WO2013156750A1 - Cartouche de distribution de détergent pour machine à laver - Google Patents

Cartouche de distribution de détergent pour machine à laver Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013156750A1
WO2013156750A1 PCT/GB2013/050721 GB2013050721W WO2013156750A1 WO 2013156750 A1 WO2013156750 A1 WO 2013156750A1 GB 2013050721 W GB2013050721 W GB 2013050721W WO 2013156750 A1 WO2013156750 A1 WO 2013156750A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cartridge
washing machine
receiver
formulation
bayonet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2013/050721
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Giuseppe Di Bono
Original Assignee
Reckitt & Colman (Overseas) Limited
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 & Colman (Overseas) Limited filed Critical Reckitt & Colman (Overseas) Limited
Publication of WO2013156750A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013156750A1/fr

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4445—Detachable devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4445—Detachable devices
    • A47L15/4454—Detachable devices with automatic identification means, e.g. barcodes, RFID tags or magnetic strips
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4463—Multi-dose dispensing arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4472—Blister packaging or refill cartridges
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/449—Metering controlling devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates a detergent dispensing cartridge for use with a washing machine.
  • a detergent dispensing cartridge unit for use with a washing machine, wherein the washing machine is for cleaning a soiled substrate, comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, characterised in that the cartridge unit includes a cartridge receiver; a fluid conduit fluidly associated with the cartridge receiver, to / from the washing machine and to / from the cartridge; a cartridge mounted to the cartridge receiver, containing a predetermined amount of a treating composition and having a dispensing opening in fluid communication with the fluid conduit.
  • the subject matter of the invention has been found to be exceptionally advantageous. This is manifested, particularly, in the prevention / inhibition of fitment of an incorrect container into / onto the device (the washing machine). In this way damage to the items being treated / cleaned and / or potentially dangerous exposure of the user of the device to substances other than those intended to be used with the device are reduced . Additionally by having a strong positive association with the device (the washing machine) the device of the invention ensures that disconnection in operation is avoided.
  • the cartridge unit is associated with an operating means which includes at least a portion of an activation means.
  • the fluid conduit includes a valve, wherein the valve is operable by a cartridge member attached to and / or extending from the container, adjacent the dispensing opening.
  • the cartridge unit and the cartridge may comprise a recognition system such as an RFID reader / barcode arrangement.
  • a recognition system such as an RFID reader / barcode arrangement.
  • the cartridge comprises a bayonet projection and a threaded portion.
  • the cartridge receiver preferably comprises a bayonet receiver and a complementary threaded portion.
  • the bayonet receiver accepts the bayonet projection. Rotation of the cartridge causes engagement of the cartridge and cartridge receiver threaded portions and completion / engagement of the fluid conduit.
  • the cartridge is preferably circular / tubular. Most preferably the cartridge narrows / has a narrow portion that includes the threaded potion. Preferably the bayonet projection extends orthogonally to the main axis of the cartridge.
  • the bayonet projection arrangement has been found to offer a high degree of convenience, e.g. in comparison to a more conventional screw fitting. For example it is “more immediate” (in insertion and turning), whilst offering a higher degree of attachment security, caused by, e.g., insufficient screwing or misalignment of screw threads.
  • the cartridge receiver preferably comprises a bayonet receiver, which is preferably in the form of a pivot, that associates with the bayonet of the cartridge and the fluid conduit.
  • the bayonet receiver accepts the bayonet projection. Further movement of the cartridge causes movement of the pivot which brings about engagement of the fluid conduit with the dispensing opening of the cartridge.
  • the arrangement of the bayonet may be reversed (concept #9 and #11) : the cartridge may comprise a bayonet receiving means and the cartridge receiver may comprise a bayonet.
  • the bayonet (of the cartridge receiver) may be threaded and the bayonet receiving means of the cartridge may also be threaded.
  • a fluid conduit (which may be [initially] distanced from the terminus of the bayonet of the cartridge receiver, until sufficient rotation has occurred) may be engaged by the dispensing opening of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge comprises an electrified / magnetised portion.
  • the cartridge receiver preferably comprises a complementary electrified / magnetic portion.
  • the electrified / magnetic portion of the cartridge receiver urges itself towards the electrified / magnetised portion of the cartridge. In doing so a latch (which is associated with the electrified / magnetic portion of the cartridge receiver, e.g .
  • the latch is preferably in the form of a sheet / flap disposed at a portion of the cartridge receiver at or about a portion of the fluid conduit.
  • the cartridge comprises an electrical component.
  • the cartridge receiver preferably comprises a complementary electrical component.
  • an electrical circuit is created on insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiver.
  • an activation system for the fluid conduit is brought into an active state.
  • the exterior of the cartridge may be modified / convoluted in some way from being a planer shape / a plain geometrical shape, so that on insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiver a reader / tracer can access the degree of insertion.
  • the cartridge may be based on cylindrical / tubular shape but wherein the radius so the cylinder / tube varies (in a pre-arranged pattern, e.g. sinusoidal down its length) so as to create a series of ridges/ curves.
  • a mechanical "follower” can read the number of ridges/ curves on the cartridge to ensure the correct amount of insertion.
  • the modification of the cartridge may comprise a track.
  • the track may be in the form of an incised channel which associates with a complementary raised portion on the cartridge receiver.
  • the cartridge may comprise a movement sensor which can recognise that the "correct" insertion pathway has been followed, before allowing activation of the cartridge.
  • This embodiment may comprise a locking mechanism.
  • the shape of the cartridge receiver is complementary to the shape of the cartridge (when fully inserted).
  • the cartridge receiver may be in the form of a non-liner (i.e. curved) tube (based on a circle / square/ rectangle or other shape).
  • the cartridge receiver may be in the form of an arc. Most preferably an outer terminus of the arc presents a horizontal face (for insertion of the cartridge) and a downward face (for discharge of the cartridge contents.
  • a detergent dispensing cartridge unit for use with a washing machine, wherein the washing machine is for cleaning a soiled substrate, comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, characterised in that the cartridge unit includes: - a cartridge receiver; a fluid conduit fluidly associated with the cartridge receiver, to / from the washing machine and to / from the cartridge; a cartridge mounted to the cartridge receiver, containing a predetermined amount of a treating composition and having a dispensing opening in fluid communication with the fluid conduit.
  • the cartridge unit includes at least a portion of an activation means for the implement, characterised in that the fluid conduit includes a locking means, wherein the locking means is activated / deactivated by a cartridge member attached to and / or extending from the cartridge, adjacent the dispensing opening.
  • the locking means is bias into the locking position, e.g . by a spring.
  • the locking means may comprise a barrel into which a latch penetrates, when in a locking position.
  • the cartridge member is able to push the latch out of penetrative engagement with the barrel such that the fluid is able to move into the barrel sufficiently to engage the cartridge.
  • the cartridge member comprises a bayonet and the latch comprises a rod.
  • the end of the rod which is intended to meet the bayonet is preferably angled such that increased movement of the bayonet against the rod causes a movement of the rod away from the bayonet.
  • the movement of the bayonet against the rod is in a circular fashion.
  • the movement of the bayonet against the rod is in an axial / linear fashion.
  • the movement of the bayonet may be within the barrel of the locking means.
  • the locking means has a pilot pathway which associates with a portion of the bayonet to guide the movement of the bayonet within the barrel.
  • the pilot pathway may be disposed within the barrel or may be adjacent thereto.
  • the pilot pathway may be in the form of an apertured plate which cooperates with the bayonet, only permitting the bayonet to pass through when the bayonet is orientated in a certain fashion reactive to the plate.
  • the aperture of the plate and the bayonet may have complementary shapes to achieve this aim.
  • the pilot pathway may be in the form of a channel which cooperates with a button arranged on or adjacent the bayonet.
  • the channel is arranged in a helical manner such that as the container member is pushed into the barrel it is rotated further with a greater degree of penetration.
  • the channel terminates such that at maximum allowed penetration the container member and the latch are fully engaged and the lock mechanism is fully dis-engaged. .
  • the latch may be disposed adjacent to the pilot pathway. In a locking position (when the latch engages / abuts against the pivotal operation system) movement of the aerosol canister end of the pivot (up towards the aerosol canister) is prevented.
  • the latch engagement / disengagement motion is preferably rotational.
  • the pivotal operation system may have a shoulder which is designed to cooperate with the latch.
  • the bayonet may be moved linearly to cause dis-engagement of the latch.
  • the bayonet may present a bevelled front surface that engages and then moves the latch (out of engagement) as the cartridge moves into engagement with the cartridge receiver
  • the cartridge comprises a detergent canister.
  • a detergent canister is inserted into the container receiver in a horizontal position with its dispensing opening facing horizontally when in an operating orientation.
  • washing machine any vessel / machine (whether manually operated or fully / partially automated) which is capable of being used in a washing operation is intended.
  • the washing machine is preferably an automatic clothes washing machine.
  • Most preferably the washing machine is one which has been modified such that it operates using the technology of one or more of the co-pending patent applications WO2007/128962, GB 0902619.6, GB 0907943.5, GB 0916249.6, GB 0916250.4, GB 0920565.9, GB 1002245.7, and GB 1006076.2; the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.
  • the ratio of beads to substrate is generally in the range of from 30: 1 to 0.1 : 1 w/w, preferably in the region of from 10: 1 to 1 : 1 w/w, with particularly favourable results being achieved with a ratio of between 5 : 1 and 1 : 1 w/w, and most particularly at around 2: 1 w/w.
  • 10 g of polymeric particles would be employed
  • the polymeric particles are of such a shape and size as to allow for good flowability and intimate contact with the textile fibre.
  • a variety of shapes of particles can be used, such as cylindrical, spherical or cuboid; appropriate cross-sectional shapes can be employed including, for example, annular ring, dog-bone and circular.
  • the particles may have smooth or irregular surface structures and can be of solid or hollow construction.
  • Particles are preferably of such a size as to have an average mass in the region of 5 to 100 mg, preferably from 10 to 30 mg.
  • the preferred average particle diameter is in the region of from 0.5 to 6.0 mm, more preferably from 1.0 to 5.0 mm, most preferably from 2.5 to 4.5 mm, and the length of the beads is preferably in the range from 0.5 to 6.0 mm, more preferably from 1.5 to 4.5 mm, and is most preferably in the region of 2.0 to 3.0 mm.
  • Said polymeric particles may comprise any of a wide range of different polymers. Specifically, there may be mentioned polyalkenes such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters and polyurethanes, which may be foamed or unfoamed. Preferably, however, said polymeric particles comprise polyamide or polyester particles, most particularly particles of nylon, polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate, most preferably in the form of beads. Said polyamides and polyesters are found to be particularly effective for aqueous stain/soil removal, whilst polyalkenes are especially useful for the removal of oil-based stains. Optionally, copolymers of the above polymeric materials may be employed.
  • nylon or polyester homo- or co-polymers may be used including, but not limited to, Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate.
  • the nylon comprises Nylon 6,6 homopolymer having a molecular weight in the region of from 5000 to 30000 Daltons, preferably from 10000 to 20000 Daltons, most preferably from 15000 to 16000 Daltons.
  • the polyester will typically have a molecular weight corresponding to an intrinsic viscosity measurement in the range of from 0.3-1.5 dl/g, as measured by a solution technique such as ASTM D-4603.
  • the polymeric particles comprise nylon chips, e.g. Nylon 6 or Nylon 6,6.
  • a cartridge allows discharge of a detersive composition into a washing machine (over multiple wash cycles) where the consumer has no need to measure the detersive composition or come into contact with same yet have the security of knowing that the correct detersive composition has been applied to the wash load of the machine.
  • each compartment may be activated separately such that the contents of each compartment may be released separately / sequentially.
  • Each compartment may be designed such that it holds a bespoke complete detergent formulation or a formulation that focuses upon a single active component of a detergent formulation. It is preferred that each compartment may be activated separately; either in completely individual activation or in a "program" that activates one or more compartments at pre-defined portions of a wash cycle so that a portion of the compartment content may be released. In this way it has been found that the detergent release can be tailored to suit a particular wash load in terms of its size, compositions and type of staining present thereon. Clearly it is envisaged that a particular compartment may be activated once, not at all or a plurality of occasions in a wash cycle.
  • DTIs dye fixatives / dye transfer inhibitors
  • anionic surfactants which are typically employed in detergents (especially laundry detergents to provide cleaning function).
  • the dye fixatives / DTIs and the anionic surfactants "couple" together because of their opposing charges, compromising their respective functions.
  • the temperature / heating of the wash liquor may be tailored such that it is optimized to work with the contents of the compartment being released at that juncture.
  • a bleach / bleach activator composition is released heating of the wash liquor (e.g. to around 40-60°C) may be appropriate to ensure that optimal functioning of the bleach / bleach activator composition occurs.
  • many of the other detergent components require no wash liquor heating to achieve their optimal function.
  • the entire wash liquor or a portion thereof may be heated. Where only a portion of the wash liquor is heated the portion may be a portion of the wash liquor which is passing through r adjacent to the cartridge or the portion passing through or adjacent to any wash liquor circulation system.
  • the containment / release in separate compartments allows the pH of the wash liquor may be tailored such that it is optimized to work with the contents of the compartment being released at that juncture.
  • a bleach / bleach activator composition is released raising of the pH of the wash liquor (e.g. to an alkaline pH by release of a suitable pH modifying agent) may be appropriate to ensure that optimal functioning of the bleach / bleach activator composition occurs.
  • many of the other detergent components require no pH adjustment to achieve their optimal function.
  • release of individual detergent actives may be tailored such that it is optimized to work with the system of WO2007/128962.
  • one preferred release profile is in the following order: - a) Release of an enzyme containing formulation;
  • Composition (b) and / or (c) may also contain a surfactant.
  • the oxidising formulation may contain a bleach and / or a bleach activator / catalyst.
  • Composition (b) preferably comprises a) 5-25wt% anionic surfactant
  • a detergent dispensing cartridge for use with a washing machine, wherein the washing machine is for cleaning a soiled substrate, comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, the cartridge having multiple compartments; a first compartment holds a enzymatic cleaning formulation; which comprises a) 15-35wt% anionic surfactant;
  • 0.1-10wt% enzyme and optionally other detergent auxiliary components. and a second compartment holds an oxidising cleaning formulation; which comprises a) 5-25wt% anionic surfactant;
  • oxidising agent / bleach 0.1-40wt% oxidising agent / bleach; and optionally other detergent auxiliary components.
  • the cartridge (and any necessary associated apparatus) is in accordance with the first and / or second aspect of the invention] .
  • step (d) occurs at the end of the washing machine cycle, during the rinse phase.
  • dye fixative / DTI are generally "quaternary" molecules (i.e. including at least one N + moiety), as such they could cause precipitation in presence of anionic surfactants.
  • dye fixative / DTI could fix the stains (e.g. to the material being cleaned).
  • the polymeric particles used may be present throughout the entire laundry washing cycle or only for a portion thereof. Where the polymeric particles are only present for a portion of the washing cycle it is preferred that the polymeric particles are removed form the washing area of the washing machine at a rinse cycle (preferably a final rinse cycle) of the washing machine operation.
  • the cartridge may comprise compartments for release of some detersive components in a pre-wash cycle (which may be before the beads are added to the machine) of the washing machine operation. This has been found to be beneficial with certain detergent components, the activity of which may be compromised by adsorption on the polymeric particles.
  • the cartridge may comprise compartments for release of some detersive components in a rinse cycle (preferably a final rinse cycle) of the washing machine operation. This has been found to be beneficial with certain detergent components, the activity of which may be compromised by adsorption on the polymeric particles.
  • Preferred examples of detersive components for release at this stage (and for which there is preferably a compartment in the cartridge) are optical brighteners and fragrances.
  • the cartridge compartments may be modular, e.g. one or more compartments of the cartridge may be replaceable without replacing the entire cartridge. Equally it is preferred that a consumer may select which compartments are most suitable for their kind of typical washing so that a complete cartridge may be constructed using the compartments that they are most like to require in their washing.
  • Each compartment may have a volume of from 1 to 5000 cc, more preferably from 10 to 900 cc, more preferably from 20 to 600 cc, more preferably from 20 to 400 cc, more preferably from 20 to 300 cc, more preferably from 20 to 200 cc and most preferably from 20 to 100 cc.
  • the positioning of the cartridge in the washing machine is flexible. Clearly it is preferred that the cartridge is positioned such that the cartridge contents can be dispensed into the area of washing of the washing machine.
  • a conduit may be present to connect the cartridge output to the washing area.
  • the cartridge may be positioned such that its output is adjacent to or connected to fresh incoming wash fluid (e.g. water).
  • the cartridge may be positioned / the washing machine may be designed such that fresh incoming wash fluid / wash liquor flows over / around the device.
  • the cartridge compartment activation may be operated by one or more of a number of mechanisms. Different activation mechanisms may be used for different compartments of the cartridge.
  • Preferred operation mechanisms may be manual or non-manual mechanisms.
  • Preferred non-manual operation mechanisms include physical and chemical activation triggers associated with changes within the washing cycle).
  • Preferred examples include time, temperature / temperature changes, smell/ odour, humidity / water presence (or some other associated property of the cleaning liquor, e.g. such as ionic strength or pH), drum rotation / centrifugal force or other force.
  • Other operation mechanisms may arise from a result of a conduit from the cartridge to the washing machine (particularly the washing machine operating schematics) such that the operation of the washing machine, triggered by the schematics of the washing machine, influences or causes operation of one or more of the compartments or the cartridge at one or more time points within the washing cycle. In this way different washing cycles may triggers different activation / operation of the cartridge / compartments thereof. Additionally different wash loads / conditions may trigger a differential degree of operation of one or more compartments.
  • the cartridge may also have a manual override which can be accessed by a consumer.
  • This manual override may overcome any normal dispense activity of the cartridge and influence the dispensing such that the release of one or more compartments is increased / reduced and / or the timing of the release is affected.
  • the entire contents of a compartment may be discharged in a single wash cycle, either in one part of a single wash cycle or at multiple parts thereof. More preferably the contents of a compartment may be released over a plurality of wash cycles, e.g . over 10-30 wash cycles (such as about 20 wash cycles) for added convenience to a consumer. In this case the cartridge contents may still be released at multiple points over a plurality of cycles.
  • the cartridge and / or one or each compartment thereof may have an "end-of-life" indicator to make sure that a consumer is aware that the contents of one or more compartment has been exhausted and needs to be replenished. The end-of-life" indicator may be triggered by or arise through liaison with the schematics of the washing machine
  • the cartridge is intended for a single washing cycle.
  • Compartment release operation may be by one or more of a number of mechanisms.
  • Preferred compartment release mechanisms include manual release (e.g. opening, squeezing), gravitational release, active release (e.g. by a motor / pump, such as a powered motor, wax motor, piezo, injection or spray) and passive release driven by a flow or wash liquor / polymeric particles through or adjacent to a compartment drawing the contents of the compartment (or a portion thereof) there from.
  • the release may be combination of active and passive mechanisms, e.g . an access means to a compartment may be opened under a certain condition to allow release of an active from a compartment.
  • a preferred example of such an activating mechanism is a bimetallic driven opening means such that the opening means is activated at a certain predetermined temperature to allow release (by whatever mechanism) to occur.
  • detersive components (and associated compartments) which make up a smaller portion of the entire detersive formulation e.g. fragrances, optical brighteners
  • more active dispensing methods e.g. spraying
  • more passive dispensing methods may be preferred.
  • compartment contents may be in any suitable physical form.
  • Preferred forms include liquids (dispersions, suspensions, pastes, solutions and emulsions, gels) and solids (solidified gels, powders, tablets).
  • solids solidified gels, powders, tablets.
  • the content of differing compartments may be in differing physical forms.
  • the compartment contents may be contained in a secondary packaging, e.g . such as an encapsulation means, pouch or sachet.
  • the compartment contents may be refillable.
  • the refill contents may be in the form of granules, powders, or liquids / gel dependent on the chemical / physical nature of the nature of the composition for the / each compartment.
  • the refill composition may be in the form of a "unit-dose" composition, e.g. a compressed / solidified / moulded tablet or the refill may be package in a film pouch wherein the film may be entirely water soluble / dispersible or have a water soluble potion or pierce-able section to allow release of the pouch contents.
  • the film pouch may comprise a metallic foil or a plastics material, e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinylalcohol, ABS, PET, polyamides, PMMA or PC.
  • the unit dose composition will be sized to fit the respective compartment and allow ease of refilling without exposing a consumer to any harmful chemicals.
  • a plurality of unit-dose entities may fit in one compartment; such an arrangement may have a separate support frame associated
  • the cartridge may contain one or more actives directed to increasing the activity of the polymeric particles.
  • one preferred active is a plasticiser for the polymeric particles. It is postulated that with the use of such a plasticiser the Tg of the polymeric particles would be lowered such that the polymeric particles would be more active at lower temperatures.
  • the formulation may include sacrificial agents that are absorbed onto sites on the polymeric particles, wherein these sites would otherwise cause detrimental adsorption of one or more detersive active.
  • the cartridge may include a compartment which contains (supplementary) polymeric particles. These particles may be purely polymer or may have been physical or chemically altered to affect their activity. Preferred means of chemical alteration include polymeric particles into which a detersive active has been reversibly / irreversibly adsorbed (e.g. enzyme, bleach catalyst) or upon which a detersive active has been coated.
  • a detersive active e.g. enzyme, bleach catalyst
  • the overall detersive formulation may be altered because of the presence of the polymeric particles.
  • One example of an alteration is that the overall amount of detergent required per wash cycle is considerably lower. Indeed in this regard it has been found that the amount of detergent required may be as low as 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% or even 10% of the amount that would ordinarily be expected for a clothes washing operation in an automatic laundry washing machine.
  • an equivalent washing standard can be achieved for a 5kg load of laundry in an automatic laundry washing machine using as little as 15g of a liquid detergent formulation (whereas in a conventional washing process in an automatic laundry washing machine 150g of the same liquid formulation would be required).
  • the amount(s) of certain components typically found in a household laundry detergent may be reduced.
  • the amount of builder required may be lower.
  • the detersive surfactant may be altered (in terms of amount and / or nature thereof) because the polymeric particles may form a modified detersive micelle with a polymeric particle at the centre of the micelle.
  • a further alteration is that (due to the lower amount of wash liquor the amount of certain actives, e.g . such as fragrance, optical brightener, which would be wasted by extraction with excessive rinse water, may be dramatically reduced.
  • the washing cycle temperature is from 0°C to 90°C, more preferably between 5°C and 90°C, more preferably between 5°C and 70°C, more preferably between 15°C and 40°C, e.g. about 30°C.
  • the washing cycle time is preferably between 15 and 150 minutes, more preferably between 15 and 120 minutes, and most preferably between 20 and 40 minutes.
  • the rinsing proportion of the cycle is preferably up to 50% of the entire cycle time, more preferably up to 40%, more preferably up to 20%, more preferably up to 10%.
  • the final spin may be around 5% of the entire cycle time.
  • Intermediate spins (e.g. between parts of the cycle) may be (individually or collectively) around 1-2% of the entire cycle time.
  • the amount of washing water used in a wash cycle is preferably around 6 litres per kilo of wash load; with around 3 liters for the washing stage(s) and 3 litres for the rinsing stage(s).
  • the amount of water can be lower, e.g. preferably between 2.5 : 1 and 0.1 : 1 litres per kilo of wash load; more preferably, the ratio is between 2.0: 1 and 0.8: 1 litres per kilo of wash load, with particularly favourable results having been achieved at ratios such as 1.5 : 1, 1.2: 1 and 1.1 : 1 litres per kilo of wash load.
  • the cartridge may be designed to be placed at a suitable locus in or on the washing machine, e.g. in the drum / drawer.
  • the cartridge may operate with a suitable cartridge receiving means within or associated with the washing machine.
  • the cartridge receiving means may be entirely mechanical.
  • the cartridge receiving means may include an electronic component with associates with a portion of the cartridge (and optionally drives operation of a portion of the cartridge).
  • the cartridge receiving means may include a mechanism that identifies the presence of a cartridge (and / or individual compartments thereof), e.g. such as a radio- frequency identification (RFID) mechanism, e.g . such as a bar code on the cartridge.
  • RFID radio- frequency identification
  • the cartridge preferably comprises a plastics material, e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS, PET, polyamides, PMMA or PC.
  • the cartridge / compartment material may be coated, e.g. with a barrier layer. Such a layer may be used to allow more aggressive chemical inclusion (e.g. to aid the prevention of polymer stress cracking).
  • a plurality of separate cartridges may be used simultaneously in a washing machine / washing machine cycle. Each cartridge may be disposed in a different part of the washing machine or the same part of the washing machine.
  • Each cartridge may contain the same or a complementary detergent composition or compositions (e.g. in a number of compartments).
  • a bead cleaning process may be carried out typically every 5-6 washes, allows the surface of the beads to remain highly active in the washing process.
  • bead cleaning is carried out by adding individual doses of surfactants (non-ionic and/or anionic and/or cationic), and optionally other more aggressive chemicals, selected from, for example, sodium/potassium hydroxide, hypochlorates, hypochlorites or the other bleaches and activators previously recited, to an amount of water, such that the ratio of water to beads is preferably in the region of 0.5-3 litres water/kg of beads.
  • the bead cleaning process may be facilitated by release of a suitable cleaning composition from the cartridge.
  • surface active agents include anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surface active agent or mixture thereof.
  • anionic surfactants are straight-chained or branched alkyi sulfates and alkyi polyalkoxylated sulfates, also known as alkyi ether sulfates. Such surfactants may be produced by the sulfation of higher C8-C20 fatty alcohols.
  • primary alkyi sulfate surfactants are those of formula : ROS0 3 " M + wherein R is a linear C8-C20 hydrocarbyl group and M is a water- solubilising cation.
  • R is C10-C16 alkyi, for example C12-C 14, and M is alkali metal such as lithium, sodium or potassium.
  • secondary alkyi sulfate surfactants are those which have the sulfate moiety on a "backbone" of the molecule, for example those of formula :
  • Especially preferred secondary alkyi sulfates are the (2,3) alkyi sulfate surfactants of formulae:
  • x is at least 4, for example 6 to 20, preferably 10 to 16.
  • M is cation, such as an alkali metal, for example lithium, sodium or potassium.
  • alkoxylated alkyi sulfates are ethoxylated alkyi sulfates of the formula :
  • R is a C8-C20 alkyi group, preferably Cio-Cis such as a C12-C16
  • n is at least 1, for example from 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 15, especially 1 to 6
  • M is a salt-forming cation such as lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, alkylammonium or alkanolammonium.
  • alkyi sulfates and alkyi ether sulfates will generally be used in the form of mixtures comprising varying alkyi chain lengths and, if present, varying degrees of alkoxylation.
  • anionic surfactants which may be employed are salts of fatty acids, for example Cs-Cis fatty acids, especially the sodium potassium or alkanolammonium salts, and alkyi, for example Cs-Cis, benzene sulfonates.
  • nonionic surfactants are fatty acid alkoxylates.
  • the ethoxylated and propoxylated nonionic surfactants are preferred.
  • Preferred alkoxylated surfactants can be selected from the classes of the nonionic condensates of alkyi phenols, nonionic ethoxylated alcohols, nonionic ethoxylated/ propoxylated fatty alcohols, nonionic ethoxylate/ propoxylated condensates with propylene glycol, and the nonionic ethoxylate condensation products with propylene oxide/ethylene diamine adducts.
  • Preferred fatty acid ethoxylates are especially those of formula :
  • R is a straight or branched Cs-Ci6 alkyl group, preferably a Cg- Ci5, for example C10-C14, or C12-C14 alkyl group and n is at least 1, for example from 1 to 16, preferably 2 to 12, more preferably 3 to 10.
  • the alkoxylated fatty alcohol nonionic surfactant will frequently have a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) which ranges from 3 to 17, more preferably from 6 to 15, most preferably from 10 to 15.
  • HLB hydrophilic-lipophilic balance
  • fatty alcohol ethoxylates are those made from alcohols of 12 to 15 carbon atoms and which contain about 7 moles of ethylene oxide. Such materials are commercially marketed under the trademarks Neodol 25-7 and Neodol 23-6.5 by Shell Chemical Company.
