U.S. patent application number 14/507897 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-07 for method of pre-treating articles to be washed in a dishwashing machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Andrew James FLUXE, Paulus Antonius Augustinus HOEFTE, Robby Renilde Francois KEULEERS, Gino Jeanine Vincenzo MOSCATO.
Application Number | 20160095496 14/507897 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54337906 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160095496 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KEULEERS; Robby Renilde Francois ;
et al. |
April 7, 2016 |
METHOD OF PRE-TREATING ARTICLES TO BE WASHED IN A DISHWASHING
MACHINE
Abstract
A method of reducing residue left on an article of dishware. The
method includes the steps of: providing an article of dishware
having cooking residue on a working surface thereof; providing a
container having a pre-treating composition therein, the container
being configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a
downward direction using only a single hand of a user; dispensing
some of the pre-treating composition onto the surface of the
dishware while the container is disposed in an upright orientation;
placing the pre-treated dishware into the dishwasher; and running
the dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwashing
machine.
Inventors: |
KEULEERS; Robby Renilde
Francois; (Lippelo (Sint Amands), BE) ; HOEFTE;
Paulus Antonius Augustinus; (Astene, BE) ; FLUXE;
Andrew James; (Lebanon, OH) ; MOSCATO; Gino Jeanine
Vincenzo; (Antwerp, BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54337906 |
Appl. No.: |
14/507897 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/25.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 5/122 20130101;
A47L 17/00 20130101; A47K 5/1201 20130101; A47L 15/4418
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/44 20060101
A47L015/44 |
Claims
1. A method of reducing cooking residue left on a working surface
of an article of dishware after it has been washed in a dishwashing
machine, the method including the steps of: providing an article of
dishware having cooking residue on a working surface thereof;
providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein,
the container being configured to dispense the pre-treating
composition in a downward direction onto at least a portion of the
working surface that has cooking residue thereon, the container
further including an actuator, wherein the container is designed to
be held and dispensed by a single hand of a user; dispensing at
least some of the pre-treating composition onto at least a portion
of the surface of the dishware while the container is disposed in
an upright orientation with the top located further away from the
working surface than the bottom of the container is from the
working surface; placing the pre-treated dishware having the
pre-treating composition thereon into the dishwasher; and running
the dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwashing
machine.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the pre-treating composition is
dispensed from an orifice in the bottom of the container.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the pre-treating composition is
dispensed from an orifice in the top or mid-section of the
container and directed downwardly by a tube.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the dishwashing machine is located
under a counter and the step of dispensing the pre-treating
composition takes place when the dishware is disposed below the
counter.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the dishwashing machine has a door
that opens and the step of dispensing the pre-treating composition
takes place when the dishware is disposed over the dishwasher
door.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the actuator is disposed adjacent
the top of the container.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the actuator is activated by a
user's thumb.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the actuator is disposed the
mid-section of the container.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the actuator is activated by one
or more of a user's fingers.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the pre-treating composition
provided in the container is a low foaming pre-treating
composition.
11. A method of reducing cooking residue left on a working surface
of an article of dishware after it has been washed in a dishwashing
machine, the method including the steps of: providing an article of
dishware having cooking residue on a working surface thereof;
providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein,
the container having a top, a bottom and a mid-section between the
top and bottom, the container being configured to dispense the
pre-treating composition in a downward direction onto at least a
portion of the working surface that has cooking residue thereon,
the container further including an actuator disposed adjacent the
top of the container, wherein the container is designed to be held
and dispensed by a single hand of a user; placing the dishware into
the dishwasher; dispensing at least some of the pre-treating
composition onto at least a portion of the surface of the dishware
while the container is disposed in an upright orientation with the
top located further away from the working surface than the bottom
of the container is from the working surface; and running the
dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwashing machine.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the pre-treating composition is
dispensed from an orifice in the bottom of the container.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the pre-treating composition is
dispensed from an orifice in the top or mid-section of the
container and directed downwardly by a tube.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the dishwashing machine is
located under a counter and the step of dispensing the pre-treating
composition takes place when the dishware is disposed below the
counter.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the dishwashing machine has a
door that opens and the step of dispensing the pre-treating
composition takes place when the dishware is disposed over the
dishwasher door.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein the actuator is disposed
adjacent the top of the container.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the actuator is activated by a
user's thumb.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the actuator is disposed the
mid-section of the container.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the actuator is activated by one
or more of a user's fingers and/or thumb.
20. The method of claim 11 wherein the pre-treating composition
provided in the container is a low foaming pre-treating
composition.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to methods for pre-treating
articles to be washed in a dishwashing machine; and more
particularly to a method of pre-treating dishware prior to or after
placing the dishware into a dishwashing machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Machine dishwashing is convenient and generally time-saving,
but may not be successful in removing some food or other residue in
a single dishwashing cycle. For example, baked-on cooking residues
can be particularly difficult to completely clean without
additional effort. Thus, a user may feel the need to soak or
pre-wash the soiled dishware prior to placing it into the
dishwasher, reducing the overall convenience of using an automatic
dishwashing machine.
[0003] In order to improve the ability of dishwashers to remove
difficult cooking residues, pre-treatment products such as the
Dawn.TM. Power Dissolver product and other pre-treating
compositions were developed. Further examples of cleaning
compositions suitable for pre-treating dishware are described in US
Patent Application 2002/0183222A1. Often, such compositions are
sprayed or otherwise placed on the dishware in non-diluted ("neat")
or in a diluted form prior to the dishwashing process. WO
2013/073007 A2 discloses a method of pre-treating food soils prior
to washing using a pressurized aerosol canister that dispenses foam
on the surface of the dishware.
[0004] Although many of the pre-treating compositions and products
have been effective to reduce the amount of residue that remains
after a single cycle in an automatic dishwashing machine, the
products are often difficult to use. For example, some require
pre-soaking the soiled dishware. Others require that the soiled
dishware be sprayed with a composition over the sink because the
pre-treating composition drips off of the dishware. This can be
very inconvenient in many households as not all households have a
sink adjacent the dishwashing machine. Still others are
ergonomically difficult to handle because the user must hold onto
and properly orient a bulky spray bottle while handling wet and/or
soiled dishes. Typically, spraying occurs in downward direction due
to the items to be cleaned being placed below the level of the sink
or counter. Thus, the sprayer of the bottle is typically turned
downwards which not only has the ergonomically negative effect of
bringing the weight of the spray bottle above your wrist, but also
carries the negative that as the bottle empties that the dip tube
can end up outside the liquid and, as such, the liquid may not be
dispensed as desired or fully dispensed. Further, spray products
can have over spray that may be harmful to painted surfaces or to
skin if exposed (e.g. walked on with bare feet) by animals or
humans.
[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved
alternative method of pre-treating dishware before or after placing
it in a dishwasher. Further, it would be desirable to provide a
method of pre-treating dishware to help improve cleaning results,
especially when baked-on or otherwise difficult to clean kitchen
soils are present on the dishware. It would also be desirable to
provide a method of pre-treating dishware that is ergonomically
pleasing and easy for the user to employ. It would also be
desirable to provide a method of pre-treating dishware that reduces
or prevents the likelihood that dispensing the composition in a
downward direction will prevent or negatively affect the ability of
the dispenser to properly dispense the composition. It would also
be desirable to help improve the performance of lower performing
dishwashers or dishwashers where the soiled items are tightly
placed into the dishwasher. It would also be desirable to provide
for concentrated application of detergent to the soiled dishware
versus a diluted detergent in a typical main wash cycle. It would
also be desirable to provide detergents onto soiled dishware and/or
into the dishwasher in a way that the composition is separate from
other compositions so as to avoid dilution or reaction of the
compositions. It would also be desirable to provide a method of
pre-treating dirty dishware to prevent the food stains from drying
out between the time the dishes are used and when the automatic
dishwashing machine is used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In order to address any one or more of the above-identified
disadvantages and/or other known disadvantages related to
pre-treating and machine washing dishware, the method of the
present invention has been developed. Although the invention is
described in more detail below, one example of the method of the
present invention generally includes the following features and
steps: providing a soiled article such as a dish to be washed in an
automatic dishwasher; providing a container having a pre-treating
composition therein, the container configured to dispense the
pre-treating composition in a downward direction onto the surface
of the dishware, wherein the container is designed to be held and
dispensed by a single hand of a user; dispensing at least some of
the pre-treating composition onto the surface of the dishware;
placing the pre-treated dishware in the dishwasher; and running the
dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwasher. Optionally,
additional or other dishwashing compositions, such as detergents or
other benefit-providing compositions can be released in the
dishwashing machine.
[0007] Another example of the method of the present invention
generally includes the following features and steps: providing one
or more soiled articles such as dishes to be washed in an automatic
dishwasher; placing the soiled articles in the dishwasher,
providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein,
the container configured to dispense the pre-treating composition
in a downward direction onto the surface of the dishware, wherein
the container is designed to be held and dispensed by a single hand
of a user; dispensing at least some of the pre-treating composition
onto the surface of the soiled articles placed in the dishwasher by
spraying this composition onto the articles while they are disposed
on a rack of the open dishwasher; and running the dishware through
a cleaning cycle of the dishwasher. Optionally, additional or other
dishwashing compositions, such as detergents or other
benefit-providing compositions can be released in the dishwashing
machine.
[0008] The method of the present invention may also be used to
dispense other compositions and for other purposes. For example,
the method may be used to dispense cleaning compositions, such as
hard surface cleaners, stain removers, stain preventers, fabric
enhancers, fabric softeners, fragrances, UV protectors,
wrinkle-release compositions, water proofing compositions,
whitening compositions, color compositions, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In the accompanying drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the bottom
dispensing container of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an alternative plan view of one embodiment of the
bottom dispensing container shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing container
shown in FIG. 2 through section line 3-3.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bottom
dispensing container being gripped by the hand of a user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] As set forth herein, the present invention is directed to a
method of pre-treating dishware or other articles intended to be
washed in an automatic dishwashing machine. The terms "dishware"
and "kitchenware" are used herein synonymously and are not intended
to be limiting in any way, but rather to describe a class of
articles used in the preparation, storage, eating, moving, placing,
displaying, cooking, heating, cooling, cutting or otherwise
touching food, drink or other items and/or materials, which
articles are intended to be or regularly are machine washed in a
dishwasher after use.
[0015] Often, consumers find it preferable to pre-treat their
dishware prior to placing it into a dishwashing machine for
cleaning in order to prevent the undesirable situation where the
dishware is not fully clean even after the dishwasher has completed
its cleaning cycle. As such, in order to reduce the likelihood of
residue remaining after cleaning, the user may choose to apply a
pre-treating composition to substantially the entire work surface
of any particular or all of the dishware to be cleaned. By "working
surface," we mean the surface of the dishware which has come into
contact with food, drink or other substances that are intended to
be cleaned off of the article during the dishwashing cycle.
Alternatively, the pre-treating composition may be applied to only
a part of the working surface of the dishware, for example, onto
the part of the working surface which is heavily soiled by food or
a part that contains a residue known to be difficult to clean. In
some instances, the user may further rinse the dishware, allow it
to soak for a certain time, and/or scrub it to help loosen or
remove the food soil.
[0016] The pre-treating composition may be applied to the dishware
in any suitable form such as a liquid, solid, gel, mist, spray,
jet, liquid shower, foam or otherwise. It is generally desirable
for the pre-treating composition to obtain intimate contact with
the soil on the dishware. Thus, it is generally applied directly to
the soiled dishware in a "neat" or undiluted form. However, there
are situations where it may be desirable to rinse the dishware
before or after applying the pre-treating composition and/or where
it may be desirable to dilute pre-treating composition before it is
applied to the working surface. All of these situations are
contemplated by the method of the current invention. Further,
although the disclosure herein often refers to situations where the
pre-treating is done just after the dishware is used or just prior
to putting it into the dishwashing machine, other situations are
contemplated and considered within the scope of the invention. For
example, the pre-treating step may take place after the soiled
dishes have been sitting in a soiled condition for some time and/or
the soiled dishes may remain outside of the dishwasher or inside
the dishwasher for a period of time after being pre-treated but
before the dishwashing cycle is started. The particular timing of
the steps or the order in which they take place is generally not
intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention, unless
specifically set forth as such herein.
[0017] The pre-treating composition used may be any composition
suitable for cleaning or pre-treating dishware. One example of a
suitable pre-treating composition is that which is used in the
Dawn.TM. Power Dissolver product. Other non-limiting examples of
suitable pre-treating compositions suitable for pre-treating
dishware are described in US Patent Application 2002/0183222A1.
Although any pH is possible, it has been found that pre-treating
compositions with a pH in the range of about 7 to about 13, or
about 7 to about 10 generally work well and do not have some of the
disadvantages that lower pH compositions may have.
[0018] The pre-treating composition may have any suitable
viscosity. The composition may include single phase Newtonian or
non-Newtonian products with a high shear viscosity of between 1
centipoises (cps) and 10,000 cps at 20.degree. C. and,
alternatively between 10 cps and 8000 cps, or between 50 cps and
5000 cps, or between 100 cps and 3000 cps, or between 150 and 2000
cps, or between 200 and 1000 cps, alternatively combinations
thereof.
[0019] Viscosity, as used herein, is measured with a BROOKFIELD
DV-E viscometer, at 20.degree. C., spindle number 31. The following
rotations per minute (rpm) should be used depending upon the
viscosity: between 300 cps to below 500 cps, use 50 rpm; between
500 cps to less than 1,000 cps, use 20 rpm; from 1,000 cps to less
than 1,500 cps, use 12 rpm; from 1,500 cps to less than 2,500 cps,
use 10 rpm; from 2,500 cps, and greater, use 5 rpm. Viscosities
below 300 cps are measured at 12 rpm with spindle number 18.
[0020] The pre-treating composition may be of any color, or shade.
It may include one or more suspended phases, particles or
combinations thereof. Further, the composition may be capable of
suspending particulate solids or having solids in suspension. The
solids may be undissolved electrolyte, the same as or different
from the electrolyte in solution, the latter being saturated
electrolyte. They may be materials which are substantially
insoluble in water alone. Examples of such substantially insoluble
materials are aluminosilicate builders and particles of calcite
abrasive.
[0021] Non-limiting examples of typical components of dishware
pre-treating compositions include the following:
Surfactants
[0022] The concentrated detergent composition of the present
invention may contain one or more surface active agents
(surfactants). The surfactant(s) may be any suitable surfactant or
mixture of surfactants. For example, the surfactant may be selected
from anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic and
mixtures thereof or mixtures of any of these surfacants and any
other suitable surfactants.
[0023] Illustrative examples of surfactants useful herein are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,664,961, Norris, issued May 23, 1972,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,678, Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,905, Cockrell, issued Sep. 16, 1980, in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,239,659, Murphy, issued Dec. 16, 1980, U.S. Pat. No.
4,285,841, Barrat et al, issued Aug. 25, 1981, U.S. Pat. No.
4,284,532, Leikhim et al, issued Aug. 18, 1981, U.S. Pat. No.
4,285,841, U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,678 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,220,099
and 2,477,383. Some well known surfactants are described in more
detail in Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd
Ed., Vol. 22, pp. 360-379, "Surfactants and Detersive Systems",
McCutcheon's, Detergents & Emulsifiers, by M.C. Publishing Co.,
(North American edition 1997), Schwartz, et al., Surface Active
Agents, Their Chemistry and Technology, New York: Interscience
Publishers, 1949; and further information and examples are given in
"Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz,
Perry and Berch).
[0024] Illustrative examples of suitable nonionic surfactants
include: alcohol ethoxylates (e.g. Neodol 25-9 from Shell Chemical
Co.), alkyl phenol ethoxylates (e.g. Tergitol NP-9 from Union
Carbide Corp.), alkylpolyglucosides (e.g. Glucapon 600CS from
Henkel Corp.), polyoxyethylenated polyoxypropylene glycols (e.g.
Pluronic L-65 from BASF Corp.), sorbitol esters (e.g. Emsorb 2515
from Henkel Corp.), polyoxyethylenated sorbitol esters (e.g. Emsorb
6900 from Henkel Corp.), alkanolamides (e.g. Alkamide DC212/SE from
Rhone-Poulenc Co.), and N-alkypyrrolidones (e.g. Surfadone LP-100
from ISP Technologies Inc.); and combinations thereof. Additional
illustrative suitable nonionic surfactants are those disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,316,812 and 3,630,929.
[0025] Illustrative examples of suitable anionic surfactants
include: linear alkyl benzene sulfonates (e.g. Vista C-500
commercially available from Vista Chemical Co.), branched linear
alkyl benzene sulfonates (e.g. MLAS), alkyl sulfates (e.g. Polystep
B-5 commercially available from Stepan Co.), branched alkyl
sulfates, polyoxyethylenated alkyl sulfates (e.g. Standapol ES-3
commercially available from Stepan Co.), alpha olefin sulfonates
(e.g. Witconate AOS commercially available from Witco Corp.), alpha
sulfo methyl esters (e.g. Alpha-Step MCp-48 commercially available
from Stepan Co.) and isethionates (e.g. Jordapon Cl commercially
available from PPG Industries Inc.), and combinations thereof.
[0026] Examples of cationic surfactants suitable for use in the
subject invention are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.
4,497,718. Further examples include C8-C18 alkyl dimethyl ammonium
halides and analogs in which one or two hydroxyethyl moieties
replace one or two methyl moieties.
[0027] Suitable amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants may include
amine oxides and betaines. Suitable amine oxides may include coco
dimethyl amine oxide or coco amido propyl dimethyl amine oxide. The
amine oxide may have a linear or mid-branched alkyl moiety. Typical
linear amine oxides include water-soluble amine oxides containing
one R1 C.sub.8-18 alkyl moiety and 2 R2 and R3 moieties selected
from the group consisting of C.sub.1-3 alkyl groups and C.sub.1-3
hydroxyalkyl groups. The amine oxide may be characterized by the
formula R1-N(R2)(R3) O wherein R.sub.1 is a C.sub.8-18 alkyl and
R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are selected from the group consisting of
methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-hydroxethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl
and 3-hydroxypropyl. Exemplary linear amine oxide surfactants may
include linear C.sub.10-C.sub.18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and
linear C.sub.8-C.sub.12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxy ethyl amine oxides.
Exemplary amine oxides may include linear C.sub.10, linear
C.sub.10-C.sub.12, and linear C.sub.12-C.sub.14 alkyl dimethyl
amine oxides. As used herein "mid-branched" means that the amine
oxide has one alkyl moiety having n.sub.1 carbon atoms with one
alkyl branch on the alkyl moiety having n.sub.2 carbon atoms. The
alkyl branch may be located on the .alpha. carbon from the nitrogen
on the alkyl moiety. This type of branching for the amine oxide is
also known in the art as an internal amine oxide. The total sum of
n.sub.1 and n.sub.2 may be from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, from 12 to
20, or from 10 to 16. The number of carbon atoms for the one alkyl
moiety (n.sub.1) should be approximately the same number of carbon
atoms as the one alkyl branch (n.sub.2) such that the one alkyl
moiety and the one alkyl branch are symmetric. As used herein
"symmetric" means that |n.sub.1-n.sub.2| is less than or equal to
5, less than or equal to 4, from 0 to 4 carbon atoms in at least 50
wt %, or at least 75 wt % to 100 wt % of the mid-branched amine
oxides for use herein.
[0028] The amine oxide may further comprise two moieties,
independently selected from a C.sub.1-3 alkyl, a C.sub.1-3
hydroxyalkyl group, or a polyethylene oxide group containing an
average of from about 1 to about 3 ethylene oxide groups. Two
moieties may be selected from a C.sub.1-3 alkyl, or may both be
selected as a C.sub.1 alkyl.
[0029] Other suitable surfactants include betaines such alkyl
betaines, alkylamidobetaine, amidazoliniumbetaine, sulfobetaine
(INCI Sultaines) as well as the Phosphobetaine and preferably meets
formula I:
R.sup.1--[CO--X(CH.sub.2).sub.n].sub.x--N.sup.+(R.sup.2)(R.sub.3)--(CH.s-
ub.2).sub.m--[CH(OH)--CH.sub.2].sub.y--Y-- (I) wherein [0030]
R.sup.1 is a saturated or unsaturated C6-22 alkyl residue,
preferably C8-18 alkyl residue, in particular a saturated C10-16
alkyl residue, for example a saturated C12-14 alkyl residue; [0031]
X is NH, NR.sup.4 with C1-4 Alkyl residue R.sup.4, O or S, [0032] n
a number from 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, in particular 3, [0033] x
0 or 1, preferably 1, [0034] R.sup.2, R.sup.3 are independently a
C1-4 alkyl residue, potentially hydroxy substituted such as a
hydroxyethyl, preferably a methyl. [0035] m a number from 1 to 4,
in particular 1, 2 or 3, [0036] y 0 or 1 and [0037] Y is COO, SO3,
OPO(OR.sup.5)O or P(O)(OR.sup.5)O, whereby R.sup.5 is a hydrogen
atom H or a Cl-4 alkyl residue.
[0038] Exemplary betaines are the alkyl betaines of the formula
(Ia), the alkyl amido betaine of the formula (Ib), the Sulfo
betaines of the formula (Ic) and the Amido sulfobetaine of the
formula (Id);
R.sup.1--N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.2--CH.sub.2COO.sup.- (Ia)
R.sup.1--CO--NH(CH.sub.2).sub.3--N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.2--CH.sub.2COO.su-
p.- (Ib)
R.sup.1--N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.2--CH.sub.2CH(OH)CH.sub.2SO.sub.3--
(Ic)
R.sup.1--CO--NH--(CH.sub.2).sub.3--N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.2--CH.sub.2CH(OH-
)CH.sub.2SO.sub.3-- (Id) in which R.sup.11 as the same meaning as
in formula I. Suitable betaines may include the Carbobetaine
[wherein Y.sup.-.dbd.COO.sup.-], in particular the Carbobetaine of
the formula (Ia) and (Ib), or the Alkylamidobetaine of the formula
(Ib).
[0039] Examples of suitable betaines and sulfobetaine are the
following [designated in accordance with INCI]: Almondamidopropyl
of betaines, Apricotam idopropyl betaines, Avocadamidopropyl of
betaines, Babassuamidopropyl of betaines, Behenam idopropyl
betaines, Behenyl of betaines, betaines, Canolam idopropyl
betaines, Capryl/Capram idopropyl betaines, Carnitine, Cetyl of
betaines, Cocamidoethyl of betaines, Cocam idopropyl betaines,
Cocam idopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Coco betaines, Coco
Hydroxysultaine, Coco/Oleam idopropyl betaines, Coco Sultaine,
Decyl of betaines, Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl
Soy Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Stearyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl
Tallow Glycinate, Dimethicone Propyl of PG-betaines, Erucam
idopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Hydrogenated Tallow of betaines,
Isostearam idopropyl betaines, Lauram idopropyl betaines, Lauryl of
betaines, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Lauryl Sultaine, Milkam idopropyl
betaines, Minkamidopropyl of betaines, Myristam idopropyl betaines,
Myristyl of betaines, Gleam idopropyl betaines, Gleam idopropyl
Hydroxysultaine, Oleyl of betaines, Olivamidopropyl of betaines,
Palmam idopropyl betaines, Palm itam idopropyl betaines, Palmitoyl
Carnitine, Palm Kernelam idopropyl betaines,
Polytetrafluoroethylene Acetoxypropyl of betaines, Ricinoleam
idopropyl betaines, Sesam idopropyl betaines, Soyam idopropyl
betaines, Stearam idopropyl betaines, Stearyl of betaines, Tallowam
idopropyl betaines, Tallowam idopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Tallow of
betaines, Tallow Dihydroxyethyl of betaines, Undecylenam idopropyl
betaines and Wheat Germam idopropyl betaines. One preferred betaine
is, for example, Cocoamidopropyl betaines
(Cocoamidopropylbetain).
[0040] It may be desirable, especially when the method is used with
automatic dishwashing machines, to limit the composition to low
foaming surfactants if a surfactant is used or to other low foaming
compositions. This is due to the fact that automatic dishwashing
machines often have a rotating spray arm with a plurality of jets
that sprays cleaning solution onto the dishware. The spray arm
rotation is created by pumping water into the arm. The pump action
makes the dishwashing operation prone to foam formation. Foam can
easily overflow the low sills of the dishwashing machines and slow
down or stop the arm rotation due to having air and foam filling
the arms instead of water, which in turn reduces the cleaning
action and can even bring the dishwasher to a halt. Therefore, in
the field of automatic dishwashing machines the use of
foam-producing detergent components is normally undesirable.
[0041] As such, it may be desirable to use a low foaming surfactant
or composition. As used herein, the term "low foaming" when
referring to a surfactant or a composition, means the surfactant or
composition has a foam volume of less than 30 ml, less than 20 ml,
or less than 10 ml, according to the tests described herein. The
"foam volume" of a defined system is assessed using a SITA FOAM
Tester R2000 (SITA) from Sita Messtechnik GmbH. The equipment is
used with the following settings:
TABLE-US-00001 Temperature 45.degree. C. Volume 250 mL Agitation
speed 1000 rpm Agitation time 10 s Number of readings 21 (including
initial reading) Number of repeats 3
[0042] The solution to test is made at 45.degree. C. and poured
into the reservoir beaker of the SITA when the water bath to which
the beaker is connected has reached 45.degree. C. After the SITA
proceeds to a cleaning of the measurement beaker, a 250 mL sample
is automatically taken from the reservoir beaker to the measurement
beaker. The SITA does 21 successive measurements of foam volume
after 10 s agitation at 1000 rpm (1st reading, 10 s agitation at
1000 rpm, 2.sup.nd reading, 10 s agitation at 1000 rpm, 3.sup.rd
reading, etc up to 21.sup.st reading). After the measurement beaker
is drained and cleaned, the process is repeated two more times (3
repeats in total). The average of the three sets of data is
calculated, generating an average curve of the foam volume as a
function of the number of readings. The foam volume is defined from
this average curve as the maximum foam volume reached over the 21
readings.
[0043] To determine whether a composition is "low foaming," a
solution is prepared as follows and is tested with the SITA method
described herein. Adjusted water is first prepared from deionised
water by adding 2.5 g/L of NaCl and 1M NaOH up to a pH of 10.3 at
room temperature. The adjusted water is then heated up to
45.degree. C. and the composition is added to this adjusted water
at a level of 0.4 g/L on a 100% active weight basis.
[0044] To measure the foam volume of a composition, a solution is
prepared as follows and is tested with the SITA method described
herein. Adjusted water is prepared from deionised water by adding
2.5 g/L of NaCl and 1M NaOH up to a pH of 10.3 at room temperature.
The adjusted water is then heated up to 45.degree. C. and the
composition is added to this adjusted water at a level of 4
g/L.
[0045] Automatic dishwashing formulations typically comprise low
foaming non-ionic surfactants as the main surfactant. A well known
property of non-ionic surfactants is that they becoming less
soluble in water with increasing temperature. The temperature at
which the appearance of a second phase is observable is referred to
as the "cloud point." To measure the cloud point, a solution of 0.4
g/l of non-ionic surfactant is prepared in adjusted deionised water
which further contains 2.5 g/l of NaCl and pH adjusted to 10.3 at
room temperature by addition of 1M NaOH solution. The temperature
of the solution is brought down to about 10.degree. C. by
refrigerating it at about 5.degree. C. until it reaches the desired
temperature. The solution is then slowly heated up to 55.degree. C.
and its absorbance is measured (using a SpectraMax M2 from
Molecular Device at 500 nm) every about 2.degree. C. Absorbance is
then plotted vs. temperature to get the cloud point value. In this
test, the cloud point is the temperature corresponding to an
absorbance value of about 0.1. A "high cloud point" is defined as a
cloud point of about 40.degree. C., or above. A "low cloud point"
is defined as a cloud point of less than about 40.degree. C.
[0046] The "Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance" or HLB of a surfactant
is the measure of the degree to which it is hydrophilic or
lipophilic, determined by calculating values for the different
regions of the molecule, as described by Griffin in 1949. Griffin's
method for non-ionic surfactants as described in 1954 works as
follows:
HLB=20*Mh/M
where "Mh" is the molecular mass of the hydrophilic portion of the
molecule, and M is the molecular mass of the whole molecule, giving
a result on a scale of 0 to 20. An HLB value of 0 corresponds to a
completely lipophilic/hydrophobic molecule, and a value of 20
corresponds to a completely hydrophilic/lypophobic molecule.
[0047] While a wide range of non-ionic surfactants may be used with
the present invention, it may be desirable to use a low foaming
non-ionic surfactant, as defined above. The low foaming non-ionic
surfactant may be a low cloud point non-ionic surfactant, as
defined above.
[0048] An example of a low foaming non-ionic surfactant has the
formula:
R.sub.1(EO).sub.a(PO).sub.b(BO).sub.c
wherein R1 is a linear or branched C6 to C20 alkyl; a is from about
2 to about 30; b is from 0 to about 30; c is from about 0 to about
30; wherein b and c cannot both be 0 simultaneously. When c is
equal to 0, then the surfactant has a hydrophile-lipophile balance
value (HLB) of less than 10. Any combination of EO, PO, and BO,
fulfilling the above criteria can be used. The EO, PO and/or BO
moieties can have either random or block distribution.
[0049] Typical low cloud point, low foaming non-ionic surfactants
include non-ionic alkoxylated surfactants, in one embodiment
ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohol with an HLB value lower than about
10, BO containing alcohol alkoxylates and
polyoxypropyl-ene/polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene (PO/EO/PO),
(BO/EO/BO) reverse block polymers, (EO/PO/EO) reverse block
polymers, (EO/BO/EO) reverse block polymers, and (EO/PO/BO) reverse
block polymers.
[0050] Also, such low cloud point, low foaming non-ionic
surfactants may include, for example, ethoxylated-propoxylated
alcohol (e.g., Olin Corporation's Poly-Tergent.RTM. SLF-18) and
epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols (e.g., Olin Corporation's
Poly-Tergent.RTM. SLF-18B series of non-ionics, as described, for
example, in WO 94/22800, published Oct. 13, 1994 by Olin
Corporation).
[0051] Low cloud point, low foaming non-ionic surfactants may
additionally comprise a polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene block
polymeric compound. Block polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene
polymeric compounds include those based on ethylene glycol,
propylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane and ethylenediamine
as initiator reactive hydrogen compound. Certain of the block
polymer surfactant compounds designated PLURONIC.RTM., REVERSED
PLURONIC.RTM., and TETRONIC.RTM. by the BASF-Wyandotte Corp.,
Wyandotte, Mich., are suitable in ADD compositions of the
invention. Examples include REVERSED PLURONIC.RTM. 25R2 and
TETRONIC.RTM. 702. Examples of alcohol alkoxylates include PLURAFAC
SLF180@, PLURAFAC LF224.RTM. by the BASF-Wyandotte Corp., ECOSURF
EH-3.RTM. from Dow Corporation, MARLOX FK64, MARLOX FK86.RTM. and
MARLOX OP1.RTM. from Sasol Corporation, and IMBENTIN.RTM. from KOLB
Corporation.
[0052] The low foaming surfactant may be an alkoxylated alcohol
comprising at least a propoxyl moiety or a butoxyl moiety.
Alternatively, the low foaming surfactant may be an alkoxylated
alcohol comprising any configuration of ethoxylated (EO),
propoxylated (PO), butoxylated (BO) alcohols. Additional
information about suitable low foaming surfactants and other
detergents suitable for use in automatic dishwashing machines are
described in more detail in co-pending application Ser. No.
14/281,940, filed May 20, 2014 in the names of Denis Alfred
Gonzales et al. and entitled "Liquid Cleaning And/Or Cleansing
Composition".
Water
[0053] The pre-treating compositions may include a liquid carrier
such as water. If water is used, it can be untreated, distilled,
deionized, filtered, or combinations thereof. The liquid carrier
herein may also include low levels of materials which serve as
phase stabilizers and/or co-solvents for the compositions herein.
Materials of this type include C.sub.1-C.sub.3 lower alkanols such
as methanol, ethanol and/or (iso-)propanol, and polyols such as
glycerol, propanediol, diethyleneglycol, dipropyleneglycol and/or
dibutyleneglycol. Glycols such as PEG and PPG, and lower
C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkanolamines such as mono-, di- and
triethanolamines can also be used, by themselves or in combination
with the lower alkanols. If present, phase stabilizers/co-solvents
can optionally comprise from about 0.1% to about 5.0% by weight of
the compositions herein. Glycol ether solvents can also be added,
for example, to improve cleaning power, typically in a 0.1% to 15%
range.
Adjunct Ingredients
[0054] The pre-treating composition may comprise one or more
adjunct ingredients to give it additional desired properties, of
functional and/or aesthetic nature. In one embodiment of the
instant invention, the adjunct ingredient may be selected from
builders, brightener, dye transfer inhibitor, chelants,
polyacrylate polymers, dispersing agents, colorant dye, hueing
dyes, perfumes, processing aids, bleaching additives, bleach
activators, bleach precursors, bleach catalysts, solvents,
co-solvents, hydrotropes, liquid carrier, phase stabilizers, soil
release polymers, enzyme stabilizers, enzymes, soil suspending
agents, anti-redeposition agents, deflocculating polymers,
bactericides, fungicides, UV absorbers, anti-yellowing agents,
anti-oxidants, optical brighteners, suds suppressors, opacifiers,
suds boosters, anticorrosion agents, radical scavengers, chlorine
scavengers, structurants, fabric softening additives, other fabric
care benefit agents, pH adjusting agents, fluorescent whitening
agents, smectite clays, structuring agents, preservatives,
thickeners, coloring agents, fabric softening additives, rheology
modifiers, fillers, germicides and mixtures thereof. Further
examples of suitable adjunct ingredients and levels of use are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,537, issued Feb. 3, 1976 to
Baskerville, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,841, Barrat et al.,
issued Aug. 25, 1981; U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,824 Mermelstein et al.,
issued Jul. 4, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,071, Bush et al.; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,909,953, Sadlowski, et al. issued Mar. 20, 1990; U.S.
Pat. No. 3,933,672, issued Jan. 20, 1976 to Bartoletta et al.; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,136,045, issued Jan. 23, 1979 to Gault et al; U.S. Pat.
No. 2,379,942; U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,067; U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,576 to
Montague et al; British Pat. No. 1,470,250; British Patent No.
401,413 to Marriott; British Patent No. 461,221 to Marriott and
Guam British Patent No. 1,429,143; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,645,
Tucker et al, issued Aug. 9, 1988.)
Builders
[0055] The pre-treating composition may comprise conventional
amounts of detergent builders which may be either phosphorous based
(e.g. STPP) or non-phosphorous based, or even a combination of both
types. Suitable builders are well known in the art. Non-phosphorous
based builders may be organic molecules with carboxylic group(s),
amino acid based compound or a succinic acid or succinate based
compound. Builder compounds which are organic molecules containing
carboxylic groups include citric acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid,
maleic acid, lactic acid and salts thereof. The alkali or alkaline
earth metal salts of these organic compounds may be used, including
the sodium salts. One suitable builder is sodium citrate. Examples
of amino acid based compounds include MGDA (methyl-glycine-diacetic
acid, and salts and derivatives thereof) and GLDA (glutamic-N,
Ndiacetic acid and salts and derivatives thereof).
Anti-Corrosion Agents
[0056] The pre-treating composition may include a source of
multivalent ions to inhibit corrosion on metal and/or glass. For
example, multivalent ions and especially zinc and/or manganese ions
may be included.
Performance Polymers
[0057] Polymers intended to improve the cleaning performance of the
pre-treating compositions may also be included therein. For
example, sulphonated polymers may be used. Examples include
copolymers of
CH2.dbd.CR.sup.1--CR.sup.2R.sup.3--O--C4H3R.sup.4--SO3X wherein
R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 are independently 1 to 6 carbon
alkyl or hydrogen, and X is hydrogen or alkali with any suitable
other monomer units including modified acrylic, fumaric, maleic,
itaconic, aconitic, mesaconic, citraconic and methylenemalonic acid
or their salts, maleic anhydride, acrylamide, alkylene, vinylmethyl
ether, styrene and any mixtures thereof. Other suitable sulfonated
monomers for incorporation in sulfonated (co)polymers include
2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid,
2-methacrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid,
3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxy-propanesulfonic acid, allysulfonic acid,
methallysulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulfonic
acid, 2-methyl-2-propenen-1-sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid,
vinylsulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate,
3-sulfopropylmethacrylate, sulfomethylacrylamide,
sulfomethylmethacrylamide and water soluble salts thereof.
Enzymes
[0058] The pre-treating composition may comprise one or more
enzymes. Typical enzymes include protease, lipase, amylase,
cellulase and peroxidase enzymes, but any suitable enzyme or
combination of enzymes can be used.
Bleaching Compounds
[0059] Any type of bleaching compound conventionally used in
detergent compositions may be used in the pre-treating composition,
as desired. The bleaching compound may be selected from inorganic
peroxides or organic peracids, derivatives thereof (including their
salts) and mixtures thereof. Suitable inorganic peroxides include
percarbonates, perborates and persulphates. Organic peracids may
also be used, including organic peracids such as perbenzoic acid
and peroxycarboxylic acids (e.g. mono- or diperoxyphthalic acid,
2-octyldiperoxysuccinic acid, diperoxydodecanedicarboxylic acid,
diperoxy-azelaic acid and imidoperoxycarboxylic acid).
[0060] The pre-treating composition, when in the container, may
also include a propellant to help the composition exit the
container. For example, the container may be an aerosol container
or include pressurized air or other gasses or fluids to propel the
pre-treating composition from the container.
[0061] If desired, any one or more of the components may be
protected from other components which it may degrade, and/or which
may cause its own degradation. For examples a bleaching compound
and an enzyme may be protected from each other by physical
separation. Physical separation may, for example, take the form of
providing such components in separate compartments within the
container.
[0062] As noted herein, it may be desirable for the pre-treating
composition to foam when used. Embodiments in which foaming takes
place on the dishware article may be advantageous because the
dynamic process of foam formation may promote intimate contact
between the chemical cleaning agents carried by the foam, and food
soils on the dishware. The foam may be short or long-lasting, and
may remain as a foam until the article is washed in the dishwashing
machine. The foam is preferably able to cling to a vertical or
inclined surface and may be self-standing.
Bottom Dispensing Container
[0063] The pre-treating composition of the present invention may be
provided in any suitable container. However, due to the unique
characteristics of the task of pre-treating dishware to be placed
in an automatic dishwasher, certain features have been found to be
especially desirable for the container. Generally, automatic
dishwashing machines are located below the surface of a counter and
typically at least some distance from a sink, rinse station or
trash receptacle. Thus, in order to ensure that the pre-treating
composition is not wasted or spilled on surfaces other than the
dishware to be cleaned, it is desirable to be able to pre-treat the
dishware near or in the dishwasher. For many consumers, the
preferred timing and location for pre-treating the dishware is just
above the dishwasher rack as the dishware is being placed into the
dishwasher. In most cases, this means that the pre-treating will
preferably take place offset from and below the surface of the
counter top. As such, typical top or side-dispensing containers are
inconvenient and often ergonomically incorrect for the task.
[0064] It has been found that bottom dispensing containers are
generally preferred by users for the pre-treating task due to their
ease of use and ergonomics. As used herein, "bottom dispensing
containers" are packages that contain the pre-treating composition
and include an opening at or near the bottom of the container or a
conduit, such as, for example, a tube, from a different part of the
container to allow for dispensing the composition in a downwards
direction. Bottom dispensing containers have several advantages
over other packaging configurations for pre-treating dishware that
is going to be cleaned in an automatic dishwashing machine. For
example, the container does not need to be inverted to direct the
composition downward onto the surface of the dirty dishware, thus
requiring fewer user motions for dispensing and providing greater
positioning and dispensing control than for containers that
dispense by pouring or inverting. Thus, for example, the user does
not have to rotate his or her wrist and wait for a viscous liquid
to travel to the opening, or have trouble controlling the flow rate
when the container is full as in the use of containers adapted to
pour from the top. Further, bottom dispensing containers can also
be configured to allow nearly all of the liquid to be
dispensed--something usually not possible with containers having a
dispensing opening at the top of the container. Also, dispensing
materials in the downward direction can require less force due to
the force of gravity and can help more accurately distribute the
dispensed materials. Certain materials are very difficult to spray
accurately due to their weight, viscosity or other characteristics.
Downward dispensing can help reduce the negatives associated with
dispensing such materials and in some cases, even enhance the
dispensing characteristics versus upward or lateral dispensing.
[0065] The bottom dispensing container may include an actuator to
help dispense the composition from the container. One type of
actuator is a squeeze actuator. In such containers, all or a
portion of the container may be squeezed to release and/or propel
the composition from the container. Often, squeeze containers are
formed from a resiliently deformable material and have an opening
that may have a valve to control the flow through the opening. One
type of useful valve is an on-off valve that is actuated by
rotating the valve. Another useful valve is a pressure-responsive
dispensing valve that controls the flow according to a pressure
difference across the valve. Such a valve can be configured to be
normally closed and to assume an open configuration when the
container is squeezed under normal operating conditions. Examples
of suitable valves include, but are not limited to slitseal valves,
duckbill valves, flapper valves and precompression valves. Such
valves may be made from silicone, PE, TPE or any other suitable
material.
[0066] The bottom dispensing container may include a nozzle that is
configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a
pre-defined pattern. For example, it may be desirable for the
nozzle to dispense the pre-treating composition in a narrow spray
(e.g. about 5 degrees) or in a more wide spray from about 5 degrees
up to about 180 degrees, or from about 20 degrees up to about 160
degrees. Further, the container may include multiple nozzles,
orifices or other structures to create the desired dispensing
characteristics.
[0067] The bottom dispensing container may include any number of
other optional features, including but not limited to a cap to
prevent loss of the liquid between dispensing, a refill cartridge
and/or a refill opening, a grip enhancing surface to help the user
hold the container, etc. Further, the container may include a vent
to allow for gassing off and/or for the container to equalize after
the pre-treating composition is dispensed. Other optional features
include scrapers, bristles, squeegees, sponges, scrubbing pads,
etc. either attached permanently thereto or permanently or
temporarily removable therefrom. Such features may be reusable,
disposable, replaceable or non-replaceable.
[0068] Bottom dispensing containers of having other actuators such
as mechanical and/or electrical pumps, triggers, twist actuators,
aerosols, and any other suitable actuators may be used. Such
containers typically have the actuator or a switch for the actuator
located on the exterior of the container that can be activated by
the user. It may be desirable to locate the actuator or switch near
or on the top of the container or in another location that allows
the user to dispense the composition in an ergonomically friendly
way. That is, it is easy for the user to use the actuator without
having to twist his or her hand or to hold the container in such a
way that is uncomfortable for the desired task.
[0069] The bottom dispensing container may be made of any suitable
material. For example, the container may comprise a polymeric
material, although other containers such as paperboard cartons with
film windows and glass bottles may be used. For example, the bottom
dispensing container may be a polymeric material selected from
polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC),
polyamides (PA) polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride
(PVC), polystyrene (PS), and combinations thereof.
[0070] The bottom dispensing container may be of any form or size
suitable for storing and packaging liquids for household use. For
example, in one embodiment, the bottom dispensing container may
have a capacity, i.e. the amount of composition that it can
releasably contain therein, of from about 50 ml to about 3000 ml,
from about 100 ml to about 1500 ml, or from about 250 ml to about
1000 ml. The bottom dispensing container may also have a handle or
a part with such dimensions as to allow easy lifting or carrying
the container with one hand.
[0071] The bottom dispensing container may include structure
suitable for refilling and/or pouring the composition and means for
reclosing the container once opened. The pouring structure may be
of any size or form but, preferably will be wide enough for
conveniently dosing the composition for suitable uses. The optional
closing means may be of any form or size but usually will be
screwed on, friction fit on, clicked on, or otherwise attached to
the container to close the bottom dispensing container. The
optional closing means may be cap which can be detached from the
bottom dispensing container. Alternatively, the optional cap can
still be attached to the bottom dispensing container, whether the
bottom dispensing container is open or closed. The optional closing
means may also be incorporated into the container itself. The means
for refilling can include a refill cartridge which may be
optionally configured to fit into a pre-determined slot or other
structure of the container.
[0072] The bottom dispensing container may be any suitable shape.
Further, the container may be formed by any suitable process such
as, thermoforming, blow molding, injection-molding, or injection
stretch blow molding (ISBM). The bottom dispensing container may
include one or more walls, which comprise one or more layers. The
layers may, if desired, be very thin, e.g., less than 0.01 inch
thick and may range to and above 0.2 inches in thickness, or from
0.015 inches to 0.02 inches on the low end up to 0.17 or 0.2 on the
high end.
[0073] The bottom dispensing container may take any form of
package. For example, the container may be a bag, a bottle, a box,
a bag-in-bottle, a tube, or the like. Illustrative bottom
dispensing containers may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,492,
issued on Mar. 16, 2004 to Lowry; U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,581, issued
on Nov. 13, 1990 to Seifert et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,346, issued
on Dec. 17, 2002 to Gross et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,262, issued on
May 6, 1997 to Fitten et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,687, issued on
Aug. 12, 1997 to Fitten et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,006, issued on
Mar. 1, 1988 to Drobish et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,837, issued on
Aug. 7, 2001 to Arent et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,108, issued on
Jun. 7, 1988 to Dornsbusch et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,845, issued
on Jan. 13, 2004 to Volpenheim et al; WO 92/21569 entitled
"Inverted Dispenser", published Dec. 10, 1992 in the name of Canada
Inc; WO 01/04006 entitled "Container", published Jan. 18, 2001 in
the name of Unilever; EP 21,545 published Jan. 7, 1981 in the name
of The Procter and Gamble Company; and EP 811,559 published Dec.
10, 1997 in the name of Unilever. Further illustrative examples of
bottom dispensing containers may also be found in co-pending U.S.
Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/799,793 entitled "Fabric
Treatment Dispensing Package" filed on May 3, 2007 in the name of
Ann Dewree, et. al.
[0074] Various exemplary features of a suitable bottom dispensing
containers are further explained and illustrated with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0075] FIG. 1 is an illustrative example of a bottom dispensing
container 100, comprising an actuator 110 and a dispensing opening
120 (shown in FIG. 3). (As used herein, the actuator 110 may be the
actual structure of the actuator itself, such as a trigger pump, or
may be a switch or other part of an actuator system that is used to
dispense the composition 180 from the container 100.) The container
100 has a bottom end 130, a top end 140 and a mid-section 135.
Although not critical in terms of functionality, but rather to help
describe the different parts of the container 100, the top end 140
is that portion of the container that will point generally upward
when the composition therein is being dispensed, As shown herein,
the top end 140 is that portion of the container 100 that comprises
the top third of the container 100 in terms of length. The bottom
end 130 is that portion of the container 100 that comprises the
bottom third of the container 100 in terms of length. The
mid-section 135 is that portion of the container 100 that comprises
the middle third of the container 100 in terms of length. The
container 100 is shown resting on a surface 150 in an upright
position with the bottom end 130 disposed toward and resting on the
surface 150 and the top end 140 disposed away from the surface 150.
The container 100 may also capable of resting on the surface 150 in
an inverted orientation with top end 140 contacting the surface 150
or the mid-section 135 contacting the surface 150.
[0076] FIG. 2 is an alternative view of the dispensing container
100 shown in FIG. 1.
[0077] FIG. 3, is a section view of the dispensing container 100
shown in FIG. 2 taken through section line 3-3. This section view
shows the pre-treating composition 180 and the valve 160 disposed
in the dispensing opening 120, through which the composition 180
may be dispensed. Although the embodiment shown has the dispensing
opening 120 located in the bottom end 130 of the container 100, the
dispensing opening 120 can be disposed in the top end 140 or the
mid-section 135. Regardless of where the dispensing opening 120 is
located, it is generally preferred that the composition 180 be
dispensed in a downward direction. Thus, if the dispensing opening
120 is disposed in a region of the container 100 that is not at the
bottom end 130 of the container 100, it may be desirable to include
a tube or other structure for directing the composition 180 in a
downward direction. Also, it may be preferred that the dispensing
opening 120 or any such structure directing the composition
downward have a terminating end through which the composition 180
is dispensed that is located at or below the bottom end 130 of the
container when the composition 180 is being dispensed such that the
composition 180 does not get dispensed onto or drip onto the
container 100 itself.
[0078] FIG. 4 is an illustrative example of an alternative
embodiment of a bottom dispensing container 100 being gripped by a
human hand 500 and dispensing the composition 180 onto a dish 200
having cooking residue 250 disposed thereon.
Method of Use
[0079] The present invention is directed to a method that addresses
the unique and unexpected needs associated with the task of
pre-treating dishware to be placed in an automatic dishwasher. As
noted above, many automatic dishwashing machines are located below
the surface of a counter and typically at least some distance from
a sink, rinse station or trash receptacle. In most cases, this
means that the pre-treating will preferably take place offset from
and below the surface of the counter top. Thus, it is desirable to
provide method that reduces the likelihood that the pre-treating
composition will be wasted or spilled on surfaces other than the
dishware to be cleaned. Further, it is desirable to provide a
method where the pre-treating takes place near the dishwasher. For
many consumers, the method described herein allows for pre-treating
dirty dishware just as it is being placed into the dishwasher.
Known methods for pre-treating dishware using top or
side-dispensing containers can be inconvenient and are often
ergonomically incorrect for the task, especially when the dishware
is treated offset from and below the surface of the counter top.
Thus, the methods heretofore used have been found to be less
desirable than those set forth herein.
[0080] As noted herein, the method of the present invention has
been developed to address one or more of the above-identified
disadvantages and/or other known disadvantages related to
pre-treating and machine washing dishware. One example of the
method of the present invention includes the following steps:
providing a soiled article of dishware to be washed in an automatic
dishwasher, the article of dishware having a working surface on
which cooking residue is located; providing a container having a
pre-treating composition therein, the container having a top and a
bottom and being configured to dispense the pre-treating
composition in a downward direction onto the working surface of the
dishware, wherein the container is designed to be held and
dispensed by a single hand of a user; dispensing at least some of
the pre-treating composition onto at least a portion of the surface
of the dishware; placing the pre-treated dishware in the
dishwasher; and running the dishware through a cleaning cycle of
the dishwashing machine.
[0081] Another example of the method of the present invention
generally includes the following features and steps: providing one
or more soiled articles such as dishes to be washed in an automatic
dishwasher; placing the soiled articles in the dishwasher;
providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein,
the container configured to dispense the pre-treating composition
in a downward direction onto the surface of the dishware, wherein
the container is designed to be held and dispensed by a single hand
of a user; dispensing at least some of the pre-treating composition
onto the surface of the soiled articles placed in the dishwasher by
dispensing the composition onto the articles while they are
disposed on a rack of the open dishwasher; and running the dishware
through a cleaning cycle of the dishwasher.
[0082] In either or both of the above-described methods, the
pre-treating composition may be dispensed while the dishware is
offset from and/or below the counter top. That is, the dishware may
be treated just as it is being put into the dishwasher or after it
has been placed into the dishwasher. This allows the user to avoid
spilling the pre-treating composition on the counter or floor. It
also allows for any runoff of the composition to be contained in
the dishwasher. As such, the pre-treating composition can provide
some benefit prior to the dishwasher being run and may even provide
benefit when the dishwasher is run. This is different than current
methods of pre-treating where the pre-treating composition is
rinsed off in a sink prior to the dishware being transferred to the
dishwasher or where the pre-treating composition is merely part of
a dishwashing cycle.
[0083] Optionally, additional or other dishwashing compositions,
such as detergents or other benefit-providing compositions can be
released in the dishwashing machine. The dishwashing composition
used in the dishwashing machine may be the same composition as the
pre-treating composition. Alternatively it may use a different
composition, a dishwashing composition. The dishwashing composition
may be of the same general type as the pre-treating composition,
although different in its formulation, or it could be substantially
different. The dishwashing composition may be in any form, such as
for example a powder, liquid, gel or pouch, or tablet product, as
used conventionally.
[0084] The dishwashing machine may be any dishwashing machine
suitable for washing dishware. It can be of the type commonly used
in homes or a commercial variety like those used in businesses such
as cafeterias, restaurants, bakeries and the like. The specific
type of automatic dishwashing machine used is not intended to limit
the scope of the invention, nor is the dishwashing composition used
therein or any other compositions or steps that the user may employ
to clean the dishware.
[0085] As noted above, the method of the present invention may also
be used to dispense other compositions and for other purposes. For
example, the method may be used to dispense cleaning compositions,
such as hard surface cleaners, stain removers, stain preventers,
fabric enhancers, fabric softeners, fragrances, UV protectors,
wrinkle-release compositions, water proofing compositions,
whitening compositions, color compositions, etc. For such uses, the
method steps would be the same or similar to those set forth
herein, with the exception, however, that the dishware may be
replaced with outer articles and the dishwashing machine may be
replaced with another machine such as, for example, a cloths
washing machine, or may be left out of the method altogether
depending on the particular method being practiced.
[0086] All of the numerical definitions given above for amounts of
a component represent the total amount of such components, when
more than one is present e.g. when there are two types of enzyme.
Percent weight (% wt) values given herein mean percentage by weight
of the specified component, as a percentage of the total weight of
the composition.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
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