KR100486384B1 - Dispensing liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

The liquid dispensing device 1 has a housing 2 and a hook 3 which hangs the housing 20 from the rim of the flush toilet. The user inserts the sealed inverted reservoir 6 into the interior of the housing, which breaks the seal. The wick material 7 located in the housing 2 delivers the liquid from the bottle to a location in the stream of effluent. The wick material 7 can be adjusted to accommodate other toilet seats and has two guide slots that are joined by two fastening protrusions in the housing that define the two pole units of the wick material 7. Small openings 14 are formed in the wicking material 7 to allow for ventilation of the reservoir 6. The wick material may be a solid plate having the same shape but has a plurality of projection holes or long slots. The plate may have a vent post that engages the inlet of the reservoir 6. Aeration can be achieved by providing an opening in the bottle. The top of the bottle is a one-way valve with a plug that seals the opening and a plug having a breakable seal that covers the opening or a removable tab that covers the opening and is automatically removed from the bottle before insertion by the user or by a protrusion in the housing. And the housing leans against the plug and discharges the plug into the bottle, and the housing has a tube member for sealing the opening.

Description

Dispensing liquids

The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for metering and dispensing liquids such as cleaning liquids and / or refreshing liquids from a rim of a flush toilet. Such dispensers typically have a reservoir that takes the form of an inverted bottle that supplies liquid to the wick material, such as the wick material.

One known device having this form is described in published European patent application EP-A-0 785 315. This application points out the problem that as the liquid level in the bottle drops, the rate at which the liquid is dispensed drops over time and therefore the efficiency of the dispenser is lowered.

The solution to the problem presented in this reference is to provide a specific structure between the inlet of the bottle and the wick material to allow liquid flow from the bottle to the wick material and air flow from the outside of the dispenser into the bottle.

However, these structures are complex and costly to manufacture. In addition, the dispenser of the type described in the above reference is such that the relative position of the rim of the flush toilet and the flushing water flow rate can only function normally in the toilet system.

Another problem with this type of liquid dispenser according to the prior art is that when the consumer opens the bottle, for example by inserting an inverted bottle into the dispensing unit, some of the liquid in the bottle is kept at a pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure to spout out. It is in becoming. The reason is that the liquid is pressurized to a certain degree in the process of sealing the inlet of the bottle in the Amido factory.

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Accordingly, there is a need to provide a liquid dispensing device capable of mitigating or at least alleviating the disadvantages of the prior art dispensers described above, and a method of filling bottles for such liquid dispensing devices.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid dispensing unit of claim 1.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided the housing of claim 14.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided the liquid dispensing unit of claim 15. The wick material is preferably provided with one or more venting openings so that the one or more openings of the wick material are adjustable when the wick material becomes adjustable. It is positioned to act as one or more functional vents for all possible functional positions.

The outlet tray, in use, is located in an advantageous manner at the bottom of the wick material formed therein, the vent channels arranged to communicate with one or more vent openings.

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According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid dispensing unit of claim 19. According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided the liquid dispensing unit of claim 20.

The or each vent opening may take the form of a substantially circular hole or an elongated slit.

The unit preferably has a structure that allows the position of the wick material to be adjusted at different positions to act on a flush toilet having a different shape and a different flushing system.

The unit also preferably includes a conduit for conveying liquid from the reservoir to the wick material. Such conduits preferably have a substantially circular cross-section cylindrical inlet for engaging the circular inlet of the bottle constituting the reservoir, and preferably beveled at an end to define a substantially oval opening. The conduit also has a substantially cylindrical outlet, for example having a D, circular or substantially rectangular cross section, having a cross-sectional area substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the inlet, the inlet of the conduit being moved laterally from the outlet. You may lose. This arrangement is particularly advantageous geometrically when an adjustable wick material is provided. If the outlet has a D-shaped cross section, the bar of "D" can be designed to match the diameter of the substantially circular inlet of the conduit when viewed in the vertical direction. The outlet of the conduit presses on the wick material to form a substantial liquid-tight seal between them.

The outlet portion is preferably enclosed at least in part by a barrier which may be cylindrical and have a rectangular cross section. This structure serves to prevent the washing of water into the storage container.

The wick material preferably has a first portion for receiving liquid from the reservoir and a second portion arranged to be positioned at the dispensing position during use. The second site may be arranged to be positioned within the flow of flush water during use, in which case it is preferred to arrange the second site to be positioned between the first site and the rim of the flush toilet during use.

The dispensing unit is preferably configured so that the position of the wick material can be adjusted by sliding the first portion relative to the outlet of the conduit.

