Toilet brush and holder

Abstract

A combination toilet implement and holder therefor includes an implement handle having first and second handle ends, a handle intermediate portion between the first and second handle ends, and a shield retaining structure. An implement head is provided attached to the handle proximate the second handle end. A shield is provided that at least partially surrounds the handle intermediate portion. The shield has first and second shield ends in turn having first and second shield openings respectively. The first shield opening is oriented toward the first handle end and the second shield opening is oriented toward the second handle end and is sized so as to be capable of surrounding the implement head. The shield is movable along the handle toward the implement head so as to at least partially surround the implement head and so as to be movable along the handle away from the implement head so as to be engaged with the retaining structure to prevent the shield from falling over the implement head during use. A base is provided having an inset boss portion sized to accept and store the implement head when surrounded by the shield. The invention permits more sanitary and convenient use and storage of bathroom implements.

1 . A combination toilet implement and holder therefor comprising: an implement handle having first and second handle ends, a handle intermediate portion between the first and second handle ends, and a shield retaining structure; an implement head attached to the handle proximate the second handle end; a shield at least partially surrounding the handle intermediate portion, said shield having first and second shield ends in turn having first and second shield openings respectively, said first shield opening being oriented toward the first handle end, said second shield opening being oriented toward the second handle end and being sized so as to be capable of surrounding the implement head, said shield being movable along the handle toward the implement head so as to surround the implement head and so as to be movable along the handle away from the implement head so as to be engaged with the retaining structure to prevent the shield from falling over the implement head during use; and a base having an inset boss portion sized to accept and store the implement head when surrounded by the shield.  
   
   
       2 . The combination toilet implement and holder therefor of  claim 1  where the implement head is a toilet brush head.  
   
   
       3 . The combination toilet implement and holder of  claim 1  where the handle has an expanded diameter between the first and second handle ends that prevents the shield from dropping completely onto the implement head.  
   
   
       4 . The combination toilet implement and holder of  claim 1  where the shield retaining structure comprises a taper of increasing diameter toward the first handle end and the first shield opening is sized so as to frictionally engage with the increasing taper as the shield is moved toward the first handle end.  
   
   
       5 . The combination toilet implement and holder of  claim 1  where the shield stabilizes the handle in an upright position when the shield surrounds the implement head.  
   
   
       6 . The combination toilet implement and holder of  claim 1  where the handle is axially elongated.  
   
   
       7 . A combination toilet implement and holder comprising an elongated implement handle having and intermediate expanded diameter and a taper of increasing diameter toward a holding end of the handle; an operating implement head attached to an end of the handle distally removed from the holding end of the handle; a tapered shield having first and second open ends, said first open end being provided with a first opening and the second open end being provided with a second opening, said first opening surrounding the handle between the expanded diameter and the taper of increasing diameter and sized so that the first opening cannot easily pass completely over either the expanded diameter or taper of increasing diameter, said shield being oriented so that the first opening faces the holding end of the handle; said second opening in the second open end being sized so as to be capable of surrounding the operating implement head, the tapered shield being movable along the handle so as to surround the implement head and stabilize the handle in an upright position when the first opening is proximate the expanded diameter and so as to be frictionally engaged with the handle along the taper of increasing diameter when the first opening is proximate the holding end of the handle; and a base having an inset boss portion sized to accept and store the implement head when surrounded by the second open end of the shield.