Bottle and refilling container

Abstract

To provide a refill cartridge, a bottle, and a combination bottle / cartridge which are easy to use and use less plastic.SOLUTION: A refilling container includes at least two sealed openings, one at the top and one at the bottom. They may be sealed by an in-mold label. A bottle is suitable for including a cartridge and may also include a pump and a dip tube. The dip tube is used to pierce the top and bottom seals of the cartridge when a lid of the bottle is screwed onto the bottle. Piercing the bottom seal releases a product into the water filled interior of the body of the bottle. Typically the product is a concentrate such as a body wash or hand washing concentrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] There is growing concern around the world about the plastic waste generated in modern society. One concern is the pollution of our oceans caused by plastic containers and other items.

[0002] Many consumer products are sold in disposable plastic packaging, and after use they are discarded. One proposed solution is to create reusable products that can be enjoyed on a daily basis. Shell packaging, and a smaller refill pack to replenish the product after it has been depleted The advantage of this is that it can be reused, whereas larger, more robust packages can be reused. Therefore, the packaging used to repeatedly replenish the product is smaller and made of plastic. The goal is to save money.

[0003] There is growing awareness of the problem of plastic waste, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. This does not lead to acceptance of inconvenient products or packaging. Any refill container for enjoying the benefits must be easy and convenient to use. It is also important that the refill container works well and does not cause confusion.

[0004] Previous refill containers have been proposed in the patent literature. These include Mueller et al. U.S. Patent No. 8,794,474 and International Publication No. 2018 / 114301 to Cesare et al. No. 3,655,096 to Easter. can be.

[0005] Easter is a primary container, e.g., a bottle, adapted to contain a diluent such as water. and a replaceable cartridge removably attached to the mouth of the bottle. A container for diluting and dispensing liquid materials is disclosed. The cartridge contains a ratio of 1:1 to 1:1. Contains a relatively small amount of chemical concentrate. To remove the contents of the container, remove the bottle cap from the bottom. A dispensing mechanism is used that consists of a pump having a dip tube extending downward from the cap. is taken into the bottle by pushing its free ends into the top and bottom of the cartridge. This can sometimes puncture the bottle and force the material in the cartridge into the bottle. It becomes possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,794,474 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 114301 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 3,655,096 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a refill cartridge, bottle, and other refills that are easy to use and use less plastic. bottles, and combination bottles / cartridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first embodiment, the present invention comprises a cartridge suitable for use as a refill container. The cartridge has a receptacle for receiving the product and a lid on top of it. the lid includes a fastener for fastening the lid to the body and a closure platform including an opening. The seal includes a foam and a seal covering the opening, thereby breaking the seal and releasing the pump. It is retractable to allow the dip tube to cut through the cartridge. The bottom also includes a sealed opening that can be breached by a dip tube, thereby allowing the product to Allows leakage from the cartridge into the body of the bottle. It is particularly preferable to provide a

[0009] The cartridge preferably contains a concentrated product that can be diluted with water in the bottle. Therefore, the cartridge contains less than what is present in a full-size disposable bottle. It is also smaller and contains less plastic. It uses a modest amount of plastic. So disposing of or recycling cartridges is easier than disposable full-size packaging. It has been improved.

[0010] Preferably, the cartridge described above includes indicia that are visible from the outside of the cartridge. The cartridge has one or more grooves extending downward from the top of the lid along at least a portion of the side of the cartridge. The flaps may be on multiple flaps, for example, one on each side of the cartridge with wings. There may be two opposing flaps.

[0011] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a bottle and cartridge combination. The cartridge may be, but need not be, the cartridge described above. a lid that is received within the bottle and has at least one downwardly extending flap attached thereto; At least one of the bottle lid and bottle body contains an opening or window. When the bottle lid is secured to the bottle, at least a portion of the flap is visible. By placing different colors or other marks on the flap for each product variant, it is possible to identify which variant is It is possible for the consumer to see what form is currently in the refill container within the bottle.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes a bottle and cartridge combination, The lid of the lid includes a closure platform including an opening and a seal covering the opening. The cartridge can be opened when punctured by the dip tube. The cartridge can be penetrated by a dip tube, which preferably allows the fluid product to pass through the cartridge. The vessel is beveled to allow the liquid to exit the vessel. It may include a pump.

[0013] The bottle / cartridge of the present invention is particularly useful for concentrated products such as body wash. and the concentrated body wash is contained in a refill container and then dispensed into the body of the bottle. The concentrate is diluted by combining it with water. Less plastic is needed. Bottles that contain the full amount of diluted product are used by consumers. Therefore, even if the bottle is made of plastic, it can be reused. Plastic is preserved as it is used. Even more preferably, the bottle is made of plastic. It is not made of metal, but is made of, for example, stainless steel or aluminum.

[0014] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a cartridge having an opening or window suitable for viewing the cartridge therein. The bottle includes a lid and a body, and the opening or window is formed between the lid and the body. It may be present on at least one side of the body.

[0015] The present invention also provides a process for refilling and reusing bottles using cartridges and bottles. Regarding the process.

[0016] For a more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the present invention, please refer to the following preferred embodiments. Reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a bottle according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the bottle of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the bottle of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the bottle of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the bottle of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing the bottle before the refill cartridge is inserted and the cover is closed. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to the present invention; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the cartridge of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a side view of the cartridge of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a top view of the cartridge of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the cartridge of FIG. 7. [Figure 12] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views of a cartridge of the present invention prior to application of its lid from various angles. [Figure 13] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views of a cartridge of the present invention prior to application of its lid from various angles. [Figure 14] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views of a cartridge of the present invention prior to application of its lid from various angles. [Figure 15] 1A-1C are partial cross-sectional views of a cartridge of the present invention prior to application of its lid from various angles. [Figure 16]FIG. 2 is a front view of the pump and lid of the bottle of FIG. 1 along with the dip tube. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view of the pump, lid, and dip tube of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottle of FIG. 3. [Figure 19] 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottle of FIG. 2. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of FIG. 3 with the bottle removed and the door shown. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a top view of the cartridge of FIG. 9 without the lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Bottle 10 (FIGS. 1-4) includes a body 12, a lid 14, and a pump head 16. An opening or window 18 is located in the lid 14, as described below. The body 12 has a bottom slot. The sleeve 20 is received by the casing 22. The sleeve 20 is free of scratches, scuffs, dents, etc. Protects the bottom of the bottle from damage. It may be made of silicone. The bottle is made of high density The material may be made of a suitable plastic such as polyethylene, but the use of plastic is recommended. To minimize this, it may advantageously be made from stainless steel or aluminum. The pump and bottle lid may be made of high density polyethylene. Other materials that can be used include glass and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0019] The cartridge 100 (FIGS. 7 to 15) includes a main body 102 and a lid 104. The lid 104 includes opposed flaps 108 depending therefrom. The inner cylindrical wall 154 (see, for example, FIG. 12) defines a foam 150. and an opening 152 sealed by an in-mold label (IML) seal 106. An outer cylindrical wall 117 having a projection 116 depends from the platform 150. The cartridge may be made of high density polyethylene, and the IML may also be made of high density polyethylene. The IML may be opened by a dip tube, with or without a door 170. Depending on the required barrier properties, polypropylene Other materials may be suitable for the IML, such as: IML consists of multiple layers of the same or different materials. There is a possibility.

[0020] Generally, the product is placed in the body of the cartridge by the manufacturer, who then Attach the cartridge lid 150 to the cartridge by screwing or snapping them together. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the depending wall 117 is The cartridge lid snaps into the internal detent 160 inside the top edge of the body to secure the cartridge lid to the cartridge. The cartridge lid has an outer projection 116 that secures to the cartridge ridge. Other structures may be used to secure the flap 108 to the card. It extends downward along the outside of the trough.

[0021] Preferably, the manufacturer will provide a pump, a bottle lid, etc., as shown in Figures 16 and 17. , and provides the consumer with a bottle fitted with a dip tube. Best seen in Figure 18 Thus, support projections 62 in the bottle lid 14 are provided to help secure the pump to the lid. The pump is housed in a clip 62 on the pump stem 92. The pump is may be secured within the bottle structure using plastic.

[0022] The bottle may have the first cartridge already in place, or the bottle There may be no cartridge in the bottle or the cartridge is missing. Assuming the packaging has been used and removed, when you are ready to use the product, The participant removes the lid / pump / dip tube from the bottle and pours water into the body of the bottle. , the consumer can place the cartridge shelf 200 (FIG. 12) on the bottleneck 30. The cartridge is inserted into the bottle. The flap 108 extends from the outer lid 104 of the neck 30. Extends downward.

[0023] The combined bottle lid / pump head / immersion pump shown in Figures 16 and 17 is then inserted. The dip tube is then placed in place. The lid 14 is then attached by threading the external threads 32 of the bottle neck onto the internal threads of the bottle lid. 19. The cartridge is then screwed onto the bottle by engaging the internal threads 90 (see FIG. 19). The ridges are secured within the bottle. The dip tube 24 facilitates penetration of the seal 106 (FIG. 12). The dip tube is beveled at 26 to allow the cartridge to pass through an opening 152 in the cartridge lid. 1. Allow access into the cartridge, then push open the bottom door 170 of the cartridge. The door 170 then pushes open the seal 140 under the cartridge, allowing the product to enter the cartridge. The door 170 allows water to leak from the ledge into the body 12 filled with bottled water. The cartridge is formed from a generally circular notch 171 in the bottom 172 of the cartridge, preferably The door remains attached to the bottom 172 at at least one point 174 which acts as a door keeper. Although 170 is shown as being approximately circular, it may be any suitable shape.

[0024] 18 and 19 show the bottle with the lid closed, except that the door 170 is omitted. The bottle / cartridge after the dip tube is inserted through the cartridge into the bottom of the bottle. The structure of the combination is shown below.

[0025] The relationship between the components of the bottle / refill container can be seen in FIG.

[0026] Ensure the cartridge / refill container, pump, and bottle lid are in place as shown in Figure 18. Once present, the consumer presses the pump head to pump the diluted product from the body of the bottle. Once the product is depleted, the consumer simply opens the bottle by removing the cap and then pumping. The head / lid / dip tube can be removed from the refill container, and the refill container can be removed from the bottle body. The refill container can be discarded or, more preferably, recycled. You can insert another one.

[0027] When the bottle lid 14 is screwed onto the bottle, the flap 108 contacts the lid wall and the neck of the bottle. 30. According to one aspect of the present invention, the bottle lid is The opening or window 18 in the lid is such that when the lid is closed, the opening is opened by one of the flaps 108. The opening is positioned to allow full or partial view of the or multiple openings. If a window is used instead, it may be transparent or translucent plastic. Therefore, the consumer can see part of the flap even when the bottle is closed. This allows the consumer to identify which refill container is which if the appropriate indicia, such as color, is present on the flap. It is possible to know whether a part of the cartridge is in the bottle. Insofar as it is visible from the outside of the building, one or more openings or windows, in addition to those in the lid, Alternatively, it can be placed in the body of the bottle.

[0028] The cartridge has a sealed opening at the top and a sealed door at the bottom. Although shown as one, other arrangements that allow for insertion of a dip tube through the top and bottom are possible. For example, one or both of the cartridges may be inserted into the bottle. The container may have a lid, such as a flip top, that can be opened by the consumer. The cartridge has a line of weakness that can be sealed, or a sealed or reversible opening. and a closed area at its top adapted to the passage of a dip tube through either one of the Any cuts or lines of weakness that can be made, or any sealed or reversible openings. It has a lower closed area through which it can be opened.

[0029] A suitable pump is available from Rieke Corp., Auburn, Indiana. Suitable stainless steel bottles are available from S'well, New York, NY. Suitable in-mold labels are available from Connecticut Bottles. Available from CCL Industries, Shelton, UT.

[0030] Among the aspects of the invention are the following. 1. A cartridge comprising: a) a body including a receptacle for receiving the product; b) a lid on top thereof; c) the seal at its base; Equipped with d) the lid is i) a closed platform including an opening; ii) a lid seal covering the opening in the lid; and Equipped with iii) the lid seal is broken and the dip tube is exposed to the top of the cartridge; The bottom seal is retractable to allow the dip tube to penetrate the product. opened by dispensing into the bottle, cartridge.

[0031] 2. The cartridge of claim 1, further comprising indicia visible from the exterior of the cartridge. Ji.

[0032] 3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the indicia are visible from a side of the cartridge.

[0033] 4. The lid extends from the top of the lid along at least a portion of the side of the cartridge. 3. The cartridge of claim 2, further comprising at least one flap extending downwardly from the cartridge. J.

[0034] 5. The lid has two opposing flaps with wings, one on each side of the cartridge. The cartridge of claim 2 comprising a wrap.

[0035] 6. At least one of the lid seal and the seal at the bottom of the cartridge The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge is provided with an in-mold label.

[0036] 7. The cart of claim 1, wherein the in-mold label comprises high density polyethylene. ridge.

[0037] 8. A cartridge comprising: a) a body including a receptacle for receiving a fluid product; b) the lid on top of it Equipped with c) the lid is d) extending downward from the top of the lid along at least a portion of a side of the cartridge; At least one flap is present A cartridge comprising:

[0038] 9. A bottle and cartridge combination, a. A bottle including a bottle lid and a bottle body, b. the bottle body includes a cartridge receptacle; Bottle and c. A cartridge, i. a cartridge body including a cartridge receptacle for receiving a fluid product; , ii. The cartridge lid on top of it Equipped with iii. the lid has at least one flap extending downwardly from the top of the lid; Preparation, d. the cartridge is received within the bottle; A cartridge and e. at least a portion of the flap when the bottle lid is secured to the bottle an opening or window in at least one of the bottle lid and the bottle body through which the A bottle and cartridge combination comprising:

[0039] 10. The bottle has a neck above the bottle body, and the flap is attached to the neck the opening or window through which the flap is visible is adjacent to the lid of the bottle. and a cap for capping the bottle, the cap being located in the bottle, so that when the bottle is closed, at least one of the flaps 10. The bottle and cartridge combination of claim 9, wherein the portion is visible through the opening or window. Match.

[0040] 11. A bottle and cartridge combination, a. A bottle including a bottle lid and a bottle body, b. the bottle body includes a cartridge receptacle; Bottle and c. A cartridge, i. a cartridge body including a cartridge receptacle for receiving a fluid product; , ii. The cartridge lid on top of it Equipped with iii. the lid has at least one flap extending downwardly from the top of the lid; Preparation, iv. the cartridge includes a seal at its bottom; d. The lid of the cartridge is i. a closed platform including an opening; ii.ii. a seal covering said opening; and Equipped with iii. the seal is retractable so as to break the seal upon contact with a dip tube; The bottom seal is configured to allow the fluid product to flow when the bottom seal is opened by the dip tube. allowing it to exit the cartridge; Cartridge and A bottle and cartridge combination comprising:

[0041] 12. A pump received in the bottle lid and a nozzle extending downwardly from the pump. a dip tube, the dip tube having an upper end and a lower end adjacent the pump. 12. A combination of the bottle and cartridge according to claim 11.

[0042] 13. Claim 12, wherein the dip tube includes a bevel at its lower end for piercing the seal. A combination of a bottle and a cartridge as described in

[0043] 14. A bottle, a. A bottle cap and a bottle body, b. the bottle body includes a receptacle suitable for receiving a cartridge; a bottle lid and a bottle body; c. the bottle, adapted to allow at least a portion of the cartridge to be viewed from outside the bottle; an opening or window in at least one of the bottle lid and the bottle body; Equipped with a bottle.

[0044] 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising a pump received within the bottle lid. Bottle of.

[0045] 16. The bottom includes a door, the door is sealed by the seal, and the door is 10. The camera of claim 1, wherein the seal is openable when contacted with the dip tube. Cartridge.

[0046] 17. The door is formed in the bottom of the cartridge by a notch and hinged 17. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the cartridge is attached to the bottom.

[0047] 18. A top having an opening for receiving a dip tube and a bottom having an opening for receiving a dip tube a bottom having a mouth, said top and bottom openings being attached to a lid; Thus the cartridge can be reversibly closed.

[0048] 19. A container having a top with an opening or a line of weakness and a bottom with an opening or a line of weakness. wherein the opening or weakened line allows the dip tube to pass through the top of the cartridge. and adapted to allow the bottom of said cartridge to be opened. J.

[0049] 20. The cartridge includes a shelf around its top, and the cartridge 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the shelf is received within the bottle while resting on the bottle. The combination of the bottle and cartridge shown.

[0050] 21. The bottom includes a door, the door is sealed by the seal, and the door is 12. The seal of claim 11, wherein the seal is retractable so as to open when contacted with the dip tube. cartridge.

[0051] 22. The door is formed in the bottom of the cartridge by a notch and hinged 22. The cartridge of claim 21, wherein the cartridge is attached to the bottom.

[0052] 23. The cartridge includes a shelf around its top, and the cartridge 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the shelf is received within the bottle while resting on the bottle. The combination of the bottle and cartridge described.

[0053] It will be understood that the particular forms of the invention illustrated and described herein may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended to be representative only, as certain modifications may be made therein without departing from the teachings. It is therefore understood that the full scope of the present invention is to be determined by the In doing so, reference should be made to the appended claims.

Claims

1. a) a body (102) including a receptacle for receiving a product; and b) a lid (104). and a top portion having a lid (104), said lid (104) comprising: i) an opening; A lid platform having said opening, including a lid seal (106) covering said mouth (152). (150), or ii) a line of weakness, and the bottom of the lid (172) is i) a seal (140) or ii) a line of weakness, wherein the opening or line of weakness has a seal A dip tube (24) penetrates the top of the cartridge and opens the bottom of the cartridge. The cartridge (100) is adapted to enable

2. The cartridge of claim 1 further comprising indicia visible from the exterior of the cartridge.

3. The lid has two opposing flat caps with wings, one on each side of the cartridge. The cartridge of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a nozzle.

4. At least one of the lid seal and the seal at the bottom of the cartridge A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an in-mold label.

5. 5. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein the in-mold label comprises high density polyethylene. Ji.

6. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the lid seal and the bottom seal comprise in-mold labels. cartridge.

7. The cartridge bottom includes a door, the door is sealed by the seal, and the door 10. The seal of claim 1, wherein the seal is openable when the seal is in contact with the dip tube.

7. A cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 6.

8. The door is formed in the bottom of the cartridge by a notch and hinged to the The cartridge of claim 7, which is bottom mounted.

9. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in combination with a bottle. hand, The cartridge lid (104) extends downward from the top of the lid (104). At least one flap, the cartridge is received within the bottle; at least one flap; When the bottle lid is secured to the bottle, at least a portion of the flap is visible. an opening or window in at least one of the bottle lid and the bottle body; A bottle and cartridge combination comprising:

10. The bottle has a neck above the bottle body, and the flap is adjacent to the neck. the opening or window through which the flap is visible is in the bottle lid. When the bottle lid is closed, at least a portion of the flap 10. The bottle and cartridge combination of claim 9, visible through said opening or window.

11. a pump received within the bottle lid and a dip tube extending downwardly from the pump; wherein the dip tube has an upper end and a lower end adjacent the pump.

11. A combination of a bottle and a cartridge according to claim 9 or 10.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the dip tube includes a bevel at its lower end for piercing the seal. A combination of bottle and cartridge.

13. the bottle body includes a receptacle suitable for receiving the cartridge. Item 13. A combination of the bottle and cartridge according to any one of items 9 to 12.

14. 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising a pump received in the bottle lid. A combination of the bottle and cartridge described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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