System, apparatus and method for toiletry convenience

[0001] The present invention is a nonprovisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/436,930, filed Jan. 4, 2023, entitled “SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TOILETRY CONVENIENCE,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention is directed to improvements in techniques and adjustable equipment for individuals to conveniently use toiletries and other materials by providing storage and ease of access facilities.

[0003] A basic need for mankind is the need to relieve waste when needed, whether at home or remotely. At that time, the requisite toiletries should be within arm's reach while seated on a toilet and in a single location.

[0004] Although some toiletries are used by men and women, such as toilet paper and wipes, other toiletries, such as feminine tampons and liners are also needed. Additional toiletries, such as sanitizers, toilet sprays and other items may also be available. Again, convenience demands that all of these items be within easy reach.

[0005] Since the placement of the toilet in a room may compromise a regular placement of a convenience apparatus in relation thereto, the exigent needs of the person on the toilet demand an apparatus that is versatile and adaptable to different placements at or near a toilet, and always within an arm's reach.

[0006] The growing diversity of toiletry products has also created a situation where the various and diverse products are often stored in different places. There is thus a need for a system and product to centralize the various toiletry products in an apparatus or device to conveniently hold and store them, again within arm's reach at the moment needed, thereby negating a need to call out for help. The device would also be optimized to hold and store products for both males and females, without the need for either of them to stand or move beyond arm's reach.

[0007] With toiletry products and apparatuses being a large industry, any improvements to make more toiletry conveniences available would increase usage of such devices and would satisfy a great need. There is also a need for these products to be flexible in usage, adaptable and configurable for a variety of bathroom circumstances.

[0008] There is, therefore, a present need to provide an improved system, device, apparatus, methodology or kit to improve a user's conveniences while using a toilet and bathroom.

[0009] The present invention is directed to tools, devices, apparatuses, systems, methods and improvements upon the usage and access of toiletries while in a bathroom. The instant invention is a container, cabinet or box that conveniently houses the various toiletries, including toilet paper, tampons, and other amenities. In other embodiments, the container has a flexible arm, lid and other features.

[0019] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying DRAWINGS, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. It is, of course, understood that this invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that other embodiments can be utilized, and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0020] The present invention is generally directed to an improved apparatus, device, system, kit and technique for individuals to personally access during their normal daily routine answering nature's call. The instant invention is the result of various observations and experimentations of the Applicant to improve upon this basic need. The incorporation of the diverse toiletries into a centralized container, cabinet or box proved to be a challenge.

[0021] The great variety of possible positions of the container vis-à-vis the toilet and the user sitting thereon had to be addressed also. Preferably, the system of the present invention provides not only accessibility but also storage, e.g., a number of toilet rolls are stored therein for easy access.

[0022] With reference now to FIG. 1 of the DRAWINGS, there is illustrated a representative configuration of an embodiment of an improved system practicing the principles of the present invention shown in a first perspective. The simple, flexible and versatile system configuration shown, generally designated by the reference numeral 100, has a toilet paper dispenser, described further hereinbelow, drawers for other items, such as women's toiletries, cotton swabs or other items, a sensor, which when activated dispenses a measure of liquid, such as a sanitizer, and a toilet paper roll arm, which is preferably articulated and adjustable for a range of positions and use, as described further hereinbelow.

[0023] As shown, the system 100 has a cabinet portion or cabinet, generally designated by the reference numeral 105, with storage drawers, generally designated by the reference numeral 110. The cabinet 105 also has a pivotable drawer, generally designated by the reference numeral 115, preferably with a spring hinge, described further hereinbelow.

[0024] As mentioned, the cabinet 105 also serves as a repository for rolls of toilet paper. The cabinet 105 has a transparent window, generally designated by the reference numeral 120, whereby the user can visually and easily ascertain the status of the toilet paper supply within the cabinet 105,

[0025] Also shown is an arm, generally designated by the reference numeral 125, for deploying a particular toilet roll, generally designated by the reference numeral 145, for immediate use, whereby the arm 125 includes a standard toilet paper roll suspension mechanism, generally designated by the reference numeral 140 at an end thereof. Also shown is cabinet cover, generally designated by the reference numeral 155.

[0026] With reference now to FIG. 2 of the DRAWINGS, there is illustrated the system 100 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in a side view. The simple, flexible and versatile configuration 100 is shown along the side, which further illustrates the aforesaid toilet paper window 120, with a number of toilet rolls 145 therein.

[0027] As discussed, the arm 125 deploying the toilet paper roll 145 is shown affixed to the side if the cabinet 105 at another end thereof. In particular, the arm 125 is shown in a vertical alignment, with the alignment being adjustable by a tension screw, generally designated by the reference numeral 130, whereby the user can configure the position of the toilet paper roll 145 vis-à-vis their needs, e.g., in a horizontal configuration, such as shown hereinbelow in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the arm 125 includes a friction hinge, generally designated by the reference numeral 135, which allows freedom of operation along another axis, as shown and described in more detail with regard to FIG. 8, discussed hereinbelow, e.g., in connection with easily changing a toilet paper roll 145 on the suspension mechanism 140.

[0028] With reference now to FIG. 3 of the DRAWINGS, the system 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is depicted in a front view. As shown, the system 100 has two drawers 110 and a pivot drawer 115. Also shown are a number of bumper feet, generally designated by the reference numeral 150, which keep the cabinet 105 elevated and moisture-free, thereby promoting cleanliness. As in FIGS. 1 and 2, the arm 125 and roll holder apparatus 140 are shown in a vertical alignment.

