Refillable domestic product dispenser system, method and kit

Abstract

A refillable fluid dispenser (1) for domestic use has a refillable housing (4) for receiving and containing a reservoir of fluid to be dispensed, a dispensing output (6,7) to dispense fluid from the housing, and a refill port (20) to receive fluid from an external refill container (100), the refill port being configured to align and automatically puncture a seal on the refill container (100) Disclosed also are a refill port (20,20a), a refill container (100), method of refilling the fluid dispenser (1) and a kit comprising the refill container (100) and fluid dispenser (1). The dispenser (1) may be used for deodorants, lotions, creams, sun screen, sun lotion, perfumes, cleaning fluids and other domestic fluids.

Description

[0001] REFILLABLE DOMESTIC PRODUCT DISPENSER SYSTEM, METHOD AND KIT

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a refillable fluid dispenser system, a method employing the system, and to an associated kit comprising a fluid dispenser and a refill container. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a refillable system for fluids such as beauty products in the form of perfumes and deodorant, and for household products such as cleaning fluids.

[0003] There is a desire for portable and lightweight containers for carrying and distributing fluids. For example, when cleaning it is desirable to carry a minimum volume of cleaning fluid to reduce weight and fatigue. Similarly, when travelling or out and about, it is desirable to carry a minimum quantity of perfume, deodorant or sunscreen to minimise weight and bulk, or to comply with e.g. airline regulations.

[0004] At the same time, it may be desirable to purchase bulk quantities of ‘refill’ products for convenience and to reduce overall costs.

[0005] For economy and sustainability reasons, it may also be desirable to re-use a fluid dispenser once it is depleted of fluid, by simply refilling it rather than discarding it. The cost of a refill container may be significantly less than the cost of the dispensing product, which may include valves, stems, levers, rollerballs and other moving parts.

[0006] Improved environmental awareness means many consumers would now prefer refillable products rather than a single use product that must be disposed of once it is depleted of fluid.

[0007] As an alternative to refillable containers there exist re-useable products with a replaceable sealed cartridge that has a replacement fluid within it.

[0008] EP3157377A1 discloses a deodorant system with removable cartridges allowing a fluid dispenser to be refilled. One of the downsides of such a system is the increased waste associated with the cartridges, when compared to a refill container system where the refill container can itself be re-used (by refilling with new fluid). The waste from cartridges is particularly apparent when compared to a refillable container system having a refill container (that contains fluid for refilling the system) that is much larger than the volume of the refillable container. Some fluid dispensers therefore have a port that can be opened allowing a refill fluid to be added. However, this can be tricky to do, particularly as there is a need to hold both the refillable container and the refill container very steady to prevent spillage. This may be particularly problematic e.g. for elderly or those with limited muscle mobility. Typically, users may contact parts of the refill container and the refillable container, and then flip them upside down whilst still contacting each other before squeezing the refill container to refill the refillable container. Such an operation requires dexterity and the refill operation can be prone to accidental emptying and associated spillage of the refill fluid, for example prior to correct alignment of the refillable container, or by accidental relative movement during the refill operation.

[0009] EP3157376A1 discloses a deodorant system where a port can be accessed allowing the fluid in the dispenser to be replenished from a refill cartridge. One problem with this design is that fluid may accidentally be dispensed prior to engagement of the refill cartridge with the refillable container.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to overcome some or all of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] Viewed from a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refillable fluid dispenser for dispensing a fluid, the refillable dispenser comprising: a refillable housing defining a volume for receiving and containing the fluid to be dispensed; a dispensing output fluidly coupled with the housing and configured to receive the fluid from the fluid volume; and a refill port fluidly coupled with the housing and configured to receive the fluid from an external refill container, wherein the refill port comprises an aligning means for ensuring precise alignment with a nozzle of the refill container.

[0012] Embodiments according to the disclosure provide a new more convenient way to refill containers, with improved ease and less mess.

[0013] The principle may be applied for transferring concentrated and ready to use solutions, formulas, lotions and the like from low Co2 impact, recyclable refill packaging. The refill packaging may be optimized for ease of use and material recovery to provide attractive user friendly and long-lasting dispensing solutions for multiple cycles of use, safely, economically and sustainably. The teaching may be applied to many different refillable containers, such as those for perfumes, deodorants, and cleaning products. The dispenser may be used for deodorants, lotions, creams, sun screen, sun lotion, perfumes, cleaning fluids and other domestic fluids.

[0014] A refillable housing means that the housing is suitable for receiving a replenishment fluid from an external source, that is fluidly pumped or squeezed into the housing. A refillable housing is therefore distinct from a housing that is suitable for receiving e.g. a replenishment cartridge.

[0015] The aligning means enable a firm and precise registration of the refill container into the refillable dispenser, thereby minimising or entirely reducing the risk of mess or spillage when refilling.

[0016] The volume of the refill container may be precisely sized for the fluid volume of the refillable dispenser such that the entire contents will substantially fill the refillable dispenser.

[0017] The refill port may typically be positioned on the bottom of the refillable dispenser but it may be positioned in any suitable position. In embodiments, the refill port may be integrated with the dispensing output (from which fluid is released from the refillable dispenser during normal use).

[0018] From a health and safety perspective, concentrated versions of a product within the home and personal care categories can in some instances present a potential for harm otherwise not present in its diluted and ready to use form. The proposed principle for transferring content from refill to dispenser limits the potential for contact through accidental spills thereby mitigating the risk of exposure. Furthermore, precise dosage regimes and ratios may be applied. For example, a refill container containing a concentrated formula may be precisely sized for the dosage regime required in the refillable dispenser, such that emptying of the refill container will result in the precise and safe transfer of the correct quantity of concentrate, ready to be mixed with other fluids from other compatible refill containers or from e.g. a tap.

[0019] Minimal use of material in the production of refill packaging can allow for a more competitive price point along with easy, efficient and wasteless transfer of content from refill to dispenser, resulting in consumers favouring refill from the perspective of economics, as well as for environmental reasons. Embodiments support the changing of consumer habits from wasteful linear consumption of single use of packaging and dispenser solutions to multiple use dispensers and recyclable / returnable refills.

[0020] Refilling is currently associated with some hassle and inconvenience. Ease of use and mess-free refilling lowers the hassle barrier to adoption and continued use.

[0021] Embodiments provide for a lasting more sustainable dispensing solution of higher quality in terms of function and performance, materials, and aesthetics. The concepts herein promote refill use and encourage consumer loyalty.

[0022] Embodiments provide for minimized material and resources compared to ready to use pre-filled dispensing solutions. In embodiments, materials with PCR (Post Consumer Recycled) content can be used, further lowering the CO2 impact of the packaging.

[0023] In embodiments, mono-materials, belonging to the type of materials currently being recycled and at scale through existing systems and infrastructure, can be used for much longer.

[0024] Embodiments permit the easy transfer of concentrated formulas and lotions. Such concentrates minimize water usage and CO2 related to shipping / transport / distribution of raw materials and finished goods

[0025] The fact that the dispenser is refillable and re-usable lowers the CO2 impact of product usage. Every time the dispensing solution gets re-filled and re-used, it replaces a piece of the common wasteful resource intensive single use packaging and dispensing solution.

[0026] The teaching may also be applied to containers having a pump-action spray, rollerball containers and many other types.

[0027] In embodiments, the aligning means comprises a screw thread.

[0028] This provides a secure and reliable alignment means that can be easily manufactured.

[0029] In such embodiments, the connection of the refill container to the refillable dispenser is made via thread engagement ensuring gradual connection until the refill container is securely attached to the refillable dispenser.

[0030] Such a threaded aligning means ensures positive feedback to the user that the refill container is fully and securely attached to the refillable dispenser as it is not possible to tighten it any further. In embodiments, the screw thread is a coarse screw thread with a thread angle of between 19 and 21 degrees.

[0031] The thread angle is defined as the angle included between the sides of the thread measured in an axial plane.

[0032] Such a thread angle provides an optimum balance between convenience and secure attachment, whist being easy to manufacture.

[0033] In embodiments, the screw thread comprises between three and five crests over a total length of the screw thread.

[0034] The crest is defined as the surface of the thread corresponding to the major diameter of the screw.

[0035] Such a number of crests provides an optimum balance between convenience and secure attachment.

[0036] In embodiments, the screw thread comprises triple start thread.

[0037] A triple start thread means the screw has three distinct threads.

[0038] Alternatively, a double start thread may be used.

[0039] Using two or three distinct threads provides an optimum balance between convenience and secure attachment. Importantly, using a dual or triple start thread makes it simpler and easier to attach the refill container since less rotation is required for the cooperating threads to be engaged. This is particularly relevant for older operators or those with reduced dexterity. With a standard singular screw thread, there is increased risk of cross threading compared to a twin or triple screw thread, and it can take a nearly complete 360 degree rotation of the refill container relative to the refillable dispenser to start to engage the screw threads. In comparison, with a triple start screw thread, the threads will start to engage within less than 120 degrees of rotation (a third of a complete rotation).

[0040] In embodiments, the screw thread comprises a thread pitch of between 2.115 and 2.125mm.

[0041] The pitch is defined as the distance from a point on a screw thread to a corresponding point on the next thread measured parallel to the axis.

[0042] Such a pitch provides an optimum balance between convenience and secure attachment.

[0043] In embodiments, the refill port comprises one or more protrusions for puncturing a puncturable seal in the refill container. This provides a significant benefit compared to some prior designs in which the puncturing element is in the refill container. Providing the puncturing means in the refillable dispenser, rather than in the refill container, helps to ensure that the cost and complexity of the refill container is minimised.

[0044] The protrusions may thus automatically puncture a seal on the refill container when it is attached to the refillable dispenser. This provides a convenient and mess -free way to prevent the fluid from exiting the refill container until it is securely registered in position in the refillable dispenser. This offers a big improvement over some prior designs in which the seal is manually removed prior to refilling, a design in which there is a risk of spillage as soon as the seal is removed.

[0045] The protrusions may have pointed ends and are suitable for puncturing any commonly used seal, such as frangible metallic seals, which may be glued to the rim of the refill container, such as commonly found in some medicines, lotions or creams. Such seals will split when a suitably shaped protrusion is contacted with the puncturable seal with sufficient force.

[0046] Optionally, the protrusions have blunt ends.

[0047] The protrusions may be aligned with specifically weakened sections of the puncturable seal. For example, the centre of the seal may be designed to be weaker than the surrounding portion of the seal, so that it readily breaks when the protrusions contact and puncture it.

[0048] The aligning means in combination with the protrusions ensures that a positive and spill-preventing connection is achieved first before subsequently puncturing of the connection point allowing the content of the refill container to be transferred to the dispenser. Furthermore, there is no need to separately remove a film or cap from the refill container, reducing waste and cost, and improving user convenience.

[0049] Furthermore, the mechanism of providing one or more protrusions for puncturing the puncturable seal, in combination with the aligning means, provides user feedback. This is because the user will find that no fluid can be dispensed if the puncturable seal has not been punctured, which indicates that the refill container has not been fully attached to the refillable dispenser. When the seal is punctured, the user will feel a change in feedback pressure in response to the twisting motion and will receive auditory feedback as well that the seal has been punctured. The puncturing means, e.g. one or more protrusions, provide a peeling function, thus defining an external fluid flow path peripheral to the puncturing means, as distinct from some known puncturing devices such as a cylinder hollow rod that defines a central fluid flow path through itself.

[0050] The invention works by creating of an opening in the seal that is larger than the cross section of the puncturing means e.g. protrusions. The co-operating of the screw thread and protrusions results in the peeling function.

[0051] Generally, the puncturing creates a fluid flow path peripheral to the puncturing means. The puncturing means is generally solid.

[0052] In embodiments, the one or more protrusions are spaced apart from a periphery of an opening in the refill port and supported by one or more support arms. The support arms support the one or more protrusions, whilst defining a fluid flow path around the periphery of the protrusions (e.g. in the gaps or openings between the support arms).

[0053] Spacing the protrusions apart from the periphery means there is an area between the one or more protrusions and the periphery in which the refill fluid can flow during refiling, defined as a fluid flow path. Fluid flowing through the fluid flow path will have a fluid flow rate.

[0054] The one of more protrusions may be sized and positioned to account for a one or more of a desired fluid flow rate, a thickness or breaking strain of the puncturable seal , and a viscosity of the refill fluid. The breaking strain of the puncturable seal is defined as the force per area required to puncture the seal, and may be measured, for example in pounds per square inch.

[0055] The spacing apart of the protrusions from the periphery means that there may be gap between the protrusions and the periphery, creating a fluid flow path external to the protrusions, but bounded by the internal screw thread of the refill port, the fluid flow path defining the path through which fluid can flow in a refill operation.

[0056] In embodiments, the one or more support arms are uniformly distributed around the periphery of the opening.

[0057] By uniformly distributing the one or more support arms around the periphery of the opening, the forces acting on the support arms are evenly distributed as the fluid flows past the support arms during a refill operation. Accordingly, the size and strength of the support arms can be optimised. In embodiments, the one or more protrusions are centrally disposed within the centre of the opening in the refill port.

[0058] By positioning the one or more protrusions centrally, the puncturable seal is punctured substantially centrally, resulting in a large, central aperture through which fluid can flow out of the refill container. This configuration therefore may provide optimum puncturing of the puncturable seal.

[0059] In embodiments, the one or more protrusions and one or more support arms extend from the centre of the opening towards the periphery of the opening.

[0060] By providing one or more support arms that extend from the centre of the opening to the periphery, the resistance to the flow of refill fluid may be minimised. This also allows for the creation of a fluid flow path peripheral to the puncturing means.

[0061] This configuration also enables the protrusions to be supported centrally within the opening, such that the puncturable seal may be punctured centrally for maximum breaking thereby maximining flow rate of refill fluid.

[0062] The protrusions and support arms may be integrally formed, and may be further integrally formed with the refill port as an integral single-piece component. This may reduce manufacture costs and reduce the risk of breakages between the support arms and protrusions or between the support arms and remainder of the refill port.

[0063] In embodiments, the aligning means comprises one or more longitudinal grooves or ribs extending along a length of the refill port along an insertion axis.

[0064] This provides an alternative alignment means to the screw thread design.

[0065] In an embodiment, longitudinal grooves in the refillable dispenser’s refill port are designed to cooperate with longitudinal ribs on the nozzle of the refill container. The arrangement ensures the nozzle is precisely guided into the correct position.

[0066] In an embodiment, longitudinal ribs in the refillable dispenser’s refill port are designed to cooperate with longitudinal grooves on the nozzle of the refill container. The arrangement ensures the nozzle is precisely guided into the correct position.

[0067] The groove may be an elongate longitudinal recess. The rib may be an elongate longitudinal protrusion.

[0068] In an embodiment, protrusions on the nozzle of the refill container are designed to cooperate with longitudinal grooves in the refill port. Alternatively, protrusions on the refill port are designed to cooperate with longitudinal grooves in the nozzle of the refill container. These arrangements ensure the nozzle is precisely guided into the correct position.

[0069] Longitudinal may mean extending along the length of the refill port or refill container nozzle in parallel lines.

[0070] In embodiments, the longitudinal grooves comprise a right-angle bayonet-style locking portion for locking the refill container in an attached position with respect to the refillable dispenser.

[0071] Such a mechanism ensures that the user can securely lock the refill container in position before refilling the refillable dispenser, without risking the accidental loosening of the refill container.

[0072] In embodiments, an alternative locking mechanism is provided in the form of protrusions and detents. A detent close to the bottom of the groove is provided, into which a protrusion (that is designed to move easily within the groove) can be twisted to engage with the detent to secure the refillable dispenser and refill container. A further twisting motion can release the protrusion from the detent to allow the refillable dispenser and refill container to be separated once again. The detent may be provided on the refillable dispenser and the protrusion may be provided on the refill container, or vice versa.

[0073] In embodiments, the refill port comprises a removable protective cover. Alternatively, the protective cover may be non-removable, to prevent the risk of loss.

[0074] The protective cover ensures the refill port is protected from dirt ingress prior to use. Such dirt ingress may otherwise interfere with the operation of the alignment means.

[0075] In embodiments, the protective cover is hinged and moveable between a closed position in which the refill port is covered and an open position in which the refill port is accessible.

[0076] Providing a hinged protective cover provides convenience, as it prevents the protective cover from being lost, as it is permanently attached to the refill dispenser.

[0077] In embodiments, the protective cover has a screw thread and the refill dispenser has a corresponding screw thread, thereby allowing the protective cover to be removably attached to the refill dispenser.

[0078] In embodiments, the protective cover has a screw thread matched to a screw thread on the refillable dispenser, allowing the protective cover to be easily removed and reattached, respectively exposing and covering the refill port. Optionally, where the aligning means comprises a screw thread, the screw thread on the protective cover may be matched to the screw thread comprising the aligning means. Accordingly, the protective cover and refill container can utilise the same threaded connection on the refill dispenser. In use, in a refilling operation, the protective cover may be unscrewed and the refill container may be screwed on in its place. The refill container is then emptied into refillable dispenser, optionally after inverting the assembly so that the refill container is above the refillable dispenser, the inversion thus enabling the refill fluid in the refill container to more easily flow into the refill container. Then, in a next step, the refill container is unscrewed and the protective cover is screwed back on to the refillable dispenser. If the assembly was inverted during filling, the refillable dispenser may be re-inverted into its normal orientation.

[0079] In a further alternative embodiment, the protective cover is a friction fit, and can be removed by pulling it away from the refill dispenser to expose the refill port.

[0080] In embodiments, the refill port comprises a one-way valve or check valve.

[0081] The one-way valve or check valve ensures that fluid may enter but not exit at the refill port, regardless of orientation of the refillable dispenser.

[0082] The one-way valve may comprise a duck bill with flexible membrane, or may comprise a ball check valve.

[0083] A simple flexible valve may be utilised, allowing fluid to flow in one direction which forces the valve open, but preventing it from flowing in a reverse direction. Such a flexible valve may further comprise an elastic material. Such flexible valves are known in remote technical fields, such as in plumbing waste systems.

[0084] The flexible valve may extend over the fluid flow path around the periphery of the puncturing means (e.g. protrusions), thus creating a one-way fluid flow path. The flexible valve may be centrally fixed so that its peripheral edges are free to move, thereby permitting fluid to flow in one direction through the fluid flow path peripheral to the puncturing means.

[0085] In embodiments, the refillable dispenser further comprises an air vent to allow air to escape as the dispenser is being refilled with refill fluid. This prevents over pressuring of the refillable container and thus improves user convenience and reduces the risk of fluid spillage when the refill container is disconnected.

[0086] Optionally, the shape of the air vents is designed to provide feedback or instruction to the user, signalling the screwing-motion required to engage the refill and the dispenser. In embodiments, the aligning means is configured to align the one or more protrusions with pre-determined positions on the surface of a puncturable seal on the top of the refill container when the refill container is fully attached to the refillable dispenser.

[0087] By aligning the refill container in a precise position, the puncturable seal may be punctured in a precise position, which may accord to areas of weakness. This reduces the size and strength of the protrusions required, which reduces cost, bulk and weight.

[0088] In embodiments, the refillable dispenser may be for dispensing a viscous fluid.

[0089] For example, the apparatus may be used to dispense fluid of a viscosity in the range 200,000 to 300,000 centipoise (CPS).

[0090] In embodiments, the refillable dispenser is a deodorant dispenser, and optionally comprises a rollerball contained by a collar.

[0091] In embodiments, the refillable dispenser is for dispensing a cleaning product.

[0092] In embodiments, the refillable dispenser is a perfume dispenser.

[0093] In embodiments, the refillable dispenser is a spray bottle, and optionally comprises a pump-action lever for dispensing fluid from the spray bottle, and further optionally comprises an adjusting nozzle for controlling a fluid flow rate from the spray bottle and / or a spray pattern of a dispensed fluid.

[0094] Viewed from a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refill container for engagement with the refillable dispenser as herein described, said refill container having a refill port comprising aligning means, the refill container comprising cooperating aligning means for accurately and security attaching the refill container to the refillable dispenser. The refill container is specially designed to work with the refill container.

[0095] Such aligning means on the refill container means that it may be precisely positioned when attaching it to the refillable dispenser.

[0096] This allows for positive feedback as to when it is correctly aligned and when it is correctly and fully positioned ready to dispense refill fluid.

[0097] In embodiments, the refill container is for use with a refillable dispenser according to embodiments above, the refill container comprising the puncturable seal. That is, the refill container comprises a puncturable seal that is punctured by puncturing means on the refillable dispenser. The alignment means ensures the puncturable seal is not broken until the refill container is correctly aligned and fully seated.

[0098] The alignment means ensures that the seal is broken exactly where it is desired to do so, for example exactly in the middle of the seal. The seal may be particularly weakened in such a location.

[0099] In embodiments, the puncturable seal of the refill container comprises one or more weakened sections, and optionally comprises one or more score lines.

[0100] By aligning the refill container in a precise position with respect to the refillable container, the puncturable seal may be punctured in a precise position, which may accord to areas of weakness. This reduces the size and strength of the protrusions required, which reduces cost, bulk and weight. If weakened sections were not provided, more robust protrusions would be required to ensure the puncturable seal is adequately punctured.

[0101] In embodiments, the puncturable seal covers a refill container opening and the score lines extend from the centre of the puncturable seal towards a periphery of the refill container opening, and optionally the score lines extend substantially along the distance from the centre of the puncturable seal to the periphery of the refill container opening.

[0102] By providing elongate score lines along all of, or along a majority of, the distance from the centre to the periphery of the puncturable seal, more complete puncturing may be achieved.

[0103] Furthermore, this approach reduces the size and strength of the protrusions required, which reduces cost, bulk and weight.

[0104] In embodiments of the refill container, the co-operating engagement means is a coarse screw thread with angle of between 19 and 21 degrees, and optionally the screw thread comprises between three and five crests over a total length of the screw thread, and further optionally the screw thread comprises triple start thread, and further optionally the screw thread comprises a thread pitch of between 2.115 and 2.125mm.

[0105] Screw threads provide a reliable and cost-effective alignment means.

[0106] In embodiments the refill container is for use with a refill dispenser according to previous embodiments, wherein the cooperating aligning means comprises one or more cooperating longitudinal ribs or grooves extending along a length of the refill port along an insertion axis, and optionally at least one of the one or more longitudinal ribs or grooves comprises a right-angle portion for locking the refill container in an attached position with respect to the refillable dispenser.

[0107] Viewed from a third aspect, there is provided a kit comprising a refillable dispenser as described herein and a refill container as described herein.

[0108] Viewed from a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for refilling a refillable fluid container, the method comprising the steps of Contacting the refill container to the refillable dispenser; Using the aligning means to attach to refill container to a refill port of the refillable container; Dispensing a refill fluid from the refill container into the refillable dispenser, optionally by squeezing the refill container; and Removing the refill container from the refillable dispenser.

[0109] According to the method disclosed herein, a more reliable and secure connection may be provided, with the added benefit of improved user feedback.

[0110] The aligning means provides assurance to the user that the refill container is correctly aligned, before refilling, giving increased confidence to the user.

[0111] The use of aligning means enables precise orientation and robust attachment.

[0112] Optionally the method may include the step of inverting one or both of the refillable dispenser and the refill container prior to refilling, so that the refill container is positioned above the refillable dispenser, ensuring that gravity can be used to assist with refilling. For example, if the refill port is provided on the bottom of the refillable dispenser, then it may be desirable to invert the refillable dispenser before or after attaching the refill container. The method may further comprise an un-inverting step after refilling, to revert whichever of the refillable dispenser and the refill container was inverted previously, back to its normal orientation.

[0113] The method of Using the aligning means to attach to refill container to the refillable container, may further comprise puncturing a puncturable seal on the refill container.

[0114] By puncturing a puncturable seal on the refill container seal during the aligning step, a mess free mechanism is provided to ensure refill fluid does not flow until the refill container is correctly and fully seated.

[0115] Additionally, this mechanism provides useful additional user feedback in the event that the refill container is not correctly or fully seated, since the puncturable seal will not be punctured and the refill fluid will not be able to be dispensed. Without such a puncturing mechanism, the user would have no feedback of incorrect seating of the refill container and could think the refill container is correctly seated. They may then start to dispense fluid creating a large mess, particularly where the refill container is oriented or positioned above the refillable dispenser which may cause a large volume or refill fluid to flow before the error is realised.

[0116] The method may comprise, prior to the step of Dispensing a refill fluid from the refill container into the refillable dispenser, the step of opening a protective cover covering the refill port.

[0117] This step ensures the refill port is kept clear and unobstructed until it is required for use.

[0118] The step of Using the aligning means to attach to refill container to a refill port of the refillable container, may comprise the locking the refill container in position with respect to the refillable dispenser.

[0119] This step also ensures that the refill container cannot be accidentally loosened or disconnected during a refilling operation.

[0120] Locking the refill container in position also provides positive feedback to the user that it is correctly seated, since it cannot be locked unless it is correctly seated.

[0121] The step of Dispensing a refill fluid from the refill container into the refillable dispenser, may comprise dispensing a refill fluid through a one-way valve or check valve in the refillable dispenser.

[0122] This step ensures that fluid cannot flow back out of the refillable dispenser, regardless of orientation. For example, even if the refillable dispenser were to be dropped after refilling, after removing the refill container, no refill fluid would be able to escape from the refill port.

[0123] Viewed from a fifth aspect, there is provided a refill port for a container, the refill port comprising one or more protrusions for puncturing a puncturable seal in the refill container.

[0124] Such a feature provides all the aforementioned advantages.

[0125] In embodiments, the one or more protrusions are spaced apart from a periphery of an opening in the refill port and supported by one or more support arms. The protrusions may be positioned in the centre of the opening and the spaces between the one or more support arms may define a fluid flow path through which the fluid can flow around the periphery of the puncturing means.

[0126] Such a feature provides many of the aforementioned advantages. In embodiments, the refill port is adapted to be retro-fitted to a refillable dispenser, and optionally the refill port comprises a screw thread adapted to attach the refill port onto a refillable dispenser. That is, disclosed is a design of refill port that is integrated into a refillable dispenser, and a different design of refill port that can be retro-fitted to an existing dispensing system. Either design of refill port may comprise a tube.

[0127] The variant that can be retro fitted means that existing dispensing systems, that are not easily refillable, can be retro fitted to become refillable systems. Since such existing systems typically use a reasonably common set of threads and attachment means, a retrofittable design of refill port with a particular connection / thread may be retro fitted to a very large range of existing containers to convert them into refillable containers. A few different designs of retro fit refill ports, each with different connections / threads can thus cover a majority of existing non-refillable containers already being sold on the market or already in user’s homes.

[0128] The features of the integrated refill port may be equally applied to the retro-fit (standalone) design of refill port, with similar advantages.

[0129] The retro-fit design provides many or all of the aforementioned advantages, and allows the beneficial features of the disclosure to be applied to existing containers, further reducing waste and improving sustainability.

[0130] For example, spray bottles, of the type used for cleaning, will typically have a threaded connection by which the spray nozzle is attached to the bottle. This connection will typically be one of a relative narrow range of different sizes / characteristics.

[0131] The retro-fitable design of refill port may be adapted to fit on this same threaded connection. Then, the spray attachment may be removed from the existing non-refillable container, e.g. by unscrewing a spray attachment from a bottle, and replaced with the refill port to allow a mess-free refill operation. After refiling, the refill port may be removed and the spray attachment may be re-attached.

[0132] In embodiments, the refill port is adapted to be permanently (or semi permanently) positioned between the refillable housing of a refillable container and the dispensing output of a refillable container. That is, it may be fitted to the bottle but can also remain in position, whilst the original top portion of the bottle be re-attached to it (rather than to the bottle). It may remain in place semi-permanently, being removed only occasionally e.g. to clean the bottle. In such an embodiment, one end of the refill port may be adapted to fit on a known threaded connection on a bottle and another end may be adapted to receive a known threaded connection on a spray nozzle. Accordingly, the refill port may be permanently retro-fitted to existing bottles, by removing the dispensing portion from the bottle or other container and placing the specially adapted refill port between the dispensing portion and the container, and then refitting the dispensing portion on top of the refill port.

[0133] For example, a typical non-refillable configuration of bottle and spray attachment comprises a bottle with a male thread and a spray attachment with a cooperating female thread that screws onto the male thread. The retrofittable design of refill port may have a female thread designed to attach to the male thread of the known bottle, and also a male thread designed to allow it the female thread of the spray attachment to be screwed onto it. Thus, the refill port may be permanently fitted inline between the original bottle and the original dispensing attachment e.g. spray attachment. In another embodiment, the bottle may have a female thread and the spray attachment may have a male thread, and the inline retrofittable refill port may have a male thread designed to fit to the female thread (of the bottle) and the female thread designed to accommodate the male thread (of the spray attachment). Accordingly, in embodiments, the retrofittable refill port comprises a female thread on one side and a cooperating male thread on the other side. Since the male and female threads are cooperating, i.e. matched, the unique in-line retro fit design may realised.

[0134] Known containers typically have threaded connections of one of several known dimensions so a range of retro-fit refill ports can be provided to accommodate the commonly encountered sized threaded connections.

[0135] In embodiments, the refill port has a male thread on one end and a corresponding female thread on the other end, both of which are sized to match a known threaded connection. Accordingly, the refill port can be seamlessly fitted to a known dispenser with guaranteed compatibility.

[0136] To then refill, the dispensing potion (e.g. spray mechanism) is removed from the container, exposing the refill port which can be used as described above. After refilling, the dispensing portion (e.g. spray mechanism) is re-attached.

[0137] In further embodiments, the (retrofittable) refill port comprises one or more support arms which are uniformly distributed around the periphery of the opening. In further embodiments, the one or more protrusions are centrally disposed within the centre of the opening in the refill port.

[0138] In further embodiments, the one or more protrusions extend from the centre of the opening towards the periphery of the opening.

[0139] In further embodiments, the aligning means comprises one or more longitudinal grooves / ribs extending along a length of the refill port along an insertion axis. In yet further embodiments, the longitudinal grooves comprise a right-angle portion for locking the refill container in an attached position with respect to the refillable dispenser.

[0140] In further embodiments, the refill port comprises a removable protective cover.

[0141] In embodiments, the refill port may be adapted to be retrofitted to an existing fluid dispenser.

[0142] In embodiments, the refill port may be integrated with a dispensing output. In a further embodiment, this design may adapted to be retrofitted to an existing fluid dispenser.

[0143] The features of the embodiments may be combined, except where they are incompatible.

[0144] LIST OF FIGURES

[0145] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0146] Figure 1 shows an exploded side view of a refillable fluid dispenser and the top portion of a refill container;

[0147] Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of the base of the fluid dispenser of figure 1, showing the refill port;

[0148] Figure 3 shows a top perspective view of the top portion of a refill container showing the puncturable seal;

[0149] Figure 4 shows a bottom perspective sectional view and a bottom perspective view of an assembled refillable fluid dispenser showing live hinged flap in an open position to expose the refill port; Figure 5 shows a bottom perspective sectional view and a bottom perspective view of an alternative assembled refillable fluid dispenser showing a moulded flap in an open position to expose the refill port;

[0150] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a refill container;

[0151] Figure 7 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an alternative refill container;

[0152] Figure 8 shows a refill port comprising an optional tube;

[0153] Figure 9 shows three different refill containers;

[0154] Figure 10 shows several different refillable fluid dispensers, utilising the refill port shown in Figure 8 either with or without the tube;

[0155] Figure 11 shows a top perspective view of the base of a further embodiment of refillable fluid dispenser, having longitudinal grooves in the refill port for aligning the refill container;

[0156] Figure 12 shows a bottom perspective view of the base of Figure 11, again showing the longitudinal grooves in the refill port as well as pressure release valve slots;

[0157] Figure 13 shows a side perspective view of a refill container for use with the base of Figures 11 and 12, having protrusions for engagement with the base’s longitudinal slots;

[0158] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the base of Figures 11 and 12, with a one-way valve fitted;

[0159] Figure 15 shows a perspective cutaway view of the base of Figure 14 with its oneway valve;

[0160] Figure 16 shows a top perspective view of the base of Figures 14 and 15, showing the one-way valve and the pressure release valve slots;

[0161] Figure 17 shows a bottom perspective view of the base of Figures 14 to 16, showing the pressure release valve fitted into the pressure release valve slots; Figure 18 shows a side sectional view of the base of Figures 14 to 17, showing the one-way valve and the pressure release valve; and

[0162] Figure 19 shows a perspective sectional view of the base of Figures 14 to 18, showing the one-way valve and the pressure release valve.

[0163] The figures and embodiments will now be described in more detail.

[0164] Figure 1 shows an exploded side view of a refillable fluid dispenser 1 and the top portion of a refill container 100. The dispenser may be used to dispense a liquid deodorant.

[0165] The refillable fluid dispenser 1 comprises a core 4 into which a collar 6, that has roller ball 7 fitted, can be screwed. The roller ball 7 rotates when contacted to a body part allowing deodorant to be dispensed and the collar 6 seals the top portion of the core 4. An external thread on the collar engages with an internal thread in the core 4 to secure the collar 7 to the core 4.

[0166] An external thread at the top of the core 4, as shown, is designed to cooperate with an internal thread on a lid 8, allowing the lid to be removed and attached to the core to expose and cover the roller ball 7 respectively. The external thread at the top of the core 4 is typically coarse to allow the lid 8 to be removed and fitted with a minimum of turning.

[0167] A base 2 is screwed into the bottom of the core 4. An internal thread (not shown) on the base is designed to cooperate with an external thread (shown) at the base of the core 4.

[0168] The base 2 comprises a refill port 20, the top of which can be seen in Figure 1. The refill port 20 allows a refill container 100 to be securely screwed into the base 2 before dispensing fluid from the refill container 100 into the refillable container 1. As shown in figure 1, the refill container 100 may have a nozzle 120 with an external thread (shown) designed to cooperate with an internal thread (not shown) in the refill port 20 of the base 2.

[0169] Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of the base 2 of the fluid dispenser of figure 1, showing the refill port 20. Figure 3 shows a top perspective view of the top portion of a refill container showing the puncturable seal 124, for engagement with the refill port 20 of Figure 2. The internal thread in the base 2 are designed for engagement with the external threads at the base of the core 4, alongside the internal thread 22 for engagement with the external screw thread 122 on the nozzle 120 of a refill container 100.

[0170] The refill port comprises three protrusions 24 arranged in a three -pointed star shape, supported by support arms 25 which suspend the protrusions in the centre of the refill port 20. This design creates a fluid flow path around the periphery of the protrusions 24 through which refill fluid can flow during a refill operation.

[0171] In use, during a refill operation, the refill container 100 is screwed into the base 120. Aligning means in the refill port 20, in the form of screw thread 22, ensures a precise positioning of the 120 nozzle of the refill container within the refill port 20. As the refill container 100 is screwed into position, the aligning means guides the frangible seal 124 on the top of the refill container nozzle 120 towards the protrusions 24 in the refill port 20. As the refill container 100 is tightened onto the body 2 the protrusions 24 puncture the seal 124 and the continued tightening motion causes the protrusions 24 to peel away the seal.

[0172] When the refill container 100 is fully attached to the base 2, the seal 124 has been automatically opened. This ensures that no fluid can escape from the refill container 100 prior to secure attachment to the refillable dispenser 1, thereby reducing the risk of spills and reducing the hand-eye co-ordination required to successfully refill the dispenser 1. The fact that the seal 124 is not opened until the refill container 100 is securely attached to the dispenser 1 ensures that the refill fluid is fresh and has not been exposed to air prior to use.

[0173] The arrangement provides a centrally disposed peeling means, in the form of protrusions 24, in the centre of the refill port 20, surrounded by a fluid flow path bounded by the inner wall of the refill port 20. This arrangement provides effective automatic opening of the seal 124 whilst providing minimal flow resistance, by ensuring that the fluid flow path around the periphery of the protrusions 24 has sufficient cross-sectional area for effective flow of refill fluid with minimal restriction.

[0174] In embodiments, the protrusions taper towards the edge of the refill port 20, such that the protrusions 24 have greatest length at or near the centre of the refill port 20. Such a design further enhances the effectiveness of the peeling effect whist ensuring there is minimal flow restriction by ensuring a large fluid flow path around the periphery of the protrusions 24.

[0175] Alternatives to the support arms 25 are possible. For example, the protrusions 24 may be supported by a mesh that supports the protrusions centrally in the refill port, whist providing minimal flow resistance in the fluid flow path peripheral to the protrusions 24.

[0176] A single support arm may support the protrusions 24 to minimise flow restriction in the fluid flow path around the protrusions 24.

[0177] Figure 4 shows a bottom perspective sectional view and a bottom perspective view of an assembled refillable fluid dispenser 1 showing live hinged flap 21 in an open position to expose the refill port; and Figure 5 shows a bottom perspective sectional view and a bottom perspective view of an alternative assembled refillable fluid dispenser 1 showing a moulded flap 21 in an open position to expose the refill port.

[0178] The difference between Figures 4 and Figure 5 is the manner in which the cover, flap 21, is attached to the base 2.

[0179] Figure 4 shows a live hinged flap 21 where the flap is integrally formed with the base 2. The flap 21 has a catch allowing it to be secured and released from the closed position. Figure 4 also shows in the sectional view on the left-hand side how the base 2, core 4 and lid 8 attach together.

[0180] Figure 5 shows a hinged flap 21 where the flap is attached to the base 2 with a hinge. The flap 21 has a catch allowing it to be secured and released from the closed position.

[0181] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a refill container 100. The refill container 100 shown is a tapered tube shape allowing it to be easily stored, held, attached and squeezed.

[0182] Figure 7 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an alternative refill container 100. The refill container 100 shown is a round tube shape allowing it to be easily stored, held, attached and squeezed. Beneficially it may also be stored vertically.

[0183] Figure 8 shows a standalone refill port 20a comprising an optional tube 29. The standalone refill port 20a may be screwed into an appropriate container to make it a refillable container. The standalone refill port 20a may therefore have a screw thread designed to correspond to a screw thread on known containers such as domestic fluid dispensers. The optional tube 29 allows the refill fluid to be pushed to the bottom of the refillable container or allows fluid to be later dispensed from the bottom of the container.

[0184] Figure 9 shows three different refill containers 100, namely a pouch, tube and carton, that can be used to refill a compatible refillable dispenser according to the invention.

[0185] Figure 10 shows several different refillable fluid dispensers, utilising the refill port shown in Figure 8 either with or without the tube. Shown are bottles 200, 300, 400, and dispensers 500, 600 having lever action spray head 210, pump action head 310, non -drip spout 410, and pump action head 510 with lid 511. The bottles and dispensers may be used for dispensing viscous and non-viscous fluids such as cleaning products, creams, deodorants, lotions and perfumes.

[0186] The standalone refill port 20a may thus be used to adapt a non-refillable container into a refillable container. For example, the spray nozzle of a non-refillable domestic spray bottle for dispensing cleaning fluids may be removed temporarily, and replaced with the standalone refill port 20a. Cleaning fluids may be replaced or topped-up and then the refill port 20a removed and the spray nozzle that came with the non-refillable container can then can be reattached.

[0187] Thus, the standalone refill port 20a may be adapted to be permanently retrofitted to a prior art container such as a bottle, to transform it into an easily refillable container. As an example, let’s assume the prior art bottle has a nozzle with an internal thread that attaches to an external thread on the top of the bottle. The prior art nozzle can then be removed, and a standalone refill port can be attached to the (here external) thread on the bottle, whilst providing a compatible (internal) thread for the nozzle to then be re -attached to (rather than to the bottle). The standalone retro-fit refill port 20a thereby sits between the original bottle and original nozzle, allowing mess-free refilling by simply removing the nozzle to expose the refill port 20a. Using parlance from other technical fields, the standalone refill port 20a may be considered to be a Male-to-F emale coupler or Female-to-Male coupler depending on the thread configuration that is designed to be retrofitted to. This is because it may take a female thread and convert it again to a female thread, or take a male thread and convert it again to a male thread. Accordingly, the refill port 20a can provides an adaptor for use with any known bottle types, by sitting between an existing thread and acting as a coupler for existing threads of the (e.g.) bottle and (e.g.) nozzle to attach to.

[0188] Of course, the standalone refill port 20a may be designed to retro fit to any known dispenser, such as bottle, tube, carton or pouch, and to be attached to any known dispenser such as a sprayer, round or other shape opening, spout, or pump action dispenser etc.

[0189] Figure 11 shows a top perspective view of the base 2 of a further embodiment of refillable fluid dispenser, having longitudinal grooves 23 in the refill port 20 for aligning the refill container. The longitudinal grooves 23 are shown extending linearly from the base of the refill port 20 to the top. In embodiments, the groves 20 may spiral around the inside of the refill port to provide a function similar to a square -shaped internal screw thread.

[0190] The longitudinal grooves 23 (which could be referred to equally as slots) provide an alternative alignment means to that of the screw thread design. In embodiments, there may be one, two, three or more longitudinal grooves 23. Where there is more than one groove 23, they may be spaced evenly around the internal periphery of the refill port 20, to facilitate use. The start of the grooves 23, towards the end where the refill container 100 is inserted, may be flared to ease initial insertion and alignment.

[0191] The longitudinal grooves may have a bayonet-style right-angle end portion that allows the refill container to be locked into position. In use, the refill container 100 is inserted into the refill port 20, wherein protrusions on the refill container (to be described shortly) are guided by the longitudinal grooves 23, then, once it can be inserted no further, the refill container 100 can be twisted to lock it in position. The right-angle portion may be substantially right angled but slightly angled away from the top end of the refill port, such that it slopes towards the lower end of the refill port (i.e. towards the end the refill container is inserted into) to provide superior locking.

[0192] Figure 12 shows a bottom perspective view of the base 2 of Figure 11, again showing the longitudinal grooves 23 in the refill port 20 as well as pressure release valve slots 28a. The plurality of protrusions 24 that are supported by support arms 25 extend towards the bottom of the base 2. Three pressure release valve slots 28a are distributed around the bottom of the base. There may be one, two, three or more pressure release valves having one, two, three or more pressure release valve slots 28a.

[0193] Figure 13 shows a side perspective view of a refill container for use with the base 2 of Figures 11 and 12, having protrusions 123 for engagement with the base’s 2 longitudinal grooves 23.

[0194] Three protrusions 123 are distributed around the outside of the nozzle 120 of the refill container 100. In other embodiments, there may be one, two, three or more protrusions, to correspond to the number of longitudinal grooves 23 in the refill port 20. The protrusion(s) may be evenly spaced around the periphery of the nozzle 120, to ease insertion.

[0195] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the base 2 of Figures 11 and 12, with a one-way valve 26 fitted (shown translucent).

[0196] The one-way valve 26 permits fluid to flow only in one direction, i.e. it permits fluid to flow into the base 2 but not out of the base 2. The arrangement of one-way valve 26 provides a simple and robust way to ensure fluid only flows in one direction, and has the further benefit of being easily replaceable if worn out.

[0197] Figure 15 shows a perspective cutaway view of the base of Figure 14 with its one-way valve 26, showing a cross-sectional view of the mushroom-shaped central support nub of the valve. The mushroom-shaped nub is chamfered to allow the flexible ring of material to be, in an installation step, easily pushed down onto the nub, where it stretches slightly to pass over the widest part of the nub. After it passes the widest part, it can spring back to its usual shape and it is retained in a recess around the nub (i.e. positioned against the narrower stalk portion of the mushroom-shaped nub).

[0198] Figure 16 shows a top perspective view of the base 2 of Figures 14 and 15, showing the oneway valve 26 and the pressure release valve slots 28a.

[0199] The one-way valve 26 comprises a ring of flexible material 26a such as rubber, held in position by a mushroom-shaped nub 26b. The term ‘mushroom-shaped’ is used to ease understanding of the general shape but should not be read to imply that the nub has a bulbous head. The head of the nub 26b may, as shown, have a chamfered top. The base 2 may comprise one or more pressure release valve 28, which may be located in the bottom of the base 2. The pressure release valves 28 comprise flexible material, such as rubber, that are shaped to fit into pressure release valve slots 28a, with the flexible material having a retaining tang that retains it in position in the (associated) slot 28a.

[0200] In the event that during a refill operation the pressure in the base exceeds a threshold pressure, which may happen due to the tight seal afforded by the design of the refill port 20, the flexible material in the pressure release valve will deform to allow some air pressure to be released through the slots 28a whilst being insufficient to force the flexible material entirely out of the slots 28a. There may be one, two, three or more pressure release valves 28 in the base and they may be evenly distributed around the base 2.

[0201] Such a design of pressure release valve 28 is simple and reliable and allows easy inspection and replacement.

[0202] The pressure release valve 28 may be adjacent to the refill port 20. Such a design is useful because typically the refill port will be orientated to upwards during a refill operation, and the pressure release valve(s) is therefore less likely to clog with refill fluid. The refill port 20 may be orientated upwards during a refill operation either because it is positioned in a top surface of the refillable device 1, or because the refill port 20 is in the base 2 (so that it is hidden from view in normal use) and the refillable device is inverted during a refill operation for ease.

[0203] Embodiments where the refill port is positioned in the top of the refillable device 1 may be well suited to commercial environments or hotels, where the refillable device may be securely attached to the wall for health and safety reasons, or for practical reasons (to avoid theft), and it is highly desirable to be able to quickly and reliably refill the refillable device 1 with, e.g. a barrier cream, hand wash or body wash. Such a valve positioning thus provides very quick and reliable refill operations, which save time, cost and product wastage.

[0204] Figure 17 shows a bottom perspective view of the base 2 of Figures 14 to 16, showing the pressure release valve 28 fitted into the pressure release valve slots 28a. These features have been described in detail above but may be more easily understood with reference to this figure. Figure 18 shows a side sectional view of the base 2 of Figures 14 to 17, showing the oneway valve 26 and the pressure release valve 28. These features have been described in detail above but may be more easily understood with reference to this figure.

[0205] Figure 19 shows a perspective sectional view of the base of Figures 14 to 18, showing the one-way valve 26 and the pressure release valve 28. These features have been described in detail above but may be more easily understood with reference to this figure. Figure 19 also shows the tapered end of the protrusions 24 resulting in a central point 24a. This feature has been described above, in relation to figures 2 and 3. Optionally, the taper may extend all the way from a central position, at or close to the centre of the refill port 20, all the way to, or near to the periphery of the refill port 20, for maximum peeling efficiency.

[0206] Embodiments of invention comprise the refill port 20 integrally formed in the refill container, connected seamlessly and being made from the same material as the remaining parts of the refill container 100.

[0207] The refill container may be in the packaging format commonly referred to as tubes, made either from plastic material or metal or ampoules produced through the “blow-fill-seal” process that will be understood by those in the art.

[0208] Embodiments of the refill container 100 may comprise packaging formats commonly referred to as plastic laminate pouches and packaging formats assembled form liquid packaging paperboard (milk cartons).

[0209] The refillable dispenser 1 may be equipped with a refill port that is covered by a removable lid that seals the dispenser 1 while the dispenser is in regular use, but that is removed during refilling and put back in place to seal the dispenser 1 once the refilling is completed.

[0210] In embodiments, a removable lid covers the refill port 20 and could be a threaded cap that is completely removed during refilling or a sliding lid / cover or hinged or tether cap or plug, that remains attached to the dispenser, but still allows access to the refilling port. In cases where the cap has a threaded connection to the dispenser the threads on the cap may use the same threaded section of the dispenser that the refill uses to engage and connect. The threaded connection between the dispenser and refill could be a single start, or multiple start thread.

[0211] The refill could have external threads and the dispenser internal threads or vice versa.

[0212] In embodiments, the refill container 100 and refillable dispenser 1 does not have to be rotated relative to each other to engage the threaded connection, but instead where the threaded section of the refill port on the dispenser that can be rotated while the sealing and puncturing features still resides stationary on the refillable dispenser 1.

[0213] The frangible section of the point of connection on the refill can have weakened sections following lines that are produced in a fixed relation to the threads on the refill. In other words, the seal 124 may comprise score lines or areas that are weakened, to align with the position of the seal that will be punctured by the protrusions in the refill port 20. When the refill container 100 is connected to the refillable dispenser 1, this ensures that the puncturing feature of the dispenser 1 is positioned and moves relative to the weakened section on the refill container 1 such that it not only punctures, but also tears and folds away the torn material on to connecting point of the refill is such a manner that an unobstructed passage is created allowing the content to readily flow from the refill container 100 into the refillable dispenser 1.

[0214] The invention can be realised in the form of a deodorant / antiperspirant and optionally comprises a roll-on dispenser.

[0215] The invention can be realised in the form of a household spray cleaner refill of concentrate for dilution and dispenser

[0216] The invention can be realised in the form of personal care devices comprising, for example, pumpable lotion refill and dispenser lotion (e.g. hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, body lotion, and hand cream).

[0217] The invention can be realised in the form of laundry detergent and fabric softener refills and dispensers with precise metering. The invention may be used with fluids ranging in viscosity from water to thick creams. Accordingly, the invention may be used for fluids having a centipoise range from 1 to 300,000 centipoise (CPS).

[0218] In embodiments with a mesh to support the protrusions, the mesh may be positioned between the one way valve and the top peripheral rim of the screw thread of the refill port.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A refillable dispenser (1) for dispensing a fluid, the refillable dispenser comprising: a refillable housing (4) defining a fluid volume for receiving and containing the fluid to be dispensed; a dispensing output (6) fluidly coupled with the housing and configured to receive the fluid from the fluid volume; and a refill port (20) fluidly coupled with the housing and configured to receive the fluid from an external refill container (100), wherein the refill port (20) comprises an aligning means (22, 23) for ensuring precise alignment with a nozzle (120) of the refill container (100).

2. A refillable dispenser (1) according to claim 1 wherein the aligning means comprises a screw thread (22).

3. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any claim 2 wherein the screw thread (22) is a coarse screw thread with a thread angle of between 19 and 21 degrees.

4. A refillable dispenser (1) according to claims 2 or claim 3 wherein the screw thread (22) comprises between three and five crests over a total length of the screw thread.

5. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the screw thread (22) comprises triple start thread.

6. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the screw thread (22) comprises a thread pitch of between 2.115 and 2.125mm.

7. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any previous claim wherein the refill port (20) comprises one or more protrusions (24) for puncturing a puncturable seal (124) in the refill container (100).

8. A refillable dispenser (1) according to claim 7 wherein the one or more protrusions (24) are spaced apart from a periphery of an opening in the refill port (20) and supported by one or more support arms (25).

299. A refillable dispenser (1) according to claim 8 wherein the one or more support arms (25) are uniformly distributed around the periphery of the opening.

10. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any of claims 7 to 9 wherein the one or more protrusions (24) are centrally disposed within a centre of the opening in the refill port (20).

11. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any of claims 7 to 10 wherein the one or more protrusions (24) extend from the centre of the opening towards the periphery of the opening.

12. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any of claims 7 to 11 wherein the aligning means (22) comprises one or more longitudinal grooves or ribs extending along a length of the refill port (20) along an insertion axis.

13. A refillable dispenser (1) according to claim 12 where the longitudinal grooves comprise a right-angle bayonet-style portion for locking the refill container (100) in an attached position with respect to the refillable dispenser (1).

14. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any preceding claim wherein the refill port (20) comprises a removable protective cover (21).

15. A refill dispenser (1) according to claim 14 wherein the protective cover (21) is hinged and moveable between a closed position in which the refill port (20) is covered and an open position in which the refill port (20) is accessible.

16. A refillable dispenser (1) according to claim 14 wherein the protective cover (21) has a screw thread and the refill dispenser has a corresponding screw thread, thereby allowing the protective cover (21) to be removably attached to the refill dispenser (1).

17. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any previous claim wherein the refill port (21) comprises a one-way valve or check valve.

18. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any previous claim wherein the refillable dispenser (1) further comprises an air vent to allow air to escape as the dispenser is being refilled with refill fluid.

19. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any of claims 7 to 18 wherein the aligning means (22) is configured to align the one or more protrusions (24) with predetermined positions on the surface of a puncturable seal (124) on the top of the refill container (100) when the refill container is fully attached to the refillable dispenser (1).

20. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any previous claim for dispensing a viscous fluid.

21. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any previous claim wherein the refillable dispenser is a deodorant dispenser, and optionally comprises a rollerball contained by a collar.

22. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any of claims 1 to 21 wherein the refillable dispenser is for dispensing a cleaning product.

23. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any of claims 1 to 21 wherein the refillable dispenser is a perfume dispenser.

24. A refillable dispenser (1) according to any previous claim wherein the refillable dispenser is a spray bottle and optionally comprises a pump -action lever for dispensing fluid from the spray bottle and further optionally comprises an adjusting nozzle for controlling a fluid flow rate from the spray bottle and / or a spray pattern of a dispensed fluid.

25. A refill container (100) for engagement with the refillable dispenser of claim 1, said refill container having a refill port (20) comprising aligning means (22, 23), the refill container (100) comprising co-operating aligning means (122, 123) for accurately and security attaching the refill container (100) to the refillable dispenser (1).

26. The refill container (100) according to claim 25, for use with a refillable dispenser according to any of claims 7 to 24, the refill container (100) comprising the puncturable seal (100).

27. A refill container (100) according to claim 26, wherein the puncturable seal (124) of the refill container (100) comprises one or more weakened sections, and optionally comprises one or more score lines.

28. A refill container (100) according to claim 27, wherein the puncturable seal (124) covers a refill container opening and the score lines extend from the centre of the puncturable seal (100) towards a periphery of the refill container opening, and optionally wherein the score lines extend substantially along the distance from the centre of the puncturable seal (124) to the periphery of the refill container opening.

29. A refill container (100) according to any of claims 25 to 28 wherein the co-operating aligning means is a coarse screw thread with a thread angle of between 19 and 21 degrees, and optionally wherein the screw thread (22) comprises between three and five crests over a total length of the screw thread, and further optionally wherein the screw thread (22) comprises triple start thread, and further optionally wherein the screw thread (22) comprises a thread pitch of between 2.115 and 2.125mm.

30. A refill container (100) according to any of claims 25 to 28, for use with an refill dispenser (1) according to claim 12, claim 13 or claim 19, wherein the co-operating aligning means comprises one or more co-operating longitudinal ribs or grooves extending along a length of the refill port (20) along an insertion axis, and optionally wherein at least one of the one or more longitudinal ribs or grooves comprises a bayonet-style right-angle portion for locking the refill container (100) in an attached position with respect to the refillable dispenser (1).

31. A kit comprising a refillable dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 24 and a refill container according to any of claims 25 to 30.

32. A method of refilling a refillable dispenser (1) according to any of claims 1 to 24 with a refill container (100) according to any of claims 25 to 30, the method comprising the steps ofContacting the refill container (100) to the refillable dispenser (1);Using the aligning means (22) to attach to refill container (100) to a refill port (20) of the refillable container (1);Dispensing a refill fluid from the refill container (100) into the refillable dispenser (1), optionally by squeezing the refill container (100); andRemoving the refill container (100) from the refillable dispenser (1).

33. A method of refilling a refillable dispenser (1) with a refill container (100) according to claim 34, wherein the step of Using the aligning means (22) to attach to refill container (100) to the refillable container (1), further comprises puncturing a puncturable seal (124) on the refill container (100).

34. A method of refilling a refillable dispenser (1) with a refill container (100) according to claim 34 or claim 35, comprising, prior to the step of Dispensing a refill fluid from the refill container (100) into the refillable dispenser (1), the step of opening a protective cover (21) covering the refill port (20).

35. A method of refilling a refillable dispenser (1) with a refill container (100) according to any of claims 34 to 36, wherein the step of Using the aligning means (22) to attach to refill container (100) to a refill port (20) of the refillable container (1), comprises the locking the refill container (100) in position with respect to the refillable dispenser (1).

36. A method of refilling a refillable dispenser (1) with a refill container (100) according to any of claims 34 to 37, wherein the step of Dispensing a refill fluid from the refill container (100) into the refillable dispenser (1), comprises dispensing a refill fluid through a one-way valve or check valve in the refillable dispenser (1).

37. A refill port (20a) for a refillable dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the refill port comprises one or more protrusions (24) for puncturing a puncturable seal (124) in the refill container (100).

38. A refill port (20) according to claim 37 wherein the one or more protrusions (24) are spaced apart from a periphery of an opening in the refill port (20 a) and supported by one or more support arms (25).

39. A refill port (20a) according to claim 37 or claim 38 wherein the refill port is adapted to be retro-fitted to a refillable dispenser (200, 300, 400, 500, 600), and optionallywherein the refill port (20a) comprises a screw thread adapted to attach the refill port (20) onto the refillable dispenser (200, 300, 400, 500, 600).

40. A refill port (20a) according to any of claims 37 to 39 wherein the refill port (20) is adapted to be positioned between the refillable housing (4) of a refillable container (1) and a dispensing output (210, 310, 410, 510) of a refillable container.34

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