WO2008125845A1 - Container for toilet rim - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (10) is provided for a solid or semi-solid material.The material slowly reduces in size during use, as it releases active one or more active agents via evaporation or dissolution. The container comprises a reservoir (70) that is positioned to collect the residue once the solid or semi-solid material has reduced below a given size. The container can be provided with one or more downwardly sloping walls that lead towards the reservoir. The container may include an outer housing and an inner housing, with the solid or semi-solid material being within the inner housing until it has reduced below the given size, at which stage it' falls into the reservoir, which is located at the bottom of the outer housing.

Description

CONTAINER FOR TOILET RIM

The present invention relates to containers. More specifically it relates to containers for solid or semi-solid materials that gradually reduce in size during use.

The reduction in size may, for example, be due to dissolution as one or more active agents dissolve into a liquid. Alternatively, it may be due to evaporation as one or more active agents are released as a vapour.

Containers for materials that gradually reduce in size during use are commonly used in toilets, for example.

Typically a dissolvable agent in solid or semi-solid form is located in a container that is suspended in a toilet bowl via a hook passing over the rim of the bowl. As the toilet is flushed, water enters the container and dissolves away a certain amount of the substance, which is then released into water during the flush of the toilet. This can be used for the release of disinfectants, fragrances, colourants, cleaning agents, and/or for agents that reduce the build up of limescale.

The material inside a container is generally in the form of a pre-shaped block, known as a toilet block. Toilet blocks may comprise various additional components in addition to the active agents described above. For example they may comprise binding agents, preservatives, fillers, surfactants, etc.

Various shapes of toilet blocks are known. One of the most common shapes is a cylindrical block. The block can be used within a container, as discussed above.

Alternatively it can be used alone. In the latter case the block is often simply placed in a toilet cistern. This is frequently done with one of the leading makes of toilet blocks, which is sold under the trade-mark Bloo ™. This dissolves slowly and releases a blue colour as it dissolves in addition to active agents. As the toilet flushes treated water from the cistern enters the toilet bowl. This is repeated after each flush and so there is a regular replenishment of active agent(s) in the bowl.

The blue colour provides a useful visual indicator that the product is still working. When the colour is no longer visible, or when it significantly reduces in intensity, the user knows that it is time to place another toilet block in the cistern.

The problem with some toilet blocks is that they do not always dissolve completely and can leave an unsightly residue. Residues can build up over time and may cause blockage. They can also cause stains that are difficult to remove.

It is of course possible for a user to regularly clean out residues, but for many people this is an unpleasant and inconvenient task. It can be especially difficult for elderly or infirm people.

The problem of disposing of residues is not confined to toilet blocks. It applies to many solid or semi solid products that are intended to dissolve, but in practice do not always dissolve completely within a desired period. Indeed the problem applies more widely than this. It also applies to solid or semi-solid substances that are intended to release active agents by evaporation.

This is well known, for example in the field of air fresheners, where semi-solid gels are frequently used to facilitate the controlled release of volatile fragrances through vents in the container walls. [For the purposes of the present invention a semi-solid is any soft material that can maintain a recognisable shape for at least several hours without collapsing.] As volatile material is released from the gel, the gel will gradually shrinks in size. After many weeks it can become discoloured and dry out. Eventually, a small unsightly residue can be left. At this stage the container with the residue inside it is usually simply thrown away.

Indeed such containers are generally sealed and it is therefore not possible for a consumer to re-use them. However this approach is therefore not environmentally friendly. Furthermore it is expensive for the consumer, who must purchase a complete new container with the gel sealed inside it.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the problems discussed above.

According to the present invention there is provided a container for a solid or semi-solid material that reduces in size during use; wherein the container comprises a reservoir that is positioned to collect the residue once the solid or semi-solid material has reduced below a given size.

The container preferably comprises an upper compartment, a lower compartment and an aperture or channel between the two compartments; wherein the upper compartment is shaped for receiving the solid material and the lower compartment is the reservoir.

The first and second compartments may be integral, .i.e. they may be part of a unitary container.

Alternatively, the container may comprise an inner housing (sometimes referred to herein as the "insert") that can be removably placed within an outer housing (sometimes referred to herein as "the base"); wherein the upper compartment is within the inner housing and the lower compartment is located within the outer housing below the inner housing.

The inner chamber preferably comprises at least one float chamber.

More preferably, it comprises two symmetrically arranged float chambers.

The float chambers serve to raise the inner housing within the outer housing as the solid or semi-solid material dissolves. This can keep the solid or semi-solid material positioned adjacent to one or more vents and can thereby facilitate the egress of dissolved material. The vents are preferably formed by vents in the inner housing and vents in the outer housing that overlap at least to some extent when the container is in use.

Indeed, whether or not inner and outer housings and a float chamber are provided it is preferred that the container comprises one or more vents for releasing dissolved or vaporised material into a fluid. For the purpose of the present invention the term "vent" includes any aperture that allows a dissolved substance or a vapour to be released from the container. It is preferred that a plurality of vents are located in the upper compartment.

It is also preferred that there are no vents in the lower compartment.

[As an alternative to vents, a porous material or a mesh may however be provided.]

The container preferably also comprises one or more one downward slopes that direct the material towards an aperture or channel as the material reduces in size. The one or more slopes may be straight slope or curved.

Preferably there are two slopes that lead towards a central channel or aperture.

In the embodiments in which inner and outer housings are provided it is preferred that the downward slopes are formed by the inner housing. For example, the downward slopes may be formed by upper walls of the float chambers and may lead towards a central channel located between the float chambers

The solid or semi-solid material may be pre-formed into a specific shape. Preferably the shape is rounded. More preferably it is generally cylindrical or generally spherical. If one or more curved slopes are provided then the curvature may optionally be arranged to be substantially complementary to that of the solid or semi-solid material.

Preferably the size and shape of the aperture / channel are such so that the material will only fall into the reservoir when it has reduced by over 60% percent of its original mass (assuming even wear).

More preferably, the size and shape are such so that the material will fall into the reservoir only when its mass has been reduced by at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70% or at least

75%.

Most preferably, the size and shape are such so that the material will fall into the reservoir only when its mass has been reduced by at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90% or at least 95%.

Thus the residue will preferably only be collected once it represents only a small proportion of the original mass. This allows wastage to be kept low.

If the solid or semi-solid material is originally provided in a cylindrical shape then the aperture or channel is preferably a slot that will receive it as it reduces below a given size. (This can be considered to be analogous to a slot in a money box that receives a cylindrical coin.)

If the solid or semi-solid material is in the form of a spherical shape then the aperture is preferably a round hole, or the channel is preferably cylindrical. (This can be considered to be analogous to a golf hole receiving a golf ball.)

Other shapes for apertures or for cross sections of channels are however possible, such as ovals, polygons, irregular shapes (etc.). The precise shape is not crucial provided that the aperture allows the solid or semi-solid material to enter the reservoir once the material has reduced to a small enough size for it to be considered as residue.

A channel can be useful in guiding residue to the lower compartment (i.e. the reservoir) if it is located some distance from the upper compartment. Alternatively an aperture can be used provided if the lower compartment is located directly underneath the upper compartment and a channel is not required.

The container can be used in any situation where the mass of a solid or semi-solid material reduces over time and it is desired to collect the residue.

This is especially useful where the material slowly dissolves to release an active agent into a liquid. This finds major applications in the field of water treatment, for example.

Preferably the container is for use in a toilet and toilet water is treated.

In this situation the material may for example comprise one or more of the following components: a) a disinfectant b) a bleaching agent c) a fragrance d) a colouring agent e) an agent that helps prevent or reduce the build-up of lime scale f) a surfactant

Whilst it is possible to place the container in a toilet (e.g. in the cistern) without any securing means, it is preferred that it comprises securing means for releasably securing it in place.

The securing means is preferably a handle that comprises a hook and arm. It may be releasably attached to the container (e.g. via a tab that is inserted into a slot and can be. pivoted to engage the handle in position)

The hook is desirably formed of a flexible material, such as a resiliently deformable plastics material or a wire material. It may be used to hook over the rim of a toilet bowl or cistern. If the container is for use in a urinal, the hook may hook over an edge of the urinal or a pipe leading to the urinal. (Thus, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "toilet" is considered to include urinals, bidets, etc.)

The hook is preferably provided at one end of an elongate arm. Although the arm will normally be of fixed length, it is possible to provided an adjustable arm, thereby allowing the distance between the hook and a chamber carrying the dissolvable material to be varied. This can be useful in taking account of different sizes of toilet or of different possible locations. (For example, the container may be placed in the cistern or the bowl of a toilet, as discussed earlier)

There are many ways of providing an am with adjustable length and all are within the scope of the present invention. One way is to provide the arm in two parts, whereby one part can be attached to the other at various positions. Thus, for example, one part may comprise a series of spaced apertures and the other may comprise a protrusion that can be press fit into any of the apertures. As an alternative to an arm, the hook may simply be attached to the container by a length of string or other fibrous material. The length can then be adjusted accordingly, simply by tying the string or fibrous material at an appropriate length.

The container may be open at the top so that solid or semi solid material can be placed therein; or it may be provided with a slot or aperture through which the material can be inserted. Alternatively it may comprise a lid or other closure (e.g. a door with a releasable catch). The closure can then be opened or removed when desired.

For example a push fit lid may be pushed on when it is desired to close the container (e.g. after the solid or semi-solid material has been inserted) and may be pulled off when it is desired to open the container (e.g. to refill it or to remove residue).

Thus the container may be designed for multiple use. If desired, it may be provided in a kit together with one or more refills of solid or semi-solid material may be provided. The kit may include intructions for use - e.g. for refilling the container. Alternatively refills may be provided separately.

In a further (but much less preferred) alternative, the container is sealed and is not refillable. However it still has the advantage over prior art containers of having a reservoir for collecting residue.

It is important to appreciate that whilst various toilet block holders are known, none of these take the same approach as the present invention.

For example US patent application US 2006/0053538 discloses a toilet rim block holder of relatively complex construction. This is not designed to collect residue but simply to allow material to be added to a toilet bowl later in the flush cycle than would otherwise occur. An upper chamber is provided that is connected with a lower chamber via a wick or tube. The lower chamber has an aperture at its base through which material is released. Thus the lower chamber does not act as a reservoir for containing residue but acts to dispense material into the toilet water. This therefore goes in the opposite direction to the present invention.

The container of the present invention may of course be used to contain material for other forms of water treatment. For example it may be used to contain material for treating water in basins, baths, showers wet rooms, Jacuzzis, etc. Thus, it may contain bath salts, water softeners, antimicrobial agents, etc. It may contain material useful in treating water in ponds, pools or tanks. Indeed the number of applications is very wide.

The container can even be used to contain material that releases a vapour (e.g. a perfume) into a surrounding environment. Thus it may act as an air freshener. As indicated earlier, it is well known to use gels in air fresheners, but these gradually shrink and leave an unsightly residue.

The reservoir of the present invention allows such residues to be collected and removed from sight. The container can be reusable allowing refills to be inserted when desired.

In a preferred aspect of the invention at least part of the container is transparent or translucent in order that a user can easily determine when it is desirable to replace the solid or semi-solid material (without first having to open the container). Thus, for example, at least part of the lower compartment or at least part of the upper compartment may be made transparent or translucent. Indeed, it is even possible to make the whole of the container transparent or translucent if desired. Thus, for example, a clear plastics material may be used.

As an alternative to making the container transparent or translucent, one or more apertures may be provided to allow a user to see when it is necessary to replace the solid or semi-solid material. Indeed in some cases one or more of the vents described earlier may be large enough to serve this purpose. Thus they can serve not only to release material into a fluid but also to provide viewpoints for a user. A vent positioned at or close to the lower level of the slope described earlier is particularly useful for this purpose.

In addition to the container itself, the present invention also includes various methods of using the container.

One method is a method of treating a fluid whereby material present within a container of the present invention is used to release an active agent into the fluid.

The fluid may be liquid or gaseous (e.g. air).

The treatment may be used to impart any desired property, For example it may improved fragrance, to reduce the presence of undesired micro-organisms, to reduce lime-scale build up, etc,

Preferred method are used to treat water or air.

They include toilet water treatment and air freshening, as described earlier.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures; wherein:

Figures 1 to 8 are discussed in Example 1.

Figure 1 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a container of the present invention with inner walls illustrated by dotted lines.

Figure 2 also shows a front view of the first embodiment, but with the front removed.

Figure 3 shows a front view of the first embodiment, but without the dotted lines that are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the first embodiment with dotted lines shown showing inner walls.

Figure 5 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a front view of a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a front view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 shows a front view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figures 9 to 23 are discussed herein with reference to Example 2. They illustrate a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the invention when fully assembled.

Figure 10 shows a front view of the sixth embodiment of the invention when fully assembled. Figure 11 shows a side view of the sixth embodiment of the invention when fully assembled. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the base of the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 13 shows a front view of the base of the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 14 shows a side view of the base of the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a lid for the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 16 shows a front view of the lid for the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 17 shows a side view of the lid for the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 18 shows a front view of a handle of the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 19 shows a side view of a handle of the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 20 shows a perspective view of the handle of the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 21 shows a perspective view of an insert of the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 22 shows a front view of the insert of the sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 23 shows a side view of the insert of the sixth embodiment of the invention.

Figures 24 to 27 are discussed herein with reference to Example 3. They illustrate a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 is a computer generated figure shows a side view of a container of the seventh embodiment of the present invention when in use.

Figure 25 is a computer generated figure shows a front view of a container of the seventh embodiment of the present invention when in use.

Figure 26 is a computer generated figure shows a perspective view of a container of the seventh embodiment of the present invention when in use.

Figure 27 is a drawing showing a perspective view of the insert of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 is a drawing showing a front view of the insert of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 29 is a drawing showing a side view of the insert of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Example 1

A first embodiment of a container 10 for a cylindrical toilet block 20 is shown in Figures 1 to 4.

The container 10 is formed of a resilient plastics material and is supplied with flexible hook 30 at the end of an elongate arm 40. The hook 30 can be used to hook the container 10 over the rim of a toilet cistern.

At the other end of the arm 40 there is a generally square chamber 50 that is split into upper and lower integral compartments 60, 70 by an inner curved dividing wall 80. At the base of the dividing wall 80 there is an aperture 90 of a predetermined size. This is significantly smaller than the original size of the cylindrical toilet block 20 (prior to the block 20 being used).

The length of the arm 40 is such so that when the container 10 is in use the chamber 50 can be positioned in the water of the cistern with the hook 30 being located over the rim of the cistern.

The chamber 50 has vents at the front 100 and at the sides 100. As can best be seen from Figures 1 and 4, vents 100 are present in the upper compartment 60 but are absent from the lower compartment 70.

The rear of the container 110 is provided with a releasable, hinged door (not shown). The door is held in place by a press-fit catch, which is secure enough to keep the door closed when the container 20 is in use, but which can be manually opened when desired and then re-closed. When the door is opened this provides access to both the upper and the lower compartments 60, 70.

A door can of course be provided elsewhere. For example a side, top, or front of the container 10 may be provided with a hinge and a releasable catch and may function as the door.

As a simple alternative to a door or other closure, an opening (e.g. a slot or aperture) may be provided in the container 10 allowing the solid or semisolid material to be inserted. If this is provided then it is preferably located at the top of the chamber 50.

Having described the various components of the container 10, an example of the use of the container 10 will now be provided in further detail.

The door at the rear of the container 10 (not shown) is first opened and a cylindrical toilet block 20 is inserted into the upper compartment 60, with the rounded edge of the cylindrical block 10 contacting the curved lower wall 60. Thus, as can be seen from Figure 2, part of the block 10 will be positioned over the aperture 90 in the lower wall 80. However at this stage the block 10 is far too large enough to pass through the aperture 90 into the lower chamber 70.

The door at the rear of the container 10 is then closed. The lid of a toilet cistern is removed and the container 10 is placed in the cistern with the hook 30 over the upper edge of the cistern and the chamber 50 immersed in the water. The lid of the cistern is then replaced. The cylindrical block 20 will then slowly dissolve. As it dissolves, it gradually releases dissolved active substances through the vents 100 in the upper compartment 60 (e.g. a fragrance and a water softening agents. It also gradually reduces in size and thereby moves further down the inner curved wall 80 as it dissolves.

Once it has reduced to a very small size it will fall through the aperture 90 at the base of the curved wall 80 and will enter the lower compartment 70 under the influence of gravity. This compartment 70 has no vents and therefore solid/semi solid residue will not escape from the lower compartment 70 but will be conveniently contained within it.

At this stage the size of the block 20 is so small that it is desirable to replace it in any event. If, as is usual, the block 20 comprises a visible indicator such as a colourant, it will normally be evident when the size of the block 20 has been greatly reduced, because the intensity of the indicator in the water of the cistern (and thereby in the toilet bowl, following flushing) will significantly reduce or may disappear.

Indeed this effect is accentuated when the toilet block 20 falls into the lower chamber 70, because of the absence of vents therein. Thus a user will normally have a very good idea of when it is necessary to replace the toilet block 20.

The user can then simply use the hook 30 to remove the container 10 from the cistern, rinse the container 10 under a tap if desired, open the door and remove the residue of the original block 20 (now very small) from the lower compartment 70. If desired, the residue can be rinsed or brushed out. A detergent or disinfectant may be used, although this is not essential.

A fresh cylindrical toilet block 20 can then be placed into the upper compartment 60, the door can be closed and the container 10 can be replaced in position.

Unlike many prior art methods, the user does not have to worry about periodically collecting and cleaning un-dissolved residue from the bottom of the cistern itself, because this is automatically collected and conveniently stored in the lower compartment 70.

Thus the container 10 saves time and avoids any risk of blockage or undesired staining due to excessive build up of residue. Furthermore, because the container 10 is re-usable, it is very cost-effective. Unlike many prior art devices it is not necessary to throw it away after a single use.

If desired, at least part of the container 10 can be transparent or transparent or translucent so that it can be easily seen when the block 20 has fallen into the lower chamber. However this is not essential. A user may simply decide to replace the block 20 when it can no longer be seen through the lowermost vent 120. Alternatively, the user may simply decide to replace the block 20 when the intensity of dye released from the block reduces significantly, as discussed earlier.

Indeed it is not even crucial that the block 20 falls into the lower chamber 70. A user may decide to replace it at an earlier stage, if desired. The important point is that there is no major risk of significant amounts of solid/semi solid residue from the block 20 entering the cistern. [It is of course also possible to use a similar container 20 in the bowl of a toilet rather than the cistern, although this is less preferred. Here the hook 30 will hook over the edge of the bowl and the chamber 50 will be in a region of the bowl where water is flushed from the cistern.] The precise shape of the container 10 and of the vents 100 is not crucial, although it is preferred that there are no vents in the lower compartment 70.

Indeed, as illustrated in Figures 5 to 8 a variety of different shapes of container with integral compartments and different arrangements of vents can be used.

Figure 5 shows a container 200 with a dome-shaped face 210 and vents 220 in the form of horizontal slits that are arranged to form a generally circular pattern.

Figure 6 shows a container 300 with a square face 310 and vents 320 in the form of horizontal slits that are arranged to form a form an inverted dome shape.

Figure 7 shows a container 400 with a generally square chamber 410, but with a cut away portion 430 at the upper right hand side. The arrangement of vents 420 is similar to that shown in Figure 6, when allowing for the cut away portion.

Figure 8 shows a container 500 with a generally square chamber 510, but with a cut away portion 530 at the upper centre. The arrangement of vents 520 is again similar to that shown in Figure 6, when allowing for the cut away portion.

Example 2

The sixth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 9 through to 24.

The sixth embodiment is also a container 600 for a semi cylindrical toilet block. (For ease of reference the toilet block is not shown.)

The container 600 can be provided in a plurality of parts which can be easily assembled. The assembled container is shown in Figures 9 to 11.

The container 600 comprises a base 610 (see also Figures 12 to 14), a lid 620 (see also Figures 15 to 17) and a handle 630 (see also Figures 18 to 20). At the top of the handle 630 there is a hook 640, allowing the container to be hooked over the edge of a toilet cistern (or a toilet bowl if desired) with the base located in the water of the cistern. The hook 640 is detachable from the base 610. This is useful in reducing the size of a package in which the various components of the container can be supplied.

The handle 630 has an elongate tab 632 that fits into a corresponding elongate slot 635 present in a mounting 633 located towards the top of the rear of the base. The tab 632 is horizontal and the slot 635 is vertical. Fitting is achieved by turning the handle 630 to a horizontal position, aligning tab 632 with the slot 635, pushing the tab 632 into the slot 635 and then pivoting the slot through 90 degrees within the mounting. If desired, releasable catches or detents can also be provided (not shown) to provide additional support for securing the handle to the base in this orientation. The handle 630 can then be released from the base 610 simply by reversing the procedure. (The container 600 is formed of resiliently deformable plastics material, which facilitates mounting or releasing of the handle 630.) The handle 630 further includes a central rod 634. This can aid in gripping the handle. It also provides improved stiffness.

The container 600 has a series of parallel longitudinal apertures 650 in a front wall 660, as well as a circular aperture 704 at a central lower position. It also has a series of parallel longitudinal apertures 670 in a rear wall 680, which are at corresponding positions to the slots 650 in the front wall 660.

The container 600 further comprises an inner removable insert 690 (see e.g. Figures 21 to 23). The insert 690 comprises two float chambers 692, 694, and a central channel 696 located between the two float chambers 692, 694. Upper walls 698, 700 of the float chambers 692, 694 slope downwardly towards the central channel 696. The central channel 696 leads down towards an open slot 702.

The insert 690 can be pushed into the base 610, until a curved lower wall 706 of the insert 690 abuts corresponding curved inner side walls 707, 709 of the base 610. A chamber 713 is then formed between the lower wall 706 of the insert 690 and a curved lower wall 711 of the base 610.

It can be seen that, like the base 610, the insert 690 has a series of longitudinal apertures 710 in its front wall 712 and a series of corresponding longitudinal apertures 714 in its back wall 716. It also has a central indentation 715 in the front and back walls 712, 716. This is not essential but is useful in exposing part of the block to water without requiring central slots. It therefore saves on materials, whilst providing an elegant design. When the container 600 is to be used, the handle 630 is fitted as aforesaid and the insert 690 is pushed down into the base 610 until the lower wall 706 of the insert 690 abuts corresponding curved inner side walls 707, 709 of the base 610, as described above. The cylindrical toilet block is then unwrapped and dropped into the container 600. The Hd 620 is then pushed onto the top of the base 610 and clicks into place via a releasable click fit arrangement. It includes and indent 619 to accommodate the handle 630.

Over time the block releases active ingredients as it slowly dissolves. (Typically it releases one or more of: a disinfectant, a perfumes, a water softening agent and a dye.) The dissolution causes the density, size and weight of the block to change. However the float chambers 692, 694 function to ensure that even when the block has reduced to a relatively small size, it is still exposed through the longitudinal apertures 650, 670, 710, 714, present in the base 610 and the insert 690.

Throughflow of water during flushing is facilitated by the circular aperture 704 located in the base 610 of the container 600.

Eventually the size of the block reduces to such an extent that it is desirable to replace the block. At this point it falls through the slot 702 in the bottom of the insert 690 and enters the chamber 713.

It is then a simple matter of using the hook to lift the container 600 out of the cistern, removing the insert 690, emptying the residue present at the bottom of the base 610 (and washing if desired). The insert 690 can then be replaced and the container 600 is ready to be used with another toilet block.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that that the container 600 is useful in allowing efficient release of active ingredients from a toilet block through apertures as the block reduces in size. Furthermore it allows the block residue to be conveniently collected once the size of the block is below a predetermined size at which it is desirable to replace the block. The container 600 is completely reusable and is therefore much more beneficial to the environment than standard single use containers.

Example 3

This example is similar to Example 2, apart from the fact that the insert has a slightly different shape. Unlike the insert shown in Figures 21 to 23 the insert here does not have a central indentation in its front and rear walls. A further difference is that no lid is present. (The lid is optional).

Figures 24 to 26 are useful in showing the insert in position and with a toilet block in place. (The toilet block is full size having just been placed in the container. Thus the insert is located at its lowest position within the base. As the block dissolves the density, size and weight reduce. The float chambers then raise the block so that it is still exposed through slots in the base and in the insert.)

Figures 27 to 29 are line drawings showing different views of the insert 300.

Claims

Claims

1. A container for a solid or semi-solid material that reduces in size during use; wherein the container comprises a reservoir that is positioned to collect the residue once the solid or semi-solid material has reduced below a given size.

2. A container according to claim 1 that comprises an upper compartment, a lower compartment and an aperture or channel between the two compartments; wherein the upper compartment is shaped for receiving the solid material and the lower compartment is the reservoir.

3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2; comprising an inner housing that can be removably placed within an outer housing; wherein the upper compartment is within the inner housing and the lower compartment is located within the outer housing below the inner housing.

4. A container according to claim 3 wherein the inner housing comprises at least one float chamber.

5. A container according to claim 4 comprising two symmetrically arranged float chambers.

6. A container according to claim 5; wherein the float chambers serve to raise the inner housing within the outer housing as the solid or semi-solid dissolves.

7. A container according to any preceding claim comprising one or more vents for releasing dissolved or vaporised material into a fluid.

8. A container according to claim 7; wherein the vents are in the upper compartment.

9. A container according to claim 7 or 8; wherein the vents are formed by vents in an inner and outer housing that overlap at least to some extent when the container is in use.

10. A container according to any of claims 2 to 9; wherein there are no vents in the lower compartment.

11. A container according to any preceding claim comprising one or more one downward slopes that direct the material towards the aperture or channel as the material reduces in size.

12. A container according to claim 11 comprising two downward slopes

13. A container according to claim 11 or 12; wherein the downward slopes are straight.

14. A container according to claim 11 or 12; wherein the downward slopes are curved.

15. A container according to any of claims 11 to 14 when dependent upon claim 3; wherein the downward slopes are formed by an inner housing.

16. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the solid or semi solid material is in a spherical or cylindrical form.

17. A container according to any preceding claim that includes the solid or semi-solid material.

18. A container according to any preceding claim that is for use in a toilet and comprises means for releasably securing the container in the toilet in a manner allowing dissolution of the solid or semi-solid material into the toilet water.

19. A container according to claim 18; wherein the means for releasably securing the container is a hook.

20. A container according to claim 19; wherein the hook is detachably mounted to the container.

21. A container according to any of claims 1 to 17 that is a container for an air freshener.

22. A container according to any preceding claim that is reusable; wherein the container provides access to allow a refill of solid or semi-solid material to be placed into the container once a previous sample has been used.

23. A container according to any preceding claim that provides access to allow material that has fallen into the reservoir to be removed from the reservoir.

24. A container according to any preceding claim that comprises closure means.

25. A container according to claim 24 comprising a lid or door.

26. A container according to any preceding claim that allows a user to determine without opening the container when the solid or semi-solid material has passed into the reservoir.

27. A container according to claim 26 that is at least partially transparent or translucent.

28. A kit comprising a container according to any preceding claim and a solid or semi-solid material for use in the container.

29. A kit according to claim 28 comprising a plurality of refills of solid or semi-solid material.

30. A toilet comprising a container according to any of claims 1 to 20 or 22 to 27.

31. A method of treating a fluid whereby solid or semi-solid material present within a container of any of claims 1 to 27 is used to release at least one active agent into the fluid.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein at least one of the following active agents is released:

a) a disinfectant b) a bleaching agent c) a fragrance d) a visible indicator e) a water softener f) a detergent

33. A method according to claim 31 or 32 that is used to treat a liquid.

34. A method according to claim 33 that is used to treat water

35. A method according to claim 34 that is used to treat toilet water.

36. A method according to claim 31 or 32 that is used to treat air

37. A method according to claim 31 or 32 that is used to release an air freshener.

38. The invention as substantially hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.