GB2361010A - Washing composition capsules - Google Patents

Washing composition capsules Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2361010A
GB2361010A GB0008174A GB0008174A GB2361010A GB 2361010 A GB2361010 A GB 2361010A GB 0008174 A GB0008174 A GB 0008174A GB 0008174 A GB0008174 A GB 0008174A GB 2361010 A GB2361010 A GB 2361010A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
washing
receptacle
capsule
array
parts
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB0008174A
Other versions
GB0008174D0 (en
GB2361010B (en
Inventor
Geoffrey Robert Hammond
Paul John Duffield
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Reckitt Benckiser UK Ltd
Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Reckitt and Colman Products Ltd
Reckitt Benckiser UK Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Reckitt and Colman Products Ltd, Reckitt Benckiser UK Ltd filed Critical Reckitt and Colman Products Ltd
Priority to GB0008174A priority Critical patent/GB2361010B/en
Publication of GB0008174D0 publication Critical patent/GB0008174D0/en
Priority to GB0222116A priority patent/GB2376676B/en
Priority to GB0203219A priority patent/GB2370553A/en
Priority to AT00978985T priority patent/ATE273868T1/en
Priority to ARP000106108 priority patent/AR029772A1/en
Priority to EP20040002534 priority patent/EP1457431A3/en
Priority to DE2000633864 priority patent/DE60033864T2/en
Priority to EP20000978985 priority patent/EP1232100B1/en
Priority to EP20040000430 priority patent/EP1447343B1/en
Priority to ES00978985T priority patent/ES2222253T3/en
Priority to GB0028085A priority patent/GB2358382B/en
Priority to CA002414395A priority patent/CA2414395A1/en
Priority to DE20023802U priority patent/DE20023802U1/en
Priority to CA 2391613 priority patent/CA2391613C/en
Priority to EP05027149.3A priority patent/EP1647494A3/en
Priority to MXPA02004981A priority patent/MXPA02004981A/en
Priority to CNB021468257A priority patent/CN1210190C/en
Priority to BR0015617A priority patent/BR0015617A/en
Priority to PL355840A priority patent/PL197779B1/en
Priority to JP2001538251A priority patent/JP2004500285A/en
Priority to PCT/GB2000/004376 priority patent/WO2001036290A1/en
Priority to DE2000613165 priority patent/DE60013165T2/en
Priority to DE2000222487 priority patent/DE20022487U1/en
Priority to GB0130504A priority patent/GB2370552B/en
Priority to ES04000430T priority patent/ES2279233T3/en
Priority to GB0203220A priority patent/GB2370554B/en
Priority to EP20100183720 priority patent/EP2266889A3/en
Priority to AT04000430T priority patent/ATE356045T1/en
Priority to AU16470/01A priority patent/AU780424B2/en
Priority to DE20023801U priority patent/DE20023801U1/en
Priority to CNB008170398A priority patent/CN1206137C/en
Publication of GB2361010A publication Critical patent/GB2361010A/en
Priority to US10/150,216 priority patent/US20030108705A1/en
Publication of GB2361010B publication Critical patent/GB2361010B/en
Application granted granted Critical
Priority to JP2002303774A priority patent/JP4989835B2/en
Priority to US10/748,073 priority patent/US20040151855A1/en
Priority to US11/844,493 priority patent/US20080073239A1/en
Priority to US12/171,043 priority patent/US20090008820A1/en
Priority to US12/171,057 priority patent/US20080296196A1/en
Priority to US12/508,344 priority patent/US20100021534A1/en
Priority to US13/114,597 priority patent/US20110250241A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/04—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties combined with or containing other objects
    • C11D17/041—Compositions releasably affixed on a substrate or incorporated into a dispensing means
    • C11D17/042—Water soluble or water disintegrable containers or substrates containing cleaning compositions or additives for cleaning compositions
    • C11D17/043—Liquid or thixotropic (gel) compositions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • A61J3/07—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • A61J3/07—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
    • A61J3/071—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use into the form of telescopically engaged two-piece capsules
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
    • B65D1/24—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents with moulded compartments or partitions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
    • B65D1/26—Thin-walled containers, e.g. formed by deep-drawing operations
    • B65D1/30—Groups of containers joined together end-to-end or side-by-side
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/02—Internal fittings
    • B65D25/04—Partitions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
    • B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3205—Separate rigid or semi-rigid containers joined to each other at their external surfaces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3283—Cylindrical or polygonal containers, e.g. bottles, with two or more substantially axially offset, side-by-side compartments for simultaneous dispensing
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
    • C11D17/04—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties combined with or containing other objects
    • C11D17/041—Compositions releasably affixed on a substrate or incorporated into a dispensing means
    • C11D17/042—Water soluble or water disintegrable containers or substrates containing cleaning compositions or additives for cleaning compositions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • A61J3/07—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
    • A61J3/071—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use into the form of telescopically engaged two-piece capsules
    • A61J3/072—Sealing capsules, e.g. rendering them tamper-proof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • A61J3/08—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of suppositories or sticks
    • C11D2111/46—

Abstract

A washing capsule comprises a self-supporting receptacle part 2 charged with a washing composition and a closure part, typically a thin film. Both parts are made of water-soluble polymer but the closure part dissolves more quickly. The capsules are manufactured as an array, which can then be split into individual washing capsules. A washing capsule is entirely consumed in a washing process, for example a clothes washing or dishwashing process. The invention offers advantages of convenience and safety.

Description

Improvements in or relating to Compositions 0 2361010 This invention
relates to improvements in the delivery of washing compositions to ware washing machines (including clothes washing machines and dishwashing machines).
Clothes washing compositions may be delivered to a clothes washing machine by a delivery tray from which the composition is fed into the washing drum, or they may be placed directly into the washing drum. The washing compositions may be in powder, liquid or block form. Liquid compositions have the disadvantage that they may be spilt. The same applies to powder compositions. Powder compositions have the additional disadvantage that they may produce dust which can be inhaled. These problems are overcome or lessened when blocks of washing composition are used.
These are normally individually wrapped. On unwrapping a block, for use, it is still possible that some dust may be produced. Additionally it is an inconvenience for the consumer to have to unwrap the block. Furthermore it is almost impossible for the user to avoid some contact between the block and his or her skin, so leading to a requirement for the user to wash their hands after starting the washing machine. In fact, all of the methods described involve a risk of contact between the composition and the skin, and it is desirable in all cases for the user to wash their hands after starting the washing machine. In this context it should be borne in mind that many composition contain enzymes to assist the cleaning action. Even though the user may tolerate enzyme residues which may be left in clothes after washing, they may still not tolerate contact between the concentrated washing composition containing the enzymes, and the skin.
Similar considerations apply in relation to dishwashing machines. Thus, in relation to dishwashing compositions there are also problems of spillage, dust generation, skin contact and inconvenience.
There is a need for a means of delivering a washing composition to a ware washing machine in a manner which is safe and highly convenient.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a washing capsule comprising a self-supporting receptacle part and a closure part, the receptacle 0. 1 1 1.:
1 1 1 part and the closure part together enclosing a washing composition, the receptacle part being formed of a. water-soluble polymer, and the closure part being formed of a water-soluble polymer, wherein, in use, the closure part dissolves before the receptacle part.
Because the receptacle part is self-supporting the washing composition may readily be fed into it in manufacture, prior to location of the closure part.
Preferably, the receptacle part has side walls which terminate at their upper end in an outward flange, to which the closure part is sealingly secured. The securement may be by means of an adhesive but is preferably achieved by means of a heat seal, between the flange and the closure part.
Preferably, the closure part is a plastics film secured over the receptacle part.
Preferably, the closure part is of thinner material than the receptacle part. Thus, typically, the closure part is of thickness in the range 10200 microns, preferably 50100 microns, and the wall thickness of the receptacle part is in the range 300-15 00 microns, preferably 500-1000 microns.
Preferably, the closure part dissolves in water (at least to the extent of allowing the washing composition in the receptacle part to be dissolved by the water; and preferably completely) at 40'C in less than 5 minutes, preferably in less than 2 minutes.
The receptacle part and the closure part could be of the same thickness but in this event the closure part should be of higher solubility than the receptacle part, in order to dissolve more quickly.
Preferably, the washing capsule is generally cubold in its external shape, with the top wall being formed by the closure part, and with the side walls and base wall being formed by the receptacle part.
Preferably, a washing capsule of the invention is manufactured by forming an array of receptacle parts, each receptacle part being joined to adjacent receptacle parts, and being separable from them by a snap or tear action. The array is preferably one 1 1 1 1...
1 which has columns and rows of the receptacle parts. The receptacle parts may be separated by frangible webs of the water-soluble polymer. Alternatively, the receptacle parts may be manufactured with the aforementioned flanges, such that they are separated from each other by a line of weakness. For example the material may be thinner, and so able to be broken or tom readily. The thinness may be a result of the moulding process or, preferably, of a later scoring step.
In the manufacturing method, the array, fornied by thermoforTning or, preferably, by injection moulding, is fed to a filling zone, and all the receptacle parts are charged io with the washing composition. A sheet of a water-soluble polymer may then be secured over the top of the array, to form the closure parts for all the receptacle parts of the array. The array may then be split up into the individual washing capsules, prior to packaging, or it may be left as an array, for packaging, to be split by the user. Preferably, it is left as an array, for the user to break or tear off the individual washing capsules. Preferably, the array has a line of symmetry extending between capsules, and the two halves of the array are folded together, about that line of symmetry, so that closure parts are in face-to-face contact. This helps to protect the closure parts from any damage, between factory and user. It will be appreciated that the closure parts are more prone to damage than the receptacle parts. Alternatively two identical arrays of washing capsules may be placed together with their closure parts in face-to-face contact, for packaging.
Suitable as water-soluble polymers are polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycolides, gelatin, polylactides, polylactide-polyglycolide copolymers and cellulose ethers, for example hydroxypropylinethylcellulose (HPMC).
The washing composition contained by the washing capsule may be any which is suitable for the designated clothes washing or dishwashing application, and need not be described here. It may be a powder or a liquid but if a liquid, should be a low water formulation, preferably having a maximum water content of 5 wt%, in order to maintain the integrity of the walls of the capsule. The composition may be formulated having regard to the fact that the user will not come into contact with the composition, whether by inhalation or by skin contact. For example, the composition may include an enzyrne, without concern about physical contact between the composition containing the enzyme, and the user.
1 1 1 1.
In some embodiments of the invention the receptacle part may define a single compartment. In other embodiments of the invention the receptacle part may define two or more compartments, which contain different products useful in a washing process. In such a situation a dividing wall or walls of the compartments preferably terminate at the top of the receptacle part ie in the same plane as the top edges of side walls, so that when the receptacle part is closed by the closure part the contents of the compartments cannot inix. The receptacle part may be provided with an upstand, preferably spaced from the side walls of the receptacle part, and preferably of generally cylindrical shape. If wished, the remaining volume of the receptacle part 10 can be divided into two or more parts by means of walls extending between the upstand and the side walls.
The receptacle part may be formed with an opening, for example a depression, formed in the side wall or the base wall, and preferably being open in the outward direction. That is to say, it preferably does not form part of the main volume defined by the receptacle part. Preferably the opening is adapted to receive, in a press-fit manner, a solid block (for example a tablet) of a material useful in a washing process.
Preferably, the closure part is of a transparent or translucent material, so that the contents of the washing capsule can be seen.
Preferably, the receptacle part is of a transparent or translucent material, so that the contents of the washing capsule can be seen.
The washing composition within the receptacle part, or within a compartment of a receptacle part having more than one compartment, need not be uniform. For example during manufacture it could be fed first with a settable agent, for example a gel, useful in a washing process, and then with a different material. The first material could dissolve slowly in the washing process so as to deliver its charge over a long period within the washing process. This might be useful, for example, to provide delayed or sustained delivery of a softening agent in a clothes washing capsule.
The washing composition may include a tablet. Preferably a tablet contains a material useful in a washing process and is formulated to provide slow release of that material during a washing process; and/or delayed release thereof. Delayed release may be achieved by providing the tablet with a coating which is slow to dissolve during the washing process.
A tablet may be provided in the main volume of the receptacle part or may be provided in an outwardly facing opening or depression, as previously described.
When a washing capsule of the invention has a tablet retained in an outwardly facing opening or depression the tablet is preferably one which will not transfer any washing composition to the hands of a user. For example, it may be coated with a soluble polymeric material. As mentioned above, this may also be desirable for delayed release of its charge.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of ware washing, comprising use of a washing capsule as described and defined above, the method entailing introducing the washing capsule into a ware washing machine prior to commencement of the washing process, the washing capsule being entirely consumed during the washing process.
The invention will now be ftirther described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view, generally ftom above, of an array of receptacle pans; Fig. 2 is a perspective view, generally from above, of an alternative array of receptacle parts; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of some of the parts shown in Fig. 2, but looking generally ftom underneath; Fig. 4 is a perspective view, generally from above, of a third embodiment of receptacle part; Fig. 5 is a perspective view, generally from above, of the Fig. 4 embodiment, but filled with washing composition and closed over by a closure part, to form a washing capsule of the invention; 1...
1 1 '>..
Fig. 6 is a perspective view ftom above of a fourth embodiment of receptacle part., and Fig. 6.
7 is a perspective view from below of receptacle parts of the type shown in Fig.
Fig. 1 shows an array of eight receptacle parts 2, arranged as two columns and four rows. Each receptacle part has a flat base wall without indentations or recesses and io four uprights side walls 4, and has no top wall. Thus, each receptacle part is upwardly open. Around its opening, at the top of the side walls 4, is an outwardlydirected flange 6, which extends around the entire opening. The receptacle parts are joined to adjacent receptacle parts by webs 8 between the flanges 6. The flanges 6 of all of the receptacle parts lie in one plane. The base walls of all of the receptacle parts also lie in one place, parallel to the plane in which the flanges lie.
The array shown in the drawing is made by injection moulding. The thermoplastic polymer employed in this embodiment is polyvinyl alcohol, and is translucent. The wall thickness is about 0.7 mm. The resulting moulded array is self-supporting.
After injection moulding score lines may be cut into the webs 8 between the flanges, to aid the breaking apart of the washing capsules, for use.
The moulded array is fed to a filling zone where the receptacle parts are simultaneously filled via eight nozzles, with a dishwashing composition. The dishwashing composition could be a powder, gel or paste or could be a liquid formulation (but if so should be a liquid formulation of relatively low water content, given the properties of the polyiner). A translucent coverfilm is then laid over the array and heat scaled against the flanges 6, so that each receptacle part has, over it, a closure part. The closure part is also of polyvinyl alcohol, but is much thinner, about 80 microns in this embodiment.
Although the film which constitutes the closure parts is tough it will be appreciated that it is inevitably less robust than the receptacle parts. Therefore before packaging the product, capsules are put into face-to-face contact. An array of washing capsules identical to that of the drawing may be placed in face- to-face contact with it.
1 ---. 0 1 Alternatively, and conveniently, the array shown in the drawing may be folded about line A-A shown in Fig. 1.
The drawing illustrates the invention but in practice an array of receptacle parts is likely to be considerably larger. Nevertheless, the manufacturing method would be as described.
In use, a user will simply break off a washing capsule from the array, and put it in the dishwashing machine. During the washing process the entire washing capsule will io dissolve. The first part to dissolve will be the closure part. This will happen very quickly once the washing process starts and the washing composition will immediately be delivered. The receptacle part will dissolve more slowly but it will have dissolved entirely by the end of the washing process.
Figs. 2 and 3 show an alternative embodiment of the receptacle parts. The receptacle parts shown in Figs. 2 and 3 are of similar shape and size to those shown in Fig. 1, but have, within the main chamber defined by the base wall and side walls of each receptacle part, a generally cylindrical upstand 10, in a central position. Each upstand is open at its upper end, and its upper end is in the same plane as the flange 6.
As shown in Fig. 3, each receptacle part also has a depression 12 at a central position in its base wall. The depression is relatively shallow, and it is aligned with the upstand 10 carried by the base wall on its other side. Each depression contains within it a tablet 14. Each tablet contains a washing composition or a material which forms part of a washing composition, but is formulated for slow release and/or delayed release. For slow release it may be a tablet which dissolves over an extended period. For delayed release it may be a table coated with a polymeric coating which is slow to dissolve, so that it releases its charge in the middle or towards the end of a washing cycle.
Another difference between the embodiment of Fig. 2 and that of Fig. 1 is that in the Fig. 2 embodiment there is a plurality of breakable webs 16 of polymeric material extending between the flanges of adjacent receptacle parts.
The array shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is again made by injection moulding, using HPMC polymer having a wall thickness of about 0.8 mm. Tablets 14 are press- fitted into the depressions 12 in the undersides of the base walls. The array is then inverted for filling. The upstands 10 are filled with one material, and the remaining volumes, between the upstands and the side walls of the respective receptacle parts, are filled with another material. A cover film is then laid over the array and heat sealed against the flanges 6 and against the ends of the upstands 10, so that each receptacle part has, over it, a closure part. The closure parl is of HPMC, about 70 microns thick.
The embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5 is similar to that of Figs. 2 and 3 in having an upstand. However the remaining volume of the receptacle part is divided into two by means of walls 18, 20, extending from the upstand in opposed directions, and with each connecting with a respective side wall of the receptacle part. It will be apparent that the receptacle part comprises three main chambers whose contents are released into the washing water once the closure part dissolves. One chamber 22 is defined within the upstand and the other chambers 24, 26 are of identical size to each other and are defined between the upstand and the side walls. The underside of the receptacle part may, like the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3, comprise a central depression into whichits pressed a tablet. The receptacle parts are formed, in an array, by injection moulding.
Fig. 5 shows a washing capsule which uses the receptacle part shown in Fig. 4. The receptacle part has been filled with three different materials useful in a dishwashing cycle and a cover film is shown in place.
The embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7 is simpler than those of Figs. 2-5. The receptacle part shown does not have a central upstand. There is one main volume. However the underside of the base wall is moulded with a depression and into this depression is press-fitted a tablet. In the embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7 the main chamber of the receptacle part can be filled with two or more gels which stay separate, for example, side by side, or one within the other, or in the form of separate stripes. The receptacle parts of Figs. 6 and 7 may be formed, in an array, by vacuum forming.
In the embodiments of Figs. 4-7 the materials selected for the receptacle parts and closure parts, and their thicknesses, are as described for the Fig. 1 embodiment.
1 1 0

Claims (16)

  1. CLAIMS ..7 1. A washing capsule comprising a self-supporting receptacle
    part and a closure part, the receptacle part and the closure part together enclosing a washing composition, the receptacle part being formed of a water- soluble polymer, and the closure part being formed of a water-soluble polymer, wherein, in use, the closure part dissolves before the receptacle part.
  2. 2. A washing capsule as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle part has side 10 walls which terminate at their upper end in an outward flange, to which the closure part is sealingly secured.
  3. 3. A washing capsule as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure part is a plastics film.
  4. 4. A washing capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the washing composition comprises a powder, gel, paste or low water liquid formulation.
  5. 5. A washing capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the washing 20 capsule comprises a tablet formulated for delayed and/or sustained release of a material useful in a washing process.
  6. 6. A washing capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle part defines two or more compartments which contain different products useful in a 25 washing process.
  7. 7. A washing capsule as claimed in claim 6, wherein the receptacle part comprises an upstanding wall which separates compartments thereof.
  8. 8. A washing capsule as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the receptacle part comprises an outwardly facing opening into which a tablet comprising a material useful in a washing process is press-fitted.
  9. 9. A washing capsule as claimed in any preceding claim, where the washing composition contains an enzyme.
    -1.
    1 1. ' -
  10. 10 10. A washing capsule as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the closure part is of a transparent or translucent material.
  11. 11. An array of washing capsules as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the washing capsules are joined together but are readily separable from each other for use.
  12. 12. An array as claimed in claim 11, wherein the array has a line of symmetry extending between capsules, and the two halves of the array are folded together about the line of symmetry, with the closure parts in face-to-face contact.
  13. 13. A method of manufacturing an array of washing capsules as claimed in claim 11 or 12, which method comprises: forming an array of receptacle parts, each receptacle part being connected to adjacent receptacle parts but being separable from them by a snap or tear action; charging the receptacle parts with washing composition; and sealingly securing a sheet of a water-soluble polymer over the top of the array, to form the closure parts for all the receptacle parts of the array.
  14. 14. A method of ware washing, comprising use of a washing capsule as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, the method entailing introducing the washing capsule into a ware washing machine prior to commencement of the washing process, the washing capsule being entirely consumed during the washing process.
  15. 15. A washing capsule or array thereof substantially as hereinbefore described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
  16. 16. A method of ware washing substantially as hereinbefore described with particular reference to the examples.
GB0008174A 1999-11-17 2000-04-04 Washing capsules Expired - Lifetime GB2361010B (en)

Priority Applications (39)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0008174A GB2361010B (en) 2000-04-04 2000-04-04 Washing capsules
PCT/GB2000/004376 WO2001036290A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection-moulded water-soluble container
DE2000222487 DE20022487U1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Water soluble injection molded container
AT00978985T ATE273868T1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 INJECTION-MOLDED WATER-SOLUBLE CONTAINER
GB0203219A GB2370553A (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Rigid water-soluble container
