Detergent Dosing Device

Abstract

A refill device for a multi-dosing detergent delivery device comprises: a plurality of dosage elements each containing an amount of detergent; and a disposable dosage element support means for containing said dosage elements and holding them in a specific configuration prior to use, wherein said specific configuration matches a compartment layout of a multi-chamber inlet part of a multi-dosing detergent delivery device and facilitates insertion of said dosage elements into said multi-chamber inlet part by a user without the user needing to handle any of said dosage elements directly. In one variant, primary retail packaging is provided mimicking the internal formation of the multi-chamber inlet part ( 400 ) such that the removal of a lid and subsequent inverting of a base portion of the packaging over the multi-chamber inlet part brings the dosage elements into correct registration with the chambers of the multi-chamber inlet part. In this variant, a user then needs to simply press on the base so as to eject the dosage elements into the multi-chamber inlet part. Plastics waste is minimal.

1 . A refill device adapted for use in a multi-dosing detergent delivery device, the refill device comprising:
 a plurality of dosage elements each containing an amount of detergent; and a   a disposable dosage element support means for containing said dosage elements and holding them in a specific configuration prior to use, wherein said specific configuration matches, in use, a compartment layout of a multi-chamber inlet part of a multi-dosing detergent delivery device and facilitates insertion of said dosage elements into such a multi-chamber inlet part by a user without the user needing to handle any of said dosage elements directly.   
   
   
       2 . A refill device according to  claim 1 , wherein said dosage element support means comprises: a dosage element holder including a base element from which a plurality of dosage element supports protrude, each dosage element support being adapted to receive a single dosage element. 
   
   
       3 . A refill device according to  claim 2 , wherein each dosage element support comprises a finger that projects upwardly from said base element and co-operates with its respective dosage element to hold said dosage element thereon. 
   
   
       4 . A refill device according to  claim 2 , wherein each dosage element support comprises retaining means at a distal end thereof so as to retain its respective dosage element thereon. 
   
   
       5 . A refill device according to  claim 1 , wherein said dosage element support means comprises: a dosage element holder comprising a multi-compartment base and a lid. 
   
   
       6 . A refill device according to  claim 5 , wherein said multi-compartment base comprises means for separating a plurality of said dosage elements from one another and keeping them spaced apart in such a manner that they assume a configuration to match a compartment layout of a multi-chamber inlet part of a multi-dosing detergent delivery device. 
   
   
       7 . A refill device according to  claim 6 , wherein said means for separating comprises upstanding divider parts formed as an integral part of the base. 
   
   
       8 . A refill device according to  claim 5 , wherein said multi-compartment base comprises a one-piece plastics element. 
   
   
       9 . A refill device according to  claim 5 , wherein said base includes means for ensuring a positive engagement between itself and the lid. 
   
   
       10 . A refill device according to  claim 5 , wherein the lid and base are formed so that when the lid is lifted from the base, a top part of each dosage element stands proud of the base so as to protrude therefrom. 
   
   
       11 . A refill device according to  claim 10 , wherein, in use, when the lid is removed and the base inverted the base is arranged so as to retain the dosage elements. 
   
   
       12 . A refill device according to  claim 10 , wherein, in use, to refill a multi-dosing detergent delivery device a user removes the lid from the base and inverts the base and then brings the protruding parts of the dosage elements into registration with empty compartments of a multi-chamber inlet part of a multi-dosing detergent delivery device. 
   
   
       13 . A refill device according to  claim 12 , wherein to displace the dosage elements into the compartments of the multi-chamber detergent delivery device the user presses on the bottom of the base to eject said dosage elements from said base into said compartments. 
   
   
       14 . A refill device according to  claim 13 , wherein said base is formed with a series of concentric rings/ridges which facilitate the pushing action so as to enable the bottom of the base to go from a generally flat form to a concave formation and urge the dosage elements out of the base. 
   
   
       15 . A refill device according to  claim 5 , wherein said base and lid form the primary packaging for a refill pack. 
   
   
       16 . A multi-dosing detergent delivery device comprising the refill device according to  claim 1 . 
   
   
       17 . A ware-washing machine provided impermanently with a refill apparatus or a multi-dosing delivery device according to  claim 16 . 
   
   
       18 . A multi-dosing detergent delivery device comprising the refill device according to  claim 1 , which further comprises a multi-compartment inlet part for the reception therein of said refill device. 
   
   
       19 . A ware-washing machine according to  claim 17 , wherein said ware-washing machine is an automatic dishwashing machine.