26, 2010. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    This invention relates to a toilet bowl cleaning device where the inner surface of the toilet bowl can be cleaned around the entire circumference of the toilet bowl at locations below the toilet waterline, and/or locations at the toilet waterline, and/or locations above the toilet waterline, and/or locations under the toilet rim. The toilet bowl cleaning device includes a hand or foot actuated lever for releasing a fluid from the container into a fluid delivery system and a clip for mounting a fluid sprayer adjacent an inner wall of the toilet bowl wherein the clip can be adjusted to fit different size toilet bowls. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Toilet bowls require care to prevent the buildup of unsightly deposits, to reduce odors, and to prevent bacteria growth. Traditionally, toilet bowls have been cleaned, deodorized, and disinfected by manual scrubbing with a liquid or powdered cleaning and sanitizing agent. This task has required manual labor to keep the toilet bowl clean. 
         [0007]    In order to eliminate the detested manual scrubbing, various toilet bowl cleaner dispensers have been proposed. One type of dispenser comprises a solid block or solid particles of a cleansing and freshening substance that is suspended from the rim of a toilet bowl in a container that is placed in the path of the flushing water. U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,670 (which is incorporated herein by reference along with all other documents cited herein) shows an example of this type of toilet bowl cleaning system. Typically, a portion of the solid block is dissolved in the flush water with each flush, and the flush water having dissolved product is dispensed into the toilet bowl for cleaning the bowl. 
         [0008]    Other toilet bowl cleaning systems use a liquid cleaning agent that is dispensed into a toilet bowl. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,178,564 and 6,230,334, and PCT International Publication Nos. WO 99/66139 and WO 99/66140 all disclose cleansing and/or freshening devices capable of being suspended from the rim of a toilet bowl for introducing liquid active substances from a bottle into the flushing water with each flush. In these under the toilet rim devices, the liquid active substances are delivered downward from a reservoir to a dispensing plate that is supported by a base that is suspended from the toilet bowl rim. The device is suspended from the toilet rim such that the flow of flush water from the toilet contacts the dispensing plate during a flush. The flush water carries the liquid active substances that are on the dispensing plate into the toilet bowl to clean and freshen the toilet. 
         [0009]    Other toilet bowl dispensers use an aerosol deodorizing and/or cleaning agent that is dispensed into a toilet bowl through a conduit attached to the toilet bowl rim. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,178,070 discloses an aerosol container mounted by a bracket on a toilet rim with a tube extending over the rim; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,029,286 and 5,862,532 disclose dispensers for a toilet bowl including a pressurized reservoir of fluid, a conduit connected to the source of fluid, and a spray nozzle which is installed on the toilet rim. 
         [0010]    One disadvantage with these known toilet rim dispensing devices is that these devices may only apply the deodorizing and/or cleaning agent to one location in the toilet water or a limited area in the toilet water or on the inner surface of the toilet bowl. As a result, the cleaning of the inner surface of the toilet bowl may be limited to an area of the toilet bowl near the device. This is a drawback as it is desirable to obtain uniform application of cleaning fluid in the entire toilet bowl. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,603,726 sets forth, among others, an automatic or manual toilet bowl cleaning device where the inner surface of the toilet bowl is cleaned around the entire circumference of the toilet bowl. In one embodiment illustrated in that application, the downstream end of a fluid conduit terminates in a rotating nozzle capable of spraying the fluid outwardly onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl. The fluid is stored in a container until the fluid is released into the fluid conduit. Various methods for triggering the release of fluid from the container are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,603,726. 
         [0012]    Several techniques are also available to provide adjustment for devices attached to the rim of a toilet bowl. Adjustment has been generally limited to either (1) accommodating toilet bowl rims of varying width, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,286 wherein a ratchet arrangement between two members of the hook is used to adjust the hook for varying rim widths, or (2) attempting to accommodate the depth of the rim and bowl geometry by adjusting the vertical position of the device below the rim. For example, U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,017 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,898,806 and 7,114,199 incorporate a ratchet arrangement between the hook and the body to allow discrete vertical adjustment of the device below the rim of a toilet bowl. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,396 allows for continuous adjustment of the body with respect to the rim by the use of a friction fit wherein a flat bar hook is wedged within a hollow channel formed within the body. U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0240252 and 2008/0017762 also show various clips for mounting a nozzle near the rim of the toilet bowl. 
