ES2849527T3 - Consumable product - Google Patents

Abstract

A consumer product (1) comprising a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit dose article (3) contained therein; wherein said container (2) comprises; - a base (4), - an opening (5) positioned opposite the base (4); and - at least one wall (6) extending vertically from said base (4) to said opening (5), wherein said at least one wall (6) ends at an upper edge (7) of said at least one wall (6), and wherein said wall (6) comprises an inner surface (8) and an outer surface (9); and - wherein said base (4) and the at least one wall (6) define an internal compartment (10) wherein the internal compartment (10) is accessible from the opening (5); - a cover (11) capable of moving from an open to closed position by means of at least one hinge (12) and wherein when in the closed position it covers the opening (5); wherein the container (2) comprises at least one locking means (13), wherein the locking means comprises a lid component (14) located on or within the lid (11) and a lid component (15) wall, wherein the interaction of the lid component (14) and the wall component (15) results in the locking means (13) engaging and the lid (11) being fixed in a locking position, characterized by that, the wall component (15) comprises a support element (16) extending from the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6) or the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall ( 6), and a hook element (17); and wherein, when the lid (11) is in the closed position, the hook element (17) engages the lid component (14) such that only the application of force to the hook element (17) will disengage the component (15 ) of the wall of the cover component (14); and wherein the hook element (17) extends from the support element (16) into the container (10); and wherein the disengagement of the wall component (15) from the cap component (14) requires the application of force to the hook element (17) wherein the application of force is made in the direction towards the inner surface (8).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Consumable product

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a container for water soluble unit dose articles and containers comprising water soluble unit dose articles.

Background of the invention

Water soluble unit dose articles are attractive to consumers as they are practical and efficient to use in laundering operations. Said articles comprise a water soluble film that defines at least one internal compartment, wherein the compartment houses a detergent composition.

Water soluble unit dose items are often sold to consumers in containers with lids. The closure of the lids is intended to minimize the entry of moisture into the containers, which can affect the physical stability of the internal water soluble unit dose articles. This entry is particularly problematic in high humidity environments, such as those found in the vicinity of the washing operation (such as laundry or dishwashing). The closure of the lids is also intended to reduce spillage or leakage of items from the container when it is not what is intended or in any way desired, for example if the container is dropped, turned over or dropped. sideways. Therefore, such containers are manufactured with a locking means to ensure that the lid remains closed when not in use.

Furthermore, when the lid of the container is closed, the locking means serves to prevent the ability of children (under 5 years of age) to access the contents of the container, and subsequently expose themselves to the water soluble unit dose articles.

Traditionally, such containers were manufactured in a way that the locking means rested on the front outer surface of the container. These types of locking means comprised a part on the lid and a part on the container wall, and were unlocked when the user pressed or pulled the lid component towards or away from it, releasing it from the wall component. However, a potential problem with the location of such blocking means was that there could be a tendency to be damaged during transport, particularly if the packages are not packaged for transport, in such a way that, specifically, damage is reduced. This damage was caused by adjacent containers striking each other or rubbing against each other, causing the locking means on the outer surface of the jar to be damaged.

In an attempt to overcome these problems, manufacturers have relocated the wall component of the lock to the top of the container wall, with a corresponding lid component remaining in the lid. This relocation of the locking medium remained intuitive for adults in terms of how to use it, while reducing the number of cases of damage during manufacture, transport and storage. Furthermore, relocating the locking means in such a manner made it even more difficult for children to locate the locking means in the container.

However, it was found that such a locking means can be difficult for consumers to disengage, since it was required to pull the wall component away from the user, at the same time as lifting the lid. This could result in the container simply moving away from the consumer, rather than disengaging the lock, and / or the consumer finding the entire operation uncomfortable or uncomfortable for the fingers and hand.

In US-20150315532 a container with a lid that can be opened easily for the user is described. The container has two closure means, wherein the first closure means can be opened by direct application of force to the respective frame section, and the second closure means can be opened by direct application of force to the respective lid section. .

Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a container comprising water soluble unit dose articles, wherein the container comprises a locking means that effectively keeps the lid closed when not in use, and does not suffer damage associated with the locking means that is attached to the front of the container, while remaining comfortable and intuitive for the consumer to operate. In addition, the container must impede the ability of children to access the contents of the container when the lid is closed.

It has surprisingly been found that the container according to the present invention overcame these problems. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the locking means of the present container requires the user to perform a 'pinching motion' to disengage the locking means. This movement is more comfortable and intuitive for the human hand and also allows the consumer to simultaneously lift the lid. The locking means also effectively keeps the lid closed when not in use.

