GB2327093A - Detergent packaging and detergent dispensing combination - Google Patents

Abstract

A combination for the machine washing of laundry comprises one or more detergent tablets packaged in a packaging system, and a dispensing device for dispensing the detergent tablets in a washing machine during a washing operation. The packaging system includes means for dispensing the tablets from the packaging system into the dispensing device without having to handle the tablets. The packaging system comprises a flow wrap system and the dispensing device is preferably a ball with apertures between 1mm and 10mm. The aperture of the ball through which a tablet is inserted may have means stopping the tablet from being discharged from the ball.

Description

A - A DETERGENT. DETERGENT PACKAGING AND DETERGENT DISPENSING DEVICE COMBINATION INTRODUCTION The invention relates to a combination of a detergent, a detergent packaging system, and a detergent dispensing device.

Detergent compositions in tablet form are described, for example, in GB 911204 (Unilever), US 3953350 (Kao), JP 60015500 A (Lion), JP 60- 135497 A (Lion) and JP 60- 135498 A (Lion); and are sold commercially in Spain. Tablets have several advantages over powdered products: they do not require measuring and are thus easier to handle and dispense into the wash load, and they are more compact, hence facilitating more economical storage.

Detergent tablets are generally made by compressing or compacting a detergent powder, which includes detergent active and detergency builder. It is desirable that tablets have adequate strength when dry, yet disperse and dissolve quickly when added to wash water.

Dispensing devices for detergent tablet compositions are known. For example DK-B-165 759 discloses a dispensing device having a flexible fluid permeable sleeve arranged in an enclosing manner about rigid hollow body forming an annular chamber between the sleeve and the body, the body having an inlet opening for insertion of the tablet. EP-A10628 652 describes a similar dispensing device. Both of these devices include relatively complicated means for delivering a tablet from the opening in the hollow body to the annular chamber, are expensive to make and complicated in use.

EP-A1-0-473-532 discloses a further dispensing device for use with detergent tablets which comprises a water permeable fabric bag having a slotted opening and a freely movable body within the bag to effect the disintegration of the tablet. It is questionable however to what degree such a tablet would be disintegrated within such a device.

A further problem with using detergent tablets in washing operations is that generally speaking, the tablets must be removed from the packaging before insertion in a machine.

This generally requires handling of the tablet which, due to the composition of such tablets, is undesirable.

Indeed, as many fabric detergent tablets contain relatively high levels of surfactants compared to machine dishwash or other detergent tablets, there generally will be greater problems associated with handling such tablets, such as stickiness, irritability. As fabric detergent tablets will usually need to be used with a shuttle or dispensing device, this adds a further handling stage compared to machine dishwash tablets which generally are simply put straight into the machine.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of these problems.

Statements of Invention Broadly, these objects are achieved by the provision of a combination of a det-ergent composition comprising at least one detergent tablet, a packaging system containing the composition, and a device for dispensing the detergent composition in a washing machine during a washing operation.

Ideally, the dispensing device comprises a receptacle for holding the detergent composition, the receptacle having a plurality of apertures for permitting the passage of an aqueous solution therethrough and an opening for reception of the detergent composition, wherein the aperatures in the receptacle have an average dimension equivalent to a mesh size of preferably between lmm and 10mm, preferably between 3mm and 8mm, ideally approximately 5 mm. Ideally, the dispensing, device includes means for preventing or hindering the detergent composition passing out of the dispensing device through the opening, the means preferably being a closure for the opening.

Preferably the receptacle, or at least a portion thereof, comprises a net material. Ideally, the receptacle is a net bag.

Typically, the receptacle incorporates a volume adding member such as, for example, the incorporation of a rigid plastic support ring at the month of a net bag which acts to hold the bag open. Alternatively, the volume adding member may be a constituent part of another part of the receptacle such as a base or mid-position. One advantage of this arrangement is that it facilitates finding the bag after completion of a washing operation and will favour water flow through the device and prevent lodging/posting of the device within the porthole of a washing machine. In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle comprises a substantially rigid hollow body having apertures of the dimensions described above. In such instances the receptacle itself acts as a volume adding member The closure, which prevents or hinders the tablet passing out of the receptacle through the opening during normal operation may comprise, for example, a zip closure, a drawstring closure or a purse-type closure arrangement which preferably comprises a pair of lips which form the mouth of the bag and move together and apart to open and close the receptacle.

This is ideal for flexible net bag type receptacles.

Ideally, the closure will comprise a plurality of resiliently flexible members, ideally fingers, mounted across the opening. Typically, the members will be mounted on a mouth of the opening and will project radially at least partially across the opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the members will project slightly into the members of the opening, with the members being preferably bent to facilitate such a projection. The members will ideally however be resiliently flexible both into and out of the plane of the opening. Preferably a centre portion of the opening will remain uncovered. When the receptacle comprises a flexible net bag, the projecting members will preferably be mounted on an annular support collar which ideally will be attached to the mouth of the bag and define the opening.

In another embodiment of the invention the device will comprise a rigid, preferably oval, receptacle having one or more aperture(s) formed therein and an opening preferably at one or each end for reception of a detergent tablet.

Therefore each opening will have an associated closure which preferably will comprise a plurality of resiliently flexible fingers mounted to and extending radially from an end portion of the receptacle adjacent the opening.

Alternatively, the receptacle may comprise two parts which when connected together form a housing for a detergent tablet. Ideally, the parts are connected by a hinge means.

The receptacles described above in connection with the process of the invention are produced from a material capable of withstanding temperatures for the machine washing or drying of laundry, especially up to 1500C.

The packaging system will preferably include means for, or be designed to facilitate, dispensing the detergent composition from the packaging system without the need for a user to handle or otherwise physically contact the detergent composition. One way of achieving this is to package one or more detergent tablets in a flow wrap packaging system whereby once the system has been opened, the tablets may simply be squeezed out of the package and directly into a dispensing device. Further the seals on the flow wrap may be sufficiently weakened at strategic points to allow such a squeezing or forcing action to open the flow wrap package.

An alternative method which is envisaged is the provision of a cylindrical container having an opening at one end thereof and a reclosable lid means for the opening whereby dispensing of the detergent tablets is effected by simply removing the lid and inverting the container until a tablet falls out into a dispensing device.

Typically, the tablet container packaging may include means for the attachment thereof to a washing machine or a wall.

In another embodiment of the invention, the packaging system will comprise a water soluble wrapping, and preferably a thermoformed water soluble packaging material. Such materials are well known in the art.

Preferably, the packaging system has a moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) or less than 20g/m2/24 hours.

Ideally, the MVTR is approximately 5g/m2/24 hours.

The packaging system will advantageously have a reasonable oxygen permeability, ideally not greater than 2000 cm3/m3/24 hours.

Typically, the packaging system comprises a material having a bulk density of less than 40g/m2.

Ideally, the packaging system comprises a polymeric film, which have been found to be suitable are sold under the trademark BICOR.

Alternatively, the packaging system may comprises a PET/PE laminate, preferably having a thickness of approximately 12 micron PET/40 micron PE.

Preferably, the flow wrap packaging system is a sealed polymer based system which is ideally heat sealed at each end and along a longitudinal seam.

The combination according to the invention is ideal for detergent tablets which include means for aiding the dissolution of the tablets. One embodiment of such a tablet comprises sodium acetate trihydrate, optionally together with sodium citrate dihydrate, and in particular for a compacted particulate composition in which the tablet, or a region thereof, comprises from 15% to 938 by weight of a waterinsoluble water-softening agent, wherein the tablet or a region thereof contains 2% to 35% by weight of sodium acetate trihydrate, optionally together with sodium citrate dihydrate, such that the total quantity of sodium acetate trihydrate and sodium citrate dihydrate is from 7 to 50% by weight of the tablet or region thereof.

The combination according to the invention is also ideal for detergent tablets comprising a tripolyphosphate composition, and in particular for a compacted particulate detergent composition containing one or more detergent-active compounds together with sodium tripolyphosphate and other ingredients, and in which the tablet or a region thereof comprises particles in which sodium tripolyphosphate has a content of a phase 1 form which is more than 20% by weight of the sodium tripolyphosphate in the particles.

The combination according to the invention will be particularly advantageous when the detergemt composition comprises greater than 5% active or surfactant.

The combination according to the invention will ideally comprise two detergent tablets wrapped in a flowrap, which flowrap has a MVTR of approximately 5g/m2/24 hours, in combination with a tablet dispensing device. Preferably, the flowrapped tablets are packaged with a carton type box with the dispensing device being attached to either an outside or an inside of the box.

The invention also seeks to include a process for washing laundry in a washing machine process by employing one or more detergent tablets packaged within a packaging system and a receptacle for dispensing the or each detergent tablet within the washing machine, the receptacle having one or more apertures for permitting the passage of an aqueous solution therethrough, and the packaging system having means for, or being designed to facilitate, dispensing the or each detergent tablet from the packaging without the need to handle or otherwise physically contact the tablet to a great extent, the process comprising the steps of dispensing the or each tablet from the packaging system into the dispensing receptacle without handling the or each tablet, placing the dispensing receptacle having one or more detergent tablets contained therein in a washing machine together with the laundry to be washed, and carrying out a washing operation.

Preferably the packaging system is a an easy open system in which the tablets may be easily articulated while still within the packaging. One such system is a flexible packaging such as flow wrap which can be easily squeezed or otherwise manipulated to effect the removal of a tableta nd subsequent insertion into a dispensing device.

Ideally, the process includes the initial step of tearing the packaging, idaelly the flow wrap, open. Alternatively the packaging, ideally flow wrap, may be squeezed at defined points to force a tablet contained therein against a sealing portion of the flow wrap to thereby break the seal.

Optionally, the end portion is a heat seal which is preferably weakened.

Detailed Descrittion of the Invention The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 'is a perspective view of a dispensing device which forms part of a combination according to the invention; Figure 2 is a top plan view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 with a tablet partially inserted therein.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a dispensing device, which forms part of a combination according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, in an open configuration; Figure 5 is a top plan view of the device of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a partially side-on perspective view of the device of Figure 4 in a closed orientation; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a dispensing device which forms part of a combination according to an alternative embodiment of the invention having a draw-string closure in an open orientation; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 7 with the draw-string closure in a closed orientation; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a dispensing device which forms part of a combination according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a plan view of a blank for assembling a dispensing device which forms part of a combination according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figures 11, 12 and 13 are top plan, side elevational and end elevational views, respectively, of a dispensing device which forms part of a combination according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figures 14 and 15 are front and side views of two detergent tablets packaged in a flow wrap packaging system which forms part of the combination according to the invention; and Figure 16 illustrates a tablet being dispensed from a flowrap package by means of squeezing the package on both sides intermediate the ends.

The following description is separated into three sections, Section A which describes a detergent tablets Section B which gives examples of a flow wrap packaging system, and Section C which gives examples of dispensing devices. A number of specific combinations according to the invention may be obtained by combining the tablet and packaging system of Section A and B with any of the dispensing devices disclosed in Section C.

A. Detergent Tablet Details The composition and manufacture of the tablets is given below: - Tablets for use in fabric washing were made, starting with a spray-dried base powder of the following composition:

Sodium linear alkylbenzene sulphonate 11.83% Sodium tripolyphosphate, type 1Al 44.83% Nonionic detergent 2 7.88% Sodium silicate 11.83% Soap 1.13% Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 0.9% Acrylate/maleate copolymer 3.2% Sodium sulphate and minor ingredients 3.08 Water balance to 100% 1 This contained less than 30% of the phase I form of anhydrous sodium tripolyphoshate.

- Cl3l5 fatty alcohol 7EO.

This powder was mixed with particles of sodium tripolyphosphate specified to contain 70% phase I form and contain 3.5% water hydration (Rhodia-Phos HPA 3.5 available from Rhone-Poulenc) and other detergent ingredients as tabulated below. As a comparative composition the base powder was mixed with urea and other detergent ingredients.

Two compositions thus contained the following percentages by weight.

Example 1 Comparative A Base Powder 63.25 63.25 Sodium perborate tetrahydrate 10.4 10.4 (AVO) TAED granules 4.0 4.0 Anti-foam granule 2.0 2.0 Enzymes 0.85 0.85 Phosphate 0.5 0.5 Sodium carbonate 3.6 3.6 Perfume 0.4 0.4 HPA tripolyphosphate 15.0 -- Urea --- 15.0 35g portions of each composition were made into cylindrical tablets of 44mm diameter, using a Carver hand press.

The strength of these tablets was measured using an Instron universal testing machine to compress a tablet until fracture. The value of diametral fracture stress (DFS) was then calculated using the equation.

# = 2P II Dt where o is the diametral fracture stress in Pascals, P is the applied load in Newtons to cause fracture, D is the tablet diameter in metres and t is the tablet thickness in metres.

The break-up, dispersion and dissolution of tablets was measured by a test procedure in which a tablet is placed on a plastic sieve with 2 mm mesh size which was immersed in 9 litres of demineralised water at ambient temperature of 220C and rotated at 200 rpm. The water conductivity was monitored until it reached a constant value.

The time for break up and dispersion of the tables was taken as the time (Tgo) for change in the water conductivity to reach 90t of its final magnitude. This was also confirmed by visual observation of the material remaining on the rotating sieve.

The results were:

Example 1 Comparative A Tablet strength (kPa) 19.5 21.9 Tablet dissolution T90 (min) 3.35 13.4 This shows that tablets of this Example dissolved much faster than the comparative tablets of similar strength made with urea.

B. Packaging Details The packaging system comprised a sealed flow-wrap oriented polypropylene system sold under the trade mark BICOR MB 668.30. The properties of this material are given in the table below: Table A

PROPERTIES UNITS MB 668 20 25 30 40 Tensile strength N/mm 155 155 155 155 Modulus of Elasticity N/mm 2200 2200 2200 2200 Breaking elongation % 175 175 175 175 Coefficient of friction 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Water vapour permeability g/m/24 h 7.0 5.0 5.0 3.5 Oxygen permeability cm /m/24 1000 850 750 600 Haze % 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.3 Gloss % 85 85 85 85 Heat seal range 70 70 70 70 Seal strength g/25mm 400 400 400 400 Dimensional stability % -5 -5 -5 -5 Unit weight g/m 18.2 22.7 28.2 37.3 Yield m/kg 54.9 44.0 35.5 26.8 Basic Requirements Material to wrap 2 x tablets (44 mm dia x 20-25mm high), "flat", side by side. Mechanical strength requirement low, wraps will be fully protected by carton outer.

Moisture barrier and seal integrity very important.

Ability to permit reasonable oxygen egress an advantage if possible. Ability to seal at high speed/low temperature for high speed packing lines required.

Cosmetic requirements - transparent film with printed decoration.

Selected Film Mobil "Bicor" 30MB668.

Data sheet attached.

If an alternative film is proposed to suit co-packer machines, must be similar weight, moisture barrier, and printability to the Mobil 30MB668.

Film size Reel width 168mm Length per wrap 150mm approx.

Test Results The improved storage stability of the combination according to the invention was tested. Two sets of sodium acetate trihydrate containing tablets were stored under the same conditions of temperature and relative humidity, one of the sets of tablets being left open to the environment, the other being packaged in the material described above.

Both sets of tablets used in this test contained zero phosphate, however, tablets made according to the protocol hereinbefore described gave results which were comparable to those described below.

The results of the test are given in the table below: Table B

Panel Closed DFS Disso TAED AvO test Panel 1 Panel Zero P test test Zero p- Zero p DFS F-Max Diameter Energy min. % % Tablet Max.Load (mm) Width weight 90% (N) (mm) (mJ) (g) 0 Weeks 18.4 29.8 44.5 23.3 4.9 38.1 T0 3.1 0 Week 4.6 2.2 1 Weeks 19.5 31.4 44.5 23.2 5.0 38.0 T1 3.1 1 Week 4.4 2.1 2 Weeks 20.5 32.9 44.5 23.0 5.0 38.0 T2 3.1 2 Week 3.8 2.1 4 Weeks 18.3 29.8 44.8 23.2 5.1 38.3 T4 2.8 3 Week 4.2 2.2

Open DFS Dissol TAED AvO Panel Panel Panel test test test DFS F-Max Diameter Energy min. % % Zero-P Zero-P Zero-P Max. Load Width weight 0.9 Tablet (N) (mm) (mm) (mJ) (g) 0 Weeks 18.4 29.8 44.5 23.3 4.9 38.1 0 Weeks 3.1 T0 4.6 2.2 1 Weeks 10.0 17.9 47.3 24.6 18.3 41.6 1 Weeks 5.0 T1 2.0 1.3 Under closed conditions (37"C), 70 RH) tablets are stable upto at least 4 weeks on all aspects. There is no increase in weight (no water uptake), no decrease/increase in strength (DFS, energy), no swelling, no retardation of rate of solubility and no noticeable decomposition of bleach.

Under open conditions (37"C, 70 RH and also 200C, 65 RH) the picture is different. A rapid increase in weight, swelling and a significant rate of decomposition of bleach occurs (only ca. 50% left after 1 week. Tablets tend to get a little stronger and rate of dissolution is significantly slower.

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a flowrap package containing two detergent tablets. In use, and referring to Figure 16, a tablet may be dispensed from the package by applying prssure to the package in the direction of the arrows marked A which forces one of the tablets against a top of the package brekaing the seal at the top. In this manner, the tablets may be dispensed from the package directly into a dispensing device without a user having to touch or otherwise physically contact the tablet.

C. Dispensing Device Details Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figures 1 and 3 thereof, there is illustrated a dispensing device which forms part of a combination according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 and comprising a receptacle for detergent tablets in the form of a flexible net bag 2 having an open mouth 3, which is connected to and supported in an open configuration by a rigid annular support 4, and apertures 5 having an average dimension which in this embodiment is equivalent to a mesh size of approximately 5mm. A closure 8 for the mouth 3 comprises sixteen resiliently flexible fingers 9 mounted to the support 4 and extending radilly across a portion of the mouth 3 of the bag 2 thus forming a partial barrier which is sufficient in size and of sufficient resiliency to prevent a detergent tablet 10 passing out of the bag 2 during a conventional operation.

In use and referring to Figure 3, a detergent tablet 10 is placed in the device 1 by pushing the tablet 10, which is still partially within its flow wrapped packaging, against the barrier 8 until the radial fingers 9 bend sufficiently to allow the tablet 10 past the barrier 8. Generally two tablets will be used in a convention operation. The device 1 and tablets 10 (only one shown) contained therein are then placed in a washing machine together with the laundry to be washed and a washing operation is carried out during which the detergent tablet(s) within the bag 2 will disintegrate and dissolve. Any undissolved particulate disintegration products of the tablet of a size less than 5mm will pass out of the bag 2 and be dissolved outside the bag 2. When the washing operation has been completed, the device 1 is removed from the machine and stored for subsequent use.

Referring to Figures 4 to 6, another dispensing device is described in which parts similar to those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the device, indicated by the reference numeral 20, includes a purse type closure 21 connected to the mouth 3 of the bag 2, which closure 21 comprises a pair of rigid semicircular lips 22a, 22b, hingedly connected at each end, and movable together and apart to open and close the mouth. A clip 23 is provided on one of the lips 22a to lock the lips in a closed orientation. The use of this embodiment of the invention is similar to that described previously with the exception for the operation of the closure means which will be readily apparent.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a further dispensing device is described in which parts similar to those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the device indicated by the reference numeral 30 includes a drawstring closure arrangement 31 and a supporting ring 32 located on a base 33 of the device 30, the operation and construction of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figure 9 illustrates a further dispensing device 40 comprising a rigid, oval receptacle 41 having a plurality of circumferentially arranged apertures 42, each having an average diameter of approximately 5 mm, and a opening 43 at each end 44,45 thereof. Closures 8 are provided for each opening 43, 44, each closure in this case comprising four resiliently flexible fingers 9 mounted to and extending radially from a periphery 46 of each opening and extending partially across the opening.

The use of this embodiment is similar to that described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 10 illustrates another dispensing device 50 in two, nearly symmetrically, opposed parts 51, 52, each part 51,52 having a plurality of 5 mm holes, which parts are hingedly connected by a spacing joint 53. A pair of further spacer joints 54, 55 are provided on the part 51, each joint having an exposed joining tab 54a, 55a. Further joining tabs 56, 57 are provided in the first part. On assembly, the device 50 is folded so that the parts 51, 52 abut and the joining tabs 56, 57 on the first 51 are sealed to corresponding points 58, 59 on a rear face of the second part 52. The exposed tabs 54a, 55a are sealed to corresponding points 60, 61 on a rear of the second part 52. Each of the spacer joints 53,54 and 55 are weakened along a longitudinal axis indicated by dotted lines 62 so that the spacer joints 53, 54 and 55 can fold to allow the two parts 51, 52 abut or snap into an extended arrangement in which faces 63, 64 of the 51, 52 two parts are spaced apart. An opening is provided on the assembled device (not shown) opposite the spacer joint 53. A tab 65 on the first part 51 engages a slot 66 on the second part 52 to close the opening. In use, the device 50 will generally be provided in an assembled but flat arrangement whereupon straightening of the spacer joints spaces the two parts apart. A detergent tablet is then inserted into the device through the opening which is then closed. The subsequent use is similar to that of previously described embodiments.

Figures 11 to 13 illustrate a dispensing device 70 comprising a housing for detergent tablets in two parts 71, 72 hingedly connected along a common edge 73, each part having a plurality of slotted apertures 74, and which parts 71, 72 snap together to form a receptacle for a detergent tablet. The use of this embodiment is similar to that described for previous embodiments.

When tablets are dosed in a washing machine, and especially front loading machines, without the use of a dosing device there is a substantial risk of lodging; ie tablets end up in porthole, primarily at the start of the wash. This happens in particular in machines where the space between the door and the drum is such that it can accommodate a tablet or pieces of tablets.

The reside opening with a click mechanism or a plastic system with a tablet push through mechanism) or is part of the net (e.g. a plastic ring attached to the bottom of the net). In the latter example the opening is reclosable by a rope or zipped mechanism.

When dosing tablets in nets it is observed (table) that there is a clear effect of mesh size of net on level of residue as found after the main wash. Apparently nets with less than 1 mm mesh size retard the tablet dissolution significantly which results in residues in the net and is judged to be unacceptable. Therefore mesh size of nets should be at least larger than lmm.

There is probably an optimal mesh size of the net; nets with too small a mesh size retard dissolution to an unacceptable level, whereas nets with too large mesh size allow pieces of tablet to "escape" which will increase incidence of lodging (and maybe also cause dye damage as direct contact between tablet and load is more pronounced, see below).

Results also indicate that devices with some volume (plastic ring) give less residue.

Table 1 30 C washes in four machines. Two tablets dosed in net. Program stopped after main wash and level of residues is scored by weight

net (zipped) net zipped net rope + plastic net rope plastic 5mm mesh size 1 mm mesh size ring 5mm mesh size ring 1 mm mesh size Miele W918 - ... + ...

Zanussi Jet - ... + ...

Whirlpool + ... + ...

Siemens - ... + ...

+ Totally dissolved after end of main wash - Some small residues after end of main wash ... Between 2.5 and 9 gram after end of main wash From the table below it is clear that concentrated powders (as are on the market) gives more dye fading than free tablets (table), despite levels of bleach being the same; this is surprising but it can be interpreted by assuming that powders when trapped will have a closer contact with load than tablets. Of course this mimics an extreme situation which is more realistic for a tablet than for a powder, i.e. inherently tablets will dissolve slower than powders.

Surprisingly there is decreasing dye damage upon increasing the mesh size. It was expected that the opposite would occur as one can expect that the larger the mesh size the closer the contact will be between the tablet and the load (see e.g. tablet without net, ie. infinite mesh size, having the most dye fading).

Again it seems that there is an optimum in mesh size giving the lowest fading. Apparently another mechanism is operational like a delayed dissolution profile of tablets in a 1 mm mesh size net, resulting in more tablet in sachet at higher temperatures giving more fading.

There are also indications that the quality of the net (soft vs. hard) has an effect on dye fading; harder quality gives less fading than soft quality.

As a side effect it was observed that tablets in a net give less residue on the black sachet cloth than when no net was used.

Table 2.

Combined 40 and 600C results. Concentrated powder or tablet (with or without net) placed in a small black sachet and a normal wash is conducted in Zanussi jet machine. After a program, dye fading of the black sachet was measured:

Delta E (dye fading) Concentrated Powder 10.1 Tablet (no net) 6.0 Tablet (net, zipped) lmm mesh size 3.9 Tablet (net, zipped) 3mm mesh size 2.5 Tablet (net zipped) 5 mm mesh size 2.0 To investigate the effect of using dosing devices on residues and dye damage on real load and complete wash cycles and to confirm the above findings the following exercise has been carried out: A low agitation, low temperature program in a Miele washing machine with a load primarily of dark coloured fabrics is repeated a number of times. Products are dosed in the usual way; i.e. powder in scuttle on top of load an tablets on bottom of drum. After a number of washes incidences of residue and dye damage on the load are visually scored (table). N.B. note that with free tablet lodging wash observed but tablets were returned to the load. lmm mesh size net gives more residue than free tablet in line with above. Apparently tablet dissolution is retarded such that in the latter part of the wash part of tablet are still present giving a rise in incidences of residues and dye damage.

Nets with larger mesh sizes (3mm and 5mm) reduces the risk of residues and dye damage. It is particularly unexpected, but in line with above results, that the risk of dye damage is reduced.

Also unexpected is the clear better score on dye damage for the tablet in the 5mm sachet compared to NG Persil Powder (same bleach level).

Table 3.

Total incidences of residue and dye damage.

Residue Dye Damage Free Tablet 20 3 1 mm net3 31 3 3 mm net 19 2 5 mm net 15 1 NG Persil Powder 22 4 Total residue incidences including patches, particles and filming 2 Lodging was observed (tablets were returned to the load) 3 The lmm net retained product The term mesh size, when used in conjunction with nets, is well known in the art and refers essentially to the size of the apertures in the net, regardless of whether the net comprises a woven, non-woven, cured, non-cured, moulded or any other type of net material. When the term mesh size is used in conjunction with non -net materials, it again refers to the sixe of the apertures in the material. Thus, when an aperture is referred to as having a dimension equivalent to a mesh size of lmm, this implies that the aperture is of a dimension which would allow particles having a dimension of less that lmm pass through while preventing particles having a dimension greater that lmm from passing through.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. Claims 1. A combination of a detergent composition comprising at least one detergent tablet, a packaging system containing the composition, and a device for dispensing the detergent composition in a washing machine during a washing operation.
2. 2. A combination as claimed in claim 1 in which the packaging system includes means for ,or is designed to facilitate, dispensing the detergent composition from the packaging system without handling or otherwise physically contacting the detergent composition.
3. 3. A combination as claimed in claims 1 or 2 in which the packaging system comprises a flow wrap system.
4. 4. A combination as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 in which the packaging system has a low moisture vapour transmission rate, which rate is preferably less than 20g/m2/24 hours.
5. 5. A combination as claimed in any preceding claim in which the dispensing device comprises a receptacle for holding the detergent composition, the receptacle having a plurality of apertures for permitting the passage of an aqueous solution therethrough and an opening for reception of the detergent composition, wherein the apertures in the receptacle have an average dimension equivalent to a mesh size of between lmm and lOmm.
6. 6. A combination as claimed in claim 5 in which the dispensing device includes means for preventing or hindering the detergent composition passing out of the dispensing device through the opening.
7. 7. A combination as claimed in claims 5 or 6 in which the receptacle, or at least a portion thereof, comprises a net material.
8. 8. A combination as claimed in any preceding claim in which the detergent composition comprises either (a) a polyphosphate composition, or (b) a sodium acetate trihydrate composition optionally together with sodium citrate dihydrate.
9. 9. A combination substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying examples and drawings.
10. 10. A process for washing laundry in a washing machine by employing one or more detergent tablets packaged within a packaging system, and a receptacle for dispensing the or each detergent tablet within the washing machinen during a washing operation, the receptacle having a plurality of apertures for permitting the passage of an aqueous solution therethrough, and the packaging system having means for, or being designed to facilitate, dispensing the or each detergent tablet from the packaging without the need to handle or otherwise physically contact the tablet to a great deal, the process comprising the steps of: - dispensing the or each tablet from the packaging system into the dispensing receptacle without handling the or each tablet; - placing the dispensing receptacle having one or more detergent tablets contained therein in a washing machine together with the laundry to be washed; and - carrying out a washing operation.
11. 11. A process as claimed in claim 10 in which the packaging system is a flowrap system and in which the process includes the initial step of tearing the flowrap open.
12. 12. A process as claimed in claim 10 which the packaging system is a flowrap system and in which the process includes the initial step of squeezing the flowrap package at defined points to force a tablet contained therein against a sealing portion of the flowrap thereby breaking the seal.
13. 13. A process as claimed in claim 12 in which the sealing portion is an end heat seal which is optionally weakened.
14. 14. A process substantially as hereinbefore as described with reference to the accompanying examples and drawings.