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Patent 2188694 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2188694
(54) English Title: A REFILLABLE CONTAINER FOR APPLYING A SPREADABLE PRODUCT, MORE PARTICULARLY AN ADHESIVE COMPOUND
(54) French Title: RECIPIENT RECHARGEABLE DISTRIBUANT UNE MATIERE APPLICABLE, PLUS PARTICULIEREMENT UN COMPOSE ADHESIF
Status: Expired and beyond the Period of Reversal
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • B65D 83/00 (2006.01)
  • A45D 40/04 (2006.01)
  • A45D 40/16 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • FRANKEN, JOACHIM (Germany)
  • BOSSERT, MARIE-CLAUDE (Germany)
  • KELDERS, JOHANNES HUBERTUS JOZEF MARIA
  • VAN SWIETEN, ROY EDWIN
(73) Owners :
  • HENKEL RAYCAP PRODUKTIE B.V.
  • HENKEL KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT AUF AKTIEN
(71) Applicants :
  • HENKEL RAYCAP PRODUKTIE B.V.
  • HENKEL KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT AUF AKTIEN (Germany)
(74) Agent: NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT CANADA LLP/S.E.N.C.R.L., S.R.L.
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2005-11-29
(86) PCT Filing Date: 1995-04-18
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 1995-11-02
Examination requested: 2002-04-03
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/EP1995/001435
(87) International Publication Number: WO 1995028857
(85) National Entry: 1996-10-23

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
9400680 (Netherlands (Kingdom of the)) 1994-04-27

Abstracts

English Abstract


The container (1) comprises an inner tube (3) open
at at least one end (2) which contains the spreadable
product (4), which is removably mounted in an outer tube
(5) and which comprises a plunger (12) designed to be
penetrated by a screwthreaded spindle (15) and means (6)
for securing the inner tube (3) in the outer tube (5).
The screwthreaded spindle (15) and the plunger (12) form
cooperating means (11,14) for applying the spreadable
product (4). By rotation of the screwthreaded spindle
(15), which engages in a screwthread (13) formed within
the plunger (12), by means of an actuating element (21)
arranged outside the outer tube (5), more particularly a
hand-operated knurled nut (20), the spreadable product
(4) can be longitudinally displaced inside the container
(1) with no change in the positions of the outer and
inner tubes (5,3) relative to one another. The screw-
threaded spindle (15) is rotatably fixed to the inner
tube (3) in a position in which it penetrates through the
plunger (12) and comprises a connecting part (17) which,
in particular, projects from the inner tube (3) and which
is designed to be releasably, but non-rotatably coupled
to a corresponding connecting part (20) of the actuating
element (21). The replacement of the inner tube is
considerably facilitated.


French Abstract

Le récipient (1) comporte un manchon intérieur (3) qui contient la matière applicable (4) et qui est monté amovible dans un manchon extérieur (5). Le manchon intérieur (3) est ouvert sur au moins un côté (2) et comprend un piston (12) traversé par une broche filetée (15). Le manchon intérieur comprend également un moyen d'assujettissement (6) pour le bloquer dans le manchon extérieur (5). La broche filetée (15) et le piston (12) forment ensemble des organes coopérants (11, 14) pour distribuer la matière applicable (4) qui se déplace axialement dans le sens longitudinal du récipient (1) par rotation de la broche filetée (15) qui s'engage dans un filetage interne (13) du piston (12) lorsque le manchon extérieur (5) et le manchon intérieur (3) se trouvent en position fixe l'un par rapport à l'autre. La broche filetée (15) est mise en rotation à l'aide d'un élément d'actionnement (21), notamment un écrou moleté (20) actionnable manuellement, disposé à l'extérieur du manchon extérieur (5). Dans une position dans laquelle elle traverse le piston (12), la broche filetée (15) est assujettie en rotation au manchon intérieur (3). La broche filetée (15) possède une partie de raccordement (17) qui dépasse notamment du manchon intérieur (3) et peut être accouplée de manière amovible et solidaire en rotation à une partie de raccordement correspondante (20) de l'élément d'actionnement (21). Le remplacement du manchon intérieur s'en trouve considérablement facilité.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


19
CLAIMS
1. A container (1) for applying a spreadable product (4),
comprising an inner tube (3) open at at least one end (2)
which contains the spreadable product (4), which is
removably mounted in an outer tube (5) and which comprises a
plunger (12) designed to be penetrated by a screwthreaded
spindle (15) and means (6) for securing the inner tube (3)
in the outer tube (5), the screwthreaded spindle (15) and
the plunger (12) forming cooperating means (11,14) for
applying the spreadable product (4) and the spreadable
product (4) being longitudinally displaceable inside the
container (1) with no change in the positions of the outer
and inner tubes (5;3) relative to one another through
rotation of the screwthreaded spindle (15), which engages
in a screwthread (13) formed within the plunger (12), by
means of an actuating element (21), arranged outside the
outer tube (5), characterized in that the screwthreaded
spindle (15) is rotatably fixed to the inner tube (3) in a
position in which it penetrates through the plunger (12)
and comprises a connecting part (17) which, in particular,
projects from the inner tube (3) and which is designed to be
releasably, but non-rotatably coupled to a corresponding
connecting part (20;30;22;41) of the actuating element
(21).
2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
spreadable product is an adhesive.
3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the
actuating element is a hand-operated knurled nut (20).
4. A container as claimed in claim 3, characterized in
that the inner tube (3) has a wall thickness of 0.1 to 1
mm.

20
5. A container as claimed in claim 3, characterized in
that the inner tube (3) has a wall thickness of 0.3 to 0.8
mm.
6. A container as claimed in claim 3, characterized in
that the connecting part (17) arranged on the inner tube
(3) projects from the inner tube (3) and has a cross-
sectional area variable longitudinally of the inner tube
(3) .
7. A container as claimed in claim 3, characterized in
that the fixing means (6) are formed by at least one
resiliently flexible lip (42) which is directed away from
the open end (6) and which in particular projects from the
inner tube (3) .
8. A container as claimed in claim 3, characterized in
that the plunger (12) comprises an inner part (34) with the
internal screwthread (13) for the screwthreaded spindle (15)
and an outer part (35) which is arranged circularly around
the inner part (34) and which is designed for displacement
relative thereto longitudinally of the inner tube (3) and
in that means (37,39) for limiting the longitudinal
displacement of the outer part (35) are provided on the
outer wall of the outer part (35) and the inner wall of the
inner tube (3) in the region of its open end.
9. A container as claimed in claim 3, characterized in
that the connecting parts of the inner tube (3) and the
actuating element (21) are designed to be non-rotatably
interconnected for axial displacement relative to one
another.
10. A container as claimed in claim 3, characterized by a
longitudinally displaceable pusher (43) which acts on the

21
inner tube (3) and which is guided outwards through the
actuating element (21).
11. A container as claimed in claim 6, characterized in
that the fixing means (6) are formed by at least one
resiliently flexible lip (42) which is directed away from
the open end (6) and which in particular projects from the
inner tube (3).
12. A container as claimed in claim 6, characterized in
that the plunger (12) comprises an inner part (34) with the
internal screwthread (13) for the screwthreaded spindle
(15) and an outer part (35) which is arranged circularly
around the inner part (34) and which is designed for
displacement relative thereto longitudinally of the inner
tube (3) and in that means (37,39) for limiting the
longitudinal displacement of the outer part (35) are
provided on the outer wall of the outer part (35) and the
inner wall of the inner tube (3) in the region of its open
end.
13. A container as claimed in claim 11, characterized in
that the connecting parts of the inner tube (3) and the
actuating element (21) are designed to be non-rotatably
interconnected for axial displacement relative to one
another.
14. A container as claimed in claim 6, characterized by a
longitudinally displaceable pusher (43) which acts on the
inner tube (3) and which is guided outwards through the
actuating element (21).
15. A container as claimed in claim 11, characterized in
that the plunger (12) comprises an inner part (34) with
the internal screwthread (13) for the screwthreaded spindle
(15) and an outer part (35) which is arranged circularly

22
around the inner part (34) and which is designed for
displacement relative thereto longitudinally of the inner
tube (3) and in that means (37,39) for limiting the
longitudinal displacement of the outer part (35) are
provided on the outer wall of the outer part (35) and the
inner wall of the inner tube (3) in the region of its open
end;
characterized in that the connecting parts of the
inner tube (3) and the actuating element (21) are designed
to be non-rotatably interconnected for axial displacement
relative to one another; and
characterized by a longitudinally displaceable pusher
(43) which acts on the inner tube (3) and which is guided
outwards through the actuating element (21).
16. A container as claimed in claim 11, characterized in
that the plunger (12) comprises an inner part (34) with
the internal screwthread (13) for the screwthreaded
spindle (15) and an outer part (35) which is arranged
circularly around the inner part (34) and which is
designed for displacement relative thereto longitudinally
of the inner tube (3) and in that means (37,39) for
limiting the longitudinal displacement of the outer part
(35) are provided on the outer wall of the outer part (35)
and the inner wall of the inner tube (3) in the region of
its open end.
17. A container as claimed in claim 16, characterized in
that the connecting parts of the inner tube (3) and the
actuating element (21) are designed to be non-rotatably
interconnected for axial displacement relative to one
another.
18. A container as claimed in claim 7, characterized in
that the plunger (12) comprises an inner part (34) with the
]

23
internal screwthread (13) for the screwthreaded spindle (15)
and an outer part (35) which is arranged circularly around
the inner part (34) and which is designed for displacement
relative thereto longitudinally of the inner tube (3) and
in that means (37,39) for limiting the longitudinal
displacement of the outer part (35) are provided on the
outer wall of the outer part (35) and the inner wall of the
inner tube (3) in the region of its open end.
19. A container as claimed in claim 18, characterized in
that the connecting parts of the inner tube (3) and the
actuating element (21) are designed to be non-rotatably
interconnected for axial displacement relative to one
another.
20. A container as claimed in claim 19, characterized by a
longitudinally displaceable pusher (43) which acts on the
inner tube (3) and which is guided outwards through the
actuating element (21).

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02188694 2005-06-28
:~ 1333 PCT / 10.1.1995
A refillable container for applying a spreadable product,
more particularly an adhesive compound
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a container for applying
a spreadable product, more particularly an adhesive,
comprising an inner tube open at at least one end which
contains the spreadable product, which is retnovably ,
mounted in an outer tube and which comprises a plunger
designed to be penetrated by a screwthreaded spindle and
means for securing the inner tube in the outer tube. The
screwthreaded spindle and the plunger form cooperating
means for applying the spreadable product. By rotation
of the screwthreaded spindle, which engages in a screw-
thread formed within the plunger, by means of an actu-
ating element arranged outside the outer tube, more
particularly a hand-operated knurled nut, the spreadable
product can be longitudinally displaced inside the
container with no change in the positions of the outer
and inner tubes relative to one another.
Background of the Invention
A refillable container in the form of a refill
cartridge for adhesive sticks is known from DE 91 16 581
A1. The reusable outer tube comprises a screwthreaded
spindle which rotates on rotation of a knurled nut ar-
ranged at the closed end of the container. The replace-
able part, i.e. the inner tube, comprises the plunger
with the internal screwthread in which the screwthreaded
spindle engages to displace the plunger towards the open
end of the tubular container opposite the knurled nut and
hence to push out the adhesive from the open end.
The known container is in the form of a refill
container for an adhesive stick intended for use on
paper. The following procedure is adopted to refill the
container. The knurled nut is rotated until it no longer
engages in the internal screwthread of the plunger. The
empty inner tube is then withdrawn from the outer tube

CA 02188694 1996-10-23
H 1333 PCT 2
together with the plunger. A new inner tube filled with
the adhesive and comprising a plunger with a central
screwthreaded bore is then introduced into the open end
of the outer tube until the upper end of 'the screwthread-
ed spindle fixedly connected to the outer tube comes into
contact with the internal screwthread of the plunger. By
turning the knurled nut, the screwthreaded spindle is
screwed into the internal screwthread of the plunger and
into the adhesive. At the same time, the inner tube
.l0 continues moving into the outer tube until it reaches its
final position in which nipples arranged on the inner
wall of the outer tube snap into correspondingly shaped
depressions in the outer wall of the inner tube. The
inner tube is thus fixed inside the outer tube so that
1.5 the inner tube cannot be longitudinally displaced or
rotated relative to the outer tube. To remove the
adhesive, the knurled nut is then rotated in the opposite
direction so that the plunger moves towards the open end
of the inner tube and pushes out the adhesive.
20 The disadvantage of the known container lies in the
time-consuming screwing movement involved. in the fitting
of a new refill cartridge. Accordingly, the user is
often not prepared to fit a new refill cartridge to the
empty container, instead the container as a whole is
25 discarded and a new complete container is used instead.
This means that the purpose of the known container,
namely to reduce waste, is often not fulfilled.
Accordingly, the problem addressed by the present
invention was considerably to simplify replacement of the
30 inner tube in a container of the type mentioned at the
beginning.
Summary of the Invention
According to the invention, the solution to this
problem is characterized in that the screwthreaded
spindle is rotatably fixed to the inner tube in a posi-
tion in which it penetrates through the plunger and

~,
,;
. . . ; 2188694
H 1333 PCT 3
comprises a connecting part which, in particular, pro-
jects from the inner tube and which is designed to be
releasably, but non-rotatably coupled to a corresponding
connecting part of the actuating element.
In contrast to the cited prior art, therefore, the
screwthreaded spindle is not part of the outer tube, but
rather part of the inner tube and, hence, the part to be
replaced. Accordingly, there is no need for any screwing
movement when the empty inner tube is replaced by a new
inner tube filled with the spreadable product. It is
sufficient - after removing the empty inner tube - to
introduce the new inner tube into the outer tube until
the connecting parts of the outer and inner tubes are
connected to one another.
This very simple and quick replacement of the inner
tube leads to a considerable reduction in the amount of
waste although the part to be replaced, i.e. the non-
reusable part, contains more material than in the prior
art. This is because, by virtue of the simplified
replacement of the inner tube, the user will no longer
discard the entire container - with the outer and inner
tubes - as a whole.
To reduce the amount of waste, the inner tube
advantageously has a thin wall. To this end, it is
proposed that the inner tube should have a wall thickness
of 0.1 to 1 mm and, more particularly, 0.3 to 0.8 mm.
This reduced wall thickness of the inner tube has the
further advantage that the useful space left in the inner
tube for filling with the spreadable product is particu
larly large.
The releasable non-rotatable connection of the inner
tube to the outer tube may assume various forms. In one
advantageous embodiment, the connecting part arranged on
the inner tube projects from the inner tube and has a
cross-sectional area variable longitudinally of the inner

~,
,.
~- H 13 3 3 PCT . 4
tube. These features can be found in the second embodi-
ment of the invention described hereinafter with refer-
ence to Figs. 3 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the fixing means are formed by at least one resiliently
flexible lip directed away from the open end. The lip
arranged on the inner tube, which may also be referred to
as a flap, is used for the releasable, non-rotatable
connection of the inner tube to the outer tube. A
corresponding embodiment is described in more detail
hereinafter with reference to Figs. 10 and 11 of the
accompanying drawings. Where several such lips projec-
ting from the inner tube are provided, they may act as
feet for the inner tube to stand on, thus facilitating
filling of the inner tube with the spreadable product by
the manufacturer.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the plunger comprises an inner part with the internal
screwthread for the screwthreaded spindle and an outer
part which is arranged circularly around the inner part
and which is designed for displacement relative thereto
longitudinally of the inner tube., In addition, means are
provided to limit the longitudinal displacement of the
outer part on the outer wall of the outer part and the
inner wall of the inner tube at the open end thereof.
When virtually all the spreadable product has been used
up, the outer part of the plunger comes into contact with
the limiting means on the inner wall of the inner tube.
On further rotation of the screwthreaded spindle, the
inner part of the plunger is pressed out beyond the edge
of the outer part so that even the final traces of the
spreadable product are forced out from the inner tube.
A corresponding embodiment is described in more detail
hereinafter with reference to Figs. 7 to 9.
In another embodiment of the invention, the connect-

CA 02188694 1996-10-23
H 1333 PCT 5
ing parts of the inner tube and the actuating element are
designed to be non-rotatably interconnected for axial
displacement relative to one another. One connecting
part may be formed, for example, by a square pin while
the other connecting part may be an opening with a
corresponding square cross-section.
Finally, another embodiment of the invention is
characterized by a longitudinally displaceable pusher
which acts on the inner tube and which is guided outwards
l0 through the actuating element. The pusher facilitates
removal of the empty inner tube. To this end, pressure
is applied to the outwardly projecting part of the pusher
so that the inner tube separates from the outer tube and
is moved towards the open end thereof. A corresponding
embodiment of the invention is described in detail
hereinafter with reference to Figs. to to 12.
Brief Description o~ the Drawings
Embodiments of the invention are described in detail
in the following with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view, partly in section,
of a first embodiment of the container.
Figure 2 is a perspective view, partly in section,
in the direction of arrow II in Fig. 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view, partly in section,
of a second embodiment of the container.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the outer tube and
inner tube of the container shown in Fig. 3 before they
are fitted together.
Figure 5 is a partly broken view in the direction of
arrow V in Fig. 3.
Figure 6 is a partly broken view of a third embodi-
ment.
Figure 7 is a section on line VII--VII in Fig. 6.
Figure 8 is a view of the plunger shown in Fig. ? in
its first end position.

CA 02188694 1996-10-23
H 1333 PCT 6
Figure 9 is a view of the plunger corresponding to
Fig. 8 in its second end position.
Figures l0 and 11 are longitudinal sections through
a fourth embodiment before and after assembly.
Figure 12 is a partly broken perspective view in the
direction of arrow XII in Fig. 11.
In the Figures, the same elements have been denoted
by the same reference numerals.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The container globally denoted by tyre reference 1 in
the drawing comprises an inner tube 3 - open at one end
2 - with a spreadable product 4, more particularly an
adhesive, and an outer tube 5 which at least partly
surrounds the inner tube 3.
The inner tube 3 is fixed in the outer tube 5 by
fixing means E arranged therein which, in the assembled
state of the container 1, cooperate with holding means 7
of the outer tube 5. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1
and 2, the fixing means 6 consist of keyhole-like aper-
tures 9 in the lower edge of the inner tube wall 8 while
the holding means 7 consist of pins 10 on the inner wall
of the outer tube 5. The pins 10 and the apertures 9
fol_~-m a releasable snap-action fastening when the inner
tube 3 is fully inserted into the outer tube 5.
Arranged in the inner tube 3 are axially displace-
able means 11 for the measured application of the product
4. These means 11 are in the form of a plunger 12 which
fits narrowly into the inner tube 3 and which is designed
to slide axially along the inner wall of the inner tube
3, being formed with a central screwthreaded bore 13.
In addition, the inner tube 3 serving as a refill
container comprises drive means 14 connected to the means
11. In the illustrated embodiments, the drive means 14
are formed by a screwthreaded spindle 15 which is mounted
for rotation about its longitudinal axis in the bottom 16
of the inner tube :3 . The dr_ ive means 14 or rather the

v 1
v
H 1333 PCT 7
screwthreaded spindle 15 comprises a connecting part 17
which projects from the bottom 16 of the inner tube and
which can be reached from the outside of the inner tube
3. The connecting part 17 has at least one corner edge
on its circumference parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the screwthreaded spindle 15. In the embodiment shown in
Figs. 1 and 2, the connecting part 17 is in the form of
a rod-like square.
The outer tube 5 consists of a housing 18 which
surrounds the inner tube 3. An actuating element 21
which cooperates with the connecting part 17 of the inner
tube 3 or rather the screwthreaded spindle 15 is mounted
for rotation in the bottom 19 of the outer tube 5 in an
opening formed coaxially of the screwthreaded spindle 15.
The actuating element 21 is a hand-operated knurled nut
20. The wall thickness of the housing 18 is selected so
that it is far more rigid than the wall 8 of the inner
tube 3 serving as refill container. Accordingly, the
housing 18 is able to absorb the actuating forces applied
to the container 1.
In the middle of its side facing the outer tube 5
and the inner tube 3, the hand-operated knurled nut 20
comprises a raised connecting part which is coaxial with
the screwthreaded spindle 15 and which is formed with an
aperture 22 complementary to the connecting part 17 of
the inner tube 3 or rather the screwthreaded spindle 15.
The connecting part of the knurled nut 20 is guided
through the opening in the bottom 19 of the outer tube 5
and engages behind the bottom 19 on the inside of the
tube, so that the hand-operated knurled nut 20 is rota-
tably fixed to the bottom l9. When the inner tube 3 has
been inserted into the outer tube 5, the connecting part
17 of the screwthreaded spindle 15 engages in the aper-
ture 22 or rather in the opening of the connecting part
of the knurled nut 20 so that the screwthreaded spindle

2188694
H 13 3 3 PCT g
15 is, or can be, coupled in this way to the knurled nut
20. A geometric design of the aperture 22 and the con-
necting part 17 which prevents the connecting part 17
from slipping in the aperture 22 on rotation of the
knurled nut 20 guarantees that, when the knurled nut 20
is rotated, the screwthreaded spindle 15 rotates so that
the plunger 12 is moved towards the open end 2 of the
inner tube 3. The inner tube 3 is fixed to the outer
tube by the fixing means 6 and 7 so that the inner and
outer tubes do not move relative to one another when the
knurled nut 20 is rotated. Only the plunger 12 is moved
relative to the tubes 3 and 5. The plunger is moved up
or down in the inner tube 3, depending on the direction
of rotation of the knurled nut 20. The spreadable
product is moved by the plunger and, when the knurled nut
is correspondingly actuated, emerges from the con-
tainer 1 in measured amounts.
To protect the spreadable product from drying out,
a closure cap 23 is designed to be fitted onto the outer
20 tube 5. The closure cap 23 comprises fixing means 24
(see Figs. 7 and 11) which are formed internally on the
wall of the closure cap and which, when the closure cap
23 is fitted onto the outer tube 5, form a snap-action
coupling with complementary fixing means 25 formed on the
outer tube 5.
The use of the first embodiment of the container
according to the invention is described in the following.
The container 5 supplied to a consumer normally has an
inner tube 3 filled with the spreadable product 4. After
removal of the closure cap 23, the spreadable product 4
can be removed by the user turning the knurled nut 20
relative to the container 1 so that the plunger 12 forces
the spreadable product out of the container 1 so that the
spreadable product 4, for example adhesive, lip cream or
the like, can be applied to a surface to be treated.

21$864
H 1333 PCT g
When the spreadable product 4 has been used up, i.e.
when the inner tube 3 is empty, The inner tube 3 may
simply be removed from the container 1 or rather the
outer tube 5 by withdrawal therefrom. The snap-action
connection formed by the pins 10 and the keyhole-like
openings 9 is designed in such a way that the inner tube
3 can be removed relatively simply from the outer tube 5.
The part to be replaced consists of the inner tube 3, the
plunger 12, the screwthreaded spindle 15 and the connect-
ing part 17. After removal of the inner tube 3 with the
parts connected thereto, a refill container in the form
of a new inner tube 3 may be inserted into the container
1 or rather into the outer tube 5 and snap-fixed therein
so that the container 1 is ready to be reused.
The relatively.simple replacement of the inner tube
3, which takes very little time, facilitates the use of
the container 1 with the inner tubes 3 as a refill
container. The repeated use of the container 1 consist-
ing of the outer tube 5 and the hand-operated knurled nut
20 reduces the consumption of raw materials and the
amount of waste ensuing therefrom. In order further to
reduce the material of the replacement part, the inner
tube 3 intended as a refill container is made with very
thin walls, i.e. it has wall thicknesses of 0.1 to 1 mm
and preferably 0.3 to 0.8 mm. The screwthreaded spindle
15 can also be made relatively thin so that the amount of
material involved in the refill container 3 is relatively
small.
The small dimensions of the wall 8 of the inner tube
3 and the screwthreaded spindle 15 have the further
advantage that the useful space left in the inner tube 3
or rather the outer tube 5 for filling with the spread
able product 4 is particularly large.
' Because the user is more incl fined to use the con-
tainer 1 several times because it is easier to refill

'- H 1333 PCT 10
than in the case of the refill system described in the
preamble to the present specification, the overall
consumption of material is reduced in relation to the
known refill system although the screwthreaded spindle is
also replaced in the refill system according to the
invention.
In the second embodiment of the container shown in
Figs. 3 to 5, the fixing means 6 and the connecting part
17 of the inner tube 3 are integral, i.e. form a single
element. The connecting part 17 varies in its cross-
section longitudinally of the screwthreaded spindle 15
with a constricted part 26 and an adjoining knob 27. The
aperture 22 is complementary in shape to the connecting
part 17. In the vicinity of the opening 28, the aperture
22 is provided with an undercut-like constriction which
engages in the region 26 of the connecting part 17. In
the case of the connecting part formed on the knurled nut
20, this constriction is formed by mutually opposite,
elastically movable lips 30.
In this embodiment, the inner tube 3 is secured in
the outer tube 5 by pushing the inner tube 3 into the
housing 18 of the outer tube 5 until the connecting part
17 snaps into the aperture 22 of the connecting part of
the knurled nut 20. The inner tube 3 is thus fixed in
the outer tube 5 by the elastically movable lips 30 en-
gaging firmly behind the knob 27 of the connecting part
17.
To stop the inner tube 3 from rotating inside the
outer tube 5, the inner tube 3 is provided with a number
of longitudinal ribs 29 which cooperate with cams or
fillets (not shown) arranged on the inside of the outer
tube 5. These elements, which are shown in Fig. 4, are
also present in the embodiment shown in Figs . 1 and 2 .
In addition, the inner tube 3 is provided with a closure
cap 23a in Fig. 4. The unit consisting of the inner tube

..
188694
'~- H 13 3 3 PCT 11
3 and the closure cap 23a may readily be marketed as a
refill unit separately from the container consisting of
the outer tube 5 with the knurled nut 20.
It can also be seen from Fig. 4 that the wall 8 of
the inner tube 3 extends beyond the connecting part . 17
projecting from the base 16, so that the inner tube 3 can
be placed in a very stable upright position. Filling of
the inner tube 3 with the spreadable product 4 during the
production process is considerably simplified in this
l0 way.
Figs. 6 to 9 show a third embodiment of the contain-
er 1 in which the wall 18 of the outer tube 5 has open-
ings 31. The filling level of the inner tube 3 can be
seen through the openings 31 when the inner tube 3 is
made of a transparent plastic.
In addition, the outer tube 5 differs from the
preceding embodiments in that it is open on two sides.
The dimensions of the outlet opening 32 are smaller than
the diameter of the inner tube 3, so that a feed opening
is formed in the side opposite the outlet opening 32 for
the insertion of the inner tube 3 into the outer tube 5.
In this embodiment, therefore, the actuating element 21
or rather the knurled nut is removably arranged on the
outer tube 5. The fixing means 6 and the holding means
7 of the inner tube 3 and the outer tube 5 assume the
form of a bead and groove or interengaging ribs.
The inner tube 3 is pushed downwards into the outer
tube 5 until the fixing means 6 and the holding means 7
snap into one another. The knurled nut 20 or rather the
actuating element 21, which comprises the aperture 22
cooperating with the connecting part 17, is then pushed
onto the connecting part 17 so that the container 1 is
ready for use.
To remove the inner tube 3 from the outer tube 5,
the knurled nut 20 is removed from the connecting part 17

1
~ 18$94
H 1333 PCT 12
and the interlocking connection between the fixing means
6 and the holding means 7 is released by gently compres
sing the wall 18 of the outer tube 5 parallel to the
fixing means so that the inner tube 3 can be removed from
the outer tube 5.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9, the
plunger 12 is formed by two separable parts 34 and 35
arranged concentrically to one another. The inner part
34 has an opening 13 with an internal screwthread and, in
its starting position, is held fast behind an inwardly
projecting edge 36 of the outer part 35.
In this position of the two parts 34 and 35 relative
to one another, the plunger 12 is moved into the end
position shown in Fig. 8. Towards its open end 2, the
inner tube 3 comprises means 37 for limiting the dis-
placement of the plunger 12 beyond the position shown in
Fig. 8. The means 37 are formed by an encircling bead
arranged on the inside of the upper, outer edge of the
inner tube 3. When the spreadable product 4 has been
used up apart from the residue shown in Fig. 8, the edge
38 of the outer part 35 of the plunger 12 comes into
contact with the limiting means 37 of the inner tube 3.
If, now, the knurled nut 20 and hence the screw
threaded spindle 15 are further actuated, the inner part
34 of the plunger 12 is pushed out beyond the edge 36 of
the outer part 35, so that the last remains of the
spreadable product 4 are also forced out from the plunger
12. The outer part 35 is provided on its upper side with
means 39 for limiting the movement of the inner part 34
in the form of an inwardly projecting bead. The inner
part 34 is provided with an aperture 40 or a peripherally
encircling groove which cooperates with this bead. On
reaching its end position shown in Fig. 9, the inner part
34 forms a flat upper surface with the outer part 35 of
the plunger 12, so that the plunger 12 is completely

H 1333 PCT 13
freed from spreadable product 4.
The illustrated means 37 for limiting the movement
of the plunger 12 may of course also be provided in the
first and second embodiments of the invention. In this
case, the effect of further actuation of the screwthread-
ed spindle 15 - when the plunger has reached the end
position shown in Fig. 9 - is that the inner tube 3 is
pushed out from the outer tube 5 by release of the snap-
action connection with the outer tube 5 and the knurled
nut 20. The limiting means 39 of the plunger 12 consist-
ing of the parts 34 and 35 also have a similar effect
where they are present in a container corresponding to
the first or second embodiment.
Each of the illustrated embodiments described in the
foregoing shows a projecting connecting part 17 of the
drive means 14 and a receiving aperture 22 of the actu
ating element 20. The connecting part 17 of the drive
means 14 may of course also be provided with an aperture,
i.e. may serve as the receiving part, while a correspond
ingly shaped connecting part engaging positively in the
connecting part 17 of the inner tube 3 is provided on the
upper surface of the actuating element 21 or rather the
knurled nut 20.
One such embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 10 to 12
as a fourth embodiment of the invention. The projecting
connecting part 41 of the knurled nut 20 engages posi
tively in the connecting part 17 of the screwthreaded
spindle 15.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 10 to 12, the
projecting connecting part 41 of the knurled nut 20 has
a star-like cross-section with a plurality of ribs 56
while the connecting part 17 has a corresponding star
like aperture. In this fourth embodiment, a few flexible
lips 42 arranged on the underneath of the inner tube 3
are provided as fixing means 6. The lips 42 are uniform-

,., ,' ~ :. 218869
y. H 13 3 3 PCT 14
ly distributed over the periphery of the lower edge of
the inner tube 3, beyond which they slightly project.
The inner tube 3 is thus able to stand vertically on the
lips 42 while it is being filled with spreadable product
4. The lips 42 are provided with projections 45 which,
when the inner tube 3 is inserted in the outer tube 5,
flexibly engage and encircling fillet 44 formed internal-
ly on the inner wall of the outer tube 5 at the lower end
thereof to form a snap-action connection.
The outer tube 5, which is connected to the knurled
nut 20 by means of the connecting part 41 through a hole
in its base 19, further comprises an ejector element 43
guided for longitudinal displacement in an opening 50 of
the knurled nut 20. The ejector element 43 consists of
a push button 46, a number of elastic arms 47 arranged
peripherally on the push button 46 and a pusher element
49. The push button 46 and the arms 47 are accommodated
for longitudinal displacement in an inner space 57 of the
knurled nut 20. The pusher element 49 extends through
the opening 50 of the knurled nut 20 and through the
projecting connecting part 41.
At its lower end adjoining the space of the connect-
ing means 17 accommodating the connecting part 41, the
screwthreaded spindle 15 comprises a space 51 which
accommodates the pressure element 49. The space 51 is
provided at its end with an encircling shoulder 53,
against which the end 52 of the pressure element 49
strikes, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11.
When the inner tube 3 is inserted into the outer
tube 5, the shoulder 53 comes into contact with the end
face 52 of the pusher element so that, after the inner
tube 3 has been fully inserted into its end position
inside the outer tube 5, the ejector element 43 is
brought into the starting position shown in Fig. 11.
Just before the lips 42 of the inner tube 3 engage behind

~~$$~9~
H 1333 PCT 15
the fillet 44 of the outer tube 5, the arms 47 of the
ejector element 43 come into contact with an encircling
fillet 48 formed on the inside of the inner space 57 of
the knurled nut 20. The inner tube 3 is moved into the
outer tube 5 until the lips 42 engage with their projec-
tions 45 behind the fillet or the bead 44, so that the
arms 47 of the ejector element 43, which bear against the
fillet 48, are easily deflected so that a pressure is
applied to the shoulder 53 of the screwthreaded spindle
15 via the end face 52 of the pressure element 49. The
inner tube 3 is thus held under bias in the outer tube 5
so that, despite production inaccuracies, the inner tube
3 and the outer tube 5 are unable to move relative to one
another in the event of shaking of the container 1.
In order to enable the hand-operated knurled nut 20
to rotate satisfactorily relative to the housing 18 or
rather the outer tube 5 under the conditions of this
bias, a bearing or slip ring 54 is provided between the
knurled nut 20 and the bottom 19 of the outer tube 5.
This bearing or slip ring 54 is radially fixed by means
of an annular bead 55 projecting from the base 19 of the
housing 18.
When the spreadable product 4 accommodated in the
inner tube 3 has been used up, the plunger 12 is posi
tinned at the upper edge-of the inner tube 3 at its open
end 2. If pressure is applied to the push button 46 in
this position, the screwthreaded spindle 15 mounted in
the base 16 of the inner tube 3 is pushed towards the
open end 2, the lips 42 being released from their snap-
action connection and the inner tube 3 projecting slight-
ly from the outer tube 5. The inner tube 3 is now easy
to grip and withdraw from the outer tube 5. The outer
tube 5 can then be refilled by insertion of a new inner
tube 3.
In all the embodiments illustrated, the inner tube

21886'~~4
H 1333 PCT 16
3 has a wall 8 which extends over the entire axial length
of the spreadable product 4. In another possible embodi-
ment, however, the inner tube 3 merely has a base 16 and
walls extending over a short length or height therefrom.
The height or rather depth of the inner tube 3 need be.no
greater than the plunger 12 accommodated therein so that
the molded stick of spreadable product extending over the
length of the outer tube 5 is sufficiently anchored and
supported during its upward and downward movements in the
container 1.

218~~9~
H 1333 PCT 17
List of Reference Numerals
1 Container
2 Side
3 Inner tube
4 Spreadable product
Outer tube
6 Fixing means
7 Holding means
8 Inner tube wall
9 apertures
Pins
11 Means
12 Plunger
13 Opening, internal screwthread
14 Drive means
Screwthreaded spindle
16 Bottom of inner tube
17 Connecting part
18 Housing
19 Base of outer tube
Knurled nut
21 Actuating means
22 Aperture
23 Closure cap
23a Closure cap
24 Fixing means
Fixing means
26 Constricted part
27 Knob
28 Opening
29 Longitudinal ribs
Lips
31 Opening
32 Outlet opening
33 Feed opening

,; - ~ 21 X8694
H 1333 PCT lg
34 Parts of plunger (inner part)
35 Parts of plunger (outer part)
36 Edge
37 Means
38 Edge
39 Means
40 Aperture
41 Connecting part
42 Lips
43 Ejector element
44 Fillet
45 Projection
46 Push button
47 Arm
48 Fillet
49 Pusher element
51 Space
52 End face
53 Stop shoulder
54 Bearing or slip ring
55 Bead
57 Inner space

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

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Event History

Description Date
Time Limit for Reversal Expired 2008-04-18
Letter Sent 2007-04-18
Inactive: IPC from MCD 2006-03-12
Inactive: IPC from MCD 2006-03-12
Grant by Issuance 2005-11-29
Inactive: Cover page published 2005-11-28
Pre-grant 2005-09-13
Inactive: Final fee received 2005-09-13
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2005-07-26
Letter Sent 2005-07-26
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2005-07-26
Inactive: Received pages at allowance 2005-06-28
Inactive: Office letter 2005-06-16
Inactive: IPC assigned 2005-05-24
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2005-05-24
Inactive: IPC removed 2005-05-24
Inactive: Approved for allowance (AFA) 2005-04-26
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2005-03-07
Inactive: S.30(2) Rules - Examiner requisition 2004-09-07
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2002-12-10
Inactive: Agents merged 2002-06-25
Inactive: Application prosecuted on TS as of Log entry date 2002-05-02
Letter Sent 2002-05-02
Inactive: Status info is complete as of Log entry date 2002-05-02
All Requirements for Examination Determined Compliant 2002-04-03
Request for Examination Requirements Determined Compliant 2002-04-03
Inactive: Office letter 2001-08-01
Revocation of Agent Requirements Determined Compliant 2001-08-01
Appointment of Agent Requirements Determined Compliant 2001-08-01
Inactive: Office letter 2001-08-01
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 1996-10-23
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 1995-11-02

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2005-03-16

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
MF (application, 3rd anniv.) - standard 03 1998-04-20 1998-04-02
MF (application, 4th anniv.) - standard 04 1999-04-19 1999-03-16
MF (application, 5th anniv.) - standard 05 2000-04-18 2000-03-15
MF (application, 6th anniv.) - standard 06 2001-04-18 2001-03-15
MF (application, 7th anniv.) - standard 07 2002-04-18 2002-04-02
Request for examination - standard 2002-04-03
MF (application, 8th anniv.) - standard 08 2003-04-18 2003-03-24
MF (application, 9th anniv.) - standard 09 2004-04-19 2004-03-23
MF (application, 10th anniv.) - standard 10 2005-04-18 2005-03-16
Final fee - standard 2005-09-13
MF (patent, 11th anniv.) - standard 2006-04-18 2006-03-27
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
HENKEL RAYCAP PRODUKTIE B.V.
HENKEL KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT AUF AKTIEN
Past Owners on Record
JOACHIM FRANKEN
JOHANNES HUBERTUS JOZEF MARIA KELDERS
MARIE-CLAUDE BOSSERT
ROY EDWIN VAN SWIETEN
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Representative drawing 1999-06-10 1 19
Description 1995-04-18 18 758
Claims 1995-04-18 2 81
Drawings 1995-04-18 7 265
Cover Page 1995-04-18 1 23
Abstract 1995-04-18 1 38
Abstract 1996-10-23 1 35
Description 1996-10-23 18 784
Claims 1996-10-23 5 271
Claims 2005-03-07 5 165
Representative drawing 2005-04-28 1 17
Description 2005-06-28 18 777
Cover Page 2005-11-03 2 68
Reminder - Request for Examination 2001-12-19 1 119
Acknowledgement of Request for Examination 2002-05-02 1 179
Commissioner's Notice - Application Found Allowable 2005-07-26 1 161
Maintenance Fee Notice 2007-05-30 1 173
Correspondence 2001-08-01 1 15
Correspondence 2001-08-01 1 19
PCT 1996-10-23 44 2,066
Correspondence 1996-11-26 6 208
Correspondence 2005-06-16 1 24
Correspondence 2005-06-28 2 76
Correspondence 2005-09-13 1 38
Fees 1996-10-23 1 39