Applicator

Abstract

An apparatus for applying a liquid detergent to a fabric, comprising a detergent tank for containing the liquid detergent and an application surface which in use contacts the fabric and includes an outlet provided thereon such that the liquid detergent is dispensed onto the fabric through the application surface, the apparatus including first and second unit dose dispensers between the tank and the application surface, and wherein the first and second unit dose dispensers are provided at opposite ends of a rocking member such that when the user presses and compresses the apparatus in a first direction, the first unit dose dispenser discharges a unit dose of the liquid detergent while the second unit dose dispenser is filled from the liquid detergent tank, and when the apparatus is pressed and compressed in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction, the second unit dose dispenser discharges a unit dose of the liquid detergent while the first unit dose dispenser is filled; and a method for treating a fabric, comprising using such an apparatus, filling the detergent tank with the liquid detergent, placing the apparatus on the fabric and pressing the apparatus to dispense the liquid detergent onto the fabric and apply the detergent to the fabric.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for applying a laundry composition to a fabric. Background Art

[0002] WO 2017 / 067851 discloses an applicator device for releasing a fluid detergent onto a surface, which comprises a container for containing a fluid detergent composition and a fluid release system disposed in the container. The fluid release system comprises a plunger having a top and a base and an elastic member, wherein at least one sealing knob is provided on the plunger base, which operably mates with a corresponding fluid release port on one face of the container, and the top of the plunger leads to an air chamber in the container wall.

[0003] WO 2018 / 091264 discloses a device for applying a fluid to a surface, which comprises a container having a first and a second side defining a substantially flat surface (the second side having a dispensing opening), a compartment for containing the fluid, and one or more extension members on the second side for contacting the surface when the device is in use. The device further comprises a fluid release system for dispensing the fluid from the second side using a plunger, which comprises a base operably mating with the dispensing opening, an elastic member, and a top projecting into an air chamber to allow air to enter the compartment when the fluid is released. The one or more extension members are configured such that when the one or more extension members contact the surface, the dispensing opening is located at a height of at least 3.5 mm from the surface.

[0004] WO 2019 / 129461 discloses a device for dispensing a liquid detergent, which comprises a reservoir configured to contain a liquid detergent, a liquid bellows in fluid communication with the reservoir via a first one-way valve configured to allow liquid to move from the reservoir to the liquid bellows. The liquid bellows is configured to drain the liquid contained therein into a mixing chamber. A compressible air chamber is also provided with an outlet through which air can be discharged into the mixing chamber when the air chamber collapses. An actuator is provided for compressing the air chamber and the liquid chamber and comprises at least one dispensing hole through which a detergent-air mixture (such as foam) can be dispensed.

[0005] Despite the prior art, there is still a need for an improved device for applying a liquid detergent to a fabric. In particular, there is a need for a device with an improved dispensing mechanism that can dispense the liquid detergent in a controlled manner in an easy-to-use manner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Accordingly, and in a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for applying a liquid detergent to a fabric, the apparatus comprising a detergent tank for containing the liquid detergent and an application surface for contacting the fabric in use and including an outlet provided thereon such that the liquid detergent is dispensed onto the fabric through the application surface, the apparatus comprising first and second unit dose dispensers between the tank and the application surface, and wherein the first and second unit dose dispensers are provided at opposite ends of a rocking member such that when the apparatus is depressed and pressed by a user in a first direction, the first unit dose dispenser discharges a unit dose of the liquid detergent while the second unit dose dispenser is filled from the liquid detergent tank, and when the apparatus is depressed and pressed in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction, the second unit dose dispenser discharges a unit dose of the liquid detergent while the first unit dose dispenser is filled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a cross-section of a detergent applicator according to the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 a view of the underside of the apparatus embodied in

[0009] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side view of the apparatus embodied in

[0010] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a plan view of the apparatus embodied in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] In use, the consumer depresses and rubs the applicator device against the fabric, thereby dispensing the liquid detergent and applying it to the fabric. This mimics the application of a conventional detergent bar on the fabric. The amount of liquid detergent dispensed or the dose of the liquid detergent depends on the pressure applied during the depression of the device. It is generally observed that the dose varies with factors such as the duration of the depression, the pressure applied by different consumers, etc. Accordingly, the performance of the device also varies. One way to achieve better control of the dose is to integrate a unit dose dispenser in the device. Generally, the unit dose dispenser dispenses a known amount each time it is depressed and refills upon subsequent relaxation. Therefore, the consumer needs to sequentially compress and relax during use while rubbing the device, which is a tiresome activity for the consumer. Accordingly, there is a desire for a device having an improved dispensing mechanism that can dispense the liquid detergent in a controlled manner in an easy-to-use manner.

[0012] We surprisingly found that the rocking dispensing assembly provides improved dispensing control during the friction of a so-called "liquid in bar" device, where a bar-shaped device is used to hold liquid detergent and where the compression of the device against the fabric during use causes the liquid to be dispensed.

[0013] The rocking member allows the detergent to be applied asymmetrically to the fabric during use. When one end of the device is compressed, the unit-dose dispenser on that side dispenses the detergent; conversely, the opposite end relaxes and the corresponding unit-dose dispenser fills with liquid drawn from the tank.

[0014] The rocking member preferably includes a pivot about which the rocking member rocks during use.

[0015] It has also been found that, for a device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid detergent is dispensed only when the device is rubbed along a specific direction (e.g., along the general longitudinal axis of the device). When enough liquid detergent has been used, the device is instead rubbed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] The device according to the present invention includes a detergent tank for holding liquid detergent. The detergent tank preferably includes a pressure equalizing valve that allows air to enter the detergent tank when the liquid detergent is dispensed from the detergent tank into the unit-dose dispenser.

[0017] Detergent liquids are well known in the art and any of the commercially available detergent liquids can be used in the device according to the present invention. Preferably, the device includes the liquid detergent in the tank. More preferably, such liquid detergent has a viscosity of 10 to 4000 centipoise.

[0018] The device includes an application surface for contacting the fabric in use, and the detergent is dispensed onto the fabric through this application surface. Thus, the detergent tank is in fluid communication with an outlet provided on the application surface.

[0019] The unit-dose dispenser is arranged such that when the device is compressed by the user during use, the detergent tank is pressed against the fabric from above, i.e., the device is compressed between the user's hand and a support surface below the fabric. Preferably, the unit-dose dispenser forms a unit-dose chamber defined by an elastic wall, such as can be provided by an elastic sleeve or bellows.

[0020] Preferably, the liquid detergent tank includes a pressure equalizing valve located on the tank wall. In another embodiment, the pressure equalizing valve can be provided in an auxiliary compartment attached to the detergent tank. Preferably, the pressure equalizing valve includes a one-way valve that allows air to enter the detergent tank and prevents the liquid detergent from overflowing from the tank.

[0021] Preferably, the unit dose dispenser includes a pair of one-way valves oriented to allow liquid to flow from the detergent tank towards an outlet on the application surface. This is referred to as the flow direction. Thus, the one-way valves prevent liquid from flowing in the direction opposite to the flow direction.

[0022] Thus, when the tank bears against the fabric, the unit dose dispenser is subjected to positive air pressure. If the device is used for the first time, the unit dose dispenser is empty and thus this only causes air to be expelled from inside the unit dose dispenser. However, when the downward pressure is released, the pressure inside the unit dose dispenser decreases, creating negative air pressure. This draws liquid detergent from the tank and into the unit dose dispenser through the first one-way valve. Then when the device is depressed, the positive pressure applied to the unit dose dispenser causes the contents to be dispensed through the outlet onto the fabric.

[0023] Preferably, the device includes a biasing resilient means for holding the device in a relaxed position where no pressure is applied to the unit dose dispenser and the tank is held at its greatest distance from the application surface.

[0024] Preferably, the biasing resilient means is a spring or other such means, such as an elastic member, and the biasing resilient means is flattened or compressed when pressure is applied to the top of the device and the opposing top and bottom surfaces are pushed towards each other.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the biasing resilient means is in the form of a bellows. In an alternative embodiment, the biasing resilient means is in the form of a plunger that fits snugly within a cylinder such that air pressure holds the device in the relaxed position.

[0026] Preferably, the detergent tank includes a substantially rigid outer shell. The rigid housing provides structural strength to the device for containing the liquid detergent therein. It also aids in gripping the device during use and preferably, the outer shell is shaped and sized to resemble a bar of soap. This not only allows the user to operate it easily but also helps to reassure users accustomed to using bar soap for cleaning clothes such that the liquid in the bar product functions in a similar manner.

[0027] The shell can be made by molding a polymeric material selected from polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, etc. and their blends. In addition to these examples, any polymeric material used as a rigid packaging material for liquid laundry detergent is suitable for the purposes of the present invention.

[0028] Preferably, the detergent tank includes an opening that can be sealed with a lid for filling the tank with liquid detergent. The device is designed for multiple uses. To achieve this, the detergent tank is sized to hold enough liquid detergent for multiple uses. In another aspect, the detergent tank is refillable such that when the detergent tank is empty, the user removes the lid, fills the detergent tank with liquid detergent, and replaces the lid.

[0029] Preferably, the application surface is roughened. Compared with a smooth surface, the roughened surface allows the user to generate more foam more quickly during use.

[0030] The unit dose dispenser directs the flow of liquid detergent from the detergent tank to the applicator and dispenses a unit dose of liquid detergent during use. A unit dose is a predetermined dose of liquid detergent to be dispensed each time. Preferably, one or more unit dose dispensers are sized such that a single dose or a combined dose is equal to 0.1 g to 0.5 g of liquid detergent.

[0031] Preferably, the unit dose dispenser includes a bellows for providing elasticity during the use of the device. The bellows also helps the flow of liquid detergent in the unit dose dispenser. During use, when the bellows expands, the unit dose dispenser fills with liquid detergent from the detergent tank, and when the bellows compresses, the unit dose dispenser discharges the liquid detergent through the outlet.

[0032] Preferably, the outlet includes a one-way valve to allow the detergent to flow through the application surface and prevent external fluid from flowing back into the device immediately.

[0033] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for treating fabrics, including using the device according to the first aspect, placing the device on the fabric, pressing the device to dispense liquid detergent onto the fabric, and agitating the liquid detergent on the fabric.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting examples, where Figure 1 is a cross-section of the detergent applicator.

[0035] The liquid device (1) in the article has a detergent tank (6) for containing and storing liquid detergent. The detergent tank (6) is filled through a sealable opening (3) closed by a lid (4) that mates with a thread (5) on the top of the detergent tank wall (2).

[0036] The device (1) also has a pair of opposite lower chambers which serve as unit dose dispensers (7), each lower chamber having a one-way valve as an inlet (16) and another one-way valve as an outlet (12). Both one-way valves are formed by an elastic seal (11) which bends to open the valve when pressure is applied from one side, but does not open when pressure is applied from the opposite side. The unit dose dispenser (7) is also defined by an elastic sleeve in the form of a bellows device (15).

[0037] The device (1) also has a flat plate (8) on the bottom of the device (1) and has an application surface (9) for rubbing against the fabric during use to clean the fabric.

[0038] The flat plate (8) is held separate from the base (17) of the reservoir by a rocking member formed around a pivot (22), and a pair of opposite arms are connected around the pivot (22), one arm connecting to the base (17) of the detergent tank and the other arm connecting to the flat plate (8). This allows the flat plate (8) to move towards and away from the base (17) of the detergent tank depending on which side of the pivot is pressed.

[0039] The gap (14) between the flat plate (8) and the base (17) of the detergent tank (6) allows relative movement between the two by serving as a pressure equalizing orifice. Thus, when the plate and the detergent tank (6) are pressed against each other during use, air enters and exits through the gap (14). A baffle (13) prevents liquid from entering the space between the base (17) and the plate (8) from the outside. The flat plate (8) also has a rough layer (9) for increasing the cleaning ability when the flat plate (8) rubs against the fabric during use.

[0040] For use, the consumer places the device (1) on a fabric article (not shown) and applies pressure from the top (2). This pressure applies a positive pressure on the base of the device, and when the device is moved in the direction (A), the squeezing unit is compressed such that the unit dose dispenser (7a) is pressed between the flat plate (8) and the base (17). At the same time, the other unit dose dispenser (7b) is stretched such that the resulting negative pressure sucks liquid from the detergent tank (6) into the chamber (7b). The unit dose dispenser (7) is shaped by a bellows device (15) which thus determines the maximum unit dose size.

[0041] Furthermore, when a positive pressure is applied to the unit dose dispenser (7a), the contents of the unit dose dispenser (7a) are extruded through the one-way valve (12) and onto the fabric.

[0042] When the device moves in the direction (B), the opposite occurs, where the unit dose dispenser (7a) becomes slack and thus fills, while the unit dose dispenser (7b) is compressed and any liquid contained therein is discharged through the one-way valve and onto the fabric.

[0043] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A view of the underside of the device embodied in. The figure shows a flat base (8) and an application surface (9) to provide improved agitation during friction. Also shown is an elastic seal (11) and a dispensing hole (12) through which the liquid detergent is dispensed.

[0044] Figure 3 Is a side view of the same embodiment. Shown is a screw cap (4) for closing the detergent tank and an application surface (9) on a flat plate (8) forming the bottom of the device. Figure 4 Is a plan view of the same embodiment, showing the screw cap (4) and the top surface (2) on which the user applies pressure during use.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for applying a liquid detergent to a fabric, the apparatus (1) comprising a detergent tank (6) for containing the liquid detergent and an application surface (9) for contacting the fabric in use and including an outlet (12) provided thereon, such that the liquid detergent is dispensed onto the fabric through the application surface, the apparatus including first and second unit dose dispensers (7a, 7b) between the detergent tank (6) and the application surface (9), and wherein the first and second unit dose dispensers are provided at opposite ends of a rocking member, such that when the apparatus is pressed and depressed by a user in a first direction (A), the first unit dose dispenser (7a) discharges a unit dose of the liquid detergent while the second unit dose dispenser (7b) is filled from the detergent tank, and when the apparatus is pressed and depressed in a second direction (B) substantially opposite to the first direction (A), the second unit dose dispenser (7b) discharges a unit dose of the liquid detergent while the first unit dose dispenser (7a) is filled.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detergent tank (6) includes a substantially rigid shell.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detergent tank (6) includes a sealable opening (3) for filling the detergent tank with the liquid detergent.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the application surface (9) is roughened.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second unit dose dispensers (7a, 7b) include one-way valves.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outlet (12) includes a one-way valve.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second unit dose dispensers (7a, 7b) include bellows means (15).

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detergent tank (6) contains a liquid detergent having a viscosity of from 10 centipoises to 4000 centipoises.

9. A method for treating a fabric, comprising using an apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, filling the detergent tank (6) with a liquid detergent, placing the apparatus on the fabric and pressing the apparatus to dispense the liquid detergent onto the fabric and apply the detergent to the fabric.

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