MXPA06008323A - Device for dispensing a fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for dispensing a fluid at a locus comprises a reservoir (2) of fluid in liquid forni, a syphonic-action elongate liquid delivery means (12) having a proximal end (14) inside the reservoir adjacent the bottoni thereof and a distal end (16) from which the fluid is dispensed as a liquid or as a vapour.

Description

DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A FLUID FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid. In particular, it relates to a device for dispensing a liquid or vapor to a site, for example, a cleaning agent, a disinfectant, deodorant agent, a fragrance, an insecticide, an acaricide or an anti-allergen agent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In certain aspects, the invention relates to the dispensing of a cleaning liquid or disinfectant in a toilet or tank, or the like, as a container that contains water or that is washed with water. Various toilet bowl hygiene devices are known. Simple slow-dissolving disinfectant blocks are available for placement in a tank. Devices have been proposed to release loads of a disinfectant or cleaning agent, for placement in a tank. Often such devices are more than complicated, and with any product placed in a tank, a domestic employee can forget about it or it is slow to replace it when it is exhausted. Devices have also been proposed for fastening within the rim of a toilet bowl, to release loads of a disinfectant or cleaning agent directly into the toilet, in the action of tightening the seat of the toilet. Such devices have not gained acceptance. The devices are available, to be fastened inside the rim of a toilet bowl, which have disinfectant containing "frameworks" suspended inside the toilet bowl, and washed with water when the water is discharged into the toilet bowl. Such devices inside the toilet bowl are somewhat bulky and annoying, they can physically impede the good cleaning of the toilet bowl by the discharge of water, and it can be unpleasant to replace or fill. There is a need for a device which can dispense a liquid in a container over an extended period that remains visible to a domestic employee but does not require the presence of a bulky item within the container. In certain aspects the invention relates to the dispensing of a vapor in an air space. Despite the plethora of devices available to dispense fragrances, insecticides and the like vapors all have disadvantages and therein lies the need for a simple, reliable device for this purpose.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for distributing a fluid to a site, the device comprises a fluid reservoir in liquid form, siphon action elongated liquid supply means having a proximal end within the reservoir adjacent to the bottom thereof and one end of the distal from which the fluid is distributed as a liquid or as a vapor. The device can be one in which the fluid is distributed from the distal end as a liquid. Such a device may include a humidifier in the use of a liquid distributed from the distal end. A device of the present invention can be adapted to distribute a liquid in a container, the device having means for securing the device adjacent to the container rim with the reservoir outside the container and with the distal end of the liquid delivery means inside the container. For example, the container may be the toilet bowl, which typically has the ring generally horizontal. Alternatively the container may be the tank of a toilet bowl, When the container is a toilet or tank the liquid may be any useful liquid that releases a fragrance and / or disinfects and / or cleanses and / or descaling, and / or It inhibits the formation of tartar, of the toilet or tank. The term "cleaning liquid" will be used to denote all such liquids. A device according to the invention can be used in other situations in which it is desired to dispense a liquid into a container, of a deposit located outside the container. For example, the device can be a convenient way of dispensing an anti-corrosive liquid into the cooling water tank of a central heating system. The invention can be used in the domestic or industrial context. Alternatively, the device can be a convenient way of dispensing a treatment agent in a waste container, for example, such as garbage / refuse cans (which can be used inside or outside the building). Preferred examples of treatment agents for this embodiment include fragrances, malodor treatment agents, biocides, bactericides and fertilizers. The invention can be used in the domestic or industrial context. In a further alternative, the device may be a convenient way of dispensing a cleaning agent into a container that is used with a cleaning element, for example such as a mop and a bucket. In this case, the liquor inside the cleaning container can at least be partially reactivated with an active agent. Preferred examples of active agents for this embodiment include surface cleaning, bleaching, surface polishing / waxing compounds. The invention can be used in the domestic or industrial context. Similarly, the device can be used to distribute an asset in an automatic washing machine (eg, a dish washer) or an asset (such as food or a cleaning agent) in a fish tank. Preferably the means for securing the device adjacent to the rim of the container can secure the device towards the rim of the container. Such suitable means comprise a part extending over the ring and a part extending downwardly therefrom, inside the container, in use. Preferably, the device is characterized by a generally U-shaped opening adapted to be resiliently engaged above the ring, in use. A tip of the U-shaped opening can be defined, in whole or in part, by a wall of the tank. Preferably, when the means for securing the device to the container ring comprises a portion extending above the collar and a portion extending inwardly from the container, in use, the elongated liquid supply means is in contact with each one of those parts. In such embodiments, the reservoir is preferably of some flat shape, so that it projects only a short distance to the side of the container rim; thus, its thickness will preferably be less than its height, and less than its width. In other embodiments the device may be such that the fluid is dispensed from the distal end as a vapor, for example an insecticide, insect repellent, an acaricide, deodorizer, fragrance or anti-allergenic vapor. The steam can be directed to an emanation pad or emanation device. The device can be such that a user begins the supply, but such that once the supply has started, it continues without the additional action of the user. In an alternative embodiment, the device can be started on its own, and after it is removed from its packaging and placed in its action position. For example, it can be sold as a previously primed device. For example, delivery begins by tearing or piercing a sheet, or sheets to expose the distal end, and discharging the hole by means of a valve. The device may include a means that can be operated with the hand of a person to prime the siphon action supply means, and thus the delivery begins. Said means will typically operate to reduce the volume of the deposit. Suitably, the means of venting or discharging by means of a valve is provided to allow air to enter the container once it begins to dispense the substance. The elongated supply medium of liquids can be piped, preferably plastic-coated. Preferably, the internal cross-sectional area of the tubing does not exceed 12mm2. Preferably, it does not exceed 5mm2. More preferably it does not exceed 2mm2. Very preferably it does not exceed Imm2. Preferably, its interior cross-section is at least lmm2 or at least O.lmm2, more preferably at least 0.3mm2, and most preferably at least 0.5m2. Conveniently, it may have a circularly cylindrical perforation. The elongated supply means of siphoning liquids may be a means of capillary feeding, the capillary feeding means preferably being of minimal cross-sectional area not exceeding 10mm2. Suitably, such a capillary feed means has one or more linear capillary paths. Preferably, the or each linear capillary path extends longitudinally along the capillary feed means (in other words, parallel to the axis of the capillary feed means). Preferably, such a capillary feeding means has an identical transverse sectional figure, internally and externally, along its length (a fibrous body does not have the same inner cross section along its length, which has as a relation to the fiber or the filament ends). Preferably, the or each linear capillary path has a cross section of identical shape and size along its length. However, the cross-sectional area may vary in principle. When referring to a minimum cross-sectional area it refers to the smallest cross-sectional area presented between the proximal and the distal end of a capillary feed means of variable cross section. Suitably a capillary feed means having one or more linear capillary paths is a longitudinally formed body. Preferably, it is a body formed by extrusion (even a body made of several parallel extrusions fused together). Preferably, it is formed of plastic material. A capillary feed means may have one or more linear capillary paths, for example, longitudinal grooves or grooves, formed on its outer surface. For example, the outer surface may be generally cylindrical, suitably circularly cylindrical, superimposed on the cylindrical surface, which may be longitudinal grooves or grooves. In another embodiment, the capillary feeding means may be polygonal in cross section, with each polygonal face and / or longitudinal edges having longitudinal grooves or grooves in turn. When it refers to the cross-sectional area, refers to including the area of such external grooves or grooves. In practical terms the cross-sectional area of the externally indented capillary feed means can, for the purpose of this detailed description, by considering the area limited by a length of a filament wrapped around the capillary feed means. Alternatively, a capillary feed means may have one or more internal linear capillary paths.

A capillary feed means may have one or more linear capillary paths formed on its outer surface and one or more inner capillary paths. A preferred capillary feeding medium has one or more inner linear capillary paths. In other embodiments, a capillary feeding medium may be of consolidated fibrous form, for example, of consolidated cellulose or plastic fibers. The fibers can be joined together to obtain rigidity. Convenient as a capillary feed means, for example, it can be a fibrous body of the type used as an ink feeder and the tip writing in "as a pen tip". Preferably, a capillary feed means is of a material that is relatively stiff, and self-supporting, when formed within a long, thin body. By "relatively rigid" the following can be described. If you consider a means of capillary feeding sustained horizontally, with the. region of the distal end projecting from the fingers, can be considered to be "relatively stiff" if it remains straight under its own weight, and does not bow or tilt down more than 1 cm, when projected 3cm beyond the fingers . A preferred capillary feeding means does not bow or tilt down more than 1 cm, when projecting 5 cm, more preferably 10 cm, beyond the fingers, when held. Suitable materials for a capillary feed medium include plastic materials, including acrylics, polyamides, polyacetals (especially polyoxyethylene) and polyolefins (especially polypropylene); in the case of a longitudinally formed capillary feed medium, and cellulose and polyester, in the case of a fibrous capillary feed medium. Preferably, the minimum cross-sectional area of a capillary feed means is at least about 0.1 mm2, more preferably at least about 0.18 mm2, and most preferably at least about 0.25 mm2. Preferably the minimum cross-sectional area of a capillary feed means is not greater than about 8mm2, more preferably not more than about 5mm2, more preferably still, not more than about 4mm2. In the case of longitudinally formed capillary feed means, the cross-sectional area can not be greater than about 2 mm2, and, especially, not greater than 1 mmX. Preferably, the diameter of a capillary feed means is in the range of 0.1-3mm, more preferably 0.5-2mm. By "diameter" is meant the proper diameter, when a capillary supply means is circularly cylindrical (as preferred), and the maximum diameter, when it is not. It has been shown above that by the use of a convenient capillary feeding means, it means that the device can be self-priming. Suitably, a capillary feeding means can be encased in a plastic cap tube, but in such a way that its distal end region is exposed. Preferably, the device is such that the person undertakes the priming of the means for supplying siphon-action liquids (when required), it also opens the valve discharge means of the reservoir. For example, by means of a user action the volume of the reservoir can be reduced to begin supplying the fluid and at the same time, or immediately after, a seal is broken, or the reservoir that previously was discharged in some other way. It was sealed from the atmosphere. The delivery rate of the device can be determined by one or more of the following: - The viscosity of the liquid - The pressure head - The valve discharge air flow (which can be adjustable). - The size and design of the liquid supply means. The device is preferably in such a way that once its operation has begun, it operates without the help of a person, but can be acted by a person to dispense an extra load of fluid. The reservoir may have a flexible wall by means of which, the reservoir may be compressed to prime the siphon-action liquid supply means, and / or to dispense an extra fluid charge. When the device is used to dispense a liquid into the toilet bowl, the liquid supply means may be provided with a means preventing dripping from the distal end into the toilet. For example, such means can be an absorbent part, i.e., a sintered plastic material, or a fibrous material, or a foam material. Alternatively, the arrangement may be such that a run-off occurs, but the liquid is colorless, or is a color that is acceptable to consumers, for example blue. Such a part can also be used as a vapor emanator in other embodiments, wherein a volatile liquid emanates from the distal end of the liquid supply means. In some embodiments such a part may align a partially open box within which the device is located, in use. Preferably, the liquid within the reservoir is of a type that does not evaporate, to leave a crystalline material or other solid residue. Preferably, it does not dry. More preferably it contains a humectant. Preferably, the deposit is narrow in its bottom. More specifically, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the reservoir is at least adjacent to the bottom of the reservoir. Preferably, the reservoir tapers in a downward direction. The tank can carry an external, removable faceplate. The front plates of colors and / or alternative designs may be available, so that a person in charge of household chores can choose a front face that matches their decoration. According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for dispensing a fluid to a site, using a device as defined above. Now, the invention will be described with reference to the attached figures: BRIEF DESCRIPTION D? THE FIGURES Figure 1 shows, in schematic cross-sectional view, a device according to the invention, for dispensing the cleaning liquid to the bottom of a toilet; Figure 2 shows, in front elevation view, the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows, in perspective view, an alternative component for use in a device as shown in Figure 1 and; Figure 4 shows, in schematic cross-sectional view, a device according to the invention, for dispensing a vapor in an air space; and Figure 5 shows, in schematic cross-sectional view, an additional device according to the invention, for dispensing a vapor in an air space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The device shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a reservoir 2 and a flexible elastic staple formation generally indicated as 4, fixed to the reservoir. The tank has a rear wall 6 which, during use, is adjacent to the edge of the toilet, and a convex front wall 8, whose curves are around to meet the rear wall 6. The tank is sealed by a higher cover 10. A very thin tube 12 runs through the reservoir, through the lid 10, and thence along the staple formation 4, forming integrally with the staple formation or secured to the staple formation. The tube has a proximal end 14 at the bottom of the reservoir, and a distal end 16, which is below the end of the staple formation 4, and below the level of the bottom of the reservoir. The lid 10 is provided on its upper surface with a ventilation hole (not shown) which at the time of purchase, is covered or capped in a sealed manner by means of an aluminum strip that can be peeled off (not shown). The tube 12 passes through the lid in a sealed manner. The deposit is formed of a flexible plastic material. It contains a cleaning liquid whose surface is indicated by number 18. The reservoir tapers in a downward direction, being narrower at the bottom, and the proximal end 14 of the tube is very close to the narrow bottom of the reservoir, in order to be able to dispense almost all the cleaning liquid inside the tank. The staple formation has a shorter end 20, secured to the upper region of the rear wall 6 of the tank, a longer end 22 and, between the ends 20 and 22, a connecting net 24. The rear wall 6, limbs 20 and 22 and the connecting grid 24, thus define a generally U-shaped opening, facing downward, and by means of this opening, the device can be easily secured above the toilet rim. The extremity 22 is somewhat curved, as shown in Figure 1, in its inactive position, being closer to the rear wall of the reservoir in its middle region, and beyond the rear wall of the reservoir at its extremities. It is dimensioned in such a way that a person in charge of household chores can adjust the device to the toilet ring by means of a simple downward movement, during which the hoop will engage with the extremity 22 and cause it to flex a little out of the tank . When the toilet ring touches the connecting mesh 24, the device has been adjusted and in this position the extremity 22 somehow moves from its inactive position, thus providing a holding force. The ends 20, 22 and the connecting mesh 24 are in the form of a strip or band and are molded together from a suitable plastic material. Once the device has been located on top of the toilet ring, the cleaning fluid supply begins as follows.

The flexible front wall 8 is pressed towards the rear wall 6 to reduce the volume of the reservoir. This drives some of the cleaning liquid out of the tube and out of the distal end 16, and into the toilet. The outer wall 8 is released, and at the same time the peelable sheet is torn to allow discharge to the tank. By this means, it is possible to prime the tube and continues supplying the cleaning fluid slowly and continuously, by a siphoning action. The rate of supply of the cleaning liquid depends on several factors, including the height of the distal end 16, with respect to the reservoir, the thickness of the tube, and the viscosity of the cleaning liquid. The rate of supply of the cleaning liquid and the size of the tank are preferably selected, such that the continuous supply takes place over an extended period, for example about 6-30 days, and preferably around 20 days, before it runs out the cleaning liquid. If desired, the valve discharge can be provided with a regulator to alter the air flow velocity inwards. In other embodiments, alternative valves, of different sizes, covered by their respective peel-off sheet strips can be provided. Through this means, the liquid feeding speed can be selected.

If the user requires it, at any time, after the start, he can press the flexible front wall to dispense a discrete charge of the cleaning liquid. It will be appreciated that the cleaning liquid will drip from the distal end 16. By. cosmetic reasons, in this mode, the cleaning liquid is colorless. The front wall 8 of the tank can be molded with a decorative motif, for example with a design of shells, leaves or fish. In the modality shown, it is molded with an oyster shell motif. Alternatively, it may be flat in appearance but with the ability to carry a removable faceplate. In said modalities, front plates or colors and / or alternative designs are available, so that the person in charge of household chores can adapt the appearance of the device to its decoration. In other embodiments, the device may be such that the measurement taken to begin the supply of liquid may act both to drive the fluid through the tube and, at the correct time, to discharge the reservoir into the atmosphere. In other embodiments, means may be provided to prevent dripping of the distal end 16 and / or means for capturing drips; for example a drip tray and / or an absorbent pad or block. In one experiment, the delivery solution was a 2% w / w solution of a sodium alginate, PROTANAL LF 20/40 available from FMC Biopolymer of Drammen, Norway. This was added to the deionized water, and stirred until the PROTANAL was integrated into the solution. Its viscosity was 889 mPas. 50ml of the solution was poured into a tank. The inner diameter of the silicone plastic supply tube was Imm and the initial pressure head - the difference in height between the liquid level and the outlet of the tube was 90mm. It was found that the deposit took 163 hours to empty. In contrast, with deionized water - of viscosity 1 mPas - to the tank it took 20 minutes to empty. In another experiment, a 1% w / w solution of PROTANAL LF 20/40 was prepared as described above. Its viscosity was 117 mPas. A silicone plastic supply tube with an inner diameter of 0.5mm was used. When the initial pressure head was 150mm, the deposit took 195 hours to empty. When the initial pressure head was 100mm, the deposit took 15 days to empty. A further embodiment of the invention intended for the supply of a cleaning liquid to a toilet tank is equal to the device shown in Figures 1 and 2, only that the connecting mesh 24 is much shorter, due to the narrow ring of a typical tank. In such an embodiment, the cleaning liquid is preferably a colored liquid, for example a blue liquid. In such an embodiment, the tube, or other elongated supply means, may have its distal end above the highest water level in the tank (but below the bottom of the device reservoir); in which case it operates in the same manner as the device shown in Figures 1 and 2. Alternatively, it may have its distal end immersed in the water in the tank when the water is at its highest level, in which case the fluid supply to clean it takes at intervals, only when the toilet bowl is discharged and the water level in the cistern goes down, below the distal end of the tube. An extensive method, also with a short connection network, is to dispense a sanitizing liquid progressively into a waste receptacle, for example a trash can, a diaper jar, a cooking pot or a can for disposal of medical or veterinary products. . In an extended modality a capillary tube is used, instead of a very thin (but not capillary) tube.

The capillary tube used is that shown in the perspective view in Figure 3. It is generally circularly cylindrical, and has no internal capillary path or paths. It is an extrusion monofilament-out of a relatively rigid polyacetal material, is available from Aubex Corporation of Japan. It has a series of external longitudinal capillary paths 46 in the form of eleven grooves whose depth is greater than its width, and through which the liquid can be effectively released by the capillary effect. The diameter of the longitudinally formed body shown in Figure 3 is 0.6mm. The slots are approximately 0.15mm deep and approximately 0.04mm wide. This capillary feed means is self-priming and has the ability to transfer all liquid from the reservoir to the container. An extended embodiment, shown in Figure 4, also has a liquid reservoir 2 whose surface is shown as 18, but emits it as a vapor from the distal end of the elongated delivery medium. The elongated supply means is a capillary tube as shown in Figure 3. The reservoir 2 is decorative in appearance, for example having a front plate shape to connote a fruit, when the fragrance is a fruit. The reservoir is surmounted by a lid 10 having a pinhole opening 24 exposed by peeling off a metal foil (not shown). The capillary tube has a proximal end 14 within the adjacent reservoir 12 its base and distal end 16 outside the reservoir, lower than its base. The distal end is bent forward so that the vapor dispensing is not close to the surface on which the device in use is held. The proximal and distal ends are the ends of the respective, generally, parallel limbs. There is only a very short connection network 26 between these extremities, this connection network passes through a side wall of the cover 10. The end outside the reservoir, which ends at the distal end, is also located near the reservoir. The distal end 16 of the capillary tube can be flat, as shown (i.e., not unlike any other portion of the capillary tube) or it can end in an emanator from which the liquid evaporates, or the liquid can drip to a separate emanator from which the liquid evaporates. A suitable emanator for example comprises a sintered ceramic or plastic blocks, a piece of fiber, a fabric, or a foam pad. A suitable emanator may, for example, comprise a sintered ceramic or plastic blocks, a piece of fiber, a fabric, or a foam pad.

The back plate of the reservoir carries an adhesive pad 28, which covers the outer end of the capillary tube, with the outer end being nested in an opening or slot formed in the pad. The liquid in the embodiment of Figure 4 is of a type that can be evaporated to yield a vapor that modifies the desired air. The vapor may have insecticidal, insect repellent, acaricidal, anti-allergenic, deodorizing or fragrance properties, or any other property that modifies the desired air. The liquid contains a humectant to prevent it from drying out from the distal end. To use the device of Figure 4 the user peels off the foil to expose the pinhole opening 24, pulls out a cover (not shown) covering the distal end of the capillary tube, peels off a cellophane foil (not shown) to expose an adhesive surface of a pad 28, and stick the device on a suitable surface with the distal end in the lowermost part. The device performs a self-priming, due to the capillary action of the tube. When the liquid evaporates from the distal end, more fluid is withdrawn from the reservoir, until the liquid is eventually exhausted.

The embodiment in Figure 5 is the same as that in Figure 4, where similar parts have been given similar reference numbers, except for the features now mentioned. The reservoir is flat and is enclosed in a box 30 open at its upper end, the opening 32 which is indicated schematically in Figure 5 by dotted lines. The deposit is secured removable inside the box by means of clamps 31, from which the tank can be raised, in order to replace it with a full tank. The box has a decorative front wall 33 and a rear wall 34 which has been fixed to an adhesive pad 36. The box is lined inside with an absorbent material 38; for example a cloth, a piece of fiber, or foam sheet. While the device in Figure 4 is designed to dispense all of the liquid by vaporization directly, from the distal end of the capillary, the device of Figure 5 is designed to dispense the liquid by both vaporization directly from the distal end and from the material absorbent, or by means of the liquid that has dripped slowly (as in 40) from the distal end, together with the absorbent material.

Claims (19)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as property:
2. CLAIMS 1.- A device for dispensing a fluid to a site, the device comprises a fluid reservoir in liquid form, an elongated liquid supply means siphoning a proximal end into the reservoir adjacent the bottom thereof and an end distal from which the fluid is dispensed such as a liquid or as a vapor. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid is dispensed from the distal end as a liquid.
3. 3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the device includes a part moistened by the use of the liquid dispensed by the distal end, from the part through which the liquid passes to the site to be treated.
4. 4. The device according to any of the preceding claims, adapted to dispense a liquid in a container, the device having means for securing the device adjacent to the rim of the container with the reservoir outside the container and with the distal end of the medium of liquid supply inside the container.
5. 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the means for securing the device on the ring comprises a part that extends above the ring of the container and a part extending from there downwardly inside the container, in use.
6. 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the liquid supply means is in contact with each of said parts.
7. 7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the device defines a generally U-shaped opening adapted to be flexibly coupled above the ring, in use.
8. 8. The device according to any of the preceding claims, which is a sanitizing device of a sink adapted to be secured on the bowl ring of the sink.
9. 9. The device according to claim 1 or 7, adapted to secure on the rim of a toilet cistern.
10. 10. - The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid is dispensed from the distal end as a vapor.
11. 11. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device includes a means that can be operated by the hand of a person to prime the siphon-action liquid supply means.
12. 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the reservoir has a flexible wall by means of which the reservoir can be compressed to prime the siphon-action liquid supply means.
13. 13. The device according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the device is self-priming.
14. 14. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid supply means is plastic tubing.
15. 15. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid supply means is capillary feed.
16. 16. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises an absorbent body on which the liquid passes from the distal end.
17. 17. The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid is of a type that does not dry at the distal end to leave a solid residue.
18. 18. A method of distributing a fluid to a site, using a device according to any of the preceding claims.
19. 19. A device or method as described substantially with reference to the accompanying figures.