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EP1379445B1 - Recipients solubles dans l'eau contenant au moins deux compartiments - Google Patents

Recipients solubles dans l'eau contenant au moins deux compartiments Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1379445B1
EP1379445B1 EP02716946A EP02716946A EP1379445B1 EP 1379445 B1 EP1379445 B1 EP 1379445B1 EP 02716946 A EP02716946 A EP 02716946A EP 02716946 A EP02716946 A EP 02716946A EP 1379445 B1 EP1379445 B1 EP 1379445B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
composition
compartment
film
sealing
process according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP02716946A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP1379445A1 (fr
Inventor
Paul John Duffield
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Reckitt Benckiser UK Ltd
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Reckitt Benckiser UK Ltd
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D65/46—Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a water-soluble container and to a process for preparing such a container.
  • WO 89/12587 discloses a package which comprises an envelope of a water soluble material which comprises a flexible wall and a water-soluble heat seal.
  • the package may contain an organic liquid comprising, for example, a pesticide, fungicide, insecticide or herbicide.
  • WO 92/17382 discloses a package containing an agrochemical comprising a first sheet of non-planar water-soluble or water-dispersible material and a second sheet of water-soluble or water-dispersible material superposed on the first sheet and sealed to it.
  • WO93/08095 discloses a two compartment thermoformed sachet in which a formed pocket is filled with a first composition then a first film is laid over the first composition and the second composition is added over the top of the first film. Finally a second film is overlaid over the pocket and the two films are sealed to a sealing portion of the formed pocket.
  • the present application offers a simple process providing flexibility in the size and proportions of each compartment.
  • combinations of different formats i.e. liquid first composition and solid second composition, are more easily produced and are more aesthetically pleasing.
  • the present invention provides a process for producing a water-soluble article comprising a first compartment, for example in the form of a pocket, said compartment being sealed with a sealing film, wherein said sealing film comprises a second composition, for example held within a second compartment, which process comprises:
  • water soluble is taken to include water dispersible.
  • water-soluble when used herein means that when used in a washing machine, such as a fabric or dish washing machine, the water-soluble aspects of the article are substantially (greater than 70%, ideally greater than 85%) dissolved or dispersed into the water. This can be tested by placing the article in 10 litres of agitated water at 45°C for 40 minutes and measuring any undissolved or non-disintegrated pieces of the parts of the article, which are water-soluble, that are left.
  • the containers produced by he process of the present invention can have a particularly attractive appearance since they contain two compositions held in a fixed position in relation to each other.
  • the compositions can be easily differentiated to accentuate their difference.
  • the compositions can have a different physical appearance, or can be coloured differently.
  • the containers can have an appearance of a fried egg or eyeball.
  • the container may contain two components which are incompatible with each other. It may also contain a component which is incompatible with the part of the container enclosing the other component.
  • the second composition may be incompatible with the part of the container enclosing the first composition.
  • the invention allows the use of multi-compartment sachets wherein the first composition and the second composition are each intended to be released into an aqueous environment, for example, a pharmaceutical or neutraceutical composition, an agricultural or pesticidal composition or a hazardous compound potentially toxic or damaging to health or to the environment.
  • one composition can be released immediately the container is added to water, whereas the other may be released later.
  • This may be achieved by having a compartment which takes longer to dissolve surrounding one of the compositions, which may be either the first or the second composition.
  • This may be achieved, for example, by having different compartment thicknesses or different compartment materials or coatings.
  • the second composition may simply be held on the outside of the sealing film, in which case it can start to dissolve as soon as the article is added to water. It may also be achieved by choosing compartments which dissolve at different temperatures, for example the different temperatures encountered during the cycle of a laundry or dish washing machine.
  • the first compartment may be formed of, for example, a moulded polymer, especially one produced by injection moulding or blow moulding. Injection moulding of water-soluble polymers is taught in WO01/36290.
  • the walls of the compartment may, for example, have a thickness of greater than 100 ⁇ m, for example greater than 150 ⁇ m or greater than 200 ⁇ m, 300 ⁇ m, 500 ⁇ m, 750 ⁇ m or 1mm. Preferably the walls have a thickness of from 200 to 400 ⁇ m.
  • first compartment may be rigid or flexible.
  • the first compartment is preferably rigid when the first compartment is sealed with a sealing film comprising the second composition.
  • the first compartment may also, for example, be formed of a film.
  • the first compartment is made from a film.
  • a film may be a single film, or a laminated film as disclosed in GB-A-2,244,258 or a coated film. While a single film may have pinholes, the two or more layers in a laminate are unlikely to have pinholes which coincide.
  • the film may be produced by any process, for example by extrusion and blowing or by casting.
  • the film may be unoriented, monoaxially oriented or biaxially oriented. If the layers in the film are oriented, they usually have the same orientation, although their planes of orientation may be different if desired.
  • the layers in a laminate may be the same or different. Thus they may each comprise the same polymer or different polymers.
  • PVOH poly(vinyl alcohol)
  • HPMC hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
  • soluble polyurethane resins and gelatin.
  • PVOH poly(vinyl alcohol)
  • HPMC hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
  • ethoxylated PVOH poly(vinyl alcohol)
  • the PVOH may be partially or fully alcoholised or hydrolysed. For example it may be from 40 to 100%, preferably from 70 to 92%, more preferably about 88% or about 92%, alcoholised or hydrolysed.
  • the degree of hydrolysis is known to influence the temperature at which the PVOH starts to dissolve in water. 88% hydrolysis corresponds to a film soluble in cold (ie room temperature) water, whereas 92% hydrolysis corresponds to a film soluble in warm water.
  • the thickness of the film used to produce the first compartment is preferably 40 to 300 ⁇ m, more preferably 80 to 200 ⁇ m, especially 100 to 160 ⁇ m, more especially 100 to 150 ⁇ m and ideally 60 to 120 ⁇ m.
  • the film used for the first compartment or the sealing film of the first or second container is preferably part of a continuous film web.
  • the compartment may be formed by, for example, vacuum forming or thermoforming.
  • vacuum forming or thermoforming the film may be drawn down or blown down into a mould.
  • the film is heated to the thermoforming temperature using a thermoforming heater plate assembly, and then drawn down under vacuum or blown down under pressure into the mould.
  • Plug-assisted thermoforming and pre-stretching the film for example by blowing the film away from the mould before thermoforming, may, if desired, be used.
  • One skilled in the art can choose an appropriate temperature, pressure or vacuum and dwell time to achieve an appropriate pocket.
  • the amount of vacuum or pressure and the thermoforming temperature used depend on the thickness of the film and on the polymer or mixture of polymers being used.
  • Thermoforming of PVOH films is known and described in, for example, WO 00/55045.
  • a suitable forming temperature for PVOH or ethoxylated PVOH is, for example, from 90 to 130°C, especially 90 to 120°C.
  • a suitable forming pressure is, for example, 69 to 138kPa (10 to 20 p.s.i.), especially 83 to 117 kPa (12 to 17 p.s.i.).
  • a suitable forming vacuum is 0 to 4 kPa (0 to 40 mbar), especially 0 to 2 kPa (0 to 20 mbar).
  • a suitable dwell time is, for example, 0.4 to 2.5 seconds, especially 2 to 2.5 seconds.
  • the first compartment is filled with the desired first composition.
  • the first compartment may be completely filled or only partially filled.
  • the composition may be a solid.
  • it may be a particulate or granulated solid, or a tablet.
  • It may also be a liquid, which may be thickened or gelled if desired.
  • the liquid composition may be non-aqueous or aqueous, for example comprising less than or more than 5% total or free water respectively.
  • the composition may have more than one phase.
  • it may comprise an aqueous composition and a liquid composition which is immiscible with the aqueous composition.
  • It may also comprise a liquid composition and a separate solid composition, for example in the form of a ball, pill or speckles.
  • the composition may be any composition that is intended to be released in an aqueous environment.
  • it may be an agrochemical composition such as a plant protection agent; for instance a pesticide, such as an insecticide, a fungicide, an herbicide, an acaricide, or a nematocide; a plant growth regulator or a plant nutrient.
  • a plant protection agent for instance a pesticide, such as an insecticide, a fungicide, an herbicide, an acaricide, or a nematocide
  • a plant growth regulator or a plant nutrient Such compositions are generally packaged in amounts of from 0.1 g to 7 kg, preferably 1g to 5 kg, when in solid form.
  • such compositions are generally packaged in amounts of from 1 ml to 10 litres, preferably 0.1 to 6 litres, especially from 0.25 to 1.5 litres.
  • the composition may be any composition intended for pharmaceutical or neutraceutical use.
  • it may be a cold or flu remedy, or any other medicine, which may be added to a drink, or it may be a vitamin, mineral or plant extract.
  • the composition may be hazardous product, especially one which should not be handled directly or contact the skin.
  • the first composition may also be a fabric care, surface care or dishwashing composition.
  • it may be a dishwashing, water-softening, laundry or detergent composition, or a rinse aid.
  • Such compositions may be suitable for use in a domestic washing machine.
  • the composition may also be a disinfectant, antibacterial or antiseptic composition, or a refill composition for a trigger-type spray.
  • Such compositions are generally packaged in amounts of from 5 to 100 g, especially from 15 to 40 g.
  • a dishwashing composition may weigh from 15 to 30 g
  • a water-softening composition may weigh from 15 to 40 g.
  • the composition if in liquid form, may be anhydrous or comprise water, for example at least 5 wt %, preferably at least 10 wt% water based on the weight of the composition. Desirably the composition contains less than 80 wt% water.
  • anhydrous we mean that there is present less than 3 wt % of water, and ideally less than 0.5 wt %.
  • the composition may contain surface active agents such as an anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surface active agents or mixtures thereof,
  • secondary alkyl sulfate surfactants are those which have the sulfate moiety on a "backbone" of the molecule, for example those of formula: CH 3 (CH 2 ) n (CHOSO 3 - M + ) (CH 2 ) m CH 3 wherein m and n are independently 2 or more, the sum of m+n typically being 6 to 20, for example 9 to 15, and M is a water-solubilising cation such as lithium, sodium or potassium.
  • Especially preferred secondary alkyl sulfates are the (2,3) alkyl sulfate surfactants of formulae: CH 3 (CH 2 ) x (CHOSO 3 - M + )CH 3 and CH 3 (CH 2 ) x (CHOSO 3 - M + )CH 2 CH 3 for the 2-sulfate and 3-sulfate, respectively.
  • x is at least 4, for example 6 to 20, preferably 10 to 16.
  • M is cation, such as an alkali metal, for example lithium, sodium or potassium.
  • alkoxylated alkyl sulfates are ethoxylated alkyl sulfates of the formula: RO(C 2 H 4 O) n SO 3 - M + wherein R is a C 8 -C 20 alkyl group, preferably C 10 -C 18 such as a C 12 -C 16 , n is at least 1, for example from 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 15, especially 1 to 6, and M is a salt-forming cation such as lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, alkylammonium or alkanolammonium. These compounds can provide especially desirable fabric cleaning performance benefits when used in combination with alkyl sulfates.
  • alkyl sulfates and alkyl ether sulfates will generally be used in the form of mixtures comprising varying alkyl chain lengths and, if present, varying degrees of alkoxylation.
  • anionic surfactants which may be employed are salts of fatty acids, for example C 8 -C 18 fatty acids, especially the sodium or potassium salts, and alkyl, for example C 8 -C 18 , benzene sulfonates.
  • nonionic surfactants are fatty acid alkoxylates, such as fatty acid ethoxylates, especially those of formula: R(C 2 H 4 O) n OH wherein R is a straight or branched C 8 -C 16 alkyl group, preferably a C 9 -C 15 , for example C 10 -C 14 , alkyl group and n is at least 1, for example from 1 to 16, preferably 2 to 12, more preferably 3 to 10.
  • the alkoxylated fatty alcohol nonionic surfactant will frequently have a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) which ranges from 3 to 17, more preferably from 6 to 15, most preferably from 10 to 15.
  • HLB hydrophilic-lipophilic balance
  • fatty alcohol ethoxylates are those made from alcohols of 12 to 15 carbon atoms and which contain about 7 moles of ethylene oxide. Such materials are commercially marketed under the trademarks Neodol 25-7 and Neodol 23-6.5 by Shell Chemical Company.
  • Other useful Neodols include Neodol 1-5, an ethoxylated fatty alcohol averaging 11 carbon atoms in its alkyl chain with about 5 moles of ethylene oxide; Neodol 23-9, an ethoxylated primary C 12 -C 13 alcohol having about 9 moles of ethylene oxide; and Neodol 91-10, an ethoxylated C 9 -C 11 primary alcohol having about 10 moles of ethylene oxide.
  • Dobanol 91-5 is an ethoxylated C 9 -C 11 fatty alcohol with an average of 5 moles ethylene oxide
  • Dobanol 25-7 is an ethoxylated C 12 -C 15 fatty alcohol with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of fatty alcohol.
  • Suitable ethoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants include Tergitol 15-S-7 and Tergitol 15-S-9, both of which are linear secondary alcohol ethoxylates available from Union Carbide Corporation.
  • Tergitol 15-S-7 is a mixed ethoxylated product of a C 11 -C 15 linear secondary alkanol with 7 moles of ethylene oxide and Tergitol 15-S-9 is the same but with 9 moles of ethylene oxide.
  • Neodol 45-11 is a similar ethylene oxide condensation products of a fatty alcohol having 14-15 carbon atoms and the number of ethylene oxide groups per mole being about 11. Such products are also available from Shell Chemical Company.
  • nonionic surfactants are, for example, C 10 -C 18 alkyl polyglycosides, such s C 12 -C 16 alkyl polyglycosides, especially the polyglucosides. These are especially useful when high foaming compositions are desired.
  • Further surfactants are polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, such as C 10 -C 18 N-(3-methoxypropyl) glycamides and ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block polymers of the Pluronic type.
  • cationic surfactants are those of the quaternary ammonium type.
  • the total content of surfactants in the composition is desirably 60 to 95 wt%, especially 75 to 90 wt%.
  • an anionic surfactant is present in an amount of 50 to 75 wt%
  • the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of 5 to 50 wt%
  • the cationic surfactant is present in an amount of from 0 to 20 wt%.
  • the amounts are based on the total solids content of the composition, i.e. excluding any solvent which may be present.
  • the first and second compositions may also independently comprise enzymes, such as protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase and peroxidase enzymes.
  • enzymes such as protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase and peroxidase enzymes.
  • Such enzymes are commercially available and sold, for example, under the registered trade marks Esperase, Alcalase and Savinase by Nova Industries A/S and Maxatase by International Biosynthetics, Inc.
  • the enzymes are independently present in the first or second compositions in an amount of from 0.5 to 3 wt%, especially 1 to 2 wt%, when added as commecial preparations they are not pure and this represents an equivalent amount of 0.005 to 0.5 wt% of pure enzyme.
  • the first and second compositions may, if desired, independently comprise a thickening agent or gelling agent.
  • Suitable thickeners are polyacrylate polymers such as those sold under the trade mark CARBOPOL, or the trade mark ACUSOL by Rohm and Haas Company. Other suitable thickeners are xanthan gums.
  • the thickener if present, is generally present in an amount of from 0.2 to 4 wt%, especially 0.5 to 2 wt%.
  • First or second compositions used in dishwashing independently usually comprise a detergency builder.
  • the builders counteract the effects of calcium, or other ion, water hardness encountered.
  • examples of such materials are citrate, succinate, malonate, carboxymethyl succinate, carboxylate, polycarboxylate and polyacetyl carboxylate salts, for example with alkali metal or alkaline earth metal cations, or the corresponding free acids.
  • Specific examples are sodium, potassium and lithium salts of oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids, C 10 -C 22 fatty acids and citric acid.
  • organic phosphonate type sequestering agents such as those sold by Monsanto under the trade mark Dequest and alkylhydroxy phosphonates. Citrate salts and C 12 -C 18 fatty acid soaps are preferred.
  • Further builders are; phosphates such as sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of mono-, di- or tri-poly or oligo-phosphates; zeolites; silicates, amorphous or structured, such as sodium, potassium or ammonium salts.
  • Further builders are; phosphates such as sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of mono-, di- or tri-poly or oligo-phosphates; zeolites; silicates, amorphous or structured, such as sodium, potassium or ammonium salts.
  • Suitable builders are polymers and copolymers known to have builder properties.
  • such materials include appropriate polyacrylic acid, polymaleic acid, and polyacrylic/polymaleic and copolymers and their salts, such as those sold by BASF under the trade mark Sokalan.
  • the builder is desirably present in an amount of up to 90 wt%, preferably 15 to 90 wt%, more preferable 15 to 75 wt%, relative to the total weight of the composition. Further details of suitable components are given in, for example, EP-A-694,059, EP-A-518,720 and WO 99/06522.
  • the first and second compositions can also independently optionally comprise one or more additional ingredients.
  • additional ingredients include conventional detergent composition components such as further surfactants, bleaches, bleach enhancing agents, builders, suds boosters or suds suppressors, anti-tarnish and anti-corrosion agents, organic solvents, co-solvents, phase stabilisers, emulsifying agents, preservatives, soil suspending agents, soil release agents, germicides, pH adjusting agents or buffers, non-builder alkalinity sources, chelating agents, clays such as smectite clays, enzyme stabilizers, anti-limescale agents, colourants, dyes, hydrotropes, dye transfer inhibiting agents, brighteners, and perfumes. If used, such optional ingredients will generally constitute no more than 15 wt%, for example from 1 to 6 wt%, the total weight of the compositions.
  • First or second compositions which comprise an enzyme may optionally contain materials which maintain the stability of the enzyme.
  • enzyme stabilizers include, for example, polyols such as propylene glycol, boric acid and borax. Combinations of these enzyme stabilizers may also be employed. If utilized, the enzyme stabilizers generally constitute from 0.1 to 5 wt%, ideally 0.1 to 1 wt% of the compositions.
  • the first and second compositions may independently optionally comprise materials which serve as phase stabilizers and/or co-solvents.
  • Example are C 1 -C 3 alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and propanol.
  • C 1 -C 3 alkanolamines such as mono-, di- and triethanolamines can also be used, by themselves or in combination with the alcohols.
  • the phase stabilizers and/or co-solvents can, for example, constitute 0 to 1 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 wt%, of the composition.
  • the first and second compositions may independently optionally comprise components which adjust or maintain the pH of the compositions at optimum levels.
  • the pH may be from, for example, 1 to 13, such as 8 to 11 depending on the nature of the composition.
  • a dishwashing composition desirably has a pH of 8 to 11
  • a laundry composition desirable has a pH of 7 to 9
  • a water-softening composition desirably has a pH of 7 to 9.
  • pH adjusting agents are NaOH and citric acid.
  • dish washing formulations are preferred which are adapted to be used in automatic dish washing machines. Due to their specific requirements specialised formulation are required and these are illustrated below
  • Amounts of the ingredients can vary within wide ranges, however preferred automatic dishwashing detergent compositions herein (which typically have a 1% aqueous solution pH of above 8, more preferably from 9.5 to 12, most preferably from 9.5 to 10.5) are those wherein there is present: from 5% to 90%, preferably from 5% to 75%, of builder; from 0.1% to 40%, preferably from 0.5% to 30%, of bleaching agent; from 0.1% to 15%, preferably from 0.2% to 10%, of the surfactant system; from 0.0001% to 1%, preferably from 0.001% to 0.05%, of a metal-containing bleach catalyst; and from 0.1% to 40%, preferably from 0.1% to 20% of a water-soluble silicate.
  • Such fully-formulated embodiments typically further comprise from 0.1% to 15% of a polymeric dispersant, from 0.01% to 10% of a chelant, and from 0.00001% to 10% of a detersive enzyme, though further additional or adjunct ingredients may be present.
  • Detergent compositions herein in granular form typically limit water content, for example to less than 7% free water, for better storage stability.
  • Non-ionic surfactants useful in ADW (Automatic Dish Washing) compositions of the present invention desirably include surfactant(s) at levels of from 2% to 60% of the composition.
  • surfactant(s) at levels of from 2% to 60% of the composition.
  • bleach-stable surfactants are preferred.
  • Non-ionic surfactants generally are well known, being described in more detail in Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Ed., Vol. 22, pp. 360-379, "Surfactants and Detersive Systems", incorporated by reference herein.
  • the ADW composition comprises at least one non-ionic surfactant.
  • non-ionics are ethoxylated non-ionic surfactants prepared by the reaction of a monohydroxy alkanol or alkylphenol with 6 to 20 carbon atoms with preferably at least 12 moles particularly preferred at least 16 moles, and still more preferred at least 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkylphenol.
  • non-ionic surfactants are the non-ionic from a linear chain fatty alcohol with 16-20 carbon atoms and at least 12 moles particularly preferred at least 16 and still more preferred at least 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.
  • the non-ionic surfactant additionally comprise propylene oxide units in the molecule.
  • this PO units constitute up to 25% by weight, preferably up to 20% by weight and still more preferably up to 15% by weight of the overall molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant.
  • Particularly preferred surfactants are ethoxylated mono-hydroxy alkanols or alkylphenols, which additionally comprises polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer units.
  • the alcohol or alkylphenol portion of such surfactants constitutes more than 30%, preferably more than 50%, more preferably more than 70% by weight of the overall molecular weight of the non-ionic surfactant.
  • non-ionic surfactants includes reverse block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene and block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene initiated with trimethylolpropane.
  • R 1 O[CH 2 CH(CH 3 )O] x [CH 2 CH 2 O] y [CH 2 CH(OH)R 2 ]
  • R 1 represents a linear or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 4-18 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof
  • R 2 represents a linear or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon rest with 2-26 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof
  • x is a value between 0.5 and 1.5
  • y is a value of at least 15.
  • R 1 O[CH 2 CH(R 3 )O] x [CH 2 ] k CH(OH) [CH 2 ] j OR 2 wherein R 1 and R 2 represent linear or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon groups with 1-30 carbon atoms, R 3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-butyl or 2-methyl-2-butyl group , x is a value between 1 and 30 and, k and j are values between 1 and 12, preferably between 1 and 5.
  • R 1 and R 2 are preferably linear or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon groups with 6-22 carbon atoms, where group with 8 to 18 carbon atoms are particularly preferred.
  • group R 3 H methyl or ethyl are particularly preferred.
  • Particularly preferred values for x are comprised between 1 and 20, preferably between 6 and 15.
  • each R 3 in the formula can be different.
  • the value 3 for x is only an example and bigger values can be chosen whereby a higher number of variations of (EO) or (PO) units would arise.
  • mixtures of different non-ionic surfactants is particularly preferred in ADW formulations for example mixtures of alkoxylated alcohols and hydroxy group containing alkoxylated alcohols.
  • the first composition and the second composition may be the same or different. If they are different, they may, nevertheless, have one or more individual components in common.
  • a sealing film is placed on top of the first compartment and sealed thereto.
  • the sealing film comprises a second composition at the time it is placed on top of the first compartment.
  • This may be held or otherwise adhered on the sealing film.
  • it can be in the form of a solid composition such as a ball or pill held on the sealing member by an adhesive or by mechanical means. This is especially appropriate when the sealing film has a degree of rigidity.
  • a previously prepared container containing the second composition may be adhered to the sealing film.
  • a sealing film may have a filled compartment containing a composition attached therebetween, within or to the sealing film.
  • the first compartment is sealed by the sealing film of the second compartment.
  • the second composition or compartment may be held on either side of the sealing film such that it is inside or outside the first compartment.
  • the second composition is held within a second compartment in the sealing film. This is especially appropriate when the sealing film is flexible.
  • the sealing film is placed on top of the first compartment and sealed thereto.
  • the sealing film may be placed over a filled compartment and across the sealing portion, if present, and the films sealed together at the sealing portion.
  • there is only one second compartment or composition within or on the sealing film but it is possible to have more than one second compartment or composition if desired, for example 2 or 3 second compartments or compositions.
  • the second compartment may be formed by any technique.
  • it can be formed by vertical form fill sealing the second composition within a film, such as by the process described in WO 89/12587.
  • thermoforming or thermoforming techniques such as that previously described in relation to the first compartment of the container of the present invention.
  • a pocket surrounded by a sealing portion is formed in a film, the pocket is filled with the second composition, a film is placed on top of the filled pocket and across the sealing portion and the 3 films are sealed together at the sealing portion.
  • thermoforming process is generally the same as those given above in relation to the first compartment of the container of the present invention. All of the above details are incorporated by reference to the second compartment, with the following differences:
  • the second compartment is generally smaller than the first compartment since the film containing the second composition is used to form a lid on the first compartment.
  • first compartment and the second compartment (or composition if not held within a compartment) have a volume ratio of from 2:1 to 20:1, preferable 4:1 to 10:1.
  • second compartment does not extend across the sealing portion.
  • the thickness of the film or films comprising the second compartment may also be less than the thickness of the film making up the first compartment of the container of the present invention, because the film or films are not subjected to as much localised stretching in the thermoforming step. It is also desirable to have a thickness which is less than that of the film used to form the first compartment to ensure a sufficient heat transfer through the film to soften the base web if heat sealing is used.
  • the thickness of the covering film is generally from 20 to 160 ⁇ m, preferably from 40 to 100 ⁇ m, such as 40 to 80 ⁇ m or 50 to 60 ⁇ m.
  • This sealing film may be a single-layered film but is desirably laminated to reduce the possibility of pinholes allowing leakage through the film.
  • the film may be the same or different as the film forming the first compartment. If two or more films are used to form the film comprising the second compartment, the films may be the same or different. Examples of suitable films are those given for the film forming the first compartment.
  • the first compartment and the sealing film may be sealed together by any suitable means, for example by means of an adhesive or by heat sealing.
  • suitable means for example by means of an adhesive or by heat sealing.
  • Other methods of sealing include infra-red, radio frequency, ultrasonic, laser, solvent, vibration and spin welding.
  • An adhesive such as an aqueous solution of PVOH may also be used.
  • the seal desirably is water-soluble.
  • a suitable sealing temperature is, for example, 120 to 195°C, for example 140 to 150°C.
  • a suitable sealing pressure is, for example, from 250 to 600 kPa. Examples of sealing pressures are 276 to 552 kPa (40 to 80 p.s.i.), especially 345 to 483 kPa (50 to 70 p.s.i.) or 400 to 800 kPa (4 to 8 bar), especially 500 to 700 kPa (5 to 7 bar) depending on the heat sealing machine used. Suitable sealing dwell times are 0.4 to 2.5 seconds.
  • One skilled in the art can use an appropriate temperature, pressure and dwell time to achieve a seal of the desired integrity. While desirably conditions are chosen within the above ranges, it is possible to use one or more of these parameters outside the above ranges, although it would might be necessary to compensate by changing the values of the other two parameters.
  • the containers may then be separated from each other, for example by cutting around the sealing portions, or flanges. Alternatively, they may be left conjoined and, for example, perforations provided between the individual containers so that they can be easily separated at a later stage, for example by a consumer. If the containers are separated, the flanges are at least in part left in place. However, desirably the flanges are partially removed in order to provide an even more attractive appearance. Generally the flanges remaining should be as small as possible for aesthetic purposes while bearing in mind that some flange is required to ensure the two films remain adhered to each other.
  • a flange having a width of 1 mm to 8 mm is desirable, preferably 2 mm to 7 mm, most preferably about 5 mm.
  • the containers may themselves be packaged in outer containers if desired, for example non-water soluble containers which are removed before the water-soluble containers are used.
  • the containers produced by the process of the present invention may have a maximum dimension of 5 cm, excluding any flanges.
  • a container may have a length of 1 to 5 cm, especially 3.5 to 4.5 cm, a width of 1.5 to 3.5 cm, especially 2 to 3 cm, and a height of 1 to 2 cm, especially 1.25 to 1.75 cm.
  • the first composition and the second composition may be appropriately chosen depending on the desired use of the article.
  • the first composition may comprise, for example, a detergent
  • the second composition may comprise a bleach, stain remover, water-softener, enzyme or fabric conditioner.
  • the article may be adapted to release the compositions at different times during the laundry wash. For example, a bleach or fabric conditioner is generally released at the end of a wash, and a water-softener is generally released at the start of a wash. An enzyme may be released at the start or the end of a wash.
  • the first composition may comprise a fabric conditioner and the second composition may comprise an enzyme which is released before or after the fabric conditioner in a rinse cycle.
  • the first composition may comprise a detergent and the second composition may comprise a water-softener, salt, enzyme, rinse aid, bleach or bleach activator.
  • the article may be adapted to release the compositions at different times during the laundry wash. For example, a rinse aid, bleach or bleach activator is generally released at the end of a wash, and a water-softener, enzyme is generally released at the start of a wash.
  • the first compartment may comprise a plant feed and the second compartment may comprise a pesticidal composition.
  • the first compartment may comprise a nutraceutical composition and the second compartment a pharmaceutical composition.
  • FIG. 1 Each figure shows an article containing a first compartment 1 and a second composition 2.
  • the second composition is held in a second compartment in a sealing member in the form of a film.
  • the second composition is simply held in a recess in the sealing member.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
  • Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
  • Lubricants (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
  • Wrappers (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Distillation Of Fermentation Liquor, Processing Of Alcohols, Vinegar And Beer (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Procédé pour la production d'un article hydrosoluble, comprenant un premier compartiment contenant une première composition, ledit compartiment étant obturé hermétiquement avec un film d'obturation hermétique, ledit film d'obturation hermétique comprenant une seconde composition, procédé qui comprend les étapes consistant à :
    a. produire un premier compartiment ;
    b. remplir le premier compartiment avec la première composition ; et
    c. fournir un film d'obturation hermétique comprenant la seconde composition et obturer hermétiquement le premier compartiment avec le film d'obturation hermétique ;
       dans lequel le premier compartiment est formé par thermoformage d'un film de poly(alcool vinylique) ou dans lequel le premier compartiment est produit par moulage par injection.
  2. Procédé suivant la revendication 1, dans lequel le premier compartiment et le film d'obturation hermétique comprennent un poly(alcool vinylique).
  3. Procédé suivant la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel la première composition est une matière solide en particules, un gel ou un liquide.
  4. Procédé suivant la revendication 1, dans lequel la seconde composition est maintenue dans un second compartiment qui a été formé par un procédé de formage-remplissage-soudage vertical.
  5. Procédé suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel au moins un compartiment a été formé par thermoformage.
  6. Procédé suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la seconde composition est une matière solide en particules, un gel, un liquide ou une matière solide comprimée.
  7. Procédé suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la première composition et la seconde composition consistent chacune en une composition pour l'entretien des étoffes, une composition pour l'entretien de surfaces ou une composition pour le lavage de la vaisselle.
  8. Procédé suivant la revendication 7, dans lequel chaque composition est une composition pour le lavage de la vaisselle, une composition d'adoucissement de l'eau, une composition de blanchisserie ou une composition de détergent, ou bien un auxiliaire de rinçage.
  9. Procédé suivant la revendication 7, dans lequel chaque composition est une composition désinfectante, antibactérienne ou antiseptique ou une composition de recharge pour un pulvérisateur du type à déclencheur.
  10. Procédé suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel la première composition et la seconde composition consistent chacune en une composition qui est destinée à être libérée dans un environnement aqueux, par exemple une composition pharmaceutique ou nutraceutique, une composition agricole ou pesticide ou un composé dangereux potentiellement toxique ou néfaste pour la santé ou pour l'environnement.
EP02716946A 2001-04-20 2002-04-17 Recipients solubles dans l'eau contenant au moins deux compartiments Revoked EP1379445B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0109690A GB2374581B (en) 2001-04-20 2001-04-20 Water soluble containers
GB0109690 2001-04-20
PCT/GB2002/001786 WO2002085738A1 (fr) 2001-04-20 2002-04-17 Recipients solubles dans l'eau contenant au moins deux compartiments

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1379445A1 EP1379445A1 (fr) 2004-01-14
EP1379445B1 true EP1379445B1 (fr) 2005-10-12

Family

ID=9913111

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02716946A Revoked EP1379445B1 (fr) 2001-04-20 2002-04-17 Recipients solubles dans l'eau contenant au moins deux compartiments

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US20040118711A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1379445B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE306440T1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2444798A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE60206611T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2247312T3 (fr)
GB (1) GB2374581B (fr)
WO (1) WO2002085738A1 (fr)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2002085738A1 (fr) 2002-10-31
GB0109690D0 (en) 2001-06-13
DE60206611D1 (de) 2006-02-23
DE60206611T2 (de) 2006-07-20
CA2444798A1 (fr) 2002-10-31
EP1379445A1 (fr) 2004-01-14
ATE306440T1 (de) 2005-10-15
ES2247312T3 (es) 2006-03-01
GB2374581A (en) 2002-10-23
US20040118711A1 (en) 2004-06-24
GB2374581B (en) 2004-01-28

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