EP3370589B1 - Systeme und verfahren zur zuverlässigen ausgabe - Google Patents

Systeme und verfahren zur zuverlässigen ausgabe Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3370589B1
EP3370589B1 EP15907938.3A EP15907938A EP3370589B1 EP 3370589 B1 EP3370589 B1 EP 3370589B1 EP 15907938 A EP15907938 A EP 15907938A EP 3370589 B1 EP3370589 B1 EP 3370589B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fitment insert
fitment
insert body
product package
vent
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15907938.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3370589A4 (de
EP3370589C0 (de
EP3370589A1 (de
Inventor
Jeffrey M. Schultz
Kenneth T. Dobizl
Brian L. Sholes
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ecolab USA Inc
Original Assignee
Ecolab USA Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ecolab USA Inc filed Critical Ecolab USA Inc
Publication of EP3370589A1 publication Critical patent/EP3370589A1/de
Publication of EP3370589A4 publication Critical patent/EP3370589A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3370589C0 publication Critical patent/EP3370589C0/de
Publication of EP3370589B1 publication Critical patent/EP3370589B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste or the like
    • A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
    • A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste or the like
    • A47K5/14—Foam or lather making devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/02—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/02—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
    • B67D7/0205—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants by manually operable pumping apparatus
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/02—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
    • B67D7/0288—Container connection means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/58—Arrangements of pumps
    • B67D7/60—Arrangements of pumps manually operable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/74—Devices for mixing two or more different liquids to be transferred
    • B67D7/741—Devices for mixing two or more different liquids to be transferred mechanically operated

Definitions

  • the disclosure relates to fluid dispensing systems and components thereof.
  • Hand washing is important in many industries, including hospitality (hotels, restaurants, etc.) and healthcare (hospitals, nursing homes, etc.).
  • fluid dispensers that dispense hand cleansing products may be placed near sinks of a kitchen or washroom for the washing of hands by employees or patrons of an establishment, employees, patients, or visitors to a healthcare facility, or other persons.
  • Such fluid dispensers house a disposable or refillable product container, such as a cartridge or flexible bag, containing a supply of the desired fluid product.
  • the fluid may include, for example, foams, liquids, and/or gels.
  • the dispensers are generally wall mounted and include a hinged cover which permits opening and closing of the dispenser housing so that the supply of fluid product may be refilled or replaced.
  • Some fluid dispensers are manually actuated by pushing or pulling a handle, bar, or button on the dispenser. Others dispense automatically by sensing presence of a user or the user's hands near the dispenser.
  • a system for refilling product containers is known, for instance, from US2013/0199662A1 .
  • the disclosure relates to refillable dispensing systems and components thereof.
  • the disclosure is directed to a refillable dispensing system according to appended claim 1.
  • the fitment insert body may further include a vent bore defining a venting passage from the first side of the fitment insert body to the second side of the fitment insert body, a vent probe seal disposed around an circumferential interior ridge within the venting passage, and a tubular vent probe configured to fit within the venting passage, the vent probe biased to a closed position with respect to the vent probe seal, the vent probe further disposed to slide within the venting passage between the closed position and an open position.
  • the disclosure is directed to a fitment according to appended claim 11.
  • the disclosure is directed to a refillable product package comprising a fitment insert.
  • the refillable product package may further include a product bottle having a neck, wherein the fitment insert body is fitted within the neck of the product bottle.
  • the disclosure is directed to a refillable product package comprising a product package having a one or more sidewalls and a neck, and a fitment insert that forms a sealed port through which a product package may be filled with a fluid chemical product
  • the fitment insert comprising a fitment insert body configured to sealably fit within the neck of the product package, the fitment insert body including a first bore defining a fluid passage from a first side of the fitment insert body to a second side of the fitment insert body, the fitment insert body further including an interior wall forming a circumferential ridge around the interior of the fluid passage, a tubular barbed member having a first end and a second end and configured to fit within the fluid passage of the fitment insert body with the first end disposed toward the first side of the fluid passage, the barbed member having a second bore extending from the first end to the second end, a seal disposed between the first end of the barbed member and the circumferential ridge, and a check ball that is spring-biased to
  • the disclosure is directed to refillable dispensing systems and components thereof.
  • the system may include one or more reusable or refillable product packages configured to dock with an automated refilling station.
  • the automated filling station automatically mixes concentrated chemical product with a diluent and dispenses the resulting chemical product solution.
  • the product package may include a fitment insert configured to mate with a docking connector at the automated refilling station.
  • cooperation of the docking connector and the fitment insert may allow air to exit the interior of the product package as the chemical product is dispensed into the product package.
  • the fitment insert may further allow air to enter the interior of the product package to prevent collapse of the product package walls.
  • Fitment insert and docking connection may be further configured to eliminate residual product build-up after dispensing of the diluted chemical product solution into product package, thus enabling the product package to achieve a dry break from the filling station.
  • the example fitment insert Once removed from the docking connection, the example fitment insert provides a positive, closed seal for the product package that does not leak in any orientation under normal conditions.
  • FIG. 1A is a shows an example refillable dispensing system 100.
  • Refillable dispensing system 100 includes a filling station 110 and at least one product package 152.
  • product package 152 may be reusable or refillable.
  • Filling station 110 automatically mixes concentrated chemical product with a diluent and dispenses the resulting chemical product solution to product package 152.
  • a concentrate container 118 located within filling station 110 stores the chemical product concentrate.
  • Filling station 110 is further connected to receive the diluent (such as water).
  • a mixing pump within the filling station (not shown) automatically draws an appropriate amount of chemical product concentrate from concentrate container 118 and mixes it with an appropriate amount of diluent to create a chemical product solution having a target concentration.
  • the dilution ratio may be 5:1 (5 parts diluent to 1 part concentrate) or 10:1.
  • any dilution ratio may be used and that the disclosure is not limited in this respect.
  • Example refillable dispensing system 100 may be used with any type of concentrated chemical product, including but not limited to hand cleansers, liquid soaps, lotions, gels, foams, shampoos, hand creams, sanitizers, disinfectants, foams, detergents, bleaches, cleaning agents, laundry products, dish washing products, etc. In other examples, system 100 may be used with any other type of chemical product.
  • Filling station 110 includes filling station housing 122, an actuator 112, and doors 120A and 120B.
  • FIG. 1B shows the example filling station housing 122 of FIG. 1A with door 120B open.
  • a window 116 permits a user to view the amount of concentrate remaining in concentrate container 118.
  • a lock 116 permits a user to lock filling station housing 122 so as to ensure only authorized users have access to the interior of the filling station housing and to permit tampering. Opening of door 120B permits access to the interior of the filling station housing 122 so that concentrate container 118 may be replaced when it becomes empty or when dispensation of a different chemical product is desired.
  • FIG. 1C shows the example filling station housing of FIG. 1A with door 120A open.
  • Opening of door 120A permits access to the interior of filling station housing 122 and access to an automated filling pump 115 and docking connector 300.
  • actuation of actuator 112 causes automated filling pump 115 to automatically mix concentrated chemical product stored in concentrate container 118 with a diluent and dispenses the resulting chemical product solution into the product package through the fill port defined by the product package fitment insert.
  • example product package 152 includes one or more sidewalls 155 forming an enclosed product package configured to contain a quantity of chemical product.
  • Product package 152 further includes an input port defined by a neck 156 through which product package may be filled with chemical product and an output port 158A through which chemical product may be dispensed from the product package.
  • a fitment insert 200 fitted within the neck 156 of product package 152 is configured to form a sealed connection with a docking connector (see, e.g., FIG. 3 ) located within the filling station housing 122.
  • Fitment insert 200 forms a fill port through which product package 152 may be refilled.
  • fitment insert 200 provides a positive seal for product package 152 that does not leak in any orientation under normal conditions.
  • Fitment insert 200 and docking connection may be further configured to eliminate residual product build-up after dispensing of the solution into product package 152, thus enabling the product package 152 to achieve a dry break from the filling station after filling of the product package is completed.
  • Product package 152 may be further connected to a pump 154 to permit the chemical product to be dispensed from product package 152.
  • product package 152 and pump 154 are connected by virtue of mating threads 158A and 158B on product package 152 and pump 154, respectively.
  • Product package 152 and pump 154 may in turn be loaded into a product dispenser, such as product dispenser 180 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B .
  • Pump 154 may be configured to deliver any form of chemical product, for example, liquids, foams, gels, alcohol foams, etc.
  • the combination of pump 154 and product package 152 may provide up to 99% product evacuation of the product package 152 for a wide range of product viscosities and densities.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example dispenser 180 which may be used to dispense chemical product from a product package, such as product package 152.
  • dispenser 180 includes a dispenser cover 182 and a push bar 184.
  • FIG. 2B shows example dispenser 180 with the cover 182 and push bar 184 removed.
  • Push bar 184 when actuated by a user, causes a dispense mechanism 188 to engage with pump 154 to result in dispensation of a discrete quantity of the chemical product as indicated by arrow 186.
  • a different type of manual actuator may be used in place of push bar 184.
  • dispenser 180 may include a sensor that detects presence of a user's hands near the dispenser and automatically triggers an actuator to dispense a quantity of fluid in response to the detection.
  • Hand care dispensers such as example dispenser 180
  • the desired amount of fluid product to be dispensed may differ.
  • pump 154 and/or dispenser 180 may be implemented as shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 8,851,331 to Pelkey et al., issued October 7, 2014 , and U.S. Patent No. 8,991,655 to Pelkey, issued March 31, 2015 .
  • pump and/or dispenser designs may also be used, and that the disclosure is not limited in this respect.
  • refill station 110 results in a "closed-loop" refillable dispensing system in the sense there is no user contact with concentrated chemicals.
  • the refilling station automatically provides the correct dilution ratio of the concentrated chemical product, and the sealed connection of the fitment insert and the docking connector greatly reduces, if not eliminates, worker exposure to harsh chemicals.
  • Refillable dispensing system 100 may thus increase ease of use, worker safety, and accuracy in the preparation of diluted chemical solutions.
  • FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional diagram of an example fitment insert 200 mated with an example docking connector 300, and showing a check ball 212 in the open position with respect to a check ball sealing ring 216.
  • Docking connector 300 may form the receiving connector of a filling station, such as filling station 110 as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Docking connector 300 includes a docking connector body 304, a fill probe 302, and a vent tab 306.
  • Fitment insert 200 includes a fitment insert body 204 including a first bore 209 defining a fluid passage from a first side 201 of the fitment insert body to a second side 203 of the fitment insert body, the fitment insert body further including an interior wall 205 forming a circumferential ridge 223 around the interior of the fluid passage.
  • Fitment insert body also includes a barbed member 220, check ball 212, a spring 214, and a vent probe 208.
  • Fitment insert body 204 further includes a plurality of fitment tabs 202 and a rim 203.
  • Fitment insert body 204 further includes a docking seal 206, a ball seal 216 a vent probe seal 210 and a fitment rim seal 218.
  • Barbed member 220 is generally tubular in shape, includes a first end and a second end, and is configured to fit within the fluid passage of the fitment insert body 204 with the first end disposed toward the first side of the fluid passage, the barbed member also includes a bore extending from the first end to the second end.
  • fitment insert body When inserted into a product package, such as product package 152 of FIG. 1 , fitment insert body receives the neck 156 of product package 152 between rim 203 and fitment tabs 202.
  • Fitment tabs 202 flex inwardly during insertion of fitment insert body 204 into the neck 156 of product package 152 and then release back once the neck 156 of product package 152 is fully received within the space defined by rim 203 and fitment tabs 202.
  • Force exerted by fitment tabs 202 presses neck 156 of product package 152 against fitment rim sealing ring 218 to provide a seal between the fitment insert body 204 and neck 156 of product package 152.
  • Fitment insert body 200 and docking connector 300 cooperate to provide a closed-loop system in which chemical product may be delivered from, for example, refill station 110, to a product package such as product package 152 without exposing a user to harsh chemical concentrates.
  • fill probe 302 of docking connector body 304 depresses check ball 212, allowing for product to flow into the product package as indicated by arrow 160.
  • tabs 304 of docking connector body 304 depress vent probe 208 to allow entrapped air to leave the product package through a venting aperture 211.
  • a docking seal 206 prevents product from leaking out between fitment insert body 204 and docking connector body 304.
  • Fill probe 302 is configured to depress check ball 212 from the first side 201 of the fitment insert body and move check ball 212 from the closed position with respect to seal 216 to the open position with respect to seal 216 when fitment insert 200 is mated with docking connector 300.
  • check ball 212 is biased to closed position with respect to the check ball seal 216.
  • the biasing force is provided by spring 214 pushes check ball against ball sealing ring 216 (or simply check ball seal 216), forming a positive, leak-proof seal.
  • spring 214 pushes check ball against ball sealing ring 216 (or simply check ball seal 216), forming a positive, leak-proof seal.
  • other mechanisms for biasing the check ball may also be used, and that the disclosure is not limited in this respect.
  • a user may carry, transport, or store the product package in any orientation without product leaving the package. To dispense the product, the user need not to open the container as it is a closed-loop system. The contents of the product package are dispensed/evacuated during normal use within the respective dispenser unit.
  • FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional diagram of an example fitment insert 200 showing the check ball 212 in the closed position with respect to a check ball sealing ring 216.
  • Sealing ring 216 is seated in a groove defined by a top edge of barbed member 220 and an inside edge ridge formed by fitment insert body 204.
  • a force provided by spring 214 pushes check ball 212 upwardly and against sealing ring 216, creating a seal at the interface of the check ball 212 and sealing ring 216.
  • FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an example check ball sealing ring 216
  • FIG. 3D is a magnified cross-sectional diagram of an example fitment insert 200 showing check ball 212 in the closed position with respect to the check ball sealing ring 216
  • Example sealing ring 216 is generally in the shape of a torus having a non-circular cross-section. Sealing ring may be fabricated using, for example, an elastomeric material. Sealing ring 216 has a non-circular cross-section including a flattened sealing surface 217, and fitment sealing surfaces 215A and 215B. Fitment sealing surfaces 215A and 215B are shaped to fit the geometry of an interior ridge 223 formed within longitudinal bore 209 of fitment insert body 204. In this way, sealing surface 217 of sealing ring 216 presented to check ball 212 in the closed position presents a relatively greater surface area for the sealing interface as compared to a sealing ring having a circular cross-section.
  • Sealing ring 216 is seated in a groove defined by a top edge 221 of barbed member 220 and a lower surface of interior ridge 223 formed within a longitudinal bore 209 through fitment insert body 204.
  • the longitudinal axis of the bore 209 of fitment insert body is generally aligned (e.g., co-linear) with the longitudinal bore 226 of barbed member 220 (see, e.g., FIG. 5B ) when barbed member 220 is received within bore 209.
  • fitment insert 200 is not mated to docking connector 300, the force provided by spring 214 pushes check ball 212 upwardly and against sealing ring 216, creating a seal at the interface of the check ball 212 and the sealing ring 216.
  • a relatively greater surface area is provided for the sealing interface between sealing ring 216 and check ball 212 as compared to a sealing ring having a circular cross-section.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fitment insert barb 220.
  • Barbed member 220 is sized to fit within fitment insert body 204.
  • Barbed member 220 includes one or more guide rails 222, a barb tip 224, a longitudinal bore 226 and a spring seat 228.
  • FIGS. 5A is an exploded view of an example barbed member 220, spring 214, ball 212, and ball seal 216 of an example fitment insert 300.
  • FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing an example barbed member 220, spring 214, ball 212, and ball seal 216 as they would be assembled within an example fitment insert 300.
  • Guide rails 222 are sized to guide movement of check ball 212 from a sealed position to an open position.
  • An inner rim formed around the circumference of bore 226 forms a spring seat 228 that supports spring 214 within bore 226.
  • FIGS. 6A-6C are cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a fitment insert in a closed position, an open position, and a vacuum relief position, respectively.
  • check ball 212 In the closed position as shown in FIG. 6A , check ball 212 is held against ball seal 216 by the spring force provided by spring 214 (not shown in FIG. 6A for purposes of illustration).
  • fill probe 302 depresses check ball 212, causing it to move from the closed position shown in FIG. 6A to the open position as shown in FIG. 6B .
  • fluid is dispensed through the tip of fill probe 302, around check ball 212 and into the product package.
  • the spring tension of spring 214 is designed to maintain equilibrium of the product package pressure during product dispense.
  • the spring tension may be such that the partial vacuum resulting from dispensation of the chemical product from the product package draws ball 212 away from the ball seal 216 enough to allow air to enter and prevent collapse of the product package, as shown in FIG. 6C .
  • the tip of fill probe 302 may include a protruding rib 310 that depresses check ball 212 and separates check ball 212 from apertures 312 in the fill probe 302 from which chemical product solution is dispensed, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C .
  • the filling operation takes place below the sealing surface of the fitment insert (that is, below fitment-to-product package seal 216 and docking seal 206) so that residual build-up of product is mitigated. This may help to achieve a clean separation from docking connector 300 and fitment insert 200.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 are top perspective and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a fitment insert 200 mated with a docking connector 300.
  • docking connector 300 may form the receiving connector of a filling station, such as filling station 110 as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Docking connector 300 includes docking connector body 304, fill probe 302, and vent tab 306.
  • Fitment insert 200 includes fitment insert body 204, barbed member 220, check ball 212, spring 214, and vent probe 208.
  • Fitment insert body 204 further includes a plurality of fitment tabs 202 and rim 203.
  • Fitment insert body 200 further includes docking seal 206, ball seal 216, vent probe seal 210 and fitment rim seal 218.
  • fitment insert body When inserted into a product package, such as product package 152 of FIG. 1 , fitment insert body receives the neck 156 of product package 152 between rim 203 and fitment tabs 202.
  • Fitment tabs 202 flex inwardly during insertion of fitment insert body 204 into neck 156 of product package 152 and release back once the neck 156 of product package 152 is fully received within the space defined by rim 203 and fitment tabs 202.
  • Force exerted by fitment tabs 202 presses neck 156 of product package 152 against fitment rim sealing ring 218 to provide a seal between the fitment insert body 204 and neck 156 of product package 152.
  • Fitment insert body 200 and docking connector 300 cooperate to provide a closed-loop system in which chemical product may be delivered from, for example, refill station 110, to a product package such as product package 152 without exposing a user to harsh chemical concentrates.
  • fill probe 302 of docking connector body 304 depresses check ball 212, allowing for product to flow into the product package as indicated by arrow 160.
  • a longitudinal bore 226 extending through barbed member 220 receives check ball 212.
  • a spring 214 fits within bore 226 and is supported by spring seat 214.
  • Check ball 212 moves within guide rails 222 between a closed position (not docked) and an open (docked) position. Movement of the check ball 212 is resisted by spring 214.
  • Spring 214 is supported by spring seat 228 formed at the base of guide rails 222 around an inner circumference of barbed member 220.
  • Guide rails 222 maintain proper alignment of check ball 212, helping to prevent misalignment of the check ball 212 with respect to the seal 216.
  • the top edge of barbed member 220 maintains constant positioning of ball seal 216 and helps prevent ball seal 216 from becoming dislodged.
  • Check ball 212 moves in a linear path along guide rails 222 depending on the forces acting on it. Once seated, spring 214 creates a positive seal between check ball 212 and O-ring seal 216 until sufficient cracking pressure (provided by dispensation of the chemical product from the product package) breaks the seal.
  • vent probe tip 208A depresss vent probe tip 208A, causing vent probe 208 to move downwardly (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 ) This movement of vent probe 208 further results in vent probe shoulder 208B to move away from vent probe seal 210, thus allowing entrapped air to leave the product package while the product package is being filled.
  • Docking seal 206 prevents the chemical product from leaking out between fitment insert body 204 and docking connector body 304.
  • FIG. 9 is a top view of an example fitment insert 200. Visible in FIG. 9 are fitment insert body 204, rim 203, fitment seal 218, vent probe tip 208A, vent tab 306 (visible through aperture 211 in the top of fitment insert body 304), ball 212, and barbed member 220.
  • FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an example fitment insert 200. Visible in FIG. 10 are fitment insert body 204, locking tabs 202, vent probe base 208C, ball 212 and barbed member 220.
  • Product package 152 may be of any appropriate size to fit a variety of dispensing applications. For hand washing applications, for example, product package 152 may be offered in multiple sizes, such as 1250ml (70 gram), 750ml (40 gram), and/or any other appropriately sized bottles. In some examples, product package 152 is comprised of a lightweight 100% recyclable High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
  • HDPE High Density Polyethylene
  • the product package may be formed utilizing a high density polyethylene resin with a density greater than 953 kg/m 3 (0.953 g/cc) (per ASTM D1505).
  • the product package may incorporate a percentage (e.g., 25%) of reclaimed post-consumer resin (PCR).
  • PCR reclaimed post-consumer resin
  • the product package design may be aimed at keeping a small footprint while maximizing fill volume. This may be accomplished by designing a low profile top finish and using the inner finish edge as a mechanism to affix the insert permanently via lock tabs.
  • the product package, fitment insert and docking connection may be designed with tight tolerances and quality finish to help ensure that the system remains leak proof.
  • the geometry and features of the product package may be designed to resist or prevent collapse during the evacuation of product. For example, chamfered corners may help control product package deformation and promote a better drop-impact resistance.
  • the cracking pressure of the check ball seal may be designed to break before the lightweight HDPE product package collapses.
  • the threaded connectors 158A may be designed with a unique thread pitch to help ensure that the proper pump type having the matching thread pitch is mated with the product package.
  • Check ball sealing ring 216 may comprise an elastomeric material, such as EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber).
  • EPDM rubber ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber.
  • the geometry of check ball sealing ring 216 is such that a flattened sealing surface is presented to the check ball 212, providing a relatively larger surface area for the sealing surface as compared to a sealing ring having a circular cross-section.
  • Check ball 212 may be either stainless steel (or other hard non-porous material) or may be elastomeric.
  • Spring 214 may be either metal or plastic.
  • the spring may be 300 series stainless steel or Hastelloy metal blends.
  • the spring length may be optimized to provide the most leak-proof seal while still allowing the partial vacuum break the seal, thus allowing air to enter into the product package during dispensation of the chemical product and preventing collapse of the product package.
  • the spring free length measures approximately 18mm.
  • the spring parameters may vary depending upon the particular application, and that the disclosure is not limited in this respect.
  • factors that may be taken into account when choosing a spring and/or spring rate may include: the force required to depress check ball 212 should not be too high so as to facilitate ease of docking to a filling station and thus ease-of-filling; the spring should provide sufficient force to the check ball to provide a positive, leak-proof seal when in the closed position; the partial vacuum resulting from dispensation of the chemical product from the product package should be sufficient to overcome o break the spring force and draw the check ball away from the seal, thus allowing the fitment insert to equilibrate the product package. Allowing air back into the product package system may help to prevent the product package from collapsing when used with a non-vented product pump.
  • the refillable dispensing system may help to reduce costs associated with chemical product dispensing.
  • concentrated formulations may provide enough product for multiple refills using concentrated packs. Users may purchase a set of refillable product packages, and refill and reuse the same set for a longer period of time as compared to 1-time use containers.
  • Concentrated formula may help to reduce storage space, which is a commodity in the janitorial rooms, closets, or carts. Concentrated formula may also help to reduce shipping costs, shipping frequency, packaging costs, and waste pick-up. For example, if a product package may be refilled and reused approximately 10 times, use of a refillable product package may reduce waste by up to 90% compared to 1-time use containers.
  • Flexible product packages may be lighter than rigid hand care bottles.
  • the product package may comprise 100% recyclable material, and may last up to 1-year with heavy usage.
  • users may "top off' a product package whenever it is convenient. This enables users to prepare for busy periods when they don't have the luxury of time to change out product packages.
  • cooperation of the pump design and the bottle may result in over 99% evacuation from the product package. This may result in providing more product to the users and less product to landfills.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Filling, Topping-Up Batteries (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Nachfüllbares Abgabesystem (100), umfassend:
    eine Füllstation (110), die ein Dockinganschlussstück (300) einschließt, wobei die Füllstation (110) konfiguriert ist, um eine chemische Produktlösung aus einem chemischen Produktkonzentrat abzugeben;
    eine Produktverpackung (152), umfassend einen Hals (156) und konfiguriert ist, um eine Menge der chemischen Produktlösung aufzunehmen, die von der Füllstation abgegeben wird; und
    einen Passungseinsatz (200), der innerhalb eines Halses (156) der Produktverpackung (152) eingepasst ist, wobei der Passungseinsatz (200) konfiguriert ist, um mit dem Dockinganschlussstück (300) ineinander zu greifen und einen abgedichteten Anschluss mit diesem auszubilden, der Passungseinsatz (200) ferner umfassend:
    einen Passungseinsatzkörper (204), der eine erste Bohrung (209) einschließt, die einen Fluiddurchgang von einer ersten Seite (201) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) zu einer zweiten Seite (203) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) definiert, wobei der Passungseinsatzkörper (204) ferner eine innere Wand (205) einschließt, die eine umlaufende Rille (223) um ein Inneres des Fluiddurchgangs ausbildet;
    ein rohrförmiges Widerhakenelement (220), das ein erstes und ein zweites Ende aufweist, das konfiguriert ist, um innerhalb des Fluiddurchgangs des Anschlussstückeinsatzkörpers (204) zu passen, wobei das erste Ende zu der ersten Seite (201) des Fluiddurchgangs hin angeordnet ist, und das rohrförmige Widerhakenelement (220) eine zweite Bohrung aufweist, die sich von dem ersten zu dem zweiten Ende erstreckt;
    eine Rückschlagkugeldichtung (216), die zwischen dem ersten Ende des rohrförmigen Widerhakenelements (220) und der umlaufenden Rille (223) angeordnet ist; und
    eine Rückschlagkugel (212), die in Bezug auf die Rückschlagkugeldichtung (216) innerhalb des Fluiddurchgangs in eine geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist, wobei die Rückschlagkugel (212) ferner angeordnet ist, um innerhalb der zweiten Bohrung zwischen der geschlossenen Position und einer offenen Position zu gleiten;
    das Dockinganschlussstück (300) ferner umfassend:
    einen Dockinganschlussstückkörper (304); und
    eine Füllsonde (302), die konfiguriert ist, um die Rückschlagkugel (212) von der ersten Seite (201) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) niederzudrücken und die Rückschlagkugel (212) von der geschlossenen Position in die offene Position zu bewegen, wenn der Passungseinsatz (200) mit dem Dockinganschlussstück (300) derart ineinander greift, dass die Menge der chemischen Produktlösung von der Füllstation in die Produktverpackung abgegeben wird.
  2. Nachfüllbares Abgabesystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Produktverpackung (152) ferner eine Ausgangsöffnung (158A) einschließt und das Abgabesystem (100) ferner eine Pumpe (154) umfasst, die mit der Ausgangsöffnung (158A) der Produktverpackung (152) ineinander greift.
  3. Nachfüllbares Abgabesystem (100) nach Anspruch 2, ferner umfassend eine Abgabeeinrichtung (180), die konfiguriert ist, um die Produktverpackung (152) und die Pumpe (154) aufzunehmen, wobei die Abgabeeinrichtung (180) ferner einen Abgabeaktuator (112) einschließt, der eine diskrete Menge eines chemischen Produkts veranlasst, aus der Produktverpackung (152) abgegeben zu werden.
  4. Nachfüllbares Abgabesystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Füllstation (110) ferner einen Schalter einschließt und wobei die Füllstation (110) konfiguriert ist, um das chemische Produktkonzentrat mit einem Verdünnungsmittel zu mischen, um die chemische Produktlösung auszubilden, und wobei die Füllstation (110) ferner die chemische Produktlösung durch den Fluiddurchgang hindurch und in die Produktverpackung (152) abgibt, wenn der Passungseinsatz (200) mit dem Dockinganschlussstück (300) ineinander greift und bei einer Betätigung des Schalters.
  5. Nachfüllbares Abgabesystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Passungseinsatzkörper (204) ferner umfasst:
    eine Entlüftungsbohrung, die einen Entlüftungsdurchgang von der ersten Seite (201) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) zu der zweiten Seite (203) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) definiert;
    eine Entlüftungssondendichtung (210), die um eine umlaufende innere Rille (223) herum innerhalb des Entlüftungsdurchgangs angeordnet ist; und
    eine rohrförmige Entlüftungssonde (208), die konfiguriert ist, um innerhalb des Entlüftungsdurchgangs zu passen, wobei die Entlüftungssonde (208) in Bezug auf die Entlüftungssondendichtung (210) in eine geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist und die Entlüftungssonde (208) ferner angeordnet ist, um innerhalb des Entlüftungsdurchgangs zwischen der geschlossenen Position und einer offenen Position zu gleiten.
  6. Nachfüllbares Abgabesystem (100) nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Entlüftungssonde (208) ferner eine Schulter (208B) einschließt und wobei die Schulter (208B) der Entlüftungssonde eine Dichtung mit der Entlüftungssondendichtung (210) ausbildet, wenn sich die Entlüftungssonde (208) in der geschlossenen Position befindet, und wobei Luft die Produktverpackung (152) verlassen kann, wenn sich die Entlüftungssonde (208) in der offenen Position befindet.
  7. Nachfüllbares Abgabesystem (100) nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Entlüftungssonde (208) ferner eine Entlüftungssondenspitze (208A) einschließt, die durch die Entlüftungsbohrung hindurch von der ersten Seite (201) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) aus zugänglich ist.
  8. Nachfüllbares Abgabesystem (100) nach Anspruch 7, wobei das Dockinganschlussstück (300) ferner eine Entlüftungslasche (306) einschließt, die konfiguriert ist, um die Entlüftungssondenspitze (208A) niederzudrücken und die Entlüftungssonde (208) aus der geschlossenen Position in die offene Position zu bewegen, wenn der Passungseinsatz (200) mit dem Dockinganschlussstück (300) ineinander greift.
  9. Nachfüllbares Abgabesystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Widerhakenelement (220) ferner in Längsrichtung erstreckende Führungsschienen (222) einschließt und wobei die Rückschlagkugel (212) ferner angeordnet ist, um innerhalb der Führungsschienen (222) zwischen der geschlossenen Position und der offenen Position zu gleiten.
  10. Nachfüllbares Abgabesystem (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Produktverpackung (152) ein Polyethylenharz hoher Dichte umfasst, das eine Dichte von mehr als 953 kg/m3 aufweist.
  11. Passungseinsatz (200), der eine abgedichtete Öffnung ausbildet, durch die hindurch eine Produktverpackung (152) mit einem chemischen Fluidprodukt gefüllt werden kann, umfassend:
    einen Passungseinsatzkörper (204), der eine erste Bohrung (209) einschließt, die einen Fluiddurchgang von einer ersten Seite (201) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) zu einer zweiten Seite (203) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) definiert, wobei der Passungseinsatzkörper (204) ferner eine innere Wand (205) einschließt, die eine umlaufende Rille (223) um das Innere des Fluiddurchgangs herum ausbildet;
    ein rohrförmiges Element (220), das ein erstes und ein zweites Ende aufweist, das konfiguriert ist, um innerhalb des Fluiddurchgangs des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) zu passen, wobei das erste Ende zu der ersten Seite (201) des Fluiddurchgangs hin angeordnet ist, und das Widerhakenelement (220) eine zweite Bohrung aufweist, die sich von dem ersten zu dem zweiten Ende erstreckt;
    eine Dichtung, die zwischen dem ersten Ende des rohrförmigen Elements (220) und der umlaufenden Rille (223) angeordnet ist; gekennzeichnet dadurch,
    dass eine Rückschlagkugel (212), die durch eine Feder in eine geschlossene Position in Bezug auf die Dichtung innerhalb des Fluiddurchgangs vorgespannt ist, wobei die Rückschlagkugel (212) ferner angeordnet ist, um innerhalb der zweiten Bohrung zwischen der geschlossenen Position und einer offenen Position zu gleiten;
    und dass das rohrförmige Element (220) Widerhaken hat und ferner in Längsrichtung erstreckende Führungsschienen (222) einschließt, und dass die Rückschlagkugel (212) ferner angeordnet ist, um innerhalb der Führungsschienen (222) zwischen der geschlossenen Position und der offenen Position zu gleiten.
  12. Passungseinsatz (200) nach Anspruch 11, der Passungseinsatzkörper (204) ferner umfassend:
    eine Entlüftungsbohrung, die einen Entlüftungsdurchgang von der ersten Seite (201) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) zu der zweiten Seite (203) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) definiert;
    eine Entlüftungssondendichtung (210), die um eine umlaufende innere Rille (223) herum innerhalb des Entlüftungsdurchgangs angeordnet ist; und
    eine rohrförmige Entlüftungssonde (208), die konfiguriert ist, um innerhalb des Entlüftungsdurchgangs zu passen, wobei die Entlüftungssonde (208) in Bezug auf die Entlüftungssondendichtung (210) in eine geschlossene Position vorgespannt ist und die Entlüftungssonde (208) ferner angeordnet ist, um innerhalb des Entlüftungsdurchgangs zwischen der geschlossenen Position und einer offenen Position zu gleiten.
  13. Passungseinsatz (200) nach Anspruch 12, wobei die Entlüftungssonde (208) ferner eine Schulter (208B) einschließt und wobei die Schulter (208B) der Entlüftungssonde eine Dichtung mit der Entlüftungssondendichtung (210) ausbildet, wenn sich die Entlüftungssonde (208) in der geschlossenen Position befindet, und wobei Luft die Produktverpackung (152) verlassen kann, wenn sich die Entlüftungssonde (208) in der offenen Position befindet.
  14. Passungseinsatz (200) nach Anspruch 12, wobei die Entlüftungssonde (208) ferner eine Entlüftungssondenspitze (208A) einschließt, die durch die Entlüftungsbohrung von der ersten Seite (201) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) aus zugänglich ist.
  15. Passungseinsatz (200) nach Anspruch 11, der Passungseinsatzkörper (204) ferner umfassend:
    einen umlaufenden Rand (203), der um die erste Seite (201) des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) herum angeordnet ist; und
    eine Vielzahl von umlaufenden Passungslaschen (202), die um eine Seitenwand des Passungseinsatzkörpers (204) herum angeordnet ist,
    wobei die Passungslaschen (202) und der umlaufende Rand (203) konfiguriert sind, um einen Hals (156) der Produktverpackung (152) aufzunehmen.
EP15907938.3A 2015-11-04 2015-11-04 Systeme und verfahren zur zuverlässigen ausgabe Active EP3370589B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2015/058965 WO2017078692A1 (en) 2015-11-04 2015-11-04 Refillable dispensing systems and components

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3370589A1 EP3370589A1 (de) 2018-09-12
EP3370589A4 EP3370589A4 (de) 2019-06-12
EP3370589C0 EP3370589C0 (de) 2024-06-12
EP3370589B1 true EP3370589B1 (de) 2024-06-12

Family

ID=58663116

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15907938.3A Active EP3370589B1 (de) 2015-11-04 2015-11-04 Systeme und verfahren zur zuverlässigen ausgabe

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3370589B1 (de)
JP (1) JP6694071B2 (de)
CN (1) CN108348110B (de)
AU (1) AU2015413862B2 (de)
BR (1) BR112018008761B1 (de)
CA (1) CA3003404C (de)
MX (1) MX2018005688A (de)
WO (1) WO2017078692A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10961107B2 (en) 2017-03-14 2021-03-30 Gojo Industries, Inc. Refilling systems, refillable containers and method for refilling containers
US10358270B1 (en) 2018-05-31 2019-07-23 Camelbak Products, Llc Closure assemblies and drink containers including the same
USD864658S1 (en) 2018-05-31 2019-10-29 Camelbak Products, Llc Beverage container closure
US10532862B2 (en) 2018-06-19 2020-01-14 Camelbak Products, Llc Closure assemblies with distinct dispensing modes and drink containers including the same
USD881639S1 (en) 2018-06-19 2020-04-21 Camelbak Products, Llc Beverage container closure
EP3945867B1 (de) * 2019-03-29 2026-04-22 FrieslandCampina Nederland B.V. Schaumproduktabgabesystem und produktbehälter
CN109833560B (zh) * 2019-04-02 2021-02-23 河北医科大学第二医院 一种可以重复使用的控制院内交叉感染的卫生手消毒装置
EP4598409A1 (de) * 2022-10-07 2025-08-13 Gojo Industries Inc Spender und nachfülleinheiten mit dehnungsventilen

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4341240A (en) * 1980-02-04 1982-07-27 Vending Components, Inc. Beer tap construction
US4351456A (en) * 1980-10-14 1982-09-28 The Perlick Company, Inc. Valved keg closure
EP0323464A1 (de) * 1986-08-11 1989-07-12 Micro Matic Usa, Inc. Ventil mit sicherheitsentlüftungsabdichtung
US6276788B1 (en) * 1998-12-28 2001-08-21 Xerox Corporation Ink cartridge for an ink jet printer having quick disconnect valve 09
CA2309568A1 (en) * 1999-05-27 2000-11-27 Rieke Corporation Fluid dispensing closure
US7086567B1 (en) * 2002-07-25 2006-08-08 Joseph S. Kanfer Wall-mounted dispenser assembly with transparent window
DE20304356U1 (de) * 2003-03-19 2003-06-18 Ernst Wagner GmbH & Co KG, 72770 Reutlingen Füllvorrichtung aus Nachfüllbehälter
CN201438942U (zh) * 2009-05-25 2010-04-21 慈溪市沃尔克电器有限公司 一种感应式洗手液机
NL2004210C2 (en) * 2010-02-08 2011-08-09 Ipn Ip Bv A refillable liquid product container system.
US20120267393A1 (en) * 2011-04-21 2012-10-25 Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. Fitment and pouch for connection to a probe and pump-out metering system
CN104203058B (zh) * 2012-02-08 2017-07-14 新璞修人有限公司 液体分配单元

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA3003404A1 (en) 2017-05-11
JP6694071B2 (ja) 2020-05-13
EP3370589A4 (de) 2019-06-12
CN108348110A (zh) 2018-07-31
EP3370589C0 (de) 2024-06-12
BR112018008761A2 (pt) 2018-10-30
CA3003404C (en) 2023-09-26
JP2019501744A (ja) 2019-01-24
EP3370589A1 (de) 2018-09-12
CN108348110B (zh) 2020-12-04
AU2015413862A1 (en) 2018-05-17
AU2015413862B2 (en) 2021-08-12
BR112018008761B1 (pt) 2022-04-05
WO2017078692A1 (en) 2017-05-11
MX2018005688A (es) 2018-08-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3370589B1 (de) Systeme und verfahren zur zuverlässigen ausgabe
US10272460B2 (en) Refillable dispensing systems and components
EP3977905B1 (de) Ausgabesystem
US8662355B2 (en) Split body pumps for foam dispensers and refill units
US7066357B2 (en) Wall-mounted dispenser assembly with transparent window
US8276784B2 (en) Pressure activated automatic source switching dispenser system
AU2016344370B2 (en) Dispenser
US20070095861A1 (en) Portable liquid dispenser
US20220119169A1 (en) Dispensing system
WO2022207072A1 (en) Pump assembly with shield
HK1065008B (en) Improved dispenser assembly
HK1236781A1 (en) A system and a method for dispensing a liquid as a spray, and a pump and a spray nozzle unit for the system
CA2944125A1 (en) Lid for a waste receptacle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20180503

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20190509

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B65D 47/00 20060101ALI20190503BHEP

Ipc: B67D 7/02 20100101ALI20190503BHEP

Ipc: B67D 7/00 20100101ALI20190503BHEP

Ipc: A47K 5/12 20060101AFI20190503BHEP

Ipc: B67D 7/42 20100101ALI20190503BHEP

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20220201

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20240108

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602015088993

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

U01 Request for unitary effect filed

Effective date: 20240711

U07 Unitary effect registered

Designated state(s): AT BE BG DE DK EE FI FR IT LT LU LV MT NL PT SE SI

Effective date: 20240718

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240912

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240913

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240912

U20 Renewal fee for the european patent with unitary effect paid

Year of fee payment: 10

Effective date: 20241007

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20241012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20241012

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20250313

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240612

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20241104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20241130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20241104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20241104

U20 Renewal fee for the european patent with unitary effect paid

Year of fee payment: 11

Effective date: 20251008

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20151104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20151104