         [0013]    However, there is still a need for improved devices for triggering the release of fluid from the container. There is also still a need for an improved clip for mounting a nozzle near the rim of the toilet bowl having adjustment means that adequately position the nozzle so that the dispensed fluid reaches the extremes of the inner surface of the toilet bowl when the toilet bowl has an asymmetric or elongated rim/inner surface configuration. Thus, even further improvements to this technology would be beneficial to consumers. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The foregoing needs can be met with a toilet bowl cleaning and/or deodorizing device according to the invention that delivers a chemical into the toilet bowl. The term “chemical” or “chemistry” means one chemical or a mixture of chemical ingredients. Various cleaning and/or deodorizing chemicals are suitable for use with a toilet bowl cleaning device according to the invention. The toilet bowl cleaning and/or deodorizing device includes appropriate chemistry and a dispensing system. As used herein, the term “cleaning” also includes sanitizing and/or disinfecting, and the term “deodorizing” also includes freshening. 
         [0015]    Regarding the chemistry, a chemical is applied directly onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl and/or into the toilet water so as to clean and freshen the toilet bowl. If applied to the inner surface of the toilet bowl, the chemical will typically be a liquid (single or multiple chemistries). If added to the toilet water, the chemistry can also be a liquid (single or multiple chemistries) that is added to the water to act as a preventive, or to create an environment that will work to clean the toilet automatically. 
         [0016]    With respect to the dispensing system, the system includes several subsystems which are the means for applying the appropriate chemistry to the inner surface of the toilet bowl to conduct the cleaning process. The dispensing system may include (but is not limited to): (i) a chemistry storage container; (ii) a chemical propulsion system; (iii) a chemical delivery system; and (iv) a toilet interface. 
         [0017]    The chemistry storage container is used to hold and store the chemistry used to clean the toilet bowl. Non-limiting examples include a standard plastic bottle, such as that found on a trigger sprayer. 
         [0018]    The chemical propulsion system provides a method of providing the appropriate energy to the chemistry to move it through the delivery system so that it can move from the storage container to the appropriate area within the toilet bowl. Examples of this subsystem include a pump or pumping mechanism to move a liquid such as a vein pump, bellows pump, impeller driven pump, piston pump, peristaltic pump or gear driven pump. 
         [0019]    The chemical delivery system provides a method of moving chemistry from its storage container to the appropriate area within the toilet bowl. This delivery subsystem can include a hose and a sprayer (e.g., a nozzle). 
         [0020]    The toilet interface provides a means and method of attachment to the toilet to keep the hose out of the way, keep it uncrimped, and secure the sprayer nozzle into place on the toilet rim or toilet lid. 
         [0021]    These subsystems work together to deliver the appropriate chemistry (using predetermined amounts) to deliver the desired consumer benefit. 
         [0022]    Therefore, in one aspect, the invention provides for a holder for receiving a container with fluid that has a valve stem, where the holder includes a base with a manifold. The manifold has an inlet, an outlet, and a fitment to engage the valve stem. The inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet. The holder also includes a triggering device that has a first flange on one end and a second flange on an opposite end. The triggering device is configured to move between a first position and a second position upon pressure being supplied to at least one of the first flange and the second flange, and the triggering device engages the container in the second position such that the fitment moves the valve stem relative to the container to supply the fluid to the inlet. 
         [0023]    In another form, the invention provides for a holder wherein the first flange extends away from the triggering device in a first direction and the second flange extends away from the triggering device in a second direction. The first direction is opposite from the second direction. 
         [0024]    In yet another form, the invention provides for a holder wherein the first flange forms a top portion of the holder. 
         [0025]    In a further form, the invention provides for the triggering device to engage the container in the second position by contact of the first flange with the container. 
         [0026]    In still yet another form, the invention provides for a holder wherein upon the triggering device engaging the container in the second position, the container is moved downward through contact with the first flange. 
         [0027]    In another form, the invention provides for the triggering device to move from the first position to the second position from a user&#39;s hand applying the force to the first flange. 
         [0028]    In yet another form, the invention provides for the triggering device to move from the first position to the second position from a user&#39;s foot applying the force to the second flange. 
         [0029]    In another form, the invention provides for a holder with a triggering device that further includes a triggering device wall projecting from the first flange, wherein the triggering device wall is configured to support a side of the container. 
         [0030]    In a further form, the invention provides for a holder where the triggering device wall is further configured to slide between the container and the base when the triggering device is moved from the first position to the second position. 
         [0031]    In another form, the container includes a retainer, and the base includes two or more fingers dimensioned such that each of the fingers flexes outwardly when contacted by the retainer during installation of the container in the holder. 
         [0032]    In yet another form, the invention provides for a holder that further includes a check valve. The check valve is downstream of the outlet. 
         [0033]    In another aspect, the invention provides for a device for spraying an inner surface of a wall of an enclosure with a fluid. The device includes a container for the fluid, a holder for receiving a container with fluid that has a valve stem, where the holder includes a base with a manifold and a triggering device with a first flange on one end and a second flange on an opposite end and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The manifold has an inlet, an outlet, and a fitment to engage the valve stem. The inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet. The triggering device is configured to move between a first position and a second position upon pressure being supplied to at least one of the first flange and the second flange, and the triggering device engages the container in the second position such that the fitment moves the valve stem relative to the container to supply the fluid to the inlet. The device also includes a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the outlet and a fluid sprayer and a means for attaching the fluid sprayer near the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure. 
