EP3541262B1

EP3541262B1 - Applicator device for fluid detergent compositions

Info

Publication number: EP3541262B1
Application number: EP17797111.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alagirisamy NETHAJI; Abhishek Rastogi; Abhishek BM FERNANDES
Original assignee: Unilever PLC; Unilever NV
Current assignee: Unilever PLC; Unilever NV
Priority date: 2016-11-15
Filing date: 2017-10-31
Publication date: 2020-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-31
Also published as: ZA201902803B; BR112019009886A2; WO2018091266A1; AR110072A1; EP3541262A1; ES2796402T3; CL2019001300A1; CN109952053A

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an applicator device for a composition comprising actives suitable for cleaning a surface.

Background of the invention

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.
Detergent compositions are used for various types of cleaning for e.g. laundry, hard surfaces and also personal cleaning of skin and hair. Detergent compositions in the form of a bar are quite common in many parts of the world and the bar form of the product is considered convenient and economical for use.
In a typical washing operation using a detergent composition, the fabric is washed with the detergent either by soaking in a detergent solution and/or rubbing a detergent bar across the fabric. Among the various methods used for washing laundry, the hand wash method remains by far the most widely used washing technique in developing countries. In general the 'hand wash' technique involves application of the detergent by rubbing a detergent bar on the fabric to be cleaned. Additionally, the hand wash process is enhanced by the use of wash tools such as brushes or solid blocks for beating the fabrics. Before and after the washing, several other treatments with other actives are also provided to the surface to be cleaned or which has been cleaned.
The detergent bars are a handy tool for removing spot stains like those in collars & cuffs. The bars ensure high active concentration on the spot of dirt and therefore satisfactory cleaning. However, there are several problems associated with their use, e.g., they are harsh on skin because of direct contact with the concentrated detergent and the high pH associated with detergent bars, they become mushy or soggy due to contact with water, they leave white patches on dark coloured fabric, and handling becomes a problem when the bar is worn out due to use. These bars contain high levels of inorganic material that have specific functions like structuring, building etc., of the bars and this leads to release of insoluble waste into the environment. It has been found that customers would prefer an alternative that brings minimal change in habit and the same perception and experience of a conventional bar.
US3,880,532 (American Indian Development Corporation, 1975), discloses a portable cleansing dispenser having a closed container having a plurality of interconnected walls surrounding and defining an interior cleaning agent storage space. At least one of the walls is flexible with a strong elastic memory, and at least one wall defines scrub means such as raised spaced ridges. Integral closed fill means and puncturable dispensing means are also included. Preferably, the container is of flexible plastic such as polyethylene or the like and of a size and shape to be conveniently hand held for dispensing liquid soaps, detergents, and other cleansers.
US5230446 (Vaida, 1993), discloses a squeezable container for dispensing liquid soap, which preferably is in the shape of a bar of soap, and includes a device for refilling the container with liquid soap to allow it to be reused. It is required that the porous wall is kept facing upward to prevent the liquid soap from seeping out when the bar is not in use. The container is provided with a permeable wall which allows liquid to pass through only when a squeezing pressure is applied.
WO9937849 (P&G, 1999) describes a hand-held cleaning device which includes a hollow body member having an interior portion and an exterior portion, the interior portion comprising a plurality of separate reservoirs, an abrasive surface attached to the exterior portion of the hollow body member, and at least one passage leading from each reservoir to the abrasive surface.
WO03/074775 A1 (Jesper Soberg) discloses a hand-held apparatus for cleaning fabrics. It has manually driven pump for pumping a cleaning substance through a local area of the material. The pump further comprises an elastic member with a force acting oppositely to the direction of the manual pumping action. One example disclosed in this publication has a first reservoir containing air and an outer housing in which the first reservoir is able to telescopically collapse. There is a piston-spring assembly in the in the outer housing. The assembly requires a pushing pumping action in order to change the volume of the first reservoir from the deactivated state. Once a stain or spot is observed, a cleaning fluid is put on the spot, and the apparatus is kept over it. By performing manual pushing pump action, air is pressed out of the first reservoir and into the fabric. This causes the cleaning fluid to be pumped through the fabric. When the pressure for the pushing action is relieved, an elastic member in the outer housing causes a pull-back of air into the first reservoir by which the cleaning fluid is pulled through the fabric. By pressing the cleaning fluid back and forth through the fabric, the spot is removed. The publication does not directly and unambiguously disclose a device in which the plunger base has any feature which is a seal knob that operably mates with a fluid release port in one face of the container, i.e., the device. This publication also discloses another example of a device in which there is an additional or second reservoir which is used in the following way. Water, with a cleaning agent, is filled into the first reservoir having the opening directed upwards. The housing with the filled first reservoir is placed on a platform and fabric is placed on the rim of the opening of the first reservoir with the corresponding stain on the material within the periphery of the rim. Then, the second reservoir chamber is placed on the upper side of the porous material with its rim fittingly arranged in the rim of the first reservoir-chamber. Pushing the second reservoir chamber downwards causes the liquid from the first reservoir to flow through the porous material and into the second reservoir. When the pushing force is released, the elastic member presses the chambers back into the deactivated state, such that the fluid is sucked back into the first reservoir. Due to the elastic member (spring), a tight connection between the two chambers is retained.
US6746166 BA (Art CT College of Design, 2004) discloses a device for efficiently cleaning stains and extracting cleaning fluid from surfaces such as carpets and upholstery without requiring electrical power. It includes a sprayer for applying cleaning fluid to stains. A piston in a chamber provides the suction force for pulling fluid up through tubules, past check valves and into a waste reservoir. A downward force on the piston provides the suction thereby assuring that the tubules are in contact with the surface during suction. The entire mechanism of piston-spring in this device is configured to suck up liquids, rather than dispense it. The liquid/cleaning composition is dispensed by pressing a switch, much like conventional steam irons, which have buttons for spraying a jet of water on the clothes.
US3,130,442 discloses a device for massage which includes a soap dispenser on one side. The device is generally rounded on a top side, and includes teeth on a bottom side for massage. Soap can be dispensed through an opening on the bottom side by pulling on a ring at the top side which moves a valve stem upward, opening the valve and allowing soap to flow. Downward pressure seals the valve, preventing flow.
US 2003/0104962 discloses a container and kit for applying a detergent composition to a fabric. The container is rounded on a top side for an ergonomic design. The scrubbing side includes protrusions which are preferably rounded and/or resilient. Solvent is expelled using a pump which is actuated by one or more fingers of the user on the upper side.
GB2066059 A discloses a comb or a brush storing a flowable hair oil preparation and means dispensing the preparation from the storage onto the hair of the user evenly and without touching the oil directly. The comb comprises a container for storing the preparation and associated dispensing means having a resiliently biased valve at the container base. Upon pressing a volume control rod and spring assembly the liquid flows out through the hollow teeth and allows air to enter into the container.
The prior art does not address the problems of providing a rigid leak proof device that looks like and simulates a conventional detergent bar without the need for any change in the consumer habit of rub triggered dispensing of the composition. It also does not provide a consumer cue in terms of dispensing either a sheath of fluid or generating lather efficiently with minimal effort. The prior art also does not provide an efficient & simple air venting mechanism without which the flow of the composition will not be uniform. The prior art also does not address problems of water entering the device through the dispensing outlet.
The present inventors have been able to solve some of the problems associated with conventional direct application detergent bars and have been able to develop a solid bar shaped device that is filled with a composition with benefit agents that gets dispensed while in use and that can simulate the use of conventional detergent bars. The present inventors have been able to solve at least some problems of the art by designing an actuator that controls the dispensing of the active from the device while also enabling efficient air entry, avoiding use of one way valves, and preventing washing liquid from entering the outlet even during vigorous use.
An object of the present invention is to provide an applicator device that overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages of a detergent bar while still providing the similar or better performance benefits.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an applicator device that brings in minimal changes in the consumer habit during use and simulates the use of a conventional detergent bar.
It is yet another object of the invention to ensure that the composition comprising the actives is dispensed only during use and not leak during storage.
It is yet another object of the invention that an efficient air entry system enables that the displaced volume of the composition is replaced by air while avoiding the use of expensive one way valves.
It is yet another object of the invention that the dispensing outlet for the composition is configured such that no washing fluid enters through the dispensing outlet despite vigorous washing or scrubbing.
These and other objects are accomplished by the invention described in the following text and figures.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention, there is provided an applicator device for releasing a fluid detergent composition onto a surface. The device comprises a container comprising a first side defining a first substantially planar surface; a second side defining a second substantially planar surface opposed to the first side and comprising a dispensing opening; a compartment between the first and second sides for housing a fluid; and one or more extension members on the second side for contacting the surface when the device is in use. The device further comprises a fluid release system for dispensing the fluid from the second side, the fluid release system comprising a plunger comprising a base with at least one seal knob that operably mates with the dispensing opening and said base comprises a first sealing means for sealing the plunger base to the second side around the dispensing opening, a resilience member adapted to provide a force on the plunger base to effectively seal the dispensing opening when the device is not in use, and a top which projects into an air chamber for allowing air into the compartment when fluid is being released. The one or more extension members are configured such that the dispensing opening is located at a height of at least 3.5mm from the surface when the one or more extension members contact the surface and wherein the one or more extension members comprise one or more activators connect to the plunger such that the one or more activators and plunger move together.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a process for delivering a fluid or a fluid composition on a surface of a substrate, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) placing a device of the present invention, with the fluid detergent composition filled in the container on the surface of the substrate; and,
(b) pressing the device against the surface of the substrate to dispense at least a part of the fluid detergent composition through the dispensing opening.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates to an applicator device for fluids and more particularly to a device that simulates the manner in which a conventional detergent bar is used especially during hand washing of laundry.
In one aspect of the present invention is provided an applicator device for a fluid. The device comprises a container with a compartment for housing a fluid or a fluid composition; a fluid release system housed in the container comprising a plunger having a top and a base, and a resilience member; wherein the plunger base comprises at least one seal knob that operably mates with a corresponding dispensing opening on one face of the container. The top of the plunger projects into an air chamber located in the wall of the container.
The present invention provides a device, which simulates the use of hand-held bar of detergent, meant especially for cleaning fabrics by direct application. The device can be filled with a fluid or a fluid composition comprising actives and is designed to dispense the fluid or the composition while in use. In order to achieve minimal change in consumer habit, it is useful to provide a device, to give the consumer the same experience as that achieved by a conventional hand held cleansing bar. The similarity in perception is achieved by devising the device to resemble as much as possible, a conventional hand-held direct application detergent bar in terms of appearance and cognitive and tactile feel.
The device preferably could therefore be designed to look substantially like a conventional detergent bar in appearance. Apart from appearance, it becomes imperative to preferably provide a cue for delivery of fluid or fluid composition comprising actives to consumers, without which they may end-up over-dosing or under-dosing the fluid or the fluid composition, housed inside the device.

