Patent Description:
Liquid or solid soap may be used for personal hygiene and hand washing. A solid soap has the advantage of being economical while having a good cleaning effect and, unlike liquid soap, requires almost no packaging. However, a solid soap has the disadvantage that it softens in a soap dish. In addition, staining is caused by drops of water or lye around the sink when you reach for the soap on the washstand or sink edge with your hand.

It is known to hold a soap by means of a combination of a magnet attached to a soap holder and a magnetic element, for example a small plate, pressed into the soap. This allows the soap to be installed, for example, in the area of a sink into which water is introduced from a faucet. However, constant contact of the magnet with moisture can cause it to corrode (rust).

<CIT> discloses a soap container, wherein a lower shell of the soap container a distance element with a magnet is arranged. The magnet may hold a coupling element that can be pressed into a soap. The magnet is positioned at the top of the distance element. A suction cup is arranged at the bottom of the distance element.

<CIT> discloses a soap holder comprising a suction cap and a body over the suction cup. A magnet is arranged in a recess formed in the top of the body.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved soap holder device.

The object of the invention is solved by a soap holder device according to claim <NUM>. The soap holder device comprises a holder having a first magnetic element. The soap holder device includes a second magnetic member adapted to be pressed into a soap. The holder comprises a first region in which a conically shaped lip forms a suction cup. The holder comprises a second region located radially inward of the first region and axially spaced from the first region. The second region is configured to hold the magnetic element in a radial direction by means of a wall region and in an axial direction by means of a roof region in a direction opposite to the first region. The conically shaped lip of the first region reduces its diameter in the direction of the second region. In use, the second magnetic member is detachably disposed on the roof portion of the second region.

In the axial direction, the first magnetic element is located above the suction cup. In the radial direction, the first magnetic element is located in the center of the suction cup. The suction cup is open towards the bottom. The first area and the second area of the holder are formed in one piece. The second magnetic element is arranged on the holder axially above the magnet. Between the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member is arranged the roof portion, which is made of the same material as the suction cup. The holder may be made of plastic, for example a thermoplastic polymer.

The second magnetic element is pressed into a soap preferably below its center of gravity. The soap can be removed from the holder by means of the second magnetic element, and after use of the soap can be fixed to the holder again by means of the second magnetic element. It is an advantage of the invention that the soap floats, i.e., the soap is held without support from below. The soap can dry on all sides without contaminating a sink or dish.

The second region may be substantially tub-shaped. An open end of the second region is formed in an axial direction toward the first region. The open end is directed axially downward and is surrounded by the suction cup. In other words, the inner portion of the suction cup adjoins the open end of the second portion. The wall portion of the substantially tub-shaped second portion is formed to project away from an inner end of the first portion in an axial direction. The wall portion projects axially upwardly from the inner end of the suction cup. The axially closed end of the tub-shaped second portion is axially opposite to the first portion. The end closed in the axial direction is the roof portion. The roof region is located above the center of the suction cup in the axial direction.

The first magnetic member may comprise any shape, for example rectangular, square, cylindrical, etc., with the cylindrical shape being preferred. The cylindrical shape of the first magnetic element reduces manufacturing efforts.

The first magnetic element may be a permanent magnet. The second magnetic element may comprise a ferromagnetic material, such as iron.

The tub-shaped portion may be substantially cylindrical in shape at its outer contour. On the one hand, the soap holder device is easier to manufacture if the tub-shaped portion comprises a cylindrical outer contour. It is understood that the tub-shaped portion is formed as a cylinder open on one side. The tub-shaped portion is open in the axial direction toward the suction cup. In other words, the suction cup is arranged at the lower end of the downwardly open tub-shaped region.

The inner cross-section of the second area can be designed to taper in the axial direction towards the roof area of the second area, i.e. the inner cross-section or inner diameter reduces at an axial distance from the first area. This reduces the axial compressive force on the roof region when the second magnetic member is separated from the first magnetic member.

The inner cross-section of the second area may be at least partially smaller in radial direction than the inner cross-section of the first magnetic element. The first magnetic element can be a cylinder with a constant radius. This creates a hold without a positive substance jointing, such that the second magnetic element cannot move in the second area. A certain amount of radial traction is applied to the roof area, which biases the roof area in the radial direction. However, since the first magnetic element cannot move in the second region, when the second magnetic element is removed from the roof region, no pressure is applied to the roof region in the axial direction.

The first magnetic element need not necessarily be cylindrical in shape. In one embodiment, the first magnetic element may be configured such that the cross-section increases from the first region to the roof region, for example conically.

Provided that the cross-section of the first magnetic element is larger, at least at one location, than the internal cross-section of the second region located at the same location, no appreciable axial compressive force acts on the roof region when the second magnetic element is removed from the roof region.

The inner cross-section of the second region may be tapered in the axial direction toward the first region, i.e., the inner cross-section or inner diameter increases in axial distance from the first region. The inner cross-section of the second area can be at least partially smaller in radial direction than the inner cross-section of the first magnetic element. The first magnetic element can be a cylinder with a constant radius. This creates a hold without positive substance jointing, such that the first magnetic element cannot move in the second region. In this embodiment, the first magnetic element is held immobile without the need for positive substance jointing. Also, with this taper, there is no axial compressive force on the roof portion by the first magnetic element when the second magnetic element is pulled away from the roof portion. The first magnetic element exerts no axial compressive force on the roof region directly below the roof region because the first magnetic element is held in position by the taper toward the first region. The hold causes the first magnetic element to be immobile, such that no axial force is exerted on the roof region when the second magnetic element is withdrawn. Furthermore, no radial force (in particular, no radial traction force) is exerted on the roof region, since directly below the roof region the first magnetic element does not contact the wall region.

In the second area, a circumferential sealing lip can be arranged at the opening opposite the roof area, which extends radially inwards from the wall area. This sealing lip can fix the first magnetic element against the roof region and wall region of the second region. Furthermore, excessive water ingress between the first magnetic element and the wall area, for example during cleaning, is avoided.

The suction cup may comprise a greater thickness (wall thickness) at a radially inner region than at a radially outer region. In other words, the thickness of the suction cup decreases in the radially outward direction. This may allow the suction cup to carry a greater load and conform to a contour to which the suction cup is intended to adhere.

The second magnetic member may comprise a first portion extending in a first direction and configured to abut, in use, the roof portion of the second portion. The second magnetic member comprises protrusions extending from the first portion in a direction toward the soap body and opposite the direction of the retainer. The protrusions may extend approximately perpendicular to the first portion of the second magnetic member. The protrusions comprise a thickness that is less than the thickness of the first portion, at least in a partial region thereof. The partial area of the protrusion with the lower thickness may comprise an area of at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, more preferably at least <NUM>% of the total area of the respective protrusion. The portion of the protrusion with the lower thickness may comprise a thickness that is at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, lower than another portion of the protrusion. By forming the protrusions thinner, it is ensured that the second magnetic member can be easily pressed into the soap. The thick-walled first section achieves a higher attractive force compared to a thin-walled formation of the first section. The protrusions may be inclined outwardly away from the center of the second magnetic element. The protrusions may be inclined in an angular range from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°, more preferably from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>° with respect to the central plane of the first portion of the second magnetic element.

A protrusion may be semicircular, triangular, rectangular, or any other shape. In one embodiment, the protrusions may be semi-wavelike or wavelike in shape.

The protrusions may be circumferentially disposed on the outer edge of the first section, and at least one protrusion may comprise an undercut. The undercut improves the retention of the second magnetic element in the soap. In addition, when the second magnetic element is pressed into the soap, the risk of damage to the soap is reduced.

In one embodiment, the undercut of the at least one protrusion may be formed in the circumferential direction of the first portion of the second magnetic element, which corresponds to the width direction of the protrusion. The undercut may be angular or rounded in shape. The undercut may extend at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, more preferably at least <NUM>% of the maximum width of the protrusion in the width direction of the protrusion from each side of the protrusion.

The roof portion may comprise a first profile on its surface directed toward the second magnetic member. The first portion of the second magnetic member may comprises a second profile on its surface directed towards the roof element. The second profile is complementary to the first profile. This increases friction between the roof portion and the second magnetic member. The first profile and the second profile may be formed such that they interlock with each other. In one embodiment, the first profile may comprise an undercut such that a latching action is achieved.

The first profile may comprise a protrusion, such as an elevation. The second profile may comprise a recess. The recess may be an indentation or an opening.

The first profile may comprise a land, a substantially circular land, a substantially partial circle land, a plurality of lands, a plurality of circular lands, a plurality of semicircular lands, or the like. The second profile may comprise a substantially semicircular opening, a plurality of semicircular openings, an indentation, a substantially circular indentation, a substantially semicircular indentation, a plurality of indentations, a plurality of circular indentations, a plurality of semicircular indentations, or the like. It is understood that any combination of the webs may be formed, as well as any action of the indentations and/or openings.

In one embodiment of the soap holder device, the second region may fluid-tightly surround the first magnetic member from all sides. In other words, the first magnetic element is also enclosed at the bottom by the second region. In this embodiment, no liquid, gas, water vapor or the like can reach the surface of the first magnetic element. Thus, corrosion of the first magnetic element can be avoided. The second region may be formed as a hollow cylinder within which the first magnetic element is located. The hollow cylinder forming the second region encloses the first magnetic element.

For example, this embodiment may be manufactured using an injection molding process such that the first magnetic element is enclosed with a suitable plastic, for example a thermoplastic polymer, during an injection molding process.

In one embodiment, the soap holder device may comprise a third magnetic element disposed below the first magnetic element and having a larger cross-section or larger diameter than the inner diameter of the second region. This may prevent the first magnetic element from moving toward the roof portion when the second magnetic element is pulled away from the roof portion. This embodiment allows the user to assemble and disassemble the soap holder device itself. The third magnetic element may be ferromagnetic. The third magnetic element may be disc-shaped, for example, cylindrical disc-shaped.

The outer periphery of the third magnetic element may press against the inner portion of the first portion. This also prevents the first magnetic member from moving toward the roof portion when the second magnetic member is pulled away from the roof portion. Further, the soap holder device is perceived by a user to be more stable to handle. In this embodiment, the third magnetic element is located within the first region.

The third magnetic element may comprise a protrusion that extends into a first groove in the second region. This fixes the third magnetic element particularly securely in the radial direction. The protrusions may be formed at the radially outer end of the third magnetic element, which is substantially circular in shape. The protrusions may extend upward in the radial direction. The first groove may be formed in an annular shape in the first region. The first groove may comprise a width smaller than the thickness of the protrusion in the radial direction, which may ensure that the first groove frictionally holds the protrusion of the third magnetic element.

The soap holder device may comprise a receiving element that receives the edge of the third magnetic element on the inner side of the receiving element in a form-fit manner. As a result, the receiving element need not be bonded to the first region and/or the second region.

The third magnetic element may have a substantially cylindrical disk shape. The receiving element extends in a U-shaped cross-section around the radially outer edge of the third magnetic element.

In one embodiment, the outer surface of the receiving element may be frictionally coupled to the inner surface of the first region. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the receiving element may be positively coupled to the inner surface of the first region.

A second annular groove may be disposed in the wall portion of the soap holding device, extending axially upwardly from the first portion and spaced from the first magnetic member. At least a portion of the receiving element, for example the radially outer portion of the receiving element, may be received by the second annular groove in a form-fit manner. In this embodiment, the third magnetic element is inserted into the receiving element and the combination of receiving element and third magnetic element is inserted into the second annular groove.

A projection may extend from the receiving element into the first region on the side facing away from the second region. The protrusion may be convexly curved. The protrusion may prevent the second magnetic element from moving out of the second region toward the first region when the soap holder device is attached to a wall, sink, or other object by means of the first region.

In another embodiment, the third magnetic element or optional holding element connected to the first magnetic element may be supported by an optional flexible adhesive element inserted into the first region. This adhesive element generates a counterforce on the connected first magnetic element and the third magnetic element when pressure is applied to the roof area. This embodiment has the advantage that the adhesive element can be flexibly adapted depending on whether it is attached to a flat, convex or concave surface, since the distance from the third magnetic element and the adhesive element to the application surface varies depending on the shape of the application surface and can thus be adapted thereto. The flexible adhesive element may adhere to the underside of the third magnetic element or to the underside of the receiving element by adhesive action. In another embodiment, the adhesive element may be disposed on the underside of a sealing portion or on the underside of the first magnetic element, wherein the adhesive element adheres to the underside of the sealing portion or to the underside of the first magnetic element by adhesive action.

In one embodiment, the soap holder device may comprise a fourth magnetic element disposed in the tub-shaped region between the roof region and the first magnetic element. The fourth magnetic element may be ferromagnetic. The fourth magnetic element may be a permanent magnet. Consequently, the first magnetic member and the fourth magnetic member adhere to each other.

The tub-shaped portion may comprise an upper portion at an upper portion facing the roof member, and a lower portion at its lower portion facing away from the roof member. The first magnetic member may be disposed in the lower portion of the tub-shaped area, and the fourth magnetic member may be disposed in the upper portion of the tub-shaped area. This may prevent the first magnetic member from moving toward the roof portion when the second magnetic member is pulled away from the roof portion. This may extend the life of the soap holder device and facilitate handling by the user.

In one embodiment, the soap holder device may comprise a fifth magnetic element disposed between the roof portion and the second magnetic element. The fifth magnetic element may comprise the same dimensions and/or diameter and/or shape as the second magnetic element. If the fifth magnetic element comprises protrusions such as the second magnetic element, the fifth magnetic element is arranged at the roof portion such that the protrusions are directed toward the first portion but do not contact the first portion. The fifth magnetic element may have a cylindrical disk shape. Projections may be formed on the fifth magnetic element to prevent displacement of the fifth magnetic element. The fifth magnetic element may be ferromagnetic.

The soap holder device may comprise a cap member disposed over the roof portion and on at least a portion of the wall portion. The cap element may be formed as a downwardly open cylinder disposed over the roof region and at least a portion of the wall region. Radial walls of the cap region may be frictionally retained by the wall region.

The invention is now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, which exemplify non-limiting embodiments of the invention, wherein:.

With reference to the figures, the soap holder device according to the invention is described such that a suction cup of the soap holder device is oriented downward. It is understood that spatial orientations are not to be construed as limiting. The figures are not to scale.

<FIG> shows a first embodiment of the soap holder device <NUM> according to the invention in a sectional view. A suction cup <NUM> is formed in the lower region of the soap holder <NUM>. The thickness of the suction cup <NUM> decreases in a radially outward direction. This has the advantage that the suction cup <NUM> comprises, on the one hand, sufficient stability to support heavy loads and, on the other hand, sufficient flexibility to conform to a surface of a body. Extending upwardly in the axial direction from the suction cup <NUM> is a wall portion <NUM> which is substantially cylindrical in shape. A roof portion <NUM> is formed above the wall portion <NUM>, which forms a downwardly open cylinder with the wall portion <NUM>. A sealing lip <NUM> extends radially inwardly from the upper end of the suction cup <NUM>.

A first magnetic element <NUM> is disposed within the wall portion <NUM>, the roof portion <NUM>, and the sealing lip <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic element <NUM> is a permanent magnet.

The soap holder <NUM> is integrally formed, preferably of plastic. The roof portion may comprise a thickness between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a first embodiment of a second magnetic element <NUM>. The second magnetic element <NUM> forms a soap receptacle. The second magnetic element <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> formed substantially as a circular disc. The soap receptacle <NUM> is made of a ferromagnetic material, such as chromium-plated steel.

Extending from the disk <NUM> are protrusions <NUM>, which in the embodiment shown in <FIG> comprise a substantially undulating profile. The protrusions <NUM> comprise a thickness less than that of the disk <NUM>. In particular, the protrusions <NUM> may be such that the thickness decreases in the axial direction. In other words, the protrusions <NUM> are thinner at their tip than at the base region adjacent to the disk <NUM>.

In use, the protrusions <NUM> are pressed into a soap, preferably below the center of gravity of the soap. In use, the disc <NUM> contacts the roof region <NUM>. Preferably, an opening <NUM> is formed in the disc, for example in the center, into which a projection <NUM> in the roof region <NUM> (see <FIG>) projects. This improves the stability of the fixation of the soap holder <NUM> to the roof area <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which illustrates a second embodiment of a second magnetic element <NUM> acting as a magnetic soap receiving element. The second embodiment of the second magnetic element <NUM> is substantially the same as the first embodiment of a magnetic element <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The second embodiment of the second magnetic element <NUM> may comprise the same features previously described in connection with the first embodiment of the second magnetic element <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The second magnetic element <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> that is formed substantially as a circular disk. The second magnetic element <NUM> is made of a ferromagnetic material, such as chromium-plated steel. Protrusions <NUM> extend from the first portion <NUM> of the second magnetic element <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> comprise substantially the wave-like shape previously described in connection with the protrusions <NUM> of the first embodiment of the second magnetic element <NUM>. Additionally, the protrusions <NUM> have an undercut in their base portion that is directed toward the first portion <NUM>. The undercut acts as a barb to hold the protrusions <NUM> as firmly as possible in the soap, and thus to hold the entire second magnetic element <NUM> as firmly as possible in the soap. The undercut <NUM> may be curved in shape, as shown in <FIG>. However, it is also possible for the undercut <NUM> to be angular, rectangular, or any other suitable shape.

In one embodiment, the undercut of the at least one protrusion may be formed in the circumferential direction of the first portion, which corresponds to the width direction of the protrusion. The undercut may extend at least <NUM>%, preferably at least <NUM>%, more preferably at least <NUM>% of the maximum width of the protrusion in the width direction of the protrusion.

The first magnetic element <NUM> may comprise, at least in part, a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the wall portion <NUM>. This prevents movement of the first magnetic element <NUM> in the axial direction when the second magnetic element <NUM>, <NUM> is pulled off.

<FIG> shows a second embodiment of the soap holder <NUM> having a suction cup <NUM>, a sealing lip <NUM>, a wall portion <NUM>, and a roof portion <NUM>, which is substantially structurally the same as the embodiment previously described with reference to <FIG>. The wall portion <NUM> is tapered such that in the axial upward direction, the thickness of the wall portion increases, with the wall portion <NUM> being formed cylindrically in its outer contour. In other words, in the axial upward direction, the inner radius of the wall portion decreases. If a cylindrical first magnetic member <NUM> is pushed between the wall portion <NUM>, the wall portion <NUM> is biased such that it elastically contracts. Thus, a higher holding force is achieved.

<FIG> shows an modification of the second embodiment of the soap holder <NUM>' having a suction cup <NUM>', a wall portion <NUM>' and a roof portion <NUM>', which is substantially structurally the same as the embodiment previously described with reference to <FIG>. The wall portion <NUM>' is tapered such that in the upward axial direction the thickness of the wall portion decreases, the wall portion <NUM>' being formed cylindrically in its outer contour. In other words, in the axial downward direction, the inner radius of the wall region decreases. In the event that a cylindrical first magnetic member <NUM>' is sandwiched between the wall region <NUM>', the wall region <NUM>' is biased such that it is perceived by a user to be substantially immobile without the need for positive substance jointing. In this embodiment, the first magnetic element <NUM>' is frictionally retained in the second region <NUM>', whereby no axial compressive force is applied by the first magnetic element <NUM>' to the roof region <NUM>' when the second magnetic element is pulled away from the roof region <NUM>'. Also, a radial force application is not exerted on the roof portion <NUM>', since in the axial direction towards the roof portion <NUM>' the bias decreases.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a third embodiment <NUM> of the soap holder according to the invention. Third embodiment includes a suction cup <NUM>, a wall portion <NUM>, and a roof portion <NUM>. A substantially semi-circular ridge <NUM> and an elevation <NUM> are formed on the roof portion <NUM>. The ridge <NUM> and elevation <NUM> extend upward in an axial direction. In use, when the soap receptacle <NUM> is disposed on the roof portion <NUM>, the elevation <NUM> extends through the central opening <NUM> and the ridge <NUM> extends through the semi-circular opening <NUM>, thereby increasing the stability of the fixation of the soap receptacle <NUM> to the roof portion <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a perspective view of the fourth embodiment <NUM> of the soap holder device according to the invention. The fourth embodiment includes a suction cup, a wall portion <NUM>, and a roof portion <NUM>. A plurality of webs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend axially upward on the roof portion <NUM>. The webs are arranged concentrically in a partial circle. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the webs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are quarter webs. It is understood that the webs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise any other shape. In use, the webs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> project through complementary indentations or openings in the disc of the soap receiver (not shown).

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a sectional view of a fifth and not claimed embodiment <NUM> of the soap holder device. The fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment <NUM>, and differs from the first embodiment in that a first magnetic element <NUM> is enclosed on all sides by a second region <NUM>. The fifth embodiment includes a suction cup <NUM> formed in the lower portion of the soap holder <NUM>. The thickness of the suction cup <NUM> decreases in a radially outward direction. Extending upwardly in the axial direction from the upper end of the suction cup <NUM> is a wall portion <NUM> that is substantially cylindrical in shape.

Above the wall portion <NUM>, a roof portion <NUM> is formed which forms a cylinder with the wall portion <NUM> and a sealing portion <NUM>. The sealing region <NUM> extends radially inwardly from the upper end of the suction cup <NUM>. The first magnetic member <NUM> is disposed within the second region <NUM> formed by the roof region <NUM>, the wall region <NUM>, and the sealing region <NUM>. The sealing region <NUM> extends from the top end of the suction cup <NUM> and closes the suction cup <NUM> axially upward at the top end of the suction cup <NUM>, which is the smallest diameter end of the suction cup. The sealing region <NUM> may also extend radially inwardly from the lower end of the wall region <NUM>, closing the second region <NUM> downwardly.

At the roof region, a protrusion <NUM> may extend in the axial direction away from the second region <NUM>, which, in use, extends into the opening <NUM> in the disk <NUM> of the second magnetic element <NUM>. It will be understood that in the fifth embodiment, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> may alternatively or additionally be formed on the top surface of the roof portion <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a sectional view of a sixth embodiment <NUM> of the soap holder device according to the invention. The sixth embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment <NUM>, and differs from the first embodiment in that a third magnetic element <NUM> is disposed below a first magnetic element <NUM>. The sixth embodiment includes a suction cup <NUM> formed in the lower portion of the soap holder <NUM>. The thickness of the suction cup <NUM> decreases in a radially outward direction. Extending upwardly in the axial direction from the upper end of the suction cup <NUM> is a wall portion <NUM> that is substantially cylindrical in shape.

Above the wall portion <NUM>, the roof portion <NUM> is formed which forms a cylinder with the wall portion <NUM> and the third magnetic element <NUM>. The third magnetic element <NUM> is formed as a cylindrical disk disposed below the first magnetic element <NUM>. A cylindrical support portion <NUM> may extend downwardly from the wall portion <NUM> toward the first portion, and the third magnetic element <NUM> is disposed at the lower end of the cylindrical support portion <NUM>. The cylindrical support region <NUM> decouples the forces acting from the suction cup <NUM> into the wall region <NUM> from the third magnetic element <NUM>, and the third magnetic element <NUM> may be held in position by the magnetic attraction force of the first magnetic element <NUM>. It is also possible to have the third magnetic element materially bonded to the wall portion <NUM> or to the cylindrical support portion <NUM>. The first magnetic element <NUM> may be frictionally received within the wall portion <NUM> if the cross-section of the first magnetic element <NUM> is smaller than the internal cross-section of the wall portion <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the third magnetic element <NUM> connected to the first magnetic element <NUM> may be supported by an optional flexible adhesive element <NUM> inserted into the first region. This adhesive element generates a counterforce on the connected first magnetic element <NUM> and the third magnetic element when pressure is applied to the roof portion <NUM>. This embodiment has the advantage that the adhesive element can be flexibly adjusted depending on whether it is attached to a flat, convex or concave surface, as the distance from the third magnetic element <NUM> and the adhesive element to the application surface varies depending on the shape of the application surface. The flexible adhesive element <NUM> may adhere to the bottom surface of the third magnetic element <NUM> by adhesive action. The adhesive element may be kneadable.

In one embodiment, the adhesive element may comprise at least one synthetic rubber type based on polybutene and/or polyisobutylene and/or isoprene and/or derivatives thereof, at least one styrene block copolymer, kerosene oil, and inorganic fillers. The inorganic fillers may comprise chalk, dolomite, baryte, talc, kaolin, clay, glass, glass powder, quartz, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and carbon black. In another embodiment, the kneadable adhesive element may be made from flour, salt, oil, and water, which is also referred to as a kneading compound.

The third magnetic element <NUM> may be ferromagnetic or a permanent magnet. The third magnetic element <NUM> prevents the first magnetic element from moving toward the roof portion <NUM> when the second magnetic element is removed from the roof portion <NUM>.

The first magnetic element <NUM> is disposed within the second region <NUM> formed by the roof region <NUM>, the wall region <NUM>, and the third magnetic element <NUM>. Thus, the third magnetic element <NUM> may be located within the first or lower region <NUM>.

At the roof region, a protrusion <NUM> may extend in the axial direction away from the second region <NUM> or roof region <NUM>, which in use extends into the opening <NUM> in the disk <NUM> of the second magnetic element <NUM>. It will be understood that in the fifth embodiment, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> may alternatively or additionally be formed on the top surface of the roof region <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a seventh embodiment <NUM>' that is a modification of the sixth embodiment <NUM>. In addition to the sixth embodiment <NUM>, the seventh embodiment includes a third magnetic member having a protrusion <NUM> extending in at the radially outer edge of the third magnetic member <NUM>' in an axial direction into a first annular groove <NUM> in the wall region <NUM> and/or second region. The first annular groove <NUM> is open downwardly toward the first region and/or suction cup <NUM> in the axial direction. The first annular groove <NUM> frictionally holds the protrusion <NUM>, as the width of the first annular groove <NUM> is smaller than the thickness of the protrusions <NUM>. The third magnetic element <NUM>' is located axially below a first magnetic element <NUM>'. The third magnetic element <NUM>' may be ferromagnetic or may be a permanent magnet.

Since the third magnetic element <NUM>' is frictionally held in the second region, the first magnetic element <NUM>' cannot move downward in the axial direction. Further, the second region is closed downward such that the first magnetic element <NUM>' can be prevented from damaging an object, such as a sink.

The first magnetic element <NUM>' is frustoconical shaped and tapers towards the first region. As a result, the first magnetic element <NUM>' is held by the upper portion of the wall portion <NUM> such that the first magnetic element <NUM>' cannot move in either the radial or axial direction.

It is conceivable to form the first magnetic element <NUM>' in a frustoconical shape independently of the presence of the third magnetic element <NUM>'. It is also possible to use a cylindrical first magnetic element <NUM> in the seventh embodiment <NUM>' shown in <FIG>.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which shows a sectional view of an eighth embodiment <NUM> of the soap holder device according to the invention. The eighth embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment <NUM>, and differs from the first embodiment in that a third magnetic element <NUM> is disposed below a first magnetic element <NUM>. The eighth embodiment includes a suction cup <NUM> formed in the lower portion of the soap holder <NUM>. The thickness of the suction cup <NUM> decreases in a radially outward direction. Extending upwardly in the axial direction from the upper end of the suction cup <NUM> is a wall portion <NUM> that is substantially cylindrical in shape.

Above the wall portion <NUM>, the roof portion <NUM> is formed to form a cylinder with the wall portion <NUM> and the third magnetic element <NUM>. The third magnetic element <NUM> is formed as a cylindrical disk disposed below the first magnetic element <NUM>. A cylindrical support portion <NUM> may extend downwardly from the wall portion <NUM> toward the first portion, and the third magnetic element <NUM> is disposed at the lower end of the cylindrical support portion <NUM>. The cylindrical support region <NUM> decouples the forces acting from the suction cup <NUM> into the wall region <NUM> from the third magnetic element <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the third magnetic element <NUM> is supported by a receiving element <NUM> disposed below the third magnetic element <NUM>. The receiving element <NUM> surrounds the edge of the third magnetic element <NUM> in a substantially U-shaped cross-section <NUM>, <NUM>. A cross-sectionally U-shaped portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the receiving element surrounds the edge of the third magnetic element <NUM>. As a result, the third magnetic element <NUM> is fixedly secured in the receiving element <NUM>.

The wall portion <NUM> comprises a second annular groove <NUM> extending upwardly from the suction cup <NUM>. The second annular groove <NUM> is located radially outward of the support portion <NUM>, which is located radially outward of the first magnetic member <NUM>. A portion of the U-shaped portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the receiving element <NUM> is located in the second annular groove <NUM>. The second annular groove <NUM> clamps the radially outer portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the receiving element <NUM>, in particular, the second annular groove <NUM> clamps a portion of the portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the receiving element <NUM> that surrounds the edge of the third magnetic element <NUM> in a U-shape. As a result, the third magnetic element <NUM> is stably held in the desired position.

The third magnetic element <NUM> may be ferromagnetic or a permanent magnet. The third magnetic element <NUM> prevents the first magnetic element <NUM> from moving toward the roof portion <NUM> when the second magnetic element is removed from the roof portion <NUM>.

The receiving element <NUM> includes a convex protrusion that extends axially downward toward the suction cup <NUM>. The protrusion of the receiving element <NUM> may prevent the second magnetic element <NUM> from moving out of the second region <NUM> toward the suction cup <NUM> when the soap holder device <NUM> is attached to a wall, sink, or other object by the suction cup <NUM>.

The first magnetic member <NUM> is disposed within the second region <NUM> formed by the roof region <NUM>, the wall region <NUM>, and the third magnetic member <NUM>. At the roof region, a protrusion <NUM> may extend in the axial direction away from the second region <NUM> or roof region <NUM>, which, in use, extends into the opening <NUM> in the disk <NUM> of the second magnetic element <NUM>. It will be understood that in the eighth embodiment, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> may alternatively or additionally be formed on the top surface of the roof region <NUM>.

Reference is made to <FIG>. The fourth magnetic element <NUM> is arranged in the tub-shaped region between the roof region <NUM> and the first magnetic element <NUM>. The fourth magnetic element <NUM> may be ferromagnetic. The fourth magnetic element <NUM> may be a permanent magnet. Consequently, the first magnetic element <NUM> and the fourth magnetic element <NUM> adhere to each other.

The tub-shaped portion may comprise an upper portion <NUM> at an upper portion facing the roof member, and a lower portion <NUM> at a lower portion thereof facing away from the roof member. The first magnetic member <NUM> may be disposed in the lower portion <NUM> of the tub-shaped region, and the fourth magnetic member <NUM> may be disposed in the upper portion <NUM> of the tub-shaped region. This may prevent the first magnetic element <NUM> from moving toward the roof portion <NUM> when the second magnetic element is pulled away from the roof portion <NUM>. As a result, the service life of the soap holder device may be extended and handling by the user may be simplified.

Embodiments are conceivable in which the first magnetic element <NUM> and the fourth magnetic element <NUM> comprise the same diameter, or the first magnetic element <NUM> comprises a smaller diameter than the fourth magnetic element <NUM>, or the fourth magnetic element comprises a smaller diameter than the first magnetic element.

At the roof portion, a protrusion <NUM> may extend in the axial direction away from the second portion <NUM>, which in use extends into the opening <NUM> in the disk <NUM> of the second magnetic element <NUM>. It is understood that in the ninth embodiment, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> may alternatively or additionally be formed on the top surface of the roof region <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a tenth embodiment of the soap holder <NUM> according to the invention in a sectional view. A suction cup <NUM> is formed in the lower portion of the soap holder <NUM>. The thickness of the suction cup <NUM> decreases in the radially outward direction. This has the advantage that the suction cup <NUM> comprises sufficient stability to support heavy loads, on the one hand, and sufficient flexibility to conform to a surface of a body, on the other hand. Extending upwardly in the axial direction from the suction cup <NUM> is a wall portion <NUM> that is substantially cylindrical in shape. Above the wall region <NUM> is formed a roof region <NUM>, which forms a downwardly open cylinder with the wall region <NUM>.

A first magnetic element <NUM> is disposed within the wall region <NUM> and the roof region <NUM> and. In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic element <NUM> is a permanent magnet.

The tenth embodiment comprises a third magnetic element having a protrusion <NUM> extending in at the radially outer edge of the third magnetic element <NUM> in an axial direction into a first annular groove <NUM> in the wall region <NUM> and/or second region. The first annular groove <NUM> is open downwardly toward the first region (suction cup <NUM>) in the axial direction. The first annular groove <NUM> frictionally holds the protrusion <NUM>, as the width of the first annular groove is smaller than the thickness of the protrusions <NUM>. The third magnetic element <NUM> is located axially below a first magnetic element <NUM>. The third magnetic element <NUM> may be ferromagnetic or may be a permanent magnet.

Since the third magnetic element <NUM> is frictionally held in the second region, the first magnetic element <NUM> cannot move downward in the axial direction. Further, the second region is closed downward such that the first magnetic element <NUM> can be prevented from damaging an object, such as a sink.

In addition to the preceding embodiments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>, the tenth embodiment <NUM> includes a cap element <NUM> disposed over the roof portion <NUM> and at least a portion of the wall portion <NUM>. A sidewall of the cowl element <NUM> contacts and is frictionally held by the wall region <NUM>. An end portion <NUM> of the cowl element <NUM> is disposed over the roof portion <NUM>.

The cap element <NUM> protects the roof portion <NUM> from an excessive force generated by the attractive force of the first magnetic element <NUM> and the second magnetic element <NUM>. This ensures a longer service life of the soap holder <NUM>. The cap element <NUM> may be removed from the wall portion <NUM>, and another cap element <NUM> may be disposed on the wall portion <NUM>.

At the end portion <NUM> of the cap element <NUM>, a protrusion <NUM> may extend in the axial direction away from the end portion <NUM>, which in use extends into the opening <NUM> in the disk <NUM> of the second magnetic element <NUM>. It will be understood that in the tenth embodiment, the ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> may alternatively or additionally be formed on the top surface of the end face <NUM>.

It is understood that the cap element <NUM> may be applied to any of the previously described embodiments. The protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed on the front surface <NUM> rather than on the roof portion.

Preferably, the soap holder according to the foregoing embodiments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>' <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the cap member <NUM> are made by means of a plastic, for example a polymer, and preferably the soap holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>',<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the cap member <NUM> are elastic.

In another embodiment, the cap element <NUM> may comprise, at least in part, a ferromagnetic material. The cap element <NUM> may be made of a plastic, for example a polymer, wherein a ferromagnetic material is enclosed by the plastic. The ferromagnetic material may comprise iron, for example steel. In another embodiment, the cap element <NUM> may be made of iron or steel.

If the cap element <NUM> comprises ferromagnetic properties, a frictional hold on the wall portion <NUM> is not required because the first magnetic element <NUM> pulls the cap element towards the roof portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A soap holder device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
- a holder having a first magnetic element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
- a second magnetic element (<NUM>) adapted to be pressed into a soap;
- the holder comprising:
- a first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in which a conically shaped lip forms a suction cup, and
- a second portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) located radially inward of the first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and axially spaced from the first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the second portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being adapted to hold the first magnetic element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in a radial direction by means of a wall portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and in an axial direction by means of a roof portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in a direction opposite to the first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the roof portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) forms a downwardly open cylinder with the wall portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
- wherein the tapered lip of the first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) decreases in diameter toward the second portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
- wherein, in use, the second magnetic element (<NUM>) is detachably disposed on the roof portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the second portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
- wherein the second portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is formed substantially as a tub-shaped portion, wherein an open end of the second portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is formed in the axial direction toward the first portion(<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the wall portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the substantially tub-shaped second portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is formed in the axial direction from the inner end of the first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and the axially closed end of the tub-shaped second portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is opposed to the first portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the axial direction,
- wherein the tub-shaped portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is formed substantially as a downwardly open cylinder at its outer contour.