AU2015255279A1 - Dosage element and a method of manufacturing a dosage element - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Dosage elements to be consumed in use in a ware washing machine are made by (a) forming a main container part within a cavity of a mould; (b) providing the main 5 container part with a first substance; (c) adhering a second substance to the underside of a part which is to form a lid of the dosage element; and (d) sealing the lid forming part to the main container part so as to close the main container part and enclose the first and second 10 substances within it; wherein the second substance covers at least 5% of the free area of the lid-forming part.

Description

1 Dosage element And a Method of Manufacturing a Dosage Element This invention relates to a dosage element for a ware -5 washing machine and-to a method of manufacture thereof. Ware washing machines, such as automatic clothes washing and dishwashing machines, -typically utilise detergents and other additives in solid, liquid or powder form. These. 10 substances are either administered directly into the machine, or dispensed via a tray or a dedicated compartment system to be added to the washing area at the start of, or during,. a washing cycle. 15 Often, the required detergents/additives are administered as a compound tablet comprising a plurality of active ingredients. These may be kept separate for reasons of incompatibility. Alternatively or additionally they may be kept separate so that they may be activated at 20 different points during a washing cycle or rinsing cycle. This actiVation at a particular point may be achieved by including time and/or temperature dependent released elements within the substance. One technique involves the coating or encasing of individual active components- of the, 25 compound tablet within a water soluble .polymer or gel of given properties/thickness to provide a time delayed and/or temperature dependent exposure to the component within so that it is exposed to the wash. liquor within the ware washing machine at the desired point in a cycle. 30 In compound dosage elements of the type described. above, individual active components may be in any state such as a solid, particulate or liquid form.

2 With the need to accommodate perhaps three or four active components within a single convenient dosage element, comes the complication of isolating each component from its neighbours and providing the dosage form within an overall compact package. 5 These issues lead to complications within the manufacturing process and an increase in the costs of production. Accordingly, it is one aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a relatively simple dosage element formation and uncomplicated method of construction. 10 Consumers are becoming increasingly reluctant to handle detergent substances directly as there are perceived health/hygiene issues to doing so. With this in mind, it is desired to provide a barrier between the hand of the consumer and the ingredients of the dosage element and to reduce the 15 risks of inadvertent exposure of the consumer to active ingredients of the dosage element. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in 20 the field. It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided 25 a method of manufacturing a dosage element to be consumed in use in a ware washing machine, the method comprising; (a) forming a main container part within a cavity of a mould; (b) providing the main container part with a first 30 substance; 3 (c) adhering a second substance to the underside of a part which is to form a lid of the dosage element; and (d) sealing the lid-forming part to the main container part so as to close the main container part and 5 enclose the first and second substances within it; wherein the second substance covers at least 5% of the free area of the lid-forming part. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the 10 description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". In this specification the "free area" of the lid-forming part is 15 that area of the lid-forming part which is inward of the seal which is between the lid-forming part and the main container part. The reference to "covering" at least 5% of the free area of the lid-forming part suitably denotes the "footprint" of the second 20 substance. In certain embodiments there could be only partial contact and/or partial adhesion between the second substance and the lid-forming part. In such embodiments there is suitably adhesion over at least 50% of the footprint, preferably over at least 70%. In such embodiments there is suitably adhesion over 25 up to 95% of the footprint, preferably over up to 85%. Preferably, however, substantially the entire footprint of the second substance is in contact with the lid-forming part, and is adhered thereto.

3a Preferably the second substance covers at least 10% of the free area of the lid-forming part, preferably at least 15%. Preferably the second substance covers up to 60% of the free area of the lid-forming part, preferably up to 40t, more 5 preferably up to 30%. In the present invention the dosage element is suitably consumed in a washing cycle, in the sense that at the end of cycle no part of it has to be removed from the machine; 4 indeed, preferably, no part of it can be discerned, within the machine. Preferably the method includes the step of providing a 5 vent in the lid-forming part. Preferably such a vent gives direct communication with the second substance. By "giving direct communication with the second substance" we mean that -the second substance is suitably adhered to 10 the lid-forming part, so as to cover the vent. Any gas (including vapour) passing- through the vent must come from, or through, the second substance. The vent may be a permanently open vent or a self-opening 15 valve-type vent (for example a slit), which opens when there is an internal overpressure, for example caused by gas evolution within the dosage element (which we call "off-gassing" herein). When there is off-gassing the valve-type vent is forced "open to release the pressure, 20 -then closes again, when the 'pressure has equalized with the external pressure. A permanently open vent may be a simple hole in the lid-forming part. A self-opening valve-type vent may be the result of- a hole having been formed in the lid-forming part, the material of the lid 25 forming' part being such that it contracts (e.g. by material creep or recovery) to close the hole, and leave a valve-type vent; or it may be formed initially as a valve type vent, for example by being formed as a slit. 30 Preferably when a hole is formed in the lid-forming part, whether it remains in that shape or contracts partially (to leave a smaller hole) or wholly (to form a valve-type vent), that hole as formed is of area preferably at least 0.2 mm 2 , preferably at least 0.5 mma 2 , and more preferably at least 1 mm 2 ; and, independently, is of area preferably up to 8 mm 2 , preferably up to 5 mm 2 , and more preferably up to 3 mma 5 off-gassing may come from partial degradation of components within the second substance and/or within the first substance. In particular when the dosage element contains a b],each a gas may unavoidably evolve. This 10 could cause bulging and in extreme cases threaten the integrity of the dosage element. However even when the volume of gas is not very large a-nd is not likely to have such a drastic effect, it is desirable to minimize the changes in chemistry within the dosage element. It is 15 better to find a way of releasing the gas than to retain it inside the dosage element. Another benefit of a vent, when provided, is in allowing a desired" emanation product to be released; for example a .20 fragrance. When provided, a said vent may be formed in the lid forming part prior to its sealing to the main container part, or it may be formed in the lid-forming part after 25 its sealing to the main container part. The second substance may or may not obtrude the vent, depending on the embodiment. When it does not there may be a space between the vent and the second substance. By 30 such means gaseous communication between the second substance and the vent may be improved.

6 When the vent is formed after the sealing of the lid forming part -to the main container -part the means which forms the vent may form a blind hole or well in the second substance. Said means may be a punch tool which may 5 penetrate into the second substance. Preferably, the second substance is in the form of a portion- which has an upper (or contact) surface to which the lid-forming part conforms. Suitably, t'he upper 10 surface may be substantially flat, to adhere to a correspondingly flat surface of- the lid-forming part. Alternatively, the upper surface may be - shaped, for example formed with a peak, indentation, ridge or trough. Suitably it may be concave or, preferably, convex (or 15 outwardly curved). Whatever the shape of the upper surface it is preferred that the lid-forming part conforms to that shape as the portions are adhered thereto. To this end the lid-forming pakt is preferably formed of a material which is flexible, in the sense that it can adopt 20 the shape of the upper surface of the second substance without being subject to forces acting to remove it therefrom, and restore- it to its previous shape. Preferably the lid-forming part is a film (by which we mean to include herein a foil). 25 Preferably the portion comprised of the second substance has a flat upper (or contact) surface. The portion may, for example, be a sphere, frusto-sphere (including hemisphere), ovoid or frusto- ovoid (including hemi-ovoid). 30 Most preferably the portion is a lozenge-shaped tablet, having two main sides. Preferably the main sides are substantially identical to each other. Preferably the main sides are mirror images qf each other about a central 7 plane of the portion. Preferably the main sides are polygonal (e.g. square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal) or monogonal (i.e. one-sided, for example elliptical or circular - the portion being a disc 5 shaped tablet in the latter case, which is - particularly preferred). The second substance may be adhered to the lid-forming part preferably by means of an adhesive, preferably an 10 aqueous liquid, preferably a PVOH solution or water.- -The -adhesive may be applied to the second substance, or -to the lid-forming part in the regions in which contact is required, or to both. 15 The main contained part may be sealed to the lid-forming part preferably by means of an adhesive, preferably an aqueous liquid, preferably a PVOH solution or water. The adhesive may be applied to the main container part in the sealing regions, or to the lid-forming part in the regions 20 in which contact is required, or to both. Alternatively they may be sealed together by any suitable means' for example by means of a further adhesive or by heat sealing. Other methods of sealing include infra-red, radio frequency, ultrasonic, laser, solvent (such as water), 25 vibration and spin welding. If heat sealing is used, a suitable sealing temperature is .for example 125"C. A suitable sealing pressure is readily selected by 'the person skilled in the art. 30 The main container part and the lid-forming part may each have a peripheral region, and the peripheral regions are preferably arranged face-to-face' when the parts are brought together for closing of the dosage element. These' 8 regions are suitably the means by which the parts are joined. They are sealed to - each other in fage-to-face relation, in the finished dosage element. Thus, the dosage element suitably has a peripheral skirt, which 5 represents the sealing zone. Preferably, the second substance is in contact with the first substance. The second substance may project into the first substance. Preferably the first substance 10 surrounds the free surface(s) of the second substance. There may be direct contact or the two substances may be separated by a water soluble polymeric wrapper or coating (e.g. spray coating) around the second substance. 15 Preferably the main: container part and the lid-forming part are of water-soluble polymeric material(s). The materials thereof may be the same or different. Water-soluble herein includes water-disper'sible. 20 When a water-soluble polymeric material is provided around "the second substance this may be the same of different as the other water-soluble polymeric materials described in thi's specification. 25 Suitable water-soluble polymeric materials for use in this invention are such, that discs of 100 pm thickness 'and 30mm diameter dissolve in 5 litres of water maintained at 50*C, under gentle stirring, in less than 30 minutes. 30 A water-soluble polymeric 'material for use herein may suitably be selected from the group comprising polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, partially 9 - hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetates, cellulose derivatives (such as alkylcelluloses, hydroxyalkylcelluloses, salts, ethers and esters of alkylceliuloses and hydroxyalkylcelluloses, for example, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl 5 cellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose); polyglycolides, polyglycolic acids, polylactides, polylactic acids; polyvinyl pyrrblidines, polyacrylic acids or salts or dsters thereof, polymaleic acids or salts or esters thereof, dextrins, maltodextrins, 10 p'olyacrylamides, acrylic acid/maleic anhydride copolymers, including copolymers (which includes terpolymers), and blends. Optionally fillers, plasticisers and process aids may also be comprised in the formulation of a' water soluble polymeric material for use herein. 15 Preferred polymeric materials for are selected from the group comprising polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetates. Ah especially preferred water-soluble polymeric material 20 comprises a poly(vinyl alcohol). The second substance may be a solid body, such as .a tablet of compressed powder. It may comprise a gel, optionally surrounded by a skin or shell of a water-soluble polymeric 25 material, preferably as defined above. It may comprise a capsule or pouch of any solid, gel or liquid material, optionally surrounded by a skin or, shell of a water soluble polymeric material, preferably as defined above. 30 The first substance may suitably comprise a liquid, or a flowable solid such as a powder, or a flowable or pumpable gel.

10 The main .container part may suitably be formed by injection moulding or, preferably, thermo-forming. The lid-forming part is suitably formed by injection moulding, extrusion or calendering but is preferably an as-supplied 5 film made by blowing or casting. For both parts the preferred methods employ thermo-forming of film materials. Preferably, the container walls are of film or sheet material having a thickness of between 30 and 600 pm. 10 When thermoforming is used, the thickness is preferably in the range 30-250 pm, preferably 40-200 pm, preferably 50 150 pm. When injection .moulding is used, the thickness.is preferably in the range 200-600 pm, preferably 240-600 pm preferably .250-400 pm. 15 The lid-forming part is preferably a sheet or film, preferably a film of thickness in the range 30 to 100 pm, prefeialy 50 to 90 pm, preferably 60 to 75 pm. 20 Preferably the dosage element is not of squared-off, cuboid appearance and/or is preferably not rigid. Preferably is not box-like, in look or feel. Preferably it is of somewhat rounded, preferably pillow-like appearance, and/or is of compliant or "squashy" feel. 25 A preferred dosage form of the invention is a laundry washing tablet -or, most preferably, a dishwashing tablet. We use the t'erm tablet here to denote a body which- can be handled by a consumer as a discrete element, for example 30 a5- a unit dose. Preferably the first and second substances comprise laundry detergent compositions, or, especially, dishwashing detergent compositions.

11 Prefeired components of a dishwashing tablet are as follows; 5 Bleaching compounds Any type of bleaching . compound conventionally used in detergent compositions may be used according to the present -invention. Preferably the bleaching compound is 10 selected from -inorganic peroxides or organic peracids, derivatives thereof (including their salts) and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred inorganic peroxides are percarbonates, perborates and persalphates with their. sodium and potassium salts being most preferred. Sodium 15 percarbonate and sodium perborate are most preferred, - especially sodiumi percarbonate. Organic peracids include all organic peracids traditionally used as bleaches, including, for example, 20 perbenzoic acid and peroxycarboxylic acids such as mono or diperoxyphthalic acid, 2 -octyldiperoxysuccinic acid, diperoiydodecanedicarboxy'lic acid, diperoxy-azelaic acid and imidoperoxycarboxylic acid and, optionally, the salts thereof. Especially preferred is phthalimidoperhexanoic 25 acid (PAP). Desirably the bleaching compound is present in the compositions in an amount of from 1 to 60wt%, especially 5 to 55wt%, most preferably 10 to 50%wt, such as 10 to 20%wt. When the compositions of the invention comprise- two 30 -or more distinct regions, the' amount-of bleaching compound typically present in each can be chosen as desired although the total amount of the bleaching compound will typically be within .the amounts stated hereinabove.

12 Builders The detergent compositions may also comprise conventional amounts of detergent builders which may be either 5 phosphorous based or non-phosphorous based, or even a combinaLion of both types. Suitable builders are well known in the art. If phosphorous builders are to be used then it is 10 preferred that mono-phosphates, di-phosphates, tri polyphosphates or oligomeric-polyphosphates are used. The alkali metal salts of these compounds are preferied, in particular the sodium salts. An especially preferred builder is sodium tripolyphosphate (STPF}. 15 The- non-phosphorous based builder may be organic molecules with carboxylic group(s), amino acid based compound or a succinate based compound. The term 'succinate based compound' and 'succinic acid based compound' are used 20 interchangeably herein. Builder compounds which are organic molecules containing carboxylic groups include citric acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, lactic acid and salts thereof. 25 In particular the alkali or alkaline earth metal salts of these organic compounds may be used, and especially the sodium salts. An especially preferred builder is sodium citrate. 30 Preferred examples of amino acid based compounds according to the invention are MGDA (methyl-glycine-diacetic acid, and salts and derivatives thereof) and GLDAi(glutamic-N,N diacetic acid and salts and derivatives thereof). GLDA 13 (salts and derivatives thereof) is especially preferred according to the invention, with the' tetrasodium salt thereof being especially preferred. Other suitable builders are described in US 6, 426, 229 which is 5 incorporated by reference herein. Particular suitable builders include; for example, aspartic acid-N-monoacetic acid (ASMA), aspartic acid-NN-diacetic acid (ASDA), aspartic- acid-N- m6nopropionic acid (ASMP), iminodisuccinic acid (IDA), N-(2-sulfomethyl) aspartic 10 acid (SMAS), N- (2-sulfoethyl)aspartic acid (SEAS), N- (2 sulfomethyl)glutamic acid (SMGL), N-(2 sulfoethyl.glutamic acid (SEGL), N- methyliminodiacetic . acid - (MIDA), a- alanine-N,N-diacetic acid (a-AnDA), P alanine-N,N-diacetic acid (P-ALDA), serine-N,N-diacetic 15 acid (SEDA), isoserine-N,N-diacetic acid (ISDA), - phenylalanine-N, N-diacetic acid (PHDA), anthranilic acid N,N- diacetic acid (ANDA), sulfanilic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (SLDA), taurine-N, N-diacetic acid (TUDA) and sulfomethyl-N,N-diacetic acid (SMDA) and, alkali metal 20 salts or ammonium salts thereof. Further preferred succinate compounds are described in US A-5,977,053 and have the formula; 0 0 RO WOR R R0 OR 3 N H 25 0 in which R, R , independently of one another, denote H or OH, R2, R , R 4, R 5, independently of one another, denote a 14 cation, hydrogen, alkali metal ions and ammonium ions, ammonium ions having the general formula R R R RN+ and 6 7 a 9 R, 1R , R ; R , independently of one another, denoting hydrogen, alkyl radicals having. 1 to 12 C atoms or 5 hydroxyl-substituted alkyl radicals having 2 to 3 C atoms. A preferred example is tetrasodium imminosuccinate. Preferably the total amount of builder present in' the compositions of the invention is an amount of at least 5 10 wt%, preferably at least 10 wt%, more preferably -at least 20 wt%, and most preferably at least 25 wt%, preferably in an amount of up to 70wt%, preferably up to 65wt%, more preferably up to EOwt%, and most preferably up to 35 wt%. The actual amount used will depend upon the nature of the 15 builder used. The detergent compositions of the invention may further comprise a secondary builder (or cobuilder) . Preferred secondary builders include homopolymers and copolymers of 20 polycarboxylic acids and their partially or completely neutralized salts, monomeric polycarboxylic acids and hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts, 'phosphates and .phosphonates, and mixtures of such substances. Preferred salts of the abovementioned compounds are the ammonium 25 and/or alkali metal salts, -i.e. the lithium, sodium, and potassium salts, and particularly preferred salts is the sodium salts. Secondary builders which are organic are preferred. 30 Suitable polycarboxylic acids are acyclic, alicyclic, heterocyclic and aromatic carboxylic acids, in which case 15 they contain at least two carboxyl groups which are in each case separated from one another by, preferably, no more than two carbon atoms. 5 Polycarboxylates which comprise two carboxyl groups include, for example, water-soluble salts of, malonic acid, (ethylenedioxy)diacetic acid, ihaleic acid, diglycolic acid, tartaric acid, tArtronic acid and fumaric acid. Polycarboxylates which contain three carb-oxyl 10 groups include, for example, water-soluble citrate. Correspondingly, a suitable hydroxycarboxylic acid is, for example, citric acid. Another suitable polycarboxylic acid is the homopolymer of acrylic acid. Other suitable builders are disclosed in WO 15 95/01416, to the contents of which express reference is hereby made. Surfactants 20 The detergent compositions of the invention may contain surface active agents, for example, anionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surface active agents or mixtures-thereof. Many such surfactants are described in Kirk Otbmdr's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd 25 Ed., Vol. 22, pp. 360-379, "Surfactants and Detersive Systems", incorporated by reference herein. In general, bleach-stable surfactants are preferred. A preferred class of nonionic surfactants is ethoxylated 30 non-ionic surfactants prepared by the reaction of a monohydroxy alkanol or aikylphenol with 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably the surfactants have at least 12 moles particularly preferred at least 16 moles, and still more 16 preferred at least 20 moles' of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol. Particularly preferred non-ionic surfactants are the non 5 ionics from a linear chain fatty alcohol with *16-20 carbon atoms and at least 12 moles particularly preferred at least 16 and still more preferred at least 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

10 According to one embodiment of the invention,- the non ionic surfactants additionally may comprise propylene oxide units in the molecule. Preferably these PO units constitute up to 25% by weight, preferably up to 20% by weight and still more preferably up to 15% by weight of 15 the overall molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant. Surfactants- which are ethoxylated mono-hydroxy alkanols or alkylphenols, which additionally comprises polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer units may 20 be used. The alcohol or alkylphenol portion of such surfactants constitutes more than 30%, preferably more than S%, more preferably more than 70% by weight of the overall molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant. 25 Another class of suitable non-ionic surfactants includes reverse block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene and block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene initiated with trimethylolpropane. 30 Another preferred class of nonionic surfactant can be described by the formula: R 0[CH2CH(CH 3 )Ox[CH2C20]Y[CH 2 CH(OH)R2 .

17 where R 1 represents a linear or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 4-18 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof, R2 represents a linear or branched chain 5 aliphatic hydrocarbon rest with 2-26 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof, x is a value between 0.5 and 1.5 and y is a value of at least 15. Another group of preferred nonionic surfactants are the 10 end-capped polyoxyalkylated non-ionics of formula: R O(CH2CH (R3)O]x[CH2]kCH (OH) ICH 2 3jOR2 where R and R2 represent linear or branched chain, 15 saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon groups with 1-30 carbon atoms,. R 3 represents -a hydrogen atom or a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-butyl or 2-methyl-2-butyl group , x is a value between 1 and 30 and, k and j are values between 1 and 12, 20 preferably between I and 5. When the value of x is >2 each R in the formula above can be different. RI and R are preferably linear or branched chain, satu-rated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon groups with 6-22 carbon atoms, where group with 8 -to 18 carbon atoms 25 are particularly preferred. For the group R H, methyl or ethyl are particularly preferred. Particularly preferred values for x are comprised between 1 and 20, preferably between 6 and 15. 30 As described above, in case x>2, each R in the formula can be different. For instance, when x=3, the group R could be chosen to build ethylene oxide (R 3 =H) or 18 propylene' oxide (R3=methyl) units which can be used in every single order for instance (PO) (EO) (EO), (EO) (PO) (EO), (EO) (EO) (PO) , (EO) (EO) (EO), (PO) (EO) (PO), (PO) (PO) (EO-) and (PO) (PO) (P0). The value 3 for x is only 5 an example and bigger values can be chosen whereby a higher number of variations of (EO) or (PO) units would .arise. Particularly preferred end-capped polyoxyalkylated 10 alcohols of the above formula are those where k=l and j=1 originating molecules of simplified formula:

R

1 [CH2C(R )O]XCH2CH(OH)CH20R 2 15 The use of mixtures of different nonionic surfactants is suitable in the context of, the present invention, for instance, mixtures of altoxylated alcohols and hydroxy group containing alkoxylated alcohols. 20 Other suitable surfactants are disclosed in WO 95/01416, to the contents of which express reference is hereby made. Preferably the non-ionic surfactants ate present in the compositions of the invention in an amount of from 0.1 %wt 25 to 5 %wt, more preferably 0.5%wt to 3 %wt, such as 0.5.to 3%wt. 'The surfactants are typically included in amounts of up to 15%wt, preferably of from 0.5%wt to 10%wt, such as 1%wt to 30- 5%wt in total. Anti-foam agents 19 The detergent composition according to the invention may comprise one or more foam control agents. Suitable foam control agents for this purpose are all those conventionally used in this field, such as, for example, 5 silicones and paraffin oil. If present, the foam control agents are preferably present in the composition in amounts of 5% by weight or less of the total weight of the composition. 10 Anti-corrosion agents It is known to include a source of multivalent *ions in cleaning compositions, and in 'particular in automatic dishwashing compositions, for technical and/or performance 15 reasons. For example, multivalent ions and especially zinc and/or manganese ions have been included for their ability to inhibit corrosion on metal and/or glass. Bismuth ions may"also have benefits when included in such compositions. 20 For.-example,, organic and inorganic redox-active substances which are known as suitable for use as silver/copper corrosion inhibitors are mentioned in WO 94/26860 and WO 94/26859. Suitable inorganic redox-active substances are, for example, metal salts and/or metal complexes 25 chosen from the' group consisting of zinc, manganese, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, cobalt and cerium salts and/or complexes, the meta-ls being in one of the oxidation states II, III, IV, V or VI. Particularly suitable metal salts and/or metal complexes are chosen 30 from the group consisting of MnSO 4 , Mn(II) citrate, Mn(II) stearate, Mn(II) acetylacetonate, Mn(II) [1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonate],-V 2 0, V 2 0 4 , V0 2 , TiOSO 4 , K 2 TiF 6 , K 2 ZrF, 20 CoSO 4 , Co(N0 3

)

2 and Ce(NO3)3. Zinc salts are specially preferred corrosion inhibitors. Therefore, an especially preferred optional ingredient 5 according to the present invention is a source of multivalent ions such as those mentioned in the immediately preceding paragraph and in particular zinc, bismuth and/or manganese ions. In particular a source of zinc ions is preferred. Any suitable source of 10 multivalent ions may be used, with the source preferably being chosen from sulphates, carbonates, acetates, gluconates and, metal-protein compounds and those mentioned in the immediately preceding paragraph. 15 Any conventional amount of multivalent ions / multivalent ions source may be included in the compositions of the invention. However, it .is preferred that the multivalent ions are present in an amount of from 0.01%wt to 5%wt, preferably 0.1%wt to 3%wt, such as 0.5%wt to 2.5%wt. The 20 amount of 'multivalent ion source- in the -compositions pf the invention will thus be correspondingly higher. The detergent composition may also comprise a. silver/copper corrosion inhibitor in conventional amounts. 25 This term encompasses agents that are intended to prevent or reduce the tarnishing of non-ferrous metals; in particular of silver and copper. Preferred silver/copper corrosion inhibitors are benzotriazole or bis benzotriazole and substituted derivatives thereof. Other 30 suitable, agents are organic and/or inorganic redox-active substances and paraffin oil. Benzotriazole derivatives are those compounds in which the available substitution sites. on the aromatic ring ard partially or, completely 21 substituted. Suitable substituents are- linear or branch chain Cl- 2 0 alkyl groups and -hydroxyl, thio, phenyl or halogen such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. A preferred substituted benzotriazole is tolyltriazole. 5 Performance Polymers Polymecs intended to improve the cleaning performance of the detergent compositions may also be included therein. 10 For example sulphonated polymers may be used. Preferred examples include copolymers of CH2=CR -CR R 3--C4H3R -SO 3 X wherein R , R2 R , R 4 are independently 1 to 6 carbon alkyl or hydrogen, and X is hydrogen or alkali with any suitable other monomer units including modified acrylic, 15 kumaric, maleic, itaconic, 'aconitic, mesaconic, citraconic and methylenemalonic acid or their salts, maleic anhydride, acrylamide,- alkylene, vinylmethyl ether, styrene and any mixtures thereof. Other suitable sulfonated monomers for incorporation in sulfonated 20 (co) polymers are 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-l-propanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 3 methacrylamido-2-hydroxy-propanesulfonic. acid, allysulfonic acid, methallysulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2 propenyloxy) propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2 -propenen-l 25 sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic - acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 3-sulfopropylmethacrylate, sulfomethylacrylamide, sulfomethylmethacrylamide and water soluble salts thereof. Suitable sulfonated polymers are also described in US 5308532 and in WO 2005/090541. 30 When a sulfonated polymer is present, it is preferably present in the composition in an amount of at least 0.1 22 wt%, preferably at least 0.5 wt%, more preferably at least 1 wt%, and most preferably at least 3 wt%, up to 40wt%, preferably up to 25wt%, more preferably up to 15wt%, and most preferably up to 10 wt%. 5 Enzymes The detergent composition of the invention may comprise one or more enzymes. It is preferred that the enzyme is 10 selected from protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase and peroxidase enzymes. Such enzymes are commercially available and sold, for example, under the- registered trade marks Esperase, Aldalase and Savinase by Nova Industries A/S and Maxatase by International 15 Biosynthetics, Inc. It is most preferred that protease enzymes are included in the compositions according to the invention; such enzymes are effective for example in dishwashing detergent compostitions. 20 Desirably enzyme(s) is/are present -in the. composition in an amount of from 0.01 to 3wt%, especially 0.1 to 2.5 wt%, such as 0.2 to 2 wt%. Buffering systems 25 The detergent composition according to the invention may comprise a buffering system to maintain the pH of the composition at a desired pH on dissolution and this may comprise a source of acidity or a source of alkalinity as 30 necessary. A source of acidity may suitably be any components which are acidic; for example polycaroxylic acids. Citric acid 23 is especially preferred. Salts of these acids may also .be used. A source of alkalinity may suitably be any suitable compound which is basic; for example any salt of a strong base and a weak acid such as soda. However 5 additional acids or bases may be present. In the case of alkaline compositions silicates, phosphates or hydrogen phosphates may suitably be used. Preferred silicates are sodium silicates such as sodium disilicate, sodium metasilicate and crystalline phyllosilicates. 10 Perfume, colours, preservatives The detergent compositions of the invention may also comprise minor, conventional amounts of perfumes, 15 preservatives and/or colourants. Such ingredients -are typically present in amounts of up to 2%wt. Contrasting parts 20 -Preferred dosage forms have first and second parts which contrast with each other. They may contrast in the chemical nature of their components. The components may .have different functions in a ware washing environment. They may be incompatible with each' other. For example one 25 component may interact adVersely with another component to cause instability in storage or to reduce effective cleaning action, and such components may be segregated, one in the first part and one in the second part. 30 Alternatively or additionally the first and second parts may be arranged to release their components at different times in the washing process. This may be achieved by use of different coverings or skins for the components; for 24 example by use of different wall materials for the first and second parts, with different rates of dissolution in the wash water and/or by use of walls of different thicknesses for the first and second parts. 5 Alternatively or additionally it may facilitate manufacture to separate certain components, and thereby create a contrast between the first and second parts. 10 Alternatively, or additionally the first and second parts may contrast in their properties for aesthetic reasons. The following are examples~ of contrasting first and second parts: an enzyme in one part and a bleach in another part; 15 a corrosion inhibitor in one part and a bleach in another part; a corrosion inhibitor in one part and an enzyme in another part; an acid or a hydrolysable agent in one part and an 20 alkalinity agent in another part; a solid (including a powder or a gel) in one part and a liquid in another part; a solid (including a powder or a gel) in one part and another solid (including a powder or a gel) in another 25 part, to be kept apart, whether for chemical/functional reasons or aesthetic reasons; a liquid in one part and another liquid in another part, to be kept apart, whether for chemical/functional reasons or aesthetic reasons; 30 a pre-wash formulation (including a ware washing machine cleaner, for example machine sanitizer and/or descaler), in one part and a main wash formulation in another part; 25 a main wash formulation in one part and a rinse aid formulation in another part. Preferably the components of a dosage element of the 5 present invention may be expressed in terms of the following parts by weight: 100 parts of the first substance; 1 to 30 parts of the second substance, preferably 2 to 20, 10 preferably 3 to 12, relative to the first substance; 0.2 to 5 parts of. total water-soluble polymeric material(s), preferably 0.5 to 3, preferably 0.8 to 2.4, relative to the first substance. 15 Preferably the ratio by weight of the second substance to the total water-soluble polymeric material(s) is in the range 0.5:1 to 10:1, preferably 1:1 to 8:1, preferably 1.5:1 to 6:1. 20 Preferably the weight of the dosage element is at least 4g, preferably at least 10g, preferably at least 14g. Preferably the weight of the dosage element is up to 34g, preferably up to 30g. 25 Preferably the weight of the first substance is at least 3g, preferably at least 9g, preferably. at least 15g. Preferably the weight of the first substance is up to 33g, 30 preferably up to 2 9g. . Preferably the weight of the second substance is at least 0.lg, preferably at least 0.25g, preferably at least 0.4g.

26 Preferably the weight of the second substance is up to 2.8g, preferably up to 2g; preferably up to 1.6g. 5 Preferably the weight of the total water-soluble polymeric material(s) is at least 0.lg, preferably at least 0.2g, preferably at least 0.25g. Preferably the weight 'of the total water-soluble polymeric 10 material (s) is up to 2g, preferably up to ig, preferably up to 0.5g. Preferably; the mould comprises a plurality of cavities for forming a plurality of dosage eleinents at one time. 15 Preferably, in step (c) a plurality of portions of the second substance are adhered to the lid-forming part at spaced intervals corresponding to the spacings between cavities of the mould. 20 Preferably, step (d) comprises indexing the lid-forming part with the portions attached to it to a position in which each of the portions is in registration with a corresponding cavity in the mould, closing the cavities 25 with the lid-forming part .in this position and sealing the lid-forming . part to the main container parts in the cavities. The method preferably comprises the step, in the mould or after removal from the mould, of separating the completed dosage elements into individual dosage 30 elements or into groups of dosage elements, for example 4 16 in number, which are packaged in such groups and are intended to be separated into individual dosage elements by the user.

27 After the steps described above the dosage elements may be packaged. 5 Preferably the steps described above define the manufacturing method fully; that is, there is preferably no further substantive manufacturing step. In particular after step (d), there is for example preferably no step .of setting the dosage- elements face-to-face, for example by 10 folding. According to a second Aspect of the invention, there is provided a dosage element to be consumed in use. in a ware washing machine, the dosage element comprising a main 15 container part and a lid-forming part sealed thereto, the dosage element includes first and second substances, the second substance being adhered to the underside of the lid-forming part and-covering at least 5% of the free area of the lid-forming part.. 20 The main container part and the lid-forming part may be of a water-soluble polymeric material: The second substance may be wrapped or coated in a water-soluble polymeric material. Such parts may be adhered or sealed together 25 means of an adhesive, preferably an aqueous liquid, preferably water. Preferably, the second substance is in contact with the first substance. The second substance may project into 30 the first substance. Preferably the first substance surrounds the remaining surface(s) of the second substance. There may be direct contact or, as noted' above, the two substances may be separated by a water 28 soluble polymeric wrapper or coating (e.g.' spray coating) around the second substance. Preferably a vent is provided in the lid-forming' part. 5 Preferably the vent gives~ giving direct communication with the second substance. The dosage element of the second aspect need not be made by the method, of the first aspect. Nevertheless preferred 10 aspects defined with reference to the first aspect may (unless not possible) be regarded as preferred aspects of the second aspect whether or not made by the method of the first aspect; and vice-versa. 15 However, the dosage element of the first. aspect is preferably made by the method of the second aspect. In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a dosage element made by a method Of the first aspect: 20 According to a fourth aspect there is, provided a method of ware washing in a machine, preferably a method of washing kitchenware in a dishwashing machine, using a dosage element of the second aspect, br a dosage element of the third aspect. 25 For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: 30 Figure 1(a) is a schematic side-sectional view illustrating a step in the manufacture of a dosage element in accordance with a method of the invention; 29 Figure, 1(b) is a schematic side-sectional view of that dosage -element, once formed; and 5 Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of dosage element produced in accordance with a method of the present invention. Referring to the figures there will now be described a process for manufacturing a dosage element in accordance 10 with an embodiment of the invention. In the inventive process, there is provided a simple method of manufacture of a- imulti-component dosage element. 15 Dosage elements in accordance with the invention include a first substance held within a main container part, and a second substance. All wall materials are based on water soluble polyvinyl alcohol -(PVOH). 20 In accordance with the teachings of the present invention the second substance is adhered to the underside of a lidding film -of the dosage element, so that the film which is used to close the main container part itself carries the second substance and encloses it within the dosage 25 element. Referring now to Figure 1(a), there is shown a main container part 10, containing a" first substance 40, being a dishwashing composition, and including an oxygen bleach, 30 -but no enzymes. There is also shown a lidding film 20, to the underside of which is adhered a portion 30 containing a second- substance. The second composition' is also a 30 composition used in dishwashing, and contains enzymes, but no bleach. The main container part 10 is manufactured by 5 thermoforming a primary component (bottom film) as a tray of pockets in a thermoforming mould. A suitable forming temperature for PVOH-based polymeric materials is typically 120"C. The thickness of the film used to produce the pocket is 90 to 120gm. A suitable forming 10 vacuum is 0 to 2kPa. It will be seen that the main container part 10 is formed with an upwardly facing rim 15. 15 Following the thermoforming of the tray the first substance 40 is introduced intb the.pockets thereof. The lidding film 20 has a plurality of portions '30 adhered to its underside, in regular. spaced apart relation to one 20 another. The adherence is achieved by using water as the adhesive. However, other adhesives such as glues, or HF sealing, could alternatively be used. The thickness of the lidding film is in the range 60 to -25 75 m. It is important to ensure correct -adherence across the portions 30 and, for this reason in this embodiment a top face of each portion 30 is substantially flat in order to 30 maximise the contact area between bidding film 20 and portion 30. All of that flat top face is adhered to the lidding film, in this embodiment. However, it is envisaged that in some instances, a rounded profile to the 3: portions 30 may be suitable to adhere to the lidding film, if the film were fed and adhered to the portions -30 when "warm and flexible" so as to wrap around and conform to the rounded outer profile of the portions 30. 5 Each portion - 30 may be a solid, such as a compressed powder, 'a gel, a capsule or a pouch. Preferably it is a - solid through. which a gas may diffuse and/or is of a composition such as to release gas or vapour. It may be a 10 fragrance-emanating composition. With the portions 30 attached to the lidding film 20, the; film may be indexed to the position shown in figure 1(a) and lowered to cover and close the -main container part 10 15 in the mould as shown in figure 1(b). It will be seen that the lidding film makes contact with the upwardly facing - rim 15 of the main container part. The rim is somewhat broad and this assists in achieving good.sealing between the lidding film and the main container part. 20 Next, the tray of main container .parts and the lidding film are sealed to one another. The parts may be sealed together by means of an aqueous solution of PVOH, 'acting as an adhesive. Alternatively they may be sealed together 25 by any suitable means, for example by means of a further adhesive or by heat, sealing. Other methods of sealing 'include infra-red, radio frequency, ultrasonic, laser, solvent (such as water), vibration and spin welding. If heat sealing is used, a. suitable sealing temperature is 30 for example 125*C. A suitable sealing pressure is readily selected by the person skilled in the art.

32 A punch tool have a matrix of punch needles may then be applied to punch a vent hole centrally through each lidding film, and part-way into the respective portion carried by the lidding film.' The punch needles are 5 cylindrical and of radius 0.8 mm. The plurality of completed dosage'elements may-be ejected from the mould. This may be after separation of the dosage elements of the tray, within the mould, -or may precede'it. 10 Separation of the dosage elements, wherever undertaken, may be into individual dosage elements or, may be into groups of dosage elements, for example 4-16 in number, which are packaged in such groups and are intended to be .separated into individual dosage elements by the user. 15 . In this embodiment the ratio of the footprint of the portion 30 to the free area of 'the lidding film (that is, the area which is inward of 'the seal with the main container part; or in other words the area of the lidding 20 'film in which both faces are free -from contact with the main container part) is 16% in this embodiment. In this embodiment the whole footprint is in contact with the lidding film, and the 'whole contact area is adhesively secured to the lidding film. Thus in this embodiment the 25 footprint is the same as the area of adhesive contact between the secondary component and the lidding film. The dosage element formed from the first and second parts is in the shape of a pillow. It is pleasant and feels 30 "squashy" or compliant, rather than "rigid" or box-like. It is shape stable, in the sense that although it can be pressed and manipulated it does not lose its pillow shape.

33 It will be seen in Figure 1(b) that the portion 30 is in contact on all exposed surfaces with -ttie first substance 40. 5 A further example of a dosage element produced by this method is shown in figure 2. The footprint of the portion or "pill" is the same as the 'area .of adhesive contact between the portion and the lidding film. In this embodiment the ratio of the footprint of the portion to 10 the free area of the - lidding film is 22%. In this embodiment the -.lidding film bulges in 'the upwards direction due to the complete filling of the container part 20 by dishwashing powder, prior to the introduction thereinto of the portion 30. The final form of the dosage 15 element is thus a desired, compliant, pillow shape. Suitable chemical compositions are as follows: Composition Example 1: 20 A phosphate-containing powder composition (first substance) and a portion or "pill" is provided in one overall compartment (Table 1 below), for use in an automatic dishwashing machine. The portion is disc shaped. The adhesion face is flat. The ratio of 25 footprint - (also of contact, in this embodiment) to free area of the lidding film is 12.5%. A vent hole is provided as described above.

34 Table 1: Raw Material Powder Portion Walls (O's g) (19,0 g) (0, 4g) Sodium tripolyphosphate 48,70 Sodium carbonate 16,00 Sodium percarbonate 16,00 TAED 6,00 Phosphate speckles 4,00 Benzotriazol 0,40 HEOP 4 Na (88,5%) 0,130 Protease' 1,50 Amylase' 1,00 1,2-Propylenediglycol 1,00 Perfume 0,10 Sulfonated polymer' 5,00 Gelatin 30,00 Water 19,95 Sulfonated polymer 50,00 Dye -0,05 PVOH (bottom film)' 75 PVOH (top film), 25 100 100 100 Composition Example 2:, 5 A phosphate-containing powder composition (first substance) and a portion or "pill" are provided in one overall compartment (Table 2 below), for use in an automatic dishwashing machine. The portion is hemispherical. The adhesion face is flat. The ratio of 1D footprint (also of contact, in this embodiment) to free 35 area of lidding film is 24%. A vent hole is provided as described above. Table 2: 5 Raw Material Powder Portion Walls (19,0 g) (0,8 g) (0,3g) Sodium tripolyphosphate 48,20 Sodium carbonate 16,00 Sodium percarbonate 16,00 TAED 6,00 Phosphate speckles 4,00 Benzotriazol 0,40 HEDP 4 Na 488,5%) 0,30 Protease" 1,50 Amylase' 1,00 1,2 Propylenediglycol 1,00 Perfume 0,10 Sulfonated Polymer- 5,00 Surfactant 44,95 Polyglycol 35000 54,00 PVOH~' 1,00 Dye 0,05 PVOH (bottom film)' 67 PVOH (top film)u 33 100 100 100 36 * Composition Example 3: - A citrate-containing powder composition (first substance) and a portion or "pill" are provided in one overall compartment (Table 3 below), for use in an automatic 5 dishwashing machine. The portion is disc-shaped. The adhesion face has a flat ring-shaped contact region around its circumference and a concave region inwards of that, in which the portion is not in contact with the lidding film. The ratio of the footprint of the portion to the free' area 10 of the lidding film is 25%. The ratio of the area of the contact region of * the portion, across which adhesion- is established, 'o the free area of lidding film, is 14%. A vent hole is provided as described above. 15 Table 3: Raw Material Powder Portion Walls (19, 0 g) (0, 8 g) (0,3g) Sodium citrate 48,70 Sodium carbonate 16,00 Sodium percarbonate 16,00 TAED 6,00 Phosphate speckles 4,00 Benzotriazol 0,40 REDP 4 Na (88,5%) 0,30 Protease" 1,50 Amylase' 1,00 1,2 Propylenediglycol 1,00 Perfume 0,10 Sulfonated Polymer 4 5,00 Sulfonated Polymer' 20,00 PVOH composition 79,95 37 Dye 0 05 PVOH -(bottom film)' 67 PVOH (top film)' 33 100 100 Composition Example 4. A phosphate-,containing powder composition (first substance) and. a pressed portion or "pill" are provided in 5 one compartment (Table .4 below), for use in .an automatic dishwashing machine. The "pill" is manufactured by compressing the portion formula with a compression force of 1200 kg/cm2 (diameter 13.0 mm; height B mm;- weight 1,4g). The 'pills" are thereafter coated in a drum coater 10 by spaying PVOH solution (10% in water) onto the pills. Each "pill" has the shape of a traditional medicinal pill, with opposed biconvex main surfaces spaced apart by a short cylindrical wall. The adhesion face is thus convex but full adhesive contact is obtained because the lidding 15 film conforms to the convex shape. The ratio of - the footprint of the portion to the free area of the lidding film is 19%. The ratio of the area of contact of the portion, across which adhesion'is established, to the free area of lidding film, is 20%. A vent hole is provided as 20 described above.

38 Table 4: Raw Material Powder Portion Walls (16,0 g) (1,4 g) (0,3g) Sodium tripolyphosphate 48,7.0 Sodium carbonate 16,00 Sodium percarbonate 16,00 TAED 6,00 Phosphate speckles- 4,00 Benzotriazol 0,40 HEDP 4 Na (88,5%) 0,30 Protease 1 1,50 Amylase 1,00. 1,2 Prooylenediglycol 1,00 Perfume 0,10 Sulfonated Polymer 5,00 Lactose 2 0 ,00 Sodium CMC 18,00 Sodium bicarbonate 30,00 Citric acid 16,00 Protease 8,00 HEDP 4 Na (88,5%) 2,00 Polyglycol 4,00 Mg-stearate 0;50 Dye 0,50 PVOHs 1,00 PVOH (bottom film)' 67 PVOH (top film)' 33 100 100 100 39 Composition Example 5: A zeolite-containing powder composition (first substance) and i pressed portion or "pill" surrounded by a coating adhere to the top filmr (Table 5 below), are provided in 5 one overall compartment for use in a laundry machine. The "pill" is manufactured by compressing the above portion formula with a compression of 1200 kg/cm2 (diameter 13.0 mm; height 8 mm; weight 1,4g). The "pills" are thereafter coated in a drum coater by spaying PVOH solution (10% in 10 water) onto the "pills". Each "'pill" is spherical. Good adhesive contact is obtained because the lidding film conforms very well to the shape, over nearly a hemisphere thereof. The ratio of the footprint of the portion to the free area of the lidding film is 16%. The ratio of the 15 area of contact of the portion, across which adhesion is established, to the ' free area of lidding film, is 29% (approaching double the ratio of the footprint .to the free area of the lidding film in this embodiment, and indicates that nearly half of the spherical surface is in adhesive 20 contact with the "pill"). A vent .hole is provided as described above. Table 5: Raw Material Powder Portion Walls (26,0 g) (1,4 g) (0,4g) LAS 12,58 Soap 1,24 Alkylsulfate 2,27 Phosphonate 0,58 Polymer 2,79 Zeolite 10,46 Sodium carbonate 26,81 40 Sodium sulfate 2,96 Sodium silicate 1,85 Amorphous silicate 8,75 Antifoam substance 0,47 Polyethylenglycol 0, 15 Amylase 0,26 Sodium percarbonate 20,50 Optical brightener 0,29 Fragrance 0,26 Water 2,80 TAED 5,00 Lactose 20,00 Sodium CMC 18,00 Sodium bicarbonate 30,00 Citric acid 16,00 Protease' 8,00 HEDP 4 Na (88,5%) 2,00 Polyglycol 4,00 Mg-stearate 0,50 Dye 0,50 PoH 1,00 PVOH (bottom film)' 75 PVOH (top film)U 25 100 100 100 In the above composition examples parts are by weight, and the following footnotes apply. 5 .1 Granules which contain approx. 3-10% active enzyme 2 AMPS co-polymer 3 Non-ionic low foaming surfactant 4 Mixed poly alkoxylate grade, P 41/12000, Clariant 41 5 Silicon oil 6 PAP (phthalimidoperhexanoic acid) of particle size (050% <15 pm) 7-PVOH foil; 90pm, PT grade from Aicello 5 8 PVOH foil, 60pm, PT grade from Aicello 9 Low molecular weight PVOH surrounding the portion as coating 10 Composition comprising 85% of low molecular weight PVOH with .a degree of hydrolysis being 83-88%; with 11% 10 sorbitol and 4% processing aids. In all examples above illustrating the present invention the dosage element is consumed in a washing cycle, in the sense that at the end of cycle no part of it has' to be 15 removed from the machine; indeed no part of it can be discerned, within the machine. The inventive method described above has a number of advantages.

20 One important advantage is that the second substance can be in contact with powder, or immersed in liquid, and thereby be supported. This -in turn supports the lidding film .to which, it is attached, and supports the interface 25 between the second substance and the lidding film. Thus, the portion 30 on the lidding film 20 may be arranged so as to reduce mechanical stresses in the completed dosage element. 30 Another important advantage is that the second substance can be surrounded by a liquid but still can be equipped with a venting hole (e.g. bleach, fragrance).

42 A further advantage is that the second substance 40 may be protected from moisture ingress even when there is a vent, by being surrounded by a coating which provides a moisture resisting barrier. 5 The portion 30 can work as an immobile spacer at a defined location. For example if it is deep it may prevent collapse of the opposed top and bottom walls, towards each other. 10 Where an adhesive is used to attach the portions 30, the make up of that adhesive may be manipulated to influence the film dissolution (delay or speed up). 15 Substance 30 could, if of suitable size, be used to separate ingredients within a dosage element. The dosage element can be used to carry a liquid as the first substance and have the advantage of being leak safe, 20 as the substance 30 serves as a barrier or "plug" preventing it from leaking out.

Claims (12)

1. A method of manufacturing a dosage element to be consumed in use in a ware washing machine, the method comprising: (a) forming a main container part within a cavity of a 5 mould; (b) providing the main container part with a first substance; (c) adhering a second substance to the underside of a part which is to form a lid of the dosage element; and 10 (d) sealing the lid-forming part to the main container part so as to close the main container part and enclose the first and second substances within it; wherein the second substance covers at least 5% of the free area of the lid-forming part. 15 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the second substance has a substantially flat contact surface which is adhered to a substantially flat surface of the lid-forming part, or is shaped, and the lid-forming part conforms to the surface as the parts are adhered together. 20 3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, including the step of providing a vent in the lid-forming part.

4. A method according to claim 3 including the step of giving direct communication with the second substance.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, 25 wherein there is a slit or a hole in the lid-forming part.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the hole or slit as formed is of area from 0.2 mm 2 up to 8 mm 2 (whether it remains in that shape or contracts). 44

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dosage elements are of water-soluble polymeric material (s) and parts thereof are adhered to each other using water as an adhesive. 5 S. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second substance is a solid, such as a compressed powder; or a gel; or a capsule or pouch encapsulating an active agent,

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, 10 wherein the second substance projects into the first substance such that the first substance surrounds the other remaining surfaces of the second substance.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mould comprises a plurality of cavities for forming 15 a plurality of dosage elements at one time, and step (d) comprises indexing the. lid-forming part with portions of the second substance attached to it to a position in which each of the portions is in registration with a corresponding cavity in the mould, closing the cavities with the film in this position 20 and sealing the lid-forming part to the main container parts in the cavities.

11. A dosage element produced according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A dosage element to be consumed in use in a ware washing 25 machine, the dosage element comprising a main container part and a lid-forming part sealed thereto, the dosage element includes first and second substances, the second substance being adhered to the underside of the lid-forming part, and covering at least 5% of the free area of the lid-forming part. 45

13. A dosage element according to claim 12, and wherein a vent is provided in the lid-forming part giving direct communication with the second substance.

14. A method of ware washing using a dosage element of any one 5 of claims 11 to 13.

15. A method of ware washing machine according to claim 14 wherein said method is dishwashing.