US20230227218A1

US20230227218A1 - Container system and use thereof

Info

Publication number: US20230227218A1
Application number: US17/799,451
Authority: US
Inventors: Herbert Wohlgenannt
Original assignee: Capartis AG
Current assignee: Capartis AG
Priority date: 2020-02-14
Filing date: 2021-02-12
Publication date: 2023-07-20
Also published as: EP4103486A1; EP3865420A1; MX2022010022A; WO2021160771A1; BR112022015160A2; CN115151489A; JP2023515785A

Abstract

The container system (1) comprises a container (3), a dispensing device (2) and a closure (4 a), wherein the container (3) has a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the container (3) and the dispensing device (2) are connected to one another and are mutually rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the container (3) and the dispensing device (2) enclose a common interior space the common interior space (6) being delimited in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) by an end face (3 a) of the container and by an end wall of the dispensing device (2), the dispensing device (2) having, in the region of the end wall, a removal opening (2 a) which is arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) which extends in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the closure (4 a) is coupled to the container (3), and wherein the closure (4 a) is arranged in the dispensing device (2) in such a manner that upon a mutual rotation of the container (3) and the dispensing device (2) about the longitudinal axis (L), the closure (4 a) is rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis (L) with respect to the removal opening (2 a) and, depending on its position, assumes a closed position in which the closure (4 a) closes the removal opening (2 a) and an open position in which the removal opening (2 a) is completely open

