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(11) | EP 3 802 973 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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| (54) |
AN IMPROVED TOILET HYGIENE APPARATUS VERBESSERTE TOILETTENVORRICHTUNG APPAREIL AMÉLIORÉ D'HYGIÈNE DE TOILETTES |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention concerns hygiene devices for toilet bowls for example apparatus for dispensing a toilet hygiene substance into the bowl with each flush. The toilet hygiene substance typically comprises a germicidal and/or cleaning and/or fragrance material. Such apparatus may include toilet cages or "baskets" for holding the toilet hygiene substance in solid form. Other versions may include chambers containing the toilet hygiene substance in liquid form wherein the apparatus dispenses the toilet hygiene substance in liquid form into the bowl with each toilet flush.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] The present application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application No. 2018902030 filed 06 Jun 2018 and from Australian patent application No. 2019201692 filed 12 Mar 2019.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.
[0004] It is known to provide toilet hygiene apparatus that are mounted to an inner rim of a toilet bowl for dispensing a toilet hygiene substance, such as a germicidal and/or cleaning and/or fragrance material into the bowl when the toilet is flushed. For example, one such apparatus comprises a cage or basket that contains the toilet hygiene substance in the form of one or more toilet bowl blocks. Alternatively the apparatus may comprise one or more containers that contain the toilet hygiene substance in the form of a liquid. The apparatus clips to the rim of the toilet bowl. Upon flushing the toilet water flows out through the rim and down the sides of the bowl and in so doing passes about the hygiene apparatus so that toilet hygiene product is released and flows down the sides of the bowl and in some cases releases a germicidal gas within the bowl.
[0005] The water that issues from the rim may not flow uniformly so that in some areas the flow may be greater than others. It would be useful if it can be readily checked that the hygiene apparatus has been clipped in a region on the rim in which flush water from the rim generally flows strongly so that the hygiene apparatus is activated by each flush.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a toilet bowl hygiene apparatus which addresses the above described problem.
[0007] US 2007/214555 A1 discloses a device for dispensing into the flushing water and/or for mixing with the flushing water detergent and/or sanitizing and/or deodorant products, in toilet bowls or hydraulic and sanitary fixtures in general. The device comprises a supporting structure provided with engagement means which can engage the hydraulic and sanitary fixture in order to support the supporting structure in a region of the fixture that is affected by the flushing water flow. The support structure supports rotatably, about a rotation axis, at least one rotating element, which interacts with the flow of flushing water in order to mix detergent and/or sanitizing and/or deodorant products introduced in the flushing water and/or adjust the dispensing of detergent and/or sanitizing and/or deodorant products connected to the supporting structure and/or vary the orientation of the flow of lushing water conveyed onto detergent and/or sanitizing and/or deodorant products connected to the support structure.
[0008] US 2006/137081 A1 discloses a device for dispensing detergent and/or sanitizing and/or deodorant substances in toilet bowls or water-using sanitary fixtures in general. The device comprises a supporting structure provided with engagement means which can engage the sanitary fixture in order to support the supporting structure in a region of the fixture that is affected by the flow of flushing water. The device includes a rotating element, which forms internally at least one receptable, which is connected to the outside and is adapted to contain the substance or substances in the state, packaged in a water-soluable bar or tablet, or in liquid or gel form.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:
Figure 1 is a view of a front, top and left hand side of a toilet hygiene apparatus in the form of a toilet cage assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a view of the rear top and left hand side of the first embodiment of the toilet cage assembly.
Figure 3 is a view of a rear side of a front portion of the toilet cage assembly of the first embodiment.
Figure 4 is a view of a front side of the rear portion of the toilet cage assembly of the first embodiment also including views of toilet hygiene substance in the form of toilet blocks for housing within the toilet cage assembly.
Figure 4A is a top view of a rear portion of a toilet cage assembly according to a further embodiment including a roof between the first and second chambers that is of a reduced length to encourage rotation of an impeller thereunder in use.
Figure 4B is a front plan view of the toilet cage assembly of Figure 4A.
