WO2025088293A1

WO2025088293A1 - Dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2025088293A1
Application number: PCT/GB2024/052572
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eli KHRAPKO; Giorgia GRANATA; Jo BARNARD; Lea BERGER; Juliette BOUILLY; Harry Mason; Henry ZHOU
Original assignee: Wype Ltd
Current assignee: Wype Ltd
Priority date: 2023-10-24
Filing date: 2024-10-07
Publication date: 2025-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-24
Also published as: GB202316261D0; GB2635123A

Abstract

An applicator (12) for applying a gel to paper having a pump (19), an actuator (15), an application surface (25) having a plurality of apertures and a gel conduit (22) for delivering gel to the apertures. The gel conduit comprises a non-branched delivery chamber (24) from which gel is dispensed through the apertures. The non-branched delivery chamber prevents gel from drying out whilst it is waiting to be delivered through the apertures and avoids dried gel from blocking the applicator.

Description

Dispenser

Wet wipes are a popular convenience item used for personal hygiene and household cleaning. They comprise a piece of plastic or cloth that is impregnated with a fluid such as a disinfectant. Most wet wipes are made from nonwoven fabrics such as polyester or propylene.

Wet wipes cause environmental problems because they are generally not biodegradable. They can therefore clog up sewer systems and persist in the environment.

An alternative to wet wipes has recently been made available which involves applying a specially formulated gel to a regular piece of toilet paper. This provides the benefits of a wet wipe, with the environmental benefits of standard toilet paper. This product is sold as a gel in the UK by Wype Limited, of Unit 25, Park Royal Works, 9-21 Park Royal Road, London NW10 7LQ.

In existing gel dispensers, the gel is prone to drying out. This can result in difficulty applying further amounts of gel to sheets of toilet paper, and may lead to significant wastage of any gel remaining in the dispenser which cannot be dispensed.

It is amongst the objects of the present invention to address one or more of these problems.

In a first aspect the invention provides an applicator for applying a gel, comprising: a pump, an actuator, an application surface having a plurality of apertures, and a gel conduit disposed between the pump and the plurality of apertures for delivering gel to the plurality of apertures, wherein the gel conduit comprises a non-branched delivery chamber and wherein the plurality of apertures are located in a wall of the non-branched delivery chamber, and wherein when the pump is fed with gel, actuation of the actuator causes the pump to move gel into the non-branched delivery chamber and be simultaneously dispensed through each of the plurality of apertures.

Preferably the non-branched delivery chamber does not comprise any individual channels and therefore mitigates against blockage of the apertures from gel drying out from contact with air.

Preferably the delivery chamber has a structure which is not divided into distinct sections or compartments. Preferably the delivery chamber is structured with a single enclosure.

Preferably the non-branched delivery chamber has a wider cross section than a remaining portion of the gel conduit. In this way, increased suction of gel is provided by the narrower portion of the gel conduit, whilst still allowing gel dispensation over a wider area due to the apertures located in the delivery chamber.

Preferably the transition between the non-branched delivery chamber and the remaining portion of the gel conduit is stepped. Preferably the stepped transition comprises a shoulder region.

Preferably the ratio of the cross section of the non-branched delivery chamber to the cross section of the remaining portion of the gel conduit is between 3:1 and 10:1. In this way, there is pressure differential between the delivery chamber and the remaining portion of the gel conduit.

Preferably the plurality of apertures comprises between 3 and 7 apertures, more preferably 5 apertures.

Preferably the apertures are in a substantially circular arrangement on the application surface. Preferably the circular arrangement has a diameter of 10mm. Preferably the apertures are arranged symmetrically on the application surface of the applicator. In this way, even dispensing of gel is provided. Preferably the apertures have a diameter of 2mm. In this way, more precise dispensing of gel is provided.

Preferably the non-branched delivery chamber has a circular cross-section. Preferably the wider cross section of the non-branched delivery chamber corresponds to the arrangement of the plurality of apertures. Preferably the shape of the non-branched delivery chamber corresponds to the shape of the application surface. Preferably the application surface is concave. In this way, easier application of the gel to a piece of toilet paper is provided.

Preferably the applicator is elongate and the actuator is provided on a side of the applicator which allows one handed operation of the applicator. Preferably the actuator is a push-button. Preferably the actuator is actuatable in a direction perpendicular to an axis of elongation of the applicator. Preferably the application surface is oriented perpendicular to an axis of elongation of the applicator. In this way, a user may operate the dispenser with one hand.

Preferably the actuator is movable between a rest configuration and an actuated configuration, wherein in the rest configuration the actuator protrudes from the applicator in a first position, and in the actuated configuration the actuator is depressed into the applicator in a second position. Preferably in the second position, the actuator protrudes from the applicator by up to 2 mm and preferably by 1 -2mm. In this way, the user is provided with a tactile response for confirming that the actuator has been fully actuated without having to visually observe the applicator.

Preferably the applicator further comprises a closable lid for covering the application surface. Preferably the lid is shaped to allow the actuator to protrude from the applicator in the first position whilst in the rest configuration. Preferably the lid is connected to the applicator by a hinge such that when the lid is in an open position, the lid is substantially parallel to the application surface. In this way, the lid is moved completely out of the way of the application surface to provide easier application of gel to a piece of toilet paper. Preferably the hinge is a butterfly hinge. Preferably the applicator further comprises a seal located on the inside of the lid, wherein the position of the seal corresponds to the arrangement of the plurality of apertures, such that when the lid is closed an airtight closure is formed between the application surface and lid. Preferably the seal is an annular plug. Preferably the annular plug has a generally cylindrical outer wall. Preferably the seal is made of silicone. Preferably the seal has a diameter of between 12-16mm. In this way, air is prevented from reaching the apertures of the application surface and drying out of the gel is mitigated.

Preferably the applicator further comprises engaging means for removably engaging the applicator with a reservoir for holding gel, such that when engaged, upon actuation of the actuator, the pump of the applicator draws gel from the reservoir. The engaging means may be a screw thread which engages with a corresponding thread on the neck of a reservoir. The reservoir may be a re-fillable cannister, optionally made of aluminium. The engaging means may be a screw thread or a snap fit arrangement. In this way, the dispenser may quickly and easily be refilled.

In a further aspect the invention provides a dispenser comprising an applicator as described herein and a reservoir for accommodating a gel. Preferably the portion of the gel conduit with a narrower cross section protrudes into the reservoir.

Preferably the reservoir contains a gel. Preferably the gel is water based. Preferably the gel comprises the extract of an aloe plant and is suitable for application to a sheet of paper. Preferably the gel comprises the extract of an aloe plant, and optionally water. Preferably the gel comprises aloe barbadensis leaf juice.

Preferably the gel comprises one or more of Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Propanediol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Decyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide and Ethylhexylglycerin. Preferably the gel comprises one or more of Glycerin, Xanthan gum, decyl glucoside, propanediol, benzyl alcohol, citric acid, tocopherol (vitamin E), dehydroacetic acid, chamomilla recutita (chamomile) flower extract, cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit extract, bambusa vulgaris (bamboo) leaf extract, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. In a further aspect the invention provides a method of dispensing a gel from a dispenser as described herein, onto toilet paper, by actuating the actuator of the applicator and wiping the toilet paper on the application surface of the applicator.

In a further aspect the invention provides an applicator for applying a gel, comprising: a pump, an actuator, an application surface having a plurality of apertures, and a gel conduit disposed between the pump and the plurality of apertures for delivering gel to the plurality of apertures, wherein the gel conduit comprises a delivery chamber and wherein the plurality of apertures are located in a wall of the delivery chamber, and wherein when the pump is fed with gel, actuation of the actuator causes the pump to move gel into the delivery chamber and be simultaneously dispensed through each of the plurality of apertures. In this aspect, the applicator may comprise any of the features mentioned herein in connection with the other aspects of the invention.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of components of an applicator according to the prior art;

Figure 2 shows a front view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3A and 3B respectively show exploded views of the applicator and reservoir components of the dispenser shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of the dispenser shown in Figure 2;

Figures 5A and 5B show perspective views of a lid which may be used in applicators according to the invention, such as that shown in Figure 2; and

Figures 6A and 6B show top views of the dispenser shown in Figure 2 with the lid in open and closed positions. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of components of an applicator 1 according to the prior art. A splitter plate 5 is shown at the upper end of a pump 7. A ramp member 4 is also shown engaged with the pump to convert the horizontal action of the actuation button 6 into a vertical motion suitable for driving the pump. The actuation button 6 is shown within housing 2 which, along with collar 3, provides a base for the actuation button.

Figure 2 shows a front view of a dispenser 1 1 according to the invention. The dispenser comprises an applicator 12 and a reservoir 13. The applicator comprises an elongate body with a generally cylindrical cross-section when viewed from above. The applicator further comprises a closable lid 14, shown in its closed position. When in the closed position, the lid 14 is shaped to allow an actuator 15, provided on a side of the applicator 12, to protrude when in a rest configuration. In an actuated configuration, in which the actuator is depressed by a user, the actuator 15 protrudes from the applicator by up to 2mm.

Figures 3A and 3B respectively show exploded views of the applicator 12 and reservoir 13 of the dispenser 1 1 shown in Figure 2. The lid 14 is provided with a silicone seal 16, explained in greater detail below in the descriptions of Figures 5 to 7. A base 28 is provided for the actuator 15 to be supported on. The applicator 12 comprises a cylindrical outer cap 17 which is configured to fit over a cylindrical inner cap 18.

Within the inner cap 18 is provided a pump 19, located centrally along a cylindrical axis of the applicator, comprising a piston 20 and a push guide 21 . A gel conduit 22 comprising a tube portion 23 which terminates in a delivery chamber 24 is provided for delivering gel. The delivery chamber 24 has a wider cross section than the tube portion 23. An application surface 25 is formed by an outer surface of a top wall of the delivery chamber 24. A plurality of apertures 26 are located on the application surface 25. Five apertures 26 for dispensing gel are positioned in a circular arrangement and are regularly spaced for optimum symmetry. The outer cap 17 is configured to sit on top of a loop portion 27 which has an internal screw thread for removably engaging the applicator 12 with a reservoir 13 such that the tube portion 23 of the gel conduit 22 protrudes into the reservoir 13. The reservoir contains gel 29. A gasket 30 is located between the applicator 12 and the reservoir 13 to provide a sealing connection.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispenser shown in Figure 2. The gel 29 is visible within the reservoir 13, as well as the tube portion 23 of the gel conduit 22 protruding into the reservoir 13. Whilst the lid 14 is shown in an open position, the applicator 12 is in a rest configuration wherein the actuator 15 protrudes from the side of the applicator body.

Figures 5A and 5B show perspective views of the lid 14 of the dispenser 1 1 shown in Figure 2. The inside of the lid 14 is provided with a silicone seal 16 in the form of an annular plug. When the lid is connected to the applicator 12 and in the closed position, the seal 16 fully encloses the apertures 26 located on the application surface 25 to ensure an airtight seal. This advantageously mitigates drying out of any gel 29 which remains in the delivery chamber 24.

The lid 14 is provided with a butterfly hinge 141 to allow the lid to move from a closed position in which the lid covers the application surface 25, to an open position in which the lid 14 is pivoted 180 degrees about the hinge 141 to reveal the application surface.

Figures 6A and 6B show top views of the applicator 12. In Figure 6A, the lid 14 is shown in the open position. The seal 16 is visible on the inside of the lid 14. The seal has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the circular arrangement of apertures 26 on the application surface 25. In this way, when the lid 14 is in the closed position (as shown in Fig. 6B), the seal 16 makes contact with the application surface 25 such that the plurality of apertures 26 are sealed off in an airtight manner.

In use, the hinged lid 14 is moved to an open position and the actuator 15 is depressed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the applicator such that it is protrudes by up to 2 millimetres from the body of the applicator 12. In this way, the applicator is configurable between a rest configuration in which the actuator protrudes from the applicator, and an actuated configuration in which actuation of the actuator dispenses gel.

Upon actuation of the actuation button 15, the pump 19 draws up a pre-determined amount of gel 29 from the reservoir 13 through the tube portion 23 of the gel conduit 22 and into the delivery chamber 24. Gel enters the delivery chamber. It is then dispensed through each of the plurality of apertures 26 simultaneously. A sheet of toilet paper (not shown) may then be wiped on the application surface 25 to provide an alternative to a wet wipe. Advantageously, the delivery chamber 24 has a nonbranched structure such that when gel 29 is present in the delivery chamber between uses, the risk of the gel drying out and blocking any of the apertures is reduced.

Claims

1 . An applicator for applying a gel, comprising: a pump, an actuator, an application surface having a plurality of apertures, and a gel conduit disposed between the pump and the plurality of apertures for delivering gel to the plurality of apertures, wherein the gel conduit comprises a non-branched delivery chamber and wherein the plurality of apertures are located in a wall of the non-branched delivery chamber, and wherein when the pump is fed with gel, actuation of the actuator causes the pump to move gel into the non-branched delivery chamber and be simultaneously dispensed through each of the plurality of apertures.

2. An applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the non-branched delivery chamber has a wider cross section than a remaining portion of the gel conduit.

3. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the transition between the non-branched gel chamber and the remaining portion of the gel conduit is stepped.

4. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of apertures comprises between 3 and 7 apertures.

5. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the apertures are in a substantially circular arrangement on the application surface.

6. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-branched delivery chamber has a circular cross-section.

7. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the shape of the nonbranched delivery chamber corresponds to the shape of the application surface.

8. An applicator according to any preceding claim wherein the actuator is actuatable in a direction perpendicular to an axis of elongation of the applicator.

9. An applicator according to any preceding claim, movable between a rest configuration and an actuated configuration, wherein in the rest configuration the actuator protrudes from the applicator in a first position, and in the actuated configuration the actuator is depressed into the applicator in a second position.

10. An applicator according to any preceding claim, further comprising a closable lid for covering the application surface.

1 1. An applicator according to claim 10, wherein the lid is shaped to allow the actuator to protrude from the applicator in the first position whilst in the rest configuration.

12. An applicator according to claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the lid is connected to the applicator by a hinge such that when the lid is in an open position, the lid is substantially parallel to the application surface.

13. An applicator according to any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a seal located on the inside of the lid, wherein the position of the seal corresponds to the arrangement of the plurality of apertures, such that when the lid is closed an airtight closure is formed between the application surface and lid.

14. An applicator according to any preceding claim, further comprising engaging means for removably engaging the applicator with a reservoir for holding gel, such that when engaged, upon actuation of the actuator, the pump of the applicator draws gel from the reservoir.

15. A dispenser comprising the applicator of any preceding claim and a reservoir for containing a gel.