ITMI972113A1 - EQUIPMENT FOR HUMIDIFICATION AND / OR DISINFECTION BEFORE USE OF TOILET PAPER AND RELATED PROCEDURE - Google Patents

Description

Description of the patent application for industrial invention entitled:

Equipment for humidification and / or disinfection before the use of toilet paper and related procedure.

The invention concerns an equipment for humidification and / or disinfection, before use, of paper for hygienic use and the related procedure.

Many types of apparatus for storing and distributing paper for hygienic use are known, in particular the so-called toilet paper; mainly these are structures suitable for containing one or more rolls of toilet paper of various sizes with one or more plies in pure cellulose paper, smooth or embossed, not humidified. These equipment are designed above all to solve the problem of paper exhaustion and therefore linked to the need to keep distributors constantly supplied for it. As regards the effective hygiene of the toilet paper product or its possibility of being "ennobled" by providing the paper with additional characteristics that make it suitable for use, as well as for drying and brief cleaning, also for thorough cleaning , disinfect, refresh, care, something was conceived and produced only in the sector of the so-called "wet wipes", distributed in special containers to avoid the rapid evaporation of the substances they are soaked in. As regards the real toilet paper, that is, the paper in rolls for specific use, some equipment has been proposed that foresee the impromptu humidification of a part of the rolled toilet paper stored in them; some of these apparatuses are described in the following patents: DE PS 3601591, EP Al 0219981, FR 1091301, FR 1237556, FR 1392076, GB 964012, GB 1327954, US 3025829, EP Al 0744147, GB 2045722; all these patents, however, present solutions that are impractical and difficult to manufacture as well as unlikely to be functional; in fact, some of the patents cited provide for the immersion of toilet paper in a bath of detergent, deodorant or disinfectant substances (GB 1327954, GB 964012, EP Al 0219981), others provide for wetting the paper with pads or the like (DE PS 3601591, FR 1091301, US 3025829) and only some of them provide spraying systems or equivalent for paper treatment (FR 1392076, FR 1528715, FR 1237556, GB 2045722, EP Al 0744147) systems that are neither easy to implement nor practical use. The main purpose of the present invention is to produce an apparatus capable of "sanitizing" extemporaneously one or more portions of toilet paper in roll, adding them with detergent, disinfectant, refreshing, curative or other substances, or simply humidifying them, in a way practical and effective, which is achievable at reasonable industrial costs and which is of practical use.

These and other purposes are achieved by the apparatus according to the invention illustrated by way of indication but not of limitation in the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates the apparatus as a whole, without cover,

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an alternative device to the relief valves and the pressure detector;

Fig, 3 schematically illustrates a bladder safety system applicable to the pistons of syringe dispensers;

Fig, 4 schematically illustrates the locking system of the syringe dispensers cartridges.

As illustrated by way of example, the apparatus according to the invention consists of a box-like structure equipped with a lid inside which the following components are provided: at least one cylindrical container (1) for supporting a roll of paper ( 2) positioned in proximity to at least one pair of drive rollers (3, 3a) preceding a series of dispensers consisting of syringe cartridges (4, 4a, 4b), preferably three in number, containing detergents, disinfectants, curative or simply emollient; said cartridges (4, 4a, 4b) being connected, by means of three-way valves (VI, V2, V3) to an element (5), equipped with the nozzles (U) and covering the entire width of the paper (C) with exclusion of the lateral zones, arranged in proximity to at least one further pair of drawing rollers (3b, 3c) internally provided with electrical resistances (R1, R2); said pair of rollers (3b, 3c) being arranged in the immediate vicinity of the exit opening (6) of the end of the paper strip (C) near which there is a locking system (7) to hold the paper ( C) in position during the detachment from the roll, a detachment action that can be carried out manually (by tearing) or by means of a built-in cutter. The three-way valves (V1, V2, V3) can be split into three valves for the liquid flow and three valves for the relief of excess pressure, in addition both the three valves for the relief of excess pressure and the pressure detector , could be eliminated by adopting a simplified structure of the type illustrated in figure 2, in which the valve (V4) or safety bladder valve bleeds the predetermined pressure into a small collection tank (SF) divided into two separate self-compensating chambers by means of pre-ordered voltage (ML1, ML2). Advantageously, the dragging rollers (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) are equipped with motors (M, M1, M2, M3) able to press them with a different traction force and precisely: higher as regards the rollers (3, 3a) and lower for the rollers (3b, 3c) intended, the latter, to drag the paper (C) moistened by the action of the substances dispensed by the nozzles (U) of the element (5). The action of the nozzles (U) is to moisten the paper with special liquid substances by dripping, spraying or nebulization. The drawing rollers (3b, 3c) can also be made in such a way as to deliver, through microholes, different liquid substances.

Equally advantageously, the pistons (PI, P2, P3) of the cartridge and syringe dispensers (4, 4a, 4b) containing the substances to be dispensed are driven by the motors (MI, M2, M3), which are controlled by a microprocessor ( MP). Preferably the dispensers (4,4a, 4b) are inserted into the apparatus or dispenser for toilet paper according to the invention through a bayonet coupling system (fig. 4). The pistons (PI, P2, P3) of the cartridge dispensers (4,4a, 4b) are equipped with piston pressing arms (not shown).

Furthermore, the microprocessor (MP) also controls the activation of the three-way valves (VI, V2, V3) in response to the indications coming from the pressure detectors (RP1, R.P2, RP3) present in correspondence with the pipes (8, 8a , 8b) to allow excess pressure in the cartridge and syringe dispensers (4, 4a, 4b) to be vented.

The microprocessor (MP) also controls: the operation of the resistors (R1, R2) inserted inside the rollers (3b, 3c) for heating the moistened paper in response to indications of insufficient external temperature; the activation of a "courtesy" light based on the information provided by a special external photocell; the means for reporting the imminent exhaustion of paper and substances to be dispensed; the correct positioning of the card during the entire operating cycle and all the other programmable functions and can include the ability to recognize and execute voice commands; he will also be able to communicate with home-computers to request supplies of paper or cartridges, said dialogue being able to take place also through the lines of the electrical circuit present in the room where the equipment is installed.

The courtesy light is activated following the voltage drop on the electrical circuit to which the equipment is connected, detected by suitable detection means (not shown), such as a galvanometer or equivalent; in addition, the switching on of the courtesy light will be authorized by the special photocell which can perform two functions: that of twilight activator to turn on the courtesy light only when there is no voltage and it is dark and also serve to inform the microprocessor (MP) on the position and on the number of tear lines passed. In this way it is possible to optimally align the tear lines with the paper exit slot, asking the microprocessor (MP) to release a desired quantity of paper at will and to do this the microprocessor (MP) will count the lines of tearing past. By providing for the use of toilet paper rolls equipped with a bar code also showing the total number of tear lines present in the roll, the microprocessor (MP) would detect the information from this through the photocell. Preferably, three paper output options will be provided: short output, medium output, extra output, each corresponding to a predetermined number of tear lines. These three options can obviously be implemented in both the "wet" and dry phases and the choice can be made, depending on the characteristics of the equipment, either with manual control (buttons) or via voice commands. As previously indicated by the humidification action, the tear lines and the lateral bodies of the paper are excluded. The output paper will be separated from the roll after tearing or cutting after the paper itself has been internally blocked by the special stops (not shown) provided on both sides of the tear line. The cut is made by a special cutter (not shown) incorporated in the equipment at the paper exit slot.

In order to avoid possible leaks of sanitized liquids and their contact with the electrical part of the appliance, internal measures will be provided to isolate all the electrical components, furthermore the casing of the appliance will be closed in such a way as not to allow the introduction of fingers. or various objects inside, and the opening for maintenance will be provided through special security means such as keys, numerical control, magnetic control, voice print or other.

The microprocessor (MP) can be powered from the network, or with special replaceable and / or rechargeable batteries, and preferably will provide both power supply systems so as to allow the equipment to operate even in the absence of external power.

Last but not least, the apparatus according to the invention also comprises external controls for the manual actuation and release of the cylindrical roll-holder container (1), as well as push-button control means or the like (T, Tl), external indicators, for example a quadrant (Q), at least one porthole opening (O) for visual control of some functions such as for example the degree of exhaustion of the paper roll.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the cylindrical roll holder container (1) is hooked to a support (S) for contrasting the drawing rollers (3,3a) provided at the opposite end to that of the paper outlet opening from the apparatus according to the invention.

Advantageously, the roll holder cylinder (1) can be produced in the form of an interchangeable "cartridge" available with an incorporated paper roll.

Considering the possible practical applications, the equipment in question is provided with both means for its vertical fixing to the wall and with means for use on a flat support or for incorporation into any suitable piece of furniture.

With this equipment it will therefore be possible to carry out the impromptu "sanitation" procedure before using toilet paper or toilet paper including the following operations:

a) dispensing a portion of dry paper from a roll of paper appropriately supported inside a protected container,

b) dragging said portion of paper under a series of dispensers (syringe cartridges containing detergent, disinfectant, refreshing, curative substances, etc. pre-determined paper dispensed excluding tear lines and side areas,

c) automatic adjustment of the quantity and type of substance to be dispensed according to the operating characteristics of the dispensers and the needs of the user,

d) automatic ejection of the portion of humidified and / or disinfected and / or enriched paper with detergent and / or disinfectant and / or curative substances and consequent restart of the cycle starting from an operational "stand-by" situation awaiting the start command .

The invention achieves the desired purposes.

Dimensions, shape and materials may be any, as well as the details and details may be replaced by other equivalents without thereby departing from the protective scope of this patent as described above, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and claimed below.

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Claims (9)

CLAIMS 1) Equipment for humidification and / or disinfection before the use of toilet paper, characterized in that it comprises a box-like structure equipped with a lid inside which the following components are provided: at least one cylindrical container (1) for the support of a roll of paper (2) positioned in proximity to at least one pair of drive rollers (3, 3 a) preceding a series of dispensers consisting of syringe cartridges (4, 4a, 4b), preferably provided in number of three, containing detergent, disinfectant, curative or simply emollient substances; said cartridges (4, 4a, 4b) being connected, by means of three-way valves (VI, V2, V3) to an element (5), equipped with nozzles (U) and covering the entire width of the paper (C) with exclusion of the lateral zones, arranged in proximity to at least one further pair of drive rollers (3b, 3c) internally equipped with electrical resistances (R1, R2), said pair of rollers (3b, 3c) being arranged in the immediate vicinity of the opening exit (6) of the paper strip (C) in the vicinity of which there is a locking system (7) to hold the paper in position during the action of detachment from the roll. 2) Equipment for humidification and disinfection before the use of toilet paper, according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive rollers (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) are equipped with motors (M, MI, M2 , M3) designed to impart to them a different traction force and precisely: upper for the rollers (3, 3a) and lower for the rollers (3b, 3c) intended, the latter, to drag the moistened paper (C) to following the action of the substances supplied by the nozzles (U) of the element (5). 3) Equipment for humidification and disinfection before the use of toilet paper, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the pistons (PI, P2, P3) of the cartridge and syringe dispensers (4, 4a, 4b) containing the substances to be dispensed are driven by the motors (MI, M2, M3) which are controlled by a microprocessor (MP). 4) Equipment for humidification and disinfection before the use of toilet paper according to the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the microprocessor (MP) also controls the operation of the three-way valves (VI, V2, V3) in response to the indications coming from the pressure detectors (RP1, RP2, RP3) present in correspondence with the ducts (8, 8a, Bb) to allow the excess pressure to be vented in the cartridge and syringe dispensers (4, 4a, 4b). 5) Equipment for humidification and disinfection before the use of toilet paper according to the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the microprocessor (MP) also controls: the operation of the resistances (Ri, R2) inserted inside the rollers ( 3b, 3c) for heating the moistened paper in response to indications of insufficient external temperature; the activation of a "courtesy" light based on the information provided by a special external photocell; the means for reporting the imminent exhaustion of paper and substances to be dispensed; the correct positioning of the card during the entire operating cycle and all the other programmable functions and is powered both by the mains and by special replaceable and / or re-chargeable batteries. 6) Apparatus for humidification and disinfection before the use of toilet paper, according to the preceding claims, characterized by the fact of providing external controls for the manual operation and release of the cylindrical roll-holder container (1), means of push-button control or similar (T, Tl), external indicators, for example a quadrant (Q), and at least one porthole opening (0) for the visual control of some functions such as for example the dispensing of paper for control of the degree of consumption of the roll. 7) Equipment for humidification and disinfection before the use of toilet paper, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the roll holder cylinder (1) is hooked to a support (S) for contrasting the drive rollers ( 3, 3a) provided at the opposite end to that of the paper exit opening. 8) Equipment for humidification and disinfection before the use of toilet paper, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the roll holder cylinder (1) can be produced in the form of an interchangeable "cartridge" available with a roll of embedded card. 9) Procedure for humidification and disinfection before the use of toilet paper that can be implemented with the equipment according to claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that it includes the following automatic operations: a) dispensing a portion of dry paper from a roll of paper appropriately supported within a protected container, b) dragging said portion of paper under a series of dispensers (syringe cartridges containing detergent and / or disinfectant and / or refreshing and / or curative and / or emollient substances) programmed to distribute the the aforementioned substances in correspondence with pre-determined portions of the dispensed paper excluding the tear lines and the lateral areas, c) automatic adjustment of the quantity and type of substance to be dispensed according to the operating characteristics of the dispensers and the needs of the user, d) automatic ejection of the portion of humidified and / or disinfected paper and / or enriched with detergent and / or disinfectant and / or emollient and / or curative substances and consequent restart of the cycle starting from a pending operational "stand-by" situation start command.