The Device

The device comprises a container for housing a fluid or a fluid composition, the shape of the container is of any convenient geometric shape, and the container preferably comprises a plurality of walls. The container is preferably provided with a fluid inlet port to aid filling of the fluid or fluid composition into the fluid container. The inlet port is preferably sealed or is preferably provided with an air tight closure mechanism. The air tight closure mechanism preferably allows refilling of the container with a desired fluid or fluid composition.
The inner bottom wall of the container is preferably provided with a projected slope that extends downwards between the inner surface of the side wall of the container and the center of the inner surface of the bottom wall of the container. The provision of the slope preferably helps in efficient flow of the fluid or the fluid composition towards dispensing opening.
The outer walls of the container form the shape of the applicator device and is preferably rigid and is preferably made of non-flexible material. The thickness of outer walls of the applicator device is preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm. Example dimensions of the container can be about 54 mm wide, 103 mm in length and 51 mm in height from a top face of the container to a distal end of the one or more extension members. The materials used for moulding the applicator device are preferably selected from polymeric materials like nylon, polyacrylates, polycarbonates, teflon, polyethylene, polypropylene, elastomeric and rubber material etc., and more preferably high density or low density polyethylene or their blends thereof. Alternatively, the device is made of metal or reinforced plastics, laminates or glass.
The container has a compartment for housing a fluid or a fluid composition between a first side defining a first substantially planar surface and a second side defining a second substantially planar surface opposed to the first side. The second side includes a dispensing opening.
A fluid release system is housed in the container preferably extending between the face of the container having the dispensing opening and the air chamber located in the wall of the container. Preferably, the fluid release system extends between the first side defining a first substantially planar surface and a second side defining a second substantially planar surface opposed to the first side of the device and having the dispensing opening. It is preferable that the dispensing opening and the air chamber are located on the opposite faces of the container, that is where the dispensing opening is located on the second side defining the second substantially planar surface the air chamber in the device will be located on the first side defining the first substantially planar surface. It is more preferable that the fluid release system extends between top and bottom faces of the container. The plunger preferably has a base, a shaft and a top and preferably the base of the plunger is broader than the shaft.
The base of the plunger is preferably of any suitable geometric shape. The plunger is made of materials selected from preferably polymeric materials like nylon, polyacrylates, polycarbonates, Teflon®, polyethylene, polypropylene, elastomeric and rubber material and the likes, more preferably high density or low-density polyethylene or their blends thereof.
It is preferable that the fluid release system is actuated by application of a predetermined threshold pressure on to the device by the user of the device. This threshold pressure is the pressure below which the fluid release system is not actuated and the liquid is not released.
The top of the plunger which projects into an air chamber for allowing air into the compartment when fluid is being released is preferably housed inside an air chamber that is positioned in the wall of the container. The side of the container having the air chamber is preferably also provided with an air vent which opens into the air chamber. A second sealing means, preferably a gasket is preferably placed on the inner bottom surface of top of the plunger, such that the gasket can seal between the air chamber and the container fluid compartment when the plunger is in an initial position. The second gasket is preferably made of a material selected from rubber or foams possessing elastomeric properties like neoprene, silicone rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM) and polyurethane and the like.
The device according to the present invention includes one or more extension members on the second side for contacting the surface when the device is in use. The one or more extensions members are present, preferably extending from the bottom face of the container for contacting a surface in use, and ensuring that a dispensing opening of the fluid release system is at a height of at least 3.5 mm from the surface. Preferably the one or more extensions are non-resilient to ensure that the dispensing opening stays at a height of at least 3.5 mm above the surface to be washed at all times, or if the one or more extension members are resilient, they have an effective height of at least 3.5 mm when flexed. The distance between the dispensing opening and the surface of the substrate to be washed can vary, though would preferably be between 3.5 mm and the height of the device between the first and second sides, for example, about 45 mm.
In some embodiments, it is preferable to have a nozzle extending from the dispensing opening to form a fluid flowpath toward a surface of the substrate. This nozzle may narrow to a nozzle outlet which will be relatively close to a surface of the substrate when the device is in use. In embodiments where no nozzle is present at the dispensing opening, the height of the dispensing opening would need to be at least 5 mm from the surface. This height would be facilitated by the one or more extension members.

