WO2014019823A1

WO2014019823A1 - A container for a detergent bar

Info

Publication number: WO2014019823A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/064542
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kaustubh GOSWAMI; Prashant Hasmukhrai KURANI; Raju Biswanath PARUI; Pardeep Kaur Surinder Singh Vilkhu
Original assignee: Unilever N.V.; Unilever Plc; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2012-07-30
Filing date: 2013-07-10
Publication date: 2014-02-06

Abstract

Disclosed is a container (1) for a detergent bar (4) comprising: (i) a receptacle (2); and, (ii) a complementary cover (3), where, said receptacle comprises an outlet for water (5) and is adapted to be placed partly inside said cover after inverting said cover, wherein said receptacle is supported by one or more stops present in said cover, thereby leaving an empty space in said cover for collection of drained water, such that simultaneous use of a surface of the bar and said drained water is possible. In said container, run-off or drained water can be effectively utilized simultaneous with the bar, so as to minimize wastage.

Description

A CONTAINER FOR A DETERGENT BAR TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to container for a detergent bar. BACKGROUND AND RELATED ART

Hand-dish wash detergent bars are used for cleaning soiled utensils with the help of a hydrophilic implement or a scrubber. The implement or scrubber is first dipped in water and then rubbed against a surface of the bar to abrade a portion of the bar. This portion is used to clean the utensils. According to a widely prevalent consumer habit, the bars are kept in a tray or a dish or a container and the scrubber is also kept along with the bar.

The implement or scrubber generally tends to absorb a lot of water. Excess water usually collects inside the container or on the surface of the bar. Such water, which contains a good amount of surfactants, is usually discarded. Some prior publications disclose methods to drain the water quickly so that the bar also dries quickly.

CA2317214 A1 (COURNOYER NORMAND, 2002) discloses a receptacle device which allows slick material formed on the bar to drop directly and neatly into a sink. The device includes an inclinable chute which is pivotally secured to a stand via an inclination adjustment member adapted to latch the chute into plurality of inclined positions. The inclinable chute has an essentially flat floor with a top and a bottom surfaces and side walls extending generally upwardly from the said floor The chute has an opening in its lower part and a bar soap retainer member being connected to the top surface of the floor before and above the opening. The opening is adapted to extend over the stand and downwardly into the sink basin. EP0853915 A1 (PARK YOUNG-KEUN, 1998) discloses a receptacle which has provision for receiving a bar of soap in a standing position for making point- contact, as opposed to conventional receptacles in which the bar is received in a flat position which maximizes the contact area. The bottom surface of the receiving portion is sloped in the direction of receiving the bar of soap and water outlet hole is provided at the lowermost portion of the receiving portion.

JP20091 12756A (KOZONO NAOKO, 2009) discloses a two-component soap storage case. There is a bottom part provided with holes from where the aqueous solution flows out and is collected in a receiving part. Although the disclosed case is designed to collect fallen aqueous solution, one of the limitations of the case is that it is designed only for applications in which the bar is to picked-up and used and later kept back. The case is not appropriately designed for applications in which even in a single-use, there is repeated intervention between the user and the bar, such as in the case of hand dish wash detergent bars. The case is obviously also not appropriately designed where the bar of detergent remains inside the case during use.

GB635527A (Joseph Keith, 1950) discloses a two-component soap container. The container has a holder part and a cover part which when inverted serves also as a stand for the holder. The holder and cover have cooperating engaging means to hold them together in use. The holder has holes through which any liquid can drain into the inverted cover. Further, US patent 131 1666 issued to Perkins (1919) also discloses a self- draining soap container. It is somewhat similar in construction to the container disclosed in GB635527A. The container has a receptacle identified therein as a container proper and a complementary cover which is identified therein as a catching basin. The container proper has a hole/aperture for waste water to escape. However, the construction of the container is such that simultaneous use of the run-off water and soap is not possible. Further, there is no specific attempt made to collect and use the run-off water. The problem set-out by the applicant is to keep the soap bar dry.

Another publication US2009/0173644 A1 (Srungaram) discloses yet another container meant for the same purpose. However in this case the container is a complicated three-piece assembly having, in addition to the two pieces mentioned earlier, a third piece called rack. This rack enables water to be drained away more efficiently but it also does not disclose how to make simultaneous use of the bar and the drained water.

A limitation of the disclosed container is that the user cannot simultaneously use the soap bar and the drained liquid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a container for a detergent bar having:

(i) a receptacle; and,

(ii) a complementary cover,

where, the receptacle includes an outlet for water and is adapted to be placed partly inside the cover after inverting the cover,

wherein;

said receptacle is supported by one or more stops present in the cover; thereby leaving an empty space in the cover for collection of drained water, such that simultaneous use of a surface of the bar and the drained water is possible.

For better understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a container for a detergent bar having:

(i) a receptacle; and,

(ii) a complementary cover,

where,

the receptacle includes an outlet for water and is adapted to be placed partly inside the cover after inverting the cover,

wherein said receptacle is supported by one or more stops present in the cover; thereby leaving an empty space in the cover for collection of drained water, such that simultaneous use of a surface of the bar and the drained water is possible.

When in a closed state, the receptacle and the complementary cover together form the container with the detergent bar in it. For this purpose, the receptacle and the cover are preferably appropriately shaped so that the two can cooperate to make the closed container. The receptacle and the cover have appropriate mechanism to ensure good fit. Suitable mechanisms include snap-fitting means.

For use, the user is first required to separate the receptacle from the cover, then, place the receptacle, preferably with the bar in it, party inside the inverted cover. In this manner, the cover forms a sort of a tray or a dish for the receptacle. The receptacle is to be placed partly inside the cover, otherwise the two will fit into each other and then no space will be left inside the cover for collecting drained water. Although the receptacle can be placed in any manner, preferably flat, it is particularly preferred that the receptacle is placed in an inclined manner. In such a configuration, the bar will also be inclined and drainage of water will be easier.

The difference between this arrangement and the features disclosed in prior literature which had a tray, such as US2930160 B1 or GB635527 is that the tray is not designed or intended to collect run-off surfactant-rich water. In the container which is now disclosed, the cover (forming the tray when in-use) itself has empty space to collect drained water, i.e. the surfactant-rich water, which has flown through said outlet. While the mass of normal soap bars meant for personal wash applications is usually around 100 to 200 g; the mass of a typical and generally the more widely selling size of a dish wash detergent bar is about 300 to 450 g. The weight of such bars combined with the typical manner of use of such bars, i.e. the pressure applied by the user while using the implement or scrubber, would destabilize the receptacle and make it particularly prone to topple at the slightest opportunity. This happens because only a part of the receptacle is inside the tray while an appreciable portion of it projects or juts, protrudes, overshoots or overhangs the tray (cover). This is prevented, at least to some extent by the one or more stops. The base of the cover, i.e. the cover when used as the tray, has one or more stops to support the receptacle. Preferably there are two stops at the base of the cover.

Another purpose of the stops is to leave an empty space in the cover for collection of drained water which has flown through said outlet. In the absence of the stop or stops, the entire receptacle will very likely fit completely within the cover (tray) making it impossible, or significantly difficult for anyone to simultanesouly access the drained water and a surface of the bar. As explained earlier, the water that is collected in the empty space is rich in surfactants and abrasive agents which are typically included in hand dish wash compositions. The drained water, which would otherwise be wasted if constructional features of disclosed prior art are employed, can be used by consumers to clean the utensils, while at the same time; the entire top surface of the detergent bar is available for direct application. Another advantage of this arrangement is that such an arrangement does not require any change in consumer habits. Consumers are generally habituated to using hand dishwash detergent bars by keeping the bar in a container and using it in a flat state. The container which is now disclosed is designed to allow

simultaneous use of a surface of the bar as well the drained water. Normally, consumers collect the drained water in a separate container and use it. While the stop or stops can be positioned anywhere inside the tray, preferably it is positioned such that said empty space of said tray is not greater than 50 % of the total space inside the cover. More than 50 % empty space could lead to an unstable arrangement, unless special measures are used for stabilization.

It is possible that the stop or stops may not be able to prevent movement of the receptacle completely. Users generally apply uncontrolled force to abrade a surface of the detergent bar with an implement. The usual tendency of users is to abrade the proximal or the nearest surface of the bar. Gradually the proximal surface depletes to a substantial extent while the distal portion is still thick. This leads to an imbalance in the centre of gravity of the detergent bar leading to more chances of toppling over. This can be addressed when the cover and the receptacle have complementary locking means to minimize movement of the receptacle, especially when it is in the inclined manner.

The complementary locking means could be any known means. Preferred examples include tongue-&-groove type of means or sliding locks. The tongue is preferably disposed on the outside of the receptacle while the groove is appropriately positioned inside the cover such that the two can come in locking arrangement. These means provide edge-to-edge fitment between the receptacle and the cover.

It is preferred that the locking means in the receptacle is immediately adjacent the stop or stops in the cover. This will create a more robust and stable arrangement.

The receptacle has an outlet for water which allows the water to flow out of the receptacle and collect in the empty space. Therefore, the usable surface of the bar remains clean and dry while at the same time the drained water, which is usually surfactant-rich, is collected and is ready for use so that wastage is minimized. The outlet is preferably in the form of plurality of holes. Known alternatives to hole include cracks, slits and fissures. The holes can be of any proportionate shape and size. The outlet is at the base of the receptacle. When packed as well as when in use, the outlet is covered by the detergent bar.

In known containers, the detergent bar, at least when it is unused, snugly fits inside the receptacle or holder, usually touching all the walls. Such an

arrangement is not suitable when water or detergent sludge accumulates in the receptacle. In such case, there is little space for water to drain out of the receptacle. Such a problem can be solved, or at least minimized to a large extent, when the base of the receptacle has one or more retaining members abutting a wall thereof which is adjacent to the empty space, to prevent direct contact of the detergent bar with said wall. The abutting provision helps ensure that any water that is drained can quickly collect in the empty space.

It is preferred that when there is more than one retaining member, the members are spaced apart. This allows water to flow out easily. These retaining members can be in the form of a barricade, more preferably a barricade in the form of a discontinuous barrier which is smaller in size as compared to the proximate wall, yet large enough to hold back the detergent bar and to create a partition between the retaining members and the proximate wall.

In such a configuration, flow of water can be further facilitated if the receptacle has one or more further outlet for water on the described wall or at the junction of the wall and the base of the receptacle. This further outlet also, like the earlier outlet, is preferably in the form of plurality of holes.

With the provision of the space inside the tray (cover) an appreciable quantity of surfactant-rich water can be easily collected. However, for any reason, if more water needs to be collected, it can be done by the help of a feature in the cover (tray) in which the cover has a slidable extension for an extra space to collect water. Thus, in normal circumstances, the slidable extension is not used.

Whenever desired, it is pulled out for use. Like in the case of known containers, it is preferred that the receptacle and the cover, each, have opposed front and rear walls integral with opposed side walls. Together they define, as the case may be, the receptacle or the cover.

In a preferred container, in the receptacle, the front wall is higher than the corresponding rear wall; and in the cover, the front wall is shorter than the corresponding rear wall, such that each side wall of the receptacle and the cover have a sloping profile. The base of the receptacle creates a place for the detergent bar to rest while the walls contain the bar within the confines of the receptacle. The dimensions of the base and walls can be generally chosen to suit the shape and size of the detergent bar that is to be held inside the receptacle.

Therefore, in a closed condition, the corresponding sloping profiles of the receptacle and the cover engage to define the container. The line of engagement, which is generally a flat line in case of known containers, is an inclined line in this preferred configuration. The sloping profile further helps to ensure that the receptacle is properly placed in the inclined manner. Jt is particularly preferred that the front and rear walls of each of the container and the cover rise outwardly. It is preferred that the angle of each sloping profile is 5 to 30° with respect to the general horizontal plane.

The container is preferably of a generally polygonal shape. It is particularly preferred that the shape of the container is rectangular. This is because most detergent bars are rectangular is shape. The function of the receptacle is to hold the detergent bar. Therefore appropriate selection in the shape of the receptacle can be made by the skilled person to accommodate any detergent bar. Generally the container is a two-piece container. Three-piece containers are also possible; an example being the one which has the slidable extension.

The material of construction of the container can be any suitable material.

Preferred materials include plastic and metals. From a manufacturing angle, it is preferred to either to wrap the container with the detergent bar in it with a plastic, or use a retainer ring such that two pieces do not open-up during transit. Plastic wrapping will also prevent dust from entering the container.

The outer surface of the container, i.e. the cover and the receptacle can be used for the purpose of branding and providing technical or regulatory information.

Composition of the detergent bars

While there is no restriction on the composition or shape of the detergent bars that may be used in conjunction with the disclosed container, it is preferred that hand dish wash detergent bars are used. Composition of such bars is disclosed in several publications. Reference may be made to WO0041468 A2 (Unilever). It is particularly advantageous if such bars are coated as described in e.g.

WO030461 19 A1 (Unilever).

The invention will now be explained with the help of non-limiting exemplary embodiments. In all the figures, like features have been illustrated with like numerals. The same features, when denoted by reference signs throughout the description, are denoted by the same signs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig.1 is a partially cut-away isometric view of a first embodiment of a preferred container in closed condition.

Fig.2 is another isometric view of the first embodiment from the side opposite to that seen in Fig.1 also shown in a partially cut-away manner. Fig.3 is an isometric view of the preferred container of the first embodiment in an open condition, showing the receptacle and the cover and the manner in which they are to be assembled for use. Fig.4 shows the container of Fig.1 in an assembled form, ready to use.

Fig.5 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a preferred container in a closed form shown in a partially cut-away manner. Fig.6 is an isometric view of the second embodiment in an open condition, showing the receptacle and the cover assembled for use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig.1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a preferred container in closed condition shown in a partially cut-away manner. Seen here is a container 1 which is of a generally rectangular shape. The container is made of two parts, a receptacle 2 and a cover 3. Seen through the cut-away portion is the detergent bar 4.

In Fig.2, the container of Fig.1 is seen from the reverse (turned-around/opposite) side. In this isometric view of the container 1 are seen plurality of elongated holes as outlets 5 on the back side (base) of the receptacle 2. The outlets allow drainage of water from the receptacle 2. Further outlets 6 serve the purpose of providing additional means for drainage of water.

Fig.3 is an isometric view of the preferred container of the first embodiment in an open condition, showing the receptacle 2 separated from the cover 3 and the manner in which they are to be assembled for use. The receptacle 2 is separated from the cover 3 by opening the snap-fit joint between the two. The receptacle 2 has a front wall 7, an opposed (shorter) rear wall 8 (not seen fully in this view), a first side wall 9 and an opposed second side wall 10 (not seen fully in this view). Due to the difference in heights between the front wall 7 and the rear wall 8, the side wall 9 and the other side wall 10 have a sloping profile. In addition to the outlets 5 which are shown in Fig.2 (not seen in this view), the receptacle also has further outlets (all identified as 6) on the front wall 7. In addition to the disclosed features, receptacle 2 also has a sliding lock 1 1 which complements and fits with the corresponding feature (not seen) in the cover, engaging therewith to minimize movement of the receptacle 2 when placed in inclined manner. The front wall 7 and the rear wall 8 both diverge upwardly and outwardly.

In the open condition, the cover 3 of the container serves as a tray for the receptacle 2 so that the receptacle 2 can be placed partly inside the receptacle 2. In the case of the cover 3 (tray), the front wall 12 is shorter than the corresponding rear wall 13, such that each side wall 14 and 15 of the receptacle 2 define a sloping profile. When the receptacle 2 is placed inside the cover (tray) 3, the stop 16 (and the other stop on the opposite side (not seen in this view) supports the receptacle 2. The sidewalls 9 and 10 of the receptacle 2 slope downwards from its front end to the back end. On the other hand, the sidewalls 14 and 15 of the cover 3 slope upwards from front end to its back end.

Sliding lock 17 locks with the feature corresponding to feature 1 1 of the receptacle 2 (which is not seen in this view as it on the outer side of wall 10) to further minimize the movement of the receptacle in the inclined manner. In Fig.4, the container 1 is shown in the assembled form in ready to use state.

This happens when the receptacle 2 has been properly placed partly and secured, as preferred, in inclined manner inside the cover 3 (tray). The relative movement is restrained due to the stops and the sliding locks arrangement. Seen in this view are the two stops identified by common numeral 16. Also seen are the retaining members 19 abutting, i.e. adjacent, the front wall 7 (not seen) of the receptacle 2 to prevent direct contact of the detergent bar 4 with the front wall 7. The stops 16 and the sliding locks retain the receptacle in this inclined position leaving an empty space 18 in the cover 3 (tray). The arrangement allows for simultaneously making use of the shown major surface of the detergent bar as well as drained surfactant-rich water that would otherwise get wasted. The water can flow through the outlets (holes) 5 and 6 and accumulate in the empty space 18 leaving the bar clean and dry.

Fig.5 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a preferred container in closed form. The receptacle 2 is provided with a sliding extension 20 which can be pulled out for creating an extra space, especially when the container is in use. In addition to the multiple outlets 5 in the form of elongated oval holes, the

receptacle 2 also has holes 6 on the front wall 7 which serve as further outlets for water. The detergent bar 4 is seen through the cut-away section. The opened condition is seen in Fig.6 in which, both, the space 1 8 and the extended extra space 21 can be seen. The extra space 21 is formed when the slidable extension 20 is pulled out. When not required, the extension 20 can be slid back into initial position. Inside the receptacle 2 can be seen the two retaining members 19 which are meant to prevent direct contact between the wall (in this case the front wall, which is not seen in this view) of the receptacle 2 and the detergent bar 4. The space between the retaining members 19 and the

immediately abutting wall is meant to make way for unobstructed passage of water from the holes 6, which are not seen in this view. Apart from the holes 6, water is also allowed to flow out through the outlet (holes) 5 as described.

It should be understood that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1 . A container (1 ) for a detergent bar (4) comprising:

(i) a receptacle (2); and,

(ii) a complementary cover (3),

where,

said receptacle comprises an outlet for water (5) and is adapted to be placed partly inside said cover after inverting said cover;

wherein said receptacle is supported by one or more stops (16) present in said cover, thereby leaving an empty space in said cover for collection of drained water, such that simultaneous use of a surface of the bar and said drained water is possible.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said receptacle is placed in an inclined manner.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said cover and said

receptacle have complementary locking means (1 1 , 17) to minimize movement of said receptacle in said inclined manner.

4. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein base of said receptacle comprises one or more retaining members (19) abutting a wall (7) thereof which is adjacent to said empty space, to prevent direct contact of said detergent bar with said wall.

5. A container as claimed in claim 4 wherein when there is more than one retaining member, they are spaced apart.

6. A container as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein said receptacle comprises one or more further outlet (6) for water on said wall or at the junction of said wall and said base.

7. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said cover comprises a slidable extension (20) to form an extra space (21 ) for collection of water.

8. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said receptacle and said cover, each, comprise opposed front and rear walls (7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, integral with opposed side walls.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8 wherein in said receptacle, said front wall (7) is higher than the corresponding rear wall (8); and in said cover, said front wall (12) is shorter than the corresponding rear wall (13), such that each side wall of said receptacle and said cover have a sloping profile.

10. A container as claimed in claim 9 wherein angle of each sloping profile is 5 to 30° with respect to the general horizontal plane.

1 1 . A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said one or more stops (6) are positioned in such a way that said empty space is not greater than 50 % of the total space inside said cover.

12. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said container is of generally polygonal shape.