Solid soap dispenser with translating actuation

Abstract

A device (100) for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap (202), the device comprising: - a housing (102); - a soap holder (104) for holding one or more solid pieces of soap, the soap holder being coupled to the housing; - a scraping module (106) comprising at least one scraping member (108) for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, wherein the soap holder is rotatable relative to the scraping module; - an actuation mechanism (110), comprising: - a pusher handle (112); - a rotational output (114); - a coupling mechanism (116) arranged to convert a translation of the pusher handle to a rotation of the output; wherein the rotational output is rotationally coupled to the soap holder.

Description

[0001] P138254PC00

[0002] Title: Solid soap dispenser with translating actuation

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The aspects and embodiments thereof relate to the field of dispensers for solid pieces of soap.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Soap is used in many applications, including for washing one’s hands.

[0007] When provided as a solid block, the soap often is exposed to the environment, leaving it prone to loss of quality. Furthermore, a solid block is often used in combination with water, leaving the user with a wet and slippery block of soap which is hard to store. When soap dissolved in water is used in portable soap dispensers, not only does the soap have to be transported but also the water in which the soap is dissolved, resulting in inefficient transport.

[0008] NL2020372 discloses a soap dispenser which allows a user to scrape scrapings of soap of a piece of soap while holding the dispenser in one hand. With the other hand, part of the dispenser may be rotated which causes the scrapings to be scraped of the piece of soap. This process may be performed before wetting the hands, and thus prevent contact between the piece of soap and water. Furthermore, the dispenser substantially encloses the piece of soap and therewith prevents contact between the soap and water, dirt, and other contaminating factors. The dispenser may be closed during transportation to prevent soap ending up in the bag or purse in which the dispenser is carried around.

[0009] NL2029060 discloses a soap dispenser assembly comprising a soap dispenser and at least two pieces of soap. The at least two pieces of soap each comprises a top surface and a bottom surface and can be stacked thereby rotationally coupling the pieces of soap in at least one direction via locking profiles. The soap dispenser comprises a soap holder arranged to contain, and rotationally couple, the pieces of soap in a stacked position, a knife-blade module and a biasing module. The top surface of an upper most piece of soap interfaces with the biasing module. The bottom surface of a lower most piece of soap interfaces with the knife-blade module. The biasing module is arranged to bias the at least two pieces of soap towards the knife-blade module. The knife-blade module comprises at least one blade arranged to scrape the bottom surface of the second piece of soap upon rotation of the soap holder with the at least two pieces of soap relative to the knife-blade module.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] Although the known dispensers from NL2020372 and NL2029060 already provide for convenient dispensing of scrapings of a solid piece of soap, it remains an object to provide alternative devices and / or methods of dispensing scrapings from a solid piece of soap and / or to improve on known devices and / or methods. Improvements may be found for example in ease-of- use and / or the ability to be used in a wet environment such as a bathroom, toilet, or under a shower.

[0012] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a device for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap. In general, the device comprises a housing, a soap holder, a scraping module, and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism in general refers to components required for forming the scrapings. Typically, scrapings can be dispensed under gravity. The actuation mechanism preferably is energised by a human operator. The device may thus not require any electrical motor or battery for operation. This may improve the useability of the device in a wet environment, for example under the shower.

[0013] The housing is generally used as a fixed structure to which further components can be mounted, either fully fixated, rotationally, or slideably. A rotational connection between two components typically allows rotation over one rotational axis between the two components, while other degrees of freedom are fixated between the components. A slideable connection typically allows translation over one translation axis between the two components, while other degrees of freedom are fixated between the components. The housing itself may be mounted to a further structure, such as a vertical wall.

[0014] The soap holder is generally arranged for holding one or more solid pieces of soap. For example, two or more solid pieces of soap may be stacked in the soap holder. The soap holder is coupled to the housing.

[0015] The scraping module in general comprises at least one scraping member for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap. A scraping member typically has a sharp edge which engages the piece of soap. The scraping member may thus also be referred to as a knife or blade. Any device may comprise a biasing member, such as a spring, for forcing the piece of soap against the scraping member. The soap holder is rotatable relative to the scraping module. A scraping member is typically oriented radially relative to a rotation axis over which the soap holder is rotatable relative to the scraping module.

[0016] The actuation mechanism according to the first aspect comprises a pusher handle, a rotational output, and a coupling mechanism arranged to convert a translation of the pusher handle to a rotation of the output. The rotational output may be formed by one or more gearwheels. A particular example of a rotational output is an output gear.

[0017] The pusher handle acts as the input for receiving energy from the user operating the device. This energy is transferred to the rotational output via the coupling mechanism. The pusher handle may be any element which a user can engage, preferably with their hand, in particular the palm of their hand. Engaging with the palm of their hand allows the user to position the inside of their fingers and / or part of the palm towards and / or below the device, allowing scraping of soap to be caught in the same hand that operates the pusher handle. Preferably, the pusher handle is moveable relative to the housing in a sliding movement. A sliding movement is equivalent to a translational movement in the present disclosure.

[0018] In particular, the pusher handle may be moveable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, in which second position a front section of the pusher handle is closer to the soap holder than in the first position. The front section is typically where the user contacts the device, preferably with their hand, in particular the palm of their hand. The front section, when the device is mounted to a wall, is positioned in front of the soap holder, with the soap holder in front of the wall. This allows the user to push the front section towards the wall, wherein the wall is assumed to be a fixed world.

[0019] Preferably, the device can be operated with one hand. In general, the pusher handle may be moved between 15 mm and 50 mm, more in particular between 20 and 30 mm, between the first position and the second position. A distance between the front of the pusher handle and an exit opening in the housing through which scrapings of soap can fall may be between 30 and 70 mm, preferably between 40 and 50 mm.

[0020] Preferably, for converting a translation into a rotation, the coupling mechanism comprises a linear gear coupled to the pusher handle and an intermediate gear which is engaged with the linear gear and coupled to the rotational output. Two gears being engaged implies teeth of the two gears being mated. A linear gear may also be referred to as a rack, and intermediate gear may be referred to as a pinion. The linear gear may be integrally formed with the pusher handle.

[0021] As a further preferred feature, the intermediate gear is rotationally coupled to the rotational output via a one-way clutch. As such, the actuation mechanism can be used to rotate the soap holder when the pusher handle is moved from the first position to the second position, and the actuation mechanism can be decoupled when the pusher handle is moved back from the second position to the first position. This may ensure that the soap holder is rotated relative to the scraping module only in a single direction, i.e. either clockwise or anti-clockwise.

[0022] In general, for example to provide for a compact device, the soap holder may be positioned between the intermediate gear and a front section of the pusher handle. In other words, the intermediate gear may be positioned between the soap holder and a mounting module and / or wall to which the device is mounted.

[0023] It is a general preference that the scraping module is fixated relative to the housing. In particular when the housing comprises an exit opening for scrapings of soap, the scraping member may be aligned with the exit opening. The scraping module being fixated relative to the housing allows this alignment to be maintained while scraping scrapings from the piece of soap. The piece of soap is thus preferably moved over the scraping member.

[0024] It is thus envisioned that the device comprises an exit opening through the housing. The pusher handle may comprise a closing part and a handle opening adjacent to the closing part. In the first position, the closing part may be aligned with exit opening, and in the second position, the handle opening may be aligned with the exit opening. As such, in the first position, the closing part may prevent or reduce chance of debris or water passing through the exit opening. In the second position, scrapings may pass through the exit opening and subsequently through the handle opening, preferably without being restricted by the closing part.

[0025] Any pusher handle may be formed as a shell part. Such a shell part can surround at least part of the housing, which may allow for a compact design of the device.

[0026] For guiding a sliding movement of the pusher handle relative to the housing, the housing may comprise a guide. Preferably, the sliding movement is essentially the only degree of freedom between the pusher handle and the housing. A biasing element may be provided for biasing the pusher handle in the first position. The biasing element may be a spring positioned between the pusher handle and the housing. Alternatively, the biasing element may be a torsion spring positioned between the housing and the rotational output and / or the coupling mechanism. In use, potential energy may be stored in the biasing element as the user operates the actuation mechanism, which potential energy can be used to move the pusher handle back into the first position.

[0027] In particular when the rotational output is a gear with teeth, the soap holder may comprise a soap holder toothing on an outer surface of the soap holder. The soap holder toothing may be provided around the entire circumference of the soap holder. The soap holder toothing in use can be engaged with teeth of the rotational output, such as the output gear.

[0028] Any device may comprise a mounting module for mounting the device to a vertical wall. The mounting module may be formed by part of the housing, and may further comprises one or more screws or other fixation elements. Alternatively, the mounting module may allow for magnetic mounting, or mounting with a suction cup.

[0029] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an assembly, formed by any device of the present disclosure according to any of the aspects, and one or more solid pieces of soap positioned in the soap holder of the device. Any solid piece of soap is preferably rotationally coupled with the soap holder, for example by corresponding interlocking shapes of the soap and the soap holder.

[0030] In general, a piece of soap to be used in any of the devices of the present disclosure is donut-shaped. The piece of soap can be defined by an outer diameter, and a non-zero inner diameter of a hole formed in the piece of soap. Through the hole formed in the piece of soap, one or more components of the device can extend. A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of dispensing scrapings from a solid piece of soap, the method comprising: providing a device for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap, the device comprising: a soap holder holding the solid piece of soap, the device further comprising a scraping member for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, and the device further comprising an actuation mechanism; operating a pusher handle of the actuation mechanism from a first position to a second position in a translating motion; and converting the translating motion of the pusher handle to a rotation of the scraping member via a coupling mechanism of the actuation mechanism.

[0031] Any device of the present disclosure, according to any aspect, may be used in the method. The method is preferably executed by one hand of a user, wherein the scrapings formed are caught in said one hand.

[0032] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a kit of parts, the kit of parts comprising a device for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap, which device comprises a first scraping module. The kit of parts further comprises a second scraping module. When the first scraping module comprises a scraping member of a first type, and the second scraping module comprises a scraping member of a second type, one of the scraping modules may be selectively used with the device to achieve a desired level of scraping.

[0033] The device in the kit of parts generally comprises a soap holder for holding the solid piece of soap, and an actuation mechanism for rotating the soap holder relative to the first scraping module or the second scraping module - depending on which scraping module is selectively used. The actuation mechanism may correspond to the actuation mechanism disclosed in conjunction with the first aspect. However, in general, the actuation mechanism may alternatively have a rotational input which a user can rotate. This rotation can be used to rotate the soap holder relative to the scraping module. As a further alternative, it is envisioned to provide an electric motor to rotate the soap holder relative to the scraping module. How the soap holder is rotated is thus preferably irrespective of the scraping module used. The device in the kit of parts can further comprise a housing, and any other feature disclosed in conjunction with the first aspect, in any combination.

[0034] It will be understood that any kit of parts may comprises even further scraping modules, for example three or four or more, each with a scraping member of a different type, and each scraping module selectively useable with the device.

[0035] Scraping members of different types may different over one or more parameters. In general, a scraping module may be generally disc-shaped. A disc has an outer diameter which is larger than the thickness of the disc, in particular at least 5 times or even at least 10 times larger. The scraping module comprises a base surface which in use faces the piece of soap, and in use typically faces upwards.

[0036] As a first example of a parameter, the scraping member of the first type is oriented at a first angle relative to the base surface of the first scraping module the scraping member of the second type is oriented at a second angle relative to the base surface of the second scraping module, and the first angle is smaller than the second angle.

