CN117922956A

CN117922956A - Consumer products

Info

Publication number: CN117922956A
Application number: CN202410092768.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 克莱拉·索菲·额帕克莱昂; 保罗斯·安东尼厄斯·奥古斯蒂努斯·赫夫特; 约斯特·勒弗莱尔; 阿尔贝托·马丁内斯-贝卡雷斯
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2019-08-14
Filing date: 2020-08-11
Publication date: 2024-04-26
Also published as: CN114174179B; EP3778412A1; JP2023182793A; WO2021030838A1; CA3145561A1; CN114174179A; JP2022544011A

Abstract

A consumer product comprising a container and at least one water-soluble unit dose article is disclosed.

Description

Consumer products

The application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No.202080054465.9 with the application date of 2020, 8 and 11, and the name of 'consumer product'.

Technical Field

Consumer product comprising a container and at least one water-soluble unit dose article.

Background

Water-soluble unit dose articles are favored by consumers for their convenience and ease of use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film shaped to form at least one internal compartment containing a single-use dose of detergent. Upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and/or disintegrates to release the detergent into the surrounding water to produce a wash liquor.

Such water-soluble unit dose articles are stored and transported in rigid or flexible plastic containers. Without wishing to be bound by theory, a consumer purchases a container comprising a plurality of water-soluble unit dose articles. The containers are shipped from the manufacturing location to a supermarket and are purchased for storage at the consumer's home.

Detergent compositions enclosed in water-soluble unit dose articles typically comprise perfumes. One problem is that during transportation and storage, perfume will migrate partially from the detergent composition through the water-soluble film and begin to accumulate in the headspace of the container. However, some consumers do not like to apply a strong fragrance on their clothing, e.g. they want to apply a minimum of fragrance, simply to indicate that their clothing is clean and refreshing, but do not want to experience a "too strong" fragrance. Accumulation of strong fragrance headspace in the tub is undesirable for them, as it is believed to be a signal that strong fragrance will also be applied to their clothing during the washing process. Even when formulating "bland" fragrances for this consumer population, there remains a need to improve fragrance accumulation in the headspace experience.

A possible solution could be for the consumer to store the container in an open position so that the fragrance headspace cannot accumulate. However, this is undesirable as it will increase the sensitivity of the water-soluble unit dose article to external humidity conditions and the risk of accidental contamination of the water-soluble unit dose article. More importantly, while keeping the container open will reduce the risk of accumulation of the heavy fragrance in the storage container, this approach does not provide a reassuring signal to the consumer that the detergent composition does not contain heavy fragrance. He/she will not know that because there is no perfumed headspace, the consumer can determine from this whether the formulated perfume will match his/her needs. Thus, consumers prefer that such containers include latches to ensure that they remain closed until intentionally opened so that fragrance headspace can accumulate and the consumer can judge the intensity of fragrance based on fragrance accumulation in the headspace.

Accordingly, there is a need for a consumer product comprising a water-soluble unit dose article comprising a perfumed detergent composition, wherein strong perfume accumulation in the headspace upon storage in the closed position is avoided.

It has surprisingly been found that the consumer product according to the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

A consumer product comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article and a container; wherein the at least one water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film oriented to produce at least one unit dose internal compartment, wherein the at least one unit dose internal compartment comprises a detergent composition; and wherein the container comprises a first portion, wherein the first portion comprises a first compartment in which the at least one water-soluble unit dose article is contained, and wherein the first compartment is accessible through a first opening; and wherein the container comprises a second portion, wherein the second portion is positioned such that it is prevented from entering through the first opening when the container is not in use, but is movable to allow access to the first opening when the container is in use; and wherein the container comprises a locking device, wherein the locking device comprises a first locking member on the first portion and a second locking member on the second portion, wherein the first locking member engages the second locking member to prevent movement of the second portion to allow access to the first opening until the first locking member and the second locking member are disengaged from each other by a user; and wherein the first portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface faces the interior compartment; and wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the first portion is comprised of a paper-based material such that the water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper-based material of the inner surface; and wherein the detergent composition comprises a free perfume composition.

Drawings

Fig. 1 depicts a consumer product (1) comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article (not shown) and a container (2) according to the invention.

Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C depict cross-sectional views of the container (2) of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 depicts the consumer product (1) according to fig. 1 but wherein the second part (4) is connected to the first part (3) by means of a hinge (21).

Fig. 4 depicts an alternative example according to the invention.

Fig. 5 depicts the container according to fig. 4 in an open position.

Fig. 6 depicts the first part (3) of fig. 4 and 5 completely removed from the second part (4).

Fig. 7 depicts the first part (3) according to fig. 5 but with a larger first opening (6).

Fig. 8 depicts a top cross-sectional view of the second part (4) according to fig. 4.

Fig. 9 depicts a 3D representation of the second part (4) according to fig. 4.