         [0034]    In one form, the device is configured such that the first flange extends away from the triggering device in a first direction and the second flange extends away from the triggering device in a second direction. The first direction is opposite from the second direction. 
         [0035]    In another form, the invention provides for a device wherein the first flange forms a top portion of the holder. 
         [0036]    In a different form, the invention provides for a device such that the triggering device engages the container in the second position by contact of the first flange with the container. 
         [0037]    In yet another form, the device is configured such that upon the triggering device engaging the container in the second position, the container is moved downward through contact with the first flange. 
         [0038]    In another form, the invention provides for a device, wherein upon the triggering device engaging the container in the second position, fluid exits the container, travels through the conduit, moves through the fluid sprayer, and is sprayed on the wall of the enclosure. 
         [0039]    In still another form, the invention provides for a device wherein the enclosure is a toilet bowl. 
         [0040]    In yet another aspect, the invention provides for a retention mechanism for a dispenser including a container and a holder for receiving the container in an opening of the holder. The retention mechanism includes a retainer dimensioned to engage the container, the retainer including a projection extending outwardly from the retainer with a cavity in the projection, and a fitment which forms part of the holder and is dimensioned such that the fitment is received within the cavity of the projection. The cavity has a corresponding shape to the fitment. 
         [0041]    In one form, the invention provides for a retention mechanism where the cavity and fitment are cylindrical in shape. 
         [0042]    In a different form, the retention mechanism also includes a base wall that forms part of a base of the holder, where the base wall is configured to support a portion of the container. 
         [0043]    In yet another form, the invention provides for a retention mechanism that also includes a triggering device wall that forms part of a triggering device of the holder, with the triggering device wall configured to support a portion of the container. 
         [0044]    In still another aspect, the invention provides for a refill for a sprayer system including a container holder and a fluid conduit in fluid communication with an outlet of the container holder and a fluid sprayer. The refill includes a container and a retainer connected to the container. The retainer includes a cylindrical projection extending outwardly from the retainer with a cavity in the projection. 
         [0045]    In one form, the invention provides for a refill where the container is an aerosol can having a valve cup rim surrounding a valve stem, and the retainer includes a central annular wall dimensioned to engage the valve cup rim. 
         [0046]    In a different form, the invention provides for a refill where a portion of the retainer engages a dome of the aerosol can. 
         [0047]    In another form, the invention provides for a refill wherein the cavity in the projection of the retainer is configured to receive a fitment that forms part of the container holder to retain the refill in the container holder. 
         [0048]    In another aspect, the invention provides a clip for mounting a fluid delivery device adjacent a wall of an enclosure. The clip includes a support having a first side and an opposite second side, a base attached to the support wherein the base is structured for attaching the fluid delivery device to the base, a first arm having a first section extending laterally from the support and a second section extending downward from the first section, and a second arm having a first segment extending laterally from the support and a second segment extending downward from the first segment. The first arm and the second arm have an equilibrium position in which the first section and the first segment form a first angle facing away from the second side of the support. At least one of the first arm and the second arm can be elastically deflected to create a flexed position in which the first section and the first segment form a second angle facing away from the second side of the support. The second angle is less than the first angle. 
         [0049]    In another form of the clip, the first arm and the second arm comprise part of a helical torsion spring, and the helical torsion spring is connected to the support, and the first arm and the second arm extend from opposite sides of the helical torsion spring. 
         [0050]    In yet another form of the clip, the base is slidingly attached to the support. 
         [0051]    In still another form of the clip, a biasing means is attached to the base and the support for biasing the base toward an end of the support. 
         [0052]    In yet another form of the clip, the biasing means is a spring. 
         [0053]    In still another form of the clip, the biasing means is housed within the support. 
         [0054]    In yet another form of the clip, the base includes a projection that extends away from the second side of the support. 
         [0055]    In still another form of the clip, the enclosure is a toilet bowl, and the first arm and the second arm are dimensioned to hang on a rim of the toilet bowl and support the base adjacent an inner wall of the toilet bowl. 
         [0056]    In yet another form of the clip, the second section and the second segment contact an outer surface of the toilet bowl, and the first section and the first segment contact a top surface of the rim, and the support contacts an inner surface of the toilet bowl when the first arm and the second arm hang on the rim. 
         [0057]    In still another form of the clip, the projection contacts an undersurface of the rim when the first arm and the second arm hang on the rim. 
         [0058]    In yet another form of the clip, the base includes a barrel for supporting the fluid delivery device. 
         [0059]    In still another form of the clip, the base comprises a fluid inlet, and the base supports a fluid delivery device comprising a nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. 
         [0060]    In yet another form of the clip, the nozzle comprises a bottom wall, a passageway in fluid communication with the fluid inlet at an upper end of the passageway wherein the passageway extends between the fluid inlet and the bottom wall, a channel in fluid communication with a lower end of the passageway, and a pair of walls flanking the channel and extending upwardly from the bottom wall wherein the walls are contacted by fluid to rotate the nozzle. 
         [0061]    In still another form of the clip, the base includes a shroud surrounding a portion of the nozzle. 
         [0062]    In yet another form of the clip, the shroud has a transverse opening that provides a fluid path from the nozzle. 
         [0063]    In yet another aspect, the invention provides a device for spraying an inner surface of an enclosure with a fluid. The device includes a container for the fluid; a fluid delivery device through which the fluid can be applied to the inner surface of the enclosure; a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the fluid delivery device; means for delivering fluid from the container through the fluid conduit and to the fluid delivery device; and a clip for mounting the fluid delivery device adjacent a wall of the enclosure. The clip includes a support having a first side and an opposite second side, a base attached to the support wherein the base is structured for attaching the fluid delivery device to the base, a first arm having a first section extending laterally from the support and a second section extending downward from the first section, and a second arm having a first segment extending laterally from the support and a second segment extending downward from the first segment. The first arm and the second arm have an equilibrium position in which the first section and the first segment form a first angle facing away from the second side of the support. At least one of the first arm and the second arm can be elastically deflected to create a flexed position in which the first section and the first segment form a second angle facing away from the second side of the support. The second angle is less than the first angle. 
         [0064]    In one form of the spraying device, the means for delivering fluid from the container comprises a propellant. 
         [0065]    In another form of the spraying device, the enclosure is a toilet bowl, and the first arm and the second arm are dimensioned to hang on a rim of the toilet bowl and support the base adjacent an inner wall of the toilet bowl. 
         [0066]    In yet another form of the spraying device, there is a sleeve for holding the fluid conduit adjacent the first arm. 
         [0067]    It is therefore an advantage of the invention to provide a toilet bowl cleaning device where the inner surface of the toilet bowl is cleaned around the entire circumference of the toilet bowl. The device provides for overall toilet bowl cleanliness by enhanced shine and the retardation of biofilm, mold and/or mildew growth. The device can deliver liquids to remove or eliminate stains (hard water, limescale, metals, organic), mold, mildew, germs, odors, and bacteria. The device can spray the entire toilet bowl and is not limited to just one small area of the toilet bowl. 
         [0068]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0069]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a prior art toilet bowl cleaning assembly. 
           [0070]      FIG. 1B  is an enlarged, partially exploded view, of a prior art holder/activator used therewith. 
           [0071]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a holder in accordance with the invention. 
           [0072]      FIG. 3  is an exploded, perspective view of the holder from  FIG. 2 , depicting a container of fluid and retainer housed therein. 
           [0073]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the base that forms part of the holder from  FIG. 2 . 
           [0074]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the holder of  FIG. 2  along line  5 - 5 . 
           [0075]      FIG. 6  is a perspective, detailed view showing a portion of the base, including the manifold and associated fluid delivery components, from  FIG. 2 . 
           [0076]      FIG. 7  is an exploded, perspective view of a refill in accordance with the invention. 
           [0077]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the assembled refill from  FIG. 7 . 
           [0078]      FIG. 9  is a top, left perspective view of a clip for mounting a fluid delivery device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0079]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the clip of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0080]      FIG. 11  is a rear elevational view of the clip of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0081]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the clip of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0082]      FIG. 13  is a bottom plan view of the clip of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0083]      FIG. 14  is a right side elevational view of the clip of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0084]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the clip of  FIG. 9  taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0085]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a holder in accordance with the invention, the triggering device of the holder being removed to show inner details of the holder. 
           [0086]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 16  during installation of another embodiment of a refill in accordance with the invention. 
           [0087]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the holder of  FIG. 16  during attempted installation of a container without a retainer. 
       
    
    
       [0088]    Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts from Figure to Figure in the following description of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0089]    The invention provides a device for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a chemical. Various embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures. The embodiments are shown and described for the purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. 
         [0090]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  show a prior art toilet  10 , per FIGS. 11A-D of U.S. Pat. No. 7,603,726. Toilet  10  has a bowl  12  with a top rim  14 . A spray nozzle  16  is hooked over the rim and fed a cleaner by a fluid conduit  18 . The conduit  18  links to a holder  19  to which is mounted an aerosol container  22 . Pressing down on a foot pedal  24  causes spraying of cleaner along the toilet bowl sides. This is a non-automated system that sprays for as long as the pedal is depressed. The fluid can also be supplied from the container  22  to the fluid sprayer by different types of powered or manual pumps. 
         [0091]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2-8 , there is shown a holder  20  in accordance with the invention for delivering fluid to a conduit, such as fluid conduit  18  in  FIG. 1A . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the holder  20  houses a container  22 , which may be an aerosol container. The holder  20  includes a base  28  and a triggering device  30 . The base  28  (as best shown in  FIG. 4 ) includes a manifold  32 . 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the base  28  may be configured such that it is assembled from two parts: a front portion  28   a , and a back portion  28   b . The front portion  28   a  adjoins with the back portion  28   b  to form the base  28  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The base  28  may also contain a base wall  29 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The manifold  32  is located near the bottom of the base  28 . As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the manifold  32  includes an inlet  34 , an outlet  36 , and a fitment  38 . The inlet  34  is in fluid communication with the outlet  36 . 
         [0093]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the triggering device  30  includes a first flange  40  that is located on one end  42  of the triggering device  30  and a second flange  44  that is located on an opposite end  46  of the triggering device  30 . The first flange  40  extends from the triggering device  30  in an opposite direction from the direction in which the second flange  44  extends. Furthermore, the first flange  40  forms a top portion of the holder  20 . Similar to the base wall  29  described above, the triggering device  30  may include a triggering device wall  31 . 
         [0094]    The container  22  is housed within the holder  20  by a retention mechanism. The container  22  may be an aerosol container with a valve stem  48 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The container  22  is assembled with a retainer  50  before housing the container  22  in the holder  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the retainer  50  is assembled with the container  22  by placing the retainer  50  over the dome  52  of the container  22 . The container  22  also has a pedestal  54 , which surrounds the valve stem  48 , as well as a valve cup rim  56 . 
         [0095]    The retainer  50  includes a projection  58  that extends outwardly from the retainer  50 . A cavity  60  is formed on the interior of the projection  58 . As shown from  FIG. 3 , the container  22  and retainer  50  will be housed in the holder  20  such that the container  22  is oriented with the retainer  50  facing the bottom of the base  28 , where the manifold  32  is located. 
         [0096]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a cross-sectional view of the holder  20  housing the container  22  is shown. In addition to the retainer  50  engaging a portion of the dome  52  of the container  22 , the retainer  50  includes a central annular wall  62  that is dimensioned to engage the valve cup rim  56  of the container  22 . As the container  22  and retainer  50  are assembled to the holder  20 , the fitment  38  is received within the cavity  60  of the projection  58 . The retention mechanism thus includes the engagement between the container  22  and the retainer  50 , and the engagement between retainer  50  and fitment  38 . As shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , the cavity  60  and the fitment  38  have corresponding shapes such that the fitment  38  may be received in the cavity  60 . Although the cavity  60  and fitment  38  are shown as having corresponding cylindrical shapes, it can be appreciated that the cavity and fitment  38  could be of other corresponding shapes. The valve stem  48  of the container  22  is received within the fitment  38 . The retention mechanism may also include the base wall  29  and the triggering device wall  31  as the walls  29 ,  31  may also help to retain and position the container  22  within the holder  20 . 
         [0097]    After assembling the container  22  and retainer  50  within the holder  20 , the holder  20  may be used as part of a device  26  for spraying an inner surface  12  of a wall of an enclosure  10  with a fluid, as described in the prior art and as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The container  22  and retainer  50  are placed within holder  20 , as just described, and holder  20  may be substituted for the holder  19  of the prior art in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . As previously described, also forming part of the device  26  is a fluid conduit  18 , a sprayer  16 , and means for attaching the fluid sprayer  16  near the inner surface  12  of the wall of the enclosure  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , the enclosure  10  is a toilet. 
         [0098]    Referring back to  FIGS. 2-6 , the interaction between components of the holder  20  and the container  22  will now be described such that fluid is allowed to be delivered from the container  22 , through the manifold  32 , through the fluid conduit  18 , to the fluid sprayer  16 , and on the toilet bowl  12 . The triggering device  30  is configured to move between a first position and a second position upon a force applied to either the first flange  40  or the second flange  44  by a user. Advantageously, a user may apply the force to either flange  40 ,  44  to engage the container  22 . Thus, the user may use either their hand or foot to engage the first flange or the second flange, as they so desire. This may vary based on user preference, the position the user is in when the user desires to apply fluid to the enclosure  10 , or other factors. 
         [0099]    In  FIG. 2 , the holder  20  is shown with the triggering device  30  in the first position. In the first position, the valve stem  48  of the container  22  is not engaged, and thus, fluid does not exit the container  22 . However, upon pressure being supplied to the first flange  40  or the second flange  44 , the triggering device  30  will move and engage the container  22 . As the triggering device  30  is moved in a downward direction, the first flange  40  contacts the container  22 , moving the container  22  downward toward the manifold  32  on the base  28  of the holder  20 . As the container  22  moves downward, the triggering device wall  31  slides between the container  22  and the base  28 . The container  22  also moves relative to the base wall  29 . The valve stem  48  of the container  22 , however, is unable to move in a downward direction with the container  22  because the tip  64  of the valve stem  48  engages the narrowed inner surface  66  of the fitment  38 . Thus, the fitment  38  moves the valve stem  48  relative to the container  22  to supply the fluid to the inlet  34  of the manifold  32 . 
         [0100]    Turning now to  FIG. 6 , after fluid is supplied to the inlet  34 , the fluid may flow to the outlet  36  of the manifold  32 . Before entering the conduit  18  and fluid sprayer  16 , the fluid may travel through internal conduit  68  and a check valve  70  located within the holder  20 . The internal conduit  68  is in fluid communication with the outlet  36  of the manifold  32  and the fluid conduit  18 . After the user removes pressure from either the first flange  40  or the second flange  44 , the triggering device  30  will return to the first position. The user may repeat the process to provide more fluid to toilet bowl  12 . 
         [0101]    Advantageously, the check valve  70  may be used as a way to prime the device  26  such that fluid will be maintained downstream of the check valve  70  after fluid has entered the conduit  18  from an initial use of the device  26 . This will prevent a user from having to supply pressure to the triggering device  30  to move the triggering device  30  from the first position to the second position multiple times before delivering fluid to the toilet bowl  12 . 
         [0102]    Once the fluid is completely used from the container  22 , the container  22  and the retainer may be replaced in the holder  20 . Accordingly, the container  22  and retainer  50 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , may be referred to as a “refill.” 
         [0103]    Turning now to  FIGS. 9-15 , there is shown an example embodiment of a clip  110  for mounting a fluid delivery device (e.g. a sprayer) to an enclosure such as a toilet bowl. The clip  110  is secured to the rim  14  of the toilet bowl  12  by an adjustable mounting mechanism  116 . A base  118  is supported by the mounting mechanism  116  and supports a fluid delivery device, here a nozzle  120 . A container supplies fluid via a fluid conduit  18  to the fluid delivery device  120  to be dispensed onto the inside surface of the toilet bowl in the manner of the spray nozzle  16  of  FIGS. 1A-1B . The fluid can be supplied from the container to the fluid delivery device  120  in a variety of ways; for example, the fluid may be motivated by a gaseous propellant, by a manual or electric pump, a syringe, or any other suitable means. Furthermore, the execution of the fluid delivery from the container can be controlled by a variety of methods/devices, one being a timing circuit using predetermined logic to control when the fluid is dispensed. 
         [0104]    The mounting mechanism  116  for supporting the base  118  and attaching the clip  110  to the toilet bowl  12  includes a vertical support  122  with a top casing  123  having a pin  124  surrounded by a closed coil section  125  of a helical torsion spring  126  (see  FIG. 15 ) which has a first arm  128  and a second arm  130 . The first arm  128  has first section  132  extending laterally from the closed coil section  125  and a second section  133  extending downward from the first section  132 . The second arm  130  has a first segment  135  extending laterally from the closed coil section  125  and a second segment  136  extending downward from the first segment  135 . An elastic sleeve  137  holds the fluid conduit  18  adjacent the first arm  128  as it is routed on its way to the nozzle  120  in the base  118 . The support  122  is preferably molded from a polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene). The helical torsion spring  126  can be formed from a suitable spring material such as stainless steel. 
         [0105]    The support  122  has a first side  138  and an opposite second side  139 . When the helical torsion spring  126  is in a relaxed undeflected position, the first arm  128  and the second arm  130  have an equilibrium position in which the first section  132  and the first segment  135  form a first angle A (see  FIG. 12 ) facing away from the second side  139  of the support  122 . A user can apply a force in direction R 1  on the first arm  128  and/or apply a force in direction R 2  on the second arm  130  to create a flexed position in which the first section  132  and the first segment  135  form a second angle facing away from the second side  139  of the support  122 . As a result, the second angle is less than the first angle. This creates a larger distance between the second section  133  and the second side  139  of the support  122  and also creates a larger distance between the second segment  136  and the second side  139  of the support  122  when mounting the clip  110  to the toilet bowl  12 . 
         [0106]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , when the clip  110  has been mounted to the toilet bowl  12  (shown dashed lines in  FIG. 13 ), the second section  133  and/or the sleeve  137  and the second segment  136  contact an outer surface  12   s  of the toilet bowl  12 , and the first section  132  and the first segment  135  contact a top surface of the rim  14  of the toilet bowl  12 , and the second side  139  of the support  122  contacts an inner surface  12   i  of the toilet bowl  12  as the first arm  128  and the second arm  130  hang on the rim  14 . The spring force provided by the helical torsion spring  126  on the first section  132  and the first segment  135  keeps the second section  133  and the second segment  136  in contact with the outer surface  12   s  of the toilet bowl  12  and the second side  139  of the support  122  in contact with the inner surface  12   i  of the toilet bowl  12  thereby trapping the mounting mechanism  116  to the toilet bowl  12 . 
         [0107]    The base  118  of the clip has a back face  152 , a top front face  154 , and a bottom front face  156  that form a hollow shroud around the nozzle  120 . A transverse opening  157  is formed between the top front face  154  and the bottom front face  156 . A drain opening  158  is provided in the bottom of the bottom front face  156  for draining away fluid that may accumulate inside the shroud. The base  118  is preferably molded from plastic (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene). 
         [0108]    Looking at  FIG. 15 , the base  118  includes a tab  160  that extends inward from the back face  152  and a plate  161  that projects outward from the back face  152 . The tab  160  is dimensioned to slide within a channel  162  of the support  122 . An extension spring  163  is attached to an inwardly directed mounting hook  164  of back face  152  of the base  118  and also attached to a mounting hook  166  of the support  122 . 
         [0109]    A user can apply a force in direction B (see  FIG. 15 ) on the base  118  to move the top casing  123  away from the base  118 . This creates a larger distance between the top casing  123  and the base  118  when mounting the clip  110  to the toilet bowl  12 . When the clip  110  has been mounted to the toilet bowl  12 , the spring  163  biases the top casing  123  toward the base  118  such that the first section  132  and the first segment  135  grip the top rim  14  of the toilet bowl  12 , and a top surface  167  of the plate  161  grips an undersurface of the toilet bowl  12 . 
         [0110]    The base  118  includes a means to attach a fluid delivery device (e.g., nozzle  120 ) to the base  118 . In the example embodiment, the nozzle  120  is restrained laterally between a barrel  178  and a fluid inlet  180 . The fluid inlet  180  and the barrel  178  are used in conjunction to restrain lateral movement of the nozzle  120 , but allow the nozzle  120  to rotate about the nozzle axis  182 . The tubular fluid inlet  180  defines a flow path  181 , and extends downwardly from a wall  202  that is attached to the base  118 . The base  118  includes a fluid supply opening  208  that defines a flow path  209 . The fluid supply opening  208  is located in the top front face  154  of the base  118 , and may be connected to fluid conduit  18  (see  FIG. 15 ). 
         [0111]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , the inner flow paths of the nozzle  120  are shown in greater detail. The nozzle  120  is preferably molded from polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene). The nozzle  120  includes a bottom wall  184 . An axial spindle  192  extends downward from the bottom wall  184 . Spaced apart walls  190   a ,  190   b , which have a generally inverted T-shape, extend upward from the bottom wall  184 . A central fluid deflection peak  191  extends upward from the bottom wall  184  between the walls  190   a ,  190   b . Passageways  186   a ,  186   b  are defined by the walls  190   a ,  190   b  and the peak  191 , and the passageways  186   a ,  186   b  extend upwards from the bottom wall  184 . The contour of the walls  190   a , 190   b  may vary depending on the desired rotational speed of the nozzle  120 , the pressure of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid, and the like. 
         [0112]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , the nozzle  120  is restrained laterally by inserting a spindle  192  into a recess  179  in the barrel  178  and by inserting the end of the fluid inlet  180  in depression  193 . The nozzle  120  is free to rotate about the nozzle axis  182 , but is restrained from lateral movement. 
         [0113]    In operation, fluid is moved from a container through a fluid conduit (see, for example, the container  22  and the conduit  18  of  FIG. 1A ) and into the fluid supply opening  208 . Looking at  FIG. 15 , the fluid flows through the flow paths  209  and  181 , and out of the fluid inlet  180 . (The diameter of the exit orifice of the fluid inlet  180  can dictate the pressure which helps to dictate the spin rate and the distance of fluid travel off the nozzle  120 .) Fluid flows onto the top of the fluid deflection peak  191  and down the forked passageways  186  where it is directed radially outward by channels  188 L,  188 R. As the fluid exits the channels  188 L,  188 R, the fluid path is altered by the angled inner surfaces flanking the channels  188 L,  188 R. The reaction causes the nozzle  120  to rotate. As a result, the fluid is expelled radially outward from fluid outlets  189 L,  189 R of the nozzle  120 , through the transverse opening  157 , and onto the inside surface of the enclosure such as the inner wall surface of a toilet bowl. 
