Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONTAINERS HAVING ONE OR MORE COMPARTMENTS AND A HANDLE
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a container comprising one or more
compartments,
wherein said one or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening
fluidly connected
to the one or more compartments; at least one void extending at least
partially through the
structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure
intersecting the void
forming at least two apertures. This invention further relates to a container
comprising two or
more compartments, wherein said two or more compartments form a structure; at
least one
opening fluidly connected to the two or more compartments; at least one void
extending at least
partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally
connected to the structure
intersecting the void forming at least two apertures.
Background of the Invention
Containers having handles are well known in the art. Such containers have been
used for
a multitude of products including chemical packages, food packages, cleaning
packages, and the
like. While these containers are well known in the art, they continue to have
longstanding
problems associated with their use. Often these containers are difficult to
control because of the
poor placement of the handles onto the container. The handle placement often
necessitates the
use of two hands to control the container. Further, additional effort is
required to work with these
containers because of the poor placement of the handle with respect to the
center of gravity of the
bottle. Additionally, molding or attaching the handle onto the container often
prove difficult and
costly.
Containers having two or more compartments are also known in the art. Such
multiple
compartment containers allow for the co-packaging of compositions that cannot
easily, stably, or
cost-effectively be packaged in standard one compartment containers. Often,
these multiple
compartment containers or packages allow for foaming to occur when two
separate substances are
dispensed and react. Recently, some isolated examples of consumer products in
dual
compartment containers have seen some commercial success. Especially
successful are dual-
compartment adhesives, especially of the epoxy type. Other examples include,
U.S. Patent No.
5,950,873, currently used for "Mentadent~", and U.S. Patent No. D430,798,
currently used for
"Liquid Plumr~". Both of these products use top-dispensing containers and are
free from handles,
spigots and/or dispensing mechanisms. , Both of these products are marketed to
provide a single
benefit when the dual compositions are combined. The "Liquid Plumr~" product
when placed on
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a shelf so that the title (front) label can be seen, hints at the dual
compartment structure, but only
in that the opaque package, equally colored in both compartments, nonetheless
is deeply grooved.
While containers having two or more compartments may be relatively common in
product
areas outside of laundry products, these types of compartments are rare in the
laundry product
field and have not enjoyed wide commercial success. The primary difficulty in
utilizing multi-
compartment containers with laundry products involves the ability of the user
of the container to
pour the contents of the container without excessive difficulty. The
difficulties associated with
multiple compartment containers, as well as single compartment containers,
involve problems
with utilizing a handle that provides poor control ability as well as
increased expense.
Specifically, there has not been a convenient and simplified way to create a
package that is both
low cost and easily controllable by the consumer. Further, it has proved
difficult to form a
container that, in addition to being easy to handle and low in cost, can be
configured to utilize one
or more compartments.
Therefore, a need exists to provide a container that can have one or more
compartments,
can be made for a low cost, and can be handled by the consumer without
excessive difficulty.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to a container comprising one or more
compartments,
wherein said one or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening
fluidly connected
to the one or more compartments; at least one void extending at least
partially through the
structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure
intersecting the void
forming at least two apertures. In one embodiment, the structure is made from
a plastic. In a
more preferred embodiment, the plastic is selected from the group consisting
of high density
polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride,
polyethylene
terephthalate, and mixtures thereof. In an even more preferred embodiment, the
plastic is high
density polyethylene.
In one embodiment, the one or more compartments have a volume from about 10 ml
to
about 5000 ml. In another embodiment, the at least one handle is at least
partly hollow. In a
preferred embodiment, the at least one handle is in fluid communication with
the one or more
compartments. In a more preferred embodiment, the at least one handle
encompasses the center
of gravity.
In one embodiment the container is formed by blow-molding. In another
embodiment,
the container is formed from one piece of plastic.
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In one embodiment, the container further comprises at least one sealer
functionally
connected to the at least one opening. In a preferred embodiment, the at least
one sealer is
selected from diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, press taps, self
draining spouts,
traditional spouts, divided spouts, screw caps, pull caps, snap caps, flip
caps, vented caps, and
combinations thereof.
The present invention also relates to a container comprising two or more
compartments,
wherein said two or more compartments form a structure; at least one opening
fluidly connected
to the two or more compartments; at least one void extending at least
partially through the
structure; and at least one handle functionally connected to the structure
intersecting the void
forming at least two apertures. In one embodiment, the structure is made from
a plastic. In a
preferred embodiment the plastic is selected from the group consisting of high
density
polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride,
polyethylene
terephthalate, and mixtures thereof. In a more preferred embodiment the
plastic is high density
polyethylene.
In one embodiment, the two or more compartments have a volume from about 10 ml
to
about 5000 ml. In another embodiment, the at least one handle is at least
partly hollow. In a
preferred embodiment, the at least one handle is in fluid communication with
the one or more
compartments. In a more preferred embodiment, the location of the at least one
handle
encompasses the center of gravity.
In one embodiment, the container is formed by blow-molding. In another
embodiment,
the container is formed from one piece of plastic. In yet another embodiment,
the at least one
opening is divided by a septum.
In one embodiment, the container further comprising at least one sealer
connected to the
at least one opening. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one sealer is
selected from
diaphragm valves, ball valves, slit valves, press taps, self draining spouts,
traditional spouts,
divided spouts, screw caps, pull caps, snap caps, flip caps, vented caps, and
combinations thereof.
The present invention further relates to a container comprising two
compartments,
wherein said two compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly
connected to the two
compartments; at least one void extending at least partially through the
structure; and at least one
handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming
at least two apertures.
In one embodiment, the structure is made from a plastic. In a preferred
embodiment, the plastic is
selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, low density
polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and mixtures
thereof. In a more
preferred embodiment, the plastic is high density polyethylene.
In one embodiment, the two or more compartments have a volume from about 10 ml
to
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about 5000 ml. In another embodiment, the at least one handle is at least
partly hollow. In a
preferred embodiment, the at least one handle is in fluid communication with
the one or more
compartments. In a more preferred embodiment, the location of the at least one
handle
encompasses the center of gravity.
In one embodiment, the container is formed by blow-molding. In another
embodiment,
the container is formed from one piece of plastic. In yet another embodiment,
the at least one
opening is divided by a septum.
In one embodiment, the at least one sealer connected to the at least one
opening. In
another embodiment, the at least one sealer is selected from diaphragm valves,
ball valves, slit
valves, press taps, self draining spouts, traditional spouts, divided spouts,
screw caps, pull caps,
snap caps, flip caps, vented caps, and combinations thereof.
The present invention further relates to a container comprising one or more
compartments, wherein said one or more compartments form a structure; at least
one opening
fluidly connected to the one or more compartments; at least one void formed
extending at least
partially through the structure; and at least one handle functionally
connected to the structure
intersecting the void wherein the projection of the handle through the void
divides the void into at
least two apertures.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 of the drawings is a front view showing an embodiment of the
container with
dual compartments.
Figure 2 of the drawings is a bottom view showing an embodiment of the
container with
dual compartments.
Detailed Descriution of the Invention
While the specification concludes with the claims particularly pointing and
distinctly
claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be
better understood from the
following description.
All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of
any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with
respect to the present
invention
The compositions of the present invention can include, consist essentially of,
or consist
of, the components of the present invention as well as other ingredients
described herein. As
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used herein, "consisting essentially of means that the composition or
component may include
additional ingredients, but only if the additional ingredients do not
materially alter the basic and
novel characteristics of the claimed compositions or methods.
All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition
and all
measurements made are at 25°C, unless otherwise designated.
All measurements used herein are in metric units unless otherwise specified.
It has now surprisingly been discovered that a container having one or more
compartments can be fabricated inexpensively, while maintaining the
characteristics of being easy
to manipulate and pour, as well as distributing the contents contained within
the packaging in a
substantially fixed ratio. Further, the container is formed such that it is
easily scaleable to
accommodate different internal volumes. The present invention solves these
problems by the
discovery of a container comprising one or more compartments, wherein said one
or more
compartments form a structure; at least one opening fluidly connected to the
one or more
compartments; at least one void extending at least partially through the
structure; and at least one
handle functionally connected to the structure intersecting the void forming
at least two apertures.
While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the handle, the
void, the
placement of the handle and void within the container, and the weight of the
container act
synergistically to produce a container that is easy to manipulate and pour.
The handle, the void,
the placement of the handle and void within the container, and the weight of
the container are
such that the handle is placed in proximity to or substantially at the center
of gravity of the
container. This handle placement, along with void placement within the
container and the weight
of the container create a "fulcrum effect" whereby the container lends itself
to being rotated about
an axis that passes though or near the handle and/or the void. This fulcrum
effect results in an
improved ability to manipulate the container resulting in improved pouring.
As used herein, "container" refers to a hollow or partially hollow vessel
having one or
more compartments capable of maintaining a composition for an indefinite
period of time. The
container may be free standing, substantially rigid, flexible and malleable, a
malleable bag, a
malleable sachet, a malleable pouch, and combinations of such forms. A
preferred form is a free-
standing container having an opening for pouring or dispensing the
compositions from the
container under the influence of gravity. The container is especially suitable
for dispensing a
plurality of doses of a two-part or mufti-part liquid or other fluid
composition. The container can
preferably be opened and closed repeatedly at the opening; however, containers
that can only be
opened once without resealing can likewise be utilized.
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Compartments
The compartment can be in any shape and size capable of containing a
composition for an
indefinite period of time. The dimensions of the compartments can be varied
depending on end-
use, and the size and shape of the compartments can be modified to incorporate
different
dimensions and features. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily know
how to modify the
compartments for a particular use. In one embodiment, the compartment has a
volume from about
ml to about 5000 ml, preferably from about 100 ml to about 4000 ml, more
preferably from
about 500 ml to about 3000 ml, even more preferably from about 750 ml to 2250
ml. In a second
embodiment embodiment, the containers of this invention are used for materials
sold in bulk
volumes, such as for "club stores" or "discount stores". In such a bulk volume
embodiment, the
compartment has a volume of at least about 500 ml, preferably at least about
1000 ml, more
preferably at least about 2000 ml, and even more preferably at least about
5000 ml. The container
of the present invention is capable of housing any fluid, including
fluidizable solids (solid
particles small enough to pour in a fluid-like manner, such particles
typically having a diameter of
less than about 2.6 cm). One of ordinary skill in the art would know how to
modify the shape,
size, materials, and other properties of the one or more compartments of the
container to properly
contain any fluid.
The relative dimensions of the compartments within the container may vary as
well. For
example, in a dual-compartment execution, although two equal dimensioned
compartments may
be used, embodiments in which the compartments have different dimensions are
also
contemplated. For example, in one dual-compartment embodiment, one compartment
of the
container is capable of holding 2500 ml of a composition while the second
compartment of the
container is capable of holding 500 ml of a composition.
In a dual compartment embodiment where equal distribution is desired, the
compartments
and the opening or openings are of similar size, shape and cross section.
Further, the cross section
of the container can have a significant impact on the ability of a consumer to
accurately dispense
compositions from the dual compartments in a 1:1 ratio. Not to be bound by
theory, but it is
believed that certain cross sections reduce the user's tendency to rotate the
container during the
pour. Generally, the shapes that provided more consistent, accurate dispensing
include those
shapes that have rounded smooth surfaces such as ovals, ellipses and rounded
pyramids.
Surprisingly however, containers having circular cross sections provide less
consistent, accurate
dispensing. Container shapes that have straight sidewalls such as rectangles,
triangles and
diamonds also provide less consistent, accurate dispensing. While containers
with circular cross
sections and container shape having straight sidewalk are not ideal, the
present invention
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contemplates their use.
In a preferred embodiment the compartment or compartments are curved and
shaped in
such a manner that allow optimal draining with minimal residence time within
the container. One
way of achieving such a shape is to curve or bend at least the inner surface
of the compartment of
the container in such a manner that the material within the container is
directed out of the opening
of the container. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily know how to
shape the container
and/or the compartment or compartments to facilitate such draining
characteristics.
Void
At least one void is formed at least partially through the structure formed by
the one or
more compartments of the container. The void of the present invention provides
an open volume
where a handle intersecting the void can be manipulated. Preferably, the void
is of a size and
shape that a handle intersecting the void can be manipulated by a human hand.
The void can be
of any size and volume that allows the handle to be manipulated by a user in
its space. The void
preferably has a volume, excluding the handle of between about 50 cm3 to about
2000 cm3,
preferably from about 100 cm3 to about 1000 cm3; more preferably from about
150 cm3to about
500 cm3; even more preferably from about 190 cm3 to about 300 cm3. Optionally,
the void
extends completely through the structure in at least one direction. In one
embodiment, the
location of the void encompasses the center of gravity of the container. Not
wishing to be bound
by theory, the void provides a space for the placement for the handle, as well
as the necessary
space for a human, an animal, or a machine to manipulate the handle of the
container.
While the void in one embodiment extends completely through the structure, in
another
embodiment the void extends at least partially through the structure. The void
can be partially
blocked by a label, one or more compartments of the invention, a removably
placed void blocking
portion, and the like. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the partial
blocking of the void on
one side encourages the user to manipulate the container by the handle.
In the present invention, the handle extending across the void forms at least
two apertures.
These apertures provide areas for grasping and manipulation of the handle.
Preferably, at least
one of these apertures is large enough for a human hand to enter. In one
embodiment, the
apertures of this invention are of the same size and shape. In another
embodiment, the apertures
are of different size and shape. At least one aperture of the present
invention has an area of
between about 1 cm2 to about 10 cmz, preferably from about 2 cm2 to about 8
cmz, more
preferably from about 3 cmz to about 7 cm2.
In one embodiment, the handle intersects the void wherein the projection on
the handle
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though the void divides the void into at least two apertures. The projection
of the handle through
the void is a two dimensional shadow that would be formed on a surface by a
light shining though
the void, whereby the handle, the compartments, etc., are not clear for the
purposes of the
projection and form a shadowed region. For the purpose of a projection in
embodiments where
the void extends only partially through the structure, the portions blocking
the void are clear for
the purposes of the projection. In this manner, handles that curve out of the
plane of the container
still cast a projection shadow such that the handle divides the void into at
least two apertures.
Handle
The handle of the present invention is functionally connected to the structure
formed by
the one or more compartments of the container. The handle of the present
invention is connected
in such a manner that allows manipulation of the handle by a human, an animal
or a machine.
The handle can be connected to the structure formed by the one or more
compartments of the
container by any method known in the art. Such methods include molding, co-
molding, welding,
grafting, adhering, screwing, nailing, and the like. In a preferred embodiment
the handle is co-
molded with the one or more compartments of the container. By having the
handle functionally
connected to the structure intersecting the void, the balance and the
pourability of the container
are vastly improved. The preferred location for the at least one handle at
least encompasses the
center of gravity of the container. While not wishing to be bound by theory,
it is believed that the
improved balance and pourability of the container having at least one handle
that at least
encompasses the center of gravity of the container is derived from the
proximity of the handle to
the center of gravity of the container. The forces acting on the container and
the compositions
therein are more evenly distributed around the handle, decreasing the effort
necessary to
maneuver the container and minimizing the strength necessary for a human or a
device to
manipulate.
In an embodiment having two or more compartments and an opening or openings of
similar size and shape, the handle of the present invention is functionally
connected to the
structure formed by the two or more compartments of the container such that
when the at least one
handle is utilized to pour rheologically similar compositions (viscosity
within about ~ 15%) from
the container, the compositions within the one or more compartments of the
container are released
at a volumetric ratio of from about 1.25 to 1 to about 1 to 1.25.
In one embodiment, the handle of the container is at least partially hollow.
In one
embodiment, the handle is fluidly connected to the compartment. The inside of
an at least
partially hollow handle can function as part of the compartment. The at least
partially hollow
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handle gives the compartment increased storage volume by allowing the
compositions in the one
or more compartments the additional storage capacity of the at least partially
hollow handle. In a
dual compartment embodiment, the at least partially hollow handle can be
divided so that each
compartment has an increase in total volume by incorporating volume portions
from the at least
partially hollow handle. The inner volume of the at least one handle in this
embodiment is
separated in a manner that prevents any compositions from intermixing in the
compartments or
the at least partially hollow handle.
In another embodiment, the at least one handle of the container is not fluidly
connected to
the compartment. The at least one handle of this embodiment can be solid, at
least partially
hollow, or completely hollow. Where the handle is solid, it is preferably made
of a single
material. Where the handle is at least partially hollow or completely hollow,
the hollow area
within the at least one handle is preferably filled with a gas, such as air,
nitrogen, and the like.
The hollow area within the at least one handle can also be filled with a
colored liquid, a non-
colored liquid, or exist in at least in a partial vacuum.
In one embodiment, the handle can be at least partially observed from the
front, back, and
sides of the container. It is believed that such a handle readily communicates
to the consumer the
location and orientation of the handle, thus improving the usability of the
bottle as well as the
overall consumer experience.
Opening and Sealer
At least one or more openings are fluidly connected to the one or more
compartments.
The at least one or more openings function to allow the compositions within
the one or more
compartments to exit the one or more compartments and/or the container. In one
embodiment,
each individual compartment has an opening. This configuration allows greater
control of the
amount of composition that is released from the one or more compartments.
In a preferred embodiment, the one or more compartments have an opening
divided by a
septum. The opening divided by a septum effectively channels the various
compositions in the
one or more containers out of one opening, while preferably keeping the
compositions separated
until they exit the container. The opening divided by ~a septum offers the
ability to pour
compositions from more than one compartment out of a single opening. This is
achieved by
placing a septum in the opening in a manner that does not allow the
compositions in multiple
compartments to mix in the opening. Typically, an opening divided by a septum
can be covered
with a sealer that will seal not only with the sealer, but with the septum as
well so that a seal is
provided that prevents leakage from the container as well as contamination due
to leakage from
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one compartment to another. Optionally, the septum is extended from the
opening through the
container to further delineate the separation of the compartments.
Contamination is of utmost
concern, as it is anticipated that the contents of the various compartments
may be incompatible or
tend to degrade or react with one another. Any leakage from one compartment to
another should
be prevented. Further, unless a mixing compartment or chamber is integrated
into such a
container, the flowable compositions should not come into contact with one
another until they are
dispensed from the bottle.
Optionally, a sealer is functionally connected to the opening. The sealer
seals, closes,
and/or locks the compositions within the container. Any type of sealer known
in the art can be
utilized with the container. Such sealers include, but are not limited to
diaphragm valves, ball
valves, slit valves, press taps, self draining spouts, traditional spouts,
divided spouts, screw caps,
pull caps, snap caps, flip caps, vented caps, and combinations thereof. The
sealers of the present
invention maintain at least about 90 %, preferably at least about 95% and most
preferably at least
about 99% of the volume in the container when the sealers are actuated.
In a two or more compartment embodiment, the sealer is preferably connected to
the
opening in such a manner that encourages the user to orient the container in a
particular direction.
In a preferred dual compartment embodiment, the sealer is connected to the
opening in such a
manner that encourages the user to orient the container such that the material
being poured from
the dual compartment container exits in a set ratio, preferably from about 1.5
to 1 to about 1 to
1.5, more preferably from about 1.25 to about 1 to 1.25, even more preferably
from about 1.1 to 1
to about 1 to 1.1. For example, a "flip cap" can be attached to the opening of
the container. In the
open position, the lid of the flip cap is positioned in such a manner that the
user would be forced
to orient the bottle in a particular direction for pouring that would not
cause the material to be
poured on the lid.
In one two or more compartment embodiment, the two or more compartments are
capable
of being sealed substantially simultaneously. In such an embodiment, the
actuation of one sealer
functionally seals, closes, and/or locks the compositions within the two or
more compartments.
In another two or more compartment embodiment, the sealer is capable of
releasing one
material at a time. In such an embodiment, each compartment is independently
sealable, allowing
material from any combination of containers to be released at the same time,
while keeping sealed
any combination of containers. By incorporating such a system, the user is
free to customize the
dosing of the compositions contained within the two or more compartment
container.
