Dispensing device and holder for a solid care or cleaning product

Abstract

Dispensing device (1) for a solid or cream-like product for care or cleaning, in particular for body care or cleaning or for cleaning or care of textiles, with - a holder (3) for the product and - an elongated receiving container (2) which, viewed in the longitudinal direction (14), has at one end a dispensing opening (11) for the product, wherein the receptacle (3) is accommodated in the receptacle (2) in a displaceable manner in the longitudinal direction (14) of the receptacle (2) such that the received product can be displaced in the direction of the dispensing opening (11), characterized in that the receptacle (3) for the product has at least one drainage opening (4) for draining water from the product after use.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dispensing device for a solid or cream-like product for care or cleaning, having the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a holder for a solid or cream-like product for care or cleaning, having the features of the preamble of claim 10. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Products for body care, cleaning, or for removing stains from textiles are usually offered in liquid and cream forms. These are kept in sealed containers to prevent leakage. The water content of such products is approximately 70%, with the remaining 30% being conditioning, cleansing, and fragrance ingredients. Selling them in liquid form has numerous disadvantages for our environment. The high water content of liquid products results in a high weight, which results in high transport costs and a correspondingly high carbon footprint. Furthermore, ingredients such as plasticizers, silicones, parabens, and microplastics are used, which pollute our water cycle and can cause itching on the skin.

[0003] To avoid these disadvantages, some manufacturers offer solid hair care products. These contain a high proportion of consistency-giving ingredients in their formulation to ensure a shape-stable product. To ensure these products are distributed evenly during use, a sufficiently high level of friction is required. This friction roughens and potentially damages the outer cuticle layer during shampooing, which promotes moisture loss. After use, the hair care product is usually stored openly in a soap dish, a small bag, or on a loofah sponge.

[0004] If this application principle is used in the shower and even if several shower curtains are used one after the other, the solid care product remains wet for a very long time and the product softens, at least on its contact surface.

[0005] Because the product is applied with wet hands, caution is advised, especially with solid conditioners that are formulated with a high proportion of moisturizing oils, fats, and emulsifiers, as these can easily slip from the hands and leave a smooth and slippery surface in the shower, for example, which becomes a source of danger.

[0006] Solid stain removal products for textiles are usually packaged in a sealed container. Often, an applicator sponge is included to allow for spot application to the fabric. Such products are generally only suitable for fabrics with insensitive fibers. After use, the products must be left open to ensure they dry sufficiently.

[0007] Cosmetic or body care sticks are also known, which are used to apply cosmetic products such as a pigmented lipstick to the lips or a deodorant to the armpits. The solid or cream-like product is held in a receptacle that is slidably housed in a container, allowing the product to be ejected from the container for use.

[0008] Various body care and cosmetic sticks are known from the state of the art: From the documents US 4 700 448 A, US 4 580 920 A, US 2003 / 0108376 A1 and US 5 897 263 A, various variants of dispensing devices for deodorant sticks are known, which are accommodated in a receptacle and can be extended and retracted.

[0009] Document US 1 850 934 A describes a dispensing device for lipsticks in which the lipstick can be pushed out from the receiving container. Document DE 20 2021 103 673 U1 describes a refillable body care or cosmetic stick. Document US 4 621 935 A describes a method for filling a cosmetic container for pushing out the product. Document WO 2016 / 077459 A1 discloses an applicator for pharmaceutical compositions.

[0010] From the document CN 213155585 U a dispensing device for a soap stick is known, wherein the soap stick can be moved out of the soap container and back in again in the axial direction of the soap container.

[0011] Document DE 28 07 472 A1 discloses a rotating sleeve for holding deodorant sticks. A filling opening is provided on the rotating base for inserting contents into the rotating sleeve. For rapid and even filling, even without the use of a vacuum, a vent opening is provided on the rotating base for venting the sleeve during the insertion of contents. After the filling process, the vent opening is tightly closed with a plug.

[0012] From document DE 100 36 830 A1, a pre-filled syringe is known in which the dosage material is arranged in a hollow body and can be dispensed by moving a piston rod with a piston stopper arranged at the end in the longitudinal direction of the hollow body. On the one hand, the piston stopper rests against the inner wall of the hollow body. On the other hand, a sealing stopper with a central bore for the piston rod to pass through is provided at the end of the hollow body. To ensure smooth movement of the piston stopper, a ventilation channel is provided on the piston rod, through which air can flow into the empty space formed behind the piston stopper.

[0013] A dispenser pen is known from document DE 37 19 894 A1. This pen features a pressure mechanism for ejecting the product from a receiving sleeve of the dispenser pen. After use, the product is automatically retracted into the receiving sleeve by a spring-based return mechanism.

[0014] Many existing body care or cosmetic sticks, such as those for deodorant or pigmented lip balm, don't require external moisture to achieve their effect. Rather, these products often need to be protected from drying out, which is why the corresponding dispensing devices can be tightly sealed. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device or a receptacle for a solid or cream-like product, e.g. for body cleansing or care, which is easy to use and with which the product can be stored well after use, in particular for a long time and / or under hygienically perfect conditions.

[0016] The object of the invention is achieved by an output device having the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a receptacle having the features of independent claim 10.

[0017] The invention is based on the finding that cleaning or care products which are solid and applied with water are often unpopular with users due to their complicated application, e.g. because the product quickly slips out of wet hands. To prevent this, users tend to use the product with too little water, which in turn only leads to less than optimal cleaning or care results. Storage is also difficult, as once moistened, the product remains wet for a long time, which means that the product is used up unnecessarily quickly and a greasy film forms on the surface. The invention therefore proposes an improved dispensing device for a solid cleaning or care product for wet application. On the one hand, the product is held in the dispensing device in a touch-safe manner, so that the product can be used without unnecessarily long direct contact.On the other hand, the dispensing device is specifically designed with openings to ensure good drainage and optional ventilation of the product after use.

[0018] A dispensing device according to the invention serves to dispense a solid or cream-like product. The product can be, for example, a product for personal care or cleansing, or for cleaning or caring for textiles.

[0019] Furthermore, the dispensing device is also suitable for solid or cream-like products for other purposes, such as shoe or furniture care, etc. The product can be, for example, a solid soap or shampoo, or a cream-like substance that is essentially solid. The dispensing device is particularly optimized for products that require the addition of water or another liquid to create a foam, suspension, or solution.

[0020] The dispensing device comprises a receptacle for the product and a receptacle container in which the receptacle is slidably received. The receptacle container is elongated and, viewed in the longitudinal direction, has a dispensing opening for the product at one of its end regions. The receptacle is slidably received in the receptacle container in the longitudinal direction such that the receptacle with the product arranged thereon can be moved towards the dispensing opening. For example, the receptacle container can be cylindrical with at least one open end which forms the dispensing opening. The receptacle can accordingly have a substantially circular cross-section, wherein the diameter approximately corresponds to the diameter of the free cross-section of the receptacle container, such that the receptacle with the product can be moved towards the dispensing opening by being guided by an inner circumferential surface of the receptacle container.

[0021] To apply the product, a user can adjust the receptacle in the receptacle until the product is easily accessible and, in particular, sufficiently protrudes over the dispensing opening. The product can then be moistened and applied as required. The user does not need to directly touch the product for application, as the product is contained within the receptacle, meaning they only need to touch the receptacle. This significantly reduces the risk of the product slipping from the user's hands. The risk of accidental product contamination is also reduced.

[0022] The product comes into contact with water during use. Accordingly, water adheres to the product even after use, or water runs down it during or after use and would collect in the area of ​​the holder without further measures. To prevent this and / or to be able to dry the product in the holder after use, the holder according to the invention has at least one drainage opening and optionally at least one ventilation opening. Water running down and collecting on the holder can drain away directly through the drainage opening. The drainage opening can also serve as a ventilation opening. Separate ventilation openings can also be provided, e.g. in the area of ​​a contact surface of the product on the holder. The ventilation openings can enable air exchange, so that the product can dry more quickly after use.

[0023] Overall, the dispensing device according to the invention allows for comfortable application and long-term storage of a solid product. The increased convenience in application and storage also allows for the refinement of a formulated product formulation so that a solid product mass develops a creamy consistency upon contact with moisture. The resulting comfort is particularly important for the sensitive cuticle layer of the hair and for the fibers of clothing, ensuring their complete protection.

[0024] For the best possible drainage or ventilation, several drainage or ventilation openings can be provided. If the holder has a circular cross-section, these can be arranged in a ring within the holder, for example. Since most water usually runs down the outside of the product, the drainage openings are preferably located on the outside, while the ventilation openings, in contrast, are located on the inside. The external drainage openings can also serve as ventilation openings.

[0025] The holder may also have other geometries and the drainage or ventilation openings may be arranged differently depending on the shape of the holder and / or the product.

[0026] The ventilation openings and / or drainage openings can be longitudinally continuous through-holes. The cross-section of the openings can be circular or partially annular, for example. Such openings are easy to manufacture and enable the most direct drainage or ventilation possible. Alternatively or additionally, groove-like recesses can be provided on the surface of the holder facing the product. The groove-like recesses can, for example, be designed with a slight slope and lead to the through-holes.

[0027] The larger the cross-section of the openings, the better water can drain and the product can be ventilated. At the same time, however, a certain degree of stability is desirable so that the product can be securely held in the holder. For example, the cross-section of the openings can be approximately 50% of the longitudinal cross-section of the holder. In the outer area of ​​the holder, the cross-section of the openings can be relatively large, while in the inner area, particularly in the area where the product is in contact with and rests on the holder, there are few or no openings.

[0028] The product can simply be arranged loosely on the holder. In order to be able to transport the dispensing device safely, for example, the product is fastened to the holder according to one embodiment. A fastening means can be provided for this purpose. One variant for fastening the product to the holder is a shoulder protruding from a base body of the holder. The shoulder can in particular be formed integrally with the base body. For example, the shoulder can be ring-shaped and protrude sufficiently high above the base body so that the product can grip the shoulder well. Alternatively or additionally, a spike-like shoulder can be provided on the base body onto which the product can be placed. To ensure the product grips the shoulder well, the surface of the shoulder can be roughened. There are numerous other options for fastening the product to the holder.For example, the holder can be made of or coated with a magnetic material. If a magnet is incorporated into the product, the product can be attached to the holder due to the effect of the magnetic forces.

[0029] There are various ways to move the holder, and thus also the product, toward the dispensing opening. For example, the holder can be pushed upwards with the hand or a finger. For this purpose, the receptacle can also have a corresponding opening at the end opposite the dispensing opening, through which a user can reach the holder. There are also various other mechanisms for moving the holder toward the dispensing opening. According to the invention, any type of mechanism can be implemented, such as those known, for example, from the aforementioned prior art documents.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the receptacle is accommodated in the receptacle so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle container in such a way that any movement in the longitudinal direction away from the dispensing opening back into the receptacle container is inhibited. This means that the receptacle is accommodated in the receptacle container in such a way that the receptacle can be successively moved in the direction of the dispensing opening until the product is essentially used up. Movement in the opposite direction does not have to be completely prevented, but is preferably at least inhibited. Movement in the opposite direction can, for example, be inhibited solely due to friction between the receptacle or the product and the receptacle container. Further measures for inhibiting movement in the opposite direction can also be provided, e.g. locking steps or a spring effect or similar.After use or after replacing the product, the holder can be returned to its original position by overcoming the counterforce that inhibits movement in the opposite direction, in which the product is, for example, completely lowered into the holder container.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the receptacle has a stop for the receptacle at its end region opposite the dispensing opening. The stop limits how far the receptacle can be pushed into the receptacle. The stop can be formed integrally with the receptacle. For good drainage or ventilation of the product, the stop can also have at least one drainage and / or ventilation opening. This allows water to drain away easily even when the receptacle is in direct contact with the stop.

[0032] The stop can basically be designed in any way you like. The stop can be formed, for example, by a web or projection protruding from the inner wall of the receptacle. According to one embodiment, the stop has a stop ring which is connected to an inner wall of the receptacle by webs. The areas between the webs represent through-holes which can be used as drainage and / or optionally ventilation openings. The central opening in the stop ring can be used as a transport opening. An actuating mechanism can be guided through the transport opening up to the receptacle in order to be able to move the receptacle relative to the receptacle. For example, a user can put their finger through the transport opening and use their finger to push the receptacle towards the dispensing opening.

[0033] Water can be drained from the dispensing device, or ventilation is particularly effective, if the drainage or ventilation openings of the holder are at least partially overlapped with the drainage or ventilation openings of the stop. This prevents water from accumulating at the stop or the ventilation openings from becoming blocked when the holder is in contact with the stop.

[0034] To close the dispensing opening, the dispensing device can have a first cover. This can be a lid or cap, which is connected to the receiving container, for example, by a film hinge. However, it can also be a separate component that can be attached or screwed onto the receiving container.

[0035] In particular, if the receiving container is open at the end area opposite the dispensing opening, a second cover can be provided so that this end area can also be closed. For example, the second cover can be clipped or screwed onto the end area. In order to collect dripping water, the second cover can be equipped with a collecting reservoir for the dripping water. For example, this can be a cup-like depression in which the water can collect. To prevent the water from flowing back towards the product, for example when the dispensing device is turned over, a closing mechanism can be provided which automatically closes the collecting reservoir when the dispensing device is turned over.

[0036] The invention further relates to a holder for a solid or cream-like product for care or cleaning, comprising a base body and a fastening means for the product arranged on the base body. According to the invention, the holder has at least one drainage opening and optionally at least one ventilation opening so that water can be drained away from the product or the product can be ventilated and thus dry. The holder can be used in combination with the above-described receptacle to provide the dispensing device according to the invention. However, the holder can also be used individually. In particular, using the holder without the receptacle can be sufficient if the product has little or no tendency to become slippery during use, so that a user can hold the product directly for use without there being an increased risk of the product slipping from the hands during use.

[0037] The statements regarding the dispensing device according to the invention apply accordingly to the receptacle according to the invention.

[0038] Advantageous developments of the invention emerge from the claims, the description and the drawings. The advantages of features and combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely examples and can be effective alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention. The number of features mentioned in the claims and the description is to be understood in such a way that exactly this number or a greater number than the number mentioned is present, without the explicit use of the term "at least" being necessary. If, for example, one drainage opening is mentioned, this is to be understood in such a way that exactly one drainage opening, two drainage openings or several drainage openings are present.These features may be supplemented by other features or may be the only features of which the respective product consists. The reference signs contained in the claims do not limit the scope of the subject-matter protected by the claims. They serve solely to make the claims easier to understand. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures. It shows: Fig. 1 an at least schematically illustrated dispensing device according to the invention in an exploded view, Fig. 2 an at least schematically illustrated detailed view of a receptacle with ventilation and drainage openings of the dispensing device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 an at least schematically illustrated detailed view of a lower end section of the dispensing device according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 an at least schematically illustrated detailed view of a stop of the dispensing device according to Fig. 1.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a dispensing device 1 according to the invention. The dispensing device 1 can be used to hold, prepare, and store a solid body cleansing product such as soap or solid shampoo. Fig. 1, the dispensing device 1 is shown without such a product.

[0041] The dispensing device 1 comprises a receiving container 2. This has in the Fig. 1, the dispenser has a cylindrical shape. In the upper end region in the longitudinal direction 14 of the receptacle 2, the receptacle 2 has a dispensing opening 11 through which the product is accessible or can be dispensed. At the opposite end region, the receptacle 2 has a base 7 for setting up the dispensing device 1, e.g., on a shelf in a shower.

[0042] A receptacle 3 for the product is arranged in the receptacle 2. The receptacle 3 is slidably received in the receptacle 2. Specifically, the receptacle 3 can be moved in the longitudinal direction 14 of the receptacle 2 and guided by its inner wall from the base 7 in the direction of the dispensing opening 11. In particular, the product received in the receptacle 3 can be moved upwards so that it is easily accessible or protrudes sufficiently from the dispensing opening 11. The product can then, depending on the processing instructions, be mixed with water to form a foam or a creamy mass and used as intended. A user does not have to touch the product directly with their hand to do this. Rather, the product is securely held by the receptacle 2, i.e. the user can use the product by grasping it with the receptacle 2.

[0043] In Fig. 2, the receptacle 3 is shown separately. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 3 has a circular cross-section, with a diameter approximately corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical receptacle 2, which allows for good movement control. Several through-holes with circular and partially annular cross-sections are provided in the receptacle 3. These are drainage openings 4 and ventilation openings 5.

[0044] The drainage openings 4 allow water running down the product or the receiving container 2, which would otherwise collect in the area of ​​the receptacle 3, to be effectively drained away. This prevents the product from standing in water on its support surface for extended periods, where it would prematurely dissolve and become unusable. The drainage openings 4 are arranged in the outer area of ​​the receptacle 3, and in particular outside the area covered by the product, so that the water can easily drain away through the drainage openings 4.

[0045] The ventilation openings 5 ​​allow the product to be ventilated. This allows the product to dry more effectively after use, which also leads to a longer shelf life. In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilation openings 5 ​​are located further inward than the drainage openings 4.

[0046] Overall, the product can also be ventilated through the drainage openings 4. Conversely, water can also drain through the ventilation openings 5.

[0047] The holder 3 also has a fastening means 6 with which the product can be firmly held in the holder 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening means 6 is a shoulder protruding from its base body, which acts as a type of holding ring for the product. The product can have an annular recess complementary to the holding ring. To attach the product, it can, for example, be slightly moistened and pressed onto the holder 3. Once the product has dried, it is firmly connected to the holder 3. Since the product can dry quickly after use through the drainage and ventilation openings 4, 5, the attachment of the product to the holder 3 is also permanently guaranteed.

[0048] In order to prevent the receptacle 3 from slipping downwards out of the receptacle 2 in the longitudinal direction 14, the receptacle 2 has a stop 8 in its end region located at the bottom in the longitudinal direction 14. In Fig. 4 the stop 8 is shown in detail.

[0049] The stop 8 comprises a stop ring that is connected to the wall of the receiving container 2 by webs. The stop 8 limits how deep the receptacle 3 can move into the receiving container 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 8 is arranged approximately at the level of the base 7, so that the receptacle 3 can be pushed as far as possible into the receiving container 2, thus allowing even long products to be accommodated by the receiving container 2.

[0050] Open spaces lie between the webs of the stop 8. These also serve as drainage and / or ventilation openings 9. The drainage and ventilation openings 9 of the stop 8 are—as viewed in the longitudinal direction 14—at least partially overlapped with the drainage and ventilation openings 4, 5 of the holder 3. This means that the water flowing through the drainage and ventilation openings 4, 5 or the circulating air can ultimately continue to flow or circulate through the stop 8, thus ensuring that the product does not impede drying after use.

[0051] In order to be able to take the dispensing device 1 with you, for example, when travelling and to transport the product safely and securely, the dispensing device 1 can be - as shown in Fig.1 – have two covers 12, 13. The first cover 12 can be plugged or screwed onto the end section with the dispensing opening 11. The second cover 13 is plugged or screwed onto the end section with the base 7. The second cover 13 can also have a tub-like recess in which dripping water can be collected. This can effectively prevent, for example, a shower shelf from becoming soiled by a watery film of product. List of reference symbols: 1 dispensing device 2 receiving containers 3 Recording 4 Drainage opening 5 Ventilation opening 6 fasteners 7 Stand area 8 stop 9 Drainage opening 10 Transport opening 11 Dispensing opening 12 Cover 13 Cover 14 Longitudinal direction

Claims

[1] Dispensing device (1) for a solid or cream-like product for care or cleaning, in particular for body care or cleaning or for cleaning or caring for textiles, with - a holder (3) for the product and - an elongated receiving container (2) which, viewed in the longitudinal direction (14), has at one end a dispensing opening (11) for the product, wherein the receptacle (3) is accommodated in the receptacle (2) in a displaceable manner in the longitudinal direction (14) of the receptacle (2) such that the received product can be displaced in the direction of the dispensing opening (11), characterized by , that the receptacle (3) for the product has at least one drainage opening (4) for draining water from the product after use. [2] Dispensing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the holder (3) has at least one ventilation opening (5) for ventilating the product. [3] Dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the receptacle (3) has a circular cross-section and a plurality of ventilation openings (5) and / or a plurality of drainage openings (4) are arranged in a ring shape, wherein the ventilation openings (5) are arranged in particular on the inside opposite the drainage openings (4), and the ventilation openings (5) and / or drainage openings (4) are continuous through-recesses in the longitudinal direction (14), wherein the ventilation and / or drainage openings (5, 4) in particular have a circular or partially annular cross-section. [4] Dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receptacle (3) has a fastening means (6) for fastening the product to the receptacle (3), wherein the fastening means (6) is designed in particular as a shoulder protruding from a base body of the receptacle (3). [5] Dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receptacle (3) is accommodated in the receptacle (2) in such a way that it can be displaced in the longitudinal direction (14) of the receptacle (2) that a movement in the longitudinal direction (14) away from the dispensing opening (11) back into the receptacle (2) is inhibited. [6] Dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving container (2) has, at its end region opposite the dispensing opening (11), a stop (8) for the receptacle (3) for limiting the displacement of the receptacle (3) in this direction, wherein the stop (8) has at least one drainage and / or ventilation opening (9). [7] Dispensing device (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the stop (8) has a stop ring which is connected by webs to an inner wall of the receiving container (2), wherein - in the stop (8) between the webs, through openings are formed to form the drainage and / or ventilation openings (9) and - in the stop (8) a central conveying opening (10) is optionally formed, through which the holder (3) can be actuated to move the holder (3) in the direction of the dispensing opening (11). [8] Dispensing device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the drainage and ventilation openings (4, 5) of the receptacle (3) are at least partially overlapped with the drainage and / or ventilation openings (9) of the stop (8) when viewed in the longitudinal direction (14). [9] Dispensing device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a first cover (12) is provided for closing the dispensing opening (11) of the receiving container (2) and optionally a second cover (13) is provided for application to the end region opposite in the longitudinal direction (14). [10] Recording (3) for a solid or cream-like product for care or cleaning, in particular for body care or cleaning or for cleaning or care of textiles, with - a base body and - a fastening means (6) for the product arranged on the base body, characterized by that the receptacle (3) has at least one drainage opening (4) for draining water from the product.

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