Device for applying an active material to a surface and containing a single dosage of active material

Abstract

 The invention relates to a device (1, 1') for applying an active material to a surface comprising at least a head member (2, 2') with a use surface (8, 8') characterized in that the head member (2, 2') comprises a space (4, 4') adapted to house an active material (11), e.g. cleaning detergent or toilet requisites, wherein the head member (2, 2') has at least one outlet opening (5, 5') connecting the space (4, 4') with the exterior and/or the use surface (8, 8').

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for applying an active material to a surface according to claim 1. The invention further relates to a container containing a single dosage of active material according to claim 10.

[0002] Various types of device for applying an active material, such as a solution or suspension of a formulation for cleaning or bodycare purposes, to a surface comprising a head member with an attached use surface are known, e.g. brushes such as WC brushes, bath brushes or sponges for cleaning the body or the bathroom equipment, dishwashing brushes or sponges, scrubbing-brushes for floor cleaning, toothbrushes, massage brushes and the like. Use surface means the part of a device for the application of media to a surface which is, in use, in contact with the treated surface, e.g. bristles, a sponge or other absorbent material, tissue, cotton wool, fleece material and the like. Such devices are not only used for treating a surface or the skin purely mechanically, e.g. by wiping, scrubbing or polishing, but also for applying media to the surface or the skin, mostly to supplement a mechanical cleaning action. Such media are active materials, e.g. powder or liquid WC cleaner, bathroom cleaner, or bodycare detergents, e.g. toothpaste, soap, massage oil and the like, mostly in an aqueous solution, suspension or dispersion. They have to be poured onto the use surface or directly onto the surface which is to be treated. This procedure typically causes inhomogeneous distribution of the active material on the treated surface, which in most cases should be avoided for an optimum result. Further, with some active materials a direct contact with the user's skin should be avoided, as they can contain aggressive substances.

[0003] With prior art devices for applying liquids the right dosage of the active material has to be estimated by the user, depending on the application. Most people wanting a sufficient result, especially for bathroom or WC cleaning, tend to apply an overdose. This causes more burden to the environment than necessary and, especially for WC cleaning, development of foam that is difficult to remove. Furthermore, cleaning powder kept in bottles or other containers tends to agglomerate in humid atmosphere when the bottle is not closed properly. Further, though most containers have a safety cap the detergent contained is a danger to children who manage to open it.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for applying media to surfaces, which avoids the problems of the devices mentioned before and which especially facilitates homogeneous distribution of a liquid containing an active material, e.g. a solution or suspension of a cleaning or bodycare formulation, over the treated surface. It is a further object of the invention to provide a container for storing and delivering active material, especially an active compound or formulation, in predetermined portions without the need or danger of touching the active material before and/or during use.

[0005] This object is achieved by a device for applying an active material to surfaces according to claim 1 and a container containing a single dosage of active material according to claim 10. The object is further achieved by the use of such a container or a detergent tablet to feed a single or predetermined dosage of active material to such a device. Beneficial embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The inventive device comprises a head member with a use surface, such as tissue, bristles, sponge, fleece or other material having surface and/or absorption features required for a given application, wherein the head member has a space adapted to house an active material, preferably a predetermined amount of cleaning detergent or toilet requisite. The head member further comprises at least one outlet opening connecting the space with the use surface. The head member further comprises at least a first element and a second element which are movable with respect to each other, e.g. pivotable, hinged, twisted, connectable via a snap lock or a clip or a slide. The two elements define the space for housing the active material, e.g. by one or both elements comprising a recess or a concave curvature. In a first position of the first and second element with respect to each other the space is closed for housing the active material. In a second position of the first and second element the space is accessible for inserting the active material. Preferably the first element is a base and the second element is a top connected to the base by a hinge. The head member is preferably moulded in one piece by injection moulding.

[0007] The inventive device has the advantage that a well defined dosage of active material is, via the at least one outlet opening, delivered directly to the immediate proximity of the use surface and is, by the use surface, distributed directly on the surface to which the medium is to be applied. Water enters the device through an inlet, which is preferably the at least one outlet opening, to solublize or suspend the active compound or formulation acting as active material which is housed in the device. A liquid containing active material, e.g. an aqueous solution or suspension of the active material is released from the device. The invention ensures that the highest concentration of active material is within the use surface, and the liquid containing active material is then distributed from there respectively by the use surface. Thereby the active material is used more efficiently than when poured directly onto the surface, from where it is often at least partially dissolved and flushed without being used. Another advantage is that a well defined dosage of active material is applicable to the surface, ensuring optimum cleaning action at minimum expenses and minimum release of substances burdening the environment. The choice and dosage of the active material may be adjusted to the application by providing active material containers or tablets with a respective composition, volume and/or concentration of active material. A further advantage is that the user does not need to handle the active material itself.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the device is adjusted to active materials provided as active material portion having a predetermined shape. The active material is preferably contained in a container or a tablet which is easy, safe and clean to handle. Even with liquid active materials no spilling can occur as the active material contained in a closed container can be released near the head member, without the user touching it directly. Preferably, the head member is designed to hold the active material having a defined shape at a fixed place within the space. The space itself can be designed as a holder for the active material portion, e.g. by being fitting tightly around active material portions having a given size and shape. Alternatively the space comprises an additional holder, e.g. a water permeable cage for the active material portion. Preferably the active material portion is held such that water is able to flow around it for dissolving or disintegrating the active material homogeneously.

[0009] The inventive container or cartridge contains a single dosage of non-aqueous or anhydrous powder or liquid active material and is made of a water soluble foil. Preferably, the water soluble foil consists of a Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) which is preferably low-temperature dissolving. PVA films supplied by the following suppliers can be used: Aquafilm ltd. (AQUAFILM), Environmental Polymers ltd. (EP POLY), Cris Craft Inc. (MONO-SOL®) The container preferably has a cylindrical shape, preferably with a circular cross section. Cartridges like this are easy to manufacture from a sheet material or a flexible pipe. Alternatively, the cartridge has a spherical shape, as known for single dosage soap containers. Preferably material and thickness of the container are chosen such that the container walls dissolve completely during the time normally required for a cleaning action such that, after cleaning the surface, the inventive device is ready for the next use without the need for rinsing or cleaning it. In case a active material tablet is used the features of the cleaning or bodycare composition are chosen such that the tablet is completely decomposed under the influence of water during the typical cleaning time, e.g. 30 seconds for toilet cleaning or several minutes for bodycare. Alternatively, the features of a active material tablet can be chosen such that it lasts for several cleaning actions. The active material itself is not necessarily water soluble, but can for example contain abrasives.

Fig. 1a-d

show different views of a first inventive device in the shape of a brush;

Fig. 2

shows a dispenser for tablets of active material;

Fig. 3a-d

show different views of a second inventive device in the shape of a brush

Fig. 4a,b

show a third inventive device in the shape of a disk-shaped brush.

[0010] Different views of a first inventive device 1 in the shape of a brush are shown in Fig. 1a-d. The device 1 comprises a head member 2 and a handle 3 with a grip portion 19. The head member 2 consists of a first element 6 and a second element 7 which are connected by a hinge mechanism 12 and pivotable with respect to each other. The first element 6 can be secured to the second element by means of a clip or snap lock 13 located opposite the hinge 12. First and second elements 6, 7 are shaped such that a space 4 is defined by them when in a first position the first element 6 is attached to the second element 7, i.e. the head member 2 is closed, as shown in fig. 1a, 1b and 1d. In a second position the head member 2 is open, and the space 4 can be accessed for insertion of a certain dosage of active material 11, here a detergent tablet 11', as shown in fig. 1c. To keep active material that has a given shape at a well defined place within the head member 2 the head member 2 comprises a holder 9, here a circular roll 9a in the bottom 6a of the second element 7. The active material 11 is hold in place when the head member 2 is closed, as the first part 7 has a curvature in a central region 15a of its bottom 15 which acts as lid for the holder 9. The inner surface of the central region 15a further comprises small spikes 10 which help holding the tablet 11' in place, best seen in fig. 1c. Openings 5, here several slits 5a, are arranged in the central region 15a in the first element 6 of the head member 2. Water is able to enter the space 4 and contact the active material 11, e.g. when the device 1 is used under running water or in a water reservoir. The active material tablet 11' is dissolved or disintegrated thereby, and liquid containing active material is released to the exterior via the openings 5, as shown schematically in fig. 1d. It is released in the immediate proximity of the use surface 8 which is attached to the head member 2, here to its first element 6. In another embodiment (not shown) second openings with preferably bigger area than the inner openings 5 are arranged around the central area 15a to facilitate water flow around the tablet 11' and thereby its fast disintegration.

[0011] The use surface 8 comprises a plurality of bristles 16 arranged around the central region 15a of the bottom 15 of the first element 6, as best seen in fig. 1b. In another embodiment (not shown), bristles or other material are additionally arranged between the openings in the central region 15a. If a water permeable sheet material is used as use surface material, e.g. a sponge, fleece or tissue layer, the use surface can as well cover the openings (not shown).

[0012] As an alternative to the tablet 11' a container made of water soluble foil containing a liquid or powder active material can be inserted into the head member 2 respectively the space 4 (not shown). The foil dissolves in contact with water entering the space and releases the active material. Additionally, the spikes 10 can act to pierce the foil, releasing the active material immediately after closing the head member 2.

[0013] The inventive device as shown in fig. 1a-d is preferably used as toilet or dishwashing brush with a tablet of dishwashing or cleaning active material inserted. Further, it can be used for bodycare, e.g. as bathing brush, with a bodycare type active material.

[0014] Fig. 2 shows a dispenser 14 for active material tablets 11'. The dispenser 14 has a cylindrical housing 14a with approximately the same inner diameter as a tablet 11' and can be closed by a lid 14b.

[0015] Fig. 3a-d show a second embodiment of an inventive device 1'. The device 1' has a head member 2' and a handle 3' connected to the head member 2'. The head member 2' consists of a first and a second element 7', 6' which are pivotally connected with each other by a hinge mechanism 12'. First and second element 6', 7' both comprise a first and second elongate handle piece 3a', 3b', as best seen in the open state depicted in fig. 3 b, 3c. The handle pieces 3a', 3b' form the handle 3' when the head member 2' is in a closed state, as shown in fig. 3a and 3d.

[0016] The first element 6' of the head member 2' has a planar bottom 15'. The first handle piece 3a' extends from the first element 6', is preferably made in one piece with it. The bottom 15' comprises a recess 18 which defines the place for a portion of active material 11, here a tablet. At least in the area of the recess 18 the bottom 15' comprises a plurality of openings 5'. At the outside of the first element 6' a use surface 8', here a plurality of bristles 16', is attached. Like the first element the second head member element 6' has a planar bottom with a recess 17. In the closed state of the head member 2' the first and second recess 17, 18 form a space 4' for the active material 11, fig. 3a and 3d. In the open state, shown in fig. 3b, 3c, a tablet 11' can be inserted, as shown in fig. 3c. The tablet is then held in place by the first and second element 6', 7' of the head member 2. These elements 6', 7' are hold together by attaching the handle pieces 3a', 3b' to each other, e.g. by a clip mechanism (not shown). The device can therefore be opened easily without necessarily touching the head member 2'.

[0017] The construction shown in fig. 3a-d can be manufactured at low costs, e.g. by injection moulding the complete device in one piece except for the use surface 8'.

[0018] Fig. 4a, b show a third inventive device 1'' in the shape of a brush with a plurality of bristles 16'' attached to a disk-shaped first part 6''. First part 6'' is via a hinge 12'' pivotally connected to a disk-shaped second part 7'' of approximately the same size and diameter as the first part 6''. The closed position of the device 1'', as shown in fig. 4a, is secured by a clip 13'' attaching the first part 6'' to the second part 7''. A tablet 11 of active material can be housed between the two disk-shaped parts 6'', 7'', as best seen in fig. 4b. A handle 3'' is connected to the upper part of the second part 7''. The first part 6" comprises in a central region 15a'' of its bottom portion 15'' a plurality of slits acting as outlet openings 5'' for a liquid containing active material which is dissolved or suspended by water entering through the same openings 5''. The device 1'' shown in fig. 4a, b is especially suited as a body or scrubbing brush when the user doesn't mind direct contact with the active material.

Claims

1. A device (1, 1') for applying an active material to a surface comprising a head member(2, 2') with a use surface (8, 8') characterized in that the head member (2, 2') comprises a space (4, 4') adapted to house the active material (11), wherein the head member (2, 2') has at least one outlet opening (5, 5') connecting the space (4, 4') with the use surface (8, 8') and wherein the head member (2, 2') comprises a first element (6, 6') and a second element (7, 7') which define the space (4, 4') and which are movable with respect to each other to allow inserting the active material into the space (4, 4').

2. Device (1, 1') according to claim 1, wherein the active material (11) has a predetermined shape, the active material (11) preferably being a tablet (11') or a container containing a liquid or a powder.

3. Device (1, 1') according to claim 2, wherein the space (4, 4') is designed to hold the active material (11) at a fixed place within the space (4, 4'), the device (1, 1') preferably further comprising a holder (9) for the active material (11).

4. Device (1, 1') according to claim 3, wherein the active material (11) is held at least partially spaced from the inner walls of the space (4, 4') to facilitate the active material (11) contacting water that enters the device (1, 1') via the at least one opening (5, 5').

5. Device (1, 1') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (6, 6') and the second element (7, 7') are connected by a hinge mechanism (12, 12'), first and second element (6, 6', 7, 7') preferably being moulded in a single piece.

6. Device (1, 1') according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second element (6, 6', 7, 7') are designed to snap or slide on each other.

7. Device (1, 1') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first element (6, 6') contains the at least one opening (5, 5') and wherein the use surface (8, 8'), which preferably contains bristles (16, 16'), a sponge and/or a cleaning pad, is affixed to at least the first element (6, 6').

8. Device (1, 1') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the head member (2, 2') has a plurality of outlet openings (5, 5') having the shape of circular holes or elongate slits (5a).

9. Device (1, 1') according to claim 8, wherein the openings (5, 5') are arranged at least in a bottom part (15, 15') of the first element (6, 6'), preferably the area of an opening (5, 5') in a central region (15a) of the bottom part being smaller than the area of an opening (5, 5') in other regions of the first element (6, 6').

10. Container containing a single dosage of active material (11), preferably cleaning detergent or toilet requisite, preferably for the use with a device (1, 1') according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is made of a water soluble foil and contains active material (11) in the shape of powder or non-aqueous liquid.

11. Container according to claim 10, wherein the foil consists of a Polyvinylalcohol (PVA), which is preferably low-temperature dissolving.

12. Container according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the container has a cylindrical shape, preferably with a circular cross section.

13. Use of a container according to one of the claims 10 to 12 to feed a single dosage of active material (11) to a device (1, 1') according to one of the claims 1 to 9.

14. Use of a tablet (11') containing an active material (11), preferably cleaning detergent or toilet requisite, to feed active material (11) to a device (1, 1') according to one of the claims 1 to 9.

15. Use of a device (1, 1') according to one of the claims 1 to 9 as WC brush, dish washing brush or sponge, bath brush or sponge, toothbrush.

Drawing