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a container system and a use thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Document WO2011/094685A2 discloses a container system for storing detergent compositions each packaged in a single dose. For example, a single-dose detergent composition comprises a single dose of powdered or liquid detergent contained in a sealed, flexible, soluble film pouch. Because singledose compositions and the flexible outer membrane are formulated to dissolve or otherwise disintegrate in water, the container system includes a removable lid to prevent water from entering the container. Removing a single dose from this known container system is therefore relatively cumbersome because the lid must be removed to open the container, and then one hand must be used to reach through the relatively narrow opening into the interior space to retrieve a single dose from the interior space.
Detergent compositions in a single dose are increasingly being marketed as so-called “liquid caps” or “gel caps”, in which the detergent is portioned in liquid or gel form in a capsule, the capsule preferably having a flexible outer membrane as the outer shell. Such portioned capsules are particularly dangerous for small children, since the detergent contains chemical substances in higher concentrations, which can cause poisoning or eye injuries, for example. Such portioned capsules also often have a handy size, bright colors and soft, shiny packaging, and are therefore easily mistaken for sweets. The above-mentioned container system or also the container systems disclosed in documents DE1641254U and U.S. Pat. No. 2,214,437A have the disadvantage that they cannot be securely closed after use, so that a single dose could be easily removed from the container by a child, for example, or even worse that the entire contents of single doses are emptied by tilting the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the task of the invention to design a container system which is more advantageous, easier to operate and preferably also safer.
This task is solved with a container system having the features of the independent claim(s).
The task is solved in particular with a container system comprising a container, a dispensing device and a closure, the container having a longitudinal axis, the container and the dispensing device being connected to one another and being mutually rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis, the container and the dispensing device enclosing a common interior space, the interior space being bounded in the direction of the longitudinal axis by an end face of the container and an end wall of the dispensing device, the dispensing device having, in the region of the end wall, a removal opening arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, which extends in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, the closure being coupled to the container, and the closure being arranged in the dispensing device in such a way that, when the container and the dispensing device rotate with respect to one another about the longitudinal axis, the closure can be moved rotatably about the longitudinal axis with respect to the removal opening and, depending on its position, assumes a closed position, in which the closure closes the removal opening, and an open position, in which the removal opening is completely open.
The container system is suitable for storing objects, wherein the objects or the removal opening are mutually dimensioned in such a way that the objects can be removed from the interior space via the removal opening. Particularly advantageously, the objects are dimensioned in such a way that they are arranged or stacked in succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis in the interior space of the container system, the interior space of the container system having a dimensioning perpendicular to the longitudinal axis which is preferably equal to or slightly larger than the dimensioning of the object, which results in the advantage that the objects are reliably arranged in succession in the interior space in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and a movement of the container system does not or only slightly upsets this arrangement. The container system can be stored per se in any position, whereby the container system for removing an article is advantageously erected or is already in such a position that the dispensing device is at the bottom and, due to the acting gravity, at least one article is located in the dispensing device or is pushed into the dispensing device due to the acting gravity, so that the article can be removed after opening the removal opening of the dispensing device.
Advantageously, the dispensing device comprises an end face in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which is designed as a standing side. Advantageously, the dispensing device stands continuously on this standing side at least when it is not in use, so that the container, insofar as it stands on a preferably horizontally extending surface, extends preferably vertically upwards starting from the dispensing device, whereby the force of gravity acts on the objects located in the container, so that it is ensured that there is always an object to be removed in the dispensing device as long as at least one object is available in the interior space. The container could be transparent in design and made of a plastic material, for example. The container could also be designed to be non-transparent.
The container system is suitable for receiving a variety of possible items, for example, unpackaged food products such as cookies and baked goods, or snack products such as potato chips or stacked chips made from potatoes or potato flakes, or confectionery products, for example, confectionery products similar to granola bars, the shape of which is adapted to the container system and which are preferably disc-shaped, the outer diameter of which is preferably slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the container of the container system provided for receiving the food products. The container system is also suitable for holding packaged articles, for example cookies or bakery products, confectionery products, detergent or dishwashing tabs, liquid or gel caps, individual ketchup packages or individual mustard packages, wherein preferably all the articles stored in the container system are identically configured, preferably disc-shaped.
Particularly preferably, the container system according to the invention is suitable for storing individual doses of a detergent composition, wherein these are particularly preferably designed as so-called “liquid caps” or “gel caps”.
The container of the container system is preferably shaped like a hollow cylinder, and thus preferably has a circular internal cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. However, the container can be designed in a variety of other possible shapes and have, for example, a triangular, square, polygonal or oval internal cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the internal cross-section is adapted to the shape of the article to be stored in the container system, preferably such that a single article perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is substantially as large or slightly smaller than the internal cross-sectional area, to ensure that the articles within the container system are arranged in a well-ordered and sequential or superimposed manner in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The height of the removal opening in the direction of the longitudinal axis is preferably adapted to the article to be removed in such a way that there is preferably in each case a single article in the region of the removal opening which can be removed from the container system via the removal opening when the closure is open.
For opening the removal opening, the container system is preferably taken in both hands, in that with one hand the container is held, and in that with the other hand the dispensing device is held, whereby container and dispensing device are mutually rotated about the longitudinal axis for opening and closing the removal opening, so that the closure is removed from the removal opening by this rotation, so that the object to be removed, which is still in the dispensing device, becomes accessible from the outside through the removal opening and can be removed, the closure being rotated again by a subsequent rotation into a position in which it closes the removal opening.
Preferably, the closure and the removal opening or the dispensing device are designed to be mutually adapted in such a way that entry of water into the interior space of the container system is impeded or prevented. For example, grooves or seals can be provided in the dispensing device which, in combination with the closure, create a sealing effect so that the removal opening is at least dust-tight and preferably watertight or splash-tight when closed.
Particularly advantageously, the container system comprises a blocking device which prevents mutual rotation of the container and the dispensing device about their common longitudinal axis, and thus prevents opening of the removal opening as long as the blocking device is locked, so that mutual rotation is possible only after unlocking of the blocking device.
Advantageously, the dispensing device comprises the blocking device, wherein the blocking device comprises a locking part movable radially to the longitudinal axis, wherein the closure rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis moves along a path of movement with respect to the dispensing device, wherein the locking part engages in the path of movement and prevents mutual rotation of closure and dispensing device when the closure assumes the closed position with respect to the removal opening. Particularly advantageously, the dispensing device and the blocking device are formed in one piece, and the dispensing device comprising the blocking device thus consists of a single part. This embodiment has the advantage that the dispensing device comprising the blocking device can be manufactured particularly inexpensively. Preferably, such a dispensing device consists of an elastic plastic.
Advantageously, the blocking device is designed as a so-called push-turn closure, in which a pressure must be exerted at at least one point before the turn closure can be turned. Preferably, the push-turn closure is arranged in the dispensing device so that when the dispensing device is held with the same hand, the blocking device can also be unlocked in order to subsequently allow the container and the dispensing device to rotate relative to each other.
Preferably, the blocking device designed as a push-turn closure comprises an actuating part, the actuating part cooperating with the locking part in such a way that pressing in the actuating part in the direction towards the longitudinal axis results in a lifting of the locking part with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the locking part no longer engages in the path of movement of the closure, and thus a mutual rotation of closure and dispensing device is possible. Preferably, the actuating part is arranged on the outside of the dispensing device with respect to the longitudinal axis. Particularly advantageously, the dispensing device has a collar wall extending in the circumferential direction, the actuating part being designed as a part of the collar wall.
Preferably, the blocking device is designed in such a way that it cannot be unlocked by a child's hand or can be unlocked only with difficulty. This can be achieved, for example, by the dispensing device having a push-turn lock, the dispensing device having a relatively large external diameter with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the actuating part or part of the dispensing device forming part of the actuating part of the push-turn lock is extremely difficult to operate for small hands, in particular children's hands, due to the relatively large diameter of the dispensing device, in particular children's hands, due to the relatively large distance between outer wall sections arranged in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal axis, against which a hand preferably simultaneously rests when pressing the actuating part. Moreover, it may prove advantageous to design the blocking device in such a way that a relatively large force is required to actuate the actuating part or to displace the actuating part in the direction towards the longitudinal axis, so that it is extremely difficult for a person with weaker strength, such as small children or elderly persons, to open such a blocking device.
The container system according to the invention can also be designed without a blocking device. This embodiment has the advantage that the objects inside the container system are stored preferably dust-free, and/or waterproof, in particular splashproof, whereby these objects can be removed from the container system in a very simple manner.
The container system according to the invention can thus be designed in a plurality of shapes, whereby in particular the container can be designed in a plurality of possible shapes depending on the geometric design of the objects to be accommodated, whereby the container is particularly preferably designed in the shape of a hollow cylinder. Preferably, the container is designed to be stackable in that, starting for example from an end face, it has, for example, an outer wall which widens in the direction of the longitudinal axis or a widening inner cross-section, for example a conically or curvilinearly widening outer wall, so that the empty containers can be stacked one inside the other and require little space in the empty, stacked state.
The container system according to the invention is preferably designed as a disposable package and is only intended for use until the original contents have been completely emptied, so that refilling is not provided. However, it may also prove advantageous to reuse and refill at least the dispensing device of the container system and possibly also the container, so that at least parts and possibly the entire container system are reusable. The reusability of the dispensing device results in the advantage that the dispensing device can be designed in a more complex and expensive manner. In an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing device comprises a mechanically operable blocking device which must first be opened before an article can be removed from the container system. In a further advantageous embodiment, the dispensing device comprises an electrically or electronically actuable blocking device and/or an electrically or electronically actuable closure designed as a slide for automatically opening and/or closing the removal opening. Preferably, the dispensing device can be controlled wirelessly, for example via a remote control or a smartphone, in that the dispensing device comprises, for example, a radio interface, for example Bluetooth, a battery, electronics, and an electrically actuable blocking device that locks or unlocks the dispensing device and/or opens and/or closes the removal opening. Such a dispensing device can be programmed or used in a wide variety of ways, for example in such a way that the dispensing device is unlocked and/or opened on command, for example after a remote control or smartphone is actuated, or that the dispensing device is unlocked and/or opened on a person-selective basis, for example when a person approaches the dispensing device, wherein a smartphone, for example, interacts with the dispensing device, detects the approach of a person, in particular a person authorized to open, and then opens at least the latch of the dispensing device and possibly also the removal opening. The dispensing device could be unlocked and/or opened in a time-controlled manner, for example by unlocking and/or opening the dispensing device only in predetermined time windows, or could be opened in a quantity-controlled manner by dispensing the dispensing device only a predetermined number per day, or by unlocking and/or opening the dispensing device only on certain days. The dispensing device could also be opened in a location-controlled manner, for example by unlocking and/or opening the dispensing device only at predetermined locations, for example by interacting with the smartphone detecting a location signal. Such a container system can be used for a variety of possibilities, for example for controlled quantity dispensing of sweets, or for person-specific dispensing of medications. The container system according to the invention is thus also particularly suitable for applications in the healthcare sector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description discloses, by way of example, several embodiments of the present invention. The drawings used to explain the embodiments show:

FIG. 1 a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of a container system;

FIG. 2 a detailed view of the lower section of the container system according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 a perspective view of a dispensing device from above;

FIG. 4 a perspective view of the dispensing device according to FIG. 3 from below;

FIG. 5 a section through the dispensing device along section line A-A according to FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 a side view of the dispensing device;

FIG. 7 a 3-dimensional view of a container;

FIG. 8 a detailed view of a longitudinal section through the container according to FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 a detailed view of the lower section of the container system according to FIG. 1 in the closed state;

FIG. 10 a detailed view of the lower section of the container system according to FIG. 1 in the fully open state;

FIG. 11 a sectional view of the dispensing device along the line of intersection B-B as shown in FIG. 5 , with the push-turn closure in particular being visible in the resting state;

FIG. 12 a section of the dispensing device along the line of intersection B-B, wherein in particular the push-turn fastener is visible in the activated state;

FIG. 13 a 3-dimensional view of a second embodiment of a container system;

FIG. 14 a detailed view of the lower section of the container system according to FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 a perspective view of the coupling device used in the embodiment example according to FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 16 a longitudinal section through the coupling device according to FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 a side view of the container used in the embodiment example according to FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 18 a detailed view of a longitudinal section through the container according to FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 19 a 3-dimensional view of a further embodiment of a container;

FIG. 20 a top view of a single dose of a detergent composition;

FIG. 21 a section through a further embodiment of a dispensing device along the line of intersection C-C according to FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 22 a section through the dispensing device according to FIG. 21 along section line D-D;

FIG. 23 a section through the dispensing device according to FIG. 22 along section line E-E;

FIG. 24 a front view of the removal opening of the dispensing device according to FIG. 22 .

Generally, the same parts are provided with the same reference signs in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 to 12 show a first embodiment of a container system 1 and partial aspects thereof, wherein FIG. 1 shows the container system 1 in a three-dimensional view, FIGS. 2, 9 and 10 show a detailed view of the lower section of the container system 1, and FIGS. 3 to 6 show different views of the dispensing device 2. FIG. 7 shows a 3-dimensional view of the container 3, and FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal section of the lower end portion of the container 3. FIGS. 11 and 12 each show a section through the dispensing device 2 along the line of intersection B-B, wherein in particular the push-turn closure 5 is apparent. The container system 1 comprises a container 3, a dispensing device 2, and a closure 4 a, wherein the container system 1, and in particular the container 3, has a longitudinal axis L, and wherein the container 3 and the dispensing device 2 are connected to one another and are mutually rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis L. The container 3 and the dispensing device 2 enclose a common interior space 6, wherein the common interior space 6 is bounded in the direction of the longitudinal axis L by an end face 3 a of the container 3 and an end wall 2 c of the dispensing device 2. In the region of the end wall 2 c, the dispensing device 2 has a removal opening 2 a which is arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis L, extends in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L, and has a removal opening width 2 f in the circumferential direction, and a removal opening height 2 g in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In the illustrated, first embodiment example, the closure 4 a is coupled to the container 3 such that the closure 4 a forms a part of the container 3, wherein the container 3 and the closure 4 a are formed in one piece or as a single piece. However, the closure 4 a could also be attached to the container, for example by adhesive. The closure 4 a protrudes in the longitudinal direction L over a connecting portion 3 c of the container 3, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . The container 3 has a connecting section 3 c in the region of the end face facing the dispensing device 2, for example designed as a recess running around the outer surface 3 b of the container 3 in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The dispensing device 2 comprises three connecting sections 2 b spaced apart in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L and projecting in the direction of the longitudinal axis L beyond a circumferential collar wall 2 e. The connecting portion 3 c of the container 3 is insertable into the connecting portions 2 b of the dispensing device 2 so that the container 3 is connected to the dispensing device 2, and the container 3 is rotatable with respect to the dispensing device 2 about the longitudinal axis L. The closure 4 a is arranged in the dispensing device 2 in such a way that, when the container 3 and the dispensing device 2 are rotated relative to one another about the longitudinal axis L, the closure 4 a is rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis L with respect to the removal opening 2 a and, depending on its position, assumes a closed position in which the closure 4 a closes the removal opening 2 a from the inside, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 , and assumes an open position in which the removal opening 2 a is completely open, as shown in FIG. 10 .
The container system 1 according to the invention can be opened in a simple manner starting from the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 by rotating the dispensing device 2 with respect to the container 3 in the direction of the direction of rotation indicator 2 i, in the embodiment example shown to the left, which results in the shutter 4 a, hereinafter also referred to as the slider, retaining its position, but the dispensing device 2 being rotated in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L, so that the slider 4 a is rotated within the dispensing device 2 and the removal opening 2 a is thereby released. Preferably, the container 3 is held with one hand, and the dispensing device 2 is held with the other hand, so that the container 3 and the dispensing device 2 are rotatable about the longitudinal axis L with the aid of the two hands, and thereby the slider 4 a can be displaced in the dispensing device 2 in such a way that the removal opening 2 a is either fully opened or fully closed by the slider 4 a.
In the embodiment shown, the dispensing device 2 has a standing side 2 d in the direction of the longitudinal axis L at the end opposite the end face 3 a, on which the container system 1 can stand. Advantageously, the container system 1 shown in FIG. 1 stands on a horizontally running, flat surface, so that the longitudinal axis L runs in vertical direction. This embodiment has the advantage that the objects located inside the container 3 are pulled downwards due to the acting force of gravity, so that there is at least one object in each case in the interior space 6 of the dispensing device 2, which could be removed from the interior space 6 via an open removal opening 2 a.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the dispensing device 2, as shown in detail in FIGS. 11 and 12 , comprises a blocking device 5 in the form of a push-turn closure with an actuating part 5 a and a locking part 5 c engaging in the groove 2 n or in the path of movement S of the closure 4 a, wherein the blocking device 5 in a basic position, as shown in FIG. 11 , prevents or blocks a mutual rotation of container 3 and dispensing device 2 or a mutual rotation of dispensing device 2 and closure 4 a. wherein after actuation of the actuating part 5 a, for example by pressing the actuating part 5 a with the aid of a finger in the direction towards the longitudinal axis L, the locking is released by moving the locking part 5 c radially outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis L, and the container 3 or the closure 4 a is rotatable with respect to the dispensing device 2 in the circumferential direction towards the longitudinal axis L. In FIGS. 11 and 12 , the groove 2 n and the movement path S of the closure 4 a projected in the direction of the longitudinal axis L onto the lower side wall 2 c extend identically, which is why the movement path S is not shown separately in these figures.
In another possible embodiment, the blocking device 5 could comprise a plurality of actuating parts 5 a, for example two or three, arranged mutually spaced apart, for example mutually spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the dispensing device 2. The blocking device 5 or the push-turn closure may be configured such that it is sufficient to actuate one of the plurality of actuating parts 5 a to unblock the push-turn closure. However, the push-turn closure may also be configured such that all of the actuating parts 5 a must be actuated simultaneously to unlock the push-turn closure. The dispensing device 2 comprising a blocking device 5 or the push-turn closure thus has the advantage that the dispensing device 2 cannot be opened unintentionally. Particularly advantageously, the push-turn closure 5 is designed as a child safety device so that children, in particular small children, cannot gain access to the objects 7 located in the container system 1. The push-turn closure 5 can be designed as a child safety device in a variety of ways, for example by requiring a greater force to press the actuating part 5 a, or by the dispensing device 2 having an outer diameter of, for example, more than 10 cm, so that small children's hands cannot simultaneously grasp the dispensing device 2 and press the actuating part 5 a.
The container system 1 shown in FIG. 1 can stand on a horizontally running, flat surface via the dispensing device 2 as shown. However, the container system 1 could also stand on a horizontally running, flat surface via the end face 3a of the container 3. The container system 1 could also be arranged lying on a surface in that the longitudinal axis L would run substantially parallel to the flat surface, for example. Thus, it is not mandatory that the dispensing device 2 requires a standing side 2 d. For example, the dispensing device 2 could also be attached to a plane via the standing side 2 d, for example by adhesive bonding, this plane preferably extending horizontally. This embodiment has the advantage that one hand is sufficient to rotate the container 3 about the longitudinal axis L, if the dispensing device 2 does not comprise a locking device, since the dispensing device 2 is fixed and thus not rotatably connected to the plane. For example, the dispensing device 2 could also be attached to a vertically extending plane via the standing side 2 d, for example by adhesive bonding, so that the longitudinal axis L of the container system 1 is substantially horizontal, with the removal opening preferably oriented vertically downwards. This embodiment again has the advantage that one hand is sufficient to rotate the container 3 about the longitudinal axis L, if the dispensing device 2 does not comprise a locking device 5. In an advantageous embodiment, the container system 1 could comprise a spring arranged in the interior space 6 of the container 3, and preferably arranged between the end face 3 a and the next following object 7 located in the interior space 6, in order to cause a biasing force acting towards the dispensing device 2 on the objects 7 located in the interior space 6, thereby moving the objects 7 towards the dispensing device 2, in particular when the container system 1 is horizontal.
The container 3 is hollow-cylindrical in shape and has a circular internal cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The container 3 could be designed in a variety of possible shapes, subject to the constraint that the container 3 is rotatably connected to the dispensing device 2 about the longitudinal axis L thereof. The rotatable connection of the container 3 and the dispensing device 2 can be designed in a plurality of possibilities, so that the rotatable connection shown in the figures is to be considered only as an exemplary connection. For example, the container 3 could also have a polygonal internal and/or external cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, for example a 3, 4, 5 or 6-cornered cross-section, or for example an oval cross-section.
FIGS. 3 to 6 show an exemplary embodiment of the dispensing device 2. The dispensing device 2 comprises a circumferential collar wall 2 e, which forms a circularly extending inner side 2 p, wherein this inner side 2 p and the lower end wall 2 c delimit the common interior space 6 in the dispensing device 2. The dispensing device 2 preferably comprises a web 21 which extends above the removal opening 2 a and delimits the latter in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, this web 21 also forming a guide function for the connecting portion 3 c of the container 3. Advantageously, the dispensing device 2 has, on the end wall 2 c, a recessed groove 2 n extending in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L, the closure 4 a being arranged extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis L along a portion inside the groove 2 n. This groove 2 n extends within the lower end wall 2 c in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L preferably along the entire width 2 f of the removal opening 2 a, so that the slider 4 a, engages in this groove 2 n when the removal opening 2 a is closed. This groove 2 n, as well as the slider 4 a extending therein, results in a plurality of advantages. The end face of the slider 4 a, which is arranged in the groove 2 n, is guided by the groove 2 n in a defined position in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The slider 4 a is more resistant with respect to forces acting from the outside, since the slider 4 a is better held and supported in the groove 2 n. The interlocking of slider 4 a and groove 2 n results in the further advantage that the removal opening 2 a is sealed more tightly in the closed state, preferably dust-tight, and particularly preferably also water-tight, at least splashtight. Such a water-tight or splash-proof closable removal opening 2 a is particularly important when a detergent composition is stored in individual doses in the container system 1, the individual doses comprising a powdered, granular or liquid detergent encased in a sealed, flexible, water-soluble membrane. In a further possible embodiment, sealing elements, preferably elastic sealing elements, may moreover be arranged in the region of the removal opening 2 a and/or the groove 2 n in such a way that, in combination with the slider 4 a, they form a tight, preferably water-tight closure, so that the removal opening 2 a can be tightly closed. In another possible embodiment, the groove 2 n could also be dispensed with, so that no groove 2 n is let into the lower end wall 2 c.
In an advantageous embodiment, the circumferential collar wall 2 e, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 5 , is designed in two parts, with an inner, preferably cylindrical, running inner side 2 p and an outer collar wall 2 r. This outer collar wall 2 r can be designed in a variety of shapes and, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, also have a substantially larger outer diameter than the container 3, for example in order to increase the stability of the container system 1.
Advantageously, but not necessarily, the dispensing device 2 also comprises a blocking device 5 which prevents mutual rotation of the container 3 and the dispensing device 2, in particular when the closure 4 a assumes the closed position with respect to the removal opening 2 a. Advantageously, the blocking device 5 is designed as a push-turn closure. FIGS. 11 and 12 show in a section along the line of section B-B according to FIG. 5 such a push-turn closure integrated in the dispensing device 2 in two different positions. The locking device 5 comprises an actuating part 5 a which is a part of the outer collar wall 2 r, comprises an elastic connecting part 5 b, and comprises a locking part 5 c which, in the example shown, extends substantially in the direction towards the longitudinal axis L. In the basic position shown in FIG. 11 , a resting state in which no force acting radially to the longitudinal axis L is exerted on the dispensing device 2 or on the actuating part 5 a, the locking part 5 c engages in the groove 2 n, the slider 4 a in FIG. 11 being in a closed position, and the slider 4 a, after briefly rotating along its path of movement S in the direction of the opening movement So, abuts against the locking part 5 c, and can no longer be rotated further about the longitudinal axis L. The slide 4 a is thus blocked in its closed position, and the removal opening 2 a is covered by the slide 4 a and cannot be opened. The push-turn closure 5 is now designed, for example, in such a way that pressing in the actuating part 5 a with a force F1 in the direction towards the longitudinal axis L results in the locking part 5 c being lifted in the direction F2 with respect to the longitudinal axis L and thereby being removed from engagement with the groove 2 n, so that the slider 4 a can be rotated about the longitudinal axis L and the removal opening 2 a can be opened and preferably completely opened. The push-turn closure comprises at least one actuating part 5 a, which is preferably arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis L on the outer surface of the dispensing device 2. After opening, the removal opening 2 a can be closed again by moving the slide 4 a by rotating it in the direction of the closing movement Ss until the removal opening 2 a is completely closed and the locking part 5 c again assumes the position shown in FIG. 11 .
The dispensing device 2 preferably has an outer diameter of at least 6 cm perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, preferably 7-15 cm, and particularly preferably 8-10 cm, in order to make it difficult or impossible for small children in particular to grasp the dispensing device 2 with one hand and thereby exert a sufficiently large force to press the actuating part 5 a with the required force F1. In the preferred embodiment, the container system 1 according to the invention has the advantage that two steps are required to be combined in order to open the dispensing opening 2 a. On the one hand, the actuating part 5 a must be actuated in order to unlock the blocking device 5 or the push-turn closure, and on the other hand, the container 3 and the dispensing device 2 must be simultaneously rotated with respect to each other in the circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis L. This procedure makes it extraordinarily difficult for children to access the contents of the container system. Therefore, the container system 1 according to the invention exhibits a very high level of child safety. The container system 1 according to the invention is of course also suitable for making it more difficult for other groups of people to access the contents of the container, for example people suffering from dementia.
In an advantageous embodiment, the lower end wall 2 c comprises an end wall part 2 k which is inclined towards the removal opening 2 a, in particular which slopes towards the removal opening 2 a, which results in the advantage that an object to be removed from the interior space 6 is advantageously deflected or displaced towards the removal opening 2 a, so that the object can be removed from the removal opening 2 a particularly easily. In a possible embodiment example, the removal opening can extend in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L by an angle of up to 180°, wherein the removal opening preferably has an angle in the range of 70° to 100° in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L, and particularly preferably has an angle in the range of 85° to 95°.
