CONTAINER FOR HOLDING DETERGENT PODS

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a container for detergent pods according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] Detergent pods or detergent caps are what detergent manufacturers call small foil pouches with at least one chamber. Each chamber is filled with the amount of liquid detergent needed for one wash cycle. Currently, pods with up to three chambers (3-in-1 pods) are available on the market. Different liquid detergents with different functions and effectiveness are filled into the chambers. The film is water-soluble and consists of, for example, polyvinyl alcohol.

[0003] Because the detergents in the individual compartments are colored differently, they are attractive to children. Therefore, manufacturers recommend storing the pods' storage container out of reach of children. However, this practice poses a risk, as it's possible that the container might be forgotten.

[0004] Typically, the container for the pods is a thermoformed or injection-molded plastic container with a lid that seals the top. However, the container and lid are heavy and therefore require a correspondingly high amount of material. The polypropylene used also contains only a low proportion of recycled material and a low recycling stream. Therefore, the containers have low recyclability.

[0005] A further disadvantage of the container is that the filling opening also serves as the dispensing opening. This means that the lid has to be particularly large and heavy, as the filling opening must be as large as possible to allow for easy filling with pods. However, the dispensing opening is oversized because it is also the filling opening. Another disadvantage of such common containers is that the limitation of the proportions during thermoforming and thin-walled injection molding leads to different footprints for different packaging sizes. This means that filling lines have to be adjusted when the packaging size changes and that a separate, cost-intensive injection mold is required for the closure for each size. In addition, flexible adjustments to packaging sizes, e.g. for special promotions, are not possible. Furthermore, it is well known that containers with snap-on closures are not reliably leak-proof.In countries with very high humidity, this can cause the shell of the pods to soften or even dissolve in the container.

[0006] US 2016 / 0221738 A1 discloses a bag made of a single-layer or multi-layer film for holding individually wrapped food items, such as crackers or cereal bars, or canned food items. The film can be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester. The bag is sealed at the top with a top seam. The bottom features an opening for removing the food, which can be closed with a resealable tear-off tab.

[0007] US Pat. No. 5,908,058 discloses a container for roasted coffee beans, which is folded from a flexible film material, particularly polyethylene. The container is welded to a fold at the top, which has a handle. An opening is provided at the bottom, which is sealed with a tear-off seal. The container can be inserted into an adapter, which can be used to connect the container to a coffee grinder. Once the container is inserted into the adapter, the tear-off seal can be torn off using a tear-off tab, freeing the opening and allowing coffee beans to flow into the coffee grinder. Object of the invention

[0008] The disadvantages of the described prior art give rise to the task of creating a container for detergent pods which is as cost-effective to produce and environmentally friendly as possible.

[0009] Another task is to show a container that prevents children from removing pods and still allows for comfortable pod removal. Description

[0010] The stated object is achieved in a container for holding detergent pods by the features stated in the characterizing portion of patent claim 1. Further developments and / or advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent patent claims.

[0011] The container has a first and second sealing surface on the inner wall of the first end, wherein the first and second sealing surfaces enclose a filling opening for the pods and can be connected to each other in an at least fluid-tight manner. Furthermore, the container has a removal opening provided on the container body and spaced apart from the filling opening, through which the pods can be removed.

[0012] The invention is characterized by the fact that the container is extrusion blow-molded. This allows it to be manufactured cost-effectively and its dimensions, especially its height, can be quickly adapted to the quantity and size of the pods.

[0013] Because the filling opening and the removal opening are not identical, the respective opening can be adapted to its application.

[0014] The filling opening is designed to be as large as possible so that the pods can be filled quickly. The filling opening extends across the entire cross-section of the container. The filling opening does not need to be covered by a large lid, which would require a lot of material. Instead, the filling opening is closed, particularly using a material-to-material joining process such as welding or gluing, like a tube. The welding or gluing of the first end of the container body creates a permanent, gas- and liquid-tight seal that is also child-resistant and therefore cannot be opened by small children. The dispensing opening or closure can be designed to be as small as possible and thus protect the material. The dispensing opening is dimensioned such that a single pod can be easily removed from the container.A finger and thumb are sufficient, eliminating the need for the user to reach into the container with their entire hand to remove a pod. The closure, which closes and releases the dispensing opening, can be manufactured using as little material as possible. The overall weight and corresponding material consumption of the container can therefore be reduced by up to 70% compared to conventional containers for detergent pods.

[0015] Additionally, by selecting the appropriate height of the container, it can be easily adjusted to the number of pods to be packaged. The container is extrusion blow molded. This allows the height to be determined by the length of the extruded tube, eliminating the need for different molds for different container sizes.

[0016] It's also conceivable that other bulky goods could be packaged in the container. Free-flowing foods such as nuts or sugar can also be packaged in the container. However, it's important to note that when using the container for bulk goods, the closure must be attached to the top to prevent the bulk goods from spilling out.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the removal opening is spaced from the container bottom at such a distance that a pod lying on the container bottom can be removed through the removal opening. This arrangement of the removal opening allows for the removal of a pod that is located on or near the container bottom. This allows all but the last pod to be conveniently removed from the container.

[0018] It has proven useful if the lower edge of the dispensing opening is positioned between 0 and 20 mm, and preferably between 10 and 15 mm, from the container base. This position of the dispensing opening allows pods lying on the container base to be easily removed from the container by pulling them out one at a time through the dispensing opening using the thumb and index finger. The resulting surface between the container base and the lower edge of the dispensing opening is preferably used as a joining surface for attaching a closure.

[0019] The dispensing opening is conveniently covered by a cap. This ensures that the container is only accessible through the dispensing opening when a pod is removed. The cap, together with the sealed filler opening, ensures that humidity doesn't soften the pod casing and cause leaks. It also prevents unauthorized removal of pods by small children.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure comprises a frame and a lid movably mounted on the frame, wherein the lid is movable between a closed and an open position relative to the frame. This allows the closure to be manufactured separately from the container body and to be attached to any container body with the frame. The closure can be identical for each container body, regardless of the size and shape of the container body.

[0021] Because the frame is permanently attached to the container body by a joining process such as gluing, welding, or locking, the closure can be quickly attached to the container body in a single production step without the risk of it being torn off the container body later. Other joining methods are also conceivable, as long as the frame is reliably held firmly to the container body. For example, inserting the closure into a mold and blow-molding the closure over it would also be a possible way to attach a closure to the container body.

[0022] It has proven useful to provide the dispensing opening in a recess in the container body, placing the frame lower than the surface of the container body. This feature ensures that the closure is difficult to grasp when closed. Even if the closure is incorrectly attached to the container body, it cannot be removed or torn off because it is recessed into the recess. This increases the child safety of the container.

[0023] It is advantageous if the closure is injection-molded. This allows for cost-effective mass production, as no adjustments to the size of the container body are necessary. The closure fits all container bodies, regardless of their size.

[0024] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure is child-resistant in that it requires an operating step that small children are unable to perform. For this purpose, common closures with a child-resistant feature can be used. Conceivable closures are closures that require both hands to operate a release mechanism simultaneously, or a twist-lock closure whose cap must be pressed together and twisted simultaneously.

[0025] The child safety lock is conveniently implemented by a two-handed operating step, since such an operating step makes a preferred folding closure child-proof.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid is connected to the frame with a hinge on the side of the frame closest to the container bottom. This allows the lid to fold down toward the container bottom and is out of the way when removing a pod.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid is displaceable relative to the frame in the plane spanned by the frame. The lid can therefore be designed as a sliding lid. The child safety lock can be achieved by ensuring that the lid can only be moved when it is first pressed down. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid is a screw cap that can be screwed onto the frame. In this embodiment, the child safety lock can be achieved by ensuring that the screw cap can only be turned when it is pushed together.

[0028] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the frame is dimensioned such that a pod can be removed from the container through the frame. This dimensioning allows the closure to be designed as small as possible, thereby significantly reducing the material weight and material costs of the container.

[0029] The invention is also preferably characterized in that the container body and the container base are made of up to 100% recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE). This makes the container particularly environmentally friendly and sustainable compared to prior art containers for storing detergent pods.

[0030] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic representations. These are not to scale: Figure 1: a front view of a container for holding detergent pods in a first embodiment; Figure 2: a side view of the container from Figure 1 ; Figure 3: an isometric view of the container from Figure 2 ; Figure 4: a front view of a container for holding detergent pods in a second embodiment; Figure 5: a section through a container in which a removal opening is provided within a recess; Figure 6: an isometric view of a sliding closure; and Figure 7: a front view of a container in a third embodiment.

[0031] In the Figures 1 to 5 and 7A container for holding detergent pods is shown, which is designated overall by the reference numeral 11. The container is made of a plastic material by extrusion blow molding. The container 11 has a container body 13 with a first end 15 and a second end 17 substantially opposite the first end. A container base 19 with a base 21 is formed at the second end.

[0032] First and second sealing surfaces 27a, 27b are formed on the inner wall 23 of the first end 15. The first and second sealing surfaces 27a, 27b enclose a filling opening 25 for the pods and are connected to one another in a manner that is at least fluid-tight and cannot be opened by children. The large filling opening 25 facilitates filling with pods, which are designated by the reference numeral 29. After filling, the sealing surfaces 27a, 27b are, for example, welded or glued. This ensures that the pods 29 are safely stored in the container, even if they are damaged.

[0033] The pods 29 can be removed through a removal opening 31 provided on the container body 13 and spaced apart from the filling opening 25. The removal opening 31 is provided as close as possible to the container bottom 19. This allows pods 29 lying on the container bottom 19 to be easily removed from the container 11.

[0034] Even the last pod 29 is easy to remove since it is necessarily located at the container bottom 19. The lower edge 33 of the removal opening 31 is therefore spaced between 0 and 20 mm and preferably between 10 and 15 mm from the container bottom 19.

[0035] The removal opening 31 is closed by a closure 35. Since the removal opening 31 does not correspond to the filling opening 25, it can be made comparatively small. So small that a single pod 29 can be easily removed from the container 11. As a result, the closure 35 can also be made small. This results in a low overall weight and a correspondingly lower material requirement for the container compared to prior art pod containers. The closure 35 is preferably injection-molded.

[0036] The closure 35 has a frame 37 and a lid 39 movably mounted on the frame 35. The lid 39 is movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the frame 37. For example, the lid 39 can be pivotally connected to the frame by a hinge 41. Preferably, the hinge 41 is arranged on the lowest side of the frame, allowing the lid 39 to be folded downward. This ensures that the open lid 39 does not obstruct the pod removal.

[0037] The frame 37 is attached to the container body 13 by a joining process. The frame 37 can be glued or welded to the container body 13, for example, or can be positively locked thereto. This connection permanently connects the frame 37 and the lid 39 to the container body 13, thus making it child-resistant. A small child is therefore unable to tear the closure 35 off the container body 13.

[0038] The closure 35 is child-resistant. For example, a first and second hook 43a, 43b on the lid 39 must be released simultaneously to open the lid ( Figures 1 to 3 ). To do this, a user needs both hands. One hand releases the two hooks 43a, 43b, while the other hand releases the lid 39. A small child is usually not yet able to perform such an operating step, in which both hands act in a coordinated and simultaneous manner.

[0039] In the Figure 4 A closure 35 is shown which has only one hook 43a. If the hook 43a is released with one hand, the lid 39 can be opened with the other hand.

[0040] In the Figure 5It is shown that a recess 45 can be provided on the container body, in which the closure 35 can be received. If the closure 35 is incorrectly attached to the container body 13, it cannot be removed or torn off because it is recessed in the recess 45 and cannot be attacked by the frame 37. This further increases the child safety of the container.

[0041] The Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the closure. The lid is designed as a sliding lid 39. Rails 47 are formed on the long sides of the frame 37, along which the sliding lid 39 can be moved. The child safety feature can be achieved, for example, by first pushing the lid 39 inward to release a locking or latching mechanism. Only then can it be moved in the pressed-in position.

[0042] As the Figure 7As shown, the closure can also be implemented as a twist-on or screw-on closure. In this case, the lid is designed as a screw cap 39, and the frame as a threaded neck 37. The child safety feature, as is known with screw caps, is achieved by the fact that the screw cap 39 can only be turned when its shell is compressed.

[0043] The size of the container's interior can be easily adjusted to the number of Pods 29 to be accommodated by selecting the appropriate container height. For example, if the pod manufacturer wants to launch a promotion with free pods, the container height simply needs to be adjusted to the additional number of Pods 29. Legend:

[0044] 11Container 13Container body 15First end 17Second end 19Container base 21Base 23Inner wall 25Filling opening 27aFirst sealing surface 27bSecond sealing surface 29Detergent pods 31Dispensing opening 33Lower edge of the dispensing opening 35Closure 37Frame 39Lid 41Hinge 43a, 43bFirst and second hook 45Recess 47Rails

Claims

1. A container (11) made of a plastic material for receiving detergent pods (29) with - a container body (13), a first end (15) and a second end (17) essentially lying opposite the first end (15) having - a container bottom (19) with a standing surface (21) formed on the second end (17), a first and second sealing surface (27a, 27b) formed on the inner wall (23) of the first end (15), wherein the first and second sealing surface (27a, 27b) enclose a filling opening (25) for the pods (29) and can be connected to one another at least in a fluid-tight manner and a removal opening (31) provided on the container body (13) and spaced apart from the filling opening (25), through which the pods (29) can be removed, characterized in that the container is extrusion blow molded.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the removal opening (31) has such a distance from the container bottom (19) that a pod (29) lying on the container bottom (19) can be removed through the removal opening (31).

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower edge (33) of the removal opening (31) is spaced apart between 0 and 20 mm and preferably between 10 and 15 mm from the container bottom (19).

4. The container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removal opening (31) is covered by a closure (35).

5. The container according to claim 4, characterized in that the closure (35) has a frame (37) and a lid (39) movably retained on the frame (37), wherein the lid (39) can be moved between a closed and an open position relative to the frame (37).

6. The container according to claim 5, characterized in that the frame (37) is non-releasably retained on the container body (13) by means of a joining method, such as adhering, welding or locking in place.

7. The container according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the removal opening (31) is provided in a depression of the container body (31), whereby the frame (37) lies lower than the surface of the container body (13).

8. The container according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the closure (35) is injection molded.

9. The container according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the closure (35) is childproof, in that it has to be opened by means of an operating step, which toddlers are not able to carry out.

10. The container according to claim 9, characterized in that the childproof lock is realized by means of a two-handed operating step.

11. The container according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the lid (39) is connected to the frame (37) by means of a hinge (41) on the side of the frame (37), which lies closest to the container bottom (19).

12. The container according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the lid (39) can be shifted relative to the frame (37) in the plane spanned by the frame.

13. The container according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the lid is a screw cap (39), which scan be screwed onto the frame (37).

14. The container according to one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the frame (37) is dimensioned in such a way that a pod (29) can be removed from the container (11) through the frame (37).

15. The container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container body (13) and the container bottom (19) are made of up to 100% recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE).