AU632046B2 - Method and device for washing laundry in a machine with a particulate product - Google Patents

Description

Note: No legalization or other witness required Ivy 0 X P~p~ PHILLIPS ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne, Australia P17/2/83 tNA r I -I I ri r-

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act CMPLETE SPECIFICAT

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Applicant(s): The Procter Gamble Company One Procter Gamble Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, UNITED STATES OF

AMERICA

Address for Service is: PHILLIPS ORMCNDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Complete Specification for the invention entitled: PROCESS FOR WASHING LINEN IN A MACHINE WITH A-PARTICULATE PRODUCT AND DEVICE FOR ITS UTILIZATION i 1 1 1 V t' r w 1

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Our Ref 133771 POF Code: 44135/44135 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): S1 6006

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S 1 1 The present invention belongs to the field of washing laundry in a machine. Its subject is a new method for washing which makes it possible to use in an optimum manner products currently available on the market in solid form, in particular in powder form, which are employed in a washing operation, for example detergents or other special additives which are active during washing.

The invention also relates to a device for implementing such a method.

Washing is increasingly carried out in machines using products in powder form, granules or other solid forms in particles. Machines for washing laundry are principally drum-type machines but there are also socalled agitator/pulsator-type machines. Regardless of S 15 the type of machine employed, specialists know that conditions of use of such products are far from being optimum. In fact, there is a real problem in providing a uni- S' form distribution of the particulate product and its dissolution in the washing medium within the tub of the i 20 machine. In the following text, illustrations will be given more particularly of the technical problems involved in the case of powder detergents, however, clearly, similar problems arise with detergents in other forms as r with any additives which are active during washing.

Compartments or containers are generally provided t for receiving the appropriate quantity of powder detergent before the actual washing operation. The active pulverulent product is supposed to be entrained by the t 4 water into the tub of the machine in step with the pro- H 30 gress of the process. However, it may be observed that the powder washing agent is far from being totally entrained it. by the water such that reasonably large residual quantities remain in the distribution container. Thus, the required quantity of powder washing agent is not actually consumed, which reduces the efficacy of the washing.

Moreover, containers in washing machines are always soiled with residues originating from previous operations. This difficulty is well known and is the subject of numerous complaints on the part of users.

2 Another technical problem posed by the use of powder detergents is that dissolution of the active product within the tub is not complete such that the powder entrained by the water and which has been unable to be dissolved suitably therein falls directly to the bottom of the tub.

According to the type of machine, the Loss of product in the drainage system may reach 20 Z of the initial quantity placed in the containers. The non-dissolved powder is removed directly into the drainage of the machine, which finally leads to the user increasing the amounts of powder in order to ensure optimum washing.

In order to avoid the abovementioned drawbacks and losses of detergent in the distribution containers, a certain number of users have resorted to a do-it-your- 15 self solution, which consists in placing the detergent powder directly on the drum of the washing machine before t S' commencing the washing operation. This measure may clearly only be taken in the case of a top-opening drum machine and is itself not devoid of drawbacks. In fact, although 20 it may be assumed that losses in the distribution containers are eliminated, this is not the case regarding losses in the drainage system which are in this case only slightly reduced. In any case, this solution is uno' satisfactory because the powder passes through the holes in the drum and comes into direct contact with the Laundry.

During rotation of the drum in the water, the dissolution of the particles of detergent powder having thereby come into contact with the laundry has an unfavourable effect on the latter. Frequently, particles of detergent have 30 a colouration with the result that the coloured granules of the washing agent dissolve by releasing the colourant 0 into the laundry and can thus cause stains on the latter.

Similarly, if, in a desire to obtain a good washing performance, the detergent composition contains peroxygenated compounds, the relevant granules, for example perborate granules, decompose on contact with the laundry and may discolour items of pale colour.

There is therefore an undisputed technical problem which is linked to the fact that the detergents or Ss ttl: I- 3 washing agents in particulate form do not fulfil the optimum conditions of dissolution in water during washing.

In order to solve such a problem, the Applicant has resorted to the design of a method according to which a device is firstly filled with detergent, which device is then placed in the machine with the laundry to be washed. In fact, the Applicant has developed this design essentially in the case of liquid detergents and, by way of reference to illustrate such a state of the art, Patent Application FR 84 06151, filed on 18th April 1984 and published under No. 2,563,250, and entitled: "Method for washing laundry in a machine with a liquid detergent and device for its application" may be mentioned. In this case, the detergent contained in the device diffuses pro- 15 gressively into the washing medium and into the laundry in the machine. In one embodiment, the device has a filling orifice and orifices for the progressive release 4o of the liquid within the laundry during washing.

However, when it is desired to apply purely and simply such a design to the case of particulate detergents, practical difficulties are encountered in numerous cases. These difficulties derive from the fact that the S' dissolution of the solid particles of detergent in the washing water is not satisfactorily ensured if such a detergent is placed in a device comprising orifices and r, then such a device is introduced into the machine within the Laundry. In fact, it has been observed, that the Spresence of orifices on the device, capable of ensuring Sthe diffusion of the detergent, did not permit satisfac- S' 30 tory dissolution of the powder. Increasing the number and/or the size of the orifices is not a satisfactory solution either because it encounters the same drawbacks as those mentioned at the beginning of the present description, namely losses of powder in the drainage system and/or contact with the laundry while the particles are still solid. Similarly, a reduction in the number and/or dimensions of orifices Leads, as has been observed, to progressive blocking of the orifices by the wet powder such that the detergent can no longer leave the device 4 in order to carry out the washing function. All the above discussion thus shows that, generally, it is not possible to use powder detergents in an optimum manner in metering and diffusing devices which, moreover, have prooved perfectly suitable for liquid washing agents.

In its Patent Application FR-87,06,413 of the 6th May 1987 for "Method and device for washing laundry in a machine", the Applicant proposed the use of a metering and diffusing device containing a detergent in solid form and ensuring the prior dissolution of the powder before its progressive release into the laundry medium.

In one embodiment, such a device comprises a body capable of being filled with the desired quantity of detergent, removable means for closing this body, the body or the o 15 said means having holes or orifices for the release of the detergent, the said device being characterized in that it comprises means separating the part of the device comprising the holes or orifices from the part comprising the particulate detergent, the said means 20 being designed in order to allow the washing water to pass through freely and to practically prevent the massive and uncontrolled release of the particulato deterg" gent. One device structure which has given very intero o* o* esting practical results has the general shape of a body S 25 of revolution which can be closed by a removable cap and w ch has holes permitting both water to enter inside the device and ali(o the diffusion of the detergent, the device being more particularly characterized in that it *a comprises at least one plate mounted within the device in order to separate the cap and the part of the body containing the particulate detergent, the said plate itself having at least one orifice whose surface is less than that of the holes or orifices in the cap. In this manner, the perforated plate enables the particulate detergent to be retained in the body of the device whilst allowing the washing water to dissolve this detergent before its release into the washing machine.

The Applicant has pursued its research in order to solve the technical problems mentioned in Patent

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Application FR-87,06,413 whilst preserving the concept of diffusion and progressive dispersion in the washing medium and in the laundry of an active product available initially in particulate form, whilst ensuring the prior dissolution of this product before its diffusion. It is, in fact, desirable to develop a metering and diffusing device which, whilst retaining a simple structure, makes further improvements to the devices already proposed for this purpose in the case of particulate detergents and particularly makes it possible: to reduce the quantity of plastic material used in the device which meets increasingly important needs for environmental protection, regulations in this regard aiming to prevent waste from plastic articles which are not normally destroyed in natural environments, .o to achieve minimum bulk, in order to meet o4 oo requirements of packaging, transport and of storage, and to eliminate the noises caused by metering and So. diffusing devices in washing machines in order to meet the i 20 expectations of certain users.

The present invention aims to overcome or at least *o alleviate one or more of these technical problems and also :other problems, as will become apparent from the following 4description, whilst entirely retaining the benefits of 25 metering and diffusing devices it had already proposed for ol particulate detergents, particularly those forming the .subject of Patent Application FR-87,06,413 above.

According to the present invention, there is provided a metering and diffusion device for a particulate product for use in a washing machine, said device comprising a flexible sheath in the form of a bag made of material permeable to an aqueous medium, said bag being attached to and extending from a support ring defining an orifice, said orifice being adapted to admit to the bag the quantity of particulate product required for one washing cycle of the washing machine and to remain at least partially open during said washing cycle whereby a portion of aqueous washing medium in the machine flows through said orifice and said sheath to the interior of the bag to contact and dissolve said particulate product and the solution thereby formed passes outwardly through the orifice and the sheath into the aqueous washing medium, said support ring having masking means spanning the orifice and adapted to substantially prevent the I release of wetted undissolved particulate product therethrough.

The present invention also provides a method for macline washing of fabrics using the device of the invention, said method comprising placing a quantity of particulate washing agent corresponding to that required for one washing cycle into the sheath through the orifice, placing the device into a washing machine along with the fabrics to be washed, and wash water, allowing water to 15 enter the device through the orifice and the sheath and to progressively dissolve the washing agent, obstructing the release of wetted particulate washing agent through the orifice while permitting the agent in solution to pass therethrough and through the sheath during the washing cycle.

S0- i -6the orifice of the latter and with a view to the pr grfessive dissolution of the particulate produ he latter being thus progressively released du i ng washing predominantly in the form of an aqu ~s solution passing at Least through the orifice o -t e bag.

According to the nrent ion, the bag is made from a material capabLe retaiin g the particulate product without allo it to pass through in solid form and of withst g-i-rg the washing and drying temperatures of the According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the material of which the bag is made is designed to allow the aqueous washing medium to penetrate through 15 the bag towards the particulate product contained therein and to allow an active aqeuous solution, originating from Sthe progressive dissolution of the particulate product *o and passing through the bag, to diffuse from the inside towards the outside of the latter. In this embodiment, 1 O~ o 20 the bag is permeable to water. The penetration of the aqueous washing medium is achieved both through the orifice of the bag and through the latter, and the diffusion o or release of the active solution of the product is also i 4o achieved through the orifice of the bag and through the latter.

The method of the invention may be applied not only to detergents in solid form but also to any particulate product which is active during washing chosen, for example, from bleaching agents such as agents releasing chlorine or active oxygen (peroxygenated compounds), bleaching catalysts, bleaching activators, bactericides, foam regulators, whitening agents, agents preventing the redeposition of dirt, enzymes, softeners, agents exerting an action for remo itg rease stains or alternatively constituents which do not act directly on dirt but which can be used in a machine laundry washing process, for example agents ensuring the protection of internal parts and elements of the washing machine.

In the present description, the term "particulate I1__ 7 product" encompasses all the forms of presentation of such solid products, such as powders, granules, flakes, pellets and other similar physical structures capable of being dissolved in water under normal washing conditions.

The method of the invention is particularly interesting with detergents presented in the form of so-called highdensity particles which are currently already developed in certain countries. They present advantages in terms of packaging, transport and storage compared with similar traditional products, due to the reduction in bulk that they afford. However, because of their chemical composition and their physical structure characteristics such high-density particle detergents tend to involve losses in the distribution container and in 15 the drainage circuits which are even greater than traditional powder detergents. The ability of these new detergents to dissolve is, in certain cases, less than that of known products. Individual packaging used for these high-density particle detergents often have a sma I- 20 ler volume which means that there is less space available 0 0 for inserting metering and diffusing devices. These new technical problems, linked to the appearance of highdensity particle detergents, are also solved by the method o< of the present invention which employs a metering and S 25 diffusing device comprising essentially a bag in flexible material.

The device employed according to the invention is distinct in numerous aspects from certain known means b of the prior 'rt which consisted of sachets or pockets capable of conta~ining a detergent or an additive useful in washing, it 'eing possible for such products to be present in particulate form in the s4chet. Firstly, the pockets or sachets of the prior art contain a premetered quantity of product and cannot be reused. Their design does not allow the progressive release of the product, the latter being distributed completely either immediately at the beginning of the washing cycle or during the latter. The device of the invention does not present the drawbacks of the sachets or pockets of the prior art.

According to the invention, the device is of the reusable type and the quantity of product (detergent or any additive) may be metered as desired by virtue of the presence of the orifice which serves for filling with the product.

Moreover, the person skilled in the art knows that to permit the diffusion of the active product the sachets or pockets of the prior art must comprise a wall which is soluble in water or in the washing medium or alternatively, in the case in which this wall is not soLuble in water, joints or connections capable of dissolving in order to release the products must be provided. In the first case, that of water-soluble walls, there is no problem with regard to the washing machine, but the sachets or pockets are difficult to store and to market 15 in practice due to their sensitivity to humidity. This o solution is thus technically unacceptable unless much a 4 more expensive measures are adopted in relation to the design of the wall. On the other hand, with insoluble sachets or pockets, the body of the latter is released 20 at the same time as the active product which involves serious drawbacks for the elements of the washing machine, the pockets or sachets emptied of their contents then causing various types of damage, such as the blockage of drainage circuits. Such practical difficulties are well known to the person skilled in the art and thus do not have to be explained in further detail.

Unlike the means of the prior art, the device of the invention may be recovered at the end of washing without any risk for the machine, which is entirely essential for the practical requirements of users.

The method of the invention may be employed with S* a large variety of devices comprising a flexible bag.

The material of which the flexible bag is made may be of any type provided it has sufficient resistance to water and to the washing medium at the temperatures employed during washing and during drying, which can range up to 150 0 C approximately. It can thus be a woven or non-woven material made from natural or synthetic fibres or from a mixture of the latter. Purely by way of i I~I- LIP-III)CII~PT p 40' 04 0 44 0 0t 40 4 00a 04001 646 00 44 00 40 9 o 4 0004 O 04 04, 9 049 po g 0 40 4 44 *1 4 004e 4 4 .4 00 0 0-0 4004041 4 4 9illustration, use may be made of a bag formed from a flexible sheath of pure cotton either in the form of a fabric with a mesh opening smaller than 0.5 mm approximately or in the form of a non-woven article with openings ranging particularly from 0.5 to 0.8 mm. The bag may also be made from extruded or coextruded films with perforations. The dimensions of the latter may vary within wide limits according to the nature and the particle size of the particulate product. By way of indication, films with perforations of approximately 380 microns may be used. However, the material of the bag does not have to be a textile material. The sheath may also be made from a trellis of plastic material or from a sheet of paper or another porous cellulose material which is resistant 15 to water. If the material required for the flexible bag does not itself possess sufficient resistance to water, it may be equipped with a coating rendering it resistant to water. In the case of porous paper, for example, the coating may consist of a latex-based binder combined with 20 a hydrophobic substance.

Hitherto the invention has been described on the basis of the preferred embodiments which consist in using a flexible bag whose sheath or wall comprises pores or openings in varied forms and dimensions, either organized 25 as in the case of a fabric, or random as in the case of non-woven materials. However, for the requirements of the invention, it is also possible to use a flexible bag whose sheath is completely impermeable to water and to the washing medium, in which case the tranfers of fluid 30 into the inside of the bag and towards the outside of the latter take place only through the orifice of the bag.

Such embodiments are, in fact, possible by taking steps to arrange in the orifice means making it possible to achieve the prior dissolution of the particulate products, as will be described below.

The outer shape of the bag may also be very variable and according to an interesting characteristic of the invention it is possible to adapt this shape to the type of particulate product used as well as to the conditions in 01 0 #A a A A A o Ara a a A a P A a P A 41 A *A 10 which this product must be released, examples of which will be given below. By way of illustration, the bag may be a substantially cylindrical sheath extending in the extension of the orifice, the diameter the sheath thus being substantially equal to that of the orifice. However, it is also possible to use sheaths which taper from the orifice or which, on the other hand, flare out from the latter. A sheath with a tapered shape ensures a relatively more rapid release of the particulate product, whilst a flared sheath allows a relatively slower release.

In addition, given that the device according to the invention is of the reusable type and that the user may meter the quantity of particulate product as desired, the flexible bag may have several marks corresponding to filling 15 levels and consequently to the variable quantities of particulate products.

It has been stated above that the device according to the invention presented at least one orifice permitting both the filling of the bag with the active product and its 20 release in a predissolved form into the washing medium and into the laundry inside the machine. In the simplest embodiment, which is preferred, the device comprises a single orifice which may have any cross-section: circular, oval, square, rectangular and the like. Satisfactory 25 practical results have been obtained with orifices having a circular cross-section.

It is appropriate for the orifice of the bag to be defined by a means acting as a support for the sheath of the bag. This may be achieved simply by means of a ring having, as cross-sectioc, that required for the orifice. This ring may be made from a material of quite variable hardness, the only condition being that the orifice is held open during washing. The material of which the ring is made may be a plastic or metallic material or alternatively wood or cardboard rendered resistant to water and any other similar material. Satisfactory practical results are obtained with plastic materials which are easy to work in order to achieve the desired configurations of the ring. By way of example, i 11- 448 4 44 4 4s 4 4 4 .4 4 1 r0 4*rr 44 4$: 4a 4 .4 4

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4 4 4 4 11 polyethylene and polypropylene are particularly suitable.

It has been stated above that the orifice of the bag should be held open, at least partially, during washing in order to permit the progressive release of an aqueous solution of the active product. Thus, in an extreme case, use may be made of flexible bag devices in which the orifice is entirely free, but it is preferred in general to use devices in which the orifice additionally comprises means enabling it to be covered, except for certain predetermined openings. A very large number of embodiments are possible provided that the means associated with the ring defining the orifice simultaneously allow: the bag to be filled with the particulate pro- 15 duct, the particulate product to be prevented from leaving the bag in bulk in a particulate form during washing, the inside of the bag to be rendered accessible 20 to the washing medium so as to ensure the prior dissolution of the particulate product, the release of the latter then taking place essentially in the form of a solution passing, at least partially, through the orifice from the inside towards the outside of the bag.

25 Clearly, the means intended to cover the orifice will have to be adapted to the shape and to the nature of the ring defining the latter. Purely illustrative examples will be given below. Satisfactory practical results have been obtained with a ring having radial walls 30 converging at a solid central area, such that openings are thereby made between each of the said radial walls.

The walls in question may be straight or, on the other hand, have a particular profile, for example in the form of a helix. However, many other variants are possible: for example provision may be made inside the bag defining the orifice for walls which are concentric to this ring, going towards the inside of the latter, with radial walls disposed between the said intermediate partitions and the outer ring.

'~lr i i i r; 12 By means of routine tests, the person skilled in the art is capable of choosing the shape, and the dimensions of the openings made in the orifice in order to obtain the best results according to the type of active product to be used during washing. ILLustrative examples will be given below.

According to a complimentary embodiment, the shape of the ring surrounding the flexible bag may be chosen so as to facilitate measurement of the particulate product in a larger-size pack, for example a barrel. To this end, the ring may be arranged such that its outer edge acts as a measuring trough. In order to facilitate grip, the ring may also have surface irregularities, embossed or indented, enabling the fingers to grip satisfactorily. However, it is also possible to fix on the ring a member making it possible to grip it. Such a Sminember may be permanently mounted, in which case it is Spreferably of small size, or as a variant, this member consists of a larger handle which may be fixed in a 20 removable manner by any appropriate means onto the body of the ring.

According to an interesting characteristic of the present invention, the choice of a particular type of metering and diffusing devices with a flexible bag may be adapted to the active product to be used during wash- 1 ing. Therefore, devices whose orifice remains completely open during washing and which do not comprise any closing means may be used to contain detergents or additives whose constituents only dissolve slowly in water. An 30, example of a detergent composition having such characteristics is as follows: AlkyL sulphates 7-10 X Fatty acid 1- 3 Aluminium and sodium silicates 15-25 Water-soluble polymers 1- 3 Sodium siLicate 3- 8 Sodium sulphate 10-40 Sodium carbonate 5-10 Alcalase (enzyme) 0- 2 -L 9 o 0o 9 9 c a o 0 99 t 0 9 t *0 i t 13 In the above composition and also in the other examples which follow, all the parts are expressed by weight unless otherwise indicated.

Another example of a detergent composition which may be used for washing delicate articles and which may be employed with a metering and diffusing device with an open orifice is as follows: Alkyl sulphates 10-20 Fatty acid 1- 3 X Aluminium and sodium silicates 20-30 X Sodium silicate 1- 5 Z Sodium sulphate 20-40 Sodium carbonate 0- 5 Additives which may also be used in such a metering and diffusing device are, for example, products exerting a softening action on the washing water.

A metering and diffusing device comprising an orifice with closing means may be used with detergents for main washes for which it is appropriate to avoid direct contact between the laundry and certain of its con- 20 stituents. By way of example of a detergent composition for hain washes included in this category, the following may be mentioned: Alkyl sulphates 7-10 Fatty acid 1- 3 Aluminium and sodium silicates 15-25 Water-soluble polymers 1- 3 Sodium perborate 10-25 X Sodium silicate 3- 8 Sodium sulphate 10-40 Sodium carbonate 5-10 Z SAlcalase 0- 2 X In a complimentary manner, the above composition may comprise up to 5 of a bleaching activator such as N,N,N',N-tetracetylethytenediamine or alternatively isononyl hydroxybenzenesulphonate.

In practice, the volume of the flexible bag must be chosen as a functio of the measure of active product to be distributed during washing. When this is a detergent 14 composition appropriate volume values for the flexible bag are from approximately 250 ml to 400 ml which enables quantities, by weight, in the order of 150 to 250 g per wash, of particulate detergent to be introduced therein.

It is again appropriate to note that the method of the invention which uses a metering and diffusing device with a flexible bag makes it possible to use detergent compositions which currently cannot find a practical application because of the fact that they cannot be distributed suitably from the container or compartment with which the washing machine is equipped. This is already true for certain high-density detergent compositions g which have already been mentioned above. However, the to* I ct same remark may be made with regard to other detergent S 15 compositions having mediocre solubility in water. The method of the invention thus makes it possible to use t ,detergent compositions giving better washing performances, :I Sfor example by reducing or even eliminating charges of a sodium sulphate type whilst increasing the proportions of, for example, an anionic and nonionic surface-active agent. In addition, the invention may be employed with particulate products of very variable particle size, given that the person skilled in the art has several parameters available in the metering and diffusing device for choosing the most appropriate device according to the nature S. *of the active product: the material of which the flexible t :bag is made as well as the shape of the latter, the orifice with or without closing means, the shapes and dimensions of the r,,'ifice and the openings it comprise if there is a closing means and other similar parameters.

When mention is made in the present description of an orifice or of an opening, these terms are intended to designate passages having any shape through which the products presented in particulate form or Liquid, pasty or other products may pass.

The above description and the foLlawing specific examples give a good illustration of the technical problems solved by the invention as well as the advantages it gives.

b, 15 The method of the invention makes it possible to distribute detergents, additives or other active washing products available in particulate form actually within the laundry in the machine which provides higher concentrations of detergent solution in contact with the laundry and thus increases washing quality and performances.

The invention virtually eliminates losses of active product, in particular of detergent, which occur wien using the metering compartment of the washing machine, losses in the drainage circuit of the machine being reduced.

The quantity of plastic material used in the metering and diffusing device is very small because it is reduced to that of the ring defining the orifice and S 15 carrying the flexible bag. In certain cases, there is not even any need to use plastic material to produce such h i. .a ring. Thus the invention gives better environmental 4 m1 protection because the materials of which the device is made are very largely degraded in the natural environment.

Practical tests have also shown that employing the Smetering and diffusing device with a flexible bag does '*not cause any noise inside the machine during the washing operation. Because of its Low weight the device doqs not cause any damage to the laundry.

The very small bulk of the metering and diffusing device makes it possible to combine it, in an optimum manner for packaging, with particle products such as detergents and other additives which are useful in washing.

Use can therefore be made of individual packs containing Larger quantities of particulate product and/or packs which themselves have a reduced bulk. The device in question is very easy to handle and to store because it occupies only a very small space.

Unlike the pockets or sachets containing a predetermined measure of active product, the invention makes it possible to use any desired quantity of product, according to the nature of the latter. The most appropriate metering and diffusing device for the characteristics of the product is consequently chosen, a type of device then 16 being allocated to an individual product pack.

The method of the invention is again very easy to implement because the metering and diffusing device may serve directly to measure the particulate active product. Once the washing operation is completed, the device is easily recovered in the machine and it can then be reused. Even if the user forgets the device in the machine or in the dryer, this does not present any drawback for the Latter nor for the laundry in a subsequent washing operation.

The person skilled in the art will understand that the present invention thus offers great flexibility for solving the various technical problems of washing Laundry in a machine with particulate active products.

o 0 15 The invention will again be illustrated, with- "o.o out being Limited in any way, by the following descrip- Stion made with reference to the appended drawings in which: a a Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation, in front view, of a metering and diffusing device which may be used in the method of the invention.

9 Fig. 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, representing a variant.

4 Fig. 3 is a view similar to Figures 1 and 2, representing another variant.

h Fig. 4 is a section illustrating the mounting of 0" the flexible bag on a support ring.

oFig. 5 is a plan view of a ring defining the orifice of the bag.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, illustrating a variant.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Figures 5 and 6, illustrating another variant.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic plan view showing a ring with gripping means.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Figure 8, illustrating a variant.

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Figure 8, illustrating another variant.

17 The metering and diffusing device designated by the general reference 10 in Figure 1 essentially comprises a ring 1 and a bag 2 in flexible material, for example in a cotton fabric. The size of the openings of the fabric 2 must be such that it is possible to prevent the free passage of a particulate product, part'icularly of a detergent, placed inside the bag, even in the case of the finest particles. In the example represented in Figure 1, the bag 2 has a general shape which is approximately cylindrical but variants have been represented in Figures 2 and 3 which illustrate different shapes.

In Figure 2 the device 20 comprises a ring 21 carrying a flexible bag 22 which tapers towards the point.

S, The device 30 of Figure 3 comprises a ring 31 and a flexible bag 32 which flares out from the orifice defined by the ring 31. The shape of the bags makes it possible f to vary the characteristics for retaining the particulate .i product inside the bags and, consequently, the diffusibility in the washing medium and in the Laundry of the 20 particulate product in a predissolved form. Therefore, 0o*0 the bag 22 in Figure 2 provides more rapid diffusion characteristics than the bag 32 in Figure 3, the structure of the ring 31 and of the corresponding orifice being the same.

Figure 4 is a view in section showing diagrammatically the mounting of a flexible bag 42 on a suport ring 41. In this example, the Latter is made from a plastic material, for example in polypropylene. It is formed from an outer wall 43 connected to an inner wall 44, the latter being substantially straight. Between these two walls there is provided a compartment 45 inside which may be inserted the extreme edge 46 of the bag 42.

In order to ensure the bag 42 is held on the ring 41, any suitable means may be used,, for example an adhesive capable of withstanding the temperatures employed in washing machines, including thoae used for drying, it being possible for the temperatures then to range up to 150 0

C.

Figure 5 shows diagrammatically in plan view the structure of a ring which has given satisfactory practical 18 results in the implementation of the method of the invention. It essentially comprises a peripheral wall 51 arranged in the same manner as the ring 41 represented in Figure 4. A pellet 52 is mounted in the centre of the ring 51, from which pellet there extend a certain number (in the example chosen this number is equal to 6) of members 53 in the form of turbine blades. Between the members 53 are provided openings 57. A ring of the type represented in Figure 5 makes it possible both to fill an associated flexible bag and to prevent a massive release of particulate product through the openings 57.

In fact, during operation of the machine, the device is tumbled at the same time as the laundry which enhances the contact of the particulate product with the washing me- 15 dium, the Latter penetrating simultaneously through the pores of the flexible bag and through the openings 57.

On the other hand, the particulate product does not, in practice, emerge in a solid non-dissolved form by virtue of the presence of the blades 53. Clearly, the example of Figure 5 is only illustrative. Numerous other variants may also be provided. By way of indication, Figure 6 shows a representation of a ring comprising a peripheral wall 61, an inner hub 62 and straight radial partitions •I 64 in order to provide between them openings 67. In Figure 7, a ring is seen which comprises a peripheral wall 71, an intermediate wall 73 of concentric shape and an inner hub 72. Between the walls 71 and 73 are provided radial partitions 74 providing between them openings 77. Similarly, between the wall 73 and the inner hub' 72 there are provided radial walls 75 providing between them i openings 78. Results equivalent to those of the device Sof Figure 5 may be obtained using the devices of Figures 6 and 7, choosing in an appropriate manner the number and the size of the openings thereby achieved.

Figures 5 to 6 have been given only by way of illustration for the person skilled in the art. The latter may also use structures which were the subject of Figures 4 to 23 of Patent Application FR 87,06,413 of 6th May 1987, which has already been mentioned and

K

19 introduced by reference in the present specification.

Figures 5 to 6 represent rings which all comprise inside certain members which act as closing means to prevent the particulate product from being released in solid form from the inside of the bag. However, according to the nature of the particulate product to be used, it is perfectly possible to use rings which leave the orifice of the bag entirely free. This type of ring is represented in Figures 8 and 9. For the requirements of the illustration, the ring in Figure 8 comprises a peripheral wall 81 equipped with a tab 82 which can act as a gripping means. The tab 82 facilitates the introduction of the rt particulate product when the latter is measured in a pack with a view to its metering in the bag. Figure 9 t I t illustrates a variant in which the ring 91 may be equipped with a handle 92, presented separately and which can t, be fixed in a removable manner at 93 by any appropriate I rapid fixing means, particularly by clipping or catching.

Figure 10 shows another variant according to which the ring 101 comprises surface irregularities on its outer edge intended to facilitate gripping with the fingers. In the example chosen, these irregularities are formed by a recess 102, for example for accommodating the thumb, and at least one other recess 103, for accommodating the index finger of the same hand. The user can therefore, in a very simple manner, seize the ring 101 with a view to filling the bag associated therewith.

The metering and diffusing devices used in the method of the invention have been illustrated in Figures 4 to 10 with rings defining a circular orifice. It has already been stated that this shape is not in any way obligatory and that it is also possible to use oval or other types of outlines. For the requirements of washing, devices which do not have a sharp edge are preferred, so that no damage is caused to the Laundry. For this reason round or oval structures are generally preferred rather than structures with a square or rectangular cross-section, even if the edges are rounded. In any case, the person skilled in the art may adopt any shape or structure, i 04 0 00 0 0 a 0 AA0$ 00 0 00 o A tt Re., 00 4 4 At 00

OR

4 *0 Ad 20 particularly if the ring is produced in plastic material, because its manufacture is facilitated by known moulding techniques, for example by injection moulding. However, as has already been indicated above, it is not imperative for the ring to be produced in a plastic material, and other materials may also be suitable.

The invention will again be illustrated by the following specific examples relating to the implementation of the method of the invention. In all these examples, a metering and diffusing device has been used which comprises a flexible bag with a volume of from 250 ml to 400 ml, having the approximate shape represented in Figure 2. Its orifice was defined by a polypropylene ring as illustrated above with reference to Figure 5. In the tests reported below, washing of the laundry was performed with measures of detergent varying between 150 and 250 g.

In certain tests, the bag was produced from a cotton fabric, the mesh openings of which had a size less than 0.5 mm approximately. Other tests were performed using a bag in non-woven cotton, having openings in a range from approximately 0.5 to 0.8 mm and equivalent results were obtained.

By way of active product in the tests, a detergent composition for a main wash was used such as defined 25 below: Alkyl sulphates 7-10 X Fatty acid 1- 3 Aluminium and sodium silicates 15-25 Water-soluble polymers 1- 3 Sodium perborate 10-25 z Sodium silicate 3- 8 Sodium sulphate 10-40 Sodium carbonate 5-10 Alcalase 0- 2 All the above parts are given by weight. In certain tests, a quantity, which could range up to 5 of a bleaching activator, namely tetraacetyl ethylene diamine, was added to the above composition. In all cases, excellent results were obtained in washing performances.

21 The comparative tests were performed to evaluate the speed of dissolution of one and the same granular detergent composition for a main wash of the type which has just been described in conditions similar to those for washing laundry in the machine. Use was made of a metering device according to the present invention comprising a ring such as represented in Figure 5 and a bag made from a coextruded polypropylene film with openings of approximately 380 microns. Moreover, the same tests were performed on a metering device comprising a ring which was identical but extended by a solid polyethylene body. In both cases, the volume of the device corresponded to 200 g approximately. The results obtained showed that the speed of dissolution of the composition 0 15 was more rapid with the device according to the invention, o as shown by the measurements made on the quantity of detergent released into the bath, above all during a period of 8 to 10 minutes after placing the device in the machine.

t This is particularly favourable for washing laundry.

Complimentary comparative tests were performed 1 to demonstrate the advantages given by a metering and diffusing device with a flexible bag in washing laundry in a machine. The tests reported below were performed with, on the one hand, a device according to the invention comprising a cotton fabric bag fixed on a ring of the type represented in Figure 5 and, on the other hand, a device comprising a rigid polyethylene body integrally joined to a ring identical to that in Figure 5. In all cases, use was made of the granular detergent composition for a main wash which has been defined.

The test conditions for washing laundry in a machine were as follows: Type of washing machine: commercially available Miele and Siemens washing machines Washing temperature: respectively 30 0 C, 60 0 C and Wash cycle: main wash only hardness of water: average value corresponding to tap water from the mains system.

22 Drying: in a shaker dryer Load of laundry: ordinary household article fabrics in batches of 2 kg (30°C) and 3 kg (60 and 90 0 C) with, as points of comparison, four pairs of identical characteristic samples per test, the number of comparative tests being 24.

The washing results were evaluated by experts who therefore made 288 visual evaluations 12 per test) based particularly on the characteristic samples.

The rate of preference (61 X) expressed in favour of a flexible bag device of the invention was clearly Sgreater than that (39 with respect to the rigid device.

j 15 The above results show therefore the superiority of performances achieved by the invention in washing laundry in a machine.

t I4 As the person skilled in the art will easily understand, many modifications may be made to the present invention without, however, departing from its scope.

Therefore, in the above examples the invention has above all been illustrated in its application to particulate detergents, but it must also be understood that the invention may also be used with other particulate active products which are useful in washing, which may be presented separately and exert their specific effects at chosen moments in the washing cycle, either at the be- 4"414: ginning of the latter or during washing.

Claims (15)

1. A metering and diffusion device for a particulate product for use in a washing machine, said device comprising a flexible sheath in the form of a bag made of material permeable to an aqueous medium, said bag being attached to and extending from a support ring defining an orifice, said orifice being adapted to admit to the bag the quantity of particulate product required for one washing cycle of the washing machine and to remain at least partially open during said washing cycle whereby a portion of aqueous washing medium in the machine flows through said orifice and said sheath to the interior of the bag to contact and dissolve said particulate product and the solution thereby formed passes outwardly through 15 the orifice and the sheath into the aqueous washing medium, said support ring having masking means spanning the orifice and adapted to substantially prevent the release of wetted undissolved particulate product therethrough. 20 2. A method for machine washing of fabrics using the device of claim 1, said method comprising placing a quantity of particulate washing ag' corresponding to that required for one washing cy into the sheath through the orifice, placing the device into a washing 25 machine along with the fabrics to be washed, and wash water, allowing water to enter the device through the orifice and the sheath and to progressively dissolve the washing agent, obstructing the release of wetted particulate washing agent through the orifice while permitting the agent in solution to pass therethrough and through the sheath during the washing cycle.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the particulate washing agent which is active during washing is a detergent for a main wash or for washing delicate articles, including a detergent presented in the form of high-density particles.

4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the particulate washing agent which is active during washing is chosen from bleaching agents such as agents releasing 40 -23 AS I' .4 chlorine or active oxygen (peroxygenated compounds), bleaching catalysts, bleaching activators, bactericides, foam regulators, whitening agents, agents preventing the redeposition of dirt, enzymes, softeners, agents exerting an action for removing grease stains or alternatively constituents which do not act directly on dirt but which can be used in a machine laundry washing process, for example agents ensuring the protection of internal parts and elements of the washing machine. 5, A method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the bag is made from a material capable of withstanding the washing or drying temperatures of the laundry in a machine, particularly up to 150 0 C.

6. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 15 wherein the flexible bag is made from a material which is permeable or impermeable to water.

7. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the material of which the bag is mado is designed Q :oj to allow the aqueous washing medium to penetrate through the bag towards the particulate product contained therein and to allow an active aqueous solution, originating from the progressive dissolution of the particulate product and passing through the bag, to diffuse from the inside towards the outside of the latter, 25 8, A method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said flexible bag metering and diffusing device hab i completely free orifice in combination with an active product that must be dissolved and released rapidly and which does not contain any constituent harmful to the laundry by direct contact with the latter.

9. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said orifice of said metering and diffusing device comprises closing means in combination with an active product capable of being dissolved rapidly but more slowly released within the washing medium, for example a detergent for a main wash in the case of which it is appropriate to avoid direct contact between the laundry and certain of its constituents. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 9, s ~44 ~4 *1 4 14 I 44 44 4, 4, 4, 44,4 4,, 4 4 44 4 4* 4 .4 I U 4 44** 414444 4 Li' F' I wherein the flexible bag is formeO' from a woven or no-a-woven material of natural fibres such as cotton, or synthetic fibres or mixtures of these, or from extruded or coextruded filrni' having perforations.

11. A method accoi.ding any one of claims 2 to wherein the flexible bag is madf- from a trellis of plastic material or from a sheet of paper or another porous cellulose material which is resistant to water.

12. A method according to any one~ of claims 2 to 11, wherein the material of the flexible bag is equipped with a coating rendering it resistant to water.

13. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the outer shape of the flexible bag is adapted to the type of particulate washing agent used and may be, for 15 example,, a substantially cylindrical sheath extending in the extension of the orifice, or alternatively a sheath tapering from the orifice or flaring out from the latter.

14. A method according to' any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the device comprises a single orifice whose cross-section Is circular, oval1, square, rectangular and thto like, cross-.sectiors of rounded shape being preferred.

15. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein said ring has as cross-section that provided for the orifice. 25 16. A method according to any one of claims 2 to wherein the mln~rial of which the ring is made is a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, a me E al or alternatively wood oil cardboard rendered resistant to water or any similar material. 30 17. A mtethod acc-rding to any onie of claims 2 to 16, wherein. the orifice is completely free.

18. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein the orifice comprises means enabling it to be closed, except for certain ,predetermi-ned openings.

19., A method~ according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein said ring has radial walls converging at a solid central area, it being possible for, the said walls to be straight or to have a particular profile, for example in the form of a helix. 25 t A method according to any one of claims 2 to 19, wherein the ring defining the orifice of the flexible bag is shaped in order to facilitate measurement of the particulate product in a larger-size pack, for example a barrel.

21. A method according to any one of claims 2 to wherein said ring comprises a member facilitating its grip, mounted permanently or consisting of a larger handle which may be fixed in a removable manner onto the body of the ring.

22. A metering and diffusion device for a particulate product for use in a washing machine, substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments in the accompanying drawings. "S 15 23. A method for machine washing of fabrics, S substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 14 October 1992 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: THE PROCTER GAMBLE COMPANY a 0 S4215Z a 4 26