CN115734921A

CN115734921A - Consumer product

Info

Publication number: CN115734921A
Application number: CN202080102312.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 汤利
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2020-07-03
Filing date: 2020-07-03
Publication date: 2023-03-03
Also published as: WO2022000462A1; ES2977886T3; EP3936459A1; EP3936459B1

Abstract

A consumer product comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article, a first container and a second container. The first container has a first container interior compartment containing the at least one water-soluble unit dose article therein. The second container has a second container interior compartment, and the first container is contained within the second container interior compartment.

Description

Consumer product

Technical Field

The present invention relates to consumer products comprising a first container comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article and a second container for holding the first container.

Background

Water-soluble unit dose articles are preferred by consumers for their convenience and ease of use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the water-soluble unit dose article comprises a water-soluble film shaped to form at least one internal compartment containing a single-use dose of detergent. Upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and/or disintegrates to release the detergent into the surrounding water to produce a wash liquor.

Such water-soluble unit dose articles are stored and transported in rigid or flexible plastic containers. Without wishing to be bound by theory, a consumer purchases a container comprising a plurality of water-soluble unit dose articles. The container is shipped from the manufacturing location to the supermarket and purchased for storage in the consumer's home.

One problem is that containers comprising water-soluble unit dose articles can be subjected to extreme temperature variations during transport and storage. Such environmental changes can therefore lead to structural damage of the water-soluble unit dose article. Structural failure can lead to premature breakage of the unit dose article and leakage of the contents of the interior (hereinafter "leaking article"). Such leaked contents may thus further contaminate other water-soluble unit dose articles co-stored in the container. Another problem is that such environmental changes can also cause multiple water-soluble unit dose articles to stick together, causing inconvenience to the consumer, such that the consumer has to re-separate the articles prior to administration, and in worse cases, causing structural damage to the articles even when trying to separate the water-soluble unit dose articles. The container is typically made of a plastic rigid material to prevent moisture in the environment from entering the container.

To solve the above problem, the containers are placed in a secondary package (carton) to reduce the risk of producing leaking products. However, when the container is removed from the secondary packaging and the consumer purchases the container for use at home, the consumer's habit of placing the product in a hot/cold environment can create a spill. In particular, moisture in the environment can still enter the container during use, which can therefore cause the moisture in the container and unit dose articles to condense, causing the unit dose articles to stick together.

Accordingly, there is a need for a container comprising a water-soluble unit dose article to prevent moisture condensation within the container.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a consumer product comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article, a first container and a second container;

wherein the at least one water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film oriented to produce at least one unit dose interior compartment, wherein the at least one unit dose interior compartment comprises a detergent composition; and is

Wherein the first container comprises a first container interior compartment containing the at least one water-soluble unit dose article therein; wherein the first container comprises a first container inner surface and a first container outer surface; wherein the first container interior surface faces the first container interior compartment; wherein at least a portion of the first container interior surface is comprised of a paper based material such that the at least one water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper based material of said first container interior surface; and is provided with

Wherein the second container comprises a second container interior compartment, the first container being housed in the second container interior compartment; wherein the second container comprises a second container inner surface and a second container outer surface; wherein the second container interior surface faces the second container interior compartment and the first container exterior surface of the first container; wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the second container is comprised of a plastic based material.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a consumer product according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the consumer product of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of components of the consumer product of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 isbase:Sub>A side cross-sectional view of the consumer product of FIG. 1B taken along line A-A;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first container according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a second container according to the present invention; and is provided with

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a blank for making a first container according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a consumer product comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article, a first container and a second container. In particular, wherein the at least one water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film oriented to produce at least one unit dose interior compartment, wherein the at least one unit dose interior compartment comprises a detergent composition.

The first container comprises a first container interior compartment containing the at least one water-soluble unit dose article therein. The first container also includes a first container inner surface and a first container outer surface. The first container inner surface and the first container outer surface are arranged such that the first container inner surface faces the first container interior compartment. At least a portion of the first container interior surface is constructed of a paper based material such that the at least one water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper based material of the first container interior surface.

The second container includes a second container interior compartment, and the first container is housed in the second container interior compartment. In particular, the second container comprises a second container inner surface and a second container outer surface; wherein the second container interior surface faces the second container interior compartment and the first container exterior surface of the first container; wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the second container is comprised of a plastic based material.

Consumer goods may be sold "as is", in other words, consumer goods are items that a consumer takes from a shelf. Alternatively, the consumer product may be contained as one unit of a multi-component product. For example, more than one consumer product may be contained within an outer package, and multiple packaged consumer products sold together in a single purchase.

The consumer product may include an aesthetic element, such as a shrink sleeve or label attached to the second container. Alternatively, the first container and/or the second container may be colored or printed with aesthetic elements or informational literature (such as instructions for use).

In the following description, the consumer product described is configured as a reusable item, enabling it to be replenished with unit dose articles.

In particular, the unit dose articles are water-soluble unit dose articles, each of which comprises a detergent composition that can be added directly to an automatic dishwasher or washing machine without the need for cumbersome or confusing measurements, and that can be dissolved in water during the wash cycle. However, contemplated consumer products may be configured for use in a variety of applications to contain unit dose articles containing substances whereby it is important to protect the substances described herein from moisture to maintain the intended function or activity of these substances prior to use, and may include, but are not limited to, consumer products such as laundry detergent products, automatic dishwasher detergent products.

Before describing the present invention in detail, the following terms are defined for clarity. Undefined terms shall have their ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the relevant art.

As used herein, "paper-based material" refers to a material comprising paper. The paper based material may be a laminate comprising paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably the cardboard comprises cardboard, corrugated fiberboard or a mixture thereof and at least a second material.

As used herein, "paper" refers to a material made from cellulose-based pulp. Preferably, the paper based material comprises paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably the cardboard comprises paperboard, corrugated fiberboard or a mixture thereof.

As used herein, "plastic-based material" refers to a material comprising plastic. Preferably, the plastic based material comprises polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol or mixtures thereof. The plastic based material may be biaxially oriented polypropylene, metallized polyethylene terephthalate or mixtures thereof.

To illustrate the invention in detail, the invention is described below as a consumer product, such as a consumer laundry product, comprising a water soluble unit dose article for laundry washing. However, the consumer product may be configured for use with other unit dose articles, such as automatic dishwasher water soluble unit dose articles.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a consumer product 1 according to the invention and fig. 1B is a side view of the consumer product 1. Fig. 2 is an exploded assembly view of the components of the consumer product 1 of fig. 1, and fig. 3 isbase:Sub>A side cross-sectional view of the consumer product 1 of fig. 1B taken along linebase:Sub>A-base:Sub>A.

Referring to fig. 1A and 2, a consumer product 1 comprises a first container 10 containing at least one water-soluble unit dose article 11, a second container 12 housing the first container 10. Referring to fig. 2, the second container 12 has a second container opening 13. The consumer product 1 may comprise a second container lid 2 for covering the second container opening 13. The second container lid 2 may be hinged to the second container 12 or may be completely separable from the second container 12.

Referring to fig. 2, the second container 12 includes a second container interior compartment 23 in which the first container 10 is attached. The first container 10 includes a first container interior compartment 15 that may contain at least one water-soluble unit dose article 11 therein. Preferably, the first container interior compartment 15 may comprise at least two water-soluble unit dose articles 11. The first container interior compartment 15 may include water-soluble unit dose articles in a number from 1 to 80, 1 to 60, 1 to 50, 1 to 40, 1 to 30, 1 to 20, or any combination of integers within the ranges listed above. The volume of the first container interior compartment 15 may be between 500ml and 5000ml, preferably between 800ml and 4000 ml.

The first container interior compartment 15 is accessible through the first container opening 17. One skilled in the art will know the appropriate size of the first container opening 17. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the first container opening 17 should be of sufficient size to remove at least a single water-soluble unit dose article at a time. Alternatively, the first container opening 17 may be shaped to allow the unit dose article to be poured from the first container 10. Thus, it should be sized large enough for at least a single unit dose article 11 to pass through the first container opening 17. Preferably, the first container opening 17 should be large enough for a user to remove at least one water-soluble unit dose article 11 by passing their hand through.

The first container 10 may include a rim 26 around the perimeter of the first container opening 17. The rim 26 may engage a support surface 27 on the second container 12 such that the first container 10 is connected to and supported by the second container 12. The edge 26 may engage the support surface in mating relation.

Referring to fig. 3, the first container 10 further includes a first container inner surface 20 and a first container outer surface 21. The first container inner surface 20 faces the first container interior compartment 15, wherein at least a portion 22 of the first container inner surface 20 is constructed of a paper based material such that the at least one water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article 11 directly contacts the paper based material of the first container inner surface 20. The technical effect of the at least one unit dose article 11 being in direct contact with the paper based material is that any moisture present on the at least one unit dose article 11 can be transferred to the paper based material thereby minimising adhesion to adjacent unit dose articles 11 and hence reducing damage to the film and minimising spillage. Without being bound by theory, this minimizes condensation that forms in the first container 10, thereby preventing the unit dose articles from sticking together (due to moisture) because the paper-based material (used to make the first container 10) is porous and allows for air venting (improved air flow) within the first container 10. Thus, air containing moisture is free to enter and exit the interior of the carton magazine through the holes in the paper based material. Having improved air flow in the first container interior compartment prevents moisture retention or allows the concentration of moisture to be very low in the first container interior compartment and thus minimizes the degree to which unit dose articles stick together and leak. The reduction in the number of leaking products is shown in the examples described below.

The second container 12 further includes a second container inner surface 24 and a second container outer surface 25. The second container inner surface 24 faces the second container interior compartment 23 and the first container outer surface 21 of the first container 10. At least a portion 28 of the second container inner surface 24 is constructed of a plastic based material. Specifically, at least a portion 28 of the second container inner surface 24 may be in contact with the first container outer surface 21.

A gap 30 exists between at least a portion of the first container exterior surface 21 and the second container interior surface 24. Without wishing to be bound by theory, having the gap 30 between the first container outer surface 21 and the second container inner surface 24 reduces the effect of temperature from the atmosphere on the unit dose articles 11 in the first container 10. In particular, the gap 30 increases the time for heat to transfer from the environment to the first container compartment and thus to the unit dose articles 11, thereby increasing the heat transfer time between the environment and the first container compartment. Thus, by having a gap 30 to minimize temperature effects and by minimizing moisture within the internal compartment of the first container by bringing at least one unit dose article 11 into direct contact with the paper based material, the present invention reduces leakage in the unit dose article, as described below in the examples.

Plastic-based material

Furthermore, for ease of manufacturing the second container 12, the entire second container inner surface 24 may be comprised of a plastic based material, preferably, the second container 12 consists essentially of a plastic based material. The plastic-based material may include polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the second container 12 may comprise a thickness of between 10 and 40 microns, more preferably between 10 and 35 microns.

In particular, the second container 12 may comprise a rigid and durable plastic-based material. Plastic-based materials may include, but are not limited to, PP, PETG, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the plastic based material used to form at least a portion of the second container 12 may be partially transparent or transparent. The second container lid 2 may be formed of an opaque plastic-based material similar to the plastic-based material of the second container. Preferably, the second container 12 and the second container lid 2 may be formed of PP.

Paper based material

The entire first container inner surface 20 of the first container 10 may be comprised of a paper based material. For ease of manufacture and recycling, the first container 10 may consist essentially of a paper-based material. The paper-based material may be a carton, such as 400g virgin white board, kraft board, or mixtures thereof.

The paper based material may be a laminate comprising paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably the cardboard comprises cardboard, corrugated fiberboard or a mixture thereof and at least a second material.

Wherein the paper based material is a laminate, the first container inner surface comprises paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably the cardboard comprises paperboard, corrugated fiberboard or a mixture thereof, and preferably the first container outer surface comprises the second material. Alternatively, the second material may also be laminated between two layers of paper-based material.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a first container 40 according to the present invention. The first container 40 of fig. 4 includes substantially the same features as the first container 10 of fig. 2, except that the first container 40 includes a first container cover 41 on the top of the first container 10 for covering the first container opening. The first container cover 41 is configured for opening the first container 40 and may include two partial die cut or

perforated lines

42a, 42b spaced apart to define a peel cover using techniques well known in the art. It should be understood that the arrangement of the peel-off cover is not limited to the configuration and design as shown in fig. 4, but may be modified in any configuration depending on the function of the first container cover.

The second container 12 may include at least one vent opening. The technical effect of having at least one vent opening is that in the unexpected event that moisture is generated in the second container 12 during a thermal shock cycle (i.e., a sudden change in temperature), the moisture can quickly exit the second container 12. Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of a second container 50 according to the present invention. The second container 50 includes substantially the same features as the second container 12 of fig. 2, except that the second container 50 includes a bottom wall 51 between a second container inner surface 54 and a second container outer surface 55. At least one ventilation opening 52 is provided in the bottom wall 51. The technical effect of positioning the at least one ventilation opening 52 in the bottom wall 51 is to facilitate manufacturing.