Fig. 10A and 10B depict cross-sectional views of a consumer product (1) according to fig. 4.

Fig. 11 depicts a consumer product (1) according to fig. 4 to 9, 10A and 10B, but wherein the second locking member (8) is in a different position.

Fig. 12 discloses a water-soluble unit dose article according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Consumer products

The present invention is a consumer product comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article and a container. The water-soluble unit dose articles and containers will be described in more detail below.

The consumer product may be sold "as is", in other words, the consumer product is an item that the consumer takes from a shelf. Alternatively, the consumer product may be contained as a unit of a multi-component product. For example, more than one consumer product may be contained within an outer package, and multiple packaged consumer products are sold together in a single purchase.

The consumer product may include an aesthetic element, such as a shrink sleeve or label attached to the container. Alternatively, the container may be colored or printed with aesthetic elements or informational literature (e.g., instructions for use).

Water-soluble unit dose articles

The at least one water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film oriented to produce at least one unit dose internal compartment, wherein the at least one unit dose internal compartment comprises a detergent composition. The water-soluble film and the detergent composition are described in more detail below.

The consumer product comprises at least one, preferably at least two, water-soluble unit dose articles.

The water-soluble unit dose articles are typically in the form of bags. It comprises a single dose of the composition in a volume sufficient to provide a benefit in the end use.

The water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film shaped such that the unit dose article comprises at least one interior compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. The at least one compartment includes a cleaning composition. The water-soluble film is sealed such that the cleaning composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the interior compartment into the wash liquid.

The unit dose article may comprise more than one compartment, even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments, or even at least four compartments, or even at least five compartments. The compartments may be arranged in a stacked orientation, i.e. one positioned on top of the other. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e., one oriented immediately next to the other. The compartments may even be oriented in a "tire and rim" arrangement, i.e. the first compartment is positioned close to the second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds the second compartment, but does not completely encapsulate the second compartment. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment.

Where the unit dose article comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other. Where the unit dose article comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment, and preferably the smaller compartment is stacked on the larger compartment. The stacked compartments are preferably oriented side-by-side.

Each individual unit dose article may have a weight of between 10g and 40g, or even between 15g and 35 g.

The films of the present invention are soluble or dispersible in water. The water-soluble film preferably has a thickness of 20 to 150 microns, preferably 35 to 125 microns, even more preferably 50 to 110 microns, most preferably about 76 microns, prior to forming the unit dose article.

The preferred membrane material is preferably a polymeric material. As known in the art, the film material may be obtained by, for example, casting, blow molding, extrusion or blow-molded extrusion of a polymeric material.

Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, preferably a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and/or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, preferably selected from sulphonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, especially carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, most preferably a blend of a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a polymer, wherein the polymer comprises a homopolymer, copolymer or mixture thereof selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, cellulose amide, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acid and salts, polyamino acid or peptide, polyamide, polyacrylamide, copolymers of maleic acid/acrylic acid, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, xanthan gum, carrageenan or mixtures thereof, preferably a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and/or an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer selected from the group consisting of sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, especially carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers.

Preferred membranes are those supplied by Monosol under trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310.

The film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may include a printed area.

The printed areas may be realized using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

The film may comprise an aversive agent, such as a bittering agent. Suitable bittering agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, benidiammonium or mixtures thereof. Any suitable level of aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, 1ppm to 5000ppm, or even 100ppm to 2500ppm, or even 250ppm to 2000ppm.

The water-soluble film or the water-soluble unit dose article, or both, may be coated with a lubricant. Preferably, the lubricant is selected from talc, zinc oxide, silica, silicones, zeolites, silicic acid, alumina, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starch, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrin or mixtures thereof.

Container

The consumer product comprises a container. The container comprises a first portion, wherein the first portion comprises a first compartment containing at least one water-soluble unit dose article therein. Preferably, the first compartment comprises at least two water-soluble unit dose articles. The first compartment may comprise between 1 and 80 water-soluble unit dose articles, or even between 1 and 60 water-soluble unit dose articles, or even between 1 and 40 water-soluble unit dose articles, or even between 1 and 20 water-soluble unit dose articles. The volume of the first compartment may be between 500ml and 5000ml, preferably between 800ml and 4000 ml.

The first compartment is accessible through the first opening. One skilled in the art will know the appropriate size of the first opening. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the first opening should be of sufficient size to remove at least a single water-soluble unit dose article at a time. Alternatively, the first opening may be shaped to allow the unit dose article to be poured from the container. Thus, it should be sized large enough for at least a single unit dose article to pass through the first opening. Preferably, the first opening should be large enough for a user to pass their hand through to remove at least one water-soluble unit dose article.

The container includes a second portion, wherein the second portion is positioned such that access through the first opening is prevented when the container is not in use, but is movable to allow access to the first opening when the container is in use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the first portion and the second portion are capable of moving relative to each other. This relative movement allows the second portion to block access to the first opening when not in use, but allows access to the first opening when in use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the user controls the movement of the first and second portions relative to each other to achieve this.

The movement of the first and second parts relative to each other may be achieved in any suitable way. One skilled in the art will know suitable means. The first portion is slidable within the second portion. Alternatively, the second portion may act as a cover for the first portion. The cover may be hinged to the first part or may be completely separate from the first part. Preferably, the second portion comprises a top wall and at least one side wall, and the first portion comprises a base wall and a first opening, wherein the first opening is opposite the base wall, and the base wall and the first opening are connected by the at least one side wall. In the closed position, at least one sidewall of the second portion at least partially overlaps within one sidewall of the first portion. In other words, the second portion acts as a cover positioned over the first portion and thus blocking access to the first opening. Alternatively, in the closed position, at least one sidewall of the first portion at least partially overlaps within one sidewall of the second portion, in other words, the second portion slot inside the first opening blocks access to the first opening.

The container further comprises a locking means. The locking means comprises a first locking member on the first part and a second locking member on the second part. The first locking member engages the second locking member to prevent sufficient movement of the second portion relative to the first portion to allow access to the first opening until the first and second locking members are disengaged from one another by a user. One skilled in the art will know suitable locking means to achieve this. The preferred locking means is one wherein the first locking member comprises a tab and the second locking member comprises an abutment against which the tab abuts in the closed position. The abutment may simply comprise a surface against which the tab abuts. Alternatively, the abutment comprises a slot or pocket capable of receiving the tab when in the locked position. Preferably, the first locking member is a tab protruding from an outer surface of the first portion and the second portion includes an abutment against which the first locking tab is releasably engageable.

The container may comprise more than one locking means. The container may comprise two locking means. The locking devices may be oriented opposite one another on the container so that a consumer may hold the container and use the thumb and fingers to simultaneously open both locking devices. Preferably, wherein the locking means are opposite each other, the container is of a size suitable to allow a user, in particular an adult user, to grasp the container with one hand and simultaneously open both locking means using the thumb and fingers of the other hand. When the container comprises at least two locking means, preferably the two locking means are spaced apart by a distance between 70mm and 150mm, more preferably by a distance between 80mm and 120 mm. Without wishing to be bound by theory, such a distance allows the adult palm span to be ergonomically placed around the container to allow simultaneous disengagement of the two locking devices.

Preferably, the two locking means comprise a first locking member on the first part and a second locking member on the second part. Preferably, the first and second locking means each comprise a tab on the first portion and an abutment on the second portion.

The first portion includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface faces the interior compartment. At least a portion of the inner surface of the first portion is formed of a paper-based material such that the water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper-based material of the inner surface. In other words, at least one water-soluble unit dose article contained within the container will be in direct contact with the paper-based material. The water-soluble unit dose article may be moved within the container during storage and transport, however, there is no barrier between the water-soluble unit dose article and the paper-based material, among other water-soluble unit dose articles.

Paper-based material is referred to herein as a material comprising paper. Without wishing to be bound by theory, "paper" refers herein to a material made from cellulose-based pulp. Preferably, the paper-based material comprises paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably the cardboard comprises cardboard, corrugated fiberboard or a mixture thereof. The paper-based material may include a printed image thereon.

Preferably, the entire inner surface of the first portion is constituted by a paper-based material, more preferably the entire first portion is constituted by a paper-based material.

Preferably, the second portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. Preferably, at least a part of the inner surface of the second part is constituted by a paper-based material, preferably the entire inner surface of the second part is constituted by a paper-based material, even more preferably the entire second part is constituted by a paper-based material.

Preferably, the first locking member is comprised of a paper-based material, or the second locking member is comprised of a paper-based material, or a combination thereof.

The paper-based material may be a laminate comprising paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably the cardboard comprises cardboard, corrugated fiberboard or a mixture thereof and at least a second material. Wherein the paper-based material is a laminate, then the inner surface of the first part and preferably the inner surface of the second part comprises paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably the cardboard comprises cardboard, corrugated fiberboard or a mixture thereof, and preferably the outer surface of the first part, the outer surface of the second part or a mixture thereof comprises the second material. Alternatively, the second material may also be laminated between two paper-based material layers. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this second material may act as a barrier to any leakage liquid flowing through the container wall and contaminating the outer wall of the container for absorption by the paper-based material facing the inside of the container. Contamination of the outer walls of the container may be unsightly to the consumer or worse still further contaminate the storage area. Surprisingly it was found that fragrance headspace accumulation is avoided with respect to a pure plastic-based container, despite lamination with a second material acting as a barrier for leakage liquid absorbed by the paper-based material.

The first locking member may be a tab made of corrugated fiberboard. Without wishing to be bound by theory, corrugated fiberboard includes a series of flutes. Each groove may be understood as a channel. The grooves extend parallel to each other, the groove direction being the direction of travel along each channel. Preferably, the tab comprises a fold extending perpendicular to the direction of the groove. This folding of the tab allows the tab to return to its original position, in other words, having memory characteristics that allow it to rebound. This preferably allows it to be effectively reengaged with the second locking member on subsequent use.

Alternatively, the first locking member may be a tab made of cardboard. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the paperboard comprises fibers extending in a fiber direction, wherein the fiber direction is understood to be along the direction of the longest dimension of the fibers. Preferably, the tab comprises a fold extending perpendicular to the fibre direction. This folding of the tab allows the tab to return to its original position, in other words, having memory characteristics that allow it to rebound. This preferably allows it to be effectively reengaged with the second locking member on subsequent use.

One skilled in the art will know suitable second materials. Preferably, the second material comprises a plastics material. Preferably, the plastic material comprises polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol or mixtures thereof. The barrier material may be biaxially oriented polypropylene, metallized polyethylene terephthalate or mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the second material may be a wax, a cellulosic material, polyvinyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof.

Preferably, the paper-based laminate comprises more than 50 wt%, preferably more than 85 wt%, and more preferably more than 95 wt% of a laminate of fiber-based material. Preferably, the thickness of the plastic material is between 10 and 40 microns, more preferably between 10 and 35 microns.

Preferably, the second portion is a sleeve in which the first portion is received and the first portion is slidable within the second portion between an open position in which the first opening is accessible and in which the first and second locking members are disengaged from one another and a closed position in which the second portion prevents access to the first opening when the first and second locking members are engaged.

Alternatively, preferably, the first portion comprises a base wall and a first opening, wherein the first opening is opposite the base wall and the first opening are connected by at least one side wall, and the second portion comprises a second opening and at least one connecting wall, wherein the first portion slides within the second portion via the second opening and the connecting wall blocks the first opening in the closed position. In this preferred option, at least one side wall of the first portion comprises a first locking member and at least one connecting wall of the second portion comprises a second locking member. Preferably, the second portion comprises an end wall opposite the second opening, and the second opening and the end wall are connected via at least one connecting wall.

The connecting wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface faces the first portion and the outer surface faces the external environment of the container.

The second locking member may be an abutment formed by cutting a portion of the connection wall and folding the portion back on itself, and then adhering the folded-back portion to the inner surface of the connection wall to form an abutment. The cut portion of the connecting wall forms an opening of the second locking member. Alternatively, wherein the second locking member is an abutment, the abutment may be formed by adhering a separate piece of material to the inner surface of the connecting wall, preferably wherein the separate piece of material is selected from paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof.

The container may include a stop means to prevent complete removal of the first portion from the second portion. Such stop means may comprise a stop abutment on the second part that interacts with the first locking member, preferably wherein the first locking member is a tab preventing further movement of the first part when sliding out of the second part from the second part during use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the first and second portions may move relative to each other when the first locking member disengages from the second locking member. During movement, the first locking member then abuts against the stop abutment, preventing any further movement. Alternatively, the stop means may comprise a stop tab separate from the first locking member, which abuts against the second locking means. In this case, without wishing to be bound by theory, after the first and second locking members are disengaged, the first and second portions may move relative to each other and the stop tab abuts against the second locking device to prevent any further movement.

The stopper may be formed by folding back an end portion of the connection wall and adhering the folded back portion to an inner surface of the connection wall. The end of the connecting wall is understood to mean the edge of the connecting wall forming the second opening. Alternatively, the stop means may be formed by adhering a separate piece of material to the inner surface of the connecting wall, preferably wherein the separate piece of material is selected from paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof.

Alternatively, the second portion is a removable cover, wherein the second portion prevents access to the first opening when in the closed position and the first locking member engages with the second locking member when in the closed position and the first locking member and the second locking member disengage when in the open position and the second portion is removable to allow access to the first opening. Preferably, the second portion is attached to the first portion by a hinge, or the second portion may be completely removable from the first portion. Preferably, the second portion is completely removable from the first portion.

Preferably, the second portion comprises a top wall and at least one side wall, and the first portion comprises a base wall and a first opening, wherein the first opening is opposite the base wall, and the base wall and the first opening are connected by the at least one side wall. In the closed position, at least one sidewall of the second portion at least partially overlaps within one sidewall of the first portion. In this preferred example, the first locking member is positioned on at least one side wall of the first portion and the second locking member is positioned on at least one side wall of the second portion.

At least one sidewall of the second portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface faces the first portion and the outer surface faces the external environment of the container. Alternatively, in a less preferred option, in the closed position, at least one side wall of the first portion at least partially overlaps within one side wall of the second portion.

The second locking member may be an abutment formed by cutting a portion of at least one side wall of the second portion and folding the portion back on itself and then adhering the folded-back portion to an inner surface of the at least one side wall of the second portion to create an abutment. The cut portion of at least one side wall of the second portion forms an opening of the second locking member. Alternatively, wherein the second locking member is an abutment which may be formed by adhering a separate piece of material to the inner surface of at least one side wall of the second portion, preferably wherein the separate piece of material is selected from paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof. Alternatively, wherein the second locking member is an abutment, the second locking member may be formed by folding the end of at least one wall of the second part back on itself and then adhering the folded part to the inner surface of the at least one wall of the second part.

Detergent composition

The detergent composition may be a laundry detergent composition, an automatic dishwashing composition, a hard surface cleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The detergent composition is a perfumed detergent composition. By "perfumed detergent composition" is meant that free perfume has been added to the detergent composition. By "free perfume" is meant herein that the perfume compound is added directly to the detergent composition and is not present on the encapsulate or carrier material. The composition may also comprise a secondary fragrance source, such as a fragrance capsule and/or a pro-fragrance, for example a fragrance in combination with carrier material technology. The detergent composition may comprise a solid, a liquid or a mixture thereof. The term "liquid" includes gels, solutions, dispersions, pastes or mixtures thereof.

The solid may be a powder. By powder is meant herein that the detergent composition may comprise solid particles or may be a single homogeneous solid. Preferably, the powder detergent composition comprises particles. This means that the powder detergent composition comprises individual solid particles as opposed to being a single homogeneous solid. The particles may be free flowing or may be compacted, preferably free flowing.

Preferably, the detergent composition is a laundry detergent composition, most preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition.

The laundry detergent composition may be used in a fabric hand washing operation or may be used in an automatic machine fabric washing operation, preferably an automatic machine fabric washing operation.

The laundry detergent composition comprises a non-soap surfactant, wherein the non-soap surfactant comprises an anionic non-soap surfactant and a nonionic surfactant. Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 60%, more preferably between 20% and 55%, by weight of the laundry detergent composition, of non-soap surfactant.

The weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant to non-ionic surfactant is from 1:1 to 20:1, preferably from 3:1 to 17.5:1, more preferably from 5:1 to 15:1, most preferably from 7.5:1 to 12.5:1.

The non-soap anionic surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, alkyl sulfate or mixtures thereof. The weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkyl sulfate is from 1:2 to 9:1, preferably from 1:1 to 7:1, more preferably from 1.25:1 to 5:1, most preferably from 1.4:1 to 3:1.

Exemplary linear alkylbenzene sulfonates are C ₁₀-C₁₆ alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, or C ₁₁-C₁₄ alkylbenzene sulfonic acids. By "linear" herein is meant that the alkyl group is linear. Alkylbenzenesulfonates are well known in the art.

The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may comprise alkoxylated alkyl sulfate or non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate or mixtures thereof. The alkoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is preferably an ethoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.

The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, preferably having a molar average degree of ethoxylation of from 1 to 5, more preferably from 1 to 3, most preferably from 2 to 3.

The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may comprise non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfate and ethoxylated alkyl sulfate, wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has a molar average degree of ethoxylation of from 1 to 5, more preferably from 1 to 3, and most preferably from 2 to 3.

The alkyl fraction of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may preferably be derived from fatty alcohols, oxo alcohols, guerbet alcohols or mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 50%, more preferably between 15% and 45%, even more preferably between 20% and 40%, most preferably between 30% and 40% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of the non-soap anionic surfactant.

Preferably, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alcohol alkoxylates, oxo alcohol alkoxylates, guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkylphenol alcohol alkoxylates, or mixtures thereof.

The laundry detergent composition comprises between 0.01% and 10%, preferably between 0.01% and 8%, more preferably between 0.1% and 6%, most preferably between 0.15% and 5% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of nonionic surfactant.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 1.5% and 20%, more preferably between 2% and 15%, even more preferably between 3% and 10%, most preferably between 4% and 8% soap, preferably fatty acid salt, more preferably amine neutralized fatty acid salt, by weight of the laundry detergent composition, wherein preferably the amine is an alkanolamine, more preferably selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or mixtures thereof, more preferably monoethanolamine.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition, more preferably the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises less than 15%, more preferably less than 12% water by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising a non-aqueous solvent selected from 1, 2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 40%, preferably between 15% and 30% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a non-aqueous solvent.

Laundry detergent compositions comprise perfume, more particularly free perfume. One skilled in the art will know the possible free perfume formulated inside a liquid laundry detergent composition to be formulated inside a water-soluble unit dose article. These free perfume compositions consist of a wide range of individual perfume raw materials that are carefully balanced to produce the desired perfume characteristics, perfume deposition and perfume durability characteristics, and this throughout the different stages of the washing and wearing process, for example when the detergent composition is added, when the wet fabric is removed from the washing machine or washed by hand, when the fabric is left to dry in the air or at the end of the tumble drying process, when the fabric is stored in a consumer's closet, and when the fabric is worn. In addition to the fragrance characteristics of the individual raw materials, such balanced selection of individual fragrance materials typically also takes into account their polarity, volatility and perceived intensity. The detergent composition preferably comprises between 0.01% and 10%, preferably between 0.1% and 5%, more preferably between 0.5% and 3% free perfume. In addition to the free perfume, a second perfume source may be present, more particularly the detergent composition may further comprise encapsulated perfume or pro-perfume technology, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises an adjunct ingredient selected from the group comprising: including enzyme builders, citrates, bleaches, bleach catalysts, dyes, hueing dyes, brighteners, cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyamines and polyethylenimines, soil release polymers, surfactants, solvents, dye transfer inhibitors, chelants, encapsulated perfumes, polycarboxylates, structurants, pH modifying agents and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition has a pH of between 6 and 10, more preferably between 6.5 and 8.9, most preferably between 7 and 8, wherein the pH of the laundry detergent composition is measured as a product concentration of 10% in demineralised water at 20 ℃.

When the laundry detergent composition is a liquid, the laundry detergent composition may be newtonian or non-newtonian. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition is non-newtonian. Without being bound by theory, the non-newtonian liquid has different characteristics than the newtonian liquid, more specifically, the viscosity of the non-newtonian liquid depends on the shear rate, while the newtonian liquid has a constant viscosity independent of the shear rate applied. The reduction in viscosity upon application of shear to the non-newtonian liquid is believed to further facilitate liquid detergent dissolution. The liquid laundry detergent compositions described herein may have any suitable viscosity, depending on factors such as the formulation ingredients and the purpose of the composition.

Those skilled in the art will know how to formulate and prepare suitable detergent compositions using known knowledge and techniques.

Manufacturer (S)

Those skilled in the art will be aware of standard techniques and methods of manufacturing consumer products according to the present invention. One skilled in the art will know the method of making at least one water-soluble unit dose article. Those skilled in the art will know standard methods of manufacturing containers. Preferably, the first portion is constructed from a first blank and the second portion is constructed from a second blank.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40mm" is intended to mean "about 40mm".

Examples

The following are non-limiting examples according to the present invention.

Fig. 1 depicts a consumer product (1) comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article (not shown) and a container (2). The container (2) comprises a first portion (3) and a second portion (4). The second part (4) is in this embodiment a removable cover. In fig. 1, the container (2) is shown in an open position. The first part (3) comprises a first compartment (5) containing at least one water-soluble unit dose article (not shown) therein, and wherein the first compartment (5) is accessible through the first opening (6). The first part (3) comprises a first locking member (7) and the second part (4) comprises a second locking member (8). In fig. 1, the first locking part (7) is a tab made of cardboard, corrugated fiberboard or a mixture thereof. The second locking member (8) comprises an abutment (10) depicted by a broken line and arranged on an inner surface of at least one wall (9) of the second portion (4). The abutment (10) is created by folding back the end of at least one side wall (9) and adhering the folded back portion to the inner surface of at least one wall (9). The second locking member (8) further comprises an opening (11) to allow a user to enter to disengage the first locking member (7) from the second locking member (8). The first part (3) comprises an inner surface (12) and an outer surface (13). At least a portion of the inner surface (12) is formed of a paper-based material. The container (2) comprises in this embodiment two first locking means (7) on opposite sides of the first portion (3) and two corresponding second locking means (8) on opposite sides of the second portion (4).

Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C depict cross-sectional views of the container (2) in fig. 1. In fig. 2, the first locking member (7) is engaged with the abutment (10) of the second locking member (8). The abutment (10) is formed by folding back the bottom edge of the first wall (9) back on itself and adhering the folded back portion to at least the inner surface of the first wall (9) of the second portion. In fig. 2A, the user disengages the first locking member (7) from the abutment (10) via a force (14) applied through the opening (11). As shown in fig. 2B, the force (14) displaces the first locking member (7), allowing the user to move the second part (4) away (15) from the first part (3), as shown in fig. 2C.

Fig. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment according to the present invention. Consumer product (1) is depicted comprising a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit dose article (not shown). The container comprises a first portion (3) and a second portion (4). An opening (11) is also shown to allow a user to disengage a first locking member (not shown) from a second locking member (not shown). The container further comprises a cut-out (16) allowing easy gripping of the first part (3) when sliding out of the second part (4).

Fig. 5 depicts the container according to fig. 4 in an open position. The first part (3) has been slid out of the second part (4). The first part (3) comprises a first compartment (5) containing at least one water-soluble unit dose article (not shown) therein, and wherein the first compartment (5) is accessible through the first opening (6). The first part (3) comprises an inner surface (12) and an outer surface (13). At least a portion of the inner surface (12) is formed of a paper-based material.

Fig. 6 depicts the first part (3) of fig. 4 and 5 completely removed from the second part (4). As can be seen in fig. 6, the first part comprises two first locking parts (7), one on each side. In fig. 5, the first locking part (7) is a tab made of cardboard, corrugated fiberboard or a mixture thereof. The first part (3) further comprises top and bottom stop means (17) to prevent the first part (3) from sliding completely out of the second part (4).

Fig. 8 depicts a top cross-sectional view of the second part (4) according to fig. 4. The second part (4) comprises an opening (20) through which the first part (3) can slide. Further depicted is an abutment (10) which the first locking member (7) engages in the locked position. The abutment (10) is formed by cutting a portion of the connecting wall (18) and folding the portion back on itself, and then adhering the folded-back portion to the inner surface of the connecting wall (18) to create the abutment (10). It is also shown that the stop means abutment (19) is formed by folding the end of the connecting wall (18) over itself and adhering the folded portion to the inner surface of the connecting wall (19).

Fig. 9 depicts a 3D representation of the second part (4) according to fig. 4. Four connecting walls (21, 22, 23, 24) are shown. The stopper abutment (19) is formed by folding back the end of each of the four connecting walls back on itself and adhering the folded portion to the inner surface of the corresponding connecting wall (21, 22, 23, 24).

Fig. 10A and 10B depict cross-sectional views of a consumer product (1) according to fig. 4. In fig. 10A, the first locking member (7) is engaged with the abutment (10). The abutment (10) is formed by cutting a portion of the connecting wall (18) and folding the portion back on itself, and then adhering the folded-back portion to the inner surface of the connecting wall (18) to create the abutment. The resulting hole creates an opening (11). In fig. 2A, the user disengages the first locking member (7) from the abutment (10) via a force (14) applied through the opening (11). As shown in fig. 2B, the force (14) displaces the first locking member (7), allowing the user to move the second portion (4) away (15) from the first portion (3) until the first locking member (7) abuts against the stop abutment (19) preventing further movement. Fig. 10B depicts the consumer product (1) in an open position.

Fig. 11 depicts a consumer product (1) according to fig. 4 to 9, 10A and 10B, but wherein the second locking member (8) is in a different position, i.e. on the same side as the first opening (6). The first locking member (7) and the second locking member (8) interact in the same way as depicted in fig. 10. Two openings (11) corresponding to two separate second locking parts (8) are shown.

Fig. 12 discloses a water-soluble unit dose article according to the invention. The water-soluble unit dose article (3) comprises a first water-soluble film (301) and a second water-soluble film (302) sealed together at a sealing region (303). A detergent composition, preferably a moss detergent composition (304), is included in the water soluble unit dose article (3).

Example 1: dependence of fragrance headspace on container material

Too strong perfume deposition on clothes laundered with perfumed laundry detergent compositions is a continuing complaint on laundry soluble unit dose articles among consumer groups seeking to avoid a perfume experience that is too strong on their clothes. Fragrance accumulation in the headspace of the container upon storage is used as a signal to assess the risk of "excessive" fragrance addition of the garment during the wash cycle. In this study we compared the effect of the storage container material based on perfume accumulation crossover in the headspace of the container, more specifically paper based containers are a single variable compared to traditional market plastic type containers.

Similarly sized closed packages comprising 38 water-soluble unit dose articles were exposed to storage in a climatic chamber at 20 ℃ and 32 ℃ for 20 days and 35 days after which the accumulated fragrance headspace has been quantified analytically. Two replicates of each container type were tested and the average total headspace number was reported.

Materials:

water-soluble unit dose article: ariel 3in 1Pods, e.g. commercially available in the United kingdom at month 4 of 2019

Comparative example: plastic bucket-Ariel 3in 1Pods Polypropylene bucket, commercially available in the United kingdom at 4.2.2019 (size: length=245 mm; height=135 mm; width=96 mm, count size: 38)

Example 1: corrugated paper barrel (size: length=245 mm; height=135 mm; width=96 mm, material: E-fluted corrugated board 3832 gsm KW2 135/RF1 90/board KW2135, count size: 38)

Example 2: corrugated paper drum with PE laminate (dimensions: length=245 mm; height=135 mm; width=96 mm, material code GD 2/HPF 140 (E-Flute)/BKR 170+pe15)

Test setup:

And (3) storing:

Two replicates of each container type were filled with 38 bags and stored in a closed position in a thermostated climate chamber (20 ℃ and 32 ℃) for 20 days, after which the perfume headspace was quantified analytically as described herein. After analysis quantification, the vessel was closed again and restored in the climatic chamber for another 15 days.

Analysis and quantification:

The stored container is placed in an open position in a sealed plastic box and left for one hour to allow the fragrance headspace to redistribute from the container into the plastic box. Thus, air is drawn out of the cartridge through an aerosol filter (10 minutes at constant flow) that captures the fragrance particles from the air space. The presence and quantification (mmol/L) of specific perfume particles in the aerosol filter was then assessed using GC/MS analysis. Table 1 summarizes a list of perfume materials analyzed. The amounts of each fragrance material removed are summed and the resulting total headspace number is reported.

Table 1: analyzed fragrance materials

Results:

The total headspace results in table 2 clearly show that unlike plastic pails, paper-based containers according to the present invention (with or without laminates) show significantly lower headspace accumulation upon storage.

Table 2: average # fragrance materials in headspace (mmol/L)

Claims

1. A consumer product comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article and a container;

Wherein the at least one water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film oriented to produce at least one unit dose internal compartment, wherein the at least one unit dose internal compartment comprises a detergent composition; and

Wherein the container comprises a first portion, wherein the first portion comprises a first compartment in which the at least one water-soluble unit dose article is contained, and wherein the first compartment is accessible through a first opening; and

Wherein the container comprises a second portion, wherein the second portion is positioned such that it is prevented from entering through the first opening when the container is not in use, but is movable to allow access to the first opening when the container is in use; and

Wherein the container comprises one or more locking means, wherein the one or more locking means each comprise a first locking member on the first portion and a second locking member on the second portion, wherein each first locking member is configured to engage a corresponding second locking member to prevent movement of the second portion to allow access to the first opening until the one or more first locking members and corresponding second locking members are disengaged from one another by a user; and

Wherein the first portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface faces the interior compartment; and

Wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the first portion is comprised of a paper-based material such that the water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper-based material of the inner surface;

Wherein the one or more locking members are each a tab protruding from the outer surface of the first portion, and wherein the second portion comprises an abutment with which the one or more first locking members are releasably engageable,

Wherein when the one or more locking members are engaged with the corresponding second locking member, the tab of the one or more first locking members is enclosed by the second portion and the tab can be activated through an opening in the second portion; and wherein the detergent composition comprises a free perfume composition.

2. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the entire inner surface of the first portion is comprised of a paper-based material.

3. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the second portion is comprised of a paper-based material.

4. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein;

a. The one or more first locking members are formed of a paper-based material; or alternatively

B. The one or more second locking members are formed of a paper-based material; or alternatively

C. A combination thereof.

5. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the paper-based material comprises paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof.

6. The consumer product of claim 5, wherein the paper-based material is a laminate comprising paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof and at least a second material, and wherein the inner surface of the first portion comprises paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof.

7. The consumer product of claim 6, wherein the second material comprises a plastic material.

8. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the volume of the first compartment is between 500ml and 5000 ml.

9. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein said detergent composition is a liquid, a solid, or a mixture thereof.

10. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the water-soluble film comprises a polymer, wherein the polymer comprises a homopolymer, copolymer, or mixture thereof selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, maleic/acrylic copolymers, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, xanthan gum, carrageenan or mixtures thereof.

11. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the second portion is a fully removable lid, wherein the second portion prevents access to the first opening when in a closed position, and when in a closed position the first locking member engages with the second locking member, and when in an open position the first locking member and the second locking member disengage, and the second portion is removable to allow access to the first opening.

12. The consumer product of claim 11, wherein the one or more locking members comprise:

A first locking device; and

A second locking means located on the opposite side of the container from the first locking means,

Wherein the first locking means and the second first locking means each comprise a first locking member on the first portion and a second locking member on the second portion, wherein the first locking members engage the respective second locking members to prevent movement of the second portion to allow access to the first opening until the first and second locking members are disengaged from one another by a user.

13. The consumer product of claim 12, wherein the first locking means and the second locking means are spaced apart by a distance between 70mm and 150 mm.

14. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the second portion is an openable lid attached to the first portion via a hinge, wherein the second portion in a closed position prevents access to the first opening, and the first locking member is engaged with the second locking member when in a closed position, and the first locking member is disengaged from the second locking member and the second portion is removable to allow access to the first opening when in an open position.

15. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a top wall and at least one side wall, and

Wherein the first portion comprises a base wall and the first opening, wherein the first opening is opposite the base wall, and the base wall and the first opening are connected by at least one side wall; and

Wherein in the closed position, the at least one sidewall of the second portion at least partially overlaps within the one sidewall of the first portion; and

Wherein the first locking member is positioned on the at least one side wall of the first portion and the second locking member is positioned on the at least one side wall of the second portion.

16. The consumer product of claim 1, wherein the first portion is constructed from a first blank and the second portion is constructed from a second blank.