Durable bottom-dispensing containers

Abstract

To provide a bottom dispensing package that can more easily return to its original shape even when used with more flexible containers.SOLUTION: A container is provided with a one-way vent 70 which allows the ingress of air into the container while preventing the egress of air from the container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a durable bottom portioning container. [Background technology]

[0002] Liquid dispensers are widely used in a variety of applications, including household products, personal care products, and industrial chemicals. Traditionally, liquid dispensers have been designed with a top-dispensing mechanism, where liquid is dispensed through an opening at the top of the container. Such products, particularly liquid detergent compositions, are increasingly being provided in bottom-dispensing containers, also called inverted containers, because this reduces product retention in the container and allows for easier dispensing.

[0003] In addition, there is an increasing demand to reduce the environmental impact of consumer products. However, a large part of the environmental impact comes from packaging, even if the packaging is recyclable or made from recycled materials. Therefore, there is a desire to move away from disposable plastic products to more durable containers that can be reused repeatedly.

[0004] In the case of bottom dispensing containers, the container must be flexible enough to allow the composition contained therein to be easily dispensed. However, if the container is too flexible, it will not return to its original shape after dispensing. Therefore, the container must be rigid enough to allow the container to return to its original shape, which typically means having sufficient elastic springback to generate enough pressure to push air back through the bottom dispensing orifice. Therefore, bottom dispensing containers have typically been made from rigid materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyolefins, with a wall thickness sufficient to provide the necessary rigidity to generate the elastic springback required to suck air back through the dispensing orifice. However, if formed to provide the required rigidity, the container will be prone to stress cracking, making it unsuitable for a refillable container. Such refillable containers must be inherently more durable.

[0005] However, while a more flexible bottom portion container may be more durable and less susceptible to stress cracking, it also lacks the ability to return to its original shape after being squeezed or compressed.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a bottom dispensing package that can easily restore its original shape, even when used with highly flexible containers. Such a dispenser can improve convenience, reliability, and durability in liquid dispensing applications.

[0007] European Patent Application No. 3686118A1 relates to a bottom dispensing package with a base having an orifice with a slit valve, which is less prone to leaking even when lower viscosity products are contained within the container, which is achieved by providing a container with a more resilient, resiliently squeezable container. U.S. Patent No. 5,213,236 relates to a dispensing package for fluid products, such as liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, household cleaner, cleaner, polish, moisturizing cream, etc., which includes a container with a self-sealing dispensing valve mounted therein. The valve includes a terminal flange, a valve head having a discharge orifice therein, and a connector sleeve having one end connected to the valve flange and an opposite end connected to the valve head adjacent its terminal edge. The connector sleeve has an elastically flexible structure such that when pressure within the container rises above a predetermined amount, the valve head shifts outward in a manner that causes the connector sleeve to fold and rollably extend. German Patent No. 10122557 A1 relates to a device on a punch hole which prevents the product from dripping after manual wall pressure has been released. The device comprises a slit segment in one plane and a number of slit segments in a second plane, each plane segment being positioned such that in each case the bottom edge of the first segment is in contact with the top edge of the second segment. Two or four segments are preferred and the container closure is by screw or snap action. The container lid and the closure are hinged together, the preferred segment thickness is 0.25 mm and the diameter of the device is between 10 and 20 mm. China Patent No. 2784322(Y) relates to an inverted bottle, which includes a bottle body, a bottle cap and an outer packing cap, the opening of the bottle body is opened downwards, the bottle cap is fixedly connected to the lower end of the bottle body through a screw and is provided with a liquid outlet, and a silica gel inner cap and an inner partition plate are fixed in order at a position between the opening of the bottle cap and the opening of the bottle body.The utility model has a downward opening of the bottle body, and adopts a silica gel inner cap and a partition plate, so that the liquid in the liquid bottle placed upside down cannot flow out. The utility model has the advantages of simple structure, convenient use and hygiene and cleanliness of the opening, natural, convenient and clean liquid injection application of the bottle that is almost not filled with liquid, and special application for filling liquids of various viscosities, such as liquid shampoo, cleanser essence, etc. China Patent No. 1507827(A) relates to a wall-mounted liquid soap dispenser for washrooms. The dispenser adopts a bottle with a certain elasticity, which can be used in an inverted state, and its liquid outlet is smaller than the mouth of a general bottle, and a platform surface is formed at the position of the bottle mouth, and an elastic thin sheet is arranged on the platform surface, and a plurality of openings and a closing seam are arranged on the elastic thin sheet, and a bottle cap has a thread on its inner wall and a circular hole in its center, which can be tightly screwed onto the bottle body and can be used to firmly press the openings and the closing seam. The invention has a simple structure, low cost, and also provides an application method thereof. US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 029548(A1) relates to a dispensing package for a fabric treatment composition, such as a bottom dispensing package for a flowable composition. US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 244222(A1) relates to a dispensing system, which includes a bottle, a valve cap, and a dosing cap, and the bottle includes a sidewall having at least a portion that is flexible, and the valve cap controls the dispensing of the flowable product from the bottle into the dosing cap. European Patent Application No. 3321199(A) relates to a liquid condiment container including a bottle and a cap, containing a condiment having a viscosity of 5 Pa·s to 500 Pa·s, the bottle including a mouth, a body and a bottom, the body having a flat shape in horizontal cross section in a selected state, the bottle being made from low density polyethylene as a main component, the bottle being flexibly deformed to easily expel its contents even when the contents are high viscosity liquid condiments, and the original aesthetic appearance of the container is unlikely to be damaged even when the contents are reduced.European Patent Application No. 3492400(A) relates to a liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid from an inverted container, comprising a body, a valve and an anti-shock system specifically adapted to absorb temporary liquid pressure rises (e.g. fluid hammer pressure) and significantly reduce / prevent unwanted opening of the valve and leakage of liquid. European Patent Application No. 3784578(A) relates to a structure of reinforcing ribs arranged circumferentially around a container body portion of a container, comprising a pair of external ribs arranged around the bottle body, each external rib having a given pattern around the container body, the pattern being a series of at least two arcuate portions with an apex interposed between the two arcuate portions. The pair of external ribs includes an upper external rib and a lower external rib, the apexes of which are opposite each other and shifted by a maximum distance of 5 mm, the upper external rib having a maximum amplitude of 3-6.5 mm and an arcuate length of half the container circumference, and the lower external rib having a maximum amplitude of 2-5 mm and an arcuate length of half the container circumference. US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 348715(A) relates to a dispensing system, a flexible bag or pouch for use therewith, and a method for filling and dispensing a fluent product into a dispensing bottle. The dispensing system includes a one-way inlet check valve disposed in an end wall. The one-way valve allows the contents of the bag or pouch to be evacuated during squeezing of the bottle, such that the fluent product is ejected or dispensed by internal pressure within the bag or pouch through a one-way valve disposed in the bottom cap. US Patent No. 10273061(B) relates to a container for viscous liquids, which discloses a container having a first cover fitted with a one-way valve and a second cover with a flow control valve disposed therein, disposed at each of the two ends of the container body.US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 044397(A) relates to a small food storage container with an air inlet, the container comprising a container body having a food storage space adapted to be squeezed out of shape by application of external pressure and to return to its original shape when the external pressure is removed, and a food outlet adapted to discharge food to the outside when the food storage space is squeezed out of shape, the air inlet being formed along the top of the food storage space to supply outside air to the food storage space while being large enough to allow the food to be smoothly dispensed by an automatic feeding device of a food manufacturing company. US Patent No. 5,857,595(A) relates to a self-closing device that allows a flowable material present in the container to be dispensed from the container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application No. 3686118(A1) [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,213,236 [Patent Document 3] German Patent No. 10122557(A1) [Patent Document 4] Chinese Patent No. 2784322(Y) [Patent Document 5] Chinese Patent No. 1507827(A) [Patent Document 6] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 029548(A1) [Patent Document 7] US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 244222(A1) [Patent Document 8] European Patent Application No. 3321199(A) [Patent Document 9] European Patent Application No. 3492400(A) [Patent Document 10] European Patent Application No. 3784578(A) [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 348715(A) [Patent Document 12] US Patent No. 10273061(B) [Patent Document 13] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 044397(A) [Patent Document 14] U.S. Patent No. 5,857,595(A) Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to a bottom dispensing package (1) for a liquid composition, comprising an elastically squeezable container (10) for containing a liquid composition, the elastically squeezable container comprising a container wall (11) and a base (20) operatively connected to the container (10), the base comprising an orifice (30), wherein the container (10) comprises a one-way vent (70), the one-way vent (70) allowing the ingress of air into the container (10) while preventing the egress of air from the container (10), preferably the one-way vent is located in the container (10) top and / or in the container wall (11) above 90% of the height of the package, in the bottom dispensing package (1). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a durable bottom-dispensing package (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The package (1) comprises a resiliently squeezable container (10) and a base (20). The resiliently squeezable container (10) comprises at least one container wall (11). The resiliently squeezable container (10) comprises a wide portion (3) and a narrow portion (2). The base (20) comprises a base wall rim (22) adapted to allow the package (1) to rest in an inverted position on a flat surface. The top of the container (10) comprises a one-way vent (70). [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of another bottom dispenser package without a one-way vent. The package (1) comprises a resiliently squeezable container (10) and a base (20). The resiliently squeezable container (10) comprises at least one container wall (11). The resiliently squeezable container (10) comprises a wide portion (3). The inner surface (15) of the container wall (11) comprises a zone (4) having a groove (80). The outer wall (14) of the container wall (11) is smooth. The container (10) comprises an orifice (30) including a slit valve (40). The base (20) of the package (1) comprises a base wall (23) connected to the periphery of the bottom surface (21) and extending from the periphery of the bottom surface (21) to a base wall rim (22) such that the bottom dispenser package (1) can rest on the base wall rim (22). The base wall (23) includes an aperture (26) connecting the outer base wall surface (24) to the inner base wall surface (25). [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. The package (1) comprises a resiliently squeezable container (10) and a base (20). The resiliently squeezable container (10) comprises at least one container wall (11). The container wall (11) has both a wide portion (2) and a narrow portion (3), the narrow portion (3) being above the wide portion (2). The inner surface (15) of the container wall (11) comprises a zone (4) having a groove (80). The outer wall (14) of the container wall (11) is smooth. The top of the container (10) comprises a one-way vent (70). The base (20) of the package (1) comprises a base wall (23) connected to the periphery of the bottom surface (21) and extending from the periphery of the bottom surface (21) to a base wall rim (22) such that the bottom-distributed package (1) can rest on the base wall rim (22). The base (20) includes an anti-shock system (50) disposed upstream of the orifice (30). The anti-shock system (50) includes a housing (51) extending longitudinally and radially inwardly from the base (20) with a cavity (52) therein, the housing (51) including at least one inlet opening (53a) providing a flow path for liquid from the resiliently squeezable container (10) into the housing (51) and at least one outlet opening (53b) providing an exit path for liquid from the housing (51) to the outside atmosphere when the orifice (30) is opened. The cavity (52) is partially occupied by a compressible material (54). The container (10) includes a curved top (5) to prevent the package (1) from standing on its top, thereby maintaining a bottom portion orientation of the package (1) when not in use. In an alternative embodiment, the container (10) may be provided with an angled top (5) such that the package (1) cannot stand stably on top of it. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. The package (1) comprises a resiliently squeezable container (10) and a base (20). The resiliently squeezable container (10) comprises at least one container wall (11). The container wall (11) has both a wide portion (2) and a narrow portion (3), the narrow portion (3) being above the wide portion (2). The inner surface (15) of the container wall (11) comprises a zone (4) having a groove (80). The outer wall (14) of the container wall (11) is smooth. The top of the container (10) comprises a cap (90) that includes a one-way vent (70). The base (20) of the package (1) comprises a base wall (23) connected to the periphery of the bottom surface (21) and extending from the periphery of the bottom surface (21) to a base wall rim (22) such that the bottom dispensing package (1) can rest on the base wall rim (22). The base (20) comprises an impact resistant system (50) disposed upstream of the orifice (30). The impact resistant system (50) comprises a housing (51) having an internal cavity (52) and extending longitudinally and radially inwardly from the base (20), the housing (51) comprising at least one inlet opening (53a) providing a flow path for liquid from the resiliently squeezable container (10) into the housing (51) and at least one outlet opening (53b) providing an exit path for liquid from the housing (51) to the outside atmosphere when the orifice (30) is opened. The cavity (52) is partially occupied by a compressible material (54). The base wall (23) includes four channels (27) that are equidistantly spaced apart and connect the outer base wall surface (24) to the inner base wall surface (25). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container wall (11) of the embodiment of FIG. 4, showing the grooves (80), groove tops (82) and groove bottoms (83), and the exterior surface (14). FIG. 5 also shows the pitch (81) between adjacent grooves. [Figure 6]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a durable liquid dispensing package. The package may have the same properties and features as detailed herein in connection with any or all of the previous figures, unless expressly excluded or obviously incompatible. Similarly, any or all of the features described in connection with FIG. 6 may be implemented in the examples described in the previous figures. The container of FIG. 6 includes a curved cap (90) to prevent the package (1) from standing on its top, thereby maintaining a bottom portion orientation when not in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] It has been found that forming a container in a bottom dispensing package as described herein and having a one-way vent at the top of the container results in a container that can more easily return to its original shape, even when used with more flexible containers. Such dispensers offer improved convenience, reliability, and durability in liquid dispensing applications.

[0012] By elastically squeezable, it is meant that the container wall (11) exhibits a sufficient degree of flexibility to allow it to deform in response to manual force applied to the exterior surface of the container wall (11) and a sufficient degree of elasticity to automatically return to its undeformed state when the manual force is removed from the exterior surface of the container wall (11).

[0013] The terms "a" and "an" are used herein when describing a particular element, meaning "at least one" of that particular element.

[0014] The term "dose" as used herein is defined as the measured amount of liquid delivered by the package. A dose begins when liquid first exits the cap orifice (30) and ends when the flow of liquid stops.

[0015] As used herein, "substantially independent of pressure" means that pressure causes less than a 10% variation from the target measured dose.

[0016] As used herein, "substantially constant fluid output or dosage" means less than a 10% variation from a target measured dosage.

[0017] "Shear thinning" as used herein means that the referenced liquid is a non-Newtonian fluid, preferably having a viscosity that changes with changes in shear rate.

[0018] "Drip-free" as used herein means that no visible residue remains proximal to the nozzle of the cap after administration and / or no liquid exits the elastomeric container without squeezing.

[0019] A preferred field of use is that of dosing devices for home or household applications, typically containing detergents such as hard surface cleaning compositions, liquid laundry detergent compositions or other cleaning preparations, fabric conditioners, etc., which have a relatively low low shear viscosity. A particularly preferred field of use is hard surface cleaning, especially manual dishwashing. For such applications, the resiliently squeezable container (10) may have a discharge volume of 0.1 liters to 5 liters, preferably 0.2 liters to 1.5 liters, more preferably 0.25 liters to 0.75 liters, as measured using the method described herein. The volume of liquid dispensed for each squeeze of the package (1) is typically 1 mL to 50 mL, preferably 2 mL to 30 mL, more preferably 3 mL to 20 mL.

[0020] Bottom part package: The present invention relates to a package (1) for repeatedly dispensing a quantity of a liquid. The package (1) comprises a resiliently squeezable container (10) and a base (20) operatively connected to the container (10). The base comprises an orifice (30).

[0021] The bottom dispensing package (1) has several advantages over other packaging types. The package (1) does not need to be inverted, requires less user movement for dispensing, and offers better positioning and dispensing control than packages that dispense from an orifice at the top of the package. In addition, there is no need to wait for the liquid contained therein to reach the orifice before dispensing, especially when the amount of composition remaining in the package is small. Thus, the bottom dispensing package simplifies tasks such as dishwashing where repeated dosing of detergent composition is required.

[0022] The bottom dispensing package (1) can be used as a dosing device for home or household use, containing detergents such as hard surface cleaning compositions, liquid laundry detergent compositions, or other cleaning preparations, fabric conditioners, etc. Other fields of use include dosing devices for manual and automatic dishwashing detergents, oral care applications such as hair care products and mouthwashes, beverages (syrups, liquor shots, liquid coffee concentrates, etc.), food applications (food pastes and liquid food ingredients, etc.), insecticides, etc. Preferably, the bottom dispensing container (1) comprises a hard surface cleaning composition, more preferably a manual dishwashing composition.

[0023] The bottom dispensing package (1) may have an internal volume for the liquid contained therein of 0.1 liters to 5.0 liters, preferably 0.2 liters to 1.5 liters, and more preferably 0.25 liters to 0.75 liters.

[0024] Elastically squeezable container: The resiliently squeezable container (10) is preferably a bottle. The resiliently squeezable container (10) comprises at least one container wall (11).

[0025] The top of the container (10) distal to the base (20) can be closed. Alternatively, and preferably, the container can include a cap (90), which is preferably removable. Preferably, the cap (90) is included in the top of the container distal to the base (20). The cap (90) provides for easy refilling of the container (10) without the need to remove the base (20). The cap (90) can be a screw-on cap, or a push-on cap, or any other form of cap that sealingly engages with the container (10). Since the container wall (11) is at least partially made of an elastomer, the container wall (11) has a high degree of flexibility. Therefore, if necessary, the cap (90) can be provided with a mounting ring that is fixedly attached to the container wall (11), for example by gluing or welding. Alternatively, the container wall (11) can be molded onto the cap (90) or vice versa. The cap 90 may be permanently attached to the housing, for example via a string or plastic cord, or may be completely removable. The cap 90, and its attachment ring, if present, are preferably rigid.

[0026] When the container (10) comprises two or more container walls (11), the container walls (11) are preferably laminated together such that the layers cannot be separated. Thus, the container (10) used in the present invention does not have a "bag-in-bottle" configuration. For the applications described herein, "bag-in-bottle" packaging is less desirable because, even with the use of a one-way vent, a significant portion of the composition remains trapped in the bag and is not dispensed. Furthermore, more pressure is required with "bag-in-bottle" packaging to dispense the composition contained therein, especially as the amount of composition contained within the container (10) decreases. In addition, it is more difficult to administer small amounts of a composition, such as a detergent composition, when "bag-in-bottle" packaging is used. Furthermore, "bag-in-bottle" packaging is typically more difficult to refill when empty.

[0027] The bottom portion dispensing package (1) described herein is designed to be stored upright, with the base (20) including the orifice (30) positioned below the container (10). However, it is recognized that some users may habitually store the package upside down or may accidentally tip the package (1). In these cases, there is a risk that the liquid composition contained within the container (10) may contaminate the one-way vent (70). In such a situation, the liquid composition may penetrate and contaminate the one-way vent (70). This contamination is particularly problematic because if the liquid composition dries within the one-way vent (70), it may prevent the vent (70) from functioning properly. In order to restore operability of the one-way vent (70) after such an event, it may be necessary to thoroughly clean the vent (70). This will remove any dried liquid composition or contaminants and ensure that the vent can function as intended. Such problems can be reduced or even avoided if the container (10) includes a top (5) distal to the base (20) that is configured to prevent the package (1) from standing on its top, thereby maintaining a bottom portion orientation. For example, the top (5) can be curved or angled. The top (5) can include a cap (90), which is curved or angled. Preferably, the top (5) or cap (90) of the container (10) is curved.

[0028] Traditionally, containers for bottom dispensing applications have been designed to be as rigid as possible in order to maintain their shape after use. If the prior art containers are too elastic, they either do not easily return to their original form after being squeezed during use, or they return to their original shape slowly. In the latter case, the user will have to wait an unacceptable amount of time before being able to administer a further amount of the composition.

[0029] Resinous materials suitable for use in manufacturing the resiliently squeezable container 10 may be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and mixtures thereof, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high density polyethylene (HDPE), more preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Such materials are particularly suitable when an injection stretch blow molding process is used to form the container 10.

[0030] Resilient squeezable containers (10) formed from such resins can be made using any suitable process, although blow molding (BM) processes, and particularly injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) processes, are preferred.

[0031] In extrusion blow molding, molten resin is extruded (typically continuously) to form a continuous tube ("parison") with an open end. The extruded resin is cut at regular intervals, and the cuts are blown directly to form the article. In the extrusion blow molding process, the molten resin material is typically not first formed into a preform. The final shape of the article produced by extrusion blow molding is less precise and controllable than that obtained by injection blow molding. Further details regarding extrusion blow molding can be obtained in general packaging textbooks, such as "The Wiley Encyclopaedia of Packaging Technology" referenced above (especially pages 83-86). Extrusion blow molding can be used to obtain laminated or co-extruded containers with multiple layers for aesthetic or improved physical (barrier) properties.

[0032] Injection blow molding (IBM) and its variant, injection stretch blow molding (ISBM), are commonly used for industrial-scale production of high quality hollow articles, such as containers. Preferably, the resiliently squeezable container (10) is made by blow molding a preform, for example, using an injection stretch blow molding process.

[0033] The first step in both the IBM and ISBM processes is typically to create a preform by an injection molding process as described above. Such preforms are typically test tube shaped and have a fully formed neck (12) through which the preform is handled during processing. The wall thickness of the preform can be varied to affect the dispensing of the resin material of the resiliently squeezable container (10).

[0034] The neck (12) typically includes an attachment means, such as a screw thread or a bayonet mount, for attaching the base (20), and the base (20) includes a counterpart of the attachment means, as is known in the art.

[0035] The preform is then blow molded or stretch blow molded to form a resiliently squeezable container (10). As noted above, the neck of the preform typically remains substantially unchanged during the blow molding process, while the body of the preform expands significantly. The preform can be blow molded or stretch blow molded immediately after formation. Alternatively, the preform can be stored or shipped to a different location before later being reheated and blown into the final container.

[0036] In the injection "blow molding process", the preform is reheated, if necessary, before being transferred to a blow mold having the shape of the desired hollow container. The preform is held by its neck (12) and air through a valve inflates the hot preform, typically at a temperature of 85°C to 115°C. The preform expands and takes the shape of the blow mold. Typically, little or no axial stretching occurs. After cooling sufficiently so that the desired container can be handled, it is removed from the blow mold and is ready for use. Further information on the injection blow molding process can be obtained from general textbooks, such as the "Wiley Encyclopaedia of Packaging Technology", 2nd Edition (1997) published by Wiley-Interscience Publication (see especially page 87).

[0037] In the injection "stretch blow molding" process (also called biaxially oriented blow molding), the preform is reheated to a temperature warm enough to allow it to expand so as to achieve biaxial molecular alignment of the sidewalls of the resulting blown container. While the preform (12) is held at its neck, air pressure and usually a stretch rod are used to stretch the preform axially and, optionally, radially as well. Unlike containers obtained by conventional injection blow molding, containers obtained by injection stretch blow molding are significantly longer than the preform (1). Further information on the injection stretch blow molding process can be obtained from general textbooks, such as the "Wiley Encyclopaedia of Packaging Technology", 2nd Edition (1997) published by Wiley-Interscience Publication (see in particular pages 87-89).

[0038] The desired resiliency of the resiliently squeezable container (10) can be achieved using any suitable means, including selecting the resin material used to form the container (10), limiting the wall thickness so that less resin material is used to make the container (10), and by including at least one flexible panel (13) in the resiliently squeezable container (10), or by having a non-circular cross-section, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Because a relatively high container elasticity is desired, the elastically squeezable container (10) can comprise a resin material such that the ratio of the weight of the resin material (in grams) to the expelled volume (in milliliters) is less than 0.058:1, preferably between 0.035:1 and 0.057:1, and more preferably between 0.040:1 and 0.054:1. The increased elasticity results in a container (10) that is more flexible, more durable, and less susceptible to cracking from repeated squeezing.

[0040] The package (1) of the present invention is predicted to be durable and can be repeatedly refilled and reused. In contrast, prior art containers made using materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, polypropylene, etc., are prone to strain hardening and cracking after repeated use, especially at thicknesses that provide the desired spring back after use.

[0041] Thus, the container wall (11) used in the present invention is preferably at least partially made of an elastomer, preferably the elastomer is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer, a silicone rubber, a rubber, or a combination thereof, with a thermoplastic elastomer and / or a silicone rubber being preferred, and a thermoplastic elastomer being particularly preferred. The container wall (11) is preferably made entirely of an elastomer, except for any components necessary to connect the optional cap (90) and / or base (20).

[0042] Elastomers are polymers with viscoelastic properties and generally have a low Young's modulus and a high yield strain compared to other materials. Elastomers are amorphous polymers that exist above their glass transition temperature, so that considerable segmental motion is possible. Thus, they are relatively soft and deformable at ambient temperatures, e.g., 21°C.

[0043] Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are copolymers or physical mixtures of polymers, such as plastics and rubbers, including materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. Thermoplastic elastomers are relatively easy to manufacture, for example, by injection molding. Thermoplastic elastomers exhibit advantages typical of both rubber-like and plastic materials. The main difference between thermosetting and thermoplastic elastomers is the type of crosslinks in their structure. Crosslinks in thermosetting polymers are covalent bonds, such as those formed during the vulcanization process. In contrast, crosslinks in thermoplastic elastomer polymers are physical and reversible, typically involving entanglements, weaker dipole or hydrogen bonds, or material phase differences, such as crystalline regions. For example, one of the constituent polymers, or a segment of the constituent polymers, has a melting point or glass transition temperature well above room temperature. Examples of suitable thermoplastic elastomers, their methods of manufacture and processing can be found in "Handbook of Thermoplastic Elastomers", December 2007, Drobny, ISBN 9780815515494.

[0044] Thermoplastic elastomers include reactor-made thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene block copolymers (SBC), thermoplastic polyether block amides (TPA), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU) and thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TCA). Reactor-made thermoplastic elastomers are implemented with one polymer formed through a reaction process that results in polymer segments that provide thermoplastic properties and polymer segments that provide elastomeric properties. Other thermoplastic elastomers include blends of polymers such as homopolymers and / or copolymers, which result in crystalline domains where blocks from the polymer cocrystallize with blocks in adjacent chains such as in copolyester rubbers. Depending on the length of the blocks, the domains are generally more stable than the latter due to their higher crystalline melting point. The crystalline melting point determines the processing temperature required to mold the material as well as the final service use temperature of the resulting thermoplastic elastomer. Such materials include Hytrel® (a polyester-polyether copolymer) and Pebax® (a nylon or polyamide-polyether copolymer). Reactor-made thermoplastic elastomers, especially thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs), are preferred.

[0045] Thermoplastic elastomers, often referred to as "thermoplastic olefins", are typically derived from polyolefins and are also preferred for their improved recyclability. Thermoplastic elastomers may contain additional components such as plasticizers, fillers, compatibilizers, etc.

[0046] Silicone rubber is an elastomer made of silicone. Silicone rubber is often a one- or two-component polymer and can contain fillers to improve properties or reduce costs. Silicone rubber is generally non-reactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments and a wide range of temperatures while still maintaining their properties. Due to these properties and the ease of manufacturing and molding, silicone rubber can be found in a wide variety of products including voltage line insulation, automotive applications, cooking, baking, and food preservation products, clothing such as underwear, sportswear, and footwear, electronics, medical devices and implants, and home repairs and hardware in products such as silicone sealants. Silicones are typically highly adhesive gels or liquids that are converted to silicone rubber by curing, such as vulcanization (condensation curing), catalytic curing, or peroxide curing. This is usually done in a two-step process at the point of manufacturing into the desired shape, and then in a lengthy post-curing process. The curing process can be accelerated by applying heat or pressure.

[0047] Suitable rubbers may be of either natural or synthetic origin. Naturally derived rubbers include suitable polymers derived from natural sources, most often isoprene with small impurities of other organic compounds. Natural rubber is typically harvested in the form of latex. The latex is then refined into rubber ready for commercial processing. Synthetically derived rubbers are man-made elastomers derived from petroleum by-products and are crosslinked by vulcanization. Rubbers can be used alone or in combination with other materials.

[0048] The elastomers may have a Shore A (Type A) hardness of 0 to 80, preferably 5 to 60, more preferably 10 to 40. The Shore A hardness may be measured using the method described in ISO 868:2003 (last reviewed and confirmed in 2018). The elastomers may have a tensile elongation (at break) of 200% to 1000%, preferably 250% to 750%, more preferably 300% to 700%, measured in the machine direction at 23 °C and an extension rate of 200 mm / min using the method described in ISO 37:2017 (last reviewed and confirmed in 2022). The elongation at break is a characteristic value that represents the maximum elongation that a tensile specimen experiences at the moment of break. It therefore represents the deformability of a material under tensile load. The elastomers may have a compression set of less than 50%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 20%, measured over 72 hours at 23° C. using the method described in ISO 815-1:2019. Compression set measures the ability of elastomers to withstand hardening and retain their elastic properties at ambient temperature after extended compression. As such, compression set provides an indication of the ability of an elastomer to withstand physical or chemical changes that prevent the elastomer from returning to its original dimensions or from excessively losing its elasticity after release of a deforming force.

[0049] The container wall (11) may have a wide portion (3) such that at least a portion of the outer surface of the container (10) has a convex shape. The wide portion (2) is preferably located on the container wall (11) where the container (10) is typically gripped and squeezed. For good gripping and dispensing, the wide portion (2) preferably has a radius of 25 mm to 120 mm, preferably 40 mm to 100 mm, more preferably 50 mm to 80 mm. If the cross section of the wide portion (2) of the container wall (11) is non-circular, such as elliptical, the radius is calculated based on a circular cross section with the same cross section. The radius of the wide portion (2) is calculated where the cross section is the largest.

[0050] The container wall (11) may have a narrow portion (3) such that at least a portion of the exterior surface of the container wall (11) has a narrower concave shape than adjacent portions of the container (10).

[0051] The narrow portion (3) is preferably located adjacent to the wide portion (2) of the container wall (11), in particular adjacent to where the container wall (11) is typically gripped and squeezed. The narrow portion (3) preferably has a radius of 10 mm to 80 mm, preferably 20 mm to 70 mm, more preferably 30 mm to 60 mm. If the cross section of the narrow portion (3) of the container wall (11) is non-circular, such as elliptical, the radius is calculated based on a circular cross section having the same cross-sectional area. The radius of the narrow portion (3) is calculated where the cross-sectional area is smallest.

[0052] If present, the at least one groove (80) is preferably located at least partially in the wide portion (2) of the container wall (11).

[0053] The container wall (11) preferably has both a wide portion (2) and a narrow portion (3), and more preferably the narrow portion (3) is above the wide portion (2). Such a container (10) provides improved spring back to its original shape when the squeezing pressure is removed.

[0054] The wide portion (2), preferably both the wide portion (2) and the narrow portion (3), have a cross section that is either circular or elliptical, with a circular cross section being preferred. Such a cross section has been found to provide improved springback of the container wall (11) to return to its original shape after the squeezing pressure is removed. This is in contrast to more rigid bottom-distributed containers, such as those made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, polypropylene, etc., where an essentially flat front panel and preferably also a back panel are more desirable.

[0055] The container (10) may have a height of 75 mm to 300 mm, preferably 100 mL to 270 mL, more preferably 150 mm to 225 mm, where the height of the container is measured from the inner surface of the orifice (30) in the bottom dispensing package (1) to the top of the container (10) or to the top of the cap (90), if present.

[0056] The container wall (11) may have a thickness of 0.25 mm to 8.0 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 6.0 mm, and more preferably 1.0 to 4.0 mm. If a groove (80) is present, the wall thickness is measured as the distance between the outer surface (14) and the groove apex (82), measured perpendicular to the outer surface (14) of the container wall (11).

[0057] The resiliently squeezable container (10) can be made using any suitable molding process, such as injection molding, rotational molding, or compression molding.

[0058] Injection molding is a method in which a plastic material melted by heat is injected into a mold and then cooled and solidified to obtain a molded part. This method is suitable for mass production of products with complex shapes. In injection molding, the elastomer is first melted so that it can be placed into an injection unit. The injection unit can be a plunger, extruder, etc. The injection unit is typically heated above the melting temperature of the elastomer. The molten elastomer is then injected into the mold. Once injected, the elastomer can be vulcanized or cooled to form the shape of the mold and produce an elastomeric molded part. For thermoplastic elastomers, cooling is typically sufficient.

[0059] In transfer molding, the elastomer is heated, but the mold is not. The liquid elastomer remains in a molten state until the molding process begins. An injector, such as a plunger, forces the elastomer into a closed mold, where it forms a shape after it cools or vulcanizes. Once cooled, the mold can be opened to release the container.

[0060] Compression molding is a molding method in which the molding material, typically preheated, is first placed into an open heated mold cavity. The mold is closed with a top or plug member and pressure is applied to bring the material into contact with all mold surfaces while maintaining heat and pressure until the molding material is cured. If the process uses thermosetting resins, for example in the partially cured stage, either in the form of granules, putty-like mass, or preforms, the process is essentially a vulcanization process. Fibers can be added to the molding material to improve strength or elasticity. Advanced composite thermoplastics can also be compression molded with unidirectional tapes, woven fabrics, randomly oriented fiber mats, or chopped strands. Elastomers can be filled into the mold either in the form of pellets or sheets, or the mold can be filled from a plasticizing extruder. The materials are heated above their melting point, molded, and cooled. The more evenly the feed material is dispensed onto the mold surfaces, the less flow orientation occurs during the compression stage. Compression molding can also be used to produce a sandwich structure that incorporates a core material, such as honeycomb or polymer foam, into a resiliently squeezable container (10).

[0061] At least one groove: The inner surface (15) of the elastically squeezable container (10) may be provided with at least one circumferentially oriented groove (80), especially when the container (10) is at least partially made of a durable material such as an elastomer, more preferably when the container wall (11) is made of such a material. Providing at least one circumferentially oriented groove (80) on the inner surface provides better flexibility and springback of the container, while ensuring that the outer surface (14) can remain smooth or textured as desired, for example by the addition of a logo or trademark. In addition, the outer surface (14) of the container (10) remains easy to clean. The at least one groove (80) is preferably essentially horizontally oriented. Thus, the groove (80) may have a helical form or may be one or more horizontal grooves (80). Multiple horizontal grooves (80) are preferred.

[0062] The presence of such grooves has been found to improve the re-expansion of the resiliently squeezable container (10) back to its original shape, even when the container is made from a flexible material such as an elastomer, particularly when at least one groove (80) is positioned where the container (10) has a widened portion (2) such that at least a portion of the exterior surface of the container (10) has a convex shape, particularly when the widened portion (2) is located on the container (10) where the container (10) would typically be grasped and squeezed.

[0063] The at least one circumferentially oriented groove (80) may extend over at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 95%, and most preferably 100% of the circumferential length of the inner surface (15) of the container wall (11) in which the at least one circumferentially oriented groove (80) is located.

