GB2372047A

GB2372047A - Rechargable unit for dispensing an active ingredient into a toilet bowl

Info

Publication number: GB2372047A
Application number: GB0103515A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Silvio Daneluzzi; Doris Riegler; De Scheur Frank Theodoor Van
Original assignee: Unilever PLC
Current assignee: Unilever PLC
Priority date: 2001-02-13
Filing date: 2001-02-13
Publication date: 2002-08-14
Also published as: GB0103515D0

Abstract

A dispensing unit for dispensing active ingredient(s) from the rim of a lavatory bowl comprising a reusable holder and a replaceable cartridge, wherein:<BR> ```the replaceable cartridge 14 comprises a reservoir of active ingredient(s) in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and means to expose active ingredient to flushing water in the lavatory bowl, the cartridge additionally comprising one or more supporting flanges 18;<BR> ```the holder comprises a housing 4, means to secure the housing to the rim of the lavatory bowl and one or more bearing flanges 20 and one or more locating flange 22;<BR> ```whereby the cartridge may be inserted in the housing with its support flange(s) on the bearing flange(s) of the holder and held in static position by said locating flange(s) on the holder.

Description

RECHARGABLE DISPENSING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a rechargeable dispensing system, in particular for dispensing active ingredient (s) such as cleansing and disinfecting liquids from the rim of a toilet bowl.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART EP 0 538 957 describes a cleansing and freshening unit for a toilet bowl composed of a container onto which is secured a refillable bottle. A full bottle is fitted to the container by snap-fitting or screw threading.

A further device of this type is disclosed in EP 0785315, which relates to a cleansing and freshening unit comprising a holder and a bottle detachably connected to the holder. The bottle and holder are provided with projections and grooves which cooperate with each other so that the bottle can be snapped onto the holder.

WOOO/66139 and WO99/66140 describe a liquid dispenser comprising a housing and a hook for suspending the housing from the rim of a lavatory bowl. A user inserts a sealed inverted reservoir bottle into the housing. The act of insertion causes the seal on the reservoir bottle to break.

A problem with these prior art dispensers is that the fitting of the bottle requires considerable handling by the user, in order to exert the required pressure either to snap-fit or screw thread the bottle or break the seal.

Although this is not a problem when the unit is new, it is undesirable when fitting a new refill bottle to an existing holder or housing, because the latter will have been in contact with the toilet bowl for some time.

Furthermore the construction of the holder is complex and the refill bottle must be robust which adds to the manufacturing cost.

WO 00/65162 discloses apparatus for dosing an active agent in the flush water of a toilet, the apparatus comprises suspension means for suspending a reservoir from the rim of a toilet bowl. The reservoir, which may be replaceable, is rotatably mounted in relation to the suspension means and includes an outlet for dispensing the active agent. The reservoir includes a biasing means which in the absence of flush water holds the reservoir in a rest position, wherein on flushing, the reservoir is rotated to a dosing position, and whereupon after flushing is completed, the biasing means returns the reservoir to the rest position.

There remains a need for a simple dispensing system which is convenient and easy to recharge with the minimum of handling required by the user.

According to the present invention there is provided a A dispensing unit for dispensing active ingredient (s) from the rim of a lavatory bowl comprising a reusable holder and a replaceable cartridge, wherein: the replaceable cartridge comprises a reservoir of active ingredient (s) in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and means to expose active ingredient to flushing water in the lavatory bowl, the cartridge additionally comprising one or more supporting flanges; the holder comprises a housing, means to secure the housing to the rim of the lavatory bowl and one or more bearing flanges and one or more locating flanges ; whereby the cartridge may be inserted in the housing with its support flange (s) on the bearing flange (s) of the holder and held in static position by said locating flange (s) on the holder.

The invention provides a simple effective liquid dispensing unit which may be easily replenished with a new cartridge by the user. Since all of the dispensing mechanism of the device is present in the cartridge no cleaning or maintenance of the unit is required when a new cartridge is inserted.

Furthermore, by providing a robust reusable holder with appropriate supporting and location flanges it is possible to manufacture the cartridge from light-weight materials which reduces manufacturing costs.

The reusable holder comprises a housing and means to secure the housing to the rim of the lavatory bowl. The attachment means generally comprises a hook shaped to be clipped over the rim of the lavatory bowl. The hook may be integrally formed with the housing or may be formed as a separate component which is secured to the housing by mechanical engagement or bonding. The housing is shaped to hold the cartridge in the required position for dispensing with its tray located in the path of flushing water from the toilet.

Preferably the housing is shaped to shroud or shield those surfaces of the cartridge which face radially inwardly of the lavatory bowl since this protects the cartridge from accidental damage during cleaning of the lavatory. Also the housing may be designed to be aesthetically pleasing and the cartridge will be substantially hidden from view.

The housing comprises one or more bearing flanges to support the cartridge.

The bearing flanges are conveniently positioned to support the base of the cartridge. However, this is not essential and the bearing flanges may be in other locations depending upon the position of the support flanges of the cartridge. Generally the locating flange (s) will be positioned above and parallel to the bearing flange (s) such that the support flange (s) will be clearance fit therebetween. In a preferred embodiment the bearing and locating flanges of the holder define a groove and the support flange defines a tongue which is slotted in to the groove. The flanges are preferably located at

the sides of the holder. Preferably the cartridge may be inserted and removed by a substantially horizontal sliding motion. The holder is preferably constructed of plastics material and may conveniently be formed by moulding e. g. injection moulding.

The cartridge may be formed of any suitable material which will act as a container for liquid and withstand the exposure to flushing water. Suitable materials include coated paper/card and plastics material which may be in the form of film or the plastics material may be moulded e. g. injection moulded, thermoformed etc.

In a preferred embodiment the replacement cartridge comprises a reservoir of liquid, a tray having a surface or apertures to expose liquid from the reservoir to flushing water in the lavatory bowl and a conduit extending between the reservoir and tray, to convey liquid from the reservoir to the tray.

The cartridge comprises a reservoir for liquid which constitutes the main body of the cartridge. The base of the cartridge comprises a tray which, in use, is placed in the path of the flushing water in the lavatory bowl.

The tray is in liquid communication with the reservoir via a port or conduit, such as a pipe or channel. The conduit is designed to allow a slow delivery of liquid to the tray. In one embodiment the conduit contains a porous mass e. g. sponge, open-cell foam etc. which allows liquid from the reservoir to reach the tray by wicking. In another embodiment the conduit is in the form of a small aperture, capillary tube or channel.

The tray may be in the form of a plate, optionally having one or more grooves to spread the liquid over the surface. The liquid is delivered from the reservoir to the surface of the plate where it is exposed to flushing water and washed off the plate and carried to the lavatory bowl. In another embodiment the tray is in the form of a chamber having one or more apertures e. g. slot, holes etc. ,

in its upper surface through which the liquid may exit so that flushing water washes liquid off the tray. The chamber may be hollow or filled with a porous mass e. g. sponge, open-cell foam etc.

The reservoir and/or tray may be provided with a venting aperture which in use communicates between ambient air and the reservoir so as to enable air to displace liquid dispensed from the reservoir.

The apertures in the tray and the venting aperture may be provided with a removable cover, e. g. strip of adhesive tape, to prevent liquid seeping from the cartridge during transportation and storage. The covers are removed upon installation of the cartridge in the holder.

The cartridge may conveniently be formed of two components: a planar base and a body component defining the reservoir and upper portion of the tray. In a preferred embodiment the base is extended beyond the reservoir to provide supporting flange. The flange is generally at the side margins of the base.

In a further embodiment of the invention the replaceable cartridge comprises a block of solid or gel which may be positioned in the path of flushing water in the lavatory bowl.

The supporting flange (s) need not be located at the base and can be in any location on the cartridge providing it will fulfil the function of adequately supporting the cartridge with the tray positioned in the path of the flushing water.

The active ingredient in the reservoir may comprise disinfectant, deodorant, perfume, cleanser or any combination thereof.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 2 represent perspective view of a holder in accordance with the invention, Figure 3 represents a diagrammatic front elevation of dispensing device in accordance with the invention, Figure 4 represents a diagrammatic side view of the dispensing device of Figure 3, and Figures 5a, 5b and 5c represent diagrammatic front, plan and side views of a cartridge for use in the invention.

In the figures, like numerals represent like parts.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a holder 2 comprising a housing 4 and an attachment means in the form of a hook 6. The hook 6 is dimensioned to clip over the rim of a lavatory bowl. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 the hook is formed as a separate piece which is secured to the housing 4 by mechanical engagement at 8. The hook may comprise ribs 10,12 to improve frictional engagement with the rim of the lavatory bowl. The ribs 10,12 may be formed of a rubbery material.

The housing 4 forms a solid shroud which envelopes the back 12 of the cartridge 14 (Figure 4). The housing is shaped to form lateral portions 16 which extend along the sides of the cartridge 14.

The cartridge comprises supporting flanges 18 on either side. The supporting flanges 18 rest upon bearing flanges 20 in the holder and accidental displacement of the cartridge 14 is prevented by locating flange 22 on the holder 2. Bearing flange 20 and locating flange 22 define a groove in to which the support flange 18 is a clearance fit. In order to facilitate insertion of the support flange 18 in to the groove formed between the bearing and locating flanges 20,22, the flanges 20,22 are provided with end portions 24,26 which

are divergent to define a funnel or guide therebetween for insertion of the support flange 18.

The cartridge 14 comprises a body portion 30 which forms a liquid reservoir.

The bottom of the reservoir 30 is sealed around the perimeter of the reservoir to a tray 32. The reservoir is in communication with a tray 32 via a conduit (not shown) so that liquid from the reservoir seeps onto tray 32.

The dispenser is positioned such that tray 32 is within the path of flushing water in the lavatory bowl and the flushing water will wash exposed liquid from the tray thereby freshening the lavatory. The tray 32 may contain an open cell foam or sponge 42 which adsorbs or wicks the liquid from the dispenser. The cartridge is static within the holder i. e. no moving parts, and provides a simple effective system for dispensing active ingredient e. g. deodorant, perfume etc.

Figures 5a to 5c represent diagrammatic views of a further cartridge in accordance with the invention. The cartridge 14 comprises a reservoir in the form of a body 30 of solid or gel. The body 30 is secured to a planar base portion 34. The lateral margins of the planar base 34 extend beyond the body 30 forming support flanges 18. The rear margin 40 of the planar base may also act as a support flange.

In use, the cartridge is inserted in a holder of the type illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, by sliding the support flanges 18 in to the groove formed between the bearing flanges 20 and locating flanges 22. Insertion is facilitated by the flared ends of these flanges. The assembled dispenser is secured in position with the hook over the rim of the toilet bowl. The dispenser is positioned such that the body 30 is within the path of flushing water in the lavatory bowl. The body 30 comprises water soluble active ingredients and the flushing water in contact with the body 30 will dissolve small amounts of active ingredients as it flows over the surface of the body thereby freshening the lavatory.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A dispensing unit for dispensing active ingredient (s) from the rim of a lavatory bowl comprising a reusable holder and a replaceable cartridge, wherein: the replaceable cartridge comprises a reservoir of active ingredient (s) in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and means to expose active ingredient to flushing water in the lavatory bowl, the cartridge additionally comprising one or more supporting flanges ; the holder comprises a housing, means to secure the housing to the rim of the lavatory bowl and one or more bearing flanges and one or more locating flanges ; whereby the cartridge may be inserted in the housing with its support flange (s) on the bearing flange (s) of the holder and held in static position by said locating flange (s) on the holder.
2. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 1 in which the means to secure the housing to the lavatory bowl comprises a hook.
3. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 2 in which the hook is integrally formed with the housing.
4. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 2 in which the hook is integrally formed separately from the housing and secured to the housing.
5. A dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the bearing and location flanges are parallel and form a groove therebetween.
6. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 5 in which the respective ends of the bearing flange (s) and location flange (s) are divergent to define a guide as funnel for insertion of the support flange.
7. A dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the cartridge may be inserted and removed by a substantially horizontal sliding motion.
8. A dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the housing is shaped to shield the surface of the cartridge which face radially inwardly of the lavatory bowl.
9. A dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the reusable holder is made of plastics material.
10. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 1 in which the replaceable cartridge comprises a reservoir of liquid, a tray having a surface or apertures to expose liquid from the reservoir to flushing water in the lavatory bowl and a conduit extending between the reservoir and tray, to convey liquid from the reservoir to the tray.
11. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 10 in which the tray is in the form of a plate and liquid is conveyed from the reservoir on to the surface of the plate.
12. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 11 in which the surface of the plate comprises one or more grooves to spread the liquid over the plate.
13. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 10 in which the tray comprises a chamber having one or more apertures in the upper surface.
14. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 13 in which the chamber contains a porous mass.
15. A dispensing unit as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 14 in which the cartridge comprises a venting aperture so as to enable air to displace liquid dispersed from the aperture.
16. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claims 13 to 15 in which the aperture in the tray and/or the venting aperture is sealed with a removable cover prior to insertion in the holder.
17. A dispensing unit as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9 in which the replaceable cartridge comprises a block of solid or gel which may be positioned in the path of flushing water in the lavatory bowl.
18. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 17 in which the block is supported on a planar base.
19. A dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the cartridge comprises a planar base which extends beyond the reservoir to form a supporting flange.
20. A dispensing unit as claimed in Claim 19 in which the base extends beyond the reservoir to form support flanges on either side of the reservoir.
21. A dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim in which the active ingredient comprises a disinfectant, deodorant, perfume, cleanser or any combination thereof.
22. A cartridge for use in a dispenser as defined in Claim 1, the cartridge having the features as defined in any one of Claims 10 to 21.