CA1205424A - Laundry aid - Google Patents
Laundry aidInfo
- Publication number
- CA1205424A CA1205424A CA000435682A CA435682A CA1205424A CA 1205424 A CA1205424 A CA 1205424A CA 000435682 A CA000435682 A CA 000435682A CA 435682 A CA435682 A CA 435682A CA 1205424 A CA1205424 A CA 1205424A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- dryer
- washer
- article
- exposed
- zeolite
- Prior art date
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- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
- Treatments For Attaching Organic Compounds To Fibrous Goods (AREA)
Abstract
LAUNDRY AID
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The specification discloses a laundry aid product and method for using same in which water softener particles and a wafer of fabric softening material are contained to-gether in a porous pouch. The pouch is placed in the wash-ing machine when detergent and/or clothes are added and is carried with the clothes to the dryer when the clothes are dried. The water softener helps soften the wash water during the wash cycle and the fabric softener helps soften the clothing during the drying cycle.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The specification discloses a laundry aid product and method for using same in which water softener particles and a wafer of fabric softening material are contained to-gether in a porous pouch. The pouch is placed in the wash-ing machine when detergent and/or clothes are added and is carried with the clothes to the dryer when the clothes are dried. The water softener helps soften the wash water during the wash cycle and the fabric softener helps soften the clothing during the drying cycle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
-The present invention deals broadly with the problems of using various laundry additives, such as fabric softeners, detergents, presoaks, bleaches and the like, in the washer and/or dryer phases of the laundering process. Introducing such additives at the right time in a neat, clean and -~
convenient manner is often a problem. Giving such additives an acceptable merchandising appearance is another. In addition to arriving at a multifaceted solution to some of these ~roblems, we have additionally solved another wash day problem in a totally unexpected way.
Adding fabric softener at just the right time during the washer/dryer operation is the additive timing problem most often encountered. Because fabric softeners are cationic and many detergents are anionic, the two tend to work against one another when the fabric sof~ener is introduced into the washing cycle. Also, many soils are anionic and tend to be precipitated back onto the clothing by the cationic fabric ~0 softeners present in the wash cycle. Consequently, softeners have traditionally been added during the washer rinse cycle rather than the wash cycle. Some washing machines have been mallufactured with special dispensers so that the sotener could be placed in the dispenser at the beginning of the wash cycle, but would not be introduced into the washer tub until the rinse cycle.
In United States Patent 3,267,701 to Mandarino, it is suggested that the softener be added to the clothing in the clothes dryer, rather than in the washing machine.
Others had previously suggested adding other types of laundry additives to clothing during~the drying operation, as for r ~
~; ~' ~ . i i`, 1 example United States Patent 2,941,309 to Cobb. Cobb suggests introducing moisture in the dryer by tumbling the clothes with a ball having small openings and containing water.
This enhances the fabric by making it easier to iron. United States Pa~ent 3,442,692 to Gaiser illustrates a method for adding a fabric softener to ~he clothing during the dryer phase by coating a fabric substrate with the cationic fabric softener and tumbling it directly with the clothes in the dryer.
United States Patents 3,947,971 to Bauer, 4,004,685 to Mizuno et al., and 4j098,937 to Mizuno et al., all disclose placing either a solid or semisolid bar of fabric softening material within a porous envelope, and then intIoducing that porous envelope into a clothes dryer with clothes being dried. In United States Patent 3,870,145 to Mizuno, a sponge impregnated with fabric softener is enclosed within a porous envelope which is placed in a clothes dryer with articles of clothing to be dried. All of the Mizuno patents are designed to be adhered to the dryer vane and to be
-The present invention deals broadly with the problems of using various laundry additives, such as fabric softeners, detergents, presoaks, bleaches and the like, in the washer and/or dryer phases of the laundering process. Introducing such additives at the right time in a neat, clean and -~
convenient manner is often a problem. Giving such additives an acceptable merchandising appearance is another. In addition to arriving at a multifaceted solution to some of these ~roblems, we have additionally solved another wash day problem in a totally unexpected way.
Adding fabric softener at just the right time during the washer/dryer operation is the additive timing problem most often encountered. Because fabric softeners are cationic and many detergents are anionic, the two tend to work against one another when the fabric sof~ener is introduced into the washing cycle. Also, many soils are anionic and tend to be precipitated back onto the clothing by the cationic fabric ~0 softeners present in the wash cycle. Consequently, softeners have traditionally been added during the washer rinse cycle rather than the wash cycle. Some washing machines have been mallufactured with special dispensers so that the sotener could be placed in the dispenser at the beginning of the wash cycle, but would not be introduced into the washer tub until the rinse cycle.
In United States Patent 3,267,701 to Mandarino, it is suggested that the softener be added to the clothing in the clothes dryer, rather than in the washing machine.
Others had previously suggested adding other types of laundry additives to clothing during~the drying operation, as for r ~
~; ~' ~ . i i`, 1 example United States Patent 2,941,309 to Cobb. Cobb suggests introducing moisture in the dryer by tumbling the clothes with a ball having small openings and containing water.
This enhances the fabric by making it easier to iron. United States Pa~ent 3,442,692 to Gaiser illustrates a method for adding a fabric softener to ~he clothing during the dryer phase by coating a fabric substrate with the cationic fabric softener and tumbling it directly with the clothes in the dryer.
United States Patents 3,947,971 to Bauer, 4,004,685 to Mizuno et al., and 4j098,937 to Mizuno et al., all disclose placing either a solid or semisolid bar of fabric softening material within a porous envelope, and then intIoducing that porous envelope into a clothes dryer with clothes being dried. In United States Patent 3,870,145 to Mizuno, a sponge impregnated with fabric softener is enclosed within a porous envelope which is placed in a clothes dryer with articles of clothing to be dried. All of the Mizuno patents are designed to be adhered to the dryer vane and to be
2~ reused with successive loads of clothes. A]l of the Mizuno patents suggest varying the melting temperature of the fabric softening bar by combining the "additives," the specific examples being combination of two fabric conditioners of differing melting points, i.e., stearyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride and dimethyl dihydrogenated tallow ammonium chloride.
One problem with many of the approaches calling for adding the fabric softener to the clothing during the dryer phase is that the user has to be concerned about an extra step or operation at the time the clothes are introduced into the dryer. A special problem with a coated substrate is that 1 ~he coated substrate has a waxy ~eeling which may be regarded as a less than desirable merchandising factor.
Some have attempted to solve these problems by devising ways of introducing fabric softener into the washing machine at the time of initiation of the wash cycle for timed release later on in the rinse cycle and/or in the dryer. In United States Patent 4,082,678 to Pracht et al., it is suggested that fabric softener be packaged in a sealed pouch whose solubility is pH sensitive. This sealed pouch is then packaged along with a pH control agent in a second or outer porous pouch. When this is introduced into the washer at the beginning of the wash cycle, the pH control agent dissolves and prevents the inner pouch, which contains the fabric softener, from dissolving. When the pH altered water is pumped out of the washer after the wash cycle, and when clear rinse water is then introduced into the washer, the inner pOUC}l dissolves and the fabric softener is released.
Thus the fabric softener performs its primary softening during the rinse cycle of the washing operation. It is indicated in this patent that any fabric softener which does remain in the pouch during the rinse cycle would subsequently be released in the dryer when the pouch and the clothing are placed in the dryer.
A similar rather complex system is disclosed in United States Patent 4,10S,600 to ~ong. The primary difference is that each fabric softening particle is coated with a material whose solubility in water is pH sensitive, rather than all of the fabric softening particles collectively being packaged in a first pouch whose solubllity is pH sensitive. These individually coated particles are placed in a poro~s ~eceptacle along with a pH control agent. The pH control agent dissolves in the wash 1 cycle and prevents dissolution and dispersion of the coated fabric softener particles. After the wash water is pumped out and when the rinse water is introduced, the coating on the fabric softener particles dissolves and the fabric softener particles are then dispersed out of the porous container.
These are of course rather complex, single purpose systems. Another system which attempts to achieve the same result in a different way is disclosed in United States Patent 4,113,630 to Hagner et al. In Hagner, a substrate is coated with a fabric softener which is compounded with a dispersion inhibitor, consisting for example of paraffinic waxes~ tallow alcohol, polyhydric alcohols and the like, which tends to prevent the fabric softener from being dispersed during the wash cycle. This tends to prevent the fabric softener from being dispersed in either the wash or rinse cycles, but allows the fabric softener to operate effectively during the dryer phase. The substrate is introduced at the beginning of the wash cycle and is simply carried over to the dryer phase a~ong with all of the clothing after the washing machine has completed its function.
It is additionally suggested in this patent -that a deter~ent coating can be loaded onto one of and between two layers. The fabric softener coating is spaced on the surface of the substrate so that water can pass through the substrate layers and dissolve the detergent.
One problem with this approach is that a rather large substrate is needed to both spread the fahric softening compound and the detergen-t out and still leave the substrate permeable so that water can access the detergent inside the substrate. Also there may be some tendency for the fabric softener coating to disintegrate or dissolve during the 5~2~
1 wash and rinse cycles because of the rather large surface area exposed to attack by the agitator, hot water, detergents and clothing in the washing machine.
United States Patent 4,203,851 to Ramachandran is an example of an attempt to incorporate a fabric softener directly into a detergent composition. A detergent builder is prepared in bead form and the detergent builder beads are then impregnated with a fabric softening agent. It is suggested that the beads may be a mixture of zeolite, sodium bicarbonate and sodium silicate. It is stated that because the fabric softener is absorbed into the builder beads, it tends to disperse more slowly, thereby causing a greater quantity of the fabric softener to be dispersed during the later stages of the wash cycle, after the detersive agents have had a greater opportunity to combine with and remove dirt from the clothing. One problem with this approach is that the cationic material would tend to increase redeposition of dirt on the fabrics.
A review of the above prior art illustrates the difficulty of introducing laundry additives, especially fabric softener, into the washer/dryer operation at the proper time and in an economically effective and aesthetically pleasing way.
SU~ARY OF THE INV~NTION
_ In the present invention, the timing problem for adding laundry additives is solved with respect to multiple additives by placing at least two different additives in a porous container, one or more belng a washer phase effective agent which will dispense from the container as water flows around and through the container during the wash cycle, and the other being a typically dryer phase effective agent in a ~z~
1 form which will not pass through the pores of the porous container, and being selected -from the group consisting of either (1) agents which will resist any subs~antial dispens-ing and/or activation in water at temperatures normal for wash water in washers but which will be activated and/or dispensed at temperatures at which dryers normally operate so as to pass through the pores of the porous container, and (2) agents compounded with other components, which as compounded, will similarly resist any substantial dispensing or activation in hot water but will be dispensed and/or activated in the dryer. This invention facilitates automatically timing the addition of different additives at different points during the washer/dryer operation, yet allows all of the additives to be added at the beginning of the wash cycle approximately simultaneously with the introduction of articles of clothing into the washer. Yet ~his is achieved in a very straightforward and economical manner by simply placing the two agents in a common porolls container9 without the need for utilizing any coating techniques, special p~ control agents or the like.
Because substrate coating is avoided, the pouch can be relatively small, and additives can be designed for dispersion during the dryer phase to have less exposed surface area and hence be less subject to attack during the wash cycle.
The term "laundry additivel~ is intended to broadly include any material which helps make the clothing cleaner, softer and otherwise more desirable. Thus the term is used herein to describe such diverse compounds as water softeners, fabric softeners, anti-static agents, presoaks, bleaches, waterproofing agents, germicides, sizing agents, soil release agents, detergents, brighteners, blueing agents, soaps, fabric fresheners (fragrances), deodorants, anti-wrinkling 1 additives and the like.
While the multiple additive embodiment of the invention is most preferred, it is also unique and advantageous to dispense in pouch form fabric softening agent alone by adding the pouch at the beginning of the wash cycle.
Another aspect of this invention ma~ involve placing a water softening agent in the pouch, either alone or with other laundry additives as described above, and placing the pouch in the washing machine at the beginning of the wash cycle. Thus, excess water softener need not be formulated into a laundry detergent composition per se in order to utilize the laundry detergent in harder water. Rather, it is made available in a convenient, ready to use pouch contain-ing a premeasured amount of wateT softener.
These and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the appended drawings and the description of the preferred embodiment.
2~ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF lHE DRAI~ING
Fig. 1 shows an article made in accordance with the most preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF T~IE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the preferred embodiment, a porous container or pouch 10 contains water softener particles 20 as the washer phase effective fabric enhanc~ng agent and a fabric softening wafer 50 as the dryer phase effective fabric enhancing agent ~Fig. 1). Each of the water softener particles 20 is larger than the pores of pouch 10 when dry. If a water in-soluble water softener is used, particles 20 divide into a plurality of fine, insoluble water softening particles when ~-.
1 placed in wash water, which are smaller than the pores in pouch 10. I-f a water soluble softener is used particles 20 of course dissolve. Pouch 10 is placed in the washing machine at about the same time detergent is added. The water softening particles 20 disperse through the pores of porous container 10 by one of the aforesaid mechanisms.
Fabric softening wafer 50 is compounded to resist deteriora-tion in water temperatures typical for washing machines in hot water (as for example as high as 55C) and hence remains integral or substantially so, within pouch 10 during the wash and rinse cycles in the washing machine. Pouch 10 is then carried along with any articles of clothing into the dryer. Under the heat of the dryer ~usually 60C. or more), the fabric softening wafer 50 melts and the fabric softening material passes through the porous container 10 and is intermingled with articles of clothing.
Porous container 10 is pre~erably made o~ a flexible fabric material so that it has less tendency to abrade any articles of clothing with which it is mingled. The material 2n should be strong and tear resistant. The porous material of which pouch 10 is made must exhibit sufficient wet strength to maintain structural integrity in the washer and dryer.
It should not melt or ignite in a hot dryer.
Most preferably, porous container 10 is made of a material which is flexible, porous and can be heat sealed.
One example is a nonwoven spun bonded polyester manufactured by the Dupont Company under the trademark "REEMAY." The most preferred material is a nonwoven cotton polyester material with a porous polyethylene coating on one side to facilitate heat sealing. Such material is manufactured ~y the Stearns and Foster company under the trademark "IRONTITE."
1 Pouch 10 is formed preferably by folding and heat sealing the edges of a sheet of this porous material, at 11 in ~ig. 1. Ultrasonic sealing is a viable alternative.
Alternative materials exhibiting similar properties would of course be acceptable. Cellulose, coated with a thermal plastic material to render it heat sealable, is an example of a material which might be acceptable. Spun bonded or nonwoven polypropylene, cloth and other fiber woven materials, certain papers, porous polymer sheets, thin porous foam sheets, porous foil, sponge, are examples of other pouch materials which might be used. Alternative edge sealing means can be usedt as for example, sewing or glueing.
Some latitude in porosity of the fabric material of which porous container 10 is made is possible. If the water softening agent is water soluble, the porosity of the fabric can be quite low9 though not so low as to render the fabric waterproof. If an insoluble water softening agent is used, as would be the case with zeolite, the porosity should be as large as possible to allow rapid dispersion of the zeolite by the wash solution, and yet retain the zeolite in porous container 10 when it is dry.
Since for laundry grade zeolite the majority of its individual particles are from about 2 to 10 microns in size, with the remainder varying up to about lO0 microns, the porosity of porous container 10 must be suf~iciently great to dispense particles of up to about 100 microns. It is preferable that these fine particles be agglomerated into larger particles, either inherently during processing as occurs with zeolite, or through intentional processing using any of a number of known agglomerating agents~ so that the porosity of porous container 10 can be somewhat greater than g 1 if the particles were not agglomerated. This malces it possible for the particles of up to 100 microns to dispense more rapidly, yet still retains the agglomerated particles within porous container 10 when they are dry.
One way to measure the porosity of fabric is through Frazer air permeability. For dispensing zeolite water softening particles, we have found that the fabric of which container 10 is made should have a Frazer air perme-ability of from about 200 cu.ft./min/sq.ft. to about 600.
When the fabric has an air permeability of less than about 200, it does not dispense zeolite particles satisfactorily.
When it is greater than about 600, the zeolite tends to dust out of container 10 too readily.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, lS the relative porosity of container 10 will thus to a great extent be a function of the particular water softener used.
However, the principles discussed above will enable the skilled artisan to select a particular porosity which will be appropriate for the particular water softening agent selec.ted.
A sufficient quantity of active water softening ingredients should be placed in container 10 to meaningfully soften a typlcal washer load of hard water. ~'or example, most washers hold from 35 to 95 liters of water. Hardness e~countered typically ranges up to about ~OOppm. It is preferable to reduce this hardness to about 50ppm. The quantity of actlve water softening ingredients will thus vary depending on the relative effectiveness of the water softener per unit of weight. '[he preferred~water softener in the present invention is zeolite. ln the case of zeollte, we have found it desirable to employ from about 2Q to about 1 100 grams and most preferably 3~ to 70 grams of finely divided zeolite particles in porous container lU.
~e have found, however, that while intentional agglomeration using any of various known agglomerating agents may help minimize "dusting" during handling the package, the preferred particle 20 comprising relative fine zeolite particles simply agglomerated to or.e ano~her inherently during manu-facturing appears to be sa~isfactory for purposes of the present invention. Such agglomerated partlcles substantially fall within the range of from about 500 to about iO00 microns when dry, yet divide into much finer particles, substantially of from about 2 to about lU microns with some being as large as about 100 microns~ when exposed to wash water. ln terms of all practical considerations, such inherently agglomerated zeolite is regarded as the best mode for practicing this invention.
The particular zeolite selected mus~ be a laundry effective zeolite. Zeolite A lS widely recognized as the most effective water softening zeolite for laundry use.
Zeolite A is generally understood to encompass`a water insoluble aluminosilicate of the general formula:
MrlO:A1203:XSiO2:y~2o where X has a value o~ from .8 to ~, more typically 1.0 to 2.0 and most typically 1.85 ~ .5. Y is a number of from about 2.5 to about 6. M is an alkali metal capable of exchange with calcium and n is its valence.
In a grain diameter of from about .1 to about 100 microns, this material has a calcium ion exchange power of at least 50mg calcium ion and most preferably 200mg calcium ion equivalent/gm and a calcium ion exchange speed of at least about 9ppm calcium ion/l/mirl/g. As a percent by weight, ~s~
1 the water comprises lO to 2~%.
In order to be most effective, the zeolite particles must be very finely divided when dispersed ln water, thereby creating a large active surface area. The vast majority of the particles in our preferred composition are from 2 to 5 microns. Most are under 10 microns, though some particles may be as large as 100 microns without adversely affecting the effectiveness of the zeolite.
The preferred dryer phase effective agent in accordance with the present invention is a fabric softener/
antistat. The fabric softener/antistat must resist any - substantial dispensing and/or activation in hot water at temperatures normally introduced into washing machines, but must dispense and/or activate at temperatures at which dryers normally operate so that it will pass through the pores of porous container 10. Alternatively~ a fabric softening/antistat composition must be compounded with other components so that the material as compounded will resist any substantial dispensing and/or activation in hot water, ~ut will dispense and/or activate and pass through the pores oE porous container 10 in the hot dryer. The typical wash water temperature in most homes is from 20C. to 55C. The typical dryer temperature is around 60C., though some laundromat dryers will generate temperatures of up to 90C.
We have found it most preferable to mix the fabric softener/antistat with zeolite, most preferably zeolite A.
Zeolite inhibits dispersion of the fabric softener/antistat in the washing machine, and controls release in the dryer so that dispersion is more uniform. Zeolite also makes a wafer form of the softener/antistat, which is preferred, more fracture resistant and thus helps it hold up better in ~2~S~
1 the washing machine. The quantity of zeolite employed must be within a range which will achieve the following objectives 1. yield good endurance in the washing machine so as to maximize S the quantity of fabric softener/
antistat which is still available for activation in the dryer;
2. optimize melting in the dryer, which too much zeolite inhibits;
and
One problem with many of the approaches calling for adding the fabric softener to the clothing during the dryer phase is that the user has to be concerned about an extra step or operation at the time the clothes are introduced into the dryer. A special problem with a coated substrate is that 1 ~he coated substrate has a waxy ~eeling which may be regarded as a less than desirable merchandising factor.
Some have attempted to solve these problems by devising ways of introducing fabric softener into the washing machine at the time of initiation of the wash cycle for timed release later on in the rinse cycle and/or in the dryer. In United States Patent 4,082,678 to Pracht et al., it is suggested that fabric softener be packaged in a sealed pouch whose solubility is pH sensitive. This sealed pouch is then packaged along with a pH control agent in a second or outer porous pouch. When this is introduced into the washer at the beginning of the wash cycle, the pH control agent dissolves and prevents the inner pouch, which contains the fabric softener, from dissolving. When the pH altered water is pumped out of the washer after the wash cycle, and when clear rinse water is then introduced into the washer, the inner pOUC}l dissolves and the fabric softener is released.
Thus the fabric softener performs its primary softening during the rinse cycle of the washing operation. It is indicated in this patent that any fabric softener which does remain in the pouch during the rinse cycle would subsequently be released in the dryer when the pouch and the clothing are placed in the dryer.
A similar rather complex system is disclosed in United States Patent 4,10S,600 to ~ong. The primary difference is that each fabric softening particle is coated with a material whose solubility in water is pH sensitive, rather than all of the fabric softening particles collectively being packaged in a first pouch whose solubllity is pH sensitive. These individually coated particles are placed in a poro~s ~eceptacle along with a pH control agent. The pH control agent dissolves in the wash 1 cycle and prevents dissolution and dispersion of the coated fabric softener particles. After the wash water is pumped out and when the rinse water is introduced, the coating on the fabric softener particles dissolves and the fabric softener particles are then dispersed out of the porous container.
These are of course rather complex, single purpose systems. Another system which attempts to achieve the same result in a different way is disclosed in United States Patent 4,113,630 to Hagner et al. In Hagner, a substrate is coated with a fabric softener which is compounded with a dispersion inhibitor, consisting for example of paraffinic waxes~ tallow alcohol, polyhydric alcohols and the like, which tends to prevent the fabric softener from being dispersed during the wash cycle. This tends to prevent the fabric softener from being dispersed in either the wash or rinse cycles, but allows the fabric softener to operate effectively during the dryer phase. The substrate is introduced at the beginning of the wash cycle and is simply carried over to the dryer phase a~ong with all of the clothing after the washing machine has completed its function.
It is additionally suggested in this patent -that a deter~ent coating can be loaded onto one of and between two layers. The fabric softener coating is spaced on the surface of the substrate so that water can pass through the substrate layers and dissolve the detergent.
One problem with this approach is that a rather large substrate is needed to both spread the fahric softening compound and the detergen-t out and still leave the substrate permeable so that water can access the detergent inside the substrate. Also there may be some tendency for the fabric softener coating to disintegrate or dissolve during the 5~2~
1 wash and rinse cycles because of the rather large surface area exposed to attack by the agitator, hot water, detergents and clothing in the washing machine.
United States Patent 4,203,851 to Ramachandran is an example of an attempt to incorporate a fabric softener directly into a detergent composition. A detergent builder is prepared in bead form and the detergent builder beads are then impregnated with a fabric softening agent. It is suggested that the beads may be a mixture of zeolite, sodium bicarbonate and sodium silicate. It is stated that because the fabric softener is absorbed into the builder beads, it tends to disperse more slowly, thereby causing a greater quantity of the fabric softener to be dispersed during the later stages of the wash cycle, after the detersive agents have had a greater opportunity to combine with and remove dirt from the clothing. One problem with this approach is that the cationic material would tend to increase redeposition of dirt on the fabrics.
A review of the above prior art illustrates the difficulty of introducing laundry additives, especially fabric softener, into the washer/dryer operation at the proper time and in an economically effective and aesthetically pleasing way.
SU~ARY OF THE INV~NTION
_ In the present invention, the timing problem for adding laundry additives is solved with respect to multiple additives by placing at least two different additives in a porous container, one or more belng a washer phase effective agent which will dispense from the container as water flows around and through the container during the wash cycle, and the other being a typically dryer phase effective agent in a ~z~
1 form which will not pass through the pores of the porous container, and being selected -from the group consisting of either (1) agents which will resist any subs~antial dispens-ing and/or activation in water at temperatures normal for wash water in washers but which will be activated and/or dispensed at temperatures at which dryers normally operate so as to pass through the pores of the porous container, and (2) agents compounded with other components, which as compounded, will similarly resist any substantial dispensing or activation in hot water but will be dispensed and/or activated in the dryer. This invention facilitates automatically timing the addition of different additives at different points during the washer/dryer operation, yet allows all of the additives to be added at the beginning of the wash cycle approximately simultaneously with the introduction of articles of clothing into the washer. Yet ~his is achieved in a very straightforward and economical manner by simply placing the two agents in a common porolls container9 without the need for utilizing any coating techniques, special p~ control agents or the like.
Because substrate coating is avoided, the pouch can be relatively small, and additives can be designed for dispersion during the dryer phase to have less exposed surface area and hence be less subject to attack during the wash cycle.
The term "laundry additivel~ is intended to broadly include any material which helps make the clothing cleaner, softer and otherwise more desirable. Thus the term is used herein to describe such diverse compounds as water softeners, fabric softeners, anti-static agents, presoaks, bleaches, waterproofing agents, germicides, sizing agents, soil release agents, detergents, brighteners, blueing agents, soaps, fabric fresheners (fragrances), deodorants, anti-wrinkling 1 additives and the like.
While the multiple additive embodiment of the invention is most preferred, it is also unique and advantageous to dispense in pouch form fabric softening agent alone by adding the pouch at the beginning of the wash cycle.
Another aspect of this invention ma~ involve placing a water softening agent in the pouch, either alone or with other laundry additives as described above, and placing the pouch in the washing machine at the beginning of the wash cycle. Thus, excess water softener need not be formulated into a laundry detergent composition per se in order to utilize the laundry detergent in harder water. Rather, it is made available in a convenient, ready to use pouch contain-ing a premeasured amount of wateT softener.
These and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the appended drawings and the description of the preferred embodiment.
2~ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF lHE DRAI~ING
Fig. 1 shows an article made in accordance with the most preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF T~IE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the preferred embodiment, a porous container or pouch 10 contains water softener particles 20 as the washer phase effective fabric enhanc~ng agent and a fabric softening wafer 50 as the dryer phase effective fabric enhancing agent ~Fig. 1). Each of the water softener particles 20 is larger than the pores of pouch 10 when dry. If a water in-soluble water softener is used, particles 20 divide into a plurality of fine, insoluble water softening particles when ~-.
1 placed in wash water, which are smaller than the pores in pouch 10. I-f a water soluble softener is used particles 20 of course dissolve. Pouch 10 is placed in the washing machine at about the same time detergent is added. The water softening particles 20 disperse through the pores of porous container 10 by one of the aforesaid mechanisms.
Fabric softening wafer 50 is compounded to resist deteriora-tion in water temperatures typical for washing machines in hot water (as for example as high as 55C) and hence remains integral or substantially so, within pouch 10 during the wash and rinse cycles in the washing machine. Pouch 10 is then carried along with any articles of clothing into the dryer. Under the heat of the dryer ~usually 60C. or more), the fabric softening wafer 50 melts and the fabric softening material passes through the porous container 10 and is intermingled with articles of clothing.
Porous container 10 is pre~erably made o~ a flexible fabric material so that it has less tendency to abrade any articles of clothing with which it is mingled. The material 2n should be strong and tear resistant. The porous material of which pouch 10 is made must exhibit sufficient wet strength to maintain structural integrity in the washer and dryer.
It should not melt or ignite in a hot dryer.
Most preferably, porous container 10 is made of a material which is flexible, porous and can be heat sealed.
One example is a nonwoven spun bonded polyester manufactured by the Dupont Company under the trademark "REEMAY." The most preferred material is a nonwoven cotton polyester material with a porous polyethylene coating on one side to facilitate heat sealing. Such material is manufactured ~y the Stearns and Foster company under the trademark "IRONTITE."
1 Pouch 10 is formed preferably by folding and heat sealing the edges of a sheet of this porous material, at 11 in ~ig. 1. Ultrasonic sealing is a viable alternative.
Alternative materials exhibiting similar properties would of course be acceptable. Cellulose, coated with a thermal plastic material to render it heat sealable, is an example of a material which might be acceptable. Spun bonded or nonwoven polypropylene, cloth and other fiber woven materials, certain papers, porous polymer sheets, thin porous foam sheets, porous foil, sponge, are examples of other pouch materials which might be used. Alternative edge sealing means can be usedt as for example, sewing or glueing.
Some latitude in porosity of the fabric material of which porous container 10 is made is possible. If the water softening agent is water soluble, the porosity of the fabric can be quite low9 though not so low as to render the fabric waterproof. If an insoluble water softening agent is used, as would be the case with zeolite, the porosity should be as large as possible to allow rapid dispersion of the zeolite by the wash solution, and yet retain the zeolite in porous container 10 when it is dry.
Since for laundry grade zeolite the majority of its individual particles are from about 2 to 10 microns in size, with the remainder varying up to about lO0 microns, the porosity of porous container 10 must be suf~iciently great to dispense particles of up to about 100 microns. It is preferable that these fine particles be agglomerated into larger particles, either inherently during processing as occurs with zeolite, or through intentional processing using any of a number of known agglomerating agents~ so that the porosity of porous container 10 can be somewhat greater than g 1 if the particles were not agglomerated. This malces it possible for the particles of up to 100 microns to dispense more rapidly, yet still retains the agglomerated particles within porous container 10 when they are dry.
One way to measure the porosity of fabric is through Frazer air permeability. For dispensing zeolite water softening particles, we have found that the fabric of which container 10 is made should have a Frazer air perme-ability of from about 200 cu.ft./min/sq.ft. to about 600.
When the fabric has an air permeability of less than about 200, it does not dispense zeolite particles satisfactorily.
When it is greater than about 600, the zeolite tends to dust out of container 10 too readily.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, lS the relative porosity of container 10 will thus to a great extent be a function of the particular water softener used.
However, the principles discussed above will enable the skilled artisan to select a particular porosity which will be appropriate for the particular water softening agent selec.ted.
A sufficient quantity of active water softening ingredients should be placed in container 10 to meaningfully soften a typlcal washer load of hard water. ~'or example, most washers hold from 35 to 95 liters of water. Hardness e~countered typically ranges up to about ~OOppm. It is preferable to reduce this hardness to about 50ppm. The quantity of actlve water softening ingredients will thus vary depending on the relative effectiveness of the water softener per unit of weight. '[he preferred~water softener in the present invention is zeolite. ln the case of zeollte, we have found it desirable to employ from about 2Q to about 1 100 grams and most preferably 3~ to 70 grams of finely divided zeolite particles in porous container lU.
~e have found, however, that while intentional agglomeration using any of various known agglomerating agents may help minimize "dusting" during handling the package, the preferred particle 20 comprising relative fine zeolite particles simply agglomerated to or.e ano~her inherently during manu-facturing appears to be sa~isfactory for purposes of the present invention. Such agglomerated partlcles substantially fall within the range of from about 500 to about iO00 microns when dry, yet divide into much finer particles, substantially of from about 2 to about lU microns with some being as large as about 100 microns~ when exposed to wash water. ln terms of all practical considerations, such inherently agglomerated zeolite is regarded as the best mode for practicing this invention.
The particular zeolite selected mus~ be a laundry effective zeolite. Zeolite A lS widely recognized as the most effective water softening zeolite for laundry use.
Zeolite A is generally understood to encompass`a water insoluble aluminosilicate of the general formula:
MrlO:A1203:XSiO2:y~2o where X has a value o~ from .8 to ~, more typically 1.0 to 2.0 and most typically 1.85 ~ .5. Y is a number of from about 2.5 to about 6. M is an alkali metal capable of exchange with calcium and n is its valence.
In a grain diameter of from about .1 to about 100 microns, this material has a calcium ion exchange power of at least 50mg calcium ion and most preferably 200mg calcium ion equivalent/gm and a calcium ion exchange speed of at least about 9ppm calcium ion/l/mirl/g. As a percent by weight, ~s~
1 the water comprises lO to 2~%.
In order to be most effective, the zeolite particles must be very finely divided when dispersed ln water, thereby creating a large active surface area. The vast majority of the particles in our preferred composition are from 2 to 5 microns. Most are under 10 microns, though some particles may be as large as 100 microns without adversely affecting the effectiveness of the zeolite.
The preferred dryer phase effective agent in accordance with the present invention is a fabric softener/
antistat. The fabric softener/antistat must resist any - substantial dispensing and/or activation in hot water at temperatures normally introduced into washing machines, but must dispense and/or activate at temperatures at which dryers normally operate so that it will pass through the pores of porous container 10. Alternatively~ a fabric softening/antistat composition must be compounded with other components so that the material as compounded will resist any substantial dispensing and/or activation in hot water, ~ut will dispense and/or activate and pass through the pores oE porous container 10 in the hot dryer. The typical wash water temperature in most homes is from 20C. to 55C. The typical dryer temperature is around 60C., though some laundromat dryers will generate temperatures of up to 90C.
We have found it most preferable to mix the fabric softener/antistat with zeolite, most preferably zeolite A.
Zeolite inhibits dispersion of the fabric softener/antistat in the washing machine, and controls release in the dryer so that dispersion is more uniform. Zeolite also makes a wafer form of the softener/antistat, which is preferred, more fracture resistant and thus helps it hold up better in ~2~S~
1 the washing machine. The quantity of zeolite employed must be within a range which will achieve the following objectives 1. yield good endurance in the washing machine so as to maximize S the quantity of fabric softener/
antistat which is still available for activation in the dryer;
2. optimize melting in the dryer, which too much zeolite inhibits;
and
3. provide controlled release of the fabric softener/antistat during the dryer phase to thereby contTol and minimize spotting on the clothes.
In order to maximize these goals the quantity of zeolite used is to some extent a function of the particular softener/
antistat selected. We have found however, that one would typically employ from about 5 ~o about 60~ by weight zeolite.
This composite resists disintegration in 55C., wash water, but dispenses readily in a 60C.g dryer. In the most preferred embodiment~ the fabric softener/antistat is present in porous container 10 in wafer form 50, rather than as granules or a powder. II1 wafer formr the fabric softener/antistat more readily resists disintegration in -the hot, wash water as there is far less surface area exposed to attack by the agitated, hot water.
While it is most preferable to compound zeolite A
into the fabric softener wafer 50, other insoluble inorganic materials are operable. Other materials which might be operable, though not as effective as zeolite A for this purpose include other zeolites, fumed silica, bentonite, 1 kaolin clay, calcium phosphate, diatomaceous earth, organic clays, and other porous insoluble agents.
We ha~e addi~ionally found it desira~le to incorporate an activation inhibitor into the fabric softener wafer. The preferred inhibitor is stearyl alcohol, which decreases the solubility of the stearyl alcohol and fabric softener mixture, thereby further helping to minimize activation and dispensing of the fabric softener in the washing machine. Other activation inhibitors include tallow alcohol, other fatty alcohols in the C14 to C26 range, such as myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. To make such a wafer, the fabric softener/antistat and the stearyl alcohol are melted and the zeolite powder is mixed in and dispersed. The lS resulting melt mixture is poured or formed and allowed to cool. The use of both stearyl alcohol and zeolite as a dispersion inhibiting mixture has been found particularly ef-fective in that one can use somewhat less zeolite than would be required if no stearyl alcohol ~ere used. This is desirable in that if one has too much zeolite in wafer 50, it may overly inhibit melting of the fabric softenerJantistat within the dryer.
While the relative quantities of zeolite and stearyl alcohol will vary somewhat depending on the particular fabric softener/antistat used, we have found the following ranges satisfactory:
softener/antistat 40 to 90% by weight;
zeolite 5 to 60% by weight;
stearyl alcohol 5 to 55% by weight.
As discussed more fully below, we prefer to employ a mixture of dimethyldihydrogenated tallow ammonium methyl ~ 2~
1 sulfate fabric softener with a nonionic antistatic agent. In the case of this particular mixture, we have found that the most preferred wafer composition is as follo~s:
soft~ner/antistat mix 35 to 50~ by ~eight;
zeolite 35 to 50% hy weight;
stearyl alcohol 10 to 30% by weight.
A rather wide variety of conventionally known fabric softening materials might be compounded with zeolite and possibly stearyl alcohol in this manner to yield a wafer 50 which will resist disintegration in hot wash water at temperatures as high as 55C.g yet which will readily disperse and/or activate in hot dryer temperatures of in excess of 60C~ We prefer to employ a mixture o-f dimethyl dihydrogenated tallow ammonium methyl sulfate fabric softener with a nonionic antistatic agent. We prefer the sulfate ~ùaternarium ammonium compounds. However, other quaternary ammonium compounds, many of which are well-known in the art as fabric softeners, can be used. These include dicetyldimethylammonium chloride, bis-docosyldimethylammonium chloride, diclodecyl-dimethylammonium chloridel ditallowalkyldimethylammonium bromide, dioleoyl-dimethylammonium hydroxide, ditallowalkyldiethylammonium chloride, ditallowalkyldipropylammonium bromide, ditallowalk-yldibutylammonium fluoride, cetyldecylmethylethylammonium chloride, tris-[ditallowalkyldimethylammonium] phosphate, and the like.
Nonionic antistatic agents are well-known to those skilled in the art. ~e prefer an ethoxylated stearic acid.
Howe~er, other nonionic antistatic agents could ~e used.
These include other ethoxylated fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty glycerides, polyethylene glycols, amine oxides. diamine compounds, alkyl amines, and the like. In S~
terms of ~he parameters of the present inven~ion, it is of primary importance to select a sof~ener compoun~ which is either relatively water insoluble in and of itself or is relatively insoluble when combined with activa~ion inhibitors such as stearyl alcohol and zeolite discussed above. This solubility limitation is very important in that wafer 50 must not dissolve or disperse during the wash or rinse cycles of the washing machine phase of the laundry operation.
Many cationic compounds are also known to be effective antistatic agents. These include, quaternary ammonium salts, quaternary imidazolinium salts, alkyl pryidinium salts, alkyl morpholinium salts, and quaternary derivatives of amino esters and am;no aci~s~ cationic functional silicones, and the like. As with the fabric so~teners, such antistatic agents must be selected so as to be relatively water insoluble, either per se or when compounded with the activation inhibitors discussed above.
Sufficient fabric softener/antistat should be incorporated into wafer 50 to soften a typical load of laundry. Thus wafer 50 should preferably contain from about .2 to about 10 grams by weight of active fabric softening/
antistat ingredientg most preferably 1 to 2.5 grams. The zeolite A compounded into wafer 50 to assist in resisting disintegration, and reducing fabric softener spotting, would not be an active fabric softening or static con~rolling ingredient. The total weight of wafer 50, including both active and inactive ingredients is from about Q.5 to about 20 grams, most preferably 3 to 5 grams.
The fabric enhancing agents described above in connection with the most preferred embodiment of this invention comprise a water softening agent and a fabric softening/antistatic ~s~
1 agent, respectively. Obviously, other fabric enhancing agents could be incorporated into porous container 10 in accordance with the broader aspects of the presen~ invention.
Examples of washer e-ffective fabric enhancing agents which could be employed include presoaks, chlorine bleaches, detergents, oxygen bleaches, alkalinity boosters, water softeners, soaps 9 optical brighteners, fabric softeners, germicides, waterproofing agents, sizing agents, soil release agents, fabric fresheners (fragrances~, deodorants, anti-wrinkle additives and the like. Examples of other dryer effec~ive fabric enhancing agents which could be incorporated into the present invention include optical brighteners, waterproofing agents, hydrophilic fabric finishes, germicides, sizing agents, soil release agents, fabric fresheners (fragrances), deodorants, anti-wrinkle additives and the like. Thus it is understood that the above is merely a preferred embo~iment of the invention and that various changes and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects thereof, as set forth in the appended claims which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.
In order to maximize these goals the quantity of zeolite used is to some extent a function of the particular softener/
antistat selected. We have found however, that one would typically employ from about 5 ~o about 60~ by weight zeolite.
This composite resists disintegration in 55C., wash water, but dispenses readily in a 60C.g dryer. In the most preferred embodiment~ the fabric softener/antistat is present in porous container 10 in wafer form 50, rather than as granules or a powder. II1 wafer formr the fabric softener/antistat more readily resists disintegration in -the hot, wash water as there is far less surface area exposed to attack by the agitated, hot water.
While it is most preferable to compound zeolite A
into the fabric softener wafer 50, other insoluble inorganic materials are operable. Other materials which might be operable, though not as effective as zeolite A for this purpose include other zeolites, fumed silica, bentonite, 1 kaolin clay, calcium phosphate, diatomaceous earth, organic clays, and other porous insoluble agents.
We ha~e addi~ionally found it desira~le to incorporate an activation inhibitor into the fabric softener wafer. The preferred inhibitor is stearyl alcohol, which decreases the solubility of the stearyl alcohol and fabric softener mixture, thereby further helping to minimize activation and dispensing of the fabric softener in the washing machine. Other activation inhibitors include tallow alcohol, other fatty alcohols in the C14 to C26 range, such as myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. To make such a wafer, the fabric softener/antistat and the stearyl alcohol are melted and the zeolite powder is mixed in and dispersed. The lS resulting melt mixture is poured or formed and allowed to cool. The use of both stearyl alcohol and zeolite as a dispersion inhibiting mixture has been found particularly ef-fective in that one can use somewhat less zeolite than would be required if no stearyl alcohol ~ere used. This is desirable in that if one has too much zeolite in wafer 50, it may overly inhibit melting of the fabric softenerJantistat within the dryer.
While the relative quantities of zeolite and stearyl alcohol will vary somewhat depending on the particular fabric softener/antistat used, we have found the following ranges satisfactory:
softener/antistat 40 to 90% by weight;
zeolite 5 to 60% by weight;
stearyl alcohol 5 to 55% by weight.
As discussed more fully below, we prefer to employ a mixture of dimethyldihydrogenated tallow ammonium methyl ~ 2~
1 sulfate fabric softener with a nonionic antistatic agent. In the case of this particular mixture, we have found that the most preferred wafer composition is as follo~s:
soft~ner/antistat mix 35 to 50~ by ~eight;
zeolite 35 to 50% hy weight;
stearyl alcohol 10 to 30% by weight.
A rather wide variety of conventionally known fabric softening materials might be compounded with zeolite and possibly stearyl alcohol in this manner to yield a wafer 50 which will resist disintegration in hot wash water at temperatures as high as 55C.g yet which will readily disperse and/or activate in hot dryer temperatures of in excess of 60C~ We prefer to employ a mixture o-f dimethyl dihydrogenated tallow ammonium methyl sulfate fabric softener with a nonionic antistatic agent. We prefer the sulfate ~ùaternarium ammonium compounds. However, other quaternary ammonium compounds, many of which are well-known in the art as fabric softeners, can be used. These include dicetyldimethylammonium chloride, bis-docosyldimethylammonium chloride, diclodecyl-dimethylammonium chloridel ditallowalkyldimethylammonium bromide, dioleoyl-dimethylammonium hydroxide, ditallowalkyldiethylammonium chloride, ditallowalkyldipropylammonium bromide, ditallowalk-yldibutylammonium fluoride, cetyldecylmethylethylammonium chloride, tris-[ditallowalkyldimethylammonium] phosphate, and the like.
Nonionic antistatic agents are well-known to those skilled in the art. ~e prefer an ethoxylated stearic acid.
Howe~er, other nonionic antistatic agents could ~e used.
These include other ethoxylated fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty glycerides, polyethylene glycols, amine oxides. diamine compounds, alkyl amines, and the like. In S~
terms of ~he parameters of the present inven~ion, it is of primary importance to select a sof~ener compoun~ which is either relatively water insoluble in and of itself or is relatively insoluble when combined with activa~ion inhibitors such as stearyl alcohol and zeolite discussed above. This solubility limitation is very important in that wafer 50 must not dissolve or disperse during the wash or rinse cycles of the washing machine phase of the laundry operation.
Many cationic compounds are also known to be effective antistatic agents. These include, quaternary ammonium salts, quaternary imidazolinium salts, alkyl pryidinium salts, alkyl morpholinium salts, and quaternary derivatives of amino esters and am;no aci~s~ cationic functional silicones, and the like. As with the fabric so~teners, such antistatic agents must be selected so as to be relatively water insoluble, either per se or when compounded with the activation inhibitors discussed above.
Sufficient fabric softener/antistat should be incorporated into wafer 50 to soften a typical load of laundry. Thus wafer 50 should preferably contain from about .2 to about 10 grams by weight of active fabric softening/
antistat ingredientg most preferably 1 to 2.5 grams. The zeolite A compounded into wafer 50 to assist in resisting disintegration, and reducing fabric softener spotting, would not be an active fabric softening or static con~rolling ingredient. The total weight of wafer 50, including both active and inactive ingredients is from about Q.5 to about 20 grams, most preferably 3 to 5 grams.
The fabric enhancing agents described above in connection with the most preferred embodiment of this invention comprise a water softening agent and a fabric softening/antistatic ~s~
1 agent, respectively. Obviously, other fabric enhancing agents could be incorporated into porous container 10 in accordance with the broader aspects of the presen~ invention.
Examples of washer e-ffective fabric enhancing agents which could be employed include presoaks, chlorine bleaches, detergents, oxygen bleaches, alkalinity boosters, water softeners, soaps 9 optical brighteners, fabric softeners, germicides, waterproofing agents, sizing agents, soil release agents, fabric fresheners (fragrances~, deodorants, anti-wrinkle additives and the like. Examples of other dryer effec~ive fabric enhancing agents which could be incorporated into the present invention include optical brighteners, waterproofing agents, hydrophilic fabric finishes, germicides, sizing agents, soil release agents, fabric fresheners (fragrances), deodorants, anti-wrinkle additives and the like. Thus it is understood that the above is merely a preferred embo~iment of the invention and that various changes and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects thereof, as set forth in the appended claims which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.
A method for dispensing at least two different laundry additives, one being of the type normally effective in the washer phase of the clothes washing and drying opera-tion, and the other being of the type normally effective in the dryer phase, said method comprising:
providing a porous container;
placing within said container a washer phase effective agent which will dispense from said container as water flows around and through said container when it is placed in a washer;
also placing within said container a dryer phase effective agent in a form which will not pass through the pores of said porous container in the washer phase and selected from the group comprising:
(1) agents which will resist any substantial dispensing and/or activation in water at temperatures normally introduced into washers but which will dispense and/or activate at temperatures at which dryers normally operate so as to pass through said pores of said porous container; and (2) agents compounded with other components which as compounded will resist any substantial dispensing and/or activation in water at temperatures normally introduced into washers but which will dispense and/or activate at temperatures at which dryers normally operate so as to pass through said pores of said porous container;
placing said porous container with said agents in it into a washer at about the same time clothes to be cleaned are placed therein and subsequently placing said container and said clothes in the dryer.
The method of claim 1 in which said washer effective agent is selected to be of a size and shape which will not pass through said pores of said porous container when dry, and is selected from the group comprising:
(1) agents which will resist dispensing and/or activation when dry, but which will dispense and/or activate when exposed to water, and (2) agents compounded with other components which as compounded will resist dispensing and/or activation when dry, but which will dispense and/or activate when exposed to water.
The method of claim 2 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises water insoluble particles of a size sufficiently small to pass through the pores of said porous container.
The method of claim 3 in which said washer effective agent is agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water.
The method of claim 1 in which said washer effective agent comprises a water softening agent in sufficient quantity to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water.
The method of claim 5 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises zeolite particles.
The method of claim 6 in which said porous container contains from about 20 to about 100 grams of finely divided zeolite particles.
The method of claim 7 in which the quantity of zeolite selected is from about 30 to about 70 grams.
The method of claim 8 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The method of claim 6 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 5 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 1 in which said dryer effective agent is formulated by mixing the active ingredients with water insoluble material which inhibits dispersion in wash water and provides controlled release of the active ingre-dient in the dryer.
The method of claim 12 in which said water insoluble material comprises zeolite.
The method of claim 12 in which said dryer effec-tive agent is formulated by mixing an active ingredient with an activation inhibitor which inhibits activation of said dryer effective agent in wash water.
The method of claim 14 in which said activation inhibitor comprises stearyl alcohol.
The method of claim 15 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The method of claim 15 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The method of claim 14 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The method of claim 14 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 14 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The method of claim 12 or 13 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The method of claim 12 or 13 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The method of claim 12 or 13 in which said con-tainer is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 12 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat and from about 5 to about 60% by weight of zeolite.
The method of claim 1 in which zeolite, fabric softener/antistat and stearyl alcohol are mixed in said dryer effective agent in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The method of claim 25 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener/antistat about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
The method of claim 25 or 26 in which said fabric softener/antistat comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and a nonionic antistatic agent.
The method of claim 25 or 26 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 1 in which said dryer effective agent is forumulated in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The method of claim 29 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The method of claim 30 in which from 5 to about 60% by weight zeolite is mixed with said fabric softener/
antistat in said dryer effective agent.
The method of claim 30 in which zeolite, fabric softener/antistat and stearyl alcohol are mixed in said dryer effective agent in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The method of claim 32 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener/antistat about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
The method of claim 29, 30 or 31 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 1 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 35 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises water insoluble particles of a size sufficiently small to pass through the pores of said porous container.
The method of claim 36 in which said washer effective agent is agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water.
The method of claim 37 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises zeolite particles.
The method of claim 38 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The method of claim 39 in which said flexible disposable material has a Frazer air permeability of from about 200 cu.ft./min/sq.ft. to about 600 cu.ft./min/sq.ft.
The method of claim 1 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load; and said washer effective agent comprises a water softening agent in sufficient quantity to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water.
The method of claim 41 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 42 in which said washer effective agent comprises zeolite and said dryer effective agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and nonionic anti-static agent mixed with zeolite.
The method of claim 41 in which said washer effective agent comprises zeolite and said dryer effective agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and nonionic anti-static agent mixed with zeolite.
A method for dispensing a water softener and a fabric softener/antistat, said method comprising:
providing a porous container;
placing within said container a sufficient quantity of zeolite particles to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water;
said zeolite particles being agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container when dry, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water;
also placing within said container a fabric softener/
antistat in solid wafer form, in an amount sufficient to control static and soften a typical dryer load of clothing, whereby the surface area of said dryer fabric softener/
antistat which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The method of claim 45 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 46 in which said porous container contains from about 20 to about 100 grams of finely divided zeolite particles.
The method of claim 47 in which the quantity of zeolite selected is from about 30 to about 70 grams.
The method of claim 48 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The method of claim 47 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The method of claim 46 or 50 in which said flexible disposable material has a Frazer air permeability of from about 200 to about 600 cu.ft./min/sq.ft.
The method of claim 47 in which said fabric softener/antistat is compounded with at least one activation inhibitor, or dispersion inhibitor mixtures thereof.
The method of claim 52 in which said dispersion inhibitor comprises finely divided, porous, inorganic particles.
The method of claim 53 in which zeolite as said porous inorganic material, fabric softener/antistat, and stearyl alcohol as said activation inhibitor are mixed in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The method of claim 54 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
An article for dispensing at least two different laundry additives, one being of the type normally effective in the clothes washer, and the other being of the type normally effective in the clothes dryer, said article comprising:
a porous container;
a clothes washer phase effective agent within said container which will dispense from said container as water flows around and through said container when it is placed in a clothes washer;
a clothes dryer phase effective agent within said container in a form which will not pass through the pores of said porous container in the clothes washer phase and selected from the group comprising:
(1) agents which will resist any substantial dispensing and/or activation in water at temperatures normally introduced into clothes washers but which will dispense and/or activate at temperatures at which clothes dryers normally operate so as to pass through said pores of said porous container; and (2) agents compounded with other components which as compounded will resist any substantial dispensing and/or activation in water at temperatures normally introduced into clothes washers but which will dispense and/or activate at temperatures at which clothes dryers normally operate so as to pass through said pores of said porous container.
The article of claim 56 in which said washer effective agent is selected to be of a size and shape which will not pass through said pores of said porous container when dry, and is selected from the group comprising:
(1) agents which will resist dispensing and/or activation when dry, but which will dispense and/or activate when exposed to water; and (2) agents compounded with other components which as compounded will resist dispensing and/or activation when dry, but which will dispense and/or activate when exposed to water.
The article of claim 57 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises water insoluble particles of a size sufficiently small to pass through the pores of said porous container.
The article of claim 58 in which said washer effective agent is agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water.
The article of claim 56 in which said washer effective agent comprises a water softening agent in sufficient quantity to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water.
The article of claim 60 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises zeolite particles.
The article of claim 61 in which said porous con-tainer contains from about 20 to about 100 grams of finely divided zeolite particles.
The article of claim 62 in which the quantity of zeolite selected is from about 30 to about 70 grams.
The article of claim 63 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The article of claim 61 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 60 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 56 in which said dryer effective agent is formulated by mixing the active ingredients with water insoluble material which inhibits dispersion in wash water and provides controlled release of the active ingredient in the dryer.
The article of claim 67 in which said water insoluble material comprises zeolite.
The article of claim 56 in which said dryer effective agent is formulated by mixing an active ingredient with an activation inhibitor which inhibits activation of said dryer effective agent in wash water.
The article of claim 69 in which said activation inhibitor comprises stearyl alcohol.
The article of claim 70 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The article of claim 70 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The article of claim 69 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The article of claim 69 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 69 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The article of claim 67 or 68 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The article of claim 67 or 68 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The article of claim 67 or 68 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 67 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat and from about 5 to about 60% by weight of zeolite.
The article of claim 56 in which zeolite, fabric softener/antistat and stearyl alcohol are mixed in said dryer effective agent in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The article of claim 80 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener/antistat about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
The article of claim 80 or 81 in which said fabric softener/antistat comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and a nonionic antistatic agent.
The article of claim 80 or 81 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 56 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The article of claim 84 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The article of claim 85 in which from 5 to about 60% by weight zeolite is mixed with said fabric softener/
antistat in said dryer effective agent.
The article of claim 85 in which zeolite, fabric softener/antistat and stearyl alcohol are mixed in said dryer effective agent in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The article of claim 87 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener/antistat about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
The article of claim 84, 85 or 86 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 56 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 90 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises water insoluble particles of a size sufficiently small to pass through the pores of said porous container.
The article of claim 91 in which said washer effective agent is agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water.
The article of claim 92 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises zeolite particles.
The article of claim 93 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The article of claim 94 in which said flexible disposable material has a Frazer air permeability of from about 200 to about 600 cu.ft./min/sq.ft.
The article of claim 56 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load;
and said washer effective agent comprises a water softening agent in sufficient quantity to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water.
The article of claim 96 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 97 in which said washer effective agent comprises zeolite and said dryer effective agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and nonionic antistatic agent mixed with zeolite.
The article of claim 96 in which said washer effective agent comprises zeolite and said dryer effective agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and nonionic anti-static agent mixed with zeolite.
An article for dispensing a water softener and a fabric softener/antistat said article comprising:
a porous container;
a sufficient quantity of zeolite particles within said container to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water;
said zeolite particles being agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container when dry, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water;
also placing within said container a fabric softener/antistat in solid wafer form, in an amount sufficient to control static and soften a typical dryer load of clothing, whereby the surface area of said dryer fabric softener/antistat which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The article of claim 100 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 101 in which said porous container contains from about 20 to about 100 grams of finely divided zeolite particles.
The article of claim 102 in which the quantity of zeolite selected is from about 30 to about 70 grams.
The article of claim 103 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The article of claim 102 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The article of claim 101 or 105 in which said flexible disposable material has a Frazer air permeability of from about 200 to about 600 cu.ft./min/sq.ft.
The article of claim 100 in which said fabric softener/antistat is compounded with at least one activation inhibitor, or dispersion inhibitor mixtures thereof.
The article of claim 107 in which said dispersion inhibitor comprises finely divided porous, inorganic particles.
The article of claim 108 in which zeolite as said porous inorganic material, fabric softener/antistat, and stearyl alcohol as said activation inhibitor are mixed in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The article of claim 109 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener/antistat about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
A method for dispensing at least two different laundry additives, one being of the type normally effective in the washer phase of the clothes washing and drying opera-tion, and the other being of the type normally effective in the dryer phase, said method comprising:
providing a porous container;
placing within said container a washer phase effective agent which will dispense from said container as water flows around and through said container when it is placed in a washer;
also placing within said container a dryer phase effective agent in a form which will not pass through the pores of said porous container in the washer phase and selected from the group comprising:
(1) agents which will resist any substantial dispensing and/or activation in water at temperatures normally introduced into washers but which will dispense and/or activate at temperatures at which dryers normally operate so as to pass through said pores of said porous container; and (2) agents compounded with other components which as compounded will resist any substantial dispensing and/or activation in water at temperatures normally introduced into washers but which will dispense and/or activate at temperatures at which dryers normally operate so as to pass through said pores of said porous container;
placing said porous container with said agents in it into a washer at about the same time clothes to be cleaned are placed therein and subsequently placing said container and said clothes in the dryer.
The method of claim 1 in which said washer effective agent is selected to be of a size and shape which will not pass through said pores of said porous container when dry, and is selected from the group comprising:
(1) agents which will resist dispensing and/or activation when dry, but which will dispense and/or activate when exposed to water, and (2) agents compounded with other components which as compounded will resist dispensing and/or activation when dry, but which will dispense and/or activate when exposed to water.
The method of claim 2 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises water insoluble particles of a size sufficiently small to pass through the pores of said porous container.
The method of claim 3 in which said washer effective agent is agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water.
The method of claim 1 in which said washer effective agent comprises a water softening agent in sufficient quantity to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water.
The method of claim 5 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises zeolite particles.
The method of claim 6 in which said porous container contains from about 20 to about 100 grams of finely divided zeolite particles.
The method of claim 7 in which the quantity of zeolite selected is from about 30 to about 70 grams.
The method of claim 8 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The method of claim 6 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 5 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 1 in which said dryer effective agent is formulated by mixing the active ingredients with water insoluble material which inhibits dispersion in wash water and provides controlled release of the active ingre-dient in the dryer.
The method of claim 12 in which said water insoluble material comprises zeolite.
The method of claim 12 in which said dryer effec-tive agent is formulated by mixing an active ingredient with an activation inhibitor which inhibits activation of said dryer effective agent in wash water.
The method of claim 14 in which said activation inhibitor comprises stearyl alcohol.
The method of claim 15 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The method of claim 15 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The method of claim 14 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The method of claim 14 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 14 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The method of claim 12 or 13 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The method of claim 12 or 13 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The method of claim 12 or 13 in which said con-tainer is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 12 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat and from about 5 to about 60% by weight of zeolite.
The method of claim 1 in which zeolite, fabric softener/antistat and stearyl alcohol are mixed in said dryer effective agent in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The method of claim 25 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener/antistat about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
The method of claim 25 or 26 in which said fabric softener/antistat comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and a nonionic antistatic agent.
The method of claim 25 or 26 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 1 in which said dryer effective agent is forumulated in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The method of claim 29 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The method of claim 30 in which from 5 to about 60% by weight zeolite is mixed with said fabric softener/
antistat in said dryer effective agent.
The method of claim 30 in which zeolite, fabric softener/antistat and stearyl alcohol are mixed in said dryer effective agent in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The method of claim 32 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener/antistat about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
The method of claim 29, 30 or 31 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 1 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 35 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises water insoluble particles of a size sufficiently small to pass through the pores of said porous container.
The method of claim 36 in which said washer effective agent is agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water.
The method of claim 37 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises zeolite particles.
The method of claim 38 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The method of claim 39 in which said flexible disposable material has a Frazer air permeability of from about 200 cu.ft./min/sq.ft. to about 600 cu.ft./min/sq.ft.
The method of claim 1 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load; and said washer effective agent comprises a water softening agent in sufficient quantity to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water.
The method of claim 41 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 42 in which said washer effective agent comprises zeolite and said dryer effective agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and nonionic anti-static agent mixed with zeolite.
The method of claim 41 in which said washer effective agent comprises zeolite and said dryer effective agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and nonionic anti-static agent mixed with zeolite.
A method for dispensing a water softener and a fabric softener/antistat, said method comprising:
providing a porous container;
placing within said container a sufficient quantity of zeolite particles to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water;
said zeolite particles being agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container when dry, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water;
also placing within said container a fabric softener/
antistat in solid wafer form, in an amount sufficient to control static and soften a typical dryer load of clothing, whereby the surface area of said dryer fabric softener/
antistat which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The method of claim 45 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The method of claim 46 in which said porous container contains from about 20 to about 100 grams of finely divided zeolite particles.
The method of claim 47 in which the quantity of zeolite selected is from about 30 to about 70 grams.
The method of claim 48 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The method of claim 47 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The method of claim 46 or 50 in which said flexible disposable material has a Frazer air permeability of from about 200 to about 600 cu.ft./min/sq.ft.
The method of claim 47 in which said fabric softener/antistat is compounded with at least one activation inhibitor, or dispersion inhibitor mixtures thereof.
The method of claim 52 in which said dispersion inhibitor comprises finely divided, porous, inorganic particles.
The method of claim 53 in which zeolite as said porous inorganic material, fabric softener/antistat, and stearyl alcohol as said activation inhibitor are mixed in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The method of claim 54 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
An article for dispensing at least two different laundry additives, one being of the type normally effective in the clothes washer, and the other being of the type normally effective in the clothes dryer, said article comprising:
a porous container;
a clothes washer phase effective agent within said container which will dispense from said container as water flows around and through said container when it is placed in a clothes washer;
a clothes dryer phase effective agent within said container in a form which will not pass through the pores of said porous container in the clothes washer phase and selected from the group comprising:
(1) agents which will resist any substantial dispensing and/or activation in water at temperatures normally introduced into clothes washers but which will dispense and/or activate at temperatures at which clothes dryers normally operate so as to pass through said pores of said porous container; and (2) agents compounded with other components which as compounded will resist any substantial dispensing and/or activation in water at temperatures normally introduced into clothes washers but which will dispense and/or activate at temperatures at which clothes dryers normally operate so as to pass through said pores of said porous container.
The article of claim 56 in which said washer effective agent is selected to be of a size and shape which will not pass through said pores of said porous container when dry, and is selected from the group comprising:
(1) agents which will resist dispensing and/or activation when dry, but which will dispense and/or activate when exposed to water; and (2) agents compounded with other components which as compounded will resist dispensing and/or activation when dry, but which will dispense and/or activate when exposed to water.
The article of claim 57 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises water insoluble particles of a size sufficiently small to pass through the pores of said porous container.
The article of claim 58 in which said washer effective agent is agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water.
The article of claim 56 in which said washer effective agent comprises a water softening agent in sufficient quantity to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water.
The article of claim 60 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises zeolite particles.
The article of claim 61 in which said porous con-tainer contains from about 20 to about 100 grams of finely divided zeolite particles.
The article of claim 62 in which the quantity of zeolite selected is from about 30 to about 70 grams.
The article of claim 63 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The article of claim 61 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 60 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 56 in which said dryer effective agent is formulated by mixing the active ingredients with water insoluble material which inhibits dispersion in wash water and provides controlled release of the active ingredient in the dryer.
The article of claim 67 in which said water insoluble material comprises zeolite.
The article of claim 56 in which said dryer effective agent is formulated by mixing an active ingredient with an activation inhibitor which inhibits activation of said dryer effective agent in wash water.
The article of claim 69 in which said activation inhibitor comprises stearyl alcohol.
The article of claim 70 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The article of claim 70 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The article of claim 69 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The article of claim 69 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 69 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The article of claim 67 or 68 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The article of claim 67 or 68 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The article of claim 67 or 68 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 67 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat and from about 5 to about 60% by weight of zeolite.
The article of claim 56 in which zeolite, fabric softener/antistat and stearyl alcohol are mixed in said dryer effective agent in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The article of claim 80 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener/antistat about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
The article of claim 80 or 81 in which said fabric softener/antistat comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and a nonionic antistatic agent.
The article of claim 80 or 81 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 56 in which said dryer effective agent is in solid wafer form, whereby the surface area of said dryer effective agent which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The article of claim 84 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load.
The article of claim 85 in which from 5 to about 60% by weight zeolite is mixed with said fabric softener/
antistat in said dryer effective agent.
The article of claim 85 in which zeolite, fabric softener/antistat and stearyl alcohol are mixed in said dryer effective agent in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The article of claim 87 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener/antistat about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
The article of claim 84, 85 or 86 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 56 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 90 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises water insoluble particles of a size sufficiently small to pass through the pores of said porous container.
The article of claim 91 in which said washer effective agent is agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water.
The article of claim 92 in which said washer effective agent selected comprises zeolite particles.
The article of claim 93 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The article of claim 94 in which said flexible disposable material has a Frazer air permeability of from about 200 to about 600 cu.ft./min/sq.ft.
The article of claim 56 in which said dryer effective agent comprises a fabric softener/antistat in sufficient quantity to control static and soften a typical dryer load;
and said washer effective agent comprises a water softening agent in sufficient quantity to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water.
The article of claim 96 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 97 in which said washer effective agent comprises zeolite and said dryer effective agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and nonionic antistatic agent mixed with zeolite.
The article of claim 96 in which said washer effective agent comprises zeolite and said dryer effective agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound and nonionic anti-static agent mixed with zeolite.
An article for dispensing a water softener and a fabric softener/antistat said article comprising:
a porous container;
a sufficient quantity of zeolite particles within said container to meaningfully soften a typical washer load of hard water;
said zeolite particles being agglomerated of smaller particles such that the agglomerated particles tend to be larger than the pores of said porous container when dry, but tend to disintegrate into particles smaller than said pores when exposed to water;
also placing within said container a fabric softener/antistat in solid wafer form, in an amount sufficient to control static and soften a typical dryer load of clothing, whereby the surface area of said dryer fabric softener/antistat which is exposed to wash water, agitation and abrasion in the washer phase is minimized.
The article of claim 100 in which said container is made of a flexible disposable material which will resist disintegration and wadding when exposed to turbulent wash water in a washer and when exposed to heat and tumbling with clothes in a dryer.
The article of claim 101 in which said porous container contains from about 20 to about 100 grams of finely divided zeolite particles.
The article of claim 102 in which the quantity of zeolite selected is from about 30 to about 70 grams.
The article of claim 103 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The article of claim 102 in which said zeolite particles are generally less than about 100 microns when in the water within the washer.
The article of claim 101 or 105 in which said flexible disposable material has a Frazer air permeability of from about 200 to about 600 cu.ft./min/sq.ft.
The article of claim 100 in which said fabric softener/antistat is compounded with at least one activation inhibitor, or dispersion inhibitor mixtures thereof.
The article of claim 107 in which said dispersion inhibitor comprises finely divided porous, inorganic particles.
The article of claim 108 in which zeolite as said porous inorganic material, fabric softener/antistat, and stearyl alcohol as said activation inhibitor are mixed in the following proportions:
fabric softener/antistat from about 40 to about 90% by weight;
zeolite from about 5 to about 60% by weight; and stearyl alcohol from about 5 to about 55% by weight.
The article of claim 109 in which said proportions by weight are as follows:
fabric softener/antistat about 35 to about 50% by weight;
zeolite about 35 to about 50% by weight; and stearyl alcohol about 10 to about 30% by weight.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US42826782A | 1982-09-29 | 1982-09-29 | |
| US428,267 | 1989-10-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1205424A true CA1205424A (en) | 1986-06-03 |
Family
ID=23698188
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000435682A Expired CA1205424A (en) | 1982-09-29 | 1983-08-30 | Laundry aid |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1205424A (en) |
-
1983
- 1983-08-30 CA CA000435682A patent/CA1205424A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |