Technical field

Present invention relates to a refillable dispenser in general and a refillable dispenser for deodorant in particular.

Background

Dispenser are commonly used for deodorants. In general, such a dispenser comprises a container filled with liquid, e.g. a liquid with antiperspirant properties. The container is in fluid communication with a roller ball for application of the liquid. The majority of such dispensers are single-use dispenser, not allowing a user to remove the part which includes the roller ball and refill the container.

In order to reduce environmental impact, waste and merit use of more exclusive and durable material for the dispenser, there are a number of solutions relating to refillable dispensers allowing for multiple use. For example, US 6095708 A and US 2018104463 Al discloses a refillable deodorant dispenser with a two-part lid which involves a threaded and removable lower portion arranged below the roller ball to allow for refilling of the container. Common for most available refillable dispensers is that they are cumbersome to refill, particularly with one hand. Alternatively, the refillable dispensers are very simple in their design and often faces issues in the form of leakage and limited durability.

There is thus a need for an improved refillable dispenser which is durable and resistant to leakage as well as easy to operate.

Summary

According to an aspect, a refillable dispenser for deodorant is provided. The refillable dispenser comprises a proximally arranged container. The container extends distally along a longitudinal center axis of the dispenser. The container comprises a body portion and a collar portion arranged distally to the body portion. The body portion is adapted to hold liquid therein. The collar portion comprises a distally arranged collar aperture extending along the longitudinal center axis for providing fluid access to the body portion.

The refillable dispenser comprises a distally arranged applicator part comprising an applicator roller ball and a roller ball seat. The applicator roller ball is rotatably arranged in the roller ball seat. The roller ball set is provided with a through- going aperture extending along the longitudinal center axis for fluidly connecting the container and the applicator roller ball.

The applicator part is connected to the container by means of a hinge such that the applicator part is movable between a first position in which the applicator part engages the collar portion and a second position in which the applicator part is pivoted out of engagement with the container permitting refilling of liquid in the container via the collar aperture.

The dispenser further comprises a retention arrangement comprising a retention element provided on one of the container and the applicator part and a corresponding retention element provided on the other of the container and the applicator part. The retention element is when the applicator part is in the first position movable to a retaining position in which it engages with and retains the retention member, thereby securing the applicator part is in the first position.

Embodiments of the invention are defined by the appended dependent claims and are further explained in the detailed description section as well as in the drawings.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. All terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. Brief description of drawings

Objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will appear from the following detailed description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a front view of a refillable dispenser according to an embodiment with the applicator part being in an operable position to allow for application of deodorant.

Figure 2 is a front view of a refillable dispenser according to the same embodiment with the applicator part being in a non-operable position to allow for refilling.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section view of a refillable dispenser according to the same embodiment.

Figure 4 is a schematic partial cross-section view of a refillable dispenser according to the same embodiment.

Figure 5 is a schematic front view and a partial cross-section view of a refillable dispenser according to an embodiment with the applicator part being in an operable position to allow for application of deodorant.

Figure 6 is a front view and a partial cross-section view of a refillable dispenser according to the same embodiment with the applicator part being in a non-operable position to allow for refilling.

Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a retention element according to an embodiment.

Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a retention element according to the same embodiment.

Figure 9 depicts schematic views of a retention element and a stop member according to an embodiment.

Detailed description of embodiments

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

Figure 1 to 4 depicts a refillable dispenser according to an embodiment. The refillable dispenser 1 comprises a container 10. The container 10 is proximally arranged and extends distally along a longitudinal center axis C of the dispenser 1. The container 10 comprises a body portion 11 and a collar portion 12. The collar portion 12 may be considered a neck portion. The collar portion 12 is arranged distally to the body portion 11. The body portion 11 is adapted to hold liquid therein while the collar portion comprises a distally arranged collar aperture 17 which extends along the longitudinal center axis C for providing fluid access to the body portion 11. The body portion 11 may be a substantially hollow element forming a volume for receiving liquid. The collar aperture 17 may be preferably be aligned with the longitudinal center axis C but may also be parallel to said longitudinal center axis C.

The dispenser 1 further comprises a distally arranged applicator part 20. Notably, distally and proximally herein refers to proximal and distal relative the longitudinal center axis C. The applicator part 20 is thus arranged distally to the container 10 relative the longitudinal center axis C. The applicator part 20 comprises an applicator roller ball 22 and a roller ball seat 21. The roller ball seat 21 is provided with a through-going aperture 27. The through-going aperture 27 extends along the longitudinal center axis C for fluidly connecting the container 10 and the applicator roller ball 22. Preferably, the through-going aperture 27 is aligned with the longitudinal center axis C. The through-going aperture is thus arranged to fluidly connect the container 10 and the applicator roller ball 22 when the applicator part 20 is in the first position.

The applicator part 20 is connected to the container 10 by means of a hinge 19 such that the applicator part 20 is movable between the first position and a second position. As depicted in Figure 1, in the first position of the applicator part 20, the applicator part 20 engages the collar portion 12. The first position may thus correspond to an operable position of the dispenser 1 in which application of the liquid by means of the roller ball 21 is facilitated. As depicted in Figure 2, in the second position of the applicator part 20, the applicator part 20 is pivoted out of engagement with the container 10 which permits refilling of liquid in the container 10 via the collar aperture 17 (depicted in Figure 3). The second position may thus correspond to a refilling position of the dispenser 1 in which refilling of the liquid is facilitated.

According to the invention, the dispenser 1 comprises a retention arrangement 30 for securing the applicator part 20 in the first position. As most clearly depicted in Figure 3, the retention arrangement 30 comprises a retention element 31 and a corresponding retention member 35. The retention element 31 is provided on one of the container 10 and the applicator part 20. The corresponding retention member 35 is provided on the other of the container 10 and the applicator part 20.

The retention element 31 is when, i.e. at least when, the applicator part 20 is in the first position movable to a retaining position in which it engages with and retains the retention member 35, thereby securing the applicator part 20 in the first position. Securing herein refers to a fixation of said applicator part 20 in the first position.

Referencing Figure 2 and 3, the retention element 31 and the retention member 35 may be arranged to engage at a position of the dispenser 1 which is opposite relative the longitudinal center axis C to the hinge 19 when the applicator part 20 is in the first position. Thus, the fixating torque exerted relative the hinge holding the applicator part 20 in the first position is increased compared to having the engagement closer to said hinge, further mitigating the risk for leakage.

Preferably, the retention element 31 is arranged to apply a pressure on the retention member 35 to ensure a tight connection between the applicator part 20 and the collar portion 12. Accordingly, the retention element 31 is arranged to engage the retention member 35 in the retaining position such that a contact force is exerted by the retention element 31 on the retention member 35 clamping the container 10 and the applicator part 20 against each other in the first position of the applicator part 10. The retention member 35 and/or the retention element 31 may preferably be in a resilient material to enable deformation of any one of the retention member and the retention element to exert the contact force. As most clearly depicted in Figure 3, the roller ball seat 21 may comprise a connection portion 26. The connection portion 26 is arranged to extend proximally and form a fluid connection together with the collar aperture 17 when the applicator part 20 is in the first position. The dispenser 1 further comprises a gasket 29 arranged to seal between the connection portion 26 and the collar aperture 17 when the applicator part 20 is in said first position. The gasket 29 may for example be mounted to the connection portion 26 or to the collar aperture 17.

The connection portion 26 may be arranged to engage the collar aperture 17 or engage protruding walls forming the collar aperture 17 when the applicator part 20 is in the first position.

Preferably, the through-going aperture 27 of the applicator part 20 extends through the connection portion 26 and is arranged to be aligned with the collar aperture 17 when the applicator part 20 is in the first position.

Figure 1 to 4 depicts an embodiment particularly suited for mitigating the risk of leakage. Furthermore, the design of the retention arrangement allows for operation of the retention arrangement with one hand. In the depicted embodiment, the retention member 35 comprises through-going recess 36. The through-going recess 36 is arranged to facilitate passage of the retention element 31 upon movement of the applicator part 20 from the second position towards the first position. The through-going recess 36 may thus extend in a direction extending along the longitudinal center axis C. The retention element 31 is arranged to engage a surface of the retention member 35. Said surfaces is adjacent the through-going recess 36 and faces away from an interface area formed by the engagement between the applicator part 20 and the collar portion 12 when the retention element 35 is in the retaining position such that a contact force is exerted towards said interface area. The contact force clamps the applicator part 20 and the container 10 together ensuring a tight connection there between. The through-going recess 36 may extend along the longitudinal center axis C.

The dispenser 1 may comprise a mounting flange 41. The mounting flange 41 may protrude distally from the collar portion 12 (as depicted in Figure 1 to 4). Alternatively, the mounting flange 41 may protrude proximally from the applicator part 20 when the applicator part 20 is in the first position. The retention element 31 is mounted to said mounting flange 41. Preferably, said retention element 31 extends at least partially in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal center axis C. The extension of the retention element allows for an increased surface area coming into contact with the retention member, thereby making the dispenser more durable and resistant to leakage. Advantageously, the retention element 31 extends in a direction extending towards the longitudinal center axis C. As will be described in further detail with reference to Figures 7 to 9, the retention element 31 may be rotatably mounted to amounting flange of the applicator part 20 or a mounting flange of the container 10.

In general, the container 10 is more sturdy and robust than the applicator part 20. Thus, it is preferable that the retention element 31 is provided on the container and the retention member 35 is provided on the applicator part due to the retention member being subjected to higher loads. Preferably, the retention member 35 is formed by a distally facing surface of the applicator part 20. For example, the retention member 35 may be formed by the roller ball seat 21. The through-going recess 36 may thus be a through-going recess extending through said roller ball seat 21.

Figure 5 and 6 depicts a refillable dispenser according to an alternative embodiment. The refillable dispenser involves all of the above features apart from a different design of the retention member.

Thus, the retention element 31 is arranged to engage a retention member 37 in the retaining position such that a contact force is exerted by the retention element 31 on the retention member 37 clamping the container 10 and the applicator part 20 against each other in the first position of the applicator part 10.

Figure 5 and 6 depicts an alternative retention arrangement in a partial crosssection view. The retention member 37 extends distally from the collar portion 12 or proximally from the applicator part 20 when the applicator part 20 is in the first position. The retention member 37 comprises a latch portion 34. The latch portion 34 extends in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal center axis C. The retention element 31 is arranged to extend orthogonally to the longitudinal center axis C and engage said latch portion 34 when in the retaining position such that the contact force is exerted towards an interface area formed by the engagement between the applicator part 20 and the collar portion 12. Compared to the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 to 4, the described retention member takes up less space along the width of the dispenser thus making the retention arrangement more space-efficient while still providing adequate mitigation of leakage.

The container 10 or the applicator part 20 is provided with a receiving member 47. The receiving member 47 is when the applicator part 20 is in the first position arranged to receive at least a portion of the retention member 37. The receiving member 47 may thus have a recess extending distally or proximally along the longitudinal center axis C arranged to receive said portion. The retention element 31 is arranged to extend into the receiving member 47 for engaging with said retention member 37.

The receiving member 47 may be formed on an exterior surface of the dispenser 1 to enable access from a user. In such an embodiment, the receiving member 47 may be integrated into the container 10 or the applicator part 20. Alternatively, the receiving member 47 may be arranged on an interior surface of the container 10 or the applicator part 20, said interior surface facing the longitudinal center axis C.

As depicted in Figure 5 and 6, the retention element 31 may be provided on the container 10 and the retention member 37 may be formed as an element on the applicator part 20 extending proximally when the applicator part 20 is in the first position.

Figure 7 and 8 depicts the retention element 31 which may be implemented in the dispenser depicted in Figure 1 to 4 or Figure 5 to 6. The retention element 31 is rotatably mounted to the container 10 or applicator part 20. The retention element 31 is rotatable between the retaining position and a non-retaining position. In the retaining position, the retention element 31 is out of engagement with the retention member 35, 37 and the applicator part 20 is movable relative the container 10. Preferably, the retention member 31 is rotatable relative its axial extension, i.e. about a rotational axis extending along said retention element. Preferably, the rotational axis is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal center axis of the dispenser. The rotationally operated retention element 31 is easily manipulated by one hand. Advantageously, the rotationally operated retention element 31 is arranged to close the applicator part 20 against the container 10 when actuated, i.e rotated, by a user. Further, the risk for a user applying to much force for moving the retention element to the retaining position and properly engaging the retaining member is reduced compared to for example a clamping clasp design.

To further increase the user-friendliness of the dispenser, the retention element 31 may be provided with a lever 39. The lever 39 is fixedly mounted to the retention element 31 and extends perpendicularly to the retention element 31. The lever 39 is accessible from an exterior of the dispenser.

The retention element 31 comprises an engaging portion 61 formed as an axially extending protrusion disposed on an axial end of the retention element 31. An axially extending surface of the engaging portion may be arranged to engage the retention member in the retaining position of the retention element. Said engaging portion 61 may face the longitudinal center axis.

Preferably, the engaging portion 61 may have a rounded outer surface adapted to engage the retention member. The rounded outer surface extends in an axial direction of the retention element 31. The curved interface allows for even load distribution, making the retention arrangement more durable.

The retention element 31 may be provided with threads 74 such that rotation of the retention element 31 towards the retaining position from the non-retaining position causes axial movement of the retention element 31 towards the longitudinal center axis. This increases the surface of the retention element engaging with the retention member further allowing for a better load distribution and a more durable retention arrangement.

The retention element 31 comprises an elongated portion 75 extending in an axial direction. The elongated portion 75 may be provided with the threads 74. The elongated portion 75 may be rotatably mounted to the applicator part 20 or the container 10.

The retention element 31 further comprises a head portion 65. The engaging portion 61 may protrude from said head portion 65. The head portion 65 may arranged adjacent to the container if mounted to the container or adjacent to the applicator part if mounted to the applicator part.

Figure 9 depicts an embodiment of a retention element 31. According to said embodiment, the head portion 65 may be provided with a first stop portion 62 arranged to engage a stop member 97 in the non-retaining position and a second stop portion 63 arranged to engage a stop member 97, which may be the same stop member, in the retaining position. Thus, the first and second stop portion are arranged to delimit the rotational movement of the retention element 31 by means of engaging at least one stop member 97. The stop member 97 may provided on the container 10 or the applicator part 20.

The invention has been described above in detail with reference to embodiments thereof. However, as is readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments are equally possible within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.