Figure 4C is a view of a toilet cage assembly, with impeller removed, having a two part, length adjustable attachment clip.
Figure 5 is an end view of a generally spherical impeller of the first embodiment.
Figure 6 is a further view of the generally spherical impeller of the first embodiment.
Figure 7 is a view of a front, top and left hand side of a toilet cage assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a view of the rear top and left hand side of the second embodiment of the toilet cage assembly.
Figure 9 is an end view of a generally cylindrical impeller of the second embodiment.
Figure 10 is a further view of the generally cylindrical impeller of the second embodiment.
Figure 11 is a view of a front, top and left hand side of a toilet cage assembly according to a third embodiment not being part of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a rear view of a front portion of the toilet cage assembly of the third embodiment not being part of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a first view of an impeller in the form of a propeller of the third embodiment not being part of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a second view of the propeller of the third embodiment not being part of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a view of the rear portion of the toilet cage assembly of the third embodiment not being part of the present invention.
Figure 16 illustrates the first embodiment of the invention in use, attached to a rim of a toilet bowl.
Figure 17 is a front, top and side view of a toilet hygiene apparatus comprising a liquid toilet hygiene substance dispenser not being part of the present invention.
Figure 18 is a front view of the liquid dispenser of Figure 17.
Figure 19 is a partial view of the rear and underside of the liquid dispenser of Figure 17.
Figure 20 is a partial cross sectional view of the front of the liquid dispenser of Figure 17 along the line A-A' of Figure 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] In the following description a number of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be discussed. Throughout the discussion like components and features may be identified from embodiment to embodiment with the same identifier numerals in the figures. Corresponding left hand and right hand side features may be specifically referred to with item numbers that have an "a" or a "b" suffix. In some cases the right hand and corresponding left hand components may be referred to generally without the use of the "a" or "b" suffix depending on context.
[0012] Referring now to Figures 1 to 6, a toilet hygiene apparatus is depicted in the form of a toilet bowl cage assembly 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The assembly 1 includes first and second chambers in the form of cages 3a, 3b, each for containing a solid toilet hygiene substance in the form of respective toilet blocks 2a, 2b (shown in Figure 4).
[0013] A rim attachment clip 5 is provided that is attachable to a rim of a toilet bowl and which supports the first and second cages 3a and 3b. The rim attachment clip includes a rim engagement portion 4 that clips over the toilet bowl rim and is bifurcated so that it includes first and second legs 6a, 6b that extend from the first and second cages 3a, 3b to the rim engagement portion 4.
[0014] A spacer 11 is disposed between the first and second cages 3a, 3b to assist in holding them at a constant distance apart.
[0015] The cages 3a and 3b are comprised of a front portion 13 (shown in Figure 3) and a rear portion 15 (shown in Figure 4) that include complementary snap lock formations 20a, 20b and 22a, 22b for fastening the front portion 13 and the rear portion 15 together about toilet blocks 2a, 2b. It is preferred that the forward portion 13 and the rear portion 15 in each of the embodiments of the invention are made of a resilient plastic material.
[0016] It will be observed from Figure 4 that spacer 11 comprises part of the rear portion 15 and, as shown in Figure 3, the attachment clip 5 extends from the forward portion 13. In the presently described embodiment of the invention, the front portion 13 is formed with an axle 17 that extends between the first cage 3a and the second cage 3b. A rotatable impeller 7 is mounted to the axle for rotation thereon.
[0017] Accordingly, the rotatable impeller 7 is located adjacent the first and second cages 3a, 3b and in the embodiments that are illustrated it is disposed between them as seen for example in Figure 1.
[0018] The impeller 7 that is mounted to the axle 17 comprises a paddle wheel that is generally spherical. In another embodiment, shown as item 1a in Figures 7 to 10 a paddle wheel 7a is used that is generally cylindrical in shape.
[0019] It will be noted that as shown in Figures 5 and 9 the paddles (or as they may be referred to herein "vanes") 28 of the paddle wheels are each disposed at an acute angle θ to a radial line 29 from an axis of the paddle wheel through a portion of the vane closest to the axis as illustrated in Figures 5 and 9. Accordingly, the vanes 28 are angled to assist in catching the falling flush water and thereby converting energy from the flush water into rotation of the paddle wheels.
[0020] Impellers of other types that can be orientated to rotate in response to the flow of water from the rim of the toilet may also be used.
[0021] As shown in Figures 5 and 6 and in Figures 9 and 10, the paddle wheels 7 and 7a are formed with an axle bore 21 having a longitudinal slit 23 therethrough for passage of the axle 17 whilst snap fitting the paddle wheel over the axle during assembly. The paddle includes collars 25a, 25b that are disposed at opposite ends of the axle bore 21. It will be observed that the collars 25a, 25b are formed with radial channels 27 opposite the longitudinal slit 23 to assist in effecting widening of the slit 23 as the paddle wheels 7, 7a are snap fitted over the axle 17 during assembly. The collars 25a, 25b extend axially from paddles 28 of the paddle wheels 7, 7a to thereby keep edges of the paddles 27 clear of the first and second cages.
[0022] As seen in Figures 1 and 7, for example, a roof 29 having a length L (indicated in Figure 4) that extends across the rear portion 15 is formed over a rear half of the paddle wheels 7, 7a so that water falls predominantly on the forward half of the paddle wheel to induce rotation of the paddle wheel during use. In some embodiments the length of the roof may be reduced, for example as shown in the rear portion 15' of a further embodiment that is illustrated in Figures 4A to 4C wherein the length of the roof 29' is shorter being "l" (indicated in Figure 4A) and thus covering less of the rear half of the paddle wheels 7, 7a. The Inventors have found that reducing the length of the roof from L to l as shown in roof 29' of Figures 4A to 4C desirably increases the likelihood of the impeller rotating (in opposite direction to that illustrated by arrow 48 in Figure 16) when the toilet cage assembly is fitted to a toilet having a rim section because more water falls on the impeller adjacent the rim in use. Accordingly, the reduced length "l" of the roof is preferred. Figure 4c also illustrates a portion of a two part version of a rim attachment clip 5a' comprising a first portion 5a'-1 having an integrally formed pall and a second portion 5a'-2 that is formed with ratchet teeth that catch the pawl in the manner of a cable tie so that a user can set the overall length of the rim attachment clip 5a'.
[0023] Referring now to Figure 11 there is shown a toilet cage assembly 31 according to a third embodiment not being part of the present invention. In this embodiment the rotatable impeller comprises a propeller 33 that is mounted to the spacer 11. The propeller 33 and the spacer 11 have complementary stub axle and axle receiver formations which form a rotational engagement. The stub axle 35 (best seen in Figure 14) extends from the impeller 33 and the receiver formation comprises a hole 37 (best seen in Figure 15) that is formed through the spacer 11.
[0024] Referring now to Figure 16, in use the toilet cage assembly 1 is clipped to a rim 40 of a toilet bowl 42 with rim attachment clip 5. The cages 3a and 3b respectively contain a toilet hygiene substance in the form of toilet blocks 2a and 2b. As the toilet is flushed, water from a cistern of the toilet issues out from the rim as indicated by arrows 44 and flows down the sides of the bowl 41. Provided that the toilet cage assembly is located in an area where there is a reasonable flow of water, some of the water, as indicated by arrow 46 falls upon the forward side of the impeller 7 so that the impeller rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 48. The rotation can be readily seen by a person watching the flushing action. In addition, the water indicated by arrows 44 also passes through openings of cages 3a and 3b so that it partially dissolves the blocks 2a, 2b that are housed within to form a toilet hygiene solution, indicated by arrows 50, that exits from the cages.
[0025] If it appears that the impeller 7 is not rotating during flushing then the toilet cage assembly 1 may be repositioned to a location on the rim where the flow is better so that the impeller can be seen to turn in response to the flush so that there is a higher level of confidence that the water is flowing through the cages 3a, 3b to contact the toilet blocks 2a, 2b, within and form the liquid toilet hygiene substance solution indicated by arrows 50.
[0026] It is also believed that, where germicidal toilet blocks are used, the rotation of the impeller assists in distributing germicidal gases arising from the contact of the flush water with the toilet blocks so that the germicidal action of the blocks within the bowl is improved. Furthermore, the impellers 7, 7a and 33 may be scented so that as they rotate the scent is dispersed.
[0027] Referring now to Figure 17, a front, top and side view of a toilet hygiene apparatus not being part of the present invention, in the form of a liquid toilet hygiene substance dispenser 52, is shown. Liquid dispenser 52 includes first and second chambers in the form of containers 53a, 53b, each for containing a liquid toilet hygiene substance in the form of a liquid solution. A rim attachment clip 55 is provided that is attachable to a rim of a toilet bowl and which supports the first and second containers 53a and 53b. The rim attachment clip 55 includes a rim engagement portion 54 that clips over the toilet bowl rim and is bifurcated so that it includes first and second legs 56a, 56b that extend from the first and second containers 53a, 53b to the rim engagement portion 54.
[0028] As can be seen in Figure 18, a spacer 61 is disposed between the first and second containers 53a, 53b to assist in holding them at a constant distance apart.
[0029] The containers 53a and 53b contain the liquid toilet hygiene substance, which is sealed within.
[0030] In this embodiment the rotatable impeller comprises propeller 33 that is mounted to the spacer 61. The propeller 33 and the spacer 61 have complementary stub axle and axle receiver formations which form a rotational engagement.
[0031] Referring now to Figures 19 and 20, the liquid dispenser 52, not being part of the present invention, further includes a piercing arrangement for releasing the liquid toilet hygiene substance from the containers. The piercing arrangement comprises tubes 65a and 65b which extend upwardly from a platform 67 that is movable relative to the containers 53a, 53b. A number of sharps 69a, 69b extend upwardly around respective upper openings of the tubes 65a and 65b. Accordingly, upon a user forcing the platform 67 toward the containers 53a, 53b the sharps 69a, 69b pierce the chambers. Snap lock members 82a, 82b retain the platform 67 in place subsequent to piercing of the containers 53a, 53b, as shown in Figure 20.
[0032] Consequently, liquid toilet hygiene substance, which is typically considerably more viscous than water, within the chambers 53a, 53b is able to flow (as indicated by arrows 68) through the tubes 65a, 65b and out through respective outlets 70a, 70b into pens 71a, 71b located on platform 67. Flushing of the toilet subsequently causes the liquid toilet hygiene substance to progress from the pens into the toilet bowl.
[0033] A deflector 72, shown in Figures 17 and 18 is provided to assist in deflecting the liquid toilet hygiene substance down onto the side of the toilet bowl.
[0034] As previously discussed in relation to earlier embodiments of the invention, if it appears that the propeller 33 is not rotating during flushing then the liquid dispenser 52 may be repositioned to a location on the rim where the flow is greater so that the propeller can be seen to turn in response to the flush so that there is a higher level of confidence that the water is flowing about the dispenser 52 to flush the pens 71a, 71b and thereby cause the liquid therein to flow into the toilet bowl.
[0035] It is also believed that, where the toilet hygiene substance includes a germicidal agent, the rotation of the propeller assists in distributing germicidal gases arising from the contact of the flush water with the toilet hygiene substance so that the germicidal action within the bowl is enhanced. As previously discussed in relation to earlier embodiments of the invention, the propeller may be scented so that as it rotates the scent is dispersed. Whilst an impeller in the form of a propeller is shown in Figures 17-20, other types of impellers, including the spherical and cylindrical paddle wheels 7 and 7a that have been described, might be used as alternatives.
[0036] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.
[0037] Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.
[0038] Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention.
[0039] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
[0040] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.
first and second chambers (3a, 3b) for each containing a toilet hygiene substance (2a, 2b);
a rim attachment clip (5) for supporting the first and second chambers; and
a rotatable impeller (7) located between the first and second chambers,
and wherein an axle extends between the first chamber and the second chamber (3a, 3b) wherein the impeller (7) is mounted to the axle (17) for rotation thereon,
and wherein the impeller that is mounted to the axle (17) comprises a paddle wheel (7, 7a),
characterised in that
the paddle wheel (7, 7a) is formed with an axle bore (21) having a longitudinal slit (23) therethrough for passage of the axle (17) whilst snap fitting thereover,
the paddle wheel (7, 7a) includes collars (25a, 25b) disposed at opposite ends of the axle bore (21) that extend axially from paddles (28) of the paddle wheel (7, 7a) to thereby keep edges of the paddles (28) clear of the first and second chambers (3a, 3b), and
the collars (25a, 25b) are formed with radial channels (27) opposite the slit (23) to assist in widening the slit (23) as the paddle wheel (7, 7a) is snap fitted over the axle (17) during assembly.
erste und zweite Kammer (3a, 3b), jeweils zur Aufnahme einer Toilettenhygienesubstanz (2a, 2b);
eine Randbefestigungsklammer (5) zum Stützen der ersten und zweiten Kammer; und
ein rotierbares Laufrad (7), das zwischen der ersten und zweiten Kammer angeordnet ist,
und wobei sich eine Achse zwischen der ersten Kammer und der zweiten Kammer (3a, 3b) erstreckt, wobei das Laufrad (7) an der Achse (17) zur Drehung auf dieser angeordnet ist,
und wobei das Laufrad, das an der Achse (17) angebracht ist, ein Schaufelrad (7, 7a) umfasst,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
das Schaufelrad (7, 7a) mit einer Achsbohrung (21) ausgebildet ist, die einen durch diese hindurch gehenden Längsschlitz (23) für den Durchgang der Achse (17) besitzt, während dieses darüber einrastet, das Schaufelrad (7, 7a) Kragen (25a, 25b) einschließt, die an entgegengesetzten Enden der Achsbohrung (21) angeordnet sind,
welche sich axial von den Schaufeln (28) des Schaufelrads (7, 7a) erstrecken, um dadurch
die Kanten der Schaufeln (28) von der ersten und zweiten Kammer (3a, 3b) fernzuhalten,
und
die Kragen (25a, 25b) mit radialen Kanälen (27) gegenüber dem Schlitz (23) ausgebildet sind, um die Aufweitung des Schlitzes (23) zu unterstützen, wenn das Schaufelrad (7, 7a) während des Zusammenbaus über der Achse (17) eingerastet wird.
des première et deuxième chambres (3a, 3b) contenant chacune une substance d'hygiène de toilette (2a, 2b);
un clip (5) de fixation à la bordure pour supporter les première et deuxième chambres; et
une turbine rotative (7) située entre les première et deuxième chambres,
et dans lequel un axe s'étend entre la première chambre et la deuxième chambre (3a, 3b), la turbine (7) étant montée sur l'axe (17) de façon à tourner sur celui-ci,
et dans lequel la turbine qui est montée sur l'axe (17) comprend une roue à aubes (7, 7a),
caractérisé en ce que
la roue à aubes (7, 7a) est formée avec un alésage d'axe (21) ayant une fente longitudinale (23) le traversant pour le passage de l'axe (17) et un montage par encliquetage sur celui-ci,
la roue à aubes (7, 7a) comprend des colliers (25a, 25b) disposés aux extrémités opposées de l'alésage d'axe (21), qui s'étendent axialement à partir des aubes (28) de la roue à aubes (7, 7a) de façon à maintenir des bords des aubes (28) à l'écart des première et deuxième chambres (3a, 3b), et
les colliers (25a, 25b) sont formés avec des canaux radiaux (27) à l'opposé de la fente (23) afin d'aider à élargir la fente (23) lorsque la roue à aubes (7, 7a) est montée par encliquetage sur l'axe (17) pendant l'assemblage.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description