GB2582295A - Improvements relating to pump dispensers - Google Patents

Abstract

There are a parent and child pump dispensers, which are particularly airless pump dispensers. There is a parent dispenser 100 for dispensing flowable product and refilling a child container 30,32. The parent dispenser 100 comprises a container (2 figure 1) and a pump module 13A, 13B for dispensing flowable product from the container via a nozzle 15. The pump module comprises a nozzle 15, an internal volume (V figure 6B) configured to receive flowable product from the container, an internal channel (40 figure 6B) having a fluid inlet leading from the internal volume and at least two fluid exits 16A, 16B comprising at least one first fluid exit leading to the nozzle and at least one second exit. The pump module is configurable in a first mode of operation to open the first exit and close the second exit to dispense fluid via the nozzle and the pump module further configurable m a second mode of operation to close the first exit and open the second exit.

Description

Improvements Relating to Pump Dispensers

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to pump dispensers, particularly airless pump dispensers, child dispensers for use with parent pump dispensers, parent pump dispensers and child dispenser systems, kits comprising parent pump dispensers and/or child dispensers and other components, and associated methods of manufacturing of parent pump dispensers, and child dispensers, and methods of use of same.

Background

Conventional dispensers for dispensing flowable or fluid products such as, for example, liquids, lotions, pastes and gels e.g. cosmetics and detergents etc., are usually provided with dispenser pumps on an upper opening and a tube reaching down into the fluid contents to discharge the fluid contents easily e.g. in limited quantities. Such pump dispensers are particularly well known for liquid soaps, cleansing liquids, moisturising lotions, shampoos and face washes etc. The dispenser operates by ejecting the fluid out of the tube when the head is depressed, on its release the negative pressure draws the fluid up the tube. The fluid product is under atmospheric air pressure, typically via an air inlet in a dispensing cap, or under pressure within a pressurised dispenser container. In recent years, airless pump dispensers have been developed in which negative pressure is used, the reservoir containing the fluid product having an air inlet in the base and a slidable follower piston within it so that, as fluid product is dispensed, the pressure is reduced inside the reservoir and air pressure behind the follower piston forces it to rise up the reservoir, pushing fluid product towards the dispensing cap. This results in extraction of almost all of the fluid content of the dispenser. These are known colloquially as airless pump dispensers, as the fluid product is typically kept separate from external air e.g. by means of a disc or follower piston.

Moist, single-use, disposable cloths made wholly or partly from polymerised materials such as plastic, known colloquially as 'wet wipes', have been available for many years and cause significant problems in sewage systems particularly together with solidified fats. Polymerised materials do not decompose readily in the environment. Even when designed to be flushable, such single use cloths can take many months or many years to properly decompose and, when coated with fats found in sewers, can be prevented from disintegrating and may form composites of solidified fat and cloth. Such moist, single use, disposable cloths are used widely, including for more general purposes such as make up removal, face cleansing and, when out and about, for cleaning hands, faces and the like.

For reasons of preference in personal hygiene, individuals may wish to use single-use disposable cloths, such as 'wet wipes', for cleaning intimate areas following toilet use, rather than easily disintegrable toilet paper designed for such use. Such single-use, disposable cloths also find application in tending to babies' and toddlers' intimate areas and, again, these cloths are typically disposed of down the toilet and into the sewage system, causing many problems as noted above, or into landfill, and may take years to decompose. The plastic material from which the cloth is made then finds its way into the environment, which is undesirable.

Dispensers and containers holding cleansing liquids designed for personal or intimate use with disintegrable tissue and toilet paper are known, but these tend to be bulky single-use dispensers and containers. To encourage the use of cleansing liquids with paper tissue, or paper toilet paper alone (which are readily disintegrable in water), when out and about (e.g. away from home environment) small, discreet, portable, refillable dispensers are desirable but are often expensive and/or difficult to refill.

Various methods exist for refilling small, portable (child) dispensers, or having small portable (child) dispensers readily available and full at a moment's notice. Some use larger parent containers.

EP1389491 KI describes an early airless pump dispenser. US2017/0216862 KNIGHT is a more recent document which uses a rotatable disrupter to encourage flow of viscous product in an airless pump dispenser. W02012/001375 LAW describes an airless dispenser with a separate nozzle attachment.

Various systems use an inlet in a cap to refill a container. W02014/147351 CROIBIER describes a refillable fluid product dispenser which uses equalisation of pressure to refill via a secondary filling valve in a pump module on top of a container. W02013/014626 HUI describes a portable refillable cream dispenser which is refilled via its base or, in one example, its lid. US2018029058 DETSCH describes a ball dispenser with a removable dispensing head and a separate cap with a refill hole to refill the ball dispenser.

Various parent and child docking systems are known, usually refilling a child pump dispenser via its base. W02016/014257 SCOTT and W02016/14256 SCOTT describe similar parent and child dispensing and docking systems in which a parent container of larger volume receives and refills a child dispenser, when the child dispenser is docked with it. CN106660693 HUI describes a portable refillable cream dispenser which can be refilled via its base. US2011/0297275 FARRAR I and US2013/0269830 FARRAR II describe filling via an inlet or topping up liquid into a child container from a parent container when docked.

US2005/284891 RAMET shows a separable refillable child unit refillable when docked on a parent receptacle. US2013/0019991 MULLER describes a similar refillable travel dispenser. W02012/109411 LITTEN describes a child dispenser and parent body. W02015/181717 OKHAI describes a dispensing mechanism and a refill mechanism.

Whilst refilling of child dispensers from parent containers is known, the mechanisms suggested to do so are expensive, requiring either dispensing mechanisms in both the parent container and the child container, or use of a child container pump mechanism to dispense from both the parent container and the child container. Refilling of child dispensers (and associated containers) especially passive child dispensers (which have no pump mechanism) is often difficult to achieve, messy and wasteful of product.

Therefore, there remain the issues of providing discreet, easily refillable portable dispensers for portable use, and easy to use, refillable child and parent dispensers.

The present invention seeks to alleviate one or more of the problems noted above and elsewhere.

Statements of the Invention

In a first aspect there is provided a parent dispenser (100) for dispensing flowable product and refilling a (e.g. passive) child container (30, 32), the parent dispenser (100) 25 comprising: a container (2) and a pump module (13, 13A, 13B) for dispensing flowable product from the container (2) via a nozzle (15), the pump module comprising: a nozzle (15); an (e.g. variable enclosable) internal volume (V) configured to receive flowable product from the container; an internal channel (40) having a (e.g. at least one) fluid inlet leading from the internal volume (V) and at least two (e.g. first and second) fluid exits (16A, 16B) comprising at least one first (e.g. closable) fluid exit (16A) leading to the nozzle (15) and at least one second (e.g. closable) fluid exit (e.g. leading outside the pump module); the pump module configurable in a first mode of operation to open the first fluid exit (16A) and close the second fluid exit (16B) to dispense fluid via the nozzle and the pump module further configurable in a second mode of operation to close the first exit (16A) and open the second exit (16B) (e.g. suitable for refilling a child container (30, 32)).

The pump module may comprise a pump such as one well known in the art and/or described herein. The child container may be a passive child container with e.g. a deformable reservoir (e.g. shown as round (32) herein but could be of any conceivable 10 shape) for dispensing fluid, rather than a pump.

The second exit (16B) may be configured to engage with (e.g. receive) a closure member (e.g. a neck portion (34C) or side wall of a neck portion (34C)) of a child container (32) (e.g. to configure the pump module) in the second mode of operation (e.g. to bring the child container (32) into fluid communication with the internal channel (40) of the parent dispenser (100) for filling and/or refilling).

The internal channel (40) may comprise at least one side wall and the at least one first exit (16A) may be provided in the at least one side wall of the internal channel (40), and the at least one second exit (16B) may comprise a cross-section e.g. of the internal channel (40) (e.g. a terminal cross-section and/or in which the cross-section may be perpendicular to a central axis of the internal channel (40)). The at least one second exit (16B) may comprise an exit channel (16C) (e.g. which terminates in an opening in a side wall of the pump module e.g. to receive a closure member such as a neck portion (34C) of a child container (32)).

The internal channel (40) may be configured to engage with a neck of a child container (32) via the second exit (16B) such that, in a second (e.g. filling or refilling) mode of operation, a neck portion (34C) of a child container (32) is operative to close the first exit (16A) (e.g. in a sealing manner) upon engagement with the internal channel (40) and may be in fluid communication with the second exit (16B) so that, upon operation of the pump module (13) in a second mode of operation, the flowable product may be dispensed via the internal channel (40) and the second exit (16B).

A pair of spaced coaxial, substantially or generally, cylindrical side walls may form the internal channel (40) and provide an annular recess (e.g. a cylindrical annular recess (21)) between for receiving a neck portion (34C) (e.g. a correspondingly shaped e.g. cylindrical neck portion (34C)) of a child container (32). The upper portion (13A), and a nozzle (15) may be integral (e.g. formed of one unit, for example manufactured as one unit or manufactured as separate pieces and joined together).

A movable closure member (38B) may be positioned about (or within) a stem (16) of the pump module, the stem defining the internal channel (40). The moveable closure member may be formed of or moveable by a neck portion (34C) of a child container (32) from an open position to a closed position closing first exit (16A) of internal channel (40). The movable closure member may be resiliently mounted (e.g. on a spring) such that it tends to open first exit (16A).

The pump module may be automatically configurable to close the first exit (16A) upon engagement with a child container (32) (e.g. upon receipt of a movable closure member, here neck portion 34C, e.g. in exit channel 16C and/or second fluid exit 16B).

The pump module may comprise a closure member (e.g. piston/ring 38B, and/or gate valve 50, and/or side wall of stem 16, and/or side wall 113 of upper portion 13A, and/or spring valve piston 138B) movable from a first configuration (e.g. position) in the first mode of operation to a second configuration (e.g. position) in the second mode of operation.

The pump module (13) may comprise an upper portion (13A) in two parts (e.g. a lower head portion and an upper head portion 13A-1, 13A-2) movable with respect to one another to switch between first and second modes of operation. The two parts are at least one of: reciprocally slidable with respect to, and/or rotatably slidable with respect to, one another. The reciprocation and/or rotation of one part with respect to the other, and/or vice versa, may bring the closure member (e.g. a side wall of stem 16, side wall 113 of upper portion 13A) and internal channel (40) into alignment (e.g. and so into fluid communication with one another).

The closure member (e.g. a side wall of stem 16, side wall 113 of upper portion 13A) may comprise a side wall (16, 113) of internal channel 40.

The closure member may comprise a rotatable gate valve (50) operable to switch 35 between first and second modes of operation (e.g. to close first exit (16A) and open second exit (16B) and/or vice versa).

The pump module may be manually configurable to switch between first and second modes.

The pump module (13) may comprise a pump of any kind know in the art. The pump 5 module (13) may comprise an upper portion (13A) and a lower portion (13B), the upper portion (13A) movable with respect to the lower portion (13B) to vary the internal volume (V) to dispense flowable product, the upper portion (13A) comprising a stem at an upper end thereof having at least one side wall (40A, 40B) defining the internal channel (40). The upper portion (13A) may comprise an upper check valve (19) and the lower portion 10 (13B) may comprise a lower check valve (22), each at respective openings to the internal volume (V). The upper portion (13A) may comprise one of a cylinder (20) defining the internal volume, and a stem (16, 17) travelling in the cylinder; and the lower portion (13B) may comprise the other of a cylinder (20) defining the internal volume (V) and a stem (16, 17) travelling in the cylinder.

The internal channel (40) may be at least one of: i) elongate; ii) generally cylindrical iii) generally or substantially linear (e.g. straight) iv) has a dog-leg (side step) change in direction v) adapted for slidable motion with respect to a neck of a child container; vi) adapted for reciprocal translational motion with respect to a neck of a child container; vii) adapted for rotational motion with respect to a neck of a child container; viii) adapted for a screw-fit and/or interference fit with respect to a neck of a child container.

The parent dispenser (100) may comprise a further removable closure member (11, 11A, 41) which may be hinged, for closing second exit (16B) (e.g. when not in use, such as a 25 moulded, or 0-ring type seal (11 B) and lid (11), or a resilient or screw thread plug (41)).

The pump module may be an airless pump module (e.g. sealed against air ingress during use) and e.g. typically attached in a sealed manner to container (2) e.g. screwed onto it. The container 2 may comprise a follower piston (23), optionally with an air inlet (24) on the atmospheric pressure side of the follower piston. Airless does not necessarily mean air tight or under vacuum but rather, as used in this field, in which contact between fluid product and air or fresh air, e.g. in a repeated manner when pumping, is generally avoided and typically minimised, although the fluid product may come into contact with air during filling and/or refilling, this air is not refreshed/replaced, thereby reducing exposure to air etc. The pump module may comprise an upper portion (13A) having an upper check valve (19) and a lower portion (138) having a lower check valve (22), the upper and lower portions enclosing the internal volume (V) between the upper and lower check valves (19, 22); wherein, in use, in both first and second modes of operation, the upper cap portion (13A) may be configured to move with respect to the lower portion (13B) in a first direction to open the upper check valve (19) and close the lower check valve (22) to dispense fluid via the first or second fluid exits (16A, 16B) and in a second direction to close the upper check valve (19) and open the lower check valve (22) to draw fluid from the container (2) into the internal volume (V), ready to be dispensed..

In a further aspect there is provided a child dispenser (30) (e.g. a passive child dispenser with no pump) comprising a child container (32), the child container (2) having a collar comprising a distal neck portion (34C), the distal neck portion (34C) being receivable in the internal channel (40) of the parent dispenser (100) and operable as a removable closure member to close the first exit (16A) of internal channel (40) and open the second exit (16B) of a parent dispenser (100) as described herein.

The child dispenser may comprise a removable dispensing cap (33) mountable on the collar (34) (e.g. a relatively rigid collar) and comprising one or more nozzles (35) and nozzle exits (35A to D). The collar 34 may comprise a plastic moulded nozzle assembly and may incorporate screw thread or other locating device e.g. a 90 degree twist and lock location and features (e.g. moulded recess 34F and lands 34B) to enable automated manufacturing assembly. The nozzle exits may be spaced apart (e.g. to be wider than a corresponding collar (34)).

The child dispenser may comprise a deformable pouch or reservoir (32') within the container attached to collar (34) (e.g. of plastic, foil laminate). This typically is not very resilient, so the deformed container maintains its deformed shape.

In a further aspect there is provided a dispenser system comprising a parent dispenser (100) and a child dispenser (30) as described herein, the child dispenser (30) comprising a child container (32), the child container (32) having a collar (34) comprising a distal neck portion (34C), the neck portion (34C) being receivable in the internal channel (40) of the parent dispenser and operable as a removable closure member to close the first exit (16A) of internal channel (40) and open the second exit (16B).

In a further aspect there is provided a method of filling and/or refilling a child dispenser as described herein comprising: a) inserting a distal neck portion (34C) into fluid communication with the second exit (16B) (e.g. via an associated exit channel) of a parent dispenser (100) as described herein (e.g. distal neck portion (34C) may be screwed or slid into an exit channel leading to exit (16B) and may pass through second exit (16B) and may, in some preferred embodiments, close off first exit (16A)); b) operating the pump module (13) of the parent dispenser to fill or refill the child container via the second exit (16B) and the distal neck portion (34C).

The neck portion (34C) of the child container (32) and the internal channel (40) of the parent dispenser (100) may comprise inter-engaging surface features (e.g. co-operating screw threads, interference fit, locking members etc.) In a further aspect there is provided a kit comprising a parent dispenser (100) as described herein, and a child container as described herein, a dispensing system as described herein, and one or more of: bag(s) (e.g. bag and removable internal bag); ii. one or more (e.g. a set of one or more) cloth pieces (e.g cotton or muslin squares); iii. a replacement (e.g. refillable or refilled container (2) for a parent pump module (13); iv. a protective case for a child container; v. a toiler roll holder with one or more recesses for a parent and/or child container.

In a further aspect there is provided a method of recycling parent containers for parent dispensers.

Several embodiments of the invention are described and any one or more features of any one or more embodiments may be used in any one or more aspects of the invention as 30 described herein.

Brief Description of the Invention

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar features. The reference numerals, especially those in the claims, are examples only and 35 are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional, elevation view of a dispensing cap for a pump dispenser known in the art.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional, elevation of a parent pump dispenser (e.g. a parent 5 container and a parent dispensing cap), with a resilient member, here spring 18, extended, in an example embodiment.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional, elevation of the parent pump dispenser of Figure 2 with a resilient member, here spring 18, compressed, in an example embodiment.

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show respectively front elevation, side elevation and cross-sectional front elevation views of a child dispenser (here comprising a child container with an internal reservoir and a child dispensing cap) in an example embodiment.

Figures 5A, 5B and 5C show respectively front elevation, side elevation and cross-sectional front elevation views of the child container of Figures 4A to 4C.

Figure 6A shows a perspective view of a parent pump dispenser and a child container in refilling mode in an example embodiment.

Figure 6B shows an alternative parent pump dispenser in cross-section which uses ball bearings as check valves (here shown in a dispensing configuration, initially at rest, prior to pumping e.g. by pressing cap upper portion or button 14).

Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of a parent pump dispenser and a child container in refilling mode during refilling (lower check valve is closed, upper check valve is open).

Figure 7A shows a cross-sectional front elevation partial view of a child container and, in particular, its neck region in an example embodiment.

Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional front elevation view of an upper portion (13A) of a dispensing cap (e.g. a pump module) of a parent pump dispenser ready to receive a neck portion of a child container such as that shown in Figure 7A.

Figure 7C shows cross-sectional, elevation view of the portion of the upper portion (13A) of dispensing cap of Figure 7B and the child container of Figure 7A in refilling mode, during refilling, in an example embodiment.

Figure 8A shows a cross-sectional front elevation partial view of a child container and, in particular, its neck region in an alternative example embodiment.

Figure 8B a cross-sectional front elevation view of an upper portion (13A) of a dispensing cap of a parent pump dispenser ready to receive a neck portion of a child container such as that shown in Figure 8A, in an alternative example embodiment.

Figure 8C shows a cross-sectional elevation view of the alternative parent pump 10 dispenser and child container of Figures 8A and 8B in refilling mode, during refilling.

Figure 9A shows a child dispenser of one aspect of the invention in dispensing mode during dispensing.

Figure 9B shows an alternative child dispenser with a spreader-shaped dispensing cap (having an elongate distal nozzle portion for increasing separation between nozzle exits 35A to 35D).

Figure 10 shows a part cross-sectional, elevation view of a parent dispenser pump 20 module (which uses bellows as a resilient member and to provide internal volume V) and a child container in refilling mode, during refilling, in an alternative embodiment.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a parent dispenser cap (e.g. a pump module) and a child container in refilling mode, during refilling, in an example embodiment.

Figures 12A and 12B show cross-sectional elevations of, respectively, parent dispenser in a dispensing configuration, and parent dispenser and child container in a refilling configuration. This embodiment incorporates a manually operated gate valve to direct flow either to the dispensing nozzle (15A), or to the child container dispensing outlet (via second fluid exit 16B).

Figures 13A and 13B show cross-sectional elevation views of, respectively, an alternative parent dispenser in a dispensing configuration, and a parent dispenser and child container in a refilling configuration, which uses a (e.g. manually) rotatable upper portion 35 of a dispensing cap to switch between dispensing and refilling configurations.

Figures 14A and 14B show cross-sectional elevation views of, respectively, an alternative parent dispenser in a dispensing configuration, and parent dispenser and child container in a refilling configuration, which uses a (e.g. manually) sliding upper portion of a dispensing cap to switch between dispensing and refilling configurations.

Figures 15A and 15B show cross-sectional elevation views of, respectively, an alternative parent dispenser in a dispensing configuration, and parent dispenser and child container in a refilling configuration, which uses a (e.g. an automatic) spring return valve (similar but arranged perpendicularly to that seen in Figures 7B and 7C).

Figures 16A to 16E show views (elevation or perspective) of kit items e.g. a bag here a rucksack 60 with an optional removable internal net bag 62, a child dispenser 30 and parent dispenser 100, roll up holdall 70 and cloth pieces 72, a child dispenser (e.g. protective) case 80, combined toilet roll and parent dispenser holder 90.

Figures 17A and 17B show respectively a cross-sectional view of a full refill container with a lid, and schematic method (300) of its use in a recycling process in a further aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In the text and claims of this document, 'fluid' or 'fluid product' or towable product' will be used interchangeably and it will be understood that any flowable substance of suitable flowability typically comprising a liquid component may be used in the dispensing system of the invention including liquids, lotions, pastes, gels, slurries etc. as would be well understood by those skilled in the art.

It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that any dimensions and relative orientations such as lower and higher, above and below, and any directions, such as vertical, horizontal, upper, lower, axial, radial, longitudinal, tangential, etc., referred to in this application are within expected structural tolerances and limits for the technical field and the apparatus and methods described, and these should be interpreted with this in mind.

In Figure 1, an example prior art dispenser cap for use in an airless pump dispenser is shown. A button 4 formed integrally with a nozzle 5 and nozzle hole 5A is provided at the top of a dispensing cap 3. Cap 3 is screwed to the top opening part of a container 2 with an internal liquid reservoir 2A. Under the button 4, a stem 6 and a piston 7 connected to a lower portion of stem 6, are provided so as to be movable vertically upwards by a spring 8 housed in a cylinder housing 10 with variable internal volume V and downwards by pressure on button 4. A sealing member 9A is disposed on the inner wall of cylinder housing 10 forming with piston 7, an upper check valve 9. Cylinder housing 10 is provided at its lower end with a lower check valve 12, here in the form of a flexible, resilient valve member and associated seat (not labelled), and with an opening 10A, leading into a reservoir 2A within container 2. Upon pressing button 4, the stem 6 with piston 7 is lowered against the elastic force of spring 8 unseating piston 7 from sealing member 9A (opening upper check valve 9) and causing the contents in cylinder housing 10 to flow up along the channel formed inside the stem 6 before being ejected through the nozzle 5, with the lower check valve 12 simultaneously blocking the lower end of the cylinder housing 10. In reverse manner, when button 4 is released, the lower check valve 12 opens due to the negative pressure on the side of the cylinder housing 10, as the stem 6, together with piston 7 rises to rest against seat 9A and close upper check valve 9 under the elastic force of spring 8 so that the content in reservoir 2A is caused to flow upwards into cylinder housing 10 and into internal volume V (but no further until the button 4 is again pressed). Here, to avoid the problem of the contents (flowable product e.g. a liquid) from coming into contact with spring 8, the spring is located between the internal bottom surface of the button 4 and the top surface of screw cap 3, externally surrounding cylinder 10 and so is not in contact with fluid within internal volume V. Such containers are known and readily available in many sizes, shapes and configurations. Expensive high-end products such as cosmetics are increasingly being packaged in wholly airless pump dispensers to ensure that as much of the product is dispensed as possible via the use of a follower piston (see 23 in Figure 2) forming an airtight seal (e.g. sealingly engaged) with the internal walls of container 2. Nevertheless, such containers tend to be relatively expensive because of their number and complexity of component parts and may not be easily refillable. Furthermore, such dispensers tend to be rigid (to facilitate use of a follower piston) rather bulky and not suitable for placing in a pocket or bag for carrying around on a person.

Figures 2 and 3 show an airless parent pump dispenser 100 illustrating, respectively, filling of product into, and dispensing of product out of, an airless pump dispenser module (also known as a cap or pump module) 13 forming an airtight seal (e.g. sealingly located) on container 2 (initially filled with fluid product). Pump module 13 is sealingly connected to the top of container 2 in a manner known to those skilled in the art such as screw thread(s), interference fitting, snap-fitting, crimping, heat sealing, welding, gluing. Pump module 13 may be temporarily removable from a container 2, e.g. when a screw thread or interference fit or snap fit is used, so that a full replacement container 2 may be attached to it when a previous container 2 is empty, or so that container 2 itself may be refilled from a refill reservoir (e.g. at home or elsewhere) and then reattached to pump module 13.

Pump module 13 further comprises an upper portion 13A with a push button 14 (e.g. at an upwardly facing surface) and a dispensing nozzle 15 terminating in a (e.g. multiple) nozzle exit 15A from which fluid product can exit during normal dispensing. Pump module 13 further comprises a lower portion 13B which is fixedly attached to container 2 having a reservoir 2A for fluid product. Upper portion 13A is slidable in a sealing manner with respect to lower portion 13B on resilient means, here a spring 18, such that, upon depression of button 14, upper portion 13A slides downwards with respect to lower portion 13B, compressing spring 18, as shown in Figure 3.

Lower portion 13B comprises a cylinder 20 defining an internal volume V for receiving and dispensing fluid from reservoir 2A. Upper portion 13A comprises a stem 16 having at its lower end a piston 17 fixed to stem 16 which reciprocates to and fro (here, up and down) in cylinder 20 varying internal volume V. A lower check valve 22 is provided at a lower end of cylinder 20 for engaging with a seat 22A of cylinder 20, and an upper check valve 19 is provided within a lower end of stem 16 for engaging with a seat 19A of piston 17.

Upper portion 13A comprises at an upper end at least one internal side wall 40A (here a cylindrically shaped continuous side wall 40A, here extending from stem 16) defining a channel 40 in fluid communication (when check valve 19 is open) with internal volume V and with nozzle 15 and nozzle exit 15A. Provided in side wall 40A of channel 40 is a first fluid exit 16A leading to a (e.g. multiple) nozzle exit 15A via nozzle 15. At an end (e.g. a terminating end) of channel 40, a second fluid exit 16B is provided, here closed by, for example, a plug or bung 41 (which may be screw-threaded or interference fit etc.) or other suitable closure mechanism. Here, second fluid exit 16B leads to the outside of pump module but in some embodiments it leads to an exit channel 16C which then leads outside the pump module (e.g. in both cases for receiving a neck portion 34C of a child container). A lid 11 is hingedly connected to upper portion 13A of pump module 13 and may be attached to plug 41 or may be separate. An air inlet 24 may be provided in the base or side walls of container 2, to the rear of a follower piston 23 keeping this space at atmospheric pressure. Alternatively the space behind follower piston 23 may be pressurised.

In a primary step, for example, when button 14 is released (after being pressed), spring 5 18 pushes up, seating upper check valve 19 on seat 19A and closing off fluid communication between internal volume V of cylinder 20 and first fluid exit 16A leading to nozzle 15. Further, second check valve 22 will lift from seat 22A creating a negative pressure, pulling up piston 22 and drawing fluid from reservoir 2A into internal volume V around lower check valve 22 as shown by arrows A in Figure 2. Follower piston 23 is 10 drawn upwards sealingly against the internal walls of reservoir 2A as air enters into container 2 via air inlet 24 in its base.

In a dispensing step, for example, (or with suitable adjustments in a child container refilling step) when button 14 is pushed down, stem 16 and piston 17 travel inwards into cylinder 20 reducing internal volume V and increasing the pressure within cylinder 20, forcing lower check valve 22 to engage with seat 22A, closing off fluid communication with reservoir 2A. Conversely, the increased pressure within internal volume V forces upper check valve 19 to disengage from seat 19A, opening fluid communication between internal volume V and internal channel 40, as shown by arrows B in Figure 3. Fluid is then forced through first exit 16A of internal channel 40, here at the top of nozzle 15, and out of nozzle 15, via nozzle exit 15A (or preferably two or more nozzle exits 15A to 15D as described below).

Other pump arrangements may be used, but the use of one or two check valves in a 25 (nominally) airless pump dispenser is preferred. Thus, fluid product may come into contact with some air within the pump, but air is not refreshed with the container 2 itself containing fluid product.

In one aspect, the invention aims to provide a kit or dispenser system comprising a parent dispenser such as that shown in Figure 2 and 3, and a child dispenser such as that shown in Figures 4A to 4C wherein a parent dispenser of larger size may be easily used in a home environment and wherein the child dispenser is readily refillable from the parent dispenser but is smaller and more portable and, optionally, flexible in at least part so as to be more easily transported in a bag or pocket by an individual. Further potential components of such a kit are shown in Figure 16A (rucksack 60 and/or internal (e.g. net) bag 62), Figure 16B (parent dispenser 100, child dispenser 30), Figure 16C (roll up container 70 and/or cloth shapes e.g. muslin squares 72), and Figure 16D (child container protective (e.g. rigid plastic) case for the child dispensing cap 33 or the entire child container 30). Further kit components may be a pump module 13, a parent container 2, (and/or a replacement parent container 2) filled, Tillable, or re-Tillable for use with a pump module 13. Figure 16E shows a kit comprising a toilet roll dispenser 90 and parent dispenser 100 with a recess for accommodating the parent dispenser.

Turning back to Figure 4A, a child dispenser 30 is shown comprising a child container 32 and a child dispensing cap 33. Child container 32 is best seen in Figures 5A to 5C and includes a fluid reservoir 32', here a flexible fluid reservoir (known as a 'pouch') here comprising two flexible, deformable (e.g. poorly resilient) walls of plastic, or metal foil and plastic laminates, (e.g. meta! fofi (such as takmlinium), poypropyLene, and or of 'ester) sealed together as would be well understood by those skilled in the art. Flexible fluid reservoir 32' may be of any suitable shape, but here is shown of generally curved (e.g. generally circular or disc-like) shape for easy insertion and extraction from a pocket or bag. Reservoir 32' is sealed to a collar 34 by gluing or heat sealing or other sealing methods known to those skilled in the art. Collar 34 is typically rigid, may be made of a suitable e.g. injection moulded plastic, and may comprise one or more lands to which flexible wall material of reservoir 32' may be bonded in known manner.

Collar 34 comprises a proximal portion 34A (e.g. a jointing region with lands), an intermediate portion 34B (e.g. with one or more external connecting features such as external screw thread 36A and/or frangible tamperproof features 34D, and/or a stop (e.g. annular projection(s)) 34E to prevent insertion too far into second fluid exit 16B, and/or an integral design feature such as moulded features (e.g. recess 34F, between land(s) features 34A and projections 34E, and used to transport the individual nozzles in an automated manufacturing assemble system) and a distal neck portion 34C. Here, distal neck portion 34C is cylindrical in cross-section and elongate with external surface features of determined configuration (here smooth). It may have any suitable size and/or cross-sectional shape. For example, alternatively neck portion 13C may also comprise a screw thread for engaging with a corresponding screw thread second exit 16B and/or exit channel 16C of pump module 13 (and typically for also screwing into an internal screw thread of child dispensing cap 33).

In Figures 4A to 4C, child dispenser cap 33 comprises a proximal portion 33A with an 35 internal screw thread (not shown) for engaging external screw thread 36A an intermediate portion 34C of child container 32, and a distal portion 33B comprising one or more nozzle(s) 35. Here, nozzle 35 comprises four nozzle exits 35A to 35D in fluid communication via an internal channel (not labelled) into reservoir 32'. A lid 31 (here e.g. a hinged lid) is closable, e.g. in snap-fitting arrangement, to close nozzle(s) 35 when not in use. The moulded section(s), here a recess 34F between proximal portion (e.g. land(s)) 34A and stop 34E, is/are a design feature formed to facilitate transport of the individual nozzles in an automated manufacturing assemble system.

Figure 6A shows parent dispenser 100 comprising container 2 and pump module 13 as a cap on container 2 in refilling mode ready to refill a child container 32. It can be seen that child dispensing cap 33 has been separated from child container 32. Child container 32 may have a collar 34 with external screw features 36A and/or other surface features (not shown) compatible with corresponding internal (screw thread) features (not shown) within internal channel 40 of pump module 13. Here, distal neck portion 34C and intermediate screw threaded portion 34B, 36A of collar 34 has been received into an upper portion of pump module 13 so as to form a tight seal (e.g. sufficient for liquid dispensing) between child container 32 and pump module 13.

Figure 6B shows a parent dispenser 100 in a rest (or uncompressed) configuration (here with spring 18 uncompressed) with second fluid exit 16B of internal channel 40 closed by screw threaded cap 41 (screw thread is shown on internal surface of channel 40, but not on cap 41 for simplicity). The first fluid exit 16A to nozzle 15 is open. The parent dispenser 100 can be used in this configuration to dispense fluid via nozzle 15 directly to a user for immediate use.

Figure 6C shows a parent dispenser 100 in a refilling configuration (here with spring 18 uncompressed) with first fluid exit 16A of internal channel 40 closed by a closure member, here in the form of a distal neck portion 34C of collar 34 of child container 32. Neck portion 34C seats against one or more land(s) and seals off the dispensing holes (nozzle(s) 15). Thus, neck portion 34C closes off first fluid exit 16A to nozzle 15. The external wall surface of distal neck portion 34C may have inter-engaging features (e.g. a screw thread, a positive insert and lock location e.g. at 90 degrees, raised surface features) that co-operate with corresponding features (e.g. a screw thread, channel to accommodate (e.g. 90) degree twist and lock features, raised surface features) of the internal wall surface of internal channel 40. The second fluid exit 16B leading to child container 32 is open and fluid flows via neck portion 34C when pump module 13 (13A, 13B) is activated.

Turning to Figures 7A to 7C, in Figure 7A, child container 32 is shown immediately prior to insertion into upper portion 13A of pump module 13 (seen in Figure 7B) of a parent dispenser (not shown). In Figure 7C, child container 32 has been inserted into upper portion 13A. Typically, a collar 34 is formed from a (relatively) rigid material and has an internal throughbore (not labelled) connecting internal reservoir 32' to an exit in a distal neck portion 34C of collar 34. Distal portion 34C is, for example, elongate and preferably cylindrical. Collar 34 also comprises an intermediate portion 34B which may one or more (e.g. integral) design feature(s) e.g. recess 34F formed to transport the individual nozzles in an automated manufacturing assemble system raised tamperproof features 34D, and a proximal portion 34A comprising lands to which flexible material can be attached. Child container 32 has a flexible pouch forming a reservoir 32' bonded to the one or more lands of proximal portion 34A.

In Figure 7B, an upper portion 13A of pump module 13 is shown comprising a stem 16 having, at an upper portion thereof, an inner wall 40A and an outer wall 40B, coaxial and radially spaced therefrom. Walls 40A and 40B are typically parallel and define internal channel 40 as well as an annular recess 21 between them. Thus, radially spaced outwards from internal channel 40 is annular (e.g. cylindrical) recess 21 for receiving neck portion 34C of child container 32. Neck portion 34C and recess 21 may be provided with inter-engaging screw thread features and/or may be an interference fit and/or may otherwise engage together (e.g. by using an 0-ring). Here internal channel 40 comprises an inner throughbore forming a fluid path from internal volume V (here via upper check valve 19) to first and second fluid exit(s) 16A and 16B.

At the lower end of recess 21, internal wall 40A is provided with at least one first fluid exit 16A leading from internal channel 40 to nozzle exit 15A via nozzle 15. Only one nozzle exit 15A is seen, more may be provided e.g. at the end of individual nozzle channels. A cylindrical piston member 38B mounted resiliently on a resilient member, such as a spring 38A, is provided at the lower end of recess 21. Lid 11 is hingedly connected at hinge 11A to outer wall 40B and is provided with sealing members 11B, e.g. a moulded feature or 0-ring, for sealingly engaging with a distal edge of inner wall 40A when lid 11 is closed.

As can be seen in Figure 7C, child container 32 and, in particular, its neck portion 34C (and optionally its intermediate portion 34B) may be positively located e.g. slid reciprocally into, or screwed into or using a twist and lock feature e.g. a 90 degrees twist and lock feature into recess 21 to engage a closure member, here cylindrical piston member 38B, forcing this to descend against spring 38A to close off (e.g. seal off) first fluid exit 16A. A locking or screw thread mechanism may be needed between neck portion 34C and the inner walls of recess 21 to prevent these coming apart during refilling of container 32. Operation of the parent dispenser, as described in more detail with respect to Figures 2 and 3, by pushing upper portion 13A downwardly with respect to 5 lower portion 13B (e.g. via button 14) will result in upper check valve 19 becoming unseated from seat 19A, opening a fluid channel from internal volume V via internal channel 40 into reservoir 32', as shown by arrow D. Nozzle 15, and first exit 16A, are already closed off (e.g. sealed off) by cylindrical piston member 38B, and fluid exits the parent dispenser via second exit 16B into child container reservoir 32' filling or refilling it. 10 Figures 8A to 8C show an alternative arrangement in which collar 34 of child container 30A is provided with an external screw thread 36A for engaging with a corresponding internal screw thread, here shown as radial projections 36B on side wall 40B of internal channel 40 in stem 16.

Collar 34 may be provided with radial projections 34D for preventing neck portion 34C from travelling too far into internal channel 40. Alternatively, or in addition, the internal radial projections (such as lands 36D) may be provided extending inwardly into internal channel 40 below first fluid exit 16A (as seen in Figure 8B).

Child container 32 and in particular collar 34 is screwed into internal channel 40 of stem 16. Elongate neck portion 34C is sized and shaped to extend beyond first fluid exit 16A within internal channel 40 to close first fluid exit 16A. The elongate neck portion 34C may extend to engage with internal radial projections or stops 36D which may be provided with a sealing member (e.g. an 0-ring) to engage with a distal edge of elongate neck portion 34C providing a seal against fluid egress via first fluid exit 16A.

During translational movement of upper portion 13A in lower portion 133 (as described in Figures 2 and 3) upper check valve 19 is unseated and internal volume V (not shown) is reduced, forcing fluid around upper check valve 19 and out via internal channel 40, which is now aligned with elongate neck portion 34C so as to exit the pump module 13 via the second fluid exit 16B. Repeated depression of upper portion 13A reciprocally on lower portion 13B will result in repeated passage of fluid from reservoir 2A of container 2 into reservoir 32' of container 32, filling or refilling it.

Figure 9A shows the child container dispenser in use with a piece of material 56 (e.g. disintegrable tissue or a washable, reusable cloth portion e.g. a muslin square). Here, a lotion 58 has been laid on material portion 56 in four stripes by squeezing flexible, deformable pouch (here the reservoir 32') of dispenser 30 forcing fluid out through the neck 34 and into nozzle 35 and out through nozzle holes 35A to 35D. No pump is provided, the repeated manual flexing of (here deformable, and poorly resilient) reservoir 5 32' providing a pump action. Where reservoir 32' is resiliently deformable, air may need to be taken into it between pump strokes. Typically, flexible reservoir 32' is made from deformable material that remains deformed, reducing its internal volume and preventing to a large extent air from being sucked in. Figure 9B shows an alternative child dispenser in which nozzle holes 35A and 35D are located (relatively) further apart in a dispensing 10 cap 33 which has an elongate distal profile (a spreader profile).

An alternative pump dispenser is shown in Figure 10 in which an upper check valve 19 and a lower check valve 22 are bounded by bellows 28 sealed to respective portions (13A, 13B) of pump module 13. Bellows 28 are resilient and tend to force upper portion 13A away from lower portion 13B when compressed (in place of or in addition to a spring or other resilient member e.g. spring 18). Child container 32 with collar 34 and neck portion 34C has been inserted into internal channel 40 of upper portion 13A of parent container 2.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention in which three nozzle channels leading away from one another in a spreader profile are provided in nozzle 15 terminating in (relatively) more widely spaced nozzle exits 15A, 15B and 15C.

Figure 12A shows dispenser 100 with cap 13 on container 2. Here, cap 13 comprises a gate valve 50 pivotable about a (here) horizontal axis to open first fluid exit 16A and close (e.g. a seal) second fluid exit 16B (and vice versa) as required. A control dial 52, here shown in a dotted line, controls the position of gate valve 50. Plug 41 is screwed into the side of cap 13 to close off second fluid exit 16A in dispensing mode facilitating fluid communication between internal volume V and nozzle exit 15A.

Pivoting gate valve 50 is manually turned by means of external dial 52 that rotates to either direct lotion to nozzle exit 15A of the pump module 13 or to child container 32 in a filling/refilling configuration.

In Figure 12B, gate valve 50 has been rotated to close off (e.g. seal) exit 16A and open second exit 16B, to allow fluid flow via second exit 16B. Collar 34 of child container 30A is screwed or otherwise located in a sealing manner within an exit channel 16C of pump module 13 in fluid communication with fluid exit 16B. Gate valve 50 rotates to rest against seat(s) (unlabelled) at each end of its rotation as would be understood in the art. It is of note that the hydraulic action of the airless pump dispenser 52 in use will hold the gate valve 50 in either position when the pump module 13 is depressed (e.g. by pressing on button 14).

Figures 13A and 13B show, respectively, dispensing and filling/refilling configurations of a further alternative pump dispenser 100. Here, upper head portion 13A of cap 13 comprises two (relatively) rotatable portions, a lower non-rotatable upper head portion 13A-1 which reciprocates up and down in lower cap portion 13B, and an upper rotatable head portion 13A-2 which is rotatable with respect to lower head portion 13-1. Lower and upper head portions 13A-1, 13A-2 are sealingly engaged together by lower 0-ring 54A and upper 0-ring 54B situated respectively on external and internal side wall surfaces of stem 16. A positively locating bearing 55 is provided to facilitate slidable rotation between lower head portion 13A-1 and upper head portion 13A-2 and provide positive engagement (and feedback to a user) in each of the dispensing and refilling configurations. As can be seen in Figures 13A and 13B, upper head portion 13A-2 may be used in a first configuration allowing fluid to be dispensed from internal volume V, via internal channel 40 and an aperture in a side wall of stem 16 leading to first fluid exit 16A, and to nozzle 15. Second fluid exit 16B is closed off by a side wall of stem 16 from internal channel 40 functioning as a closure member. In contrast, in Figure 13B, the aperture in side wall of stem 16 leads to second fluid exit 16B and, via collar 34 when in position, to child container 32. It will be noted that stem 16 (and associated aperture in its side wall) forms part of non-rotatable lower head portion 13A-1. Whereas first and second fluid exits 16A and 16B are formed in rotatable upper head portion 13A-2.

The upper head portion 13A-2 may have a 180 degree (or other suitable angle) revolution to position it at either the (e.g. four-hole) dispensing configuration via first exit 16A or at child container filling/refilling configuration via second exit 16B. The upper head portion 13A-2 may positively locate e.g. by means of a small depression in the top head section 13A-1 that typically provides positive location via a small ball bearing 55 (e.g. positively located bearing(s)) to ensure alignment between the lotion outlet and the airless pump. The upper head portion 13A-2 may be held in position on the pump module 13 by two 0-rings typically seal the rotating upper head portion 13A-2 and prevent lotion migration to the outside of the pump module. A plug 41 may be inserted to close the second exit 16B to prevent ingress of foreign matter and provide a secondary seal.

Figures 14A and 14B show, respectively, dispensing and filling/refilling configurations of an alternative parent dispenser 100 and dispenser cap (pump module) 13 in which a lower head portion 13A-1 aligns with a first fluid exit 16A of an upper head portion 13A-2 in a first dispensing position (see Figure 14A) or with a second fluid exit 16B of an upper head portion 13A-2 in a second dispensing position (see Figure 14B). Thus, in a normal dispensing position, the upper head portion 13A-2 will be positioned centrally and in line with the remainder of the airless pump module 13. When the pump module 13 is depressed, lotion will be directed to the dispensing nozzle 15 via first exit 16A. To fill/refill child container 32, plug 41 is unscrewed and child container 32 screwed in, and the upper head portion 13A-2 is slid (e.g. manually pushed) to the filling/refilling position shown in Figure 14B. Upon sliding upper head portion 13A-2 in the direction of the arrow indicated, internal channel 40 is brought into alignment with second fluid exit 16B in upper head portion 13A-2 to form a fluid path into child container 32 from internal channel 40. Once filling or re-filling is complete, the container 32 is unscrewed, the plug 41 is screwed in and the head pushed back into the first dispensing position (see Figure 14A).

Figures 15A and 15B show an alternative embodiment which uses a spring return valve, here comprising spring 138A and piston 138B, operative as a closure member to be moved by child container collar 34 to close off (e.g. seal) fluid exit 16A and open second fluid exit 16B and vice versa. Here, internal channel 40 has two fluid exits 40A and 40B and is of general Y-shaped configuration in cross-section. A first fluid path is formed from internal channel 40 via first channel exit 40A to first fluid exit 16A (when in dispensing configuration seen in Figure 15A). Piston 138B is forced (to the right in Figure 15B) in a filling/refilling configuration by child container collar 34 acting against spring 138A closing first internal channel exit 40A and opening second internal channel exit 40B leading to second fluid exit 16B and via collar 34 into child container 30A.

To explain further, spring-actuated valve 138A, 138B is normally open within the dispensing head (pump module) 13. When the pump module mechanism is depressed, lotion is directed towards the dispensing outlet (here nozzle 15) with the valve 138A, 138B having closed off second exit 16B (filling/refilling position). A plug 41 is screwed into second exit 16B to hold the valve piston 138B in position gently against spring 138A and to prevent ingress of foreign matter and provide a secondary seal.

In Figure 15B, the closure member (piston 138B) is pushed against the spring 138A closing off the first fluid exit 16A to the dispensing nozzle 15, opening second fluid exit 16B and allowing lotion to flow to the child container 32. When child container 32 is full, the act of unscrewing it will reset the valve 138 and it returns automatically to its normal position i.e. spring open, and the plug 41 will seat it in a desired location blocking second exit 16B and allowing contents (e.g. lotion) to flow out of the first fluid exit 16A to the nozzle exit 15A Figure 17A shows a container 1 and lid 102 that may be used in a recycling method 300 such as that shown in Figure 17B. The method aspect pf the invention can be used in the circular economy. A user would buy the product as a container full of the product with a lid. The user would swap the dispenser head onto full container after removing the lid, this lid would then be placed onto the empty container. This empty container, complete with lid, would be recycled. For example, in method 300, in step 210 a user may remove an empty container 2 from a pump module 13 (e.g. by unscrewing it), a user may then place a lid from a (new) full container onto the empty container, opening the (new) full container, and the user may then send empty the container for recycling (e.g. using general recycling receptacles or facilities, or specific recycling receptacles or facilities for container(s) of this type. In step 220, empty container(s) may be recycled, which typically involves in step 230 cleaning empty container(s) and in step 240 refilling container(s). Once a user has purchased or received a newly recycled and now full container, in step 250, a user may remove the lid from the now full container and replace the lid with pump module 13 (using the lid on the empty container). In step 250, a user may then use the contents of the recycled container by dispensing contents via pump module 13.

Alternative embodiments can be envisaged by those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein. All such alternatives are intended to be covered by the present invention.

1 -dispenser (container and pump module) 2 -container with fluid reservoir 2A 3 -cap or pump module 4 -button 5 -nozzle 5A -nozzle exit 6 -stem 7 -piston fixed to stem 8 -spring 9A -sealing member 9 -upper check valve -cylinder 10A -opening (fluid inlet) 11 -lid 11A -hinge 12 -lower check valve V -internal volume 13 -pump module (or cap) 13A -upper cap portion 13B -lower cap portion 113 -side wall (e.g. of stem 16) 14 -button (slidable with reference to main portion of cap 13) 15 -nozzle 15A, B, C, D etc. -nozzle exits 16 -stem 16A -first (dispensing) exit 16B -second (refilling) exit 17 -piston 18 -spring 19 -upper check valve (piston) 19A -seat for upper check valve -cylinder with internal (e.g. priming) volume V 21 -annular recess (e.g. to receive neck portion 34A) 22 -lower check valve 22A -seat for lower check valve 23 -follower piston 24 -air intake hole 20 28 -bellows -child dispenser 31 -child lid 32 -child container 32' -child reservoir 33 -child dispenser cap 33A -child cap neck portion 33B -child dispensing portion 34 -collar 34A -proximal portion (jointing lands) 34B -intermediate portion (e.g. with stop features, and/or external screw thread and/or 30 tamperproof features) 34C -elongate distal portion (neck) 34D -tamperproof (locking features) 34E -stop 34F -recess 35 -child nozzle(s) (35A-D nozzle exits) 36A -external screw thread 36B -internal screw thread 36D -lands 38A -spring 38B -piston -channel 40A -internal side wall 40B -external side wall 41 -plug 50 -gate valve 52 -control knob 54 -0-ring 56 -cloth portion 58 -lotion 60 -rucksack / holdall 62 -internal sack -roll up holdall 72 -reusable cloth pieces (e.g. squares) -child dispenser (protective) case -combined toilet roll and parent dispenser holder -parent dispenser 102 -parent container lid A -flow via lower check valve B -flow via upper check valve C -flow via first (dispensing) exit 16A D -flow via first (refilling) exit 16B 138 -spring valve 138A -spring 138B -spring valve piston System 200 (comprising parent dispenser 100 and child dispenser 30) 210 -place lid from full container on empty container and send empty container for recycling 220 -recycle empty container 230 -clean empty container 240 -refill container 250 -remove lid from full container and replace with pump module and use contents (dispense contents via pump module 300 Method of recycling

Claims (25)

1. Claims 1. A parent dispenser (100) for dispensing flowable product and refilling a child container (30, 32), the parent dispenser (100) comprising: a container (2) and a pump module (13, 13A, 13B) for dispensing flowable product from the container (2) via a nozzle (15), the pump module comprising: -a nozzle (15); --an internal volume (V) configured to receive flowable product from the container; -an internal channel (40) having a fluid inlet leading from the internal volume (V) and at least two fluid exits (16A, 16B) comprising at least one first fluid exit (16A) leading to the nozzle (15) and at least one second fluid exit (16B); the pump module configurable in a first mode of operation to open the first fluid exit (16A) and close the second fluid exit (16B) to dispense fluid via the nozzle, and the pump module further configurable in a second mode of operation to close the first fluid exit (16A) and open the second fluid exit (16B).
2. 2. A parent dispenser (100) according to any previous claim in which the second fluid exit (16B) is configured to engage with a closure member of a child container (32) in the second mode of operation.
3. 3. A parent dispenser (100) according to any previous claim in which the internal channel (40) comprises at least one side wall and the at least one first fluid exit (16A) is provided in the at least one side wall of the internal channel (40), and further in which the at least one second exit (16B) comprises a cross-section of the internal channel (4).
4. 4. A parent dispenser (100) according to any previous claim in which the internal channel (40) is configured to engage with a neck of a child container (32) via the second exit (16B) such that, in a second mode of operation, a neck portion (34C) of a child container (32) is operative to close the first fluid exit (16A)) upon engagement with the internal channel (40) and is in fluid communication with the second exit (16B) so that, upon operation of the pump module (13) in a second mode of operation, the flowable product is dispensed via the internal channel (40) and the second fluid exit (16B).
5. 5. A parent dispenser (100) according to any preceding claim in which a pair of spaced coaxial, substantially or generally, cylindrical side walls form the internal channel (40) and provide an annular recess therebetween for receiving a neck portion (34C) of a child container (32).
6. 6. A parent dispenser (100) according to claim 4 or 5 comprising a movable closure member (38B) positioned about, or within, a stem (16) of the pump module, the stem defining the internal channel (40), the moveable closure member (38B) moveable by a neck portion (34C) of a child container (32) from an open position to a closed position, closing first fluid exit (16A) of internal channel (40).
7. 7. A parent dispenser (100) according to any preceding claim in which the pump module is automatically configurable to close the first exit (16A) upon engagement with a child container (32).
8. 8. A parent dispenser (100) according to claim 1 in which the pump module comprises a closure member movable from a first configuration in the first mode of operation to a second configuration in the second mode of operation.
9. 9. A parent dispenser (100) according to claim 8 in which the pump module (13) comprises an upper portion (13A) in two parts (13A-1, 13A-2) movable with respect to one another to switch between first and second modes of operation.
10. 10. A parent dispenser (100) according to claim 9 in which the two parts are at least one of: - reciprocally slidable with and/or rotatably slidable with respect to one another.
11. 11. A parent dispenser (100) according to claim 10 in which reciprocation and/or rotation of one part with respect to the other, and/or vice versa, brings the closure member and internal channel (40) into alignment.
12. 12. A parent dispenser (100) according to any of claims 8 to 11 in which the closure member comprises a side wall (16, 113) of internal channel 40.
13. 13. A parent dispenser (100) according to any of claims 8 to 11 in which the closure member comprises a rotatable gate valve (50) operable to switch between first and second modes of operation (e.g. to close first exit (16A) and open second exit (16B) and/or vice versa).
14. 14. A parent dispenser (100) according to any preceding claim in which the pump module is manually configurable to switch between first and second modes of operation.
15. 15. A parent dispenser (100) according to any preceding claim in which the internal channel (40) is at least one of: i) elongate; ii) generally cylindrical iii) generally or substantially linear iv) has a dog-leg change in direction v) adapted for slidable motion with respect to a neck of a child container; vi) adapted for reciprocal translational motion with respect to a neck of a child container; vii) adapted for rotational motion with respect to a neck of a child container; viii) adapted for a screw-fit and/or interference fit with respect to a neck of a child container.
16. 16. A parent dispenser (100) according to any preceding claim comprising a further removable closure member (11, 11A, 41) for closing second exit (16B).
17. 17. A parent dispenser (100) according to any preceding claim in which the pump module is an airless pump module and/or in which the parent container comprises a follower piston (24).
18. 18. A parent dispenser (100) according to any preceding claim in which the pump module comprises an upper portion (13A) having an upper check valve (19) and a lower portion (13B) having a lower check valve (22), the upper and lower portions enclosing the internal volume (V) between the upper and lower check valves (19, 22); wherein, in use, in both first and second modes of operation, the upper cap portion (13A) is configured to move with respect to the lower portion (13B) in a first direction to open the upper check valve (19) and close the lower check valve (22) to dispense fluid via the first or second fluid exits (16A, 16B) and in a second direction to close the upper check valve (19) and open the lower check valve (22) to draw fluid from the container (2) into the internal volume (V). .
19. 19. A child dispenser (30) comprising a child container (32), the child container (32) having a collar (34) comprising a distal neck portion (34C), the distal neck portion (34C) being receivable in an intemal channel (40) of a parent dispenser (100) according to any of claims 1 to 18 and operable as a removable closure member to close a first fluid exit (16A) of internal channel (40) and open a second exit (16B) of a parent dispenser.
20. 20. A child dispenser according to claim 19 comprising a removable dispensing cap (33) mountable on the collar (34) and comprising one or more nozzles (35) and nozzle exits (35A-D).
21. 21. A child dispenser according to claim 20 in which the nozzle exits are spaced apart.
22. 22. A child dispenser according to claim 19 to 21 comprising a deformable resevoir (32') attached to collar (34).
23. 23. A dispenser system comprising a parent dispenser (100) according to any of claims 1 to 18 and a child dispenser (30) according to any of claims 19 to 22, the child dispenser (30) comprising a child container (32), the child container (32) having a collar (34) comprising a distal neck portion (34C), the distal neck portion (34C) being receivable in an internal channel (40) of a parent dispenser (100) according to any of claims 1 to 18 and operable as a removable closure member to close a first fluid exit (16A) of internal channel (40) and open a second exit (16B) of a parent dispenser.
24. 24. A method of filling and/or refilling a child dispenser (e.g. according to any of claims 19 to 23) comprising: a) inserting a distal neck portion (34C) of child container (32) into fluid communication with the second fluid exit (16B) of a parent dispenser (100) (e.g. according to any of claims 1 to 18); b) operating the pump module (13) of the parent dispenser (100) to fill or refill the child container (32) via the fluid second exit (16B) and the distal neck portion (34C).
25. 25. A kit comprising: a parent dispenser (100) according to claims 1 to 18 and a child dispenser according to claims 19 to 22; or a dispensing system according to claim 23, and further comprising one or more of: i. a bag; ii. one or more cloth pieces; iii. a replacement refillable or full container (2) for a parent pump module (13); iv. a protective case for a child container; v. a toiler roll holder with one or more recesses for a parent and/or child container.