Dispenser housing, dispenser for liquid, packaging containing such a dispenser, and method for distributing such a dispenser

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispenser housing configured to receive a liquid container having a volume of 200 to 1500 ml provided with an outlet opening, and to a dispensing assembly affixed (or affixable) to that outlet opening for dispensing liquid (e.g. sunscreen). The dispenser housing comprises: a first housing part incorporating a front panel; and a second housing part incorporating a rear panel, said two parts together defining a receptacle into which the liquid container is at least partly received. The first housing part is removably attached to the second housing part so as to form said receptacle. Each of the first and second housing parts protrudes, when placed on a horizontal flat surface, by no more than 48 mm above that surface. The invention further provides a dispenser comprising such a housing together with a liquid container and dispensing assembly, and a kit comprising a packaging and a dispenser according to the invention.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for a liquid, such as, but not limited to, sunscreen, cream, or gel, comprising a dispenser housing with a front panel and a rear panel, and including a receiving space in which a liquid container containing the liquid is accommodated.

[0002] Such dispensers are generally known. A refill package may be or may become accommodated as the liquid container within the receiving space. However, a disadvantage of known dispensers is that, depending on the volume of the liquid container, they are relatively bulky in height-width-depth dimensions, which presents limitations for distribution, particularly in the case of packaging intended for individual products when sold to consumers, for example.

[0003] The present invention therefore aims, according to a first aspect, to provide a dispenser housing configured to receive a liquid container having a volume of 200 to 1500 ml, which-at least for the purpose of single-unit distribution-may assume appealing dimensions. This object is achieved by the present invention through a dispenser housing configured to receive a liquid container provided with a discharge opening, with a dispensing device attached or attachable to the discharge opening and arranged for dispensing liquid, such as sunscreen, (hand) gel, or cream, from the liquid container. the dispenser housing comprising: a first housing part comprising a front panel; and a second housing part comprising a rear panel, configured to form, together with the first housing part, a receiving space in which the liquid container is or at least can be accommodated; wherein the first housing part is detachably attached, or at least attachable, to the second housing part so as to form a receiving space for the liquid container; wherein the first and second housing parts, when placed on a horizontal flat surface, protrude no more than 48 mm above said flat surface.

[0004] Because the first and second housing parts are separate, mutually attachable housing parts, they can be designed such that, in an assembled condition-that is, when attached together-they can accommodate a liquid container, whereas, in a disassembled state, they can be packaged separately. In such a disassembled state, the packaging may be made thinner than the thickness of the dispenser housing (in the assembled state) surrounding a liquid container.

[0005] Thus, it becomes possible to configure packaging with such a dispenser housing as a mailbox package. As used herein, a mailbox package refers to a package suitable for delivery through a letterbox or a letterbox opening, herein both referred to as a letterbox or mailbox, whereby "suitable" relates to the dimensional restrictions permitted by the delivery service. In Germany, the maximum thickness for a mailbox package is 50 mm. Accordingly, a housing part that, when placed on a horizontal flat surface, protrudes no more than 48 mm above said surface, may be packaged in packaging material with a total thickness of no more than 2 mm (1 mm for the bottom and 1 mm for the top wall), thus qualifying as a mailbox package for Germany. In the Netherlands, the thickness limit for a mailbox package is 32 mm. Hence, a housing part that, when placed on a horizontal flat surface, protrudes no more than 30 mm above said surface and is packaged in material with a total height of no more than 2 mm, or protrudes no more than 28 mm above said surface and is packaged in material no more than 4 mm thick, is suitable as a mailbox package for the Netherlands. In Belgium and France, the maximum thickness of a mailbox package is 30 mm. Accordingly, a housing part that, when placed on a horizontal flat surface, protrudes no more than 28 mm above said surface and is packaged in material with a total thickness of no more than 2 mm, is suitable as a mailbox package in those countries.

[0006] In the Netherlands, there is also a weight restriction of less than 2000 grams, though this weight limit may vary by country.

[0007] Thus, the dispenser may be distributed in the respective countries via standard postal service in a cost-efficient manner. The dispenser housing is described herein both in the assembled condition, in which the dispenser is usable, and in the disassembled condition, in which the dispenser housing is configured for distribution. The dispenser housing according to the invention is designed to adopt both conditions.

[0008] It is preferred that the first and second housing parts are attachable to one another, and detachable from one another, without the need for external tools, such as, for example, hand tools. Preferably, the first and second housing parts are connected to each other by a form-fitting connection, a snap-fit or clamp-fit connection. For example, one of the two housing parts may be provided at its lower side with two laterally extending pins (i.e., extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the housing part), which are aligned relative to each other and project from the corresponding housing part, while the other of the two housing parts is provided, at its lower side, with correspondingly positioned holes or openings, each configured to receive one of the pins. In this manner, a hinge connection is established when the housing parts are connected. At the upper side, both housing parts may be secured to each other by means of a snap-fit or clamp-fit connection, in order to form a receiving space that is at least substantially closed when the housing parts are pivoted together. In this way, the dispenser housing can be packaged in kit form and shipped to a user, who can then assemble the dispenser housing without the use of tools. If desired, the dispenser housing may likewise be easily disassembled-for example, to allow compact storage of a sunscreen dispenser housing outside of the sunny season.

[0009] Packaging the dispenser housing in parts within a mailbox package is especially advantageous when the dispenser housing defines a receiving space configured to accommodate a liquid container having a volume of at least 250 ml, and preferably at least 350 ml. Due to the dimensional and weight limitations associated with a mailbox package, it is preferred that the dispenser housing is configured to accommodate a liquid container having a volume of at most 1000 ml, and more preferably at most 750 ml.

[0010] In order to form a robust dispenser, the first and / or second housing parts are preferably at least substantially shape-retaining. "At least substantially shape-retaining" refers to shell- or tray-shaped parts made of thermoplastic material. The front panel and / or rear panel need not be uninterrupted across the entirety of their respective surfaces and may include an aperture or window allowing a user to inspect the amount of liquid contained in the liquid container. As used herein, "shape-retaining" refers to material that may be compressed under force but returns to its original shape upon release of the force, exhibiting shape memory characteristics. This shape retention also provides protective functionality against damage to a fragile liquid container accommodated in the receiving space. Preferably, the front panel and / or rear panel are manufactured from plastic, such as a thermoplastic material, more preferably from environmentally friendly materials such as PLA (polylactic acid), and / or from easily recyclable metals, such as stainless steel.

[0011] In order to securely enclose a liquid container within the dispenser housing, it is preferred that the front panel and / or rear panel include, at least in the assembled condition, a side wall extending in the direction of the opposing panel, wherein, in the assembled condition, the side wall engages with the other panel, or wherein the side walls of both panels engage one another.

[0012] To secure a liquid container within the dispenser housing, it is advantageous for the front panel and rear panel to be hingedly connected to each other, preferably at a side facing away from the dispensing device, or at least to be hingedly connectable. The dispenser housing may then be opened and closed in a hinged manner for the purpose of replacing a refill container, whereby the liquid container-optionally together with the dispensing device-can be clamped between the front and rear panels.

[0013] Preferably, the dispenser housing is provided with suspension means configured for suspending the dispenser from a peg or hook. A sunscreen dispenser may thereby be suspended near an outside door through which residents or guests typically exit.

[0014] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a dispenser. The same considerations applicable to the dispenser housing as described above likewise apply to the dispenser itself. Upon sale (and distribution) of the dispenser housing, a liquid container and a dispensing device may also be included. The same distribution-related issues may apply. The dispenser comprises a dispenser housing according to the first aspect of the invention, and a liquid container, which is or is to be enclosed by the dispenser housing and which is provided with a discharge opening, the dispenser further comprising a dispensing device provided at, or at least attachable to, the discharge opening and configured for dispensing liquid, such as sunscreen, (hand) gel, or cream, from the liquid container.

[0015] The liquid container and the dispensing device also each extend, when placed on a horizontal flat surface, preferably no more than 48 mm above said flat surface, more preferably no more than 38 mm or 32 mm, and for use in the Netherlands, even more preferably no more than 30 mm or 28 mm. In this way, the liquid container and the dispensing device, together with the housing parts, can be packaged as a mailbox package. The dispenser is again intentionally described in both its use condition and its distribution condition. The dispenser is configured to adopt both conditions and to repeatedly transition between the assembled and disassembled state.

[0016] It is preferred that the liquid container has a volume of at least 250 ml, and more preferably at least 350 ml. For relatively small dispensers, the problem of distribution is less pronounced. Preferably, the liquid container also has a volume of at most 1000 ml, and more preferably at most 750 ml. For relatively large dispensers, it becomes difficult to design a realistic mailbox-compatible package.

[0017] It is preferred that, in the use condition, the dispensing device provided at the discharge opening projects outwardly from the receiving space. This allows the dispensing device to be readily accessible to a user. The liquid container may be fixed in position by clamping the dispensing device between end portions of the front panel and the rear panel, respectively.

[0018] The dispensing device may be a simple nozzle, whereby liquid is expelled from the nozzle by exerting pressure on a flexible liquid container that is at least substantially enclosed by the housing parts. In a preferred embodiment, however, the dispensing device comprises a pump mechanism. This enables liquid to be readily pumped from the liquid container.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a kit comprising a package and a dispenser housing according to the first aspect of the invention packaged therein. As previously discussed, the invention is also directed to enabling the sale and distribution of dispensers as standard mail packages. To that end, the invention provides a kit comprising a package and a dispenser housing packaged therein, wherein the package has a length, width, and height, the height being less than or equal to 50 mm. Thus, a packaged dispenser housing may be delivered through a standard mailbox at a customer's address, and the relatively expensive shipping via parcel delivery services is not required.

[0020] To prevent the housing parts from being packaged loosely within the package, the package preferably comprises housing-positioning means configured for positioning the first and second housing parts within the package in the disassembled condition of the dispenser housing.

[0021] An efficient packaging configuration is achieved when the first and second housing parts are arranged adjacent to each other in the length and / or width direction of the package. This enables a dispenser housing, which when assembled would be too thick for mailbox delivery, to still be packaged and distributed as a mailbox package-at least when each of the housing parts has a thickness that is less than the height of the package.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the kit comprises a liquid container as described above. Thus, the dispenser may be sold complete with a liquid container and distributed in a single package. The kit-preferably the package-further comprises liquid-container-positioning means configured to locate the liquid container within the package, wherein the liquid container is preferably at least substantially overlapped by one of the first or second housing parts.

[0023] Preferably, the kit also comprises the dispensing device discussed above. The kit-again, preferably the package-may additionally include dispensing-device-positioning means for locating the dispensing device within the package.

[0024] Furthermore, the kit may include the aforementioned suspension means, which preferably comprise an elongate element attachable to the dispenser housing. In that case, the kit- again preferably the package-can be provided with suspension-means-positioning means configured to locate the suspension means within the package. The suspension means may at least partially overlap other packaged components of the dispenser.

[0025] As will be apparent from the disclosure, the various positioning means need not form part of the package itself; indeed, one packaged component may serve as a positioning means for another component.

[0026] Preferably, the package is a closable box having a length, a width and a height, wherein the width is less than 300 mm (preferably less than 280 mm) and the height is less than 40 mm (preferably less than 35 mm, 32 mm or 30 mm), such that, depending on the destination country, the box can pass through a standard mailbox.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect, the invention also provides a method for distributing a kit according to the third aspect, comprising the steps of: providing the box-type package having a length, a width of less than 300 mm, and a height of less than 50 mm, and including the housing-positioning means; providing the first and second housing parts; positioning, using the housing-positioning means the first and second housing parts in the box, the first and second housing parts being arranged side-by-side along the length and / or width of the package; closing the box; and distributing the closed box containing the packaged housing parts.

[0028] In that method, to provide a complete kit, the step of providing and packaging the first and second housing parts preferably also includes providing a liquid container, a dispensing device and / or suspension means, and positioning each by means of its respective positioning means.

[0029] The present invention will now be further described with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective rear-three-quarter view of a sunscreen dispenser according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a perspective front view of the dispenser of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a perspective side view of the dispenser of Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 shows a perspective top-three-quarter view of a box in which the dispenser of Figs. 1-3 is packaged; and Fig. 5 shows a vertical section along plane V-V of Fig. 4.

[0030] Turning first to Fig. 1, there is shown a perspective rear-three-quarter view of a dispenser 1 for sunscreen cream according to the present invention. The dispenser 1 includes a rear panel 2, in this embodiment formed from PLA (polylactic acid), having a substantially flat rear wall 3 with an aperture 4. The rear panel 2 carries a side wall 5 which slopes forward toward a front panel 6-also formed of PLA-of which only part of a side wall 7 is visible in Fig. 1. The front panel 6 likewise incorporates an aperture (not visible in Fig. 1). At its upper edge, the rear panel 2 is provided with a notch 8 through which a neck 9 of a reservoir 10 containing sunscreen cream projects. Behind the front panel 6 (as seen in Fig. 1) is a cover plate 11-here aluminum-provided with a through-bore 12 through which a cap 13, threaded onto the neck 9 of reservoir 10, extends. In the upper part of the cover plate 11 there is also a second through-bore 14 accommodating a plug 15 and a screw with double-sided tape 16.

[0031] Fig. 2 presents a perspective front view of dispenser 1 of Fi.1. Corresponding elements in Fig.2 are identified by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2 the plug 15 (of Fig. 1) is omitted. It may be seen that the front panel 6 is marginally wider than the cover plate 11, which, at the bottom of dispenser 1 (as depicted), is tucked behind a lower edge 17 of front panel 6. At its upper region the front panel 6 carries a thickened clamping flange (not visible in Fig. 2), which snaps over the through-bore 12 to secure the cover plate 11 in place. The cover plate 11-through which the cap 13 projects, thereby providing the user access to a pump 18-is thus slightly bowed, yielding a neat finish to dispenser 1.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a side view of dispenser 1 of Figs. 1 and 2. Once again, like reference numerals refer to corresponding elements. It can be seen that the cover plate 11 is clamped at its lower side behind the lower edge 17 of front panel 6 and engages beneath the clamping flange 20 around the through-bore 12 (not visible in Fig. 3). Because the front face of front panel 6 is given a slight curve, and because cover plate 11 is clamped mid-way under the clamping flange 20 behind lower edge 17, the upper portion of cover plate 11 is caused to arch slightly over both front panel 6 and rear panel 2.

[0033] In the assembled condition of dispenser 1 discussed hereabove, the dispenser may be suspended by inserting a peg or hook through through-bore 14 and, if desired, securing with plug 15 and screw 16. Alternatively, bore 14 alone permits hanging from a peg, such as a coat-hook or similar. A user departing the premises can, while dispenser 1 remains suspended, press on pump 18 to dispense sunscreen cream. When it becomes necessary to replace reservoir 10, rear panel 2 may be pivoted open about a concealed hinge at the dispenser's lower edge, the old reservoir removed, and a new reservoir inserted.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a perspective top-three-quarter view of a cardboard box 21 having a length of 375 mm, a width of 260 mm and a height of 31 mm, in which the dispenser of Figs. 1-3 is packaged according to the present invention. Fig. 5 shows a corresponding vertical sectional view along line V-V of Fig. 4. Inside box 21 lie three die-cut cardboard inserts 22a, 22b, 22c, each cut in the profile of the rear panel 4, the front panel 6, and the dispensing assembly 23 (including cap 13, pump 18, and liquid channel 24), thereby forming a mould.

[0035] To package the dispenser components, box 21 is laid flat. The cover plate 11-extending longitudinally of the box-is placed flat on the bottom of box 21. The cover plate is flat and 1 mm thick. The three cardboard inserts 22a-c are then laid over cover plate 11 and the remainder of the box bottom. Inserts 22a-c define a cavity for the front panel 6 on the left, a cavity for the dispensing assembly 23 in the center, and a cavity for the reservoir 10 and rear panel 4 on the right. Provided the left-hand region are also circular cut-outs for plug 15 (with screw 16 and double-sided tape) and for a stopper 26 that fits over plug 15 to prevent dispenser 1 from sliding off. These three loose parts are placed into their respective cavities, after which a lid (not shown) is closed over box. The fully packed box 21 containing dispenser 1 is then ready for shipment.Reference Numerals

[0036] 1dispenser 2rear panel 3rear wall of rear panel 4aperture 5side wall of rear panel 6front panel 7side wall of front panel 8notch 9neck of reservoir 10reservoir 11cover plate 12through-bore 13cap 14through-bore 15plug 16screw with double-sided tape 17lower edge 18pump 20clamping flange 21box 22a,b,ccardboard inserts 23dispensing assembly 24liquid channel 26stopper

Claims

1. A dispenser housing configured to receive a liquid container having a volume of 200 to 1500 ml provided with a discharge opening, with a dispensing device attached or attachable to the discharge opening arranged for dispensing liquid, such as sunscreen, from the liquid container, the dispenser housing comprising: a first housing part comprising a front panel; and a second housing part comprising a rear panel, configured to form, together with the first housing part, a receiving space in which the liquid container is or at least can be accommodated; wherein the first housing part is detachably attached, or at least attachable, to the second housing part so as to form a receiving space for the liquid container; wherein the first and second housing parts, when placed on a horizontal flat surface, protrude no more than 48 mm above said flat surface.

2. The dispenser housing of claim 1, wherein the first and second housing parts are attachable to one another, and detachable from one another, without the need for external tools, preferably via a form-fit connection, or a snap-fit or clamp-fit connection.

3. The dispenser housing of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and the second housing, when placed on a horizontal flat surface, protrude no more than 38 mm, preferably no more than 32 mm, more preferably no more than 28 mm above said surface; and / or wherein the dispenser housing is configured to accommodate a liquid container as discussed in claim 1 and having a volume of at least 250 ml, and preferably at least 350 m and having a volume of at most 1000 ml, and more preferably at most 750 ml.

4. The dispenser housing of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second housing part are at least substantially rigid parts, and / or wherein the front and / or rear panels are made of plastic, preferably PLA (polylactic acid), and / or metal.

5. The dispenser housing of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel and / or rear panel include, at least in the assembled condition, a side wall extending in the direction of the opposing panel, wherein, in the assembled condition, the side wall engages with the other panel, and / or wherein the front panel and rear panel to be hingedly connected to each other, or connectable, preferably on the side opposite the dispensing assembly.

6. A dispenser comprising the dispenser housing of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a liquid container, surrounded or to be surrounded by said dispenser housing, the liquid container having a volume of 200-1500 ml configured for dispensing liquid, such as sunscreen, from the liquid container and, provided at the outlet opening equipped with a dispensing assembly as defined in claim 1; wherein the liquid container and dispensing assembly each, when lying on a horizontal flat plane, protrude no more than 48 mm, or no more than 38 mm, preferably no more than 30 mm or 28 mm, above that flat plane; and / or wherein the liquid container has volume of at least 250 ml, and preferably at least 350 m and of at most 1000 ml, and more preferably at most 750 ml..

7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein, in the use condition, the dispensing device provided at the discharge opening projects outwardly from the receiving space the wherein the dispensing device s clamped between the front and rear panels, the dispensing device-can be clamped between the front and rear panels respectively, and / or wherein the dispensing device comprises a pump mechanism.

8. A kit comprising a packaging and, within said packaging, a dispenser housing according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the package has a length, width, and height, the height being less than or equal to 50 mm, preferably less than 40 mm or 32 mm or 30 mm.

9. The kit of claim 8, wherein the kit, preferably the packaging, comprises housing-positioning means configured for positioning the first and second housing parts within the package in the disassembled condition of the dispenser housing.

10. The kit of claim 9, when dependent from claim 6, further comprising a liquid container as per claim 1, and wherein the kit, preferably the packaging, includes liquid-container-positioning means configured to locate the liquid container within the package, wherein the liquid container is preferably at least substantially overlapped by one of the first or second housing parts.

11. The kit of any one of claims 8-10, when dependent from claim 6, wherein the kit, preferably the packaging, includes dispensing-assembly-positioning means for positioning the dispensing assembly in the packaging, and wherein a dispensing-assembly is packed in the package.

12. The kit of any one of claims 8-11, further comprising suspension means, which preferably comprise an elongate element attachable to the dispenser housing, wherein the kit- again preferably the package-can be provided with suspension-means-positioning means configured to locate the suspension means within the package, wherein a suspension-means are packed in the package, and wherein the suspension means at least partially overlap other packaged components of the dispenser.

13. The kit of any one of claims 8-12, wherein a closable box having a length, a width and a height, wherein the width is less than 300 mm, preferably less than 280 mm, and the height is less than 40 mm, preferably less than 35 mm, 32 mm or 30 mm.

14. A method for distributing the kit of any one of claims 8-13, comprising the steps of: - providing the box-type package having a length, a width of less than 300 mm, preferably less than 280 mm and a height of less than 50 mm, preferably less than 40, 35 or 32 mm,, and including the housing-positioning means; - providing the first and second housing parts; - positioning, using the housing-positioning means the first and second housing parts in the box, the first and second housing parts being arranged side-by-side along the length and / or width of the package; - closing the box; and - distributing the closed box containing the packaged housing parts.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, during the steps of providing and packaging the first and second housing parts, a liquid container, a dispensing assembly and / or hanging means are also provided and positioned using their respective positioning means.

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