Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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KEYED INSERT FOR DISPENSING OF LAUNDRY ADDITIVES IN
AUTOMATIC MACHINE
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to systems, methods and devices for
adding
separate laundry additive materials to the dnnn (tub) of an automatic fabric
laundering
(washing) machine during its cycle of operation. The separate laundry additive
materials
themselves are packaged in a unit dose form which is inserted into a holder
device within
the washing machine dnim in order to effect dispensing of the materials into
the dmm.
Background of the Invention
[0002] There are a great many types of laundry additive materials suitable for
use in
automatic washing machines for fabric laundering. Cleaning agents such as
surfactants
and detergent builders are used to assist in the mechanical removal of soil
and stains from
fabrics being laundered. Bleaching agents, enzymes and adjuvants relating
thereto are
designed to promote chemical degradation and removal of soils and stains.
Fabric
conditioners, softeners, anti-wrinlcle agents, soil release materials and
similar agents serve
to alter and enhance the condition, appearance or feel of laundered fabrics.
Other
auxiliary materials, such as pH adjustment and control agents, buffers,
solvents,
dispersants, anti-redeposition agents, dye transfer inhibitors, stabilizers,
preservatives,
perfumes, dyes and the like are used to alter the aqueous environment in the
automatic
washing machine drum to provide for optimum performance of the active laundry
additive materials or to improve the quality or aesthetics of commercialized
laundry
products containing these active additive materials.
[0003] The several types of laundry additive materials described hereinbefore,
frequently intermingled or admixed together in a wide variety of combinations
for
convenience, are commonly marketed to consumers in bulk quantities, in either
solid, i.e.,
granular or tablet, or liquid form. To carry out the laundering operation, the
consumer
then adds aliquots of product as needed or desired from the bulk products
lllto the
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automatic washing machine dnim in appropriate amounts and at appropriate times
during
the laundering cycle.
[0004] A number of attempts have been made, to market fabric laundering
products in
"unit dose" form whereby aliquots of combinations of laundry additive
materials are
provided in pre-measured, pre-packaged form. The consumer can then
conveniently add
one of these unit dose aliquots to the automatic washing machine, e.g., into
the dnim, at
the beginning of the laundry cycle and not have to measure product from bulls
or add
product to the cycle at different subsequent points in time.
[0005] Several factors complicate the provision of multiple types of laundry
additive
materials in unit dose form. In the first place, many types and forms of
laundry additives
are not compatible with each other within a single concentrated product.
Different types
of materials may chemically interact with each other when admixed in
concentrated form,
thereby degrading and rendering one or both types ultimately ineffective for
its intended
purpose. Such incompatibility works against combining such materials together
within a
single unit dose product.
[0006] Secondly, during the laundering cycle itself, different types of
laundry additives
work best under different sets of conditions which occur as the laundering
operation
progresses through its cycle which generally includes washing and rinsing
stages within
the dmm. It therefore becomes advantageous to add different types of laundry
additives
to the washing machine dmm at different times during the laundering cycle.
This timed
or staged addition of separate, distinct materials to the automatic washing
machine drum
is also difficult to accomplish with product packaged in unit dose form.
[0007] Given the foregoing difficulties in formulating unit dose products for
use in
fabric laundering operations cauried out in a multi-cycle, do im-containing
automatic
washing machine, it is desirable to provide a system which can effectively
utilize laundry
additive products in unit dose fOr111 to deliver a wide variety of ingredients
to the drum of
an automatic fabric laundering machine during its operational cycle. This is
realized by
providing a unit dose in the form of a package having at least one
compartment. Such a
package is then placed as an insert into a housing device which is positioned
within the
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washing machine drum and which serves to bring about the dispensing of laundry
additives from the several compartments of the insert. Additionally due to
these
formulating difficulties, it is important that the supplier of these products
be able to
control their use so that materials that are inferior or improperly selected
or formulated
cannot be used with the dispenser system and cannot be passed off as the
laundry additive
materials of the supplier. If improper laundry additives are used in the
dispenser, they
could damage the supplier's reputation and/or diminish the supplier's good
will.
Additionally, if the laundry additives are not contained in the correct
compartments, the
wrong additive may be released at any given time in the laundry cycle. Thus,
in addition
to providing a system for adding laundry additives during the laundry cycle, a
system is
also desired that enables the supplier to control the quality and use of the
laundry
additives used in the system.
Summary of the Invention
[0008] In order for the laundry dispenser device to work effectively, there is
a need to
ensure that the inserts are positioned properly in the housing so that the
correct laundry
additives are released at the correct time during the laundry cycle.
Funthernore, there is a
desire by the manufacturer of the laundry dispenser device that only the
manufacturer's
products are used in the dispenser to maintain product quality. In order to
achieve this,
inserts are designed with a "lcey," so that only inserts with the lcey can be
used with a
housing having a corresponding feature (a "lock"). The lcey has a
characteristic shape
that interfaces with a corresponding shape in the housing both to ensure that
the insert is
positioned properly in the housing and to maintain product quality by
providing that only
inserts having the lcey are receivable and/or useful with the housing. In this
way, the
supplier of the housing can ensure that only laundry additive materials that
are compatible
with the system are used in association with the housing.
[0009] One non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is an insert which
can be
placed within a housing struchire mounted in a washing machine drum. The
insert
comprises at least one compartment for containing one or more laundry additive
materials
which are to be added at the same or different times to the contents of the
washing
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machine drum during the laundering cycle. The insert further comprises a lcey
having a
characteristic shape that interfaces with a corresponding shape in the housing
to prevent
the insert from being improperly positioned in the housing.
[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention is a system for dispensing
laundry
additive materials into the one or more stages of the laundering cycle which
occur during
the operation of a drum-containing automatic fabric laundering washing
machine. This
system comprises: a housing structure positioned within the washing machine in
a fixed
spatial relationship to the washing machine dnim. The housing structure
comprises a
base and an operable and closable lid for the base; and an insert which can be
placed
within the housing structure. The insert comprises at least one or more
compartments for
containing one or more laundry additive materials which are to be added at the
same or
different times to the contents of the washing machine drum during the
laundering cycle.
The insert further comprises a lcey having a characteristic shape that
interfaces with a
corresponding shape in the housing to ensure that the insert is properly
positioned in said
housing. In one embodiment of the invention, the insert is placed in the
housing and the
housing is placed in the laundry dntm at the beginning of the laundry cycle.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0011] Figure 1A and 1B of the drawings show a front and back view of a unit
dose
insert positioned within a closed housing str~.vcture suitable for practice of
the present
invention.
[0012] Figures 2A and 2B of the drawings show a front and side view of the
insertion
and use of a mufti-compartmented unit dose insert into one embodiment of a
lidded, rigid
housing strucW re suitable for the practice of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 3 shows the insert with a "lcey" feature being used in a housing
structtue
with a base having a corresponding feaW re in accordance with one embodiment
of the
invention.
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[0014] Figures 4 and 4B show the insert with a "lcey" feature being used in a
housing
stricture with a lid having a corresponding feature in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] Figure 5 shows a front view of an insert with a lcey in accordance with
one
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] Figure 6 shows a front view of an insert with a lcey in accordance with
another
embodiment of the invention.
[0017] Figure 7 shows a front view of an insert with a lcey in accordance with
yet
another embodiment of the invention.
[0018] Figure 8 shows a front view of an insert with a lcey in accordance with
yet a
further embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Descuiption of the Invention
[0019] Figure 1A shows a front view of an insert 40, such as depicted in
Figures 5-8,
which has been inserted into a housing structure 41 which has been closed with
the insert
40 inside. The housing strucW re 41 itself comprises a base plate 42
surrounded by a side
wall structure 43 affixed to the base plate 42. A lid 44 completes the housing
stmcture
and is affixed to the sidewall stmcW re 43 by means of a hinge pin 45. More
details of the
internal components of the housing structure 41 are shown in the views of
Figure 2A and
2B. The housing stnichire is formed from a rigid plastic material in one
embodiment of
the invention. The housing stricture includes openings such as the u-shaped
collar
opening 47 and the side opening 48 that enable water to easily flood the
dispenser.
[0020] Figure 1B shows a back view of a lidded housing stmcW re 41. The base
plate 42
comprises attachment means 61 which may be used to affix the housing stricture
41 to
the inside wall of an automatic washing machine dnim (not shown). The
attachment
means 61 is fiirther described in U.S. Application Serial No. 60/435,646 filed
December
20, 2002 and non-provisional U.S. Application Serial No. 10/731,429 filed
December 16,
2003. The 110LlSlllg stnictizre 41 is affixed to the washing machine dnun in a
manner such
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that the base plate 42 is parallel to the axis of the washing machine dr~.un
and is hence
perpendicular to the direction of centrifugal force which arises during the
washing
machine spin cycle.
[0021] Figure 2A shows a progression from left to right in the drawings in
which the
housing structure 51 shown partially inserted into the housing str~.tcture 51,
followed with
the insert 50 shown fully inserted, and finally showing the insert 50 fully
inserted with the
lid 54 fully closed. Figure 2B shows the same progression. The insert 50 is
shown as
comprising wash additive compartments and/or rinse additive compartments 70,
71. The
insert 50 is inserted into the housing structure with the compartments 70, 71
positioned
toward the housing stmcture lid. The lid 54 is opened by squeezing the ends 55
of the lid
54 and moving the lid 54 away from the base of the base plate 52. The insert
50 is slid
into the lid 54 so that when the lid 54 is closed, the latching mechanism 62
is engaged. In
one embodiment as a consequence of closing and latching, the compartments 70
and 71
of the insert 50 impinge upon a pair of puncturing elements 63 associated with
the base
plate 52. This action punctures the compartments 70 and 71 of the insert 50.
The
contents of the compartments 70 and 71 are not dispensed if the resulting
punctures are
well above the contents contained within the compartments 70 and 71 in this
embodiment.
[0022) One embodiment of the present invention relates to inserts used to
dispense
laundry additive materials into the drum of an automatic washing machine as
that
machine is used for fabric laundering operations. More specifically, the
inserts of the
present invention include a lcey. The term "lcey" includes features that
interface with
corresponding featLtres in the housing to ensure that the insert is positioned
properly in the
housing or to ensure that inserts that do not have the lcey cannot be used in
association
with housing. Non-limiting examples of suitable keys include aperhires,
notches,
extensions, tabs, and/or protnisions on the insert that interface with
corresponding
features or shapes in the housing. For example, the lcey can be an aperhire in
the insert
and the aperture can be any geometric shape that will interface with a
corresponding
stmctttre, such as a post, in the housing. The lcey can also be a protrusion,
extension or
post on the insert that will interface with a corresponding feature on the
housing. The lcey
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can also be a combination of apertures, notches, extensions, tabs or
protnisions on the
insert that interface with a corresponding combination of features in the
housing. The
examples mentioned are for the purpose of illustration. Those skilled in the
art will
recognize that a variety of shapes and feaW res can be used as the lcey
[0023] Figure 3 shows the insert with a semi-circular "lcey" feaW re being
used in a
housing structure with a base having a corresponding feature in accordance
with one
embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 shows an insert 80 having a U-shaped
notch 81 at
the bottom of the insert 80 that functions as a lcey. In effect, the lcey
allows the insert 80
to be used with a housing with a base 82 having a U-shaped abutment 83 at the
bottom of
the base 82. Conversely, inserts that do not have the U-shaped notch at the
bottom of the
insert cannot be used in the housing strucW re having such a corresponding
feature.
Accordingly, the lcey ensures that the insert is positioned properly in the
housing and that
inserts that do not have the key features with this specific housing cannot be
used.
[0024] Figure 4A shows the insert 90 with a "key" feature being used in a
housing
stricture with a lid 92 having a corresponding feature in accordance with
another
embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows an insert 90 having a U-shaped
notch 91 at
the bottom of the insert 90 that functions also as a lcey. In effect, the lcey
would allow the
insert 90 to be used with a housing with a lid 92 having a U-shaped abutment
93 at the
bottom of the lid 92. Conversely, inserts that do not have the U-shaped notch
at the
bottom of the insert cannot be used in the housing structure having such a
corresponding
feature. Accordingly, the key ensures that the insert is positioned properly
in the housing
and that inserts that do not have the key features with this specific housing
cannot be
used. The lid 92 also includes an angled wall 94 as shown in Fig. 4B that
inserts into the
space 95 between the compartments 96 and 97.
[0025] The unit dose insert, the housing stmcture and their relationship to
each other for
use in the systems and methods and lcits herein are all illustrated fiu-ther
by the
accompanying drawings. Figures 5-8 show front views of the insert with various
"lcey"
features in accordance with different embodiments of the invention.
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[0026] Figure 5 of the drawings shows a two-compartment unit dose insert 100
which
can be employed in the practice of the present invention. This compartmented
unit dose
insert 100 can be made of a material such as thermoformed polypropylene (other
materials are discussed below). It has a compartment 102 suitable for storage
of liquid
laundry additive, such as heavy duty liquid detergent, to be dispensed into
the wash cycle
of a laundering operation. The two-compartment unit dose insert 100 also has a
smaller
minor compartment 101 suitable for holding a liquid laundry additive, non-
limiting
examples of which include a fabric conditioning agent or pH control agents, to
be
dispensed into the rinse cycle of the laundering operation. Prior to use, both
compartments are sealed across the back with a punctvirable or rupW rable
layer of a
material, non-limiting examples of which include elm or foil which covers both
compartments 101 and 102. Furthermore, the compartments 101, 102 have V-shaped
bottoms 103, 104. The compartments 101, 102 are contiguous and the lcey is
formed by
the space 105 between the V-shaped bottoms of the compartments. The insert 100
would
be used with a housing having a feaW re that can be in the lid or the base
having a shape
corresponding to the shape of space 105 to ensure that the insert is
positioned properly.
Furthermore, inserts that do not have the key as shown in Figure 5 cannot be
used in the
aforementioned housing. One advantage of the V-shaped bottom is that it
provides a lcey
struchire but also facilitates draining the additive from the compa~~tments.
In addition to
V-shaped bottoms, the compartments could be formed with other shaped bottoms
that
give the insert a unique shape.
[0027] Figure 6 shows an insert 110 having compartments 112 and 113 for
laundry
additives with a different key featZ.ire in accordance with another embodiment
of the
invention. The insert 110 includes a triangular aperture 115 that functions as
a lcey. The
lcey would allow the insert to be used with a housing having a protniding feaW
re such as a
post corresponding in shape to the triangular aperture. Conversely, inserts
that do not
have the triangular aperhire cannot be used in the housing having the
corresponding
feature to the triangular apertlue. Other shaped aperhires could also be used
such as
circular or polygonal shaped. An additional lcey feature for this insert is
the V-shape of
the bottom 111 of the insert 110. This V-shaped bottom 111 of the insert 110
would be
usable in a housing having the corresponding feaW re to this V-shape bottom 11
l, for
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example, a housing having a V-shaped slot in the lid so that only inserts with
the V-
shaped bottom can be used with the specific housing. Accordingly, the lcey
ensures that
the insert is positioned properly in the housing and that inserts that do not
have the lcey
features with this specific housing cannot be used. The shape of the
compartments 112
and 113 also cooperates with the puncturing elements indicated by the dotted
lines 114
that are provided in the dispenser base to puncture the compartments when the
insert 110
is inserted.
[002] Figure 7 shows another insert 120 with yet another lcey feaW re in
accordance
with another embodiment of the invention. The insert 120 has compartments 122
and 123
and a triangular aperW re 125 that fimctions as a lcey. In addition, the
insert 120 has a V-
shaped notch 121 at the bottom of the insert that functions also as a lcey.
The lcey would
allow the inseu to be used with a housing having both a corresponding feature
to the
triangular aperture 125 and a corresponding feature to the V-shaped notch 121.
For
example, a corresponding feature to the V-shaped notch 121 may be a V-shaped
slot in
the housing lid so that only inserts with the V-shaped notch 121 can be used
with this
particular housing. Additionally, the shape of the compartments parallels the
puncturing
elements 124 in the base of the dispenser. When placed in the slot and the lid
is closed,
the aperture 125 would slide over or receive a triangular shaped post in the
housing.
Conversely, inserts that do not have both the triangular aperture and the V-
shaped notch
at the bottom of the insert cannot be used in the housing having such
corresponding
features. Accordingly, the lcey ensures that the insert is positioned properly
in the
housing and that inserts that do not have the lcey features with this specific
housing
cannot be used.
[0029] Figure 8 shows another insert 130 with a lcey feature in accordance
with another
embodiment of the invention. The insert 130 has compartments 132 and 133 and a
post
135 that functions as a lcey. In addition, the insert 130 has a U-shaped notch
131 at the
bottom of the insert 130 that functions also as a lcey. In effect, the lcey
would allow the
insert 130 to be used with a housing having both an aperture to receive the
post 135 and a
U-shaped abutment at the bottom of the lid. Conversely, inserts that do not
have both the
post and the U-shaped notch at the bottom of the insert cannot be used in the
housing
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having such corresponding features. Accordingly, the lcey ensures that the
insert is
positioned properly in the housing and that inserts that do not have the key
features with
this specific housing cannot be used.
[0030] The insert in accordance with the invention can be used in a wide
variety of
dispensers. A number of dispensers have been disclosed which mount on a wash
drum
and dispense laundry additive materials. The dispensers described in the
following are
for the purposes of illustration only. The insert of the present invention is
not limited to
use in these dispensers only.
[0031] One example of a dispenser is described in U.S. Publication No.
2003!0172960
published on September 18, 2003. The dispenser is directed to an arrangement
of
mechanical elements which provides for the timed dispensing of rinse additive
materials
into the rinse stage of the laundering cycle which occur during the operation
of a dmm-
containing automatic fabric laundering machine. Such an arrangement comprises
a rigid
housing stnicW re positioned within the washing machine drum, a unit dose
package
which can be placed as an insert within the housing and which contains the
rinse additive
materials to be dispensed into the washing machine dnim, means for opening the
insert to
permit the release of its contents into the housing structure, and means for
permitting flow
of the emptied rinse additive materials from the housing structure into the
washing
machine dnim. The dispenser comprises a means to open at least the rinse
additive-
containing compartments) of the unit dose insert. The opening of this
compartments)
occurs after initiation of the spin cycle of the washing machine operation,
and the means
for opening this compartments) of the insert are activated by the centrifugal
force which
arises as a consequence of running through the spin cycle during the operation
of the
washing machine. The opening of the rinse additive compartments) of the insert
permits
the emptying of tile compartment contents within the housing stricture. These
emptied or
emptiable contents are then held within the housing stmcture by the spin cycle
centrifugal
force and emptied into the washing machine drum upon commencement of the rinse
cycle. An insert having a lcey in accordance with the present invention can be
used with
the foregoing dispenser.
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[0032] A second example of a dispenser is described in U.S. Publication No.
2003/0172961 published September 18, 2003. The dispenser is directed to an
arrangement of mechanical elements which provides for the sequential
dispensing of
laundry additive materials into the several stages of the laundering cycle
which OCCLU'
during the operation of a drum-containing automatic fabric laundering machine.
Such an
arrangement comprises a rigid housing strivcture positioned within the washing
machine
drum, a multi-compartmented insert which can be placed within the housing and
which
contains the laundry additive materials to be dispensed into the washing
machine dnim,
and a means for opening the compartments of the multi-compartmented insert.
The
dispenser has means associated with it which serve to open at least a first
compautment of
the mufti-compartmented insert upon closing of the lid of the housing
structure after the
insert has been positioned within the housing stnichire. The opening of the
first
compartments) permits the dispensing of the contents of the opened
compartment(sj into
the washing machine drivm at the beginning of the washing cycle. The dispenser
also
comprises additional means associated with either the housing stnicW re or
with the insert
or with both to open one or more additional compartments of the insert. Such
additional
compartments) contain laundry additive materials) which is/are different from
that in at
least one of the previously opened compartments of the insert. The opening of
these
additional compartments occurs after initiation of the spin cycle of the
washing machine
operation, and the means for opening the additional compartments of the insert
are
activated by the centrifugal force which arises as a consequence of nmning
through the
spin cycle during the operation of the washing machine. As with the opening of
the first
compartment(s), the opening of the additional compartments) of the insert
permits the
dispensing of the compartment contents into the washing machine dn,im. An
insert
having a lcey in accordance with the present invention may be used with the
foregoing
dispenser.
[0033] A third example of a dispenser described in U.S. Patent Application
Serial No.
entitled Universal Dispenser for Selective Dispensing of Laundry Additives
During Automatic Machine Laundering of Fabrics filed on even date herewith
(Procter
&Gamble Docket No. 9505). That dispenser provides for the selective dispensing
of
laundry additive materials into the one or more stages of the laundering cycle
which occur
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during the operation of a drum-containing automatic fabric laundering machine,
wherein
laundry additive materials may be dispensed in the wash cycle, rinse cycle or
both the
wash and rinse cycle. In one embodiment, the dispenser has a selectively acW
atable
puncturing element associated with it which serves to selectively open at
least a first
compartment of an insert upon closing of the lid of the housing stricture
andlor after the
insert has been positioned within the housing stricture. In a more specific
embodiment,
the selective puncturing element is an ann having a weight and a knife. Under
the
centrifugal force of the spin cycle, the arm pivots the lazife so that the
lcnife mpW res the
insert.
