EP2875191A2 - Toilet sanitising block dispenser - Google Patents

Toilet sanitising block dispenser

Info

Publication number
EP2875191A2
EP2875191A2 EP13740355.6A EP13740355A EP2875191A2 EP 2875191 A2 EP2875191 A2 EP 2875191A2 EP 13740355 A EP13740355 A EP 13740355A EP 2875191 A2 EP2875191 A2 EP 2875191A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
toilet
sanitising
block
blocks
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP13740355.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2875191B1 (en
Inventor
Jon Todd
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Personnel Hygiene Services Ltd
Original Assignee
Personnel Hygiene Services Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Personnel Hygiene Services Ltd filed Critical Personnel Hygiene Services Ltd
Publication of EP2875191A2 publication Critical patent/EP2875191A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2875191B1 publication Critical patent/EP2875191B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/04—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties combined with or containing other objects
    • C11D17/041—Compositions releasably affixed on a substrate or incorporated into a dispensing means
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/0047—Detergents in the form of bars or tablets
    • C11D17/0056—Lavatory cleansing blocks
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
    • E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
    • E03D9/03—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing consisting of a separate container with an outlet through which the agent is introduced into the flushing water, e.g. by suction ; Devices for agents in direct contact with flushing water
    • E03D9/033—Devices placed inside or dispensing into the cistern
    • E03D9/037—Active dispensers, i.e. comprising a moving dosing element
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
    • E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
    • E03D9/03—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing consisting of a separate container with an outlet through which the agent is introduced into the flushing water, e.g. by suction ; Devices for agents in direct contact with flushing water
    • E03D9/033—Devices placed inside or dispensing into the cistern
    • E03D9/038—Passive dispensers, i.e. without moving parts
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
    • E03D9/02—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing
    • E03D2009/028—Devices adding a disinfecting, deodorising, or cleaning agent to the water while flushing using a liquid substance

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sanitising block dispenser for a toilet, and in particular a sanitising block dispenser for use in the cistern of a toilet or urinal.
  • Odour control and sanitisation are concerns within the field of toilets and urinals.
  • a common means of odour prevention is to position an anti-bacterial and/or deodorising agent within the toilet or urinal or vicinity thereof.
  • the agent is typically a solid block or 'cake' of disinfectant which dissolves upon contact with urine or water, thus releasing its anti-bacterial and deodorising compounds. The greater the exposure of the block to the liquid, the faster the rate of dissolution.
  • sanitising blocks are placed directly in the urinal bowl or held over the rim of a toilet.
  • this can be considered unsightly, and can lead to overexposure of the blocks to fluid flow, thereby increasing the rate of dissolution and hence reducing the lifespan of the product.
  • placing a sanitising block in a cistern such that it is completely immersed in the water also results in a rapid dissolution of the block. This has the effect of reducing the lifespan of the block as well as in most cases over dosing the flush water with an excessive and unnecessary concentration of sanitizer.
  • a toilet sanitising block dispenser as described in the accompanying claims.
  • a toilet sanitising block dispenser comprising a housing comprising at least one wall defining an enclosure configured to receive a plurality of toilet sanitising blocks, the housing including a dispensing section configured to receive one of said plurality of sanitising blocks.
  • the dispensing section includes at least one aperture configured to permit the ingress of fluid into the dispensing section to cause the dissolution of sanitising blocks contained therein, and the housing is arranged to bias the sanitising blocks contained therein towards the dispensing section such that once a first block has dissolved within the dispensing section it is automatically replaced by the block that is immediately above it. Due to the vertical orientation of the housing the blocks are biased to the dispensing section due to gravity under their own weight. In this way, as the sanitising block contained within the dispensing section is dissolved over time the additional blocks within the housing are moved into position within the dispensing section to automatically replace the dissolved block. Hence the maintenance periods for the dispenser are significantly increased with maintenance only being required once all of the blocks have been dissolved.
  • the at least one wall of the housing defines a tubular enclosure configured to slidingly receive said plurality of sanitising blocks and hold them in a stacked arrangement.
  • the blocks are held in alignment above the dispensing section and slide easily and sequentially into position.
  • the tubular configuration, and the provisional of a close tolerance between the blocks and the inner tube wall minimises water ingress into the storage section of the housing and therefore prevents early dissolution of the stored blocks.
  • An upper part of the tubular enclosure may define a storage section and a lower part of the tubular enclosure defines the dispensing section such that when the housing is oriented substantially vertically in use the blocks contained therein are biased downwardly towards the dispensing section.
  • the housing may include a connection means for attaching the housing to a liquid containing vessel.
  • the connection means preferably comprises a hook portion which is configured to enable the dispenser to be hooked over the rim of a toilet cistern or to another appropriate attachment point.
  • Other alternative attachment means may be provided to ensure that the housing is maintained in a position in which at least the dispensing section is suspended with the body of water held in the vessel.
  • the lower end of the housing is open to permit to permit the insertion of said sanitising blocks into the housing and a closure member arranged to close said opening.
  • the closure member is configured to hold the blocks within the housing and prevent their release.
  • the closure member may comprise a cap having a base and a side wall arranged to connect to and close the lower end of the housing, wherein the cap defines at least a portion of the dispensing portion.
  • the at least one aperture may be formed within the cap.
  • the at least one aperture may comprise an elongate slot formed in the side wall of the cap.
  • the elongate slot preferably extends through the base of the cap. In this way, the base and side walls of the blocks are contacted by liquid simultaneously.
  • the at least one aperture may terminate at a position spaced from the upper edge of the cap. This ensures that the upper edge of the cap is uninterrupted to ensure no liquid ingress at the point of connection between the housing and the cap.
  • the toilet sanitising block dispenser may further comprise locking means for locking the cap relative to the housing. This ensures that the cap remains in position longitudinally relative to the housing when supporting the weight of the blocks in a vertical position.
  • the at least one aperture may comprise a plurality of apertures positioned at circumferentially spaced locations.
  • the number and size of the apertures may be selected to define the dissolution rate of the blocks.
  • Figure 2 is a section view of the dispenser of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is an exploded view of a toilet sanitising block dispenser according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the upper part of the dispenser of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a section view of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 shows a toilet sanitising block dispenser according another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is an exploded view of the arrangement of Figure 6.
  • a sanitising block dispenser 1 comprises a housing 2 having a cylindrical wall 4 defining a cylindrical hollow tubular enclosure 6.
  • the cylindrical housing 2 has a longitudinal axis 8 defined along the line A-A as shown in Figure 2.
  • the housing 2 is a moulded or extruded member formed from an impermeable non corrosive material and is preferably formed from a plastic material.
  • the housing 2 has a circular lateral cross section having an inner diameter 10 defined by the inner surface of the wall 4 that is selected to substantially correspond to the diameter of a sanitising block 12.
  • the inner diameter 10 is selected to enable the housing 2 to slidingly receive a block 12 in a close clearance fit such that the block 12 is free to slide within the housing 2 while limiting play between the block 12 and the wall 4.
  • the length of the housing 2 is selected to accommodate a plurality of blocks 12 of conventional thickness, or alternatively a single elongate block of increased length relative to conventional blocks.
  • the shape of the cylindrical housing 2 is selected to correspond to and receive the cylindrical sanitising blocks 12 and therefore it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the tubular housing may comprise a cross sectional shape that it not circular and may for example be square to receive for example a corresponding cubic sanitising block, although a square section block may also be received within the circular cross section housing.
  • the housing 2 is oriented vertically in use and includes an upper end 14 and a lower end 16.
  • the terms 'upper' and 'lower' are relative and refer to the relative positions of the ends when the dispenser 1 is vertically oriented in use.
  • the upper end 14 is closed and sealed by a domed cap 18 that is integrally formed as part of the housing 2. Alternatively the cap 18 may be provided as a separate removable component.
  • the lower end 16 is open and configured to receive the sanitising blocks 12 with the blocks 12 being inserted into the housing 2 through the opening defined in the lower end 16.
  • the length of the housing 2 is selected to enable the housing 2 to accommodate a predetermined plurality of blocks 12 of height h within its tubular enclosure.
  • a base cap 20 is provided to close the open end 16 of the housing and hold the blocks 12 within the housing 2.
  • the cap 20 is substantially cup shaped having a cylindrical side wall 22 and a base 24.
  • An upper edge 28 defines an opening to the cap 20.
  • the cap 20 is configured to connect to the lower end 16 of the housing 2 and preferably is configured such that the housing 2 is receivable within the cap 20 such that the upper end of the cap 20 surrounds a portion of the outer surface of the housing 2.
  • the cap 20 includes an L-shaped slot 26 having a vertical slot section which extends downwardly from the upper edge 28 defining the opening of the cup and transitions through 90° to a horizontal slot section.
  • the lower end 16 of the housing 2 includes a pair of spigots 30 located at corresponding circumferential positions to the vertical openings to the L-shaped slots 26 of the cap 20 and sized to be received within the slots 26 to locate the cap 20 on the end 16 of the housing 2. Once the spigots 30 have been fully received within the vertical portion the slots 26 the cap 20 is longitudinally locked to the housing 2 by rotating the cap 20 relative to the housing 2 to locate the spigots within the horizontal portions of the slots 26. In this way the base cap 20 is releasably connected to the housing 2.
  • the longitudinal locations of the spigots 30 on the housing 2 and/or the length of the vertical portions of the slots 26 sets the distance of the end wall 24 of the cap 20 from the opening edge of the lower end 16 of the housing 2. This distance is preferably selected to be equal to or less than the height h of the blocks 12 such that the lowermost block 12 inserted into the housing 2 is at least partially received within the cap 20 beneath the lower end 16 of the housing 2 with the vertically adjacent block being located above the lower edge of the housing 2.
