PT99663B - DEVICE METHOD AND DETERGENT DISTRIBUTER TO BE REUSEED IN WASHING CLOTHING IN A WASHING MACHINE - Google Patents

Abstract

The measuring and dispensing device of the reusable type for the machine washing of clothes comprises a hollow body intended to receive the amount of a liquid detergent prescribed for a wash and provided with at least one filling opening (3) and with outlets (8) for distribution in the machine, as well as means (2, 2a; 10, 10a) enabling the user to effect, once said device has been filled, an easy and controlled application of detergent to selected areas of a garment before the latter is washed in the machine, in order to effect a pretreatment of said areas before the washing cycle, the measuring and dispensing device, still containing the amount of product remaining after the pre-treatment, being introduced together with the clothes into the machine. Said pretreatment means (2, 2a; 10, 10a) form an integral part of the device. <IMAGE>

Description

In this regard, it should be noted that most measuring and dispensing devices known to date, as well as bottles containing liquid detergents for washing machines, do not have characteristics that allow the user to apply liquid detergent. specific areas of clothing in a controlled manner.

On the other hand, large-capacity containers are difficult to handle. For this reason, it is usually necessary to use pre-treatment products that are presented separately in containers that have been developed and are available for sale on the market: thus, for example, products applicable by spray. In addition to the inconveniences resulting from the use of two different containers, one for the detergent and the other for the pre-treatment product, pre-treatment with an additional product increases the total cost of washing.

the present invention seeks to overcome these disadvantages by presenting a detergent measuring and dispensing device that incorporates means for scaling the pretreatment; these means allow the controlled application of the liquid detergent contained in the container for the washing machine, to selected areas of a garment, for the treatment of these areas prior to the washing cycle. Thus, the user no longer needs to have an object or a specific container to carry out said pre-treatment. Such pre-treatment means can, for example, translate into socks that make it possible to apply a controlled amount of liquid detergent over areas lacking pre-treatment, such as discharge nozzles or nozzles, and may optionally also comprise additional means that allow the user fric35

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such areas, such as irregularities in the surface of the measuring and distribution device. The present invention is obviously applicable to all types of measuring and dispensing devices, especially those of a multi-compartment type, which are intended to contain a plurality of relatively incompatible constituents.

The object of the present invention is, therefore, a measuring and distribution device, of reusable type, for washing machines, which comprises a body 3co, closed in one of the ends by a base, and destined to receive the prescribed quantity of at least one product useful for washing, such as a detergent liquid or a washing additive; said body 3co is provided with at least one opening for filling and outlets for the distribution of said product or products; the device must be placed, together with the laundry to be washed, inside the washing machine drum, where it is progressively emptied of contents during the washing cycle. It is also characterized by having means that allow the user to carry out, after the device is full of detergent, an easy and controlled application of at least one of the products contained in it to specific areas of the laundry to be washed, for the treatment of before the wash cycle starts. The device, containing the product left over from the pre-treatment, is then introduced into the drum of the machine, together with the laundry. The pre-treatment means are an integral part of the presented device.

One of the advantages of the invention is that the device is immediately filled, at first, with the total amount of the product suitable for the washing cycle, that is, a liquid detergent. A portion of this liquid (s) is applied to selected areas of clothing during the pre-treatment. The remaining product is distributed, during the course of the wash, by the measuring and dispensing device placed inside

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machine, along with the laundry. It should be noted that because, this one processes, all the used product is put in contact with the clothes, namely the amount used during the pre-treatment and the amount distributed by the device. It was surprising to see how, with this invention, an even better stain removal was obtained due to the pretreatment, although the same amount of product normally used in the processes related to the prior art, mentioned at the beginning of this specification, was consumed.

Another advantage is that, at the end of washing, the device leaves the machine absolutely clean and can be reused immediately, while in the case of previously known pretreatments, residues and stains from detergent products were always left in the application media used, unless that a separate container for the pre-treatment product be used, with all the inconveniences already mentioned.

The present invention also relates to the following characteristics, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations.

- the pre-treatment means include means for controlling the exit of the detergent product over the areas of the laundry lacking pre-treatment;

- the means for controlling the quantity of the product include a discharge nozzle or nozzle leading to the exterior of the device;

the pretreatment means include a discharge nozzle directed towards the outside of the device, and terminating in a channel that is in communication with the interior of the same;

- the discharge spout is distant from the base of said device, while the channel passes, in an essentially radial direction, through the wall of the device body;

- the discharge spout is close to the base of said device;

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- the channel that ends at the discharge spout extends through the walls of an assembly connected to the body of said device, covering the filling opening, while, at the opposite end to the one where the discharge spout is located, the channel leads to the interior of the device;

- pre-treatment means include means that allow the user to pre-treat by rubbing the areas of clothing that require such pre-treatment;

- the device body is provided with irregularities that protrude from the walls that constitute it;

- said irregularities are grooves or grooves and / or small heads protruding from the base of the container;

- surface irregularities are made on the walls of the container, even at the bottom of the spout or discharge nozzle;

- the central plane of the filling opening of the device is inclined with respect to the central plane of its base, while the spout or discharge nozzle is placed in a zone of the device, at the level at which the filling opening is, farthest from the base ;

- the body is equipped with depressions that facilitate its manipulation;

- the device is internally divided by walls that are intended to prevent accidental discharge of a product that is not of interest for pre-treatment;

- the body of said device is internally divided by walls that delimit a plurality of compartments, each intended to receive a different active product;

- the device has at least one measurement indicator inside;

- this indicator has an adjustable height in relation to the base of the device.

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The descriptions of various embodiments of this invention, presented below, are purely illustrative and not limiting. And they refer to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective representation of a measurement and distribution device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is an axial sectional representation of the measurement and distribution device shown in figure i;

Figures 3 and 4 are representations, in perspective and in axial section, of a measuring and dispensing device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figures 5 and 6 are representations, respectively, in perspective and in axial section, of a measuring and dispensing device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a sectional representation on line VII-VII of Figure 6;

Figure 7A is a representation of the axial section of another variant of the invention; '

Figures 8 and 9 are representations, respectively, in perspective and in axial section, of a measurement and distribution device with two compartments, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figures 10 and 11 are representations, respectively, in perspective and in axial section, of a two-compartment measuring and dispensing device, according to a fifth variant of the invention;

Figures 12 and 13 are representations, respectively, in perspective and in axial section, of a measuring and dispensing device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

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Figures 14 and 15 are representations, respectively, in perspective and in axial section, of a device, according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

Figures 16 and 17 are representations, respectively, in perspective and in axial section, of a measurement and distribution device, according to another variant of the invention;

Figures 18 and 19 are representations, in perspective and in axial section, respectively, of a measuring and dispensing device, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figures 20 and 21 are representations, respectively, in perspective and in axial section, of a measuring and dispensing device, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figures 22 and 23 are representations, respectively, in perspective and in axial section, of a measuring and dispensing device, according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figures 24 and 25 are representations, respectively. in perspective and in axial section, of a measuring and distribution device, according to another variant of the invention;

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Figures 26 and 27 are representations, respectively, in perspective and in axial section, of a measuring and dispensing device, according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 28 is an enlarged and perspective representation of a measuring and dispensing device, according to another possible embodiment of the invention;

Figures 29 and 30 are sectional representations of the device of figure 28, according to the cut lines indicated in these figures, and in two different usage positions.

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Figures 1 and 2 show a measuring and dispensing device according to a first embodiment of the invention, which includes a body 3co 1, generally spherical or slightly elliptical, closed in one. ends by a base 2, which has a flat surface, and, having the opposite side, a circular opening 3 surrounded by an edge 3a. This opening 3 -is surrounded by a cylindrical support ring 4 that extends from the edge 3A to the outside of the body 1. This support ring 4 fits a circular goal 5 that serves as a means of connection to an integrated set 6. In addition of this collar 5, the integrated set 6 includes a basket 7 that forms a helical web at the level of the opening of the body 1. The cavities connected by the arms of this helical web constitute the outlets 8 through which the product introduced into the body 3co escapes, progressively , during the wash cycle.

body í has a recessed groove 9 made in its outer wall, which extends, essentially, throughout its height, from collar 4 to base 2; this groove is neither too deep nor too wide. At the top, near the opening

3, this groove 9 is associated with a discharge nozzle 10,

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which projects slightly out of the groove 9. The opening of said nozzle 10 has the appearance of a smooth slit, and is in communication with the interior of the body 1 through the channel 10a.

In addition, the base 2 is provided, on its outer face, with small projections 2a, which form irregularities intended to rub the areas of the laundry that need to be pre-treated. The body 1 of the measuring and dispensing device has a shape perfectly adapted for handling by the user, having, for this purpose, two depressions, one on each side of the discharge spout.

A dispensing device of this type is used in the following way: the user begins by filling the device with the liquid detergent he wants to use in his washing machine, according to the dosage prescribed by the manufacturer. You can then pre-treat certain areas of clothing by tilting body 1 to pour a little liquid detergent on them. D liquid detergent passes through channel 10a and exits body 1 through nozzle 10, which the user directs and positions as he wishes, to obtain a good distribution of liquid detergent over the areas that need to be pre-treated. When the user understands that he / she has already poured enough liquid detergent over the pre-treatment areas, for the liquid detergent flow by tilting the body in the opposite direction; then, you can rub the chosen areas with the surface of the base 2 and with the irregularities 2a formed on that surface. The user then uses the dispensing device as if it were a brush, its handling being facilitated by the depressions there, which allow the device to be gripped safely. When the pretreatment phase is complete, the user places the measuring and dispensing device inside the washing machine drum, along with the laundry. Q liquid detergent that v-r · x, / v

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• it stays inside the body 1, progressively exiting through the exits 8, during the wash cycle.

As mentioned earlier, the total amount of washing product spent is the same as that used in a standardized device, not provided with pretreatment means. This quantity corresponds, in fact, to the fraction used during the pre-treatment, plus the quantity distributed during the washing cycle. In addition, the device that has pre-treatment means described here leaves the washing machine in perfect clean condition, and can be recovered for use.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, a measurement and distribution device can be seen, according to a variant of this invention, which includes a body 11, generally spherical in shape, ending at one end on a flat surface 12, which constitutes its base, and at the other end, has an opening 13 covered by an integrated assembly 16. This integrated assembly 16 is attached to the device by means of a collar 15, placed over a ring 14 that surrounds the opening 13 of the body 1.

The walls of the body 11 are equipped with a depression 19, which extends from the base 12 to the edge 13a that supports the ring 14; the main wall of this depression 19 ends at the furthest point from the base 2, essentially at the contour level of the opening 13. The depression 19 is designed to receive a tube shaped like a tube 20, which fits the collar 15; the walls of this channel 20 coincide with the walls of the body 1, at the level of the aforementioned depression 19. At its lower end, the tube shaped tube 20 leads, near the base 12, to the exterior of the device, through an opening 20a that forms a discharge nozzle. At the other end, said channel 20 leads, through an opening 20b, into the measurement and distribution device. The opening 20b is made in the wall 15a of the collar 15, fitting the latter over the ring 14 by means of the

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Mod. 71 - 20,000 ex. - 8/90 said wall. The horn-shaped channel 20 has in its central plane passing through the axis of the body li, a half-moon shaped cross section that extends from the end at the base 12, to the wall 15 s at the opening 20b .

Inside the body 1, said wall 15a extends into a trochantic chimney 17, equipped, in its entire periphery, with outlets 18 -formed on the side wall of the truncated cone 17. The depressions 11a on each side of the horn channel 20, - facilitate the handling of the device.

□ The device, in the variant shown in -figures 3 and 4, is used as follows:

To carry out the pre-treatment, and after the device has been filled with liquid detergent, through the opening 13 and the trochantic chimney 17, the user slightly tilts the device so that the channel 20 and the opening 20a are in a more low relative to the rest of the device. Then, the liquid detergent passes from the body i to the channel 20, through the opening 20b, and then leaves said channel through the nozzle 20a, which is guided by the user in order to ensure a controlled distribution of the liquid detergent over the areas clothes that need pre-treatment. When the user considers that a sufficient amount of liquid detergent has already been applied to the chosen areas, he inclines the measuring and dispensing device in the opposite direction, being able to rub the areas in question with the irregular outer face of the base or smooth surface 12. Once After the pre-treatment of the laundry is completed, the measuring and dispensing device is placed inside the washing machine drum, together with the laundry. During the washing cycle, the rest of the liquid detergent flows, progressively, through the outlets 18 and the opening of the chimney 17. E ^ Once again it can be seen that the device leaves the machine perfectly clean, and can be immediate35

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reused.

Figures 5 to 7 show a measurement and distribution device, according to another possible variant of the invention, which includes a basically shaped cylindrical body 21, with a base 22 and an opening 23, that with said body, form a container. In addition, and like the variants illustrated in Figures 1 ε 2, this device comprises;

- an integrated assembly 26 comprising a gala 25 fitted on a support ring 24 s surrounding the opening 23 of the body 21, as well as a helical web 27;

a discharge nozzle 30 projecting outwardly from the cylindrical outer walls of the body 21 and which communicates with the interior of the device by means of a channel 30a which passes radially through the cylindrical wall of the body 21, in an area of said wall which it is far from base 22 and close to opening 23.

The cylindrical wall 25b, which fits internally in the support ring 24, extends into the device by a curved tongue LI or deflector that extends from the side wall 15b which is closest to the channel 30a towards the axis of the body 22, with an end furthest from the collar 25 located essentially at the level of said axis, at half height of the body 21, its tangent plane being parallel to the base 22. This deflector is completed by a dome or shoe L2, with the shape of a quarter of sphere Sca, showing such shoe L2 a count - in the semi-circular, at the level of the base 22, which corresponds to the internal semi-circular contour of said base 22, and being placed on the same side as the tongue Ll. This L2 shoe can, for example, be integrally molded to the body 21, or be of a material that allows it to deform to be inserted into the body, assuming a rigid shape after such an introduction.

The device shown in Figures 5 and 6 is

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used as follows: it is specially prepared to receive two products suitable for washing, one in powder and one in liquid. The liquid product is what is intended to be used during the pre-treatment operation. The user places, within the body 21, the powder that scores - watered by the tongue LI towards the opening 23, falling on the base 22 and remaining at least partially distributed under the dome L2. Once the necessary amount of powdered detergent is introduced into the body 21, the user fills the LI cup with liquid detergent which ends up not mixing excessively with the powder. □ The user can then pre-treat the laundry areas, proceeding, basically in the same way as with the device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2; that is, using the nozzle 30 to distribute the liquid detergent over the areas of the laundry that need to be treated, and then, optionally, rubbing those areas with the help of the base 22 of the body 21, which is provided with irragularities. During this tilt movement, the powder is trapped inside the body 21 by the shoe L2, only the liquid detergent leaves through the channel 30a and the nozzle 20. When the pretreatment is finished, the device is placed inside the machine drum and the useful product, in the form of powder, and liquid detergent leave the device, during the course of washing, through the outlets 26 bounded by the arms of the helical web 27.

The device shown in Figure 7a is very similar to that shown in Figures 5 to 7, so for the elements shown in Figure 7a that are also found in the Figures 5 to 7 variants the same reference numbers are used, increased by 100.

This device, which has no deflector or shoe inside, comprises a cylindrical body 121 with an integrated assembly 126 provided with a chimney 127 with outlets 128. Channel 130a, which ends outside

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of said body, in a nozzle 130, passes through a body part 121 distant from the base 112.

how to use the variant illustrated by

Figure 7A is very simple. During pretreatment, the user only has to tilt the body 121 in order to deliver the desired amount of liquid detergent through the spout 130. It should be noted that, as shown in the drawing, the tip of the nozzle 130 may be provided with means for controlling or reducing the flow of liquid detergent. Such means can, for example, consist of a grid or a sieve.

Referring now to Figures B and 9, a measurement and distribution device can be designed, according to another possible variation of the invention, which includes a main body 31 in the form of two cylinders arranged side by side along of a common wall P, which delimits, inside the body 31, two compartments A and B, one of which (A) has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the other (B). In this body 31, which ends, at one end, of the base 32, and at the other, in two openings 33a and 33b, an integrated set 36 is placed, comprising two goals 35a and 35b connected so as to form a single piece 35 and that fit, respectively, on the edges of the body 31 that delimit the contour of compartment A and compartment B. Said two collars are connected by a common wall that coincides with the wall P that separates the two compartments A and B of the body 31. Gala 35a is associated with chimney 37a, with a conical trunk shape, which has elongated grooves 38a regularly distributed throughout its periphery and which extend in the direction of the generators of said chimney 37a. The collar 35b is, in turn, provided with a helical web 37b of the type previously described. In its zone furthest from compartment A, compartment B has a discharge nozzle 40, whose shapes and arrangement on the walls of the body 31 are substantially

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identical to the nozzle 30 on the walls of the body 21 of the device shown in Figures 5 to 7.

The use of the device described here is very similar to that of the devices shown in Figures 1 2 2 and Figures 5 to 7, with regard to its principles; but in this case, the user first fills each compartment A and B separately, filling compartment B with the liquid detergent used in the pre-treatment of the laundry, compartment A with a liquid or powder product, normally used for washing, and not compatible with the liquid detergent with which compartment B was filled.

The height of the wall P that separates compartments A and B depends on the dimensions of said compartments, and must ensure that the contents of compartment A do not accidentally come out when the device is tilted to leak the product contained in compartment B.

In figures 10 and 11, a measurement and distribution device can be seen, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, which is of the general type of the tube-shaped device shown in Figures 3 and 4, previously described; it specifically includes a body 41, associated with an integrated assembly 46, in which the wall 45a of the collar 45, by which the assembly fits into the body 41, has an opening 50a, at which level the horn-shaped channel 50 has its way out; at the other end of the channel there is an opening 50b that forms a discharge nozzle oriented towards the base 42 of the device. The bounding wall of said tube in the shape of a horn 50 from the inside is the body wall 51.

The device of this new variant differs from the device shown in Figures 3 and 4 in that it has a secondary compartment C, designed to receive, for example, a liquid or powder bleach, this compartment C being delimited, on one side, by the outer face of the wall. deli -

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it limits the interior of the body 41, and on the other side, by a curved wall that extends from the base 42 to the plane of the opening of the body 41. The boundary wall of the chamber C departs from the outer wall of the body 41 at the base 42 and up to the plane of its upper opening. This chamber C is also equipped, at its opening, with a grid D whose net limits the outlets destined, either to fill chamber C before washing, or to gradually evacuate the product contained therein during the washing cycle.

The use of such a device is substantially similar to that of the device shown in Figures 3 and 4; the only difference, with regard to the user, is the initial filling of each of the two compartments of the device, which is made with suitable products that cannot be previously mixed: the body 41 receives mainly the liquid detergent destined to the pre-treatment.

Figures 12 and 13 show a measurement and distribution device according to a sixth variant of the invention. This device essentially consists of a body 51 which forms, together with the base 52, a container for receiving a usable liquid detergent, both in the pre-treatment phase and in the washing cycle. □ body 51 of this container is essentially spherical in shape, slightly oblong. Its opening 53 on the side attached to the base 52, is arranged in a plane slightly inclined in relation to that of the base 52. As above, this opening 53 is surrounded by a ring 54 designed to fit a complementary wall 55b, of the collar 55 of a lid 57, a wall that connects to said container to hold said lid over opening 53. The lid 57 comprises, in addition to the collar 55, a base which, for aesthetic reasons, for example, may have a slightly irregular shape, but extending across the inclined plane of the opening 53 of the body 51; this cover is provided with outlets

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58, distributed over its entire surface, as well as the wall 55b of the collar 55 that fits the ring 54. On its highest side, the carpus 51 is provided with its periphery and up to the base 52, with grooves or grooves 52b. At the level of this zone, the lid 57 is associated with a horn-shaped channel 60 that accompanies the round or curved shape of the body 51 of the device. This tube in the form of a horn 60 ends at the level of an opening that forms the nozzle 60a. At its other end there is an opening 60b formed in the wall 55b of the collar 55. The tip nozzle 60a is placed on top of the surface with grooves or irregularities 52b.

This measuring and dispensing device is used as follows: first, the user fills the container 51. Before going to the washing phase, you can, if you wish, pre-treat certain areas of the laundry, applying it liquid detergent by means of an inclination of the device that allows the liquid detergent to pass through the opening 60b and the spout 60a. · It should be noted that the slight inclination of the main plane of the opening 53 in relation to the base 52 of the device makes It is possible to prevent accidental leakage of the liquid when the device is placed on a smooth horizontal surface before pretreatment as the opening 60b is then above the level of the liquid. As soon as the liquid has been spread over the areas of clothing to be pre-treated, the user can rub these areas by moving the streaks forward and backward over them; at that time, the device is slightly straightened from its previous position, but the level of liquid detergent within container 51 remains below opening 60b. When the user has completed the pre-treatment phase, place the device in the washing machine drum, along with the laundry. During the wash cycle, the liquid detector progressively moves from the measuring and dispensing device to the washing water through the

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outlets 53 on cover 57.

Figures 14 and 15 show a seventh measurement and distribution device. As can be seen in these figures, the device consists of a main body 61 in a circular shape, bounded by generatrices that extend from the outline of an elliptical base. The body 61 is associated with a cover 67, which has a concave profile towards the base 60, and which has, in the center, a main filling opening 6Sa, around which the elongated outlets 6Bb are arranged radially. The body 61 and the lid 67 are equipped with a spout 70, which consists of a depression that extends for most of the height of the container 61, from the concave part of the lid 67. At the end of said spout 70, near the base 62, the outer walls of the body 61 may have protruding ridges 62b, immediately below the nozzle 70. The body 61 also has a semi-circular depression 61b placed on the opposite side of said nozzle 60, intended to facilitate the handling of the device.

Such a measuring and dispensing device is used as follows: the user fills the container with liquid detergent through the openings 6Sa and 6Sb. You can pre-treat selected areas of clothing by applying liquid detergent to those areas, tilting the entire device so that the liquid detergent, passing through the openings 68b in front of the nozzle 60, falls on the area in who wants to do the pre-treatment. You can then slice that area with the help of the grooved surface 62b. Once the pre-treatment is completed, the device is inserted into the washing machine drum, along with the laundry.

Figures 16 and 17 show yet another measurement and distribution device, according to an eighth variant of this invention. The body 71 of the device is in the form of a tapered cradle at its front, and ends in a wall that is shaped like a sphere arc at the back. THE

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associated cap 76 includes a collar 75 and a part 77 that forms a spout. This nozzle 77 is associated with a cylindrical neck 77a which extends from said nozzle 77 towards the bottom 72, and which consists of a grooved surface 77b extending from the bottom of the collar 75 to the front of the device and extends beyond the front edge of the body 71 (grooves 72b). The front part of the neck 77a exits at the bottom of the surface grooves 77, while the rear part exits at the top of the grooves that make up said surface 77. The front part of this surface 77 it is crossed by holes or outlets 78.

To fill this device, the user pours the liquid detergent into the container constituted by the body 71 and its base 72. Once the cover 76 is attached, the user can pre-treat especially dirty areas of the clothing by tilting the device forward, so that the liquid detergent, passing through the neck 77a and the holes 78, is transported through the grooves of the striated surface 77b to the surface to which the user wants to apply the liquid detergent. You can then complete the pre-treatment by rubbing the clothing surface with the help of part 72a of the striated surface 77a located in front of the body 71. When the pre-treatment is complete, just, as in previous cases, place the device inside the washing machine drum, along with the laundry. During the wash cycle, the liquid detergent escapes through outlets 78 and neck 77a.

The ninth possible variant of this invention, which is illustrated by Figures 18 and 19, is very similar to that shown in Figures 12 and 13, since the body 81 of the device has, at the front, a greater height, 82b of which, overlapping the contours of the periphery, one above the other, go from base 82 to cover 87. This cover 87 is provided with outlets 88. In its part of the

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Mod. 71 - 20,000 «x. - 90/08 • front, it is also equipped with means 90 that allow controlled application of liquid detergent; such means consist of a simple spout with a curved base. The use of this device is similar to that of the device shown in Figures 12 and 13.

The device corresponding to the tenth variant of the invention, which is shown in Figures 20 and 21, is very similar to that shown in Figures 18 and 19, from which it differs, essentially, in that the cover 96 with which it is equipped has, in the center, a filling opening 97a of large diameter, such opening 97a being supplemented by small openings 97b that serve as an outlet for the progressive evacuation of liquid detergent during the washing cycle.

Figures 22 and 23 show the eleventh embodiment of this invention. The body 101 of this device has a flat spherical shape between its opening 103 and the base 102, which is a smooth surface. This body is associated with a lid 106 whose lower margin delimits an opening that extends from the body 101 to the outside, this margin consisting of a series of conical steps 106a, provided with grooves 107 intended to serve as outlets for the progressive evacuation of detergent in the course of a wash cycle. This cap 106 also has a nozzle 110 that protrudes slightly out of the walls of the body 101. In turn, the body 101 has below the nozzle 110 and between it and the base 102, a series of grooves or grooves 102b . The use of this device is also identical to that of the devices previously presented.

Figures 24 and 25 show a device according to the twelfth variant of this invention. This device includes a spherical body 111, having a base 112, and an opening 113 slightly inclined with respect to said base. An assembly 116 consisting of a collar 115 provided with openings 117a and a main opening 117b is fitted

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on opening 113. Inside, the body 111 has a wall E, shaped like an arc of a circle, and extending from the base to the opening; this wall delimits, together with the outer wall, a chimney-like channel 120, which presents, near the base 112, an opening 120b leading to the exterior of the device. This device is used in substantially the same way as the devices previously described: in order to apply liquid detergent over areas that need pretreatment, the user tilts the device forward, towards the chimney-like channel 120, so that the liquid passes through said channel 120 and out of it through opening 120b. Once the liquid is distributed, the user can perform the pre-treatment by rubbing the clothes with the front of the device 112b.

A device according to a thirteenth possible embodiment of this invention is shown in figures 26 and 27. This device essentially comprises a Sco 121 body, spherical in shape, with a base 122 and a circular opening 123 surrounded by a flange 123a. This opening 123 is surrounded by a support ring 124. D ring 124 fits an angled collar 125, serving as a means of connecting an integrated set, indicated in its entirety by the number 126. In addition to the gala 125, this set 126 includes a chimney, with outer walls in the form of truncated cones 127, which extends into the body 121 from the opening 123 to a base 129 that delimits it. This base 129 is close to and is parallel to base 12.

The base 129 forms the small base of the truncated cone 127; the walls of said truncated cone 127 extend beyond its major base, which is situated at the level of the rim 123a and is parallel to the base 122, by a cylindrical wall 125a of the annular collar 125, fitting this wall 125a to the internal walls of the support ring 124. Wall 125a and

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26.MR.W2 / part of the truncated cone 127 with larger diameter are separated from each other by an annular shoulder 130d which is visible from a user looking at the device from above. The diameter of the cylindrical wall 125a is, for this reason, slightly larger than the larger diameter of the truncated cone 127.

The walls that define the interior of this truncated cone 127 include four successive cylindrical parts, designated from the base 129 to the opening 123, by reference numbers 127a to 127d, respectively. The inner walls defining parts 127a to 127c are cylindrical, the inside diameter of part 127b being slightly larger than that of part 127a, and the diameter of part 127c being slightly larger than that of part 127b. As for part 127d, it has an internal truncated shape, the smaller diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter of part 127c. Thus, the four parts 127a to 127d are separated from each other, in pairs, by ring shoulders that are reference, by numbers 130a, 130b and.l30c, respectively, and that such as the shoulder 130d, are visible by the user when he looks at the device from the top. In the walls of the chimney in the shape of a truncated cone 127 there are three openings 128. These three openings 128 are identical in shape and are evenly distributed over part 127. Each of them extends from the base 129 to the annular shoulder 130c. These openings 128 are in the form of a three-story pyramid. The opening portions 128a to 128c that correspond to these floors, at the level of parts 127a to 127c, are rectangular in shape and centered on the same axis of symmetry, the portion 28a being wider than the portion 128b, which, for in turn, it is wider than the 128c portion.

At the top, the body 121 has a discharge nozzle 130, which protrudes out of said body 121. This nozzle is equipped with an opening 130a which is a flat slot.

D body 121 has a shape that is especially

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suitable for handling, having two depressions 121a arranged symmetrically in the body 121 on each side of the discharge nozzle 130.

Such a device is used as follows: Initially the device is placed on the lid of a liquid detergent container, which is not shown. It is connected to that lid in a conventional manner, for example, by fitting its inner walls to the outer walls of the container lid. For this purpose, the device can be made of a flexible plastic material. The user can thus easily separate the device from the container in which it is presented, and then fill it with liquid detergent. The detergent is introduced through the opening 123, in the truncated cone 127, and passes through the openings 128 into the housing 121. The lugs 130a to 130c serve as filling indicators for the user of the device. The user will be able to adjust the amount of liquid detergent to be used on the device depending on the type of washing that he wants to do.

After this filling phase, the user can pre-treat the laundry by spreading the liquid detergent over the dirtiest areas. To this end, the user tilts the device forward so that the liquid passes through the opening 130a of the spout 130. The device is manipulated by means of the two depressions 121a. The pre-treated clothes and the device are then placed '' together inside the washing machine drum. The amount of liquid detergent used during the washing cycle thus corresponds to that which was initially determined by the user and which is found mostly in the device and, in parallel, in the pre-treated clothes.

We now refer to Figures 28 to 30. The measurement and distribution device shown therein includes a spherical shape body 141, having a base 142

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and a circular opening 143 surrounded by a cylindrical ring 144 that extends, perpendicularly, to the edge 143a - formed by the body 141, at the level of said opening. That edge 143a is parallel to the base 142. Attached to ring 144 and opening 143 are, on the one hand, an assembly 150, which fits into said ring; and, on the other hand, a set 146, provided with a collar 145, whose internal wall adheres to the wall of the set 150, keeping the joint 146 in a firm position in relation to the device and the opening 143, and at the same time allowing said collar 145 and joint 146 rotate over circular opening 143. Assembly 150 is a support frame, basically cylindrical in shape. Its contour is defined by three helical grooves 151, uniformly distributed throughout its periphery, between the lower arch 152a and the upper arch 152b of the set '150. The upper arch 152b has an edge-153 that fits over the ring 144 of helical clamps that form the grooves 151 are interconnected by clamps 154 which form in the frame 150 two intermediate arcs, between the lower and upper arches 152a and 152b.

Likewise, assembly 146 is generally cylindrical in shape. It comprises, on the other hand, between the aforementioned cylindrical wall 145a and a lower arch 147, three straight grooves 148 opened in clamps, perpendicular to the main plane cfo ‘arch 147, and the cylindrical wall 145a above. The clamps in which the grooves 148 are opened are connected by two intermediate arches 149. The grooves 148 and their clamps are likewise uniformly distributed across the periphery of the assembly 146. When the assembly is fully assembled, at each slot 14B is juxtaposed with one, and only one, slot 151.

The sets 146 and 150 are associated with a disc plate 155, the diameter of which substantially corresponds to the internal diameter of the set 146. This disc 155 is provided with three pins 156 radially placed in

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with respect to said disc 155, which extends outside the contour of that disc. The pins 156 have dimensions that allow their insertion in the grooves 148 and 151, with which they cooperate.

The device body 141 is provided with a discharge nozzle 160, the opening of which is a slit 160a. The outer wall of the collar 145 has, on the side opposite the discharge spout 160, a series of protruding marks 161, while the wall of the flange 143a is provided with a fixed mark 162 which is in a symmetrical position with respect to the spout 160.

The depressions 163 are positioned in the body 141 on each side of the discharge nozzle 160. These depressions 163 are intended to facilitate the safe handling of the device.

Such a device is used in the following way: The device structure allows the user to adjust the position of the base 155, in relation to the body 141 and the sets 146 and 160, by rotating the set 146 around the axis of the body 141 by manipulation. the collar 145. When the assembly 146 is rotated on itself, the pins 156 and the disc 155 rotate, also about the same axis. The helical grooves 151 in the assembly 150 conduct said pins, in an upward movement within the grooves 148 opened in the assembly 146.

When an operator intends to use a measurement and distribution device of this type, he first adjusts the height of the plate 155 in relation to the sets 146 and 150 and the body 141, rotating the collar 145 and the set 146 around the axis of the body 141 , until the marks 161 corresponding to the desired wash coincide with the mark 162. Then, fill the device with washing liquid, using plate 155 as a fill indicator. The user can pre-treat the laundry by distributing the washing liquid through the spout 160 and its opening 160a over the most stained clothes

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stubborn. Once this pre-treatment is completed, the user places the device in the washing machine drum, along with the laundry. The amount of liquid that is used in the washing cycle is that which was initially measured using plate 155 as an indicator, as this amount corresponds to that which was poured onto the. pretreated parts and the amount left in the device.

The embodiments described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings, are only illustrations of socks that are in accordance with the invention, other variants being possible by modifying the format of the devices and / or the pre-treatment means associated with them. In view of the fact that the device is also a detergent dispenser to be placed inside the machine, it must not have sharp points or sharp surfaces that could damage the laundry. Therefore, the shape of the device, as well as that of the pre-treatment socks, must comply with this requirement, in any of the ways well known to all those skilled in the art. Preference should be given to round and curved shapes, never angular.

In addition, the materials with which this invention is made are preferably the plastic materials already proposed for this type of devices, such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide, although this list is not limiting. As those skilled in the art know, plastic materials are very suitable for this type of devices for, on the one hand, making connections between various component parts, namely for the adjustment of formats; and, on the other hand, to withstand the conditions existing inside a washing machine, especially temperatures that can reach values close to 1002C, in a neutral medium or with a basic pH.

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l'b_

2'è.MAR. 1992

Mod. 71 20,000 βχ. - 8/90

It should also be noted that, in order not to become, the massive description, forms of construction that have already been explained in relation to other variants have not been explained in some variants. For example, pipettes or nozzles can be provided by the means described in relation to Fig. 7A, for the control of the liquid detergent flow during the pre-treatment. It should be added that the arrangement of the means of friction in the body of the device is by no means critical. Surface irregularities can be arranged in any suitable position, on the bottom or on the side walls of the body, including the edge of the flat surface that forms the base.

Likewise, the means of handling can vary at will. The description of cavities or depressions is purely exemplary. This type of means is very easy to perform when molding the body of the device.

With regard to the manufacturing process, injection molding is very suitable for plastic materials. In particular, it allows to produce the device body and the associated pre-treatment means in a single operation.

In addition, the device of this invention can be used with a wide variety of washing product formulas. As an example, we indicate in the following table a standard liquid detergent formula and three additive compositions.

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Detergent liquid

Additions

NQ.l N5.2 N5.3

Mod. 71 - 20,000 ex. - 8/90

Alkylbensene sulfonate

Sodium alkylsulfate Alkyl alcohol ethoxylates Zeodite of dodecenylsuccinic acid

Polyacrylate polymer Citric acid Sodium citrate Oleic acid Perborate (PB1)

Tetracetylethylenediamine Diethylenetriamine pentamethylene phosphonic acid Phthalocyanine Protease Zn sulfonate (4.0 KNPU)

Amylase (125 KNU / g>

Optical brightener

Silicate

Carbonate

Sulfate

Add-on for 100

Lisbon, 26. MAR 1992

Claims (15)

iâ. - Measuring and distributing device to be reused for washing clothes in a washing machine that consists of a 3co body closed at one end by a base, and intended to receive the quantity prescribed for washing at least one product useful such as a liquid detergent or a washing additive, having at least one body 3co a filling opening and outlets for the distribution of the product or washing products referred to, the said device being placed, together with the clothes to be washed, inside the machine drum, where its contents will be progressively poured out during the washing, a device that is characterized by the fact that it is equipped with means that allow the user to perform, once the device is full, an easy application controlled of at least one product contained therein over the chosen areas of a garment, before the latter is washed in the machine, achieving thus, the effect of a pre-treatment of the mentioned areas before starting the washing cycle, with the detergent measuring and dispensing device referred to, also containing the remaining amount of product, after the pre-treatment introduced together with the laundry inside the drum. the washing machine and the fact that said pretreatment means form an integral part of the device. 2nd. - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pre-treatment means comprise means that allow a controlled quantity of the product to be dumped on the areas of the garments that require such pre-treatment. 3rd. - Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the means which allow the discharge of a controlled quantity of product comprise a place of 64,130 Case CM 355M Mod. 71 - 20,000 βχ. - 70/08 dump or nozzle to the outside of the device. 4th. - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the pretreatment means comprise a dump site leading to the outer side of the device and ending in a channel, which communicates with the interior of the device in an area remote from the respective base. 5th. - Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the dumping site is remote from the base of said device, while the channel passes very radially through the wall of the device body. 6th. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the discharge nozzle is close to the base of the device. 7th. - Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the termination of the channel, where the pouring nozzle is located, extends through the walls of a set connected to the body of the device, covering its filling opening, while in the opposite end 'the one on which the discharge nozzle is installed, said channels lead to the interior of the device. 8th. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the pre-treatment means include socks that allow a user to apply the treatment by rubbing the areas of the garment that require pre-treatment. 9â. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body of said device is provided with irregularities protruding from its own walls. ÍOâ. - Device according to the claim 8, characterized in that the irregularities referred to are grooves or grooves and / or small highs made in the base 64,130 CM 355M Case> . 15 2s. HM 1992 Mod. 71 -20,000 · χ.-90/03 of the container. read. Device according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the surface irregularities are made on the wall of the container and in the immediate vicinity of the dumping site or nozzle. 12th. Device according to claim 3, alone, or in combination with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central plane of its filling opening is inclined with respect to the central plane of its base, while the location dump or nozzle is placed in an area of said, device at a level where said opening is furthest from its base. 13 ^. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that its body is provided with depressions for gripping. 14th. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is divided internally by walls in order to prevent accidental overflow of a product that is not convenient for pre-treatment. 15th. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the body of said device has 'its interior divided by walls which provide a plurality of compartments each of which is intended' to receive a different active product. 16th. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it has at least one measurement indicator inside it. 17th. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said indicator is of height adjustable in relation to the base of the device.