WO2015185432A1

WO2015185432A1 - Laundry fluid dispensing product

Info

Publication number: WO2015185432A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/061796
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Naylor; Keith Leslie Rutherford; Elizabeth Jane SMITH
Original assignee: Unilever Plc; Unilever N.V.; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2014-06-03
Filing date: 2015-05-28
Publication date: 2015-12-10
Also published as: EP3152353A1; CN106471177B; CN106471177A; BR112016028264B1; ZA201608332B; BR112016028264A2

Abstract

A laundry fluid dispensing product comprising (a) a dispensing device comprising a hollow sponge body comprising a filling and dispensing aperture, said body being bounded by an external surface and an internal surface, said internal surface defining a fluid storage chamber which is in fluid communication with both the external surface of the sponge body and with the filling and dispensing aperture, and (b) a laundry fluid contained in the internal fluid storage chamber such that the laundry fluid can be dispensed by egress (i) from the internal fluid storage chamber via the internal surface and sponge body to deposit on at least a part of, and preferably the whole of the external surface and (ii) via the filling and dispensing aperture.

Description

Laundry Fluid Dispensing Product

The present invention relates to an improved laundry fluid dispensing and product.

Despite the prior art there remains a need for improved laundry fluid dispensing product.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention provides a laundry fluid dispensing product comprising:

(a) a dispensing device comprising a hollow sponge body comprising an open filling and dispensing aperture, said body being bounded by an external surface and an internal surface, said internal surface defining a fluid storage chamber which is in fluid communication with both the external surface of the sponge body and with the filling and dispensing aperture, and:

(b) a laundry fluid contained in the internal fluid storage chamber such that the laundry fluid can be dispensed by egress from the internal fluid storage chamber via the internal surface and sponge body to deposit on at least a part of the external surface and also via the filling and dispensing aperture.

In a second aspect the invention provides a packaged laundry product comprising:

(i) a sponge dispensing device stored in a first package, the sponge dispensing device comprising a hollow sponge body comprising a filling and dispensing aperture, said body being bounded by an external surface and an internal surface, said internal surface defining a fluid storage chamber which is in fluid communication with both the external surface of the sponge body and with the filling and dispensing aperture and

(ii) a laundry fluid stored in a second package, wherein the first package is associated with the second package.

In a third aspect the invention provides a method of dispensing a laundry fluid using the device of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the step of squeezing the device to force the contained laundry liquid to egress the internal storage chamber and deposit on at least a portion of the external surface. Preferably the method further comprises the step of treating by dabbing and/or rubbing the fabric with the external surface (preferably that part on which external surface is deposited).

In a fourth aspect the invention provides a method of dispensing a laundry fluid using the sponge dispensing device of the first aspect, the method comprising step of charging the internal storage chamber with the laundry fluid via the filling/dispensing aperture and placing the device in a washing receptacle to undergo an automatic or manual fabric washing method.

In a further aspect the invention provides use of a dispensing device comprising an open filling and dispensing aperture and a fluid storage chamber which is in fluid communication with the filling and dispensing aperture, to dispense a laundry liquid via said dispensing aperture and external surface on which external surface is deposited a quantity of laundry fluid.

With the arrangement of the invention, a device is provided which can be used to dispense a laundry fluid by egress via the device's external surface or via a filling and dispensing aperture. This allows for a great flexibility in that a sponge device which does not damage fabrics can be used to pre-treat fabrics and also act as a dosing device with a storage chamber. Spot treatment of delicate fabrics can be effected by dabbing or more vigorous cleaning by rubbing. The sponge material further allows progressive dispensing into the wash as it travels through the liquor (either by automatic machine or manual action of agitating the laundry).

The packs may be "associated" in that the first and second packaging are attached (including detachable arrangements) or where first and second packages are integral with each other, or where one package is inside the other (either the first inside the second or vice versa). The packages may be provided separately but one or both of the packages provides instructions to the user to obtain the other package.

Preferably the hollow sponge body comprises a sponge material having an open cell configuration for fluid communication between the internal fluid storage chamber and the external surface of the sponge dispensing device. The sponge may be reticulated.

Preferably the hollow sponge body is compressible. This has a dual function in that it (i) allows for squeezing as required for pressure-induced egress of the laundry fluid from the internal storage chamber to the external surface and (ii) it allows for greater flexibility in packaging. Preferably the hollow sponge body is compressible to a substantially planar configuration. Preferably the hollow sponge body is compressed to a substantially planar configuration. This provides a convenient configuration for travel and storage without impacting the size of any outer packaging. Accordingly, preferably the hollow sponge body is initially (at purchase) compressed to substantially planar configuration inside the first packaging.

Preferably the hollow sponge body is recoverable from the compressed configuration to an expanded operational configuration.

Preferably, the hollow sponge body is recoverable from the compressed configuration to an expanded, operational configuration in which the internal storage chamber and dispensing/filling aperture also expands to an open position such that the laundry fluid can be poured into the internal storage chamber (with the body in the operational configuration.)

Preferably the sponge body is expandable/recoverable via hydration preferably with an aqueous solution such as water, or an aqueous wash liquor (as would be used in the washing process of the invention).

Preferably the fluid storage chamber is in fluid communication with at least a lower part of the external surface of the hollow sponge body.

Preferably the hollow sponge body is elastic. Preferably it is deformable yet maintains substantially its shape, having structural memory.

Preferably the sponge body comprises sponge with porosity in the range 10 - 100 pores per linear inch (ppi), the particular range selected depending on the rheology of the laundry fluid as below:

Preferably the sponge comprises large cells (having an average of 20 pores per inch, ppi, or 1.2 mm per pore,) for synergistic use with laundry gels.

Preferably the sponge comprise medium cells (average 65 ppi, or 0.4 mm per pore, green) for synergistic use with thick/viscous laundry liquids

Preferably the sponge comprise near-microcellular , fine cells (average 100 ppi, 0.25 mm per pore) for thinner laundry liquids. A particularly preferred average pore size is 600mm ±30mm which equates to an average pore size of 42ppi, with a range of 27 to 80 ppi.

Preferably the hollow sponge body comprises polyurethane with density in the range 14 -30 kg/m³ and further preferably it has density in the range 24-26 kg/m³.

Preferably the hollow sponge body has a cylindrical shell or cup-shaped configuration.

Preferably this provides a cylindrical or cup-shaped topology of the external surface and internal surface . Preferably the internal surface defines a cylindrical or cup-shaped fluid storage chamber 1 1 which is in fluid communication with both the external surface 7 and with the filling and dispensing aperture 5. Preferably the base is level to allow stable standing during filling.

Preferably the laundry fluid is a liquid or gel. Preferably the fluid has viscosity between 200 - 1500 cps @ 21 s \ more preferably 350 - 1500 cps @ 21 s ¹.

Preferably the fluid has a high viscosity and the pore size is low such that liquid egresses the body under pressure during manual squeezing in direct application/pre-treatment or during an agitation of laundry in a washing process. In this was the fluid does not egress via the external surface without pressure so that it seeps out and leaks on the supporting surfaces.

Preferably the viscosity is measured at room temperature (21 degrees) using a Brookfield Viscometer.

Preferably the laundry fluid comprises a dose in the range 5 - 100 ml, more preferably 20 - 75 ml.

The product is especially advantageous for pre-treatment / direct application to stained fabrics since a very small amount of product can be used, even as low as 5 ml which can then be used in a an aqueous process.

Advantageously for direct stain removal, the dose may be 5ml - 75 ml. This amount allows sufficient egress onto the external surface via manual compression but maintaining static pressure to a minimum preventing seeping out via external surface primarily around the base of the device under gravity onto work top surfaces or fabrics. The washing process may be hand washing process, or a machine washing process and may be manual or automated. The washing process is preferably at least in part, manual and this may be pre-treatment / direct stain removal. The device is particularly preferably for manual processes since the compressive sponge material provides for an enhanced washing experience sensorially as well as functionally due to progressive dispensing.

Preferably the laundry fluid is a fabric washing fluid or a fabric treatment e.g. conditioning fluid.

Preferably the laundry fluid comprises any of the following components: polyester substantive soil release polymers, hydrotropes, opacifiers, colorants, enzymes including encapsulated enzymes, surfactants such as anionic, nonionic, cationic and or amphoteric surfactants, softeners, polymers for anti redeposition of soil, bleach, bleach activators and bleach catalysts; antioxidants, pH control agents and buffers, thickeners, external structurants for rheology, perfumes, fabric softeners and conditioning agents.

