Toilet rim block holder

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for dispensing a material such as a fragrance, a disinfectant, a coloring agent, or a cleaner into a toilet bowl are disclosed. In accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, a rim holder and material container are provided. The rim holder includes a vessel section that collects flush water after initiation of a flush cycle. After the volume within the vessel section reaches a a predetermined level, the material is mixed with the water and permitted to flow into the toilet bowl from a lower aperture. The present invention permits the material to be added alter in the flush cycle so that the material is no carried way with the initial flow, but instead remains in the bowl after the flush cycle is complete.

1 . Apparatus for dispensing a material into a toilet bowl comprising: 
 a rim holder having a hanger portion that engages the toilet bowl, a vessel section that captures and holds a volume of flush water, and a lower aperture that drains the vessel section; and    a material container received by the vessel section comprising a material dispenser and a means for selectively admitting material into the vessel section,    whereby material is admitted to the vessel section after a predetermined level of flush water fills the vessel section.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means for selectively admitting material comprises a float within the vessel section connected to the material dispenser.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the material dispenser comprises a tubular member connected to the float, wherein the tubular member moves relative to the material container.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the float operates a valve connected to the material dispenser.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the valve comprises a pivoting flap that covers an open end of the material dispenser.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the float is offset from the flap.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the material dispenser comprises a tubular member connected to the float, wherein the tubular member is fixed relative to the material container.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the tubular member is comprised of open-celled foam.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising one or more longitudinal slits along the tubular member.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a dose container that holds a pre-determined volume of material.  
   
   
       11 . A method of adding a material to a toilet bowl, comprising the steps of: 
 positioning a rim holder within the toilet bowl;    positioning a material container in fluid communication with the rim holder;    diverting flush water entering the toilet bowl into a vessel section of the rim holder;    filling the vessel section to a pre-determined level to selectively admit material from the material container into the vessel section;    mixing the material with water in the vessel section; and    flowing a solution of material and water into the toilet bowl via a lower aperture in the vessel section after an initial volume of flush water has exited the toilet bowl.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of mixing the material with water comprises the step of displacing a float to open an aperture between the material container and the vessel section.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of displacing a float further comprises the step of opening a valve.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of displacing a float further comprises the step of compressing a tubular member.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of selectively admitting material from the material container into the vessel section comprises admitting a pre-determined volume of material.  
   
   
       16 . Apparatus for introducing material into a toilet bowl comprising: 
 a rim holder;    a vessel section comprising walls and a lower aperture open to the toilet bowl;    a material container filled with a material; and    a material dispenser connecting the vessel section and the material container, comprising an aperture and a valve wherein the valve selectively permits the material to flow through the aperture from the material container and into the vessel section, upon the initiation of a flush cycle which fills the vessel section to a predetermined level actuating the valve and causing the material to be dispensed into the vessel section.    
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the valve comprises a float.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the valve and the float are connected by a pivot arm.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the valve comprises a deformable tubular member.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a dose container that holds a pre-determined volume of the material.