The wick material is preferably in the form of a thin plate and may be formed to have a recess for receiving a neck portion of the bottle constituting the storage container. The wick material may form one or more elongated openings, and the housing may be provided with one or more corresponding projections for engaging the elongated openings to define the outermost possible operating position of the wick material. In this case, the protrusion may have a fastening protrusion disposed to engage the corresponding opening in the wick material when the wick material is inserted into the housing.

The wick material may be provided with a projection for insertion at the inlet of the reservoir during use. This protrusion is formed to penetrate the ventilation channel.

The wick material is preferably provided with a porous pad, but may instead be provided with a plate having a channel or circular hole therein. This channel may be formed as an elongated opening or elongated channel in the plate, and may be arranged in an outwardly opening shape to convey liquid to the branch passage in the reservoir.

The invention comprises a combination of such a dispensing unit and a means for suspending it in the rim of a flush toilet.

The invention comprises a combination of such a dispensing unit provided with a conduit having a substantially circular cross section inlet and a bottle constituting the reservoir, the bottle having an opening for dispensing liquid, the opening having an inlet section of the conduit. It has a cross section substantially larger than the cross section, and the opening and the inlet portion of the conduit are dimensioned to form a substantial liquid seal when the cylinder is inserted into the reservoir inlet.

The inlet of the bottle is covered before use with a rupturable seal designed to rupture in use by forcing the seal against the circular inlet of the conduit. The cylindrical inlet portion of the conduit preferably includes opening means for causing the burstable seal to rupture and retaining means for retaining the tearable seal in a position that does not block the inlet of the bottle.

Preferably, the seal is substantially rigid and designed to pivot on one side between the open and closed positions, and the angle at which the seal is moved between the open and closed positions is preferably 90 °. The opening means has a protrusion designed to press on the side of the generally opposite closing member on one such side, and the holding means preferably has a protrusion designed to press on one side of the closing member when in the open position. Do.

The seal may preferably be circular, and the opening and retaining means are disposed at radially opposite positions with respect to the seal. The opening and retaining means are formed on a substantially circular oblique conical cylinder, which is inserted into the inlet of the reservoir to allow the seal to move to its open position. The opening means may comprise an end of an oblique truncated cylinder and the retaining means may comprise a projection from a cylinder, such as a stud.

The present invention includes a combination of such a dispensing unit and means for suspending the unit on the rim of the bottle and flush toilet.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid dispensing unit of claim 64.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid dispensing unit of claim 65.

The venting means may be provided with a one-way valve, such as a duck-bill valve.

Instead, the venting means has a plug that can be removed, and the unit is positioned to remove the plug to form the venting opening in the storage bottle when the user places the storage bottle in the operating position with respect to the unit. An interoperation protrusion may be provided.

Also in the apparatus, the ventilating means has a plug that can be removed, and the unit has a cooperating hollow protrusion to remove the plug and protrude into the storage bottle when the user places the storage bottle in an operating position with respect to the unit. In addition, the hollow protrusions may be configured to constitute the ventilation channel.

In another apparatus, the venting means is a cover portion which can be removed by the user prior to use or automatically by a protrusion provided in the unit so that the cover portion can be removed when the user places the storage bottle in the operating position with respect to the unit. The storage bottle sealed by means of air may be provided.

The present invention includes a method for filling and sealing a bottle for a dispensing device for use as a reservoir in a dispensing unit. The method includes heating the liquid prior to sealing the storage bottle such that a partial vacuum is created inside the bottle when the liquid is cooled to room temperature. Alternatively, or in addition, the bottle may be pressurized after filling with liquid to seal during pressurization to cause partial vacuum inside the bottle after sealing.

Another liquid dispensing device according to the invention comprises a storage bottle with a closing member which is capable of sealing the inlet and being moved to the open position when in the closed position with the inlet, wherein the liquid can be dispensed from the storage container. The apparatus further includes opening means for causing the closure member to be moved to the open position and means for holding the closure member in the open position.

This structure allows the liquid to be dispensed from the reservoir once the reservoir is opened while preventing the closure member from returning to the closed position by the weight of the liquid remaining in the reservoir, for example in the case of an inverted reservoir.

The closure member is preferably rigid and designed to pivot on one side between the open and closed positions. Preferably, the angle at which the closure member is moved between the open position and the closed position is substantially 90 degrees. This reduces the force the closure member receives due to the weight of the liquid remaining in the reservoir in the case of an inverted reservoir.

The opening means has a projection designed to press the side of the closing member generally opposite to the one side, and the holding means has another projection designed to press one side of the closing member when in the open position. Do.

The closing member may preferably be circular, and the opening and retaining means are disposed at radially opposite positions with respect to the closing member.

The opening and retaining means are formed on a substantially circular oblique truncated cylinder, which is inserted into the inlet of the reservoir to move the closure member to its open position. In this case, the opening means may comprise an end of an oblique truncated cylinder, and the retaining means may comprise a projection from a cylinder, such as a stud.

