Consumer product
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-24
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] A consumer product comprising a container and at least one water soluble unit dose article. [Background technology]
[0002] Water-soluble unit dose articles are popular with consumers due to their convenience and ease of use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the water-soluble unit dose article includes a water-soluble film shaped to form at least one internal compartment that contains a single-use dose of detergent. Upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and / or decomposes, releasing the detergent into the surrounding water to generate a cleaning solution.
[0003] Such water soluble unit dose articles are stored and shipped in rigid or flexible plastic containers. Without wishing to be bound by theory, consumers purchase containers containing a plurality of water soluble unit dose articles. The containers are shipped from the manufacturing site to supermarkets and, once purchased, are stored in the consumer's home.
[0004] The problem is that during transportation and storage, the container containing the water-soluble unit dose article may be subjected to extreme fluctuations in temperature. Thus, such environmental changes may result in structural failure of the water-soluble unit dose article. Structural failure may cause the unit dose article to prematurely burst and leak its internal contents. Thus, such leaked contents may further contaminate other water-soluble unit dose articles stored together in the container. A further problem is that such environmental changes may also cause multiple water-soluble unit dose articles to stick together, resulting in the inconvenience to consumers of having to re-separate them before dispensing, or worse, may further cause structural failure of the water-soluble unit dose article when attempting to separate them.
[0005] A further problem is the possibility of accidental premature opening of the containers during shipping, which not only leads to the water-soluble unit dose article being released from the storage container, but may also expose the water-soluble unit dose article to further variations in environmental conditions, including strong temperature fluctuations, in addition to contamination of other enclosed water-soluble unit dose articles. Therefore, such containers include latches to ensure that they remain closed until intentionally opened. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] Thus, a need exists for a consumer product comprising a water soluble unit dose article that has a reduced incidence of structural failure resulting from extreme temperature fluctuations of the water soluble unit dose article during shipping and storage, that minimizes the impact of accidental structural failure of a single water soluble unit dose article on other enclosed water soluble unit dose articles, and that also minimizes accidental premature opening.
[0007] Surprisingly, it has now been found that a consumer product according to the present invention overcomes the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] A consumer product comprising at least one water soluble unit dose article and a container, the at least one water soluble unit dose article comprising at least one water soluble film oriented to create at least one unit dose interior compartment, the at least one unit dose interior compartment comprising a detergent composition, the container comprising a first portion, the first portion comprising a first compartment in which the at least one water soluble unit dose article is contained, the first compartment being accessible through a first opening, the container comprising a second portion, the second portion positioned to prevent access through the first opening when the container is not in use but to prevent access to the first opening when the container is in use. the container comprises a locking means, the locking means comprising a first locking component on the first portion and a second locking component on the second portion, the first locking component engaging the second locking component to prevent movement of the second locking component allowing access to the first opening until the first locking component and the second locking component are disengaged from one another by a user, the first portion comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing the interior compartment, at least a portion of the inner surface of the first portion being constructed from a paper-based material such that the water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article is in direct contact with the paper-based material of the inner surface. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] Shown is a consumer product (1) according to the present invention, comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article (not shown) and a container (2). [Figure 2A] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the container (2) of FIG. [Figure 2B] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the container (2) of FIG. [Figure 2C] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the container (2) of FIG. [Diagram 3] It shows a consumer product (1) according to FIG. 1, in which a second part (4) is connected to a first part (3) via a hinge (21). [Figure 4] 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 5 shows the container according to FIG. 4 in the open position. [Figure 6] 4 and 5, shown completely detached from the second part (4). [Figure 7] The first part (3) according to FIG. 5 is shown, having a larger first opening (6). [Figure 8] 5 shows a top cross-sectional view of the second part (4) according to FIG. [Figure 9] 5 shows a 3D representation of the second part (4) according to FIG. [Figure 10A] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the consumer product (1) according to FIG. [Figure 10B] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the consumer product (1) according to FIG. [Figure 11] The consumer product (1) according to Figures 4 to 9, 10A and 10B is shown with the second locking component (8) in different locations. [Figure 12] A water-soluble unit dose article according to the present invention is disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] consumer products The present invention relates to a consumer product comprising at least one water soluble unit dose article and a container. The water soluble unit dose article and the container are described in more detail below.
[0011] A consumer product may be sold "as is," i.e., the consumer product is the item that a consumer picks up off the shelf. Alternatively, a consumer product may be packaged as a unit of a multi-piece product. For example, two or more consumer products may be packaged within an outer package, with multiple packaged consumer products sold together in a single purchase.
[0012] The consumer product may include an aesthetic element, such as a shrink sleeve or a label affixed to the container, or the container may be colored or printed with aesthetic elements or informational printed matter (e.g., instructions for use).
[0013] Water-soluble unit dose article At least one water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film oriented to create at least one unit dose inner compartment, the at least one unit dose inner compartment comprising a detergent composition, the water-soluble film and the detergent composition being described in more detail below.
[0014] The consumer product comprises at least one water soluble unit dose article, preferably at least two water soluble unit dose articles.
[0015] The water-soluble unit dose article is generally in the form of a pouch. The water-soluble unit dose article contains a unit dose of the composition in a volume sufficient to provide a benefit in the end use.
[0016] The water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film shaped such that the unit dose article comprises at least one internal compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. The at least one compartment comprises a detergent composition. The water-soluble film is sealed to prevent the detergent composition from leaking out of the compartment during storage. However, when the water-soluble unit dose article is added to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and the contents of the internal compartment are released into the wash liquor.
[0017] The unit dose article may include more than one compartment, or even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments, or even at least four compartments, or even at least five compartments. The compartments may be arranged in a nested orientation, i.e., one on top of the other. Alternatively, the compartments may be in a side-by-side orientation, i.e., one adjacent to the other. The compartments may even be oriented in a "tire and rim" configuration, i.e., a first compartment is adjacent to a second compartment, but the first compartment at least partially surrounds, but does not completely encapsulate, the second compartment. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely encapsulated within another compartment.
[0018] When the unit dose article contains at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other. When the unit dose article contains at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third, preferably with the smaller compartment stacked on top of the larger compartment. The stacked compartments are preferably oriented side-by-side.
[0019] Each individual unit dose article may have a weight of from 10g to 40g, or even from 15g to 35g.
[0020] The films of the present invention are water-soluble or water-dispersible. Before the unit dose article is made, the water-soluble film preferably has a thickness of from 20 to 150 microns, preferably from 35 to 125 microns, even more preferably from 50 to 110 microns, and most preferably about 76 microns.
[0021] The preferred film material is preferably a polymeric material, which can be obtained, for example, by casting, blow molding, extrusion or blow extrusion of a polymeric material, as known in the art.
[0022] Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, preferably a blend of polyvinyl alcohol polymers and / or polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, preferably selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, especially carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, and most preferably a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.
[0023] Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a polymer, the polymer comprising a homopolymer, copolymer or mixtures thereof selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, maleic acid / acrylic acid copolymers, starch and gelatin, polysaccharides including xanthum, carragum, or mixtures thereof, preferably a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, and / or anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, preferably selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, in particular a carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.
[0024] Preferred films include those supplied by Monosol under product references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310.
[0025] The film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may include printed areas.
[0026] The printed areas can be obtained using standard techniques such as flexographic or inkjet printing.
[0027] The film may include an aversive agent, such as a bitter agent. Suitable bitter agents include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, denatonium benzoate, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable concentration of the aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable concentrations include, but are not limited to, 1-5000 ppm, or even 100-2500 ppm, or even 250-2000 ppm.
[0028] The water-soluble film or the water-soluble unit dose article or both may be coated with a lubricant. Preferably, the lubricant is selected from talc, zinc oxide, silica, siloxane, zeolite, silicic acid, alumina, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starch, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrin, or mixtures thereof.
[0029] container The consumer product comprises a container. The container comprises a first portion, the first portion comprises a first compartment in which at least one water soluble unit dose article is contained. Preferably, the first compartment comprises at least two water soluble unit dose articles. The first compartment may comprise 1-80 water soluble unit dose articles, or even 1-60 water soluble unit dose articles, or even 1-40 water soluble unit dose articles, or even 1-20 water soluble unit dose articles. The volume of the first compartment may be 500ml-5000ml, preferably 800ml-4000ml.
[0030] The first compartment is accessible through the first opening. Those skilled in the art will recognize the suitable size of the first opening. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the first opening should be large enough to dispense at least a single water-soluble unit dose article at a time. Alternatively, the first opening may be shaped to allow the unit dose article to be poured out of the container. Thus, it should be sized so that at least a single unit dose article is large enough to pass through the first opening. Preferably, the first opening should be large enough to allow a user to pass through his / her hand and dispense at least one water-soluble unit dose article.
[0031] The container includes a second portion, the second portion positioned to prevent access through the first opening when the container is not in use, but movable to allow access to the first opening when the container is in use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the first portion and the second portion are movable relative to one another. This relative movement allows the second portion to block access to the first opening when not in use, while allowing access to the first opening when in use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, a user controls the movement of the first and second portions relative to one another to achieve this.
[0032] The movement of the first and second parts relative to each other can be achieved via any suitable means. Those skilled in the art will recognize suitable means. The first part may slide within the second part. Alternatively, the second part may act as a lid for the first part. The lid may be hinged to the first part or may be completely separate from the first part. Preferably, the second part comprises a top wall and at least one side wall, and the first part comprises a base wall and a first opening, the first opening being opposite the base wall, and the base wall and the first opening being connected by at least one side wall. In the closed position, at least one side wall of the second part at least partially overlaps within one side wall of the first part. In other words, the second part acts as a cover located on the first part, thus blocking access to the first opening. Alternatively, in the closed position, at least one side wall of the first part at least partially overlaps within one side wall of the second part, in other words, the second part is inserted into the first opening and blocks access to the first opening.
[0033] The container further comprises a locking means. The locking means comprises a first locking component on the first portion and a second locking component on the second portion. The first locking component engages with the second locking component to prevent movement of the second portion relative to the first portion sufficient to allow access to the first opening until the first and second locking components are disengaged from one another by a user. Those skilled in the art will recognize suitable locking means for achieving this. A preferred locking means is where the first locking component comprises a tab and the second locking component comprises an abutment against which the tab abuts when in the closed position. The abutment may simply comprise a surface against which the tab abuts. Alternatively, the abutment comprises a slot or pocket that can receive the tab when in the locked position. Preferably, the first locking component is a tab protruding from an outer surface of the first portion and the second portion comprises an abutment against which the first locking tab can be releasably engaged.
[0034] The container may comprise more than one locking means. The container may comprise two locking means. The locking means may be oriented opposite each other on the container such that a consumer can hold the container and use his thumb and fingers to open both locking means simultaneously. Preferably, when the locking means are opposite each other, the container is appropriately dimensioned to allow a user, in particular an adult user, to grasp the container with one hand and use the thumb and fingers of the other hand to open both locking means simultaneously. When the container comprises at least two locking means, preferably the two locking means are spaced apart by a distance of between 70mm and 150mm, more preferably between 80mm and 120mm. Without wishing to be bound by theory, such a distance allows the length of an adult's thumb to pinky finger width to fit ergonomically around the container to allow simultaneous disengagement of the two locking means.
[0035] Preferably, both locking means comprise a first locking component on the first part and a second locking component on the second part. Preferably, both the first locking means and the second locking means comprise tabs on the first part and on the abutments of the second part.
[0036] The first portion has an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface faces the inner compartment. At least a portion of the inner surface of the first portion is constructed from a paper-based material, so that the water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper-based material of the inner surface. In other words, the at least one water-soluble unit dose article contained in the container will be in direct contact with the paper-based material. During storage and transportation, the water-soluble unit dose article may move within the container, but there is no imminence between the water-soluble unit dose article and the paper-based material, except for other water-soluble unit dose articles.
[0037] A paper-based material herein means a material that includes paper. Without wishing to be bound by theory, "paper" herein means a material made from cellulosic pulp. Preferably, the paper-based material includes paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof, and preferably, cardboard includes paperboard, corrugated board, or a mixture thereof. The paper-based material may include a printed image thereon.
[0038] Preferably, the entire inner surface of the first portion is constructed from a paper-based material, and more preferably, the entire first portion is constructed from a paper-based material.
[0039] Preferably, the second portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. Preferably, at least a portion of the inner surface of the second portion is constructed from a paper-based material, preferably the entire inner surface of the second portion is constructed from a paper-based material, and even more preferably the entire second portion is constructed from a paper-based material.
[0040] Preferably, the first locking component is constructed from a paper-based material or the second locking component is constructed of a paper-based material, or a combination thereof.
[0041] The paper-based material may be a laminate comprising paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof, preferably the cardboard comprises paperboard, corrugated board, or a mixture thereof, and at least a second material. When the paper-based material is a laminate, the inner surface of the first part and preferably the inner surface of the second part comprise paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof, preferably the cardboard comprises paperboard, corrugated board, or a mixture thereof, and preferably the outer surface of the first part, the outer surface of the second part, or a mixture thereof comprise the second material. Alternatively, the second material may also be laminated between two paper-based material layers.
[0042] The first locking component may be a tab made from cardboard. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the cardboard comprises a series of grooves. Each groove may be understood to be a channel. The grooves run parallel to one another, with the groove direction being the direction of travel along each channel. Preferably, the tab comprises a fold that runs perpendicular to the groove direction. Such folding of the tab allows the tab to return to its original position, in other words, has a memory property that allows it to spring back. This is preferably so that it can be efficiently re-engaged with the second locking component upon subsequent use.
[0043] Alternatively, the first locking component may be a tab made from paperboard. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it should be understood that paperboard comprises fibers extending in a fiber direction, which is the direction along the longest dimension of the fibers. Preferably, the tab comprises a fold extending perpendicular to the fiber direction. Such folding of the tab allows the tab to return to its original position, in other words, has a memory property that allows it to spring back. This is preferably so that it can be efficiently re-engaged with the second locking component upon subsequent use.
[0044] Those skilled in the art will recognize suitable second materials. Preferably, the second material comprises a plastic material. Preferably, the plastic material comprises polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof. The barrier material may be biaxially oriented polypropylene, metallized polyethylene terephthalate, or a mixture thereof. Alternatively, the second material may be a wax, a cellulosic material, polyvinyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof.
[0045] Preferably, the paper-based laminate comprises more than 50% by weight, preferably more than 85% by weight, more preferably more than 95% by weight of the fibre-based material laminate. Preferably, the plastic material has a thickness of 10 microns to 40 microns, more preferably 10 microns to 35 microns.
[0046] Preferably, the second part is a sleeve that receives the first part therein and the first part is slidable within the second part between an open position, in which the first opening is accessible and the first and second locking components are disengaged from one another, and a closed position, in which the second part blocks access to the first opening when the first and second locking components are engaged.
[0047] Alternatively, preferably, the first part comprises a base wall and a first opening, the first opening being opposite the base wall, the base wall and the first opening being connected by at least one side wall, and the second part comprises a second opening and at least one connecting wall, the first part sliding within the second opening through the second opening, the connecting wall blocking the first opening when in the closed position. In this preferred option, the at least one side wall of the first part comprises a first locking component and the at least one connecting wall of the second part comprises a second locking component. Preferably, the second part comprises an end wall opposite the second opening, the second opening and the end wall being connected via at least one connecting wall.
[0048] The connecting wall has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing the first portion and the outer surface facing an environment external to the container.
[0049] The second locking component may be an abutment formed by cutting a portion of the connecting wall, folding the portion back on itself, and then gluing the folded portion to the inner surface of the connecting wall to create the abutment. The cut portion of the connecting wall forms the opening for the second locking component. Alternatively, if the second locking component is an abutment, it may be formed by gluing a separate piece of material to the inner surface of the connecting wall, preferably the separate piece of material is selected from paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof.
[0050] The container may comprise a stopper means for preventing the first part from being completely removed from the second part. Such a stopper means may comprise a stopper abutment on the second part, which interacts with the first locking component, preferably the first locking component being a tab, which prevents further movement of the first part when pulled from the second part during use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, when the first locking component is disengaged from the second locking component, the first and second parts can move relative to each other. During movement, the first locking component abuts the stopper abutment, preventing any further movement. Alternatively, the stopper means may comprise a stopper tab different from the first locking component, which abuts the second locking means. In this case, without wishing to be bound by theory, after disengagement of the first and second locking components, the first and second parts can move relative to each other, and the stopper tab abuts the second locking means, preventing any further movement.
[0051] The stopper means may be formed by folding back an end of the connecting wall and gluing the folded back portion to the inner surface of the connecting wall. The end of the connecting wall should be understood to mean the edge of the connecting wall which forms the second opening. Alternatively, the stopper means may be formed by gluing a separate piece of material to the inner surface of the connecting wall, preferably the separate piece of material is selected from paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof.
[0052] Alternatively, the second part is a removable lid, and in the closed position the second part blocks access to the first opening, and when in the closed position the first locking component engages with the second locking component, and when in the open position the first locking component and the second locking component are disengaged and the second part is removable to allow access to the first opening. Preferably the second part is attached to the first part via a hinge or the second part is fully removable from the first part. Preferably the second part is fully removable from the first part.
[0053] Preferably, the second portion comprises a top wall and at least one side wall, and the first portion comprises a base wall and a first opening, the first opening being opposite the base wall, the base wall and the first opening being connected by the at least one side wall. In the closed position, the at least one side wall of the second portion overlaps at least partially within one side wall of the first portion. In this preferred example, the first locking component is positioned on the at least one side wall of the first portion and the second locking component is positioned on the at least one side wall of the second portion.
[0054] At least one sidewall of the second portion has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing the first portion and the outer surface facing an environment external to the container, or, in a less preferred alternative, in the closed position, at least one sidewall of the first portion at least partially overlaps within one sidewall of the second portion.
[0055] The second locking component may be an abutment formed by cutting a portion of at least one side wall of the second part, folding the portion back on itself, and then gluing the folded portion to the inner surface of at least one side wall of the second part to create an abutment. The cut portion of at least one side wall of the second part forms an opening in the second locking component. Alternatively, when the second locking component is an abutment, it may be formed by gluing a separate piece of material to the inner surface of at least one side wall of the second part, preferably the separate piece of material is selected from paper, cardboard, or a mixture thereof. Alternatively, when the second locking component is an abutment, it may be formed by folding an end of at least one wall of the second part back on itself and then gluing the folded portion to the inner surface of at least one wall of the second part.
[0056] Detergent Composition The detergent composition may be a laundry cleaning composition, an automatic dishwashing composition, a hard surface cleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The detergent composition may comprise a solid, a liquid, or a mixture thereof. The term "liquid" includes a gel, a solution, a suspension, a paste, or a mixture thereof.
[0057] The solid may be a powder. Powder as used herein means that the detergent composition may contain solid particles or may be a single homogeneous solid. Preferably, the powder detergent composition contains particles. In this case, it is meant that the powder detergent composition contains individual solid particles, and not that the solid is a single homogeneous solid. The particles may be free-flowing or compressed, preferably free-flowing.
[0058] Preferably the detergent composition is a laundry detergent composition, most preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition.
[0059] The laundry detergent compositions may be used in hand fabric washing operations or may be used in automatic fabric machine washing operations, preferably in automatic fabric machine washing operations.
[0060] The laundry detergent composition comprises a non-soap surfactant, the non-soap surfactant comprising an anionic non-soap surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant. Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises 10% to 60% by weight, more preferably 20% to 55% by weight of the laundry detergent composition.
[0061] The weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant is from 1:1 to 20:1, preferably from 3:1 to 17.5:1, more preferably from 5:1 to 15:1, and most preferably from 7.5:1 to 12.5:1.
[0062] The non-soap anionic surfactant comprises a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, an alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof. The weight ratio of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to the alkyl sulfate is from 1:2 to 9:1, preferably from 1:1 to 7:1, more preferably from 1.25:1 to 5:1, and most preferably from 1.4:1 to 3:1.
[0063] Exemplary linear alkylbenzene sulfonates include C 10 ~C 16 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or C 11 ~C 14 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid. By "linear" herein is meant that the alkyl group is straight-chained. Alkylbenzene sulfonates are well known in the art.
[0064] The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may comprise an alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, or a non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof. The alkoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is preferably an ethoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.
[0065] The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, preferably having a molar average degree of ethoxylation of 1-5, more preferably 1-3, and most preferably 2-3.
[0066] The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may include non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfates and ethoxylated alkyl sulfates, and the molar average degree of ethoxylation of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is 1-5, more preferably 1-3, and most preferably 2-3.
[0067] The alkyl fraction of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may preferably be derived from an aliphatic alcohol, an oxo-synthetic alcohol, a Guerbet alcohol, or mixtures thereof.
[0068] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises from 10% to 50% of a non-soap anionic surfactant by weight of the laundry detergent composition, more preferably from 15% to 45%, even more preferably from 20% to 40%, and most preferably from 30% to 40%.
[0069] Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from alcohol alkoxylates, oxo synthetic alcohol alkoxylates, Guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkylphenol alcohol alkoxylates, or mixtures thereof.
[0070] The laundry detergent composition comprises from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.01% to 8% by weight, more preferably from 0.1% to 6% by weight, and most preferably from 0.15% to 5% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a nonionic surfactant.
[0071] Preferably the laundry detergent composition comprises from 1.5% to 20%, more preferably from 2% to 15%, even more preferably from 3% to 10%, most preferably from 4% to 8% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of a soap, preferably a fatty acid salt, more preferably an amine neutralised fatty acid salt, preferably the amine is selected from an alkanolamine, more preferably monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or mixtures thereof, more preferably monoethanolamine.
[0072] Preferably the laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition, more preferably the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises less than 15% water by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition, more preferably less than 12% water.
