For the following Contracting State(s): FR, GB, NL, SE
[0001] The present invention relates to a container with an automatic opening, in particular
to a container for wetted wipes.
[0002] Containers for wetted wipes are representative of the various containers for consumer
products to which the present invention can apply; such containers typically comprise,
a body of the container constructed so that it can contain a stack or a roll of wetted
wipes, and a closing device adapted to fit on the body to cover its opening. Such
a closing device comprises a stationary cover directly fitting on the upper opening
of the body and a movable lid having its base end movably attached to one side end
of an opening formed in a central zone of the stationary cover, and through which
the wetted wipes will be picked out one by one. Usually, the dispensing opening is
located in the central part of the stationary cover. A spring means is further provided
as a link between the stationary cover and the movable lid, which is charged with
an elastic energy when the lid is in the closed position. Finally, a releasable locking
mechanism allows to releasably secure the movable lid in the closed position together
with the stationary cover. When the lock is released, the elastic energy contained
in the spring element forces the lid in the open position automatically.
[0003] The following references are directed to containers for wetted wipes including such
a closing/dispensing device: European Patent Application EP-O-748 748 A 1, Unicharm
Corp., published 18.12.1996: teaches a container for wetted wipes comprising a container
body, a movable lid which is hinged to a stationary cover. An rubber-like strip is
provided, combined to a releasable lock for automatic opening of the package; European
patent application EP-0-832823 A1, to Beiersdorf. It discloses a container which comprises
a base onto which a stationary cover is fitted. The stationary cover comprises an
opening which is opposite to the bottom side of the tub. The opening is open/closed
by a hinged lid, which is automatically opened by action of a spring element located
between the movable lid and the stationary cover. Cover and lid are secured in closed
position by means of a lock. The lock comprises a protrusion of the movable lid which
fits into a recess of the stationary cover. The lock is released by pushing on a recessed
portion of the cover. US-A-3986479 discloses a further container for wetted wipes.
[0004] A main problem with the above mentioned inventions is that in some cases, the container
is to be filled with wetted wipes which are moistened with a lotion, for example a
disinfectant lotion, comprising volatile chemicals and/or organic solvents, such as
alcohols. Then, there is a risk that these chemicals be released in the atmosphere,
and thus, that the wipes dry out after a short period of storage, thus losing their
specific properties, for example their disinfectant properties.
[0005] It is therefore one main object of the present invention to provide the user with
a container for wetted wipes which is easy to handle, especially when only one hand
is available to manipulate the package and its contents, and which has gas-tight properties
which prevent evaporation of the lotion impregnated in the wipes during storage.
[0006] It is another optional object of the present invention to provide a container which
does not contain overhang nor sharp edges near the dispensing portion of the container.
[0007] It is further opitional object of the present invention to provide a container in
which the spring open mechanism is not accessible from the outside of the container,
especially at the time the container is being refilled.
[0008] The present invention is directed to a container for wetted wipes and which in defined
in claim 1.
[0009] Preferably, a spring element is located between said stationary cover and said movable
lid, and is charged with an elastic energy when the movable lid is in closed position
and releasable locking mechanism is located between the stationary cover and the movable
lid for releasably securing the movable lid in the closed position onto the stationary
cover. Furthermore and preferably, the spring element is a metallic single or multiple
winding coil spring with two elongated ends, and the gas-tight means is an annular
rubber-based, or flow-in silicon elastomer gasket seal which is located along the
periphery of the stationary cover's dispensing opening.
[0010] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the container with movable lid in the open position,
showing the dispensing opening surrounded by the gasket seal.
- Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the hinge
linking the movable lid and the stationary cover with integrated spring element.
- Figure 3 is a profile view of the tub in open position showing how the movable lid
is hinged to the stationary cover.
- Figure 4 is an enlarged profile view showing the hinge connecting the movable lid
and the stationary cover.
- Figure 5 is an enlarged profile view of the front portions of the stationary cover
and movable lid showing the locking mechanism in its closed position and the gasket
seal.
[0011] Referring to figures 1 and 3, a container (1) is made of a closing device (10) which
fits onto a container body (11), or is a part of the container body (11). The container
body (11) can have any shape suitable for containing a stack or a roll of wipes, preferably
wetted wipes, and more preferably wipes wetted with a disinfectant lotion. Said shape
can be either cylindrical, polygonal, but is preferably parallelepipedic. The closing
device (10) comprises a stationary cover (12) and a movable lid (13) both made of
a suitable synthetic resin material. The container (1) further comprises a releasable
locking mechanism (14) which holds said container in the closed position, and a spring
element (15) which allows automatic opening of the movable lid (13) relatively to
the rest of the container, thus giving access to the container contents. The container
(1) also comprises a gas-tight means (16) which prevents drying out of the wipes during
storage.
[0012] Preferably, the wipes are contained inside a flexible pouch which is placed into
the container body (11). In this way, the container (1) is made re-usable, and the
refill operation is merely achieved by placing new pouches of wipes into the same
container (1). The pouch is preferably made out of a laminate material with good gas-tight
properties, so as to prevent drying out of the wipes contained inside. The pouch shall
also be of a material which is chemically resistant to organic solvents or oils, especially
solvents which are used for cleaning purposes, either separately or in a combination.
[0013] The contents of the container can be any kind of wetted wipe which comprises a volatile
component, but is preferably an at least partially paper based product, more preferably
wetted wipes for body care purposes, or for household cleaning purposes. Such wipes
are for example made of a base out of wood-pulp (i.e. cellulose) together with a synthetic
additive, for example a polyester resin. Alternatively, the wipes are made out of
a synthetic resin exclusively, such as for example polypropylene or polyester non-woven
fabric. An adhesive can also be provided to link the different components of the wipe,
for example in case a cellulose base is mixed with a synthetic material.
[0014] Such wipes can be used in any form, for example they can be dry, or wet, and can
be directed to body care or household purposes. In a preferred embodiment of the present
embodiment of the present invention, the container contains wipes moistened with a
disinfectant and/or cleaning lotion, which is to be used for household cleaning purposes.
While any composition suitable for achieving cleaning purposes may be used, the disinfectant
lotion is preferably an alcohol-based liquid, which further contains ingredients such
as surfactants, perfumes, colorants. More preferably, the lotion contains water, hydrogen
peroxide, C12-14 amine oxide, ethanol, thymol, citric acid, di-ethylen glycol mono-butyl
ether, propylene glycol butyl ether, polypropylene glycol mono-butyl ether, butylated
hydroxyl toluene, salicylic acid, geraniol, and at least one perfume component. Such
disinfectant wipes are to be used for hard-surface cleaning usage, for example for
cleaning furniture or appliances. Other examples of lotions which can be used for
wetting the wipes are also disclosed in the following applications: WO 9725404, or
WO 9725106 both filed 8 January 1997 by Procter & Gamble.
[0015] In a first and preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container body
(11) comprises a bottom wall (17), back (18), front (19), right (20) and left (21)
side walls defining a substantially parallelepipedic hollow receptacle, the container
body's top side being wide open so as to define an upper opening. A flange extends
along an outer peripheral edge of said opening onto which the closing device (10)
is fitted. The container body (11) is made from any suitable thermoplastic material
such as for example polyethylene or polypropylene resins.
[0016] The stationary cover (12) is integrally molded with said container body (11), such
as to form its top wall, and the bottom wall of said container is open, preferably
wide open, so as to constitute a refill opening. A removable, and preferably flexible
cover is fitted onto said refill opening.
[0017] Optionally but preferably the base surface of the container is greater than its top
surface, so as to increase the stability of said container (1). Moreover, the bottom
side of the container body (11) or the removable cover comprises at least one non-skid
portion which is made out of a material whose flexibility and Young modulus are such
as to prevent sliding of the container when it is standing on a support such as table
or a shelf, and being manipulated by the user. In the first of the two preceding embodiments
of the present invention, the non-skid portion is preferably achieved by at least
four suction naps or rubber-like plots. More preferably, these naps or plots are not
separate elements inserted nor glued at the surface of the container body (11), but
they are integrally molded with the bottom side of the container body (11) so that
they cannot be separated from the rest of the container. The reason for this is to
prevent that young children could accidentally detach them and try to ingest them,
thus risking suffocation. Any known process shall be used to manufacture the container
body (11), such as for example injection molding process. In the case non-skid suction
naps or rubber-like plugs are present at the bottom side of the container body (11),
a multi-injection molding process is preferred.
[0018] As shown in figures 1 to 4, the stationary cover (12) is a plate-like element which
is is integrally molded with the container body (11). Said stationary cover (12) comprises
firstly, a top side (22) with at least one dispensing opening (23). Said stationary
cover (12) further comprises peripheral walls (24) which are integrally molded with
said top side, and extend downwardly. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the container is substantially parallelepipedic, and thus, the stationary cover (12)
comprises four peripheral walls, namely front, back, left and right peripheral walls.
These peripheral walls are constructed to fit with the peripheral flange of the container
body (11) in such a way that the assembly features excellent gas-tight properties.
An additional gas-tight means is provided between the closing device (10) and the
container body (11) which is a rubber-like seal which is formed of silicone elastomer
and is located along the periphery of the tub between these two parts.
[0019] At least one of the walls of the stationary cover (12), preferably at least its front
wall, comprises a protruding portion (25), for example a catch, which cooperates with
a recess or another protrusion (26) of the movable lid (13), so as to form a releasable
locking mechanism (14) when the movable lid (13) is mounted onto the stationary cover
(12).
[0020] The stationary cover (12) comprises one or more, preferably one, dispensing opening
(23) at its top part. Said dispensing opening (23) can be a separate part which is
added to the stationary cover (12), but is preferably an integral portion of the stationary
cover (12).
[0021] In a first and preferred embodiment of the present invention, said dispensing opening
(23) is a wide open portion of the stationary cover (12). Its surface is comprised
within the range of 5 to 95% of the surface of the stationary cover's top side, preferably
within the range of 20 to 75% of the surface of the stationary cover's top side. This
type of opening is particularly efficient when the contents is wetted wipes, which
are not interleaved, and thus are removed one by one without interaction between them.
[0022] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing opening (23) is a
restricted opening of the stationary cover's top side. This type of opening is particularly
efficient for one by one removal of sheet-like material, for example wetted wipes,
which are packed under the form of a stack in an interfolded zigzag manner, so referred
to in the art as pop-up dispensing. As a wipe is dispensed, the leading edge of said
wipe furls onto the edges of one portion of the opening, then as the next wipe is
dispensed, its leading edge furls onto the edges of the opposite portion of the opening,
and this continues in an alternating manner as first one and then a next wipe is dispensed.
This arises because the wipes are folded in an alternating zigzag pattern whereby
the wipes are pulled up from first the front of the tub and then the rear, alternately.
[0023] In both of the two preceding embodiments of the dispensing opening (23), especially
in case the contents is sheet-like material such as wipes, an alternative manner of
packing is to make a continuous roll of wipes. Preferably, the roll comprises transverse
precuts at intervals along its length, such as to facilitate tearing and dispensing
of the wipes one by one from the roll. In this case, one edge portion of the dispensing
opening (23) preferably comprises a means, for example, a series of teeth or conic-shaped
sharp profiles which is to be used to facilitate the blocking of the wipe in its desired
length and to cut the dispensed wipe from the roll.
[0024] The stationary cover (12) further features at least one elastically deformable portion
which is to be used as a push-button means (27) in cooperation with the releasable
locking mechanism (14), as will be described later in the present description. Said
push-button (27) is located near to the protrusion (25) of the stationary cover (12),
preferably between the front edge of the stationary cover (12) and the front part
of the dispensing opening (23).
[0025] in a first and preferred embodiment of this invention, said elastically deformable
portion (27) is an integral portion of the stationary cover (12). For example, it
can be a portion of the stationary cover (12) whose thickness is reduced, so as to
improve its flexibility. Preferably, it is located in a recessed portion of the stationary
cover (12).
[0026] In a second embodiment, the deformable portion (27) is a separate element which is
fitted, for example clipped, onto the stationary cover (12), in such a way that it
can be elastically displaced. For example, it can be a bascule push-button (27), onto
which the protrusion of the stationary cover (12) is connected.
[0027] At least one attaching means is also provided onto the stationary cover (12), preferably
at its rear end, more preferably near to one of the hinge elements. Said attaching
means is for attaching one portion of the spring element (15). Preferably, said attaching
means is a locating seat with the shape of a recess provided with a hook-like element
or a small groove (30) which catches one end of the spring element (15). More preferably,
said locating seat is covered so that access to the middle part of the spring element
(15) is not possible.
[0028] Optionally but preferably, the stationary cover (12) features a groove (30) which
is located all along the periphery of the dispensing opening (23). The gas-tight means
(16) is to be located into this groove (30), and the peripheral walls (31) of the
movable lid are fitted inside this groove (30) when said movable lid (13) is in the
closed position, as shown in figure 5.
[0029] As shown in figures 1 and 2, the movable lid (13) is a plate-like element, with a
polygonal or rounded shape, preferably rectangular. It comprises a top side with peripheral
walls (31), namely, front, back, left and right walls extending downwardly from said
top side. Its dimensions are such that it completely overlaps the dispensing opening
(23) of the stationary cover (12) when the container is in the closed position.
[0030] in a first embodiment of the present invention, the movable lid (13) is an integral
part of the stationary cover (12), and is movably connected to said stationary cover
(12) through a living hinge. Said living hinge is preferably located at the rear side
of said stationary cover (12) and movable lid (13).
[0031] In a second and preferred embodiment of the present invention, the movable lid (13)
is a separate element from the stationary cover (12). At least two hinge elements
(28) of the stationary cover are located in said stationary cover's top side, preferably
in its rear portion, which cooperate with corresponding hinge elements (29) of the
movable lid, so that said movable lid (13) can be movably attached to the stationary
cover (12). Preferably, said hinge elements (28) of the stationary cover take the
form of two circular recesses into which pin elements of the movable lid (13) are
fitted, as is shown in figures 2 and 4.
[0032] At least one of the movable lids outside peripheral walls, preferably at least its
front-wall, comprises a portion which fits with the protrusion (25) of the stationary
cover (12) so as to create a releasable locking mechanism (14) when the lid is mounted
onto said stationary cover (12). Said portion of the movable lid (13) can be a recess
or a protrusion (26). In case it is a recess, the protrusion of the stationary cover
(12) is designed to releasably fit into it, so as to releasably secure the movable
lid (13) in the closed position. In case said portion of the movable lid is a protrusion
(26) it is located below the protrusion of the stationary cover (12) when said movable
lid (13) is in the closed position relatively to the stationary cover (12), as shown
in figure 5.
[0033] Optionally but preferably, the movable lid (13) features a protruding secondary wall
which is located inside the peripheral walls and cooperates with the groove (30) of
the stationary cover (12) located along the periphery of the dispensing opening.
[0034] As shown in figure 2, one or more spring element(s) (15), preferably one, is attached
in at least one point to the stationary cover (12) and in at least one other point
to the movable lid (13), so that when the container is in the closed position, said
spring element (15) is charged with a sufficient elastic energy to automatically open
the movable lid (13) under the elasticity of said spring element (15), as soon as
the locking mechanism (14) is released by the user. Said elastic energy can either
be of the compression, torsion, or stretching type, but is preferably of the compression
type. The spring element (15) is made of a material with excellent elastic properties,
such as to allow efficient opening of the lid when the locking mechanism (14) is released,
on a long period of use. The material must be such that it does not react with the
lotion which impregnates the wipes, and specifically with the volatile ingredients
which are released when the container (1) is opened during use. Such reactions, even
minor would lead to loss of the material's spring properties, and the automatic opening
feature of the container would be reduced or even stopped.
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spring element (15) is made out of
a rubber-like elastic material, which can be either based on natural or synthetic
rubber. In another embodiment of the invention, the spring element (15) is made out
of a metal-based material. In both of the preceding embodiments, the shape of the
spring element (15) is any shape suitable for achieving excellent spring properties,
while being easy and cheap to manufacture. For example, the spring element (15) can
have the shape of a flat blade which is located between the movable lid (13) and the
stationary cover (12), and which is bent between these two parts when the movable
lid (13) is in the closed position and thus charged with elastic energy.
[0036] In a second and preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in figure
2, the spring element (15) is a high grade stainless steel single or multiple winding
coil spring with two elongated ends. The high grade stainless steel resists corrosion,
it ensures a long-term constant efficiency of the spring, while being cheaper than
synthetic rubber springs to manufacture. It is fixed at its one end to the attaching
means of the stationary cover (12), while its other end is fixed to the attaching
means of the movable lid (13), such that once fixed between these two parts, it is
charged with an elastic energy when the lid is in the closed position. More preferably,
in the case the spring element (15) is a metallic spring, it is placed in a locating
seat which is separates it from the contents especially during the dispensing operation.
Preferably, the locating seat is not only a recess into which the spring element (15)
is located, but it is also covered by a part, such that the spring's ends are free
to move, but the center part of the spring element (15) is not accessible. The reasons
for this are: firstly when dispensing a wipe, one part of the spring element may damage
or tear the wipe, and secondly the locating seat prevents access to the spring element
(15), especially by children, and thus accidental removal.
[0037] In any of the two preceding embodiments of the present invention, the spring element
(15) is integrated to at least the movable lid (13) or the stationary cover (12).
In the case the spring element (15) is a rubber-like material it is preferably co-molded,
via a multi-injection molding process or the like, together with the movable lid (13)
and/or the stationary cover (12). In the case the spring element (15) is made of a
metallic material, it is bonded to the stationary cover (12) and/or the movable lid
(13) by a heat stacking process, an ultrasonic welding process or any other similar
and suitable process.
[0038] Optionally but preferably in any of the preceding embodiments, the spring element
(15) can be colored to match the color of the stationary cover (12) and the movable
lid (13).
[0039] As shown in figures 1 and 5, a releasable locking mechanism (14) is achieved by at
least one protrusion (25), for example a catch of the stationary cover (12) which
fits with one or more, preferably one corresponding protrusion (26) or recess of the
movable lid (13).
