A reuseable pump dispenser system
The reusable pump action dispenser system addresses the waste and contamination issues of conventional dispensers by using a removable and replaceable flexible pouch within a static receptacle body, ensuring reduced waste and maintained traceability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/GB2024/053057
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-13
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Conventional pump action dispensers for soaps, sanitizers, and cleansers in aircrafts lead to significant waste due to their disposable nature, and refilling static dispensers introduces bacterial contamination and breaks the unique identifier tracking chain.
A reusable pump action dispenser system featuring a static receptacle body with a removable and replaceable flexible containment pouch, which includes a pump actuator that can be detached and reused, reducing waste and maintaining traceability.
The system allows for the reuse of the static receptacle body and pump actuator, significantly reducing waste, while maintaining the integrity of the unique identifier tracking and preventing bacterial contamination through pouch replacement.
Smart Images

Figure GB2024053057_19062025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A REUSABLE PUMP DISPENSER SYSTEM
[0002] Technical Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of pump action liquid dispensers such as for soaps, sanitisers and cleansers and more particularly to a reusable pump action dispenser for soaps, sanitisers and cleansers.
[0004] Background to the Invention
[0005] Sustainable solutions for common problems are becoming increasingly important in many facets of life.
[0006] One issue faced with convention pump action dispenser for soaps, sanitisers and cleansers used in aeroplanes is their replacement when the soap, sanitiser, cleanser and the like held within, has been exhausted.
[0007] Conventionally, the primary solution is to a new dispenser can be provided to replace a spent or used dispenser. However, this can create substantial issues with waste of materials in the dispensers. It is estimated that in an aircraft context, this may result in disposal of around 150000 empty dispensers, per airline, per year.
[0008] Alternatively, to address these waste issues, another solution is to refill a fixed or static dispenser with new liquid soap, sanitiser, cleanser and the like. However, this solution has two main issues, namely that over time, refilling introduces bacteria which can cause issues when used, and secondly, for safety reasons, every product or package on board should bear a unique identifier to allow tracking and tracing, which if a fixed or static dispenser is refilled, the chain is broken because the unique identifier of the refill will be disposed of with the refill packaging, once the fixed or static dispenser has been refilled.
[0009] It would therefore be an advance in the art to provide a reusable pump action dispenser which solves any one or more of the abovementioned problems.
[0010] Summary of the Invention
[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a reusable pump action dispenser comprising: a) a static receptacle body with engagement assembly to engage a base holder and having a receiving volume, b) a flexible containment pouch sealed to a pump body and containing material to be dispensed, the flexible containment pouch provided with a cap having a packaging shoulder to engage with the static receptacle body with the flexible containment pouch located within the receiving volume of the static receptacle body; c) a pump actuator to be associated with the pump body of the flexible containment pouch; wherein the flexible containment pouch and the pump actuator are removable from the static receptacle body, to be replaced.
[0012] In another aspect there is provided a flexible containment pouch sealed to a pump body and containing material to be dispensed, the flexible containment pouch provided with a cap having a packaging shoulder to engage with a static receptacle body with the flexible containment pouch located within a receiving volume of the receptacle body wherein the flexible containment pouch is removable from the static receptacle body, to be replaced.
[0013] In yet another aspect, there is provided a static receptacle body comprising an engagement assembly provided at the bottom or base of the static receptacle body and at least one side wall extending from the engagement assembly to define a receiving volume and having a free end or edge extending at least partially about the at least one side wall to engage a packaging shoulder provided on a flexible containment pouch inserted into the receiving volume.
[0014] Providing a reusable pump action dispenser with a flexible containment pouch which is removable and replaceable relative to the static receptacle body allows the flexible containment pouch to be replaced, and the static receptacle body at least to remain in place for reuse. In addition, the pump actuator is preferably also releasably attachable to the flexible containment pouch and is also preferably reusable.
[0015] The reusable pump action dispenser of an embodiment will preferably have reusable parts. Preferably, the flexible containment pouch is removable and replaceable relative to the static receptacle body and the pump actuator to allow reuse of the static receptacle body and the pump actuator to reduce waste.
[0016] The reusable pump action dispenser may be configured particularly for vehicular use more preferably for use in an aircraft for example in the lavatory to dispense soap, sanitiser or another liquid or at a station outside lavatory, for example in an aircraft galley.
[0017] The material to be dispensed from the flexible containment pouch may be flowable and capable of being pumped and is preferably a fluid, suspension, solution, gel, or similar. The flexible containment pouch may contain a concentrated tablet or a concentrated liquid to which water or another diluent is added at a later stage. This may then reconstitute the product for use. For example, the material could be soap or skin lotion concentrated in tablet or liquid form. This method may make it more cost efficient in transportation and actual production costs. It also maintains traceability through batch coding and is safe from bacterial contamination.
[0018] The reusable pump action dispenser preferably includes a static receptacle body with engagement assembly to engage a base holder and having a receiving volume. The base holder which may optionally form part of a dispenser system including the reusable pump action dispenser, is normally mounted to a surface to provide a fixed or static location in order to hold the static receptacle body.
[0019] The static receptacle body is preferably static in the sense that it remains in place and is reused with a replaceable flexible containment pouch when the material to be dispensed in a flexible containment pouch is exhausted.
[0020] The engagement assembly may be provided at any location on the static receptacle body but will preferably be at a lower end thereof. In one form, the engagement assembly is provided at the bottom or base of the static receptacle body. At least one side wall may preferably extend from the engagement assembly to define the receiving volume.
[0021] Any type of engagement assembly could be used for example a threaded engagement assembly, a bayonet engagement assembly or a push or snap fit engagement assembly. The base holder may preferably have a complimentary engagement assembly in order to hold the engagement assembly of the static receptacle body fixedly thereto, but which also prevents accidental but not determined removal.
[0022] The at least one side wall will preferably be rigid. The at least one side wall will preferably define a receiving volume with an open top. The at least one side wall may preferably have a free end or edge extending about the at least one side wall at an end of the static receptacle body opposite to the engagement assembly. In one form, a single side wall may be provided which gives the static receptacle body a cylindrical receiving volume.
[0023] The static receptacle body may also preferably be provided with an upper engagement assembly to engage the packaging shoulder provided on the flexible containment pouch. In one form, the upper engagement assembly may comprise an abutment shoulder extending about at least a portion of the periphery of the upper free end or edge of the static receptacle body.
[0024] The static receptacle body may be shaped to be aesthetically pleasing on an outer side but the receiving volume will preferably receive the flexible containment pouch therein to. As mentioned above, the static receptacle body may be cylindrical in one form.
[0025] At least one vent opening may be provided in the at least one side wall of the static receptacle body. More than one vent opening may be preferred. In one form, a series of vent slots or slits may be provided. These may be provided approximately half way up the height of the static receptacle body.
[0026] At least one drain opening may be provided in the static receptacle body. Any drain opening may be provided in a lower part of the static receptacle body. Preferably, the at least one drain opening is provided above the engagement assembly at a lower end of the static receptacle body. The provision of at least one drain opening may allow any material which may be spilt from the flexible containment pouch and which may accumulate in the receiving volume drain from the receiving volume.
[0027] A fragrance container or pouch may be associated with the static receptacle body. In one form, the fragrance container or pouch may be attached to or mounted within the receiving volume. The fragrance container or pouch may be replaceable as required. In a preferred form, the fragrance container or pouch may be located within the receiving volume of the static receptacle body adjacent to the preferred vent openings.
[0028] The reusable pump action dispenser may include a flexible containment pouch sealed to a pump body and containing material to be dispensed, the flexible containment pouch provided with a cap having a packaging shoulder to engage with the static receptacle body with the flexible containment pouch located within the receiving volume of the static receptacle body.
[0029] The pump body is preferably provided at an upper end of the flexible containment pouch. The pump body may be provided at least partially within the flexible containment pouch. In one form, the pump body may be provided integrally with the cap, with an upper end of the flexible containment pouch sealed to / about the pump body and / or to the cap.
[0030] The flexible containment pouch may preferably be formed of a flexible material which is liquid impermeable. In one form, a metallised material may be used such as aluminium. Alternatively, any liquid impermeable, flexible material may be used such as aqueous lined paper but preferably, the use of plastics, particularly non- biodegradable plastics is avoided altogether.
[0031] The flexible containment package may be cylindrical in shape although any shape could be used as the flexible containment package is received within the receiving volume of the static receptacle body. In one form, the bottom of the flexible repayment pouch may be tapered to form a lower point in which the lower end of a dip tube associated with the pump actuator is located in use.
[0032] As mentioned above, the flexible containment pouch is provided with a cap having a packaging shoulder to engage with the static receptacle body when the flexible containment pouch is located within the receiving volume of the static receptacle body. The cap may be flexible or be provided with a flexible outer portion to receive and engage the preferred upper engagement assembly provided on the static receptacle body. The cap may be solid or partially solid. A membrane may be provided in at least one part of the cap to maintain the freshness of the material to be dispensed, temporarily sealing the flexible containment pouch. The membrane may be a piercable or removeable membrane, to be pierced by the dip tube and / or engagement assembly associated with the pump actuator or pump system to allow the pump actuator to mount to the flexible containment pouch removably. The pump actuator or pump system may attached to the cap, or, more preferably to the pump body of the flexible containment pouch.
[0033] In one form, the flexible containment pouch is provided as a pouch with the pump body and cap with a packaging shoulder and containing material to be dispensed. In this configuration, in use, the pump actuator is attachable to the flexible containment pouch via the cap to allow the material within the flexible containment pouch to be dispensed using the pump actuator. The packaging shoulder will preferably engage the static receptacle body to locate the flexible containment pouch within the receiving volume and may be detached from the static receptacle body to remove the flexible containment pouch for replacement. In this configuration the pump actuator may be provided as attachable to the flexible containment pouch, which may occur via a piercable or removeable membrane provided in the cap.
[0034] The pump actuator may be provided as part of a pump system with actuator and a dip tube and which is attachable to the flexible containment pouch via the pump body. In use, the dip tube may be used to pierce a piercable membrane provided in the cap or alternatively, a removeable membrane provided in the cap may be removed, providing access to the pump body. Once the pump actuator is attached to the flexible containment pouch, the pump actuator may be used to dispense material from within the flexible containment pouch for use.
[0035] In an alternative configuration, the dip tube may be provided within the flexible containment pouch, mounted to the pump body. The pump actuator may be attached to the flexible containment pouch, more particularly to the pump body, following piercing or removal of a membrane associated with the cap. This will preferably engage the pump actuator with the pump body within the flexible containment pouch and with the dip tube to allow the pump actuator to dispense material from within the flexible containment pouch for use.
[0036] An attachment assembly may be provided on an exterior side of the cap, to allow attachment of the pump actuator. For example, a threaded attachment neck may be provided. The threaded attachment neck may be provided with a piercable or removeable sealing membrane.
[0037] To summarise, the flexible containment pouch may be provided with the pump body therein and to which a pump actuator is removably attached. Alternatively, the flexible containment pouch may be provided with the pump body and a pump assembly having the pump actuator, an engagement assembly to engage the pump actuator with the pump body and the dip tube, may be removably attached. In a further alternative embodiment, the flexible containment pouch may be provided with the pump body and dip tube mounted within. In this alternative embodiment, the cap may be provided with a membrane. The cap may further be provided with an attachment assembly to attach the pump actuator relative thereto.
[0038] As mentioned above, the pump actuator may be provided as a pump system with the dip tube fitted relative to the pump actuator and the system is mountable relative to the flexible containment pouch via the pump body. Alternatively, the pump actuator may be provided separately to be attached to the flexible containment pouch which is provided with a dip tube already fitted within the flexible containment pouch relative to the pump body.
[0039] The pump actuator may be a depressible pump actuator. An outlet may be provided in the pump actuator which forms a fluid communication with the dip tube or the flexible containment pouch to convey material up and out of the outlet in the pump actuator. This will preferably allow material within the flexible containment pouch to be dispensed for use.
[0040] A fragrance container or pouch may be provided on or associated with the flexible containment pouch. For example, a fragrance container or pouch may be attached to an outside of the flexible containment pouch so that when the flexible containment pouch is removed and replaced, the fragrance container or pouch is also removed and replaced.
[0041] In one form, the material used to form the flexible containment pouch can be infused with fragrance to act as a fragrance source.
[0042] The base holder, which as mentioned above may form a part of a dispensing system, may have any configuration. The base holder may have any shape, but the shape may preferably correspond to the shape of the static receptacle body for static purposes. In one form, the base holder may be substantially cylindrical in outer shape. The base holder will preferably have an engagement assembly to engage the (lower) engagement assembly provided on the static receptacle body to hold the static receptacle body to the base holder. The static receptacle body is intended to stay in place on the base holder during use and also during replacement of the flexible containment pouch. The static receptacle body and base holder are preferably reusable with different flexible containment pouches.
[0043] The static receptacle body may be releasable from the base holder for replacement if necessary.
[0044] The base holder and / or static receptacle body may be provided with an engagement assembly that requires a dual action or movement to release the static receptacle body. A first action or movement may be required to engage the engagement assembly then allowing the engagement assembly to be disengaged to allow separation of the static receptacle body from the base holder.
[0045] As mentioned above, the base holder is preferably mounted to a surface and the static receptacle body is then mounted thereto to provide certainty of location for the reusable pump action dispenser of the invention.
[0046] Detailed Description of the Invention
[0047] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a pump action dispenser according to an embodiment.
[0048] Figure 2 is a partially exploded view of the pump action dispenser illustrated in Figure 1 showing removal of the flexible containment pouch.
[0049] Figure 3 is a full exploded view of the pump action dispenser illustrated in Figure 1.
[0050] Figure 4 is an axonometric view of a pump action dispenser according to an alternative embodiment.
[0051] Figure 5 is a partially exploded view of the pump action dispenser illustrated in Figure 4.
[0052] Figure 6 is a full exploded view of the pump action dispenser illustrated in Figure 4.
[0053] Figure 7 is an axonometric view of the pump action dispenser illustrated in Figure 4 attached to a screw fit base holder.
[0054] Figure 8 is an axonometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 7 but separated.
[0055] Figure 9 is an axonometric view of the pump action dispenser illustrated in Figure 4 attached to a push fit base holder.
[0056] Figure 10 is an axonometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 9 but separated.
[0057] Figure 11 is an exploded view of a pump action dispenser in which the dip tube is provided fixed within the flexible containment pouch and with an upper sealing membrane.
[0058] Figure 12 is an exploded view of a pump action dispenser in which the dip tube is provided fixed within the flexible containment pouch and with a threaded attachment assembly.
[0059] Figure 13 is an axonometric view of a static receptacle body according to an embodiment. Figure 14 is an axonometric view of fragrance pouch according to an embodiment.
[0060] Figure 15 is an axonometric view of a pump action dispenser with concentrate tablet.
[0061] Figure 16 is an exploded view of a arrangement illustrated in Figure 15.
[0062] A reusable pump action dispenser 40 of different embodiments is illustrated in the accompanying Figures. Each embodiment comprises a static receptacle body 1 with a lower engagement assembly 39 to engage a base holder 10, 12 and having a receiving volume 6. A flexible containment pouch 2 is provided, sealed to a pump body 4 and containing material to be dispensed. The flexible containment pouch 2 is provided with a cap 5 having a packaging shoulder (internal, not shown) to engage with the static receptacle body 1 with the flexible containment pouch 2 located within the receiving volume 6 of the static receptacle body 1.
[0063] A depressible pump actuator 38 is provided to be associated with the pump body 4 of the flexible containment pouch 2.
[0064] As shown, the flexible containment pouch 2 and the pump actuator 38 are removable from the static receptacle body 1, to be replaced.
[0065] In the reusable pump action dispenser 40 of the embodiments, the flexible containment pouch 2 is removable and replaceable relative to the static receptacle body 1 and the pump actuator 38, to allow reuse of the static receptacle body 1 and the pump actuator 38 to reduce waste.
[0066] The material to be dispensed from the flexible containment pouch may be flowable and capable of being pumped and is preferably a fluid, suspension, solution, gel, or similar. As shown in the embodiment in Figures 15 and 16, the flexible containment pouch 2 may contain a concentrated tablet 17 which water or another diluent is added at a later stage. This may then reconstitute the material in a form which can be dispensed for use.
[0067] As explained further below, the base holder 10, 12 may optionally form part of a dispenser system including the reusable pump action dispenser 40, is normally mounted to a surface to provide a fixed or static location in order to hold the static receptacle body 1.
[0068] The static receptacle body 1 is preferably static in the sense that it remains in place and is reused with a replaceable flexible containment pouch 2 when the material to be dispensed in a flexible containment pouch 2 is exhausted.
[0069] As shown, the lower engagement assembly 39 is provided at the bottom or base of the static receptacle body 1. A side wall extends upwardly from the lower engagement assembly 39 to define the receiving volume 6.
[0070] Any type of engagement assembly could be used for example a threaded engagement assembly such as that shown in Figure 8, a bayonet engagement assembly or a push or snap fit engagement assembly such as that shown in Figure 10. The base holder 10, 12 preferably has a complimentary engagement assembly in order to hold the lower engagement assembly 39 of the static receptacle body 1 fixedly thereto, but which also prevents accidental but not determined removal.
[0071] The side wall of the static receptacle body 1 is rigid. As shown in Figure 2 for example, the side wall defines a receiving volume with an open top. The side wall has an upper free end or edge extending about the side wall and end of the static receptacle body 1 opposite to the engagement assembly 39. In the illustrated form, a single side wall is provided which gives the static receptacle body 1 a cylindrical receiving volume 6.
[0072] The static receptacle body 1 may also preferably be provided with an upper engagement assembly to engage the packaging shoulder provided on the cap of the flexible containment pouch 2. In one form such as that illustrated in Figure 2, the upper engagement assembly may comprise an abutment shoulder 37 extending about at least a portion of the outer periphery of the upper free end or edge of the static receptacle body 1.
[0073] As illustrated in Figures 4 to 10, a series of vent openings 8 are provided in the side wall of the static receptacle body 1. These may be provided approximately halfway up the height of the static receptacle body 1. A fragrance container or pouch 7 may be associated with the static receptacle body 1. In one form, the fragrance container or pouch 7 may be attached to or mounted within the receiving volume 6 as shown in Figure 13. The fragrance container or pouch 7 may be replaceable as required. In a preferred form, the fragrance container or pouch 7 may be located within the receiving volume 6 of the static receptacle body 1 adjacent to the preferred vent openings 8.
[0074] As illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, one or more drain openings 15 are provided in the static receptacle body 1. The drain openings 15 are provided in a lower part of the static receptacle body 1, above the engagement assembly 39 at a lower end of the static receptacle body 1.
[0075] The pump body 4 is preferably provided at an upper end of the flexible containment pouch 2. The pump body 4 of the illustrated embodiment is provided at least partially within the flexible containment pouch 2. In one form, the pump body 4 may be provided integrally with the cap 5, with an upper end of the flexible containment pouch 2 sealed to / about the pump body 4 and / or to the cap 5.
[0076] The flexible containment pouch 2 may preferably be formed of a flexible material which is liquid impermeable. In one form, a metallised material may be used such as aluminium. Alternatively, any liquid impermeable, flexible material may be used such as aqueous lined paper but preferably, the use of plastics, particularly non- biodegradable plastics is avoided altogether.
[0077] As mentioned above, the flexible containment pouch 2 is provided with a cap 5 having a packaging shoulder to engage with the static receptacle body 1 when the flexible containment pouch 2 is located within the receiving volume 6 of the static receptacle body 1. The cap 5 may be flexible or be provided with a flexible outer portion to receive and engage the preferred upper engagement shoulder 37 provided on the static receptacle body 1.
[0078] The cap 5 may be solid or partially solid. A membrane 14 may be provided in a part of the cap 5 to maintain the freshness of the material to be dispensed, temporarily sealing the flexible containment pouch 2. As shown in Figure 6, the membrane 14 may be a piercable membrane to be pierced by the dip tube 13 and / or engagement assembly associated with the pump actuator 38 or pump system to allow the pump actuator 38 to mount to the flexible containment pouch 2 removably. The pump actuator or pump system may attached to the cap 5, or, more preferably to the pump body 4 of the flexible containment pouch 2.
[0079] In one form such as is illustrated in Figure 6, the flexible containment pouch 2 is provided as a pouch with the pump body 4 and cap 5 with a packaging shoulder and containing material to be dispensed. In this configuration, in use, the pump actuator 38 is attachable to the flexible containment pouch via the cap 5 to allow the material within the flexible containment pouch 1 to be dispensed using the pump actuator 38. The packaging shoulder will preferably engage the static receptacle body 1 to locate the flexible containment pouch 2 within the receiving volume 6 and may be detached from the static receptacle body 1 to remove the flexible containment pouch for replacement. In this configuration the pump actuator may be provided as attachable to the flexible containment pouch, which may occur via a piercable or removeable membrane 14 provided in the cap 5.
[0080] The pump actuator 38 may be provided as part of a pump system 36 with actuator 38 and a dip tube 13 provided on a pump mount 3 which is attachable to the flexible containment pouch 2 via the pump body 4. In use, the dip tube 13 may be used to pierce a piercable membrane 14 provided in the cap 5 or alternatively, a removeable membrane provided in the cap 5 may be removed, providing access to the pump body 4. Once the pump system 36 is attached to the flexible containment pouch 2, the pump actuator 38 can be used to dispense material from within the flexible containment pouch 2 for use.
[0081] In an alternative configuration such as that illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the dip tube 13 may be provided within the flexible containment pouch 2, mounted to the pump body 4. The pump actuator 38 and pump mount 3 may be attached to the flexible containment pouch 2, more particularly to the pump body 4, following piercing or removal of a membrane associated with the cap 5. This will preferably engage the pump actuator 38 with the pump body 4 within the flexible containment pouch 2 and with the dip tube 13 to allow the pump actuator 38 to dispense material from within the flexible containment pouch 2 for use. As shown in Figure 12, an attachment assembly 16 may be provided on an exterior side of the cap 5, to allow attachment of the pump actuator 38 / pump mount 3. The illustrated threaded attachment assembly 16 may be provided with a piercable or removeable sealing membrane.
[0082] As mentioned above, the pump actuator 38 may be provided as a pump system with the dip tube 13 fitted relative to the pump actuator 38 via a pump mount 3 and the system is mountable relative to the flexible containment pouch 2 via the pump body 4. Alternatively, the pump actuator 38 with pump mount 3 may be provided separately from the dip tube 13 to attach to the flexible containment pouch 1 which is provided with the dip tube 13 already fitted within the flexible containment pouch 2 relative to the pump body 4.
[0083] The pump actuator 38 may be a depressible pump actuator. An outlet may be provided in the pump actuator which forms a fluid communication with the dip tube 13 or the flexible containment pouch 2 to convey material up and out of the outlet in the pump actuator 38. This will preferably allow material within the flexible containment pouch 2 to be dispensed for use.
[0084] A fragrance container or pouch 7 may be provided on or associated with the flexible containment pouch 2 as shown in Figure 6. For example, the fragrance container or pouch 7 may be attached to an outside of the flexible containment pouch 2 so that when the flexible containment pouch 2 is removed and replaced, the fragrance container or pouch 7 is also removed and replaced.
[0085] The base holder 10, 12, which as mentioned above may form a part of a dispensing system, may have any configuration. The base holder 10, 12 may have any shape, but the shape may preferably correspond to the shape of the static receptacle body 1. In one form, the base holder may be substantially cylindrical in outer shape. The base holder will preferably have an engagement assembly to engage the (lower) engagement assembly 39 provided on the static receptacle body 1 to hold the static receptacle body 1 to the base holder 10, 12. The static receptacle body 1 is intended to stay in place on the base holder during use and also during replacement of the flexible containment pouch 2. The static receptacle body 1 and base holder 10, 12 are preferably reusable with different flexible containment pouches 2. The static receptacle body 1 may be releasable from the base holder 10, 12 for replacement if necessary. The configuration illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 has a threaded engagement between the static receptacle body 1 and the base holder 10. The configuration illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 has a push fit engagement between the engagement assembly 11 of the static receptacle body 1 and the base holder 12.
[0086] The base holder 10, 12 and / or static receptacle body Imay be provided with an engagement assembly that requires a dual action or movement to release the static receptacle body. A first action or movement may be required to engage the engagement assembly then allowing the engagement assembly to be disengaged to allow separation of the static receptacle body from the base holder. For example, in Figure 8, a locking tab 9 is provided which prevents the static receptacle body 1 being turned relative to the base holder 10, until the locking tab is raised / depressed.
[0087] As mentioned above, the base holder 10, 12 is preferably mounted to a surface and the static receptacle body 1 is then mounted thereto to provide certainty of location for the reusable pump action dispenser 10 of the invention.
[0088] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A flexible containment pouch sealed to a pump body and containing material to be dispensed, the flexible containment pouch provided with a cap having a packaging shoulder to engage with a static receptacle body with the flexible containment pouch located within a receiving volume of the receptacle body wherein the flexible containment pouch is removable from the static receptacle body, to be replaced.
2. A flexible containment pouch as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pump body is provided at an upper end of the flexible containment pouch at least partially within the flexible containment pouch and integrally with the cap, with an upper end of the flexible containment pouch sealed to / about the pump body and / or to the cap.
3. A flexible containment pouch as claimed in either one of the preceding claims further comprising a membrane in at least one part of the cap to maintain freshness of the material to be dispensed, temporarily sealing the flexible containment pouch.
4. A flexible containment pouch as claimed in claim 3 wherein the membrane is a piercable or removeable membrane, to be pierced by a dip tube and / or engagement assembly associated with a pump actuator or pump system to allow the pump actuator to mount to the flexible containment pouch removably.
5. A flexible containment pouch as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible containment pouch is provided with the pump body and cap with a packaging shoulder and containing material to be dispensed and a pump actuator is attachable to the pump body of the flexible containment pouch.
6. A flexible containment pouch as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein a pump actuator is provided as part of a pump system with actuator and a dip tube and which is attachable to the flexible containment pouch via the pump body.
7. A flexible containment pouch as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 further comprising a dip tube provided within the flexible containment pouch, mountedto the pump body and a pump actuator is attachable to the flexible containment pouch via the pump body.
8. A flexible containment pouch as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising an attachment assembly provided on an exterior side of the cap, to allow attachment of a pump actuator.
9. A flexible containment pouch as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a fragrance container or pouch provided on or associated with the flexible containment pouch.
10. A flexible containment pouch as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein fragrance is infused into a material used to form the flexible containment pouch to act as a fragrance source.
11. A static receptacle body comprising an engagement assembly provided at the bottom or base of the static receptacle body and at least one side wall extending from the engagement assembly to define a receiving volume and having a free end or edge extending at least partially about the at least one side wall to engage a packaging shoulder provided on a flexible containment pouch inserted into the receiving volume.
12. A reusable pump action dispenser comprising: a. a static receptacle body with engagement assembly to engage a base holder and having a receiving volume, b. a flexible containment pouch as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11; and c. a pump actuator to be associated with the pump body of the flexible containment pouch; wherein the flexible containment pouch and the pump actuator are removable from the static receptacle body, to be replaced.
13. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in claim 12 wherein the flexible containment pouch is removable and replaceable relative to the static receptaclebody and the pump actuator to allow reuse of the static receptacle body and the pump actuator.
14. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in claim 12 or 13 further comprising the base holder.
15. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in claim 14 wherein the base holder has an engagement assembly to engage the engagement assembly provided on the static receptacle body to hold the static receptacle body to the base holder.
16. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in claim 15 wherein the base holder and / or static receptacle body is provided with an engagement assembly that requires a dual action or movement to release the static receptacle body.
17. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16 further including least one side wall extending from the engagement assembly to define the receiving volume.
18. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in claim 17 wherein the at least one side wall is rigid to define the receiving volume with an open top.
19. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the at least one sidewall is provided with an upper engagement assembly to engage the packaging shoulder provided on the cap of the flexible containment pouch.
20. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 19 further including at least one vent opening provided in the at least one side wall of the static receptacle body.
21. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 20 further including at least one drain opening provided in a lower part of the static receptacle body.
22. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 21 further including a fragrance container or pouch associated with the static receptacle body.
23. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 22 wherein the pump actuator is provided as a pump system with the dip tube fitted relative to the pump actuator and the system is mountable relative to the flexible containment pouch via the pump body.
24. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 23 wherein the pump actuator is provided separately to be attached to the flexible containment pouch which is provided with a dip tube already fitted within the flexible containment pouch relative to the pump body.
25. A reusable pump action dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 24 wherein the pump actuator is a depressible pump actuator with an outlet provided in the pump actuator which forms a fluid communication with the flexible containment pouch to convey material up and out of the outlet in the pump actuator.
Citation Information
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