The cylinder and the reservoir inlet are preferably dimensioned to form substantial liquid tightness when the cylinder is inserted into the reservoir inlet.

The opening and retaining means typically form part of a housing for the reservoir, the housing being supported at the bottom of the inlet in an inverted position when the opening and retaining means are inserted into the reservoir inlet, and the liquid being gravity It may be provided with means for suspending the device so that it can be dispensed from the reservoir. For example, the apparatus may be designed to be suspended from the rim of the toilet, and the liquid may be a cleaning liquid and / or a refreshing liquid.

The present invention includes a housing for a liquid storage container having an inlet and a closing member arranged to seal the inlet in a closed position and capable of moving to an open position in which fluid can be dispensed from the storage container, the housing comprising: Opening means for moving to the open position, and means for holding the closure member in the open position.

The invention also includes a liquid dispensing unit having a housing containing a plate having a channel formed therein for carrying liquid to be dispensed from the reservoir to the bonsai position.

In another aspect, the invention provides a dispensing unit according to claim 74. The plate is preferably held generally in a horizontal plane. In a preferred embodiment, the plate is provided with a first portion for receiving liquid in the reservoir. The second portion of the plate ends with a curved edge. The second site may be formed in the wall. The capillary channels may be arranged in a substantially parallel configuration, and the plate may be recessed to extend transverse to the direction of the channel. The recess is preferably in communication with the channel, the bottom of the recess being preferably substantially planar, preferably free of capillary channels therein. The plate may comprise a protrusion for insertion at the inlet of the reservoir, the protrusion preferably being It is in the form of a post provided with a plurality of radial shocks defining a liquid conduit between the reservoir and the plate.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a liquid dispensing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the liquid dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional detail view of FIG. 2 in another arrangement without a storage bottle;

4 is a plan view of the liquid dispensing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3 but without a reservoir;

4A-4C are bottom plan views of the other three structures of the outlet section;

5 is a front view of the liquid dispensing device of FIGS. 1 to 4;

6 is a rear view of the liquid dispensing device of FIGS. 1 to 5;

7 shows schematically how the wick material can be inserted into the housing of the liquid dispensing device of the preferred embodiment;

8 shows schematically the relative position of the liquid dispensing device of the preferred embodiment and the toilet rim on which the liquid dispensing device is suspended;

9 schematically shows the relative position of a liquid dispensing device of a preferred embodiment having a different structure and another toilet rim on which the liquid dispensing device is suspended;

10 is a chart illustrating other forms of toilet flushing device;

11 illustrates any arrangement of outlet trays and vent channels for use in the preferred embodiment;

12A illustrates a structure of a first alternative of the wick material of the liquid dispensing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 10;

12B is a cross-sectional view of the wick material of the liquid dispensing device shown in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A illustrates a structure of a second alternative of the wick material of the liquid dispensing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 10;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the wick material of the liquid dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 13A;

13A and 13B illustrate the structures of the third and fourth alternatives of the wick material of the liquid dispensing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, respectively;

15A illustrates a fifth alternative structure of the wick material in combination with the reservoir of the liquid dispensing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 10;

FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the wick material and the reservoir bottle of the liquid dispensing device shown in FIG. 15A;

16A illustrates a first alternative of the ventilation structure for the liquid dispensing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 10;

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation structure shown in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A illustrates a second alternative of the ventilation structure for the liquid dispensing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 10;

FIG. 17B is a cross sectional view of the ventilation structure shown in FIG. 17A; FIG.

17C is a partial cross sectional view of FIG. 17B illustrating release of the vent plug;

FIG. 18A illustrates a third alternative to the vent structure for the liquid dispensing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 10;

FIG. 18B is a cross sectional view of the ventilation structure shown in FIG. 18A; FIG.

19A is a top perspective view of the reservoir and housing in a fourth alternative vent structure for the liquid dispensing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 10;

20A is a perspective view of a fifth alternative ventilation structure for the liquid dispensing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 10;

FIG. 20B is a partial perspective view of the reservoir shown in FIG. 20A showing a cover plate ruptured to expose vent holes; FIG.

20C is a perspective view of a fifth alternative vent structure similar to that shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B but wherein the cover plate ruptures when the reservoir is inserted into the housing by projections on the housing of the liquid dispensing device;

1 to 7, the liquid dispensing device is provided with a spring suspension hook 3 for suspending the housing 2 on the housing 2 and the rim (not shown) of the flush toilet. For the convenience of manufacture, the suspension hook 3 is formed in a structure separated from the housing 2, and the housing 2 is a rectangular guide channel 4 having a rectangular cross section into which the lower end of the suspension hook is inserted during manufacture (Fig. 2) is formed. The lower end of the suspension hook 3 comprises a raised, chamfered portion such that the hook 3 is retained in the channel 4 in a snap-assembly manner upon insertion.

