HK1111882A - Dispensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention consists in a dispensing device that can contain a dispensable preparation or product. The device comprises a wearable item including a body adapted and constructed to contain the dispensing product and allow it's dispensing therefrom or filling or refilling. The dispensing device is substantially ring-shaped with a gap in its circumference that is formed or manufactured as such. Also disclosed is refill/storage/display stand enabling the display of at least one dispensing device and/or refilling therefrom.

Description

Dispensing apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to dispensing devices (dispensing devices) for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutritional preparations (nutritional preparations) and other kinds of products or liquids. The invention also relates particularly, but not exclusively, to refill container and display stand (display stand) dispensing apparatus.

Background

Carrying and applying cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, nutrients or other products can be difficult when traveling, or even simply engaged in any kind of indoor or outdoor activity, walking, climbing, swimming, skiing, tennis or cricket playing, and even simply traveling are just some examples.

Often, the user needs to carry a separate container or device, such as a water bottle or box with nutritional content, or a sun cream tube, etc. This increases the weight to be carried and depends on the shape of the container, which may become extremely inconvenient and cumbersome.

Thus, there is a need for a dispensing device that is easily transportable, easily accessible, and easy to use for the contents of a person who is active or enjoys sports. In particular, as in the case of certain pharmaceuticals or cosmetics, if immediate use of the contents is required and frequent repeated use of the contents is required, the container must be easy to carry, see, access, open, use, close and store.

In order to provide such a product at a market relevant price, the product should be designed in a way that allows:

1) mass seamless manufacturing (seamless manufacturing), and

2) semi-automatic or fully automatic filling in a hygienically acceptable manner.

The minimum value of available contents may be a 50ml volume, enabling full use.

There is also a need to also allow easy dispensing of a minimum of 97% of its contents in order to comply with the protective regulations (protective regulations) of all consumers.

Generally, any such device or container does not always provide enough space to include:

a) trade marks of its manufacturer; and most importantly

b) All consumer relevant information as instructions for use, as well as a list of all content ingredients, a list of expiration dates, etc.

To protect the consumer, it is necessary to have a large amount of information present on the dispensing device and to make this information accessible to the user/consumer. Such data should be present on any dispensing device or container (and not just on its packaging), and thus providing sufficient space on the device or container for printing or describing such information is a challenge in the current state-of-the-art devices. Any device that does not have this space left can be very difficult to market.

Any device that is carried on the body should be made of a material that is comfortable to the skin and does not cause any type of allergy or have other side effects. This problem can be serious for many users.

Some devices are too stiff to squeeze. Any selected material should allow the device to be easily squeezed for dispensing the contents while still retaining the shape when the device is nearly empty (the material should not lose "their memory").

Compatibility of materials is another issue where the contents (liquid, semi-liquid or small product (small item)) are to avoid eventual chemical reactions between the contents and the device.

Due to the environmental concerns of the current age, the materials selected are preferably recyclable. For the same reason, any dispensing device or container should be allowed to be refillable.

Any equipment used in water or wet environments may cause problems with such equipment if they are to some extent not waterproof.

Any open device should enable dispensing of a suitable volume of contents when one is actively engaged in sports, and its lid should allow easy opening and allow quick opening, easy access to the contents, and the lid should be connected so as not to be lost during use.

An easily portable, lightweight, economical, waterproof, refillable and fully recyclable device that is easy to use while on land, in the air or in water is a significant solution to the needs of modern lifestyles and environmental problems.

Another problem with current dispensing devices is providing storage and refillable capabilities.

This unusual form of display device (displaying device) also causes practical difficulties for the vendor, since no conventional display tool (displaying tool) is available. It is desirable to provide a display that is space efficient and easy to access. Refilling any such container also causes convenience and cost issues.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved dispensing apparatus or refill container or display stand which will avoid or minimise some, if not all, of the above problems in a simple and effective manner or which will provide the public with a useful choice.

Description of the invention

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention comprises a dispensing device capable of containing a dispensable formulation or a dispensable product and adapted to be worn, the dispensing device comprising a body shaped in a substantially annular shape with a gap on its periphery and adapted and configured to store the product and allow dispensing or filling or refilling therefrom, wherein the dispensing device is shaped or manufactured in the circular shape.

Preferably, the equipment is a bracelet.

Preferably, the device is shaped in a manner that allows sufficient space for marking and labeling.

Preferably, the body of the dispensing device is circular and is adapted to be worn on any limb, such as the neck, wrist, arm, leg, ankle, waist, etc., or to be attached to any item, such as a sports bag, golf bag, etc.

Preferably, the device is made of a type of material that provides sufficient elasticity to enable a person to wear it, twistability for better dispensing its contents, squeezability, and memory to retain its shape when empty.

Preferably, a gap on its perimeter allows filling of the dispensed formulation.

Preferably, the device body is hollow, allowing a maximum volume of 50ml minimum capacity.

Preferably, the dispensed formulation comprised in the device may be a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutritional or other kind, such as a cream, liquid, beverage, candy or other.

Preferably, a dispensing end comprises a dispensing means (dispensing means) which may be any type of lid having at least one closable aperture.

Preferably, the lid is not removable during use.

Preferably, the device may be shaped in any shape that allows it to be held to the limb during the user's activity.

Preferably the body of the device allows for optional accessories to other items such as keys, ornaments or jewellery.

Preferably, the device is shaped in a manner that allows for industrial manufacturing.

Preferably, the indicia or label may be a manufacturer's trademark, or directions for all users, and a list of all contents ingredients that may be clearly engraved or printed or marked thereon.

Preferably, the device is designed and shaped in a form that allows for semi-automatic or automatic filling of the contents in a highly hygienic manner.

Preferably, the end portion comprises at least one dispensing end portion.

Preferably, the device is made of a material type that can coexist with all types of inclusions.

Preferably, the device is made of a material that allows exposure to sunlight, high or low temperatures, is waterproof and is fully recyclable.

Preferably, the device is made of a material that is non-irritating to the skin.

Preferably, the device is of a form that allows its two edges to be held together by the use of an additive (add) on the rope.

Preferably, the opening means (gap) of the device comprises a pivoting or moving part.

Thus, in a second aspect, the invention comprises a refill container, wherein the refill container comprises a shape adapted to hold or display at least one dispensing device capable of containing a dispensable formulation or a dispensable product, whereby the dispensing device is adapted to be worn, the dispensing device comprises a body shaped in a substantially annular shape with a gap on its periphery and adapted and configured to store the product and allow dispensing therefrom, and the device is shaped or manufactured in the annular shape, wherein the refill container comprises a dispensing means and is adapted to allow storage and dispensing of the formulation or product therein.

Thus, in a third aspect, the invention comprises a display stand wherein the display stand is adapted to display at least one dispensing apparatus capable of containing a dispensable preparation/product, whereby the dispensing apparatus is adapted to be worn, the dispensing apparatus comprising a body shaped in a substantially annular shape with a gap on its periphery and adapted and configured to store the product and allow dispensing therefrom, and the dispensing apparatus being shaped or manufactured in the annular shape wherein the display stand is shaped to allow storage of the dispensing apparatus thereon.

Preferably, the display stand is telescopic to allow extension and reduction of its height for storage of more or less dispensing apparatus as required.

Preferably, the stand may also be a non-hollow display device.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of embodiment I of a dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a partial profile view (sketched view) of the invention as described in FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top end view of the dispensing apparatus.

Fig. 4 is a close-up profile view of the dispensing end of the dispensing apparatus.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the dispensing apparatus without the lid.

Fig. 6 is a collection of fig. a) to e), showing the structure of one type of external cap.

Fig. 7 is a collection of fig. a) to e), showing the structure of the inner lid.

Figure 8 is a bottom view of the dispensing apparatus.

Fig. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing an embodiment in which the dispensing device is used as a wearable product.

Figure 11 is a plan view of embodiment II of a dispensing apparatus with a lid thereon.

Figure 12 is a top view of the engraving-enabled device of figure 11.

Figure 13 is a perspective top view of the engraving-enabled device of figure 11.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the device of fig. 11 without the cover.

Fig. 15 is a close-up side view of the dispensing tip of fig. 11.

Fig. 16 is a three-dimensional perspective view of the device of fig. 11.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the device of fig. 11 with another type of cover.

Fig. 18 is a front view of the apparatus of fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is an end view of the apparatus of fig. 17.

Fig. 20 is another end view of the device of fig. 17.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the device of fig. 17.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of embodiment III of a dispensing device with a lid.

Fig. 23 and 24 are end and side views of the apparatus of fig. 22.

Fig. 25-28 are various views of the device of fig. 22 without the cover.

Fig. 29-35 are various views of the refill/storage/display stand as an openable container.

Fig. 36 is a perspective front view of another display stand.

Description of the invention

As shown in fig. 1 to 28, there is a dispensing device which is shaped to be worn, connected, and may be used to dispense its contents or be filled or refilled. This dispensing apparatus is particularly useful for people who are moving, working, exercising, or doing indoor or outdoor sports.

The dispensing apparatus 1 of fig. 1-10 may be substantially shaped as a ring, e.g. formed or manufactured ready for wearing or dispensing therefrom, the dispensing apparatus 1 comprising a body 2, the body 2 forming a space 5 therebetween such that the dispensing apparatus may be worn by its user or attached to another object. The dispensing device may be worn on any limb or other part of the human body, such as the arm, wrist, leg, ankle, waist or neck, as shown in fig. 9 and 10. One embodiment of the device is a bracelet. Alternatively, the dispensing device may be shaped to be worn on other parts of the body, such as behind the waist to be a belt.

The body 2 of the dispensing device product may also be configured and adapted to form a hollow space (not labeled) for containing and dispensing its contents (not shown). The main body 2 has a shape surrounding the second space 5 to allow the user to insert their body part therein. For example, the body part may be an arm, wrist, leg or ankle. This space 5 is not surrounded in all dimensions. The body 2 has an end 3 and an end 4, the ends 3 and 4 forming a circumferential space or gap 6 therebetween to assist in fitting the dispensing device product to any limb or attaching it to another object and/or to allow filling or dispensing. The size and location of the gap 6 may be varied as desired.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, at least one end has a dispensing device 7. The dispensing means 7 may be any kind of lid but needs to be easily operable and openable for dispensing the contents without risk of leakage. Examples are shown in fig. 4 and 6-8 and are not labeled.

The contents can be released therefrom by squeezing the body. The consistency of the contents should be such that they can be removed therefrom. The contents of the dispensing apparatus may be anything that a user desires. In this embodiment, it may be a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or other formulation, such as a cream, moisturizer, or a product such as candy or beverage.

Further, physical dispensing allows easy access and use while moving or traveling without the need for separate disposable parts or projections. Different dispensing methods may be used depending on the type of cap used.

The body may be made of any suitable material that enables resiliency, twistability, squeezability while not deforming when the device is half full, the body and contents being co-compatible to allow easy dispensing of the contents. The material may be, for example, plastic, metal or rubber or a combination of any of the above. The body 2 should be sealable to prevent leakage. The body 2 may also be durable, lightweight, buoyant, uv resistant, waterproof and recyclable.

The surface of the body 2 may have sufficient space for product branding and labeling, consistent with the provision of consumer information. The dispensing device can be sized and shaped according to the needs of the user and the volume required. For example, there may be a small size for children, a slightly larger size for teenage years, and an adult size.

The dispensing device 1 may also be regarded as a fashion accessory (fashion access), which may be coloured or shaped as a "fashionable" or "popular", disposable or refillable product. In another option, the device may be transparent in order to allow the contents to be seen. The device should be unitary to be easy to use during exercise. If assembled from different parts, these parts should not be easily removable during use. Any protruding portion should be non-hazardous. Other accessories may also be included in the product, such as key rings, keys, lipstick, phone, etc.

Fig. 11-12 show another embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing device 8 is a substantially ring-shaped body 9, the body 9 forming a substantially closed space 10 therebetween to allow it to be worn, for example on any body part or attached to any object. It may be an arm, leg, waist or any object on or from which the dispensing apparatus can be stored or displayed, as shown in figures 9, 10 and 33 to 37.

Figure 12 shows the surface of the dispensing device shaped to allow sufficient space for engraving the trademark. Figure 13 shows the space available for labelling the dispensing apparatus. Figure 15 shows another type of dispensing device having a lid made of two parts, body 14 and body 15, which allow the contents to be dispensed through a perfect alignment of their openings.

Other sealing means may also be included in the lid, such as a flange and/or a sealing ring, which may be internally fitted thereto, respectively.

Figure 16 shows a three dimensional form of the dispensing device with space to enable the engraving of the trade mark to be clearly displayed on the body 9.

The body 9 may be shaped in any way that enables it to be worn. For example as a circle or oval, or square or rectangular, or any variation or combination thereof. As shown in fig. 11-28, the shape is not a complete circle, but is almost an ellipse. The body 9 has at least one dispensing end 12 and at least one closed end 13. In another variation, there may be two dispensing ends. The body 9 has a cross-section 11. The cross-section 11 may be any cross-sectional shape that enables dispensing and closing therefrom.

Furthermore, the body 9 may have other protuberances, such as ribs, external ribs, grip portions and even stiffening means to further stiffen it. The device may also be impact and uv resistant.

Fig. 22-28 use the same symbols as used for fig. 1-10 and as further embodiments of the dispensing device. These figures show the circular nature of the body 2 for ease of manufacture and comfortable use. Fig. 27 is a bottom view of the main body 2.

This form of dispensing device allows a large quantity of dispensed product or contents to be contained.

Refill container as in fig. 29-35

Fig. 29-35 are embodiments of a refill/storage/display stand assembly that includes a refill container having a body 20. The body 20 is generally tubular in shape, forming a hollow space for storing cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutritional or other liquids to be eventually refilled into the dispensing device 1. In another option, the refill container is shaped or adapted to function as a combined or separate display means, or removably holds at least one dispensing device 1 or may simply function as a separate dispensing device or refill device.

Fig. 34 is a top view of the container body 20 with the dispensing device and fig. 35 is a bottom view of the same combination. The body 20 should be shaped in a way (see fig. 33) to allow for example at least one dispensing device body 1 in this embodiment to be connected, as shown in fig. 29-35.

Fig. 29-33 show a refill/storage/display container body 20 with a dispensing device that includes a cover 19 that can be any kind of lid and an aperture that enables easy opening and dispensing. For example, a flip-top device (flip-top) may be used.

The assembly or kit may comprise a display stand shaped to removably hold at least one dispensing apparatus 1. For example, the dispensing apparatus 1 may contain or contain day cream, while the container 20 may contain day cream, or post-sun moisturizing cream, or something totally unrelated, such as a beverage, that refills the dispensing apparatus 1.

As to the materials, the refill/storage/display stand container may be made of any kind of material, as long as it allows elasticity, twistability, squeezability, non-deformation, coexistence with the contents, water resistance and recyclability.

Display stand as in fig. 36

Figure 36 shows a number of dispensing apparatus 1 having a body 9 on a display stand having a body 24 shaped and adapted to removably hold at least one dispensing apparatus 1, and the stand is for the purpose of display and/or saving storage space in a retail or other environment. The body 24 may be shaped to hold various sizes and variable numbers of dispensing devices (bodies 9). The body 24 may be of telescopic form with adjustment means 25 allowing its height to be easily varied (reduced or extended) and adjustably secured to enable different numbers of dispensing apparatus (bodies 9) to be stacked.

The body 24 may be a different type of material such as plastic, plexiglas, steel, aluminum, or other material.

Many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

Throughout this specification the word "comprise", and variations of the word such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the exclusion of any other additives, components, integers or steps.

A) The dispensing apparatus may have at least one of the following advantages:

1. the practicability and the fashion are combined;

2. easy to wear and/or easy to carry;

3. reminding and allowing for easy repeated application of the contents;

4. easy to operate when doing any sport;

5. economical to manufacture;

6. lightweight and strong construction;

7. allowing semi-automatic or fully automatic filling;

8. allowing space for engraving and labeling;

9. waterproof, recyclable and refillable;

10. is not easy to lose;

11. can be manufactured at a practical cost;

12. easy attachment to another item;

13. allowing for safe containment of the contents.

B) The refill/storage/display stand or container may have at least one of the following advantages

1. Allows easy carrying of up to 750ml of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutritional or other content;

2. allowing display/storage of at least 2 dispensing devices;

3. allowing the dispensing device to be refilled.

C) The display stand may have at least one of the following advantages

1. Innovative and unique appearance;

2. allowing easy access to the displayed product;

3. a telescopic function to easily change its size;

4. a space-saving form for the minimization of the space itself.

Claims (18)

1. A dispensing device capable of containing a dispensable product or dispensable formulation and adapted to be worn, the dispensing device comprising a body shaped in a substantially annular shape with a gap on its periphery and adapted and configured to store the product and allow dispensing or filling or refilling therefrom, wherein the dispensing device is shaped or manufactured in the circular shape.

2. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the dispensing device is a bracelet.

3. The dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the body has a shape or cross-section that allows for marking and labeling.

4. A dispensing device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the device has been shaped and adapted to be worn on any part of the human body such as the neck, wrist, arm, leg, ankle, waist etc. and/or attached to all kinds of articles.

5. The dispensing device of claim 4, wherein the device is made of a type of material that allows it to be twistable, squeezable while maintaining its molded shape.

6. A dispensing device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the gap on its periphery allows filling of the dispensed formulation.

7. The dispensing device of claim 6, wherein the body is hollow to allow the dispensed formulation to be contained therein.

8. The dispensing device of claim 7, wherein the dispensed formulation may be a cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutritional formulation, such as a cream, a liquid, or a small solid block.

9. The dispensing apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one dispensing tip comprises a lid-type dispensing device, wherein the lid comprises at least one closable aperture.

10. A dispensing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lid is non-removable during use.

11. A dispensing device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the device can be shaped into any shape which allows the device to be held securely on a wearer during movement.

12. A dispensing device as claimed in claim 11, which allows for alternative accessories to other items such as keys, ornaments or jewellery.

13. A refill container, wherein the refill container comprises a shape adapted to removably retain at least one dispensing device capable of containing a dispensable formulation or a dispensable product, whereby the dispensing device is adapted to be worn, the dispensing device comprising a body shaped in a substantially annular shape with a gap on its periphery and adapted and configured to store the product and allow dispensing therefrom, and the device is shaped or manufactured in the annular shape, wherein the refill container comprises dispensing means and is adapted to allow storage and dispensing of a formulation or product.

14. A display stand wherein the display stand is adapted to display at least one dispensing apparatus capable of containing a dispensable formulation or a dispensable product whereby the dispensing apparatus is adapted to be worn, the dispensing apparatus comprising a body shaped in a substantially annular shape with a gap on its periphery and adapted and configured to store the product and allow dispensing therefrom, and the apparatus is shaped or manufactured in the annular shape wherein the display stand is shaped to allow removable storage of at least one dispensing apparatus.

15. A display stand comprising a telescopic portion to allow for extension or reduction of its height adjustment.

16. A dispensing device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A refill container substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A display stand substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.