Consumer products and their operating methods

The container design addresses moisture sensitivity and operational ease by using precision pinching and a lock actuator mechanism for secure, ergonomic, and environmentally friendly protection of detergent products.

JP7862517B2Active Publication Date: 2026-05-19PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
Filing Date
2024-11-27
Publication Date
2026-05-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Detergent products are sensitive to moisture and require a container that protects them from excessive exposure while being easy to operate, secure, and environmentally friendly, with a locking mechanism that prevents accidental opening and maintains structural integrity.

Method used

A container design utilizing precision pinching for secure locking and unlocking, with a lock actuator mechanism that aligns thumb and finger forces for precise operation, and a flap system that provides tactile feedback and maintains structural integrity.

Benefits of technology

The container effectively protects detergent products from moisture, ensures secure and ergonomic operation, and minimizes material use while maintaining structural robustness and environmental friendliness.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a consumer product that includes a container and a detergent product contained therein.SOLUTION: The container, which is a consumer product 100, includes a box 104 and a lid 106. A lock 108 maintains the lid 106 in a closed position. The lock 108 includes an actuator 130 that is releasably engaged with the lid. The actuator 130 can be operated by applying an operation pressure to an operation area 126. A top flap 190 is hinged at an upper portion of the side wall 111 with a distal edge 192 spaced apart from a second side wall 112 by a clearance 194. Upon applying operation pressure, the distal edge 192 comes in contact with the second side wall 112 to provide a reciprocal feedback force or haptic feedback to a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a container for detergent products. Such containers for storing detergent products are consumer products that are present in a consumer's home, particularly in rooms such as the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom, which tend to create a moist environment. It is important to configure the container to appropriately protect the detergent product from degradation due to excessive exposure to such moisture or humidity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] [Figure 1] Shows an exemplary consumer product. [Figure 2] Shows an exemplary consumer product. [Figure 3] Shows an exemplary consumer product. [Figure 4] Shows an exemplary consumer product. [Figure 5] Shows an exemplary consumer product. [Figure 6] Shows an example of a through-hole. [Figure 7] Shows an embodiment of an upper flap. [Figure 8] Shows an embodiment of an upper flap. [Figure 9] Shows an embodiment of a box. [Figure 10] Shows an embodiment of a box. [Figure 11] Shows an embodiment of a box blank. [Figure 12] Shows an embodiment of a lid blank. [Figure 13] Shows an embodiment of a box. [Figure 14] Shows an embodiment of a box. [Figure 15] Shows an embodiment of a box. [Figure 16] Shows an embodiment of a consumer product. [Figure 17] Shows two embodiments of a box. [Figure 18] Shows an exemplary method. [Figure 19]An exemplary method is shown.

[0003] Detergent products are sensitive to moisture. They should be housed in specially designed containers, particularly those that can be properly locked or closed before and after use to prevent the detergent composition from being excessively exposed to environmental moisture. At the same time, the container must be easy for adult consumers to operate. Therefore, the opening and closing mechanism should reliably prevent accidental opening while providing adult consumers with a secure unlocking / locking operation. In addition, the amount of material used to manufacture the container should be as small as possible for environmental reasons, while simultaneously protecting the detergent product from moisture and ensuring its mechanical robustness. The container must also be reliable throughout its lifespan, including in the case of multi-use packaging (e.g., reusable, refillable containers). To ensure the locking system functions reliably, the container should not be deformed beyond the point at which the lock ceases to function properly.

[0004] As described below, certain configurations described in this disclosure can rely on a particular human gesture called “precision pinching.” Precision pinching is a particular human hand gesture in which a person pinches an object between their thumb and at least one other finger of the same hand. Humans have been found to be particularly precise when performing such movements. This precision can be explained in this regard by considering the alignment of the direction of the force applied by the thumb and the direction of the force applied by one or more other fingers of the same hand. When applying precision pinching, the thumb generates a first force on a first side of the pinch, and the one or more other fingers generate a second (consequently resulting) force on a second side of the pinch. Generally speaking, the first and second forces are oriented in opposite directions along substantially the same axis. The point of precision pinching is that if there is a mutual feedback response between the thumb and one or more other fingers of the same hand, the first and second forces naturally align with each other. As described below, the proposed configuration relies on precision that enables such mutual feedback and ensures the secure locking and unlocking of otherwise robust locking mechanisms. As described below, specific dimensions make such a configuration possible, particularly for adult hands. In this description, it should be understood that the hand corresponds to a human adult hand.

[0005] Detergent products are products that can be relatively heavy, especially when the consumer product is recently acquired and thereby holds a significant amount of detergent, if, for example, the container for such product bears the entire weight of such detergent product. Some consumers can carry such consumer products by holding the base of the box containing such detergent products, but such carrying can also occur by holding the lid of such consumer products rather than the base. In such cases, the lid may come off due to the gravity of the detergent product, the box may open, the box may fall, and in some cases, its contents may spill out. Such a situation should be avoided. In addition to avoiding such unintended lid unlocking, the structure of the consumer product container should maintain or improve opening ergonomics, for example, to prevent or reduce permanent deformation of the side walls due to excessive or repeated forces applied to the consumer product when it is subjected to external pressure against other objects in a grocery bag while being carried, or when it is dropped. At the same time, the container may be elaborately made for environmental protection. The consumer products according to this disclosure aim to take these different aspects into consideration.

[0006] In this disclosure, consumer products should be understood, in particular, as products provided to end consumers. Such consumer products may be purchased, for example, in a supermarket, and end consumers may store such consumer products in their homes. Consumer products may be provided in large quantities, and therefore, environmental issues should be taken into consideration when designing the product. Consumer products should also be designed with transportation to retail stores in mind. Consumer products should also be robust enough to withstand transportation as part of e-commerce shipments. Consumer products should also be designed with shelf storage in retail stores in mind. Consumer products should also be designed with transportation from retail stores to consumers' homes in mind. Consumer products should also be designed with storage in the end consumer's home in mind. Consumer products should also be designed with use in the end consumer's home in mind. Consumer products should also be designed with disposal in mind.

[0007] The consumer products described herein include detergent products. In this disclosure, detergent products should be understood as products containing surfactants. Detergent products may also contain bleaches or other components. Exemplary detergent product compositions are described in more detail below herein. In some embodiments, detergent products include unit-dose detergent pouches, preferably water-soluble unit-dose detergent pouches, and more preferably flexible water-soluble unit-dose detergent pouches. Exemplary unit-dose detergent pouches are described in more detail below herein. It should be noted that, in some cases, the containers described herein may also be suitable for contents other than detergent products, particularly perishable contents such as food or unstable chemicals.

[0008] In this disclosure, the detergent product may be in direct contact with the container. In some embodiments, the detergent product is a powder or granular detergent. In some embodiments, the detergent product consists of unit doses, each made from a water-soluble pouch containing a powder. If the detergent product is a powder, at least some of the powder particles are in contact with the sidewall, base, or cover of the container. If the detergent product is a unit dose of detergent, the water-soluble pouch containing the active product is part of the detergent product, and at least some of the water-soluble pouches are in contact with the sidewall, base, or cover of the container. In other words, no intermediates (such as films, inserts, layers, or materials) separate the contents of the container from the container.

[0009] In fact, a further advantage of this disclosure is that no additional elements (films, inserts, clips, or opening bands) are required to properly conceal the detergent product. In particular, there is no need for opening bands, which are sometimes provided to allow the end user to separate the two parts of the container and open the container. Opening bands and other clips make container recycling more cumbersome, and their absence is beneficial to the environment.

[0010] The consumer products described herein further include containers. In this disclosure, a container should be understood, for example, as an object that contains contents within a cavity. Containers facilitate the protection, transport, storage, access, and disposal of consumer products.

[0011] In this disclosure, containers include boxes. Boxes should be understood as three-dimensional objects that are substantially parallelepiped, barrel-shaped, cylindrical, circular, elliptical, or cubic, defining a cavity. The volume of a box may range from 500 mL to 7000 mL, and in some embodiments from 800 mL to 4000 mL. Boxes may have a maximum width of 10 cm to 35 cm, a depth of 5 cm to 13 cm, and a height of 8 cm to 40 cm. The use of parallelepiped boxes can facilitate storage and transport by allowing boxes to be stacked in a space-efficient manner. In some embodiments, boxes may be parallelepipeds with some rounded tapered trapezoidal or chamfered edges. Boxes according to this disclosure contain detergent products. It should be understood that the detergent products are contained or stored directly in the box, i.e., there is no intermediate layer or intermediate packaging separating the detergent products from the inner cavity of the box. When a detergent product is in the form of a detergent unit dose, the water-soluble pouch containing the active product constitutes part of the detergent product; that is, there is no intermediate layer or intermediate packaging separating the water-soluble pouch from the box.

[0012] The box according to the present disclosure includes a base and side walls. The base according to the present disclosure should be understood as a wall on which the container can lie when the container is placed on a support surface such as a shelf or a floor. The base can be made from a plurality of flaps folded with respect to the side walls, and these flaps forming the base are substantially on the same plane or in substantially parallel planes. In some embodiments, the base is flat. In some embodiments, the base is rectangular. In some embodiments, the base is oval or circular. In some embodiments, the base has an embossed outer shape that is raised within the relief. During the filling process of the container, and / or during shipping, and / or during storage, the container may be placed upside down, i.e., the base may be at the top of the container. The container may also be placed sideways, i.e., one of the side walls is at the top and / or one of the side walls is at the bottom.

[0013] The side walls according to the present disclosure should be understood as extending from the base. In some embodiments, the side walls are perpendicular to the base. In some embodiments, the base is rectangular and has four side walls, the four side walls extend vertically from the base, each side wall is rectangular, each side wall is connected to the side of the base by a side wall side, and is connected to the other two of the four side walls by two other side wall sides. In some embodiments, the base is oval or circular, and the side walls form a substantially cylindrical wall extending from the base in a normal or perpendicular direction with respect to the base. In some embodiments, the side walls have a shape corresponding to one of a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a polygon, a cross-section of a sphere, a cross-section of an ovoid, or a cross-section of an ellipsoid. The text provided on the side walls of the box is, in some embodiments, horizontally readable when the box is in the position where it is used. The side walls and the base can form an inner cavity in which the detergent product is received.

[0014] The side walls of the present disclosure each have an upper edge. The upper edge should be understood as an edge defining the end of each side wall, and this end is at the top of the side wall when the container is placed in its normal position with its base at the bottom.

[0015] On the opposite side of the base, the container has an opening that allows access to the cavity defined by the side wall and the base. In some embodiments, the opening has an area of at least 10 cm2, preferably at least 20 cm2. The span of such an opening may allow a finger, and even a hand, to be inserted to reach inside the box. In some embodiments where the detergent contains water-soluble unit-dose articles, the opening has an area that is 1.1 to 10 times the maximum cross-sectional area of the water-soluble unit-dose article. In some preferred embodiments, the opening has an area that is 1.5 to 5 times the maximum cross-sectional area of the water-soluble unit-dose article accommodated within the container.

[0016] The container may further comprise at least one upper flap hinged to the upper part of the first side wall of the side walls. The upper flap can take at least two orientations, namely a closed orientation in which the upper flap covers at least part of the opening, and an open orientation in which the upper flap pivots upwards away from the opening, thereby not restricting access to the cavity and the detergent product received therein. The upper flap has a distal edge on the opposite side of the hinge, and the distal edge is spaced apart from the second side wall that is opposite the first side wall. The distance or clearance between the distal edge of the upper flap and the second side wall is sufficient to allow the upper flap to move freely between the closed and open orientations. The clearance is also sufficient for the operation of the lock. As will be explained in more detail below, the clearance is less than a given threshold to prevent excessive deformation of the side wall when actuating the lid lock actuator. In fact, such deformation beyond the elastic deformation of the side wall should be avoided to ensure that the lock functions properly throughout the life of the container. The upper limit of the clearance is also determined by the need to provide tactile feedback to the user. The clearance can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the upper flap is manufactured integrally with the side wall and extends from the upper edge of the side wall. In some embodiments, the upper flap comprises a main portion hinged to a proximal flap portion connected to (e.g., glued, sewn, or integrated with) the first side wall. In some embodiments, the upper flap (or its main portion) is offset relative to the upper edge when in the closed orientation. In some embodiments, the offset is in the direction of the base, and in the closed orientation, the upper flap is closer to the base than to the upper edge of the side wall.

[0018] In some embodiments, the distal flap is hinged and protrudes from the distal edge. In some embodiments, the distal flap is substantially parallel to the second side wall when the upper flap is in the closed position. The distal flap may fold toward the upper edge of the second side wall or toward the base.

