Tracking system, master distribution device, and tracking method

Abstract

A tracking system (1) for tracking the distribution of consumable products, comprising: a main container (2) having a main volume for containing a stock of consumable products or containing a stock of consumable products; and at least one secondary container (3) having a secondary volume for containing or containing a consumable product, where the secondary volume is smaller than the main volume of the main container. The main container (2) further comprises a tracking device (4) comprising at least one identification element (45) provided with an identification code (43) for identifying the consumable product. The identification element (45) is detachably engaged with the main container (2), and the identification element (45) is configured or can be configured to engage with the secondary container (3) when the identification element (45) is disengaged from the main container (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for tracking the distribution of consumable products. The present invention also relates to a method for tracking the distribution of consumable products. The present invention also relates to a method for tracking components of a tracking system. Background Art

[0002] In the pharmaceutical field, drug tracking systems are known. US2002 / 093189 A1 describes a container with a label on which half of the drug's identification code is engraved; when the drug is administered, the person administering the drug prints out a medical prescription, tears off the other half of the identification code from the medical prescription and applies the other half to the container so that the two halves are adjacent and the entire code can be read by an electronic reader to confirm the correctness of the drug to be administered. The document "Multi-flag Medication Barcode Labels" shows an insulin container with multiple labels indicating the batch of insulin, which can be torn off from the container to be applied to a sterile single-dose syringe used to administer the drug. Therefore, all of these systems involve disposable containers that cannot be refilled and reused for safety and hygiene reasons.

[0003] On the contrary, the present invention is applicable to public or private environments, such as industrial environments, offices or hotels, in which containers for dispensing consumable products are provided. The present invention has preferred application in the field of dispensing cosmetic products. The term "consumable product" means a product that is intended to be used or consumed, such as a powdered product, a granular product, a paste product, a liquid product or a fluid product. For example, "consumable product" means a disinfectant, a detergent, a liquid soap, a foam bath, a shampoo, a cream or other cosmetic product.

[0004] In line with ecological principles of reducing plastic waste and carbon footprint, which are now integrated into consumers' daily practices and in some respects standardized by law, containers for consumable products must be reused and therefore filled regularly.

[0005] In this case, one or more containers are filled with a consumable product which in turn comes from another container having a storage function for the consumable product, which usually has a larger volume than the volume of the container to be filled.

[0006] Specifically, a consumable product distribution chain utilizes a primary container to store inventory of consumable products upstream and one or more secondary containers to distribute the consumable products to downstream end-users. The consumable product is dispensed from the primary container to at least one secondary container via an operation for repeatedly filling the secondary container, such as a manual operation performed by a specialized operator. The secondary container is configured to perform a predetermined filling cycle, such as after being substantially emptied, after a predetermined time interval, or after a predetermined number of consumable product dispensing cycles have been completed for the end-user. For example, the primary container is made of a cellulose-based material or a plastic material, such as a primary container made of a rigid material or a flexible-walled packaging member.

[0007] In this discussion, "end user" means a user who uses or consumes the consumable product, such as to clean or disinfect a part of the user's body.

[0008] In this discussion, "dispensing" to an end user means allocating, metering, pouring, spraying or atomizing intended for use or consumption by the end user.

[0009] In the context of this sector, one problem that arises is the inability to trace the origin of a refilled consumable product in a specific container in a definitive and reliable manner over time.

[0010] This aspect is crucial in the event that the end user has problems with the consumable product, for example in the event of an allergic reaction in the end user, or in the event of contamination during dispensing operations between containers, or in the event of accidental ingestion of the consumable product by a child.

[0011] Furthermore, industry regulations formally require the monitoring of consumable products, in particular their properties and distribution. For example, in the field of cosmetics, Regulation 1223 / 2009 requires the traceability of production batches.

[0012] The industry has experienced difficulties in ensuring the traceability of consumable products. Likewise, the sector has found it difficult to monitor the use and lifespan of containers and components used to dispense consumable products in a simple and effective manner. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to propose a tracking system and a method for tracking the distribution of consumable products in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a tracking system that allows efficient and reliable monitoring of the distribution of consumable products between containers.

[0015] The object of the present invention is to provide an operator in charge of refilling consumable products with a tracking system of simple structure and a tracking method that is intuitive and easy to replicate on a large scale.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tracking system and method that can comply with legal obligations.

[0017] The object of the present invention is to monitor the life cycle of a container in a deterministic manner based on the number of uses.

[0018] These and other objects are achieved by a system for tracking the dispensing of consumable products according to claim 1 and a method for tracking the dispensing of consumable products according to claim 10. The claims dependent on these claims relate to preferred embodiments having additional advantageous technical effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention is described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 A tracking system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 and Figure 2a The main container of the tracking system in two other embodiments is shown respectively;

[0022] Figure 3 A secondary container of a tracking system in another embodiment is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 A secondary container of a tracking system in another embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 5 A primary dispensing device is shown in a further embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the figures, reference numeral 1 generally designates a system for tracking the dispensing of consumable products. The present invention has preferred application in the field of dispensing cosmetic products; therefore, the consumable products are cosmetic products. The term "cosmetic product" refers to products (in the form of liquids, fluids, creams, gels, lotions, etc.) used to cleanse, scent, or hydrate the skin, body, face, or hair, such as cleansers, disinfectants, soaps, bubble baths, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, facial creams, and body creams.

[0026] According to the invention, a tracking system 1 comprises a main container 2 comprising a tracking device 4 .

[0027] The main container 2 is provided with a main chamber having a main volume for containing a consumable product.

[0028] In one embodiment, the consumable product may be contained in the main chamber.

[0029] In one embodiment, the consumable product is contained in the main chamber.

[0030] The primary container 2 contains, or is adapted to contain, a stock of consumable products in a primary chamber.

[0031] "Stock" means a stockpile intended to be stored in a specific environment, generally away from moisture, heat, and light sources, and intended to be filled into a secondary container.

[0032] In one embodiment, the main volume is between 0.8 litres and 1000 litres, preferably between 1 litre and 50 litres, even more preferably between 1.5 litres and 15 litres, such as approximately 10 litres.

[0033] In one embodiment, the main volume is about 1 liter or about 5 liters.

[0034] In one embodiment, the primary container is Pallecon brand.

[0035] In one embodiment, the tracking system comprises a secondary container 3 provided with a secondary chamber having a secondary volume for containing a consumable product to be dispensed to an end user.

[0036] In one embodiment, the consumable product may be contained in the secondary chamber.

[0037] In one embodiment, the consumable product is contained in the secondary chamber.

[0038] The secondary container 3 contains, or is adapted to contain, a consumable product to be dispensed to an end user.

[0039] In one embodiment, the secondary volume is between 0.1 liter and 5 liters, preferably between 0.25 and 2.5 liters, even more preferably between 0.5 liter and 1 liter, such as approximately 0.66 liter or approximately 0.75 liter.

[0040] According to the invention, the secondary volume is smaller than the main volume.

[0041] In one embodiment, the primary volume is smaller than the secondary volume. This embodiment has a preferred application, for example, in the following situations: the consumable product contained in the primary chamber of the primary container is of a highly concentrated type and is intended to be diluted, for example mixed with water in the secondary chamber of the secondary container.

[0042] In one embodiment, the primary volume is an integer multiple of the secondary volume. In other words, the secondary volume is an integer fraction of the primary volume.

[0043] In one embodiment, the tracking system 1 comprises a plurality of secondary containers 3 .

[0044] In one embodiment, the secondary containers 3 in the plurality of secondary containers 3 all have the same secondary volume.

[0045] In one embodiment, all or part of the plurality of secondary containers 3 have different secondary volumes. In the most common use case, the product contained in the primary container is gradually depleted due to a variable and unpredictable number of filling cycles of the secondary containers.

[0046] In one embodiment, the main volume is such that the sum of the secondary volumes of the secondary containers 3 is equal to or smaller than the main volume.

[0047] In one embodiment, the secondary container 3 includes a secondary distribution device 6, which is configured to allow and / or prevent fluid communication between the environment outside the secondary chamber and the secondary distribution opening connected to the secondary chamber. The secondary distribution device 6 is, for example, located at the end of the neck of the secondary container 2, preferably threaded at the end of the neck of the secondary container 2.

[0048] In one embodiment, the secondary dispensing device 6 is a pump dispenser, the secondary dispensing device 6 being, for example, manual or automatic, operatively connected to the secondary chamber.

[0049] In one embodiment, the secondary dispensing device 6 is a valve.

[0050] In one embodiment, the secondary dispensing device 6 is a cap, such as a screw cap, a flip cap or a snap cap.

[0051] In one embodiment, the secondary dispensing device 6 comprises a threaded attachment portion.

[0052] In one embodiment, the secondary dispensing device 6 can be configured as a use configuration in which the consumable product is allowed to be dispensed or distributed from the secondary chamber to the outside, and the secondary dispensing device 6 can be configured as a refilling configuration in which the consumable product is allowed to enter the secondary chamber from the outside while the secondary dispensing device 6 remains engaged with the secondary container 3, for example, remains threadedly connected to the neck of the secondary container 2.

[0053] In one embodiment, the secondary container 3 includes one or more indicator elements, such as thickened or raised notches on the outer surface of the secondary container, to indicate the level of consumable product in the secondary chamber, corresponding to an indication of a possible, required, or recommended fill level of the secondary container. Preferably, the indicator elements are positioned to indicate a 1.5 liter volume portion between the indicator elements, or to indicate a volume portion relative to the bottom of the secondary container.

[0054] According to the present invention, the tracking device 4 comprises a plurality of identification elements 45 , each of which is provided with an identification code 43 , which is used to identify the consumable product.

[0055] Preferably, the identification code 43 identifies the consumable product contained in the primary chamber of the primary container 2 or the consumable product intended to be located in the primary chamber of the primary container 2 .

[0056] In this discussion, "identification code" means a set of conventional markings that allow a consumable product to be clearly identified. In particular, the identification code allows the production batch of the consumable product to be clearly identified. In other words, the identification code makes it possible to track the production characteristics of the consumable product (e.g., date, location, type of production process).

[0057] In one embodiment, the identification code includes or consists of a numeric code.

[0058] In one embodiment, the identification code comprises or consists of an alphabetic code.

[0059] In one embodiment, the identification code includes or consists of a graphic code, such as a graphic code based on a graphic or a symbol.

[0060] In one embodiment, the identification code comprises or consists of a barcode.

[0061] In one embodiment, the identification code comprises or consists of a color code.

[0062] In one embodiment, the identification code includes or consists of a QR code.

[0063] In one embodiment, the identification code comprises or consists of a tactile code, for example a low-relief based tactile code.

[0064] In one embodiment, the identification code comprises or consists of unambiguous symbols according to a raised tactile reading and writing system for visually impaired and blind persons, for example according to the Braille language.

[0065] In one embodiment, the identification code comprises or consists of a compound that reflects light visible to the naked eye. For example, in one embodiment, the identification code is made of graphite or ink, for example printed or written with ink.

[0066] In one embodiment, the identification code comprises or consists of a compound that reflects light outside the visible spectrum, i.e., outside the range of 380 nm to 750 nm. For example, in one embodiment, the identification code is made of reversible invisible ink or ink that is sensitive to ultraviolet light.

[0067] According to the present invention, the identification element 45 is detachably engaged with the primary container 2 , and the identification element 45 is configured or can be configured to be engaged with the secondary container 3 when the identification element 45 is detached from the primary container 2 .

[0068] Preferably, the separation from the main container 2 and / or the joining with the secondary container 3 can be achieved by manual operation of an operator in charge of refilling the secondary container 3 .

[0069] In one embodiment, the identification element 45 is a primarily planar element, for example made of a plastic material or a cellulose-based or paper-based material.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the identification element 45 is a plate.

[0071] In one embodiment, the identification element 45 is a label, such as an adhesive label or a double-sided adhesive label.

[0072] In one embodiment, the tracking device 4 comprises a plurality of identification elements 45 , each identification element 45 being provided with an identification code 43 identifying, for example, a consumable product contained or intended to be contained in the main chamber of the main container 2 .

[0073] In one embodiment, the number of identification elements 45 is equal to or greater than the number of filling cycles of at least one secondary container 3 .

[0074] In one embodiment, almost by default, the number of identification elements 45 is approximated by dividing the primary volume of the primary container 2 by the secondary volume of the secondary container 3 .

[0075] In one embodiment, the secondary container 3 is designed to perform a predetermined maximum number of filling cycles of the secondary chamber, for example, after the secondary chamber is substantially empty, after a predetermined number of consumable product dispenses to an end user, or after a predetermined time period. The secondary container 3 is designed to perform at least two filling cycles of the secondary chamber, i.e., the secondary container 3 is not a single-use container. Therefore, the secondary container 3 includes a tracking area 30 configured to accommodate at least two identification elements 45.

[0076] In one embodiment, the secondary container 3 comprises a tracking area 30 configured to accommodate a predetermined maximum number of identification elements 45 equal to a predetermined maximum number of filling cycles.

[0077] In one embodiment, the tracking area 30 includes a predetermined seating portion, such as a special field, such as a numbered special field, for engaging the identification element 45 .

[0078] In one embodiment, the tracking area 30 is a free area of the secondary container 3 suitable for receiving the identification element 45 .

[0079] After reaching the maximum number of filling cycles, the secondary container 3 must be temporarily or permanently deactivated, i.e. the secondary container 3 can no longer be used to dispense consumable products to end users, e.g. the secondary container 3 must be cleaned or sterilized, or the secondary container 3 must be disposed of.

[0080] For example, in one embodiment, the secondary container 3 is intended to perform a maximum of five filling cycles of the secondary chamber. In this embodiment, the tracking area 30 is configured to accommodate a maximum of five identification elements 45.

[0081] In one embodiment, the identification element 45 is engaged with the main container 2 by a snap-fit connection or by a form or force connection or by gluing.

[0082] In one embodiment, the identification element 45 is engaged with the main container 2 by means of a support 41 which is engaged with the main container 2 and is intended to remain engaged with the main container 2 .

[0083] For example, in one embodiment, the support 41 is glued or welded to the main container 2. For example, the support 41 is a label holder or a substrate, and the identification element 45 is reversibly attached or reversibly attachable to the support 41, for example, the identification element 45 can be mechanically detached from the support 41.

[0084] In one embodiment, the support 41 is made integrally with the container wall of the main container 2 , ie is made in one piece, for example from a plastic material by a co-molding, injection molding or casting molding process.

[0085] In one embodiment, the identification element 45 is engaged with the support 41 by a snap-fit connection or by a form or force connection or by gluing.

[0086] In one embodiment, the identification element 45 is engaged with the support 41 or with the main container 2 via a tearable portion, for example by manual action of an operator in charge of refilling, for example the identification element 45 comprises a weakened portion.

[0087] In one embodiment, the identification element 45 is configured or can be configured to engage with the secondary container 3 by gluing or by a snap connection or by a form or force connection.

[0088] In the initial state of the identification element 45, the identification element 45 is engaged with the primary container 2 directly or through the support 41. In the intermediate state of the identification element 45, the identification element 45 is disengaged from the primary container 2 or from the support 41. In the final state of the identification element 45, the identification element 45 is engaged with the secondary container.

[0089] In one embodiment, the identification element 45 in the intermediate state is not suitable for engagement with the secondary container 3, for example to the extent that the identification element 45 comprises a removable adhesive cover layer that externally covers the adhesive connection portion. Starting from the intermediate state, the identification element 45 can be configured to be in a second intermediate state in which the identification element 45 is suitable for engagement with the secondary container 3, for example by removing the external adhesive cover layer and exposing the adhesive connection portion.

[0090] In one embodiment, the main container 2 includes a main dispensing device 5 engaged with the main container 2, and the main dispensing device 5 is configured to allow and / or prevent fluid communication between the environment outside the main chamber and the dispensing opening connected to the main chamber. The main dispensing device 5 is, for example, located at the end of the neck of the main container 2, preferably threaded at the end of the neck of the main container 2.

[0091] In one embodiment, the primary dispensing device 5 is a pump dispenser, eg manual or automatic, fluidly connected to the primary chamber.

[0092] In one embodiment, the primary dispensing device 5 is a valve.

[0093] In one embodiment, the primary dispensing device 5 is a cap.

[0094] In one embodiment, the primary dispensing device 5 comprises a threaded attachment portion.

[0095] In one embodiment, the primary dispensing device 5 comprises at least one auxiliary identification element 55 suitable for identifying the number of times the primary dispensing device 5 has been removed from a primary container 2 and applied to another primary container 2 .

[0096] Preferably, the auxiliary identification element 55 is engaged with the main dispensing device 5 in a detachable, deformable, tearable, perforable or other destructible manner to give a visual signal to the operator of the change in the usage status of the main dispensing device 5 .

[0097] In one embodiment, the auxiliary identification element 55 is provided with an auxiliary identification code identifying the number of times the primary dispensing device 5 has been removed from a primary container 2 and engaged with another primary container 2 .

[0098] In one embodiment, the primary dispensing device 5 is intended to be reused a predetermined maximum number of reuses, ie the maximum number of times the primary dispensing device 5 has been removed from a primary container 2 and engaged with another primary container 2 .

[0099] After reaching the maximum number of filling cycles, the primary dispensing device 5 must be temporarily or permanently deactivated, i.e. the primary dispensing device 5 can no longer be reused to dispense consumable products from the primary chamber, e.g. the primary dispensing device 5 must be cleaned or sterilized, or the primary dispensing device 5 must be disposed of.

[0100] In one embodiment, the primary dispensing device 5 comprises a number of auxiliary identification elements 55 equal to the maximum number of reuses of the primary dispensing device 5 .

[0101] The characteristics described above in connection with the identification element 45 associated with the consumable product also apply to the auxiliary identification element 55 .

[0102] The characteristics described above for the identification code 43 associated with the consumable product also apply to the auxiliary identification code associated with the dispensing device.

[0103] In one embodiment, the main dispensing device 5 includes an auxiliary support 59, for example, a planar auxiliary support 59, such as an auxiliary support 59 made of paper, plastic or metal, and the auxiliary identification element 55 is marked (printed, drawn or folded) on the auxiliary support 59 in the form of an area that can be separated, penetrated, torn, perforated or deformed on the auxiliary support 59. Preferably, the auxiliary support 59 is supported by the main dispensing device 5, for example, by the straw 51 of the manual pump.

[0104] After the secondary chamber of the secondary container 3 is filled with the consumable product from the primary container 2, the operator in charge of the refilling operation separates, tears, deforms, pierces or perforates the auxiliary identification element 55. Before the secondary chamber of the secondary container 3 is filled with the consumable product from the primary container 2, if there is no auxiliary identification element 55 to be torn or pierced, the operator in charge of the refilling operation does not carry out the filling but deactivates the primary dispensing device 5.

[0105] In one embodiment, the primary container 2 includes a handle 20 that can be used by an operator responsible for refilling the secondary container 3 to tilt the primary container 2 to facilitate discharge of the consumable product from the primary chamber, such as through the dispensing opening.

[0106] According to the present invention, a method for tracking the dispensing of consumable products involves the use of a tracking system.

[0107] The method for tracking the dispensing of consumable products provides for separating the identification element 45 from the primary container 2 and joining the identification element 45 to the secondary container 3 after filling the secondary chamber of the secondary container 3 with the consumable product from the primary chamber of the primary container 2 .

[0108] In one embodiment, a method for tracking the dispensing of consumable products provides for: separating the main dispensing device 5 from the main container 2; engaging the main dispensing device 5 with the second main container 2; and separating the auxiliary identification element 55 from the main dispensing device 5 after the main dispensing device 5 is engaged with the second main container 2, or separating the auxiliary identification element 55 from the main dispensing device 5 before the main dispensing device 5 is engaged with the second main container 2.

[0109] Preferably, separation of the primary dispensing device 5 from the primary container 2 will be performed after the primary container 2 has been completely emptied, or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or after a predetermined number of cycles of dispensing the consumable product from the primary chamber.

[0110] Preferably, the second primary container 2 is free of the primary dispensing means 5 , for example the second primary container 2 comprises a safety cap which can be removed before engaging the primary dispensing means 5 .

[0111] Preferably, the second primary container 2 contains a consumable product in its primary chamber.

[0112] In one embodiment, the method for tracking the dispensing of consumable products provides for deactivating the primary dispensing device 5 if the separate primary dispensing device 5 to be separated from the primary container 2 does not have the auxiliary identification element 55 .

[0113] Innovatively, a system for tracking the dispensing of a consumable product and a method for tracking the dispensing of a consumable product meet the intended objectives.

[0114] Advantageously, the origin of a refilled consumable product in a given container can be traced in a deterministic and reliable manner.

[0115] Advantageously, maximum safety for consumers is ensured.

[0116] Advantageously, critical situations arising from the consumption of the consumable product can be addressed, such as in the event of an allergic reaction, in the event of contamination of the consumable product during a dispensing operation between containers, or in the event of accidental ingestion of the consumable product.

[0117] Advantageously, obligations imposed by regulations relating to the monitoring and distribution of consumable products and to refillable containers may be complied with.

[0118] Advantageously, the useful life of one or more containers as part of a tracking system may be monitored.

[0119] Advantageously, the tracking system allows ecological use of the containers, ensuring the level of safety required by legislation.

[0120] Advantageously, the tracking system is more environmentally friendly compared to the same security conditions ensured in the distribution chain of consumable products.

[0121] Advantageously, the consumable product mixture contained in the secondary container can be monitored since the identification element engages with the secondary container each time the secondary chamber is partially filled with a different batch of consumable product.

[0122] Advantageously, a desired constant level of consumable product can be obtained within the secondary container, ensuring maximum safety and traceability conditions.

[0123] Advantageously, operators responsible for dispensing consumable products and managing containers may have at their disposal a structurally simple tracking system that is repeatable and error-proof on a large scale, as well as a highly intuitive tracking method, since the tracking system comprises a limited number of components.

[0124] Advantageously, the primary container has a lower ecological impact, as it contributes less to the weight of the consumable product it contains. The packaging design can further improve this ratio; since the primary container has no aesthetic function, it can have larger dimensions that are generally unsuitable for distribution to the end user.

[0125] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make modifications to the above invention to meet contingency needs, and these modifications fall within the scope of protection defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A tracking system (1) for tracking the distribution of cosmetic products, the tracking system (1) comprising: - a main container (2) provided with a main chamber having a main volume for containing or containing a stock of cosmetic products; The main container (2) includes a tracking device (4), and the tracking device (4) includes a plurality of identification elements (45), each of the identification elements (45) is provided with an identification code (43) for identifying the cosmetic product; The identification element (45) is detachably engaged with the main container (2), and the identification element (45) is configured or can be configured to engage with the secondary container (3) when the identification element (45) is detached from the main container (2).

2. The tracking system (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one secondary container (3), wherein the secondary container (3) is provided with a secondary chamber, wherein the secondary chamber has a secondary volume portion that is smaller than the main volume portion, and the secondary volume portion is used to accommodate a cosmetic product or contains a cosmetic product, wherein: The secondary container (3) is intended to perform filling cycles on the secondary chamber until a predetermined maximum number of filling cycles is reached, and the secondary container (3) comprises a tracking area (30) configured to accommodate a predetermined maximum number of identification elements (45), the maximum number of identification elements (45) being equal to the predetermined maximum number of filling cycles.

3. The tracking system (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The secondary container (3) is designed to perform at least two filling cycles on the secondary chamber, the secondary container (3) comprising a tracking area (30) configured to accommodate at least two identification elements (45).

4. Tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The identification element (45) is engaged with the main container (2) by a snap connection or by a form or force connection, or the identification element (45) is glued to the main container (2), or the identification element (45) is made as a single piece with the main container (2).

5. Tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The identification element (45) is engaged with the main container (2) by means of a support (41) which is engaged with the main container (2) and is intended to remain engaged with the main container (2).

6. Tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The identification element (45) is configured or can be configured to engage the secondary container (3) by gluing or by snap-fit coupling or by form or force coupling.

7. Tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The main container (2) includes a main dispensing device (5) engaged with the main container (2), wherein the main dispensing device (5) includes at least one auxiliary identification element (55) engaged with the main dispensing device (5), wherein the auxiliary identification element (55) is capable of being separated from the main dispensing device (5), or the auxiliary identification element (55) is tearable or deformable or perforable or destructible to visually identify the number of times the main dispensing device (5) has been removed from the main container (2) and applied to another main container (2).

8. A primary dispensing device (5) engageable with a primary container (2) of a tracking system (1) according to claim 7.

9. A method for tracking the distribution of a cosmetic product, the method comprising the following steps: A) providing a tracking system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main container (2) contains a cosmetic product; B) After filling the secondary chamber of the secondary container (3) with the cosmetic product from the primary container (2), separating the identification element (45) from the primary container (2) and engaging the identification element (45) with the secondary container (3).

10. A method for tracking a secondary container, the method comprising the following steps: A) providing a tracking system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, said tracking system (1) comprising a plurality of secondary containers (3); B) Select secondary container (3); Wherein, if the tracking area (30) of the secondary container (3) comprises a number of identification elements (45) that is less than the maximum number of identification elements (45), then: C) filling the secondary chamber of the secondary container (3) with the cosmetic product from the primary container (2), and D) detaching an identification element (45) from the primary container (2) and attaching the identification element (45) to the tracking area (30) of the secondary container (3); Wherein, if the tracking area (30) of the secondary container (3) comprises a number of identification elements (45) equal to the maximum number of identification elements (45), then the secondary container (3) is deactivated.

11. A method for tracking a primary dispensing device, the method comprising the steps of: A) providing a tracking system (1) according to claim 7; B) separating the primary dispensing device (5) from the primary container (2); If the primary dispensing device (5) is provided with at least one auxiliary identification element (55), then: C) engaging said primary dispensing device (5) with a second primary container (2); and D) separating, penetrating, tearing, perforating or deforming the auxiliary identification device (55) after or before the primary dispensing device (5) is engaged with the second primary container (2); Therein, if the primary dispensing device (5) does not have an auxiliary identification element (55), the primary dispensing device (5) is deactivated.

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