EP1024736A1

EP1024736A1 - Improved hand-held container for predissolving detergent composition

Info

Publication number: EP1024736A1
Application number: EP97948280A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Akiko Taneko
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 1997-08-05
Filing date: 1997-11-12
Publication date: 2000-08-09
Also published as: JP2001513471A; AU5437398A; WO1999007275A1

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards a hand-held container for predissolving a detergent composition. The container includes a housing (1) for containing a predetermined amount of detergent (14) and solvent, where the housing has a dispensing passage (11), and the dispensing passage has a distal end (29). A filter (6) is located inwardly of the distal end and has a pore size that prevents undissolved detergent from clogging the dispensing passage. During dispensing, the filter is oriented such that the predetermined amount of detergent does not completely clog the filter to prevent dissolved detergent from passing through the filter. At least one valve (52) is interposed between the filter and the distal end, to partially block the distal end. This container is suitable for predissolving detergent compositions which evolve gas.

Description

IMPROVED HAND-HELD CONTAINER FOR PREDISSOLVING DETERGENT

COMPOSITION

FIELD The present invention relates to containers. More specifically, the current invention relates to containers for use with detergent compositions.

BACKGROUND It is a known consumer habit to predissolve cleaning compositions, especially granular cleaning compositions such as granular laundry detergents. However, even though this habit is known and wide-spread, there are few tools and containers made specifically for the purpose of predissolving cleaning compositions. In addition to being messy, the containers habitually used by some consumers to predissolve cleaning compositions are large and bulky containers, such as mop buckets or wash basins. Some consumers usually use large amounts of water to completely predissolve detergents, believing that detergents must be completely dissolved to achieve greater performance. Accordingly, these large containers become unwieldy and inconvenient to use as well as to store. It is also known that to adequately clean certain areas of garments, such as heavily soiled areas, spots, and collars, it is a common habit to pre-treat with cleaning products. Pre-treating usually entails washing or scrubbing a particularly soiled area with a commercially available pre-treatment detergent or a bleach product. Containers which are specifically used for pre-treating are available.

Pre-treatment cleaning compositions currently available contain a specific pre-treatment composition inside of a pre-treater, e.g., spray-on pre-treating compositions contained in a spraying applicator. When the pre-treatment composition is completely consumed, the pre-treater itself is discarded. Current commercially available pre-treaters are used only for pre- treatment; thereafter, a separate detergent product is used to complete the wash cycle. For example, particularly soiled areas are pre-treated before placement of the item in the regular wash cycle of a washing machine, where a separate detergent composition is used for the regular wash cycle. Once the pre-treating process is complete, the pre-treater is stored until the next time it is necessary to pre-treat an item.

In a predissolving container, as described above, detergent and solvent may often be shaken up or otherwise aggressively agitated to facilitate predissolving. During agitation, the solvent, dissolved materials, and non- dissolved materials can accumulate on the inner container surfaces, and can escape if the container is not properly sealed. Therefore, consumers prefer predissolving containers and pre-treaters which provide reduced spillage, splashing, and messiness, such as airtight and/or watertight containers. Consumers also prefer cleaning compositions with increased cleaning power, such as for example, oxygen bleach-containing detergent compositions. These compositions are desirable because of their significant cleaning and bleaching properties; when dissolved and activated, these compounds evolve O₂ and/or other gases. However, a problem occurs when bleach cleaning compositions which generate gas are agitated and predissolved in such airtight and/or watertight containers, because gas and pressure build-up within the container without being able to sufficiently escape therefrom. In order to release the gas and pressure formed within such containers, the user must break the airtight and/or watertight container seal, either by removing an overcap, cracking a seal, twisting a lid, etc. When this seal is broken, internally built-up pressure can cause solvent, dissolved materials, and/or undissolved materials accumulating on the inner container surfaces to be ejected from the opening (where the seal is broken). When ejected, the solvent and materials can cause leakage and/or a mess. Accordingly, such messy containers are unattractive to consumers.

SUMMARY The present invention is directed towards a hand-held container for predissolving a detergent composition including a housing for containing a predetermined amount of detergent and solvent, where the housing has a dispensing passage, and the dispensing passage has a distal end. A filter is located inwardly of the distal end and has a pore size that prevents undissolved detergent from clogging the dispensing passage. During dispensing, the filter is oriented such that the predetermined amount of detergent does not completely clog the filter to prevent dissolved detergent from passing though the filter. At least one valve is interposed between the filter and the distal end, to partially block the distal end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred, nonlimiting embodiments and representations taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals identify identical elements and wherein: Fig. 1 is an exploded side view of the current invention.

Fig. 2A is a side view of the current invention filled with a detergent composition up to the first level indicator.

Fig. 2B is a cut-away view of Fig. 2A, in use, showing that the detergent does not completely clog the filter. Fig. 3 is a cut-away side view showing details of a cap member.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment having a small aperture cover and a brush- type applicator.

Fig. 5 shows a nozzle-type applicator and a hinged aperture cover. Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of a housing and cap member. Figs. 7A-7E show perspective views of filter and valve embodiments.

Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B respectively show a perspective view of a filter and valve, and a top view of the same filter and valve.

Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B respectively show a perspective view of a filter and valve, and a top view of the same filter and valve. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B respectively show a perspective view of a filter and valve, and a top view of the same filter and valve.

Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B respectively show a perspective view of a filter and valve, and a top view of the same filter and valve.

Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B respectively show a perspective view of a filter and valve, and a top view of the same filter and valve. Fig. 13A shows a cut-away view of a filter and valve, where the valve is hinged.

Fig. 13B shows a cut-away view of the container of Fig. 13A in a dispensing orientation. Fig. 14 shows a cut-away view of a filter and valve.

Fig. 15 shows a cut-away view of a filter and two valves.

Fig. 16 shows a cut-away view of a filter and a valve which is flexible along its length as well as hinged.

Fig. 17 shows a cut-away view of a filter and a valve integral with the dispensing passage.

Fig. 18 shows a cut-away view of a filter and a valve which is flexible along its length.

Fig. 19 shows a cut-away view of a partially blocked filter and a valve.

Fig. 20 shows a cut-away view of a partially blocked filter and a valve. Fig. 21 shows a cut-away view of a filter and two valves.

The above referenced drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The term "airtight" as used herein refers to a sealed container which is substantially impervious to air.

The terms "brush" and "brush-type applicator" as used herein are synonymous.

The terms "clog" and "clogging" as used herein refer to blockages such that dissolved detergent and solvent are prevented from passing through the filter.

The term "detergent composition" as used herein is intended to designate any of the agents conventionally used for removing soil, such as general household detergents or laundry detergents of the synthetic or soap type. The term is also intended to include other cleaning agents. The terms "dispensing orientation," "orientation for dispensing," and

"orientated during dispensing" as used herein are defined as a position such that the aperture is touching the surface to be cleaned, or the aperture is substantially parallel to the plane of the surface to be cleaned

The term "dissolved detergent" as used herein describes detergent dissolved in the solvent, as well as detergent which is undissolved in the solvent, but which does not clog the dispensing passage, and if present, the filter. The cleaning composition and/or detergent used herein need not completely dissolve in the solvent.

The term "propelled materials" as used herein refers to solvent, dissolved materials, and undissolved materials which accumulate on the inside of the container when the container is agitated to facilitate predissolving. This term includes all non-gaseous materials which are actually expelled, as well as those which could be expelled because of internally built-up gas pressure which is released when the container's airtight and/or watertight seal is broken. The term "through the valve" as used herein includes such terms as passing through, past, by, and around the valve.

The term "watertight" as used herein describes a sealed container which is substantially impervious to water, the solvent, and solutions of detergent dissolved in the solvent. This term as used herein, is not limited to instances in which water is the solvent.

The invention and preferred embodiments disclosed herein have many advantages. The present invention is directed to a hand-held container for predissolving a detergent composition. A predetermined amount of detergent composition and solvent are added to the container. In a preferred embodiment, there is an amount of unfilled space in the volume of the container to allow easy and effective mixing of the solvent and the detergent by agitation, e.g., shaking. Although other solvents can be used, a preferred solvent is water.

The invention is more convenient than predissolving with a large container, because of its small size. The invention's small size also makes it easier to store. Because it is designed for predissolving detergent compositions, the invention has features which can make predissolving both convenient and tidy. For example, preferred embodiments can have a wide mouth for easy filling of the container, and a water-tight housing to prevent leakage.

The invention can have multiple uses in addition to being used specifically for predissolving. The invention is also designed so that it can also be used as a pre-treater, if desired. Once predissolved inside the container, the detergent composition can be used to pre-treat spotted, stained, or heavily soiled areas. This makes the pre-treatment process more cost-effective, because the same detergent composition which was predissolved in the container can be used for both pre-treatment and the wash cycle. This saves the user the expense and hassle of purchasing, storing, and using a separate pre-treatment product. In addition, the container is preferably reusable, in that new detergent and solvent can be added therein. This further saves the user the expense and hassle of purchasing replacement pre-treatment products when the pre-treater "runs out." Furthermore, because any detergent can be used therewith, use of the container allows virtually any detergent composition to be utilized as a pre-treatment composition.

When the container is airtight and/or watertight, and detergent compositions which generate gas are dissolved herein, internal pressure can build up within the container. However, the container is designed such that when the airtight and/or watertight seal is first broken, propelled materials accumulating on the inner container surfaces are substantially prevented from escaping from the container. The valve is also designed such that it allows dispensing of the predissolved detergent when the container is aligned in a dispensing orientation. Thus, the container is designed so that dissolved detergent exits the container only when desired by the user.

The relationship between the viscosity of the fluid formed inside the container and the dispensing passage allows the user to easily control the amount of fluid dispensed from the container. The dispensing passage also allows the user to easily dispense fluid only to where it needs to be applied. The container can also have an applicator, e.g., a brush. A brush is useful to scrub directly on the dirty surface such as stains, spots, and soils. At the same time, the fluid is also dispensed onto the dirty surface.

Once the detergent composition is predissolved and optionally, any pre- treatment has been completed, the predissolved detergent composition can be used to wash. For example, the predissolved detergent composition can be poured into a washing machine tub. Additionally, the container containing the remaining detergent can be placed into the tub of the washing machine so that detergent gradually empties into the tub upon mechanical agitation of the washing machine. This method has the additional advantage of cleaning the container in a virtually effortless manner, without separately cleaning the container. The container can then be refilled and reused as needed.

This container includes, as primary structural components, a housing, to hold a predetermined amount of detergent composition and solvent, a dispensing passage having a distal end, a filter located inwardly of the distal end, and at least one valve interposed between the filter and the distal end, to partially block the distal end. The filter has a pore size which prevents undissolved detergent from clogging the dispensing passage. The filter should further be located and oriented such that when the container is oriented for dispensing, the predetermined amount of detergent placed in the container does not completely clog the filter to prevent dissolved detergent form passing through the filter. Therefore, to minimize clogging and to maximize detergent flow, it is preferred that when the container is oriented for dispensing, substantially all dissolved detergent passing through the distal end first passes through the filter. It is preferred that substantially all dissolved detergent passing through the dispensing passage first passes through the filter.

Preferably, when a predetermined amount of detergent composition and a predetermined amount of solvent are placed in the container, they form a fluid having a viscosity of less than about 500 centipoise (cP), preferably less than about 250 cP, as measured at about 21 °C. Centipoise is the cgs-metric system unit of viscosity and has the dimensions of dyne-seconds per square centimeter or grams per centimeter-second. Preferably, the dispensing passage is coordinated to this viscosity such that when no manual pressure is exerted on the container, and the container is in a dispensing orientation, the fluid flow rate through the passage is a rate from about 0 ml/min to about 300 ml/min, preferably from about 0 ml/min to less than about 60 ml/min, and more preferably from about 0 ml/min to less than about 20 ml/min. However, it is possible and intended that, if a resilient side wall is present, manual pressure exerted upon it can cause the flow rate to increase beyond 300 ml/min. The valve is positioned such that it is interposed between the filter surface and the distal end, to at least partially block the distal end. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that in placing the valve thus, it forms a physical barrier which partially blocks the direct path of propelled materials. Again, without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the filter surface is where most of these "propelled materials" accumulate before their release. In certain preferred embodiments, the valve is integral with the filter, thereby providing less filter surface area upon which propelled materials can accumulate, further alleviating the problem associated with propelled materials. Accordingly, the amount of propelled materials which would otherwise be ejected from the distal end when the seal is broken are substantially reduced and otherwise prevented from escaping the container. However, at the same time, the valve allows any gas generated therein to be released in a means which avoids the messiness and inconvenience associated with propelled materials which escape the container. The shape of the housing is extremely variable. Preferably, the shape and material are such as to allow the container to be easily and conveniently handled, thereby providing an ergonomic size and shape which makes it comfortable to hold in the hand. The container preferably seals easily and remains sealed during use so that fluid does not leak out. Preferred housing materials include plastics and polymers, flexible materials such as films and laminated papers, rubber, glass, metal, and combinations thereof. More preferred housing materials include rubber, and plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. The container components can be made by any process known in the art suitable for the material(s) chosen. Preferred production processes are blow molding, injection molding, injection blow molding, vacuum forming, and combinations thereof.

If made with films and laminated paper materials, the housing can be made into a sealable or resealable pouch-like form. The container must have sufficient structural rigidity for holding and for controlling the amount of fluid to dispense. More rigid containers with round and oval cross-sections are popular with consumers, and are thus preferred herein; however, other shapes, such as squares or rectangles can be used, for example, to improve storage profiles. It is preferred that the housing be designed so as to easily fit the user's hand, to facilitate handling, holding, shaking, etc. It has been found that housings with cross sections having a plane of symmetry are easily held and ergonomically pleasing. It is preferred that housings having such shapes be used herein. The housing can further contain a mouth for adding detergent composition and solvent, and a cap member. If the mouth of the housing is wide, as seen, for example, in Fig. 1 at 2, then an ergonomic housing size and shape can be achieved by decreasing the cross-sectional area of the housing, as seen at Fig. 1, at 5, away from the mouth.

For convenient use, the mouth should be of sufficient width to easily add the detergent composition and solvent into the housing without spilling. The preferred size and shape of the mouth depends upon many factors such as the type of detergent composition intended for use therein. For example, in containers intended for use with granular detergent compositions, which usually come with some type of measuring device, e.g., a scoop or a cap, it is preferred that the mouth be wide enough to accept a scoop and even a "heaped" scoop. Accordingly, preferred mouth sizes for such containers are from about 35 mm to about 120 mm, preferably from about 50 mm to about 105 mm, and more preferably from about 60 mm to about 95 mm in width, as measured at the widest point of the mouth. Preferred mouth sizes for containers for use with liquid and paste detergent compositions can be smaller, and are from about 20 mm to about 95 mm, preferably from about 35 mm to about 80 mm, and more preferably from about 45 mm to about 70 mm in width, as measured at the widest point of the mouth.

It is preferred that the housing and the container be of a reusable type, and the design should therefore facilitate easy reuse, refilling, and cleaning. It is also preferable that the container be shaped and balanced such that it remains standing upright when placed on a flat surface.

The dispensing passage allows the user to dispense the fluid formed within the housing directly into the wash, for pre-treatment, or both. The passage can be rigid, flexible, or a combination thereof. The dispensing passage has a distal end. It is preferred that the dispensing passage have a flow restriction portion. The flow restriction portion controls the flow rate of the fluid passing through the dispensing passage. Preferably, the flow restriction portion allows a controlled amount of fluid to be dispensed. The user can noticeably increase this flow rate by applying manual pressure to a resilient side wall, if present. The flow restriction portion can be any means which will control the flow rate of fluid passing through the dispensing passage. For example, a tube-like structure or a fluid pressure regulator, may be used to control the flow rate. In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the flow restriction portion contains an aperture, preferably at least one aperture.

The term "aperture" as used herein does not include open-cell structures and porous structures, such as sponges. Such open-cell and porous structures are not intended to be within the scope of the present invention, because they do not allow manual pressure to noticeably increase the flow rate. For example, the flow rate of a container which has a sponge as a flow restriction portion would not noticeably increase upon the application of manual pressure, even though a slight increase may occur. Preferably, the aperture is the point at which fluid in the container exits the container. The aperture can be on the housing, on the cap member, or both. While it is preferred that the aperture be in connected relation to the applicator, as described below, this is not necessary to the invention. However, when the aperture and the applicator are so connected, and the container is used for pretreating, detergent exiting the aperture becomes commingled with the applicator, providing for easy and accurately targeted application of the surface to be treated. The number and size(s) of the aperture(s) can and should be tailored to specific physical characteristics of the detergent solution to be dispensed, the solvent used, and consumer preferences. For example, extremely viscous fluids require either larger apertures or a greater number of them, for easy and effective dispensing; conversely, a very thin fluid would require either small apertures or relatively few of them, so as to prevent too much solution from being dispensed. In the current invention, preferred aperture sizes range from about 0.0019 mm2 to about 16 mm2, preferably from about 0.2 mm2 to about 5 mm2, and more preferably from about 0.3 mm2 to about 3.2 mm2 in area. Multiple apertures can be arranged together, in a pattern, or even separately. It is preferred that they be arranged together, and in connected relation to the applicator discussed below.

The invention described herein has a filter or screen located inwardly of the distal end. Inwardly, as used herein refers to a position such that solvent and dissolved detergent formed in the housing first pass through the filter before passing through the aperture. For example, the filter can be placed between the aperture and the housing, as seen in Fig. 1, at 6. The filter can further be placed in many possible locations, such as, but not limited to, inside of, and inwardly from the neck portion. The filter serves to prevent undissolved detergent from clogging the aperture, while allowing dissolved detergent, i.e., non-clogging detergent and solvent, to pass through. The filter should be positioned so as to be interposed between undissolved detergent and the distal end of the dispensing passage. In an embodiment of the invention, more than one filter is present, having either the same mesh size, or different mesh sizes.

Filter size (i.e., the diameter of the filter), shape, and orientation is preferably such that substantially all of the detergent passing out of the aperture must first pass though the filter. The filter shape is preferably round, oval, or square. The filter can be slanted or oriented at any angle. Preferably, the plane of the filter is perpendicular to a longitudinal line drawn through the housing, as seen, for example, in Fig. 3. The filter can be formed integrally with other parts of the container, or as a separate piece, and then affixed thereto. If the filter is made separately, then it can be affixed to its desired location in a variety of ways known in the art, such as gluing, heat-sealing, ultrasonic sealing, being clamped into place, or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the filter can be permanently affixed to the container, or made so as to be removable, facilitating easy assembly and cleaning of the container. Removable filters can be either completely removable filters, or partly removable filters. Partly removable filters include those which are essentially fixed to the container at one point, but which can be displaced without completely detaching them from the container, for example, where a filter is hinged and secured into place, but can be unsecured and swung open for easy cleaning.

Filter clogging can be further reduced by placing the filter in areas with a large relative volume. For example, by placing the filter before a narrowing neck portion, rather than inside of a neck portion. In a preferred embodiment, the filter is located at the neck base. The filter can be partially blocked, if desired. The filter can be partially blocked by, for example, forming the filter with an impervious section and a mesh section, by placing a mask over the filter, etc. Accordingly, partially blocked filters have a portion which is impenetrable to the solvent and dissolved detergent, and a portion which the solvent and dissolved detergent can pass through.

The filter can be made of many kinds of materials, such as plastics, rubber, thin films, paper, foam, and others. Polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, and stainless steel are preferred materials. As used herein, mesh refers to a filter with regularly-shaped passages, while pore refers to filters having either a regular or an irregular shape. Mesh sizes and pore sizes can be optimized for the size of the detergent composition particles and the characteristics of the dispensing passage. Preferred mesh sizes useful herein are those that average below 300 microns, preferably from about 250 microns to about 20 microns, more preferably from about 225 microns to about 35 microns, and even more preferably from about 200 microns to about 50 microns in width. The filter used, however, need not necessarily be of uniform pore size, and thus filters with pore sizes averaging below about 0.09 mm2, preferably from about 0.0625 mm to about 0.0002 mm2, more preferably from about 0.05 mm² to about 0.0012 mm², and even more preferably from about 0.04 mm² to about 0.0025 mm² are useful herein.

The container described herein contains a valve interposed between the filter and the distal end. Various nonlimiting embodiments of the valve are represented in the figures. The valve must be placed and oriented such that the valve partially blocks the distal end.

When the airtight and/or watertight seal is broken, the valve allows any gas generated and built-up within the container to escape, while substantially preventing propelled materials from also escaping the container. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that a majority of the propelled materials accumulate on the filter surface during agitation and are subsequently carried away from the filter surface by gas seeking to equalize the internal and external pressure when the container's seal is broken. Because the valve partially blocks the distal end, the valve serves as a means to increase the distance/path length the propelled materials must travel (and accordingly remain suspended by the gas), in order to exit the container. Therefore, dissolved detergent formed in the housing must pass through the filter and then through the valve, before exiting the container, as seen for example, in Fig. 13B. By increasing the path length and providing a physical barrier, it is thereby believed that propelled materials will remain within the container, while any built-up gases escape. Furthermore, when the container is aligned to dispense, the valve allows dissolved detergent to pass, either by for example, flexing, or otherwise allowing sufficient space such that the dissolved detergent can otherwise flow past and/or through the valve. Accordingly, the valve can be located in a variety of places. For example, the valve can be integral with the filter, otherwise located near the filter, or even integral with the dispensing passage. A valve which is integral with the filter can be either permanently part of the filter, or removable and merely in contact with the filter when the container is assembled and ready-to-use. Similarly, a valve which is integral with the dispensing passage can be permanently attached to a portion of the dispensing passage, or can be removable and merely in contact with the dispensing passage when the container is ready-to-use. The means by which the valve is fixed into place, either permanently or temporarily is referred to herein as the valve attachment. In a preferred embodiment, the valve is integral with the filter, as seen, for example, in Fig. 14. In another preferred embodiment, the valve is integral with the dispensing passage, as seen in Fig. 2B, at 52. If desired, more than one valve can be employed, as shown in Fig. 15, but such multiple valves are not required herein.

The valve size is variable, depending upon its location. The valve has a valve surface area which is the surface area of the valve face opposing the filter. As noted above, preferred valves can be integral with the filter, or integral with the dispensing passage. If the valve is integral with the filter, or otherwise located near the filter, a preferred valve has a valve surface area to filter surface area ratio of at least about 2:5, more preferably of at least about 3:5, and even more preferably about 1 :1. For partially blocked filters, the unblocked filter area is considered to be the "open filter surface area," as exemplified by Fig. 7A at 50. Accordingly, for use with such partially blocked filters, a preferred valve has a valve surface area to open filter surface area ratio of at least about 2:5, more preferably of at least about 3:5, and even more preferably about 1 :1. If, however, the valve is integral with the dispensing passage, a preferred valve has a valve surface area to dispensing passage cross-sectional area ratio of at least about 2:5, more preferably of from about 3:5 to about 1 :1 , and even more preferably about 1 :1. In the above cases, the maximum valve size corresponds to a valve surface area to dispensing cross-sectional area ratio of 1 :1. The dispensing passage cross-sectional area is measured in the plane of the valve at the point where the valve contacts the dispensing passage.

Once fixed in a specific location, the valve should be aligned to partially block the most direct path propelled materials would take from the filter (or other areas of accumulation) to the distal end. Accordingly, preferred alignments are those which maximize the distance propelled materials must travel to exit the distal end, as exemplified in Fig. 14. The valve can therefore be made in many shapes, such as, for example, the same shape as that of the filter, or a different shape therefrom. Various nonlimiting valve shapes are exemplified in Figs. 7-12.

Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the valve is flexible, as exemplified in Fig. 16. A valve which is flexible bends in at least one point along its length. The flexibility of such a valve should be such that the force exerted by propelled materials against the valve is insufficient to allow a significant portion of such propelled materials through. However, when the container is aligned to dispense, the dissolved detergent causes the valve to bend enough so as to allow dissolved detergent to pass through the valve. Accordingly, such valves have at least two positions; a first position in which the valve prevents propelled materials from exiting the distal end, and a second position which allows dissolved detergent to be dispensed. These positions are exemplified in Fig. 13A at 60a and 60b. If the valve is flexible, then it can be flexible at a single point, such as when the valve is hinged, and/or when the valve is flexible along its entire length. A valve which is hinged, as shown, for example in Fig. 13A and Fig. 13B, bends significantly in at least one hinge point, such as the point of attachment to the filter or partially blocked filter, the point of attachment to the dispensing passage, etc. While a valve which is hinged can also bend along portions of its length, it primarily bends at the hinge point(s). Accordingly, such valves include, for example, a valve which is formed by scoring a thin material. Thus, hinge points can be formed by the valve attachment itself. Preferred means for attaching and/or making a valve which is hinged include gluing, taping, heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, scoring, clamping, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the valve is both flexible along its length, and is hinged.

The valve can be made from many flexible and non-flexible materials, depending upon the desired valve characteristics. Preferred valve materials include plastics, paper, ceramics, and combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of more preferred materials include polyesters, polymers, polypropylene, poly carbonate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, paper, plastic-coated paper, and combinations thereof.

The structural components of the container, such as the housing, dispensing passage, etc., can be made of any material which provides sufficient structural rigidity and solvent resistance. Optional but preferred characteristics of the container material include translucency, transparency, or opaqueness, easy formation to the desired shape(s), resistance to detergent solutions and applicable pH ranges, durability, coloration, and softness to allow the container to be added to the wash cycle without causing undue noise. If the container is to be placed inside the wash cycle, then the material chosen should be both water resistant and temperature resistant to those temperatures at which detergent solutions are used, i.e., typically from about 5°C to about 60°C. Ideally, the material selected should be resistant to temperatures ranging from below freezing up to above the temperatures at which clothes dryers operate. These optimal ranges may be relevant, for example, where consumers store cleaning supplies outside during the winter, and where the container may be transferred, either intentionally or unintentionally, into a clothes dryer.

Optional Container Components: As an optional component, fasteners are applicable herein for attaching the cap member to the housing, as seen, for example at 3 in Fig. 1. These fasteners preferably form water-tight seals, and are also applicable to, if present, the aperture cover and the covering, where water-tight seals are also desirable. Nonlimiting examples of a preferred fastener are screw-type closures, snap-type closures, hinge-type seals, sliding seals, and combinations thereof. An optional feature which can be included wherever a water-tight seal is desired is an inner plug seal and/or any of many well-known contact-ring seals. These types of gasketless seals are surprisingly water-tight. The inner plug seal, if present, runs around substantially the entire inner circumference of a female member to be sealed, and is received by a reciprocal fitting on the male sealing member. A nonlimiting example of this type of seal is shown as number 20 in Fig. 3. A contact-ring seal runs along the inner surface of a female member and forms a seal with the very tip of the male member, and is preferred.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one part of the housing forms a resilient side wall, allowing the user to control the amount of detergent dispensed, by applying manual pressure to the resilient side wall. When present, the resilient side wall can be located in any reasonable orientation and at various locations on the housing. For example, the resilient side wall can be located on the sides, bottom, top, dispensing passage, etc. Furthermore, the resilient side wall can take a variety of forms. Nonlimiting examples of the resilient side wall are an actual housing wall, a button attached to the housing, and a window on the housing.

It is preferred that an applicator for contacting the surface to be cleaned is attached to the distal end of the dispensing passage. If present, the applicator allows the user to specifically apply the dissolved detergent to a specific area of interest, for example, a spot on a piece of fabric, or to a collar stain. It is preferred that the applicator be attached to either the cap member and/or the housing. The applicator can be any of many designs, including, but not limited to brushes, roller balls, sponges, nozzles, bristles, and combinations thereof, of which brushes, nozzles, and bristles are preferred. It is preferred that at least one applicator be utilized herein, preferably one or two applicators. The applicator can be made of any applicable material, such as plastics, fur, cloth, polymers, rubber, and combinations thereof. Preferred materials for the applicator include polyethylene, polypropylene, plastics, and combinations thereof.

If a brush is utilized herein as a preferred applicator, the bristle strength and length can be tailored to the type of cleaning to be performed. For example, in cleaning fabrics, bristles which are too stiff may harm the fabrics to be cleaned, especially delicate fabrics such as silk. Accordingly, either longer bristles, or softer bristles are preferred. For fabrics, preferred brushes have a bristle strength of less than about 200 N/cm², preferably less than about 150 N/cm². Bristle strength, as noted herein, is measured using the method of JIS S 3016, except that a press head speed of 12.5 mm/min, and a bristle area of about 5.5 cm² were used; JIS S 3016 is a Japanese Industrial Standard for measuring toothbrush bristle strength. The compression testing machine used herein is a Compression Tester, model YLM-5, made by Toyo Tester, of Osaka, Japan. For other applications or less sensitive surfaces, stiffer bristles may be desirable.

As an optional component, the dispensing passage may further contain a neck portion, as seen, for example, at 12, in Fig. 2A. Optionally, the neck portion, if present, may also be located between the housing and the dispensing passage. In a preferred embodiment, the neck portion is located inwardly of an aperture. In a preferred embodiment, the neck portion contains at least one neck angle from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees. The neck angle is measured from the longitudinal line drawn through the housing. Preferred neck angles for use herein range from about 120 degrees to about 150 degrees. Neck angles of less than 120 degrees become cumbersome to manufacture, while neck angles greater than 150 degrees tend to become inconvenient because they increase clogging of the filter and aperture. A more preferred neck angle is in the range of from about 120 degrees to about 140 degrees. Optionally, more than one neck angle can be useful herein, or even a curved neck portion as seen at 12 in Fig. 3. Ideally, this neck angle is such that, when the housing is filled with a predetermined amount of detergent and solvent and the entire container is tilted or otherwise aligned into a dispensing orientation, the undissolved detergent does not completely clog the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the neck portion has a neck base distal to the aperture, and a filter is located at the neck base. A preferred method of securing the filter is by utilizing one or more filter ridges, for example, as seen in Fig. 3, at 23, these being raised ridges placed around the circumference of where the filter is to be placed, and into which a filter snaps into place. The filter ridge(s) can be formed such that the filter is either removable for easy cleaning, or permanently fixed in place. Furthermore, it is important that the filter ridge(s) be formed such that they do not impede the flow of detergent out of the aperture, either by promoting clogging of the filter, or by trapping detergent which would otherwise flow out of the container. Having too many filter ridge(s) or filter ridge(s) which are too large can impede the detergent flow through the filter by forming a ledge upon which detergent can accumulate, eventually completely clogging the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the cap member contains three separate filter ridges equally spaced around the filter.

According to consumer preferences, and to prevent messiness during use, it is often desirable for any aperture and any applicator to have an aperture cover, and a covering, respectively. When the applicator surrounds the aperture, the aperture cover and the covering may be the same. In a preferred embodiment, as seen in Fig. 3, leakage from the aperture is prevented by a water-tight aperture cover which prevents detergent from escaping by forming a water-tight seal. This water-tight seal can be formed between the aperture cover and the aperture itself, the applicator, the cap member, or any other suitable structure. Similar to the aperture cover, in a preferred embodiment, a covering often, but not necessarily forms a water-tight seal with any appropriate container component.

As an optional feature is a set of stop marks to indicate when the seal between the cap member and the housing is substantially water-tight. These stop marks can be any type of mark, such as arrows, color-codes, lines, etc. Another optional feature on the container is a set of usage instructions. Both the stop marks and the usage instructions, if present, can be molded during the production process on to any structural component, such as the cap member, the housing, or both. Alternatively, they can be added on by methods known in the art, such as affixing labels, silk-screening, printing directly on the container itself, hot stamping, etc.

As an optional feature, the housing, the cap member, the neck portion, the aperture cover, the covering, or any other container component can contain at least one frictional surface to improve the user's grip on the container, for aesthetic reasons, or for any other reason. See, for example, 8, in Fig. 1. If detergent or fluid spills on the outside of the container, a frictional surface helps the user maintain their grip. The frictional surface, if present, can be any type of friction-enhancing surface known in the art, such as ridges, depressions, rubber grips, separate components, etc., whether formed integrally with the container components, or added separately. A frictional surface is especially preferred on both the housing and the cap member, if present, because these portions of the container may become slippery during use. Furthermore, the frictional surface, or a plurality thereof, assists in easily and conveniently removing and sealing the cap member. In a preferred embodiment, the aperture cover contains a frictional surface to allow easy sealing and unsealing. Similarly, in a preferred embodiment, the covering, if present, contains a frictional surface. In a preferred embodiment, the usage instructions serve the dual purpose of also acting as a frictional surface. Another preferred optional feature is at least one level indicator, seen in

Fig. 1 , at 4, which serves to inform the user as to how much detergent, and/or solvent should be added to the container. In a preferred embodiment, the level indicator is molded onto the housing in the production process. In a preferred embodiment, the container has more than one level indicator, preferably more than two level indicators. In a preferred embodiment, the container herein has a set of level indicators for treating normally soiled surfaces and a separate set of level indicators for treating heavily soiled surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the level indicators serve the dual purpose of also acting as a frictional surface.

Another optional feature is a lip running along the circumference of the housing, for improving structural rigidity, an example of which is seen as 33, in Fig. 6. This lip is especially useful if the housing is not uniform in cross-section throughout. For example, if the cross section begins at the mouth as a circle, and ends at the far end as an oval, then a lip at the interface where the two shapes meet increases the rigidity of the container, and decreases mouth deformation. If this lip is placed on the outside of the housing, then it can also serve to catch drips as well as to act as a frictional surface.

Another optional feature is a pressure-release mechanism which allows any pressure built-up inside of the housing to slowly equalize with the ambient pressure. This can be achieved through a small release valve, a water-tight, but not-airtight seal, a threaded aperture cover which requires many rotations to release, or any means known in the art.

Fig. 1 shows a housing, 1 , which contains a mouth, 2, above an fastener, 3. The depicted fastener, 3, is a screw-type fastener. It is highly preferred that the fastener, 3, form a water-tight seal between the housing, 1, and the cap member, 7 (described below), so as to minimize spilling and leakage. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are many places at which, and many ways in which the fastener can form such a seal. Preferably, the manufacturing tolerances between the housing, 1, and the cap member, 7, are such that when joined by the fastener, 3, they form a substantially water-tight seal therebetween. The housing, 1 , also contains two level indicators, 4, and an ergonomic hand- fitting shape as indicated by the indented shape of the sidewall, 5. Fig. 1 also shows a filter, 6 disposed between the cap member, 7, and the housing, 1. Interposed between the filter, 6, and the cap member, 7, is a mask, 51, to which is connected a valve, 52, via a valve attachment, 53. The cap member, 7, has a frictional surface, 8, consisting of a set of raised ridges, along the edge.

Inside of an aperture cover, 9, which in this embodiment is transparent, is attached an applicator, 10, depicted here as a brush. The aperture cover, 9, can form a water-tight seal with the cap member, 7, the body member, 1 , the applicator, 10, or any other suitable container components. Multiple apertures, 11, can be seen in the applicator, 10.

Fig. 2A shows further details of a cap member, 7, including a neck, 12, extending to the applicator, 10. Fig. 2A also shows an example of a neck angle, 13, herein denoted as α. The neck angle, 13, is measured from a line drawn longitudinally through the housing, 1. In Fig. 2A, this appears as a vertical line. Ideally, this neck angle, 13, is such that when the housing, 1, is filled with detergent, 14, up to a level indicator, 4, and the entire container is tilted or otherwise aligned to a dispensing orientation, so as to be used, the detergent does not completely clog the filter. This is illustrated in Fig. 2B, where the container of Fig. 2A is tilted so as to utilize the brush-type applicator, 10. The cut-away drawing of Fig. 2B shows that when the container is aligned into a dispensing orientation as described above, the undissolved detergent, 14, does not completely clog filter, 6, thus allowing dissolved detergent to reach aperture, 11. Also shown is a valve, 52, which is integral with the neck, 12, via the valve attachment, 53. Valve, 52, has a valve surface area, 56. Fig. 3 shows a detailed cut-away view of a sample cap member, 7, and housing, 1. The fastener, 3, is a screw-type fastener, which can provide a watertight seal, with the reciprocal closure, 19, of the cap member, 7. Fig. 3 also depicts an inner plug seal, 20, which also can help insure a water-tight seal between the housing, 1, and the cap member, 7. In a preferred embodiment, the fit and manufacturing tolerances between the inner plug seal, 20, and the housing, 1, are such that they form a water-tight seal. Another nonlimiting location to form a water-tight seal between the cap member, 7, and the housing, 1, is denoted at point 21. In Fig. 3, the filter, 6, is held in place at the neck base, 22, via a plurality of filter ridges, 23. A frictional surface, 8, consisting of a series of raised ridges, is shown on the cap member, 7.

Fig. 3 also shows a cut-away view of a water-tight aperture cover, 18. In a preferred embodiment, the water-tight aperture cover, 18, prevents detergent from escaping by forming a water-tight seal. This seal can be with the applicator, 10, the cap member, 7, or any other suitable structure. Nonlimiting locations to form such a seal are detailed in Fig. 3 at points 24 and 25, where the water-tight aperture cover, 18, meets the neck portion, 12, and at point 26, where the watertight aperture cover, 18, meets the applicator, 10. The neck portion, 12, is a curved neck, having a neck angle, 13, denoted as α. The applicator herein is a brush, having bristles, 27. The neck portion, 12, has a distal end, 29, where the applicator, 10, is attached. A frictional surface, 8, consisting of a series of raised ridges, is shown on the water-tight aperture cover, 18. Also seen is a valve, 52, which is attached to the cap member, 7, by a valve attachment, 53.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment having two separate neck angles, 13, denoted as α, and a separate neck angle, 13' denoted as α'. Fig. 5 depicts an embodiment of the applicator, 10, and water-tight aperture cover, 18. Here, the water-tight aperture cover, 18, is attached to the cap member, 7, via a hinge-type fastener, 41. The applicator, 10, is a small nozzle, with an aperture, 11.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment. The housing, 1 , contains a wide mouth, 2. The cross section of housing, 1 , changes from a circle, at the mouth, 2, to an oval with flattened ends at the bottom, 30. Lip, 33, provides added structural rigidity and further serves to catch drips. The housing, 1, also has multiple level indicators, 4, a resilient side wall, 32, and a frictional surface, 8. Fig. 6 also illustrates a filter, 6, which removably attaches to the cap member, 7, via a plurality of filter ridges (not shown), and substantially covers the neck base, 22. The cap member, 7, also has a curved neck portion, 12, to which is attached a valve, 52, which is clamped between the neck portion, 12, and the brush-type applicator, 43. The aperture, 11, is surrounded by a brush-type applicator, 43. Removably connected to the neck portion, 12, is a water-tight aperture cover, 18. The cap member, 7, and the housing, 1, form a water-tight seal via a fastener, 3, which is a 180 degree closure, which insures that when the container is assembled for use, the brush-type applicator, 43, and the aperture, 11 , lie in the plane of symmetry formed by the container.

Figs. 7A-7E illustrate various integral filter and valve shapes and combinations. Fig. 7A illustrates a rectangular filter, 6, which has an open filter surface area, 50, and is partially blocked by a mask, 51. Also shown is the valve, 52, which is attached to the mask, 51, by the valve attachment, 53. Fig. 7B illustrates an oval filter, 6, also partially blocked by a mask, 51, and having an open filter surface area 50. Valve, 52, is attached to the mask, 51, via a hinge, 54. Fig. 7C depicts a square filter, 6, having a filter surface area, 55, and attached to a valve, 52, via a valve attachment, 53. Fig. 7D depicts a semicircular filter, 6, attached to a semi-circular valve, 52, via a valve attachment, 53. Fig. 7E exemplifies a triangular filter, 6, attached to a triangular valve, 52, via a valve attachment, 53.

Fig. 8A depicts a perspective view of a circular filter, 6, which has a filter surface area, 55, and a circular valve, 52, which has a valve surface area, 56. Valve attachment, 53, is also shown. Fig. 8B depicts a top view of Fig. 8A, showing that the valve surface area is at least as great as the filter surface area. Valve attachment, 53, is also shown.

Fig. 9A illustrates a perspective view of two valves, 52 and 52', and a filter, 6. Fig. 9B depicts a top view of the same valve and filter arrangement of Fig. 9A, and the two valves, 52, and 52'. Fig. 10A illustrates a perspective view of a filter, 6, with an open filter surface area, 50, and a valve, 52, having a valve surface area, 56. Also shown is a mask, 51, which partially blocks the filter, 6, and valve attachment, 53. Fig. 10B shows a top view of Fig. 10A, and indicates that in this case, the open filter surface area, 50, is greater than the valve surface area, 56, of the valve, 52. Fig. 11A illustrates a perspective view of a filter, 6, having an open filter surface area, 50, a mask, 51, and a valve, 52, having a valve surface area, 56.

Here, the valve surface area, 56, is less than the open filter surface area, 50.

Fig. 11B shows a top view of Fig. 11 A, illustrating the valve, 52, the filter, 6, and a portion of the open filter surface area, 50.

Fig. 12A depicts a perspective view of a filter, 6, having an open filter surface area, 50, and a valve, 52, having a valve surface area, 56. Fig. 12B depicts a top view of Fig. 12A, which shows that the valve surface area, 56, of the valve, 52, is less than the open filter surface area, 50, of the filter, 6. Fig 13A is a cut-away view of a filter, 6, and a valve, 52, installed in a cap member, 7. The valve, 52, flexes about a hinge, 54, and is shown in the first position, 60a. The second position, 60b, is shown by the dotted lines. When in the first position, 60a, the valve, 52, partially blocks the distal end, 29, where the aperture, 11, is located. The filter, 6, is partially blocked by a mask, 51. Fig. 13B is a cut-away view of Fig. 13A, where the container is aligned into a dispensing orientation as described above. In this orientation, the valve, 52, is in the second position, 60b, which easily allows dissolved detergent to pass through the filter, 6, through the valve, 52, and to the aperture, 11.

Fig. 14 is a cut-away view of a cap member, 7, showing a filter, 6, with an open filter surface area, 50. Also shown is a substantially non-flexible valve, 52, having a valve surface area, 56. The valve, 52 is attached to a mask, 51, via a valve attachment, 53. The valve, 52, is integral with the filter, 6.

Fig. 15 is a cut-away view of a cap member, 7, which has two valves, 52, and 52'. A valve, 52, is attached to a mask, 51, and is positioned integral with the filter, 6. The first valve, 52, is flexible, as indicated by the first position, 60a, and the second position, 60b. The second valve, 52', is not flexible, and is integral with the dispensing passage, at the distal end, 29. The second valve is attached to the neck, 12, via a valve attachment, 53. Both valves, 52, and 52' partially block the distal end, 29. Fig. 16 is a cut-away view of a cap member, 7, showing a valve, 52, which is integral with the filter, 6. This valve, 52, has a hinge, 54, and is also flexible along its length, as shown by the first position, 60a, and the curved outline of the valve, 52, at the second position, 60b. The valve, 52, partially blocks the distal end, 29. Fig. 17 is a cut-away view of a cap member, 7, having a valve, 52, which is integral with the dispensing passage at the neck, 12, so as to block the distal end, 29.

Fig. 18 is a cut-away view of a cap member, 7, having a valve, 52, which is flexible along its length, as shown by first position, 60a, and the curved outline of the valve, 52, at the second position, 60b. This valve, 52, does not have a hinge at the valve attachment, 53.

Fig. 19 is a cut-away view of a cap member, 7, showing a separate valve,

52, attached to a mask, 51, which partially blocks the filter, 6. While the filter, 6, and valve, 52, are made of separate pieces, they are in contact when the container is assembled to use. Accordingly, the valve, 52, is considered integral with the filter, 6.

Fig. 20 is a cut-away view of a cap member, 7, showing a separate valve, 52, attached to a mask, 51, which partially blocks the filter, 6. Valve, 52, is attached to the mask, 51, via a valve attachment, 53. As in Fig. 19, the valve, 52, is considered integral with the filter, 6.

Fig. 21 is a cut-away view of a cap member, 7, showing two separate valves, 52, and 52', which partially block the distal end, 29. As in Fig. 19, the valves, 52 and 52', are considered integral with the filter, 6. A preferred embodiment is described in Fig. 6, and has the following additional characteristics: a mouth of about 65 mm, a single aperture with a neck angle of about 135 degrees, and a filter with a mesh size of about 180 microns.

In an embodiment of the invention, the housing and the cap member are permanently fixed together. The housing is made of a flexible film, which has an openable seal distal from the cap member. Solvent and detergent are added from this openable seal.

A preferred embodiment is described in Fig. 20 and has the following additional characteristics: the valve and mask are both made from a flexible polypropylene with a thickness of 0.2mm. The valve is hinged where it attaches to the mask. The valve is flexible along its length with a fold number of 50,000 times, according to the folding endurance of Paper and Paperboard by MIT Tester (test method: Japan Industrial Standard (JIS) P-8115; load: 1.0 kgf).

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A hand-held container for predissolving a detergent composition comprising: a. a housing for containing a predetermined amount of detergent and solvent, the housing having a dispensing passage; b. the dispensing passage comprising a distal end; c. a filter located inwardly of the distal end having a pore size that prevents undissolved detergent from clogging the dispensing passage, the filter being oriented during dispensing such that the predetermined amount of detergent does not completely clog the filter to prevent dissolved detergent from passing though the filter; and d. at least one valve interposed between the filter and the distal end, wherein the valve partially blocks the distal end.

2. The container of Claim 1 , wherein the valve is flexible such that dissolved detergent passes through the valve.

3. The container of Claim 1 , wherein the valve is integral with the filter.

4. The container of Claim 1 , wherein the valve is integral with the dispensing passage.

5. The container of Claim 2, wherein the valve is hinged.

6. The container of Claim 3, wherein: a. the valve further comprises a valve surface area; and b. the filter further comprises an open filter surface area, wherein the ratio of the valve surface area to open filter surface is at least about 2:5.

7. The container of Claim 4, wherein the valve further comprises a valve surface area, wherein the ratio of the valve surface area to dispensing passage cross-sectional area is at least about 2:5.

8. A hand-held container for predissolving a detergent composition comprising: a. a housing for containing a predetermined amount of detergent and solvent, the housing having a dispensing passage; b. the dispensing passage comprising a distal end; c. at least one filter located inwardly of the distal end having a pore size that prevents undissolved detergent from clogging the dispensing passage, the filter being oriented during dispensing such that the predetermined amount of detergent does not completely clog the filter to prevent dissolved detergent from passing though the filter; and d. at least one valve interposed between the filter and the distal end, the valve being integral with the filter, flexible such that dissolved detergent passes through the valve, and wherein the valve partially blocks the distal end.