[0037] As a second example of a parameter, the first scraping module and the second scraping module comprise a base surface, a distal end of the scraping member of the first type is positioned at a first distance from the base surface of the first scraping module, a distal end of the scraping member of the second type is positioned at a second distance relative to the base surface of the second scraping module, and the first distance is smaller than the second distance.

[0038] As a third example of a parameter, a sharp distal end of the scraping member of the first type has a first bevel angle, a sharp distal end of the scraping member of the second type has a second bevel angle, and the first bevel angle is smaller than the second bevel angle.

[0039] Furter examples of parameters, as will be elaborated on, are the finish of the edge of the distal end, for example serrated or plane, and the angle relative to a radial direction of the scraping member.

[0040] In general, it is preferred that scraping members of different types allow for different amounts of scrapings to be formed per angle of rotation of the soap holder relative to the respective scraping module. For example, for different types of solid soap, a different amount of scrapings is desired. Different types of solid soap may be used as shampoo, body wash soap, hand wash soap, or any other application.

[0041] For any kit of parts, it is envisioned that the kit of parts further comprises a first solid piece of soap arranged to be held in the soap holder and a second solid piece of soap arranged to be held in the soap holder, wherein the first solid piece of soap is of a different composition than the second solid piece of soap.

[0042] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a device for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap, which is particularly adapted for use in a wet environment, such as a bathroom, for example under a shower. In a wet environment, the device can be generally exposed to moisture, water dripping onto the device, water spraying onto the device, and / or water splashing against the device.

[0043] The device according to the fifth aspect generally comprises a housing, a soap holder for holding one or more solid pieces of soap, the soap holder being coupled to the housing, a scraping module comprising at least one scraping member for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, wherein the soap holder is rotatable relative to the scraping module, and an actuation mechanism for rotating the soap holder relative to the scraping module. According to the fifth aspect, a flow path for water is provided through the device, which flow path passes through the soap holder. By virtue of the flow path, water can be diverted from the top of the device to the bottom of the device, over a path defined by the device itself. It is a general preference that although water can flow through the device, the water cannot reach the soap inside the device.

[0044] Any device of the present disclosure may further comprise a lid covering the soap holder. The lid may comprise a skirt protruding from the lid into the soap holder, and the flow path may pass through the skirt. The skirt may aid in preventing water flowing over the flow path from reaching a solid piece of soap in the soap holder.

[0045] As a further option, to further adapt the device for use in a wet environment, the device may comprise a sealing ring between the lid and the housing and / or an O-ring or other further sealing ring between the skirt and the housing.

[0046] A first section of the flow path may be at an angle relative to a second section of the flow path. The flow path may thus be a curved flow path. The curved flow path may be used to guide water first over a generally vertical section towards the mounting module of the device in a generally horizontal direction. In the horizontal direction, the flow path may be directed away from the exit opening in the housing.

[0047] When the actuation mechanism comprises a pusher handle, part of the flow path may run through a passage through the pusher handle and / or part of the flow path may be defined and / or restricted by the pusher handle. The passage in particular may extend through a bottom section of the pusher handle. As a further option, at least part of the bottom section adjacent to the passage may be oriented at an angle away from the housing. As such, for example, water may run over the at least part of the bottom section towards the passage through the pusher handle by gravity. When the housing comprises an exit opening through the housing, which exit opening is aligned with the scraping member, the device may further comprises a skirt part protruding away from the housing and surrounding at least part of a perimeter of the exit opening. The skirt part may reduce a change of droplets of water running over the housing into the exit opening. The skirt part is typically oriented away from the soap holder. The skirt part may be applied to any device, irrespective of the presence of a flow path for water through the housing.

[0048] As another option, applicable to any device of the present disclosure, the device may further comprise a guard protruding from the housing, which guard partially surrounds an exit opening through the housing. The guard may be positioned near a front section of the pusher handle. Preferably, the guard extends beyond the front section of the pusher handle in a vertical direction. The guard may be applied to any device, irrespective of the presence of a flow path for water through the housing and / or a skirt part.

[0049] Features disclosed in the present summary may be readily applied to the first and second example of the device disclosed in conjunction with the drawings. These features may include, in any combination, and in a non- limitative listing, any feature relating to the housing, the soap holder, the scraping module, the actuation mechanism, the pusher handle, the pusher handle, the input gear, the output gear, the front housing section, the rear housing section, any exit opening for scrapings of soap, the piece of soap, any movement, any rotation, any biasing element, the mounting module, a lid, a skirt of the lid, a skirt surrounding the exit opening, the guard, the flow path through the housing, any other feature, in any combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0050] In the figures,

[0051] Figs. 1A and IB show in a perspective view a first example of a device;

[0052] Figs. 2A and 2B show the device of Fig. 1A in a section view;

[0053] Fig. 3A shows an opened up view of part of the device;

[0054] Fig. 3B shows a further opened up view of another part of the device;

[0055] Figs. 4A and 4B show a housing, respectively in an assembled and an exploded view;

[0056] Fig. 4C shows the pusher handle of the device;

[0057] Figs. 5A and 5B show the device from a perspective bottom view;

[0058] Fig. 6A shows a section view of part of the device;

[0059] Fig. 6B shows a section view of part of the device;

[0060] Fig. 7 A schematically shows an assembly with a second example of the device;

[0061] Fig. 7B schematically shows a kit of parts;

[0062] Figs. 8A-8D show scraping modules;

[0063] Fig. 9 A shows a section view of the device of Fig. 1A;

[0064] Fig. 9B shows an exploded perspective view of soap holder assembly; and

[0065] Figs. 10A and 10B show alternative scraping modules.

