WO2016162660A1

WO2016162660A1 - Wrist-mountable soap dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2016162660A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/050791
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jessica WILSON; Christine Lee
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser Llc; Reckitt Benckiser (Brands) Limited
Priority date: 2015-04-08
Filing date: 2016-03-22
Publication date: 2016-10-13

Abstract

A wearable soap dispenser comprises a band; portion of soap; and an attachment means attaching the soap to the band; wherein said attachment means is user-breakable / frangible to release the soap from the band to enable at least one cleaning action.

Description

WRIST-MOUNTABLE SOAP DISPENSER DEVICE

The present invention provides a wrist-mountable soap dispenser. The Centers for Disease Control recommends frequently washing of ha nds with soap and water and/or use of a ha nd sanitizer as an effective way to prevent the tra nsmission of dangerous diseases.

If soap and water are not available, which is often the case; it is recommended to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. The alcohol content kills many different kinds of bacteria, including antibiotic resistant bacteria and TB bacteria. It also has high viricida l activity against ma ny different kinds of viruses, incl uding enveloped viruses such as the flu virus, the common cold virus, and H IV. Various a uthorities on disease believe that alcohol rubs are approximately 100 times more effective against viruses than any form of hand washing. When performing tasks that contain higher than usual risk, sanitizing the hands with increased frequency is advocated for effective disease control. U nfortunately many hand sanitizing dispensers are wall-mounted and may not be portable a nd th us a re inconvenient to use.

As a solution, ma ny consu mers prefer to carry a cleaning means around with them. This cou ld mean carrying a small piece of bar soap in their purse, pocket or briefcase. Alternatively ca rrying a sma ll bottle of hand sa nitizer with them, again, in their purse, pocket or briefcase; however often times these items are not ca rried on the person, once again leaving the individua l without easy access to sanitizing means. This may create un healthy conditions especial ly for parents of young child ren, the elderly, or those with weak immune systems. A device is needed that provides conven ient access to a personal supply of ha nd sanitizer in virtua lly all circumstances.

Various attempts have been made to solve the a bove-mentioned problems such as those fou nd in U .S. Pat. Nos. 7,316,332; 5,217,143; 4,736,876; 2008/0067193; 4,972,684; and

2004/0138631. This prior art is representative of hand sanitizer dispensers. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Thus, a need exists for a reliable portable system to provide an aesthetically-pleasing wrist- mountable soap dispenser and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wearable soap dispenser comprising:

a band;

portion of soap; and

an attachment means attaching the soap to the band;

wherein said attachment means is user- breakable / frangible to release the soap from the band to enable at least one cleaning action. Preferably the soap dispenser is wrist-mountable.

Alternatively the soap dispenser could be attachable to an article of clothing (e.g. such as a belt), or to accessory items such as a purse, totebag, knapsack, school bag, briefcase, cover or sleeve for an electronic device (such as a cell phone, tablet computer), umbrella or hat. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the soap dispenser is configured so that it can be affixed to a part of an article which is used to store meals, such as a midday, or evening meal. Such include lunchboxes, lunch bags, as the presence of the dispensing article directly associated with such provides a visual indicator and reminder to the user to treat their hands and other topical services using a topical composition from one or more of the unit dose reservoirs containing a treatment composition, immediately prior to enjoying a meal. [Whilst the term wrist is used and is a preferred feature of the invention it is to be understood that the dispenser could be worn around / adjacent another body part of a user, such as an ankle or neck]. This novel device of the invention allows individuals of virtually any age that have concerns about cleanliness and / or bacteria / germs to keep their hands clean whenever they feel their personal hygiene has been compromised. The comfortable bracelet dispenser allows for freedom of movement and easy, convenient access to personal soap. The design can be tailored to promote popular sports teams, universities, businesses or other such establishments.

This item can be produced in a manner that allows it to be refillable or disposable. The bracelet design could be available in several sizes and in an assortment of colors to suit user preferences. Companies, sports teams, schools and other establishments could display their colors, name or other emblems / logos. In connection with this feature (and independently thereof) the item may be used in a constructive yet creative / fun way as to encourage children to take part in regular hand washing.

The band may comprise any suitable material. However, for one or more of lightness, cost and comfort grounds preferably the band comprises a plastic material, e.g. polypropylene or poly- ethylene. The band may be formed of a plurality of (plastic) links, connected together. These may be connected by being interwoven or by some other mechanism such as gluing / welding. In this embodiment the links may be the same colour or may comprise a number of different colours styles to create an overall pattern on the band . Generally the attachment means comprises a line of breakable / frangible plastic material. In order to make the separation process easy for a user the line of breakable / frangible plastic material may contain a pre-formed weakness at a portion along its length. Preferably the soap is moulded / formed around the attachment means so as to be connected to be the band. Generally the soap comprises a portion of personal bar soap. The soap is primarily intended for a single use operation. As such it is preferred that the soap is dimensioned in the range of 0.1 to 20g. Preferably a single portion of soap is connected to the band. Alternatively a plurality of soap portions; e.g. from 2 to 10 soap portions maybe attached to the band.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of use of a dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention comprising carrying the dispenser to a desired locus worn on a user; breaking the frangible attachment means to release the soap from the dispenser; and performing a (personal) washing operation.

It will be understood that features of the first aspect of the invention shall be taken to apply to the second aspect of the invention mutandis mutatis.

In the method of use a supply of water may be required or the soap may be self-lathering.

The invention is now further described with reference to the following non limiting figures in which:-

Fig 1 is a plan view of a device according to the invention.

In Fig.l a device of the invention is shown which comprises a band (1) to which a portion of soap (2) is attached via a user- breakable / frangible attachment means (3).

The band (1) is formed of a plurality of plastic links which are woven together to make a suitably sized and comfortable band to be worn around a user's wrist.

Claims

1. A wearable soap dispenser comprising: a band;

portion of soap; and

an attachment means attaching the soap to the band;

wherein said attachment means is user- breakable / frangible to release the soap from the band to enable at least one cleaning action.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein said band comprises plastic.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein said band is formed of a plurality of plastic lin ks, connected together.

4. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attachment means comprises a line of breakable / frangible plastic material.

5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the line contains a pre-formed weakness.

6. A dispenser of any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the soap comprises a portion of personal bar soap.

7. A dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the soap is dimensioned in the range of 0.1 to 20g.

8. A method of use of a dispenser according to any one of claims 1-7 comprising carrying the dispenser to a desired locus worn on a user; breaking the frangible attachment means to release the soap from the dispenser; and performing a (personal) washing operation.