MXPA99011226A - Container for wet wipes having an improved closure mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A wet wipe container (20) having improved single handed opening and dispensing is disclosed. The container (20) includes a container base (22), a container lid (24) hingedly connected to the base and a closure (26). The front of the container lid (24) defines a convex portion (50) which extends outwardly and which includes a recess (54) therein. The closure is provided by a tongue projection (70) which extends from the container base (22) and which is configured to extend through an aperture (62) in the recess (54) of the front wall of the lid. The recess (54) and tongue projection (70) are of sufficient size to allow easy access by a user's fingers to provide single handed opening. In one embodiment, the container lid (24) also includes a sealing wall (90) which is configured to provide frictional engagement with the interior of the container base (22) when the container is closed to prevent moisture from escaping.

Description

CONTAINER FOR HUMID CLEANING BREADS THAT HAVE A MECHANISM "OF IMPROVED CLOSURE Background of the Invention _ Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a container for pre-moistened cleaning cloths. The invention particularly relates to a container for wet cleaning cloths which has a latch mechanism which can be operated by only one hand.

Description of Related Art Cleaning cloths are well known commercial consumer products which have been available in many forms. Perhaps the most common form of cleaning cloths has been a pile of wetted sheets which have been packed in a plastic container. Wet cloths have been made from a variety of materials which have been moistened with a variety of proprietary cleaning solutions. Typically, the wet wiping cloths have been stacked in the container in either a bent, unfolded configuration. For example, containers of wet cleaning cloths have been available in which each of the wet cleaning cloths stacked in the container has been arranged in a bent configuration such as one bent in c, one bent in z or a configuration bent in fourths as It is known by those experts in the art. Some of the folded wet cleaning cloths have also been interfolded with the wet cleaning cloths immediately above and below the cleaning cloths. In an alternate configuration, the wet cleaning cloths have been placed in the container in the form of a continuous fabric of material which includes perforation to separate the individual wet cleaning cloths and which is wound on a roll. Such wet cleaning cloths have been used for baby wipes, hand wipes, household wipes, industrial wipes and the like. Conventional packages which contain wet cleaning cloths, such as those described above, have typically been designed to be placed on a flat surface such as a counter. Such conventional packages have generally provided a plastic container or tube which provides a sealed environment for the wet cleaning cloths to ensure that they do not dry too much. Some of the conventional packages have also been configured to provide an assortment of one at a time of each wet cleaning cloth which can be achieved using only one man after the package has been opened. Such assortment with one hand and one at a time is. particularly desirable because the other hand of the user or caregiver is typically required to be simultaneously used for other functions. For example, when changing a diaper product of an infant the caregiver typically uses a hand to hold and hold the infant in a position desired while the other hand tried to supply a cleaning cloth for baby to clean the infant However, the opening of such conventional containers for wet wiping cloths has not been completely satisfactory. For example, many conventional containers are not capable of being opened with one hand or if they are designed to be opened with one hand, they are easy to open with one hand by all users. In such containers, the user typically has to open the package with both hands before dispensing a cleaning cloth. Many such containers have been difficult to open because this has included a cover which provides a positive friction seal with the container body when closed to ensure that the cleaning cloths do not dry too much.

In addition, many conventional containers have included relatively small opening mechanisms which are difficult to handle with one hand.

Therefore, it still remains desirable to provide an aesthetically pleasing container for wet cleaning cloth which provides an improved opening an improved assortment while not allowing moisture to escape excessively. In particular, it is still desirable to provide a container for wet cleaning cloths which provides an opening with one hand and an assortment of one at a time with one hand. Such an improved and particularly desirable container for baby wipes allows the user to freely use the other hand in the diaper changing routine.