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lI
Materials
The container of this invention can be made of any material known by one of
ordinary
skill in the art capable of holding compositions in place for an indefinite
period of time. While
soft or nonrigid materials can be used; materials rigid enough to sit in a
substantially upright
position are preferred. Such materials include, but are not limited to,
metals, woods, plastics,
ceramics, and combinations thereof. Plastics are especially preferred.
Preferable plastics include
thermoform plastics and thermoset plastics. Such plastics include, but are not
limited to high
density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl
chloride, polyethylene
terephthalate, and mixtures thereof. Likewise the materials may be processed
in single or multiple
layers. Because a variety of different materials may be used in the
construction of the containers
of the present invention the materials selected will be based on the intended
end use and
characteristics required of such a container
It is readily known to one of ordinary skill in the art that the material used
to form the
container can possess wide range of colors and hues. One of ordinary skill
would readily know
how to color and process the materials used to form the container to achieve
any variations in
color, as well as degrees of transparency including see-through clear,
translucent, and opaque.
In one embodiment, a dual-compartment container of the present invention may
have two
opaque color compartments that are visibly distinct from one another by the
variance in color.
Such a combination serves to further distinguish that the individual
compartments of the dual-
compartment container house different compositions.
In another embodiment, the container of the present invention is designed to
be refillable.
In such an embodiment, the container is not discarded upon the use of the
entirety of its contained
compositions. After the use of these compositions, the container is refilled
with like or different
compositions, according to the desired use.
In yet another embodiment, it is envisioned that the container of this
invention can be
utilized with tag for electronic recognition systems. These tags, as used in
the art, are used for
various activities including identification, pricing, communication with a
central database,
communication with a centralized source for refilling and other purposes, and
the like.
The formation of the container will vary according to the container material
selected. In
one embodiment, the container of the present invention is formed from a
plastic. An exemplary
way of forming a plastic is by blow-molding. Surprisingly, the containers of
this invention can be
formed by blow-molding in one step instead, for example, of first forming a
portion and then
transforming it in an additional "reforming" step. By blow-molding in one
step, the containers
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can be formed at a reduced cost and with the ideal minimum number of process
operations. The
container of this invention has proved to be as easy and simple to produce as
an equivalent size
container without the handle of the present invention, with no increase in
material and process
time. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the handle of
the present
invention is created by the effective use of variations of known blow-pins and
molds. Forming
the containers by blow-molding in one step eliminates the adding of additional
inserted pieces or
the gluing together of comparhnents, all of which represent additional
assembly steps and
material consumption. More specifically, the container can be manufactured by
simple adaptation
of current manufacturing methods described in copending WO 02/22467
incorporated herein by
reference, notably, the container can be blow molded in a single manufacturing
step using
conventional shuttle or wheel blowing molding machines in such a way that the
container will
accommodate a sealer. By blow molding in a single manufacturing step, the
container can be
blow molded without the need for reforming and heating.
While blow-molding can be used to produce the container of the present
invention, other
methods, including other blow-molding variants, can be used. For instance, the
methods
disclosed in U. S. Patent Nos. 5,882,574 and 5,928,681 can be used.
The container, by its general shape and design, avails itself to several
unique applications.
In one embodiment, the container is removably packaged with at least one other
product. Such a
product would preferably be placed within the void of the container. The
product can be any such
product capable of being packaged within the void of the container. For
example, in a dual
compartment embodiment, the compartment contains a third composition that is
administered
consecutively or concurrently.
In another embodiment, the opening or the sealer of the container is adapted
to fit a
dosing implement. A dosing implement is any device capable of containing a
composition for
release at a selected time or in a selected condition. In such an embodiment,
the composition or
compositions contained within the container, in part or as a whole, are
transferred into the dosing
implement. The dosing implement is then set for release of the composition or
compositions at a
selected time or under selected conditions. As a non-limiting example, a dual
compartment
container is adapted to contain both detergent and fabric softener. The
detergent and fabric
softener compositions are transferred to the dosing implement. The dosing
implement is then
placed inside of an automatic washing machine where the detergent is released
in the wash cycle
and the fabric softener is released in the rinse cycle.
In yet another embodiment, the container of the present invention contains
instructions
for communicating with a user. The instructions can be printed directly on the
container or can be
placed on the container in the form of a label. One of ordinary skill in the
art would readily know
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how to print instructions on a container made from a particular material.
Likewise, one of
ordinary skill in the art would readily know how to affix or attach a label to
a container. In a
preferred embodiment, the label spans the circumference of the container.
Laundry Composition
In an embodiment for use herein are dual component laundry compositions that
simultaneously deliver or provide more than one laundry benefit. "Laundry
benefits" in general
include fabric cleaning and fabric care of consumer garments or domestic
finished textile goods.
For example, one component may provide cleaning benefits, while the second
component
provides bleaching and/or softening benefits. In another embodiment for use
herein are dual
component laundry compositions that provide dual benefits. For example, one
component may
provide cleaning benefits, while the second component provides bleaching or
softening benefits.
In yet another embodiment are dual component compositions having a first
component and a
second component where the first and second components are physically or
chemically
incompatible with each other and/or where the first and second components
provide a foaming
reaction when combined.
Laundry compositions herein more specifically include heavy-duty liquid
laundry
detergents (HDL's), liquid laundry detergents with bleach and/or bleach
catalyst, compositions
containing a fabric care component (for example, a softening, color
protecting, fabric-protecting
and/or anti-wrinkle active), compositions containing a fabric-treatment
component, liquid
detergents containing a fabric care component, and the like. For examples of
laundry
compositions and components thereof, see Liquid Detergents, Vol. 67 Surfactant
Science Series,
Edited by K. Y. Lai, Published By Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1997. See in particular,
Chapter 8 on
heavy-duty liquid detergents from Page 261-324 and references cited therein.
"Fabric cleaning" includes the benefits from the use of surfactants and/or
detergents and
may involve any known mechanism such as interfacial tension lowering and/or
oily soil roll-up
and emulsification and/or soil suspension and/or soil anti-redeposition in the
presence of
surfactants optionally with polymers and/or electrolytes. Soil hydrolysis
and/or depolymerization
may be involved, as is commonly the case with detersive enzymes such as the
common
hydrolases, more specifically including proteases, amylases, lipases and
mixtures thereof. Soils
can vary widely and can include localized, often highly colored marks or
stains, more generalized
graying or discoloration, oily marks, skin debris, presence of common sooty or
clay-like dirt and
the like. "Fabric cleaning" in common laundry detergents includes the action
of detergent
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cleaning ingredients such as the aforementioned surfactants, polymers and
enzymes, as well as the
action of bleaches, chelants and other cleaning adjuncts.
"Fabric care" includes fabric softening, anti-wrinkling, shape retention, anti-
shrinkage,
ease of ironing, prevention of dye-transfer (or bleeding), color-brightening,
color rejuvenation,
maintenance of color, prevention of abrasion and/or other similar benefits
distinguished from
cleaning benefits in that fabric care benefits maintain or add to the
appearance, aesthetics or
physical properties of fabrics without there being a required element
involving soil. Often fabric
care benefits are accomplished by the reverse of cleaning, for instance, by
depositing materials
onto fabrics rather than removing them.
In general, any combination of laundry ingredients, especially any combination
of
ingredients having different chemical structures or functions, may be capable
of providing
measurably different benefits in fabric laundering. In an embodiment for use
herein are
compositions which are capable of providing at least two distinct benefits. As
used herein,
"distinct benefits" refers to benefits selected from whitening or stain
removal, cleaning benefits,
bleaching benefits, fabric care benefits, and combinations thereof, that are
consumer noticeable
(including but not limited to noticeable in the standard tests of textile
institutes); and preferably
involve a technical challenge. More preferably, the "distinct benefits" are
benefits that are
difficult to accomplish by merely mixing the combination of ingredients in a
unitary liquid
cleaning product.