Plunger

The fluid release system according to the present invention includes a plunger. The plunger includes a base operably mated with the dispensing opening, a resilience member adapted to provide a force on the plunger base to effectively seal the dispensing opening when the device is not in use; and, a top which projects into an air chamber for allowing air into the compartment when fluid is being released, from the device onto a surface of the substrate.
The plunger preferably extends between the top and bottom faces of the container and the base of the plunger is provided with at least one seal knob that operably mates with a corresponding dispensing opening. The seal knob is preferably either fixed to the base of the plunger or is freely rotatable with respect to the base of the plunger. The plunger base is provided with a first sealing means, preferably a first gasket. It is preferable in some embodiments that the seal knob extends out of the dispensing opening, and in some embodiments, the face of the seal knob preferably makes contact with a surface of the substrate when placed on it. This configuration preferably substantially prevents the fluid or fluid composition from accumulating between the outer peripheral surface of the seal knob and the corresponding contact surface of the dispensing opening. The seal knob connects to the plunger such that the seal knob and plunger moves together.
In some embodiments, the seal knob preferably extends beyond the bottom face of the container and more preferably extends by 0.1 mm to 10 mm and more preferably 0.1 mm to 5 mm which will preferably ensure appropriate and controlled fluid release.
The seal knob is preferably formed of a material selected from polymeric materials like nylon, polyacrylates, polycarbonates, Teflon®, polyethylene, polypropylene, elastomeric and rubber material and the likes, more preferably high density or low density polyethylene or their blends thereof.
The base of the plunger is preferably covered with a first sealing means, preferably gasket exposing only the seal knob. The first sealing means, preferably a gasket preferably prevents leakage of the fluid or fluid composition when the device is not in use. The first sealing means provides for sealing the plunger base to the second side around the dispensing opening. The first gasket is preferably of a thickness in the range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm and more preferably 0.1 mm to 2 mm. The first gasket is preferably made of a material selected from rubber or foams possessing elastomeric properties like neoprene, silicone rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM) and polyurethane and the likes.
In some embodiments, it is preferable to cover the seal knob with a nozzle extending from the side of the container. The nozzle preferably includes an outlet which is directed toward the surface of a substrate to be cleaned. In such an embodiment, the seal knob may not extend out of the face. Preferably, the nozzle could be integrally formed with the container. In such embodiments the seal knob with the nozzle connect to the plunger such that the seal knob with nozzle and plunger move together.

Resilience member

The plunger according to the present invention includes a resilience member adapted to provide a force on the plunger base to effectively seal the dispensing opening when the device is not in use.
The resilience member preferably forms the shaft of the plunger or is preferably positioned coaxial to the plunger and more preferably positioned around the shaft coaxially. The resilience member is preferably not in its rest position and is preferably under a slight stress that will provide a force on the plunger base to effectively seal the dispensing opening when the device is not in use.
The resilience member is preferably a spring, or in the form of bellows and is preferably made of material that does not react with the fluid or fluid composition contained in the container. The material of the resilience member is preferably selected from metal, polymeric material such as nylon, polyester, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, rubber and foams possessing elastomeric properties like neoprene, silicone rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM) and polyurethane and the likes. It is preferable that the resilience member is a spring and more preferably with a spring constant in the range 10 to 1000 N/m and more preferably 100 to 400 N/m. The resilience member is preferably made of metal and more preferably stainless steel.

Extension members

The device according to the present invention includes one or more extension members on the second side for contacting the surface when the device is in use. The extension members keeps the dispensing opening at a height of at least 3.5 mm above the surface of the substrate during use. Preferably, these are non-resilient. These are also preferably movable through other resilient members, for example a spring or bellows. In some embodiments, the one or more extension members are not movable.
In some embodiments, the one or more extension members comprise a base plate covering some or most of the bottom face of the device, but leaving an opening for dispensing (which could be covered with a nozzle). The base plate could be moveable, for example through connections to one or more resilience members. Optionally, the base plate could include one or more features to promote flash foaming when rubbed, for example, features which promote air pockets such as openings, crests and/or troughs.
The extension member of the present invention includes one or more activators and connects to the plunger such that the one or more activator and the plunger moves together. In one embodiment the one or more activator includes an activator cap for contacting the surface; an activator leg connecting the activator cap to the plunger through an opening in the second side ; and, sealing means for sealing the opening into the compartment. The sealing means is preferably bellows.
In yet another embodiment the extension member of the present invention includes one or more activator which activator includes a base plate for contacting the surface; one or more activator legs connecting the base plate to the plunger through one or more openings in the second side and one or more sealing means for sealing the one or more openings in the second side. The extension member connects to the plunger such that the one or more activator and the plunger moves together. The sealing means is preferably bellows.
In some embodiments, the one or more extension members could be resilient. However, they would need to extend such that the effective length of the resilient member is at least 3.5 mm during usage (after flexing), therefore keeping the dispensing opening at a height of at least 3.5 mm above the substrate during use. When no nozzle is in use, the height of the dispensing opening would need to be kept at least 5 mm above the substrate.
In some further embodiments, the seal knob could act as the one or more extension members, extending to such an extent that the dispensing opening would be at a height of at least 3.5 mm above the surface of the substrate. In such an embodiment, the base of the seal knob could be formed in a sufficient shape and size such that the device remains stable in use. In embodiment where the one or more extension member is the seal knob the seal knob is connected to the plunger and moves together with the plunger.
The extension member connected with the plunger and their movement together ensures that only when the consumer contacts the surface of the substrate and applies a predetermined threshold pressure on to the device the device is actuated and releases the fluid or fluid composition stored in the compartment.

Fluid Composition:

The device of the present invention includes a fluid detergent composition which is housed in the compartment. The device can be, and preferably is, pre-filled with the fluid composition at the time of manufacturing of the device or the user may preferably be instructed to fill the fluid composition into the container of the device. It is also possible as a preferred feature where a solid precursor can be fluidised in the container of the device. It is particularly preferred that the fluid composition is a laundry detergent composition in liquid form. The term fluid does not mean air or any other gas.
The fluid composition is preferably selected from a detergent composition useful in cleaning laundry, hard surfaces or for personal hygiene or for providing benefits in subsequent washes.
The fluid composition to be delivered by the device is preferably in the form of a fluid, paste or a gel. It is also preferred that a solid composition is dissolved in a suitable solvent and is filled into container of the device or preferably the solid composition is converted into a fluid composition by mixing a suitable solvent to the solid composition inside the container of the device.
A cleaning composition that is used in the device is preferably any suitable detergent composition available commercially or is formulated specifically. The composition preferably comprises 5 to 50% of a detergent active by weight of the composition that is preferably selected from anionic, non-ionic, cationic or zwitterionic surfactant or a mixture thereof. Preferably other benefit agents such as builders, abrasives, perfumes, colouring agents, polymers, hydrotopes, fluorescers, enzymes, bleaches can also be used in the composition and preferably an amount up to 10 % by wt.

Filling of Fluid composition in the device:

The composition is filled into the container of the device preferably through the inlet port of the device that is preferably provided with an airtight closure mechanism.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a process for delivering a fluid or fluid composition on a surface of a substrate, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) placing the device of the present invention, with the fluid or the fluid composition filled in the container on the surface of the substrate; and,
(b) pressing the device against the surface of the substrate to dispense at least a part of the fluid or the fluid composition through the dispensing opening.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a process for cleaning a surface of a substrate, the process comprising steps of:

(a) placing the device of the present invention, comprising a fluid or a fluid composition filled in the container;
(b) pressing the device against the surface of the substrate to dispense at least a part of the fluid or the fluid composition through the dispensing opening; and
(c) rubbing the surface of the substrate with the device.

