CA2078156A1 - Detergent dispensing system - Google Patents
Detergent dispensing systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2078156A1 CA2078156A1 CA002078156A CA2078156A CA2078156A1 CA 2078156 A1 CA2078156 A1 CA 2078156A1 CA 002078156 A CA002078156 A CA 002078156A CA 2078156 A CA2078156 A CA 2078156A CA 2078156 A1 CA2078156 A1 CA 2078156A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- detergent
- dispensing
- supply pack
- solid
- dispensing device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 85
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000013042 solid detergent Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004851 dishwashing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000005021 flexible packaging material Substances 0.000 description 3
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 101100083192 Streptomyces coeruleorubidus pacX gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000003513 alkali Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005056 compaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002648 laminated material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011812 mixed powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
- A47L15/4436—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants in the form of a detergent solution made by gradually dissolving a powder detergent cake or a solid detergent block
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F21/00—Dissolving
- B01F21/20—Dissolving using flow mixing
- B01F21/22—Dissolving using flow mixing using additional holders in conduits, containers or pools for keeping the solid material in place, e.g. supports or receptacles
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Detergent Compositions (AREA)
- Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
- Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)
Abstract
C72781 (R) ABSTRACT
A dispensing system is provided comprising a detergent supply pack (4) for supplying solid state detergent material to a dispensing device (6) associated with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises packaging material for said solid state detergent material, said solid state detergent material and a closing/release device for promoting release of the detergent solid from the supply pack into the dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device essentially consists of two parts (1,2) in between which the packaging material is fixed and is adapted to the dispensing device such that the closing/release device can be easily removed in conjunction with the dispensing device for introducing the detergent solid into the dispensing device.
There are also provided a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the invention.
A dispensing system is provided comprising a detergent supply pack (4) for supplying solid state detergent material to a dispensing device (6) associated with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises packaging material for said solid state detergent material, said solid state detergent material and a closing/release device for promoting release of the detergent solid from the supply pack into the dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device essentially consists of two parts (1,2) in between which the packaging material is fixed and is adapted to the dispensing device such that the closing/release device can be easily removed in conjunction with the dispensing device for introducing the detergent solid into the dispensing device.
There are also provided a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the invention.
Description
7,07~31ri~
C7281 (R) DETERGENT DISPENSING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a dispensing system to be used for solid detergent products for institutional washing machines.
The invention also relates to a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device, which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the invention.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of dispensing a solid detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed to a washing machine.
PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hitherto, various products and packs have been developed to provide institutional washing machines, especially dish-washing machines, with a supply of detergent material fromwhich measured amounts of detergent product are dispensed to the wash liquor in the washing machine. These products include detergent products in powder-form, in liquid-form and in paste-form, which are generally packed in supply packs or containers. More recently, solid detergent blocks for institutional washing machines have been developed, wh;ch have the advantage of being discretely shaped.
Furthermore, solid detergent blocks can contain more con-centrated product than the other above-mentioned product types. These block-form detergent products are generally dissolved by simply spraying with water in a dispensing device, and then are delivered to the wash liquor. Since detergent products which are suitable for use in institutional washing machines, often have a high alkali content, contact with the skin should be avoided. Block-form detergent products appear to be very suitable for avoiding skin contact.
US-A-4,569,781 (Ecolab) describes a detergent container for a cast detergent solid suitable for use in dishwashing machines. The container contains a detergent product produced from a melt and allowed to solidify. The detergent 2 al 7 ~
2 C7281 (R) product is subsequently dissolved from the container on contact with a stream of aqueous liquid from a spray means when placed in a dispensing device. The advantage of a block form detergent product and dispensing device of this type is that, with proper handling, contact with the skin is vir-tually eliminated. Owing to the shape thereof, however, the container described in this patent has shown to leave residues o~ detergent after emptying by spraying. This s~tuation is unacceptable for economic, safety and environ-mental reasons. Detergent residues in the container are apotential danger source to the user when a supposedly empty container is being replaced by a completely full container.
