EP0343069A1 - Method and device for washing laundry in a machine using a powdery product - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for washing laundry in a machine, according to which a dispenser and diffuser device of the reusable type is filled with a powdery product, such as a detergent, exerting activity during washing, this device is placed in the machine together with the laundry to be washed, and subsequently the washing is carried out in the usual way. A device (30) used comprises a flexible bag (32), the mouth (31) of which is open for the purpose of filling the bag, being reclosed before it is introduced into the washing machine. The powdery product dissolves progressively into the washing medium and is not in contact with the laundry in solid form. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention belongs to the field of machine washing. It relates to a new washing process making it possible to optimally use the products currently available on the market in solid form, in particular powder, which are used in a washing operation, for example detergents or other special additives having activity during washing. The invention also relates to a device for implementing such a method.

Washing is increasingly carried out in machines, using products presented in the form of powder, granules or other solid forms in particles. Washing machines are mainly drum machines but there are also so-called agitator / pulsator machines. Whatever type of machine is used, specialists know that the conditions for using such products are far from optimal. There is indeed a real problem in ensuring a uniform distribution of the particulate product and its dissolution in the washing medium located in the tank of the machine. In the following, the technical problems will be illustrated more particularly in the case of powdered detergents, but it is clear that similar problems arise with detergents presented otherwise as with any additives having activity during washing.

Most of the time, compartments or trays are provided for receiving the appropriate quantity of detergent powder before the actual washing operation. The powdery active product is supposed to be entrained by the water in the tank of the machine, as the process progresses. However, it can be seen that the powdered detergent is far from being completely entrained by the water, so that more or less significant residual quantities remain in the distribution tank. So the expected amount of detergent powder is not actually consumed, which affects the effectiveness of washing. In addition, the washing machine tubs are always soiled with residues from previous operations. This difficulty is widely known and is the subject of numerous complaints from users.

Another technical problem posed by the use of powdered detergents is that the dissolution of the active product within the tank is not complete, so that the powder entrained by water and which has not been able to dissolve properly, falls directly to the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type of machine, the loss of product in the drainage system can reach 20% of the quantity initially placed in the tanks. The undissolved powder is directly discharged into the machine drain, which ultimately leads the user to increase the doses of powder to ensure optimal washing.

To avoid the aforementioned drawbacks and the loss of detergent in the distribution bins, a certain number of users resort to an artisanal expedient, which consists in placing the detergent powder directly on the drum of the washing machine, before starting the washing operation. This measure is of course only usable in the case of a drum machine with opening from above, and it is not free of drawbacks either. If it can be estimated, in fact, that the losses in the distribution tanks are eliminated, it is not the same for the losses in the drainage system, which are then only slightly reduced. In any case, this solution is not satisfactory, since the powder passes through the holes in the drum, and comes into direct contact with the laundry. During the rotation of the drum in water, the dissolution of the detergent powder particles thus come into contact with the laundry exerts an unfavorable influence on the latter. Frequently, the detergent particles are colored, so that the colored granules of the detergent dissolve by releasing the dye from the laundry and can then cause stains on the laundry. Likewise, if, as desired to obtain a good washing performance, the detergent composition contains peroxygen compounds, the corresponding granules, for example perborate granules, decompose on contact with the laundry and can discolor the articles of fragile color.

There is therefore an indisputable technical problem, which is linked to the fact that the detergents or detergents presented in particulate form do not meet the optimum conditions for dissolution in water during washing.

Among the documents illustrating the state of the art, there may be mentioned US Pat. No. 3,048,993 which relates to a washing process in which a granular product is placed in a receptacle pierced with holes, which is fixed inside the drum of the machine. The receptacle is designed to detach under the effect of centrifugal force at a later stage in the washing process. It is of a complicated construction and does not ensure the diffusion of the dissolved granular product from the start of the washing process.

To solve the aforementioned problem, the applicant has appealed to the concept of a process according to which a device is first filled with detergent, which is then placed in the machine, with the laundry to be washed. It has, in fact, developed this concept essentially in the case of liquid detergents and, by way of reference to illustrate such a state of the art, mention may be made of the patent FR - A- 2 563250 having as title: "Washing process machine laundry with liquid detergent and device for its application ". In this case, the detergent contained in the device gradually diffuses into the washing medium and into the laundry in the machine. In one embodiment, the device comprises a filling orifice and vents for the gradual release of the liquid within the laundry during washing.

