EP4440631A1 - Combined soap dispenser and air freshener - Google Patents

Combined soap dispenser and air freshener

Info

Publication number
EP4440631A1
EP4440631A1 EP22812761.9A EP22812761A EP4440631A1 EP 4440631 A1 EP4440631 A1 EP 4440631A1 EP 22812761 A EP22812761 A EP 22812761A EP 4440631 A1 EP4440631 A1 EP 4440631A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
soap
soap dispenser
container
air freshener
dispenser according
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP22812761.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jon Nicholas CARNALL
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.)
Horsleys International Ltd
Original Assignee
Horsleys International 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 Horsleys International Ltd filed Critical Horsleys International Ltd
Publication of EP4440631A1 publication Critical patent/EP4440631A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste or the like
    • A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
    • A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
    • A47K5/1202—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume
    • A47K5/1204—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap dispensing dosed volume by means of a rigid dispensing chamber and pistons
    • A47K5/1205—Dispensing from the top of the dispenser with a vertical piston
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/01—Deodorant compositions
    • A61L9/012—Deodorant compositions characterised by being in a special form, e.g. gels, emulsions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
    • A61L9/04—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
    • A61L9/12—Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste or the like
    • A47K5/18—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste or the like for both soap and toothpaste or the like; in combination with holders for drinking glasses, toothbrushes, or the like ; Toothpaste dispensers; Dental care centers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/13—Dispensing or storing means for active compounds
    • A61L2209/133—Replaceable cartridges, refills
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2209/15—Supporting means, e.g. stands, hooks, holes for hanging

Definitions

  • the invention relates to soap dispensers and, in particular, to soap dispensers which are combined with air fresheners.
  • soap dispensers may be provided in, for instance, locations which are space limited such as washrooms, for instance, washrooms on board commercial aircraft.
  • Soap dispensers provided in the washroom facilities of commercial aircraft can are usually rather small because of the restricted space within an aircraft cabin. Accordingly, the soap dispensers must be replaced at frequent intervals as the small amount of soap within the dispenser is quickly used up.
  • air fresheners are also commonly provided within washroom facilities on conference.
  • air freshener and soap dispensers have previously been provided.
  • An example of such a device has a first compartment containing soap and a second compartment containing an air freshener, usually in an aerosol form. Upon depression of a nozzle, soap and air freshener dispensed at the same time.
  • the device includes either a fragrance induced tissue/gel or a complicated wick diffuser arrangement.
  • a soap dispenser provided with an air freshener, the soap dispenser comprising a container for holding liquid soap and having a nozzle through which the liquid soap may be dispensed, the air freshener being in the form of a plastics member removably attached to the soap dispenser and being infused with a substance which continuously releases a fragrance into the atmosphere.
  • the air freshener is a collar located on the exterior of the container.
  • the container comprises a elongate body portion for accommodating liquid soap and a dispensing nozzle assembly mounted on an outlet located at one end of the container.
  • the air freshener is located on a shoulder region between said body portion and said outlet.
  • the width of said shoulder region decreases in a direction from said body portion towards said outlet.
  • said shoulder region includes stepped portions at or near each of its longitudinal extremities.
  • the container is provided with a mounting element to enable the dispenser to be removably attached to a support structure.
  • the mounting element is preferably a threaded, substantially cylindrical projection and is preferably integral with the container.
  • the present invention also provides a method of dispensing soap and of freshening the air, the method comprising providing a container for holding liquid soap and having a nozzle through which the liquid soap may be dispensed, locating liquid soap within the container and causing said liquid soap to be dispensed through said nozzle, and removably attaching to the soap dispenser a plastics member which is infused with a substance which continuously releases a fragrance into the atmosphere.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a soap dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a side view of the soap dispenser of figure 1 with the dispensing nozzle and air freshener collar removed;
  • Figure 2 is a side view of a further soap dispenser in accordance with the present invention and secured to a base.
  • a combined air freshener and soap dispenser 1 comprises a bottle 3 having a hollow, cylindrical body portion 5 for containing a liquid soap and having a solid bottom end 5. Integral with solid base 7, and extending downwardly therefrom, is a mounting element 9 in the form of a threaded, substantially cylindrical projection.
  • the body portion 5 of soap dispenser 1 is provided with a upwardly extending and inwardly inclined shoulder region 11 which includes a inwardly, gently stepped portion 13 near its lower end and an outwardly, gently stepped portion 15 at its top end.
  • the soap dispenser 1 is provided with a dispensing nozzle assembly 17 which includes a ring 19 having an internal profile such that the assembly 17 is securable to the body portion 5 by a push fit engagement on portion 15 of shoulder region 11.
  • a collar 19 Surrounding shoulder region 11 below stepped portion 15 is a collar 19 having an internal and external profile which corresponds to that of the shoulder region 11.
  • the components, 3 and 17, are made of suitable plastics materials which may be the same or different plastics.
  • Collar 19 is also made of a plastics material but one which is infused with a slow release air freshening chemical substance.
  • a combined air freshener and soap dispenser 21 is similar to that described above and is shown screwed into a threaded holder 23.
  • the air freshener element can be fitted to any bottle of soap, hand steriliser etc that uses a pump mechanism. Indeed, it could be fitted to soap dispensers that do not use a pump mechanism. The air freshener element could also be fitted to bottles of bleach, hair shampoo etc.
  • the fragrance impregnated plastics moulding may be made be any suitable method.
  • a fragrance oil can be added to a heated ethylenevinyl (EVA) resin and the mixture subjected to repeated heating and blending resulting in the production of a free-flowing resin in which all of the fragrance oil has been absorbed into the EVA.
  • EVA ethylenevinyl
  • the fragranced resin is then introduced into injection moulding equipment in order to mould the plastic collars.
  • the fragrance oil is converted into a powder being added to the resin, the resultant fragranced resin then having an enhanced fragrance power.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)

Abstract

A soap dispenser (1 ) is provided with an air freshener (19), the soap dispenser comprising a container for holding liquid soap and having a nozzle (17) through which the liquid soap may be dispensed. The air freshener is in the form of a plastics member removably attached to the soap dispenser and being infused with a substance which continuously releases a fragrance into the atmosphere.

Description

Combined Soap Dispenser and Air Freshener
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to soap dispensers and, in particular, to soap dispensers which are combined with air fresheners. Such soap dispensers may be provided in, for instance, locations which are space limited such as washrooms, for instance, washrooms on board commercial aircraft.
Background to the Invention
Soap dispensers provided in the washroom facilities of commercial aircraft can are usually rather small because of the restricted space within an aircraft cabin. Accordingly, the soap dispensers must be replaced at frequent intervals as the small amount of soap within the dispenser is quickly used up.
Also commonly provided within washroom facilities on conference, aircraft are air fresheners. In order to save as much space as possible, combined air freshener and soap dispensers have previously been provided. An example of such a device has a first compartment containing soap and a second compartment containing an air freshener, usually in an aerosol form. Upon depression of a nozzle, soap and air freshener dispensed at the same time. In other examples, the device includes either a fragrance induced tissue/gel or a complicated wick diffuser arrangement.
Such known arrangements can be relatively bulky and are not therefore very suitable for fitting into the small spaces which are available within an aircraft cabin. Furthermore, they may include non-recyclable components whereas there is an increasing demand for devices such as those with which the invention is concerned to be made fully recyclable.
Statements of the Invention
According to the present invention, there is provided a soap dispenser provided with an air freshener, the soap dispenser comprising a container for holding liquid soap and having a nozzle through which the liquid soap may be dispensed, the air freshener being in the form of a plastics member removably attached to the soap dispenser and being infused with a substance which continuously releases a fragrance into the atmosphere.
Preferably, the air freshener is a collar located on the exterior of the container.
Preferably, the container comprises a elongate body portion for accommodating liquid soap and a dispensing nozzle assembly mounted on an outlet located at one end of the container.
Preferably, the air freshener is located on a shoulder region between said body portion and said outlet.
Preferably, the width of said shoulder region decreases in a direction from said body portion towards said outlet.
Preferably, said shoulder region includes stepped portions at or near each of its longitudinal extremities.
Preferably, the container is provided with a mounting element to enable the dispenser to be removably attached to a support structure. The mounting element is preferably a threaded, substantially cylindrical projection and is preferably integral with the container.
The present invention also provides a method of dispensing soap and of freshening the air, the method comprising providing a container for holding liquid soap and having a nozzle through which the liquid soap may be dispensed, locating liquid soap within the container and causing said liquid soap to be dispensed through said nozzle, and removably attaching to the soap dispenser a plastics member which is infused with a substance which continuously releases a fragrance into the atmosphere.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The accompanying drawings as follows
Figure 1 is a side view of a soap dispenser in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side view of the soap dispenser of figure 1 with the dispensing nozzle and air freshener collar removed; and
Figure 2 is a side view of a further soap dispenser in accordance with the present invention and secured to a base.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, a combined air freshener and soap dispenser 1 comprises a bottle 3 having a hollow, cylindrical body portion 5 for containing a liquid soap and having a solid bottom end 5. Integral with solid base 7, and extending downwardly therefrom, is a mounting element 9 in the form of a threaded, substantially cylindrical projection.
At its other end, the body portion 5 of soap dispenser 1 is provided with a upwardly extending and inwardly inclined shoulder region 11 which includes a inwardly, gently stepped portion 13 near its lower end and an outwardly, gently stepped portion 15 at its top end.
The soap dispenser 1 is provided with a dispensing nozzle assembly 17 which includes a ring 19 having an internal profile such that the assembly 17 is securable to the body portion 5 by a push fit engagement on portion 15 of shoulder region 11.
Surrounding shoulder region 11 below stepped portion 15 is a collar 19 having an internal and external profile which corresponds to that of the shoulder region 11.
The components, 3 and 17, are made of suitable plastics materials which may be the same or different plastics. Collar 19 is also made of a plastics material but one which is infused with a slow release air freshening chemical substance.
Referring to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, a combined air freshener and soap dispenser 21 is similar to that described above and is shown screwed into a threaded holder 23.
Accordingly, in the above-described devices a plastics moulding that is impregnated with fragrance is trapped between the dispenser pump mechanism and the bottle of soap. The aroma collars, rings or cups are not attached to the bottle by themselves, nor do they fit into a recess in the soap bottle. Accordingly, the air freshener element can be fitted to any bottle of soap, hand steriliser etc that uses a pump mechanism. Indeed, it could be fitted to soap dispensers that do not use a pump mechanism. The air freshener element could also be fitted to bottles of bleach, hair shampoo etc.
Apart from the pump forming part of the dispensing nozzle assembly, all the components of the above described dispensers are recyclable. The pump itself contains recyclable parts but needs disassembly to separate them from any non-recyclable components.
The fragrance impregnated plastics moulding may be made be any suitable method. For instance, a fragrance oil can be added to a heated ethylenevinyl (EVA) resin and the mixture subjected to repeated heating and blending resulting in the production of a free-flowing resin in which all of the fragrance oil has been absorbed into the EVA. The fragranced resin is then introduced into injection moulding equipment in order to mould the plastic collars.
In another similar method the fragrance oil is converted into a powder being added to the resin, the resultant fragranced resin then having an enhanced fragrance power.

Claims

1. A soap dispenser provided with an air freshener, the soap dispenser comprising a container for holding liquid soap and having a nozzle through which the liquid soap may be dispensed, the air freshener being in the form of a plastics member removably attached to the soap dispenser and being infused with a substance which continuously releases a fragrance into the atmosphere.
2. A soap dispenser according to Claim 1, wherein the air freshener is a collar located on the exterior of the container.
3. A soap dispenser according to Claim 2, wherein the container comprises an elongate body portion for accommodating liquid soap and a dispensing nozzle assembly mounted on an outlet located at one end of the container.
4. A soap dispenser according to Claim 3, wherein the air freshener is located on a shoulder region between said body portion and said outlet.
5. A soap dispenser according to Claim 4, wherein the width of said shoulder region decreases in a direction from said body portion towards said outlet.
6. A soap dispenser according to Claim 5, wherein said shoulder region includes stepped portions at or near each of its longitudinal extremities.
7. A soap dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container is provided with a mounting element to enable the dispenser to be removably attached to a support structure.
8. A soap dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the mounting element is a threaded, substantially cylindrical projection.
9. A soap dispenser according to Claim 8, wherein said projection is integral with the container.
10. A method of dispensing soap and of freshening the air, the method comprising providing a container for holding liquid soap and having a nozzle through which the liquid soap may be dispensed, locating liquid soap within the container and causing said liquid soap to be dispensed through said nozzle, and removably attaching to the soap dispenser a plastics member which is infused with a substance which continuously releases a fragrance into the atmosphere.
EP22812761.9A 2021-10-28 2022-10-28 Combined soap dispenser and air freshener Pending EP4440631A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB2115539.5A GB202115539D0 (en) 2021-10-28 2021-10-28 Combined soap dispenser and air freshener
PCT/IB2022/060358 WO2023073618A1 (en) 2021-10-28 2022-10-28 Combined soap dispenser and air freshener

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4440631A1 true EP4440631A1 (en) 2024-10-09

Family

ID=78828513

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22812761.9A Pending EP4440631A1 (en) 2021-10-28 2022-10-28 Combined soap dispenser and air freshener

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4440631A1 (en)
GB (2) GB202115539D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2023073618A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5379917A (en) * 1993-03-01 1995-01-10 Fresh Products, Inc. Dual soap and fragrance dispenser
GB2442203A (en) * 2006-09-28 2008-04-02 Baylis & Harding Plc Air Freshener combined with a liquid soap dispenser
GB2448139B (en) * 2007-04-02 2012-04-11 Abdul Ebrahim Patel Combined fluid soap and air fresher dispenser
US20130043245A1 (en) * 2011-03-25 2013-02-21 Shawn Griffis Scented Attachment for Containers
US20130262345A1 (en) * 2012-03-27 2013-10-03 Gojo Industries, Inc. Personalized dispenser system
EP3773759A4 (en) * 2018-03-28 2021-12-22 Szent Co. Scented material compositions and articles for use with food and beverage

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2023073618A1 (en) 2023-05-04
GB202407450D0 (en) 2024-07-10
GB2627629A (en) 2024-08-28
GB202115539D0 (en) 2021-12-15

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