Synthesis of the Invention In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, a new container for wet cleaning cloths has been discovered which has a larger opening and assortment.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a container for wet cleaning cloths which includes a container base, a container lid which is pivotally connected to the container base and a lock which is configured to releasably closing the container lid on the base of the container in a closed position. The lock includes an elongated tongue projection which is connected to and extends outwardly from a front wall of the base of the container and a recess which is located in a convex part of a front wall of the container tap which extends outwards in a convex manner The recess defines a length of at least about 2 cm, a depth of at least about 1 cm and an opening through which the tongue projection extends when the container is in the closed position The recess also defines an elastic flexible lip member which is It extends along a portion of an outer periphery of the opening and which is configured to flex outward to direct the tongue projection toward the opening movement in position under the tongue projection when the lid of the container is closed.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an automatic cleaning cloth container which includes a container base, a container lid and a lock. The container base defines a bottom and a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of opposite side walls which extend upwards from the bottom in a rectangular configuration to provide an interior for holding the wet cleaning cloths. The container lid is pivotally connected to the base of the container and defines an upper wall and a front wall, the rear wall and the pair of opposite side walls which extend downwards from the top in a rectangular configuration. The front wall of the container lid includes a convex part which extends convexly outwards. The container is configured to releasably close the container lid on the base of the container in a closed position. The container includes an elongated tongue projection which extends outwardly and upward from the front wall of the container base and which defines a length of at least about 2.0 centimeters, a width of at least about 0.8 centimeters and a shoulder. The recipient also includes a recess in a convex part of the container lid. The recess defines a depth of at least about 1.0 cm, an opening through which extends the tongue projection when the container is in the closed position, and a flexible lip member along a periphery outside of the opening. The flexible tap member is configured to flex outward to accept the tongue projection and to snap into position under the shoulder of the tongue projection when the lid of the container is closed.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a cleaning cloth container which includes a container base, a container lid, a sealing wall and a lock. The container base defines a bottom and a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of opposite side walls which extend upwardly from the bottom to provide an interior for holding the wet cleaning cloths. The. The lid of the container is pivotally connected to the base of the container and defines an upper part and a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of opposite side walls which extend downwards from the top The front wall of the container lid includes a convex part which extends convexly outwards. The sealing wall extending downwardly from the container lid is configured to provide a frictional engagement with an inner periphery of the container base when the container lid is in a closed position to provide a hermetically sealed ambient for the cleaning cloths. wet. The closure is configured to releasably close the container lid on the base of the container in the closed position after use. The closure includes a long tongue projection which is connected and extends outwardly from the front wall of the base of the container and a recess in the convex part of the container cover which defines an opening through which it extends. the lengu projection in a closing relationship when the container is in a closed position.

Therefore, the present invention, in its various aspects, advantageously refers to a container for wet cleaning cloth which, when compared to conventional containers for wet cleaning cloths provides convenient one-hand access for wet cleaning cloths. In particular, the present invention provides an aesthetically pleasing container for cleaning cloths which provides a "snap lock" system which is large enough to allow easy access of the user's fingers. an opening and assortment with a single handle for improved consumer acceptance Such containers are particularly desirable for baby wipes intended for use in the "conventional wipe changing routine where typically only one of the caregiver's hands is available. to remove a cleaning cloth.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be more fully understood and the additional advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely representative and not intended. Limiting the scope of the claims.

Figure 1 shows representatively a perspective view of an example of a container for wet cleaning cloth according to the present invention; Fig. 2 representatively shows a front and elevated view of the container for the wet cleaning cloths illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 representatively shows a top plan view of the container for the wet cleaning cloths illustrated in Fig. 1; Figure 4 representatively shows a front and expanded elevated view of the closure mechanism in the container for the wet cleaning cloths illustrated in Figure 2; Y Figure 5 representatively shows a cross-sectional view of the closing mechanism in the container illustrated in Figure 4 taken along line 5-5.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to a receptacle for wet cleaning cloths which has an aperture assortment with a single improved hand.

The present invention is directed to solve the problems of convenience related to the use of conventional containers for wet cleaning cloths which have been difficult to use with just one hand. As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-5, the present invention provides a container for wet cleaning cloths 20 which is configured to supply wet cleaning cloths in a convenient and reliable manner for personal use. The wet cleaning cloth container 20 includes a container base 22, a container lid 24 which is pivotally connected to the base of the container 22, and a closure 26 and which is configured to releasably close the container lid 24. on the base of the container 22 in a closed position. The lock 26 is configured to provide a sealing relationship between the base of the container 22 and the lid of the container 24 to prevent leakage of moisture from the container 20 between uses. In a particular configuration the container 20 also includes a sealing wall 90 to provide a hermetically sealed environment in the interior of the container 20 when the container lid 24 is closed The wet cleaning cloths can be arranged in the container 20 in any manner which provides a convenient and reliable one-in-one assortment which ensures that the cleaning cloths do not dry out excessively. For example, cleaning cloths may be arranged in the container 20 as a plurality of individual sheets arranged in a stacked configuration to provide a stack of cleaning cloths which may or may not be individually bent. Wipers can be individual wipers which are folded into a z fold or fold configuration as known to those skilled in the art and then stacked on top of each other to provide the stack of wet wipers AlternativelyIf the wet cleaning cloths are arranged in a configuration stacked in the container 20, the individual cleaning cloths can be interfolded so that the leading edge and tail edges of the successive cleaning cloths in the stacked configuration overlap. Such a configuration, the front end edge of the wet glue wiper cloth is released from the stack by the glue end edge of the front wiper cloth as said wiper cloth is removed by the user. supplied by known means to those experts in the art.

Alternatively, the wiping cloths may be arranged in the container 20 as a continuous weave of interconnected wiping cloths which are folded into a stacked accordion type configuration. The individual cleaning cloths may be connected together along lines of weakness, such as lines of perforations to ensure that the wet cleaning cloth is in position to be held by the user after the wet cleaning cloth has been removed. For example, cleaning cloths may be provided by a continuous fabric of material which has a series of frangible lines extending across the width of the fabric. The part of the weave of material between the successive lines of frangility provides each damp individual wiped cloth. The lines of frangility may also be provided by means known to those skilled in the art such as perforations, by indentations or cuts in the fabric of the material. For example, lines of weakness or perforations may be provided in the fabric of matter by passing the fabric of material between a die cut roll and an anvil roll. After the lines of weakness have been incorporated into the fabric of material, the fabric can then be arranged in a stacked configuration for easy insertion into the interior 38 of the container 20.

The wet cleaner container 20 of the present invention may comprise any suitable number of individual wet cleaning wipes depending on the desired packaging and the end use. For example, the container 20 may be configured to include a stack of wet cleaning cloths which may include at least about wet wiping cloths and desirably from about 16 d to about 320 wet wiping cloths individually.

Each wet cleaning cloth is generally rectangular in shape and defines a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of opposite end edges which may be referred to as the leading end edge and the tail end edge. The front end edge of each wet cleaning cloth is typically placed in the container 2 to be gripped by a user to facilitate a removal of cleaning cloth from the container 20. Each wet cleaning cloth defines an unfolded width and a split length. The wet cleaning cloth may have any suitable unfolded length and width. For example, the wiping cloth can have a length of about 2.0 about 80.0 cm and desirably from about 10. to about 25.0 cm and an unfolded width of from about 2.0 to about 80.0 cm and desirably from from about 10.0 cm to about 45.0 cm.

Suitable materials for the wet cleaning cloths of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art Wet cleaning cloths can be made of any suitable material for use with a wet cleaning cloth, including meltblowing, coform materials. , placed by air and of bonded carded fabric, hydroentangled materials and the like and may comprise natural or synthetic fibers or combinations thereof Wet wipes may have a weight from about 25 to about 120 grams per square meter and desirably from about 40 to about 90 grams per square meter.

In a particular aspect, the wet wipe cloths may comprise a coform base sheet of polymeric microfiber and cellulosic fibers having a basis weight d from about 60 to about 80 grams per square meter and desirably from about 75 grams per square meter. square meter Such coform base sheets are generally manufactured as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,100,324 issued to Anderson et al. Which was issued July 11, 1978 and which is incorporated herein by reference. Typically, such coform base sheets comprise a gas-filled matrix of thermoplastic polymer melt blown microfibers, such as, for example, polypropylene microfibers, and cellulosic fibers, such as, for example, wood pulp fibers. The relative percentages of the polymeric microfibers and the cellulosic fibers in the coform base sheet may vary over a wide range depending on the desired characteristics of the wet cleaning cloths. For example, the coform base sheet may comprise about 20. at about 100% by weight, desirably from about 20 to about 60% by weight, and more desirably from about 30% to about 40% by weight of polymeric microfibers based on the dry weight of the sheet. coform base that is being used to provide wet cleaning cloths. ~ The wet cleaning cloths of the different aspects of the present invention contain a liquid which can be any solution which can be absorbed within the wet cleaning cloths. The liquid contained within the wet cleaning cloths may include any suitable components which provide the desired cleaning properties. For example, the components may include water, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers or combinations thereof. The liquid may also contain lotions and / or medicaments.

The amount of liquid contained within a wet cleaning cloth may vary depending on the type of material being used to provide the wet cleaning cloth, the type of liquid being used, and the type of container being used to store the liquid. wet cleaning cloths and the desired end use of the wet cleaning cloth Generally each wet cleaning cloth can contain from about 150 to about 600% by weight and desirably from about 250 to about 450% by weight of the liquid based on the dry weight of the cleaned cloth for improved cleaning In a particular aspect where the cleaning cloth is made of a coform material comprising from about 30 to about 40% by weight of polymeric microfiber based on dry weight of the cleaning cloth, the amount of liquid contained within the cleaning cloth is from about 300 to about 400% by weight desirably from about 330% by weight based on the dry weight of the wet cleaning cloth. If the amount of liquid is less than the above identified range, the wet cleaning cloths may be too dry and may not work properly. If the amount of liquid is greater than the above-identified range, the wet cleaning cloths may be saturated and soaked and the liquid may stagnate in the bottom of the container.

As illustrated in Figures 1-5, the wet cleaning cloth 20 includes a container base 22 which defines a bottom 28 which is connected to the front wall 30 a rear wall 32, and a pair of opposite side walls 3 and 36. The front, rear and side walls extend upwardly from the bottom 28 in a generally perpendicular manner to form a rectangular container base 22 The bottom, front, back and side walls of the bas of the container 22 generally define an interior open 3 to hold the wet cleaning cloths.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the "wet cleaning cloth" container 20 also includes a container lid 24 which defines an upper part 40 which is connected to a front wall 42, a rear wall 44 and a wall of the container. opposite side walls 46 and 48. The rear and side front walls extend downwardly from the upper part 40 in a generally perpendicular manner to form a rectangular container lid 24.

The base of the container 22 and the container lid 24 of the container 20 can be provided by a variety of materials which are cheap and capable of retaining the liquids. Suitable materials include polypropylene polyethylene, polystyrene and the like or combinations thereof. For example, the base of the container 22 and the lid of the container 24 can be made of a polypropylene material which defines a thickness of from about 0.05 to about 2.0 millimeters.

- The walls 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the container base 22 can be integral with the bottom 28 or can include separate members which are connected or attached to the bottom 28 to provide the container base 22. In similar fashion, the walls 42, 44, 46 and 48 of the lid of the container 2 can also be integrated to the lid 40 or can include separate members which are connected or attached to the upper part 40 to provide the container lid 24 Desirably, the connections or corners between the walls and the top or bottom of the base and lid are curvilineale to provide a more aesthetically pleasing container. The different container components 20 can be provided by conventional forming means such as thermoforming techniques or injection molding known to those skilled in the art. Desirably, the base of the container 22 the lid of the container 24 are provided as integral units which are provided by means of injection molding techniques. Using injection molding techniques to provide the container of the present invention results in a more aesthetically pleasing container which has an improved notch between the lid 24 and the base 2 for improved sealing.

As representatively illustrated in Figures 1-5, the container 20 also includes a lock 26 which is configured to releasably close the container lid 24 on the base-of the container 22 in a closed position when not in use. The lock 26 includes an elongated tongue projection 70 which is connected to the front wall 30 of the base of the container 22. The tongue projection 70 extends outwardly from the base of the container 22 and is configured to engage releasably with the tap of the container. container 24.

To provide such releasable latch, at least a portion of the front wall 42 of the container lid 24 extends convexly outward to provide a convex portion 50. As illustrated, the convex portion 50 includes a recess 54 which includes an opening 62 there through which the tongue projection 70 is configured to extend even when the container lid 24 is closed. The recess 54 further defines a flexible lip member 64 the fourth extending along the outer periphery of the aperture 62. The lip member 64 is configured to flex outwards to accept the tongue projection 60 and close the stroke. in position under a shoulder 78 of the tongue projection 7 when the container lid 24 is closed.

As discussed above, many conventional containers have not provided a reliable one-handed opening and assortment. The configuration and size of the different components of the lock 26 of the container 20 of the present invention are configured to provide the opening with a single reliable hand. The user can open the container 20 of the present invention using a single man by placing a thumb in the recess 24 on the upper part of the tongue projection 70 and a lower index finger of the flexible lip member 64 and exerting a pressure thereon. down on the projection of tongue 70 with the thumb while simultaneously exerting a force upwards and towards the lip member 64 with the fingers thereby causing the lip member 64 to flex outwards to release the tongue projection 70 and open the container lid 24. In such a way, the thumb of the user is generally placed on the tongue projection 70 in a parallel relationship with the front panel 42 of the lid of the container 24. When the container 20 is opened in such a In this manner, the size of the recess and the tongue projection allow the user to employ at least a part of the length of the thumb on the upper part of the tongue projection which propo the user is provided with improved container control 20 and the ability to exert the necessary force downward on the projection of the tongue 70.

Alternatively, the user can open the container using a single hand by placing the ends of one or more index fingers in the recess 54 on the upper part of the tongue projection 70 and the lower thumb and flexible lip member 64 and exert the downward pressure on the projection of tongue 70 with the fingers while s simultaneously exerts an upward and downward force on the lip member 64 with the thumb thereby causing the lip member 64 to flex outwards to release the projection tongue 70 and open the container lid 24. In such a manner, the user will typically employ two or more fingers placed on the tongue projection 70 in a perpendicular relationship with the front wall 42 of the container lid 24. When s opens the container 20 in such a manner, the size of the recess and the tongue projection allows the user to use two fingers on the upper part of the tongue projection that provides the user improved control of the container 20 and the ability to exert the required downward force on the tongue projection 70. Although the container 20 is configured to provide such an opening with a single hand for the caretaker, the coordination required to operate the closure is enough torque to restrict access by infants and children.

To provide sufficient space for the thumb or fingers of the user to effect such an opening with one hand, the convex part 50 of the front wall 42 of the container lid 24 extends outward from the front wall 30 of the base of the container. container 22 by a sufficient distance 52 so that the recess 54 readily accepts the user's fingers. For example, it is desirable for the convex part 50 d of the front wall to extend outwardly at a distance 52 d by at least about 1.0 cm and more desirably from at least about 1.4 cm. Such distance 52 allows the provision of a large recess which is easier to access by the user. Such a distance 52 also allows the user access improved under the flexible lip member 64.

The size and shape of the recess 54 is configured to provide a one-handed opening with improved closure of the container 20. As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the recess 54 in the convex portion 50 of the front wall 42 of FIG. the container lid 24 defines a length 56, a depth 58 and a height 60 which are sufficient to provide access to the user's thumb or fingers. For example, the recess 54 can define a length 56 of at least about 2.5 cm desirably of at least about 4.0 cm, at depth 58 of at least about 1.0 cm desirably of at least about of 1.3 cm, and a height 60 of at least about 1.0 cm and desirably of at least about "1.3 cm for an improved access The size and shape of the projection of the tongue 70 can also be configured to provide an improved one-hand closure opening of the container 20. As representatively illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the projection of tongue 70 on the front wall 30 of the base of the recipient 22 defines a length 72, a width 74 and a height 76 which are sufficient to provide a sufficient area for the user's thumb or fingers. For example, the tongue projection 70 can define a length 72 of at least about 2.0 cm, desirably of at least about 3.0 cm and more desirably of at least about 4. cmd a width of 74 cm. at least about 0.8 cm desirably of at least about 1.0 cm, and a height 76 of at least about 0.8 cm and desirably of at least about 1.0 cm for improved access The opening 62 in the recess 54 in the front wall 42 of the container tap 24 is slightly larger in size than the tongue projection 70 so that the tongue projection 7 is able to extend through the opening when the container 20 is being closed. If the size of the recess 54 of the tongue projection 70 are very small, it is difficult for the user to access the lock 26 and open the container 2 with one hand.

As it was representatively illustrated in the figures 4 and 5, the language projection 70 desirably defines a man 78 which is configured to snap in place at the top of the flexible lip member 64 of the lid of the container 24 when the container 20 is closed. The configuration of the tongue and shoulder projection of the same provides an audible sound when the lid of the container 2 is closed securely which assures the user or care that the container 20 is sufficiently closed to prevent the escape of moisture therefrom. . The projection of tongue 70 also defines an inner surface 80 which is inside the interior 38 of the container 20 and an upper surface 84. As illustrated in Figure 5, the interior surface 80 of the tongue projection 70 can extend outward to an angle 82 relative to the front wall 30 of the base of the container 22. For example, the inner surface 80 may extend outwardly at an angle 82 of from about 5 to about ~ 35 degrees and desirably from at least around 1 degrees. In such configuration, the inner edge of the aperture 62 in the recess 54 of the lid of the container 24 can make sliding contact with the angled inner surface 8 of the tongue projection 70 when the container is closed to direct the tongue projection into the interior. opening for a more reliable closure. As illustrated, the upper surface 84 of the tongue projection 70 is desirably arched to provide a pleasant and smooth surface for contact with the user's hand.

The tongue projection 70 can be an integral part of the front wall of the container base 22 or can include a separate member which is connected to or attached to the front wall 30. Desirably, the tongue projection 70 is hingedly connected to the front wall 30 of the container base 22 so that the tongue projection 70 can pivot elastically to provide an improved alignment between the tongue projection 70 and the opening 62 when the container lid 24 is closed. For example, the tongue projection 709 can be made integrally with the front wall 30 of the base of the container 22 in a manner which allows the tongue projection 70 to pivot elastically around a connecting line between the tongue projection 70 and the front parent 30. Such elastic pivoting it can be provided by constructing an elastically flexible material such as a polypropylene material to manufacture the wall 30 and the tongue projection 70.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, the wet cleaning cloth container 20 may further include a sealing wall 90 which extends downwardly from the container cap 24. The sealing wall 90 is configured to provide a frictional engagement with a inner periphery of the walls of the base of the container 22 when the lid of the container 24 is closed. For example, the sealing wall 9 can be configured to extend into the base 22 by a distance of at least about 0.1 cm and desirably by a distance of at least about 0.35 cm for improved sealing. Such sealing wall 90 provides a hermetically sealed environment to prevent humidity from escaping from the interior 38 of the container 20 to ensure that the wet cleaning cloths maintain the desired levels of liquid concentration. In an alternate configuration, the sealing cap may extend upwardly from the base of the container 22 and be configured to provide a frictional engagement with an interior "periphery" of the walls of the container cap 24 when the container lid 24 is closed.

The sealing wall 90 can be an integral part of the base of the container 22 or of the lid of the container 24 of container 20 or it can be a separate component connected to the inner periphery of the walls of the base of the container 22 of the lid of the container 24 For example, as illustrated illustratively in Figures 1 and 5, the sealing wall 9 can be an integral part of the lid 24 of the container. The sealing wall 90 can include any material which is capable of providing the desired tight seal between the container cap and the container base. Suitable materials are described above as being suitable for providing the other components of the container. Desirably, the sealing wall 90 is made of a flexible and elastic polymeric material which can provide a good sealing relationship with the walls of the container.

Therefore, according to the different aspects of the present invention, containers for wet cleaning cloths can advantageously be provided which, when compared to conventional wet cleaning cloth containers, provide an improved one-handed opening and assortment. They are particularly useful for dispensing baby wipes since the care typically only has one free hand during the diapering process.Therefore, the wipes for wiping cloths of the present invention are easily and reliably opened with one hand of the user or the caregiver for improved personal hygiene and convenience.

The following examples are presented to provide a more detailed understanding of the invention. The examples are intended to be representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Example A study was carried out of qualitative research with six mini-groups each of which included a maximum of four people to explore the designs of containers for baby cleaners. One of the container (tube S) evaluated was made according to the present invention as illustrated in figures 1-5. The container 20 included an elongated tongue projection 70 connected to the front wall 30 of the base of the container 22. The tongue projection 70 was configured to releasably engage the lid of the container 24 through an opening 62 in the recess 54 in the lid. 24. As representatively illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the recess 54 defines a length 56 of 4.9 cm, a depth 58 of 1.2 cm and a height 60 of 1.6 cm and the tongue projection 70 defined a length 72 of 4.2 cm, or width 74 of 1.1 cm and a height 76 of 1.2 cm.

Comparative Example Another evaluated vessel (tube L) in the same qualitative research study was similar to the recipient of example 1 except that the recess 54 was smaller in size and defined a length 56 of 2.2 cm, a depth of 58 d 1.1 cm and a height of 60 cm. of 1.1 cm and a projection of tongue 7 was smaller in size and defined a length 72 of 1.9 cm, or width 74 of 1.0 cm and a height 76 of 1.2 cm.

Individuals preferred a larger lengu projection in the example container because it was easier to locate, allowed several different man positions to open the container and was easier to open and compare to the container of the comparative example.

Although the invention has been described in detail with respect to specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon achieving an understanding of the foregoing that alterations and equivalents to these aspects can easily be conceived. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be evaluated as that of the appended claims and of any equivalents thereof.

Claims (20)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A container for wet wiping cloths including a container base, a container lid l which is pivotally connected to said recipient base and a lock which is configured to releasably close said container cover on the base d container in the container. a closed position wherein said lock comprises: a) an elongated tongue projection which is connected to and extends outwardly from a front wall of said container base; Y "_ _" b) a recess which is located in a convex part of a front wall of said container lid which extends convexly outwardly where said recess defines a length of at least about 2.5 cm, a depth of at least about 1.0 cm, an aperture through which said tongue projection extends when said container is in a closed position, and a flexible lip member which elastically extends along a part of an outer periphery of said opening and which is configured to flex outwards to direct a tongue projection to said opening and to slam and position under the projection of the tongue when said lid of the container is closed.

2. The container for wet wiping cloths as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said container base defines a bottom which is connected to said front wall of said base, a rear wall, and a pair of opposite side walls which are they extend upwards from said bottom in a generally rectangular configuration to provide an interior for containing said wet cleaning cloths and where a connection between said bottom and said front, rear and lateral and curvilinear walls.

3. The container for wet wiping cloths as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said container cover defines an upper part which is connected to said front wall of said lid, a rear wall, and a pair of opposite side walls. which extend downwardly from said upper part in a generally rectangular configuration and wherein a connection between said upper part and said front, posterior lateral walls is curvilinear.

4. The container for wet wiping cloths as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said tongue projection defines a length of at least d about 2.0 cm and a width of at least about d 0.8 cm.

5. The container for wet cleaning cloths as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said tongue projection includes an interiorly extending surface which is connected to said front wall of said base and extends outwardly in relation to said base. front wall of said container base at an angular relationship.

6. The container for wet cleaning cloths as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that said inner surface of said tongue projection extends outwardly at an angle of at least about 15 degrees in relation to said front wall of the container base.

~ 7. The container for wet cleaning cloths as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said tongue projection defines an upper surface which is curvilinear.

8. The container for wet wiping cloths as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said tongue projection is hingedly connected to said container base and is configured to pivot elastically when the container lid is closed.

9. The container for wet cleaning cloths as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said convex part of said front wall of said container cover extends outwardly at a distance of at least about 1.0 cm from the wall front of said container bas when said container is in a closed position.

10. The container for wet cleaning cloths as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the container comprises a polypropylene material molded by injection.

11. A container for wet cleaning cloths that includes: a) a container base which defines a bottom and a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of opposite side walls which extend upwardly from said bottom in a rectangular configuration to provide an interior for containing said wet cleaning cloths b ) a container lid connected pivotally to said container base which defines an upper part and a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of opposite side walls which extend downwardly from said upper part in a rectangular configuration e wherein said front wall of said container cover includes a convex part which extends convexly outwardly; Y c) a lock which is configured to releasably close said container lid on said container bas in a closed position wherein said closure comprises: i) an elongate tongue projection extending upwardly and outwardly from said front wall of said container base which defines a length of at least d about 2.0 cm, a width of at least d about 0.8 cm and one shoulder; Y ii) a recess in said convex part of said container lid which defines a depth of at least about 1.0 cm, an opening through which said tongue part extends when said container is in a closed position, and a flexible labi member along an outer periphery of said opening which is configured to flex outwards to accept a tongue projection and to slam and position under said shoulder of said tongue projection when said container lid It is closed.

12. The container for wet cleaning cloths as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that said container defines corners between said front walls said rear walls, said side walls, said upper part and said bottom which are curvilinear.

13. The container for wet cleaning cloths as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that said inner surface of said tongue projection extends outwardly at an angle of at least about 15 degrees in relation to said wall. front of said container base.

14. The container for wet cleaning cloths as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that said tongue projection is hingedly connected said front wall of said container base and is configured to pivot elastically when the container lid is closed.

15. A container for wet cleaning cloths that includes: a) a container base which defines a bottom and a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of opposite side walls which extend upwardly from said bottom to provide an interior for holding the wet cleaning cloths; b) a container lid pivotally connected to said container base which defines an upper part and a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of opposite side walls which extend downwardly from said upper part where said the front wall of the container lid includes a convex part which extends convexly outwards; c) a sealing wall which extends downwardly from said container lid and which is configured to provide a frictional engagement with a periphery of said interior of said container base when said container lid is in a closed position for providing a hermetically sealed environment for said wet cleaning cloths; Y c) a lock which is configured to releasably close the container lid on the container base in a closed position after use wherein said lock comprises: i) an elongated tongue projection which is connected to and extends outward from said front wall of said container base ii) a recess in said convex part of said container lid which defines an opening through which said tongue part extends in a closing relationship when said container is in said closed position.

16. The container for wet wiping cloths as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that said walls of said container base and said sealing cap of said container cover define a rectangular configuration.

17. The container for wet cleaning cloths as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that said sealing wall of said container cover is configured to extend downwards along said walls of the container base to the interior of said base of container by a distance of at least about 0. cm when said container is in a closed position to provide said sealed environment.

18. The container for wet wiping cloths as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that said recess further defines a flexible lip member along an outer periphery of said opening which is configured to flex outwards to accept a tongue projection and slamming into position under a shoulder of said tongue projection when said container lid is closed.

- 19. The container for wet wiping cloths as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that said recess further defines a length of at least d about 2.5 cm, a depth of at least about 1.0 cm and a height of at least about 1.0 c to easily accept a user's fingers.

20. The container for wet wiping cloths as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that said tongue projection further defines a length of at least about 2.0 cm, a width of at least d about 0.8 cm, a height of at least about 0.8 cm and a rounded top surface to easily accept the user's fingers. SUMMARY A cleaning cloth container having an improved one-handed opening and opening is described. The container includes a container base, a container lid connected hinged to the base and a lock. The frent of the container lid defines a convex part which extends outwards and which includes a recess therein. The lock was provided by a tongue projection which extends from the base of the container and which is configured to extend through an opening in the recess of the front wall of the lid. The recess and tongue projection are of sufficient size to allow easy access to the user's finger and provide a one-handed opening. In one embodiment, the lid of the container also includes a sealing stop which is configured to provide a frictional engagement with the interior of the base of the container when the container is closed to prevent leakage of moisture.