Method for refilling empty fragrance containers at a later time

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of refilling an empty container with a fragrance using a refill platform comprising a transfer system and defining a passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the method comprising: adding a preselected amount of fragrance concentrate to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the preselected amount of fragrance concentrate is transferred into the empty container through the outlet of the refill platform using the transfer system to partially fill the container; adding an amount of distilled water to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the distilled water is transferred into the partially filled container containing the fragrance concentrate through the outlet of the refill platform using the transfer system; adding an amount of ethanol to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the ethanol is transferred into the at least partially filled container containing a preselected volume of fragrance concentrate and distilled water through the outlet of the refill platform while cleaning the refill platform, such that the container is at least partially filled with fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The inventive embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods for refilling a fragrance container at a later time. BACKGROUND

[0002] Economic factors and consumer demands for cosmetics have manufacturers implementing sustainability measures in the cosmetics production process. Sustainability includes meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. SUMMARY

[0003] The inventive embodiments include a method for refilling a container with a fragrance using a refill platform comprising a transfer system and defining a passageway or conduit, e.g., a tube having an inlet and an outlet. The method includes adding a preselected amount of a fragrance concentrate to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the preselected amount of the fragrance concentrate is transferred into the container through the outlet of the refill platform using the transfer system to partially fill the container. The method further includes adding an amount of distilled water to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the distilled water is transferred into the partially filled container containing the fragrance concentrate through the outlet of the refill platform using the transfer system. The method further includes adding an amount of ethanol to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the ethanol is transferred into the at least partially filled container containing a preselected volume of fragrance concentrate and distilled water through the outlet of the refill platform while cleaning the refill platform, such that the container is at least partially filled with fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals can describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes can represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0005] Figure 1 A front side of a fragrance refill platform is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0006] Figure 2 An example of components of a refill platform is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0007] Figure 3 A flowchart showing a refill of a refillable container is shown.

[0008] FIG. 4a shows a schematic of components showing transfer of a formulation concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol from their storage reservoirs to a formulation reservoir.

[0009] Figure 4b shows a schematic diagram illustrating the components used to transfer formulation concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol from the formulation reservoir to a refillable container. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Inventive embodiments include a method for refilling a container with fragrance using a refill platform comprising a transfer system. In some embodiments, the refill platform defines a channel. In other embodiments, the refill platform comprises a conduit, such as a tube having an inlet and an outlet. The method includes adding a preselected amount of fragrance concentrate to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the preselected amount of fragrance concentrate is transferred to the container via the outlet of the refill platform using the transfer system to partially fill the container. The method further includes adding a quantity of distilled water to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the distilled water is transferred via the outlet of the refill platform using the transfer system to the partially filled container containing the fragrance concentrate. The method further includes adding a quantity of ethanol to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein, while cleaning the refill platform, the ethanol is transferred via the outlet of the refill platform to at least a partially filled container containing a preselected volume of fragrance concentrate and distilled water, such that the container is at least partially filled with fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol.

[0011] Although this specification concludes with claims that specifically point out and clearly claim protection for the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description.

[0012] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in the specification and accompanying claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the context of this application, the term “may” means “permitted” or “capable” and is synonymous with the term “may.” As used herein, the term “may” does not imply possibility or chance. In the context of this application, the term “and / or” refers to one or the other or both. For example, an aqueous solution of A and / or B refers to an aqueous solution of A alone, an aqueous solution of B alone, and an aqueous solution of a combination of A and B.

[0013] As used herein, the term "refill platform" refers to a structure that receives liquid from each of the fragrance concentrate reservoir, distilled water reservoir, and ethanol reservoir and transfers the liquid to a refillable container.

[0014] As used herein, the term “transfer system” refers to a tube, channel, or other conduit used to transfer liquid from an inlet to a refillable container.

[0015] As used herein, the term "preselected amount of fragrance" refers to the fragrance selected by the user using the graphical user interface (GUI), and the corresponding weight or volume of fragrance dispensed into the refillable bottle. When the user selects a fragrance, the weight or volume of fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol is calculated.

[0016] The terms "bottle" and "container" are used interchangeably herein. In some embodiments, the container is empty before refilling. In other embodiments, the container contains fragrance liquid or vapor before refilling.

[0017] Using the methods disclosed herein, consumers can refill their empty air freshener bottles later. The air freshener bottles can be transparent, opaque, or a combination of both, and utilize a simple user interface without complex manipulation.

[0018] The inventive embodiments disclosed herein enable the subsequent filling or refilling of fragrance containers. A user selects one fragrance from several fragrances. In one embodiment, the user attaches the refillable container to a pump such as a crimp pump or screw pump for refilling. In some embodiments, the refillable container includes a code, such as a barcode that enables the refillable container to be attached to a refill platform and transfer system.

[0019] The refillable container is at least partially filled with the selected fragrance concentrate. Each fragrance can be dispensed at a concentration of up to 20% w / w using the same refill platform. The refillable container is sequentially refilled with the fragrance concentrate, then partially refilled with distilled water, and then partially refilled with ethanol. The final refill with ethanol serves a dual purpose: adding a component to the refillable container and cleaning components that have come into contact with the fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol. In some embodiments, the fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol are mixed within the refillable container.

[0020] It has been surprisingly discovered that refilling the fragrance container sequentially with fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol provides the user with a fragrance that has the same sensory properties as the original fragrance.

[0021] In the embodiments described herein, the refill platform is adapted to work with multiple fragrance concentrates and multiple refillable bottles that are different from each other. Each fragrance concentrate is stored in a separate reservoir. In some embodiments, the refillable containers are filled one at a time. The refillable containers disclosed herein have not been specifically developed to form part of the filling platform. Before refilling, the liquid in the fragrance containers is emptied.

[0022] Figure 1The front side of a fragrance refill platform 100 according to some embodiments is shown. The fragrance refill platform 100 includes a housing 105 for receiving fragrance concentrate formulation reservoirs, distilled water reservoirs, and ethanol reservoirs; a dispensing system for each of the fragrance formulation reservoirs, distilled water reservoirs, and ethanol reservoirs; and formulation reservoirs and a control computer. The front of the housing 105 for the fragrance refill platform 100 may include a display screen 110 for a GUI and an opening 115 for placing a container 125 to be refilled. In one embodiment, the container 125 to be refilled is placed on a stand including a weighing sensor 130, which measures the weight of the container 125, as well as any residue and the dispensed formulation. In other embodiments, a piston or syringe is calibrated to dispense a pre-selected amount of material. Above the container placement area may be storage and transfer conduits 120 for fragrance concentrate formulations, distilled water, and ethanol. In one embodiment, a crimp pump 121 is attached to the refillable container 125. In some embodiments, the stand also includes a mixer for mixing all ingredients added to the container. Suitable mixers include vortex mixers, magnetic stirring mixers, and vibratory mixers, or other types of mixers. In some embodiments, the mixer is detachable from the fragrance refill platform. In other embodiments, the mixer is an assembly of the fragrance refill platform 10. In some embodiments, the mixer is an assembly of the stand.

[0023] The exterior of the housing may have a display screen 110 for displaying the GUI. The display screen 110 may be a touchscreen, allowing the user to manipulate controls on the screen by touching it with their fingers. The fragrance refill platform may also have a keyboard and mouse attached for the user to connect to the GUI. The housing may also have a set of proprietary controls for the user to connect to the GUI. The GUI may also be accessed and / or displayed on a communication device (e.g., a smartphone, personal computer, tablet computer, personal digital assistant), server computer, and / or communication network.

[0024] The GUI connects to a control computer housed within the enclosure. The control computer generates images for display on the GUI screen. The control computer receives input from the GUI regarding the desired fragrance from the user. The control computer can also generate messages to be displayed on the GUI screen, such as when the fragrance concentrate formulation is insufficient or a problem with the dispensing system is detected. Based on the input received for the desired fragrance and the corresponding concentrations of distilled water and ethanol, the control computer calculates the amounts of each fragrance formulation, distilled water, and ethanol to produce the final desired fragrance.

[0025] Figure 2Examples of components of a fragrance refill platform 200 according to some embodiments are shown. The components of the fragrance refill platform 200 include a control computer 205. The control computer 205 generates a GUI for a user to connect to the fragrance refill platform. The user can interact with the GUI on a display screen 510 attached to the housing of the fragrance refill platform. The user can also interact with the GUI on a mobile device, such as a smartphone 215 or a tablet computer or other communication device (e.g., a personal computer, personal digital assistant), a server computer, and / or a communication network, which can communicate via, for example, Wi-Fi or... A wireless network is connected to control computer 205. Control computer 205 can receive input from a GUI such as a display screen 210, a smartphone 215, or other communication devices, and based on the input, control computer can determine the amount of ingredients required to produce the final fragrance formulation. Control computer 205 can initiate the dispensing sequence of the final fragrance formulation. Control computer 205 controls each of the liquid dispensing systems, such as dispensing system 1225 for dispensing fragrance concentrate, dispenser system 2230 for dispensing distilled water, and dispenser system 3235 for dispensing ethanol.

[0026] Although a reservoir is shown, the fragrance dispensing system can have any number of reservoirs for each fragrance type being dispensed. The liquid dispensing system depends on the number of fragrance concentrates the fragrance refill platform is configured to support. Control computer 205 communicates with weighing sensor 240 to receive weight information from it. Based on the information received from weighing sensor 240, control computer 205 controls the flow of liquid from the liquid dispensing system, such as dispenser system 1 for dispensing fragrance concentrate 225.

[0027] Each dispenser system can be configured to dispense a specific liquid to enable the dispensing of a final formulation. Dispenser systems may include mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, optical, or magnetic components.

[0028] Figure 3A flowchart illustrating technique 300 for dispensing fragrance into refillable containers using a liquid dispensing system is shown. Technique 300 includes a user selecting a fragrance using a user interface. The technique includes receiving an input of a certain amount of fragrance concentrate and calculating the amounts of distilled water and ethanol in the fragrance concentrate. Technique 300 includes operation 302 of actuating an electric motor to operate a pump, wherein the electric motor is computer-controlled, for example, by a vending machine controller in some embodiments, and the fragrance concentrate is drawn from a reservoir into the pump through a first valve. In some embodiments, the reservoir is a glass container that is vacuum-sealed relative to the liquid contained therein. Technique 300 includes operation 304 of stopping the electric motor, piston, or peristaltic pump when the pump reaches a predetermined position. Technique 300 includes operation 306 of receiving a signal at a control computer for dispensing a measured amount of fragrance concentrate. Systems such as refillable container dispensing systems may employ multiple liquid dispensing reservoirs for each fragrance formulation, the liquid dispensing reservoirs being able to add ingredients in a specific order. Upon receiving a request for a fragrance, the fragrance dispensing system calculates the measured amounts of each fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol to generate a dispensing signal, which is then sent to the control computer. This signal allows the fragrance to be dispensed into refillable containers. Once refilling of the refillable containers begins, the control computer signals the mixer to mix the dispensed liquids within the refillable containers.

[0029] Technology 300 includes operation 308 of actuating the pump. Technology 300 includes operation 310 of detecting weight changes at a load cell, wherein the load cell is located below the pump and configured to support a refillable container. The load cell has a weight sensor. Therefore, when the fragrance concentrate is dispensed and received into the refillable container on the load cell, the load cell records the weight change. The load cell may be configured to have a volume sensor to determine the dispensed liquid volume. Technology 300 includes operation 312 of transmitting a signal from the load cell to a control computer, wherein the signal contains weight-related data. When the load cell detects a weight change, the weight change data is sent to the control computer.

[0030] Technique 300 includes operation 314 to stop the motor when the control computer determines that weight data received from the weighing sensor indicates that a measured amount of fragrance concentrate has been dispensed. The control computer can stop the dispensing of fragrance concentrate by pausing the movement of the motor. The technique includes a step of dispensing distilled water after the fragrance concentrate, which includes starting a pump to transfer distilled water from a reservoir to a refillable container. The transfer continues until the weighing sensor detects a weight change in the refillable container that coincides with a weight setpoint in the control computer. When the setpoint or limit is reached, the control computer pauses the movement of the pump.

[0031] The technique includes a step of dispensing ethanol after the flavoring concentrate, which involves activating a pump to transfer distilled water from a reservoir to a refillable container. The transfer continues until a weighing sensor detects a weight change in the refillable container that coincides with a weight setpoint in a control computer. When the setpoint or limit is reached, the control computer pauses the pump's movement. The user then separates the refillable container from the refillable platform.

[0032] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a liquid dispensing system 400 according to some embodiments for dispensing one of the components, namely a concentrated fragrance, in a refillable platform. The liquid dispensing system 400 utilizes a pump 410 to draw liquid into a storage chamber 415 having a piston 420. When the formulation reservoir 425 is connected, a control computer 405 activates the pump 410 connected to the storage chamber 415 to begin an initialization procedure. The pump 410 can cause the piston 420 to move downwards. The suction created by the downward movement of the piston 420 draws liquid from the fragrance formulation reservoir 425 through a pipe interface adapter 430 and into a pipe A 435 of the liquid dispensing system 400. The liquid is drawn through pipe A 435 and into an inner tube 440. The inner tube 440 is connected to the piston 420 and moves up and down with the piston 420 inside pipe A 435. The inner tube 440 has an opening at its bottom near the piston 420, allowing liquid to flow into the reservoir 415 near the position of the piston 420. The piston 420 moves downward as the pump 410 pulls it down and draws more liquid from the preparation cartridge 425 into the reservoir 415. A magnetic sensor 445 is positioned at the maximum extension of the piston 420 such that when the piston 420 reaches its maximum extension, the magnetic sensor 445 sends a signal to the control computer 405 to stop liquid extraction. Other sensing methods are also contemplated. The magnetic sensor 445 holds the piston 420 in place. The reservoir 415 can now hold sufficient liquid for maximum dispensing. In other embodiments, a piston without a sensor is used.

[0033] When the initial flavoring formulation is dispensed, the control computer 405 sends a command to the pump 455. The pump 455 draws liquid through pipe B 450 and discharges the liquid through pipe C 460. The liquid is dispensed through nozzle 465 into a refillable container 470. The refillable container 470 is placed on a balance 475 equipped with a weight sensor. The weight sensor of the balance 475 communicates with the control computer 405. When the control computer 405 determines that a signal from the balance 475 indicates that the amount of liquid dispensed is equal to the target dispensing amount, the control computer 405 commands the pump 455 to stop dispensing.

[0034] During dispensing, piston 420 is held in place with the magnet, and sensor 445 senses the movement as the piston moves. The vacuum created by pump 455 pulling the liquid in reservoir 415 causes more liquid to flow from formulation cartridge 425 into reservoir 415. By keeping piston 420 in a static position, it is ensured that the amount of liquid stored in reservoir 415 is sufficient for maximum dispensing. When all contents of formulation reservoir 425 are emptied, the vacuum created by pump 455 pulling the liquid in reservoir 415, without other liquid filling reservoir 415, causes piston 420 to rise and disconnect from magnetic sensor 445 as the pump dispenses product. When the connection between piston 420 and magnetic sensor 445 is disconnected, magnetic sensor 445 sends a signal to control computer 405 indicating that such disconnection has occurred. Control computer 405 can, for example, send an alarm to GUI indicating that reservoir 425 is empty and needs replacement. The liquid dispensing system 400 utilizes the benefits of the storage chamber 415 in this way to ensure that even when the formulation cartridge 425 is emptied, the liquid dispensing system 400 still has sufficient liquid stored in the storage chamber to allow for maximum dispensing before the formulation cartridge 425 is replaced. Additionally, this prevents waste of liquid in the fragrance formulation reservoir 425, as the fragrance formulation reservoir 425 is completely emptied before indicating that it is ready to be replaced. At the end of dispensing, in some embodiments, a vacuum may be reapplied to align the storage chamber or piston with the magnetic sensor.

[0035] In the embodiment of Figure 4, any type of position sensor can be used instead of magnetic sensor 445. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the balance may include any form of sensor for measuring weight or force applied under gravity, and may include a piezoelectric arrangement or an electromechanical arrangement. Arrangement 400 can be used to deliver each of distilled water and ethanol from their respective reservoirs to a refillable container.

[0036] Although the automated refill system has been disclosed, it should be understood that refills can be performed manually by a beauty assistant or the consumer.

[0037] The inventive embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be freely modified within the scope of the patent claims stated below.

Claims

1. A method for sequentially refilling a container with an aromatant and cleaning the refill platform using a refill platform including a transfer system and defining channels having an inlet and an outlet, the method comprising: A preselected amount of fragrance concentrate is added to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the preselected amount of fragrance concentrate is transferred to the container through the outlet of the refill platform using the transfer system to partially fill the container; After the pre-selected amount of fragrance concentrate travels through the refill platform to the container, a certain amount of distilled water, as a component of the final fragrance formulation, is added to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the distilled water is transferred through the outlet of the refill platform to a partially filled container containing the fragrance concentrate using the transfer system. After a certain amount of distilled water travels through the refill platform to reach the container, a certain amount of ethanol, as a component of the final fragrance formulation, is added to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein, while cleaning the refill platform, the ethanol is transferred through the outlet of the refill platform to a container at least partially filled with a pre-selected volume of fragrance concentrate and distilled water, such that the container is at least partially filled with fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the container, which is at least partially filled with a preselected volume of fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and alcohol, is opaque.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the container, which is at least partially filled with a preselected volume of fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and alcohol, is transparent.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the refill platform further comprises a user interface, the user interface comprising a display in which a user selects the fragrance concentrate from an array of more than one fragrance.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein selecting the fragrance agent further selects the amount of distilled water and ethanol added to the empty container to be refilled.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a neck and a crimping pump thereon.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a neck and a screw pump thereon.

8. The method of claim 4, further comprising: Receive input from the user interface to select at least one fragrance concentrate; Calculate the target amounts of each fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol in the fragrance concentrate; as well as Distribute the calculated target amounts of fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol to form a fragrance for refilling the container.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising mixing the fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol in the refillable container.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the fragrance and water are delivered to the refillable container prior to the ethanol.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein ethanol is finally added to the refillable container.

12. A method for refilling a container with a fragrance using a refilling platform including a transfer system and defining channels having an inlet and an outlet, the fragrance imparting the same sensory properties as the original fragrance, the method comprising: A preselected amount of fragrance concentrate is added to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the preselected amount of fragrance concentrate is transferred to the container through the outlet of the refill platform using the transfer system to partially fill the container; After the pre-selected amount of fragrance concentrate travels through the refill platform to the container, a certain amount of distilled water, as a component of the final fragrance formulation, is added to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the distilled water is transferred through the outlet of the refill platform to the partially filled container containing the fragrance concentrate using the transfer system. After a certain amount of distilled water travels through the refill platform to reach the container, a certain amount of ethanol, as a component of the final fragrance formulation, is added to the inlet of the refill platform, and the ethanol is transferred through the outlet of the refill platform to the container, which is at least partially filled with a pre-selected volume of fragrance concentrate and distilled water, so that the fragrance formulation has the same sensory properties as the original fragrance.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the refill platform further comprises a user interface, the user interface comprising a display in which a user selects the fragrance concentrate from an array of more than one fragrance.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein selecting the fragrance further selects the amount of distilled water and ethanol added to the empty container to be refilled.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Receive input from the user interface to select at least one fragrance concentrate; Calculate the target amounts of each fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol in the fragrance concentrate; as well as Distribute the calculated target amounts of fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol to form a fragrance for refilling the container.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising mixing the fragrance concentrate, distilled water, and ethanol in the refillable container.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the fragrance and water are delivered to the refillable container prior to the ethanol.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein ethanol is finally added to the refillable container.

19. A method for refilling a container with fragrance without waste using a refilling platform including a transfer system and defining channels having an inlet and an outlet, the method comprising: A preselected amount of fragrance concentrate is added to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the preselected amount of fragrance concentrate is transferred to the container through the outlet of the refill platform using the transfer system to partially fill the container; After the pre-selected amount of fragrance concentrate travels through the refill platform to the container, a certain amount of distilled water, as a component of the final fragrance formulation, is added to the inlet of the refill platform, wherein the distilled water is transferred through the outlet of the refill platform to the partially filled container containing the fragrance concentrate using the transfer system. After a certain amount of distilled water travels through the refill platform to reach the container, a certain amount of ethanol, as a component of the final fragrance formulation, is added to the inlet of the refill platform to effectively clean the refill platform and maintain the sensory properties of the fragrance, and the ethanol is transferred through the outlet of the refill platform to the container, which is at least partially filled with a pre-selected volume of fragrance concentrate and distilled water.

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