U.S. patent application number 11/974276 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for unit-dose dispenser.
Invention is credited to Florian Altmann, Paulus Antonius Augustinus Hofte, Thomas Jon Hynek, Kurt Alfred Karussi, Natalie Marie Moroney, Pedro Vincent Vandecappelle.
Application Number | 20080092282 11/974276 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39203318 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080092282 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Altmann; Florian ; et
al. |
April 24, 2008 |
Unit-dose dispenser
Abstract
The present invention encompasses a dispenser for unit-doses
comprising a fragrance delivery component.
Inventors: |
Altmann; Florian; (Munich,
DE) ; Augustinus Hofte; Paulus Antonius; (St. Martens
Latem, BE) ; Hynek; Thomas Jon; (Munich, DE) ;
Karussi; Kurt Alfred; (Cincinnati, OH) ; Moroney;
Natalie Marie; (Loveland, OH) ; Vandecappelle; Pedro
Vincent; (Izegem, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION - WEST BLDG.
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 412
6250 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
39203318 |
Appl. No.: |
11/974276 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60851602 |
Oct 13, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/231 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03D 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/231 |
International
Class: |
E03D 9/02 20060101
E03D009/02 |
Claims
1. A dispenser for detergent unit-doses comprising: a) a storage
compartment containing at least about one detergent unit-dose; b) a
dispensing means for dispensing said detergent unit-dose from said
storage compartment; and c) a fragrance delivery component; wherein
said fragrance delivery component delivers fragrance independently
from said at least one detergent unit-dose and delivers said
fragrance into the ambiance over a prolonged period of time.
2. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said detergent
unit-doses are hard surface cleaning detergent unit-doses.
3. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said detergent
unit-doses are lavatory bowl cleaning detergent unit-dose.
4. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said dispenser
additionally comprises an outer casing.
5. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance
delivery component is selected from the group consisting of:
fragranced gels; fragranced plastics; a wick delivery system
comprising a fragrance-containing liquid; permeable film delivery
systems combined with a fragranced gel or a fragrance-containing
liquid; and battery powered/electrical fragrance release systems or
gravity driven fragrance release cartridges; and combinations
thereof.
6. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance
delivery component is present in a separate compartment of said
dispenser.
7. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance
delivery component is present in a separate compartment of said
dispenser and wherein said separate compartment has a means of
communication for air flow with the ambiance.
8. A dispenser for detergent unit-doses comprising: a) a storage
compartment containing at least about one detergent unit-dose; b) a
dispensing means for dispensing said detergent unit-dose from said
storage compartment; and c) a fragrance delivery component; wherein
said fragrance delivery component delivers fragrance independently
from said at least one detergent unit-dose and delivers said
fragrance into the ambiance over a prolonged period of time and
wherein said fragrance delivery component is present in a separate
compartment of said dispenser and wherein said separate compartment
has a means of communication for air flow with the ambiance.
9. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance
delivery component is a fragranced gel.
10. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance
delivery component is a perfumed gel.
11. A dispenser according to claim 9, wherein said fragranced gel
is present in the form of a multitude of fragranced gel beads.
12. A dispenser according to claim 9, wherein said fragranced gel
is present in the form of a multitude of fragranced gel beads
present in a in a separate compartment of said dispenser.
13. A dispenser according to claim 9, wherein said fragranced gel
is present in the form of a multitude of fragranced gel beads,
present in a in a separate compartment of said dispenser, and
wherein said separate compartment has a means of communication for
air flow with the ambiance.
14. A dispenser for detergent unit-doses comprising: a) a storage
compartment containing at least about one detergent unit-dose; b) a
dispensing means for dispensing said detergent unit-dose from said
storage compartment; and c) a fragrance delivery component; wherein
said fragrance delivery component delivers fragrance independently
from said at least one detergent unit-dose and delivers said
fragrance into the ambiance over a prolonged period of time and
wherein said fragrance delivery component is present in a separate
compartment of said dispenser, and wherein said fragrance delivery
component is a fragranced gel and wherein said fragranced gel is
present in the form of a multitude of fragranced gel beads, present
in a in a separate compartment of said dispenser, and wherein said
separate compartment has a means of communication for air flow with
the ambiance.
15. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance
delivery component is a fragranced plastic based on a plastic
material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene
terephthalate (PET); polyethylene (PE); polypropylene (PP);
polyvinyl chloride (PVC); high impact polystyrene (HIPS); and
polystyrene (PS) and mixtures thereof.
16. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance
delivery component is a permeable film delivery system combined
with a fragranced gel or fragrance-containing liquid medium.
17. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance
delivery component is a wick delivery system comprising a
fragrance-containing liquid composition.
18. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance
delivery component is a battery powered/electrical fragrance
release system.
19. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance
dispensed by the fragrance delivery component is selected from the
group consisting of a perfume, a deodorant, and mixtures
thereof.
20. A dispenser according to claim 19, wherein the perfume
dispensed by the fragrance delivery component is selected from the
group consisting of: a cyclic terpene/sesquiterpene perfume, such
as eucalyptol, cedrol, pinocarveolus, sesquiterpenic globulul
alcohol; linalo; tetrahydrolinalo; verdox (cyclohexadiyl 2 tetryl
butyl acetate); 6,3 hexanol; and citronellol and mixtures
thereof.
21. A dispenser according to claim 19, wherein the deodorant
dispensed by the fragrance delivery component is selected from the
group consisting of: cyclodextrins; metal salts of branched or
straight chain, saturated ort unsaturated, one- or multiply
hydroxylated fatty acids having at least about 16 carbon atoms;
metal salts of resinous acids; urease inhibitor complexes formed
from a divalent metal ion and a polyanionic, alternatively
amine-based, chelating agents; and mixtures thereof.
22. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
detergent unit-dose is selected from the group consisting of:
tablets and water-soluble capsules comprising solid and/or liquid
compositions.
23. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
detergent unit-dose comprises at least one active selected from the
group consisting of: acids, bases, dyes, optical brighteners,
builders, pigments, solvents, buffering agents, radical scavengers,
polymers, stabilizers, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants,
amphoteric surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic
surfactants, bleaches, fragrance, and effervescent systems, and
mixtures thereof.
24. A process of dispensing a lavatory bowl cleaning detergent
unit-dose into a lavatory bowl wherein said process comprises the
step of dispensing said lavatory bowl cleaning detergent unit-dose
from the dispenser according to claim 1 into said lavatory
bowl.
25. A process of dispensing hard surface cleaning detergent
unit-dose wherein said process comprises the step of dispensing
said hard surface cleaning detergent unit-dose from the dispenser
according to claim 1 into a container.
26. A process of deodorizing the ambient air in a lavatory wherein
said process comprises the step of continuously dispensing a
fragrance from the dispenser according to claim 1 into the ambient
air of a lavatory.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/851,602 filed Oct. 13, 2006, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a dispenser for detergent
unit-doses comprising a storage compartment containing at least one
detergent unit-dose; a dispensing means for dispensing said
detergent unit-dose; and a fragrance delivery component. The
dispenser herein provides excellent fragrance delivery
performance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Detergent unit-doses represent a convenient way of
delivering detergent products to an end-user. Indeed, such
detergent unit-doses, including tablets and water-soluble capsules
comprising solid and/or liquid compositions, can be directly used
by an end-user without the inconvenience for the end-user to
determine the adequate dosage in grams or milliliters of the
detergent. The manufacturer of such detergent unit-doses provide
simplified usage instructions, instructing an end-user to dose one,
two or a multitude of such detergent unit-doses. Therefore,
detergent unit-doses are the preferred detergent forms by a large
number of end-users.
[0004] Detergent unit-doses may be used in the field of hard
surface cleaning, for example, for all purpose cleaners, floor
cleaners and lavatory bowl cleaners.
[0005] Containers for such detergent unit-doses are well known in
the art. Indeed, tablets are frequently packed in carton boxes or
plastic tubs. Water-soluble capsules comprising solid and/or liquid
compositions may be packed in plastic tubs or pouches. WO 03/047998
describes a plastic pouch for water-soluble capsules.
[0006] A known drawback with the currently known containers for
such detergent unit-doses, such as carton boxes, plastic tubs,
pouches, etc., is their inconvenience for the end-user in
dispensing the detergent unit-dose. Indeed, the end-user attempting
to use a detergent unit-dose has to open the container and finger
one or more of said portions out of the container.
[0007] In addition to the convenience drawback associated with
current unit-dose containers upon dispensing of the detergent
unit-doses, it is desirable that such containers provide fragrance
(i.e., perfume and/or deodorant) delivery into the atmosphere or
ambiance air of the room wherein such containers are stored and/or
used. Indeed, such rooms, including lavatories, bathrooms,
kitchens, basements, garages, broom closets and the like, are prone
to developing an undesirable or bad smell due to the activities
performed therein and/or the soiled hard surfaces found therein
and/or other items stored therein. This applies in particular to
bathrooms and/or lavatories due to the presence of toilets and
urinals in such rooms.
