GB2327096A

GB2327096A - Chemical dispenser device for toilet cistern

Info

Publication number: GB2327096A
Application number: GB9810948A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony James Patrick Hobbs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-06-07
Filing date: 1998-05-22
Publication date: 1999-01-13
Also published as: GB9810948D0

Abstract

A device comprising a container 10 having an aperture and adapted to be positioned within the cistern of a toilet to reduce the capacity thereof and at least partially filled with a charge of a soluble chemical formulation 11 which diffuses to be discharged each time the toilet is flushed.

Description

Water Conservation Device This invention concerns a water conservation device.

The use of a brick or water-filled bag to reduce the capacity of a toilet cistern is widely practised.

The present invention is based on an appreciation of the possibility of utilising a capacity reducing device additionally as a dispenser for desired chemicals each time the toilet is flushed.

According to the present invention, there is provided a water conservation device comprising a container having an aperture and adapted to be positioned within the cistern of a toilet to reduce the capacity thereof and at least partially filled with a charge of a soluble chemical formulation which diffuses to be discharged each time the toilet is flushed.

The formulation may comprise a disinfectant, antiseptic, detergent, fragrance, air-freshening and colouring agent or combination thereof.

The container may be of plastics and flexible.

The invention will be further apparent from the following description, with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawing, which show, by way of example only, three forms of device embodying same.

Of the drawing Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a first device positioned within a toilet cistern; and Figure 2 shows a cross-section through a second device positioned within a toilet cistern.

Referring now to Figure 1, it will be seen that the first form of device comprises no more than an open-topped cup 10 of plastics material which is positioned on the base B of the cistern and which is initially filled with a tablet 11 of a water soluble chemical composition comprising one or more of desired agents such as disinfectant, antiseptic, detergent, fragrance, colouring and air-freshening.

Each time the cistern fills (following a flush) the upper surface of the tablet 11 is exposed to the newly admitted water and some of its volume dissolves into that water to be discharged on the next flush.

It should be noted that the capacity of the cistern is reduced by the entire volume of the container 10 regardless of the quantity of the tablet 11 which has been consumed.

In general, the container 10 would be discarded and replaced when the tablet 11 is completely dissolved, but re-fillable containers, perhaps having a snap-on or screw lid with an aperture of desired size, are contemplated.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, wherein like parts are indicated with like reference numerals, the container 10 has a closed top 12 and a side aperture 13 above the top ofthe tablet 11 when new and below the water level in the cistern when full. The aperture may be exposed by a removable adhesive tab.

Each time the cistern is refilled, the formulation diffuses through the aperture 13. On the next flush the dosed water is discharged along with that within the container above the aperture 13.

Again, the device may be disposable or have a snap-on or screw lid to enable tablet replacement.

In a modification the formulation is provided within an inner container 30 shown in chain-dotted lines in Figure 2 provided with an aperture 31 communicating with the interior of the container. In this way, the rate of diffusion of the formulation can be restricted and controlled by the size of the aperture 31 having regard to the nature of the formulation.

It will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the invention to the above example only, many variations, such as might readily occur to one skilled in the art, being possible, without departing from the scope thereof.

Both containers may be of flexible plastics to enable them to be fitted around other components within the cistern, in which event the formulation may be in the form of a liquid, gel, or particulate mass.

Claims

1. A water conservation device comprising a container having an aperture and adapted to be positioned within the cistern of a toilet to reduce the capacity thereof and at least partially filled with a charge of a soluble chemical formulation which diffuses to be discharged each time the toilet is flushed.

2. A water conservation device according to claim 1 wherein the container is in the form of an open-topped cup.

3. A water conservation device according to claim 1 wherein the container has a closed top and a side aperture below the water in the cistern when full.

4. A water conservation device according to claim 3 wherein the chemical formulation is provided within an inner container positioned within the container and having an aperture communicating with the interior of the container.

5. A water conservation device according to any preceding claim wherein the formulation comprises a disinfectant, antiseptic, detergent, fragrance, air-freshening, colouring agent or combination thereof.

6. A water conservation device according to any preceding claim wherein the or each container is of plastics and flexible.

7. A water conservation device according to any preceding claim wherein the formulation is in the form of a solid tablet.

8. A water conservation device according to any one of claims 1-6 wherein the formulation is in the form of a liquid, gel or particulate mass.