Soap dispenser and adapter for mounting on taps

Abstract

The invention describes a soap dispenser comprising a connection point for attaching the soap dispenser to a tap; a water outlet; a cavity extending between the connection point and the water outlet, allowing water from the tap to flow through the cavity and out of the water outlet; a container for holding soap; and an actuating device that can be actuated to dispense soap from the container. Furthermore, an adapter for attaching the soap dispenser to a tap is described, the adapter comprising: a thread on a first side of the adapter for attaching the adapter to a tap; a connecting piece on a second side of the adapter, opposite the first side, wherein the adapter can be connected to the soap dispenser via the connecting piece.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to devices of a soap dispenser and an adapter for attachment to faucets. background

[0002] Common soap dispensers are used as freestanding products or as wall-mounted products, for example.

[0003] Conventional soap dispensers are operated by a pump, so that a soap concentrate is dispensed with each pump stroke. Alternatively, soap dispensers with an electronic sensor, but with an identical operating principle, are available. These pump-operated soap dispensers can only be used with liquid, viscous soap.

[0004] Conventional soap dispensers are typically disposed of after they've been completely emptied and replaced with a new one. Alternatively, existing soap dispensers are refilled with soap concentrate. Soap concentrates are in liquid form, so the transport and production of such soap concentrates are unsustainable.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a more sustainable soap dispenser. Summary of the invention

[0006] The solution to this problem in the method of the type mentioned at the outset consists in particular in that the soap dispenser comprises a connection point via which the soap dispenser can be attached to a tap; a water outlet; a cavity extending between the connection point and the water outlet so that water from the tap can flow through the cavity and out of the water outlet; a container for holding soap; and an actuating device which can be actuated to dispense soap from the container.

[0007] When in use, the soap dispenser is attached to a faucet. Water flows out through the cavity. The container encloses the cavity. When the soap dispenser is operated using the operating device, soap, e.g. in the form of powder, granules or sticks, is dispensed and can be mixed with water in the hands, for example. This creates soapy water below the soap dispenser. The soap dispenser is attached to the faucet using a connection point. The soap can be in the form of liquid soap, soap powder, granules or sticks. Powder, granules and sticks are environmentally friendly because the material is more space-saving and energy-efficient to transport, and can be portioned more precisely. The use of liquid soap leads to faster, more homogeneous mixing with the flowing water.Mounting the soap dispenser directly onto the faucet means that the soap dispenser is very space-saving and does not have to be set up freestanding or mounted as a separate product, e.g. on a wall.

[0008] In one embodiment, the container is arranged concentrically around the cavity, making optimal use of the space at the faucet.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the container comprises an internal grinder. The grinder is located, in particular, at the end of the longitudinal axis of the cavity opposite the connection point. The grinder allows the use of coarse soap powders, granules, or sticks. The soap can be transported more easily in these forms and requires less raw material such as water in its production. This makes the use of the soap dispenser according to the invention more sustainable. The material is ground before it is dispensed and can be mixed with the water. The grinding enables more homogeneous mixing. Especially when using soap granules, material consumption is reduced through additional grinding, as the granules are further reduced in size.

[0010] In one embodiment, the grinder is closed when the operating device is not activated. This protects the grinder from splashing water. When the dispenser is activated, the grinder opens and dispenses the powder. Immediately afterwards, the grinder is closed again. This prevents the soap from sticking or prematurely dissolving.

[0011] In another embodiment, the soap is in the form of, particularly cylindrical, soap sticks. The soap sticks are then ground into soap chips in the grinder and dispensed in this form. By using the soap sticks, the volume of the container can be utilized advantageously, allowing a large amount of soap to be stored in this reservoir. In this embodiment, the closure mechanism at the outlet can be omitted, as the soap sticks are robust and do not require protection from splashing water.

[0012] In one embodiment, the actuating device controls the opening and closing of the container. In other words, actuating the actuating device dispenses the contents of the container in portions. The controlled dispensing of soap material by actuating the actuating device leads to more economical material consumption and a consistent mixing ratio of soap material to water in the soapy water.