  • Other useful Neodols include Neodol 1-5, an ethoxylated fatty alcohol averaging 11 carbon atoms in its alkyl chain with about 5 moles of ethylene oxide; Neodol 23-9, an ethoxylated primary C12-C13 alcohol having about 9 moles of ethylene oxide; and Neodol 91-10, an ethoxylated Cg-Cn primary alcohol having about 10 moles of ethylene oxide.
  • Dobanol 91-5 is an ethoxylated Cg-Cn fatty alcohol with an average of 5 moles ethylene oxide
  • Doba nol 25-7 is an ethoxylated C ⁇ -Cis fatty alcohol with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of fatty alcohol .
  • su itable ethoxylated alcohol nonionic su rfactants include Terg itol 15-S-7 and Terg itol 15-S-9, both of which are linear secondary alcohol ethoxylates available from Union Carbide Corporation .
  • Terg itol 15-S-7 is a mixed ethoxylated product of a Cn- Ci5 linear secondary alkanol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide and Terg itol 15-S-9 is the same but with 9 moles of ethylene oxide.
  • Neodol 45- 11 is a similar ethylene oxide condensation products of a fatty alcohol having 14-15 carbon atoms and the number of ethylene oxide g rou ps per mole being about 11. Such products are also available from Shell Chemical Compa ny.
  • nonionic su rfactants are, for example, C 10 -C 18 alkyl polyg lycosides, such s C12-C16 alkyl polyg lycosides, especially the polyg lucosides. These are especially usefu l when hig h foaming is desired .
  • Fu rther su rfactants are polyhyd roxy fatty acid amides, such as C10-C18 N-(3-methoxypropyl) g lycamides and ethylene oxide- propylene oxide block polymers of the Plu ronic type.
  • cationic su rfactants are those of the quaternary ammonium type.
  • Preferred quaternary ammonium compou nds have the formula (I) or (la), or include a mixtu re thereof; [R'-(CO)-0-R-N + (-R")(-(RO)nH)(-R-0-(CO)-R')]X " (I)
  • R is an alkylene or alkenylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms
  • R' is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms
  • n is an integer having a value of 1 to 4.
  • R" is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms
  • R 1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or hydrogen
  • X " is a softener-compatible anion.
  • Non-limiting examples of softener-compatible anions include chloride, formate, nitrate, sulfate or Ci-4 alkyl sulfate, preferably methyl sulfate.
  • the alkyl or alkenyl R' ideally must contain at least 10 carbon atoms, preferably at least 14 carbon atoms, more preferably at least 16 carbon atoms.
  • the group may be straight or branched.
  • quaternary ammonium compound is di-(tallow carboxyethyl)hydroxyethylmethyl ammonium X " .
  • a cationic fabric co-softener may be present.
  • amphoteric surfactants are Cio-Cis amine oxides and the C ⁇ -Cis betaines and sulfobetaines.
  • Suitable builders are alkali metal or ammonium phosphates, polyphosphates, phosphonates, polyphosphonates, carbonates, bicarbonates, borates, polyhydroxysulfonates, polyacetates, carboxylates such as citrates and other polycarboxylates / polyacetyl carboxylates such as succinate, malonate, carboxymethyl succinate.
  • Ion exchange agents - such agents include alkali metal (preferably sodium) aluminosilicates either crystalline, amorphous or a mixture of the two.
  • alkali metal (preferably sodium) aluminosilicates generally have a calcium ion exchange capacity of at least 50 mg CaO per gram of aluminosilicate, comply with a general formula :
  • sodium aluminosilicates within the above formula contain 1.5-3.0 Si0 2 units. Both amorphous and crystalline aluminosilicates can be prepared by reaction between sodium silicate and sodium aluminate, as amply described in the literature.
  • Suitable crystalline sodium aluminosilicate ion-exchange detergency builders are described, for example, in GB 1429143 (Procter & Gamble).
  • the preferred sodium aluminosilicates of this type are the well known commercially available zeolites A and X, and mixtures thereof.
  • zeolite P described in EP 384070 (Unilever).
  • Another class of compounds are the layered sodium silicate builders, such as are disclosed in US-A-4464839 and US-A-4820439 and also referred to in EP-A-551375.
  • M denotes sodium or hydrogen
  • x is from 1.9 to 4 and y is from 0 to 20.
  • Ion capture agents - agents which prevent metal ions from forming insoluble salts or reacting with surfactants, such as polyphosphate, monomeric polycarboxylates, such as citric acid or salts thereof, polycarboxylate polymers, such as polyacrylates, acrylic/maleic copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates, EDTA, algins, alginates.
  • surfactants such as polyphosphate, monomeric polycarboxylates, such as citric acid or salts thereof, polycarboxylate polymers, such as polyacrylates, acrylic/maleic copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates, EDTA, algins, alginates.
  • Anti-nucleating agents - agents that prevent seed crystal growth such as polycarboxylate polymers, such as polyacrylates, acrylic/maleic copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates, and sulfonates.
  • Such polymers may also act as ion capture agents as well.
  • Preferred organic water-soluble water softening agents which may be present include polycarboxylate polymers, such as polyacrylates, acrylic/maleic copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates, monomeric polycarboxylates such as citrates, gluconates, oxydisuccinates, glycerol mono- di- and trisuccinates, carboxymethyloxysuccinates, carboxymethyloxymalonates, dipicolinates, hydroxyethyliminodiacetates, phosphonates, iminodisuccinates, polyaspartic acids, BHT, phosphonate stabilisers such as, diethylenetriaminepenta (methylene phosphonic acid and its corresponding pentasodium salt) available under the trade names Dequest 2060 and Dequest 2066 Monsanto Chemical Co), DTP MP and DTPMA (Dequest 2010) and HEDP.
  • polycarboxylate polymers such as polyacrylates, acrylic/maleic copolymers, and acrylic phosphonates
  • the water-soluble water softening agent is a neutralised or partially neutralised carboxylic acid, such as citric acid, succinic acid or maleic acid, and/or a neutralised or partially neutralised polycarboxylic acid, such as a polyacrylate of Mw: 4000-8000 (such as Acusol 445N (Rohm & Haas) CAS REG Nr. 66019-18-9 or Sokalan from BASF).
  • a neutralised or partially neutralised carboxylic acid such as citric acid, succinic acid or maleic acid
  • a neutralised or partially neutralised polycarboxylic acid such as a polyacrylate of Mw: 4000-8000 (such as Acusol 445N (Rohm & Haas) CAS REG Nr. 66019-18-9 or Sokalan from BASF).
  • Such suitable polymers include polymers based on an unsaturated sulphonic acid monomer.
  • the unsaturated sulphonic acid monomer is preferably one of the following : 2-acrylamido methyl- 1-propanesultonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methyl-l- propanesulphonic acid, 3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropanesulphonic acid, allysulphonic acid, methallysulphonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulphonic acid, methallyloxybenzensulphonic acid, 2- hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulphonic acid, 2-methyl-2- propene-l-sulphonic acid, styrene sulphonic acid, vinylsulphonic acid, 3-sulphopropyl acrylate, 3-sulphopropyl methacrylate, sulphomethylacrylamid, sulphomethylmethacrylamide, and water soluble salts thereof.
