U.S. patent application number 15/286686 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-06 for flexible box bag comprising detergent powder and a scoop.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Mostafa ELMIHY, Dominique Celine Ignace Marie GEERAERT, Neil John ROGERS.
Application Number | 20170096250 15/286686 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54325320 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170096250 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GEERAERT; Dominique Celine Ignace
Marie ; et al. |
April 6, 2017 |
FLEXIBLE BOX BAG COMPRISING DETERGENT POWDER AND A SCOOP
Abstract
The present invention relates to a detergent product including a
flexible box bag, detergent powder and a scoop, wherein the
flexible box bag includes six rectangular panels: top panel, bottom
panel, front panel, back panel and two side panels, wherein the six
rectangular panels are joined together so as to form an inner
cuboidal volume inside the flexible box bag, wherein each of the
top panel and bottom panel includes a front horizontal edge, a back
edge and two side edges, wherein each of the front panel, back
panel and two side panels include a top edge, a bottom edge, and
two side edges, wherein the length of the two side edges of back
panel are longer than the length of the two side edges of the front
panel, wherein the front edge of the top panel joins the top edge
of the front panel, wherein the back edge of the top panel joins
the top edge of the back panel, wherein the front edge of the
bottom panel joins the bottom edge of the front panel, wherein the
back edge of the bottom panel joins the bottom edge of the back
panel, wherein the side edges of the top panel join the top edges
of the side panels and part of the side edges of the back panel,
wherein the top panel comprises a two dimensional opening means
that is capable of forming a two dimensional planar opening,
wherein the detergent powder and scoop are both contained within
the inner cuboidal volume.
Inventors: |
GEERAERT; Dominique Celine Ignace
Marie; (Denderhoutem, BE) ; ELMIHY; Mostafa;
(Brussels, BE) ; ROGERS; Neil John; (Vilvoorde,
BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54325320 |
Appl. No.: |
15/286686 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/5405 20130101;
B65D 5/24 20130101; C11D 17/041 20130101; C11D 17/046 20130101;
B65D 5/4279 20130101; B65D 5/4204 20130101; B65D 2575/586 20130101;
C11D 17/00 20130101; B65D 77/245 20130101; B65D 75/56 20130101;
B65D 75/5838 20130101; B65D 5/4208 20130101; B65B 61/20 20130101;
B31B 2150/00 20170801; B65B 1/02 20130101; B65D 31/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/24 20060101
B65D005/24; B65D 5/42 20060101 B65D005/42; B65D 5/54 20060101
B65D005/54; B65D 30/20 20060101 B65D030/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 6, 2015 |
EP |
15188629.8 |
Feb 5, 2016 |
EP |
16154525.6 |
Claims
1. A detergent product comprising a flexible box bag, detergent
powder and a scoop, wherein the flexible box bag comprises six
rectangular panels: top panel, bottom panel, front panel, back
panel and two side panels, wherein the six rectangular panels are
joined together so as to form an inner cuboidal volume inside the
flexible box bag, wherein each of the top panel and bottom panel
comprise a front horizontal edge, a back edge and two side edges,
wherein each of the front panel, back panel and two side panels
comprise a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges, wherein the
length of the two side edges of back panel are longer than the
length of the two side edges of the front panel, wherein the front
edge of the top panel joins the top edge of the front panel,
wherein the back edge of the top panel joins the top edge of the
back panel, wherein the front edge of the bottom panel joins the
bottom edge of the front panel, wherein the back edge of the bottom
panel joins the bottom edge of the back panel, wherein the side
edges of the top panel join the top edges of the side panels and
part of the side edges of the back panel, wherein the top panel
comprises a two dimensional opening means that is capable of
forming a two dimensional planar opening, wherein the detergent
powder and scoop are both contained within the inner cuboidal
volume.
2. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein the six
rectangular panels are made of weldable sheet material and are
secured together at the edges by weld seams.
3. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein at least one
of the panels comprise a handle.
4. A detergent product according to claim 3, wherein at least one
of the side panels comprise a handle.
5. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein the opening
means comprises laser-scored line in a two dimensional pattern.
6. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein the opening
means comprises a reclosing means.
7. A detergent product according to claim 6, wherein the reclosing
means comprises an adhesive closing panel that is capable of
enclosing the opening.
8. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein the top edge
of the back panel is capable of being folded over the front edge of
the top panel and being fastened to the front panel.
9. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein at least one
of the panels is transparent.
10. A detergent product according to claim 1, wherein the detergent
powder is a laundry detergent composition.
11. A method of making a detergent product according to claim 1,
wherein an interim flexible box bag is formed by suitably joining
together the edges of the six panels except for the back edge of
the top panel and top edge of the back panel, wherein the laundry
detergent powder and scoop are inserted into the inner cuboidal
volume by passing through a filling opening that is formed between
the back edge of the top panel and top edge of the back panel,
wherein the back edge of the top panel and top edge of the back
panel are joined together in such a manner as to close the filling
opening to form the flexible box bag and detergent product.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent product
comprising a flexible box bag, laundry detergent powder and a
scoop. The flexible box bag comprises a two dimensional opening
means that is capable of forming a two dimensional planar opening,
which when combined with the other box bag features provide easier
access to the internal volume for the consumer to scoop and dose
laundry detergent powder from the flexible box bag during the
laundering process.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Packaging for detergent powder, especially laundry detergent
powder, typically comes in the form of a flexible bag or a more
rigid box. Flexible bags have the advantage of being more easily
handled by the consumer during the laundering process, and are also
more efficient in terms of transport and storage. However, the
rigid box have the advantage of being easier to dose laundry powder
from during the laundering process, especially when using a scoop.
In addition, rigid boxes have greater shelf impression to the
consumer. Detergent manufacturers continue to seek flexible bags
having the ease of handling, and transport and storage efficiency,
but also having a good shelf impression of a box, and being easy to
scoop and dose laundry powder from during the laundering
process.
[0003] The Inventors provide a flexible box bag that overcomes
these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to a detergent product
comprising a flexible box bag, detergent powder and a scoop,
wherein the flexible box bag comprises six rectangular panels: top
panel (1), bottom panel (2), front panel (3), back panel (4) and
two side panels (5), wherein the six rectangular panels are joined
together so as to form an inner cuboidal volume inside the flexible
box bag, wherein each of the top panel (1) and bottom panel (2)
comprise a front horizontal edge (11& 12), a back edge (12
& 21) and two side edges (13, 14 & 23, 24), wherein each of
the front panel (3), back panel (4) and two side panels (5)
comprise a top edge (31 & 42), a bottom edge (32 & 41), and
two side edges (33, 34 & 41, 44), wherein the length of the two
side edges of back panel (43 & 44) are longer than the length
of the two side edges of the front panel (33 & 34), wherein the
front edge of the top panel (11) joins the top edge of the front
panel (31), wherein the back edge of the top panel (12) joins the
top edge of the back panel (42), wherein the front edge of the
bottom panel (22) joins the bottom edge of the front panel (32),
wherein the back edge of the bottom panel (21) joins the bottom
edge of the back panel (41), wherein the side edges of the top
panel (13 & 14) join the top edges of the side panels and part
of the side edges of the back panel (43 & 44), wherein the top
panel comprises a two dimensional opening means that is capable of
forming a two dimensional planar opening (6), wherein the detergent
powder and scoop are both contained within the inner cuboidal
volume.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The figures herein are illustrative in nature and are not
intended to be limiting.
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a flexible box bag according to the present
disclosure, in assembled form.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a flexible box bag according to the present
disclosure, unfolded.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows a top panel of a flexible box bag according to
the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a flexible box, containing
detergent powder and scoop.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Detergent product: The detergent product comprises a
flexible box bag, detergent powder and a scoop. The flexible box
bag, detergent powder, and scoop are described in more detail
below.
[0011] Flexible box bag: The flexible box bag comprises six
rectangular panels: top panel (6), bottom panel (2), front panel
(3), back panel (4) and two side panels (5). The six rectangular
panels are joined together so as to form an inner cuboidal volume
inside the flexible box bag. The cuboidal volume (9) is a cuboid.
Suitable cuboids include square cuboids and rectangular cuboids.
Preferably, the cuboidal volume (9) is a rectangular cuboidal
volume. Each of the top panel (1) and bottom panel (2) comprise a
front horizontal edge (11 & 22), a back edge (12 & 21) and
two side edges (13, 14 & 23, 24). Each of the front panel (3),
back panel (4) and two side panels (5) comprise a top edge (31
& 42), a bottom edge (41 & 32), and two side edges (33, 34
& 41, 44). The length of the two side edges of back panel (43
& 44) are longer than the length of the two side edges of the
front panel (33, 34). The front edge of the top panel (11) joins
the top edge of the front panel (31). The back edge of the top
panel (12) joins the top edge of the back panel (42). The front
edge of the bottom panel (22) joins the bottom edge of the front
panel (32). The back edge of the bottom panel (21) joins the bottom
edge of the back panel (41). The side edges of the top panel (13
& 14) join the top edges of the side panels and part of the
side edges of the back panel (43 & 44). The top panel comprises
a two dimensional opening means that is capable of forming a two
dimensional planar opening (6). The laundry detergent powder and
scoop are both contained within the inner cuboidal volume.
[0012] Typically, the six rectangular panels are made of weldable
sheet material and are secured together at the edges by weld seams.
The weldable sheet material is described in more detail below.
[0013] Typically, at least one of the panels, preferably at least
one of the side panels, comprise a handle. The handle is described
in more detail below.
[0014] It may be preferred for at least one of the panels,
preferable one or more of the side panels, to be transparent. In
this manner, typically, the laundry powder is visible from the
outside of the detergent product.
[0015] It may be preferred that the top edge of the back panel is
capable of being folded over the front edge of the top panel and
being fastened to the front panel. Suitable fastening means
includes a clip, button, ties, adhesive labels, slider/zipper, hook
and loop fasteners or hook and hook fasteners.
[0016] The flexible box bag is typically a stand-up bag
[0017] The panels may be composed of film material, suitable film
material includes polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephalate
(PET), amorphous polyethylene terephalate (APET), recycled
amorphous polyethylene terephathalate (RPET), foamed polyethylene
terephthalate (XPET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (GPET),
polypropylene (PP), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), nylon (PA),
polylactic acid (PLA), thermoplastic starch (TPS),
ethylvinylacetate (EVA) and any combination thereof. A preferred
film material is a PET/PE laminate, and/or a PE/PE laminate. A
suitable laminate comprises an outer layer of PET having a width of
from 10 to 15 micrometers, and an inner layer of PE having a width
of from 50 to 200 micrometers.
[0018] The panels may also comprise a metallic gloss, and/or
comprise print, for example revere flexo printing.
[0019] Opening means: Typically, the opening means comprises a
laser-scored line in a two dimensional pattern. The two dimensional
pattern is typically L shaped, or curved, however other two
dimensional patterns are also suitable. Ensuring that the opening
means is two dimensional and is capable of forming a two
dimensional planar opening improves the accessibility to the inner
cuboidal volume. This in turn improves the consumer experience when
dosing powder from the flexible box bag, especially when using the
scoop.
[0020] The opening means may comprise a reclosing means. A suitable
reclosing means may comprise an adhesive closing panel that is
capable of enclosing the opening. Suitable reclosing means include
a cap, zip, velcro fastener, slide fastener or a hook and loop
fastener.
[0021] Weldable sheet material: Typically, the weldable sheet
material is a multilayer co-extruded film or a composite film that
has a heat-weldable polymer layer on the inside of the flexible box
bag.
[0022] Handle: Typically, the handle is a film strip, or a textile
strip, typically the handle is reinforced, for example by a film
strip, or integrated into the front and back panels. The handle
further improves the ease of handling and manipulation of the
flexible bog bag.
[0023] Detergent powder: The detergent powder, together with the
scoop, is contained within the inner cuboidal volume. The detergent
powder typically comprises surfactant. The detergent powder is
typically free-flowing. The detergent powder can be a laundry
detergent powder or a dish washing detergent powder. Most
preferably, the detergent powder is a laundry detergent powder,
most preferably the detergent powder is a solid free-flowing
particulate laundry detergent composition. A suitable solid
free-flowing particulate laundry detergent composition is described
in more detail below.
[0024] Solid free-flowing particulate laundry detergent
composition: Typically, the solid free-flowing particulate laundry
detergent composition is a fully formulated laundry detergent
composition, not a portion thereof such as a spray-dried, extruded
or agglomerate particle that only forms part of the laundry
detergent composition. Typically, the solid composition comprises a
plurality of chemically different particles, such as spray-dried
base detergent particles and/or agglomerated base detergent
particles and/or extruded base detergent particles, in combination
with one or more, typically two or more, or five or more, or even
ten or more particles selected from: surfactant particles,
including surfactant agglomerates, surfactant extrudates,
surfactant needles, surfactant noodles, surfactant flakes;
phosphate particles; zeolite particles; silicate salt particles,
especially sodium silicate particles; carbonate salt particles,
especially sodium carbonate particles; polymer particles such as
carboxylate polymer particles, cellulosic polymer particles, starch
particles, polyester particles, polyamine particles, terephthalate
polymer particles, polyethylene glycol particles; aesthetic
particles such as coloured noodles, needles, lamellae particles and
ring particles; enzyme particles such as protease granulates,
amylase granulates, lipase granulates, cellulase granulates,
mannanase granulates, pectate lyase granulates, xyloglucanase
granulates, bleaching enzyme granulates and co- granulates of any
of these enzymes, preferably these enzyme granulates comprise
sodium sulphate; bleach particles, such as percarbonate particles,
especially coated percarbonate particles, such as percarbonate
coated with carbonate salt, sulphate salt, silicate salt,
borosilicate salt, or any combination thereof, perborate particles,
bleach activator particles such as tetra acetyl ethylene diamine
particles and/or alkyl oxybenzene sulphonate particles, bleach
catalyst particles such as transition metal catalyst particles,
and/or isoquinolinium bleach catalyst particles, pre-formed peracid
particles, especially coated pre-formed peracid particles; filler
particles such as sulphate salt particles and chloride particles;
clay particles such as montmorillonite particles and particles of
clay and silicone; flocculant particles such as polyethylene oxide
particles; wax particles such as wax agglomerates; silicone
particles, brightener particles; dye transfer inhibition particles;
dye fixative particles; perfume particles such as perfume
microcapsules and starch encapsulated perfume accord particles, or
pro-perfume particles such as Schiff base reaction product
particles; hueing dye particles; chelant particles such as chelant
agglomerates; and any combination thereof.
[0025] Suitable laundry detergent compositions comprise a detergent
ingredient selected from: detersive surfactant, such as anionic
detersive surfactants, non-ionic detersive surfactants, cationic
detersive surfactants, zwitterionic detersive surfactants and
amphoteric detersive surfactants; polymers, such as carboxylate
polymers, soil release polymer, anti-redeposition polymers,
cellulosic polymers and care polymers; bleach, such as sources of
hydrogen peroxide, bleach activators, bleach catalysts and
pre-formed peracids; photobleach, such as such as zinc and/or
aluminium sulphonated phthalocyanine; enzymes, such as proteases,
amylases, cellulases, lipases; zeolite builder; phosphate builder;
co-builders, such as citric acid and citrate; carbonate, such as
sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; sulphate salt, such as
sodium sulphate; silicate salt such as sodium silicate; chloride
salt, such as sodium chloride; brighteners; chelants; hueing
agents; dye transfer inhibitors; dye fixative agents; perfume;
silicone; fabric softening agents, such as clay; flocculants, such
as polyethyleneoxide; suds supressors; and any combination
thereof.
[0026] Suitable laundry detergent compositions may have a low
buffering capacity. Such laundry detergent compositions typically
have a reserve alkalinity to pH 9.5 of less than 5.0 gNaOH/100 g.
These low buffered laundry detergent compositions typically
comprise low levels of carbonate salt.
[0027] Detersive Surfactant: Suitable detersive surfactants include
anionic detersive surfactants, non-ionic detersive surfactant,
cationic detersive surfactants, zwitterionic detersive surfactants
and amphoteric detersive surfactants. Suitable detersive
surfactants may be linear or branched, substituted or
un-substituted, and may be derived from petrochemical material or
biomaterial.
[0028] Anionic detersive surfactant: Suitable anionic detersive
surfactants include sulphonate and sulphate detersive
surfactants.
[0029] Suitable sulphonate detersive surfactants include methyl
ester sulphonates, alpha olefin sulphonates, alkyl benzene
sulphonates, especially alkyl benzene sulphonates, preferably
C.sub.10-13 alkyl benzene sulphonate. Suitable alkyl benzene
sulphonate (LAS) is obtainable, preferably obtained, by
sulphonating commercially available linear alkyl benzene (LAB);
suitable LAB includes low 2-phenyl LAB, other suitable LAB include
high 2-phenyl LAB, such as those supplied by Sasol under the
tradename Hyblene.RTM..
[0030] Suitable sulphate detersive surfactants include alkyl
sulphate, preferably C.sub.8-18 alkyl sulphate, or predominantly
C.sub.12 alkyl sulphate.
[0031] A preferred sulphate detersive surfactant is alkyl
alkoxylated sulphate, preferably alkyl ethoxylated sulphate,
preferably a C.sub.8-18 alkyl alkoxylated sulphate, preferably a
C.sub.8-18 alkyl ethoxylated sulphate, preferably the alkyl
alkoxylated sulphate has an average degree of alkoxylation of from
0.5 to 20, preferably from 0.5 to 10, preferably the alkyl
alkoxylated sulphate is a C.sub.8-18 alkyl ethoxylated sulphate
having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 0.5 to 10,
preferably from 0.5 to 5, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 and most
preferably from 0.5 to 1.5.
[0032] The alkyl sulphate, alkyl alkoxylated sulphate and alkyl
benzene sulphonates may be linear or branched, substituted or
un-substituted, and may be derived from petrochemical material or
biomaterial.
[0033] Other suitable anionic detersive surfactants include alkyl
ether carboxylates.
[0034] Suitable anionic detersive surfactants may be in salt form,
suitable counter-ions include sodium, calcium, magnesium, amino
alcohols, and any combination thereof. A preferred counter-ion is
sodium.
[0035] Non-ionic detersive surfactant: Suitable non-ionic detersive
surfactants are selected from the group consisting of:
C.sub.8-C.sub.18 alkyl ethoxylates, such as, NEODOL.RTM. non-ionic
surfactants from Shell; C.sub.6-C.sub.12 alkyl phenol alkoxylates
wherein preferably the alkoxylate units are ethyleneoxy units,
propyleneoxy units or a mixture thereof; C.sub.12-C.sub.18 alcohol
and C.sub.6-C.sub.12 alkyl phenol condensates with ethylene
oxide/propylene oxide block polymers such as Pluronic.RTM. from
BASF; alkylpolysaccharides, preferably alkylpolyglycosides; methyl
ester ethoxylates; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; ether capped
poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants; and mixtures thereof.
[0036] Suitable non-ionic detersive surfactants are
alkylpolyglucoside and/or an alkyl alkoxylated alcohol.
[0037] Suitable non-ionic detersive surfactants include alkyl
alkoxylated alcohols, preferably C.sub.8-18 alkyl alkoxylated
alcohol, preferably a C.sub.8-18 alkyl ethoxylated alcohol,
preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol has an average degree of
alkoxylation of from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 30, or from 1 to
20, or from 1 to 10, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol is a
C.sub.8-18 alkyl ethoxylated alcohol having an average degree of
ethoxylation of from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 7, more
preferably from 1 to 5 and most preferably from 3 to 7. The alkyl
alkoxylated alcohol can be linear or branched, and substituted or
un-substituted.
[0038] Suitable nonionic detersive surfactants include secondary
alcohol-based detersive surfactants.
[0039] Cationic detersive surfactant: Suitable cationic detersive
surfactants include alkyl pyridinium compounds, alkyl quaternary
ammonium compounds, alkyl quaternary phosphonium compounds, alkyl
ternary sulphonium compounds, and mixtures thereof.
[0040] Preferred cationic detersive surfactants are quaternary
ammonium compounds having the general formula:
(R)(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)(R.sub.3)N.sup.+X.sup.-
wherein, R is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted
C.sub.6-18 alkyl or alkenyl moiety, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are
independently selected from methyl or ethyl moieties, R.sub.3 is a
hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl or a hydroxyethyl moiety, X is an anion
which provides charge neutrality, preferred anions include:
halides, preferably chloride; sulphate; and sulphonate.
[0041] Zwitterionic detersive surfactant: Suitable zwitterionic
detersive surfactants include amine oxides and/or betaines.
[0042] Polymer: Suitable polymers include carboxylate polymers,
soil release polymers, anti-redeposition polymers, cellulosic
polymers, care polymers and any combination thereof.
[0043] Carboxylate polymer: The composition may comprise a
carboxylate polymer, such as a maleate/acrylate random copolymer or
polyacrylate homopolymer. Suitable carboxylate polymers include:
polyacrylate homopolymers having a molecular weight of from 4,000
Da to 9,000 Da; maleate/acrylate random copolymers having a
molecular weight of from 50,000 Da to 100,000 Da, or from 60,000 Da
to 80,000 Da.
[0044] Another suitable carboxylate polymer is a co-polymer that
comprises: (i) from 50 to less than 98 wt % structural units
derived from one or more monomers comprising carboxyl groups; (ii)
from 1 to less than 49 wt % structural units derived from one or
more monomers comprising sulfonate moieties; and (iii) from 1 to 49
wt % structural units derived from one or more types of monomers
selected from ether bond-containing monomers represented by
formulas (I) and (II):
##STR00001##
wherein in formula (I), R.sub.0 represents a hydrogen atom or
CH.sub.3 group, R represents a CH.sub.2 group, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2
group or single bond, X represents a number 0-5 provided X
represents a number 1-5 when R is a single bond, and R.sub.1 is a
hydrogen atom or C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 organic group;
##STR00002##
wherein in formula (II), R.sub.0 represents a hydrogen atom or
CH.sub.3 group, R represents a CH.sub.2 group, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2
group or single bond, X represents a number 0-5, and R.sub.1 is a
hydrogen atom or C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 organic group.
[0045] It may be preferred that the polymer has a weight average
molecular weight of at least 50 kDa, or even at least 70 kDa.
[0046] Soil release polymer: The composition may comprise a soil
release polymer. A suitable soil release polymer has a structure as
defined by one of the following structures (I), (II) or (III):
--[(OCHR.sup.1--CHR.sup.2).sub.a--O--OC--Ar--CO--].sub.d (I)
--[(OCHR.sup.3--CHR.sup.4).sub.b--O--OC-sAr--CO--].sub.e (II)
--[(OCHR.sup.5--CHR.sup.6).sub.c--OR.sup.7].sub.f (III)
wherein: [0047] a, b and c are from 1 to 200; [0048] d, e and f are
from 1 to 50; [0049] Ar is a 1,4-substituted phenylene; [0050] sAr
is 1,3-substituted phenylene substituted in position 5 with
SO.sub.3Me; [0051] Me is Li, K, Mg/2, Ca/2, Al/3, ammonium, mono-,
di-, tri-, or tetraalkylammonium wherein the alkyl groups are
C.sub.1-C.sub.18 alkyl or C.sub.2-C.sub.10 hydroxyalkyl, or
mixtures thereof; [0052] R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4,
R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently selected from H or
C.sub.i-C.sub.18 n- or iso-alkyl; and [0053] R.sup.7 is a linear or
branched C.sub.1-C.sub.18 alkyl, or a linear or branched
C.sub.2-C.sub.30 alkenyl, or a cycloalkyl group with 5 to 9 carbon
atoms, or a C.sub.8-C.sub.30 aryl group, or a C.sub.6-C.sub.30
arylalkyl group. [0054] Suitable soil release polymers are sold by
Clariant under the TexCare.RTM. series of polymers, e.g.
TexCare.RTM. SRN240 and TexCare.RTM. SRA300. Other suitable soil
release polymers are sold by Solvay under the Repel-o-Tex.RTM.
series of polymers, e.g. Repel-o-Tex.RTM. SF2 and Repel-o-Tex.RTM.
Crystal.
[0055] Anti-redeposition polymer: Suitable anti-redeposition
polymers include polyethylene glycol polymers and/or
polyethyleneimine polymers.
[0056] Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers include random graft
co-polymers comprising: (i) hydrophilic backbone comprising
polyethylene glycol; and (ii) hydrophobic side chain(s) selected
from the group consisting of: C.sub.4-C.sub.25 alkyl group,
polypropylene, polybutylene, vinyl ester of a saturated
C.sub.1-C.sub.6 mono-carboxylic acid, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl ester
of acrylic or methacrylic acid, and mixtures thereof. Suitable
polyethylene glycol polymers have a polyethylene glycol backbone
with random grafted polyvinyl acetate side chains. The average
molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol backbone can be in the
range of from 2,000 Da to 20,000 Da, or from 4,000 Da to 8,000 Da.
The molecular weight ratio of the polyethylene glycol backbone to
the polyvinyl acetate side chains can be in the range of from 1:1
to 1:5, or from 1:1.2 to 1:2. The average number of graft sites per
ethylene oxide units can be less than 1, or less than 0.8, the
average number of graft sites per ethylene oxide units can be in
the range of from 0.5 to 0.9, or the average number of graft sites
per ethylene oxide units can be in the range of from 0.1 to 0.5, or
from 0.2 to 0.4. A suitable polyethylene glycol polymer is Sokalan
HP22. Suitable polyethylene glycol polymers are described in
WO08/007320.
[0057] Cellulosic polymer: Suitable cellulosic polymers are
selected from alkyl cellulose, alkyl alkoxyalkyl cellulose,
carboxyalkyl cellulose, alkyl carboxyalkyl cellulose, sulphoalkyl
cellulose, more preferably selected from carboxymethyl cellulose,
methyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl
carboxymethyl cellulose, and mixures thereof.
[0058] Suitable carboxymethyl celluloses have a degree of
carboxymethyl substitution from 0.5 to 0.9 and a molecular weight
from 100,000 Da to 300,000 Da.
[0059] Suitable carboxymethyl celluloses have a degree of
substitution greater than 0.65 and a degree of blockiness greater
than 0.45, e.g. as described in WO09/154933.
[0060] Care polymers: Suitable care polymers include cellulosic
polymers that are cationically modified or hydrophobically
modified. Such modified cellulosic polymers can provide
anti-abrasion benefits and dye lock benefits to fabric during the
laundering cycle. Suitable cellulosic polymers include cationically
modified hydroxyethyl cellulose.
[0061] Other suitable care polymers include dye lock polymers, for
example the condensation oligomer produced by the condensation of
imidazole and epichlorhydrin, preferably in ratio of 1:4:1. A
suitable commercially available dye lock polymer is Polyquart.RTM.
FDI (Cognis).
[0062] Other suitable care polymers include amino-silicone, which
can provide fabric feel benefits and fabric shape retention
benefits.
[0063] Bleach: Suitable bleach includes sources of hydrogen
peroxide, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, pre-formed peracids
and any combination thereof. A particularly suitable bleach
includes a combination of a source of hydrogen peroxide with a
bleach activator and/or a bleach catalyst.
[0064] Source of hydrogen peroxide: Suitable sources of hydrogen
peroxide include sodium perborate and/or sodium percarbonate.
[0065] Bleach activator: Suitable bleach activators include tetra
acetyl ethylene diamine and/or alkyl oxybenzene sulphonate.
[0066] Bleach catalyst: The composition may comprise a bleach
catalyst. Suitable bleach catalysts include oxaziridinium bleach
catalysts, transistion metal bleach catalysts, especially manganese
and iron bleach catalysts. A suitable bleach catalyst has a
structure corresponding to general formula below:
##STR00003##
wherein R.sup.13 is selected from the group consisting of
2-ethylhexyl, 2-propylheptyl, 2-butyloctyl, 2-pentylnonyl,
2-hexyldecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-octadecyl,
iso-nonyl, iso-decyl, iso-tridecyl and iso-pentadecyl.
[0067] Pre-formed peracid: Suitable pre-form peracids include
phthalimido-peroxycaproic acid.
[0068] Enzymes: Suitable enzymes include lipases, proteases,
cellulases, amylases and any combination thereof.
[0069] Protease: Suitable proteases include metalloproteases and/or
serine proteases. Examples of suitable neutral or alkaline
proteases include: subtilisins (EC 3.4.21.62); trypsin-type or
chymotrypsin-type proteases; and metalloproteases. The suitable
proteases include chemically or genetically modified mutants of the
aforementioned suitable proteases.
[0070] Suitable commercially available protease enzymes include
those sold under the trade names Alcalase.RTM., Savinase.RTM.,
Primase.RTM., Durazym.RTM., Polarzyme.RTM., Kannase.RTM.,
Liquanase.RTM., Liquanase Ultra.RTM., Savinase Ultra.RTM.,
Ovozyme.RTM., Neutrase.RTM., Everlase.RTM. and Esperase.RTM. by
Novozymes A/S (Denmark), those sold under the tradename
Maxatase.RTM., Maxacal.RTM., Maxapem.RTM., Preferenz P.RTM. series
of proteases including Preferenz.RTM. P280, Preferenz.RTM. P281,
Preferenz.RTM. P2018-C, Preferenz.RTM. P2081-WE, Preferenz.RTM.
P2082-EE and Preferenz.RTM. P2083-A/J, Properase.RTM.,
Purafect.RTM., Purafect Prime.RTM., Purafect Ox.RTM., FN3.RTM. ,
FN4.RTM., Excellase.RTM. and Purafect OXP.RTM. by DuPont, those
sold under the tradename Opticlean.RTM. and Optimase.RTM. by Solvay
Enzymes, those available from Henkel/ Kemira, namely BLAP (sequence
shown in FIG. 29 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,604 with the following
mutations S99D+S101 R+S103A +V104I +G159S, hereinafter referred to
as BLAP), BLAP R (BLAP with S3T+V4I+V199M+V2051+L217D), BLAP X
(BLAP with S3T+V4I+V2051) and BLAP F49 (BLAP with
S3T+V4I+A194P+V199M+V205I+L217D)--all from Henkel/Kemira; and KAP
(Bacillus alkalophilus subtilisin with mutations A230V+S256G+S259N)
from Kao.
[0071] A suitable protease is described in WO11/140316 and
WO11/072117.
[0072] Amylase: Suitable amylases are derived from AA560 alpha
amylase endogenous to Bacillus sp. DSM 12649, preferably having the
following mutations: R118K, D183*, G184*, N195F, R320K, and/or
R458K. Suitable commercially available amylases include
Stainzyme.RTM., Stainzyme.RTM. Plus, Natalase, Termamyl.RTM.,
Termamyl.RTM. Ultra, Liquezyme.RTM. SZ, Duramyl.RTM., Everest.RTM.
(all Novozymes) and Spezyme.RTM. AA, Preferenz S.RTM. series of
amylases, Purastar.RTM. and Purastar.RTM. Ox Am, Optisize.RTM. HT
Plus (all Du Pont).
[0073] A suitable amylase is described in WO06/002643.
[0074] Cellulase: Suitable cellulases include those of bacterial or
fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants
are also suitable. Suitable cellulases include cellulases from the
genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Humicola, Fusarium, Thielavia,
Acremonium, e.g., the fungal cellulases produced from Humicola
insolens, Myceliophthora thermophila and Fusarium oxysporum.
[0075] Commercially available cellulases include Celluzyme.RTM.,
Carezyme.RTM., and Carezyme.RTM. Premium, Celluclean.RTM. and
Whitezyme.RTM. (Novozymes A/S), Revitalenz.RTM. series of enzymes
(Du Pont), and Biotouch.RTM. series of enzymes (AB Enzymes).
Suitable commercially available cellulases include Carezyme.RTM.
Premium, Celluclean.RTM. Classic. Suitable cellulases are described
in WO07/144857 and WO10/056652.
[0076] Lipase: Suitable lipases include those of bacterial, fungal
or synthetic origin, and variants thereof. Chemically modified or
protein engineered mutants are also suitable. Examples of suitable
lipases include lipases from Humicola (synonym Thermomyces), e.g.,
from H. lanuginosa (T. lanuginosus).
[0077] The lipase may be a "first cycle lipase", e.g. such as those
described in WO06/090335 and WO13/116261. In one aspect, the lipase
is a first-wash lipase, preferably a variant of the wild-type
lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus comprising T231R and/or N233R
mutations. Preferred lipases include those sold under the
tradenames Lipex.RTM., Lipolex.RTM. and Lipoclean.RTM. by
Novozymes, Bagsvaerd, Denmark.
[0078] Other suitable lipases include: Liprl 139, e.g. as described
in WO2013/171241; and TfuLip2, e.g. as described in WO2011/084412
and WO2013/033318.
[0079] Other enzymes: Other suitable enzymes are bleaching enzymes,
such as peroxidases/oxidases, which include those of plant,
bacterial or fungal origin and variants thereof. Commercially
available peroxidases include Guardzyme.RTM. (Novozymes A/S). Other
suitable enzymes include choline oxidases and perhydrolases such as
those used in Gentle Power Bleach.TM..
[0080] Other suitable enzymes include pectate lyases sold under the
tradenames X-Pect.RTM., Pectaway.RTM. (from Novozymes A/S,
Bagsvaerd, Denmark) and PrimaGreen.RTM. (DuPont) and mannanases
sold under the tradenames Mannaway.RTM. (Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd,
Denmark), and Mannastar.RTM. (Du Pont).
[0081] Zeolite builder: The composition may comprise zeolite
builder. The composition may comprise from 0wt % to 5wt % zeolite
builder, or 3wt % zeolite builder. The composition may even be
substantially free of zeolite builder; substantially free means "no
deliberately added". Typical zeolite builders include zeolite A,
zeolite P and zeolite MAP.
[0082] Phosphate builder: The composition may comprise phosphate
builder. The composition may comprise from 0 wt % to 5 wt %
phosphate builder, or to 3 wt %, phosphate builder. The composition
may even be substantially free of phosphate builder; substantially
free means "no deliberately added". A typical phosphate builder is
sodium tri-polyphosphate.
[0083] Carbonate salt: The composition may comprise carbonate salt.
The composition may comprise from 0wt % to 10wt % carbonate salt,
or to 5wt % carbonate salt. The composition may even be
substantially free of carbonate salt; substantially free means "no
deliberately added". Suitable carbonate salts include sodium
carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.
[0084] Silicate salt: The composition may comprise silicate salt.
The composition may comprise from 0 wt % to 10 wt % silicate salt,
or to 5 wt % silicate salt. A preferred silicate salt is sodium
silicate, especially preferred are sodium silicates having a
Na.sub.2O:SiO.sub.2 ratio of from 1.0 to 2.8, preferably from 1.6
to 2.0.
[0085] Sulphate salt: A suitable sulphate salt is sodium
sulphate.
[0086] Brightener: Suitable fluorescent brighteners include:
di-styryl biphenyl compounds, e.g. Tinopal.RTM. CBS-X, di-amino
stilbene di-sulfonic acid compounds, e.g. Tinopal.RTM. DMS pure
Xtra and Blankophor.RTM. HRH, and Pyrazoline compounds, e.g.
Blankophor.RTM. SN, and coumarin compounds, e.g. Tinopal.RTM.
SWN.
[0087] Preferred brighteners are: sodium 2
(4-styryl-3-sulfophenyl)-2H-napthol[1,2-d]triazole, disodium
4,4'-bis{ [(4-anilino-6-(N methyl-N-2 hydroxyethyl)amino 1,3,5-
triazin-2-yl)];amino} stilbene-2-2' disulfonate, disodium
4,4'-bis{[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)]amino}
stilbene-2-2' disulfonate, and disodium 4,4'-
bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl. A suitable fluorescent brightener is
C.I. Fluorescent Brightener 260, which may be used in its beta or
alpha crystalline forms, or a mixture of these forms.
[0088] Chelant: The composition may also comprise a chelant
selected from: diethylene triamine pentaacetate, diethylene
triamine penta(methyl phosphonic acid), ethylene
diamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid, ethylene diamine tetraacetate,
ethylene diamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) and hydroxyethane
di(methylene phosphonic acid). A preferred chelant is ethylene
diamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and/or hydroxyethane
diphosphonic acid (HEDP). The composition preferably comprises
ethylene diamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid or salt thereof. Preferably
the ethylene diamine-N'N'-disuccinic acid is in S,S enantiomeric
form. Preferably the composition comprises
4,5-dihydroxy-m-benzenedisulfonic acid disodium salt. Preferred
chelants may also function as calcium carbonate crystal growth
inhibitors such as: 1-hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid (HEDP) and
salt thereof; N,N-dicarboxymethyl-2-aminopentane- 1,5-dioic acid
and salt thereof; 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid and
salt thereof; and combination thereof.
[0089] Hueing agent: Suitable hueing agents include small molecule
dyes, typically falling into the Colour Index (C.I.)
classifications of Acid, Direct, Basic, Reactive (including
hydrolysed forms thereof) or Solvent or Disperse dyes, for example
classified as Blue, Violet, Red, Green or Black, and provide the
desired shade either alone or in combination. Preferred such hueing
agents include Acid Violet 50, Direct Violet 9, 66 and 99, Solvent
Violet 13 and any combination thereof.
[0090] Many hueing agents are known and described in the art which
may be suitable for the present invention, such as hueing agents
described in WO2014/089386.
[0091] Suitable hueing agents include phthalocyanine and azo dye
conjugates, such as described in WO2009/069077.
[0092] Suitable hueing agents may be alkoxylated. Such alkoxylated
compounds may be produced by organic synthesis that may produce a
mixture of molecules having different degrees of alkoxylation. Such
mixtures may be used directly to provide the hueing agent, or may
undergo a purification step to increase the proportion of the
target molecule. Suitable hueing agents include alkoxylated bis-azo
dyes, such as described in WO2012/054835, and/or alkoxylated
thiophene azo dyes, such as described in WO2008/087497 and
WO2012/166768.
[0093] The hueing agent may be incorporated into the detergent
composition as part of a reaction mixture which is the result of
the organic synthesis for a dye molecule, with optional
purification step(s). Such reaction mixtures generally comprise the
dye molecule itself and in addition may comprise un-reacted
starting materials and/or by-products of the organic synthesis
route. Suitable hueing agents can be incorporated into hueing dye
particles, such as described in WO 2009/069077.
[0094] Dye transfer inhibitors: Suitable dye transfer inhibitors
include polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of
N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
polyvinyloxazolidone, polyvinylimidazole and mixtures thereof.
Preferred are poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyridine betaine),
poly(vinylpyridine N-oxide), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-vinyl
imidazole) and mixtures thereof. Suitable commercially available
dye transfer inhibitors include PVP-K15 and K30 (Ashland),
Sokalan.RTM. HP165, HP50, HP53, HP59, HP56K, HP56, HP66 (BASF),
Chromabond.RTM. S-400, S403E and S-100 (Ashland).
[0095] Perfume: Suitable perfumes comprise perfume materials
selected from the group: (a) perfume materials having a ClogP of
less than 3.0 and a boiling point of less than 250.degree. C.
(quadrant 1 perfume materials); (b) perfume materials having a
ClogP of less than 3.0 and a boiling point of 250.degree. C. or
greater (quadrant 2 perfume materials); (c) perfume materials
having a ClogP of 3.0 or greater and a boiling point of less than
250.degree. C. (quadrant 3 perfume materials); (d) perfume
materials having a ClogP of 3.0 or greater and a boiling point of
250.degree. C. or greater (quadrant 4 perfume materials); and (e)
mixtures thereof.
[0096] It may be preferred for the perfume to be in the form of a
perfume delivery technology. Such delivery technologies further
stabilize and enhance the deposition and release of perfume
materials from the laundered fabric. Such perfume delivery
technologies can also be used to further increase the longevity of
perfume release from the laundered fabric. Suitable perfume
delivery technologies include: perfume microcapsules, pro-perfumes,
polymer assisted deliveries, molecule assisted deliveries, fiber
assisted deliveries, amine assisted deliveries, cyclodextrin,
starch encapsulated accord, zeolite and other inorganic carriers,
and any mixture thereof. A suitable perfume microcapsule is
described in WO2009/101593.
[0097] Silicone: Suitable silicones include polydimethylsiloxane
and amino-silicones. Suitable silicones are described in
WO05075616.
[0098] Process for making the solid composition: Typically, the
particles of the composition can be prepared by any suitable
method. For example: spray-drying, agglomeration, extrusion and any
combination thereof.
[0099] Typically, a suitable spray-drying process comprises the
step of forming an aqueous slurry mixture, transferring it through
at least one pump, preferably two pumps, to a pressure nozzle.
Atomizing the aqueous slurry mixture into a spray-drying tower and
drying the aqueous slurry mixture to form spray-dried particles.
Preferably, the spray-drying tower is a counter-current
spray-drying tower, although a co-current spray-drying tower may
also be suitable.
[0100] Typically, the spray-dried powder is subjected to cooling,
for example an air lift. Typically, the spray-drying powder is
subjected to particle size classification, for example a sieve, to
obtain the desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the
spray-dried powder has a particle size distribution such that
weight average particle size is in the range of from 300
micrometers to 500 micrometers, and less than 10 wt % of the
spray-dried particles have a particle size greater than 2360
micrometers.
[0101] It may be preferred to heat the aqueous slurry mixture to
elevated temperatures prior to atomization into the spray-drying
tower, such as described in WO2009/158162.
[0102] It may be preferred for anionic surfactant, such as linear
alkyl benzene sulphonate, to be introduced into the spray-drying
process after the step of forming the aqueous slurry mixture: for
example, introducing an acid precursor to the aqueous slurry
mixture after the pump, such as described in WO 09/158449.
[0103] It may be preferred for a gas, such as air, to be introduced
into the spray-drying process after the step of forming the aqueous
slurry, such as described in WO2013/181205.
[0104] It may be preferred for any inorganic ingredients, such as
sodium sulphate and sodium carbonate, if present in the aqueous
slurry mixture, to be micronized to a small particle size such as
described in W02012/134969.
[0105] Typically, a suitable agglomeration process comprises the
step of contacting a detersive ingredient, such as a detersive
surfactant, e.g. linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) and/or alkyl
alkoxylated sulphate, with an inorganic material, such as sodium
carbonate and/or silica, in a mixer. The agglomeration process may
also be an in-situ neutralization agglomeration process wherein an
acid precursor of a detersive surfactant, such as LAS, is contacted
with an alkaline material, such as carbonate and/or sodium
hydroxide, in a mixer, and wherein the acid precursor of a
detersive surfactant is neutralized by the alkaline material to
form a detersive surfactant during the agglomeration process.
[0106] Other suitable detergent ingredients that may be
agglomerated include polymers, chelants, bleach activators,
silicones and any combination thereof.
[0107] The agglomeration process may be a high, medium or low shear
agglomeration process, wherein a high shear, medium shear or low
shear mixer is used accordingly. The agglomeration process may be a
multi-step agglomeration process wherein two or more mixers are
used, such as a high shear mixer in combination with a medium or
low shear mixer. The agglomeration process can be a continuous
process or a batch process.
[0108] It may be preferred for the agglomerates to be subjected to
a drying step, for example to a fluid bed drying step. It may also
be preferred for the agglomerates to be subjected to a cooling
step, for example a fluid bed cooling step.
[0109] Typically, the agglomerates are subjected to particle size
classification, for example a fluid bed elutriation and/or a sieve,
to obtain the desired particle size distribution. Preferably, the
agglomerates have a particle size distribution such that weight
average particle size is in the range of from 300 micrometers to
800 micrometers, and less than 10 wt % of the agglomerates have a
particle size less than 150 micrometers and less than 10 wt % of
the agglomerates have a particle size greater than 1200
micrometers.
[0110] It may be preferred for fines and over-sized agglomerates to
be recycled back into the agglomeration process. Typically,
over-sized particles are subjected to a size reduction step, such
as grinding, and recycled back into an appropriate place in the
agglomeration process, such as the mixer. Typically, fines are
recycled back into an appropriate place in the agglomeration
process, such as the mixer.
[0111] It may be preferred for ingredients such as polymer and/or
non-ionic detersive surfactant and/or perfume to be sprayed onto
base detergent particles, such as spray-dried base detergent
particles and/or agglomerated base detergent particles. Typically,
this spray-on step is carried out in a tumbling drum mixer.
[0112] Method of laundering fabric: The method of laundering fabric
comprises the step of contacting the solid composition to water to
form a wash liquor, and laundering fabric in said wash liquor.
Typically, the wash liquor has a temperature of above 0.degree. C.
to 90.degree. C., or to 60.degree. C., or to 40.degree. C., or to
30.degree. C., or to 20.degree. C. The fabric may be contacted to
the water prior to, or after, or simultaneous with, contacting the
solid composition with water. Typically, the wash liquor is formed
by contacting the laundry detergent to water in such an amount so
that the concentration of laundry detergent composition in the wash
liquor is from 0.2 g/l to 20 g/l, or from 0.5 g/l to 10 g/l, or to
5.0 g/l. The method of laundering fabric can be carried out in a
front-loading automatic washing machine, top loading automatic
washing machines, including high efficiency automatic washing
machines, or suitable hand-wash vessels. Typically, the wash liquor
comprises 90 litres or less, or 60 litres or less, or 15 litres or
less, or 10 litres or less of water. Typically, 200 g or less, or
150 g or less, or 100 g or less, or 50 g or less of laundry
detergent composition is contacted to water to form the wash
liquor.
[0113] Scoop: The scoop, together with the laundry detergent
powder, is contained within the inner cuboidal volume.
[0114] Method of making the detergent product: The method of making
the detergent product comprises the steps: forming an interim
flexible box bag by suitably joining together the edges of the six
panels except for the back edge of the top panel and top edge of
the back panel. The laundry detergent powder and scoop are inserted
into the inner cuboidal volume by passing through a filling opening
that is formed between the back edge of the top panel and top edge
of the back panel. The back edge of the top panel and top edge of
the back panel are joined together in such a manner as to close the
filling opening to form the flexible box bag and detergent product.
Typically, after it is filled, the interim flexible box bag is
sealed by a weld seal.
[0115] The flexible box bag may be made from at least two different
webs of film. For example, a first film may form the top panel,
bottom panel, back panel, and front panel, and a second film may
form the side panels. In this manner, the flexible box bag may have
transparent side panels.
[0116] Typically, the laundry detergent powder is inserted into the
inner cuboidal volume prior to the scoop. Also, settling plates may
be used to slightly bury the scoop in the powder, this improves the
stability of the detergent product.
[0117] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0118] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0119] 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.
* * * * *