WO2013114122A1

WO2013114122A1 - Dosing and dispensing device for liquid detergent and process of washing

Info

Publication number: WO2013114122A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/050224
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe Di Bono; Nicola Pretto
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.; Reckitt & Colman (Overseas) Limited
Priority date: 2012-02-03
Filing date: 2013-02-01
Publication date: 2013-08-08
Also published as: GB201201900D0; GB2499015A

Abstract

A dosing and dispensing device (1) for liquid detergent comprises a hollow body having a portion comprising a flexible material, an opening (6) in said flexible portion, and means (7) to spread at least a portion of the contained liquid detergent onto a surface of fabric. The opening (6) is (progressively) opened when pressure is applied to said device (1) on a surface to which the liquid detergent is applied. The opening is substantially closed when said pressure stops. The opening is in the form of a slit valve (6), which is included in a protrusion (5).

Description

DOSING AND DISPENSING DEVICE FOR LIQUID DETERGENT AND PROCESS

OF WASHING

The present invention relates to a dosing and d ispensing device for liquid lau ndry detergents. The device accord ing to the present invention is particu larly adapted to pretreat fabrics with a portion of liqu id detergent.

Dispensing devices for liquid detergent, which are to be introduced with the fabrics i n the washing machine, are well known in the prior art. It is also known that it is possible to achieve a g reater effectiveness in respect of stain removal by pretreating the fabrics without consuming a greater amount of liquid detergent. Pretreatment means that a certain amou nt of detergent is applied directly onto the dirty parts of said fabrics before they are washed in the machine. In the following these devices are called "pretreatment devices". In the following detergent means a detergent composition for the treatment of fabrics. This detergent composition may comprise washing add itives, like beaches, enzymes and/or others known in the art.

Various pretreatment devices for liqu id detergent are described in the prior art, for example i n WO 92/09736 and WO 92/09737. These devices allow an application of said liq uid detergent onto the fabrics before the washing cycle either with predetermined outlets or a removable pretreatment applicator respectively. Another approach is represented by EP-A-575 714. This document describes another pretreatment device for liquid detergent with a fixed applicator in form of a roller ball. This roller ball is able to spread the contained liquid detergent only in a predetermined direction .

The pretreating devices mentioned before allow an even spread ing of the contained liquid detergent onto the fabric, i .e. the spread quantity is always the same. This way of even spread ing does not consider that different stains need a different amount of liquid detergent during pretreatment. For example, stains can be made of certain constituents which need a more thorough pretreatment to increase its effectiveness. This can be achieved by applying a greater amount of the liquid detergent. A greater quantity is also needed depending on the d imensions of the stain itself. Therefore, we found that the effectiveness of stain removal is increased when a greater amount of pretreating detergent is applied upon the soiled surface of the fabric, since said surface can be pretreated more thoroughly.

It is not possible with the pretreatment devices of the prior art to adjust the amount of liquid detergent on the specific needs. Indeed, the outlets having a fixed aperture or the applicators, being for example a sponge, do not give the possibility to vary the quantity of liquid detergent to be spread on the fabric for a thorough pre-treatment / to control the amount of detergent such that eventual damages to fabrics (i.e. fading, etc.) can be avoided. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device with an adjustable flow of the contained liquid detergent for the pretreatment.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate / mitigate the problems outlined above.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a dosing and dispensing device for liquid detergent comprising a hollow body having a portion comprising a flexible material, an opening in said flexible portion, and means to spread at least a portion of the contained liquid detergent onto a surface of fabric, characterized in that said opening being (progressively) opened when pressure is applied to said device on a surface to which the liquid detergent is applied, and said opening being substantially closed when said pressure stops.

It has been found that the container of the invention is particularly advantageous in that the amount of detergent dosed from the device and the spreading of the detergent onto the surface being treated is surprisingly beneficial. These benefits include quick / advanced control of discharge of the detergent from the device by the application / removal of pressure applied thereto. Additionally the device of the invention is able to provide a rubbing / scrubbing action as well as the application of pressure.

Generally the opening is located in the bottom part of said device. This allows dosing of the detergent (aided by gravity) onto the surface being treated. To achieve this aim preferably the portion of flexible material is located in the bottom part of said device. Preferably the device comprises several openings. This allows effective dosage and spreading of the detergent onto the surface being treated.

It is preferred that the openings are in the form of a slit valve. Such slit valves are understood to be capable of being opened when pressure is applied thereto. The pressure applied may be in the form of contact pressure against a surface or translational pressure (or a combination thereof) caused by movement relative to a surface.

Each slit valve may have one or more preferably a plurality of separate slit openings (these may be arranged perpendicularly to one other - in this way it is possible to achieve dosing of the detergent even when the direction of rubbing is perpendicular to some of the slit valves (i.e. for any rubbing direction some valves will be in the best condition to work)), (ideally about two openings for enhanced discharge of detergent). Where more than one slit opening is present it can be that the openings are not of an equivalent size. Preferably the slit valve is included in a protrusion. The protrusion may extend from the surface of the flexible portion. Alternatively the protrusion may comprise the flexible portion (i.e. extend from a non-flexible / less flexible / resilient surface or member).

A plurality of protrusions may be present for ease of dosing. In this case the protrusions are preferably distributed around the surface of the flexible portion. The distribution may be random or may follow a pattern.

Where the protrusion extends from a flexible portion generally the flexible portion is in the form of a portion of a sphere / spheroid. It is preferred that the outermost points of the protrusions define a secondary sphere / spheroid, with a larger radius. It has been found that the radius of the / each sphere determines the amplitude of the pretreating movement required by the user's hand. One preferred embodiment of a protrusion includes a plurality of slit valves. The protrusion is preferably in the form of a portion of a sphere (e.g. a hemi-sphere) / spheroid / ovoid . There may also be a cylindrical / tubular extension (back to the flexible portion). Thus the protrusion presents a spheroidal / ovoidal terminus. In this preferred embodiment a plurality (preferably a pair) of equatorial slit valves are arranged in a plane disposed between the terminus of the protrusion and the surface of the flexible portion. Preferably said plane is co-planar with the surface of the surface of the flexible portion at or around the area of the surface of the flexible portion from which the protrusion extends.

In this embodiment a number of advantages are realised. A principle advantage is that a collapsible tongue is created on the protrusion between the equatorial slit valves. Thus in use when the protrusion is pressed onto a surface being addressed it has been found that the tongue member of the protrusion between the equatorial slit valves deforms, "flipping-in". This leads to the creation of wide openings in the protrusion which facilitate the delivery of liquid from the device. It has also been found that upon release of the pressure the tongue member "flips-out" again, sealing the openings.

Moreover it has been found that, presumably due to the location of the equatorial slits valves on the protrusion, i.e. which are non- perpendicular excellent sealing of these slits valves is achieved (when the pressure is removed). It is postulated that this is due to a "non-perfect" rearrangement of the tongue member. Namely when the pressure is removed it is believed that there is an active residual force acting on the lips of the equatorial slit valves, attempting to move the lips to the respective original positions. However, perfect rearrangement of said lips is believed to be impossible due to reciprocal lips encumbrance. Thus the lips keep the slit valve closed, i.e. leak proof.

It has been found that in order to ensure effective "flipping" (inwardly and / or outwardly) of the tongue member at least a portion of the tongue member comprises thicker / stronger material than the reminder of the protrusion.

To improve the penetration / spreading of the detergent into the (usually fabric surface) being treated it is preferred that the device (preferably on the flexible portion) comprises a spreading means. Preferably the spreading means is in the form of a ridge. The ridge may be liner or may be curved. Generally a plurality of ridges is present on the device. Generally the ridge height is about the same as that of a deformed valve. In this way it has been found that the valves may be activate efficiently (i.e. without being closed due to valve "implosion" following an excess of rubbing force.

Generally the ridges are positioned in a different area to that of the valves. This allows a user, after the dosing of the product, to rub the fabric without further dispensing (and / or with a smaller amplitude of the pretreatment movement). Preferably to achieve this aim the valves are positioned away from the centre of the device. In order to be capable of being used by a consumer generally the device comprises a gripping means. The gripping means preferably comprises the main body of the device, into which the detergent is poured. The main body of the device is preferably shaped so that it is capable of fitting into a hand of a user yet may contain sufficient detergent for a pre-treatment and laundry step. The main body thus has a volume of from 50-200cm³. The main body may comprise any geometrical shape but is generally based on an ovoid, tapering towards its upper opening (into which the detergent is poured) and also at its lower end (which adjoins onto the flexible portion).

Generally the device is made of elastic plastic material. The main body may comprise PP, PE or PET (both injected or blow moulded). The ridges and the valves may comprise any rubber or elastomer suitable for being welded, melted or glued onto the main body. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for pretreating and washing fabrics in a washing machine with the dosing and dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises of the following steps: a dose of the total quantity of liquid detergent to be utilized during the pretreatment and washing cycle is introduced into the dosing and dispensing device; pretreatment of the fabrics is executed with a controlled quantity of the liquid detergent dosage contained in said device and dispensed from said device through said cut; the thus pretreated fabrics are placed in the drum of the washing machine together with said dosing and dispensing device and with other non-pretreated fabrics.

Most preferably the device is for a laundry cleaning formulation and for use in dispensing same onto a clothing surface. Preferably the laundry cleaning formulation comprises a bleach, e.g. in an amount of from 0.001% to 99.99%, preferably 0.001% to 20%, preferably 4% to 18%, e.g. most preferably about 4.5% or 13%, by weight, of bleach. The bleach is preferably peroxide bleach, most preferably hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide sources other than H2O2 can be used.

Preferably the laundry cleaning formulation comprises a surfactant. Where present the composition comprises from 0.001% to 99.99%, preferably 0.05% to 15%, e.g. about 7%, by weight of surfactant.

The surfactant is, for example, an anionic or nonionic surfactant or mixture thereof (most preferably a nonionic surfactant). The nonionic surfactant is preferably a surfactant having a formula RO(CH₂CH20)_nH wherein R is a mixture of linear, even carbon- number hydrocarbon chains ranging from C12H25 to C16H33 and n represents the number of repeating units and is a number of from about 1 to about 12. Examples of other non-ionic surfactants include higher aliphatic primary alcohol containing about twelve to about 16 carbon atoms which are condensed with about three to thirteen moles of ethylene oxide.

Other examples of nonionic surfactants include primary alcohol ethoxylates (available under the Neodol trade name from Shell Co.), such as C11 alkanol condensed with 9 moles of ethylene oxide (Neodol 1-9), C12- 13 alkanol condensed with 6.5 moles ethylene oxide (Neodol 23-6.5), C12- 13 alkanol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide (Neodol 23-9), C12-15 alkanol condensed with 7 or 3 moles ethylene oxide (Neodol 25-7 or Neodol 25-3), C14-15 alkanol condensed with 13 moles ethylene oxide (Neodol 45-13), Cg-n linear ethoxylated alcohol, averaging 2.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol (Neodol 91-2.5), and the like.

Other examples of nonionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include ethylene oxide condensate products of secondary aliphatic alcohols containing 11 to 18 carbon atoms in a straight or branched chain configuration condensed with 5 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide. Examples of commercially available nonionic detergents of the foregoing type are Cn-15 secondary alkanol condensed with either 9 moles of ethylene oxide (Tergitol 15-S-9) or 12 moles of ethylene oxide (Tergitol 15-S-12) marketed by Union Carbide, a subsidiary of Dow Chemical.

Octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol type nonionic surfactants, for example, Triton X-100, as well as amine oxides can also be used as a nonionic surfactant in the present invention. Other examples of linear primary alcohol ethoxylates are available under the Tomadol trade name such as, for example, Tomadol 1-7, a Cii linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with 7 moles EO; Tomadol 25-7, a C12-C15 linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with 7 moles EO; Tomadol 45-7, a C14-C15 linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with 7 moles EO; and Tomadol 91-6, a Cg-Cu linear alcohol ethoxylate with 6 moles EO.

Other examples of linear primary alcohol ethoxylates are available under the Lutensol trade name such as, for example, Lutensol A3N, a C13-15 linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with 3 moles EO; Lutensol LA60, a C13-15 linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with 7 moles EO. Also Genapol such as, for example, Genapol LA3, a C13-15 linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with 3 moles EO; Genapol LA070, a C13- 15 linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with 7 moles EO

Tomadol 45-7, a C14-C15 linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with 7 moles EO; and Tomadol 91-6, a Cg-Cn linear alcohol ethoxylate with 6 moles EO.

Other nonionic surfactants are amine oxides, alkyl amide oxide surfactants.

Preferred anionic surfactants are frequently provided as alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, amine salts, aminoalcohol salts or magnesium salts. Contemplated as useful are one or more sulfate or sulfonate compounds including : alkyl benzene sulfates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylamidoether sulfates, alkylaryl polyether sulfates, monoglyceride sulfates, alkylsulfonates, alkylamide sulfonates, alkylarylsulfonates, olefinsulfonates, paraffin sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamate, alkyl sulfoacetates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, acyl sarconsinates, acyl isethionates, and N-acyl taurates. Generally, the alkyl or acyl radical in these various compounds comprise a carbon chain containing 12 to 20 carbon atoms.

Other surfactants which may be used are alkyl naphthalene sulfonates and acyl / oleoyl sarcosinates and mixtures thereof.

The !aundry deaning formulation may comprise various optional ingredients, including enzymes, builders, solvents, dye transfer inhibition agents, dye catchers, preservatives, anti-oxidants, anti^¬ static agents, fragrances, odour absorbing components, optical brig hteners, acidifying agents, alkalizing agents, thickeners (e.g. hydroxyethylcellulose and / or xanthan gum) . The container of the invention is further described by reference to the following Figures in which :

Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of first embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of second embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of second embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention ; and

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of second embod iment of a device in accordance with the invention,

From Figu re 1 and 2 it can be seen that the device 1 comprises a main body section 2 in the form of a modified cylinder and a flexible body portion 3 in the form of a portion of a sphere / spheroid . These are joined together to form a dosing device for retaining / dosing a liqu id (detergent) composition .

The main body 2 is able to act as a handle for use by a consumer. The main body has an opening 4 for introduction of detergent into the device and release of detergent in a (lau ndry) washing cycle.

The flexible body portion 3 comprises a plu ra lity of protrusions 5 disposed on its lower su rface. The protrusions 5 have slit valves 6 that may be opened by the application of pressure (contact and / or translational) on a su rface. The flexible body portion 3 also comprises a plura lity of cu rved spread ing ridges 7 on its lower su rface. In use a dose of the total q uantity of liq uid detergent to be utilized during the pretreatment and washing cycle is introd uced into the device 1. Pretreatment of fabrics is executed with a controlled quantity of the liqu id detergent dosage contained i n said device 1 being d ispensed from sa id device 1 throug h said slit valves 6. This is achieved by pressing and rubbing the device 1 on the fabric su rface to be treated, thus causing release of detergent and spreading of same (aided by the ridges 7) on the su rface being treated . The thus pretreated fabrics are placed in the d rum of the washing machine together with said dosing and dispensing device 1 and with other non-pretreated fabrics. A washing cycle may then be operated.

From Figures it can be seen that the device 1 comprises a main body section 2 in the form of a modified tube and a flexible body portion 3 in the form of a sheet. These are joined together to form a dosing device for retaining / dosing a liquid (detergent) composition.

The main body 2 is able to act as a handle for use by a consumer. The main body has an opening 4 for introduction of detergent into the device and release of detergent in a (laundry) washing cycle.

The flexible body portion 3 comprises a protrusion 5, in the form of a portion of a sphere, disposed on its lower surface.

The protrusion includes a pair of equatorial slit valves 6 are arranged in a plane disposed between the terminus of the protrusion 5 and the surface of the flexible portion 3. Said plane is co-planar with the surface of the surface of the flexible portion 3 at or around the area of the surface of the flexible portion 3 from which the protrusion 5 extends. With the plurality of equatorial slit valves 6a a collapsible tongue 8 is created on the protrusion between the equatorial slit valves 6.

The flexible body portion 3 also comprises a plurality of curved spreading ridges 7 on its lower surface.

In use a dose of the total quantity of liquid detergent to be utilized during the pretreatment and washing cycle is introduced into the device 1. Pretreatment of fabrics is executed with a controlled quantity of the liquid detergent dosage contained in said device 1 being dispensed from said device 1 through said valves 6a. This is achieved by pressing and rubbing the device 1 on the fabric surface to be treated, thus causing release of detergent and spreading of same (aided by the ridges 7) on the surface being treated.

In use when the protrusion 5 is pressed onto a surface being addressed the tongue member 8 of the protrusion 5 between the equatorial slit valves 6 deforms, "flipping-in". This leads to the creation of wide openings in the protrusion 5 which facilitate the delivery of liquid from the device. Upon release of the pressure the tongue member 8 "flips-out" again, sealing the openings.

It has been found that in order to ensure effective "flipping" (inwardly and / or outwardly) of the tongue member a portion of the tongue member comprises a reinforcement member 9. It has been found that, presumably due to the location of the equatorial slits valves 6 on the protrusion 5, excellent sealing of these equatorial slits valves 6 is achieved (when the pressure is removed). It is postulated that this is due to a "non-perfect" rearrangement of the tongue member 8. Namely when the pressure is removed it is believed that there is an active residual force acting on the lips 10 of the equatorial slit valves 6, attempting to move the lips 10 to the respective original positions. However, perfect rearrangement of said lips 10 is believed to be impossible due to reciprocal lips encumbrance. Thus the lips 10 keep the slit valves 6 closed, i.e. leak proof. This is illustrated in Figure 7.

The thus pretreated fabrics are placed in the drum of the washing machine together with said dosing and dispensing device 1 and with other non-pretreated fabrics. A washing cycle may then be operated.

Claims

1. A dosing and dispensing device for liquid detergent comprising a hollow body having a portion comprising a flexible material, an opening in said flexible portion, and means to spread at least a portion of the contained liquid detergent onto a surface of fabric, characterized in that said opening being (progressively) opened when pressure is applied to said device on a surface to which the liquid detergent is applied, and said opening being substantially closed when said pressure stops, wherein the opening is in the form of a slit valve, which is included in a protrusion

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said opening is located in the bottom part of said device.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said portion of flexible material is located in the bottom part of said device.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said device comprises several openings.

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said device comprises rubbing ridges.

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said device comprises gripping means.

7. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said device is made of elastic plastic material.

8. A process for pretreating and washing fabrics in a washing machine with the dosing and dispensing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises of the following steps: a dose of the total quantity of liquid detergent to be utilized during the pretreatment and washing cycle is introduced into the dosing and dispensing device; pretreatment of the fabrics is executed with a controlled quantity of the liquid detergent dosage contained in said device and dispensed from said device through said cut; the thus pretreated fabrics are placed in the drum of the washing machine together with said dosing and dispensing device and with other non-pretreated fabrics.