JP2019501744A - Refillable dispensing system and components - Google Patents

Abstract

A closed loop refillable dispensing system may include one or more reusable or refillable product packages configured to dock with an automatic filling station. The automatic filling station automatically mixes the concentrated chemical product with the diluent and dispenses the resulting chemical solution. The product package may include an equipment insert configured to mate with a docking connector at an automatic filling station. When the product package is removed from the docking connector, the equipment insert provides a secure anti-leak seal for the product package.
[Selection] Figure 3A

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispensing system and components thereof.

  Hand washing is important in many industries, including hospitality (hotels, restaurants, etc.) and medical care (hospitals, senior care facilities, etc.). To facilitate hand washing, a fluid dispenser that dispenses hand washing products can be used in kitchens or hand washing facilities for hand washing by facility employees or customers, medical facility employees, patients, or visitors, or others. It can be placed close to the sink. Such fluid dispensers contain disposable or refillable product containers, such as cartridges or flexible bags containing supplies of the desired fluid product. The fluid can include, for example, a foam, a liquid, and / or a gel. The dispenser is generally wall-mounted and includes a hinged cover that allows the dispenser housing to be opened and closed so that a fluid product refill can be refilled or replaced. Some fluid dispensers are manually activated by pushing and pulling a handle, bar, or button on the dispenser. Other fluid dispensers automatically dispense by sensing the presence of the user or the user's hand in proximity to the dispenser.

  In general, the present disclosure relates to a refillable dispensing system and its components.

  In one example, the present disclosure is directed to a refillable dispensing system comprising a filling station that includes a docking connector, wherein the filling station is configured to dispense a chemical product solution from a chemical product concentrate, the product package comprising: The equipment insert is configured to receive a quantity of chemical concentrate, the equipment insert is configured to mate with and form a sealed connection with the docking connector, and the equipment insert is the equipment insert body. An equipment insert body including a first hole defining a fluid path from the first side of the equipment insert to the second side of the equipment insert body, the equipment insert body circumferentially around the interior of the fluid path The tubular return member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed toward the first side surface of the fluid passage. , Equipment insertion The return member is configured to fit in the fluid passage of the main body, and the return member extends from the first end to the second end, and the first end of the return member and the circumference A check ball sealing portion disposed between the directional protrusion and the check ball sealing portion within the fluid passage and urged to a closed position between the closed position and the open position. A check ball further arranged to slide at the docking connector when the docking connector body and the equipment insertion portion are fitted with the docking connector from the first side of the equipment insertion portion body And a filling probe configured to move the check ball from the closed position to the open position.

  The equipment insertion section body includes a ventilation hole that defines a ventilation path from a first side surface of the equipment insertion section body to a second side surface of the equipment insertion section body, and a ventilation probe disposed around a circumferential inner protrusion in the ventilation path. And a tubular vent probe configured to fit within the vent and the vent passage, wherein the vent probe is biased to a closed position relative to the vent probe seal, the closed position and the open position. And is further arranged to slide in the air passage.

  In another example, the present disclosure forms a sealing port that can be filled with a fluid chemical product through a sealing port in a product package, from a first side of the equipment insert body to a second side of the equipment insert body. An equipment insert comprising an equipment insert body including a first hole defining a fluid passage, the equipment insert body further including an inner wall forming a circumferential protrusion around the interior of the fluid passage, and tubular The return member has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the first end portion is disposed toward the first side surface of the fluid passage. The return member is configured to fit and is disposed between the second hole extending from the first end to the second end, and the first end of the return member and the circumferential protrusion. And a check ball spring-biased in a closed position with respect to the sealing portion in the fluid passage Has a check ball, between a closed position and an open position, it is further arranged to slide within the second hole. The equipment insert body further includes a peripheral edge disposed around the first side of the equipment insert body and a plurality of circumferential equipment tabs disposed around the sidewall of the equipment insert body. Is configured to receive the neck of the product package.

  In another example, the present disclosure is directed to a refillable product package that includes an equipment insert. The refillable product package may further comprise a product bottle having a neck, and the equipment insert body is fitted within the neck of the product bottle.

  In another example, the present disclosure is directed to a product package having one or more sidewalls and a neck, and an equipment insert that forms a sealing port that can be filled with a hydrochemical product through the sealing port in the product package. The insertion portion includes an equipment insertion portion main body configured to fit in the neck portion of the product package in a sealable manner, and the equipment insertion portion main body is connected to the equipment insertion portion main body from the first side surface of the equipment insertion portion main body. A first hole defining a fluid passageway to a second side, the equipment insert body further including an inner wall forming a circumferential protrusion around the interior of the fluid passageway, and the tubular barb member has a first end And a second end, and the first end is disposed toward the first side surface of the fluid passage, and is configured to fit into the fluid passage of the equipment insertion portion main body. The return member from the first end to the second end The second hole that is present, the sealing portion disposed between the first end of the return member and the circumferential protrusion, and the spring biased to the closed position with respect to the sealing portion in the fluid passage A check ball, and the check ball is further arranged to slide in the second hole between the closed position and the open position.

  The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary refillable dispensing system. 1A shows the exemplary filling station housing of FIG. 1A with the door open, and FIG. 1C shows the exemplary filling station housing of FIG. 1A with the different doors open. 1B illustrates an exemplary dispenser that can be used to dispense chemical products from a product package as shown in FIG. 1A. 1B illustrates an exemplary dispenser that can be used to dispense chemical products from a product package as shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary equipment insert mated with a docking connector, showing the check ball in an open position. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary equipment insert showing the check ball in a closed position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary check ball seal ring. It is an expanded sectional view of the example equipment insertion part which shows the check ball in a closed position. It is a perspective view of an equipment insertion part return. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an exemplary barb, spring, ball, and ball seal of an exemplary equipment insert. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary barb, spring, ball, and ball seal assembled within an exemplary equipment insert. It is sectional drawing which shows the example equipment insertion part in each of a closed position, an open position, and a vacuum escape position. It is sectional drawing which shows the example equipment insertion part in each of a closed position, an open position, and a vacuum escape position. It is sectional drawing which shows the example equipment insertion part in each of a closed position, an open position, and a vacuum escape position. FIG. 6 is a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of an exemplary docking connector and an exemplary equipment insert body docked. FIG. 6 is a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of an exemplary docking connector and an exemplary equipment insert body docked. FIG. 6 is a top view of an exemplary equipment insert. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an exemplary equipment insertion portion.

  In general, the present disclosure is directed to a refillable dispensing system and its components. The system may include one or more reusable or refillable product packages configured to dock with an automatic refill station. The automatic filling station mixes the automatically concentrated chemical product with the diluent and dispenses the resulting chemical solution. The product package may include an equipment insert configured to mate with a docking connector at an automatic refill station. When the product package is docked with the filling station, the cooperation of the docking connector and the equipment insert may allow air to exit from the interior of the product package as the chemical product is dispensed into the product package. When the chemical product is dispensed from the product package, the equipment insert may further allow air to enter the interior of the product package, preventing damage to the product package wall. The equipment insert and docking connection can be further configured to eliminate by-products generated after dispensing the diluted chemical product solution into the product package, thus allowing the product package to achieve a drying pause from the filling station It is said. Once removed from the docking connection, the exemplary equipment insert provides a secure hermetic seal for product packages that will not leak in any orientation under normal conditions.

  FIG. 1A shows an exemplary refillable dispensing system 100. The refillable dispensing system 100 includes a filling station 110 and at least one product package 152. In the examples described herein, product package 152 may be reusable or refillable. The filling station 110 mixes the automatically concentrated chemical product with the diluent and dispenses the resulting chemical product solution into the product package 152. A concentrate container 118 (see FIG. 1B), positioned in the filling station 110, stores the chemical product concentrate. The filling station 110 is further connected to receive a diluent (such as water). A mixing pump (not shown) in the filling station automatically draws the appropriate amount of chemical concentrate from the concentrate container 118 and applies it to produce a chemical solution having the target concentration. Mix with the amount of diluent. For example, in the case of hand soap concentration, the dilution factor can be 5: 1 (5 parts diluent to 1 part concentrate) or 10: 1. However, it will be understood that any dilution factor may be used and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

  Exemplary refillable dispensing system 100 includes, but is not limited to, hand cleanser, liquid soap, lotion, gel, foam, shampoo, hand cream, disinfectant, disinfectant, foam, synthetic detergent. Can be used with any type of concentrated chemical product, including bleach, detergents, laundry products, dishwashing products, and the like. In other examples, the system 100 can be used with any other type of chemical product.

  Fill station 110 includes fill station housing 122, actuator 112, and doors 120A and 120B. FIG. 1B shows the exemplary filling station housing 122 of FIG. 1A with the door 120B open. Window 116 allows the user to see the amount of concentrate remaining in concentrate container 118. The lock 116 ensures that only authorized users have access to the interior of the filling station housing and allows the user to lock the filling station housing 122 to allow changes. Opening door 120B provides access to the interior of filling station housing 122 so that concentrate container 118 can be replaced when concentrate container 118 is emptied or when a different chemical dispense is desired. Is acceptable. FIG. 1C shows the exemplary filling station housing of FIG. 1A with the door 120A open. Opening of door 120A allows access to the interior of filling station housing 122 as well as access to automatic fill pump 115 and docking connector 300. When the product package equipment insert is mated with the docking connector 300, the actuation of the actuator 112 causes the autofill pump 115 to automatically mix the concentrated chemical stored in the concentrate container 118 with the diluent, The resulting chemical product solution is dispensed into the product package through a fill port defined by the product package equipment insert.

  Referring again to FIG. 1A, an exemplary product package 152 includes one or more sidewalls 155 that form a sealed product package that is configured to contain a quantity of chemical product. Product package 152 further includes an inlet port defined by a neck 156 through which the product package can be filled with chemical product through the inlet port, and an outlet port 158A through which chemical product can be dispensed from the product package through outlet port 158A. The equipment insert 200 fitted within the neck 156 of the product package 152 is configured to form a sealed connection with a docking connector (eg, see FIG. 3) positioned within the filling station housing 122. The equipment insert 200 forms a filling port where the product package 152 can be refilled through the filling port. Once removed from the docking connection, the equipment insert 200 provides a secure seal for the product package 152 that does not leak in any orientation under normal conditions. The equipment insert 200 and the docking connection can be further configured to eliminate by-products that are formed after dispensing the solution into the product package 152 so that after the product package has been filled, the product package 152 can be dried from the filling station. It is possible to achieve a pause.

  Product package 152 may be further connected to pump 154 to allow chemical products to be dispensed from product package 152. In the example of FIG. 1A, product package 152 and pump 154 are connected by mating with threads 158A and 158B on product package 152 and pump 154, respectively. Product package 152 and pump 154 may be mounted sequentially in a product dispenser, such as product dispenser 180 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The pump 154 may be configured to deliver any form of chemical product, such as a liquid, foam, gel, alcohol foam, and the like. In some examples, the combination of pump 154 and product package 152 may provide up to 99% product discharge of product package 152 for a wide range of product viscosities and densities.

  2A and 2B show an exemplary dispenser 180 that can be used to dispense chemical products from a product package, such as product package 152. As shown in FIG. 2A, the dispenser 180 includes a dispenser cover 182 and a push rod 184. FIG. 2B shows an exemplary dispenser 180 with the cover 182 and pushrod 184 removed. Push bar 184, when actuated by a user, engages dispensing mechanism 188 with pump 154, resulting in dispensing a discrete amount of chemical product as indicated by arrow 186. In other examples, different types of manual actuators can be used in place of pushrod 184. Alternatively, dispenser 180 may include a sensor that detects the presence of a user's hand proximate to the dispenser and automatically operates an actuator to dispense a volume of fluid for detection.

  Hand care dispensers, such as exemplary dispenser 180, are generally proximate to sinks in the kitchen, hospital room, washroom, or other location to facilitate hand washing by employees, the general public, or other users. Installed. Dispensing depending on the environment in which the dispenser is used (e.g. hospitality or restaurant location, symmetrical medical location), the type of fluid to be dispensed, and / or the specific requirements of the organization or business entity The desired amount of fluid product made may vary. In some examples, the pump 154 and / or dispenser 180 is a U.S. Pat. No. 8,851, issued October 7, 2014 by Pelkey et al., Both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 331 and Pelkey, issued March 31, 2015, and may be implemented as shown and described in US Pat. No. 8,991,655. However, it will be appreciated that other pump and / or dispenser designs may also be used and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

  The combination of the refill station 110, product package 152, equipment insert 200, and pump 154 provides a “closed loop” refillable dispensing system that does not allow the user to contact the concentrated chemicals. The refill station automatically provides the exact dilution rate of concentrated chemicals, and the sealing connection between the equipment insert and docking connector greatly exposes workers to powerful chemicals in the absence of this To reduce. The refillable dispensing system 100 can thus increase ease of use, operator safety, and accuracy in the preparation of diluted chemical solutions.

  FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary equipment insert 200 mated with an exemplary docking connector 300, showing the check ball 212 in an open position relative to the ring 216 of the check ball seal. Docking connector 300 may form a receiving connector for a filling station, such as filling station 110 as shown in FIG. The docking connector 300 includes a docking connector body 304, a filling probe 302, and a ventilation tab 306. The equipment insert 200 includes a equipment insert body 204 that includes a first hole 209 that defines a fluid path from the first side 201 of the equipment insert body to the second side 203 of the equipment insert body. The part body further includes an inner wall 205 that forms a circumferential protrusion 223 around the interior of the fluid passage.

  The equipment insert body also includes a barb member 220, a check ball 212, a spring 214, and a vent probe 208. The equipment insertion portion main body 204 further includes a plurality of equipment tabs 202 and edges 203. The equipment insertion part main body 200 further includes a docking sealing part 206, a ball sealing part 216, a ventilation probe sealing part 210, and an equipment edge sealing part 218. The return member 220 is generally tubular in shape, includes a first end and a second end, with the first end positioned toward the first side of the fluid passageway, the equipment insert body 204. And the return member also includes a hole extending from the first end to the second end.

  When inserted into a product package, such as the product package 152 of FIG. 1, the equipment insert body receives the neck 156 of the product package 152 between the edge 203 and the equipment tab 202. The equipment tab 202 bends inward during insertion of the equipment insert body 204 into the neck 156 of the product package 152, after which the neck 156 of the product package 152 is fully within the space defined by the edge 203 and the equipment tab 202. If it is accepted, it will return. The force provided by the equipment tab 202 pushes the neck 156 of the product package 152 against the equipment edge sealing ring 218 to provide a seal between the equipment insert body 204 and the neck 156 of the product package 152. .

  The equipment insert body 200 and docking connector 300 are such that a chemical product can be delivered from a refill station 110 to a product package, such as a product package 152, without exposing the user to a strong chemical concentrate. Is provided in collaboration. When fully docked, the fill probe 302 of the docking connector body 304 pushes the check ball 212 to allow the product to flow into the product package as indicated by arrow 160. While the product package is docked, the tab 304 of the docking connector body 304 presses the vent probe 208 and allows entrained air to be expelled from the product package through the vent opening 211. The docking sealing portion 206 prevents the product from leaking between the equipment insertion portion main body 204 and the docking connector main body 304. When the equipment insertion portion 200 is fitted to the docking connector 300, the filling probe 302 presses the check ball 212 from the first side surface 201 of the equipment insertion portion main body, and the sealing portion from the closed position with respect to the sealing portion 216. The check ball 212 is configured to move to an open position with respect to 216.