[003] For purposes of this invention, "laundry additive materials" can
comprise any
solid or liquid materials which are conventionally added to the automatic
washing
machine drum, along with the fabrics being laundered, in order to effectively
carry out the
desired laundering procedure. Thus the list of suitable "laundry additive
materials"
includes, but is not limited to, detersive surfactants, detergent builders,
bleaches,
enzymes, bleach and enzyme stabilizers, bleach and enzyme activators, aqueous
and non-
aqueous solvents, pH adjustment and control agents, dispersants, anti-
redeposition agents,
dye transfer inhibitors, preservatives, anti-microbial agents, soil release
agents, anti-
wrinlcle agents, fabric softeners and conditioners, chelating agents, suds
suppressors, suds
boosters, optical brighteners, perfiimes, pro-perfumes, dyes, and carriers. A
more
detailed description of various laundry additive materials usefvil in this
invention can be
found in WO 00/02982 and WO 00102987.
[0035] Dispensing of laundry additive materials in accordance with this
invention takes
place in a conventional automatic washing machine useful for the laundering of
fabrics.
Such automatic washing machines are those typically found in the home or in
businesses
such as self service Laundromats wherein individual consumers can launder
their own
loads of fabrics.
[0036] Automatic washing machines of the "North American" configuration
typically
utilize an upright or vertical drum or tub into which fabrics to be laundered
are placed.
Fabrics and laundry additives are added into the washing machine tub or dnim,
which is
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usually cylindrical, from the lidded top of the machine and are thus generally
referred to
as "top-loading" machines. Such North American style machines will frequently
utilize a
vertical agitator element placed along the axis of the drum. Rotation and
vertical motion
of the agitator serves to intensify the contact of fabrics in the dnun with
wash and rinse
water in the dnim. Japanese washing machines are typically similar in
configuration to
the North American machines.
[0037] Automatic washing machines of the "European" configuration commonly
utilize
a drum or tub, also generally cylindrical, which is positioned with the dn.im
axis sideways
or in a horizontal position. Fabrics and laundry additive materials are placed
into the tub
or dnim of a washing machine of this configuration though a door on the front
wall of the
machine and are thus generally referred to as "front-loading" machines.
Automatic
washing machines of the European configuration typically do not utilize an
agitator
device or element.
[0038] Both North American and European automatic washing machines utilize a
cycle
of operation wherein the machine goes through a series of steps in which water
is added,
contacted with fabrics being laundered and then removed from the washing
machine
dnim. Thus after fabrics are added to the drum, the first step in the
laundering cycle is
usually a washing step wherein significant amounts of water are added to the
dnim. The
washing step involves a period wherein the fabrics being laundered are
contacted with
substantial amounts of water, generally with agitation or rotation of the
dnim. Water in
the washing step will usually contain the primary laundry additives such as
surfactants,
builders, bleaches and/or enzymes which assist in and promote the removal of
soil and
stains from the fabrics being laundered.
[0039] At the conclusion of the washing step, water is removed from the
washing
machine drum. Frequently, this is brought about by gravity flow of wash water
from the
dnvm through appropriate valve configurations. Generally wash water is also
removed by
means of centrifugal force brought about by the dnim rotating rapidly in a
spin cycle.
This centrifugal force moves water in the drum through holes or apertures in
the
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circumferential walls of the drum. These holes lead to drainage means which
can be
opened and Sllllt.
[0040] After the initial spin cycle, clean water is added back to the dlm in a
rinse
cycle. Secondary laundry additives non-limiting examples of which include
fabric
softeners or conditioners are generally contacted with the fabrics being
laundered during
the rinse cycle. Washing machine operation may also involve several additional
spinning
and rinsing cycles.
[0041] The housing structure used with the insert in accordance with one
embodiment
of the present invention is positioned in a fixed spatial relationship to the
washing
machine dnlm. Preferably, the housing structure is rigid and is positioned
within the
washing machine drum in a location such that it will be in contact with the
wash or rinse
water in or being added to the dnim during the wash and/or rinse cycles of the
launder ing
operation. The housing stnichlre may be positioned on or near the washing
machine
agitator (if there is one) or may be positioned on the floor (top loaders) or
rear wall (front
loaders) of the drum. Most preferably, however, the rigid housing structure
will be
affixed to the inner circumferential wall of the washing machine drum in a
position so
that at least at some point during the washing and rinsing cycles it is in
contact with water
used in the cycle. For North American washing machines, this position will
preferably be
below the fill line for water in the dnim.
[0042] The hO115111g 5trllCttlre C0111pr15eS a base element and an operable
and closable lid
for the base. Typically this arrangement involves a hinged lid on a three-
dimensional
base element. The three-dimensional base element can be sized and configured
in order
to hold in an appropriate way the insert which carries the additive materials
to be
dispensed.
[0043] The housing stlcture can be fashioned from any suitable solid material
including but not limited to plastic, metal, ceramic, wood, etc. Preferably
the housing
stricture will be fashioned from thermoformed or injection molded plastic so
that it can
be readily and cost effectively mass-produced.
14
CA 02514927 2005-07-29
WO 2004/072351 PCT/US2004/004345
[0044] The unit dose insert itself is sized and configured so as to work
cooperatively
with the housing structure into which it fits and within which it is used. The
unit dose
insert typically comprises at least one or more compartments at least one for
laundry
additive materials which are to be dispensed into the wash water at the
beginning of the
laundering operation and/or at least one for rinse additive materials which
are to be
dispensed into the subsequent rinse cycle during the course of the laundering
operation.
Of course, the unit dose insert may utilize more than one compartment for the
wash water
additive materials and/or more than one compartment for the rinse additive
materials.
This may be useful when two wash or rinse additive materials are incompatible
with each
other and may be desirably separately paclcaged until they are added to the
washing
machine drum.
[0045] Each compartment of the unit dose insert may be fashioned from water-
insoluble
materials, water-soluble materials or combinations of both types. Furthermore,
some
compartments of the insert may be made from water-insoluble materials while
other
compartments can be made from water-soluble materials. The compartments of the
insert
may also be flexible or rigid or have some compartments flexible and other
compartments
rigid.
[0046] The unit dose insert can have a rigid or a flexible stnacW re or it can
be founed
from a combination of rigid and flexible structures, for example, a rigid
panel having
compartments formed from flexible films or a rigid panel having compartments
formed
therein that are covered with a flexible film. If the unit dose insert may be
made from any
conventional polymeric material which can be thermoformed or injection molded.
In one
embodiment the insert is made by thermoforming wells in a relatively rigid
panel,
however, in forming the well's, the plastic is thinned to a more flexible
thickness. Thus
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or polyester (e.g., polyethylene
terephthalate)
may be used to form the insert. A polymer material should be chosen which has
good
heat stability, especially if the insert is to be utilized in European washing
machines
where water temperatures approach boiling. The material of the insert should
also be
inert to any chemicals which are present in the laundry additives which the
insert is to
deliver.
CA 02514927 2005-07-29
WO 2004/072351 PCT/US2004/004345
[0047] A suitable configuration for the unit dose insert comprises a multi-
compantmented thermoformed tub formed from water-insoluble plastic, such as
for
example, polypropylene or polyethylene. The compartments of the tub can be
sealed with
a thin layer of puncW rable or nipW rable plastic or metal, e.g., aluminum,
foil. In another
preferred configuration, a pouch with the wash water additives may be flexible
and
fashioned from water-soluble materials, e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, and this
water-soluble
pouch may be affixed to a flexible or rigid pouch or compartment made from
water-
insoluble materials and containing the rinse additive materials to be
dispensed later in the
laundering cycle.
[0048] While representative examples of an insert with a "key" feaW re have
been
discussed, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other features may
also be used as a
"lcey." For example, the apertures of the insert may be of various geometrical
shapes
including but not limited to circular or rectangular shapes. Similarly, the
post of the
insert may also be of various geometrical shapes. Moreover, there may be one
or more
apertures or posts or a combination of both on the insert to serve as a
"lcey."
Additionally, notches at the perimeter of the insert may be of various shapes
such as
rectangular or circular. Other "lcey" features may include protmsions, tabs or
extensions
located anywhere on the insert. The "lcey" may be one feat~.lre or a
combination of
features on the insert to be used with a hOLlS111g with corresponding
feah.vres.
Furthermore, the corresponding features may be located on either the base, the
lid or both
parts of the housing structure.
[0049] All documents cited herein are in relevant part, incorporated herein by
reference.
The citation of any document is not to be constnied as an admission that it is
prior art
with respect to the present invention. 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.
16
