WO2020183150A1 - Distributeurs à pompe parents et distributeur enfant et procédé de remplissage - Google Patents

Distributeurs à pompe parents et distributeur enfant et procédé de remplissage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020183150A1
WO2020183150A1 PCT/GB2020/050573 GB2020050573W WO2020183150A1 WO 2020183150 A1 WO2020183150 A1 WO 2020183150A1 GB 2020050573 W GB2020050573 W GB 2020050573W WO 2020183150 A1 WO2020183150 A1 WO 2020183150A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
dispenser
fluid
parent
container
exit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2020/050573
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gavin Innes ROSS
Original Assignee
Ross Gavin Innes
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ross Gavin Innes filed Critical Ross Gavin Innes
Publication of WO2020183150A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020183150A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0037—Containers
    • B05B11/0056—Containers with an additional opening for filling or refilling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B05B1/16—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B05B1/16—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets
    • B05B1/1627—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets with a selecting mechanism comprising a gate valve, a sliding valve or a cock
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/0075—Two outlet valves being placed in a delivery conduit, one downstream the other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0097—Means for filling or refilling the sprayer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
    • B05B11/026—Membranes separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
    • B05B11/028—Pistons separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/04—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B05B11/1016—Piston pumps the outlet valve having a valve seat located downstream a movable valve element controlled by a pressure actuated controlling element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1043—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container
    • B05B11/1046—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container the pump chamber being arranged substantially coaxially to the neck of the container
    • B05B11/1047—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container the pump chamber being arranged substantially coaxially to the neck of the container the pump being preassembled as an independent unit before being mounted on the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1073—Springs
    • B05B11/1074—Springs located outside pump chambers

Definitions

  • 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.
  • dispensers for dispensing flowable or fluid products such as, for example, liquids, lotions, pastes and gels e.g. cosmetics and detergents etc.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • airless pump dispensers as the fluid product is typically kept separate from external air e.g. by means of a disc or follower piston.
  • single-use disposable cloths such as ‘wet wipes’
  • 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 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.
  • EP1389491 Kl 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.
  • WO2012/001375 LAW describes an airless dispenser with a separate nozzle attachment.
  • WO2014/147351 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.
  • WO2016/014257 SCOTT and WO2016/14256 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.
  • WO2012/109411 LITTEN describes a child dispenser and parent body.
  • WO2015/181717 OKHAI describes a dispensing mechanism and a refill mechanism.
  • W02017/060190 UNILEVER describes a refill package for liquid comprising a flexible inner body, a rigid outer container and an air intake means.
  • CN101628269 WU describes a sprayer with an auxiliary application and mixing device.
  • the sprayer has a normal trigger activated pump spray and a separate auxiliary application device.
  • the sprayer main body is provided with a second outlet, a connecting member is at the second outlet and a series of application and mixing devices can be combined with the connecting member.
  • the present invention seeks to alleviate one or more of the problems noted above and elsewhere.
  • V 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), the internal channel (40) having 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 direct fluid to the first fluid exit (16A) to dispense fluid via the nozzle and the pump module further configurable in a second mode of operation to direct fluid to the second exit (16B) (e.g. suitable for refilling a child container (30, 32)); whereby flowable product can be pumped from the container (2) via the internal volume (V) and the internal channel (40) to the first fluid exit (16A) in the first mode of operation, and from the container (2) via the internal volume (V) and the internal channel (40) to the second fluid exit (16B) in the second mode of operation.
  • 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 shape) for dispensing fluid, or could be an active pump-operated child container.
  • the pump module may be configurable in the first mode of operation to open the first fluid exit (16A) and may be further configurable in the second mode of operation to open the second fluid exit (16B).
  • the pump module may be configurable in the first mode of operation to open the first fluid exit (16A) and close the second fluid exit (16B) to dispense fluid via the nozzle (15) and the pump module may be further configurable in the second mode of operation to close the first fluid exit (16A) and open the second fluid exit (16B).
  • the pump module may comprise a pump module closure member (50, 38B, 16-1 , 16-2, 113) movable with respect to at least one of first and second fluid exits (16A, 16B), from a first configuration in the first mode of operation to a second configuration in the second mode of operation.
  • fluid can be directed to one or other fluid exits 16A, 16B (and in some examples both, but this is less preferred).
  • redirection from one fluid exit to the other happens automatically but it may happen manually.
  • fluid communication to one of the exits may be established automatically and the other of the exits may be closed manually.
  • fluid communication to one of the exits may be established manually and the other of the exits may be closed automatically.
  • the second portion (40-2) of the internal channel (40) may comprise two parts (40-2A, 40-2B), the first portion (40-1) being in fluid communication with the first part (40-2A) of the second portion (40-2) in the first mode of operation, and the first portion (40-1) being in fluid communication with the second part (40-2B) of the second portion (40-2) in the second mode of operation.
  • 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 upright part 16-1 and/or lateral part 16-2 of side wall 16, and/or side wall 113 of upper portion 13A, and/or spring valve piston 138B) movable with respect to the first and second fluid exits (16A, 16B) 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.
  • a closure member e.g. piston/ring 38B, and/or gate valve 50, and/or side wall of stem 16, and/or upright part 16-1 and/or lateral part 16-2 of side wall 16, and/or side wall 113 of upper portion 13A, and/or spring valve piston 138B
  • the internal channel (40) may comprise a first portion (40-1) and a second portion (40-2) having two parts (40-2A, 40-2B), the first portion (40-1) being in fluid communication with the first part (40-2A) of the second portion (40-2) in the first mode of operation, and the first portion (40-1) being in fluid communication with the second part (40-2B) of the second portion (40-2) in the second mode of operation.
  • the internal channel (40) may not be continuous (in other words the internal channel (40) may be discontinuous such that the walls of the internal channel 40 in the first portion 40- 1 are not continuous with the walls of the first and second parts 40-2A, 40-2B of the second portion 40-2). Thus parts 40-2A, 40-2B of the second portion 40 of internal channel 40 are not always in fluid communication with the first portion 40-1 of internal channel 40.
  • 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 of the upper portion (13A) 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).
  • first portion (40-1) of the internal channel (40) into alignment (e.g. so as to allow fluid communication) with at least one of: the first part (40-2A) of the second portion (40-2) in the first mode of operation; and, the second part (40-2B) of the second portion (40-2) in the second mode of operation.
  • the pump module closure member (e.g. a side wall or part thereof of stem 16, side wall 113 of upper portion 13A etc.) may comprise a side or top wall (16, 16-1 , 16-2, 113) of internal channel 40.
  • the closure member may comprise a rotatable gate valve (50) operable to switch between first and second modes of operation (e.g. to close first exit (16A) and optionally open second exit (16B) and/or vice versa).
  • first and second modes of operation e.g. to close first exit (16A) and optionally open second exit (16B) and/or vice versa.
  • 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 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 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 (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 , 11 A, 41) which may be hinged, for closing second exit (16B) (e.g. when not in use, such as a moulded, or O-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 (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) 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. .
  • a child dispenser (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.
  • a child dispenser e.g. a passive child dispenser with no pump
  • a child container 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.
  • 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).
  • a method of filling and/or refilling a child dispenser as described herein comprising:
  • 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.)
  • kits 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
  • one or more cloth pieces e.g. cotton or muslin squares
  • a replacement e.g. refillable or refilled container (2) for a parent pump module (13);
  • a toilet roll holder with one or more recesses for a parent and/or child container v. a toilet roll holder with one or more recesses for a parent and/or child container.
  • 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 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.
  • a child dispenser here comprising a child container with an internal reservoir and a child dispensing cap
  • 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 7 A 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 7 A.
  • a dispensing cap e.g. a pump module
  • 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 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 35 D).
  • Figure 10 shows a part cross-sectional, elevation view of a parent dispenser pump 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.
  • a parent dispenser cap e.g. a pump module
  • 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, here gate valve, 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 12A and 12B show a dynamic closure (or diverting) member 50, here a gate valve, which moves with respect to a main part (here the remainder) of the pump module 13.
  • 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 (13A-2) of a dispensing cap (13) to switch between dispensing and refilling configurations.
  • Figures 13A and 13B show a static closure (or diverting) member, here upright side wall portion 16-1 , which does not move, rather the rotatable part of the upper portion 13A-2, with fluid exits 16A and 16B, rotates with respect to the lower part 13A-1.
  • 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).
  • a e.g. an automatic spring return valve
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Figures 18A and 18B 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.
  • Figures 19A and 19B 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.
  • Figures 19C and 19D show cross-sectional views of a child dispenser and a close-up of an upper portion of a parent dispenser respectively, ( Figure 19D is in a refilling configuration).
  • Figure 19E shows a cross-sectional view of a close up of a further alternative upper portion of a parent dispenser in a dispensing configuration.
  • Figure 19F shows a cross-sectional view of the parent dispenser of Figure 19E and a child dispenser in a refilling configuration (first part 40-2A of a second portion 40-2 of internal channel 40 is not shown for simplicity).
  • FIG. 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.
  • 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.
  • a lower check valve 12 here in the form of a flexible, resilient valve member and associated seat (not labelled)
  • an opening 10A leading into a reservoir 2A within container 2.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS 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.
  • 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 (or multiple) nozzle exit(s) 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.
  • a first fluid exit 16A leading to a (e.g. multiple) nozzle exit(s) 15A via nozzle 15.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • internal channel 40 within upper portion 13A of pump module 13 is continuous, in that the walls of internal channel 40 are continuous from the inlet to channel 40 (at the exit of internal volume V) to the exit of the pump module 13.
  • a lid 11 is hingedly connected to upper portion 13A of pump module 13 and may be attached to a plug 41 for the end of internal channel 40 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.
  • a primary step for example, when button 14 is released (after being pressed), spring 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 drawn upwards sealingly against the internal walls of reservoir 2A as air enters into container 2 via air inlet 24 in its base.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • kit components 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, fillable, or re-fillable 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.
  • a child dispenser 30 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. metal foil (such as aluminium), polypropylene, and/or polyester) 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • child dispenser cap 33 comprises a proximal portion 33A with an 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 and cap 41 , but may not be shown in other figures for simplicity).
  • the first fluid exit 16A from internal channel 40 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 compressed) 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) e.g. 36D 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.
  • FIG. 7A child container 32 is shown immediately prior to insertion into upper portion 13A of pump module 13 (seen in Figure 7B) of a pump module for a parent dispenser (not shown).
  • FIG 7C child container 32 has been inserted into upper portion 13A.
  • a collar 34 is formed from a (relatively) rigid material and has an internal through bore (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.
  • Child container 32 has a flexible pouch forming a reservoir 32’ bonded to the one or more lands of proximal portion 34A.
  • an upper portion 13A of pump module 13 comprising a stem 16 having, at an upper portion thereof, an inner wall 40A and an outer wall 40B, coaxial and radially spaced from inner wall 40A.
  • Walls 40A and 40B are typically parallel and define internal channel 40 as well as an annular recess 21 between them.
  • annular recess 21 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 O-ring).
  • internal channel 40 comprises an inner through bore forming a fluid path from internal volume V (here via upper check valve 19) to first and second fluid exit(s) 16A and 16B.
  • internal wall 40A is provided with at least one first fluid exit
  • Lid 11 is hingedly connected at hinge 11 A to outer wall 40B and is provided with sealing members 11 B, e.g. a moulded feature or O-ring, for sealingly engaging with a distal edge of inner wall 40A when lid 11 is closed.
  • 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-like closure 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.
  • FIG. 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 34E for preventing neck portion 34C from travelling too far into internal channel 40.
  • 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 O-ring) to engage with a distal edge of elongate neck portion 34C providing a seal against fluid egress via first fluid exit 16A.
  • a sealing member e.g. an O-ring
  • 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).
  • 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 32’ providing a pump action. Where reservoir 32’ is resiliently deformable, air may need to be taken into it between pump strokes.
  • 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 cap 33 which has an elongate distal profile (a spreader profile).
  • FIG. 10 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.
  • FIG. 12A shows dispenser 100 with cap 13 on container 2.
  • cap 13 comprises pump closure member here in the form of 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.
  • FIG 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.
  • 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 (about a main axis, here a vertical, central, longitudinal axis of the parent dispenser).
  • Lower and upper head portions 13A-1 , 13A-2 are sealingly engaged together by lower O-ring 54A and upper O-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.
  • 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 an upright portion 16-1 of a side wall of stem 16 from internal channel 40, the portion 16-1 thus functioning as a closure member.
  • 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 O- rings typically seal the rotating upper head portion 13A-2 and prevent lotion migration to the outside of the pump module.
  • FIGS 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). Further, in a first dispensing configuration a lateral side wall portion 16-2 functions as a closure member to close off second fluid exit 16B.
  • the upper head portion 13A-2 will be positioned centrally and in line with the remainder of the airless pump module 13.
  • lotion will be directed to the dispensing nozzle 15 via first exit 16A.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • an upright side wall portion 16-1 functions as a closure member to close off internal channel 40 to the external environment (and to first fluid exit 16A).
  • the internal channel 40 comprises a first channel portion 40-1 and a two part second channel portion 40-2A, 40-2B each comprising or leading to a respective first and second fluid exits 16A, 16B.
  • Figures 15A and 15B show an alternative embodiment which uses a spring return valve, here comprising spring 138A and piston 138B, operative as a pump module 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.
  • internal channel 40 is of general Y- shaped configuration in cross-section and has a common first portion 40-1 and a second portion in two parts 40-2A, 40-2B downstream from the first portion 40-1.
  • a first fluid path is formed from internal channel 40 via a first part 40-2A of second channel portion 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 the first part 40-2A of second channel portion and opening a second part 40-2B of the second channel portion leading to second fluid exit 16B and via collar 34 into child container 30A.
  • spring-actuated valve 138A, 138B is normally open within the dispensing head (pump module) 13.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • empty container(s) may be recycled, which typically involves in step 230 cleaning empty container(s) and in step 240 refilling container(s).
  • 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).
  • step 250 a user may then use the contents of the recycled container by dispensing contents via pump module 13.
  • Figures 18A and 18B show an alternative embodiment which has an upper cap portion 13A in two parts, a non-rotatable lower part 13A-1 reciprocally slidable (e.g. up and down) within lower cap portion 13B and an upper rotational part 13A-2, rotatable within lower part 13A-1.
  • lower part 13A-1 comprises a continuous outer (here cylindrical) wall within which rotatable upper part 13A-2 is located.
  • Rotatable upper part 13A-2 is rotatable about a main (here a central, longitudinal) axis of the pump dispenser 100.
  • Rotatable upper part 13A-2 comprises two fluid channels 40-2A and 40-2B forming respectively the first part (to nozzle 15) of a second portion 40-2 of internal channel 40, and the second part (to a child dispenser) of a second part 40-2 of internal channel 40.
  • fluid channels 40-2A and 40-2B can be brought selectively into alignment with the first part 40-1 of internal channel 40 to redirect fluid to first exit 16A (and nozzle 15) or second exit 16B (and a child container 32 - see Figure 18B).
  • the arrows show the fluid flow to nozzle 15 or to child container 32 in Figures 18A and 18B respectively.
  • internal channel 40 is discontinuous, having distinct and separate first and second portions 40-1 , 40-2 and indeed having distinct and separate parts 40-2A, 40-2B to the second portion. Nevertheless, these distinct parts and portions are configured to come into alignment and allow fluid to be dispensed via first fluid exit 16 to nozzle 15, or via second fluid exit to child container 32.
  • upper portion second part 13-A2 comprises a (here coaxial, cylindrical) recess 21 for receiving an elongate distal portion (e.g. a neck) of a child container 32 for refilling. It may be held in place via any suitable mechanism e.g. screw fit, interference fit, bayonet fit etc.
  • Lateral wall portion 16-2 of stem 16 is a closure member and protrudes across to close the entrance to the fluid channel 40-2A or 40-2B when not in use.
  • Figures 19A and 19B show a similar embodiment to Figures 18A and 18B save that here distal (here upper) end of rotatable part 13A-2 has a shaped (here tapered) recess and inwardly facing screw thread to engage with a cooperating outwardly facing screw thread on the neck 34C of child container 32.
  • the tapered inlet nozzle section of child container 32 may be held in place via any suitable mechanism e.g. screw fit, interference fit, bayonet fit etc.
  • Figure 19C shows a child dispenser 30 comprising a child container 32 and a dispensing cap 33 with a dispensing nozzle 35.
  • the dispensing cap 33 comprises a cooperating inwardly facing screw thread for engaging with the outwardly facing screw thread or neck portion 34C.
  • Figure 19D shows a close up of the top of the parent dispenser of Figure 19A with a hinged lid 11.
  • Figure 19E shows a close-up of the top of an alternative parent dispenser with a Y- shaped internal channel 40.
  • Internal channel 40 here comprises a common first portion in two (here) discontinuous parts 40-1A, 40-1 B.
  • First part 40-1 A is in non-rotatable part 13A- 1 of upper cap portion 13.
  • Second part 40-1 B is in rotatable part 13A-2 of upper cap portion 13.
  • lid 11 may have protruding resilient nipple 11A for closing second refilling fluid exit 16B.
  • First part 40-2A of second portion 40-2 internal channel is in fluid communication with second part 40-1 B of the first portion 40-1 of internal channel 40 and leads to (or comprises) first fluid exit 16A, and thus leads to nozzle 15.
  • second part 40-2A When upper part 13A-2 is rotated (when refilling a child container), second part 40-2A is rotated out of fluid communication with first fluid exit 16A and nozzle 15, (see Figure 19F in which second part 40-2A of the second portion 40-2 of internal channel 40 is rotated to the rear of the plane of the paper, say 10° or 20° or even 90° or more, and is not shown for simplicity). As shown in Figure 19F, the side wall portion 16-3 of upper rotatable cap portion 13A-2 closes the first fluid exit 16A.
  • a common pump mechanism can be used to dispense fluid from a parent container for use, and can also be used to dispense fluid to a child container when it is connected.
  • 35 - child nozzle(s) 35A-D nozzle exits
  • System 200 (comprising parent dispenser 100 and child dispenser 30)

Landscapes

  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des distributeurs à pompe, en particulier des distributeurs à pompe sans air, des distributeurs enfants destinés à être utilisés avec des distributeurs à pompe parents, des distributeurs à pompe parents et des systèmes de distributeurs enfants, des nécessaires comprenant des distributeurs à pompe parents et/ou des distributeurs enfants et d'autres éléments, et des procédés associés de fabrication de distributeurs à pompe parents et de distributeurs enfants, et leurs procédés d'utilisation. Selon un aspect, l'invention concerne un distributeur parent (100) qui permet de distribuer un produit fluide et de recharger un récipient enfant (30, 32), le distributeur parent (100) comportant : un récipient (2) et un module de pompe (13, 13A, 13B) pour distribuer un produit fluide à partir du récipient (2) par l'intermédiaire d'une buse (15), le module de pompe comprortant : - une buse (15) ; - un volume interne (V) conçu pour recevoir un produit fluide du récipient ; - un canal interne (40) ayant une entrée de fluide provenant du volume interne (V) et au moins deux sorties de fluide (16A, 16B) comprenant au moins une première sortie de fluide (16A) conduisant à la buse (15) et au moins une seconde sortie ; le module de pompe étant configurable en un premier mode de fonctionnement pour diriger un fluide vers la première sortie (16A) afin de distribuer un fluide par l'intermédiaire de la buse et le module de pompe étant en outre configurable en un second mode de fonctionnement pour diriger le fluide vers la seconde sortie (16B).
PCT/GB2020/050573 2019-03-13 2020-03-10 Distributeurs à pompe parents et distributeur enfant et procédé de remplissage WO2020183150A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1903446.1A GB2582295B (en) 2019-03-13 2019-03-13 Improved parent pump dispenser and child dispenser
GB1903446.1 2019-03-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020183150A1 true WO2020183150A1 (fr) 2020-09-17

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WO (1) WO2020183150A1 (fr)

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JPH10296147A (ja) * 1997-04-26 1998-11-10 Yoshino Kogyosho Co Ltd トリガ式噴霧器
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WO2016128719A1 (fr) * 2015-02-13 2016-08-18 Nerudia Ltd Système et appareil
WO2017060190A1 (fr) 2015-10-07 2017-04-13 Unilever Plc Dispositif
CN106660693A (zh) 2014-04-30 2017-05-10 汇美环球有限公司 一种便携式可再充装乳膏分配器
US20170216862A1 (en) 2014-10-20 2017-08-03 Rieke Packaging Systems Limited Airless pump dispensers
US20180029058A1 (en) 2016-07-26 2018-02-01 Heinz Glas Usa, Inc. Portable Refillable Liquid Dispenser

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993015845A1 (fr) * 1992-02-07 1993-08-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Ensemble pompe de pulverisation de liquide par des orifices multiples selon deifferents profils de distribution avec reglage automatique de la course maximale de la pompe pour chaque schema
US5363992A (en) * 1992-12-31 1994-11-15 Philip Meshberg Variable spray and dosage pump
JPH10296147A (ja) * 1997-04-26 1998-11-10 Yoshino Kogyosho Co Ltd トリガ式噴霧器
EP1389491A1 (fr) 2002-08-13 2004-02-18 Yon Woo Corporation Pompe distributeur sans air
US20050284891A1 (en) 2004-04-21 2005-12-29 L'oreal Assembly for packaging and dispensing liquid, a refillable unit and method of dispensing liquid
CN101628269A (zh) 2008-07-18 2010-01-20 双有机械有限公司 具有辅助施配装置的喷雾器和制造方法
US20110297275A1 (en) 2009-02-17 2011-12-08 Breeze Product Design Limited Refill liquid container
WO2012001375A1 (fr) 2010-07-01 2012-01-05 Rieke Corporation Embout de sortie pour distributeur
US20130269830A1 (en) 2010-08-26 2013-10-17 Breeze Product Design Limited Compact liquid container
WO2012109411A1 (fr) 2011-02-11 2012-08-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Procédés, dispositifs et systèmes permettant le remplissage d'un distributeur de fluide
US20130019991A1 (en) 2011-07-21 2013-01-24 Aptar France S.A.S. Refillable travel dispenser
WO2013014626A2 (fr) 2011-07-26 2013-01-31 Dongguan Yixin Magnetic Disc Co. Ltd Distributeur de crème rechargeable portatif
WO2014147351A1 (fr) 2013-03-22 2014-09-25 Aptar France Sas Distributeur de produit fluide rechargeable
CN106660693A (zh) 2014-04-30 2017-05-10 汇美环球有限公司 一种便携式可再充装乳膏分配器
WO2015181717A2 (fr) 2014-05-26 2015-12-03 Beauty Union Global Limited Kit de bouteille
WO2016014256A1 (fr) 2014-07-23 2016-01-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Système et dispositifs de recharge de liquide
WO2016014257A1 (fr) 2014-07-23 2016-01-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Procédés, dispositifs et systèmes pour la recharge d'un distributeur de liquide
US20170216862A1 (en) 2014-10-20 2017-08-03 Rieke Packaging Systems Limited Airless pump dispensers
WO2016128719A1 (fr) * 2015-02-13 2016-08-18 Nerudia Ltd Système et appareil
WO2017060190A1 (fr) 2015-10-07 2017-04-13 Unilever Plc Dispositif
US20180029058A1 (en) 2016-07-26 2018-02-01 Heinz Glas Usa, Inc. Portable Refillable Liquid Dispenser

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GB2582295A (en) 2020-09-23
GB201903446D0 (en) 2019-04-24

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