When the unit is thus suspended, the user inserts an inverted reservoir 6 sealed in the housing 2 into the housing 2. This insertion causes the sealing of the reservoir bottle to rupture in the manner described below. A wick material 7 in the form of a porous pad is placed in a slot in the housing 2, which carries the liquid by capillary action to a position in the flow of water in the toilet in a reservoir.

The housing 2 comprises a conduit 8 for conveying liquid from the reservoir 6 to the wicking material 7. This conduit 8 is provided with opening means 9 of circular cross section sized to fit within the circular inlet of the reservoir 6. The opening means 9 is obliquely ended as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, forming an elliptical inlet. The storage container 6 is sealed with a closing member 6 ', such as a plastic or foil cap, so that the closing member 6' is ruptured by the action of inserting the inverted storage container 6 into the housing 2. By means of the opening means 9 of the conduit 8, the liquid falls under gravity from the reservoir to the conduit 8.

The opening means 9 is provided with stud-shaped retaining means 9 'which act to hold the closing member 6' in the open position. It should be understood that in the absence of such studs, the closing member 6 'will return to its original position due to the weight of the liquid remaining in the reservoir 6, thereby providing a force to prevent further dispensing of the liquid. Can be received. As shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the retaining means 9 'extends parallel to the axis of the opening means 9 and adjoins the opening means at its shortest point. The holding means 9 'is formed integrally with the opening means 9. That is, the extremes of the opening means 9 lean against one side of the closing member 6 'of the storage container 6 so that the closing member ruptures and pivots along the axis on the opposite side. When the opening means 9 is fully inserted into the storage container 6, the holding means 9 'presses the outer surface of the closing member 6' to prevent the cap from returning to the closed position. The retaining means 9 'extends along the entire length of the cylindrical opening means 9, for example by molding.

The conduit 8 also has a cylindrical outlet 10 for pressing the wick material. The cross sectional area of the outlet portion 10 is less than the cross sectional area of the opening means 9, which helps to prevent the inflow of water into the storage container 6 or to minimize the amount thereof.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the cylinder of the outlet portion 10 may have a D-shaped, circular or rectangular cross section, and the outlet portion 10 may have a cylindrical barrier 10 ′ of a partially or wholly rectangular cross section. It is surrounded by) and acts to prevent the inflow of water.

In the structures shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, one of the two long sides of the rectangular cross section of the barrier 10 ′ coincides with the diameter of the circular cross section of the conduit 8 when viewed in the vertical direction. This arrangement ensures that a part is always in the flush flow for a wide variety of flush toilets, while ensuring that the outlet 10 of the conduit 8 is effectively closed by the wick material. 7) makes it possible to adjust the position.

In the structure shown in FIG. 4C, the center of the rectangular cross section of the outlet portion 10 coincides with the center of the circular cross section of the opening means 9 when viewed in the vertical direction. This arrangement is particularly suitable for use in combination with embodiments of the wick material described below with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B or 14, or with a wick material in the form of a plate having an elongated channel therein.

In the structures shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the opening means 9 and the outlet portion 10 of the conduit 8 are separated by a membrane provided with a small circular opening 10 ″.

In the structures shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the D-shaped cross section and the rectangular cross section 10 ′ of the outlet portion are large enough to distribute the desired amount of liquid to the wicking material 7 between the flushes.

The manner in which the user adjusts the position of the wick material 7 is illustrated in FIG. 7. The wick material 7 is provided with two elongated guide slots 11, which are joined by two corresponding fastening protrusions 12 in the housing 2. The guide slits 11 serve to define two extreme positions in the region of possible positions of the wick material 7 in the housing 2.

In order to allow air to displace the liquid dispensed in the reservoir 6, a series of small vent holes 13 (generally 1.3 mm (50/1000 inches in diameter)) are formed in the wick material 7, No matter where the wick material 7 is located in the area defined by the guide slots 11, air always communicates via the conduit 8 from under the wick material 7 to the inlet of the reservoir 6. Is arranged to.

The housing 2 also has a comb-shaped series of openings 14 formed in the bottom face of the front side, which allows the flushing water to be discharged above the wick material 7.

In addition, a plurality of horizontal rib-shaped protrusions are provided at the top of the storage container 6 to join corresponding horizontal grooves (not shown). Keep 6) at the operating position.

Hereinafter, the function of the adjustable wick material will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. 8 illustrates the shape of a liquid dispensing device when used in a toilet with an open rim. When the liquid dispensing device 1 is suspended on the rim 16 of this toilet, the flow of the flushing water indicated by the thick arrow passes through the wick material 7 when the wick material 7 is in the fully inserted position. . However, when used in a toilet having a boxed rim structure as illustrated in FIG. 9, a longer wick material is provided. However, if such a long wick material 7 is maintained in the fully inserted position, the flow of water from the box-shaped rim 17 does not come into contact with the wick material, so that the liquid dispensing device may not function properly. It can be seen that. If a long wick material is to be provided in such a box-shaped rim structure, it can be pulled out to a fully extended position as shown in FIG. 9 so that a part of it is exposed to the flow of water as indicated by the thick arrow. Even in this state, the outlet portion 10 of the conduit 8 remains closed by the interior of the wick material 7. That is, as described above, it is ensured by the guide slot 11 in the wicking material 7 which is in contact with the fastening protrusion 12 in the housing 2.

The ability to adjust the wick material is particularly advantageous when used in toilets in the form of open rims or in the form of boxed rims, as shown in FIG. 10 illustrating examples of various toilet rim types in different countries. This is because there is a wide range of geometry, whereby the porous pads can be selected and the utility to adjust their position. More specifically, this figure illustrates the distance between the position of the housing of the liquid dispensing device and the flow of flush water. The crosshatched area represents the distance of the limited area (up to 16 mm (0.625 inch)) suitable for the prior art liquid dispensing device, and the single hatched area is the distance to the single size of the porous pad according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. (Up to 22 mm (0.875 inch)). The larger the pad size, the greater the effective distance, but the maximum required distance is 48 mm (1.9 inch). The bars represent the range of distances found in other countries: (a) Australia, (b) United Kingdom, (c) Malaysia, (d) South Africa, (e) France, (f) Italy, (g ) Spain, (h) Japan, (i) Thailand, (j) Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, (k) Korea, (l) Philippines, (m) and (n) United States. The vertical line across the bar represents the approximate dividing line between the toilet of the open rim structure (to the left of the line) and the toilet of the Bals rim structure (to the right of the line).

In another structure shown in FIG. 11, the housing 2 is provided with an outlet tray 18 incorporating a vertical vent channel positioned in alignment with the vent hole of the wick material 7. This serves to collect excess liquid while the reservoir is still in a ventilable state.

The structure of the first embodiment of the wick material is shown in perspective view in FIG. 12A and in cross section in FIG. 12B. In this embodiment, the wick material is in the form of a plate 20 having the same overall shape as shown in FIG. 7, which provides the ability to adjust the position of the plate 20 to be applied to other toilet geometry. Elongated guide slot 11 is provided. However, the plate 20 is distinguished in that it is not porous but is a solid in which a plurality of raised through holes 21 are formed therein. These through holes allow the liquid to pass in the direction of the transparent arrow when diluted with flush water, and also allow aeration of the reservoir 6 in the direction indicated by the black arrow. These through holes are small enough to prevent the passage of undiluted liquid.

The structure of the second embodiment of the wick material is shown in perspective view in FIG. 13A and in cross section in FIG. 13B. As in the structure of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the wick material is in the form of a plate 22 having the same shape as the whole shown in FIG. 7, and the plate 22 can be applied to other toilet geometry. Elongated guide slots (11) that provide the ability to adjust position. In this embodiment, the plate 22 is also nonporous, but is distinguished in that a plurality of elongated slots 23 having a form that is generally parallel but outwardly open are solids formed therein. The slot 23 allows the liquid to pass in the direction of the clear arrow when the liquid is diluted with water washes, and also permits aeration of the reservoir, as indicated by the black arrow. The slot 23 is small enough to prevent passage of the undiluted liquid.

The wicking materials of the third and fourth embodiments are shown in perspective view in FIGS. 14A and 14B, respectively. As in the structure of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the wick material is in the form of a plate 22 having the same shape as the whole shown in FIG. 7, and the plate 24 can be applied to other toilet geometry. Elongated guide slots (11) providing a position adjusting capability of 24 ', and a plurality of elongated slots (25, 25') are formed therein. In the embodiment of FIG. 14A, the slots 25 are arranged in parallel but not outwardly. Furthermore, recesses 26 are formed in the plate 24 to accommodate the top of the inverted reservoir 6. In the embodiment of FIG. 14B, the slots 25 ′ are arranged so as to spread outwardly from which liquid can be transported from the reservoir to the branch passage. In this embodiment, a T-shaped recess 26 'is formed in the plate, but there is no capillary channel in the recess. The recess 26 'is formed such that the legs of "T" are slightly shallower than the bars of "T", as can be seen in FIG. 14B. This leg acts as an air vent.

The structure of the fifth embodiment of the wick material is shown in perspective view in FIG. 15A and in cross section in FIG. 15B. As in the structures of the second, third and fourth embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B and 14A and 14B, this wick material is a non-porous plate 27 having the same overall shape as that shown in FIG. ) And a plurality of elongated slots 28 are formed therein. In this embodiment, the slots 28 are generally arranged in parallel but form tapered geometry in the inlet region of the reservoir 6. The plate 27 has protrusions 29 which, in use, mate with the inlet of the reservoir 6 to provide a vent channel. The protrusion 29 is provided with a plurality of radial fins 30 defining a liquid conduit between the reservoir 6 and the plate 27. As in FIGS. 12B and 13B, the flow and aeration of the liquid are indicated by transparent arrows and black arrows, respectively. It should be understood that in this embodiment the individual plates 27 will need to be provided on the toilet rims of different geometry.

In a preferred embodiment, and in another embodiment described above, aeration is achieved through the wick material. However, the present invention also encompasses a structure in which the aeration is achieved in a more direct form by providing a vent opening in the reservoir bottle in addition to the inlet of the reservoir in which the liquid is dispensed.

In the first embodiment of the ventilation structure shown in perspective view in FIG. 16A and in cross section in FIG. 16B, a one-way valve in the form of a duck-bill valve 32 is provided on the upper surface of the reservoir 31. This valve allows air to flow into the reservoir when the pressure difference inside and outside the reservoir 31 reaches a predetermined level.

In a second embodiment of the ventilation structure shown in perspective view in FIG. 17A and in cross-sectional view in FIGS. 17B and 17C, a plug 34 for sealing the opening 35 in the reservoir bottle is provided on the upper surface of the reservoir bottle 33. The housing 36 is provided with a corresponding pin 37 so that when the user inserts the reservoir 33 in the direction of the transparent arrow in FIG. 17B, the pin 37 plugs in the direction of the black arrow in FIG. 17C. 34) to release it into the reservoir 33 as shown in FIG. 17C. The pin 37 is sized relative to the opening 35 to provide a vent channel between the pin 37 and the opening 35.

In a third embodiment of the ventilation structure shown in perspective view in FIG. 18A and in cross-sectional view in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the upper surface of the reservoir 38 has a burstable property that covers the opening 40 in the reservoir 38. A seal 39 is provided, and the housing 41 is provided with a corresponding tubular member 42, the tubular member 42 being in the direction in which the user marks the reservoir 38 with a transparent arrow in FIG. 18B. When inserted, it is positioned and sized in such a way as to press the seal 39 in the direction indicated by the black arrow of FIG. 18C to release it into the reservoir 38 and seal the opening 40 as shown in FIG. 18C. Thus, a vent channel is provided along the inner hole of the pipe member 42. The distal end of the tubular member 42 is chamfered to facilitate placement in the opening 40.

In a fourth embodiment of the ventilation structure shown in perspective view in FIG. 19A and shown in cross section in FIG. 19B, an upper opening of the storage bottle 43 is distinguished from an inlet 45 of the storage bottle but close to the ventilation opening ( 44) is provided. Both the vent opening 44 and the inlet 45 of the reservoir 43 are sealed with a rupturable seal (not shown) before use. The housing 46 is provided with a post 47, which ruptures the seal when the user inserts the reservoir 43 into the housing 46 in the direction indicated by the transparent arrow in FIG. 19A, It is inserted into the vent opening 44 and positioned and sized to seal the opening as shown in FIG. 19B. Thus, a vent channel is provided along the inner aperture of the post 47.

In the fifth embodiment of the ventilation structure shown in perspective view in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the upper surface of the reservoir 48 is provided in the ventilation hole 49 covered by the removable tab 50. This tab is arranged to be removed from the reservoir 48 by manipulating as indicated by the transparent arrow in FIG. 20A before the user inserts the reservoir 48 into the housing 51 as shown in FIG. 20B. . In a variant of this embodiment, as shown in cross section in FIG. 20C, a ramp protrusion 52 is arranged to allow the user to automatically remove the tab 50 by inserting the reservoir 48 into the housing 51. Is provided in the housing 51.

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For example, while the wick material in the preferred embodiment has been described as including a plate having a porous pad or a circular or elongated through opening, the wick material may optionally include a plate having an elongated channel therein, The liquid can be dispensed from this channel by flushing the liquid in this channel. Although the invention has been shown and described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited and is hereby claimed. Those skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention provided by the scope of the present invention.

Claims (85)

A liquid dispensing device for dispensing liquid from a rim of a toilet bowl, comprising: A reservoir for holding a liquid; A housing for holding the storage container; And Means for suspending the housing from the rim of the toilet bowl; And the housing is characterized by a wick material for conveying the liquid to be dispensed into the flushing water flowing from the reservoir. The method of claim 1, And the wick material is comprised of a plate having channels formed therein. The method of claim 2, And the channels are arranged in parallel form. The method of claim 2, And the plate is held in a fixed position when used in the toilet bowl. Claim 5 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 2, And the plate is held in a generally horizontal plane. Claim 6 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid. The method of claim 2, And the plate has a first portion for receiving liquid from the reservoir and a second portion intended to be located in the flow of flushing water. The method of claim 2, Liquid dispensing device, characterized in that the plate is not porous. Claim 8 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid. The method of claim 7, wherein And a recess extending said plate extending across the channels. Claim 9 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 8, And the recess is in communication with the channels. Claim 10 was abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 2, And a protrusion for inserting the plate into the inlet of the reservoir. The method of claim 1, And distributing the channels outwardly. Claim 12 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 2, And the channels are formed on an upper surface of the plate. Claim 13 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 1, Said reservoir has an inlet and a tearable seal covering said inlet, said seal rupturing when said reservoir is positioned within said housing. Claim 14 was abandoned when the registration fee was paid. The method of claim 1, A closing member arranged to seal the inlet of the reservoir when in the closed position and moved to an open position to allow liquid to be dispensed from the reservoir; Opening means for moving the closure member to the open position; And Means for maintaining the closure member in the open position; And the closure member is rigid and arranged to pivot between the open and closed positions about one side thereof. Claim 15 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 14, And the angle at which the closing member moves between the open position and the closed position is 90 °. Claim 16 was abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 14, And said opening means comprises a projection arranged to bear on one side of said closure member, opposite said one side. Claim 17 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 16, And the retaining means is constituted by a second projection which is arranged to bear on the face of the closure member when the closure member is in the open position. Claim 18 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 17, And the closing member has a generally circular shape, and wherein the opening means and the holding means are disposed at radially opposite positions with respect to the closing member. Claim 19 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 18, The opening means and the retaining means are formed on a circular obliquely cut cylinder, the cylinder being arranged to be inserted into the inlet of the reservoir so that the closure member is moved to its open position. Dispensing device. Claim 20 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 19, And wherein said opening means consists of an end portion of said obliquely cut cylinder. Claim 21 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 19, And the retaining means is constituted by a projection from the cylinder. Claim 22 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 21, Liquid projection device, characterized in that the protrusion is composed of a stud. Claim 23 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 19, And the cylinder and the reservoir inlet are sized to form a liquid seal when the cylinder is inserted into the reservoir inlet. Claim 24 was abandoned when the setup registration fee was paid. The method of claim 14, And the opening means and the holding means form part of a housing for the reservoir. Claim 25 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 24, Wherein the housing is supported such that the reservoir is supported in an inverted position with the inlet positioned at the lowermost end so that the liquid can be dispensed from the reservoir when the opening and retaining means are inserted into the reservoir inlet. And a means for suspending the liquid dispensing apparatus. Claim 26 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 1, And the liquid dispensing device is configured to allow the wick material to be adjusted between different positions so that it can function in a flush toilet having different shapes and different flushing systems. Claim 27 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 1, At least one venting means is provided in said wick material. Claim 28 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 27, And said vent means is at least one vent opening positioned such that there is at least one functional vent hole for every possible functional position of the adjustable wick material. Claim 29 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 27, Further comprising an outlet tray formed therein with a vent channel positioned underneath the wick material and arranged to be in communication with the at least one functional vent opening. Claim 30 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 27, And wherein said at least one vent opening comprises one or more generally circular holes. Claim 31 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 27, And the at least one vent opening comprises one or more elongated slits. Claim 32 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 1, And a conduit for conveying the liquid from the reservoir to the wick material. Claim 33 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 32, And a cylindrical inlet portion having a circular transverse cross section for engaging the conduit with the circular inlet of the bottle constituting the reservoir. Claim 34 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 33, wherein And the inlet portion terminates obliquely to provide an elliptical opening. Claim 35 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 33, wherein And the conduit further comprises a generally cylindrical outlet portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than the inlet portion. Claim 36 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein And the inlet portion of the conduit is laterally displaced from the outlet portion. Claim 37 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein And the cylindrical outflow portion has a generally D-shaped cross section. Claim 38 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein And the cylindrical outflow portion has a generally circular transverse cross section. Claim 39 was abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein And the cylindrical outflow portion has a generally rectangular cross section. Claim 40 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein And the housing further comprises a cylindrical barrier member surrounding at least a portion of the outlet portion of the conduit to act as a barrier to block water from entering the reservoir. Claim 41 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 40, And the barrier member has a rectangular transverse cross section. Claim 42 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. 42. The method of claim 41 wherein And one of the two long sides of the rectangular cross section of the barrier member coincides with the diameter of the circular inlet portion of the conduit when viewed in the longitudinal cross section. Claim 43 was abandoned when the set registration fee was paid. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein And wherein the outlet portion of the conduit is structured to bear against the wick material to create a liquid tight seal with the wick material. Claim 44 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 1, And wherein the wick material has a first portion for receiving liquid from the reservoir and a second portion arranged to be in a dispensing position during use. Claim 45 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 44, And the second portion is arranged to be positioned in the flow of flush water in use. Claim 46 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 45, And the second portion is arranged to be positioned between the first portion and the rim of the flush toilet in use. Claim 47 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 43, And the unit is configured to allow the position of the wick material to be adjusted by sliding the first portion of the wick material relative to the outlet portion of the conduit. Claim 48 was abandoned when the setup fee was paid. The method of claim 1, And the wick material is a thin plate. Claim 49 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. 49. The method of claim 48 wherein And a depression is formed in the thin wick material for accommodating the neck portion of the bottle constituting the storage container. Claim 50 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 49, One or more elongated openings are formed in the wick material, the housing having one or more corresponding protrusions for engaging the elongated openings to provide the outermost possible operating position of the wick material. Liquid dispensing device. Claim 51 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. 51. The method of claim 50 wherein Wherein each of the one or more protrusions is arranged to engage a corresponding opening in the wick material when the wick material is inserted into the housing. Claim 52 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. 49. The method of claim 48 wherein And a projection for inserting the wick material into the inlet of the reservoir when in use, the projection having a vent channel formed therethrough. Claim 53 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 1, And wherein the wick material comprises a porous pad. Claim 54 was abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 1, And the plate has circular holes formed therein. Claim 55 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 33, wherein Said bottle having an opening for dispensing liquid therefrom, said opening having a circular transverse cross-sectional area greater than the inlet portion of the conduit. Claim 56 was abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 55, And the opening and the inlet portion of the conduit are sized to form a liquid seal when the inlet portion is inserted into the opening. Claim 57 was abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 55, Wherein the inlet of the bottle is covered with a burstable seal prior to use, the burstable seal being arranged to burst by use of compressing the seal against the cylindrical inlet portion of the conduit in use. Claim 58 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 57, And the cylindrical inlet portion of the conduit comprises an opening means for causing the burstable seal to rupture, and a retaining means for retaining the burstable seal in a position that does not block the inlet of the bottle. Claim 59 was abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 58, And the burstable seal is rigid and arranged to pivot between an open position and a closed position about one side thereof. Claim 60 was abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 59, And wherein the angle at which the burstable seal moves between the open and closed positions is 90 °. Claim 61 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 59, Said opening means having a projection arranged to bear said side of said burstable seal generally opposed to said one side. Claim 62 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. 62. The method of claim 61, And said retaining means has another projection arranged to bear the side of the burstable seal in the open position of the burstable seal. Claim 63 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 62, And the breakable seal has a circular shape, and wherein the opening and retaining means are disposed at radially opposite positions with respect to the breakable seal. Claim 64 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 63, wherein Said opening means and said retaining means being formed on a circular obliquely cut cylinder arranged to be inserted into the inlet of the bottle to move the burstable seal to its open position. Claim 65 was abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 64, wherein Liquid dispensing device, characterized in that the opening means consists of an end portion of the cylinder which is cut obliquely. Claim 66 was abandoned when the setup fee was paid. The method of claim 64, wherein And said retaining means comprises a projection from said cylinder. Claim 67 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 66, wherein Liquid projection device, characterized in that the protrusion is composed of a stud. Claim 68 was abandoned upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 27, Liquid dispensing device, characterized in that the venting means is composed of a one-way valve. Claim 69 was waived upon payment of a setup registration fee. The method of claim 68, wherein And the one-way valve is configured as a duck-bill valve. Claim 70 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 27, The venting means has a removable plug; And the unit has a mutually cooperative protrusion positioned to remove the plug to create an air vent in the reservoir when the reservoir is placed in the operating position with respect to the unit by the user. Claim 71 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 27, The venting means has a removable seal; The unit has a cooperative hollow projection; Wherein the hollow projection is configured to remove the seal and protrude into the reservoir when the reservoir is placed in the operating position with respect to the unit by the user to constitute a vent channel. Claim 72 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 27, Wherein said venting means comprises an air vent in the reservoir, sealed by a cover portion that can be removed by a user prior to use. Claim 73 was abandoned upon payment of a set-up fee. The method of claim 27, The venting means has an air vent in the storage container sealed by the cover portion; The dispensing device further comprises a projection arranged to remove the cover portion when the reservoir is placed in an operating position with respect to the dispensing device by a user. Claim 74 was abandoned upon payment of a registration fee. The method of claim 10, A liquid dispensing device in which the protrusion takes the form of a post, provided with a plurality of radial pins providing a conduit for liquid between the reservoir and the plate, delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete