WO2020210894A1

WO2020210894A1 - Active composition delivery system

Info

Publication number: WO2020210894A1
Application number: PCT/CA2020/000050
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ala'a AL-FARAJ
Original assignee: Dizolve Group Corp.
Priority date: 2019-04-17
Filing date: 2020-04-16
Publication date: 2020-10-22
Also published as: CA3040581A1

Abstract

An active composition delivery system having a water-soluble substrate, and an active composition disposed uniformly throughout the water soluble substrate. The water- soluble substrate is sized and shaped to form a sheet, and hold an active composition. The substrate dissolves when contacted with a sufficient amount of water, thereby releasing the active composition Into the water. Methods of making and using the active composition delivery system are also disclosed.

Description

Title: ACTIVE COMPOSITION DELIVERY SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTIOW The present invention relates to the fields of fabric care, hard surface cleaners, and personal cleaning products. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for delivering an active composition In the form of a premeasured dose sufficient for one or more cleaning or treatment operations. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cleaning agents, including detergents, are typically provided In liquid or powder forms. However, users find these forms Inconvenient because their use requires an additional step of measuring out a correct dose of the detergent. Apart from the inconvenience of measuring out a correct dose is the material cost associated with the need to provide and store a utensil for measuring out the correct dose, and then load the correct dose, for example, Into a dishwasher, a washing machine, or other like washing apparatus. Associated with this requirement for measuring a dose Is the risk of getting the dose wrong, and either under-dosing (resulting In poor cleaning action), or over-dosing (resulting in wasted detergent, or damage to the item being cleaned). Other problems associated with liquid and powder forms of cleaning agents are that they are messy. They are also not easily transportable In small quantities, which may be desirable when travelling, for example. In light of the above noted problems associated with liquid and powder forms of cleaning agents, many users prefer cleaning agents, such as for example, laundry detergents, that are provided In a form that is simpler to use and less messy than the liquid and powder forms. Attempts have been .disclosed In the prior art to overcome some of the above descrfbed problems associated with liquid and powder cleaning agents. Some of the attempts Included providing a unit dose laundry detergent product, which removed the need to measure out a correct dose of laundry detergent, thereby simplifying for the user the process of loading a washing machine with the correct dose of the laundry detergent.

For example, U .S. Pat. No. 4,356,099 to Davies disclosed fabric treatment products for use In washing machines consisting of a bag formed of water-insoluble, water- impermeable synthetic plastics sheet material containing a fabric treatment composition comprising a liquid fabric treatment composition, such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid detergent composition. The bag has a weak seal that will be opened by the mechanical action of a washing machine, to release its liquid detergent contents. However, a problem with the fabric treatment products disclosed by Davies Is that they are prone to a failure of the weak seal not opening properly In modem day high efficiency (HE) washing machines. This Is because opening of the weak seal in a Davies fabric treatment product relies on the mechanical action of the washing machine, and the more gentle mechanical action of HE washing machines may not be enough to open the bag. Additionally, because the bag Is made of a water-insoluble material, It remains In the washing machine during the entire wash cycle, and can affect the cleaning performance If it clings to certain areas of the clothing being washed. Furthermore, the format of the fabric treatment products taught by Davies does not allow for partial doses that may be better suited for laundry loads which are smaller than full loads.

As another example, U.S. Patent No. 4,188,304 to Clarke discloses a detergent product which comprises a particulate detergent composition contained within a closed water-insoluble bag which has a water-sensitive seal, whereby the contents of the bag are discharged on contact of the bag with water. Clarke's detergent product shares many of the same problems noted above in connection to Davies. However, an additional problem with the Clarke detergent product Is that It Is difficult to ensure that all of the particulate detergent composition is emptied out of the bag and fully dissolved in the water, especially if the detergent product Is used In the detergent dispensing trays on modem HE washing machines. As yet another example, laundry detergent pods have become popular In recent years, In which a single premeasured unit dose of detergent is encapsulated In a water-soluble pouch, typically ranging from 20 to 40 grams In weight. However, a problem associated with such laundry detergent pods Is that they do not dissolve readily because the water-soluble pouch covering the detergent powder must dissolve before the water can access the detergent. Furthermore, the detergent Is provided as a large mass of partially-compressed powder, which presents a smaller overall surface area for the water to act on. For these reasons, such pods typically do not dissolve fully when used In the detergent dispensing trays on modem HE washing machines.

As yet another example, laundry detergent tablets exhibit similar problems as those described above with respect to laundry detergent pods, due to the large concentrated mass of highly-compressed detergent powder. In general detergent dispensing trays on modem HE washing machines provide too short a time for dissolving the above noted laundry detergent pods and laundry detergent tables, and so they fail to yield optimal results when used In this way. For this reason, laundry detergent pods are better suited for being placed directly In the washing machine drum to be dissolved during the wash cycle.

Neither the laundry detergent pod, nor the laundry detergent tablet formats allow for partial doses that may be better suited for laundry loads which are smaller than full loads. As yet another example, U.S. Patent No. 4,863.142 to Win disclosed a high melting temperature meltblown web, such as a polyester meltblown web, which contains a sufficient amount of condensed liquid detergent to wash a load of laundry and does not exhibit an objectionable sticky feel. Similarly, U.S. Patent No.4,938,888 to Kiefer disclosed a cleaning article formed from a detergent composition Impregnated Into a flexible substrate. The detergent composition includes an alkyl polyglycoside and a detergency builder. The substrates employed are water-insoluble and are solid or substantially solid materials, such as foam, foil, sponge, paper, woven or non-woven cloth. A problem shared by both Win and Kiefer Is that they are made with non-dlssolvable substrates, which remain In the washing machine drum after completion of the wash cycle. The non-dlssolvable substrates also tend to ding to clothing being washed, making It more difficult for the embedded detergent to dissolve completely. Additionally, non-dlssolvable substrates are not compatible with detergent dispensing trays on modem HE washing machines, and both of Wln'e webs and Kiefer’s cleaning articles, impregnated with detergent composition sufficient for a full load, would be too large to be used efficiently and reliably In the detergent dispensing trays on modem HE washing machines. Additionally, neither Win's web nor Kiefer¹ s cleaning article allow for partial doses that may be better suited for laundry loads which are smaller than full loads.

As yet another example, U<S. Patent No.9,464,264 to Jalbert disclosed a method and apparatus for making dissolvable laundry detergent sheets, containing laundry detergent, for use In washing machines. The Jalbert laundry detergent sheets dissolve completely In the drum of the washing machine during the wash cycle, thereby releasing their laundry detergent contents to the wash water.

Other prior art attempts Include those disclosed In: U.S. Patent Nos. 1,112,963; 2,665,528; 3,062,030; 3,694,364; 3,904,543; 3,960,2,77; 4,374,035; 4,806,261 ; 5,574,179; 5,780,418; 5,863,887; 6.699.826; 6,756,351 ; 6,831,051 ; 6,818.606: 6,864,196; 6,949,498; 6,995,126; 7,094,744; 7,544,409, and 8,669,219; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002/0077265; 2004/0046272; 2005/0037942; 2008/0014393; 2008/00064618; 2008/0242579; 2009/0291282; 2010/0035789; 2010/0190677; 2011/0028374; 2011/0136719; 2012/0207699; 2014/0024574; and 2002/0169092. other prior art attempts Include those disclosed In: CA 2,695,068; CN 101063066; CN 102492573; EP 2226379; KR 20130124261 ; WO 2004087857; WO 2006134657; and WO 2007034471.

However, there remains a need for improvements In active composition delivery systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What Is desired Is an Improved system and method for delivering an active composition, such as a cleaning or treatment composition, to where It Is needed, that overcomes at least some of the problems In the prior art. For example, what may be desired Is a system and method for delivering an active composition In the form of a premeasured unit dose sufficient for a single cleaning or treatment operation. As another example, what may be desired Is a system and method for delivering an active composition with a useful actives content. As yet another example, what may be desired is a system and method for delivering an active composition In the form of a sheet that Is easy to handle and store when dry, yet which dissolves completely when contacted by water, to deliver the active composition, without leaving behind any substrate or noticeable residue.

Therefore, In accordance with one aspect of the present Invention, there Is disclosed an active composition delivery system having a water-soluble substrate, and an active composition disposed uniformly throughout the water soluble substrate. The water- soluble substrate is sized and shaped to form a sheet, and hold a premeasured amount of an active composition. The substrate dissolves when contacted with a sufficient amount of water, thereby releesing the active composition Into the water. Methods of making and using the active composition delivery system are also disclosed. Preferably, the water-soluble substrate Is made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The active composition may also be water-soluble, In which case the active composition delivery system will be completely dissolvable in water. However, according to other embodiments of the present Invention, the active composition may be water insoluble, in which case, the active composition delivery system will not be completely dissolvable In water, although only the active composition will remain, tor example as a fabric treatment of encapsulated fragrance coating or Impregnating portions of the treated fabric.

The active composition delivery system of the present invention comprehends many uses and applications, depending on the formulations of the active composition, and substrate containing the active composition, comprised by the cleaning composition delivery system.

For example, embodiments of the present Invention may Include active composition delivery systems, wherein the active composition is a cleaning composition, configured for cleaning laundry, body parts (l.e. personal care products), for cleaning dishes and utensils, and for cleaning hard surfaces.

As another example, embodiments of the present Invention may include active composition delivery systems, wherein the active composition is a treatment composition, configured for treating fabric to provide, for example, scent properties (l.e. scent enhancement) to the fabric, soften the fabric, provide anti-microbial properties to the fabric, provide anti-bacterial properties to the fabric, provide antifungal properties to the fabric, provide Insect repellent properties to the fabric, and combinations thereof. Therefore, the active composition delivery system may be a laundry detergent sheet, wherein the active composition Is a laundry detergent; hand soap sheet, wherein the active composition Is a hand soap; a fabric softener sheet, wherein the active composition Is a fabric softener; a fragrance enhancement sheet, wherein the active composition Is a fragrance, induding an encapsulated fragrance configured for slow or delayed release of the fragrance; a dish soap sheet, wherein the active composition Is a dish soap; a surface cleaner sheet, wherein the active composition Is a surface cleaner; a shampoo and/or conditioner sheet, wherein the active composition Is a shampoo and/or conditioner; a body wash sheet, wherein the active composition is a body wash; an anti-microbial sheet, wherein the active composition is an anti-microbial; an anti-bacterial sheet, wherein the active composition Is an antibacterial; an anti-fungal sheet, wherein the active composition is an anti-fungal; an Insect repellant sheet, wherein the active composition is an Insect repellent; and the like.

Furthermore, the active composition delivery system of the present invention Is not limited to a particular manner of use or application, but comprehends many manners of uses and applications. For example, the active composition delivery system may be configured to enable the user to prepare a volume of a cleaning or treating solution for current use or for later use. For example, the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system in a pall of water and use the solution In the pail together with a mop to dean the floor. As another example, the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system In a kitchen sink filled with a volume of water and use the solution to wash dishes. As yet another example, the user may hold an active composition delivery system In his hands under running water to deanse his hands, and/or other body parts. As yet another example, the user may hold an active composition delivery system In her hands or on her head In the shower to shampoo or condition her hair. As yet another example, the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system In a spray bottle filled with a volume of water and use the solution to clean hard surfaces. As yet another example, the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system In a disposable or reusable storage bottle filled with a volume of water and later dispense the solution, on an as needed basis, to use as a liquid fabric softener, a liquid dish detergent, a liquid laundry detergent, or the like.

Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present Invention, there is disclosed an active composition delivery system comprising:

a water-soluble substrate; and

an active composition disposed uniformly throughout said water soluble substrate;

wherein said water-soluble substrate Is sized and shaped In the form a sheet; and

wherein said water-soluble substrate releases said active composition when said water-soluble substrate dissolves after being contacted with a sufficient amount of water.

According to another aspect of the present Invention, Ihere Is disclosed a use of said active composition delivery system mentioned above, as a personal care product, a laundry detergent, a fabric softener, a dish soap, a dishwasher detergent, or a hard surface cleaner.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there are disclosed a method of preparing a cleaning or treating solution, said method comprising the steps of:

contacting said active composition delivery system as mentioned above with a volume of water; and

allowing said water-soluble substrate of said active composition delivery system to dissolve in said volume of water to release said active composition Into said volume of water. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there are disclosed a method of mopping a floor, said method comprising the steps of:

contacting said active composition delivery system as mentioned above with a volume of water;

allowing said water-soluble substrate of said active composition delivery system to dissolve in said volume of water to release said active composition Into said volume of water; and

soaking a mop In said volume of water containing said active composition In said container.

According to yet another aspect of the present Invention, there are disclosed a method of washing dishes, drinking vessels, or eating utensils, said method comprising the steps of:

contacting said active composition delivery system as mentioned above with said volume of walen

soaking said dishes, drinking vessels, creating utensils In said volume of water containing said active composition.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there are disclosed a method of cleaning body parts, said method comprising the steps of:

holding said active composition delivery system mentioned above in a hand; contacting said hand with water;

allowing said water-soluble substrate of said active composition delivery system to at least partially dissolve in said water to release at least some of said active composition Into said water on hand; and

rubbing said hand covered with said water containing said active composition against said body parts. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there are disclosed a method of shampooing or conditioning hair, said method comprising the steps of: holding said active composition delivery system mentioned above in a hand; contacting said hand with water;

allowing said water-soluble substrate of said active composition delivery system to at least partially dissolve In said water to release at least some of said active composition into said water on said hand; and

rubbing said hand covered with said water containing said active composition

Into said hair.

Accordlng to yet another aspect of the present Invention, there are disclosed a method of cleaning a hard surface, said method comprising the steps of:

contacting said active composition delivery system mentioned above with said volume of water;

using said spray bottle to spray said volume of water containing said active composition on said hard surface.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there are disclosed method of refilling a common good container, said method comprising the steps of:

contacting said active composition delivery system mentioned above with said volume of water; and

allowing said water-soluble substrate of said active composition delivery system to dissolve In said volume of water to release said active composition Into said volume of water.

According to another aspect of the present Invention, there Is disclosed a method of making an active composition delivery system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the preferred embodiments of the present Invention with reference, by way of example only, to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of an active composition delivery system In the form of a hand soap sheet, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 Is a top view of an active composition delivery system in the form of a fabric softener sheet, according to another embodiment of the present Invention;

Figure 3 is a top view of an active composition delivery system that is easily severable into smaller portions, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 4 Is a top view of another active composition delivery system that Is easily severable into smaller portions, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present Invention is described In more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof as shown In the appended drawings. While the present Invention is described below Including preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention Is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill In the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional Implementations, modifications, and embodiments which are within the scope of the present Invention as disclosed and claimed herein.

An active composition delivery system 10 according to an embodiment of the present Invention Is shown In Figure 1. Preferably, the active composition delivery system 10 has a water-soluble substrate 12, and an active composition 14 disposed uniformly throughout the water soluble substrate 12. The water-soluble substrate 12 is preferably sized and shaped to form a sheet, and hold a premeasured amount of the active composition 14. The water-soluble substrate 12 Is configured to dissolve when contacted with a sufficient amount of water, thereby releasing the active composition 14 into the water. According to the example shown in Figure 1 , the active composition delivery system 10 may be sized and shaped to form a square sheet, which is for example 1 inch long by 1 inch wide and which Is for example 0.7 mm thick. It will of course be appreciated that other dimensions may be suitable depending on the application, or the amount of active composition 14 required or desired to be stored In and delivered by the active composition delivery system 10. Accordingly, It Is contemplated that the active composition delivery system 10 may be shaped as a rectangle, or any other polygon, Including triangle, trapezoid, diamond, rhombus, parallelogram, and the like, as well as arcuate shapes, such as circles, ovals and the like, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the dimensions of the length and width may be larger or smaller than 1 Inch, and the thickness may be larger or smaller than 0.7 mm. As another example, Figure 2 shows the active composition delivery system 10 In a larger rectangular form which is five inches long and two Inches wide and 0.7 mm thick. Preferably, the length or width of the active composition delivery system 10 may be between 1 Inch and 12 Inches, and the thickness may be between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. All such embodiments are comprehended by the present Invention .

The active composition 14 may also be water-soluble, in which case the active composition delivery system 10 will be completely dissolvable In water, however, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the active composition 14 may be water Insoluble, in which case, the active composition delivery system 10 will not be completely dissolvable In water, although only the active composition 14 will remain, for example as a fabric treatment of encapsulated fragrance coating or impregnating portions of the treated fabric. Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the active composition delivery system 10 may preferably be configured to allow the user to easily select a combination of premeasured unit doses for a particular application. Most preferably, the active composition delivery system 10 may be provided with a frangible member, or line of weakness 16, to make It easier for the user to separate and remove one or more smaller portions 18 from the active composition delivery system 10, so they may be used. Preferably, the frangible member/line of weakness 16 may be In the form of a line of perforations, cuts, partial cuts, or thinner material.

By way of example, the active composition delivery system 10 shown In Figure 3 Is In the shape of a strip containing five smaller portions 18, that may be separated along the lines of weakness 18 by a user. It will be appreciated that the active composition delivery system 10 may contain more or fewer such portions 18. Furthermore, It is contemplated that the active composition delivery system 10 may contain many such portions 18 rolled up to allow for easier dispensing. In this example, the portions 18 have the same dimensions. For example, the portions 18 may each be good for a partial application, such as for example applying a fabric softener treatment to a quarter load of laundry. Accordingly, a user would be able to sever between one and four portions 18 from the roll depending on whether the size of the load of laundry that needed treatment represented a quarter load, a half load, a three-quarter load, or a full load.

By way of example, the active composition delivery system 10 shown in Figure 4 Is In the shape of a rectangle and contains eight portions 18, that may be separated along the lines of weakness 16 by a user. It will be appreciated that the active composition delivery system 10 may contain more or fewer such portions 18. The active composition delivery system 10 shown Includes a small portion 20, and large portions 22, that may be used individually, or In combination. For example, two small portions 20 may be good for one application, such as for example applying a fabric softener treatment to a half load of laundry. Similarly, one large portion 22 may be good for treating a half load of laundry. Similarly, two large portions 22, or four small portions 20, or two small portions 20 combined with one large portion 22 may be good for a treating a full load of laundry. And so on.

Having described an embodiment of the active composition delivery system 10 of the present Invention, method for making the same are described next In Examples 1 and

2.

Example 1 describes a method of making a water-soluble sheet for use as a hand soap, according to an embodiment of the present Invention.

Preferably, the water-soluble hand soap sheet may contain the following compounds:

• about 22 weight% to about 30.5 weight%, of a biodegradable supporting matrix, such as PVA, preferably a combination of PVA B-05 and PVA B-17;

• about 0.1 welght% to about 0.11 welght%, of a food-grade preservative, such as potassium sorbate;

• about 12 welght% to about 13.5 weight%, of a food-grade surfactant, such as alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS);

• about 5.5 welght% to about 10 weight%, of an active composition, such as a cleaning composition (l.e. a soap mixture) comprising one or more of lauramine oxide, cocamldopropyl betaine / betaine monohydrate, cetrimonium chloride / tetra alkyl ammonium chloride;

• about 14.5 weight% to about 15.5 welght%, of a texture improver, such as glycerin:

• optionally about 0.1 weighty» to about 2.5 weight%, of a fragrance to provide scent enhancement;

• about 34 welght% to about 36.5 welght%, of a plant-derived biodegradability booster, such as starch; and

• about 0.5 weighty» to about 0.65 weight%, of a texture Improver, such as mineral oil; and

• about 7.8 weighty» to about 8.2 weight⁰/», of water to provide a water content of 8 percent.

Example 2 describes a method of making a water-soluble sheet for use as a fabric softener, according to another embodiment of the present Invention.

Preferably, the water-soluble fabric softener sheet may contain the following compounds:

about 21 welght% to about 22.5 weighty», of a biodegradable supporting matrix, such as PV A, preferably a combination of PVA B-05 and PVA B-17; about 0.1 weight% to about 0.1 1 weighty, of a food-grade preservative, such as potassium sorbate;

about 11 weight% to about 12.5 weighty», of a food-grade surfactant, such as alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS);

about 6 welght% to about 6.5 weight%, of an active composition, such as a fabric treatment composition (i.e. a fabric softener mixture) comprising Stepantex® SP-90;

about 13 weight% to about 14 weight%, of a texture Improver, such as glycerin;

optionally about 1.5 weighty» to about 5.5 weighty», of a fragrance to provide scent enhancement;

about 32 weighty» to about 36 weighty», of a plant-derived biodegradability booster, such as starch; and

about 0.6 weighty» to about 0.65 weight⁰/», of a texture improver, such as mineral oil; and

about 7 weight% to about 8 weighty», of water to provide a water content of 7.41 percent.

Example 1 - Water-Soluble Sheet For Use As A Hand Soap The following describes steps for making an active composition delivery system for dellverlng a cleaning active In the form of a water-soluble sheet that a user can use to wash her hands. Good results have been obtained with this method for making 1 inch by 1 1nch square sheets, which could be placed on user's wet hands and rubbed to form a soapy lather, before being rinsed off the user's hands under dean running water, and dried with a dean towel or a hand dryer.

A first concentrated stock solution containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is made by mixing the following ingredients in the Indicated amounts:

A second concentrated stock solution containing an active composition comprising a cleaning active is made by mixing the following ingredients In the Indicated amounts:

16

A final mixture Is made by mixing the following ingredients In the indicated amounts, which is enough to make five hundred 1 inch x 1 Inch water-soluble hand soap sheets:

When preparing the final mixture, the first concentrated stock solution is preferably mixed first with the starch powder for 1 minute. Then the second concentrated stock solution is added to the mixture, followed by the remaining ingredients. The mixture Is mixed for 29 minutes. Preferably the final mixture will have a viscosity 75,500 cp at 20°C. Next the final mixture may be applied to a surface, dried Into a sheet, and cut to produce 1 inch x 1 1nch square sheets, having an average thickness of 0.7 mm and an average weight of 0.245 grams, which represent one dose of hand soap. In this regard, an apparatus such as the apparatus for making a laundry detergent sheet disclosed in U.S. 9,464,264 may be used to dry the final mixture In the form of a sheet, and cut it to size the desired dimensions.

Each 1 Inch x 1 inch square water-soluble hand soap sheet produced according to this example ended up having the following substances, in substantially the following amounts:

Example 2 - Water-Soluble Sheet For Use As Fabric Softener The following describes steps for making an active composition delivery system for delivering a treating active in the form of a water-soluble sheet that a user can use as a fabric softener. Good results have been obtained with this method for making 2 inch by 5 Inch rectangular sheets, which could be placed in the fabric softener dispensing tray on modem HE washing machines, or directly in the drum of an older model washing machine, during the rinse cycle.

A second concentrated stock solution containing an active composition comprising a fabric softener is made by mixing the following Ingredients in the indicated amounts:

A final mixture is made by mixing the following Ingredients In the Indicated amounts, which Is enough to make fifty 2 inch x 5 Inch water-soluble fabric softener sheets:

Whan preparing the final mixture, the first concentrated stock solution is preferably mixed first with the starch powder for 1 minute. Then the second concentrated stock solution is added to the mixture, followed by the remaining Ingredients. The mixture Is mixed for 34 minutes. Preferably the final mixture will have a viscosity 55,000 cp at 20’C.

Next the final mixture may be applied to a surface, dried Into a sheet, and cut to produce fifty 2 Inch x 6 Inch rectangular sheets, having an average thickness of 0.7 mm and an avorago wolght of 2.46 grams, whloh represents one dose of fabric softener. In this regard, an apparatus such as the apparatus for making a laundry detergent sheet disclosed in U.S. 9,464,264 may be used to dry the final mixture In the form of a sheet, and cut It to size. Each 2 inch x 5 inch square water-soluble fabric softener sheet produced according to this example ended up having the following substances, in substantially the following amounts:

Although embodiments of the active composition delivery system of the present invention include water-soluble hand soap sheets, and water soluble fabric softener sheets, as mentioned above, the Invention Is not limited thereto, but comprehends other applications, depending on the formulations of the active composition, and the water-soluble substance comprised by the cleaning composition delivery system.

For example, other embodiments of the present invention may include active composition delivery systems, wherein the active composition is a cleaning composition, configured for cleaning laundry, cleaning body parts (l.e. personal care products), for cleaning dishes, drinking vessels, and eating utensils, and for cleaning hard surfaces. As another example, other embodiments of the present invention may Include active composltlon delivery systems, wherein the active composition is a treatment composition, configured for treating fabric to provide, for example, scent properties (i.e. scent enhancement), fabric softening properties, anti-microbial properties, antibacterial properties, anti-fungal properties, Insect repellent properties, scent properties, and combinations thereof.

Therefore, the active composition delivery system may be a laundry detergent sheet, wherein the active composition is a laundry detergent; hand soap sheet, wherein the active composition is a hand soap; a fabric softener sheet, wherein the active composition is a fabric softener; a fragrance enhancement sheet, wherein the active . composition is a fragrance, including an encapsulated fragrance configured for slow or delayed release of the fragrance; a dish soap sheet, wherein the active composition Is a dish soap; a stain remover sheet, wherein the active composition Is a stain remover; a surface cleaner sheet, wherein the active composition Is a surface cleaner; a shampoo and/or conditioner sheet, wherein the active composition Is a shampoo and/or conditioner; a body wash sheet, wherein the active composition Is a body wash; an anti-microbial sheet, wherein the active composition Is an antimicrobial; a makeup remover sheet, wherein the active composition Is a makeup remover; an anti-bacterial sheet, wherein the active composition Is an anti-bacterial; an anti-fungal sheet, wherein the active composition Is an anti-fongal; an insect repellent sheet, wherein the active composition Is an Insect repellent; and the like.

Furthermore, the active composition delivery system 10 of the present invention is not limited to a particular-manner of use or application, but comprehends many manners of uses and applications. For example, the active composition delivery system 10 may be configured to enable the user to prepare a volume of a cleaning or treating solution for current use or for later use. For example, the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system 10 In a pail of water and use the solution In the pail together with a mop to clean the floor. As another example, the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system 10 In a kitchen sink filled with a volume of water and use the solution to wash dishes. As yet another example, the user may hold an active composition delivery system 10 In his hands under running water to cleanse his hands, and/or other body parts, such as skin, arms, legs, face, head, hair, and the like. As yet another example, the user may hold an active composition delivery system 10 in her hands or on her head in the shower to shampoo or condition her hair. As yet another example, the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system 10 in a spray bottle filled with a volume of water and use solution to clean hand surfaces, such as mirrors, windows, counter tops, and the like. As yet another example, the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system 10 in a disposable or reusable storage bottle filled with a volume of water and later dispense the solution, on an as needed basis, to use as a liquid fabric softener, a liquid dish detergent, a liquid laundry detergent, or the like.

Preferably, the active composition delivery system 10 may be provided with instructions for use. For example, the Instructions may relate to use of the active composition delivery system 10, as a personal care product (l.e. a hand soap, a body soap, a shampoo, a conditioner, a makeup remover, etc.), a laundry detergent, a fabric softener, a dish soap, a dishwasher detergent, or a hard surface cleaner, as the case may be.

Having described above several embodiments of the active composition delivery system 10 of the present Invention, the following provides In more detail a few nonlimiting examples of methods of using the active composition delivery system 10. For example, a method of preparing a cleaning or treating solution may preferably involve a user placing the active composition delivery system 10, or a portion 18 thereof (i.e. a small portion 20, a large portion 22, or combinations thereof), into a volume of water. Preferably, the user may fill a container, such as for example, a pail, a sink, or a tub, with the volume of water first, prior to placing the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, into the volume of water. Alternately, the user may place the portion 18 Into the container first, followed by filling the container with the volume of water. The user may then allow the water-soluble substrate 12 of the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, to dissolve In the volume of water thereby releasing the active composition 14 into the volume of water. Preferably, the active composition 14 may comprise a cleaning or treating active, as the case may be. The user may then use the resulting cleaning or treating solution to clean or treat things In a known manner. Alternately, the user may store the cleaning or treating solution for later use In the same container In which it was prepared. Alternately still, the user may transfer the cleaning or treating solution to a new container for storage and later use.

As another example, a method of mopping a floor may preferably involve a user filling a container with a volume of water, and placing the active composition delivery system 10, or a portion 18 thereof (i.e. a small portion 20, a large portion 22, or combinations thereof), Into the volume of water In the container. Alternately, the user may place the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, Into the container first followed by filling the container with the volume of water. The user may then allow the water-soluble substrate 12 of the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, to dissolve in the volume of water to release the active composition 14 Into the volume of water. Preferably, the active composition 14 may comprise a floor cleaner active. The user may then soak a mop in the volume of water containing the active composition 14 in the container.

As yet another example, a method of washing dishes, drinking vessels, or eating utensils may preferably Involve a user filling a container with a volume of water, and placing the active composition delivery system 10, or a portion 18 thereof (i.e. a small portion 20, a large portion 22, or combinations thereof), into the volume of water in the container, Alternately, the user may place the portion 18 into the container first, followed by filling the container with the volume of water. The user may then allow the water-soluble substrate 12 of the active composition delivery system 10, orportion 1 B thereof, to dissolve in the volume of water to release the active composition 14 Into the volume of water. Preferably, the active composition 14 may comprise a dish washer detergent active. The user may then soak the dishes, drinking vessels, or eating utensils In the volume of water containing the active composition In the container.

As yet another example, a method of cleaning body parts (l.e. hands, skin, arms, legs, face, head, hair, and the like) may preferably Involve a user holding the active composition delivery system 10, or a portion 18 thereof (l.e. a small portion 20, a large portion 22, or combinations thereof), In his or her hands, and placing his or her hands In water, whether running water under a faucet, or standing water In a container. The user may then allow the water-soluble substrate 12 of the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, to at least partially dissolve In the water to release at least some of the active composition 14 into the water on the user's hands. Preferably, the active composition 14 may comprise a body wash active. The user may then rub his or her hands, now covered with the water containing the active composition 14 against his or her body parts.

As yet another example, a method of shampooing or conditioning hair may preferably Involve a user holding the active composition delivery system 10, or a portion 18 thereof (l.e. a small portion 20, a large portion 22, or combinations thereof), In his or her hands, and placing his or her hands In water, whether running water under a faucet, shower head, or standing water In a container. The user may then allow the water-soluble substrate 12 of the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, to at least partially dissolve In the water to release at least some of the active composition 14 Into the water on the user's hands. Preferably, the active composition 14 may comprise a hair shampoo active and/or a hair conditioner active. The user may then rub his or her hands, now covered with the water containing the active composition 14, into his or her hair. As yet another example, a method of cleaning a hard surface (i.e. a mirror, a window, a counter top, etc.) may involve a user filling a spray bottle with a volume of water, and placing the active composition delivery system 10, or a portion 18 thereof (I.e. a small portion 20, a large portion 22, or combinations thereof), Into the volume of water In the spray bottle. Alternately, the user may place the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, Into the spray bottle first, followed by filling the spray bottle with the volume of water. The user may then allow the water-soluble substrate 12 of the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, to dissolve In the volume of water to release the active composition 14 Into the volume of water, Preferably, the active composition 14 may comprise a hard surface cleaner active. The user may then use the spray bottle to spray the resulting volume of water containing the active composition 14 on to the hard surface. Alternately, the user may first dissolve the active composition delivery system 10, or portion thereof, in water outside of the spray bottle and then fill the spray bottle with the water containing the active composition 14. In this regard, the user may place the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, into a volume of water held In a container, or place the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, into the container and fill the container with the volume of water. The user may then transfer the water containing the active composition 14 from the container Into the spray bottle. All such embodiments are comprehended by the present invention.

As yet another example, a method of refilling a common good container may preferably Involve filling the common good container with a volume of water, and placing the active composition delivery system 10, or a portion 18 thereof (i.e. a small portion 20, a large portion 22, or combinations thereof), Into the volume of water In the common good container. Alternately, the user may place the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, into the empty common good container first, followed by filling the common good container with the volume of water. The user may then allow the water-soluble substrate 12 of the active composition delivery system 10, or a portion 18 thereof, to dissolve In the volume of water to release the active composition 14 Into the volume of water. Alternately, the user may first dissolve the active composition delivery system 10, or portion thereof, In water outside of the common good container and then fill the empty common good container with the water containing the active composition 14. In this regard, the user may place the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, Into a volume of water held In a container, or place the active composition delivery system 10, or portion 18 thereof, Into the container and fill the container with the volume of water. The user may then transfer the water containing the active composition 14 from the container into the empty common good container. All such embodiments are comprehended by the present invention.

Non-limiting examples of common good containers Include liquid fabric softener bottles, liquid dish detergent bottles, liquid laundry detergent bottles, liquid dish soap bottles, shampoo bottles, conditioner bottles, floor cleaner bottles, and hand wash bottles.

While reference has been made to various preferred embodiments of the Invention other variations, Implementations, modifications, alterations and embodiments are comprehended by the broad scope of the appended claims. Some of these have been discussed In detail In this specification and others will be apparent to those skilled In the art. Those of ordinary skill In the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize these additional variations, implementations, modifications, alterations and embodiments, all of which are within the scope of the present Invention, which Invention Is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTYOR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. An active composition delivery system comprising:

a water-soluble substrate; and

2. The active composition delivery system of claim 1 , wherein said water-soluble substrate has a polygonal shape or an arcuate shape.

3. The active composition delivery system of claim 2, wherein said polygonal shape is a triangle, a trapezoid, a diamond, a rhombus, a parallelogram, or a combination thereof; and

wherein said arcuate shape Is a circle, an oval, or a combination thereof.

4. The active composition delivery system of claim 2, wherein said length orwidth of said sheet of said water-soluble substrate is from about 1 1nch to about 12 inches, Inclusive.

5. The active composition delivery system of claim 2, wherein said sheet of said water-soluble substrate Is from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm thick, inclusive.

6. The active composition delivery system of claim 2, wherein said sheet of said water-soluble substrate Is: a) from about 1 1nch to 5 Inches long, inclusive;

b) from about 1 inch and 2 Inches wide, inclusive; and

c) about 0.7 mm thick.

7. The active composition delivery system of claim 1 , wherein said sheet of said water-soluble substrate is shaped as a strip and rolled into a roll.

8. The active composition delivery system of claim 1. wherein said active composition Is water-soluble; and

wherein said active composition delivery system Is substantially completely dissolvable in said sufficient amount of water.

9. The active composition delivery system of claim 1 , wherein said active composition Is water Insoluble: and

wherein said active composition delivery system is not completely dissolvable In said sufficient amount of water.

10. The active composition delivery system of claim 9, wherein said active composition comprises an encapsulated fragrance.

11. The active composition delivery system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more lines of weakness In said water-soluble substrate to allow a user to separate said sheet of said water-soluble substrate into two or more portions.

12. The active composition delivery system of claim 11 , wherein each of said portions comprise an amount of said active composition sufficient for one of a lull application or treatment, and a partial application or treatment.

13. The active composition delivery system of claim 12, wherein said partial application or treatment comprises a quarter of said full application or treatment, a half of said full application or treatment, or a three-quarters of said full application or treatment.

14. The active composition delivery system of claim 11 , wherein each of said one or more lines of weakness is a line of perforations, a line of cuts, a line of partial cuts, a line of thinner water-soluble substrate, or a combination thereof.

15. The active composition delivery system of claim 11 , wherein said sheet of said water-soluble substrate comprises a plurality of said portions arranged one after the next in the shape of a strip.

16. The active composition delivery system of claim 15, wherein said strip is rolled up in a roll.

17. The active composition delivery system of claim 11 , wherein said sheet of said water-soluble substrate comprises a plurality of said portions arranged as a rectangle or a square.

18. The active composition delivery system of claim 17, wherein all of said portions comprise an amount of said active composition sufficient for one of a full application or treatment, and a partial application or treatment,

19. The active composition delivery system of claim 1 B, wherein said partial application or treatment comprises a quarter of said full application or treatment, a half of said full application or treatment, or a three-quarters of said full application or treatment.

20. The active composition delivery system of claim 17, wherein some of said portions comprise an amount of said active composition sufficient for one of a full application or treatment, and a partial application or treatment, and the rest of said portions comprise an amount of said active composition sufficient for the other of said full application or treatment, and said partial application or treatment.

21. The active composition delivery system of claim 20, wherein said partial application or treatment comprises a quarter of said full application or treatment, a half of said full application or treatment, or a three-quarters of said full application or treatment.

22. The active composition delivery system of claim 1 , wherein said water-soluble substrate comprises from about 22 weight% to about 30.5 weight%, inclusive, of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

23. The active composition delivery system of claim 22, wherein said PVA comprises PVA B-05, PVA B-17, or a combination thereof.

24. The active composition delivery system of claim 22, wherein said active composition comprises from about 5.5 weight% to about 10 wetght%, inclusive, of lauramlne oxide, cocamldopropyl betaine / betaine monohydrate, cetrimonium chloride / tetra alkyl ammonium chloride, or a combination thereof.

25. The active composition delivery system of claim 24, further comprising: a) from about 0.1 weigh % to about 0.11 weight%, Inclusive, of a preservative;

b) from about 12 weight% to about 13.5 weight%, Inclusive, of a surfactant;

c) from about 14.5 welght% to about 15.5 weight%, Inclusive, ot glycerin; d) from about 34 weight% to about 36.5 welght%, Inclusive, of starch; and e) from about 0.5 welght% to about 0.65 welght%, Inclusive, of mineral oil.

26. The active composition delivery system of claim 25, wherein said preservative is potassium sorbate.

27. The active composition delivery system of daim 25, wherein said surfactant is alpha olefin sulfonate.

28. The active composition delivery system of claim 25, further comprising from about 0.1 weight% to about 2.5 welght%, Inclusive, of a fragrance.

29. The active composition delivery system of claim 1. wherein said water-soluble substrate comprises from about 21 weight% to about 22.5 weight%, inclusive, of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).

30. The active composition delivery system of claim 29, wherein said active composition comprises from about 6 welght% to about 6.5 weight%, inclusive, of Stepantex® SP-90.

31. The active composition delivery system of claim 30, further comprising: a) from about 0.1 weight% to about 0.11 weight%, Inclusive, of a preservative;

b) from about 11 weight% to about 12.5 welght%, Indusive, of a surfactant;

c) from about 13 weight% to about 14 weighty», inclusive, of glycerin; d) from about 32 welght% to about 36 welght%, inclusive, of starch; and e) from about 0.6 welght% to about 0.65 weights, Indusive, of mineral oil.

32. The active composition delivery system of claim 31 , further comprising from about 1.5 weight% to about 5.5 weight%, inclusive, of a fragrance.

33. The active composition delivery system of daim 1 , wherein said active composition comprises a cleaning composition or a treatment composition.

34. The active composition delivery system of claim 33, wherein said cleaning composition Is formulated for cleaning laundry, human or animal body parts, dishes, drinking vessels, eating utensils, hard surfaces, or combinations thereof.

35. The active composition delivery system of claim 33, wherein said treatment composition Is formulated for treating fabric to provide scent properties, fabric softening properties, anti-microbial properties, anti-bacterial properties, anti-fungal properties, insect repellent properties, scent properties, or combinations thereof.

36. The active composition delivery system of claim 1, configured as a laundry detergent sheet, a hand soap sheet, a fabric softener sheet a fragrance enhancement sheet, a dish soap sheet, a stain remover sheet, a surface cleaner sheet a shampoo and/or conditioner sheet, a body wash sheet, an antl-mlcrobial sheet, a makeup remover sheet an anti-bacterial sheet, an anti-fungal sheet, an insect repellant sheet, or combinations thereof.

37. The active composition delivery system of claim 36, further comprising instructions for use.

38. A use of said active composition delivery system of claim 1 , as a personal care product a laundry detergent a fabric softener, a dish soap, a dishwasher detergent, or a hard surface cleaner.

39. The use according to claim 38, wherein said personal care product Is a hand5 soap, a body soap, a shampoo, a conditioner, or a makeup remover.

40. A method of preparing a cleaning or treating solution, said method comprising the steps of:

contacting said active composition delivery system of claim 1 with a volume of0 water; and allowing said water-soluble substrate of said active composition delivery system to dissolve In said volume of water to release said active composition Into said volume of water.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of:

filling a container, a pall, a sink, or a tub, with said volume of water, prior to said contacting step.

42. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of:

storing said cleaning or treating solution for later use.

43. A method of mopping a floor, said method comprising the steps of:

contacting said active composition delivery system of claim 1 with a volume of water;

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising the step of:

45. A method of washing dishes, drinking vessels, or eating utensils, said method comprising the steps of:

contacting said active composition delivery system of claim 1 with said volume of water;

soaking said dishes, drinking vessels, or eating utensils in said volume of water containing said active composition.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of:

filling a container, a pail, a sink, or a tub, with said volume of water, prior to said contacting step.

47. A method of cleaning body parts, said method comprising the steps of: holding said active composition delivery system of claim 1 1n a hand;

contacting said hand with water,

rubbing said hand covered with said water containing said active composition against said body parts.

48. A method of shampooing or conditioning hair, said method comprising the steps of:

holding said active composition delivery system of claim 1 1n a hand;

contacting said hand with water

rubbing said hand covered with said water containing said active composition

Into said hair.

49. A method of cleaning a hard surface, said method comprising the steps of: contacting said active composition delivery system of claim 1 with said volume of water; allowing said water-soluble substrate of said active composition delivery system to dissolve In said volume of water to release said active composition Into said volume of water; and

50. The method of claim 49, further comprising the step of:

one of a) filling said spray bottle with said volume of water prior to said contacting step; b) disposing said active composition delivery system inside said spray bottle prior to said contacting step.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein said contacting step and said allowing step occur outside of said spray bottle, and said water containing said active composition is transferred to said spray bottle prior to said using step.

52. The method of claim 49, wherein said hard surface comprises a mirror, a window, a counter top. or combinations thereof.

53. A method of refilling a common good container, said method comprising the steps of:

contacting said active composition delivery system of claim 1 with said volume of water; and

allowing said water-soluble substrate of said active composition delivery system to dissolve In said volume of water to release said active composition Into said volume of water..

54. The method of claim 53, further comprising the step of:

one of a) filling said common good container with said volume of water prior to said contacting step; b) disposing said active composition delivery system inside said common good container prior to said contacting step.

55. The method of claim 53, wherein said contacting step and said allowing step occur outside of said common good container, and said water containing said active composition Is transferred to said common good container prior to said using step.

56. The method of claim 63, wherein said common good container Is a liquid fabric softener bottle, a liquid dish detergent bottle, a liquid laundry detergent bottle, a liquid dish soap bottle, a shampoo bottle, a conditioner bottle, a floor cleaner bottle, or a hand wash bottle.