U.S. patent application number 14/267591 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-28 for packaging system having a fragrance composition carrier.
The applicant listed for this patent is Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. Invention is credited to Andreas Bauer, Frank Meier, Frank Pessel, Helmut Sandmueller, Matthias Sunder.
Application Number | 20140238889 14/267591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46168489 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140238889 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sunder; Matthias ; et
al. |
August 28, 2014 |
PACKAGING SYSTEM HAVING A FRAGRANCE COMPOSITION CARRIER
Abstract
The invention relates to a packaging system comprising a
closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble film
pouches and at least one scent composition carrier that can be
freely positioned in the container, at least one first group of
water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or
cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition.
Inventors: |
Sunder; Matthias;
(Duesseldorf, DE) ; Meier; Frank; (Duesseldorf,
DE) ; Bauer; Andreas; (Kaarst, DE) ; Pessel;
Frank; (Duesseldorf, DE) ; Sandmueller; Helmut;
(Monheim, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA |
Duesseldorf |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
46168489 |
Appl. No.: |
14/267591 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2012/059811 |
May 25, 2012 |
|
|
|
14267591 |
|
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/526 ;
53/445 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/70 20130101;
C11D 3/50 20130101; C11D 17/043 20130101; B65B 5/10 20130101; B65B
7/16 20130101; C11D 17/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/526 ;
53/445 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; B65B 7/16 20060101 B65B007/16; B65B 5/10 20060101
B65B005/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 4, 2011 |
DE |
10 2011 085 778.8 |
Claims
1. A packaging system comprising a closable container for receiving
a plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent
composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container,
at least one first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores
at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a
scent composition, wherein the scent composition is present in the
washing or cleaning agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1
to 5 wt. %, at least one scent composition carrier that can be
positioned in the container, wherein the scent composition in
and/or on the scent composition carrier and the scent composition
in at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches are
substantially olfactometrically identical, the surface ratio of
film pouch to scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to
200, the weight ratio between the scent composition in the washing
or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent
composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 300, the ratio of
volume of the container to free volume between the film pouches is
in the range from 1 to 5.
2. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scent
composition is defined as follows: a. less than 25% of the scent
composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250.degree.
C., b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3
and a boiling point>200.degree. C., c. more than 30% of the
scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50
.mu.g/m.sup.3.
3. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein a
water-soluble film pouch has a scent composition permeability of
<0.01 g/m.sup.2 h.
4. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scent
composition of the scent composition carrier is defined as follows:
a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a
boiling point>250.degree. C., b. less than 70% of the scent
composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200.degree.
C., c. more than 10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2
and d. more than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection
threshold (ODT)<50 .mu.g/m.sup.3.
5. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scent
composition of the washing and cleaning agent composition is
defined as follows: a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a
c log P>4 and a boiling point>250.degree. C., b. less than
70% of the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling
point>200.degree. C., c. less than 10% of the scent composition
has a c log P<2 and d. more than 30% of the scent composition
has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 .mu.g/m.sup.3.
6. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scent
composition carrier has a Bendtsen surface roughness of between 100
and 5000 ml/min.
7. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the
water-soluble film pouch is manufactured from a PVA film.
8. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the scent
composition carrier is formed from a pulp-based material.
9. A method for packaging and storing water-soluble film pouches in
a packaging system, in particular according to claim 1, wherein the
packaging system comprises: a closable container for receiving a
plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent
composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container,
at least one first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores
at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a
scent composition, wherein the scent composition is present in the
washing or cleaning agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1
to 5 wt. %, at least one scent composition carrier that can be
positioned in the container, wherein the scent composition in
and/or on the scent composition carrier and the scent composition
in at least the first group of water-soluble film pouches are
substantially olfactometrically identical, the surface ratio of
film pouch to scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to
200, the weight ratio between the scent composition in the washing
or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent
composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 300, the ratio of
volume of the container to free volume between the film pouches is
in the range from 1 to 5, comprising the following process steps:
(a.) filling the container with at least the first group of
water-soluble film pouches, (b.) positioning the at least one scent
composition carrier in the container, wherein process steps (a.)
and (b.) can be performed in any order, (c.) closing the container,
(d.) storing the closed container for at least 24 hours.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a packaging
system for water-soluble film pouches containing a scent
composition-containing washing and cleaning agent preparation as
well as a scent composition carrier. The present invention also
relates to a method for packaging and storing water-soluble film
pouches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the field of washing and cleaning agents a number of
different presentation forms for corresponding products are known.
