Patent Application
20230165994
The present invention relates generally to odor masking devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an effervescent tablet designed to be dropped in a toilet bowl or other plumbing fixture for masking unwanted odors arising out of a toilet bowl or plumbing fixture. The effervescent tablet is small and compact in size and can be easily carried in purses, backpacks, satchels and concealed by an individual. The tablet has natural composition and is safe for toilet bowls, plumbing and septic systems. The tablet offers a way to disguise restroom, bathroom, and other plumbing odors in public areas like gyms, schools, cafes, and other public areas. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, bathroom odors can be overpowering and embarrassing, especially in public spaces such as gyms, schools, hotels, convention centers, restaurants and other places. Many individuals are reluctant to use a public restroom without the ability to conceal the odors they may leave behind. Also, people are reluctant to use smelly restrooms. Generally, before and after using a restroom, people want to mask the unpleasant smell and therefore, use a variety of methods for removing and masking the odors or other undesirable smells. For example, individuals open windows for natural ventilation, spray an air freshener or use liquid spray products on toilet bowl seat, in the bathroom or other areas where such odor may be encountered. However, these methods may not be effective and some of them require an individual to carry a spray device which may not always be possible for the individual, such as when traveling by air where the amount of liquid that may be carried is limited. The individual is required to carry a bag to carry the device. It is also embarrassing for a person to carry such air fresheners while going to the restroom. In some restrooms, such devices are provided, but people are hesitant to touch and use them because of hygiene issues. Often such air fresheners may be empty, broken or otherwise inoperative. People desire a new product to eliminate bathroom smells and odors before and after use and that can be carried and concealed easily in purses, waistbands, clothing, wallets, pockets, boots, and even in phone cases.
As stated earlier, people face the problem of encountering restroom odors in public areas like gyms, schools, cafes, and other public areas and people may not be carrying spray or other odor-diffusing devices with them. Further, these devices are expensive to purchase and difficult to use. Accordingly, people become reluctant to use such public restrooms and other areas. People desire a specific product that can be used with toilet bowls and plumbing fixtures to eliminate odors before and after use of the restroom.
Many products that are used with toilet bowls and other plumbing, such as, sinks, bidets, septic systems, sump pits and the like for removing odor, are usually acidic in nature and have very low pH. Such products can be detrimental to porcelain fixtures such as, toilet bowls, toilet seats, bidets, sinks and other plumbing bases and therefore, people desire a fragrant product that is safe for plumbing fixtures such as toilet bowls, bidets and septic systems.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved solution that can effectively disguise odorous bathrooms. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a fragrance providing device that can be easily used in restrooms, bathrooms, and other areas and specifically with toilet bowls and bidets. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fragrant product that can be easily and conveniently carried by an individual in a pocket, sachet, or in a purse. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a scent product that is safe for toilet bowls, bidets and septic systems. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a product that is easy to use and does not leave any residue in the plumbing fixture after use. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a way that easily disguises or conceals restroom odors in public areas like gyms, schools, cafes, hotels, convention centers, restaurants, and other public spaces.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an effervescent tablet for eliminating or reducing odorous bathroom smells. The effervescent tablet has a composition comprising sodium bicarbonate, natural oil and vinegar in powder or granule form. The effervescent tablet, when dropped into a toilet bowl, bidet or other plumbing fixture, is diluted to create an effervescence; and the tablet, upon dilution, emits a pleasant and odor masking scent to mask or conceal unwanted odors that may be found in a restroom after use. The tablet is small and discreet and can be highly portable. Preferably, the tablet is coin size, ranging from 0.7 inches to about 1.2 inches with about 0.8 inch to about 1 inch being preferred and can be concealed in purses, waistbands, clothing, wallets, pockets, boots, and even in phone cases.
In this manner, the effervescent tablet of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with dissolvable wafers for use in bathrooms to eliminate smells and odors. The tablet contains natural ingredients, is easy to use and rapidly dissolves with no greasy build up in toilets, bidets, sinks and other plumbing fixtures. The tablet features a small, compact design which is easy to conceal and carry on the go and can be used in restrooms or other facilities located in public areas.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an effervescent tablet for disguising or concealing odorous bathroom smells. The effervescent tablet includes sodium bicarbonate, natural oil and vinegar in a powder or granule form. The effervescent tablet, when dropped into a toilet, bidet or other plumbing bowl or sink, is diluted to create an effervescence. The tablet, upon dilution, emits a pleasant and odor masking scent.
In yet another embodiment, the weight ratio of vinegar to sodium bicarbonate in the effervescent tablet is less than 0.3 to 1.
In yet another embodiment, the natural oil are essential oils and includes one of lemon oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil, peppermint, spearmint, citrus, and orange oil.
In yet another embodiment, the natural oil comprises about 5%-10% by weight of the total composition of the tablet.
In yet another embodiment, the effervescent tablet is generally circular shaped.
In yet another embodiment, the effervescent tablet is generally rectangular or square shaped.
In yet another embodiment, the effervescent tablet is wrapped in a recyclable wrapper made from a moisture proof foil.
In yet another embodiment, the effervescent tablet is packaged in a single use package which is carried in a purse or a pocket.
In yet another embodiment, the effervescent tablet is packaged and available in a pack of 20 effervescent tablets, 50 effervescent tablets and 200 effervescent tablets.
In yet another embodiment, an effervescent tablet composition for emitting pleasant fragrance that masks unwanted odors arising out of a toilet, bidet, sink or other plumbing bowl is disclosed. The composition includes sodium bicarbonate, natural oil and citric acid. The composition is configured to produce effervescence effects and releases fragrance upon being diluted after exposure to water when the effervescent tablet is dropped in a toilet, bidet, sink or other plumbing bowl. The tablet takes 1-2 minutes to completely dissolve in water.
In yet another embodiment, the pH of the water contained within the plumbing receptacle, after the effervescent tablet is dissolved or diluted, is in the range between 5.5 and 7, thereby further killing bacteria to promote hygiene.
In yet another embodiment, the effervescent tablet composition renders the toilet bowl contents non-toxic and non-corrosive.
In yet another embodiment, the effervescent tablet composition is designed to release carbon dioxide upon contact with water. Carbon dioxide is released as a result of the chemical reaction between sodium bicarbonate salt and citric acid in the presence of water.
In yet another embodiment, a method for concealing or eliminating odorous bathroom smells is described. The method includes the steps of providing a coin-sized effervescent tablet. The effervescent tablet includes quickly dissolvable ingredients, like sodium bicarbonate and added natural oils or powders for emitting a pleasant and odor masking scent. Next, dropping the effervescent tablet into a toilet bowl and dissolving the tablet into toilet bowl water creates an effervescence in the toilet bowl and releases pleasant and natural fragrance for masking unwanted smell and odor.
In yet another embodiment, a process for masking toilet bowl odor is described. The process includes providing a small and discreet effervescent tablet and then unwrapping the effervescent tablet by tearing a wrapper in which the tablet is wrapped. Then, dropping the tablet into a bowl or receptacle of water prior to using the restroom or other area where the fixture may exist. The tablet dissolves in the toilet bowl water for creating effervescence and releasing a pleasant fragrance in the restroom or other room. The tablet of the present invention may also be used for removing or reducing rust stains in the bowl and for ridding fountains and bird paths of bacteria and foul smelling water.
In a further embodiment, the present invention is a tablet for concealing an odor, the tablet comprising an effervescent material, an essential oil, and an acetic acid in an amount greater than the essential oil, wherein the effervescent material is provided in an amount greater than each of the essential oil and acetic acid. The tablet may also include a color changing chemical showing the progress of the tablet as it dissolves.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved solution that can effectively conceal or cover odors coming from plumbing fixtures in a bathroom or other public spaces. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a fragrance providing device that can be easily and conveniently used in restrooms and specifically with toilets, bidets, sinks, fountains, bird baths and other structures where water is found or where standing water can create a stale or offensive odor. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a fragrant product that can be easily and conveniently carried by an individual in a pocket or in purse. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a scent product that is safe for plumbing fixtures such as toilet bowls and septic systems. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a product that is easy to use and does not leave any residue after use. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a way that easily conceals or covers restroom odors in public areas like gyms, schools, cafes, restaurants, hotels, convention centers and other areas where a large number of individuals may congregate.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel method for disguising odorous smells that occur in plumbing or other standing water areas. The method includes the steps of providing a coin-sized effervescent tablet, ranging from 0.7 inches to about 1.2 inches with about 0.8 inches to about 1 inch being preferred. The effervescent tablet includes quickly dissolvable ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, added natural oils or powders, for emitting a pleasant and odor masking scent, and a mild acid. The tablet of the present invention dissolves in between 15 seconds to 30 seconds with about 20 seconds to 25 seconds being preferred, though other durations are also contemplated such as 1-2 minutes. Next, dropping the effervescent tablet into a bowl or receptacle containing water and then dissolving the tablet into the water. The dissolved tablet creates an effervescence in the toilet bowl and releases a pleasant and natural fragrance for masking or concealing unwanted smell and odor in addition to assisting in the reduction of rust in the water containing receptacle and inhibiting bacterial growth.
Referring initially to the drawings,
For use, the wrapper 102 is torn off along a pre-marked tear line 104, which may be a perforation line, containing between 3 teeth per 0.32″ to about 17 teeth per 0.32″ creating a hold strength between 10% and 54% and having a light tear strength to a high resistance tear strength. By opening the package along the tear line, the user accesses the tablet 100 and the tablet 100 can be easily dropped into a water containing fixture such as a toilet bowl. The tablet 100 can come in a variety of colors and can be manufactured to release natural fragrance in different variants. The tablet 100 includes natural composition for creating effervescence and releasing natural fragrance as described in
For providing natural fragrance by the tablet 100, the composition 200 has natural or essential oils 204 which may be included in powder or granule form or added to a compressed tablet after formation. The natural or essential oil fragrance is released from the tablet when effervescence takes place inside the plumbing fixture such as a toilet bowl, bidet, sink or other receptacle. The natural or essential oil 204 included in the composition 200 can be one or more of lemon oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil, peppermint, spearmint, citrus and orange oil for providing different fragrances as per desire and preference of users. The natural or essential oil 204 is about 5%-10% by weight of total composition and is instantly released in the restroom or other public bathroom or area of congregation, thus, masking unwanted odors of the restroom, bidet, fixture, and toilet bowl.
For producing effervescence and killing bacteria and pathogens, the composition 200 has vinegar, acetic acid 206. Vinegar 206, such as white vinegar is about 10% to 35% by weight with about 25% by weight being preferred of the total composition of the tablet 100. Sodium bicarbonate 202 reacts with the acetic acid 206 to form carbon dioxide when the tablet 100 is diluted with water. The addition of citrus oil, such as lemon or orange, includes naturally occurring citric acid which, in addition to white vinegar, can assist in reducing rust in the receptacle. In addition, the use of an acetic acid will help in the reduction of bacteria or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
For producing effervescence and killing bacteria and pathogens, the composition 300 preferably comprises a citric acid 306 in an amount of between 5% and 20%, and more preferably 15% by weight of the total composition 300.
The tablet 100 can be easily used with any plumbing fixture, such as a bidet or toilet bowl, for eliminating smells and odors and the effect of the tablet 100 is initialized in less than 30 seconds and preferably around 20 seconds.
The tablet 100 is great for use when traveling, at the gym, while camping, and especially on first dates or while in close quarters with friends or coworkers.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “effervescent tablet”, “tablet”, “toilet bowl odor removing effervescent tablet”, and “toilet bowl odor disguising tablet” are interchangeable and refer to the effervescent tablet 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the effervescent tablet 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the effervescent tablet 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the effervescent tablet 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the effervescent tablet 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the effervescent tablet 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/283,908, which was filed on Nov. 29, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63283908 | Nov 2021 | US |
