CN219651801U

CN219651801U - Container, display unit and kit for dispensing viscous fluids

Info

Publication number: CN219651801U
Application number: CN202190000481.XU
Authority: CN
Inventors: O·J·博尔顿; H·R·布热津卡
Original assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Current assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2020-05-20
Filing date: 2021-05-17
Publication date: 2023-09-08
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-17
Also published as: ES1299427Y; DE212021000347U1; WO2021233845A3; ES1299427U; BR212022023561U2; WO2021233845A2

Abstract

A container, display unit and kit for dispensing a viscous fluid. The container includes a dispensing device having a dip tube extending toward a first region of the container bottom. The container includes a leg which, in use, extends from a second region of the base when the container is placed on a surface, lifting the second region of the base to tilt the base relative to the surface.

Description

Container, display unit and kit for dispensing viscous fluids

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to a container, display unit and kit for dispensing viscous fluids.

Background

Many fluids used in the home can be contained in conveniently sized containers and sold to consumers. For fluids, these containers are typically bottles. Typically, the bottle comprises a polymeric material; its use is for cost reasons, as well as the portability provided by such materials, and the flexibility/ease of molding such materials into various bottle shapes.

Bottles often have a closure as a simple top or as a valve that must be activated/removed to gain access to the contents of the bottle. Pump means (and associated dip tube) may be provided in addition to or in place of the closure. This is appropriate for some materials and the manner in which they are used, such as hand soaps.

Many household fluids, particularly personal care formulations, are now increasingly offered to consumers through non-traditional sales channels, such as mail order and through electronic commerce. Unlike traditional shopping routes, these sales channels place a higher demand for compact/robust packaging. Furthermore, as consumers are away from traditional retail stores, the packaging requires intuitive ease of use and high sustainability (ability to recycle/reuse the packaging).

For fluids having high viscosity, including certain personal care formulations, such as certain shampoos and conditioners, draining the entire contents of the bottle can be problematic. The viscosity of the contained ingredients is such that when the bottle is almost exhausted, the remaining contents can adhere to the bottom or sides of the bottle, making their discharge difficult/impossible, even by shaking and/or squeezing the bottle, where possible. This problem is further exacerbated for bottles that are not easily shaken or squeezed, such as those that include a drain arrangement of a dip tube/pump.

It is disadvantageous that not all the bottle contents can be used. First, it is problematic for consumers to be unable to utilize the entire contents of their purchased bottles. This can be frustrating given the cost of some personal care ingredients, especially when the remaining residue can be seen. Second, the unused contents are likely to be simply disposed of by the consumer at the end. This is an environmental waste in terms of energy and resources used to make the bottle contents, and it must now be used to dispose of the bottle contents. These residual contents may be landfilled.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present utility model is to eliminate or reduce the above-mentioned drawbacks.

According to a first aspect of the present utility model there is provided a container for dispensing a viscous fluid, the container comprising a dispensing device having a dip tube extending towards a first region of a base of the container, wherein the container comprises a leg which, when the container is placed on a surface, extends from a second region of the base in use and in an activated position, lifts the second region of the base to tilt the base relative to the surface, wherein the first region of the base defines an angle with the surface of greater than 20 °.

The container of the present utility model has been found to be advantageous in use. The main advantage is that the discharge of the contents of the container has been found to be maximised in use when compared to similar containers of the prior art. This has been found to be beneficial to consumers and the environment. Wasteful costs and associated frustration are also minimized for the consumer as the amount of wasted content that is unused is minimized. For the environment, any treatment required for waste is minimized, since the amount of unused content that must be disposed of is minimized. In addition, the efficacy of the resources used to make the contents is maximized.

In use, when the leg is in the activated position, the first region of the base is the lowest point of the base. The first region of the base is preferably closest to the surface, most preferably in contact with the surface.

The term fluid should be considered to include materials in liquid (including gel) and/or powder (granular) form and mixtures thereof.

Typically, the second region of the base is remote from the first region of the base. Preferably, the bottom is substantially planar.

Preferably, the first region of the bottom is adjacent a corner of the bottom of the container, for example where it meets a side of the container. Preferably, the second region of the base is adjacent to the second corner of the base.

When the second region of the base is raised, the first region of the base preferably defines an angle with the surface on which the container is placed. Preferably, the angle is greater than 10 °, greater than 15 °, greater than 20 °, such as about 25 °, or greater than 30 °. Preferably, the angle is less than 80 °, less than 70 °, less than 60 °, or less than 50 °, such as about 45 °, less than 40 °, less than 35 °, such as about 33 °.

Likewise, the bottom of the container is preferably angled with respect to its adjacent side. Since the adjacent sides are substantially vertical when placed on a surface, it is preferred that the angle between the base and its adjacent sides is complementary to the angle between the base and the surface. These angles add together to about 90 for the side of the first region adjacent the bottom. These angles add together to about 180 for the side of the second region adjacent the bottom.

The dispensing device typically comprises a pump. Most preferably, the pump comprises a "push-fit" pump, wherein depression of a portion of the pump causes or allows fluid to be expelled therefrom, preferably through a nozzle. Preferably, the dispensing device is housed within the container for protection for transportation and/or storage prior to use. Most preferably, the dispensing device is moved to a position that can be activated/accessed by a user prior to use. Preferably, the pump has a collar for mounting on the container lid. Fluid passes through the dip tube to the pump. The discharge of fluid from the pump and the drawing of fluid up the dip tube are preferably performed simultaneously.

Preferably, the pump comprises a high output pump; that is, with each operation/activation of the pump, a large amount of fluid is discharged. Preferably, with each discharge operation, the pump discharges up to about 30ml of fluid.

Preferably, the dip tube extends towards the first region of the container bottom, adjacent/proximate to the bottom, most preferably adjacent/proximate to the corner of the bottom defined by the first region of the bottom and the adjacent sides thereof. Preferably, a slight gap exists between the end of the dip tube and the first region of the container bottom to allow product access to the dip tube.

The container may comprise a single bladder material.

In a more preferred embodiment, the container comprises a plurality of bladder materials. Preferably, the container comprises a double bladder material: an inner bladder and an outer bladder. In use, the plurality of bellows are disposed adjacent to one another, preferably with no or little gaps therebetween (especially near the bottom of the outer layer), preferably in a layered fashion.

Typically, the endothelial cells comprise a waterproof material. Such materials do not allow water and aqueous solutions/formulations to pass through. Typically, the inner bladder is also impermeable to other liquids, such as solvents, including but not limited to alcohols, fragrances, surfactants, pH adjusters. The inner bladder may include a laminate for at least a portion of its surface. Most preferably, the endothelial cell comprises a plastic material, such as polyolefin (e.g., HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS), polyester fiber (e.g., PET, PETE), polycarbonate; each of them, or a combination thereof, may optionally be halogenated (e.g., PVC) or otherwise replaced. Alternatively, the plastic material used to form the bellows may contain a portion of recycled material. Most preferably, the endothelial cell comprises a plastic material, optionally including at least a portion of recycled material, such as polyolefin (e.g., HDPE, LDPE, rLDPE) and/or polyester fiber (e.g., PET, rPET).

Typically, the skin bladder comprises paperboard material. The paperboard may be coated or laminated. The cardboard may be provided with a buffer inner layer. The paperboard may comprise a multi-panel material. In this case, corrugated cardboard may be provided between the plates. The outer bellows may be manufactured in the form of a sheet or blank that is folded to make the container. In this case, it is preferable to shape the sheet or blank to make all sides (and any other parts) of the second bladder. Most preferably, the sheet or blank is weakened (e.g., by scoring) to aid in the folding process. The blank panel may include a flap or tab that aids in the lateral engagement of the outer skin and is not visible when the outer skin has been assembled into its final shape. An adhesive material may be used to secure the flap or lug in place.

Preferably, the sheath comprises a moveable and/or removable portion that requires activation to access the dispensing device. This helps to prevent (prior to activation) premature activation of the dispensing device; for example after the container has been manufactured and before it has been sold and intended for use, for example in transport and storage. Preferably, the portion is disposed at or near the top of the container or the lid, and preferably includes a portion of the lid and/or adjacent sides thereof. Preferably, the portion comprises a movable flap for folding it aside or tearing it open to access the dispensing means. In one embodiment, once the dispensing device has been accessed and thus placed in an operational state, the movable flap may be restored back to or near its original position. In this preferred embodiment, the movable flap may be hinged at a portion of the sides of the skin capsule to allow movement. Furthermore, it may comprise a removable position (e.g. a tear strip) designed to be able to receive a portion of the dispensing device when the flap has been restored back to or near its initial position.

The bottom of the container may be reinforced to provide enhanced support for its contents. For one or both of the inner and outer bellows, this stiffening may take the form of a thicker base. Most preferably, the outer skin bladder is thicker at its bottom. Such thickening may be achieved by using higher/multiple thicknesses of the outer skin bladder material; for example, double thickness material at its bottom for the outer bellows.

The cover of the outer bladder may be removable and/or removable so that the inner bladder portion of the container may be removed and replaced, for example after use. The preferred way of allowing access to the inner bellows is by hinging to the outer bellows at a certain position. One such hinge location is at the top of the skin capsule, opposite the bottom.

Most preferably, the inner and outer bellows are for recycling after use.

The inner bladder is joined to the outer bladder (either before or after filling) when forming the container.

Preferably, the inner bladder is formed and filled prior to attaching the inner bladder to the outer bladder to form the container. The dispensing device is preferably in fluid communication with the interior of the endothelial cell. In forming the inner bladder, the dispensing device may be attached to/placed in fluid communication with the inner bladder either before or after the inner bladder has been filled. Preferably, the dispensing means is disposed adjacent the top or lid of the container when the inner and outer skin bladders are contiguous.

The outer bellows may comprise a holding means for the inner bellows, which holding means have to be activated after the inner bellows has been provided together with the outer bellows. Such a holding device preferably comprises a flap or flaps (flaps) of the outer bellows. The flap or flaps are preferably folded after insertion into the endothelial cell; folded around the endothelial sac. After folding, the outer skin capsule is preferably adhered in place. The flap or flaps may be held in place by adhesive and/or by mating holes and lugs/extensions.

Most preferably, the leg portion comprises the same material as the outer skin bladder.

The legs may be formed as part of the outer skin bladder (connected to or integral with the skin bladder), or the legs may be separate and used to adhere to the skin bladder in use. When separated, the leg may be adhered to the skin bladder by bonding (e.g., with adhesive) and/or by one or more mating extensions (e.g., flaps) and apertures (e.g., slits) in the leg and skin bladder, the apertures being sized and shaped to receive the extensions.

Typically, in the activated position, the leg extends from a second region of the bottom (of the outer envelope) to the surface on which the container is placed. In the activated position, the leg is preferably substantially vertical.

The leg preferably comprises two parts; a support portion and an attachment portion. The support portion is a second region for raising the base (in use and in the activated position). The attachment portion is for securing (in use and in the activated position) the support portion to the outer bellows such that the leg is not easily displaced, such as by manipulating the container or an unintended movement of the container relative to a surface on which the container is located, such that the deactivated position is lost. Preferably, the attachment portion is attached or joined to the support portion. Most preferably, the support portion and the attachment portion meet at a hinge or fold. Typically (in use and in the activated position), the attachment portion is angled relative to the support position such that it faces the bottom of the container in use. The legs may be pre-formed with such an angle when the container is in its activated position, or the legs may be designed to be arranged in such an angular orientation by the user. The hinge or fold may be weakened (e.g., by scoring) to allow the user to angle the legs.

The support portion of the leg may include an extension of the container side adjacent the bottom second region. This has the effect that, in the conventional sense, the sides of the container adjacent the first and second regions of the base have the same or similar length, even though the base does not extend between the ends of these sides. Preferably, the attachment portion of the leg comprises one lug, preferably at or near its end; in use and in the activated position, it is for receipt by a mating aperture on the bottom of the container. The support portion of the leg portion is capable of performing its function of raising the second region of the base when the lug is inserted and retained in the mating hole. A similar arrangement may be made for the support portions of the legs (when the legs are separate and do not include extensions to the lateral sides of the outer bellows).

Most preferably, the leg comprises a sheet of material.

The container may include one or more secondary features. Such secondary features may be utilized in connection with the use and/or manufacture of the container.

The most preferred example of a secondary feature is a structural aid for the dispensing device.

Preferably, the structural aid comprises a support for a part of the dispensing device, which may be arranged/abutted against the support to assist its operation, in particular for a push-on dispensing device. Typically, the support may comprise a stiffening portion of the second bladder, preferably a portion of the top side, when the dispensing device extends through a portion of the top side (lid) of the outer bladder. The support preferably additionally comprises a strip of material extending between (and abutting) the reinforcing portion of the top side of the skin bladder, acting as a cantilever support. One or both of the reinforcing portion and/or the strip of material may be apertured or otherwise modified to allow the dispensing device and/or dip tube thereof to extend therethrough and/or therefrom.

The reinforcing cover preferably cooperates with a portion of the dispensing device. As an example, the stiffening cap may provide a lip to support a portion of the dispensing device, such as a collar portion of the dispensing device. This is particularly useful for a push-type pump to resist forces applied by a user during operation. In use, it may be desirable to move the dispensing device, such as its collar, into engagement with the reinforcing portion, such as by pushing.

Another preferred example of a secondary feature is a lug on the side of the container adjacent the dispensing device. Such lugs permit or allow the (to be filled) vessel to abut there against and facilitate one-handed operation of the dispensing device.

Preferably, the container is used with household cleaning fluid. Preferred examples of such fluids include personal cleansing fluids such as soaps, shampoos, and hair/skin conditioners. Other examples of such fluids include washing (cleaning and/or care), automatic dishwashing (cleaning and/or sanitizing), and hard surface cleaning fluids.

It should be appreciated that many of these fluids are viscous. For example, some personal cleansing fluids may have a typical viscosity of 3000 to 5200mpa.s at a shear rate of 16/s. The container of the present utility model has been found to be particularly useful in helping such viscous fluids to drain effectively while minimizing waste left in the container. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that using the leg arrangement provided by the container of the present utility model, viscous fluid, particularly at or near the end of the volume, can readily flow to the end of the dip tube, meaning that it is greatly aided by the pickup and subsequent dispensing of the dip tube. The flow also occurs when the container is stored between uses.

Preferably, the container is used to fill or replenish the secondary container. In general, it should be appreciated that the secondary container has a smaller volume than the container, e.g., 300mL to 1L. Typically, the container has a volume of up to 10 litres, for example from 2L to 10L, preferably from 3L to 10L, preferably from 5L to 10L.

The outer bellows (optionally aided by the inner bellows) must be sufficiently elastic to provide support for such size/weight containers. One way to achieve this support is by adjusting the thickness of the material used for the outer bladder (either integrally or at a portion thereof) and/or laminating the outer bladder, optionally including corrugating. It has been found that for supporting a container of a size of 3L to 10L, the outer bellows preferably has a thickness of up to 5mm on at least a part thereof and preferably on the whole thereof.

According to a further aspect of the present utility model there is provided the use of a container according to the first aspect of the present utility model in fluid evacuation. It will be appreciated that any preferred features of the first aspect of the utility model are to be mutatis mutandis applicable to the present use aspect.

Preferably, a plurality of containers of the present utility model may be joined to form a display unit. Thus, according to a second aspect of the present utility model there is provided a display unit comprising a plurality of containers of the first aspect of the present utility model joined by engagement means.

The display unit of the utility model has been found to be very advantageous in use. The main advantage is that the display unit facilitates the accommodation of large volumes of fluid into a unit that can be easily handled. This provides enhanced ease in shipping fluids as well as storing fluids at the point of sale and at home. Furthermore, since at least a portion of each of the containers making up the display unit are unitized, these unitized portions provide protection for each other during shipping and handling. In addition, all of the aforementioned advantages of the container of the present utility model are realized.

The containers of the display unit are separated prior to use. Prior to use, the display unit may be considered as "compact" in which the containers are still interconnected such that the display unit occupies a small volume of space. Typically, the display unit includes a rupturable/removable engagement means to hold the containers together.

Preferably, the engagement means is for being removed/destroyed prior to use of the container. The engagement means may comprise a lug of viscous material engaged to each container. Alternatively, the engagement means most preferably comprises a sheet of material attached to each container. Preferably, the plate comprises the same material as the outer skin bladder or a similar material. The panel may be attached to each container by a rupturable joint, such as a weakened and/or perforated/apertured joint.

Most preferably, the display unit comprises a cuboid (e.g. rectangular or cube-shaped). Such a shape has been found to be advantageous in maximizing space utilization, for example in shipping (e.g. when multiple display units are packaged together in a larger shipping container/secondary package) and/or at display (e.g. on supermarket shelves). Alternatively, the display unit may comprise a cylinder (e.g. a circular, triangular or hexagonal cylinder).

In the most preferred embodiment where the display unit comprises two containers, each container comprises half of the display unit. Preferably here, the angles defined by the bottoms of the individual containers relative to their adjacent sides are preferably complementary, such that when arranged together, the individual containers constitute a larger identifiable geometric (preferably cuboid/cylindrical) shape. To achieve this, the angle between the sides of the first region adjacent the bottom is preferably about 65 °. When arranged in the display unit, preferably the two containers are joined such that a first region of the bottom of the first container is adjacent to a second region of the bottom of the second container (likewise, a second region of the bottom of the first container is adjacent to a first region of the bottom of the second container).

In the display unit, the legs of one or more containers may be separate or part of the outer envelope of one or more containers (as described above). Most preferably, the legs are provided in the display unit in the area between the container parts (preferably the bottom) joined together. In practice, when they are joined together in the display unit, there is preferably a gap between the bottoms of the containers. It has been found that when the legs are so positioned in the display unit, the likelihood of damage to the legs prior to use (e.g., in shipping or handling at the point of sale) is greatly reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the legs are formed as part of (connected to or integral with) the outer skin bladder. Preferably, in the activated position, the leg extends from the second region of the bottom (of the outer envelope) to the surface on which the container is placed. In the activated position, the leg is preferably substantially vertical. In the inactive position, the legs are preferably folded or otherwise disposed between the portions (preferably the bottoms) of the containers that are joined together when the containers are abutted to form the display unit.

Preferably, the display unit is used with household cleaning fluid. Preferred examples of such fluids include personal cleansing fluids such as soaps, shampoos and hair/skin conditioners, skin creams, lotions and hand washes. Other examples of such fluids include washing (cleaning and/or care), automatic dishwashing (cleaning and/or sanitizing), and hard surface cleaning fluids. Most preferably, each container comprising the display unit comprises a different household cleaning fluid. In this preferred embodiment, the different household cleaning fluids may be complementary to each other. Examples of such complementary formulations include shampoos and caregivers; detergents and fabric softeners; and hand washes and hand creams.

Each container in the display unit preferably has the same or similar dimensions. Alternatively, the containers in the display unit may have different sizes. In a most preferred embodiment, wherein the display unit comprises two containers, the first container may be larger (in terms of volume and/or weight of fluid therein) than the second container, for example 1.25 times or 1.5 times or 1.75 times or 2 times or 2.5 times or 3 times larger.

According to a further aspect of the present utility model there is provided the use of a display unit according to the second aspect of the present utility model in fluid evacuation. It will be appreciated that any preferred features of the second aspect of the utility model are to be mutatis mutandis adapted for use with the present application.

According to a third aspect of the present utility model there is provided a kit comprising a display unit according to the second aspect of the present utility model and instructions for use, wherein the instructions optionally comprise details of separating the containers and arranging each container into an activated position.

Preferably, the instructions inform the user how to place the legs of each container in the activated position and how to place the dispensing device in the operative position (optionally including moving/activating any protection, if any, for the dispensing device).

It has been found that the container of the first aspect of the utility model, the display unit of the second aspect of the utility model and the kit of the third aspect of the utility model are convenient to ship to the consumer and are easy to recycle and/or reuse by the consumer.

Drawings

The utility model will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting drawings, in which:

fig. 1 comprises a side view of a container 1 according to the utility model in an operable state;

fig. 2 includes a side view of a display unit according to the present utility model prior to placing it in an operative state; and

fig. 3a to 3i comprise a series of drawings showing the use of a display unit according to the utility model.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, it can be seen that the container 1 comprises an inner bladder 2 and an outer bladder 3.

The inner leather bag 2 is wrapped in the outer leather bag 3. The inner bladder 2 has a pressure-activated pump 4 associated therewith and in fluid communication with the interior thereof for expelling the fluid contents of the inner bladder 2.

The push pump 4 comprises a collar 5, the collar 5 being arranged on a cover 6 of the outer bladder 3, wherein the outer bladder 3 provides support for it. The collar 5 is provided with enhanced support by support means 7, the support means 7 extending across a portion of the cover 6 of the outer bellows 3 to the sides thereof. This counteracts the pressing action of the dispensing pump 4 to ensure that the operation of the pump 4 is effective and does not damage the inner/outer skin 3 in use.

A portion of the pump 4 and its dip tube 8 extend through an aperture 9 in the support means 7 to the bottom of the skin capsule 3.

In order to be able to access the push-on pump 4 and to arrange the container 1 in the operating state (as shown in the figures), the skin capsule 3 comprises a movable flap 10. Once the dispensing device 4 has been accessed and placed in an operating state, the movable flap 10 can be restored back to its initial position. The movable flap 10 comprises a removable portion 11 (tear strip) designed to house a portion of the push-on pump 4.

The bottom 12 of the outer bladder 3 is angled with respect to the surface on which it is disposed. The base 12 has a first region 13 and a second region 14 to which the dip tube 8 extends. The first region of the base 12 is the lowest point of the base 12. The second region 14 is raised relative to the surface on which the container 1 is disposed by the presence of the leg 15.

The leg 15 comprises a sheet of material. Folding the leg 15 to form two parts: a support portion 16 and an attachment portion 17. The support portion 16 of the leg 15 extends from the second region 14 of the base 12 and the attachment location 17 of the leg 15 extends from between the first and second regions 14 of the base 12. The support portion 16 is substantially vertical (when viewed with respect to the surface on which the container 1 is placed). In fig. 1, the support portion 16 of the leg 15 comprises an extension of the side of the envelope 3 of the container 1. This has the effect that the sides of the container 1 adjacent the first and second regions 13, 14 of the base 12 have the same length, even though the base 12 does not extend between the ends of the two ends in the conventional sense.

The attachment portion 17 of the leg 15 includes a lug 17a at its end; which in use is received by a mating aperture (not shown) in the bottom 12 of the container 1.

The outer bladder 3 comprises a pair of lugs 18 adjacent the dispensing means on the side of the container 1. Such lugs 18 permit or allow the vessel to abut thereagainst and facilitate one-handed operation of the dispensing device 4.

Referring to fig. 2, it can be seen that the display unit 19 comprises two containers 1 (as described above).

The two containers 1 are joined to form a display unit 19.

The display unit 19 comprises a breakable engagement means 20 to hold the containers 1 together.

The engagement means 20 are intended to be removed/destroyed prior to use of the container 1.

The engagement means 20 comprise a sheet of material attached to each container 1. The plate 20 comprises the same material as the outer skin 3 or a similar material. The plate 20 forms part of the lateral surface of the outer bellows 3, which is attached to each container 1 by means of a rupturable perforated joint 21 for easy removal. The outer bladder 3 comprises a plurality of layers of material. The bonding means plate 20 is the outermost of these layers.

The display unit 19 includes a rectangular parallelepiped.

Each container 1 constitutes half of a display unit 19. The angles defined by the bottom 12 of each container 1 relative to their adjacent sides are preferably largely equal and complementary (e.g., approximately 45 °) such that when placed together, each container 1 constitutes a larger identifiable geometric cuboid shape.

In the display unit 19, the leg 15 comprises an extension of the side of the container 1 adjacent to the second region 14 of the bottom 12. When in the display unit 19, the leg 15 is folded. After the display unit 19 has been separated into two containers 1, the legs 15 may be extended such that the second region 14 of the bottom 12 is lifted by the support portion. The attachment portion 17 of the leg 15 includes a lug at its end; which in use is received by a mating aperture in the bottom 12 of the container 1.

The operation of the display unit 19 is shown in fig. 3a to 3 h.

First, the user removes the engaging means from the display unit 19, separating the two containers 1.

The user then folds the leg 15 such that the support portion 16 extends outwardly from the second region of the base 12 and the lugs of the attachment portion 17 are received by the receiving apertures thereof.

The container 1 is then oriented in its operative state.

The movable flap 10 is moved so that the push-type pump 4 is accessible. The pump 4 is placed against the cover 6 of the second bellows and the flap 10 is restored back to its initial position, in which its removable position has been removed.

The pump 4 is then ready for operation, for example refilling the further container 1.

The cover 6 of the outer bellows 3 can be raised by means of a hinge to allow replacement of the inner bellows 2 after use.

Claims

1. A container for dispensing a viscous fluid, the container comprising a dispensing apparatus having a dip tube extending towards a first region of a base of the container, wherein the container comprises a leg which, in use and in an activated position, extends from a second region of the base when the container is placed on a surface, lifting the second region of the base to tilt the base relative to the surface; wherein the first region of the base defines an angle with the surface of greater than 20 °.

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein, in use, the first region of the base is the lowest point of the base when the leg is in the activated position.

3. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container comprises a dual bladder material: an inner bladder and an outer bladder.

4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the outer skin capsule comprises a movable or removable portion that needs to be activated to access the dispensing means.

5. A container according to claim 3, wherein the leg is formed as part of the skin capsule, the leg being connected to or integral with the skin capsule.

6. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the activated position the leg extends from the second region of the base to a surface on which the container is placed.

7. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the leg comprises two parts: a support portion and an attachment portion.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the attachment portion is attached or joined to the support portion.

9. The container of claim 7, wherein the support portion and the attachment portion meet at a hinge or fold.

10. The container of claim 7, wherein the support portion of the leg comprises an extension of a side of the container, the extension being adjacent the second region of the bottom.

11. A display unit comprising a plurality of containers according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the containers being joined by a rupturable/removable engagement means.

12. A display unit according to claim 11, wherein the contents of the container are complementary, such as shampoo and conditioner.

13. A display unit according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, when in use, the display unit is separated into its constituent containers, each of which is activated by movement of its leg to an activated position and activation of its dispensing means.

14. A kit comprising a display unit according to any one of claims 11-13 and instructions for use, wherein the instructions optionally comprise details regarding separating the containers and arranging each container in an activated position.