U.S. patent application number 14/621429 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-11 for water-soluble packaging with a bittering agent.
The applicant listed for this patent is Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. Invention is credited to Brigitte Giesen, Martina Hermann, Olaf Holtkotter, Frank Meier, Matthias Sunder.
Application Number | 20150158645 14/621429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48906271 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150158645 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meier; Frank ; et
al. |
June 11, 2015 |
WATER-SOLUBLE PACKAGING WITH A BITTERING AGENT
Abstract
The patent application describes water-soluble packaging which
contains an agent and a water-soluble wrapping. The water-soluble
wrapping contains, at least in part, a bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000.
Inventors: |
Meier; Frank; (Duesseldorf,
DE) ; Hermann; Martina; (Duesseldorf, DE) ;
Holtkotter; Olaf; (Hurth, DE) ; Sunder; Matthias;
(Duesseldorf, DE) ; Giesen; Brigitte;
(Duesseldorf, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA |
Duesseldorf |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
48906271 |
Appl. No.: |
14/621429 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2013/066199 |
Aug 1, 2013 |
|
|
|
14621429 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524.7 ;
53/410; 53/453 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 9/04 20130101; B65D
65/46 20130101; C11D 17/045 20130101; B65D 2215/00 20130101; C11D
17/042 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/46 20060101
B65D065/46; B65B 9/04 20060101 B65B009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 16, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 214 607.5 |
Claims
1. Water-soluble packaging comprising an agent and a water-soluble
wrapping, wherein the water-soluble wrapping comprises, a bittering
agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000.
2. Water-soluble packaging according to claim 1, wherein the
buttering agent has a bitterness value between 10,000 and
200,000.
3. Water-soluble packaging according to claim 1, wherein the
bittering is a natural bittering agent.
4. Water-soluble packaging according to claim 3, wherein the
bittering agent is selected from the group consisting of
glycosides, isoprenoids, alkaloids, amino acids, and mixtures
thereof.
5. Water-soluble packaging according to claim 1, wherein the
bittering agent is selected from the group comprising quinine
sulfate, naringin, saccharose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride,
and mixtures thereof.
6. Water-soluble packaging according to claim 1, wherein the outer
surface of the water-soluble wrapping is at least partially coated
with the bittering agent.
7. Water-soluble packaging according to claim 1, wherein the
bittering agent is contained, at least in part, in the
water-soluble wrapping.
8. Water-soluble packaging according to claim 1, wherein the
water-soluble packaging comprises two to five chambers.
9. Method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which comprises
an agent and a water-soluble wrapping which further comprises a
bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000, including the following steps: a) forming at least one
cavity in a first water-soluble film web, b) filling the at least
one cavity with a product, and c) closing the cavity with a second
water-soluble film web, d) wherein the bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000 is contained in the
first and/or second water-soluble film web.
10. Method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which
comprises an agent and a water-soluble wrapping which further
comprises a bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000
and 200,000, including the following steps: a) forming at least one
cavity in a first water-soluble film web, b) filling the at least
one cavity with a product, and c) closing the cavity with a second
water-soluble film web, and d) at least partially coating the outer
surface of the water-soluble wrapping with a medium which comprises
the bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000.
11. Method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which
comprises an agent and a water-soluble wrapping which further
comprises a bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000
and 200,000, including the following steps: a) providing a first
water-soluble film web, b) coating the first water-soluble film web
with a medium which comprises the bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000, c) forming at least one
cavity in the first water-soluble film web, d) filling the at least
one cavity with a product, and e) closing the cavity with a second
water-soluble film web.
12. Method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which
comprises an agent and a water-soluble wrapping which further
comprises a bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000
and 200,000, including the following steps: a) forming at least one
cavity in the first water-soluble film web, b) filling the at least
one cavity with a product, c) providing a second water-soluble film
web, d) coating the second water-soluble film web with a medium
comprising the bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000, and e) closing the cavity with the second
water-soluble film web.
