GB2339758A

GB2339758A - A container with a mirror and a spout

Info

Publication number: GB2339758A
Application number: GB9815998A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yuji Kawakubo
Original assignee: Unilever PLC
Current assignee: Unilever PLC
Priority date: 1998-07-22
Filing date: 1998-07-22
Publication date: 2000-02-09
Also published as: GB9815998D0

Description

2339758 A DISPENSING CONTAINER

Introduction

The invention relates to a dispensing container for delivery of detergent products, especially liquid detergent products, to difficult to access places. In particular the invention relates to a dispensing container for delivery of detergent products underneath a rim of a toilet bowl.

Currently, various types of delivery systems are available for cleaning of toilets. Many of such delivery systems include a nozzle which is cranked with respect an axis of the container body, thus providing for the delivery of product into difficult to access places, such as for example, underneath the rim of a toilet bowl. A problem with such systems is that, in practice, it is extremely difficulty to view the areas to be cleaned, either prior to, during, or indeed after cleaning. Thus, at the outset it is generally not possible to determine whether or not the toilet rim needs to be cleaned.' Further, during cleaning it is not possible to identify the areas which require attention. These problems can result in inefficient or incomplete cleaning, waste of product, and in many cases accumulated soiling of toilet rims.

It is an object of the invention to overcome at least some of the above problems.

2 Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a dispensing container of the above type, comprising a dosing spout adapted to dispense product at an angle to an axis of the dispensing container, wherein the container includes a mirror positioned so as to enable a user view the product being dispensed into said awkward or difficult-to-access places.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mirror is positioned on, or adjacent to, the dispensing spout, and preferably parallel to an axis of the container. Ideally the mirror comprises a plastic plate with aluminium vacuum metalisation.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the dosing spout is elongated and flexible. Typically, the product is expelled from the container by squeezing the container.

Ideally the detergent product is a toilet cleaner.

The invention also provides for the use of the dispensing container of the invention in the cleaning of toilets, and particularly toilet rims.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Fig.lis a front view of a dispensing container according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of a dosing spout of the container of 5 Fig.1; Fig. 3 is a view from above of the container of Fig. 1 in use delivering a foam hygiene product under a toilet rim; Fig. 4 is an expanded view in perspective of the use illustrated in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative dispenser according to the invention; and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the dispenser of fig. 5, in use.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a dispensing container according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, and comprising a squeezable container body 2 and dosing spout 3 cranked intermediate its length so as to deliver product at an angle to an axis 4 of the container body 2. A mirror 8 is positioned on the spout, underneath a dispensing nozzle 9, the mirror 8 lying substantially parallel to the axis 4 of the container body 2.

In use, and referring to Figs 3 and 4, the container 1 is inverted to direct the foam product under the rim 10 of a toilet 11, the mirror 8 being used to identify areas which require treatment and monitor the delivery of product to the target areas. Referring specifically to Fig 3, delivered product 13 is visible in the mirror 8.

Referring to Figs 5 and 6 there is illustrated an alternative dispensing container according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20, in which parts similar to those of the previous embodiment are given the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the dosing spout 21 is elongated and flexible. The use of this embodiment is similar to that of the previous embodiment.

Although the embodiments illustrated above employ a squeezable container, it will be appreciated that the invention encompasses all types of dispensing containers including those which incorporate trigger pump, aerosol and other type of delivery systems. Furthermore, all types of liquid detergent products may be used with the container of the invention such as, for example, viscous liquids and gels, aerosols and foams. In this regard it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited with respect to the type of product to be delivered, not with respect to the type of delivery system used.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in construction and detail without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I

Claims

1. A dispensing container for delivery of detergent products, especially liquid detergent products, to awkward or difficult-to-access places, comprising a dosing spout adapted to dispense the product at an angle to an axis of the dispensing container, wherein the container includes a mirror positioned to enable a user view the product being dispensed into said awkward or difficult-to-access places.

2. A dispensing container as claimed in claim 1 in which the mirror is positioned on, or adjacent to, the dosing spout.

3. A dispensing container as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the plane of the mirror is parallel to an axis of the dispensing container.

4. A dispensing container as claimed in any preceding claim in which the mirror comprises a plastic plate with aluminium vacuum metalisation.

5. A dispensing container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the dosing spout is elongated and flexible.

6. A dispensing container as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the product is expelled from the spout by squeezing the container body.

6

7. A dispensing container as claimed in any preceding claim in which the detergent product is a toilet cleaner.

8. A dispensing container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. A dispensing container as claimed in any preceding claim for use in cleaning a toilet, and particularly for cleaning underneath a toilet bowl rim.