  In some examples, once the package is removed from the docking connector 300, the check ball 212 is biased to the closed position relative to the check ball seal 216. In the example of FIG. 3A, the biasing force is provided by a spring 214 that pushes the check ball against the ball seal ring 216 (or simply the check ball seal 216) to form a secure leakproof seal. However, it will be appreciated that other mechanisms for biasing the check ball may also be used and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. The user can transport, transport, or store the product in any orientation without ejecting it from the package. To dispense the product, the user does not need to open the container because it is a closed loop system. The contents of the product package are dispensed / discharged during normal use in each dispenser unit.

  FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary equipment insert 200 showing the check ball 212 in a closed position relative to the check ball sealing ring 216. The sealing ring 216 is seated in a groove defined by the upper edge of the barb 220 and the inner edge protrusion formed by the equipment insert body 204. When the equipment insert 200 does not mate with the docking connector 300, the force provided by the spring 214 pushes the check ball 212 upward and against the sealing ring 216, and the check ball 212 and the sealing ring 216 Make a seal at the interface.

  FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an exemplary checkball sealing ring 216, and FIG. 3D is an enlargement of the exemplary equipment insert 200 showing the checkball 212 in a closed position relative to the checkball sealing ring 216. It is sectional drawing. The exemplary sealing ring 216 is generally a torus shape with a non-circular cross section. The sealing ring can be made using, for example, an elastomer material. The sealing ring 216 has a non-circular cross section including a flat sealing surface 217 and equipment sealing surfaces 215A and 215B. The equipment sealing surfaces 215 </ b> A and 215 </ b> B are shaped to match the geometric shape of the internal projection 223 formed in the longitudinal hole 209 of the equipment insertion body 204. Thus, the sealing surface 217 of the sealing ring 216 presented on the check ball 212 in the closed position presents a relatively large surface area with respect to the sealing interface as compared to a sealing ring having a circular cross section. .

  The sealing ring 216 is seated in a groove defined by the lower surface of the inner protrusion 223 formed in the longitudinal hole 209 through the upper edge 221 of the barb 220 and the equipment insert body 204. The longitudinal axis of the hole 209 in the equipment insert body is generally aligned (eg, collinear) with the longitudinal hole 226 (eg, see FIG. 5B) of the barb 220 when the barb 220 is received in the hole 209. To do. When the equipment insert 200 does not mate with the docking connector 300, the force provided by the spring 214 pushes the check ball 212 upward and against the sealing ring 216, and the check ball 212 and the sealing ring 216 Make a seal at the interface. Again, because of the flat sealing surface 217 of the sealing ring 216, a relatively large surface area is present between the sealing ring 216 and the check ball 212 compared to a sealing ring having a circular cross section. Provided to stop interface.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the equipment insertion portion return 220. The barb 220 is sized to fit into the equipment insertion portion main body 204. Barb 220 includes one or more guide rails 222, barb tip 224, longitudinal bore 226, and spring seat 228. FIG. 5A is an exploded view of an exemplary barb 220, spring 214, ball 212, and ball seal 216 of an exemplary equipment insert 300. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary barb 220, spring 214, ball 212, and ball seal 216 assembled within an exemplary equipment insert 300. FIG. The guide rail 222 is sized to guide the movement of the check ball 212 from the sealed position to the open position. The inner edge formed around the perimeter of the hole 226 forms a spring seat 228 that supports the spring 214 in the hole 226.

  6A to 6C are cross-sectional views showing the equipment insertion portions in the closed position, the open position, and the vacuum escape position, respectively. In the closed position as shown in FIG. 6A, the check ball 212 is held against the ball seal 216 by the spring force provided by the spring 214 (not shown for display purposes in FIG. 6A). Once the equipment insert body 204 is fully docked with the docking connector body 304, the fill probe 302 presses the check ball 212 and moves it from the closed position shown in FIG. 6A to the open position as shown in FIG. 6B. Let In the open position, fluid is dispensed through the fill probe 302, around the check ball 212, and into the product package.

  Once the product package is removed from the filling station so that the equipment insert body 204 is removed from the docking connector body 304, the tension provided by the spring 214 (not shown in FIGS. 6A-6C) causes the check ball 212 to be ball sealed. Pushing against the stop 216, a strong seal is formed, preventing the chemical product from exiting the product package through the fill port provided by the equipment insert 300. The product package may be mounted in a chemical product dispenser, such as the exemplary dispenser 180 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. When the product is subsequently dispensed from the product package, such as by manual actuation or movement of the push rod or automatic actuation by a sensing sensor, an incomplete vacuum in the product package causes the check ball of the equipment insert body 302 to Created for the seal provided by 212 and seal 216. However, in some examples, the spring tension of the spring 214 is designed to maintain a product package pressure balance during product dispensing. For example, the spring tension is sufficient to allow an incomplete vacuum caused by the dispensing of chemical product from the product package to allow air to enter and prevent damage to the product package, as shown in FIG. 6C. The ball 212 may be pulled away from the ball seal 216.

  In some examples, the tip of the filling probe 302 presses the check ball 212 at the filling probe 302 from which the chemical solution is dispensed, as shown in FIGS. A protruding rib 310 that separates the check balls 212 may be included. Since the filling operation is performed under the sealing surface of the equipment insertion portion (that is, from the equipment under the product package sealing portion 216 and the docking sealing portion 206), the residual stacking of products is reduced. This can help achieve a clean separation from the docking connector 300 and the equipment insert 200.

