BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention generally relates to containers for detergent products. Such containers
containing detergent products are consumer products present in consumer homes, in
particular in rooms such as a kitchen, a laundry room or a bathroom, which tend to
generate a humid environment. It is important that the container be configured to
adequately protect the detergent product from degradation due to an excessive exposure
to such moisture or humidity.
EP1783058A1 discloses a carton for washing agents according to the preamble of claim 1, which
has flaps mounted on its lip. These fit under the rim of the lid and hold it shut.
They can be pressed inwards to release the lid through apertures arranged in pairs
around the corners of the lid with a spacing corresponding to the distance between
the finger and thumb of an adult.
US6484931B1 discloses a sift-resistant recloseable package which includes a container for storing
a product and a lid attached to the container for closing the container. The container
includes a first panel having at least one slot disposed therethrough and a cover
which extends over the slot for preventing the sifting of the product through the
slot. The cover is attached to the first panel. The lid has a downwardly depending
flap with an extension attached thereto, wherein the extension engages the slot when
the lid is in the closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002]
FIG.1A-B illustrate a first example consumer product.
FIG.2A-C illustrate a second example consumer product.
FIG.3A-B illustrate a third example consumer product.
FIG.4A-B illustrate a fourth example consumer product.
FIG.5 illustrates a fifth example consumer product.
FIG.6 illustrates a sixth and seventh example consumer product.
FIG.7A-B illustrate an eighth example consumer product.
FIG.8 illustrates a first example method.
FIG.9 illustrates a second example method.
FIG. 10 illustrates a third example method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0003] Detergent products are sensitive to humidity and should as such be contained in specific
containers, in particular containers which may be locked and properly closed or locked
following use or opening to reduce risks of detergent composition being overly exposed
to environmental humidity. At the same time, a lock of such a container should be
configured to be actuated by an ample variety of adult consumers or users. The lock
should thereby reliably prevent accidental opening and provide reliable reclosing
or relocking of the container after use, as well as provide for reliable unlocking
when desired by an adult consumer. While such objectives may appear contradictory,
it is important to get them both resolved. This apparent contradiction is particularly
acute when applied to cardboard containers which, while offering desirable recyclability,
introduce challenges related to their mechanical characteristics.
[0004] It was found that such objectives could be obtained by providing a cover for a box,
the cover comprising not only, on a first hand, a first tactile discontinuity, the
first tactile discontinuity facing a first actuator for the lock, the first tactile
discontinuity permitting displacing the first actuator from a locking position to
an opening position by applying the actuation pressure at the first tactile discontinuity
when the cover is in the closed position, but also, on a second hand, a second tactile
discontinuity on the cover, the second tactile discontinuity directly facing a corresponding
specific portion of sidewalls of the box when the cover is in the closed position.
While the first tactile discontinuity permits manipulating the lock, the second tactile
discontinuity directly faces the sidewalls of the box when the cover is in the closed
position, touching the second tactile discontinuity thereby having no impact on the
lock, thereby permitting offering a point from which the container may be gripped
without opening the lock. It is indeed sometimes desired to manipulate the container
without opening the lock. In particular in cases of generally smooth sidewalls and
of a generally smooth cover, whereby the only gripping points would be related to
operating lock, it could indeed be problematic to grip the container by such gripping
points which could lead to an undesired container opening. This is avoided by providing
the second tactile discontinuity according to the current claims and preferably on
a flank of the cover. Such second tactile discontinuity may for example be used by
machinery to manipulate the container on a factory line without opening the box. Such
tactile discontinuity may also be used by a user as a reference gripping point for
actually opening the lock by also pressing onto the first tactile discontinuity at
the same time. The fact that the second tactile discontinuity directly faces a corresponding
sidewall portion of the box indeed permits having a stable gripping point, unlike
the structure corresponding to the first tactile discontinuity which corresponds to
the first actuator with is movable between different positions. It was indeed found
that having at least one finger placed in a stable location (i.e. at the second tactile
discontinuity) was facilitating operating the first actuator with a second finger,
through a "lever" effect, the second tactile discontinuity acting as a stable base
for this lever effect. Directly facing is to be understood, as per the appended claims,
in that the cover, in the area of the tactile discontinuity, is separated by the corresponding
sidewall portion of the box only by a thin air clearance layer, the corresponding
sidewall portion (or second specific portion of sidewalls in the language of the claims)
being actuator-less or flap less in order to provide for the stability desired. In
some examples, one or more additional tactile discontinuities are provided in the
cover, preferably on a flank of the cover, such one or more additional tactile discontinuities
being directly facing a corresponding specific portion of sidewalls when the cover
is in the closed position in order to provide for one or more stable additional gripping
points. In some examples, at least one of such one or more tactile discontinuities
are located on a flank of the cover opposite to another flank on which the second
tactile discontinuity is located, such that an even more improved gripping may be
provided, for example when such gripping is desired without risk of unlocking the
container. In some examples, a cover comprises 4 tactile discontinuities, being 2
on a first flank of the cover, 2 on a flank of the cover opposite to the first flank,
each flank comprising 1 tactile discontinuity such as the second tactile discontinuity,
i.e. directly facing a corresponding portion of sidewall, and each flank comprising
1 tactile discontinuity such as the first tactile discontinuity, i.e. corresponding
to an actuator such as the first actuator.
[0005] The consumer product according to this disclosure aims at taking these different
aspects into account.
[0006] The lock according to this disclosure should be configured to reversibly maintain
a cover in a closed position. By reversibly, it should be understood that the lock
permits to repeatedly lock and unlock the cover, thereby permitting repeated access
to the content of the container and permitting locking the container between successive
access. This differs from, for example, one-off mechanisms such as tamper proof mechanisms
which would, due to their function, not be reversible. In some examples, a lock according
to this disclosure is to reversibly maintain a cover in a closed position by being
configured to permit at least 10 successive opening and closing operations. In some
examples, a lock according to this disclosure is to reversibly maintain a cover in
a closed position by being configured to permit at least 50 successive opening and
closing operations. In some examples, a lock according to this disclosure is to reversibly
maintain a cover in a closed position by being configured to permit at least 100 successive
opening and closing operations.
[0007] In this description, a tactile discontinuity which permits actuating an actuator
of the lock is called an actuation area. The second tactile discontinuity is not an
actuation area according to this description, precisely because it is directly facing
the sidewall.
[0008] In some examples, one or more of the tactile discontinuities is one of an aperture
and of a tactile element. While an aperture would be a preferred tactile discontinuity
due not only to the simplicity of implementation, but also to the direct contact with
the actuator or alternatively directly to the sidewall provided by a tactile discontinuity
in the form of an aperture, other types of tactile discontinuities may be considered
which may for example detected by a change of texture, the presence of a varnish,
the presence of a membrane, of an embossed element, of a debossed element or of a
slit. In some examples, each tactile discontinuity is one of an aperture, a slit,
a membrane or an embossed area, preferably an aperture, whereby each tactile discontinuity
preferably has a circular shape
In some preferred examples, the specific configuration described in this disclosure
permits relying on a structure comprising first, second and third actuation areas
which will provide a reliable locking and unlocking operation. The use of such separated
three actuation areas indeed permits using 3 fingers of a same adult hand to operate
a cover of a box held by the other adult hand.
[0009] Detergent products are products which may be relatively heavy, for example when a
container for such product is carrying the full weight of such detergent products,
in particular when the consumer product is recently acquired and thereby holds a significant
quantity of detergent product. While some consumers may lift and transport such a
consumer product holding a base of a box containing such detergent product, such lifting
and transport may also occur by holding such consumer product by a cover, without
holding the base. In such cases, it is possible that the cover, submitted to the force
of gravity of the detergent product, gets released and opens the box, the box falling
and possibly spreading its content. Such situations should be avoided. Beyond avoiding
such unintentional cover unlocking, the structure of the container of a consumer product
should preserve or improve opening ergonomics and prevent or reduce a permanent side
wall deformation upon excessive or repetitive application of forces applied to the
consumer product, for example during transport, in a grocery shopping bag against
other objects, when submitted to external pressure, or when dropped. At the same time,
containers may be elaborated in order to preserve the environment. The consumer product
according to this disclosure aims at taking these different aspects into account.
[0010] A consumer product should in this disclosure be understood as a product which is
provided, among others, to end consumers. Such consumer products may for example be
available for purchase in supermarkets and end consumers may store such consumer products
in their homes. Consumer products may be provided in large quantities and should thereby
be designed taking environmental concerns into account. Consumer products should also
be designed taking transportation to a retail store into account. Consumer products
should also be robust to withstand transportation as part of an e-commerce shipment.
Consumer products should also be designed taking on the shelf storage in a retail
store into account. Consumer products should also be designed taking transportation
from a retail store to a consumer home into account. Consumer products should also
be designed taking storage at a private end-consumer home into account. Consumer products
should also be designed taking use of the consumer product at a private end consumer
home into account. Consumer products should also be designed taking disposal into
account.
[0011] The consumer product according to this disclosure comprises a detergent product.
Detergent products should be understood in this disclosure as products comprising
a surfactant. Detergent products may also comprise a bleach or other ingredients.
Example detergent product compositions are described in more detail herein. In some
examples, the detergent product comprises unit dose detergent pouches, preferably
water soluble unit dose detergent pouches, more preferably flexible water soluble
unit dose detergent pouches. Example unit dose detergent pouches are described in
more detail herein. One should note that in some cases, the containers according to
this disclosure may also be suitable for content other than a detergent product, in
particular for content of a perishable nature, such as food or unstable chemical substances
for example.
[0012] The consumer product according to this disclosure further comprises a container.
A container should be understood in this disclosure as an object housing a content,
for example in a cavity of the container. The container facilitates protection, transport,
storage, access and disposal of the consumer product.
[0013] In this disclosure, the container comprises a box. A box should be understood as
a generally parallelepiped, barrel shaped, cylindrical, round, oval or cubical three
dimensional object defining a cavity. The use of parallelepiped boxes may facilitate
storage and transportation by permitting piling up boxes in a space efficient manner.
In some examples, a box may be a parallelepiped provided with some rounded, tapered
trapezium or chamfered edges. The box according to this disclosure comprises the detergent
product. It should be understood that the detergent product is contained or stored
in the box. The box according to this disclosure comprises a base, sidewalls and an
opening. In some examples, the opening is opposite the base. In other examples the
opening is on a sidewall. A base according to this disclosure should be understood
as a surface on which the box may lie when placed on a supporting surface such as
a shelf or a floor. In some examples, the base is flat. In some examples, the base
is rectangular. In some examples, the base is oval or round. In some examples, the
base has an embossed profile standing in or out in relief. The sidewalls according
to this disclosure should be understood as extending from the base, and connecting
the base to the opening, to a transition piece or to the cover. It should be understood
that the connection of the base to the opening may include one or more transition
pieces in addition to a sidewall. It should be understood that the connection of the
base to the opening may be through a portion of a sidewall when, for example, the
opening is in such sidewall. In some examples, a transition piece may be glued or
otherwise attached to the sidewall. In some examples, the sidewalls are perpendicular
to the base. In some examples, the base is rectangular and has four sides, four sidewalls
extending perpendicular from the base, each sidewall being rectangular, each side
wall being connected by a sidewall side to a side of the base, and by two other sidewall
sides to two other of the four sidewalls. In some examples the base is oval or circular
and the sidewalls form a generally cylindrical wall extending from the base in a direction
normal or perpendicular to the base. In some examples, sidewalls have a shape corresponding
to one of a square, a rectangle, a trapeze, a polygon, a section of a sphere, a section
of an ovoid, or a section of an ellipsoid. The opening according to this disclosure
should be understood as a complete or partial aperture providing access to the detergent
product comprised in the box. In some examples, the opening faces the base. In some
examples, the opening has a surface of less than the surface of the base. In some
examples, the opening has a surface larger than the surface of the base in order to
provide an improved access, for example using sidewalls extending from the base at
angle of more than 90 degrees from the base. In some examples, the opening is provided
after removal of a tamper proof feature, for example comprising a perforated piece
to be removed at first use or a tamper evident sticker locking a cover to the box.
In some examples a tamper evident sticker is glued on the cover and on the box, whereby
the tamper evident sticker should be broken, teared or perforated at first opening
to indicate to a consumer that the container has not been tempered with before purchase.
