[0001] The present invention concerns a device and method of treating a laundry fabric with
a foam and/or mist dispenser, in which a colour change is associated with a function
of the laundry product.
[0002] Treatment of fabrics, textiles etc is often carried out by consumers to remove tough
stains and soils, and this may precede a main washing process.
[0003] Devices for the treatment e.g. pretreatment prior to a 'main wash' hand washing of
laundry are known and include e.g. solid detergent bars, detergent liquids. Some devices
which have trigger or aerosol spray devices for spraying the liquid on fabric.
[0004] However, solid bars and abrasive tools can be too harsh for treatment of delicate
fabrics. Further, these types of devices often require a generally flat working surface
to support fabrics whilst they are scrubbed. Many consumers have limited space so
that treatment of fabrics on a flat surface in not possible. Consumers often therefore
resort to resting the garment on a knee or tummy, and with many known devices this
carries the risk of applying the laundry composition to there body or their clothing,
which is undesirable.
[0005] JP 10081895 discloses a pre-treatment device and method having many features in common
with the present invention.
[0006] A general problem arises in that the pretreatment process is, generally, not one
which is enjoyable. It is something which is necessary to clean fabrics, and so it
may often be rushed and as a result carried out sub optimally.
[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a treatment device and method, which
overcomes or at least alleviates the above problems.
[0008] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a laundry treatment dispenser
in combination with a laundry liquid, for dispensing a mixture of the laundry liquid
and a gas gas (preferably air), as a foam and/or mist, the dispenser comprising:
a flexible container for the fluids including a conduit having first and second end
portions, the first end portion terminating in an opening in the container through
which the foam and /or mist is expelled from the container and the second open end
portion being close to the base of said container, wherein the conduit includes a
third open end portion which is located close to the top of the container and laterally
inclined or opposed to the second open end portion;
and the laundry liquid comprising:
- (i) a pH dependent chromophore, the pH dependent chromophore having a UV-vis spectrum
that changes with pH in the range 1 to 14; and,
- (ii) a pH changing means.
[0009] In a second aspect the invention provides a method of treating a fabric, by applying
a laundry foam and/or mist to a fabric using the combination of the first aspect of
the invention, whereby the treated fabric undergoes a colour change.
[0010] The foam and/or mist may undergo a colour change following application. Accordingly,
the method of treatment of the second aspect of the invention may incorporate the
steps of waiting until the originally colour has changed to a second colour followed
by rinsing the portion of the fabric to which the foam has been applied with water;
and then drying the textile and/or carrying out a further washing process or processes.
[0011] Such further washing processes main include e.g. a 'main' wash e.g. in an washing
machine whereby the method of the second aspect acts as a pretreatment for stain removal
on specific areas of the fabric.
[0012] In a third aspect the invention provides a kit for treating fabric, the kit comprising
the combination of device and laundry liquid according to the first aspect, together
with instructions for use according to the second aspect of the invention.
[0013] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a fabric according
to the second aspect of the invention, the method comprising an initial step of mixing
a concentrated laundry composition comprising:
(i) a pH dependent chromophore, the pH dependent chromophore having a UV-vis spectrum
that changes with pH in the range 1 to 14; and,
(iii) a pH changing means. with a solvent such as water in the device to form a liquid
for formation of the foam/mist.
[0014] The laundry concentrate may be a liquid, gel, paste or solid concentrate.
[0015] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a kit for treating fabric, the kit comprising
a laundry treatment dispenser and a laundry concentrate, for dispensing a mixture
of a laundry liquid and a gas (preferably air) as a foam and/or mist, the dispenser
comprising: a flexible container for the mixture including a conduit having first
and second end portions, the first end portion terminating in an opening in the container
through which the foam and /or mist is expelled from the container and the second
open end portion being close to the base of said container, wherein the conduit includes
a third open end portion which is located close to the top of the container and laterally
inclined or opposed to the second open end portion; and the laundry concentrate comprising:
- (i) a pH dependent chromophore, the pH dependent chromophore having a UV-vis spectrum
that changes with pH in the range 1 to 14; and,
- (ii)a pH changing means
together with instructions for use according to the method according to the fourth
aspect of the invention.
[0016] The various kit instructions referred to herein may comprise any one or any combination
of, visual indicia e.g. text, on the pack, in supplementary / separate materials e.g.
leaflets, coupons and which may be sold separately or e.g. in TV commercials .
[0017] One advantage of the invention is that the colouration effect combined with foam
and/or mist dispensing can provide encouragement and interest to the consumer whose
participation in the dreary process of fabric pretreating,washing is necessary. A
surprising effect of this is that the encouraged consumer pays substantially more
attention to the process parameters and therefore is more likely to achieve optimal
pretreatment.
[0018] If a solid-solvent mixture is used to form the laundry liquid, it may be desirable
to include filters preferably on the first and second free ends of the conduit to
prevent undissolved solid matter being dispensed on to the fabric.
[0019] By the term "solid" it is intended to include powder, granules, agglomerates, crushed
tablets or tablet like objects or the like or any combination thereof.
[0020] The combination of the device with its arrangement of openings together with a foam
and / or mist, provides an elegant, inexpensive foam treatment device which can be
used to treating a fabric.
[0021] The device can be used independently of a work surface, because the device can function
in any orientation, upright (top above base)or inverted (since the openings are at
the top and bottom i.e. opposed ends of the device), or tilted sideways due to the
orientation of the the openings (since the second and third conduit openings are mutually
laterally inclined or opposed); and the coloured foam and/or mist produced to allow
targeting in precise registration with a selected area. The user can simply suspend
the item (away from their body) and spray the foam/mist solution to difficult to reach
parts from below or above or a side as necessary, without having to maintain the dispenser.
[0022] The invention also provides a highly cost effective foam dispenser which does not
require complicated or expensive foaming elements in the flow path of the liquid or
pump mechanisms. This greatly simplifies the device and reduces cost. No aerosol propellant
is required reducing the environmental impact of the device. A foam can be ejected
from the container simply by squeezing the container body.
The laundry Fluid / Composition
[0023] The present invention provides a colour cue, the cue being all the more noticeable
by the consumer because the colour appears when the product is added to an aqueous
medium or exposed to the atmosphere.
[0024] The colour cue of the present invention is provided by a pH dependent chromophore;
the colour of the pH dependent chromophore is dependent upon the acidity or the alkalinity
of its environment.
[0025] Laundry treatment compositions for stain removal preferably comprise a detergent
composition. Detergent compositions are formulated to a high pH and the colour may
also serve to indicate that the detergent product is functioning at the optimum pH.
[0026] The pH dependent chromophore may be maintained at a different pH during storage of
the product than when the product is in use. An example of this would be maintaining
phenolphthalein, a pH dependent chromophore, at a pH below 8 in a detergent product
comprising sodium carbonate so that the phenolphthalein is colourless. Upon addition
of the detergent product to water the phenolphthalein is released into the aqueous
medium whilst the basic sodium carbonate raises, upon dissolution, the pH of the water
environment in the range 8.2 to 10.0 causing the water to take a pink hue. Thus, a
colourless detergent powder containing phenolphthalein could be mixed with water by
the user, within the dispenser of the invention to create a coloured solution which
is then applied to the fabric as a coloured foam and/or mist for accurate treatment
of the fabric so as to focus on specific stains, areas (collars cuffs).
[0027] The amount of the basic component in the laundry detergent may be such that the acidity
of the cloth dirt (e.g., sebum) serves to shift the pH of the wash liquor during use
such that the phenolphthalein loses its pink colour giving an indication of completeness
of the treatment process to the consumer. Alternatively, a time release component
is added to the laundry such that the colour changes or is removed during treatment
or a subsequent wash as the pH changes.
[0028] It is preferred that the pH dependent chromophore is segregated from the bulk of
the material when the commercial product is a solid. However, it is also envisaged
that in certain circumstances that the pH dependent chromophore may be encapsulated
when the commercial product is a liquid, for example as a coacevated particle. The
environment of the pH dependent chromophore may be controlled by the use of a coacevated
particle. The internal surface of the coacevated particle may be neutral, acidic or
alkaline wherein the pH dependent chromophore is located. During dispensing of the
product by the consumer, the coacevated particle can be ruptured (e.g. by a appropriately
sized nozzle on the outlet of the device) bringing the pH dependent chromophore into
contact with the remainder of the product resulting in a pH change to the pH dependent
chromophore. Alternatively, the pH dependent chromophore is segregated as a particle/granule
that is coated with a wax or paraffin.
[0029] The segregation of the pH dependent chromophore as described above serves to protect
the pH dependent chromophore from oxidising materials, if present, and alkaline/acidic
conditions.
[0030] In contrast to the pH changes discussed above, another way of changing the pH is
to use a pH jump liquid formulation. It is preferred that the pH dependent chromophore
when used in a pH jump liquid is not encapsulated.
[0031] The pH dependent composition may absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at dispensing,
which results in a pH change which in turn results in the foam changing colour. In
this aspect segregation of the pH dependent chromophore is not necessary.
[0032] In one embodiment, the laundry composition comprises a pH dependent chromophore that
has a different pH environment to the bulk of the formulation in a solid format. The
different pH environment may be provided by a binder or environment thereof. Upon
dissolution of the composition the pH dependent chromophore is subjected to a pH environment
different to that prior to use. In this regard, the bulk may be alkaline and the pH
dependent chromophore present in a neutral or acidic environment; this is the preferred
format. Alternatively, the bulk may be acidic and the pH dependent chromophore present
in an alkaline or neutral environment.
The pH dependent Chromophore
[0033] Many pH dependent chromophores are commonly referred to as indicators. However, it
is not essential that the pH dependent chromophore is reversible in its colour change.
In this regard, pH dependent chromophores other than an indicator may be used. Below
is found a Table in which examples of various pH dependent chromophores (indicators)
are found. There are many standard texts available that give lists of pH dependent
chromophores (indicators).
Indicator |
Colour |
Colour |
pKln |
pH range |
|
Acid |
Base |
|
|
Thymol Blue - 1st change |
red |
yellow |
1.5 |
1.2 - 2.8 |
Methyl Orange |
red |
yellow |
3.7 |
3.2 - 4.4 |
Bromocresol Green |
yellow |
blue |
4.7 |
3.8 - 5.4 |
Methyl Red |
yellow |
red |
5.1 |
4.8 - 6.0 |
Bromothymol Blue |
yellow |
blue |
7.0 |
6.0 - 7.6 |
Phenol Red |
yellow |
red |
7.9 |
6.8 - 8.4 |
Cresol Red |
yellow |
red |
8.2 |
7.2 - 8.8 |
Metacresol purple |
yellow |
purple |
8.32 |
7.4 - 9.0 |
Thymol Blue - 2nd change |
yellow |
blue |
8.9 |
8.0 - 9.6 |
Phenolphthalein |
colourless |
Pink |
9.4 |
8.2 - 10.0 |
Thymolphthalein |
colourless |
blue |
10.0 |
9.3 - 10.5 |
pH Dependent Fluorescent Indicator
[0034] Some fluorescent indicators would not be suitable for use in the present invention
because of their toxicity and as a result any fluorescent indicator chosen need meet
the criteria of being biologically acceptable to the environment and humans. The following
are examples that may be employed for use with the present invention.
[0035] Quinine is a fluorescent indicator changing in the pH range 3.0 to 5.0 from blue
to weak violet and further changing in the pH range 9.5 to 10.0 from weak violet non-fluorescent.
Salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone is a fluorescent indicator changing in the pH range
8.4 from non-fluorescent to fluorescent yellow.
[0036] Acridine orange is a fluorescent indicator changing in the pH range 8.4 to 10.4 from
non-fluorescent to fluorescent yellow/Green.
[0037] There are many standard texts available that give lists of fluorescent indicators.
[0038] A mixture of pH dependent chromophores and/or fluorescent indicators may be used
in the present invention.
[0039] The amount of the pH dependent chromophores and/or fluorescent indicators present
in the composition will vary depending on the extinction coefficient/colour intensity
of the indicator required. The amount of pH dependent chromophore having a UV-vis
spectrum that changes with pH in the range 1 to 14 required is that sufficient for
a discernable change in colour/fluorescence to be observable by the human eye. Suitably,
the pH dependent chromophores and/or fluorescent indicator, or mixtures thereof, is
present in the composition in the range 0.0001 to 0.5 wt %, preferably 0.001 to 0.4
wt %, most preferably 0.002 to 0.3 wt %.
Environment of the pH dependent chromophore
[0040] When the present invention is in a granular format it is preferred that the composition
is granulated with a binder. The binder may be neutral, basic or acidic.
[0041] The acidic binder according to the present invention may be water-soluble acidic
polymer. The polymer may be used in the compositions according to the present invention
to coat, bind or act as cogranulent. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the pH dependent chromophore, with or without cogranulant, is agglomerated, preferably
with a water-soluble acidic polymer.
[0042] In one embodiment the binder material and the coating material, if present, are different
water-soluble acidic polymers, but in another, preferred embodiment the binder material
and the coating material, if present, are the same water-soluble acidic polymer.
[0043] In instances an acidic builder may be used with a binder (for example, citric acid
with Sokolan
™ CP5) or in some instances the builder serves as a binder. Suitable water-soluble
monomeric or oligomeric carboxylate builders include lactic acid, glycolic acid and
ether derivatives thereof. Polycarboxylates containing two carboxy groups include
the water-soluble salts of succinic acid, malonic acid, (ethylenedioxy) diacetic acid,
maleic acid, diglycolic acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid and fumaric acid, as well
as the ether carboxylates. Polycarboxylates containing three carboxy groups include,
in particular, water-soluble citrates, aconitrates and citraconates as well as succinate
derivatives such as the carboxymethyloxysuccinates, lactoxysuccinates, and aminosuccinates,
and the oxypolycarboxylate materials such is 2-oxa-1,1,3-propane tricarboxylates.
[0044] Polycarboxylates containing four carboxy groups include oxydisuccinates, 1,1,2,2-ethane
tetracarboxylates, 1,1,3,3-propane tetracarboxylates and 1,1,2,3-propane tetracarboxylates.
Polycarboxylates containing sulfo substituents include the sulfosuccinate derivatives,
and the sulfonated pyrolysed citrates.
[0045] Another preferred polycarboxylate builder is ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid
(EDDS) or the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, or substituted ammonium
salts thereof, or mixtures thereof. Preferred EDDS compounds are the free acid form
and the sodium or magnesium salt thereof. Examples of such preferred sodium salts
of EDDS include NaEDDS, Na2EDDS and Na4EDDS.
[0046] Examples of such other magnesium salts of EDDS include MgEDDS and Mg2EDDS. The magnesium
salts are the most preferred for inclusion in compositions in accordance with the
invention.
[0047] The structure of the acid form of EDDS is as follows:
Alicyclic and heterocyclic polycarboxylates include cyclopentane-cis,cis,cis-tetracarboxylates,
cyclopentadienide pentacarboxylates, 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrofuran - cis, cis, cis-tetracarboxylates,
2,5-tetrahydrofuran - cis - dicarboxylates, 2,2,5,5-tetrahydrofuran - tetracarboxylates,
1,2,3,4,5,6-hexane - hexacarboxylates and carboxymethyl derivatives of polyhydric
alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol. Aromatic polycarboxylates include
mellitic acid, pyromellitic acid and the phthalic acid derivatives. Of the above,
the preferred polycarboxylates are hydroxycarboxylates containing up to three carboxy
groups per molecule, more particularly citrates.
[0048] The parent acids of the monomeric or oligomeric polycarboxylate chelating agents
or mixtures thereof with their salts, e.g. citric acid or citrate/citric acid mixtures
are also contemplated as components of builder systems of detergent compositions in
accordance with the present invention.
[0049] Other suitable water soluble organic salts are the homo- or co-polymeric polycarboxylic
acids or their salts in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxyl
radicals separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms. Examples of
such salts are polyacrylates of MWt 2000 to 5000 and their copolymers with maleic
anhydride, such copolymers having a molecular weight of from 20,000 to 70,000, especially
about 40,000.
[0050] Such builder polymeric materials may be identical to the polymeric materials as binder
materials and coating materials, as described hereinabove. These materials are normally
used at levels of from 0.5% to 10% by weight more preferably from 0.75% to 8%, most
preferably from 1% to 6% by weight of the composition.
[0051] Organic phosphonates and amino alkylene poly (alkylene phosphonates) include alkali
metal ethane 1-hydroxy diphosphonates, nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates, ethylene
diamine tetra methylene phosphonates and diethylene 1,12 triamine pentamethylenephosphonates,
although these materials are less preferred where the minimisation of phosphorus compounds
in the compositions is desired.
[0052] Suitable polymers for use herein are water-soluble. By water-soluble, it is meant
herein that the polymers have a solubility greater than 5 g/l at 20 °C.
[0053] Suitable polymers for use herein are acidic. By acidic, it is meant herein that a
1% solution of said polymers has a pH of less than 7, preferably less than 5.5.
[0054] Suitable polymers for use herein have a molecular weight in the range of from 1000
to 280,000, preferably from 1500 to 150,000, preferably, suitable polymers for use
herein have a melting point above 30 °C.
[0055] Suitable polymers which meet the above criteria and are therefore particularly useful
in the present invention, include those having the following empirical formula I
wherein X is 0 or CH2; Y is a comonomer or comonomer mixture; R1 and R2 are bleach-stable
polymer-end groups; R3 is H, OH or C1-4 alkyl; M is H, and mixtures thereof with alkali
metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium; p is from 0 to 2; and
n is at least 10, and mixtures thereof. The proportion of M being H in such polymers
must be such as to ensure that the polymer is sufficiently acidic to meet the acidity
criteria as hereinbefore defined.
[0056] Polymers according to formula I are known in the field of laundry detergents, and
are typically used as chelating agents. Preferred polycarboxylate polymers fall into
several categories. A first category belongs to the class of copolymeric polycarboxylate
polymers which, formally at least, are formed from an unsaturated polycarboxylic acid
such as maleic acid, citraconic acid, itaconic acid and mesaconic acid as first monomer,
and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid such as acrylic acid or an alpha -C1-C4 alkyl
acrylic acid as second monomer. Referring to formula I, therefore, preferred polycarboxylate
polymers of this type are those in which X is CHO, R3 is H or C1-4 alkyl, especially
methyl, p is from about 0.1 to about 1.9, preferably from about 0.2 to about 1.5,
n averages from about 10 to about 1500, preferably from about 50 to about 1000, more
preferably from 100 to 800, especially from 120 to 400 and Y comprises monomer units
of formula II
[0057] Such polymers are available from BASF under the trade name Sokalan® CP5 (neutralised
form) and Sokalan® CP45 (acidic form).
[0058] A second category belongs to the class of polycarboxylate polymers in which referring
to formula I, X is CH2, R3 is OH, p is from 0 to 0.1, preferably 0 and n averages
from about 50 to about 1500, preferably from about 100 to 1000.
[0059] Y, if present, can be a polycarboxylic acid such as II above, or an ethylene oxide
moiety.
[0060] A third category belongs to the class of acetal polycarboxylate polymers in which,
referring to formula I, X is (OR4)2, where R4 is Cl-C4 alkyl, R3 is H, p is from 0
to 0.1, preferably 0 and n averages from 10 to 500. If present, Y again can be a polycarboxylic
acid such as II above or an ethyleneoxide moiety.
[0061] A fourth category belongs to the class of polycarboxylate polymers in which referring
to formula I, X is CH2, R3 is H or C1-4 alkyl, p is 0 and n averages from about 10
to 1500, preferably from about 500 to 1000.
[0062] A fifth category of polycarboxylate polymers has the formula I in which X is CH2,
R3 is H or C1-4 alkyl, especially methyl, p is from 0.01 to 0.09, preferably from
0.02 to 0.06, n averages from about 10 to about 1500, preferably from about 15 to
about 300 and Y is a polycarboxylic acid formed from maleic acid, citraconic acid,
mitaconic acid or mesaconic acid, highly preferred being maleic acid-derived comonomers
of formula II above.
[0063] Suitable polymer end groups in formula I suitably include alkyl groups, oxyalkyl
groups and alkyl carboxylic acid groups and salts and esters thereof.
[0064] In formula I above, M is H or mixtures thereof with alkali metal, alkaline earth
metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium. The proportion of M which is H is such as
to ensure that the polymer meets the pH criteria described herein above.
[0065] In the above, n, the degree of polymerization of the polymer can be determined from
the weight average polymer molecular weight by dividing the latter by the average
monomer molecular weight. Thus, for a maleic-acrylic copolymer having a weight average
molecular weight of 15,500 and comprising 30 mole % of maleic acid derived units,
n is 182 (i.e. 15,00/(116 x 0.3 + 72 x 0.7).
[0066] In case of doubt, weight-average polymer molecular weights can be determined herein
by gel permeation chromotography using Water [mu] Porasil (RTM) GPC 60 A2 and (mu)
Bondagel (RTM) E-125, E-500 and E-1000 in series, temperature-controlled columns at
40 °C against sodium polystyrene sulphonate polymer standards, available from Polymer
Laboratories Ltd., Shropshire, UK, the polymer standards being 0.15M sodium dihydrogen
phosphate and 0.02M tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide at pH 7.0 in 80/20 water/acetonitrile.
[0067] Mixtures of polycarboxylate polymers are also suitable herein, especially mixtures
comprising a high molecular weight component having an n value of at least 100, preferably
at least 120, and a low molecular weight component having an n value of less than
100, preferably from 10 to 90, more preferably from 20 to 80. Such mixtures are optimum
from the viewpoint of providing excellent bleach stability and anti-incrustation performance
in the context of a zerophosphate detergent formula.
[0068] In mixtures of this type, the weight ratio of high molecular weight component to
low molecular weight component is generally at least hi, preferably from about 1:1
to about 20:1, more preferably from about 1.5:1 to about 10:1, especially from about
2:1 to about 8:1.
[0069] Preferred polycarboxylate polymers of the low molecular weight type are polycarboxylate
polymers of the fourth category (homopolyacrylate polymers) listed above.
[0070] Of all the above, highly preferred polycarboxylate polymers herein are those of the
first category in which n averages from 100 to 800, preferably from 120 to 400 and
mixtures thereof with polycarboxylate polymers of the fourth category in which n averages
from 10 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80.
[0071] Other suitable polymers for use herein include polymers derived from amino acids
such as polyglutamine acid, and polyaspartic acid, as disclosed in EP 305 282, and
EP 351 629.
Air as the pH changing means
[0072] The dispensed foam or mist may interact with the environment. Foam has a high surface
area to volume ratio and rapidly absorbs air from the atmosphere resulting in a pH
change of the foam. If the foam is alkaline the pH of the foam decreases as carbon
dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere. When the appropriate pH dependent chromophore
is present a colour change is observed providing a visual colour change.
[0073] In this case the foam dispenser itself provides the pH changing means by dispensing
the foam to a carbon dioxide containing environment (the atmosphere). However, the
foam needs to be coloured as soon as possible, so as to allow application of a coloured
foam to a predetermined fabric area, rather than wait for the foam to colour after
application. Preferably, the bulk within the foam dispenser is in contact with atmospheric
gases for fast colouring of the fluid. Suitable and preferred pH dependent chromophores
are, for example, phenolphthalein and thymol blue.
[0074] Anionic Surfactant, Non-ionic surfactant and Amphoteric Surfactants or mixtures thereof
may be used in this embodiment. Examples of suitable surfactants systems that may
be used for the foam are as follows: sodium lauryl slkyl sulphate (LAS), sodium lauryl
ether sulphate (SLES) and coco amidopropyl betaine (CAPB); sodium lauryl alkyl sulphate
(LAS) non-ionic (NI) and coco amidopropyl betaine (CAPB); primary alcohol sulphate
(PAS), sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) and coco amidopropyl betaine (CAPB); primary
alcohol sulphate (PAS), sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) and non-ionic (NI); and
sodium lauryl alkyl sulphate (LAS) and non-ionic (NI).
pH Jump Compositions
[0075] The present invention may be used as a liquid format where the pH of the commercial
product is substantially different to that in use.
[0076] Sorbitol/borate compositions are known from EP 381 262. In a concentrated solution
the borate is complexed with the vicinal diol of the sorbitol; upon dilution of the
sorbitol/borate composition the borate is liberated from its interaction with the
sorbitol resulting in a pH jump. Other pH Jump formulations are disclosed in US 6,509,308
and US 5,484,555.
The Laundry Detergent Composition
[0077] The composition preferably comprises a surfactant and optionally other conventional
detergent ingredients. It is most preferred that the detergent composition is alkaline.
This alkalinity is preferably provided for by sodium carbonate. The invention in its
second aspect provides an enzymatic detergent composition which comprises from 0.1
- 50 % by weight, based on the total detergent composition, of one or more surfactants.
This surfactant system may in turn comprise 0 - 95 % by weight of one or more anionic
surfactants and 5 to 100 % by weight of one or more nonionic surfactants. The surfactant
system may additionally contain amphoteric or zwitterionic detergent compounds, but
this in not normally desired owing to their relatively high cost. The enzymatic detergent
composition according to the invention will generally be used as a dilution in water
of about 0.05 to 2%.
[0078] In general, the nonionic and anionic surfactants of the surfactant system may be
chosen from the surfactants described "Surface Active Agents" Vol. 1, by Schwartz
& Perry, Interscience 1949, Vol. 2 by Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958,
in the current edition of "McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents" published by Manufacturing
Confectioners Company or in "Tenside-Taschenbuch", H. Stache, 2nd Edn., Carl Hauser
Verlag, 1981.
Suitable nonionic detergent compounds which may be used include, in particular, the
reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen
atom, for example, aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkyl phenols with alkylene
oxides, especially ethylene oxide either alone or with propylene oxide. Specific nonionic
detergent compounds are C
6-C
22 alkyl phenol-ethylene oxide condensates, generally 5 to 25 EO, i.e. 5 to 25 units
of ethylene oxide per molecule, and the condensation products of aliphatic C
8-C
18 primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, generally 5
to 40 EO.
[0079] Suitable anionic detergent compounds which may be used are usually water-soluble
alkali metal salts of organic sulphates and sulphonates having alkyl radicals containing
from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term alkyl being used to include the alkyl
portion of higher acyl radicals. Examples of suitable synthetic anionic detergent
compounds are sodium and potassium alkyl sulphates, especially those obtained by sulphating
higher C
8-C
18 alcohols, produced for example from tallow or coconut oil, sodium and potassium alkyl
C
9-C
20 benzene sulphonates, particularly sodium linear secondary alkyl C
10-C
15 benzene sulphonates; and sodium alkyl glyceryl ether sulphates, especially those
ethers of the higher alcohols derived from tallow or coconut oil and synthetic alcohols
derived from petroleum. The preferred anionic detergent compounds are sodium C
11-C
15 alkyl benzene sulphonates and sodium C
12-C
18 alkyl sulphates. Also applicable are surfactants such as those described in EP-A-328
177 (Unilever), which show resistance to salting-out, the alkyl polyglycoside surfactants
described in EP-A-070 074, and alkyl monoglycosides.
[0080] Preferred surfactant systems are mixtures of anionic with nonionic detergent active
materials, in particular the groups and examples of anionic and nonionic surfactants
pointed out in EP-A-346 995 (Unilever). Especially preferred is surfactant system
that is a mixture of an alkali metal salt of a C
16-C
18 primary alcohol sulphate together with a C
12-C
15 primary alcohol 3-7 EO ethoxylate.
The nonionic detergent is preferably present in amounts greater than 10%, e.g. 25-90%
by weight of the surfactant system. Anionic surfactants can be present for example
in amounts in the range from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the surfactant system.
[0081] The detergent composition for preparing the solution may take any suitable physical
form, such as a powder, granular composition, tablets, a paste or an anhydrous gel.
Peroxygen Bleach or Source Thereof
[0082] The composition of the present invention may also comprise a peroxygen bleach or
source thereof. However the pH dependent chromophores and bleach should be selected
for compatability so that he bleach does not impair the colour of the composition
at the treatment stage.
[0083] Phenolphthalein is a robust chromophore and will colour in most bleach enviroments.
[0084] The peroxy bleaching species may be a compound, which is capable of yielding hydrogen
peroxide in aqueous solution. Hydrogen peroxide sources are well known in the art.
They include the alkali metal peroxides, organic peroxides such as urea peroxide,
and inorganic persalts, such as the alkali metal perborates, percarbonates, perphosphates
persilicates and persulphates. Mixtures of two or more such compounds may also be
suitable.
[0085] Particularly preferred are sodium perborate tetrahydrate and, especially, sodium
perborate monohydrate. Sodium perborate monohydrate is preferred because of its high
active oxygen content. Sodium percarbonate may also be preferred for environmental
reasons and the fact that it contributes to the alkalinity when dissolved in water.
The amount thereof in the composition of the invention usually will be within the
range of about 1-35% by weight, preferably from 5-25% by weight. One skilled in the
art will appreciate that these amounts may be reduced in the presence of a bleach
precursor e.g., N,N,N'N'-tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED).
[0086] Another suitable hydrogen peroxide generating system is a combination of a C1-C4
alkanol oxidase and a C1-C4 alkanol, especially a combination of methanol oxidase
(MOX) and ethanol. Such combinations are disclosed in International Application PCT/EP
94/03003 (Unilever), which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0087] Alkylhydroxy peroxides are another class of peroxy bleaching compounds. Examples
of these materials include cumene hydroperoxide and t-butyl hydroperoxide.
[0088] Organic peroxyacids may also be suitable as the peroxy bleaching compound. Such materials
normally have the general formula:
wherein R is an alkylene or substituted alkylene group containing from 1 to about
20 carbon atoms, optionally having an internal amide linkage; or a phenylene or substituted
phenylene group; and Y is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, aryl, an imido-aromatic or non-aromatic
group, a COOH or
group or a quaternary ammonium group.
[0089] Typical monoperoxy acids useful herein include, for example:
- (i) peroxybenzoic acid and ring-substituted peroxybenzoic acids, e.g. peroxy-.alpha.-naphthoic
acid;
- (ii) aliphatic, substituted aliphatic and arylalkyl monoperoxyacids, e.g. peroxylauric
acid, peroxystearic acid and N,N-phthaloylaminoperoxy caproic acid (PAP); and
- (iii) 6-octylamino-6-oxo-peroxyhexanoic acid.
[0090] Typical diperoxyacids useful herein include, for example:
(iv) 1,12-diperoxydodecanedioic acid (DPDA);
(v) 1,9-diperoxyazelaic acid;
(vi) diperoxybrassilic acid; diperoxysebasic acid and diperoxyisophthalic acid;
(vii) 2-decyldiperoxybutane-1,4-diotic acid; and
(viii) 4,4'-sulphonylbisperoxybenzoic acid.
[0091] Also inorganic peroxyacid compounds are suitable, such as for example potassium monopersulphate
(MPS). If organic or inorganic peroxyacids are used as the peroxygen compound, the
amount thereof will normally be within the range of about 2-10% by weight, preferably
from 4-8% by weight.
[0092] Peroxyacid bleach precursors, used in combination with peroxygen bleach sources,
are known and amply described in literature, such as in the British Patents 836988;
864,798; 907,356; 1,003,310 and 1,519,351; German Patent 3,337,921; EP-A-0185522;
EP-A-0174132; EP-A-0120591; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,246,339; 3,332,882; 4,128,494; 4,412,934
and 4,675,393.
[0093] Another useful class of peroxyacid bleach precursors is that of the cationic i.e.
quaternary ammonium substituted peroxyacid precursors as disclosed in US Pat. Nos.
4,751,015 and 4,397,757, in EP-A0284292 and EP-A-331,229. Examples of peroxyacid bleach
precursors of this class are:
2-(N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium) ethyl sodium-4-sulphonphenyl carbonate chloride (SPCC);
N-octyl-N,N-dimethyl-N10-carbophenoxy decyl ammonium chloride (ODC);
3-(N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium) propyl sodium-4-sulphophenyl carboxylate; and
N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium toluyloxy benzene sulphonate.
[0094] A further special class of bleach precursors is formed by the cationic nitriles as
disclosed in EP-A-303,520 and in European Patent Specification No.'s 458,396 and 464,880.
[0095] Any one of these peroxyacid bleach precursors can be used in the present invention,
though some may be more preferred than others.
[0096] Of the above classes of bleach precursors, the preferred classes are the esters,
including acyl phenol sulphonates and acyl alkyl phenol sulphonates; the acyl-amides;
and the quaternary ammonium substituted peroxyacid precursors including the cationic
nitriles.
[0097] Examples of said preferred peroxyacid bleach precursors or activators are sodium-4-benzoyloxy
benzene sulphonate (SBOBS); N,N,N'N'-tetraacetyl ethylene diamine (TAED); sodium-1-methyl-2-benzoyloxy
benzene-4-sulphonate; sodium-4-methyl-3-benzoloxy benzoate; SPCC; trimethyl ammonium
toluyloxy-benzene sulphonate; sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulphonate (SNOBS); sodium
3,5,5-trimethyl hexanoyl-oxybenzene sulphonate (STHOBS); and the substituted cationic
nitriles.
Other classes of bleach precursors for use with the present invention are found in
WO0015750, for example 6-(nonanamidocaproyl)oxybenzene sulphonate.
[0098] The precursors may be used in an amount of up to 12%, preferably from 2-10% by weight,
of the composition.
Peroxyl catalysts and "Air Bleach" Catalysts
[0099] The composition may also comprise a transition metal catalyst or precursor thereof,
for example as described in PCT/GB99/02876 and PCT/EP01/13314. When the present invention
is used in an "air bleach" mode is preferred that the composition is substantially
devoid of peroxygen bleach or peroxyl-generating bleach system. In this regard, the
term "substantially devoid" of should be construed within spirit of the invention.
It is preferred that the composition has as low a content of peroxyl species present
as possible. It is preferred that the bleaching formulation contains less that 1 %
wt/wt total concentration of peracid or hydrogen peroxide or source thereof, preferably
the bleaching formulation contains less that 0.3 % wt/wt total concentration of peracid
or hydrogen peroxide or source thereof, most preferably the bleaching composition
is devoid of peracid or hydrogen peroxide or source thereof. In addition, it is preferred
that the presence of alkyl hydroperoxides is kept to a minimum in such a bleaching
composition.
[0100] In a "peroxyl mode" the composition comprises a peroxygen bleach or source thereof
examples of which are found above. In such a mode it is most preferred that the composition
is solid and in particular granular.
Enzymes
[0101] The detergent compositions of the present invention may additionally comprise one
or more enzymes, which provide cleaning performance, fabric care and/or sanitation
benefits.
[0102] Said enzymes include oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases
and ligases. Suitable members of these enzyme classes are described in Enzyme nomenclature
1992: recommendations of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology on the nomenclature and classification of enzymes,
1992, ISBN 0-12-227165-3, Academic Press.
[0103] Examples of the hydrolases are carboxylic ester hydrolase, thiolester hydrolase,
phosphoric monoester hydrolase, and phosphoric diester hydrolase which act on the
ester bond; glycosidase which acts on O-glycosyl compounds; glycosylase hydrolysing
N-glycosyl compounds; thioether hydrolase which acts on the ether bond; and exopeptidases
and endopeptidases which act on the peptide bond. Preferable among them are carboxylic
ester hydrolase, glycosidase and exo- and endopeptidases. Specific examples of suitable
hydrolases include (1) exopeptidases such as aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase A
and B and endopeptidases such as pepsin, pepsin B, chymosin, trypsin, chymotrypsin,
elastase, enteropeptidase, cathepsin B, papain, chymopapain, ficain, thrombin, plasmin,
renin, subtilisin, aspergillopepsin, collagenase, clostripain, kallikrein, gastricsin,
cathepsin D, bromelain, chymotrypsin C, urokinase, cucumisin, oryzin, proteinase K,
thermomycolin, thermitase, lactocepin, thermolysin, bacillolysin. Preferred among
them is subtilisin; (2) glycosidases such as α-amylase, β-amylase, glucoamylase, isoamylase,
cellulase, endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase (β-glucanase), xylanase, dextranase, polygalacturonase
(pectinase), lysozyme, invertase, hyaluronidase, pullulanase, neopullulanase, chitinase,
arabinosidase, exocellobiohydrolase, hexosaminidase, mycodextranase, endo-1,4-β-mannanase
(hemicellulase), xyloglucanase, endo-β-galactosidase (keratanase), mannanase and other
saccharide gum degrading enzymes as described in WO-A-99/09127. Preferred among them
are α-amylase and cellulase; (3) carboxylic ester hydrolase including carboxylesterase,
lipase, phospholipase, pectinesterase, cholesterol esterase, chlorophyllase, tannase
and wax-ester hydrolase. Preferred among them is lipase.
[0104] Examples of transferases and ligases are glutathione S-transferase and acid-thiol
ligase as described in WO-A-98/59028 and xyloglycan endotransglycosylase as described
in WO-A-98/38288.
[0105] Examples of lyases are hyaluronate lyase, pectate lyase, chondroitinase, pectin lyase,
alginase II. Especially preferred is pectolyase, which is a mixture of pectinase and
pectin lyase.
[0106] Examples of the oxidoreductases are oxidases such as glucose oxidase, methanol oxidase,
bilirubin oxidase, catechol oxidase, laccase, peroxidases such as ligninase and those
described in WO-A-97/31090, monooxygenase, dioxygenase such as lipoxygenase and other
oxygenases as described in WO-A-99/02632, WO-A-99/02638, WO-A-99/02639 and the cytochrome
based enzymatic bleaching systems described in WO-A-99/02641.
[0107] The activity of oxidoreductases, in particular the phenol oxidising enzymes in a
process for bleaching stains on fabrics and/or dyes in solution and/or antimicrobial
treatment can be enhanced by adding certain organic compounds, called enhancers. Examples
of enhancers are 2,2'-azo-bis-(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS) and Phenothiazine-10-propionate
(PTP). More enhancers are described in WO-A-94/12619, WO-A-94/12620 , WO-A-94/12621,
WO-A-97/11217, WO-A-99/23887. Enhancers are generally added at a level of 0.01% to
5% by weight of detergent composition.
[0108] Builders, polymers and other enzymes as optional ingredients may also be present
as found in WO0060045 and WO0034427.
Examples
[0109]
1) Preparation of phenolphthalein sodium sulphate/ SokolanTM CP45 granule
In a pestle and mortar, sodium sulphate (9.9g) was mixed with 0.085g of phenolphthalein.
This mixture was granulated with 2.01g CP45 solution (40 % aqueous), and the resulting
granules dried in an oven at 80 °C for 10 minutes. The resultant granules were sieved
between 180 and 1400 microns.
2) Preparation of phenolphthalein in sodium sulphate/CP45/and a transition metal catalyst
In a pestle and mortar, sodium sulphate (9.9 g) was mixed with of phenolphthalein
(0.085 g). To this mixture was added 0.2g of the transition metal catalyst, with thorough
mixing. This mixture was granulated with 2.01g CP45 solution (40 % aqueous), and the
resulting granules dried in an oven at 80 °C for 10 minutes. The resultant final granules
were sieved between 180 and 1400 microns.
3) Preparation of Phenolphthalein in sulphate/CP45 (from ethanol)
In a pestle and mortar, sodium sulphate (9.9 g) was mixed with 17ml of a 0.5%(w/v)
enthanolic solution of phenolphthalein. The ethanol was evaporated to leave a dry
solid. This mixture was granulated with 2.01g CP45 (40 % aqueous), and the resulting
granules dried in an oven at 80 °C for 10 minutes. The resultant granules were sieved
between 180 and 1400 microns.
4) Preparation of Phenolphthalein in sulphate/CP45/ transition metal catalyst (from ethanol)
In a pestle and mortar, sodium sulphate (9.9 g) was mixed with 17ml of a 0.5%(w/v)
solution of phenolphthalein in ethanol. The ethanol was evaporated to leave a dry
solid.
To this mixture was added 0.2g transition metal catalyst, with thorough mixing. This
mixture was granulated with 2.01g CP45 solution, and the resulting granules dried
in an oven at 80 °C for 10 minutes. The final granules were sieved between 180 and
1400 microns.
5) Preparation of Thymolphthalein in sulphate/CP45/ transition metal catalyst (from ethanol)
In a pestle and mortar, sodium sulphate (9.9g) was mixed with 50ml of a 0.5% (w/v)
solution of thymolphthalein in ethanol. The ethanol was evaporated to leave a dry
solid.
To this mixture was added 0.2g transition metal catalyst, with thorough mixing. This
mixture was granulated with 2.01g CP45 solution, and the resulting granules dried
in an oven at 80 °C for 10 minutes. The final granules were sieved between 180 and
1400 microns.
Stability and Colour Change Experiments
Stability of Granules from Example (3)
[0110]
6) 0.1g of the granules from Example (3) were mixed with 4.0 g of detergent powder
(details given below). The mixture as prepared had the appearance of a blue powder
containing white speckles. This mixture was stored in an open topped glass jar at
37 °C/70%RH for 1 week. On removal its visual appearance remained unchanged.
Detergent Powder
[0111]
Component |
Powder(%) |
NaLAS |
23.0000 |
Sodium Silicate |
7.0 |
STPP |
14.5000 |
Sodium Sulphate |
28.6 |
Sodium Carbonate |
17.5000 |
SCMC |
0.37 |
Cationic |
0.8 |
Fluorescer |
0.18 |
Perfume |
0.24 |
Dye |
0.015 |
Amilase |
0.28 |
Savinase |
0.47 |
Lipolase |
0.19 |
Impurities |
0.38 |
Water |
6.5 |
Total |
100.0000 |
Stability of Granules from Example (4)
[0112]
7) The granules (0.1g) from Example (4) were mixed with 4.0 g of the detergent powder.
The mixture as prepared had the appearance of a blue powder containing yellow speckles.
This mixture was stored in an open topped glass jar at 37 °C/70%RH for 1 week. On
removal its visual appearance remained unchanged.
8) Comparative example:
Phenolphthalein powder (0.00085g) (equivalent to the weight of phenolphthalein in
0.1g of the granules from examples 3 or 4) were mixed with 4.0 g of the detergent
powder. The mixture as prepared had the appearance of a blue powder. This mixture
was stored in an open topped glass jar at 37 °C /70%RH for 1 week. On removal its
colour had changed to magenta/purple.
Colour Change of Granules from Example (3)
[0113]
9) Granules (0.1g) from Example (3) were mixed with 4.0 g of detergent powder. The
mixture as prepared had the appearance of a blue powder containing white speckles.
This mixture was dissolved in 2 litres of tap water at 20 °C. The solution was initially
pale blue, but changed to pink/magenta over the period of approximately 30 seconds.
10) Granules (0.1g) from example (4) were mixed with 4.0 g of the detergent powder.
The mixture as prepared had the appearance of a blue powder containing yellow speckles.
This mixture was dissolved in 2 litres of tap water at 20 °C. The solution was initially
pale blue, but changed to pink/magenta over the period of approximately 30 seconds.
11) Granules (0.1g) from Example (5) were mixed with 4.0 g of the detergent powder.
The mixture as prepared had the appearance of a blue powder containing yellow speckles.
This mixture was dissolved in 2 litres of tap water at 20 °C. The solution was initially
pale blue, but changed to deep blue over the period of approximately 30 seconds.
12) Granules (0.05g) from Example (4), plus 0.05g of the granules from example (5),
were mixed with 4.0 g of the detergent powder. The mixture as prepared had the appearance
of a blue powder containing yellow speckles. This mixture was dissolved in 2 litres
of tap water at 20 °C. The solution was initially pale blue, but changed to lilac/purple
over the period of approximately 30 seconds.
High Foam Examples especially for use where device/air is pH changing means
[0114] The following are examples of single, binary and ternary active system that may be
used to generate high foam qualities for use in the present invention. The percentages
given are wt/wt %.
[0115] A one litre aqueous solution comprising LAS (3.0%), NI (3.0%) and CAPB (0.5%).
[0116] A one litre aqueous solution comprising LAS (5.0 %), SLES (2.5%) and CAPB (0.25%).
[0117] A one litre aqueous solution comprising NI (5%), CAPB (0.25%) and PAS (2.5%).
[0118] A one litre aqueous solution comprising NI (3%), CAPB (0.25%) and PAS (5.0 %).
[0119] A one litre aqueous solution comprising: NI (3%), CAPB (0.50%) and PAS (2.5%)
[0120] A one litre aqueous solution comprising PAS (2.5%), SLES (5.0%) and CAPB (0.25%).
[0121] A one litre aqueous solution comprising: PAS (5.0%), SLES (2.5%) and CAPB (0.25%)
[0122] A one litre aqueous solution comprising: LAS (1.5%) and NI (1.5 %).
[0123] A one litre aqueous solution comprising: LAS (10%).
Foam Examples
[0124] Table 1 gives formulations A to J that when made up to 100 % with water provide suitable
foaming compositions.
Table 1
Formulation |
A |
B |
C |
D |
F |
G |
I |
J |
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
LAS |
1.5 |
1.5 |
2 |
2 |
2.5 |
5 |
3 |
1.5 |
NaOH |
0.204 |
0.204 |
0.272 |
0.272 |
0.34 |
0.68 |
0.476 |
0.204 |
Non Ionic (Unitol L70) |
1.5 |
1.5 |
2 |
2 |
2.5 |
- |
- |
- |
LESS |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
1.5 |
Formaldehyde |
0.08 |
0.08 |
0.08 |
0.08 |
0.08 |
0.08 |
0.08 |
0.08 |
phenolphthalein |
0.002 |
0.002 |
0.002 |
0.002 |
0.002 |
0.002 |
0.002 |
0.002 |
Perfume |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
0.15 |
EDTA |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
The device
[0125] The conduit may be branched, curved or kinked or a combination thereof to effect
the relative orientation of the second and third conduit end portions.
[0126] The conduit may be curved or kinked in a section e.g. mid or upper section, so as
to incline the second open end portion between 10 - 60 degrees to the longitudinal
axis of the container, preferably 15 - 45 degrees, more preferably 15 - 30 degrees,
even more preferably 20 degrees.
[0127] The third open end portion may extend from an upper section (ie. Toward the top of
the container when it is orientated upright) of the conduit, e.g at right angles.
The conduit may have tee (T-shaped) configuration at the top, wherein the third open
end portion branches off orthogonally from a main section of the conduit, preferably
generally longitudinally aligned.
[0128] The top of the conduit may be offset from the central longitudinal axis.
[0129] The conduit may be in the form of or include a dip tube which may co-operate with
a container closure or cap also provided.
[0130] The container may be flexible by means of one or more flexible portions, and the
invention is not restricted to an entirely flexible container. Rigid sections eg.
Base, corners etc may be included e.g.for increasing strength.
[0131] A dispenser of this invention can have any shape suitable to portability and handling,
without excluding any shape.
[0132] The cap of the dispenser of the invention can be of any shape, aimed at the function
of closing the container after it has been filled with the liquid and allowing same
to be dispensed.
[0133] The dispenser parts may be made of any material suitable for the purpose. A majority,
if not all, of the parts are suitably made from polymeric material.
[0134] The laundry composition may be a cleaning liquids which may generally contain a foaming
surfactant, preferably in completely dissolved form. They may also contain other components
known in the art as components of cleaning liquids. They may even contain solid particulate
matter preferably in stable suspension in the liquid. To retain the simplified structure,
it is preferred, however, are cleaning liquids that do not contain any undissolved
solid matter unless a filter is used.
[0135] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention are outlined below with reference to the
drawings attached hereto.
[0136] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the invention.
[0137] Referring to figure 1, there is shown a dispenser 1 for dispensing a mixture of two
or more fluids 2,4,e.g. laundry solution 2 (which may be any one of foam examples
A to J described above) and gas i.e. air 4 as a foam and/or mist. The dispenser 1
comprises a flexible container 6 for containing the liquid and includes a conduit
8 comprising a dip tube 8a having first and second end portions 11,12 the first end
portion 11 terminating in an opening in the container 6 through which the mixture
2,4 is expelled from the container and the second open end portion 12 being close
to the base 14 of said container 6, wherein the conduit 8 includes a third open end
portion 13 which is located close to the top 16 of the container 6 and laterally inclined
or opposed to the second open end portion 12.
[0138] As the second and third conduit openings 12,13 are both longitudinally and laterally
opposed the dispenser 1 operates when it is inverted and tilted sideways.
[0139] The conduit is kinked or bent (at Y) generally in its upper section 18, so as to
incline the second open end portion 12 approximately 20 degrees to the longitudinal
axis of the container 6.
[0140] The third open end portion 13 extend from an upper section 18(ie. Toward the top
of the container when it is orientated upright) of the conduit 8, e.g at right angles.
The conduit may have tee (T-shaped) configuration at the top, wherein the third open
end portion branches off orthogonally from a main section of the conduit, preferably
generally longitudinally aligned.
The conduit comprises a dip tube in co-operation with the screw-on container closure
20 having dispensing opening 22.
[0141] The container is flexible by means of a generally flexible body portion 24. However
certain sections e.g. the base 26 and optionally corner portions may have increased
rigidity e.g. for increasing strength.
[0142] The dispenser parts may be made of any material suitable for the purpose. A majority,
if not all, of the parts are suitably made from polymeric material.
[0143] In use, the dispenser 1 is opened by unscrewing and removing the closure 20 and then
filled with between 20 and 70 of laundry detergent powder (as in the Detergent Powder
example above but also with the addition of 2.5 g of granules from Example 3) and
approximately 150-180 ml water, this is then mixed by shaking the device to form a
solution 2 to leave a head space of air 4.
[0144] The device, as it is to be used with a powder and water solutions, includes a simple
filter comprising a mesh covering attached to the first and second ends of the conduit
to prevent passage of any undissolved powder therethrough.
[0145] The container is then simply compressed by squeezing the body portion 24 to expel
a pink coloured foam / mist from the container. The container can be used in any orientation
e.g. inverted, due to the conduit arrangement to e.g. pretreat difficult to reach
areas of garments and other laundry items without need for a support surface or having
to maintain the device upright.
[0146] The foam turns pink so that the pretreated areas become coloured as a cue to the
consumer.
[0147] The main wash detergent composition in this embodiment also includes the same pH
dependent chromophore, as used for the pretreater and for additional colour cues.
[0148] The pink colouration of pretreatment and colouration of the main wash detergent can
be removed in the following washing operation either by relying on dilution or by
additional components in a laundry detergent used in the main wash which increase
acidity. Such additional components may comprise e.g. citric acid, polycarboxylates
which may be present as coacervated or wax coated particles which break up in the
wash delaying the colouration effect.
[0149] It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted
to the details of the above embodiments which are described by way of example only.
1. Wäschebehandlungsspender in Kombination mit einer Waschflüssigkeit zum Dosieren eines
Gemisches der Waschflüssigkeit und eines Gases als einen Schaum und/oder eine Sprühung,
wobei der Spender einen flexiblen Behälter für die Fluids umfasst, einschließlich
einer Leitung mit ersten und zweiten Endteilen, wobei das erste Endteil in einer Öffnung
in dem Behälter endet, durch die der Schaum und/oder die Sprühung aus dem Behälter
ausgestoßen wird, und wobei das zweite offene Endteil nahe zu dem Boden des Behälters
ist, wobei die Leitung ein drittes offenes Endteil einschließt, das nahe zu dem Oberen
des Behälters angeordnet ist und seitlich zu dem zweiten offenen Endteil geneigt oder
gegenüber liegend ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Waschflüssigkeit umfasst (i) ein pH-Wert-abhängiges Chromophor, wobei das pH-Wert-abhängige
Chromophor ein UV-VIS-Spektrum aufweist, das sich mit dem pH-Wert in dem Bereich 1
bis 14 ändert; und (ii) ein pH-Wert-veränderndes Mittel.
2. Kombination nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung ein Mittel zum manuellen Unterdrucksetzen des Behälters zum Ausstoßen
von Schaum / Sprühung daraus umfasst.
3. Kombination nach einem vorangehenden Anspruch, worin die Leitung verzweigt, gekrümmt
oder geknickt ist oder eine Kombination davon, um die relative Orientierung der zweiten
und dritten Leitungsendteile zu bewirken.
4. Kombination nach einem vorangehenden Anspruch, worin die Leitung in einem Abschnitt
gekrümmt oder geknickt ist, z.B. mittlerer oder oberer Abschnitt, sodass das zweite
offene Endteil zwischen 10 bis 60° zu der Längsachse des Behälters, vorzugsweise 15
bis 45°, bevorzugter 15 bis 30°, auch bevorzugter 20°, geneigt ist.
5. Kombination nach Anspruch 4, worin die Leitung in einem oberen Abschnitt um 20° geknickt
ist.
6. Kombination nach einem vorangehenden Anspruch, worin das dritte offene Endteil sich
von dem oberen Abschnitt der Leitung, d.h. mit rechten Winkeln, erstreckt.
7. Kombination nach einem vorangehenden Anspruch, worin die Leitung oben eine T-Konfiguration
aufweist, worin das dritte offene Endteil orthogonal von dem Hauptabschnitt der Leitung
abzweigt.
8. Kombination nach einem vorangehenden Anspruch, worin das Obere der Leitung mit der
mittleren Längsachse ausgerichtet ist.
9. Kombination nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, worin das Obere der Leitung von der
mittleren Längsachse versetzt ist.
10. Kombination nach einem vorangehenden Anspruch, worin die Leitung in der Form von einem
Tauchrohr vorliegt oder eines einschließt, welches mit einem Behälterverschluss oder
Kappe zusammenwirkt.
11. Kombination nach einem vorangehenden Anspruch, worin die Vorrichtung ein oder mehrere
Filter, angeordnet in oder auf dem ersten und/oder zweiten Ende der Leitung, einschließt.
12. Verfahren zum Behandeln eines Textils durch Anwenden eines gefärbten Waschschaums
und/oder Sprühung auf eine ausgewählte Fläche eines Textils, wie einen verfleckten
oder verschmutzten Bereich, unter Verwendung der Kombination nach einem vorangehenden
Anspruch.
13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12 unter Einbezug der Schritte des Abwartens, bis der Schaum
wie aufgetragen seine Farbe von seiner ursprünglich aufgetragenen Farbe verändert
hat, gefolgt von Spülen des Teils des Textils, auf das der Schaum mit Wasser aufgetragen
wurde, und dann Trocknen des Textils und/oder Ausführen eines weiteren Waschvorgangs
oder weiterer Waschvorgänge.
14. Kit zum Behandeln eines Textils, umfassend die Kombination einer Vorrichtung und Waschflüssigkeit
von Ansprüchen 1 bis 11, wobei das Kit Anweisungen zur Anwendung der Vorrichtung und
Waschfluid nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 13 einschließt.
15. Verfahren zum Behandeln eines Textils nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 13, wobei das
Verfahren einen Anfangsschritt des Vermischens einer konzentrierten Wäschezusammensetzung
umfasst, umfassend: (i) ein pH-Wert-abhängiges Chromophor, wobei das pH-Wert-abhängige
Chromophor ein UV-VIS-Spektrum aufweist, das sich mit dem pH-Wert in dem Bereich von
1 bis 14 ändert; und ein pH-Wert-veränderndes Mittel mit einem Lösungsmittel, wie
Wasser, in der Vorrichtung, um eine Waschflüssigkeit zur Bildung des Schaums und/oder
der Sprühung zu erzeugen.
16. Kit zum Behandeln von Textil, wobei das Kit einen Wäschebehandlungsspender und ein
Waschkonzentrat umfasst zum Dosieren eines Gemisches einer Waschflüssigkeit und eines
Gases als einen Schaum und/oder eine Sprühung, wobei der Spender einen biegsamen Behälter
für das Gemisch umfasst, einschließlich einer Leitung mit ersten und zweiten Endteilen,
wobei das erste Endteil in einer Öffnung in dem Behälter endet, durch die der Schaum
und/oder die Sprühung aus dem Behälter ausgestoßen wird, und das zweite offene Endteil
nahe zu dem Boden des Behälters ist, wobei die Leitung einen dritten offenen Endteil
einschließt, der nahe zu dem Oberen des Behälters angeordnet ist und seitlich zu dem
zweiten offenen Endteil geneigt oder gegenüber liegend ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Waschkonzentrat umfasst: (i) ein pH-Wert-abhängiges Chromophor, wobei das pH-Wert-abhängige
Chromophor ein UV-VIS-Spektrum aufweist, das sich mit dem pH-Wert in dem Bereich 1
bis 14 ändert, und (ii) ein pH-Wert-veränderndes Mittel zusammen mit den Anwendungshinweisen
gemäß dem Verfahren von Anspruch 15.
17. Kit nach Anspruch 16, worin die Vorrichtung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11 vorliegt.
18. Kit nach Anspruch 14, 16 oder 17, einschließlich einer Hauptwaschzusammensetzung.