Furthermore, the manufacturing efficiency of containers comprising water-soluble unit dose articles can be improved by reducing the number of instances where the blocking means is damaged during manufacture. Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is a consumer product, according to claim 1.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 depicts a consumer product, according to the present invention, comprising a container and at least one water-soluble unit dose article contained therein.

Fig. 2 depicts a cross-sectional representation of a wall component comprising a support member directly attached to the inner surface of the at least one wall.

Fig. 3 describes a cross-sectional representation of where the wall component comprises the support element attached to the upper edge of the at least one wall.

Fig. 4 describes a cross-sectional representation of where the wall component comprises the support element attached to the inner surface of the at least one wall by means of a horizontal connector element.

Fig. 5 depicts a cross-sectional representation of where the wall component comprises the support member attached to the inner surface of the at least one wall by means of a horizontal connector member.

Fig. 6 depicts a cross-sectional representation of where the lid is in the closed position. The wall component engages the cap component and the cap locks in place.

Fig. 7 depicts a cross-sectional representation of where the application of force to the hook member in a direction toward the inner surface, releases the cap component from the wall component, allowing the cap to radially move away from the opening.

Fig. 8 describes an exploded view of the container wherein the at least one wall comprises two sections, a lower section connected to the base and an upper section. The top edge sits on the top section and the wall component is attached to the top section.

Fig. 9 depicts a top view of the container wherein the container has an occupied space defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container, and the at least one locking means does not extend beyond the occupied space of the container.

Fig. 10 depicts a top view of the container wherein the container has an occupied space defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container, and the at least one locking means extends beyond the occupied space of the container.

Fig. 11 depicts the lid comprising a cavity surrounded by an outer rim, and wherein the lid component is comprised within the outer rim.

Fig. 12 describes the consumer product wherein the at least one wall of the container comprises two sections, the upper section and the lower section. The container comprises a lip.

Fig. 13 describes a cross-sectional view of the container comprising a first wall and a second wall, where the hinge connects to the second wall, and where the first wall is located opposite the second wall, and where the first wall comprises the at least one locking means, preferably at least two locking means.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the movement of the wall component during engagement of the cap component with the wall component.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container showing the base with a raised area.

Fig. 16 is the same as Fig. 12 except that the at least one side is curved.

Fig. 17 depicts the container where the lid is closed and where the counterforce areas can be seen on the lid.

Fig. 18 depicts a wall component wherein the hook element has a first axis and a second axis. Fig. 19 depicts a water soluble unit dose article according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Consumable product

The present invention relates to a consumer product comprising a container and at least one water soluble unit dose article.

The at least one water soluble unit dose article is housed within the container. The container and the water soluble unit dose article are described in greater detail below.

The consumer product can be sold 'as is', in other words, the consumer product is the item that the consumer selects from the shelf. Alternatively, the consumer product could be housed as a unit of a multi-component product. For example, more than one consumer product could be housed within an outer package and multiple packaged consumer products sold together in a single purchase.

The consumer product can comprise aesthetic elements, for example, shrink sleeves or labels adhered to the container. Alternatively, the container can be colored or printed with aesthetic elements or informational prints, such as instructions for use.

Container

The consumer product comprises a container. The container must be capable of holding the at least one water soluble unit dose article. The container can be of any suitable size depending on the number of water soluble unit dose articles contained within the container.

The container can be of any suitable shape. The container may have a general straight shape, for example with straight sides, or it may have a curved shape or it may comprise both straight and curved elements. The container can comprise flat surfaces as well as surfaces comprising stampings or other structural element, e.g. eg, designed to improve grip or structural integrity.

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

The container may have a measured length of between 100mm and 300mm, preferably between 140mm and 260mm. The container may have a width measured between 60mm and 140mm, preferably between 65mm and 115mm.

The container can be of any suitable shape. Suitable forms will be known to those skilled in the art. The container may have a cubic shape, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, or a mixture thereof. Although the container may have a general linear shape, eg rectangular, it may comprise curved walls. For example, when viewed from above, the container may be rectangular in shape; however, when viewed from the front, it may comprise convex curved walls that curve from the top of the container to the bottom of the container.

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

The container can be made of plastic materials, metallic materials, paper materials, or a mixture thereof. The container can be made of materials that comprise recycled materials.

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

The plastic material can have a tensile modulus in the range of 1250 MPa to 3000 MPa, preferably between 1300 MPa and 2300 MPa. One of skill in the art will know how to measure tensile modulus using techniques commonly known in the art.

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

The container may be made of paper materials where the paper material is preferably selected cardboard, laminates, cellulose pulp materials or a mixture thereof.

The material used to make the container can comprise other ingredients, such as colorants, preservatives, plasticizers, UV stabilizers, oxygen, perfume, recycled materials, and moisture barriers or a mixture thereof. The container may comprise external or internal printing areas.

The container can be made using any suitable process.

Suitable processes include, but are not limited to, thermoforming, injection molding, injection stretch blow molding, extrusion blow molding, or a mixture thereof, preferably thermoforming or injection molding, or a mixture of the same.

Suitable processes include, but are not limited to, forming a tube from a flat laminate with a step of welding, extruded tube forming, folding, or a mixture thereof.

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

The container comprises a base. When at rest, the base sits at the bottom of the container as it rests on a surface. The base may be substantially flat, that is, not comprise areas that are substantially elevated relative to other areas. Alternatively, the base may comprise a raised area. This has the advantage of creating a receptacle within the container that can trap any leaking detergent composition from breaking unit dose items. This has the advantage of minimizing unwanted contact between unbroken unit dose articles and the leaking composition.

The container comprises an opening located opposite the base. At least one wall extends vertically from said base to said opening. By vertically, in this context is meant herein approximately vertical. In other words, the wall does not extend from the base at an angle of exactly 90 °, rather there may be a variation on both sides of exactly 90 °. Those skilled in the art will understand what relevant variation there may be. The wall may extend from the base at an angle between 75 ° and 105 °, preferably between 80 ° and 100 °, more preferably between 85 ° and 95 ° relative to the base. Preferably, the container comprises at least 2 walls, preferably at least 3 walls, most preferably at least 4 walls extending between said base and said opening. Preferably, the container comprises 4 walls, so that the container is generally square or rectangular in shape.

The at least one wall ends at an upper edge of said at least one wall. It should be understood that the top edge is the top of the at least one wall. The upper edge is preferably horizontal, so that it is parallel to the base. However, the top edge does not have to be completely horizontal, for example, it can have raised areas or run in a practically diagonal direction.

The width of the upper surface may correspond to the thickness of the at least one wall. However, the upper surface can be thinner or thicker than the at least one wall. The upper surface can comprise different thicknesses within the same container. The thickness of the top surface of one wall may be different from the thickness of the top surface of another wall in the same container.

The thickness of the upper surface can be between 1mm and 8mm, preferably between 2mm and 6mm.

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

The at least two sections are joined together by mechanical connection, by adhesive, or a combination thereof. The mechanical connections can comprise simple hooks in one or both of the sections. Preferably, the at least two sections are joined together through the use of both mechanical and adhesive connections. By adhesive it refers to hot melt adhesive, reactive hot melt adhesive, thermosetting adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, contact glue adhesive. Preferably the adhesive is a pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive. Preferably, the pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive is suitable for adhering and bonding to a range of materials including one or more of the materials mentioned above. Preferably, the at least one wall comprises a lower section and an upper section. The lower section rises from the base. The upper section is subsequently attached to the lower section, preferably by adhesive, and comprises the upper edge. Alternatively, the at least two sections can be arranged vertically, such that both sections rise adjacent to each other from the base.

The at least one wall can be made of rigid material, flexible material, or a mixture thereof. The base can be made of rigid material, flexible material, or a mixture thereof. The at least one wall may comprise an upper section and a lower section, wherein the upper section is made of rigid material and the lower section is made of flexible material, and preferably, where the base is made of flexible material.

The at least one wall comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is in contact with the environment outside the container, while the inner surface is in contact with the environment inside the container.

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

The internal compartment is accessible from the opening. The container may comprise more than one internal compartment. The unit dose article may comprise at least one compartment, or at least two compartments, or at least three compartments.

The container also comprises a lid. The lid can be moved from an open to a closed position by means of a hinge. When in the closed position, the lid covers the opening. By "cover the opening" is meant herein preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 98% of the area of the opening that covers the lid. It should be understood that due to manufacturing tolerances, etc., a gap may still exist between the top edge and the lid when closed, but it is intended that any gaps present are not large enough to allow access to the opening by part of the user, or allowing the at least one water soluble unit dose article to be purposely or accidentally removed from the internal compartment.

At least part of the opening may comprise a permanent cover, and the cap covers the remaining area of the opening.

If the lid is assumed to be at an angle of 0 ° when closed, then the lid can be opened to a maximum angle, relative to the closed position, of between more than 0 ° and 270 °, preferably between 60 ° and 180 °, more preferably between 90 ° and 150 °.

The container comprises at least one locking means. Preferably, the container comprises at least two locking means. Preferably, the at least two locking means are separated by a distance of from 50mm to 180mm. The at least two locking means can be present on the same wall or on different walls, preferably on the same wall. Preferably, the container comprises two locking means, so as to adjust the number of hands of the consumer and allow the consumer to open the container in a coordinated movement.

The locking means comprises a lid component and a wall component. In other words, a component of the locking means is located on or within the lid, and a separate component of the locking means is located on the inner surface of the at least one wall or on the upper edge. The interaction of the lid component and the wall component results in the locking means engaging and the lid being secured in a locking position.

The cap component is preferably simply a cavity or hole in the cap, capable of accommodating the hook element. The cavity or hole may be of any suitable shape, as long as it can receive the hook element and allow engagement of the hook element to place the cover in the locked position and disengagement of the hook element by an appropriate action to disengage it.

The wall component comprises a support element and a hook element. The support member extends from the upper edge of the at least one wall or the inner surface of the at least one wall. The hook element is attached to the support element. The support element and the hook element can be two separate pieces joined together. Alternatively, the support member and the hook member can be formed as one integral part.

Preferably, the support member and the hook member are arranged such that the wall component is in the shape of an inverted U. Preferably, the U-shape is attached to the inner surface or upper edge by a horizontal connecting element, or substantially horizontal connecting element extending from the inner surface or upper edge to the support element. By "practically horizontal", it is meant herein that the connector element is not perfectly horizontal, but may be at a slight angle. Those skilled in the art will understand what relevant variation there may be. The element The connector may extend from the inner surface at an angle between 75 ° and 105 °, preferably between 80 ° and 100 °, more preferably between 85 ° and 95 °, relative to the inner surface. Despite the angle, the connector element will still get the same benefit as a perfectly horizontal connector element.

When the lid is in a closed position, the hook element engages the lid component, such that force needs to be applied to the hook element to disengage the wall component from the lid component.

Preferably, the user needs a counter force to disengage the wall component from the lid component. This counterforce is preferably the result of the finger / thumb pinching movement in which the finger or thumb is placed on the hook element and the other digit is placed on the outer surface of the wall or side of the lid. The user subsequently pinches the thumb and finger from each other, disengaging the wall component from the cap component, using the cap side or outer surface of the wall as the counterforce surface.

The hook element extends from the support element into the container, such that disengagement of the wall component from the lid component requires the application of force to the hook element.

The application of force to the hook element is carried out in the direction towards the inner surface. In other words, the application of force pushes the hook element towards the support element, which extends from the inner surface.

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

Preferably, upon engagement of the wall component with the lid component, the support element and the hook element are arranged in such a way that the hook element resists rotational movement, while allowing the wall component to move. its entirety moves in response to the force exerted by the engagement of the wall component with the cap component. In other words, during coupling, the wall component may move, but it returns to its original position after coupling the cap component with the wall component. During this movement, preferably, the hook element itself does not move against the support element.

Alternatively, after the wall component is coupled to the cap component, the support element and the hook element are arranged such that the support element resists any movement, while allowing the hook element to move in the same way. response to the force exerted by the coupling of the wall component with the cap component. In other words, during coupling, the hook element can be displaced, but returns to its original position after the lid component is engaged with the wall component.

Preferably, the hook element couples to the cap component on two axes. This will be demonstrated in the examples.

Preferably, unlocking the hook element of the lid component does not deform the lid or the at least one wall. By "deformation" is meant herein the permanent or temporary deformation of the shape of the wall or the lid in order to unlock the hook element from the lid component. Some minor temporary deformation of the shape of the wall or lid may be experienced due to the force of the user opening the locking means, but such minor deformation is not necessary to use the locking means.

Preferably, the outer surface of the at least one wall is devoid of any blocking means. By this it is meant that preferably no component of a blocking means is present on the outer surface of the at least one wall. In this case, the blocking means can be understood as the blocking means as described above or any other blocking means.

Preferably, the container has an occupied space defined as the largest horizontal cross-sectional area through the container, and the at least one locking means does not extend beyond the occupied space of the container. In other words, the at least one blocking means preferably does not extend from the external environment beyond the outer surface of the at least one wall.

Preferably, the lid comprises a cavity surrounded by an outer rim. Preferably, the cap component is comprised within the outer rim. The outer rim may comprise an inner side, an outer side, and a top, and wherein the cap component is comprised within the inner side, the top, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the cap component is a hole through the cap.

Preferably, the lid has an occupied space defined as the largest horizontal cross-sectional area of the lid when in the closed position, and the container has an occupied space defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container, and where the occupied space of the lid is greater than the occupied space of the container. In other words, the area of the cap is preferably larger than that of the

lid opening area and top edge. This means that when the lid is in the closed position, it preferably completely covers the opening of the container and extends over the upper edge of the at least one wall. Preferably, a lip extends from the outer surface of the at least one wall, so that the occupied space of the lip is equal to or greater than the occupied space of the lid. If the lip extends to a point higher than the occupied space of the lid, then the lip may be in the shape of an 'L' or 'J'. The lip can be interrupted in the area aligned with the locking means. In other words, the lip may be discontinuous and comprise a recess corresponding to the location of the locking means that is present on the upper edge or the inner surface of the at least one wall. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this gap can also serve as the counterforce point for the finger / thumb pinch movement. The cap may comprise an element to act as a counterforce surface for the consumer's finger or thumb.

The lid can be moved from an open position to a closed position and vice versa, by means of a hinge. Preferably, the lid is attached to the container by at least one hinge. More preferably, the container comprises a first wall and a second wall, wherein the hinge connects to the second wall, and wherein the first wall is positioned opposite the second wall, and wherein the first wall comprises the at least one locking means, preferably at least two locking means.

The hinge can be any suitable hinge. Suitable hinges will be known to those skilled in the art. The hinge can be a flexible hinge or an assembled hinge, or a mixture thereof. A flexible hinge is understood to be an integrated component made of the same material as the lid and the container. It is essentially a thin flexible area of material that allows movement between the lid and the container.

Preferably the hinge is a flexible hinge. The flexible hinge can be a bistable hinge or a butterfly hinge, or a mixture thereof.

The container may comprise a biasing system that biases the lid into the open position. The deflection system can comprise an elastic element. More preferably, a projection located on the closure system, preferably on the lid, elastically deforms the elastic element when the lid is in the closed position.

The lid may comprise embossed or embossed regions to indicate to the consumer the location of the locking means when the lid is closed and / or in the direction in which force is required to release the locking means.

Assembly method

The consumer product can be assembled using any suitable technique. Those skilled in the art will know suitable techniques. The consumer product can be assembled using an automated system, a manual system, or a mixture thereof.

The consumer product can be assembled by forming the container, subsequently adding the water soluble unit dose items, and then closing the lid. Filling of the container can be done by a suitable automatic process or manually.

The consumer product can be assembled by forming the base and bottom wall sections. The water soluble unit dose articles are then added. The separately manufactured top wall sections comprising the lid are then added to the top and base wall sections containing the water soluble unit dose articles. Filling of the container can be done by a suitable automatic process or manually.

Water soluble unit dose item

The consumer product comprises at least one water soluble unit dose article, preferably at least two water soluble unit dose articles.

A water soluble unit dose article is generally in the form of a bag. It comprises a unit dose of a composition in a volume sufficient to provide a benefit in a final application.

The water soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water soluble film shaped such that the unit dose article comprises at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water soluble film. The at least one compartment comprises a cleaning composition. The water soluble film is sealed so that no leakage of the cleaning composition from the compartment occurs during storage. However, when the water soluble unit dose article is added to the water, the water soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment to the wash solution.

The film is described in more detail below.

The unit dose article may comprise more than one compartment, or even at least two compartments, or even at least three, or even at least four, or even at least five compartments. The compartments may be arranged in an overlapping orientation, that is, one located on top of the other. Alternatively, the compartments can be placed in a face-to-face orientation, that is, oriented side by side. The compartments can even be oriented in a "tire and rim" arrangement, that is, a first compartment is located adjacent to a second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment, but does not completely contain the second compartment. Alternatively, one compartment can be completely contained within another compartment.

When the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other compartment. When the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and preferably the smaller compartments are superimposed on the larger compartment. The overlapping compartments are preferably laterally oriented.

The cleaning composition may be a laundry detergent composition, a dishwashing composition, a hard surface cleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The cleaning composition can comprise a solid, a liquid, or a mixture thereof. The term "liquid" includes a gel, a solution, a dispersion, a paste, or a mixture thereof.

The unit dose article has a height, a width and a length. The maximum of any of these dimensions is intended to mean the greatest distance between two points on opposite sides of the unit dose article. In other words, the unit dose article may not have straight sides and therefore may have varying lengths, widths, and heights depending on where the measurement is taken. Therefore, the maximum should be measured at whichever two points are the furthest from each other.

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

The maximum width can be between 2 cm and 5 cm. The maximum width can be greater than 3 cm and less than 6 cm.

The maximum height can be between 2 cm and 5 cm. The maximum height can be greater than 2 cm and less than 4 cm.

These lengths can be in the presence or absence of the edge.

Preferably, the length: height ratio is 3: 1 to 1: 1; or the width: height ratio is 3: 1 to 1: 1, or even 2.5: 1 to 1: 1; o the length to height ratio is 3: 1 to 1: 1, and the width to height ratio is 3: 1 to 1: 1, or even 2.5: 1 to 1: 1, or a combination from the same. These relationships can be in the presence of the absence of a border.

Each individual unit dose item may have a weight of between 10g and 40g, or even between 15g and 35g.

The film of the present invention is soluble or dispersible in water. Before being formed into a unit dose article, the water soluble film preferably has a thickness of 20 to 150 microns, preferably 35 to 125 microns, even more preferably 50 to 110 microns, most preferably about 76 microns.

Preferred film materials are preferably polymeric materials. The film material can, for example, be obtained by molding, blow molding, extrusion or blow extrusion of the polymeric material, as is known in the art.

Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, preferably a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol polymers and / or polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, preferably selected from polyvinyl alcohol copolymers. ) sulfonated and carboxylated anionics, most preferably a mixture of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

Preferred films are those supplied by Monosol under the trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310.

The film can be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film can comprise a printed surface.

The printing surface can be achieved using standard techniques, such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

The film may comprise a repellent agent, for example a bitter agent. Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, narangine, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable level of repellent agent can be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5,000 ppm, or even 100 to 2,500 ppm, or even 250 to 2,000 rpm.

The water soluble unit dose article comprises a detergent composition. The detergent composition can be any suitable detergent composition. The detergent composition may be selected from a laundry detergent composition, a dishwashing detergent composition, a hard surface cleaning detergent composition, or a mixture thereof, preferably a laundry detergent composition. The detergent composition can be in any suitable form. The detergent composition can be a solid, a liquid, or a mixture thereof.

One skilled in the art will know how to formulate and prepare a suitable detergent composition using known knowledge and techniques. The detergent composition can comprise common detergent ingredients including surfactants, polymers, bleaches, enzymes, perfumes, dyes, structuring agents, fillers, water, or a mixture thereof.

The dimensions and values described herein are not to be construed as strictly limited to the exact numerical values indicated. Rather, unless otherwise indicated, each dimension should be considered to mean both the indicated value and a functionally equivalent interval around that value. For example, a dimension described as "40mm" means "about 40mm."

Examples

Example 1

The present invention is now illustrated in more detail in the following example.

Fig. 1 describes a consumer product according to the present invention. The consumer product (1) comprises a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit dose article (3) contained therein. Said container (2) comprises a base (4), an opening located opposite the base (4) and at least one wall (6) that extends vertically from said base (4) to said opening. Said at least one wall (6) ends at an upper edge (7) of said at least one wall (6), and wherein said wall (6) comprises an inner surface (8) and an outer surface (9). Said base (4) and the at least one wall (6) define an internal compartment (10), where the internal compartment (10) is accessible from the opening (5). The container also comprises a lid (11) capable of moving from an open to a closed position by means of a hinge (12), and wherein when in a closed position it covers the opening (5).

The container (2) comprises at least one locking means (13), wherein the locking means (13) comprises a lid component (14) and a wall component (15). The wall component (15) comprises a support element (16) extending from the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6) or the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall (6) , and a hook element (17). When the lid (11) is in a closed position, the hook element (17) engages the lid component (14), so that only the application of force to the hook element (17) will disengage the component (15) from wall of the cover component (14). The hook element (17) extends from the support element (16) into the container (10), so that disengaging the wall component (15) from the lid component (14) requires the application of force to the hook element (17), where the application of force is in the direction towards the inner surface (8). The outer surface (9) of the at least one wall (6) lacks any blocking means. The container (2) is opaque, translucent, or a mixture thereof, and is made of polypropylene, polystyrene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof.

Fig. 2 describes a cross-sectional representation of where the wall component (15) comprises the support element (16) directly attached to the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall (6). The wall component (15) is in the shape of an inverted U.

Fig. 3 describes a cross-sectional representation of where the wall component (15) comprises the support element (16) attached to the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6). The wall component (15) is in the shape of an inverted U.

Fig. 4 describes a cross-sectional representation of where the wall component (15) comprises the support element (16) joined to the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall by means of a horizontal connector element (18) . The wall component (15) is in the shape of an inverted U.

Fig. 5 describes a cross-sectional representation of where the wall component (15) comprises the support element (16) attached to the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall by means of a element (18) horizontal connector. The wall component (15) is in the shape of an inverted U. The support element (16) extends from the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall (6), so that the wall component (15) is positioned so that it does not extend higher than the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6).

Fig. 6 depicts a cross-sectional representation of where the lid (11) is in the closed position. The wall component (15) engages with the cap component (14), and the cap (11) is in the locked position.

Fig. 7 depicts a cross-sectional representation of where the application of force (19) to the hook element (17) in the direction towards the inner surface (8), releases the cap component (14) from the component (15) of wall, allowing the cover (11) to move radially (20) away from the opening (5). Unlocking the hook element (17) from the cover component (14) does not deform the cover (11) or the at least one wall (6). By "deformation" is meant herein the permanent or temporary deformation of the shape of the wall or the lid in order to unlock the hook element from the lid component. Some minor temporary deformation of the shape of the wall or lid may be experienced due to the force of the user opening the locking means, but such minor deformation is not necessary to use the locking means.

Fig. 8 describes an exploded view of the container (2) wherein the at least one wall (6) comprises two sections, a lower section (21) connected to the base (4) and an upper section (22). The upper edge (7) is located on the upper section (22) and the wall component (15) is attached to the upper section.

Fig. 9 depicts a top view of the container (2), wherein the container (2) has an occupied space defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container (2), and the at least one medium (13) The lock does not extend beyond the occupied space of the container (2). For comparison, Fig. 10 depicts a top view of the container (2), where the container (2) has an occupied space defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container (2), and the at least one half The lock (13) extends beyond the occupied space of the container (2).

Fig. 11 depicts the lid (11) comprising a cavity (23) surrounded by an outer rim (24), and wherein the lid component (14) is comprised within the outer rim (24). The outer rim (24) comprises an inner side (25), an outer side (27), and a top (26), and the cap component (14) is comprised within the inner side (25) and the top ( 26). The cap component (14) is a hole through the cap.

Fig. 12 describes the consumer product (1), wherein the at least one wall (6) of the container (2) comprises two sections, the upper section (22) and the lower section (21). The two sections are joined, preferably, by means of a combination of mechanical connection (hooks) and adhesive. The container (2) also comprises two locking means (13) separated by a distance from 50 mm to 150 mm. The wall component (15) is located such that it does not extend higher than the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6). The lid (11) comprises a cavity (23) surrounded by an outer rim (24), and wherein the lid component (14) is comprised within the outer rim (24). The outer rim (24) comprises an inner side (25), an outer side (27), and a top (26), and the cap component (14) is comprised within the inner side (25) and the top ( 26). The cap component (14) is a hole through the cap.

Fig. 12 also describes a container (2) comprising a lip (25). The lid (11) has an occupied space defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area of the lid (11) when in a closed position and the container (2) has an occupied space defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through of the container (2), and the occupied space of the lid (11) is greater than the occupied space of the container (2) and a lip (35) extending from the outer surface (9) of the at least one wall ( 6), so that the space occupied by the lip (25) is equal to or greater than the space occupied by the cover (11). Those skilled in the art will understand what is meant by 'lid and container footprint'.

Fig. 13 describes a cross-sectional view of the container (2) comprising a first wall (61) and a second wall (62), where the hinge (12) is connected to the second wall (62), and in wherein the first wall (61) is positioned opposite the second wall (62), and wherein the first wall (61) comprises at least one wall component (15), preferably at least two wall components (15).

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the movement of the wall component (15) during the engagement of the cap component (14) with the wall component (15). When the wall component (15) is coupled with the cover component (14), the support element (16) and the hook element (17) are arranged in such a way that the hook element (17) resists movement rotatable, while allowing the wall component (15) to move in its entirety in response to the force exerted by the engagement of the wall component (14) with the cap component (15). As the cap (11) is lowered (28) towards the wall component (15), the wall component is displaced (29) by the force of the cap (11) on the wall component (15). However, the hook element (17) does not move. Upon engagement of the cap component (14) with the wall component (15), the wall component (15) returns to its original position.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container (2) showing the base (4) with a raised area (41). The areas on either side of the raised area (41) act as a receptacle to house detergent composition that has inadvertently leaked from one or more water-soluble unit dose articles (3).

Fig. 16 is the same as Fig. 12, except that the at least one side (6) is curved.

Fig. 17 describes the container (2), where the lid (11) is closed and where the counterforce areas (31) can be seen on the lid (11).

Fig. 18 depicts a wall component (15), wherein the hook element (17) has a first axis (171) and a second axis (172).

Fig. 19 depicts a water soluble unit dose article according to the present invention. The water soluble unit dose article (3) comprises a first water soluble film (301) and a second water soluble film (302) which are sealed together in a sealing region (303). A detergent composition, preferably, a laundry detergent composition (304) is comprised within the water soluble unit dose article (3).

Fig. 20 depicts a wall component (15), according to the present invention. The dimension 151 is between 5mm and 15mm, preferably between 7mm and 11mm. Dimension 152 is between 1mm and 3mm, preferably between 1.5mm and 2.5mm. Dimension 153 is between 20mm and 40mm, preferably between 25mm and 35mm. Dimension 154 is between 15mm and 30mm, preferably between 20mm and 27mm. Dimension 155 is between 2mm and 6mm, preferably between 3mm and 5mm. Dimension 156 is between 10mm and 20mm, preferably between 14mm and 18mm.

Claims (14)

i. A consumer product (1) comprising a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit dose article (3) contained therein; wherein said container (2) comprises; - a base (4), - an opening (5) positioned opposite the base (4); and - at least one wall (6) extending vertically from said base (4) to said opening (5), wherein said at least one wall (6) ends at an upper edge (7) of said at least one wall ( 6), and wherein said wall (6) comprises an inner surface (8) and an outer surface (9); and - wherein said base (4) and the at least one wall (6) define an internal compartment (10) where the internal compartment (10) is accessible from the opening (5); - a cover (11) capable of moving from an open to closed position by means of at least one hinge (12) and wherein when in the closed position it covers the opening (5); wherein the container (2) comprises at least one locking means (13), wherein the locking means comprises a lid component (14) located on or within the lid (11) and a lid component (15) wall, wherein the interaction of the lid component (14) and the wall component (15) results in the locking means (13) engaging and the lid (11) being fixed in a locking position, characterized by that, the wall component (15) comprises a support element (16) extending from the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6) or the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall ( 6), and a hook element (17); and wherein, when the lid (11) is in the closed position, the hook element (17) engages the lid component (14) so that only the application of force to the hook element (17) will disengage the component (15) wall of the cover component (14); and wherein the hook element (17) extends from the support element (16) into the container (10); and wherein the disengagement of the wall component (15) from the lid component (14) requires the application of force to the hook element (17) wherein the application of force is made in the direction towards the inner surface (8). The consumer product (1) according to claim 1 wherein the outer surface (9) of the at least one wall (6) lacks any blocking means. The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the at least one wall (6) comprises at least two sections (21, 22) wherein the sections are joined together, preferably wherein the sections meet bonded together by adhesive, mechanical connection, or a combination thereof. The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims comprising at least two blocking means (13), preferably wherein the at least two blocking means (13) are separated by a distance from 50 mm to 180 mm mm, preferably two locking means where the two locking means (13) are placed on the same wall, preferably where the hinge (12) is present in a second wall (62) and the at least two locking means are present in a first wall (61) and wherein the first wall (61) is opposite the second wall (62). The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the support element (16) extends from the inner surface (8) of the at least one wall (6), preferably wherein the component (15 The wall) is positioned so that it does not extend higher than the upper edge (7) of the at least one wall (6). The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the lid (11) comprises a cavity (23) surrounded by an outer rim (24), and preferably, wherein the lid component (14) is comprises within the outer rim (24), preferably, wherein the outer rim (24) comprises an inner side (25), an outer side (27) and a top (26) and wherein the cap component (14) It is comprised within the inner side (25), the upper part (26), or a mixture thereof. The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the lid (11) has an occupied space defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area of the lid (11) when it is in the closed position and the container (2 ) has an occupied space defined as the largest horizontal cross-sectional area through the container (2) and wherein the occupied space of the lid (11) is greater than the occupied space of the container (2) and a lip (35 ) extends from the outer surface (9) of the at least a wall (6) so that the space occupied by the lip (35) is equal to or greater than the space occupied by the cover (11). The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the container (2) has an occupied space defined as the horizontal cross-sectional area through the container (2) and the at least one medium (13) The lock does not extend beyond the occupied space of the container (2). The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein after the wall component (15) is coupled with the lid component (14), the support element (16) and the hook element (17) are coupled in such a way that the hook element (17) resists movement, while allowing the wall component (15) to move (29) in its entirety in response to the force (28) exerted by the coupling of the wall component (15) with the cover component (14). The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the container (2) comprises a first wall (61) and a second wall (62), wherein the hinge (12) connects to the second wall (62), and wherein the first wall (61) is located opposite the second wall (62), and wherein the first wall (61) comprises at least one wall component (15), preferably at least two components ( 15) wall. The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container (2) is made of natural materials, synthetic materials or a mixture thereof, preferably synthetic materials, more preferably plastic, and preferably the container (2) is opaque, translucent, or a mixture thereof. The consumer product (1) according to any preceding claim wherein the water soluble unit dose article (3) comprises a water soluble film (301, 302) and a detergent composition (304), preferably a composition laundry detergent. The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein unlocking the wall component (15) of the lid component (14) does not deform the lid (11) or the at least one wall (6) . The consumer product (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (16) and the hook element (17) are arranged in such a way that the wall component (15) is in the shape of Inverted U, where optionally the U shape is attached to the inner surface (8) or the upper edge (7) by means of a horizontal connector element (18) that extends from the inner surface (8) or the upper edge (7 ) to the support element (16).