Adjustable sanitizing block holder

Abstract

 A support device (7) for a toilet sanitizing block comprises a housing (11) for containing a sanitizing block. The housing (11) includes at least one aperture (9)(15) configured to permit the passage of fluid into and out of housing (11). The housing (11) further includes means for selectively varying the effective size of the at least one aperture (9)(15) to vary the permitted flow of fluid into and out of the housing (11). The means for selectively varying the at least one aperture (9)(15) enables the fluid flow rate into and out of the housing (11) to be controlled, to vary the flow rate and hence the rate of dissolution of the sanitizing block.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitising block holder for toilet, and in particular an adjustable sanitising block holder for use in a urinal waste outlet assembly.

[0002] Odour control and sanitisation are concerns within the field of urinal waste outlets, and in particular reduced flush or 'waterless' urinals. A common means of odour prevention is to position an anti-bacterial and/or deodorising agent within the urinal or vicinity thereof. The agent is typically a solid block or 'ake' of disinfectant which dissolves upon contact with urine or water, thus releasing its anti-bacterial and deodorising compounds. The greater the exposure to the fluid, the faster the rate of dissolution.

[0003] In basic use, santising blocks are placed directly in the urinal bowl. However, this can be considered unsightly, and can lead to overexposure of the blocks to fluid flow, thereby increasing the rate of dissolution and hence reducing the lifespan of the product. Dispensers have been developed for holding the disinfectant block in position during dispensation of the disinfectant. Some known solutions comprise dispensers which act as a cage or housing for the block and are configured to clip onto the side wall of the toilet or urinal. In some arrangement a perforated dispenser within the urinal receptacle or bowl holds the antibacterial agent above the normal water level until flushing occurs, thus reducing the fluid exposure of the block and increasing lifespan.

[0004] Solutions are also known wherein the block is positioned within the waste outlet of the urinal rather than the bowl. GB 2355185A and GB2449364A disclose such solutions, which comprise a grid or mesh-like platform placed within the downpipe. The block is then placed on the platform, such that it rests in the flow of fluid as it passes through the waste outlet, the resulting dissolution releasing the antibacterial chemicals into the waste outlet assembly. However, positioning a block at the waste outlet in this way maximises the exposure of the block to liquid, resulting in a high rate of dissolution. The block must therefore be replaced much more frequently than desired.

[0005] As well as the positioning of the sanitising block, frequency of use also determines the product lifespan. It is common in washrooms which include multiple urinals that certain urinals are used more frequently than others. This results in the sanitising blocks positioned in these urinals being depleted before those in the other urinals. It is typical that site including urinals are serviced at a pre-determined intervals at which time the whole set of urinals will be serviced, including replacement of the blocks. It is therefore desirable to ensure that the blocks located in the frequently-used urinals dissolve more slowly than those located in frequently less used urinals, to ensure that these blocks last the entire service interval.

[0006] In addition, certain sites such as airports and service stations are known to be high-traffic sites. Again, it is advantageous to be able to slow down the rate of dissolution in such sites to ensure that the blocks last the entire service interval.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved housing for a sanitising block which addresses the above described problems and/or which provides improvements generally.

[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a housing for a sanitising block as described in the accompanying claims.

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a support device for a toilet sanitising block, the device comprising a housing for containing a sanitising block, the housing including at least one aperture configured to permit the passage of fluid into and out of housing; and means for selectively varying the effective size of the at least one aperture to vary the permitted flow of fluid into and out of the housing. The means for selectively varying the at least one aperture enables the fluid flow rate into and out of the housing to be controlled, to vary the flow rate and hence the rate of dissolution of the sanitizing block.

[0010] The support device preferably comprises a support member for supporting the sanitising block, which includes the at least one aperture and is arranged to permit fluid flow into and out of the housing through the at least one aperture. The support member is preferably a planar disc having a plurality of apertures formed therein, and is arranged at the base of the housing. As such, fluid flow into the housing is through the base and is controlled by the fluid height within the urinal bowl.

[0011] The means for selectively varying the effective size of the at least one aperture preferably comprises an occluding member arranged to occlude the at least one aperture, the support member and the occluding member being relatively movable to selectively vary the degree to which the at least one aperture is occluded.

[0012] Preferably the occluding member is rotatable relative to the support member to selectively occlude the at least one aperture. More preferably, the occluding member is rotatably fixed relative to the housing and the support member is rotatable relative to the occluding member and the housing. As such, the support member is engaged directly by the operator and functions as the control member for varying the aperture size and hence the flow rate through the housing.

[0013] The housing preferably includes a removable cap to allow insertion of the urinal block and access to the support member for adjustment.

[0014] The support member is preferably rotatably connected to the occlusion member, with the two member being connected by a spindle defining common axis of rotation.

[0015] The support member comprises a plurality of first apertures, and the occluding member comprises a plurality of corresponding second apertures, and relative movement of the support member and the occluding member brings the first and second apertures into and out of alignment to vary the degree of alignment determining the effective aperture size. By providing a plurality of aperture, the size of each aperture may be kept to a minimum, thereby ensuring the block is suitably supported, while still providing suitable flow into the housing.

[0016] The support member and occluding member are preferably disc shaped and comprise a common central axis of rotation. This provides a simple mechanical arrangement with minimal movement parts which is cheap to manufacture and also robust.

[0017] The plurality of first and second apertures are arranged at corresponding angular positions on the support member and occluding member respectively, thereby enabling the movement into and out of alignment of the apertures during rotation.

[0018] The housing preferably comprises a body section, one of the occluding member and the support member being fixed relative to the body section and the other being movable relative thereto to facilitate the relative movement between the support member and the occlusion member.

[0019] The support device may comprise indexing means configured to define a plurality of fixed relative positions between the occluding member and the support member. This enables the operator to more effectively and precisely control the flow rate.

[0020] The device preferably is configured positioned within a urinal waste outlet assembly.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the support member and occluding members are connected to each other but in other embodiments they may be disconnected or independent of one another.

[0022] A deodorizing/antibacterial block may be placed to rest upon the upper surface of the upper member. The upper member is provided with at least one opening or window to permit the passage of fluid (such as urine or water).

[0023] The lower member is also provided with at least one opening or window. Movement of the upper member relative to the lower member causes the openings of the upper member to move into or out of alignment with the openings provided in the lower member.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower members are circular in shape, with spoke-like portions extending radially outwards from the center to the perimeter of the members. One or more cut out portions between the spokes form the openings. However, it will be appreciated that the members may take other shapes, and the openings may be formed in a grid or mesh-like manner.

[0025] The support device is moveable between an open configuration (wherein the openings of the upper and lower members are fully or substantially aligned to permit a high rate of flow through the device) and an occluded position (wherein the openings of the upper and lower members are not fully aligned, thus decreasing the size of the aperture formed through the device and restricting the rate of flow).

[0026] When the device is in an open configuration, the openings of the upper member are superimposed upon the corresponding openings formed in the lower member. This forms perforations of maximum dimensions through the device and thus permits a maximum rate of flow through the device. This means that the block spends less time sitting in the fluid, and thus the rate of dissolution is reduced.

[0027] Upon relative re-positioning of the upper and/or lower members, the openings become misaligned. The openings of the upper member become partially occluded by the lower member, thus decreasing the dimension of the apertures perforating the device and restricting the rate of flow of fluid through the device. This means that the block is in contact with the fluid for a greater length of time, thus dissolving at a faster rate and releasing more antibacterial/deodorizing agent into the assembly.

[0028] Progressive movement of the openings into or out of alignment allows an operator to select the size of aperture formed through both members, and thus the desired rate of flow. Therefore, the operator is provided with a high degree of control over the rate of flow for a particular installation.

[0029] The slower the rate of flow through the device, the longer the block is contact with the fluid and, therefore, the faster it will dissolve. Conversely, the faster the passage of fluid through the device, the slower the dissolution of the block. Thus, the operator can control how long the block will last by slow down (or speeding up) the rate at which it dissolves. The block can then be made to last until its replacement at the next service.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment, one or both of the upper and lower members may be integrally formed with a urinal waste outlet assembly.

[0031] A housing or cover may also be provided to protect or shield the block. This may connect to the block support device or to the waste outlet assembly. The cover ,may be removable to allow access to the block for replacement or other servicing.

[0032] One or more stop means may be provided to prevent movement of the upper and/or lower members beyond one or more pre-determined positions. The stop means may comprise a plurality of detents or notches provided on one of the upper and lower members and a corresponding projection provide on the other of the upper and lower members.

[0033] The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following illustrative figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a known waste outlet assembly for a urinal, including a known block support device positioned within the outlet assembly;

Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention in an open configuration (i.e. with the openings of the upper and lower members being substantially in alignment). The invention is shown in situ within a urinal waste outlet;

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention in an occluded configuration (i.e. with the openings of the upper and lower members being out of alignment such that the openings of the upper member are partially occluded by the lower member). The invention is shown in situ within a urinal waste outlet;

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment comprising an alternative indexing means, with the upper and lower members being shown in the closed position; and

Figure 5 shows the arrangement of Figure 4 in the open position.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a known waste outlet assembly 1 for a reduced flush urinal. Such assemblies are known to incorporate a housing for a block of dissolvable disinfectant and/or deodorizing material 2. The housing typically comprises a support member 3 and a cover 4. The support member 3 comprises a grid or mesh like support platform upon which the block 2 rests. Fluid (such as water and urine) passes into and out of the assembly 1 via the support platform grid 3, coming into contact with and partially dissolving the block 2 while in transit.

[0035] Figures 2 and 3 show an embodiment of the present invention, in which a urinal block support device 7 comprises an upper member 5 and a lower member 6. The upper 5 and lower 6 members are moveably connected or coupled to each other, although in other embodiments they may be independent of one another.

[0036] The upper member 5 defines a support surface for supporting a urinal block. A urinal block may be placed to rest upon the upper surface of the upper member 5. The upper member 5 is provided with apertures or windows 9 such that fluid (such as urine or water) may flow therethrough. The lower member 6 is also provided with aperture or windows 15 for permitting the through flow of fluid.

[0037] A housing 11 comprising a side wall and a cap section (not shown) surrounds and covers the upper 5 and lower 6 members. The upper 5 and lower 6 members are positioned at and define the base of the housing 11. The housing 11 acts as a cover, preventing direct contact of fluid with urinal block from above, and obscuring the urinal block from view in normal use. Fluid flow into and out of the housing is permitted through the apertures 9 and 15 of the upper 5 and lower 6 members respectively as fluid collects in the bowl of a urinal. By preventing direct fluid contact from above, the housing 11 limits the dissolution of the urinal block and excessive and unnecessary release of the disinfectant and/or deodorizing material.

[0038] As well as limiting the direct fluid contact from above, fluid flow into the housing through the base may also be controlled and limited. To achieve this, the upper 5 and lower 6 members are arranged and configured to permit relative movement. In a preferred embodiment, the upper member 5 is rotatably connected to the lower member 6, and is able to rotate relative to the lower member 6 which remains in a fixed position. Alternatively, the upper member 5 may remain fixed while the lower member 6 rotates relative thereto.

[0039] Movement of the upper member 5 relative to the lower member causes the upper apertures 9 of the upper member to move into or out of alignment with the lower apertures 15 provided in the lower member 6.

[0040] The upper member 5 and lower member 6 are circular, disc shaped members, and are rotatably connected about a common central axis of rotation 16. The upper apertures 9 and 15 of the upper 5 and lower 6 members are arranged at corresponding angular positions around the upper 5 and lower 6 members and are preferably of corresponding size and shape. In a first open position the upper apertures 9 and 15 align such that the upper apertures 9 are fully open and unobstructed, allowing maximum fluid flow through the housing. In a second position, the upper member 5 is rotated such that the upper apertures 9 move out of complete alignment with the lower apertures 15. In this second position, occluding portions 17 of the lower member 6 which are positioned between the lower apertures 15, move into alignment with and partially occlude the upper apertures 9, thereby restricting the fluid flow therethrough.

[0041] The occluding portions 17 may be configured such that in the second closed position, when fully aligned with upper apertures 9, they completely cover and close the upper apertures 9. Preferably the occluding portions are narrower than the upper apertures 10, such that in the second closed position the upper aperture remains partially open and is not completely occluded.

[0042] Movement of the upper member 5 between the first open position and second closed position varies the occlusion of the apertures 9, and hence the fluid flow therethrough, between fully open (unoccluded), intermediate (partially occluded) and closed (maximum occlusion - apertures 10 remain partially open) conditions. The open configuration, as shown in Figure 2, in which the upper apertures 9 and lower apertures 15 are fully or substantially aligned to create a continuous aperture continuing unobstructed through both the upper 5 and lower 6 members permits a maximum rate of flow through the device. The closed position as shown in Figure 3, in which the occluding portions 17 are fully aligned with the apertures 10, minimizes the rate of flow.

[0043] When the upper 5 and lower 6 members are positioned such that each of their openings are fully aligned, apertures are formed through both the upper and lower members to permit maximum rate of flow of fluid through the support device 7. Superimposition of the upper member openings over the lower member openings results in the formation of apertures of maximum dimensions, said apertures perforating the device.

[0044] Upon relative re-positioning of the upper and/or lower members, the openings misaligned. The openings of the upper member thus become partially occluded, decreasing the dimension of the aperture through the device and restricting the rate of flow of fluid through the device.

[0045] Progressive movement of the apertures 9 and 15 into and out of alignment allows an operator to select the size of aperture formed through both members, and thus the desired rate of flow. Therefore, the operator is provided with a high degree of control over the rate of flow for a particular installation.

[0046] The slower the rate of flow through the device 7, the longer the block 2 is in contact with the fluid and, therefore, the faster it will dissolve. Conversely, the faster the passage of fluid through the device 7, the slower the dissolution of the block 2. Thus, the operator can control how long the block 2 will last by increasing or decreasing the rate at which it dissolves. The support device can thus be controlled to ensure the urinal block is able to last until replacement at the next service.

[0047] A means of indexing the relative movement between the upper 5 and lower 6 members is provided. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 and 3 the indexing means comprises one or more stop means to prevent movement of the upper (and/or lower) member beyond a pre-determined relative rotational positions. The stop means may be provided in the form of a first projection 10 extending from the device housing 11 or waste outlet assembly 1. A second projection 12 formed on the upper member 5 (or the lower member 6 depending on which member is fixed and which rotates) is configured to come into contact with the first projection 10 during rotation thus preventing further movement of the upper member 10 past a first rotational position, which may correspond to the open or closed position.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the indexing means comprises a series of spaced notches or detents formed on the portion of the housing 11 surrounding the upper member 5. The detents 20 may be formed in a raised rim section of the lower member 6, which surround the peripheral edge of the upper member 5. A projection 22 extends from the peripheral edge of the upper member 5, and is configured to engage with the detents 20 to register and locate the upper member 5 is a plurality of rotational positions defined by the detents 20. The detents 20 are arranged such that a first end of the series relatively locates the upper 5 and lower 6 members in the open position, and the opposing second end of the series locates them in the closed position, with the detents inbetween defining intermediately occluded positions.

[0049] It will be appreciated that in further embodiments various modifications to the specific arrangements described above and shown in the drawings may be made. For example, while in the preferred embodiment, the upper member is rotatably connected to the lower member, and is able to rotate relative to the lower member which remains in a fixed position, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the movement may be of a gliding or sliding motion rather than rotation. It will also be understood that the lower member may move relative to the upper member whilst the upper member stays stationery.

Claims

1. A support device for a toilet sanitising block, the device comprising:

a housing for containing a sanitising block, the housing including at least one aperture configured to permit the passage of fluid into and out of housing; and

means for selectively varying the effective size of the at least one aperture to vary the permitted flow of fluid into and out of the housing.

2. A support device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a support member for supporting the sanitising block, and the support member includes the at least one aperture and is arranged to permit fluid flow into and out of the housing through the at least one aperture.

3. A support device according to claim 2 wherein the means for selectively varying the effective size of the at least one aperture comprising an occluding member arranged to occlude the at least one aperture, the support member and the occluding member being relatively movable to selectively vary the degree to which the at least one aperture is occluded.

4. A support device according to claim 3 wherein the support member is a planar member positioned proximate the base of the housing.

5. A support device according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the occluding member is rotatable relative to the support member to selectively occlude the at least one aperture.

6. A support device according to claim 5 wherein the support member is rotatably connected to the occlusion member.

7. A support device according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the support member comprises a plurality of first apertures, and the occluding member comprises a plurality of corresponding second apertures, and relative movement of the support member and the occluding member brings the first and second apertures into and out of alignment to vary the degree of alignment determining the effective aperture size.

8. The support device of claim 7 wherein the support member and occluding member are disc shaped and comprise a common central axis of rotation.

9. The support device of claim 8 wherein the plurality of first and second apertures are arranged at corresponding angular positions on the support member and occluding member respectively.

10. A support device according to any one of claims 3 to 9 wherein the housing comprises a body section, one of the occluding member and the support member being fixed relative to the body section and the other being movable relative thereto to facilitate the relative movement between the support member and the occlusion member.

9. A support device according to any one of claims 3 to 8 comprising indexing means configured to define a plurality of fixed relative positions between the occluding member and the support member.

10. A support device according to any preceding claim wherein the device is configured positioned within a urinal waste outlet assembly.

Drawing