PERFUME DISPENSER

Abstract

 A perfume dispenser comprises loading stations (1, 1') for introducing perfumes into spray containers (2), receptacles (7) having a body (7.1) for containing perfumes, an outlet (7.2), and a sphere (7.3), with the sphere (7.3) being secured to the outlet (7.2) with the possibility of rotating in order to be impregnated with the perfume contained in the body (7.1) and spread the perfume all over itself, and holders (9) for holding the receptacles (7), the holders (9) being arranged in correspondence with an inner part of the dispenser in such a way that when the bodies (7.1) are held on the holders (9), the spheres (7.3) are accessible from an outer part of the dispenser. Therefore, when the spheres (7.3) are accessed and rotated by contact, the perfume contained in the body (7.1) is spread thereon and impregnates the spheres.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the commercial supply of perfumes in metered amounts contained in spray containers, proposing a spray container reloading dispenser in which different types of perfumes can be selectively supplied, in which even test samples can be given out in order to choose the perfumes to be acquired.

State of the Art

[0002] There are many types of dispensers that allow selling different products without requiring the presence of a salesperson, thereby reducing sale costs and furthermore allowing for the acquisition of the sale products any time the purchaser may so desire, without the restraints of business opening and closing times. Dispensers of this type are very common for the sale of, for example, beverages, edible products, or packages containing certain products.

[0003] In that regard, perfumes are products that may be required throughout the day, when the user is not at home, either because the scent effect of the perfume that is used has gradually dissipated, or else because the user is not at home and requires applying the perfume, for example while staying at a hotel, after taking a shower at the end of a workday, or in sports facilities after playing a sport.

[0004] The characteristics of perfumes differ greatly from one brand to another, so their acceptance largely depends on the tastes of each person, and given that these products have a high cost, it is uncommon for a purchaser to acquire them without being familiar with it beforehand, or without at least having tested it. To that end, salespersons at points of sale usually offer metered perfume test amounts, thereby allowing possible purchasers to spray on the perfume they may be interested in, for example on an area of the hand, thereby promoting the purchase.

[0005] To promote perfumes, it is common to use of test samples consisting of a piece of paper impregnated with the perfume, with said samples being placed next to a perfume dispenser, such that users can test the perfumes in order to purchase the one they want. However, those test samples are usually not suitably representative of the perfumes that are being promoted because the impregnation of the samples, and furthermore the characteristics thereof, are gradually altered over time.

Object of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, there is proposed a perfume dispenser, having embodiment features that allow supplying different types of products in spray containers, by means of filling the spray containers, providing test samples, in a reliable manner, that allow choosing perfumes with complete efficiency.

[0007] This dispenser object of the invention comprises a plurality of loading stations for loading different perfumes, where in connection with each of said stations there is arranged a receptacle having a body for containing perfumes, an outlet, and a sphere, with the sphere being secured to the outlet with the possibility of rotating in order to be impregnated with the perfume contained in the body and spread the perfume all over itself.

[0008] The perfume dispenser comprises an outer panel demarcating the inner part and the outer part of the dispenser itself, for example in connection with the loading stations and access to the spheres of the receptacles.

[0009] The perfume dispenser comprises, in addition to the outer panel, loading stations, and receptacles, holders for holding the receptacles, the holders being arranged in correspondence with an inner part of the dispenser in such a way that when the bodies of the receptacles are held on the holders, the spheres are accessible from an outer part of the dispenser.

[0010] Therefore, upon being rotated by contact, the spheres provide a sample of the perfume contained in the corresponding receptacle as a result of being spread on the spheres themselves and impregnating them. A user may therefore decide on the loading station containing the perfume that is of the most interest to the user.

[0011] This outer panel has a through hole in correspondence with each of the outlets. The outlets and through holes are sized such that the outlets together with the spheres can be introduced through the through holes. Accordingly and preferably, the spheres are at least partially located in correspondence with the outer part of the dispenser, whereas the bodies are located in correspondence with the inner part of the dispenser.

[0012] Furthermore, access from the outer part of the dispenser to the rest of the receptacles through the through holes is thereby prevented. Likewise, the receptacles, in correspondence with the outlets, are sized such that they are prevented from going through the through holes.

[0013] The perfume dispenser comprises at least one elastic spring for each of the receptacles, being arranged such that it limits movements in which the receptacles move away from the outer part of the dispenser, i.e., away from the outer panel. The elastic springs protect the receptacles from excessive pushing or compressive forces on the spheres.

[0014] The holders are arranged such that the receptacles are tilted in a vertically downward direction, i.e., such that the perfume that may be contained in the receptacles is directed to the spheres. Utilization of the perfume contained in the receptacles is thereby maximized.

[0015] Each of the loading stations includes a perfume-containing chamber which is connected, through a supply conduit, with an injector base for filling spray containers, there being connected with the injector base a cap associated with a pump which activates the suction impulses for introducing into the spray containers to be filled the perfume coming from the containing chamber. The securing of the spray containers in connection with the injector base may furthermore be adjusted so as to adapt to different dimensions, both in length and width, allowing the use of different types of containers.

[0016] According to another embodiment, each of the loading stations has one of the perfume-containing chambers, one of the injector bases, and one of the supply conduits, such that the chamber connects with the injector base through the supply conduit, in addition to a drop-down door for accessing the injector base.

[0017] Furthermore, at least one of the loading stations has a pressure sensor located such that it can be activated by means of the spray container arranged in the injector base when the door is closed. Suitable positioning of the door and the spray container for the filling thereof in the corresponding loading station is thereby assured.

[0018] At least one of the loading stations has an eccentric cam for applying impulse pressure to the spray containers. Furthermore, at least this loading station has an electric motor for driving the eccentric cam. At least said loading station has a rotation shaft for connecting the motor to the eccentric cam. The transmission shaft can be positioned along a slot that extends linearly according to different positions. The eccentric cam can thereby be positioned in order to act through impulses on a longitudinal end of the spray containers according to different lengths.

[0019] Additionally, at least one of the loading stations has a control sensor configured for determining the replacement of the chamber depending on the number of turns of the corresponding eccentric cam.

[0020] Although these technical features of the other embodiment may be included in only one of the loading stations, preferably they are included in each of the loading stations of the perfume dispenser.

[0021] Once the perfume to be acquired has been chosen, a spray container must simply be placed in the injector base of the corresponding loading station and by means of activating said loading station, the filling of the spray container with an amount of perfume coming from the containing chamber of the loading station takes place.

[0022] The dispenser is provided with a system for supplying empty spray containers which may be of different configurations and are selectively removed by the user.

[0023] Furthermore, the functional assembly of the loading stations of the dispenser is provided in connection with an automatic payment system, where said payment is made using coins, bills, cards, etc., as well as a selection system provided with a keyboard and function display screen, where it may be established that the automatic supply of the type and amount of the desired perfume is subject to payment of the corresponding amount.

[0024] That being the case, a user who wants to acquire a perfume can check in a reliable manner the scent of the different perfumes contained in the dispenser, in order to then select acquisition of the desired amount of a chosen perfume, which is supplied to the user in a spray container which can also be acquired in the dispenser.

[0025] Therefore, the proposed dispenser has very advantageous features for its intended perfume-dispensing function, acquiring its own identity and making it preferable with respect to known dispensers having the same application or other similar ones.

Description of the Drawings

[0026] 

Figure 1 shows a front view of the dispenser object of the invention according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a diagram of the functional assembly of one of the loading stations of the dispenser object of the invention, according to an embodiment.

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of one of the loading stations of the dispenser.

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a perfume sample receptacle comprised in the perfume dispenser, which is partially projected externally with respect to the dispenser.

Figure 5 shows another schematic view of the perfume sample receptacle comprised in the perfume dispenser, which is housed almost entirely inside the dispenser.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of one of the loading stations of the dispenser object of the invention according to another embodiment, with said station being closed without contact between an eccentric cam and a spray container.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the loading station of Figure 6, with said station being closed and there being contact between the eccentric cam and the spray container.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the loading station of Figure 6, with said station being open.

Figure 9 shows a sectioned side view of the loading station of Figure 8.

Figure 10 shows a sectioned side view of the loading station of Figure 7.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the loading station of Figure 7 including a chamber.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0027] The invention relates to a perfume dispenser comprising a plurality of loading stations (1, 1'), each of which includes an injector for filling spray containers (2) with a given perfume.

[0028] Each loading station (1) has a chamber (3) intended for containing a perfume, said chamber (3) being communicated with an injector base (4) through a supply conduit (5), which has a T-shaped connection (6) intercalated therein.

[0029] According to another embodiment, each of the loading stations (1') has one of the chambers (3'), one of the injector bases (4'), and one of the supply conduits (5'), such that the chamber (3') connects with the injector base (4') through the supply conduit (5'). The chambers (3') are replaceable and provide the perfume contained therein to the perfume containers (2) arranged in the injector bases (4') through the supply conduits (5'), which are arranged in the chambers (3'), directly and unequivocally extending to a longitudinal end of the injector bases (4'). The chambers (3') are thereby arranged in communication with the injector bases (4') through the supply conduits (5').

[0030] The perfume dispenser comprises, in connection with each of the loading stations (1, 1'), a receptacle (7) having a body (7.1) for containing perfumes, an outlet (7.2), and a sphere (7.3), with the sphere (7.3) being secured to the outlet (7.2) with the possibility of rotating in order to be impregnated with the perfume contained in the body (7.1) and spread the perfume all over itself. In other words, it has a roll-on type configuration.

[0031] Therefore, upon being rotated by contact, the spheres (7.3) provide a sample of the perfume contained in the corresponding receptacle (7) as a result of being spread on the spheres (7.3) themselves and impregnating them. A user may therefore decide on the loading station (1, 1') containing the perfume that is of the most interest to the user in order to fill the corresponding container (2) with said perfume.

[0032] The perfume dispenser comprises at least one outer panel (8) demarcating or separating an inner part with respect to an outer part of the perfume dispenser, at least as regards the location of the access to the loading stations (1, 1') and to the spheres (7.3) of the receptacles (7).

[0033] The outer panel (8) has a through hole (8') in correspondence with each of the outlets (7.2) of the receptacles (7), with the outlets (7.2) and through holes (8') being sized such that the outlets (7.2) together with the spheres (7.3) can be introduced through the through holes (8'), preferably in a tightly-fitting manner. Likewise, the receptacles (7), preferably in correspondence with the outlets (7.2), are sized such that they are prevented from going through the through holes (8').

[0034] The spheres (7.3) are therefore at least partially located in correspondence with the outer part of the dispenser, whereas the bodies (7.1) are located in correspondence with the inner part of the dispenser, thereby making it easier to access the samples that may be provided by means of the rotation and impregnation of the spheres (7.3).

[0035] The perfume dispenser additionally comprises holders (9) for holding the receptacles (7). The holders (9) are located in the inner part of the dispenser and are arranged such that with the bodies (7.1) of the receptacles (7) being held on the holders (9), the spheres (7.3) are accessible from the outer part of the dispenser of the invention.

[0036] Additionally, the holders (9) are arranged such that the spheres (7.3) are directed in a vertically downward direction, i.e., such that the receptacles (7) are tilted in a vertically downward direction. In other words, the holders (9) are arranged such that the content of the bodies (7.1) of the receptacles (7) is directed to the spheres (7.3), such that utilization of the perfume contained in the receptacles (7) is maximized.

[0037] The perfume dispenser additionally comprises at least one elastic spring (10) for each of the receptacles (7), being arranged such that it limits movements in which the receptacles (7) move away from the outer part of the dispenser, i.e., away from the outer panel (8). The elastic springs (10) protect the receptacles (7) from excessive pushing or compressive forces on the spheres (7.3).

[0038] Preferably, the elastic springs (10) are fixed to the holders (9). The body (7.1) of the receptacles (7) is thereby located between the outer panel and the elastic spring (10). The main purpose of the elastic springs (10) is to absorb the pushing or compressive forces that the spheres (7.3) may receive which exceed drive forces suitable for turning the spheres (7.3) and receiving the perfume samples contained in the bodies (7.1) of the receptacles (7).

[0039] Elastic springs (10) are therefore a safety measure for the receptacles (7). The elastic springs (10) protect the spheres (7.3) from breaks that may be generated by said pushing or compressive forces. With the elastic springs (10) being compressed, the spheres (7.3) are movable from the outer part to the inner part of the dispenser, i.e., going from one side of the outer panel to the other.

[0040] The use of elastic springs (10) allows at least partially returning the spheres (7.3) to the outer part of the dispenser should said pushing or compressive forces automatically cease. In other words, the elastic springs (10) automatically return and maintain the spheres (7.3) according to their usage position when the receptacles (7) are free of external forces.

[0041] The injector base (4) comprises a fitting cavity (11) in which a spray container (2) may be placed, there being in the injector base (4) a projection stem (12) through which the perfume coming from the chamber (3) and passing through the supply conduit (5) can be introduced into the spray container (2) arranged for being loaded.

[0042] Above the injector base (4) there is arranged a cap (13) so as to secure between it and the fitting cavity (11) the spray containers (2) to be filled, with said cap (13) being mounted in connection with a pump (14) which allows activating operating impulses of the spray container (2) that is arranged on the injector base (4) so as to fill said spray container (2) with the perfume coming from the chamber (3) through the projection stem (12).

[0043] The cap (13) is arranged in a movable assembly in guides (15) on which it can be moved so as to adapt its positioning with respect to the injector base (4) depending on the size of the spray containers (2) to be filled, such that spray containers (2) of different lengths to be filled in each of the loading stations (1) of the dispenser can be selectively used. The fitting cavity (11) of each loading station (1) has likewise been envisaged to have transverse guides (not depicted), so as to adapt the securing of the spray containers (2) to spray containers (2) of different widths, where said spray containers (2) may have different dimensions, both in length and width.

[0044] The chamber (3) has a filling port (16), provided with an opening button (17), such that a perfume-containing bottle (18) can be connected to said port (16) in order to load said perfume into the chamber (3), said chamber (3) furthermore having a level sensor (19) to indicate when the amount of perfume in said chamber (3) is below a minimum and when it is necessary to refill it.

[0045] According to the other embodiment, the injector base (4') comprises the fitting cavity (11') with the fitting cavity (11') being a tapering of the longitudinal hollow space generated by the injector base (4') for holding the spray containers (2) by a longitudinal end thereof. In correspondence with the injector base (4'), and more specifically with the fitting cavity (11'), there is arranged a projection stem (12') that is part of the supply conduit (5'). The perfume coming from the chamber (3') and going through the supply conduit (5') can be introduced through the projection stem (12'), into the spray container (2) arranged for being loaded, as can be derived from Figure 11.

[0046] Each of the loading stations (1') has a door (26) with a handle (27) for being opened and closed. The injector base (4') is arranged in connection with the door (26) such that when the door (26) is moved for being opened and closed, the injector base (4') is likewise moved. The placement and removal of spray containers (2) with respect to the injector bases (4') is thereby easier. Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, the doors (26) move according to a drop-down movement such that it is easier to place spray containers (2) by insertion in the injector bases (4') and to remove them by access to an end opposite the loading end in correspondence with which there can be arranged a projection stem (12') for introducing perfume into the spray container (2).

[0047] Each of the loading stations (1') has an eccentric cam (28), a motor (29), and a transmission shaft (30), with the transmission shaft (30) being arranged such that it conveys turning movement generated by the motor (29) to the eccentric cam (28) for the turning thereof. The motor (29), which is preferably an electric motor, drives the eccentric cam (28) by means of the transmission shaft (30) for the turning thereof such that it acts on the end opposite the loading end by exerting impulse pressure, or in an intermittent manner as a consequence of discontinuous contact between the eccentric cam (28) and said opposite end of the corresponding spray container (2).

[0048] Figure 7 allows seeing the contact between the eccentric cam (28) and the corresponding spray container (2) such that the spray container (2) is actuated so as to receive the perfume contained in the chamber (3') of the loading station (1'), not shown in Figure 7. By means of the turning of the eccentric cam (28), said eccentric cam (28) no longer comes into contact with the spray container (2), with this being an example of the lack of contact between the eccentric cam (28) and the spray container (2) that can be seen in Figure 6. By means of continuing with the turning of the eccentric cam (28), contact and non-contact of the eccentric cam (28) with the spray container (2) is repeated.

[0049] Each of the loading stations (1') has a control sensor (33) configured and arranged for counting the number of turns of the eccentric cam (28), i.e., the impulses, contacts, or activations transmitted by the eccentric cam (28) to the spray container (2). Additionally, the control sensor (33) is configured for determining, depending on the counting that is performed, when the substitution or replacement of the corresponding chamber (3') is required.

[0050] The transmission shaft (30) can be positioned according to different positions along a longitudinal path over which it can travel. For this purpose, the loading stations (1') include a slot (31) that extends linearly and is visible in Figure 8 for example. The invention therefore provides the possibility of adjusting the positioning of the eccentric cam (28) according to different longitudinal measurements of the spray containers (2) .

[0051] Each of the loading stations (1') has a pressure sensor (32). The pressure sensors (32) are located in correspondence with the injector bases (4') such that they can be activated by means of the spray containers (2) when the doors (26) are closed. The pressure sensors (32) thereby assure that the perfume contained in the chambers (3') goes into the perfume containers (2) through the supply conduits (5'), with the perfume containers (2) being duly arranged in the injector bases (4') and the doors (26) closed.

[0052] With this being the case, when a user wishes to acquire a perfume, he or she can test the scent of the different perfumes offered in the dispenser by means of the contact and rotation of the corresponding sphere (7.3) of the desired loading station (1, 1') so as to determine the perfume he or she wishes to acquire; and once the desired perfume has been selected, a spray container (2) is arranged at the injector base (4, 4') of the corresponding loading station (1, 1'), after which by activating the pump (14) or the motor (29) of the loading station (1, 1'), an operation occurs whereby a selected amount of the perfume coming from the chamber (3, 3') of that loading station (1, 1') enters the spray container (2) through the projection stem (12, 12').

[0053] In connection with the functional assembly of the loading stations (1, 1'), the dispenser has been envisaged to be provided with an automatic payment system, there being arranged slots (20) for introducing coins, bills, or cards, as well as a control keyboard (21) and a function display screen (22), where there may be established, after selecting the perfume to be obtained, the reference of said perfume, the amount to be acquired, and the corresponding payment, whereby the dispenser automatically fills the spray container (2) arranged for collecting the perfume with the established amount.

[0054] A store (23) of empty spray containers (2) for being supplied to users who wish to acquire perfumes has also been envisaged in the dispenser itself, said store (23) containing spray containers (2) of different sizes, which can be selected by users depending on the amounts of perfumes to be acquired.

[0055] On the other hand side, the injector base (4) of each loading station (1) has a vessel (26) for collecting the perfume that may have spilled when loading the spray containers (2), said vessel (26) being connected with the supply conduit (5), and more specifically with the connection (6) of the supply conduit (5), through a valve (25), thereby preventing the loss of amounts of the perfumes, which are expensive products.

Claims

1. A perfume dispenser, characterized in that it comprises:

- loading stations (1, 1') for introducing perfumes into spray containers (2);

- receptacles (7) having a body (7.1) for containing perfumes, an outlet (7.2), and a sphere (7.3), with the sphere (7.3) being secured to the outlet (7.2) with the possibility of rotating in order to be impregnated with the perfume contained in the body (7.1) and spread the perfume all over itself;

- holders (9) for holding the receptacles (7), the holders (9) being arranged in correspondence with an inner part of the dispenser in such a way that when the bodies (7.1) are held on the holders (9), the spheres (7.3) are accessible from an outer part of the dispenser;

such that when the spheres (7.3) are accessed and rotated by contact, the perfume contained in the body (7.1) is spread thereon and impregnates the spheres.

2. The perfume dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an outer panel (8) having a through hole (8') in correspondence with each of the outlets (7.2) .

3. The perfume dispenser according to claim 2, characterized in that the outlets (7.2) and the through holes (8') are sized such that the outlets (7.2) and the spheres (7.3) can be introduced through the through holes (8').

4. The perfume dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spheres (7.3) are at least partially located in correspondence with the outer part of the dispenser and the bodies (7.1) in correspondence with the inner part of the dispenser.

5. The perfume dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one elastic spring (10) for each of the receptacles (9), being arranged such that it limits movements in which the receptacles (7) move away from the outer part of the dispenser.

6. The perfume dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holders (9) are arranged such that the receptacles (7) are tilted in a vertically downward direction such that the perfume that may be contained in the body (7.1) is moved towards the spheres (7.3).

7. The perfume dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the loading stations (1, 1') has a perfume-containing chamber (3, 3'), an injector base (4, 4'), and a supply conduit (5, 5'), such that the chamber (3, 3') connects with the injector base (4, 4') through the supply conduit (5, 5').

8. The perfume dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one of the loading stations (1') has a drop-down door (26) for accessing the injector base (4').

9. The perfume dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one of the loading stations (1') has a pressure sensor (32) located such that it can be activated by means of the spray container (2) arranged in the injector base (4') when the door (26) is closed.

10. The perfume dispenser according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the at least one of the loading stations (1') has an eccentric cam (28) for applying impulse pressure to the spray containers (2).

11. The perfume dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one of the loading stations (1') has an electric motor (29) for driving the eccentric cam (28) .

12. The perfume dispenser according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one of the loading stations (1') has a rotation shaft (30) for connecting the motor (29) to the eccentric cam (28).

13. The perfume dispenser according to claim 12, characterized in that the rotation shaft (30) can be positioned in different positions along a slot (31) that extends linearly.

14. The perfume dispenser according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that at least one of the loading stations (1') has a control sensor (33) configured for determining the replacement of the chamber (3') depending on the number of turns of the eccentric cam (28).

Drawing