Examples of preferred sets of at least two distinct benefits include: (a)
simultaneously
providing the cleaning that is typical of an anionic detergent surfactant such
as a sodium linear
alkylbenzenesulfonate and the fabric care that is typical of an ester-quat
fabric softener; (b)
simultaneously providing the cleaning that is typical of an enzymatic
detergent such as
one containing a protease, and the cleaning that is typical of an enzyme-
reactive bleach, such as a
peroxyacid bleach, including N,N-phthaloylaminoperoxycaproic acid.
One example of a set of two distinct laundry benefits is to include a typical
heavy-duty
liquid detergent, or at least a surfactant and/or an enzyme, in one
compartment, and in the other
compartment to include any known textile treatment chemical that under normal
circumstances
would be considered chemically reactive with or otherwise incompatible with
the contents of the
former compartment. Such ingredients include all manner of textile finishes,
softeners, anti-
shrink agents, color protecting and/or fabric agents and the like which are
chemically reactive
(especially with respect to textile fibers) and/or which would normally be
applied to fabrics in
textile finishing rather than laundering operations.
Also available are dual component compositions having a first component and a
second
component where the first and second components are physically or chemically
incompatible with
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each other andlor where the first and second components provide a foaming
reaction when
combined. For examples of dual component laundry compositions, see PCT
Published
Application WO 01/00765, to DeBuzzacarini, et al., published Jan. 4, 2001 and
see PCT
Published Application WO 02122772, to DeBuzzacarini, et al., published Mar.
21, 2002. For
other examples of dual component laundry compositions, see U.S. Patent
Application No.
10/679,578, to Scialla, et al. filed October 6, 2003 and U.S. Patent
Application No. 10/679,579, to
Scialla et al. filed October 6, 2003.
Preferred laundry products herein are capable of providing at least two
distinct laundry
benefits and comprise a two component laundry composition, preferably having
flowable form,
packaged, located or contained within a dual-compartment container, where a
first component,
preferably a flowable composition, is located within a first compartment and a
second component,
also preferably a flowable composition, is located within a second compartment
of the container.
In such a case the first composition can for example be a fully-formulated
heavy duty liquid
detergent (preferably a laundry detergent) without bleach and comprising at
least a cleaning
surfactant, and the second preferably includes a bleach, bleach activator,
bleach catalyst, bleach
booster, or mixture thereof. Preferably, the second component comprises a
fabric care ingredient,
more preferably which is substantially free from cleaning ingredients.
For a partially formulated bleach or bleach catalyst in flowable form, no
other component
is required other than the bleach or bleach catalyst and a suitable solvent or
suspending medium.
In another suitable case the first flowable can be a liquid laundry detergent
not containing an.
esterquat softener or a silicone, while the second flowable can be a fabric
care composition
comprising a corninon commercially available esterquat softener and/or a
silicone with a solvent
or suspending medium such that the fabric care composition or component is
flowable. The
formulation of fluid laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches and the
like is well known in
the art.
Example
A preferred container is illustrated in the appended FIGS. 1-2. In Figure l, a
dual
compartment container 2 is shown having a first compartment 4 and a second
compartment 6
separated by a septum 16. The septum 16 divides the entire length of the dual
compartment
container 2, isolating the compositions in the first compartment 4 from the
second compartment 6.
The handle 8 is made up of a first handle portion 12 and a second handle
portion 10. The first
handle portion 12 is in fluid communication with the first compartment 4, and
the second handle
portion 10 is in fluid communication with the second compartment 6. The first
handle portion 12
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and the second handle portion 10 are also separated by the septum 16, the
septum 16 also
preventing any fluid communication between the first handle portion 12 and the
second handle
portion 10. The handle 8 divides the void 22 forming a first aperture 24 and a
second aperture 26.
The unitary opening 14 is in fluid communication with the first compartment 4
and the second
compartment 6.
In Figure 2, the relationship between the unitary opening 14 and the dual
compartment
container 2 is more easily ascertained. The unitary opening 14 is separated by
the septum 16 to
form a first opening volume 18 and a second opening volume 20. The first
opening volume 18 is
in fluid communication with the first compartment 4, and the second opening
volume 20 is in
fluid communication with the second compartment 6.
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.
