Device for dispensing a liquid product

Abstract

A device for dispensing a liquid product is provided that includes a receiving body, a locking and fastening device and an adapter device. A kit is also provided that includes a device for dispensing a liquid product and an auxiliary tool.

Claims

1. A device (10) for dispensing a liquid product comprising a receiving body (12), a locking and fastening device (14) and an adapter device (16) characterized in that the receiving body (12) is of multi-part design and comprises at least one inner container (18) for receiving the liquid product and an outer container (20) of two-part design, wherein the outer container (20) comprises an upper part (22) and a lower part (24) and is adapted to receive the inner container (18), wherein the receiving body (12) can be fastened to the adapter device (16) by means of the locking and fastening device (14), the locking and fastening device (14) comprises a first rail (34) and a second rail (36), the rails (34, 36) exhibiting a curved end portion (38) in their lower region, wherein the rails (34, 36) run essentially parallel to one another in a fastened state, and are configured to allow for the rails (34, 36) to be pressed apart in a region of the curved end portions (38) by means of an auxiliary tool (40).

2. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the device (10) comprises a wall adapter (26), wherein the wall adapter (26) cooperates with the locking and fastening device (14) of the device (10) in such a way that the device (10) can be fastened to a wall.

3. The device for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the device (10) comprises a cover (28) for covering the locking and fastening device (14), and a base (30), wherein the base (30) can be fastened to a lower region of the adapter device (16) and enables the device (10) to be installed on a substrate and/or fastened to a substrate.

4. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 3 characterized in that the base (30) is formed such that an axis (32) extending centrally through the device (10) includes an angle of inclination with a plane formed by the substrate, the angle of inclination being less than 90°.

5. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 3 characterized in that the device comprises an intermediate adapter (31) which provides a connection between the base (30) and the lower part of the adapter device (16).

6. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that an upper portion of the locking and fastening device (14) comprises a lid (42).

7. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the adapter device (16) comprises guides (44) for guiding the rails (34, 36).

8. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the lower part (24) of the outer container (20) is firmly connected to the locking and fastening device (14).

9. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the inner container (18) is adapted to hold a volume of at least 300 ml of liquid product.

10. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the locking and fastening device (14) comprises means for preventing unwanted opening and/or replacement of the inner container by unauthorized personal.

11. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the locking and fastening device (14) comprises a central portion (46) which is integrated in a surface of the upper part (22) of the outer container (20).

12. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the lower part (24) of the outer container (20) comprises openings (48) to allow for an escape of air when the inner container (18) is presently inserted into the lower part (24) of the outer container (20).

13. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the device comprises a window (50) for indicating a filling level.

14. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the inner container (18) and/or the outer container (20) exhibit a substantially circular shape in cross section.

15. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the inner container (18) and/or the outer container (20) are constructed flat in a region of a rear wall (52).

16. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the adapter device (16) comprises a platform (54) exhibiting a substantially circular base area.

17. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 16 characterized in that the platform (54) exhibits a diameter of 2 cm to 5 cm.

18. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the locking and fastening device (14) comprises a ring (56), the ring (56) exhibits a visible height of 0.5 mm to 20 mm, preferably of 1 mm to 10 mm and more preferably of 2 mm.

19. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the dimensions of the inner container (18) correspond with the dimensions of the upper part (22) and/or the lower part (24) of the outer container (20) in such a manner that the inner container (18) may be inserted into the lower part (24) of the outer container (20).

20. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the device (10) exhibits a nozzle (58) for dispensing the liquid product, the nozzle (58) being removable from the device (10).

21. The device (10) for dispensing a liquid product according to claim 1 characterized in that the lower part (24) of the outer container (20) comprises openings (60) for dispensing a fragrance, wherein the fragrance is present in the lower part (24) of the outer container (20).

22. A kit for replacing the inner container for containing the liquid product in the device for dispensing the liquid product of claim 1, the kit comprising the device for dispensing the liquid product and the auxiliary tool for releasing the locking and fastening device.

Description

(1) The invention is described in more detail by means of the following figures; the figures showing:

(2) FIG. 1 Illustration of a preferred embodiment of an adapter device

(3) FIG. 2 Illustration of a preferred embodiment of an upper part of the outer container

(4) FIG. 3 Illustration of a preferred embodiment of an inner container

(5) FIG. 4 Illustration a preferred embodiment of the invention for mounting the dispenser on a wall

(6) FIG. 5 Illustration of a preferred embodiment of a lower part of the outer container

(7) FIG. 6 Illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention for mounting the dispenser on a wall

(8) FIG. 7 Illustration of a preferred embodiment of the auxiliary device

(9) FIG. 8 Illustration of a preferred embodiment of a locking and fastening device

(10) FIG. 9 Illustration of a preferred embodiment of a lower part of the outer container

(11) FIG. 1 depicts the preferred embodiment of an adapter device (16), wherein the receiving body (12) of the device (10) can be attached to the adapter device (16) by means of the locking and fastening device (14).

(12) FIG. 2 depicts the preferred embodiment of an upper part (22) of the outer container (20). In particular, FIG. 2 also shows a rear wall (52) of the upper part (22) of the outer container (20), which may be flattened, for example. FIG. 2 shows the preferred embodiment of an inner container (18), the rear wall of which is shaped to exactly fit to the rear wall of the upper part (22) of the outer container (20).

(13) FIGS. 4 and 6 depict preferred embodiments of a soap dispenser (10) that can be mounted on a wall (wall mounted dispenser). The preferred embodiment of the soap dispenser (10) includes a wall adapter (26) with which the soap dispenser (10) can be mounted on a wall. For this purpose, the wall adapter (26) is preferably attached to the adapter device (16) of the soap dispenser (10), so that the wall adapter (26) is preferably arranged between the wall and the soap dispenser (10) when the soap dispenser (10) is attached to said wall. FIGS. 4 and 6 depict the soap dispenser (10) with its outer container (20), which is formed by an upper part (22) and a lower part (24). The lower part (24) may have openings (60) for dispensing a fragrance and openings (not shown) for the faster escape of air. These openings (48) facilitate the insertion of an inner container (18) into the base (24) of the outer container (20). Furthermore, the lower part (24) of the outer container (20) may comprise a window (50) through which the level of the inner container (18), which preferably contains the liquid product, may be inspected. The window (50) allows to determine the level of the liquid product in the inner container with particular ease.

(14) The lower part (24) of the outer container (20) is preferably fixedly connected to the adapter device (16) of the soap dispenser (10), wherein the adapter device (16) may comprise a platform (54) in a lower area. In the depicted closed or locked state, there is a locking and fastening device (14) inserted in the adapter device (16), wherein a fastening can be mediated as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 by engaging rails with curved end portions in a notch of the adapter device.

(15) In an upper region, the locking and fastening device (14) comprises a central piece (46) or a central portion (46), respectively, and a ring (56) which may be contrasted in color with the other components of the soap dispenser (10). The uppermost region of the locking and fastening device (14), which is preferably formed by a non-visible hollow cylinder, is surrounded by a lid (42). The inner diameter of the hollow cylinder is preferably selected such that it can enclose an upper bottle neck of the inner container (18) and thus firmly encloses the inner container (18) inside the outer container (20). The upper end of the soap dispenser (10) is formed by the nozzle (58) with which the liquid product is dispensed to a user. The device (10) preferably includes a suitable pumping mechanism for this purpose. It is preferred in the sense of the invention that the soap dispenser (10) comprises a receiving body (12), the receiving body (12) comprising the inner container (18) and the outer container (20). The outer container (20) in turn preferably comprises an upper part (22) and a lower part (24), wherein the inner container (18), in which the liquid product is located, is arranged in the interior of the outer container (20). In the illustrated locked or closed state, the inner container (18) is located in the lower part (24) of the outer container (20). From above, the inner container (18) is enclosed by an upper part (22), which in turn is held from above by the locking and fastening device (14).

(16) FIG. 5 depicts the preferred embodiment of a lower part (24) of the outer container (20), in particular its rear wall (52), the window (50) for inspecting the filling level, and various openings (48, 60). There are preferably openings (60) for dispensing a fragrance and/or air holes (48) which facilitate the escape of air when the inner container (18) is inserted into the outer container (20).

(17) FIG. 6 furthermore depicts a virtual central axis (32), which preferably extends centrally through the soap dispenser (10).

(18) FIG. 7 depicts two preferred embodiments of an auxiliary tool (40) with which an authorized person can move the soap dispenser (10) from a locked state to a replacement state. The auxiliary tool (40) preferably forms a kit with the soap dispenser (10). The upper part of the auxiliary tool (40) is preferably arrow-shaped so that this tip can be inserted into a notch (62, see FIG. 1) of the adapter device (16). The movement presses the two rails (34, 36, see FIG. 8) of the locking and fastening device (14) apart so that the top (22) of the outer container (20) and subsequently the inner container (18) can be removed from the soap dispenser (10) and the lower part (24) of the outer container respectively.

(19) On the left, a preferred embodiment of the auxiliary tool (40) is illustrated with an essentially elongated handle. Such an auxiliary tool is particularly suitable for applications where the device (10) is freely standing or fixed to a wall. If the device is installed by means of a base on a ground or substrate (e.g. a wash basin), the elongated handle may be unwieldy. As illustrated on the right, it may be preferable instead to use an auxiliary tool (40) whose handle is perpendicular to the orientation of the tip. This allows a particularly good accessibility and quick opening in confined spaces.

(20) FIG. 8 depicts the preferred embodiment of a locking and fastening device (14), wherein the rails (34, 36) of the locking and fastening device (14) may have curved end portions (38) at their lower ends, which can be pushed apart by the use of an auxiliary tool (40). In the fastened or locked state, the rails (34, 36) are preferably presently arranged in guides (44, see FIG. 1) of the adapter device (16), wherein the curved end portions (38) engage in the notch (62) of the adapter device (16) (see FIG. 1).

(21) The locking and fastening device (14) also comprises a central piece (46) which preferably fits smoothly, i.e. at the same level, into the surface of the upper part (24) of the outer container (20). The rails (34, 36) of the locking and fastening device (14) are preferably substantially parallel, particularly when fastened. By pressing them apart with the aid of the auxiliary tool (40), the rails (34, 36) can be temporarily non-parallel. It is preferred in the sense of the invention that the rails (34, 36) are sufficiently elastic to this end.

(22) FIG. 9 depicts the preferred embodiment of a lower part (24) of the outer container (20) with air holes (48) and openings (60) for dispensing a fragrance.

(23) FIG. 10 illustrates a preferred embodiment in which the device (10) comprises an intermediate adapter (31) which provides a connection between the base (30) and the lower part of the adapter device (16). In particular, by providing an intermediate adapter (31) adapted to a respective base (30), retrofitting of the device (10) on pre-installed bases (30) may be carried out simply and cost-effectively.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(24) 10 Device for dispensing a liquid product 12 Receiving body 14 Locking and fastening device 16 Adapter device 18 Inner container 20 Outer container 22 Upper part of the outer container 24 Lower part of the outer container 26 Wall adapter 28 Cover for covering the locking and fastening device 30 Base 32 Central axes extending through the device 34 First rail 36 Second rail 38 Curved end portions of the rails 40 Auxiliary tool 42 Lid 44 Guides of the rails 46 Central portion (or central piece) of the locking and fastening device 48 Openings 50 Window 52 Rear wall of the inner or outer container 54 Platform 56 Ring 58 Nozzle 60 Openings for dispensing a fragrance 62 Notch