JP6882605B2 - Consumer products - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to packaging a water-soluble unit volume and a package containing the water-soluble unit volume.

Water-soluble unit volumes are preferred by consumers because they are convenient and efficient to use in cleaning operations. Such articles include a water-soluble film that defines at least one internal compartment, which compartment contains the detergent composition.

Water-soluble unit volumes are often sold to consumers in containers with lids. The closure of the lid is intended to minimize the ingress of moisture into the container, which can affect the physical stability of the internal water-soluble unit volume. Such intrusion is particularly problematic in high humidity environments such as those found near washing operations (washing, dishwashing, etc.). Lid closure also reduces the spillage and removal of articles from the container when unintentionally, otherwise undesired, for example, when the container falls, is turned upside down, or is laid on its side. The purpose is. Therefore, such containers are manufactured with locking means to ensure that the lid is closed when not in use.

Also, when the container lid is closed, the locking means functions to prevent children (under 5 years of age) from accessing the contents of the container and then being exposed to this water-soluble unit volume. ..

Traditionally, such containers have been manufactured such that the locking means is located on the front outer surface of the container. This type of locking means comprises a part on the lid and a part on the container wall, where the user pushes the lid element towards or pulls away from the container. , It was disengaged by releasing it from the wall element. However, one potential issue with the location of such locking means is that they tend to be damaged during transport, especially if they are not packaged for transport in a special way to reduce damage. .. This damage was caused by the adjacent containers colliding with each other or rubbing against each other and damaging the locking means on the outer surface of the tab.

In an attempt to overcome these problems, manufacturers have relocated the locking wall elements to the top of the container wall, while retaining the corresponding lid elements on the lid. Repositioning the locking means in this way reduced the chances of damage during manufacturing, transportation, and storage, while the opening method remained intuitive for adults. Further, by rearranging the locking means in this way, it becomes more difficult for the child to arrange the locking means in the container.

However, it has been found that such locking means can be difficult for consumers to disengage because they require the consumer to raise the lid and at the same time push the wall element away from the user. It was. The result was a container that was simply pushed away from the consumer rather than disengaged from the lock, and / or all work was awkward and uncomfortable for the consumer.

US201530155532 discloses a container with a lid that can be opened in a user-friendly manner. The container has two closing means, the first closing means can be opened by applying a force directly to each frame section, and the second closing means applies a force directly to each lid section. It can be opened by giving it.

Therefore, in the art, a container containing a water-soluble unit volume that effectively keeps the lid closed during use and is damaged in connection with the locking means being attached to the front of the container. On the one hand, there remains a need for containers with locking means that allow consumers to still operate comfortably and intuitively. The container must also prevent children from accessing the contents of the container when the lid is closed.

US201530155532

Surprisingly, it has been found that the container according to the present invention overcomes such a problem. Although not bound by theory, the locking means of the container requires the user to perform a "pinching operation" to disengage the locking means. Such movements are more comfortable and intuitive for the human hand and also allow the consumer to lift the lid at the same time. The locking means also effectively keeps the lid closed when not in use.

In addition, efficient production of containers containing water-soluble unit volumes can be improved by reducing the chances of the closing means being damaged during production.

A first aspect of the present invention is a consumer product (1) comprising a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit volume (3) housed therein.
The container (2) is
-Base (4) and
-With an opening positioned facing the base (4),
-At least one wall (7) extending vertically from the base (4) to the opening, the at least one wall (7) being the upper edge of the at least one wall (7). It is terminated by a portion (8), and the wall portion (7) includes an inner surface (9) and an outer surface (10).
-The base (4) and at least one wall (7) define an internal compartment (11), the internal compartment (11) is accessible through an opening, the wall (7), and
-With a lid (12) that is movable from the open position to the closed position via at least one hinge (13) and that covers the opening (6) when in the closed position.
The container (2) comprises at least one locking means, the locking means comprising a lid element (14) and a wall element (15).
The wall element (15) includes a support member (16) extending from the upper edge (8) of at least one wall (7) or the inner surface (9) of at least one wall (7). With a hook member (17)
When the lid (12) is in the closed position, the hook member (17) engages with the lid element (14) and only by applying a force to the hook member (17), the lid element (14). Disengage the wall element (15) from
The hook member (17) extends from the support member (16) toward the inside of the container, and the hook member (17) is used to disengage the wall element (15) from the lid element (14). A consumer product (1), which requires the application of the force of the above, and the application of the force is in the direction toward the inner surface (9).

A consumer product according to the present invention comprising a container and at least one water-soluble unit volume contained therein is disclosed. Disclosed is a cross-sectional view of a wall element comprising a support member attached directly to the inner surface of at least one wall. A cross-sectional view is disclosed showing that the wall element comprises a support member attached to the upper edge of at least one wall. A cross-sectional view is disclosed showing that the wall element comprises a support member attached to the inner surface of at least one wall via a horizontal connecting member. A cross-sectional view is disclosed showing that the wall element comprises a support member attached to the inner surface of at least one wall via a horizontal connecting member. A cross-sectional view showing that the lid is in the closed position is disclosed. The wall element engages the lid element and the lid is locked in place. Disclosed is a cross-sectional view showing that by applying a force to the hook member in the direction toward the inner wall, the lid element is released from the wall element and the lid is moved away from the opening in the radial direction. There is. A development view of the container is disclosed, indicating that at least one wall section comprises two sections, a lower section and an upper section connected to the base. The upper edge is positioned on the upper section and the wall element is attached to the upper section. A top view of the container is disclosed to show that the container has an installation area defined as a cross-sectional area across the container and that at least one locking means does not extend beyond the installation area of the container. There is. A top view of the container is disclosed, indicating that the container has an installation area defined as a cross-sectional area across the container and that at least one locking means extends beyond the installation area of the container. There is. It is disclosed that the lid includes a recess surrounded by an outer ridge and the lid element is contained within the outer ridge. The consumer product is disclosed, indicating that at least one wall of the container comprises two sections, an upper section and a lower section. This container comprises a lip. A cross-sectional view of a container comprising a first wall and a second wall is disclosed, the hinge is connected to the second wall and the first wall faces the second wall. The first wall is indicated to include at least one locking means, preferably at least two locking means. It is a figure which shows the movement of the wall part element while the lid part element engages with a wall part element. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container, showing a base with a raised area. Same as FIG. 12, but at least one side is curved. The container is disclosed, indicating that the lid is closed and a reaction force region is visible on the lid. The wall element is disclosed, indicating that the hook member has a first shaft and a second shaft. A water-soluble unit volume product according to the present invention is disclosed. The wall element according to the present invention is disclosed.

Consumable Product The present invention is a consumable product comprising a container and at least one water-soluble unit dose.

At least one water-soluble unit volume is contained in the container. The container and the water-soluble unit dose are described in more detail below.

Consumer products may be sold "as is", in other words, consumer products are products that consumers pick up from the shelves. Alternatively, the consumer product may contain a multi-element product as one unit. For example, more than one consumer product may be encapsulated in an outer package, or a plurality of packaged consumer products may be sold together in a single purchase.

Consumer goods products may include aesthetic elements such as shrink sleeves or labels affixed to containers. Alternatively, the container may be colored or may be printed with a printed matter (eg, instructions for use) containing aesthetic elements or information.

Containers Consumable products include containers. The container should be able to contain at least one water soluble unit dose article. The container may have any suitable size, depending on the number of water soluble unit dose articles contained within the container.

The container can have any suitable shape. The container may have an overall straight shape (eg, has straight sides), may have a curved shape, or may include both straight and curved parts. You may. The container may include a flat surface and a surface containing embossing or other structural elements (eg, designed to improve grip or structural integrity).

Preferably, the container has a rectangular shape when viewed from the top of the bottom. When viewed from the bottom, this rectangular shape has a length-to-width ratio of 1.5: 1-2.5: 1.

The container may have a measurement length of 100 mm to 300 mm, preferably 140 mm to 260 mm. The container may have a measurement width of 60 mm to 140 mm, preferably 65 mm to 115 mm.

The container can have any suitable shape. Those skilled in the art will recognize suitable materials. The container may have a cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, or a mixture thereof. The container may have an overall straight shape (eg, a rectangle), but may include curved walls. For example, when viewed from above, the container may have a rectangular shape, but when viewed from the front, includes a convexly curved wall that curves from the top of the container to the bottom of the container. You may be.

The container can be made from any suitable material. The container may be made of a natural material, a synthetic material, or a mixture thereof, preferably a synthetic material, more preferably a plastic.

The container may be made of a plastic material, a metal material, a paper material, or a mixture thereof. The container may be made of materials, including recycled materials.

The container can be made of a plastic material, preferably a polyolefin material. The container may be made of polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polyamide, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the container may be made of polypropylene, polystyrene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof.

The plastic material may have a tensile coefficient in the range of 1250 MPa to 3000 MPa, preferably 1300 MPa to 2300 MPa. Those skilled in the art will know how to measure the tensile coefficients using techniques commonly known in the art.

The container may be made of a metallic material, which is preferably selected from aluminum, steel, or a mixture thereof.

The container may be made from a paper material, which is preferably selected from cardboard, laminates, cellulosic pulp materials, or mixtures thereof.

Materials used to make containers include other ingredients such as colorants, preservatives, plasticizers, UV stabilizers, oxygen, fragrances, recycled materials, moisture barriers, or mixtures thereof. May be good. The container may include a printed area on the outside or inside.

The container can be made using any suitable process.

Suitable processes include, but are not limited to, thermoforming, injection molding, injection stretching blow molding, extrusion blow molding, or mixtures thereof, preferably thermoforming or injection molding, or mixtures thereof.

Suitable processes include, but are not limited to, forming tubes from flat laminates using welding steps, forming tubes by extrusion, folding, or a mixture thereof.

The container may be opaque, translucent, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the container is opaque.

The container comprises a base. When stationary, the base is placed underneath the container so that it rests on the surface. The base may be substantially flat, i.e., may not include a region that is substantially raised relative to other regions. Alternatively, the base may include a raised area. This has the advantage of creating a reservoir in the container that can capture the detergent composition if it bursts and the detergent composition leaks. This has the advantage of minimizing unwanted contact between the unruptured unit volume and the leaked composition.

The container comprises an opening positioned facing the base. At least one wall extends perpendicularly from the base to the opening. In the context of this specification, vertical means substantially vertical. In other words, the wall can sway from just 90 ° to either side, rather than extending from the base at an angle of just 90 °. Those skilled in the art will understand what relevant shakes are possible. The wall may extend from the base at an angle of 75 ° to 105 °, preferably 80 ° to 100 °, more preferably 85 ° to 95 ° with respect to the base. Preferably, the container comprises at least two walls, preferably at least three walls, most preferably at least four walls, extending between the base and the opening. Preferably, the container comprises four walls so that the container has a square or rectangular shape as a whole.

The at least one wall is terminated at the upper edge of the at least one wall. The upper edge must be understood to be at least the top of the wall. The upper edge is preferably horizontal so that it is parallel to the base. However, the upper edge does not have to be perfectly horizontal and may have, for example, an ascending region or extend substantially diagonally.

The width of the top surface may correspond to the thickness of at least one wall. However, the top surface may be thinner or thicker than at least one wall. The top surface may have different thicknesses in the same container. The thickness of the top surface of one wall may differ from the thickness of the top surface of the other wall of the same container.

The thickness of the upper surface may be 1 mm to 8 mm, preferably 2 mm to 6 mm.

In fact, at least one wall may include at least two sections. The two sections may differ in height, thickness, or both. The width of the upper edge may correspond to the thickness of one section of at least one wall.

The at least two sections are joined together via a mechanical connection, via an adhesive, or by a combination thereof. The mechanical connection may be provided with a simple hook on one or both of these sections. Preferably, at least two sections are joined together using both mechanical connections and adhesives. The adhesive means a hot melt adhesive, a reactive hot melt adhesive, a thermosetting adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a contact adhesive adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive is a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive. Preferably, the hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive preferably adheres and binds to a range of materials, including one or more of the materials described above. Preferably, at least one wall includes a lower section and an upper section. The lower section rises from the base. The upper section is then preferably joined to the lower section via an adhesive and includes an upper edge. Alternatively, at least two sections may be arranged vertically such that both sections rise adjacent to each other from the base.

At least one wall may be made of a rigid material, a plastic material, or a combination thereof. The base may be made of a rigid material, a plastic material, or a combination thereof. The at least one wall may include an upper section and a lower section, the upper section being made of rigid material, the lower section being made of plastic material, preferably the base being made of plastic material. It is made.

At least one wall portion includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is in contact with the external environment of the container, while the inner wall is in contact with the internal environment of the container.

The base and at least one wall define the internal compartment. The inner surface of at least one wall is in contact with the environment of the internal compartment.

The internal compartment is accessible through an opening. The container may include more than one internal compartment. The container may comprise at least one compartment, or at least two compartments, or at least three compartments.

The container also comprises a lid. The lid can be moved from the open position to the closed position via the hinge. The lid covers the opening when in the closed position. In the present specification, "covering an opening" preferably means that at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, and even more preferably at least 98% of the area of the opening is covered with a lid. Means to be. F Due to manufacturing tolerances, etc., there may still be a gap between the upper edge and the lid when closed, but none of the existing gaps are large enough for the user to access the opening, or It must be understood that at least one water-soluble unit volume is not large enough to be deliberately or accidentally removed from the internal compartment.

At least a portion of the opening is provided with a permanent cover, the lid covering the remaining area of the opening.

Assuming that the lid is at an angle of 0 ° when closed, the angle is greater than 0 ° to 270 °, preferably 60 ° to 180 °, more preferably 90 ° to 150 ° with respect to the angle when closed. It can be opened up to the maximum angle of.

The container comprises at least one locking means. Preferably, the container comprises at least two locking means. Preferably, the at least two locking means are separated by a distance of 50 mm to 180 mm. At least two locking means may be present on the same wall or on different walls, preferably on the same wall. Preferably, the container is provided with two locking means to match the number of hands of the consumer and allows the consumer to open the container in a coordinated manner.

The locking means includes a lid element and a wall element. In other words, the components of the locking means are placed on or in the lid, and the separating components of the locking means are placed on the inner surface of at least one wall or on the upper edge. .. The interaction between the lid element and the wall element results in the locking means being engaged and the lid fixed in the locking position.

The lid element is preferably a mere recess or a hole in the lid that can accommodate the hook member. The recess or hole can accept the hook member, engage the hook member, lock the lid in place, and via an action appropriate to disengage this engagement. Any suitable shape can be provided as long as the hook member can be disengaged.

The wall element includes a support member and a hook member. The support member extends from the upper edge of at least one wall or from the inner surface of at least one wall. The hook member is attached to the support member. The support member and the hook member may be two separate bodies that are joined together. Alternatively, the support member and the hook member can be formed by one integral part.

Preferably, the support member and the hook member are arranged so that the wall element has an inverted U shape. Preferably, the U-shape is attached to the inner wall or upper edge via a horizontal connecting member, preferably a substantially horizontal connecting member, extending from the inner wall or upper edge to the support member. As used herein, substantially horizontal means that the connecting members may not be perfectly horizontal and may have a slight angle. Those skilled in the art will understand what relevant shakes are possible. The connecting member may extend from the inner wall at an angle of 75 ° to 105 °, preferably 80 ° to 100 °, more preferably 85 ° to 95 ° with respect to the inner wall. The connecting member will still achieve the same advantages as a perfectly horizontal connecting member, regardless of this angle.

When the lid is in the closed position, the hook member needs to apply force to the hook member to engage with the lid element and disengage the wall element from the lid element. Preferably, a reaction force is required by the user to disengage the wall element from the lid element. Such reaction forces preferably occur as a result of the finger / thumb pinching action of placing the finger or thumb on the hook member and placing the other fingers on the outer surface of the wall or on the side of the lid. It is a thing. Then, the user sandwiches the lid with his / her thumb and fingers and uses the side surface of the lid or the outer surface of the wall as a surface for exerting a reaction force to disengage the wall element from the lid element.

The hook member extends from the support member to the inside of the container so that a force must be applied to the hook member to disengage the wall element from the lid element. The force applied to the hook member is in the direction toward the inner wall. In other words, the application of force pushes the hook member toward the support member extending from the inner wall.

Preferably, the support member extends from the inner surface of at least one wall and the wall element is positioned so that it does not extend higher than the upper edge of at least one wall. In other words, the wall member does not project above the height of at least one wall.

Preferably, when the wall element engages the lid element, the support and hook members are still imposed by the engagement of the wall element with the lid element, while the hook member resists rotational movement. The wall elements are arranged to move as a whole according to the force. In other words, the wall element is displaced during engagement, but returns to its original position when the lid element is engaged with the wall element. During this displacement, preferably the hook member itself is not displaced with respect to the support member.

Alternatively, upon engagement of the wall element with the lid element, the support and hook members are still imposed by the engagement of the wall element with the lid element, while the support member resists any movement. The hook member is arranged to move according to the force. In other words, the hook member is displaced during engagement, but returns to its original position when the lid element engages with the wall element.

Preferably, the hook member engages the lid element on two shafts. This will be illustrated in the examples.

Preferably, unlocking the hook member from the lid element does not deform the lid or at least one wall. As used herein, deformation means that no permanent or temporary deformation of the shape of the wall or lid is required to unlock the hook member from the lid element. The force of the user to release the locking means may cause some slight temporary deformation in the shape of the wall or lid, but such slight deformation is not necessary for the operation of the locking means.

Preferably, the outer surface of at least one wall does not provide any locking means. This preferably means that none of the elements of the locking means are present on the outer surface of at least one wall. In this case, the locking means may mean the locking means described above or any other locking means.

Preferably, the container has an installation area defined as the maximum horizontal cross-sectional area over the container, and at least one locking means does not extend beyond the installation area of the container. In other words, at least one locking means preferably does not extend into the external environment somewhat beyond the outer surface of at least one wall.

Preferably, the lid comprises a recess surrounded by an outer ridge. Preferably, the lid element is contained within this lateral ridge. The lateral ridge may comprise medial, lateral, apical, and lid elements are included within the medial, apex, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the lid element is a hole that penetrates the lid.

Preferably, the lid has an installation area defined as the maximum cross-sectional area of the lid in the closed position, the container has an installation area defined as the cross-sectional area over the container, and the lid has an installation area. Is larger than the installation area of the container. In other words, the area of the lid is preferably larger than the area of the opening and upper edge of the lid. This means that when the lid is in the closed position, it preferably completely covers the opening of the container and extends above the upper edge of at least one wall. Preferably, the lip extends from the outer surface of at least one wall so that the footprint of the lip is equal to or exceeds the footprint of the lid. The lip may have an "L" shape or a "J" shape if it extends to a point where the lip is larger than the footprint of the lid. The lip may be interrupted within the area alongside the locking means. In other words, the lip may be discontinuous and may be provided with a gap corresponding to where the locking means is on the upper edge or inner wall of at least one wall. Without being bound by theory, this gap may also serve as a reaction point for finger / thumb pinching. The lid may include an element that acts as a reaction surface to the consumer's finger or thumb.

The lid can be moved from the open position to the closed position and vice versa via a hinge. Preferably, the lid is attached to the container via at least one hinge. More preferably, the container comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion, a hinge is connected to the second wall portion, and the first wall portion faces the second wall portion. The first wall is provided with at least one locking means, preferably at least two locking means.

The hinge can be any suitable hinge. Those skilled in the art will recognize suitable hinges. The hinge may be a living hinge, an assemble hinge, or a combination thereof. The living hinge is understood to be an integral component made of the same material as the lid and container. This is essentially a thin plastic area of material that allows movement between the lid and the container.

Preferably, the hinge is a living hinge. The living hinge may be a bistable hinge, a butterfly hinge, or a combination thereof.

The container may include an urging system that urges the lid towards the open position. The urging system may include elastic members. More preferably, when the lid is in the closed position, the protrusions located on the closing system, preferably on the lid, elastically deform the elastic member.

The lid is embossed or embossed to indicate to the consumer the position of the locking means when the lid is closed and / or the direction in which force must be applied to release the locking means. It may have an area.

Assembling Method Consumables may be assembled using any suitable technique. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable techniques. Consumer products may be assembled using automated systems, manual systems, or a combination thereof.

Consumables may be assembled by forming a container, then adding a water-soluble unit volume, and then closing the lid. Container filling may be done via a suitable automated process or manually.

The consumer product may be assembled by forming a base and lower wall section. Then a water soluble unit dose is added. After that, a separately manufactured upper wall section with a lid is added to the upper wall section and the base containing the water-soluble unit volume. Container filling may be done via a suitable automated process or manually.

Water Soluble Unit Dose Article The consumable product comprises at least one water soluble unit volume, preferably at least two water soluble unit volumes.

Water-soluble unit dose articles are generally in the form of pouches. The water-soluble unit dose article comprises a unit dose of the composition in sufficient volume to benefit in end use.

The water-soluble unit-dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film shaped such that the unit-dose article comprises at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. At least one compartment comprises a cleaning composition. The water-soluble film is sealed to prevent the cleaning composition from leaking out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and the contents of the internal compartment are released into the cleaning solution.

The film is described in more detail below.

The unit dose article may include more than one compartment, even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments, or even at least four compartments, or even at least five compartments. The compartments may be arranged in a superposed arrangement, i.e., so that one is located above the other. Alternatively, the compartments may be located next to each other, i.e. in an orientation in which one is adjacent to the other. The compartments may also be arranged in a "tire and rim" configuration, i.e., the first compartment is located adjacent to the second compartment, while the first compartment contains the second compartment. Enclose at least partially and do not completely enclose the second compartment. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed within another.

If the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other. If the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, preferably the smaller compartment is overlaid on the larger compartment. The stacked compartments are preferably arranged next to each other.

The cleaning composition may be a laundry cleaning composition, an automatic dishwashing composition, a hard surface cleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The cleaning composition may include solids, liquids, or mixtures thereof. The term liquid includes gels, solutions, suspensions, pastes, or mixtures thereof.

Unit dose articles have height, width, and length. The maximum value of any of these dimensions shall mean the maximum distance between two points on either side of a unit dose article. In other words, the unit dose article may not have straight sides and may have a length, width and height that may vary depending on where the measurements are made. Therefore, the maximum value needs to be measured at any two points that are farthest from each other.

The maximum length may be 2 cm to 5 cm, or even 2 cm to 4 cm, or even 2 cm to 3 cm. The maximum length may be greater than 2 cm and less than 6 cm.

The maximum width may be 2 cm to 5 cm. The maximum width is greater than 3 cm and may be less than 6 cm.

The maximum height may be 2 cm to 5 cm. The maximum height may be greater than 2 cm and less than 4 cm.

These lengths may be in the state where the flange is present or in the state where the flange is not present.

Preferably, the length to height ratio is 3: 1 to 1: 1 or the width to height ratio is 3: 1 to 1: 1 or even 2.5: 1 to 1: 1. Yes, or the ratio of length to height is 3: 1 to 1: 1, the ratio of width to height is 3: 1 to 1: 1, or even 2.5: 1 to 1: 1, or these. It is a combination. These ratios may be in the presence of the flange or in the absence of the flange.

Each individual unit dose article may have a weight of 10 g to 40 g, or even 15 g to 35 g.

The film of the present invention is water-soluble or water-dispersible. Before the unit dose article is made, the water soluble film is preferably 20 μm to 150 μm thick, preferably 35 μm to 125 μm, even more preferably 50 μm to 110 μm, most preferably about 76 μm.

The preferred film material is preferably a polymeric material. The film material can be obtained by, for example, cast molding, injection molding, extrusion molding or injection extrusion molding of a polymer material known in the art.

Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, preferably a blend of polyvinyl alcohol polymer and / or polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, preferably sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, especially carboxylated anionic. It is selected from polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and most preferably comprises a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

Preferred films include those supplied by Monosol under trade reference numbers M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310.

The film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may include a printed area.

The print area can be obtained using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

The film may contain an aversive agent, such as a bitterant. Suitable bitterants include, but are not limited to, naringin, saccharose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable concentration of aversive agent may be used on the film. Suitable concentrations include, but are not limited to, 1-5000 ppm, or even 100-2500 ppm, and | further 250-2000 rpm.

The water-soluble unit volume contains a detergent composition. The detergent composition can be any suitable detergent composition. The detergent composition may be selected from the group consisting of a laundry detergent composition, a dishwashing detergent composition, a hard surface cleaning detergent composition, or a mixture thereof, and may be preferably a laundry detergent composition. The detergent composition may be in any suitable form. The detergent composition may be a solid, a liquid, or a mixture thereof.

Those skilled in the art will know how to formulate and produce suitable detergent compositions using known knowledge and techniques. Detergent compositions may include common detergent ingredients including surfactants, polymers, bleach, enzymes, fragrances, dyes, structuring agents, fillers, water or mixtures thereof.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numbers listed. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the enumerated values and the functionally equivalent range surrounding the values. For example, the dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

(Example 1)
Here, the present invention will be illustrated by the following examples.

FIG. 1 discloses a consumer product according to the present invention. The consumable product (1) includes a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit volume (3) housed therein. The container (2) has a base (4), an opening positioned facing the base (4), and at least one wall (6) extending vertically from the base (4) to the opening. , Equipped with. The at least one wall portion (6) is terminated at the upper edge portion (7) of the at least one wall portion (6), and the wall portion (6) has an inner surface (8) and an outer surface (9). , Equipped with. The base (4) and at least one wall (6) define an internal compartment (10), which is accessible through an opening (5). The container is also movable from an open position to a closed position via a hinge (12) and comprises a lid (11) that covers the opening (5) when in the closed position.

The container (2) includes at least one locking means (13), and the locking means (13) comprises a lid element (14) and a wall element (15). The wall element (15) includes a support member (16) extending from the upper edge (7) of at least one wall (6) or the inner surface (8) of at least one wall (6). A hook member (17) is provided. When the lid (11) is in the closed position, the hook member (17) engages with the lid element (14), and the wall element (15) is moved only by applying a force to the hook member (17). The engagement is disengaged from the lid element (14). The hook member (17) extends from the support member (16) toward the inside of the container (10), and the hook member (17) is used to disengage the wall element (15) from the lid element (14). It is necessary to apply a force to 17), and this force is applied in the direction toward the inner surface (8). The outer surface (9) of at least one wall portion (6) is provided with no locking means. The container (2) is opaque, translucent, or a combination thereof, and is made of polypropylene, polystyrene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 2 discloses a cross-sectional view showing that the wall element (15) comprises a support member (16) attached directly to the inner surface (8) of at least one wall (6). The wall element (15) has an inverted U-shape.

FIG. 3 discloses a cross-sectional view showing that the wall element (15) comprises a support member (16) attached to an upper edge (7) of at least one wall (6). The wall element (15) has an inverted U-shape.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing that the wall element (15) comprises a support member (16) attached to the inner surface (8) of at least one wall via a horizontal connecting member (18). It is disclosed. The wall element (15) has an inverted U-shape.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing that the wall element (15) comprises a support member (16) attached to the inner surface (8) of at least one wall via a horizontal connecting member (18). It is disclosed. The wall element (15) has an inverted U-shape. The support member (16) extends from the inner surface (8) of at least one wall (6) and the wall element (15) is higher than the upper edge (7) of at least one wall (6). Be positioned so that it does not extend.

FIG. 6 discloses a cross-sectional view showing that the lid (11) is in the closed position. The wall element (15) engages the lid element (14) and the lid (11) is locked in place.

In FIG. 7, the lid portion (14) is released from the wall portion element (15) by applying a force (19) to the hook member (17) in the direction toward the inner wall (8). A cross-sectional view showing (20) moving the 11) radially away from the opening (5) is disclosed. By unlocking the hook member (17) from the lid element (14), the lid (11) or at least one wall (6) is not deformed. As used herein, deformation means that no permanent or temporary deformation of the shape of the wall or lid is required to unlock the hook member from the lid element. The force of the user to release the locking means may cause some slight temporary deformation in the shape of the wall or lid, but such slight deformation is not necessary for the operation of the locking means.

FIG. 8 discloses an unfolded view of the container (2), with at least one wall (6) connected to two sections, a base (4), a lower section (21) and an upper section (22). ) And is provided. The upper edge (7) is positioned on the upper section (22) and the wall element (15) is attached to the upper section.

FIG. 9 discloses a top view of the container (2), which has an installation area defined as a cross-sectional area over the container (2) and at least one locking means (13). Indicates that the container (2) does not extend beyond the installation area. For comparison, FIG. 10 discloses a top view of the container (2), which has an installation area defined as a cross-sectional area over the container (2) and at least one locking means. (13) indicates that the container (2) extends beyond the installation area.

FIG. 11 discloses a lid portion (11) having a recessed portion (23) surrounded by an outer raised portion (24), and the lid element (14) is included in the outer raised portion (24). Is shown. The outer ridge (24) comprises the inner (25), outer (27), and top (26), and the lid element (14) is contained within the inner (25) and top (26). The lid element (14) is a hole that penetrates the lid.

FIG. 12 discloses the consumer product (1) and shows that at least one wall (6) of the container (2) comprises two sections, an upper section (22) and a lower section (21). ing. The two sections are preferably joined together by a combination of mechanical connections (hooks) and adhesives. The container (2) also comprises two locking means (13) separated by a distance of 50 mm to 150 mm. The wall element (15) is positioned so that it does not extend higher than the upper edge (7) of at least one wall (6). The lid portion (11) comprises a recessed portion (23) surrounded by an outer raised portion (24), and the lid element (14) is included within the outer raised portion (24). The outer ridge (24) comprises the inner (25), outer (27), and top (26), and the lid element (14) is contained within the inner (25) and top (26). The lid element (14) is a hole that penetrates the lid.

FIG. 12 also discloses a container (2) with a lip (25). The lid portion (11) has an installation area defined as a cross-sectional area of the lid portion (11) when closed, and the container (2) has an installation area defined as a cross-sectional area over the container (2). However, the installation area of the lid portion (11) is larger than the installation area of the container (2), and the lip (35) extends from the outer surface (9) of at least one wall portion (6) to extend the lip (25). ) Is equal to or exceeds the installation area of the lid (11). Those skilled in the art will understand what "cover and container footprint" means.

FIG. 13 discloses a cross-sectional view of a container (2) including a first wall portion (61) and a second wall portion (62), with a hinge (12) on the second wall portion (62). Connected, the first wall (61) is positioned facing the second wall (62) and the first wall (61) is at least one wall element (15), preferably at least. It is shown to have two wall elements (15).

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the movement of the wall element (15) while the lid element (14) engages with the wall element (15). When the wall element (15) engages with the lid element (14), the support member (16) and the hook member (17) still have the wall element (17) while the hook member (17) resists rotational movement. The wall element (15) is arranged to move as a whole according to the force applied by the engagement of the lid element (15) with the lid element (15). When the lid (11) is moved downward (28) toward the wall element (15), the wall element is displaced by the force of the lid (11) applied to the wall element (15) ( 29). However, the hook member (17) does not displace. When the lid element (14) engages with the wall element (15), the wall element (15) returns to its original position.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container (2), showing a base (4) with a raised region (41). The region on either side of the raised region (41) acts as a reservoir for holding the detergent composition that has inadvertently leaked from one or more soluble unit volumes (3).

FIG. 16 is the same as FIG. 12, but at least one side (6) is curved.

FIG. 17 discloses the container (2), showing that the lid (11) is closed and the reaction force region (31) is visible on the lid (11).

FIG. 18 discloses the wall element (15), showing that the hook member (17) has a first shaft (171) and a second shaft (172).

FIG. 19 discloses a water-soluble unit volume product according to the present invention. The water-soluble unit volume (3) includes a first water-soluble film (301) and a second water-soluble film (302), which are both sealed by a sealing region (303). The detergent composition, preferably the laundry detergent composition (304), is contained within the water-soluble soluble unit volume (3).

FIG. 20 discloses a wall element (15) according to the present invention. The dimensions 151 are 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably 7 mm to 11 mm. The dimensions 152 are 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. The dimensions 153 are 20 mm to 40 mm, preferably 25 mm to 35 mm. The dimensions 154 are 15 mm to 30 mm, preferably 20 mm to 27 mm. The dimensions 155 are 2 mm to 6 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm. The dimensions 156 are 10 mm to 20 mm, preferably 14 mm to 18 mm.

Claims (14)

A consumable product (1) comprising a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit volume (3) contained therein.
The container (2) is
-Base (4) and
-With an opening (5) positioned facing the base (4),
-At least one wall portion (6) extending vertically from the base portion (4) to the opening (5), wherein the at least one wall portion (6) is the at least one wall portion (6). The wall portion (6) is provided with an inner surface (8) and an outer surface (9).
-The base (4) and the at least one wall (6) define an internal compartment (10), the internal compartment (10) being accessible through the opening (5). 6) and
-A lid (11) that is movable from an open position to a closed position via at least one hinge (12) and that covers the opening (5) when in the closed position.
The container (2) comprises at least one locking means (13), the locking means comprising a lid element (14) and a wall element (15).
The wall element (15) is a support member extending from the upper edge portion (7) of the at least one wall portion (6) or the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall portion (6). (16) and a hook member (17) are provided.
When the lid (11) is in the closed position, the hook member (17) engages with the lid element (14) and only by applying a force to the hook member (17), the lid. The wall element (15) is disengaged from the part element (14), and the wall element (15) is disengaged.
The hook member (17) extends from the support member (16) toward the inside of the container (10), and disengages the wall element (15) from the lid element (14). (1) is a consumer product (1), which requires the application of a force to the hook member (17), and the application of the force is in the direction toward the inner surface (8). The consumer product (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface (9) of the at least one wall portion (6) is not provided with any locking means. The at least one wall portion (6) comprises at least two sections (21, 22), the sections being joined to each other, the sections being preferably glued, mechanically connected, or a combination thereof. The consumer product (1) according to claim 1 or 2, which is bonded to each other. The at least two locking means (13) are provided, the at least two locking means (13) are preferably separated by a distance of 50 mm to 180 mm, and the two locking means (13) are preferably separated. Positioned on the same wall, the hinge (12) is on the second wall (62) and the at least two locking means are on the first wall (61). The consumer product (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first wall portion (61) faces the second wall portion (62). The support member (16) extends from the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall portion (6), and the wall element (15) is preferably of the at least one wall portion (6). The consumer product (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is positioned so as not to extend higher than the upper edge (7). The lid (11) comprises a recess (23) surrounded by an outer ridge (24), and the lid element (14) is preferably contained within the outer ridge (24). The outer ridge (24) preferably comprises an inner (25), an outer (27), and a top (26), and the lid element (14) is the inner (25), the top. The consumable product (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is included in the part (26) or a combination thereof. When the lid portion (11) is in the closed position, the lid portion (11) has an installation area defined as a cross-sectional area of the lid portion (11), and the container (2) has a maximum cross-sectional area over the container (2). The installation area of the lid (11) is larger than the installation area of the container (2), and the lip (35) is of the at least one wall (6). Claims 1 to 6 extending from the outer surface (9) so that the installation area of the lip (35) is equal to or exceeds the installation area of the lid (11). Consumable product (1) according to any one of. The container (2) has an installation area defined as a cross-sectional area over the container (2), and the at least one locking means (13) exceeds the installation area of the container (2). The consumable product (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which does not extend. When the wall element (15) engages with the lid element (14), the support member (16) and the hook member (17) are such that the hook member (17) resists movement while the hook member (17) resists movement. The wall element (15) is arranged to move (29) as a whole in response to the force (28) exerted by the engagement of the wall element (15) with the lid element (14). , The consumable product (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The container (2) includes a first wall portion (61) and a second wall portion (62), and the hinge (12) is connected to the second wall portion (62). The first wall portion (61) is positioned to face the second wall portion (62), and the first wall portion (61) includes at least one wall portion element (15), which is preferable. The consumer product (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least two wall elements (15). The container (2) is made of a natural material, a synthetic material, or a combination thereof, preferably made of a synthetic material, more preferably made of plastic, and the container (2) is preferably made of plastic. The consumer product (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is opaque, translucent, or a combination thereof. The water-soluble unit volume (3) comprises any of claims 1 to 11, comprising a water-soluble film (301, 302) and a detergent composition (304), preferably a laundry detergent composition. Consumable products (1). Any of claims 1 to 12, wherein unlocking the wall element (15) from the lid element (14) does not deform the lid (11) or at least one wall (6). Consumable product (1) described in the lid. The support member (16) and the hook member (17) are arranged so that the wall element (15) has an inverted U shape, and optionally, the U shape is the inner wall (8) or the said. Claims 1 to 2, which are attached to the inner wall (8) or the upper edge (7) via a horizontal connecting member (18) extending from the upper edge (7) to the support member (16). The consumer product (1) according to any one of 13.

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