Reusable and modular fluid dispenser

Abstract

Reusable and modular dispenser (1) for fluids, comprising a container (2) for receiving a fluid, a filling unit (3) for receiving a portion of the fluid, a funnel (4) made of flexible material, and a pressure unit (5) for dispensing the portion of the fluid, wherein the container (2) is coupled to the filling unit (3) and the filling unit (3) is coupled to the pressing unit (5) in such a way that they are arranged along a longitudinal axis L of the dispenser (1), wherein the pressing unit (5) is coupled to the filling unit (3) in such a way that the pressing unit (5) is movably mounted vertically along the longitudinal axis L of the dispenser (1) in the filling unit (3), wherein the filling unit (3) has at least one first through-opening (33) with a first valve (34), wherein the pressure unit (5) has at least a second through-opening (51) with a second valve (52), and wherein the funnel (4) is arranged in the filling unit (3) such that the funnel opening (42) encloses the first valve (34) of the filling unit (3) and the funnel neck (41) encloses the second valve (52) of the pressure unit (5), wherein the container (2) is formed from several segments (22), the segments (22) being connected to each other by a fifth connecting element (23).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a reusable and modular dispenser for fluids, in particular for liquid soaps, shower gels, detergents, etc.

[0002] The term "dispenser" here refers to packaging containing liquid, viscous, or pasty substances, or similar liquids and pastes, such as baby oil, cream, shower gel, vinegar, paint, liquid cleaners and soaps, shampoo, adhesives, cosmetics, cleaning fluid, soap lotion, sunscreen, cooking oil, dish soap, toothpaste, or the like. These packages typically have a hollow, cylindrical, elongated bottle or tube shape, adapted to contemporary tastes, with a base that... a) is often also combined with a lid or screw cap over the opening or b) The removal opening is located on the side opposite the base and is also closed by means of a hinged hanger.

[0003] The contents of the packaging collect near the base due to the laws of gravity. Case a) assumes that the packaging is absolutely leak-proof; in case b), the time required to dispense the contents increases as the contents of the packaging decrease, until eventually no further contents can be dispensed due to the length of time required.

[0004] Sometimes these types of packaging have a holding device or a hanger – either on the side of the dispensing opening or on the side opposite the opening. Regarding the dispensing time, the same applies to packaging with a holding device as to packaging with a stand.

[0005] The removal of the packaging contents and the volume control are achieved by external, usually manual, pressure on the packaging, whereby the pressure force and the pressure duration are in relation to the viscosity of the packaging contents, the removal quantity and the packaging contents. - With liquid packaging contents, the required pressure for removal is less than with pasty contents. - The printing time is shorter for liquid packaging contents - depending on the printing force - than for pasty contents. - The dispensing volume of liquid packaging contents is greater than that of pasty contents with the same pressure force and duration.

[0006] Another parameter in packaging handling is the fill quantity or fill level of the packaging.

[0007] During dispensing, manual pressure is applied to the outer wall of the packaging or to a portioning or dosing device, which extends into the interior. The interior consists of the package contents and—depending on the fill level and quantity—air. After the desired quantity has been dispensed, the external manual pressure is released from the packaging, the lid is closed, and the package is set down. Inside the packaging, the contents remain compressed by the negative pressure, along with air. This prevents the indented side walls of the packaging or the operating elements of the portioning or dosing device from returning to their original position.

[0008] A further disadvantage of the dispensers known in the prior art is that they are disposable and not reusable. A dispenser known from the prior art is described, for example, in publication DE102010048565A1.

[0009] The invention disclosed in German patent application DE 197 29 516 A1 relates to a pump for the metered discharge of liquid, gelatinous, or viscous substances from a container, comprising a pump body made of flexible or elastic material. The pump body is compressible to create a suction vacuum and pumps via an outlet valve that opens in the event of overpressure. The invention provides a pump that is self-priming in a simple manner. For this purpose, the outlet valve is designed as a valve plate that seals the head of the pump body and is integral with it. The valve plate is convex in the pumping direction and has a recess that forms the valve outlet in the form of a lip seal.

[0010] The invention described in German patent DE 202 03 473 U1 relates to a dispenser head for dispensing metered quantities of liquid to pasty products with spherically encapsulated components, consisting of a dispenser pump and a dispensing channel downstream of the dispenser pump with an application opening for metered discharge of the products to be dispensed, wherein the dispenser pump is designed with an inlet and an outlet channel and with a pump chamber limited on the inlet and outlet sides by check valves. Description of the invention

[0011] The object of the invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an alternative dispenser made of non-flexible material, which is modular in design, refillable and reusable, easy to assemble and disassemble, designed for a long service life, consciously geared towards the product and recycling cycle (cradle-to-cradle approach), produced in a sustainable design and easily recyclable.

[0012] The problem is solved by means of a reusable dispenser according to claim 1.

[0013] The task is solved using a reusable dispenser which has the following components: a container for holding a fluid, a filling unit for receiving a portion of the fluid, having a funnel made of flexible material, a funnel neck and a funnel opening and a pressure unit for dispensing part of the fluid. The filling unit has an outer ring and a base plate, the base plate having at least one through-opening with a first valve. The filling unit also has a receiving device designed to receive the funnel opening. The dispensing unit also has a base, the base of which has a through-opening with a second valve. The dispensing unit also has a receiving device for receiving the funnel neck. The container and / or the filling unit has / have a first connecting element for coupling the container to the filling unit. Furthermore, the filling unit and / or the dispensing unit has / have a second connecting element for coupling the dispensing unit to the filling unit, the dispensing unit being coupled to the filling unit in such a way that the dispensing unit is movably mounted vertically along a longitudinal axis L of the dispenser within the filling unit.

[0014] The first valve and the second valve each have an inlet side and an outlet side. According to various embodiments, in the assembled state of the dispenser, the first valve, the second valve, and the funnel are arranged one above the other along the longitudinal axis L of the dispenser, with the funnel opening enclosing the outlet side of the first valve and the funnel neck enclosing the inlet side of the second valve.

[0015] Depending on the specific design, the pressure unit includes a metering device. The metering device can be designed such that at least one recess is arranged in a side wall of the pressure unit.

[0016] The pressure unit preferably has a third connecting element for coupling with an attachment. Depending on the specific embodiment, the attachment can be a cover or a dispensing device.

[0017] Furthermore, according to various designs, the container has a fourth connecting element on its base plate for receiving the lid.

[0018] To increase the modularity of the dispenser, the container is formed according to the invention from several segments, the segments being connected to each other by a fifth connecting element. According to various embodiments, the fifth connecting element has sealing elements, e.g. in the form of a sealing ring / multiple sealing rings, which are attached to the connecting element and / or to the segments to be connected.

[0019] Depending on the specific configuration, the second connecting element and / or the third connecting element and / or the fourth connecting element and / or the fifth connecting element are screw connections and / or plug connections.

[0020] Furthermore, the first connecting element is preferably a plug connection, wherein the plug connection has a guide rail and a bolt so that the push unit can be moved up and down in the filling unit. To hold the push unit in a desired position, for example to prevent arbitrary movement of the push unit, the first connecting element can have a locking function.

[0021] According to various embodiments, the first valve is an umbrella valve, also called a (rain) umbrella valve seal, (rain) umbrella check valve, or mushroom valve. An umbrella valve allows forward flow once the valve head is reached. The pressure on the head generates enough force to lift the head, consisting of a convex diaphragm, from the seat. This lifting action allows flow at a predetermined pressure in one direction and immediately prevents backflow in the opposite direction. For this purpose, various embodiments incorporate orifices that are opened by the lifting action, allowing the fluid to flow. Through specially arranged, sized, and shaped holes in the base plate of the filling unit, the fluid flows from the reservoir into the filling unit in the desired quantity.The size and shape of the holes determine, among other things, the flow rate, velocity, and quantity of fluid from the reservoir unit to the filling unit. The edge of the holes and the remaining part of the base plate serve as the seat for the umbrella valve. The shape, size, and design of the umbrella valve, in combination with the holes in the base of the filling unit, hold the umbrella valve in place and allow it to perform its function—to allow fluid to pass through in one direction and to seal the filling unit in the opposite direction.

[0022] In various embodiments, the second valve is a duckbill valve. Duckbill valves are precision-molded, one-piece, expandable valves that reliably prevent backflow in the low-pressure differential. This type of valve allows free flow at a positive pressure differential. At a negative pressure differential, backflow is prevented. The pressure drop across the valve is a unique characteristic of duckbill valves. They are designed to respond at specific opening and closing pressure ranges, depending on your specifications.

[0023] According to various embodiments, different push buttons or push button units can be used for different applications. The choice of the second valve can also be different, adapted to the intended use. It is also possible for the entire dispenser to be used with only the first valve and a push button unit that includes a device fulfilling the function of the second / additional valve, but which, due to its design, does not contain a complete valve. Preferably, the components container, filling unit, and / or push button unit are made of bioplastic and / or bio-based materials and / or renewable materials.

[0024] Preferably, the dosing device has at least one air inlet to prevent the fluid from being drawn back into the container when the pressure unit is pressed repeatedly.

[0025] According to various embodiments, the dispenser can be used as a refill bottle for providing liquid soap, shower gel, shampoo and / or disinfectant.

[0026] An advantage of the dispenser according to the invention is that the entire product is multi-part and modular, making it easy to repair and allowing it to be assembled and disassembled by a layperson. This allows, for example, individual parts to be replaced or exchanged quickly and easily, so that the dispenser can be used for a different purpose or with a different fluid and / or pressure and filling unit.

[0027] The entire dispenser consists of the container or bottle body, a filling unit with an outer ring including a flexible, bendable funnel and several valves, a movable push-button unit or push button (of which there are various design options that can transform the entire dispenser / container into a different product by changing its intended use), and a lid that can be attached to the top, bottom, or both of the dispenser. When not in use, the lid protects the dispenser from unintentional leakage of fluid at the top outlet of the second valve, as the presence of the lid prevents access to the push-button unit without consciously and manually removing the lid, thus preventing fluid from leaking out.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the dispenser can have a protective cover. This can, for example, function as a lid by being placed over the dispenser from above and / or below.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the first connecting element, the second connecting element, the third connecting element, the fourth connecting element and / or the fifth connecting element have sealing elements, e.g. in the form of a sealing ring or several sealing rings, which are arranged on the respective connecting element and / or on the elements to be connected. Preferably, the sealing elements are attached to the first connecting element and the fifth connecting element and / or the respective elements to be connected, i.e., the container and the filling unit, and / or the individual segments of the container.

[0030] The dispenser without valves and the funnel are preferably made of a very high-quality bioplastic or of bio-based and renewable materials, e.g., wood fibers, which is a renewable raw material.

[0031] The dispenser preferably has a lid, making it easy to take on trips or to refill shops without losing its contents. When not in use, the lid can be attached to the bottom of the bottle, inserted, or stored away to prevent it from being misplaced.

[0032] The dispenser can be disassembled into its individual parts. The individual parts / components are not glued or otherwise permanently connected, allowing the end customer to easily disassemble and reassemble them – this process takes no more than 1-2 minutes.

[0033] Thanks to its modular and single-material design, the dispenser is ideally suited for potential recycling. A waste sorting process, which would incur additional costs, effort, time, CO2 emissions, etc., for standard shower gel containers and other containers from the cosmetics and household product sectors, is no longer necessary.

[0034] The dispenser addresses the problem of massive plastic consumption in the liquid soap industry, as it is not a single-use plastic product but a reusable item, a so-called refill bottle, which can be repeatedly refilled with new shower gel or soap, or other contents, for example, in a zero-waste shop. The dispenser thus replaces, among other things, a conventional disposable shower bottle or a disposable soap dispenser.

[0035] The contents of the dispenser are variable and can be decided by each person and changed regularly.

[0036] The product can function as a shower gel bottle with one attachment, a soap dispenser with another, and, with further attachments, as a spray bottle or detergent container, for example. Additional attachments for other uses are conceivable.

[0037] Furthermore, all individual parts are replaceable, so that any broken or worn components of the dispenser can be easily replaced. The old, replaced part can be collected and recycled. This significantly reduces or even completely prevents the production of unnecessary plastic or other valuable raw materials.

[0038] The entire dispenser is based on simplicity, few individual parts, and quick and easy repairs. Implementation of the invention

[0039] The invention will be explained in more detail using one or more exemplary embodiments. For this purpose, we will show... Fig. 1 Overview of a dispenser according to the invention Fig. 2 Cross-section of the dispenser according to the invention Fig. 3 Perspective view of the pressure unit Fig. 4 Perspective view of the filling unit Fig. 5 Use of the dispenser according to the invention

[0040] The description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the arrangement according to the invention can be implemented. In this respect, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the described drawings. This directional terminology serves for illustrative purposes and is in no way restrictive.

[0041] It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications made without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be interpreted as restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0042] In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference symbols where appropriate.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an overview of a reusable dispenser 1 according to the invention. The dispenser 1 comprises the following components: a container 2 for receiving a fluid, a filling unit 3 for receiving a portion of the fluid, a funnel 4 (not shown) made of flexible material, and a dispensing unit 5 for dispensing the portion of the fluid. The container 2 is coupled to the filling unit 3, and the filling unit 3 is coupled to the dispensing unit 5, such that the container 2, the filling unit 3, and the dispensing unit 5 are arranged one below the other along a longitudinal axis L of the dispenser 1, with the dispensing unit 5 being coupled to the filling unit 3 in such a way that the dispensing unit 5 is movably mounted vertically along the longitudinal axis L of the dispenser 1 within the filling unit 3.The filling unit 3 has at least one first through-opening 33 with a first valve 34 (not shown here), and the pressure unit 5 has at least one second through-opening 51 with a second valve 52 (not shown here). The funnel 4 is arranged in the filling unit 3 such that the funnel opening 42 encloses the first valve 34 of the filling unit 3, and the funnel neck 41 encloses the second valve 52 of the pressure unit 5.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2A shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the reusable and modular dispenser 1. It comprises the following components: a container 2 for receiving a fluid, a filling unit 3 for receiving a portion of the fluid, a funnel 4 made of flexible material, the funnel having a funnel neck 41 and a funnel opening 42, and a dispensing unit 5 for dispensing a portion of the fluid. The filling unit 3 has an outer ring 31 and a base plate 32, the base plate 32 having at least one through-opening 33 with a first valve 34, and the filling unit 3 having a receiving device 35 for receiving the funnel opening 42. The dispensing unit 5 has a base 54, the base 54 having a through-opening 51 with a second valve 52, and the dispensing unit 5 further having a receiving device 53 for receiving the funnel neck 41.The container 2 and / or the filling unit 3 has / have a first connecting element 6 for coupling the container 2 to the filling unit 3. The filling unit 3 and / or the dispensing unit 5 has / have a second connecting element 7 for coupling the dispensing unit 5 to the filling unit 3, wherein the dispensing unit 5 is coupled to the filling unit 3 such that the dispensing unit 5 is movably mounted vertically along a longitudinal axis L of the dispenser 1 in the filling unit 3.

[0045] According to various embodiments, in the assembled state of the dispenser 1, the first valve 34, the second valve 52 and the funnel 4 are arranged one above the other along the longitudinal axis L of the dispenser 1, and the funnel opening 42 surrounds the outlet side of the first valve 34 and the funnel neck surrounds the inlet side of the second valve 52.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the pressure unit 5 has a metering device 55.

[0047] Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the dosing device 55 is at least a recess in a side wall of the pressure unit 5.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the pressing unit 5 has a third connecting element 56, for example in Fig. 2B is shown for coupling with an attachment 8. The attachment 8 can be a lid or a dosing device 55.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the container 2 has a fourth connecting element 21 below its base plate for receiving the lid, as exemplified in Fig. Figure 2B illustrates this embodiment. A lid that is not currently needed to close the dispenser and thus prevent fluid from leaking out can be stored below the container base. It can be screwed in there, for example, if a suitable thread matching the lid is provided. A push-fit connection is also conceivable.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the container 2 can be formed from several segments 22, wherein the segments 22 are connected to each other by a fifth connecting element 23. This embodiment is exemplified in Fig. 2B is shown.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the second connecting element 7 and / or the third connecting element 56 and / or the fourth connecting element 21 and / or the fifth connecting element 23 are screw connections as shown. However, other connections, such as plug connections, are conceivable.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the first connecting element 6 is a plug connection, wherein the plug connection has a guide rail 61 and a bolt 62.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the first connecting element 6 and / or the fifth connecting element 23 can further have a locking function.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the first and second valves are check valves that allow fluid to flow in only one direction. Preferably, and as shown, the first valve 34 is an umbrella valve and the second valve 52 is a duckbill valve.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the container 2, the filling unit 3 and / or the pressure unit 5 are made of bioplastic and / or bio-based materials and / or renewable materials.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the dispenser 1 claimed here can be used as a refill bottle for providing liquid soap, shower gel, shampoo and / or disinfectant.

[0057] Preferably, the dosing device 55 has at least one air inlet 57.

[0058] One embodiment could look like this:

[0059] The outer ring 31 includes four symmetrically arranged through-holes 33 located in the base plate. The middle of these through-holes serves as a holder for the matching umbrella valve, while the outer ones serve as flow holes to allow the liquid to flow through the first valve 34.

[0060] The appropriate umbrella valve (first valve) thus only allows liquid to escape in one direction and helps to create the necessary negative pressure in the push-button mechanism, as it only allows liquid to pass through in one direction (towards the opening of the push-button opening).

[0061] Inside the outer ring 31 there is also a receiving device, for example a ribbing, which not only holds the flexible funnel 4 in position, but also prevents liquid from leaking out of the dispenser in unwanted places.

[0062] The funnel 4 is inserted into the outer ring 31 and enclosed at the top of the opening / funnel neck 41 by the pressure unit 5, thus preventing liquid from escaping.

[0063] The push-button unit 5 has a through-opening 51 on its longitudinal axis L, into which the second valve 52 (a duckbill valve) is inserted. This second valve also only allows liquid to pass in one direction (towards the opening of the push button), but is closed in its initial, i.e., resting, mode and only opens under pressure or when the pressure forces the contents (liquid) through the second valve 52. Thus, the push-button unit 5 and the outer ring 31 of the filling unit 3 are sealed, and the liquid inside can only escape to the outside through the designated through-opening 51 by applying pressure to the connected push button 5 of the dispenser 1. Furthermore, the funnel 4 is always pressurized during active use, thus further sealing the dispenser 1.

[0064] The filling unit is connected to the pressure unit 5 via the second connecting element 7 and to the container 2 via the first connecting element 6. The filling unit 3 has the following components: an outer ring 31, a base plate 32 with a through-opening 33 and a first valve 34, which is preferably an umbrella valve (as shown). Furthermore, the filling unit 3 has a receiving device 35 by means of which the funnel opening 42 of the flexible funnel 4 is received. The filling unit 3 is hermetically closed and sealed by means of the pressure unit 5, which has a receiving device 53 for the funnel neck 41. The funnel neck 41 encloses the second valve 52 of the pressure unit 5, which is preferably a duckbill valve.

[0065] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a push-button unit 5 according to one embodiment. The push-button unit 5 has a through-opening 51 in which the second valve 52 is arranged. The third connecting element for receiving an attachment on the push-button 5 is arranged in the outer ring; here it is designed as a screw element. A metering device 55 with an air inlet 57 is also shown here by way of example: in the outer ring 31 are four semi-open, vertically and horizontally connected recesses, through which, when the push-button is actuated "up" or "down", the bolts on the push-button 5 move along in the recesses and, through the negative pressure and the arrangement of the valves, for example by means of a flat hand, this up and down movement is carried out, thus exerting pressure on the fluid in the filling unit and pushing it in one direction, allowing the fluid to escape.In this particular embodiment, the air inlet 57 is achieved as follows: The indentations at the top edge of the push button 5, which make it resemble an ashtray, allow air to flow through the palm of the hand. This is because if you press the push button against your palm, the hollow space inside the button can become sealed. This would prevent pressure from escaping the bottle when you press it, causing it to stop and not function. The air holes are designed precisely so that, regardless of how you hold the push button, at least one of them remains uncovered, or several are only partially covered, allowing the bottle to empty when pressed. (see Fig. 5. (Left hand covers all air holes).

[0066] In Fig. Figure 4 shows the filling unit 3 in a perspective view from above according to one embodiment. The funnel 4 is arranged within this unit. Also visible is the duckbill valve (second valve 52), which, however, is located in the pressure unit. The filling unit 3 further shows three bolts belonging to the second connecting element 7, these bolts enabling guidance along a guide rail (which must then be arranged congruently on the pressure unit 5).

[0067] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the use of dispenser 1: The mechanism works by turning dispenser 1 180 degrees upside down and pressing the push button 5 onto an outstretched palm, then releasing it. This creates pressure inside container 2, and the cavity between funnel 4 and the base plate 32 of the filling unit 3 fills with the contents of the dispenser (e.g., soap). Furthermore, turning the bottle upside down ensures that, if the bottle or container is not completely full, the fluid flows downwards according to the laws of physics, allowing it to flow through at least one opening 33 in the base plate 32 of the filling unit 3 and refilling the filling unit 3. Pressing the push button again gradually empties the interior or cavity of funnel 4 completely.When pressure is applied, the duckbill valve 52 is always opened by the flowing liquid, allowing the liquid to reach the palm of the hand. By pressing the trigger / press unit 5 and holding the entire dispenser upside down, the funnel cavity is continuously refilled with liquid. The first valve 34, in this case the umbrella valve, is crucial because it seals the funnel cavity from above and covers at least one through-opening 33 in the base plate of the filling unit 3. Pressing the press unit 5 and holding the entire dispenser 1 upside down also allows liquid to pass from the container into the funnel cavity through the function of the first valve (the umbrella valve). Thus, the funnel cavity is continuously refilled with liquid as the person presses the press unit 5 and holds the dispenser 1 upside down.The combination of both valves (first valve and second valve) ensures that with one action by the user and holding the bottle upside down, two actions happen simultaneously: 1. The release of the liquid from the funnel 4 onto the palm of the hand and 2. The refilling of the liquid from the container into the filling unit 3 / the funnel cavity.

[0068] To explain the events in detail: 1. Pressing unit 5 is pressed. 2. Flexible funnel 4 is compressed by the pressed pusher and forces the air out of the interior of container 2. 3. A negative pressure is created in the interior of the funnel 4 (funnel cavity) due to the lack of space in an enclosed space. 4. The negative pressure activates the first valve, here the umbrella valve, and thus allows the liquid (fluid), for example the soap, to flow into the interior of the filling unit 3 (funnel cavity). 5. Pressing unit 5 is released, funnel 4 springs back to its starting position and pushes the funnel 4 down / up again (depending on how the bottle is being held). During this process, the now empty interior fills with liquid / soap. (The soap cannot leak out, however, because the second valve (the duckbill valve) prevents this and keeps the soap inside.) 6. Press unit 5 is pressed again and the strong pressure created opens the second valve / duckbill valve and the soap can escape onto the palm of the hand (steps 3-6 are repeated here with each press of the bottle).

[0069] The pressing unit 5 and the outer ring 31 can also be fitted together, and a guide groove holds the pressing unit 5 in position. There is a section in the guide groove of the pressing unit 5 that allows vertical movement of the pressing unit 5.

[0070] Small protrusions inside the outer ring 31, which fit into the guide grooves of the push unit 5, connect the push unit 5 to the outer ring 31 and define the directions of movement of the push unit 5.

[0071] The push button 5 can be connected to and separated from the outer ring 31 at any time due to the special shape of the guide groove.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the push-button unit 5 has a groove and mounting points on its outer surface, which allow an attachment 8 to be fastened to the push-button unit 5. Additionally or alternatively, the push-button unit 5 can have mounting points in its outer ring 31 for a tube 81 that can be inserted into the container 2, with this tube 81 extending to or almost to the bottom of the container 2. Thus, various attachments 8, such as a soap dispenser attachment / pusher with a special soap dispenser opening, can be attached and connected, so that with this attachment 8 a twist-and-pump bottle (which only works by turning the bottle upside down) becomes a stand-alone soap dispenser bottle (which also works without turning the bottle).

[0073] The size, shape, type, texture, angle of the lateral surface in the cross-section of the funnel 4 and the size, shape and functionality of the duckbill valve 52 determine the amount of liquid inside the funnel 4.

[0074] All components can be designed, manufactured and sold in a congruent manner, either enlarged or reduced in size, and the entire bottle / dispenser 1 including its function remains the same; only the fill quantity and the liquid flow rate (with any other characteristics) change.

[0075] The outer ring 31 has additional mounting points for the container 2 at the bottom, allowing the private end user to detach and reconnect the outer ring 31 together with the push button 5 from the container 2 at any time, e.g. for the purpose of (re-)filling the container 2 with new "liquid" / soap / shower gel etc.

[0076] In one embodiment, the underside of the container 2 has mounting points for a lid, allowing the lid to be attached to the underside of the container (on its outside) but also easily removed and reattached to the top of the dispensing unit 5. According to various embodiments, the inside of the dispensing unit 5 has mounting points for the lid, enabling it to be connected to the unit, thus completely sealing the dispenser 1 and the container / bottle body 2 when required. Alternatively or additionally, a protective sleeve can be used.

[0077] The length and shape of container 2 are not defined and are variable during manufacturing, meaning the entire dispenser 1 can be designed in various sizes. Depending on customer requirements and needs, dispensers of different sizes and shapes can be developed, manufactured, and sold. The variable size of the entire dispenser 1, resulting from the variable size of container 2, does not restrict or alter the dispenser's functionality. The functionality remains unchanged.

[0078] Various attachments or components 8 can be arranged on the push-button unit 5, allowing the dispenser to be used for different purposes, such as a soap dispenser, a shower dispenser (i.e., a reusable shower gel bottle), a spray bottle, or similar. Furthermore, different push-button units 5 can be developed, manufactured, and sold for various applications, so that the attachment 8 and push-button unit 5 form a single unit. In this case, no additional attachments are required. To increase the range of applications and enable the dispenser 1 to be used for various purposes, either additional attachments 8 or additional push-button units, including different, innovative, and further push-button shapes and designs, can be developed, manufactured, and sold.

[0079] Fig. Figure 6A shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment 8, such that the soap dispenser according to the invention can be converted into a commercially available soap dispenser. For this purpose, the attachment 8 is fastened to the push-button unit 5 by means of the third connecting element 56. A (flexible) tube 81, preferably made of bioplastic and / or bio-based materials and / or renewable materials, extends through the through-opening 51 and protrudes into the funnel neck 41. A further (flexible) tube 82, preferably made of bioplastic and / or bio-based materials and / or renewable materials, is attached to the first through-opening 33 and extends to the bottom of the container 2 of the dispenser 1, as shown in Figure 6A. Fig. 6B is shown. Reference sign 1 donor 2 containers 21 fourth connecting element 22 segments 23 fifth connecting element 3 Filling unit 31 Outer ring 32 Base plate 33 first passage opening 34 first valve 35 Receiving device for funnel opening 42 4 funnels 41 Funnel neck 42 Funnel opening 5 Push unit 51 second passageway 52 second valve 53 Recording device 54 Floor 55 Dosing device 56 third connecting element 57 Air intake 6 First connecting element 61 Guide rail 62 bolts 7 Second connecting element 8 Essay 81 Pipe of the attachment 8 82 Pipe of container 2

Claims

[1] Reusable and modular dispenser (1) for fluids, comprising a container (2) for receiving a fluid, a filling unit (3) for receiving a portion of the fluid, a funnel (4) made of flexible material, and a pressure unit (5) for dispensing the portion of the fluid, wherein the container (2) is coupled to the filling unit (3) and the filling unit (3) is coupled to the pressing unit (5) in such a way that they are arranged along a longitudinal axis L of the dispenser (1), wherein the pressing unit (5) is coupled to the filling unit (3) in such a way that the pressing unit (5) is movably mounted vertically along the longitudinal axis L of the dispenser (1) in the filling unit (3), wherein the filling unit (3) has at least one first through-opening (33) with a first valve (34), wherein the pressure unit (5) has at least a second through-opening (51) with a second valve (52), and wherein the funnel (4) is arranged in the filling unit (3) such that the funnel opening (42) encloses the first valve (34) of the filling unit (3) and the funnel neck (41) encloses the second valve (52) of the pressure unit (5), wherein the container (2) is formed from several segments (22), the segments (22) being connected to each other by a fifth connecting element (23). [2] Reusable dispenser (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the filling unit (3) has a receiving device (35) for receiving the funnel opening (42), and / or the pressing unit (5) has a receiving device (53) for receiving the funnel neck (41). [3] Reusable dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pressing unit (5) has a base (54) wherein the through-opening (51) is arranged in the base (54) and / or the filling unit (3) has an outer ring (31) and a base plate (32) wherein the through-opening (33) is arranged in the base plate (32). [4] Reusable dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the container (2) and / or the filling unit (3) has / have a first connecting element (6) for coupling the container (2) with the filling unit (3), and wherein the filling unit (3) and / or the pressure unit (5) has / have a second connecting element (7) for coupling the pressure unit (5) with the filling unit (3). [5] Reusable dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that in the assembled state of the dispenser (1) the first valve (6), the second valve (7) and the funnel (4) are arranged one above the other along a longitudinal axis L of the dispenser (1) and the funnel opening (42) encloses an outlet side of the first valve (6) and the funnel neck (41) encloses an inlet side of the second valve (7). [6] Reusable dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pressure unit (5) has a metering device (55). [7] Reusable dispenser (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the dosing device (55) is at least a recess in a side wall of the pressure unit. [8] Reusable dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pressing unit (5) has a third connecting element (56) for coupling with an attachment (8). [9] Reusable dispenser (1) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the attachment (8) is a lid or a dosing device (55). [10] Reusable dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the container (2) has a fourth connecting element (21) below its base plate for receiving the lid. [11] Reusable dispenser (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a protective cover. [12] Reusable dispenser (1) according to claim 4 or claim 8 or claim 10 or claim 12, characterized by , that the second connecting element (7) and / or the third connecting element (56) and / or the fourth connecting element (21) and / or the fifth connecting element (23) are screw connections and / or plug connections. [13] Reusable dispenser (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the first connecting element (6) is a plug connection, wherein the plug connection has a guide rail (61) and a bolt (62). [14] Reusable dispenser (1) according to claim 14, characterized by , that the first connecting element (6) has a locking function. [15] Reusable dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first valve (34) is an umbrella valve. [16] Reusable dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second valve (52) is a duckbill valve. [17] Reusable dispenser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the container (2), the filling unit (3) and / or the pressure unit (5) are made of bioplastic and / or bio-based materials and / or renewable materials. [18] Reusable dispenser (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the dosing device (55) has at least one air inlet (57). [19] Use of the dispenser (1) according to claim 1 as a refill bottle for providing liquid soap, shower gel, shampoo and / or disinfectant.

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