[0040] In one embodiment of this invention, the releasable locking mechanism (14) is directly
released by displacing a separate movable element of the stationary cover (12), for
example a bascule push-button (27), onto which said protrusion of the stationary cover
(25) is connected, thus disengaging said protrusion (25) of the stationary cover from
said recess or protrusion (26) of the movable lid. in another and preferred embodiment
of the invention, and as shown in figure 5, the releasable locking mechanism (14)
is indirectly released when the user applies an elastic deformation onto an area of
the stationary cover (12) which is located close enough to said releasable locking
mechanism (14), thus disengaging said protrusion (25) of the stationary cover (12)
from said recess or protrusion (26) of the movable lid (13). Said deformable area
constitutes a push-button (27) means which has preferably the form of a recessed portion
of the stationary cover (12), located between the front edge of said stationary cover
(12), and the front edge of the dispensing opening (as shown in figures 1 and 5).
Said elastic deformation should be achievable with only a limited applied strength
such as to allow to use a single finger to release the releasable locking mechanism
(14).
[0041] As previously described, the container contents is preferably wipes wetted with a
disinfectant lotion, said lotion comprising volatile components in its composition,
such as alcohol. Thus, to prevent that the wipes dry out once the flexible pouch has
been opened, the container (1) is provided with a gas-tight means (16) which is positioned
between the stationary cover (12) and the movable lid (13).
[0042] A structural gas-tightness is achieved between the stationary cover (12) and the
container body (11) by the special construction of the connecting surfaces between
these two parts. More specifically, the design of the container body's flange, and
the design of the stationary cover's peripheral walls are such that these two parts
are fitted to each other in a very tight manner and interconnected. In that way, once
the container body (11) is closed by the stationary cover (12), the vapor transmission
between the two is decreased to a value sufficiently low to prevent evaporation of
the lotion volatile components, and to prevent that the lotion overall composition
be substantially modified over the normal period of storage and use of the wipes.
Such a construction is not possible for the surfaces between the stationary cover
(12) and the movable lid (13) because the lid must be automatically opened by the
elastic energy contained in the spring element (15), when the releasable locking mechanism
(14) is released. Said elastic energy is sufficient to carry the weight of the movable
lid (13) from an horizontal (i.e. closed) position to a wide open position (i.e. opening
angle comprised within the range of 35 to 180°, preferably between 90 and 135°). However
it is not sufficient to exert a force to extract the lid from the cover if the contact
surfaces between the two are interconnectedly and tightly maintained to each other.
[0043] In order to allow excellent gas-tight properties of the container - compatible with
the highly volatile nature of the lotion contained inside - while keeping the benefit
of the automatic opening, a gasket seal (16) is positioned all around the dispensing
opening (23) of the stationary cover (12), preferably into a groove (30). The gasket
seal (16) can have any cross-section shape, for example it can be-annular, but it
is preferably shaped like a meniscus such that its top part comprises a central groove-like
portion, as shown in the cross sectional view in figure 5. Said gasket seal is formed
of silicon elastomer.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the gasket seal (16) is obtained by
mixing one or more liquid component(s) into the groove (30) of the stationary cover,
and then cure them in place. More preferably, the gasket is obtained by mixing a curable
liquid form organopolysiloxane and a liquid form silicon based cross-linker curing
agent Such technique is usually so-called as "flow-in" cure in place. The cure chemistry
of the silicon gasket is a condensation reaction of OH-terminated poly-alkyl-siloxanes
with functional poly-alkoxy-silanes. Most preferably a catalyst is used to facilitate
the reactions. The basic reaction during the formation of the elastomer is between
the terminate OH-group and the alkoxy-group. The desired gasket properties are achieved
by a selective selection of the alkenyl or alkyl groups bonded to the Si atoms.
[0045] Application of the liquid components is preferably achieved by using a nozzle which
moves above the groove (30) of the stationary cover, all around the periphery of the
dispensing opening (23) and applies the liquid components of the gasket seal. When
such a technique is used, no element of the stationary cover can be designed which
would be protruding above the groove (30) because the passage for the liquid applying
nozzle must be free all along said groove (30). For example, the releasable locking
mechanism cannot comprise a protrusion of the stationary cover which fits into a recess
of the movable lid: such a construction would require that said protrusion of the
stationary cover would extend above the groove (30) which is not acceptable for the
flow-in process.
[0046] In our preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gasket seal (16) is applied
by flow-in, as previously described. This is the reason why the releasable locking
mechanism (14) comprises a protrusion of the movable lid which is engaged under a
corresponding protrusion of the stationary cover, when the tub is in the closed position.
Such a construction is achieved by a protrusion of the stationary cover whose length
is limited, such that it does protrude overt the groove (30). In this way, the nozzle
which applies the liquid components of the gasket is free to move all along the groove's
length.
[0047] Alternatively, the gasket seal (16) is applied as a preformed, solid, component which
is fitted into the groove (30). When the movable lid (13) is locked in the closed-position,
the gasket-seal (16) is compressed between the stationary cover (12) and said movable
lid (13), as shown in figure 5, and all along its periphery. In this way, no volatile
compounds can migrate from the inside of the container to the outside, and the wipes
remain moistened with the lotion. More importantly, it is believed that such a system
will allow to keep the proportions of lotion components substantially equal over the
normal period of storage and use of a stack of wipes, thus keeping the cleaning and
disinfectant properties of the wipes substantially the same all along the period of
use of one stack of wipes.
[0048] The stationary cover (12), the movable lid (13), and the container body (11), are
molded from a polypropylene material or any other suitable thermoplastic materials
such as polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitryl butadiene styrene (ABS), polyester,
polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate or elastomer, or a blend of these compounds. Preferably,
the stationary cover (12) and the container body (11) are made out of a polypropylene,
and the movable lid (13) is made out of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (or
ABS). ABS resin provides the movable lid (13) with high solidity and resistance to
flexion, as well as excellent resistance to solvents, especially volatile solvents
which could be comprised within the composition of a lotion for impregnating cleaning
wipes.
[0049] Optionally, in any of the preceding versions of the present invention, in which the
closing device (10) is a separate element that fits onto the container body (11),
said container body (11) comprises an upper opening, with an external peripheral upper
edge and a flange which shall extend therefrom; the internal surfaces of this upper
opening comprise ribs and/or grooves that extend along the periphery of the container
body (11). Said ribs and/or grooves fit into corresponding ribs and/or grooves of
the stationary cover (12) in such a way that no step nor overlap results from the
assembling, and the surface of the package especially on its top part is regular and
does not include sharp edges.
For the following Contracting State(s): AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FI, GR, IE, IT, LI,
LU, PT
[0050] The present invention relates to a container with an automatic opening, in particular
to a container for wetted wipes.
[0051] Containers for wetted wipes are representative of the various containers for consumer
products to which the present invention can apply; such containers typically comprise,
a body of the container constructed so that it can contain a stack or a roll of wetted
wipes, and a closing device adapted to fit on the body to cover its opening. Such
a closing device comprises a stationary cover directly fitting on the upper opening
of the body and a movable lid having its base end movably attached to one side end
of an opening formed in a central zone of the stationary cover, and through which
the wetted wipes will be picked out one by one. Usually, the dispensing opening is
located in the central part of the stationary cover. A spring means is further provided
as a link between the stationary cover and the movable lid, which is charged with
an elastic energy when the lid is in the closed position. Finally, a releasable locking
mechanism allows to releasably secure the movable lid in the closed position together
with the stationary cover. When the lock is released, the elastic energy contained
in the spring element forces the lid in the open position automatically.
[0052] The following references are directed to containers for wetted wipes including such
a closing/dispensing device: European Patent Application EP-O-748 748 A 1, Unicharm
Corp., published 18.12.1996: teaches a container for wetted wipes comprising a container
body, a movable lid which is hinged to a stationary cover. An rubber-like strip is
provided, combined to a releasable lock for automatic opening of the package; European
patent application EP-0-832823 A1, to Beiersdorf. It discloses a container which comprises
a base onto which a stationary cover is fitted. The stationary cover comprises an
opening which is opposite to the bottom side of the tub. The opening is open/closed
by a hinged lid, which is automatically opened by action of a spring element located
between the movable lid and the stationary cover. Cover and lid are secured in closed
position by means of a lock. The lock comprises a protrusion of the movable lid which
fits into a recess of the stationary cover. The lock is released by pushing on a recessed
portion of the cover.
[0053] US-A-3986479 discloses a further container for wetted wipes.
[0054] A main problem with the above mentioned inventions is that in some cases, the container
is to be filled with wetted wipes which are moistened with a lotion, for example a
disinfectant lotion, comprising volatile chemicals and/or organic solvents, such as
alcohols. Then, there is a risk that these chemicals be released in the atmosphere,
and thus, that the wipes dry out after a short period of storage, thus losing their
specific properties, for example their disinfectant properties.
[0055] It is therefore one main object of the present invention to provide the user with
a container for wetted wipes which is easy to handle, especially when only one hand
is available to manipulate the package and its contents, and which has gas-tight properties
which prevent evaporation of the lotion impregnated in the wipes during storage.
[0056] It is another optional object of the present invention to provide a container which
does not contain overhang nor sharp edges near the dispensing portion of the container.
[0057] It is further optional object of the present invention to provide a container in
which the spring open mechanism is not accessible from the outside of the container,
especially at the time the container is being refilled.
[0058] The present invention is directed to a container for wetted wipes and which is defined
in claim 1.
[0059] Preferably, a spring element is located between said stationary cover and said movable
lid, and is charged with an elastic energy when the movable lid is in closed position
and releasable locking mechanism is located between the stationary cover and the movable
lid for releasably securing the movable lid in the closed position onto the stationary
cover. Furthermore and preferably, the spring element is a metallic single or multiple
winding coil spring with two elongated ends, and the gas-tight means is an annular
rubber based, or preferably fow-in silicon elastomer gasket seal which is located
along the periphery of the stationary cover's dispensing opening.
[0060] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the container with movable lid in the open position,
showing the dispensing opening surrounded by the gasket seal.
- Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the hinge
linking the movable lid and the stationary cover with integrated spring element
- Figure 3 is a profile view of the tub in open position showing how the movable lid
is hinged to the stationary cover.
- Figure 4 is an enlarged profile view showing the hinge connecting the movable lid
and the stationary cover.
- Figure 5 is an enlarged profile view of the front portions of the stationary cover
and movable lid showing the locking mechanism in its closed position and the gasket
seal.
[0061] Referring to figures 1 and 3, a container (1) is made of a closing device (10) which
fits onto a container body (11), or is a part of the container body (11). The container
body (11) can have any shape suitable for containing a stack or a roll of wipes, preferably
wetted wipes, and more preferably wipes wetted with a disinfectant lotion. Said shape
can be either cylindrical, polygonal, but is preferably parallelepipedic. The closing
device (10) comprises a stationary cover (12) and a movable lid (13) both made of
a suitable synthetic resin material. The container (1) further comprises a releasable
locking mechanism (14) which holds said container in the closed position, and a spring
element (15) which allows automatic opening of the movable lid (13) relatively to
the rest of the container, thus giving access to the container contents. The container
(1) also comprises a gas-tight means (16) which prevents drying out of the wipes during
storage.
[0062] Preferably, the wipes are contained inside a flexible pouch which is placed into
the container body (11). In this way, the container (1) is made re-usable, and the
refill operation is merely achieved by placing new pouches of wipes into the same
container (1). The pouch is preferably made out of a laminate material with good gas-tight
properties, so as to prevent drying out of the wipes contained inside. The pouch shall
also be of a material which is chemically resistant to organic solvents or oils, especially
solvents which are used for cleaning purposes, either separately or in a combination.
[0063] The contents of the container can be any kind of wetted wipe which comprises a volatile
component, but is preferably an at least partially paper based product, more preferably
wetted wipes for body care purposes, or for household cleaning purposes. Such wipes
are for example made of a base out of wood-pulp (i.e. cellulose) together with a synthetic
additive, for example a polyester resin. Alternatively, the wipes are made out of
a synthetic resin exclusively, such as for example polypropylene or polyester non-woven
fabric. An adhesive can also be provided to link the different components of the wipe,
for example in case a cellulose base is mixed with a synthetic material.
[0064] Such wipes can be used in any form, for example they can be dry, or wet, and can
be directed to body care or household purposes. In a preferred embodiment of the present
embodiment of the present invention, the container contains wipes moistened with a
disinfectant and/or cleaning lotion, which is to be used for household cleaning purposes.
While any composition suitable for achieving cleaning purposes may be used, the disinfectant
lotion is preferably an alcohol-based liquid, which further contains ingredients such
as surfactants, perfumes, colorants. More preferably, the lotion contains water, hydrogen
peroxide, C12-14 amine oxide, ethanol, thymol, citric acid, di-ethylen glycol mono-butyl
ether, propylene glycol butyl ether, polypropylene glycol mono-butyl ether, butylated
hydroxyl toluene, salicylic acid, geraniol, and at least one perfume component. Such
disinfectant wipes are to be used for hard-surface cleaning usage, for example for
cleaning furniture or appliances. Other examples of lotions which can be used for
wetting the wipes are also disclosed in the following applications: WO 9725404, or
WO 9725106 both filed 8 January 1997 by Procter & Gamble.
[0065] In a first and preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container body
(11) comprises a bottom wall (17), back (18), front (19), right (20) and left (21)
side walls defining a substantially parallelepipedic hollow receptacle, the container
body's top side being wide open so as to define an upper opening. A flange extends
along an outer peripheral edge of said opening onto which the closing device (10)
is fitted. The container body (11) is made from any suitable thermoplastic material
such as for example polyethylene or polypropylene resins.
[0066] The stationary cover (12) is integrally molded with said container body (11), such
as to form its top wall, and the bottom wall of said container is open, preferably
wide open, so as to constitute a refill opening. A removable, and preferably flexible
cover is fitted onto said refill opening.
[0067] Optionally but preferably the base surface of the container is greater than its top
surface, so as to increase the stability of said container (1). Moreover, the bottom
side of the container body (11) or the removable cover comprises at least one non-skid
portion which is made out of a material whose flexibility and Young modulus are such
as to prevent sliding of the container when it is standing on a support such as table
or a shelf, and being manipulated by the user. In the first of the two preceding embodiments
of the present invention, the non-skid portion is preferably achieved by at least
four suction naps or rubber-like plots. More preferably, these naps or plots are not
separate elements inserted nor glued at the surface of the container body (11), but
they are integrally molded with the bottom side of the container body (11) so that
they cannot be separated from the rest of the container. The reason for this is to
prevent that young children could accidentally detach them and try to ingest them,
thus risking suffocation. Any known process shall be used to manufacture the container
body (11), such as for example injection molding process. In the case non-skid suction
naps or rubber-like plugs are present at the bottom side of the container body (11),
a multi-injection molding process is preferred.
[0068] As shown in figures 1 to 4, the stationary cover (12) is a plate-like element which
is is integrally molded with the container body (11). Said stationary cover (12) comprises
firstly, a top side (22) with at least one dispensing opening (23). Said stationary
cover (12) further comprises peripheral walls (24) which are integrally molded with
said top side, and extend downwardly. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the container is substantially parallelepipedic, and thus, the stationary cover (12)
comprises four peripheral walls, namely front, back, left and right peripheral walls.
These peripheral walls are constructed to fit with the peripheral flange of the container
body (11) in such a way that the assembly features excellent gas-tight properties.
An additional gas-tight means is provided between the closing device (10) and the
container body (11) which is a rubber-like seal which is preferably formed of silicone
elastomer and is located along the periphery of the tub between these two parts.
[0069] At least one of the walls of the stationary cover (12), preferably at least its front
wall, comprises a protruding portion (25), for example a catch, which cooperates with
a recess or another protrusion (26) of the movable lid (13), so as to form a releasable
locking mechanism (14) when the movable lid (13) is mounted onto the stationary cover
(12).
[0070] The stationary cover (12) comprises one or more, preferably one, dispensing opening
(23) at its top part. Said dispensing opening (23) can be a separate part which is
added to the stationary cover (12), but is preferably an integral portion of the stationary
cover (12).
[0071] In a first and preferred embodiment of the present invention, said dispensing opening
(23) is a wide open portion of the stationary cover (12). Its surface is comprised
within the range of 5 to 95% of the surface of the stationary cover's top side, preferably
within the range of 20 to 75% of the surface of the stationary cover's top side. This
type of opening is particularly efficient when the contents is wetted wipes, which
are not interleaved, and thus are removed one by one without interaction between them.
[0072] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing opening (23) is a
restricted opening of the stationary cover's top side. This type of opening is particularly
efficient for one by one removal of sheet-like material, for example wetted wipes,
which are packed under the form of a stack in an interfolded zigzag manner, so referred
to in the art as pop-up dispensing. As a wipe is dispensed, the leading edge of said
wipe furls onto the edges of one portion of the opening, then as the next wipe is
dispensed, its leading edge furls onto the edges of the opposite portion of the opening,
and this continues in an alternating manner as first one and then a next wipe is dispensed.
This arises because the wipes are folded in an alternating zigzag pattern whereby
the wipes are pulled up from first the front of the tub and then the rear, alternately.
[0073] In both of the two preceding embodiments of the dispensing opening (23), especially
in case the contents is sheet-like material such as wipes, an alternative manner of
packing is to make a continuous roll of wipes. Preferably, the roll comprises transverse
precuts at intervals along its length, such as to facilitate tearing and dispensing
of the wipes one by one from the roll. In this case, one edge portion of the dispensing
opening (23) preferably comprises a means, for example, a series of teeth or conic-shaped
sharp profiles which is to be used to facilitate the blocking of the wipe in its desired
length and to cut the dispensed wipe from the roll.
[0074] The stationary cover (12) further features at least one elastically deformable portion
which is to be used as a push-button means (27) in cooperation with the releasable
locking mechanism (14), as will be described later in the present description. Said
push-button (27) is located near to the protrusion (25) of the stationary cover (12),
preferably between the front edge of the stationary cover (12) and the front part
of the dispensing opening (23).
[0075] In a first and preferred embodiment of this invention, said elastically deformable
portion (27) is an integral portion of the stationary cover (12). For example, it
can be a portion of the stationary cover (12) whose thickness is reduced, so as to
improve its flexibility. Preferably, it is located in a recessed portion of the stationary
cover (12).
[0076] In a second embodiment, the deformable portion (27) is a separate element which is
fitted, for example clipped, onto the stationary cover (12), in such a way that it
can be elastically displaced. For example, it can be a bascule push-button (27), onto
which the protrusion of the stationary cover (12) is connected.
[0077] At least one attaching means is also provided onto the stationary cover (12), preferably
at its rear end, more preferably near to one of the hinge elements. Said attaching
means is for attaching one portion of the spring element (15). Preferably, said attaching
means is a locating seat with the shape of a recess provided with a hook-like element
or a small groove (30) which catches one end of the spring element (15). More preferably,
said locating seat is covered so that access to the middle part of the spring element
(15) is not possible.
[0078] Optionally but preferably, the stationary cover (12) features a groove (30) which
is located all along the periphery of the dispensing opening (23). The gas-tight means
(16) is to be located into this groove (30), and the peripheral walls (31) of the
movable lid are fitted inside this groove (30) when said movable lid (13) is in the
closed position, as shown in figure 5.
[0079] As shown in figures 1 and 2, the movable lid (13) is a plate-like element, with a
polygonal or rounded shape, preferably rectangular. It comprises a top side with peripheral
walls (31), namely, front, back, left and right walls extending downwardly from said
top side. Its dimensions are such that it completely overlaps the dispensing opening
(23) of the stationary cover (12) when the container is in the closed position.
[0080] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the movable lid (13) is an integral
part of the stationary cover (12), and is movably connected to said stationary cover
(12) through a living hinge. Said living hinge is preferably located at the rear side
of said stationary cover (12) and movable lid (13).
[0081] In a second and preferred embodiment of the present invention, the movable lid (13)
is a separate element from the stationary cover (12). At least two hinge elements
(28) of the stationary cover are located in said stationary cover's top side, preferably
in its rear portion, which cooperate with corresponding hinge elements (29) of the
movable lid, so that said movable lid (13) can be movably attached to the stationary
cover (12). Preferably, said hinge elements (28) of the stationary cover take the
form of two circular recesses into which pin elements of the movable lid (13) are
fitted, as is shown in figures 2 and 4.
[0082] At least one of the movable lids outside peripheral walls, preferably at least its
front-wall, comprises a portion which fits with the protrusion (25) of the stationary
cover (12) so as to create a releasable locking mechanism (14) when the lid is mounted
onto said stationary cover (12). Said portion of the movable lid (13) can be a recess
or a protrusion (26). In case it is a recess, the protrusion of the stationary cover
(12) is designed to releasably fit into it, so as to releasably secure the movable
lid (13) in the closed position. In case said portion of the movable lid is a protrusion
(26) it is located below the protrusion of the stationary cover (12) when said movable
lid (13) is in the closed position relatively to the stationary cover (12), as shown
in figure 5.
[0083] Optionally but preferably, the movable lid (13) features a protruding secondary wall
which is located inside the peripheral walls and cooperates with the groove (30) of
the stationary cover (12) located along the periphery of the dispensing opening.
[0084] As shown in figure 2, one or more spring element(s) (15), preferably one, is attached
in at least one point to the stationary cover (12) and in at least one other point
to the movable lid (13), so that when the container is in the closed position, said
spring element (15) is charged with a sufficient elastic energy to automatically open
the movable lid (13) under the elasticity of said spring element (15), as soon as
the locking mechanism (14) is released by the user. Said elastic energy can either
be of the compression, torsion, or stretching type, but is preferably of the compression
type. The spring element (15) is made of a material with excellent elastic properties,
such as to allow efficient opening of the lid when the locking mechanism (14) is released,
on a long period of use. The material must be such that it does not react with the
lotion which impregnates the wipes, and specifically with the volatile ingredients
which are released when the container (1) is opened during use. Such reactions, even
minor would lead to loss of the material's spring properties, and the automatic opening
feature of the container would be reduced or even stopped.
[0085] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spring element (15) is made out of
a rubber-like elastic material, which can be either based on natural or synthetic
rubber. In another embodiment of the invention, the spring element (15) is made out
of a metal-based material. In both of the preceding embodiments, the shape of the
spring element (15) is any shape suitable for achieving excellent spring properties,
while being easy and cheap to manufacture. For example, the spring element (15) can
have the shape of a flat blade which is located between the movable lid (13) and the
stationary cover (12), and which is bent between these two parts when the movable
lid (13) is in the closed position and thus charged with elastic energy.
[0086] In a second and preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in figure
2, the spring element (15) is a high grade stainless steel single or multiple winding
coil spring with two elongated ends. The high grade stainless steel resists corrosion,
it ensures a long-term constant efficiency of the spring, while being cheaper than
synthetic rubber springs to manufacture. It is fixed at its one end to the attaching
means of the stationary cover (12), while its other end is fixed to the attaching
means of the movable lid (13), such that once fixed between these two parts, it is
charged with an elastic energy when the lid is in the closed position. More preferably,
in the case the spring element (15) is a metallic spring, it is placed in a locating
seat which is separates it from the contents especially during the dispensing operation.
Preferably, the locating seat is not only a recess into which the spring element (15)
is located, but it is also covered by a part, such that the spring's ends are free
to move, but the center part of the spring element (15) is not accessible. The reasons
for this are: firstly when dispensing a wipe, one part of the spring element may damage
or tear the wipe, and secondly the locating seat prevents access to the spring element
(15), especially by children, and thus accidental removal.
[0087] In any of the two preceding embodiments of the present invention, the spring element
(15) is integrated to at least the movable lid (13) or the stationary cover (12).
In the case the spring element (15) is a rubber-like material it is preferably co-molded,
via a multi-injection molding process or the like, together with the movable lid (13)
and/or the stationary cover (12). In the case the spring element (15) is made of a
metallic material, it is bonded to the stationary cover (12) and/or the movable lid
(13) by a heat stacking process, an ultrasonic welding process or any other similar
and suitable process.
[0088] Optionally but preferably in any of the preceding embodiments, the spring element
(15) can be colored to match the color of the stationary cover (12) and the movable
lid (13).
[0089] As shown in figures 1 and 5, a releasable locking mechanism (14) is achieved by at
least one protrusion (25), for example a catch of the stationary cover (12) which
fits with one or more, preferably one corresponding protrusion (26) or recess of the
movable lid (13).
[0090] In one embodiment of this invention, the releasable locking mechanism (14) is directly
released by displacing a separate movable element of the stationary cover (12), for
example a bascule push-button (27), onto which said protrusion of the stationary cover
(25) is connected, thus disengaging said protrusion (25) of the stationary cover from
said recess or protrusion (26) of the movable lid. In another and preferred embodiment
of the invention, and as shown in figure 5, the releasable locking mechanism (14)
is indirectly released when the user applies an elastic deformation onto an area of
the stationary cover (12) which is located close enough to said releasable locking
mechanism (14), thus disengaging said protrusion (25) of the stationary cover (12)
from said recess or protrusion (26) of the movable lid (13). Said deformable area
constitutes a push-button (27) means which has preferably the form of a recessed portion
of the stationary cover (12), located between the front edge of said stationary cover
(12), and the front edge of the dispensing opening (as shown in figures 1 and 5).
Said elastic deformation should be achievable with only a limited applied strength
such as to allow to use a single finger to release the releasable locking mechanism
(14).
[0091] As previously described, the container contents is preferably wipes wetted with a
disinfectant lotion, said lotion comprising volatile components in its composition,
such as alcohol. Thus, to prevent that the wipes dry out once the flexible pouch has
been opened, the container (1) is provided with a gas-tight means (16) which is positioned
between the stationary cover (12) and the movable lid (13).
[0092] A structural gas-tightness is achieved between the stationary cover (12) and the
container body (11) by the special construction of the connecting surfaces between
these two parts. More specifically, the design of the container body's flange, and
the design of the stationary cover's peripheral walls are such that these two parts
are fitted to each other in a very tight manner and interconnected. In that way, once
the container body (11) is closed by the stationary cover (12), the vapor transmission
between the two is decreased to a value sufficiently low to prevent evaporation of
the lotion volatile components, and to prevent that the lotion overall composition
be substantially modified over the normal period of storage and use of the wipes.
Such a construction is not possible for the surfaces between the stationary cover
(12) and the movable lid (13) because the lid must be automatically opened by the
elastic energy contained in the spring element (15), when the releasable locking mechanism
(14) is released. Said elastic energy is sufficient to carry the weight of the movable
lid (13) from an horizontal (i.e. closed) position to a wide open position (i.e. opening
angle comprised within the range of 35 to 180°, preferably between 90 and 135°). However
it is not sufficient to exert a force to extract the lid from the cover if the contact
surfaces between the two are interconnectedly and tightly maintained to each other.
[0093] In order to allow excellent gas-tight properties of the container - compatible with
the highly volatile nature of the lotion contained inside - while keeping the benefit
of the automatic opening, a gasket seal (16) is positioned all around the dispensing
opening (23) of the stationary cover (12), preferably into a groove (30). The gasket
seal (16) can have any cross-section shape, for example it can be -annular, but it
is preferably shaped like a meniscus such that its top part comprises a central groove-like
portion, as shown in the cross sectional view in figure 5. Said gasket seal is formed
of rubber-based material, preferably silicon elastomer.
[0094] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the gasket seal (16) is obtained by
mixing one or more liquid component(s) into the groove (30) of the stationary cover,
and then cure them in place. More preferably, the gasket is obtained by mixing a curable
liquid form organopolysiloxane and a liquid form silicon based cross-linker curing
agent Such technique is usually so-called as "flow-in" cure in place. The cure chemistry
of the silicon gasket is a condensation reaction of OH-terminated poly-alkyl-siloxanes
with functional poly-alkoxy-silanes. Most preferably a catalyst is used to facilitate
the reactions. The basic reaction during the formation of the elastomer is between
the terminate OH-group and the alkoxy-group. The desired gasket properties are achieved
by a selective selection of the alkenyl or alkyl groups bonded to the Si atoms.
[0095] Application of the liquid components is preferably achieved by using a nozzle which
moves above the groove (30) of the stationary cover, all around the periphery of the
dispensing opening (23) and applies the liquid components of the gasket seal. When
such a technique is used, no element of the stationary cover can be designed which
would be protruding above the groove (30) because the passage for the liquid applying
nozzle must be free all along said groove (30). For example, the releasable locking
mechanism cannot comprise a protrusion of the stationary cover which fits into a recess
of the movable lid: such a construction would require that said protrusion of the
stationary cover would extend above the groove (30) which is not acceptable for the
flow-in process.
[0096] In our preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gasket seal (16) is applied
by flow-in, as previously described. This is the reason why the releasable locking
mechanism (14) comprises a protrusion of the movable lid which is engaged under a
corresponding protrusion of the stationary cover, when the tub is in the closed position.
Such a construction is achieved by a protrusion of the stationary cover whose length
is limited, such that it does protrude overt the groove (30). In this way, the nozzle
which applies the liquid components of the gasket is free to move all along the groove's
length.
[0097] Alternatively, the gasket seal (16) is applied as a preformed, solid, component which
is fitted into the groove (30). When the movable lid (13) is locked in the closed
position, the gasket seal (16) is compressed between the stationary cover (12) and
said movable lid (13), as shown in figure 5, and all along its periphery. In this
way, no volatile compounds can migrate from the inside of the container to the outside,
and the wipes remain moistened with the lotion. More importantly, it is believed that
such a system will allow to keep the proportions of lotion components substantially
equal over the normal period of storage and use of a stack of wipes, thus keeping
the cleaning and disinfectant properties of the wipes substantially the same all along
the period of use of one stack of wipes.
[0098] The stationary cover (12), the movable lid (13), and the container body (11), are
molded from a polypropylene material or any other suitable thermoplastic materials
such as polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitryl butadiene styrene (ABS), polyester,
polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate or elastomer, or a blend of these compounds. Preferably,
the stationary cover (12) and the container body (11) are made out of a polypropylene,
and the movable lid (13) is made out of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (or
ABS). ABS resin provides the movable lid (13) with high solidity and resistance to
flexion, as well as excellent resistance to solvents, especially volatile solvents
which could be comprised within the composition of a lotion for impregnating cleaning
wipes.
[0099] Optionally, in any of the preceding versions of the present invention, in which the
closing device (10) is a separate element that fits onto the container body (11),
said container body (11) comprises an upper opening, with an external peripheral upper
edge and a flange which shall extend therefrom; the internal surfaces of this upper
opening comprise ribs and/or grooves that extend along the periphery of the container
body (11). Said ribs and/or grooves fit into corresponding ribs and/or grooves of
the stationary cover (12) in such a way that no step nor overlap results from the
assembling, and the surface of the package especially on its top part is regular and
does not include sharp edges.