Patent Grant
9480999
The present disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems for refilling a liquid dispenser, such as a perfume dispenser.
Perfume dispensers are known in the art. Many perfume dispensers are bulky and unsuitable for convenient storage in small purses, handbags, and the like. One solution is to provide a perfume dispenser that is conveniently sized for storage in a purse or handbag. The small size of such a perfume dispenser, however, limits the amount of liquid perfume that it can store. Therefore, it is often desirable that these smaller perfume dispensers (hereinafter referred to as child device) have the ability to be refilled from a larger reservoir. Such reservoirs are typically also provided in the form of a perfume dispenser that preferably also has the ability to apply an atomized perfume when desired, thereby providing a convenient applicator for use in the home (hereinafter referred to as the parent device).
Some examples of refilling systems are described in WO 02/052977, WO 05/101969, U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,680 and WO2010094963. Whilst these devices may be satisfactory for their intended purpose, a continuing challenge is to provide a perfume dispenser that can atomize a liquid perfume for application by a user, which is travel sized and can be conveniently and easily refilled from another larger parent reservoir without undesirable spilling or accidental discharge of the liquid perfume during the refilling process. In particular, currently available refill perfume systems have a number of disadvantages. Firstly, the refilling process typically involves at the least the partial dis- and reassembly of the actuator of the atomizer of parent device, by the user to reveal the pump stem prior to its insertion into the base of the child device. This is both inconvenient and messy for the consumer and may also result in inadvertent damage to the parent actuator, which may prevent its subsequent effective functioning. Secondly, the refilling systems also utilize the pump of the parent as the refill mechanism for the child device. Since the parent pump is designed to dispense a standard single perfume dose directly to a user, a single actuation thereof will not completely fill the reservoir of a child device. Consequently, refilling of the child requires multiple parent pump activation steps by the consumer in order to completely refill the child device. Again, this is inconvenient and time consuming for the user. Moreover, it also requires a degree of dexterity in order to hold both devices securely during the refilling process. Nevertheless the use of these devices may still also result in spillage onto the parent and or child device, onto adjacent surfaces and users' hands themselves further exacerbating the possibility of inadvertently releasing the hold of the devices and spillage.
Alternative refill systems still require the partial disassembly of the child device and the use of a device such as a funnel to decant the liquid from the parent reservoir to the child device. Such devices also suffer from problems of potential spillage and mess as discussed above.
Other refill systems function by the incorporation of a suction pump such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,863,093 and EP2335833. These systems must be provided with a prefilled child device, whereby a vacuum is generated in the child device as the liquid is evacuated during use. However, in order to enable subsequent refilling, the vacuum must be generated consistently upon expulsion of the liquid from the child reservoir. Typically, such devices are unable to maintain a vacuum over time and the child device can therefore no longer be refilled and reused. Moreover, such devices also require partial disassembly and accurate docking between the parent and child device in order to prevent inadvertent damage to the vacuum rendering the mechanism and child device redundant.
WO2010/094963 describes an automated refill system comprising a bellows pump, whereby the child device is refilled upon coupling to the parent device. Such systems are however complex to manufacturer and require specialized materials for the bellows in order to function with fragrance compositions.
Thus, there is still a need to provide a perfume refill system whereby the child device can be readily refilled from a parent device utilizing a convenient disassembly mechanism for the parent device, thereby reducing inconvenience and mess. Moreover, there is a need for a device which also does not require multiple parent pump activations in order to refill the child device completely. Furthermore, the system should enable simple, preferably intuitive docking of the child to the parent. There is also a need for a system, the construction of which does not result in complex manufacturing processes.
According to the disclosure said actuator is releasably detached from said parent device and the child refill mechanism (108) is coupled to the parent refill mechanism (208) preferably in a substantially co-linear configuration, such that upon each single actuation of the parent pump (207), a seal is formed around a liquid pathway which extends from the parent outlet (213) to the child liquid inlet (110) and the child one way liquid inlet refill valve (111) of the child reservoir (103), through which the liquid contained in the parent pump (207) is transferred to the child reservoir (103), whilst air is expelled from the child reservoir via the child air outlet valve. Upon termination of the actuation of the parent pump (207), the seal and the liquid pathway are disconnected, and the parent pump (207) refills with liquid from the parent reservoir (203) via the parent one way liquid inlet valve (211) and inlet (210), and air enters the parent reservoir (203) via the air inlet valve (204). The parent pump (207) is actuated at least once and can be repeatedly actuated and refilled, at least twice, until the child reservoir (103) is filled with the desired amount of liquid. The child refill mechanism (108) is then decoupled from the parent refill mechanism (208) and said actuator is reattached to said parent pump (207). The parent and child device are then both able to dispense fluid.
The present disclosure provides a novel and unique liquid refilling system comprising a parent device and a child or portable travel sized device that can be releasably coupled to the parent device to transfer liquid from the parent to the child device. The parent device is provided with a pump in liquid communication with a parent reservoir containing the liquid. The pump of the parent device has a volume which is preferably substantially equal to the volume of the child reservoir thereby enabling a minimal number of single actuations of the parent pump to completely fill the child reservoir if desired upon coupling thereof. Consequently, the necessity for multiple parent pump actuations as in the prior art is avoided. In one embodiment, the parent device is provided with a parent actuator detachment means to facilitate the removal of the parent actuator, and minimize and/or eliminate undesirable spilling and spraying of the liquid perfume during the refilling process. In a preferred embodiment, the parent device is provided with a cap, preferably comprising the parent actuator detachment means.
The present disclosure may find utility for any personal beauty care compositions such skin care, grooming, body care, or oral care liquid may be also be used. Some non-limiting examples include after shaves, UV skin care compositions, skin care moisturizers, hand sanitizing compositions, and mouth rinses. Some non-limiting examples are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,059 and US2005/0169852. The disclosure finds particular utility as a fragrance composition.
Any fragrance compound, or combinations thereof, may be employed with the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the fragrance compounds may be derived from any suitable plant or synthetic material as described for example in Steffen Arctander “Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals Vol. 1 and 2, 1969). Some non-limiting examples of liquid perfumes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,413,731; U.S. Pat. No. 7,208,464; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,763,742. While the present disclosure will be described herein with reference to the use of fragrance composition perfume for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that other personal beauty care compositions and or shave care and hair removal compositions and devices may be used with the present disclosure as described above. The compositions for use herein are provided in a liquid form including creams and gels and may have a viscosity in the range of from 0.001 Pas to 40 Pas, preferably from 0.001 to 20 Pas more preferably from 0.001 Pas to 10 Pas, most preferably from 0.001 Pas to 1 Pas measured at 25° C. For fragrance compositions the viscosity will preferably be in the range of 0.001 to 0.5 Pas. Accordingly, the skilled person will select pumps, inlets and associated valves dependent upon the viscosity of the liquid to be transferred.
The liquid refill system comprises a parent device and a child device. The parent device comprises a parent liquid reservoir for storing a liquid and an optional air inlet valve. These devices may be provided from any suitable material and are typically manufactured from glass or plastic materials. The volumetric capacity of the parent liquid reservoir can vary widely depending upon the intended use and the nature of liquid stored in the parent liquid reservoir. For example, in one embodiment wherein the parent and child devices are intended for home consumer usage, the parent liquid reservoir has a liquid capacity of greater than 30 ml, or 50 ml, or 75 ml and/or less than 500 ml, 300 ml, or 150 ml, or 100 ml. The child liquid reservoir may have a liquid capacity of 3 ml or greater, 5 ml or greater or 7 ml or greater or 10 ml or greater and or less than 20 ml or 15 ml. In an alternative embodiment where for example the parent device is made available to a consumer at a retail outlet so that the consumer can refill the child device in store, the parent liquid reservoir will typically be provided with a much larger capacity such as greater than 0.5 L, 1 L, or 10 L or 15 L or 20 L. The child device may be provided with a liquid reservoir capacity of greater than 5 ml, or 7 ml or 10 ml or 30 ml or 50 ml or 100 ml. The parent air inlet valve is typically located in the first portion of the parent device and may in some embodiments be located within the pump. The parent air inlet valve ensures that the air pressure inside the parent device is at equilibrium with the external air pressure as the liquid is discharged from the parent device upon filling the child device with liquid therefrom.
The parent device has a pump which is in liquid communication with a reservoir and has an actuator which is releasably attached to the pump optionally by a collar. The actuator enables the dispensation of liquid from the reservoir via the pump and liquid outlet thereof, typically in combination with a spray head which is depressed to activate the pump and deliver the liquid such as a fragrance in the conventional manner. In order to enable the parent pump to provide both a single use predetermined amount of liquid and also to enable refilling of the child reservoir without the need for multiple actuations, the actuator is provided with an actuator stroke limitation means. The actuator stroke limitation means restricts the amount of liquid that is delivered by the pump from the parent reservoir so that it is less than the volume of the parent pump. The stroke limitation means thereby ensures the delivery of the conventional amount of liquid from the parent device when used independently as a standalone dispensing device. The maximum volume of liquid dispensed upon actuation of the actuator (Vpa) is predetermined and is typically 0.2 ml or less, preferably 0.1 ml or less, more preferably 0.7 ml or less, most preferably 0.5 ml or less.
The maximum volume of liquid dispensed upon actuation of the actuator (Vpa) is less than said pump volume. The maximum volume of liquid dispensed upon actuation of the actuator (Vpa) may be from 5% to 80% of the pump volume (Vpp), preferably from 5% to 50% of the pump volume and is dependent primarily upon the volume of the parent pump. The ratio of said maximum volume (Vpa) to said pump volume (Vpp) may be from 1:20 to 4:5, preferably from 1:10 to 1:5, more preferably 3:4.
Upon removal of the actuator and consequently the actuator stroke limitation means from the parent device, the entire volume of the parent pump is accessible when the child device is attached, thereby allowing the refilling of the child reservoir when connected without multiple parent pump actuations.
The actuator stroke limitation means may be any suitable means to prevent the actuator from dispensing of the entire volume of the parent pump. Suitable means include means to reduce the stroke length such as by a simple physical stop located in the path of the actuation stroke to prevent the completion of the actuator stroke, a physical stop which is activated by rotating the actuator for example by use of a screw thread or click mechanism, a valve situated in the actuator path which closes upon contact during the stroke actuation, or by rotation of the actuator as described above. The stroke limitation means is positioned in order to ensure the single use predetermined amount is obtained and will vary depending on the total pump volume. The stroke limitation means may be concealed from the user within the actuator itself or it may be externally visible. The stroke limitation means may utilize a feature already present in the parent device.
Referring to
Preferably, the parent one way liquid inlet valve is in fluid communication with a fluid pick up means such as a dip tube (not shown) to ensure that liquid can be extracted from the lower portion and base of the parent liquid reservoir. The dip tube diameter may be varied to control the rate of liquid transfer as required. In an alternative embodiment the parent pump is configured such that it extends to the base of the parent liquid reservoir, which may optionally be provided with a sump, in order to extract all the liquid contained in the parent reservoir. In order to fill the child device with a minimum number of pump actuations the volume of the parent pump (Vpp) and the volume of the child reservoir (Vcr) should be similar. The ratio of the volume of the parent pump to the volume of the child reservoir is thus 12:1 or less, preferably 10:1 or less, more preferably 5:1 or less, even more preferably 3:1 or less. This corresponds to about 12, or less, 10 or less, 5 or less or 3 or less parent actuations in order to substantially fill the child reservoir; if the child reservoir is substantially empty prior to filling. The user may therefore decide if the child reservoir is to be completely filled or not. In an alternative embodiment, if the child is not substantially empty upon commencing the refilling process, the user may select to refill the empty portion thereof.
Preferably in order to enable the child device to be filled by a single actuation of the parent pump, the parent pump liquid volume (Vpp) is such that it is substantially equal to the volume of the child reservoir (Vcr) so that Vpp:Vcr is 1:1. Thus, if the child device is substantially empty prior to filling and does not contain any liquid, the refilling procedure will result in the child reservoir being refilled to substantially its maximum capacity (Vcr).
In circumstances where the child reservoir is not completely empty prior to filling, or the consumer does not desire to completely refill the child reservoir, and where the ratio of the parent pump liquid volume (Vpp) to child reservoir volume is 12:1 or less, preferably 10:1 or less, the number of actuations required can be determined by visual inspection of the child device and reservoir by the consumer and or by the tactile cue due to for example the change of actuation force.
In a preferred embodiment as illustrated in
In order to refill the child reservoir, the child refill mechanism is releasably coupled to the parent refill mechanism (208), preferably in a substantially co-linear configuration as illustrated in
Upon each single actuation of the parent pump (207), a seal is formed around a liquid pathway which extends from the parent outlet (213) to the child liquid inlet (110) and the child one way liquid inlet refill valve (109) of the child reservoir (103). The liquid contained in the parent pump (207) is transferred through the liquid pathway to the child reservoir (103), whilst air is expelled from the child reservoir (103) via the child air outlet valve (104). Upon removal of the actuation force, thereby terminating the actuation of the parent pump, the seal and the liquid pathway may be disconnected, and the parent pump (207) refills with liquid from the parent reservoir (203) via the parent one way liquid inlet valve (211) and inlet (210). Air also enters the parent reservoir via the air inlet valve (204).
Depending on the ratio of the volume of the parent pump and the child reservoir as described hereinabove, the parent pump may require repeated actuation and refilling until the child reservoir is substantially completely filled with liquid, if required. The user may therefore select whether or not to completely fill the child reservoir. After the child is filled, completely or partially the child device may then be decoupled from the parent device (child and parent refill mechanism).
The term completely filled as used herein with regard to the child reservoir volume (Vcr) means that the reservoir is at least 75% filled with liquid, preferably at least 85% filled, more preferably at least 90% filled and even more preferably at least 95% filled and most preferably at least 98% filled.
In an alternative embodiment, the liquid reservoir of the parent device may be provided as a collapsible reservoir, commonly referred to as a bag in bottle. In such embodiments the parent air inlet is not required.
Referring to the
The pump spring(s) may be provided in number of alternative configurations in order to facilitate dispensation for single use and refilling of the child device. In one embodiment the spring may be configured to provide at least 2 distinct application forces, preferably an upper application force which is less than the lower application force and thereby resulting in the delivery of less dosage associated with the upper application forces in comparison to the lower application force. Such distinct application forces may be provided by the spring construction itself or by the provision of two linked springs. Embodiments having two linked springs may be vertically stacked or may be stacked in parallel preferably one spring contained within the second spring.
In certain embodiments, the actuation force for the pump mechanism (i.e., the force required to begin to displace the plunger against the biasing force of the spring) is between about 3 N and about 10 N. In other embodiments, the actuation force is between about 5 N and about 8 N.
It will be appreciated that the parent pump mechanism may be provided in wide variety of other configurations such as a diaphragm pump. Some non-limiting examples of suitable pump mechanisms are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,977 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,961.
The parent pump mechanism may be actuated by depressing the plunger toward the parent reservoir through the pump chamber. As the liquid outlet and plunger are displaced toward the parent reservoir, liquid within the pump chamber is pressurized due to the decrease in volume of the pump chamber and seating of the ball valve. Liquid within the pump chamber is then pumped out of the outlet. Once a complete downward stroke of the plunger has occurred, or if present the stroke is terminated due to the presence of the actuator stroke limitation means, the biasing force generated by compression of the spring will act to return the plunger to its original position. As the plunger travels away from the parent reservoir, the negative pressure generated by the volumetric expansion of the pump chamber unseats the ball valve and draws liquid through the dip tube from the reservoir into the pump chamber, after which the pump is primed for another pumping cycle.
The parent pump may be provided within a neck or collar of the parent device in order to secure the pump thereto with corresponding fitting means. Alternatively, a separate collar maybe used to secure the pump to the parent device.
Referring to
In an alternative embodiment, the cap comprises a two component cap having an upper and lower portion. The upper cap portion is releasably attached to a lower cap portion. The lower cap portion comprising the parent actuator detachment means.
The cap can thus be removed so as to reveal the actuator of the parent device or alternatively may be activated to engage the parent actuator detachment means and remove the actuator from the parent device as shown in
Upon removal of the actuator, an amount of liquid may be retained therein from the last liquid actuation, which may drip out upon removal of the actuator. The actuator may thus further be provided with an additional return valve which closes upon removal of the actuator from the parent device. Referring to
The child reservoir (103) is in liquid communication with a liquid outlet of the child dispensing mechanism (107) such as a spray pump and preferably cap or an opening sealed with a stopper such as is typical with a flacon. The child device (101) may comprise a child pump mechanism for pumping liquid from the child reservoir to the liquid outlet. A nozzle may be provided just upstream of the liquid outlet for atomizing the liquid. The nozzle and child pump mechanism may be provided in a wide variety of configurations as known in the art, including the pump mechanism described herein for the parent pump. In certain embodiments, the air inlet valve may be located within the child pump, if present.
The child reservoir (103) stores a liquid such as a fragrance composition that may have been transferred from the parent reservoir (203). In some embodiments, the child reservoir has a liquid capacity of between about 1 ml and about 20 ml, or between about 3 ml and about 10 ml, or between about 5 ml and about 8 ml. The child device has a second portion (106) having a child refill mechanism (108), a liquid inlet (110) and a one way liquid inlet refill valve (111) associated therewith. The one-way liquid inlet refill valve (111) is provided to regulate liquid flow into the child reservoir (103) from the parent device (201).
The child liquid inlet (110) and one-way liquid inlet valve (111) is in liquid communication with the child reservoir (103). In one embodiment the child one way liquid inlet valve is in liquid communication with the child reservoir and a child inlet tube that extends downwardly from a bottom surface of the child reservoir (not shown). The child inlet tube is configured so that it may be slidably received within the liquid outlet of the parent device when the child device is releasably coupled to the parent device via the respective child and parent refill mechanisms. A downwardly depending skirt may encircle the child inlet tube.
Alternatively, the liquid outlet of the parent pump is in liquid communication with a parent discharge tube which can be inserted into the child inlet valve.
The child and parent devices each have a corresponding refill mechanism (108 & 208) to enable releasable coupling of the child refill mechanism to the parent refill mechanism. As used herein the term coupling means that the child and parent devices are at least partially co-joined preferably in a co-linear configuration to enable refilling. Suitable mechanisms include lock and key type systems, screw thread, bayonet, elastomeric fitments, captive plug mechanisms, push fit and magnetic fitments as known and described in the art.
In one embodiment, the parent body preferably the first portion thereof is provided with a cavity (215) to guide the coupling of the child to parent device. The internal dimensions of such a cavity are such as to at least accommodate a portion of the child device, preferably, the at least second portion of the child device, whilst still ensuring that the user can readily access the child device to enable placement and retrieval from the parent device. This enables easy alignment of the child and parent refill mechanisms by the user. The cavity may further be provided with a geometry which provides a ‘lead in’ to guide the placement of the child to the parent device.
Upon single actuation of the parent pump, preferably a vertical down stroke via the child device, a seal is formed around the liquid pathway from the parent outlet and the child inlet. The seal may be formed by any known mechanism. For example as described hereinabove, the parent outlet discharge/tube is pushed into the child outlet valve or the child inlet tube is pushed into the parent outlet. Alternatively, a portion of the surface adjacent the child inlet and parent outlet may be provided with a material such as silicone or rubber for example which will form a seal upon the application of pressure as the pump is actuated and thereby connect the child inlet and parent outlet respectively.
In one embodiment, the parent has an outlet discharge tube extending from the liquid outlet which can be inserted into the one way liquid inlet valve of the child or close proximity thereto such that the child liquid inlet valve is opened by the mechanical action of the parent outlet tube or due to the application of liquid pressure as a consequence of the actuation of the parent pump mechanism as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,680.
After the child and parent refill mechanisms have been coupled together, the parent pump may be actuated in order to transfer the liquid from the parent pump to the child reservoir. Upon actuation of the parent pump which is typically achieved by a exerting a substantially vertical downward force upon the child device which is transferred to the parent pump, a seal is formed around a liquid pathway from the parent liquid outlet and the one way liquid inlet refill valve of the child reservoir. Liquid from the parent pump is then transferred via the liquid pathway to the child reservoir whilst the corresponding volume of air in the child reservoir is expelled via the child air outlet valve. Upon release of the downward force (end of the stroke) and completion of actuation of the parent pump, the seal and the liquid pathway are disconnected. The child may then be decoupled or disconnected from the parent device. The parent pump is refilled (primed for next refilling action) with liquid from the parent reservoir via the parent one way liquid inlet valve and air enters the parent reservoir via the air inlet valve. The actuator is then reattached to the patent device. The cap of the parent, if present, may then be replaced. Alternatively, the actuator is reattached to the parent upon replacement of the cap containing a parent actuator detachment means, thereby releasing the actuator from the cap.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
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