ES2668918T3 - Hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances - Google Patents

Abstract

A sanitary device for sanitary devices (10 ') comprising a detergent and / or deodorant means in the form of a solid block (20) and means (30) for hooking to the edge of a toilet (100), in which said means (30 ) of coupling comprise a portion of hooking to the toilet (31) and a portion (33, 34, 35) of coupling to said solid block (20), this hooking portion (33, 34, 35) comprising a perforated flat plate ( 35) having a smaller dimension or, at most, the same as the rear flat surface (21) of the solid block (20), said solid block (20) comprising at least one rear flat surface (21) for coupling with said means (30) of hitch, characterized in that said perforated flat plate (35) has at least three spikes (36) perpendicular to it and facing the opposite side with respect to the wall of the toilet for pressure placement of the solid block (20) , wherein said perforated flat plate (35) has, on the side opposite to said tines (36), at least one deflector (38) comprising a protruding surface, inclined with respect to the flat plate (35) an angle ß less than 90 ° to collect and distribute water through holes (37) of said plate (35) upstream in the direction of the water discharge flow.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances

The present invention relates to a hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances.

It is known to use hygienic devices for sanitary appliances, such as, for example, toilets, to be fixed inside the sanitary apparatus by means of an appropriate hook that is hooked on the perimeter edge thereof.

The known hygienic devices can be divided into what is called "solid bars", which comprise a solid state detergent and / or deodorant medium, and what is called "liquid blocks", which comprise a detergent and / or toilet deodorant medium in liquid state supplied by a bottle.

In particular, the first type of hygienic device for a toilet generally comprises a perforated distributor element, called a "cage", equipped with a hook for the hook with the edge of the toilet, and containing inside the detergent and / or deodorant means in solid block shape, also called "soap bar".

At present, the solid state detergent and / or deodorant medium is generally produced by means of an extrusion process.

Each time water is discharged by pulling the chain, the water that flows directly over the distribution cage dissolves and drags a small amount of detergent and / or deodorant product from the solid block contained within the cage.

One of the drawbacks of these cage devices is their high environmental impact. In fact, at the end of its use, when the detergent and / or aromatic medium has been completely spent, the entire dispensing element, which comprises the hook and the cage, is thrown away.

In addition, cage devices, when applied inside a toilet, are cumbersome and not aesthetically appealing.

Examples of hygienic devices for a toilet comprising a cage or other distribution bodies containing a detergent medium are shown in GB 2416785 A, WO 2009/034304 A1, US 4096593 A, US 2011/138526 A1 and US 3766576 A.

Other hygienic toilet devices have also been developed in which the detergent and / or flavoring solid is hung from the perimeter edge by a less cumbersome structure than a cage. For example, patent application WO 2007/107750 A1 discloses a solid detergent medium in which the end of the hook is directly submerged to be loaded on the perimeter edge of the toilet. Substantially, the solid detergent medium has its entire external surface exposed to the discharge water.

The main drawback of this device is the extremely irregular consumption of the detergent and / or aromatic medium, which is aesthetically unattractive and after a relatively low number of water discharges pulling the chain equal, for example, to 200 discharges.

Document AT 293965 B teaches melting a solid block on a support structure to suspend it vertically below the edge of a toilet.

Another example of a hygienic toilet device comprising a solid detergent and / or flavoring medium is provided by patent application EP 2270286 A1, which discloses the provision to the solid block of a central through hole in which a crossbar is inserted which has at one end the suspension hook to the perimeter edge of the toilet.

Also in these types of devices, the size of the structure is smaller than in cage devices, but not with the advantage of the aesthetic appearance of the solid block containing the through hole. In fact, in this case, the support structure is always visible, and the defects of the traditional cage are maintained, at least partially.

In addition, with the devices described above, the consumption of the solid block is greatly influenced by the type of sanitary appliance in which it is installed and, in particular, the type of water discharge.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances that resolves the drawbacks of the known technique indicated above.

The object of the present invention is solved by the technical characteristics of claim 1.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances that gives good results of duration with sufficient level of foam, possibly not

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particularly influenced by the type of toilet, which can have a turbulent flow or shower attached to the surface.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances that is particularly simple and functional, with reduced costs.

These objectives according to the present invention are achieved by providing a hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances as specified in claim 1.

Additional features are indicated in the dependent claims.

The characteristics and advantages of a hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances according to the present invention will become more apparent from the following illustrative and non-limiting description, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an improved hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances that is not part of the present invention;

Figure 2A shows a first embodiment of the device of Figure 1 applied to the edge of a toilet under the conditions of use when it is new;

Figure 2B schematically shows the device of Figure 2A applied to the edge of a toilet under the conditions of use after approximately 200 water discharges;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the coupling means of the hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the engagement means with perforations according to a first illustrative and non-limiting embodiment that is not part of the invention;

Figure 5 is an elevation view of the engagement means of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an elevation view of the hooking means with perforations according to a further embodiment that is not part of the invention;

Figure 7A shows a second improved embodiment of the device of Figure 1 that is part of the invention, applied to the edge of a toilet under the conditions of use when it is new;

Figure 7B schematically shows the device of Figure 7A applied to the edge of a toilet under the conditions of use after approximately 200 water discharges;

Figure 8 is an elevational view of the rear side of the coupling means of the improved hygienic device according to the invention, further equipped with a hook having variable length;

Figure 9 shows an enlarged detail of the deflectors of the improved hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances according to the present invention.

With reference to the figures, these show a hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances according to the present invention, indicated in conjunction with 10 ', comprising a detergent and / or deodorant means in the form of a solid block 20 and means 30 for engaging the edge of a toilet 100. The device indicated in conjunction with 10 is not part of the invention.

The solid block 20 can be produced in one piece, or more pieces, by coextrusion.

The solid block 20 must have at least one rear flat surface 21 for coupling with the coupling means 30. According to a preferred embodiment, it also has a second flat surface 22, parallel to the first rear flat surface 21. The thickness X of the solid block 20 is defined by the distance between the flat surfaces 21 and 22.

The solid block 20 can also have an external surface or curved surface 23 perpendicular to the flat surfaces 21, 22; that is, it can have a tubular shape. The external form - that is, the development of the curved surface, can be of any type, but is preferably rounded. In the non-limiting examples shown in the figures, it is shaped like a flower with six rounded petals.

The hooking means 30 comprise a hooking portion to the toilet and a hooking portion with the solid block 20.

The toilet hooking portion comprises a flexible hook 31 with three sections, substantially orthogonal to each other, suitable for hooking to the outer, upper and inner edge of the toilet 100. This

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Element can have variable shapes and dimensions. According to what is shown for illustrative purposes in Figure 8, the flexible hook can have a variable length; for example, by means of a zipper type mechanism. This allows a better positioning of the device with respect to the discharge of water in relation to the geometry of the toilet and, in particular, with the dimensions of its perimeter edge.

The hitch portion with the solid block comprises a first support arm 33, to separate the solid block 20 from the side wall of the toilet 100, which extends substantially orthogonally with respect to the hitch portion to the toilet, so that it is oriented towards the inner wall of the toilet 100. It also comprises a second support arm 34, to separate the solid block 20 from the perimeter edge of the toilet 100, the support arms 33 and 34 having a mutual angle ranging from 1 ° to 45 °. A preferred non-limiting embodiment that has provided good results contemplates, for example, an angle equal to about 20 °.

Both support arms 33 and 34 can have a length, for example, which ranges between 5 mm and 50 mm to obtain an optimal discharge water line to the solid block 20.

A perforated flat plate 35, which has at least three spikes 36 perpendicular to it and facing the opposite side with respect to the wall of the toilet for pressure placement of the solid block 20, extends from the free end of the second support arm 34 and is aligned with him.

The solid block 20 is, in fact, sufficiently malleable to be perforated by the spikes 36 and remain anchored thereto.

The barbs 36 have a length ranging from 33% to 99% of the thickness X of the solid block 20 when it is new and, preferably, substantially equal to 90%. It has been observed that 90% represents the optimal compromise solution between the requirement of selecting a minimum length for the spikes that should not be visible during use and the maintenance requirement of the solid perforated block also during its consumption.

Preferably, the barbs 36 are located at the top of the flat plate 35 not aligned with each other — that is, in an inclined position; a triangle in the example. As shown in the figures for illustrative purposes, the first barb 36 is located in the center of the surface of the flat plate 35, the second and third barbs are located in the upper half of the flat plate 35, between the first barb and the second support arm 34, in a symmetrical position with respect to the central plane that crosses the first central pin 36.

The flat plate 35 has dimensions substantially comparable to those of the rear flat surface 21 of the solid block 20. Substantially comparable dimensions means that the perforated flat plate 35 has a smaller or at least equal dimension to the rear flat surface 21 of the solid block 20.

In particular, it has been observed that an embodiment solution in which the distance of the perimeter of the flat plate 35 from the perimeter of the solid block 20 does not exceed 10 mm and, preferably, does not exceed 5 mm, gives the best results in terms of uniform consumption.

