EP3275336B1 - Portable refillable liquid dispenser - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a portable refillable liquid dispenser. Moreover, the invention relates to a system consisting of such a liquid dispenser and a reservoir with a spraying mechanism. Finally, the invention relates to a method for refilling such a liquid dispenser.

Perfumes and similar products are often sold in bottles with a capacity of 50 ml, 100 ml or more. These sizes are not intended to be transported as needed, for example, in a purse.

In addition, smaller containers are known, such as travel vials, for example, with a content of 5 ml or 10 ml, the content of which is intended only for a few applications, or sample vials, often in the form of a vial with a content of 0.7 ml or 1.5 ml, which are intended only for tasting.

In many cases, there is a desire to refill such small containers in order to reuse them.

With sampling bottles, refilling is in most cases already ruled out because the opening of the bottle is too small for that. In addition, such test bottles are not well suited for the intended application anyway, since they do not have any dispensing means, such as a spray or roller head.

Travel vials, however, the opening would often be large enough for refilling, are often not equipped for this. In general, the bottle opening is not accessible or only cumbersome because the dispenser is firmly connected to the bag. A deployed spray or rolling head or the like would first have to be removed with the aid of a tool, such as a pair of pliers.

In addition, most perfume bottles, which could basically serve as a refill or storage container for such a portable refillable liquid dispenser, are equipped with a Zerstäubermechanismus and therefore difficult to open. As a reservoir for refilling a Reisefläschchens they are therefore generally not suitable.

document DE20009385U1 discloses a container for refilling a Deodorantrollers.

An object of the present invention is to enable a refilling of a portable liquid dispenser, in particular for perfume or the like, in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner. In particular, small containers, such as Reisefläschchen or the like, with little effort and using commercially available containers with a spray pump as a reservoir, such as using a conventional perfume bottle, be refillable.

This object is achieved by a liquid dispenser according to claim 1 or a system according to claim 9 or a method according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. The advantages and embodiments explained below in connection with the liquid dispenser also apply correspondingly to the system according to the invention and to the method according to the invention and vice versa. According to the portable refillable liquid dispenser, in particular for perfume or the like, characterized in that it comprises: a container, in particular a bottle or the like, wherein the container has an opening, a dispensing device, in particular a dispensing device associated with the opening, for removal the liquid from the container through the opening,
and a removable cap (closure cap) for covering the dispensing device, wherein the dispensing device, preferably without tools, so only by hand, is releasably connected to the container, and wherein the cover cap with removable dispensing device, preferably directly, is connectable to the container, and wherein the cap has a refill opening through which liquid can be introduced into the container when the cap is connected to the container, and wherein the refill opening for receiving a Sprühröhrchens, in particular for receiving a Sprühröhrchens a conventional container with spray mechanism is formed.

According to the invention, the method for refilling a portable liquid dispenser, in particular for perfume or the like, characterized by the following steps: a dispensing device for removing the liquid from a container of the liquid dispenser is separated from the container, a cap for covering the dispensing device is separated from the dispensing device and connected to the container, a spray tube of a reservoir is inserted into a provided in the cap refill and liquid is transferred from the reservoir into the container of the liquid dispenser.

A basic idea of the invention is to carry out the container of the liquid dispenser in two parts, namely in such a way that the dispensing device can be removed from the container. This is done in particular such that the opening of the container, which was previously associated with the dispensing device, exposed after removal of the dispensing device. In other words, the container has a removable dispenser head. Through this first inventive step, the container opening is removed through the in the assembled state of the dispensing device liquid from the container, preferably freely accessible, but in any case so far accessible that the procedure described below for refilling further feasible.

Thus, while in the prior art, the dispensing device is firmly connected to the container or can be separated only with the aid of tools from the container, a releasable connection of dispensing device and container is provided from the outset from the outset.

A further basic idea of the invention is that the cap which can be removed from the dispensing device can be connected to the container when the dispensing device is removed, this cap having according to the invention a refilling opening which is designed to receive a spray tube through which the refilling takes place.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cap is connectable to the container instead of the dispensing device. This means that the cap occupies the position of the dispensing device. With removed dispensing device, the cap can thus be connected directly to the container.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container can be filled through the opening when the cap is connected to the container. This means that the removal and refilling of the container take place through one and the same opening. As a result, a particularly simple handling of the liquid dispenser is achieved during refilling.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this opening is the only opening of the container. Since in this case only a single opening is needed, the container of the liquid dispenser can be made particularly simple. In addition, when only a single opening is present, the container requires only a single fastener to make a releasable connection to the dispenser or cap, which may be a simple screw connection. In the simplest case, the container is a bottle, at whose bottleneck a connecting thread is provided. A special, structurally complex mechanical connection between dispensing device and container is not necessary.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, both the dispensing device and the cap can each be connected to the container by means of a first type of connection, in particular by means of a screw connection. In this context, an embodiment of the invention has proved to be particularly advantageous in which the covering cap can be connected to the dispensing device by means of a second type of connection different from the first type of connection, in particular by means of a latching, snap-action or plug connection. In other words the cover preferably has connection means for the formation of two different compounds.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, dispensing device and cover cap and the container have identical or identical, but at least mutually compatible, connecting means. In addition, the cap preferably has a different type of connection. In this case, therefore, the cap has on the one hand a first type of connection for normal use, in which the cap is connected to the dispensing device, and on the other hand via a second connection for connecting the cap to the container for the process of refilling. Preferably, the two types of connection differ from each other by different opening movements, preferably such that when performing an opening movement to separate the one type of connection, an opening movement of the other type of connection can not be performed unintentionally. This can be realized in a particularly advantageous manner if the covering cap is removed, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the container in order to expose the dispensing device, while a change of the head part of the liquid dispenser for refilling, ie a removal of the dispensing device or a mounting of the covering cap directly on the container, by a screwing or screwing, so a screwing movement takes place about the central longitudinal axis of the container.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing device has a rolling mechanism for distributing the liquid. In another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing device has a spraying mechanism for atomizing the liquid. Is that right, this is what the preferred embodiment, wherein the dispensing device to a rolling head, then this has to distribute the liquid enclosed in a socket and rotatable ball, wherein the ball communicates with a portion of the liquid, while another portion of the ball to the outside is directed and used to apply the liquid. Instead of such a rolling head, however, the dispensing device can also be designed as a spray head. In this case, a tube is provided, which is suitable to be placed in the liquid, and a pump which communicates with the tube, wherein the pump is equipped with a nozzle through which the liquid can be sprayed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container of the liquid dispenser is a bottle, preferably of glass, or of a plastic material.

The liquid dispenser according to the invention is preferably designed such that it contains liquid for a small number of applications. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container has a content of less than 15 ml. Typically, the contents of the container are 5 ml or 10 ml. On the other hand, a spray bottle used as a refill can have, for example, a content of 50 ml, 100 ml or more.

Particularly advantageous, the invention is applicable to liquids such as perfume, aftershave or the like. The liquid to be dispensed is not limited to perfume. The use of other liquids is possible. In this context, the design of the dispensing or dispensing device is not limited to spray or rolling mechanisms. The use of other donation technologies is also possible. In the simplest case eliminates the dispensing device and the container can be closed with a simple rotary closure or the like. The refill opening is then provided in this closure element.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a refill mechanism is provided instead of the simple refill opening. This means that not only a single opening, but in addition further construction elements are provided, which are designed for refilling the container, which may be movable or immovable elements. In one variant, such a refill mechanism on several channels, for. B. a refill and a separately extending vent channel through which the escaping air from the interior of the container to the outside or inside the refill container can escape. In another variant, a refill mechanism comprises connection means which are suitable for forming a releasable connection between the refill container and the container. In this case, this connection is not realized only by a simple insertion of Sprühröhrchens in the refill. Instead, an additional mechanical connection may be provided for securing the position of the container to the refill container or vice versa during the process of refilling, for example a screw connection, for which purpose at least the cap, if necessary but also the refill container, has suitable connection means.

By means of the present invention, it is possible by the provision of the refill opening in a particularly simple manner, a conventional perfume bottle with a conventional spray mechanism for refilling a Reisfellächens or to use the like. The refill opening is designed for this purpose as well that it receives a spray tube, in particular a spray tube of a commercially available spray mechanism.

From the serving as a reservoir perfume bottle for this purpose, the spray is removed, so that the spray tube, so the shaft (hollow shaft) of the spray mechanism, exposed. Subsequently, the tube is pressed against the cap so that it penetrates into the refill opening. Preferably, the spray valve of the reservoir is simultaneously actuated by this pushing movement and liquid, such as perfume, enters from the reservoir into the container of the liquid dispenser. After a few such pump strokes (pumping movements), the filling process is completed and liquid dispenser and reservoir are separated again by the spray tube is pulled out of the refill opening in the cap.

In addition to the advantages already described, it is a further advantage of the solution according to the invention that for use of a conventional spray bottle or other liquid container with spray pump as a refill no separate from the liquid dispenser to be stored or transported adapter piece or the like is required. The refilling opening required solely for refilling by means of spray tubes is instead provided in the covering cap, in other words integrated in the liquid dispenser. It therefore can not be lost.

With the invention, a refill of a portable liquid dispenser is possible in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner. Small containers, such as Reisefläschchen or the like, can with little Expenditure and using commercially available containers with a spray pump as a reservoir, such as using a conventional perfume bottle refilled.

The invention provides a portable refillable liquid dispenser that can be filled from a conventional bottle with a spraying mechanism. Such a liquid dispenser may preferably be used in the form of a perfume travel vial. Due to the refillability, liquid from a conventional bottle can be filled with a spray mechanism through the refill port when the cap is directly mounted to the container. If, instead, the dispensing device is connected to the container, the liquid, as in a conventional liquid dispenser, is removed by the dispensing device and the covering cap serves to cover the dispensing device.

The invention is particularly suitable for small, lightweight liquid dispensers, especially perfume bottles, on the move, especially for travel. It is possible with the help of the "normal" perfume bottle a particularly simple refilling, without the need for an adapter or the like is necessary.

Fig. 1

das obere Ende eines erfindungsgemäßen Flüssigkeitsspenders im verschlossenen Gebrauchszustand in einer Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 2

das obere Ende aus Fig. 1, jedoch mit unmittelbar an der Flasche angebrachter Abdeckkappe zum Wiederbefüllen, in einer Schnittdarstellung.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Hereby show:

Fig. 1

the upper end of a liquid dispenser according to the invention in the closed state of use in a sectional view,

Fig. 2

the top end off Fig. 1 , but with cap attached directly to the bottle for refilling, in a sectional view.

All figures show the invention not to scale, while only schematically and only with their essential components. The same reference numerals correspond to elements of the same or comparable function.

The upper part of a portable refillable liquid dispenser 1 for perfume is in Fig. 1 shown in its state of use. The dispenser 1 comprises a container 2 in the form of a glass bottle, for example with a content of 5 ml. The cross section of the glass bottle 2 may be, for example, circular or oval. The glass bottle 2 is formed, for example, pin-shaped.

The container 2 has at its upper end a single opening 3. The bottleneck 4 of the glass bottle 2 has a connecting thread 5. Attached thereto is a dispensing device 6 for removing the perfume from the container 2 through the opening 3. The dispensing device 6 is a rolling head for distributing the perfume. The rolling mechanism comprises a plastic or glass ball 7, which is enclosed in a socket 8 of the rolling head 6 and can rotate within this socket 8. The fit between the ball 7 and the socket 8 is chosen so that the ball 7 can transport a layer of perfume by its rotational movement to the outside, but at the same time held in the socket 8. A part of the ball 7 is in communication with the inner part of the bottle 2, another part with the external environment. The outwardly directed part of the ball 7, the perfume z. B. directly on the Apply skin and distribute after the ball 7 was previously wetted inside the container 2 with the perfume.

The mating thread 9 required for connection to the bottleneck 4 is mounted inside a mounting dome 11 of the rolling head 6, which is provided opposite the socket 8. An outer jacket 12 surrounds the region of the mounting dome 11 and forms a panel, which also serves as a screen.

The dispenser 1 also includes a cap 13 for covering the rolling head 6. The cap 13 is detachable from the rolling head 6.

The rolling head 6 is detachably connected to the container 2, so it can be unscrewed. When removed rolling head 6, the cap 13 can then be connected instead of the rolling head 6 with the container 2, as in Fig. 2 displayed. For this purpose, the cap 13 has a matching screw thread. This is also designed as a mating thread 9 for connection to the thread 5 on the bottle neck 4 and is mounted inside a connection dome 14 which extends from the flat top 15 of the cap 13 away. Here, too, an outer jacket 16 surrounds the region of the connecting dome 14 and forms a panel, which also serves as a screen. Preferably close the two outer shells 12, 16 of rolling head 6 and cap 13 in the operating state ( Fig. 1 ) in alignment with each other and also serve to provide an imaginary extension of the outer side 17 of the container 2 to the top 15 of the cap 13, so that the overall result is an optically continuous body of the dispenser 1.

The cap 13 is plugged in the closed state to form a locking connection on the rolling head 6. To this Purpose, the rolling head 6 on the outside of the ball 7 holding the holder 8 has a circumferential locking groove 18 and the cap 13 has a free end of the connecting dome 14 extending, with the locking groove 18 corresponding locking ridge 19 for engaging in the locking groove 18.

In normal operating condition ( Fig. 1 ) is the screw thread 9 of the cap 13 without function. The cap 13 can be plugged onto the rolling head 6 or withdrawn from the rolling head 6 in the bottle longitudinal direction 21. If the dispenser 1 to be refilled, the cap 13 is screwed at the location of the rolling head 6 with the container 2 (screw 22 about the central longitudinal axis 23 of the bottle 2).

The cap 13 has in the middle of its upper side 15 a refill opening 24 through which liquid in the container 2 can be filled when the cap 13 is connected to the container 2 ( Fig. 2 ). This refill opening 24 is for receiving a Sprühröhrchens 25 (in Fig. 2 indicated by broken line) of a reservoir formed. As a reservoir is a commercial perfume bottle 26, for example, with a capacity of 100 ml, which has a standard Pumpsprühmechanismus (not shown). After the spray button of this perfume bottle 26 has been removed, this is usually possible by simply pulling it off, the spray tube 25 of the perfume bottle 26 is exposed and can be inserted into the refill opening 24. If the spray tube 25 is inserted into the refill opening 24, perfume can be transferred from the perfume bottle 26 through the opening 24 into the container 2 by repeated pumping. The otherwise closed top 15 of the cap 13 serves as a mechanical stop and counter bearing for the perfume bottle 26, to operate the spray valve (not shown) of the perfume bottle 26th

Thus, a reusable roll-on dispenser 1 is provided repeatedly. For refilling neither the ball 7 must be removed from its version 8, nor must be provided in the container 2, an additional refill or the like.

All features described in the description, the following claims and the drawings can be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination with one another.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Liquid dispenser, dispenser

2

Container, bottle

3

opening

4

bottleneck

5

thread

6

Dispensing device, rolling head

7

Bullet

8th

version

9

mating thread

10

(free)

11

Montagedom

12

outer sheath

13

cap

14

connecting mandrel

15

top

16

outer sheath

17

outside

18

locking groove

19

latching bead

20

(free)

21

Bottles longitudinally

22

screwing

23

central longitudinal axis

24

refill

25

spray tube

26

Reservoir, perfume bottle

Claims (10)

1. Portable refillable liquid dispenser (1), in particular for perfume or the like,

   - having a vessel (2), in particular a bottle or the like, wherein the vessel (2) has an opening (3);

   - having a dispensing installation (6) for retrieving the liquid from the vessel (2) through said opening (3); and

   - having a removable cover cap (13) for covering the dispensing installation (6);

   wherein

   - the dispensing installation (6) is releasably connected to the vessel (2);

   - the cover cap (13) in the case of a removed dispensing installation (6) is connectable to the vessel (2),

   characterized in that
   the cover cap (13) has a refilling opening (24) through which liquid can be filled into the vessel (2) when the cover cap (13) is connected to the vessel (2), wherein the refilling opening (24) is configured for receiving a spray tube (25) of a storage container (26).
2. Liquid dispenser (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the cover cap (13) is connectable to the vessel (2) instead of the dispensing installation (6).
3. Liquid dispenser (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the vessel (2) can be filled through the opening (3) when the cover cap (13) is connected to the vessel (2).
4. Liquid dispenser (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening (3) is the only opening of the vessel (2).
5. Liquid dispenser (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein both the dispensing installation (6) as well as the cover cap (13) are respectively connectable to the vessel (2) by means of a first type of connection, in particular by means of a screw connection (5, 9).
6. Liquid dispenser (1) according to Claim 5, wherein the cover cap (13) is connectable to the dispensing installation (6) by means of a second type of connection that differs from the first type of connection, in particular by means of a latch-fit, snap-fit, or plug-fit connection (18, 19).
7. Liquid dispenser (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the dispensing installation (6) has a roller mechanism for distributing the liquid.
8. Liquid dispenser (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the dispensing installation (6) has a spray mechanism for atomizing the liquid.
9. System composed of a liquid dispenser (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, and of a storage container (26) having a spray mechanism which comprises a spray tube (25).
10. Method for refilling a portable liquid dispenser (1) according to Claim 1, in particular for perfume or the like, said method comprising the following steps:

    - a dispensing installation (6) for retrieving the liquid from a vessel (2) of the liquid dispenser (1) is separated from the vessel (2);

    - a cover cap (13) for covering the dispensing installation (6) is separated from the dispensing installation (6) and is connected to the vessel (2);

    - a spray tube (25) of a storage container is plugged into a refilling opening (24) provided in the cover cap (13), and liquid is transferred from the storage container (26) into the vessel (2) of the liquid dispenser (1).

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