CN111247072A

CN111247072A - Consumer products

Info

Publication number: CN111247072A
Application number: CN201880068876.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 文森特·休伯特·莫尼克·得维尔德; 马里恩·米歇尔·玛丽-皮埃尔·迪布勒伊兰博德; 克莱拉·索菲·利·额帕克莱昂; 西蒙尼·帕洛托; 蒂埃里·克里斯蒂安·弗朗西斯·达格内列; 马西米利亚诺·卡洛马尼奥
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2017-11-08
Filing date: 2018-11-07
Publication date: 2020-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-07
Also published as: WO2019094406A1; EP3483087A1; JP2021500278A; JP6882605B2; EP3483087B1; CN111247072B; ES2849527T3; PL3483087T3

Abstract

A package for a water-soluble unit dose article (3) and a package comprising a water-soluble unit dose article (3) are disclosed.

Description

Consumer products

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a package for water-soluble unit dose articles and a package comprising water-soluble unit dose articles.

Background

Water-soluble unit dose articles are preferred by consumers because they can be used conveniently and efficiently in laundering operations. Such articles comprise a water-soluble film defining at least one interior compartment, wherein the compartment contains a detergent composition.

Water-soluble unit dose articles are typically sold to consumers in containers with closures. The purpose of the closure is to minimize moisture ingress into the container which could affect the physical stability of the inner water-soluble unit dose article. Such intrusion is particularly problematic in high humidity environments, such as those present near washing operations (such as laundry or dishwashing). Closure of the closure is also intended to reduce spillage or removal of product from the container when it is not intended or otherwise desired, for example if the container is to be dropped or inverted or tipped over on its side. Thus, such containers are manufactured with locking means to ensure that the closure remains closed when not in use.

Furthermore, when the closure of the container is closed, the locking means serves to hinder a child (a child under 5 years of age) from being able to access the contents of the container and subsequently being exposed to the water-soluble unit dose article.

Traditionally, such containers are manufactured such that the locking means is located on the front outer surface of the container. These types of locking means comprise a portion on the closure and a portion on the container wall and the closure member is released from the wall member by a user pushing or pulling the closure member towards or away from them. However, one potential problem with the positioning of such locking devices is that there may be a tendency for them to be damaged during transport, particularly if the packages are not packaged for transport in a manner that specifically reduces damage. Such damage is caused by adjacent containers hitting each other or rubbing against each other, resulting in damage to the locking means on the outer surface of the tub.

In an attempt to overcome these problems, manufacturers have relocated the wall members of the lock to the top of the container wall in order to make the corresponding closure member remain in the closure. This repositioning of the locking device is still intuitive for adults on how to operate it, however reducing the number of instances of damage during manufacture, transport and storage. Furthermore, repositioning the locking device in this manner makes it even more difficult for a child to position the locking device on the container.

However, it has been found that such locking means may be difficult for a consumer to disengage, as they require the wall member to be pushed away from the user while lifting the closure. This can result in the container being simply pushed away from the consumer rather than being locked out and/or the consumer finding the entire operation awkward or uncomfortable for the fingers and hands.

US20150315532 discloses a container with a closure that can be opened in a user-friendly manner. The container has two closure members, wherein a first closure member is openable by direct application of force to the respective frame portion and a second closure member is openable by direct application of force to the respective cover portion.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a container comprising a water-soluble unit dose article, wherein the container comprises a locking means which effectively holds the closure closed when not in use and which does not suffer the damage associated with a locking means attached to the front of the container, while maintaining the comfort and intuitiveness of consumer handling. Furthermore, when the closure is closed, the container should also hinder access to the contents of the container by a child.

It has surprisingly been found that the container according to the invention overcomes this problem. Without being bound by theory, the locking means of the container of the present invention requires the user to operate a "pinching motion" to disengage the locking means. This movement is more comfortable and intuitive for the human hand and also allows the consumer to lift the closure at the same time. The locking means is also effective to keep the closure closed when not in use.

Furthermore, the efficiency of manufacturing containers comprising water-soluble unit dose articles may be improved, as the number of instances of the closure member that are damaged during manufacture is reduced.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the present invention is a consumer product (1) comprising a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit dose article (3) contained therein;

wherein the container (2) comprises:

-a base (4),

-an opening located opposite to the base (4); and

-at least one wall (7) extending perpendicularly from the base (4) to the opening, wherein the at least one wall (7) terminates in an upper edge (8) of the at least one wall (7), and wherein the wall (7) comprises an inner surface (9) and an outer surface (10); and is

-wherein the base (4) and the at least one wall (7) define an internal compartment (11), wherein the internal compartment is accessible from the opening;

-a cover (12) movable from an open position to a closed position via at least one hinge (13) and wherein when in the closed position the cover covers the opening (6),

wherein the container (2) comprises at least one locking device, wherein the locking device comprises a closure part (14) and a wall part (15),

wherein the wall part (15) comprises a support member (16) extending from the upper edge (8) of the at least one wall (7) or the inner surface (9) of the at least one wall (7), and a hook member (17); and is

Wherein the hook member (17) engages the closure part (14) when the closure (12) is in the closed position, such that application of force to the hook member (17) alone will disengage the wall member (15) from the closure part (14); and is

Wherein the hook means (17) extends from the support means (16) towards the interior of the container, such that disengaging the wall part (15) from the closure part (14) requires a force to be applied to the hook means (17), wherein the force is applied in a direction towards the inner wall (9).

Drawings

Fig. 1 discloses a consumer product according to the present invention comprising a container and at least one water-soluble unit dose article contained therein.

Fig. 2 discloses a cross-sectional view of a wall part comprising a support member directly attached to an inner surface of at least one wall.

Fig. 3 discloses a cross-sectional view, wherein the wall part comprises a support member attached to an upper edge of the at least one wall.

Fig. 4 discloses a cross-sectional view, wherein the wall part comprises a support member attached to an inner surface of the at least one wall via a horizontal connecting member.

Fig. 5 discloses a cross-sectional view, wherein the wall part comprises a support member attached to an inner surface of the at least one wall via a horizontal connecting member.

Fig. 6 discloses a cross-sectional view with the cover in a closed position. The wall member engages the cover member and the cover is locked in place.

Fig. 7 discloses a cross-sectional view, wherein a force is applied to the hook member in a direction towards the inner wall, releasing the closure member from the wall member allowing the closure to move radially away from the opening.

Fig. 8 discloses an exploded view of the container, wherein the at least one wall comprises two sections, a lower section connected to the base, and an upper section. The upper edge is positioned on the upper section and the wall member is attached to the upper section.

Fig. 9 discloses a top view of a container having a footprint defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container and the at least one locking device does not extend beyond the footprint of the container.

Fig. 10 discloses a top view of a container having a footprint defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container and the at least one locking device extends beyond the footprint of the container.

Fig. 11 discloses a closure comprising a groove surrounded by an outer ridge and wherein the closure member is comprised within the outer ridge.

Fig. 12 discloses a consumer product wherein at least one wall of the container comprises two sections, an upper section and a lower section. The container includes a lip.

Fig. 13 discloses a cross-sectional view of a container comprising a first wall and a second wall, wherein a hinge is connected to the second wall, and wherein the first wall is positioned opposite the second wall, and wherein the first wall comprises at least one locking means, preferably at least two locking means.

Fig. 14 is a schematic view showing the movement of the wall members during engagement of the closure member with the wall members.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a container showing a base with raised regions.

Fig. 16 is the same as fig. 12, however at least one of the sides is curved.

Fig. 17 discloses a container wherein the closure is closed and wherein the reaction force area is visible on the closure.

Fig. 18 discloses a wall part wherein the hook member has a first axis and a second axis.

Fig. 19 discloses a water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention.

Fig. 20 discloses a wall part according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Consumer products

The present invention relates to a consumer product comprising a container and at least one water-soluble unit dose article.

The at least one water-soluble unit dose article is contained within the container. The container and the water-soluble unit dose article are described in more detail below.

The consumer product may be sold as is, in other words the consumer product is an item that the consumer picks out of the shelf. Alternatively, the consumer product may be contained as one unit of a multi-component product. For example, more than one consumer product may be contained within the outer package and multiple packaged consumer products sold together in a single purchase.

The consumer product may include an aesthetic element, such as a shrink sleeve or label attached to the container. Alternatively, the container may be colored or printed with aesthetic elements or informational printing, such as instructions for use.

Container with a lid

The consumer product comprises a container. The container needs to be able to contain at least one water-soluble unit dose article. The container may be of any suitable size depending on the number of water-soluble unit dose articles contained within the container.

The container may have any suitable shape. The container may have a generally straight shape, e.g. with straight sides, or may have a curved shape or may comprise both straight and curved elements. The container may include a flat surface as well as contain embossing or other structural elements, such as surfaces designed to improve grip or structural integrity.

Preferably, the container has a rectangular shape when viewed from top to bottom. The rectangular shape has a length to width ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2.5:1 when viewed from the bottom.

The container may have a measured length of between 100mm and 300mm, preferably between 140mm and 260 mm. The container may have a measured width of between 60mm and 140mm, preferably between 65mm and 115 mm.

The container may have any suitable shape. One skilled in the art will recognize suitable shapes. The container may have a cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, or a mixture thereof. While the container may have an overall linear shape, such as a rectangle, it may also include curved walls. For example, the container may have a rectangular shape when viewed from above the container, however, it may comprise a convexly curved wall that curves from the top of the container to the bottom of the container when viewed from the front.

The container may be made of any suitable material. The container may be made of natural materials, synthetic materials or mixtures thereof, preferably synthetic materials, more preferably plastics.

The container may be made of a plastic material, a metal material, a paper material, or a mixture thereof. The container may be made of a material that includes recycled material.

The container may be made of a plastic material, preferably a polyolefin material. The container may be made of polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polyamide, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the container may be made of polypropylene, polystyrene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof.

The plastic material may have a tensile modulus in the range 1250MPa to 3000MPa, preferably between 1300MPa and 2300 MPa. One skilled in the art will know how to measure tensile modulus using techniques commonly known in the art.

The container may be made of a metallic material, wherein the metallic material is preferably selected from aluminium, steel or a mixture thereof.

The container may be made of a paper material, wherein the paper material is preferably selected from cardboard, laminate, cellulose pulp material or mixtures thereof.

The material used to make the container may contain other ingredients such as colorants, preservatives, plasticizers, UV stabilizers, oxygen, fragrances, recycled materials, and moisture barriers or mixtures thereof. The container may include an outer or inner printed area.

The container may be manufactured using any suitable method.

Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, thermoforming, injection molding, injection stretch blow molding, extrusion blow molding or mixtures thereof, preferably thermoforming or injection molding or mixtures thereof.

Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, forming from flat laminate tubes, extruding tubes, folding, or mixtures thereof using a welding step.

The container may be opaque, translucent or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the container is opaque.

The container includes a base. When at rest, the base is located on the underside of the container as it rests on a surface. The base may be substantially flat, i.e. not comprise a region that is substantially raised relative to other regions. Alternatively, the base may include a raised region. This has the benefit of forming a reservoir within the container that can trap any leaked detergent composition from the ruptured unit dose article. This has the advantage of minimising undesirable contact between the unbroken unit dose article and the leaking composition.

The container includes an opening positioned opposite the base. At least one wall extends perpendicularly from the base to the opening. In this case by perpendicular we mean herein substantially perpendicular. In other words, the wall does not extend from the base at an angle of exactly 90 °, but there may be variations on either side of exactly 90 °. Those skilled in the art will understand what relevant variations may exist. The wall may extend from the base at an angle of between 75 ° and 105 °, preferably between 80 ° and 100 °, more preferably between 85 ° and 95 ° relative to the base. Preferably, the container comprises at least 2 walls, preferably at least 3 walls, most preferably at least 4 walls, extending between the base and the opening. Preferably, the container comprises 4 walls, such that the container has an overall square or rectangular shape.

At least one wall terminates in an upper edge of the at least one wall. The upper edge is understood to be at least the top of the wall. The upper edge is preferably horizontal so that it is parallel to the base. However, the upper edge need not be completely horizontal, for example, it may have a raised area or extend in a substantially diagonal direction.

The width of the upper surface may correspond to the thickness of the at least one wall. However, the upper surface may be thinner or thicker than the at least one wall. The upper surface may comprise different thicknesses within the same container. The thickness of the upper surface of one wall may be different from the thickness of the upper surface of another wall on the same container.

The thickness of the upper surface may be between 1mm and 8mm, preferably between 2mm and 6 mm.

In practice, the at least one wall may comprise at least two sections. The two sections may differ in height, thickness, or both. The width of the upper edge may correspond to the thickness of a section of the at least one wall.

The at least two sections are joined together via a mechanical connection, via an adhesive, or a combination thereof. The mechanical connection may comprise a simple hook on one or both sections. Preferably, the at least two sections are joined together by using both a mechanical connection and an adhesive. By adhesive we mean hot melt adhesives, reactive hot melt adhesives, thermosetting adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, contact adhesives. Preferably, the adhesive is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive. Preferably, the hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive is suitable for tackification and bonding to a range of materials including one or more of the materials described above. Preferably, the at least one wall comprises a lower section and an upper section. The lower section is raised from the base. The upper section is then joined to the lower section, preferably via an adhesive, and includes an upper edge. Alternatively, the at least two sections may be arranged vertically such that the two sections rise from the base adjacent to each other.

The at least one wall may be made of a rigid material, a flexible material, or a mixture thereof. The base may be made of a rigid material, a flexible material, or a mixture thereof. The at least one wall may comprise an upper section and a lower section, wherein the upper section is made of a rigid material and the lower section is made of a flexible material, and preferably wherein the base is made of a flexible material.

The at least one wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is in contact with the exterior environment of the container, while the inner wall is in contact with the interior environment of the container.

The base and the at least one wall define an interior compartment. The inner surface of the at least one wall is in contact with the environment of the interior compartment.

The interior compartment is accessible from the opening. The container may comprise more than one internal compartment. The container may comprise at least one compartment, or at least two compartments, or at least three compartments.

The container also includes a closure. The lid is movable from an open position to a closed position via a hinge. When in the closed position, the cover covers the opening. By "covering the opening" we mean herein that preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 98% of the area of the opening is covered by the cover. It will be appreciated that there may still be a gap between the upper edge and the lid when closed, due to manufacturing tolerances and the like, but any gap which is present is not large enough to allow a user to access the opening or to allow the at least one water-soluble unit dose article to be removed from the internal compartment, either intentionally or unintentionally.

At least a portion of the opening may include a permanent cover, and the cover covers a remaining area of the opening.

If the closure is assumed to be at an angle of 0 ° when closed, the closure may be opened to a maximum angle relative to when closed of between greater than 0 ° and 270 °, preferably between 60 ° and 180 °, more preferably between 90 ° and 150 °.

The container comprises at least one locking device. Preferably, the container comprises at least two locking means. Preferably, the at least two locking means are spaced apart by a distance of 50mm to 180 mm. The at least two locking means may be present on the same wall or on different walls, preferably on the same wall. Preferably, the container comprises two locking means, for example to fit the number of hands of the consumer and enable the consumer to open the container in a coordinated movement.

The locking device comprises a cover part and a wall part. In other words, the components of the locking device are located on or within the cover and the separate components of the locking device are located on the inner surface or on the upper edge of the at least one wall. The interaction of the closure member and the wall member causes the locking means to be engaged and the closure to be secured in the locked position.

The cover means is preferably simply a recess or hole in the cover capable of receiving the hook member. The recess or aperture may have any suitable shape provided that it can receive and allow engagement of the hook member to lock the closure in place and to disengage the hook member via a suitable action.

The wall member includes a support member and a hook member. The support member extends from an upper edge of the at least one wall or an inner surface of the at least one wall. The hook member is attached to the support member. The support member and the hook member may be two separate pieces joined together. Alternatively, the support member and the hook member may be formed from one integral part.

Preferably, the support members and the hook members are arranged such that the wall part is in the shape of an inverted U, preferably said U-shape is attached to the inner wall or upper edge via a horizontal or substantially horizontal connecting member extending from the inner wall or upper edge to the support members. By substantially horizontal we mean in this context that the connecting member is not perfectly horizontal but may be at a slight angle. Those skilled in the art will understand what relevant variations may exist. The connecting member may extend from the inner wall at an angle of between 75 ° and 105 °, preferably between 80 ° and 100 °, more preferably between 85 ° and 95 ° relative to the inner wall. Despite this angle, the connecting member will still achieve the same beneficial effects as a perfectly horizontal connecting member.

When the lid is in the closed position, the hook members engage the lid component such that a force needs to be applied to the hook members to disengage the wall component from the lid component. Preferably, the user requires a reaction force to disengage the wall member from the closure member. Such reaction force is preferably as a result of a finger/thumb pinching motion, wherein a finger or thumb is placed on the hook member and another finger is placed on the outer surface of the wall or side of the closure. The user then clamps the thumb and fingers together, using the outer surface of the side or wall of the closure as the surface for effecting the reaction force, to disengage the wall member from the closure member.

The hook member extends from the support member towards the interior of the container such that disengagement of the wall part from the closure part requires a force to be applied to the hook member. A force is applied to the hook member in a direction toward the inner wall. In other words, the application of the force urges the hook member toward the support member extending from the inner wall.

Preferably, the support member extends from an inner surface of the at least one wall, and the wall member is positioned such that it does not extend above an upper edge of the at least one wall. In other words, the wall member does not protrude beyond the height of the at least one wall.

Preferably, the support member and the hook member are arranged such that the hook member resists rotational movement when the wall member is engaged with the closure member, while still allowing the wall member as a whole to move in response to a force applied by the engagement of the wall member with the closure member. In other words, the wall member may be displaced during engagement, but return to its initial position when the closure member is engaged with the wall member. During this displacement, the hook member itself is preferably not displaced relative to the support member.

Alternatively, when the wall member is engaged with the closure member, the support member and the hook member are arranged such that the support member resists any movement while still allowing the hook member to move in response to a force applied by the engagement of the wall member with the closure member. In other words, the hook member may be displaced during engagement, but return to its initial position when the closure part is engaged with the wall part.

Preferably, the hook member engages the closure part in two axes. This will be shown in the examples.

Preferably, unlocking the hook member from the cover part does not deform the cover or at least one wall. By deformation we mean herein that permanent or temporary deformation of the shape of the wall or closure is not necessary in order to unlock the hook member from the closure part. Some minor temporary deformation of the shape of the wall or cover may be experienced due to the force of the user opening the locking device, but such minor deformation is not necessary for the operation of the locking device.

Preferably, the outer surface of at least one wall is free of any locking means. This means that preferably no parts of the locking device are present on the outer surface of the at least one wall. In this case, the locking means may mean a locking means as described above or any other locking means.

Preferably, the container has a footprint defined as the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area through the container, and the at least one locking means does not extend beyond the footprint of the container. In other words, the at least one locking means preferably does not extend any further into the external environment than the outer surface of the at least one wall.

Preferably, the closure comprises a groove surrounded by an outer ridge. Preferably, the cover member is included within the outer ridge. The outer ridge may comprise an inner side, an outer side and a top, and wherein the cover member is comprised within the inner side, the top or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the closure member is a hole through the closure.

Preferably, the closure has a footprint defined as the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area of the closure when in the closed position, and the container has a footprint defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container, and wherein the footprint of the closure is greater than the footprint of the container. In other words, the area of the lid is preferably larger than the area of the lid opening and the area of the upper edge. This means that when the lid is in the closed position it preferably completely covers the opening of the container and extends over the upper edge of the at least one wall. Preferably, the lip extends from the outer surface of the at least one wall such that the footprint of the lip is the same as or greater than the footprint of the closure. The lip may have an "L" or "J" shape if the lip extends to a point greater than the footprint of the closure. The lip may be interrupted in the region aligned with the locking means. In other words, the lip may be discontinuous and comprise a gap corresponding to the position where the locking means is present on the upper edge or inner wall of the at least one wall. Without being bound by theory, the gap may also serve as a reaction point for the finger/thumb clamping motion. The closure may include an element that serves as a reaction surface for a consumer's finger or thumb.

The lid is movable via a hinge from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. Preferably, the closure is attached to the container via at least one hinge. More preferably, the container comprises a first wall and a second wall, wherein the hinge is connected to the second wall, and wherein the first wall is positioned opposite the second wall, and wherein the first wall comprises at least one locking means, preferably at least two locking means.

The hinge may be any suitable hinge. Those skilled in the art will recognize suitable hinges. The hinge may be a living hinge or an assembled hinge, or a mixture thereof. A living hinge is understood to be an integral part made of the same material as the closure and the container. It is basically a thin flexible region of material that allows movement between the closure and the container.

Preferably, the hinge is a living hinge. The living hinge may be a bistable hinge or a butterfly hinge or a mixture thereof.

The container may include a biasing system that biases the closure toward the open position. The biasing system may include a resilient member. More preferably, a protrusion on the closure system, preferably on the closure, substantially deforms the resilient member when the closure is in the closed position.

The lid may include a recessed area or an embossed area to indicate to the consumer the location of the locking means when the lid is closed and/or the direction in which a force needs to be applied to release the locking means.

Assembling method

The consumer product may be assembled using any suitable technique. Those skilled in the art will recognize suitable techniques. The consumer products may be assembled using automated systems, manual systems, or a mixture thereof.

The consumer product may be assembled by: the container is formed, then the water-soluble unit dose article is added, and then the closure is closed. The filling of the container may be accomplished via a suitable automated process or manually.

The consumer product may be assembled by forming the base portion and the lower wall portion. The water soluble unit dose article is then added. The separately manufactured upper wall portion including the closure is then added to the upper wall portion containing the water-soluble unit dose article and the base. The filling of the container may be accomplished via a suitable automated process or manually.

Water soluble unit dose articles

The consumer product comprises at least one water-soluble unit dose article, preferably at least two water-soluble unit dose articles.

Water-soluble unit dose articles are typically in the form of sachets. Comprising a single dose of a composition in a volume sufficient to provide a benefit in the end use application.

The water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film shaped such that the unit dose article comprises at least one interior compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. At least one compartment contains a cleaning composition. The water-soluble film is sealed such that the cleaning composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into the wash liquor.

The membrane is described in more detail below.

The unit dose article may comprise more than two compartments, even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments, or even at least four compartments, or even at least five compartments. The compartments may be arranged in a stacked orientation, i.e. positioned one on top of the other. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e., one immediately adjacent to the other. The compartments may even be oriented in a "tire and rim" arrangement, i.e., a first compartment is located proximate to, but at least partially surrounds, but does not completely enclose, a second compartment. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment.

Where the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other. In case the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and preferably the smaller compartments are stacked on the larger compartments. The stacked compartments are preferably oriented side-by-side.

The cleaning composition may be a laundry detergent composition, an automatic dishwashing composition, a hard surface cleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The cleaning composition may comprise a solid, a liquid or a mixture thereof. The term liquid includes gels, solutions, dispersions, pastes or mixtures thereof.

The unit dose article has a height, a width and a length. The maximum of any of these dimensions is intended to mean the maximum distance between two points on opposite sides of the unit dose article. In other words, the unit dose article does not appear to have straight edges and thus can have variable lengths, widths and heights depending on where the measurement is taken. Therefore, the maximum of any two points that are farthest apart from each other should be measured.

The maximum length may be between 2cm and 5cm, or even between 2cm and 4cm, or even between 2cm and 3 cm. The maximum length may be greater than 2cm and less than 6 cm.

The maximum width may be between 2cm and 5 cm. The maximum width may be greater than 3cm and less than 6 cm.

The maximum height may be between 2cm and 5 cm. The maximum height may be greater than 2cm and less than 4 cm.

These lengths may be with or without flanges.

Preferably, the ratio of length to height is from 3:1 to 1: 1; or a width to height ratio of 3:1 to 1:1, or even 2.5:1 to 1: 1; or a length to height ratio of 3:1 to 1:1 and a width to height ratio of 3:1 to 1:1, or even 2.5:1 to 1:1, or combinations thereof. These ratios may be in the presence or absence of a flange.

Each individual unit dose article may have a weight of between 10g and 40g, or even between 15g and 35 g.

The membranes of the invention are soluble or dispersible in water. The water-soluble film preferably has a thickness of from 20 to 150 microns, preferably from 35 to 125 microns, even more preferably from 50 to 110 microns, most preferably about 76 microns, before being formed into a unit dose article.

Preferred membrane materials are preferably polymeric materials. As known in the art, film materials may be obtained by, for example, casting, blow molding, extrusion or blow extrusion of polymeric materials.

Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, preferably a blend of polyvinyl alcohol polymers and/or polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, preferably selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, especially carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, most preferably a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers.

Preferred membranes are those supplied by Monosol under trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310.

The film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may include a printed area.

The printed areas may be achieved using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

The film may comprise an aversion agent, such as a bittering agent. Suitable bitterants include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable level of aversive agent may be used in the membrane. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, 1ppm to 5000ppm, or even 100ppm to 2500ppm, or even 250ppm to 2000 rpm.

The water-soluble unit dose article comprises a detergent composition. The detergent composition may be any suitable detergent composition. The detergent composition may be selected from a laundry detergent composition, a dishwashing detergent composition, a hard surface cleaning detergent composition or mixtures thereof, preferably a laundry detergent composition. The detergent composition may be in any suitable form. The detergent composition may be solid, liquid or mixtures thereof.

Those skilled in the art will know how to formulate and prepare suitable detergent compositions using known knowledge and techniques. The detergent composition may comprise common detergent ingredients including surfactants, polymers, bleaches, enzymes, perfumes, dyes, structurants, fillers, water or mixtures thereof.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Examples

Example 1

The invention is now explained in the following examples:

fig. 1 discloses a consumer product according to the present invention. A consumer product (1) comprises a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit dose article (3) contained therein. The container (2) comprises a base (4), an opening located opposite the base (4) and at least one wall (6) extending perpendicularly from the base (4) to the opening. The at least one wall (6) terminates in an upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6), and wherein the wall (6) comprises an inner surface (8) and an outer surface (9). The base (4) and the at least one wall (6) define an interior compartment (10), wherein the interior compartment (10) is accessible from the opening (5). The container further comprises a lid (11) which is movable from an open position to a closed position via a hinge (12) and wherein the opening (5) is covered when in the closed position.

The container (2) comprises at least one locking device (13), wherein the locking device (13) comprises a closure part (14) and a wall part (15). The wall part (15) comprises a support member (16) extending from the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6) or the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall (6), and a hook member (17). When the closure (11) is in the closed position, the hook member (17) engages the closure part (14) such that applying force only to the hook member (17) will disengage the wall member (15) from the closure part (14). The hook member (17) extends from the support member (16) towards the interior of the container (10) such that disengaging the wall member (15) from the closure member (14) requires a force to be applied to the hook member (17), wherein the force is applied in a direction towards the inner surface (8). The outer surface (9) of said at least one wall (6) is free of any locking means. The container (2) is opaque, translucent or a mixture thereof and is made of polypropylene, polystyrene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or a mixture thereof.

Fig. 2 discloses a cross-sectional view, wherein the wall part (15) comprises a support member (16) directly attached to the inner surface (8) of at least one wall (6). The wall member (15) has an inverted U-shape.

Fig. 3 discloses a cross-sectional view, wherein the wall part (15) comprises a support member (16) attached to the upper edge (7) of at least one wall (6). The wall member (15) has an inverted U-shape.

Fig. 4 discloses a cross-sectional view, wherein the wall part (15) comprises a support member (16) attached to the inner surface (8) of at least one wall via a horizontal connecting member (18). The wall member (15) has an inverted U-shape.

Fig. 5 discloses a cross-sectional view, wherein the wall part (15) comprises a support member (16) attached to the inner surface (8) of at least one wall via a horizontal connecting member (18). The wall member (15) has an inverted U-shape. The support means (16) extends from the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall (6) such that the wall part (15) is positioned such that it does not extend above the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6).

Fig. 6 discloses a cross-sectional view with the cover (11) in a closed position. The wall member (15) engages with the closure member (14) and the closure (11) is locked in place.

Fig. 7 discloses a cross-sectional view, wherein releasing the cover part (14) from the wall part (15) allows the cover (11) to move radially (20) away from the opening (5) applying a force (19) to the hook member (17) in a direction towards the inner wall (8). Unlocking the hook member (17) from the cover means (14) does not deform the cover (11) or the at least one wall (6). By deformation we mean herein that permanent or temporary deformation of the shape of the wall or closure is not necessary in order to unlock the hook member from the closure part. Some minor temporary deformation of the shape of the wall or cover may be experienced due to the force of the user opening the locking device, but such minor deformation is not necessary for the operation of the locking device.

Fig. 8 discloses an exploded view of the container (2), wherein the at least one wall (6) comprises two sections, a lower section (21) connected to the base (4), and an upper section (22). The upper edge (7) is positioned on the upper section (22) and the wall member (15) is attached to the upper section.

Fig. 9 discloses a top view of a container (2), wherein the container (2) has a footprint defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container (2) and the at least one locking means (13) does not extend beyond the footprint of the container (2). By way of comparison, fig. 10 discloses a top view of a container (2), wherein the container (2) has a footprint defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container (2), and the at least one locking means (13) extends beyond the footprint of the container (2).

Fig. 11 discloses a closure (11) comprising a groove (23) surrounded by an outer ridge (24), and wherein the closure member (14) is comprised within the outer ridge (24). The outer ridge (24) comprises an inner side (25), an outer side (27) and a top (26), and the cover member (14) is comprised within the inner side (25) and the top (26). The closure member (14) is an aperture through the closure.

Fig. 12 discloses a consumer product (1) wherein at least one wall (6) of the container (2) comprises two sections, an upper section (22) and a lower section (21). The two sections are preferably joined together via a combination of mechanical attachment (hooks) and adhesive. The container (2) further comprises two locking means (13) spaced apart by a distance of 50mm to 150 mm. The wall member (15) is positioned such that it does not extend above the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6). The closure (11) comprises a groove (23) surrounded by an outer ridge (24), and wherein the closure member (14) is comprised within the outer ridge (24). The outer ridge (24) comprises an inner side (25), an outer side (27) and a top (26), and the cover member (14) is comprised within the inner side (25) and the top (26). The closure member (14) is an aperture through the closure.

Fig. 12 also discloses a container (2) comprising a lip (25). The cover (11) has a footprint defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area of the cover (11) when in the closed position, and the container (2) has a footprint defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container (2), and the footprint of the cover (11) is greater than the footprint of the container (2), and the lip (35) extends from the outer surface (9) of the at least one wall (6) such that the footprint of the lip (25) is the same as the footprint of the cover (11) or greater than the footprint of the cover (11). Those skilled in the art will understand what is meant by "footprint of the closure and container".

Fig. 13 discloses a cross-sectional view of a container (2) comprising a first wall (61) and a second wall (62), wherein a hinge (12) is connected to said second wall (62), and wherein said first wall (61) is positioned opposite to said second wall (62), and wherein said first wall (61) comprises at least one wall member (15), preferably at least two wall members (15).

Fig. 14 is a schematic view showing the movement of the wall member (15) during engagement of the closure member (14) with the wall member (15). When the wall member (15) is engaged with the cover part (14), the support member (16) and the hook member (17) are arranged such that the hook member (17) resists rotational movement while still allowing the wall member (15) as a whole to move in response to a force applied by engagement of the wall member (14) with the cover part (15). When the closure (11) is moved (28) downwards towards the wall member (15), the wall member is displaced (29) by the force of the closure (11) on the wall member (15). However, the hook member (17) is not displaced. When the closure member (14) engages with the wall member (15), the wall member (15) moves back to its initial position.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container (2) showing the base (4) with raised areas (41). The regions either side of the raised region (41) act as reservoirs to hold detergent composition that has inadvertently leaked from one or more water-soluble unit dose articles (3).

Fig. 16 is identical to fig. 12, however wherein the at least one side (6) is curved.

Fig. 17 discloses a container (2) wherein the closure (11) is closed and wherein the reaction force area (31) is visible on the closure (11).

Fig. 18 discloses a wall part (15) wherein the hook member (17) has a first axis (171) and a second axis (172).

Fig. 19 discloses a water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention. The water-soluble unit dose article (3) comprises a first water-soluble film (301) and a second water-soluble film (302) sealed together at a seal region (303). A detergent composition, preferably a laundry detergent composition (304), is contained within the water-soluble unit dose article (3).

Fig. 20 discloses a wall part (15) according to the invention. Dimension 151 is between 5mm and 15mm, preferably between 7mm and 11 mm. The dimension 152 is between 1mm and 3mm, preferably between 1.5mm and 2.5 mm. The dimension 153 is between 20mm and 40mm, preferably between 25mm and 35 mm. The dimension 154 is between 15mm and 30mm, preferably between 20mm and 27 mm. Dimension 155 is between 2mm and 6mm, preferably between 3mm and 5 mm. The dimension 156 is between 10mm and 20mm, preferably between 14mm and 18 mm.

Claims

1. A consumer product (1) comprising a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit dose article (3) contained therein;

wherein the container (2) comprises:

-a base (4),

-an opening (5) located opposite the base (4); and

-at least one wall (6) extending perpendicularly from the base (4) to the opening (5), wherein the at least one wall (6) terminates in an upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6), and wherein the wall (6) comprises an inner surface (8) and an outer surface (9); and is

-wherein the base (4) and the at least one wall (6) define an internal compartment (10), wherein the internal compartment (10) is accessible from the opening (5);

-a cover (11) movable from an open position to a closed position via at least one hinge (12), and wherein when in the closed position the cover covers the opening (5);

wherein the container (2) comprises at least one locking device (13), wherein the locking device comprises a closure part (14) and a wall part (15),

wherein the wall part (15) comprises a support member (16) extending from the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6) or the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall (6), and a hook member (17); and is

Wherein the hook member (17) engages the closure part (14) when the closure (11) is in the closed position, such that applying force only to the hook member (17) will disengage the wall member (15) from the closure part (14); and is

Wherein the hook member (17) extends from the support member (16) towards the interior of the container (10),

characterized in that disengaging the wall member (15) from the closure member (14) requires the application of a force to the hook member (17), wherein the force is applied in a direction towards the inner surface (8).

2. The consumer product (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface (9) of the at least one wall (6) is free of any locking means.

3. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wall (6) comprises at least two segments (21, 22), wherein the segments are joined together, preferably wherein the segments are joined together via an adhesive, a mechanical connection, or a combination thereof.

4. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two locking means (13), preferably wherein the at least two locking means (13) are spaced apart by a distance of 50mm to 180mm, preferably two locking means, wherein the two locking means (13) are positioned on the same wall, preferably wherein the hinge (12) is present on a second wall (62) and the at least two locking means are present on a first wall (61), and wherein the first wall (61) is opposite to the second wall (62).

5. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means (16) extends from the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall (6), preferably wherein the wall member (15) is positioned such that it does not extend above the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6).

6. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (11) comprises a groove (23) surrounded by an outer ridge (24), and preferably wherein the cover means (14) is comprised within the outer ridge (24), preferably wherein the outer ridge (24) comprises an inner side (25), an outer side (27) and a top portion (26), and wherein the cover means (14) is comprised within the inner side (25), the top portion (26) or a mixture thereof.

7. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (11) has a footprint defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area of the lid (11) when in a closed position, and the container (2) has a footprint defined as the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area through the container (2), and wherein the footprint of the lid (11) is greater than the footprint of the container (2), and a lip (35) extends from the outer surface (9) of the at least one wall (6) such that the footprint of the lip (35) is the same as the footprint of the lid (11) or greater than the footprint of the lid (11).

8. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (2) has a footprint defined as a horizontal cross-sectional area through the container (2), and the at least one locking means (13) does not extend beyond the footprint of the container (2).

9. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein upon engagement of the wall member (15) with the closure component (14), the support means (16) and hook means (17) are arranged such that the hook means (17) resist movement while still allowing the wall member (15) as a whole to move (29) in response to a force (28) applied by engagement of the wall member (15) with the closure component (14).

10. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (2) comprises a first wall (61) and a second wall (62), wherein the hinge (12) is connected to the second wall (62), and wherein the first wall (61) is positioned opposite the second wall (62), and wherein the first wall (61) comprises at least one wall member (15), preferably at least two wall members (15).

11. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (2) is made of a natural material, a synthetic material or a mixture thereof, preferably a synthetic material, more preferably a plastic, and preferably the container (2) is opaque, translucent or a mixture thereof.

12. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water-soluble unit dose article (3) comprises a water-soluble film (301, 302) and a detergent composition (304), preferably a laundry detergent composition.

13. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein unlocking the wall member (15) from the closure member (14) does not deform the closure (11) or the at least one wall (6).

14. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means (16) and the hook means (17) are arranged such that the wall part (15) is in the shape of an inverted U, optionally wherein the U-shape is attached to the inner wall (8) or the upper edge (7) via horizontal connecting means (18) extending from the inner wall (8) or the upper edge (7) to the support means (16).