EP20040002534 EP1457431A3 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection moulded water-soluble container
DE2000633864 DE60033864T2 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection molded water-soluble container
EP20000978985 EP1232100B1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection-moulded water-soluble container
EP20040000430 EP1447343B1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection moulded water-soluble container
ES00978985T ES2222253T3 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 WATER SOLUBLE CONTAINERS MOLDED BY INJECTION.
GB0028085A GB2358382B (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Rigid water-soluble containers
CA002414395A CA2414395A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection-moulded water-soluble container
DE20023802U DE20023802U1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection molded water-soluble container
CA 2391613 CA2391613C (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection-moulded water-soluble container
EP05027149.3A EP1647494A3 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection moulded water-soluble container
MXPA02004981A MXPA02004981A (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection moulded water soluble container.
GB0130504A GB2370552B (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Rigid water soluble containers
BR0015617A BR0015617A (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection molded water-soluble container
PL355840A PL197779B1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection−moulded water−soluble container
JP2001538251A JP2004500285A (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection molded water soluble container
GB0222116A GB2376676B (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Rigid water-soluble containers
DE2000613165 DE60013165T2 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 SPLASHED WATER SOLUBLE CONTAINER
ARP000106108 AR029772A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 A RIGID CONTAINER, WATER SOLUBLE, MOLDED BY INJECTION MADE OF A POLY (VINYL ALCOHOL) AND / OR CELLULOSE ETER; A WASHING CAPSULE; A DISPOSITION OF WASHING CAPSULES; A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH DISPOSITION; A CAPSULA TYPE CONTAINER AND A WASHER WASHING METHOD
CNB021468257A CN1210190C (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection molded water soluble container
ES04000430T ES2279233T3 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 SOLUBLE CONTAINER IN WATER MOLDED BY INJECTION.
GB0203220A GB2370554B (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Rigid water-soluble containers
EP20100183720 EP2266889A3 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection-moulded water-soluble container
AT04000430T ATE356045T1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 INJECTION-MOLDED WATER-SOLUBLE CONTAINER
AU16470/01A AU780424B2 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection-moulded water-soluble container
DE20023801U DE20023801U1 (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection molded water-soluble container
CNB008170398A CN1206137C (en) 1999-11-17 2000-11-17 Injection-moulded water soluble container
US10/150,216 US20030108705A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2002-05-17 Injection-molded water soluble container
JP2002303774A JP4989835B2 (en) 1999-11-17 2002-10-18 Injection molded water-soluble container
US10/748,073 US20040151855A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2003-12-30 Injection-molded water soluble container
US11/844,493 US20080073239A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2007-08-24 Injection-Molded Water Soluble Container
US12/171,057 US20080296196A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2008-07-10 Injection Molded Water-Soluble Container
US12/171,043 US20090008820A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2008-07-10 Injection Molded Water-Soluble Container
US12/508,344 US20100021534A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2009-07-23 Injection-molded water soluble container
US13/114,597 US20110250241A1 (en) 1999-11-17 2011-05-24 Injection-moulded water-soluble container

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0008174A GB2361010B (en) 2000-04-04 2000-04-04 Washing capsules

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0008174D0 GB0008174D0 (en) 2000-05-24
GB2361010A true GB2361010A (en) 2001-10-10
GB2361010B GB2361010B (en) 2002-06-12

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Family Applications (1)

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GB0008174A Expired - Lifetime GB2361010B (en) 1999-11-17 2000-04-04 Washing capsules

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GB (1) GB2361010B (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002040351A1 (en) * 2000-11-17 2002-05-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Process for preparing pouches
WO2004033297A2 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-04-22 Aquasol Limited Product containerisation system
WO2004054897A1 (en) * 2002-12-16 2004-07-01 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Portioned detergent or cleanser
DE10066036B4 (en) * 2000-07-14 2006-06-08 Henkel Kgaa Compartment hollow body
US7417019B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2008-08-26 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Hollow body with a compartment, containing a portion of a washing, cleaning or rinsing agent
US7797912B2 (en) * 2000-08-25 2010-09-21 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Process and mould for thermoforming containers
EP1776448B2 (en) † 2004-08-14 2023-10-11 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Method for producing portioned detergents or cleaning agents

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0284334A2 (en) * 1987-03-24 1988-09-28 The Clorox Company Rinse soluble polymer film composition for wash additives
GB2305931A (en) * 1995-10-02 1997-04-23 Burman Mueller Frances Honor Dissolvable container

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0284334A2 (en) * 1987-03-24 1988-09-28 The Clorox Company Rinse soluble polymer film composition for wash additives
GB2305931A (en) * 1995-10-02 1997-04-23 Burman Mueller Frances Honor Dissolvable container

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10066036B4 (en) * 2000-07-14 2006-06-08 Henkel Kgaa Compartment hollow body
DE10066035B4 (en) * 2000-07-14 2006-06-08 Henkel Kgaa Compartment hollow body
US7417019B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2008-08-26 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Hollow body with a compartment, containing a portion of a washing, cleaning or rinsing agent
US7601679B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2009-10-13 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Process for producing a hollow body with a compartment, containing a portion of a washing, cleaning or rinsing agent
US7797912B2 (en) * 2000-08-25 2010-09-21 Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited Process and mould for thermoforming containers
WO2002040351A1 (en) * 2000-11-17 2002-05-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Process for preparing pouches
WO2004033297A2 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-04-22 Aquasol Limited Product containerisation system
WO2004033297A3 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-08-05 Aquasol Ltd Product containerisation system
EP1762500A2 (en) * 2002-10-11 2007-03-14 Aquasol Limited Product containerisation system
EP1762500A3 (en) * 2002-10-11 2007-06-06 Aquasol Limited Product containerisation system
WO2004054897A1 (en) * 2002-12-16 2004-07-01 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien Portioned detergent or cleanser
EP1776448B2 (en) † 2004-08-14 2023-10-11 Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Method for producing portioned detergents or cleaning agents

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Publication number Publication date
GB0008174D0 (en) 2000-05-24
GB2361010B (en) 2002-06-12

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