Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a dispenser, and more particularly to a cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser. Use of the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser, a method of dispensing a cleaning fluid or personal care fluid and a kit of parts comprising the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser are also described.

Background to the Invention

The major component of most cleaning fluids is water, with smaller amounts of one or more active ingredients added to the water to form the cleaning fluid. When formulating the cleaning fluid, it is essential that the correct amount of water is added to the active ingredients, to ensure that the cleaning fluid is both effective and safe for use.

Due to the need to control closely the amount of water added to the active ingredients within any cleaning fluid, the water is typically added to the active ingredients during the manufacture of the cleaning fluid. Adding the water during the manufacturing process is often preferred, as greater variations in the amount of water added to the active ingredient can be tolerated when the cleaning fluid is manufactured in bulk. Additionally, a centralised manufacturing process allows the manufacturer complete control over the composition of the final cleaning fluid.

After manufacture, the cleaning fluid is added to a suitable container for sale to domestic or commercial users. Both domestic and commercial cleaning fluids are commonly provided in individual containers such as spray bottles, squeezable vessels or containers with additional safety features. It is essential that any cleaning fluid is placed into the correct container type. The use of the wrong container type can significantly reduce safety, as products may be provided in unsuitable containers with insufficient safety features, for example a container without a child-safe closure.

The current centralised water addition and container filling processes optimise product safety. However, this process does necessitate the addition at source, and subsequent transport, of large volumes of water where this resource is typically widely available where the cleaning fluids are used. As such, there is a significant carbon footprint associated with the transport of this additional water across countries and, sometimes, around the globe. Furthermore, each of the specialised containers for the cleaning fluids tends to be single use, increasing plastic waste some of which cannot be recycled. Similar problems are also evident in the provision of personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturiser and other toiletries.

Objects and aspects of the present invention seek to address at least the above problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser, the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser comprising a capsule holder for engaging a capsule containing a precursor material, a fluid source, and a container holder for engaging a fluid container, wherein the fluid source is in fluid communication with the container holder via the capsule holder such that, in use, fluid flows from the fluid source through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder.

Such a cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser may be advantageous as it allows for cleaning fluids and/or personal care fluids to be manufactured where they are needed from a concentrate/precursor material contained within a capsule, eliminating the need to transport diluted cleaning or personal care fluids within bespoke bottles. Additionally, the invention allows a user to dispense the cleaning fluid or personal care fluid into a fluid container of their choice that may then be reused reducing the waste associated with the provision of the fluid.

It is envisaged by the applicant that the precursor material may comprise one or more of a precursor powder, precursor granules, precursor liquid or a precursor in any other suitable form.

Preferably, the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser further comprises a first pump arranged to, in use, move fluid from the fluid source towards the capsule holder. In this way, the flow of fluid towards the capsule holder can be more closely controlled.

Preferably, the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser further comprises a second pump, arranged to, in use, move fluid through a capsule within said capsule holder. In this way, the flow of fluid through the capsule in use can be controlled independently of the flow to the capsule holder.

Preferably, the first fluid pump is a low-pressure pump. Preferably, the second fluid pump is a high-pressure pump. Preferably, the second fluid pump is arranged to move fluid at a higher pressure than the first fluid pump. It may be preferable for the second fluid pump to move the fluid at a higher pressure than the first fluid pump as the second fluid pump has to progress the fluid through the capsule and the precursor material contained therein.

Preferably, the capsule holder comprises a first piercing element for piercing a capsule within the capsule holder. More preferably, the first piercing element is in the form of a needle. Still more preferably, first piercing element is configured to allow the passage of fluid therethrough. Most preferably, the first piercing element comprises a hollow needle.

Preferably, the capsule holder comprises a second piercing element for piercing a capsule within the capsule holder. More preferably, the second piercing element comprises a ridged plate. Still more preferably, the second piercing element is configured to allow the passage of fluid therethrough. Most preferably, the second piercing element comprises a ridged plate with a series of apertures.

Preferably, the first piercing element and the second piercing element are configured, in use, to pierce opposite ends of a capsule within the capsule holder. Such a configuration may be preferable as it may ease the passage of fluid through the capsule.

Preferably, the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser further comprises a fluid filtration unit. Preferably, the fluid filtration unit comprises a mechanical filer. Preferably, the fluid filtration unit comprises a chemical filter. More preferably, the fluid filtration unit comprises a reverse osmosis unit and or a deionised resin filter. The use of a filter may increase the purity of the fluid used to provide the cleaning fluid, preventing contaminants reacting with the precursor material contained in the capsule.

Preferably, the fluid source comprises a refillable chamber. Alternatively, the fluid source comprises a tap.

Preferably, the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser further comprises a heater. Preferably the heater is located within the fluid source. Preferably, the heater is configured to heat fluid as it passes from the fluid source towards the capsule holder. More preferably, the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser comprises a plurality of heaters. The use of a heater may be preferable as it may assist the precursor material contained within the capsule dissolve within the fluid to provide the cleaning fluid, when the precursor material is provided in a solid form.

Preferably, the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser further comprises a capsule bin for receiving capsules from the capsule holder. Preferably, the capsule bin is located below the capsule holder, in use.

Preferably, the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser further comprises a control unit.

Preferably, the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser further comprises a scanner in communication with the control unit. More preferably, the scanner is in wireless communication with the control unit. Preferably, the scanner is a barcode scanner. Preferably, the scanner is a QR (quick response) code scanner.

Preferably, the control unit is configured to identify an item scanned by the scanner. Preferably, the identification may be performed by comparing data obtained by the scanner to a database or list within the control unit. Preferably the identification may be performed by comparing data obtained by the scanner to a remote list, for example via a wireless connection. Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the passage of fluid through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification.

More preferably, the control unit is configured to control the volume of fluid passing through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification.

More preferably, the control unit is configured to control the speed of fluid passing through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification.

More preferably, the control unit controls the first pump to control the passage of fluid through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification. More preferably, the control unit controls the second pump to control the passage of fluid through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification. Most preferably, the control unit controls both the first and second pumps to control the passage of fluid through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification.

Preferably, the control unit controls the flow rate of the first and or second pumps. Preferably, the control unit controls the run time of the first and or second pumps.

Preferably, the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser comprises a display screen, and the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser is configured to display the identification on said display screen. In this way, the user can confirm the identification before any cleaning fluid or personal care fluid is dispensed.

Preferably, the fluid container holder comprises a container sensor. Preferably, the container sensor is in communication with the control unit. The container sensor may be used to detect if a fluid container is present within the container holder. Preferably, the capsule holder comprises a capsule sensor. Preferably, the capsule sensor is in communication with the control unit. The capsule sensor may be used to detect if a capsule is present and/or seated correctly with the capsule holder.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is claimed use of the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser as hereinbefore described to dispense a cleaning fluid or personal care fluid. Use of the hereinbefore described cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser may also provide the advantages discussed herein.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a cleaning fluid or personal care product, the method comprising the steps of providing the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser as hereinbefore described, providing a fluid container and engaging the fluid container with said container holder, providing a capsule containing a precursor material and engaging the capsule with the capsule holder, and activating the cleaning fluid or personal care fluid dispenser such that fluid flows from the fluid source through the capsule to the fluid container to provide a cleaning fluid or personal care fluid within the fluid container.

Such a method may provide the advantages already hereinbefore described.

Preferably, the method further includes, before the step of activating the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser such that fluid flows from the fluid source through the capsule to the container to provide a cleaning fluid within the fluid container, the step of scanning the fluid container and/or said capsule with the scanner.

Preferably, the method comprises controlling the passage of fluid through the capsule held within the capsule holder into the fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification.

More preferably, the method comprises controlling the volume of fluid passing through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification. More preferably, the method comprises controlling the speed of fluid passing through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification.

More preferably, the method comprises controlling the first pump to control the passage of fluid through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification. More preferably, the method comprises controlling the second pump to control the passage of fluid through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification. Most preferably, the method comprises controlling both the first and second pumps to control the passage of fluid through a capsule held within the capsule holder into a fluid container held by the container holder based on the identification.

Preferably, the method comprises controlling the flow rate of the first and or second pumps. Preferably, the method comprises controlling the run time of the first and or second pumps.

Preferably, the method comprises displaying information on the display screen. More preferably, the method comprises displaying the identification on the display screen.

Preferably, the method further comprises driving fluid from the fluid source towards the capsule holder using a first pump.

Preferably, the method further comprises driving fluid through the capsule within the capsule holder suing a second pump. More preferably, the method comprises driving the fluid at a higher pressure with the second fluid pump than the first fluid pump.

Preferably, the method comprises piercing opposite ends of the capsule within the capsule holder. Such a step may be preferable as it may ease the passage of fluid through the capsule.

Preferably, the method comprises filtering the fluid. Preferably, the method comprises mechanically filtering the fluid. Preferably, the method comprises chemically filtering the fluid. Preferably, the method comprises filtering the fluid with a reverse osmosis unit and/or a deionised resin filter.

Preferably, the method further comprises heating the fluid. Preferably, the method comprises heating the fluid within the fluid source. Preferably, the method comprises heating the fluid between the fluid source and the capsule holder.

Preferably, the method comprises detecting the presence of a fluid container with a container sensor. Preferably, the method comprises the container sensor communicating with the control unit. The container sensor may be used to detect if a fluid container is present within the container holder.

Preferably, the method comprises detecting the presence of a capsule with a capsule sensor. Preferably, the method comprises the capsule sensor communicating with the control. The capsule sensor may be used to detect if a capsule is present and/or seated correctly with the capsule holder.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising the cleaning fluid and/or personal care fluid dispenser as hereinbefore described and a capsule containing a precursor material.

Preferably, the kit of parts further comprises a fluid container for receiving a cleaning fluid or personal care fluid.

Detailed Description

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

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cleaning fluid dispenser according to the first aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the capsule holder of the cleaning fluid dispenser of

Figure 1 ; and Figure 3 is a flow chart schematically describing a method according to a third aspect of the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 , there is depicted a cleaning fluid dispenser 100 according to the first aspect of the invention. The cleaning fluid dispenser 100 comprises a fluid reservoir 110, a first fluid pump 120 and a capsule holder 130. The fluid reservoir 110 is connected to the capsule holder 130 by a fluid channel 140, with fluid driven through the fluid channel 140 from the fluid reservoir 110 to the capsule holder 130 by the first fluid pump 120. The fluid reservoir 110 is removable, such that a user can refill it from a fluid source. Where the fluid used in the dispensing apparatus is water, the fluid source may be a tap or source of deionised water. In use, the capsule holder 130 accommodates and engages with a capsule containing precursor material in the form of a cleaning fluid precursor (not shown). The cleaning fluid precursor may comprise one or more active ingredients such as, but not limited to, chemical compounds, enzymes, detergents, fungicides, anti-viral agents, antiseptics, bactericides, degreasers or similar, in solid or fluid form. When a fluid, such as water, is added to the cleaning fluid precursor in the correct quantity, the cleaning fluid precursor can be used as a cleaning fluid.

The cleaning fluid dispenser 100 also includes a second fluid pump 150. The second fluid pump 150 is a higher pressure pump than the first fluid pump 120, and the second fluid pump 150 is used to move the fluid in the fluid channel through the capsule within the capsule holder 130 in use. The second fluid pump 150 therefore moves fluid through the capsule holder 130 such that the fluid mixes with the cleaning fluid precursor to become the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid then exits the capsule within the capsule holder 130 into a cleaning fluid channel 160 under the influence of the second fluid pump 150. The cleaning fluid then travels and flows through the cleaning fluid channel 160 until it reaches an outlet nozzle 170.

At the outlet nozzle 170, the cleaning fluid exits the cleaning fluid dispenser 100 into a fluid container 1000 selected by the user. The cleaning fluid dispenser further includes a container holder 175 that hold the fluid container 1000 in place below the outlet nozzle 170. The cleaning fluid dispenser 100 also includes a drip tray 180 located beneath the fluid container 1000 to catch any spills of cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid dispenser 100 due to a misplaced or absent fluid container 1000. Additionally, the cleaning fluid dispenser includes a capsule bin 190 located below the capsule holder 130 into which used capsuled can be ejected or discarded from the capsule holder 130 after use.

As can be seen in Figure 1 , the cleaning fluid dispenser further includes a control unit 200, a scanner210 and a display screen 220. The control unit 200 is in communication with the first fluid pump 120 and the second fluid pump 150, and is configured to control the flow of fluid through each pump. The flow of fluid through either or both of the first 120 and second 150 fluid pumps may be controlled by varying the power supplied to the pump or pumps for example, or by controlling the length of time the or each pump operates after activation. The scanner 210 is also in communication with the control unit 200. In the present embodiment, the scanner 210 is a barcode scanner. The scanner 210 is in communication with the control unit 200 such that information from the scanner 210 can be communicated to the control unit 200 and used in the control of the first 120 and or second 150 fluid pumps. For example, the scanner 210 may be used to scan a barcode on the fluid container 1000 or capsule. Subsequently, the control unit 210 may control the first 120 and/or second 150 fluid pumps to ensure the cleaning fluid dispenser 100 provides the correct volume and formulation of the cleaning fluid in the fluid container 1000.

The display screen 220, in the present case an LCD screen, is also connected to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 can instruct the display screen 220 to show the user information regarding the cleaning fluid dispenser 100, such as the fluid remaining in the fluid reservoir 110, the status of a heater (not shown) within the cleaning fluid dispenser 100, the runtime of the cleaning fluid dispenser 100, the service history of the cleaning fluid dispenser 100 or similar. Additionally, where the scanner 210 has been used to scan a capsule or fluid container 1000, and the capsule or fluid container 1000 has been identified by the control unit 200, this identification can be displayed on the screen 200 to allow the user to visually confirm a correct identification has been made. If the display screen 220 is a touch screen, the cleaning fluid dispenser may allow the user to physically confirm the identification made by the control unit 200 is correct via a button press. If the display screen 220 is not a touch screen, the cleaning fluid dispenser may include another physical means of the user confirming the identification made by the control unit 200 is correct.

The container holder 175 is also connected to the control unit 200. The container holder 175 contains a sensor (not shown) that identifies the presence of a fluid container 1000 within the container holder 175. This sensor is in communication with the control unit 200 and, if the sensor fails to detect the presence of a fluid container 1000 then cleaning fluid will not be dispensed by the cleaning fluid dispenser 100. It is also envisaged that the sensor may be located in the drip tray 180, where it may detect the weight of the fluid container below the outlet nozzle.

The capsule holder 130 is also connected to the control unit 200. The capsule holder 130 contains a sensor (not shown) that identifies the presence of a capsule within the capsule holder 130. This sensor is in communication with the control unit 200 and, if the sensor fails to detect the presence of a capsule 2000, or detects that a capsule 2000 is not correctly seated within the capsule holder 130, then fluid will not be allowed to flow into the capsule 2000 within the capsule holder 130.

Turning to Figure 2, there is provided a detailed view of the capsule holder 130 depicted in Figure 1. Figure 2 illustrates a capsule 2000 with the capsule holder 130. The capsule 2000 is substantially frustoconical in shape, and is sized to be enclosed by the capsule holder 130. The capsule holder 130 can be opened and closed to allow a capsule 2000 to be placed into, and removed from, the capsule holder 130. In use, the capsule 2000 may be inserted into the capsule holder 130 by a user, before being ejected from the capsule holder 130 into the capsule bin 190 after use. To ensure a user does not come into contact with a used capsule 2000, the capsule 2000 is ejected without direct contact from the user from the capsule holder into the capsule bin 190.

The capsule holder 130 comprises a first piercing element 131 in the form of a needle comprising the fluid channel 140. The first piercing element is movable, and is actuated towards the capsule 2000 when the capsule holder 130 in closed around a capsule 2000. The capsule holder 130 includes a second piercing element 132 in the form of a ridged or serrated plate. The second piercing element 132 comprises regular projections across its surface, to pierce a large area of the capsule 2000. The first piercing element 131 and the second piercing element 132 are located at opposite ends of the capsule 2000, and both pierce the capsule during use to allow the passage of fluid through the capsule. As such, fluid driven by the second fluid pump 150 passes through the capsule 2000 from the fluid channel 140 into the cleaning fluid channel 160. In this way, the cleaning fluid precursor within the capsule is incorporated into the fluid to provide a cleaning fluid. As the capsule 2000 is a sealed unit, the cleaning fluid precursor can be provided in high concentrations to reduce the cost of transporting cleaning fluids.

It is envisaged by the applicant that a personal care fluid could be provided by a personal care fluid dispenser with the features described above in the same manner as hereinbefore described. It is also envisaged that the described apparatus may be capable of dispending both personal care fluids and cleaning fluids.

Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a method of providing a cleaning fluid 3000 according to the third aspect of the present invention. The method described uses the apparatus described in relation to Figures 1 and 2, but the use of an alternative apparatus is also envisaged.

In the method of Figure 3, in a first step 3100 the user scans a capsule 2000 containing a precursor material in the form of a cleaning fluid precursor using the scanner 210. In a second step 3200, the scanner 210 transmits information concerning the scan to the control unit 200, that identifies the content of the capsule 200. The content of the capsule 2000 may be identified using a database or list included within the control system, or via an internet connection. In a third step 3300, once an identification has been made, the identification is displayed to the user on the display screen 220.

In step 3400, the user will place the capsule 2000 into the open capsule holder 130, before closing the capsule holder 130 to enclose securely the capsule 2000. The closing of the capsule holder 130 will result in the first piercing element 131 and the second piercing element 132 penetrating the capsule 2000 such that there is a continuous fluid pathway between the fluid reservoir 110 and the outlet nozzle 170. When the capsule 2000 is properly positioned within the capsule holder 130, the sensor within the capsule holder 130 will communicate the fact the capsule 2000 is properly located within the capsule holder 130 to the control system 200 in step 3500. In step 3600, the user will place suitable fluid container 1000 into the container holder 175 below the outlet nozzle to receive the dispensed cleaning fluid. When the fluid container 1000 is properly positioned within the container holder 175, the sensor within the container holder 175 will communicate the fact a fluid container 1000 is present to the control system 200 in step 3700.

When the correct insertion of the capsule 2000 and the presence of the fluid container 1000 are both confirmed to the control system 200, the dispensing process will be initiated in step 3800. The dispensing process may be initiated automatically, or after the user presses a button on the cleaning fluid dispenser 100.

In step 3900, after the dispensing process is initiated, cleaning fluid will be dispensed into the fluid container 1000. Here, the first fluid pump 120 will drive fluid from the fluid reservoir 110 to the capsule holder, through the fluid channel 140. The second fluid pump 150 will then drive the fluid through the capsule 2000 within the capsule holder, via the first piercing member 131 and the second piercing member 132. Within the capsule 2000, the fluid will interact with the cleaning fluid precursor to form the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid then flows out of the capsule 2000 through the second piercing member 132 into the cleaning fluid channel160 before the cleaning fluid is dispensed into the fluid container 1000 via the nozzle.

In step 4000, after the termination of the dispensing process, the capsule 2000 is ejected from the capsule holder 130 into the capsule bin 190. The ejection of the capsule 2000 into the capsule bin 190 may be automatically undertaken by the cleaning fluid dispenser 130, or may be initiated by the user, for example when the use re-opens the capsule holder 130.

In step 4100, the user removes the cleaning fluid in the fluid container 1000.

The order of description of the above method steps should not be construed as limiting in any way, as the applicant envisages the method steps may be performed in any suitable order. It is envisaged by the applicant that a personal care fluid could be provided by a method with the features described above in the same manner as hereinbefore described.