[0008] In view of the above, a container for detergent unit-doses
that provides a combination of ongoing fragrance (i.e., perfume
and/or deodorant) delivery into atmosphere (ambient air of the room
wherein said dispenser is used/stored) with a convenient way of
dispensing the detergent unit-doses is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a dispenser for
detergent unit-doses wherein a fragrance (i.e., perfume and/or
deodorant) is dispensed continuously into the ambient air and
wherein said container provides a convenient means of dispensing
the detergent unit-doses.
[0010] The dispenser according to the present invention also
improves the handling of detergent-unit doses by the end user.
Indeed, usually detergent-unit doses are individually packed in a
flow-wrap to protect them from moisture or degradation (in
particular in the case of tablets). Opening such flow-wraps is
often a messy operation, which requires the end user to touch the
product. For the dispensers herein, no individual package is needed
for each detergent unit-dose, which simplifies the dispensing by
the end user of the detergent unit-dose by the end user.
Furthermore, due to the use of a dispenser herein, there is no need
for the end user to touch the detergent unit-dose whereby direct
contact is prevented, which has a beneficial effect on the
stability of the detergent unit-dose and the potential for skin
irritation caused by the detergent unit-dose is reduced.
[0011] The present invention encompasses a dispenser for detergent
unit-doses comprising: a) a storage compartment containing at least
about one detergent unit-dose; b) a dispensing means for dispensing
said detergent unit-dose from said storage compartment; and c) a
fragrance delivery component; wherein said fragrance delivery
component delivers fragrance independently from said at least one
detergent unit-dose and delivers said fragrance into the ambiance
over a prolonged period of time.
[0012] The present invention further encompasses a process of
applying a lavatory bowl cleaning detergent unit-dose into a
lavatory bowl wherein said process comprises the step of dispensing
said lavatory bowl cleaning detergent unit-dose from the dispenser
according to the present invention into said lavatory bowl.
[0013] In addition, the present invention further encompasses a
process of deodorizing the ambient air in a lavatory wherein said
process comprises the step of continuously dispensing a fragrance
from the dispenser according to the present invention into the
ambient air in a lavatory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective front-side view of a preferred
embodiment of the dispenser for detergent unit-doses according to
the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective back-side view of a preferred
embodiment of the dispenser for detergent unit-doses according to
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The dispenser 1 for detergent unit-doses 3 herein is
typically used and/or stored in rooms, such as lavatories,
bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages, broom closets and the
like. Such rooms are prone to developing an undesirable or bad
smell due to the activities performed therein and/or the soiled
hard surfaces found therein and/or other items stored therein. This
applies in particular to bathrooms and/or lavatories due to the
presence of toilets and urinals in such rooms.
[0017] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the
detergent unit-dose 3 herein is a lavatory bowl cleaning detergent
unit-dose. Lavatory bowls include toilet bowls, urinals and the
like. Alternatively, the dispenser 1 according to the present
invention is placed in a lavatory or a bathroom.
[0018] In one embodiment, wherein the detergent unit-dose herein is
a lavatory bowl cleaning detergent unit-dose, the lavatory bowl
cleaning detergent unit-dose is used to clean a lavatory bowl, such
as toilet bows, urinals, and the like. The lavatory bowl cleaning
detergent unit-dose herein can be dispensed directly from the
dispenser 1, according to the present invention, into the inside
portion of a lavatory bowl, such as toilet bowls, urinals, and the
like. In one embodiment herein, the lavatory bowl cleaning
detergent unit-dose is dispensed directly from the dispenser 1,
according to the present invention, into the inside portion of a
toilet bowl.
[0019] The lavatory bowl surfaces herein may be made of different
materials like ceramic, enamel, vinyl, no-wax vinyl, linoleum,
melamine, glass, Inox.RTM., Formica.RTM., any plastics, plastified
wood, metal or any painted or varnished or sealed surface and the
like.
Dispenser for Detergent Unit-Doses
[0020] The dispenser 1 for detergent unit-doses 3 herein comprises:
a) a storage compartment 2 containing at least one detergent
unit-dose 3; b) a dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c for dispensing said
detergent unit-dose 3 from said storage compartment 2; and c) a
fragrance delivery component 5.
[0021] The dispenser 1 for detergent unit-doses 3 herein may be
made of a thermoplastic material, alternatively a material selected
from group consisting of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET),
Polyethylene Terephthalate-G (PETG), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC),
Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), High Impact Polystyrene
(HIPS), Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC), Low density Polyethylene
(LDPE) or high density Polyethylene (HDPE), and mixtures thereof or
laminated structures like co-injected materials, barrier films or
foils including metal foils (such as aluminum), sputtered or
vaporized aluminum, Nylon, Teflon.RTM., Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH),
Surlyn.RTM., and the like.
[0022] Furthermore, said dispenser 1 is at least partially
transparent, alternatively the storage compartment 2 portion of the
dispenser 1 herein is at least partially transparent, which allows
its user to visualize when said storage compartment 2 is empty.
[0023] In one embodiment herein, the storage compartment 2 and/or
the fragrance delivery component 5 herein, alternatively both, are
refillable. By "refillable" it is meant that either the original
elements can be refilled with new material or the elements can be
replaced with new elements comprising new material.
[0024] The shape of the dispenser 1 can be formed via injection
molding, extrusion blow molding, extrusion stretch blow molding,
thermoforming, vacuum forming or any other technique known in the
art.
[0025] Said dispenser 1 may contain various openings, holes, or
cut-outs 6a, 6b, 6c that form part of the storage compartment 2 (as
described below) or the dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c (as described
below). Alternatively, such openings, holes, or cut-outs 6a, 6b, 6c
may be in the outer casing, if any, and may be in communication
with aperture 4b of the storage compartment 2 (as described below)
or the dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c (as described below).
[0026] In addition, said dispenser 1 may contain openings, holes,
cut-outs 6a, 6b, 6c that form part or are in communication with the
fragrance delivery component 5 as described herein below.
[0027] The dispenser 1 for detergent unit-doses 3 herein comprises
as a first essential element a storage compartment 2 containing at
least one detergent unit-dose 3. The storage compartment 2 may be
made of the same material as the dispenser 1 or may partially or
completely be made of an alternative material selected from the
list of materials detailed herein above.
[0028] Said storage compartment 2 may be of any suitable volume
(size) to hold the at least one detergent unit-dose 3 contained
therein. Alternatively, the storage means has a volume of from
about 50 ml to about 1500 ml, alternatively a volume of from about
100 ml to about 1000 ml, alternatively a volume of from about 200
ml to about 800 ml, and alternatively a volume of from about 300 ml
to about 600 ml.
[0029] The storage compartment 2 of the dispenser 1 for detergent
unit-doses 3 herein contains at least one detergent unit-dose,
alternatively a multitude of detergent unit-doses, alternatively
from about 1 to about 50 detergent unit-doses, alternatively about
10 to about 30 detergent unit-doses 3, alternatively about 15 to
about 25 detergent unit-doses.
[0030] In one embodiment herein, the storage compartment 2 of the
dispenser 1 herein is refillable. Indeed, the storage compartment 2
may be refilled with separately sold detergent unit-doses 3. The
storage compartment 2 may be refilled through an aperture 4b in the
dispenser 1 with the storage compartment 2 provided in a separate
container, such as a carton box, plastic tub or plastic pouch.
Alternatively, the storage compartment 2 as a whole, including the
detergent unit-doses 3 present therein, may be replaceable, i.e.,
the subject of a refill.
[0031] The dispenser 1 of the present invention comprises as a
second element a dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c for dispensing said
detergent unit-dose from said storage compartment. Alternatively,
said dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c is connected to said storage
compartment.
[0032] The dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c herein may be any suitable
means to dispense the at least one detergent unit-dose 3 from the
storage compartment 2 into for example a lavatory bowl (or a
bucket, in case of an all purpose or floor cleaner). In one
embodiment, the dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c provides a
communication from the storage compartment 2 to the exterior of the
dispenser 1 herein.
[0033] Suitable dispensing means for the at least one detergent
unit-dose 3 from the storage compartment 2 are: simple apertures; a
flap covering an aperture; an actuator (e.g., push-button)
activated flap covering an aperture in a disengaged configuration;
multiple (alternatively two) rotating discs with holes that need to
be aligned to dispense; a rotating base to open an aperture;
spring-loaded buttons that open and automatically close the
aperture via moving a flipper; and the like. Alternatively, the
dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c contains a dispensing aperture 4b,
alternatively of a size suitable to dispense the detergent
unit-dose herein.
[0034] In one embodiment, the storage compartment 2 and the
dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c are in communication with each other
and are located in close proximity to each other within the
dispenser 1 herein. Indeed, the storage compartment 2 may contain
an aperture 4b that is connected by means of for example a tube or
passage to the dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c.
[0035] In another embodiment herein, the dispensing means 4a, 4b,
4c forms part of the storage compartment 2. Indeed, in this
embodiment said dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c may be an aperture 4b
(alternatively a re-closeable and actuator openable aperture)
forming part of the storage compartment 2.
[0036] In another embodiment herein, said dispensing means 4a, 4b,
4c is located at the periphery of the dispenser 1, alternatively at
the lower periphery of the dispenser 1 (upon normal usage and/or
storage orientation).
[0037] Indeed, in one embodiment, said dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c
is oriented in the downwards direction (upon normal usage and/or
storage orientation of the dispenser 1) with a dispensing aperture
4b opening, if any, alternatively at the lower periphery of the
dispenser 1, to limit the diffusion of ambient humidity inside the
dispenser 1 and thereby to protect the storage stability of the
detergent unit-doses 3 therein. Indeed, detergent unit-doses 3,
such as tablets or water-soluble capsules, are prone to reduced
storage stability (i.e., premature, partial dissolution) when
exposed to increased levels of ambient humidity.
[0038] In another embodiment herein, the dispensing means 4a, 4b,
4c is designed to be activated by the end-user. Such an activation
may be achieved by any suitable means known to the skilled person
and may comprise an actuator to actively open a closure such as a
flap 4c over an aperture 4b (as described above). Such actuators
may by a push button 4a or a lever that is in communication with a
flap 4c covering the aperture 4b. Such actuators may be combined
with a spring or a similar means that allows for automatic closure
of the flap 4c after activation, in order to avoid accidental
dispensing of the detergent unit-doses 3 and protect the detergent
unit-doses 3 from moisture or degradation. Therefore, in one
embodiment, the dispenser 1 herein additionally comprises an
actuator, alternatively located at the outside portion of the
dispenser 1.
[0039] In yet another embodiment herein, the dispensing means 4a,
4b, 4c additionally includes a moisture (coming from ambient
humidity) protection means. Any suitable moisture protection means,
which prevents or reduces the diffusion of moisture into the
dispenser 1, alternatively into the storage compartment, may be
suitable for use herein. Suitable moisture protection means include
a seal, alternatively a plastic and/or silicone seal.
Alternatively, moisture protection means is a seal located at the
outer periphery of the dispensing aperture 4b, if any. By limiting
the diffusion of ambient humidity/moisture into the dispenser 1,
the storage stability of the detergent unit-doses 3 therein is
increased. Indeed, detergent unit-doses 3, such as tablets or
water-soluble capsules, are prone to reduced storage stability
(i.e., premature, partial dissolution) when exposed to increased
levels of ambient humidity/moisture.
[0040] Elements of dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c may be made of
thermoplastic material, more alternatively a material selected from
group consisting of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene
Terephthalate-G (PETG), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene
(PP), Polystyrene (PS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS),
Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC), engineering grade plastics like
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or Polyoxymethylene (such as
Delrin.TM. and Celcon.TM.), Low density Polyethylene (LDPE) or high
density Polyethylene (HDPE) thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and
mixtures thereof or laminated structures like carton, barrier
carton, co-injected materials, barrier films or foils including
metal foils (aluminum), sputtered or vaporized aluminum, Polyamides
(Nylon), Teflon.RTM., Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), Surlyn.RTM., and
the like. Alternatively, other materials, such as metals (in
particular for spring elements) may be used.
[0041] The dispenser 1 herein may comprise other elements as
optional elements.
[0042] In one embodiment herein, the dispenser 1, additionally
comprises an outer casing. Such an outer casing may provide a
supporting structure to the dispenser 1 and/or hide certain
mechanical elements (like the dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c).
Furthermore, such an outer casing may provide the dispenser 1 with
an overall appearance of being a single object.
[0043] The outer casing may be partially or fully transparent,
translucent, or of non-transparent appearance. Furthermore, all
combinations of transparency, translucency and non-transparency may
be provided for the outer casing.
[0044] Said outer casing may also provide good standing properties
to the dispenser 1, by including flaps upon which the dispenser 1
rests upon storage.
[0045] Said outer casing may contain various openings, holes,
cut-outs 6a, 6b, 6c that form part of the storage compartment 2 (as
described above) or the dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c (as described
above). Alternatively, such openings, holes, or cut-outs 6a, 6b, 6c
in the outer casing may be in communication with apertures 4b of
the storage compartment 2 (as described above) or the dispensing
means 4a, 4b, 4c (as described above).
[0046] In addition, said outer casing may contain openings, holes,
cut-outs 6a, 6b, 6c that form part or are in communication with the
fragrance delivery component 5 as described herein below.
Fragrance Delivery Component
[0047] The dispenser 1 according to the present invention comprises
as a third element a fragrance delivery component 5 wherein said
fragrance delivery component 5 delivers fragrance independently
from said at least one detergent unit-dose 3 and delivers said
fragrance, alternatively directly and on an ongoing basis, into the
ambiance over a prolonged period of time.
[0048] The fragrance delivery component 5 herein, may be a single
component or may be a multitude of the same or different
components. Alternatively, the fragrance delivery component 5
herein comprises a perfume and/or a deodorant, alternatively a
perfume. The fragrance delivery component 5 is comparable in its
performance to an air freshener device.
[0049] By "fragrance" it is meant herein any chemical compound or
mixture thereof that can alter the detectable character (smell) of
air. This includes perfumes that create a (pleasant) smell, wherein
the smell masks malodor. It also includes compounds, which directly
remove malodors from the air (i.e., deodorants), or combinations of
both perfumes and deodorants.
[0050] By "ambiance" it is meant herein the atmosphere of the
environment or room, alternatively bathroom or lavatory, wherein
the dispenser 1 is present (i.e., used and/or stored).
[0051] By "delivery over a prolonged period of time" it is meant
herein that the fragrance delivery component 5 delivers a fragrance
directly into the ambiance on an ongoing basis and for a period of
time that exceeds at least about 24 hours. Alternatively, the
fragrance delivery component 5 herein delivers a fragrance into the
ambiance from about 48 hours to about 100 days, alternatively from
about 7 days to about 100 days, alternatively from about 14 days to
about 80 days, alternatively from about 17 days to about 60 days
and alternatively from about 21 days to about 42 days.
[0052] By "said fragrance delivery component delivers fragrance
independently from said at least one detergent unit-dose" it is
meant herein that the fragrance delivery component 5 herein
delivers the fragrance into the atmosphere (alternatively of the
bathroom or lavatory) without interaction with the detergent
unit-doses 3 herein. Indeed, even though the detergent unit-doses 3
may contain a fragrance that may or may not be released upon
storage of the portions, it is understood that this release is not
to be considered as the fragrance delivery of the fragrance
delivery component 5 herein. The optional fragrance release of the
detergent unit-dose upon storage and/or use works independently
from the fragrance delivery into the ambiance of the fragrance
delivery component 5 that forms part of the dispenser 1 according
to the present invention.
[0053] The fragrance delivery component 5 herein may be attached to
the outside portion of the dispenser 1 or may form part of the
interior portion of the dispenser 1 or may be in a separate
compartment (if any of the dispenser 1).
[0054] Alternatively, the fragrance delivery component 5 may be
combined with the storage compartment 2 herein. Indeed, said
fragrance delivery component 5 may be located in a separate
compartment that forms part of the storage compartment. In this
case, a refill of the storage compartment 2 as a whole (as
described herein) would also include a refill of the fragrance
delivery component 5, which provides a user-friendly and economical
way of refilling the dispenser 1 herein.
[0055] In one embodiment, wherein the fragrance delivery component
5 herein forms part of the interior portion of the dispenser 1
according to the present invention, the dispenser 1 may contain a
means of communication for air flow between the fragrance delivery
component 5 and the ambiance. Indeed, the dispenser 1 and/or the
outer casing, if any, may contain openings, holes, or cut-outs 6a,
6b, 6c permitting air flow between the fragrance delivery component
5 and the ambiance.
[0056] Additionally, the fragrance delivery component 5 may also be
present in a separate compartment of said dispenser 1, having a
means of communication for air flow with the ambiance. Indeed, the
dispenser 1 and/or the outer casing, if any, may contain openings,
holes, cut-outs 6a, 6b, 6c permitting air flow between the
fragrance delivery component 5 and the ambiance.
[0057] In one embodiment herein, the fragrance delivery component 5
is in communication with the exterior of the dispenser 1 herein/the
ambiance, allowing for air flow there between.
[0058] Any fragrance delivery component 5 suitable of delivering a
fragrance into the ambiance over a prolonged period of time may be
used in the dispenser 1 herein. Suitable fragrance delivery
components are selected from the group consisting of: fragranced
gels; fragranced plastics; a wick delivery system comprising a
fragrance-containing liquid; permeable film delivery systems
combined with a fragranced gel or a fragrance-containing liquid;
and battery powered/electrical fragrance release systems or gravity
driven fragrance release cartridges; and combinations thereof. The
fragrance delivery component 5 can be incorporated into the
dispenser 1 of the present invention in a variety of different
ways. Suitable non-limiting examples are shown herein below:
Fragranced Gel
[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance
delivery component 5 herein may be a fragranced gel that
alternatively continuously releases a fragrance for a prolonged
period of time. Alternatively, the fragrance delivery component 5
herein is a perfumed gel.
[0060] By "fragranced/perfumed gel" it is meant herein any wax-
and/or gel-based substance that contains a fragrance/perfume and is
capable of releasing the fragrance/perfume into the atmosphere.
[0061] Fragranced gels include any type of wax- and/or gel-based
substances suitable to release a fragrance. Alternatively, the
fragranced gel herein is an anhydrous or an aqueous fragranced
gel.
[0062] Alternatively, the wax- and/or gel-based substances for use
herein are selected from the group consisting of: anhydrous wax-
and/or gel-based substances; and aqueous wax- and/or gel-based
substances; and mixtures thereof.
[0063] Suitable anhydrous wax- and/or gel-based substances for use
herein are selected from the group selected from the group
consisting of: polyamide polymers; waxes; styrene polymers;
stearates; ester-terminated dimmer acid-based polyamides;
maleinized polybutadienes in combination with
dihydroxypolybutadienes and an ethoxylated primary amine;
maleinized polyisoprenes in combination with
dihydroxypolybutadienes and an ethoxylated primary amine; and
mixtures thereof.
[0064] Suitable aqueous wax- and/or gel-based substances for use
herein are selected from the group consisting of: water and a
gelling agent such as carrageenan gum or gellan gum; water in
combination with polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate and
dimethyl sulfoxide; water in combination with a polymer such as a
polyacrylamide; water in combination with stearic acid, propylene
glycol and activated carbon; and anhydrous sodium polyacrylate and
mixtures thereof.
[0065] These wax- and/or gel-based substances for use herein are
typically manufactured by processing them initially in their liquid
form, often by heating. Indeed, the gels are typically heated to
melt the gel, or the gel is polymerized or gellified in the liquid
state at high temperature. A fragrance, alternatively a perfume, is
subsequently added to the heated gel, and the heated, fragranced
liquid is then being cooled to form the gel structure.
[0066] In one embodiment herein, the fragranced gel herein is an
anhydrous fragranced gel, more alternatively the fragranced gel
herein is selected from the group consisting of: polyamide polymers
additionally containing up to about 90% by weight of the fragranced
gel of fragrance; waxes additionally containing up to about 90% by
weight of the fragranced gel of fragrance; styrene polymers
additionally containing up to about 90% by weight of the fragranced
gel of fragrance; stearates additionally containing up to about 90%
by weight of the fragranced gel of fragrance; ester-terminated
dimmer acid-based polyamides additionally containing up to about
50% by weight of the fragranced gel of fragrance; maleinized
polybutadienes in combination with dihydroxypolybutadienes and an
ethoxylated primary amine additionally containing up to about 95%
by weight of the fragranced gel of fragrance; and maleinized
polyisoprenes in combination with dihydroxypolybutadienes and an
ethoxylated primary amine additionally containing up to about 95%
by weight of the fragranced gel of fragrance; and mixtures thereof.
Suitable fragranced gels are for example described WO 02/066084, WO
98/17243, U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,527, and WO 01/78794 (all of which
are incorporated herein by reference). Suitable perfumed gels are
commercially available under the trade name of Crystal Air.RTM. by
Reckitt Benckiser or under the names Sylvaclear.RTM.,
Sylvacote.RTM. or Uniclear.RTM. resins, by Arizona Chemical.
Similar performing gels to those listed above may also be used.
Anhydrous sodium polyacrylate or similar gel compositions are
detailed in US 2002/0041860 A1 (incorporated herein by
reference)
[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragranced
gel herein is a polymeric composition obtained by combining a low
melting point polyamide polymer with a polar thermoplastic
elastomer and a fragrance. Such polymeric compositions are
described for example in US-A1-2006/0099168 (incorporated herein by
reference).
[0068] The term "low melting point polyamide polymers" includes all
polyamides having a melting point below about 130.degree. C.,
alternatively below about 110.degree. C., more alternatively below
about 100.degree. C. Typically and alternatively, the low melting
point polyamides for use in the present invention are solid at room
temperature. Preferred polyamides are terminated polyamides,
particularly preferred are ester terminated polyamides. Examples of
these low melting point polyamides include those marketed by
Arizona chemicals under the trade name of SYLVACLEAR.RTM..
[0069] The term "polar thermoplastic elastomer" includes multiphase
polymers that comprise "hard" and "soft" phases chemically bonded
together in the polymer chain. The "hard" phase is solid at room
temperature and flows upon heating. Examples include blocks of
amide, ester and urethane groups. The "soft" phase is rubbery at
room temperature. Examples include polyether blocks such as
poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol) or
poly(tetramethylene glycol). At room temperature, the presence of
the "hard" phases in the polymer imparts strength and good
mechanical properties. When the polymer is heated, these phases
become liquid and the polymer melts, allowing for processing in the
molten state. Upon re-cooling to room temperature, the phases
solidify and the good mechanical properties are regained. A
comprehensive definition of thermoplastic elastomers can be found
in Vol 9 of the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
(4th Edition-Wiley-Interscience, 1996)--under the voice
"Elastomers", sub-voice "Thermoplastic Elastomers" (incorporated
herein by reference). Among these polymers those which are suitable
for the present invention are those comprising at least one polar
monomer. Polar monomers are those monomers which comprise at least
a C--X linkage in the molecule wherein said C--X linkage is a polar
linkage. Alternatively X is an N, S, F, Cl or O atom. More
alternatively said polar linkage is part of a carbonyl group and,
more alternatively, of an ester group. Preferred polar monomers for
the present invention are vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, methyl
acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, acrylic acid and salts
formed therefrom, methacrylic acid and salts formed therefrom,
maleic anhydride, glycidyl methacrylate and carbon monoxide. More
alternatively the hard phases alternatively comprise blocks of
amide, ester or urethane groups and the soft phases alternatively
comprise polyether blocks. Examples of these polar thermoplastic
elastomers include thermoplastic polyurethanes, such as those
produced under the trade names ESTANE.RTM. by Noveon, and
PELLETHANE.RTM. by Dow Chemicals; thermoplastic polyesters, also
known as polyether ester copolymers, such as those produced under
the trade names HYTREL.RTM. by DuPont and ARNITEL.RTM. by DSM, and
thermoplastic polyamides, also known as polyether amide copolymers,
such as those produced under the trade name PEBAX.RTM. by
Atofina.
[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragranced
plastic herein is a polymeric composition obtained by combining a
low melting point polyamide polymer with a polar thermoplastic
elastomer as described above, the fragrance is a perfume
composition obtained by combining an ester terminated polyamide, a
thermoplastic polyether amide copolymer and a perfume, according to
the method described in US-A1-2006/0099168 (incorporated herein by
reference).
[0071] In one embodiment herein, wherein the fragrance delivery
component 5 herein is a fragranced gel, the fragranced gel,
alternatively initially, comprises up to about 95%, alternatively
from about 10% to about 95%, alternatively from about 50% to about
95% by weight of fragrance, alternatively perfume.
[0072] The shape of the gel may be any design suitable to deliver a
fragrance into the ambiance. The fragranced gel may be placed
directly into any appropriate position or portion on the dispenser
1. This includes combining the fragranced gel with the dispenser 1
and/or the outside portion of the storage compartment 2 and/or with
its outer casing, if any. For combining the fragranced gel with the
dispenser 1 and/or the outside portion of the storage compartment 2
and/or with its outer casing, if any, a recess may be created on
the outer surface of the dispenser 1 and/or the outside portion of
the storage compartment 2 and/or with the outer casing, if any, to
create a region that may be filled with fragranced gel. This recess
can easily be created during the dispenser forming process (e.g.,
via extrusion blow molding, extrusion stretch blow molding,
injection molding, thermoforming or vacuum forming process). The
recess may be molded into the outer surfaces of the dispenser 1 or
its outer casing, if any (on its front panel, top panel, sides,
bottom or back panel, if any). This recess is filled with liquid
fragranced gel, which is solidified into the recess. Alternatively
a recess could be created on the outer surface of the storage
compartment. For pieces, which are typically injection molded, blow
molded, thermoformed or vacuum formed, a recess can easily be
created within the surface of the piece during the molding process
itself.
[0073] Alternatively, the fragranced gel may be cast as a separate
strip and attached into a recesses on the surface of the dispenser
1 and/or its outer casing (if any), via a variety of different
means, such as adhesives. Alternatively, the gel may be attached
directly to the surface of dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if
any) without a recess using the same attachment means mentioned
above or the dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any) or parts
thereof may be fully or partially coated with the fragranced gel by
either dipping or spraying the fragranced gel on the surface of the
dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any). Alternatively, the
fragranced gel may be filled into a separate piece containing a
complementary recess to that placed in the surface of the dispenser
1 and/or outer casing (if any), or the fragranced gel may be cast
as a separate sheet or strip and attached to such a separate piece.
This separate piece is then fastened onto the outer surface of
dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any), by clipping the piece
into a recess in the outer surface of dispenser 1 and/or its outer
casing (if any) or by adhesives or various other means. This
separate piece containing the fragranced gel may be sold separately
or in combination with the dispenser 1. The separate piece would
therefore be refilled in the dispenser 1 either separately or at
the same time as when the storage compartment 2 is refilled with
detergent unit-doses 3.
[0074] In one embodiment herein, said fragrance delivery component
5 is a fragranced gel, alternatively a perfumed gel, which is
alternatively present in a recess on the outside portion of the
dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any).
[0075] In one embodiment, wherein the fragranced gel is present in
a recess of the dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any)
herein, setting the fragranced gel into the recess may be achieved
by pouring the heated fragranced gel directly into the recess and
allowing it to cool. A small peel-able and alternatively
transparent film with a high barrier may be placed over the
fragranced gel in the recess and sealed to the outer part of the
recess in the dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any). This
embodiment has the advantage that it protects the fragranced gel
prior to use. Indeed, the fragranced gel is replaced at the same
time as when the dispenser 1 is replaced, and the peel-able film is
removed to expose the gel upon first use.
[0076] In addition, two or more layers of gel may be filled on top
of each other. This has the advantage of the lower layer acting as
an adhesive to the upper layers. This can more effectively stick
the fragranced gel into the dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if
any) so that is does not drop out due to mechanical agitation, or
to prevent undue shrinkage of the gel as the fragrance evaporates.
In addition, the level (%) of fragrance can be altered in these
layers to better control the release of fragrance from the gel.
Alternatively, two or more different gels can be cast into the
dispenser 1 herein (or its outer casing, if any) side by side. This
has the advantage of creating better aesthetics for the consumer.
In addition, different fragrance or ingredients can be added to
each gel (e.g. perfume in one gel and de-odorant in the other
gel).
[0077] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention,
multiple pieces of fragranced gel in the form of small beads or
other similar designs may be used. Indeed, the fragranced gel is
present in the form of at least one, alternatively a multitude of
fragranced gel beads. In such an embodiment, such fragranced gel
beads have an increased consistency and/or a limited stickiness,
which prevents the single beads from agglomerating together and
leaves the beads as substantially individual items. Beads herein
may be of a regular globular or elliptical or even square shape or
of an irregular rounded shape. Using beads maximizes the surface
area of the pieces and facilitates the release of fragrance. These
beads are alternatively included in the dispenser 1 in a recess in
the surface of the dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any),
wherein alternatively said recess is covered using a gas-permeable
cover, alternatively a perforated cover. This gas-permeable cover
holds the beads in place prior to usage. The covering may consist
of a rigid plastic grid that may be clipped into the recess over
the beads to hold it in place or a perforated film that is heat
sealed or glued over the recess. A further alternative is to create
a cage like device that holds the beads and can be attached to the
dispenser 1 or parts thereof via various means. Alternatively, the
cage may be integrally molded into parts of the dispenser 1 (or its
outer casing, if any). Indeed, the beads may be placed within the
dispenser 1, alternatively in a separate compartment. A further
alternative is to contain the beads in an open top container. This
container may be positioned either adjacent to or above the said
storage compartment. This allows the beads-container to be easily
refilled along with the container for the liquid, perfumed
composition because both containers could be inserted into the
dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c at the same time.
[0078] In one embodiment, such fragranced gel beads are
self-disincarnating, wherein due to the release of perfume the gel
beads are reduced in size over time. Suitable fragranced gel beads
are commercially available from IFF.
[0079] In one embodiment herein, one or a multitude of such
fragranced gel beads are placed within the dispenser 1 in a
separate compartment and are alternatively partially visible for a
user due to the use of transparent material in making the dispenser
1 or through openings.
[0080] For all embodiments herein containing a fragranced gel, and
in particular for the embodiment herein, wherein the fragrance
delivery component 5 is at least one, alternatively a multitude of
fragranced gel beads, that the fragranced gel is (alternatively the
fragranced gel beads are) colored.
[0081] For all of the fragranced gel-based embodiments, the
fragranced gel may optionally be protected from releasing its
fragrance into the atmosphere prior to usage of the dispenser 1.
This can be solved by packaging the dispenser 1 in a package that
has a high gas barrier. A preferred option would be a transparent
thermoformed blister pack made from PET, PVC or other similar
materials having a high oxygen barrier film over the top of the
blister made from laminates of aluminum, metallised PET, metallised
biaxially oriented polypropylene, EVOH, Polyamides (Nylon) and/or
other similar film materials. An alternative would be to seal a
high gas barrier peel-able film onto the dispenser 1 (or its outer
casing, if any) so that it covers the perfumed gel on the surface
of the dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any), or
alternatively onto the separate piece so that it covers the gel
container within the separate piece or still alternatively onto the
openings, holes, cut-outs 6a, 6b, 6c of the dispenser 1 and/or its
outer casing (if any) permitting air flow between the fragrance
delivery component 5 and the ambiance. This film would then be
removed by the user upon the first use of the dispenser 1 and/or
its outer casing (if any). Alternatively, the peel-able film would
be transparent to allow the consumer to also see the gel on shelf.
A suitable film would be a laminated film using Al.sub.2O.sub.3,
SiO.sub.2, EVOH, Nylon or PVDC coatings or other similar high gas
barrier transparent films.
[0082] For all embodiments herein containing a fragranced gel, the
perfumed gel can be placed in a recess, alternatively on the
outward-facing section of the dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing
(if any). By "outward-facing section" it is meant the visible
outside portion of the dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if
any).
Fragranced Plastics
[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance
delivery component 5 herein may be a fragranced plastic that
alternatively continuously releases a fragrance for a prolonged
period of time. Alternatively, the fragrance delivery component 5
herein is a perfumed plastic.
[0084] By "fragranced/perfumed plastic" it is meant herein any
plastic material that contains a fragrance/perfume and is capable
of releasing the fragrance/perfume into the atmosphere of the
bathroom or lavatory.
[0085] Fragranced plastics include any type of plastic material
suitable to release a fragrance. Suitable plastic materials for use
as a fragranced plastic are selected from the group consisting of:
polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyethylene (PE); polypropylene
(PP); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); high impact polystyrene (HIPS);
polystyrene (PS), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), ethyl vinyl
acetate (EVA) and the like.
[0086] The plastic material herein contains a fragranced,
alternatively perfumed, masterbatch. By "fragranced masterbatch" it
is meant herein a portion of material consisting of a carrier resin
such as PET, PE, PP, PVC, HIPS and/or PS and a high level of
fragrance (alternatively perfume) alternatively up to about 95%,
from about 10% to about 90%, more alternatively from about 50% to
about 85% by weight of the total masterbatch of a fragrance
(alternatively perfume). The masterbatch is added during the normal
manufacture of plastic pieces via additions in the extruder for
injection molding, blow molding, sheet forming, blown film and
other similar plastic processes. The plastics may also be foamed to
maximize the amount of fragrance that may be added to the plastic
piece and to further encourage its release into the atmosphere. The
technology is detailed in WO 00/08095, U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,855, GB
2,180,157 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,797,742 (all of which are
incorporated herein by reference).
[0087] The fragranced masterbatch herein may be used during the
manufacture of the dispenser 1 herein or parts thereof, such as the
storage compartment, or the outer casing (if any). This creates a
dispenser 1 that delivers a fragrance into the atmosphere upon use
by releasing a fragrance directly from either the dispenser 1 or
parts thereof. Alternatively, the fragranced masterbatch is used
during the manufacture of the outer casing herein.
[0088] An alternative approach is to use the fragranced masterbatch
for the manufacture of a separate plastic piece or pieces. This
piece(s) ("insert(s)") may then be fastened to any part of the
dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any). The insert (or
inserts) may be injection molded or manufactured by similar plastic
processes. This method of using a separate insert as compared to
using the fragranced masterbatch for the manufacture of the
dispenser 1 itself has the advantage of allowing more control of
the amount of fragrance as well as control of the type of plastic
used to maximize the amount of fragrance delivery. This is due to
the fact that these plastic piece(s) only need to dispense
fragrance. They do not need to have additional functions such as to
provide stability to the dispenser 1. In addition, the plastic
pieces may be coloured and/or may be made from different designs to
provide aesthetic improvements. Fastening of such inserts may be
achieved by clipping the separate piece(s) to parts of the
dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any), or by using adhesive
or similar techniques. Such pieces could be sold as refills either
in a separate package or in a multi-pack combined with a detergent
unit-doses 3 refill. Both packs would have a high oxygen barrier
package (as described herein above) to keep the fragrance in the
pieces prior to usage.
[0089] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention,
multiple pieces of fragranced plastic in the form of small beads or
other similar designs, may be used. Beads herein may be of a
regular globular or elliptical or even square shape or of an
irregular rounded shape. Using fragranced plastic beads maximizes
the surface area of the pieces and facilitates the release of
fragrance. These beads are alternatively included in the dispenser
1 in a recess in the surface of the dispenser 1 and/or its outer
casing (if any), wherein alternatively said recess is covered using
a gas-permeable cover, alternatively a perforated cover. This
gas-permeable cover holds the beads in place prior to usage. The
covering may consist of a rigid plastic grid that may be clipped
into the recess over the beads to hold it in place or a perforated
film that is heat sealed, stretch- or shrink-wrapped or glued over
the recess. A further alternative is to create a cage like device
that holds the beads and can be attached to the dispenser 1 or
parts thereof via various means. Alternatively, the cage may be
integrally molded into parts of the dispenser 1 (or its outer
casing, if any). Indeed, the beads may be placed within the
dispenser 1, alternatively in a separate compartment. A further
alternative is to contain the beads in an open top container. This
container may be positioned either adjacent to or above the said
storage compartment. This allows the beads-container to be easily
refilled along with the container for the liquid, perfumed
composition because both containers could be inserted into the
dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c at the same time. In addition, the
fragranced plastic beads may be colored and/or may be made from
different designs.
[0090] In one embodiment herein, one or a multitude of such
fragranced plastic beads are placed within the dispenser 1 in a
separate compartment and are alternatively partially visible for a
user due to the use of transparent material in making the dispenser
1 or through openings.
Permeable Films
[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance
delivery component 5 herein may be a permeable film delivery system
over a fragrance-releasing medium.
[0092] By "permeable film" it is meant herein a film-based material
that has a high permeation rate to fragrance. Alternatively said
permeable film is a film-based material that has a high permeation
rate to fragrance or a micro porous membrane material (preferable
with a hydrophobic coating) that has sufficient voids within the
film structure to allow the passage of perfume to the atmosphere.
These films allows perfume vapor to escape the dispenser 1 herein
to the bathroom/lavatory atmosphere while preventing the
fragrance/perfume, if any, to escape. They also allow control of
the release rate of fragrance from the dispenser 1 since the
release rate can be controlled by film thickness and film/membrane
material section. Suitable permeable films include highly permeable
films such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), ethyl vinyl acetate
(EVA), and the like, along with micro porous membranes such as
those supplied by Gelman, Gore, Pall and other similar membrane
suppliers. This technology is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,328,
WO 97/42983 and EP-A-0 596 212 (all of which are incorporated
herein by reference).
[0093] By "fragrance releasing medium", it is meant herein a medium
that is capable of releasing a fragrance, alternatively perfume,
over a prolonged period of time. Suitable fragrance releasing
mediums are selected from the group consisting of: fragranced gels
as described herein above; fragranced plastics including beads as
described herein above; and fragrance-containing liquid
compositions alternatively solvent based liquid compositions
containing alcohols and other volatile ingredients; and pads
impregnated with a fragrance-containing liquid composition; and
combinations thereof.
[0094] The fragrance releasing medium herein with a covering
permeable film may be placed directly into any appropriate position
within the dispenser 1 of the present invention, including
combining the perfume releasing medium with a covering permeable
film into the interior or exterior of the dispenser 1 and/or the
inside or outside portion of its outer casing, if any. In a
preferred embodiment herein, the fragrance-releasing medium is
contained in a recess on the outer surface of the dispenser 1
herein and the recess is covered with a permeable film.
Alternatively, the fragrance-releasing medium is contained in an
open top container and covered with a permeable film. This
container may be positioned either adjacent to or above the storage
compartment. This allows the container for the fragrance-releasing
medium sealed with a permeable film to be easily refilled.
Alternatively, a small flat container for the perfume-releasing
medium sealed with permeable film may be attached directly to the
surface of the dispenser 1 herein or a part thereof, by a clipping
mechanism, or an adhesive or similar method.
[0095] For all of the permeable film based embodiments, the product
contained by the film may be protected from releasing its perfume
into the atmosphere prior to purchase and usage of the dispenser 1.
This can be achieved by packaging the dispenser 1 in a package that
has a high gas barrier as described herein above in the section
titled "Fragranced gel".
[0096] In one embodiment, a high barrier film would be laminated
directly to the permeable film such that this film exists as a
single structure. The bond between the barrier film and the
permeable film would be very low such that when the film structure
is sealed to the dispenser 1 to encase the fragrance releasing
medium, the bond between the permeable film and the dispenser 1 is
higher as compared to the bond between the permeable film and the
barrier film and the bond between the permeable film and the
barrier film is sufficiently low to allow easy peeling by the user.
This system not only allows the user to easily remove the barrier
film prior to using the dispenser 1, but also provides a much
simpler manufacturing means to seal the permeable and barrier film
in one simple step onto the dispenser 1.
Wicks
[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance
delivery component 5 herein may be a wick delivery system
comprising fragrance-containing liquid composition. Alternatively,
the fragrance delivery component 5 herein is a wick delivery system
comprising a perfumed liquid composition.
[0098] By "wick delivery system" it is meant herein a system
wherein an absorbent substrate ("wick"), such a cotton or similar
material, is part of a container wherein one end of the wick lies
in a liquid composition containing a fragrance, alternatively a
perfume, while the other end of the wick lies either outside or at
the very top of the opening of the container, and wherein the wick
draws the fragrance-containing liquid into the wick via capillary
forces and transports it to the end of the wick situated at the
opening of the container. This causes the liquid composition
containing a fragrance to evaporate and therefore the liquid
continuously releases fragrance into the atmosphere of the
bathroom/lavatory. Wick technology is well know in the prior art
and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,912, U.S. Pat. No.
6,514,467 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,383 (all of which are
incorporated herein by reference).
[0099] In one embodiment herein, a wick delivery system being a
container such as a bottle, having an opening and holding a
volatile liquid containing a perfume wherein the container
additionally contains a wick is part of the dispenser 1 herein.
This includes a container of a wick delivery system attached to the
dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any). The bottle may be
attached to the dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing (if any) via
clipping, adhesive tape etc.
[0100] The container of a wick delivery system itself can
additionally be sold as a sealed unit with a cap as a refill.
Battery Powered/Electrical Fragrance Release Systems and Gravity
Driven Fragrance Release Cartridges
[0101] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fragrance
delivery component 5 herein may be a battery powered/electrical
fragrance release system or a gravity driven fragrance release
cartridge. In this embodiment the dispenser 1 herein contains a
system that dispenses fragrance using an electrically or battery
powered means to dispense a fragrance, alternatively a perfume.
Alternatively, fragrance is released through a membrane from a
cartridge by means of gravity.
[0102] Any means suitable to dispense a fragrance using an
electrically or battery powered means can be used herein.
Alternatively, said battery/electrical fragrance release system is
an electrical or battery driven pumping means that distributes a
fragrance over a prolonged period of time. In a highly preferred
embodiment, said battery/electrical fragrance release system
includes a cartridge for housing a liquid composition comprising a
fragrance, a means for releasing the liquid composition from the
cartridge and a means for forcing the liquid out of the cartridge
using a gas-generating cell. The gas-generating cell herein
alternatively is an electrochemical cell (battery) that generates
gas over a prolonged period of time. The means for forcing the
liquid out of the cartridge is alternatively a piston pump that
presses the liquid composition comprising a perfume out of the
cartridge. Suitable gas-generating cells as well as
battery/electrical fragrance release system are described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,045,055, U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,539, WO 97/13007, WO
99/06614, WO 00/72951, U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,435, U.S. Pat. No.
5,899,381, WO 02/069935, WO 00/76645 and WO 02/16048 (all of which
are incorporated herein by reference). The above reference
encompasses also gravity driven fragrance release cartridges. Such
gravity driven fragrance release cartridges may also be included as
fragrance delivery component 5 s according to the present
invention.
[0103] In one embodiment of the present invention, a
battery/electrical fragrance release system or gravity driven
fragrance release cartridge is contained in the dispenser 1 herein.
Indeed, the battery/electrical fragrance release system or a
gravity driven fragrance release cartridge may be combined with the
dispenser 1 and/or its outer casing. The battery/electrical
fragrance release system or gravity driven fragrance release
cartridge may be attached to the dispenser 1 via clipping, adhesive
tape, etc. Furthermore, the battery/electrical fragrance release
system or gravity driven fragrance release cartridge may be housed
in a separate compartment that is part of the dispenser 1
herein.
[0104] The battery powered/electrical fragrance release system or
gravity driven fragrance release cartridge may be sold as a
separate refill device to be combined with the dispenser 1. Refills
may be sold either separately or in a multi pack with the detergent
unit-dose refills to provide continuity of fragrance.
Other Fragrance Delivery Components
[0105] Other suitable fragrance delivery components 5 herein
include piezo fragrance dispensing technology and aerosol
dispensers integrated into the dispenser 1.
Detergent Unit-Doses
[0106] The dispenser 1 herein comprises (in said storage
compartment) at least one (alternatively a multitude) of detergent
unit-doses 3. Alternatively, said detergent unit-doses 3 are hard
surface cleaning detergent unit-doses 3, more alternatively
lavatory bowl cleaning detergent unit-doses 3.
[0107] The detergent unit-doses 3 provide a cleaning, disinfecting
and/or deodorizing effect on the surfaces to which they are applied
(alternatively upon dissolution in water). Indeed, the detergent
unit-doses 3 are typically dispensed into an effective amount of
water and dissolve therein to provide a cleaning, disinfecting
and/or deodorizing solution. Indeed, the detergent unit-doses 3 are
used to clean in their dissolved form. By "in their dissolved form"
it is meant herein that the detergent unit-dose herein may be
dissolved in up to about 5000 times its weight in water dissolution
level, alternatively from about 5 times to about 5000 times its
weight in water, more alternatively from about 7 times to about
2500 times its weight in water, even more alternatively from about
10 times to about 1000 times its weight in water, and most
alternatively from about 20 to about 500 times its weight in
water.
[0108] Upon use by the end-user, a single detergent unit-dose or a
multitude (alternatively about 2 or about 3) of detergent
unit-doses 3 are dispensed for one cleaning operation.
[0109] By a "detergent unit-dose" it is meant herein a detergent
article providing a predefined dosage of said detergent (i.e., a
single dose), as compared to free-flowing liquid, solid or granular
compositions that have to be metered. The detergent unit-dose may
be or contain a detergent composition of any form, such as liquids
(incl. pastes) and solids (compressed or non-compressed) as well as
combinations thereof. Indeed, detergent unit-doses 3 encompass
water-soluble capsules filled with a liquid composition.
Furthermore, detergent unit-doses 3 herein are not limited in term
of their compressibility or rigidity. Indeed, detergent unit-doses
3 based on water-soluble capsules filled with liquid and/or solid
compositions may to a certain degree be compressible and less rigid
detergent portions are expressly not excluded from the scope of the
present invention.
[0110] Detergent unit-doses 3 include tablets. Suitable tablets
herein include tablets made from compressed powders and/or
granules, solidified molten material, extruded material and
combinations thereof, such as a compressed moulded tablet wherein
the mould is filled by solidified molten material. Detergent
tablets and their manufacture are well known to the skilled person,
e.g., WO 98/54283 (incorporated herein by reference) relates to
swelling agents for use in detergent tablets.
[0111] Suitable tablets herein can be of any shape or form suitable
for being dispensed with the dispenser 1 herein. Indeed, the
tablets can have a cylindrical or rectangular shape. Furthermore,
the tablets herein can have a rounded shape, such as a bead, or a
globular shape or an elliptical shape. Furthermore, such tablets
may be single or multilayer materials and may optionally have a
core and shell configuration or may be coated.
[0112] In one embodiment wherein the detergent unit-dose herein is
a tablet, said tablet has a weight of from about 5 grams to about
20 grams, alternatively from about 10 grams to about 15 grams.
Furthermore, said tablet may be of cylindrical shape with a
diameter of from about 10 mm to about 40 mm, alternatively from
about 15 mm to about 25 mm and a thickness of from about 5 mm to
about 20 mm, alternatively about 10 mm to about 15 mm.
Alternatively, said tablet maybe of substantially regular globular
shape with a diameter of from about 15 mm to about 30 mm,
alternatively from about 17 mm to about 28 mm.
[0113] The detergent unit-dose 3 herein further includes
water-soluble capsules. The water-soluble capsules herein may
comprise a liquid composition, a solid composition (such as a
powder in compressed or non-compressed configuration), or a
combination thereof. The water-soluble capsules may be single- or
multi-compartment capsules.
[0114] Suitable water-soluble capsules may be of any shape or form
suitable for being dispensed with the dispenser 1 herein, such as
cushion shaped or substantially globular shaped.
[0115] Suitable water-soluble capsules and their manufacture are
well known to the skilled person, e.g., EP-A-0 608 340
(incorporated herein by reference) describes such capsules.
[0116] Water-soluble capsules are formed by placing a solid and/or
liquid composition(s) within a closed (e.g., sealed) capsule (or
bag) of a water-soluble material. Such a water-soluble material may
be a water-soluble film, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film.
[0117] Suitable water-soluble capsules may be rigid capsules having
rigid structure provided by a thick water-soluble film or a
multilayer film. Alternatively, the water-soluble capsules may be
formed using a single layer, thin water-soluble film and therefore
have a compressible (low rigidity) structure.
[0118] Depending on their form (tablet or water-soluble capsule),
the composition in/of the detergent unit-dose may be a solid or a
liquid composition or a combination thereof. Liquid compositions
herein include compositions having a water-like viscosity or having
an increased viscosity and gels or pasteous compositions and
combinations thereof. Liquid compositions herein may be single- or
multi-phased compositions. As detailed above, solid compositions
may be compressed powders, non-compressed powders, compressed
granules, non-compressed granules, solidified melts, extrudates,
and the like and combinations thereof.
[0119] In one embodiment herein, the liquid compositions of the
detergent unit-doses 3 herein are non-aqueous compositions and are
alternatively substantially free of water, alternatively free of
water. By "substantially free of water" it is meant that the
water-content in the liquid composition is alternatively below
about 15%, more alternatively below about 5% by weight of the total
composition.
[0120] In one embodiment, no water as such is added to the liquid
composition of the detergent unit-dose. However, the composition
may comprise traces of water added to the composition through the
raw materials used to produce the composition.
[0121] The pH of the liquid composition of the detergent unit-dose
as such and the pH of the solid composition present in the
detergent unit-dose upon a 1% (w/w) solution in distilled water may
typically be from about 0 to about 14. Alternatively, the pH of the
compositions herein (as such for liquid or 1% (w/w)-solution in
distilled water for solid), as is measured at 25.degree. C., is
acidic, alternatively from pH about 0 to about 3.
[0122] Accordingly, the composition of the detergent unit-dose
herein may further comprise an acid or base to adjust pH as
appropriate. Acidity, if present, may further contribute to
formulate compositions according to the present invention that
exhibit good limescale removal performance whilst exhibiting also
good disinfecting properties.
[0123] Accordingly, the composition of the detergent unit-dose may
comprise organic and/or inorganic acids. Particularly suitable
organic acids to be used herein are aryl and/or alkyl sulfonate,
such as methane sulphonic acids, citric acid, succinic acid,
sulphamic acid, maleic acid and the like. Particularly suitable
inorganic acids are sulfuric, phosphoric, nitric acids and the
like.
[0124] A typical level of such an acid, when present, is of from 0
about 0001% to about 15%, alternatively from about 0.001% to about
10% and more alternatively from about 0.01% to about 7% by weight
of the total composition.
[0125] Suitable bases for use herein are the caustic alkalis, such
as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and/or lithium hydroxide,
and/or the alkali metal oxides such, as sodium and/or potassium
oxide or mixtures thereof. Other suitable bases include ammonia,
ammonium carbonate and hydrogen carbonate.
[0126] Typical levels of such bases, when present, are of from
about 0.001% to about 5% by weight, alternatively from about 0.01%
to about 3% and more alternatively from about 0.1% to about 2% by
weight of the composition.
[0127] The detergent compositions of the detergent unit-dose herein
may further comprise a variety of ingredients including acids,
bases, dyes, optical brighteners, builders, pigments, solvents,
buffering agents, radical scavengers, polymers, stabilizers,
anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants,
cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, bleaches,
fragrance, and effervescent systems and mixtures thereof.
[0128] Indeed, the composition of the detergent unit-dose may also
comprise an effervescent system.
[0129] Effervescency as defined herein means the evolution of
bubbles of gas from the composition upon use, as the result of a
chemical reaction between a soluble acid source and an alkali metal
carbonate, to produce carbon dioxide gas, such as mixtures of
acids, such as citric acid, or mixtures thereof with another acid,
with carbonate (such as Na carbonate) and/or bicarbonate (such as
Na bicarbonate), e.g.,
C.sub.6H.sub.8O.sub.7+3NaHCO.sub.3.fwdarw.Na.sub.3C.sub.6H.sub.5O.sub.7+3-
CO.sub.2+3H.sub.2O
[0130] Further examples of acid and carbonate sources and other
effervescent systems may be found in: Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms:
Tablets Volume 1 Page 287 to 291 (incorporated herein by
reference).
[0131] Alternatively, the effervescent system herein may be the
combination of monopersulfate with a source of hydrogen peroxide or
a mixture thereof, such as percarbonate or perborate.
[0132] An effervescent may be added to the detergent unit-dose as
described herein. The addition of this effervescent to the
detergent unit-dose may improve the disintegration time of the
detergent unit-dose and/or contribute to the cleaning performance
of the detergent unit-dose herein by providing turbulence to loosen
soil. The amount will be between about 5% and about 20%,
alternatively between about 10% and about 20% by weight of the
detergent unit-dose. Alternatively, the effervescent should be
added as an agglomerate of the different particles or as a compact,
and not as separated particles.
Fragrance
[0133] The composition of the detergent unit-dose may comprise a
fragrance, alternatively a perfume and/or a deodorant,
alternatively a perfume. Furthermore, the fragrance delivery
component 5 alternatively comprises a fragrance, alternatively a
perfume and/or a deodorant, alternatively a perfume.
[0134] The fragrance of the composition of the detergent unit-dose
and the fragrance of the fragrance delivery component 5 are
independent from each other.
[0135] In a preferred embodiment, the perfume, if any, of the
fragrance delivery component 5 herein and the fragrance (if any) of
the composition of the detergent unit-dose herein may be chemically
identical compositions or at least having a similar odor. This
provides continuity of perfume for the consumer.
[0136] In one embodiment herein, the fragrance, alternatively the
perfume and/or deodorant, of the fragrance delivery component 5
herein and the fragrance (if any) of the composition of the
detergent unit-dose are different from each other. This provides
the potential for a "soft" perfume and/or a deodorant to be
continuously released from the fragrance delivery component 5 into
the air to provide a pleasant smell and/or remove malodors, and a
"harder" fragrance (if any) to be used in the composition of the
detergent unit-dose to be released upon cleaning.
Perfume
[0137] Any perfume suitable for incorporation into a detergent
unit-dose may be used herein for use in the detergent unit-dose.
Furthermore, any perfume suitable of being dispensed by the
fragrance delivery component 5 herein may be used herein in the
fragrance delivery component 5.
[0138] Examples of the highly volatile, low boiling, perfumes are:
anethole, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl
formate, iso-bornyl acetate, camphene, ciscitral (neral),
citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, p-cymene, decanal,
dihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol, dimethyl phenyl carbinol,
eucaliptol, geranial, geraniol, geranyl acetate, geranyl nitrile,
cis-3-hexenyl acetate, hydroxycitronellal, d-limonene, linalool,
linalool oxide, linalyl acetate, linalyl propionate, methyl
anthranilate, alpha-methyl ionone, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde,
methyl phenyl carbinyl acetate, laevo-menthyl acetate, menthone,
iso-menthone, mycrene, myrcenyl acetate, myrcenol, nerol, neryl
acetate, nonyl acetate, phenyl ethyl alcohol, alpha-pinene,
beta-pinene, gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpineol, beta-terpineol,
terpinyl acetate, and vertenex (p-tertiary-butyl cyclohexyl
acetate). Some natural oils also contain large percentages of
highly volatile perfume ingredients. For example, lavandin contains
as major components: linalool; linalyl acetate; geraniol; and
citronellol. Lemon oil and orange terpenes both contain about 95%
of d-limonene.
[0139] Examples of moderately volatile perfumes are: amyl cinnamic
aldehyde, iso-amyl salicylate, beta-caryophyllene, cedrene,
cinnamic alcohol, coumarin, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate, ethyl
vanillin, eugenol, iso-eugenol, flor acetate, heliotropine,
3-cis-hexenyl salicylate, hexyl salicylate, lilial
(p-tertiarybutyl-alpha-methyl hydrocinnamic aldehyde), gamma-methyl
ionone, nerolidol, patchouli alcohol, phenyl hexanol,
beta-selinene, trichloromethyl phenyl carbinyl acetate, triethyl
citrate, vanillin, and veratraldehyde. Cedarwood terpenes are
composed mainly of alpha-cedrene, beta-cedrene, and other
C.sub.15H.sub.24 sesquiterpenes.
[0140] Examples of the less volatile, high boiling, perfumes are:
benzophenone, benzyl salicylate, ethylene brassylate, galaxolide
(1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta-gama-2-benzopyra-
n), hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, lyral (4-(4-hydroxy-4-methyl
pentyl)-3-cyclohexene-10-carboxaldehyde), methyl cedrylone, methyl
dihydro jasmonate, methyl-beta-naphthyl ketone, musk indanone, musk
ketone, musk tibetene, and phenylethyl phenyl acetate.
[0141] Suitable perfumes are selected from the group consisting of:
a cyclic terpene/sesquiterpene perfume, such as eucalyptol, cedrol,
pinocarveolus, sesquiterpenic globulul alcohol; linalo;
tetrahydrolinalo; verdox (cyclohexadiyl 2 tetryl butyl acetate);
6,3 hexanol; and citronellol, and mixtures thereof.
[0142] The detergent composition of/in the detergent unit-dose
herein may comprise from about 0.01% to about 40%, alternatively
from about 0.01% to about 35%, alternatively from about 0.1% to
about 30%, and alternatively from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight
of the total composition of said perfume.
Deodorants
[0143] Any deodorant or deodorizing agent (used herein as
synonymous terms) suitable for incorporation into a detergent
unit-dose may be used herein for use in the detergent unit-dose.
Furthermore, any deodorant or deodorizing agent suitable of being
dispensed by the fragrance delivery component 5 herein may be used
herein in the fragrance delivery component 5.
[0144] Any deodorant or deodorizing agent suitable of absorbing or
at least reducing odors may be used for the present invention.
Solid deodorants or deodorizing agents may be solubilised (e.g.,
dissolved in a suitable solvent, such as water) prior to
incorporating into liquid compositions and/or the fragrance
delivery component 5 herein.
[0145] Suitable deodorants or deodorizing agents for use herein are
selected from the group consisting of: cyclodextrins; metal salts
of branched or straight chain, saturated ort unsaturated, one- or
multiply hydroxylated fatty acids having at least about 16 carbon
atoms; metal salts of resinous acids; urease inhibitor complexes
formed from a divalent metal ion and a polyanionic, alternatively
amine-based, chelating agent and mixtures thereof.
[0146] Suitable deodorants or deodorizing agents are described,
e.g., in EP 1,214,878 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,217, U.S. Pat. No.
5,939,060, U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,544, U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,137, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,668,097 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,670 (all of which are
incorporated herein by reference).
[0147] In one embodiment, the deodorant or deodorizing agent
comprises a urease inhibitor complex formed from a divalent metal
ion and a polyanionic, alternatively amine-based, chelating agent,
as specifically described in EP 1,214,878 A1 (sections [0008] to
[0017]--incorporated herein by reference).
[0148] Suitable deodorants or deodorizing agents also include
compounds that are able to act on nose receptors to decrease their
sensitivity to certain malodorous compounds.
Processes
[0149] The present invention encompasses a process of dispensing a
lavatory bowl cleaning detergent unit-dose into a lavatory bowl
wherein said process comprises the step of dispensing said lavatory
bowl cleaning detergent unit-dose from the dispenser 1 according to
any of the preceding claims into said lavatory bowl, alternatively
into the water-containing part of the lavatory bowl.
[0150] Furthermore, the process of dispensing a lavatory bowl
cleaning detergent unit-dose into a lavatory bowl may additionally
include the step of flushing with water the lavatory bowl prior,
after or during the dispensing of the lavatory bowl cleaning
detergent unit-dose from the dispenser 1 into said lavatory bowl.
Additionally, said process may comprise the steps of cleaning said
lavatory bowl using a suitable implement, such as a toilet
brush.
[0151] The present invention also encompasses a process of
deodorizing the ambient air in a lavatory wherein said process
comprises the step of continuously dispensing a fragrance from the
dispenser 1 according to any of the preceding claims into the
ambient air in a lavatory.
[0152] By "deodorizing the ambient air" it is meant herein masking
odor (using a perfume) and/or neutralizing odor (using a
deodorant).
[0153] The present invention also encompasses a process of
dispensing hard surface cleaning detergent unit-dose wherein said
process comprises the step of dispensing said hard surface cleaning
detergent unit-dose from the dispenser 1 according to any of the
preceding claims into a container.
[0154] In one embodiment of dispensing a hard surface cleaning
detergent unit-dose, said container is alternatively a bucket.
Furthermore, the process may additionally comprise the step of
adding water (tap-water) to said container before, after and/or
during the dispensing of said hard surface cleaning detergent
unit-dose from the dispenser 1 into a container. Additionally, said
process may comprise the steps of cleaning said hard surface using
a suitable implement, such as a brush or mop.
[0155] The processes according to the present invention further
include the step of activating the dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c to
dispense one or more detergent unit-doses 3. In one embodiment
herein, a one time activation of the dispensing means 4a, 4b, 4c
herein dispenses one detergent unit-dose.
[0156] Furthermore, the present invention encompasses the
manufacture of a dispenser 1 for use in one of the processes as
described herein above.
[0157] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0158] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written
document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
[0159] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *