GB2502950A - Toilet bowl liquid dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a holder for a main reservoir of cleaning formulation for a toilet bowl. The holder comprises a housing 12 which receives the main reservoir 50 i.e. a bottle, a support mechanism (14 figure 1) for suspending the housing on a toilet bowl, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the cleaning formulation into the toilet bowl. The housing comprises an outlet (18 figure 2c) connected to the dispensing mechanism where the cleaning formulation flows from the main reservoir 50 into the dispensing mechanism. The housing also comprises a piercing mechanism (30 figure 2a) which is located inside the housing and which is engageable with a corresponding opening on the main reservoir 50. The piercing mechanism (30 figure 2a) comprises a plurality of protrusions 34 spaced around the outlet. The main reservoir may be a bottle 50 which points downwards and from which fluid flows into the dispensing reservoir 44. Flush water is caught by a dispensing tray 16 and flows into the reservoir 44 to mix with the cleaning formulation.

Description

Liquid Dispenser

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a dispensing device suspended from and suitable for dispensing a cleansing formulation into a toilet bowl.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many devices are known for dispensing cleaning formulations in the form of liquids into a toilet bowl. Many such devices comprise a container holding a reservoir of cleaning formulation and a dispensing device which cooperates with the reservoir to release formulation into the toilet bowl. For example, W02004/020751 shows a device comprising a bottle that holds a liquid and a base with a piercing post for opening a closure of the bottle. The piercing post comprises a cylindrical tubular section that defines a feed conduit. An upper end of the tubular section terminates obliquely to form an elliptical mouth. The closure covers a circular mouth. By properly dimensioning the piercing post, the closure and the mouth, a fluid tight seal is formed with the bottle is installed on the base. A flow of water during a toilet flush is used to dispense liquid from a dispensing position which is connected to the feed conduit by a wicking device.

An alternative device is shown in EP1632616 which describes a device comprising a container having an outlet which may be pierced by a bevelled element. Below or at the outlet is a perforated wall in which the perforations are adapted to form a suspended meniscus of liquid which is removed by a stream of water following a toilet flush.

Another device is shown in WOO 1/88286 which describes a toilet bowl dispenser comprising a reservoir and a distributing element having an opening tube which pierces a closure on the reservoir. The distributing element may be in the form of a tube having one end adjacent the toilet bowl or a flat plate attached to the bowl. At least one end of the tube has an opening sufficiently small to prevent fluid flowing in the absence of flush water. Dispensing only occurs due to hydrodynamic effects caused by flushing.

The applicants have recognised the need for an improved device in which the formulation is better guided and the dosage is better controlled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a holder for a main reservoir of cleaning formulation for a toilet bowl, the holder comprising a housing for receiving the main reservoir, a support mechanism for suspending said housing on a toilet bowl; and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing cleaning formulation into said toilet bowl, wherein the housing comprises an outlet connected to the dispensing mechanism whereby, in use, cleaning formulation flows from the main reservoir into the dispensing mechanism, and a piercing post which is located inside the housing and which is engageable with a corresponding opening on the main reservoir to form the outlet, wherein the piercing post comprises a plurality of protrusions spaced around the outlet.

The piercing mechanism may comprise a hollow base section from which the plurality of protrusions extend. In use, the piercing mechanism aligns with a corresponding opening on a base of the main reservoir so that as the main reservoir is inserted into the holder, the piercing mechanism ruptures a frangible seal over the opening. The plurality of protrusions may be equally spaced around the outlet. The piercing mechanism may thus have a castellated shape which ensures that the piercing post is sufficiently strong to pierce the frangible seal but does not impede fluid flow from the reservoir. The upper surface of each protrusion may be chamfered to assist in piercing. Alternatively, the piercing mechanism may be a hollow tube with slots or gaps through which fluid can flow unimpeded. The slots may extend partially or wholly along the length of the tube, e.g. from an inlet to the tube towards the outlet to the tube.

The outlet is preferably dimensioned so that the fluid flow is restricted. The diameter may depend on the viscosity of the fluid; a fluid with a thinner viscosity flows more readily through the outlet than a fluid with a thicker viscosity. Furthermore, a thinner viscosity fluid may leak from other parts of the device, e.g. around a cap or internal tube which leads to pack leakage and drips. A thicker viscosity is preferred. The viscosity range is 2000-7000cps and preferably 3150-3850 (Brookfield LTC Spindle 2 Speed 6). The outlet size is preferably related to the viscosity of the fluid. The outlet may have a diameter of between 0.5 to 4.5mm, more preferably 1.5 to 4.2mm, more preferably 4mm to 4.2mm. If the diameter is above 4.2mm for a viscosity of approximately 3500cps, there is no restriction effect and the fluid flows freely from the main reservoir into the dispensing mechanism.

The outlet size may further be dimensioned to ensure that sufficient fluid flows into the dispensing mechanism between flushes to ensure that the correct amount is ready for dispensing. If the diameter is too small, the fluid flow is too low and the dispensing reservoir may not be filled before the fluid therein is dispensing by a flushing action. For example, a 1.5mm outlet takes much longer to dispense than a 2mm hole which itself takes much longer to dispense than a 4mm.

The outlet size may further be dimensioned to reduce flush water flowing into the main reservoir. Particularly for a thick fluid (e.g. viscosity in the range of 3500cps), there is a tendency for flush water to be sucked back into the main reservoir through the outlet.

This occurs because water is less viscous than the fluid being dispensed and thus water flows more readily through the hole than the fluid itself. If water flows into the reservoir, this will thin the cleaning fluid which alters its viscosity and may negate the restriction effect of the outlet.

The outlet may comprise a plate having an aperture which defines the size of the outlet.

The aperture may thus be between 0.5 to 4.5mm, more preferably 1.5 to 4.2mm, more preferably 4mm to 4.2mm in diameter. The plate may be positioned at any angle relative to the outlet without noticeable effect on the restriction effect. For ease of manufacture, the plate may be positioned generally parallel to a base of the main reservoir.

Atmospheric pressure will also affect the rate of dispensing. As the main reservoir empties, pressure within the main reservoir generally increase which forces cleaning fluid from the main reservoir and thus increases the rate of fluid flow. The outlet diameter may be selected to take account of the change in reservoir pressure over the life of the device.

The dispensing mechanism may comprise a dispensing reservoir into which formulation flows from the main reservoir. The dispensing reservoir may have a size which provides a single dose of formulation with each toilet flush. Increasing the dispensing reservoir size may increase the rate of dispensing through the outlet. The dispensing reservoir may hold 0-Smls of formulation, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 ml.

A formulation typically comprises: 0.6% hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (polymeric thickener); 16.0% sodium lauryl ether sulphate (anionic surfactant, cleaning agent); 5.0% alcohol ethoxylate (non-ionic surfactant, perfume solubiliser); 10% perfume; and water to balance. The formulation can optionally contain excipients such as colourants, colour stabilising agents, weak organic acids (such as citric acid) for limescale removal, sequestrants (such as sodium polyacrylate), bittering agents to discourage ingestion and surface modifier polymers such as Mirapol Surf S. The dispensing mechanism may also comprise a dispensing tray for collecting flush water and directing flush water into the dispensing reservoir. The dispensing tray may thus extend from a rear face of the holder so that when positioned on a toilet bowl, the tray is below a lip of the toilet bowl. A typical toilet has a lip around its upper edge through which flush water flows before draining down the inner surfaces of the toilet bowl. By positioning the dispensing tray beneath this lip, flush waler is efficienlly collected. The dispensing tray may be angled downward lowards a base of the holder to ensure flush water flows mb the dispensing reservoir.

The angle and therefore till of the device relative to the toilet also affects the rate of dispensing. If the till is too large, the cleaning fluid may overflow from the dispensing reservoir and leak. By appropriate dimensioning of the dispensing reservoir and dispensing tray, the device may be designed to operate correctly al a tilt of up to 20 degrees from vertical. The dispensing tray may be generally flat with upturned edges.

The device may thus be designed to provide a desired dosage by considering some or all of the following parameters; outlet diameter, reservoir size, pressure, formulation parameters, and positioning on the toilet. The formulation parameters may include viscosity. The positioning on a toilet may include relative angle to the toilet, toilet type and toilet position. The parameters may be considered individually or more preferably may be optimised together.

The dispensing mechanism may be in the form of a siphon mechanism which may comprise at least one siphon tube. There may be a pair of siphon tubes positioned either side of the housing outlet. The at least one siphon tube may comprise an inner tube having an inlet which extends above a surface of the dispensing reservoir and an outlet which allows fluid 10 flow from the dispensing reservoir into a toilet below. The at least one siphon tube may comprise a section formed between an outer surface of lhe inner tube and a corresponding cap.

The support mechanism may be in the form of a hanger. The hanger may be an elongate strip which is flexible and moveable between a first folded state and a second hanging state in which the holder is mounted on a toilet. The hanger may comprise a head section, a middle section joined via a hinge to the head section and a tail section joined via a hinge to the middle section. The sections and hinges may be all integrally formed. In the first folded state, all the section may be generally parallel to each other with the tail section folded between the head section and middle section. In use on a toilet bowl, the middle section may be generally at right angles to the head and tail section which are arranged either side of a toilet bowl.

The holder may further comprise a spacer which may extends generally perpendicular to and from a rear surface of the holder to contact the inner surface of a rim around the toilet bowl to assist in correct location of the holder on the toilet.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for dispensing cleaning formulation into a toilet bowl, the device comprising a holder as described above and a main reservoir of cleaning formulation releasbly mountable within the housing of said holder.

The main reservoir may be in the form of a bottle and may be shaped to be a snug fit within the holder. The main reservoir may comprise an opening sealed with a frangible seal which is ruptured on insertion of the main reservoir into the housing by the piercing mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is diagrammatically illustrated with reference to the following drawings in which: Figures la and lb are perspective and cross-sectional side views of a holder for mounting on a toilet bowl; Figure 2a and 2c are perspective internal and base views of the holder of Figure 1 a; Figure 2b is a close up of a detail of Figure 2a; Figures 3a to 3g show the operation of a device comprising the holder of Figure 1 a, Figure 3h is a close up of the siphon mechanism; and Figure 4 shows an alternative dispensing tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures la and lb show a holder comprising a housing 12 for receiving a main reservoir of cleaning fluid, a hanger 14 for releasably attaching the holder to a toilet bowl and a dispensing tray 16 onto which flush water flows. The housing 12 is generally in the form of an open cuboid which matches the generally cuboid shape of a main reservoir of cleaning formulation so that, in use, the main reservoir is a snug fit within the housing 12.

The dispensing tray 16 extends from a rear wall of the housing 12 and is angled to direct flush water towards a base of the housing. The angle is relatively shallow, perhaps 15 degrees. The dispensing tray 16 is joined to the housing via a hinge so that the dispensing tray 16 is moveable between a dispensing position shown in Figure la and an open position shown in Figure 2c. The hinge also improves the manufacturing and assembly process of the device.

The hanger 14 is in the form of an elongate strip which is flexible and moveable between a first folded state shown in Figure 1 and a second hanging state in which the holder is mounted on a toilet. The hanger comprises a head section 22, a middle section 24 joined via a hinge to the head section and a tail section 26 joined via a hinge to the middle section. The sections and hinges are integrally formed. In the first folded state, the head section 22 extends from a rear wall of the holder in the same plane as the rear wall. The middle section 24 and tail section 26 are arranged so that they are all generally parallel with the tail section 26 arranged between the head section and middle section.

In use on a toilet bowl, the middle section 24 is opened to be generally at right angles to the head section and lies on an upper surface of the toilet bowl. The tail section 26 is opened to be generally at right angles to the middle section and adjacent an outer surface of the toilet bowl. Such a hanger is well known in the art. Alternatively, another mechanism for hanging the device may be used.

A spacer 28 extends generally perpendicular from the rear surface of the holder to contact the inner surface of a rim around the toilet bowl to assist in correct location of the holder on the toilet. The dispensing tray 16 extends under the rim, into the path of the flush water as is well known in the art. For silent flow toilets, such as are common in the USA and in which the flush water flows over the toilet bowl surface, the dispensing tray 16 extends to touch the bowl surface as is known in the art.

Within the housing 12 is a piercing post 30. As shown more clearly in Figure 2a, this is positioned generally centrally at a base of the housing 12 and defines the outlet 18 to the housing. Figure 2b shows that the piercing post 30 comprises a shallow hollow tubular base section 32 (or collar) from which a plurality of protrusions 34 extend into the housing 12. The piercing post thus has a generally castellated shape. As shown, there are five protrusions but it will be appreciated that a different number may be used.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that they may be more than one piercing post, for example, if the reservoir is divided into multiple compartments housing different fluids.

In use, the piercing post 30 aligns with a corresponding opening on a base of the main reservoir so that as the main reservoir is inserted into the holder, the piercing post 30 ruptures a frangible seal over the opening. The castellated form ensures that the piercing post is sufficiently strong to pierce the frangible seal but does not impede fluid flow from the reservoir. The upper surface of each protrusion is chamfered, i.e. generally pointed, to assist in piercing. In known devices having a tubular piercing post, once the fluid level has dropped below the height of the tubular posts, flow is impeded by the sides of the tubular post. However, in the castellated form, fluid can flow through the gaps between the protrusions and thus fluid flow is not impeded.

Figure 2c shows the siphon mechanism which controls the flow of flush water into and fluid from the dispensing reservoir 44. The siphon mechanism comprises a pair of siphon tubes which are positioned one either side of the outlet 18 from the housing 12 along the long axis of the housing. By positioning either side of the outlet, there is less like to be variation in the relative attitude of the two siphon tubes. This is on the assumption that it is easier to arrange the housing horizontally across its long axis (i.e. side to side) rather than across its short axis (i.e. front to back). Each siphon tube comprises an inner tube 40 mounted within the dispensing reservoir 44 on the dispensing tray 16 which is open at both ends to form an inlet 46 and an outlet 48. A pair of corresponding outer caps 42 is mounted on the underside of the housing 12 so that in use each cap fits over a corresponding inner tube 40. In this way, the rest of the siphon tube is defined between the outer surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner surface of the cap. As explained in more detail below, fluid flows up the outer surface of the inner tube and over the inlet to the inner tube as a result of pressure change and out the outlet under gravity.

It is not necessary to have two siphon tubes but it is essential that the siphon flow is significantly greater than the flow from the outlet 18 and this may be easier to achieve with two (or possibly more) siphon tubes. Each siphon tube 40 is preferably positioned as close as possible to the outlet. As explained with reference to Figures 3a onwards, the dose of fluid administered at each flush is controlled by the difference between the level to which the siphon tubes extract flush water and the level at which air is prevented from flowing into the main reservoir.

Figures 3a to 3d show the holder of Figures la to 2b with a main reservoir 50 mounted therein thus forming a device for delivering cleaning formulation into a toilet bowl. The main reservoir 50 is in the form of a bottle holding cleaning fluid which points downwards.

In Figure 3a, fluid flows from the main reservoir 50 into the dispensing reservoir 44 under gravitational forces until air cannot re-enter the main reservoir. This is achieved by matching the size of the outlet 18 to the viscosity of the cleaning formulation within the main reservoir. The cleaning formulation initially flows relatively freely through the outlet.

However, the size of the outlet is sufficiently small relative to the viscosity so that after a short period the flow is restricted until no fluid is able to flow and a thin film forms over the outlet 18 preventing any further fluid flow. A bubble may also form over the outlet 18, which also prevents any further fluid flow.

Figures 3a to 3c show each inner tube 40 fitting within the corresponding outer tube 42 to define an annular gap around the inner tube 40 which forms pad of the siphon tube. The outer tubes both extend into the reservoir and thus some cleaning formulation enters each outer tube. The inner tubes each extend above the depth of the reservoir to prevent cleaning formulation entering the inner tubes in the absence of flush water.

Accordingly, in the filing phase, there is no flow into either inner tube and thus no cleaning formulation exits the device.

After a user has flushed the toilet, Figure 3d shows that flush water is caught by the dispensing tray 18 and flows into the dispensing reservoir 44 to mix with the cleaning formulation. This causes the dispensing reservoir to overflow into the dispensing tray.

The dispensing tray comprises sidewalls at the edges of the base in the exposed portion and an upward lip at its front edge to inhibit dripping from the dispensing tray.

As shown in Figure 3e, this means that the fluid level is above the inlet 46 for each inner tube 40. Thus, fluid (cleaning formulation mixed with water) flows through the inner tubes 40 and into the toilet bowl. The fluid level is also sufficient to contact the film over the outlet 18 from the housing. This wets the film and causes the cleaning formulation to flow freely. It is essential that the mixed fluid from the siphon tubes flows more quickly than from the outlet otherwise some undiluted cleaning formulation will be delivered into the toilet bowl.

As shown in Figure 3f, the dispensing reservoir 18 empties until the fluid level drops below the inlet 46 into the inner tubes 40. This prevents further flow through the inner tubes 40. Some flush water remains in the dispensing reservoir 44 after the cleaning formulation has been delivered into the toilet bowl. As shown in Figure 3g, this does not substantially alter the cleaning formulation delivering mechanism. The flush water remaining in the dispensing reservoir 44 mixes with the cleaning formulation that continues to flow from the main reservoir 50. The cleaning formulation continues to flow gradually into the dispensing reservoir until the film reforms and air can no longer flow into the main reservoir. The cycle is now ready to repeat on the next flush.

Figures 3a to 3g describe a siphon mechanism for dispensing a controlled dose of cleaning formulation. It will be appreciated that other mechanisms can be used. Figure 3h shows how the dispensing tray and dispensing reservoir 44 of such a siphon mechanism can be designed to minimise leakage when the device is not properly positioned on the toilet bowl. In the design shown, the holder may be positioned up to 3 degrees from the horizontal without fluid overflowing the dispensing reservoir 44.

Similarly, the holder may be positioned up to 10 degrees from the horizontal without fluid overflowing the dispensing tray. Accordingly, between 3 degrees and 10 degrees some fluid may leak onto the dispensing tray but should not leak into the toilet bowl in the absence of flushing water. Deepening the reservoir 44 increases the maximum angle to over 10 degrees.

Figure 4 shows an alternative form of the dispensing tray 16. The purpose of the tray is to direct sufficient water into the dispensing reservoir to fill the reservoir and start the siphon mechanism. The dispensing tray 16 may comprise one or more holes 42 to allow it to drain quickly. As shown the holes are generally triangular and cover approximately 50% of the surface of the tray.

No doubt many other effective alternatives will occur to the skilled person. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art lying within the spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (15)

1. CLAIMS1. A holder for a main reservoir of cleaning formulation for a toilet bowl, the holder comprising: a housing for receiving the main reservoir, a support mechanism for suspending said housing on a toilet bowl; and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing cleaning formulation into said toilet bowl wherein the housing comprises: an outlet connected to the dispensing mechanism whereby, in use, cleaning formulation flows from the main reservoir into the dispensing mechanism, and a piercing mechanism which is located inside the housing and which is engageable with a corresponding opening on the main reservoir to form the outlet, wherein the piercing post comprises a plurality of protrusions spaced around the outlet.
2. 2. A holder according to claim 1, wherein the piercing mechanism comprises a hollow base section from which the plurality of protrusions extend.
3. 3. A holder according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions are equally spaced around the outlet.
4. 4. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of protrusions have a chamfered upper surface.
5. 5. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet is dimensioned so that flow from the main reservoir to the dispensing mechanism is restricted in use.
6. 6. A holder according to claim 5, wherein the outlet is sufficiently small to cause viscous fluid flowing therethrough to congeal to form a film preventing further fluid flow.
7. 7. A holder according to claim 5 or claim 6 having an outlet with a diameter between 0.5mm to 4.2mm.
8. 8. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a dispensing reservoir.
9. 9. A holder according to claim 8, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a dispensing tray for directing flush water into the dispensing reservoir.
10. 10. A holder according to claim 8 or claim 9, the dispensing mechanism comprises a siphon mechanism.
11. 11. A holder according to claim 10, wherein the siphon mechanism comprises at least one siphon tube within the dispensing reservoir, the at least one siphon tube comprising an inner tube having an inlet which extends above a surface of the dispensing reservoir and an outlet which allows fluid to flow from the dispensing reservoir into a toilet below.
12. 12. A holder according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the siphon mechanism comprises a pair of siphon tubes, one spaced either side of the outlet from the housing.
13. 13. A device for dispensing cleaning formulation into a toilet bowl, the device comprising a holder as set out in any one of claims 1 to 12 and a main reservoir of cleaning formulation which is releasbly mountable within the housing of said holder and which comprises an opening sealed with a frangible seal which is ruptured by the piercing mechanism when the main reservoir is inserted into the housing.
14. 14. A holder substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.
15. 15. A device substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.