Flexible multi-container device for cleaning and / or deodorizing toilet bowls

Abstract

A device (D) for toilet bowls comprising: - a first container (C1) comprising a first housing chamber for housing a first cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; - a second container (C2) comprising a second housing chamber for housing a second cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; - a third container (C3) comprising a third housing chamber for housing a third cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; - a hook (G) directly connected to said first container (C1) for securing the device to an edge of a toilet bowl; - a first bridge (P1) extending horizontally between the first container (C1) and the second container (C2), said first bridge (P1) forming a flexible region between said first container (C1) and said second container (C2); - a second bridge (P2) extending horizontally between the first container (C1) and the third container (C3), said second bridge (P2) forming a flexible region between said first container (C1) and said third container (C3), wherein said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) are positioned at the side with respect to said first container (C1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible multi-container device for cleaning and / or deodorizing toilet bowls.STATE OF THE ART

[0002] As is well known, there are various methods for sanitizing toilets. One of these involves the use of devices comprising at least one container containing a sanitizing product (also known in the industry as a "tablet") that gradually releases one or more cleaning and / or deodorizing substances upon contact with water.

[0003] This device is anchored to the toilet using a special hook so that it is positioned over a point where the wastewater passes. In this way, when the water is flushed, it comes into contact with the tablet, which can then release the cleaning and / or deodorizing substances it contains. Specifically, the container (which usually has a shape and size consistent with the shape of the tablet to optimize the encumbrance) has openings designed for allowing the passage of wastewater and the gradual release of the substances contained within the tablet.

[0004] In short, a sanitary device for toilet bowls comprises at least a container, a tablet of chemical cleaning and / or deodorizing product (which can sometimes also be inserted by the end user), and a hook for attaching the device to the edge of a toilet bowl.

[0005] To ensure a proper toilet bowl sanitization, it is important for the tablet to be in close contact with the flushing fluid. This depends, among other things, on the positioning of the container of the device with respect to the toilet bowl. Furthermore, it is important that this positioning be correct regardless of the shape and size of the toilet bowl.

[0006] Most prior art devices are elongated rigid products whose two ends come into contact with the walls of the toilet bowl. Due to the curvature of the walls of the toilet bowl, the central region of the device remains spaced from the walls. As a result, the central region of the device receives an insufficient amount of wastewater for properly dispensing the sanitizing product. This criticality becomes more significant in the case of devices comprising multiple containers, given their larger size. The use of multi-container devices is particularly popular in the field as it allows the easy resolution of any compatibility issues between the various ingredients in the tablet. The widespread use of these devices however is limited specifically due to the criticalities indicated above.

[0007] Various solutions have been proposed for solving this problem. Patent EP3594419A1, for example, describes a device comprising: a first container having a chamber suitable for housing a first cleaning composition; a second container having a chamber suitable for housing a second cleaning composition; a bridge extending longitudinally between the first container and the second container; and a hook extending from said bridge, wherein the bridge comprises at least one groove extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis forming a flexible region between the first container and the second container.

[0008] The presence of an elastic part located underneath the hook, however, creates significant instability of the device during application to the toilet bowl, potentially resulting in an uneven consumption of the cleaning and / or deodorizing composition.

[0009] The need for overcoming the disadvantages that characterize the prior art is therefore felt in the field.SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention therefore relates to a device (D) for toilet bowls comprising: a first container (C1) comprising a first housing chamber (CAL1) for housing a first cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; a second container (C2) comprising a second housing chamber (CAL2) for housing a second cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; a third container (C3) comprising a third housing chamber (CAL3) for housing a third cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; a hook (G) directly connected to said first container (C1) for securing the device (D) to an edge of a toilet bowl; a first bridge (P1) extending horizontally between the first container (C1) and the second container (C2), said first bridge (P1) forming a flexible region between said first container (C1) and said second container (C2); a second bridge (P2) extending horizontally between the first container (C1) and the third container (C3), said second bridge (P2) forming a flexible region between said first container (C1) and said third container (C3), wherein said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) are positioned at the side with respect to said first container (C1).

[0011] For the purposes of this document, the term "detergent" refers to the capacity of removing dirt and / or residues (including limescale) from a surface, as well as microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. The term "deodorizing" refers to the capacity of removing and / or correcting unpleasant odours.

[0012] There are various types of toilet bowls in which the device according to the present invention can be applied, in particular WCs and pissoirs, more preferably WCs.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention will become more evident from the following detailed description to be considered in conjunction with the attached drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment example of a device (D) according to the present invention (the presence of the tablet of chemical cleaning and / or deodorizing product inside the housing chambers (CAL1, CAL2, CAL3) of the three containers (C1, C2, C3) is optional and therefore non-limiting); Figure 2 shows a rear view of an embodiment example of a device (D); Figure 3 shows a front view of an embodiment example of a device D); Figure 4 shows a view from above of an embodiment example of a device (D); Figure 5 shows a view from below of an embodiment example of a device (D); Figure 6 shows a side view of an embodiment example of a device (D); Figure 7 shows a view from below of the device (D) with examples of mechanisms suitable for forming a flexible region along the first (P1) and second (P2) bridges to allow the device to adapt to the edge of the toilet bowl (D).

[0014] As can be easily understood, there are various ways of implementing in practice the present invention which is defined in its main advantageous aspects in the enclosed claims and is neither limited by the following detailed description nor by the attached drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] As previously indicated, the device (D) comprises: a first container (C1) comprising a first housing chamber (CAL1) for housing a first cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; a second container (C2) comprising a second housing chamber (CAL2) for housing a second cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; a third container (C3) comprising a third housing chamber (CAL3) for housing a third cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; a hook (G) directly connected to said first container (C1) for securing the device (D) to an edge of a toilet bowl; a first bridge (P1) extending horizontally between the first container (C1) and the second container (C2), said first bridge (P1) forming a flexible region between said first container (C1) and said second container (C2); a second bridge (P2) extending horizontally between the first container (C1) and the third container (C3), said second bridge (P2) forming a flexible region between said first container (C1) and said third container (C3), wherein said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) are positioned at the side with respect to said first container (C1).

[0016] It should be pointed out that for the purposes of this document the indications "front", "rear", "lower", "upper", "front", "back", "horizontal", "vertical", "right" and "left" refer to the position that the device (D) has when it is fixed to the toilet and with respect to the point of view of an observer positioned in front of said device (D).

[0017] Specifically, it has been surprisingly found that the device according to the present invention allows the adaptability of the device itself to the walls of the toilet bowl to be increased, consequently ensuring a homogeneous consumption of the cleaning and / or deodorizing compositions contained therein.

[0018] The flexible region of the first (P1) and second (P2) bridges can be achieved through mechanisms known in the state of the art.

[0019] This flexible region is achieved, for example, by selecting specific materials, such as polymers, preferably chosen from the range of commodity polymers with an elastic modulus that ensures the specific flexibility of the device, while also ensuring the other mechanical characteristics. As a simple example, it is possible to use a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene homopolymer and / or copolymer. Other compatible resin types include those from the polyethylene family. Further possibilities and opportunities are obtained with the use of eco-friendly materials, such as polymers deriving from natural bases or post-consumer and recycled materials (for example, polypropylene, preferably post-consumer recycled materials, biodegradable bioplastics deriving from corn, potato, or wheat starch).

[0020] Alternatively or in addition to the selection of certain materials, this flexible region can be obtained through the presence of specific mechanisms known in the state of the art suitable for allowing the device to flex in order to adapt to the edge of the toilet bowl. These mechanisms can be positioned along the first (P1) and second (P2) bridges.

[0021] These mechanisms can be represented, for example, by grooves, connecting elements, crosspieces with predetermined bending points, and / or tabs (see, for example, Figure 7).

[0022] The flexible region has such a flexibility that the first (C1), second (C2), and third (C3) containers conform to the curvature of the toilet bowl whereas the hook (G) remains parallel to or close to the internal side wall of the toilet bowl.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first (P1) and second (P2) bridges are hollow internally.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first (P1) and second (P2) bridges extend horizontally for a length ranging from 1 to 10 mm, more preferably from 1 to 5 mm.

[0025] Said second container (C2) is preferably positioned to the right of said first container (C1) and said third container (C3) is positioned to the left of said first container (C1). Said first container (C1) is positioned substantially in a central position.

[0026] The connection between the hook (G) and the first container (C1) (which represents the central container positioned directly below the hook) can be obtained using systems known in the field. The connection between the hook (G) and the first container (C1) can be reversible, thus allowing the end user to replace the three containers (C1, C2, C3) simply by unhooking the first container (C1) from the hook (G).

[0027] The presence of an elastic portion in said first bridge (P1) and said second bridge (P2) allows for the simple application of the device (D) to the toilet bowl, thus overcoming the disadvantages of the devices of the prior art.

[0028] The device can contain additional containers connected to the first (C1), the second container (C2), and / or the third container (C3). These additional containers can be connected via bridges comprising a flexible region.

[0029] A fourth and fifth container can be positioned, for example, to the sides of said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) via a bridge comprising a flexible region. More specifically, said fourth container is positioned to the right of said second container (C2) (and connected to it via a bridge comprising a flexible region), and said fifth container is positioned to the left of said third container (C3) (and connected to it via a bridge comprising a flexible region).

[0030] Alternatively and / or in addition to this embodiment, a further container can be positioned underneath the first container (C1), again via a bridge comprising a flexible region. These further bridges can have means suitable for allowing the attachment and detachment of the relative reference containers from the device (D).

[0031] In one embodiment, said first bridge (P1) and said second bridge (P2) have means suitable for allowing the attachment and detachment of the second container (C2) and the third container (C3) from the device (D), respectively. In this way, it is possible for the end consumer to replace these containers.

[0032] The first, second, and third containers (C1, C2, C3) can have various shapes and sizes (the same as or different from each other). For example, they can essentially have the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0033] The first, second and third container (C1, C2, C3) can have, for example, the following dimensions: A height ranging from 20 to 200 mm; A width ranging from 30 to 200 mm; A depth ranging from 10 to 50 mm.

[0034] In one embodiment, said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) have the same shape and / or size. Alternatively, said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) can have a symmetrical shape.

[0035] In one embodiment, said first container (C1) has larger dimensions (in terms of height, width and / or depth) than said second container (C2) and said third container (C3). In a preferred embodiment, said first container (C1) has a greater height and / or width than said second container (C2) and said third container (C3), whereas the depth is substantially the same.

[0036] This further facilitates the adhesion of the device (D) to the walls of the toilet bowl.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the second container (C2) and the third container (C3) have a height ranging from 10 to 75%, more preferably from 25 to 50%, of the height of the first container (C1).

[0038] In one embodiment, the dimensions of said first container (C1) extend more along the vertical axis and / or the dimensions of said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) extend more along the horizontal axis.

[0039] In one embodiment, the dimensions of said first container (C1) extend mostly along the vertical axis, whereas the dimensions of said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) extend mostly along the horizontal axis. In other words, the first container (C1) has a greater height than its width, whereas said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) have a lower height than their width. This embodiment allows for a compact multi-element device that can be easily applied to various types of toilet bowls. For example: the width of the first container (C1) has a dimension ranging from 10 to 75%, more preferably from 25 to 50% of its height, and / or the height of the second container (C2) and the third container (C3) has a dimension ranging from 10 to 75%, more preferably from 25 to 50%, of their width.

[0040] In one embodiment, said device (D) comprises a tablet (T) of chemical cleaning and / or deodorizing product located inside at least one of the three containers (C1, C2, C3). Said device (D) preferably comprises a tablet (T) of chemical cleaning and / or deodorizing product located inside each of the three containers (C1, C2, C3).

[0041] Said device (D) can comprise a first cleaning and / or deodorizing composition in the first container (C1), a second cleaning and / or deodorizing composition in the second container (C2) and a third cleaning and / or deodorizing composition in the third container (C3).

[0042] The tablet (T) can be present in solid and / or semi-solid form and can have any shape, size, and colour. In a preferred embodiment, the tablet (T) has the same shape as its container.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first cleaning and / or deodorizing composition, the second cleaning and / or deodorizing composition, and the third cleaning and / or deodorizing composition differ in composition (for example, they contain ingredients that exert different functions). This avoids compatibility issues between the various components. These compositions can also differ in shape and / or colour.

[0044] In one embodiment, the walls of the first, second, and third containers (C1, C2, C3) are connected so as to make the interior of the housing chambers (CAL1, CAL2, CAL3) accessible for the end user. The front wall and the bottom wall of said first, second, and third containers (C1, C2, C3), for example, are connected to each other via mechanisms (e.g., a hinge mechanism) that make the interior of the housing chambers (CAL1, CAL2, CAL3) accessible. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as it allows the container or cage to be reused by refilling it with new sanitizing tablets (with sustainability benefits).

[0045] The first, second and third containers (C1, C2, C3) can have openings (AP) to allow the entry and discharge of waste liquid from the device (D) and at the same time prevent the exiting of the tablet (T) contained therein.

[0046] These openings (AP) can be located, for example, only in correspondence with a peripheral area of the relative wall, or only in correspondence with a central area of said wall, or both in correspondence with a peripheral area and in correspondence with a central area of said wall.

[0047] In particular, the liquid flows that are formed inside the housing chambers (CAL1, CAL2, CAL3) allow for a homogeneous contact with the external surfaces of the tablet (T) contained within, thus obtaining a uniform consumption of the tablet in all types of toilet bowls. This, in turn, allows the tablet (T) to maintain a regular shape for long periods of time, a feature that is highly appreciated in the sector.

[0048] The shape of the various openings (AP) can be variable. More specifically, the shape and size of said openings (AP) can vary both between the different walls and within the same wall of the container.

[0049] The front wall of the three containers (C1, C2, C3) (i.e., the wall visible to the end user once the device is placed in the toilet) can advantageously comprise one or more openings with a particular form, such as figures, logos, and / or letters.

[0050] The lower wall of the three containers (C1, C2, C3) can advantageously have openings that allow the water that has accumulated inside the housing chambers to drain completely (CAL1, CAL2, CAL3).

[0051] Within the housing chamber (CAL1, CAL2, CAL3) of at least one of the three containers (C1, C2, C3) there are advantageously elements (e.g., protrusions) to ensure that the surfaces of the tablet (T) do not completely come into contact the internal walls of the container.

[0052] In order to meet specific requirements, a skilled person can modify and / or replace the elements described with equivalent elements in the embodiments described above, without thereby departing from the scope of the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. A device (D) for toilet bowls comprising: - a first container (C1) comprising a first housing chamber (CAL1) for housing a first cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; - a second container (C2) comprising a second housing chamber (CAL2) for housing a second cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; - a third container (C3) comprising a third housing chamber (CAL3) for housing a third cleaning and / or deodorizing composition; - a hook (G) directly connected to said first container (C1) for securing the device (D) to an edge of a toilet bowl; - a first bridge (P1) extending horizontally between the first container (C1) and the second container (C2), said first bridge (P1) forming a flexible region between said first container (C1) and said second container (C2); - a second bridge (P2) extending horizontally between the first container (C1) and the third container (C3), said second bridge (P2) forming a flexible region between said first container (C1) and said third container (C3), wherein said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) are positioned at the side with respect to said first container (C1).

2. A device (D) according to claim 1, wherein said first bridge (P1) and said second bridge (P2) have means suitable for allowing the coupling and uncoupling from the device (D) of the second container (C2) and the third container (C3), respectively.

3. A device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first (P1) and said second bridge (P2) extend horizontally for a length ranging from 1 to 10 mm, more preferably from 1 to 5 mm.

4. A device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) have the same shape and / or dimension.

5. A device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second container (C2) is positioned on the right with respect to said first container (C1) and said third container (C3) is positioned on the left with respect to said first container (C1).

6. A device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first container (C1), said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

7. A device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimensions of said first container (C1) mainly extend along the vertical axis and / or the dimensions of said second container (C2) and said third container (C3) mainly extend along the horizontal axis.

8. A device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second and the third container (C2, C3) have a height ranging from 10 to 75%, more preferably from 25 to 50% with respect to the height of the first container (C1).

9. A device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device (D) comprises a first cleaning and / or deodorizing composition in the first container (C1), a second cleaning and / or deodorizing composition in the second container (C2) and a third cleaning and / or deodorizing composition in the third container (C3), more preferably said first cleaning and / or deodorizing composition, said second cleaning and / or deodorizing composition and said third cleaning and / or deodorizing composition being different to one another in terms of composition.

10. A device (D) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front wall and the bottom wall of the first container (C1), second container (C2) and / or third container (C3) are connected to each other by means of one or more elements suitable for making the interior of the housing chambers (CAL1, CAL2, CAL3) accessible.

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