Fluid dispenser and kit comprising a fluid dispenser and an inner container

Abstract

A fluid dispenser (100) for dispensing a fluid has a dimensionally stable outer container (110) with a container opening (113) for receiving a flexible inner container (140) and a dimensionally stable lid element (120) for closing the container opening (113), wherein the lid element (120) has a first opening (121a), an opposing second opening (121b) and a lateral slot (121c) extending from the first opening (121a) to the second opening (121b), which is closed by a releasable closure element (122) of the lid element (120).A fluid pump unit (150) serves to be detachably connected to the inner container (140) in order to extract liquid contained in the inner container (140), wherein the fluid pump unit (150) and the inner container (140), when connected to each other, can be inserted laterally as a unit through the slot (121c) into the lid element (120) removed from the outer container (110) until the second opening (121b) is reached.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention lies in the field of packaging for fluids, in particular for cosmetics, and relates to a fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid, as well as a kit comprising a fluid dispenser and an inner container. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Liquids such as shampoos, hair gels, conditioners and masks are often provided in dispensers which have a pump or dosing device.

[0003] For example, CA 3 105 113 A1 discloses a dispenser comprising a lower housing part, an upper housing part, a bag, and a press-suction unit. The press-suction unit is inserted through an opening in the upper housing part, screwed onto an external thread around the opening, and then inserted into and connected to the bag. The resulting assembly of upper housing part, press-suction unit, and bag can then be inserted into the lower housing part, which is then closed with the upper housing part.

[0004] US 2004 / 0112918 A1 discloses a liquid dispenser with a deformable flexible bag having an opening, a flexible bag carrier to which the opening of the flexible bag is attached, and a pump attached to the bag carrier to extract a fluid from the bag.

[0005] From US patent 5,474,212, a liquid pump reservoir is known which has a housing consisting of two hinged housing parts and a flexible bag with an outlet block located at the top of the bag and provided with an outlet hole. To insert the bag, the two housing parts are opened, the bag is inserted so that the outlet block protrudes from the housing, and then the housing parts are folded back together.

[0006] A similar liquid pump reservoir is known from US Patent 6,619,505 B1, in which, however, the two housing parts can be plugged together.

[0007] A liquid dispenser is also known from US 2005 / 0077319 A1. The liquid dispenser has a fluid reservoir with a rigid neck, a rigid housing containing the fluid reservoir, a dispensing element that engages in the neck of the fluid reservoir, and a retaining element that engages in both the neck of the fluid reservoir and the rigid housing in such a way as to hold the container in the rigid housing.

[0008] A liquid dispensing container is described in WO 2022 / 047527 A1, comprising a container body, a liquid dispensing device and a removable bag unit that can be replaced by a spare bag.

[0009] Another liquid dispenser is known from US patent 2003 / 0094464 A1. This liquid dispenser comprises a flexible bag with an opening, a bag holder to which the opening of the bag is attached, and a pump.

[0010] WO 2020 / 117770 A1 discloses a liquid dispenser comprising a flexible container, a rigid outer container for receiving the flexible container, and a dispenser element for drawing the liquid out of the flexible container.

[0011] Another liquid dispenser is described in US 10,549,295 B2.

[0012] Other liquid dispensers are described in WO 2020 / 043112 A1, US 6 510 965 B1 and US 6 983 864 B1.

[0013] Some of these liquid dispensers allow you to replace the pouch once it's empty. However, with the more common models, this is sometimes complicated and not very practical for everyday use.

[0014] Against this background, there is therefore a need to provide a liquid dispenser that allows for easy and quick replacement of a bag or inner container, while also enabling improved handling during use. INVENTIONAL SOLUTION

[0015] Against this background, according to an embodiment described herein, a fluid dispenser is provided for dispensing a fluid. The fluid can be, in particular, a cosmetic liquid, for example, a shampoo, gel, cream, mask, or hair conditioner.

[0016] Furthermore, according to one embodiment described herein, a kit comprising a fluid dispenser and a separate inner container is provided. The fluid dispenser and the inner container can be stored together in one packaging unit or in separate packaging units and made available for shipment. FIGURES

[0017] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the solution described herein, without the embodiments being intended to restrict the scope of protection defined by the claims. The elements of the drawings are relative to each other and not necessarily to scale. Figures 1A and 1B Show views of a fluid dispenser according to one embodiment in a front view and a side view. Figure 2 show an exploded view of an outer container and a lid element of a fluid dispenser according to one embodiment. Figure 3A shows a lid element, Figure 3B shows a partial view of an inner container connected to a fluid pump unit, and Figure 3 C shows a main part of a lid element without a locking element. Figures 4A to 4J The figures illustrate the process of replacing an inner container according to one embodiment. Figures 5A to 5Cshow views of a fluid dispenser according to different embodiments. Figures 6A to 6C further three-dimensional views of a fluid dispenser 100. EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0018] A fluid dispenser that allows for easy replacement of an inner container is described below using various embodiments that can be suitably combined with one another.

[0019] The fluid dispenser, in its general form, features a rigid outer container with an opening for a flexible inner container. A lid closes the opening and has a lateral slot that can be closed by a removable locking element on the lid. Releasing the locking element exposes the slot. A fluid pump unit can be connected to an interchangeable inner container, with the pump unit and inner container being inserted together as a single unit through the slot in the lid. The slot allows the entire unit, consisting of the pump unit and inner container, to be removed from the lid, giving the user free access to the unit and enabling easy connection or disconnection of the pump unit and inner container.

[0020] The inner container can be replaced. For this purpose, the inner container is detachably connected to the fluid pump unit, for example, by screws. Since the inner container is a replaceable part, it is not considered part of the fluid dispenser in the strictest sense. A fluid dispenser with an integrated inner container can be considered a fluid dispenser device; that is, the fluid dispenser device comprises the fluid dispenser and the replaceable inner container, which is detachably connected to the fluid pump unit and housed within the outer container. For the sake of simplicity, the fluid pump unit will henceforth be referred to as the pump unit.

[0021] The fluid dispenser is reusable, thus conserving resources and protecting the environment. The inner container, which holds the dispensed fluid, is preferably designed as a single-use replacement part, but can also be refillable. The fluid dispenser, particularly the outer container and the lid, can be made of a different material than the inner container. This allows for the use of a material suited to the specific function.

[0022] For example, the inner container, particularly in the areas that come into contact with the fluid, can be made of a material that is as inert as possible with respect to the fluid. A virgin plastic material is preferably used for this purpose. For example, the inner container can consist entirely of virgin polyethylene (PE) or virgin polypropylene (PP), which are often also referred to as virgin PE and virgin PP, respectively. The inner container then has a single-layer structure. Alternatively, the inner container can have at least two layers, with an inner layer of virgin polypropylene or virgin polyethylene and an outer layer of a different material, for example, recycled polypropylene or recycled polyethylene, or another plastic material, in particular recycled plastic material. Preferably, the inner container or...The inner layer of the inner container is made of virgin polyethylene, as polyethylene is more flexible than polypropylene. The inner container is made of a particularly flexible material, especially if it is designed, for example, as a liquid pouch.

[0023] Virgin plastic differs from recycled plastic primarily in its purity. The use of virgin polyethylene (PE) or virgin polypropylene (PP) therefore allows for more precise adjustment of the PE or PP properties, thus better meeting the purity and inertness requirements of the cosmetics industry.

[0024] In contrast, the outer container and lid can be made of a different plastic material. However, it is also possible for the outer container and lid to be made of the same plastic material as the inner container. For example, the outer container and lid can be made of polypropylene (PP) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and this can be either virgin or recycled plastic. The outer container and / or lid can be single-layered or at least two-layered. For example, an inner layer of the outer container and / or lid might primarily provide mechanical stability, while an outer layer is designed for improved feel (grip) and / or printability.

[0025] With regard to the Figures 1A, 1B , 2 , 3A, 3B and 3CFirst, the general structure of a fluid dispenser according to one embodiment will be explained.

[0026] A fluid dispenser 100 according to one embodiment comprises a dimensionally stable outer container 110 with a container opening 113 at its upper end, as for example in Figure 2 The outer container 110 is adapted to receive an interchangeable flexible inner container 140, the inner container 140 being insertable into the outer container 110 through the container opening 113.

[0027] The outer container 110 preferably has a base 111 and a circumferential side wall 112 extending from the base 111, wherein the base 111 and the side wall 112 define a receiving space for the inner container 140. The base 111 is preferably designed as a closed base, but it can also be partially open. The base 111 improves, among other things, the dimensional stability of the outer container 110.

[0028] As particularly in Figure 2 As can be seen, the outer container 110 can have a cylindrical shape, wherein the cross-section, i.e. the outer cross-section, of the cylindrical outer container 110 is circular or as shown in Figure 2 The rounded rectangle can be rectangular with rounded corners (rounded rectangle). Preferably, the longitudinal extent of the rounded rectangle is at least 1.5 times greater, particularly at least 1.8 times greater, or even at least 2 times greater, than the transverse extent of the rounded rectangle. These ratios can also apply to other cross-sectional shapes.

[0029] Preferably, the radius of all rounded corners is the same, and it can be chosen such that straight sections remain on both long sides and both end faces of the rounded rectangle. For example, the radius of the rounded corners can be equal to or less than half the transverse dimension of the rounded rectangle. The radius can, for example, be between 0.1 and 0.4 times the transverse dimension of the rounded rectangle.

[0030] The side wall 112 of the outer container 110 can comprise two opposing flat wall sections and two at least partially curved wall sections connecting the flat wall sections. The flat wall sections are preferably parallel to each other and correspond to the longitudinal sides of the rounded rectangle. According to one embodiment, the maximum distance between the straight wall sections is less than the maximum distance between the at least partially curved wall sections. The ratio between these distances can correspond to the ratios between the transverse and longitudinal directions of the cross-section described above.

[0031] The partially curved wall sections can each be formed by one flat wall section and two lateral rounded wall sections, the rounded wall sections having a radius corresponding to the radius of the rounded corners. Preferably, all wall sections transition seamlessly into one another, so that the outer container has a continuous outer contour in the direction of rotation.

[0032] The cross-sectional shape (shape of the outer cross-section) of the outer container 110 is specifically adapted to the handling of the fluid dispenser 100. In particular, a cross-section in the shape of a rounded rectangle has proven advantageous, as it allows the user to grip the fluid dispenser 100 more easily with one hand. Furthermore, this cross-section is also beneficial with regard to the use of the inner container, since the inner container 140 also has a rather elongated and narrower cross-sectional shape.

[0033] A cross-section in the shape of a rounded rectangle remains advantageous with regard to higher packing density when packaging several 100-liter fluid dispensers in a carton or other transport container. In contrast, larger gaps remain between fluid dispensers with a more circular cross-section when several are packed in a carton.

[0034] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape as a rounded rectangle is also advantageous when placing several fluid dispensers 100 on a shelf or console, which is particularly appreciated by professional beauty salons and hair salons.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the base 111 and the side wall 112 merge integrally into one another, wherein, in particular, the receiving space from the base 111 to the container opening 113 has a substantially constant cross-section. The circumferential side wall 112 extends from the base 111 to the container opening 113, the container opening 113 being formed by the upper lateral edge of the side wall 112.

[0036] For clarity, the terms top, bottom, and side are understood as directional characteristics defined by the outer container. The longitudinal extent of the outer container 110, as shown in the Figure 2As shown, a vertical direction is defined, such that the base 111 is therefore located at a lower end and the container opening 113 at an upper end of the outer container 110. The terms "downwards", "below", "upwards" or "above" therefore represent directional information with respect to this vertical direction. The terms "sideways", "front" or "back", on the other hand, denote a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0037] The fluid dispenser 100 further comprises a dimensionally stable lid element 120 for closing the container opening 113. The lid element 120 defines a cavity and has a first opening 121a at a first end of the lid element 120, a second opening 121b opposite it at a second end of the lid element 120, and a lateral slot 121c extending from the first opening 121a to the second opening 121b, which can be closed with a releasable closure element 122 of the lid element 120.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the cover element 120 comprises a dimensionally stable main part 121 to which the locking element 122 is detachably and removablely connected. When connected, the main part 121 and the locking element 122 together form a common outer surface of the cover element 120. Figure 3A Figure 120 shows, for example, a cover element 120, which in the embodiment shown here is composed of the main part 121 and the closure element 122. The cover element 120 is therefore preferably in two parts. When the closure element 122 is connected to the main part 121 to close the slot 121c, the closure element 122 and the main part 121 together define the first opening 121a and the second opening 121b of the cover element 120.

[0039] As particularly in Figure 3CAs can be seen, the main part 121, according to one embodiment which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, has two shell halves connected to each other on a first side and spaced apart from each other on an opposite second side to form the slot 121c. The side on which the slot 121c is formed can also be referred to as the front. The side on which the two shell halves are connected to each other then forms a rear side of the lid element 120.

[0040] The two shell halves can be symmetrical with respect to a plane that runs along the vertical direction, i.e., from bottom to top. Figure 3C , and extends centrally through the slot 121c. This plane is preferably also parallel and central to the two opposing flat wall sections of the side wall 112.

[0041] When assembled, the main part 121 and the closure element 122 together define the outer contour and surface of the lid element 120.

[0042] The first opening 121a of the lid element 120 faces the container opening 113 and points downwards, i.e., towards the bottom 111 of the outer container 110. The second opening 121b of the lid element 120 is located on the upper surface of the lid element 120 opposite the first opening 121a and is spaced apart from the first opening 121a. The second opening 121b can, for example, have a circular cross-section, whereas the first opening 121a can have a cross-section that essentially corresponds to the cross-section, i.e., the internal cross-section, of the outer container 110.

[0043] According to one embodiment, which can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the first opening 121a of the cover element 120 has a larger opening cross-section than the second opening 121b of the cover element 120.

[0044] The lid element 120 can comprise a shoulder section 121e, which forms the lower part of the lid element 120, and a neck section 121d, which forms the upper part of the lid element 120. For example, in the Figure 3AIt is evident that the shoulder section 121e transitions into the neck section 121d via a step. The transition between the shoulder section 121e and the neck section 121d need not necessarily be stepped, but can also be continuous. The cover element 120 can therefore, particularly on its outer surface, have a stepped or continuous transition between the first opening 121a and the second opening 121b. A stepped transition is preferred, as this is easier to manufacture and requires less vertical dimension for the cover element 120.

[0045] According to one embodiment, which can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the first opening 121a and the second opening 121b each have a center point located on a center line of the lid element 120. Opposing edge regions of the slot 121c extend, in particular, along two mutually parallel and spaced-apart surfaces that are parallel to the center line, the center line being situated between the spaced-apart surfaces. The center line may coincide with a center line of the outer container 110.

[0046] The outer container 110 can, for example, have a center line in the vertical direction with respect to which the outer shape of the outer container 110 is symmetrical with respect to a rotation of 180°. The outer contour of the lid element 120 can essentially also have such symmetry when considering the main part 121 together with the closure element 122.

[0047] According to the embodiment shown here, the outer contour of the shoulder section 121e extends the outer contour of the outer container 110 in a straight line, such that the outer cross-section of the lid element 120 corresponds to the parallel outer cross-section of the outer container 110, and the lid element 120 and the outer container 110 transition seamlessly into one another when the lid element 120 is connected to the outer container 110 by its shoulder section 121e. This seamless transition is particularly evident in the Figures 1A and 1B recognizable which fluid dispenser 100 from the front ( Figure 1A) and from one side ( Figure 1B ) show.

[0048] The main part 121 of the lid element 120 can therefore have two opposing flat wall sections of its shell halves, the flat wall sections corresponding to the opposing wall sections of the outer container 110.

[0049] According to one embodiment, which can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the lid element 120 engages detachably with its first end, at which the first opening 121a is located, in the container opening 113. Preferably, the lid element 120 is inserted with its main part 121 into the container opening 113 of the outer container 110. For this purpose, the lid element 120 can have a recessed outer step 121f, which can be inserted into the container opening 113 in a largely form-fitting manner. To receive the lid element 120, specifically the outer step 121f of the lid element 120, an inner step 112a corresponding to the outer step 121f of the lid element 120 can be provided on the inside of the outer container 110 in the area of ​​the container opening 113. This is, for example, Figure 2recognizable. The outer surface of the outer stage 121f then preferably lies flat against the inner surface of the inner stage 112a, so that the largest possible contact area between the lid element 120 and the outer container 110 is created, whereby the lid element 120 is securely connected to the outer container 110.

[0050] To further improve the detachable connection between the lid element 120 and the outer container 110, the two halves of the main part 121 of the lid element 120 can be slightly pushed outwards by the locking element 122, thereby pressing the outer step 121f of the lid element 120 against the inner step 112a of the outer container 110. Optionally, the interacting surfaces of the outer step 121f and the inner step 112a can be roughened or provided with a thin elastic coating to further improve the static friction between the lid element 120 and the outer container 110.

[0051] The neck section 121d preferably has a cross-section with a circular cylindrical outer contour, i.e., the outer surface of the neck section 121d extends perpendicularly in the vertical direction. An inwardly projecting inner stop 123 can be formed circumferentially on the inner surface of the neck section 121d. This inner stop 123 serves to receive a corresponding circumferential outer stop 153 of the pump unit 150, as explained below.

[0052] The lateral slot 121c of the cover element 120 extends from the first opening 121a to the second opening 121b and allows unobstructed lateral access to the cavity of the cover element 120, which is bounded by the side walls of the cover element 120. Thus, after removing the slot 121c, it is possible to insert the pump unit (fluid pump unit) 150, connected to an inner container 140, as a whole laterally into the cover element 120.

[0053] For example, in Figure 3B As can be seen, according to one embodiment, the pump unit comprises a pump 152, which is only partially visible, and a pump head 151 with an outlet 154. The pump 152 forms a stationary element of the pump unit 150. The outer stop 153 is preferably integrally formed around the pump 152. The pump head 151 is operated by the user, whereby pressing on the pump head 151 executes a stroke movement, displacing fluid from the inner reservoir 140 and discharging it via the outlet 154.

[0054] The pump head 151 can engage the neck section 121d of the cover element 120 from above, with a slight lateral clearance, on its outer surface when the pump unit 150 is inserted into the cover element 120 in a ready-to-use state. Due to the cylindrical outer shape of the neck section 121d, it is ensured that the pump head 151 does not come into contact with the outer contour of the neck section 121d when actuated.

[0055] According to one embodiment, which can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the inner container 140 comprises a flexible bag 141 and a dimensionally stable mouthpiece 142, which is detachably connected to the pump unit 150, in particular to the pump 152. For this purpose, the mouthpiece 142 can, for example, have an external thread for screwing into an internal thread of the pump unit 150, in particular an internal thread of the pump 152. Alternatively, a bayonet fitting or another type of connection between the mouthpiece 142 and the pump 152 can also be provided.

[0056] Preferably, the bag 141 has a rather flat cross-section, which is adapted to the cross-section (inner cross-section) of the outer container 110 so that the bag 141 can be easily inserted into the outer container 110. Since the inner container 140 does not interact directly with the lid element 120 but only indirectly via the pump unit 150, only the detachable connection between the mouthpiece 142 and the pump 152 and the size of the bag 141 need to be matched to the size of the outer container 110.

[0057] As described above, bag 141 can be made of virgin PE or PP, or at least have an inner layer of virgin PE or PP, so that the fluid contained in the bag only comes into contact with virgin PE or PP.

[0058] According to one embodiment, which can be suitably combined with other embodiments described here, the main part 121 therefore comprises the inner stop 123, on which the unit consisting of fluid pump unit 150 and inner container 140 rests when the fluid pump unit 150 and the inner container 140 are inserted into the cover element 120.

[0059] For use, the outer stop 153 rests on the inner stop 123 from above. This allows the unit consisting of the fluid pump unit 150 and the inner container 140 to be moved upwards, facilitating the removal of the fluid pump unit 150 together with the inner container laterally from the slot 121c. However, it is also possible for the inner stop 123 to be designed as an internal groove into which the outer stop 153 is inserted laterally to limit the pump's freedom of movement both downwards and upwards. The internal groove can accommodate the outer stop 153 with sufficient clearance, allowing the outer stop 153 to be easily inserted into and removed from the internal groove.

[0060] According to one embodiment, which can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, the fluid pump unit 150 therefore serves to be detachably connected to the inner container 140 in order to extract liquid contained in the inner container 140, wherein the fluid pump unit 150 and the inner container 140, when connected to each other, can be inserted laterally as a unit through the slot 121c into the lid element 120 removed from the outer container 110 until the second opening 121b is reached.

[0061] The edges of the slot 121c formed by the main part 121 can have bearing surfaces 121g, which, for example, are located in Figure 3CThese bearing surfaces 121g can each extend from the first opening 121a along the respective edge of the slot 121c to the second opening 121b and serve to hold the locking element 122 correctly and securely on the main part 121. In particular, the bearing surfaces in the stepped transition between the shoulder section 121e and the neck section 121d also serve as guides when the locking element 122 is to be removed from or reinserted into the slot 121c. The bearing surfaces 121g can therefore also be referred to as guide surfaces.

[0062] The contact surfaces 121g can be designed as projections that extend into the slot 121c. It is not necessary for the contact surfaces 121g to extend very far into the slot 121, as they merely serve to position the locking element 122.

[0063] The main part 121 and the closure element 122 can each be manufactured separately as integral components, for example by injection molding or compression molding. Preferably, the same plastic materials are used for the main part 121 and the closure element 122.

[0064] The inner container 140 can also preferably be manufactured integrally, for example by extrusion blow molding, in which a preform with a nozzle 142 is held in a mold and then the bag 141 is blown from it. However, it is also possible for the nozzle 142 and the bag 141 to be manufactured separately and then suitably welded together. Particularly with separate manufacturing, the use of suitably adapted plastic material is possible.

[0065] With reference to the Figures 4A to 4J The following are individual steps for replacing an inner container 41.

[0066] The starting point for this is in Figure 4A A fully assembled fluid dispenser 100 with an inner container 140 is shown. Due to the closed outer contour of the fluid dispenser 100, formed by the outer container 110 and the lid element 120, the inner container 140 is enclosed within it. Figure 4A not recognizable.

[0067] To replace the inner container 140, the pump unit 150 is first slightly lifted until the lower edge of the pump head 151 is above the upper edge of the second opening 121b. This is in Figure 4B recognizable.

[0068] Since the pump head 151 no longer surrounds the neck section 121d on the outside and locks the locking element 122, the locking element 122 can be pushed forward or tilted and thus removed from the slot 121c. To do this, the user can, for example, grasp the outer container 110 with one hand, press down on the pump head 151 from below with their thumb until it is above the top edge of the second opening 121b, and then, with their other hand, for example with their thumb, push the locking element 122 forward or tilt it out, as shown in the diagram. Figure 4C depicted.

[0069] As in the 4D Figures and 4EAs can be seen, the main part 121 of the lid element 120 is then removed from the container opening, whereby, due to the interaction between the inner stop 123 of the main part 121 and the outer stop 153 of the pump unit 150, the pump unit 150, together with the inner bag 140, is pulled out of the outer container 110. However, it is also possible that the user simply grasps the pump head 151 and thereby also moves the lid element 120, since the inner container 140 lifts the lid element 120 from below.

[0070] Since the closure element 122 has been previously removed from the slot 121c, the two halves of the main part 121 can be easily moved towards each other from the outside, making it easier to remove the main part 121 from the container opening 113. This is particularly advantageous when the interacting surfaces of outer stage 121f (see Figures 3A and 3C ) and inner stage 112a (see Figure 2) exhibit strong static friction under the spreading action of the locking element 122.

[0071] After the inner container 140 has been completely pulled out of the outer container 110, the main part 121 can be pushed out laterally, or the unit consisting of the connected inner container 140 and pump unit 150 can be guided laterally, i.e., forwards, out of the main part 121 through the slot 121c. Conveniently, the user can lay the outer container 110 to the side, grasp the main part 121 with one hand and the unit consisting of the inner container 140 and pump unit 150 with the other hand, and thus separate the main part 121 from the rest of the unit. This condition is, for example, Figure 4FThe user now has unobstructed access to the inner container 140 and can grasp it, in particular the mouthpiece 142 of the inner container 140, and the pump unit 150, in particular the pump 152, with one hand each and separate them. The inner container 140 is then replaced with a new inner container 140, the pump 152 is inserted into the mouthpiece 142 and screwed to it or locked via a bayonet connection. This reassembles the inner container 140 and the pump unit 150 into a single unit.

[0072] To fully reassemble the fluid dispenser device, i.e., the fluid dispenser with the inner container attached, the main part 121 is first fully slid onto the unit consisting of the inner container 140 and pump unit 150 via its slot 121c ( Figure 4G) and the inner container 140 is inserted through the container opening 113 into the outer container 110 until the main part 121 is fully inserted back into the container opening 113 ( Figure 4H To facilitate insertion of the main part 121 into the container opening 113, the two shell halves can be moved elastically towards each other by applying slight external pressure, thus slightly reducing the clear outer cross-section. After the main part 121 is fully inserted, the user can reduce the pressure on the shell halves, causing them to elastically return to their original position and thereby pressing the outer stage 121f against the inner stage 112a.

[0073] The locking element 122 is then reinserted into the slot 121c, with the contact surfaces 121g at the edges of the slot 121c serving as guides for the locking element 122 ( Figure 4I). At the same time, the locking element 122 clamps the two shell halves so that they can no longer be moved elastically against each other by external pressure. The locking element 122 thus serves not only to visually close the slot 121c, but also to secure the main part 121 and therefore the entire lid element 120 in the container opening 113 of the outer container 110.

[0074] Finally, as in Figure 4J shown, the pump unit 150 is fully lowered again, so that the pump head 151 encompasses the upper area of ​​the neck section 121d and thereby secures the locking element 122 against being pushed out of the slot 121c.

[0075] To further secure the closure element 122, the closure element 122 can, according to one embodiment which can be suitably combined with other embodiments described herein, have a step 122a on its lower front side which comes into contact with the edge of the container opening 113, as for example in Figure 2 shown.

[0076] Stage 122a engages in the container opening 113 and thus prevents the closure element 122 from being easily pushed forward. Since stage 122a preferably has only a small vertical dimension compared to the outer stage 121f, the closure element 122 only needs to be lifted slightly when removed from the slot 121c so that it can pass over the top edge of the container opening 113. Alternatively, the closure element 122 can also be tilted around stage 122a, which engages with the container opening 113, if the pump head 151 is sufficiently raised.

[0077] In addition to its function of closing the slot 121c and pressing the shell halves of the main part 121 outwards against the inside of the container opening 113, the sealing element 122 can also serve an indicator function. The sealing element 122 can be printed or colored to clearly identify the fluid contained in the inner container 140. For example, different fluids could be marked with different colors; shampoos could be marked with one color and conditioners with another. This prevents accidental confusion during use, ensuring that the correct fluid (cosmetic liquid) is applied.

[0078] The use of different colors or prints is, for example, in the Figures 5A to 5C depicted. The Figures 5A to 5CThe illustrations show fluid dispensers designed to dispense different fluids. To ensure that the user, for example a stylist, can quickly and easily identify which fluid is in which dispenser, closure elements 122 in different colors, clearly corresponding to the respective fluid, are used.

[0079] Additionally or alternatively, it is possible that the fluid can be clearly and easily identified not by the color of the closure element 122, but by an additional marking element 160, which is interchangeably inserted into a holder on the pump head 151. Figure 5A Figure 1 shows, for example, an embodiment in which the color of the marking element 160, but not the color of the closure element 122, is specific to the fluid. The embodiment in Figure 5BIn contrast, it has no holder for a marking element, so in this case the color scheme for the closure element 122 is used for easy identification of the fluid contained in the fluid dispenser. The embodiment in Figure 5C The pump head 151 has a holder for receiving a marking element 160, wherein in the Figure 5C In the embodiment shown, both the color of the marking element 160 and the color of the closure element 122 are used for the unique identification of the fluid.

[0080] From the Figures 5A to 5C It is also evident that the outlet 154 molded onto the pump head 151 can point towards the sealing element 122, i.e. forwards ( Figures 5B and 5C ) or away from the locking element 122, i.e. to the rear ( Figure 5AHowever, the orientation of the outlet 154 is typically not restricted, since the pump head 151 is preferably rotatable around the pump 152, so that the user can orient the outlet 154 according to his needs.

[0081] In the Figures 6A to 6C Further three-dimensional views of a fluid dispenser 100 with a marking element 160 according to one embodiment are shown, which can be combined arbitrarily with all other embodiments described herein. The marking element 160 can, for example, have the shape of a coin or a round chip and be inserted laterally into a semicircular holder 155.

[0082] The fluid dispenser 110 can be offered for sale without the inner container 140. However, it is also possible for the fluid dispenser 110 and the inner container 140, which contains a fluid, to be offered together as a kit in the same or separate packaging. The sealing element 122 and the optional marking element 160 can be supplied in a color unique to the fluid contained in the inner container 140.

[0083] Alternatively, an inner container 140, containing a fluid, can be offered as a kit together with a marking element 160 and / or a sealing element 122 for exchange with an empty inner container. The inner container 140 and the marking element 160 and / or the sealing element 122 can be offered in a single package. The sealing element 122 and / or the marking element 160 can be supplied in a color that is unique to the fluid contained in the inner container 140.

[0084] This makes it possible to use the Fluid Dispenser 100 with different inner containers 140 and different fluids. The Fluid Dispenser 100, with its outer container 110, lid element 120, and pump unit 150, is reused, while the inner container 140 can be replaced and recycled.

[0085] Since the color of the closure element 122 and / or the marking element 160 allows for easy identification of the fluid contained in the fluid dispenser 100, the outer container 110 and the main part 121 of the lid element 120 do not need to be specifically printed or colored for a particular fluid. This makes it possible, for example, for the user, such as an employee in a hair salon or beauty studio, to have several fluid dispensers 100 on hand, which they can equip with different inner containers 140 for different fluids as needed.

[0086] Overall, the solution described here allows for the material- and resource-efficient use of fluid dispensers that can be filled with different fluids. The replacement of the inner container 140 is significantly simplified for the user by the lateral slot 121c in the lid element 120, as the unit consisting of the inner container 140 and pump unit 150 can be completely removed from the lid element 120. This allows the user free access to remove the empty inner container 140 from the pump unit 150 and connect the pump unit 150 to a new inner container 140.

[0087] Although specific embodiments have been presented and described herein, it is within the scope of the present invention to modify the embodiments shown in a suitable manner without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention as defined in the attached claims. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0088] 100 Fluid dispenser 110 Outer container 111 Base 112 Side wall 112a Inner step 113 Container opening 120 Lid element 121 Main part 121a First opening 121b Second opening 121c Slot 121d Neck section 121e Shoulder section 121f Outer step 121g Contact surface 122 Closure element 122a Step 123 Inner stop 140 Inner container 141 Bag 142 Nozzle 150 Fluid pump unit 151 Pump head 152 Pump 153 Outer stop 154 ​​Outlet 155 Holder for marking element 160 Marking element

Claims

1. Fluid dispenser (100) for dispensing a fluid, comprising: a dimensionally stable outer container (110) with a container opening (113), which is adapted to accommodate a flexible inner container (140), wherein the inner container (140) can be inserted into the outer container (110) through the container opening (113), a dimensionally stable lid element (120) for closing the container opening (113), wherein the lid element (120) defines a cavity and has a first opening (121a) at a first end of the lid element (120), an opposite second opening (121b) at a second end of the lid element (120), and a lateral slot (121c) extending from the first opening (121a) to the second opening (121b), which is closed by a releasable closure element (122) of the lid element (120), and a fluid pump unit (150) for releasably connecting to the inner container (140) in order to extract liquid located in the inner container (140), wherein the fluid pump unit (150) and the inner container (140), when connected to each other, can be inserted as a unit through the slot (121c) in the lid element (120) removed from the outer container (110) until the second opening (121b) is reached.

2. Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first opening (121a) of the lid element (120) has a larger opening cross-section than the second opening (121b) of the lid element (120), and the lid element has a stepped or continuous transition between the first opening (121a) and the second opening (121b).

3. Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid element (120) has a dimensionally stable main part (121) to which the closure element (122) is detachably connected, wherein the main part (121) and the closure element (122) together form a common outer surface of the lid element (120) when the main part (121) and the closure element (122) are connected to each other.

4. Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 3, wherein the main part (121) comprises two shell halves connected to each other on a first side, which are spaced apart from each other on an opposite second side to form the slot (121c), wherein the main part (121) has an inner stop (123) on which the unit formed by the fluid pump unit (150) and the inner container (140) rests when the fluid pump unit (150) and the inner container (140) are inserted into the lid element (120).

5. Fluid dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the main part (121) has two opposing flat wall portions of the shell halves.

6. Fluid dispenser (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first opening (121a) and the second opening (121b) each have a centre point located on a centre line of the lid element (120), wherein opposite edge regions of the slot (121c) extend along two surfaces that run parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other, which are parallel to the centre axis.

7. Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 6, wherein the closure element (122) can be removed from the slot (121c) and inserted into the slot (121c) by a movement perpendicular to the centre line and parallel to the spaced-apart surfaces, wherein, in particular, the movement of the closure element (122) can be guided in part by support surfaces (121g) on the lid element (120).

8. Fluid dispenser (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid element (120) releasably engages with its first end in the container opening (113).

9. Fluid dispenser (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer container (110) has a bottom (111) and a circumferential side wall (112) extending from the bottom (110), wherein the bottom (111) and the side wall (112) defining a receiving space for the inner container (140).

10. Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 9, wherein the bottom (111) and the side wall (112) merge integrally into one another, wherein in particular the receiving space from the bottom (111) to the container opening (113) has a substantially constant cross-section.

11. Fluid dispenser (100) according to any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the side wall (112) has two opposing flat wall sections and two at least partially curved wall sections connecting the flat wall sections to each other.

12. Fluid dispenser (100) according to claim 11, wherein a maximum distance between the straight wall sections is smaller than a maximum distance between the curved wall sections.

13. Fluid dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an outer cross-section of the lid element (120) corresponds to an outer cross-section of the outer container (110) running parallel thereto, so that the lid element (120) and the outer container (110) transit seamlessly into one another.

14. Fluid dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein support surfaces (121g) are arranged at side edges of the slot (121c) to receive the closure element (122).

15. Kit, comprising: a fluid dispenser (100) according to any of the preceding claims, and an inner container (140) filled with a liquid, wherein the inner container (140) can be connected to the fluid pump unit (150) to form a unit, the unit can be inserted laterally through the slot (121c) in the lid element (120), the inner container (140) can be inserted through the container opening (113) into the outer container (110) until the lid element (120) closes the container opening (113) and the slot (121c) can then be closed with the closure element (122).

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