[0013] In one embodiment, the actuating device controls the actuation, in particular the rotation, of the grinder. This embodiment is preferred when using soap sticks, as the closure is omitted. The grinder dispenses a quantity of ground soap when the actuating mechanism is actuated.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the actuating device controls the actuation, in particular the rotation, of the grinder and simultaneously the opening and closing of the dispenser. If the actuating mechanism is not actuated, the container is closed. This embodiment is preferred when using soap powder or granules, as the closure protects the soap from splashing water. Furthermore, the simultaneous actuation of the grinder and opening allows for quick and easy handling of the soap dispenser.

[0015] In one embodiment, soap is dispensed in portions by actuating the actuating device. The controlled dispensing of soap material by actuating the actuating device leads to more economical material consumption and a consistent mixing ratio of soap material to water in the soapy water.

[0016] In one embodiment, the connection point comprises a thread or a plug-in mechanism for connecting the soap dispenser to the faucet. This allows the soap dispenser to be connected to the faucet quickly and easily.

[0017] A further aspect of the invention describes an adapter for attaching the above-described soap dispenser to a faucet. The adapter comprises a thread on a first side of the adapter, via which the adapter can be attached to a faucet; a connecting piece on a second side of the adapter, opposite the first side, wherein the adapter can be connected to the above-described soap dispenser via the connecting piece. In other words, the adapter is not only equipped with a thread for attachment to a faucet, but also comprises an additional connecting piece to which the soap dispenser can be attached.

[0018] In one embodiment, the adapter also includes an aerator. The aerator mixes air into the water stream from the faucet, thereby reducing water consumption.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the connector has a plug-in connection. The plug-in connection is designed such that the adapter can be connected to the above-described soap dispenser, in particular to the connection point of the soap dispenser. The soap dispenser can be quickly and easily mounted to the adapter. If necessary, the soap dispenser can also be quickly and easily removed.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the thread is a first thread and the connecting piece has a second thread, and the second thread is connectable to the above-described soap dispenser, in particular to the connection point of the soap dispenser. The soap dispenser can be securely and stably mounted to the jet regulator.

[0021] In another embodiment, the adapter includes a lid. In particular, the container of the soap dispenser described above can be covered with the lid. This protects the interior of the container from splashing water, dust, or foreign objects. When refilling the container, however, only the soap dispenser needs to be removed from the adapter, while the container lid remains attached to the faucet with the adapter. This allows for easy handling, especially when combined with a quick and easy-to-remove plug-in connection between the adapter and the soap dispenser.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cavity is covered by the aerator when the soap dispenser described above is connected to the adapter described above. The fit of the two components is such that the water from the faucet first flows through the aerator, where it is mixed with air, and then flows through the soap dispenser.

[0023] The invention is described in more detail below using several preferred embodiments.

[0024] It shows: Fig. 1 a soap dispenser according to an embodiment in side view; Fig. 2 a soap dispenser according to an embodiment in plan view; Fig. 3 a soap dispenser according to an embodiment in bottom view; Fig. 4 a soap dispenser according to an embodiment in an oblique bottom view; Fig. 5 an adapter according to an embodiment in side view; Fig. 6 a soap dispenser connected to an adapter according to an embodiment in side view. Fig. 7 shows a soap dispenser for use with soap sticks according to an embodiment in side view; Fig. 8 shows a soap dispenser for use with soap sticks according to an embodiment in an oblique bottom view; Fig. 9 a soap dispenser for use with soap sticks connected to an adapter according to an embodiment in side view.

[0025] Identical or similar features are provided with identical or similar reference symbols. List of reference symbols 100 soap dispensers 102 junction 104 Water outlet 106 Cavity 108 containers 110 Actuating device 112 grinder 114 sliders 200 adapters 202 threads 204 connecting piece 206 aerator 208 lids 300 soap dispensers for soap sticks 302 bracket

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a soap dispenser 100 according to the invention in side view, and Fig. 2 shows the soap dispenser 100 from above. A container 108 concentrically encloses a cavity 106, as in Fig. 2. The cavity 106 extends between a connection point 102 and a water outlet 104. The soap dispenser 100 can be connected to a faucet via the connection point 102. Water can then flow from the faucet through the connection point 102 and the cavity 106 and exit the soap dispenser 100 through the water outlet 104.

[0027] The connection point 102 includes Fig. 1 a thread for connection to the faucet, or for connection to the adapter 200 described below. Alternatively, the connection point 102 can be realized by a plug-in mechanism.

[0028] The container 108 contains soap. The soap can be in the form of powder, granules, or sticks. Furthermore, the container 108 contains an internal grinder 112. The grinder 112 is located on the side of the cavity 106 opposite the connection point 102. In an alternative embodiment, the grinder 112 can be configured as an insert into the container so that it can be removed and reinserted, for example, for cleaning.

[0029] The soap dispenser 100 further comprises an actuating device 110. In this embodiment, the actuating device 110 controls the opening and closing of the container 108, as well as the actuation of the grinder 112. In particular, a rotatable grinding tool of the grinder 112 can be moved such that soap material is mechanically machined or crushed between the rotatable and a fixed grinding tool of the grinder 112. The grinder 112 can correspond to known grinders, such as those found in spice mills. The container 108 can be opened and closed, for example, via a screw-in and screw-off mechanism of a closure cap. For example, the container can contain a closure cap in the form of a ring segment. The ring segment can cover an opening in the container 108 and, when closed, protect the contents of the container from splashing water.When the actuating device 110 is actuated, the closure cap is rotated in such a way that a recess in the ring segment of the closure cap releases the opening of the container and thus soap can escape.

[0030] The actuating device 110 is actuated by a slider 114. The slider 114 may be a slider, as in Fig. 1. The actuation of the slide 114 is translated into the rotation of a closure flap and / or the rotation of a grinding tool of the grinder. The slide 114 can trigger a rotation mechanism of the actuating device 110. Alternatively, the slide 114 can also trigger an electronic actuation for dispensing soap.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows the soap dispenser 100 from below. Fig. Figure 4 shows the soap dispenser from an oblique view below. This particularly shows the opening of the container 108 to the cavity 106 and the arrangement of the internal grinder 112.

[0032] When the actuating device 110 is in the idle state, the container 108 is closed and the grinder 112 is inactive. When the actuating device 110 is actuated, the soap material inside the container 108 is ground by the grinder 112 and released from the bottom of the container 108 by opening the container 108. In particular, the soap is dispensed in a controlled, portion-by-portion manner. The portion size can be preset or adjustable.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the container 108 can also contain liquid soap or liquid soap concentrate. In this embodiment, the container 108 does not contain a grinder 112. In this embodiment, the actuating device 110 controls the opening and closing of the container 108.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a side view of an adapter 200 according to the invention for attaching the soap dispenser 100 to the faucet. The adapter 200 comprises a thread 202 on one side of the adapter 200 and a connecting piece 204 on the opposite side of the adapter 200. The thread 202 serves to attach the adapter 200 to the faucet. In particular, the adapter 200 comprises a commercially available aerator 206 with an internal thread for screwing on with a 22 mm metric thread (trade designation IG M22) and / or an external thread for screwing in with a 24 × 1 mm metric fine thread (trade designation AG M24). Alternatively, the adapter 200 can also have threads 202 of sizes M18, M20, M21, M22, or M28. The connecting piece 204 serves to connect the adapter 200 to the soap dispenser 100, or to the connection point 102 of the soap dispenser 100. The adapter further comprises a cover part or a lid 208.The lid 208 is designed such that it can close or flush cover the container 108 of the soap dispenser 100 located underneath.

[0035] The connecting piece 204 in Fig. 5 has a second thread and is connectable to the connection point 102 of the soap dispenser 100. Alternatively, the connecting piece 204 can have a plug connection configured to be connectable to the connection point 102 of the soap dispenser 100.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows the connection of a soap dispenser 100 as in Fig. 1-4 and an adapter 200 as shown in Fig. 5. The two components are connected by threads at connection point 102 of the soap dispenser 100 and connecting piece 204 of the adapter 200. Furthermore, the adapter 200 contains a jet regulator 206, which covers the cavity 106 of the soap dispenser 100. The container 108 is covered by the lid 208.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the soap is in the form of cylindrical sticks inside the container 108. Fig. 7-9 show a soap dispenser comprising holders 302 for stabilizing the soap sticks inside the container 108, viewed from the side and from an angle from below. The holders 302 can preferably have threads on their surface into which the soap sticks can be screwed. Fig. 9 shows a soap dispenser for use with soap sticks containing holders 302 in conjunction with the adapter 200 in side view.

[0038] For example, the soap sticks can be contained within the container 108, following the shape of the container and filling the space therein. In this embodiment, the actuating device 110 preferably only controls the actuation of the grinder. In this configuration, the container 108 can remain unlocked, since the soap sticks do not need to be protected from splashing water and are securely housed within the container 108.

Claims

[1] Soap dispenser (100), comprising: a connection point (102) via which the soap dispenser (100) can be attached to a faucet; a water outlet (104); a cavity (106) extending between the connection point (102) and the water outlet (104) so that water from the faucet can flow through the cavity (106) and out of the water outlet (104); a container (108) for holding soap; and an actuating device (110) operable to dispense soap from the container (108). [2] Soap dispenser (100) according to claim 1, wherein the container (108) is arranged concentrically around the cavity (106). [3] Soap dispenser (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (108) comprises an internal grinder (112), in particular wherein the grinder (112) is arranged at the end of the longitudinal axis of the cavity (106) opposite the connection point (102). [4] Soap dispenser (100) according to claim 3, wherein the grinder (112) is closed when the actuating device (110) is not actuated. [5] Soap dispenser (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the soap dispenser is designed to receive soap in the form of, in particular cylindrical, soap sticks, preferably wherein the soap dispenser (100) additionally comprises holders (302) for receiving the soap sticks. [6] Soap dispenser (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating device (110) is designed to control the opening and closing of the container (108) or the actuation, in particular the rotation, of the grinder (112). [7] Soap dispenser (100) according to one of claims 3-5, wherein the actuating device (110) is designed to actuate, in particular rotate, the grinder (112) and simultaneously to open and close the container (108). [8] Soap dispenser (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the soap dispenser is designed to dispense soap in portions by actuating the actuating device (110). [9] Soap dispenser (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection point (102) comprises a thread or a plug-in mechanism for connecting the soap dispenser (100) to the faucet. [10] Adapter (200) for attaching the soap dispenser (100) according to any one of claims 1-9 to a faucet, the adapter (200) comprising: a thread (202) on a first side of the adapter (200) by means of which the adapter can be attached to a faucet; a connecting piece (204) on a second side of the adapter (200) opposite the first side, wherein the adapter (200) is connectable to the soap dispenser (100) according to claims 1-9 via the connecting piece (204). [11] Adapter (200) according to claim 10, additionally comprising a jet regulator (206). [12] Adapter (200) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the connecting piece (204) has a plug connection which is designed such that the adapter (200) can be connected to the soap dispenser (100) according to claims 1-9, in particular to the connection point (102) of the soap dispenser (100) according to claim 1. [13] Adapter (200) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the thread (202) is a first thread and the connecting piece (204) has a second thread and wherein the second thread is connectable to the soap dispenser (100) according to claims 1-9, in particular to the connection point (102) of the soap dispenser (100) according to claims 1-9. [14] Adapter (200) according to one of claims 10-13, wherein the adapter comprises a lid (208), in particular wherein the container (108) of the soap dispenser (100) according to one of claims 1-9 can be covered with the lid (208). [15] Soap dispenser (100) according to claims 1-9, wherein the cavity (106) is covered by the jet regulator (206) when the soap dispenser (100) is connected to the adapter (200) according to any one of claims 11-14.

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