[0029] With reference now to FIG. 4, there is shown the system 100 in an open configuration, i.e., the cover 155 is up. Also, the arm 125 is shown deployed in a horizontal configuration, i.e., the adjustable screw 130 was loosened, the arm 125 configured downward and the screw 130 then tightened by the user. As shown, the cover 155 rotates across hinges, generally designated by the reference numeral 160, and has means to maintain its vertical position. With the interior of the cabinet 105 open, a recess, generally designated by the reference numeral 165, is shown, whereby toilet paper rolls 145 can be inserted therein, i.e., in restocking the supply. Some of these stored toilet paper rolls 145 can be seen through the window 120, and also extending out of the pivot drawer 115. It should be understood that that the pivot drawer 115 is preferably a spring hinge that closes and keeps the stored toilet paper rolls 145 in place until needed.

[0030] It should be understood that gravity keeps the toilet paper rolls 145 within the cabinet 105 primed and ready, e.g., the opening of the pivot door 115 allows the supply of toilet paper rolls 145 to become visible and available for use. If not needed, the user merely has to push the spring hinge of the pivot door 115 shut, thereby securing the stored rolls 145 in a protected environment for later use.

[0031] Also shown is a soap dispenser, such as a SimpleHuman 9 oz dispenser, generally designated by the reference numeral 170, which is integrable with the cabinet 105. Additionally, the soap dispenser can be automated to dispense a measure or dollop of soap, e.g., in response to the user moving their hand adjacent the soap dispenser 170, a sensor, generally designated by the reference numeral 175, can automate the dispersal of soap, e.g., through use of an infrared sensor 175.

[0032] With reference now to FIG. 5 of the DRAWINGS, there is shown the system 100 of FIGS. 1-4 depicted from behind, illustrating the hinges 160 for the cover 155.

[0033] Turning now to FIG. 6, which is a cross-sectional side view of FIG. 3 along the bisector 6-6, the cover 155 is shown up, and a number of toilet rolls 145 are shown employed in the recess 165 and extending onto the opened pivot drawer 115 illustrated. The drawers 110 are shown, which can hold a variety of bathroom, feminine, men's, and child products. Also shown is the soap dispenser 170 and the sensor 175.

[0034] Turning now to FIG. 7, which is another cross-sectional top view of FIG. 3 along the bisector 7-7, the toilet paper roll 145 is again in a horizontal and forward configuration, which allows the cover 155 to open. The recess 165 is shown, along with the soap dispenser 170.

[0035] Lastly, turning to FIG. 8 of the DRAWINGS, there is shown the system 100 in another configuration. In particular, the arm 125 is rotated about the friction hinge 135, tilting the roll holder 140 into a position to allow ease of insertion of a new toilet paper roll 145, as shown. Of course, when the user has replaced the toilet paper roll 145, the arm 125 is rotated back and redeployed, e.g., in the aforesaid horizontal or vertical configurations.

[0036] As shown, the aforesaid articulated arm 125 has a high degree of movement or arc about the fixation point of the arm to the cabinet 105, e.g., 360 degrees thereabout, permitting great flexibility in positioning the system 100 for the intended functions. Importantly, the toilet paper rolls 145 stored within the cabinet 105 are both protected and easily accessible.

[0037] As shown in the DRAWINGS, the system configuration 100 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 hereinabove, particularly showing the cabinet 105 in cross section has a number of toilet paper rolls 145 queued within the cabinet 105, where gravity assists in their dispersal at the bottom. To further ensure delivery of the rolls to the aforesaid pivot or pulldown door 115, the interior recess 165 of the cabinet 105 is sloped, e.g., using a sloped portion, generally designated by the reference numeral 180, so that gravity can further assist in pushing the rolls 145 to the access point. Six or more rolls can be so queued. A position peg, generally designated by the reference numeral 185, is also shown to best position the toilet paper rolls 145 so they do not roll out and off the pivot drawer 115.

[0038] As also shown in the DRAWINGS, the soap dispenser or sanitizer bottle 170 or other liquid is located on a shelf within the cabinet 105 and connected to a dispersal nozzle, as shown, extending outward for ease of use. Further, the aforementioned sensor 175 (and the electronics therefor) can govern the dispersal of the liquid/sanitizer, e.g., the user, wishing to cleanse their self, may wave their hand over the sensor to activate the dispersal of the sanitizer, e.g., by activating an Infrared sensor 175. Further, a user, wishing to moisten a wad of the toilet paper 145 for use, can move the wad under the dispenser 170 to trigger the sensor and the liquid comes out. It should be understood that in a mechanical version, the dispersal may also be mechanical, i.e., pumped by the user. In this fashion, the system 100 configuration becomes a one-stop, easy access system for use.

[0039] It should be understood that although the arm 125 is shown securely affixed to the side of the cabinet 100, the arm 125, in tight configurations, could instead be deployed at the top 155 of the container 100.

[0040] It should be understood that the compositional materials of the instant invention, as shown in the various embodiments, can be wood, plastic, silicone, a wood/silicone composite, and other materials as is understood to one of skill in the arts. For example, the metal components are preferably made of 304 stainless steel metal. It should be understood that alternative materials are also possible. The invention should be configured for ease of cleaning as demanded by the environment of use. Thus, plastic materials would be preferred.

[0041] It should also be understood that the system 100 configurations can be deployed or mounted on a wall with the requisite brackets, e.g., mounted securely along the back side, provided the arrangement allows access all around, e.g., 3-5 inches, for versatility in use. The system 100 can also rest on the floor. In another embodiment, the cabinet 100 may include a kickstand or other such feature to provide more support, including if weight is placed on the cabinet 100.

[0042] The previous descriptions are of preferred embodiments for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by these descriptions. It should be understood that various alternatives and equivalents are encompassed herein. The scope of the current invention is defined by the following claims.