         [0114]    Turning now to  FIGS. 16-18 , there is shown a perspective view of a second embodiment of a holder  320  in accordance with the invention. The holder  320  can delivering fluid to a conduit, such as fluid conduit  18  in  FIG. 1A . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the holder  320  houses a container  22 , which may be an aerosol container. The holder  320  includes a base  328  and a triggering device (not shown in  FIG. 16 ) that is identical to the triggering device  30  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The triggering device for the holder  320  includes a first flange that is located on one end of the triggering device and a second flange that is located on an opposite end of the triggering device as in the triggering device  30  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0115]    The base  328  may be configured such that it is assembled from two parts: a front portion  328   a , and a back portion  328   b . The front portion  328   a  adjoins with the back portion  328   b  to form the base  328  as shown in  FIG. 16 . The base  328  includes a base wall  329  and a hanger  331 . The base  328  includes a manifold  332  that is located near the bottom of the base  328 . The manifold  332  includes an inlet, an outlet, and a fitment, similar to the manifold  32  depicted in  FIG. 6 . The inlet of the manifold  332  is in fluid communication with the outlet of the manifold  332 . 
         [0116]    The container  22  is housed within the holder  320  by a retention mechanism. The container  22  may be an aerosol container with a valve stem  48 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . The container  22  is assembled with a retainer  350  before housing the container  22  in the holder  320 . The container  22  and the retainer  350  create a refill that is assembled by placing the retainer  350  over the dome  52  of the container  22 . The retention mechanism also includes five equally spaced fingers  360  that extend upwardly from the bottom wall  362  of the base  328 . Each finger  360  includes a bottom section  366  and an upper section  368  that is angled inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the base  328 . The retention mechanism is not limited to five fingers, as any number of two or more fingers can work. 
         [0117]      FIG. 17  shows the holder  320  during installation of a refill. A user holds onto the container  22  and advances the retainer  350  downward toward the fingers  360 . With continued downward movement, the upper section  368  of each finger  360  comes into contact with the sloped side wall  372  of the retainer  350 . This flexes the upper section  368  of each finger  360  away from the central longitudinal axis of the base  328 . With continued downward movement, the retainer  350  engages the manifold  332  with the valve stem  48  engaging the fitment of the manifold  332 , similar to the manifold  32  depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0118]    Looking now at  FIG. 18 , it can be explained what happens during attempted installation of the container  22  without the retainer  350 . A user would hold onto the container  22  and advance the container  22  downward toward the fingers  360 . However, because the retainer  350  is not available to flex the upper section  368  of each finger  360  away from the central longitudinal axis of the base  328 , a top edge  374  of each finger  360  enters a groove  378  between the dome  52  and the chime  376  of the container  22 . This prevents continued downward movement and therefore, the valve stem  48  of the container  22  cannot engage the fitment of the manifold  332 . 
         [0119]    It can be appreciated that the retainer  350  and each finger  360  of the retention mechanism provide a means by which only a container  22  having the retainer  350  can be advanced such that the valve stem  48  of the container  22  engages the fitment of the manifold  332 . When a user attempts to install a container without the retainer  350  into the holder  320 , the fingers  360  prevent engagement of the valve stem  48  of the container  22  with the fitment of the manifold  332 . In this case, operation of the device is not possible as fluid cannot flow from the valve stem  48  to the manifold  332 . 
         [0120]    Various cleaning and/or deodorizing chemicals are suitable for use with a toilet bowl cleaning device according to the invention. For example, mildly acidic and near neutral pH antimicrobial compositions such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,471,974 and 6,162,371 can be advantageous when used with a toilet bowl cleaning device according to the invention. Alkaline antimicrobial toilet bowl cleaning formulations such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,406 can also be advantageous. Acidic compositions such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,812,196 may also be suitable. When using a steel container and acidic compositions, a steel container with a plastic liner or a bladder with a surrounding propellant may be desirable to minimize acidic corrosion of the steel container. Aluminum containers may also be an option for acidic compositions. The above chemicals are non-limiting illustrative examples of cleaning and/or deodorizing chemicals suitable for use with a toilet bowl cleaning device according to the invention. Other example suitable chemicals include, for example, enzymes, chelating agents, corrosives and amino acids. 
         [0121]    Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0122]    The present invention provides a toilet bowl cleaning device for spraying an inner surface of the toilet bowl, and/or the toilet water, and/or under the toilet rim with a cleaning and/or deodorizing chemical. The toilet bowl cleaning device includes a hand or foot actuated lever for releasing a fluid from the container into a fluid delivery system and a clip for mounting a fluid sprayer adjacent an inner wall of the toilet bowl. 
         [0123]    All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

Technology Category: 0