This temper evident sticker may for example be in paper or in plastic. In some examples,
the opening is placed on a top panel of the box, the top panel of the box facing,
i.e. opposite, the base of the box, the top panel of the box being separated from
the base of the box by at least the sidewalls, the top panel of the box being generally
coplanar with the base of the box. In some examples, the opening is in a sidewall,
the opening having an opening profile or an opening contour which may be comprised
in a plane normal to the plane of the base. In some examples, the opening is rectangular.
In some examples, the opening is rectangular with rounded edges. In some examples,
the opening is round or oval. In some examples, the opening is a permanent opening.
In some examples, the opening is a reclosable opening. Examples reclosable opening
comprise openings reclosable by a single flap, or reclosable opening reclosable through
a spout like structure, for example a spout like structure comprising a main flap
which, in a reclosed position, would cover the opening, and side elements which, when
the opening is open, link the main flap with sides of the opening.
[0014] The container comprises a cover for the box. The cover according to this disclosure
should be understood as an element permitting to repeatedly close or open the opening
of the box. In some examples the cover may be connected to the box, for example by
a hinge, or may be separated from the box. The cover according to this disclosure
comprises a top or cover top and flanks or cover flanks. In some examples, in addition
to a top and flanks, the cover comprises a further panel, the top, flanks and further
panel forming a sleeve surrounding the box. It should be understood that the cover
is aimed at covering the opening of the box when the cover is in a closed position.
In some examples, the top of the cover is rectangular. In some examples the top of
the cover is round, hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal or oval, structures such as round
or oval being for example approximated by multiplying a number of side panels and
cover flaps. In some examples, the cover comprises beveled edges. In some examples,
the top of the cover is rectangular with rounded edges. It should be understood that
while being named "top", the top of the cover may be positioned in different orientations.
The cover comprises flanks. It should be understood that the flanks according to this
disclosure are elements connected to the top of the cover and extending from the cover
in order to engage one or more sidewalls of the box, each flank having an extension
along a corresponding sidewall between the connection to the top of the cover and
a distal end of the flank. The flanks participate in placing the top of the cover
onto the opening. In some examples, the flanks extend perpendicularly from the top
of the cover. In some examples, the flanks surround an entire perimeter of the top
of the cover. In some examples, the flanks partially surround an entire perimeter
of the top of the cover, a portion of the top of the cover being flankless, for example
along a hinge between the cover and the box in a case of a hinged cover. In some examples,
the cover forms a sleeve. The top of the cover or another part of the cover may cover
the opening, and at least a portion of the flanks or another part of the cover may
cover at least a specific portion of a specific sidewall of the sidewalls of the box
when the cover is in the closed position, the cover being moveable from the closed
position to an open position. Movement of the cover may be restrained by a connection
to the box such as a hinge, or may be entirely removable, for example to provide an
improved access to the content of the box. The box and cover cooperate to participate
in fulfilling the role of the container to store, transport and facilitate access
to the content of the container.
[0015] The container according to this disclosure comprises a lock to reversibly maintain
the cover in a closed position. Reversibility should be understood in that the lock
may repeatedly be opened or closed. A lock should be in this disclosure understood
as a mechanism providing appropriate closure and protection of detergent composition
from humidity, as well as preventing or reducing the likelihood of an accidental opening.
The lock according to this disclosure is to maintain the cover in a closed position.
It should be understood that the lock according to this disclosure is expected to
function under normal use of the container. It should be understood that the lock
may not fulfill its function when for example unusual use is made of the box, or when
the box is under unusual conditions. In some examples, the lock comprises an actuator
moveable from a locking position to an opening position by applying an actuation pressure
onto the actuator when the cover is in the closed position. An example actuator is
a mechanical structure submitted to a movement upon actuation by an outside force
or actuation pressure, such movement leading to the opening of the lock when such
movement takes place. In some examples, the actuator is resilient and has a default
position, such default position corresponding to the cover remaining closed, a resilience
being vanquished by an outside force or actuation pressure in order to open the cover.
In some examples, the actuator is resilient in that the actuator comprises a flexible
element, the flexible element having a default position corresponding to the cover
remaining closed, the flexible element being pressed to open the cover, the flexible
element springing back to the default position when releasing pressure. It should
be understood that a pressure is generated by the application of a force onto a surface.
Example actuators have at least two positions being the opening position and the locking
position, whereby the opening position corresponds to a position permitting opening
of the cover, the locking position preventing opening of the cover to protect the
content from humidity or reducing the possibility of an accidental opening of the
cover.
[0016] An example actuator is connected to the specific portion being the at least specific
portion of a specific sidewall of the sidewalls of the box covered by at least a portion
of the cover when the cover is in the closed position, which may be a specific portion
covered by at least a portion of the cover when the cover is in the closed position,
the actuator abutting for example against a locking tab of the cover when in the locking
position, the actuator being for example maintained away from the locking tab when
in the opening position, the actuator being for example displaceable by the actuation
pressure by an unlocking displacement distance in a direction normal to the specific
portion of the sidewalls. The connection to the specific portion may for example be
a fold line at an end of a sidewall away from the base. The connection of the actuator
to the specific portion of the sidewall is due to the actuator participating in locking
or unlocking the specific portion of the sidewall from the portion of the cover covering
the specific portion of the sidewall, thereby permitting releasing the cover from
the box. The cover may comprise a locking tab. A locking tab should be understood
as a mechanical element which interlocks with the actuator. In some examples the locking
tab extends away from part of the cover and may be in the form of a bulge, a ridge,
an embossment or an additional material layer sticking out of the cover and towards
the specific portion of the side wall such that the actuator may abut against the
tab when in the locking position to prevent separating the specific portion of the
sidewalls from the cover in the area of the actuator. In some examples, the locking
tab is comprised in the cover itself, the locking tab being for example formed by
an aperture in the cover. Abutment according to this disclosure should be understood
as a contact between the actuator or part of the actuator and the tab, such contact
preventing opening of the cover. In some examples the actuator is maintained away
from the locking tab when in the opening position, in order to release the locking
tab. Such release of the locking tab permits opening the cover. Displacement or movement
of the actuator from the locking to the opening position is by application on the
actuator (directly or indirectly) of an actuation pressure or force such that the
actuator is displaced by a distance sufficient to supress contact of the actuator
with the locking tab, such distance corresponding to the displacement distance, in
a direction normal to the specific portion of the side wall. Such force or pressure
may also comprise a minor component which may be parallel to the side wall, due to
the fact that the hand is a human adult hand which does not necessarily align force
completely perfectly. The actuation is however triggered by a component of such force
or pressure being normal to the portion of the side wall. Such presence requirement
of a component normal to the portion of the sidewall in order to unlock the lock,
participates in the role of the lock of avoiding an accidental opening, for example
in absence of such normal force component, whereas desired opening would take place
by the consumer "pushing" the actuator and apply the unlocking force or pressure permitting
opening of the cover.
[0017] In order to provide precision in locating a finger appropriately, the flanks comprise
a tactile discontinuity in the form of an actuation area in a specific flank, the
actuation area facing the actuator. The fact that such actuation area faces the actuator
indeed permits locating either the thumb or one or more of the other fingers on exactly
the area on which a lock opening force should be applied. The actuation area should
be understood as defining a localised discontinuity on the specific flank, whereby
a user or consumer may perceive such discontinuity in order to correctly locate the
thumb or one or more other fingers. Such discontinuity may comprise one or more of
an actuation aperture, an actuation flap, an actuation slit, an actuation membrane,
or tactile elements comprised in or applied to a surface of the flank such as embossments,
debossments, surface texturing, buttons or the like. In some examples, the tactile
discontinuity or the specific portion comprises a visual indication indicating the
location of the tactile discontinuity. In some examples whereby the tactile discontinuity
is an aperture, the specific portion comprises a visual indication visible through
the aperture, respectively apertures, when the cover is closed. The visual indication
may be printed on an external surface of the flanks and may comprise one or more arrows
or one or more areas printed in a striking colour or a specific text providing instructions
such as "push here to open" for example, or a combination of any of these indications.
The tactile discontinuity can be configured to permit displacing an actuator from
the locking position to the opening position by applying the actuation pressure at
an actuation area when the cover is in the closed position, if it does not directly
face a sidewall. In order to appropriately place the thumb or one or more other fingers,
the actuation area can span less than 8 cm
2 and more than 0.2 cm
2. It was found that a larger area would lead to lack of precision in finger placement,
and that a smaller area would lead to the actuation area being difficult to locate
for a user or consumer. In some examples, the actuation area has a circular shape
in order to ease positioning. Other shapes may be considered such as, for example,
elliptical, oval, square, triangular, square with rounded corners, triangular with
rounded corners, other polygonal shapes or other polygonal shapes with rounded corners.
[0018] Figures 1A-B illustrate an example consumer product 100 comprising a detergent product
(not shown) and a container. In Figure 1A, the container is open. In Figure 1B, the
container is closed and locked. The container comprises a box 101, a cover 102 for
the box, and a lock 103 to maintain the cover in a closed position, the box comprising
the detergent product, the box comprising a base 104, sidewalls 105 and an opening
106, the cover comprising a top 107 and flanks 108, the cover covering the opening
and the cover covering at least a first and a second specific portion of sidewalls
of the box when the cover is in the closed position, the lock comprising at least
a first actuator 103 moveable from a locking position to an opening position by applying
an actuation pressure onto the first actuator when the cover is in the closed position,
the first actuator being connected to the first specific portion, the cover comprising
a first tactile discontinuity 109, the first tactile discontinuity facing the first
actuator, the first tactile discontinuity permitting displacing the first actuator
from the locking position to the opening position by applying the actuation pressure
at the first tactile discontinuity when the cover is in the closed position, whereby
the cover further comprise a second tactile discontinuity 110, the second tactile
discontinuity directly facing the second specific portion of sidewalls when the cover
is in the closed position. In this example, the cover is a hinged lid. In this example,
the opening is on the top of the box, opposite the base of the box. In this example,
the first and the second tactile discontinuities are on a same specific flank of the
cover, and a centroid of the first tactile discontinuity and a centroid of the second
tactile discontinuity are separated by a separation distance along a direction parallel
to the top of the cover, the separation distance being of more than 1.5 cm and of
less than 10 cm.
Figures 2A-C illustrate an example consumer product 200 comprising a detergent product
(not shown) and a container. In Figure 2A, the container is open. In Figure 2C, the
container is closed and locked. In Figure 2B, the container is in an intermediate
position. The container comprises a box 201, a cover 202 for the box, and a lock 203
to maintain the cover in a closed position, the box comprising the detergent product,
the box comprising a base 204, sidewalls 205 and an opening 206, the cover comprising
a top 207 and flanks 208, the cover covering the opening and the cover covering at
least a first and a second specific portion of sidewalls of the box when the cover
is in the closed position, the lock comprising at least a first actuator 203 moveable
from a locking position to an opening position by applying an actuation pressure onto
the first actuator when the cover is in the closed position, the first actuator being
connected to the first specific portion, the cover comprising a first tactile discontinuity
209, the first tactile discontinuity facing the first actuator, the first tactile
discontinuity permitting displacing the first actuator from the locking position to
the opening position by applying the actuation pressure at the first tactile discontinuity
when the cover is in the closed position, whereby the cover further comprises a second
tactile discontinuity 210, the second tactile discontinuity directly facing the second
specific portion of sidewalls when the cover is in the closed position. In this example,
the cover is a sliding sleeve comprising a transition panel opposite the top of the
cover, the transition panel covering the base of the box when the cover is closed,
the transition panel being linked to the flanks. In this example, the opening is in
one of the side walls, thereby providing improved protection against splashing. Other
examples may have the opening on the top. In this specific example, the opening 206
may be opened by pulling a cutout panel 216 away from the side wall to generate the
opening 206, such cutout panel acting as an element ensuring that the content of the
box has not been tampered with. In some examples the opening may be a permanent opening,
or a perforated panel that can be removed permanently prior to first use. In some
examples, a sleeve cover may comprise a stopper element preventing entirely removing
the sleeve from the box as illustrated in Figure 2B. Such stopper may comprise complementary
opposing flaps, such opposing flaps being place on the sleeve and on the box.
[0019] Providing the opening on a sidewall was found to be particularly helpful for protection
of the content. It was indeed found that containers as described hereby tend to be
stored in humid environment such as bathrooms or laundry rooms for example, such container
being exposed to lying on a wet floor, thereby exposing their base or base walls to
humidity, or to splashing, the splashing primarily impacting a top region of the container
opposite to the base. Providing the opening in a sidewall thereby avoids providing
an opening in such a top region, thereby providing for additional protection from
humidity, whereby the top region may result more sturdy. In some examples, the top
region of the container is covered, when closed, by a double layer structure protecting
the top region when the container is not in use. In addition to this, placing the
opening on a sidewall may results in the opening being in a substantially vertical
plane, i.e. a plane substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. This can result
in potential water splashes running down along the sidewall instead of entering directly
into the first opening or instead of structurally weakening a panel of the cover covering
the opening, in particular a paper based or cardboard based panel of such cover.
[0020] Figures 3A-B illustrate an example consumer product 300 comprising a detergent product
(not shown) and a container. In Figure 3A, the container is open. In Figure 3B, the
container is closed and locked. The container comprises a box 301, a cover 302 for
the box, and a lock 303 to maintain the cover in a closed position, the box comprising
the detergent product, the box comprising a base 304, sidewalls 305 and an opening
306, the cover comprising a top 307 and flanks 308, the cover covering the opening
and the cover covering at least a first and a second specific portion of sidewalls
of the box when the cover is in the closed position, the lock comprising at least
a first actuator 313 moveable from a locking position to an opening position by applying
an actuation pressure onto the first actuator when the cover is in the closed position,
the first actuator being connected to the first specific portion, the cover comprising
a first tactile discontinuity 309, the first tactile discontinuity facing the first
actuator, the first tactile discontinuity permitting displacing the first actuator
from the locking position to the opening position by applying the actuation pressure
at the first tactile discontinuity when the cover is in the closed position, whereby
the cover further comprise a second tactile discontinuity 310, the second tactile
discontinuity directly facing the second specific portion of sidewalls when the cover
is in the closed position. In this example, the cover is a hood lid. In this examples,
the opening is on the top of the box, opposite the base of the box. In this example,
the consumer product comprises a third tactile discontinuity 311, the third tactile
discontinuity facing a second actuator 323 when the cover is in the closed position,
the second actuator pertaining to a second lock, the second actuator being moveable
from a locking position to an opening position by applying a further actuation pressure
onto the second actuator when the cover is in the closed position, the second actuator
being connected to a third specific portion of the sidewalls of the box, the third
specific portion being covered by the cover when the cover is in the closed position,
whereby:
- the first and second specific portions of sidewalls and the first actuator pertain
to a same specific sidewall;
- the third specific portion of sidewalls and the second actuator pertain to an opposite
sidewall, the opposite side wall being opposite to the specific sidewall;
- the third tactile discontinuity pertains to an opposite flank, the opposite flank
being opposite to the specific flank.
[0021] Figures 4A-B illustrate an example consumer product 400 comprising a detergent product
(not shown) and a container. In Figure 4A, the container is open. In Figure 4B, the
container is closed and locked. The container comprises a box 401, a cover 402 for
the box, and a lock 403 to maintain the cover in a closed position, the box comprising
the detergent product, the box comprising a base 404, sidewalls 405 and an opening
406, the cover comprising a top 407 and flanks 408, the cover covering the opening
and the cover covering at least a first and a second specific portion of sidewalls
of the box when the cover is in the closed position, the lock comprising at least
a first actuator 413 moveable from a locking position to an opening position by applying
an actuation pressure onto the first actuator when the cover is in the closed position,
the first actuator being connected to the first specific portion, the cover comprising
a first tactile discontinuity 409, the first tactile discontinuity facing the first
actuator, the first tactile discontinuity permitting displacing the first actuator
from the locking position to the opening position by applying the actuation pressure
at the first tactile discontinuity when the cover is in the closed position, whereby
the cover further comprise a second tactile discontinuity 410, the second tactile
discontinuity directly facing the second specific portion of sidewalls when the cover
is in the closed position.
[0022] In this example consumer product 400, the consumer product comprises a third tactile
discontinuity 411, the third tactile discontinuity facing a second actuator 423 when
the cover is in the closed position, the second actuator 423 pertaining to a second
lock, the second actuator being moveable from a locking position to an opening position
by applying a further actuation pressure onto the second actuator when the cover is
in the closed position, the second actuator being connected to a third specific portion
of the sidewalls of the box, the third specific portion being covered by the cover
when the cover is in the closed position, whereby:
- the first and second specific portions of sidewalls and the first actuator pertain
to a same specific sidewall;
- the third specific portion of sidewalls and the second actuator pertain to an opposite
sidewall, the opposite side wall being opposite to the specific sidewall;
- the third tactile discontinuity pertains to an opposite flank, the opposite flank
being opposite to the specific flank.
[0023] In this example consumer product 400, the consumer product comprises a fourth tactile
discontinuity 412, the fourth tactile discontinuity facing a third actuator 433 when
the cover is in the closed position, whereby the fourth tactile discontinuity pertains
to the opposite flank.
[0024] In example 400, three actuators are provided. This configuration, as well as other
three actuators configurations, permits relying on a structure comprising first, second
and third actuation areas which will provide a reliable locking and unlocking operation.
The use of such separated three actuation areas indeed permits using 3 fingers of
a same adult hand to operate a cover of a box held by the other adult hand.
[0025] While, in example 400, the fourth tactile discontinuity corresponds to a third actuator,
in alternative examples such a fourth tactile discontinuity could directly face a
corresponding specific portion of sidewalls when the cover is in the closed position,
thereby acting as a gripping area, for a human hand, or for machinery, similarly as
for the second tactile discontinuity.
[0026] While, in example 400, the fourth tactile discontinuity corresponds to a third actuator,
in alternative examples such fourth tactile discontinuity could correspond to a single
second actuator fulfilling the role of both actuators 423 and 433, as illustrated
in Figure 5. Indeed in the example of such Figure 5, the container comprises a first
flap facing the first tactile discontinuity when the cover is in the closed position,
and the second actuator comprises a single flap facing both the third and fourth tactile
discontinuities when the cover is in the closed position.
[0027] In the example 400, the third and the fourth tactile discontinuities are both on
the opposite flank, and a centroid of the third tactile discontinuity and a centroid
of the fourth tactile discontinuity are separated by a separation distance along a
direction parallel to the top of the cover, the separation distance being of more
than 1.5 cm and of less than 10 cm. In some examples, the separation distance is of
more than 5 cm and of less than 7 cm. This permits reaching such tactile discontinuities
simultaneously with different fingers of a same adult hand. The centroid corresponds
to an area comprised in a perimeter of the respective tactile discontinuity. Such
tactile discontinuity span permits that a user may localise the areas corresponding
to the corresponding actuators.
[0028] In some examples, each tactile discontinuity spans less than 8 cm
2 and more than 0.2 cm
2, each tactile discontinuity defining a centroid. The centroid corresponds to an area
comprised in a perimeter of the tactile discontinuity. Such tactile discontinuity
span permits that a user may localise the areas corresponding to the corresponding
actuators when such tactile discontinuities are actuation areas, and permits providing
grip when directly facing the sidewall of the box.
[0029] In some examples, each centroid of each tactile discontinuity is separated from the
top of the cover by less than 5 cm and by more than 0.5 cm. This permits contributing
to reaching all the tactile discontinuities with a single adult hand at the same time.
[0030] In some examples, each centroid of tactile discontinuities is separated from a distal
end of the specific flank by more than 0.5 cm. In the configuration of examples consumer
products 100, 300 and 400, such distal end is the end of the flanks opposite to the
top of the cover. Such a threshold distance permits maintaining structural integrity
for the flanks of the cover.
[0031] In some examples, the top of the cover spans less than 13 cm and more than 6cm along
a direction normal to the specific portion at the centroid, in particular at the centroid
of the first tactile discontinuity. This also permits contributing to reaching all
the tactile discontinuities with a single adult hand at the same time.
[0032] In some examples, each tactile discontinuity spans less than 8 cm
2 and more than 0.2 cm
2, each tactile discontinuity defining a centroid; each centroid is separated from
the top of the cover by less than 5 cm and by more than 0.5 cm; each centroid is separated
from a distal end of the specific flank by more than 0.5 cm; and the top of the cover
spans less than 13 cm and more than 6cm along a direction normal to the specific portion
at the centroid, in particular at the centroid of the second tactile discontinuity.
Complying with such combined conditions was found particularly suited to reaching
all the tactile discontinuities with a single adult hand at the same time. In preferred
configurations, the centroid of the first tactile discontinuity and the centroid of
the third tactile discontinuity, when present, are separated by a separation distance
along a direction parallel to the top of the cover, the separation distance being
of more than 1.5 cm and of less than 10 cm, more preferably the separation distance
being of more than 5 cm and of less than 7 cm, in order to reach such first tactile
discontinuity and third tactile discontinuity simultaneously with different fingers
of a same adult hand. In some even more preferred configurations, a shortest distance
between centroids present on opposite flanks along the flanks and top of the cover
is of less than 18cm. In some further preferred configurations, each centroid is separated
from the top of the cover by more than 1 cm and by less than 3 cm, permitting transmitting
a feedback force through the cover to render a pinching movement leading to lock opening
more precise. In some even further preferred configurations, the centroid of the first
tactile discontinuity is located in a central region of a flank of the cover along
a horizontal direction parallel to the top of the cover, thereby easing the sliding
of a cover such as a hood lid by avoiding exerting more force on one side of the cover
than on another, which could lead to such a lid getting stuck.
[0033] In the example 400, the first and second specific portions of sidewalls and the first
actuator 413 pertain to a same specific sidewall, whereby the third specific portion
of sidewalls and the second actuator 423 pertain to an opposite sidewall, the opposite
side wall being opposite to the specific sidewall, whereby the fourth tactile discontinuity
412 pertains to the opposite flank, whereby the centroids of the third tactile discontinuity
411 and of the fourth tactile discontinuity 412 are aligned with the centroids of
the first tactile discontinuity 409 and, respectively, with the centroid of the second
tactile discontinuity 410, along a direction normal to the third specific portion
when the cover is in the closed position portion. This permits easing finger placement
in order to appropriately grip and unlock the container.
[0034] In other examples, the first and second specific portions of sidewalls and the first
actuator pertain to a same specific sidewall, whereby the third specific portion of
sidewalls and the second actuator pertain to an opposite sidewall, the opposite side
wall being opposite to the specific sidewall, whereby the fourth tactile discontinuity,
if present, pertains to the opposite flank, whereby at least one of a centroid of
the third tactile discontinuity and of a centroid of the fourth tactile discontinuity
is facing a region between the centroid of the first tactile discontinuity and the
centroid of the second tactile discontinuity. Again, this permits easing finger placement
in order to appropriately grip and unlock the container.
[0035] In example 400, the first and second specific portions of sidewalls and the first
actuator 413 pertain to a same specific sidewall, whereby the third specific portion
of sidewalls and the second actuator 423 pertain to an opposite sidewall, the opposite
side wall being opposite to the specific sidewall, whereby the fourth tactile discontinuity
412 pertains to the opposite flank, whereby a shortest distance between, on one hand,
at least one of a centroid of the third tactile discontinuity 411 and of a centroid
of the fourth tactile discontinuity 412 and, on the other hand, either the centroid
of the first tactile discontinuity 409 or the centroid of the second tactile discontinuity
410, preferably the centroid of the first tactile discontinuity 409, along the flanks
and top of the cover, is of less than 18cm.
[0036] In the example 400, the cover is symmetrical, such that the role of tactile discontinuity
409 may be fulfilled by tactile discontinuity 412, and such that the role of tactile
discontinuity 410 may be fulfilled by tactile discontinuity 411 by placing the cover
in a reversed manner. This eases the use of such a cover.
[0037] Figure 6 illustrates a cover 601 which could be fitted on either box 602 or on box
603. In both configurations, the container comprises a first flap facing the first
tactile discontinuity when the cover is in the closed position, a second flap facing
the third tactile discontinuity when the cover is in the closed position, and a third
flap facing the fourth tactile discontinuity when the cover is in the closed position.
When cover 601 is fitted on box 602, the second tactile discontinuity is tactile discontinuity
610. When cover 601 is fitted on box 603, the second tactile discontinuity is tactile
discontinuity 611. In such examples, three tactile discontinuities are on a same flank,
and a single tactile discontinuity is on the opposite flank. Such examples are particularly
suited to using a single adult hand, the thumb being located on the single tactile
discontinuity, other 3 fingers of the same hand being located on the three tactile
discontinuities on the same flank.
[0038] In an example alternative to the examples illustrated by Figure 6, tactile discontinuities
marked as 610 and 611 may correspond to respective actuators, in particular a respective
flap, while tactile discontinuity 612 (tactile discontinuity 610 being between 611
and 612 and on a same flank) may not correspond to a respective actuator but be directly
facing a respective portion of sidewall and function as a second tactile discontinuity
according to this disclosure. Ina variation of such example alternative, tactile discontinuities
marked as 610 and 611 may correspond to a single respective actuator (similar to the
example illustrated in Figure 5) associated to such two tactile discontinuities 610
and 612.
[0039] In another example alternative to the examples illustrated by Figure 6, tactile discontinuity
613 located on a flank opposite to tactile discontinuities 610-612 may be absent,
whereby a same flank comprises all tactile discontinuities, whereby such flank carrying
all discontinuities is associated to all actuators (other configurations whereby a
same flank comprises all tactile discontinuities, whereby such flank carrying all
discontinuities is associated to all actuators may be considered).
[0040] In yet another example alternative to the examples illustrated by Figure 6, both
discontinuities 610 and 613 directly face a respective portion of sidewall and permit
gripping without unlocking, while each of discontinuities 612 and 611 are associated
to respective actuators, such configuration with at least two tactile discontinuities
located on opposite flank and directly facing respective portions of sidewalls permitting
transportation of the box without unlocking by gripping the cover by such at least
two tactile discontinuities located on opposite flanks of the cover. Other configurations
comprising at least two tactile discontinuities located on opposite flank and directly
facing respective portions of sidewalls permitting transportation of the box without
unlocking by gripping the cover by such at least two tactile discontinuities located
on opposite flanks of the cover may be provided, having one or more actuators, one
or more actuation areas, such actuators and actuation areas being located in different
locations.
[0041] A configuration as illustrated in Figure 6 has the advantage of being improving the
lock by introducing an additional actuator which may be disengaged by using a thumb
of the first adult hand and three or more other fingers of the first adult hand, the
three or more other fingers preferably comprising the index finger, the middle finger
and the ring finger.
[0042] The present disclosure also aims at resolving an apparent contradiction between,
on one hand, the use of materials for the sidewalls which would resist accidental
opening, and the use of materials for the sidewalls which are particularly environmentally
friendly.
[0043] The container may indeed be made from paper or cardboard material, in particular
rigid cardboard material, flexible cardboard material or a mixture thereof. In some
example, the material forming the box or the cover has a wall thickness of more than
220 microns and of less than 3mm. In some example, the material forming the box or
the cover has a wall thickness of more than 1mm and of less than 2mm. In some example,
the material forming the box or the cover is folded on itself, for example to reinforce
parts of or the whole of the box or the cover. The container may be made from paper
materials, bio based material, bamboo fibres, cellulose fibres, cellulose based or
fibre based materials, or a mixture thereof. The container may be made from materials
comprising recycled materials, for example recycled cellulose fiber based materials.
In some examples, in order to facilitate opening, the cover may be entirely separated
from the box when open, and the cover weighs less than 200g, preferably less than
100g, even more preferably less than 80g, and more than 10g, more preferably more
than 30g, even more preferably more than 40g, in order to obtain a sufficiently robust
cover structure.
[0044] As illustrated for example in Figures 7A (open container) and 7B (closed and locked
container), a container similar to container 400 may comprise a support element structure
701. Indeed, in some examples where the cover is in the form of a lid, the cover according
to some examples comprises a support element structure such as structure 701, the
support element structure entering the opening of the box when the cover is in the
closed position, at least part of the specific portion of the sidewalls being located
between the flanks and the support element structure when the cover is in the closed
position, a clearance distance separating the sidewalls from the support element structure
in a direction normal to the specific portion of the sidewalls when the cover is in
the closed position and when no actuation pressure is applied, the clearance distance
being reduced to zero by flexing of the specific portion of the sidewalls when the
actuation pressure is applied above a pressure threshold when the cover is in the
closed position. Both the support element structure and the flanks are structurally
part of the cover, the support element structure and the flanks permitting sandwiching
the specific portion of the sidewall, thereby preventing sinking in of the specific
portion of the sidewall and undesired disengagement of the actuator from the locking
tab. It is important to take note of the fact that in case of an actuation pressure
being applied while lifting the box through the cover, the pressure applied will catch
the sandwiched specific portion of the sidewall against the support element structure,
thereby compensating a force of gravity which would otherwise disconnect the cover
from the box, such compensation of the gravity force being through a resisting static
friction force between the specific portion of the sidewall and the support element
structure. In some examples, the use of the support element structure permits using
for making the box a relatively flexible material, whereby such flexible material
would flex in the absence of the support element structure to the point that the box
would fall off if lifted by its cover. Permitting using a relatively flexible material
also permits using a lesser quantity of such material due to the presence of the support
element structure which compensates for such flexibility. The presence of such support
element structure thereby prevents or reduces the risk of accidental opening even
if the actuation pressure is applied onto the actuator of the lock, for example as
the box is lifted while applying pressure on the actuator of the lock.
[0045] The support element structure enters the opening when the cover is in the closed
position, fitting within the box when the cover is in the closed position. Such entering
the opening should be understood in that the support element structure comprises a
support element structure portion which enters the opening when the cover is moved
from the open to the closed position, and whereby such support element structure portion
exits the opening when the cover is moved from the closed to the open position. At
least part of the specific portion of the sidewalls is located between the flanks
and the support element structure when the cover is in the closed position. This structure
permits capturing the specific portion of the sidewall between the flanks and the
support element structure, the specific portion of the sidewall getting inserted between
the flanks and the support element structure when the cover moves from the open to
the closed position, the specific portion of the side wall being released from between
the flanks and the support element structure when the cover moves from the closed
to the open position. A clearance distance separates the sidewalls from the support
element structure in a direction normal to the specific portion of the sidewalls when
the cover is in the closed position, such direction corresponding for example to a
direction of a linear ridge of the support element, and when no actuation pressure
is applied. Such clearance distance would exist on a first side, and be repeated additionally
on a second side of the support element structure. Such clearance distance permits
insertion of the support element structure through the opening as the cover gets closed,
such that the support element structure does not collide with the specific portion
of the sidewall when the cover gets closed. The clearance is reduced to zero by flexing
of the specific portion of the sidewalls when the actuation pressure is applied above
a pressure threshold when the cover is in the closed position. When such pressure
threshold is reached, the sidewall lays against the support element structure through
the clearance distance being reduced to zero, the sidewall thereby being prevented
from being exceedingly distorted and being prevented from sinking in to the point
of the actuator releasing the locking tab. The clearance distance according to such
examples relates in some examples to a tolerance distance between the cover and the
box which both permits placing the cover onto the box without undue difficulty, while
avoiding that the cover be loose when in the closed position. While the clearance
distance according to this disclosure is considered in a region of the lock, the tolerance
distance between the cover and the box may be considered along an entire perimeter
of the opening of the box. In some examples, the tolerance is of at least 0.1 mm and
of less than 5 mm. In some examples the tolerance is of at least 0.5mm and of less
than 3 mm. Such tolerance would for example be measured when the cover is in the closed
position and between an internal surface of the flanks and an external surface of
the sidewalls, understanding that such tolerance may take a different value in a region
of the lock.
[0046] In some examples, the clearance distance is of at least 1mm and of less than 1cm
when the cover is in the closed position and no actuation pressure is applied. Such
a range permits both easing the closing of the cover and preventing sinking of the
specific portion of the sidewall leading to undesired unlocking. In some examples,
the clearance distance is of at least 1.5mm and of less than 0.5cm when the cover
is in the closed position and no actuation pressure is applied. In some examples,
the clearance distance is of at least 2mm and of less than 0.4cm when the cover is
in the closed position and no actuation pressure is applied.
[0047] In some examples such as illustrated in Figures 7A-B, the consumer product may comprise
an alignment mark 702. Introducing such an alignment mark will permit guiding a user
such that a correct alignment mark placement corresponds to a correct locking operation.
It can indeed be the case that a lock or lock mechanism for a container according
to this description may be invisible to a user, such that a user may be unsure of
whether locking may actually have taken place. The providing of the alignment mark
as per this description will indicate that the locking is effective, even if the lock
itself is invisible or hidden from sight.
[0048] In some examples, at least one of the flanks and sidewalls comprises an alignment
mark coinciding with the cover being in the closed position. In the example of Figures
7A-B, both the flanks and sidewall comprise an alignment mark. In this case the alignment
mark corresponds to a mark on the cover and to a mark on the box, both marks coinciding
to form a single mark when the cover is closed, such coincidence confirming closure
of the container and thereby adequate protection of the content.
[0049] The alignment mark should be understood as a graphical or tactile feature, or a feature
both graphical and tactile, coinciding with the cover being in the closed position.
Such coincidence may take place between different elements or marks or may take place
between an alignment mark and a feature of the container such as, for example, a distal
end of a flank. In some examples, the alignment mark comprises a feature such as a
segment, a pattern, a line or a curve which, when the cover is closed, coincides with
a corresponding feature, whereby such corresponding feature may be another alignment
mark, or a structural feature such as a border, extremity, aperture or slit of the
container. In some examples, the alignment mark comprises one or more of an icon or
symbol representing for example a padlock, a lock or a fingerprint. As illustrated
in Figures 7A-B, the detergent product my take the form of unit dose detergent pouches,
preferably in the form of flexible water soluble unit dose detergent pouches, and
preferably whereby the alignment mark comprises a representation of a unit dose detergent
pouch.
[0050] In some examples, the cover comprises a corrugated cardboard layer, the corrugated
cardboard layer comprising flutes, the flutes preferably running parallel to the direction
normal to the specific portion and parallel to a top of the cover, and whereby a tactile
discontinuity is an aperture which preferably intersect at least some of the flutes.
Such a structure permits reinforcing the top of the cover. The intersecting of flutes
by an aperture also permits ventilating the flank or flanks in which the aperture
is provided, thereby reinforcing flank integrity in humid environments.
[0051] In some examples the detergent product comprises a detergent composition. The detergent
composition may be a laundry detergent composition, an automatic dishwashing composition,
a hard surface cleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The detergent composition
may 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 solid may be a powder.
By powder we herein mean that the detergent composition may comprise solid particulates
or may be a single homogenous solid. In some examples, the powder detergent composition
comprises particles. This means that the powder detergent composition comprises individual
solid particles as opposed to the solid being a single homogenous solid. The particles
may be free-flowing or may be compacted. A laundry detergent composition can be used
in a fabric hand wash operation or may be used in an automatic machine fabric wash
operation, for example in an automatic machine fabric wash operation. Example laundry
detergent compositions comprise a non-soap surfactant, wherein the non-soap surfactant
comprises an anionic non-soap surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant. In some examples,
the laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 60%, or between 20% and
55% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of the non-soap surfactant. Example
weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant are from 1:1 to
20:1, from 1.5:1 to 17.5:1, from 2:1 to 15:1, or from 2.5:1 to 13:1. Example non-soap
anionic surfactants comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkyl sulphate or a
mixture thereof. Example weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate to alkyl sulphate
are from 1:2 to 9:1, from 1:1 to 7:1, from 1:1 to 5:1, or from 1:1 to 4:1. Example
linear alkylbenzene sulphonates are C
10-C
16 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, or C
11-C
14 alkyl benzene sulfonic acids. By 'linear', we herein mean the alkyl group is linear.
Example alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant may comprise alkoxylated alkyl sulphate
or non-alkoxylated alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof. Example alkoxylated alkyl
sulphate anionic surfactant comprise an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant.
Example alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate
anionic surfactant with a mol average degree of ethoxylation from 1 to 5, from 1 to
3, or from 2 to 3. Example alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant may comprise a non-ethoxylated
alkyl sulphate and an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate wherein the mol average degree of
ethoxylation of the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant is from 1 to 5, from 1 to 3,
or from 2 to 3. Example alkyl fraction of the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant are
derived from fatty alcohols, oxo-synthesized alcohols, Guerbet alcohols, or mixtures
thereof. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 10%
and 50%, between 15% and 45%, between 20% and 40%, or between 30% and 40% by weight
of the laundry detergent composition of the non-soap anionic surfactant. In some examples,
the non-ionic surfactant is selected from alcohol alkoxylate, an oxo-synthesised alcohol
alkoxylate, Guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkyl phenol alcohol alkoxylates, or a mixture
thereof. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 0.01%
and 10%, between 0.01% and 8%, between 0.1% and 6%, or between 0.15% and 5% by weight
of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a non-ionic surfactant. In some examples,
the laundry detergent composition comprises between 1.5% and 20%, between 2% and 15%,
between 3% and 10%, or between 4% and 8% by weight of the laundry detergent composition
of soap, in some examples a fatty acid salt, in some examples an amine neutralized
fatty acid salt, wherein in some examples the amine is an alkanolamine for example
selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or a mixture thereof,
in some examples monoethanolamine. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition
is a liquid laundry detergent composition. In some examples the liquid laundry detergent
composition comprises less than 15%, or less than 12% by weight of the liquid laundry
detergent composition of water. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition
is a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising a non-aqueous solvent selected
from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropyleneglycol, glycerol, sorbitol,
polyethylene glycol or a mixture thereof. In some examples, the liquid laundry detergent
composition comprises between 10% and 40%, or between 15% and 30% by weight of the
liquid laundry detergent composition of the non-aqueous solvent. In some examples,
the laundry detergent composition comprises a perfume. In some examples, the laundry
detergent composition comprises an adjunct ingredient selected from the group comprising
builders including enzymes, citrate, bleach, bleach catalyst, dye, hueing dye, brightener,
cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimines, soil release
polymer, surfactant, solvent, dye transfer inhibitors, chelant, encapsulated perfume,
polycarboxylates, structurant, pH trimming agents, and mixtures thereof. In some examples,
the laundry detergent composition has a pH between 6 and 10, between 6.5 and 8.9,
or between 7 and 8, wherein the pH of the laundry detergent composition is measured
as a 10% product concentration in demineralized water at 20°C. When liquid, the laundry
detergent composition may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. In some examples, the liquid
laundry detergent composition is non-Newtonian. Without wishing to be bound by theory,
a non-Newtonian liquid has properties that differ from those of a Newtonian liquid,
more specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids is dependent on shear rate,
while a Newtonian liquid has a constant viscosity independent of the applied shear
rate. The decreased viscosity upon shear application for non-Newtonian liquids is
thought to further facilitate liquid detergent dissolution. The liquid laundry detergent
composition described herein can have any suitable viscosity depending on factors
such as formulated ingredients and purpose of the composition.
[0052] In some examples, the consumer product comprises at least one water-soluble unit
dose article and the container. The consumer product can be sold `as is', in other
words the consumer product is the item that the consumer picks up from the shelf.
Alternatively, the consumer product could be housed as one unit of a multi-component
product. For example, more than one consumer product could be housed within an outer
package and the multiple packaged consumer products sold together in a single purchase.
The consumer product may comprise aesthetic elements, for example shrink sleeves or
labels attached to the container. Alternatively, the container may be coloured or
printed with aesthetic elements or informative print such as usage instructions.
[0053] In some examples a water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble
film orientated to create at least one-unit dose internal compartment, wherein the
at least one-unit dose internal compartment comprises a detergent composition. The
water-soluble film and the detergent composition are described in more detail below.
In some examples the consumer product comprises at least one water-soluble unit dose
article, in some cases at least two water-soluble unit dose articles, in some cases
at least 10 water-soluble unit dose articles, in some cases at least 20 water-soluble
unit dose articles, in some cases at least 30 water-soluble unit dose articles, in
some cases at least 40 water-soluble unit dose articles, in some cases at least 45
water-soluble unit dose articles. A water-soluble unit dose article is in some examples
in the form of a pouch. A water-soluble unit dose article comprises in some examples
a unitary dose of a composition as a volume sufficient to provide a benefit in an
end application. The water-soluble unit dose article comprises in some examples 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 such that the cleaning composition
does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, upon addition of the
water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases
the contents of the internal compartment into the wash liquor. The unit dose article
may comprise more than one compartment, at least two compartments, or at least three
compartments, or at least four compartments, or even at least five compartments. The
compartments may be arranged in superposed orientation, i.e. one positioned on top
of the other. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side
orientation, i.e. one orientated next to the other. The compartments may be orientated
in a `tyre and rim' arrangement, i.e. a first compartment is positioned next to a
second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second
compartment, but does not completely enclose the second compartment. Alternatively,
one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment. In some examples
the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments
being smaller than the other compartment. In some examples the unit dose article comprises
at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third
compartment, and in some examples the two smaller compartments being superposed on
the larger compartment. In some examples the unit dose article comprises at least
four compartments, three of the compartments may be smaller than the fourth compartment,
and in some examples the three smaller compartments being superposed on the larger
compartment. The superposed compartments are in some examples orientated side-by-side.
In some examples each individual unit dose article may have a weight of between 10g
and 40g, or even between 15g and 35g. The water soluble film may be soluble or dispersible
in water. Prior to be being formed into a unit dose article, the water-soluble film
has in some examples a thickness of from 20 to 150 micron, in other examples 35 to
125 micron, in further examples 50 to 110 micron, in yet further examples about 76
micron. Example water soluble film materials comprise polymeric materials. The film
material can, for example, be obtained by casting, blow-moulding, extrusion or blown
extrusion of the polymeric material. In some examples, the water-soluble film comprises
polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, for example a blend of polyvinylalcohol polymers
and/or polyvinylalcohol copolymers, for example selected from sulphonated and carboxylated
anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymers especially carboxylated anionic polyvinylalcohol
copolymers, for example a blend of a polyvinylalcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated
anionic polyvinylalcohol copolymer. In some examples water soluble films are those
supplied by Monosol under the trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310. In some
examples the film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may comprise
a printed area. The area of print may be achieved using techniques such as flexographic
printing or inkjet printing. The film may comprise an aversive agent, for example
a bittering agent. Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin,
sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof.
Example levels of aversive agent include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000ppm, 100
to 2500ppm, or 250 to 2000ppm. The water-soluble film or water-soluble unit dose article
or both may be coated with a lubricating agent. In some examples, the lubricating
agent is selected from talc, zinc oxide, silicas, siloxanes, zeolites, silicic acid,
alumina, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate,
sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate,
calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starches, clay,
kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrins or mixtures thereof.
[0054] In some examples the container comprises a first part, wherein the first part comprises
a first compartment in which the at least one water-soluble unit dose article is contained.
In some examples the first compartment comprises at least two water-soluble unit dose
articles. The first compartment may comprise between 1 and 80 water-soluble unit dose
articles, between 1 and 60 water-soluble unit dose articles, between 1 and 40 water-soluble
unit dose articles, or between 1 and 20 water-soluble unit dose articles. The volume
of the first compartment may be between 500ml and 5000ml, in some examples between
800ml and 4000ml.
[0055] In some examples, the detergent product is in the form of unit dose detergent pouches,
preferably in the form of flexible water soluble unit dose detergent pouches, whereby
the one or more, preferably all, tactile discontinuities are configured to prevent
a unit dose detergent pouch from passing through the one or more, preferably all,
tactile discontinuities, particularly when such one or more tactile discontinuities
are apertures or slits. In some examples, the pouches have a minimum cross section,
such minimum cross section being in some cases surrounded by an external flange area,
such minimum cross section intersecting an internal volume of the detergent article
comprising the detergent, such minimum cross section being of less than the area covered
by the tactile discontinuity or aperture concerned. For example, if the aperture is
of 1cm
2, pouches having a minimum cross section of 1.5cm
2 will not spill through the aperture.
[0056] In some examples, one or more flank of the flanks comprising a tactile discontinuity
covers at least 10%, preferable at least 20%, more preferably at least 30% of one
or more respective sidewall of the sidewalls when the cover is in the closed position.
In such examples, if the respective tactile discontinuity is an aperture, such aperture
will to some degree permit evacuating air comprised in the cover while closing the
cover as the cover slides onto the box. In some examples, the cover defines a cover
internal volume delimited by the top of the cover and the flanks. In some examples
the cover internal volume is comprised between 200 and 2000 cm
3, preferably between 750 cm
3 and 1500 cm
3. In some examples, one or more flank of the flanks comprising a respective tactile
discontinuity covers at least 40% of one or more respective sidewall of the sidewalls
when the cover is in the closed position. In some examples, one or more flank of the
flanks comprising a respective tactile discontinuity covers at least 50% of one or
more respective sidewall of the sidewalls when the cover is in the closed position.
Providing a higher flank coverage increases robustness and permits holding the content
of the container in the cover case of an accidental upside down opening. Such configurations
may be advantageously combined in some examples with an aperture configured to prevent
a unit dose detergent pouch from passing through the aperture.
[0057] In some examples, the tactile discontinuity covers less than 6 cm
2 and more than 1 cm
2. Such dimensioning was also found particularly effective at applying a high precision
force or pressure.
[0058] In some examples, the flanks comprise two short flanks and two long flanks, whereby
the tactile discontinuities are on a long flank. This configuration permits increasing
rigidity of the top of the cover, while maintaining a desired container inner volume.
The cover may indeed comprise two opposite long flanks parallel to each other and
two opposite short flanks parallel to each other, the long flanks being perpendicular
to the short flanks, the long flanks being preferably reinforced, in order to take
into account the fact that a user or consumer may be more likely to apply pressure
on long flanks, and that long flanks are more likely to be submitted to deformation
given that their middle point along the first direction is farther away from corners
of the same long flank than the middle point of a short flank from the respective
short flank corners.
[0059] Figure 8 illustrates an example method to operate a locked consumer product, the
consumer product being according to any of the examples hereby described, the method
comprising:
- block 81 of unlocking the container by grabbing the cover with a first adult hand
between a thumb of the first adult hand and one or more other fingers of the first
adult hand, the one or more other fingers preferably comprising at least one of the
index finger, ring finger and middle finger, whereby the grabbing takes place across
the top of the cover, whereby fingertips of the thumb and of the one or more other
fingers are simultaneously placed on the first and on the second tactile discontinuity;
and
block 82 of opening the container by lifting, sliding or rotating the pinched cover
away from the box to expose the opening.
[0060] A method as described in Figure 8 permits a stable gripping of the container when
also using the second tactile discontinuity, such stable gripping easing the actuation
of the actuators using one or more other tactile discontinuities, the tactile discontinuities
facilitating appropriate finger placement. Such stable gripping is further reinforced
in situations whereby the first and second tactile discontinuities are located on
opposite flanks of the cover.
[0061] In some other examples comprising at least one additional lock and actuator, block
81 may comprise unlocking the container by grabbing the cover with a first adult hand
between a thumb of the first adult hand and two or more other fingers of the first
adult hand, the two or more other fingers preferably comprising at least one of the
index finger, ring finger and middle finger, whereby the grabbing takes place across
the top of the cover, whereby fingertips of the thumb and of the two or more other
fingers are simultaneously placed on the first, second and a third tactile discontinuity.
[0062] As illustrated in another example method in Figure 9, a method may comprise blocks
81 and 82, as well as a block 93 of locking the container, the lock emitting a clicking
sound upon locking, in order to provide audible feedback confirming closure.
[0063] Figure 10 illustrates an example method to manipulate a locked consumer product using
a machine, the consumer product being according to any of the examples hereby described,
the machine comprising a gripping device, the method comprising in block 1000 gripping
the consumer product by inserting the gripping device in the second tactile discontinuity,
whereby the gripping device has a profile matching a profile of the second tactile
discontinuity. This permits manipulating the consumer product, for example on a production
line, without risking opening the consumer product. Such gripping using the second
tactile discontinuity can participate in precisely aligning the consumer product on
a production line. In some examples, the method comprises manipulating the locked
consumer product without the machine entering in contact with a tactile discontinuity
facing an actuator, or preferably manipulating the locked consumer product without
the machine entering in contact with any tactile discontinuity facing an actuator,
while the gripping device is inserted in the second tactile discontinuity, in order
to avoid undesired opening of the box during such manipulating.
[0064] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly
limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified,
each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40
mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
1. A consumer product (100, 200, 300, 400) comprising a detergent product and a container,
the container comprising a box (101, 201, 301, 401, 602, 603), a cover (102, 202,
302, 402, 601) for the box, and a lock to maintain the cover in a closed position,
the box comprising the detergent product, the box comprising a base (104, 204, 304,
404), sidewalls (105, 205, 305, 405) and an opening (106, 206, 306, 406), the cover
comprising a top (107, 207, 307, 407) and flanks (108, 208, 308, 408), the cover covering
the opening and the cover covering at least a first and a second specific portion
of sidewalls of the box when the cover is in the closed position, the lock comprising
at least a first actuator (103, 203, 313, 413) moveable from a locking position to
an opening position by applying an actuation pressure onto the first actuator when
the cover is in the closed position, the first actuator being connected to the first
specific portion, the cover comprising a first tactile discontinuity (109, 209, 309,
409), the first tactile discontinuity facing the first actuator, the first tactile
discontinuity permitting displacing the first actuator from the locking position to
the opening position by applying the actuation pressure at the first tactile discontinuity
when the cover is in the closed position, whereby the cover further comprise a second
tactile discontinuity (110, 210, 310, 410), wherein the second tactile discontinuity
is directly facing the second specific portion of sidewalls when the cover is in the
closed position, characterized in that the cover, in the area of the second tactile discontinuity, is separated by the second
sidewall portion of the box only by a thin air clearance layer, the second sidewall
portion being actuator-less or flap less.
2. The consumer product according to claim 1, whereby the opening is either opposite
the base (104, 204, 304, 404) or in one of the sidewalls (105, 205, 305, 405), preferably
opposite the base.
3. The consumer product according to any of the above claims, whereby the first (109,
209, 309, 409) and the second (110, 210, 310, 410) tactile discontinuities are on
a same specific flank of the cover.
4. The consumer product according to any of the above claims, whereby:
- each tactile discontinuity spans less than 8 cm2 and more than 0.2 cm2, each tactile discontinuity defining a centroid;
- each centroid is separated from the top of the cover by less than 5 cm and by more
than 0.5 cm;
- each centroid is separated from a distal end of the specific flank by more than
0.5 cm; and
- the top of the cover spans less than 13 cm and more than 6cm along a direction normal
to the first specific portion at the centroid defined by the first tactile discontinuity.
5. The consumer product according to the above claim, whereby the first (109, 209, 309,
409) and the second (110, 210, 310, 410) tactile discontinuities are on a same specific
flank of the cover, and whereby the centroid of the first tactile discontinuity and
the centroid of the second tactile discontinuity are separated by a separation distance
along a direction parallel to the top of the cover, the separation distance being
of more than 1.5 cm and of less than 10 cm.
6. The consumer product according to any of the above claims, whereby the consumer product
comprises a third tactile discontinuity (311, 411), the third tactile discontinuity
facing either the first actuator or a second actuator (323, 423) when the cover is
in the closed position, the second actuator, if present, pertaining to a second lock,
the second actuator, if present, being moveable from a locking position to an opening
position by applying a further actuation pressure onto the second actuator when the
cover is in the closed position, the second actuator, if present, being connected
to a third specific portion of the sidewalls of the box, the third specific portion
being covered by the cover when the cover is in the closed position.
7. The consumer product according to the above claim, whereby the third tactile discontinuity
faces and whereby the second actuator is present, whereby:
- the first and second specific portions of sidewalls and the first actuator (103,
203, 313, 413) pertain to a same specific sidewall;
- the third specific portion of sidewalls and the second actuator (323, 423) pertain
to an opposite sidewall, the opposite side wall being opposite to the specific sidewall;
- the third tactile discontinuity (311, 411) pertains to an opposite flank, the opposite
flank being opposite to the specific flank.
8. The consumer product according to the above claim, whereby the consumer product comprises
a fourth tactile discontinuity (412), the fourth tactile discontinuity preferably
facing either the first actuator, the second actuator, a third actuator (433) or directly
facing a respective portion of sidewall when the cover is in the closed position,
whereby the fourth tactile discontinuity preferably pertains to the opposite flank
facing either the second actuator, a third actuator, or directly facing the respective
portion of sidewall, preferably facing a third actuator, when the cover is in the
closed position, the third actuator, if present, being connected to a fourth specific
portion of the sidewalls of the box.
9. The consumer product according to the above claim, whereby the third and the fourth
tactile discontinuities are both on the opposite flank, and whereby the centroid of
the third tactile discontinuity and the centroid of the fourth tactile discontinuity
are separated by a separation distance along a direction parallel to the top of the
cover, the separation distance being of more than 1.5 cm and of less than 10 cm.
10. The consumer product according to any of claims 8 or 9, whereby the first and second
specific portions of sidewalls and the first actuator (103, 203, 313, 413) pertain
to a same specific sidewall,
whereby the third specific portion of sidewalls and the second actuator (323, 423)
pertain to an opposite sidewall, the opposite side wall being opposite to the specific
sidewall, whereby the fourth tactile discontinuity (412),
if present, pertains to the opposite flank, whereby at least one of a centroid of
the third tactile discontinuity (311, 411) and of a centroid of the fourth tactile
discontinuity,
if present, is aligned either with the centroid of the first tactile discontinuity
(109, 209, 309, 409) or with the centroid of the second tactile discontinuity (110,
210, 310, 410),
preferably is aligned with the centroid of the first tactile discontinuity, along
a direction normal to the third specific portion when the cover is in the closed position
portion.
11. The consumer product according to any of claims 8 or 9, whereby the first and second
specific portions of sidewalls and the first actuator pertain to a same specific sidewall,
whereby the third specific portion of sidewalls and the second actuator pertain to
an opposite sidewall, the opposite side wall being opposite to the specific sidewall,
whereby the fourth tactile discontinuity, if present, pertains to the opposite flank,
whereby at least one of a centroid of the third tactile discontinuity and of a centroid
of the fourth tactile discontinuity is facing a region between the centroid of the
first tactile discontinuity and the centroid of the second tactile discontinuity.
12. The consumer product according to any of the claims 8-11, whereby the first and second
specific portions of sidewalls and the first actuator pertain to a same specific sidewall,
whereby the third specific portion of sidewalls and the second actuator pertain to
an opposite sidewall, the opposite side wall being opposite to the specific sidewall,
whereby the fourth tactile discontinuity, if present, pertains to the opposite flank,
whereby a shortest distance between, on one hand, at least one of a centroid of the
third tactile discontinuity and of a centroid of the fourth tactile discontinuity
(412), if present, and, on the other hand, either the centroid of the first tactile
discontinuity or the centroid of the second tactile discontinuity, preferably the
centroid of the first tactile discontinuity, along the flanks and top of the cover,
is of less than 18cm.
13. The consumer product according to any of claims 4 to 12, whereby each centroid is
separated from the top of the cover by more than 1 cm and by less than 3 cm.
14. The consumer product according to any of claims 8 to 13, whereby the container comprises
a first flap facing the first tactile discontinuity (109, 209, 309, 409) when the
cover is in the closed position, and
whereby the second actuator (323, 423) comprises a single flap facing both the third
and fourth tactile discontinuities (311, 411, 412) when the cover is in the closed
position.
15. The consumer product according to any of claims 8 to 13, whereby the container comprises
a first flap facing the first tactile discontinuity when the cover is in the closed
position, a second flap facing the third tactile discontinuity when the cover is in
the closed position, and a third flap facing the fourth tactile discontinuity when
the cover is in the closed position.
16. The consumer product according to any of the above claims, whereby the centroid of
the first tactile discontinuity (109, 209, 309, 409) is located in a central region
of a flank of the cover along a horizontal direction parallel to the top of the cover.
17. The consumer product according to any of the above claims, whereby the detergent product
is in the form of unit dose detergent pouches, preferably in the form of flexible
water soluble unit dose detergent pouches, whereby the one or more, preferably all,
tactile discontinuities are configured to prevent a unit dose detergent pouch from
passing through the one or more, preferably all, tactile discontinuities.
18. The consumer product according to any of the above claims, whereby one or more of
the specific portions comprise a visual indication visible through the corresponding
tactile discontinuity or tactile discontinuities, when the cover is closed.
19. The consumer product according to any of the above claims, whereby each tactile discontinuity
is one of an aperture, a slit, a membrane or an embossed area, preferably an aperture,
and whereby each tactile discontinuity preferably has a circular shape.
20. The consumer product according to any of the above claims, whereby the cover is a
lid or a sleeve.
21. The consumer product according to any of the above claims, whereby one or more additional
tactile discontinuities are provided in the cover, preferably on a flank of the cover,
such one or more additional tactile discontinuities being directly facing a corresponding
specific portion of sidewalls when the cover is in the closed, at least one of the
one or more tactile discontinuities being located on a flank of the cover opposite
to another flank on which the second tactile discontinuity is located.
22. A method to operate a locked consumer product, the consumer product being according
to any of the above claims, the method comprising:
- unlocking (81) the container by grabbing the cover with a first adult hand between
a thumb of the first adult hand and one or more other fingers of the first adult hand,
the one or more other fingers preferably comprising at least one of the index finger,
ring finger and middle finger, whereby the grabbing takes place across the top of
the cover, whereby fingertips of the thumb and of the one or more other fingers are
simultaneously placed on the first and on the second tactile discontinuity; and
- opening (82) the container by lifting, sliding or rotating the pinched cover away
from the box to expose the opening.
23. The method to operate a locked consumer product according to claim 22, the method
comprising locking (93) the container, the lock emitting a clicking sound upon locking.
24. A method to manipulate a locked consumer product using a machine, the consumer product
being according to any of the above consumer product claims, the machine comprising
a gripping device, the method comprising gripping (1000) the consumer product by inserting
the gripping device in the second tactile discontinuity, whereby the gripping device
has a profile matching a profile of the second tactile discontinuity.
1. Endprodukt (100, 200, 300, 400), umfassend ein Waschmittelprodukt und einen Behälter,
der Behälter umfassend eine Dose (101, 201, 301, 401, 602, 603), eine Abdeckung (102,
202, 302, 402, 601) für die Dose und eine Verriegelung, um die Abdeckung in einer
geschlossenen Position zu halten, die Dose umfassend das Waschmittelprodukt, die Dose
umfassend eine Basis (104, 204, 304, 404), Seitenwände (105, 205, 305, 405) und eine
Öffnung (106, 206, 306, 406), die Abdeckung umfassend ein Oberteil (107, 207, 307,
407) und Flanken (108, 208, 308, 408), wobei die Abdeckung die Öffnung abdeckt und
die Abdeckung wenigstens einen ersten und einen zweiten spezifischen Abschnitt von
Seitenwänden der Dose abdeckt, wenn sich die Abdeckung in der geschlossenen Position
befindet, die Verriegelung umfassend wenigstens ein erstes Betätigungselement (103,
203, 313, 413), das von einer Verriegelungsposition in eine Öffnungsposition durch
Ausüben eines Betätigungsdrucks auf das erste Betätigungselement bewegbar ist, wenn
sich die Abdeckung in der geschlossenen Position befindet, wobei das erste Betätigungselement
mit dem ersten spezifischen Abschnitt verbunden ist, die Abdeckung umfassend eine
erste fühlbare Unstetigkeit (109, 209, 309, 409), wobei die erste fühlbare Unstetigkeit
dem ersten Betätigungselement zugewandt ist, die erste fühlbare Unstetigkeit ein Verschieben
des ersten Betätigungselements von der Verriegelungsposition in die Öffnungsposition
durch Ausüben des Betätigungsdrucks an der ersten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit ermöglicht,
wenn sich die Abdeckung in der geschlossenen Position befindet, wobei die Abdeckung
ferner eine zweite fühlbare Unstetigkeit (110, 210, 310, 410) umfasst, wobei
die zweite fühlbare Unstetigkeit dem zweiten spezifischen Abschnitt von Seitenwänden
direkt zugewandt ist, wenn sich die Abdeckung in der geschlossenen Position befindet,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Abdeckung, in der Region der zweiten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit, nur durch eine dünne
Luftspielschicht durch den zweiten Seitenwandabschnitt der Dose getrennt ist, wobei
der zweite Seitenwandabschnitt ohne Betätigungselement oder Klappe besteht.
2. Endprodukt nach Anspruch 1, wobei sich die Öffnung entweder entgegengesetzt der Basis
(104, 204, 304, 404) oder in einer der Seitenwände (105, 205, 305, 405), vorzugsweise
entgegengesetzt der Basis, befindet.
3. Endprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei sich die erste (109, 209,
309, 409) und die zweite (110, 210, 310, 410) fühlbare Unstetigkeit an einer gleichen
spezifischen Flanke der Abdeckung befinden.
4. Endprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei:
- jede fühlbare Unstetigkeit weniger als 8 cm2 und mehr als 0,2 cm2 überspannt, wobei jede fühlbare Unstetigkeit einen Schwerpunkt definiert;
- jeder Schwerpunkt um weniger als 5 cm und um mehr als 0,5 cm von dem Oberteil der
Abdeckung getrennt ist;
- jeder Schwerpunkt um mehr als 0,5 cm von einem distalen Ende der spezifischen Flanke
getrennt ist; und
- das Oberteil der Abdeckung weniger als 13 cm und mehr als 6 cm entlang einer Richtung
senkrecht zu dem spezifischen Abschnitt an dem Schwerpunkt überspannt, der durch die
erste fühlbare Unstetigkeit definiert ist.
5. Endprodukt nach dem vorstehenden Anspruch, wobei sich die erste (109, 209, 309, 409)
und die zweite (110, 210, 310, 410) fühlbare Unstetigkeit an einer gleichen spezifischen
Flanke der Abdeckung befinden und wobei der Schwerpunkt der ersten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit
und der Schwerpunkt der zweiten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit durch einen Trennungsabstand
entlang einer Richtung parallel zu dem Oberteil der Abdeckung getrennt sind, wobei
der Trennungsabstand aus mehr als 1,5 cm und aus weniger als 10 cm besteht.
6. Endprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Endprodukt eine dritte
fühlbare Unstetigkeit (311, 411) umfasst, wobei die dritte fühlbare Unstetigkeit entweder
dem ersten Betätigungselement oder einem zweiten Betätigungselement (323, 423) zugewandt
ist, wenn sich die Abdeckung in der geschlossenen Position befindet, wobei das zweite
Betätigungselement, falls vorhanden, zu einer zweiten Verriegelung gehört, wobei das
zweite Betätigungselement, falls vorhanden, durch Ausüben eines weiteren Betätigungsdrucks
auf das zweite Betätigungselement von einer Verriegelungsposition in eine Öffnungsposition
bewegbar ist, wenn sich die Abdeckung in der geschlossenen Position befindet, wobei
das zweite Betätigungselement, falls vorhanden, mit einem dritten spezifischen Abschnitt
der Seitenwände der Dose verbunden ist, wobei der dritte spezifische Abschnitt durch
die Abdeckung abgedeckt ist, wenn sich die Abdeckung in der geschlossenen Position
befindet.
7. Endprodukt nach dem vorstehenden Anspruch, wobei die dritte fühlbare Unstetigkeit
zugewandt ist und wobei das zweite Betätigungselement vorhanden ist, wobei:
- der erste und der dritte spezifische Abschnitt von Seitenwänden und das erste Betätigungselement
(103, 203, 313, 413) zu einer gleichen spezifischen Seitenwand gehören;
- der zweite spezifische Abschnitt von Seitenwänden und das zweite Betätigungselement
(323, 423) zu einer entgegengesetzten Seitenwand gehören, wobei die entgegengesetzte
Seitenwand der spezifischen Seitenwand entgegengesetzt ist;
- die dritte fühlbare Unstetigkeit (311, 411) zu einer entgegengesetzten Flanke gehört,
wobei die entgegengesetzte Flanke der spezifischen Flanke entgegengesetzt ist.
8. Endprodukt nach dem vorstehenden Anspruch, wobei das Endprodukt eine vierte fühlbare
Unstetigkeit (412) umfasst, wobei die vierte fühlbare Unstetigkeit vorzugsweise entweder
dem ersten Betätigungselement, dem zweiten Betätigungselement, einem dritten Betätigungselement
(433) oder einem jeweiligen Abschnitt von Seitenwand direkt zugewandt ist, wenn sich
der Deckel in der geschlossenen Position befindet, wobei die vierte fühlbare Unstetigkeit
vorzugsweise zu der entgegengesetzten Flanke gehört, die entweder dem zweiten Betätigungselement,
einem dritten Betätigungselement zugewandt ist oder dem jeweiligen Abschnitt von Seitenwand
direkt zugewandt ist, vorzugsweise einem dritten Betätigungselement zugewandt ist,
wenn sich der Deckel in der geschlossenen Position befindet, wobei das dritte Betätigungselement,
falls vorhanden, mit einem vierten spezifischen Abschnitt der Seitenwände der Dose
verbunden ist.
9. Endprodukt nach dem vorstehenden Anspruch, wobei sich die dritte und die vierte fühlbare
Unstetigkeit beide auf der entgegengesetzten Flanke befinden und wobei der Schwerpunkt
der dritten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit und der Schwerpunkt der vierten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit
durch einen Trennungsabstand entlang einer Richtung parallel zu dem Oberteil der Abdeckung
getrennt sind, wobei der Trennungsabstand aus mehr als 1,5 cm und weniger als 10 cm
besteht.
10. Endprodukt nach einem der Ansprüche 8 oder 9, wobei der erste und der zweite spezifische
Abschnitt von Seitenwänden und das erste Betätigungselement (103, 203, 313, 413) zu
einer gleichen spezifischen Seitenwand gehören,
wobei der dritte spezifische Abschnitt von Seitenwänden und das zweite Betätigungselement
(323, 423) zu einer entgegengesetzten Seitenwand gehören, wobei die entgegengesetzte
Seitenwand der spezifischen Seitenwand entgegengesetzt ist, wobei die vierte fühlbare
Unstetigkeit (412),
falls vorhanden, zu der entgegengesetzten Flanke gehört, wobei wenigstens einer eines
Schwerpunkts der dritten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit (311, 411)
und eines Schwerpunkts der vierten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit,
falls vorhanden, entweder mit dem Schwerpunkt der ersten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit (109,
209, 309, 409) oder mit dem Schwerpunkt der zweiten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit (110, 210,
310, 410) ausgerichtet ist,
vorzugsweise mit dem Schwerpunkt der ersten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit ausgerichtet ist,
entlang einer Richtung senkrecht zu dem dritten spezifischen Abschnitt, wenn sich
die Abdeckung in der geschlossenen Position befindet.
11. Endprodukt nach einem der Ansprüche 8 oder 9, wobei der erste und der zweite spezifische
Abschnitt von Seitenwänden und das erste Betätigungselement zu einer gleichen spezifischen
Seitenwand gehören, wobei der dritte spezifische Abschnitt von Seitenwänden und das
zweite Betätigungselement zu einer entgegengesetzten Seitenwand gehören, wobei die
entgegengesetzte Seitenwand der spezifischen Seitenwand entgegengesetzt ist, wobei
die vierte fühlbare Unstetigkeit, falls vorhanden, zu der entgegengesetzten Flanke
gehört, wobei wenigstens einer eines Schwerpunkts der dritten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit
und eines Schwerpunkts der vierten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit einem Bereich zwischen dem
Schwerpunkt der ersten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit und dem Schwerpunkt der zweiten fühlbaren
Unstetigkeit zugewandt ist.
12. Endprodukt nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 11, wobei der erste und der zweite spezifische
Abschnitt von Seitenwänden und das erste Betätigungselement zu einer gleichen spezifischen
Seitenwand gehören, wobei der dritte spezifische Abschnitt von Seitenwänden und das
zweite Betätigungselement zu einer entgegengesetzten Seitenwand gehören, wobei die
entgegengesetzte Seitenwand der spezifischen Seitenwand entgegengesetzt ist, wobei
die vierte fühlbare Unstetigkeit, falls vorhanden, zu der entgegengesetzten Flanke
gehört, wobei ein kürzester Abstand zwischen, einerseits, wenigstens einem eines Schwerpunkts
der dritten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit und eines Schwerpunkts der vierten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit
(412),
falls vorhanden, und, andererseits, entweder dem Schwerpunkt der ersten fühlbaren
Unstetigkeit oder dem Schwerpunkt der zweiten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit,
vorzugsweise dem Schwerpunkt der ersten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit, entlang der Flanken
und des Oberteils der Abdeckung aus weniger als 18 cm besteht.
13. Endprodukt nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 12, wobei jeder Schwerpunkt um mehr als
1 cm und um weniger als 3 cm von dem Oberteil der Abdeckung getrennt ist.
14. Endprodukt nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 13, wobei der Behälter eine erste Klappe
umfasst, die der ersten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit (109, 209, 309, 409) zugewandt ist,
wenn sich die Abdeckung in der geschlossenen Position befindet, und
wobei das zweite Betätigungselement (323, 423)
eine einzelne Klappe umfasst, die sowohl der dritten als auch der vierten fühlbaren
Unstetigkeit (311, 411, 412) zugewandt ist, wenn sich die Abdeckung in der geschlossenen
Position befindet.
15. Endprodukt nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 13, wobei der Behälter eine erste Klappe,
die der ersten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit zugewandt ist, wenn sich der Deckel in der geschlossenen
Position befindet, eine zweite Klappe, die der dritten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit zugewandt
ist, wenn sich der Deckel in der geschlossenen Position befindet, und eine dritte
Klappe umfasst, die der vierten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit zugewandt ist, wenn sich der
Deckel in der geschlossenen Position befindet.
16. Endprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Schwerpunkt der ersten
fühlbaren Unstetigkeit (109, 209, 309, 409) in einem Zentralbereich einer Flanke der
Abdeckung entlang einer horizontalen Richtung parallel zu dem Oberteil der Abdeckung
angeordnet ist.
17. Endprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Waschmittelprodukt in
der Form von Einheitsgebrauchsmengenwaschmittelbeuteln, vorzugsweise in der Form von
flexiblen wasserlöslichen Einheitsgebrauchsmengenwaschmittelbeuteln, besteht, wobei
die eine oder die mehreren, vorzugsweise alle, fühlbaren Unstetigkeiten konfiguriert
sind, um zu verhindern, dass ein Einheitsgebrauchsmengenwaschmittelbeutel durch die
eine oder die mehreren, vorzugsweise alle, fühlbaren Unstetigkeiten hindurchgeht.
18. Endprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei ein oder mehrere der spezifischen
Abschnitte eine visuelle Angabe umfassen, die über die entsprechende fühlbare Unstetigkeit
oder fühlbaren Unstetigkeiten sichtbar ist, wenn die Abdeckung geschlossen ist.
19. Endprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei jede fühlbare Unstetigkeit
eines von einer Apertur, einem Spalt, einer Membran oder einer geprägten Region, vorzugsweise
eine Apertur, ist und wobei jede fühlbare Unstetigkeit vorzugsweise eine kreisförmige
Form aufweist.
20. Endprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Abdeckung ein Deckel oder
eine Hülse ist.
21. Endprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei eine oder mehrere zusätzliche
fühlbare Unstetigkeiten in der Abdeckung bereitgestellt sind, vorzugsweise an einer
Flanke der Abdeckung, wobei solch eine oder mehrere zusätzliche fühlbare Unstetigkeiten
einem entsprechenden spezifischen Abschnitt von Seitenwänden direkt zugewandt sind,
wenn die Abdeckung geschlossen ist, und wenigstens eine der einen oder der mehreren
fühlbaren Unstetigkeiten an einer Flanke der Abdeckung angeordnet ist, die einer anderen
Flanke entgegengesetzt ist, an der die zweite fühlbare Unstetigkeit angeordnet ist.
22. Verfahren, um ein verriegeltes Endprodukt zu bedienen, wobei das Endprodukt nach einem
der vorstehenden Ansprüche besteht, das Verfahren umfassend:
- Entriegeln (81) des Behälters durch Greifen der Abdeckung mit einer ersten Hand
eines Erwachsenen zwischen einem Daumen der ersten Hand eines Erwachsenen und einem
oder mehreren anderen Fingern der ersten Hand eines Erwachsenen, der eine oder die
mehreren anderen Finger vorzugsweise umfassend wenigstens einen des Zeigefingers,
des Ringfingers und des Mittelfingers, wobei das Greifen quer über das Oberteil des
Deckels erfolgt, wobei Fingerspitzen des Daumens und des einen oder der mehreren anderen
Finger an der ersten und an der zweiten fühlbaren Unstetigkeit gleichzeitig platziert
werden; und
- Öffnen (82) des Behälters durch Anheben, Schieben oder Drehen der zusammengedrückten
Abdeckung von der Dose weg, um die Öffnung freizulegen.
23. Verfahren, um ein verriegeltes Endprodukt nach Anspruch 22 zu bedienen, das Verfahren
umfassend ein Verriegeln (93) des Behälters, wobei die Verriegelung bei dem Verriegeln
ein Klickgeräusch abgibt.
24. Verfahren, um ein verriegeltes Endprodukt unter Verwendung einer Maschine zu manipulieren,
wobei das Endprodukt nach einem der vorstehenden Endproduktansprüche besteht, die
Maschine umfassend eine Greifvorrichtung, das Verfahren umfassend das Greifen (1000)
des Endprodukts durch Einführen der Greifvorrichtung in die zweite fühlbare Unstetigkeit,
wobei die Greifvorrichtung ein Profil aufweist, das mit einem Profil der zweiten fühlbaren
Unstetigkeit übereinstimmt.
1. Produit de consommation (100, 200, 300, 400) comprenant un produit détergent et un
contenant, le contenant comprenant une
boîte (101, 201, 301, 401, 602, 603), une protection (102, 202, 302, 402, 601) pour
la boîte, et une serrure pour maintenir la protection dans une position fermée, la
boîte comprenant le produit détergent, la boîte comprenant une base (104, 204, 304,
404), des parois latérales (105, 205, 305, 405) et une ouverture (106, 206, 306, 406),
la protection comprenant un dessus (107, 207, 307, 407) et des
flancs (108, 208, 308, 408), la protection couvrant l'ouverture et la protection couvrant
au moins une première et une deuxième partie spécifique de parois latérales de la
boîte lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée, la serrure comprenant au
moins un premier actionneur (103, 203, 313, 413) mobile d'une position de verrouillage
à une position d'ouverture en appliquant une pression d'actionnement sur le premier
actionneur lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée, le premier actionneur
étant relié à la première partie spécifique, la protection comprenant une première
discontinuité tactile (109, 209, 309, 409), la première discontinuité tactile faisant
face vers le premier actionneur, la première discontinuité tactile permettant de déplacer
le premier actionneur de la position de verrouillage à la position d'ouverture en
appliquant la pression d'actionnement à la première discontinuité tactile lorsque
la protection est dans la position fermée, selon lequel la protection comprend en
outre une deuxième discontinuité tactile (110, 210, 310, 410), dans lequel
la deuxième discontinuité tactile fait directement face vers la deuxième partie spécifique
de parois latérales lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée,
caractérisé en ce que la protection, dans la zone de la deuxième discontinuité tactile, n'est séparée de
la deuxième partie de paroi latérale de la boîte que par une mince couche d'espace
d'air, la deuxième partie de paroi latérale étant dépourvue d'actionneur ou dépourvue
de rabat.
2. Produit de consommation selon la revendication 1, selon lequel l'ouverture est soit
à l'opposé de la base (104, 204, 304, 404), soit dans l'une des parois latérales (105,
205, 305, 405), de préférence à l'opposé de la base.
3. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, selon
lequel les première (109, 209, 309, 409) et
deuxième (110, 210, 310, 410) discontinuités tactiles sont sur un même flanc spécifique
de la protection.
4. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des
revendications précédentes, selon lequel :
- chaque discontinuité tactile s'étend sur moins de 8 cm2 et plus de 0,2 cm2, chaque discontinuité tactile définissant un centroïde ;
- chaque centroïde est séparé du dessus de la protection de moins de 5 cm et de plus
de 0,5 cm ;
- chaque centroïde est séparé d'une extrémité distale du flanc spécifique de plus
de 0,5 cm ; et
- le dessus de la protection s'étend sur moins de 13 cm et plus de 6 cm le long d'une
direction normale à la première partie spécifique au niveau du centroïde défini par
la première discontinuité tactile.
5. Produit de consommation selon la revendication précédente, selon lequel les première
(109, 209, 309, 409) et deuxième (110, 210, 310, 410) discontinuités tactiles sont
sur un même flanc spécifique de la protection, et selon lequel le centroïde de la
première discontinuité tactile et le centroïde de la deuxième discontinuité tactile
sont séparés d'une distance de séparation le long d'une direction parallèle au dessus
de la protection, la distance de séparation étant de plus de 1,5 cm et de moins de
10 cm.
6. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, selon
lequel le produit de consommation comprend une troisième discontinuité tactile (311,
411), la troisième discontinuité tactile faisant face soit vers le premier actionneur
soit vers un deuxième actionneur (323, 423) lorsque la protection est dans la position
fermée, le deuxième actionneur, s'il est présent, se rapportant à une deuxième serrure,
le deuxième actionneur, s'il est présent, étant mobile d'une position de verrouillage
à une position d'ouverture en appliquant une pression d'actionnement supplémentaire
sur le deuxième actionneur lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée, le deuxième
actionneur, s'il est présent, étant relié à une troisième partie spécifique des parois
latérales de la boîte, la troisième partie spécifique étant couverte par la protection
lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée.
7. Produit de consommation selon la revendication précédente, selon lequel la troisième
discontinuité tactile fait face et selon lequel le deuxième actionneur est présent,
selon lequel :
- les première et deuxième parties spécifiques de parois latérales et le premier actionneur
(103, 203, 313, 413) se rapportent à une même paroi latérale spécifique ;
- la troisième partie spécifique de parois latérales et le deuxième actionneur (323,
423) se rapportent à une paroi latérale opposée, la paroi latérale opposée étant à
l'opposé de la paroi latérale spécifique ;
- la troisième discontinuité tactile (311, 411) se rapporte à un flanc opposé, le
flanc opposé étant à l'opposé du flanc spécifique.
8. Produit de consommation selon la revendication précédente, selon lequel le produit
de consommation comprend une quatrième discontinuité tactile (412), la quatrième discontinuité
tactile faisant de préférence face soit vers le premier actionneur, le deuxième actionneur,
un troisième actionneur (433) soit faisant directement face vers une partie respective
de paroi latérale lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée, selon lequel
la quatrième discontinuité tactile se rapporte de préférence au flanc opposé faisant
face soit vers le deuxième actionneur, un troisième actionneur, soit faisant directement
face vers la partie respective de paroi latérale, de préférence faisant face vers
un troisième actionneur, lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée, le troisième
actionneur, s'il est présent, étant relié à une quatrième partie spécifique des parois
latérales de la boîte.
9. Produit de consommation selon la revendication précédente, selon lequel les troisième
et quatrième discontinuités tactiles sont l'une et l'autre sur le flanc opposé, et
selon lequel le centroïde de la troisième discontinuité tactile et le centroïde de
la quatrième discontinuité tactile sont séparés d'une distance de séparation le long
d'une direction parallèle au dessus de la protection, la distance de séparation étant
supérieure à 1,5 cm et inférieure à 10 cm.
10. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 ou 9, selon lequel
les première et deuxième parties spécifiques de parois latérales et le premier actionneur
(103, 203, 313, 413) se rapportent à une même paroi latérale spécifique,
selon lequel la troisième partie spécifique de parois latérales et le deuxième actionneur
(323, 423) se rapportent à une paroi latérale opposée, la paroi latérale opposée étant
à l'opposé de la paroi latérale spécifique, selon lequel la quatrième discontinuité
tactile (412),
si elle est présente, se rapporte au flanc opposé, selon lequel au moins l'un parmi
un centroïde de la troisième discontinuité tactile (311, 411)
et un centroïde de la quatrième discontinuité tactile,
s'il est présent, est aligné soit sur le centroïde de la première discontinuité tactile
(109, 209, 309, 409), soit sur le centroïde de la deuxième discontinuité tactile (110,
210, 310, 410),
est de préférence aligné sur le centroïde de la première discontinuité tactile, le
long d'une direction normale à la troisième partie spécifique lorsque la protection
est dans la partie de position fermée.
11. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 ou 9, selon lequel
les première et deuxième parties spécifiques de parois latérales et le premier actionneur
se rapportent à une même paroi latérale spécifique, selon lequel la troisième partie
spécifique de parois latérales et le deuxième actionneur se rapportent à une paroi
latérale opposée, la paroi latérale opposée étant opposée à la paroi latérale spécifique,
selon lequel la quatrième discontinuité tactile, si elle est présente, se rapporte
au flanc opposé, selon lequel au moins l'un parmi un centroïde de la troisième discontinuité
tactile et un centroïde de la quatrième discontinuité tactile fait face vers une région
entre le centroïde de la première discontinuité tactile et le centroïde de la deuxième
discontinuité tactile.
12. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 11, selon lequel
les première et deuxième parties spécifiques de parois latérales et le premier actionneur
se rapportent à une même paroi latérale spécifique, selon lequel la troisième partie
spécifique de parois latérales et le deuxième actionneur se rapportent à une paroi
latérale opposée, la paroi latérale opposée étant opposée à la paroi latérale spécifique,
selon lequel la quatrième discontinuité tactile, si elle est présente, se rapporte
au flanc opposé, selon lequel une plus petite distance entre, d'une part, au moins
l'un parmi un centroïde de la troisième discontinuité tactile et un centroïde de la
quatrième discontinuité tactile (412),
s'il est présent, et, d'autre part, soit le centroïde de la première discontinuité
tactile, soit le centroïde de la deuxième discontinuité tactile,
de préférence le centroïde de la première discontinuité tactile, le long des flancs
et du dessus de la protection, est inférieur à 18 cm.
13. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 12, selon lequel
chaque centroïde est séparé du dessus de la protection de plus de 1 cm et de moins
de 3 cm.
14. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 13, selon lequel
le contenant comprend un premier rabat faisant face vers la première discontinuité
tactile (109, 209, 309, 409)
lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée, et
selon lequel le deuxième actionneur (323, 423)
comprend un seul rabat faisant face vers l'une et l'autre des troisième et quatrième
discontinuités tactiles (311, 411, 412) lorsque la protection est dans la position
fermée.
15. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 13, selon lequel
le contenant comprend un premier rabat faisant face vers la première discontinuité
tactile lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée, un deuxième rabat faisant
face vers la troisième discontinuité tactile lorsque la protection est dans la position
fermée, et un troisième rabat faisant face vers la quatrième discontinuité tactile
lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée.
16. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, selon
lequel le centroïde de la première discontinuité tactile (109, 209, 309, 409) est
situé dans une région centrale d'un flanc de la protection le long d'une direction
horizontale parallèle au dessus de la protection.
17. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, selon
lequel le produit détergent est sous la forme de sachets de détergent de dose unitaire,
de préférence sous la forme de sachets de détergent de dose unitaire souples hydrosolubles,
selon lequel l'une ou plusieurs, de préférence toutes, discontinuités tactiles sont
conçues pour empêcher un sachet de détergent de dose unitaire de passer à travers
l'une ou plusieurs, de préférence toutes, discontinuités tactiles.
18. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, selon
lequel une ou plusieurs des parties spécifiques comprennent une indication visuelle
visible à travers la discontinuité tactile ou les discontinuités tactiles correspondantes,
lorsque la protection est fermée.
19. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, selon
lequel chaque discontinuité tactile est l'une parmi une ouverture, une fente, une
membrane ou une zone gaufrée, de préférence une ouverture, et selon lequel chaque
discontinuité tactile a de préférence une forme circulaire.
20. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, selon
lequel la protection est un couvercle ou une chemise.
21. Produit de consommation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, selon
lequel une ou plusieurs discontinuités tactiles supplémentaires sont prévues dans
la protection, de préférence sur un flanc de la protection, cette une ou plusieurs
discontinuités tactiles supplémentaires faisant directement face vers une partie spécifique
correspondante de parois latérales lorsque la protection est dans la position fermée,
au moins l'une parmi l'une ou plusieurs discontinuités tactiles étant situées sur
un flanc de la protection opposé à un autre flanc sur lequel est située la deuxième
discontinuité tactile.
22. Procédé permettant d'utiliser un produit de consommation verrouillé, le produit de
consommation étant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, le procédé
comprenant :
- le déverrouillage (81) du contenant en saisissant la protection avec une première
main d'adulte entre le pouce de la première main d'adulte et un ou plusieurs autres
doigts de la première main d'adulte, l'un ou plusieurs autres doigts comprenant de
préférence au moins l'un parmi l'index, l'annulaire et le majeur, selon lequel la
saisie s'effectue sur le dessus de la protection, selon lequel les bouts des doigts
du pouce et de l'un ou plusieurs autres doigts étant placés simultanément sur la première
et sur la deuxième discontinuité tactile ; et
- l'ouverture (82) du conteneur en soulevant, en faisant glisser ou en faisant tourner
la protection pincée à l'écart de la boîte pour exposer l'ouverture.
23. Procédé permettant d'utiliser un produit de consommation verrouillé selon la revendication
22, le procédé comprenant le verrouillage (93) du contenant, la serrure émettant un
son de déclic lors du verrouillage.
24. Procédé permettant de manipuler un produit de consommation verrouillé à l'aide d'une
machine, le produit de consommation étant selon l'une quelconque des revendications
précédentes de produit de consommation, la machine comprenant un dispositif de préhension,
le procédé comprenant la préhension (1000) du produit de consommation en insérant
le dispositif de préhension dans la deuxième discontinuité tactile, selon lequel le
dispositif de préhension a un profil s'adaptant à un profil de la deuxième discontinuité
tactile.