Preferably the laundry fluid is aqueous, i.e. it has water or an aqueous solution or a lyotropic liquid crystalline phase as its major component. Preferably, the composition will comprise from 50 to 98%, preferably from 60 to 90% water by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

The first package may comprise a sachet, pouch etc. The second package may comprise a bottle, sachet or pouch etc.

Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the following figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a hollow sponge body according to various embodiments of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 , a laundry fluid dispensing product 1 is shown. The product 1 comprises a dispensing device 3 in combination with a laundry fluid 15.

The dispensing device 3 comprises a hollow sponge body 3 having a filling and dispensing aperture 5 shown in an open, operational configuration. The hollow sponge body 3 comprises a cylindrical shell or cup-shaped body with a level base 17 and having dimensions (when in open, operational configuration): 78mm outer diameter, 47mm inner diameter, 65mm outer height and 49mm inner height. This cylindrical topology provides a cylindrical external surface 7 and a cylindrical internal surface 9. The internal surface 9 thus defines a cylindrical fluid storage chamber 1 1 which is in fluid communication with both the external surface 7 and with the filling and dispensing aperture 5.

In one embodiment, the sponge dispensing device 3 is advantageously provided in combination with a packaged supply of laundry fluid (not shown) for multiple uses. The sponge dispensing device is purchased stored in a first package (not shown), and a multiple dose laundry fluid is stored in a second package (not shown), the first and second packages being associated. Various embodiments include association by physical attachment (including detachable arrangements). In one embodiment the first and second packages are integral with each other. In another embodiment one package is inside the other (either the first inside the second or vice versa). In further yet embodiments, the packages are provided separately with one or both of the packages provides instructions to the user to obtain the other package and also use the sponge dispensing device with the laundry liquid according to the method described herein.

The hollow sponge body 3 shown in the drawing is initially provided (at point of sale) compressed to a substantially planar configuration (not shown) and stored within a first package. It is recoverable by means of hydration (by the consumer following purchase and unwrapping from first packaging) from the compressed configuration to an expanded operational configuration as shown in the drawing. In this expanded, operational configuration the internal storage chamber 1 1 and dispensing/filling aperture 5 also expands and is thereby ready for use.

The laundry fluid 15 in internal fluid storage chamber 1 1 egresses via the internal surface 7 and sponge body 3 to deposit on at least a part of, and preferably the whole of the external surface 9 and via the filling and dispensing aperture 5. The hollow sponge body 3 comprises a sponge material having an open cell configuration for fluid communication between the internal fluid storage chamber 1 1 and the whole of the external surface 7 of the sponge dispensing device 3.

The hollow sponge body is elastic and deformable yet maintains substantially its shape, having structural memory. The hollow sponge body comprises polyurethane with density 24-26 kg/m³ and average pore size of 600mm ±30mm which equates to average ppi (pores per linear inch) of 42, with a range of 27 to 80 ppi.

In use the device 3 is filled by pouring a dose of laundry liquid 15 from a second package into the open dispensing/filling aperture 5. The contained laundry fluid 15 is then dispensed by egress via the device's external surface 7 or via the filling and dispensing aperture 5. This allows for a great flexibility in that a sponge device which is very simple to fill (simply pour in the laundry liquid 15) and can be used directly to pre-treat fabrics, or directly apply to stains (without a subsequent full/main wash) where if held upright the liquid 15 egresses from the external surface 7 toward the base 17 (under gravity) but also dispenses into a wash liquor in a hand wash or machine wash process. In the latter case, the laundry liquid 15 egresses both from the dispensing/filling aperture 5 but also to the entire external surface 7 this makes a highly advantageous as the laundy fluid 15 egresses as it moves through the liquor and is compressed from manual or automatic agitation to deliver the liquid 15 in all directions. The egress via the external surface 7 is advantageous as it allows progressive dispensing into the wash (either by automatic machine or manual action of agitating the laundry).

For pre-treatment or direct application, the device 3 is filled, squeezed and the laundry fluid 15 egresses from the internal storage chamber to deposit on the external surface. The fabric is then rubbed or dabbed to treat the stain. Once the stain treatment is finished, the device containing the remainder of the laundry liquid and the fabric may be placed into a washing receptacle for further/main washing processes where dispensing from the device 3 continues.

The laundry fluid is a liquid or gel with formulation as described below. Unless stated otherwise, all proportions are given in weight percent of the total composition.

Non-Limiting Examples of Laundry Treatment (washing and conditioning) Compositions According To Embodiments of the Invention as described below.

Exemplary Liquid Fabric Treatment (Conditioner ) Compositions 1 , 2 and 3

^* Soft TEA quat is a cationic softener based on triethanolamine with tallow and 15% IPA as solvent. Compositions 1 and 2: (VT-90 ex Stepan) Composition 3: Soft DEEDMAC (Armosoft DEQ ex Akzo)

^** C16C18 fatty alcohol (Hydrenol D ex Cognis)

Exemplary Liquid Fabric Treatment (Washing) Composition

^*Ci2-Ci5 alkoxylated (9EO) chain group

In this embodiment the liquid has viscosity 400 cps @ 21 s ¹. This level of viscosity together with the selected pore size ensures the liquid does not egress without pressure (either by manual squeezing during pre-treating or direct application to stains or by agitation of laundry fabrics in a washing process) via the external surface too quickly so as to seep out onto surfaces before the device is used. The viscosity is measured at room temperature (21 degrees Celcius) using a Brookfield Viscometer.

In other embodiments the fluid has viscosity between 200 - 2000 cps @ 21 s ¹ , more preferably 350 - 1500 cps @ 21 s-¹.

Claims

1 . A laundry fluid dispensing product comprising:

(a) a dispensing device comprising a hollow sponge body comprising a filling and dispensing aperture, said body being bounded by an external surface and an internal surface, said internal surface defining a fluid storage chamber which is in fluid communication with both the external surface of the sponge body and with the filling and dispensing aperture, and:

(b) a laundry fluid contained in the internal fluid storage chamber such that the laundry fluid can be dispensed by egress (i) from the internal fluid storage chamber via the internal surface and sponge body to deposit on at least a part of, and preferably the whole of the external surface and (ii) via the filling and dispensing aperture, and wherein the hollow sponge body comprises a sponge material having an open cell configuration for fluid communication between the internal fluid storage chamber and the external surface of the sponge dispensing device.

2. A packaged laundry product comprising:

(ii) a laundry fluid stored in a second package , and wherein the hollow sponge body comprises a sponge material having an open cell configuration for fluid communication between the internal fluid storage chamber and the external surface of the sponge dispensing device.

3. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow sponge body is compressed in a substantially planar configuration.

4. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow sponge body is recoverable from the compressed configuration to an expanded operational configuration.

5. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow sponge body is recoverable from the compressed configuration to an expanded, operational configuration in which the internal storage chamber and dispensing/filling aperture also expands.

6. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein the sponge body is expandable/recoverable via hydration.

7. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein the sponge body comprises sponge having porosity 10-100 pores per linear inch.

8. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein the laundry fluid is a liquid or gel.

9. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein fluid has viscosity between 200 - 1500 cps @ 21 s ¹ , more preferably 350 - 1500 cps @ 21 s ¹

10. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein the laundry fluid is a fabric washing fluid or fabric conditioning fluid or stain treatment fluid or any combination thereof.

1 1 . A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein first package is a sachet or pouch and the second package is a bottle or sachet or pouch.

12. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow sponge body comprises a sponge material having an open cell configuration for fluid communication between the internal fluid storage chamber and the external surface of the sponge dispensing device.

13. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein the hollow sponge body is compressed to a substantially planar configuration.

14. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein, the hollow sponge body is recoverable from the compressed configuration to an expanded, operational configuration in which the internal storage chamber and dispensing/filling aperture also expands.

15. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any of claims 13 or 14 wherein the sponge body is expandable/recoverable via hydration.

16. A laundry fluid dispensing product according to any preceding claim wherein the fluid storage chamber is in fluid communication with the whole of the external surface of the hollow sponge body.

17. A method of dispensing a laundry fluid using the sponge dispensing device of any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the step of filling the internal storage chamber with the laundry fluid via the filling aperture and then dispensing the fluid.

18. A method of treating a fabric with a laundry fluid using a device of any of the claims 1 - 16, the method comprising the step of scrubbing or rubbing the fabric with the external surface of the sponge device on which external surface is deposited a quantity of laundry fluid.

19. Use of a hollow sponge body comprising a filling and dispensing aperture and a fluid storage chamber which is in fluid communication with the filling and dispensing aperture, to dispense a laundry liquid via said dispensing aperture and external surface on which external surface is deposited.