[0073] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising a non-aqueous solvent selected from 1,2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises from 10% to 40% of the non-aqueous solvent by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition, preferably from 15% to 30% by weight.
[0074] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises a fragrance.
[0075] Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises adjunct ingredients selected from the group comprising enzymes, citrates, bleaches, bleach catalysts, dyes, hueing dyes, brighteners, cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimines, soil release polymers, surfactants, solvents, dye transfer inhibitors, chelating agents, encapsulated fragrances, polycarboxylates, structurants, pH adjusters, and builders including mixtures thereof.
[0076] Preferably the laundry detergent composition has a pH of from 6 to 10, more preferably from 6.5 to 8.9, most preferably from 7 to 8, the pH of the laundry detergent composition being measured as a 10% product concentration in demineralised water at 20°C.
[0077] When liquid, the laundry detergent composition may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition is non-Newtonian. Without wishing to be bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have different properties than Newtonian liquids, more specifically, the viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids is independent of shear rate, whereas Newtonian liquids have a constant viscosity regardless of the shear rate at which they are applied. It is believed that the reduction in viscosity of non-Newtonian liquids upon shear application further facilitates the dissolution of the liquid detergent. The laundry detergent compositions described herein may have any suitable viscosity, depending on factors such as the ingredients formulated and the purpose of the composition.
[0078] Those skilled in the art will know how to formulate and prepare suitable detergent compositions using known knowledge and techniques.
[0079] Manufacturer Those skilled in the art will recognize standard techniques and methods for making the consumer product according to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize methods for making at least one water-soluble unit dose article. Those skilled in the art will recognize standard methods for making the container. Preferably, the first part is constructed from a first blank and the second part is constructed from a second blank.
[0080] Dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, 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." EXAMPLES
[0081] The following are non-limiting examples according to the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 1 shows a consumer product (1) including at least one water-soluble unit dose article (not shown) and a container (2). The container (2) comprises a first portion (3) and a second portion (4). The second portion (4) is a removable lid in this example. In FIG. 1, the container (2) is shown in an open position. The first portion (3) comprises a first compartment (5) in which at least one water-soluble unit dose article is contained (not shown), the first compartment (5) being accessible through a first opening (6). The first portion (3) comprises a first locking component (7) and the second portion (4) comprises a second locking component (8). In FIG. 1, the first locking component (7) is a tab made of paperboard, corrugated board, or a mixture thereof. The second locking component (8) comprises an abutment (10), which is shown in dotted lines and is disposed on the inner surface of at least one wall (9) of the second portion (4). The abutment (10) is created by folding back an end of at least one side wall (9) and adhering the folded back portion to the inner surface of at least one wall (9). The second locking component (8) also includes an opening (11) that allows user access to disengage the first locking component (7) from the second locking component (8). The first portion (3) includes an inner surface (12) and an outer surface (13). At least a portion of the inner surface (12) is constructed from a paper-based material. The container (2) in this example includes two first locking components (7) on either side of the first portion (3) and two corresponding second locking components (8) on either side of the second portion (4).
[0083] 2A, 2B, and 2C show cross-sectional views of the container (2) of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2A, the first locking component (7) engages with an abutment (10) of the second locking component (8). The abutment (10) is formed by folding the bottom edge of the first wall (9) back over itself and adhering the folded portion to the inner surface of at least the first wall of the second portion (9). In FIG. 2A, the user disengages the first locking component (7) from the abutment (10) via application of force (14) through the opening (11). As shown in FIG. 2B, application of force (14) displaces the first locking component (7), allowing the user to move (15) the second portion (4) away from the first portion (3), as shown in FIG. 2C.
[0084] FIG. 3 shows the consumer product (1) according to FIG. 1, but with a second part (4) connected to the first part (3) via a hinge (21).
[0085] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment according to the present disclosure. Shown is a consumer product (1) including a container (2) and at least one water-soluble unit dose article (not shown). The container comprises a first portion (3) and a second portion (4). Also shown is an opening (11) for a user to disengage the first locking component (not shown) from the second locking component (not shown). The container further comprises a notch (16) that allows easy gripping of the first portion (3) as it is pulled from the second portion (4).
[0086] Figure 5 shows the container according to Figure 4 in an open position, where the first part (3) has been pulled out from the second part (4). The first part (3) comprises a first compartment (5) containing at least one water-soluble unit dose article (not shown), the first compartment (5) being accessible through a first opening (6). The first part (3) comprises an inner surface (12) and an outer surface (13). At least a portion of the inner surface (12) is composed of a paper-based material.
[0087] Figure 6 shows the first part (3) of Figures 4 and 5 completely removed from the second part (4). As seen in Figure 6, the first part comprises two first locking components (7), one on each side. In Figure 5, the first locking components (7) are tabs made from paperboard, corrugated board, or a mixture thereof. The first part (3) further comprises stop means (17) at the top and bottom to prevent the first part (3) from being completely pulled out of the second part (4).
[0088] FIG. 7 shows the first part (3) according to FIG. 5, but with a larger first opening (6).
[0089] Figure 8 shows a top cross-sectional view of the second part (4) according to Figure 4. The second part (4) comprises an opening (20) through which the first part (3) can pass. Further shown is an abutment (10) which the first locking component (7) engages when in the locked position. The abutment (10) is formed by cutting a portion of the connecting wall (18), folding said portion back on itself and then gluing said folded portion to the inner surface of the connecting wall (18) to create the abutment (10). Also shown is a stopper means abutment (19) which folds an end of the connecting wall (18) back on itself and gluing the folded portion to the inner surface of the connecting wall (19).
[0090] Figure 9 shows a 3D representation of the second part (4) according to Figure 4. Four connecting walls (21, 22, 23, 24) are shown. The stop means abutment (19) is formed by folding an end of each of the four connecting walls back onto itself and gluing the folded portions to the inner surface of the respective connecting walls (21, 22, 23, 24).
[0091] 10A and 10B show cross-sectional views of the consumer product (1) according to FIG. 4. In FIG. 10A, the first locking component (7) engages with an abutment (10). The abutment (10) is formed by cutting a portion of the connecting wall (18), folding the portion back on itself, and then gluing the folded portion to the inner surface of the connecting wall (18) to create the abutment (10). The resulting hole forms the opening (11). In FIG. 2A, the user disengages the first locking component (7) from the abutment (10) via application of force (14) through the opening (11). As shown in FIG. 2B, application of force (14) displaces the first locking component (7), allowing the user to move (15) the second part (4) away from the first part (3) until the first locking component (7) abuts against a stopper abutment (19) and prevents further movement. FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the consumer product (1) in the open position.
[0092] Figure 11 shows the consumer product (1) according to Figures 4-9, 10A and 10B, but with the second locking component (8) in a different location, i.e., on the same side as the first opening (6). The first locking component (7) and the second locking component (8) interact in the same way as shown in Figure 10. Two openings (11) corresponding to two separate second locking components (8) are shown.
[0093] Figure 12 discloses a water soluble unit dose article according to the present invention. The water soluble unit dose article (3) comprises a first water soluble film (301) and a second water soluble film (302) that are sealed together at a sealing area (303). A detergent composition, preferably a laundry detergent composition (304), is contained within the water soluble unit dose article (3).
[0094] Example 1: Effect of container material Leakers are a continuing complaint for consumers of laundry soluble unit dose articles. Temperature shocks, especially strong temperature drops, during storage exposure have been identified as the central driving force for leakage of unit dose articles in storage containers. In this study, the influence of container materials considering leakage prevention during thermal shock exposure was compared with each other, more specifically, a paper-based container was compared as a single variable with a conventional market plastic type of container. Thus, closure packages of similar dimensions containing 38 water-soluble unit dose articles were exposed to five thermal shock cycles (one cycle: 7 hours in a climatic chamber at 50°C, followed by 15 minutes in a climatic chamber at 20°C). A commercial plastic bag was also added to the comparison. No additional mechanical action (vibration) was applied during the test. After all cycles, the packages were visually inspected for leakers. Five replicates of each container type were tested and the average number of leakers is reported.
[0095] material: Water-soluble unit dose article: Ariel 3-in-1 Pods, launched in the UK in April 2019 Plastic tubs and lids: Ariel 3 in 1 Pods polypropylene tubs and lids, marketed in the UK in April 2019 (dimensions: length = 250mm, height = 135mm, width = 106mm, quantity: 38) Plastic bags: Fairy Platinum multi-layer laminate (polyethylene / polyethylene terephthalate) bags, marketed in the UK in April 2019 (dimensions: length = 278 mm, height = 214 mm, width = 87 mm, quantity: 38) Paperboard containers (dimensions: length = 245 mm, height = 135 mm, width = 96 mm, material: commercially available from BillerudKorsnas Carry under reference BKC480, 100% virgin fibre GN4 480gsm, quantity: 38) Cardboard Container (Dimensions: Length = 245mm, Height = 135mm, Width = 96mm, Material: E-Flute Cardboard Board 382gsm KW2 135 / RF1 90 / Board KW2 135, Quantity: 38)
[0096] result: The leakage results in Table 1 clearly show that, unlike plastic tubes or bags, the paper-based container according to the present invention is leak-free under the effect of thermal shock exposure.
