Apparatus for discharging a liquid containing at least one active substance into a toilet bowl coverable by a lid

The invention relates to an apparatus for discharging a liquid containing at least one active substance into a toilet bowl coverable by a lid, the apparatus having a container receiving the liquid, which container is fixed in the toilet lid and is operatively connected to a discharging apparatus pointing into the toilet bowl such that the liquid is discharged into the toilet bowl via the discharging apparatus by pressure in the container. The object of the invention is to spray the liquid containing at least one active substance into a closed chamber in order to deploy an optimal operating force by means of a temporally dense sequence between application of the liquid and use of the toilet. This task is solved in that the toilet lid (7) has a passage opening (8) in which the container (9) is fixed such that, in relation to the installation position thereof, the top side (10, 24) thereof is accessible from the outside for manually exerting pressure, thus triggering a liquid discharge. Alternatively, the container (9) can also be an integral component of the toilet lid (7).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371(b) of International Application No. PCT/DE2020/100534, filed Jun. 23, 2020, which claims priority to the German Patent Application No. 102019117203.9, filed on Jun. 26, 2019, the disclosures of both of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for discharging a liquid containing at least one active substance into a toilet bowl coverable by a lid according to the preamble of claim1.

For many people the generation of odour during toileting it is more than an inconvenience. Consequently, there is no lack of proposals or products aiming at solving this problem.

Oftentimes, these are systems suctioning off the unpleasant odours at the site of creation. Thus, the document DE 20 2010 012 612 U1 describes a direct air suction system via holes in the wall of a toilet bowl. In the citation DE 20 2010 015 219 U1. The odour suctioning happens directly at the toilet seat.

More advantageous than the technically complex air suctioning would be to absorb the unpleasant odour molecules, which can only occur as gas in the air, directly at the site of creation using a sprayed-in liquid containing suitable active substances which will catch the odour molecules like a web, the neutralising liquid certainly being most efficient when the liquid is discharged into an almost enclosed space. However, this can be achieved in an optimum manner only when the liquid is not discharged into the toilet bowl until shortly prior to the use of the toilet, i.e. at best when the user is already sitting on the toilet seat, thereby markedly reducing interim leakage of the sprayed-in liquid with its odour neutralising effect into the surrounding air.

A neutralising space of such nature is realised by means of a dosing device disclosed in the citation EP 596 952 A1. This device comprises a liquid container suspended on the outside of the rim of a toilet bowl from which a fluid pipe placed on top of the bowl rim runs into the toilet bowl, where a spray nozzle is arranged at the outlet of the fluid pipe. The region of the fluid pipe lying on top of the bowl rim acts as a peristaltic pump delivering via the nozzle structure a defined spray shot into the toilet bowl interior by placing a load on the toilet seat.

In the documents DE 1 609 234 PS and U.S. Pat. No. 2,760,209 devices are described which also exhibit these advantages. The container receiving the liquid containing at least one active substance is made from an elastic material and bent in a U shape. Its middle section rests on the bowl rim. Emanating from this middle section legs protrude downwards on both sides fixing the container on the bowl rim on the inside and outside. A nozzle is arranged at the end of the leg projecting into the toilet bowl. Placing a load onto the top of the toilet seat compresses the container causing a certain amount of liquid to be discharged via the nozzles.

The devices described above are relatively complex. The use of spray cans would be less complex. However, in this solution, the desired nearly enclosed neutralising space will always be reached only after a significant temporal delay because, in the sequence of events, it is necessary to first remove the cap from the spray can, then to spray the spray into the toilet bowl which is open at the top, then to put the cap back onto the spray can and set it aside, then to partly remove clothing and only then more or less closing the top of the toilet bowl by sitting thereon.

The disadvantages are overcome by a WC air purifier as described in the document DE 28 51 139 A1. This comprises a mounting intended to receive a spray can. The mounting is glued onto the underside of the toilet lid. It houses an axially guided plunger one end of which is in operative connection with the valve of the spray can while its other end facing the toilet seat terminates in a conical head. When the toilet lid is closed the conical surface of the head is in contact with the rim of the toilet seat an. Upon opening and closing the lid the plunger, owing to the conical shape of the head, is pressed against the valve of the spray can so that this opens and discharges a spray shot into the toilet bowl.

In this device according to the preamble the liquid containing at least one active substance is sprayed into an enclosed space in order to create optimum efficiency by providing a short-time succession of application of the liquid and use of the toilet. At the same time, the device is designed to be simple.

The citation WO 2019/028 520 A1 discloses a toilet seat cleaning device. In one embodiment example according to theFIGS.1and2this device comprises a docking device arranged on the outside of the toilet lid into which a replaceable container can be inserted which is filled with a cleaning liquid. Emanating from the docking device several conduits disposed inside the toilet lid lead radially outwards and terminate in spray nozzles pointing towards the toilet seat.

Inserting the container into the docking device creates a liquid connection of the container with the conduits.

The docking device includes a push knob which, when actuated, causes the liquid to be pressed from the container into the conduits by an increase of pressure or release of pressure respectively and finally to be sprayed by the spray nozzles onto the toilet seat. Then, the toilet seat can be cleaned, with the toilet lid being raised, e.g. using toilet paper.

In another embodiment example, depicted in the FIGS. 3 and 4 of WO 2019/028 520 A1, the docking device consists of a recess projecting away from the toilet lid in a downwards direction and opens towards the top. The recess receives two containers filled with liquid and can be closed by a lid which in the closed state is flush with the top side of the toilet lid. A motion sensor is provided to trigger the spraying action.

The citation US 2014/0 096 314 A1 also discloses a cleaning device for a toilet seat. This solution is very similar to the one in the printed publication WO 2019/028 520 A1. Herein, the container for the cleaning liquid is arranged inside the lid and is an integral component of the lid. Emanating from the container a plurality of conduits extend within the lid radial outwards terminating in outlets pointing towards the toilet seat.

The container is in connection with an actuator which is accessible from the top side of the lid. By pressing the actuator air contained therein is compressed which then enters the container and pressed the liquid via the conduits into the outlets causing the toilet seat to be sprayed with cleaning liquid. A filling hole is provided for filling the container with cleaning liquid, and this is accessible from the top side of the lid.

In the document KR 20 0 438 841 Y1 a cleaning device for the air space above a toilet bowl with wetting the toilet seat is described, where the toilet lid serves as a holder for a spray can. The spray can is actuated by a push knob projecting out of the front side of the toilet lid.

It is the task of the present invention to provide a further apparatus according to the preamble.

This task is solved according to the invention by means of an apparatus having the features of claim1.

This apparatus is disposed in one of the most hygienic places of a toilet where it neither troubles the user of the toilet nor provides an obstacle to cleaning activities. Moreover, the place of mounting bears the advantage that the apparatus does not have to be adapted to different geometries of toilets, e.g. different rim widths of the toilet bowl or different distances between the rim edge and the underside of the toilet seat.

An apparatus according to the invention is characterised, in a first alternative, in that the toilet lid comprises passage opening in which the container is fixed such that, in relation to its installation position, the top side thereof is accessible from the outside for manually exerting pressure to trigger a liquid discharge.

In its most simple form, namely when the discharge device is designed as one piece with the container, the apparatus consists of merely one component and, therefore, is designed to be simple.

The container can be replaced easily because it is merely inserted or, respectively, snapped or screwed into the toilet lid or, respectively, when an adapter sleeve is used, likewise, needs to be inserted or snapped or screwed respectively into this and possibly locked therein.

In a second alternative, an apparatus according to the invention is characterised in that the container is an integral component of the toilet lid and can be reversibly closed using a lid, and this is accessible from the outside for manually exerting pressure to trigger a liquid discharge.

The container can be refilled easily in that the container lid is simply unscrewed or removed respectively. Over the service life of a toilet seat both the container lid as well as the pumping and spraying device, unless they are part of the toilet lid, can be replaced as needed as independent components or, respectively, as part of the outlet head together therewith.

By virtue of the positioning in the toilet lid a spray shot can happen with the toilet lid closed, thereby allowing the liquid to attain its optimum efficiency because, usually, only a short time passes between opening the toilet lid and a user sitting down on the toilet seat, thereby practically closing the toilet bowl again.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the sub-claims.

An apparatus represented in theFIGS.1through8according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises an adapter sleeve1with circular cross-section. The adapter sleeve1opens at the top and has a flange2at its upper edge. In its lower region the adapter sleeve1is closed by a bottom3the centre of which is provided with a rectangular passage hole4. The adapter sleeve1further comprises an external thread5upon which a clamp ring6with a corresponding internal thread6.2can be screwed.

For mounting in a toilet lid7the adapter sleeve1is inserted from above through a circular passage opening8of the toilet lid7, located approximately in the centre thereof (FIG.4), until the flange2rests on the top side of the toilet lid7. Subsequently, the clamp ring6is screwed onto the external thread5of the adapter sleeve1up to the point where its front surface6.1is in contact with the underside of the toilet lid7. Thus, the adapter sleeve1is affixed to the toilet lid7.

The apparatus according to the invention further includes a container9auf which receives the liquid containing at least one active substance. The container9is designed to be one piece with a top side10and an underside11. At the top side10a handle strip10.1is formed, and an outlet nozzle12projects centrally from its underside11, the nozzle having an oval cross-section hat and a snap edge13at its free end. A control disc14is latched onto the outlet nozzle12. To that end, it is provided with an oval interior cross-section fitting the outlet nozzle12as well as a snap edge15. An outlet head16is latched on the control disc14affixed to the outlet nozzle12. To that end, this is provided with a circular opening17with snap edge fitting the exterior circular cross-section of the control disc14and a 90° recess18to receive the rotary limiter18.1. the exterior cross-section of the outlet head16is adapted to the an cross-section of the passage hole4in the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1. The outlet head16is provided with a spray nozzle19.

The control disc14has a passage opening20. When the container9has not been used before the spray nozzle19of the outlet head16and the passage opening20of the control disc14are not overlapping so that no liquid can leak. In order to prevent undesired rotation between control disc14and outlet head16a predetermined breaking point may be provided between the control disc14and the outlet head16which is destroyed upon initial intended use of the container9.

For intended use the container9with latched control disc14and latched outlet head16is inserted into the adapter sleeve1. For this purpose, two diametrically opposed guide cams21are provided in the upper edge region of the adapter sleeve1on the interior wall. Complementary hereto, guide grooves22are arranged on the exterior wall of the container9. To enable aligned insertion of the container9into the adapter sleeve1the guide cams21are made to overlap with the inlets of the guide grooves22. The container9can now be pressed into the adapter sleeve1, whereby the guide cams21slide in the guide grooves22and finally reach an upper abutment.

At this point the guide grooves22merge into a section23arranged perpendicular thereto. The container9can now be twisted clockwise, whereby the guide cams21slide in the sections23up to a end abutment. Because such twisting of the container9carries along the control disc14sitting untwistably on the outlet nozzle12, while the outlet head16engaging positively with the passage hole4of the adapter sleeve1does not rotate, the result is a relative movement between the control disc14and the outlet head16, thereby destroying a possibly existing predetermined breaking point. When the guide cams21are in contact with the end abutments of the sections23, this also results in an overlapping between the passage opening20and the spray nozzle19.

The top side10of the container9can be reversibly impressed so that by means of pressure exerted on the top side10in collaboration with the perpendicular sections23of the guide grooves22or, respectively, the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1liquid is displaced out of the container9and sprayed into a toilet bowl through the spray nozzle19positioned overlapping the passage opening20.

In order to replace the container9this is rotated back counter-clockwise in the adapter sleeve1, thereby closing it again liquid-tight so that it can be removed only when the spray nozzle19is closed. The handle strip10.1facilitates the twisting of the container9upon locking and unlocking.

TheFIGS.9and10show a further embodiment example of the present invention. This apparatus functions according to the principle of a pump dispenser. In the following, similar components shall be designated by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment example.

In this embodiment example, too, an adapter sleeve1is utilised which is provided with a flange2at its upper edge. In the assembled state this flange2rests on the top side of a toilet seat7. The adapter sleeve1is affixed to the toilet lid7by screwing a clamp ring6onto the external thread5of the adapter sleeve1. In the fully screwed-in state the front surface6.1of the clamp ring6is in contact with the underside of the toilet lid7.

A container9can be inserted into the adapter sleeve1with an opening in the bottom3to receive a liquid containing at least one active substance. The container9is designed as two pieces with a lid24and a corpus25. The top side of the corpus25is open and is closed by the lid24which, for this purpose, has a wraparound edge24which, in the assembled state, lies in contact with the interior wall of the corpus25.

The underside11is designed as one piece with the corpus25. Emanating from the centre thereof projects a hollow cylinder27which is designed as one piece with the underside11but may also be realised as a separates member. At the upper end of the hollow cylinder27a piston chamber28is formed with which a piston29formed on the lid24engages when assembled.

In its lower region the hollow cylinder27opens into a chamber30formed in the underside11. This chamber30is connected via a passage opening31arranged in the underside11to the interior of the container9receiving the liquid.

The underside of the chamber30is closed by an outlet head16. This happens by sliding the outlet hear16onto a snap edge32formed on the underside11. To that end, the outlet head16is provided with a corresponding snap edge18. When the outlet head16is slid on the two snap edges18and32snap together.

Inside the hollow cylinder27a suction line33and a pressure line34are arranged. The suction line33opens at its upper end into the piston chamber28and at its lower end into the chamber30. The upper end of the pressure line34also opens into the piston chamber28, while its lower end opens into a spray nozzle19of the outlet head16. To enable opening and closing the spray nozzle19a non-return valve35is mounted between this and the pressure line34.

A partial region of the bottom of the piston chamber28is formed by a sealing disc36which guarantees that the liquid can leave the piston chamber28only via the pressure line34.

In order to actuate the apparatus the lid24is pressed inwards so that the piston29in collaboration with the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1becomes immersed into the piston chamber28. Subsequently, the lid24is let go so that the piston29re-emerges from the piston chamber28. The flexible material of the lid24guarantees sufficient restoring force.

The re-emerging of the piston29from the piston chamber28creates negative pressure therein so that liquid rises from the chamber30via the suction line33into the piston chamber28. Upon re-pressing the lid24liquid is pushed out of the piston chamber28which is fed via the pressure line34of the spray nozzle19to the outlet head16, whereby the non-return valve35opens due to the pressure relations. The chamber30is filled again by feeding the liquid via the opening31in the underside11of the container9.

Here, the container9is fixed inside the adapter sleeve1by means of a clamping connection, latching device, or snap connection between the underside of the container9and the opening in the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1or, respectively, via a clamping connection, latching device, or snap connection between the interior side of the adapter sleeve1and the exterior side of the container9.

TheFIGS.11and12show a third embodiment example of the present invention, wherein the apparatus is also working in accordance with the principle of a pump dispenser. Similar components shall be designated by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment example.

In this embodiment example, too, an adapter sleeve1is utilised which is provided with a flange2at its upper edge. When assembled, this flange2rests on the top side of a toilet lid7. The adapter sleeve1is affixed to the toilet lid7by means of screwing a clamp ring6onto the external thread5of the adapter sleeve1. In the fully screwed-in state the front surface6.1of the clamp ring6lies in contact with the underside of the toilet lid7.

A container9which receives a liquid containing at least one active substance can be inserted into the adapter sleeve1. The container9is designed to be one piece and has a corpus25, a top side10, and an underside11from the centre of which an outlet nozzle12projects which has an external thread12.1. Screwed onto the external thread12.1is a ring cap37from the bottom of which a hollow pin38protrudes in which a piston chamber28is formed. In the assembled state the hollow pin38will be disposed with little play inside the outlet nozzle12of the container9. From the piston chamber28passage openings39penetrating the bottom of the hollow pin38lead into the container9. The outlets of the passage openings39on the side of the piston chamber are covered by a sealing ring40.

At the ring cap37a covering cap41is fixed. The covering cap41has a circumferential flange41.1on its exterior circumference by means of which it rests from the inside on the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1. A hollow cylinder protrudes from the bottom of the covering cap41which in the assembled state forms a piston29engaging with the piston chamber28. A non-return valve35is arranged inside the piston29which closes, when the apparatus is not actuated, a branch canal42leading into the piston chamber28so that no liquid can reach a spray nozzle19arranged at the covering cap41.

A spiral spring43is arranged between the ring cap37and the covering cap41which is supported on the bottoms of these. The spiral spring43pushes container9in the adapter sleeve1into a rest position which is reached when abutments37.1or41.2respectively provided on the ring cap37and on the covering cap41adjoin each other, as depicted inFIG.11.

To actuate the apparatus pressure is exerted on the top side10of the container9against the force of the spiral spring43and in co-operation with the circumferential flange41.1and the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1so that the container9becomes immersed in the adapter sleeve1. This causes the piston29to penetrate deeper into the piston chamber28thereby generating a pressure in the piston chamber28causing the non-return valve35to open causing in turn to move liquid displaced from the piston chamber28towards the spray nozzle19from where it is sprayed. During this operation the sealing ring40seals the piston chamber28against the container9. Now, when pressure is no longer exerted on the top side10of the container9, the spiral spring43pushes the container9back into its rest position causing the piston29to retract in the piston chamber28generating a negative pressure therein. Due to this negative pressure the sealing ring40opens up so as to enable subsequent flow of liquid from the container9into the piston chamber28. Then, when pressure is exerted again on the top side10of the container9, the next spray shot occurs.

The hold of the container9in the adapter sleeve1is caused by a clamping connection, latching or snap connection between the covering cap41and the opening in the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1.

TheFIGS.13and14show a further embodiment example of the present invention. In this case, the apparatus is designed according to the principle of a spray can. Similar components are designated by the same reference numerals as in the preceding embodiment examples.

In this embodiment example, too, an adapter sleeve1is utilised which has a flange2at its upper edge. In the assembled state this flange2rests on the top side of a toilet lid7. The adapter sleeve1is affixed to the toilet lid7by screwing a clamping ring6onto the external thread5of the adapter sleeve1. In the fully screwed-on state the front surface6.1of the clamping ring6is in contact with the underside of the toilet lid7.

A container9can be inserted into the adapter sleeve1which receives a liquid containing at least one active substance as well as a propellant. It consists of a corpus25, a top side10and an underside11. An outlet nozzle12projects away from the centre of the underside11onto which a valve seat44is slid. The valve seat44has two diametrically opposite windows44.1in which the liquid inside the container9is present. The windows44.1open towards the interior side of the valve seat44.

In the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1a circular opening is provided which receives a nozzle cap45. The nozzle cap45has a circumferential flange45.1on its exterior perimeter by means of which it rests on the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1. On its interior side the nozzle cap45has a circumferential abutment45.2for the valve seat44. Between the valve seat44and the nozzle cap45a spiral spring43is clamped in which pushes the valve seat44against the abutment45.2of the nozzle cap45.

The nozzle cap45is provided with a plunger46terminating at its free end in a sealing disc47. The sealing disc47rests on a shoulder of the valve seat44where it seals due to the pressure force of the spiral spring43. Thus, in the non-actuated state, no liquid can leak from the container1.

In the plunger46a branch canal49is formed which at one of its ends terminates in a spray nozzle19and at its other end in a transverse canal48designed as through bore through the plunger46.

Upon actuation by exertion of pressure on the top side10of the container9the valve seat44is pushed into the nozzle cap45in co-operation with the circumferential flange45.1and the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1against the force of the spiral spring43. This causes the windows44.1to overlap with the outlets of the transverse canal48so that liquid is able to flow via the transverse canal48and the branch canal49towards the spray nozzle19from where it is sprayed as a fine mist into the toilet bowl.

The hold of the container9in the adapter sleeve1is caused by a clamping connection, latching or snap connection between the nozzle cap45and the opening in the bottom3of the adapter sleeve1.

TheFIGS.15and16show a further embodiment example of the invention, In this case two adapter sleeves1.1and1.2are recessed in the toilet lid7. As in the case of the previous embodiment examples, the adapter sleeve1.1receives a container with a liquid for neutralising odours. The other adapter sleeve1.2, however, receives a container with a disinfectant. The containers cannot be seen in the representation. They correspond to the containers9of the above embodiment examples. From the container9arranged in the adapter sleeve1.2outlets lead to branch lines50which terminate in the spray nozzle19arranged above the toilet seat and may be integral components of the rubber stops between the toilet lid7and the toilet seat. When pressure is exerted on the container9the disinfectant flows towards the spray nozzles19where it will be vaporised, whereby it is evenly distributed with the toilet lid7being closed on the toilet seat and this can then be cleaned using a cloth or a piece of paper.

In all embodiments of the invention, the adapter sleeve1may also be glued in, screwed in or snapped in or be designed as one piece with the toilet lid7. In this case the clamp ring6can be omitted, the flange2will then no longer be mandatory.

Moreover, for reasons of space, the pressure increasing systems may also be arranged within the container, and the tope sides of the container may also be flush with the toilet lid or, respectively, be recessed embedded in the toilet lid.

An apparatus1according to the invention according toFIG.19comprises a container51receiving the liquid containing at least one active substance. The container51is an integral component of a toilet lid7, i.e. designed as one piece therewith. It has a circumferential lateral wall52merging at its lower end into a bottom53in which an outlet nozzle12for the liquid is provided onto which an outlet head16with a spray nozzle19is latched. Inside the outlet nozzle12runs a passage opening20which terminates in the spray nozzle19.

At its upper end the container51in this embodiment is open and can be reversibly closed by a screwing on a lid54to enable refilling of the container51, where other liquid-tight connections between container51and lid54are also possible. To that end, the side wall52is provided with an internal thread55at its upper end. The lid54comprises a corresponding external thread56. For the purpose of twisting the lid54this may also be provided with a hexagon socket57or a handle strip10.1, as can be seen inFIGS.17and18.

The lid54can be impressed in a reversible manner so that by means of pressure on its top side liquid is displaced from the container51sprayed via the spray nozzle19into the toilet bowl.

TheFIGS.20and21show a further embodiment example of the present invention. Here, too, the container51forms an integral part of a toilet lid7. It has a circumferential side wall hat52that merges at its lower end into a bottom53, this, inFIG.21, being formed inwards to be a part of a piston pump one-piece with suction33and pressure channel34.

At its upper end the container51is open and can be reversibly closed by a screwing on a lid54to enable refilling of the container51. To that end, the side wall52is provided with an internal thread55at its upper end. The lid54comprises a corresponding external thread56. The embodiment of this apparatus corresponds to that represented inFIG.9.