dispenser

Abstract

The present invention provides a dispenser for spray delivery of preparation comprising: a nozzle having a delivery axis, wherein the nozzle is suitable for delivering a predetermined quantity of preparation in the form of an aerosol spray; a load chamber; a pump coupled to a connection part of a container, the pump comprising a tube with an end for receiving the preparation to be dispensed via the pump, wherein the pump is suitable, at each operation: for drawing the predetermined quantity of preparation from a reservoir of the container, for supplying said quantity of preparation to the load chamber upstream of the nozzle, and for creating a delivery pressure in the load chamber; and the container defining a base, the connection part comprising an opening, and the reservoir for holding the preparation in liquid form between the opening and the base, the reservoir comprising: a first portion on one side of the reservoir forming a well in which the preparation collects when the dispenser is in a given orientation, wherein the first portion extends from the opening up to a wall positioned between the opening and the base, and the first portion does not extend radially outwards of the connection part, and a second portion on the other side of the reservoir extending from the opening to the base, the second portion being shaped so that in the given orientation liquid in the second portion is guided towards the first portion, wherein the end of the tube of the pump is positioned between the opening and the wall.

Description

[0001] Dispenser

[0002] The present invention relates to a dispenser, and more particularly it relates to a dispenser suitable for spray delivery of preparation. The preparation may be administered for any appropriate use, such as therapeutic use, cosmetic use or similar.

[0003] There are various types of spray dispensers, usually intended for delivering a liquid preparation in the form of an aerosol spray, i.e. creating a spray of small droplets that form a spray plume.

[0004] Spray dispensers usually comprise a reservoir, which contains the preparation to be delivered, and a nozzle that is suitable for producing the aerosol plume.

[0005] Mechanical type spray dispensers may comprise a load chamber immediately upstream of the nozzle. The mechanical action applied by the user on the dispenser fills the load chamber with preparation to be delivered and increases the pressure of the latter to about 2-4 bar. The overpressure within the load chamber causes sudden exit of the preparation through the nozzle, with consequent creation of the aerosol spray in the form of a spray plume.

[0006] Spray dispensers are commonly used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields, e.g. for administering a preparation containing a drug, an active principle, a medicinal product, a cosmetic or similar.

[0007] Spray delivery often has the aim of dispersing the preparation (e.g. including an active principle) on a patient's skin. In that case, it is almost always necessary to be able to control the precise amount of preparation supplied per unit area, so as to avoid both an overdose, which is potentially dangerous, and administration of an insufficient and therefore ineffective amount.

[0008] Dispersion of the spray plume to the surrounding environment outside of the intended target on the skin is to be avoided for various reasons. Any dispersed spray carries with it a portion of the active principle to be administered, which is then deducted from the quantity actually administered. Moreover, the active principle thus dispersed is potentially dangerous for anyone not requiring the specific therapy. This danger must be avoided in particular for certain categories of subjects, such as, for example, women in pregnancy, neonates, babies and children of prepuberal age. Finally, the possible inhalation of dispersed spray, which may contain a polymer, might lead to inflammatory reactions in the airways, including granulomas from foreign bodies. In general, the amount of preparation (which may otherwise be referred to as product) included in the dispenser may be relatively small. For example, the dispenser may include tens of millilitres of preparation in liquid form. Possibly less than 30 ml, or even less than 20 ml. Generally, even when providing between 15-20ml for example, this should be enough to provide theoretically 300-400 sprays for example.

[0009] Known dispensers may include a pump which comprises a tube (which may otherwise be known as a “fishing tube”) which comes into contact with the preparation inside the container. The preparation is drawn up the tube by the pump in order to disperse the preparation.

[0010] In general, as the amount of preparation reduces, the tube of the pump may no longer reliably be in contact with the preparation. Some known dispensers attempt to address such an issue by including a collapsible bag within a body of the dispenser, wherein the preparation is contained within the collapsible bag. The bag collapses as the amount of preparation in the container decreases. The body of the dispenser can comprise at least one perforation to allow air into the body of the dispenser as the bag collapses. The collapsible bag can be beneficial in keeping the end of the tube in contact with the preparation in the collapsible bag. However, when the remaining volume of preparation decreases, the pump tube may still fail to reach the remaining liquid. This results in the waste of the preparation.

[0011] In reality, the collapse of the bag is not symmetrical. This means that the amount of liquid available may change depending on the position, which cannot be easily determined by a user, if at all. As it is not possible to determine exactly how the bag will collapse, it is not possible to tell in which positions the dispenser should be held so that the liquid contacts the pump tube and so the user cannot reliably use the dispenser to obtain uniform sprays at low volumes of preparation.

[0012] Thus, there are issues in presently known dispensers in that as the amount of preparation reduces, the uniformity of the quantity of preparation in each spray is reduced and / or there is wastage of preparation.

[0013] In addition to the above, the collapsible bag may allow for evaporation of at least part of the preparation. For example, if the preparation includes ethanol and an active ingredient, the ethanol may evaporate, especially when the dispenser is used in warmer climates / conditions. The only thing stopping evaporation is the bag. As soon as the preparation is used, the effect of any evaporation of the ethanol increases. This means that over time, concentration of active ingredient increases. These risks reducing shelf life and affects dosage. The aim of the present invention is therefore to overcome at least partially the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser for spray delivery of preparation comprising: a nozzle having a delivery axis, wherein the nozzle is suitable for delivering a predetermined quantity of preparation in the form of an aerosol spray; a load chamber; a pump coupled to a connection part of a container, the pump comprising a tube with an end for receiving the preparation to be dispensed via the pump, wherein the pump is suitable, at each operation: for drawing the predetermined quantity of preparation from a reservoir of the container, for supplying said quantity of preparation to the load chamber upstream of the nozzle, and for creating a delivery pressure in the load chamber; and the container defining a base, the connection part comprising an opening, and the reservoir for holding the preparation in liquid form between the opening and the base, the reservoir comprising: a first portion on one side of the reservoir forming a well in which the preparation collects when the dispenser is in a given orientation, wherein the first portion extends from the opening up to a wall positioned between the opening and the base, and the first portion does not extend radially outwards of the connection part, and a second portion on the other side of the reservoir extending from the opening to the base, the second portion being shaped so that in the given orientation liquid in the second portion is guided towards the first portion, wherein the end of the tube of the pump is positioned between the opening and the wall.

[0015] As will be understood from the description of the invention below, the dispenser of the present invention may be beneficial in dispersing the preparation when only a small amount of preparation is held in the dispenser, and thus, reducing or minimizing waste of preparation retained in the dispenser, improving uniformity of the spray and stability of the preparation at high temperatures, and / or maintaining uniformity of administration of the preparation to be delivered.

[0016] The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0017] - Fig. 1 shows a side view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] - Fig. 2 shows a cutaway view of the dispenser of Fig. 1;

[0019] - Fig. 3 shows a cutaway view of a container and a pump tube of the dispenser of Fig. 1;

[0020] - Figs. 4 and 5 show the container of the dispenser of Fig. 1;

[0021] - Figs. 6A and 6B show liquid in the container of Fig 1 at +30°;

[0022] - Figs. 7A and 7B show liquid in the container of Fig 1 at -30°;

[0023] - Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the container and a complementary component of the dispenser of Fig. 1; - Fig. 9 shows a complementary component of the dispenser of Fig. 1; and

[0024] - Figs. 10 and 11 show an alternative complementary component and a lever respectively. The figures show the components described below. The components depicted in the figures are not to scale. In the figures, like parts are indicated with like reference numerals.

[0025] Referring to the figures, 1 indicates the whole of a dispenser for spray delivery of a preparation. The dispenser 1 according to an embodiment of the invention comprises:

[0026] - a container 10 suitable for holding the preparation in a reservoir 11;

[0027] - a pump 5;

[0028] - a load chamber 26; and

[0029] - a nozzle 28 having a delivery axis Y.

[0030] The dispenser may optionally include a complementary component 20, a delivery cone 30 and / or a lever 40.

[0031] The pump 5 is used to move the preparation in liquid form in the reservoir 11 of the container 10 to the load chamber 26 so that it is ready to be delivered by the nozzle 28. The pump 5 may be a mechanical pump. It is noted that the liquid may be held in the reservoir 11 of the container 10 in combination with the pump 5, which may form an edge of the reservoir 11 at an opening 14 of the container 10.

[0032] The pump 5 is suitable, at each operation:

[0033] - for drawing a predetermined quantity of preparation from the reservoir 11;

[0034] - for supplying said quantity of preparation to the load chamber 26 upstream of the nozzle 28; and

[0035] - for creating a delivery pressure in the load chamber 26.

[0036] Thus, each time the pump 5 is actuated by a user by applying a force F on the pump (as indicated by arrow F in figures 1 and 2) to push at least part of the pump 5 towards the container 10, the pump 5 provides preparation from the container 10 to the load chamber 26. The pump 5 comprises a tube 6 for receiving the liquid preparation to be dispensed via the pump 5. The preparation can be drawn from the reservoir 11 to the load chamber 26 via the tube 6. One end 7 of the tube 6 may be configured to receive the preparation in the reservoir 11. The other end 8 of the tube is in communication with the load chamber 26.

[0037] The nozzle 28 is able to deliver said amount of preparation in the form of aerosol spray. Preferably, the nozzle 28 is configured to provide the aerosol spray along the delivery axis Y, and the delivery axis Y may be substantially through the centre of the aerosol spray. The dispenser 1 may include delivery cone 30. The delivery cone 30 may optionally comprise, in the proximity of the nozzle 28, at least one through-hole 320 suitable for putting into communication the inside of the delivery cone 30 with the surrounding environment. This means that the through hole 320 may be configured to form a fluidic connection through the delivery cone 30 between the inside of the delivery cone 30 and the surrounding environment. In other words, fluid can flow though the through hole 320 in the delivery cone 30 from the surrounding environment to inside the delivery cone 30 and vice versa. The delivery cone 30 may have an axis (i.e. a longitudinal axis through the centre of the delivery cone 30), wherein the axis of the delivery cone coincides with the delivery axis of the nozzle.

[0038] The cone, pump, nozzle and load chamber may be the same as described in WO 2018 / 002354, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternative forms of pump, cone, nozzle and / or load chamber may be used.

[0039] The dispenser 1 according to the invention is mainly intended for a preparation in liquid form, comprising an active principle intended for administration on a patient's skin. However, as a person skilled in the art will readily understand, the dispenser 1 may in the same way deliver any liquid substance, whether in the form of solution or suspension or emulsion, intended for treatment for therapeutic and / or cosmetic purposes.

[0040] The container 10 defines a connection part 14. The pump 5 is coupled to the connection part 14 of the container 10. The connection part 14 is the part of the bottle which is coupled to another member, in this case the pump 5. The connection part 14 is at an opposite end of the container 10 to a base 16 of the container 10.

[0041] The connection part 14 comprises the opening 14A and at least part of a neck 14B of the container. The neck 14B of the container is generally of substantially constant radius. The container may have a collar 14C around an opening 14A of the container, which may also be part of the connection part. The pump 5 may be configured to be attached to the container 10 such that the pump 5 is retained on the container 10 via the connection part 14.

[0042] The size of the connection part 14 may be selected based on the coupling of the container 10 to the pump 5. The connection part 14 may have limitations on the size / radius of the opening 14A, neck 14B and / or collar 14C. For example, a minimum radius of the neck 14B of the container 10 may depend on machinery used to fill the container 10 and / or the size of the pump 5 to which the container 10 is to be attached. There may be a slight widening internally at the collar 14C adjacent the opening 14A, e.g. as shown in figure 2. Although this is not a necessity and the opening 14A and the internal diameter of the neck 14B may be the same size (i.e. have the same internal cross-sectional area). At least part of the container 10 may extend radially outwards at the end of the coupling part, and in particular, at the end of the neck 14B of the container 10.

[0043] The container 10 defines the base 16 and the reservoir 11 for holding the preparation in liquid form between the opening 14A and the base 16. The reservoir 11 may be shaped so as to reduce the amount of preparation wasted in the container 10, particularly as the amount of liquid reduces whilst still providing uniform doses of preparation. In other words, the reservoir 11 is shaped so that even when there is only a small amount of preparation left in the dispenser 1, the reservoir 11 is shaped so that the end 7 of the pump tube 6 can receive the preparation.

[0044] The shape of the reservoir 11 and the corresponding position of the pump tube 6 is described below and is shown in the corresponding figures. Tests carried out by the inventors on found that the use of container 1 of the present invention reduced the residual preparation remaining in the bottle by approximately half (e.g. to approximately 3-4 ml) compared to containers containing similar initial amounts of preparation in a standard container comprising a collapsible bag as described above (which may have had approximately 7-9 ml of residual preparation).

[0045] The reservoir 11 comprises a first portion 12 on one side of the reservoir 11 and a second portion 13 on the other side of the reservoir 11. The first portion 12 and the second portion 13 are different parts of the same reservoir 11. The first portion 12 and the second portion 13 may be the only regions of the reservoir 11. The first portion 12 and the second portion 13 are connected and preferably, are not separated by any walls / baffles within the container 10.

[0046] As described further below, the first portion 12 and second portion 13 are differently shaped regions extending from the opening 14 A. The first portion 12 and the second portion 13 being on either side of the reservoir may mean that the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 each extend from a different zone of the opening 14 A. For example, the first portion 12 may extend from one half of the opening and the second portion 13 may extend from the other half of the opening. A longitudinal axis X of the container 10 may be defined through the centre of the opening 14A as shown in figure 3. A plane through the dispenser 1 may be formed (i.e. defined) which coincides with the longitudinal axis X. The first portion 12 may be on one side of the plane (i.e. below the longitudinal axis X in figure 3). The second portion 13 may be on the other side of the plane (i.e. below the longitudinal axis X in figure 3). It will be understood that this means the first portion is only on one side of the plane and the second portion is only on the other side of the plane, as shown in the figures.

[0047] The shape of the reservoir 11 is provided by the container 10, and particularly, by an inner surface of the walls of a container body. The first portion 12 may generally be defined by an inner surface of at least part of wall 15 and the connection part 14, as well as inner wall 17. The second portion 13 may generally be defined by an inner surface of at least part of wall 15 and the connection part 14, as well as inclined wall 18, base 16, flat walls 19A, and outer wall 19B.

[0048] The first portion 12 forms a well in which the preparation collects when the dispenser 1 is in a given orientation, for example as shown in figure 3. The first portion 12 may otherwise be referred to as a sump, i.e. a zone in which liquid preparation collects. The overall shape of the first portion 12 is beneficial in that the volume of the first portion can be kept relatively small to reduce the amount of preparation which may be wasted, as described below.

[0049] The second portion 13, on the other side of the reservoir to the first portion 12, extends from the opening 14A to the base 16. The second portion 13 is shaped so that in the given orientation liquid in the second portion 13 is guided (i.e. directed) towards the first portion 12. Thus, when in the given orientation, gravity is used to bring the preparation to the first portion 12 (and towards the receiving end 7 of the tube 6 as described further below).

[0050] When the dispenser 1 is in the given orientation, the longitudinal axis X of the container may be substantially horizontal, for example as shown in figure 3. The longitudinal axis X of the container 10 may be orthogonal to the delivery axis Y of the nozzle.

[0051] The first portion 12 extends from the opening 14A up to a wall 15. Thus, the first portion 12 starts at, or adjacent to, the opening 14 A. Preferably, the wall 15 defines an end of the first portion 12 (the end opposite to the opening 14 A). Thus, the first portion 12 ends at the wall 15. The wall 15 is positioned between the opening 14A and the base 16. Thus, a length of the first portion 12 (i.e. a distance along the longitudinal axis X) is less than a total length of the container 10. Thus, a length of the first portion 12 (i.e. a distance along the longitudinal axis X from the opening 14A to the wall 15) is less than a total length of the container 10 (i.e. a distance along the longitudinal axis X from the opening 14A to the base 15 / a plane in which the base is positioned). In other words, as shown in figure 3, the wall 15 is positioned between the opening 14A and the base 16 relative to the longitudinal axis X. For example, the base may be positioned within a base plane, the opening 14A may be positioned within an opening plane, and the wall may be positioned within a wall plane, wherein the wall plane is between (i.e. in-between) the base plane and the opening plane. The base plane, opening plane and wall plane may be substantially parallel to each other, and preferably, are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X.

[0052] As will be clear from the figures, the first portion is on one side of the container and the second portion is on the other side of the container, and the first portion is shorter than the second portion.

[0053] The first portion 12 does not extend radially outwards of the connection part 14. It is noted that radially outwards (or radially inwards) may be defined relative to the longitudinal axis. Thus, the first portion 12 may be less than or equal to an outermost part of the connection part, e.g. less than or equal to the widening at the collar 14C. Thus, the first portion 12 may not protrude or extend outwards of the connection part 14. This refers to the edge of the reservoir 11 defining the first portion 12, and thus is defined by an inner surface of the component 10. As the first portion 12 does not extend radially outwards of the connection part 14, this limits the amount of preparation which can be collected solely within the first portion 12. Preferably, the first portion 12 does not extend radially outwards of the opening 14A and / or the neck 14B. Preferably, the neck 14B does not extend radially outwards of the opening 14 A.

[0054] At least part, or all, of the first portion 12 may be radially inwards of the connection part 14. Thus, the volume of the first portion 12 may be reduced. At least part, or all, of the first portion 12 may be radially inwards of the opening 14A and / or the neck 14B.

[0055] For example, an edge of the first portion 12 may be shaped so as to reduce in radial distance from the connection part 14 to the wall 15. In other words, the cross-sectional area of the first portion may reduce from the connection part 14 to the wall 15. This means that the volume of the preparation held in the first portion 12 may decrease from an end near the connection part 14 to an end near the wall 15.

[0056] Preferably, the wall 15 is positioned less than or equal to 70% of the distance from the opening 14A to the base 16, i.e. at 70% or less than a distance starting from the opening 14A and ending at the base 16, so that the wall 15 is positioned closer to the base 16 than the opening 14A, and the distance from the opening 14A to the wall 15 is less than the distance from the opening 14A to the base 16. It is noted that the distance from the opening 14A to the base 16 can be defined relative to the longitudinal direction X, i.e. relative to the length of the container 10. Preferably, the wall 15 is positioned less than or equal to 60% of the distance from the opening 14A to the base. Preferably, the wall 15 is positioned less than or equal to 50% of the distance from the opening to the base. Preferably, the wall 15 is positioned less than or equal to 40% of the distance from the opening 14A to the base 16. In other words, the first portion on one side of the container may have a first length and the second portion on the other side of the container may have a second length, wherein the first length is less than or equal to 70%, or less than or equal to 60%, or less than or equal to 50%, or less than or equal to 40% of the second length. Ideally, the positioning of the wall 15 is a smaller percentage of the distance from the opening 14A to the base 16 in order to reduce the amount of preparation which may be wasted. However, the first portion 12 may be shaped so as to receive an automated filling machine part and so there may be a minimum distance (i.e. from the opening 14A to the wall 15) for receiving a filling needle to allow for automatic filling of the dispenser container to improve throughput of manufacture.

[0057] The tube 6 may coincide with the plane and / or longitudinal axis X. The end 7 of the tube 6 is positioned between the opening 14A and the wall 15. This is beneficial because liquid can be collected in the first portion 12 and can be received by the end 7 of the tube 6 (even when the container 10 is not held exactly at the preferred orientation shown in figure 3). Preferably, the opening 14A is positioned at one end of the first portion 12 and the end 7 of the receiving tube 6 is positioned towards another end of the first portion 12.

[0058] In the given orientation, liquid is collected in the first portion 12, as shown in figure 3. Any liquid in the container 10 which cannot fit in the first portion 12 will be positioned in the second portion 13. As the amount of liquid in the container 10 decreases, the amount of liquid in the second portion 13 decreases. In the given orientation, only a small amount of liquid can be held in the first portion 12, due to the shape of the first portion 12 as described. Any additional liquid will be in the second portion 13, and will be positioned between the opening 14A and the wall 15. As the end 7 of the tube 6 is between the wall 15 and the opening 14A, this means that the end 7 of the tube 6 will remain in contact with the liquid, even when only a small amount of liquid is present in the container 10.

[0059] Preferably, the end 7 of the tube 6 is adjacent to the wall 15. This is beneficial in that a small tilt in the container 10 (i.e. to drop the base 16 and / or raise the opening 14A from the given orientation) may increase the liquid which can be received by the end 6 of the tube 7. This may be particularly beneficial when the first portion 12 decreases in radial distance towards the wall 15.

[0060] Generally, the tube 6 will be positioned centrally in the opening 14A. This means that the tube 6 may extend from the opening 14A into the reservoir 11 in substantially the same plane at which the first and second portions meet, i.e. coinciding with the longitudinal axis X. However, the tube 6 could advantageously be offset from the centre of the opening 14A, e.g. to position the tube 6 in the first region, and preferably as close to a lower part of the first region 12 as possible (based on the preferred orientation of the dispenser).

[0061] As noted above, the size of the connection part 14 may be selected based on other members, such as the connection to a specific pump 5. Any reduction in the cross- sectional area of the first portion 12 limits the amount of preparation which can be held solely in the first portion 12, which can reduce waste.

[0062] Preferably, the wall 15 is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X. Thus, the wall 15 may provide an abrupt end stop of the first portion 12 to assist in retaining liquid in the first portion 12, even when the container 10 is not in the preferred orientation (e.g. when the container is tilted).

[0063] Preferably, the wall 15 extends at the end of the first portion 12 to form an end plate. Preferably, the wall 12 is a disc shaped. The wall 15 may extend to form an edge of the second portion 13 (i.e. extends above the longitudinal axis X). This is beneficial in that additional fluid can be collected towards the end of the first portion 12 adjacent to the wall 15 where the end 7 of the tube 6 can be positioned, even when the container 10 even when the container 10 is not in the preferred orientation (e.g. when the container 10 is tilted towards the base 16, e.g. as shown in figures 6A and 6B). This allows additional preparation to be drawn up by the tube 6 and reduces waste.

[0064] The second portion 13 may extend radially outwards of the connection part 14 (and preferably, outwards of the opening 14A). This is beneficial in providing additional space in the reservoir 11 in which liquid can be held, so that the appropriate amount of liquid is provided in the container 10 initially.

[0065] As described above, the second portion 13 guides the liquid towards the first portion. For example, an inclined surface 18A may define an edge of the second portion 13 between the first portion 12 and the base 16. The inclined surface 18A is an inward facing surface of the inclined wall 18. The inclined surface 18A is configured to direct liquid towards the first portion in the given orientation due to gravity. The inclined surface 16 may extend all the way to the base 16 so that any and all liquid in the second portion is ideally directed towards the first portion when in the given orientation. The inclined surface 18A may be connected to the wall 15 at one end and to the base 16 at the other.

[0066] The inclined surface 18A may be substantially shaped as part of a cone, wherein the cone increases in radius from the wall 15 to the base 16. The cone may be a curved cone (as shown in the figures) or a linear cone. For example, the inclined wall 18 may be formed as half a truncated cone / curved cone.

[0067] As will be understood from the figures, the inclined surface 18A is at an angle (i.e. an angle greater than zero) relative to the longitudinal axis. The angle of the inclined surface 18A relative to the longitudinal axis X may be greater than or equal to 10°, greater than or equal to 20°, or greater than or equal to 30°, or greater than or equal to 40°. The angle of the inclined surface 18A relative to the longitudinal axis X may be less than or equal to 80°, less than or equal to 70°, or less than or equal to 60°, or less than or equal to 50°. The angle of the inclined surface 18A may be between 10° to 80°, or preferably between 15° to 75°, or preferably between 20° to 70°, or preferably between 25° to 65°. The angle of the inclined surface 18A relative to the longitudinal axis X may vary along the length of the inclined surface 18 A.

[0068] Preferably, the base 16 of the container is substantially arc-shaped. This is beneficial in that the base 16 of the container 10 is distanced from the end 7 of the tube 6 which receives the preparation and so the base 16 being arc-shaped provides a small zone in which liquid can be contained away from the main zone where the preparation is drawn from.

[0069] The shape of the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 is beneficial in that potential air or gas in the container 10 can be kept far away from the extreme of the fishing tube (i.e. the end 7 of the tube 6 for receiving preparation), assuring a good dosing until almost all liquid is exhausted. This is shown by the figures which show the dispenser in the given orientation in figure 1 for example, in which it can be seen that only a small volume may be retained in the first portion 12. Additionally, this is shown by figures 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B which show the dispenser 1 when it is tilted such that the longitudinal axis rotates about an axis orthogonal axis to drop the base 16 by approximately 30° (as in figures 6A and 6B) or raise base 16 by approximately 30° (as in figures 7A and 7B). As an be seen in these figures, even when the dispenser 1 is tilted, the preparation pools in the zone in which the end 7 of the pump tube 6 is positioned, i.e. adjacent to the wall 15, allowing for more of the preparation to be dispensed.

[0070] Tests were carried out on containers according to the present invention and including 14 ml and 14.5 ml of preparation to measure the amount of preparation in each spray, to ensure that the amount of preparation in each spray remained uniform as the preparation in the dispenser decreases. The tests found that the dispenser could achieve uniformity of the amount of preparation in each spray for at least the same number of doses using the present invention compared to the prior art, even when there was a tilt of ±10° or ±20°. Thus, the present invention allows a smaller initial volume of preparation to be used, e.g. 14 or 14.5 ml compared to, say 18 ml in the prior art, i.e. the amount of preparation initially supplied in each dispenser can be decreased (whilst providing the same number of doses). Thus, in the tests carried out, each spray continued to provide appropriate amounts of preparation such that the present invention provides at least the same quality as the prior art, with less initial preparation in the dispenser.

[0071] The dispenser may include tens of millilitres of preparation in liquid form. Possibly less than 30 ml, preferably less than 20 ml, or even less than 15 ml. Generally, even when providing between 13-15 ml for example, this should be enough to provide a similar number of sprays as using a prior art bottle, the prior art bottle requiring a larger initial amount of preparation.

[0072] The shape of the reservoir 11 is not intended to change as preparation is drawn from the container 11. In other words, the shape of the container 10 surrounding the liquid should remain substantially the same as liquid is dispensed. The container 10 is preferably a rigid body. This is beneficial in keeping the shape of the reservoir 11 remaining substantially unchanged over time. The container 10 may be formed of any appropriate material. For example only, the container 10 may be formed of thermoplastic, e.g. high density polyethylene (HDPE). Various methods of manufacture may be used, for example, the container 10 may be manufactured by injection blow moulding.

[0073] The container 10 does not comprise a collapsible bag, and in particular, the preparation is not retained in a collapsible bag. Instead, the inside of the container body defines the reservoir 11. The absence of a collapsible bag is advantageous in that evaporation as described above can be avoided whilst keeping the conditions more consistent throughout use of the dispenser. Not using a collapsible bag can extend product shelf life, avoid breaking or degradation of the same in countries with high temperatures, and increase uniformity of the shots.

[0074] The dispenser may further comprise the complementary component 20 which can be coupled to the container 10. The complementary component 20 and the container 10 may together form a more conventional bottle shape. For example, the container 10 and complementary component 20 may have a substantially cylindrical shape when coupled, i.e. may form a substantially cylindrical body (or similar) which can be easily held by a user. Additionally, this may be beneficial in using more conventional automatic filling machines (which often have a limitation of the shape of the bottle which may be filled with preparation), which may be more cost effective than developing / adapting a an automatic filling machine to handle the specific shape of the container 10. Preferably, the complementary component 20 has an outer curved surface, for example, as shown in figure 9. The outer curved surface of the complementary component preferably corresponds to an outer curved surface of the container 10.

[0075] The complementary component 20 is shaped to match with the container 10. The complementary component 20 may have a facing surface 23 which matches with a facing surface 24 of the container 10. The facing surface 24 of the container 10 may be generally formed by inner wall 17, wall 15, and inclined wall 18, and flat walls 19A. The facing surfaces 23 and 24 may interlock, which may assist in preventing relative movement between the complementary component 20 and the container 10 when coupled.

[0076] Providing the complementary component 20 is beneficial in that the container 10 can be more easily manufactured having the shaped regions described above, and the complementary component 20 can be coupled the container 10 to provide an ergonomic shape which is easier for the user to hold and / or which can be more easily handled by an automatic filling machine to provide the preparation in the dispenser 1.

[0077] The complementary component 20 may be coupled to the container 10 in any appropriate way. For example, the complementary component 20 may comprise clips 21, for example, as shown in figure 9. The container 10 may comprise corresponding mating parts 22 to which the clips 21 are attached. The complementary component 20 may have two clips 21. The complementary component 20 may have a clip 21 on opposing sides of the component. The clips 21 may extend from the outer surface of the complementary component 20.

[0078] Although it is described above that the complementary component 20 comprises the clips 21, instead the container 10 could comprise the clips 21 and the complementary component 20 could comprise corresponding mating parts 22.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, other forms of coupling may be used. For example, the complementary component 20 and container 10 may be glued together using adhesive or welded together by melting the facing surfaces. Although it may be preferred for the complementary component 20 to be fixed to the container 10 once coupled, i.e. so that the complementary component 20 and container 10 are not readily removable from each other to provide a dispenser which is easier to hold. However, the complementary component could be detachably coupled instead.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, other forms of coupling may be used. For example, as shown in figures 12a and 12b, the complementary component 20 may comprise a hollow portion 60, i.e. a hollow base portion, configured to receive a bottom part of the container 10, i.e. configured to receive a lower part of the container 10. The hollow portion 60 may otherwise be referred to as a well. The hollow portion 60 may define a cavity or space in which part of the container 10 can be positioned. Preferably the hollow portion 60 has a base / bottom surface, e.g. which forms bottom indent 25. The bottom part of the container 10 received in the hollow portion 60 includes the base 16. A cross-sectional area of the bottom part of the container 10 (i.e. the part of the container 10 to be received in the hollow portion 60) may be smaller than at least part of an upper part of the container 10. Thus, the bottom part of the container 10 may fit within the hollow portion 60, whilst outer surfaces of the hollow portion 60 and the container 10 are substantially flush (e.g. to provide the more conventional bottle shape similar to the version shown in figure 1).

[0081] Thus, the container 10 when coupled with the complementary component 20 as shown in figures 12a and 12b may have a substantially cylindrical outer shape when coupled.

[0082] The complementary component 20 may comprise at least one protrusion 70 and the container 10 may comprise a mating indent 80 configured to interlock with the at least one protrusion 70. For example, the complementary component 70 may comprise a protrusion around an inside surface of the hollow portion 60 (e.g. as shown in figure 12a), i.e. formed in / around a lower part of the complementary component 20. The protrusion 70 may extend around a perimeter of the hollow portion 60 in a given plane, e.g. in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X. The container 10 may comprise corresponding indent 80. Thus, the container 10 may comprise a mating indent 80 configured to interlock with the at least one protrusion 70. Following from the above example, the indent may extend around a perimeter of an outer wall of the container 10 in a given plane, e.g. in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X. The plane of the protrusion 70 and the plane of the indent 80 may be aligned, i.e. the same, when the container 10 is fully inserted in the hollow portion 60 of the complementary component 20. Thus, the container can 10 be clicked into place within the complementary component 20. The protrusion 70 and corresponding indent 80 are beneficial in keeping the parts coupled (noting that they may be detachable). Although the above description and figures 12a and 12b show that the container 10 comprises the indent 80 and the complementary component 20 comprises the protrusion 70, this could be the other way around. Thus, the container 10 may have the protrusion 70 and the complementary component 20 may have the corresponding indent instead 80. At least one additional protrusion / indent / interlocking part may be provided on the complementary component 20 and / or container 10 to couple the container 10 to the complementary component 20.

[0083] The coupled complementary component 20 and the container 10 may be of particular use in replacing previous, similarly shaped bottles. For example, such as those described in WO 2018 / 002354, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Thus, the coupled complementary component 20 and container 10 may be used to replace part of previously known dispensers to provide the advantages describes above, without additional cost involved in adapting other parts, such as the pump 5 and / or delivery cone 30. The complementary component 20 may comprise a bottom indent 25. The bottom indent 25 may be a surface which curves towards the interior of the complementary component 20. The bottom indent 20 may be beneficial in providing a better grip for the user when using the dispenser. This may be enhanced by ridges on the indent portion. This may enable the user to dispense the preparation to a target surface more accurately. The bottom of the complementary component 20 may fit within the arc-shaped base 16 of the container.

[0084] The complementary component 20 may be a hollow body, for example as shown in figure 2. Although this is not a necessity.

[0085] The dispenser may further comprise a lever 40, for example, as shown in figures 1, 2, 8 and 9. The lever 40 is configured to maintain alignment between the container 10 and the pump 5. More particularly, the lever 40 may restrict rotation of the pump 5 relative to the container 10 (in particular, around the longitudinal axis X), whilst allowing at least part of the pump 5 to move in a linear direction (parallel to the longitudinal axis X) relative to the container 10. This may be beneficial in allowing the user to more easily dispense the preparation as the pump 5 is prevented from rotating whilst the user is setting up to dispense the preparation and / or between separate sprays of the preparation. The pump is configured to receive at least part of the lever 40. In other words, the pump 5 may be keyed to the lever 40 so that at least part of the pump can be actuated in the direction of applied force F, whilst preventing unwanted rotation of the pump. Although not shown in figures 1, 2, 8 and 9, the lever 40 may comprise a lip (for example, corresponding to lip 41 as described further below).

[0086] As shown in figures 1, 2, 8, 9, and 12a the lever 40 may be coupled to the complementary component 20. The lever 40 may be coupled in any appropriate way. For example, the lever 40 may be integral with a body of the complementary component 20. Alternatively, the lever 40 may be a separate part which is attached to the complementary component 20, e.g. by mating parts and / or adhesive and / or welding. One of such alternatives is depicted in figures 10 and 11 which show lever 40’ and complementary component comprising a corresponding receiving section 43 for receiving the lever 40’ so as to securely couple the lever 40’ and the complementary component 20. The receiving section 43 may be a passage in the body of the complementary component 20 for receiving the lever 40’. The lever 40’ can be coupled to the complementary component 20 by clips 42 on the lever 40’ and corresponding mating parts within the receiving section 43. It may be easier for the lever to be manufacture if it is provided as a separate part (as shown in figure 11) which is later attached to the complementary component 20. The lever 40’ could be added when the dispenser 1 is put together. Alternatively, the lever 40’ could be added later by a user.

[0087] The lever 40’ may comprise a lip 41 configured to restrict operation of the pump when the lever and the pump are in configurations other than a specific configuration. The pump 5 and lever may be in a specific configuration when the lever 40’ is positioned at a particular position around the circumference of the pump 5. The lip 41 may be particularly beneficial in ensuring that the pump 5 is only operated when the pump 5 is in the preferred configuration relative to the container 10 (i.e. in the specific configuration). This allows the position of the nozzle 28 through which the preparation is dispensed to be in the preferred position for the given orientation. If the cone 30 is provided, it is preferably only attached to the pump 5 at a given location / orientation (i.e. so that the cone is positioned around the nozzle 28), and so the lip 41 can restrict the operation of the dispenser 1 to when the nozzle 28, cone 30 and pump 10 are in the preferred configuration, e.g. the configuration shown in figures 1 and 2, so as to be used in the given orientation.

[0088] The cone 30 may be attached to the pump 5 by a cap 30A which sits on the end of the pump 5 (as shown in figure 1). When the pump 5 is actuated, the cap 30A is pushed by force F and the cap 30A and part of the pump 5 move together. The cap 30 A and cone 30 are preferably integral as shown in figure 1. The cone 30 and the pump 5 can be configured to rotate together, e.g. the cap 30A can be keyed / mated to the pump 5 so that the cone 30 can only be mounted in one position over the pump 5.

[0089] When no actuation force is applied to the pump 5, the lip 41 may rest below an edge of the cap 30A (i.e. on the right hand side of the cap 30A in figure 1). The edge may otherwise be referred to as a rim of the cap 30 A. The edge of the cap 30A abuts the top of the lip 41 when the cap 30A is rotated to be in any configuration other than the specific configuration. The interaction between the lip 41 and the edge of the cap 30A prevents the pump 5 from being pushed in the direction of force F such that operation of the pump is restricted when the lever 40’ and cone 30 / pump 5 are in a configuration other than the specific configuration. The edge of the cap 30A comprises a gap where the lever 4071ip 41 is to be positioned (i.e. on the bottom of the cap 30A in figure 1). The gap is preferably provided at the same position as the cone 30 which extends from the cap 30 A, so that the lever 40’ can be aligned with the cone 30. When the lever 40’ is aligned with the gap in the edge of the cap 30A, i.e. when the lever 40’ and cone 30 / pump 5 are in the specific configuration, there is no obstruction to the pump 5 moving in a linear direction relative to the lever 40’ and the pump 5 can be actuated. Therefore, the pump can be limited to use when the pump 5 and cone 30 are in the preferred configuration relative to the container 10, e.g. the configuration shown in figures 1 and 2. The cap 30A may include linear ridges configured to sit either side of the lever 40’ as the pump 5 is operated. The linear ridges may be beneficial in maintaining rotational alignment of the lever 40’ relative to the cone 30 and the pump 5, as the pump 5 is actuated. The lip 41 may be beneficial in clipping onto part of the pump 5 (e.g. into a recess in the outer surface of the pump 5 which is aligned with the gap in the cap 30A), and may further secure the pump 5 on the dispenser and assist in preventing the top of the pump 5 from being removed from the dispenser 1.

[0090] Although the edge abutting the lip 41 is provided by the cap 30A in the description above, other variations are possible. For example, the pump 5 itself may comprise an outer edge on a moving part and / or a circumferential ridge which functions in the same way as the cap 30A described above. In this case, the cone 30 if provided, may be integral with the pump 5.

[0091] When the lever 40’ is provided as a separate part which is attached (i.e. rather than being integral), this can be beneficial in allowing more design freedom regarding the shape of the lever. The lever 40’ may be more easily manufactured having the lip 41 at the end of the lever 40’ which engages with the pump 5. Although it may be easier to manufacture the lever 40’ having the lip 41 when provided as a separate part, the lip 41 may be provided with any variation of the lever and could be provided with the lever 40 as shown and described in relation to the previous figures.

[0092] Although it is described above (and shown in the figures) that the lever 40 / 40’ is coupled to the complementary component 20, the lever could instead or additionally be coupled to the container 10. For example, the lever 40 / 40’ could be coupled to an outer surface of the container 10. Alternatively, the lever could be coupled to both parts at a position at which the complementary component 20 and the container 10 are joined.

[0093] If the lever is not provided, and the pump 5 / nozzle 28 are rotatable on the connecting part of the container 10, the dispenser 1 may include some sort of indication of the preferred orientation to the user. For example, the dispenser may comprise a label indicating the preferred (i.e. given) orientation. For example, the container 10 and / or complementary component 20 may comprise an indicator informing the user of which direction to hold the container and / or complementary component. Additionally or alternatively, instructions for use may be provided which indicate the orientation for use.

[0094] The complementary component 20 is preferably a rigid body. This is beneficial in keeping the shape of the overall dispenser so that it is easier for the user to handle. The container may be formed of any appropriate material. For example only, the complementary component may be formed of thermoplastic, e.g. high density polyethylene (HDPE). The complementary component may be formed of the same material as the container. Various methods of manufacture may be used, for example, the complementary component 20 may be manufactured by injection moulding.

[0095] In figures 1 and 2, the longitudinal axis X of the container 10 is orthogonal to the delivery axis Y of the nozzle. This may be particularly useful for certain applications of the preparation, e.g. downwards as shown in these figures. For example, the preparation may be applied to scalp in such an orientation whilst keeping the container in a preferred orientation. Alternative configurations are possible, for example, in which the delivery axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the container 10, for example to provide the spray to the left of the dispenser 1 shown in figure 1. In this case, the delivery cone 30 could be provided on the corresponding surface of the pump (i.e. on the left-hand side surface of the pump 5 as shown in figure 1). This may be useful for applications of preparation to other target areas.

[0096] Although the first portion 12 is generally shown and described as having curved surfaces, the first portion may have other surface shapes, such as square or triangular. In this case, the cross-sectional area from the plane between the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 may be the same or less than the connection portion 14 (i.e. an outermost part of the internal wall of the connection portion 14) and may decrease as described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A dispenser for spray delivery of preparation comprising: a nozzle having a delivery axis, wherein the nozzle is suitable for delivering a predetermined quantity of preparation in the form of an aerosol spray; a load chamber; a pump coupled to a connection part of a container, the pump comprising a tube with an end for receiving the preparation to be dispensed via the pump, wherein the pump is suitable, at each operation: for drawing the predetermined quantity of preparation from a reservoir of the container, for supplying said quantity of preparation to the load chamber upstream of the nozzle, and for creating a delivery pressure in the load chamber; and the container defining a base, the connection part comprising an opening, and the reservoir for holding the preparation in liquid form between the opening and the base, the reservoir comprising: a first portion on one side of the reservoir forming a well in which the preparation collects when the dispenser is in a given orientation, wherein the first portion extends from the opening up to a wall positioned between the opening and the base, and the first portion does not extend radially outwards of the connection part, and a second portion on the other side of the reservoir extending from the opening to the base, the second portion being shaped so that in the given orientation liquid in the second portion is guided towards the first portion, wherein the end of the tube of the pump is positioned between the opening and the wall.

2. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a longitudinal axis X is defined through the centre of the opening, and a plane through the dispenser 1 may be formed which coincides with the longitudinal axis X, wherein the first portion is on one side of the plane and the second portion is on the other side of the plane.

3. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion and the second portion are the only regions of the reservoir4. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion and the second portion are connected and preferably, are not separated by any walls / baffles within the container.

5. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion extends from one half of the opening and the second portion extends from the other half of the opening.

6. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end of the tube is adjacent to the wall.

7. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion is radially inwards of the connection part.

8. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion extends radially outwards of the connection part.

9. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inclined surface defines an edge of the second portion between the first portion and the base, wherein the inclined surface is configured to guide liquid to the first portion in the given orientation.

10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the inclined surface is substantially shaped as part of a cone, wherein the cone increases in radius from the wall to the base.

11. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall is positioned less than or equal to 70% of the distance from the opening to the base, or less than or equal to 60% of the distance from the opening to the base, or less than or equal to 50% of the distance from the opening to the base.

12. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the given orientation, a longitudinal axis of the container is substantially horizontal.

13. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the container.

14. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an edge of the first portion is shaped so as to reduce in radial distance from the connection part to the wall.

15. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening is positioned at one end of the first portion and the end of the receiving tube is positioned towards another end of the first portion16. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the container is substantially arc-shaped.

17. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container does not comprise a collapsible bag18. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a rigid body.

19. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a complementary component coupled to the container.

20. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein one of the complementary component and container comprises clips and the other of the complementary component and container comprises corresponding mating parts to which the clips are attached.

21. The dispenser of either of claims 19 or 20, wherein the complementary component comprises a hollow portion configured to receive a bottom part of the container.

22. The dispenser of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein at least one of the complementary component or the container comprises at least one protrusion, and the other of the complementary component or the container comprises a mating indent configured to interlock with the at least one protrusion.

23. The dispenser of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein a facing surface of the complementary component is shaped to match with a corresponding facing surface of the container.

24. The dispenser of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the container and complementary component have a substantially cylindrical outer shape when coupled.

25. The dispenser of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the complementary component comprises a bottom indent.

26. The dispenser of any one of claims 19 to 25, further comprising a lever configured to maintain alignment between the container and the pump, wherein the lever is coupled to the complementary component and / or the container.

27. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a lever configured to maintain alignment between the container and the pump.

28. The dispenser of claim 27, wherein the lever is coupled to the container.

29. The dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the pump is configured to receive at least part of the lever and the lever is configured to restrict rotational movement of the pump.

30. The dispenser of any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the lever comprises a lip configured to restrict operation of the pump when the lever and the pump are in configurations other than a specific configuration.

31. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery axis of the nozzle is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the container.

32. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a delivery cone having an axis, preferably wherein the axis of the delivery cone coincides with the delivery axis of the nozzle.22

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