[0097] [Table 1]
[0098] Example 2: Effect of lamination The effect of lamination on leaker formation during thermal shock exposure was tested by adding a paper layer (A4-80 gsm paper glued onto the surface) over the entire inside and the entire outside of a 38 piece plastic polypropylene tub (as in Example 1). Both legs are therefore designed to have the same thermal inertia during thermal shock intended to evaluate the role of lamination as a single variable. Both tubs were again filled with 38 pouches and exposed through 5 thermal shock cycles as above.
[0099] result: The leakage results in Table 2 clearly show that the lamination of the paper-based material with a secondary plastic material does not render the learning experience Example 1 above obsolete, but it is important to have the lamination on the inside of the storage container.
[0100] [Table 2]
[0101] Dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, 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."
Claims
1. A consumer product comprising at least one water-soluble unit-dose article and a container, The at least one water-soluble unit-dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film oriented to form at least one unit-dose internal compartment, the at least one unit-dose internal compartment comprises a detergent composition. The container comprises a first portion, the first portion comprising a first compartment having a volume of 500 ml to 5000 ml containing the at least one water-soluble unit-dose article, the first compartment being accessible through a first opening. The container comprises a second portion, which is positioned to prevent access through the first opening when the container is not in use, but is movable to allow access to the first opening when the container is in use. The container is equipped with a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising a first locking component made of a paper-based material on the first portion, and a second locking component made of a paper-based material on the second portion, The first locking component engages with the second locking component to prevent movement of the second portion that allows access to the first opening until the first locking component and the second locking component are disengaged from each other by the user. The second part is a removable lid, which is attached to the first part. When the second part is in the closed position, it blocks access to the first opening. When in the closed position, the first locking component engages with the second locking component. When in the open position, the first and second locking components are disengaged, and the second part is removable to allow access to the first opening. The first part comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface facing the first compartment, A consumer product in which at least a portion of the inner surface of the first part is constructed from a paper-based material, and as a result, the water-soluble film of the at least one water-soluble unit-dose article is in direct contact with the paper-based material of the inner surface.
2. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the entire inner surface of the first portion is constructed from a paper-based material.
3. The consumer product according to claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least a portion of the inner surface of the second portion is constructed from a paper-based material.
4. The consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the paper-based material includes cardboard.
5. The consumer product according to claim 4, wherein the paper-based material is a laminate.
6. The consumer product according to claim 5, wherein the laminate comprises cardboard and at least a second material, the cardboard including paperboard or corrugated cardboard, and the second material including a plastic material.
7. The consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first locking component is a first locking tab protruding from the outer surface of the first portion, and the second portion comprises a contact portion into which the first locking tab can be releasably engaged.
8. The consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detergent composition is a liquid, a solid, or a mixture thereof.
9. The consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the water-soluble film comprises a polymer, the polymer comprising a homopolymer, copolymer, or mixture thereof, selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, celluloseamide, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acid and salt, polyamino acid or peptide, polyamide, polyacrylamide, maleic acid / acrylic acid copolymer, starch and gelatin, polysaccharides including xanthum and carragum, or mixtures thereof.
10. The consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second portion is a sleeve therein which the first portion is received, and the first portion is slidable within the second portion between an open position in which the first opening is accessible and the first locking component and the second locking component are disengaged from each other, and a closed position in which the second portion blocks access to the first opening and the first locking component and the second locking component are engaged.
11. The first portion comprises a base wall and a first opening, the first opening being on the opposite side of the base wall, and the base wall and the first opening being connected by at least one side wall. The second portion comprises a second opening and at least one connecting wall, the first portion slides within the second portion through the second opening, and the connecting wall blocks the first opening when in the closed position. The consumer product according to claim 10, wherein the at least one side wall of the first portion comprises the first locking component, and the at least one connecting wall of the second portion comprises the second locking component.
12. The consumer product according to claim 11, wherein the second part can be completely removed from the first part.
13. The consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first portion is constructed from a first blank, and the second portion is constructed from a second blank.