Furthermore, when the flat plate 35 has smaller dimensions than the solid block 20, the perimeter of the flat plate preferably has the same shape as the rear flat surface 21 of the solid block 20.

According to an improved embodiment of the hygienic device 10 'according to the invention, on the side of the flat plate 35 opposite the barbs 36 - that is, the back side which, when the device is in use, is oriented towards the toilet wall - , there is at least one deflector 38 comprising an inclined projection surface with respect to the flat plate 35, to define an angle p of less than 90 ° and, preferably, of approximately 60 °.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rear side of the flat plate 35 is provided with at least two or, as shown in the figures, preferably three deflectors 38.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the baffles have progressively increasing dimensions from top to bottom. In particular, starting from the deflector 38 closest to the support arm 34, not only increases the maximum prominence of the deflector — that is, the distance and the free edge of the deflector measured perpendicular to the flat plate 35 — but also the width z measured in a plane parallel to the flat plate 35.

The perforated flat plate 35 contains several openings that have variable shapes, dimensions and positions. The holes 37 of the plate 35, of which some examples are shown for illustrative purposes in the figures, may in fact have various shapes and dimensions; for example, also as indentations (not shown).

According to the invention, the perforated surface should range between 66% and 2% of the total surface of the flat plate 35 and, preferably, between 20% and 5%.

According to the preferred example shown for illustrative purposes in Figure 8, all the holes 37 are located in the portion of the flat plate 35 between the lower baffle 38 - that is, the furthest from the support arm 34 - and the arm 34 itself of support. According to the invention, it is also sufficient that the maximum hole density 37 be

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upstream of the lower baffle 38 in the direction of the discharge water flow; that is, in the portion between the support arm 34 and the lower baffle 38.

When it works, on the perimeter edge of a toilet, with each flow of discharge water, the water immerses the hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances 10 'differently, depending on the type of toilet. At the two opposite functional ends, there is a turbulent movement or a shower-like descent attached to the toilet surface. At both ends, the water flow hits the perforated flat plate 35 and, through the holes 37, hits the flat surface 21 of the solid block 20 by dragging a certain amount of detergent and / or aromatic substance. This arrangement of the perforated flat plate 35 with respect to the water flow causes a substantially uniform erosion of the flat surface 21 and, progressively, a reduction in the thickness of the solid block 20, which, in Figures 2B and 7B, is schematized with a reduced thickness X '.

The base of the barbs 36 becomes progressively visible, but the solid block 20 remains pierced by its tip during its useful life, ranging indicatively between 300 and 500 discharges, depending on the dimensions, weight and type of formula.

The realization of a perforated flat plate 35 which has substantially the same dimensions as the solid block, or slightly smaller dimensions, has surprisingly given the best compromise solution between the duration of the solid block 20 and the degree of foam to be obtained. , while retaining an aesthetically pleasing surface appearance, regardless of the presence of a turbulent flow or shower in the toilet.

Another important aspect for the quality of consumption of the solid block 20, also when used in a toilet with a laminar flow and, therefore, slightly turbulent, is provided by the presence of baffles 38 in the improved hygienic device 10 '. In fact, the baffles distribute a greater amount of water through the holes in the flat plate 35 although the flow that affects the device 10 'is slightly turbulent.

In particular, it has been seen that each baffle 38 distributes water primarily through the upper holes. Each baffle 38 also creates an obstacle to the passage of water through the perforated flat plate 35. Consequently, the arrangement of more baffles that have a prominence and width that increase downward, with respect to the direction of water flow, allows a better compromise solution between the water distribution function and the obstacle to the passage of water to the holes downstream. In particular, the upper baffles conduct part of the water into the upper holes, but, at the same time, allow sufficient water to flow downstream. The lower baffles are increasingly wider and more protruding to collect water not hindered by the upper baffles and send it through the upper holes. In addition, it has been observed that the lower portion of the solid block 20 is the one whose consumption is less influenced by the presence of holes 37 in the flat plate 35.

It has been observed that a flat plate without holes gives good results with respect to the duration, but that, in certain types of toilet in which the water descends vertically adhering considerably to the surface, it gives extremely disappointing results with respect to the foam . In fact, water is only able to rinse the solid block initially, but, after some time, the part of the block at the back is consumed and the contact between the water and the surfactants is extremely limited. This causes the formation of an insufficient amount of foam.

It has also been seen that the use, for the perforated plate, of a flat surface that has a very restricted area with respect to the solid block produces a large amount of foam, also in toilets with a flow of water that adheres to the surface, but that is spent quickly and very irregularly, especially in the lower portion.

In the hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances 10 'according to the invention, several holes 37 have been introduced in the flat plate 35, which have dimensions comparable to those of the solid block 20. Unexpectedly, these holes allow the passage of water also in the case of an extremely difficult and commonly used toilet with reduced turbulence and, at the same time, allow a more regular and gradual consumption.

It has been found that allowing the solid block 20 to have access to the discharge water through the holes 37, instead of reducing the area of the flat plate 35 with respect to the rear flat surface 21 of the solid block 20, the better results in terms of uniform consumption of solid block 20.

In addition, in the hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances 10 ', according to the invention, the consumption of the solid block 20 occurs starting from the rear flat surface 21. This resource allows the original shape of the block to be preserved as much as possible in the front side of the solid block 20 or, at least, that aesthetic defects due to erosion not completely uniform are reduced.

The hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary appliances, object of the present invention, produced in the flat plate, has the advantage of combining good durability and foam level performances regardless of the type of discharge present in the toilet.

Consumption occurs advantageously gradually starting from the back side and, in the front, the solid block shape is retained for as long as possible in the product's shelf life.

It has also been observed that the presence of at least one deflector 38 allows a good foam production to be maintained even after a certain period of use when consumption has already begun; that is, 5 when the solid block has reduced its thickness x and is no longer immediately close to the perforated flat plate 35.

The hygienic device with improved consumption for sanitary devices thus conceived can undergo numerous modifications and variations, all included in the invention; In addition, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the 10 dimensions, may vary according to the technical requirements.

Claims (14)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 1. A sanitary device for sanitary appliances (10 ') comprising a detergent and / or deodorant means in the form of a solid block (20) and means (30) for hooking to the edge of a toilet (100), wherein said means (30) of engagement comprise a portion of attachment to the toilet (31) and a portion (33, 34, 35) of engagement to said solid block (20), this portion (33, 34, 35) comprising a flat plate comprising perforated (35) having a smaller dimension or, at most, the same as the rear flat surface (21) of the solid block (20), said solid block (20) comprising at least one rear flat surface (21) for coupling with said hooking means (30), characterized in that said perforated flat plate (35) has at least three spikes (36) perpendicular to it and facing the opposite side with respect to the toilet wall for pressure placement of the solid block ( 20), wherein said perforated flat plate (35) has, on the opposite side to said spikes (36), at least one deflector (38) comprising a protruding surface, inclined with respect to the flat plate (35) an angle p less than 90 ° to collect and distribute water through holes (37) of said plate (35) upstream in the direction of the water discharge flow. 2. The device according to claim 1 characterized in that said perforated flat plate (35) comprises at least two deflectors (38). The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the maximum prominence and / or width of said at least two baffles (38) progressively increase from the top to the bottom of said flat plate (35) in the direction of water flow Download The device according to any of the preceding claims 2 to 3 characterized in that said perforated flat plate (35) has the highest hole density upstream of the lower deflector (38) in the direction of the discharge water flow. The device according to claim 4 characterized in that all the holes (37) are located upstream of the lower deflector (38). The device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said perforated flat plate (35) has a perforated surface ranging from 66% to 2% of the total surface of the flat plate (35). 7. The device according to claim 6 characterized in that said perforated flat plate (35) has a perforated surface ranging from 20% to 5% of the total surface of the flat plate (35). The device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said prongs (36) are located at the top of the perforated flat plate (35) in a mutually inclined position. The device according to claim 8 characterized in that the first of said barbs (36) is located in the center of the surface of said flat plate (35) and the second and third of said barbs (36) are located in the middle upper of the flat plate (35), in a symmetrical position with respect to the central plane that crosses said first central barb (36). The device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said solid block (20) comprises a second flat surface (22), parallel to the first rear flat surface (21), the thickness (X) of the solid block (20) being defined. ) by the distance between said flat surfaces (21, 22). 11. The device according to claim 8 characterized in that said prongs (36) have a length ranging from 33% to 99% of the thickness (X) of the solid block (20) when it is new and preferably is substantially equal to 90% . The device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the distance to the perimeter of said perforated flat plate (35) from the perimeter of said solid block (20) does not exceed 10 mm and preferably does not exceed 5 mm. 13. The device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said perforated flat plate (35) has a perimeter having the same shape as the rear flat surface (21) of the solid block (20). 14. The device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said hooking portion with the solid block comprises a first support arm (33), for separating said solid block (20) from the side wall of the toilet (100), said said extension extending first support arm (33) from the hitch portion with the toilet so that it is oriented towards the inner wall of the toilet, and a second support arm (34) to separate the solid block (20) from the perimeter edge of the toilet (100 ), said support arms (33, 34) being mutually inclined at an angle (a) of approximately 45 °.