Moreover, from an environmental point of view such a rigid container is less attractive because o~ its impact to the environment and non-collapsibility.
US-A-4,426,362 (Ecolab) describes a dishwasher distributor for a solid block form moulded detergent product. The block form detergent product of this reference is positioned with its casting mould in the receiving means of the distributor so that the casting mould surrounds the detergent blocX
during the flushing out process and touches it on all sides except for one free face. Once again, contactless handling of the detergent product is provided, but once again, complete emptying is not guaranteed.
US-A-4,774,014 (Henkel) discloses a detergent supply pack ~or a cast detergent block which pack is suitable for ready dissolution of the block in the dispensing device associated with an institutional dishwashing machine, such that water consumption is not appreciably higher than in the case of powder-form detergents, even towards the end of the block.
However, the detergent supply pack has to be opened before positioning the pack in the dispensing device and therefore skin contact with the alkaline detergent is possible.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a deter-3 C7281 (R) gent dispensing system comprising a detergent supply packfor a detergent powder or, preferably, a block form deter-gent product and a dispensing device associated with an institutional washing machine, preferably a dishwashing machine, whereby an economic and effective use of the deter-gent in the dispensing device is ensured.
It is an other object of the invention to provide a deter-gent dispensing system whereby the detergent supply pack is adapted to the dispensing device such that the detergent can be introduced into the device without the need to open the pack before positioning the pack in the dispensing device and loading the device. This eliminates the risk of any skin contact and thus contributes to safety.
It is a further object of the invention that no residue is left inside the supply pack after emptying and that a minimal amount of packaging material is to be disposed of after introducing the detergent product into the dispensing device.
It was found that these and other objects can be ac-complished by a detergent dispensing system according to thepresent invention.
DEFINITION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a dispensing system comprising a detergent supply pack (4) for supplying solid state detergent material to a dispensing device (6) as-sociated with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises packaging material for said solid state detergent material,-said solid state deterqent material and a closing/release device for promoting release of the detergent solid from the supply pack into the dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device essen-tially consists of two parts (1,2j in between which the packaging material is fixed and is adapted to the dispensing device such that the closing/release device can be easily removed in conjunction with thP dispensing device for introducing the detergent solid into the dispensing device.
2~7~56 4 C7281 (R) The invention also provides a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the present invention. Furthermore, the invention provides a method of dispensing a sol.id detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed to a washing machine, whereby a dispensing system according to the invention is applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a dispensing system comprising a supply pack for a solid state detergent product, which may contain detergent powder, deterg~nt briquettes and/or deter-gent tablets. However, the supply pack pre~erably contains a compacted detergent block, which is readily dissolvable on contact with flushing water.
The supply pack includes flexible packaging material which functions as a protective means against moisture uptake and also as a handling aid for the introduction of the naked detergent blocX into the detergent dispensing device of a washing machine, preferably a dishwashing machine, without contact with the skin. The packaging material is generally also collapsible in order to minimize the volume of pack-aging material to be disposed of after emptying the supply pack. As packaging material, any material which can perform the above mentioned functions, may be used, such as cardboard, coated paper, and laminated material, but plastic material such as polyethylene and polypropylene is preferred. The most preferred type of packaging material is polyethylene.
If a solid detergent block is applied, the supply pacX of the invention thus comprises flexible packaging material which confor~s to the shape of the detergent solid, a solid detergent block which is usually produced by compaction of dry mixed powder, and release means for releasing the solid detergent product from the supply pack into the distributing device.
2 ~ 6 C7281 (R) Generally, solid detergent blocks constitute a non~dusty and therefore attractive product form in view of the often aggressive chemicals used. Furthermore, they are economical in use because they can be manufactured and transported as 5 very concentrated products. In EP-A-375, 022 (Unilever) information can be found with respect to the type of solid detergent block which is preferably used with the supply pack according to the present invention.
In order to eliminate skin contact, the supply pack of the invention comprises a closinglrelease device essentially consisting of two parts in between which the flexible pack-aging material of the pack is fixed. In other words, these parts act as a sort of closing clamp for the detergent supply pack.
Preferably, these p~rts have an oblong shape, whereby their dimensions are such that one of these parts can be placed inside the other part while leaving just enough room to fully close the supply pack. Generally, these parts could have any cross-sectional shapes, but preferably the cross-section of the inner part is shaped as a triangle and that o~ the outer part as a hollow tube open to one side.
The inner part is preferably connected to the outer part in order to ensure simultaneous removal of both parts when opening the pack. For reasons of easy handling, inner and outer part are preferably connected by way of a plastic hinge.
Furthermore, the dispensing system according to the inven-tion comprises a dispensing device of which the dimensions are such that solid detergent material, preferably a solid detergent block, can be effectively and safely introduced into it from out of a detergent supply pack according to the present invention. If a solid detergent block is to be applied, the supply pack contailling the detergent block is placed on a support to facilitate the introduction of the detergent block into the dispensing device when opening the 6 ~7 8~7281 (R) supply pack by removal of the closing device. Thereafter, the naked detergent block i~s allowed to fall down onto a grid-type support provided with a flexible sealiny in the bottom part of the detergent dispenser, such that only the bottom side of the block is contacted with water originating from a spray nozzle situated underneath this support. By contacting only the bottom part of the detergent block, excessive degradation of moisture-sensitive components present in the block is avoided.
This configuration is advantageous as the distance between the bottom side of detergent block and the spray nozzle will not vary during the washing operation resulting in a constant dissolution rate of detergent material and conse-quently a constant concentration of detergent product in the wash liquor fed into the washing machine.
In order to ensure that the dispensing device cannot be opened just after adding fresh solid detergent material, it is desirable that the device can only be opened after the detergent solid inside the device has decreased to below a certain level. For ensuring a continuous operation of the dispensing device, an indicator or alarm is preferably provided signalling that the device can be opened and a new detergent solid introduced.
The invention is further illustrated by Figures 1-7, of which:
Fig. 1 gives a perspective view of a closing device accor-ding to the invention;
Fig. 2 gives an illustration of a detergent supply pack according to the invention;
Fig. 3 shows the supply pack inside the distributing device;
Fig. 4-7 give schematic views of the distributing device of the invention at consecutive stages when operating the device.
Referring more in detail to these drawings, in Figure 1 (lj indicates the tube-shaped outer part of the closing/release ~7~
C7281 (R) DETERGENT DISPENSING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a dispensing system to be used for solid detergent products for institutional washing machines.
The invention also relates to a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device, which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the invention.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of dispensing a solid detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed to a washing machine.
PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hitherto, various products and packs have been developed to provide institutional washing machines, especially dish-washing machines, with a supply of detergent material fromwhich measured amounts of detergent product are dispensed to the wash liquor in the washing machine. These products include detergent products in powder-form, in liquid-form and in paste-form, which are generally packed in supply packs or containers. More recently, solid detergent blocks for institutional washing machines have been developed, wh;ch have the advantage of being discretely shaped.
Furthermore, solid detergent blocks can contain more con-centrated product than the other above-mentioned product types. These block-form detergent products are generally dissolved by simply spraying with water in a dispensing device, and then are delivered to the wash liquor. Since detergent products which are suitable for use in institutional washing machines, often have a high alkali content, contact with the skin should be avoided. Block-form detergent products appear to be very suitable for avoiding skin contact.
US-A-4,569,781 (Ecolab) describes a detergent container for a cast detergent solid suitable for use in dishwashing machines. The container contains a detergent product produced from a melt and allowed to solidify. The detergent 2 al 7 ~
2 C7281 (R) product is subsequently dissolved from the container on contact with a stream of aqueous liquid from a spray means when placed in a dispensing device. The advantage of a block form detergent product and dispensing device of this type is that, with proper handling, contact with the skin is vir-tually eliminated. Owing to the shape thereof, however, the container described in this patent has shown to leave residues o~ detergent after emptying by spraying. This s~tuation is unacceptable for economic, safety and environ-mental reasons. Detergent residues in the container are apotential danger source to the user when a supposedly empty container is being replaced by a completely full container.
Moreover, from an environmental point of view such a rigid container is less attractive because o~ its impact to the environment and non-collapsibility.
US-A-4,426,362 (Ecolab) describes a dishwasher distributor for a solid block form moulded detergent product. The block form detergent product of this reference is positioned with its casting mould in the receiving means of the distributor so that the casting mould surrounds the detergent blocX
during the flushing out process and touches it on all sides except for one free face. Once again, contactless handling of the detergent product is provided, but once again, complete emptying is not guaranteed.
US-A-4,774,014 (Henkel) discloses a detergent supply pack ~or a cast detergent block which pack is suitable for ready dissolution of the block in the dispensing device associated with an institutional dishwashing machine, such that water consumption is not appreciably higher than in the case of powder-form detergents, even towards the end of the block.
However, the detergent supply pack has to be opened before positioning the pack in the dispensing device and therefore skin contact with the alkaline detergent is possible.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a deter-3 C7281 (R) gent dispensing system comprising a detergent supply packfor a detergent powder or, preferably, a block form deter-gent product and a dispensing device associated with an institutional washing machine, preferably a dishwashing machine, whereby an economic and effective use of the deter-gent in the dispensing device is ensured.
It is an other object of the invention to provide a deter-gent dispensing system whereby the detergent supply pack is adapted to the dispensing device such that the detergent can be introduced into the device without the need to open the pack before positioning the pack in the dispensing device and loading the device. This eliminates the risk of any skin contact and thus contributes to safety.
It is a further object of the invention that no residue is left inside the supply pack after emptying and that a minimal amount of packaging material is to be disposed of after introducing the detergent product into the dispensing device.
It was found that these and other objects can be ac-complished by a detergent dispensing system according to thepresent invention.
DEFINITION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a dispensing system comprising a detergent supply pack (4) for supplying solid state detergent material to a dispensing device (6) as-sociated with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises packaging material for said solid state detergent material,-said solid state deterqent material and a closing/release device for promoting release of the detergent solid from the supply pack into the dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device essen-tially consists of two parts (1,2j in between which the packaging material is fixed and is adapted to the dispensing device such that the closing/release device can be easily removed in conjunction with thP dispensing device for introducing the detergent solid into the dispensing device.
2~7~56 4 C7281 (R) The invention also provides a detergent supply pack and a dispensing device which are adapted for use in a dispensing system according to the present invention. Furthermore, the invention provides a method of dispensing a sol.id detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed to a washing machine, whereby a dispensing system according to the invention is applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a dispensing system comprising a supply pack for a solid state detergent product, which may contain detergent powder, deterg~nt briquettes and/or deter-gent tablets. However, the supply pack pre~erably contains a compacted detergent block, which is readily dissolvable on contact with flushing water.
The supply pack includes flexible packaging material which functions as a protective means against moisture uptake and also as a handling aid for the introduction of the naked detergent blocX into the detergent dispensing device of a washing machine, preferably a dishwashing machine, without contact with the skin. The packaging material is generally also collapsible in order to minimize the volume of pack-aging material to be disposed of after emptying the supply pack. As packaging material, any material which can perform the above mentioned functions, may be used, such as cardboard, coated paper, and laminated material, but plastic material such as polyethylene and polypropylene is preferred. The most preferred type of packaging material is polyethylene.
If a solid detergent block is applied, the supply pacX of the invention thus comprises flexible packaging material which confor~s to the shape of the detergent solid, a solid detergent block which is usually produced by compaction of dry mixed powder, and release means for releasing the solid detergent product from the supply pack into the distributing device.
2 ~ 6 C7281 (R) Generally, solid detergent blocks constitute a non~dusty and therefore attractive product form in view of the often aggressive chemicals used. Furthermore, they are economical in use because they can be manufactured and transported as 5 very concentrated products. In EP-A-375, 022 (Unilever) information can be found with respect to the type of solid detergent block which is preferably used with the supply pack according to the present invention.
In order to eliminate skin contact, the supply pack of the invention comprises a closinglrelease device essentially consisting of two parts in between which the flexible pack-aging material of the pack is fixed. In other words, these parts act as a sort of closing clamp for the detergent supply pack.
Preferably, these p~rts have an oblong shape, whereby their dimensions are such that one of these parts can be placed inside the other part while leaving just enough room to fully close the supply pack. Generally, these parts could have any cross-sectional shapes, but preferably the cross-section of the inner part is shaped as a triangle and that o~ the outer part as a hollow tube open to one side.
The inner part is preferably connected to the outer part in order to ensure simultaneous removal of both parts when opening the pack. For reasons of easy handling, inner and outer part are preferably connected by way of a plastic hinge.
Furthermore, the dispensing system according to the inven-tion comprises a dispensing device of which the dimensions are such that solid detergent material, preferably a solid detergent block, can be effectively and safely introduced into it from out of a detergent supply pack according to the present invention. If a solid detergent block is to be applied, the supply pack contailling the detergent block is placed on a support to facilitate the introduction of the detergent block into the dispensing device when opening the 6 ~7 8~7281 (R) supply pack by removal of the closing device. Thereafter, the naked detergent block i~s allowed to fall down onto a grid-type support provided with a flexible sealiny in the bottom part of the detergent dispenser, such that only the bottom side of the block is contacted with water originating from a spray nozzle situated underneath this support. By contacting only the bottom part of the detergent block, excessive degradation of moisture-sensitive components present in the block is avoided.
This configuration is advantageous as the distance between the bottom side of detergent block and the spray nozzle will not vary during the washing operation resulting in a constant dissolution rate of detergent material and conse-quently a constant concentration of detergent product in the wash liquor fed into the washing machine.
In order to ensure that the dispensing device cannot be opened just after adding fresh solid detergent material, it is desirable that the device can only be opened after the detergent solid inside the device has decreased to below a certain level. For ensuring a continuous operation of the dispensing device, an indicator or alarm is preferably provided signalling that the device can be opened and a new detergent solid introduced.
The invention is further illustrated by Figures 1-7, of which:
Fig. 1 gives a perspective view of a closing device accor-ding to the invention;
Fig. 2 gives an illustration of a detergent supply pack according to the invention;
Fig. 3 shows the supply pack inside the distributing device;
Fig. 4-7 give schematic views of the distributing device of the invention at consecutive stages when operating the device.
Referring more in detail to these drawings, in Figure 1 (lj indicates the tube-shaped outer part of the closing/release ~7~
7 C7281 (R) device, in which the triangle-shaped inner part (2) is situated. Also means (3a) is shown by which the inner part is connected to the outer part. As a result, using handle ~3) the entire closing device can be removed from the supply pack (4), which is depicted in Fig. 2.
As shown in Figure 3, this supply pack can be introduced into the dispensing device (6) by way of handle (5).
The dimensions of this dispensing device which is schematically shown in Figure 4-7, are such that the con-tents of the detergent supply pack can be safely and effec-tively introduced into it. Before introducing the contents of supply pack (4), a top lid (12) of the device (6) is turned from a horizontal into a fixed vertical position (see Figure 5).
Thereafter the supply pack is placed on top of a spring-loaded support lid (7) and the handle (5) of the supply pack is positioned onto hook (11) which is connected to the top lid (12) (see Figure 6).
By pulling handle (3) in order to remove the entire closing device and pushing a spring-loaded lever (10) backward, the detergent material is made to fall into the dispensing device and to push the support lid (7) into a vertical position. Thereafter, the lever (10) is pushed back into its position of preference by action of spring (13).
After the empty supply pack is removed, the top lid (12) can be closed and the inner part of the hook (11) automatically fixed by the action of the spring loaded lever (10)~ As a result, the dispensing device is completely closed and cannot be opened by unauthorised people (see Figure 7).
During operation, the detergent material (14) is positioned on a grid-type support (9) provided with a flexible sealing and being sprayed on by way of spray-nozzle (8). The fexible sealing connected to th grid-type support is located such that only the bottom part of the de~ergent material is contacted with water.
2 ~
As shown in Figure 3, this supply pack can be introduced into the dispensing device (6) by way of handle (5).
The dimensions of this dispensing device which is schematically shown in Figure 4-7, are such that the con-tents of the detergent supply pack can be safely and effec-tively introduced into it. Before introducing the contents of supply pack (4), a top lid (12) of the device (6) is turned from a horizontal into a fixed vertical position (see Figure 5).
Thereafter the supply pack is placed on top of a spring-loaded support lid (7) and the handle (5) of the supply pack is positioned onto hook (11) which is connected to the top lid (12) (see Figure 6).
By pulling handle (3) in order to remove the entire closing device and pushing a spring-loaded lever (10) backward, the detergent material is made to fall into the dispensing device and to push the support lid (7) into a vertical position. Thereafter, the lever (10) is pushed back into its position of preference by action of spring (13).
After the empty supply pack is removed, the top lid (12) can be closed and the inner part of the hook (11) automatically fixed by the action of the spring loaded lever (10)~ As a result, the dispensing device is completely closed and cannot be opened by unauthorised people (see Figure 7).
During operation, the detergent material (14) is positioned on a grid-type support (9) provided with a flexible sealing and being sprayed on by way of spray-nozzle (8). The fexible sealing connected to th grid-type support is located such that only the bottom part of the de~ergent material is contacted with water.
2 ~
8 C7281 (R) When the detergent material inside the dispensing device (14) has been dissolved so far that the spring loaded support lid (7) has turned back into a horizontal position (see Figure 4), lever (10) turns such that the fixation of the top lid hook (11) is released. Support lid (7) thus acts as an indicator telling the operator that the contents of a new supply pack can be introduced into the dispensing device.
For this purpose, support lid (7) may be connected to an alarm system which is activated when the fixation of the top lid hook (11) is released.
For this purpose, support lid (7) may be connected to an alarm system which is activated when the fixation of the top lid hook (11) is released.
Claims (11)
1. A dispensing system comprising a detergent supply pack (4) for supplying solid state detergent material to a dispensing device (6) associated with a washing machine and said dispensing device, which supply pack comprises pack-aging material for said solid state detergent material, said solid state detergent material and a closing/release device for promoting release of the detergent solid from the supply pack into the dispensing device, whereby the closing/release device essentially consists of two parts (1,2) in between which the packaging material is fixed and is adapted to the dispensing device such that the closing/release device can be easily removed in conjunction with the dispensing device for introducing the detergent solid into the dispensing device.
2. Dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the closing/release device essentially consists of two oblong parts, the dimensions of which are such that one of these parts can be placed inside the other part while leaving room to fix the packaging material of the detergent supply pack.
3. Dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the closing/release device essentially consists of two oblong parts, the dimensions of which are such that one of these parts can be placed inside the other part while leaving room to fix the packaging material of the detergent supply pack, whereby the cross-section of the inner oblong part (2) is shaped as a triangle and the outer oblong part (1) is shaped as a hollow tube open to one side.
4. Dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the closing/release device has means (3a) to fix the inner part with the outer part, whereby one of these parts is provided with a handle (3) enabling removal of the total device from the supply pack.
C7281 (R)45
C7281 (R)45
5. Dispensing system according to claim 1, whereby the supply pack contains a compacted detergent block and comprises packaging material which conforms to the shape of the detergent block.
6. A dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing device is provided with a grid-type support (9) with a flexible sealing in the bottom part of it on which support the detergent solid is located after it is introduced into the device, whereby a spraying nozzle (8) is situated underneath the support and the flexible sealing is located such that only the bottom part of the detergent material is contacted with water.
7. Dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing device is provided with a top lid (12) which can be opened only after the height of the solid detergent inside the device has decreased to below a certain level so as to ensure that the device cannot be opened just after adding fresh solid detergent material.
8. Detergent supply pack which is adapted for use in a dispensing system according to claim 1.
9. Dispensing device which is adapted for use in a dispen-sing system according to claim 1.
10.Method of dispensing a solid detergent product into the wash liquor to be fed into a washing machine, whereby a dispens system according to claim 1 is applied.
******
******
11. A dispensing system as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as described herein.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB919120034A GB9120034D0 (en) | 1991-09-19 | 1991-09-19 | Detergetn dispensing |
| GB9120034.5 | 1991-09-19 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2078156A1 true CA2078156A1 (en) | 1993-03-20 |
Family
ID=10701674
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002078156A Abandoned CA2078156A1 (en) | 1991-09-19 | 1992-09-14 | Detergent dispensing system |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0533238B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU652074B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2078156A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69209600T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2085553T3 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI924186A7 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9120034D0 (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ244321A (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA927168B (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU677015B2 (en) * | 1992-08-03 | 1997-04-10 | Diversey, Inc. | Detergent dispensing system |
| ATE158159T1 (en) * | 1993-05-28 | 1997-10-15 | Ecolab Inc | LOW LEVEL WARNING FOR SOLID SUBSTANCES |
| US5975352A (en) * | 1997-08-28 | 1999-11-02 | Ecolab Inc. | Dispenser |
| US8110233B2 (en) | 2006-07-14 | 2012-02-07 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Method of dispensing a solid product |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4690305A (en) * | 1985-11-06 | 1987-09-01 | Ecolab Inc. | Solid block chemical dispenser for cleaning systems |
| US4687121A (en) * | 1986-01-09 | 1987-08-18 | Ecolab Inc. | Solid block chemical dispenser for cleaning systems |
| US5007559A (en) * | 1986-07-21 | 1991-04-16 | Young Cecil B | Method and apparatus for dispensing a particulate material |
| US5086952A (en) * | 1988-09-12 | 1992-02-11 | Diversey Corporation | Detergent container |
| NO885697L (en) * | 1988-12-21 | 1990-06-22 | Norsk Hydro As | LARGE BAG WITH DEVICE FOR WHOLE OR PARTIAL DRAWING. |
-
1991
- 1991-09-19 GB GB919120034A patent/GB9120034D0/en active Pending
-
1992
- 1992-09-03 DE DE69209600T patent/DE69209600T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-09-03 ES ES92202667T patent/ES2085553T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-03 EP EP92202667A patent/EP0533238B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-09-14 CA CA002078156A patent/CA2078156A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-09-14 NZ NZ244321A patent/NZ244321A/en unknown
- 1992-09-18 FI FI924186A patent/FI924186A7/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1992-09-18 AU AU24598/92A patent/AU652074B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-09-18 ZA ZA927168A patent/ZA927168B/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ZA927168B (en) | 1994-03-18 |
| AU2459892A (en) | 1993-03-25 |
| DE69209600D1 (en) | 1996-05-09 |
| NZ244321A (en) | 1994-04-27 |
| EP0533238A1 (en) | 1993-03-24 |
| GB9120034D0 (en) | 1991-11-06 |
| EP0533238B1 (en) | 1996-04-03 |
| AU652074B2 (en) | 1994-08-11 |
| DE69209600T2 (en) | 1996-08-22 |
| ES2085553T3 (en) | 1996-06-01 |
| FI924186A7 (en) | 1993-03-20 |
| FI924186A0 (en) | 1992-09-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |