CN219651801U - Containers, display units and kits for dispensing viscous fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

Containers, display units and kits for dispensing viscous fluids. The container includes a dispensing device having a dip tube extending toward a first region of the bottom of the container. The container includes legs which, in use, extend from the second region of the base to raise the second region of the base so that the base is inclined relative to the surface when the container is placed on a surface.

Description

Containers, display units and kits for dispensing viscous fluids

Technical field

The utility model relates to a container, a display unit and a kit for dispensing viscous fluids.

Background technique

Many fluids used in the home can be packaged in conveniently sized containers and sold to consumers. For fluids, these containers are usually bottles. Typically, bottles contain polymeric materials; their use is for cost reasons, as well as the lightness this material provides, and the flexibility/ease of molding this material into a variety of bottle shapes.

Bottles often have a closure either as a simple top or as a valve, which must be activated/removed to access the contents of the bottle. A pump assembly (and associated dip tube) may be provided in addition to or in place of the closure. This applies to some materials and ways of using them, such as hand soap.

Many fluids for home use, especially personal care formulations, are increasingly offered to consumers through non-traditional sales channels, such as mail order and through e-commerce. Unlike traditional shopping routes, these sales channels have a higher demand for compact/sturdy packaging. Additionally, as consumers move away from traditional retail stores, packaging needs to be intuitively usable and highly sustainable (the ability to recycle/reuse packaging).

For fluids with high viscosity, including certain personal care formulations such as some shampoos and conditioners, draining the entire contents of the bottle can be a problem. The viscosity of the contained ingredients is such that when the bottle is almost empty, the remaining contents can stick to the bottom or sides of the bottle, making their discharge difficult/impossible and even possible by shaking and/or squeezing bottle. This problem is further exacerbated for bottles that cannot be easily shaken or squeezed, such as those that include a dip tube/pump discharge arrangement.

Not being able to use all of the bottle contents is a disadvantage. First, it is problematic for consumers that they cannot utilize the full contents of the bottles they purchase. This can be frustrating considering the cost of some personal care ingredients, especially when leftover residue can be seen. Second, unused contents are likely to end up simply disposed of by consumers. This is environmentally wasteful in terms of energy and resources used to make the bottle contents, which must now be used to dispose of the bottle contents. These residual contents may end up in landfill.

Contents of the invention

The purpose of this utility model is to eliminate or reduce the above shortcomings.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a container for dispensing a viscous fluid, the container comprising a dispensing device having a dip tube extending towards a first region of the bottom of the container, wherein the container includes legs, when the container When placed on a surface, the legs in use and in the activated position extend from the second area of the base, raising the second area of the base such that the base is inclined relative to the surface, wherein the first area of the base is defined by greater than 20 ° angle.

The container of the present invention has been found to be advantageous in use. The main advantage is that, when compared to similar containers of the prior art, it has been found that the discharge of the contents of the container is maximized in use. This has been found to be beneficial to consumers and the environment. For the consumer, the amount of content wasted due to unused content is minimized, and therefore the cost of waste and associated frustration is also minimized. For the environment, any treatment required of the waste is minimized as the amount of unused content that must be disposed of is minimized. Furthermore, the efficiency of the resources used to create the content is maximized.

In use, when the legs are in the active position, the first area of the base is the lowest point of the base. The first area of the bottom is preferably closest to the surface and most preferably in contact with the surface.

The term fluid shall be taken to include materials in liquid (including gel) and/or powder (granular) form and mixtures thereof.

Typically, the second area of the base is remote from the first area of the base. Preferably, the bottom is generally planar.

Preferably, the first area of the bottom is adjacent a corner of the container bottom, for example where it meets the side of the container. Preferably, the second area of the bottom is adjacent the second corner of the bottom.

When the second area of the bottom is raised, the first area of the bottom preferably defines an angle with the surface on which the container is placed. Preferably, the angle is greater than 10°, greater than 15°, greater than 20°, such as about 25°, or greater than 30°. Preferably, the angle is less than 80°, less than 70°, less than 60° or less than 50°, such as about 45°, less than 40°, less than 35°, such as about 33°.

Likewise, the bottom of the container is preferably angled relative to its adjacent sides. Since the adjacent sides are generally vertical when placed on the surface, preferably the angle between the base and its adjacent sides is complementary to the angle between the base and the surface. For the sides of the first area adjacent the bottom, these angles add up to approximately 90°. For the sides of the second area adjacent the bottom, these angles add up to approximately 180°.

The dispensing device usually includes a pump. Most preferably, the pump includes a "pressure driven" pump, wherein downward pressure on a portion of the pump causes or allows fluid to be expelled therefrom, preferably through a nozzle. Preferably, the dispensing device is contained within a container for protection during transportation and/or storage prior to use. Most preferably, prior to use, the dispensing device is moved to a position where it can be activated/accessed by the user. Preferably, the pump has a collar for mounting on the container lid. The fluid passes through the dip tube to the pump. Discharging fluid from the pump and drawing fluid up the dip tube are preferably performed simultaneously.

Preferably, the pump includes a high output pump; that is, with each operation/activation of the pump, a large amount of fluid is displaced. Preferably, the pump discharges up to about 30 ml of fluid with each discharge operation.

Preferably, the dip tube extends towards the first region of the container bottom, adjacent/near the bottom, most preferably adjacent/near the corner of the bottom defined by the first region of the bottom and its adjacent sides. Preferably, there is a slight gap between the end of the dip tube and the first area of the bottom of the container to allow product access to the dip tube.

The container may comprise a single bladder material.

In a more preferred embodiment, the container includes a plurality of bladder materials. Preferably, the container includes a double bladder material: an inner bladder and an outer bladder. In use, a plurality of bladders are arranged adjacent to each other, preferably with no or very small gaps between them (especially near the bottom of the outer layer), preferably in a layered manner.

Typically, the endothelial bladder contains waterproof material. This material does not allow the passage of water and aqueous solutions/formulations. Typically, endothelial vesicles are also impermeable to other liquids, such as solvents, including but not limited to alcohols, fragrances, surfactants, and pH adjusters. The endothelial balloon may include a laminate material for at least a portion of its surface. Most preferably, the endothelial bladder contains a plastic material such as polyolefin (e.g. HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS), polyester (e.g. PET, PETE), polycarbonate; each of these or a combination thereof may be optional The ground is halogenated (such as PVC) or otherwise replaced. Alternatively, the plastic material used to form the bladder may contain a portion of recycled material. Most preferably, the endothelial bladder contains a plastic material, optionally including at least partially recycled materials, such as polyolefins (eg HDPE, LDPE, rLDPE) and/or polyester fibers (eg PET, rPET).

Typically, the outer bladder includes cardboard material. Paperboard can be coated or laminated. Cardboard can be provided with a cushioning inner layer. Paperboard can include multiple panels of material. In this case, corrugated cardboard can be provided between the boards. The outer skin bladder can be manufactured in the form of a sheet or blank that is folded to create the container. In this case, it is preferable to form a sheet or blank to make all sides of the second bladder (and any other components). Most preferably, the sheet or blank is weakened (eg by scoring) to aid the folding process. The blank panel may include flaps or lugs that assist in the engagement of the sides of the bladder and are not visible when the bladder has been assembled into its final shape. Adhesive material can be used to hold the flaps or lugs in place.

Preferably, the outer bladder includes a movable and/or removable portion requiring activation to gain access to the dispensing device. This helps to prevent premature activation of the dispensing device (before activation); for example, after the container has been manufactured and before it has been sold and intended for use, such as during transport and storage. Preferably, this portion is provided near the top or lid of the container and preferably includes a portion of the lid and/or its adjacent sides. Preferably, this section includes a removable flap for folding it aside or tearing it open to gain access to the dispensing device. In one embodiment, once the dispensing device has been accessed and thus placed in operation, the movable flap can be restored back to or close to its original position. In this preferred embodiment, the movable flap may be hinged at a portion of the side of the bladder to allow movement. Furthermore, it may include a removable position (eg a tear strip) designed to accommodate a portion of the dispensing device when the flap has been restored to or close to its original position.

The bottom of the container can be reinforced to provide enhanced support for its contents. This reinforcement can take the form of a thicker base for either or both the endothelial and exothelial bladders. Most preferably, the outer bladder is thicker at its base. This thickening can be achieved by using higher/multiple thicknesses of bladder material; for example, a double thickness of material for the bladder at its base.

The cover of the outer bladder may be removable and/or removable such that the inner bladder portion of the container can be removed and replaced, for example after use. The preferred way to allow access to the endothelial bladder is by hinged to a location on the outer bladder. One such hinge position is at the top of the outer bladder, opposite the bottom.

Most preferably, the inner and outer bladders are for recycling after use.

When forming the container, the endothelial bladder is joined to the outer bladder (either before or after filling).

Preferably, the endothelial bladder is formed and filled before being attached to the outer bladder to form the container. The dispensing device is preferably in fluid communication with the interior of the endothelial bladder. When the endothelial bladder is formed, the dispensing device may be attached/placed in fluid communication with the endothelial bladder before or after the endothelial bladder has been filled. Preferably, the dispensing device is arranged near the top or lid of the container when the inner and outer capsules are adjacent.

The outer bladder may comprise retaining means for the endothelial bladder which must be activated after the endothelial bladder has been provided together with the outer bladder. Such retaining means preferably comprise a flap or flaps of the outer bladder. The flap or flaps are preferably folded after insertion into the endothelial bladder; folded around the endothelial bladder. After folding, the outer skin bladder is preferably glued in place. One or more flaps may be held in place by adhesive and/or by mating holes and tabs/extensions.

Most preferably, the legs comprise the same material as the outer bladder.

The legs may be formed as part of the bladder (connected to or integrated into the bladder), or the legs may be separate and used for adhesion to the bladder in use. When separated, the legs may be adhered by bonding (e.g., with adhesive) and/or by one or more mating extensions (e.g., flaps) and holes (e.g., slits) in the legs and outer bladder. To the outer bladder, the aperture is sized and shaped to receive the extension.

Typically, in the activated position, the legs extend from the second area of the bottom (of the bladder) to the surface on which the container is placed. In the activated position, preferably the legs are generally vertical.

The legs preferably comprise two parts; a support part and an attachment part. The support part is the second area for raising the base (in use and in the activated position). The attachment portion is intended (in use and in the activated position) to secure the support portion to the outer bladder so that the legs are not susceptible to displacement, for example by manipulation of the container relative to the surface on which it rests or accidental movement of the container, such that Lost active position. Preferably the attachment part is attached or joined to the support part. Most preferably, the support portion and attachment portion meet at a hinge or fold. Normally (in use and in the activated position) the attachment part is angled relative to the support position so that in use it is towards the bottom of the container. The legs may be pre-formed at such an angle when the container is in its activated position, or the legs may be designed to be positioned in this angular orientation by the user. The hinges or folds may be weakened (eg by scoring) to allow the user to angle the legs.

The support portion of the leg may include an extension of the side of the container adjacent the second region of the bottom. This has the effect that, in a conventional sense, the sides of the container adjacent the first and second areas of the bottom are of the same or similar length, even though the bottom does not extend between the ends of these sides. Preferably, the attachment portion of the leg includes a lug, preferably at or near its end; which, in use and in the activated position, is intended to be received by a mating hole in the bottom of the container. When the lug is inserted and retained in the mating hole, the support portion of the leg is able to fulfill its function of raising the second area of the bottom. A similar arrangement can be made for the support portions of the legs (when the legs are separate and do not include extensions of the sides of the bladder).

Most preferably, the legs comprise panels of material.

The container may include one or more secondary features. Such secondary features may be utilized in the use and/or manufacture of the container.

The most preferred example of a secondary feature is a structural aid for the dispensing device.

Preferably, the structural aids comprise a support for a part of the dispensing device which part may be arranged/adjacent against the support to aid its operation, in particular for a pressure-operated dispensing device. Typically when the dispensing device extends through a part of the top side (lid) of the outer bladder, the support may comprise a reinforced part of the second bladder, preferably a part of the top side. The support preferably additionally includes a strip of material extending between (and adjacent to) the reinforced portion of the top side of the outer bladder and its adjacent side, serving as a cantilever support. One or both of the reinforcement portion and/or strip of material may be perforated or otherwise modified to allow the dispensing device and/or its dip tube to extend therethrough and/or thereby.

The reinforcing cover preferably cooperates with a part of the dispensing device. As an example, the reinforced cover may provide a lip to support a portion of the dispensing device, such as a collar portion of the dispensing device. This is particularly useful for pressure-operated pumps to resist forces exerted by the user during operation. In use, it may be necessary to move the dispensing device, such as its collar, into engagement with the reinforcing portion, for example by pushing.

Another preferred example of a secondary feature is a lug on the side of the container adjacent the dispensing device. Such lugs permit or allow the vessel (to be filled) to abut against it and facilitate one-handed operation of the dispensing device.

Preferably, the container is used with household cleaning fluids. Preferred examples of such fluids include personal cleansing fluids such as soaps, shampoos and hair/skin conditioners. Other examples of such fluids include laundering (cleaning and/or conditioning), automatic dishwashing (washing and/or cleaning agents) and hard surface cleaning fluids.

It should be understood that many of these fluids are viscous. For example, some personal cleaning fluids can have typical viscosities of 3000 mPa.s to 5200 mPa.s at a shear rate of 16/s. The container of the present invention has been found to be particularly useful in assisting the efficient drainage of such viscous fluids while minimizing waste remaining in the container. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is assumed that with the leg arrangement provided by the container of the present invention, viscous fluids, especially at or near the end of the volume, can easily flow to the end of the dip tube, which means that it is Tube picking and subsequent distribution was greatly helped. The flow also occurs when the container is stored between uses.

Preferably, the container is used to fill or replenish a secondary container. Generally, it will be understood that the secondary container has a smaller volume than the container, such as 300 mL to 1 L. Typically, the container has a volume of up to 10 liters, for example 2L to 10L, preferably 3L to 10L, preferably 5L to 10L.

The outer bladder (optionally assisted by the inner bladder) must be elastic enough to provide support for a container of this size/weight. One way to achieve this support is by adjusting the thickness of the material used for the outer bladder (either entirely or at a portion thereof), and/or laminating the outer bladder, optionally including corrugation. It has been found that, in order to support containers of sizes 3L to 10L, it is preferred that the outer skin bladder has a thickness of up to 5mm on at least a part of it and preferably on its entirety.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided use of a container according to the first aspect of the invention in fluid discharge. It will be understood that any preferred features of the first aspect of the invention should be adapted mutatis mutandis to this aspect of use.

Preferably, multiple containers of the invention can be joined to form a display unit. Therefore, according to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a display unit comprising a plurality of containers of the first aspect of the invention united by engagement means.

The display unit of the present invention has been found to be very advantageous in use. The main advantage is that the display unit facilitates the containment of large quantities of fluid into an easily maneuverable unit. This provides enhanced simplicity in shipping fluids and storing fluids at the point of sale and at home. Furthermore, since at least a portion of each container making up the display unit is united, these united portions provide protection to each other during transportation and shipment. In addition, all the aforementioned advantages of the container of the present invention are realized.

The display unit's container is detached before use. Before use, the display unit can be thought of as a "compact form" in which the containers are still connected to each other so that the display unit occupies a small volume of space. Typically, the display unit includes breakable/removable engagement means to hold the containers together.

Preferably, the engagement means are intended to be removed/destructed prior to use of the container. The engagement means may include lugs that engage the adhesive material of each container. Alternatively, the engagement means most preferably comprise a sheet of material attached to each container. Preferably, the plates comprise the same material as the outer bladder or a similar material. The plate may be attached to each container by a breakable joint, such as a weakened and/or perforated/perforated joint.

Most preferably, the display unit comprises a cuboid (eg rectangular or cubic shape). This shape has been found to be advantageous in terms of maximizing space utilization, e.g. during shipment (e.g. when multiple display units are packaged together in a larger shipping container/secondary packaging) and/or during display (e.g. on supermarket shelves). Alternatively, the display unit may comprise a cylinder (eg, a circular, triangular, or hexagonal cylinder).

In the most preferred embodiment where the display unit includes two containers, each container forms one half of the display unit. Preferably here the angles defined by the bottoms of the individual containers relative to their adjacent sides are complementary so that when arranged together the individual containers form a larger identifiable geometry (preferably cuboidal/cylindrical) )shape. To achieve this, preferably the angle between the sides adjacent the first area of the bottom is approximately 65°. When arranged in a display unit, preferably the two containers are joined such that a first area of the bottom of the first container is adjacent to a second area of the bottom of the second container (and likewise a second area of the bottom of the first container is adjacent first area of the bottom of the second container).

In the display unit, the legs of one or more containers may be separate or part of the outer skin of one or more containers (as described above). Most preferably, the legs are provided in the area between container parts (preferably the bottom) that are joined together in the display unit. In fact, there is preferably a gap between the bottoms of the containers when they are joined together in the display unit. It has been found that when the legs are so positioned in the display unit, the likelihood of damage to the legs prior to use (eg during transport or handling at the point of sale) is greatly reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the legs are formed as part of the outer bladder (connected to or integrated into the outer bladder). Preferably, in the activated position, the legs extend from the second area of the bottom (of the bladder) to the surface on which the container is placed. In the activated position, preferably the legs are generally vertical. In the inactive position, when the containers are abutted to form a display unit, preferably the legs are folded or otherwise arranged between parts (preferably the bottoms) of the containers joined together.

Preferably, the display unit is used with household cleaning fluids. Preferred examples of such fluids include personal cleansing fluids such as soaps, shampoos and hair/skin treatments, skin creams, lotions and hand sanitizers. Other examples of such fluids include laundering (cleaning and/or conditioning), automatic dishwashing (washing and/or cleaning agents) and hard surface cleaning fluids. Most preferably, each container making up the display unit contains a different household cleaning fluid. In this preferred embodiment, different household cleaning fluids may complement each other. Examples of such complementary formulations include shampoos and conditioners; detergents and fabric softeners; and hand soaps and hand creams.

Each container in the display unit is preferably of the same or similar size. Alternatively, the containers in the display unit can be of different sizes. In a most preferred embodiment, where the display unit includes two containers, the first container may be larger (in terms of volume and/or weight of fluid therein) than the second container, for example 1.25 times larger or 1.5 times or 1.75 times larger or 2x or 2.5x or 3x.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided use of a display unit according to the second aspect of the invention in fluid discharge. It will be understood that any preferred features of the second aspect of the invention should be adapted mutatis mutandis to this aspect of use.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a display unit according to the second aspect of the invention and instructions for use, wherein the instructions optionally include separating the containers and arranging each container into an activated position details.

Preferably, the instructions inform the user how to arrange the legs of each container into the activated position and the dispensing device into the operating position (optionally including moving/activating any protection of the dispensing device, if present).

It has been found that the container of the first aspect of the invention, the display unit of the second aspect of the invention and the kit of the third aspect of the invention are easy to ship to consumers and are easy to recycle and/or reuse by consumers.

Description of the drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting drawings, in which:

Figure 1 includes a side view of a container 1 according to the invention in an operable state;

Figure 2 includes a side view of the display unit according to the present invention before it is placed in an operable state; and

Figures 3a to 3i comprise a series of figures illustrating the use of a display unit according to the invention.

Detailed ways

Referring to FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the container 1 includes an inner bladder 2 and an outer bladder 3 .

The endothelial sac 2 is wrapped in the outer sac 3 . The endothelial bladder 2 has associated therewith a pressure-operated pump 4 in fluid communication with its interior for draining the fluid contents of the endothelial bladder 2 .

The pressure-operated pump 4 includes a collar 5 arranged on the cover 6 of the bladder 3 , which supports it. The collar 5 is provided with enhanced support by support means 7 which extend across a portion of the cover 6 of the outer bladder 3 to its sides. This counteracts the pressing action of the dispensing pump 4 to ensure that the operation of the pressing pump 4 is efficient and does not damage the inner/outer bladder 3 during use.

A portion of the pump 4 and its dip tube 8 extend through a hole 9 in the support device 7 to the bottom of the outer bladder 3 .

In order to provide access to the pressure-operated pump 4 and to arrange the container 1 into an operating state (as shown), the outer bladder 3 includes a movable flap 10 . Once the dispensing device 4 has been accessed and put into operation, the movable flap 10 can be returned to its original position. The movable flap 10 includes a removable portion 11 (tear strip) designed to accommodate a portion of the pressure pump 4 .

The bottom 12 of the bladder 3 is angled relative to the surface on which it is provided. The base 12 has a first area 13 and a second area 14 towards which the dip tube 8 extends. The first area of bottom 12 is the lowest point of bottom 12. The second area 14 is raised relative to the surface on which the container 1 is arranged by the presence of the legs 15 .

The legs 15 comprise panels of material. The legs 15 are folded to form two parts: a support part 16 and an attachment part 17 . The support portion 16 of the leg 15 extends from the second area 14 of the base 12 and the attachment location 17 of the leg 15 extends from between the first and second areas 14 of the base 12 . The support portion 16 is generally vertical (when viewed relative to the surface on which the container 1 is placed). In FIG. 1 , the support portion 16 of the leg 15 includes an extension of the side of the outer bladder 3 of the container 1 . This has the effect that the sides of the container 1 adjacent the first 13 and second 14 areas of the bottom 12 have the same length, even though the bottom 12 does not extend in the conventional sense between the ends of these two ends.

The attachment portion 17 of the leg 15 includes a lug 17a at its end; which in use is received by a mating hole (not shown) in the bottom 12 of the container 1 .

The outer capsule 3 includes a pair of lugs 18 on the side of the container 1 adjacent the dispensing device. Such a lug 18 permits or allows the vessel to abut against it and facilitates one-handed operation of the dispensing device 4 .

Referring to Figure 2, it can be seen that the display unit 19 includes two containers 1 (as described above).

The two containers 1 are joined to form a display unit 19 .

The display unit 19 includes breakable engagement means 20 to hold the containers 1 together.

The engagement device 20 is intended to be removed/broken before use of the container 1 .

The joining device 20 consists of a sheet of material attached to each container 1 . The plate 20 consists of the same material as the outer bladder 3 or a similar material. A plate 20 forms part of the side of the outer bladder 3 and is attached to each container 1 by a breakable perforated joint 21 to facilitate removal. The outer bladder 3 includes several layers of material. The splicing device plate 20 is the outermost of these layers.

The display unit 19 includes a rectangular parallelepiped.

Each container 1 forms one half of the display unit 19 . The angles defined by the bottoms 12 of the individual containers 1 relative to their adjacent sides are preferably largely equal and complementary (for example approximately 45°), so that when arranged together the individual containers 1 form a larger identifiable Geometric cuboid shape.

In the display unit 19 , the legs 15 comprise an extension of the side of the container 1 adjacent the second area 14 of the bottom 12 . When in the display unit 19, the legs 15 are folded. After the display unit 19 has been separated into two containers 1, the legs 15 can be extended so that the second area 14 of the bottom 12 is raised by the support portion. The attachment portion 17 of the leg 15 includes a lug at its end; which in use is received by a mating hole in the bottom 12 of the container 1 .

The operation of the display unit 19 is as shown in Figures 3a to 3h.

First, the user removes the coupling device from the display unit 19 and separates the two containers 1 .

The user then folds the legs 15 so that the support portion 16 extends outwardly from the second area of the base 12 and the lugs of the attachment portion 17 are received by its receiving holes.

Container 1 is then oriented in its operational state.

Moving the movable flap 10 provides access to the pressure-operated pump 4 . The pump 4 is placed against the lid 6 of the second bladder and the flap 10 is returned to its original position having been removed from its removable position.

The pressure-operated pump 4 is then ready for operation, such as refilling the secondary container 1 .

The lid 6 of the outer bladder 3 can be raised by a hinged portion to allow replacement of the inner bladder 2 after use.

Claims (14)

1. A container for dispensing a viscous fluid, the container comprising a dispensing apparatus having a dip tube extending towards a first region of a base of the container, wherein the container comprises a leg which, in use and in an activated position, extends from a second region of the base when the container is placed on a surface, lifting the second region of the base to tilt the base relative to the surface; wherein the first region of the base defines an angle with the surface of greater than 20 °.

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein, in use, the first region of the base is the lowest point of the base when the leg is in the activated position.

3. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the container comprises a dual bladder material: an inner bladder and an outer bladder.

4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the outer skin capsule comprises a movable or removable portion that needs to be activated to access the dispensing means.

5. A container according to claim 3, wherein the leg is formed as part of the skin capsule, the leg being connected to or integral with the skin capsule.

6. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the activated position the leg extends from the second region of the base to a surface on which the container is placed.

7. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the leg comprises two parts: a support portion and an attachment portion.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the attachment portion is attached or joined to the support portion.

9. The container of claim 7, wherein the support portion and the attachment portion meet at a hinge or fold.

10. The container of claim 7, wherein the support portion of the leg comprises an extension of a side of the container, the extension being adjacent the second region of the bottom.

11. A display unit comprising a plurality of containers according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the containers being joined by a rupturable/removable engagement means.

12. A display unit according to claim 11, wherein the contents of the container are complementary, such as shampoo and conditioner.

13. A display unit according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, when in use, the display unit is separated into its constituent containers, each of which is activated by movement of its leg to an activated position and activation of its dispensing means.

14. A kit comprising a display unit according to any one of claims 11-13 and instructions for use, wherein the instructions optionally comprise details regarding separating the containers and arranging each container in an activated position.