13. Method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging according to
claim 11, wherein the coating of the water-soluble film web takes
place in such a manner that the bittering agent having a bitterness
value between 1,000 and 200,000 is present on the outer surface of
the water-soluble wrapping.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to water-soluble
packaging containing an agent and a water-soluble wrapping. The
invention further relates to a method for manufacturing
water-soluble packaging.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Detergents or cleaning agents are presently available to the
consumer in various forms. In addition to powders and granules,
these offered forms also include liquids, gels, or single-dose
packages (tablets or filled pouches), for example.
[0003] In particular single-dose packages in the form of
water-soluble packaging containing liquid detergents or cleaning
agents are becoming increasingly popular; on the one hand they meet
the consumer's demand for simplified dosing, and on the other hand,
consumers increasingly prefer liquid detergents or cleaning
agents.
[0004] Such a water-soluble pouch contains an agent and a
transparent, water-soluble wrapping.
[0005] A packaged cleaning agent for washing dishes is known from
WO 96/08555 A1, and is coated with the bittering agent Bitrex.RTM.
(denatonium benzoate) to prevent children from accidentally
ingesting the packaged cleaning agent.
[0006] Denatonium benzoate is considered to be the bitterest
substance known, and has a bitterness value greater than
100,000,000.
[0007] One disadvantage of coating water-soluble packaging with
Bitrex.RTM. is that the users of the water-soluble packaging pick
up the package for dosing, and thus also come into contact with the
Bitrex.RTM.. If a user moves the hand toward the mouth after
contacting the water-soluble packaging, even small quantities of
Bitrex.RTM. remaining on the hand are sufficient to adversely
affect the sense of taste for a few hours.
[0008] The object of the invention, therefore, is to provide
water-soluble packaging having a high level of child-resistance,
but without negative effects during normal use.
[0009] 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
[0010] Water-soluble packaging which contains an agent and a
water-soluble wrapping, in which the water-soluble wrapping
contains, at least in part, a bittering agent having a bitterness
value between 1,000 and 200,000.
[0011] Method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which
includes an agent and a water-soluble wrapping which contains, at
least in part, a bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000, including the following steps: forming at least
one cavity in a first water-soluble film web; filling the at least
one cavity with a product; and closing the cavity with a second
water-soluble film web; characterized in that the bittering agent
having a bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000 is contained in
the first and/or second water-soluble film web.
[0012] Method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which
includes an agent and a water-soluble wrapping which contains, at
least in part, a bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000, including the following steps: forming at least
one cavity in a first water-soluble film web; filling the at least
one cavity with a product; and closing the cavity with a second
water-soluble film web; and at least partially coating the outer
surface of the water-soluble wrapping with a medium which contains
the bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000.
[0013] Method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which
includes an agent and a water-soluble wrapping which contains, at
least in part, a bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000, including the following steps: providing a first
water-soluble film web; coating the first water-soluble film web
with a medium which contains the bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000; forming at least one
cavity in the first water-soluble film web; filling the at least
one cavity with a product; and closing the cavity with a second
water-soluble film web.
[0014] Method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which
includes an agent and a water-soluble wrapping which contains, at
least in part, a bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000, including the following steps: forming at least
one cavity in the first water-soluble film web; filling the at
least one cavity with a product; providing a second water-soluble
film web; coating the second water-soluble film web with a medium
which contains the bittering agent having a bitterness value
between 1,000 and 200,000; and closing the cavity with the second
water-soluble film web.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] 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.
[0016] The object of the invention is achieved by water-soluble
packaging which contains an agent and a water-soluble wrapping, in
which the water-soluble wrapping contains, at least in part, a
bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000.
[0017] It has surprisingly been shown that bittering agents having
these bitterness values have a sufficiently intense bitter taste to
prevent children from continuing to retain a water-soluble package
containing this bittering agent in or on the mouth, but during
routine use of the water-soluble packaging are not so bitter that a
residue of a bittering agent remaining on the hand intensely and
unpleasantly irritates the taste buds of the user over an extended
period of time in the event of accidental contact of the hand with
the mouth.
Water-Soluble Packaging
[0018] The subject matter of the invention relates to water-soluble
packaging containing an agent and a water-soluble wrapping. The
water-soluble wrapping contains, at least in part, a bittering
agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000.
[0019] The water-soluble packaging contains a water-soluble
wrapping which forms a closed structure having one or more chambers
in its interior for accommodating one more agents. The
water-soluble wrapping is preferably formed by a water-soluble film
material.
[0020] The water-soluble packaging may have a dimensionally stable
or a deformable design.
[0021] The water-soluble packaging may be designed as a
dimensionally stable receptacle, for example in the form of a
capsule, box, can, or container.
[0022] In principle, however, it is also possible and preferred to
form the water-soluble packaging as a nondimensionally stable
container, for example as a pouch. The shape of this type of
water-soluble packaging may be adapted to a great extent to the use
conditions. Various shapes such as tubes, cushions, cylinders,
bottles, or disks are suitable.
[0023] The water-soluble packaging may have one or more chambers
for storing one or more agents. The water-soluble packaging
preferably has between two and five chambers.
[0024] Water-Soluble Wrapping
[0025] The water-soluble wrapping is preferably formed from a
water-soluble film material which is selected from the group
comprising polymers or polymer mixtures. The wrapping may be formed
from one, two, or more layers of the water-soluble film material.
The water-soluble film material of the first layer and of the
additional layers, if present, may be the same or different.
Particularly preferred are films which may be glued or sealed to
form packaging such as tubes or cushions, for example, after they
have been filled with an agent.
[0026] It is preferred that the water-soluble wrapping contains
polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer. Water-soluble
wrappings which contain polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol
copolymer have good stability with sufficiently high solubility in
water, in particular solubility in cold water.
[0027] Suitable water-soluble films for manufacturing the
water-soluble wrapping are preferably based on a polyvinyl alcohol
or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer having a molecular weight in the
range of 10,000 to 1,000,000 gmol.sup.-1, preferably 20,000 to
500,000 gmol.sup.-1, particularly preferably 30,000 to 100,000
gmol.sup.-1, and in particular 40,000 to 80,000 gmol.sup.-1.
[0028] Polyvinyl alcohol is typically produced by hydrolysis of
polyvinyl acetate, since a direct synthetic route is not possible.
The same applies for polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, which are
correspondingly produced from polyvinyl acetate copolymers. It is
preferred when at least one layer of the water-soluble wrapping
contains a polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of hydrolysis of 70 to
100 mol-%, preferably 80 to 90 mol-%, particularly preferably 81 to
89 mol-%, and in particular 82 to 88 mol-%.
[0029] In addition, a polymer selected from the group comprising
(meth)acrylic acid-containing (co)polymers, polyacrylamides,
oxazoline polymers, polystyrene sulfonates, polyurethanes,
polyesters, polyethers, polylactic acid, or mixtures of these
polymers may be added to a polyvinyl alcohol-containing film
material which is suitable for manufacturing the water-soluble
wrapping. Polylactic acids are a preferred additional polymer.
[0030] In addition to vinyl alcohol, preferred polyvinyl alcohol
copolymers include dicarboxylic acids as additional monomers.
Suitable dicarboxylic acids are itaconic acid, malonic acid,
succinic acid, and mixtures thereof, with itaconic acid being
preferred.
[0031] Likewise preferred polyvinyl alcohol copolymers include, in
addition to vinyl alcohol, an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic
acid, its salt, or its ester. In addition to vinyl alcohol, such
polyvinyl alcohol copolymers particularly preferably contain
acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid ester, methacrylic
acid ester, or mixtures thereof.
[0032] It may be preferred that the film material contains further
additives. The film material may contain, for example, softeners
such as dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol,
propylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol, or mixtures
thereof. Examples of further additives include release aids,
fillers, crosslinking agents, surfactants, antioxidants, UV
absorbers, antiblocking agents, non-stick agents, or mixtures
thereof.
[0033] Suitable water-soluble films for use in the water-soluble
wrappings of the water-soluble packaging according to the invention
are films marketed by MonoSol LLC under the trade names M8630,
C8400, or M8900, for example. Other suitable films include films
with the trade names Solublon.RTM. PT, Solublon.RTM. GA,
Solublon.RTM. KC, or Solublon.RTM. KL from Aicello Chemical Europe
GmbH, or the VF-HP films from Kuraray.
[0034] The water-soluble wrapping contains, at least in part, a
bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000.
[0035] The bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000
and 200,000 may be applied, for example, to the outer surface of
the water-soluble wrapping, or may be contained in the
water-soluble wrapping.
[0036] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer
surface of the water-soluble wrapping is at least partially coated
with a bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000. In this regard, it is particularly preferred that the
water-soluble wrapping is coated at least 50%, preferably at least
75%, and very particularly preferably at least 90%, with the
bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000.
[0037] The bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000
and 200,000 may be applied by printing, spraying, or spreading, for
example.
[0038] In principle, any form of printing may be used for printing
the water-soluble wrapping, such as gravure printing, offset
printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, airbrush, ink jet
printing, or pad printing, or any given combinations of these
printing technologies. The printing is preferably carried out using
ink jet printing, since with this printing technology there is no
mechanical contact with, and thus, no mechanical stress on, the
water-soluble wrapping. The same applies for direct printing using
piezo technology, since this process also takes place without
contact.
[0039] In principle, the printing medium which is applied to the
water-soluble wrapping may contain further ingredients, such as a
coloring substance.
[0040] Alternatively, the bittering agent having a bitterness value
between 1,000 and 200,000 may be spread onto the outer wrapping
using a brush, roller, or the like.
[0041] In another alternative, the bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000 is sprayed on using an
atomizer.
[0042] The bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000
and 200,000 may be applied in the form of surfaces, so that the
water-soluble wrapping is covered, at least over a portion of its
surface, with a bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000. Alternatively, the bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000 may be applied in the
form of letters, numbers, symbols, decorative figures, or the like.
The latter are particularly preferred when the bittering agent
having a bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000 is applied by
printing, and the printing medium contains a coloring substance in
addition to the bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000.
[0043] Alternatively, for application to the outer surface of the
water-soluble wrapping, the bittering agent having a bitterness
value between 1,000 and 200,000 may be incorporated into the film
material of the water-soluble wrapping.
[0044] All chemical compounds which have a bitter taste are
designated as bittering agents.
[0045] The bittering agent has a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000. The bitterness value is the reciprocal value of the
dilution of a substance, a liquid, or an extract which just has a
bitter taste.
[0046] The standardized method described in the European
Pharmacopoeia (5th Edition, Main Volume, Stuttgart 2005, Volume 1,
General Part, Monograph Groups, 2.8.15 Bitterness Value, p. 278) is
used to determine the bitterness value.
[0047] An aqueous solution of quinine hydrochloride, whose
bitterness value is defined to be 200,000, is used as a comparison.
This means that 1 gram quinine hydrochloride makes 200 liters of
water bitter. The interindividual taste differences in the
organoleptic testing of bitterness are compensated for by a
correction factor in this method.
[0048] Suitable bittering agents having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000, which may be contained in the film material for
manufacturing the water-soluble wrapping or may be applied to the
outer surface of the water-soluble wrapping, are preferably natural
bittering agents having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000. The natural bittering agents having a bitterness value
between 1,000 and 200,000 are particularly preferably selected from
the group comprising glycosides, isoprenoids, alkaloids, amino
acids, and mixtures thereof
[0049] Glycosides are organic compounds having the general
structure R--O--Z, in which an alcohol (R--OH) is connected to a
sugar portion (Z) via a glycosidic bond.
[0050] Examples of suitable glycosides are flavonoids such as
quercetin or naringin, iridoid glycosides such as aucubin, and in
particular secoiridoid glycosides such as amarogentin,
dihydrofoliamentin, gentiopicroside, gentiopicrin, swertiamarin,
sweroside, gentioflavosid, centaurosid, metafolin, harpagoside, and
centapicrine, sailicin, or condurangin.
[0051] Isoprenoids are compounds which are formally derived from
isoprene. Examples are in particular terpenes and terpenoids.
[0052] Examples of suitable isoprenoids include sesquiterpene
lactones such as absinthin, artabsin, cnicin, lactucin,
lactucopicrin, or salonitenolid, monoterpene ketones (thujones)
such as .alpha.-thujone or .beta.-thujone, tetranortriterpenes
(limonoids) such as deoxylimonene, deoxylimonenic acid, limonene,
ichangin, isoobacunonic acid, obacunone, obacunonic acid, nomilin,
or nomilinic acid, and terpenes such as marrubin, premarrubin,
carnosol, carnosolic acid, or quassin.
[0053] Alkaloids refer to naturally occurring, chemically
heterogeneous, usually alkaline, nitrogen-containing organic
compounds of the secondary metabolism which act on the animal or
human organism.
[0054] Examples of suitable alkaloids include quinine
hydrochloride, quinine hydrogen sulfate, quinine dihydrochloride,
quinine sulfate, columbin, and caffeine.
[0055] Examples of suitable amino acids include threonine,
methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, arginine, histidine, valine,
and asparagic acid.
[0056] Particularly preferred bittering agents having a bitterness
value between 1,000 and 200,000 are quinine sulfate (bitterness
value=10,000), naringin (bitterness value=10,000), saccharose
octaacetate (bitterness value=100,000), quinine hydrochloride, and
mixtures thereof.
[0057] Use of a mixture of bittering agents may be advantageous,
since humans have a variable number of taste cells on the tongue.
In addition to so-called supertasters and normal tasters, there are
also so-called nontasters, who have little or no taste for the
individual bittering agents. By using a mixture of at least two
bittering agents having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000, the risk that the intended deterrent of the bittering
agent does not affect the taste may be reduced.
[0058] The quantity of bittering agent having a bitterness value
between 1,000 and 200,000 depends in particular on the desired
intensity of the bitter taste. If the bittering agent is contained
in the water-soluble wrapping, the quantity of bittering agent is
between 1 and 30 g per m.sup.2 surface of the water-soluble
wrapping. If the bittering agent is applied to the outer surface of
the water-soluble wrapping, the quantity of bittering agent is
between 1 and 30 g per m.sup.2 coated surface of the water-soluble
wrapping.
[0059] Within the scope of the present patent application, the term
"inner surface of the water-soluble wrapping" means the surface
which is in contact with the agent that is enclosed by the
water-soluble wrapping. Correspondingly, the term "outer surface of
the water-soluble wrapping" means the surface facing away from the
agent that is enclosed by the water-soluble wrapping.
Agents, in Particular Liquid, Gel, or Solid Detergent or Cleaning
Agents, for Storing in the Water-Soluble Packaging
[0060] In addition to the water-soluble wrapping, the water-soluble
packaging contains an agent. This agent may be a solid agent, for
example, and may include a powder, a granulate, or a tablet.
Alternatively, the agent may be a liquid agent and may include a
gel or a liquid. The agent is particularly preferably a liquid or
solid detergent or cleaning agent, with liquid detergents or
cleaning agents being particularly preferred.
[0061] In one embodiment, the water-soluble packaging has a chamber
for accommodating the agent. In this embodiment the agent may
preferably include a powder, a granulate, a gel, or a liquid.
[0062] In another embodiment, the water-soluble packaging has two
chambers. In this embodiment the first chamber preferably contains
a liquid agent and the second chamber preferably contains a solid
or a liquid agent. Alternatively, both chambers may contain a solid
agent.
[0063] If the water-soluble packaging has three chambers, all of
these chambers may contain a liquid or a solid agent in each case.
However, it is also possible for one chamber to contain solid agent
and for two chambers to contain a liquid agent. In addition, it is
possible for two chambers to contain a solid agent and for one
chamber to contain a liquid agent.
[0064] For water-soluble packaging having four or more chambers,
there are correspondingly more possible combinations with regard to
the number of chambers containing a solid or a liquid agent.
[0065] The agents contained in the various chambers of a
water-soluble packaging may have the same composition. In a
water-soluble packaging having at least two chambers, the agents
preferably have compositions which differ with respect to at least
one ingredient or at least with respect to the content of one
ingredient.
[0066] The agent contains ingredients which do not destroy the
structural integrity of the water-soluble wrapping. If the agent
used is a liquid or solid detergent or cleaning agent, it may
contain one or more substances from the group of surfactants,
builders, bleaching agents, bleaching activators, bleach catalysts,
enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, electrolytes, pH adjusters,
fragrances, fragrance carriers, fluorescence agents, dyes,
hydrotopes, foam inhibitors, silicone oils, anti-redeposition
agents, graying inhibitors, shrinkage inhibitors, anti-crease
agents, dye transfer inhibitors, antimicrobial active substances,
nonaqueous solvents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants,
preservatives, corrosion inhibitors, anti-static agents, bittering
agents, ironing aids, repellent and impregnation agents,
opacifiers, skin care active substances, swelling and anti-slip
agents, softening components, fillers, and UV absorbers.
[0067] The liquid detergents or cleaning agents may contain water,
the water content being less than 14% by weight and more preferably
less than 9% by weight, in each case based on the total liquid
detergent or cleaning agent.
Method for Manufacturing Water-Soluble Packaging
[0068] There are several options for manufacturing the
water-soluble packaging according to the invention. In addition to
the vertical form-fill-seal method, it is also possible in
particular to use a horizontal form-fill-seal method.
[0069] The manufacturing of water-soluble packaging may include the
following steps: [0070] a) Forming at least one cavity in a first
water-soluble film web, [0071] b) Filling the at least one cavity
with an agent, and [0072] c) Closing the cavity with a second
water-soluble film web.
[0073] In a first embodiment, the bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000 may be contained, at
least in part, in the first water-soluble film (web).
Alternatively, the buttering agent having a bitterness value
between 1,000 and 200,000 may be contained, at least in part, in
the second water-soluble film (web). In another alternative, it is
also possible for the bittering agent having a bitterness value
between 1,000 and 200,000 to be contained, at least in part, in
both water-soluble film (webs). If the bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000 is contained in both
water-soluble film (webs), the bittering agent having a bitterness
value between 1,000 and 200,000 in the first film (web) may be the
same as or different from the bittering agent having a bitterness
value between 1,000 and 200,000 in the second film (web).
[0074] Accordingly, a further subject matter of the patent
application relates to a method for manufacturing water-soluble
packaging which contains an agent and a water-soluble wrapping
which contains, at least in part, a bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000, including the following
steps: [0075] a) Forming at least one cavity in a first
water-soluble film web, [0076] b) Filling the at least one cavity
with a product, and [0077] c) Closing the cavity with a second
water-soluble film web, wherein the bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000 is contained in the
first and/or second water-soluble film web.
[0078] In one alternative embodiment of the method for
manufacturing water-soluble packaging, step c) is followed by a
further method step d) which includes the at least partial coating
of the outer surface of the water-soluble wrapping with a medium
which contains a bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000. Step d) may be repeated as often as desired, so
that multiple coated areas, which are the same or different, may be
provided on the outer surface of the water-soluble wrapping. The
coating may be applied by printing, spraying, or spreading, for
example.
[0079] Accordingly, a further subject matter of the invention
relates to a method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which
contains an agent and a water-soluble wrapping which contains, at
least in part, a bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000, including the following steps: [0080] a) Forming
at least one cavity in a first water-soluble film web, [0081] b)
Filling the at least one cavity with a product, [0082] c) Closing
the cavity with a second water-soluble film web and at least
partially coating the outer surface of the water-soluble wrapping
with a medium which contains the bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000.
[0083] In this embodiment, the film (webs) used may be free of
bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000, or may also contain one or more bittering agents having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000.
[0084] In another alternative embodiment of the method for
manufacturing water-soluble packaging, the coating of the first
water-soluble film with the bittering agent having a bitterness
value between 1,000 and 200,000 takes place prior to forming the
cavity. In yet another alternative embodiment of the method for
manufacturing water-soluble packaging, the coating of the second
water-soluble film with the bittering agent having a bitterness
value between 1,000 and 200,000 takes place prior to closing the
cavity which is filled with the agent.
[0085] A further subject matter of the present invention therefore
relates to a method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which
contains an agent and a water-soluble wrapping which contains, at
least in part, a bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000, including the following steps: [0086] a)
Providing a first water-soluble film web, [0087] b) Coating the
first water-soluble film web with a medium which contains the
bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000, [0088] c) Forming at least one cavity in the first
water-soluble film web, [0089] d) Filling the at least one cavity
with a product, and [0090] e) Closing the cavity with a second
water-soluble film web.
[0091] Yet a further subject matter of the invention relates to a
method for manufacturing water-soluble packaging which contains an
agent and a water-soluble wrapping which contains, at least in
part, a bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000, including the following steps: [0092] a) Forming at least
one cavity in the first water-soluble film web, [0093] b) Filling
the at least one cavity with a product, [0094] c) Providing a
second water-soluble film web, [0095] d) Coating the second
water-soluble film web with a medium which contains the bittering
agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000, and
[0096] e) Closing the cavity with the second water-soluble film
web.
[0097] The coating of the water-soluble film web during the
manufacture of the water-soluble packaging takes place in such a
way that the bittering agent having a bitterness value between
1,000 and 200,000 is present on the outer surface of the
water-soluble wrapping.
[0098] One advantage of coating during or after the manufacture of
the water-soluble packaging is that the coating may take place in
an individualized manner, i.e., according to the
requirements/circumstances, for example with regard to the form and
content of the particular water-soluble packaging being
manufactured at the time.
[0099] The coating operation may optionally be followed by a drying
process in which solvent contained in the medium which contains the
bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000
is evaporated/removed by blowing temperature-controlled gas on or
over, or by irradiation with infrared light.
[0100] For manufacturing a water-soluble wrapping which contains,
at least in part, a bittering agent having a bitterness value
between 1,000 and 200,000, the bittering agent having a bitterness
value between 1,000 and 200,000 is added to the film material.
[0101] This may take place, for example, by (a) combining a
water-soluble polymer which preferably contains polyvinyl alcohol
or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, alone or in combination, with at
least one additional water-soluble polymer, a solvent, the
bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and
200,000, and optionally further additives to form a matrix, (b)
forming a film from the matrix, and (c) drying the film to form a
water-soluble film which contains, at least in part, a bittering
agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000.
[0102] The film may be formed by pouring and reverse roller
coating, for example.
[0103] Alternatively, a film containing, at least in part, a
bittering agent having a bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000
may be obtained by (a) combining a water-soluble polymer which
preferably contains polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol
copolymer, alone or in combination, with at least one additional
water-soluble polymer, a solvent, the bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000, and optionally further
additives to form a matrix, and (b) obtaining a water-soluble film
which contains, at least in part, a bittering agent having a
bitterness value between 1,000 and 200,000 by extrusion of the
matrix.
[0104] The invention is explained in greater detail below with
reference to two exemplary embodiments.
[0105] For manufacturing a water-soluble packaging which has a
chamber that is filled with a liquid detergent or cleaning agent,
first a liquid detergent or cleaning agent was produced using
known, conventional methods and processes. Table 1 shows the
composition of a liquid detergent or cleaning agent E1.
[0106] Table 1: Liquid detergent or cleaning agent E1 [all
quantities are expressed in % by weight active substance, based on
the composition]
TABLE-US-00001 Ingredient E1 C.sub.10-C.sub.13 alkylbenzenesulfonic
acid 21 C.sub.13-C.sub.15 oxo alcohol having 8 EO 22.5 C.sub.12-18
fatty acid 17.5 Glycerin 13 1,2-Propanediol 13.5 Ethanol 3.26
Phosphonate 0.3 Monoethanolamine 6.4 Dyes, enzymes (cellulase,
amylase, 0.8 protease), optical brightener, fragrance Water
1.74
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT 1
[0107] For manufacturing water-soluble packaging containing the
liquid detergent or cleaning agent E1, a film of type M 8630 (from
Monosol) having a thickness of 76 .mu.m was pulled by vacuum into a
cavity to form a protrusion. The protrusion was subsequently filled
with 30 mL of the liquid detergent or cleaning agent E1. After
covering the protrusions, filled with the agent, with a second
layer of a film containing polyvinyl alcohol, polylactic acid,
1,2-propanediol, and glycerin and having a thickness of 76 .mu.m,
the first and second layers were sealed together. The sealing
temperature was 150.degree. C., and the sealing duration was 1.1
seconds.
[0108] The entire outer surface of the water-soluble packaging was
then uniformly sprayed on both sides with an aqueous medium
containing saccharose octaacetate, using an atomizer. The quantity
of saccharose octaacetate per water-soluble package was 2000 ppm.
The liquid was absorbed by the water-soluble wrapping within 5
seconds.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT 2
[0109] For manufacturing water-soluble packaging V2 containing the
liquid detergent or cleaning agent E1, a first layer of a film
containing polyvinyl alcohol, polylactic acid, saccharose
octaacetate, 1,2-propanediol, and glycerin, having a thickness of
76 was pulled by vacuum into a cavity to form a protrusion. The
protrusion was subsequently filled with 30 mL of the liquid
detergent or cleaning agent El. After covering the protrusions,
filled with the agent, with a second layer of a film containing
polyvinyl alcohol, polylactic acid, saccharose octaacetate,
1,2-propanediol, and glycerin and having a thickness of 76 .mu.m,
the first and second layers were sealed together. The sealing
temperature was 150.degree. C., and the sealing duration was 1.1
seconds. The first and second film webs each contained 2000 ppm
saccharose octaacetate.
[0110] In both cases, a quickly discernible, unpleasant bitter
taste of the water-soluble wrapping was confirmed by a panel of 10
individuals.
[0111] After 4, 8, and 12 weeks storage time of the water-soluble
packaging V1 and V2 containing the detergent or cleaning agent El
under various climatic conditions, no solubilization or dissolution
of the water-soluble wrapping was observable. In addition, no pores
or holes were identified which would likewise result in escape or
leakage of product.
[0112] Water-soluble packagings V1 and V2 containing the detergent
or cleaning agent E1 dissolved without residue in wash operations
at temperatures in a range from 20 to 95.degree. C.
[0113] In addition, no persistent and/or objectionable transfer of
the bittering agents to the skin was identifiable upon contact of
the water-soluble packaging with skin, in particular upon contact
with dry or slightly damp hands.
[0114] The determination of whether a persistent and/or
objectionable transfer of the bittering agent was present was made
with the assistance of 10 test subjects who held a water-soluble
package tightly in the hand for 5 seconds and subsequently brought
the hand into contact with the tongue for 5 seconds. For both
water-soluble packaging V1 and V2, all of the test subjects noticed
no bitter taste, or noticed a slightly unpleasant bitter taste
which only lasted for 1 minute maximum.
[0115] 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.
* * * * *