WO2024062356A1

WO2024062356A1 - Disposable refill cartridge for bottles or flasks

Info

Publication number: WO2024062356A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/059189
Authority: WO
Inventors: Riccardo Alluigi
Original assignee: Guala Dispensing S.P.A.
Priority date: 2022-09-23
Filing date: 2023-09-15
Publication date: 2024-03-28

Abstract

A disposable refill cartridge (6b) for releasing a refill product into a bottle (2b) comprises a single-chamber container (60b) having a breakable film (78b), a connector (20b) screwable to the bottle (2b), and a slider (100b) accommodated in a sliding manner in the connector (20b).

Description

"DISPOSABLE REFILL CARTRIDGE FOR BOTTLES OR FLASKS"

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention is in the field of refill cartridges for concentrated products, which are widely used in the sector of household hygiene, cosmetics, personal care, food and beverage products and the like. The production and marketing of such cartridges have been experiencing a considerable increase for a number of years now, as they respond to the requirements of reducing the use of raw materials and protecting the environment, which, in addition to now being ingrained in consumer awareness, are fundamental guidelines for company policies.

Prior art

[0002] Refill cartridges usually contain only one product, either a liquid or a powder. Some cartridge designs, on the other hand, provide for two products, both liquid or one liquid and one powder, which, until mixing, must be kept separate.

[0003] Typically, the consumer fills a bottle or flask with a predetermined amount of water; the cartridge is applied to the mouth of the bottle, which, according to different methods, releases the concentrated product (s) into the bottle. Inside said bottle, usually after shaking, the solution intended for the desired use is formed.

[0004] Some embodiments of refill cartridges are described, for example, in US-A1-2022/0203391 and US9751667. However, the refill cartridges described therein have some drawbacks.

Object of the invention

[0005] Certain functional features of refill cartridges are essential for them to meet consumer approval. For example, the force exerted by the user to apply the cartridge to the bottle and cause the release of the product should be very restrained to avoid unwanted effort. The Applicant has noted that the force needed by the user should not exceed 100N.

[0006] It is also advisable for all of the product contained in the cartridge to be released into the bottle to avoid the user's perception of wasted product.

[0007] It is also advisable that the application of the cartridge to the bottle has an effective seal to prevent product from leaking from the cartridge or water from the bottle, during mixing operations.

[0008] It is the object of the present invention to provide a refill cartridge for bottles or flasks that meets the needs of the industry and overcomes the drawbacks discussed above with reference to the prior art.

[0009] Such an object is achieved by a cartridge according to the appended claim 1. The dependent claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0010] Brief description of the drawings

[0011] The features and advantages of the refill cartridge according to the present invention will be apparent from the description provided below, given by way of non-limiting example in accordance with the figures in the appended tables, wherein:

[0012] A) Fig. 1a to 5e are related to a first embodiment of the invention, in which:

- Fig. 1a is a cross-sectional view of a refill cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention, applied to a bottle in an initial or rest configuration;

- Fig. 1b depicts a tearing device of the cartridge from Fig. 1a;

Fig. 2a shows the refill cartridge from Fig. 1a, applied to the bottle, in a final or working configuration;

- Fig. 2b depicts the tearing device of the cartridge from Fig. 2a; - Fig. 3a and 3b show a connector of a refill cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

- Fig. 3c is a sectional view of the connector from Fig. 3a and 3b;

- Fig. 4a depicts a container of a refill cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 4b is a sectional view of the container from Fig. 4a;

- Fig. 5a and 5b show a slider of a refill cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

- Fig. 5c is a side view of the slider from Fig. 5a and 5b;

- Fig. 5d is a plan view of the slider from Fig. 5a and 5b;

- Fig. 5e is a sectional view of the slider from Fig. 5a and 5b;

[0013] B) Fig. 1ab to 6 relate to a further embodiment of the invention, in which:

- Fig. 1ab is a sectional view of a refill cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention, applied to a bottle, in an initial or rest configuration;

- Fig. Ibb depicts a tearing device of the cartridge from Fig. 1ab; - Fig. 2ab shows the refill cartridge from Fig. 1ab, applied to the bottle, in a final or working configuration;

- Fig. 2bb depicts the tearing device of the cartridge from Fig. 2ab;

- Fig. 3ab and 3bb show a connector of a refill cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention.

- Fig. 3cb is a sectional view of the connector from Fig. 3ab and 3bb;

Fig. 4ab depicts a container of a refill cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 4bb is a sectional view of the container from Fig. 4ab;

- Fig. 5ab and 5bb show a refill cartridge according to one embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig. 5cb is a side view of the slider from Fig. 5ab and 5bb;

- Fig. 5db is a plan view of the slider from Fig. 5ab and 5bb;

Fig. 5eb is a sectional view of the slider from Fig. 5ab and 5bb;

- Fig. 6 depicts an enlargement of a cooperation zone between a neck of a bottle and a refill cartridge slider according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of a first embodiment [0014] With reference to Fig. 1a through 5e, 1 collectively denotes an assembly comprising a bottle 2, fitted with a bottle neck 4, and a disposable refill cartridge 6 for containing a product intended to be poured into the bottle, applied to the bottle neck 4 of the bottle 2.

[0015] The bottle neck 4 comprises an annular neck wall 8 having a main neck axis X, terminating in a neck surface 10 in the form of a circular crown, lying in an imaginary plane orthogonal to the main neck axis X. An inner edge 10' of the neck surface 10 peripherally delimits a main mouth 11 of the bottle 2.

[0016] The bottle neck 4 comprises a thread 12 for applying the cartridge 6 and for pouring the product. Preferably, as depicted, the thread 12 is external, i.e., placed on an outer side surface of the neck wall 8. According to a variant embodiment, the thread 12 is internal, i.e., placed on an inner side surface of the neck wall 8.

The connector

[0017] The cartridge 6 comprises a connector 20 for screwing the cartridge 6 to the bottle neck 4. For this purpose, the connector 20 comprises an annular connecting wall 22 provided with a thread 24 adapted to screw into the thread 12 of the bottle neck 4. The connecting wall 22 has a cartridge main axis Z which, when the cartridge 6 is applied to the bottle 2, is coaxial to the neck main axis X. The connecting wall 22 peripherally borders a connector compartment 23.

[0018] Preferably, the connector 20 further comprises an annular intermediate wall 26, connected to the connecting wall 22, which develops axially preferably in a flared shape away from the connecting wall 22.

[0019] Preferably, the connector 20 comprises a plurality of externally arranged, circumferentially spaced reinforcement vanes 26' joined to the connecting wall 22 and the intermediate wall 26; for example, each reinforcement vane 26' lies on an imaginary plane passing through the main cartridge axis Z.

[0020] Further, the connector 20 comprises an annular connecting wall 28, for example connected to the intermediate wall 26, which develops axially in a circular shape. The connecting wall 28 is adapted to be permanently connected, for example by a snap connection, to a container 60 of the cartridge 6, discussed hereinafter. For this purpose, preferably, the connecting wall 28 has internally annular ridges 30 and grooves 32, axially side-by-side to achieve a snap connection with the container 60. [0021] Further, the connector 20 comprises an annular, preferably circular, sealing wall 34 protruding radially and internally from the connecting wall 22, for example near the connection with the intermediate wall 26. The sealing wall 34 has an inner side sealing surface 35 adapted to form a fluid-tight sliding with a slider 100, discussed hereinafter.

[0022] Further, the connector 20 comprises an annular functional septum 36, having axial and coaxial extension to the connecting wall 22, arranged internally, for example, radially inside the intermediate wall 26.

[0023] Preferably, the functional septum 36 comprises a first functional wall 38a, having a predefined circumferential extension, for example, semi-circular. The first functional wall 38a has at least one guide recess, preferably two circumferentially spaced guide recesses 40', 40'’ that develop radially outward with respect to the rest of the functional wall.

[0024] Preferably, moreover, the functional septum 36 comprises a second functional wall 38b substantially identical to the first functional wall 38a, symmetrical to the first functional wall 38a with respect to an imaginary plane passing through the main cartridge axis Z, and separated at the ends from the first functional wall 38a, so as to form discharge passages, and in particular a first discharge passage 42' and a second discharge passage 42''.

[0025] In other words, the functional septum 36 is composed of an annular wall made up of circumferentially succeeding wall segments, separated at the ends, so as to form said discharge passages 42', 42'', which connect a peripheral compartment 44 of the connector 20, located radially outside the functional septum 36 (delimited externally by the connecting wall 28 or the intermediate wall 26), and a central compartment 46 of the connector 20, located radially inside the functional septum 36, which in turn is in direct communication with the main mouth 11 of the bottle 2.

[0026] Further, preferably, the functional septum 36 comprises at least one coupling groove 48 located on the inner side surface of the functional walls 38a, 38b, adapted to achieve a releasable snap engagement with the slider 100, discussed hereinafter.

[0027] Preferably, the container 6 is made of plastic material in a single piece, for example of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), for example by injection molding. The container

[0028] The cartridge 6 further comprises a container 60, which is adapted to engage stably with the connector 20, for example through a snap connection, and has two or more separate chambers to hold two or more products separately, either both liquid or both powder or one liquid and one powder.

[0029] Preferably, the container 60 comprises an annular container wall 62 having a container main axis Y which, when the container is applied to the connector 20, is coaxial to the connector main axis Z.

[0030] The container wall 62 delimits a single chamber 64 for containing the product to be released and extends from a connecting end 66 to a base end 68. At the base end 68, the container 60 provides for a closure base 70. [0031] Preferably, the container 60 comprises an annular separation wall 61 extending axially from the base 70 toward the connecting end 66 to form the two or more chambers of the container 60. For example, the separation wall 61 is coaxial and arranged radially and internally to the container wall 62, so that within the container 60 there is a second annular chamber 63b, delimited peripherally by the container wall 62 and by the separation wall 61, and a first cylindrical chamber 63a, delimited peripherally and externally by the separation wall 61.

[0032] Preferably, at the connecting end 66, the container wall 62 has annular ridges 72 and grooves 74 to form a connection, for example snap, with the connector 20, and in particular with the ridges 30 and the grooves 32 of the connector 20.

[0033] The ridges 72 and the grooves 74 of the container 60 and the ridges 30 and the grooves 32 of the connector 20 form an example of axial connection means adapted to axially engage the container to the connector, leaving the relative rotation unconstrained.

[0034] According to one variant embodiment (not shown), the container and the connector engage by screwing.

[0035] At the connecting end 66, the container wall 62 has a head surface 76 in the form of a circular crown, lying on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the container main axis Y.

[0036] Finally, the container 60 comprises a breakable film 78 arranged at the connecting end 66 to close the chambers 63a, 63b in a sealed manner. Preferably, said film 78 is welded to the first head surface 76 and the second head surface 77; therefore, for the film 78, a first region 78', which closes the first chamber 63a, and a second region 78'', which closes the second chamber 63b, are recognized. The products to be poured into the bottle 2 are therefore sealed and separated in the first chamber 63a and in the second chamber 63b, respectively. [0037] Preferably, the film is mainly made of high- density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0038] Preferably, the container 60 is made of plastic material in a single piece, for example of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), for example by injection molding. The slider

[0039] The cartridge 6 further comprises a fluid- tight translatable slider 100 in the connector 20.

[0040] The slider 100 comprises an outer annular, preferably circular, slider wall 102 having a slider main axis J which, when the slider is housed in the connector, coincides with the connector main axis X.

[0041] The outer slider wall 102 extends along said slider main axis J from a base end 104, intended to rest on the bottle neck 4, and in particular the neck surface 10 of the neck wall 8, on an opposite region 106.

[0042] At the base end 104, the outer slider wall 102 has an annular base surface 108 which, when the cartridge 6 is applied to the bottle 2, comes in contact with the neck surface 10 of the neck wall 8, forming a fluid- tight seal. Preferably, said base surface 108 lies on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the slider main axis J.

[0043] In general, the base surface 108 of the outer slider wall 102 of the slider 100 and the neck surface 10 of the neck wall 8 of the bottle 2 form an example of static sealing means of the cartridge-bottle assembly, adapted to form a static seal between the connector 20 of the cartridge 6 and the neck 4 of the bottle 2.

[0044] Between the base end 104 and the opposite region 106, the outer slider wall 102 also has an outer slider surface 110 which, when the slider is accommodated in the connector 20, is in contact with the sealing surface 35 of the sealing wall 34 in a sliding manner, forming a liquid-tight seal.

[0045] In general, the outer slider wall 102 of the slider 100 and the sealing wall 34 of the connector 20 form an example of fluid-tight sliding means of the cartridge, adapted to form a fluid-tight sliding between the connector and the slider.

[0046] At the opposite zone 106, the slider 100 further comprises a plurality of guide vanes 112, protruding radially and externally from the outer slider wall 102, e.g., arranged in axisymmetric positions, for example four in number.

[0047] Each guide vane 112 is adapted to slide in the respective guide recess 40', 40'’ of the functional septum 36 to guide the sliding of the slider 100 in the connector 20, avoiding in particular rotations of the slider with respect to the slider main axis J. [0048] In general, said guide vanes 112 and said guide recesses 40', 40'’ form an example of guide means of the cartridge 6, adapted to guide the slider 100 in axial translation relative to the connector 20.

[0049] Further, in general, said guide vanes 112 and said guide recesses 40', 40'’ form an example of rotational pulling means, adapted to mutually engage the connector and the slider and adapted to rotationally slide the slider by rotation of the connector.

[0050] Preferably, the outer slider wall 102 has a plurality of outer side gaps 113 passing through the thickness of the outer slider wall 102, arranged circumferentially spaced, preferably near the base end 104 of the outer slider wall 102.

[0051] Further, the slider 100 comprises, at the base end 104, a lower base 114, substantially lying along a plane orthogonal to the slider main axis J. The lower base 114 is centrally provided with a lower mouth 116 passing through the thickness of the lower base 114. When the cartridge 6 is applied to the bottle 2, the lower mouth 116 is in communication with the main mouth 11 of the neck 4 of the bottle 2.

[0052] Further, the slider 100 comprises an annular baffle wall 118, protruding axially and inferiorly to the lower base 114. Preferably, the baffle wall 118 has a substantially circular inner lateral baffle surface 120. Further, preferably, the baffle wall 118 has a lateral outer frustum-shaped baffle surface 118'.

[0053] The baffle wall 118 is placed radially and internally to the base surface 108 of the slider 100, which forms the static seal with the neck of the bottle. [0054] The lower wall 114 has a plurality of lower gaps 122 passing through the thickness of the lower base 114, arranged radially and internally with respect to the baffle wall 118 below the lower base 114.

[0055] The slider 100 further comprises an annular inner slider wall 124 protruding axially and superiorly from the lower base 114, preferably coaxially to the slider main axis J, for example at the peripheral edge of the lower mouth 116. The inner slider wall 124 is arranged radially and internally to the outer slider wall 102 and extends from a lower end 126, at the lower mouth 116, to an opposite region 127, preferably arranged axially and superiorly to the opposite region 106 of the outer slider wall 102.

[0056] The inner slider wall 124 periferally delimits in an annular manner an inner slider compartment 133.

[0057] The slider 100 further comprises, at the opposite region 127, an upper base 128, substantially lying along a plane orthogonal to the slider main axis J. The upper base 128 is provided with a plurality of upper gaps 130 passing through the thickness of the upper base 128.

[0058] Preferably, on the upper base 128, an additional structure 132 rises, protruding axially and superiorly from the upper base 128, for example cylindrical in shape, having a pointed structure 134 on the top.

[0059] The slider 100 further comprises a first blade group 140, comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced first blades 142, protruding axially and arranged in succession. The slider 100 further comprises a second blade group 144 comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced second blades 146, protruding axially and arranged in succession. The first blades 142 of the first blade group 140 are arranged radially and internally to the second blades 146 of the second blade group 144.

[0060] Each blade 142, 146 is composed of a blade wall 150 twisted upward. Preferably, moreover, each blade 142, 146 comprises a sharp tooth 152 protruding axially upward from the top of the blade wall 150, for example at a circumferential end of said blade wall.

[0061] Preferably, moreover, the first blades 142 protrude axially from the inner slider wall 124; also preferably, the second blades 146 protrude axially from the outer slider wall 102, e.g., alternating circumferentially with the guide vanes 112.

[0062] In general, said blades 142, 144 form an example of tearing means of the cartridge, adapted to tear and/or puncture the film 78 of the container 60.

[0063] Superiorly to the upper base 128, e.g., radially inside the first blades 142, the slider 100 has an upper slider compartment 131; the upper gaps 130 thus place the upper slider compartment 131 and inner slider compartment 133 in communication.

[0064] Finally, the outer slider wall 102 and/or the second blades 146 on one side and the inner slider wall 124 and/or the first blades 142 delimit therebetween an outer slider compartment 135 of the slider 100; the side gaps 113 connect the space outside the outer slider wall 102 and the outer slider compartment 133, while the lower gaps 122 put the outer slider space 133 and the bottle in communication.

[0065] Further, the slider 100 comprises at least one coupling ridge 148, protruding radially outward from the slider 100, such as from the second blades 146 of the second blade group 144. In one variant embodiment (not shown), said at least one coupling ridge protrudes radially outward from the outer slider wall. [0066] Said coupling ridges 148 are adapted to snap- engage releasably with the respective coupling grooves 48 of the functional septum 36 of the connector 20, to couple the slider 100 to the connector 20.

[0067] In general, said coupling ridges 148 of the slider 100 and said coupling grooves 48 of the connector 20 form an example of positioning and coupling means of the cartridge, adapted to couple the slider to the connector in a releasable manner, in a predefined relative axial position.

[0068] Preferably, the slider 100 is made of plastic material in a single piece, for example of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), for example by injection molding. The cartridge

[0069] The cartridge 6 comprises the container 20, the connector 60 and the slider 100.

[0070] The container 20 is applied to the connector 20 through said connection means. In other words, according to the example embodiment described, the annular ridges 72 and grooves 74 of the container 60 are respectively engaged with the grooves 32 and the ridges 30 of the connector 20.

[0071] The slider 100 is housed in the connector 20 in a sliding manner. In particular, the outer slider wall 102 of the slider 100 is inserted into the connector compartment 23 delimited by the connecting wall 22 and is in contact with the sealing wall 34 of the connector 20 in a sliding manner, forming a fluid-tight seal. [0072] The blades 142, 146 of the slider 100 are arranged opposite the film 78 of the container 20, so that they may operate thereon by a translation and tearing.

[0073] Further, the first blade group 140 is arranged axially opposite the first region 78' of the film 78, i.e., opposite the mouth of the first chamber 63a of the container 60, while the second blade group 144 is arranged axially opposite the second region 78'’ of the film 78, i.e., opposite the mouth of the second chamber 63b of the container 60.

[0074] In an initial or resting configuration (Fig. 1a and lb), the slider 100 is held in a lower or resting limit position in the connector 20 by said positioning and coupling means. In other words, the coupling ridges 148 of the slider 100 are snap-engaged with the functional septum 36, and in particular with the coupling grooves 48 of the functional walls 38a, 38b.

[0075] In such a configuration, the blades 142, 146 of the tearing means are located below the film 78 of the container 60, spaced axially or slightly in contact with the film 78.

[0076] In such a configuration, moreover, the side gaps 113 are located below the seal between the slider 100 and the connector 20, for example in the connector compartment 23.

[0077] Initially, a user fills the bottle 2 or the flask with a predetermined amount of water, into which the products contained in the container 20 must be poured to constitute a solution adapted for use as a sanitizer, detergent, deodorizer, etc.

[0078] The cartridge 6 rests on the bottle 2 so that the slider 100 rests on the neck 4. In particular, the base surface 108 of the slider 100 comes in contact with the neck surface 10 of the neck 4 to form a static fluid- tight seal.

[0079] Initially, the connector 20 is not fully screwed to the bottle.

[0080] To achieve the pouring of the product contained in the container 20 into the bottle 2, the user screws the connector 20 to the neck 4 of the bottle. In particular, the thread 24 of the connector 20 is screwed to the thread 12 of the neck 4 of the bottle 2.

[0081] Since the slider 100 rests stably on the neck 4, while the connector 20 is screwed to the neck 4 of the bottle 2, the slider 100 remains stationary with respect to the bottle, while the connector 20 slides axially along the slider; during such sliding, the outer slider wall 102 and the sealing wall 34 of the connector 20 maintain the fluid-tight condition.

[0082] As the connector 20 is screwed to the neck 4, the film 78 of the container 60 rests more and more strongly against the blades 142, 146 of the slider 100, until it tears, with rips, punctures or cuts. In particular, the first blades 142 tear the first region 78' of the film 78, while the second blades 146 tear the second region 78'’ of the film 78.

[0083] The products in the chambers 63a, 63b of the container 60 thus tend to flow out by gravity.

[0084] In a final or working configuration (Fig. 1b and 2b), the slider 100 is in an upper limit position with respect to the connector 20, in which the side gaps 113 are upstream of the seal between the slider 100 and the connector 20; this allows the peripheral compartment 44 of the connector 20 and the outer slider compartment 135 of the slider 100 to be placed in communication.

[0085] Having torn the film 78, part of the products flows into the upper compartment 131 of the slider, i.e., the space inside the first blade group 140, and from there flows into the bottle. In particular, these products enter the upper slider compartment 131, fall into the inner slider compartment 133 by passing through the upper gaps 130, and from the inner slider compartment 133 fall into the bottle through the lower mouth 116 of the slider 100 and the main mouth 11 of the bottle 2.

[0086] Another part of the products flows into the outer slider compartment 135 of the slider 100, i.e., into the space between the inner slider wall 124 and the outer slider wall 102, i.e., between the first blade group 140 and the second blade group 144. These products fall into bottle 2 through the lower gaps 122 of the slider 100 and the main mouth 11 of the bottle 2.

[0087] Still another part of the products flows externally to the second blade group 144 and in particular externally to the functional septum 36 of the connector 20 i.e. into the peripheral compartment 44 of the connector 20. This part of the products is conveyed towards the functional septum 36 by the intermediate wall 26, advantageously funnel-shaped, through the functional septum 36 via the discharge passages 42', 42'', passes into the outer slider compartment 135 of the slider 100 by passing through the side gaps 113, which are in the upper limit position, and falls into the bottle by passing through the lower gaps 122 and the main mouth 11. [0088] Advantageously, the products passing through the lower gaps 122 and heading to the main mouth 11 of the bottle are channeled by the baffle wall 118, which separates them from the static seal between the slider 100 and the neck 4 of the bottle 2.

Description of another embodiment

[0089] With reference to Fig. 1ab through 6, lb collectively denotes an assembly comprising a bottle 2b, fitted with a bottle neck 4b, and a disposable refill cartridge 6b for containing a product intended to be poured into the bottle, applied to the bottle neck 4b of the bottle 2b.

[0090] The bottle neck 4b comprises an annular neck wall 8b having a neck main axis X, terminating in a neck surface 10b in the form of a circular crown, lying in an imaginary plane orthogonal to the neck main axis X. An inner edge 10b' of the neck surface 10b peripherally delimits a main mouth 11b of the bottle 2b.

[0091] The bottle neck 4b comprises a thread 12b for applying the cartridge 6b and pouring the product. Preferably, as depicted, the thread 12b is external, i.e., placed on an external side surface of the neck wall 8b. According to a variant embodiment, the thread 12b is internal, i.e., placed on an inner side surface of the neck wall 8b. The connector

[0092] The cartridge 6b comprises a connector 20b for screwing the cartridge 6b to the bottle neck 4b. For this purpose, the connector 20b comprises an annular connecting wall 22b provided with a thread 24b adapted to screw into the thread 12b of the bottle neck 4b. The connecting wall 22b has a cartridge main axis Z which, when the cartridge 6b is applied to the bottle 2b, is coaxial to the neck main axis X. The connecting wall 22b peripherally borders a connector compartment 23b.

[0093] Preferably, the connector 20b further comprises an annular intermediate wall 26b, connected to the connecting wall 22b, which develops axially preferably in a flared shape away from the connecting wall 22b.

[0094] Preferably, the connector 20b comprises a plurality of externally arranged, circumferentially spaced reinforcement vanes 26b' joined to the connecting wall 22b and the intermediate wall 26b; for example, each reinforcement vane 26b' lies on an imaginary plane passing through the cartridge main axis Z.

[0095] Further, the connector 20b comprises an annular connecting wall 28b, for example connected to the intermediate wall 26b, which develops axially in a circular shape. The connecting wall 28b is adapted to be permanently connected, for example by a snap connection, to a container 60b of the cartridge 6b, discussed hereinafter. For this purpose, preferably, the connecting wall 28b has internally annular ridges 30b and grooves 32b, axially side-by-side, to achieve a snap connection with the container 60b.

[0096] Further, the connector 20b comprises an annular, preferably circular, sealing wall 34b protruding radially and internally from the connecting wall 22b, for example near the connection with the intermediate wall 26b. The sealing wall 34b has an inner side sealing surface 35b, which is adapted to form a fluid-tight sliding with a slider 100b, discussed hereinafter .

[0097] In addition, preferably, the connector 20b comprises an annular coupling wall 36b', which joins the intermediate wall 26b and the connecting wall 28b. The coupling wall 36b' comprises at least one coupling ridge 48b' located on the inner side surface of the coupling wall 36b', protruding radially and internally, adapted to form a releasable snap engagement with the slider 100b, discussed hereinafter.

[0098] Preferably, the connector 6b is made of plastic material in a single piece, for example of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), for example, by injection molding. The container

[0099] The cartridge 6b further comprises a container 60b, which is adapted to engage stably with the connector 20b, for example through a snap connection, and has two or more separate chambers to hold two or more products separately, either both liquid or both powder or one liquid and one powder.

[0100] Preferably, the container 60b comprises an annular container wall 62b having a container main axis Y which, when the container is applied to the connector 20b, is coaxial to the connector main axis Z.

[0101] The container wall 62b extends from a connecting end 66b to a base end 68b. At the base end 68b, the container 60b features a closure base 70b.

[0102] Preferably, the container 60b comprises an annular separation wall 61b extending axially from the base 70b toward the connecting end 66b to form the two or more chambers of the container 60b. For example, the separation wall 61b is coaxial and arranged radially and internally to the container wall 62b, so that within the container 60b there is a second annular chamber 63bb, delimited peripherally by the container wall 62b and by the separation wall 61b, and a first cylindrical chamber 63ab, delimited peripherally and externally by the separation wall 61b. [0103] Preferably, at the connecting end 66b, the container wall 62b has annular ridges 72b and grooves 74b, to form a connection, for example snap, with the connector 20b, and in particular with the ridges 30b and the grooves 32b of the connector 20b.

[0104] The ridges 72b and the grooves 74b of the container 60b and the ridges 30b and the grooves 32b of the connector 20b form an example of axial connection means adapted to axially engage the container to the connector, leaving the relative rotation unconstrained. [0105] According to one variant embodiment (not shown), the container and the connector engage by screwing.

[0106] At the connecting end 66b, the container wall 62b has a head surface 76b in the form of a circular crown, lying on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the container main axis Y.

[0107] Finally, the container 60b comprises a breakable film 78b arranged at the connecting end 66b to close the chambers 63ab, 63bb in a sealed manner. Preferably, said film 78b is welded to the first head surface 76b and the second head surface 77b; therefore, for the film 78b a first region 78b', which closes the first chamber 63ab, and a second region 78b'', which closes the second chamber 63bb, are recognized. The products to be poured into the bottle 2b are therefore sealed and separated into the first chamber 63ab and the second chamber 63bb, respectively.

[0108] Preferably, the film is mainly made of high- density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0109] Preferably, the container 60b is made of plastic material in a single piece, for example high- density polyethylene (HDPE), for example, by injection molding.

The slider

[0110] The cartridge 6b further comprises a fluid- tight translatable slider 100b in the connector 20b.

[0111] The slider 100b comprises an outer annular, preferably circular, slider wall 102b having a slider main axis J which, when the slider is housed in the connector 20b, coincides with the connector main axis X. [0112] The outer slider wall 102b extends along said slider main axis J from a base end 104b, intended to rest on the bottle neck 4b, and in particular the neck surface 10b of the neck wall 8b, on an opposite region 106b.

[0113] At the base end 104b, the outer slider wall 102b has an annular base surface 108b, which, when the cartridge 6b is applied to the bottle 2b, comes in contact with the neck surface 10b of the neck wall 8b, forming a fluid-tight seal. Preferably, said base surface 108b is in the form of a circular crown and lies on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the slider main axis J.

[0114] In general, the base surface 108b of the outer slider wall 102b of the slider 100b and the neck surface 10b of the neck wall 8b of the bottle 2b form an example of static sealing means of the cartridge-bottle assembly, adapted to form a static seal between the connector 20b of the cartridge 6b and the neck 4b of the bottle 2b.

[0115] Between the base end 104b and the opposite region 106b, the outer slider wall 102b also has an outer slider surface 110b which, when the slider is accommodated in the connector 20b, is in contact with the sealing surface 35b of the sealing wall 34b in a sliding manner, forming a fluid-tight seal.

[0116] In general, the outer slider wall 102b of the slider 100b and the sealing wall 34b of the connector 20b form an example of fluid-tight sliding means of the cartridge, adapted to form a fluid-tight sliding between the connector and the slider.

[0117] Preferably, the outer slider wall 102b has a plurality of side gaps 113b passing through the thickness of the outer slider wall 102b, arranged circumferentially spaced, preferably near the base end 104b of the outer slider wall 102b.

[0118] Further, the slider 100b comprises, at the base end 104b, a lower base 114b, substantially lying along a plane orthogonal to the slider main axis J. The lower base 114b is centrally provided with a lower mouth 116b passing through the thickness of the lower base 114b. When the cartridge 6b is applied to the bottle 2b, the lower mouth 116b is in communication with the main mouth 11b of the neck 4b of the bottle 2b.

[0119] Further, the slider 100b comprises an annular baffle wall 118b, protruding axially and inferiorly from the lower base 114b. Preferably, the baffle wall 118b has a substantially circular inner lateral baffle surface 120b. In addition, preferably, the baffle wall 118b has a lateral outer frustum-shaped baffle surface 118b'.

[0120] The baffle wall 118b is placed radially and internally to the base surface 108b of the slider 100b, which forms the static seal with the neck of the bottle. [0121] Preferably, the baffle wall 118b of the slider 100b is sized to be inserted with interference into the main mouth 11b of the bottle 2b, so as to make contact with interference with an inner side surface of the neck wall 8b. [0122] The baffle wall 118b of the slider 100b, configured to be inserted with interference into the main mouth 11b of the bottle 2b, and thus to develop a force due to friction that limits or prevents the relative rotation between the slider and the neck of the bottle, forms an example of anti-rotation means of the cartridge, adapted to block or limit the relative rotation between the slider and the neck of the bottle. [0123] According to a variant embodiment (not shown), the anti-rotation means comprise an anti-rotation portion of the slider, configured to abut against a portion of the neck of the bottle, thus preventing the relative rotation between the slider and the neck of the bottle.

[0124] The 1ower wall 114b has a plurality of lower gaps 122b passing through the thickness of the lower base 114b, arranged radially and internally with respect to the baffle wall 118b below the lower base 114b.

[0125] The slider 100b further comprises an annular inner slider wall 124b protruding axially and superiorly from the lower base 114b, preferably coaxially to the slider main axis J, for example at the peripheral edge of the lower mouth 116b. The inner slider wall 124b is arranged radially and internally to the outer slider wall 102b and extends from a lower end 126b, at the lower mouth 116b, to an opposite region 127b, preferably arranged at the same elevation as the opposite region 106b of the slider wall 102b.

[0126] The slider 100b further comprises, at the opposite region 127b and the opposite region 106b, an upper base 129b, substantially lying along a plane orthogonal to the slider main axis J and protruding radially and externally from the outer slider wall 102b. [0127] On the upper base 129b, an additional structure 132b, protruding axially and superiorly, for example, cylindrical in shape, having a pointed structure 134b on the top, rises centrally.

[0128] The slider 100b further comprises a first blade group 140b, comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced first blades 142b, protruding superiorly and arranged in succession, for example arranged around the additional structure 132b.

[0129] Preferably, the slider 100b further comprises a second blade group 144b, comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced second blades 146b, projecting superiorly and arranged in succession. The second blades 146b of the second blade group 144b are arranged radially and externally to the first blades 142b of the first blade group 140b. [0130] Preferably, the slider 100b comprises a third blade group 149b, comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced third blades 151b, projecting axially and superiorly. The third blades 151b of the third blade group 149b are arranged radially and externally to the second blades 146b of the second blade group 144b.

[0131] Each blade 142b, 146b, 151b is composed of a sharp blade wall 150b twisted upward.

[0132] Preferably, moreover, the first blades 142b protrude axially from the inner slider wall 124b; the second blades 146b protrude axially from the outer slider wall 102b; and the third blades 151b protrude axially from the upper base 129b, peripherally thereto.

[0133] In general, said blades 142b, 144b, 151b form an example of tearing means of the cartridge, adapted to tear and/or puncture the film 78b applied to the container 60b.

[0134] Superiorly to the upper base 129b, e.g., radially inside the first blades 142b, the slider 100b has an upper slider compartment 131b. On the other hand, the inner slider wall 124b of the slider 100b peripherally borders an inner slider compartment 133b externally. The upper base 129b also has upper gaps 130b passing through the thickness of the upper base 129b and arranged at least partially radially and internally to the first blades 142b. Thus, the upper gaps 130b and the inner slider compartment 133b place the upper slider compartment 131b and the lower mouth 116b in communication .

[0135] Further, between the inner slider wall 124b and the first blades 142b on one side and the outer slider wall 102b and the second blades 146b on the other side, an outer slider compartment 135b is delimited, which is closed inferiorly by the lower base 114b and has lower gaps 122b.

[0136] The outer slider space 135b is in communication with the side space outside the slider via the side gaps 113b.

[0137] Further, superiorly to the upper base 129b, radially and internally to the third blades 151b and radially and externally to the second blades 146b, the slider 100b has a peripheral slider compartment 139b. Moreover, the upper base 129b has peripheral gaps 141b, passing through the thickness and located radially and internally to the third blades 151b and radially and externally to the second blades 146b. Therefore, the peripheral slider space 139b, via the peripheral gaps 141 is in communication with the side space outside the slider. [0138] Further, the slider 100b comprises at least one coupling groove 148b, arranged, for example, peripherally and circumferentially to the upper base 129b. Said coupling groove 148b is adapted to snap-engage releasably with the respective coupling ridge 48b' of the connector 20b, to couple the slider 100b to the connector 20b.

[0139] In general, said coupling groove 148b of the slider 100b and said coupling ridge 48b' of the connector 20b form an example of positioning and coupling means of the cartridge, adapted to couple the slider to the connector in a releasable manner, in a predefined relative axial position.

[0140] Preferably, the slider 100b is made of plastic material in a single piece, for example of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), for example, by injection molding. The cartridge

[0141] The cartridge 6b comprises the container 20b, the connector 60b and the slider 100b.

[0142] The container 20b is applied to the connector 60b through said connection means. In other words, according to the example embodiment described, the annular ridges 72b and grooves 74b of the container 60b are respectively engaged with the grooves 32b and ridges 30b of the connector 20b. [0143] The slider 100 is housed in the connector 20b in a sliding manner. In particular, the slider wall 102b of the slider 100b is inserted into the connector compartment 23b delimited by the connecting wall 22b and is in contact with the sealing wall 34b of the connector 20b in a sliding manner, forming a fluid-tight seal.

The blades 142b, 146b, 151b of the slider 100b are arranged opposite the film 78b of the container 20b, so that they may operate thereon by a translation and tearing.

[0144] For example, the first blades 142b are arranged axially opposite the first region 78b' of the film 78b, i.e., opposite the mouth of the first chamber 63ab of the container 60b, while the second 146b and third blades 151b are arranged axially opposite the second region 78b'' of the film 78b, i.e., opposite the mouth of the second chamber 63bb of the container 60b.

[0145] In an initial or resting configuration (Fig. 1ab and Ibb), the slider 100b is held in a lower or resting limit position in the connector 20b by said positioning and coupling means. In other words, the coupling ridge 48b' of the connector 20b is snap-engaged with the upper base 129b, and in particular with the coupling groove 148b of the upper wall 129b. [0146] In such a configuration, the blades 142b, 146b, 151b of the tearing means are located below the film 78b of the container 60b, spaced axially or slightly in contact with the film 78b.

[0147] In such a configuration, moreover, the side gaps 113b are located below the seal between the slider 100b and the connector 20b, for example in the connector compartment 23b.

[0148] Initially, a user fills the bottle 2b or flask with a predetermined amount of water, into which the products contained in the container 20b must be poured to constitute a solution adapted for use as a sanitizer, detergent, deodorizer, etc.

[0149] The cartridge 6b rests on the bottle 2b, so that the slider 100b rests on the neck 4b. In particular, the base surface 108b of the slider 100b comes in contact with the neck surface 10b of the neck 4b to form a static fluid-tight seal.

[0150] Initially, the connector 20b is not fully screwed to the bottle.

[0151] To achieve the pouring of the product contained in the container 20b into the bottle 2b, the user screws the connector 20b to the neck 4b of the bottle. In particular, the thread 24b of the connector 20b is screwed to the thread 12b of the neck 4b of the bottle

2b.

[0152] By virtue of the anti-rotation means, while the connector 20b is screwed to the neck 4b of the bottle 2b, the slider does not rotate or rotates in a very limited way with respect to the neck of the bottle. In other words, as the baffle wall 118b is inserted with interference into the main mouth 11b, it develops a rotation-resistant force, which either prevents the slider from rotating or limits the rotation relative to the neck of the bottle.

[0153] On the other hand, while the connector 20b is screwed to the neck 4b of the bottle 2b, it slides axially along the slider; during this sliding, the outer slider wall 102b and the sealing wall 34b of connector 20b maintain the fluid-tight condition.

[0154] As the connector 20b is screwed to the neck 4b, the film 78b of the container 60b rests more and more strongly against the blades 142b, 146b, 151b of the slider 100b, until it tears, with rips, punctures, or cuts.

[0155] The products in the chambers 63ab, 63bb of the container 60b thus tend to flow out by gravity.

[0156] In a final or working configuration (Fig. Ibb and 2bb), the slider 100b is in an upper limit position with respect to the connector 20b, in which the side gaps 113b are upstream of the seal between the slider 100b and the connector 20b; this allows the peripheral compartment 44b of the connector 20b and the external axial compartment 137b of the slider 100b to be placed in communication.

[0157] Having torn the film 78b, part of the products (A) flows into the peripheral compartment 44b of the connector 20b, from which it passes through the side gaps 113b into the outer slider compartment 135b of the slider 100b and from there, through the lower gaps 122b, into the bottle through the lower mouth 116b and the main mouth 11b of the bottle 2b.

[0158] Another part of the products (B) flows into the peripheral slider compartment 139b of the slider 100b, from which it passes, via the peripheral gaps 141b, into the peripheral compartment 44b of the connector 20b, from which it passes, via the side gaps 113b, into the outer slider compartment 135b and from there, via the lower gaps 122b, into the bottle through the lower mouth 116b and the main mouth 11b of the bottle 2b.

[0159] Still another part of the products (C) flows into the outer slider compartment 135b and from there, through the lower gaps 122b, into the bottle through the lower mouth 116b and the main mouth 11b of the bottle

2b.

[0160] Still another part of the products (D) flows into the upper slider compartment 131b of the slider 100b, from which, via the upper gaps 130b, it passes into the inner slider compartment 133b of the slider 100 and from there into the bottle via the lower mouth 116b and the main mouth 11b of the bottle 2b. The additional structure 132b, when provided, further facilitates the discharge of products from the upper slider compartment 131b.

[0161] The discharge of products from the container to the bottle is thus particularly effective.

[0162] Further, advantageously, the products passing through the lower gaps 122b and heading to the main mouth 11b of the bottle are channeled by the baffle wall 118b, which separates them from the static seal between the slider 100b and the neck 4b of the bottle 2b.

[0163] According to an advantageous aspect, the cartridge is applicable, without structural or dimensional changes, to the most common mouths in the industry, e.g., identified by codes 28/410 and 28/400.

[0164] Innovatively, the cartridge according to the present invention meets the needs of the industry and overcomes the drawbacks discussed above with reference to the prior art.

[0165] For example, advantageously, the force exerted by the user to apply the cartridge to the bottle and cause the release of the product is very small, generally less than 100N, and the release of the product is rapid. [0166] Advantageously, moreover, all the products in the cartridge are released into the bottle, with no waste.

[0167] According to an additional advantageous aspect, the cartridge is attached to the bottle with an effective seal, which prevents products from flowing out from the cartridge or water from the bottle, during mixing operations.

[0168] It is clear that a person skilled in the art, in order to satisfy current needs, could make modifications to the cartridge described above, said modifications all being contained within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A disposable refill cartridge for releasing one or more refill products into a bottle (2;2b), comprising:

- a container (60;60b) provided with two or more chambers (63a,63b;63ab,63bb) for separately containing the products and at least one breakable film (78b) configured to close said chambers (63a,63b;63ab,63bb);

- a connector (20;20b) screwable to a neck (4;4b) of the bottle (2;2b), comprising an annular connecting wall (28;28b), which peripherally delimits a connector peripheral compartment (44;44b), said connecting wall being connected to the container (60;60b) so that the peripheral compartment (44;44b) is arranged opposite the film (78;78b);

- a slider (100;100b) accommodated in a sliding manner in the connector (20;20b), provided with movable tearing means for tearing the film (78;78b) of the container (60;60b), activated by screwing the connector (20;20b) to the neck (4;4b) of the bottle (2;2b), comprising: a) a lower base (114;114b) adapted to rest against the neck (4;4b) of the bottle, provided with a lower mouth (116;116b) and a plurality of lower gaps (122;122b), passing through a thickness of the lower base (114;114b); b) an inner slider wall (124;124b) which extends axially from a lower end (126;126b) at the lower base (114;114b) to an opposite region (127;127b), wherein said inner slider wall (124;124b) is arranged radially between the lower gaps (122;122b) and the lower mouth (116;116b) and peripherally delimits an inner slider compartment (133;133b); c) an upper base (128;129b), which encloses the inner slider compartment (133;133b) from above and is provided with a plurality of upper gaps (130;130b) passing through a thickness of the upper base (128;129b); d) an outer slider wall (102;102b), which extends axially from a lower end (104;104b) at the lower base (114;114b) to an opposite region (106;106b), wherein said outer slider wall (102;102b) is arranged radially outside said lower gaps (122;122b), peripherally and externally delimits an outer slider compartment (135;135b) and comprises a plurality of side gaps (113;113b) passing through the thickness of the outer slider wall (102;102b); so that, having torn the film (78;78b) of the container, the products are conveyed into the bottle (2;2b) through the lower gaps (122;122b) and the lower mouth (116;116b).

2. A refill cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the lower base (114;114b) externally and inferiorly has a base surface (108;108b) for achieving a static sealing with a neck surface (10;10b) of the neck (4;4b).

3. A refill cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the slider (100;100b) comprises an annular, axially protruding baffle wall (118;118b) arranged radially between the lower gaps (122;122b) and the base surface (108;108b).

4. A refill cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the baffle wall (118;118b) has a lateral outer frustum- shaped baffle surface (118';118b').

5. A refill cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising fluid-tight sliding means adapted to achieve a fluid-tight sliding between the connector (20;20b) and the slider (100;100b).

6. A refill cartridge according to claim 5, wherein said fluid-tight sliding means comprise an annular sealing wall (34;34b) of the connector (20;20b), protruding radially and internally and having a side sealing surface (35;35b), and an outer surface (110;110b) of the outer slider wall (102;102b) of the slider (100;100b), in contact with each other and slidable in a mutually fluid- tight manner.

7. A refill cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tearing means comprise a plurality of first blades (142;142b), protruding axially and arranged in succession, spaced circumferentially.

8. A refill cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the first blades (142;142b) protrude axially from the inner slider wall (124;124b).

9. A refill cartridge according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first blades (142;142b) are arranged opposite a first region (78';78b') of the film (78;78b), which closes the first chamber (63a;63ab) of the container.

10. Refill cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the upper base (128;129b) has a plurality of upper gaps (130;130b) arranged radially and internally to the first blades (142;142b), passing through the thickness of the upper base to lead into the inner slider compartment (133;133b).

11. A refill cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tearing means comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced second blades (146;146b), protruding axially and arranged in succession.

12. A refill cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the second blades (146;146b) protrude axially from the outer slider wall (102;102b).

13. A refill cartridge according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second blades (146;146b) are arranged opposite a second region (78^{, ,};78b'') of the film (78;78b), which closes a second chamber (63b;63bb) of the container.

14. A refill cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tearing means comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced third blades (151b), protruding axially and arranged in succession.

15. A refill cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the third blades (151b) protrude axially from the upper base (129b) near the periphery thereof.

16. A refill cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the upper base (129b) has a plurality of peripheral gaps (141b) arranged radially and internally to the third blades (151b), passing through the thickness of the upper base to lead into the connector (20b).

17. A refill cartridge according to claim 15, when dependent on claim 11 and claim 7, wherein the second blades (146b) are arranged radially and externally to the first blades (142b) and the third blades (151b) are arranged radially and externally to the second blades (146b).

18. A refill cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising positioning and coupling means adapted to couple the slider to the connector in a predetermined relative axial position in a releasable manner.

19. A refill cartridge according to claim 18, wherein said positioning and coupling means comprise at least one coupling ridge (48b') of the connector (20b) and at least one coupling groove (148b) of the slider (100b), engageable by snapping in a releasable manner.

20. A refill cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising anti-rotation means adapted to prevent or limit the relative rotation between the slider and the bottle.

21. A refill cartridge according to claim 20, wherein said anti-rotation means comprise an anti-rotation portion of the slider, configured to engage with interference with the neck of the bottle.

22. A refill cartridge according to claim 21, wherein said anti-rotation portion of the slider (100;100b) is an annular baffle wall (118;118b), protruding axially and inferiorly from the lower base (114;114b).

23. A refill cartridge according to claim 20, wherein said anti-rotation means comprise an anti-rotation portion of the slider (100;100b) configured to abut against a portion of the neck of the bottle.

24. A refill cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising axial connection means adapted to axially engage the container to the connector while leaving the relative rotation unconstrained.

25. A refill cartridge according to claim 24, wherein said axial connection means comprise at least one circumferential ridge (30;30b), protruding radially, of the connector (20;20b) and at least one circumferential groove (74;74b) of the container (60;60b) adapted to accommodate said ridge (30;30b).

26. A container (60;60b) for a filling cartridge (6;6b) for a bottle (2;2b), comprising two or more chambers (63a,63b;63ab,63bb) for separately containing products to be poured into the bottle (2;2b) and a breakable film (78;78b) configured to close said chambers (63a,63b;63ab,63bb) .

27. A connector (20;20b) for a filling cartridge (6;6b) for a bottle (2;2b), screwable to a neck (4;4b) of the bottle, adapted to internally accommodate a slider (100;100b) that is sealingly slidable by screwing the connector to the bottle.

28. A slider (100;100b) for a filling cartridge (6;6b) for a bottle (2;2b), axially translatable into a connector (20;20b) of the cartridge (6;6b) and comprising tearing means adapted to tear a film (78;78b) of a container (60;60b) of the cartridge (6;6b), said tearing means being activated by the translation of the slider (100;100b) relative to the connector (20;20b).

29. A tearing device for a refill cartridge (6;6b) for a bottle (2;2b) comprising:

- a connector (20;20b); and

- a slider (100;100b), accommodated in the connector (20;20b).

30. A refill cartridge (6;6b) for a bottle (2;2b) comprising:

- a tearing device according to claim 29; and a container (60;60b), applied to the connector (20;20b).