Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
  • G07F13/10—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with associated dispensing of containers, e.g. cups or other articles
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
  • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
  • G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
  • G01F11/00—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
  • G01F11/28—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement
  • G01F11/284—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement combined with electric level detecting means
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
  • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
  • G01F23/0007—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm for discrete indicating and measuring
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
  • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
  • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
  • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
  • G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves

Definitions

• Packaging regulations are already in place in a growing number of markets, including some US states, Canada, Western and Eastern Europe, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, Taiwan, Tunisia, and South Korea, and regulations pending in many more. Accordingly, awareness of international packaging fees and design requirements will improve the competitiveness of exporters of goods. Failure to adhere to the packaging requirements set out by trading partners can lead to poor cost-competitiveness of goods imported from the US, enforcement measures, and poor public image, especially as environmental consciousness continues to grow.
• EPR Extended Producer Responsibility
• packaging waste has been managed through government-operated and -funded recycling and disposal programs.
• the costs of waste management i.e. collection, disposal
• Internalizing these costs within the product chain by charging companies a fee on the packaging they place on the market ensures that these costs are considered and not borne solely by government and society (i.e., taxpayers) more generally.
• the goal of these systems is not to penalize industry, but rather to assign a portion of the costs to the members of the supply chain who can most directly influence the selection of designs, materials, processes, and other aspects of production and marketing.
• packaging developers are encouraged to reduce packaging and other environmental costs.
• Packaging regulations force manufacturers to incorporate waste management costs into packaging costs, product design, and innovation.
• the present invention seeks to address the problem outlined above by the implementation of a system and method for refilling and reusing personal care products such as creams, cosmetics, hair care products, beauty products, and the like, although the inventions will also apply to many other consumer packaging applications.
• personal care products such as creams, cosmetics, hair care products, beauty products, and the like
• the aforementioned personal care products typically have very high viscosities and are problematic to deliver through traditional fluid delivery systems.
• the present invention overcomes this impediment with a system designed to refill small, handheld product containers, including products that have particulate matter, products that have ultra-high viscosities, Herschel Bulkley fluids, and other non-Newtonian fluids.
• the system of the present invention preferably uses a portable dispensing unit that can store and transfer the personal care products to a refillable personal container in a closed system that pressurizes the consumer container without exposing the contents to the environment.
• a customer who purchases a specialized refillable personal container can use the product until it is exhausted, and then take the refillable personal container to either a store, refilling kiosk, or to a customer representative, where a refilling unit can be used to refill the container with more of the original product, eliminating the need of the customer to purchase (and discard) another container and the need of the manufacture to make another container.
• the personal refillable container can be reused over and over again indefinitely, and each refill eliminates the disposal of a product packaging.
• the system and method of the invention leads to reduced costs based on sustainable packaging, and increased revenues as a result of increased customer service and brand loyalty.
• the container can be refilled by the consumer using a docking station that utilizes cartridges of product to refill the refillable containers.
• the docking station can be suited to a particular product if desired, and include other features that make dispensing the product more friendly to the consumer, such as a heating unit to warm the product if desired, a temperature monitoring sensor, a data-repository for maintaining data on the consumer's use of the product, a communication mechanism for transmitting consumer use of the product, ordering more of the product, relaying special offers or other consumer information from the supplier/manufacturer to the consumer, and other features of the docking station as set forth more fully below.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the flow of distribution according the method of the present invention
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a transportable refilling unit according to the system of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic of a first and second embodiment of a refillable personal container according to the system of the present invention
• FIG. 4 is a schematic of a first embodiment of the refilling station
• FIG. 5 is a schematic of a docking station of the present invention.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a first preferred distribution and flow diagram according to the method of the present invention.
• a manufacturing facility 70 where personal products are manufactured is the starting location for the process. Ordinarily, personal products such as creams, lotions, soaps, hair care products, and the like would be dispensed into containers and shipped to retail outlets for purchase by a customer or to a personal care products direct marketing dealer.
• a portable refilling unit 40 is brought to the manufacturing facility by vehicle or other means and filled with one or more products.
• the portable unit 40 includes multiple products that are often sold together or used as complimentary products.
• the product(s) may be dispensed using a refillable system such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No.
• Customers 10 bring their empty personal refillable containers 60 to the kiosk 30, or the sales representative brings a dispensing unit to the customer, in order to refill the personal container 60 with fresh product.
• the kiosk 30 is depleted or the sales representative has filled a number of personal refillable containers and the portable dispensing unit 40 is empty
• the empty portable dispensing unit 40 is returned to the distribution center 20 and exchanged it for a full dispensing unit 50.
• the empty dispensing unit 40 is then returned to the manufacturing facility 70 for refilling, and the cycle then repeats.
• a portable filling station 190 is schematically shown in FIG. 2, having a housing 100 that encloses a storage compartment 110 and a dispensing compartment 120.
• the storage compartment 110 includes dispensing unit 50 comprised of cartridges or containers 150 of one or more personal care products that can be dispensed using the filling station 190.
• a spare unit 140 of products may also be included in the system.
• the portable dispensing unit 50 may be seated on a carousel that rotates the individual cartridges 150 into a transfer location. It is to be understood that other means are envisioned besides a carousel for positioning the appropriate cartridge 150 into a transfer location, or that a multitude of lines couple the various containers through a single transfer system.
• a single canister or cartridge can be used to connect to the transfer station. It is preferred that single fluid conduit 160 communicate between the storage compartment 110 and the dispensing compartment 120 regardless of how the individual cartridges 150 are arranged.
• a processor 195 is preferably included in the filling station 190 for controlling the various cartridges and the transfer system.
• Figure 4 illustrates a simple schematic diagram of the refilling station 190 and the interaction of the processor 195 with the various inputs.
• the processor 195 communicates with the bar code reader 185 or RFID chip reader to identify the product in the container 60 and relay the information to the processor, which can then operate the carousel motor 165 to rotate the proper canister or cartridge 150 into position within the station 190.
• the level sensor 175 can establish the level of product in the container 60 and ensure proper filling of the container 60 so as not to overflow the personal container 60.
• the processor can then cause a printer 155 to print out a receipt, transaction record, coupon for future purchase, or other data for the consumer to take with the refilled container.
• the processor can also control a communication device such as a modem, internet connection, telephone, and the like, to relay information to the distribution center such as inventory, consumer data, operating conditions (temperature, pressure, etc.), monetary or financial information, and the like to the manufacturer or distribution center.
• a communication device such as a modem, internet connection, telephone, and the like
• the distribution center such as inventory, consumer data, operating conditions (temperature, pressure, etc.), monetary or financial information, and the like to the manufacturer or distribution center.
• the refilling station can operate independently of the distribution center and even without a manned attendant in the case of a kiosk or the like.
• the dedicated conduit 160 leads to the dispensing compartment 120, where a personal refillable container 60 can be placed in proximity with a filling station 170 to replenish the product to be purchased.
• the filling station has a bar code reader or RFID reader to read an identifier on the personal refillable container 60.
• the identifier alerts the processor to the specific product requested, whereupon the processor controls a motor (not shown) to rotate the carrousel or other positioning means until the requested product is positioned into a transfer configuration.
• This may also be used to rotate empty and filled containers of the same product, where product levels are read by the processor using various level detecting means such as weight scales, optical readers, magnetic sensors, and the like.
• the processor 195 when the bar code reader 185 and/or RFID reader identifies the product, other information about the product can be recalled by the processor 195 and used to control the transfer operation, such as viscosity, separation characteristics, temperature limitations, and the like. This ensures that the correct container 150 is coupled to the transfer system and the proper conditions for transfer are established (pressure, volume, etc.). If the bar code reader 185 and/or RFID reader (or other identification means) detects a mismatch between the refillable personal container and each of the individual containers 150 in the portable dispensing unit 50, the processor 195 will cause a signal to alert a sales representative, consumer, or attendant that a different carousel, portable dispensing unit 50, or product container 150 needs to be loaded into the refilling station.
• the dispensing station 120 proceeds to refill the personal container 60 with the personal product to be purchased, which can be sold based on the weight (amount) of material dispensed, for example.
• a scale 180 can be incorporated into the filling station 170 and a signal from the scale can be sent to the processor 195 providing information on the weight before and after the filling operation.
• the processor 195 can then determine the amount of product dispensed, and determine a price based on the established cost of the product, and cause the printer 155 to print out a report or receipt with the price and weight of the product dispensed.
• Other modes of pricing and sale is also envisioned, and the preceding example is offered for exemplary purposes only.
• FIG. 3 illustrates two exemplary embodiments for a personal refillable container 60 to be refilled with a viscous fluid in a closed, sealed, and energized system.
• a bottom fill and discharge device 60a is shown where product from the dispensing unit 50 is delivered to the bottom of the container and the container also discharges product through the same bottom orifice.
• the discharge device 60b is filled and dispensed through a top surface.
• Other embodiments could include opposite loading and dispensing surfaces.
• a force element 200 is subject to a ubiquitous force such as by a fluid or gas 230 and applies the force to the product 210, causing the product to be expelled through a bottom orifice 250 or through a pipe 240 to an upper orifice 260.
• the force element 200 preferably incorporates a viscous seal 220 on the interior wall of the container 60.
• a unique feature of the present system is that it is fully contained and neither the consumer nor the sales representative touches or handles the product. Rather, the system automatically detects the correct product and discharges the correct amount of product to the container without subjecting it to the environment/atmosphere and without the need for human skill or decision-making, reducing the opportunity for errors or contamination.
• the system and method is designed for a minimal amount of human interaction to streamline the process and provide for more efficient and consistent service.
• the closed nature of the system also helps to preserve volatile or time-release materials that are popular in the personal care products industry. Because the system does not expose the product to air, and is very low shear due to the viscous seal about the force delivering mechanism, products with high sensitivities or phase separation issues can be delivered safely and reliably where prior art systems fail. Further, the system allows the refillable container to be refilled under pressure, allowing the dispensing of product heretofore unavailable in a refillable consumer package.
• the system also benefits the consumer because it avoids the situation where product is discarded with the container.
• Containers of personal care products tend to be opaque, and viscous materials adhere to the inner surfaces of the container. When disposed, as much as thirty percent or more of the product is left in the prior art container when it ceases to dispense product. In the present invention, however, the container is refilled while accounting for the existing material so that the consumer only pays for the amount of material needed to replenish the container. In the above example, the consumer would only purchase seventy percent of a full container if the container had thirty percent left from the previous use. The consumer has therefore not only saved the cost of a new container, but has also saved the cost of purchasing thirty percent of the product that would have been discarded with the old container.
• the delivery system also overcomes the problem of prior art squeeze tubes that expel product inconsistently, in that too much or too little is expelled depending upon the condition of the squeeze tube. Conversely, the present system continues to deliver a consistent flow of material from the first dispensing to the final dispensing.
• An intelligent component can be integrated with the system and method of the present invention.
• This intelligent component may include a real-time information exchange, including communication, database retrieval, global positioning features, and additional processing functions.
• the intelligent system can communicate information such as product manufacturer or distributor, customer or client, product, and global position data through a wired and/or wireless communication device 145 to remote communication devices such as cell phones, computer servers, land lines, personal computers, and PDA's (Personal Digital Assistant's, Blackberry's).
• Databases can include date on the manufacturer or distributor, customer information such as location, sales history, personal information, credit and financial data, and individual preferences.
• the product information can include any special requirements for transfer or distributing the product, including handling precautions, sensitivities to air or light, pressure requirements, and chemical properties.
• Global positioning data or other locating information can also be stored for finding a customer as well as finding other local customers of the product to be delivered.
• the processing may determine a distance between the intelligent component and a selected customer, as well as determining driving directions.
• a GPS device would establish the system's location, and the database could then be accessed to output where local customers were located and what products they favored, and the communication system would call, email, or text, or otherwise alert a customer to request or confirm an appointment during a distribution run.
• the docking system and method of this embodiment utilizes a personal, home- based docking station to transfer and dispense various products, including, but not limited to, oils, gels, creams, and the like.
• the system utilizes a hand held dispenser/container with pressurized gas to dispense the contents therein.
• a docking station receives the personal container and transfers energy and/or product to the refillable, reusable container through a port adapted to mate with an exchange fitting on the container.
• the energy exchanged can take many forms, including pneumatic, electrical, thermal, etc.
• the docking station may have a source of pressurized gas that may be introduced into the container to charge the container, allowing refilled material to be dispensed.
• the container may have a battery that can be charged by the docking station using a supplied voltage.
• the docking station could also supply heat to the container, and/or remove heat from the container, to make dispensing the material easier or otherwise affect the material in the container.
• FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a docking station 300 for refilling personal product packages
• the docking station 300 includes a docking pad 312 and a control box 305 for the station that includes a display 310, and various buttons 320 and dials for controlling the exchange of fluid/energy/data.
• the docking station 300 may include a second dock to control a second container, or alternatively the second dock may be used for other purposes such as audio, communication, computer, games, and the like.
• Data exchange can include an alarm data, date, time, event, fault, financial data, flow rate, gas or system properties, global position, interface identification, material, material properties, operator identifier, pressure, temperature, and the like.
• the container 360 can be removed from the dock, and include a link 340 for receiving the material, energy, and/or information from the docking station, as well as a receptor 350 for exchanging or receiving data.
• the container 360 may also contain a display 370 for displaying the contents, date filled, percent of remaining material, type of material, or other information pertinent to the container or user.
• the containers can be a single product container 360a or a dual product container 360b.
• the docking station may receive product filled cartridges 370 which are disposed in slots or retaining cavities 375 in the control box 305.
• the product is maintained in the control box inside the cartridges 370 and transferred as needed by the consumer.
• the control box 305 may include a heat transfer element (not shown) that allows the product to be heated and/or cooled, or the heat transfer element 365 can alternatively be located in the docking station 300 where the product container 330 resides when not being used.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
• Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
• Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

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Family Applications (1)

Country Status (9)

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• 2009
  • 2009-12-23 MX MX2011006707A patent/MX2011006707A/es active IP Right Grant
  • 2009-12-23 EP EP09835862.5A patent/EP2382450A4/de not_active Ceased
  • 2009-12-23 CA CA2747828A patent/CA2747828C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-12-23 BR BRPI0923691A patent/BRPI0923691A2/pt not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2009-12-23 WO PCT/US2009/069479 patent/WO2010075557A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2009-12-23 JP JP2011543687A patent/JP5642705B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2009-12-23 AU AU2009329875A patent/AU2009329875B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2009-12-23 CN CN200980152260.8A patent/CN102265122B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2011
  • 2011-06-22 CL CL2011001549A patent/CL2011001549A1/es unknown

Non-Patent Citations (2)

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