The process of cleaning a surface of the substrate preferably further comprises a rinsing step. More preferably rinsing is done with a suitable solvent such as water.
The device is placed on a surface of the substrate with the bottom of the device, in particular the one or more extensions on the bottom of the device, in contact with the substrate and preferably pressing the device on the substrate. The plunger preferably plunges inside the device by preferably compressing the resilience member from its initial position. The plunger preferably moves up and the first gasket is preferably disengaged from the dispensing opening thereby allowing the fluid or the fluid composition to be released outside the container and on to the surface of the substrate. The top of the plunger is preferably simultaneously disengaged from the second gasket thereby preferably opening the air inlet chamber allowing the volume of fluid released from the container to be replaced by the air, inside the container. When the user stops pressing the device preferably the resilience member returns back to preferably its initial position whereby the first gasket preferably closes the dispensing opening and the top of the plunger preferably reengages with the second gasket, thereby closing the air inlet chamber preferably leading to the effective stoppage of fluid or the fluid composition dispensing from the container.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising:

(a) a device of the present invention; and,
(b) an instruction manual to use the device for delivering fluid composition through the device.

The device and the instruction manual to use the device for delivering the fluid composition through the device is preferably packaged as one unit. The device preferably is either prefilled with the fluid composition or preferably at least one pack of the fluid active is provided in form of a one-time use cartridge as a part of the kit with instructions to fill the same into the container of the device through the inlet port.
The dispensing of liquid can be achieved through alternative means of activation by making suitable modifications to the design of the devices.
In such a device, the plunger comprises additional features, namely an activator base capable of being in primary contact with the substrate while the seal knob is retracted well above the substrate. The act of pressing/rubbing the device against a fabric causes upward movement of activator base which raises the seal knob and the first gasket through a common interlink between the activator base and the sealed knob.
The invention will now be further exemplified with the following non-limiting figures and examples.

Brief Description of the figures:

Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an applicator device which does not form part of the present invention in a closed position.
Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the applicator device of Fig. 1A in an open position for dispensing fluid.
Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an applicator device according to the present invention in a closed position.
Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the applicator device of Fig. 2A in an open position for dispensing fluid.
Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an applicator device according to the present invention.
Figure 3B shows an exploded view of the applicator device of Fig. 3A.

Detailed description of the figures:

In the detailed description of the figures, like numerals are employed to designate like features of various exemplified devices according to the invention.
Figure 1A shows an applicator device 10 which does not form part of the present invention, in a closed position, and Figure 1B shows applicator device 10 in an open position to dispense fluid. Applicator device 10 includes container 12 with compartment 13 for housing a fluid, and fluid release system 14. Container 12 includes first side 16 (with air vent 17) which is an upward face when applicator device 10 is in use and second side 18 which is a bottom face when applicator device 10 is in use and air chamber 19. Container 12 also includes dispensing opening 20, extensions 21, side walls 22 and fluid inlet 23. Fluid release system 14 extends from first side 16 to second side 18, and includes plunger 24 with plunger base 26, shaft 27 and plunger top 28, seal knob 30, resilience member 32, first gasket 34 and second gasket 36.
Container 12 includes substantially planar upper, lower and side surfaces 16, 18, 22 to form a rectangular shape which resembles a bar. Extensions 21 are shown on sides of second side 18, but could be located elsewhere. Extensions can be integrally formed with container, and extend at least 5mm from the substantially planar portion of second side 18. Air chamber 19 and air vent 17 are located in first side 16 of container 12. Fluid inlet 23 is shown in side wall 22, though could be in other positions.
Plunger 14 extends from first side 16 to second side 18 of container and works to allow fluid to be released from compartment 13 when in an open position (Fig. 1B) and prevent the release when closed (Fig. 1A). Seal knob 30 connects to plunger base 26, and first gasket 34 extends around seal knob on plunger base 26 to seal dispensing opening 20 when container 12 is closed. Seal knob 30 extends a bit further than extensions 21, for example, 2.5 mm further. Resilience member 32 biases plunger 24 toward a closed position. Second gasket 36 extends around the bottom side of plunger top 28 to seal air chamber 19 from compartment 13.
When a user places device 10 on a substrate to be cleaned and presses/rubs on the substrate, second side 18 faces toward the substrate and because seal knob 30 extends further than extensions 21, seal knob 30 is the first contact point with substrate. Pressure on seal knob 30 from this contact causes upward movement of seal knob 30 and plunger 24, compressing resilient member 32 from its initial position. This moves first gasket 34 upward, opening a path for fluid in compartment 13 to exit through opening 20 and on to the substrate as shown by the two downward arrows at the second side of the container 12 in Fig. 1B. Fluid flow is primarily promoted by gravity. Simultaneously, this also moves plunger top 28 and second gasket 36 upward allowing air to enter compartment 13 from air chamber 19 (which is provided air by air vent 17), allowing the volume of fluid released through opening 20 to be replaced by air inside compartment 13. The upper movement of seal knob 30 and plunger 24 is limited by extensions 21. As extensions 21 are non-resilient and extend at least 5 mm from the substantially planar portion of second side 18, this ensures that dispensing opening 20 is always located at least 5 mm from the surface of the substrate to be cleaned.
When the user stops pressing/rubbing the device as shown in Fig. 1A, resilient member 32 returns back to its initial state wherein the first gasket 34 closes the fluid dispensing opening 20 and the top 28 of the plunger reengages, with the second gasket 36 sealing between compartment 13 and air chamber 19, leading the effective stoppage of fluid dispensing from container 12.
Container 12 with dispensing opening 20 that is always at least 5 mm from the surface to be cleaned allows for the dispensing of fluid from opening 20 and prevents ingress of other liquids through inlet 20, even during vigorous rubbing, scrubbing and other cleaning movements. When vigorously scrubbing, as described in relation to using a standard bar, washing liquid on the surface flows with the scrubbing motions. When the washing liquid hits an obstruction (such as the seal knob 30), it tends to flow upward, and the height the liquid reaches is governed by the flow velocity. By keeping dispensing opening at 5mm or higher than the surface of the substrate due to extensions 21, very little to no washing liquid flows back up into compartment 13 (through opening 20) despite hitting seal knob 30. This prevents contamination and/or dilution of the fluid in compartment 13, keeping the fluid optimal for cleaning operations.
Figure 2A shows an applicator device 10 according to the present invention in a closed position, and Figure 2B shows applicator device 10 in an open position to dispense fluid. Like numbers are used for similar parts as in Figs. 1A-1B.
Applicator 10 includes container 12 with compartment 13, first side 16, second side 18, sides 22, air chamber 19, dispensing opening 20 and nozzle 38 with outlet 39. Fluid dispensing system 14 includes plunger 24 with base 26, shaft 27, top 28, seal knob 30, resilience member 32, first gasket 34 and second gasket 36. Applicator 10 also includes activators 40 with activator cap 42, activator leg 44 and bellows 46. Nozzle outlet 39 diameter can vary, and can be, for example, 0.5mm - 5 mm.
Activator caps 42 are non-resilient, and connect to plunger 24 through activator legs 44, which are movable through openings into chamber 13. Bellows 46 seal around the openings for activator legs 44, allowing for movement of activator base 42 and activator legs 44.
Applicator 10 works in much of the same manner as the activator of Figs. 1A-1B, however, in this embodiment, activators 40 act as extensions from second side 18 as well as the first point of contact with substrate when applicator 10 is in use. When a user places device 10 on a substrate and presses or rubs the device thereon, plunger 24 moves upward inside by virtue of the contact between activator caps 42 and the substrate, translated to plunger shaft 27 by activator legs 44. Bellows 46 and the spring 32 allow for movement of the plunger 24 away from the substrate, compressing spring 32 and bellows 46.
As shown in Figure 2B, when the plunger moves up, seal knob 30 is moved with plunger 24 and the first gasket 34 is disengaged from the dispensing opening 20, thereby allowing release of fluid composition through opening 20, into nozzle 38 and through outlet 39 onto the substrate as shown by downward flow arrow F. Simultaneously, the top 28 of plunger 24 and second gasket 36 are also disengaged, thereby opening an air inlet channel allowing the air to enter from the air vent 17 into compartment 13, and allowing the volume of fluid released from compartment 13 to be replaced by air.
When a user stops pressing or rubbing device 10 as shown in Figure 1A, the resilience member 32 and bellows 46 return to their initial state, in which the first gasket 34 closes the dispensing opening 20 and the top 28 of plunger 24 re-engages with the base of the air chamber 19, thereby causing fluid dispensing to stop.
Activators 40 extend at least 3.5 mm from the substantially planar outside of second side 18 when device 10 is in a liquid dispensing mode (Fig. 2B). This ensures that the flow from compartment 13 through dispensing opening 20 is at least 3.5 mm above the substrate being cleaned. As discussed in relation to Figs. 1A-1B, keeping the dispensing opening 20 of compartment 13 above the substrate being cleaned helps to ensure that little to no wash liquid enters compartment 13 despite vigorous scrubbing or other conditions which result in high flow velocities of liquids on or near the substrate. The use of nozzle 38 in this embodiment allows for a height of only 3.5 mm above the substrate when dispensing to be sufficient to ensure little to no liquid enters compartment 13 through dispensing opening 20. Nozzle 38, which extends toward substrate, provides a fluid flowpath from dispensing opening 20 to nozzle outlet 39. The longer flowpath through nozzle 38 and relatively small nozzle outlet 39 help to prevent the undesirable flow of liquid back up through nozzle outlet 39 into compartment 13, allowing for dispensing opening 20 to be closer to substrate than in the embodiment of Figs. 1A-1 B (without a nozzle) while still preventing the contamination and/or dilution of washing fluid housed in compartment 13.
Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an applicator device 10 according to the present invention, and Figure 3B shows an exploded view of the applicator device of Fig. 3A. Applicator device 10 is very similar to the applicator device shown in Figs. 2A-2B, working in the same manner, only instead of using activator caps 42 a base plate 48 is used. Base plate 48 can cover all or most of second side 18, though must have an opening 50 to allow for dispensing of fluid from compartment 13, in this case through nozzle 38.
Base plate 48 connects to plunger 24 through activator legs 44, and bellows 46 act as sealing and resilient members. Base plate 48 moves plunger 24, allowing liquid from compartment 13 to exit dispensing opening 20 and air to replace the fluid in compartment through air chamber 19. Base plate 48 can also include one or more features to promote flash foaming when rubbed, for example features which promote air pockets such as openings 52, crests and/or troughs. Additionally, the use of a base plate may give a user the feel of a conventional bar as the bottom face remains substantially flat, to give an overall close impression to that of a conventional bar.
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary or preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular or preferred embodiments or preferred features disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A device (10) for releasing a fluid detergent composition onto a surface, the device comprising:
i. a container (12) comprising:
(a) a first side (16) defining a first substantially planar surface;

(b) a second side (18) defining a second substantially planar surface opposed to the first side and comprising a dispensing opening (20);

(c) a compartment (13) between the first and second sides for housing a fluid detergent composition; and,

(d) one or more extension members on the second side (18) for contacting the surface when the device (10) is in use; and

ii. a fluid release system (14) for dispensing the fluid detergent composition from the second side (18), the fluid release system (14) comprising a plunger (24) comprising:
(a) a base (26) with at least one seal knob (30) that operably mates with the dispensing opening (20) and said base (26) comprises a first sealing means for sealing the plunger base (26) to the second side (18) around the dispensing opening (20);

(b) a resilience member (32); and,

(c) a top (28) which projects into an air chamber (19) for allowing air into the compartment (13) when fluid is being released,
wherein the one or more extension members are configured such that the dispensing opening (20) is located at a height of at least 3.5 mm from the surface when the one or more extension members contact the surface, wherein the one or more extension members comprise one or more activators (40) connected to the plunger (24) such that the one or more activators (40) and plunger (24) move together upward inside upon contact between the activators (40) and the surface such that the seal knob (30) is moved with the plunger (24) and the sealing means is disengaged from the dispensing opening (20), thereby allowing the release of the fluid composition through said dispensing opening (20), and wherein the resilience member (32) is adapted to provide a force on the plunger base (26) to effectively seal the dispensing opening (20) when the device (10) is not in use.
The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the fluid release system (14) further comprises a nozzle (38) to guide the fluid detergent composition from the dispensing opening (20) to the surface.
The device (10) of any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more extension members comprises the seal knob (30) extending from the plunger base (26).
The device (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more activators (40) each comprise:
i. an activator cap (42) for contacting the surface;

ii. an activator leg (44) connecting the activator cap (42) to the plunger (24) through an opening in the second side (18); and,

iii. sealing means (46) for sealing said opening into the second side (18) of the compartment (13).
The device (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more activators (40) comprises:
i. a base plate (48) for contacting the surface;

ii. one or more activator legs (44) connecting the base plate (48) to the plunger (24) through one or more openings in the second side (18); and

iii. one or more sealing means (46) for sealing the one or more openings in the second side (18).
The device (10) of any of claims 4 to 5, wherein the sealing means comprises bellows (46).
The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal knob (30) extends through the dispensing opening (20).
The device (10) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more extension members are configured such that the dispensing opening (20) is located at a height of at least 5 mm from the surface when the one or more extension members contact the surface.
The device (10) of any of the preceding claims, and further comprising one or more sealing means for sealing between the air chamber (19) and the compartment (13).
The device (10) of claim 9, wherein the sealing means comprise one or more gaskets (34, 36).
The device (10) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the container (12) is substantially cuboidal.
The device (10) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more extension members are configured such that the dispensing opening (20) is located at a height of 3.5 mm to 20 mm from the surface when the one or more extension members contact the surface and the device (10) is in a dispensing configuration.
The device (10) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more extension members comprise a plurality of non-resilient extension members.
The device (10) of any of the preceding claims, and further comprising an air vent (17) leading to the air chamber (19), and sealing means to seal between the air chamber (19) and the compartment (13), wherein the sealing means are opened to allow air flow into the compartment (13) from the air chamber (19) when the plunger (24) is moved upward.
A process for delivering a fluid detergent composition on a surface of a substrate, the process comprising the steps of:
(a) placing the device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, with the fluid detergent composition filled in the container (12) on the surface of the substrate; and,

(b) pressing the device (10) against the surface of the substrate to dispense at least a part of the fluid detergent composition through the dispensing opening (20).