EP4470674A1 - Fluid dispenser and kit comprising a fluid dispenser and an inner container - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid dispenser (100) for dispensing a fluid has a dimensionally stable outer container (110) with a container opening (113) for receiving a flexible inner container (140) and a dimensionally stable lid element (120) for closing the container opening (113), wherein the lid element (120) has a first opening (121a), an opposite second opening (121b) and a lateral slot (121c) extending from the first opening (121a) to the second opening (121b), which is closed by a detachable closure element (122) of the lid element (120). A fluid pump unit (150) is used for detachable connection to the inner container (140) in order to remove liquid located in the inner container (140), wherein the fluid pump unit (150) and the inner container (140), when connected to one another, can be inserted laterally as a unit through the slot (121c) into the cover element (120) removed from the outer container (110) until it reaches the second opening (121b).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention is in the field of packaging for fluids, in particular for cosmetics, and relates to a fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid, as well as a kit comprising a fluid dispenser and an inner container.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Liquids such as shampoos, hair gels, conditioners and masks are often provided in dispensers that have a pump or dispensing device.

For example, CA 3 105 113 A1 a dispenser with a lower housing part, an upper housing part, a bag and a press-suction unit. The press-suction unit is inserted through an opening in the upper housing part, screwed onto an external thread around the opening and then inserted into the bag and connected to it. The unit thus formed, consisting of the upper housing part, press-suction unit and bag, can then be inserted into the lower housing part and this can be closed with the upper housing part.

US 2004/0112918 A1 discloses a liquid dispenser comprising a deformable flexible bag provided with an opening, a flexible bag carrier to which the opening of the flexible bag is attached, and a pump mounted on the bag carrier for withdrawing a fluid from the bag.

From the US 5,474,212 A liquid pump container is known which has a housing made of two housing parts that are connected to one another in an articulated manner and a flexible bag with an outlet block arranged on the top of the bag and provided with an outlet hole. To insert the bag, the two housing parts are opened up, the bag is inserted so that the outlet block protrudes from the housing, and then folded up again.

A similar liquid pump container is from the US 6,619,505 B1 known, but in which the two housing parts can be plugged together.

A liquid dispenser is still available from the US 2005/0077319 A1 The liquid dispenser includes a fluid reservoir with a rigid neck, a rigid housing containing the fluid reservoir, a dispensing element engaging the neck of the fluid reservoir, and a retaining element engaging both the neck of the fluid reservoir and the rigid housing to retain the container in the rigid housing.

A liquid dispensing container is in the WO 2022/047527 A1 which comprises a container body, a liquid dispenser and a removable bag unit which can be replaced by a replacement bag.

Another liquid dispenser is from the US 2003/0094464 A1 The liquid dispenser has a flexible bag with an opening, a bag carrier to which the opening of the bag is attached, and a pump.

The WO 2020/117770 A1 discloses a liquid dispenser comprising a flexible container, a rigid outer container for receiving the flexible container, and a dispensing element for withdrawing the liquid from the flexible container.

Another liquid dispenser is in the US 10,549,295 B2 described.

Some of these liquid dispensers allow you to replace the bag once it is empty. However, with the known solutions, this is sometimes complicated and not very suitable for everyday use.

Against this background, there is a need to provide a liquid dispenser that allows for easy and quick replacement of a bag or inner container while providing improved handling during use.

SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

Against this background, according to an embodiment described herein, a fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid is provided. The fluid can in particular be a cosmetic liquid, for example a shampoo, a gel, cream, mask or hair conditioner.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment described herein, a kit comprising a fluid dispenser and a separate inner container is provided. The fluid dispenser and the inner container can be stored together in one packaging unit or in separate packaging units and prepared for shipping.

FIGURES

• Figuren 1A und 1B zeigen Ansichten eines Fluidspenders gemäß einer Ausführungsform in einer Vorderansicht und einer Seitenansicht.
• Figur 2 zeigen eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Außenbehälters sowie eines Deckelelements eines Fluidspenders gemäß einer Ausführungsform.
• Figur 3A zeigt ein Deckelelement, Figur 3B zeigt eine Teilansicht eines mit einer Fluidpumpeneinheit verbundenen Innenbehälters, und Figur 3 C zeigt ein Hauptteil eines Deckelelements ohne Verschlusselement.
• Figuren 4A bis 4J zeigen den Ablauf des Austausches eines Innenbehälters gemäß einer Ausführungsform.
• Figuren 5A bis 5C zeigen Ansichten eines Fluidspenders gemäß verschiedener Ausführungsformen.
• Figuren 6A bis 6C zeigen weitere dreidimensionale Ansichten eines Fluidspenders 100.

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the solution described herein, without the embodiments being intended to limit the scope of protection defined by the claims. The elements of the drawings are relative to one another and are not necessarily to scale.

• Figures 1A and 1B show views of a fluid dispenser according to an embodiment in a front view and a side view.
• Figure 2 show an exploded view of an outer container and a lid element of a fluid dispenser according to an embodiment.
• Figure 3A shows a cover element, Figure 3B shows a partial view of an inner container connected to a fluid pump unit, and Figure 3 C shows a main part of a lid element without a closure element.
• Figures 4A to 4J show the process of replacing an inner container according to one embodiment.
• Figures 5A to 5C show views of a fluid dispenser according to various embodiments.
• Figures 6A 6A to 6C show further three-dimensional views of a fluid dispenser 100.

EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

A fluid dispenser which allows easy replacement of an inner container is described below using various embodiments which can be suitably combined with one another.

In its general form, the fluid dispenser has a dimensionally stable outer container with a container opening for receiving a flexible inner container. A lid element serves to close the container opening and has a side slot that can be closed by a detachable closure element of the lid element. The slot is released by releasing the closure element. A fluid pump unit can be connected to an exchangeable inner container, wherein the fluid pump unit and the inner container can be inserted laterally into the lid element together as a unit through the slot. By providing the slot, it is possible to completely remove the unit consisting of the fluid pump unit and the inner container from the cover element, so that the user has free access to the unit and can easily separate or connect the fluid pump unit and the inner container from one another.

The inner container can be replaced. For this purpose, the inner container is detachably connected to the fluid pump unit, for example by screwing. Since the inner container is a replacement part, it is not considered to be part of the fluid dispenser in the narrower sense. A fluid dispenser with an accommodated inner container can be considered to be a fluid dispenser device, i.e. the fluid dispenser device comprises the fluid dispenser and the replaceable inner container, which is detachably connected to the fluid pump unit and accommodated in the outer container. For the sake of simplicity, the fluid pump unit is referred to below as the pump unit.

The fluid dispenser is reusable and therefore environmentally friendly and saves resources. The inner container, in which the fluid to be removed is stored, is preferably intended as a replacement part for single use, but can also be refillable. The fluid dispenser, in particular the outer container and the lid element, can be made of a different material than the inner container. This means that a material adapted to the respective function can be used.

For example, the inner container can be made of a material that is as inert as possible with regard to the fluid, particularly in the areas that come into contact with the fluid. A new plastic material (virgin resin) is preferably used for this purpose. For example, the inner container can be made entirely of new polyethylene (PE) or new polypropylene (PP), which are often also referred to as virgin PE or virgin PP. The inner container is then constructed in one layer. Alternatively, the inner container can be constructed in at least two layers and have an inner layer made of new polypropylene or new polyethylene and an outer layer made of a different material, for example recycled polypropylene or recycled polyethylene or another plastic material, in particular recycled plastic material. The inner container or the inner layer of the inner container is preferably made of new polyethylene, since polyethylene is more flexible than polypropylene. The inner container is in particular made of a flexible material, in particular if the inner container is designed in the form of a liquid bag, for example.

New plastic material differs from recycled plastic material in particular in terms of its purity. The use of new polyethylene (PE) or new polypropylene (PP) therefore allows the properties of PE or PP to be adjusted more precisely and thus better adapted to the requirements in the cosmetics sector with regard to purity and inertness.

In contrast, the outer container and the lid element in particular can be made of a different plastic material. However, it is also possible for the outer container and the lid element to be made of the same plastic material as the inner container. For example, the outer container and the lid element can be made of polypropylene (PP) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which can be new plastic material or recycled plastic material. The outer container and/or the lid element can each have a single layer or at least two layers. For example, an inner layer of the outer container and/or the lid element can be primarily responsible for mechanical stability, while an outer layer is adapted for improved haptics (grip) and/or printability.

With reference to the Figures 1A, 1B , 2 , 3A, 3B and 3C First, the general structure of a fluid dispenser according to one embodiment is explained.

A fluid dispenser 100 according to one embodiment comprises a dimensionally stable outer container 110 with a container opening 113 at its upper end, as for example in Figure 2 The outer container 110 is designed to accommodate a replaceable flexible inner container 140, wherein the inner container 140 can be inserted into the outer container 110 through the container opening 113.

The outer container 110 preferably has a base 111 and a circumferential side wall 112 extending from the base 111, wherein the base 111 and the side wall 112 delimit a receiving space for the inner container 140. The base 111 is preferably designed as a closed base, but it can also be partially open. The base 111 improves, among other things, the dimensional stability of the outer container 110.

As in particular in Figure 2 As can be seen, the outer container 110 can have a cylindrical shape, wherein the cross section, ie the outer cross section, of the cylindrical outer container 110 can be circular or as in Figure 2 shown can be rectangular with rounded corners (rounded rectangle). Preferably, the dimension of the rounded rectangle in its longitudinal direction is at least 1.5 times larger, in particular at least 1.8 times larger or even at least 2 times larger, than the dimension of the rounded rectangle in its transverse direction. These ratios can also apply to other cross-sectional shapes.

Preferably, the radius of all rounded corners is the same, and it can be selected so that straight sections remain on both the long sides and the two end faces of the rounded rectangle. For example, the radius of the rounded corners can be equal to or less than half the extent of the rounded rectangle in its transverse direction. The radius can, for example, be between 0.1 and 0.4 times the extent of the rounded rectangle in its transverse direction.

The side wall 112 of the outer container 110 can comprise two mutually opposite flat wall sections and two at least partially curved wall sections connecting the flat wall sections to one another. The flat wall sections are preferably parallel to one another and correspond to the long sides of the rounded rectangle. According to one embodiment, a maximum distance between the straight wall sections is smaller than a maximum distance between the at least partially curved wall sections. The relationship between these distances can correspond to the relationships between the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction of the cross section described above.

The partially curved wall sections can each be formed by a flat wall section and two lateral round wall sections, whereby the round wall sections have a radius that corresponds to the radius of the rounded corners. All wall sections preferably merge seamlessly into one another, so that the outer container has a seamless outer contour in the circumferential direction.

The cross-sectional shape (shape of the outer cross-section) of the outer container 110 is adapted in particular with regard to the handling of the fluid dispenser 100. In particular, a cross-section in the form of a rounded rectangle has proven to be advantageous, since the user can grip the fluid dispenser 100 better with one hand. In addition, this cross-section is also advantageous with regard to the use of the inner container, since the inner container 140 also has a more elongated and narrower cross-sectional shape.

A cross-section in the form of a rounded rectangle is also advantageous with regard to a higher packing density when packing several fluid dispensers 100 in a box or other transport container. In the case of fluid dispensers with a more circular cross-section, however, larger gaps remain when packing several fluid dispensers in a box.

In addition, the cross-sectional shape as a rounded rectangle is also advantageous when placing several fluid dispensers 100 on a shelf or on a console, which is particularly appreciated by professional cosmetic studios and hair salons.

According to one embodiment, the base 111 and the side wall 112 merge integrally into one another, wherein in particular the receiving space from the base 111 to the container opening 113 has a substantially constant cross-section. The circumferential side wall 112 extends from the base 111 to the container opening 113, wherein the container opening 113 is formed by the upper side edge of the side wall 112.

For a better understanding, the terms top, bottom and side are understood as directional indications defined by the outer container. The longitudinal extension of the outer container 110, as in the Figure 2 shown, defines a vertical direction, so that the bottom 111 is therefore arranged at a lower end and the container opening 113 at an upper end of the outer container 110. The designations "downward", "bottom", "upward" or "top" therefore represent directional information with respect to this vertical direction The terms "side", "front" or "back", on the other hand, refer to a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

The fluid dispenser 100 further comprises a dimensionally stable lid element 120 for closing the container opening 113. The lid element 120 delimits a cavity and has a first opening 121a at a first end of the lid element 120, an opposite second opening 121b at a second end of the lid element 120 and a lateral slot 121c extending from the first opening 121a to the second opening 121b, which can be closed with a detachable closure element 122 of the lid element 120.

According to one embodiment, the lid element 120 comprises a dimensionally stable main part 121 to which the closure element 122 is detachably and removably connected. The main part 121 and the closure element 122 together form a common outer surface of the lid element 120 when the main part 121 and the closure element 122 are connected to one another. Figure 3A shows, for example, a cover element 120 which, in the embodiment specifically shown here, is made up of the main part 121 and the closure element 122. The cover element 120 is therefore preferably in two parts. When the closure element 122 is connected to the main part 121 to close the slot 121c, the closure element 122 and the main part 121 together delimit the first opening 121a and the second opening 121b of the cover element 120.

As in particular in Figure 3C As can be seen, the main part 121 has, according to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, two shell halves that are connected to one another on a first side and are spaced apart from one another on an opposite second side to form the slot 121c. The side on which the slot 121c is formed can also be referred to as the front side. The side on which the two shell halves are connected to one another then forms a rear side of the cover element 120.

The two shell halves can be symmetrical with respect to a plane extending along the vertical direction, ie from bottom to top in Figure 3C , and extends centrally through the slot 121c. This plane is preferably also parallel and central to the two opposing flat wall sections of the side wall 112.

When assembled, the main part 121 and the closure element 122 together define the outer contour and surface of the cover element 120.

The first opening 121a of the lid element 120 faces the container opening 113 and points downwards, i.e. in the direction of the bottom 111 of the outer container 110. The second opening 121b of the lid element 120 is arranged on the upper side of the lid element 120 opposite the first opening 121a and is spaced from the first opening 121a. The second opening 121b can, for example, have a circular cross-section, whereas the first opening 121a can have a cross-section which essentially corresponds to the cross-section, i.e. the inner cross-section, of the outer container 110.

According to an embodiment that can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the first opening 121a of the cover element 120 has a larger opening cross-section than the second opening 121b of the cover element 120.

The lid member 120 may include a shoulder portion 121e which forms the lower part of the lid member 120 and a neck portion 121d which forms the upper part of the lid member 120. For example, in the Figure 3A It can be seen that the shoulder section 121e merges into the neck section 121d via a step. The transition between the shoulder section 121e and the neck section 121d does not necessarily have to be step-like, but can also be continuous. The cover element 120 can therefore have a step-like or continuous transition between the first opening 121a and the second opening 121b, particularly on its outside. A step-like transition is preferred, since this is easier to produce in terms of production technology and requires a smaller extension of the cover element 120 in the vertical direction.

According to an embodiment that can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the first opening 121a and the second opening 121b each have a center point that lies on a center line of the lid element 120. Opposite edge regions of the slot 121c run in particular along two mutually parallel and spaced-apart surfaces that are parallel to the center line, the center line running between the spaced-apart surfaces. The center line can coincide with a center line of the outer container 110.

The outer container 110 can, for example, have a center line in the vertical direction, with respect to which the outer shape of the outer container 110 is symmetrical with respect to a rotation of 180°. The outer contour of the lid element 120 can also essentially have such symmetry when considering the main part 121 together with the closure element 122.

According to the embodiment shown here, the outer contour of the shoulder section 121e continues the outer contour of the outer container 110 in a straight line, so that the outer cross section of the cover element 120 corresponds to the outer cross section of the outer container 110 running parallel thereto, and the cover element 120 and the outer container 110 merge seamlessly into one another when the cover element 120 is connected to the outer container 110 with its shoulder section 121e. This seamless transition is particularly evident in the Figures 1A and 1B visible, which shows the fluid dispenser 100 from the front ( Figure 1A ) and from one side ( Figure 1B ) show.

The main part 121 of the lid element 120 can therefore have two mutually opposite flat wall sections of its shell halves, wherein the flat wall sections correspond to the mutually opposite wall sections of the outer container 110.

According to an embodiment that can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the cover element 120 engages with its first end, at which the first opening 121a is located, detachably into the container opening 113. The cover element 120 is preferably inserted with its main part 121 into the container opening 113 of the outer container 110. For this purpose, the cover element 120 can have a recessed outer step 121f, which can be inserted into the container opening 113 in a largely form-fitting manner. To accommodate the cover element 120, specifically the outer step 121f of the cover element 120, an inner step 112a corresponding to the outer step 121f of the cover element 120 can be provided on the inside of the outer container 110 in the region of the container opening 113. This is the case, for example, in Figure 2 The outside of the outer step 121f then preferably lies flat against the inside of the inner step 112a, so that the largest possible contact surface is created between the cover element 120 and the outer container 110, whereby the cover element 120 is securely connected to the outer container 110.

To further improve the detachable connection between the lid element 120 and the outer container 110, the two shell halves of the main part 121 of the lid element 120 can be slightly pressed outwards by the closure element 122 in order to press the outer step 121f of the lid element 120 against the inner step 112a of the outer container 110. Optionally, the interacting surfaces of the outer step 121f and the inner step 112a can be roughened or provided with a thin elastic coating in order to further improve the static friction between the lid element 120 and the outer container 110.

The neck section 121d preferably has a cross-section with a circular-cylindrical outer contour, i.e. the outside of the neck section 121d extends perpendicularly in the vertical direction. An inwardly projecting inner stop 123 can be formed all the way around the inside of the neck section 121d. This inner stop 123 serves to accommodate a correspondingly circumferential outer stop 153 of the pump unit 150, as explained further below.

The lateral slot 121c of the cover element 120 extends from the first opening 121a to the second opening 121b and allows unhindered lateral access to the cavity of the cover element 120, which is delimited by the side walls of the cover element 120. After removing the slot 121c, it is thus possible to insert the pump unit (fluid pump unit) 150 connected to an inner container 140 as a whole laterally into the cover element 120.

As for example in Figure 3B As can be seen, the pump unit according to one embodiment comprises a pump 152, which is only partially visible, and a pump head 151 with outlet 154. The pump 152 forms a fixed element of the pump unit 150. The outer stop 153 is preferably formed integrally on the pump 152. The pump head 151 is used for actuation by the user, whereby pressing on the pump head 151 executes a lifting movement by which fluid is displaced from the inner container 140 and discharged via the outlet 154.

The pump head 151 can grip the neck section 121d of the cover element 120 on the outside from above with a slight lateral distance when the pump unit 150 is inserted into the cover element 120 ready for operation. Due to the cylindrical outer shape of the neck section 121d, it is ensured that the pump head 151 does not come into contact with the outer contour of the neck section 121d when actuated.

According to an embodiment that can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the inner container 140 comprises a flexible bag 141 and a dimensionally stable mouthpiece 142, which is detachably connected to the pump unit 150, in particular to the pump 152. For this purpose, the mouthpiece 142 for example, have an external thread in order to be screwed to an internal thread of the pump unit 150, in particular an internal thread of the pump 152. Alternatively, a bayonet connection or another connection between the mouthpiece 142 and the pump 152 can also be provided for this purpose.

Preferably, the bag 141 has a rather flat cross-section, which is adapted to the cross-section (inner cross-section) of the outer container 110 so that the bag 141 can easily be inserted into the outer container 110. Since the inner container 140 does not interact directly with the lid element 120 but only indirectly via the pump unit 150, only the detachable connection of the mouthpiece 142 and pump 152 and the size of the bag 141 must be coordinated with the size of the outer container 110.

The bag 141 can, as described above, be made of virgin PE or PP or at least have an inner layer made of virgin PE or PP so that the fluid held in the bag only comes into contact with virgin PE or PP.

The main part 121 therefore comprises, according to an embodiment which can be suitably combined with other embodiments described here, the inner stop 123 on which the unit consisting of the fluid pump unit (pump unit) 150 and the inner container 140 is supported when the fluid pump unit 150 and the inner container 140 are inserted into the cover element 120.

For use, the outer stop 153 rests on the inner stop 123 from above. The unit consisting of the fluid pump unit 150 and the inner container 140 can thus be moved upwards, which makes it easier to remove the fluid pump unit 150 together with the inner container from the side of the slot 121c. However, it is also possible for the inner stop 123 to be designed in the form of an inner groove into which the outer stop 153 is pushed laterally in order to limit the pump's freedom of movement both downwards and upwards. The inner groove can accommodate the outer stop 153 with sufficient play so that the outer stop 153 can be easily pushed into the inner groove and pushed out again.

According to an embodiment, which can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the fluid pump unit 150 therefore serves for detachable connection to the inner container 140 in order to remove liquid located in the inner container 140, wherein the fluid pump unit 150 and the Inner containers 140, when connected to one another, can be inserted laterally as a unit through the slot 121c into the lid element 120 removed from the outer container 110 until they reach the second opening 121b.

The edges of the slot 121c formed by the main part 121 may have support surfaces 121g, which may be formed, for example, in Figure 3C can be seen. These support surfaces 121g can each extend from the first opening 121a along the respective edge of the slot 121c to the second opening 121b and serve to hold the closure element 122 correctly and securely on the main part 121. In particular, the support surfaces in the step-shaped transition between the shoulder section 121e and the neck section 121d also serve as a guide when the closure element 122 is to be removed from the slot 121c or reinserted into it. The support surfaces 121g can therefore also be referred to as guide surfaces.

The support surfaces 121g can be designed as projections which protrude into the slot 121c. It is not necessary for the support surfaces 121g to protrude very far into the slot 121, since they only serve to position the closure element 122.

The main part 121 and the closure element 122 can each be suitably manufactured as an integral component, for example by injection molding or compression molding. Preferably, the same plastic materials are used for the main part 121 and the closure element 122.

The inner container 140 can also preferably be manufactured integrally, for example by extrusion blow molding, in which a preform with mouthpiece 142 is held in a mold and then the bag 141 is blown from there. However, it is also possible for the mouthpiece 142 and the bag 141 to be manufactured separately from one another and then suitably welded together. In particular, when manufactured separately, the use of suitably adapted plastic material is possible.

With reference to the Figures 4A to 4J The following shows individual steps for replacing an inner container 41.

The starting point is Figure 4A a fully assembled fluid dispenser 100 with an inner container 140 accommodated therein is shown. Due to the closed Outer contour of the fluid dispenser 100, formed by the outer container 110 and the lid element 120, the inner container 140 is in Figure 4A not recognizable.

To replace the inner container 140, the pump unit 150 is first slightly lifted until the lower edge of the pump head 151 is above the upper edge of the second opening 121b. This is shown in Figure 4B recognizable.

Since the pump head 151 no longer surrounds the neck section 121d on the outside and blocks the closure element 122, the closure element 122 can be pushed or tilted forward and thus removed from the slot 121c. To do this, the user can grasp the outer container 110 with one hand, for example, press against the pump head 151 from below with the thumb until it is above the upper edge of the second opening 121b, and then push the closure element 122 forward or tilt it out with the other hand, for example with the thumb, as for example in Figure 4C shown.

As in the Figures 4D and 4E As can be seen, the main part 121 of the lid element 120 is then removed from the container opening, whereby due to the interaction between the inner stop 123 of the main part 121 and the outer stop 153 of the pump unit 150, the pump unit 150 is pulled out of the outer container 110 together with the inner bag 140. However, it is also possible for the user to simply grasp the pump head 151 and thereby also move the lid element 120, since the inner container 140 lifts the lid element 120 from below.

Since the closure element 122 has been removed from the slot 121c beforehand, the two shell halves of the main part 121 can be easily moved towards each other from the outside, whereby the main part 121 can be more easily removed from the container opening 113. This is particularly advantageous when the interacting surfaces of the outer step 121f (see Figures 3A and 3C ) and inner stage 112a (see Figure 2 ) exhibit a strong static friction under the spreading effect of the closure element 122.

After the inner container 140 has been completely pulled out of the outer container 110, the main part 121 can be pushed out sideways or the unit consisting of the interconnected inner container 140 and pump unit 150 can be guided out of the slot 121c sideways, ie forwards, out of the main part 121. Conveniently, the user can put the outer container 110 to the side, with one hand the main part 121 and with With the other hand, grasp the unit consisting of the inner container 140 and the pump unit 150, and thus separate the main part 121 from the rest of the unit. This state is, for example, in Figure 4F to recognize. The user now has unhindered access to the inner container 140 and can grasp this, in particular the mouthpiece 142 of the inner container 140, and the pump unit 150, in particular the pump 152, with one hand and separate them from each other. The inner container 140 is then replaced by a new inner container 140, the pump 152 is inserted into the mouthpiece 142 and screwed to it or locked via a bayonet connection. This again forms a unit consisting of the inner container 140 and the pump unit 150.

In order to completely reassemble the fluid dispenser device, ie the fluid dispenser with the inner container accommodated, the main part 121 is first pushed completely over its slot 121c onto the unit consisting of the inner container 140 and the pump unit 150 ( Figure 4G ) and the inner container 140 is inserted through the container opening 113 into the outer container 110 until the main part 121 is completely inserted into the container opening 113 again ( Figure 4H ). To facilitate insertion of the main part 121 into the container opening 113, the two shell halves can be elastically moved towards each other by applying light pressure from the outside, in order to slightly reduce the clear external cross-section. After the main part 121 has been fully inserted, the user can reduce the pressure on the shell halves, causing the two shell halves to elastically return to their original position, thereby pressing the outer step 121f against the inner step 112a.

The closure element 122 is then reinserted into the slot 121c, whereby the support surfaces 121g on the edges of the slot 121c serve as a guide for the closure element 122 ( Figure 4I ). At the same time, the closure element 122 braces the two shell halves so that they are no longer elastically moved against each other by pressure from the outside. The closure element 122 thus serves not only to optically close the slot 121c, but also to secure the main part 121 and thus the entire lid element 120 in the container opening 113 of the outer container 110.

Finally, as in Figure 4J shown, the pump unit 150 is completely lowered again so that the pump head 151 engages around the upper region of the neck portion 121d and thereby secures the closure element 122 against being pushed out of the slot 121c.

To further secure the closure element 122, the closure element 122 may, according to an embodiment which may be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, have a step 122a on its lower front side which comes into contact with the edge of the container opening 113, as for example in Figure 2 shown.

The step 122a engages in the container opening 113 and thereby prevents the closure element 122 from being pushed forward easily. Since the step 122a preferably has only a small extension in the vertical direction compared to the outer step 121f, the closure element 122 only needs to be lifted slightly when removed from the slot 121c so that it can pass the upper edge of the container opening 113. Alternatively, the closure element 122 can also be tilted about the step 122a engaging with the container opening 113 if the pump head 151 is raised sufficiently.

In addition to the function of closing the slot 121c and pressing the shell halves of the main part 121 outwards against the inside of the container opening 113, the closure element 122 can also perform a display function. The closure element 122 can be provided with a print or with a color that allows a clear conclusion to be drawn about the fluid in the inner container 140. For example, it is possible for different fluids to be marked with different colors, for example shampoos can be marked with a first color and conditioners with a second color. This can prevent accidental confusion during use, thereby ensuring that the correct fluid (cosmetic liquid) is used.

The use of different colours or prints is, for example, in the Figures 5A to 5C shown. The Figures 5A to 5C show fluid dispensers which are prepared for dispensing different fluids. In order for the user, for example a stylist, to quickly and easily recognize which fluid is in which fluid dispenser, closure elements 122 in different colors which are unique for the respective fluid are used.

Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that the fluid can be clearly and easily identified not by the color of the closure element 122, but by an additional marking element 160, which is inserted into a holder on the pump head 151. is inserted interchangeably. Figure 5A shows, for example, an embodiment in which the color of the marking element 160, but not the color of the closure element 122, is specific to the fluid. The embodiment in Figure 5B has no holder for a marking element, so that in this case the coloring for the closure element 122 is used for easy recognition of the fluid in the fluid dispenser. The embodiment in Figure 5C has a holder on the pump head 151 for receiving a marking element 160, whereby in the Figure 5C In the embodiment shown, both the color of the marking element 160 and the color of the closure element 122 are used for the unique identification of the fluid.

From the Figures 5A to 5C It can also be seen that the outlet 154 formed on the pump head 151 can point in the direction of the closure element 122, i.e. forwards ( Figures 5B and 5C ) or away from the closure element 122, i.e. to the rear ( Figure 5A ). However, the orientation of the outlet 154 is typically not limited, as the pump head 151 is preferably rotatable about the pump 152 so that the user can orient the outlet 154 according to his needs.

In the Figures 6A 6A to 6C show further three-dimensional views of a fluid dispenser 100 with a marking element 160 according to an embodiment, which can be combined as desired with all other embodiments described herein. The marking element 160 can, for example, have the shape of a coin or a round chip and can be inserted laterally into a semicircular holder 155.

The fluid dispenser 110 can be offered for sale without the inner container 140. However, it is also possible for the fluid dispenser 110 and the inner container 140, which contains a fluid, to be offered for sale together as a kit in a common or different packaging. The closure element 122 and the optional marking element 160 can be supplied in a color that is unique to the fluid in the inner container 140.

Alternatively, it is possible for an inner container 140 containing a fluid to be offered as a kit together with a marking element 160 and/or a closure element 122 for replacement of an empty inner container. The inner container 140 and the marking element 160 and/or the closure element 122 can be offered in a common packaging. The closure element 122 can and/or the marking element 160 is supplied in a color that is unique to the fluid contained in the inner container 140.

This makes it possible to use the fluid dispenser 100 optionally for different inner containers 140 with different fluids. The fluid dispenser 100 with outer container 110, cover element 120 and pump unit 150 is reused, while the inner container 140 can be replaced and fed into a material recycling system.

Since the coloring of the closure element 122 and/or the marking element 160 makes it easy to recognize the fluid in the fluid dispenser 100, the outer container 110 and the main part 121 of the lid element 120 do not have to be printed or colored specifically for a certain fluid. This makes it possible, for example, for the user, for example an employee in a hair salon or a cosmetic studio, to have several fluid dispensers 100 in stock, which he can keep ready with different inner containers 140 for different fluids as needed.

Overall, the solution described here allows a material- and resource-saving use of fluid dispensers that can be filled with different fluids. The replacement of the inner container 140 is made considerably easier for the user by the lateral slot 121c in the cover element 120, since the unit consisting of the inner container 140 and the pump unit 150 can be completely removed from the cover element 120, so that this unit is freely accessible to the user for removing the emptied inner container 140 from the pump unit 150 and connecting the pump unit 150 to a new inner container 140.

• Ausführungsform 1: Fluidspender zur Abgabe eines Fluids, aufweisend einen formstabilen Außenbehälter mit einer Behälteröffnung, welcher zur Aufnahme eines flexiblen Innenbehälters angepasst ist, wobei der Innenbehälter durch die Behälteröffnung in den Außenbehälter einführbar ist, ein formstabiles Deckelelement zum Verschließen der Behälteröffnung, wobei das Deckelelement einen Hohlraum begrenzt und eine erste Öffnung an einem ersten Ende des Deckelelements, eine gegenüberliegende zweite Öffnung an einem zweiten Ende des Deckelelements und einen seitlichen sich von der ersten Öffnung zur zweiten Öffnung erstreckenden Schlitz aufweist, der von einem lösbaren Verschlusselement des Deckelelements verschlossen ist, und eine Fluidpumpeneinheit zum lösbaren Verbinden mit dem Innenbehälter, um in dem Innenbehälter befindliche Flüssigkeit zu entnehmen, wobei die Fluidpumpeneinheit und der Innenbehälter, wenn diese miteinander verbunden sind, als Einheit durch den Schlitz in das vom Außenbehälter abgenommene Deckelelement bis zum Erreichen der zweiten Öffnung seitlich einführbar sind.
• Ausführungsform 2: Fluidspender nach Ausführungsform 1, wobei die erste Öffnung des Deckelelements einen größeren Öffnungsquerschnitt als die zweite Öffnung des Deckelelements hat und das Deckelelement einen stufenförmigen oder kontinuierlichen Übergang zwischen der ersten Öffnung und der zweiten Öffnung aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 3: Fluidspender nach Ausführungsform 1 oder 2, wobei das Deckelelement ein formstabiles Hauptteil aufweist, mit dem das Verschlusselement lösbar verbunden ist, wobei das Hauptteil und das Verschlusselement zusammen eine gemeinsame äußere Oberfläche des Deckelelements bilden, wenn das Hauptteil und das Verschlusselement miteinander verbunden sind.
• Ausführungsform 4: Fluidspender nach Ausführungsform 3, wobei das Hauptteil zwei an einer ersten Seite miteinander verbundene Schalenhälften aufweist, die an einer gegenüberliegenden zweiten Seite zur Bildung des Schlitzes voneinander beabstandet sind, wobei das Hauptteil einen inneren Anschlag aufweist, auf den sich die Einheit aus Fluidpumpeneinheit und Innenbehälter abstützt, wenn die Fluidpumpeneinheit und der Innenbehälter in das Deckelelement eingeführt sind.
• Ausführungsform 5: Fluidspender nach Ausführungsform 4, wobei das Hauptteil zwei einander gegenüberliegende ebene Wandabschnitte der Schalenhälften aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 6: Fluidspender nach einem der vorherigen Ausführungsformen, wobei die erste Öffnung und die zweite Öffnung jeweils einen Mittelpunkt aufweisen, die auf einer Mittellinie des Deckelelements liegen, wobei gegenüberliegende Randbereiche des Schlitzes entlang von zwei zueinander parallel verlaufenden und voneinander beabstandeten Flächen verlaufen, die parallel zur Mittelachse sind.
• Ausführungsform 7: Fluidspender nach Ausführungsform 6, wobei das Verschlusselement durch eine Bewegung senkrecht zur Mittellinie und parallel zu den voneinander beabstandeten Flächen aus dem Schlitz entfernbar und in den Schlitz einbringbar ist, wobei insbesondere die Bewegung des Verschlusselements teilweise durch Auflageflächen am Deckelelement führbar ist.
• Ausführungsform 8: Fluidspender nach einem der vorherigen Ausführungsformen, wobei das Deckelelement mit seinem ersten Ende in die Behälteröffnung lösbar eingreift.
• Ausführungsform 9: Fluidspender nach einem der vorherigen Ausführungsformen, wobei der Außenbehälter einen Boden und eine sich von dem Boden erstreckende umlaufende Seitenwand aufweist, wobei der Boden und die Seitenwand einen Aufnahmeraum für den Innenbehälter begrenzen.
• Ausführungsform 10: Fluidspender nach Ausführungsform 9, wobei der Boden und die Seitenwand integral ineinander übergehen, wobei insbesondere der Aufnahmeraum vom Boden bis zur Behälteröffnung einen im Wesentlichen konstanten Querschnitt hat.
• Ausführungsform 11: Fluidspender nach einem der Ausführungsform 9 bis 10, wobei die Seitenwand zwei einander gegenüberliegende ebene Wandabschnitte und zwei die ebenen Wandabschnitte miteinander verbindende zumindest teilweise gebogene Wandabschnitte aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 12: Fluidspender nach Ausführungsform 11, wobei ein maximale Abstand zwischen den geraden Wandabschnitten kleiner ist als ein maximaler Abstand zwischen den gebogenen Wandabschnitten.
• Ausführungsform 13: Fluidspender nach einem der vorherigen Ausführungsformen, wobei ein Außenquerschnitt des Deckelelements einem dazu parallel verlaufenden Außenquerschnitt des Außenbehälters entspricht, sodass das Deckelelement und der Außenbehälter stufenlos ineinander übergehen.
• Ausführungsform 14: Fluidspender nach einem der vorherigen Ausführungsformen, wobei Auflageflächen an Seitenrändern des Schlitzes zur Aufnahme des Verschlusselements angeordnet sind.
• Ausführungsform 15: Fluidspender nach einem der vorherigen Ausführungsformen, wobei die Behälteröffnung eine Innenstufe und das Deckelelement eine Außenstufe aufweist, welche in die Innenstufe eingreift, wenn das Deckelelement die Behälteröffnung des Außenbehälters verschließt.
• Ausführungsform 16: Kit, aufweisend einen Fluidspender nach einem der vorstehenden Ausführungsformen, und einen mit einer Flüssigkeit befüllten Innenbehälter, wobei der Innenbehälter mit der Fluidpumpeneinheit zu einer Einheit verbindbar ist, die Einheit seitlich durch den Schlitz in das Deckelelement einführbar ist, der Innenbehälter durch die Behälteröffnung in den Außenbehälter einführbar ist, bis das Deckelelement die Behälteröffnung verschließt und der Schlitz mit dem Verschlusselement dann verschließbar ist.
• Ausführungsform 17: Kit nach Ausführungsform 16, wobei der Innenbehälter mit einer für kosmetische Anwendungen vorgesehenen Flüssigkeit, insbesondere mit einem Shampoo, Haargel, Conditioner oder Maske befüllt ist.
• Ausführungsform 18: Fluidspendervorrichtung aufweisend einen Fluidspender nach einem der Ausführungsformen 1 bis 15 und einen mit einem Fluid befüllten Innenbehälter, der mit der Fluidpumpeneinheit verbunden ist und im Außenbehälter aufgenommen ist.
• Ausführungsform 19: Fluidspender nach Ausführungsform 18, wobei der Innenbehälter aus einem im Vergleich zum Material des Außenbehälters flexiblem Plastikmaterial hergestellt ist und einen flexiblen Beutel und ein formstabiles Mundstück, welches lösbar mit der Fluidpumpeneinheit verbunden ist, aufweist.
• Ausführungsform 20: Fluidspender nach Ausführungsform 19, wobei das Mundstück und die Fluidpumpeneinheit miteinander verschraubt oder über einen Bajonettverschluss miteinander verbunden sind.
• Ausführungsform 21: Fluidspender nach Ausführungsform 20, wobei das Mundstück einen Außenanschlag aufweist, mit dem sich das Mundstück auf dem Innenanschlag des Hauptteils des Deckelements abstützt.
• Ausführungsform 22: Fluidspender nach einer der Ausführungsformen 18 bis 21, wobei der Innenbehälter mit einer für kosmetische Anwendungen vorgesehenen Flüssigkeit, insbesondere mit einem Shampoo, Haargel, Conditioner oder Maske befüllt ist.

Below, a list of various embodiments is explained which can be suitably combined with all embodiments described herein.

• Embodiment 1: Fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid, comprising a dimensionally stable outer container with a container opening, which is adapted to receive a flexible inner container, wherein the inner container can be inserted into the outer container through the container opening, a dimensionally stable lid element for closing the container opening, wherein the lid element delimits a cavity and has a first opening at a first end of the lid element, an opposite second opening at a second end of the lid element and a lateral opening extending from the first opening to the second opening. Slot which is closed by a detachable closure element of the lid element, and a fluid pump unit for detachable connection to the inner container in order to remove liquid located in the inner container, wherein the fluid pump unit and the inner container, when connected to one another, can be inserted laterally as a unit through the slot into the lid element removed from the outer container until the second opening is reached.
• Embodiment 2: Fluid dispenser according to embodiment 1, wherein the first opening of the lid element has a larger opening cross-section than the second opening of the lid element and the lid element has a stepped or continuous transition between the first opening and the second opening.
• Embodiment 3: Fluid dispenser according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the lid element has a dimensionally stable main part to which the closure element is detachably connected, wherein the main part and the closure element together form a common outer surface of the lid element when the main part and the closure element are connected to one another.
• Embodiment 4: Fluid dispenser according to embodiment 3, wherein the main part has two shell halves connected to one another on a first side and spaced apart from one another on an opposite second side to form the slot, wherein the main part has an inner stop on which the unit consisting of the fluid pump unit and the inner container is supported when the fluid pump unit and the inner container are inserted into the lid element.
• Embodiment 5: Fluid dispenser according to embodiment 4, wherein the main part has two opposing flat wall sections of the shell halves.
• Embodiment 6: Fluid dispenser according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first opening and the second opening each have a center point which lies on a center line of the lid element, wherein opposite edge regions of the slot run along two mutually parallel and spaced-apart surfaces which are parallel to the central axis.
• Embodiment 7: Fluid dispenser according to embodiment 6, wherein the closure element is closed by a movement perpendicular to the center line and parallel to the can be removed from the slot and inserted into the slot via mutually spaced surfaces, wherein in particular the movement of the closure element can be partially guided by support surfaces on the cover element.
• Embodiment 8: Fluid dispenser according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lid element releasably engages with its first end in the container opening.
• Embodiment 9: Fluid dispenser according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the outer container has a bottom and a circumferential side wall extending from the bottom, wherein the bottom and the side wall delimit a receiving space for the inner container.
• Embodiment 10: Fluid dispenser according to embodiment 9, wherein the bottom and the side wall merge integrally into one another, wherein in particular the receiving space from the bottom to the container opening has a substantially constant cross-section.
• Embodiment 11: Fluid dispenser according to one of embodiments 9 to 10, wherein the side wall has two opposing flat wall sections and two at least partially curved wall sections connecting the flat wall sections to one another.
• Embodiment 12: Fluid dispenser according to embodiment 11, wherein a maximum distance between the straight wall sections is smaller than a maximum distance between the curved wall sections.
• Embodiment 13: Fluid dispenser according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein an outer cross-section of the lid element corresponds to an outer cross-section of the outer container running parallel thereto, so that the lid element and the outer container merge seamlessly into one another.
• Embodiment 14: Fluid dispenser according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein support surfaces are arranged on side edges of the slot for receiving the closure element.
• Embodiment 15: Fluid dispenser according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the container opening has an inner step and the lid element has an outer step which engages the inner step when the lid element closes the container opening of the outer container.
• Embodiment 16: Kit comprising a fluid dispenser according to one of the preceding embodiments, and an inner container filled with a liquid, wherein the inner container can be connected to the fluid pump unit to form a unit, the unit can be inserted laterally through the slot into the lid element, the inner container can be inserted through the container opening into the outer container until the lid element closes the container opening and the slot can then be closed with the closure element.
• Embodiment 17: Kit according to embodiment 16, wherein the inner container is filled with a liquid intended for cosmetic applications, in particular with a shampoo, hair gel, conditioner or mask.
• Embodiment 18: Fluid dispenser device comprising a fluid dispenser according to one of embodiments 1 to 15 and an inner container filled with a fluid, which is connected to the fluid pump unit and is accommodated in the outer container.
• Embodiment 19: Fluid dispenser according to embodiment 18, wherein the inner container is made of a plastic material that is flexible compared to the material of the outer container and has a flexible bag and a dimensionally stable mouthpiece that is detachably connected to the fluid pump unit.
• Embodiment 20: Fluid dispenser according to embodiment 19, wherein the mouthpiece and the fluid pump unit are screwed together or connected to each other via a bayonet lock.
• Embodiment 21: Fluid dispenser according to embodiment 20, wherein the mouthpiece has an outer stop with which the mouthpiece is supported on the inner stop of the main part of the cover element.
• Embodiment 22: Fluid dispenser according to one of embodiments 18 to 21, wherein the inner container is filled with a liquid intended for cosmetic applications, in particular with a shampoo, hair gel, conditioner or mask.

Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it is within the scope of the present invention to appropriately modify the embodiments shown without departing from the scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

100

fluid dispenser

110

outer container

111

Floor

112

side wall

112a

inner stage

113

container opening

120

cover element

121

main part

121a

first opening

121b

second opening

121c

slot

121d

neck section

121e

shoulder section

121f

outdoor step

121g

support surface

122

closure element

122a

Level

123

inner stop

140

inner container

141

bag

142

mouthpiece

150

fluid pump unit

151

pump head

152

pump

153

outside stop

154

outlet

155

holder for marking element

160

marking element

Claims (15)

Fluid dispenser (100) for dispensing a fluid, comprising: a dimensionally stable outer container (110) with a container opening (113) which is adapted to receive a flexible inner container (140), wherein the inner container (140) can be inserted into the outer container (110) through the container opening (113), a dimensionally stable lid element (120) for closing the container opening (113), wherein the lid element (120) delimits a cavity and has a first opening (121a) at a first end of the lid element (120), an opposite second opening (121b) at a second end of the lid element (120) and a lateral slot (121c) extending from the first opening (121a) to the second opening (121b), which is closed by a releasable closure element (122) of the lid element (120), and a fluid pump unit (150) for detachably connecting to the inner container (140) in order to remove liquid located in the inner container (140), wherein the fluid pump unit (150) and the inner container (140), when connected to one another, can be inserted laterally as a unit through the slot (121c) into the cover element (120) removed from the outer container (110) until it reaches the second opening (121b). Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first opening (121a) of the lid element (120) has a larger opening cross-section than the second opening (121b) of the lid element (120) and the lid element has a stepped or continuous transition between the first opening (121a) and the second opening (121b). Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid element (120) has a dimensionally stable main part (121) to which the closure element (122) is detachably connected, wherein the main part (121) and the closure element (122) together form a common outer surface of the lid element (120), when the main part (121) and the closure element (122) are connected to each other. Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 3, wherein the main part (121) comprises two shell halves connected to one another on a first side and spaced apart from one another on an opposite second side to form the slot (121c), wherein the main part (121) comprises an inner stop (123) on which the unit comprising the fluid pump unit (150) and the inner container (140) is supported when the fluid pump unit (150) and the inner container (140) are inserted into the lid element (120). Fluid dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the main part (121) has two opposing flat wall sections of the shell halves. Fluid dispenser (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first opening (121a) and the second opening (121b) each have a center point lying on a center line of the cover element (120), wherein opposite edge regions of the slot (121c) extend along two mutually parallel and spaced-apart surfaces which are parallel to the central axis. Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 6, wherein the closure element (122) can be removed from the slot (121c) and inserted into the slot (121c) by a movement perpendicular to the center line and parallel to the spaced-apart surfaces, wherein in particular the movement of the closure element (122) can be partially guided by support surfaces (121g) on the lid element (120). Fluid dispenser (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element (120) releasably engages with its first end in the container opening (113). Fluid dispenser (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer container (110) has a bottom (111) and a circumferential side wall (112), wherein the bottom (111) and the side wall (112) delimit a receiving space for the inner container (140). Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 9, wherein the bottom (111) and the side wall (112) merge integrally into one another, wherein in particular the receiving space from the bottom (111) to the container opening (113) has a substantially constant cross-section. Fluid dispenser (100) according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the side wall (112) has two mutually opposite flat wall sections and two at least partially curved wall sections connecting the flat wall sections to one another. The fluid dispenser (100) of claim 11, wherein a maximum distance between the straight wall portions is smaller than a maximum distance between the curved wall portions. Fluid dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer cross-section of the cover element (120) corresponds to an outer cross-section of the outer container (110) running parallel thereto, so that the cover element (120) and the outer container (110) merge seamlessly into one another. Fluid dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein support surfaces (121g) are arranged on side edges of the slot (121c) for receiving the closure element (122). Kit, comprising: a fluid dispenser (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, and an inner container (140) filled with a liquid, wherein the inner container (140) can be connected to the fluid pump unit (150) to form a unit, the unit can be inserted laterally through the slot (121c) into the cover element (120), the inner container (140) can be inserted through the container opening (113) into the outer container (110) until the cover element (120) closes the container opening (113) and the slot (121c) can then be closed with the closure element (122).

Images