U.S. patent application number 15/099670 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-19 for container systems having instructional systems and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Jack Wesley ENGLISH, III, Robert Eugene HEARD, Amy Meyers KREHBIEL, Luke Anthony SNIDER.
Application Number | 20170297770 15/099670 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59215867 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170297770 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SNIDER; Luke Anthony ; et
al. |
October 19, 2017 |
CONTAINER SYSTEMS HAVING INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS AND RELATED
METHODS
Abstract
Instructional systems related to providing a recommended dosage
amount of a fabric care treatment composition to a fabric load.
Container systems with such instructional systems. Automatic
washing machines with such instructional systems. Methods related
to such instructional systems.
Inventors: |
SNIDER; Luke Anthony;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; ENGLISH, III; Jack Wesley;
(Liberty Township, OH) ; HEARD; Robert Eugene;
(Covington, KY) ; KREHBIEL; Amy Meyers;
(Cincinnati, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59215867 |
Appl. No.: |
15/099670 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 34/18 20200201;
D06F 1/02 20130101; D06F 39/024 20130101; B65D 51/245 20130101;
D06F 39/12 20130101; G01F 19/002 20130101; D06F 35/005 20130101;
B65D 25/205 20130101; D06F 39/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/20 20060101
B65D025/20; D06F 35/00 20060101 D06F035/00; B65D 51/24 20060101
B65D051/24; D06F 1/02 20060101 D06F001/02; D06F 39/12 20060101
D06F039/12; D06F 39/02 20060101 D06F039/02 |
Claims
1. A container system comprising: a container comprising an
interior volume; and an instructional system located on said
container, said instructional system comprising a first indicia and
a second indicia, wherein said first indicia comprises a first
washing machine feature, a first washing machine load level
relative to said first washing machine feature, and a first dosage
amount of a fabric care treatment composition; wherein said second
indicia comprises a second washing machine feature, a second
washing machine load level relative to said second washing machine
feature, and a second dosage amount of said fabric care treatment
composition; wherein said second machine load level is greater than
first machine load level; and wherein said second dosage amount is
more than said first dosage amount.
2. The container system of claim 1, wherein said first and second
washing machine features are selected from the group consisting of
a washing machine window, a washing machine agitator, and
combinations thereof.
3. The container system of claim 2, wherein said first and second
washing machine features are washing machine windows.
4. The container system of claim 1, wherein said first and second
washing machine features are the same size.
5. The container system of claim 1, wherein said first dosage
amount is a first amount of unitized dose articles, and wherein
said second dosage amount is a second amount of unitized dose
articles.
6. The container system of claim 5, wherein said dosage amount is
one unitized dose article.
7. A container system according to claim 1, wherein said container
further comprises a fabric care treatment composition contained in
said interior volume.
8. A container system according to claim 7, wherein said fabric
care treatment composition is in the form of a unitized dose
article.
9. A container system according to claim 1, wherein said
instructional system further comprises a third indicia, wherein
said third indicia comprises a third washing machine feature, a
third washing machine load level relative to said third washing
machine feature, and a third dosage amount of said fabric care
treatment composition.
10. A container system according to claim 1, wherein said
instructional system is located on a label, wherein said label is
affixed to said container.
11. A container system according to claim 1, wherein said
instructional system is printed directly onto said container.
12. A container system according to claim 1, wherein said
instructional system is located on an internal surface of said
container.
13. A container system according to claim 12, wherein said internal
surface is selected from the group consisting of an interior
surface of a lid said container, a curtain at least partially
occluding an opening of said container, and combinations
thereof.
14. A container system according to claim 1, wherein said container
is a tub or a bag.
15. An automatic laundry machine, said machine comprising a washing
machine feature and an instructional system located on said
automatic laundry machine, said instructional system comprising a
first indicia and a second indicia, wherein said first indicia
comprises a first washing machine feature, a first washing machine
load level relative to said first washing machine feature, and a
first dosage amount of a fabric care treatment composition; wherein
said second indicia comprises a second washing machine feature, a
second washing machine load level relative to said second washing
machine feature, and a second dosage amount of said fabric care
treatment composition; wherein said second machine load level is
greater than first machine load level; and wherein said second
dosage amount is more than said first dosage amount.
16. An automatic laundry machine according to claim 15, wherein
said washing machine features are each a window.
17. An automatic laundry machine according to claim 15, wherein
said first dosage amount is a first amount of unitized dose
articles, and wherein said second dosage amount is a second amount
of a unitized dose articles.
