CN1914092A - Container having a helical grip - Google Patents

Abstract

Containers (2) for containing a laundry product, having a helical grip (10, 12) translating down the container.

Description

Containers with screw grips

field of invention

The present invention relates to a container for holding laundry products, the container comprising a spiral grip coiled down the container, wherein the container has an opening. The present invention also relates to a container for containing laundry products, the container comprising a first spiral grip and a second spiral grip coiled down the container, wherein the container has an opening.

Background of the invention

Containers are well known in the art. Such containers have been used in numerous products including chemical packaging, food packaging, hygiene packaging, and more. While such containers are well known in the art, there is much more to be desired from the consumer's point of view as to usability.

A common problem that plagues most containers is related to grasping and manipulating the container. Several attempts have been made to make containers easier to manipulate. For example, handles are often attached to containers to improve their maneuverability. However, in addition to being unable to be applied to every container type due to technical and processing limitations, the handle also has the problem of significantly increasing additional costs.

Other containers have been developed that do not incorporate convex handles. Instead, these containers can be manipulated by grasping at a narrowed portion of the container. Typically, this portion is located near the top of the container. While this approach reduces production and material costs by eliminating the need for a handle, handling the container is more difficult due to the slippery nature of most of these containers.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a container which can be easily controlled and operated with little effort and which can be manufactured at low cost.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a container for laundry products comprising a spiral grip coiled down the container, wherein the container has an opening. In one embodiment, the container is made of plastic. In a more preferred embodiment, the plastic is selected from high-density polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, diethylene glycol diaryl carbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, poly Ethylene naphthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyamide-based resin, low-density polyethylene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, butylacetate Acid cellulose, and their mixtures. In an even more preferred embodiment, the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate. In another embodiment, the plastic has a light transmission of at least about 70%.

In one embodiment, the container of the present invention has a volume of from about 10 ml to about 5000 ml. In another embodiment, the container is formed by blow molding.

In one embodiment, the screw gripper comprises a patterned region. In another embodiment, the container has two screw grips. In another embodiment, the screw finger has a width of about 1 mm to about 15 cm.

In one embodiment, the container of the present invention further includes a sealing mechanism functionally connected to the opening. In a more preferred embodiment, the sealing mechanism is selected from the group consisting of diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, pressure cocks, self-drain spouts, conventional spouts, graduated spouts, screw caps, pull caps, push caps, screw caps , breathable cover, and their combination. A cover is discussed in US Provisional Patent Application 60/581,907, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention also relates to a container for containing laundry products, the container comprising a first spiral grip and a second spiral grip coiled down the container, wherein the container has an opening. In one embodiment, the container is made of plastic. In a more preferred embodiment, the plastic is selected from high-density polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, diethylene glycol diaryl carbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, poly Ethylene naphthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyamide-based resin, low-density polyethylene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, butylacetate Acid cellulose and their mixtures. In an even more preferred embodiment, the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate. In another embodiment, the plastic has a light transmission of at least about 70%.

In one embodiment, the container of the present invention has a volume of from about 10 ml to about 5000 ml. In another embodiment, the volume is formed by blow molding.

In one embodiment, the screw gripper comprises a patterned region. In another embodiment, the container has two screw grips. In another embodiment, the screw finger has a width of about 1 mm to about 15 cm.

In one embodiment, the container of the present invention further includes a sealing mechanism functionally connected to the opening. In a more preferred embodiment, the sealing mechanism is selected from the group consisting of diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, pressure cocks, self-drain nozzles, conventional nozzles, graduated nozzles, screw caps, pull caps, push caps, screw caps , vent caps, and combinations thereof.

Figure overview

Figure 1 of the drawings is an isometric view of a container having a first screw grip and a second screw grip.

Figure 2 is a top view of a container with a first screw grip and a second screw grip.

Figure 3 is a left side view of a container with a first screw grip and a second screw grip.

Figure 4 is a front view of a container with a first screw grip and a second screw grip.

Figure 5 is a right side view of a container with a first screw grip and a second screw grip.

Figure 6 is a rear view of a container with a first screw grip and a second screw grip.

Figure 7 is a bottom view of a container with a first screw grip and a second screw grip.

Detailed description of the invention

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description.

The compositions of the present invention may comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the components of the present invention as well as other ingredients described herein. The term "consisting essentially of" as used herein means that the composition or component may include additional ingredients so long as the additional ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method of the present invention .

All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition and all measurements made are at 25°C, unless otherwise specified. Angle is an angular measure in planar units equal in magnitude to 1/360 of a full revolution.

All measurements used herein are in metric units unless otherwise indicated.

It has now surprisingly been found that containers with improved grips can be manufactured cost-effectively while maintaining easy handling and pouring properties. Furthermore, the container is made such that it can be easily scaled to accommodate different internal volumes. The present invention solves these problems by discovering a container comprising a helical gripper coiled down the container.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the helical grip provides an improved grip area that matches the natural grip pattern of the human hand. By having a spiral grip that fits the human hand, the consumer can better grip and manipulate the container, especially when controlling the container with one hand.

As used herein, "composition" refers to any material contained within the interior of a container. Compositions of the present invention include fluids and flowable solids (solid particles small enough to be poured in a fluid-like manner, such particles typically having an effective diameter of less than about 2.6 cm). These compositions are typically homogeneous; however, heterogeneous and heterogeneous compositions are also contemplated.

container

By container is meant a hollow or partially hollow container capable of holding a composition for an indefinite period of time. The container can be free standing, substantially rigid, flexible, and malleable malleable bags, malleable pouches, malleable sachets, and combinations of such forms. A preferred form is a free standing container having an opening for pouring or dispensing the composition from said container under the force of gravity. Containers can be repeatedly opened and closed at the opening; however, containers that can only be opened once and cannot be resealed are also available.

The size of the container can vary depending on the end use, and the size and shape of the container can be modified to reflect different dimensions and characteristics. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily be able to modify the container for a particular use. In one embodiment, the container has from about 10 ml to about 5000 ml, in an alternative embodiment from about 100 ml to about 4000 ml, in another alternative embodiment from about 500 ml to about 3000 ml, and in another alternative embodiment A volume of about 750ml to about 2250ml. The containers of the present invention can hold any composition. Those skilled in the art will be able to modify the shape, size, materials and other properties of the container to suitably accommodate any fluid.

The container of the present invention has an opening substantially at the top of the container. The opening allows for filling and dispensing of the composition from the container. In one embodiment, the opening of the container is removably sealable. Any sealing mechanism known in the art for removably sealing a container may be used. Such sealing mechanisms include, but are not limited to, diaphragm valves, globe valves, slit valves, pressure cocks, self-drain nozzles, conventional nozzles, graduated nozzles, screw caps, pull caps, snap caps, screw caps, vent caps, and their combinations.

In one embodiment, the container has an adapter functionally connected to the opening. Swapping is typically used to functionally connect the sealing mechanism to the container. Examples of switchovers can be found in US Patent 4,550,862, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is bent and shaped in such a way as to allow optimal discharge with minimal residence time inside the container. One way to achieve this shape is to bend or bend at least the inner surface of the container in such a way that the material inside the container is directed out of the container opening. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily know how to shape the container to facilitate such discharge characteristics.

Spiral gripper

The screw finger of the present invention is functionally attached to a container, wherein the screw finger coils at least partially down the container. The outer perimeter of the spiral gripper can be any desired shape, including circular, zigzag, patterned, smooth, curved, and the like. The screw grippers of the present invention can also have different dimensions. In one embodiment, the width of the screw finger is from about 1 mm to about 15 cm, alternatively from about 5 mm to about 12 cm, alternatively from about 1 cm to about 10 cm, alternatively from about 2 cm to about 8 cm, optionally Optionally about 2 cm to about 4 cm, alternatively about 1 cm to about 3 cm. In one embodiment, the spiral grip extends in a substantially spiral pattern from the upper portion of the container to the lower portion of the bottle for at least about 180°, alternatively at least about 215°, alternatively at least about 270°. While the helical pattern may exist down the entire container, it is also contemplated that only a portion of the helical grip coils down the container in a helical pattern.

In one embodiment, the screw gripper of the present invention comprises a patterned region. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the patterned region increases the friction created between the helical region and the consumer's hand, thereby improving the consumer's ability to manipulate the container. In one embodiment, the entire surface of the screw gripper comprises a patterned region. In another embodiment, at least about 50% of the surface of the screw finger comprises a textured region. Any mechanism for providing a patterned area to the screw finger is contemplated, including but not limited to a backed strip for gripping, a relief or pitted area incorporated into the screw finger mold, Coatings for screw grippers including rubber coatings, etc.

In another embodiment, the container of the present invention has a screw grip. In another screw embodiment, the container of the present invention has two screw grips. Containers with more than two screw grips are also conceivable. In one embodiment where the container has two screw grips, the screw grips are directly opposite on the container. Due to the direct opposition, the container can be handled from either side without having to turn the container for optimal grip.

The spiral grip can be formed in many different ways including, but not limited to, incorporated into a container mold, laminated, scored, etched, and the like. In one embodiment, a screw grip is incorporated into the mold of the container. In an alternative embodiment, a screw gripper is incorporated into the mold of the blown container.

In one embodiment, the screw gripper of the present invention coils down the container in a counterclockwise motion. In another embodiment, the screw gripper of the present invention coils down the container in a clockwise motion. Alternatively, the spiral gripper coils up the container in a counterclockwise or clockwise motion. In another embodiment, the screw finger coils from one side of the container towards the other side of the container in a counterclockwise or clockwise motion. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the direction in which the spiral grip coils down the container may be associated with a consumer's left or right hand. For example, a consumer who desires to handle the container with the right hand would get the most benefit from the container, with the screw gripper coiling down the container in a counterclockwise motion. The maximum benefit of the screw grip on a container is achieved when the proper hand is used around the proper twist grip, and the screw grip maintains improved grip regardless of the hand used to manipulate the container.

In one embodiment, the container tapers to form a neck at the opening. The ideal size of the neck of the container is such that an adult can grasp the neck of the bottle with one hand. In one embodiment, the neck has a diameter of about 1 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , alternatively about 2 cm ² to about 90 cm ² , alternatively about 3 cm ² to about 80 cm ² , alternatively about 5 cm ² to about 70 cm ² , alternatively from about 10 cm ² to about 60 cm ² , alternatively from about 12 cm ² to about 40 cm ² , alternatively from about 15 cm ² to about 30 cm ² . In another embodiment, the neck has a cross-sectional area of less than about 30 cm ² , alternatively less than about 25 cm ² , alternatively less than about 20 cm ² . Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the cross-sectional area of the neck in combination with the screw grip or grips of the present invention significantly improves the maneuverability of the container by increasing the user's control over the container, even with Operate with one hand.

In one embodiment, a handle is used in conjunction with the container and screw grip. Handles provide additional features for gripping and/or gripping containers. Although the handle can be used with smaller containers, it is especially suitable for containers having a volume of about 2 liters or more.

Material

The containers of the present invention may be made of any material known to those of ordinary skill in the art that is capable of holding a composition in place indefinitely. While soft or non-rigid materials may be used, materials that are sufficiently rigid to maintain a substantially upright position are preferred. Such materials include, but are not limited to, metal, wood, plastic, ceramic, and combinations thereof. Plastics are especially preferred. Preferred plastics include thermoforming plastics and thermosetting plastics. Such plastics include, but are not limited to, high-density polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, diethylene glycol diaryl carbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate , polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyamide-based resin, low-density polyethylene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, cellulose acetate butyrate, and their mixture.

In a preferred embodiment, substantially clear plastic is used to form the container. The substantially transparent plastic has a light transmission of at least about 70%, alternatively at least about 80%, and alternatively at least about 90%. The substantially clear plastics of the present invention can optionally be colored or painted in such a way that the light transmission of the plastic is maintained. Polyethylene terephthalate is a non-limiting example of a plastic that can be made substantially transparent. Again, these materials can be processed in single or multiple layers. Since a variety of different materials may be used in the manufacture of the containers of the present invention, the choice of material will depend on the intended end use and the desired properties of such containers.

It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the materials used to form the container can have a wide variety of colors and shades. Those of ordinary skill will readily know how to color and process the materials used to form the container to achieve any variation in color and transparency, including transparent, translucent, and opaque.

In another embodiment, it is contemplated that the containers of the present invention may utilize labels for electronic identification systems. As used in the art, these tags are used for various activities including identification, pricing, communicating with a central database, communicating with a central information repository for refilling and other purposes, and the like.

The molding of the container will vary depending on the container material chosen. In one embodiment, the container of the present invention is made of plastic. One exemplary method of forming plastic is by blow molding. By means of blow molding, containers can be formed at low cost and with an ideally minimal number of process operations. The containers of the present invention have proven to be as easy and simple to produce as equivalent containers without the screw grips of the present invention, without increasing material consumption and processing time.

Although blow molding can be used to produce the containers of the present invention, other methods, including other blow molding variations, can be used.

In another embodiment, the container of the present invention includes instructions for communicating with consumers. The instructions can be printed directly on the container or can be placed on the container in the form of a label. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily know how to print instructions on a container made of a particular material. Likewise, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily know how to attach or stick a label to a container. In a preferred embodiment, the label covers the periphery of the container.

combination

Although any composition may be used for the container of the present invention, the container of the present invention is particularly suitable for laundry care compositions, including laundry detergents, wash softeners, laundry treatment compositions, and the like. Especially suitable are liquid compositions suitable for wash care compositions. Examples of such compositions are contained in US Provisional Patent Application 60/554,692, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that these compositions provide better control when used in the containers of the present invention due to the increased ability to grip the container. The improved grip is believed to increase the amount of container and/or composition that can be manipulated by the user. Furthermore, the improved grip increases the user's ability to manipulate the container while the composition and/or other materials are present on the outside of the container.

In one embodiment, the compositions of the present invention may be transparent, translucent or opaque. In a more preferred embodiment, the transparent, translucent or opaque composition is colored such that the color or shade is visible from inside the container. In an even more preferred embodiment, the container of the present invention is colored in such a way as to enhance the visual appeal of the transparent or translucent composition. In one non-limiting example, the container of the present invention is made of blue polyethylene terephthalate polymer and comprises a blue opaque composition. Such a combination of a colored container and a colored composition unexpectedly creates a visually dynamic quasi-fluorescent effect.

Example

A preferred container is illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 of the Appendix. In these figures, a container 2 is illustrated with an opening 20 , a first screw grip 10 and a second screw grip 12 . The first screw finger 10 and the second screw finger 12 coil down the container. As is clear from Figure 2, the first screw finger 10 and the second screw finger 12 are directly opposite each other. The first screw finger 10 and the second screw finger 12 coil down the container in a counterclockwise motion.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

All cited documents are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference, and the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art to the present invention.

Claims (25)

1. container that is used to hold laundry product, described container comprise that wherein said container has opening along the container helical grip of coiling downwards.

2. container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said structure is made of plastics.

3. container as claimed in claim 2, wherein said plastics are selected from high density polyethylene (HDPE), polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, diethylene-glycol diaryl carbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, PEN, polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyamide-based resins, low density polyethylene (LDPE), styrene-butadiene-copolymer, acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, acetylbutyrylcellulose and their compound.

4. container as claimed in claim 3, wherein said plastics are polyethylene terephthalate.

5. container as claimed in claim 1, described vessel are had an appointment 10ml to the volume of about 5000ml.

6. container as claimed in claim 3, wherein said plastics have the light transmittance at least about 70%.

7. container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said helical grip comprises figuratum zone.

8. container as claimed in claim 1, described container have two helical grips.

9. container as claimed in claim 1, described container is by the blowing moulding moulding.

10. container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said helical grip have the width of about 1mm to about 15cm.

11. container as claimed in claim 1, described container also comprises the sealing mechanism that functionally is connected on the described opening.

12. container as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hermetically-sealed construction is selected from diaphragm valve, globe valve, slit valve, pressure cock, automatic draining jet pipe, traditional jet pipe, calibration jet pipe, nut, pulls out lid, press cover, spiral cover, vent cap and their combination.

13. a container that is used to hold laundry product, described container comprise first helical grip and second helical grip that coils along container downwards, wherein said container has opening.

14. container as claimed in claim 13, wherein said structure is made of plastics.

15. container as claimed in claim 14, wherein said plastics are selected from high density polyethylene (HDPE), polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, diethylene-glycol diaryl carbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, PEN, polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, epoxy resin, polyamide-based resins, low density polyethylene (LDPE), styrene-butadiene-copolymer, acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, acetylbutyrylcellulose and their compound.

16. container as claimed in claim 15, wherein said plastics are polyethylene terephthalate.

10ml is to the volume of about 5000ml 17. container as claimed in claim 13, described vessel are had an appointment.

18. container as claimed in claim 14, wherein said plastics have the light transmittance at least about 70%.

19. container as claimed in claim 13, wherein said helical grip comprises figuratum zone.

20. container as claimed in claim 13, described container have two helical grips.

21. container as claimed in claim 13, described container is by the blowing moulding moulding.

22. container as claimed in claim 13, wherein said helical grip have the width of about 1mm to about 15cm.

23. container as claimed in claim 13, described container also comprises the sealing mechanism that functionally is connected on the described opening.

24. container as claimed in claim 13, wherein said sealing mechanism is selected from diaphragm valve, globe valve, slit valve, pressure cock, automatic draining jet pipe, traditional jet pipe, calibration jet pipe, nut, pulls out lid, press cover, spiral cover, vent cap and their combination.

25. container as claimed in claim 1, described container comprise that also cross-sectional area is about 1cm ²To about 100cm ²Neck.

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