However, when it is desired to apply such a concept purely and simply to the case of particulate detergents, there are in many cases encountered practical difficulties. These are due to the fact that the dissolution of solid detergent particles in the washing water is not satisfactorily ensured if such a detergent is placed in a device comprising orifices, and then to introduce such a detergent. device in the machine within the laundry. It was found, in fact, that the presence of orifices on the device, capable of ensuring the diffusion of the detergent, did not allow good dissolution of the powder. The fact of increasing the number and / or the size of the orifices is also not a satisfactory solution, since it encounters the same drawbacks as those mentioned at the beginning of this description, namely the losses of powder in the system. and / or contact with the laundry while the particles are still solid. Also, a reduction in the number and / or dimensions of the orifices leads, as has been observed, to a progressive closure of the orifices by the wet powder, so that the detergent can no longer leave the device to ensure the function of washing. All the above discussion therefore shows that, in general, it is not possible to optimally use powdered detergents in metering and diffusing devices which, moreover, prove to be entirely suitable for liquid detergents.

In its patent application FR-2 615905 entitled "Method and device for washing laundry in the machine", the applicant has proposed using a metering and diffusing device containing a detergent in solid form and ensuring the predissolution of the powder before its progressive release in the middle of the laundry. In one embodiment, such a device comprises a body capable of being filled with the desired amount of detergent, removable means for closing this body, the body or said means having holes or vents for the release of the detergent, said device being characterized in that it comprises means separating the part of the device comprising the holes or vents from the part comprising particulate detergent, said means being designed to allow the washing water to pass freely and to practically prevent the massive and uncontrolled outflow of the particulate detergent. A device structure which has given very interesting practical results has the general appearance of a body of revolution which can be closed by a removable cap, which has holes allowing both the entry of water inside. of the device and also the distribution of the detergent, the device being more particularly characterized in that it comprises at least one plate mounted inside the device for separating the cap and the part of the body containing the detergent which is circular, said plate having itself at least one orifice whose surface is smaller than that of the holes or vents of the cap. Thus, the perforated plate makes it possible to retain the particulate detergent in the body of the device while allowing the washing water to come to dissolve this detergent before its release in the washing machine.

The applicant continued its research to resolve the technical problems mentioned in patent application FR-2 615.905, while retaining the concept of diffusion and progressive dispersion in the washing medium and in the linen of an active product available at the start. in particulate form, ensuring the predissolution of this product before its diffusion. It is indeed desirable to develop a metering and diffusing device which, while retaining a simple structure, further improves the devices already proposed for this purpose in the case of particulate detergents and makes it possible in particular to:
- reduce the amount of plastic used in the device, which meets increasingly important environmental protection needs, the regulations in this regard aiming to prevent the rejection of plastic articles which are not normally destroyed in natural environments,
- achieve a minimum footprint, to meet the needs of packaging, transport, and storage, and
- eliminate the noise caused by the metering and diffusing devices in washing machines, in order to meet the expectations of certain users.

The present invention provides a solution to these technical problems as well as to others, as will emerge from the description which follows, while fully retaining the benefits of the metering and diffusing devices which it had already proposed for particulate detergents. , in particular those forming the subject of the aforementioned patent application FR 2 614.905.

The invention relates to a method for washing laundry in the machine, according to which a metering and diffusing device of the reusable type is filled with a particulate product having activity during washing, this device is placed in the machine with the laundry. washing and then washing is carried out in the usual manner, characterized in that said device essentially comprises a flexible sheath in the form of a bag, extending around at least one mouth, which allows the filling of the bag with the desired quantity of product substantially corresponding to a washing operation and is closed during washing, the material constituting the bag being designed to allow the penetration of the aqueous washing medium through the bag, with a view to the gradual dissolution of the particulate product, which is located inside the bag, being gradually released during washing as a solution aqueous passing through the bag, from the inside to the outside of it.

According to the invention, the bag is made of a material capable of retaining the particulate product, without letting it pass in solid form, as well as withstanding the temperatures of washing the machine and drying.

