FR2579956A1 - - Google Patents

Abstract

Container for liquid detergents, comprising a body and at least a neck or throat for pouring out the liquid, with an opening equipped with a separable closure device, which comprises a dosing device (9) interacting in a removable manner with the neck or throat (14a) of the container (14), acting as a closure device, the said dosing device being arranged in order to act as a diffuser in a machine laundry- washing process and comprising to this end at least one filling orifice and vents for the progressive release of the liquid detergent into the drum of the machine, and, with a view to use, the dosing device is removed from the container to permit the introduction of a specific amount of detergent into its filling orifice.

Description

The present invention is in the field of packaging, in particular of

packaging of

  liquid products to be used in metered quantities.

  It more specifically targets a design container

  original to achieve such packaging.

  Until now, the liquid products to be dispensed in metered quantities have been packaged, either inside packages also containing a metering device, or with a metering device fixed to said container by a tab having a line of least resistance making it possible to tear off said dispenser at the time of use. The major drawback of such packaging lay in the fact that the metering device, once the packaging was opened or after it had been torn from the container, risked being easily lost, the dosage of the remaining product then being able to be carried out only so approximate. In addition, these traditional dispensers had to be cleaned after each use. French patent 84/6151 relates to an improved process for washing and cleaning linen in a commercial washing machine, in which a detergency agent in the liquid state is used. According to this process, this agent is gradually released into the washing bath from a device placed in the drum.

the machine with the washing machine.

  French patent 84/13 210 relates to a machine washing machine with a liquid detergent, which can be used for example in the process of the aforementioned French patent. This device, which has a characteristic essentially spherical shape, comprises at least one filling orifice and vents for the progressive release of the liquid within the laundry.

during washing.

  An object of the invention is to allow the process described in patent 84/6151 to be carried out, by incorporating, for example, the diffuser device described in patent 84/13210, as a metering device, into the device

  closure of the packaging container of the invention.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a packaging container which obviates the aforementioned drawback of possible loss of the liquid metering device, while remaining simple and original in design, and which does not require cleaning after each use, since it is introduced into the machine from which it emerges perfectly clean and suitable for

be reused.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container for liquids, in which the metering device is associated so that it can be used and reincorporated into the

  container without risk of being lost.

  Yet another object of the invention is to provide a packaging container for liquids, associated with a metering device also having a diffusion structure, for example for use in

a washing machine.

  The present invention therefore relates to a packaging container, in particular for liquid products, to be used in metered quantity, said container comprising a body and at least one orifice provided with a closure device, this container further comprising a removable metering device, cooperating with the closure device. According to a first variant, the removable dispenser is integral with the closure device. According to a second variant, the removable dispenser is part

  part of the sealing device.

  According to a first embodiment, the packaging container for liquid products of the invention comprises a dispenser of substantially spherical shape, embedded in a receptacle of substantially hemispherical shape provided on the upper face of the closure device. On the metering device is advantageously provided a hollow structure in which is engaged for example by clipping, a corresponding relief structure provided on the closure device. This metering device advantageously comprises a liquid diffusion structure chosen for example from those described in] .es patents

  French 84/6151 and 84/13 210 cited above.

  According to another embodiment of packaging containers according to the invention, the metering device has at its base a hollow structure in which engages in a removable manner, for example by clipping, a shutter screwed onto the packaging container. This metering device advantageously includes a diffusion structure such that

specified above.

  > 0 According to yet another embodiment of packaging container of the invention, the metering device also serves as a shutter device, and comprises, for this purpose, at its base, a hollow structure internally threaded so that it can be screwed tightly on the neck of the packaging container. This metering device advantageously includes a diffusion structure such that

specified above.

  According to yet another embodiment 0 of packaging container according to the invention, the metering device has a hollow structure arranged to, (after removable fixing to the neck of the container) also serve as a sealing device, a second sealing device also being provided on the dispenser and shaped so that it can also be mounted so

  tight on the neck of the packaging container.

  According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the metering device comprises at its base an opening having a peripheral clipping structure intended to engage in a peripheral groove having a structure suitable for clipping the metering; such a device has, provided in a diffuser device also serving as a shutter, at least one filling orifice of the metering device. Provision has also been made to incorporate pouring and pre-metering arrangements into this embodiment.

  inside the packaging container.

  According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the metering device is fixed to the shutter device, and for this purpose comprises, adjacent to its diffusion zone, a hollow structure of shape corresponding to the shutter of the container and having clipping means for fixing so

  removable the dosing device on the container neck.

  Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the

  following description of non-embodiments

  packaging container limits, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Fig. 1 is a side view of a packaging container for liquids requiring a dosage, according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the container of FIG. 1, with axial lateral pull-out; - Fig. 3 is a partial view in axial cross section of an alternative embodiment of the container of FIG. 2; - Fig. 4 is a partial side view with cutaway at the neck of the container, of another embodiment of said container; Fig. 5 is a partial side view, cut away at the neck, of another embodiment of packaging containers according to the invention; - Fig. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view of a closure-metering device of another embodiment of packaging containers according to the invention; - Fig. 7, 8 and 9 respectively represent sealing devices intended to be adapted to the embodiments of packaging containers of] .'invention; - Fig. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of packaging containers of the invention; - Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 are alternative embodiments of the packaging container of FIG. 10, incorporating pouring spout and predosing arrangements respectively; - Fig. 13 is a partial side view with cutaway at the neck, of yet another embodiment of packaging containers according to]. 'invention. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 and 2, which differ only in aesthetic appearance, the packaging container of the invention consists of a body 3 extending by a threaded neck 3a on l.equel is screwed a shutter 2 having an internal skirt 2a internally threaded

  not even that] .e thread provided on the neck 3a.

  The shutter 2 has at its upper part a receptacle in the form of a spherical crown 2d inside of which is fitted a metering device 1 of substantially spherical shape on which is mounted, for example by clipping, a cap 1a. One can also provide an adhesion arrangement, for example by "Vel.cro" between

metering unit 1 and shutter 2.

  As shown in Fig. 3, the shutter 1 may have a peripheral clipping structure 1b in the form of a groove in which a

  peripheral rib 2b provided in the receptacle 2d.

  In the embodiment of packaging containers, illustrated in FIG. 4, the shutter 7, capped with its cap 7a has at its base a cylindrical housing 8 comprising a structure of peripheral c] .sageage in the form of a rib 8a intended to cooperate for installation by c]. shutter 7 on the plug 6, with a corresponding structure of clipping in the form of a peripheral groove 6a. This cap 6 is screwed onto the neck 5a of the body 5 of the packaging container. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the dispenser 13, provided with its cap 13b, has at its base a cylindrical housing 13a internally threaded so as to be able to be screwed onto the co]. 14a from a container

  packaging 14 provided with a handle 14b.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the shutter 9 also has at its base a substantially cylindrical housing 9b provided with a peripheral rib 9c cooperating with a clip flange lla provided outside the neck llb of the container 11. The metering device 9 is also provided with a diffusion structure 12 having an outer peripheral flange 12a intended to fix it by clipping onto a corresponding structure 9a of the dispenser 9, a removable cover 10

  also being provided for plugging the dispenser 12.

  In Figs. 7 to 9, various embodiments are shown intended to solve the problem of sealing the packaging containers described above or below, and in which the dispenser is an integral part of the shutter. When this metering-obturator has been removed from the packaging container to be filled and duly used in a washing machine, said packaging container. indeed needs to be filled in order to avoid any loss of liquid. In Fig. 7, there is shown a cover 16 provided with a peripheral flange 16a and mounted as a hinge

  on the neck 15 of a packaging bottle 17.

  Fig. 8 shows another type of cover 18 having a lower flange 18a intended to be cl.ipsée on a rib 19a provided on] .e neck 19b of a

packaging container 19.

  Fig. 9 depicts a third embodiment of cover 20 comprising an internal flange 20b and a structure of c] .ingage 20a cooperating with a corresponding structure 21a provided peripherally at

neck 21.

  In Fig. 10 is il] .lustrée an embodiment in which the dispensing device 23, provided with vents 23b and clipped to the metering device 24 by a peripheral flange 23c cooperating with a corresponding structure 24a of the metering device 24, serves as a cap for the container 22 in coming to engage by screwing on] .e col. 22a

of said container.

  Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment taking up the general configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 10, with the metering device 25, the dispenser arrangement 26, the corresponding structures of c] .ingage 25a, 26a,]. E dispenser system 26 also being screwed onto]. e neck 27a of the packaging container 27. In this embodiment, provision has also been made to interpose between the container 27 and the

  dispenser-shutter device 26 a spout 28.

  The variant embodiment of FIG. 12 also incorporates most of the constituent elements of the embodiment of FIG. 10, namely the dispenser 29, the dispenser arrangement 30, the corresponding clipping structures 29a, 30a; the dispenser 30 also has a shutter function by screwing onto the neck. 31a of the container 31. In this embodiment, provision has been made to insert between the distributor-shutter arrangement 30 and the neck 30a of the container 31, a predosing device 32 having a partition

  internal 32a and an end cap 32b.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the dispenser metering device 33, of substantially spherical shape, has an axially shaped cavity 34

  corresponding to that of the shutter 39 of the container 38.

  This cavity 34 is provided on its outer edge with a clipping structure and constituted by lugs 35 intended to be inserted between the lower edge of the shutter 39 and an upper shoulder 36 of the neck. of the container. The distributor 33 rests by its distributor member 37 on a lower shoulder 40 of the co]. of the container. The fact that the removable dispenser is integral with the closure device or is an integral part of the latter, or else cooperates detachably with the closure device, makes it possible to solve the problem posed by the dispensers not incorporated in the packaging containers. intended in particular for liquid products requiring to be used in metered quantity. The fact also that the dispenser can be provided with a dispensing device, and be used as it is after refilling in washing machines is also a solution to the problems of distribution and distribution of liquid products in said

machines.

  When the dispenser-dispenser is pre] ev6 from the packaging container of the invention, a predetermined quantity of detergency agent enclosed therein is poured into it, and as described in French patent 84/6151, the device is placed in I drum of the J.aver machine, then start and let run the usual] .avage cycle of the machine, the device containing the product being preferably placed at the top of the tank in the drum. Thus, as in most current washing machines, the drum does not rotate until] .e filling of the tank is finished, the doserdistributor will begin to empty only in the presence of sufficient water to avoid prolonged contact of dry or just damp laundry with the concentrated detergent. It will be noted that it is also possible to place the dispenser-dispenser at the bottom of the drum, in particular in the case where it starts rotating from the start of the admission of water, or even in the middle of the laundry. The user will choose the position best suited to the particular circumstances of his J. avage. At the end of the spin, the dispenser-dispenser is removed from the washing machine and is reincorporated into the packaging container of the invention, for later use. It is clear that the best washing results will be obtained by using dispenser-dispensers having the particular characteristics of the dispenser-dispenser device described.

in French patent 84/13210.

  The constituent materials of the various components of the packaging containers of the invention may be made of a material having the characteristics of mechanical resistance and to agents

  suitable chemicals, for example plastic.

Claims (12)

  1. Packaging container, in particular for liquid products, to be used in metered quantity, said container comprising a body and at least one orifice provided with a closure device, characterized in that it comprises a removable metering device (, 1,9,13,24,25,29) cooperating with the closure device (2,8,9,13,23, 26.30).   2, Packaging container according to the claim   tion 1, characterized in that the removable metering device (1,7,24,, 29) is integral with the closure device (2,8,23, 26.30).   3. Packaging container according to the claim   tion 1, characterized in that the removable dispenser (9,13)   is an integral part of the shutter device.   4. Packaging container according to the claim   tion 1, characterized in that it comprises a metering device (1)   of substantially spherical shape, embedded in a receptacle   key (2a) of corresponding shape, provided in a shutter   (2) screwed tightly on a condition receiver- (3).   5. Packaging container according to one of   Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that on the metering device   (1) a hollow peripheral structure (lb) is formed in which the structure engages by clipping   in relief (2b) provided in the receptacle (2d) of the shutter (2).   6. Packaging container according to one of   claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, basically   a dosing structure (7) is provided with a hollow structure in which a shutter removably engages   (8) screwed onto the conditioning receiver (5).   7. Packaging container as claimed   cation 6, characterized in that the metering device (7) is engaged   in the shutter by clipping (6a, 7a).   8. Packaging container, in particular for liquid products to be used in metered quantity, said container comprising a body and at least one orifice provided with a closure device, characterized 1 1 in that the metering device (13) comprises its base has an internally threaded hollow structure (13a) so that it can   screw tightly on the neck (14a) of the container conditioning pient (14).   9. Packaging container according to any one   as claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the   hollow structure provided at the base of the dispenser is shaped.   cylindrical. lOi Packaging container according to which one   conch of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that   the metering device is provided with a distributor arrangement   Streamer. 11. Packaging container according to one of   Claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the metering device   (9) has at its base a housing (9b) provided with a structure   clip type (9c) intended to engage with a flange   (lla) provided on the neck (llb) of the condition container-   nement (11), a distributor-diffuser arrangement (12) being fixed by its peripheral flange (12a) on the edge   upper (9a) of the distributor (9).   12. Packaging container according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the dispenser   (24,25,29) is clipped onto a dispensing device-   diffuser (23,26,30) which is screwed onto the neck (22a, 2] a,   31a) of the packaging container (22,27,31).   13. Packaging container as claimed   cation 12, characterized in that a pouring spout (28) is interposed between the distributor-diffuser device (26) and the packaging container (2X), bearing on   the edge of the neck (27a) of the latter.   14. Packaging container as claimed   cation 11, characterized in that a predosing device   (32) is interposed between the distributor-diffuser device   sor (30) provided inside the metering (29), and the container   conditioning pin (31), resting on the edge of the neck (31a) of the latter.   15. Packaging container according to one   claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the metering device   (33) comprises, adjacent to its diffusion zone (37), a hollow structure (34) of a shape corresponding to the shutter (39) of the container (38) and having clipping means (35) making it possible to fix the metering device, removably] .e, on the neck (36, 40) of the container   (38), via the shutter (39).