EP0778223A2

EP0778223A2 - Detergentdispenser system

Info

Publication number: EP0778223A2
Application number: EP96203387A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Cornelis Schouten; Michiel Auguste Adolphe Lubbers; Ewit De Kuyper
Original assignee: Epenhuysen Chemie NV
Current assignee: Epenhuysen Chemie NV
Priority date: 1995-12-06
Filing date: 1996-12-04
Publication date: 1997-06-11
Also published as: NL1001832C2; EP0778223A3

Abstract

Detergent dispensing system comprising a container (1) filled with detergent and having a funnel shaped bottom (13) with substantially central pooring opening, the cross sectional dimension of which is substantially smaller than the cross sectional dimension of the container at a distance from the funnel shaped bottom. The bottom (13) is preferably collapsible. The bottom is preferably of foil like material. The bottom is preferably part of a bag type element, at least partly surrounded by a shell (2) of rigid shape.

Description

The invention is concerned with a detergent dispenser system.
With known systems of such type it is necessary to measure the dose and to bring the detergent in the washing zone, e.g. by hand. The drawback of this is e.g. environmental, ergonomical, safety and reliability.
In a first aspect the object of the invention is an ergonomical system. In a second aspect the object of the invention is a safe system. In a third aspect the object of the invention is a reliable system. In a fourth aspect the object of the invention is an environment friendly system. In a fifth aspect the object of the invention is a system that is cheap in production and use.
The invention is concerned with shipping, warehousing, loading and unloading and dispensing of solid or flowable pooring (free flowing) substances, in particular detergents that, in particular if they are flowable pooring, or if they can be brought in such nature, are a thread to the envinronment. The above mentioned and other objects of the invention as indicated in the following description, are met by the combination of features according to the accompanying claim 1.
Preferred embodiments and further developments are indicated in the dependent claims.
The invention is concerned with a cleaning device that is designed to be used with the detergent dispensing system, as indicated in the accompanying claim 9, as well.
The invention is further illustrated by a non-limiting embodiment, referring to the enclosed drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the detergent dispensing system according to the invention, in a second position;
Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of the embodiment as shown in fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a view according to fig. 2, with the embodiemnt in a first position;
Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment according to fig. 1, in its first position; and
Fig. 5a and 5b are sectional side views of a detail of the embodiment, in two positions.

Fig. 1-4 show a container 1, filled with a powder like detergent. The container 1 can be carried by one person, and its contents is 2 kg. detergent. Of course the contents can be varied, and is e.g. 1 kg., or even 5 kg. It is important that the container can preferably be carried by one person, for which reason it has a weight of appr. 20 to 25 kg. to a maximum. The container has a substantially rigid shell 2, e.g. of carton, containing a bag 3 of foil like preferably plastics material. Advantageously the bag is of pliable, supple material. The bag 3 contains the powdery detergent. The detergent can be of different nature as well, e.g. pasty or gelly or it is a fluid, or it is a solid, which solid nature is e.g. provided by pressing a coherent block from detergent powder. The contents can be a cleaning substance in stead of a detergent as well. The shell 2 and the bag 3 are independent articles, however they can be temporarily or permanently connected to each other, e.g. by a suitable adhesive.
The shell 2 has an inlet 4 at its top, to be closed by a lid (not shown). A handle 5 is e.g. pivotably connected to the upper edge. The handle can be such that its length can be adapted, possibly with a child resistant lock, such that the lid is locked to the shell by the handle 5.
The shell 2 has a substantially parallelepipedum shape, and has a supporting web 6. This supporting web 6 has two supporting flaps 7. Each supporting flap 7 is initially, in the first position of the embodiment (ref. to fig. 3 and 4) connected to the supporting web 6 through perforated or tear lines 8, and they are mutually connected by a perforated or tear line 9. Each supporting flap 7 is furthermore permanently connected to the supporting web 6 through a hinge line 10. If the flaps 7 have been disconnected from the web 6 along the lines 8, the supporting web 6 remains as a ring like supporting flange 11, projecting inwards from the inner wall of the shell 2, the function of which will be illustrated furhter on.
Below the supporting web 6 there is a lid 12, clamped on the walls of the shell 2, to give the supporting web 6 extra support during shipment and in store. Said lid 12 can possibly be eliminated. If present, the lid 12 is removed before the container 1 is used.
As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the bag 3 has a substantially funnel shaped bottom 13, having a substantially central dispensing opeming 14. The cross sectional dimension of the dispensing opening 14 is substantially smaller than the cross sectional dimension of the bag 3 at a distance from its bottom 13. This dispensing opening is surrounded by a connector 15, that is provided by a relatively thick walled , substantially cylindrical pipe length, having an encircling shoulder 16 at its lower end. Said shoulder functions as a reliable handle.
Said shoulder 16 functions as a lock between the dispensing opening 14 and the dispensing channel, engageing with locking elements on the cleaning device, gripping behind said shoilder 16, such as is evident for the skilled person. The dispensing opening 14 can be manually connected to a dispensing channel (not shown) of a cleaning device known as such, e.g. a dish washing machine or a laundry (not shown as well) reliably, ergonomically and safely by using the thick walled connector 15. It is appreciated that the connector can have another embodiment, e.g. relatively thin walled. However, the present embodiment is preferred, since the thick walled shape gives good stability to the connector. The connector 15 is conveniently adhered to the bag 3, e.g. by hot melt sealing of the foil material of the bag 3.
An effective way of mounting the coupling 15 to the bag 3, e.g. from a production point of view, is shown in fig. 5. Fig. 5a shows the position of the connector 15 not yet engageing the channel 23. In fig. 5b, the connector is connected to the channel 23, and the bag is punctured. The substantially cylindric connector 15 has at its face opposite the flange 16 a ring shaped recess 20 substantially concentric with the dipensing opening 14. Independent from the connector 15 there is a ring 21, the diameter of which is substantially the same as that of the dispensing opening 14. The outer diameter of the ring 21 is adapted to the inner diameter of the recess 20, such that de ring 21 has a friction fit within the recess 20, if the foil material of the bag 3 is sandwiched between them, as is shown. As such, the outer diameter of the ring 21 is a bit bigger than the inner diameter of the recess 20 plus two times the thickness of the foil material. Fig. 5 illustrates as well, how the foil material of the bag 3, which keeps the dispensing opening closed, can be penetrated by a hollow pipe length 23 with a wedged cutting edge 24 at its lengthwise end.
Said hollow pipe length 23 fits within the dispensing opening 14 substantially without any play, such that a convenient fluid tightness is reaced. The pipe length 23, being part of the dispensing channel running towards the cleaning space, has at a distance from the cutting edge 24 an abutment 25. In use said abutment 25 will engage the face of the connector 15 at the side of the flange 16, to limit the part of the pipe length projecting into the dispensing opening 14.
Advantageously the distance between the lowest point of the cutting edge 24 and the abutment 25 is somewhat smaller than the distance between the bottom of the recess 20 and the lower side of the flange 16. It is effectively secured therewith, that the part of the bag 3, being cut loose by the cutting edge 24, remains connected to the rest of the foil material by a thin bridge 26.
At the upper side, the bag 3 initially has a wide opening, which is e.g. contracted and wrapped by a rope 17. The bag 3 is filled through this opening in a way that is known as such.
Initially, in the first position of the embodiment according to the invention as shown, the dispensing opening 14 is closed, such that no contents of the bag 3 can escape therefrom. Advantageously, said closure is made by leaving the foil material of the bag unpunctured at the dispensing opening, such that it is closed therewith. Other ways of closing or sealing are feasible as well, such as e.g. a plug within the connector 15. The closure of the dispensing opening 14 can be removed if required. To reach the best personal and environmental safety, ergonomics and effectiveness, it is preferable to open the dispensing opening at the same moment or substantially the same moment of connecting the dispensing opening 14 with the dispensing channel leading to the cleaning space of the cleaning device. For such purpose the channel therefor has an end shaped such that its outside is closely adapted to the shape of the dispensing opening 14, such that said end kan be inserted into said dispensing opening 14. A substantial leak proof connection between said dispensing opening and said channel is assured therewith. To remove the seal, said end of said channel can e.g. be provided with a cutting device such that the foil material of the bag 3, closing or sealing the dispensing opening 14, can be openend.
This is preferably carried out such that the foil material of the bag 3, sealing the dispensing opening 14, remains connected to the rest of the foil material by a narrow bridge after cutting or tearing loose. Then there is no danger that the piece of foil that is cut or teared loose, leads to a blocking, but conveniently laminates itself against the inner wall of the dispensing opening 14. The same reasons can be applicable to other circumstances for the temporary seal of the dispensing opening 14. The foil material for sealing the dispensing opening 14 can e.g. be applied seperate from the material of the bag 3, for which reason the seperate foil material is e.g. circumferentially adhered to the connector 15. Then the bag 3 has a hole (not shown), in register with the dispensing opening 14. Prefereably, measures are taken such that the sealed dispensing opening 14 is only openend when there is a leak proof connection between the dispensing opening 14 and the dispensing channel to the cleaning room.
For that reason, the dispensong opening 14 must have a convenient length, in this embodiment provided by the length of the connector 15, and the dispensing opening 14 is sealed at the end zone of the connector 15 facing the bag 3.
Therefor, the seal of the dispensing opening 14 will be destroyed only when the dispensing channel penetrates into the connector 15 deep enough, such that a substantial leak proof connection is ensured. In the embodiment as shown, the bottom of the bag 3 is initially folded flat, and rests on the flat supporting web 6 of the shell 2( first position according to fig. 3 and 4). By disconnecting the flaps 7 along the lines 8 and 9, the bottom 13 of the bag 3 will unfold adapting its funnel shape. At the same moment, the flaps 7 will pivot away from each other, to the position as shown in fig. 2. The encircling flange 11 prevents the bag 3 from sliding out of the shell 2 under the influence of gravity. Said supporting flange therefor provides an inner cross sectional dimension smaller than the cross sectional dimension of the bag 3 at a distance from the bottom 13, such that the bag 3, if it contains enough solid or flowable pooring contents, is clamped behind said flange 11 by the action of the contents of the bag 3, which contents tries to expand the cross sectional dimension of the bag 3. Possibly, or in combimation with the action of the flange 11, the bag 3 can conveniently be fixed to the shell 2 at a distance from its bottom 13, e.g. by a convenient adhesive.
The container can now be placed in a suitably shaped frame mounted to the cleaning device, having its bottom 13 freed, unfolded and accessible. The dispensing opening 14 then can be brought in communication with the dispensing channel of said cleaning device. Then there is no danger for spilling or spraying of contents of the bag 3, while the connection is effectively provided. During storing and shipment, the bag 3 is protected by the shell 2. The bag 3 and the shell 2 can easily be separated after use, for separated collection of garbadge, and for effective re-use. Naturally, the container 1 can first be placed in the supporting frame of the cleaning device, after which the bottom 13 of the bag 3 is unfolded.
The support connected to the cleaning device is designed to be adapted to the structure of the container according to the invention. If the container has a rigid shell 2, containing a loose bag 3, "hanging" in the shell 2 by the ring flange 11, the frame preferably must have a shape that is adapted to the funnel shape of the bottom 13 of the bag 3.
Apart from the embodiments as shown and described in here, others are feasible. The supporting web 6 can e.g. be designed such that, if the supporting web 6 is closed, the connector 15 is clamped between the flaps 7. For that reason the flaps 7 have a recess at their facing sides. This facilitates the disconnecting of the flaps 7, since one is now able to grab the connector 15 to tear the flaps 7 loose by pulling the connector 15. The shell 2 can be designed such that the borrom 13 of the bag 3 adapts to the funnel shape without projecting from the shell 2. The reader will understand that it is therefor necessary for the shell 2 to be extended downwards beyond the supporting web 6 in such an extent that the bottom 13 can take its unfolded funnel shape while the shell 2 rests on its lower edge. Then the supporting web 6 is at a distance from the lower edge of the shell 2 that is the same as the height of the unfolede funnel shaped part 13 of the bag 3. In this embodiment, the flaps 7 of the supporting web 6 have already been disconnected and are inclined, since they no longer must keep the bottom 13 of the bag 3 in a folded position, they only have to support the bag against slipping out of the shell. The supporting flange 11 provided by the supporting web 6 can be eliminated in such embodiment, e.g. if the flaps 7 are fixed in their inclined position.
If the detergent is flowable pooring, it will flow automatically to the connector 15 if the bottom 13 is unfolded, such that the bottom part of the bag 3 is filled with contents. If the bottom 13 is opened, the contents automatically flows further, into the cleaning device. Apart from that, a gas or fluid can be introduced into the bag 3, for mixing with the detergent, e.g. to make it flowing better.
Then, a fluid feed pipe, e.g. for hot or cold tap water or compressed air, can run from the cleaning device and debouch in the container 1. In a preferred embodiment the introduction of the fluid into the bag 3 is done through a channel, inserted into the connector 5. If the detergent is solid, fluid injection into the bag 3 is preferred, to make the detergent more and more flowing.
Further, in an alternative, the flaps 7 narrow in the direction of the hinge line 10, to facilitate their swinging motion and the production of the bottom 6 from one piece, of e.g. carton, with an integral encircling upright edge for connection to the shell 2. The outer ends of the hinge lines can be limited by a perforatiion or hole of a dimension larger than that of the line of perforations 8 as well, to facilitate the disconnection of the flaps 7. Its is preferred as well, to fix the bag to the shell such that it can not be lost, e.g. with slightly adhering adhesive, such that the bag can be taken out of the shell without rupturing the bag. Combinations of one or more individual features of the different embodiments as illustrated and discussed here, are feasible as well.

Claims

Detergent dispensing system comprising a container filled with detergent and having a, preferably funnel shaped, bottom with substantially central pooring opening, the cross sectional dimension of which is substantially smaller than the cross sectional dimension of the container at a distance from the bottom, the bottom is preferably collapsible in its lengthwise direction, to assume a retracted position initially, such that the height of the container is limited, and preferably with at least the bottom of the container of soupple material, such as plastic foil.
System according to claim 1, below the bottom there are supporting flaps extending from the sides, and having an inclined position adapted to the shape of the bottom, or those flaps can be brought in such position, preferably with the flaps pivoting and initially substantially in mutual extension and fixed in said position by removable locking elements, such as lines of perforation, some part of the pooring opening is preferably engageing at least one of the flaps if the locking elements are active, such that said part is a handle to disconnect the flaps.
System according to any of the preceeding claims, the pooring opening is provided with a connector element for easily disconnectable fluid communication with a dispensing channel.
System according to any of the preceedign claims, the container is provided with a supporting shell, providing the outer wall, preferably of paper like material, such as carton, preferably the supporting shell has a length such that the bottom of the container, if unfolded, is substantially contained in the shell without projecting beyond said shell.
System according to any of the preceeding claims, the container having a separate bag type element of soupple material, e.g. plastic foil, preferably within the supporting shell and containing the detergent.
System according to any of the preceeding claims, with one or more arresting elements, providing a cross sectional dimension smaller than or equal to the cross sectional dimension of the bag type element at a distance from the funnel shaped bottom, to hold it against the action of gravity.
System according to any of the preceeding claims, said arresting elements are widening in the direction of the permanent connection of the supporting flaps, which they delimit.
System according to any of the preceeding claims, the detergent is flowing poorable (free flowing), such as powder or grains, or gel like or fluid like.
System according to any of the preceeding claims, to be carried by one person, such that the weight is limited to a level that can be carried by one person economically, preferably not heavier than about 25 kg. to 30 kg., more preferably about 0,5 to 10 kg., the ratio between the weight of the detergent within the container and the container is preferably at least 2:1, more preferably 4:1.
Cleaning device, e.g. a dishwashing machine or a laundry, provided with a dispensing channel, one end of which extends to the cleaning space while the opposite end is designed such that an easily disconnectable fluid communication can be provided with a connecting element of the container of the cleaning system according to any of the preceeding claims, the cleaning device is provided with supporting ramps at said end, adapted to the shape of the bottom of the container, to support said bottom, the dispensing channel is preferably provided with an element at the side facing the container, preferably a puncturing element, suitable to remove the seal of the pooring opening of the container.