Also, the bag is permeable to water and to the washing medium, so as to allow the penetration of the aqueous washing medium into the interior of the bag as well as the diffusion and the release of an active solution of product through the bag, from the inside to the outside of it.

The process of the invention can be applied not only to detergents in solid form, but also to any particulate product having activity during washing, for example chosen from bleaching agents, such as agents releasing chlorine or active oxygen (peroxygen compounds), bleaching catalysts, bleaching activators, bactericides, foam regulators, brighteners, anti-redeposition agents of dirt, enzymes, softeners, agents exerting a stain-removing action grease stains or constituents which do not exert a direct action on the soiling but which can intervene in a washing process in the machine, for example the agents ensuring the protection of the organs and internal parts of the washing machine.

In the present description the expression "particulate product" includes all the forms of presentation of such solid products, such as powders, granules, flakes, pellets and other similar physical structures capable of being dissolved in water under normal conditions of washing. The process of the invention is particularly advantageous with detergents presented under form of so-called high density particles, which are already being developed in some countries. They have advantages in packaging, transport, storage, vis-à-vis similar traditional products, because of the reduction in size they allow to obtain. However, due to their chemical composition and their physical structure characteristics, such high-density particulate detergents tend to cause losses in the distribution tank as well as in the drainage circuits, even greater than detergents in traditional powder. The ability to dissolve these new detergents is, in some cases, less than that of known products. The individual packages used for these high density particulate detergents often have a smaller volume, which means that there is less space available for the insertion of metering and dispensing devices. These new technical problems linked to the appearance of detergents in high density particles are also resolved by the method of the present invention, which uses a metering and diffusing device essentially comprising a bag made of flexible material.

The device used according to the invention is distinguished in many aspects from certain means known from the prior art which consisted of sachets or bags which may contain a detergent or an additive useful in washing, such products may be present under particulate form in the sachet. First of all, the bags or sachets of the prior art contain a predosed amount of product and cannot be reused. Their design does not allow the product to be released gradually, it being completely dispensed either immediately at the start of the washing cycle, or during it. The device of the invention does not have the drawbacks of sachets or bags of the prior art. According to the invention the device is of the reusable kind and one can dose at will the quantity of product (detergent or any additive) thanks to the presence of the mouthpiece, which is used for filling the product. Furthermore, those skilled in the art know that to allow the diffusion of the active product, the sachets or bags of the prior art must have a wall which is soluble in water or in the washing medium or else, in the case where this wall does not is not soluble in water, it is necessary to provide seals, or bonds capable of dissolving to release the products. In the first case, that of the water-soluble walls, there is no problem with the washing machine, but the sachets or bags are difficult to store and to market practically, because of their sensitivity to humidity. This solution is therefore not technically acceptable, except by adopting much more costly measures concerning the design of the wall. On the other hand, with insoluble bags or sachets, the body of these is released at the same time as the active product, which entails serious disadvantages for the organs of the washing machine, the bags or sachets emptied of their contents causing various damage, such as blockage of the drainage circuits. Such practical difficulties are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore do not need to be explained in more detail.

Unlike the means of the prior art, the device of the invention can be recovered at the end of washing without any risk for the machine, which is entirely essential for the practical needs of users.

The method of the invention can be implemented with a wide variety of devices comprising a flexible bag.

The material of the flexible bag can be of any type, as long as it has sufficient resistance to water and to the washing medium at the temperatures used during washing as well as during drying, up to around 150 ° C. It can therefore be a woven or non-woven material produced from natural or synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof. By way of illustration only, a bag formed from a flexible sheath made of pure cotton may be used either in the form of a fabric having a mesh opening of less than about 0.5 mm or in the form of a nonwoven article with openings ranging in particular from 0.5 to 0.8 mm. The bag can also be produced from extruded or co-extruded films and having perforations. The dimensions of these can vary within wide limits, depending on the nature and the particle size of the particulate product. As an indication, perforation films of approximately 380 microns can be used. However, the material of the bag is not necessarily a textile material. The sheath can also be produced from a plastic mesh or a sheet of paper or other porous and water-resistant cellulosic material. If the material provided for the flexible bag does not in itself have sufficient resistance to water, it can be provided with a coating making it water resistant. For example in the case of porous paper, the coating may consist of a latex-based binder associated with a hydrophobic substance.

The exterior shape of the bag can also be very variable. By way of illustration, the bag can be a substantially cylindrical sheath extending in the extension of the mouth, when the latter is open, the diameter of the sheath then being substantially equal to that of the mouth. However, it is also possible to use sheaths which taper from the mouthpiece or, on the contrary, widen from it. Also, since the device according to the invention is of the reusable type and the user can dose the quantity of particulate product at will, the flexible bag can have various markings corresponding to filling levels and by therefore to varying amounts of particulate products.

As mentioned above, the device according to the invention has at least one mouth allowing the bag to be filled with the active product. In the simplest embodiment, which is preferred, the device comprises a single mouth, the section of which may be any; circular, oval, square, rectangular and others. Good practical results have been obtained with mouthpieces of circular or oval section.

The mouth of the bag which is kept open for filling and closed during washing should be delimited by means serving to support the sheath of the bag and provided with removable closing members. For this purpose, any of the arrangements can be used in known manner, which make it possible to open and close the mouth of a flexible container. To this end, the mouth of the bag can be provided with a ring on which can be removably fixed a closure member, by screwing, conjugation of shapes or the like. However, preference is given to quick opening and closing arrangements, in which it is not necessary to use a separate closure element. Such arrangements are already known to those skilled in the art in other technical fields. One of the simplest arrangements consists in delimiting the mouth with lips, preferably two lips, each containing an elastic member and which can be applied or separated from one another according to the needs of the use.

The constituent materials of the bodies allowing the closure and the opening of the bag can be chosen without any limitation among plastic, metallic materials, wood, cardboard rendered water resistant and any other similar material. Good practical results are obtained with plastics which are easy to tra valiant. By way of example, polyethylene and polypropylene are very suitable.

According to a complementary embodiment, the shape of the support means of the flexible bag can be chosen so as to facilitate the removal of particulate product in a larger packaging, for example a barrel. To this end, the support can be arranged so that its outer edge acts as a sampling trough. To facilitate gripping, the ring may also have surface irregularities, in relief or in hollow, allowing a good grip with the fingers. But it is also possible to fix on the support an element allowing its gripping. Such an element can be permanently mounted, in which case it is preferably of small dimension, or as a variant, this element consists of a handle of larger dimension, which can be fixed on the support in a removable manner by any suitable means.

Those skilled in the art will understand that numerous arrangements can be made to meet the needs of the invention and allow the repeated operations of opening and closing the mouth of the bag. Among the provisions for easy and quick opening, we can rate those that already exist for purses. More detailed arrangements are described by way of illustration in DE-OS31.46.750 and in DE-OS 35.31.900, which can be referred to if necessary.

The process and the device of the invention are particularly suitable for the use of particulate products having a fairly slow rate of dissolution in water or else it is desired that certain constituents do not come directly into contact with the laundry in solid form. The particulate products in question can be detergents for heavy washing or for delicate washing or other additives useful in washing at variable times in the cycle. It is also appropriate that the particulate product does not form a gel when water enters the bag, so that the dissolution of said product can take place gradually in contact with water. Since the device remains closed during the whole washing cycle, there is no risk of contact of the particulate product with the laundry. Furthermore, it is perfectly possible to adjust the speed of dissolution of the product according to the nature thereof, as well as to choose the moment when it will be released in the form of an aqueous solution. For example, some additives only become active when the temperature has reached a certain value. It goes without saying that all kinds of detergents and active products and additives useful in washing can be used in the process of the invention.

As a simple example, the method of the invention can be applied to detergents for heavy washes having substantially the following composition: Alkyl sulphates 7-10% Fatty acid 1- 3% Sodium tripolyphosphate 18-25% Water-soluble polymers 1- 3% Sodium perborate 10-25% Sodium silicate 3- 8% Sodium sulfate 10-40% Sodium carbonate 5-10% Alcalase (enzyme) 0-2%

A composition which can be used as a detergent for delicate washes is also indicated by way of illustration below: Alkyl sulphates 10-20% Fatty acid 1- 3% Sodium tripolyphosphate 20-40% Sodium silicate 1- 5% Sodium sulfate 20-40% Sodium carbonate 0- 5%

In the foregoing compositions, all parts have been indicated by weight.

In practice, the volume of the flexible bag must be chosen according to the dose of active product to be dispensed during washing. In the case of a detergent composition, suitable volume values for the flexible bag are approximately 250 ml to 400 ml, which makes it possible to introduce weight quantities of particulate detergent of the order of 150 250 g per wash.

It should also be noted that the method of the invention which uses a metering and diffusing device with flexible bag makes it possible to use detergent compositions which currently cannot find a practical application, due to the fact that they cannot be suitably distributed from the bin or compartment fitted to the washing machine. This is already true for certain high density detergent compositions, which have already been mentioned previously. But the same observation is to be made for other detergent compositions having a poor solubility in water. The method of the invention therefore makes it possible to use detergent compositions providing better washing performance, for example by reducing or even eliminating the fillers of sodium sulfate type while increasing the proportions of surfactant, for example anionic and nonionic. Also, the invention can be implemented with particulate products of very variable particle size, since those skilled in the art can choose the metering and diffusing device and in particular the material constituting the flexible bag depending on the nature of the active product.

The foregoing description and the following concrete examples illustrate the technical problems solved by the invention as well as the advantages which it provides.

The method of the invention makes it possible to dispense detergents, additives or other active washing products, available in particulate form, within the laundry even in the machine, which provides higher concentrations of detergent solution in contact with the laundry and therefore increases the performance and quality of washing.

The invention completely eliminates the losses of active product, in particular detergent, which occur when the metering compartment of the washing machine is used, the losses in the drain circuit of the machine being eliminated.

The amount of plastic used in the metering and diffusing device is very low. In some cases, it is not even necessary to use plastic to make the support for the bag. Thus the invention provides better protection of the environment because the materials constituting the device are very largely degraded in the natural environment.

Practical tests have also shown that using the dosing and diffusing device with a flexible bag did not cause any noise inside the machine during the washing operation. The device, due to its low weight, does not cause any damage to the laundry.

The very small size of the dosing and diffusing device with flexible bag makes it possible to associate it in an optimal manner with the packaging of products in particles, such as detergents and other additives useful in washing. It is thus possible to use individual packages comprising larger quantities of particulate product and / or packages which themselves have a reduced bulk. The device in question is very easy to handle and store, since it occupies only a very small space.

Unlike bags or sachets containing a predetermined dose of active product, the invention makes it possible to use any desired quantity of product, depending on the nature of the latter. We therefore even choose the metering and diffusing device most appropriate to the characteristics of the product, a type of device then being assigned to an individual product packaging.

The method of the invention is still very easy to implement since the metering and diffusing device can be used directly to take off the particulate active product. Once the washing operation is complete, the device is easily retrieved from the machine and can then be reused. Even if the user forgets the device in the machine or the dryer, this presents no disadvantage either for the machine or for the laundry in a subsequent washing operation.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention therefore offers a great deal of flexibility in solving the various technical problems of washing machine in the machine with particulate active products.

• Fig. 1 représente schématiquement, en vue de face, un dispositif doseur et diffuseur utilisable dans le procédé
• Fig. 2 est coupe illustrant le montage du sac sou­ple sur son support.
• Fig. 3 est une vue en plan d'un support de sac.
• Fig. 4 est une vue analogue à la figure 3 montrant une variante.
• Fig. 5 est une vue en perspective illustrant une forme de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention.
• Fig. 6 montre le dispositif de la figure 5, tel qu'il est utilisé dans la machine à laver.
• Fig. 7 est une vue analogue à la figure 3, mon­trant une autre variante.
• Fig. 8 est une vue en coupe transversale montrant une autre structure délimitant l'embouchure d'un dispositif de l'invention en position ouverte.
• Fig. 9 est une vue analogue à la figure 8, le dis­positif étant en position fermée, tel qu'il est utilisé dans la machine à laver.

The invention will be further illustrated without being in any way limited by the following description made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Fig. 1 schematically represents, in front view, a metering and diffusing device usable in the process
• Fig. 2 is a section illustrating the mounting of the flexible bag on its support.
• Fig. 3 is a plan view of a bag holder.
• Fig. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing a variant.
• Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the device of the invention.
• Fig. 6 shows the device of FIG. 5, as it is used in the washing machine.
• Fig. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing another variant.
• Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another structure delimiting the mouth of a device of the invention in the open position.
• Fig. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, the device being in the closed position, as used in the washing machine.

The metering and diffusing device designated by the general reference 10 in FIG. 1 essentially comprises a ring 1 made of plastic material, for example made of polypropylene and a bag 2 made of flexible material, for example made of cotton fabric or nonwoven based on cotton . In the example shown, the section of the ring 1 is circular, but a different section, for example oval, could also be adopted. Schematically shown in 4 are the organs used for clipping or screwing a cap 3 whose inner surface 5 is provided with corresponding removable fixing means. The size of the openings of the bag 2 is such that it can prevent the free passage of a particulate product, in particular a detergent, placed inside the bag, even with regard to the finest particles. In the examples below, the flexible bag 2 had a capacity of approximately 250 ml to 400 ml, the detergent doses varying from approximately 150 to 250 g. The mesh openings of the cotton fabric were less than about 0.5 mm in size. With a non-woven cotton bag, the size of the openings was about 0.5 to 0.8 mm.

Figure 2 is a sectional view schematically showing the mounting of the flexible bag 2 on the support ring 1. The ring has an inner wall 6 connecting to an outer wall 7 providing between them an interior space 8 in which can be inserted the extreme edge 9 of the bag 2. To ensure the maintenance of the bag, any suitable means can be used, for example an adhesive capable of withstand the temperatures used in washing machines, including those where drying is carried out, the temperatures then being able to go up to 150 ° C.

Figure 3 schematically shows in plan a ring 11 of structure similar to that of the ring 1 of Figures 1 and 2, the ring 11 further comprising a tongue 12 can be used as a gripping means. This tongue 12 facilitates the introduction of the particulate product when the latter is taken out in a package for dosing in the bag.

FIG. 4 illustrates a variant in which the ring 21 can be provided with a handle 23 presented separately and which can be removably fixed at 22 by any suitable rapid fixing means, in particular by clipping or notching.

As mentioned previously, the opening section of the rings can have any outline. For washing purposes, however, devices with no sharp edges are preferred, so as to cause no damage to the laundry. This is why we prefer round or oval structures rather than structures with a square or rectangular section, even if the edges are rounded. In any case, the material of the support rings is not necessarily hard, because other materials, such as paper, having a lower hardness can be used.

There is shown in perspective in Figure 5 an interesting embodiment of the device according to the invention. This device, designated by the general reference 30 comprises a support 31 and a flexible bag 32. It can be seen in FIG. 5 that the support 31 is made in two parts 31 a , 31 b , in the form of lips which, as can be seen in Figure 5, can be kept apart if there is a force of approximation of the ends of the lips as indicated in the direction of the arrows F₁ and F₂. So that the position or green shown in Figure 5 is maintained, the lips contain elastic means schematically indicated at 33, according to an arrangement already known to those skilled in the art in purses.

The device in FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 5. The mouth of the bag being closed, the lips 31 a and 31 b then being applied one against the other, which is obtained by applying pressure in the direction of arrows F₃ and F₄ respectively (Figure 5).

In the open position, the device of Figure 5 allows to introduce into the bag 32 the metered amount of particulate product intended for washing. This filling operation can be done by any known means. The withdrawal of the product in an individual package can be facilitated if the upper part of the bag is provided, at its support 31, with a handle or a tongue.

Once the bag is filled, the opening is closed. The metering and diffusing device then occupies the position shown in FIG. 6 and can be directly introduced into the washing machine.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in plan view, the mouth of a device 40 of the invention delimited by a ring 41, which has recessed parts 42, 43 at the periphery to allow easier grip with the fingers, for example with the thumb for part 42 and the index finger for part 43. The mouth 41 is capped with a cap, not shown, for the use of the device 40 in the washing machine, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate, in cross section, the structure of a bag mouth corresponding to a preferred embodiment. This structure is of the type described in DE-OS-3146750, which is introduced for reference in the present specification. In the device (general reference 50) of Figures 8 and 9, the lips of the mouth are designated by the references 52 and 53. They are made integral at each of their ends, respectively at 52 a , 53 a and 52 b and 53 b . A strip 51 having an elastic deformation capacity is applied against one of the lips (here, the lip 52) to the ends of the latter, respectively at 51 a and 51 b . This strip 51 can be made of plastic with incorporated elastic hub. The position of Figure 8 is that of the open bag, for filling with the particulate product. During use, it suffices to push on the strip 51, according to the arrow F₅ (FIG. 9) to close the opening; the intrinsic elasticity of the strip 51 allows the device 50 to retain the curved structure shown in FIG. 9.

As those skilled in the art will readily understand, multiple modifications to the present invention can be made without departing from its scope. Thus, in the above examples, the invention has above all been illustrated in its application to particulate detergents, but it should be clearly understood that the invention can also be used with other particulate active products useful in washing, which can be shown separately and exert their specific effects at selected times in the wash cycle, either at the start of the wash cycle or during the wash.

Claims (16)

1. Method for washing machine in a machine, according to which a reusable type metering and diffusing device is filled with a particulate product having activity during washing, this device is placed in the machine with the washing machine and carried out then washing in the usual way, characterized in that said device essentially comprises a flexible sheath in the form of a bag, extending around at least one mouth, which allows the filling of the bag with the desired quantity of product corresponding substantially to a washing operation and is closed during the washing, the material constituting the bag being designed to allow the penetration of the aqueous washing medium through the bag, with a view to the gradual dissolution of the particulate product, which is inside the bag, thus being gradually released during washing in the form of an aqueous solution passing through the bag, from the inside to the outside of the latter. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the particulate product is of the type having a fairly slow rate of dissolution in water or where it is desired that certain constituents do not come directly into contact with the laundry in solid form. 3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the particulate product is a detergent, for heavy washes or for delicate washes, including a detergent presented in the form of so-called high density particles. 4. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the particulate product is chosen from bleaching agents, such as agents releasing chlorine or active oxygen (peroxygen compounds), bleaching catalysts , bleach activators, bactericides, foam regulators, brightening agents, anti-redeposition agents for dirt, enzymes, softeners, agents exerting a stain-removing action of grease stains or constituents not having a direct action on dirt but which can intervene in a washing process of the machine washing, for example agents providing protection for the internal parts and components of the washing machine. 5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bag is made of a material capable of retaining the particulate product, without letting it pass in solid form, as well as withstanding the washing or machine drying, especially up to 150 ° C, while being permeable to water and the washing medium, so as to allow the aqueous washing medium to penetrate into the bag as well as spread and releasing an active solution of product through the bag from the inside to the outside of the bag. 6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flexible bag is made of a material, woven or non-woven, natural fibers such as cotton, or synthetic or mixtures thereof, or from extruded or co-extruded films having perforations. 7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the bag is made from a plastic mesh or a sheet of paper or other porous and water-resistant cellulosic material. 8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the bag is provided with a coating giving it resistance to water. 9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bag is a sen sheath slightly cylindrical extending in the extension of the mouth, when the latter is open, the diameter of the sheath then being substantially equal to that of the mouth, or else a sheath tapering from the mouth or, on the contrary, widening therefrom, in the open position. 10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mouth of the bag is kept open for filling and closed during washing, the mouth being defined for this purpose by means serving as support to the sheath of the bag and can be closed removably. 11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mouth of the bag is provided with a ring on which can be removably fixed a shutter member, by screwing, form conjugation or other. 12. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mouth of the bag is delimited by means of rapid opening and closing, in particular by lips, preferably two in number, of which at least one contains an elastic member or is elastic, so that it can be applied to the other, or separated from the other, according to the needs of the use. 13. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the constituent materials of the organs allowing the closure and the opening of the bag are chosen from plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, metallic, wood, cardboard made water resistant and other similar material. 14. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the support means of the flexible bag is shaped to facilitate the removal of the particulate product in a larger packaging sion, for example a barrel. 15. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the support means of the flexible bag comprises an element allowing its gripping, permanently mounted or constituted by a handle which can be removably fixed by any suitable means . 16. Dosing and diffusing device for particulate product having activity during washing of the machine in the machine, as implemented in the process according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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