Manually operated foam dispenser

Abstract

The invention relates to a foam dispenser. This dispenser comprises a flexible plastic bottle with a bottle opening and a cap that seals the bottle opening and has a dispensing opening for foam. The foam dispenser also has a foaming device for foaming a solution, comprising a chamber with at least one wall and at least one foam element arranged in the chamber, wherein the foaming device is located in the cap and is at least partially formed by the cap. The foam dispenser according to the invention can be manufactured cost-effectively because it is composed of only a few components. The arrangement of the liquid inlet and the air inlet allows for thorough emptying. The foaming device also makes foam generation possible with alcoholic solutions.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a foam dispenser. It comprises a plastic bottle made of a flexible plastic with a bottle opening, a cap that closes the bottle opening and has a dispensing opening for a foam, a foam generating device for foaming a solution, and a riser tube arranged inside the plastic bottle.

[0002] Foam dispensers are used in the form of hand-operated or mechanical dispensers for foaming products. Disinfectants or cleaning agents are often alcoholic solutions, as alcohols have good microbicidal efficacy, depending on their chain length. Such agents are offered as solutions, gels, or foams. Alcoholic solutions are difficult to foam, as alcohol is a defoaming agent. To generate foam from alcohol-based products, a foam generation device is used, which ensures that foam is created when the liquid and air mix. The dispensing systems, especially in the case of mechanical dispensers, often consist of numerous delicate components and are therefore complex to manufacture and expensive.

[0003] EP 4 201 532 A1 describes a hand-operated foam dispenser. This comprises a plastic bottle made of a flexible plastic with a bottle opening, a closure cap that closes the bottle opening and has a dispensing opening for a foam, a foam-generating device for foaming a solution, comprising a chamber with at least one wall, at least one inlet for air in a wall of the chamber and at least one inlet for liquid in a wall of the chamber, and at least one foam body arranged in the chamber. The foam-generating device makes it possible to generate foam even with alcoholic solutions. However, the manufacture of the chamber with the inlets for air and the inlets for liquid requires very precise work to ensure that sufficient air and liquid reach the chamber.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a manually operated foam dispenser which overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art and in particular enables the foaming of alcoholic solutions, is inexpensive and easy to manufacture with few components and allows the foam dispenser to be emptied as completely as possible.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by a foam dispenser for foamable products according to patent claim 1.

[0006] Further embodiments are the subject of the subclaims or described below.

[0007] The foam dispenser according to the invention comprises a plastic bottle made of a flexible plastic with a bottle opening, a closure cap having a base that closes the bottle opening and having a dispensing opening for a foam, a foam generating device for foaming a solution comprising a chamber with at least one wall and at least one foam body arranged in the chamber, at least one inlet for air and at least one inlet for liquid, wherein the foam generating device is arranged in the closure cap and is at least partially formed by the closure cap, a riser tube arranged inside the plastic bottle.

[0008] The foam dispenser according to the invention is characterized in that the foam generating device comprises two cylinders that are at least partially movably inserted into one another, namely an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. The inner cylinder forms the chamber of the foam generating device, and the outer cylinder is held to the inner cylinder by means of a snap-in connection.

[0009] According to the invention, cylinders are understood not only to mean hollow bodies with a circular base, but also hollow bodies with an oval base or with a round base that deviates from the ideal circle.

[0010] According to the invention, foam body is understood to mean at least one foam body, ie when a foam body is described, exactly one foam body or several foam bodies are included.

[0011] The foam dispenser according to the invention is a manual foam dispenser that is hand-operated, meaning that the foam is generated by squeezing the bottle by hand. The plastic bottle is therefore made of a flexible plastic so that it can be compressed. The plastic bottle is preferably made of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or a mixture thereof, particularly preferably HDPE and LDPE.

[0012] The outer cylinder is placed on the inner cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, the inner cylinder has an open end and a bottom; the outer cylinder also has an open end and a bottom. The bottom of the closure cap encompasses the bottom of the inner cylinder. The outer cylinder is placed on the inner cylinder such that the open end of the inner cylinder points toward the bottom of the outer cylinder and the open end of the outer cylinder points toward the bottom of the closure cap.

[0013] Preferably, a first gap is formed between the open end of the outer cylinder and the base of the closure cap, a second gap is formed between the open end of the inner cylinder and the base of the outer cylinder, and a third gap is formed between the outer wall of the inner cylinder and the inner wall of the outer cylinder. The second gap is preferably arranged at the air inlet. In this embodiment, the first gap and the second gap are fluidly connected to one another by the third gap. The liquid (in the case of overhead use) or the air (in the case of upright use) is guided into the foam generating device through the first gap, the second gap, and the third gap. In the case of overhead use, the liquid flows from the bottle into the first gap when the plastic bottle is turned upside down. The user exerts pressure on the bottle with their hand, creating excess pressure in the bottle.This transports the liquid from the first gap to the third gap. The liquid flows from the third gap into the second gap, absorbs air there, and is transported into the chamber of the foam generating device. The mixing of air and liquid in the foam generating device's foam bodies creates a foam that is discharged through the discharge opening.

[0014] The third gap preferably extends along the entire circumference between the outer surface of the inner cylinder and the inner surface of the outer cylinder.

[0015] The first gap has a width of, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.75 mm, preferably 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm. The second and third gaps can each have a width of, for example, 0.25 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0016] At least one first locking element can be formed on the outside of the inner cylinder, and at least one second locking element can be formed on the inside of the outer cylinder. The locking elements can be designed as locking beads, preferably as circumferential locking beads that extend around the entire circumference of the cylinder.

[0017] The third gap can extend through the locking connection.

[0018] In one embodiment, the locking connection has at least one locking bead, wherein at least one channel is formed in the locking bead, which connects the first gap and the third gap. The channels can be formed, for example, as notches or cuts in the locking bead transverse to the circumferential direction. This transports more fluid from the first gap to the third gap.

[0019] The air inlet can be formed in the bottom of the outer cylinder (overhead application). In this case, the air inlet is connected to the riser tube, and the air is transported through the riser tube into the outer cylinder. The riser tube could also be referred to as a vent tube. Less preferably, the liquid inlet can be located in the bottom of the outer cylinder (upright application). In this case, the liquid inlet is connected to the riser tube, and the liquid is transported through the riser tube into the outer cylinder. The riser tube can therefore introduce either air or liquid from the bottle into the foam generating device, depending on the application of the foam dispenser.

[0020] As already mentioned, the foam dispenser according to the invention can be used to generate foam either upside down, i.e., with the bottle upside down with the bottom facing upwards, or upright with the bottom facing downwards. "Up" means pointing vertically upwards toward the ceiling, and "down" means pointing vertically downwards toward the floor. The bottle can also be held at a slight angle during use; this also includes both upside down and upright positions.

[0021] The foam body can be made of an open-cell foam. The open-cell foam is preferably made of a polymeric material, particularly preferably polyurethane (PUR) or acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, also known as nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR).

[0022] The foam body can consist of a foam that has a density of more than 0.03 g / cm 3 , preferably of at least 0.035 g / cm 3 , particularly preferably of at least 0.045 g / cm 3 . The foam body preferably consists of a foam that has a density of at most 0.08 g / cm 3 , preferably of at most 0.06 g / cm 3 . The density refers to the density of the foam body placed in the chamber, which can be uncompressed or compressed. For an uncompressed foam body, the density of the uncompressed foam in the chamber is specified. For a compressed foam body, the density of the compressed foam in the chamber is specified. The foam in the chamber preferably has a density of more than 0.03 g / cm 3 and at most 0.06 g / cm 3 .

[0023] The foam body preferably consists of a foam that, in the uncompressed state, has a pore count (= number of pores along a straight line per linear inch) of 50 to 130 pores / inch, preferably 60 to 100 pores / inch, for example, approximately 70 pores / inch. The cell count is preferably determined microscopically.

[0024] The foam body preferably consists of a foam which, in the uncompressed state, has a pore size of 0.3 mm to 0.9 mm, measured according to ASTM D 3576-2004, preferably 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the foam body is compressed in the chamber by 10% to 50% of the volume of the uncompressed body, preferably by 15% to 50%, particularly preferably by 35% to 50%, and most particularly preferably by 35% to 40%. Compression increases the density of the foam and can also change the shape of the foam's pores. Both the increase in density and the change in shape can improve the foaming of the solution.

[0026] The foam body is preferably fixed to the wall of the chamber, preferably by being clamped in position in the chamber by contact with the wall. This ensures that the liquid has to flow through the pores of the foam and prevents the foam body from floating on the liquid. The foam body particularly preferably lies fully against the side walls of the chamber so that the liquid has to flow through the foam when flowing through the chamber and no liquid can flow past the foam body. In this case, the foam body has the same cross-section as the chamber. The foam body preferably has a height that corresponds to at least half the length of the chamber because particularly good foam is produced when liquid and air have a sufficient distance to mix in the pores of the foam.

[0027] The chamber can, for example, have a volume of 1 cm 3 to 5 cm 3 , preferably 1 cm 3 to 3 cm 3 , and particularly preferably 1 cm 3 to 2 cm 3 . In particular, the chamber has a volume of 1.4 cm 3 to 2 cm 3 . The foam body or the total number of foam bodies preferably fill the volume of the chamber to at least 80%, more preferably to at least 85%, even more preferably to at least 90%, particularly preferably to at least 95%, and in particular substantially completely.

[0028] In one embodiment, the chamber is cylindrical, and the foam body is cylindrical. If the chamber contains multiple foam bodies, these can be shaped, for example, as sections of a cylinder, e.g., as two half-cylinders or as pie slices that, as a whole, again have the shape of a cylinder.

[0029] When using multiple foam bodies, it's best to use the same foam material for all foam bodies. This has the advantage of simplifying and reducing the cost of manufacturing the foam dispenser, as different materials don't need to be kept on hand. Furthermore, the same mixing effect is achieved in all areas, producing a consistent foam.

[0030] The foam generation device is designed as a double-walled hollow cylinder, so that the liquid flow is directed through the double-walled hollow cylinder. During overhead application, the liquid first enters the outermost of the two hollow cylinders, the third gap, through the first gap, thus entering the foam-free area. It is then transported to the lower opening of the inner cylinder. This causes it to flow from below into the foam body, allowing the entire length of the foam body to be utilized for foam generation.

[0031] Because the foam is fixed in the inner cylinder, the foam dispenser is easier to assemble. The foam body is already in position when screwing or clamping the cap and locking the outer cylinder into place, eliminating the need to fix it during the screwing, clamping, or locking process. It's also easy to replace the foam body by simply replacing the inner cylinder or the cap connected to the inner cylinder.

[0032] The foam generating device is formed at least partially by the closure cap. For this purpose, the inner cylinder can be formed integrally with the closure cap. The inner cylinder is then an integral part of the closure cap and, for example, part of the same injection-molded part.

[0033] Since the foam dispenser is hand-operated, the bottle should preferably be sized to be easy to hold with one hand. For example, the bottle should have a volume of 50 ml to 500 ml. The bottle should preferably have a volume of 100 ml to 250 ml, especially 100 ml to 150 ml.

[0034] For a bottle with a volume of less than 500 ml, the inlet in the bottom of the outer cylinder preferably has a diameter of 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably 1.25 to 1.75 mm.

[0035] The foam dispenser according to the invention can be designed as a disposable product for disposal after the liquid has been emptied, or as a refillable, reusable product. In a reusable product, both the alcoholic or non-alcoholic solution can be refillable and / or the foam body and / or the cap can be replaceable.

[0036] In one embodiment, the plastic bottle contains an alcoholic solution, preferably an alcoholic disinfectant.

[0037] The foam dispenser according to the invention preferably contains an alcoholic or non-alcoholic mixture, which is typically a solution. The mixture contains at least one surfactant or surface-active substance that acts as a foamable substance. The surfactant is preferably a silicone surfactant. The surfactant or surface-active substance is preferably present in the mixture in an amount of 0.2 to 5 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.2 to 2.5 wt.%. The foam dispenser according to the invention can be used for cleaning agents for skin and hands, for surfaces or instruments, or for disinfectants for skin or hands, for surfaces or instruments, for wound cleaning or wound disinfection agents, or for cosmetic agents, such as hair or skin cleaning agents or hair or skin care products.

[0038] The plastic bottle preferably contains an alcoholic solution, particularly preferably an alcoholic disinfectant. The alcoholic disinfectant preferably contains 70 wt.% - 90 wt.% of at least one monohydric alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably ethanol, 9.5 wt.% - 20 wt.% water, 0.2 wt.% - 2.5 wt.% of at least one surfactant, preferably silicone surfactants, a surface-active substance or mixtures thereof, optionally 0 wt.% - 2.5 wt.% foam stabilizers, 0.2 wt.% - 2.5 wt.% auxiliaries, for example skin care substances, refatting agents, humectants, pH regulators or mixtures thereof and optionally 0 - 5 wt.% of further active ingredients, for example quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), QAC-like substances.

[0039] The plastic bottle can also contain a low-alcohol solution, such as a surface disinfectant. The low-alcohol solution preferably contains 10 wt.% - 30 wt.% of at least one monohydric alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, 69.8 wt.% - 89.8 wt.% water, 0.2 wt.% - 2.5 wt.% of at least one surfactant, a surface-active substance or mixtures thereof, optionally 0 wt.% - 2.5 wt.% foam stabilizers, 0 wt.% - 2.5 wt.% excipients, for example skin care substances, refatting agents, humectants, pH regulators or mixtures thereof and optionally 0 - 2.5 wt.% further active ingredients, for example quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), QAC-like substances.

[0040] Alternatively, the plastic bottle may contain an aqueous solution, such as a soap formulation. The aqueous solution preferably contains 0 wt.% alcohol, 87.5 wt.% - 99 wt.% water, 0.2 wt.% - 5 wt.% at least one surfactant, a surface-active substance or mixtures thereof, optionally 0 wt.% - 2.5 wt.% foam stabilizers, 0 wt.% - 5 wt.% excipients, for example skin care substances, refatting agents, humectants, pH regulators or mixtures thereof and optionally 0 - 2.5 wt.% further active ingredients, for example quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), QAC-like substances.

[0041] To foam an alcoholic composition, it must be mixed with foamable substances, i.e., surfactants or surface-active substances. Alcohols disrupt surface tension and are also used as defoamers. Therefore, foaming an alcohol-containing composition requires appropriate chemical auxiliaries and additional physical / mechanical means, such as a foam dispenser, which, according to the invention, comprises a foam-generating device with at least one foam body in which liquid and air can be mixed to generate foam.

[0042] With the foam dispenser according to the invention, the liquid supply to the foam generating device is achieved in a simple manner. The foam generating device has two cylinders that are movably inserted into one another. During the preferred overhead application of the foam dispenser, the liquid flows through connected gaps into the space between the two cylinders. The cylinders are preferably concentric with each other, i.e., both cylinders have the same central longitudinal axis.

[0043] The foam generation device can be constructed from two injection-molded parts that are detachably connected to one another and have mutual play, i.e. there is no interference fit. This creates a double-walled cylinder with a circumferential gap between the two components. The liquid is transported through this gap to the air inlet and mixed with the air in the internal foam using a jet effect. The mixing of air and liquid in the foam creates a foam. The detachable connection, i.e. the movable connection between the two cylinders, simplifies assembly. The play of the detachably connected injection-molded parts of the foam generation device eliminates the need for complex, manufactured precision components.When used overhead, there is also the advantage that the first gap is located at the lowest point of the foam dispenser, allowing even small amounts of liquid to be transported through the first gap into the foam generating device. This optimizes the residual emptying capability.

[0044] The foam dispenser according to the invention can be manufactured cost-effectively because it is composed of only a few components, and the components can be produced, for example, by injection molding without rework. The arrangement of the liquid inlet and the air inlet allows for efficient residual emptying. The components of the foam dispenser according to the invention, in particular the closure cap and the foam generating device, could also be manufactured by milling or 3D printing as an alternative to the preferred injection molding process.

[0045] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for foaming an alcoholic solution, preferably an alcoholic disinfectant, comprising the steps i. Providing a foam dispenser according to the invention, wherein the foam dispenser contains the alcoholic solution, ii. Manually squeezing the bottle of the foam dispenser so that an alcoholic foam can be obtained. Measurement methods density

[0046] To determine the density of the uncompressed foam, the external dimensions of a foam sample are first measured and the volume is calculated from the external dimensions. The weight of the foam sample is also determined and the density is calculated using the formula density = weight / volume. The density of the uncompressed foam is thus determined according to the standards ISO 845 (g / cm 3< ) or ASTM D 3574-11A (lb / ft 3< ). If the foam body is compressed in the chamber of the foam dispenser, the density increases accordingly by the degree of compression. To calculate the density, reference is then made to the volume that the foam body has in the chamber in its compressed state. Number of pores

[0047] The number of pores is determined microscopically. A straight line is drawn across the surface of the foam, and the number of pores along this line is counted over a distance of 1 inch. Pore ​​size

[0048] The pore size is determined according to ASTM D 3576-2004. For this purpose, a thin layer of a defined size is cut from a foam and placed in a special projector. The projector projects the sample along with a reference line. The length of the reference line is specified in millimeters. The number of cells intersected by the reference line is counted. The mean pore size is calculated from the length of the reference line and the number of pores. Figures

[0049] The invention is further explained with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows a foam dispenser according to the invention in an embodiment in a perspective view, Fig. 2a and b shows a foam dispenser according to the invention in a sectional view, Fig. 3 shows an enlarged section of the sectional view from Figure 2a , Fig. 4 an outer cylinder of a foam dispenser according to the invention in a plan view, Fig. 5 the outer cylinder of Figure 4 with riser tube in a sectional view, and Fig. 6 a closure cap with inner cylinder in a sectional view.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a foam dispenser according to the invention. The foam dispenser 1 comprises a bottle 2 with a closure cap 3 screwed onto the bottle. The closure cap is designed here as a flip-top closure with a hinged lid 20. A dispensing opening 4 is arranged on the top side of the closure cap 3. A foam generating device (not shown here) is located inside the closure cap.

[0051] Figure 2ashows a sectional view of a foam dispenser 1 according to the invention in a preferred embodiment. The foam dispenser 1 is preferably designed in an upside-down position for foam generation. The foam dispenser comprises a bottle 2, which is closed with a closure cap 3. The closure cap 3 is designed as a screw cap with an internal thread 21 that is screwed to the external thread 22 on the bottle neck. Arranged in the closure cap 3 is a chamber 5, in which three foam bodies 9 are placed one above the other. The foam bodies 9 each rest against the wall 6 of the chamber 5, so that the liquid must flow through the foam bodies 9 to the dispensing opening 4. On the underside of the chamber 5 is an inlet 7, which is connected to a riser tube 10. The riser tube 10 extends from the inlet 7 at the bottom 18 to the bottle bottom 11.The chamber is designed as a single-walled hollow cylinder, which is connected at its top to the closure cap 3. The top of the chamber 5 is directed toward the dispensing opening 4, with which it is fluidly connected. In . Figure 2b the upper half of the foam dispenser 1 is made of Figure 2a shown in a simplified sectional view.

[0052] In Figure 3 is an enlarged section of the sectional view from Figure 2 from the area of ​​the closure cap 3. The foam bodies in the chamber are in Figure 3not shown. The inner cylinder 12, which is part of the closure cap 3, has an open end 15 and a bottom 16. The outer cylinder 13 has an open end 17 and a bottom 18. The inlet 7 for air is arranged in the bottom 18. The outer cylinder 13 is connected at its underside to a holder 23 for the riser tube 10. The bottom 19 of the closure cap 3 also includes the bottom 16 of the inner cylinder, which forms the bottom of the chamber 5. The outer cylinder 13 is plugged onto the inner cylinder 12 so that the open end 15 of the inner cylinder 12 points towards the bottom 18 of the outer cylinder 13 and the open end 17 of the outer cylinder 13 points towards the bottom 19 of the closure cap. For fastening the outer cylinder to the closure cap 3, the foam dispenser has a snap-in connection 14 (in Figure 2b(highlighted by the dashed circle). The locking connection 14 here consists of two locking beads. A first locking element 33 in the form of a locking bead is formed on the outer side 37 of the inner cylinder 12. A second locking element 34, also in the form of a locking bead, is formed on the inner side 38 of the outer cylinder 13.

[0053] A first gap 30 is located between the base 19 of the closure cap and the open end 17 of the outer cylinder. A third gap 32 can be seen between the inner wall 38 of the outer cylinder 13, which is plugged onto the inner cylinder and locked into place, and the outer wall 37 of the inner cylinder 12. When the plastic bottle is turned upside down, the liquid runs from the bottle into the first gap. When the user presses on the bottle, excess pressure is created in the bottle and the liquid is pumped from the first gap 30 into the third gap 32. A second gap 31 is located between the open end 15 of the inner cylinder and the base 18 of the outer cylinder 13. The second gap 31 is located here at the inlet 7 for air. The first gap 30 and the second gap 31 are fluidly connected to one another by the third gap 32.The liquid flows from the third gap 32 into the second gap 31, absorbs air there, and is transported into the chamber 5 and the foam bodies located there. In the foam body, the air / liquid mixture forms foam, which is discharged through the discharge opening 4. The arrow in . Figure 3 indicates the path by which air enters the foam generating device.

[0054] Figure 4 shows a top view of an outer cylinder 13 of a foam dispenser according to the invention. The outer cylinder has an open end 17 and a bottom. A holder 23 for the riser tube is arranged on the underside of the outer cylinder 13.

[0055] In Figure 5 the outer cylinder 13 is made of Figure 4with riser tube 10 shown in a sectional view. In the area of ​​the open end, a locking element 34 can be seen, which is designed as a circumferential locking bead. The outer cylinder 13 has a base 18. An opening can be seen in the center of the base 18, which represents an inlet. Preferably, the opening is an inlet for air 7 when used overhead. However, it can also be used as an inlet 8 for liquid when the foam dispenser is used upright.

[0056] Figure 6shows a closure cap 3 with an inner cylinder 12 in a sectional view (without the lid). The inner cylinder 12 is an integral part of the closure cap 3 and formed in one piece with it. The interior of the inner cylinder forms the chamber 5 in which the foam bodies are pressed. The base 19 of the closure cap encloses the base 16 of the inner cylinder. The dispensing opening 4 is arranged centrally in the base 16 of the inner cylinder. A first locking element 33 in the form of a locking bead is arranged on the outer side 37 of the inner cylinder 12.

[0057] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways. List of reference symbols

[0058] Foam dispenser 1 plastic bottle 2 cap 3 Dispensing opening 4 chamber 5 Wall of the chamber 6 Air inlet 7 Inlet for liquid 8 foam body 9 riser pipe 10 bottle bottom 11 inner cylinder 12 outer cylinder 13 Snap connection 14 open end inner cylinder 15 Bottom of inner cylinder 16 open end outer cylinder 17 Bottom of outer cylinder 18 Bottom cap 19 Lid 20 internal thread 21 external thread 22 Riser pipe bracket 23 first gap 30 second gap 31 third gap 32 first locking element 33 second locking element 34 Outer wall of inner cylinder 37 inner wall of outer cylinder 38

Claims

1. A foam dispenser (1) comprising - a plastic bottle (2) made of a flexible plastic with a bottle opening, - a closure cap (3) having a base (19) that closes the bottle opening and having a dispensing opening (4) for a foam, - a foam generating device for foaming a solution comprising - a chamber (5) with at least one wall (6) and at least one foam body (9) arranged in the chamber, - at least one inlet (7) for air and - at least one inlet (8) for liquid, - wherein the foam generating device is arranged in the closure cap (3) and is at least partially formed by the closure cap (3), - a riser tube (10) arranged inside the plastic bottle (2), characterized in that- the foam generating device has two cylinders which are at least partially movably inserted into one another, namely an inner cylinder (12) and an outer cylinder (13), - wherein the inner cylinder (12) forms the chamber (5) and - wherein the outer cylinder (13) is held on the inner cylinder (12) by means of a locking connection (14).

2. Foam dispenser (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner cylinder (12) has an open end (15) and a bottom (16), the outer cylinder (13) has an open end (17) and a bottom (18), the bottom (19) of the closure cap (3) encompassing the bottom (16) of the inner cylinder, and the outer cylinder (13) is plugged onto the inner cylinder (12) in such a way that the open end (15) of the inner cylinder (12) points towards the bottom (18) of the outer cylinder (13) and the open end (17) of the outer cylinder (13) points towards the bottom (19) of the closure cap.

3. Foam dispenser (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a first gap (30) is formed between the open end (17) of the outer cylinder and the base (19) of the closure cap, a second gap (31) is formed between the open end (15) of the inner cylinder and the base (18) of the outer cylinder, the second gap (31) preferably being arranged at the inlet for air, and the first gap (30) and the second gap (31) being fluidly connected to one another by a third gap (32), the third gap (32) being formed between the outer wall (37) of the inner cylinder (12) and the inner wall (38) of the outer cylinder (13).

4. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first locking element (33) is formed on the outside of the inner cylinder (12) and that at least one second locking element (34) is formed on the inside of the outer cylinder (13).

5. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third gap (32) extends through the locking connection (14).

6. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking connection (14) has at least one locking bead (33, 34), wherein at least one channel is formed in the locking bead (33, 34) which connects the first gap (30) and the third gap (32) to one another.

7. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third gap (32) extends along the entire circumference between the outer surface of the inner cylinder (12) and the inner surface of the outer cylinder (13).

8. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet (7) for air is formed in the bottom (18) of the outer cylinder.

9. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe foam body (9) consists of an open-cell foam.

10. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam body (9) consists of a foam having a density of more than 0.03 g / cm 3 preferably at least 0.035 g / cm 3 particularly preferably at least 0.045 g / cm 3 .

11. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam body (9) consists of a foam having a density of not more than 0.08 g / cm 3 preferably of at most 0.06 g / cm 3 .

12. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam body (9) consists of a foam which, in the uncompressed state, has a pore count of 50 to 130 pores / inch, preferably 60 to 100 pores / inch, for example approximately 70 pores / inch.

13. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam body (9) consists of a foam which, in the uncompressed state, has a pore size of 0.3 mm to 0.9 mm, measured according to ASTM D 3576-2004, preferably 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.

14. Foam dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam body (9) in the chamber (5) is compressed by 10% to 50%, preferably by 15% to 50%, particularly preferably by 35% to 50% and most particularly preferably by 35% to 40%.

15. A method for foaming an alcoholic solution, preferably an alcoholic disinfectant, comprising the steps of i. providing a foam dispenser (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the foam dispenser (1) contains the alcoholic solution, ii. manually squeezing the plastic bottle (2) of the foam dispenser so that an alcoholic foam can be obtained.

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