  7 and 8 are an upper perspective view and a lower perspective view, respectively, of the equipment insertion part 200 fitted to the docking connector 300. FIG. As indicated above with respect to FIG. 4, the docking connector 300 may form a receiving connector for a filling station, such as the filling station 110 as shown in FIG. The docking connector 300 includes a docking connector body 304, a filling probe 302, and a ventilation tab 306. The equipment insertion portion 200 includes a equipment insertion portion main body 204, a barb 220, a check ball 212, a spring 214, and a ventilation probe 208. The equipment insertion portion main body 204 further includes a plurality of equipment tabs 202 and edges 203. The equipment insertion part main body 200 further includes a docking sealing part 206, a ball sealing part 216, a ventilation probe sealing part 210, and an equipment edge sealing part 218.

  When inserted into a product package, such as the product package 152 of FIG. 1, the equipment insert body receives the neck 156 of the product package 152 between the edge 203 and the equipment tab 202. The equipment tab 202 bends inward during insertion of the equipment insert body 204 into the neck 156 of the product package 152 so that the neck 156 of the product package 152 is fully received within the space defined by the edge 203 and the equipment tab 202. When it is done, it returns. The force provided by the equipment tab 202 pushes the neck 156 of the product package 152 against the equipment edge sealing ring 218 to provide a seal between the equipment insert body 204 and the neck 156 of the product package 152. .

  The equipment insert body 200 and docking connector 300 are such that a chemical product can be delivered from a refill station 110 to a product package, such as a product package 152, without exposing the user to a strong chemical concentrate. Is provided in collaboration. When fully docked, the fill probe 302 of the docking connector body 304 pushes the check ball 212 to allow the product to flow into the product package as indicated by arrow 160. A longitudinal hole 226 that extends through barb 226 receives check ball 212. The spring 214 fits in the hole 226 and is supported by the spring seat 214. The check ball 212 moves in the guide rail 222 between a closed position (not docked) and an open position (docked). The movement of the check ball 212 is resisted by the spring 214. The spring 214 is supported by a spring seat 228 formed at the base of the guide rail 222 around the inner periphery of the barb 220.

  The guide rails 222 maintain proper alignment of the check balls 212 and help prevent the check balls 212 from shifting with respect to the seal 216. The upper edge of the barb 220 maintains a constant positioning of the ball seal 216 and helps prevent the ball seal 216 from coming off.

  The check ball 212 moves in a linear path along the guide rail 222 by a force acting thereon. Once seated, the spring 214 provides a positive seal between the check ball 212 and the O-ring seal 216 until sufficient cracking pressure (provided by dispensing chemical from the product package) breaks the seal. Make a stop.

  While the product package is docked, the tab 304 of the docking connector body 304 pushes the vent probe tip 208A and moves the vent probe 208 downward (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). This movement of the vent probe 208 moves the vent probe shoulder 208B further away from the vent probe seal 210, so that air entrained from the product package is exhausted from the product package while the product package is being filled. Make it possible. The docking sealing portion 206 prevents chemical products from leaking between the equipment insertion portion main body 204 and the docking connector main body 304.

  Once the product package (and hence the equipment insert body 204) is removed from the docking connector 300, the force provided by the spring 214 pushes the check ball against the ball seal 216, ensuring a secure leak-proof seal. Form. Users can transport, transport, or store in any orientation without chemical leaks.

  Although certain exemplary mechanisms for achieving filling and venting are functioning, alternative methods may also be used and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. For example, these functions can be achieved using composite valves, duckbill valves, solenoid valves, vented membranes, EPDM balls, umbrella valves, and the like.

  FIG. 9 is a top view of an exemplary equipment insert 200. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the equipment insert body 204, edge 203, equipment seal 218, vent probe tip 208 A, vent tab 306 (visible through the opening 211 in the top 304 of the equipment insert body), ball 212. , And return 220.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an exemplary equipment insert 200. What can be seen in FIG. 10 is the equipment insert body 204, the locking tab 202, the vent probe base 208C, the ball 212, and the barb 220.
Product package 152 can be any suitable size to suit various dispensing applications. For example, for hand washing applications, product package 152 may be sold in a variety of sizes, such as 1250 ml (70 grams), 750 ml (40 grams), and / or any other suitable size bottle. In some examples, the product package 152 is made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) that is lightweight and 100% recyclable. For example, a product package can be formed utilizing high density polyethylene resin having a density greater than 0.953 g / cc (according to ASTM D1505). In some applications, the product package may incorporate a percentage of recycled used resin (PCR) (eg, 25%). Product package design may aim to maximize fill volume while maintaining a small area. This can be accomplished by designing a thin overlay and using the inner termination as a mechanism to permanently attach the insert via the locking tab. Product packages, equipment inserts, and docking connections can be designed with strong resistance and high quality terminations to ensure that the system remains leakproof.

  In some examples, the product package geometry and characteristics may be designed to resist or prevent damage during ejection of the product. For example, the chamfered corner can help control product package deformation and promote better drop impact resistance. In some examples, the cracking pressure of the checkball seal can be designed to break before failure of the lightweight HDPE product package.

  In some examples, such as the product package 152 as shown in FIG. 1A, the threaded connector 158A ensures that an appropriate pump type with a matching thread pitch is mated with the product package. Furthermore, it can be designed with a unique thread pitch.

  The ring 216 of the check ball sealing portion, similarly the docking sealing portion 206, the equipment sealing portion 218, and the ventilation probe sealing portion are made of an elastomer material such as EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer (M class) rubber). May be included. In some examples, the geometry of the check ball seal ring 216 is relatively flat for a seal surface compared to a seal ring having a flat sealing surface presented to the check ball 212 and having a circular cross-section. Provide a large surface area.

  Check ball 212 can be either stainless steel (or other non-porous material) or an elastomer.

  The spring 214 can be either metal or plastic. For example, the spring can be a 300 series stainless steel or Hastelloy metal blend. The length of the spring can be optimized to provide the best leak-proof seal while allowing incomplete vacuum to break the seal, so that air can be used during chemical dispensing. It allows entry into the package and prevents damage to the product package. In some examples, the free length of the spring measures about 18 mm. However, it will be appreciated that the spring parameters may vary depending on the particular application, and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

  In some examples, factors that may be taken into account when choosing a spring and / or spring constant are that the force required to press the check ball 212 is such that it is easy to dock with the filling station and therefore the filling rate. Should not be too high to facilitate ease, the spring should provide sufficient force on the check ball to provide a firm leak-proof seal when in the closed position, product The incomplete vacuum generated by dispensing chemical products from the package is sufficient to stop the spring force and the check ball is pulled away from the seal so that the equipment insert is inserted to balance the product package Making it possible to include. Allowing air back into the product package system can help to prevent product package damage when using non-vented product pumps.

  The exemplary refillable dispensing system and components described herein may provide several advantages. For example, a refillable dispensing system can help reduce costs associated with dispensing chemical products. For example, a concentrated formulation may provide sufficient product for multiple refills using a concentrated pack. Users can purchase a set of refillable product packages, refill, and reuse the same set for a longer period of time compared to a single use container. Concentrated formulas can help reduce storage space, often with household items in a cleaning tool room, closet, or cart. Concentrated formulations can also help reduce shipping costs, shipping frequency, packaging costs, and waste collection. For example, if the product package can be refilled approximately 10 times and reused, the use of a refillable product package can reduce waste by up to 90% compared to a single use container. The flexible product package can be lighter than a rigid hand care bottle. In some examples, the product package may include 100% recyclable material and may last up to one year while being heavily used. In addition, the user can “match” the product package when convenient. This makes it possible to prepare for a busy period when the user has no time to replace the product package. In some instances, pump design and bottle coordination can result in over 99% emissions from the product package. This may result in providing more products to the user and less product landfill.

  Example 1: A refillable dispensing system comprising a filling station including a docking connector, wherein the filling station is configured to dispense a chemical product solution from a chemical product concentrate and the product package has an amount The equipment insert is configured to mate with and form a sealed connection with the docking connector, and the equipment insert is inserted into the equipment insert. And further comprising an equipment insert body including a first hole defining a fluid passage from a first side of the equipment body to a second side of the equipment insert body, wherein the equipment insert body is around the interior of the fluid passage. And further including an inner wall forming a circumferential protrusion, wherein the tubular barb member has a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed toward the first side of the fluid passage. In state, insert equipment A return member configured to fit within a fluid passage of the main body, the return member extending from the first end to the second end, and the first end of the return member; A check ball sealing portion disposed between the circumferential protrusion and the check ball sealing portion within the fluid passage and biased to the closed position with respect to the check ball sealing portion, and the second hole between the closed position and the open position. A check ball further arranged to slide within the docking connector, the docking connector body, and the equipment insertion section body when the equipment insertion section is mated with the docking connector, the first side surface of the equipment insertion section body A refillable dispensing system further comprising: a filling probe configured to push the check ball from the closed position and move the check ball from a closed position to an open position.

  Example 2: The refillable dispensing system of Example 1 wherein the product package further includes an output port and the dispensing system further comprises a pump fitted to the output port of the product package.

  Example 3: The refillable dispensing of Example 2, further comprising a dispenser configured to receive the product package and the pump, wherein the dispenser further comprises a dispenser actuator that causes a separate amount of chemical product to be dispensed from the product package. system.

  Example 4: The filling station further includes a switch, and when the equipment insert is mated with the docking connector and when the switch is activated, the filling station dispenses the chemical product solution through the fluid path into the product package. The refillable dispensing system of Example 1.

  Example 5: The equipment insertion section main body is disposed around a vent hole defining a ventilation path from the first side surface of the equipment insertion section main body to the second side face of the equipment insertion section main body, and a circumferential inner protrusion in the ventilation path. And a tubular ventilation probe configured to fit in the ventilation path, and the ventilation probe is biased to the closed position with respect to the ventilation probe sealing part, and is closed. The refillable dispensing system of Example 1 further arranged to slide in an air passage between a position and an open position.

  Example 6: When the ventilation probe further includes a shoulder, and the ventilation probe shoulder forms a seal with the ventilation probe seal when the ventilation probe is in the closed position, and the ventilation probe is in the open position In addition, the refillable dispensing system of Example 1 wherein air can escape from the product package.

  Example 7: The refillable dispensing system of Example 1 wherein the vent probe further comprises a vent probe tip accessible through the vent from the first side of the equipment insert body.

  Example 8: When the docking connector further includes a ventilation tab configured to press the ventilation probe tip and move the ventilation probe from the closed position to the open position when the equipment insert is mated with the docking connector. Including a refillable dispensing system of Example 7.

  Example 9: The return member further includes a longitudinally extending guide rail, and the check ball is further arranged to slide within the guide rail between a closed position and an open position. Refillable dispensing system.

  Example 10: The refillable dispensing system of Example 1 wherein the product package comprises a high density polyethylene resin having a density greater than 0.953 g / cc.

  Example 11: Equipment insertion part forming a sealing port, wherein the product package can be filled with a fluid chemical product through the sealing port, and the equipment insertion part comes from the first side of the equipment insertion part body. An equipment insert body including a first hole defining a fluid passage to a second side of the equipment, the equipment insert body further including an inner wall forming a circumferential protrusion around the interior of the fluid passage, The member has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the first end portion is disposed toward the first side surface of the fluid passage, and is fitted into the fluid passage of the equipment insertion portion main body. The return member has a second hole extending from the first end to the second end, and between the first end of the return member and the circumferential protrusion. A disposed sealing portion and a check ball spring biased to a closed position with respect to the sealing portion in the fluid passage; A check ball, a closed position and between an open position, and is further arranged to slide in a second bore, equipped insert.

  Example 12: The equipment insertion portion main body is disposed around a vent hole defining a ventilation path from the first side surface of the equipment insertion section main body to the second side surface of the equipment insertion section main body, and a circumferential inner protrusion in the ventilation path. And a tubular ventilation probe configured to fit in the ventilation path, and the ventilation probe is biased to the closed position with respect to the ventilation probe sealing part, and is closed. The equipment insert of Example 11 further arranged to slide in the air passage between the position and the open position.

  Example 13: When the ventilation probe further includes a shoulder, and the ventilation probe shoulder forms a seal with the ventilation probe seal when the ventilation probe is in the closed position, and the ventilation probe is in the open position In addition, the equipment insert of Example 12, wherein air can escape from the product package.

  Example 14 The equipment insert of Example 12 wherein the vent probe further includes a vent probe tip accessible through the vent from the first side of the equipment insert body.

  Example 15: The return member further includes a longitudinally extending guide rail, and the check ball is further arranged to slide within the guide rail between a closed position and an open position. The equipment insertion part.

  Example 16: The equipment insertion portion main body further includes a peripheral edge arranged around the first side surface of the equipment insertion part main body, and a plurality of circumferential equipment tabs arranged around the side wall of the equipment insertion part main body. The equipment insert of Example 11, wherein the equipment tab and periphery are configured to receive the neck of the product package.

  Example 17: The equipment insert of Example 11 wherein the check ball comprises stainless steel.

  Example 18 The equipment insert of Example 11 wherein the product package comprises a high density polyethylene resin having a density greater than 0.953 g / cc.

  Example 19: A refillable product package comprising the equipment insert of Example 11.

  Example 20: The refillable product package of Example 19 further comprising a product bottle having a neck, wherein the equipment insert body is fitted within the neck of the product bottle.

  Example 21: A refillable product package comprising a product package having one or more sidewalls and a neck and an equipment insert forming a sealing port through which the fluid chemical product can be filled through the sealing port. The equipment insertion portion includes an equipment insertion portion body configured to fit in the neck of the product package in a sealable manner, and the equipment insertion portion body is equipped from the first side surface of the equipment insertion portion body. Including a first hole defining a fluid passage to a second side of the insert body, the equipment insert body further including an inner wall forming a circumferential protrusion around the interior of the fluid passage, the tubular barb member, A first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being disposed toward the first side surface of the fluid passage so as to be fitted in the fluid passage of the equipment insertion portion main body; And the return member is the first A second hole extending from the first end to the second end, a sealing portion disposed between the first end of the return member and the circumferential protrusion, and a sealing portion in the fluid passage A check ball spring-biased to a closed position, wherein the check ball is further arranged to slide in the second hole between the closed position and the open position Product package.

  Various examples are described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (21)

A refillable dispensing system,
A filling station including a docking connector, wherein the filling station is configured to dispense a chemical solution from a chemical concentrate;
A product package configured to contain an amount of the chemical product concentrate;
Equipment insert fitted into the neck of the product package, wherein the equipment insert is configured to mate with and form a sealed connection with the docking connector. And the equipment insertion part,
An equipment insert body including a first hole defining a fluid passage from a first side of the equipment insert body to a second side of the equipment insert body, around the interior of the fluid passage An equipment insert body further including an inner wall forming a circumferential protrusion;
A first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is disposed toward the first side surface of the fluid passage; A tubular barb member configured to fit in, and having a second hole extending from the first end to the second end; and
A check ball sealing portion disposed between the first end of the return member and the circumferential protrusion,
A check ball biased to a closed position with respect to the check ball sealing portion in the fluid passage so as to slide in the second hole between the closed position and the open position. And further comprising a check ball,
The docking connector is
A docking connector body;
When the equipment insertion portion is fitted to the docking connector, the check ball is pressed from the first side surface of the equipment insertion portion main body, and the check ball is moved from the closed position to the open position. A refillable dispensing system further comprising: a filling probe configured as described above.   The refillable dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the product package further comprises an output port, and the dispensing system further comprises a pump fitted to the output port of the product package.   The refill of claim 2, further comprising a dispenser configured to receive the product package and the pump, wherein the dispenser further comprises a dispenser actuator for dispensing a discrete amount of chemical product from the product package. Possible dispensing system.   The filling station further includes a switch, wherein the filling station mixes the chemical concentrate with a diluent to form the chemical solution, and the equipment insert is mated with the docking connector. The refillable dispensing system of claim 1, wherein upon actuation of the switch, the filling station further dispenses the chemical product solution through the fluid passage and into the product package. The equipment insertion section body is
A vent hole defining a ventilation path from the first side surface of the equipment insertion portion body to the second side surface of the equipment insertion portion body;
A ventilation probe seal disposed around a circumferential internal projection in the ventilation path;
A tubular ventilation probe configured to fit in the ventilation path, wherein the ventilation probe is biased to a closed position with respect to the ventilation probe sealing portion, and the ventilation probe is moved to the closed position. The refillable dispensing system according to claim 1, further comprising a tubular vent probe further arranged to slide within the vent path between an open position.   The ventilation probe further includes a shoulder, and the ventilation probe shoulder forms a sealing portion together with the ventilation probe sealing portion when the ventilation probe is in the closed position, and the ventilation probe is opened. The refillable dispensing system of claim 1, wherein air can escape from the product package when in position.   The refillable dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation probe further comprises a ventilation probe tip that is accessible from the first side of the equipment insert body through the vent.   The docking connector is configured to press the vent probe tip and move the vent probe from the closed position to the open position when the equipment insertion portion is fitted to the docking connector. The refillable dispensing system of claim 7, further comprising a vent tab.   The return member further includes a guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction, and the check ball is further arranged to slide in the guide rail between the closed position and the open position. The refillable dispensing system according to claim 1.   The refillable dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the product package comprises a high density polyethylene resin having a density greater than 0.953 g / cc. An equipment insert forming a sealing port, wherein a product package may be filled with a fluid chemical product through the sealing port, the equipment insert
An equipment insert body including a first hole defining a fluid passage from a first side of the equipment insert body to a second side of the equipment insert body, around the interior of the fluid passage An equipment insert body further including an inner wall forming a circumferential protrusion;
A first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is disposed toward the first side surface of the fluid passage; A tubular barb member configured to fit in, and having a second hole extending from the first end to the second end; and
A sealing portion disposed between the first end of the return member and the circumferential protrusion;
A check ball spring biased to a closed position relative to the sealing portion in the fluid passage so as to slide between the closed position and the open position in the second hole; An equipment insert comprising a check ball disposed. The equipment insertion section body is
A vent hole defining a ventilation path from the first side surface of the equipment insertion portion body to the second side surface of the equipment insertion portion body;
A ventilation probe seal disposed around a circumferential internal projection in the ventilation path;
A tubular ventilation probe configured to fit in the ventilation path, wherein the ventilation probe is biased to a closed position with respect to the ventilation probe sealing portion, and the ventilation probe is moved to the closed position. The equipment insert of claim 11, further comprising a tubular vent probe further disposed to slide within the vent path between an open position.   The ventilation probe further includes a shoulder, and the ventilation probe shoulder forms a sealing portion together with the ventilation probe sealing portion when the ventilation probe is in the closed position, and the ventilation probe is opened. 13. The equipment insert of claim 12, wherein air can escape from the product package when in position.   The equipment insertion portion of claim 12, wherein the ventilation probe further comprises a ventilation probe tip accessible from the first side of the equipment insertion portion body through the ventilation hole.   The return member further includes a guide rail extending in a longitudinal direction, and the check ball is further arranged to slide in the guide rail between the closed position and the open position. The equipment insertion portion according to claim 11. The equipment insertion section body is
A peripheral edge disposed around the first side surface of the equipment insertion portion body;
A plurality of circumferential equipment tabs disposed around a side wall of the equipment insertion portion main body,
12. The equipment insert of claim 11, wherein the equipment tab and the periphery are configured to receive a neck of the product package.   The equipment insert according to claim 11, wherein the check ball comprises stainless steel.   12. The equipment insert of claim 11, wherein the product package comprises a high density polyethylene resin having a density greater than 0.953 g / cc.   A refillable product package comprising the equipment insert of claim 11.   20. A refillable product package according to claim 19, further comprising a product bottle having a neck, wherein the equipment insert body is fitted within the neck of the product bottle. A refillable product package,
A product package having one or more sidewalls and a neck;
An equipment insert that forms a sealing port, wherein the equipment insert can be filled with a fluid chemical product through the sealing port;
An equipment insertion portion body configured to be sealably fitted into the neck portion of the product package, from a first side surface of the equipment insertion portion body to a second side surface of the equipment insertion portion body An equipment insert body including a first hole defining a fluid passage and further comprising an inner wall forming a circumferential protrusion around the interior of the fluid passage;
A first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is disposed toward the first side surface of the fluid passage; A tubular barb member configured to fit in, and having a second hole extending from the first end to the second end; and
A sealing portion disposed between the first end of the return member and the circumferential protrusion;
A check ball spring biased to a closed position relative to the sealing portion in the fluid passage so as to slide between the closed position and the open position in the second hole; A refillable product package with check balls in place.

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