18. A process for treating a fabric load, said process comprising
the steps of: a. placing a fabric load into an interior volume of
an automatic washing machine, wherein said automatic washing
machine comprises a machine feature; b. determining an actual
washing machine load level by comparing said fabric load to said
machine feature; c. providing a container system, wherein said
container system comprises a container with an interior volume, a
fabric care treatment composition contained in said interior
volume, and an instructional system located on said container, said
instructional system comprising a plurality of indicia, wherein
each indicia comprises: said washing machine feature, a fabric load
level coupled to said washing machine feature, and a dosage amount
coupled to said fabric load level; d. choosing a selected indicia
from said plurality of indicia, wherein said fabric load level of
said selected indicia approximates said actual washing machine load
level; e. providing said fabric care treatment composition to said
fabric load, wherein said fabric care treatment composition is
provided in an amount corresponding to said dosage amount of said
selected indicia; and f. starting a treatment cycle of said
automatic washing machine.
19. The process according to claim 18, wherein said machine feature
is a window.
20. The process according to claim 18, wherein said dosage amount
is an amount of unitized dose articles.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to instructional systems
related to providing a recommended dosage amount of a fabric care
treatment composition to a fabric load. The present disclosure
further relates to a container system with such instructional
systems. The present disclosure further relates to automatic
washing machines that include such instructional systems. The
present system further relates to methods of using such
instructional systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] To achieve optimal performance benefits when washing or
otherwise treating laundry, the recommended dosage of fabric care
treatment composition, such as a conventional detergent, is
typically dependent on the size of load to be treated. Small loads
require smaller amounts of a treatment composition, while larger
loads require larger amounts. However, modern developments in
laundry practices and technologies have removed some of the
traditional cues that users have used to estimate load sizes and
dosage levels, thereby leading to mis-dosing and suboptimal
performance.
[0003] Changes in modern automatic washing machines have
contributed to this problem. For example, traditional machines
often require a user to actively select a load size before starting
the machine; however, modern machines may automatically sense the
size of a load, thereby removing the necessity to proactively
assess load size. Consumers who grew up with top-loading washing
machines may be accustomed to using the agitator and/or the inner
wall of the drum of the machine as a visual yardstick when
assessing laundry loads from a top-view perspective; however,
front-loading machines are becoming more popular and do not offer
the same visual cues. Additionally, the inner volume of laundry
machines have, on average, become larger, so that a half-full
machine today may actually contain a greater amount of laundry than
a half-full machine of yesteryear.
[0004] Packages of fabric care treatment compositions often include
graphical indicia that guide a user to use the recommended dose for
a particular load size. Compared to textual instructions, graphical
indicia may be easier to understand for a variety of users, such as
those who do not speak or read a local language. These graphical
indicia often illustrate laundry load size in terms of a
traditional wide-mouthed laundry basket. However, it may be
challenging for a user to properly correlate his or her actual load
size to the load size (and consequent dose) shown on the graphical
indicia. For example, commercially available baskets do not have a
standardized volume. Additionally, modern consumers may not even
use a traditional basket. Instead, they may use collapsible
containers, flexible bags, or taller baskets with a smaller
footprint, as such containers may be preferred for space, cost,
and/or aesthetic reasons.
[0005] Finally, modern forms of fabric care compositions may
contribute to dosing problems as well. For example, water-soluble
pouches that encapsulate fabric care compositions offer the no-mess
convenience of a pre-measured unitized dose. However, the dosing
options offered by such pouches are digital--a consumer can add
one, two, three, etc., pouches--and do not allow for intermediate
volumes, whereas a consumer who used a traditional liquid detergent
with a dosing cap could add a little more or a little less than the
recommended dose of detergent, depending on his/her assessment of
the load size. Furthermore, a user may be uncertain as to whether
he or she is "allowed" to use more than one pouch for a load,
particular in modern high-efficiency washing machines, which employ
lower water volumes than traditional machines.
[0006] Given the challenges above, there is a need for systems and
methods that improve a user's ability to assess laundry load size
and provide the appropriate dosage of a fabric care
composition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present disclosure relates to instructional systems,
where the instructional systems include a plurality of indicia,
where each indicia includes a washing machine feature, a fabric
load level, and a dosage amount.
[0008] The present disclosure further relates to a container
systems that include: a container including an interior volume; and
an instructional system located on the container, where the
instructional system includes a first indicia and a second indicia;
where the first indicia includes a first washing machine feature, a
first washing machine load level relative to the first washing
machine feature, and a first dosage amount of a fabric care
treatment composition; where the second indicia includes a second
washing machine feature, a second washing machine load level
relative to the second washing machine feature, and a second dosage
amount of the fabric care treatment composition; where the second
machine load level is greater than first machine load level; and
wherein the second dosage amount is more than the first dosage
amount. The instructional system may include a third indicia that
includes a third washing machine feature, a third washing machine
load level relative to the third washing machine feature, and a
third dosage amount of the fabric care treatment composition. The
third washing machine load level may be greater than the second
machine load level, and the third dosage amount may be greater than
the second dosage amount.
[0009] The present disclosure further relates to automatic laundry
machines that include a washing machine feature and an
instructional system located on the automatic laundry machine. The
instructional system may include indicia that include washing
machine features corresponding to the washing machine features of
the automatic laundry machine.
[0010] The present disclosure further relates to processes of
treating a fabric load and selecting a fabric care treatment
composition dosage amount using the instructional systems disclosed
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings are intended to be illustrative in nature only
and are not intended to be limiting.
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 show instructional systems of the prior
art.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a bag with an instructional system according to
the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a tub with an instructional system according to
the present disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a container lids with instructional
systems according to the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 7 shows a container having an instructional system
according to the present disclosure on a curtain that at least
partially occludes the opening of the container.
[0017] FIG. 8 shows an automatic washing machine with an
instructional system according to the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 9 shows an automatic washing machine with an
instructional system according to the present disclosure on the
interior surface of a door.
[0019] FIG. 10 shows an automatic washing machine with an
instructional system according to the present disclosure on the
interior surface of a door.
[0020] FIGS. 11-17 show instructional systems according to the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The subject matter of the present disclosure meets one or
more of the challenges described above by providing a container
with an instructional system. The instructional system may provide
improved "real-life" indicators of load size. It is believed that
consumers who are presented with instructional system that
correspond to "real life" markers of load sizes are more likely to
provide the recommended dose of fabric treatment composition to the
load, thereby improving the performance benefits of the composition
and consumer satisfaction with the product.
[0022] As described above, a graphic of a laundry basket may not be
relevant to a user's laundry routine. Instead, the present
disclosure relates to instructional systems that include indicia
that correspond to visual cues present in an automatic laundry
machine as used by a consumer. More specifically, the indicia may
illustrate a load size as viewed by the consumer after the load has
been placed in an automatic laundry machine. The load size is
correlated with a recommend dose of a fabric care treatment
composition that is appropriate for that particular load size. A
plurality of indicia, each of which includes a washing machine
feature, a fabric load level relative to the washing machine
feature, and a dosage amount appropriate for each fabric load
level, may be provided to the user, who can visually match his or
her actual load size to the indicia and add the recommended dosage
amount.
[0023] Additionally, the instructional system may be placed in a
location that attracts a user's attention and/or interrupts her
usual laundry routine, thereby providing the user with a cue or
reminder to affirmatively assess load size, which in turn is likely
to make her more mindful of dosage amount.
DEFINITIONS
[0024] As used herein, articles such as "a" and "an" when used in a
claim, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or
described.
[0025] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "comprises,"
"include," "includes," and "including" are meant to be
non-limiting. The term "consisting of" or "consisting essentially
of" are meant to be limiting, i.e., excluding any components or
ingredients that are not specifically listed except when they are
present as impurities.
[0026] The term "substantially free of" as used herein refers to
either the complete absence of an ingredient or a minimal amount
thereof merely as impurity or unintended byproduct of another
ingredient. In some aspects, "substantially free" means that the
composition comprises less than about 0.1%, or less than 0.01%, or
even 0% of an ingredient.
[0027] As used herein, the term "solid" includes granular, powder,
bar, and tablet product forms.
[0028] As used herein, the term "fluid" includes liquid, gel,
paste, and gas product forms.
[0029] As used herein, the term "liquid" refers to a fluid having a
viscosity of from about 1 mPa*s to about 2000 mPa*s, preferably
from about 40 mPa*s to about 1000 mPa*s, more preferably from about
70 mPa*s to about 600 mPa*s at 25.degree. C. at a shear rate of
1000 s.sup.-1. In some embodiments, the viscosity of the liquid may
be in the range of from about 50 mPa*s to about 200 mPa*s at
25.degree. C. at a shear rate of 1000 s.sup.-1. In some
embodiments, the viscosity of the liquid may be in the range of
from about 250 mPa*s to about 500 mPa*s at 25.degree. C. at a shear
rate of 1000 s.sup.-1. The liquids may be Newtonian or
non-Newtonian (shear thinning) liquids.
[0030] As used herein, "fabric care treatment compositions" include
fabric detergents, fabric softeners, 2-in-1 detergent and
softening, pre-treatment compositions and the like. Fabric care
compositions may comprise typical fabric care adjuncts, including
surfactants, builders, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting
agents, dispersants, enzymes, and enzyme stabilizers, catalytic
materials, bleach activators, polymeric dispersing agents, clay
soil removal/anti-redeposition agents, brighteners, suds
suppressors, dyes, additional perfume and perfume delivery systems,
structure elasticizing agents, fabric softeners, carriers,
hydrotropes, processing aids, pigments, and mixtures thereof. The
composition may be a laundry detergent composition comprising an
adjunct selected from the group comprising a shading dye,
surfactant, polymers, perfumes, encapsulated perfume materials,
structurant, and mixtures thereof. The fabric detergent composition
may be used during the main wash process or could be used as
pre-treatment or soaking compositions.
[0031] All temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (.degree. C.)
unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise specified, all
measurements herein are conducted at 20.degree. C. and under the
atmospheric pressure.
[0032] In all embodiments of the present invention, all percentages
are by weight of the total composition, unless specifically stated
otherwise. All ratios are weight ratios, unless specifically stated
otherwise.
Instructional Systems of the Prior Art
[0033] Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, containers of the prior art
may include comparative instructional systems 100. The comparative
systems 100 illustrate a plurality of laundry baskets 110, 115. A
first laundry basket 110 shows a first load level 120, and a second
laundry basket 115 shows a second load level 125. The first load
level 120 corresponds with a first dosage amount 130 of a fabric
care treatment composition 500, and the second load level
corresponds with a second dosage amount 135. In FIG. 1, the first
and second dosage amounts 130, 135 are shown as different volumes
of a fabric care treatment composition 500 in dosing cups 140. In
FIG. 2, the first and second dosage amounts 130, 135 are shown as
different amounts of unitized dose pouches 145. As described above,
a system 100 that illustrates the load level 120, 125 in terms of a
laundry basket 110, 115 may not be user-relevant or may be
challenging for a user to translate to real life.
Container Systems with Instructional Systems
[0034] The present disclosure, on the other hand, relates to
containers 200 having instructional systems 400 that provide
improved "real-life" indicators of load size, such as a volume or
relative height of a load in an automatic washing machine 300. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to container systems,
where the container system includes a container 200 and an
instructional system located thereon 400.
[0035] The container 200 may be any container that is suitable for
containing a fabric care treatment composition 500. The container
may have an interior volume. The container may be a bag, box, or
tub.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the container may be a bag 210, such as
a flexible bag. The bag 210 may be made from a flexible material
215. Materials of use include, but are not limited to film forming
plastics. Film forming plastics may be selected from the group of
polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, Nylon.TM., Barex.TM.,
Evoh.TM. and combinations thereof.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the container may be a tub 220. The tub
220 may be made from a rigid material 225, such as a plastic
material. Any suitable polyolefins and/or polyesters may be used.
Suitable materials include polyethylene terephthalate, high density
polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LPDE), and
combinations thereof.
[0038] The container 200 may include other indicia 250, such as
branding indicia, safety indicia, and/or instructional indicia. The
container 200 may be transparent, transluscent, opaque, or a
combination thereof. For example, the majority of the container 200
may be opaque, and the container may include a window. A portion of
the contents of the container may be able to be seen through the
window, which may be useful to show consumers what the actual
product looks like, or how much is left in the container.
[0039] The container may have a lid 230. The lid may be formed
partially or wholly of a moldable thermoplastic material, such as
polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitryl butadiene
styrene (ABS), polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate or
elastomer, or a blend of these materials. The instructional system
400 may be located on the lid 230. As shown in FIG. 5, the
instructional system 400 may be on an outer surface 232 of the lid
230, such as on an outer surface of the lid. This location may be
useful as the instructional system 400 may be seen nearly every
time the container 200 is opened and/or closed by a user. As shown
in FIG. 6, the instructional system 400 may be on an inner surface
234 of the lid 230, such as the side opposite the top of the lid.
This location may be particularly useful when the lid 230 is
hingeably openable; when the lid 230 is in an open position, the
instructional system 400 may be readily seen by a consumer.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, the container 200 may have a curtain
240. The curtain 240 may partially or fully occlude an opening 222
of the container 200. The curtain 240 may be a flexible material,
for example a moldable thermoplastic material, such as
polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitryl butadiene
styrene (ABS), polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate or
elastomer, or a blend of these materials. Typically, the curtain
240 is not removed or removeable by the consumer. However, the
curtain 240 may include an aperture 245 through which the contents
of the container 200 may be removed. The aperture 245 may include
perforations that the consumer or manufacturer separate in order to
allow access to the contents of the container. The instructional
system 400 may be located on the curtain 240. The instructional
system 400 may be located entirely on one side of the aperture 245,
or the instructional system 400 may be located on more than one
side of the aperture 245. Locating the instructional system 400 on
the curtain 245 may be useful in that the consumer may have to
reach past the curtain 245 each time contents are removed from the
container. Thus, a consumer is likely to observe such a curtain 245
(and any indicia printed thereon) each time the contents are
accessed.
Automatic Washing Machines with Instructional Systems
[0041] The present disclosure also relates to automatic washing
machines 300 that have instructional systems 400 located on the
machines. Suitable automatic washing machines 400 include
front-loading washing machines 302 and top-loading washing machines
304. Machines may be traditional machines or high efficiency
machines. Automatic washing machines 300 typically have an interior
volume in the form of a drum 310 which is sized and configured to
receive the fabric to be treated. The machines 300 may have a
recloseable door 320 that provides access to the drum 310.
Top-loading washing machines 304 may include an agitator 315, which
typically rises vertically from a bottom floor of the drum 310
along an axis of rotation.
[0042] The instructional system 400 may be located on an exterior
surface of an automatic washing machine. The exterior surface may
be any surface visible to a user, such as a front surface 306 or a
top surface 308 of the washing machine 300. FIG. 8 shows a washing
machine 300, specifically a front-loading washing machine 302, with
an instructional system 400 located on an exterior surface of the
washing machine, specifically on a front surface 306.
[0043] The instructional system 400 may be located on an interior
surface 325 of an automatic washing machine 300, such as on an
interior surface 325 of a door 320 or a drum 310. FIG. 9 shows a
front-loading washing machine 302 with a door 320 having a window
330, where an interior surface 325 of the door 320 includes an
instructional system 400 located thereon. FIG. 10 shows a
top-loading washing machine 304 with a door 320, where an interior
surface 325 of the door 320 includes an instructional system 400
located thereon.
Instructional System
[0044] The instructional systems 400 of the present disclosure may
be located on a container 200 or washing machine 300, typically in
a location that may be seen in the course of ordinary use. The
instructional system 400 may be affixed to the container or
machine, printed directly onto the material of the container or
machine, integrally formed as part of the container or machine, or
a combination thereof. The instructional system 400 may be part of
a sticker, which may be affixed to the container by an adhesive, or
part of a magnet. The instructional system 400 may be printed
directly onto the material 215 of a bag 210 or a tub 220. The
instructional system 200 may be integrally formed as the container
200, for example molded or etched into the material 215, 225 of the
container 220 or onto a surface 306, 308 of machine 300.
[0045] The instructional system 400 may contain at least two
portions, such as a first indicia 410 and a second indicia 420.
Typically, each portion or indicia 410, 420 includes at least three
parts: a washing machine feature 412, a washing machine load level
414 relative to the washing machine feature 412, and a dosage
amount 416. FIGS. 11-17 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the
instructional systems 400 described herein.
[0046] The indicia 410 may include a washing machine feature 412.
The washing machine feature 412 of the indicia may be shown in
isolation, or it may be displayed as part of an automatic washing
machine 411. The washing machine feature 412 may be a washing
machine window, a washing machine agitator, a washing machine drum,
a washing machine wall, a washing machine door, or combinations
thereof. The washing machine feature 412 of the present
instructional systems 400 may be stylized and/or simplified; for
example, a window may be drawn as a circle, and an agitator may be
drawn as a simple post or rectangle.
[0047] The indicia 410 may include a washing machine load level
414. The machine feature 412 may provide a frame of reference for
the load level size 414. Therefore, the washing machine load level
414 may be coupled with, or relative to, the washing machine
feature 412. For example, the machine feature 412 may be a window,
for example the window of a front-loading washing machine, and the
window may have an area or a height. As more laundry is added to
the machine, the laundry takes up a greater area of the window, or
is present at a greater fraction of the window height. Therefore,
the relative window area or height taken up by the laundry to be
treated is an indication of load size, and the instructional
systems 400 disclosed herein may correlate such a load level to a
recommended dose of a fabric care treatment composition.
[0048] The load level 414 may be illustrated as a point, as a line,
as an area, or a volume. The load level 414 may also be graphically
represented, such as by differently sized graphics (such as
differently sized articles of clothing--small, medium, large, etc.)
or by different numbers of articles of clothing (one shirt, two
shirts, etc.).
[0049] The indicia 410, 420 of the instructional systems 400
described herein may also include a dosage amount 416. The dosage
amount 416 may be an amount of a fabric care treatment composition
500. The dosage amount 416 may represent a recommended amount of a
fabric care treatment composition 500 that is appropriate for a
load level of a given size. Therefore, a dosage amount 416 may be
coupled with a washing machine load level 414. The dosage amount
416 may be measured and/or represented in any suitable manner, such
as by volume, mass, number, amount of unitized dose articles, or a
combination thereof.
[0050] FIG. 11 shows an instructional system 400 having a first
indicia 410 and a second indicia 420. The first indicia 410
includes a first machine feature 412, which is in the form of a
first window (stylistically represented as a circle), and a first
washing machine load level 414, which is illustrated as a first
shaded portion of the first window. The second indicia 420 includes
a second machine feature 422, which is in the form of a second
window, and a second washing machine load level 424, which is
illustrated as a second shaded portion of the second window. The
second load level 424 is greater than the first load level 414
(i.e., the area of the second shaded portion is greater than the
area of the first shaded portion, and/or the line of the second
window is at a greater fraction of the window's height than the
line of the first window). The first and second windows may be the
same size. Additionally, FIG. 11 includes a first dosage amount 416
and second dosage amount 426 represented as volumes of a liquid
treatment composition 500 in first and second dosing cups 418, 428.
The second dosage amount 426 may be greater (e.g., has a greater
volume and/or mass) than the first dosage amount 416.
[0051] The machine features 412, 424 and load levels 414, 424 of
FIG. 12 are similar to those of FIG. 11. However, the dosage
amounts 416, 426 are represented by different amounts of unitized
dose articles 419. The articles 419 may be in tablet form or in the
form of a pouch, where a fabric care treatment composition 500 is
encapsulated by a water-soluble film. The fabric care composition
encapsulated by the film may be solid, liquid, gel, or combinations
thereof. The first dosage amount shown in the first portion of FIG.
12 is one unitized dose article 419, and the second dosage amount
is two unitized dosing articles 419, 429.
[0052] The instructional systems 400 disclosed herein may include a
machine 411 with a machine feature 412. FIG. 13 shows a first
indicia 410 of the instructional system 400, which includes a first
washing machine 411 having a first washing machine feature 412 in
the form of a window; a first load level 414 is displayed in the
first window, and the first dosage amount 416 is one pouch 419. The
second indicia 420 of the instructional system 400 includes a
second washing machine 421 having a second washing machine feature
422 in the form a window. A second load level 424 is displayed in
the second washing machine window, and the second dosage 426 amount
is two pouches 419, 429.
[0053] The first and second washing machine features 412, 424,
e.g., windows, may each have a height H1, H2. The heights H1, H2 of
the first and second features 412, 422 may be equal. The first load
level 414 may be a first fraction FF of the height H1. The second
load level 424 may be a second fraction SF of the height H2. The
first load level 414 may be a first fraction that is from about 0%
to about 50%, or from about 10% to about 40%, of the height H1 of
the washing machine feature 412. The second load level 424 may be
greater than the first load level 414 and/or a second fraction that
is from about 50% to 100% of the height H2 of the washing machine
feature 422. The first load level 414 may be less than half of the
height, area, or volume of the machine feature 412, and the second
load level 424 may be about half or greater than half of the
height, area, or volume of the machine feature 424.
[0054] FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 13, but the first dosage amount
416 is a first volume of a liquid composition 500 in a first dosing
cup 418, and the second dosage amount 428 is a second volume of a
liquid composition 500 in a second dosing cup 428.
[0055] The instructional systems 400 described herein may include a
third portion or indicia 430, which may include a third washing
machine feature 432, a third washing machine load level 434
relative to the third washing machine feature 432, and a third
dosage amount 436.
[0056] For example, FIG. 15 shows an instructional system 400 that
includes a first portion or indicia 410 and a second portion or
indicia 420. The instructional system 400 further includes a third
portion or indicia 430 that includes a third washing machine 431
having a third washing machine feature 432 in the form of a window.
A third load level 434 is displayed in the third window. The third
portion 430 includes a third dosage amount 436, shown as three
unitized dose articles 419, 429, 439.
[0057] The first load level 414 may be a fraction that is from
about 5% to about 40% of the height of the washing machine feature
412; the second load level 424 may be a fraction that is from about
40% to about 60% of the height of the washing machine feature 422;
and the third load level 434 may be a fraction that is from about
60% to about 100% of the height of the washing machine feature 432.
The first load level 414 may be about one-third of the height,
area, or volume of the machine feature 412; the second load level
424 may be from about half to about two-thirds, or about
two-thirds, of the height, area, or volume of the machine feature
422; and the third load level 434 may be from about 90% to about
100%, or from about 95% to about 100% of the height, area, or
volume of the machine feature 432.
[0058] The instructional system 400 shown in FIG. 16 includes first
and second machine features 412, 422, where the machine features
412, 422 include cross-sectional views of an agitator 450 and a
drum 455. The first and second washing machine load levels 414, 424
are shown relative to the agitator 450 and the drum 455. The dosage
amounts 416, 426 are shown as "x1" pouch 419 and "x2" pouches 419,
respectively.
[0059] The instructional system 400 shown in FIG. 17 includes
perspective views of the machines 411, 421, as well as the drums
455 and agitators 450 located therein. The load levels 414, 424 are
shown as volumes (e.g, of fabrics to be laundered) relative to the
drum volume and/or the agitator height.
[0060] The instructional systems 400 described herein may include
other indicia, such as text, branding, or ornamentations.
Fabric Care Composition
[0061] The container 200 may include a fabric care composition that
is contained in an interior volume of the container 200. The fabric
care treatment composition may be a laundry detergent composition.
The composition may be in the form of a unitized dose article. The
composition may be a pouch, where the composition is encapsulated
by a water-soluble film, which may include polyvinyl alcohol
(PVOH). The pouch may be a mono-compartment pouch, or the pouch may
be a multi-compartment pouch. The pouch may have two, or three, or
four, or five, or more compartments. One or more of the
compartments may have a color. The compartments may be
side-by-side, in a tire-and-rim configuration, and/or superposed on
another compartment. At least one, or at least two smaller
compartments may be superposed on a larger compartment. Suitable
compositions include liquid TIDE.RTM., granular TIDE.RTM., and
pouched compositions such as TIDE.RTM. PODS and GAIN.RTM. FLINGS,
each available from The Procter & Gamble Company (Cincinnati,
Ohio, USA).
[0062] The fabric care treatment composition contained in the
container 200 may correspond with the first and second dosage
amounts 416, 426 illustrated in the first and second indicia 410,
420, respectively, of the instructional system 400 described
herein. For example, if the fabric care treatment composition is in
the form of a unitized dose article, the first and second dosage
amounts 416, 426 may be represented as unitized dose articles 419,
429. When the unitized dose articles have a design, shape, and/or
color, the first and second doses of the indicia may have a similar
or same design, shape, and/or color. When the composition is a
flowable material such as a liquid or a powder, the container
system may include a dosing cap or scoop. In such cases, the first
and second dosage amounts 416, 426 of the first and second indicia
410, 420 may include a dosing cap or scoop that is similar or the
same as the dosing cap or scoop of the container system.
[0063] In order to create a unified product impression, the
container, the composition, and/or the first and second dosage
amounts of the first and second indicia, respectively, may each
comprise the same color, such as orange, blue, white, green, and/or
purple.
Methods of Use
[0064] The present disclose further relates to processes of using
the instructional systems 400 described herein to treat a fabric
load with a fabric care treatment composition. In particular, the
instructional systems 400 are useful for determining what dosage
amount of a composition should be added to an automatic washing
machine.
[0065] The present disclosure relates to a process for treating a
fabric load with a fabric care treatment composition. The process
may include the step of placing a fabric load into an interior
volume of an automatic washing machine, such as the drum, where the
automatic washing machine includes a machine feature, such as a
window or an agitator.
[0066] The user may determine or estimate an actual washing machine
load level by comparing the fabric load to the machine feature.
This may include making a visual estimate of the area or height of
a washing machine window occluded by the fabric load. The actual
load level may also be relative to the height of an agitator or
volume of a washing machine drum.
[0067] The user may compare the actual load level to an
instructional system described herein 400. The instructional system
400 may be provided as part of a container system, which may
include a container 200 with an interior volume. The container
system may include a fabric care treatment composition contained in
the interior volume. The instructional system 400 may be located on
an automatic washing machine 300.
[0068] The instructional system 400 may include a plurality of
indicia 410, 420, where each indicia 410, 420 includes a washing
machine feature 412, 422 that corresponds to the washing machine
feature of the user's actual washing machine. Each indicia 410, 420
may further include a fabric machine load level 414, 424, which may
be coupled to, or relative to, the washing machine feature 412,
414. Each indicia 410, 420 may further include a dosage amount 416,
426 coupled to the fabric load level 414, 424. The plurality of
indicia may include first and second, and optionally third, indicia
410, 420, 430 as described herein.
[0069] The user may choose a selected indicia from the plurality of
indicia 410, 420 of the instructional system. Typically, the
selected indicia will include a fabric machine load level 414, 424
that approximates or corresponds to the actual washing machine load
level. Put another way, the user selects the indicia 410, 420 that
displays a load level 414, 424 most closely resembling the user's
actual load level.
[0070] The user may provide a fabric care treatment composition to
the actual fabric load. The composition, which may be a heavy duty
laundry detergent, may be provided in an amount that corresponds to
the dosage amount displayed in the selected indicia. This may be
recommended volume or amount of unitized dose articles, such as one
or more pouches.
[0071] Once the fabric care treatment composition has been combined
with the fabric load in the drum of the automatic washing machine,
the user may start a treatment cycle. The cycle may include
soaking, washing, and/or rinsing the fabric load. It is understood
that the fabric load may be treated with additional compositions,
such as fabric softeners. The fabric load may also be dried, for
example in an automatic dryer or by line drying.
EXAMPLES
[0072] The following numbered paragraphs provide examples of the
subject matter described herein. The examples are intended to be
illustrative and non-limiting.
[0073] 1. A container system comprising: a container comprising an
interior volume; and an instructional system located on said
container, said instructional system comprising a first indicia and
a second indicia, wherein said first indicia comprises a first
washing machine feature, a first washing machine load level
relative to said first washing machine feature, and a first dosage
amount of a fabric care treatment composition; wherein said second
indicia comprises a second washing machine feature, a second
washing machine load level relative to said second washing machine
feature, and a second dosage amount of said fabric care treatment
composition; wherein said second machine load level is greater than
first machine load level; and wherein said second dosage amount is
more than said first dosage amount.
[0074] 2. The container system according to paragraph 1, wherein
said first and second washing machine features are selected from
the group consisting of a washing machine window, a washing machine
agitator, and combinations thereof.
[0075] 3. The container system according to any of paragraphs 1-2,
wherein said first and second washing machine features are washing
machine windows.
[0076] 4. The container system according to any of paragraphs 1-3,
wherein said first and second washing machine features are the same
size.
[0077] 5. The container system according to any of paragraphs 1-4,
wherein said first dosage amount is a first amount of unitized dose
articles, and wherein said second dosage amount is a second amount
of unitized dose articles.
[0078] 6. The container system according to any of paragraphs 1-5,
wherein said dosage amount is one unitized dose article.
[0079] 7. A container system according to any of paragraphs 1-6,
wherein said container further comprises a fabric care treatment
composition contained in said interior volume.
[0080] 8. A container system according to claim 7, wherein said
fabric care treatment composition is in the form of a unitized dose
article.
[0081] 9. A container system according to any of paragraphs 1-7,
wherein said instructional system further comprises a third
indicia, wherein said third indicia comprises a third washing
machine feature, a third washing machine load level relative to
said third washing machine feature, and a third dosage amount of
said fabric care treatment composition.
[0082] 10. A container system according to any of paragraphs 1-9,
wherein said instructional system is located on a label, wherein
said label is affixed to said container.
[0083] 11. A container system according to any of paragraphs 1-10,
wherein said instructional system is printed directly onto said
container.
[0084] 12. A container system according to any of paragraphs 1-11,
wherein said instructional system is located on an internal surface
of said container.
[0085] 13. A container system according to claim 12, wherein said
internal surface is selected from the group consisting of an
interior surface of a lid said container, a curtain at least
partially occluding an opening of said container, and combinations
thereof.
[0086] 14. A container system according to any of paragraphs 1-13,
wherein said container is a tub or a bag.
[0087] 15. An automatic laundry machine, said machine comprising a
washing machine feature and an instructional system located on said
automatic laundry machine, said instructional system comprising a
first indicia and a second indicia, wherein said first indicia
comprises a first washing machine feature, a first washing machine
load level relative to said first washing machine feature, and a
first dosage amount of a fabric care treatment composition; wherein
said second indicia comprises a second washing machine feature, a
second washing machine load level relative to said second washing
machine feature, and a second dosage amount of said fabric care
treatment composition; wherein said second machine load level is
greater than first machine load level; and wherein said second
dosage amount is more than said first dosage amount.
[0088] 16. An automatic laundry machine according to paragraph 15,
wherein said washing machine features are each a window.
[0089] 17. An automatic laundry machine according to any of
paragraphs 15-16, wherein said first dosage amount is a first
amount of unitized dose articles, and wherein said second dosage
amount is a second amount of a unitized dose articles.
[0090] 18. A process for treating a fabric load, said process
comprising the steps of: (a) placing a fabric load into an interior
volume of an automatic washing machine, wherein said automatic
washing machine comprises a machine feature; (b) determining an
actual washing machine load level by comparing said fabric load to
said machine feature; (c) providing a container system, wherein
said container system comprises a container with an interior
volume, a fabric care treatment composition contained in said
interior volume, and an instructional system located on said
container, said instructional system comprising a plurality of
indicia, wherein each indicia comprises: said washing machine
feature, a fabric load level coupled to said washing machine
feature, and a dosage amount coupled to said fabric load level; (d)
choosing a selected indicia from said plurality of indicia, wherein
said fabric load level of said selected indicia approximates said
actual washing machine load level; (e) providing said fabric care
treatment composition to said fabric load, wherein said fabric care
treatment composition is provided in an amount corresponding to
said dosage amount of said selected indicia; and (f) starting a
treatment cycle of said automatic washing machine.
[0091] 19. The process according to paragraph 18, wherein said
machine feature is a window.
[0092] 20. The process according to any of paragraphs 18-19,
wherein said dosage amount is an amount of unitized dose
articles.
[0093] 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."
[0094] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application and any patent application or
patent to which this application claims priority or benefit
thereof, 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.
[0095] 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.
* * * * *