  • the unsaturated sulphonic acid monomer is most preferably 2- acrylamido-2-propanesulphonic acid (AMPS).
  • Suitable enzymes include peroxidises, proteases, lipases, amylases and cellulase enzymes.
  • Such enzymes are commercially available and sold, for example, under the registered trade marks Esperase, Alcalase, Savinase, Termamyl, Lipolase and Celluzyme by Nova Nordisk A/S.
  • Esperase alcalase
  • Savinase Termamyl
  • Lipolase Celluzyme by Nova Nordisk A/S.
  • the enzymes are present (as a proportion of the cartridge contents) in an amount of from 0.5 to 3 wt%, especially 1 to 2 wt%.
  • Suitable bleaches / oxidising agents / bleaching agents usually compsies a source of active oxygen, e.g. hydrogen peroxide; urea / hydrogen peroxide; percarboxy!ic adds, peroxy / per- acids suich as phthalimido-peroxy-hexanoic-acid (PAP); per-salts such as; perborate, perphosphate, percarbonate, persulphate, persi!icate.
  • PAP phthalimido-peroxy-hexanoic-acid
  • the bleaching agent may be based on alternative chemistry, e.g . chlorine based bleaching agents, such as hypochlorite bleaches, sodium dichloro- isocyanurate or NaDCC.
  • suitable bleaches include N-acylated lactam bleach precursors, perbenzoic acid precursors, perbenzoic acid derivative precursors and cationic peroxyacid precursors, or mixtures thereof
  • Suitable bleach activators include tetraacetylethylendiamine (TAED), acetylated triazine derivatives, in particular l,5-Diacetyl-2,4- dioxohexahydro-l,3,5-triazine (DADHT), acetylated glycoluriles, in particular Tetraacetylglycolurile (TAGU), acylimides, in particular n- nonanoylsuccinimide (NOSI), acetylated phenolsulfonates, in particular n-nonanoyloxi or n-lauroyloxibenzolsulfonate (NOBS and/or PRAISE), acetylated phenol carbonic acids, in particular nonanoyloxi or decanoyloxibenzoesaeure (NOBA and/or DOBA), carbonic acid anhydrides, acetylated sugar derivatives, in particular pentaacetylglucose
  • Bleaching catalysts may be present.
  • Preferred examples include complexes of manganese, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, molybdenum, titanium or vanadium.
  • manganese salts are in the oxidation state +2 or +3 preferentially, for example manganese halides, whereby the chloride is preferential.
  • Manganese sulfate, manganese salts of organic acids such as manganese acetates, acetylacetonate, oxalates as well as manganese nitrates are suitable.
  • the bleach / oxidising agent constituent may comprise one or more of the foregoing compounds or materials which are described above, which may be present in any effective amount in order to provide a sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to surfaces upon which they have been applied.
  • the bleach / oxidising agent agent constituent is preferably present (in a solid formulation) in amounts of from 0.0001%wt. to 60%wt., preferably from 30%wt. to 50%wt., more preferably 40%wt. to 50%wt., and particularly preferably about 45%wt. based on the total weight of the composition of which they form a part.
  • the bleach / oxidising agent constituent may comprise one or more of the foregoing compounds or materials which are described above, which may be present in any effective amount in order to provide a sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to surfaces upon which they have been applied.
  • the bleach / oxidising agent agent constituent is preferably present (in a liquid formulation) in amounts of from 0.0001%wt. to 60%wt., preferably from 0.1%wt. to 20%wt., more preferably 2%wt. to 10%wt., and particularly preferably about 5%wt. based on the total weight of the composition of which they form a part.
  • Metal complexes with macromolecular ligands may be used such asl,4,7-Trimethyl-l,4,7-triazacyclononane (me-TACN), 1,4,7- Triazacyclononane (TACN), l,5,9-Trimethyl-l,5,9-triazacyclododecane (me-TACD), 2-Methyl-l,4,7 trimethyl-l,4,7-triazacyclononane (MeMeTACN) and/or 2-Methyl-l,4,7 triazacyclononane (Me/TACN) or ligands such as 1,2-bis (4,7-Dimethyl 1,4,7-triazacyclonono-i-yl) ethane (Me4-DTNE).
  • the bactericidal / antimicrobial agents are generally cationic. nitrogen compounds.
  • these cationic compounds there may be mentioned by way of example: diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyidimethyibenzyiammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, 15 dodecyidimethyi(2- : phenoxyethyl)ammonium bromide, benzyidimethyistearylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, quaternized 5-amino-l,3-bis(2- ethylhexyl)-5-methyl-hexahydroxypyrimidine,
  • alkyidimethylhydroxyethylammonium bromide (where alkyl denotes a mixture of radicals derived from copra fatty acids), chlorhexidine, alexidine, and cationic tertiary aliphatic amines.
  • the bactericidal / antimicrobial agent constituent may include one or more organic acids providing an antimicrobial benefit.
  • organic acids are those which generally include at least one carbon atom, and include at least one carboxyl group (— COOH) in its structure. Derivatives of said organic acids are also contemplated to be useful.
  • Exemplary organic acid include linear aliphatic acids such as acetic acid; dicarboxylic acids, acidic amino acids, and hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, hydroxyacrylic acid, alpha- hydroxybutyric acid, glyceric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid, as well as acid salts of these organic acids.
  • glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid and/or derivatives thereof e.g., salicylic acid derivatives such as esters of salicylic acid, such as ethylhexyl salicylate, dipropylene glycol salicylate, TEA salicylate, salicylic acid 2-ethylhexylester, salicylic acid 4-isopropyl benzylester, salicylic acid homomenthylester are preferred.
  • salicylic acid derivatives such as esters of salicylic acid, such as ethylhexyl salicylate, dipropylene glycol salicylate, TEA salicylate, salicylic acid 2-ethylhexylester, salicylic acid 4-isopropyl benzylester, salicylic acid homomenthylester are preferred.
  • Particularly useful quaternary bactericidal / antimicrobial agents include quaternary compounds, as well as mixtures of two or more different quaternary compounds.
  • Such useful quaternary compounds are available under the BARDAC®, BARQUAT®, HYAMINE®, LONZABAC®, and ONYXIDE® trademarks, which are more fully described in, for example, McCutcheon's Functional Materials (Vol. 2), North American Edition, 1998, as well as the respective product literature from the suppliers identified below.
  • McCutcheon's Functional Materials Vol. 2
  • McCutcheon's Functional Materials Vol. 2
  • McCutcheon's Functional Materials Vol. 2
  • the antimicrobial agent described hereinafter is necessarily present in order to provide the primary antimicrobial benefit.
  • cationic surfactants which provide an appreciable germicidal benefit preferably anionic surfactants and further optionally, amphoteric surfactants are omitted from the compositions of the invention.
  • anionic surfactants and further optionally, amphoteric surfactants are omitted from the compositions of the invention.
  • anionic surfactants as well as amphoteric surfactants may be used in such compositions.
  • the bactericidal / antimicrobial agent constituent may include one or more of: pyrithiones such as zinc pyrithione, halohydantoins such as dimethyldimethylol hydantoin, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, benzyl alcohol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-l,3-diol, formalin (formaldehyde), iodopropenyl butylcarbamate, chloroacetamide, methanamine, methyldibromonitrile glutaronitrile, glutaraldehyde, 5-bromo-5-nitro- 1,3-dioxane, phenethyl alcohol, o-phenylphenol/sodium o- phenylphenol, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate,
  • the bactericidal / antimicrobial agent constituent may include one or more of: biguanides such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, p- chlorophenyl biguanide; 4-chlorobenzhydryl biguanide, l,6-bis-(4- chlorobenzylbiguanido)-hexane (Fluorhexidine®), halogenated hexidine including, but not limited to, chlorhexidine (1,1'- hexamethylene-bis-5-(4-chlorophenyl biguanide) (Chlorohexidine®), as well as salts of any of the foregoing, e.g. polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride.
  • biguanides such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, p- chlorophenyl biguanide
  • 4-chlorobenzhydryl biguanide l,6-bis-(4- chlorobenzylbiguanido)-hex
  • the bactericidal / antimicrobial constituent may comprise a peroxygen compound which may be essentially any compound containing a dioxygen (0--0) bond.
  • Dioxygen bonds particularly bivalent 0--0 bonds, are readily cleavable, thereby allowing compounds containing them to act as powerful oxidizers.
  • Non-limiting examples of classes of peroxygen compounds include peracids, peracid salts, and peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide.
  • the peroxygen can be any aliphatic or aromatic peracid (or peroxyacid) that is functional for disinfectant purposes in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. While any functional peroxyacid can be used, peroxyacids containing from 1 to 7 carbons are the most practical for use.
  • peroxyacids can include, but not be limited to, peroxyformic acid, peroxyacetic acid, peroxyoxalic acid, peroxypropanoic acid, perlactic acid, peroxybutanoic acid, peroxypentanoic acid, peroxyhexanoic acid, peroxyadipic acid, peroxycitric, and/or peroxybenzoic acid.
  • Exemplary peracid salts include permanganates, perborates, perchlorates, peracetates, percarbonates, persulphates, and the like.
  • Exemplary peroxide compounds include hydrogen peroxide, metal peroxides and peroxyhyd rates.
  • the metal peroxides that can be used include, but are not limited to, sodium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, and/or strontium peroxide.
  • Other salts for example sodium percarbonate
  • hydrogen peroxide associated therewith are also considered to be a source of hydrogen peroxide, thereby producing hydrogen peroxide in situ.
  • the bactericidal / antimicrobial constituent may comprise one or more polyols in amounts which are effective in imparting a sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to surfaces upon which the compositions are applied.
  • polyols containing from 2 to about 6 hydroxyl groups.
  • Preferred polyols are water soluble.
  • polyols include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol and when present, the polyols should be present in a sufficient concentration such the antimicrobial constituent of which they form at least a part, provides an effective sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to surfaces being treated with the compositions.
  • the one or more polyols comprise up to 100% of the antimicrobial constituent of the present invention.
  • the bactericidal / antimicrobial constituents may also comprise one or more monohydric alcohols, especially Ci-C ⁇ monohydric alcohols and/or Ci-C ⁇ ketones wherein such are present in should be present in a sufficient concentration such the antimicrobial constituent of which they form at least a part, provides an effective sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to surfaces being treated with the compositions.
  • the one or more monohydric alcohols and/or ketones comprise up to 100% of the antimicrobial constituent of the present invention.
  • the one or more alcohols or ketones may also function as an organic solvent.
  • the bactericidal / antimicrobial constituent may comprise a halogenated compound or species.
  • halogenated compound or species such include halogens, and especially I2, as well as iodophors such as povidone-iodine, or any substance comprising iodine and a solubilizing agent that releases free iodine when in solution.
  • I2 as well as iodophors are preferred for use as being relatively safe from a toxicological perspective.
  • the bactericidal / antimicrobial agent constituent may comprise one or more of the foregoing compounds or materials which are described above, which may be present in any effective amount in order to provide a sanitizing or disinfecting benefit to surfaces upon which they have been applied.
  • the antimicrobial agent constituent is preferably present in amounts of from 0.0001%wt. to 40%wt., preferably from 0.001%wt. to 25%wt., more preferably 0.001%wt. to 20%wt., and particularly preferably from 0.001%wt. to 10%wt. based on the total weight of the composition of which they form a part.
  • a thickening agent or gelling agent may be used.
  • Suitable thickeners are polyacrylate polymers such as those sold under the trade mark CARBOPOL, or the trade mark ACUSOL by Rohm and Hass Company.
  • Other suitable thickeners are xanthan gums.
  • the thickener if present, is generally present in an amount of from 0.2 to 4 wt%, especially 0.2 to 2 wt%.
  • One or more additional ingredients may optionally be comprised.
  • These include conventional detergent components such as further surfactants, bleaches, bleach enhancing agents, builders, suds boosters or suds suppressors, anti-tarnish and anti-corrosion agents, organic solvents, co-solvents, phase stabilisers, emulsifying agents, preservatives, soil suspending agents, soil release agents, germicides, anti-microbial / anti-bacterial agents, phosphates such as sodium tripolyphosphate or potassium tripolyphosphate, pH adjusting agents or buffers, non-builder alkalinity sources, chelating agents, clays such as smectite clays, enzyme stabilizers, anti-limescale agents, colourants, dyes, hydrotropes, dye transfer inhibiting agents, brighteners, and perfumes. If used, such optional ingredients will generally constitute no more than 10 wt%, for example from 1 to 6 wt%, the total weight of the cartridge contents.
  • enzyme stabilizers include, for example, polyols such as propylene glycol, boric acid and borax. Combinations of these enzyme stabilizers may also be employed. If utilized, the enzyme stabilizers generally constitute from 0.1 to 1 wt% the total weight of the cartridge contents.
  • Ci-C3 alcohols or diols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and 1,2-propanediol.
  • Ci-C3 alkanolamines such as mono-, di- and triethanolamines and monoisopropanolamine can also be used, by themselves or in combination with the alcohols.
  • the detersive components may be anhydrous, or, for example, contain up to 5 wt% water.
  • the aqueous substances contain more than 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt% or 30 wt% water, but desirably less than 80 wt% water, more desirably less than 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt% or 40 wt% water. They may, for example, contain from 30 to 65 wt% water.
  • pH adjusting agents are NaOH and citric acid.
  • the pH of the cartridge contents / wash liquor may be from, for example, 1 to 13.
  • Figures 1-4 show a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 5-6 show a second embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 7-9 show a third embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 10-11 show a fourth embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 12-11 show a fourth embodiment of the invention
  • the cartridge 1 comprises a bayonet projection 2 and a threaded portion 3.
  • the cartridge receiver 4 comprises a bayonet receiver 5 and a complementary threaded portion 6.
  • the bayonet receiver 5 accepts the bayonet projection 2. Rotation of the cartridge 1 causes engagement of the cartridge and cartridge receiver threaded portions 3 and 6 and completion / engagement of the fluid conduit 7.
  • the cartridge receiver 4 comprises a bayonet receiver 5, which is in the form of a pivot, that associates with the bayonet 2 of the cartridge 1 and the fluid conduit 7.
  • the bayonet receiver 5 accepts the bayonet projection 2. Further movement of the cartridge 1 causes movement of the pivot 5 which brings about engagement of the fluid conduit 7 with a dispensing opening 8 of the cartridge.
  • the arrangement of the bayonet is reversed (concept #9 and #11) : the cartridge 1 comprises a bayonet receiving means 5 and the cartridge receiver 4 comprises a bayonet 2.
  • the bayonet 2 (of the cartridge receiver 4) is threaded and the bayonet receiving means 5 of the cartridge 1 is also threaded.
  • a fluid conduit 7 (which is [initially] distanced from the terminus of the bayonet 2 of the cartridge receiver 4, until sufficient rotation has occurred) is engaged by the dispensing opening 8 of the cartridge 1.
  • the cartridge 1 comprises an electrified / magnetised portion 9.
  • the cartridge receiver comprises a complementary electrified / magnetic portion 10.
  • the electrified / magnetic portion 10 of the cartridge receiver 4 urges itself towards the electrified / magnetised 9 portion of the cartridge .
  • a latch 11 which is associated with the electrified / magnetic portion 10 of the cartridge receiver 4, e.g .
  • the latch 11 is in the form of a sheet / flap disposed at a portion of the cartridge receiver 4 at or about a portion of the fluid conduit 7.
  • the cartridge 1 comprises an electrical component 9.
  • the cartridge receiver 4 comprises a complementary electrical component 10.
  • an electrical circuit is created on insertion of the cartridge 1 into the cartridge receiver 4, as the electrical component portion 9 thereof is brought into proximity with the electrical component of the cartridge receiver 10, an electrical circuit is created. In doing so an activation system for the fluid conduit is brought into an active state.
  • the exterior of the cartridge 1 is modified / convoluted in some way from being a planer shape / a plain geometrical shape, so that on insertion of the cartridge 1 into the cartridge 4 receiver a reader / tracer 12 accesses the degree of insertion.
  • the cartridge is based on cylindrical / tubular shape but wherein the radius so the cylinder / tube varies (in a pre-arranged pattern, e.g. sinusoidal down its length) so as to create a series of ridges/ curves.
  • a mechanical "follower" 12 can read the number of ridges/ curves on the cartridge 1 to ensure the correct amount of insertion.
  • the modification of the cartridge 1 comprises a track.
  • the track may be in the form of an incised channel which associates with a complementary raised portion on the cartridge receiver 4.
  • the cartridge 1 comprises a movement sensor which can recognise that the "correct" insertion pathway has been followed, before allowing activation of the cartridge 1.
  • the locking means comprises a barrel 13 into which a latch 14 penetrates, when in a locking position.
  • the cartridge member 2 is able to push the latch 14 out of penetrative engagement with the barrel 13 such that the fluid conduit 7 is able to move into the barrel 13 sufficiently to engage the cartridge 1.
  • the cartridge member 2 comprises a bayonet and the latch 14 comprises a rod .
  • the end of the rod 14 which is intended to meet the bayonet 2 is preferably angled such that increased movement of the bayonet 2 against the rod 14 causes a movement of the rod 14 away from the bayonet 2.
  • the movement of the bayonet 2 against the rod 14 is in a circular fashion. Alternatively the movement of the bayonet 2 against the rod 14 is in an axial / linear fashion.
  • the movement of the bayonet 2 may be within the barrel 13 of the locking means.
  • the locking means has a pilot pathway which associates with a portion of the bayonet to guide the movement of the bayonet within the barrel.
  • the pilot pathway may be disposed within the barrel or may be adjacent thereto.
  • the pilot pathway may be in the form of an apertured plate which cooperates with the bayonet 2, only permitting the bayonet 2 to pass through when the bayonet 2 is orientated in a certain fashion reactive to the plate.
  • the aperture of the plate and the bayonet 2 may have complementary shapes to achieve this aim.
  • the pilot pathway may be in the form of a channel which cooperates with a button arranged on or adjacent the bayonet.
  • the channel is arranged in a helical manner such that as the container member 2 is pushed into the barrel 13 it is rotated further with a greater degree of penetration.
  • the channel terminates such that at maximum allowed penetration the container member and the latch are fully engaged and the lock mechanism is fully dis-engaged.
  • the latch may be disposed adjacent to the pilot pathway. In a locking position (when the latch engages / abuts against the pivotal operation system) movement of the aerosol canister end of the pivot (up towards the aerosol canister) is prevented.
  • the latch engagement / disengagement motion is preferably rotational.
  • the pivotal operation system may have a shoulder which is designed to cooperate with the latch.
  • the bayonet may be moved linearly to cause dis-engagement of the latch.
  • the bayonet may present a bevelled front surface that engages and then moves the latch (out of engagement) as the cartridge moves into engagement with the cartridge receiver
  • the cartridge comprises a detergent canister.
  • a detergent canister is inserted into the container receiver in a horizontal position with its dispensing opening facing horizontally when in an operating

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  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

On décrit une cartouche (1) de distribution de détergent utilisable avec une machine à laver. La machine à laver est conçue pour nettoyer un substrat souillé, par traitement du substrat humidifié avec une formulation comprenant une multiplicité de particules polymères. La cartouche comprend un récepteur de cartouche (4); un conduit de fluide (7) en communication fluidique avec le récepteur de cartouche (4) et reliant la machine à laver et la cartouche; une cartouche montée dans le récepteur de cartouche (4), qui contient une quantité prédéterminée d'une composition de traitement et comporte une ouverture de distribution (8) en communication fluidique avec le conduit de fluide (7).
PCT/GB2013/050721 2012-04-17 2013-03-20 Cartouche de distribution de détergent pour machine à laver WO2013156750A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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GB1206689.0 2012-04-17
GB1206689.0A GB2501258A (en) 2012-04-17 2012-04-17 A detergent dispensing cartridge unit for use with a washing machine

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WO2013156750A1 true WO2013156750A1 (fr) 2013-10-24

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Cited By (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4036302A1 (fr) * 2021-02-01 2022-08-03 Whirlpool Corporation Ensemble de distribution pour appareil
US11691899B2 (en) 2019-12-23 2023-07-04 Whirlpool Corporation Household appliance with coagulant dosing system

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CA3141803A1 (fr) * 2019-05-30 2020-12-03 Ecolab Usa Inc. Systeme de distribution pour le transfert d'un produit chimique dans un ensemble panier de crepine

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EP0384070A2 (fr) 1988-11-03 1990-08-29 Unilever Plc Zéolite P, son procédé de préparation et son utilisation dans les compositions détergentes
EP0551375A1 (fr) 1990-09-28 1993-07-21 Procter & Gamble Amides de l'acide gras de polyhydroxy dans des detergents comportant un adjuvant a la zeolite ou au silicate stratifie.
EP1731654A1 (fr) * 2005-06-01 2006-12-13 LG Electronics Inc. Distributeur de produit détergent pour machine à laver
WO2007128962A1 (fr) 2006-04-07 2007-11-15 University Of Leeds Nouveau procédé de nettoyage
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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11691899B2 (en) 2019-12-23 2023-07-04 Whirlpool Corporation Household appliance with coagulant dosing system
EP4036302A1 (fr) * 2021-02-01 2022-08-03 Whirlpool Corporation Ensemble de distribution pour appareil

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GB201206689D0 (en) 2012-05-30

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