Patent ID: 12221780

It is noted that the figures schematically show merely preferred embodiments according to the invention. In the figures, the same or similar reference signs or numbers refer to equal or corresponding parts.

FIG.1shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a partly cut-away flush bowl100provided an embodiment of a substance dispenser1in a use state thereof in which it is temporarily attached to a flush bowl100, in particular by adhering it to rim101of said flush bowl100. The flush bowl100, or so-called flush basin or pan100, can be the flush bowl of a flush toilet100, for instance a flush toilet100designed for sitting and or a flush toilet for squatting, i.e. a so-called squat toilet.

It is noted that the substance dispenser1is arranged and/or intended for temporarily placement on the flush bowl100. The substance dispenser1comprises a flexible connecting part21including a layer of film material20. Preferably said flexible connecting part21is substantially formed from said film material, especially relatively thin film material, preferably plastic film material. The flexible connecting part21defines a first surface20awhich is provided with a first adhesive31for temporary connecting said connecting part to a rim101of the flush bowl100. In particular, the first adhesive31may be arranged such as to allow the flexible connecting part21to be removed from the flush bowl100in a manner substantially not leaving behind adhesive on said bowl.

Advantageously, said first surface20ais formed by a rear surface20aof the layer of film material20.

Said first adhesive31can preferably be a pressure sensitive adhesive31, such as for instance is known from removably attachable stickers. It is appreciated that the first adhesive31can preferably be a removable adhesive, which can be easily removed from the flush bowl100, in particular when said flush bowl is made from porcelain, e.g. enameled or glazed porcelain, or another ceramic material, and/or metal, e.g. stainless steel, and/or plastic material. The adhesive31may thus provide for a non-permanent sticking zone for suspending the substance dispenser1on, at or in a toilet.

As the flexible connecting part21is sticky, like a sticker, it may, in a storage state of the substance dispenser1, be substantially carried on a release liner80, as for instance is the case inFIG.2. The release liner80may for instance be a paper or plastic-based film sheet which may be coated with a release agent, which may provide a release effect against the first adhesive31.

The substance dispenser1further comprises a handle part22connected to the connecting part21at or near a first end region21aof said connecting part21. The handle part22is arranged and/or intended for handling the substance dispenser1during placement on the flush bowl100and for handling the substance dispenser1during its removal from the flush bowl100.

Advantageously, the layer of film material20defining the connecting part21may also define said handle part22. In particular, the connecting part21and the handle part22may be formed from the same sheet of film material.

Additionally or alternatively, the handle part22can preferably be substantially kept free of adhesive, or, in case it is provided with adhesive, for instance when the first adhesive31would extend from the connecting part21over handle part22, the adhesive may be covered, for example by a piece of sheet material attached to the adhesive provided. In the here shown embodiment, at least a portion of the handle part22is kept free of said first adhesive31, as for instance can be seen relatively well inFIG.2, thereby providing a non-sticking peel-off zone22a, preferably located at a distal end of the substance dispenser1, for allowing the handle part22to be grabbed in a relatively convenient manner and/or to be peeled off from the release liner80, as is indicated by arrow A21inFIG.3.

Although the handle part22and the connecting part21can preferably be integrally formed, in particular from a single sheet of film material, the handle part22may in alternative embodiments be formed separately and may then be attached to the connecting part21.

Further, the substance dispenser1comprises a substance holder50holding a substance60. Said substance may for example comprise a cleaning agent and/or a disinfectant, such as an antimicrobial agent. Additionally or alternatively, the substance60may for example comprise an air freshener or so-called deodorizer which may be arranged to emit a fragrance or so-called odorant or aroma compound. Additionally or alternatively, the substance60may comprise a descaling agent, which may be arranged and/or intended for counteracting and/or removing limescale, and which for instance may comprise one or more acidic compounds.

The substance holder50is connected to the connecting part21at or near a second end region21bof said connecting part21. Thereto, the layer of film material20included in the flexible connecting part21may for instance also define an attachment zone23which is attached to the substance holder50.

In embodiments, the substance dispenser1may be arranged such that a user can visually inspect whether there is still substance60available in the substance holder50when provided in the flush bowl100during use. Thereto, the attachment zone23may be at least transparent, especially such as to form one or multiple windows26. Alternatively, or additionally, one or multiple windows26may be formed as openings, which in particular may be cut-out of the film material20defining the attachment zone23. Additionally or alternatively, the substance holder50may be transparent at least partly, in particular it may be at least partly transparent at a bottom side51aof the substance holder50, for instance by making its bottom51at least partly transparent.

Preferably, the attachment zone23defined by the layer of film material20can be provided with a second adhesive32, preferably a waterproof adhesive, for attaching said attachment zone23to the substance holder50, in particular in a substantially permanent manner. Contrary to the first adhesive31which may be arranged for removable applications, the second adhesive32may thus be arranged for permanent applications.

As is the case in the exemplary embodiments shown in the Figures, see in particularFIG.1, the second adhesive32can preferably be provided at the first surface20aof the layer of film material20. This may be advantageous, for instance as the attachment zone23and the connecting part21can then be formed relatively easily from a single sheet of film material, which for instance until the moment the attachment zone23is to be adhered to the substance holder50, may be provided on a release liner80which carries both the attachment zone23and the connecting part21. It will be appreciated that portion of the release liner80carrying the attachment zone23up to that moment may be removed afterwards, and that therefore the release liner80may be divided in two or more parts, e.g. by means of cutting.

Advantageously, a first surface50aof the substance holder50, which for instance may be formed by the bottom51of said holder50and which during use of said holder50may for instance form a front face50a, as can be seen inFIG.1, may be substantially closed off, in particular closed off substantially hermetical or air-tight.

For example, the substance holder50itself, in particular a bottom portion51thereof, may close off the substance holder50at said first surface50a. Alternatively or additionally, the layer of film material20, in particular an attachment zone23formed by said layer20, may close off said first surface50aof the substance holder50. Additionally or alternatively, the layer of film material20can cover at least 80%, especially at least 90%, of said first surface50aof the substance holder50, and preferably said layer of film material20may cover said first surface50aof the substance holder50substantially completely.

It will be appreciated that, at least in a use state of the substance dispenser1, the holder50may allow water to flush away at least a portion of the substance60. Thereto, at least in a use state of the substance dispenser1, one or more portions of a second surface50bof the substance holder50, in particular a face side50blocated substantially opposite to the first surface50aof the holder50, such as for example a rear face50b, can be at least partly open such as to allow flushing water to contact the substance60held by the substance holder50.

Advantageously, the substance dispenser1may be provided with a cover70which, in a storage state of the dispenser1, may substantially cover said one or more portions of the second surface50bwhich are at least partly open in the use state, and preferably wherein said cover70then may substantially cover said entire second surface50bof the substance holder50in the storage state of the substance dispenser1.

Then, for instance especially when the substance holder50and the substance60held therein together form a relatively flat structure90, the substance may be enclosed relatively well in such storage state of the dispenser1. It is noted that, in particular, such relatively flat structure90may have a height1190and a width W90which exceed its largest thickness T90, more in particular said thickness T90being at most ½ of the height1190and/or the width W90, yet more in particular at most ⅓ of the height1190and/or the width W90, or even smaller.

Enclosing the substance60, partially or completely, may have different advantages. For example, it may counteract that the substance60dries out.

It will be appreciated that the substance60provided in the holder50may preferably be enclosed substantially entirely, in particular in a substantially air-tight manner. Thereto, the holder50, which may be formed as a cup or tray or alternatively shaped container50or so-called reservoir50, may be arranged to close off the substance at its remaining sides, which are not yet covered by the cover70and/or the attachment zone23and/or portions51of the substance holder50located at said first surface50a. For instance thereto, the substance holder50may comprise one or more sidewalls52.

Preferably, the substance dispenser1may be of such a design that the cover70and the substance holder50together enclose the substance60in the storage state of said dispenser1.

It is noted that the cover70can be removably attached, especially adhered, preferably by means of third adhesive33, to the substance holder50, in particular to the second surface50bof the substance holder50, preferably in a substantially airtight manner and preferably in a releasable manner. Additionally or alternatively, the cover may be attached, preferably adhered, to the substance60held in said substance holder50, preferably in a substantially airtight manner and preferably in a releasable manner. Like the first adhesive31, said third adhesive33may be arranged for removable applications, and may, alternatively or additionally may be a pressure sensitive adhesive33.

Advantageously, the cover70can be formed at least partly, and preferably entirely, by a release liner80onto which, in the storage state of the substance dispenser1, at least the flexible connecting part21is at least partly carried. In this manner, a relatively simple, in particular relatively economical, construction can be formed. For example, the substance dispenser1may be substantially formed out of for instance only four parts, i.e. the film material20, the substance holder50, the substance60, and the release liner80for supporting one or more sticky portions of said film material.

In embodiments, the release liner80may extend beyond the connecting part21and beyond the handle part22, such as can be understood fromFIG.3. In the there shown embodiment, in the storage state of the dispenser1, the release liner80extends also below an excess portion25of the film material20cut loose from the connecting part21and the handle part22. For example, the release liner80may then be broad enough to cover the second surface50bof the substance holder50, as it may then for example be wider than the connecting part21. The excess portion25of film material may be printed, and may for instance comprise information, which may include instructions and/or warnings or the like. Additionally or alternatively, other parts of the substance dispenser, in particular parts formed by the film material20may be provided with prints or the like, for instance in order to provide for an aesthetically appealing appearance. Additionally or alternatively, the layer of film material20, in particular a printed second surface20bof the said layer located opposite to its first surface20a, may be covered at least partly by a finish or varnish layer or other cover layer, such as a silicon-containing finish layer, which may protect the printing, for instance against uric acid and/or cleaning agents, such as cleaning agents from the substance60and/or other cleaning agents used by a user to clean the flush bowl100.

It will be appreciated that the release liner80can define a first surface80aonto which the at least part of the flexible connecting part21is carried. In particular, a portion of the first surface20aof the layer of film material20defining said flexible connecting part21may be carried on said first surface80aof the release liner80, and the substance holder and/or the substance held therein can then thus be removably adhered to a second surface80bof said release liner80opposite to its first surface80a.

Further, the layer of film material20may further define an intermediate part24. Said intermediate part24can interconnect the attachment zone23and the flexible connecting part21, which, in the storage state of the substance dispenser1, can be bent, in particular such as to allow that the attachment zone23can, in said storage state, extend substantially offset from an/or substantially parallel with the connecting part21, preferably in a manner in which said attachment zone23and said connecting part21overlap at least partly, as can be seen inFIG.2. This may facilitate that the substance dispenser1can be stored relatively compactly, in particular in a relatively small container, such as cardboard-based box.

In embodiments, one or more parts of the substance dispenser1may be at least partly be provided with a coating. Said coating may for example be a water repellent and/or dirt repellent coating, and may for example comprise silicone coating material and/or other suitable materials.

Advantageously, at least one or more parts or portions of the substance dispenser1, in particular parts or portions which during use of the substance dispenser1may hang at least partly inside a flush bowl of a flush toilet100, may be provided with the coating, especially such as to counteract that said one or more parts or portions may be unintentionally soiled with feces or other dirt.

In particular, one or more portions of one or more parts or zones of the layer of film material20, such as for example the flexible connecting part21and/or the intermediate part24and/or the attachment zone23, may at least partly be provided with the coating, in particular at the second surface20bthereof, which preferably is a printed surface. Although not necessarily, substantially the entire second surface20bof the layer of film material20may be coated, for example to ease the production of the substance dispenser1.

It is noted that the coating, which may form a substantially transparent coating layer and/or which may be used to cover and/or protect printing provided on the layer of film material20, may be a UV-curable coating, which for instance may facilitate that it can cure relatively speedily.

Although the coating may most advantageously be used on the layer of film material20, additionally or alternatively, the coating may be provided on the substance holder50, for example on its outwardly facing side of the substantially wall-shaped support element54and/or on the side of its second flange55facing away from the attachment zone23of the layer of film material20and/or on the outwardly facing side of the first flange53of said substance holder50.

In advantageous embodiments, said coating may be provided with a fragrance compound or perfume compound or aroma compound, which may be for releasing a predetermined scent or perfume, in particular during use of the substance dispenser1, more in particular in a flush bowl of a flush toilet100.

It has been surprisingly found that such a scented coating may in an original and inventive manner increase the life time of the substance dispenser1, for instance with up to a few additional days, as the substance dispenser1may keep emitting odor to a certain desirable extent, even if most of, or even substantially all of the substance60, which preferably comprises an air freshener or deodorizer, initially held in the substance holder50may already have been washed away out of said substance holder50. Further, it will be appreciated that the coating and/or its fragrance compound or the like, if any, and/or any one or more of other parts or components of the substance dispenser1, for instance all of them, may preferably be substantially non-toxic.

In embodiments, the substance holder50, which holds the substance60, can include one or more chambers59for holding the substance60. In the embodiments ofFIGS.1,2,4and5, the holder50defines for instance one chamber59. However, in alternative embodiments, the holder may comprise multiple chambers. Said one or more chambers59may be at least defined by a bottom51and one or more sidewalls52.

A surface51aof the bottom51facing away from the substance60held by said holder50can then be adhered to an attachment zone23defined by the layer of film material20. Additionally or alternatively, the sidewall of the holder50may comprise a first flange53, which may be provided at an upper end of the sidewall52and which may extend substantially sidewardly, in particular in a substantially outward direction, especially in a direction substantially transverse to an upward direction in which the side wall52extends.

In the storage state of the substance dispenser1, said first flange53can be releasably attached, for instance adhered, to a cover70, in particular a cover70formed by the release liner80, more in particular to the second surface80bthereof, preferably in a substantially airtight manner.

It will be appreciated that the release liner80, or another cover70, may alternatively be adhered to a wall52not having such flange53, in particular in case said wall52is relatively thick and can as such itself define a relatively large top face52b.

As for instance is the case in the embodiment ofFIGS.1and2, the sidewall52of the substance holder50can comprise a support element54, in particular a substantially wall-shaped support element54, which may extend from the first flange53in a substantially downward direction. Additionally or alternatively, the holder50may comprise a second flange55which can be provided at a lower end of the sidewall52. In particular, said second flange55, of so-called bottom flange55, may be located at a lower end of the support element54of said side wall52and may extend substantially in a sideward direction, in particular in a substantially outward direction, especially substantially in line with the bottom51of the substance holder50or at a level below the bottom51of said holder50, in particular such that the attachment zone23of the layer of film material20could be applied to said second flange55relatively well and/or relatively neatly.

In advantageous embodiments, the substance holder50, which may be formed of a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic or so-called thermosoftening plastic, can be molded, preferably thermoformed. In particular, this may be done in a manner in which the surface51aof the bottom51which during use of the dispenser1is facing away from the substance60held by the substance holder50is not in contact with a mold part. As a result, it can be counteracted that said surface51a, which can be formed by a so-called bottom side51aof the bottom51of the holder50, is in contact with a mold surface provided with release agent during molding of said substance holder50. It can then thus be counteracted relatively easily that the bottom surface51aof the substance holder50may be contaminated by such release agent. Therefore, it may be counteracted that the attachments zone23will accidently not be properly adhered to the holder50, and it may thus be counteracted that the holder50may accidently come loose from the layer of film material20, which could be problematic, for instance as it could cause a blockage in a drainage pipe connected to the flush bowl100.

In preferred embodiments, a surface51bof the substance holder50, in particular a surface51bof a bottom51of said substance holder50facing towards and/or in contact with the substance60, can be provided with a relief structure56. Said relief structure50may for instance be a substantially raster-shaped relief56, for instance defining a honeycomb structure such as shown in the embodiments ofFIGS.5and6. However, other relief shapes are also possible. It is noted that the relief may facilitate that the substance60, which may preferably be a pliable substance60and/or in the form of a paste60which may stick or adhere to the substance holder50, may stick or adhere relatively well to said holder50, thereby counteracting that a lump of substance60may come loose accidently as result of flush water.

It is noted that such pliable substance60, which does not form a tablet or block loosely provided in a holder, but which may more or less form a paste-like substance sticking to the walls51,52of the holder50, may by poured into said holder as a warm emulsion, and which may stay viscous to some extent after it has cooled down.

In particular, said relief structure56may have a height less than the height of a sidewall52of the holder50. Additionally or alternatively, said relief structure56can have a height of at most 10 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, for instance at most 3 mm or at most 2 mm, such as a height of between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. The side wall52, which may also be relatively low, as the structure90formed by the substance holder50and the substance60held therein may preferably be relatively flat, may then for instance have a height of at most about 2 cm, preferably at most 1.5 cm, such as about 1 cm.

However, in alternative embodiments, the substance holder50can be substantially formed as a plate57, in particular as a disc57, such as for instance is the case in the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG.6. The plate57may be provided with side wall52, but this is not necessary for every embodiment.

It is noted that the relief structure56, in particular in cases in which the substance holder50is formed as plate or disc57, may form multiple cells58in which substance60can be held. When the cells58are covered by a cover70, preferably formed by the release liner80, in particular it rear surface80b, the substance60can then be substantially closed off, for instance counteracting that it dries out, even if the entire substance dispenser1is not held in an airtight container, such as an airtight plastic bag, such as a flow pack foil, or other airtight envelope. However, the cover thus not necessarily needs to close off the cells58in the storage state of the substance dispenser1, and may for instance only cover a top side of the substance, for instance in case the substance60is also applied on the top side of the relief structure56, in stead of substantially only within said cells58.

In this context, it is noted that in case the substance60is not completely enclosed in the storage state of the substance dispenser1, the cover70may still be highly advantageous, as it, for instance together with a bottom51of the holder50and/or the attachment zone23of the layer of the film material20may screen off at least substantial portions of the substance60held by the substance holder50.

In embodiments, the substance holder50may for example include, and preferably may be substantially formed as, a mesh, a sponge and/or a textile, such as a woven textile or a non-woven textile. It will be appreciated that, at least in such embodiments, the substance holder50does thus not need to form a cup or other container, and may thus be free of sidewalls. A first surface, e.g. a bottom surface, of such mesh, sponge or textile structure may be covered by the attachment zone23defined by the layer of film material20adhered to said structure, whereas an opposite surface, e.g. a top surface, may be covered by a cover70, in particular a cover formed the release liner80.

In embodiments, the attachment zone23may laterally extend beyond the lateral side edges of such mesh, sponge or textile, such that said attachment zone23, as it can be formed from flexible film material and/or as the mesh, sponge or textile may be at least partly compressible, can be adhered to the bottom side80bof the release liner80. In order to facilitate that the holder can be removed from the release liner80in order to place the dispenser1in the flush bowl100, the release liner80may be arranged such that the attachment zone23can be removed from it, e.g. by providing its80bwith a release agent. Alternatively, extending portions of the attachment zone23may be removably attached to a central portion of the attachment zone23substantially permanently adhered to the sponge, mesh or textile. However, other alternatives are possible. For example, the extending portions of the attachment zone23may be adhered to the bottom side80bof the release liner80by a third adhesive33which may be relatively easily removable compared to the second adhesive32used to glue the central portion of the attachment zone23to said holder50including or formed as a mesh, sponge and/or textile.

Further, it is noted that such mesh, sponge or textile, which may form a relatively flat substance holder50or structure, and which may preferably be at most 3 mm thick, such as for instance about 1 mm, may be provided with the substance60by means of for instance impregnating, printing, or any other suitable technique.

Contrary to a holder which is substantially formed as a cup and which may be suitable to contain enough substance60to be used for instance for one or multiple weeks, a relatively flat substance holder50, for instance including a plate or disc57and/or a mesh, sponge or textile structure or the like, may be intended to be used only for a relatively brief time period, such as a single day or a single weekend only, and may for instance contain only 1 gram of substance or even less. Such substance dispenser1may for instance be used in a hotel room, whereas a substance dispenser1which may comprise more substance60may for instance be intended for home use.

As the substance60may be substantially completely enclosed, in particular by means of a cover70, especially a cover formed by the release liner80, the substance dispenser1does not need to be packed by an additional airtight cover in order to substantially screen off the substance60from the atmosphere in the storage state of the substance dispenser1. For example, it may be just packed in a box which is not substantially airtight, such as for instance a cardboard box. Such box, in particular a substantially rectangular and/or cuboid box may be stored relatively conveniently, for instance in a larger box or other container comprising multiple boxes that each may contain for instance a single substance dispenser1.

Moreover, it is noted that since the substance60can thus be substantially completely enclosed in the storage state of the substance dispenser1, it may be counteracted that the substance dries out. Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure of the substance60, in particular an air-tight enclosure thereof, may counteract that fragrance to be released in the flush bowl100may evaporate prematurely. This may facilitate that the substance dispenser1can be perishable and/or may counteract that perfumes or smells can contaminate other provisions stored in the same place as said dispenser1. Additionally or alternatively, the enclosure of the substance60, in particular an air-tight enclosure thereof, may counteract that substance60can accidently leak out of a stored dispenser1, for instance when the substance is accidently heated to such extent that the substance60melts, for instance when present in a car parked in full sun.

A substance dispenser1according to the present invention may be manufactured in any suitable manner. However, it may advantageously be manufactured by a method comprising the steps of: providing a substance holder50, in particular a relatively flat substance holder; providing the substance holder50with a substance60, in particular a pliable and/or paste-like substance60, which preferably may comprise a cleaning agent, disinfectant, air freshener, and/or a descaling agent; and attaching, preferably adhering, a cover70, in particular a cover70formed by a release liner80, to the substance holder50and/or the substance60held therein, such as to cover the substance60at the top side of the substance holder50.

Preferably, at the bottom side of the substance holder50, the substance held in said substance holder50is covered by a bottom portion51of the holder50and/or by another part20,23of the substance dispenser1, such as an attachment zone23defined by a layer of film material20, in particular a layer of film material20which includes a flexible connecting part21for temporary connecting said connecting part21to a rim101of the flush bowl100.

During the manufacturing, a layer of film material20may be provided. A first portion thereof may be provided with the first adhesive31, for removably connecting the dispenser1to a rim101of a flush bowl100, and a second portion of said layer of film material20, which may define the attachment zone23, may be provided with the second adhesive32for adhering said attachment zone23to the substance60, preferably in substantially permanent manner. Further, one or more portions, for instance defining the peel-off zone22aor an intermediate part24, may be kept free of adhesive. The film material20may optionally be provided with a print at any suitable moment. For example after a portion of the release liner80covering the attachments zone23is removed, in case it was present there in the first place, the attachments zone23may be adhered to the holder50, for instance after a cup-shaped part of the holder is filled with substance60. However, the holder50may alternatively be provided with substance after it is attached to the attachment zone23, which for instance may be advantageous in case the holder is formed as mesh, sponge or textile structure or the like.

Further, in particular subsequently, an opposite side50bof the holder50may be adhered to the release liner80, in particular to a rear surface80bthereof. Thereto, said rear surface may for instance be provided with a pre-applied adhesive, which for instance may have been temporarily covered by a second release liner (not shown) covering such pre-applied second adhesive53temporarily, e.g. before the holder50is adhered to the main release liner80which, contrary to such optional second release liner, can still be present in the storage state of the substance dispenser1.

For instance in order to make the substance dispenser1relatively compact in its storage state, a portion of the layer of film material20and/or the release liner80on which it is carried, which portion extends beyond the portion adhered to the top side50bof the holder50, may be fold and/or bent over, for instance in a manner as is shown inFIG.2.

Subsequently, the substance dispenser1may be packed in a packaging, such as a small cardboard box, which may be dimensioned to relatively snugly fit around said substance dispenser1in its storage state.

It is noted that the Figures are merely schematically representations of embodiments. The thickness of different layers and other parts are for instance not to scale, and it will be appreciated that the layer of plastic film material20may for instance be thinner than the release liner80, while said release liner80may in turn may be thinner than the walls of the thermoformed container forming the substance holder50, whereas that is not derivable from the schematic drawings.

Further it is noted that for the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

Further, it is noted that the invention is not restricted to the embodiments described herein. It will be understood that many variants are possible.

For example, the adhesive may be in the form a glue applied directly to the layer of film material, but may alternatively be formed in a different manner, and may for instance be provided in the form of a double-side adhesive tape.

Such variants will be apparent for the person skilled in the art and are considered to lie within the scope of the invention as formulated in the following claims.