GB2440203A

GB2440203A - Device for adding a treatment composition to the water in a flushing cistern

Info

Publication number: GB2440203A
Application number: GB0614092A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alex Waldron
Original assignee: JANITOR Ltd
Current assignee: JANITOR Ltd
Priority date: 2006-07-15
Filing date: 2006-07-15
Publication date: 2008-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-15
Also published as: GB0614092D0; GB2440203B

Abstract

A sanitary flush arrangement comprises a housing (2) having a band of perforations (3) and a block structure (13) dissolvable in water. The block structure is partially wetted, in use, to a depth defined by the band of perforations. The housing includes an orientation feature to maintain the orientation of the arrangement to selectively wet the block structure for a desired progressive dissolution of the block structure.

Description

I

A Sanitary Flush Arrangement The present invention relates to sanitary flush arrangements and more particularly to flush arrangements utilised in systems for commercial or domestic lavatories for periodic dousing with disinfectant and/or deodoriser and/or cleaning agents.

It is known to provide flushing arrangements for urinals, lavatories and simi'ar installations in order to periodically wash the sanitary facility to avoid odours and for cleanliness. It will be appreciated that these flush systems generally fill over at a period of time with water and then as indicated, similarly periodically flush. In the periods that the system fills generally it is now accepted to provide a dissolvable block of disinfectant, deodorant and cleaning substances such that each flush not only presents a flow of water to cleanse the sanitary facility, but also provides some additional active features in terms of disinfecting, cleaning and deodorising that facility.

In the above circumstances it will be appreciated that flushing systems present two particular problems. One relating to the balance between providing a dissolvable block of sufficient size and that it will not be necessary to replace the block on too frequent a basis. It will also be understood with increasing concern with regard to water conservation, there is a desire to utilise low flush volume systems. Clearly, such low flush volume systems can be installed but the vast majority of current systems have relatively high capacity and therefore would necessitate a major refurbishment and replacement programme in order to install new lower flush volume systems.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided a sanitary flush arrangement comprising a housing having a band of perforations and a block structure dissolvable in water, the block structure partially wetted in use to a depth defined by the band of perforations and the housing including an orientation feature to maintain the orientation of the arrangement to selectively wet the blocks structure for a desired progressive dissolution of the block structure.

Typically, the housing is closed with a base end and a top end.

Generally, an air trap is provided within the housing to prevent wetting of the block structure above the band of perforations. Possibly, the base end is removable to allow insertion of the block structure. Advantageously, the block structure is secured to the base end. Possibly, the base end is secured to the housing by a screw thread.

Typically, the arrangement includes a ballast element. Normally, the top end has the ballast element to provide the orientation feature and/or stability for the arrangement. Typically, the ballast element comprises a sealed chamber. Generally, the sealed container includes a relatively heavy material or a volume of water to provide ballast for the arrangement Generally, the block structure comprises a plurality of block segments.

Possibly, all the block segments are of the same type. Alternatively, the block segments are grouped to provide in combination a desired effect. Possibly, the block segments are grouped in order to provide a sanitary effect, colour and/or cleaning.

Possibly, the block structure includes a part having a coloured dye indicative of near complete dissolution of the block structure.

Generally, the perforations comprise holes formed in a wall part of the housing. Normally, the holes are evenly distributed through the band of perforations.

Typically, the arrangement is located within a cistern and acts to limit displaceable volume upon flush evacuation of the cistern.

Generally, the arrangement is shaped to provide a wetted volume and depth for desirable dissolving volumes in the arrangement. Typically, the arrangement is generally cylindrical or bell shaped or conical.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing depicting a schematic transparent perspective view of an arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As indicated above, provision of a cistern and means for flushing urinals and lavatories has particular advantages in terms of controlling odours and cleaning those facilities. It will be understood that, particularly with respect to commercial facilities, the time period between replacing the necessary cistern blocks and also the amount of water utilised on each flush are important factors with respect to acceptability. Previous cistern blocks, as indicated above, typically comprise a dissolvable block of material which releases disinfectants, deodorants and other cleaning compounds with each flush volume. Traditional cistern blocks have had an operational life in the order of one month based upon typical commercial urinal or lavatory flush sequencing. Provision of a flush arrangement which has a longer life such as three months would be advantageous.

The accompanying drawing illustrates a sanitary flush arrangement I in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The arrangement I comprises a housing 2 having a band 3 of perforations including holes 4.

The housing 2 has a base end 5 generally secured upon a screw thread 6 to the housing 2 and a top end 7. In use the arrangement 1 is closed such that water which might enter and exit in the direction of arrowheads A is limited to a depth defined by the band 3 of perforations in wall portions of the housing 2.

It will be understood in such circumstances an air trap 8 is created by the orientation of the arrangement which prevents further ingress of water in the direction of arrowheads A through the holes 4 of the band 3.

In use the whole arrangement I will generally be submerged within a volume of water in a cistern such that the arrangement 1 to the depth 9 above a water level 10, defined by the band 3, therefore displaces water that would normally be presented within the cistern and therefore reduces the amount of water flushed as a displaceable flush volume in normal operation. In such circumstances conservation of water is achieved as a secondary aspect of aspects of the present invention.

In order to ensure that there is correct orientation of the arrangement 1 the arrangement 1 is appropriately stabilised and orientated. As part of that orientation a ballast section 1 is provided which is secured to the arrangement and has a seal 12. The ballast Ills formed in a chamber which, as indicated, is sealed and the ballast created either through a heavy material such as sand or loaded plastic or possibly through captured water. In any event, the arrangement 1 is generally kept upright and stably located within a cistern in use.

In accordance with particular aspects of the present invention, the arrangement 1 includes a block structure 13 which typically. takes the form of a number of block segments secured together. These block segments may be created in an integral block with an appropriate dissolvable adhesive between them or simply be located as separate rings upon a pole shown by broken line 14 extending from the base end 5. In any event, it will be noted that only a proportion of the block structure 13 is immersed and wetted by the water in the arrangement 1. In such circumstances, as will be appreciated, the block structure is made from a dissolvable material in order to release disinfectant, cleaning agents and deodorising agents as necessary into the water within the arrangement 1. In such circumstances, only the wetted parts of the block structure 13 will dissolve between flushing episodes and the remainder of the block structure 13 will remain in the air tap 8 and therefore substantially dry.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated in use the arrangement 1 Swill be loaded in a cistern or other flush receptacle in. the desired orientation and then water wiD pass into the arrangement i through the holes 4 of the band 3.

In such circumstances, immediately the welled portion of the block structure 13 will dissolve in order to release the desired agents as described above.

The remainder of the block structure 13 wifl be substantially dry and therefore will not dissolve. Over the course of repeated flushing it will be understood that the wetted parts of the block structure 13 will therefore dissolve and once sufficiently dissolved the remaining dry parts of the block structure 13 will fall in the direction of arrowhead B towards the base end 5 and so themselves become welled and able to release desired agents as described above. In the above circumstances the operational life of the arrangement 1 will be significantly extended from a simple wholly welled block as previously as a result of the provision of the air trap 8 and orientation aspects provided by the ballast 11 to ensure appropriate presentation of the block in use. It will be understood that without the air trap 8 water would at least wash the whole of the block 13 and therefore even though not consistently wetted, there would still be a premature erosion and dissolution of the block 13 reducing operational life.

The block structure 13, as indicated above, can generally take the form of a number of block segments but alternatively could be a large monolithic block allowed to slowly descend in the direction of arrowhead B towards the base 5 with a part initially kept substantially dry.

It will also be appreciated that the block structure 13 could wick water upwards so bands or films of insoluble material could be provided between segments of the block structure 13 to stop such wicking and so early degradation of the block structure 13.

In terms of loading the block structure 13 in the arrangement 1, as indicated above, typically the base end 5 will be detachable. The base end 5 may be secured through a screw thread 6 or be press fit upon the housing 2.

In either event, access to the interior of the arrangement 1 is provided to enable the block structure to be lowered in the arrangement 1. Although one block structure 13 is shown, it will be understood that several could be provided if required. Thus, agents which have different lengths of dissolution in the flush water may be provided with respective block structures 13 with each block structure having a length for descent In the direction of arrowhead B so that matching of the agent composition can be maintained over an operational life for the arrangement 1. Alternatively, the block structure 13 may be formed as indicated from block segments and the thickness of respective block segments for individual agents such as detergent, disinfectant, deodoriser and other cleansing agents varied dependent upon their respective dissolution rates. Furthermore, where required it will be understood that the block structure may comprise block segments or otherwise which have different lengths of dissolution dependent upon requirements. In such circumstances the initial segments of the block structure 13 may have a rapid dissolution rate to provide a relatively high concentration of detergent and other cleaning agents for initial high cleaning efficiency and then subsequent segments within the block structure 13 have a lower dissolution rate and therefore extend operational life for the arrangement 1 in order to simply then provide a maintenance function with regard to cleaning upon each flush.

Generally, the arrangement I will, as indicated, have a cylindrical shape and achieve a probable volume in the order of 600 milli litres. However alternative shapes may be provided including conical and bell shaped in order to alter the displaced volume reducing the displaceable volume upon flush evacuation of a cistern incorporating the arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention, It will also be understood the shaping of the arrangement and in particular the housing towards the band of perforations will adjust the dissolution volume within the arrangement. This may alter the rate of dissolution of the block structure 13 and therefore Operational life for the arrangement 1.

It will be understood in accordance with aspects of the present invention a sanitary flush arrangement is provided which generally allows greater life for the arrangement in operational use as well as conserves water.

By provision of an air trap 8 along with a limited width of wetting for a block structure 13 progressive and controlled release of cleaning and disinfectant agents can be provided. The actual width of the band 3 will to a significant extent, determine the rate of dissolution of the block structure 13. In such circumstances the width of the band 13 will be chosen dependent upon the height of the block structure 13 and rate of dissolution of that block structure 13. Generally, as shown in the drawing the holes 4 of the band 3 perforations will be evenly distributed. It will also be understood where possible the width of the band 3 may be adjusted in order to vary the height of the water within the arrangement 1 dissolving the block structure 13. Thus, bands or adhesives labels may be applied or removed as necessary in order to alter the dissolution height in the block structure 13. It will also be understood that moveable bands or adhesive coverings could also be of assistance with regard to avoiding contamination during transportation and storage of the block stacks and structures when they are located within the arrangement during such transportation. It will also be understood that if any significant proportion of the external surface of the housing 2 has a screw thread that the base end 5 or a separate band may be located upon the external periphery of the housing 2 in order to adjust the number or height of holes 4 exposed in the band 3 of perforations which define the wetted height upon the block structure 13. Nevertheless, it will be appreàiated that it is by providing a closed surface in the arrangement I above the band 3 that an air trap is created such that the block structure 13 above that water level 10 remains substantially dry and therefore will not dissolve. However, as the wetted part of the block structure 13 dissolves, the otherwise previously dry parts of the block structure 13 will descend into the water level and be wetted of appropriate dissolution.

By aspects of the present invention it will be understood that an arrangement 1 can be provided which has an extended operational life reducing maintenance costs.

The ballast 10 as indicated, will generally be provided in a closed chamber of the arrangement 1. The mass or weight of the ballast 11 will be chosen in order to ensure that the arrangement I remains stable within the cistern. It will also be understood that the ballast 11 can be relatively voluminous in order to adjust the displaced volume reducing the flush volume from the cistern during each flush action.

The block structure 13, as indicated, may comprise a number of block segments all of the same type or of differing types depending upon requirements. Furthermore, a block segment or band towards the upper end of the block structure 13 may have a particular colour dye which once that segment or portion or band of the block structure 13 enters below the water level 10 dissolves such that upon flushing a distinctive colour is provide indicating that a replacement block structure 13 or arrangement I is required within the cistern. This distinctive colour may simply be a colour change from the normal colour for the flush, that is to say blue or red with the remaining operative functions, that is to say disinfecting and cleansing and deodonsing provided by the block structure 13 in the flushed volume of water remaining the same.

As indicated above, generally the band 3 of perforations is formed by an even distribution of holes 4. However, it will be appreciated that if a combination of perforations only on one side of the arrangement as well as a bias and topple orientation created through appropriate presentation of the ballast then it may be possible to create a situation where even if the arrangement I does topple over, not all of the block structure 13 is immersed in water and an air trap is retained.

Modifications and alterations to the arrangement as described will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Thus for example rather than round hole apertures 4, slots or other shaped apertures could be provided with an uneven distribution. The block structure 3 may comprise generally disc shaped segments or may take an alternative shape as required.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A sanitary flush arrangement comprising a housing having a band of perforations and a block structure dissolvable in water, the block structure partially wetted in use to a depth defined by the band of perforations and the housing including an orientation feature to maintain the orientation of the arrangement to selectively wet the blocks structure for a desired progressive dissolution of the block structure.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing is closed with a base end and a top end.

3 An arrangement as claimed in claim I or claim 2 wherein an air trap is provided within the housing to prevent wetting of the block structure above the band of performations.

4. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the base end is removable to allow insertion of the block structure 5. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the block structure is secureo to the base end.

6. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the base end is secured to the housing by a screw thread.

7. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the arrangement includes a ballast element.

8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 7 wherein a top portion has the ballast element to provide the orientation feature and/or stability for the arrangement.

9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the ballast element comprises a sealed chamber.

10. An arrangement as claimed tn claim 9 wherein the sealed chamber includes a relatively heavy material or a volume of water to provide ballast for the arrangement.

11. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the block structure comprises a plurality of block segments.

12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein all the block segments are of the same type.

13. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein the block segments are grouped to provide in combination a desired effect.

14. An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the block segments are grouped in order to provide a sanitary effect, colour and/or cleaning.

15. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the block structure includes a part having a coloured dye indicative of near complete dissolution of the block structure.

16. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the perforations comprise holes formed in a wall part of the housing.

17. An arrangement as claimed in claim 16 wherein the holes are evenly thstnbuted through the band of perforations.

18. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the arrangement is located within a cistern and acts to limit displaceable volume upon flush evacuation of the cistern.

19. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the arrangement is shaped to provide a wetted volume and depth for desirable dissolving volumes in the arrangement 20. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the arrangement is generally cylindrical or bell shaped or conical.

21 A sanitary flush arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. Any novel sLibject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.