FIGS. 13 to 18 show a second embodiment of a container system 1 which, in contrast to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 , has, among other things, an additional coupling part 4 which is arranged between the container 3 and the dispensing device 2 and connects these two together. As can be seen from FIGS. 15 and 16 , the coupling part 4 comprises the slider 4 a. FIG. 17 shows a container 3 in which a plurality of individual cans 7 are arranged in succession in the longitudinal direction L. The container 3 has a connecting section 3 c, shown enlarged in FIG. 18 , which can be connected to the second connecting section 4 c of the coupling part 4. In addition, the first connecting section 4 b of the coupling part 4 can be connected to the connecting section 2 b of the dispensing device 2, so that the container system 1 designed in this way has an interior space 6 which extends from the end face 3 a of the container 3 to the lower end wall 2 c, not shown, of the dispensing device 2.
FIG. 19 shows a further embodiment of a container 3 comprising a slider 4 a, wherein the slider 4 a has an opening 4 d extending in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis L, which is at least as wide as the removal opening width 2 f.
FIG. 20 shows an example of a detergent composition in an individual dose 7, which are also referred to as “liquid caps” or “gel caps”, and in which the detergent 7 a, 7 b is portioned in liquid or gel form in a capsule, the capsule preferably having a flexible outer membrane 7 c as the outer shell. Preferably, the inner diameter of the container 3 is designed to match the outer diameter of the individual doses 7 in such a way that the individual doses 7, as shown in FIG. 17 , are arranged with little or no play in the direction radial to the longitudinal axis L in the interior space 6 of the container 3, a plurality of individual doses 7 being arranged in succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. This arrangement and configuration has the advantage that the individual doses 7 located in the interior space 6 can hardly or not at all tilt with respect to each other, whereby the individual doses 7 are displaced towards the dispensing device 2 due to the acting gravitational force and/or a possibly existing spring force, so that at least one individual dose 7 in each case comes to lie in the interior space 6 of the dispensing device 2 in the region of the removal opening 2 a, so that the individual dose 7, after the opening of the slide 4 a, can be removed in a simple manner from the removal opening 2 a.
FIGS. 21 to 24 show a further embodiment of a dispensing device 2 which, in contrast to the dispensing device 2 shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 11 and 12 , does not have a groove 2 n running around along the path of movement S, in which the shutter 4 a designed as a slider could engage. The shutter 4 a, which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis L, can move along the path of movement S, as shown in FIG. 22 . FIGS. 21 and 22 show the path of movement S of the rotatable shutter 4 a projected in the direction of the longitudinal axis L onto the lower end wall 2 c. As can be seen from FIG. 24 , the closure 4 a preferably has a gap 4 d with respect to the bottom 2 c of the dispensing device 2, wherein in advantageous embodiments the gap 4 d is so small that the closure 4 a and the bottom 2 c preferably do not touch each other or do not touch each other at all when they are rotated relative to each other, so that a gap 4 d with a width in the range of, for example, 1 to 2 mm is formed. However, in another possible embodiment, the shutter 4 a could also contact the bottom 2 c so that the shutter 4 a is in contact with and slides along the bottom 2 c during a rotation with respect to the dispensing device 2 along the path of motion S. In addition, an elastic sealing element, for example a sealing lip, could be arranged at the end portion of the closure 4 a facing the bottom 2 c to thereby form a closure 4 a preferably sealing the interior space of the container system. As can be seen from FIGS. 22 and 23 , the locking part 5 c is movable radially with respect to the longitudinal axis L in the direction of movement V. In FIGS. 22 and 23 , the locking part 5 c assumes a rest position and a closed position, respectively, in which the locking part 5 c, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 , engages in the movement path S, so that, as can be seen from FIG. 22 , mutual rotation of closure 4 a and dispensing device 2 is prevented and is possible only slightly, up to the mutual stop of closure 4 a and locking part 5 c, so that rotation or an opening movement of closure 4 a is not possible, and therefore the removal opening 2 a cannot be opened. The blocking device 5 shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is preferably identically designed as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 . That is, the blocking device 5 is designed as a push-turn closure, comprising an actuating part 5 a, wherein the actuating part 5 a cooperates, preferably via a connecting part 5 b, with the locking part 5 c in such a way that a pressing-in and/or displacement of the actuating part 5 a in the direction towards the longitudinal axis L results in a lifting of the locking part 5 c with respect to the longitudinal axis L, so that the locking part 5 c no longer engages in the path of movement S, and as a result a mutual rotation of the closure 4 a and the dispensing device 2 is possible. In the embodiment example according to FIGS. 11, 12 and 22 , the outside of the dispensing device 2 and the collar wall 2 e, respectively, are deformed in such a way that a depression of the actuating part 5 a in the direction towards the longitudinal axis L results in a lifting of the locking part 5 c with respect to the longitudinal axis L, the connecting part 5 b performing a corresponding movement, preferably a pivoting movement.
FIG. 22 illustrates a further example of a closure comprising an actuating part 5′a, a connecting part 5′b and the locking part 5 c, wherein the actuating part 5′a is arranged preferably opposite the locking part 5 c with respect to the longitudinal axis L on the outside of the dispensing device 2 or on the collar wall 2 e, preferably on the outer collar wall 2 r, the actuating part 5′a being connected to the locking part 5 c via a connecting part 5′b preferably extending below the base 2 c, in such a way that pressing in the actuating part 5′a in the direction towards the longitudinal axis L results in the locking part 5 c being lifted off with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The dispensing device 2 preferably comprises a single actuating part 5 a, 5′a, but in a further embodiment could also comprise at least two actuating parts 5 a, 5′a, both of which act on the locking part 5 c.
The outside of the dispensing device 2 or the collar wall 2 e is preferably spring-elastic at least in the region of the actuating part 5 a, 5′a in such a way that, as shown for example in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the actuating part 5 a moves towards the longitudinal axis L by elastic deformation when a compressive force F1 is applied, and in that, in the absence of the compressive force F1, the actuating part 5 a automatically resumes the initial position shown in FIG. 11 on account of the spring-elastic properties present at least in the region of the actuating part 5 a, 5′a. The compressive force F1 required to elastically deform the actuating part 5 a toward the longitudinal axis L can be determined, for example, by at least one of the following variables: the arrangement of the webs 2 q, the mutual spacing of the webs 2 q in the circumferential direction, and the elasticity of the outside of the dispensing device 2 or of the collar wall 2 e, 2 r.
The container system 1 shown in FIGS. 21 to 24 comprises a coupling part 4 between the container 3 and the dispensing device. However, the coupling part 4 could also be dispensed with by connecting the container 3 directly to the dispensing device 2.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A container system comprising a container, a dispensing device and a closure, the container having a longitudinal axis, the container and the dispensing device being connected to one another and being mutually rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis, the container and the dispensing device enclosing a common interior space, the common interior space being bounded in the direction of the longitudinal axis by an end face of the container and by an end wall of the dispensing device, the dispensing device having, in the region of the end wall , a removal opening which is arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis which extends in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein the closure is coupled to the container, and

wherein the closure is arranged in the dispensing device in such a manner that upon mutual rotation of the container and the dispensing device about the longitudinal axis, the closure is rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the removal opening and, depending on its position, assumes a closed position in which the closure closes the removal opening and an open position in which the removal opening is fully open.

19. The container system according to claim 18, wherein the dispensing device comprises a blocking device with a locking part movable radially with respect to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the closure, which is rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis, has a path of movement, and wherein the locking part engages in the movement path and prevents mutual rotation of the closure and dispensing device when the closure assumes the closed position with respect to the removal opening.

20. The container system according to claim 19, wherein the blocking device is designed as a push-turn closure comprising an actuating part, the actuating part interacting with the locking part in such a manner that a depression of an actuating part in the direction towards the longitudinal axis results in a lifting of the locking part with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the locking part no longer engages in the path of movement, and thereby a mutual rotation of closure and dispensing device is possible.

21. The container system according to claim 20, wherein the actuating part is arranged on the outside of the dispensing device with respect to the longitudinal axis.

22. The container system according to claim 21, wherein the dispensing device has a collar wall extending in the circumferential direction, and in that the actuating part is designed as a part of the collar wall.

23. The container system according to claim 21, wherein the dispensing device has an outer diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of at least 6 cm.

24. The container system according to claim 18, wherein the dispensing device has, in the direction of the longitudinal axis, at the end opposite the end face, a standing face on which the container system can stand.

25. The container system according to claim 18, wherein a groove running in the circumferential direction to the longitudinal axis is let into the end wall, and that the closure is arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis along a partial section within the groove.

26. The container system according to claim 25, wherein the locking part of the blocking device engages in the groove.

27. The container system according to claim 18, wherein the closure is spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis with respect to the end wall, so that a gap is formed between the closure and the end wall.

28. The container system according to claim 17, wherein the container and the dispensing device form a cylindrical, common interior space, the common interior space having in particular a diameter in the range between 4 to 12 cm.

29. The container system according claim 17, wherein the removal opening extends in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis through an angle of up to 180°.

30. The container system according claim 29, wherein the removal opening has an angle in the range of 70° to 100° in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

31. The container system according to claim 17, wherein the closure is fixedly connected to the container.

32. The container system according to claim 24, wherein the dispensing device has a first connecting portion at the end opposite to the standing side , wherein the container has a second connecting portion at the end opposite to the end face, wherein the closure projects in the direction of the longitudinal axis beyond the second connecting portion , and wherein the dispensing device and the container are detachably and mutually rotatably connected about the longitudinal axis via the first and second connecting portions.

33. The container system according to claim 24, wherein the dispensing device has a first connecting portion at the end opposite to the standing side, wherein the container has a second connecting portion at the end opposite to the end face, wherein a coupling part is arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis between the container and the dispensing device and connects them to one another via the first and second connecting sections, wherein the coupling part comprises the closure, and wherein the dispensing device and the container are mutually rotatably connected about the longitudinal axis via the coupling part.

34. Use of a container system according to claim 18 for dispensing individual doses of a detergent composition, wherein a plurality of individual doses are stacked in succession in the direction of the longitudinal axis in the common interior space by rotating the container relative to the dispensing device about the longitudinal axis, so that the closure is rotated and thereby the removal opening is completely opened, that thereafter a single dose is withdrawn from the removal opening, and that thereafter the container is again rotated relative to the dispensing device about the longitudinal axis and the removal opening is thereby closed.

35. Use according to claim 34, wherein before the container and dispensing device are rotated relative to each other, the locking part movable radially relative to the longitudinal axis is raised relative to the path of movement of the closure, so that the container and the dispensing device are thereafter rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis.