Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Title: ACTIVE COMPOSITION DELIVERY SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the fields of fabric care, hard surface
cleaners,
and personal cleaning products. More particularly, the present invention
relates
to systems and methods for delivering an active composition in the form of a
premeasured unit dose sufficient for a single cleaning or treatment operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cleaning agents, including detergents, are typically provided in liquid or
powder
forms. However, users find these forms inconvenient because their use
requires an additional step of measuring out a correct dose of the detergent.
Apart from the inconvenience of measuring out a correct dose is the material
cost associated with the need to provide and store a utensil for measuring out
the correct dose, and then load the correct dose, for example, into a
dishwasher, a washing machine, or other like washing apparatus. Associated
with this requirement for measuring a dose is the risk of getting the dose
wrong,
and either under-dosing (resulting in poor cleaning action), or over-dosing
(resulting in wasted detergent, or damage to the item being cleaned). Other
problems associated with liquid and powder forms of cleaning agents are that
they are messy. They are also not easily transportable in small quantities,
which may be desirable when travelling, for example.
In light of the above noted problems associated with liquid and powder forms
of cleaning agents, many users prefer cleaning agents, such as for example,
laundry detergents, that are provided in a form that is simpler to use and
less
messy than the liquid and powder forms.
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Attempts have been disclosed in the prior art to overcome some of the above
described problems associated with liquid and powder cleaning agents. Some
of the attempts included providing a unit dose laundry detergent product,
which
removed the need to measure out a correct dose of laundry detergent, thereby
simplifying for the user the process of loading a washing machine with the
correct dose of the laundry detergent.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,099 to Davies disclosed fabric treatment
products for use in washing machines consisting of a bag formed of water-
insoluble, water-impermeable synthetic plastics sheet material containing a
fabric treatment composition comprising a liquid fabric treatment composition,
such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid detergent composition. The bag has
a weak seal that will be opened by the mechanical action of a washing
machine, to release its liquid detergent contents. However, a problem with the
fabric treatment products disclosed by Davies is that they are prone to a
failure
of the weak seal not opening properly in modern day high efficiency (HE)
washing machines. This is because opening of the weak seal in a Davies fabric
treatment product relies on the mechanical action of the washing machine, and
the more gentle mechanical action of HE washing machines may not be enough
to open the bag. Additionally, because the bag is made of a water-insoluble
material, it remains in the washing machine during the entire wash cycle, and
can affect the cleaning performance if it clings to certain areas of the
clothing
being washed. Furthermore, the format of the fabric treatment products taught
by Davies does not allow for partial doses that may be better suited for
laundry
loads which are smaller than full loads.
As another example, U.S. Patent No. 4,188,304 to Clarke discloses a detergent
product which comprises a particulate detergent composition contained within
a closed water-insoluble bag which has a water-sensitive seal, whereby the
contents of the bag are discharged on contact of the bag with water. Clarke's
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detergent product shares many of the same problems noted above in
connection to Davies. However, an additional problem with the Clarke
detergent product is that it is difficult to ensure that all of the
particulate
detergent composition is emptied out of the bag and fully dissolved in the
water,
especially if the detergent product is used in the detergent dispensing trays
on
modern HE washing machines.
As yet another example, laundry detergent pods have become popular in recent
years, in which a single premeasured unit dose of detergent is encapsulated in
a water-soluble pouch, typically ranging from 20 to 40 grams in weight.
However, a problem associated with such laundry detergent pods is that they
do not dissolve readily because the water-soluble pouch covering the detergent
powder must dissolve before the water can access the detergent. Furthermore,
the detergent is provided as a large mass of partially-compressed powder,
which presents a smaller overall surface area for the water to act on. For
these
reasons, such pods typically do not dissolve fully when used in the detergent
dispensing trays on modern HE washing machines.
As yet another example, laundry detergent tablets exhibit similar problems as
those described above with respect to laundry detergent pods, due to the large
concentrated mass of highly-compressed detergent powder.
In general detergent dispensing trays on modern HE washing machines provide
too short a time for dissolving the above noted laundry detergent pods and
laundry detergent tables, and so they fail to yield optimal results when used
in
this way. For this reason, laundry detergent pods are better suited for being
placed directly in the washing machine drum to be dissolved during the wash
cycle.
Neither the laundry detergent pod, nor the laundry detergent tablet formats
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allow for partial doses that may be better suited for laundry loads which are
smaller than full loads.
As yet another example, U.S. Patent No. 4,853,142 to Win disclosed a high
melting temperature meltblown web, such as a polyester meltblown web, which
contains a sufficient amount of condensed liquid detergent to wash a load of
laundry and does not exhibit an objectionable sticky feel. Similarly, U.S.
Patent
No. 4,938,888 to Kiefer disclosed a cleaning article formed from a detergent
composition impregnated into a flexible substrate. The detergent composition
includes an alkyl polyglycoside and a detergency builder. The substrates
employed are water-insoluble and are solid or substantially solid materials,
such
as foam, foil, sponge, paper, woven or non-woven cloth.
A problem shared by both Win and Kiefer is that they are made with
non-dissolvable substrates, which remain in the washing machine drum after
completion of the wash cycle. The non-dissolvable substrates also tend to
cling
to clothing being washed, making it more difficult for the embedded detergent
to dissolve completely. Additionally, non-dissolvable substrates are not
compatible with detergent dispensing trays on modern HE washing machines,
and both of Win's webs and Kiefer's cleaning articles, impregnated with
detergent composition sufficient for a full load, would be too large to be
used
efficiently and reliably in the detergent dispensing trays on modern HE
washing
machines. Additionally, neither Win's web nor Kiefer's cleaning article allow
for
partial doses that may be better suited for laundry loads which are smaller
than
full loads.
As yet another example, U.S. Patent No. 9,464,264 to Jalbert disclosed a
method and apparatus for making dissolvable laundry detergent sheets,
containing laundry detergent, for use in washing machines. The Jalbert laundry
detergent sheets dissolve completely in the drum of the washing machine
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during the wash cycle, thereby releasing their laundry detergent contents to
the
wash water.
Other prior art attempts include those disclosed in: U.S. Patent Nos.
1,112,963;
2,665,528; 3,062,030; 3,694,364; 3,904,543; 3,950,2,77; 4,374,035; 4,806,261;
5,574,179; 5,780,418; 5,863,887; 6,699,826; 6,756,351; 6,831,051; 6,818,606;
6,864,196; 6,949,498; 6,995,126; 7,094,744; 7,544,409, and 8,669,219; and
U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002/0077265; 2004/0046272;
2005/0037942; 2008/0014393; 2008/00064618; 2008/0242579; 2009/0291282;
2010/0035789; 2010/0190677; 2011/0028374; 2011/0136719; 2012/0207699;
2014/0024574; and 2002/0169092.
Other prior art attempts include those disclosed in: CA 2,695,068; ON
101063066; CN 102492573; EP 2226379; KR 20130124261; WO 2004087857;
WO 2006134657; and WO 2007034471.
However, there remains a need for improvements in active composition
delivery systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is desired is an improved system and method for delivering an active
composition, such as a cleaning or treatment composition, to where it is
needed, that overcomes at least some of the problems in the prior art. For
example, what may be desired is a system and method for delivering an active
composition in the form of a premeasured unit dose sufficient for a single
cleaning or treatment operation. As another example, what may be desired is
a system and method for delivering an active composition with a useful actives
content. As yet another example, what may be desired is a system and method
for delivering an active composition in the form of a sheet that is easy to
handle
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and store when dry, yet which dissolves completely when contacted by water,
to deliver the active composition, without leaving behind any substrate or
noticeable residue.
Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is
disclosed an active composition delivery system having a water-soluble
substrate, and an active composition disposed uniformly throughout the water
soluble substrate. The water-soluble substrate is sized and shaped to form a
sheet, and hold a premeasured amount of an active composition. The
substrate dissolves when contacted with a sufficient amount of water, thereby
releasing the active composition into the water. Methods of making and using
the active composition delivery system are also disclosed. Preferably, the
water-soluble substrate is made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The active
composition may also be water-soluble, in which case the active composition
delivery system will be completely dissolvable in water. However, according to
other embodiments of the present invention, the active composition may be
water insoluble, in which case, the active composition delivery system will
not
be completely dissolvable in water, although only the active composition will
remain, for example as a fabric treatment of encapsulated fragrance coating
or impregnating portions of the treated fabric.
The active composition delivery system of the present invention comprehends
many uses and applications, depending on the formulations of the active
composition, and substrate containing the active composition, comprised by the
cleaning composition delivery system.
For example, embodiments of the present invention may include active
composition delivery systems, wherein the active composition is a cleaning
composition, configured for cleaning laundry, body parts (i.e. personal care
products), for cleaning dishes and utensils, and for cleaning hard surfaces.
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As another example, embodiments of the present invention may include active
composition delivery systems, wherein the active composition is a treatment
composition, configured for treating fabric to provide, for example, scent
properties (i.e. scent enhancement) to the fabric, soften the fabric, provide
anti-
microbial properties to the fabric, provide anti-bacterial properties to the
fabric,
provide anti-fungal properties to the fabric, provide insect repellant
properties
to the fabric, and combinations thereof.
Therefore, the active composition delivery system may be a laundry detergent
sheet, wherein the active composition is a laundry detergent; hand soap sheet,
wherein the active composition is a hand soap; a fabric softener sheet,
wherein
the active composition is a fabric softener; a fragrance enhancement sheet,
wherein the active composition is a fragrance, including an encapsulated
fragrance configured for slow or delayed release of the fragrance; a dish soap
sheet, wherein the active composition is a dish soap; a surface cleaner sheet,
wherein the active composition is a surface cleaner; a shampoo and/or
conditioner sheet, wherein the active composition is a shampoo and/or
conditioner; a body wash sheet, wherein the active composition is a body wash;
an anti-microbial sheet, wherein the active composition is an anti-microbial;
an
anti-bacterial sheet, wherein the active composition is an anti-bacterial; an
anti-
fungal sheet, wherein the active composition is an anti-fungal; an insect
repellant sheet, wherein the active composition is an insect repellant; and
the
like.
Furthermore, the active composition delivery system of the present invention
is
not limited to a particular manner of use or application, but comprehends many
manners of uses and applications. For example, the active composition
delivery system may be configured to enable the user to prepare a volume of
a cleaning or treating solution for current use or for later use. For example,
the
user may dissolve an active composition delivery system in a pail of water and
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use the solution in the pail together with a mop to clean the floor. As
another
example, the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system in a
kitchen sink filled with a volume of water and use the solution to wash
dishes.
As yet another example, the user may hold an active composition delivery
system in his hands under running water to cleanse his hands, and/or other
body parts. As yet another example, the user may hold an active composition
delivery system in her hands or on her head in the shower to shampoo or
condition her hair. As yet another example, the user may dissolve an active
composition delivery system in a spray bottle filled with a volume of water
and
use the solution to clean hard surfaces. As yet another example, the user may
dissolve an active composition delivery system in a disposable or reusable
storage bottle filled with a volume of water and later dispense the solution,
on
an as needed basis, to use as a liquid fabric softener, a liquid dish
detergent,
a liquid laundry detergent, or the like.
Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is
disclosed an active composition delivery system.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a
method of making an active composition delivery system.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there are disclosed
methods of using the active composition delivery system for cleaning or
treating
people, animals, or things.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will now be made to the preferred embodiments of the present
invention with reference, by way of example only, to the following drawings in
which:
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Figure 1 is a top view of an active composition delivery system in the
form of a hand soap sheet, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 2 is a top view of an active composition delivery system in the
form of a fabric softener sheet, according to another embodiment of the
present
invention;
Figure 3 is a top view of an active composition delivery system that is
easily severable into smaller portions, according to another embodiment of the
present invention; and
Figure 4 is a top view of another active composition delivery system that
is easily severable into smaller portions, according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is described in more detail with reference to exemplary
embodiments thereof as shown in the appended drawings. While the present
invention is described below including preferred embodiments, it should be
understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. Those of
ordinary
skill in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize
additional
implementations, modifications, and embodiments which are within the scope
of the present invention as disclosed and claimed herein.
An active composition delivery system 10 according to an embodiment of the
present invention is shown in Figure 1. Preferably, the active composition
delivery system 10 has a water-soluble substrate 12, and an active composition
14 disposed uniformly throughout the water soluble substrate 12. The water-
soluble substrate 12 is preferably sized and shaped to form a sheet, and hold
a premeasured amount of the active composition 14. The water-soluble
substrate 12 is configured to dissolve when contacted with a sufficient amount
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of water, thereby releasing the active composition 14 into the water.
According
to the example shown in Figure 1, the active composition delivery system 10
may be sized and shaped to form a square sheet, which is for example 1 inch
long by 1 inch wide and which is for example 0.7 mm thick. It will of course
be
appreciated that other dimensions may be suitable depending on the
application, or the amount of active composition 14 required or desired to be
stored in and delivered by the active composition delivery system 10.
Accordingly, it is contemplated that the active composition delivery system 10
may be shaped as a rectangle, or any other polygon, including triangle,
trapezoid, diamond, rhombus, parallelogram, and the like, as well as arcuate
shapes, such as circles, ovals and the like, and combinations thereof.
Furthermore, the dimensions of the length and width may be larger or smaller
than 1 inch, and the thickness may be larger or smaller than 0.7 mm. As
another example, Figure 2 shows the active composition delivery system 10 in
a larger rectangular form which is five inches long and two inches wide and
0.7
mm thick. Preferably, the length or width of the active composition delivery
system 10 may be between 1 inch and 12 inches, and the thickness may be
between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. All such embodiments are comprehended by the
present invention.
The active composition 14 may also be water-soluble, in which case the active
composition delivery system 10 will be completely dissolvable in water.
However, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the active
composition 14 may be water insoluble, in which case, the active composition
delivery system 10 will not be completely dissolvable in water, although only
the
active composition 14 will remain, for example as a fabric treatment of
encapsulated fragrance coating or impregnating portions of the treated fabric.
Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the active composition delivery system 10
may preferably be configured to allow the user to easily select a combination
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of premeasured unit doses for a particular application. Most preferably, the
active composition delivery system 10 may be provided with a frangible
member, or line of weakness 16, to make it easier for the user to separate and
remove one or more smaller portions 18 from the active composition delivery
system 10, so they may be used. Preferably, the frangible member/line of
weakness 16 may be in the form of a line of perforations, cuts, partial cuts,
or
thinner material.
By way of example, the active composition delivery system 10 shown in Figure
3 is in the shape of a strip containing five smaller portions 18, that may be
separated along the lines of weakness 16 by a user. It will be appreciated
that
the active composition delivery system 10 may contain more or fewer such
portions 18. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the active composition
delivery system 10 may contain many such portions 18 rolled up to allow for
easier dispensing. In this example, the portions 18 have the same dimensions.
For example, the portions 18 may each be good for a partial application, such
as for example applying a fabric softener treatment to a quarter load of
laundry.
Accordingly, a user would be able to sever between one and four portions 18
from the roll depending on whether the size of the load of laundry that needed
treatment represented a quarter load, a half load, a three-quarter load, or a
full
load.
By way of example, the active composition delivery system 10 shown in Figure
4 is in the shape of a rectangle and contains eight portions 18, that may be
separated along the lines of weakness 16 by a user. It will be appreciated
that
the active composition delivery system 10 may contain more or fewer such
portions 18. The active composition delivery system 10 shown includes a small
portion 20, and large portions 22, that may be used individually, or in
combination. For example, two small portions 20 may be good for one
application, such as for example applying a fabric softener treatment to a
half
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load of laundry. Similarly, one large portion 22 may be good for treating a
half
load of laundry. Similarly, two large portions 22, or four small portions 20,
or
two small portions 20 combined with one large portion 22 may be good for a
treating a full load of laundry. And so on.
Having described an embodiment of the active composition delivery system 10
of the present invention, method for making the same are described next in
Examples 1 and 2.
Example 1 describes a method of making a water-soluble sheet for use as a
hand soap, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, the water-soluble hand soap sheet may contain the following
compounds:
= about 22 weight `)/0 to about 30.5 weight%, of a biodegradable supporting
matrix, such as PVA, preferably a combination of PVA B-05 and PVA B-
17;
= about 0.1 weight % to about 0.11 weight%, of a food-grade preservative,
such as potassium sorbate;
= about 12 weight % to about 13.5 weight%, of a food-grade surfactant,
such as alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS);
= about 5.5 weight % to about 10 weight%, of an active composition, such
as a cleaning composition (i.e. a soap mixture) comprising one or more
of lauramine oxide, cocamidopropyl betaine / betaine monohydrate,
cetrimonium chloride / tetra alkyl ammonium chloride;
. about 14.5 weight % to about 15.5 weight%, of a texture improver, such
as glycerin;
= optionally about 0.1 weight `)/0 to about 2.5 weight%, of a fragrance to
provide scent enhancement;
= about 34 weight % to about 36.5 weight%, of a plant-derived
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biodegradability booster, such as starch; and
= about 0.5 weight % to about 0.65 weight%, of a texture improver, such
as mineral oil; and
= about 7.8 weight % to about 8.2 weight%, of water to provide a water
content of 8 percent.
Example 2 describes a method of making a water-soluble sheet for use as a
fabric softener, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, the water-soluble fabric softener sheet may contain the following
compounds:
= about 21 weight % to about 22.5 weight%, of a biodegradable supporting
matrix, such as PVA, preferably a combination of PVA B-05 and PVA B-
17;
= about 0.1 weight % to about 0.11 weight%, of a food-grade preservative,
such as potassium sorbate;
= about 11 weight % to about 12.5 weight%, of a food-grade surfactant,
such as alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS);
= about 6 weight % to about 6.5 weight%, of an active composition, such
as a fabric treatment composition (i.e. a fabric softener mixture)
comprising StepantexO SP-90;
= about 13 weight % to about 14 weight%, of a texture improver, such as
glycerin;
= optionally about 1.5 weight ci/0 to about 5.5 weight%, of a fragrance to
provide scent enhancement;
= about 32 weight % to about 36 weight%, of a plant-derived
biodegradability booster, such as starch; and
= about 0.6 weight % to about 0.65 weight%, of a texture improver, such
as mineral oil; and
= about 7 weight % to about 8 weight%, of water to provide a water
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content of 7.41 percent.
Example 1 - Water-Soluble Sheet For Use As A Hand Soap
The following describes steps for making an active composition delivery system
for delivering a cleaning active in the form of a water-soluble sheet that a
user
can use to wash her hands. Good results have been obtained with this method
for making 1 inch by 1 inch square sheets, which could be placed on user's wet
hands and rubbed to form a soapy lather, before being rinsed off the user's
hands under clean running water, and dried with a clean towel or a hand dryer.
A first concentrated stock solution containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is made
by mixing the following ingredients in the indicated amounts:
Ingredients Function Weight (kg) Wt%
polyvinyl alcohol PVA biodegradable supporting 1.53 3.00
B-05 matrix
polyvinyl alcohol PVA biodegradable supporting 5.10 10.00
B-17 matrix
potassium sorbate food-grade preservative 0.02
0.04
alpha olefin sulfonate biodegradable surfactant 10.20 20.00
(AOS)
glycerin improve texture of sheets 3.57 7.00
water 30.58 59.96
A second concentrated stock solution containing an active composition
comprising a cleaning active is made by mixing the following ingredients in
the
indicated amounts:
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Ingredients Function Weight (kg)
Wt%
lauramine oxide foam builder 1.116 12.37
Cocamidopropyl moisturizing and conditioning 0.234 2.59
betaine/ betaine agents
monohydrate
cetrimonium chloride/ conditioning Agent 0.522 5.78
tetra alkyl ammonium
chloride
glycerin improve texture of sheets 0.333 3.70
fragrance (optional) scent enhancement 0.045 0.50
water 6.772 75.06
A final mixture is made by mixing the following ingredients in the indicated
amounts, which is enough to make five hundred 1 inch x 1 inch water-soluble
hand soap sheets:
Ingredients Function Weight (g)
Wt%
first concentrated 348.74 69.75
stock solution
starch powder plant-derived biodegradability 82.05 16.41
booster
second concentrated 61.69 12.34
stock solution
mineral oil improve texture of sheets 1.37 0.27
glycerin improve texture of sheets 6.15 1.23
When preparing the final mixture, the first concentrated stock solution is
preferably mixed first with the starch powder for 1 minute. Then the second
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concentrated stock solution is added to the mixture, followed by the remaining
ingredients. The mixture is mixed for 29 minutes. Preferably the final mixture
will have a viscosity 75,500 cp at 20 C.
Next the final mixture may be applied to a surface, dried into a sheet, and
cut
to produce 1 inch x 1 inch square sheets, having an average thickness of 0.7
mm and an average weight of 0.245 grams, which represent one dose of hand
soap. In this regard, an apparatus such as the apparatus for making a laundry
detergent sheet disclosed in U.S. 9,464,264 may be used to dry the final
mixture in the form of a sheet, and cut it to size the desired dimensions.
Each 1 inch x 1 inch square water-soluble hand soap sheet produced according
to this example ended up having the following substances, in substantially the
following amounts:
Substance Weight (g)
polyvinyl alcohol PVA B-05 0.0128
polyvinyl alcohol PVA B-17 0.0428
potassium sorbate 0.0002
alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) 0.0300
laurannine oxide 0.0084
cocamidopropyl betaine / betaine 0.0018
nnonohydrate
cetrimonium chloride / tetra alkyl 0.0039
ammonium chloride
glycerin 0.0363
fragrance 0.0003
starch 0.0880
mineral oil 0.0015
water 0.0194
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Total Weight 0.2454
Example 2 - Water-Soluble Sheet For Use As Fabric Softener
The following describes steps for making an active composition delivery system
for delivering a treating active in the form of a water-soluble sheet that a
user
can use as a fabric softener. Good results have been obtained with this method
for making 2 inch by 5 inch rectangular sheets, which could be placed in the
fabric softener dispensing tray on modern HE washing machines, or directly in
the drum of an older model washing machine, during the rinse cycle.
A first concentrated stock solution containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is made
by mixing the following ingredients in the indicated amounts:
Ingredients Function Weight (kg) Wt%
polyvinyl alcohol PVA biodegradable supporting 1.53 3.00
B-05 matrix
polyvinyl alcohol PVA biodegradable supporting 5.10 10.00
B-17 matrix
potassium sorbate food-grade preservative
0.02 0.04
alpha olefin sulfonate biodegradable surfactant 10.20 20.00
(AOS)
glycerin improve texture of sheets 3.57 7.00
water 30.58 59.96
A second concentrated stock solution containing an active composition
comprising a fabric softener is made by mixing the following ingredients in
the
indicated amounts:
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Ingredients Function Weight (kg)
Wt%
Stepantex0 SP-90 surfactant, fabric softener / 2.228 24.765
(Stepan Company, biodegradable
Northfield, Illinois,
U.S.A.)
water 6.772 75.24
A final mixture is made by mixing the following ingredients in the indicated
amounts, which is enough to make fifty 2 inch x 5 inch water-soluble fabric
softener sheets:
Ingredients Function Weight (g)
Wt%
first concentrated 336.87 67.77
stock solution
starch powder plant-derived biodegradability 79.73 15.94
booster
second concentrated 59.80 11.96
stock solution
mineral oil improve texture of sheets 1.33 0.26
glycerin improve texture of sheets 7.97 1.59
fragrance scent enhancement 12.29 2.46
When preparing the final mixture, the first concentrated stock solution is
preferably mixed first with the starch powder for 1 minute. Then the second
concentrated stock solution is added to the mixture, followed by the remaining
ingredients. The mixture is mixed for 34 minutes. Preferably the final mixture
will have a viscosity 55,000 cp at 20 C.
Next the final mixture may be applied to a surface, dried into a sheet, and
cut
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to produce fifty 2 inch x 5 inch rectangular sheets, having an average
thickness
of 0.7 mm and an average weight of 2.45 grams, which represents one dose of
fabric softener. In this regard, an apparatus such as the apparatus for making
a laundry detergent sheet disclosed in U.S. 9,464,264 may be used to dry the
final mixture in the form of a sheet, and cut it to size.
Each 2 inch x 5 inch square water-soluble fabric softener sheet produced
according to this example ended up having the following substances, in
substantially the following amounts:
Substance Weight (g)
polyvinyl alcohol PVA B-05 0.12034
polyvinyl alcohol PVA B-17 0.40114
potassium sorbate 0.00157
alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) 0.28158
StepantexO SP-90 0.15770
glycerin 0.33845
fragrance 0.13096
starch 0.82587
mineral oil 0.01416
water 0.17823
Total Weight 2.450
Although embodiments of the active composition delivery system of the present
invention include water-soluble hand soap sheets, and water soluble fabric
softener sheets, as mentioned above, the invention is not limited thereto, but
comprehends other applications, depending on the formulations of the active
composition, and the water-soluble substance comprised by the cleaning
composition delivery system.
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For example, other embodiments of the present invention may include active
composition delivery systems, wherein the active composition is a cleaning
composition, configured for cleaning laundry, cleaning body parts (i.e.
personal
care products), for cleaning dishes and utensils, and for cleaning hard
surfaces.
As another example, other embodiments of the present invention may include
active composition delivery systems, wherein the active composition is a
treatment composition, configured for treating fabric to provide, for example,
scent properties (i.e. scent enhancement), fabric softening, anti-microbial
properties, anti-bacterial properties, anti-fungal properties, insect
repellant
properties, scent properties, and combinations thereof.
Therefore, the active composition delivery system may be a laundry detergent
sheet, wherein the active composition is a laundry detergent; hand soap sheet,
wherein the active composition is a hand soap; a fabric softener sheet,
wherein
the active composition is a fabric softener; a fragrance enhancement sheet,
wherein the active composition is a fragrance, including an encapsulated
fragrance configured for slow or delayed release of the fragrance; a dish soap
sheet, wherein the active composition is a dish soap; a stain remover sheet,
wherein the active composition is a stain remover; a surface cleaner sheet,
wherein the active composition is a surface cleaner; a shampoo and/or
conditioner sheet, wherein the active composition is a shampoo and/or
conditioner; a body wash sheet, wherein the active composition is a body wash;
an anti-microbial sheet, wherein the active composition is an anti-microbial;
a
makeup remover sheet, wherein the active composition is a makeup remover;
an anti-bacterial sheet, wherein the active composition is an anti-bacterial;
an
anti-fungal sheet, wherein the active composition is an anti-fungal; an insect
repellant sheet, wherein the active composition is an insect repellant; and
the
like.
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Furthermore, the active composition delivery system 10 of the present
invention
is not limited to a particular manner of use or application, but comprehends
many manners of uses and applications. For example, the active composition
delivery system 10 may be configured to enable the user to prepare a volume
of a cleaning or treating solution for current use or for later use. For
example,
the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system 10 in a pail of
water and use the solution in the pail together with a mop to clean the floor.
As
another example, the user may dissolve an active composition delivery system
in a kitchen sink filled with a volume of water and use the solution to wash
10 dishes. As yet another example, the user may hold an active composition
delivery system 10 in his hands under running water to cleanse his hands,
and/or other body parts, such as skin, arms, legs, face, head, hair, and the
like.
As yet another example, the user may hold an active composition delivery
system 10 in her hands or on her head in the shower to shampoo or condition
her hair. As yet another example, the user may dissolve an active composition
delivery system 10 in a spray bottle filled with a volume of water and use
solution to clean hard surfaces, such as mirrors, windows, counter tops, and
the
like. As yet another example, the user may dissolve an active composition
delivery system 10 in a disposable or reusable storage bottle filled with a
volume of water and later dispense the solution, on an as needed basis, to use
as a liquid fabric softener, a liquid dish detergent, a liquid laundry
detergent, or
the like.
While reference has been made to various preferred embodiments of the
invention other variations, implementations, modifications, alterations and
embodiments are comprehended by the broad scope of the appended claims.
Some of these have been discussed in detail in this specification and others
will
be apparent to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art
having
access to the teachings herein will recognize these additional variations,
implementations, modifications, alterations and embodiments, all of which are
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within the scope of the present invention, which invention is limited only by
the
appended claims.
CA 3040581 2019-04-17
