EP0230079B1 - Receptacle stopper, especially for liquid products, designed as a dispensing and diffusing device and process, especially for the machine-washing of laundry, utilizing the said stopper - Google Patents

Receptacle stopper, especially for liquid products, designed as a dispensing and diffusing device and process, especially for the machine-washing of laundry, utilizing the said stopper Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0230079B1
EP0230079B1 EP86202328A EP86202328A EP0230079B1 EP 0230079 B1 EP0230079 B1 EP 0230079B1 EP 86202328 A EP86202328 A EP 86202328A EP 86202328 A EP86202328 A EP 86202328A EP 0230079 B1 EP0230079 B1 EP 0230079B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
stopper
receptacle
washing
laundry
dispensing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP86202328A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0230079A1 (en
Inventor
José Arnau-Munoz
Charles Douglas Murray
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=9326085&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0230079(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Priority to AT86202328T priority Critical patent/ATE79423T1/de
Publication of EP0230079A1 publication Critical patent/EP0230079A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0230079B1 publication Critical patent/EP0230079B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/26—Caps or cap-like covers serving as, or incorporating, drinking or measuring vessels
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • D06F39/024—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents mounted on the agitator or the rotating drum; Free body dispensers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the packaging sector, particularly for liquid products used in set doses. According to one of its preferred features, the invention is also concerned with the washing of laundry by machine.
  • the subject of European Publication 152359 filed April 2, 1985 for "Device for machine-washing with a liquid detergent and process utilizing the said device” is a device of the abovementioned type which is more particularly characterized in that it has an essentially spherical shape.
  • the device comprises a body and an attached assembly provided with a central filling orifice which can take the form of a shaft penetrating inside the body. A certain number of orifices makes it possible to fill or dispense and/or diffuse the liquid.
  • the subject of the present invention is, therefore, an advantageous simplification of the removable dispensers which, in particular, are the subject of the abovementioned European Patent Publication 201376 .
  • a particularly expedient use of the invention is in the washing of laundry by machine with a liquid detergent.
  • the invention therefore relates to a receptacle stopper according to claim 1.
  • the stopper according to the invention performs a primary function which is the conventional stopping of receptacles, especially for liquid products.
  • the stopper has means known per se, which make it possible to fasten it removably to the receptacle. Any fastening means can be used. It is sufficient for the means equipping the stopper to interact with those equipping the receptacle or the neck of the latter. Consequently, these can be screwing or clipping means or a combination of these means.
  • the means of fastening the stopper on the receptacle can be provided on the actual body of the stopper or on parts of the latter.
  • the stopper likewise has gripping means known to a person skilled in the art, which are intended to make it easier to manipulate.
  • the stopper also functions as a dispensing and diffusing device, certain means of fastening the stopper on the receptacle are preferred.
  • the stopper after receiving a set dose of the product contained in the receptacle, is used in an operation during which this set dose will be used up, whilst the stopper itself can be separated and recovered.
  • the most interesting practical example is that of the washing of laundry by machine. In this case, the stopper filled with an especially liquid detergent is placed in the drum of the machine together with the laundry to be washed.
  • a first condition is that it is preferable to fill and reduce as much as possible the sharp edges and ridges on the stopper.
  • the means of fastening the stopper to the neck of the receptacle consist of an external thread of part of the stopper, which interacts with a corresponding internal thread on the neck of the receptacle. Because this type of article is made of plastic, the threads are most often produced without any sharp edges.
  • the outer shape of the stopper must likewise be adapted to the conditions of use. Rounded forms and edges are preferred. If the stopper has a general rounded shape, it is advantageous for practical manipulation if it has a flattened portion which makes it possible to stand it with a firm support during the filling and dispensing operation. Devices of this type are described, in particular, in the EP-A-0 152 359, mentioned above.
  • Another condition relates to the material constituting the stopper.
  • a material meeting the requirements arising during use must be selected.
  • the material of the stopper should withstand the highest temperatures used during this washing.
  • the material selected should withstand temperatures of the order of 100°C.
  • the stopper is intended to be placed in the drum of a washing machine, it will be necessary as far as possible to avoid choosing a material of such a hardness that the impacts of the stopper inside the drum generate noise.
  • a person skilled in the art will therefore have to adopt a compromise between a material sufficiently rigid for the stopper to have sufficient mechanical strength and a material which does not cause any noise in the drum during use.
  • plastics which can satisfy such conditions. Mention may be made, as non-limiting examples, of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylvinylacetate, polyesters and other polymers which are known to be suitable for use in the production of plastic articles.
  • the stopper according to the invention has means making it possible for it to serve as a dispensing and diffusing device.
  • a stopper as a dispenser. Many household products are used in this way.
  • the stopper which performs its conventional function of stopping the receptacle, also functions not only as a dispenser, but also as a diffuser and as a means in a subsequent use, particularly for the machine-washing of laundry with an especially liquid detergent.
  • the dispensing and diffusing means equipping the stopper according to the invention can have very varied designs.
  • removable fitting is the screwing or clipping of a piece having orifices onto the stopper opening.
  • the user need only separate the stopper from the receptacle, fill the stopper with the set dose of detergent product and fasten, by clipping or the like, the removable piece which will serve as a diffuser.
  • the stopper filled and equipped with this piece is then introduced into the drum of the washing machine together with the laundry.
  • the stopper can additionally incorporate means allowing it to interact with the dispensing and diffusing means, for example by clipping or screwing, by means of its end opposite that where its opening is located. This embodiment is advantageous for transport purposes.
  • the invention relates to a process which utilizes the receptacle stopper according to the invention and in which the stopper is filled with the set dose of the product contained in the receptacle, the said process being characterized in that the stopper filled in this way is used as such, the product then diffusing progressively until the said set dose has been used up, and in that the stopper is recovered.
  • the recovered stopper serves once again for stopping the receptacle.
  • Figure 1 shows an embodiment, in which the dispensing and diffusing device is fitted removably on the body of the stopper which is designated by the general reference (31).
  • the body (32) has, in its lower part, an external thread (34) which normally interacts with the receptacle covered by the stopper (31).
  • a collar (34a) is intended to ensure a sealed closure.
  • the piece (35) is then separated from the body (32).
  • the stopper (31) is unscrewed and the body (32) is filled with the desired quantity of detergent liquid, after which the piece (35) having a corresponding internal thread (40) is screwed onto the thread (34). Vents (39) are distributed over the piece (35), to allow the liquid to diffuse progressively into the laundry during washing.
  • there is functional interaction between the stopper (31) and the piece (35) thus making it possible to ensure the stopping function and the dispensing and diffusing function.
  • FIG 2 shows another alternative embodiment of a stopper designated by the general reference (41).
  • the stopper body (42) has a collar (43) equipped with an internal thread (44) intended to interact with a corresponding external thread of the neck of the receptacle (not shown).
  • An internal means (44a) makes it possible to ensure a sealed closure.
  • the dispensing and diffusing means in the form of the piece (45) are fitted semi-fixedly on the body (42).
  • the piece (45) having vents (49) is in fact fitted on the body (42) in the form of a hinge-type arrangement which is often found in capping devices.
  • the edge (60) of the piece (45) catches on the periphery of the body (42) when the piece (45) has to be connected to the stopper (41).
  • the stopper (41) is normally fastened to the neck of the receptacle by means of the collar (43) and its thread (44).
  • the stopper (41) is unscrewed, the piece (45) is pivoted about the hinge (50) so as to expose the opening in the stopper body (42), the desired quantity of liquid detergent product is introduced into it, and then the piece (45) is fitted on the periphery of the opening in the body (42).
  • the stopper (41) containing the liquid detergent is introduced as a whole inside the drum of the washing machine. The liquid detergent progressively diffuses through the vents (49) into the laundry during washing.
  • the stopper which is of a general type similar to that of Figure 1, has an external thread (34) intended to interact with the neck of the receptacle. At the opposite end, it has another external thread (40a) which has a pitch identical to that of the preceding thread and which can receive the corresponding thread (40) of the cap (35).
  • the cap (35) can thus be screwed on the body of the stopper (32).
  • the cap (35) is removed from the thread (40a), and the assembly as a whole can then be used in the way described with reference to Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 illustrates an alternative form similar to that of Figure 2.
  • the cap (45) is no longer movable about a hinge, but can simply be force-fitted onto the body of the stopper (41).
  • the part (50) of the cap interacts with the part (50a) of the stopper.
  • the tongue (60) makes it possible to remove the cap easily during use.
  • the stopper (41) has been filled with the desired quantity of product (for example, liquid detergent)
  • the cap (45) is placed over the opening in the stopper by forcing it onto the body.
  • the assembly as a whole is used in the same way as in Figure 2.
  • the dispensing and diffusing stoppers illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 are made of a plastic which withstands the conditions of a washing operation, particularly temperatures up to 100°C and alkaline conditions.
  • the description relates essentially to a process for utilizing the stopper according to the invention in the washing of laundry by machine, which represents a preferred embodiment.
  • the inventive design of the stopper according to the present invention can be used in all other types of process in which a treatment product contained in a stopper can diffuse through the latter. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the field of washing with a liquid detergent.
  • a stopper according to the invention can be used in the same way to diffuse various products, such as scenting or softening compositions, progressively into articles to be treated.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Nitrogen Condensed Heterocyclic Rings (AREA)
  • Acyclic And Carbocyclic Compounds In Medicinal Compositions (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
EP86202328A 1985-12-23 1986-12-18 Receptacle stopper, especially for liquid products, designed as a dispensing and diffusing device and process, especially for the machine-washing of laundry, utilizing the said stopper Expired EP0230079B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT86202328T ATE79423T1 (de) 1985-12-23 1986-12-18 Verschluss fuer einen behaelter, insbesondere fuer fluessige produkte, ausgebildet als dosier- und diffusionsvorrichtung und verfahren zum maschinellen waschen von waesche mit einem solchen verschluss.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8519060 1985-12-23
FR858519060A FR2592001B1 (fr) 1985-12-23 1985-12-23 Bouchon de recipient, en particulier pour produits liquides, agences comme dispositif doseur et diffuseur et procede, notamment pour le lavage du linge en machine, mettant en oeuvre ledit bouchon

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0230079A1 EP0230079A1 (en) 1987-07-29
EP0230079B1 true EP0230079B1 (en) 1992-08-12

Family

ID=9326085

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP86202328A Expired EP0230079B1 (en) 1985-12-23 1986-12-18 Receptacle stopper, especially for liquid products, designed as a dispensing and diffusing device and process, especially for the machine-washing of laundry, utilizing the said stopper

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0230079B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
AT (1) ATE79423T1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (2) DE3686411T2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DK (1) DK166220C (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
ES (1) ES2033681T3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
FI (1) FI84583C (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
FR (2) FR2592001B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GR (1) GR3005620T3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
IE (1) IE60882B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT207293Z2 (it) * 1986-06-04 1988-01-04 Mira Lanza Spa Dispositivo donatore distributore di detersivo liquido per macchine lavabiancheria
DE3823709C2 (de) * 1987-07-23 1999-04-01 Colgate Palmolive Co Behälter für die gesteuerte Abgabe eines flüssigen Mediums
DE3804665A1 (de) * 1988-02-15 1989-08-24 Henkel Kgaa Dosierspeicher zur aufnahme und abgabe einer waeschebehandlungsfluessigkeit
DE3804668A1 (de) * 1988-02-15 1989-08-24 Henkel Kgaa Dosierspeicher zur aufnahme und abgabe von waeschebehandlungsmittel
DE3804666C1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1988-02-15 1989-07-13 Henkel Kgaa, 4000 Duesseldorf, De
GB2244722A (en) * 1990-03-10 1991-12-11 Paterson Zochonis Reusable in-wash powder dispensing device
CZ290091B6 (cs) * 1994-10-14 2002-05-15 Unilever N. V. Nádobka pro nanášení pracího prostředku a způsob ošetření
EP1016751A3 (de) * 1995-12-20 2003-03-19 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien Dosierspeicher
DE19549440C2 (de) * 1995-12-20 2002-09-26 Henkel Kgaa Dosierspeicher
DE102013104671A1 (de) * 2013-05-07 2014-11-13 Miele & Cie. Kg Wäschetrockner mit einem Bodenmodul

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3399806A (en) * 1967-05-01 1968-09-03 Procter & Gamble Delayed opening dispenser
AT304351B (de) * 1968-06-28 1973-01-10 Erhard Wenger Streuer
US4240277A (en) * 1979-10-15 1980-12-23 Raytheon Company Two-piece liquid rinse agent dispenser for clothes washing machine
GR71916B (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1979-12-29 1983-08-16 Procter & Gamble
DE3373994D1 (en) * 1982-11-17 1987-11-12 Procter & Gamble Liquid product pouring and measuring package with self draining feature
FR2539108A1 (fr) * 1983-01-12 1984-07-13 Lavoillotte Maurice Bouchon pour flacon principal faisant office de flacon secondaire
ES285818Y (es) * 1984-04-18 1987-01-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Dispositivo para el lavado de ropa en maquina con un deter- gente liquido
FR2579956B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1985-04-03 1989-02-03 Procter & Gamble France
FR2587001B1 (fr) * 1985-09-11 1990-02-09 Procter & Gamble France Dispositif doseur et diffuseur, pouvant etre incorpore a un recipient, en particulier pour produits liquides

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FI865266A0 (fi) 1986-12-22
GR3005620T3 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1993-06-07
FI865266L (fi) 1987-06-24
FR2637298B1 (fr) 1994-11-04
DK166220C (da) 1993-08-16
FR2592001A1 (fr) 1987-06-26
DK620986A (da) 1987-06-24
FR2592001B1 (fr) 1992-07-17
DE3686411D1 (de) 1992-09-17
DE3686411T2 (de) 1992-12-24
IE863371L (en) 1987-06-23
EP0230079A1 (en) 1987-07-29
DE230079T1 (de) 1988-08-11
FI84583B (fi) 1991-09-13
ES2033681T3 (es) 1993-04-01
FR2637298A1 (fr) 1990-04-06
ATE79423T1 (de) 1992-08-15
DK166220B (da) 1993-03-22
DK620986D0 (da) 1986-12-22
IE60882B1 (en) 1994-08-24
FI84583C (fi) 1994-03-15

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