U.S. patent application number 11/568080 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to RECKITT BENCKISER N.V.. Invention is credited to Karl-Ludwig Gibis, Chris Efstathios Housmekerides, Rainer Link.
Application Number | 20080011870 11/568080 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32344088 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080011870 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Link; Rainer ; et
al. |
January 17, 2008 |
Dispenser
Abstract
A dispenser for an automatic dishwasher comprises a body having
an aperture for release of an active component. The extent of
opening of the aperture is controllable. The active component is
contained in a blister disposed in the body.
Inventors: |
Link; Rainer; (Ludwigshafen,
DE) ; Gibis; Karl-Ludwig; (Ludwigshafen, DE) ;
Housmekerides; Chris Efstathios; (Ludwigshafen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NORRIS, MCLAUGHLIN & MARCUS
875 THIRD AVE
18TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10022
US
|
Assignee: |
RECKITT BENCKISER N.V.
Siriusdreef 14
Hoofddorp
NL
2132 WT
|
Family ID: |
32344088 |
Appl. No.: |
11/568080 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
April 21, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB05/01546 |
371 Date: |
May 11, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
239/55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/4481
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/055 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/44 20060101
A47L015/44 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 21, 2004 |
GB |
0408811.8 |
Claims
1. A dispenser for an automatic dishwasher, the dispenser
comprising a body having an aperture for release of an active
component, the extent of opening of the aperture being
controllable, characterised in that the active is contained in a
blister disposed in the body, and in that the active component is a
fragrance composition which is a liquid within the blister and is
released from the blister as a vapour.
2. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the fragrance
composition contains a dye and/or a colouring agent.
3. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the extent of opening
of the aperture is controlled by a gate mounted on the body.
4. A dispenser according to claim 3, wherein rotation of the gate
relative to the body opening extent of the aperture.
5. A dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the gate comprises an
apertured member.
6. A dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the dispenser has an
indication system to display the degree of alignment between the
gate and the body.
7. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the aperture on the
body is split into a series of apertures with a bespoke aperture
for each level or release.
8. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the body has a
plurality of apertures to allow release of the active
component.
9. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the gate has a
plurality of apertures.
10. A dispenser according to claim 8, wherein the apertures are
arranged in a regular pattern.
11. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the body has a means
to permit attachment to the inside of a dishwasher.
12. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the body has a
window.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a dispenser for an
automatic dishwashing machine, particularly for use in the dispense
of a fragrance.
[0002] Automatic dishwashing is a well recognised field. It
provides convenience to a consumer in comparison to manual
dishwashing.
[0003] One problem associated with the use of automatic dishwashers
is that of malodour. This is typically caused by the presence of a
residual amount of wash liquor retained in a part of the machine
after use. Microbiological action on this residual liquor can cause
a generation of malodour, which although harmless, is
unwelcome.
[0004] The malodour is noticeable when the machine is left open
between wash cycles and especially at the end of a wash cycle.
[0005] Usually the malodour is addressed by a fragrance emanator.
The emanators used generally comprise a cage for attachment to a
part of the dishwasher and a source of fragrance (such as a
blister) contained therein.
[0006] Although these emanators have been found to partially
alleviate the malodour issue their use is not without its
problems.
[0007] The first problem is that of the rate of release of the
fragrance. Normally the fragrance release follows a reverse
exponential curve: initially the release of fragrance is strong,
with the rate of release diminishing with time. Indeed in the early
stages of use the large amount of fragrance released, whilst
addressing the malodour issue, can reach an equally unpleasant
level. Conversely towards the end of the life cycle of the
fragrance emanator the release of fragrance is often so weak that
the malodour issue is not effectively addressed.
[0008] A second problem is the nature of the fragrance released.
Fragrances, whether a natural or man-made, comprise a complex
admixture of components, wherein each component provides a
different element to the overall fragrance. Normally the volatility
of the components varies having regard to one another. Hence their
release from emanators, which are normally unsophisticated devices
(due to cost consideration), also varies. This has the effect that
the overall scent of the fragrance alters during the lifetime of
the emanator.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to
overcome/mitigate the problems above.
[0010] According to the present invention there is provided a
dispenser for an automatic dishwasher, the dispenser comprising a
body having an aperture for release of an active component, the
extent of opening of the aperture being controllable, and wherein
the active is contained in a blister disposed in the body.
[0011] Most preferably the active component is a fragrance. The
fragrance is generally used to address malodour issues prevalent in
automatic dishwashers.
[0012] The dispenser of the present invention has been found to
have excellent properties. These properties are particularly
pertinent when the release profile of the most preferred active
component, fragrance, is considered.
[0013] Firstly the dispenser has been found to be able to release
the fragrance in a linear fashion both over and between a large
number of automatic dishwasher wash cycles (typically between 50
and 100 wash cycles. This is in contrast to previous dispensers.
Furthermore with the dispenser of the invention linear release has
been observed at varying opening extents of the aperture. Thus not
only is the dispenser able to dispense a fragrance at a linear rate
but also the rate of the release has been found to be adjustable,
without having an adverse effect on the linearity of the
release
[0014] Additionally the dispenser of the present invention has been
found to overcome the problem of differential release of different
components of the fragrances. That is to say, throughout the
working life of the dispenser of the present invention the
fragrance released is virtually identical to that of the `fresh`
fragrance. Without wishing to be bound by theory it is postulated
that this effect is achieved by the creation of a zone of saturated
fragrance in the headspace of the dispenser.
[0015] Preferably the extent of opening of the aperture is
controlled by a gate mounted on the body. The gate is mounted such
that it may be moved relative to the body to affect the opening
extent of the aperture. Usually the gate is mounted relative to the
body such that rotation of the gate relative to the body varies the
opening extent of the aperture.
[0016] The gate preferably comprises an apertured member. In this
way when the aperture of the gate is at least partially aligned
with the body aperture dispense of the active component may occur.
The degree of alignment may preferably be varied to affect a
variable rate of release.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment the dispenser may have an
indication system which displays the degree of alignment between
the gate and the body (and hence the expected rate of release) to
the user.
[0018] In a further embodiment the aperture on the body may be
split into a series of apertures with a bespoke aperture for each
level of release. Thus, as an example, the aperture on the body may
be split into two separate apertures; one large aperture for a high
rate of release (with the aperture on the gate being the same size
as that of the body) and a smaller aperture for a lower rate of
release. Obviously this arrangement of apertures may be reversed:
the series of apertures may be on the gate rather than on the
body.
[0019] Preferably the body has a plurality of apertures to allow
release of the active component (and also for inflow/drainage of
wash liquor). Equally preferably the gate also has a plurality of
apertures (most preferably one gate aperture per one body
aperture). Clearly it will be understood that in the embodiment
where the aperture is subdivided into a series of apertures there
may be a plurality of these series of apertures.
[0020] Generally the apertures are arranged in a regular pattern on
a side wall of the body.
[0021] Preferably the body has a means to permit attachment to the
inside of a dishwasher. Usually the attachment means is in the form
of a hook or a clip.
[0022] Usually the body has a window so that the user is able to
see the blister retained within the body. In this way the user is
able to assess the contents of the blister and hence can obtain an
indication of the likely remaining lifetime of the blister. The
window is most preferably in the form of an aperture in the body.
Preferably the window is sealed by being filled with the
blister.
[0023] Generally the reservoir body comprises a substantially
planar base.
[0024] The base is permeable to allow the contents of the blister
to emanate in use.
[0025] It is preferred that the reservoir (preferably enclosed in a
skin) projects from a surface of the base. Most preferably the
reservoir is stepped having a lower most and an upper most portion.
Preferably, in use, the upper most portion of the reservoir body
extends into the window aperture of the body. Preferably, in use,
the lower most portion of the reservoir body extends beneath and
behind a lower edge of the window aperture of the body.
[0026] As, generally the body is opaque, only the portion of the
reservoir body which extends into the window aperture is visible
when the blister is mounted in the body. Thus the blister has a
hidden portion, which may, when appropriate conceal a residue of a
component which is to be released from the emanator. In this way
the presence of any residue (particularly from a fragrance
composition) does not detrimentally effect the impression of the
user as to whether the blister needs to be replaced.
[0027] The volume of the portion of the reservoir body which is
hidden may be varied to suit the expected amount of residue
remaining in the blister. Preferably the volume of the reservoir
body which is hidden comprises around 15% of the volume of the
entire reservoir. (It has been found that typical fragrance
compositions leave a residue of up to 15% by volume after the
active components thereof have been allowed to/cause to emanate.
Thus a large portion of the reservoir body (around 85% by volume)
may be observed by user. This gives excellent indication of the use
of the blister contents and end-of-life indication.
[0028] Generally the blister, more particularly the skin of the
blister, is transparent so as to allow the user to view the
contents thereof.
[0029] Most preferably the blister contains a fragrance
composition. Generally the fragrance composition contains a dye
and/or a colouring agent. The dye/colouring agent may give an
indication of the nature of the fragrance for added consumer
recognition/appeal. For example an `apple` fragrance may have a
green colour and a `citrus` fragrance a yellow/orange colour.
[0030] The dispenser will now be described with reference to the
following drawings, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the components of the body of the
dispenser of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is an underneath plan view of the components of the
body of the dispenser of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exploded device of the
invention;
[0034] FIG. 4 is an alternative perspective view of an exploded
device of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the components of the body of an
alternative embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 6 is an underneath plan view of an assembled device of
the alternative embodiment of the dispenser of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a side view of an assembled device of the
alternative embodiment of the dispenser of the invention;
[0038] FIGS. 8 and 9 show side views of a preferred embodiment of a
blister which can be used in the dispense of the invention; and
[0039] FIGS. 10 and 11 show cross sections of the blister of FIGS.
8 and 9 taken along the longitudinal access A-A and the equatorial
access B-B respectively.
[0040] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 the dispenser 1 of the
present invention comprises a body 2, a blister 3 and a gate 4.
[0041] The body 2 comprises a front section 5 and a rear section 6.
Both the front section 5 and the rear section 6 include a largely
circular portion 7 and an extended portion 8. The front section 5
and the rear section 6 adjoin by virtue of a `snap fit`
arrangement.
[0042] In the centre of the circular portion 7 of the front section
5 there is a window aperture 9 to allow a consumer to view the
contents of the blister 3, mounted therein. The extended section 8
of the front section 5 includes a hook 10 for mounting the body
within an automatic dishwasher (not shown). The interior side of
the front section 5 has a lip 11 arranged around the window
aperture 9. The lip 11 provides support for the blister 3 to be
mounted within the body 2 adjacent the window aperture a 9 such
that the contents of the blister 3 are visible form the exterior of
the body 2.
[0043] The circular portion 7 of the rear section 6 is stepped.
This provides a volume within the body 2 for retention of the
blister 3. The circular portion 7 includes a number of clusters of
apertures 12 arranged with regular spacing. Each cluster 12
comprises three individual apertures; a,b,c, arranged in an
inverted `L` configuration.
[0044] The extended section 8 of the rear section 6 includes a
series of markings; `HI`, `MED` and `LO`. The significance of these
markings will become clear with reference to the gate 4.
[0045] The gate 4 includes a largely circular portion 7 and a limb
extension 13.
[0046] The circular portion 7 of the gate 4 is stepped in the same
way as the rear section 6 of the body 2. The circular portion 7
includes a number of clusters of apertures 14 arranged with regular
spacing. Each cluster 14 comprises two individual apertures; I,II,
arranged in an `I` configuration.
[0047] The limb extension 13 of the gate 4 extends beyond the
markings on the extended section 8 of the rear portion 6. The limb
extension 13 includes a window 15. The markings are intended to be
visible through the window 15 of the limb extension 13.
[0048] The gate 4 is mounted adjacent the rear section 6 so that
the gate 4 may be rotated relative to the rear section 6. In this
way the clusters of apertures 14 on the gate 4 may be arranged
relative to the cluster of apertures 12 on the rear section 6.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment three arrangements of the gate
4 relative to the rear section 6 are contemplated (although none of
these arrangements is actually illustrated) as follows:
[0050] In the first arrangement the window 15 of the limb extension
13 of the gate 4 is aligned such that the marking `LO` is visible
therethrough. In this orientation none of the apertures I, II on
the gate 4 are aligned with the apertures a,b,c on the rear section
6.
[0051] In the second arrangement the window 15 of the limb
extension 13 of the gate 4 is aligned such that the marking `MED`
is visible therethrough. In this orientation the apertures I on the
gate 4 are aligned with the apertures a on the rear section 6.
[0052] In the third arrangement the window 15 of the limb extension
13 of the gate 4 is aligned such that the marking `HI` is visible
therethrough. In this orientation the apertures I and II on the
gate 4 are aligned with the apertures b and c on the rear portion
6.
[0053] Thus it can be seen that as the gate is moved from the `LO`
to the `HI` setting the area of overlap of the apertures I, II on
the gate 4 and the apertures a, b, c on the rear section 6
increases. This allows increased release form the dispenser 1.
[0054] It will obviously be appreciated that whilst in FIGS. 1 to 4
three separate arrangements of the gate 4 relative to the rear
section 6 have been contemplated, other numbers of arrangements
with other numbers of different positions are not ruled out.
[0055] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 an alternative embodiment of
the dispenser 1 of the present invention is shown. The alternative
embodiment shares many of the features described above for the
first embodiment (with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4).
[0056] The body 2 comprises a front section 5 and a rear section 6.
The front section 5 and the rear section 6 adjoin by virtue of a
`snap fit` arrangement. Both the front section 5 and the rear
section 6 are dished to provide a volume within the body 2 for
retention of the blister 3.
[0057] The rear section 6 includes a hook 10 for mounting the body
within an automatic dishwasher.
[0058] The periphery of the front section 5 includes a number of
clusters of apertures 12 arranged with regular spacing. Each
cluster 12 comprises four individual apertures; a,b,c,d, arranged
in a row.
[0059] The periphery of the rear section 6 is cutaway in sections
to create four projections 16.
[0060] The front section 5 is mounted adjacent the rear section 6
so that the front section 5 may be rotated relative to the rear
section 6. In this way the clusters of apertures 12 on the front
section 5 may be arranged relative to the projections 16.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment five arrangements of the front
section 5 relative to the projections 16 are contemplated (although
none of these arrangements is actually illustrated) as follows:
[0062] In the first arrangement the front section 5 is aligned such
that all of the apertures a,b,c,d are adjacent the projections 16
on the rear section 6. Thus none of the apertures a,b,c,d is
open.
[0063] In the second through to the fifth arrangement the front
section 5 is aligned such that a decreasing number of the apertures
a,b,c,d is adjacent the projections 16 on the rear section 6. Thus
progressively the apertures a,b,c,d are opened with, finally in the
fifth arrangement, all of the apertures a,b,c,d being open.
[0064] Thus it can be seen that as the front section 5 is moved
relative to the rear section 6 the area of overlap of the apertures
a,b,c,d on the front section 5 and the projections 16 on the rear
section 6 decreases. This allows increased release from the
dispenser 1.
[0065] It will be appreciated that whilst in FIGS. 5 to 7 five
separate arrangements of the front section 5 relative to the rear
section 6 have been contemplated, other numbers of arrangements
with other numbers of different positions are not ruled out.
[0066] FIGS. 8 to 11 show the preferred embodiment of the blister 3
for use with the dispenser 1.
[0067] The blister 3 comprises a base 17 in the form of an oval
strip. The oval base 17 comprises a permeable skin for release of
the fragrance.
[0068] The base 17 is provided with two-stepped platforms 18 and 19
which project on the front side of the base 17. The platform 18 has
a similar shape to the base 17, namely it is oval, yet is smaller
than the base 17, thus leaving a non-platformed perimeter 20
therearound.
[0069] The stepped platform 19 has a circular surface 21. The
surface 21 is inclined at an angle about an axis there-through, the
said axis being arranged parallel to the equatorial axis of the
blister B-B. Thus the stepped platform 19 has a depth which varies
along longitudinal axis A-A.
[0070] The surface 21 and most preferably the entire blister 3 is
transparent.
[0071] In use the blister 3 is preferably supported in the body 2
by the lip 11 such that at least a portion of the surface 21 of the
stepped platform 19 is visible through the window aperture 9. This
allows the user to visually determine the amount of fragrance
contained within the blister 3.
[0072] The platform 18 extends beneath and behind a lower edge of
the window aperture 9. This arrangement allows the last remnants of
liquid in the blister 3 to be hidden from a user. This serves as an
aid to the user for blister replacement as typically the last
remnants of fragrance solution contain little or no fragrance and
mostly comprise colorant, i.e. is `inactive`. If this portion is
seen the user may perceive that the blister 3 is still capable of
functioning thus the replacement of the blister 3 may be delayed.
When hidden the presence of this `inactive` will not dissuade the
user from replacing the unit and thus the high efficacy of the
blister 3 is maintained.
[0073] Generally the blister 3 is mounted such that the
longitudinal axis A-A is substantially vertical with the deepest
part of the recess 19 uppermost. This serves to reduce the
appearance of under-fill of the blister 3--an important
consideration for consumers.
[0074] Generally the surface 22A of retainer 22 against which the
upper surface 21 of the blister 3 abuts is arranged so as to be
co-planer therewith. In the illustrated embodiment this is achieved
by surface 22A being substantially domed.
[0075] The invention will be further illustrated with reference to
the following non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Fragrance Dispense Rate
[0076] The fragrance dispense rate of a dispenser in accordance
with the invention was measured in an automatic dishwashing
machine.
[0077] A dispenser as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 was used. The dispenser
contained a blister as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11. The blister
contained 4 grams of a commercially available dishwasher
fragrance.
[0078] The fragrance release rate was measured by taking the weight
of the blister after a number of cycles in an automatic dishwasher
(Miele, model G 676 SC, program "Universal") which was run for a
number of cycles at 65.degree. C. The weight loss was expressed as
a percentage of fragrance lost from the blister (referring to the
initial weight of 4 g).
[0079] In the tests a varying number of apertures of the dispenser
were set to the open position to determine the effect that this
would have on the fragrance release rate. A comparative example of
a dispenser which is outside the scope of the present invention,
i.e. not having controllable apertures was also tested as a
comparison.
[0080] The results of the weight loss are shown in Table 1 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Loss of Fragrance (% w/w) Comparative No of
Washes Example "LO" "MED" "HI" 5 9.54 2.00 3.85 6.79 10 18.71 3.75
8.79 13.40 15 26.75 5.88 13.14 19.88 20 34.56 7.72 17.20 26.15 25
43.35 11.58 23.04 33.70 30 49.85 13.39 26.60 38.63 35 56.33 15.34
30.92 43.92 40 63.18 17.81 35.73 49.32 45 70.50 21.01 40.59 55.13
50 75.59 22.58 43.82 59.61 55 79.83 24.12 47.61 63.98 60 83.48
25.45 50.63 67.93 "LO" means 0 open apertures. "MED" means 8 open
apertures. "HI" means 16 open apertures.
[0081] The dispenser in accordance with the present invention has
excellent release properties. Not only is the fragrance release
linear in mature but also the rate of release can be varied (whilst
still remaining linear) to suit the output required.
[0082] The Comparative Example has a very large uncontrollable rate
of release with the rate of release displaying the usual reverse
exponential decay.
Example 2
Nature of Fragrance Dispensed
[0083] The nature of the fragrance dispensed from a dispenser in
accordance with the invention was measured.
[0084] A dispenser as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 was used. The dispenser
contained a blister as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11. The blister
contained 4 grams of a commercially available dishwasher
fragrance.
[0085] The nature of the fragrance released was tested taking a
sample of the fragrance (from the inside of the blister) and
feeding the sample into a Gas-Chromatograph (Agilent, model 6890
Series, columns HP-1, HP-5 Carbowax, carrier gas: Helium 1 ml/min;
program 80.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. (10 min), heating rate
6.degree. C./min). In this way the content of the fragrance could
be measured.
[0086] For the fragrance the top note, the medium notes and the low
notes were measured after 60 washes under the wash conditions in
Example 1 (with the dispenser at the medium setting). The
measurements for the dispenser in accordance with the present
invention were compared with the pure fragrance and with the
fragrance from a dispenser which is outside the scope of the
present invention. The results of the analysis are shown in Table 2
(given as total peak area %). TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Fragrance
Fragrance Fragrance Dispenser Top Notes Middle Notes Base Notes
Type (0-30 min.) (30-50 min.) (50-81 min.) None (Fresh 16.3% 68%
15.7% Fragrance) Dispenser of 7.9% 74.3% 17.6% the Invention
Comparative 1.5% 56.3% 42.2% Dispenser
[0087] In the dispenser of the present invention the fragrance
after 60 washes is much closer to that of the fresh fragrance than
that of the comparative Example.
* * * * *