[0019] In some embodiments, the movement of the upper flap is restricted by at least one contact portion and / or at least one stopper. In some embodiments, the stopper prevents the upper flap from moving further downward after it has reached its closed orientation. In some embodiments, the contact portion restricts the upward movement of the upper flap when it is in the closed orientation. In some embodiments, the contact portion is located on the second side wall, for example, on the upper edge or inner surface of the second side wall. In some embodiments, the contact portion is a cutout in the second side wall. In some embodiments, the stopper is a recess located on the inner surface of the second side wall.

[0020] In some embodiments, the distal edge of the upper flap includes a recess or notch. In some embodiments, the recess or notch is aligned with or centered on a particular actuator. In some embodiments, when operating pressure is applied, the second sidewall contacts the distal edge of the upper flap at at least two contact positions, the at least two contact positions may not be adjacent and may be separated from each other by the recess or notch. The distance separating the two contact positions may occupy 5% to 30% of the width of the vessel. In some embodiments, two or more recesses are assumed. In some embodiments, the distal edge has a wave or wavy shape, composed of a series of recesses regularly or irregularly spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the recess or notch extends from the distal end to the first sidewall, thereby realizing that the upper flap is made up of two independently hinged portions. In other words, two or more upper flaps are provided.

[0021] In some embodiments, two or more top flaps are provided and hinged to the same upper portion of the first side wall, or at least one of the two or more top flaps may be hinged to the upper portion of a second side wall opposite the first side wall. Each of the two or more top flaps may include the features listed in the previous paragraph. In some embodiments, the two or more top flaps are spaced apart to allow a human hand to pass through an opening between the top flaps and grasp the detergent product contained in the box.

[0022] In some embodiments, when the top flap is in the closed position, the top flap is hinged to a first side wall such that the resistive torque contained in the crease of 0.5 Nm / m to 5 Nm / m counteracts its movement away from the closed position. The resistive torque may be a combination of hinge resistance (e.g., resulting from bending resistance which may be reduced by the remaining rebound after the top flap has been creased and folded) and at least one of the aforementioned contacts or stoppers. The rebound torque of the top flap may also be considered. In some embodiments, the top flap is made of a paper-based material having flutes. The flutes may be of type B (1 / 8 inch), E (1 / 16 inch), or F (1 / 32 inch). In some embodiments, the folding torque may be found in folds of 0.5 to 5 Nm / m, preferably in folds of 1 to 3.5 Nm / m, and the rebound torque (after 15 seconds) may be found in folds of 0.4 to 2 Nm / m, preferably in folds of 0.7 to 1.25 Nm / m. These values ​​can be measured using a 100 × 100 mm sample (folds perpendicular to the flutes), as well as a folding speed of 12° / s and a folding angle of 90°, according to the Tappi T577 standard. Based on the box width described above, this means that the folding torque of the upper flap may be 0.1 Nm to 1.75 Nm, and the rebound torque of the upper flap may be 0.07 Nm to 0.6125 Nm. The stopper and / or contact portion may provide a resistance torque of 0.57 Nm to 5.6125 Nm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first side wall has a width, and the upper flap has a minimum width that is 20% to 99% of the width of the first side wall. The width of the first side wall may correspond to the length of the upper edge of the first side wall.

[0024] In some embodiments, the upper flap has at least one through-hole that allows an adult's finger to fold the upper flap open. In some embodiments, the hole is 0.5 cm 2 ~15cm 2 It has a surface area of

[0025] In some embodiments, when in the closed position, the upper flap is angled with respect to the second side wall at an angle of 70 to 110 degrees.

[0026] In some embodiments, the upper flap comprises a main flap portion and an inclined flap portion angled downward relative to the main portion. In some embodiments, the inclined flap portion has an inclined edge adjacent to the distal edge to facilitate insertion of the upper flap into the cavity / through the opening when the upper flap is folded downward. In some embodiments, the inclined flap portion has a straight edge that abuts against the first side wall when the upper flap is in the closed position. This prevents the upper flap from being pushed too far into the inside of the box.

[0027] The top flap may have a top surface visible to the user when the lid is open. This top surface may provide printed or labeled product information or instructions for use. The top flap may then constitute the lid and / or base, in addition to the side walls, to further support advertising, instructions for use, or other regulatory or informational displays. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to provide the user with some information directly when they look at the opened box and its contents. The top flap may include perforations at the hinge point so that the consumer can tear it off (e.g., at the end of its lifespan). In some embodiments, the top flap may have promotional instructions or barcodes printed on it so that the torn top flap becomes a coupon or promotional card for further purchases by the user.

[0028] In some embodiments, the actuator is formed by cutting off at least a portion of the upper flap, folding this portion in a position parallel to the first side wall, and bonding at least a portion to the outer surface of the first side wall.

[0029] The container includes a lid for the box. The lid according to this disclosure should be understood as an element that allows the opening of the box to be repeatedly closed or opened. In some embodiments, the lid may be attached to the box by hinges, for example, or detached from the box. The lid according to this disclosure includes a top or lid top and sides or lid sides. It should be understood that the top of the lid is intended to cover the opening of the box when the lid is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the top of the lid is rectangular. In some embodiments, the top of the lid is circular, hexagonal, octagonal, polygonal, or elliptical, and structures such as circular or elliptical are approximated by adding several side panels and lid flaps, for example. In some embodiments, the lid includes a chamfered edge. In some embodiments, the top of the lid is rectangular with a rounded edge. Although named "top," it should be understood that the top of the lid may be oriented in different ways. With respect to the lid sides, it should be understood that the sides according to this disclosure are elements that connect to the top of the lid and extend from the lid to engage with (e.g., partially cover) one or more side walls of the box, and each side has an extension along the corresponding side wall between the connection to the top of the lid and the distal end of the side. The sides are involved in positioning the top of the lid over the opening. In some embodiments, the sides extend vertically from the top of the lid. In some embodiments, the sides surround the entire perimeter of the top of the lid. In some embodiments, the sides partially surround the entire perimeter of the top of the lid, and a portion of the top of the lid does not have a side along the hinge between the lid and the box, for example, in the case of a hinged lid. When the top of the lid covers the opening, at least a portion of the side can cover at least a specific portion of a particular side wall of the side walls of the box. The movement of the lid may be restricted by connections to the box, such as hinges or flexible connectors (straps, ropes, etc.), or the lid may be completely removable, for example, to improve access to the contents of the box, or to allow the lid or container to be reused independently. The box and lid work together to serve as a container for storing, transporting, and facilitating access to the contents of the container.

[0030] The containers according to this disclosure include a lock. The lock should be understood in this disclosure as a mechanism that prevents or reduces the possibility of the container being opened accidentally. The lock according to this disclosure is intended to maintain the lid in the closed position. It should be understood that the lock according to this disclosure is expected to function under normal use of the container. For example, it should be understood that if the box is used in an abnormal condition, or if the box is in an abnormal condition, the lock may not perform its function. According to this disclosure, the lock includes a specific actuator that can move from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to a specific actuator when the lid is in the closed position. The specific actuator should be understood in this disclosure as a mechanical structure that is subject to motion when operated by an external force or operating pressure, and such motion results in the release of the lock when such motion occurs. In some embodiments, the specific actuator according to this disclosure is elastic and has a default position, such a default position corresponding to the lid remaining closed, and the elasticity is counteracted by an external force or operating pressure to open the lid. In some embodiments, a particular actuator is elastic in the sense that it includes a flexible element, the flexible element having a default position corresponding to the lid remaining closed, the flexible element being pressed to open the lid, and the flexible element bouncing back to the default position when the pressure is released. It should be understood that pressure is generated by applying force to a surface. A particular actuator according to this disclosure has at least two positions, an open position and a locked position, thereby the open position corresponding to a position that allows displacement (opening) of the lid, and the locked position preventing the lid from opening or reducing the possibility of accidental opening of the lid.

[0031] A particular actuator according to this disclosure is connected to a particular portion which is at least a particular portion of a particular side wall of a box that is covered by at least a portion of the side when the lid is in the closed position, and this particular portion may be a particular portion that is covered by at least a portion of the side when the lid is in the closed position, and the particular actuator, for example, abuts against a lock tab of the side when in the locked position, and the particular actuator, for example, is maintained away from the lock tab when in the open position, and the particular actuator is displaced by, for example, an operating pressure by an unlock displacement distance normal to the particular portion of the side wall. The connection to the particular portion may be, for example, a fold line at the end of the side wall away from the base. The connection of the particular actuator to the particular portion of the side wall is due to the particular actuator being involved in locking or unlocking the particular portion of the side wall from the portion of the side covering the particular portion of the side wall, thereby enabling the lid to be released from the box. The side may include a lock tab, which should be understood as a mechanical element that works in conjunction with the particular actuator. In some embodiments, the locking tab may be in the form of an expansion, ridge, emboss, or additional material layer projecting from the side of the lid toward a specific portion of the side wall, so as to prevent a particular actuator from separating from the side within the area of ​​a particular actuator, and so as to allow a particular actuator to contact the tab when in the locked position. In some embodiments, the locking tab is incorporated into the side itself, and the locking tab is formed, for example, by an aperture in the side. Contact according to this disclosure should be understood as contact between a particular actuator or a part of a particular actuator and the tab, and such contact prevents the lid from opening. In some embodiments, a particular actuator is kept away from the locking tab when in the open position in order to release the locking tab. Such release of the locking tab allows the lid to open.The displacement or movement of a particular actuator from the locked position to the open position is achieved by applying an operating pressure or force (directly or indirectly) to the particular actuator such that the particular actuator is displaced normal to a particular portion of the sidewall by a distance sufficient for the particular actuator to contact the lock tab, corresponding to the displacement distance. It should be understood that, due to the specific dimensional configuration according to this disclosure, the force or pressure resulting in the displacement takes a specific direction defined by the precision knob, and such a specific direction contributes to the displacement normal to the particular portion of the sidewall. Such a force or pressure may also include a minor component that is parallel to the sidewall, due to the fact that the hand is a human hand and, even when applying the precision knob, does not always perfectly match the force. However, the actuation is caused by such a force or pressure component that is normal to a portion of the sidewall. The presence of such a component that is normal to a portion of the sidewall is involved in the locking role of preventing accidental opening, but the desired opening occurs when the consumer “pushes” the particular actuator and applies a release force or pressure that enables the opening of the lid.

[0032] To provide precision in positioning the fingers correctly and to obtain a precision knob, the side portion includes a specific working area on a particular side, and the working area faces a specific actuator. The fact that such a working area faces a specific actuator allows, in practice, the thumb or one or more of the other fingers to be precisely positioned over the area to which the lock-release force is to be applied. The working area should be understood as defining a discontinuity on a particular side portion, thereby allowing the user or consumer to perceive such discontinuity in order to precisely position the thumb or one or more of the other fingers and apply the precision knob. Such discontinuity may include one or more of the following: an operating aperture, an operating flap, an operating slit, or an operating membrane. In some embodiments, the working area means one or both of the specific or additional working areas, specific portions, or additional portions, and includes a visual indicator indicating the location of the working area. In some embodiments where the working area is an aperture, the specific portion, each additional portion includes a visual indicator visible through the aperture, each aperture, when the lid is closed. Visual indications may be printed on the outer surface of the side and may also include one or more arrows or one or more areas printed in a conspicuous color or with specific text, providing instructions such as "Press here to open," or a combination of such indications, to further improve the precision of the knob. The operating area is configured to allow a specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying operating pressure to the specific operating area when the lid is in the closed position. To allow proper positioning of the thumb or one or more other fingers, the specific operating area is preferably less than 8 cm² and greater than 0.2 cm². It has been found that a larger area may result in insufficient precision in finger positioning, while a smaller area may make it difficult for the user or consumer to locate the operating area. In some embodiments, the specific operating area has a circular shape to facilitate positioning. Other shapes may be considered, for example, such as an ellipse, egg, square, triangle, square with rounded corners, triangle with rounded corners, other polygons, or other polygons with rounded corners.Alternatively, a shape important to the contents held in the container may be used.

[0033] In some embodiments, the lock includes a second actuator positioned opposite a first actuator. This allows the user to operate a specific actuator and the second actuator simultaneously with two fingers. In some embodiments, the lock includes at least additional actuators that can be operated simultaneously with three or more fingers of the user's hand. For example, the first actuator may be positioned on one side of the box to be operated by the thumb, and two to four actuators may be positioned on the opposite side of the box to be operated by two to four fingers other than the thumb. The actuators do not necessarily have to be positioned opposite each other.

[0034] As described above, in order to achieve proper precision in a precision knob, the thumb should perceive the reaction force from one or more fingers of the same hand, and those one or more fingers should perceive the reaction force from the thumb. This mutual feedback leads to the alignment of the forces generated between the precision knobs that result in the release of the lock. Such feedback should be transmitted by some structure that directly or indirectly connects a particular operating region to a particular side facing a side. It has been found that the role of such a structure in transmitting the feedback force can be fulfilled by the upper flap described above. When the actuator is displaced by the release displacement distance, the second sidewall deforms, and the clearance between the distal edge of the upper flap and the second sidewall decreases. The clearance is sufficient to allow the actuator to be displaced by the release displacement distance. When the user applies operating pressure, the sidewall deforms further until the second sidewall contacts the distal edge of the upper flap. Therefore, the force applied by the user is transmitted from the first finger to the actuator, to the distal edge of the upper flap, to the first side wall, and to another finger of the user. The relative positioning of a specific area and the upper flap enables this force transmission. In some embodiments, the thumb and one or more other fingers are simultaneously in contact with a specific actuator and the opposite side wall connected via the upper flap.

[0035] A specific working area may define a specific center of gravity, which corresponds, for example, to the geometric center of the working area or the arithmetic mean position of all points contained within the specific working area. To achieve proper mutual feedback transmission through the top flap, the specific center of gravity is separated from the top of the lid by less than 5 cm and more than 0.5 cm, and from the distal end of a specific side. The distal end should be understood as the end of the side away from the top of the lid along the direction of the box side wall. In some preferred embodiments, to facilitate gripping across the top of the lid, the top of the lid extends by less than 13 cm and more than 6 cm along the normal direction to a specific portion at the specific center of gravity. It has been found that a larger span makes gripping difficult, and a smaller span can make access to the detergent contained in the box difficult. A precision grip is considered to provide a suitable balance of force and precision for releasing the lock according to this disclosure. In some embodiments, the top of the lid extends by less than 12 cm and more than 7 cm along the normal direction to a specific portion at the specific center of gravity. In some embodiments, the top of the lid extends less than 11 cm and more than 8 cm in the direction normal to a specific part at a particular center of gravity. In some embodiments, the top of the lid extends less than 10 cm and more than 9 cm in the direction normal to a specific part at a particular center of gravity.

[0036] In some embodiments, to properly transmit mutual feedback pinch force, the upper flap has a minimum width of at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, and more preferably at least 20%, of the length of the upper edge of the first or second side wall. The width of the upper flap may be 99% or less, less than 70%, preferably less than 60%, and more preferably less than 50%, of the length of the upper edge of the first or second side wall, thereby limiting the amount of material used (environmentally friendly) and providing access to the product (or visually indicating the product) even when the upper flap is in a closed position.

[0037] An tamper-evident sticker may lock the lid onto the box. In some embodiments, the tamper-evident sticker is affixed to the lid and the box so that it is torn, ripped, or perforated upon initial opening to indicate to the consumer that the container has not been tampered with before purchase. This tamper-evident sticker may be, for example, paper or plastic.

[0038] In some embodiments, the container is made from a corrugated material that includes flutes extending longitudinally, corresponding to the vertical direction of the side walls in the normal position of the container. This can provide a rebound memory effect to the upper flap and assist in the opening of the upper flap.

[0039] In some embodiments, the boxes of this disclosure are made from box blanks. Box blanks can be made from one of the materials or layered materials discussed herein. A blank (or die-cut) is a substantially flat object specifically designed to be fed into a machine capable of performing various operations such as folding and gluing in order to obtain a container. A blank may be made from one piece of the material described above, or it may consist of several pieces attached to one another. A blank has a thickness substantially less than its overall width or overall length. The thickness may be uniform throughout the blank, or it may vary. A blank may consist of one or more panels and one or more flaps separated from each other by fold lines. Fold lines should be understood as straight segments of the blank that have withstood the crimping process to provide clear folding lines, which facilitate the folding operation and provide conditions for the container to obtain its intended shape and function.

[0040] In some embodiments, the lid is made from a lid blank. The lid blank may include panels configured to construct the top and sides of the lid. The lid blank may be separate from the box blank and may be independent of it. In such cases, the lid blank may be made from the same paper-based material or from a different paper-based material. In particular, the lid blank may be of a different color, or may be made from a multilayer blank having a different number of layers than the single or multilayer box blank.

[0041] In some embodiments where the lid is hinged to the box, the lid blank may be manufactured integrally with the blank configured to form the box.

[0042] This disclosure also relates to methods for operating the containers described above. A first method is intended to open a consumer product. In some embodiments, the method includes displacing a specific actuator from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to a specific operating area when the lid is in a closed position, such that the clearance is such that the second side wall contacts the distal end by applying the operating pressure, pulling the lid in the opposite direction from the base, and folding the top flap to allow access to the detergent product. A second method is intended to close a consumer product by performing the same steps in the reverse order.

[0043] In some embodiments, when an operating pressure is applied by an adult's hand, the second sidewall bends until it contacts the distal edge, and the upper flap has sufficient rigidity or bending resistance to prevent the second sidewall from bending further under the operating pressure applied by the adult's hand.

[0044] This disclosure also relates to a method for packaging detergent products to obtain the consumer products described above. In some embodiments, the method includes setting the top flap in an open orientation; positioning the opening of the box below a dispensing system when the top flap is in an open orientation; dispensing the detergent products into the box when the box is below the dispensing system; folding the top flap in a closed orientation when the detergent products are inside the box; and closing the box with a lid in response to folding the top flap. The top flap may aid in packaging the container by providing an additional wall (similar to part of a funnel) that prevents the detergent products from falling out or being damaged. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] The figures illustrate various embodiments of consumer products. Each distinct embodiment presented in one of the figures may be combined with embodiments presented in other figures unless this document explicitly excludes such combinations.

[0046] Figure 1 shows an exemplary consumer product 100 including a detergent product (not shown) and a container 102, the container including a box 104 for housing the detergent product, a lid 106 for the box 104, and a lock 108 for holding the lid 104 in a closed position. In this figure, the lid 106 is shown in an open position away from the box 104. Also in this figure, the lid 106 is removable from the box 104. In an alternative embodiment, the lid 106 is hinged to the box 104. The box comprises a base 110, side walls 111-114, an opening 180 opposite the base 110, and a top flap 190 which partially covers the opening 180 (when in the closed orientation). The opening 180 is defined by the upper edges 111.1, 112.1, 113.1 and 114.1 of the four side walls 111-114. The upper flap 190 is hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall 111. The distal edge 192 opposite the first side wall is adjacent to the second side wall 112. A gap 194 or clearance separates the distal edge 192 from the second side wall 112 when the upper flap 190 is in the closed position. The clearance 194 may range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The distal edge 192 has a length 196 that can correspond to the maximum width of the upper flap 190. The length 196 may occupy 5% (preferably 20%) to 99% (preferably 60% or 70%) of the width 116 of the box 104.

[0047] The lid 106 includes an upper part 120 and side parts 121-124, wherein when the lid 106 is in the closed position, the upper part 120 covers the opening and the side parts 121-124 cover at least a specific portion of a specific side wall among the side walls 111-114 of the box 104; the lock 108 includes a specific actuator 130, which is movable from a locked position to an open position by applying operating pressure to the specific actuator 130 when the lid 106 is in the closed position, the specific actuator 130 is connected to a specific part; the side parts 121-124 include a specific operating region 126 in a specific side part 122, wherein when the lid 104 is in the closed position, the operating region 126 faces the specific actuator 130, and by applying operating pressure in the specific operating region 126, the specific actuator 130 can be displaced from a locked position to an open position.

[0048] In the exemplary consumer product 100, the box 104 has a rectangular base 110 and the lid 106 has a rectangular top 120. The side walls and sides are also rectangular. In this embodiment, the lid is shown in an open position to visualize various elements. In this embodiment, the working area 126 is a circular aperture with a diameter of 2.4 cm that defines a specific working area of ​​about 4.5 cm². The working area 126 defines a specific center of gravity corresponding to the center of the circular aperture. In this embodiment, the center of the aperture is about 20 mm from the top of the lid, as indicated by a distance 150, which is the shortest distance between the specific center of gravity and a point included in the top of the lid, and in this case the distance is along a direction perpendicular to the top of the lid and along the side 122 from which the aperture 126 is cut. In this embodiment, the center of a particular center of gravity or circular operating area 126 is 50 mm away from the distal end of a particular side, as indicated by distance 151, which is the shortest distance between the particular center of gravity and a point included in the distal end of the side 122 of the lid. The distance in this case is along a direction perpendicular to the top of the lid and along the side 122 from which the aperture 126 is cut out. In this embodiment, the top of the lid extends 94 mm in the direction normal to a particular portion at the particular center of gravity, as indicated by distance 152. The distance in this case is parallel to the top of the lid and normal to the particular side 122 from which the operating area is located. In this embodiment, the lock 108 includes a flap 130 that can be pushed through the aperture 126 when the lid is in the closed position. The lid 106 may also be removed by placing the thumb or any other fingers of a first adult hand on the working area 126 and one or more fingers of the opposite side of the same adult hand on the side 121 opposite a particular side, thereby allowing the first adult hand to pinch the lid 106 across its top 120 and push it toward the flap 130, and while holding the box 104 with the other adult hand, lifting and opening the lid when the flap 130 is pressed against a particular portion of the second side wall 112.

[0049] When a first adult hand grasps the lid 106, a reciprocal feedback response is transmitted during the grasping process via the upper panel 190 of the box, specifically via the distal edge 192 of the upper flap 190 that contacts the second side wall 112. Such a reciprocal feedback response contributes to facilitating unlocking, in particular by increasing the rigidity of the box structure at the level of the upper flap. It provides tactile feedback to the user, who naturally and intuitively understands that the lock is released and that they can pull the lid upward. In this particular example, when the second side wall 112 (and possibly the first side wall 111 as well) deforms under the application of operating pressure, the upper flap joins at least a portion of a particular (first) side wall 111 to at least a portion of the second side wall 112. Such a configuration provides further rigidity and robustness and facilitates the transmission of the reciprocal feedback response. The upper flap 190 is conveniently aligned with a particular actuator 130. The upper flap 190 may or may not be centered in the width direction of the container.

[0050] The clearance 194 between the distal edge 192 of the upper flap 190 and the second side wall 112 is large enough to allow the actuator 130 to be released from the lid's locking tab. The clearance 194 is small enough to allow good tactile force feedback. Also, the clearance 194 is small enough to prevent the side walls 111, 112 from being deformed beyond their elastic deformation (otherwise, these side walls would be permanently deformed, which could alter the proper function of the lock or the smooth opening and closing process of the container).

[0051] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a consumer product 200 having a container 202 made of a box 204 and a lid 106. Various embodiments of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figure can be applied. In this embodiment, the upper flap is indicated by 290. The upper flap 290 is made from a proximal flap portion 291 connected to a first side wall 111. The proximal flap portion 291 can be integrated with the first side wall. Alternatively, the proximal flap portion can be bonded to the inner surface of the first side wall 111. The proximal flap portion 291 may be aligned with the upper edge of the first side wall 111, or it may be offset downward in the direction of the base 110. The main flap portion 293 is hinged to the proximal flap portion 291. The main flap portion 293 can be pivoted from a closed orientation (as shown in the figure) to an open orientation, and the main flap portion 293 may be substantially perpendicular and / or substantially parallel to the proximal portion 291. In this figure, the distal end of the upper flap 290 is hidden behind the second side wall 112. The main flap portion 293 is offset by a distance 295 from the upper edge of the side wall. This offset ensures that even if the upper flap is not perfectly horizontal when in the closed orientation, the distal end still contacts the second side wall under operating pressure to perform the aforementioned mutual feedback force. The offset distance 295 may range from 5 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the offset distance 295 is such that, when the main portion is in the open orientation, the main portion extends beyond the upper edge of the side wall by a height of at least half the height of the lid, and is therefore noticeable to a user attempting to close the container by returning the lid to the box without first folding the upper flap 290.

[0052] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a consumer product 300 having a container 302 made of a box 304 and a lid 106. Various forms of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figure can be applied.

[0053] In this embodiment, the box 304 includes a contact portion 312 intended to restrict the upward movement of the upper flap 390, which is released from its closed position. As shown in the cross-sectional view in the vertical plane P, the contact portion 312 may be a cutout in the side wall 112, which may be made from two layers of folded sheets, a portion of which may be cut out at the upper edge of the side wall 112.

[0054] The upper flap 190 in Figure 1, particularly its distal edge 192, can cooperate with the contact portion 312. However, in the example shown in Figure 3, the upper flap 390 includes a distal flap 397 that cooperates with the contact portion 312. In some embodiments, the distal flap 397 is hinged to the distal edge 192 and extends from the main flap portion 293. The distal flap 397 extends upward perpendicular to the main flap portion 293, or at an angle such that it is closer to the second side wall 112 than the distal edge 192 of the flap 390.

[0055] In some embodiments, two or more contact portions 312 are provided on the upper edge of the side wall 112. The contact portions 312 may be centrally located with respect to the upper flap 390 and / or symmetrically located. These contact portions 312 can provide a click sound when the upper flap is snapped behind them, which, in addition to tactile feedback, provides consumers with an audible sense of reassurance of correct re-closure.

[0056] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a consumer product 400 having a container 402 made of a box 404 and a lid 106. Various forms of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figure can be applied. The box 404 is shown here in a top view.

[0057] The upper flap 490 is positioned in a closed orientation. The upper flap 490 is positioned on the distal edge 192 and preferably includes a recess 492 aligned with the actuator 130 (the vertical axis in Figure 4 passes through both the recess and the actuator). The upper flap 490 has two transverse edges 493, 495 which can be angled with respect to the distal edge 192 at an angle of 60° to 150°. The corners where the transverse edges join to the distal edge 192 may be rounded. These embodiments are applicable to any of the upper flaps shown in this disclosure.

[0058] The upper flap 490 further comprises a recess 492. The recess 492 can assist the user in folding the upper flap upward in the open direction. The recess 492 may be a notch. The recess 492 has a depth (vertical in Figure 4) which can occupy 5% to 100% of the length 494 of the upper flap 490. In other words, the dimension 498 between the upper edge 111.1 of the first side wall and the recess occupies 0% to 95% of the length 494 of the upper flap 490. When the distance is 0%, the upper flap 490 can be considered to be formed by two upper flaps independently hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall.

[0059] The width of the recess, 496, can account for 10% to 50% of the maximum width of the upper flap, 490, which is 196.

[0060] In some embodiments, the upper flap 490 comprises two or more such recesses, for example, two or three recesses, which may have one or more of the characteristics described above.

[0061] The recess divides the distal edge 192 into multiple segments 497, each segment forming a separate contact point with the second side wall 112 when operating pressure is applied to the actuator 130. If two or more recesses are provided, three or more contact points 497 may be arranged, and each contact point is not adjacent to any other contact point. Each contact point 497 is located a distance from the actuator 130 that occupies 5% to 30% of the width of the box (= length of the upper edge 111.1 or 112.1).

[0062] Figure 5 shows an exemplary consumer product 500 having a container 502 made of a box 504 and a lid 506. Various embodiments of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figure can be applied.

[0063] In this embodiment, the consumer product 500 includes a second actuator 503 positioned on a first side wall 111. The second actuator 503 is shown with a flap 130 and similar flaps that interact with a tab 530 positioned on the inside of the side 121 to reinforce the locking of the lid. A second operating area 526 is positioned on the side 121.

[0064] The knob, in this case, unlocks both the first and second actuators. The tab is shown extending over a portion of the corresponding side 121, but the tab may extend over the entire length of the corresponding flap. A tab (not shown) is provided on the inside of the side 122 and interacts with the flap 130 to contribute to the lock. The second actuator 503 is shown as being symmetrically opposed to the first actuator 130 and having the same properties and dimensions, but it should be noted that such actuators may have different properties and dimensions in other embodiments and may not necessarily be symmetrical. As described above, there may be three or more actuators that are aligned with each other or not facing each other.

[0065] Figure 5 further illustrates that the upper flap 590 may have a through-hole 592. The through-hole 592 may be suitable for an adult's finger to help the user pivot the upper flap 590 from a closed position (as depicted in Figure 5) to an open position (for example, substantially parallel to the side wall 111).

[0066] In some embodiments, the through-hole has dimensions (diameter, diagonal, etc.) of less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm. In some embodiments, the shape of the through-hole is smaller than the contents of the container (e.g., unit dose) to prevent any material from passing through or becoming clogged in the through-hole. Alternatively, the through-hole may be substantially larger than the contents of the container (e.g., unit dose) so that the user can grasp the unit dose through the through-hole without having to first fold the top flap.

[0067] The through-hole 592 may have a geometric shape such as a circle, ellipse, or rectangle. Alternatively, it may be molded as a more complex shape, for example, as a comb-like handle with a wavy outline that matches the outline of the four fingers of a human hand. The through-hole 592 may be positioned closer to the distal edge of the upper flap than the first side wall 111 to provide a lever effect.

[0068] Figure 6 shows these various options regarding the shape of the through-hole 592. Figure 6 also shows that two or more through-holes can be provided in the upper flap 690.

[0069] Figure 7 shows the upper flap 290 in the closed position. Various embodiments of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figures can be applied. The closed position may also be the default equilibrium position of the upper flap 290, i.e., the equilibrium position between gravity and the elasticity of the hinge. In some embodiments (see Figure 3), the contact portion determines the equilibrium position. The angle α between the upper flap 290 (or the main flap portion 293 if shown) and the second side wall 112 may be in the range of 70° to 110°. This means that mutual feedback forces can be generated even if the closed position of the upper flap 290 is not horizontal or perpendicular to the side wall.

[0070] Figure 8 shows a cross-section of one embodiment of the box. Various embodiments of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figures can be applied. The top flap 390 may follow any of the embodiments presented earlier. In this embodiment, the second side wall 812 is made from at least a partially folded sheet. As will be discussed below, the sheet may be made from a paper-based material. The first outer layer 814 is folded at its upper edge to form an inner layer 816. Part or all of the inner layer 816 may be folded to form one or more stopper tabs 818. The stopper tabs 818 protrude into the box from the inner surface of the second side wall 812. As shown in Figure 8, the top flap 390 may be located on the stopper tabs 818, particularly near the distal edge 192 of the top flap 390. Thus, the stopper tabs 818 prevent the user from pushing the top flap down beyond the closed position. In fact, when the upper flap 390 is pushed downward, the mutual feedback force may not be properly generated when the user attempts to apply operating pressure. The stopper tab 818 may extend along the entire width of the box, or along at least 30% of this width. In some embodiments, two or more stopper tabs 818 are positioned and formed from cutouts in the inner layer 816.

[0071] Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the stopper. Various embodiments of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figures can be applied. In this embodiment, the box 904 has an upper flap 990 having a distal flap 992 bent upward from a main flap portion. The distal flap 992 has at least one, preferably two or more, cutouts 994 that form protruding tabs 996, which engage with stopper recesses 912.1 in the second side wall 912 when the upper flap 990 is in the closed orientation. Figure 9 shows one embodiment in which two protruding tabs 996 engage with their respective recesses 912.1. Other configurations may be envisioned in which, for example, two or more protruding tabs 996 engage with a single recess 912.1. The stopper recess 912.1 may be formed over the entire thickness of the second side wall 912, or may be a notch, through-hole, or cavity formed in the inner layer of the material (see 816 in Figure 8). The recess 912.1 does not need to be visible to the user from the outside of the box. The cooperation of the protruding tab 996 and the recess 912.1 generates a resistive force that prevents the upper flap 990 from accidentally moving away from its closed position. The stopper recess 912.1 generates tactile feedback and / or an audible click for the user when the protruding tab 996 engages with it. Thus, the user physically perceives with their hand that the upper flap is properly positioned in the closed position. The recess 912.1 also prevents the user from pushing the upper flap 990 further down, similar to the stopper 818 in Figure 8, which can be combined with it.

[0072] Regarding Figures 8 and 9, it should be noted that the stopper does not necessarily prevent the upper flap from moving further downward beyond its closed position, but rather generates a resistance that prevents the user from pushing the upper flap further downward if the upper flap could bend further downward even if the user applies sufficient force.

[0073] Figure 10 shows one embodiment of box 1004. Various forms of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figure can be applied.

[0074] This diagram shows that two or more upper flaps may be provided.

[0075] The upper flaps 1090a and 1090b are hinged directly to the upper edge 111.1 of the first side wall 111. The upper flaps 1090a and 1090b may be integral with the side wall, i.e., they may be formed from the same sheet of material. The upper flaps 1090a and 1090b comprise a main flap portion 1092 and an inclined flap portion 1094. The inclined flap portion is angled relative to the main flap portion 1092. The inclination angle may be in the range of 20 to 90 degrees. The inclined flap portion 1094 increases the rigidity of the upper flap 1090 and enables a higher degree of mutual feedback force.

[0076] The inclined flap portion 1094 has an edge 1095 on the distal side of the flap. This edge is aligned with the distal edge 192 and can provide some support against the side wall 112. The corners between the edges of the inclined flap portion may be rounded to facilitate insertion of the inclined flap portion into the box when the upper flap is folded. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 1095 is angled with respect to the distal edge 192. When the upper flap 1094 is folded, the edge 1095 can contact the upper edge 112.1 of the second side wall (as the second side wall may be deformed), and the angle of the edge 1095 helps the upper flap 1094 penetrate into the cavity of the box.

[0077] The inclined flap portion 1094 further includes an edge portion 1097 that abuts against the first side wall 111. This contact prevents the upper flap 1090 from being pushed further downward beyond its closed position.

[0078] There may be enough space between the two upper flaps 1090a and 1090b for the user to grasp the detergent product by hand. This makes opening the upper flaps optional for users who wish to remove the detergent product from the box. The space between the upper flaps may have a V-shape.

[0079] Figure 10 shows two upper flaps 1090a and 1090b, but the reader will understand that three or more upper flaps may be arranged.

[0080] Furthermore, the position of the inclined portion relative to the main portion may be changed. For example, the upper flap 1090b can be modified to have an inclined portion closer to the fourth side wall 114.

[0081] It should also be understood that each upper flap 1090a, 1090b may be provided with a second inclined portion of a similar or different shape.

[0082] In one embodiment, one or both of the upper flaps 1090 may extend from the second side wall 112 rather than from the first side wall 111. In such a case, a clearance 194 small enough to allow the upper flaps to fold and to allow mutual feedback forces is located between the upper flaps and the first side wall 111.

[0083] The clearance between the distal edge of one upper flap and its corresponding side wall may be equal to or different from the clearance between the distal edge of another upper flap and its corresponding side wall.

[0084] Figure 11 shows a blank that may correspond to the box in Figure 10. This blank shows that in some embodiments, the entire box may be made from a single sheet of material (e.g., paper-based material). In this embodiment, the second actuator 1103 is formed directly by a tab protruding from the first side wall 111, and a particular (first) actuator 130 is formed directly by a tab protruding from the second side wall 112. In this figure, the upper flaps 1090a, 1090b extend directly from the first side wall 111 and are separated from the first side wall 111 by a fold line 111.1. Thus, in this embodiment, the upper flaps are not intended to be made separately from the box and then glued to the box. The inclined flap portion 1094 is separated from the main portion 1092 by a fold line. The inclined flap portion 1094 is not connected to the first side wall 111 so as to allow inclination relative to the main portion 1092 when the main portion 1092 is folded along the fold line 111.1.

[0085] In this embodiment, since the actuators 130, 1103 and the upper flap are integrated with the side wall and base, the box blank is substantially flat and has a uniform thickness. This is beneficial to the process because the blanks can be stacked on top of each other to form a pile of blanks that can be more easily formed, and the stack can be transported stably and safely.

[0086] As mentioned above, the position and number of actuators (130, 1103) may be changed. Also, as mentioned above, the number and position of the upper flaps 1090 may be changed.

[0087] Figure 12 shows a lid blank 1206 designed to form a lid suitable for working with a box fabricated from the box blank of Figure 11. For ease of understanding of the drawing, the panels or flaps of the blank shown in this figure are numbered the same as the lid shown in Figure 5. The lid blank 1206 comprises an upper panel 120 configured to produce the top 120 of the lid, and side panels 121, 122, 123, 124 configured to produce the sides of the lid. The working areas 126, 526 are located on panels 121, 122. The tab 530 extends from panels 121, 122, folds into the lid, and is configured to work with actuators 130, 1103. Figure 12 shows that the tab 530 may have various shapes and is at least the same width as each of the actuators 130, 1103. The lid blank 1206 also includes side flaps 1208 intended to be covered with adhesive, allowing the lid to form a substantially parallelepiped shape. Other positions of the side flaps 1208 are similarly possible (for example, they can extend from panels 121, 122).

[0088] Figure 13 shows one embodiment of box 1304. Various forms of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figures can be applied.

[0089] In this embodiment, the upper flap 1390 extends directly from the side wall 111. In this embodiment, the actuator (a specific actuator or a second actuator) 1303 can be formed by a tab that is folded and optionally bonded to the side wall 111. The actuator 1303 is formed by tearing a pre-cut line (or weak line) located in the upper flap 1390. In other words, a recess 1392 is formed in the upper flap 1390, and the material torn from the upper flap constitutes the actuator 1303. Thus, the recess and the actuator have complementary shapes.

[0090] Figure 14 shows one embodiment of box 1404. Various forms of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figures can be applied.

[0091] In this embodiment, a single upper flap 1490 has two recesses 1492a, 1492b resulting from tearing material from the upper flap 1490 to form two actuators 1403a, 1403b. Thus, the two actuators 1403a, 1403b are composed of tabs that are folded and optionally bonded to the side wall 111. The two actuators 1403a, 1403b may be close to each other so as to be unlockable by operation in a single operating region, or they may be far apart so as to be unlockable by pressure operation in two separate operating regions.

[0092] The reader will understand that the number of actuators can be more than two.

[0093] Furthermore, readers will understand that while Figure 14 shows two actuators formed by tearing material from a single upper flap, two or more actuators may be formed from two or more upper flaps (i.e., one or more actuators per upper flap).

[0094] As described above, the upper flaps may extend from the opposing side walls, and therefore each upper flap may be used to form an actuator located on the opposing side of the box.

[0095] Figure 14 also shows that the inclined tab portion 1494 can be optionally positioned in combination with the fact that a single upper flap extends directly from the side wall 111.

[0096] Figure 15 shows a front view of box 1504. Various embodiments of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figures can be applied.

[0097] In this embodiment, the (specific or second) actuator 1503 is formed by two tabs 1504, 1506 surrounded by a cutout area 1507. The sheet of material constituting the box 1504 is folded along line 112.1 of the second side wall 112 and has a distal edge indicated by dotted line 1508. Thus, the back side of the folded portion (ending at edge 1508) is visible through the cutout 1507.

[0098] Figure 16 shows one embodiment of a consumer product 1600 having a container 1602 made of a box 1604 and a lid 1606. Various forms of the box and lid discussed in relation to the previous figure can be applied.

[0099] In this embodiment, the lid comprises one working area 526 located on the first side 1621 of the lid 1606 and two working areas 1626 located on the second side 1622 of the lid 1606 opposite the first side 1621. As described in relation to Figure 5, the tab 530 of the lid cooperates with an actuator 503 protruding from the first side wall 111, and the working area 526 allows for the disengagement of the tab 530 from the actuator 503. Similarly, two actuators 1630 located on the second side wall 112 are intended to cooperate with the tab 530 of the lid located inside the side 1622. The two working areas 1626 are intended to face the two actuators 1630 so that two fingers of an adult user's hand can disengage the tab 530 from the actuators 1630.

[0100] Figure 16 also shows that a recess may be provided in the upper flap (but is not required), as discussed in relation to Figure 4.

[0101] Figure 17 shows two embodiments of an upper flap that can be used in combination with the two actuator embodiments of Figure 16. On the left, the upper flap 490 has a recess 492 positioned between the two actuators 1630 (horizontally in Figure 17). Two contact positions 497 (contact under applied operating pressure) between the distal edge 192 of the upper flap 490 and the second side wall 112 face the actuators 1630. On the right is an alternative design in which the upper flap 1790 has two recesses 1792 facing the actuators 1630, and three contact positions 1797 are offset relative to the actuators 1630. In some embodiments, the three contact positions 1797 have different widths. For example, the central contact position 1797 may be wider or thinner than the other two contact positions 1797. In some embodiments, there may be a clearance 194 between each separate contact position 1797 and the side wall 112. For example, the clearance 194 between the central contact position 1797 and the second side wall 112 may be greater than the clearance 194 between the other two contact positions 1797 and the side walls 112. In other words, some of the contact positions 1797 may be offset (in the vertical direction in Figure 17) relative to some of the other contact positions.

[0102] As described above, the number of recesses in the upper flap, the number of contact points, and the number of actuators / operating areas on each side of the box may be appropriately modified. For example, considerations such as robustness, side wall thickness, or container size may affect the number of these items.

[0103] Figure 18 shows a method 1800 for operating a consumer product having any number of the embodiments described above. In a first step 1810, when the lid is in the closed position, an operating pressure is applied to a specific operating region to displace a specific actuator from a locked position to an open position. This results in deformation of at least one of the side walls, thereby reducing the clearance 194 until the second side wall 112 contacts the distal end 192.

[0104] When the second side wall 112 comes into contact with the distal end 192, tactile feedback (mutual feedback force) is generated. Thus, the user intuitively understands that they can proceed to the next step 1820, namely pulling the lid in the direction opposite to the base.

[0105] The rigidity of the upper flap may be sufficient to prevent the second side wall from bending further under the operating pressure applied by an adult's hand. Therefore, an adult is unlikely to mistakenly believe that the lock has been released, regardless of their own strength.

[0106] After removing the lid from the opening by pivoting it or separating it from the box, the user may want to access the detergent product inside the box. In some embodiments, accessing the detergent product requires step 1830 of folding the top flap.

[0107] In particular, as shown in relation to Figure 10, in some embodiments, the user can access the detergent product without having to fold the top flap.

[0108] This disclosure also relates to a closing method comprising folding the upper flap and sliding (or pivoting) the lid downward until the lock is engaged. The lock is automatically engaged by an actuator bouncing back to the locked position. An audible sound (click) may be perceived by the user and constitutes audio feedback indicating proper lock engagement.

[0109] In some embodiments, consumer products may optionally include instructions on the outer surface of the container showing how to operate an actuator to open and close the container. Other useful, regulatory, or advertising information may also be provided. In some embodiments, some or all of the information may be drawn, printed, or labeled on one or more of the top flaps. One or more top flaps may be configured to be torn (for example, near a hinge in the side wall, for example, by a pre-cut line or perforation). In some embodiments, the torn top flap may function as a promotional coupon.

[0110] Figure 19 shows a method for packaging detergent products in a box as described above to obtain a consumer product. Method 1900 includes setting the top flap in an open orientation 1910, positioning the opening of the box below the dispensing system when the top flap is in an open orientation 1920, dispensing the detergent products into the box when the box is below the dispensing system 1930, folding the top flap in a closed orientation when the detergent products are inside the box 1940, and closing the box with the lid in response to folding the top flap 1950. Optionally, an tamper-evident sticker may be placed to connect the lid to the box.

[0111] Machines and methods as described in European Patent Application Publication No. 4224116(A1) can be used.

[0112] Materials that make up the container As detailed below, the containers of this disclosure may be made in part or whole from paper materials such as cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or laminates comprising at least one layer of cardboard or corrugated cardboard. The cardboard or corrugated cardboard may include cellulose fiber materials or mixtures thereof. The materials used to make the containers may also include other components such as colorants, protective varnishes, surface strengthening coatings, barrier coatings, preservatives, recycled fiber materials, plasticizers, UV stabilizers, oxygen barriers, fragrance barriers, and moisture barriers, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the length of the cellulose fibers is in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm, in order to provide the desired tear resistance and strength. In some embodiments, the cellulose fibers are supplied from a variety of sources such as new softwood or hardwood, hemp, grass, corn, bagasse, sugarcane, bamboo, or others, and / or from recycled paper and corrugated cardboard after production or consumption. The containers may include printed areas on the outside or inside. The containers may be made, for example, by corrugated cardboard manufacturing. A suitable container manufacturing process may include, but is not limited to, forming a tube from a flat sheet of cardboard or paperboard by bonding, folding, or a combination thereof. The container may be opaque, or may filter certain wavelengths, for example, to protect the contents from external light. In some embodiments, the container is made of a paper-based material, at least partially, and in some specific embodiments, entirely. Paper-based material, as used herein, means a material containing paper. While not theoretically bound, “paper” should be understood as a material made from cellulosic pulp. Paperboard may be made from a paper-based material having a thickness and rigidity such that it does not collapse under its own weight. Paperboard should be understood as containing a single layer of material, while cardboard should be understood as containing multiple layers of paper-based material. In some embodiments, the paper-based material includes cardboard, paperboard, or a mixture thereof, and preferably, cardboard includes cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or a mixture thereof. Corrugated cardboard contains a series of flutes. Each flute can be understood as a channel. The flutes extend parallel to each other, and the direction of the flutes is the direction in which they travel along each channel.Further details of the materials forming the container are given below.

[0113] The paper-based material may be a laminate containing paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the cardboard includes paperboard, corrugated cardboard, or a mixture thereof, and in some embodiments, it includes at least another material. In some embodiments, at least another material includes a plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic material includes polyethylene, more specifically low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the plastic material includes copolymers from monomers and vinyl alcohol starting with ethylene, or EVOH. At least another material may be a barrier material. The barrier material may be biaxially oriented polypropylene, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof. At least another material may include wax, cellulose material, polyvinyl alcohol, silica dioxide, casein-based material, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the paper-based laminate includes a paper-based laminate containing more than 50% by weight, preferably more than 85% by weight, and more preferably more than 95% by weight of a fibrous material. In some embodiments, the barrier material may include a plastic material having a thickness of 10 to 60 microns. In some embodiments, the barrier material may include a plastic material having a thickness of 10 to 35 microns. The paper-based material may be a laminate.

[0114] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the container comprises cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or a mixture thereof; in certain embodiments, the corrugated cardboard comprises a laminate of cardboard, corrugated cardboard, polyethylene, particularly LDPE, or a mixture thereof; and in some embodiments, the outer surface of the container comprises at least another material. Alternatively, at least another material may also be laminated between two layers of paper-based material, such as the layers of cardboard or corrugated cardboard according to the Disclosure. While not wishing to be bound by theory, this at least another material may act as a barrier to leaked liquid absorbed by the paper-based material facing the inside of the container, preventing or reducing contaminating flows through the container walls. Other structures may be found effective in preventing leakage from the contents or in protecting the contents from external fluids, such as from a shower, sink, or handling the container with wet hands. Contamination of the container walls may be unsightly to consumers or may contaminate the storage area.

[0115] In some embodiments, the container is made of a paper-based material that includes at least one other material laminated between two layers of corrugated cardboard.

[0116] In some embodiments, the material used for the container includes a core cardboard flute material sandwiched between two planar cardboard (or paperboard) layers and a polyethylene laminate.

[0117] The cardboard or cardboard layers according to this disclosure may be made from or include recycled materials or recycled cellulose fibers. The outer surface of the container may include a coating or varnish. Such a coating or varnish may help to make the cardboard water-repellent or help to protect the contents, such as a sealed detergent composition, from UV light. The coating or varnish may also help to protect the outer surface of the lid, box, or container from contamination by the contents, such as a sealed detergent composition, in the event of leakage of a water-soluble unit-dose detergent containing a liquid detergent composition.

[0118] An inner coating or varnish may help prevent the contents from adhering to the inner surface, or prevent inks, colorants, fragrances, nonionic substances, oils, greases, and other components from moving from the contents into the cardboard, or inks or additives from moving from the cardboard onto the contents. In some embodiments, a detergent-resistant varnish or coating may be applied to the area exposed to the contents.

[0119] As described above, the container may actually be made from paper or cardboard material, particularly rigid cardboard material, flexible cardboard material, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the material forming the container or cover has a wall thickness of more than 220 microns and less than 3 mm. In some embodiments, the material forming the container has a thickness of more than 1 mm and less than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the material forming the container is folded over itself to reinforce part or all of the box or cover, for example. The container can be made from paper material, bio-based material, bamboo fiber, cellulose fiber, cellulosic or fibrous material, or a mixture thereof. The container can be made from recycled material, for example, material containing recycled cellulose fibrous material. In some embodiments, to facilitate opening, the cover may be completely separated from the box when opened, and the cover has a weight of less than 200 g, preferably less than 100 g, more preferably less than 80 g, and more than 10 g, more preferably more than 30 g, and more preferably more than 40 g, in order to obtain a sufficiently robust cover structure.

[0120] In some embodiments, the container is made of a corrugated cardboard layer, which includes flutes, preferably extending parallel to the vertical (with respect to the side walls and in the corresponding directions of the top flap and base, respectively). The flutes reinforce the strength of the container.

[0121] Detergent composition In some embodiments, a consumer product comprises at least one water-soluble unit-dose article and a container. A consumer product may be sold "as is," in other words, a consumer product is a product that a consumer picks up from a shelf. Alternatively, a consumer product may be contained as one unit of a multi-component product. For example, two or more consumer products may be contained in an outer package, and multiple packaged consumer products may be sold together in a single purchase. A consumer product may include aesthetic elements, such as a shrink sleeve or a label affixed to the container. Alternatively, the container may be colored, or may have aesthetic elements or useful printed materials such as instructions for use printed on it.

[0122] In some embodiments, a water-soluble unit-dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film adapted to create at least one unit-dose internal compartment, the at least one unit-dose internal compartment comprising a detergent composition. The water-soluble film and detergent composition are described in more detail below. In some embodiments, a consumer product comprises at least one water-soluble unit-dose article, possibly at least two water-soluble unit-dose articles, possibly at least ten water-soluble unit-dose articles, possibly at least twenty water-soluble unit-dose articles, possibly at least thirty water-soluble unit-dose articles, possibly at least forty water-soluble unit-dose articles, and possibly at least forty-five water-soluble unit-dose articles. In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit-dose article is in the form of a pouch. In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit-dose article contains a unit dose of the composition in a volume sufficient to provide benefit in the end use. In some embodiments, the water-soluble unit-dose article comprises one water-soluble film molded to include at least one internal compartment surrounded by a water-soluble film. The at least one compartment comprises the cleaning composition. The water-soluble film is sealed to prevent the cleaning composition from leaking out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves, releasing the contents of the internal compartments into the cleaning solution. The unit dose article may contain more than one compartment, at least two compartments, or at least three compartments, or at least four compartments, or at least five compartments. The compartments may be arranged in an overlapping orientation, i.e., one on top of the other. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e., one adjacent to the other. The compartments may be oriented in a "tire and rim" configuration, i.e., the first compartment is positioned adjacent to the second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially encloses the second compartment, but does not completely enclose it. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment. In some embodiments, the unit dose article contains at least two compartments, one of which is smaller than the other.In some embodiments, if a unit dose article contains at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and in some embodiments, the smaller compartments are superimposed on the larger compartments. In some embodiments, the superimposed compartments are oriented side by side. In some embodiments, each individual unit dose article may have a weight of 10g to 40g, or even 15g to 35g. The water-soluble film may be soluble or dispersible in water. Before being formed into a unit dose article, the water-soluble film has a thickness of 20 to 150 micrometers in some embodiments, 35 to 125 micrometers in other embodiments, 50 to 110 micrometers in further embodiments, and about 76 micrometers in even further embodiments. Examples of water-soluble film materials include polymer materials. The film material can be obtained, for example, by casting, blow molding, extrusion, or blow extrusion of the polymer material. In some embodiments, the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer or polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, for example, a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and / or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, for example, the polyvinyl alcohol copolymer is selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, particularly carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, for example, the water-soluble product comprises a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or alternatively, a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymers. Alternatively, the polyvinyl alcohol in the water-soluble film consists of an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, particularly a carboxylated polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. In some embodiments, the water-soluble film is supplied by Monosol as commodity reference numbers M8630, M8900, M8779, and M8310. In some embodiments, the film may be opaque, transparent, or translucent. The film may include printed areas. The printed areas can be obtained using techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing. The film may contain an aversive agent, such as a bittering agent.Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Exemplary levels of aversive agents include, but are not limited to, 1 to 5000 ppm, 100 to 2500 ppm, or 250 to 2000 ppm. Water-soluble films or water-soluble unit-dose articles, or both, may be coated with a lubricant. In some embodiments, the lubricant is selected from talc, zinc oxide, silica, siloxane, zeolite, silicic acid, alumina, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starch, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrin, or mixtures thereof.

[0123] In some embodiments, the container includes a first part, the first part including a first compartment containing at least one water-soluble unit-dose article. In some embodiments, the first compartment contains at least two water-soluble unit-dose articles. The first compartment may contain 1 to 80 water-soluble unit-dose articles, 1 to 60 water-soluble unit-dose articles, 1 to 40 water-soluble unit-dose articles, or 1 to 20 water-soluble unit-dose articles. The volume of the first compartment may be 500 mL to 5000 mL, and in some embodiments, 800 mL to 4000 mL.

[0124] In some embodiments, the detergent product comprises a detergent composition. The detergent composition may be a laundry detergent composition, an automatic dishwashing composition, a hard surface cleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The detergent composition may comprise a solid, a liquid, or a mixture thereof. The term liquid includes gels, solutions, suspensions, pastes, or mixtures thereof. The solid may be a powder. In this specification, powder means that the detergent composition may comprise solid particles or a single homogeneous solid. In some embodiments, the powder detergent composition comprises particles. In this case, the powder detergent composition comprises individual solid particles, in contrast to the solid being a single homogeneous solid. The particles may be free-flowing or compressed. The laundry detergent composition may be used in a hand-washing operation of fabrics or in an automatic machine-washing operation of fabrics, for example, in an automatic machine-washing operation of fabrics. An exemplary laundry detergent composition comprises a non-soap surfactant, which comprises anionic non-soap surfactants and nonionic surfactants. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition comprises 10% to 60% by weight, or 20% to 55% by weight, of the non-soap surfactant of the laundry detergent composition. Exemplary weight ratios of non-soap anionic surfactants to nonionic surfactants are 1:1 to 20:1, 1.5:1 to 17.5:1, 2:1 to 15:1, or 2.5:1 to 13:1. Exemplary non-soap anionic surfactants include linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, or mixtures thereof. Exemplary weight ratios of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates to alkyl sulfates are 1:2 to 9:1, 1:1 to 7:1, 1:1 to 5:1, or 1:1 to 4:1. Exemplary linear alkylbenzene sulfonates are C 10 ~C 16 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or C 11 ~C 14It is an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid. "Linear" in this specification means that the alkyl group is linear. An exemplary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may include an alkoxylylated alkyl sulfate, a non-alkoxylylated alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof. An exemplary alkoxylylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant includes an ethoxylylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. An exemplary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may include an ethoxylylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant having a molar average degree of ethoxylation of 1-5, 1-3, or 2-3. An exemplary alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may include a non-ethoxylylated alkyl sulfate and an ethoxylylated alkyl sulfate, and the molar average degree of ethoxylation of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is 1-5, 1-3, or 2-3. Exemplary alkyl fractions of alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants are derived from aliphatic alcohols, oxo-synthetic alcohols, Guerbet alcohols, or mixtures thereof. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition contains 10% to 50% by weight, 15% to 45% by weight, 20% to 40% by weight, or 30% to 40% by weight of a non-soap anionic surfactant. In some examples, the nonionic surfactant is selected from alcohol alkoxylates, oxo-synthetic alcohol alkoxylates, Guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkylphenol alcohol alkoxylates, or mixtures thereof. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition contains 0.01% to 10% by weight, 0.01% to 8% by weight, 0.1% to 6% by weight, or 0.15% to 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.In some examples, the laundry detergent composition comprises 1.5% to 20% by weight, 2% to 15% by weight, 3% to 10% by weight, or 4% to 8% by weight of soap, in some examples, a fatty acid salt, in some examples, an amine-neutralized fatty acid salt, in some examples, the amine is selected from alkanolamines, such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, or mixtures thereof, and in some examples, monoethanolamine. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition. In some examples, the liquid laundry detergent composition contains less than 15% by weight, or less than 12% by weight, of the liquid laundry detergent composition. In some examples, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising a non-aqueous solvent selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. In some examples, the liquid laundry detergent composition contains 10% to 40% by weight, or 15% to 30% by weight, of the liquid laundry detergent composition, of the non-aqueous solvent. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition includes a fragrance. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition includes auxiliary components selected from the group including enzymes, citrates, bleaching agents, bleaching catalysts, dyes, color dyes, whitening agents, cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimines, stain-releasing polymers, surfactants, solvents, color transfer inhibitors, chelating agents, encapsulated fragrances, polycarboxylates, structuring agents, pH adjusters, and builders including mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the laundry detergent composition has a pH of 6-10, 6.5-8.9, or 7-8, and the pH of the laundry detergent composition is measured as the 10% product concentration in desalinated water at 20°C. In the case of liquids, the laundry detergent composition may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. In some embodiments, the liquid laundry detergent composition is non-Newtonian. Although we do not wish to be bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have different properties from Newtonian liquids, more specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids depends on the shear rate, while Newtonian liquids have a constant viscosity regardless of the shear rate applied.The decrease in viscosity when shearing a non-Newtonian liquid is applied is thought to further promote the dissolution of liquid detergents. The liquid laundry detergent compositions described herein may have any suitable viscosity depending on factors such as the ingredients used and the purpose of the composition.

[0125] Examples of consumer products in this disclosure In a first embodiment, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for containing the detergent product, having a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, an opening on the opposite side of the base, and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall A box comprising: an upper flap having a portion and a clearance optionally in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm; a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper and side portion, the upper portion covering the opening and the side portion covering a specific portion of the first or second side wall when the lid is in the closed position; and a lock configured to keep the lid releasably in the closed position, wherein the second side wall contacts the distal edge when the box and / or the first and / or second side wall is deformed by the hands of an adult user, preferably with operating pressure.

[0126] In a second embodiment, considered independently of or in combination with the preceding embodiment, the consumer product comprises a lock, the lock comprising a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of a first or second sidewall, the actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the sidewall, the operating region facing the specific actuator, and enabling the specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in a closed position, the clearance such that the second sidewall contacts the distal edge when an operating pressure is applied.

[0127] In a third embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, the top covering the opening and the sides covering specific portions of the first or second side wall when the lid is in the closed position; A lock configured to keep the lid in a releasable position in a closed position, the lock comprising: a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of a first or second side wall, which is movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, which faces the specific actuator, and which, when the lid is in the closed position, allows the specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region; and an upper flap comprising a proximal flap portion connected to the upper portion of the first side wall, and a main flap portion having a distal edge and hinged to the proximal flap portion, wherein when the upper flap is in the closed position, the main flap portion is offset in the longitudinal direction of the container from the upper edge of the side wall toward the base.

[0128] In a fourth embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, the top covering the opening when the lid is in the closed position. The side portion comprises a lid covering a specific portion of a first side wall or a second side wall, and a lock configured to keep the lid releasably in a closed position, the lock comprising a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or a second side wall, the actuator movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side portion, the operating region facing a specific actuator, and allowing the specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in a closed position, the upper flap comprises a distal flap hinged to its distal edge and adapted to fold toward the upper edge of the second side wall when the upper flap is in a closed orientation.

[0129] In a fifth embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge opposite the base; an opening opposite the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, the top covering the opening and the sides covering the first side wall or when the lid is in the closed position. A lid covering a specific portion of a second side wall; a lock configured to keep the lid releasable in a closed position, the lock comprising: a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first or second side wall, which is movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, the operating region facing the specific actuator, which, when the lid is in the closed position, allows the specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region; the upper edge of the second side wall comprises at least one contact portion that restricts the movement of an upper flap away from or into a closed position, the at least one contact portion preferably located within a cutout of the second side wall.

[0130] In a sixth embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, the top being open when the lid is in the closed position. A lid covering an opening and having sides covering specific portions of a first or second side wall; a lock configured to keep the lid releasably in a closed position, the lock comprising: a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first or second side wall, the actuator movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the lid, the operating region facing the specific actuator, and allowing the specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in a closed position; the lock comprising: a lid having a recess at the distal edge of the upper flap, the recess preferably aligned with the specific actuator along the direction of the upper edge of the second side wall.

[0131] In a seventh embodiment, which can be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, the top being the opening when the lid is in the closed position. A lid covering the upper flap, the sides of which cover a particular portion of a first side wall or a second side wall; a lock configured to keep the lid in a releasable position in a closed position, the lock comprising: a particular actuator connected to a particular portion of the first side wall or a second side wall, the actuator movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the particular actuator; and a particular operating region located on a particular side of the side, the operating region facing the particular actuator, and when the lid is in the closed position, the operating region allows the particular actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the particular operating region; and the lock comprising, when an operating pressure is applied, the second side wall contacts the distal edge of the upper flap at at least two contact positions, the at least two of which are not adjacent.

[0132] In an eighth embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, the top covering the opening when the lid is in the closed position. The side comprises a lid covering a specific portion of a first side wall or a second side wall, and a lock configured to keep the lid releasable in a closed position, the lock comprising a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or a second side wall, the actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, the operating region facing the specific actuator, and allowing the specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in a closed position, wherein at least two contact positions are offset from the specific actuator by a certain distance in the direction of the upper edge of the second side wall, the distance preferably occupying 5% to 30% of the width of the container.

[0133] In a ninth embodiment, which can be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally having a top and side A lid comprising a lid, wherein when the lid is in a closed position, the top covers the opening and the sides cover a specific portion of a first side wall or a second side wall; a lock configured to keep the lid in a releasable position in a closed position, the lock comprising a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or a second side wall, the actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, the operating region facing the specific actuator, and when the lid is in a closed position, the operating region being able to displace the specific actuator from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region; and a lock comprising an upper flap in a closed position, wherein when the upper flap is in a closed position, the upper flap is , fold Contains 0.5 N·m ~ 5 N·m The resisting torque is hinged to the first side wall to counteract its movement away from the closed position.

[0134] In a tenth embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, and the lid being in the closed position The lock comprises a lid, the top of which covers the opening and the sides of which cover a specific portion of a first side wall or a second side wall, and a lock configured to keep the lid in a releasable position in a closed position, the lock comprising a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or a second side wall, the actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, the operating region facing the specific actuator, and when the lid is in the closed position, the operating region being able to displace the specific actuator from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region, the lock comprising the first side wall having a width, and the upper flap having a maximum width that is 20% to 99% of the width of the first side wall.

[0135] In an eleventh embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, and the lid taking a closed position The lid comprises a cover, the top of which covers an opening and the sides of which cover a particular portion of a first side wall or a second side wall; a lock configured to keep the cover in a releasable position in a closed position, the lock comprising a particular actuator connected to a particular portion of the first side wall or a second side wall, the actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the particular actuator; and a particular operating region located on a particular side of the side, the operating region facing the particular actuator, and when the lid is in the closed position, the operating region being configured to displace the particular actuator from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the particular operating region; the upper flap comprises at least one through hole that allows an adult's finger to fold the upper flap open.

[0136] In a twelfth embodiment, which can be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, and the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, when the lid is in the closed position, A lid comprising: a lid whose top covers an opening and whose sides cover a specific portion of a first side wall or a second side wall; a lock configured to keep the lid releasable in a closed position, the lock comprising: a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or a second side wall, the actuator movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, the operating region facing the specific actuator, and which, when the lid is in the closed position, allows the specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region; the side wall and / or top flap is made of a corrugated cardboard-based material having flutes oriented perpendicular to the upper edge of the first side wall.

[0137] In a thirteenth embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, the lid having a closed position The lid comprises a lid whose upper part covers the opening and whose sides cover a specific portion of a first side wall or a second side wall, and a lock configured to keep the lid in a releasable position in a closed position, the lock comprising a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or a second side wall, the actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, the operating region facing the specific actuator, and which, when the lid is in the closed position, allows the specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region, the upper flap being angled with respect to the second side wall at an angle of 70 to 110 degrees.

[0138] In a 14th embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge opposite the base, an opening opposite the base, and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation A box comprising: an upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, the top covering the opening and the sides covering a specific portion of the first or second side wall when the lid is in a closed position; and a lock configured to releasably hold the lid in a closed position, the lock being a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first or second side wall. A lock comprising: a specific actuator movable between a locked position and an open position by applying dynamic pressure to a specific actuator; a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, the specific operating region facing the specific actuator, and when the lid is in the closed position, the specific actuator can be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying operating pressure to the specific operating region; a specific portion of a first side wall or a second side wall is a first portion of the first side wall, the side covers a second portion of the second side wall, the specific actuator is the first actuator, the specific operating region located on the specific side is a first operating region located on the first side, the lock comprises at least one second actuator connected to a second portion of the second side wall, the specific operating region located on a specific side is a first operating region located on the first side, the lock comprises at least one second actuator movable between a locked position and an open position by applying operating pressure to the second actuator; and at least one second operating region located on a second side of the side, the second side covers a second portion of the second side wall.The invention further comprises at least one second operating region, each of which faces each second actuator of at least one second actuator, and which allows each second actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying operating pressure to each second operating region when the lid is in the closed position.

[0139] In a 15th embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising a base, side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge opposite the base, an opening opposite the base, and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, and optionally foldable between an open and a closed orientation. A box comprising: an upper flap having an upper flap that covers at least a portion of the opening when in a closed position, and the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising an upper and side portion, the upper portion covering the opening and the side portion covering a specific portion of the first or second side wall when the lid is in a closed position; and a lid that releases the lid to the closed position A lock configured to remain open, the lock comprising: a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of a first or second side wall, which is movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, the operating region facing the specific actuator, which, when the lid is in the closed position, allows the specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region; and a consumer product further comprising a stopper to prevent the upper flap from pivoting downward beyond the closed orientation, the stopper being at least one protruding tab of the upper flap that engages with a stopper recess located on the inner surface of the second side wall, or a stopper tab of the second side wall that protrudes from the inner surface of the second side wall and on which the upper flap rests when in the closed orientation.

[0140] In a 16th embodiment, which can be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from a second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, the lid being in a closed position A lid comprising, when removed, having an upper part that covers an opening and a side that covers a specific portion of a first side wall or a second side wall; a lock configured to keep the lid in a releasable position in a closed position, the lock comprising a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or a second side wall, the actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, the operating region facing the specific actuator, and when the lid is in the closed position, the operating region being configured to displace the specific actuator from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region; the upper flap comprising a main flap portion and an inclined flap portion angled downward with respect to the main portion.

[0141] In a 17th embodiment, which can be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the consumer product comprises a detergent product and a container, the container being a box for housing the detergent product, comprising: a base; side walls extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base; an opening on the opposite side of the base; and an upper flap connected to the side wall, optionally hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, optionally foldable between an open and closed orientation, the upper flap covering at least a portion of the opening when in the closed orientation, the upper flap having a distal edge separated by clearance from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall; and a lid configured to removably cover the opening of the box, the lid optionally comprising a top and sides, the top being when the lid is in the closed position A lid covering an opening, the side of which covers a specific portion of a first side wall or a second side wall; a lock configured to keep the lid releasably in a closed position, the lock comprising: a specific actuator connected to a specific portion of the first side wall or a second side wall, the actuator movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator; and a specific operating region located on a specific side of the side, the operating region facing the specific actuator, and when the lid is in the closed position, the operating region allows the specific actuator to be displaced from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific operating region; the upper flap comprises at least one recess having a certain shape, and the specific actuator having a shape corresponding to the shape of at least one recess.

[0142] In an 18th embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, a method for opening a consumer product according to any of the preceding embodiments, optionally, includes displacing a specific actuator from a locked position to an open position by applying an operating pressure to a specific operating region when the lid is in a closed position, wherein the clearance between the distal edge of the upper flap and the side wall is such that the side wall comes into contact with the distal end when the operating pressure is applied.

[0143] In a 19th embodiment, which is considered independently of the prior embodiments or in combination with any of the prior embodiments, a method for opening a consumer product according to any of the prior embodiments optionally includes pulling the lid away from the base and / or folding the top flap to allow access to the detergent product.

[0144] In a 20th embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, a method for opening a consumer product according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein, when an operating pressure is applied by an adult's hand, the second sidewall bends until it contacts the distal edge, and the upper flap has sufficient rigidity to prevent the second sidewall from bending further under the operating pressure applied by an adult's hand.

[0145] In a 21st embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, the closing method includes folding the upper flap into a closed position and sliding (or pivoting) the lid downward until the lock is engaged. The lock may engage automatically when the actuator springs back to the locked position. An audible sound (click) may be perceived by the user and constitute audio feedback indicating proper engagement of the lock.

[0146] A 22nd embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, is a method for packaging a detergent product to optionally obtain a consumer product according to any of embodiments 1 to 17, the method comprising: optionally setting the top flap in an open orientation; positioning the opening of the box below a dispensing system when the top flap is in an open orientation; dispensing the detergent product into the box when the box is below the dispensing system; optionally bouncing the detergent product over the top flap; optionally folding the top flap in a closed orientation when the detergent product is inside the box; and closing the box with a lid in response to folding the top flap.

[0147] In a 23rd embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, lid blanks and / or container blanks for forming lids and / or boxes described in any of embodiments 1 to 17 are provided. The lid blank may comprise a main panel intended to form the top and a secondary panel intended to form the sides. Working areas, i.e., recesses, notches, through holes (etc.), may be provided on the secondary panel of the lid blank. The lid blank may have fold lines intended to facilitate folding the lid blank into a lid. The box blank may comprise a main panel intended to form the side walls of a container. The box blank may comprise a secondary panel intended to form the base and a dust flap intended to connect the two side walls. The box blank may include fold lines intended to facilitate folding the box blank into a box. The box blank may comprise an upper flap panel, or the upper flap panel may be formed separately from the box blank. Next, the top flap panel can be glued to the side wall of the blank either before or after folding the blank into a box. The box blank may optionally have pre-cut lines positioned in the top flap, intended to form actuators.

[0148] In a 24th embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, a container blank is provided for forming a box, particularly for forming a consumer product such as in embodiment 16. The container blank comprises primary sidewall panels intended to form first and second sidewalls, and secondary sidewall panels intended to form lateral sidewalls. The container blank further comprises at least one upper flap hinged to each primary sidewall panel. The length of each upper flap may be less than the width of the lateral sidewall so as to provide clearance between the distal edge of the upper flap and the sidewall opposite to it (when the blank is folded into a box). At least one upper flap may each be provided with at least one wing flap extending from the side of the upper flap. The wing flaps are intended to construct inclined flaps as described in some of the embodiments above. The wing flaps may have a substantially trapezoidal shape.

[0149] A 25th embodiment, which may be considered independently of the preceding embodiments or in combination with any of the preceding embodiments, provides a method for forming a lid and / or box as described in any of embodiments 1 to 17. The method may include folding the panels and / or flaps of a lid blank to form a lid, and folding a box blank to form a box. The method may also include folding the top flap. The method may also include optionally tearing the actuator from the top flap from the panels of the box blank.

[0150] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​listed. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the listed value and the functionally equivalent range encompassing that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm." [combination] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) Consumer products (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising detergent products and containers (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), wherein the containers are A box (104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 904, 1004, 1304, 1404, 1504-1604) for containing the detergent product, the box is Base (110) and, Side walls (111, 112, 113, 114, 812, 912) extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the opposite side of the base, The opening (180) on the opposite side of the base, A box comprising: an upper flap (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, wherein the upper flap is foldable between an open and a closed position, covers at least a portion of the opening when in the closed position, and has a distal edge (192) separated from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall by a clearance (194), the clearance being 0.1 mm to 5 mm; A lid (106, 506) configured to removably cover the opening of the box, wherein the lid comprises an upper part (120) and side parts (121-124, 1621, 1622), and when the lid is in the closed position, the upper part covers the opening and the side parts cover a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, A lock (108) configured to keep the lid in the closed position in a releasable manner, wherein the lock is A specific actuator (130, 1203, 1303, 1403) connected to the specific portion of the first or second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, A lock comprising: a specific operating region (126, 526) located on a specific side of the side, the specific operating region facing the specific actuator, and the specific operating region enabling the displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying the operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in the closed position; The clearance is such that when the operating pressure is applied, the second side wall contacts the distal edge, in a consumer product. (Note 2) The consumer product as described in Appendix 1, wherein the upper flaps (290, 390, 590, 990) comprise a proximal flap portion (291) connected to the upper portion of the first side wall (111), and a main flap portion (293) having a distal edge portion (192) and hinged to the proximal flap portion (291), and when the upper flaps (290) are in the closed position, the main flap portion is offset in the longitudinal direction of the container from the upper edge portion of the side wall toward the base portion. (Note 3) The consumer product according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the upper flap (390, 990) is hinged to the distal edge and comprises a distal flap (397, 992) adapted to fold toward the upper edge (112.1) of the second side wall when the upper flap is in the closed position. (Note 4) The consumer product according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the upper edge of the second side wall comprises at least one contact portion (312) that restricts the movement of the upper flap out of or into the closed position, and the at least one contact portion is preferably located within a cutout portion of the second side wall. (Note 5) The consumer product according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the distal edge of the upper flap (490, 1790) is provided with a recess (492, 1792), the recess preferably aligned with the specific actuator along the direction of the upper edge of the second side wall. (Note 6) When the operating pressure is applied, the second side wall contacts the distal edge of the upper flap at at least two contact positions (497, 1797), and the at least two contact positions are not adjacent, as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 7) The consumer product as described in Appendix 6, wherein the at least two contact locations (497, 1797) are offset from the particular actuator by a certain distance in the direction of the upper edge of the second side wall, the distance preferably occupying 5% to 30% of the width of the container. (Note 8) The consumer product according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, wherein when the upper flaps (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) are in the closed position, the upper flaps are hinged to the first side wall such that the resistive torque contained in the folds of 0.5 N.m / m to 5 N.m / m counteracts their movement away from the closed position. (Note 9) The consumer product according to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, wherein the first side wall has a width (116), and the upper flap has a maximum width (196) that is 20% to 99% of the width of the first side wall. (Note 10) The consumer product according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, wherein the upper flaps (590, 690) are provided with at least one through-hole (592) that allows an adult's fingers to fold the upper flaps open. (Note 11) The consumer product according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, wherein the side walls (111-114, 812, 912) and / or the upper flaps (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) are made from a corrugated cardboard-based material having flutes oriented perpendicularly to the upper edge of the first side wall. (Note 12) In the closed orientation, the upper flap is angled with respect to the second side wall (112, 812, 912) at an angle (α) of 70 to 110 degrees, as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 11 of the consumer product. (Note 13) The specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall is the first portion of the first side wall, the side portion covers the second portion of the second side wall, the specific actuator is the first actuator, the specific operating region located on the specific side portion is the first operating region located on the first side portion, and the lock is At least one second actuator connected to the second portion of the second side wall, the second actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the second actuator, A consumer product according to any one of Annexes 1 to 12, further comprising: at least one second operating region located on the second side of the side, the second side covering the second portion of the second side wall, each of the at least one second operating regions facing the respective second actuator of the at least one second actuator, and enabling the respective second actuator to be displaced from the locked position to the open position by applying the operating pressure to each of the second operating regions when the lid is in the closed position. (Note 14) The consumer product according to any one of the appendices 1 to 13, further comprising a stopper for preventing the upper flap from pivoting downward beyond the closed position, wherein the stopper is at least one protruding tab (996) of the upper flap that engages with a stopper recess (912.1) located on the inner surface of the second side wall (912), or a stopper tab (818) of the second side wall that protrudes from the inner surface (816) of the second side wall and on which the upper flap rests when in the closed position. (Note 15) The consumer product according to any one of the appendices 1 to 14, wherein the upper flap comprises a main flap portion (1092) and inclined flap portions (1094, 1494) angled downward with respect to the main portion (1092). (Note 16) The consumer product according to any one of the appendices 1 to 15, wherein the upper flap comprises at least one recess (1392, 192a, 1492b) having a certain shape, and the particular actuator (1303, 1403a, 1403b) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the at least one recess (1392, 192a, 1492b). (Note 17) A method for opening a consumer product as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 16 (1800), (1810) Displacing the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in the closed position, wherein the clearance is such that the second side wall comes into contact with the distal end when the operating pressure is applied. Pulling the lid in the direction opposite to the base (1820), To allow access to the detergent product, the upper flap is folded down (1830), Methods that include... (Note 18) The method according to Appendix 17, wherein when the operating pressure is applied by an adult's hand, the second side wall bends until it contacts the distal edge, and the upper flap has sufficient rigidity to prevent the second side wall from bending further under the operating pressure applied by the adult's hand. (Note 19) A method for packaging detergent products to obtain any of the consumer products described in any one of the appendices 1 to 16 (1900), Setting the upper flap in the open position (1910), When the upper flap is in the open position, position the opening of the box below the distribution system (1920), Distributing the detergent product into the box when the box is under the distribution system (1930), When the detergent product is inside the box, the upper flap is folded in the closed position (1940), In response to folding the upper flap, the box is closed with the lid (1950), Methods that include...

Claims

1. Consumer products (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising detergent products and containers (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), wherein the containers are A box (104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 904, 1004, 1304, 1404, 1504, 1604) for containing the detergent product, the box is Base (110) and, Side walls (111, 112, 113, 114, 812, 912) extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the side opposite to the base, The opening (180) on the opposite side of the base, A box comprising: an upper flap (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, wherein the upper flap is foldable between an open and a closed position, covers at least a portion of the opening when in the closed position, and has a distal edge (192) separated from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall by a clearance (194), the clearance being 0.1 mm to 5 mm; A lid (106, 506) configured to removably cover the opening of the box, wherein the lid comprises an upper part (120) and side parts (121-124, 1621, 1622), and when the lid is in the closed position, the upper part covers the opening and the side parts cover a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, A lock (108) configured to keep the lid in the closed position in a releasable manner, wherein the lock is A specific actuator (130, 1203, 1303, 1403) connected to the specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, A lock comprising: a specific operating region (126, 526) located on a specific side of the side, the specific operating region facing the specific actuator, and the specific operating region enabling the displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying the operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in the closed position; The clearance is such that when the operating pressure is applied, the second side wall contacts the distal edge. A consumer product comprising a distal flap (397, 992) hinged to the distal edge of the upper flap (390, 990) and adapted to fold toward the upper edge (112.1) of the second side wall when the upper flap is in the closed position.

2. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the upper flaps (290, 390, 590, 990) comprise a proximal flap portion (291) connected to the upper portion of the first side wall (111), and a main flap portion (293) having a distal edge portion (192) and hinged to the proximal flap portion (291), and when the upper flaps (290) are in the closed position, the main flap portion is offset in the longitudinal direction of the container from the upper edge portion of the side wall toward the base portion.

3. A consumer product (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising a detergent product and a container (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), wherein the container is A box (104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 904, 1004, 1304, 1404, 1504, 1604) for containing the detergent product, the box is Base (110) and, Side walls (111, 112, 113, 114, 812, 912) extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the side opposite to the base, The opening (180) on the opposite side of the base, A box comprising: an upper flap (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, wherein the upper flap is foldable between an open and a closed position, covers at least a portion of the opening when in the closed position, and has a distal edge (192) separated from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall by a clearance (194), the clearance being 0.1 mm to 5 mm; A lid (106, 506) configured to removably cover the opening of the box, wherein the lid comprises an upper part (120) and side parts (121-124, 1621, 1622), and when the lid is in the closed position, the upper part covers the opening and the side parts cover a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, A lock (108) configured to keep the lid in the closed position in a releasable manner, wherein the lock is A specific actuator (130, 1203, 1303, 1403) connected to the specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, A lock comprising: a specific operating region (126, 526) located on a specific side of the side, the specific operating region facing the specific actuator, and the specific operating region enabling the displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying the operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in the closed position; The clearance is such that when the operating pressure is applied, the second side wall contacts the distal edge. A consumer product wherein the upper edge of the second side wall is provided with at least one contact portion (312) that restricts the movement of the upper flap out of or into the closed position.

4. The consumer product according to claim 3, wherein the at least one contact portion is located within the cutout portion of the second side wall.

5. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the distal edge of the upper flap (490, 1790) is provided with a recess (492, 1792), the recess being aligned with the specific actuator along the direction of the upper edge of the second side wall.

6. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein when the operating pressure is applied, the second side wall contacts the distal edge of the upper flap at at least two contact positions (497, 1797), and the at least two contact positions are not adjacent.

7. The consumer product according to claim 6, wherein the at least two contact locations (497, 1797) are offset from the particular actuator by a certain distance in the direction of the upper edge of the second side wall, the distance being 5% to 30% of the width of the container.

8. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein when the upper flaps (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) are in the closed position, the upper flaps are hinged to the first side wall such that a resistive torque of 0.5 N·m to 5 N·m contained in the fold counteracts their movement away from the closed position.

9. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the first side wall has a width (116), and the upper flap has a maximum width (196) that is 20% to 99% of the width of the first side wall.

10. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the upper flaps (590, 690) are provided with at least one through-hole (592) that allows an adult's fingers to fold the upper flaps open.

11. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the side walls (111-114, 812, 912) and / or the upper flaps (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) are made from a corrugated cardboard-based material having flutes oriented perpendicularly to the upper edge of the first side wall.

12. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein in the closed orientation, the upper flap is angled with respect to the second side wall (112, 812, 912) at an angle (α) of 70 to 110 degrees.

13. The specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall is the first portion of the first side wall, the side portion covers the second portion of the second side wall, the specific actuator is the first actuator, the specific operating region located on the specific side portion is the first operating region located on the first side portion, and the lock is At least one second actuator connected to the second portion of the second side wall, the second actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the second actuator, The consumer product according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one second operating region located on the second side of the side, the second side covering the second portion of the second side wall, each of the at least one second operating region facing each second actuator of the at least one second actuator, and enabling the displacement of each second actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying the operating pressure to each of the second operating regions when the lid is in the closed position.

14. A consumer product (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising a detergent product and a container (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), wherein the container is A box (104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 904, 1004, 1304, 1404, 1504, 1604) for containing the detergent product, the box is Base (110) and, Side walls (111, 112, 113, 114, 812, 912) extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the side opposite to the base, The opening (180) on the opposite side of the base, A box comprising: an upper flap (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, wherein the upper flap is foldable between an open and a closed position, covers at least a portion of the opening when in the closed position, and has a distal edge (192) separated from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall by a clearance (194), the clearance being 0.1 mm to 5 mm; A lid (106, 506) configured to removably cover the opening of the box, wherein the lid comprises an upper part (120) and side parts (121-124, 1621, 1622), and when the lid is in the closed position, the upper part covers the opening and the side parts cover a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, A lock (108) configured to keep the lid in the closed position in a releasable manner, wherein the lock is A specific actuator (130, 1203, 1303, 1403) connected to the specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, A lock comprising: a specific operating region (126, 526) located on a specific side of the side, the specific operating region facing the specific actuator, and the specific operating region enabling the displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying the operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in the closed position; The clearance is such that when the operating pressure is applied, the second side wall contacts the distal edge. A consumer product further comprising a stopper for preventing the upper flap from pivoting downward beyond the closed position, wherein the stopper is at least one protruding tab (996) of the upper flap that engages with a stopper recess (912.1) located on the inner surface of the second side wall (912), or a stopper tab (818) of the second side wall that protrudes from the inner surface (816) of the second side wall and on which the upper flap rests when in the closed position.

15. A consumer product (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising a detergent product and a container (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), wherein the container is A box (104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 904, 1004, 1304, 1404, 1504, 1604) for containing the detergent product, the box is Base (110) and, Side walls (111, 112, 113, 114, 812, 912) extending from the base, each side wall having an upper edge on the side opposite to the base, The opening (180) on the opposite side of the base, A box comprising: an upper flap (190, 290, 390, 490, 590, 690, 990, 1090, 1390, 1490, 1790) hinged to the upper portion of the first side wall of the side wall, wherein the upper flap is foldable between an open and a closed position, covers at least a portion of the opening when in the closed position, and has a distal edge (192) separated from the second side wall of the side wall opposite the first side wall by a clearance (194), the clearance being 0.1 mm to 5 mm; A lid (106, 506) configured to removably cover the opening of the box, wherein the lid comprises an upper part (120) and side parts (121-124, 1621, 1622), and when the lid is in the closed position, the upper part covers the opening and the side parts cover a specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, A lock (108) configured to keep the lid in the closed position in a releasable manner, wherein the lock is A specific actuator (130, 1203, 1303, 1403) connected to the specific portion of the first side wall or the second side wall, the specific actuator being movable between a locked position and an open position by applying an operating pressure to the specific actuator, A lock comprising: a specific operating region (126, 526) located on a specific side of the side, the specific operating region facing the specific actuator, and the specific operating region enabling the displacement of the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying the operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in the closed position; The clearance is such that when the operating pressure is applied, the second side wall contacts the distal edge. The consumer product comprises an upper flap having a main flap portion (1092) and inclined flap portions (1094, 1494) angled downward with respect to the main flap portion (1092).

16. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the upper flap comprises at least one recess (1392, 192a, 1492b) having a certain shape, and the particular actuator (1303, 1403a, 1403b) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the at least one recess (1392, 192a, 1492b).

17. A method (1800) for opening a consumer product according to claim 1, (1810) Displacing the specific actuator from the locked position to the open position by applying operating pressure to the specific operating region when the lid is in the closed position, wherein the clearance is such that the second side wall contacts the distal edge when the operating pressure is applied. Pulling the lid in the direction opposite to the base (1820), To allow access to the detergent product, the upper flap is folded down (1830), Methods that include...

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein when the operating pressure is applied by an adult's hand, the second side wall bends until it contacts the distal edge, and the upper flap has sufficient rigidity to prevent the second side wall from bending further under the operating pressure applied by the adult's hand.

19. A method (1900) for packaging a detergent product in order to obtain the consumer product described in claim 1, Setting the upper flap in the open position (1910), When the upper flap is in the open position, position the opening of the box below the distribution system (1920), Distributing the detergent product into the box when the box is under the distribution system (1930), When the detergent product is inside the box, the upper flap is folded in the closed position (1940), In response to folding the upper flap, the box is closed with the lid (1950), Methods that include...