ES3057555T3 - Sanitizing device, particularly for sanitary fixtures and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

A sanitizing device, particularly for sanitary fittings and the like, comprising an open container body adapted to hold a sanitizing product, and a stem adapted to allow the device to be attached to a sanitary fitting; the container body holds a sanitizing product in gel form that is adapted to be gradually released by the container body as a result of the passage of water through the container body.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Disinfection device, particularly for sanitary appliances and the like

[0003] The present invention relates to a disinfection device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] As is known, devices comprising a cage-like form in which a disinfectant in tablet form is placed are used to disinfect sanitary equipment.

[0005] The device is attached to the sanitary appliance so that it remains in contact with the inner wall of the sanitary appliance, in particular in a position corresponding to a water passage point.

[0006] When the water is flushed, the water passes over or through the tablet's containment device and the tablet releases disinfectant to disinfect the sanitary fixture.

[0007] Currently, disinfection devices comprise cage-type containers adapted to hold a tablet-shaped product consisting of a slow-release disinfectant. Typically, this tablet is made of a solid material, housed within the cage, which dissolves upon contact with water.

[0008] Such pills, however, have several problems.

[0009] Firstly, the pills have an unpleasant appearance, being opaque, and their outward appearance worsens as they are consumed.

[0010] Furthermore, the tablets are manufactured using inert substances such as sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, etc., to give them a solid texture. The purpose of these inert substances is not related to the product's performance; they are only needed to give the product a solid texture. However, some of the inert substances used tend to drip and thus leave undesirable stains on the interior surface of the sanitary ware.

[0011] Likewise, given the solid nature and richness in inorganic substances of the tablet, the latter is very dense, with the disadvantage that in order to have a tablet of sufficient volume it is necessary to use a relatively high amount by weight of the product, with the consequent high costs.

[0012] Furthermore, the presence of inert substances and anionic surfactants is not a factor that favors the performance of the aroma during the use of the tablet, and the aroma is one of the most important characteristics to attract the consumer.

[0013] An alternative solution known in the background of the art for disinfecting sanitary fixtures involves using gels, i.e., semi-solid adhesive substances, which are applied directly to the interior surface of the sanitary fixture. These solutions, however, are not without their drawbacks. In particular, applying gel directly to the wall of the sanitary fixture necessitates contact with that wall, a situation often undesirable for the user, regardless of the fixture's cleanliness. Furthermore, applying a dose of gel to the wall is a much more complex operation than simply attaching it to the fixture, as it requires applying sufficient pressure for the gel to adhere to the wall, and a certain degree of dexterity in handling the gel application device, whether in the form of a syringe (single-dose or multi-dose) or a blister pack.

[0014] Finally, liquid tablets are known in which the product is therefore aqueous and free of inert substances. These capsules contain liquids that are often viscous, but they have the disadvantage that they must be handled as a liquid. Therefore, the container holding them must be perfectly sealed, and to obtain the desired disinfection effect, complex and costly mechanisms are needed to allow the gradual release of the liquid during use.

[0015] Disinfection devices for sanitary appliances comprising a container with a gelling substance are disclosed, for example, in documents DE 10020090 A1, GB 2416785 A, EP 2407601 A2, EP 2 620489 A1.

[0016] The objective of the present invention is to provide a disinfection device for sanitary appliances that overcomes the problems mentioned above with reference to the prior art.

[0017] Within the scope of this objective, one object of the present invention is to provide a disinfection device for sanitary appliances that has all the advantages of the gel product without the corresponding disadvantages:

[0018] - the need for the user to come into direct contact with the inner wall of a sanitary appliance to apply the product;

[0019] - the use of closed containers and complicated mechanisms for the gradual release of the product in gel form.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a disinfection device for sanitary appliances that maintains a pleasing appearance from the beginning to the end of its useful life after the gradual release in use of the disinfection product it contains.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a disinfection device for sanitary appliances that is highly reliable, easy and practical to implement and low cost.

[0022] This objective and these and other objectives that will become more evident below are achieved by means of a disinfection device, particularly for sanitary and similar appliances, as defined by the attached claims.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the disinfection device according to the present invention, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, where:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device (not according to the invention);

[0025] Figure 2 is a side view of the device in Figure 1;

[0026] Figure 3 is an additional perspective view of the device in Figures 1 and 2;

[0027] Figure 4 is a rear view of the device in Figures 1-3;

[0028] Figure 5 is a front view of the device in Figures 1-4.

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device (not in accordance with the invention);

[0030] Figure 7 is a side view of the device in Figure 6;

[0031] Figure 8 is an additional perspective view of the device in Figures 6 and 7;

[0032] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the device (not in accordance with the invention);

[0033] Figure 10 is a side view of the device in Figure 9;

[0034] Figure 11 is an additional perspective view of the device in Figures 9 and 10;

[0035] Figures 12-14 show a portion of the disinfection device comprising a plurality of walls 10 arranged in a labyrinthine fashion and offset from each other.

[0036] With reference to the figures, the disinfection device according to the invention, generally designated by reference number 1, comprises an open container body 2 that is adapted to define a cage shape for a disinfection product, and a support stem 3, which is connected to the container body 2 and is adapted to hook onto the rim of a sanitary appliance.

[0037] The support stem 3 can be provided at an angle to the front surface of the vessel body 2, as shown in Figures 1-3, or it can be aligned with the front surface of the vessel body 2.

[0038] Conveniently, the container body 2 is adapted to hold a gel-shaped disinfectant product 4.

[0039] The general term "disinfectant product" is used to mean a product that disinfects and/or perfumes and/or cleans.

[0040] Conveniently, the container body 2 is provided with a plurality of slots 5 that are adapted to allow the release of the disinfectant product 4 in gel form, the slots being advantageously arranged on the lower surface of the container body 2, i.e., the surface that is adapted to face the wall of the sanitary appliance to which the disinfection device is applied.

[0041] The slots are adapted to allow the gel-form product 4 to be directly hit by the water currents of the sanitary appliance and a direct discharge of the resulting solution with gradual release of the disinfectant product.

[0042] According to the invention, the slits 5 are arranged to leave a central region 6 of the container body filled, with the slits 5 extending laterally to them.

[0043] This particular configuration of the slits 5 allows the container body 2 to be filled without the gel-formed product 4 immediately leaking through the slits 5, as will be described in detail later. Advantageously, it is possible to have slits 5 on the lower surface of the container body 2 that are also continuous along the bottom of the container body 2, provided they are provided to a certain dimension, as will be described in detail later.

[0044] According to the invention, the slits 5 provided in the lower part of the container body 2 widen as they extend upwards with respect to the pouring direction of the gel-formed product, i.e., in the edge regions of the container body: in this case, the slits widen in a region 7, arranged, for example, perpendicular to the extension of the slits.

[0045] The size of the slits is extremely important to ensure that when pouring the gel-form product, which is to be loaded into the container body 2, the product does not come out of the slits themselves.

[0046] To avoid this inconvenience and thus make it possible to provide a disinfection device with a gel-shaped product loaded therein, the slits 5 can have various shapes and dimensions, with a size limit of 2 mm in width.

[0047] Ultimately, the above-mentioned size limit of 2 mm for the width of the slits 5 ensures that when pouring the gel-form product 4 into the container body 2, the product does not escape from the slits themselves.

[0048] For this purpose, the gel is heated and conveniently poured at a certain temperature so that it is both pourable and as viscous as possible.

[0049] The heating temperature to which the gel is heated must be such that, at the time of pouring, the gel has a minimum viscosity of 500 mPa*s.

[0050] Essentially, what is required is to heat the gel to a temperature such that it achieves a viscosity that prevents it from seeping through the slits 5 once it is loaded into the container body 2. The actual filling temperature of the container body varies depending on the gel composition. For example, aqueous gels containing ethoxylated alcohols may require pouring temperatures between 75° and 80°C; for other gels, temperatures below 60°C may suffice. The important factor is that the gel is poured into the cage at a viscosity greater than 500 mPa*s, or even more preferably, between 800 and 1200 mPa*s.

[0051] For this type of pills, the use of ringed gels as described in document EP 0598335 may be advantageous.

[0052] The maximum width of 2 mm specified for the slits 5 makes it possible for the gel not to escape, as mentioned, after loading it into the container body 2, but at the same time, it allows for functionality, i.e., the passage of water once the gel-shaped tablet is in use.

[0053] The method of pouring the gel into the container body 2 may also optionally involve, in addition to the above-mentioned heating of the gel, the invention of initially pouring the gel into a region where there are no slits or slits of very reduced thickness, to give the gel time to form a certain mass so that it has greater difficulty getting out of the slits once the mass of gel reaches the region where the slits are arranged.

[0054] In the embodiment in which the slits 5 are interrupted in a defined region on the lower surface of the container body 2, it is advisable to pour the gel precisely into a region that is substantially free of slits 5 and thereby allow the mass of gel to flow into the region of the slits once the gel has created a mass such that it prevents the gel-formed product from seeping through the slits 5 proper.

[0055] In the embodiment in which the slits 5 widen into a widened portion of the slot 7, the portion 7 of the slot will have a maximum size that may even exceed the maximum of 2 mm indicated above, since the portion 7 of the slot is in a region of the container body 2 at its edges, a region that is reached by the mass of gel loaded into the container body 2 when such mass is no longer able to flow through the slits, even if the slits 5 are larger than 2 mm.

[0056] The viscosity of the gel during filling should preferably be approximately 800-1200 mPa*s measured with a Haake VT550 MV2 viscometer at 5s-1.

[0057] This value is indicative, and not limiting, of the preferred viscosity of the gel.

[0058] What is extremely important is that, during the pouring stage, the gel must initially find a surface that is locally closed or provided with grooves of sufficiently small dimensions to prevent the gel from escaping, and subsequently gradually fill the containment device also in the 5 grooves.

[0059] In practice, it has been found that the disinfection device according to the present invention achieves the intended objective and objects.

[0060] In fact, the device according to the invention allows to be loaded with a tablet made with a gel-shaped product, loading the gel-shaped product into the container body of the disinfection device without, during loading, the gel-shaped product coming out through the slits and releasing the product.

[0061] The use of gel within a device of the type shown allows overcoming the problems of the prior art in relation to the use of solid disinfectant tablets, and the problems associated with the use of liquid tablets requiring a completely sealed container, and also the problems associated with the use of gel applied directly to a wall of the sanitary appliance.

[0062] In fact, the gel's characteristics allow for the provision of open or partially open containment devices, taking advantage of the gel's viscosity, which enables it to remain stable inside a perforated container, even under the effect of water currents. Similarly, the convenience of applying a cage-type device to the sanitary fixture remains unchanged, requiring neither special skill nor the need to make contact with the inner wall of the sanitary fixture to directly apply a dose of gel.

[0063] Therefore, the conceived device is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the attached claims.

[0064] Also, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0065] In particular, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the shape of the container body, as well as the dimensions and shapes of the slits, can vary greatly depending on the filling method and the gel composition. The container body of the device of the invention has a shape with inner walls arranged in a labyrinthine configuration, so that the gel is poured onto these walls and reaches a sufficiently solid state before coming near the slits necessary for the passage of water.

[0066] Figure 12 shows the container body 2 provided, on its upper surface, which is adapted to face the opening of the sanitary appliance, with a plurality of walls 10 arranged in a maze-like configuration and offset from each other. In this case, the container body is boat-shaped and the walls 10 are vertical paddles.

[0067] Figure 13 shows walls 10 provided with holes 11 or slits 12.

[0068] Figure 14 shows slits 5 defined in the container body 2 with a different orientation.

[0069] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, can be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0070] Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, these reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and, consequently, such reference signs have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by example by such reference signs.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS 1. A disinfection device (1), particularly for sanitary and similar appliances, comprising an open container body (2) adapted to hold a disinfectant (4), and a stem (3) adapted to allow attachment of said device to a sanitary appliance, said container body (2) holding a gel-shaped disinfectant adapted to be gradually released by said container body as a result of the passage of water through said container body (2), said container body (2) having slits (5) adapted to allow said gel to be directly impacted by the water flow from the sanitary appliance and a direct discharge of the resulting solution with gradual release of said disinfectant (4), said slits (5) having a maximum width such that it prevents the gel-shaped product (4) from escaping during the loading of said gel-shaped product (4) into said container body (2), wherein the slits (5) are defined on the lower surface of said container body, the lower surface being the surface adapted to face the wall of the sanitary appliance to which the disinfection device is applied, during use, said lower surface, with respect to the device in its engaged position, being called the front surface, said slits being defined laterally with respect to a central region (6) of the lower surface that is free of slits and facing each other, characterized in that the slits (5) widen at the edges of said container body (2) and said container body (2) is provided, on an upper surface thereof which is adapted to face the opening of the sanitary appliance, with a plurality of walls (10) which are arranged in a labyrinth-like configuration and are offset from each other. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said slits (5) have a maximum width of 2 mm. 3. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said gel-formed product (4) has a minimum viscosity at 20 °C of 50 Pa*s. 4. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stem (3) is at an angle with respect to a front surface of said container body (2) which is opposite a rear surface of the container body (2). 5. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stem (3) is aligned with respect to a front surface of said container body (2) which is opposite a rear surface of the container body (2).