JP2006517811A - Keyed insert for dispensing laundry additives to automatic machines - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are systems, methods, apparatus, and kits for dispensing laundry additive materials into the drum of an automatic washing machine when the automatic washing machine is used to perform a fabric wash operation. In order to provide such an additive distribution, a housing structure (41) with a lid is placed in the drum of the automatic washing machine and an insert (40) containing one or more laundry additives in each compartment is a lid. Placed in the attached housing structure (41), the lid (44) is closed and the machine goes through several stages of its washing cycle. The insert (40) includes a key having a unique shape that aligns with the housing that prevents the insert (40) from being improperly disposed within the housing and prevents improper inserts from being used in the housing. .

Description

  The present invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for adding separate laundry additive materials to a drum (tab) of an automatic fabric washing (washing) machine during its operating cycle. The separate laundry additive material itself is packaged in a single dose form, which is inserted into a holder device in the washing machine drum to achieve distribution of the material into the drum.

  There are numerous types of laundry additive materials that are suitable for use in automatic washing machines for fabric washing. Detergents such as surfactants and detergent builders are used to help mechanically remove dirt and stains from the fabric being washed. Bleaching agents, enzymes, and related adjuvants are designed to promote chemical degradation and removal of soils and stains. Fabric conditioners, softeners, anti-wrinkling agents, soil release materials and similar agents help to change and improve the state, appearance, or feel of the washed fabric. Other auxiliary substances such as pH regulators and control agents, buffers, solvents, dispersants, anti-redeposition agents, dye transfer inhibitors, stabilizers, preservatives, fragrances, and dyes are contained in the automatic washing machine drum. It is used to change the aqueous environment, provide optimal performance of active laundry additive materials, or improve the quality or aesthetics of commercial laundry products containing these active additive materials.

  Some of the aforementioned types of laundry additive materials are often mixed in a wide variety of combinations for convenience or often mixed together, generally in large quantities in the form of solids, ie granules or tablets, or liquids. Collectively sold to consumers. In order to perform the washing operation, the consumer then adds an aliquot of the product into the automatic washing machine drum in the appropriate amount and at the appropriate time during the wash cycle from the bulk product as needed or desired.

  Many attempts have been made to market fabric laundry products in "single dose" form, where an aliquot of a combination of laundry additive materials is provided in a pre-weighed and pre-packaged form. As a result, consumers can conveniently add one of these single-dose aliquots to an automatic washing machine, such as in a drum, at the beginning of a wash cycle, weighing products from large quantities, There is no need to add products to the cycle sequentially at different times.

  Several factors complicate providing multiple types of laundry additive materials in a single dose form. First, many types and forms of laundry additives are not compatible with each other within a single concentrated product. Different types of substances, when mixed in concentrated form, can chemically react with each other, thereby degrading one or both types and eventually becoming ineffective for their intended purpose. is there. Such incompatibility acts to prevent such substances from mixing with each other within a single single dose product.

  Second, during the wash cycle itself, the different types of laundry additives work best under different combinations of conditions that occur during the wash run, typically through cycles that include washing and rinsing steps in the drum. Therefore, it is advantageous to add different types of laundry additives to the washing machine drum at different times during the washing cycle. Adding separate and different materials in this way to the automatic washing machine drum in time or in steps is also difficult to achieve with products packaged in a single dose form.

  In view of the above-mentioned problems in formulating single dose products for use in fabric washing operations carried out in automatic washing machines containing multi-cycle drums, a single dose form of the laundry additive product is effectively utilized. It would be desirable to provide a system that can be utilized to release a wide variety of components to the drum during the operating cycle of an automatic fabric washer. This is achieved by providing a single dose in the form of a package having at least one compartment. Such a package is then placed as an insert in a housing device that serves to provide a dispensing of laundry additives from a plurality of compartments of the insert located within the washing machine drum. In addition, problems in their formulation prevent these product suppliers from using poorly or improperly selected or formulated materials with the dispensing system and cannot be sold as additive materials for their suppliers. In addition, it is important to be able to manage usage. If inappropriate laundry additives are used in the dispenser, it may damage the reputation of the supplier and / or compromise the trust of the supplier. In addition, if the laundry additive is not contained within the correct compartment, the wrong additive may be released at any time during the laundry cycle. Accordingly, in addition to providing a system for adding laundry additives during a wash cycle, there is also a need for a system that allows suppliers to control the quality and use of laundry additives used in the system.

  In order for the laundry dispenser device to work efficiently, the insert must be properly positioned within the housing to ensure that the correct laundry additive is released at the correct time during the wash cycle. Furthermore, there is a manufacturer's requirement for laundry dispenser devices that only the manufacturer's product is used in the dispenser to maintain product quality. To accomplish this, an insert with a “key” is designed such that only the insert with the key can be used with a housing having a corresponding mechanism (“lock”). By defining that the key has a unique shape that matches the corresponding shape in the housing, and that only the insert with the key can be received and / or only is useful in the housing, the insert Proper placement within the housing is ensured and product quality is maintained. In this way, the housing supplier can ensure that only laundry additive materials compatible with the system are used in connection with the housing.

  One non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is an insert that can be placed inside a housing structure mounted in a washing machine drum. The insert includes at least one compartment for containing one or more laundry additive materials that are added simultaneously or at different times to the contents of the washing machine drum during the wash cycle. The insert further includes a key having a unique shape that matches a corresponding shape in the housing to prevent the insert from being placed improperly in the housing.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is a system for dispensing laundry additive material to one or more stages of a laundry cycle that occurs during operation of an automatic fabric laundry washer containing a drum. The system includes a housing structure disposed within the washing machine in a fixed spatial relationship with the washing machine drum. The housing structure includes a base and an openable / closable lid for the base, and an insert that can be disposed within the housing structure. The insert includes at least one or more compartments for containing one or more laundry additive materials that are added simultaneously or at different times to the contents of the washing machine drum during the wash cycle. The insert further includes a key having a unique shape that matches a corresponding shape in the housing to ensure that the insert is properly positioned within the housing. In one embodiment of the invention, at the start of the wash cycle, the insert is placed in the housing and the housing is placed in the wash drum.

  FIG. 1A is a front view of an insert 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 with the insert 40 inserted into a closed housing structure 41. The housing structure 41 itself includes a base plate 42 surrounded by a side wall structure 43 fixed to the base plate 42. The lid 44 completes the housing structure and is fixed to the side wall structure 43 by a hinge clasp 45. Further details of the internal components of the housing structure 41 are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The housing structure is formed from a hard plastic material in one embodiment of the invention. The housing structure includes openings, such as a U-shaped collar opening 47 and side openings 48 that allow the dispenser to be easily submerged.

  FIG. 1B shows a rear view of the housing structure 41 with a lid. The base plate 42 includes attachment means 61 that may be used to secure the housing structure 41 to the inner wall surface of an automatic washing machine drum (not shown). The attachment means 61 is further described in US Patent Application No. 60 / 435,646 (filed December 20, 2002) and US Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 10 / 731,429 (filed December 16, 2003). ing. The housing structure 41 is secured to the washing machine drum such that the base plate 42 is parallel to the axis of the washing machine drum and thus perpendicular to the direction of the centrifugal force generated during the washing machine dewatering cycle.

  FIG. 2A shows the progression from left to right in the figure, where the housing structure 51 is shown partially inserted into the housing structure 51, then the insert 50 is shown fully inserted, and finally the insert 50 is fully inserted and the lid 54 is fully closed. FIG. 2B shows the same course. The insert 50 is shown as including a cleaning additive compartment 70 and / or a rinse additive compartment 71. The insert 50 is inserted into the housing structure along with the compartments 70, 71 arranged towards the lid of the housing structure. The lid 54 is opened by squeezing the distal end 55 of the lid 54 and moving the lid 54 away from the base of the base plate 52. Since the insert 50 slides into the lid 54, the latch mechanism 62 engages when the lid 54 is closed. In one embodiment, as a result of being closed and latched, the compartments 70 and 71 of the insert 50 strike a pair of piercing elements 63 associated with the base plate 52. By this operation, holes are made in the compartments 70 and 71 of the insert 50. If the resulting hole is well above the contents contained within compartments 70 and 71 of this embodiment, the contents of compartments 70 and 71 are not dispensed.

  One embodiment of the present invention relates to an insert used to dispense laundry additive material into the drum of the washing machine when the automatic washing machine is used in a fabric washing operation. More specifically, the insert of the present invention includes a key. The term “key” is aligned with the corresponding mechanism in the housing to ensure that the insert is properly positioned in the housing, or that no keyless insert can be used in conjunction with the housing. Including a mechanism to ensure Non-limiting examples of suitable keys include openings, cutouts, extensions, tabs, and / or protrusions on the insert that match a corresponding feature or shape in the housing. For example, the key can be an opening in the insert, and the opening can be any geometric shape that matches a corresponding structure, such as a post in the housing. The key can also be an insert protrusion, extension or post that aligns with a corresponding feature on the housing. The key can also be a combination of insert openings, notches, extensions, tabs or protrusions that align with a corresponding combination of features in the housing. The above example is for illustration. One skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of shapes and mechanisms can be used as keys.

  FIG. 3 shows an insert with a semi-circular “key” mechanism used in a housing structure with a base having a corresponding mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the insert 80 having a U-shaped cutout 81 that functions as a key at the bottom of the insert 80. In practice, the insert 80 can be used with a housing with a base 82 having a U-shaped abutment 83 at the bottom of the base 82 with a key. Conversely, an insert that does not have a U-shaped notch at the bottom of the insert cannot be used in a housing structure having such a corresponding mechanism. Thus, the key ensures that the insert is properly positioned within the housing and that an insert without a key mechanism for this particular housing cannot be used.

  FIG. 4A illustrates an insert 90 having a “key” mechanism used within a housing structure having a lid 92 having a corresponding mechanism, according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the insert 90 having a U-shaped cutout 91 at the bottom of the insert 90 that also functions as a key. In practice, the insert 90 can be used with a housing having a lid 92 with a U-shaped abutment 93 at the bottom of the lid 92 by means of a key. Conversely, an insert that does not have a U-shaped notch at the bottom of the insert cannot be used in a housing structure having such a corresponding mechanism. Thus, the key ensures that the insert is properly positioned within the housing and that an insert without a key mechanism for this particular housing cannot be used. The lid 92 also includes an angular wall 94 that inserts into the space 95 between the compartments 96 and 97, as shown in FIG. 4B.

  The single dose inserts, housing structures, and their relationship to each other for use in the systems, methods and kits herein are all further illustrated by the accompanying drawings. Figures 5-8 show front views of inserts having various "key" mechanisms, according to different embodiments of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 of the drawings shows a two-compartment single dose insert 100 that can be used in the practice of the present invention. This fractionated single dose insert 100 can be made from materials such as thermoformed polypropylene (other materials are discussed below). It has a compartment 102 suitable for storing liquid laundry additives, such as heavy liquid detergents, that are distributed to the wash cycle of the laundry run. The two-compartment single-dose insert 100 is also suitable for holding liquid laundry additives (including, but not limited to, fabric conditioning agents or pH adjusting agents) that are dispensed during the wash cycle rinse cycle. It also has a smaller sub-compartment 101. Prior to use, both compartments are sealed throughout the back with a layer of pierceable or pierceable material including, as a non-limiting example, a film or foil covering both compartments 101 and 102. The Further, the compartments 101 and 102 have V-shaped bottom parts 103 and 104. The compartments 101, 102 are adjacent and the key is formed by the space 105 between the V-shaped bottoms of the compartments. The insert 100 is used with a housing having a mechanism that can be in a lid or base having a shape corresponding to the shape of the space 105 to ensure that the insert is properly positioned. Furthermore, an insert without a key as shown in FIG. 5 cannot be used in the aforementioned housing. One advantage of the V-shaped bottom is that it provides a key structure, but also facilitates draining the additive from the compartment. In addition to the V-shaped bottom, the compartment may be formed with other shaped bottoms that give the insert a unique shape.

  FIG. 6 shows an insert 110 having compartments 112 and 113 for laundry additives with different key mechanisms according to another embodiment of the present invention. The insert 110 includes a triangular opening 115 that functions as a key. Depending on the key, the insert can be used with a housing having a protruding mechanism such as a post corresponding in shape to a triangular opening. Conversely, inserts that do not have a triangular opening cannot be used in a housing that has a mechanism corresponding to the triangular opening. Other shaped openings such as circular or polygonal can also be used. An additional key mechanism for this insert is the V-shape of the bottom 111 of the insert 110. The V-shaped bottom 111 of the insert 110 is a housing having a mechanism corresponding to this V-shaped bottom 111, such as a V-shaped bottom on the lid, so that only inserts having a V-shaped bottom can be used with a particular housing. It could be used in a housing with a groove. Thus, the key ensures that the insert is properly positioned within the housing and that an insert without a key mechanism for this particular housing cannot be used. The shape of compartments 112 and 113 also cooperate with a piercing element, indicated by dotted line 114, provided in the dispenser base to puncture the compartment when insert 110 is inserted.

  FIG. 7 illustrates another insert 120 having yet another key mechanism, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The insert 120 has compartments 122 and 123 and a triangular opening 125 that functions as a key. In addition, the insert 120 has a V-shaped notch 121 at the bottom of the insert that also functions as a key. Depending on the key, the insert can be used with a housing having both a mechanism corresponding to the triangular opening 125 and a mechanism corresponding to the V-shaped notch 121. For example, the mechanism corresponding to the V-shaped notch 121 can be a V-shaped groove in the lid of the housing, so that only inserts having a V-shaped notch 121 can be used with this particular housing. Furthermore, the shape of the compartment is similar to the piercing element 124 in the base of the dispenser. When placed in the groove and the lid is closed, the opening 125 slides on or receives the triangular post in the housing. Conversely, inserts that do not have both a triangular opening and a V-shaped notch at the bottom of the insert cannot be used in a housing with such a corresponding mechanism. Thus, the key ensures that the insert is properly positioned within the housing and that an insert without a key mechanism for this particular housing cannot be used.

  FIG. 8 illustrates another insert 130 having a key mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The insert 130 has compartments 132 and 133 and a post 135 that functions as a key. In addition, the insert 130 has a U-shaped notch 131 at the bottom of the insert 130 that also functions as a key. In practice, the key allows the insert 130 to be used with a housing having both an opening for receiving the post 135 and a U-shaped abutment at the bottom of the lid. Conversely, an insert that does not have both a post and a U-shaped notch at the bottom of the insert cannot be used in a housing with such a corresponding mechanism. Thus, the key ensures that the insert is properly positioned within the housing and that an insert without a key mechanism for this particular housing cannot be used.

  The insert according to the invention can be used in a wide variety of dispensers. A number of dispensers have been disclosed that are attached to a wash drum and dispense laundry additive materials. The dispensers described below are for illustration only. The inserts of the present invention are not limited to their use with dispensers.

  One example of a dispenser is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0172960 (U.S. Publication No. 2003/0172960) (issued September 18, 2003). The dispenser is intended for a mechanical element facility for the timed distribution of rinsing additive material to the rinsing phase of the washing cycle that occurs during operation of an automatic fabric washing machine containing the drum. Such equipment includes a rigid housing structure disposed within the washing machine drum, a single dose package, an insert that can be disposed within the housing as an insert and that is distributed within the washing machine drum. And means for releasing the contents into the housing structure and means for allowing the emptied rinse additive to flow from the housing structure into the washing machine drum. The dispenser includes means for opening the compartment containing at least the rinse additive of the single dose insert. The opening of this compartment occurs after the start of the dewatering cycle of the washing machine operation, and the means for opening this compartment of the insert is activated by the centrifugal force generated as a result of going through the dewatering cycle during operation of the washing machine. By opening the rinse additive compartment of the insert, the contents of the compartment can be emptied into the housing structure. These emptied or vacant contents are then held in the housing structure by the centrifugal force of the dewatering cycle and emptied into the washing machine drum at the start of the rinsing cycle. An insert with a key according to the invention can be used with the dispenser described above.

  A second example of a dispenser is described in US Patent Publication No. 2003/0172961 (U.S. Publication No. 2003/0172961) (issued September 18, 2003). Dispensers are intended for mechanical element equipment for sequentially dispensing laundry additive materials to multiple stages of a washing cycle that occur during operation of an automatic fabric washing machine containing drums. Such equipment includes a rigid housing structure disposed within the washing machine drum, a multi-compartmented insert that can be disposed within the housing and contains laundry additive material distributed within the washing machine drum. And means for opening the compartment of the insert partitioned into multiple compartments. The dispenser is associated with a dispenser that serves to open at least a first compartment of the multi-compartmented insert when the housing structure lid is closed after the insert is disposed within the housing structure. Have means. This opening of the first compartment causes the contents of the opened compartment to be dispensed into the washing machine drum at the start of the cleaning cycle. The dispenser also includes additional means for opening one or more additional compartments of the insert associated with the housing structure and / or the insert. Such additional compartments contain a different laundry additive material than at least one of the previously opened insert compartments. The opening of these additional compartments occurs after the start of the dewatering cycle of the washing machine operation, and the means for opening the additional compartment of the insert is activated by the centrifugal force generated as a result of going through the dewatering cycle during operation of the washing machine. . Similar to the opening of the first compartment, the opening of an additional compartment of the insert can distribute the contents of the compartment into the washing machine drum. An insert with a key according to the present invention may be used with the dispenser described above.

  A third example of a dispenser is US Patent Application No. __________ filed on the same day as this application, entitled “Universal Dispenser for Universal Dispenser for Selective Dispensing of Laundry Additives During Automatic Machine Washing of Fabrics”. (Selective Dispensing of Laundry Additives During Automatic Machine Laundering of Fabrics) ”(Procter & Gamble Reference No. 9505). The dispenser provides selective dispensing of laundry additive material at one or more stages of a laundry cycle that occurs during operation of an automatic fabric washing machine containing a drum, wherein the laundry additive material is washed, rinsed, rinsed. It may be dispensed in a cycle, or both a wash and rinse cycle. In one embodiment, the dispenser is associated with a dispenser that serves to selectively open at least a first compartment of the insert when the housing structure lid is closed and / or after the insert is disposed within the housing structure. And a selectively actuable piercing element. In a more specific embodiment, the selective piercing element is an arm having a weight and a knife. Under the centrifugal force of the dewatering cycle, the arm swivels the knife and ruptures the insert.

  For the purposes of the present invention, "laundry additive material" includes any solid or liquid material that is normally added to an automatic washing machine drum with the fabric to be washed in order to effectively perform the desired laundry procedure. it can. For this reason, a list of suitable “laundry additive substances” includes detersive surfactants, detergent builders, bleaches, enzymes, bleach and enzyme stabilizers, bleach and enzyme activators, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, pH Conditioning and control agents, dispersants, anti-redeposition agents, dye transfer inhibitors, antiseptics, antibacterial agents, soil release agents, anti-wrinkle agents, softeners and fabric conditioning agents, chelating agents, foam inhibitors, foam accelerators Agents, optical brighteners, fragrances, pro-perfumes, dyes, and carriers, but are not limited to these. A more detailed description of various laundry additive materials useful in the present invention can be found in PCT International Patents WO 00/02982 and WO 00/02987.

  Dispensing the laundry additive material according to the present invention takes place in a conventional automatic washing machine useful for washing fabrics. Such automatic washing machines are typically found at home or in businesses such as self-service coin laundry where individual consumers can wash their fabrics.

  Automatic washing machines of the “North America” configuration typically utilize an upright or vertical drum or tab into which the fabric to be washed is placed. Fabrics and laundry additives are usually added to the cylindrical washing machine tab or drum from the top of the machine lid and are therefore commonly referred to as “top-loading” machines. Such North American machines often utilize vertical agitating elements installed along the drum axis. The rotation and vertical motion of the stirrer helps to enhance the contact between the fabric in the drum and the wash and rinse water in the drum. Japanese washing machines are typically similar in shape to North American machines.

  Automatic washing machines of the “European” form generally make use of drums or tabs which are also similarly cylindrical, which are arranged with the drum axis facing sideways, ie in a horizontal position. Fabrics and laundry additive materials are placed in the form's washing machine tabs or drums through a door in the front wall of the machine, and are therefore commonly referred to as "front loading" machines. European-style automatic washing machines typically do not utilize stirrer devices or elements.

  Both North American and European automatic washing machines utilize an operating cycle through which the machine goes through a series of steps where water is added, brought into contact with the fabric to be washed and then removed from the washing machine drum. Thus, after the fabric is added to the drum, the first stage of the wash cycle is usually a wash stage where a significant amount of water is added to the drum. The washing step generally requires time for the fabric to be washed to come into contact with a large amount of water, with stirring or rotation of the drum. The wash stage water usually contains major laundry additives such as surfactants, builders, bleaches, and / or enzymes that help and promote the removal of dirt and stains from the fabric being laundered.

  At the end of the washing phase, water is removed from the washing machine drum. This is often caused by the gravity flow of wash water from the drum through the appropriate valve configuration. In general, the wash water is also removed by the centrifugal force provided by the drum rotating at high speed in the rotation cycle. This centrifugal force causes the water in the drum to move through holes or openings in the wall around the drum. These holes lead to drainage means that can be opened and closed.

  After the first dewatering cycle, clean water is again added to the drum in the rinse cycle. A second laundry additive, which includes a soft finish or fabric conditioning agent as a non-limiting example, generally contacts the fabric being laundered during the rinse cycle. Washing machine operation may also require several additional dewatering and rinsing cycles.

  The housing structure used with the insert according to one embodiment of the present invention is arranged in a fixed spatial relationship with the washing machine drum. Preferably, the housing structure is rigid and is located in the drum during the wash cycle and / or rinse cycle of the washing operation, or in a position in contact with the wash water or rinse water that is added to the drum. Placed inside. The housing structure may be located on or near the washing machine agitator (if there is a washing machine agitator) or at the bottom of the drum (top feeding machine) or the rear wall (front feeding machine). May be. Most preferably, however, the rigid housing structure is placed on the inner peripheral wall of the washing machine drum at a location such that it contacts the water used during the cycle at least at some point during the wash and rinse cycle. Fixed. In North American washing machines, this position is preferably below the full line for water in the drum.

  The housing structure includes a base element and an openable / closable lid for the base. Typically, this equipment requires a hinged lid on the three-dimensional base element. The three-dimensional base element can be sized and configured to hold the insert with the additive material to be dispensed in an appropriate manner.

  The housing structure can be made from any suitable solid material, including but not limited to plastic, metal, ceramic, wood, and the like. Preferably, the housing structure is made from a thermoformed or injection molded plastic so that it can be easily and cost effectively mass produced.

  The single dose insert itself is sized and configured so that it is fitted therein and cooperates with the housing structure used therein. Single dose inserts are typically for at least one laundry additive dispensed into the wash water at the start of the wash run and / or for a rinse additive dispensed in a subsequent rinse cycle in the wash run process. At least one, including at least one or more compartments. Of course, a single dose insert may utilize more than one compartment for the wash water additive and / or more than one compartment for the rinse additive. This can be useful when the two cleaning or rinsing additive materials are incompatible with each other and it may be desirable to package them separately until they are added to the washing machine drum.

  Each compartment of a single dose insert may be made from a water insoluble material, a water soluble material, or a combination of both types. In addition, some compartments of the insert may be made from a water-insoluble material, while other compartments can be made from a water-soluble material. The compartments of the insert may also be flexible or rigid, or some compartments may be flexible and others may be rigid.

  The single dose insert can have a rigid or flexible structure, or, for example, in a rigid panel having compartments formed from a flexible film, or coated with a flexible film. It may be formed from a combination of rigid and flexible structures, such as formed rigid panels. The single dose insert is made from a conventional polymeric material that can be thermoformed or injection molded. In one embodiment, the insert is made by thermoforming the well in a relatively rigid panel, but in forming the well, the plastic is thinned to a more flexible thickness. Accordingly, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyester (eg, polyethylene terephthalate) may be used to form the insert. In particular, when inserts are used in European washing machines where the water temperature is close to the boiling point, a polymer material with good thermal stability must be selected. The material of the insert must also be inert to any chemicals present in the laundry additive supplied by the insert.

  Forms suitable for single dose inserts include multi-partitioned thermoformed tabs formed from water insoluble plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The section of the tab can be sealed with a thin layer of plastic or metal that can be punctured or punctured, eg aluminum, foil. In another preferred form, the pouch with the wash water additive may be flexible and may be made from a water-soluble material, such as polyvinyl alcohol, the water-soluble pouch made from a water-insoluble material and washed. It may be secured to a flexible or rigid sachet or compartment containing a rinsing additive that is subsequently dispensed during the cycle.

  While representative examples of inserts having a “key” mechanism have been discussed, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other mechanisms may be used as the “key”. For example, the openings in the insert can be a variety of geometric shapes, including but not limited to circular or square. Similarly, the post of the insert can also be a variety of geometric shapes. Further, there may be one or more openings or posts or a combination of both on the insert to serve as a “key”. Further, the notch on the outer periphery of the insert may have various shapes such as a square or a circle. Other “key” mechanisms may include protrusions, tabs or extensions that are located anywhere on the insert. A “key” may be a mechanism or combination of mechanisms on an insert used with a housing having a corresponding mechanism. Further, the corresponding mechanism may be located on either the base, the lid, or both parts of the housing structure.

  All documents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their relevant parts. Citation of any document should not be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1 is a front view of a single dose insert disposed within a closed housing structure suitable for the practice of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of a single dose insert disposed within a closed housing structure suitable for the practice of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of the insertion and use of a multi-compartmented single dose insert into one embodiment of a lidded rigid housing structure suitable for the practice of the present invention. 1 is a side view of insertion and use of a multi-compartmented single dose insert into one embodiment of a rigid housing structure with a lid suitable for practicing the present invention. FIG. An insert with a “key” mechanism for use within a housing structure having a base with a corresponding mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. An insert having a “key” mechanism for use within a housing structure having a lid with a corresponding mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. An insert having a “key” mechanism for use within a housing structure having a lid with a corresponding mechanism in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view of an insert having a key according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of an insert having a key according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of an insert having a key according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of an insert with a key according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (29)

  An insert positionable within a housing structure mounted within a washing machine drum for containing one or more laundry additive materials that are added simultaneously or at different times to the contents of the washing machine drum during a washing cycle. An insert further comprising a key having a unique shape that includes at least one compartment; and that aligns with the housing to ensure that the insert is properly coupled to the housing.   The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert includes at least two compartments adjacent and forming a key in a space between the compartments.   The insert according to claim 2, wherein the compartments are adjacent and have a V-shaped bottom, and the key is formed by a space between the V-shaped bottoms of the compartments.   The insert of claim 1, wherein the key is an opening in the insert.   5. The invention according to claim 4, wherein the opening is uniquely shaped to align with an element in the housing that is shaped to correspond thereto, so that only the insert with the key is acceptable within the housing. The described insert.   The key is a member having a unique shape that extends or protrudes from the insert and aligns with an opening or space in the housing such that only the insert with the key is acceptable within the housing. Item 1. The insert according to Item 1.   The insert of claim 6, wherein the key is a post.   The insert according to claim 4, wherein the opening is circular.   The insert according to claim 4, wherein the opening is triangular.   The insert of claim 1, wherein the key is a notch in the edge of the insert.   11. The insert of claim 10, wherein the notch is U-shaped or curved and aligns with a U-shaped or curved member on the housing.   11. The insert of claim 10, wherein the notch is V-shaped and aligns with a V-shaped member on the housing. A system for dispensing laundry additive materials to different stages of a laundry cycle that occurs during operation of an automatic fabric laundry washer containing a drum comprising:
A) a housing structure disposed within the washing machine in a fixed spatial relationship with the washing machine drum;
B) An insert that is positionable within the housing structure and includes at least one compartment for containing one or more laundry additive materials that are added simultaneously or at different times to the contents of the washing machine drum during a wash cycle. A system including an insert further comprising a key having a unique shape that aligns with the housing to ensure that the insert is properly coupled to the housing.   The system of claim 13, wherein the housing structure includes a base and an openable lid.   14. The system of claim 13, wherein the insert has one compartment for laundry additive material and / or one compartment for rinse additive material.   The system of claim 13, wherein the insert is comprised of a thermoformed polymeric material.   14. The system of claim 13, wherein the multi-compartment insert is at least partially composed of a flexible polymeric material.   14. The system of claim 13, wherein the insert is configured such that substantially all of the contents of the open rinse additive compartment of the insert flow into the washing machine drum after the dewatering cycle is stopped. .   14. The system of claim 13, wherein the insert includes at least two spaced compartments and the key is formed by a space between the compartments.   The system of claim 18, wherein the compartment has a V-shaped bottom and the key is formed by a space between the V-shaped bottom of the compartment.   The system of claim 13, wherein the key is an opening in the insert.   21. In claim 20, wherein the opening is uniquely shaped to align with an element in the housing that is shaped to correspond thereto, so that only the insert having the key is acceptable in the housing. The described system.   The key is a member having a unique shape that extends from the insert and that aligns with an opening or space in the housing such that only the insert with the key is acceptable within the housing. Insert as described in.   24. The system of claim 22, wherein the key is a post.   24. The system of claim 22, wherein the opening is circular.   24. The system of claim 22, wherein the aperture is a triangle.   23. The system of claim 22, wherein the key is a notch in the edge of the insert.   27. The system of claim 26, wherein the notch is U-shaped.   27. The system of claim 26, wherein the notch is V-shaped.

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