[0066] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Figs. 1A and IB show in a perspective view a first example of a device 100 for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap. The device 100 comprises a housing 102, which houses a soap holder and a scraping module. The device 100 further comprises an actuation mechanism 110, which is partially housed in the housing 102. The actuation mechanism comprises a pusher handle 112, at least partially positioned outside the housing 102. The pusher handle 112 is a particular example of a pusher handle.

[0068] Fig. 1A shows the pusher handle 112 in a first position, and Fig. IB shows the pusher handle 112 in a second position. Between the first position and the second position, the pusher handle 112 has moved relative to the housing 102 over a sliding axis S'. In use, the device 100 may be mounted to a vertical wall, for example using mounting elements 120 such as screws. The sliding axis S may be generally normal to the vertical wall when the device 100 is mounted. According to the present disclosure, operating the pusher handle 112 from the first position to the second position is used for forming and dispensing scrapings of soap.

[0069] As indicated in Fig. 1A, a lid 130 may be comprised by the device 100 to close the housing 102 above the soap holder 104. The lid 130 may be releasable to allow access into the soap holder 104, for example for positioning one or more solid pieces of soap into the soap holder 104 or for exchanging a scraping module which is positioned in the soap holder 104.

[0070] Figs. 2A and 2B show the device 100 of Fig. 1A in a section view. In particular, Fig. 2A is a section view over line A generally indicated in Fig. 1A, and Fig. 2B is a section view over line B generally indicated in Fig. 1A. Fig. 3A shows an opened up view of the device 100, to visualise the inner workings of the device 100. Fig. 3B shows a further opened up view of the device 100. Figs. 4A and 4B show inter alia the housing 102 of the device 100, respectively in an assembled and an exploded view. Fig. 4C shows the pusher handle 112 of the device of Fig. 1A. Figs. 5A and 5B show the device 100 from a perspective bottom view, respectively with the pusher handle 112 in the first position and the second position. It will be appreciated that not in every figure each component is provided with a reference numeral, for clarity of the figures. Absence of a reference numeral is not necessarily an indication of the absence of a particular feature. As a particular option, to hold the pusher handle 112 in the first position, as indicated in Fig. 2A, the pusher handle 112 may comprise an inward facing protrusion 155 which abuts an outward facing protrusion 156 of the housing 156 in the first position. The outward facing protrusion 156 can thus act as a stop. A biasing member may force the inward facing protrusion 155 against the outward facing protrusion 156.

[0071] As best indicated in Figs. 4A and 4B, the housing 102 may comprise a front housing section 151 and a rear housing section 152. The front housing section 151 and the rear housing section 152 are in use preferably coupled, for example by snap-fit connection or by one or more screws or bolts. The front housing section 151 defines a reception space 162 in which the soap holder 104 can be positioned. As shown in Fig. 4A, as a general preference, an access opening 163 is provided through the front housing section 151 into the reception space 162, through which the output gear 114 is accessible.

[0072] As indicated in Fig. 4B, the front housing section 151 may comprise one or more inward protrusions 148 which can form a support surface onto which a flange 149 of the soap holder 104 can be supported.

[0073] The rear housing section 152 may be used as a mounting module with which the housing 102 can be mounted to a vertical wall, for example by one or more screws 120 extending through the rear housing section 152 into the wall.

[0074] As best indicated in Fig. 4C, the pusher handle 112 preferably is a shell part. The shell part comprises a wall surrounding an inner volume 115, and may generally be referred to as thin-walled - i.e. the wall thickness is for example less than 10% or even less than 5% or even less than 1% of a width of the shell part. In the inner volume 115, part of the housing 102 may be positioned.

[0075] The pusher handle 112 comprises a front section 113, which is typically the section onto which a user applies a force required to move the pusher handle 112 from the first position to the second position. The front section 113 connects a left side section 141 and a right side section 142 of the pusher handle 121. The front section 113, left side section 141, and right side section 142 may generally define a U-shape. The pusher handle 121 further comprises a bottom section 143, in use positioned below the housing 102. As will elaborated on, the bottom section 143 preferably comprises a handle opening 144 and a closing part 146. The closing part 146 is preferably adjacent or at least near the opening 144.

[0076] In the device 100, the soap holder 104 is typically positioned between the left side section 141 and the right side section 142. In the first position, a gap is preferably present between the front section 113 and the housing 102. The size of the gap is reduced when the pusher handle 112 is moved towards the second position.

[0077] The actuation mechanism 110 is hereby explained in conjunction with Figs. 2A-3B. The actuation mechanism generally refers to those elements required to actuate the device 100 to form and dispense scrapings of the solid piece of soap.

[0078] The actuation mechanism 110 comprises the pusher handle 112, and an output gear 114. The output gear 114 is an example of a rotational output. The pusher handle 112 in particular comprises a linear gear 116. Teeth of the linear gear 116 are engaged with teeth of an intermediate gear 132. As such, the linear gear 116 and the intermediate gear 132 can operate as a rack and pinion system, wherein a translation of the linear gear 116 results in a rotation of the intermediate gear 132.

[0079] Preferably, the intermediate gear 132 and the output gear 114 are rotatable about a shared rotation axis R 1. The intermediate gear 132 and the output gear 114 may be mounted on a shared axle 137. The shared axle 137 can be rotationally mounted to the housing 102. As a particular option, the number of teeth of the intermediate gear 132 and the output gear 114 may be different. In particular, the intermediate gear 132 may comprise less teeth than the output gear. Additionally, or alternatively, an outer diameter of the intermediate gear 132 and the output gear 114 may be different.

[0080] Now referring to Fig. 4B, as an option, a torsion spring 160 can be used as a biasing element for biasing the actuation mechanism 110 is a particular position, in particular corresponding to the first position of the pusher handle 112. The torsion spring 160 is connected between the housing 102, in particular the rear housing section 152, and the axle 137 and / or the intermediate gear.

