CN108138416B

CN108138416B - Application device for a fluid

Info

Publication number: CN108138416B
Application number: CN201680061335.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·内塔吉; S·萨姆巴穆尔蒂贾亚拉曼; A·拉斯托吉; D·蒂鲁梅尼
Original assignee: Unilever Nederland BV
Current assignee: Unilever Nederland BV
Priority date: 2015-10-20
Filing date: 2016-10-14
Publication date: 2020-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-14
Also published as: AR106398A1; ZA201801960B; EP3365486B1; CL2018000970A1; BR112018007833A2; PH12018500621A1; CN108138416A; WO2017067851A1; EP3365486A1; ES2761331T3

Abstract

The present invention relates to an application device (1) for releasing a fluid detergent composition onto a surface, the application device (1) comprising a container (2) for containing the fluid detergent composition; a fluid release system (3) housed in the container (2) and comprising a plunger (4) having a top (4a), a base (4b) and a resilient element (5); wherein the plunger base (4b) is provided with at least one sealing button (6) operatively cooperating with a corresponding fluid release port (7) on one face of the container (2), and the top (4a) of the plunger (4) opens into an air chamber (13) located in the wall of the container (2).

Description

Application device for a fluid

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an application device for a fluid to release an active agent onto a surface. In particular, the present invention relates to application devices for delivering to a surface a composition comprising an active ingredient suitable for cleaning a surface.

Background

The detergent composition is used for personal cleaning of a variety of surfaces, for example, laundry, hard surfaces, and skin and hair. Detergent compositions in the form of bars are quite common in many parts of the world, and products in the form of bars are considered convenient and economical to use.

In a typical laundering operation using a detergent composition, fabrics are laundered with the detergent by soaking in a detergent solution and/or rubbing a detergent bar onto the fabric. Among the various methods for washing laundry, the hand washing method is still the most widely used washing technique so far in developing countries. In general, the "hand wash" technique involves applying the detergent by rubbing a detergent bar on the fabric to be cleaned, and additionally the hand wash process is enhanced by using a washing tool such as a brush or a solid block for beating the fabric. Several other treatments with other actives are also provided to the surface to be cleaned, before and after washing.

The detergent bars are a convenient tool for removing spot stains such as those on collars and cuffs. The detergent bar ensures a high active concentration on the soil spots and thus ensures satisfactory cleaning. However, there are several problems associated with their use, for example, they are caustic to human skin due to direct contact with concentrated cleanser and the high pH associated with cleanser bars; they become pasty or wet-soft due to contact with water; they left white patches on dark fabrics; handling becomes problematic when the detergent bars are exhausted from use. These detergent bars contain high levels of inorganic materials that have specific functions such as the structuring and construction of the detergent bar and this results in the release of insoluble waste into the environment. It is also critical to provide an alternative that brings minimal changes to the consumer's habits and creates the same perception that the consumer experiences from conventional detergent bars.

US3,880,532B (American Industrial Development Corporation,1975) discloses a portable cleaning dispenser having a closed container with a plurality of interconnected walls surrounding and defining an interior cleaning agent storage space. At least one of the walls is flexible with a strong elastic memory and at least one of the walls defines a scrubbing means such as raised spaced ridges. Also included are integrated closed filling means and pierceable dispensing means. Preferably, the container is flexible plastic (e.g., polyethylene, etc.) and is of a size and shape that is convenient to handle for dispensing fluid soap, cleaning agents, and other cleaning agents.

US5230446B (Vaida,1993) discloses a squeezable container for dispensing liquid soap, preferably in the shape of a bar of soap, and including means for refilling the container with liquid soap to allow its reuse. It is desirable that the porous wall remain facing upward to prevent liquid soap from leaking out when the soap bar is not in use. The container is provided with a permeable wall which allows liquid to pass through only when squeezing pressure is applied.

WO9937849a1(P & G,1999) describes a hand-held cleaning device comprising a hollow body element having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion comprising a plurality of separate reservoirs; an abrasive surface attached to an outer portion of the hollow body member; and at least one passageway leading from each reservoir to the abrasive surface.

WO03/074775A1(Jesper Soberg) discloses a hand-held device for cleaning fabrics. It has a manually driven pump for pumping the cleaning substance through a localized area of material. The pump further comprises a resilient element having a force acting opposite to the direction of the manual pumping action. One example disclosed in this publication has a first reservoir containing air and a housing in which the first reservoir is telescopically collapsible. A piston-spring assembly is in the housing. The assembly requires a push pumping action to change the volume of the first reservoir from the inactive state. Once the stain or spot is observed, the cleaning fluid is placed on the spot and the device is held thereon. By performing a manual push pump action, air is forced out of the first reservoir and into the fabric. This results in cleaning fluid being pumped through the fabric. When the pressure for the pushing action is released, the resilient element in the housing causes air to be drawn back into the first reservoir, whereby the cleaning fluid is pulled through the fabric. The spots are removed by forcing the cleaning fluid back and forth through the fabric. The publication does not directly and explicitly disclose a device in which the plunger base has any feature, which is a sealing button operatively cooperating with a fluid release port in one face of the container (i.e., the device). This publication also discloses another example of a device in which there is an additional or second reservoir, which is used in the following manner. Water and detergent are filled into a first reservoir having an upwardly directed opening. The housing with the filled first reservoir is placed on the platform and the fabric is placed over the rim of the opening of the first reservoir such that the corresponding stain on the material is within the outer edge of the rim. The second reservoir chamber is then placed on the upper side of the porous material with its edge properly aligned in the edge of the first reservoir chamber. Pushing the second reservoir chamber downward causes liquid to flow from the first reservoir, through the porous material and into the second reservoir. When the pushing force is released, the resilient member presses the chamber back to the deactivated state, causing fluid to be drawn back into the first reservoir. Due to the elastic element (spring) a tight connection between the two chambers is maintained.

US6746166BA (Art CT College of Design,2004) discloses a device for effectively cleaning stains and extracting cleaning fluid from surfaces such as carpets and upholstery without the need for electrical power. It includes a sprayer for applying a cleaning fluid to the stain. A piston in the chamber provides a suction force for pulling fluid up through the small tube, past the check valve, and into the waste reservoir. The downward force on the piston provides suction, ensuring that the tubule is in contact with the surface during suction. The entire piston-spring mechanism in this device is configured to draw up the liquid, rather than dispensing it. The liquid/cleaning composition is dispensed by pressing a switch, much like a conventional steam iron with a button for spraying water onto the garment.

The prior art does not address the problem of providing a rigid leak-proof device that looks and simulates a conventional detergent bar without requiring any change in the consumer's habit of rubbing to trigger the dispensing of the composition. The prior art also does not provide a cue to the consumer as to dispensing a layer (a peel of) of fluid or effectively creating lather with minimal effort. The prior art also does not provide an effective and simple venting mechanism without which the composition flow would not be uniform.

The present inventors have been able to solve some of the problems associated with conventional direct application detergent bars and have been able to develop a solid shaped device filled with a composition having a benefit agent which is dispensed in use and which can mimic the use of conventional detergent bars. The present inventors have been able to solve at least some of the problems in the art by designing an actuator that controls the dispensing of active material from the device while at the same time being able to achieve efficient air ingress and avoiding the use of a one-way valve.

It also ensures that the composition is only dispensed during use by means of a simple mechanical actuator and does not leak during storage. An efficient air intake system enables the volume of composition being expelled to be replaced by air without the use of expensive one-way valves.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an application device that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of detergent bars while still providing the same or similar performance benefits.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an application device that, in use, causes minimal changes to the consumer's habits and simulates the use of conventional detergent bars.

Yet another object of the present invention is to ensure that the composition comprising the active substance is dispensed only during use and does not leak during storage.

Yet another object of the present invention is an efficient air intake system that enables the volume of composition being expelled to be replaced by air without the use of expensive one-way valves.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect of the invention, an applicator for a fluid is provided. The device comprises a container for containing a fluid composition; a fluid release system contained in a container includes a plunger having a top portion and a base portion and a resilient element. The plunger base contains at least one sealing button that operably mates with a corresponding fluid release port on one face of the container, and the top of the plunger protrudes into an air chamber located in the wall of the container.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for delivering a fluid composition to a substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) placing the device of the present invention having the fluid composition filled in the container on a substrate; and

(b) the device is pressed against the substrate to dispense at least a portion of the fluid composition through the fluid delivery port.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for cleaning a substrate is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: placing the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus comprising a cleaning fluid filled into a container; pressing the device against the substrate to dispense at least a portion of the fluid composition through the fluid delivery port; and rubbing the substrate with the device.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising a device of the present invention and an instruction manual for using the device to deliver a fluid composition through the device.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to application devices for fluids and more particularly to devices that mimic the manner in which conventional detergent bars are used, particularly during hand washing of laundry.

One aspect of the present invention provides an application device for a fluid. The device comprises a container for containing a fluid composition; a fluid release system contained in the container, comprising a plunger having a top portion and a base portion, and a resilient element; wherein the plunger base contains at least one sealing button that operably mates with a corresponding fluid release port on one face of the container, and the top of the plunger protrudes into an air chamber located in the wall of the container.

The present invention provides a device which simulates the use of a hand-held detergent bar, meaning in particular direct application to cleaning fabrics. The device may be filled with a fluid composition containing an active and designed to dispense the composition in use. To achieve minimal changes in consumer habits, it is advantageous to provide means to give the consumer the same experience as that obtained with a conventional hand-held cleansing bar. Sensory similarity is achieved by designing the device to resemble a conventional hand-held direct-application detergent bar as closely as possible in appearance and cognitive/tactile sensation.

Thus, the device preferably can be designed to look like a conventional detergent bar in appearance. In addition to appearance, it is essential that the consumer be provided with a cue for the delivery of the fluid composition comprising the active, without which cue the consumer may eventually over-use or under-use the composition contained within the device.

Device for measuring the position of a moving object

The device comprises a container for containing the fluid composition, the shape of the container being any convenient geometric shape, and the container preferably comprising a plurality of walls. Preferably, the container is parallelepiped, cube or spherical in shape.

The container is preferably provided with a fluid inlet to assist in filling the fluid composition into the fluid container. The inlet is preferably sealed or preferably provided with a gas-tight closure. The airtight closure mechanism preferably allows refilling of the container with the desired fluid composition.

The inner bottom wall of the container is preferably provided with a projecting slope (projected slope) extending downwardly between the inner surface of the container side wall and the centre of the inner surface of the container bottom wall. The provision of the ramp preferably assists in the efficient flow of the fluid composition to the fluid delivery port.

The outer wall of the container forms the shape of the application device and is preferably rigid and preferably made of a non-flexible material. The outer wall of the coating device is preferably in the range of 0.1mm to 5 mm. The material for the mold coating device is preferably selected from polymeric materials such as nylon, polyacrylate, polycarbonate, teflon, polyethylene, polypropylene, elastomers, rubber materials, and the like, and more preferably high density or low density polyethylene or blends thereof. Alternatively, the device is made of metal or reinforced plastic, laminate or glass.

The fluid release system is contained in a container that preferably extends between the face of the container having the fluid release port and an air chamber located in the container wall. It is preferred that the fluid release port and the air chamber are located on opposite sides of the container. It is further preferred that the fluid release system extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the container. The plunger preferably has a base, a shaft and a top, and preferably the base of the plunger is wider than the shaft.

The base of the plunger preferably has any suitable geometry. The plunger is made of a material preferably selected from the group consisting of polymeric materials such as nylon, polyacrylate, polycarbonate,

Polyethylene, polypropylene, elastomers, rubber materials and the like, more preferably high density or low density polyethylene or co-polymers thereofThe material of the mixture.

It is preferred that the fluid release system is activated by the application of a predetermined threshold pressure to the device by the user of the device. This threshold pressure is such that below the threshold pressure the fluid release system is not activated and the liquid is not released.

The top of the plunger is housed inside an air chamber located in the wall of the container. The face of the container with the air chamber is also provided with a vent opening into the air chamber. The second gasket is preferably disposed on an inner bottom surface of the air chamber through which the plunger protrudes into the air chamber. The arrangement of the washer is such that the washer is preferably positioned coaxially with the shaft of the plunger. The inner wall of the gasket is preferably offset from the outer surface of the shaft, thereby preferably forming an air intake passage between the air chamber and the reservoir. The second gasket is preferably made of a material selected from rubbers or foams having elastomeric properties, such as neoprene, silicone rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), polyurethane, and the like.

Plunger piston

The plunger preferably extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the container and the base of the plunger is provided with at least one sealing button operatively engageable with a corresponding fluid release port. The plunger base preferably contains a plurality of radially extending sealing buttons. The sealing button is preferably fixed to the base of the plunger or freely rotatable relative to the base of the plunger. It is preferred that the plunger base is provided with a first gasket exposing the sealing button. It is preferred that the sealing button extends radially and operatively engages a corresponding fluid release port on the bottom surface of the container. It is preferred that the sealing button extends completely out of the fluid release port and that the entire surface of the sealing button preferably comes into contact with the substrate when placed thereon. This configuration preferably substantially prevents the fluid composition from accumulating between the peripheral surface of the sealing button and the corresponding contact surface of the fluid release port.

The sealing button preferably extends beyond the bottom surface of the container, and more preferably extends 0.1mm-10mm and more preferably 0.1mm-5mm, which preferably ensures proper and controlled fluid release.

The sealing button is preferably made of a material selected from the group consisting of polymersMaterials such as nylon, polyacrylate, polycarbonate,

Polyethylene, polypropylene, elastomeric and rubber materials, and the like, and more preferably high or low density polyethylene or blends thereof.

The base of the plunger is preferably covered with a first gasket that exposes only the sealing button. The first gasket preferably prevents leakage of the fluid composition when the device is not in use. The first gasket preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.1mm-5mm and more preferably 0.1mm-2 mm. The first gasket is preferably made of a material selected from rubbers or foams having elastomeric properties, such as neoprene, silicone rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), polyurethane, and the like.

Elastic element

The resilient element preferably forms the shaft of the plunger or is preferably positioned coaxially with the plunger and more preferably coaxially around the shaft. The resilient element is preferably not in its rest position and is preferably under a slight pressure that provides a force on the plunger base to effectively seal the fluid dispensing opening when the device is not in use.

The resilient element is preferably in the form of a spring or bellows and is preferably made of a material that is non-reactive with the fluid composition contained in the container. The material of the elastic member is preferably selected from metals, polymeric materials such as nylon, polyester, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, rubbers or foams having elastomeric properties such as neoprene, silicone rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), polyurethane, and the like. It is preferred that the resilient element is a spring and more preferably has a spring constant in the range of 10-1000N/m and more preferably 100-400N/m. The resilient element is preferably made of metal and more preferably stainless steel.

Tool for providing friction

The device is preferably provided with means for generating friction and/or generating foam, and more preferably means for generating friction and/or generating lather are provided on one wall of the device. Additionally and more preferably, they are on the wall of the device having the fluid release port and/or on chamfered surfaces on the wall of the device, and more preferably between the top and bottom surfaces of the device. The means for providing friction and/or soap scum generation is preferably selected from a plurality of recesses or protrusions or a plurality of extended filaments or a combination thereof.

The means for providing friction and/or lather generation is preferably in the form of a structured pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the structured pattern is an array of recesses acting as air pockets. In a preferred embodiment, for example when a detergent containing strip is rubbed on the fabric and released as a fluid detergent, the detergent active, as well as water present in the fabric, is mixed with air supplied from the air pocket, resulting in the generation of soap bubbles. The resulting lather is preferably suggestive of consumer use as a cleanser delivery. Thus, the means for providing friction also contributes to the uniform dispersion of the fluid and soap lather generation. The recesses may also preferably be replaced by projections, preferably semi-circular, wherein the spaces between the projections supply air for the generation of soap bubbles.

Fluid composition

The device may be, and preferably is, pre-filled with the fluid composition at the time of manufacture of the device, or the user may preferably be instructed to fill the fluid composition into the reservoir of the device. It is also possible as a preferred feature that the solid precursor may be fluidised in a vessel of the apparatus. It is particularly preferred that the fluid composition is a laundry detergent composition in liquid form. The term fluid does not refer to air or any other gas.

The fluid composition is preferably selected from detergent compositions which may be used for cleaning laundry, hard surfaces or for personal hygiene or for providing benefits in subsequent washes.

The fluid composition to be delivered by the device is preferably in the form of a fluid, paste or gel. It is also preferred that the solid composition is dissolved in a suitable solvent and filled into the container of the apparatus, or preferably that the solid composition is converted into a fluid composition by mixing a suitable solvent with the solid composition within the container of the apparatus.

The cleaning composition used in the device is preferably any suitable detergent composition that is commercially available or specially formulated. The composition preferably comprises from 5 to 50% by weight of the composition of a detergent active, preferably selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic or zwitterionic surfactants or mixtures thereof. Preferably other benefit agents such as builders, abrasives, perfumes, colorants, polymers, hydrotropes, fluorescers, enzymes, bleaching agents may also be used in the composition and are preferably present in amounts up to 10 wt%.

Filling of fluid compositions in devices

The composition is preferably filled into the container of the device through an inlet of the device, which inlet is preferably provided with a gas-tight closure mechanism.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for delivering a fluid composition onto a substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) placing the device of the present invention having the fluid composition filled into the container on a substrate; and

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for cleaning a substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) placing a device of the present invention comprising a fluid composition filled into a container;

(b) pressing the device against the substrate to dispense at least a portion of the fluid composition through the fluid delivery port; and

(c) rubbing the substrate with the device.

The method of cleaning a substrate preferably further comprises a rinsing step. More preferably the washing is performed with a suitable solvent such as water.

The device is placed on the substrate with the bottom of the device in contact with the substrate and preferably the plunger is plugged into the device by preferably compressing the resilient element preferably from its initial position, preferably when the device is pressed onto the substrate. The plunger is preferably moved upwardly and the first gasket is preferably disengaged from the fluid release port, thereby allowing the fluid composition to be released out of the container and onto the substrate. The top of the plunger is preferably simultaneously disengaged from the second gasket, thereby preferably opening the air intake passage to allow the volume of fluid released from the container to be replaced by air inside the container. When the user stops pressing the device, preferably the resilient element returns to preferably its initial position, whereby the first gasket preferably closes the fluid release port and the top of the plunger preferably re-engages with the second gasket, thereby closing the air intake passage, which preferably results in an effective stop of dispensing of the fluid composition from the container.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising:

(a) the apparatus of the present invention; and

(b) an instruction manual for using the device to deliver the fluid composition through the device.

The device and the instruction manual for using the device to deliver the fluid composition through the device are preferably packaged as a single unit. The device is preferably prefilled with a fluid composition, or preferably at least one packaged fluid active is provided as part of a kit in the form of a single use cartridge, preferably with instructions for filling the cartridge into the container of the device through the inlet.

The dispensing of the fluid can be achieved via alternative actuating means by appropriate modification of the design of the device.

In such devices, the plunger contains the additional feature of an actuating base that is capable of making primary contact with the substrate when the sealing button is retracted well above the substrate. The action of pressing/rubbing the device on the fabric causes an upward movement of the actuation base, which raises the sealing button and the first gasket through the common interconnection (interlock) between the actuation base and the sealed knob.

In a further alternative, the actuation point of the plunger is made the same as the top surface of the container. The top surface is interconnected by an actuating strut and an interconnecting and sealing button pivotally attached to the inner surface of the bottom surface of the container. The action of pressing/rubbing the device against the fabric causes the top surface of the plunger to plug into the interior of the device. This causes the actuator linkage to lift the seal button, thereby further compressing the spring. The first gasket disengages from the fluid release port, thereby allowing fluid to be released onto the fabric.

The invention will now be further illustrated by the following non-limiting figures and examples.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the coating device, showing the air inlet channel.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a coating device with a tool for providing friction.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the applicator device when the plunger is in the closed position and fluid is not released.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the applicator device when the plunger is in the open position for releasing fluid.

Fig. 5 shows a device bottom with a plurality of radially extending sealing buttons.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another device according to the invention.

Figure 7a shows the device of figure 6 with the dispensing valve in the closed position.

Figure 7b shows the device of figure 6 with the dispensing valve in an open position.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of yet another device according to the invention.

Figure 9a shows the device of figure 8 with the dispensing valve in the closed position.

Figure 9b shows the device of figure 8 with the dispensing valve in an open position.

Detailed description of the drawings

In the detailed description of the drawings, the sequence of numbers beginning with reference number (1) is used for fig. 1-5. Likewise, the sequence of numbers beginning with reference numeral (100) is used for FIGS. 6 and 7a/7 b. Similarly, the sequence of numbers beginning with reference numeral (200) is used to describe the features of FIGS. 8 and 9a/9 b.

Like reference numerals are used to refer to like features of various example devices in accordance with the invention.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view of the coating apparatus is shown showing the air inlet passage.

The application device (1) as shown in fig. 1 comprises a container (2) for containing a fluid composition and a fluid release system (3) extending between a top surface (2a) and a bottom surface (2b) of the fluid container (2) and comprising a plunger (4) having a plunger top (4a), a plunger base (4b) and a shaft (4c), the shaft (4c) having a coaxially arranged resilient element (5). The container is formed of a plurality of walls 16a-16d as shown in fig. 1 and the other two walls are not visible in cross-sectional view. The plunger base (4b) is provided with at least one sealing button (6) operatively cooperating with a respective fluid release port (7). At the bottom face of the plunger base (4b) there is a first gasket (11) which operatively closes the fluid release port. The top (4a) of the plunger is housed inside an air chamber (13) located in a wall (16a) of the top face (2a) of the fluid container (2). The top surface (2a) of the container is also provided with a vent (10) which opens into the air chamber (13). A second washer (9) is placed on the inner bottom surface of the air chamber such that the second washer (9) is positioned coaxially with the shaft (4c) of the plunger. The inner wall of the second gasket (9) is offset from the outer surface of the shaft (4c) so as to form an air intake channel (12) between the air chamber (13) and the fluid container (2), which is also shown in the enlarged view. The inner bottom wall of the fluid container (2) is provided with a protruding slope (14) extending downward between the inner surface of the side wall of the fluid container and the center of the inner surface of the bottom surface (2b) of the fluid container (2). The fluid container (2) is also provided with a fluid inlet (8) to assist filling of the fluid composition into the fluid container (2).

When the user places the device on the substrate and presses/rubs the device on the substrate, the plunger (4) is inserted inside the device by compressing the resilient element (5) from its initial position. As shown in fig. 4, when the plunger is moved upwardly, the first gasket (11) disengages from the fluid release port (7), allowing the fluid composition to be released outside the container and onto the substrate, as shown by the two downward arrows at the bottom surface (2b) of the container (2). At the same time, the top (4a) of the plunger is also disengaged from the second gasket (9), thereby opening the air intake passage (12) to allow air from the air vent (10) to enter the container (2) via the air intake passage (12), allowing the volume of fluid released from the container to be replaced by air within the container. When the user stops pressing/rubbing the device as shown in fig. 3, the elastic element (5) returns to its initial state in which the first gasket (11) closes the fluid release port (7) and the top (4a) of the plunger re-engages with the second gasket (9), thus closing the air intake passage (12), resulting in an effective stop of the dispensing of fluid from the container.

Fig. 5 shows a device base with a plurality of radially extending sealing buttons and fig. 2 shows a tool (15) for providing friction and/or generating soap bubbles.

Referring now to fig. 6, there is shown a cross-sectional view of another apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, reference is also made to fig. 7a and 7 b.

The application device (101) as shown in fig. 6 comprises a container (102) for containing a fluid composition and a fluid release system (103) extending between a top surface (102a) and a bottom surface (102b) of the fluid container (102) and comprising a plunger (104) and a coaxially arranged resilient element (105) in the form of a spring. The plunger is comprised of a top (104a), a base (104b), a shaft (104c), actuation struts (119a,119b), and actuation bases (118a,118 b). The actuating strut protrudes through the bottom surface (2b) to the outside of the container (102) and is capped by the actuating base (118a,118 b).

The actuating base forms the contact point of the device with the substrate. The opening through which the actuating strut protrudes into the bottom face (102b) outside the container (102) is sealed by means of bellows (117a,117 b). The container is formed from a plurality of walls (116a-116 d).

When a user places the device on a substrate and presses/rubs the device thereon, the plunger (104) plugs into the device interior by means of an actuation base (118a,118b) that contacts the substrate. The bellows (117a,117b) and spring (105) provide space for the plunger to move away from the base because it is in a compressed state compared to the original position.

As shown in fig. 7b, when the plunger is moved upward, the first gasket (111) disengages from the fluid release port (107), allowing the fluid composition to be released onto the substrate, as shown by the two downward arrows at the bottom surface (102b) of the container (102). At the same time, the top (104a) of the plunger also disengages from the second gasket (109), thereby opening the air intake passage (112) to allow air from the vent (110) into the container (102) via the air intake passage (112), allowing a specific volume of fluid released from the container to be replaced by air.

When the user stops pressing/rubbing the device as shown in fig. 7a, the resilient elements (105,117a and 117b) return to their original state in which the first gasket (111) closes the fluid release port (107) and the top (104a) of the plunger reengages the base of the air chamber (113), thereby closing the air intake passage (112), resulting in the cessation of fluid dispensing.

Referring to fig. 8, there is shown a cross-sectional view of another apparatus according to the present invention. Reference is also made to fig. 9a and 9 b.

The application device (201) as shown in fig. 7 comprises a container (202) for containing a fluid composition and a fluid release system (203) extending between a top surface (202a) and a bottom surface (202b) of the fluid container (202) and comprising a plunger (204) and a resilient element (205) in the form of a spring. The plunger is made up of a top (204a), actuating struts (204b and 204c) and actuating linkages (217a and 217 b). The plunger top (204a) forms the top surface of the coating device (201) and enters the interior of the container (202) through an air inlet channel (212) present in the top (202a) of the fluid container by means of actuating struts (204b and 204 c).

The intake passage (12) is sealed by means of second gaskets (209a and 209b) operatively placed on the actuating struts (204a and 204 b). The bottom portions of the actuating struts (204a and 204b) are connected to the sealing button (206) by means of actuating connections (217a and 217b) pivoted on pivot bases (219a and 219b) located on the inner surface of the bottom face (202b) of the container. The spring (205) is in a pre-stressed state between the top surface of the sealing button and the bottom portion of the protrusion (218) from the inner surface of the top (202a) of the fluid container (202).

When the user places such a device on a substrate and presses/rubs the device on the substrate, the plunger tip (204a) plugs into the device. This causes the actuating connections (217a and 217b) to lift the sealing button (206) further compressing the spring (205) and the first gasket (211) to disengage from the fluid release port (207). This results in the release of the fluid composition onto the substrate, as shown in fig. 9b by the two downward arrows at the bottom surface (202b) of the container (202).

At the same time, the second gaskets (209a and 209b) of the plunger are also disengaged from the air intake channel (212), allowing air to enter the container (202). When the user stops pressing/rubbing the device as shown in fig. 9a, the elastic element (5) returns to its original state in which the first gasket (211) closes the fluid release port (207) and the second gaskets (209a and 209b) of the plunger reengage with the air intake passage (212), thereby closing it. This results in an effective cessation of dispensing of fluid from the container.

Examples

Example 1

a) Cleaning efficiency of coating device

A fluid (liquid) detergent formulation was prepared. The compositions are described in table 1. 42g of linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acid (LAS acid) were mixed with 348g of deionized water with stirring and neutralized with 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution until a pH of 8 was reached. After neutralization, 10g of monopropylene glycol and 57g of sodium lauryl ether sulfate 3eo (sles) were added with mixing.

Table 1: composition of fluid detergent formulation

The above composition was filled into the coating apparatus of fig. 1 and its performance compared to a commercial detergent bar having the same amount of surfactant.

Consumer soiled polyester cotton collar inserts (collar inserts) were collected and each collar insert was divided into two parts to ensure uniform soil levels for testing the application device and commercial detergent bars. 0.5g of the composition was applied from an applicator or commercial strip onto each half of the collar to ensure that the same amount of surfactant was delivered from both, followed by 20 wipes with a brush. The fabric was washed with water at a water-to-fabric ratio of 10. The washed fabrics were dried and evaluated on a scale of 0-10 with the aid of a trained panel of experts, where smaller numbers indicate better cleaning. The data are summarized in table 2.

Table 2: scoring of collar cleanliness provided by panel of experts

Commercial detergent bar	Coating device with fluid
		2.1	1.8
2.6	2.3
		2.4	2.5
2.4	2.6
		1.7	1.5
2.2	2.4
		1.9	2.2
2.6	2.9
		2.2	2.0
2.6	2.6
		Averaging: 2.27	Averaging: 2.28

The data presented in table 2 shows that half of the collars washed with the commercial bar and the application device containing the fluid cleaner were equally cleaned.

b) Evaluation of efficiency of an applicator for generating soap lather

Polyester cotton garments (25X 12cm size; 4.6g) were immersed in a detergent solution containing 5g/l detergent. The liquid to clothes ratio was maintained at 3.5.

Two coating devices (one with the means for providing friction as shown in fig. 2, where the means for providing friction is in the form of a recess at its base and the other without such a feature) are rubbed individually on the fabric. A total of 20 rubs were given to the garment using the coating device.

The soap bubbles generated on the surface of the clothes were collected and the volume of the soap bubbles was measured using a measuring cylinder. The results are given in table 3 below.

Table 3: volume of soap bubbles produced

It is evident from the above table that providing a recess at the base of the applicator device increases the soap lather generated on the surface of the garment.

Claims

1. An application device (1) for a fluid detergent composition, the device comprising:

(i) a container (2) for containing a fluid composition;

(ii) a fluid release system (3) housed in the container (2) comprising a plunger (4) having a top portion (4a) and a base portion (4b) and an elastic element (5); the plunger base (4b) comprises at least one sealing button (6) operatively cooperating with a corresponding fluid release port (7) in one face (2b) of the container (3), and the top (4a) of the plunger protrudes into an air chamber (13) located in the wall of the container (3);

characterised in that the air chamber (13) is provided with a second gasket (9) at its bottom inner surface through which the plunger (4) protrudes into the air chamber, thereby forming an air intake passage (12) between the air chamber (13) and the container (2) allowing the volume of fluid released from the container when the device is actuated by the application of pressure to be replaced by air within the container; the top portion (4a) of the plunger (4) is configured to re-engage with the second gasket and close the air intake passage when the applied pressure is removed.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the container (2) comprises a plurality of walls (16a-16 d).

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid release system extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the container (2).

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plunger base (4b) is provided with a first gasket (11) exposing the sealing button (6).

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic element (5) forms a shaft (4c) of the plunger (4) or is positioned coaxially with the shaft of the plunger (4).

6. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plunger base (4b) comprises a plurality of radially extending sealing buttons (6).

7. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of radially extending sealing buttons (6) are operatively associated with a corresponding plurality of radially extending fluid release ports (7).

8. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall of the device is provided with means (15) for providing friction.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the means (15) for providing friction is selected from a plurality of recesses or protrusions or a plurality of extended filaments or a combination thereof.

10. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plunger (4) comprises an actuation base (118a,118b) capable of acting as a contact point for the device with a substrate, and pressing the device in use causes an upward movement of the actuation base which causes the sealing button (206) to move away from the substrate.

11. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the top surface of the container is interconnected with the sealing button (6) by an actuating strut (204b,204c) and an actuating link (217a,217b) pivotally connected (219a,219b) to the inner surface of the bottom surface of the container.

12. A method for delivering a fluid cleaner composition to a substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) placing the device of claim 1 on the substrate, wherein the fluid composition fills the container; and

(b) pressing the device against the substrate to dispense at least a portion of the fluid detergent composition through the fluid release port (7), and wherein this step comprises disengaging the top of the plunger from the second gasket (9) to open the air intake passage (12), allowing the volume of fluid released from the container (2) to be replaced by air within the container (2).

13. A method for cleaning a substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) delivering a fluid detergent composition according to claim 12 onto the substrate; and

(b) rubbing the substrate with the device (1).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method comprises a washing step.