  • the cap 20 includes at least one dispensing aperture 32 located in the side wall 20.
  • the apertures 32 define openings into the cap 20 permitting open access between the interior of the cap 20 and the body of liquid within which the dispenser is located.
  • At least one aperture 32 is provide and in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the cap 20 includes 4 apertures located at regularly spaced circumferential positions.
  • the apertures 32 are longitudinally spaced from the upper edge 28 of the cap 20 and extend to the base 24.
  • the apertures 32 are substantially rectangular and extend into the base 24 forming scalloped cut always in the base 24.
  • the housing 2 includes an attachment clip 36 for attaching the housing 2 to the rim of a toilet cistern.
  • the clip 36 includes a hook portion which hooks over the upper edge of a toilet cistern and is located towards the upper end of a housing 2 with the length of the housing 2 being selected such that when the housing 2 is so clipped to the edge of a toilet cistern the lower end 16 and in particular the cap 20 is submerged within the water of the toilet cistern.
  • the cap 20 is removed and a number of toilet blocks 12 are slidingly inserted into the housing 2.
  • the cap 20 is placed over the lower end 16 and locked in place using the slot 26 and spigot 30 arrangement.
  • the housing 2 is then clipped over the edge of a toilet cistern or other fluid container containing a body of liquid requiring sanitation such that at least the cap 20 is submerged within the body of water.
  • the lowermost block 12 is exposed to the body of water via the apertures 32 in the cap 20.
  • the blocks 12 begin to dissolve over time.
  • the blocks 12 dissolve it begins to decrease in size with the height h gradually decreasing over time.
  • the blocks 12 vertically above the lower most block 12 which is supported on the upper surface of the lower most block 12 begin to slide downwardly under their own weight within the housing 2. In this way as the lower most block 12 reduces in size it is gradually replaced within the cap 20 by the vertically adjacent block 12 immediately above it.
  • the sanitising block dispenser of the present invention therefore provides a means of storing multiple sanitising blocks within a single dispenser, which are automatically replenished within the cap 20 at the dispensing position following the dissolution of the previous block 12. As such, the maintenance intervals for the sanitising block dispenser may be significantly increased. Furthermore, by providing a dispensing arrangement in which the blocks 12 slide under their own weight within a sealed enclosure the number of parts within the dispenser are minimised with no mechanical actuating components being required to bias the blocks to the dispensing position. Once all the blocks 12 have been dissolved there may be easily replaced by unclipping and moving the housing 2 from the toilet cistern, unlocking and removing the cap 20 and placing a new set of blocks 12 within the housing 2.
  • a single elongate block 112 is provided.
  • the length of the block 112 is selected such that it substantially equal to the distance from the top of the housing 102 to the base of the 124 of the end cap 120.
  • the block 112 substantially fills the sanitising block dispenser 101.
  • the block 112 has been configured to have a square cross section, which advantageously reduces contact with the inner surface of the housing 102 to four point contacts, therefore reducing friction between the block 112 and the housing 102 along its length and allowing the block 112 to efficiently slide within the housing.
  • the square section shape of the block 112 enables the block to be more cheaply and easily manufactured, as well as improving service efficiency as only a single block needs to be replaced rather than multiple blocks having to be inserted into the housing 102.
  • the length of the block 112, the housing 102 and the cap 120 is selected such that when the block 112 is initially inserted into the housing 102 a larger portion of the block 112 is received within the housing 102 than within the cap 120. Only the lowermost end portion of the block 112 is exposed to liquid from with the cistern through the apertures 132. As the lowermost portion dissolves, the block 112 begins to slide downwardly within the housing under its own weight to fill the void left within the cap 120.
  • the housing 102 includes a two part attachment clip 136.
  • the clip 136 includes a first cap section 138 which secures to the upper end of the housing 102.
  • the cap 138 secures to the housing via recessed sections 140 which receive corresponding lugs 142 extending from the housing 102, although any suitable attachment means could be provided.
  • An adjustable hook section 144 secures to the cap 138.
  • the hook section 144 includes a hook arm 146 that extends over the rim of a toilet cistern and engages the outer surface.
  • a corresponding spring arm 148 is connected to the cap 138 and is biased towards the hook arm 146.
  • the spring arm is arranged to engage the inner surface of the toilet cistern such that the spring arm 148 and hook arm 146 cooperate to clamp against the wall of the toilet cistern, with the wall of the toilet cistern being located in the space between the two elements.
  • the hook section 144 is movably adjustable relative to the cap 138 to vary the distance between the hook arm 146 and the spring arm 148 to accommodate cistern walls of varying thicknesses.
  • the hook section 144 includes a substantially u-shaped channel 150 which fits over and slidingly receives a corresponding guide section 152 on the top of the cap 138.
  • the guide section 152 includes a guide channel 154 in its upper surface that receives and guides a corresponding lug 156 projecting downwardly from the upper surface of the channel 150.
  • the inner surface of the channel section 150 includes a downwardly facing saw tooth formation 158 towards it rear edge defining a ratchet.
  • a sanitising block dispenser 200 comprises a housing 202 as described above having a cylindrical wall 204 defining a cylindrical hollow tubular enclosure 206.
  • the circular lateral cross section of the housing 202 has an inner diameter 210 defined by the inner surface of the wall 204 that is greater than the diameter c of a sanitising block 12.
  • the inner diameter 210 is selected to enable the housing 202 to slidingly receive a plurality of sanitising blocks 212 with a clearance gap defined between the blocks 212 and the inner wall 210, with the blocks 12 being free to slide within the housing.
  • the length of the housing 202 is selected to accommodate a plurality of blocks 212 of conventional diameter.
  • the housing 202 is oriented vertically in use.
  • the length of the housing 202 is selected to enable the housing 202 to accommodate a predetermined plurality of blocks 212 of height b x within its tubular enclosure.
  • the base cap 220 closes the open end 216 of the housing and hold the blocks 12 within the housing 2.
  • the dispenser 201 is preferably connected to the cistern such that only the cap 220 is submerged is the water while the housing 202 is located substantially above the water level. More specifically the dispenser is arranged to be supported such that at least the at least one dispensing aperture 232 submerged.
  • the housing 202 is substantially in a non-submerged state and filled with air.
  • This submersion depth is set for a known cistern configuration and water depth by the distance between clip and the cap 220.
  • additional control of the dissolution rate may be achieved by providing liquid barrier members 231 between each adjacent block 212.
  • the barrier members 231 comprise thin discs formed from an impermeable material, and may be a film or membrane.
  • the barrier discs 231 are located between each adjacent block 212 and have a diameter d 2 that is greater than the diameter d 1 of the blocks but less than the inner diameter 210 of the housing 202.
  • the outer edges of the discs 231 are therefore spaced from the inner wall 210 and able to slide within the housing 202 without interference with the inner wall 210.
  • the discs 231 are circular in shape corresponding to the circular cross section of the blocks 212, but it will be appreciated that discs of other shapes may be utilised where non-circular blocks 212 are employed.
  • the discs 231 provided an impermeable barrier between adjacent blocks 212. This liquid barrier prevents water from the lowermost block 212 from travelling through the stack of blocks 212 by osmosis due to the porosity and permeability of the blocks 212 thereby ensuring that early dissolution of the blocks does not occur making the dissolution rates more controllable and predictable.
  • Figure 7 shows and exploded view illustrating how the blocks 212 are interspaced with the barrier discs 231.
  • the discs 231 may be freely stacked between the blocks 212 and inserted together with the blocks 212 on filling of the dispenser 201. As the discs 231 have a diameter d 2 greater than the diameter d ⁇ of the blocks 212 they may be alternatingly stacked while ensuring that the outer periphery of the discs extends past the outer edge of the blocks 212 to ensure a complete liquid barrier is created. Alternatively a preformed stack may be formed in which the blocks 212 and barrier discs 231 are pre-stacked and arranged and provided in a single piece form thereby improving the ease of installation.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

A toilet sanitising block dispenser (1) comprises a housing (2) having at least one wall defining an enclosure configured to receive a plurality of toilet sanitising blocks (12). The housing (2) includes a dispensing section (20) configured to the sanitising blocks (12). The dispensing section (20) includes at least one aperture (32) configured to permit the ingress of fluid into the dispensing section (20) to cause the dissolution of sanitising blocks (12) contained therein. The housing (2) is arranged to bias the sanitising blocks (1)2 contained therein towards the dispensing section (20). Due to the vertical orientation of the housing (2) the blocks (12) are biased to the dispensing section (20) due to gravity under their own weight such that as the sanitising block (12) contained within the dispensing section (20) is dissolved over time the additional blocks (12) within the housing (20) are moved into position within the dispensing section (20) to automatically replace the dissolved block (12).

Description

TOILET SANITISING BLOCK DISPENSER
The present invention relates to a sanitising block dispenser for a toilet, and in particular a sanitising block dispenser for use in the cistern of a toilet or urinal.
Odour control and sanitisation are concerns within the field of toilets and urinals. A common means of odour prevention is to position an anti-bacterial and/or deodorising agent within the toilet or urinal or vicinity thereof. The agent is typically a solid block or 'cake' of disinfectant which dissolves upon contact with urine or water, thus releasing its anti-bacterial and deodorising compounds. The greater the exposure of the block to the liquid, the faster the rate of dissolution.
In basic use, sanitising blocks are placed directly in the urinal bowl or held over the rim of a toilet. However, in both cases this can be considered unsightly, and can lead to overexposure of the blocks to fluid flow, thereby increasing the rate of dissolution and hence reducing the lifespan of the product. It is also known to place a sanitising block within the cistern of a toilet or urinal such that it dissolves within body of flush water within the cistern and is flushed into the toilet together with the flush water. However, placing a sanitising block in a cistern such that it is completely immersed in the water also results in a rapid dissolution of the block. This has the effect of reducing the lifespan of the block as well as in most cases over dosing the flush water with an excessive and unnecessary concentration of sanitizer.
It is therefore know to provide dispensing housings for sanitising blocks to hold the blocks within a body liquid such as a toilet cistern and control the exposure of the blocks to the liquid. However, such dispensers require frequent maintenance to check whether the contained block has been fully dissolved and if so to replace the block. Frequent maintenance periods significantly increase the cost of a maintenance contract, as does the requirement to regularly replace or repair components within such dispensers.
It is therefore desirable to provide an improved sanitising block dispenser which addresses the above described problems and/or which offers improvements generally.
According to the present invention there is provided a toilet sanitising block dispenser as described in the accompanying claims. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a toilet sanitising block dispenser comprising a housing comprising at least one wall defining an enclosure configured to receive a plurality of toilet sanitising blocks, the housing including a dispensing section configured to receive one of said plurality of sanitising blocks. The dispensing section includes at least one aperture configured to permit the ingress of fluid into the dispensing section to cause the dissolution of sanitising blocks contained therein, and the housing is arranged to bias the sanitising blocks contained therein towards the dispensing section such that once a first block has dissolved within the dispensing section it is automatically replaced by the block that is immediately above it. Due to the vertical orientation of the housing the blocks are biased to the dispensing section due to gravity under their own weight. In this way, as the sanitising block contained within the dispensing section is dissolved over time the additional blocks within the housing are moved into position within the dispensing section to automatically replace the dissolved block. Hence the maintenance periods for the dispenser are significantly increased with maintenance only being required once all of the blocks have been dissolved.
Preferably the at least one wall of the housing defines a tubular enclosure configured to slidingly receive said plurality of sanitising blocks and hold them in a stacked arrangement. In this way the blocks are held in alignment above the dispensing section and slide easily and sequentially into position. The tubular configuration, and the provisional of a close tolerance between the blocks and the inner tube wall minimises water ingress into the storage section of the housing and therefore prevents early dissolution of the stored blocks.
An upper part of the tubular enclosure may define a storage section and a lower part of the tubular enclosure defines the dispensing section such that when the housing is oriented substantially vertically in use the blocks contained therein are biased downwardly towards the dispensing section. By providing the dispensing section in a position vertically below the storage section and having a common axis, the blocks freely slide into position within the dispensing section under the action of gravity, thereby obviating the requirement for mechanical biasing means and minimising parts and cost as well as reducing maintenance requirements.
The housing may include a connection means for attaching the housing to a liquid containing vessel. The connection means preferably comprises a hook portion which is configured to enable the dispenser to be hooked over the rim of a toilet cistern or to another appropriate attachment point. Other alternative attachment means may be provided to ensure that the housing is maintained in a position in which at least the dispensing section is suspended with the body of water held in the vessel.
The lower end of the housing is open to permit to permit the insertion of said sanitising blocks into the housing and a closure member arranged to close said opening. The closure member is configured to hold the blocks within the housing and prevent their release. The closure member may comprise a cap having a base and a side wall arranged to connect to and close the lower end of the housing, wherein the cap defines at least a portion of the dispensing portion. The at least one aperture may be formed within the cap.
The at least one aperture may comprise an elongate slot formed in the side wall of the cap. The elongate slot preferably extends through the base of the cap. In this way, the base and side walls of the blocks are contacted by liquid simultaneously.
The at least one aperture may terminate at a position spaced from the upper edge of the cap. This ensures that the upper edge of the cap is uninterrupted to ensure no liquid ingress at the point of connection between the housing and the cap.