[0081] The intermediate gear 132 is preferably coupled to the output gear 114 via a one-way clutch 136. By virtue of the one-way clutch 136, rotation of the intermediate gear 132 is coupled to a rotation of the output gear 114 in one rotation direction, and the intermediate gear 132 is free to rotate relative to the output gear 114 in the opposite rotation direction.

[0082] Fig. 5B shows an exit opening 150 through the housing 102, in particular the front housing section 151, through which scrapings of soap can exit the housing. It is envisioned that the pusher handle 112 comprises a closing part 146. In the first position, as shown in Fig. 5A, the closing part 146 is aligned with the exit opening 150. In the second position, as shown in Fig. 5B, the closing part 146 is not aligned with the exit opening 150. In use, the user may hold one or more fingers and / or part of their hand under the handle opening 144 of the pusher handle 112 while pushing against the pusher handle 112. This allows scrapings of soap formed while the pusher handle 112 is pushed towards the second position to pass through the opening 150 of the housing and the handle opening 144 of the pusher handle 112 and to land in the hand and / or on the fingers of the user.

[0083] As a particular option, indicated in Fig. 5B, a protrusion 159 may protrude from the housing 102, in particular the front housing section 151. The protrusion 159 may for example have a chamfered edge. When the pusher handle 112 moves from the first position to the second position, the closing part 146 can move adjacent to the protrusion 159. When the protrusion 159 is close to the closing part 146, the protrusion 159 may catch scrapings of soap built up on the closing part 146. Any scrapings caught may be held in place as the closing part 146 moves, up to the point where the closing part 146 has moved past the protrusion 159. At that point, the scrapings are no longer supported on the closing part 146, and can for example fall onto the hand of the person operating the pusher handle 112.

[0084] The handle opening 144 is generally aligned with a scraping member of the scraping module 106. Fig. 6A shows a section view of part of the device 100, showing the soap holder 104 in the reception space 162. The scraping module 106 is positioned in the soap holder 104, and is typically fixated to the housing 102.

[0085] Fig. 6B shows a section view of part of the device 100, showing the soap holder 104 and two solid pieces of soap 202 stacked inside the soap holder 104. Generally, any piece of soap 202 is rotationally coupled to the soap holder 104, such that when the soap holder 104 is rotated, the piece of soap 202 is rotated to. A scraping member 108 engages the bottom piece of soap 202. The scraping member 108 is generally oriented radially relative to the second rotation axis R2.

[0086] Fig. 7A schematically shows a second example of a device 100 for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap according to the present disclosure. The device 100 comprises a housing 102, which in general may be regarded as the fixed world. The device 100 further comprises a soap holder 104 holding a solid piece of soap 202. Together with the device 100, the piece of soap 202 forms an assembly 200. The piece of soap 202 is coupled to rotate with the soap holder 104. The soap holder 104 is rotationally coupled to the housing 102, and can thus be rotated over a rotation axis R relative to the housing 102.

[0087] The device 100 further comprises a scraping module 106 with a scraping member 108 engaged with the piece of soap 202 for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap when the piece of soap 202 is rotated relative to the scraping module 106.

[0088] The device 100 also comprises an actuation mechanism 110, which comprises a pusher handle 112, a rotational output 114, and a coupling mechanism 116 arranged to convert a translation of the input to a rotation of the output. As schematically indicated, preferably, the input 112 is slidably connected to the housing 102, such that the input 112 can be moved relative to the housing 102 over sliding axis s. The rotational output 114 is coupled to the soap holder 114 such that a rotation of the rotational output 114 results in a rotation of the soap holder 114.

[0089] It will be appreciated that the second example may be augmented with any one or more features disclosed in conjunction with the first example. Such one or more features may, in a non-limitative manner, relate to the housing, the soap holder, the scraping module, the actuation mechanism, the pusher handle, the pusher handle, the input gear, the output gear, the front housing section, the rear housing section, any exit opening for scrapings of soap, the piece of soap, any movement, any rotation, any biasing element, the mounting module, a lid, a skirt of the lid, a skirt surrounding the exit opening, the guard, the flow path through the housing, any other feature, in any combination.

[0090] The first example and the second example of the device 100 may be used in any method of dispensing scrapings from a solid piece of soap as disclosed herein, and may be comprised by any assembly and kit of parts of the present disclosure.

[0091] Fig. 7B schematically shows a kit of parts 300, comprising a device 100 for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap. The device 100 comprises a housing 102, which in general may be regarded as the fixed world. The device 100 further comprises a soap holder 104 holding a solid piece of soap 202. Together with the device 100, the piece of soap 202 forms an assembly 200. The piece of soap 202 is coupled to rotate with the soap holder 104. The soap holder 104 is rotationally coupled to the housing 102, and can thus be rotated over a rotation axis R relative to the housing 102.

[0092] The device 100 comprises a first scraping module 106’ with a scraping member 108’ of a first type engaged with the piece of soap 202. In general, when a scraping member is engaged with a piece of soap, relative rotation between the piece of soap and the scraping member results in scrapings being scraped from the piece of soap. The device 100 further comprises an actuation mechanism 110 for rotating the soap holder 104 relative to the first scraping module 106’. The actuation mechanism 110 may be as described for the first and second example of the device 100, or may alternatively comprise an electric motor for rotating the soap holder 104, or a user operable mechanism which can be rotated to rotated to the soap holder 104.

[0093] The device 100 of the kit of parts 300 may be according to the first example of the second example, or may be different from the first and second examples.

[0094] The kit of parts 300 further comprises a second scraping module 106” comprising a scraping member 108” of a second type. Selectively, a user may opt to use either the first scraping module 106’ or the second scraping module 106” with the device 100. A method is thus envisioned comprising a step of replacing the first scraping module 106’ with a the second scraping module 106”, in any device of the present disclosure.

[0095] Fig. 8A shows a top view of a scraping module 106, with a general structure which may be applied to any scraping module 106 of the present disclosure. The scraping module 106 comprises a generally ring-shaped body 182 with a base surface 180. In the centre of the ring-shaped body 182, a centre opening 184 is preferable present. In a perimeter of the ring-shaped body 182, one or more indentations 186 are preferably present, which can interlock with the housing 102 of the device to fixate rotation of the scraping module 106 to the housing 102. In general, the ring-shaped body and the scraping member are formed by different bodies, which are connected for example with a snap-fit connection, clamped connection, adhesive or other connection. This allows the scraping member to be replaceable and / or the scraping member to have a different material composition than the scraping module.

[0096] The scraping module 106 comprises a scraping member 108, which generally has a sharp distal end 109 which in use can engage the solid piece of soap. The scraping member 108 is oriented generally radially, and extends preferably generally between the centre opening 184 and an outer perimeter of the scraping module 106. The distal end 109 of the scraping member 108 is preferably positioned above a scraper opening 188. In use, scrapings of soap can pass through the scraper opening 188, preferably by gravity.

[0097] As yet another parameter which can define the type of scraping member 108, the distal end 109 may be a serrated edge or a plain edge, or a partially serrated and partially plain edge. A serrated edge may also be referred to as a dentated, sawtooth, scalloped, or toothed edge.

[0098] As an even further parameter which an define the type of scraping member 108, an angle b is indicated in Fig. 8A. The angle b defines the orientation of the scraping member 108 relative to a radial direction. The angle b may differ between different types of scraping members.

[0099] Figs. 8B-8D show in schematic front views different scraping modules 106 to indicate different parameters by which different types of scraping members 108 can differ.

[0100] In Figs. 8B and 8C, the sharp distal end 109 of the respective scraping member 108 is positioned at a different distance dl or d2 relative to the respective base surface 180. An increase in this distance may result in the scraping member 108 penetrating further into the piece of soap engaged by the scraping member 108.

[0101] In Figs. 8B and 8D, the scraping members 108 are oriented at a different angle al or a2 relative to the respective base surface 180. Irrespective of the angle al or a2, in Figs. 8B and 8D, the scraping members 108 are depicted with a different bevel angle. In general, a parameter which may distinguish between different types of scraping members is how the sharp distal end is formed. The sharp distal end may be defined by being single bevelled or double bevelled, may be defined as being flat ground, convex, concave, and / or asymmetrically bevelled.

[0102] Although in Figs. 8A, 8C and 8D the base surface 180 is depicted as a generally flat surface, for any scraping module 106, it is envisioned that the base surface 180 has one or more raised surfaces 181. Examples of raised surfaces 181 are indicated in Fig. 8B, 10A, and 10B. In use, the piece of soap may be supported onto the one or more raised surface 181. The raised surfaces allow the contact area between the base surface 180 and the piece of soap to be reduced. As indicated in Fig. 8B, the distance d between the base surface and the sharp distal end may be defined between the raised surface 181 and the sharp distal end 109 as in use the bottom of piece of soap may be supported on the raised surface 181.

[0103] Fig. 10A shows a preferred arrangement of raised surfaces, wherein a first raised surface 181’ essentially extends from one end of the body 182 to an opposite end of the body 182, and a second raised surface 181” essentially extends from an outer perimeter of the body 182 to the scraper opening 188.

[0104] Fig. 9A shows a section view of the device 100 of Fig. 1A generally over line C, in an assembly 200 together with piece of soap 202. As a particular option indicated in Fig. 9A, but generally applicable, a flow path 400 for water is provided through the device 100.

[0105] Fig. 9B shows an exploded perspective view of soap holder assembly 900, which is part of the device 100 shown in Fig. 9A.

[0106] The soap holder assembly 900 comprises the soap holder 104, the lid 130, an optional sealing ring 190 to be positioned between the lid 130 and the housing 102, in particular the front housing section 151, an optional O- ring 191 to be positioned between the lid 130 and the housing, in particular the front housing section 151, an intermediate bushing 192, a pressing member 193 and a biasing member 194, and a locking element 195. It will be appreciated that the elements of the soap holder assembly 900 are generally arranged concentrically around a centreline. Although not depicted, the scraping module can also be regarded as part of the soap holder assembly as the scraping module in use is typically surrounded by the soap holder. The pressing member 193 in general is pressed against a piece of soap in the soap holder by the biasing member 194.

[0107] The lid 130 can be coupled to the intermediate bushing 192, in particular via a bayonet coupling. The locking element 195 can be coupled to the lid 130, for example via a bayonet coupling. Preferably, the flow path 400 extends between the locking element 195 and the lid 130, and / or through the locking element 195.

[0108] As indicated in Fig. 9B, the lid 130 comprises a skirt 139 protruding away from the lid 130 into the housing 102. In assembled state, the lid 130 and optionally the intermediate bushing 192 extend through the entire soap holder 104. As such, the lid 130 and optionally the intermediate bushing 192 can prevent water flowing over the flow path 400 from reaching a piece of soap 202 positioned in the soap holder 104.

[0109] In general, as for example visible in Fig. 9 A, the skirt 139 preferably has a hollow inside. In use, a finger of a user may be inserted into the skirt 139, for example to allow the user to lift the lid 130 away from the housing. An inner diameter of the skirt 139 may thus be designed to accommodate a finger of a user, and may be thus be between 10 and 25 mm, in particular between 15 and 22 mm. Alternatively, or additionally, the hollow inside allows a key to be inserted into the skirt 139, which key can be rotationally coupled to the lid 130 to allow the lid 130 to be lifted and / or rotated. The lid 130 may for example be rotated relative to the housing 102 and / or relative to the intermediate bushing 192, for decoupling the lid 130 from the intermediate bushing 192.

[0110] As indicated in Fig. 9A, as a particular option, the flow path 400 has a first flow path section which is oriented generally vertically and which passes through the soap holder assembly 900. The flow path 400 also has a second flow path section downstream of the first flow path section, which second flow path section is oriented at an angle relative to the first flow path section. The second flow path section may be oriented at an angle relative to vertical, which angle may be between 90 degrees and 179 degrees. The second flow path section may be defined by a part of the bottom section 143 of the pusher handle 112. In use, water may flow through over the bottom section 143 of the pusher handle 112 and exit the device 100 through a passage 189 through the pusher handle 112. The passage 189 in particular extends through the bottom section 143. The second flow path section is preferably oriented towards the mounting module and / or wall to which the device may be mounted.

[0111] The sealing ring 190 preferably surrounds the entire circumference of the lid 130, and prevents ingress of water into the device 100 between the lid 130 and the housing 102. The O-ring 191 may prevent ingress of water into the device 100 between the skirt 139 of the lid 130 and the housing 102.

[0112] It will thus be understood that in order to make the device 100 adapted for use in a wet environment, contact between water and the solid piece of soap is to be prevented. However, it will be understood that it is not possible to completely liquid tightly seal off the solid piece of soap, as this would prevent scrapings of soap from leaving the device. Indeed, an exit opening 150 may be provided through the housing 102 through which the scrapings can leave the device 100.

[0113] To reduce a chance of water entering the housing 102 through the exit opening 150, and to thus adapt the device 100 for use in a wet environment, in addition to the flow path 400 or as an alternative, further features are envisioned.

[0114] As a first optional feature applicable to any device 100 of the present disclosure, and when the housing comprises an exit opening 150 through the housing, the device 100 may further comprises a skirt part 140 protruding away from the housing and surrounding at least part of a perimeter of the exit opening. The skirt part 140 is for example indicated in Fig. 5B, 6A and 9A. The skirt part 140 preferably surrounds the entire perimeter of the exit opening 150. In use, the skirt part 140 is typically oriented generally vertically and / or at an angle between 10 and 170 degrees relative to part of the housing from which the skirt part extends.

[0115] Additionally or alternatively to the skirt part 140 which protrudes from the housing, it is envisioned that a skirt part 140’ protrudes from the scraping module 106. The skirt part 140’ may extend out of the housing 102, in particular through the exit opening 150. Fig. 10A shows a first alternative scraping module 106 in an exploded view, showing a separate skirt part 140’ connectable to the body 182 of the scraping module 106. Fig. 10B shows a second alternative scraping module 106, in which the skirt part 140’ is integrally formed with the body 182 of the scraping module 106. Both alternative scraping modules 106 may be applied to any device 100 disclosed herein, and any scraping member 108 of the alternative scraping modules 106 may be modified with any of the parameters of the present disclosure.

[0116] As a second optional feature applicable to any device 100 of the present disclosure, the housing 102 may comprise a guard 154. The guard 154 in particular extends from the front housing section 151, as for example shown in Fig. 4B. When the device 100 also comprises the skirt part 140, the guard 154 may extend further away from the housing 102 than the skirt part 140.

[0117] As shown in Fig. 5A, the guard 154 may be generally aligned with the closing part 146, preferably such that water is essentially prevented from passing between the guard 154 and the closing part 146 when the pusher handle 112 is in the first position. To this end, the guard 154 and the closing part 146 may have complementary shapes. Preferably, the guard 154 extends below the front section 113 of the pusher handle 112. When the guard 154 surrounds part of the exit opening 150, the guard 154 may shield the exit opening 150 from splashing water.

[0118] Preferably, but not necessarily, as depicted for example in Fig. 6A, a distal face 157 of the guard is at an angle relative to horizontal. In particular, a front of the distal face 157 oriented towards the front section 113 of the pusher handle 112 is lower than a rear of the distal face 157. Being lower implies extending further away from the housing 102. As such, droplets of water on the distal face 157 may move towards the front of the distal face 157 and thus away from the housing 102 and the exit opening 150.

Claims

Claims1. A device (100) for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap (202), the device comprising: a housing (102); a soap holder (104) for holding one or more solid pieces of soap, the soap holder being coupled to the housing; a scraping module (106) comprising at least one scraping member (108) for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, wherein the soap holder is rotatable relative to the scraping module; an actuation mechanism (110), comprising: a pusher handle (112); a rotational output (114); a coupling mechanism (116) arranged to convert a translation of the pusher handle to a rotation of the rotational output; wherein the rotational output is rotationally coupled to the soap holder.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the pusher handle is moveable relative to the housing in a sliding movement.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pusher handle is moveable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, in which second position a front section (113) of the pusher handle is closer to the soap holder than in the first position.

4. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a linear gear (116) coupled to the pusher handle and an intermediate gear (132) which is engaged with the linear gear and coupled to the rotational output.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the intermediate gear (132) is rotationally coupled to the rotational output (114) via a one-way clutch (136).

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the soap holder is positioned between the intermediate gear and a front section (113) of the pusher handle.

7. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the scraping module is fixated relative to the housing.

8. The device according to any of the claims 3-7, to the extent dependent on claim 3, further comprising an exit opening (150) through the housing (102), wherein the pusher handle comprises a closing part (146) and a handle opening (144) adjacent to the closing part, such that in the first position, the closing part is aligned with exit opening, and in the second position, the handle opening is aligned with the exit opening.

9. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pusher handle is formed as a shell part which surrounds at least part of the housing.

10. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a guide (170) for guiding a sliding movement of the pusher handle relative to the housing.

11. The device according to any of the claims 3-10, to the extent dependent on claim 3, further comprising a biasing element (160) arranged for biasing the pusher handle in the first position.

12. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the soap holder comprises a soap holder toothing (134) on an outer surface (135) of the soap holder, which is engaged with teeth of the rotational output.

13. The device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a mounting module for mounting the device to a vertical wall.

14. A device (100) for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap (202), the device comprising: a housing (102); a soap holder (104) for holding one or more solid pieces of soap, the soap holder being coupled to the housing; a scraping module (106) comprising at least one scraping member (108) for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, wherein the soap holder is rotatable relative to the scraping module; an actuation mechanism (110) for rotating the soap holder relative to the scraping module, wherein a flow path (400) for water is provided through the device, which flow path passes through the soap holder.

15. The device according to claim 14, further comprising a lid (130) covering the soap holder, the lid comprising a skirt (139) protruding from the lid into the soap holder, and wherein the flow path passes through the skirt.

16. The device according to any of the claims 14-15, wherein a first section of the flow path is at an angle relative to a second section of the flow path.

17. The device according to any of the claims 14-16, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a pusher handle (112), and part of the flow path runs through a passage (189) through the pusher handle.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the passage (189) extends through a bottom section (143) of the pusher handle.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein at least part of the bottom section adjacent to the passage is oriented at an angle away from the housing (102).

20. A device (100) for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap (202), the device comprising: a housing (102); a soap holder (104) for holding one or more solid pieces of soap, the soap holder being coupled to the housing; a scraping module (106) comprising at least one scraping member (108) for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, wherein the soap holder is rotatable relative to the scraping module; an actuation mechanism (110) for rotating the soap holder relative to the scraping module, the device further comprising a lid (130) covering the soap holder, and a sealing ring (190) between the lid and the housing.

21. A device (100) for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap (202), the device comprising: a housing (102); a soap holder (104) for holding one or more solid pieces of soap, the soap holder being coupled to the housing;a scraping module (106) comprising at least one scraping member (108) for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, wherein the soap holder is rotatable relative to the scraping module; an actuation mechanism (110) for rotating the soap holder relative to the scraping module, the device further comprising a lid (130) covering the soap holder, the lid comprising a skirt (139) protruding from the lid into the soap holder, and the device further comprising an O-ring (151) or sealing ring between the skirt and the housing.

22. A device (100) for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap (202), the device comprising: a housing (102); a soap holder (104) for holding one or more solid pieces of soap, the soap holder being coupled to the housing; a scraping module (106) comprising at least one scraping member (108) for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, wherein the soap holder is rotatable relative to the scraping module; an actuation mechanism (110) for rotating the soap holder relative to the scraping module, wherein the housing comprises an exit opening (150) through the housing, which exit opening is preferably aligned with the scraping member, and wherein the device further comprises a skirt part (140) protruding away from the housing and surrounding at least part of a perimeter of the exit opening.

23. A device (100) for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap (202), the device comprising: a housing (102); a soap holder (104) for holding one or more solid pieces of soap, the soap holder being coupled to the housing;a scraping module (106) comprising at least one scraping member (108) for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, wherein the soap holder is rotatable relative to the scraping module; an actuation mechanism (110) for rotating the soap holder relative to the scraping module, wherein the device further comprises a guard (154) protruding from the housing, which guard partially surrounds an exit opening (150) through the housing.

24. The device according to any of the claims 1-23, wherein the device is adapted for use in a wet environment.

25. An assembly (200), comprising: a device (100) according to any of the preceding claims; and one or more solid pieces of soap (202) positioned in the soap holder (104) of the device.

26. Method of dispensing scrapings from a solid piece of soap, the method comprising: providing a device for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap, the device comprising: a soap holder holding the solid piece of soap, the device further comprising a scraping member for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, and the device further comprising an actuation mechanism; operating a pusher handle of the actuation mechanism from a first position to a second position in a translating motion; and converting the translating motion of the pusher handle to a rotation of the scraping member via a coupling mechanism of the actuation mechanism.

27. Method according to claim 26, wherein the device is a device according to any of the claims 1-13 or 17-19.

28. A kit of parts (300), comprising: a device (100) for dispensing scrapings of a solid piece of soap, the device comprising: a soap holder for holding the solid piece of soap, the device further comprising a first scraping module for scraping scrapings from the solid piece of soap, and the device further comprising an actuation mechanism for rotating the soap holder relative to the first scraping module; and a second scraping module arranged to be used with the device in replacement of the first scraping module; wherein the first scraping module comprises a scraping member of a first type, and the second scraping module comprises a scraping member of a second type, which first type differs from the second type.

29. Kit of parts according to claim 28, wherein the first scraping module and the second scraping module comprise a base surface, the scraping member of the first type is oriented at a first angle relative to the base surface of the first scraping module, the scraping member of the second type is oriented at a second angle relative to the base surface of the second scraping module, and the first angle is smaller than the second angle.

30. Kit of parts according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the first scraping module and the second scraping module comprise a base surface, a distal end of the scraping member of the first type is positioned at a first distance from the base surface of the first scraping module, a distal end of the scraping member of the second type is positioned at a second distance relative to the base surface of the secondscraping module, and the first distance is smaller than the second distance.

31. Kit of parts according to any of the claims 28-30, wherein a sharp distal end of the scraping member of the first type has a first bevel angle, a sharp distal end of the scraping member of the second type has a second bevel angle, and the first bevel angle is smaller than the second bevel angle.

32. Kit of parts according to any of the claims 28-31, wherein the scraping member of the first type allows for more scrapings to be formed per angle of rotation of the soap holder relative to the respective scraping module than the scraping member of the second type.

33. Kit of parts according to any of the claims 28-32, further comprising a first solid piece of soap arranged to be held in the soap holder and a second solid piece of soap arranged to be held in the soap holder, wherein the first solid piece of soap is of a different composition than the second solid piece of soap.

34. Kit of parts according to any of the claims 28-32, wherein the device is a device according to any of the claims 1-24.

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