DE60301348T2 - CONTAINER WITH ELASTOMER LABEL - Google Patents

Abstract

Containers for delivering flowable compositions comprising a squeezable, resilient wall on which at least one label made of an elastomeric material is adhered to and their use. The containers can comprise a composition having a viscosity of at least 1 Pa.s or can be of the bag-in-bottle type. Containers for dispensing a detergent composition in a washing machine drum comprising a hollow body having at least one wall on which at least one label made of an elastomeric material having a shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) adheres are also described.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers for dispensing a composition, comprising a wall on which at least one label of an elastomeric material attached, as well as their use. The wall can be pressure deformable and be elastic.

GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

Flowable compositions, like shampoos and hair dyes, are generally packaged in simple containers, e.g. B. container in the Shape of a bottle. The walls The bottle defines an internal cavity in which the composition is included. These bottles can be used upside down so that the flowable compositions on the Neck of the bottle can be dispensed.

at relatively viscous Compositions (as is common in hair care compositions and especially in hair dye compositions the case) are commonly used as the material of the walls of the bottle used elastic plastics, which are druckverformbar and after the press together in their original one Return shape. If the user is on the walls the bottle pushes, the internal pressure within the container increases, causing that the product is dispensed faster from the container than when only gravity would act on the product.

It were more complex pressure-deformable container of the type "bag in bottle "suggested See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,305,920, Reiboldt et al. These container include an outer compressible Wall, an inner collapsible or collapsible layer, the defining a cavity containing the composition, a buffer area, the compressible wall of the inner collapsible Layer separates, and preferably a valve unit, the entrance of air in the buffer area as well as the exit of the composition from the cavity controls. By pressing on the wall, the Composition pressed out of the cavity through a dispensing line. Of the Main advantage of this container is that they are in any orientation and not necessarily headfirst can be used which is especially helpful for the delivery of hair care compositions such as hair dye directly on the hair of the user.

Frequently it required the above mentioned container to compress several times with it a sufficient amount of the product is delivered. The repeated To press is for tiring the user especially if the bottle is not sufficiently elastic (i.e. H. if the bottle after pressing not her original one again Takes shape).

There have been proposed reusable metering devices comprising a hollow body which can be filled with a detergent composition for dispensing a washing composition within the drum of a washing machine, often referred to as metering balls. Dosing balls have been proposed with compressible elastic walls. patent EP 0 368 680 for example, discloses a container having the general shape of a hollow sphere having an elastic wall and having an opening for filling and dispensing a detergent composition, e.g. As a liquid detergent is provided. The ball can be filled with a detergent composition and then placed in the drum of a washing machine. The rotation of the drum causes a repetitive compression of the wall of the ball by the wet clothing, which subsequently returns to its original shape as the pressure decreases by further rotation of the drum. By combining the compression set and returning to the original shape, a pumping effect is created by which the wash liquor is successively drawn from the body of the ball and dispensed so that the contents of the ball mix and dissolve during the wash program. Dosing balls having a non-compressible wall have also been proposed in which no appreciable deformation effect occurs. The wash liquor passes through an opening in the ball, is mixed with the detergent composition and discharged through another or the same opening.

In In the case of pressure-deformable containers (eg shampoo bottles or dosing balls) leads an increase the thickness of the pressure deformable wall to increase the Elasticity, and the wall can be its original one Take form faster again. Users do not usually like thick plastic walls, because they are harder to squeeze together. Container with thick walls can also be more expensive to manufacture, because more material is needed for the wall.

Usually will Paper labels or labels made of a thin plastic layer with printed information used on the walls of containers, to give the user information such as the formula of the composition, to provide the best before date or application advice.

It has also been proposed to use labels to improve the internal properties of containers. JP 3027032 , Noda et al., Disclose pressure-sealable viscous fluid containers, wherein the body of the container is a thermoplastic resin having a modulus of elasticity between 500 and 4000 kg / cm ² . The labels are made of synthetic resins (eg polyethylene) and have a thickness of 50 to 100 μm. The labels improve the deformation properties and the ability to restore the original shape after compression.

JP 10086922 , Yoshii et al., Discloses pressure-deformable bottles provided with labels wherein the body of the bottle is made of a thermoplastic resin having a lower strength than the label (the difference in strength is at least 5000 kg / cm ² ). The preferred material used for the label is a synthetic paper of polypropylene having a three-ply structure, and the preferred thickness of the label is between 60 and 120 μm. The labeled bottle improves elastic contraction and restores the original shape.

JP 3027033 , Noda et al., Discloses packaged pressure-deformable containers which are formed from the containers JP 3027032 with the further proviso that the label has a higher modulus of elasticity than the container. JP 3027032 . JP 3027033 and JP 10086922 disclose relatively thin labels (<0.1 mm) made of relatively hard materials (eg polypropylene).

water bottles for the Use in sports with two rubber cushions are commercially available.

Now was found out by elastomer labels attached to the walls a container be attached, the elasticity a container provided with a label can be significantly increased can. This is it for make the user easier to dispense the composition, and the fatigue (cumulative Effect of repeated compressive deformations that can lead to breakage) Wall of the container can be reduced. Container, which are provided with labels of an elastomeric material, also have more Benefits in that it gives the user a better grip (non-slip) and aesthetically appealing with regard to touch and sight are. Another advantage is that thinner walls are used can be because the label increases the strength of the container as a whole. The Labels used in the present invention exist made of a "soft" elastomeric material with a Shore A hardness of at least 35.

SUMMARY

• – einen Hohlraum, der die fließfähige Zusammensetzung enthält,
• – eine Abgabeeinheit zur Abgabe der fließfähigen Zusammensetzung aus dem Hohlraum,

worin die fließfähige Zusammensetzung über eine Viskosität (Brookfield RVT, Spindel 5, 50 U/min, 25 °C) von mindestens 1 Pa·s (1.000 cP) verfügt, und
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Hohlraum eine druckverformbare, elastische Wand umfasst, an der mindestens ein Etikett aus einem Elastomermaterial mit einer Shore-A-Härte (ASTM D 2240) von mindestens 35 angebracht ist.A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a container for dispensing a flowable composition, comprising:

• A cavity containing the flowable composition,
• A dispensing unit for dispensing the flowable composition from the cavity,

wherein the flowable composition has a viscosity (Brookfield RVT, spindle 5, 50 rpm, 25 ° C) of at least 1 Pa · s (1,000 cP), and
characterized in that the cavity comprises a compressible elastic wall to which at least one label of elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 is applied.

• – eine äußere druckverformbare Wand,
• – eine innere faltbare Schicht, die einen Hohlraum definiert, der die Zusammensetzung enthält,
• – eine Pufferzone, die die druckverformbare äußere Wand von der inneren faltbaren Wand trennt, und
• – eine Abgabeeinheit zur Abgabe der fließfähigen Zusammensetzung aus dem Hohlraum,

worin ein Etikett aus einem Elastomermaterial mit einer Shore-A-Härte (ASTM D 2240) von mindestens 35 an der äußeren druckverformbaren Wand angebracht ist.A second embodiment of the present invention relates to bag-in-bottle type containers for dispensing a flowable composition, comprising:

• An outer compressible wall,
• An inner foldable layer defining a cavity containing the composition,
• A buffer zone separating the compressible outer wall from the inner foldable wall, and
• A dispensing unit for dispensing the flowable composition from the cavity,

wherein a label of elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 is attached to the outer compressible wall.

A third embodiment The present invention relates to a container for dispensing a detergent composition in the drum of a washing machine, the container having a hollow body at least one wall, characterized in that at least a label made of an elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 is attached to the wall.

The The present invention further relates to a method for dispensing a composition, preferably a cosmetic composition, to a substrate, preferably hair, wherein the method comprises the step compressing the elastomeric label of the above-mentioned container.

Further advantages and new functions of The present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, in which simply various modes contemplated for carrying out the invention are illustrated. As can be seen, the invention can also be used for other other aspects without deviating from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are illustrative, but not limiting, of the invention.

SUMMARY THE DRAWING

While the Description with the claims closes which specifically specify the subject of the present invention and claiming it is believed that the present invention from the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same Reference numerals denote like elements, it will be better understood.

1 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a compression-moldable bottle with two labels attached to diametrically opposed surfaces of the wall of the bottle.

2 Figure 11 is a perspective view of a compression mold bottle with two substantially flat labels attached to opposite surfaces of the wall of the bottle.

3 is a front view of the embodiment in 2 ,

4 is a side view of the embodiment in 2 ,

5 Figure 11 is an exploded view of the "bag in bottle" type container with two labels attached to diametrically opposed surfaces of the wall of the bottle.

6 is a perspective view of the assembled elements of 5 ,

7 shows the assembled container of 6 with a brush / comb-like applicator removably attached to the outlet of the effluent.

8th shows a cross section of the assembled container of 6 with a surface applicator removably attached to the outlet of the effluent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

All cited References are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety incorporated. The quote There is no concession regarding a determination of references their availability as state of the art for the claimed invention.

label

The present invention comprises at least one label of an elastomeric material with a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35. The hardness parameter Shore-A is commonly used in the Industry used to the softness of rubber and other similar To measure materials, and is usually used by suppliers of Raw materials for used the characterization of their products. The inventors have found that labels made of an elastomeric material with a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35, preferably from 40 to 80, more preferably from 50 to 70, the container, on which they are attached give an excellent elasticity. Due to these elastomeric materials, the label may be for the user Furthermore feel comfortable and soft.

Of the Term "label" as used herein does not imply that information, e.g. B. Information regarding the Products that are present on the label. According to the invention that Label have any or no information.

Regarding of the label the terms "existing from "and" at least partly consisting of "interchangeable be used.

Even though the size of the wall surface of the container which is covered by the label is not crucial, should that Label preferably be that big that it 1) in the case of a bottle with a viscous product easily can be pressed by the hand of a user or 2) im Trap of a container for dispensing a detergent composition in the drum of a Washing machine from the wet laundry, and that it's the container a sufficient degree of elasticity gives. Although the label potentially covers the entire surface of the can cover pressure-deformable wall, this is not economical, because elastomeric materials are relatively expensive are. The label should therefore preferably 5 to 60, preferably 10 to 40, more preferably 15 to 55 percent of the surface of the cover pressure-deformable wall. The minimal surface of each label should preferably be at least 1, more preferably at least 5, still more preferably at least 10 square centimeters.

The shape of the label is not critical. Labels with simple shapes such as stripes, squares, rectangles, rectangles with rounded corners, circles or ovals are easy to make and can easily be attached to the wall of the container. More complicated shapes with an aesthetic appeal can also be used, in particular, shapes such as letters can be cut into the label and give the container a further aesthetic feature. In a container having the general shape of a bottle, it has been found that labels having an elongate shape, which are applied along the same direction as the axis of the bottle body, give the bottle excellent elasticity.

A comprehensive list of suitable elastomeric materials is disclosed in WO 00/08622, page 4, line 24 to page 7, line 36. Preferred elastomeric materials used herein are thermoplastic polyolefin (TPE) elastomers, including but not limited to blends of a thermoplastic polyolefin with a vulcanizable rubber selected from ethylene / propylene copolymer rubber, ethylene / propylene / diene rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber , Nitrile rubber, polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, copolymer of C _4-7 isomonoolefin and para-C _1-8 alkylstyrene or halogen derivatives, polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber or styrene / conjugated diene / styrene block copolymer, styrene block copolymer and their variants, and mixtures thereof , Particularly useful examples of these thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers include monoolefin rubber, such as EPDM rubbers, which are commercially available under the trademark SANTOPRENE from Advanced Elastomers Systems (US).

For the number of labels attached to the wall of the container there is no theoretical limitation. For each Container can One label is used, two labels attached to the other Sides of the container are attached, however, are advantageous because the user normally the container press on both labels (with the thumb on one side and with the other fingers on the opposite side).

Not restrictive options the application of the label to the pressure-deformable, elastic Wall include melting, gluing and other means to permanent or semi-permanent attachment of the label to the pressure-deformable, elastic wall.

A better elasticity is obtained when the thickness (i.e., the average thickness, if the label does not have a uniform thickness) of the label between 250 and 2000 microns, more preferably between 300 and 1500 microns, even more preferably between 500 and 1000 microns.

At long last can the label according to the present Invention be a multilayer label, for example, a or more paper layers.

Compressible, elastic wall

Flowable compositions are common in containers packed, the at least one pressure-deformable wall made of an elastic Include material. It is also known that detergent compositions directly to the drum of a washing machine from a dosing ball with a hollow body with elastic walls be given. By pressing the wall increases the pressure inside the container, which is why the flowable compositions delivered by a corresponding dispensing unit from the container become. "Elastic" means that Material his original Restore form when no pressure is applied. The terms "flexible" and "compressible" can be used herein equally be used. The elastic material is usually around a deformable plastic, including polyethylene (including polyethylene low density, medium density polyethylene and polyethylene high density), polypropylene, ethylene propylene, copolymer resin, Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin, other polyolefin resins, polyamide resins, Ionomer resins, ABS resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, polyethylene terephthalate resins and other synthetic resins and mixtures of these. Plastic For example, it may be transparent or colored. To preferred materials for the Compressive wall belong Low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene with linear structure (LLDPE), polypropylene and mixtures of these. Container, which consist of the abovementioned thermoplastic materials, become ordinary produced by extrusion blow molding or injection blow molding.

The relationship the thickness of the label to the thickness (i.e. Thickness, if the wall does not have a uniform thickness) of the bottle wall, to which the label is attached should preferably be 1: 5 to 5: 1, preferably 1: 3 to 3: 1, even more preferably 1: 2 to 2: 1. It has been found that at these preferred ratios the containers even better properties in terms of elasticity and simplicity have the application.

dispensing unit

The present invention includes a dispensing unit for dispensing the composition from the cavity as the container is being pressed. The dispensing unit may be a simple opening in the cavity, as generally described at Do the balls for laundry is the case. In other applications, such as the dispensing of cosmetic products, the dispensing unit may protrude out of the container such that the flow of the composition is directed in one or more general directions to avoid soiling. A simple example of such a dispensing unit protruding from the cavity is in FIG 1 shown, in which the container has the general shape of a bottle and the dispensing unit is the neck of the bottle.

Examples of a dispensing unit that is particularly suitable for delivering a composition to hair are straight applicators in which the flowable composition is dispensed through a single outlet, surface applicators in which the flowable composition through multiple outlets on a surface and brush / comb-like applicators in which the flowable composition is dispensed through a plurality of outlets and dispensed from a plurality of elongated elements extending therefrom. Examples of such applicators are in 5 to 8th displayed. A detailed description of these applicators can be found in US Pat. No. 6,302,607, Burrowes et al. to find.

The dispensing unit may be constructed in a unit with the container or comprise various elements, at least some of which are removably attached to the container. 1 to 8th For example, below are containers having the general shape of a bottle with a threaded neck to which various applicators can be removably attached (eg, an outflow, a brush / comb-like applicator, or a surface applicator).

Container having a composition with a viscosity of at least 1 Pa · s contain.

• – einen Hohlraum, der die fließfähige Zusammensetzung enthält,
• – eine Einheit zur Abgabe der fließfähigen Zusammensetzung aus dem Hohlraum,

worin die fließfähige Zusammensetzung in dem Hohlraum über eine Viskosität (Brookfield RVT, Spindel 5,50 U/min, 25 °C) von mindestens 1 Pa·s (1.000 cP) verfügt; und
worin der Hohlraum eine druckverformbare, elastische Wand umfasst, an der mindestens ein Etikett aus einem Elastomermaterial mit einer Shore-A-Härte (ASTM D 2240) von mindestens 35 angebracht ist.A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a container containing a flowable composition comprising:

• A cavity containing the flowable composition,
• A unit for delivering the flowable composition from the cavity,

wherein the fluid composition in the cavity has a viscosity (Brookfield RVT, spindle 5.50 rpm, 25 ° C) of at least 1 Pa · s (1,000 cP); and
wherein the cavity comprises a compressible elastic wall to which at least one label of elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 is applied.

compositions with a viscosity of at least 1 Pa · s (1,000 cP) are relatively viscous and can not efficient from a conventional one Container (eg a bottle) because gravity alone not enough to make the compositions fast enough container to transport. These compositions are therefore usually in compressible form containers in which the user can exert pressure on the wall of the container, about the composition over to hand over the dispensing unit. However, repeated presses are often required to deliver a sufficient amount of the composition, and therefore is it for the comfort of the user important that the wall of the container their original Form quickly resumes to fast delivery of the product to enable.

Now It was found out that by attaching a label as above described on the compression deformable, elastic wall of the container the elasticity this wall substantially increased can be, whereby the pressure-deformed wall of the container their original Form can recover faster. Accordingly, an object of the present Invention the increase the elasticity of pressure-deformable containers, which contain a composition having a viscosity of at least 1 Pa · s.

Examples of containers for dispensing a flowable composition having a viscosity of at least 1 Pa · s according to the present invention will be described below in more detail by way of example only, with reference to Figs 1 refers to a first container and 2 to 4 refer to a second container.

In 1 includes a container 10 , which has the general shape of a bottle, a cavity 12 made by blow molding (eg polypropylene) and two labels 14a and 14b comprised of an elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 (eg, an elastomeric material such as SANTOPRENE ™ (RTM)). The composition to be dispensed is in the cavity 12 contain.

The cavity 12 includes a closed lower end 16 , a pressure-deformable wall 18 on the labels 14a and 14b , for example, by a blow molding labeling method, and an open neck 20 at the upper end. The open neck 20 can be an external thread 21 which is constructed so that a cap 22 attached thereto, which may be a one-piece plastic molding.

The two labels 14a and 14b were on opposite sides of the cavity 12 attached to give the user a better grip possible. The user may squeeze the bottle by pressing one label with the thumb or lug of the palm and pressing the opposite label with the other fingers. The cavity 12 and in particular its pressure-deformable wall 18 have a substantially cylindrical shape with a narrowing upper end 24 , The labels are flush with the cylindrical pressure-deformable wall 18 and follow the curves of the wall 18 ,

2 to 4 put a bottle similar to the bottle in 1 in which the cap 22 screwed on the bottleneck. In order to give the container a better grip and better aesthetic features, the cylindrical symmetry of the cavity 12 by providing a substantially (more than 70% of the total area of the labels) flat surface changed, at which the labels 14a and 14b were attached. Such substantially flat surfaces can be easily prepared by a blow molding process using a suitable mold and used for all containers according to the present invention.

Container of the type "bag in bottle "

A second embodiment The present invention relates to a container of the type "bag in bottle "to Delivery of a flowable composition, wherein a label of a thermoplastic elastomer with a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 on the outer pressure deformable wall of the container is appropriate.

• – eine äußere druckverformbare, elastische Wand,
• – eine innere faltbare Schicht, die sich von der äußeren druckverformbaren Wand unterscheidet, wobei die innere faltbare Schicht einen Hohlraum definiert, der die Zusammensetzung enthält,
• – eine Pufferzone, die die druckverformbare äußere Wand von der inneren faltbaren Wand trennt, und
• – eine Abgabeeinheit zur Abgabe der Zusammensetzung aus dem Hohlraum.

Bag in bottle type containers as defined herein include:

• An outer compressible elastic wall,
• An inner foldable layer different from the outer compressible wall, the inner foldable layer defining a cavity containing the composition,
• A buffer zone separating the compressible outer wall from the inner foldable wall, and
• A dispensing unit for dispensing the composition from the cavity.

• – einen ersten Durchgang, der sich von einem zweiten Durchgang unterscheidet, wobei der erste Durchgang mit der Pufferzone und der zweite Durchgang mit dem Hohlraum verbunden ist, und
• – eine Ventileinheit, die betrieben werden kann, um den Eintritt von Luft in die Pufferzone durch den ersten Durchgang und den Austritt der fließfähigen Zusammensetzung aus dem Hohlraum durch den zweiten Durchgang zu steuern.

In a preferred embodiment of bag-in-bottle containers, the dispensing unit further comprises:

• A first passage different from a second passage, the first passage being connected to the buffer zone and the second passage being connected to the cavity, and
• A valve unit operable to control the entry of air into the buffer zone through the first passage and the exit of the flowable composition from the cavity through the second passage.

WHERE 99/26511, Or, describes an improved container of the Type "bag in bottle ", in which the valve unit is constructed in one unit.

US 6,332,726 , Yamamoto et al. describes a "bottle-in-bottle" container comprising a flexible outer layer and an inner layer applied to the outer layer such that the inner layer is separated from the outer layer when the composition is dispensed and the buffer zone expands.

Container of Type "bag in bottle "have that Advantage that the flowable composition in the container can be dispensed at any orientation of the container, unlike containers of the conventional Type in which the dispensing unit down when using the container must be directed. For containers of the type "bag in bottle "must the user, however, even with relatively less viscous compositions the outer pressure-deformable Wall of the container press repeatedly, to convey the composition through the dispensing unit.

Now was found by attaching at least one Label according to the present Invention on the outer pressure deformable Wall of the container of the type "bag in bottle "the elasticity the wall can be increased advantageously can, reducing the repeated pressures for the User is relieved.

Next, a bag-in-bottle type container according to the second embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to FIGS 5 to 8th briefly described. This bag-in-bottle type container is similar to the bag-in-bottle type container described in more detail in WO 99/26511, with the addition that this container has two labels according to the present invention on the pressure-deformable wall. to improve the elasticity of the container and its grip. The following is a brief summary of the elements of the container, with further details of these elements (other than the labels according to the present invention) and their interaction available in WO 99/26511.

• – einen Hohlkörper 28 (beispielsweise bestehend aus Polypropylen), der durch Blasformen hergestellt wird und eine druckverformbare, elastische Wand 30 und einen geöffneten Hals 32 umfasst,
• – eine innere faltbare Schicht in der Form einer flexiblen Tasche 34 für die Aufnahme der abzugebenden Zusammensetzung,
• – eine Pufferzone 36, durch die die äußere druckverformbare, elastische Wand von der inneren faltbaren Schicht, wie in 8 dargestellt, getrennt wird,
• – eine Abgabeeinheit zur Abgabe der fließfähigen Zusammensetzung aus dem Hohlraum, wobei die Abgabeeinheit ein Stützrohr 38, einen Einsatz 40, ein Ventil 42, einen Ausfluss 44 und optional einen Flächenapplikator 46 oder einen bürsten-/kammähnlichen Applikator 48 umfasst, und
• – zwei Etiketten 50a und 50b (z. B. aus einem SANTOPRENE (RTM)-Material) gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung, die an den diametral entgegengesetzten Flächen der druckverformbaren, elastischen Wand 30 angebracht sind.

The container 26 with the general shape of a bottle includes:

• - A hollow body 28 (for example, consisting of polypropylene), which is produced by blow molding and a pressure-deformable, elastic wall 30 and an open neck 32 includes,
• - an inner foldable layer in the form of a fle xible bag 34 for the recording of the composition to be submitted,
• - a buffer zone 36 through which the outer compressible elastic wall of the inner foldable layer, as in 8th represented, is separated,
• A dispensing unit for dispensing the flowable composition from the cavity, the dispensing unit being a support tube 38 , an insert 40 , a valve 42 , an outflow 44 and optionally a surface applicator 46 or a brush / comb-like applicator 48 includes, and
• - two labels 50a and 50b (eg from a SANTOPRENE (RTM) material) according to the present invention, which are at the diametrically opposite surfaces of the compression deformable elastic wall 30 are attached.

These labels are flush with the wall 30 of the container 26 and follow its cylindrical curve, but may also be substantially flat.

The flexible bag 34 can consist of two overlapping slides 52 consist of the same shape, which are interconnected along most of their entire circumference and a bag with an upper opening 54 and a lower V-shaped edge 56 form. The bag can be in the body 28 over the neck 32 introduced to a container with an outer compressible elastic wall 30 and an inner foldable layer (foils 52 ) formed by a buffer zone 36 as in 8th are shown separated from each other.

The support tube 38 that has a lot of holes 58 can stand in the pocket over the open neck 32 be introduced and thereby provides an at least partially rigid channel.

The use 40 can partially through the open neck 32 inserted into the bag and it can be partially inserted through the neck into the bottle. The use 40 and the bag 34 may alternatively be constructed in one unit.

This container can be used to deliver an oxidative hair dye composition. In this case, the bag is 34 usually already partially filled with a first material such as hydrogen peroxide when supplied to the user. At least one second material (such as a composition comprising an oxidative hair dye precursor) is then added to the first material in the cavity prior to use. A complete revelation about how this second material adds to the bag 34 can be added is disclosed in WO 99/26511.

In preparation for the delivery of the composition to be applied, the discharge 44 on the insert 40 be attached. A valve element 42 , which is constructed in one unit, can be located at the outlet 44 be attached. The valve element 42 includes an inlet in the form of an annular flap valve 60 acting as a one-way control valve to control the entry of air through the air inlets 62 serves. The valve member also includes an outlet in the form of a central quadrilobe valve which serves as a one-way check valve for controlling the exit of the composition through the passage 66 , as in 8th represented, serves.

The composition is from the bag 34 to the outlet 68 delivered in the outflow when the compressible, elastic wall of the hollow body is pressed by the user. This will cause the air in the buffer zone 36 compressed and the bag 34 Partially collapses, as the air can not escape, so that part of the composition of the pipe 38 , the pipe element 70 of the inlet 50 and the quadrilobe valve 64 is pressed, which opens to allow the delivery of the composition. When the user stops pressing, the elastic wall returns 30 quickly back to their original shape so that the buffer zone expands. The quadrilobe valve 64 is closed to prevent backflow of the composition beyond the quadrilobe valve 64, and the bag 34 maintains its partially folded shape. At the same time, the air is released via the flap valve 60 sucked into the buffer zone, which opens to the air through the air inlets 62 involved. Depending on the circumstances, the user may repeat pressing at any pressure and frequency.

6 Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the above-described assembled elements.

7 shows the assembled container of 6 with a brush / comb-like applicator removably attached to the outlet of the effluent. This applicator is especially helpful for delivering a composition to the hair.

8th is a cross section of the assembled container of 6 in that a surface applicator is removably mounted over the outlet in the effluent, which is also suitable for delivering a composition to the hair.

For more details on the function of the brush / comb-like applicator, surface applicator, and other elements described in U.S. Pat 5 to 8th are shown, apart from the labels, are available in WO 99/26511.

Unit for the levy a detergent composition

A third embodiment The present invention relates to a container for dispensing a detergent composition in the drum of a washing machine, the container having a hollow body at least one wall, characterized in that at least a label made of an elastomer material with a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 is attached to the wall.

The Wall can in the drum of the washing machine of the with the suds soaked textile articles be deformed and elastic, so that they are the original Resumes form when the deformation force subsides.

Regarding the Other embodiments described above the elasticity of the wall of the container is improved by the label, where it is appropriate. This gives the container a better pumping action. For example, in the containers disclosed in EP-A-0,368,680 the pumping properties through the labels according to the present invention improved.

It It was also found that metering balls with at least one non-compressible wall of a label made of an elastomeric material with a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35, that on the non-deformable wall is attached, can benefit. The soft Texture of the " Rubber labels are gentler on laundry than other plastics usually for dosing balls (compressible or non-compressible) can be used. The The present invention therefore also relates to a container for Delivery of a detergent composition within the drum of a Washing machine, wherein the wall is not druckverformbar and / or not is elastic.

For the wall or walls and the label (s), the same materials and configurations discussed above may be used. Non-compressible walls are obtained by increasing the thickness of the walls or by using a less flexible plastic material. The container may have the general shape of a hollow sphere. Examples of suitable containers to which the label can be attached are in EP 0 368 680 disclosed. In particular, the in EP 0 368 680 B1 (see claims 1 to 4) claimed functions can be advantageously used for the container according to this embodiment of the invention. The label may cover part or all of the surface of the walls, preferably the outer surface. The label (s) may have various shapes, for example, in the case of a spherical container, a label could be applied along the equatorial line of the ball or along a longitudinal line.

Of the hollow body may preferably have a soft outer surface and with a single permanently open filling and Dispensing unit be equipped, through which the body is filled with detergent and through which the detergent is dispensed.

in the Related to the sphere can detergent products in powder form or liquid detergent products be used. In liquid Detergents is a viscosity of at least 0.250 Pa · s (250 cP), preferably from 0.250 to 500 Pa · s (250-500 cP), preferably. The viscosity can be like explained above be determined.

Of the container (For example, a dosing ball) can by the user through an opening with the detergent composition can be filled, and the filled container can subsequently placed in the drum of the washing machine before the start of the wash cycle become. The container should preferably be reusable, d. H. he should be the one in the Drum the washing machine while withstand a prevailing conditions of a washing program.

manufacturing

It are different procedures for attaching labels to one. Container known. A frequently used one Procedure for Plastic containers produced by extrusion blow molding or injection blow molding become, is the "In Mold "-Ettiketierverfahren. In this process, the label in the recess of an open press tool attached, and a hot one Extrudate (extrusion blow molding) or a preform (injection blow molding) the thermoplastic material forming the outer wall of the container, is introduced into the mold; then the mold is closed, and a pressurized liquid is blown into the extrudate or preform to make it or her expand. The label will be integrated into the walls of the container, if that expanding extrudate or the preform the surface of the Shape achieved. After cooling the mold is opened, and the container is taken. Further information on the in-mold labeling process For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,108,850 to Brandt or U.S. Patent No. 4,802,295, Darr.

• – die Herstellung der Wand des Behälters, die druckverformbar sein kann, und das Anbringen des Etiketts sind in einem einzigen Arbeitsgang kombiniert,
• – es wird kein Klebstoff benötigt,
• – das Etikett wird struktureller Bestandteil des Behälters, wodurch die Elastizitätseigenschaften der Wand verbessert werden,
• – das Etikett ist bündig mit der Wandfläche, wodurch das Risiko einer Ablösung des Etiketts reduziert wird.

Although other methods such as gluing can be used for attaching the label to the wall, the in-mold labeling method will be used preferred, because it offers several advantages:

• The manufacture of the wall of the container, which can be pressure-deformable, and the application of the label are combined in a single operation,
• - no glue is needed,
• The label becomes a structural part of the container, which improves the elasticity properties of the wall,
• - the label is flush with the wall surface, reducing the risk of label detachment.

application process

The container according to the present Invention are particularly useful in delivering viscous fluid compositions such as food, medical products, detergents, industrial Chemicals and cosmetics. These compositions are usually in pressure-deformable containers packed up. As described above, it is convenient if the user the Squeezing container by He presses on the label or labels on the outside wall of the container are attached. The containers can also for them Delivery of a detergent composition in powder or in liquid form be used directly in the drum of a washing machine. apart from that the container a better elasticity lend the bottles with labels to one further advantage on having a better grip (non-slip) for the Enable users and aesthetically appealing with regard to touch and sight are.

Of the Consumer can use the containers with labels according to the present Invention in a similar manner like other ordinary ones pressure-deformable containers use. ordinary container as in claim 1 be used with downward dispensing unit, wherein the products (eg shampoo), for example, those not used for pressing Hand of the user, or in containers of the Type "bag in bottle "with upward dispensing unit, z. B. for the delivery of hair dye compositions directly on the hair of the user.

Even though different versions of the present invention have been described and described further adaptations of the present invention as described herein by appropriate modification by a person skilled in the art, without depart from the scope of the present invention. Some of these potential Modifications and alternatives have been mentioned, and others will be for professionals be obvious. While z. B. exemplary embodiments However, it has been explained by way of illustration of the invention for purposes of illustration Of course, that the elements described by technological advances constantly updated and improved. Accordingly, the scope is of the present invention with reference to the following claims, and he may not on the details of the structure, the operation or the process steps as in the specification and the drawings described, limited become.

Claims (19)

A container for dispensing a flowable composition, comprising: a cavity containing the flowable composition, a dispensing unit for dispensing the flowable composition from the cavity, wherein the fluid composition is of viscosity (Brookfield RVT, spindle 5.50 rpm, 25 ° C) of at least 1 Pa · s (1,000 cP), characterized in that the cavity comprises a compressible, elastic wall on which at least one label of an elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 is attached. container of the type "bag in bottle "to Delivery of a flowable composition, full: An outer compressible, elastic wall, - one Inner foldable layer, different from the outer compressible, elastic Wall is different, with the inner foldable layer forming a cavity defined that contains the composition, - A buffer zone, the outer compressible, elastic Wall separates from the inner foldable layer, - a dispensing unit for dispensing the flowable composition from the cavity, characterized in that at least one Label made of an elastomer material with a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 on the outer compressible, elastic Wall is attached. container according to claim 2, wherein: - the Dispensing unit includes a first passage extending from a second passage is different, with the first passage with the Buffer zone and the second passage is connected to the cavity, and - one Valve unit that can be operated to prevent the entry of air into the buffer zone through the first passage and the exit of the flowable composition from the cavity through the second passage is. container according to claim 3, wherein the valve unit is constructed uniformly. container according to one of the claims 2 to 4, wherein the inner foldable layer on the outer layer is applied so that the inner layer of the outer layer replaces, when the buffer zone expands. container according to one of the claims 2 to 5, wherein the flowable composition in the cavity above a viscosity (Brookfield RVT, spindle 5, 50 rpm, 25 ° C) of at least 1 Pa · s (1,000 cP) features. container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition a hair care composition, more preferably a hair dye composition, even more preferably, an oxidative hair dye composition. container for dispensing a detergent composition in the drum of a Washing machine, the container a hollow body comprising at least one wall, characterized in that at least one label of an elastomeric material having a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 is attached to the wall. container according to claim 8, wherein the wall is not druckverformbar. container according to claim 8, wherein the wall in the drum of a washing machine be deformed by the impregnated with the wash textile articles can and is elastic so that it resumes the original shape, if no deformation force is exercised. container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall by a Injection blow molding or extrusion blow molding process becomes. container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall is at least partially composed of a material selected from the group consisting polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene propylene, copolymer resin, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin, other polyolefin resins, polyamide resins, ionomer resins, ABS resins, Polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate and other synthetic Resins and mixtures thereof. container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the label at least partially made of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPE). A container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer is a blend of a thermoplastic polyolefin with a vulcanizable rubber selected from ethylene-propylene copolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, butyl rubber, natural rubber, nitrile rubber, polyisoprene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, copolymer C _4-7 isomonoolefin and para C _1-8 alkyl styrene or its halogen derivatives, polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene / conjugated diene / styrene block copolymer, styrene block copolymer and their variants, and mixtures thereof. container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the label by Blow-mold labeling on the outer surface of the pressure deformable wall of the container is appropriate. container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the label is a average thickness of at least 150 microns, preferably from 250 to 1500 microns. container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of Thickness of the label to the thickness of the wall of the bottle at which the Label is attached, in the range of 1: 5 to 5: 1, preferably from 3: 1 to 3: 1, more preferably from 1: 2 to 2: 1. container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two labels a thermoplastic elastomer material having a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 diametrically opposite sides attached to the wall. Process for improving the elasticity of a container with a pressure deformable wall, wherein the method comprises the step the application of a label made of an elastomer having a Shore A hardness (ASTM D 2240) of at least 35 on the pressure deformable wall.