The toilet sanitising block dispenser may further comprise locking means for locking the cap relative to the housing. This ensures that the cap remains in position longitudinally relative to the housing when supporting the weight of the blocks in a vertical position.
The at least one aperture may comprise a plurality of apertures positioned at circumferentially spaced locations. The number and size of the apertures may be selected to define the dissolution rate of the blocks. The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following illustrative figures in which: Figure 1 shows a toilet sanitising block dispenser according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a section view of the dispenser of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an exploded view of a toilet sanitising block dispenser according to another embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the upper part of the dispenser of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a section view of Figure 4;
Figure 6 shows a toilet sanitising block dispenser according another embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 7 is an exploded view of the arrangement of Figure 6.
Referring to Figure 1 a sanitising block dispenser 1 comprises a housing 2 having a cylindrical wall 4 defining a cylindrical hollow tubular enclosure 6. The cylindrical housing 2 has a longitudinal axis 8 defined along the line A-A as shown in Figure 2. The housing 2 is a moulded or extruded member formed from an impermeable non corrosive material and is preferably formed from a plastic material. The housing 2 has a circular lateral cross section having an inner diameter 10 defined by the inner surface of the wall 4 that is selected to substantially correspond to the diameter of a sanitising block 12. The inner diameter 10 is selected to enable the housing 2 to slidingly receive a block 12 in a close clearance fit such that the block 12 is free to slide within the housing 2 while limiting play between the block 12 and the wall 4. The length of the housing 2 is selected to accommodate a plurality of blocks 12 of conventional thickness, or alternatively a single elongate block of increased length relative to conventional blocks.
The shape of the cylindrical housing 2 is selected to correspond to and receive the cylindrical sanitising blocks 12 and therefore it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the tubular housing may comprise a cross sectional shape that it not circular and may for example be square to receive for example a corresponding cubic sanitising block, although a square section block may also be received within the circular cross section housing.
The housing 2 is oriented vertically in use and includes an upper end 14 and a lower end 16. Here the terms 'upper' and 'lower' are relative and refer to the relative positions of the ends when the dispenser 1 is vertically oriented in use. The upper end 14 is closed and sealed by a domed cap 18 that is integrally formed as part of the housing 2. Alternatively the cap 18 may be provided as a separate removable component. The lower end 16 is open and configured to receive the sanitising blocks 12 with the blocks 12 being inserted into the housing 2 through the opening defined in the lower end 16.
The length of the housing 2 is selected to enable the housing 2 to accommodate a predetermined plurality of blocks 12 of height h within its tubular enclosure. A base cap 20 is provided to close the open end 16 of the housing and hold the blocks 12 within the housing 2. The cap 20 is substantially cup shaped having a cylindrical side wall 22 and a base 24. An upper edge 28 defines an opening to the cap 20. The cap 20 is configured to connect to the lower end 16 of the housing 2 and preferably is configured such that the housing 2 is receivable within the cap 20 such that the upper end of the cap 20 surrounds a portion of the outer surface of the housing 2. The cap 20 includes an L-shaped slot 26 having a vertical slot section which extends downwardly from the upper edge 28 defining the opening of the cup and transitions through 90° to a horizontal slot section. The lower end 16 of the housing 2 includes a pair of spigots 30 located at corresponding circumferential positions to the vertical openings to the L-shaped slots 26 of the cap 20 and sized to be received within the slots 26 to locate the cap 20 on the end 16 of the housing 2. Once the spigots 30 have been fully received within the vertical portion the slots 26 the cap 20 is longitudinally locked to the housing 2 by rotating the cap 20 relative to the housing 2 to locate the spigots within the horizontal portions of the slots 26. In this way the base cap 20 is releasably connected to the housing 2. The longitudinal locations of the spigots 30 on the housing 2 and/or the length of the vertical portions of the slots 26 sets the distance of the end wall 24 of the cap 20 from the opening edge of the lower end 16 of the housing 2. This distance is preferably selected to be equal to or less than the height h of the blocks 12 such that the lowermost block 12 inserted into the housing 2 is at least partially received within the cap 20 beneath the lower end 16 of the housing 2 with the vertically adjacent block being located above the lower edge of the housing 2.
The cap 20 includes at least one dispensing aperture 32 located in the side wall 20. The apertures 32 define openings into the cap 20 permitting open access between the interior of the cap 20 and the body of liquid within which the dispenser is located. At least one aperture 32 is provide and in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 the cap 20 includes 4 apertures located at regularly spaced circumferential positions. The apertures 32 are longitudinally spaced from the upper edge 28 of the cap 20 and extend to the base 24. Preferably the apertures 32 are substantially rectangular and extend into the base 24 forming scalloped cut always in the base 24.
The housing 2 includes an attachment clip 36 for attaching the housing 2 to the rim of a toilet cistern. The clip 36 includes a hook portion which hooks over the upper edge of a toilet cistern and is located towards the upper end of a housing 2 with the length of the housing 2 being selected such that when the housing 2 is so clipped to the edge of a toilet cistern the lower end 16 and in particular the cap 20 is submerged within the water of the toilet cistern. In use the cap 20 is removed and a number of toilet blocks 12 are slidingly inserted into the housing 2. When the housing 2 has been filled with the required number of blocks 12 the cap 20 is placed over the lower end 16 and locked in place using the slot 26 and spigot 30 arrangement. The housing 2 is then clipped over the edge of a toilet cistern or other fluid container containing a body of liquid requiring sanitation such that at least the cap 20 is submerged within the body of water. In this position the lowermost block 12 is exposed to the body of water via the apertures 32 in the cap 20. When exposed to the liquid in use in this way the blocks 12 begin to dissolve over time. As the blocks 12 dissolve it begins to decrease in size with the height h gradually decreasing over time. As the height h decreases the blocks 12 vertically above the lower most block 12 which is supported on the upper surface of the lower most block 12 begin to slide downwardly under their own weight within the housing 2. In this way as the lower most block 12 reduces in size it is gradually replaced within the cap 20 by the vertically adjacent block 12 immediately above it. This process continues for each block 12 until each of the blocks is replaced and dissolved or the housing 2 is removed from the body of liquid. The sanitising block dispenser of the present invention therefore provides a means of storing multiple sanitising blocks within a single dispenser, which are automatically replenished within the cap 20 at the dispensing position following the dissolution of the previous block 12. As such, the maintenance intervals for the sanitising block dispenser may be significantly increased. Furthermore, by providing a dispensing arrangement in which the blocks 12 slide under their own weight within a sealed enclosure the number of parts within the dispenser are minimised with no mechanical actuating components being required to bias the blocks to the dispensing position. Once all the blocks 12 have been dissolved there may be easily replaced by unclipping and moving the housing 2 from the toilet cistern, unlocking and removing the cap 20 and placing a new set of blocks 12 within the housing 2.
In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 3, a single elongate block 112 is provided. The length of the block 112 is selected such that it substantially equal to the distance from the top of the housing 102 to the base of the 124 of the end cap 120. As such, the block 112 substantially fills the sanitising block dispenser 101. In the embodiment shown the block 112 has been configured to have a square cross section, which advantageously reduces contact with the inner surface of the housing 102 to four point contacts, therefore reducing friction between the block 112 and the housing 102 along its length and allowing the block 112 to efficiently slide within the housing. In addition, the square section shape of the block 112 enables the block to be more cheaply and easily manufactured, as well as improving service efficiency as only a single block needs to be replaced rather than multiple blocks having to be inserted into the housing 102.
The length of the block 112, the housing 102 and the cap 120 is selected such that when the block 112 is initially inserted into the housing 102 a larger portion of the block 112 is received within the housing 102 than within the cap 120. Only the lowermost end portion of the block 112 is exposed to liquid from with the cistern through the apertures 132. As the lowermost portion dissolves, the block 112 begins to slide downwardly within the housing under its own weight to fill the void left within the cap 120. As shown in Figure 4, the housing 102 includes a two part attachment clip 136. The clip 136 includes a first cap section 138 which secures to the upper end of the housing 102. In the embodiment shown the cap 138 secures to the housing via recessed sections 140 which receive corresponding lugs 142 extending from the housing 102, although any suitable attachment means could be provided. An adjustable hook section 144 secures to the cap 138. The hook section 144 includes a hook arm 146 that extends over the rim of a toilet cistern and engages the outer surface. A corresponding spring arm 148 is connected to the cap 138 and is biased towards the hook arm 146. The spring arm is arranged to engage the inner surface of the toilet cistern such that the spring arm 148 and hook arm 146 cooperate to clamp against the wall of the toilet cistern, with the wall of the toilet cistern being located in the space between the two elements. The hook section 144 is movably adjustable relative to the cap 138 to vary the distance between the hook arm 146 and the spring arm 148 to accommodate cistern walls of varying thicknesses. As shown in the figures 4 and 5, the hook section 144 includes a substantially u-shaped channel 150 which fits over and slidingly receives a corresponding guide section 152 on the top of the cap 138. The guide section 152 includes a guide channel 154 in its upper surface that receives and guides a corresponding lug 156 projecting downwardly from the upper surface of the channel 150. The inner surface of the channel section 150 includes a downwardly facing saw tooth formation 158 towards it rear edge defining a ratchet. The cap 138 includes an upwardly extending projection 160 defining a pawl for engagement with the ratchet 158. The ratchet and pawl arrangement locks the hook section 144 in position relative to the cap 138 while permitting incremental adjustment of the relative position between the two. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 a sanitising block dispenser 200 comprises a housing 202 as described above having a cylindrical wall 204 defining a cylindrical hollow tubular enclosure 206. The circular lateral cross section of the housing 202 has an inner diameter 210 defined by the inner surface of the wall 204 that is greater than the diameter c of a sanitising block 12. The inner diameter 210 is selected to enable the housing 202 to slidingly receive a plurality of sanitising blocks 212 with a clearance gap defined between the blocks 212 and the inner wall 210, with the blocks 12 being free to slide within the housing. The length of the housing 202 is selected to accommodate a plurality of blocks 212 of conventional diameter.
The housing 202 is oriented vertically in use. The length of the housing 202 is selected to enable the housing 202 to accommodate a predetermined plurality of blocks 212 of height bx within its tubular enclosure. The base cap 220 closes the open end 216 of the housing and hold the blocks 12 within the housing 2. The dispenser 201 is preferably connected to the cistern such that only the cap 220 is submerged is the water while the housing 202 is located substantially above the water level. More specifically the dispenser is arranged to be supported such that at least the at least one dispensing aperture 232 submerged. In this way, only the lowermost block 212 held within the cap 220 is submerged, and thereafter as the lowermost block 212 dissolves the lowermost block 212 and a portion of the block 212 immediately vertically adjacent The housing 202 is substantially in a non-submerged state and filled with air. This submersion depth is set for a known cistern configuration and water depth by the distance between clip and the cap 220. By ensuring only the lowermost blocks(s) is submerged the dissolution rate is controlled by preventing direct exposure to the liquid of the stored blocks 212 that are not intended for active dissolution.
As shown Figure 6, additional control of the dissolution rate may be achieved by providing liquid barrier members 231 between each adjacent block 212. The barrier members 231 comprise thin discs formed from an impermeable material, and may be a film or membrane. The barrier discs 231 are located between each adjacent block 212 and have a diameter d2 that is greater than the diameter d1 of the blocks but less than the inner diameter 210 of the housing 202. The outer edges of the discs 231 are therefore spaced from the inner wall 210 and able to slide within the housing 202 without interference with the inner wall 210. The discs 231 are circular in shape corresponding to the circular cross section of the blocks 212, but it will be appreciated that discs of other shapes may be utilised where non-circular blocks 212 are employed. The discs 231 provided an impermeable barrier between adjacent blocks 212. This liquid barrier prevents water from the lowermost block 212 from travelling through the stack of blocks 212 by osmosis due to the porosity and permeability of the blocks 212 thereby ensuring that early dissolution of the blocks does not occur making the dissolution rates more controllable and predictable.
Figure 7 shows and exploded view illustrating how the blocks 212 are interspaced with the barrier discs 231. The discs 231 may be freely stacked between the blocks 212 and inserted together with the blocks 212 on filling of the dispenser 201. As the discs 231 have a diameter d2 greater than the diameter d± of the blocks 212 they may be alternatingly stacked while ensuring that the outer periphery of the discs extends past the outer edge of the blocks 212 to ensure a complete liquid barrier is created. Alternatively a preformed stack may be formed in which the blocks 212 and barrier discs 231 are pre-stacked and arranged and provided in a single piece form thereby improving the ease of installation. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A toilet sanitising block dispenser comprising:
a housing comprising at least one wall defining an elongate enclosure configured to receive at least one toilet sanitising block; and
a dispensing section contiguous with the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of said at least one sanitising block;
wherein the dispensing section includes at least one aperture configured to permit the ingress of fluid into the dispensing section to cause the dissolution of sanitising blocks contained therein, and wherein the housing is arranged to bias the at least one sanitising block contained therein towards the dispensing section.
2. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the at least one wall of the housing defines a tubular enclosure configured to slidingly receive said at least one sanitising block.
3. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to claim 2 wherein an upper part of the tubular enclosure defines a storage section and a lower part of the tubular enclosure defines the dispensing section such that when the housing is oriented substantially vertically in use the at least one block contained therein are biased downwardly towards the dispensing section.
4. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the housing includes a connection means for attaching the housing to a liquid containing vessel.
5. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to claim 4 wherein the connection means comprises a hook portion.
6. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to claim 5 wherein the hook portion is adjustable relative to the housing to vary the spacing between the hook potion and the housing to accommodate cisterns of varying wall thicknesses.
7. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the lower end of the housing is open to permit to permit the insertion of said at least one sanitising block into the housing and includes a closure member arranged to close said opening.
8. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to claim 7 wherein the closure member comprises a cap having a base and a side wall arranged to connect to and close the lower end of the housing, wherein the cap defines at least a portion of the dispensing portion.
9. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one aperture of the dispensing section is formed within the cap.
10. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to claim 9 wherein the at least one aperture comprises an elongate slot formed in the side wall of the cap.
11. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to claim 10 wherein the elongate slot extends through the base of the cap.
12. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the at least one aperture terminates at a position spaced from the upper edge of the cap.
13. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to any one of claims 8 tol2 further comprising locking means for locking the cap relative to the housing.
14. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one aperture comprises a plurality of apertures positioned at circumferentially spaced locations.
15. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the housing is arranged to receive a plurality of sanitising blocks and hold them in a stacked arrangement.
16. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to any preceding claims arranged to receive a plurality of sanitising blocks and further comprising a plurality of liquid barrier members configured to be located between adjacent blocks stored within the housing to prevent the flow of liquid between blocks.
17. A toilet sanitising block dispenser according to claim 16 wherein the barrier members comprise a plurality of discs formed from an impermeable material.
18. A toilet sanitiser comprising:
a toilet sanitising block dispenser according to any preceding claim;
a plurality of sanitising blocks located within the housing; and
a plurality of sanitising blocks and further comprising a plurality of liquid barrier members configured to be located between adjacent blocks stored within the housing to prevent the flow of liquid between blocks.
19. A toilet sanitiser comprising:
a toilet sanitising block dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 17; and
an elongate toilet sanitising block configured such that when inserted into the housing of the dispenser in an in dissolved state the a portion of the block is contained within the dispensing section and a portion of the block is contained within the elongate housing.
20. A toilet sanitiser according to claim 19 wherein the length of the housing is greater than the length of the dispensing section and the sanitising block is more than twice the length of the dispensing section such that the portion of the sanitising block contained within the housing is greater than the portion of the block contained within the dispensing section.
21. An elongate toilet sanitising block for use in a toilet sanitiser according to claim 20 or 21.
22. An impermeable barrier member for use in a toilet sanitiser according to any one of claims 16 to 18.
23. A toilet sanitising block dispenser substantially as hereinbefore described and/or as shown in the drawings.
24. A toilet sanitiser substantially as hereinbefore described and/or as shown in the drawings.
EP13740355.6A 2012-07-20 2013-07-19 Toilet sanitising block dispenser Active EP2875191B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1212969.8A GB201212969D0 (en) 2012-07-20 2012-07-20 Toilet sanitising block dispenser
GB1214995.1A GB2504153B (en) 2012-07-20 2012-08-23 Toilet sanitising block dispenser
PCT/GB2013/051943 WO2014013269A2 (en) 2012-07-20 2013-07-19 Toilet sanitising block dispenser

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2875191A2 true EP2875191A2 (en) 2015-05-27
EP2875191B1 EP2875191B1 (en) 2020-07-22

Family

ID=46881743

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13740355.6A Active EP2875191B1 (en) 2012-07-20 2013-07-19 Toilet sanitising block dispenser

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2875191B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2819304T3 (en)
GB (2) GB201212969D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2014013269A2 (en)

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1057865A (en) * 1963-10-22 1967-02-08 Goddard & Sons Ltd J Improvements in or relating to holders for erodible material for toilet purposes
CH623096A5 (en) * 1977-08-03 1981-05-15 Globol Werk Insert for a WC flushing cistern
DE29506934U1 (en) * 1995-04-25 1995-06-22 Wu, Jun-Da, Tainan Device for positioning a toilet flushing agent in a cistern
US5946739A (en) * 1998-07-24 1999-09-07 Delan, Inc. Mixing chamber for use in a toilet sanitizing system
DE29904649U1 (en) * 1999-03-12 1999-06-02 Muszynski, Wojciech, Dr., 32130 Enger Toilet cistern
KR100877089B1 (en) * 2005-01-20 2009-01-07 닛뽕소다 가부시키가이샤 Liquid chemical distributor and chemical
GB2440203B (en) * 2006-07-15 2011-05-25 Janitor Ltd A sanitary flush arrangement
US20110209277A1 (en) * 2010-03-01 2011-09-01 Wei-Te Liu Toilet-bowl-cleaner dispatch assembly with water-saving function
EP2378014A1 (en) * 2010-04-15 2011-10-19 Wei-Te Liu Toilet-bowl-cleaner dispatch assembly with water-saving function

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2014013269A3 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201212969D0 (en) 2012-09-05
GB2504153B (en) 2018-05-30
ES2819304T3 (en) 2021-04-15
GB201214995D0 (en) 2012-10-10
WO2014013269A3 (en) 2014-03-06
EP2875191B1 (en) 2020-07-22
WO2014013269A2 (en) 2014-01-23
GB2504153A (en) 2014-01-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7073209B1 (en) Passive sanitizing-tablet dispensing device
US6944890B1 (en) Automatic cleaning assembly for a toilet bowl
AU2012239857B2 (en) A urinal deodoriser cartridge
CA2764065C (en) Improvements in lavatory dispensing devices
AU2009265385B2 (en) Method for production of dispensing devices
EP2183440A2 (en) Toilet bowl treating assembly
EP2875191B1 (en) Toilet sanitising block dispenser
SI1759068T1 (en) Automatic flushing device with magnetic valve
US20040216221A1 (en) Liquid cleaner dispenser for toilet
US10570600B2 (en) Dispensing system for toilet bowl cleanser
EP1425478A1 (en) Dispenser for use in a tank of water
WO2010087700A2 (en) Auxiliary device for introducing a tablet cleaning means into the built-in flushing water reservoir of a toilet unit, toilet unit provided with such an auxiliary device, and cleaning tablet
GB2400118A (en) A device for dispensing an active substance into a toilet bowl
US2722394A (en) Adjustable suspending means for receptacles
US20180305913A1 (en) Tablet Diffusing Device
CN210684919U (en) Bathroom equipment with antiseptic solution inhales function
CA1263341A (en) Automatic dispensers for metering liquid soluble or suspendible materials
EP1426505A2 (en) Universal dispenser of sanitizing liquid for containers of water or the like, particularly flushing cisterns for toilets
WO2003104086A2 (en) Dispensing device for cleaning agents
EP1591592A1 (en) Liquid cleaner dispenser for toilet
CA2719693A1 (en) Dispensing unit
GB2339210A (en) Toilet bowl dispenser with means to delay water egress
EP2665875A1 (en) Liquid refilling device for water traps (drain traps) in floor drains and the like
EP2487304A1 (en) Adjustable sanitizing block holder
US8839465B2 (en) Toilet cleaning system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20150116

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20180614

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200210

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602013070904

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1293503

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1293503

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200722

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201023

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201022

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201123

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201022

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201122

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2819304

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20210415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602013070904

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20210423

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200722

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602013070904

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210731

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220201

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210719

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210731

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20220627

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20220721

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20220921

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20130719

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20230719

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200722

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230719