JP2007523804A - Container refill device - Google Patents

Abstract

  A refilling device for reducing complications during use, including a container (12) and a refill container (20). The container includes a hollow bottle (14), a spout (16), and a cap (18) covering the spout. The spout has an inner surface. The refill container includes a hollow body (22) and a refill port (24) and contains the composition therein. The replenishing port has an outer surface. In a refill device, the inner and outer surfaces are adjusted so that the outer surface can fit within the inner surface during use.

Description

  The present invention relates to containers and refill packages for compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to containers and refill packages for liquid and granular compositions.

  Containers for holding and dispensing granular and / or liquid compositions such as laundry detergent fabric softeners are well known in the art. The container for the granular composition is often a paperboard box, but can also be a bottle-type container as typically used for liquid compositions. These bottle-type containers typically include a hollow bottle and a spout and a cap to prevent overflow. These containers or parts thereof are usually formed from plastics, polymers, resins, paper and / or laminates. While such containers are typically disposable and / or recyclable, some consumers and businesses can refill these containers to reduce product costs, waste generation, etc. Like to be. Therefore, lightweight disposable and / or recyclable refill containers, such as refillable pouches, have been developed. Once the container is emptied, the composition in the refill pouch is typically poured into the container to replenish it. Typically, the cap and / or spout are removed to facilitate such refilling.

  This refill experience has now been found to be frustrating for many consumers, as the process is time consuming, especially with viscous compositions that do not flow very quickly. In addition, the refill process can be messy as the composition drops or spills out of the spout portion and / or container. As a result, refilling is inconvenient because of the above difficulties, requiring the user to keep injecting the product into the container with minimal complexity, and the process requires constant concentration and attention. obtain.

  Therefore, there is a need for a refilling device that is less cluttered, easier and more convenient to handle, and relatively quick and / or more replenished quickly. There is also a need for a refill device for liquid compositions that meets the above objectives in a cost effective manner.

  The present invention relates to a refilling device for reducing complexity during use, including a container and a refill container. The container includes a hollow bottle, a spout, and a cap that covers the spout. The spout has an inner surface. The refill container includes a hollow main body and a refill port, and contains the composition therein. The replenishing port has an outer surface. In the refill device, the inner and outer surfaces are adjusted so that the outer surface can fit within the inner surface during use.

  It has now been found that the overall refill experience can be significantly improved by carefully adjusting the size and / or shape of the outer surface of the refill port with respect to the inner surface of the spout. Moreover, the speed of refilling can be significantly improved while at the same time minimizing or eliminating complexity and dripping. Because less time is spent in the refill process, the overall consumer experience is more satisfying and less stressful. Further, when a consumer uses the refill device herein, the concentration required is significantly less.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION While the specification concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of the accompanying drawings, Now, it is assumed that the same reference numbers are the same elements.

  The drawings in this specification are not necessarily drawn to scale.

  Unless otherwise specified, all temperatures are in degrees Celsius (° C.).

  As used herein, the term “comprising” means that other steps, ingredients, elements, etc. that do not affect the final result can be added. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

  As used herein, the term “in use” means while refilling a hollow bottle with a refill container.

  FIG. 1 shows a partial side view of an embodiment of a refilling device 10 of the present invention as seen during use. The refilling device 10 includes a container 12 formed from a hollow bottle 14. The hollow bottle 14 has a spout 16 and a cap 18. The spout 16 may be either integral with the hollow bottle 14 or joined to the hollow bottle by mechanical, electrical and / or chemical means. When the cap 18 is removed, a composition, preferably a granular or liquid composition, more preferably a liquid composition, may be poured from the spout 16. Such containers and / or container parts are typically formed of plastic, glass, paper and / or metal, preferably polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, ethyl vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, Although formed of polymers or resins such as thermoplastic elastomers and combinations thereof, other materials known in the art may be used. Such containers typically have from about 100 milliliters to about 6 liters, preferably from about 150 milliliters to about 4 liters, more preferably from about 200 milliliters to about 2 liters, and even more preferably from about 500 milliliters to about 4 liters. It holds 1.5 liters of liquid or granular composition and is well known for holding such products. Such containers are widely available from a number of packaging suppliers.

  Preferred examples of containers and / or portions of containers useful herein include UK design patent applications 3010528 and 3010529 (both filed January 30, 2003). Further, if necessary, a non-flat surface may be used to improve gripping properties. Preferred production processes include blow molding, injection molding, injection blow molding, vacuum forming, thermoforming, pulp molding and combinations thereof. Preferred methods for pulp paper containers include those described in Japanese Patent No. 3072088 B1 (Kumamoto) and Japanese Patent No. 3072104 B1 (Tsuura) (both issued on July 31, 2000).

  The refill device 10 also includes a refill container 20 having a hollow body 22, including a refill port 24, a composition 26 inside the hollow body 22. The refill port 24 has an outer surface 28 that is adjusted with respect to the inner surface 30 of the spout 16. The outer side surface 28 is adjusted with respect to the inner side surface 30 in such a way that the outer side surface 28 fits within the inner side surface 30 and is preferably tightened, secured and fixed, for example, to reduce spillage and complexity. The outer side surface 28 is removably attached to the inner side surface 30 by fitting. Thus, at least a portion of the inner surface 30 can be formed of a flexible, foldable and / or bendable material, and / or the outer surface 28 can be fitted within the inner surface 30. It is highly preferred that at least a portion of the inner surface 30 has a larger circumference than at least a portion of the outer surface 28. Preferred refill containers are formed of materials including film, laminate, plastic, polymer, resin, metal and / or paper, more preferably polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, nylon, aluminum and combinations thereof. Such a refill container may also be co-extruded or formed via other methods known in the art, such as those described above.

  In FIG. 1, the cap 18 is preferably transparent and / or translucent and includes at least one measurement indicator 32. Such preferred metering indicators may be integrally molded to the cap, for example, or may be added later, such as through a printing process. The measurement indicator 32 may be on any surface of the cap and is preferably on the inside. The cap is preferably removable, but may be secured to the hollow bottle 14 by a hinge, flexible plastic strip, string and / or other suitable attachment mechanism if desired.

  The refill container 20 is typically selected from pouches, bags, pockets and / or boxes, bottles, preferably pouches. The refill container 20 is typically formed of a bendable material, and in FIG. 1, the refill container 20 is flattened and rolled during the refill process to reduce composition waste, overflow and / or complexity. And / or it may be folded. At the same time, flattening, rolling and / or folding the refill container during the refill process tends to squeeze the composition out of the container, thereby requiring almost all of the composition to be discharged from the refill container. Time may be significantly reduced. Once rolled and / or folded, the refill container that may be held is in a very compact state via a fastening mechanism such as a piece of tape 34. Preferred fastening mechanisms useful herein include strips of tape, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop devices (eg, Velcro; VELCRO), and / or adhesives, more preferably Tape. Such a fastening device is simple and cost-effective to apply and / or form with the refill container 20, and is intended for other containers and / or surfaces during filling, manufacturing, shipping, etc. It is particularly preferable to prevent the tightening. The preferred tapes herein are typically self-adhesive and are well known for fastening and holding diapers that are folded over and used in a sealed manner. 20 may be provided, or may be provided separately. Such a preferred tape is described in detail, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 32222871 B2 (Hayase et al., Issued on October 29, 2001).

  In FIG. 2, an embodiment of the refill container 20 of the present invention is shown, which is a pouch formed of a transparent film that is sealed after the composition 26 has been added. The seal 36 may be formed by methods well known in the art, such as through heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, pressure sealing, use of adhesives, and the like. The refill container 20 includes a composition 26 and an optional pouch hole 38. The pouch hole 38 allows for easy carrying, holding, pouring and storage (eg by suspending) of the refill container 20. In addition, the refill port 24 includes a tube 40 with a hollow passage therein that allows the composition 26 to be easily injected and discharged during use. The tube 40 may also be secured to the spout 24 in any manner known in the art, as described above, or may be formed with the refill container itself. Tube 40 is typically formed from plastic, rubber, metal, or a combination thereof.

  In FIG. 2, both the refill port 24 and the tube 40 are cut by a highly preferred hand cut line 42 to separate the cut portion 44 from the refill port 42 and the tube 40. The manually cut-off line 42 is preferably formed by at least one, preferably a plurality, more preferably about 2-15 score lines, cut or formed by a laser or other tool. The cut from the tear line 42 cut by hand and the edge of the refill port 24 form an acute angle α, which makes it easier to insert the refill port 24 into the spout (see 16 in FIG. 1), In particular, it is useful for reducing dripping and overflow during the initial stage of refilling when the refill port 24 is first inserted into the spout (see 16 in FIG. 1). While not intending to be limited by theory, by having a solid plastic piece such as a tube 40 in the mouth 24, the different bendable mouths 24 are more stable in use and the outer surface 28 is It is considered that it can be easily put into the inner surface 30. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, the edge of the tube 40 and the fill port 24 are not parallel. However, if the edge of the tube and the replenishment port are parallel, the tear line cut by hand and the edge of the tube 24 form a similar acute angle. Although it is preferred that the tube is also cut at an acute angle, such features can increase manufacturing costs, and therefore other cuts, such as a tube cut at a right angle, are envisioned herein.

  As the name suggests, the manual tear line 42 may be easily disconnected from the refill container to open the refill container for use. However, alternative methods for opening the refill container, such as having a re-sealable seal and / or cap at the refill port, and having instructions that the refill port should be cut with a knife and / or scissors, etc. Are also useful herein.

  If the refill container is flattened, rolled, folded, etc. during use, the process should start from the lower end 46 distal to the refill port 24 and proceed toward the refill port 24.

  In a preferred embodiment, when the refill container is drained, the refill device allows for the stable refilling of the hollow bottle without the use of hands. Such a preferred refill device is by designing the refill container, container and / or part thereof so as to stably and removably secure the spout and refill, etc., screw and / or snap. May be provided. Alternatively, the refill container, container and / or part thereof may be designed such that the refill container rests on the spout in a balanced and stable manner during use. The refill container is designed to remain stable on the spout and maintain balance on the spout when the internal composition is drained, thereby providing a consumer refill experience. Is significantly improved. This preferred embodiment allows for stable refilling without the use of such hands, without the consumer actually having to grip the refill container during the entire draining process. This release of consumer hands and concentration is particularly desirable, as it can take up to 5 minutes or more for the very viscous composition in the refill container to be completely discharged into the container. Such preferred embodiments include opening the refill container and container, securing the refill container's refill port to the spout of the container, placing the refill device on a stable surface, and then refilling device until discharge is complete. Leaving can also allow the consumer to easily start the refill process. This ensures that almost all of the composition is emptied from the refill container into the hollow bottle of the container. This in turn reduces the amount of composition wasted by the urgency of some consumers during the refill process.

  In a preferred embodiment, the tube and / or fill port is flexible and / or extensible so that the hollow bottle can be more easily refilled. In such embodiments, the refill container may also be made more stable during use.

  All documents cited in “Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” are incorporated herein by reference in their relevant parts, and any citation of any document is prior art to the present invention. It should not be construed as an admission.

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Example 1
A refill device as shown in FIG. 1 using the refill container of FIG. 2 is provided. The container is formed from blown polypropylene and the refill container is formed of a laminated film of 155 μm thickness that includes nylon (25 μm) / linear low density polyethylene (130 μm). A semi-rigid polyethylene tube is present in the refill port. The refill container contains a clear fabric softening composition.

  The refill port is generally oval and has an outer surface with a minimum diameter of about 9 mm and a maximum diameter of about 12 mm. The inner surface of the spout is also generally oval and has a minimum diameter of about 12 mm and a maximum diameter of about 18 mm. Thus, even the refill port and the seal edge of the refill port will easily fit into the spout during use of the refill device to pour the composition into containers and hollow bottles.

  An instruction set is provided on the back of the refill bottle, the instruction set being cut out to open the refill container, the refill port being inserted into the pour of a relatively empty container, the refill container Continue to insert the refill port into the pour spout at the same time, start flattening, squeezing, winding and / or folding the refill container from the lower end to the spout, then refill When the process is complete, provide a document and figure procedural instructions for tapering flattened / squeezed / rolled / folded containers. When used as directed, the refill device provides quick and easy refilling of the container while at the same time minimizing dripping and waste.

  All documents cited in “Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” are incorporated herein by reference in their relevant parts, and any citation of any document is prior art to the present invention. It should not be construed as an admission.

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

The partial side view of embodiment of the refilling apparatus of this invention seen in use. The side view of embodiment of the replenishment container of this invention.

Claims (10)

A refilling device for reducing complexity during use,
A. A container comprising a hollow bottle, a spout having an inner surface, and a cap covering the spout;
B. A refill container comprising a hollow body, a refill port having an outer surface, and an internal composition;
The refill device, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are adjusted so that the outer surface can fit within the inner surface during use.   The refilling device according to claim 1, wherein the refill container is stably rested on the spout when the outer side is fitted into the inner side.   The refilling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container further includes a fastening mechanism.   The refill device of claim 1, wherein the refill port further comprises a tube therein.   The refill device of claim 1, wherein the refill container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of films, laminates, plastics, polymers, resins, paper, metals, and mixtures thereof.   The refill device of claim 1, wherein the refill container is selected from the group consisting of pouches, bags, pockets, boxes, bottles, and combinations thereof.   The refilling device according to claim 1, wherein the refilling port is cut at an acute angle when ready for use for refilling.   The refilling device according to claim 1, wherein the replenishing port includes a tear line cut by hand.   The refilling device of claim 1, further comprising a set of instructions including recommendations for inserting the outer surface into the inner surface during the refilling process. A refilling device for reducing complexity during use,
A. A container comprising a hollow bottle, a spout, and a cap covering the spout, wherein the spout has an inner surface;
B. A refill container comprising a hollow body, a refill port including a tube, and an internal composition, wherein the refill port has an outer surface;
The refill container is a pouch, and when it is ready for refilling, the refill port is cut at an acute angle and the inside and outside surfaces are adjusted so that the outside surface can fit inside the inside surface during use And the refilling container stably rests on the spout when the outer surface is fitted into the inner surface.

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