[0064] The inner surface (15) of the vessel wall (11) preferably comprises a plurality of circumferentially oriented grooves (80). The circumferentially oriented grooves (80) may be present over a groove zone (4) extending over at least 25%, preferably at least 50%, and more preferably at least 75% of the height of the vessel wall (11).

[0065] When circumferentially oriented grooves (80) are present, the grooves (80) may be spaced such that the pitch (81) is less than 1 mm to 15 mm, preferably 2 mm to 12 mm, and more preferably 2.5 mm to 10 mm, where the pitch (81) is defined as the distance between two adjacent peaks of the circumferentially oriented grooves (80) on the inner surface (15) of the resiliently squeezable container.

[0066] The pitch (81) may be constant, but more preferably varies across the inner surface (15) of the container wall (11). The pitch (81) may increase as the grooves (80) progress up the inner surface (15) of the container wall (11) and then decrease again, so that the pitch (81) is widest where the container wall (11) is typically gripped and squeezed. Such a distribution of pitch (81) increases the flexibility of the container wall (11) where the container (10) is gripped and squeezed, and increases the stiffness of the container wall (11) further away from this location, thus improving the springback of the container (10) without increasing its stiffness.

[0067] As mentioned above, when the groove (80) is present, the container wall (11) may have a thickness of 0.25 mm to 8.0 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 6.0 mm, and more preferably 1.0 to 4.0 mm, measured as the distance between the outer surface (14) of the container wall (11) and the groove apex (82) measured perpendicular to the outer surface (14).

[0068] The distance between the groove bottom (83) and the outer surface (14) of the container wall (11) can be 0.1 mm to 6.0 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm, and most preferably 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0069] In the absence of the grooves (80), the container wall (11) may have a thickness, measured perpendicular to the outer surface (14) of the container wall (11), of 0.25 mm to 8.0 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 6.0 mm, more preferably 1.0 to 4.0 mm. Thus, the container wall (11) without the grooves (80) may be thicker or thinner than the thickness of the wall (11) in which the grooves (80) are present. In a preferred embodiment, the wall (11) without the grooves (80) is thicker than the thickness of the wall (11) in which the grooves are present. In such an embodiment, the flexibility of the container wall (11) is highest where the grooves (80) are present.

[0070] All of the above features result in both easy squeezing and improved springback after the squeezing pressure is removed.

[0071] The outer surface (14) of the container wall (11) may be provided with further grooves or ribs. However, the outer surface is preferably essentially free of such further grooves or ribs, except for such further grooves and ribs forming part of markings such as trademarks, ingredients, etc. If such further grooves or ribs are present on the outer surface (14) of the container wall (11), the thickness of the container wall (11) and the distance between the groove bottom (83) and the outer surface (14) of the container wall (11) are measured assuming that such further grooves, ribs and other markings are not present on the outer surface (14) of the container wall (11), i.e. assuming that the outer surface (14) is smooth.

[0072] One-way ventilation: The resiliently squeezable container (10) includes a one-way vent (70). The one-way vent (70) allows the ingress of air into the container (10) while preventing the egress of air or other contents from the container (10). The one-way vent (70) is preferably located at the top of the container (10) and / or in the container wall (11) above a height of 90% of the height of the package, with the top of the container (10) being preferred. If the container (10) includes a cap (90), the one-way vent (70) is preferably located within the cap (90), more preferably located in the center of the cap (90).

[0073] Caps including one-way vents are commercially available, such as vented caps sold by Dow Corning and Nalgene. However, such caps are typically designed to vent gas from within the container to the outside, preventing pressure build-up within the container while preventing air from entering the container. In contrast, a suitable cap (90) with a one-way vent (70) for use in the present invention should allow air to enter the container through the one-way vent (70) while preventing the contents of the container (10) from exiting through the one-way vent (70).

[0074] For a typical bottom portion dispensing package (1), the springback of the container (10) after the squeezing force for dispensing is removed provides a pressure differential that draws air through the orifice (30) so that the container (10) can return to its original shape after squeezing the container (10). Thus, in a typical prior art resiliently squeezable container, the container must be sufficiently rigid to be able to provide sufficient springback force to draw air through the orifice (30) and allow the container (10) to return to its original shape. When the resiliently squeezable container (10) includes a one-way vent (70) as described herein, the container (10) can be made more malleable while still being able to return to its original shape after the squeezing force for dispensing is removed.

[0075] Thus, when the container (10) is equipped with a one-way vent (70), the resiliently squeezable container (10) can have an Resilience Index of 0.75% to 1.75%, preferably 0.85% to 1.4%, as measured using the Resilience Index method described herein.

[0076] The desired resiliency of the resiliently squeezable container (10) can be achieved using any suitable means, including through the selection of the material used to form the container (10), through limiting wall thickness by using less resin material to make the container (10), or through the use of grooves (80) and their configurations as described herein.

[0077] As previously mentioned, the one-way vent (70) allows the container (10) to recover to its original shape while not requiring air to be drawn through the orifice (30). Thus, the orifice (30) can be made more resilient to leakage of the composition contained within the package (1). The one-way vent (70) preferably has an opening pressure that is lower than the pressure required to draw air back through the orifice (30) in the base (20).

[0078] The one-way vent (70) may have an opening pressure differential from outside (45) to inside (46) of between 10 mbar and 250 mbar, preferably between 15 mbar and 150 mbar, and more preferably between 25 mbar and 75 mbar, measured at 20°C.

[0079] The opening pressure differential (mbar) is typically measured using a water column with the valve sealingly attached to the bottom of the water column, then measuring the height of water required to open the valve at the target temperature. The opening pressure is typically available from the valve manufacturer, including in the technical literature provided for the valve.

[0080] Suitable one-way valves include duckbill valves, umbrella valves, flapper valves, ball valves, degassing valves, and spring-loaded valves.

[0081] Duckbill valves are typically one-piece elastomeric components that act as backflow prevention devices or one-way or check valves. They have a duckbill-shaped elastomeric lip that prevents backflow and allows forward flow. The main advantage of duckbill valves over other types of one-way valves is that they are self-contained, and the critical sealing function is an integral part of the one-piece elastomeric component, as opposed to valves where the sealing element must engage a smooth seating surface to form a seal. Duckbill valves are therefore easily incorporated and assembled into a wide variety of devices without the hassle or problems associated with surface finish quality of the mating seat and / or complex assembly processes. Duckbill valves can be supplied by Minivalve (The Netherlands).

[0082] Umbrella and Belleville valves are elastomeric valve components with a diaphragm-shaped sealing disk (umbrella shape). These elastomeric parts are used as sealing elements in non-return devices or one-way or check valves, vent or pressure relief valves, and metering valves. When attached to a valve seat, the convex diaphragm flattens against the seat, absorbing a certain amount of seat irregularities and creating a certain sealing force. Umbrella valves allow forward flow when the head pressure creates enough force to lift the convex diaphragm off the seat, thus allowing flow at a given pressure in one direction and immediately preventing backflow in the opposite direction. Umbrella valves can be supplied by Minivalve (Netherlands).

[0083] Degassing valves can typically be found on bags of coffee that allow gases generated by roasted beans to escape from the bag. When used in the present invention, the degassing valve is mounted in reverse so that air can enter the package (1) through the one-way vent (70) but cannot exit the package. Degassing valves are well known and typically comprise a cap, an elastic disk, a viscous layer, a plate, usually made of polyethylene, and a paper filter. An elastic disk, such as a rubber diaphragm, is enclosed within the valve, and the side positioned on the outside of the container (10) or cap (70) has a viscous layer of sealant liquid that maintains a surface tension against the valve. When the pressure difference from the resiliently squeezable container (10), which resiliently returns to its original shape, exceeds the surface tension, the elastic disk is released and air can enter the container (10). Suitable degassing valves are provided by EPAC Flexible (Ghana), MTPak (China), WIPF Doypak (Turkey), and others. Since the degassing valve is reverse mounted to the container (10) or cap (70), the valve is preferably protected by an air permeable cover.

[0084] A spring-loaded valve comprises a spring that holds a closure means, such as a ball or pin, in place. Thus, an opposing pressure differential is required to open the valve. The spring can be metal or another elastic material, such as a suitable plastic or rubber.

[0085] base: The package comprises a base (20) operably connected to the container (10). The base comprises an orifice (30) that optionally includes a slit valve (40).

[0086] The base (20) may be provided with a cap (not shown) that is at least partially detachable from the base (20), and more preferably is completely removable. If the package is to be more resistant to leakage due to pressure changes during use, shipping, and storage, the cap is preferably not sealingly engaged with the orifice (30). Preferably, the base (20) does not include a cap, or the base (20) is provided with a cap that is completely removable and can be removed and discarded prior to first use. Alternatively, the base (20) may also be provided with a sticker covering the orifice (30) as additional protection against leakage during shipping.

[0087] A suitable slit valve (40) may be a flexible, elastomeric, resilient, bidirectional, self-closing slit-type valve mounted within the orifice (30). The slit valve (40) comprises a flexible central portion (41) having a slit (42) therein. The slit (42) typically extends radially outward toward a distal end (43). For example, the orifice (30) may include a slit valve (40) formed of one slit (42) or two or more intersecting slits (42) that may open to permit dispensing of liquid through the orifice (30) in response to an increase in pressure within the resiliently squeezable container (10), such as when the resiliently squeezable container (10) is squeezed. The slit valve (40) preferably comprises at least two coincident slits (42), and preferably the slits form a star-shaped pattern and define flaps (44). More preferably, the slit valve includes two matching slits (42) to balance ease of administration and prevention of leakage.

[0088] The slit valve (40) is typically designed to close the orifice (30) and stop liquid from flowing through the orifice (30) in response to a reduction in the pressure differential across the slit valve (40). The amount of pressure required to open the slit valve (40) depends in part on the internal resistance of the slit valve (40). "Internal resistance" (i.e., cracking pressure) refers to a certain resistance threshold to deformation / opening of the slit valve (40). In other words, the slit valve (40) tends to resist deformation / opening so that it remains closed under the steady-state liquid pressure pressing against the inside (45) of the orifice (30). The amount of pressure required to deform / open the valve must overcome this internal resistance. This internal resistance should not be so low as to cause liquid to leak out. Thus, the slit valve (40) preferably has an opening pressure differential from the inside (45) to the outside (46) of the orifice (30) of at least 10 mbar, preferably at least 15 mbar, more preferably at least 25 mbar, measured at 20° C. The internal resistance should not be so high as to make it difficult to dispense a dose of liquid.

[0089] The use of a slit valve (40) that opens at a relatively low pressure differential helps to prevent the composition from spurting out of the orifice (30), particularly when the bottom dispensing package (1) contains a low viscosity liquid. -1 In the case of a liquid detergent composition having a viscosity of 100 mPa·s to 3,000 mPa·s, preferably 300 mPa·s to 2,000 mPa·s, and most preferably 500 mPa·s to 1,500 mPa·s, measured at a shear rate of 10° C., the slit valve (40) preferably opens at a pressure difference of 10 to 250 mbar, preferably 15 to 150 mbar, and more preferably 25 to 75 mbar, measured at 20° C.

[0090] Furthermore, the use of a slit valve 40 that opens at such a low pressure differential also means that a smaller pressure differential is needed to draw air through the slit valve 40, at which point removal of the squeeze allows the container 10 to return to its original shape. This is particularly important for packages 1 with more resilient containers 10, as insufficient pressure differential across the slit valve 40 means that not enough air will be drawn through the valve 40 and into the container 10 for the container to return to its undeformed shape.

[0091] The opening pressure differential (mbar) is typically measured using a water column with the slit valve sealingly attached to the bottom of the water column and then measuring the height of water required to open the slit valve at the target temperature. The opening pressure is typically available from the valve manufacturer, including in the technical literature provided for the valve.

[0092] Preferably, the slit valve (40) is 0.1 cm 2 ~10cm 2 , more preferably 0.3 cm 2 ~5cm 2 , most preferably 0.5 cm 2 ~2cm 2 Preferably, the slit valve (40) has a height of 1 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 2 mm to 5 mm. Other dimensions can be used as long as they allow the slit valve (40) to remain in a fully closed position at rest.

[0093] The slit valve (40) may be made from thermoplastic elastomers, silicones, and mixtures thereof, preferably silicones, and may include additives known in the art, for example, to optimize the durability and flexibility of the valve.

[0094] Because the resiliently squeezable container is made from an elastomer, the bottom portion dispensing package (1) of the present invention is less prone to leakage due to pressure changes (e.g., temperature changes) during storage and shipping. However, leakage can also result from a temporary increase in liquid pressure due to an impact, such as when the package is dropped or when sufficient force is applied to a surface. Such a temporary increase in liquid pressure inside the container, also referred to as fluid hammer pressure, can cause the liquid to momentarily pry open the valve, causing the liquid to leak out.

[0095] Thus, the base (20) of the bottom dispensing package (1) may further include an impact resistance system (50) located upstream of the orifice (30) as described in EP 3492400 A1. The system (50) comprises a housing (51) having a cavity (52) therein and extending longitudinally and radially inwardly from the base (20), the housing (51) comprising at least one inlet opening (53a) providing a flow path for liquid from the resiliently squeezable container (10) into the housing (51) and at least one outlet opening (53b) providing an exit path for liquid from the housing (51) to the external atmosphere when the orifice (30) is opened, the cavity (52) being adapted to be partially occupied by a compressible material (54).

[0096] Suitable compressible material (54) may be selected from gas, foam, sponge or balloon, preferably gas, more preferably air. The ratio of the volume of gas, preferably air, inside the housing (51) at steady state to the volume of the elastically squeezable container (10) may be greater than 0.001, preferably between 0.005 and 0.05, more preferably between 0.01 and 0.02.

[0097] The housing (51) may have an internal volume of 200 mm3 to 250,000 mm3, preferably 1,500 mm3 to 75,000 mm3. The inlet openings (53a) may have a total surface area of ​​1 mm2 to 250 mm2, preferably 15 mm2 to 150 mm2. The housing (51) typically comprises or is made of a plastic material, preferably a thermoplastic material, preferably polypropylene.

[0098] The bottom dispensing package (1) may further comprise a baffle (60) positioned between the inside (45) of the orifice (30) and the impact resistant system (50), preferably the baffle (60) including an obstruction member (61) supported by at least one support member (62) adapted for movement of the obstruction member (61) between a closed position that blocks the flow of liquid when the baffle (60) is subjected to a fluid hammer pressure upstream.

[0099] The base (20) may comprise a bottom surface (21) that may be optionally adapted to allow the package (1) to rest on a flat surface. Alternatively, the base (20) may comprise a base wall (23) that extends at least partially, preferably in full connection with the periphery of the bottom surface (21) to a base wall rim (22) such that the bottom-distributed package (1) may rest on the base wall rim (22). Such a base wall (23) may further comprise an outer base wall surface (24) and an inner base wall surface (25).

[0100] Alternatively, or in addition, at least a portion of the base (20) can be made from an elastomer to reduce leakage due to transient liquid pressure increases from impacts. By making at least a portion of the base (20) from an elastomer, at least a portion of the above-mentioned transient liquid pressure increases (hydraulic hammer pressure) are absorbed. The body of the base (20) is preferably made at least partially from an elastomer. The body of the base refers to the features of the base (20) that are formed together during molding of the base (20), i.e., excluding elements such as optional slit valves (40), shock resistant systems (50), and the like, which are typically formed separately and mechanically connected to the body of the base (20). As a result, leakage due to transient liquid pressure increases from such impacts is reduced or even avoided. Preferably, the bottom wall (23) comprises an elastomer. For example, the base wall (23) can be molded from a hard plastic, such as polypropylene, and an elastomeric lip including the base wall rim (22) can be overmolded onto the base wall (23). More preferably, the bottom wall (23) is made from an elastomer.

[0101] However, when the base wall (23) is at least partially made of an elastomer, the base (20) may stick to surfaces due to negative pressure generated in the interior space bounded by the base wall (23), especially when the base wall rim (22) is wet. Therefore, the base wall (23) may comprise at least one hole (26) and / or the base rim (22) may comprise at least one channel (27). Such holes (26) and channels (27) connect the external base wall surface (24) and the internal base wall surface (25), so that the generation of negative "suction" pressure in the area inside the base wall (23) is avoided. The bottom wall (23) may comprise 1 to 8 holes (26), preferably 1 to 4 holes (26). The base rim (22) may comprise 1 to 8 channels (27), preferably 1 to 4 channels (27), more preferably 4 channels (27). A channel (27) in the bottom wall rim (22) is preferred.

[0102] The elastomer used in the base (20) may have a Shore A (Type A) hardness of 0 to 80, preferably 5 to 60, more preferably 10 to 40. The Shore A hardness may be measured using the method described in ISO 868:2003 (last reviewed and confirmed in 2018). The elastomer may have a tensile elongation (at break) of 200% to 1000%, preferably 250% to 750%, more preferably 300% to 700%, measured in the machine direction at 23 °C and an elongation rate of 200 mm / min using the method described in ISO 37:2017 (last reviewed and confirmed in 2022). The elongation at break is a characteristic value that represents the maximum elongation that a tensile specimen experiences at the moment of break. It therefore represents the deformability of a material under tensile load. The elastomers may have a compression set of less than 50%, preferably less than 35%, and more preferably less than 20%, measured over 72 hours at 23° C. using the method described in ISO 815-1:2019. Compression set measures the ability of elastomers to withstand hardening and retain their elastic properties at ambient temperature after extended compression. As such, compression set provides an indication of the ability of an elastomer to withstand physical or chemical changes that prevent the elastomer from returning to its original dimensions or from excessively losing its elasticity after release of a deforming force.

[0103] The body of the base (20) and the resiliently squeezable container (10) may be co-molded together, particularly if they are made from the same elastomer. In such embodiments, the resiliently squeezable container (10) and the base (20) are essentially a single element.

[0104] Liquid composition: The bottom portion dispenser (1) is less prone to leakage, so the bottom portion dispenser (1) can be viscous for 10 seconds according to the viscosity test method described herein. -1It is particularly suitable for containing liquid compositions, in particular liquid detergent compositions, having a viscosity of from 100 mPa·s to 3,000 mPa·s, preferably from 300 mPa·s to 2,000 mPa·s, most preferably from 500 mPa·s to 1,500 mPa·s, measured at a shear rate of 100 / min. The composition may be a Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluid, preferably a Newtonian fluid.

[0105] The composition preferably has a density of 0.5 g / mL to 2 g / mL, more preferably 0.8 g / mL to 1.5 g / mL, and most preferably 1 g / mL to 1.2 g / mL.

[0106] The detergent composition, particularly when formulated as a manual dishwashing composition, may comprise from 5% to 50%, preferably from 8% to 45%, most preferably from 15% to 40% by weight of the total composition of a surfactant system.

[0107] For manual dishwashing applications, the surfactant system preferably comprises an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant and a co-surfactant. The co-surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. The surfactant system may comprise an anionic surfactant and a co-surfactant in a weight ratio of 8:1 to 1:1, preferably 4:1 to 2:1, more preferably 3.5:1 to 2.5:1.

[0108] The surfactant system may comprise 40% to 90%, preferably 65% ​​to 85%, more preferably 70% to 80% by weight of the surfactant system of an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl alkoxy sulfates, and mixtures thereof, preferably alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants, more preferably alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants. The preferred alkyl alkoxy sulfates are alkyl ethoxy sulfates. More preferred anionic surfactants are alkyl ethoxy sulfates or mixed alkyl sulfate-alkyl ethoxy sulfate anionic surfactant systems having a molar average degree of ethoxylation less than 5, preferably less than 3, more preferably less than 2, and greater than 0.5. The molar average degree of ethoxylation is calculated as the molar average degree of ethoxylation for the alkyl ethoxy sulfate blend or, if alkyl sulfates are present, for the mixed alkyl sulfate-alkyl ethoxy sulfate anionic surfactant system.

[0109] Preferably, the alkyl ethoxy sulfate, or mixed alkyl sulfate-alkyl ethoxy sulfate, anionic surfactant has a weight average branching level of from 5% to about 60%, preferably from 10% to 50%, more preferably from 20% to 40%. The weight average branching degree is calculated as the weight average degree of branching for the alkyl ethoxy sulfate blend or, when alkyl sulfates are present, for the mixed alkyl sulfate-alkyl ethoxy sulfate anionic surfactant system.

[0110] Suitable examples of commercially available alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants include those derived from alcohols sold by Shell under the trade name Neodol®, or by Sasol under the trade names Lial®, Isalchem®, and Safol®, or some of the natural alcohols manufactured by Procter & Gamble Chemicals.

[0111] The surfactant system may contain additional anionic surfactants, including sulfonate such as HLAS or sulfosuccinate anionic surfactants.However, the composition preferably contains less than 30% by weight of the surfactant system, preferably less than 15% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight of the additional anionic surfactants.Most preferably, the surfactant system does not contain any additional anionic surfactants other than alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants.

[0112] The composition may further comprise, as part of the surfactant system, a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. The composition preferably comprises from 0.1% to 20%, more preferably from 0.5% to 15%, especially from 2% to 10% of a co-surfactant by weight of the cleaning composition.

[0113] The surfactant system of the cleaning composition of the present invention preferably comprises from 10% to 40%, preferably from 15% to 35%, more preferably from 20% to 30% of a co-surfactant by weight of the surfactant system.

[0114] The co-surfactant is preferably an amphoteric surfactant, more preferably an amine oxide surfactant. Preferably, the amine oxide surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl dimethylamine oxide, alkyl amidopropyl dimethylamine oxide, and mixtures thereof. Preferred are alkyl dimethylamine oxides such as C8-18 alkyl dimethylamine oxide or C10-16 alkyl dimethylamine oxide (such as cocodimethylamine oxide). Suitable alkyl dimethylamine oxides include C10 alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactants, C10-12 alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactants, C12-C14 alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are C12-C14 alkyl dimethylamine oxides.

[0115] Suitable zwitterionic surfactants include betaine surfactants. Such betaine surfactants include alkyl betaines, alkyl amido betaines, amido azolinium betaines, sulfo betaines (INCI sultaines), and phospho betaines. The most preferred zwitterionic surfactant is cocoamidopropyl betaine.

[0116] Preferably, the surfactant system may further comprise from 1% to 25%, preferably from 1.25% to 20%, more preferably from 1.5% to 15%, most preferably from 1.5% to 5% by weight of the surfactant system of an alkoxylated nonionic surfactant.

[0117] Preferably, the alkoxylated nonionic surfactant is a linear or branched primary or secondary alkyl alkoxylated nonionic surfactant, preferably an alkyl ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, preferably containing an average of 9 to 15, preferably 10 to 14 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain and an average of 5 to 12, preferably 6 to 10, most preferably 7 to 8, units of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

[0118] Alternatively, or in addition, the composition may include an alkyl polyglucoside ("APG") surfactant, which may provide improved lather over comparable nonionic surfactants, such as alkyl ethoxylated surfactants. When present, the alkyl polyglucoside may be present in the surfactant system at a concentration of from 0.5% to 20%, preferably from 0.75% to 15%, more preferably from 1% to 10%, and most preferably from 1% to 5% by weight of the surfactant composition.

[0119] The cleaning composition may have a pH of 5 to 12, more preferably 7.5 to 10, measured at 20° C. and diluted to 10% with distilled water. The pH of the composition may be adjusted using pH adjusting ingredients known in the art.

[0120] Suitable cleaning compositions are described in European Patent Application No. 3511402.

[0121] Test Method: Immersion volume, overflow volume and elasticity index The test is performed on containers that are at least 3 days old to avoid the effects of shrinkage of the containers after preparation. The test is performed at a room temperature of 20°C and a room pressure of 1013±1 Pa.

[0122] Distilled water having a density of 1.000±0.002 g / mL when measured at 20° C. is added to a beaker of at least 5 L volume. If desired, a dye can be added to improve visibility as long as the target density is achieved.

[0123] The container is weighed using a laboratory balance with an accuracy of 0.001 g.

[0124] The container is then completely immersed in the beaker, with the opening facing up, and 20° C. distilled water is poured into the beaker and any remaining air in the container is expelled by gentle shaking. The container is carefully lifted out of the beaker while holding it by the hardest part of the neck, avoiding squeezing the container and allowing any solution to escape. The filled container is wiped dry and reweighed on a balance to determine the weight of the solution contained in the container when it was immersed. From the weight of the distilled water, the immersion volume (mL) can be deduced. The container is then topped off to the brim with additional distilled water at 20° C. and the container is reweighed to determine the weight of the distilled water contained in the container after topping off to the brim. From the weight of this surfactant solution, the expelled volume can be deduced. The expelled volume is the total volume of distilled water contained in the container after topping up. The time between immersion in the water bath and weighing should be less than 2 minutes.

[0125] The elasticity index is calculated using the following formula and is expressed as a percentage:

[0126]

number

[0127] Peak Pressure The peak pressure is the pressure in the empty container at a defined temperature above the filling temperature. A temperature and pressure probe (preferably an MSR145B4 data logger) is placed in the empty container, the container is capped with a sealing engagement cap (without an orifice), and the container is maintained at a temperature of 20° C. and an atmospheric pressure of 1013±1 Pa, while ensuring that no additional pressure above the ambient atmospheric pressure is exerted on the container during capping. The container is placed in a thermostatic oven and set to the desired temperature at 1013±1 Pa for 4 hours, and the maximum (peak) pressure logged by the temperature and pressure probe is recorded. The method is repeated using five different containers, and the average peak pressure is recorded.

[0128] leakage The container was filled to 10% of the container size (recommended fill volume) with Fairy® original dark green dishwashing product having a viscosity in the range of 1,000±200 mPa·s at 20°C and left for 10 s. -1 The shear rate is measured at 1000 rpm (e.g., Belgian Market Products, 2018), and the container is sealed with a cap equipped with a V21-145 slit valve (supplied by Aptar). After weighing the cup, the container is placed inverted in the cup and the cap of the container is positioned at a distance from the bottom of the cup. The container is then placed and the cup is kept at 40° C. in a constant temperature oven. Then, after 1 hour, the container and cup are removed from the oven, the container is removed from the cup, the cup is re-weighed, and the weight of the product that has leaked from the container is measured.

[0129] Leak resistance The purpose of the spill-proof test is to evaluate the ability of a liquid dispenser to prevent leakage of liquid from an inverted container during an "impact". The impact occurs when an inverted container is dropped, liquid dispenser side down, from a particular height onto a flat surface. The drop is intended to simulate the temporary increase in liquid pressure that occurs with an impact in an inverted container. The leak-proof ability of the liquid dispenser is evaluated by measuring the drop height at which the volume / weight of liquid does not leak when dropped. A higher leak-free drop height correlates to a better leak-proof ability of the liquid dispenser. The steps of the method are as follows: 1. Use a drop test apparatus as shown in Figure 10. The apparatus consists of two top and bottom open-ended cylindrical tubes with a diameter of approximately 12 cm, i.e. the outer tube tightly encircles an inner tube that is vertically movable into the outer tube, with a cut-out section that allows visual assessment of the relative height of the inner tube within the outer tube by a rating scale applied on the outer tube. A removable lever is applied to the bottom of the inner tube, and an inverted container (2) is positioned in the inner tube with its opening facing down so that it rests on the lever. When the lever is manually removed, the inverted container falls and the amount of leaked liquid after exposure is quantified. Therefore, a piece of paper is positioned on the hard surface at the bottom of the open-ended outer container to capture the leaked liquid. The weight of the paper is measured on a scale before and after the drop test to determine the amount of leaked liquid. The height at which the lever was positioned before manual removal is measured as the drop height. 2. An inverted vessel (2) having a defined volume (e.g., 400 mL or 650 mL) is filled with a standard liquid dishwashing detergent having a density of 1.03 g / mL and a Newtonian fluid viscosity of 1000 cps at 20° C. as measured on a Brookfield type DV-II equipped with a spindle 31 at a rotation speed of 12 RPM, to a defined fill level in the inverted vessel. For example, a 400 mL inverted vessel is filled with 400 mL of liquid dishwashing detergent and a 650 mL inverted vessel is filled with 650 mL of liquid dishwashing detergent. The liquid fill level, the volume of the inverted vessel, and the liquid composition are kept constant when cross-comparing different closure systems. 3. Assemble a liquid dispenser with a valve (Simplicity 21-200 "Simplisqueeze®" valve available from Aptar Group, Inc.) with an inverted container (2) as shown in Figure 4. The liquid dispenser has a frusto-conical exterior portion (e.g., bottom diameter 65 mm, top diameter 34 mm, and height 30 mm) for resting on a flat surface, and is optionally equipped with an internally deployed baffle (e.g., 7 mm diameter, five ribs extending outward from a 4 mm central ball), an anti-shock system (30) according to the present invention, or both. 4. Set the drop height of the drop tester (2cm to 15cm). 5. Cut a piece of paper approximately 7cm x 7cm to fit the opening at the bottom end of the outer tube. 6. Weigh the paper strip using a Mettler Toledo PR1203 balance and record the weight. 7. Place a piece of paper under the opening at the lower end of the outer tube. 8. Place the assembled liquid dispenser and inverted container (2) liquid dispenser side down into the inner tube of the drop test machine. 9. In a quick, smooth motion, pull back the lever inside the drop tester. 10. Remove the tube and assembled liquid dispenser and inverted container from the drop test machine. 11. Weigh the piece of paper again and record the weight. Calculate the weight difference of the paper. Delta corresponds to the amount of liquid that leaked out of the liquid dispenser. 12. Repeat steps 5-11 four more times for a total of five replicates for each test condition. 13. Calculate the average maximum drop height without liquid spilling.

[0130] viscosity The viscosity of the liquid detergent compositions is measured using a TA Instruments DHR-1 rotational rheometer using a cone-plate geometry with a diameter of 40 mm, an angle of 2.008°, and a truncation gap of 56 μm. Unless otherwise stated, the viscosity is measured at 10 s -1 The shear rate is measured.

[0131] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

Claims

1. A bottom portioning package (1) for a liquid composition, comprising: a. a resiliently squeezable container (10) for containing said liquid composition, said resiliently squeezable container comprising a container wall (11); b. a base (20) operably connected to said vessel (10), said base comprising an orifice (30); In a bottom portion distribution package (1) comprising: The container (10) is provided with a one-way vent (70) that allows air to enter the container (10) while preventing air from escaping from the container (10), preferably the one-way vent is located at the top of the container (10) and / or in the container wall (11) above 90% of the height of the package.

2. The bottom portioning package (1) of claim 1, wherein the container (10) comprises a cap (40) and the one-way vent (70) is disposed within the cap (40), and more preferably is centrally disposed within the cap (40).

3. The bottom portion-distributed package (1) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container (10) comprises a top (5) distal from the base (20), the top being configured to prevent the package (1) from standing stably on its top, thereby maintaining a bottom portion-distributed orientation, preferably the top (5) being curved or angled, more preferably the top (5) comprising a cap (90), the cap (90) being curved or angled.

4. The bottom portioning package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one-way vent (70) has an opening pressure difference from the outside (45) to the inside (46) of between 10 mbar and 250 mbar, preferably between 15 mbar and 150 mbar, more preferably between 25 mbar and 75 mbar, measured at 20°C.

5. The bottom dispensing package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one-way valve is selected from a duckbill valve, an umbrella valve, a flapper valve, a ball valve, a degassing valve, and a spring-loaded valve.

6. The bottom portioning package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the resiliently squeezable container (10) has an elasticity index of 0.75% to 1.75%, preferably 0.85% to 1.4%, when measured using the Elasticity Index method described herein.

7. The bottom portion dispensing package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the resiliently squeezable container (10) is made from an elastomer, preferably the elastomer being selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers, silicone rubber, rubber, or combinations thereof.

8. The bottom portion dispenser package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the container wall (11) of the resiliently squeezable container (10) has an inner surface (15) and an outer surface (14), the inner surface (15) having at least one circumferentially oriented groove (80).

9. The bottom portioning package (1) of claim 8, wherein the inner surface (15) of the container (10) is provided with a plurality of circumferentially oriented grooves (80) over a groove area (4) extending over at least 25% of the height of the container (10), preferably at least 50%, and more preferably at least 75%.

10. A bottom portion-distributed package (1) as described in any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the container wall (10) has a wide portion (2) such that at least a portion of the outer surface of the container (10) has a convex shape, and the at least one groove (80) is arranged in the wide portion (2) of the container (10).

11. A bottom portioning package (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the height of the at least one circumferentially oriented groove (80) is between 0.1 mm and 6.0 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 5.0 mm, more preferably between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm, said height being measured as the distance between the outer surface (14) of the container wall (11) and the groove apex (82), measured perpendicular to the outer surface (14).

12. The bottom portioned package (1) according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the inner surface (15) comprises at least two circumferentially oriented grooves (80), and when the circumferentially oriented grooves (80) are present, the grooves (80) can be spaced apart such that the pitch (81) is less than 1 mm to 15 mm, preferably 2 mm to 12 mm, more preferably 2.5 to 10 mm, the pitch (81) being defined as the distance between two adjacent peaks of the circumferentially oriented grooves (80) on the inner surface (15) of the resiliently squeezable container.

13. A bottom portioning package (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein when the groove (80) is disposed, the container wall (11) has a wall thickness of 0.25 mm to 8.0 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 6.0 mm, more preferably 1.0 to 4.0 mm, the thickness being measured as the distance between the outer surface (14) of the container wall (11) and the groove bottom (83), measured perpendicular to the outer surface (14).

14. The elastomer used to make the resiliently squeezable container (10) is a. a Shore A (Type A) hardness of 0 to 80, preferably 5 to 60, more preferably 10 to 40, said Shore A hardness being measured using the method described in ISO 868:2003; b. a tensile elongation (at break) measured in the machine direction at an extension speed of 200 mm / min at 23° C. using the method described in ISO 37:2017 of 200% to 1000%, preferably 250% to 750%, more preferably 300% to 700%; c. A compression set of less than 50%, preferably less than 35%, more preferably less than 20%, measured over 72 hours at 23° C. using the method described in ISO 815-1:2019.

15. The bottom portion dispensing package (1) contains a liquid detergent composition, the liquid detergent composition being 10s －１ The bottom portioning package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, having a viscosity of from 100 mPa·s to 3,000 mPa·s, preferably from 300 mPa·s to 2,000 mPa·s, and most preferably from 500 mPa·s to 1,500 mPa·s, measured at a shear rate of 100 mPa·s to 3,000 mPa·s, preferably from 300 mPa·s to 2,000 mPa·s, and most preferably from 500 mPa·s to 1,500 mPa·s.

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