Replacement container storage outer case and outer case set

Abstract

This provides an outer case for housing a replacement container, with a fixing ring fitted into the bottom that can be easily and readily removed by the user using their fingers. [Solution] An outer case capable of housing a replaceable container to which a dispensing pump or dispensing cap can be attached in its internal space, wherein the outer case is configured to be able to engage and separate two divided cases 2 of the same shape, and each divided case comprises a semi-cylindrical body portion 3, one or more fitting projections 6 formed on the body portion and one or more fitting recesses 7 that engage with the fitting projections, a collar 4-2 formed on a neck portion 4 continuous with the body portion and engaging with the inner circumferential surface of the closure of the dispensing pump or dispensing cap, and a semi-cylindrical fixing ring receiving portion 8 that protrudes from a bottom portion 5 continuous with the body portion, the fixing ring receiving portion having a first notch 9 that reaches the bottom.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an outer case for accommodating a replacement container that can accommodate a replacement container having a dispensing pump or a dispensing cap inside, and an outer case set for accommodating a replacement container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a replacement container made of a soft resin or the like filled with a liquid such as shampoo, body soap, lotion, etc. is known to be used by being accommodated in an outer case formed of a hard resin or the like. The outer case is divided into two, the divided cases can be engaged and separated, the replacement container with the contents used up is discarded as garbage, a new replacement container is accommodated in the outer case, and the outer case is used repeatedly.

[0003] In Patent Document 1 below, a manual dispensing pump is provided at the discharge part of the replacement container, and by closing the closure of the dispensing pump, a collar provided at the neck part of the outer case is engaged with the inner peripheral surface thereof, and an invention is disclosed in which the state where the two divided cases are engaged is maintained.

[0004] Also, there are technologies that can suppress manufacturing costs by molding the two divided cases constituting the outer case with the same mold (see Patent Document 2), and technologies that can be easily assembled by projection pieces and recesses for fitting provided on the two divided cases (see Patent Document ).

[0005] Furthermore, in an outer case composed of two divided cases, in order to maintain the state where the divided cases are engaged, a technology of detachably fitting a fixing ring to the bottom thereof is also known. (See Patent Document 4).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] In the conventional technology described above, when separating the two divided cases in order to dispose of the empty refillable container as waste, it was extremely troublesome to remove the retaining ring, especially if the retaining ring was located at the bottom to maintain the engaged state of the divided outer case.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an outer case for housing a replaceable container, which is formed by engaging two split cases of the same shape made using the same mold, and in which a fixing ring fitted to the bottom can be easily and readily removed by the user using their fingers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the first invention of this application is: An outer case for housing a replaceable container, capable of housing a replaceable container to which a dispensing pump or dispensing cap can be attached, wherein the outer case for housing the replaceable container is composed of two separate cases of the same shape that can be engaged and separated. The divided case comprises a semi-cylindrical body, one or more fitting projections formed on the body, one or more fitting recesses that engage with the fitting projections, a collar formed on the neck portion continuous with the body and engaging with the inner circumferential surface of the closure of the dispensing pump or dispensing cap, and a semi-cylindrical fixing ring receiving portion that protrudes from the bottom portion continuous with the body. A portion of the fixing ring receiving portion is characterized in that a first notch extending to the bottom is formed in the circumferential direction.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the second invention of this application is: The replacement container housing outer case set is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned outer case for housing the replacement container and a fixing ring that engages with the fixing ring receiving portion.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the third invention of this application is: The replacement container housing outer case set is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned outer case for housing the replacement container, a dispensing pump or dispensing cap capable of engaging the collar formed on the neck portion with the inner circumferential surface of the closure, and a fixing ring that engages with the fixing ring receiving portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the outer case for housing a replaceable container having the above-described configuration, since the outer case is made by engaging two divided cases of the same shape, which are made using the same mold, the mold manufacturing cost can be significantly reduced.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be easily assembled by simply aligning the fitting projection and fitting recess formed on the body, and the two divided cases can be firmly secured at two points, the upper part by the inner circumferential surface of the closure of the dispensing pump or dispensing cap, and the lower part by a fixing ring.

[0014] Furthermore, the user can easily and simply remove the fixing ring by inserting their finger through the first opening and hooking the fixing ring from the inside of the outer case for housing the replacement container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Front and bottom views of the outer casing with the dispensing pump and fixing ring attached. [Figure 2] Side view of the outer casing with the dispensing pump and fixing ring attached. [Figure 3] Diagram showing the structure of a split case [Figure 4] Bottom plan view of the outer case before fitting the fixing ring [Figure 5] Side view of the outer case before fitting the fixing ring, the fixing ring and its cross-sectional view [Figure 6] Figure showing how the user removes the fixing ring using his finger [Figure 7] Figure showing how the user disassembles the outer case [Figure 8] Figure showing another embodiment of the split case with a bottom surface [Figure 9] Above-mentioned bottom plan view [Figure 10] Front view of the state where the pouring cap and the fixing ring are attached to the outer case [Figure 11] Figure showing the state of attaching the pouring cap and removing the cap

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. (Example using a pouring pump) FIG. 1 is a front view and a bottom view showing a state in which a refill container C (see FIG. 7) having a pouring pump A is housed in an outer case 1 for housing a refill container (hereinafter referred to as the outer case 1) in its internal space, and the bottom is fixed by a fixing ring B, and FIG. 2 is a side view thereof.

[0017] The outer case 1 is a hard resin case that houses a refill container C (a disposable packaging container made of a soft resin or the like) filled with a liquid such as shampoo, body soap, or lotion. The refill container C is configured such that the pouring pump A can be screwed onto the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical discharge portion thereof by a screw.

[0018] As shown in the figure, the outer case 1 is configured to be used with two divided cases 2 engaged together. The upper parts of the two engaged divided cases 2 are firmly fixed by the inner circumferential surface of the dispensing pump closure A-1 (hereinafter referred to as closure A-1) of the dispensing pump A, and the lower parts are firmly fixed by the fixing ring B, so that they do not easily open.

[0019] Figure 3 shows the structure of the divided case 2, where the body 3 is a cylindrical body with a half-rounded rectangular cross-section, and as shown in the bottom view of Figure 1, the cross-section of the body of the outer case 1, into which the two divided cases 2 are engaged, is a rounded rectangle.

[0020] A stepped portion 4-1 is formed at the end of the neck portion 4, which is continuous with the body portion 3, and a semi-cylindrical collar 4-2 is formed to protrude from it, engaging with the inner circumferential surface of the closure A-1 of the dispensing pump A. The closure A-1 of the dispensing pump A is configured to engage between this stepped portion 4-1 and the collar 4-2. In addition, a fixed ring receiving portion 8, which is a semi-cylindrical cylindrical body, is formed to protrude from the bottom portion 5, which is continuous with the body portion 3.

[0021] The bottom portion 5 has a semicircular space y formed along the semi-cylindrical fixing ring receiving portion 8. As a result, when the two divided cases 2 are engaged, a circular space Y (see bottom view in Figure 1) is formed at the bottom portion 5 of the outer case 1, and the outer case 1 has a shape with an open bottom along the inner surface of the fixing ring receiving portion 8.

[0022] Furthermore, the body portion 3 is provided with a fitting projection 6 and a fitting recess 7 that fits with the fitting projection 6, so as to snap into place with the other split case 2. In the illustrated example, there are three fitting projections 6 and three fitting recesses 7, but there may be at least one of each, and the number is not limited.

[0023] Figure 4 is a plan view of the bottom of the outer case 1 before the fixing ring B is fitted, and Figure 5 is a side view of the outer case 1 before the fixing ring B is fitted, and a cross-sectional view of the fixing ring B and the fixing ring B. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the first notch 9 is formed at both circumferential ends of the fixing ring receiving portion 8 to a depth that reaches the bottom 5, and the bottom 5 has a second notch 10 formed radially inward at a position corresponding to the first notch 9.

[0024] Furthermore, a groove 11 for engaging the fixing ring B is formed circumferentially on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing ring receiving portion 8. In addition, a projection B-1 is formed circumferentially on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing ring B, which engages with the groove 11 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing ring receiving portion 8. The fixing ring B is elastically fixed by press-fitting it into the fixing ring receiving portion 8. The fixing ring B is made of a hard resin, metal, or the like, but is not particularly limited to any material that has sufficient strength to prevent the two engaged split cases 2 from easily opening.

[0025] The method of using the outer case 1 having the above configuration (assembly and disassembly method) will be described below.

[0026] First, a new replacement container C is placed inside one of the divided cases 2, and the other divided case 2 is placed over it, aligning the fitting projection 6 with the corresponding fitting recess 7, and the two divided cases 2 are snapped into place and engaged.

[0027] After the two split cases are engaged by the fitting projection 6 and the fitting recess 7, the closure A-1 of the dispensing pump A is tightened, and the collar 4-2 engages with the inner surface of the closure A-1.

[0028] Finally, the projection B-1 of the fixing ring B is press-fitted into the fixing ring receiver 8 so that it fits into the groove 11, setting it to the operating state shown in Figures 1 and 2. Note that the order of engagement with the dispensing pump A and the engagement with the fixing ring B may be reversed from the above.

[0029] Next, when removing the empty refill container C from the outer case 1, loosen the dispensing pump A to release the engagement between the closure A-1 and the collar 4-2. Then, as shown in Figure 6, the user inserts their fingers into the space formed by one or both of the first notches 9 and second notches 10 located at the bottom of the outer case 1, and hooks their fingers onto the upper end surface of the fixing ring B to remove the fixing ring B which is engaged with the fixing ring receiver 8. Note that the order of releasing the engagement with the dispensing pump A and releasing the engagement with the fixing ring B may be reversed.

[0030] Finally, push the body 3 of one of the divided cases 2 inward to release the snap engagement between the fitting projection 6 and the fitting recess 7, separate the two divided cases 2, and remove the empty refill container C. At this time, as shown in Figure 7, the two divided cases 2 can be easily disassembled by placing both thumbs on the fixing ring receiving portion 8 formed on the bottom 5 and pulling them apart by spreading them to the left and right.

[0031] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the outer case 1 (two divided cases 2) was made of hard resin, but it may also be made of fiber-reinforced resin or a metal material such as aluminum. Since the outer case is to be used repeatedly for a long period of time, it may be made of a material that is strong and has a high-quality feel, and may also be decorated with a high-quality feel.

[0032] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the first notch 9 and the second notch 10 are shown to be formed at both circumferential ends of the fixing ring receiving portion 8 and the bottom portion 5 with which the divided case 2 engages. However, one may be formed at the circumferential center of the fixing ring receiving portion 8, as shown by arrow X in Figure 3. In this case as well, the fixing ring B can be removed from two locations while the two divided cases 2 are engaged. That is, the first notch 9 and the second notch 10 can be formed at appropriate positions on a part of the circumferential direction of the fixing ring receiving portion 8 and the bottom portion 5, and a divided case 2 with this configuration can be manufactured using a single mold.

[0033] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a semicircular space y is formed at the bottom 5 of the divided case 2 so that the user can easily remove the fixing ring B (so that it is easy to put a finger on the fixing ring B), and when the two divided cases 2 are engaged to form the outer case 1, a circular space Y is formed at the bottom 5. However, it is not necessary to make the space circular; any suitable space that the user's finger can fit into will suffice.

[0034] For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, instead of forming a circular space Y in the bottom 5, a bottom surface 12 is formed to fill the space Y, and a notch z (third notch) large enough for a user's finger to fit into is provided in this bottom surface 12. With this configuration, the distortion of the bottom 5 caused by the circular space Y can be suppressed by bringing the bottom surfaces 12 of the two divided cases 2 into contact with each other, and the overall strength of the outer case 1 can be improved. Furthermore, the replacement container C housed inside is not exposed from the bottom of the outer case 1, and the risk of the replacement container C being damaged by some external factor can be avoided.

[0035] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a second notch 10 is formed in addition to the first notch 9 to make it easier for the user to remove the fixing ring B, but it is not necessarily required to provide the second notch 10.

[0036] The depth of the first defect 9 may reach either the outer or inner surface of the bottom 5, and the fixing ring B can also be removed by the frictional force between the projection B-1 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing ring B exposed in the first defect 9 and the user's fingertip or the engagement force with the user's fingernail. Furthermore, the fixing ring B can also be easily removed by using a simple tool that can hook onto projection B-1.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the body portion 3 of the divided case 2 was made into a semi-rounded rectangular tubular body, and the cross-section of the outer case 1, which engages the two divided cases 2, was made into a rounded rectangle. However, the body portion 3 may be made into a semi-cylindrical body, a semi-elliptical tubular body, or a semi-polygonal tubular body, and the cross-section of the outer case 1 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0038] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where the fixing ring receiving portion 8 is a semi-cylindrical body, it may also be a semi-rounded rectangular tubular body, a semi-elliptical tubular body, or a semi-polygonal tubular body, similar to the body portion 3. In this case, the shape of the fixing ring B will also be circular, elliptical, or polygonal, matching the shape of the fixing ring receiving portion 8.

[0039] In this specification, all of the above shapes are defined as semi-cylindrical bodies, and the body portion 3 and the fixing ring receiving portion 8 may be semi-cylindrical bodies based on this definition, and their specific shapes are not particularly limited.

[0040] (Example using a dispensing cap) Figure 10 is a front view showing an example in which the dispensing cap D is used instead of the dispensing pump A described above. As shown in the figure, the two divided cases 2 are fixed at the top by engaging the collar 4-2 of the divided case 2 with the inner circumferential surface of the dispensing cap closure D-1 (hereinafter referred to as closure D-1).

[0041] Figure 11(a) shows the procedure for attaching the dispensing cap D and closure D-1 to the threads formed on the outer circumference of the cylindrical dispensing part of the replacement container C, and Figure 11(b) shows the removal of the dispensing cap D. Closure D-1 is screw-engaged by the threads formed on the outer circumference of the cylindrical dispensing part of the replacement container C, and dispensing cap D is screw-engaged by the threads formed on the top of closure D-1. Therefore, even when dispensing cap D is removed and the contents are dispensed, closure D-1 and the two divided cases remain engaged.

[0042] Furthermore, when the dispensing cap and closure D-1 are screw-engaged, it is desirable that they be constructed with opposite-direction threads to prevent the closure D-1 from rotating together with the dispensing cap and disengaging from the replacement container C. Alternatively, the dispensing cap and closure D-1 may be connected by a hinge (hinge cap D) instead of screw engagement. The configuration of the split case 2 and the assembly / disassembly method of the outer case 1 when using the above-described dispensing cap are basically the same as when using the dispensing pump A, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0043] As described above, the outer case according to the present invention is composed of two separate cases of the same shape, which are made using the same mold, and therefore the mold manufacturing cost can be significantly reduced.

[0044] Furthermore, because the fitting projection and fitting recess formed on the body are snap-fitted, it is easy for the user to align and assemble the device. Moreover, the two divided cases can be firmly secured to the upper and lower parts of the outer case by the inner circumferential surface of the closure of the dispensing pump or dispensing cap at the top and by the fixing ring at the bottom, preventing the divided cases from easily coming apart during use.

[0045] Furthermore, when the contents of the refillable container are used up and it is time to replace it with a new one, the formation of the first notch allows the user to easily remove the retaining ring by simply hooking it with their finger from the inside, thus easily disassembling the outer case 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. Outer case for storing replacement containers 2-part case 3 Torso 4 Neck 4-1 Multilayered section 4-2 Color 5 Bottom 6. Attaching projection 7. Fitting recess 8. Fixing ring receiving part 9. Completely Absent 10 Second notch 11. Grooves 12. Base A dispensing pump A-1 Dispensing pump closure B Fixing ring B-1 Protrusion C Replacement container D Dispensing cap D-1 Dispensing Cap Closure

Claims

1. An outer case for housing a replacement container, capable of housing a replacement container to which a dispensing pump or dispensing cap can be attached within its internal space, The outer case for housing the replacement container is composed of two separate cases of the same shape that can be engaged and separated. The aforementioned split case is The body of the semi-cylindrical body, One or more fitting projections formed on the body portion, and one or more fitting recesses that engage with the fitting projections, A collar is formed on the neck portion, which is continuous with the body portion, and engages with the inner circumferential surface of the closure of the dispensing pump or dispensing cap, It comprises a semi-cylindrical fixing ring receiving portion that protrudes from the bottom portion, which is continuous with the body portion, A single notch extending to the bottom is formed in a part of the circumferential direction of the fixed ring receiving portion. An outer case for housing a replaceable container, characterized by the following features.

2. The two aforementioned split cases are molded using the same mold. The outer case for housing the replacement container according to feature 1.

3. The outer circumferential surface of the fixing ring receiving portion has grooves formed in the circumferential direction that engage with projections provided on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing ring. The outer case for housing the replacement container according to feature 1.

4. The bottom portion has a second notch formed radially inward at a position corresponding to the first notch, The outer case for housing the replacement container according to feature 1.

5. The device comprises the outer case for housing the replacement container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and a fixing ring that engages with the fixing ring receiving portion, A set of outer cases for housing replaceable containers, characterized by the following features.

6. The inner circumferential surface of the fixing ring has a projection that engages with the fixing ring receiving portion. The outer case set for housing the replacement container according to feature 5.

7. The outer case for housing the replacement container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The collar formed on the neck portion is engaged with a dispensing pump or dispensing cap on the inner circumferential surface of the closure, The system includes a fixing ring that engages with the fixing ring receiving portion, A set of outer cases for housing replaceable containers, characterized by the following features.

8. The inner circumferential surface of the fixing ring has a projection that engages with the fixing ring receiving portion. The outer case set for housing the replacement container according to feature 7.

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