Liquid, granular and/or powdered preparations that can be freely
metered have become established above all. However, there are also
portioned presentation forms such as tablets or film pouches, for
example.
[0003] Film pouches filled with washing and cleaning agent are
frequently formed using water-soluble films; this has the advantage
for the consumer that a corresponding pouch can be introduced into
a washing machine, for example, without the need to open it.
[0004] From the area of the freely meterable preparation the
consumer is accustomed to discerning the scent of the preparation,
which usually contains scent compositions, on opening the package
containing the preparation. As the concentration of scent
composition in these freely meterable preparations is usually very
high, the scent impression is generally discerned by the consumer
as intense, frequently also as so intense that the consumer
perceives it to be unpleasant. The comparatively high concentration
of scent composition in washing and cleaning agents is however
necessary in order to leave a scent impression on the washed or
laundered items that is still discernable to the consumer. It is
precisely the scent impression on the freshly washed or laundered
item that is perceived by consumers as an essential quality
criterion of a washing and cleaning agent. In the case of freely
meterable washing and cleaning agents it therefore almost goes
without saying that the scent impression or scent intensity of the
product and that of the items treated therewith are significantly
different.
[0005] Water-soluble portion pouches usually have the property that
scent compositions from the preparations stored inside them are
released to the environment poorly through the water-soluble film
or are not released at all. Thus the scent impression of such
preparations stored in water-soluble portion pouches cannot be
discerned by a user. Since such water-soluble portion pouches
usually have an unpleasant inherent odor, the scent impression of
the portion pouches is regularly even perceived by the consumer as
repellent.
[0006] It is therefore desirable to design water-soluble portion
pouches of the type described in the introduction such that the
inherent odor of the portion pouches is masked and the scent
impression of a portion pouch substantially corresponds to the
scent impression of an item freshly washed with the preparation
stored in the water-soluble film pouch.
[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to produce
in a water-soluble film pouch a scent impression which
substantially corresponds to the scent impression of an item
freshly washed with the preparation stored in the water-soluble
film pouch.
[0008] Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of
the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent
detailed description of the invention and the appended claims,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this
background of the invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A packaging system comprising a closable container for
receiving a plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least
one scent composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the
container; at least one first group of water-soluble film pouches
that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation
containing a scent composition, wherein the scent composition is
present in the washing or cleaning agent preparation in a
concentration from 0.1 to 5 wt. %, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt. %,
particularly preferably 0.3 to 2 wt. %; at least one scent
composition carrier that can be positioned in the container,
wherein the scent composition in and/or on the scent composition
carrier and the scent composition in at least the first group of
water-soluble film pouches are substantially olfactometrically
identical, the surface ratio of film pouch to scent composition
carrier is in the range from 1 to 200, the weight ratio between the
scent composition in the washing or cleaning agent preparation of a
film pouch and the scent composition carrier is in the range from 1
to 300, preferably 1 to 50, in particular preferably 1 to 10, the
ratio of volume of the container to free volume between the film
pouches is in the range from 1 to 5, preferably 2 to 4,
particularly preferably 2.7 to 3.4.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements, and
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a plastic box for receiving water-soluble film
pouches; and
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a plastic box filled with water-soluble film
pouches and a scent composition carrier.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The following detailed description of the invention is
merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the
invention or the application and uses of the invention.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background of the invention or the
following detailed description of the invention.
[0014] The packaging system according to the invention comprises
[0015] a closable container for receiving a plurality of
water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent composition
carrier that can be freely positioned in the container, [0016] at
least one first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores at
least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a scent
composition, [0017] wherein the scent composition is present in the
washing or cleaning agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1
to 5 wt. %, preferably 0.2 to 3 wt. %, particularly preferably 0.3
to 2 wt. %, [0018] at least one scent composition carrier that can
be positioned in the container, wherein [0019] the scent
composition in and/or on the scent composition carrier and the
scent composition in at least the first group of water-soluble film
pouches are substantially olfactometrically identical, [0020] the
surface ratio of film pouch to scent composition carrier is in the
range from 1 to 200, [0021] the weight ratio between the scent
composition in the washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film
pouch and the scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to
300, preferably 1 to 50, in particular preferably 1 to 10, [0022]
the ratio of volume of the container to free volume between the
film pouches is in the range from 1 to 5, preferably 2 to 4,
particularly preferably 2.7 to 3.4.
[0023] It has been found that through the use of the packaging
system according to the invention the water-soluble film pouches
produce a scent impression which substantially corresponds to the
scent impression of an item freshly washed with the preparation
stored in the water-soluble film pouch.
[0024] This is achieved through the addition of a scent composition
carrier in a container filled with water-soluble film pouches, by
means of which the surfaces of the water-soluble film pouches
inside the container are scented, such that a scent impression is
produced on the film pouches which substantially corresponds to the
scent impression of an item freshly washed with the preparation
stored in the water-soluble film pouch.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the packaging system according
to the invention the scent composition is defined as follows:
[0026] a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4
and a boiling point>250.degree. C., [0027] b. less than 70% of
the scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling
point>200.degree. C., [0028] c. more than 30% of the scent
composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50
.mu.g/m.sup.3.
[0029] This scent composition has proved particularly suitable for
bringing about a readily discernable transfer of scent firstly from
the scent composition carrier to the film pouches and secondly from
the washing or cleaning agent preparation to the surfaces, in
particular fabric surfaces, to be cleaned, such that a scent
impression is produced in a water-soluble film pouch which
substantially corresponds to the scent impression of an item
freshly washed with the preparation stored in the water-soluble
film pouch.
[0030] In this context it is moreover particularly preferable for
the scent composition of the scent composition carrier to be
defined as follows: [0031] a. less than 25% of the scent
composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250.degree.
C., [0032] b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log
P>3 and a boiling point>200.degree. C., [0033] c. more than
10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and [0034] d. more
than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold
(ODT)<50 .mu.g/m.sup.3.
[0035] It is moreover preferable in particular for the scent
composition of the washing and cleaning preparations stored in the
film pouches to be defined as follows: [0036] a. less than 25% of
the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling
point>250.degree. C., [0037] b. less than 70% of the scent
composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling point>200.degree.
C., [0038] c. less than 10% of the scent composition has a c log
P<2 and [0039] d. more than 30% of the scent composition has an
odor detection threshold (ODT)<50 .mu.g/m.sup.3.
[0040] To ensure a controlled transfer of scent from the scent
composition carrier to the film pouches it is advantageous for
there to be little or no scent release from the film pouch. It is
therefore preferable for a water-soluble film pouch to have a scent
composition permeability of <0.01 g/m.sup.2 h. It is moreover
particularly preferable for the water-soluble film pouch to be
manufactured from a PVA film.
[0041] It has been found that certain surface roughness values
offer advantages with regard to scent release kinetics and to the
packaging of the scent composition carriers in automatic packing
plants. In this context it is particularly preferable for the scent
composition carrier to have a Bendtsen surface roughness of between
100 and 5000 ml/min, preferably between 200 and 2000 ml/min. It is
most particularly preferable for the scent composition carrier to
be formed from a pulp-based material.
[0042] The packaging system according to the invention consists of
a closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble
film pouches, at least a first group of water-soluble film pouches
that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation
containing a scent composition and at least one scent composition
carrier that can be freely positioned in the container. These
constituents of the packaging system according to the invention are
described in more detail below.
Container
[0043] The packaging system according to the invention comprises a
closable container that is designed to receive a plurality of
water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent composition
carrier that can be freely positioned in the container.
[0044] A container within the meaning of this application is a
device that is intended to enclose a plurality of water-soluble
film pouches in such a way that they are capable of being shipped,
stored and/or sold.
[0045] The container conventionally has a floor and an enveloping
surface, by means of which a volume for receiving the film pouches
is formed. Moreover, the container regularly has an opening for
removing the film pouches from the container, said opening being
closable by means of a closure.
[0046] As mentioned in the introduction, the water-soluble film
pouches are arranged in a closable container. The container is
designed in particular in such a way that in the closed state there
is no scent release from the container to the environment.
[0047] The container for receiving the water-soluble film pouches
preferably has as low a water vapor permeability as possible, in
order to protect the water-soluble film pouches stored inside it
from unwanted exposure to water vapor.
[0048] According to a first preferred embodiment the container is
designed as a dimensionally stable container, for example in the
form of a closable box, can, bottle or carton.
[0049] It is also possible in principle to design the container as
a non-dimensionally stable container, for example as a pouch or
bag. In this context it is advantageous in particular to design the
non-dimensionally stable container as a stand-up pouch.
[0050] The container is preferably formed from a plastic. It is
also possible to form the container from a pulp-containing material
such as paper, card or board. The container can of course also be
produced from multilayer materials comprising plastics,
pulp-containing materials and/or metallic materials. Composite
materials consisting of a pulp-containing carrier material
laminated with plastic and/or metallic films are suitable here.
[0051] Cans in particular can be a drawn and wall-ironed can,
ring-pull can, plug lid can, threaded can, seamed-lid can,
seamed-lid can with fill holes, seamed can, drawn can, piston can,
spiral-wound can, pull-tab can, crimped seam can, slip lid can or
stepped rim can.
[0052] A bottle can be designed for example as a transparent
bottle, shouldered bottle, flattened ellipsoid bottle, bulb-neck
bottle, hock-style bottle, steinie bottle, stubby bottle,
Vichy-style bottle, wide-neck bottle, also MegaPlast bottle,
squeeze bottle, dropper bottle, or as a packaging bottle such as a
flask.
[0053] A flexible container within the meaning of this application
is a packaging means that even under a slight load when used in the
intended manner substantially changes its shape. In particular the
flexible packaging means is designed as a bag.
[0054] The bag can be selected for example from the group
comprising flat-bottom bags, flat-top bags, block bags,
block-bottom bags, self-opening bags, stand-up bags,
bottom-gusseted bags, cross-bottom bags, round-bottom bags, upright
bags, double bags, window bags, flat-bottom bags, folding bags,
fold-top bags, conical bags, pillow bags, side-gusseted bags,
gusseted bags, sealed-edge bags, three-side-seal bags, two-seam
bags, slip-top bags, carry bags and/or valve bags.
[0055] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the
container can also be designed as a two-chamber or multi-chamber
container. The chambers then advantageously each contain mutually
different products. Thus for example it is possible to store a
first group of water-soluble film pouches in one chamber and a
second group of water-soluble film pouches in a further chamber.
Further possible combinations are listed in the table below:
TABLE-US-00001 Second group Second group Second group First group
of of water- First group of of water- First group of of water-
water-soluble soluble film water-soluble soluble film water-soluble
soluble film film pouches pouches film pouches pouches film pouches
pouches containing containing containing containing containing
containing Liquid Liquid Liquid Solid washing Solid washing Solid
washing washing agent A washing agent B washing agent A agent B
agent A agent B Liquid Liquid Liquid Solid washing Solid Solid
washing washing agent conditioner conditioner agent conditioner
agent Liquid Liquid bleach Liquid bleach Solid washing Solid bleach
Solid washing washing agent agent agent Liquid Liquid Liquid rinse
Solid Solid bleach Solid dishwashing dishwashing aid dishwashing
dishwashing agent A agent B agent agent Liquid Liquid bleach Liquid
bleach Solid Solid Solid dishwashing dishwashing dishwashing
dishwashing agent agent agent A agent B Liquid Liquid Liquid Solid
Solid cleaning Solid cleaning cleaning agent A cleaning agent B
washing agent conditioner agent A agent B
[0056] In this context liquid means that the corresponding
preparations are free-flowing liquids, pastes or gels. Solid means
moreover that the corresponding preparations are present in solid
form, in powder form or as granules.
[0057] Within the meaning of this application it is understood that
the various groups of water-soluble film pouches can store washing
or cleaning agent preparations having the same or mutually
different scent compositions. If mutually different scent
compositions are present in the various groups of water-soluble
film pouches, the corresponding scent composition carriers are
allocated in each case to the corresponding chambers of the
container.
[0058] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the
container has a scent composition permeability of <0.01
g/m.sup.2 h. It is preferable in particular for the container to be
impermeable to the scent composition of the scent composition
carrier. An unwanted release of the scent composition from the
closed container is prevented in this way. This is important
because an uncontrolled scent release into the environment of the
container is regularly perceived by users as unpleasant, in
particular when buying and transporting such a package together
with foodstuffs. Moreover, this ensures that as large as possible
and as consistent as possible an amount of scent composition is
available to scent the water-soluble film pouches.
[0059] In order to ensure firstly an adequate concentration of
scent preparation in the gas phase of the internal container volume
and secondly an adequate flow and/or diffusion of the scent
preparation in the gas phase and hence dispersal in the internal
container volume, the ratio of internal volume of the container to
free volume between the film pouches is 1 to 5, preferably 2 to 4,
particularly preferably 2.7 to 3.4. The free volume between the
film pouches is calculated from the volume of the container less
the sum of the volumes of the individual film pouches inside the
container.
[0060] The water-soluble film pouches are advantageously arranged
as a loose packing in the container. This ensures that as large a
surface as possible of the film pouches is in uncovered contact
with the gas phase of the internal container volume and the contact
surfaces between the film pouches and between the film pouches and
the interior container wall are as small as possible. In this
context substantially dimensionally stable spherical and
pillow-shaped designs of the film pouches having a circular,
elliptical, square or rectangular basic shape have proved to be
most particularly preferable.
Water-Soluble Film Pouches
[0061] The packaging system according to the invention moreover
comprises at least a first group of water-soluble film pouches that
stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation
containing a scent composition, wherein the at least first group of
water-soluble film pouches is positioned in a closable
container.
[0062] A water-soluble film pouch according to the present
invention has a scent composition permeability of <0.01
g/m.sup.2 h. It is preferable in particular for the film pouch to
be impermeable to the scent composition of the washing or cleaning
agent preparation. This ensures that the scent composition stored
in a water-soluble film pouch is not released to the environment of
the film pouch or is released only in amounts that are not normally
olfactometrically discernible to a user and that the scent
impression of the film pouch is thus determined substantially by
the emission of the scent preparation from the scent preparation
carrier and the deposition of this scent preparation on the film
pouch.
[0063] According to the invention a water-soluble film pouch
consists of one or more enclosure(s) comprising one or more
water-soluble material(s), preferably polymer material(s), which at
least partially or completely encloses the washing or cleaning
agent preparation.
[0064] It is possible for a water-soluble film pouch to contain an
enclosure comprising one or more water-soluble polymer material(s)
or for it to contain a plurality of enclosures. In the context of
the present invention the presence of one enclosure is preferred,
which offers advantages in terms of material choice and also in
respect of the need for the water-soluble polymer material to
dissolve without residue in the washing or cleaning liquor.
[0065] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the
water-soluble polymer material partially or completely enclosing
the at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation is a
water-soluble film pouch. This is understood to be a flat part
which partially or completely encloses a washing or cleaning agent
preparation. The exact shape of such a film pouch is not critical
and can be widely adapted to the usage conditions. For example,
plastic films or sheets worked or processed into various shapes
(such as tubes, pillows, cylinders, bottles, disks, etc.) capsules
and other conceivable shapes are possible. Films which are
adhesively bonded and/or sealed for example to form packages such
as tubes, pillows, etc. after being filled with washing and/or
cleaning agent preparation are particularly preferred according to
the invention.
[0066] All polymer materials which are capable of dissolving
completely in the aqueous phase under the specified conditions
(temperature, pH, concentration of active washing components) are
suitable in principle as water-soluble polymer materials.
[0067] The polymer materials can particularly preferably belong to
the groups of (acetalated) polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
polyethylene oxide, gelatin, cellulose and derivatives thereof and
mixtures of the cited materials.
[0068] Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films are particularly preferred
according to the invention as the enclosure in the form of a pouch
for the at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation.
[0069] PVA films which are soluble at a temperature in a range
corresponding to the temperature range of a washing or cleaning
cycle in which at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation
is to be used are particularly preferred. By way of example only
and in a non-limiting manner these are for example in washing
cycles temperatures of approximately .ltoreq.25.degree. C. for the
prewash, temperatures of approximately .ltoreq.90.degree. C. for
the main wash and temperatures of approximately .ltoreq.30.degree.
C. for the rinse or conditioning cycle and for example in cleaning
or dishwashing cycles temperatures of approximately
.ltoreq.20.degree. C. for the prewash cycle, temperatures of
approximately .ltoreq.55.degree. C. for the main wash cycle and
temperatures of approximately .ltoreq.65.degree. C. for the rinse
or final rinse cycle.
[0070] The water-soluble film M8630 from Mono-Sol has proved to be
most particularly preferred.
Scent Composition
[0071] Scents are added to the washing or cleaning agent
preparations to improve the aesthetic overall impression of the
products and to provide the consumer with, in addition to technical
performance (e.g. conditioning result), a sensorially
characteristic and unmistakable product.
[0072] Individual compounds, for example the synthetic products of
the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol and hydrocarbon type,
can be used as scents. Fragrance compounds of the ester type are
for example benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butyl
cyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl
acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate,
ethyl methylphenylglycinate, allylcyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl
propionate and benzyl salicylate. The ethers include for example
benzyl ethyl ethers. The aldehydes include for example linear
alkanals having 8 to 18 C atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyl
oxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, lileal and
bourgeonal. The ketones include for example the ionones,
.alpha.-isomethyl ionone and methyl cedryl ketone. The alcohols
include for example anethol, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol,
linalool, phenyl ethyl alcohol and terpineol. The hydrocarbons
include primarily terpenes such as limonene and pinene.
[0073] Scent compositions of various scents are preferably used
which are matched to one another such that together they produce an
appealing scent note. Such scent compositions can also contain
natural scent mixtures such as are available from plant sources.
Examples are pine, citrus, jasmine, patchouli, rose or ylang-ylang
oil. Likewise suitable are muscatel oil, sage oil, chamomile oil,
clove oil, melissa oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime blossom
oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil and
laudanum oil as well as orange blossom oil, neroli oil, orange peel
oil and sandalwood oil.
[0074] The scent composition is present in the washing or cleaning
agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1 to 5 wt. %,
preferably 0.2 to 3 wt. %, particularly preferably 0.3 to 2 wt. %,
it being particularly preferable for the scent composition to be
defined as follows: [0075] a. less than 25% of the scent
composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250.degree.
C., [0076] b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log
P>3 and a boiling point>200.degree. C., [0077] c. less than
10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and [0078] d. more
than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold
(ODT)<50 .mu.g/m.sup.3.
[0079] The scent compositions can be incorporated directly into the
washing or cleaning agent preparations; however, it can also be
advantageous to apply the scents to carriers, which strengthen the
adhesion of the scents to the laundry and ensure that the fabrics
have a long-lasting scent due to a slower scent release.
Cyclodextrins for example have proved themselves as such carrier
materials. The cyclodextrin-perfume complexes can additionally also
be coated with further auxiliary substances.
Washing or Cleaning Agent Preparation
[0080] Numerous washing or cleaning agent preparations take the
form of powders, powder blends or particulate bodies, for example
spheres or granules, so it is appropriate to provide film pouches
as single-portion packs or packs of combinations of powdered or
particulate components, for example as combinations of powdered or
particulate components in film pouches having one or more chambers
or layers or as individual portions or combinations of powdered
components in capsules. According to a further preferred embodiment
of the invention the solid, for example powdered, components can be
processed into granules or beads and packed in the form of granules
or beads--similarly to powders--into film pouches having a
plurality of layers or chambers or into capsules, in which form
they are then used directly for washing or cleaning.
[0081] Corresponding to a further preferred embodiment of the
invention the washing or cleaning agent preparations can also take
the form of solids molded into bodies of any shape; shaped bodies
of this type (such as tablets, blocks, briquettes, rings, etc.) are
known from the prior art and can also be used in the context of the
present invention. In particular, such shaped bodies can also have
recesses, cavities, incisions, etc., which serve special purposes
of accommodating individual active washing preparations. Naturally,
shaped bodies in combination with powders, in combination with
liquids (in the latter case then for example in a closed enclosure
made from a water-soluble material) or in combination with an
active washing preparation embedded in a meltable matrix also come
within the scope of the present invention.
[0082] Washing and cleaning agent preparations in liquid form, i.e.
in the form of solutions, gels, suspensions or dispersions, are
just as possible and are included in the invention; they can be
provided on their own, combined with other liquid active washing
preparations or with solid active washing preparations in an
individual enclosure or in a combination of a plurality of
optionally interconnected enclosures.
[0083] The washing or cleaning agent preparations according to the
invention contain one or more substances from the group of
surfactants, surfactant compounds, builders, bleaching agents,
bleach activators, enzymes, foam inhibitors, dyes and scents and
also--if the washing or cleaning agent preparations are at least
partly in the form of shaped bodies--binding and disintegrating
agents.
Scent Composition Carrier
[0084] According to the invention at least one scent composition
carrier is positioned in the container.
[0085] The scent composition carrier is arranged freely in the
container, i.e. it can be removed from the container by a user if
necessary.
[0086] The scent composition carrier is preferably arranged on the
floor of the container. This can be done for example by introducing
the scent composition carrier into the container first and then
filling the container with the film pouches.
[0087] The scent composition carrier has a Bendtsen surface
roughness of between 100 and 5000 ml/min, preferably between 200
and 2000 ml/min. The Bendtsen surface roughness is determined in
accordance with DIN 53108. It has been found that a scent
composition carrier having these surface roughness values has a
particularly favorable scent composition release profile and
kinetics. Furthermore, an automatic feed of a scent composition
carrier having such a configuration is possible, since the
individual scent composition carriers still have adequate
frictional characteristics in respect of one another. This is
important in the case of automatic high-speed packing processes in
particular, in which the scent composition carriers are stacked on
top of one another and introduced separately into the containers,
in order to provide an adequate security against blockages or the
undesired introduction of multiple scent composition carriers.
Furthermore, with Bendtsen surface roughness values of more than
5000 ml/min it has been found that where scent composition carriers
are stacked together in aforementioned packaging processes,
abrasion occurs at the scent composition carriers as they slide
against one another, wherein the resulting dust has a negative
influence on the mechanical operating reliability of the packaging
process and can also give rise to a possible problem in respect of
explosion prevention.
[0088] In this context it is preferable for the scent composition
of the scent composition carrier to be defined as follows: [0089]
a. less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a
boiling point>250.degree. C., [0090] b. less than 70% of the
scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling
point>200.degree. C., [0091] c. more than 10% of the scent
composition has a c log P<2 and [0092] d. more than 30% of the
scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50
.mu.g/m.sup.3, wherein this scent composition has a high enough
"volatility" to pass into the gas phase and to be available to
scent the film pouches.
[0093] The scent composition in and/or on the scent composition
carrier and the scent composition in at least the first group of
water-soluble film pouches are substantially olfactometrically
identical.
[0094] The surface ratio of film pouch to scent composition carrier
is in the range from 1 to 200, preferably 1 to 100, particularly
preferably 1 to 50, in particular preferably 1 to 20.
[0095] The weight ratio between the scent composition in the
washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent
composition carrier is in the range from 1 to 300, preferably 1 to
200, most particularly preferably 1 to 100, in particular
preferably 1 to 50.
[0096] The scent composition carrier can assume any physical shape.
It is however preferable for the scent composition carrier to be
designed in the form of a sheet. The base of a sheet-like scent
composition carrier can in particular be square, rectangular,
triangular, circular or elliptical in shape. It is moreover
possible for the sheet-like scent composition carrier to have a
decorative shape, e.g. in the form of a flower or a laundry
item.
[0097] It is moreover advantageous in particular to provide any
corners of a scent composition carrier with a radius of >1 mm,
preferably >2 mm, to prevent the film pouches from being damaged
by sharp-edged corners of the scent composition carrier.
[0098] The in particular sheet-like scent composition carrier can
moreover be printed on one and/or both sides.
[0099] The scent composition carrier can consist of an absorbent or
non-absorbent material.
[0100] The scent composition carrier is in particular preferably
formed from an absorbent material, as the absorbency of the scent
carrier allows it to be scented in a particularly easy and
controlled manner without the influence of heat. A pulp-based
material such as paper, board or card is suitable in particular as
the absorbent material. It is also possible to use laminates of
different papers, boards and/or cards, which can also include
layers of plastic films and/or metal foils.
[0101] The absorbent scent composition carrier can be treated with
a scent composition by spraying, dipping, dropping or knife
application, for example. During a possible intermediate storage of
the scented, absorbent scent composition carriers, which can last
for up to several weeks, the applied scent composition becomes
evenly distributed in the absorbent carrier material.
[0102] The weight per unit area of such pulp-based materials is
preferably 200 to 2000 g/m.sup.2, in particular preferably 250 to
1000 g/m.sup.2, most particularly preferably 275 to 750
g/m.sup.2.
[0103] In principle, however, it is also possible to form the scent
composition carrier from a non-absorbent material, for example from
a scented plastic or similar.
[0104] The invention is explained in more detail by reference to
the following figures, which merely show particular embodiment
examples of the invention.
[0105] FIG. 1 shows a plastic box for receiving water-soluble film
pouches
[0106] FIG. 2 shows a plastic box filled with water-soluble film
pouches and a scent composition carrier
[0107] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a first preferred embodiment of the
invention, wherein FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a closable
container without water-soluble film pouches and FIG. 2 shows the
container known from FIG. 1 filled with water-soluble film pouches.
The figures show a transparent container 1 having an oval molding
in the front view for placement of a label. The container 1 is
molded from a plastic, such as for example PP, PE or PET, and in
respect of the scent composition that is used in the scent
composition carrier (not shown) has a scent composition
permeability of <0.01 g/m.sup.2 h.
[0108] The container 1 has an internal volume of 1.9 liters,
wherein water-soluble film pouches 2 having an individual volume of
35 ml are stored in the container interior 20. The film pouches 2
are pillow-shaped and have a rectangular basic shape measuring
approximately 55.times.40 mm.
[0109] The film pouches 2 are manufactured from a film based on
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). A particularly suitable PVA film is for
example M8630 from Monosol.
[0110] A water-soluble film pouch 2 has a scent composition
permeability of <0.01 g/m.sup.2 h in respect of the scent
composition that is used.
[0111] The internal pressure of the film pouches, which are filled
with a liquid to gel-type washing or cleaning agent preparation, is
chosen such that the film pouches 2 are substantially dimensionally
stable. The film pouches 2 are loosely packed inside the container
1, as is clearly shown in FIG. 2.
[0112] The ratio of volume of the container 1 to free volume
between the film pouches 2 in this preferred embodiment example is
approximately 2.7.
[0113] The washing or cleaning agent preparation stored in the
water-soluble film pouches 2 has a scent composition content of 0.6
wt. %, the scent composition being defined as follows: [0114] a.
less than 25% of the scent composition has a c log P>4 and a
boiling point>250.degree. C., [0115] b. less than 70% of the
scent composition has a c log P>3 and a boiling
point>200.degree. C., [0116] c. less than 10% of the scent
composition has a c log P<2 and [0117] d. more than 30% of the
scent composition has an odor detection threshold (ODT)<50
.mu.g/m.sup.3.
[0118] On the floor of the container there is a sheet-like scent
composition carrier (not visible), which is formed from a
pulp-based laminate. The laminate consists of a pulp-based core, on
the outer top layers of which bleached, pulp-based layers are
arranged. The scent composition carrier has a Bendtsen surface
roughness of between 200 and 2000 ml/min.
[0119] The scent composition of the scent composition carrier is
defined as follows: [0120] a. less than 25% of the scent
composition has a c log P>4 and a boiling point>250.degree.
C., [0121] b. less than 70% of the scent composition has a c log
P>3 and a boiling point>200.degree. C., [0122] c. more than
10% of the scent composition has a c log P<2 and [0123] d. more
than 30% of the scent composition has an odor detection threshold
(ODT)<50 .mu.g/m.sup.3.
[0124] The scent composition in and/or on the scent composition
carrier and the scent composition in at least the first group of
water-soluble film pouches are thus substantially olfactometrically
identical.
[0125] The weight ratio between the scent composition in the
washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film pouch and the scent
composition carrier in this preferred embodiment is approximately
4.2.
[0126] The scent composition carrier is sheet-like in design,
wherein the scent composition carrier has a square, rectangular,
circular or oval basic shape. The single-sided base area of the
scent composition carrier is preferably between 9 and 25
cm.sup.2.
[0127] The scent composition carrier is preferably introduced into
the container 1 before it is filled with the film pouches 2. The
scent composition carrier is not fixed to the container, so it can
be removed by a user and used as a room fragrancer for example.
[0128] The method for packaging and storing water-soluble film
pouches in a packaging system is described below, by means of which
a scent impression is produced in a water-soluble film pouch which
substantially corresponds to the scent impression of an item
freshly washed with the preparation stored in the water-soluble
film pouch.
[0129] The method according to the invention comprises a packaging
system of the type described in the introduction having [0130] a
closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble film
pouches and at least one scent composition carrier that can be
freely positioned in the container, [0131] at least one first group
of water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or
cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition, [0132]
wherein the scent composition is present in the washing or cleaning
agent preparation in a concentration from 0.1 to 5 wt. %,
preferably 0.2 to 3 wt. %, particularly preferably 0.3 to 2 wt. %,
[0133] at least one scent composition carrier that can be
positioned in the container, wherein [0134] the scent composition
in and/or on the scent composition carrier and the scent
composition in at least the first group of water-soluble film
pouches are substantially olfactometrically identical, [0135] the
surface ratio of film pouch to scent composition carrier is in the
range from 1 to 200, [0136] the weight ratio between the scent
composition in the washing or cleaning agent preparation of a film
pouch and the scent composition carrier is in the range from 1 to
300, preferably 1 to 50, in particular preferably 1 to 10, [0137]
the ratio of volume of the container to free volume between the
film pouches is in the range from 1 to 5, preferably 2 to 4,
particularly preferably 2.7 to 3.4, comprising the following
process steps: [0138] (a.) filling the container with at least the
first group of water-soluble film pouches, [0139] (b.) positioning
the at least one scent composition carrier in the container,
wherein process steps (a.) and (b.) can be performed in any order,
[0140] (c.) closing the container, [0141] (d.) storing the closed
container for at least 24 hours, preferably at least 48 hours, in
particular preferably at least 72 hours.
[0142] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should
be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should
also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary
embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the
scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way.
Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those
skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that
various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of
elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing
from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims
and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *