Dispensing structure for containers

Abstract

A sealing and dispensing structure for a container is provided. The structure includes: a bottom plate defining a bottom of the sealing and dispensing structure; and a peripheral flange adjoining the bottom plate at an inner bottom, the peripheral flange and the bottom plate at least partially defining a side and a bottom of the dispensing structure. The structure includes an access aperture extending through at least a portion of the base plate for access to an article stored in the container. Comprising a dispensing aperture extending through the base plate for individually dispensing one or more articles from the container. The dispensing aperture defines a perimeter having a first portion and a second annular portion, the first portion including at least two indentations extending away from the perimeter toward the acquisition aperture. An outer cover is provided that is sealed from the inner top of the peripheral flange and forms a top of the dispensing structure when in a closed position.

Description

Background Art

[0001] There are various storage and distribution containers on the market, in particular containers for storing and distributing cleaning products. Cleaning products (especially wipes) have been made of various materials, which can be dry or wet when used. Wet wipes can be moistened with a variety of suitable wiping solutions. Usually, the wet wipes are placed in the container in the form of a continuous material web, which includes perforations for separating the individual wet wipes and is wound into a roll. Cleaning products (such as wet wipes) have been used for baby wipes, hand wipes, household cleaning wipes, industrial wipes, etc.

[0002] Many containers may include a hole through which at least a portion of the wipe passes, so that the wipe can be held in place and easily grabbed by the user. However, there are many disadvantages to the dispensing holes on such containers. For example, some holes are not suitable for holding the wipe in place, requiring the user to reach into the container to obtain the wipe, thereby contaminating other wipes in the container and also soiling the user's hands. However, other holes may cause the wipe to tear prematurely before dispensing, resulting in user dissatisfaction and product waste.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for improved dispensing structures and containers for articles such as wipes. Summary of the invention

[0004] In response to the above needs, a sealing and dispensing structure for a container is disclosed. The structure includes: a bottom plate, which defines the bottom of the sealing and dispensing structure; and a peripheral flange, which abuts the bottom plate at the inner bottom, the peripheral flange and the bottom plate at least partially defining the sides and bottom of the dispensing structure. The structure includes: an access hole, which extends through at least a portion of the bottom plate for accessing products stored in the container. The structure includes: a dispensing hole, which extends through the bottom plate for dispensing one or more products from the container separately, the dispensing hole including a periphery, the periphery having a first portion and a second annular portion, the first portion including at least two indentations extending away from the periphery toward the access hole. An outer cover is provided, the size and shape of the outer cover is suitable for mating with and sealing the inner top of the peripheral flange, and forming the top of the dispensing structure when in a closed position.

[0005] A container for storing and dispensing products is also provided. The container includes: a shell for storing products; and a sealing and dispensing structure. The sealing and dispensing structure includes: a bottom plate, the bottom plate defining the bottom of the sealing and dispensing structure; and a peripheral flange, the peripheral flange abutting the bottom plate at the inner bottom, the peripheral flange and the bottom plate at least partially defining the sides and bottom of the dispensing structure. The structure includes: an access hole extending through at least a portion of the bottom plate for accessing products stored in the container. A dispensing hole is provided, the dispensing hole extending through the bottom plate for individually dispensing products from the container. The dispensing hole includes a periphery, the periphery having a first portion and a second annular portion, the first portion including at least two indentations extending away from the periphery toward the access hole. The structure includes an outer cover, the size and shape of the outer cover is adapted to cooperate with and seal the inner top of the peripheral flange, and form the top of the dispensing structure when in a closed position.

[0006] Other features and aspects of the disclosure are discussed in greater detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will be more fully understood and additional features will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The same parts of the containers shown in the accompanying drawings are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0008] Figure 1 Representatively shown are top views of dispensing structures according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, with the outer covers each in an open position.

[0009] Figure 2 A top view of a dispensing structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is representatively shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a container according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is representatively shown.

[0011] Figure 4 A top view of a portion of a dispensing structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is representatively shown.

[0012] Figure 5 Representatively shown are top views of dispensing holes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 Representatively shown are top views of dispensing holes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7 Representatively shown are top views of dispensing holes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 8 Representatively shown are top views of dispensing holes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 9 Representatively shown are top views of dispensing holes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig.10 Representatively shown are top views of dispensing holes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig.11 Representatively shown are top views of dispensing holes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig.12 A top view of a dispensing hole corresponding to the nozzle 2 is representatively shown.

[0020] Fig.13 A top view of a dispensing hole corresponding to the nozzle 3 is representatively shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] As mentioned above, current nozzles for dispensing products include various dispensing holes. However, there are many disadvantages in current nozzles. For example, end users expect multi-angle dispensing. When dispensing wipes, many users tend to grab the front edge of the wipes and usually pull the wipes toward the front of the container at any dispensing angle in the range of about 20° to about 80°. Therefore, nozzles currently on the market include ribs or slits positioned along the front periphery of the nozzle, which facilitate tearing the cleaning products along the pre-formed perforations. However, the disadvantage of these nozzles is that they are not convenient for vertical dispensing, such as dispensing at an angle of substantially 90°. In addition, the user is limited to having to pull the wipes forward in order to approach the ribs or slits, thereby tearing the wipes off from other wipes located in the container. Similarly, placing the ribs or slits in the front of the hole usually leads to serious failure of the nozzle, wherein the front edge of the nozzle is not kept in place, but falls back into the container. This serious failure requires the user to reach into the container to re-insert the wipes, which contaminates other wipes in the container and also dirty the user's hands.

[0023] The dispensing holes of the present disclosure provide many technical benefits. Of particular importance, the inventors have found that multi-angle dispensing can be achieved by specific control of the size and features of the dispensing holes. For example, the wiper can be removed from the present dispensing structure at an angle ranging from 0 ° (such as vertical removal) to 90 °. Additionally, the perforations of the wiper can be torn against any portion of the periphery of the dispensing nozzle, allowing the user to remove the wiper from any position. For example, the user can pull the wiper against the nozzle toward the front, rear and / or side. Additionally, the dispensing holes disclosed herein always keep the leading edge of the wiper, thereby reducing or eliminating serious faults.

[0024] Reference now Figures 1 to 3 , depicts a dispensing structure 200 that may be disposed on a housing 300 of a container 100, such as Figure 3 As shown in detail, the dispensing structure includes a dispensing hole 230 and an access hole 240. The dispensing structure 200 includes a bottom plate 210 and a peripheral flange 220, the bottom plate defining the bottom of the dispensing structure 200, and the peripheral flange abutting the bottom plate 210 at the inner bottom. The peripheral flange 220 is configured to be coupled to a housing for storing products, as will be further discussed below.

[0025] The dispensing structure 200 includes an outer cover 250. The size and shape of the outer cover 250 are designed to fit with and seal the top of the inner periphery 222 of the peripheral flange 220. In a specific embodiment, the inner periphery 222 of the peripheral flange 220 is circular, and the outer cover 250 is also circular and has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner periphery 222 of the peripheral flange 220. In this way, the edge of the outer cover 250 contacts and seals the inner periphery 222 of the peripheral flange 220. The seal between the edge of the outer cover 250 and the inner periphery 222 of the peripheral flange 220 can be maintained only by the friction or pressure between the edge of the outer cover 250 and the inner periphery 222 of the peripheral flange 220.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer cover 250 can be secured in the closed position by an outer cover latch 254 that engages a receiving notch 226 on the peripheral flange 220 for the outer cover latch 254. The outer cover latch 254 reversibly engages the receiving notch 226 on the peripheral flange 220 for the outer cover latch 254 and locks the outer cover in the closed position. The consumer can then disengage the outer cover latch 254 from the receiving notch 226 on the peripheral flange 220 for the outer cover latch 254 to open the outer cover 250. This type of notch and latch is known in the art.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the outer cover 250 is attached to the peripheral flange 220 by any means that allows the outer cover to be reversibly moved from an open position to a closed position. Such means are known in the art and include hinges (e.g., living hinges), flexible straps extending from the outer cover 250 to the peripheral flange 220, and chain links. Figures 1 to 2 As illustrated, the outer cover 250 is connected to the peripheral flange 220 by an outer cover hinge 252 having an outer cover hinge axis X. In operation, the outer cover hinge 252 allows the outer cover 250 to be reversibly rotated from an open position to a closed position and back around the outer cover hinge axis X. The hinge may include a mechanism to bias the outer cover 250 to an open position or a closed position. Basically, if the consumer leaves the outer cover 250 in a position between the open position and the closed position, the outer cover 250 will automatically default to the open position or the closed position, whichever position is closest to the position of the outer cover 250 left by the consumer.

[0028] Figure 3 Container 100 is illustrated with dispensing structure 200 disposed thereon. Specifically, outer cover 250 is shown in a closed position, thereby sealing container 100. Article 400, such as a cleaning article or wipe, may be disposed in housing 300 of container 100, generally below bottom plate 210 and access hole 240. Housing 300 may be rigid, such as a plastic tub, or flexible, such as a pouch. Article 400 may be various wiping articles, such as articles for household or industrial use or for personal use, such as personal hygiene wipes or baby wipes. Articles may be various flexible types of articles, such as wipes, wet wipes, or other articles for which single unit dispensing is desired.

[0029] The housing 300 of the present disclosure can be made of various materials and have various configurations. The housing 300 can be made of flexible or rigid materials and can have any shape suitable for accommodating and storing the article 400. The housing 300 can be a rigid cylinder with a solid bottom and an open top. The housing 300 can be a flexible pouch made of a polyester film laminated to a polyethylene film. The polyester film can be reverse printed, so it is printed between two layers of film. Alternatively, a single layer surface printed film can be used. The single layer film can be composed of one or more layers of polyolefins, and in a specific embodiment, it is formed by coextrusion.

[0030] The shell and the peripheral flange can be integral. As used herein, the term "integral" means integral or forming a single structure. For example, the peripheral flange and the shell can be formed as a single piece that cannot be separated without destroying the integrity of the container. Therefore, the shell can simply be a part of a container suitable for containing the product. In other embodiments, the shell and the peripheral flange are separate parts, the peripheral flange is suitable for connecting to the shell, and the peripheral flange and the shell are connected.

[0031] Article 400 (such as wipes or wet wipes) can be arranged in housing 300 in any manner that provides convenient and reliable one-at-a-time distribution and helps prevent article 400 from becoming dirty and / or over-drying. For example, article 400 can be arranged in a container in a spiral winding configuration as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, article 400 can be arranged in housing 300 as a continuous web of interconnected wipes, which are folded in an accordion-like stacking configuration or roll. Individual articles 400 can be joined together along fragile lines such as perforated lines to ensure that after the wipes in front are removed, the wipes in the back are in a proper position for the user to grab. For example, the article can be provided by a continuous material web having a series of fragile lines extending across the width of the web. In an alternative, the article can be arranged in a container as a plurality of separate sheets arranged in a stacking configuration to provide a stack of wipes that may or may not be individually folded. The wipes can be individual wipes folded in a c-fold, a Z-fold, a quarter fold or other zigzag fold or an interlaced or non-interlaced configuration, as known to those skilled in the art. Article 400 may include a plurality of wipes stacked on top of each other in a non-interlaced configuration for "hand-held" dispensing. Portions of the web of material between continuous frangible lines provide each individual wipe. The frangible lines may be provided in a manner known to those skilled in the art, such as perforations, indentations or cuts in the web of material.

[0032] Depending on the required packaging and end use, the container 100 of the present disclosure may include any suitable number of separate articles 400. For example, the container 100 may be constructed to include articles 400, which include a stack of wipes, which may include at least about 8 wipes and desirably about 16 to about 320 separate wipes and more desirably about 16 to about 64 wipes. The size and shape of the wipe roll or stack depends on the size and shape of the container 100. In a particular embodiment, each wipe is shaped roughly rectangular and defines a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of opposite end edges, referred to herein as the front edge and the rear end edge. The front edge of each wipe is typically positioned in the container 100, to be grabbed by the user through the acquisition hole 240 and extracted through the dispensing hole 230, so as to remove a single wipe from the container. The effect of removing one wipe through the dispensing aperture 230 is to pull the leading edge of the next wipe through the dispensing aperture 230 where it can reside and be accessible to the user when the next wipe is desired.

[0033] The material that is suitable for the wipe of the present disclosure is well known to those skilled in the art.For wet wipes, these wet wipes can be made of any material suitable for use as wet wipes, including meltblown webs, coformed webs, air-spun webs, bonded carded webs, hydroentangled materials, high wet strength tissues, etc., and can include synthetic or natural fibers or combinations thereof.The wipes of different aspects of the present disclosure can contain liquid, and the liquid can be any solution that can be absorbed into the wipes, thereby making it a "wet wipe".The liquid included in the wet wipes can include any suitable component that provides desired wiping performance.For example, the component can include water, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers, spices, or a combination thereof.Liquid can also include lotions, ointments, and / or medicines.The amount of liquid included in each wet wipe can be changed according to the type of material for providing the wet wipes, the type of liquid used, the type of container for storing the wet wipes stack, and the end use of the desired wet wipes. In general, each wet wipe may contain about 150 to about 600 weight percent and desirably about 200 to about 400 weight percent liquid, based on the dry weight of the wipe, to improve wiping. The housing 300 and / or the dispensing structure 200 may be transparent or translucent to provide an indication of the amount of wipe remaining in the container 100. The dispensing structure 200 and / or the housing 300 may be made of any suitable material, including paperboard, cardboard, various polymers, copolymers and blends, including, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene and other polymers, or composite materials.

[0034] The dispensing structure 200 includes an access hole 240 that extends through at least a portion of the bottom plate 210 for accessing the products 400 stored in the housing 300. The access hole 240 is any opening through the bottom plate 210 of the dispensing structure 200 that allows a consumer to access the products. For example, as described above, access to the products is usually only required when dispensing the products (or restarting in the case of a serious failure). Generally speaking, the dispensing hole 230 is too small to provide access to the products (i.e., the consumer's fingers will not be able to pass through the dispensing hole 230). Therefore, although a specific shape is not required, the size and shape of the access hole 240 allows the consumer to pass through the bottom plate 210 and grab the products 400 from at least the top of the roll or stack of products 400 stored in the housing 300. The opening of the access hole 240 through the bottom plate 210 defines an inner perimeter 242.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the access hole 240 has a larger surface area compared to the surface area of ​​the bottom plate 210 of the distribution structure 200. For example, the surface area of ​​the access hole 240 can be about 20% or more of the total surface area of ​​the bottom plate 210 of the distribution structure 200, preferably about 30% or more or about 25% or more or about 50% or more.

[0036] In certain embodiments, a disposable seal (not shown) is provided. The disposable seal can be any device for sealing the dispensing hole 230 and / or the access hole 240 from the environment, thereby sealing the product 400 in the housing 300 before the first distribution of the product 400. The disposable seal is discarded after removal. Disposable seals of this type are known in the art. Exemplary disposable seals include a film, a perforated portion of a base plate, and a shrink wrap. Preferably, the disposable seal is a film adhered to the base plate 210 of the dispensing structure 200, which is configured to cover and seal the dispensing hole 230 and the access hole 240.

[0037] Reference now Figures 4 to 5 , the dispensing hole 230 extends through the bottom plate 210 and defines an opening in the bottom plate 210 through which the product can be dispensed. The dispensing hole includes a perimeter 231 that generally defines the opening of the dispensing hole 230. The perimeter 231 has a first portion 232 and a second portion 233. The first portion 232 of the perimeter includes at least two indentations, such as a first indentation 234 and a second indentation 235 that generally extend from the perimeter 231 toward the access hole 240. As shown, the first portion 232 of the dispensing hole is generally closer to the access hole 240 than the second portion 233 of the perimeter. Therefore, the first indentation 234 and the second indentation 235 located on the first portion 232 are closer to the access hole 240 than the second portion 233 of the perimeter 231. The second portion 233 of the perimeter 231 is annular. The second portion 233 of the perimeter 231 occupies a majority of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 45% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 50% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 55% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 60% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 65% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 70% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 75% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 80% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 85% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 90% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 95% of the perimeter 231. It is worth noting that the second portion 233 of the perimeter 231 defines a majority of the perimeter 231, while the indentations 234, 235 only define a small portion of the perimeter 231.

[0038] As shown, the first indentation 234 and the second indentation 235 are triangular. In practice, the indentations 234, 235 may each have a first region 236, 237 that is wider at the opening closest to the dispensing hole 230 and tapers downward to ends 238, 239, as shown. Although the indentations 234, 235 are shown as triangular in shape, other shapes are also contemplated. For example, the indentations 234, 235 may be oval, circular, etc.

[0039] Specifically, the bottom plate 210 may further include a slit 241 extending from the access hole 240 to the dispensing hole 230. Specifically, in order to pass through the dispensing hole 230, the user may reach into the access hole 240 to grab the front edge of the article 400 contained therein, and then the front edge of the article 400 may be passed through the slit 241 and into the dispensing hole 230. The dispensing hole 230 holds the front edge of the article 400 in place until it is removed by the user. As shown in the figure, the first indentation 234 may be disposed on a first side of the slit 241, and the second indentation 235 may be disposed on a second side of the slit 241.

[0040] In an embodiment, the dispensing hole 230 has a relatively small surface area compared to the surface area of ​​the bottom plate 210 and / or the access hole 240 of the dispensing structure 200. For example, the surface area of ​​the dispensing hole may be less than about 25%, such as less than about 20%, such as less than about 15%, such as less than about 10%, such as less than about 5%, of the bottom plate 210. In other exemplary embodiments, the ratio of the surface area of ​​the access hole 240 to the dispensing hole 230 is about 4 to 1 or more, preferably about 5 to 1 or more or about 10 to 1 or more.

[0041] Indentations 234, 235 each form a gap area VA1, VA2, respectively, which corresponds to the space area provided by indentations 234, 235. Such gap areas VA1, VA2 are Figure 4 230 is shown as a shaded area. The dispensing hole 230 may include a total void area, which includes the total void area of ​​the dispensing hole 230 (including the void areas VA1 and VA2 of the indentations 234 and 235) and the remaining void area VA3. The void areas VA1 and VA2 of the indentations 234 and 235 are smaller than the total void area of ​​the dispensing hole 230. In addition, the void areas VA1 and VA2 are smaller than the remaining void area VA3. For example, the ratio of the total void area of ​​the dispensing hole 230 to the void areas VA1 and VA2 is about 50:1 to about 2:1, such as about 45:1 to about 3:1, such as about 40:1 to about 4:1, such as about 30:1 to about 5:1, such as about 20:1 to about 6:1, such as about 10:1 to about 7:1.

[0042] Figures 6 to 11 Other embodiments of the dispensing holes are illustrated. Figure 6 As depicted, the dispensing hole 230 includes Figure 4 The indentations 234, 235 illustrated are spaced further apart from the slit 241 than those illustrated. Figure 4The dispensing hole 230 of the embodiment of the present invention, the first indentation 234 and the second indentation 235 located on the first portion 232 are closer to the access hole 240 than the second portion 233 of the periphery 231. The second portion 233 of the periphery 231 is annular. The second portion 233 of the periphery 231 occupies a majority of the periphery 231, such as at least about 45% of the periphery 231, such as at least about 50% of the periphery 231, such as at least about 55% of the periphery 231, such as at least about 60% of the periphery 231, such as at least about 65% of the periphery 231, such as at least about 70% of the periphery 231, such as at least about 75% of the periphery 231, such as at least about 80% of the periphery 231, such as at least about 85% of the periphery 231, such as at least about 90% of the periphery 231, such as at least about 95% of the periphery 231. It is worth noting that the second portion 233 of the periphery 231 defines a majority of the periphery 231, while the indentations 234 and 235 only define a small portion of the periphery 231.

[0043] The void area formed by each of the indentations 234, 235 is smaller than the total void area of ​​the dispensing hole 230. In addition, the void area of ​​the indentations 234, 235 is smaller than the remaining void area of ​​the dispensing hole 230. For example, the ratio of the total void area of ​​the dispensing hole 230 to the void area formed by the indentations 234, 235 is about 50:1 to about 2:1, such as about 45:1 to about 3:1, such as about 40:1 to about 4:1, such as about 30:1 to about 5:1, such as about 20:1 to about 6:1, such as about 10:1 to about 7:1.

[0044] Figure 7 An example dispensing hole 330 is depicted disposed in the bottom plate 310, which is annular or circular in nature without indentations. For example, the dispensing hole 330 includes a generally annular perimeter that is continuous except for the location where it is coupled to the slit 341. In addition, as shown, Figures 4 to 5 Compared to the slits shown in FIG. 3 , the slits 341 that connect the access aperture 340 to the dispensing aperture 330 are larger and extend further into the access aperture 340. However, similar to Figure 4 The periphery 331 of the distribution hole 230 of the distribution hole 330 is essentially annular. For example, Figures 7 and 8 The illustrated perimeter 331 is annular relative to the entire perimeter 331. Thus, similar to Figures 4 to 5As shown, perimeter 331 includes an annular perimeter that includes at least about 45% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 50% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 55% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 60% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 65% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 70% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 75% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 80% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 85% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 90% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 95% of perimeter 331, such as at least about 100% of perimeter 331. Notably, the annular portion of perimeter 331 defines a majority of perimeter 331.

[0045] Figures 8 to 9 Illustrated with Figure 7 Embodiments similar to the embodiment of, however, the perimeter 331 is more ovoid in nature. In addition, as Figure 8 As shown, the oval perimeter 331 is arranged in a horizontal manner, and Fig. 9 In FIG. 3 , the oval perimeter 331 is arranged in a vertical manner. Figures 7 and 8 , the perimeter 331 of the dispensing hole 330 is essentially annular. For example, the annular portion of the perimeter may account for a majority of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 45% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 50% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 55% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 60% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 65% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 70% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 75% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 80% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 85% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 90% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 95% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 100% of the perimeter 331. It is worth noting that the annular portion of the perimeter 331 defines a majority of the perimeter 331.

[0046] Fig.10 A dispensing hole 430 and an access hole 440 are depicted disposed in the base plate 410. A slit 441 connects the access hole 440 and the dispensing hole 430. The dispensing hole 430 includes two indentations 434, 435 disposed on each side of the slit 441. The indentations 434, 435 are disposed on a first portion 432 of the perimeter 431. The indentations 454, 453 each have an end that protrudes toward the access hole 440 and is rounded. The perimeter 431 of the dispensing hole 430 also includes a protrusion 437 positioned along a second portion 433 of the perimeter 431 that protrudes into the dispensing hole 430. As shown, the protrusion 437 is semicircular, however, the protrusion 437 can be any shape, including rectangular, square, triangular, oval, etc.

[0047] As shown, the first portion 432 of the perimeter 431 is generally closer to the access hole 440 than the second portion 433 of the perimeter 431. Therefore, the first indentation 434 and the second indentation 435 are located on the first portion 432 closer to the access hole 440 than the second portion 433 of the perimeter 431. The second portion 433 of the perimeter 431 is annular except for the protrusion 437. Notably, the protrusion 437 is located in the second portion 433 of the perimeter 431 rather than in the first portion 432.

[0048] The second portion 433 of the perimeter 431 occupies a majority of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 45% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 50% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 55% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 60% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 65% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 70% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 75% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 80% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 85% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 90% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 95% of the perimeter 431. It is worth noting that the second portion 433 of the perimeter 431 defines a majority of the perimeter 431, while the indentations 434, 435 only define a small portion of the perimeter 431.

[0049] The indentations 434, 435 each form a void area corresponding to the spatial area provided by the indentations 434, 435. The dispensing hole 430 may include a total void area, which includes the total void area of ​​the dispensing hole 430 (including the void area of ​​the indentations 434, 435) and the remaining void area of ​​the dispensing hole 430. The void area of ​​the indentations 434, 435 is smaller than the total void area of ​​the dispensing hole 430. In addition, the void area is smaller than the remaining void area of ​​the dispensing hole 430. For example, the ratio of the total void area of ​​the dispensing hole 430 to the void area of ​​the indentations 434, 435 is about 50:1 to about 2:1, such as about 45:1 to about 3:1, such as about 40:1 to about 4:1, such as about 30:1 to about 5:1, such as about 20:1 to about 6:1, such as about 10:1 to about 7:1.

[0050] Fig.11 A dispensing hole 530 and an access hole 540 are depicted disposed in the bottom plate 510. A slit 541 connects the access hole 540 and the dispensing hole 530. The dispensing hole includes at least two indentations 534, 535 disposed on each side of the slit 541. As shown, the first two indentations 534, 535 are disposed on a top portion 532 of a perimeter 531 of the dispensing hole 530. The first two indentations 534, 535 are generally directed toward the access hole 540. Additionally, at least two other indentations 536, 537 are disposed on a bottom portion 533 of the perimeter 531. The first two indentations 534, 535 may have a similar shape to the other two indentations 536, 537 or a different shape.

[0051] As shown, the first portion 532 of the perimeter 531 is generally closer to the access hole 540 than the second portion 533 of the perimeter 531. Therefore, the first indentation 534 and the second indentation 535 are located on the first portion 532 closer to the access hole 540 than the second portion 533 of the perimeter 531. The second portion 533 of the perimeter 531 is annular except for the protrusion 537. Notably, the protrusion 537 is located in the second portion 533 of the perimeter 531 rather than in the first portion 532.

[0052] The second portion 533 of the perimeter 531 occupies a majority of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 45% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 50% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 55% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 60% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 65% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 70% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 75% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 80% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 85% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 90% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 95% of the perimeter 531. It is noteworthy that the second portion 533 of the perimeter 531 defines a majority of the perimeter 531, while the indentations 534, 535 only define a small portion of the perimeter 451.

[0053] Indentations 534, 535 each form a spatial area corresponding to the void area provided by indentations 534, 535. Dispensing hole 530 may include a total void area, which includes the total void area of ​​dispensing hole 530 (including the void area of ​​indentations 534, 535) and the remaining void area of ​​dispensing hole 530. The void area of ​​indentations 534, 535 is smaller than the total void area of ​​dispensing hole 530. In addition, the void area is smaller than the remaining void area of ​​dispensing hole 530. For example, the ratio of the total void area of ​​dispensing hole 530 to the void area of ​​indentations 434, 435 is about 50:1 to about 2:1, such as about 45:1 to about 3:1, such as about 40:1 to about 4:1, such as about 30:1 to about 5:1, such as about 20:1 to about 6:1, such as about 10:1 to about 7:1

[0054] Example

[0055] Example 1

[0056] The nozzle was subjected to a dispensing test where the user would use the nozzle to remove a wipe at various angles. Pre-saturated wipes were loaded into a container and dispensed from the nozzle as described in Table 1 below. Formulation A was pre-saturated on the wipe. The nozzle tested was Figure 4 and Figure 12 to Figure 13 shown.

[0057] The failure of the nozzle is attributed to the following events: tearing, improper perforation tearing, accumulation, short tailing, too much tailing, complete wipes attached to the tail (CWAT), wire drawing / sagging and wipes lost. The tearing of the wipes includes tearing along the longitudinal direction of the wipes, which may be due to the friction between the nozzle structure and the wipe material. Improper perforation tearing includes the situation that the wipes are not fully torn around the perforation line or the wipes are not torn at the perforation line. Accumulation refers to the situation that more than one wipe attempts to pass through the distribution hole, which may cause hole clogging and other failures as described herein. Short tailing refers to the situation that the tail end of the wipes left in the nozzle is too short to make the user grip to remove the wipes from the container. Similarly, too much tailing includes the situation that too much tailing is left in the distribution hole, which causes the container to be unable to be properly closed and the wipes dry. CWAT refers to a distribution failure, that is, when dispensing a wipe, a complete wipe is attached to the tail of another wipe in the tank. Stringing / sagging also includes situations where the wipe is not fully torn at the perforation and multiple wipes pass through the dispensing hole. A lost wipe situation is when there is no tail left in the dispensing hole for the user to grab. A lost wipe situation can also be considered a critical failure of the nozzle because the wipe needs to be re-threaded.

[0058] The total failure rate for each nozzle is shown in Table 1 below.

[0059]

[0060] As shown, when the wipes were pre-saturated with Formulation A, Nozzle 1 and Nozzle 2 had similar failure rates, however, when compared to Nozzle 3, the overall failure rates for both Nozzle 1 and Nozzle 2 were much lower.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] Nozzle 1 and Nozzle 2 were then saturated with Formulation B and subjected to the same dispensing test as described in Example 1. The total failure rate for each nozzle is shown in Table 2 below.

[0063]

[0064] As shown, when the wipes were pre-saturated with Formulation B, Nozzle 1 had a significantly lower failure rate compared to Nozzle 2.

[0065] Example 3

[0066] Nozzle 1 and Nozzle 2 were saturated with Formulation C and subjected to the same dispensing test as described in Example 1. The total failure rate for each nozzle is shown in Table 3 below.

[0067]

[0068] As shown, when the wipes were pre-saturated with Formulation C, Nozzle 1 had a significantly lower failure rate compared to Nozzle 2.

[0069] Thus, compared to other nozzles (eg, nozzle 2 and nozzle 3), nozzle 1 is able to maintain an overall low failure rate even when different cleaning formulations are applied.

[0070] These and other modifications and variations of the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as more particularly described in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that the aspects of the various embodiments may be interchangeable in whole or in part. In addition, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the above description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention as further described in such appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispensing structure for a container, comprising: a base plate defining a bottom of the dispensing structure; a peripheral flange abutting the base plate at an interior bottom, the peripheral flange and the base plate at least partially defining the sides and bottom of the dispensing structure; an access aperture extending through at least a portion of the base plate for accessing products stored in the container; a dispensing aperture extending through the base for individually dispensing one or more products from the container, the dispensing aperture comprising a perimeter having a first portion and a second annular portion, the first portion comprising at least two indentations extending away from the perimeter toward the access aperture; as well as An outer cover is sized and shaped to mate with and seal against an inner top portion of the peripheral flange and to form a top portion of the dispensing structure when in a closed position.

2. The sealing and dispensing structure of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the perimeter comprises at least about 65% of the perimeter.

3. The sealing and dispensing structure of claim 1, wherein said second portion of said perimeter comprises at least about 85% of said perimeter.

4. The sealing and dispensing structure of claim 1, wherein the at least two indentations are triangular in shape.

5. The sealing and dispensing structure of claim 1, comprising a slit extending from the access aperture to the dispensing aperture.

6. The sealing and dispensing structure of claim 1, wherein the at least two indentations include a first indentation and a second indentation, the first indentation being configured on a first side of the slit and the second indentation being configured on a second side of the slit.

7. The sealing and dispensing structure of claim 1, wherein the dispensing hole occupies less than 15% of the surface area of ​​the base plate.

8. The sealing and dispensing structure of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a first gap area of ​​the dispensing hole to a second gap area of ​​the at least two indentations is from about 50:1 to about 10:

1.

9. The sealing and dispensing structure of claim 1, wherein said at least two indentations include one or more additional indentations disposed on said second portion of said perimeter.

10. The sealing and dispensing structure of claim 1, wherein said access hole occupies more than 30% of said surface area of ​​said base plate.

11. The sealing and dispensing structure of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the surface area of ​​the access aperture to the dispensing aperture is about 5 to 1 or greater.

12. A container for storing and dispensing a product, comprising: A housing for storing products; as well as A sealing and dispensing structure, the sealing and dispensing structure comprising: a base plate defining a bottom of the sealing and dispensing structure; a peripheral flange abutting the base plate at an interior bottom, the peripheral flange and the base plate at least partially defining the sides and bottom of the dispensing structure; an access aperture extending through at least a portion of the base for accessing one or more products stored in the container; a dispensing aperture extending through the base for individually dispensing the one or more products from the container, the dispensing aperture comprising a perimeter having a first portion and a second annular portion, the first portion comprising at least two indentations extending away from the perimeter toward the access aperture; and An outer cover is sized and shaped to mate with and seal against an inner top portion of the peripheral flange and to form a top portion of the dispensing structure when in a closed position.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the second portion of the perimeter comprises at least about 65% of the perimeter.

14. The container of claim 12, wherein the second portion of the perimeter comprises at least about 85% of the perimeter.

15. The container of claim 12, wherein the at least two indentations are triangular in shape.

16. The container of claim 12, comprising a slit extending from the access aperture to the dispensing aperture.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the at least two indentations include a first indentation configured on a first side of the slit and a second indentation configured on a second side of the slit.

18. The container of claim 12, wherein the dispensing aperture occupies less than 10% of the surface area of ​​the base.

19. The container of claim 12, wherein the ratio of the void area of ​​the dispensing aperture to the void area of ​​the at least two indentations is from about 50:1 to about 10:1.

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