BACKGROUND

[0001] An image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a scanner, a facsimile machine, or a multi-function peripheral incorporating functions of these devices may produce an image using a printing material such as a toner, a developer, an ink, or the like, which may be contained in a cartridge located internally to the image forming apparatus. As the image forming apparatus operates to produce images, the amount of printing material contained in the cartridge will be reduced until the cartridge is replaced or refilled. To refill the cartridge, a refill apparatus may be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0002] Various examples will be described below with reference to the following figures.

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a refill apparatus including an interlocking structure according to an example.

[0004] FIGS. 2A-2C are cross-sectional views taken along line ll-ll of FIG. 1 to illustrate various examples of an interlocking structure of a refill apparatus. [0005] FIG. 3 illustrates a refill apparatus including an interlocking structure during a refilling process according to an example.

[0006] FIGS. 4A - 4C illustrate various examples of a refill apparatus including an interlocking structure.

[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates a refill apparatus having a transparent section according to an example.

[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates a refill apparatus including an interlocking structure and a transparent section according to an example.

[0009] FIG. 7A and 7B illustrate a perspective view and a side view of a refill apparatus including an electrical contact according to various examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0010] Hereinafter, various examples will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples described hereinafter may be modified and practiced in various different aspects.

[0011] An image forming apparatus may refer to a printer, a copier, a scanner, a facsimile machine, or a multi-function peripheral incorporating a plurality of functions of these devices and may produce an image in two- dimensions or three-dimensions. To produce an image, the image forming apparatus may use a toner, a developer, an ink, or the like, which may be a liquid, a powder, etc. Forsake of convenience, the following description will refer to toner as being used when producing an image. However, it is to be understood that this is for purposes of conciseness and not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of application.

[0012] The toner that is used to produce an image may be contained in a cartridge that is located within the image forming apparatus. As images are produced, the amount of toner in the cartridge will be reduced until the cartridge is to be replaced or refilled with toner. During a toner refilling process, a user may connect a refill apparatus to the cartridge by way of a coupling or receptacle provided on the image forming apparatus and provide toner from the refill apparatus to the cartridge. However, it may be difficult for the user to determine a status of the refilling process. For example, it may be difficult for the user to determine whether toner from the refill apparatus is being provided to the cartridge, whether the refill apparatus has been depleted of toner at the end of the refilling process, and the like. Furthermore, a user may stop the refilling process before all of the intended toner has been provided from the refill apparatus to the cartridge such that the image forming apparatus may incorrectly assume that the intended amount of toner contained in the refill apparatus has been provided to the cartridge whereas less than the intended amount has actually been received.

[0013] To address these and other problems, an example refill apparatus may provide a feedback to a user regarding a status of a refilling process. In various examples, the feedback may include an audible indication, a visual indication, or a tactile indication. Also, an example refill apparatus may provide an indication that a refilling process is complete insofar as an intended amount of toner has been supplied from the refill apparatus. These and other examples will be described below.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a refill apparatus including an interlocking structure according to an example.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1 , a refill apparatus 100 may include a flexible container 110, an interlocking structure 120, and a nozzle 130. The flexible container 110 may contain toner to be used for refilling a cartridge or other device used by an image forming apparatus during an image forming process. In an example, the refill apparatus 100 may be considered a toner refill kit that may be used to refill toner of a cartridge of an image forming apparatus.

[0016] The flexible container 110 may be sized to accommodate an amount of toner for a desired refilling process. For example, the flexible container 110 may be sized to include an amount of toner corresponding to an image forming operation on 2500 sheets of printing medium, an amount of toner corresponding to an image forming operation on 5000 sheets of printing medium, or another number of sheets of printing medium as may be desired by a user, a manufacturer, or the like. In an example, the amount of toner included in the flexible container 110 may be determined based on a mass of toner (e.g., grams), a volume of toner (e.g., milliliters), a number of dots to be printed, or the like.

[0017] The flexible container 110 may be formed as a pouch, a bag, a tube, etc. and may be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. In an example, the flexible container 110, may further include a material such as an anti-static material to reduce or prevent toner within the flexible container 110 from sticking or otherwise adhering to the flexible container 110. In various examples, the material may include a high-polymer material, a nonionic material, or the like. Still further, the material may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the material or as an additional layer of material. [0018] The flexible container 110 may expand and contract as an amount of toner included in the flexible container 110 increases and decreases. For example, the flexible container may expand to include an intended amount of toner to be used for a refilling process and may contract as the toner is moved out of the flexible container 110 during the refilling process.

[0019] The interlocking structure 120 may be formed separate from the flexible container 110 and layered on interior surfaces of the flexible container 110 or may be formed at the same time as the flexible container 110. The interlocking structure 120 may be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like.

[0020] The nozzle 130 may be located at a first end of the flexible container 110 and may be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. In various examples, the nozzle 130 may be formed having an increased stiffness as compared to the flexible container 110 or the interlocking structure 120. In that regard, a thickness or a density of the material used to form the nozzle 130 may be greater than a thickness or a density of the flexible container 110 or the interlocking structure 120.

[0021] During a refilling process, a user may place the nozzle 130 of the refill apparatus 100 into a coupling or receptacle of an image forming apparatus. The user may grasp the refill apparatus 100 at a first end 115 of the flexible container 110, which is opposite the nozzle 130, and press, squeeze, or otherwise contract the flexible container 110 to cause toner within the flexible container 110 to move toward the nozzle 130. In that case, the flexible container 110 may progressively contract as toner is moved from the first end 115 toward the nozzle 130 and out of the refill apparatus 100. However, as the user continues the pressing motion away from the first end 115 of the flexible container 110 and toward the nozzle 130, the shape of the flexible container 110 may contract and then expand again such that the user may be unsure as to the status of the refilling process. That is, it may be unclear to the user whether toner within the flexible container 110 has moved toward the nozzle 130 and out of the refill apparatus 100 or if the toner has moved back toward the first end 115 of the flexible container 110 and away from the nozzle 130.

[0022] In an example, the refill apparatus 100 may include the interlocking structure 120. The interlocking structure 120 may provide a feedback to a user as to a status of a refilling process. For example, the interlocking structure 120 may provide an audible, a tactile, or a visual feedback regarding a status of a refilling process using the refill apparatus 100.

[0023] FIGS. 2A-2C are cross-sectional views taken along line ll-ll of FIG. 1 to illustrate various examples of an interlocking structure of a refill apparatus. [0024] Referring to FIGS. 2A - 2C, the flexible container 110 may include a first side 110a and a second side 110b that is located opposite the first side 110a. The interlocking structure 120 may include a first layer 120a located on the first side 110a of the flexible container 110 and a second layer 120b located on the second side 110b of the flexible container 110. The first layer 120a may include a protrusion and the second layer 120b may include a receiving section to receive the protrusion of the first layer 120a.

[0025] In the example of FIG. 2A, the protrusion of the first layer 120a may include a cross-section having an arrow shape. The receiving section of the second layer 120b may include an opening or groove having a complementary cross-section to receive the arrow shaped protrusion of the first layer 120a. For example, the opening or groove of the second layer 120b may include an edge with which to engage a shoulder of the arrow shaped protrusion of the first layer 120a.

[0026] In the example of FIG. 2B, the protrusion of the first layer 120a may include a cross-section having an oblong shape. The second layer 120b may include an opening or groove having a complementary cross-section to receive the oblong shape of the first layer 120a. For example, the second layer 120b may include a curved inner surface to engage the oblong shaped protrusion the first layer 120a.

[0027] In the example of FIG. 2C, the interlocking structure 120 may include a first layer 120a with a plurality of protrusions having a hook structure and a second layer 120b with a plurality of receiving sections having a loop structure. As the first layer 120a contacts the second layer 120b, the plurality of hooks engage the plurality of loops to engage the first layer 120a with the second layer 120b.

[0028] The first layer 120a and the second layer 120b of the interlocking structure 120 may be formed of the same or similar material as the flexible container 110. For example, the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b of the interlocking structure 120 may be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. In various examples, the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b of the interlocking structure 120 may be formed as a laminated structure respectively on the first side 110a and the second side 110b of the flexible container 110, or may be integrally formed respectively with the first side 110a and the second side 110b of the flexible container 110.

[0029] During a refilling process using the refill apparatus 100 including the interlocking structure 120, a user will be provided a feedback indicating a status of the refilling process. For example, as a user presses, squeezes, or otherwise contracts the flexible container 110 to cause toner within the flexible container 110 to move toward the nozzle 130, the first layer 120a of the interlocking structure 120 is moved towards the second layer 120b of the interlocking structure 120. During the movement of the first layer 120a towards the second layer 120b, an initial contact will occur between the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b, which creates an additional resistance to the pressing or squeezing of the flexible container 110 and provides a tactile feedback as the protrusion of the first layer 120a is initially engaged with the receiving section of the second layer 120b. [0030] As the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b continue to move closer to each other based on the continued pressing or squeezing of the flexible container 110, the protrusion of the first layer 120a will cause an upper end of the receiving section of the second layer 120b to expand as the protrusion passes through the upper end of the receiving section. The expansion of the receiving section of the second layer 120b, caused by the protrusion of the first layer 120a, will cause further resistance of the movement of the first side 110a of the flexible container 110 toward the second side 110b, which provides a further tactile feedback to the user.

[0031] As the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b continue to move closer to each other based on the continued pressing or squeezing of the flexible container 110 and overcoming of the additional resistance caused by expansion of the receiving section, the protrusion of the first layer 120a will be received into the receiving section of the second layer 120b. As the protrusion of the first layer 120a is received into the receiving section of the second layer 120b, the upper end of the receiving section of the second layer 120b will return from its expanded state. The movement of the protrusion of the first layer 120a into the receiving section of the second layer 120b, as well as the returning of the upper end of the receiving section of the second layer 120b from its expanded state will cause contact between the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b. The contact between the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b will prevent further movement of the first layer 120a towards the second layer 120b. The contact between the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b will also result in an audible indication that the first layer 120a has been received by the second layer 120b. The prevention of the further movement as well as the audible indication respectively provide a further tactile and audible feedback to the user as to the status of the refilling process. Furthermore, as the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b of the interlocking structure 120 will maintain the contracted state of the flexible container 110, an additional visual indication is provided to the user. [0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a refill apparatus including an interlocking structure during a refilling process according to an example.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the refill apparatus 100 including the flexible container 110, the interlocking structure 120, and the nozzle 130 may be coupled to an image forming apparatus to refill a cartridge of the image forming apparatus. For example, the nozzle 130 may be inserted into a coupling or receiving structure of the image forming apparatus. The coupling or receiving structure of the image forming apparatus may include a structure to secure the nozzle 130 of the refill apparatus 100 to the image forming apparatus as well as a conveying structure (e.g., a duct) through which toner may be received from the refill apparatus 100 and provided to the cartridge. [0034] After coupling the refill apparatus 100 to the image forming apparatus, a user may continue the refilling process by causing the toner within the refill apparatus 100 to move into the cartridge. As an example, the user may grasp the refill apparatus 100 at or near the first end 115 and squeeze, press, or otherwise contract the refill apparatus 100 such that the first side 110a of the flexible container 110 is moved toward the second side 110b of the flexible container 110. Based on the movement of the first side 110a toward the second side 110b, the interlocking structure 120 will be engaged to maintain the first side 110a collapsed onto or coupled with the second side 110b. That is, the first layer 120a of the interlocking structure 120 will engage with the second layer 120b of the interlocking structure 120.

[0035] As the user progresses with the contracting motion away from the first end 115 and toward the nozzle 130, the first side 110a progresses toward the second side 110b while the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b of the interlocking structure 120 maintain the collapsed state of the previously collapsed sections. By maintaining the collapsed state of the previously engaged portions of the flexible container 110, a visual indication as to a status of the refilling process is provided as a feedback to a user. That is, the user receives a feedback that toner has been moved out of the collapsed portions of the flexible container 110.

[0036] In the example of FIG. 3, it is illustrated that a refilling process is approximately 50% complete in that approximately 50% of the flexible container 110 is maintained in a collapsed state by the interlocking structure 120. Although not illustrated, as the user continues to move toner toward the nozzle 130 by pressing, squeezing, or otherwise contracting the flexible container 110, the portions of the flexible container 110 that have been collapsed will be maintained in the collapsed state by use of the interlocking structure 120.

[0037] FIGS. 4A - 4C illustrate various examples of a refill apparatus including an interlocking structure.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4A, the refill apparatus 100 may include the interlocking structure 120 that extends from the first end 115 of the flexible container 110 towards the nozzle 130 in a linear and continuous manner. In an example, the interlocking structure 120 may be located to extend from the first end 115 of the flexible container 110 to a second end of the flexible container 110 that is adjacent to the nozzle 130.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4B, the refill apparatus 100 may include the interlocking structure 120 that extends from the first end 115 of the flexible container 110 towards the nozzle 130 in a linear but discontinuous manner. In various examples, the number and length of discontinuous sections of the interlocking structure 120 may vary depending on different requirements such as a size of the refill apparatus 100, and the like.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4C, the refill apparatus 100 may include a plurality of interlocking structures 120 that each extends from the first end 115 of the flexible container 110 towards the nozzle 130 in a non-linear and continuous manner. In the example of FIG. 4C, the non-linear form of the interlocking structure may follow an outline of the flexible container 110 or may follow a prescribed curvature to provide a user convenience during the pressing, squeezing, or otherwise contracting of the flexible container 110.

[0041] It is to be understood that the arrangements of the interlocking structure 120 as illustrated in FIGS 4A - 4C are examples only and that the interlocking structure 120 may be formed having other arrangements.

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a refill apparatus having a transparent section according to an example.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, the refill apparatus 100 may include the flexible container 110, the nozzle 130, and a transparent section 140.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 5, the flexible container 110 may be formed as a pouch, a bag, a tube, etc. and may be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. The flexible container 110 may expand and contract as an amount of toner included in the flexible container 110 increases and decreases. For example, the flexible container may expand to include an intended amount of toner to be used for a refilling process and may contract as the toner is moved out of the flexible container 110 during the refilling process. [0045] The nozzle 130 may be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. In various examples, the nozzle 130 may be formed having an increased stiffness as compared to the flexible container 110. In that regard, a thickness or a density of the material used to form the nozzle 130 may be greater than a thickness or a density of the flexible container 110.

[0046] The transparent section 140 may be formed as a window of the same material as the flexible container 110 and the nozzle 130 such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. The transparent section 140 may be formed separately from the flexible container 110 or formed at the same time as the flexible container 110. In an example, the transparent section 140, as well as the flexible container 110, may further include a material, such as an anti-static material, to prevent toner within the flexible container 110 to stick or otherwise attach to the transparent section 140 or the flexible container 110. In various examples, the material may include a high-polymer material, a nonionic material, or the like. Still further, the material may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the material or as an additional layer of material.

[0047] During a refilling process using the refill apparatus 100, the transparent section 140 may provide a visual indication as to an amount of toner remaining in the refill apparatus 100. That is, the transparent section 140 may provide a visual feedback to the user as to a status of the refilling process. For example, during a refilling process, the refill apparatus 100 may be coupled to an image forming apparatus in an upright position in which the nozzle 130 is at a lowermost point of the refill apparatus 100. In that case, the user may view the amount of toner contained in the flexible container 110 through the transparent section 140. For example, as the user grasps the refill apparatus 100 at the first end 115 of the flexible container 110 and begins to squeeze, press, or otherwise contract the flexible container 110 to move the toner toward the nozzle 130, the user may determine a status of the refilling process by viewing the amount of toner remaining in the flexible container 110 through the transparent section 140. In that case, even if the flexible container 110 moves from an expanded state to a collapsed state and back to the expanded state as the user progresses with the contracting of the flexible container 110 toward the nozzle 130, the user may determine that toner does not remain in the portions of the flexible container 110 that have been contracted. That is, the user may determine that the toner has been moved toward the nozzle 130 using the visual feedback provided by the transparent section 140.

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a refill apparatus including an interlocking structure and a transparent section according to an example.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, the refill apparatus 100 may include the flexible container 110, the interlocking structure 120, the nozzle 130, and the transparent section 140.

[0050] The flexible container 110 may be formed as a pouch, a bag, a tube, etc. and may be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. In an example, the flexible container 110, may further include a material such as an anti-static material to reduce or prevent toner within the flexible container 110 from sticking or otherwise adhering to the flexible container 110. In various examples, the material may include a high-polymer material, a nonionic material, or the like. Still further, the material may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the material or as an additional layer of material. The flexible container 110 may expand and contract as an amount of toner included in the flexible container 110 increases and decreases. For example, the flexible container may expand to include an intended amount of toner to be used for a refilling process and may contract as the toner is moved out of the flexible container 110 during the refilling process.

[0051] The interlocking structure 120 may be formed separate from the flexible container 110 and layered on interior surfaces of the flexible container 110 or may be formed at the same time as the flexible container 110. The interlocking structure 120 may be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. [0052] The nozzle 130 may also be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. In various examples, the nozzle 130 may be formed having an increased stiffness as compared to the flexible container 110 or the interlocking structure 120. In that regard, a thickness or a density of the material used to form the nozzle 130 may be greater than a thickness or a density of the flexible container 110 or the interlocking structure 120.

[0053] The transparent section 140 may be formed of the same material as the flexible container 110, the interlocking structure 120, and the nozzle 130 and may include a material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. The transparent section 140 may be formed separately from the flexible container 110 and the interlocking structure 120 or formed at the same time. In an example, the transparent section 140, as well as the flexible container 110 and the interlocking structure 120, may further include a material, such as an anti-static material. In various examples, the material may include a high-polymer material, a nonionic material, or the like. Still further, the material may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the material or as an additional layer of material.

[0054] In the example of FIG. 6, the interlocking structure 120 may be coupled to the transparent section 140. In various examples, the interlocking structure 120 may be formed as a layer on the transparent section 140 or formed at the same time as the transparent section 140. To avoid obscuring the visual indication provided by the transparent section 140, the interlocking structure 120 may also be formed having transparency.

[0055] During a refilling process, the refill apparatus 100 may be coupled to an image forming apparatus to refill a cartridge of the image forming apparatus. For example, the nozzle 130 may be inserted into a coupling or receiving structure of the image forming apparatus. The refilling process may continue when a user grasps the first end 115 of the flexible container 110 and presses, squeezes, or otherwise contracts the flexible container 110 to cause toner to move toward the nozzle 130. During the refilling process, the user may be provided a visual feedback as to the progress of the refilling process by viewing an amount of remaining toner through the transparent section 140 or by viewing a portion of the flexible container 110 that remains contracted based on the interlocking structure 120. Additional feedback may be provided by the interlocking structure 120 based on the audible and tactile indications from coupling of the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b.

[0056] In another example, the first layer 120a of the interlocking structure 120, which may be coupled to the transparent section 140, may be formed having transparency while the second layer 120b of the interlocking structure 120 may be formed having a color. In that case, as the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b are separate from each other, for example at the beginning of a refilling process, a user may view the amount of toner remaining in the flexible container. Furthermore, as the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b are coupled to each other, the user may be provided a visual feedback based on the change of color displayed through the transparent section 140 when the first layer 120a and the second layer 120b are combined. For example, as the second layer 120b is coupled to the first layer 120a, a visual indication will be provided through the transparent section 140 as the transparency of the first layer 120a is changed to the color of the second layer 120b. In implementation, the color of the second layer 120b may vary and may, for example, be determined based on a color of toner included in the refill apparatus 100.

[0057] FIG. 7A and 7B illustrate a perspective view and a side view of a refill apparatus including an electrical contact according to various examples. [0058] Referring to FIG. 7A, the refill apparatus 100 may include the flexible container 110, the interlocking structure 120, the nozzle 130, the transparent section 140, an electrical contact 150, an electrical lead 160, and an electrical terminal 170.

[0059] The flexible container 110 may contain toner to be used for refilling a cartridge or other device used by an image forming apparatus during an image forming process. In an example, the refill apparatus 100 may be considered a toner refill kit that may be used to refill toner of a cartridge of an image forming apparatus. The flexible container 110 may be formed as a pouch, a bag, a tube, etc. and may be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. The flexible container 110 may expand and contract as an amount of toner included in the flexible container 110 increases and decreases. For example, the flexible container may expand to include an intended amount of toner to be used for a refilling process and may contract as the toner is moved out of the flexible container 110 during the refilling process.

[0060] The interlocking structure 120 may provide a feedback to a user regarding a status of a refilling process. For example, the interlocking structure 120 may provide an audible, a tactile, or a visual indication regarding a status of a refilling process using the refill apparatus 100. The interlocking structure 120 may include the first layer 120a located on a first interior surface (e.g., the first side 110a) of the flexible container 110 and the second layer 120b located on a second interior surface (e.g., the second side 110b) of the flexible container 110 that is opposite to the first interior surface of the flexible container 110. The interlocking structure 120 may be formed separate from the flexible container 110 and layered on the interior surfaces of the flexible container 110 or may be formed at the same time as the flexible container 110. The interlocking structure 120 may be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. [0061] The nozzle 130 may also be formed of a flexible material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. In various examples, the nozzle 130 may be formed having an increased stiffness as compared to the flexible container 110 or the interlocking structure 120. In that regard, a thickness or a density of the material used to form the nozzle 130 may be greater than a thickness or a density of the flexible container 110 or the interlocking structure 120.

[0062] In an example, the nozzle 130 may include a flange 131 . The flange 131 may assist a user in securing the refill apparatus 100 to an image forming apparatus. For example, a user may orient the refill apparatus 100 in an upright position to be coupled to a collar or receptacle of the image forming apparatus. In the upright position, the nozzle 130 may be at a lowermost location of the refill apparatus 100. In that case, it may be difficult for a user to apply a downward pressure to the refill apparatus 100 using, for example, the flexible container 110 to secure the refill apparatus 100 to the image forming apparatus. By applying the downward pressure using the flange 131 , the refill apparatus 100 may be more easily coupled to the image forming apparatus.

[0063] The nozzle 130 of the refill apparatus 100 may include a locking structure 135. In the illustrated example, the locking structure 135 may include a pin 135a formed in a track 135b. The locking structure 135 may be activated when coupled with the image forming apparatus. For example, the pin 135a may be engaged by a lever or similar mechanism of the image forming apparatus. After engaging the pin 135a with the lever of the image forming apparatus, the refill apparatus 100 may be rotated relative to the image forming apparatus to move the pin 135a between a first end and a second end of the track 135b. In another example, a user may slide or otherwise move the lever of the image forming apparatus to cause the movement of the pin 135a within the track 135b without rotation of the refill apparatus 100.

[0064] In an example, activation of the locking structure 135 may secure the refill apparatus 100 to the image forming apparatus to avoid separation of the refill apparatus 100 from the image forming apparatus during the refilling process. For example, the refill apparatus 100 may be secured to the image forming apparatus based on an interaction of the pin 135a or the track 135b with the lever and may be unsecured from the image forming apparatus based on movement of the lever to an original location.

[0065] The nozzle 130 may include a port 137 located within the nozzle 130. The port 137 may be provided to maintain the toner within the flexible container 110 until the refill apparatus 100 is coupled to an image forming apparatus. In an example, the activation of the locking structure 135 may open the port 137 located within the nozzle 130. Opening of the port 137 may expose an internal space of the flexible container 110 to allow transport of toner from the flexible container 110 to a cartridge of the image forming apparatus. In an example, the port 137 may include a fan-type shutter that may be collapsed and expanded by movement of the pin 135a in the track 135b.

[0066] The transparent section 140 may be formed of the same material as the flexible container 110, the interlocking structure 120, and the nozzle 130 such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyethylene terephthalate, a combination of these materials, and the like. The transparent section 140 may be formed separately from the flexible container 110, the interlocking structure 120, and the nozzle 130, or formed at the same time. In an example, the transparent section 140, as well as the flexible container 110, the interlocking structure 120, and the nozzle 130, may further include a material, such as an anti-static material, to prevent toner within the flexible container 110 to stick or otherwise attach thereto. In various examples, the material may include a high-polymer material, a nonionic material, or the like. Still further, the material may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the material or as an additional layer of material.

[0067] The electrical contact 150 may be provided on a surface of the flexible container 110 and may be provided at a location corresponding to an endpoint of a refilling process. In an example, the electrical contact 150 may include a foil material and may be printed on the flexible container 110.

[0068] The electrical lead 160 may provide an electrical connection to the electrical contact 150. In an example, the electrical lead 160 may be formed on an exterior portion of the flexible container 110 and the nozzle 130 and may include a foil material that is printed on the flexible container 110 and the nozzle 130. In another example, the electrical lead 160 may include a first portion formed of foil and printed on the flexible container 110 to connect with the electrical contact 150 and a second portion that includes a metal trace or insert located on a surface of the nozzle 130 or embedded within a surface of the nozzle 130. [0069] The electrical terminal 170 may include a metal layer that is located on a bottom surface of the nozzle 130 or that is embedded within a surface of the nozzle 130. The electrical terminal 170 may provide an electrical connection with the electrical lead 160 and the electrical contact 150. In an example, an arrangement and location of the electrical terminal 170 may be provided in consideration of an arrangement and location of a corresponding terminal within an image forming apparatus. In that regard, the electrical terminal 170, the electrical lead 160, and the electrical contact 150 may establish an electrical circuit with components of the image forming apparatus.

[0070] During a refilling process, a user may grasp the refill apparatus 100 and press, squeeze, or otherwise contract the flexible container 110 to cause toner within the flexible container 110 to move toward the nozzle 130. The process of pressing, squeezing, or otherwise contracting the flexible container 110 may progress from the first end 115 of the flexible container 110 toward the nozzle 130 until the user reaches an endpoint at which further pressing, squeezing, or other contracting of the flexible container 110 stops. When the user reaches the endpoint, it may be presumed that an intended amount of toner has been provided from the refill apparatus 100. That is, because the refilling process has progressed from a first end of the refill apparatus 100 toward the nozzle 130 as described, the user may have a high level of confidence that the intended amount of toner has been removed from the refill apparatus 100. Further, because the electrical contact 150 may be provided at the location on the flexible container 110 corresponding to the endpoint, as the user reaches the endpoint, the user’s touching of the electrical contact 150 may complete a circuit with components of the image forming apparatus.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the refill apparatus 100 may include a pair of electrical contacts 150 as well as a pair of corresponding electrical leads 160 and a pair of electrical terminals 170. As the user reaches the endpoint of the refilling process, the user may touch or otherwise make contact with the pair of electrical contacts 150 to complete a circuit with components of the image forming apparatus. For example, a user may perform the refilling process using a thumb and forefinger of one hand such that, as the user completes the refilling process, the thumb and forefinger are respectively touching the pair of electrical contacts 150 so as to complete a circuit including the electrical contacts 150, the electrical leads 160, and the electrical terminals 170 as well as the components of the image forming apparatus.

[0072] In various examples, the components of the image forming apparatus may include a low voltage source, various indicators such as a light source (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an organic LED (OLED), etc.), an audio source (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker), or the like, an input/output device to receive a signal, a processor, etc. In that case, as the user completes the refilling process and touches the electrical contacts 150 to complete the circuit with the image forming apparatus, various indications and operations may be performed.

[0073] For example, as the user completes the refilling process and touches the electrical contacts 150 to complete the circuit, an indicator may be activated such that the user may receive a visual or audible feedback that the refilling process is complete. In an example, the visual feedback may include the generation of light by an LED that is located in or near the structure of the image forming apparatus that receives or is coupled to the nozzle 130. The nozzle 130 and/or the flange 131 may include a transparent portion to conduct and display the light generated within the image forming apparatus as a visual indication for the user. In that case, the user is provided feedback as to the status of the refilling process, which status may indicate that the refilling process is concluded.

[0074] In another example, an audible feedback may be provided by the completion of the circuit using the electrical contacts 150. The audible feedback may include the generation of a noise by a speaker that is located in or near the structure of the image forming apparatus that receives or is coupled to the nozzle 130. In that case, the user is provided feedback in the form of an audible indication as to the status of the refilling process, which status may indicate that the refilling process is concluded.

[0075] In an example, the circuit that is completed at the end of the refilling process may include a component for deactivating the locking structure 135. As an example, the component for activating the locking structure 135 may include a motor that is initially driven by a manual input of a user of the image forming apparatus during a refilling process or automatically driven based on insertion of the refill apparatus 100 into the structure of the image forming apparatus that receives or is coupled to the nozzle 130. Upon completion of the circuit using the electrical contacts 150, the motor may be driven in an opposite manner such that the locking structure 135 is deactivated. [0076] In an example, the circuit that is completed at the end of the refilling process may provide a signal to the image forming apparatus that the refilling process is concluded. In that case, the image forming apparatus may be made aware that the intended content of the refill apparatus 100 has been received. That is, because the user has reached the endpoint of the refilling process as indicated by completion of the circuit using the electrical contacts 150, the intended amount of the refill apparatus 100 as contained in the flexible container 110 has been provided to the image forming apparatus. In that case, the image forming apparatus may update a counter, a gas gauge, or other mechanism that indicates, for example, an expected lifetime of the developing cartridge based on the intended amount of toner to be supplied by the refill apparatus 100. That is, the completion of the circuit using the electrical contacts 150 may provide an increased certainty as to the amount of toner received during a refilling process. [0077] It should be understood that descriptions of features or aspects within each example should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other examples. Furthermore, although examples of the disclosure have been illustrated and described hereinabove, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and may be variously modified and altered by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure claimed in the claims. These modifications and alterations are to fall within the scope of the disclosure.