EP1106567B1 - Verletzungssicheres Koppelungsstück zum Ankoppeln eines Behälters an eine Abgabevorrichtung - Google Patents

Verletzungssicheres Koppelungsstück zum Ankoppeln eines Behälters an eine Abgabevorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1106567B1
EP1106567B1 EP99870246A EP99870246A EP1106567B1 EP 1106567 B1 EP1106567 B1 EP 1106567B1 EP 99870246 A EP99870246 A EP 99870246A EP 99870246 A EP99870246 A EP 99870246A EP 1106567 B1 EP1106567 B1 EP 1106567B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reservoir
appliance
dispensing
fitment
needle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99870246A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1106567A1 (de
Inventor
Andrea Argentieri
Yvon Crozet
John R. Lawson
Patrizio Ricci
Jelle D. Vuijk
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Priority to EP99870246A priority Critical patent/EP1106567B1/de
Priority to DE69900760T priority patent/DE69900760T2/de
Priority to CA002308130A priority patent/CA2308130C/en
Priority to JP2000141813A priority patent/JP3788720B2/ja
Priority to US09/577,416 priority patent/US6386392B1/en
Priority to AT00870116T priority patent/ATE234789T1/de
Priority to EP00870116A priority patent/EP1078880B1/de
Priority to DE2000601697 priority patent/DE60001697T2/de
Priority to TW089111342A priority patent/TW460335B/zh
Priority to MXPA02005460A priority patent/MXPA02005460A/es
Priority to TR2002/01453T priority patent/TR200201453T2/xx
Priority to AU54773/00A priority patent/AU5477300A/en
Priority to PCT/US2000/015898 priority patent/WO2001040100A1/en
Priority to ARP000102956A priority patent/AR020571A1/es
Priority to CA002313289A priority patent/CA2313289C/en
Priority to CA002313285A priority patent/CA2313285C/en
Priority to MXPA02001336A priority patent/MXPA02001336A/es
Priority to GB0029389A priority patent/GB2362153A/en
Priority to DE20080105U priority patent/DE20080105U1/de
Priority to JP2001515243A priority patent/JP3917423B2/ja
Priority to PCT/US2000/020592 priority patent/WO2001010768A1/en
Priority to US10/048,890 priority patent/US6685056B1/en
Priority to AU63883/00A priority patent/AU6388300A/en
Priority to EP00870266A priority patent/EP1106566A1/de
Priority to PCT/US2000/032681 priority patent/WO2001040102A1/en
Priority to EP00983848A priority patent/EP1237814A1/de
Priority to JP2001541800A priority patent/JP3774147B2/ja
Priority to AU20556/01A priority patent/AU2055601A/en
Priority to FR0015595A priority patent/FR2802512A1/fr
Priority to NL1016813A priority patent/NL1016813C1/nl
Publication of EP1106567A1 publication Critical patent/EP1106567A1/de
Priority to US10/039,412 priority patent/US20020066747A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1106567B1 publication Critical patent/EP1106567B1/de
Priority to ZA200203665A priority patent/ZA200203665B/xx
Priority to ZA200203666A priority patent/ZA200203666B/en
Priority to MXPA02005461A priority patent/MXPA02005461A/es
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
    • B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
    • B05B9/04—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump
    • B05B9/08—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. of knapsack type
    • B05B9/085—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. of knapsack type with a liquid pump
    • B05B9/0855—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. of knapsack type with a liquid pump the pump being motor-driven
    • B05B9/0861—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. of knapsack type with a liquid pump the pump being motor-driven the motor being electric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B7/00—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers
    • B67B7/24—Hole-piercing devices
    • B67B7/26—Hole-piercing devices combined with spouts
    • B67B7/28—Hole-piercing devices combined with spouts and associated with receptacle hodlers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device comprising a reservoir and a dispensing means, with improved fitment system between said reservoir and said means.
  • Spray devices are known for the purposes of domestic cleaning, for example for cleaning hard surfaces such as windows, baths and ovens, as well as for spot cleaning of floor coverings such as carpets.
  • Most spray devices which are commercially available are manually or electrically operated, that is to say that the devices comprise a pump which is activated or operated by the consumer. Most commonly this activation generates liquid pressure in a chamber by means of a positive deplacement pump by means of a positive deplacement pump which in turn drives the liquid from the chamber usually through a dispensing nozzle.
  • Many dispensing patterns are possible, but a conical spray is the most common.
  • such spray devices comprise a reservoir filled with an active composition, and a means to dispense the composition from within said reservoir.
  • the spray devices typically further comprise a basic fitment system to secure the reservoir onto the dispensing means, so as to establish a fluid communication between the two.
  • Some of these fitment systems comprise a needle that connects the dispensing means and the reservoir in a leak tight-manner, through a pierceable member.
  • references are directed to devices comprising a reservoir and a dispensing means which are fitted to each other by means by a needle/pierceable member:
  • the above mentioned inventions still present some disadvantages.
  • the needle After removing the reservoir from the appliance, the needle is accessible by anyone who would put his hand into the appliance's recess.
  • Such needles are typically very sharp, and likely to cause injury upon i contact, more particularly if some dispensed product remains on it. This is true for any type of user, but especially true for children. Indeed, it has been shown that children are very curious and while playing, they tend to put their hands into the recess of the dispensing appliance.
  • such systems as in D 1 do not provide complete protection because by applying a pressure onto the piercing member (hydraulic or air pressure in D 1 ) it is possible to access the needle.
  • It is therefore one main object of the present invention to provide the user with a liquid dispensing appliance comprising a vented reservoir filled with a liquid, and a dispensing appliance, said reservoir and said appliance being fitted such as to prevent any leakage during the use of the appliance, and where the fitment between said appliance and said reservoir is such that it prevents access to the fitment's needle when said reservoir is removed from said appliance.
  • the present invention is directed to fitment for establishing a leak-tight fluid communication between a dispensing appliance and a reservoir to connect to said appliance, said fitment comprising at least one pierceable means and at least one needle for piercing said at least one pierceable means, characterized in that said fitment comprises a protecting means to prevent access to said at least one needle unless said reservoir is connected to said appliance, said protecting means being releasably locked by a locking mechanism.
  • the present invention is further directed to a dispensing appliance and a reservoir which are removably connectable by means of a fitment as defined above.
  • a device (1) for dispensing a product onto a surface, preferably a cleaning product, more preferably a cleaning product for treating carpets or other large fabric coverings.
  • Said device (1) comprises the combination of a reservoir (10) for containing a composition, preferably a liquid cleaning product, with an appliance for dispensing the product.
  • a reservoir (10) for containing a composition, preferably a liquid cleaning product with an appliance for dispensing the product.
  • Any type of device comprising a dispensing appliance and a reservoir can use a fitment as hereafter described, in order to establish a fluid communication between said reservoir and said dispensing appliance.
  • a dispensing appliance (11) which preferably comprises a housing, a spraying arm (12), and a means for conducting product from the reservoir (10) to the spraying arm.
  • the dispensing appliance (11) comprises a manually or electrically driven pump. More preferably, said dispensing appliance (11) comprises an electrically driven pump which is used to pump product from the reservoir (10) through the spraying arm and out of the product dispensing opening (or openings) located in the spraying arm, to the surface to be treated.
  • the dispensing appliance (11) connected to a reservoir (10) constitutes an electrical spraying device (1), as shown for example in figure 5.
  • the product dispensing openings are preferably nozzles which are selected so that the sprayed product takes the form of a continuous stream or film, or of a discontinuous stream or film of fine particles, or of a mist, or of a foam.
  • the spray pattern is in the form of fine particles because this is the most efficient way to cover a large surface area with a small volume of product with an even coverage.
  • the product output is from about 20 ml/minute to about 400 ml/minute, and preferably from about 150 ml/minute to about 250 ml/minute, the product being typically suitable for carpet cleaning.
  • Devices which can use a fitment according to the present invention are for example devices for spraying household cleaning or laundry products, or perfumes. In a preferred embodiment, such devices are used for dispensing a cleaning solution for cleaning surfaces such as fabrics, carpets, floors, and ceilings.
  • the spray arm (12) has one nozzle (13), but it may also have multiple nozzles located along its length.
  • the spray arm (12) makes it easier to control where the cleaning product is sprayed. For example, when cleaning carpets the spray arm (12) makes it easier to avoid spraying product onto furniture and walls, and also enables access into corners which would otherwise be difficult to reach. Furthermore, an ergonomically designed spray arm (12) avoids the need for the user to have a bent back when spraying.
  • the spray arm (12) is preferably extendible and/or detachable from the dispensing means housing.
  • the fitment as described hereafter is to be used in a dispensing appliance (11) which comprises a means for conducting the product from the reservoir (10) through the spray arm (12), to the product dispensing opening from which said product is dispensed.
  • Said means for conducting the product is connected to the reservoir (10) and to the spray arm (12), for example via pipes, which can be for example flexible plastic pipes, and more importantly, through a fitment system which is hereafter described in more detail.
  • the means for conducting the product from the reservoir (10) to the spray arm (12) is preferably contained into the housing, as well as the pipes, if any.
  • said dispensing appliance (11) comprises a piercing means, or a pierceable means that fits respectively a corresponding pierceable means or piercing means of the reservoir (10).
  • said dispensing appliance comprises a piercing means which fits into a corresponding pierceable means of the reservoir.
  • said piercing means of the dispensing appliance is achieved by at least one needle (15), which fits with a pierceable means of the reservoir (10), as shown in figures 1 to 4.
  • the pierceable means of the reservoir is integrated to a cap that closes said reservoir.
  • said pierceable means is an elastomeric membrane (or septum) and the appliance comprises two needles, one being connected to the pumping means, the other one comprising a one-way valve or venting membrane for letting air enter the reservoir (10) while the contents is removed therefrom, thus playing the role of a venting system.
  • said piercing means is located onto the reservoir, and said pierceable means is located into the appliance.
  • said pierceable means is located into the appliance.
  • the elastomeric membrane (14) is pierced, as shown in figure 1C, so as to establish a leak-tight fluid communication between the interior of said reservoir (10) and the dispensing appliance (11). Then, the reservoir's contents is pumped through one needle (15), to the pump, up to the spray arm's nozzles, and is dispensed to the surface to treat.
  • This provides a device wherein the operation of plugging/unplugging the reservoir from the housing of the dispensing means in order to establish a fluid, but leak-tight, communication between the two is very easy and obvious to the consumer. It also provides a fitment which is not very complex (needle and elastomeric membrane) and thus quite cheap to produce.
  • the means for conducting the product from the reservoir (10) through the spray arm (12) to the product dispensing opening comprises an electrically driven pump.
  • the electrically driven pump may be, for example, a gear pump, an impeller pump, a piston pump, a screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, or any other miniature pump.
  • the pump is a gear pump with a typical speed between 6000 and 12000 rpm.
  • the electrically driven pump must be driven by a means such as an electric motor.
  • the electric motor typically produces a torque between 1 and 50 mN.m.
  • the electric motor must, in turn be provided with a power source.
  • the power source may be either mains electricity (optionally via transformer), or it may be a throw-away battery, or rechargeable battery. Most preferred are one or more AA rechargeable or disposable batteries, the batteries being housed in the package.
  • the voltage output of the battery is typically between 1.5 and 12 Volts, with a preferred output between 3 and 6V.
  • the pump is designed to be reversible, so that it can dispense liquid from the reservoir (10), and suck liquid from a surface, or only from the pipes of the dispensing appliance (11), back into the same or preferably another reservoir (10). Typically, only small amounts of liquid can be sucked back from a surface, and such a reversible pump is not intended to replace the use of a vacuum cleaner.
  • the pump and motor are linked to a timer and an electronic circuit, such that after a defined time (eg. 15 seconds) the motor is not used, it automatically starts again, and its rotation side is reversed.
  • the consumer can use the dispensing appliance (11) for dispensing a first type of composition, then wait for the pump to suck back said first composition from the pipes, and then change the reservoir (10) or its contents to dispense a second composition without mixing of the two compositions inside the pipes.
  • the dispensing appliance (11) comprises at least one recess and/or protrusion (17) to fit onto at least one corresponding protrusion and/or recess (16) of the reservoir, said reservoir (10) being releasably secured in a leak-tight manner into the dispensing appliance (11) such that fluid communication between said reservoir (10) and said means is established, only when said protrusion(s) and recess(es) are fitted into each other, and said protrusion(s) and said recess(es) (16) of said reservoir (10) have complementary shapes of said protrusion(s) and/or recess(es) (17) of said dispensing appliance (11).
  • the dispensing means comprises at least one protrusion that fits into a corresponding and complementary recess of the reservoir, as shown in figures 1 to 4.
  • said protrusion(s) and said recess(es) (16) of said reservoir (10) have exactly complementary shapes of said protrusion(s) and/or recess(es) (17) of said dispensing appliance (11).
  • all the contours of the reservoir fit all the contours of the recess of the dispensing means, thus providing enhanced maintain of said reservoir.
  • the shape of the reservoir may be such that it differs from the shape of the dispensing means' housing but still fits therein, such that a fluid connection between the two is established.
  • the risk of leakage is enhanced in case all the contours of the reservoir are not properly maintained by the contours of the dispensing means.
  • the handling means The handling means
  • the device (1) according to the present invention is preferably hand-held, and therefore preferably comprises a holding means, which is more preferably integrated to the housing of the dispensing appliance (11).
  • the holding means may be any sort of handle (18) which will allow the user to pick up the device (1) and to carry it to the place where the spraying is to be carried out.
  • the handle (18) can be part of the reservoir (10) or of the housing of the dispensing appliance (11). It is likely that the device (1) will be carried around a whole room when a carpet is being cleaned, and/or will be manipulated in all directions during use.
  • the handle (18) may be a simple protrusion or indentation which may be gripped by the user, or it may be a more sophisticated design for ergonomic reasons.
  • the housing of the dispensing appliance (11) comprises a means allowing the user to carry it without using hands.
  • the housing comprises a clip which allows the user to hang said housing to a belt.
  • the housing comprises at least one shoulder strap which allows to carry said housing on the shoulder/back. Other such means may be applied which allow the user to use both hands for other tasks.
  • the device (1) comprises at least one reservoir (10) which can be of any type capable of containing a product under liquid form - by liquid it is meant to include embodiments when the product comprises a solid and a solvent for progressively dissolving said solid. Also included are liquids comprising small particles in suspension.
  • Said reservoir (10) is preferably located into the housing of the dispensing appliance (11), and can be made out of any suitable material, such as metal, alloy, glass, but is preferably made out of plastic. It comprises at least one compartment comprising at least one composition. Also preferably, the reservoir is vented.
  • the reservoir (10) comprises a means for connection to the dispensing appliance (11), such that it provides fluid connection between the two and allows fluid to exit said reservoir into said dispensing appliance (11), but it also allows simultaneous admission of air back into the reservoir (10) to compensate the loss of contents.
  • a vented reservoir is clearly necessary, especially in case the reservoir is rigid and its contents is pumped by an electrical pump in a continuous manner and/or is used over a long period without stopping the dispensing of contained product. Indeed, while the contents is being removed from the reservoir, the same volume of gas or air needs to be replaced, otherwise, a depression is created which stops the pump after a while.
  • the dispensing means comprises two needles: one is for dispensing of liquid from the reservoir, the other one is for admission of air back into said reservoir, so as to ensure that the loss of contents in said reservoir is compensated.
  • a connection system ensures that the reservoir is correctly vented, thus ensuring proper continuous pumping and dispensing of its contents.
  • the venting of the reservoir can be achieved by a one-way valve, or by a venting membrane.
  • the at least one reservoir (10) can be fixed into the housing of the dispensing appliance (11), and then, preferably comprises one opening, more preferably a reclosable opening.
  • the at least one reservoir (10) can be removable from the housing of the dispensing appliance (11), so that it is replaceable when empty, or it can be refilled, for example with tap water.
  • the dispensing appliance (11) comprises one reservoir (10) with one compartment, comprising one or more composition(s), preferably one composition.
  • the dispensing appliance (11) comprises one reservoir (10) with at least two different compartments, each of which can comprise different compositions, for example non-miscible compositions or two chemically reacting solutions which react once mixed.
  • a reservoir (10) is made for example by an extrusion blowing process.
  • the dispensing appliance (11) comprises at least two separate reservoirs. These reservoirs can have different shapes, for example they can be designed with complementary shapes. Alternatively, different reservoirs can be plugged into the dispensing appliance (11) at different locations. Said reservoirs can comprise one or more compartments comprising same, but most preferably different products.
  • the dispensing appliance (11) comprises at least one portion for connecting a reservoir (10) comprising a liquid such as a solvent or water, and at least one additional portion for connecting a small cartridge of a concentrated composition, for example under liquid, gel or granulated form.
  • a reservoir comprising a liquid such as a solvent or water
  • at least one additional portion for connecting a small cartridge of a concentrated composition, for example under liquid, gel or granulated form.
  • a small cartridge of a concentrated composition for example under liquid, gel or granulated form.
  • said cartridge is connected directly into one portion of a reservoir (10).
  • the cartridge can be for example screwed into an appropriate opening of the housing, or of the reservoir (10). It comprises a seal portion, such that when fully screwed, it sealably closes said appropriate opening.
  • the proportion of product pumped can differ from one reservoir (10) to another. For example, this is achieved by selecting pipes of different diameters for a reservoir (10) and another, or by adding a flow-control means to the pipes between one reservoir (10) and the pump.
  • a kit which comprises the dispensing appliance (11) and at least one reservoir (10) comprising a product, said appliance and said reservoir being fitted by a fitment as per the present invention.
  • the kit comprises the dispensing appliance (11) and a set of several removable reservoirs, each comprising a different product.
  • the different products can be products for treating different areas such as carpets, kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, cars or else.
  • the neck (19) of the reservoir (10) is off-centered in the cross sectional plan of the said reservoir (10), relatively to the central axis of said reservoir (10), and the reservoir (10) is non-cylindrical. This is best shown in figures 3A to 3F.
  • Such a shape prevents the reservoir (10) from moving laterally and/or rotationally into the dispensing means housing, especially during use, thus preventing leakage.
  • the reservoir (10) comprises at least one recess and/or protrusion (16) to fit into at least one corresponding protrusion and/or recess (17) of the device's dispensing appliance (11), said reservoir (10) being releasably secured in a leak-tight manner into the dispensing appliance (11) such that fluid communication between said reservoir (10) and said means is established, only when said protrusion(s) and recess(es) are fitted into each other, and said protrusion(s) and said recess(es) (16) of said reservoir (10) have complementary shapes of said protrusion(s) and/or recess(es) (17) of said dispensing appliance (11).
  • the reservoir (10) comprises at least one recess (16) that fits to a corresponding and complementary protrusion (17) of the dispensing appliance (11), as shown in figures 1 to 4.
  • said protrusion(s) and said recess(es) (16) of said reservoir (10) have exactly complementary shapes of said protrusion(s) and/or recess(es) (17) of said dispensing appliance (11), for the reasons explained above.
  • the recess can be an integral part of the reservoir's walls, but alternatively , said recess is created when a cap is secured onto the neck of said reservoir, said cap having a greater external diameter than the external diameter of the reservoir's neck.
  • the reservoir (10) which is provided is non-cylindrical, and has a off-centered neck (19).
  • This provides stability and prevents lateral and rotational movements of said reservoir (10) within the dispensing means's housing.
  • the non-cylindrical shape of the reservoirs prevents rotational movements.
  • there can still be some leakage due to axial movement of the reservoir (10) i.e. along the longitudinal axis of the reservoir).
  • the device (1) is further preferably provided with a releasable locking mechanism (25) between the reservoir (10) and the housing of the appliance.
  • the reservoir (10) comprises at least one recess and/or protrusion and the dispensing appliance (11) comprises at least one corresponding protrusion and/or recess, said reservoir (10) being releasably secured in a leak-tight manner with the dispensing appliance (11) such that fluid communication between said reservoir (10) and said means is established, only when said protrusion(s) and recess(es) are fitted into each other, and said protrusion(s) and said recess(es) of said reservoir (10) have a shape which is complementary to said protrusion(s) and/or recess(es) of said dispensing appliance (11).
  • said protrusion(s) and said recess(es) (16) of said reservoir (10) have exactly complementary shapes of said protrusion(s) and/or recess(es) (17) of said dispensing appliance (11), for the reasons explained above.
  • the reservoir (10) comprises one recess (16) which is located in one of its lateral walls, i.e. in its body portion.
  • the dispensing appliance (11) comprises one protrusion (17) which is positioned such that when the needle (15) of said dispensing appliance (11) has pierced the elastomeric membrane (14) of the reservoir's cap, and a fluid communication is established between the two, the protrusion (17) exactly fits into the recess (16). In this way, the reservoir (10) is tightly maintained into the housing of the appliance (11), thus preventing leakage of product at the interface between the needle (15) and the pierceable means (14).
  • the reservoir (10) comprises one recess which is located near the top, for example on the neck (19), or directly on the cap (28), or alternatively, the recess is constituted by the difference of external diameter between the neck (19) of the bottle and the cap (28) itself.
  • the external diameter of the cap (28) is greater than the external diameter of the reservoir's neck (19)
  • a recess is created at the time the cap is secured onto said neck.
  • the dispensing appliance (11) comprises one protrusion which is positioned such that when the needle (15) of said dispensing appliance (11) has pierced the rubber septum (14) of the reservoir's cap (28), and a fluid communication is established between the two, the protrusion exactly fits into the recess.
  • This second embodiment might be preferred to the first one.
  • the reservoir is preferably manufactured with a blow-molding process.
  • tolerances in the reservoir are not as precise as the tolerance of a piece which is injection molded.
  • the at least one recess and/or protrusion of the reservoir (10) is located at less than 25 cm, preferably less than 20 cm, more preferably less than 10 cm from the top of said reservoir (10).
  • the locking mechanism (25) between the reservoir (10) and the dispensing appliance (11) be releasable.
  • the at least one protrusion is movable, such that it can be engaged/disengaged from the corresponding recess(es).
  • a locking mechanism (25) which is of the push-button type, press-button type, or any other suitable means for releasing the at least one protrusion from the at least one recess.
  • the locking mechanism (25) is a push-button releasable locking mechanism (25).
  • a movable protrusion (17) which is mounted with a spring means (27), for example an helicoidal metallic spring (27), or a plastic spring blade.
  • the protrusion (17) is connected to a push button, which is accessible to the consumer from the outside of the device's housing. When the reservoir (10) is in place and locked into the housing, the user can exert a push on the button, to release the protrusion (17) from the reservoir's recess, and remove said reservoir (10) from the device (1).
  • the protrusion can have any shape, as long as it is an exact complementary shape of the recess.
  • the protrusion can be a simple pin, but it can also be a hook, or it can even have more complex shape, as door keys have.
  • the needles (15) which are mounted onto the appliance (11) are protected from access by a consumer, by a spring loaded protecting plate (20) which prevents access to said needles (15) when the appliance contains no reservoir (10), and which frees the access to the needles (15) whenever a reservoir (10) is fully inserted into said appliance (11).
  • the spring-loaded movable protrusion (17) which releasably locks the reservoir (10) inside the dispensing appliance's recess is further provided with a means for locking the protecting plate (20) into the position wherein it prevents access to the needles (15), as shown in figure 1A.
  • This provides a double security, since the protecting plate (20) cannot be moved without first pressing onto the movable protrusion. Practically, the coordinated movement of pressing onto said movable protrusion, and at the same time, moving the protecting plate (20) to access the needles (15), cannot be done accidentally since said movable protrusion, and said protecting plate (20) are not located at the same place. It is even more difficult for a child that would play with the appliance, even for a long time.
  • this system of linking the locking mechanism (25) to the spring-loaded protecting plate (20) provides additional benefit to the device (1) as a child-resistant feature.
  • the protecting plate (20) is secured in locked position while preventing access to the needles by a circlip (21), as shown in figures 2A to 2D.
  • the circlip (21) is a flexible, substantially circular spring, preferably made out of metal, but which can be made out of any other suitable flexible material.
  • Said circlip comprises a main ring (23) which is discontinued in its median portion, and two extensions (24) of this main ring (23) extending upwardly.
  • Said circlip (21) is inserted between the fitment of the appliance (11) and the protecting plate (20).
  • the main ring (23) of the circlip has a diameter which is lower than the external diameter of the base of the protecting plate (20), such that said protecting plate cannot move down to the bottom of the appliance's fitment, and thus it is locked in "needle-protecting" position.
  • said reservoir (10) is inserted into the appliance (11)
  • said reservoir's shoulders push onto the extensions (24) of the circlip (21), with the effect that it increases the diameter of the main ring (23), as shown in figures 2C and 2D, such that said diameter of the main ring (23) becomes greater than the external diameter of the protecting plate (20).
  • said protecting plate (20) is free to slide down and to give access to the needles (15) that pierce the membrane (14) of the reservoir, as shown in figure 2D.
  • the reservoir (10) is fitted to the dispensing appliance (11) by means of at least one piercing means (15) - for example at least one needle (15) - which punctures at least one pierceable means (14).
  • said at least one needle (15) is located into a recess of the appliance, into which said reservoir (10) is normally placed during use, and said pierceable means (14) is located onto the reservoir (10).
  • the at least on needle (15) which is used for the present invention may have several shapes or constitutive materials such as stainless steel, tantalum, zirconium...etc., but preferably, it is made out of metal stainless steel 304 or similar stainless steel. More preferably it has an outside diameter comprised within the range of 0.7 to 7 mm, and more preferably an outside diameter comprised within the range of 0.7 to 2.5 mm. Also preferably, it has an internal diameter comprised within the range of 0.5 to 2 mm, and even more preferably, an inside diameter comprised within the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm.
  • said at least one needle is a bevel-edged needle, it preferably has a tip angle comprised within the range of 15° to 30°, and even more preferably, said needle (15) has a tip angle of 21°.
  • said needle has a tip angle of 21°.
  • other shapes for a needle can be used.
  • bevel-edged needles may be at least partially obstructed by a portion of the membrane, which may render the appliance non-functional. This is due to the fact that the heel of the needle's bevel is very sharp, and at the time the needle is inserted into the membrane, said sharp heel may poke out a little portion of the membrane, which then slides into the needle's channel, leading to obstruction of said channel.
  • a non-coring needle which is defined as a needle that is designed and manufactured such that it cannot poke out a portion of the material wherein said needle is inserted. There are different types of non-coring needles.
  • the needle can be achieved by sand-blasting the heel of the bevel, so as to erode it, until it loses its sharpness.
  • the needle can be shaped like a pencil tip, with its hole located on a lateral side of the needle, and not on the tip itself, so that no beveled sharp edges can cut and detach a portion of the pierceable material.
  • the needle's tip can be in the shape of a scalpel blade, with the hole located on a lateral side of the needle, not on the blade itself, so that no beveled sharp edge can be cut and detach a portion of the pierceable material.
  • Such non-coring needles are known in the art, and the skilled person may appropriately chose the right shape and size for a needle, to meet the purpose of the present invention.
  • the needle (15) is accessible by anyone who would put his hand into the appliance's recess.
  • Such needles (15) are typically very sharp, and likely to cause injury upon contact, more particularly if some dispensed product remains on it. This is true for any type of user, but especially true for children. Indeed, it has been shown that children are very curious and while playing, they tend to put their hands into the recess of the dispensing appliance (11).
  • the protecting means (20) is a movable protecting plate (20). More preferably, said protecting plate (20) comprises a recess (22) in the shape of the cap. Said protecting plate (20) is spring loaded, so that it automatically returns to a position in which access to the needles (15) is prevented, whenever the reservoir (10) is removed from the appliance. Any type of spring can be used, but preferably, the springs (27) are helicoidal springs (27), as shown in figures 1A to 1C.
  • the user After removing the reservoir (10) from the appliance, the user might be in a situation where a certain amount of product remains in said reservoir (10), for example in case the user would like to temporarily use the dispensing appliance (11) for dispensing another type of product. In this case, the remaining product may well leak through the open pierceable means (14) of the reservoir (10), which is clearly undesirable to the consumer. Also, during usage of the device (1), it is essential that the fitment between the reservoir (10) and the dispensing appliance (11) is leak-tight, so as to prevent that liquid can contact the interior of the appliance. Indeed in some cases, said appliance is electrical, so any leakage of liquid inside the electrical circuits may lead to damage to the appliance, or even to injuries to the user, which is of course clearly undesirable.
  • the pierceable means (14) of the reservoir (10) is a pierceable membrane (14)
  • the pierceable means (14) may alternatively be achieved in other ways.
  • the pierceable means (14) can be one portion of the reservoir's wall which is for example molded integrally with said reservoir (10) by a co-injection molding process, also it can be a portion which is added to the walls of the reservoir (10) by means of gluing or welding process.
  • the membrane (14) is made out of at least one layer elastomeric material that will provide good reclosability properties, that is to say, whenever the membrane (14) is pierced and even though the piercing means (15) stays into the membrane (14) over a long period of time, the elastomeric layer will prevent the membrane (14) from taking a set, and it will ensure that once the piercing means (15) - for example the needle (15) - is removed from the membrane (14), said membrane (14) will retrieve its initial - closed - shape, so as to prevent leakage.
  • Additional layers made out of different materials may be used, for example one layer of a material that is chemically resistant to the reservoir (10) contents may constitute the inner layer of the membrane (14).
  • materials such as metal, plastic, aluminum, alloys, paper or cardboard, Teflon, or any other suitable material may be added to the layer of elastomeric material, in any combination of layers.
  • the membrane (14) is made out of one layer of silicon, which provides excellent material memory, as well as good chemical resistance to the reservoir's contents.
  • the membrane (14) is made out of a combination of silicon and an inert PET. Silicon provides excellent memory to the materials, so that the membrane (14) will close back after having been pierced, whereas inert PET provides chemical resistance to the product contained inside the reservoir (10).
  • the elastomeric membrane (14) is made out of two layers: one inner layer out of inert PET, which comes in contact to the inside of the reservoir (10) and is especially meant to chemically resist to its contents, and an outer layer which is on contact with the atmosphere, and is made out of a silicon.
  • the thickness of the membrane (14) is an important parameter, and has an influence on the memory of the material.
  • the membrane (14) has a thickness less than 1 cm, more preferably, less then 6 mm, and even more preferably less than 4 mm, all thicknesses being measured in the portion of the membrane (14) which is comprised in the middle portion of said membrane (14), i.e. in the region which will be pierced (see figure 2).
  • the membrane (14) can have any suitable shape, but preferably it has a circular shape, with an overall diameter preferably comprised within the range of 0.5 to 5 cm, more preferably comprised within the range of 0.7 to 2 cm, and even more preferably comprised within the range of 0.9 to 1.1 cm. It has been shown that a ratio of 3.6 mm thickness in the middle pierceable portion, for 1 cm overall diameter, provides good memory properties for a one layer silicon membrane (14), and prevents setting-up in a very good manner.
  • the pierceable membrane (14) may be part of the appliance, but preferably, it is part of the reservoir (10) or the cap (28) closing said reservoir (10), and in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, said pierceable membrane (14) is attached to the top portion of the cap (28). It must be attached in such a way that it is very difficult to remove it without using a tool. It can be mechanically inserted by means of ribs that fit into grooves, as shown in figure 2, or it can be attached by some other means, such as for example heat sealing, gluing, welding. It can also be co-injected in the same injection mold, together with the cap itself which provides the advantage of being cheap to produce. In case it is made out of silicon or similar elastomeric material, the membrane (14) can also be cast-molded, and then UV-cured.
  • the cap can have any suitable shape, for example it can have a truncated profile, as shown in figure 2. It can be screwed onto the neck (19) of the reservoir (10), for example by means of one or several screw threads, but it can also be secured by any other suitable means, such as bayonet fitment means, clipping means, or similar.
  • a device (1) using a fitment according to the present invention is even better achieved if the reservoir (10) is equipped with a pierceable cap with silicon membrane (14), as previously described, wherein said cap can be secured onto the neck (19) of said reservoir (10), but cannot be removed.
  • the reservoir (10) is difficult to open by children, because if the adult user needs to remove the reservoir (10) from the appliance when said reservoir (10) is not yet empty, the product contained inside said reservoir (10) cannot leak because the pierceable membrane (14) recloses upon removal of the reservoir (10), and the cap cannot even be removed without using a tool and using a substantial amount of lever force. This means that there is low chance for a kid to get in contact with the composition contained inside.
  • Such non-removable fitment can be achieved by any suitable means, such as for example screw threads with non return triangular lugs, which allow screwing of the cap, but whereby unscrewing is prevented.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Claims (5)

  1. Anschluß zum Errichten einer Fluidverbindung zwischen einer Abgabeeinrichtung (11) und einem Behälter (10) zum Anschließen an die Einrichtung (11), welcher Anschluß zumindest ein durchstechbares Mittel (14) und zumindest eine Nadel (15) zum Durchstechen des zumindest einen durchstechbaren Mittels (14) aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Anschluß ein Schutzmittel (20) zum Verhindern des Zuganges zu der zumindest einen Nadel (15), wenn der Behälter (10) nicht an die Einrichtung (11) angeschlossen ist, aufweist, wobei das Schutzmittel (20) durch einen Verriegelungsmechanismus (25) lösbar verriegelt ist.
  2. Vorrichtung (1) mit einer Abgabeeinrichtung (11) und einem Behälter (10) für diese Einrichtung, wobei die Einrichtung (11) und der Behälter (10) mit Hilfe eines Anschlusses nach Anspruch 1 lösbar verbindbar sind.
  3. Anschluß nach Anspruch 1 oder Vorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Schutzmittel (20) eine federbelastete bewegliche Schutzplatte (20) aufweist, die den Zugang zu der zumindest einen Nadel (15) verhindert, wenn der Behälter (10) nicht mit der Einrichtung (11) verbunden ist, welche Schutzplatte (20) sich beim Einführen des Behälters (10) in die Einrichtung (11) bewegt, um es der zumindest einen Nadel (15) zu ermöglichen, das durchstechbare Mittel (14) zu durchstechen und dadurch eine leckdichte Fluidverbindung zwischen den beiden zu errichten.
  4. Anschluß oder Vorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die zumindest eine Nadel (15) und das Schutzmittel (20) auf der Einrichtung (11) angeordnet sind und das durchstechbare Mittel (14) auf dem Behälter (10) angeordnet ist.
  5. Anschluß oder Vorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das durchstechbare Mittel (14) eine durchstechbare Elastomermembran ist.
EP99870246A 1999-08-05 1999-12-01 Verletzungssicheres Koppelungsstück zum Ankoppeln eines Behälters an eine Abgabevorrichtung Expired - Lifetime EP1106567B1 (de)

Priority Applications (34)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP99870246A EP1106567B1 (de) 1999-12-01 1999-12-01 Verletzungssicheres Koppelungsstück zum Ankoppeln eines Behälters an eine Abgabevorrichtung
DE69900760T DE69900760T2 (de) 1999-12-01 1999-12-01 Verletzungssicheres Koppelungsstück zum Ankoppeln eines Behälters an eine Abgabevorrichtung
CA002308130A CA2308130C (en) 1999-12-01 2000-05-12 A consumer safe fitment for connecting a reservoir to a dispensing appliance
JP2000141813A JP3788720B2 (ja) 1999-12-01 2000-05-15 流体連通させる取付部及び該取付部を使用した吐出装置
US09/577,416 US6386392B1 (en) 1999-11-02 2000-05-22 Reservoirs for use with cleaning devices
EP00870116A EP1078880B1 (de) 1999-08-05 2000-05-31 Abgabevorrichtung mit einem Behälter sowie einer Aufnahmeeinrichtung mit geschützten Durchbohrmitteln
AT00870116T ATE234789T1 (de) 1999-08-05 2000-05-31 Abgabevorrichtung mit einem behälter sowie einer aufnahmeeinrichtung mit geschützten durchbohrmitteln
DE2000601697 DE60001697T2 (de) 1999-08-05 2000-05-31 Abgabevorrichtung mit einem Behälter sowie einer Aufnahmeeinrichtung mit geschützten Durchbohrmitteln
TW089111342A TW460335B (en) 1999-12-01 2000-06-09 A consumer safe fitment for connecting a reservoir to a dispensing appliance
MXPA02005460A MXPA02005460A (es) 1999-12-01 2000-06-09 Un equipo de seguridad para el cliente para conectar un deposito a un aparato de surtido.
TR2002/01453T TR200201453T2 (tr) 1999-12-01 2000-06-09 Bir depoyu bir tevzi aygıtına birleştirmek için tüketici için güvenli bağlantı parçası.
AU54773/00A AU5477300A (en) 1999-12-01 2000-06-09 A consumer safe fitment for connecting a reservoir to a dispensing appliance
PCT/US2000/015898 WO2001040100A1 (en) 1999-12-01 2000-06-09 A consumer safe fitment for connecting a reservoir to a dispensing appliance
ARP000102956A AR020571A1 (es) 1999-12-01 2000-06-15 Un equipo de seguridad para el consumidor, para conectar un deposito a un artefacto surtidor.
CA002313285A CA2313285C (en) 1999-08-05 2000-06-30 A reservoir to be used as a key
CA002313289A CA2313289C (en) 1999-12-01 2000-06-30 Reservoirs for use with cleaning devices
DE20080105U DE20080105U1 (de) 1999-08-05 2000-07-28 Flüssigkeitsverteilungsvorrichtung
GB0029389A GB2362153A (en) 1999-08-05 2000-07-28 A dispensing device comprising a reservoir and attachment means provided with protected piercing means
MXPA02001336A MXPA02001336A (es) 1999-08-05 2000-07-28 Dispositivo de surtido que comprende un dispositivo y medio de acoplamiento provisto de un medio de perforacion protegido.
JP2001515243A JP3917423B2 (ja) 1999-08-05 2000-07-28 容器と保護穿孔手段付き取り付け手段とを備える小出し装置
PCT/US2000/020592 WO2001010768A1 (en) 1999-08-05 2000-07-28 A dispensing device comprising a reservoir and attachment means provided with protected piercing means
US10/048,890 US6685056B1 (en) 1999-08-05 2000-07-28 Dispensing device comprising a reservoir and attachment means provided with protected piercing means
AU63883/00A AU6388300A (en) 1999-08-05 2000-07-28 A dispensing device comprising a reservoir and attachment means provided with protected piercing means
EP00870266A EP1106566A1 (de) 1999-12-01 2000-11-10 Behälter-Steckverbindung mit Durchstechmitteln
EP00983848A EP1237814A1 (de) 1999-12-01 2000-11-30 Sicherheitskupplung zwischen einem behälter und einer abgabevorrichtung
JP2001541800A JP3774147B2 (ja) 1999-12-01 2000-11-30 掃除用具に使用される貯留器
PCT/US2000/032681 WO2001040102A1 (en) 1999-12-01 2000-11-30 Safety coupling between container and dispenser
AU20556/01A AU2055601A (en) 1999-12-01 2000-11-30 Safety coupling between container and dispenser
FR0015595A FR2802512A1 (fr) 1999-12-01 2000-12-01 Raccord de securite pour relier un reservoir a un appareil distributeur et dispositif en resultant
NL1016813A NL1016813C1 (nl) 1999-12-01 2000-12-06 Voor de consument veilig fittingsamenstel voor het verbinden van een reservoir met een afgiftetoestel.
US10/039,412 US20020066747A1 (en) 1999-12-01 2001-11-07 Consumer safe fitment for connecting a reservoir to a dispensing appliance
ZA200203665A ZA200203665B (en) 1999-12-01 2002-05-08 A consumer safe fitment for connecting a reservoir to a dispensing appliance.
ZA200203666A ZA200203666B (en) 1999-12-01 2002-05-08 Safety coupling between container and dispenser.
MXPA02005461A MXPA02005461A (es) 1999-12-01 2002-05-31 Acoplamiento de seguridad entre recipiente y dispensador.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP99870246A EP1106567B1 (de) 1999-12-01 1999-12-01 Verletzungssicheres Koppelungsstück zum Ankoppeln eines Behälters an eine Abgabevorrichtung
NL1016813A NL1016813C1 (nl) 1999-12-01 2000-12-06 Voor de consument veilig fittingsamenstel voor het verbinden van een reservoir met een afgiftetoestel.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1106567A1 EP1106567A1 (de) 2001-06-13
EP1106567B1 true EP1106567B1 (de) 2002-01-02

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99870246A Expired - Lifetime EP1106567B1 (de) 1999-08-05 1999-12-01 Verletzungssicheres Koppelungsstück zum Ankoppeln eines Behälters an eine Abgabevorrichtung

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1106567B1 (de)
JP (1) JP3788720B2 (de)
AU (1) AU5477300A (de)
DE (1) DE69900760T2 (de)
FR (1) FR2802512A1 (de)
NL (1) NL1016813C1 (de)
TW (1) TW460335B (de)
WO (1) WO2001040100A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112353981A (zh) * 2020-12-07 2021-02-12 曹少军 一种方便喷洒的消毒液瓶

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE701002A (de) * 1966-07-11 1967-12-18
US3926339A (en) * 1974-06-21 1975-12-16 Nat Can Corp Liquid dispensing apparatus having plural can piercing tools
US4081006A (en) * 1976-11-11 1978-03-28 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Fluid dispensing and mixing apparatus
US5118009A (en) * 1989-09-28 1992-06-02 Charles Novitsky Carbonated beverage dispenser, system and method
US5389085A (en) 1993-02-11 1995-02-14 International Medical Consultants, Inc. Automatic needle protector
US5312368A (en) 1993-05-21 1994-05-17 Haynes-Miller, Inc. Protective shield for hypodermic syringe
US5487728A (en) * 1994-05-19 1996-01-30 Vaillancourt; Vincent L. Connector assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL1016813C1 (nl) 2002-06-07
AU5477300A (en) 2001-06-12
TW460335B (en) 2001-10-21
WO2001040100A1 (en) 2001-06-07
FR2802512A1 (fr) 2001-06-22
EP1106567A1 (de) 2001-06-13
DE69900760D1 (de) 2002-02-28
JP2001163382A (ja) 2001-06-19
DE69900760T2 (de) 2002-08-22
JP3788720B2 (ja) 2006-06-21

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