Alternatively, the second container comprises a sidewall between the second container inner surface and the second container outer surface, wherein the at least one ventilation opening is provided in the sidewall.

Water soluble unit dose articles

The at least one water-soluble unit dose article 11 comprises at least one water-soluble film oriented to produce at least one unit dose interior compartment, wherein the at least one unit dose interior compartment comprises a detergent composition. The water-soluble film and detergent composition are described in more detail below.

The consumer product 1 comprises at least one water-soluble unit dose article 11, preferably at least two water-soluble unit dose articles 11.

The water-soluble unit dose article 11 is typically in the form of a pouch. It includes a single dose of the composition in a volume sufficient to provide a benefit in the end use application.

The water-soluble unit dose article 11 comprises at least one water-soluble film shaped such that the unit dose article 11 comprises at least one interior compartment surrounded by the water-soluble film. The at least one compartment includes a cleaning composition. The water-soluble film is sealed such that the cleaning composition does not leak out of the compartment during storage. However, upon addition of the water-soluble unit dose article 11 to water, the water-soluble film dissolves and releases the contents of the internal compartment into the wash liquor.

The unit dose article 11 may comprise more than one compartment, even at least two compartments, or even at least three compartments, or even at least four compartments, or even at least five compartments. The compartments may be arranged in a stacked orientation, i.e. one positioned on top of the other. Alternatively, the compartments may be positioned in a side-by-side orientation, i.e., one immediately adjacent to the other. The compartments may even be oriented in a "tire and rim" arrangement, i.e., a first compartment is located proximate to, but at least partially surrounds, but does not completely enclose, a second compartment. Alternatively, one compartment may be completely enclosed within another compartment.

In the case where the unit dose article 11 comprises at least two compartments, one of the compartments may be smaller than the other. In case the unit dose article 11 comprises at least three compartments, two of the compartments may be smaller than the third compartment and preferably the smaller compartments are superposed on the larger compartments. The stacked compartments are preferably oriented side-by-side.

Each individual unit dose article 11 may have a weight of between 10g and 40g, or even between 15g and 35 g.

The films of the invention are soluble or dispersible in water. Prior to forming the unit dose article 11, the water-soluble film preferably has a thickness of 20 microns to 150 microns, preferably 35 microns to 125 microns, even more preferably 50 microns to 110 microns, most preferably about 76 microns.

Preferred membrane materials are preferably polymeric materials. As known in the art, film materials may be obtained by, for example, casting, blow molding, extrusion or blow extrusion of polymeric materials.

Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, preferably a blend of polyvinyl alcohol polymers and/or polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, preferably selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, especially carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, most preferably a blend of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers.

Preferably, the water-soluble film comprises a polymer, wherein the polymer comprises a homopolymer, copolymer or mixture thereof selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyaminoacids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, copolymers of maleic/acrylic acid, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, xanthan gum, carrageenan or mixtures thereof, preferably a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and/or an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, especially carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers.

Preferred membranes are those supplied by Monosol under trade references M8630, M8900, M8779, M8310.

The film may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The film may include a printed area.

The printed areas may be achieved using standard techniques such as flexographic printing or inkjet printing.

The film may comprise an aversion agent, such as a bittering agent. Suitable bitterants include, but are not limited to, naringin, sucrose octaacetate, quinine hydrochloride, bendinalinium, or mixtures thereof. Any suitable amount of aversive agent may be used in the film. Suitable levels include, but are not limited to, 1ppm to 5000ppm, or even 100ppm to 2500ppm, or even 250rpm to 2000ppm.

Either the water-soluble film or the water-soluble unit dose article or both may be coated with a lubricant. Preferably, the lubricant is selected from talc, zinc oxide, silica, silicone, zeolite, silicic acid, alumina, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, potassium citrate, potassium tripolyphosphate, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, starch, modified starch, clay, kaolin, gypsum, cyclodextrin, or mixtures thereof.

Detergent composition

The detergent composition may be a laundry detergent composition, an automatic dishwashing composition, a hard surface cleaning composition, or a combination thereof. The detergent composition may comprise a solid, a liquid or a mixture thereof. The term "liquid" includes gels, solutions, dispersions, pastes or mixtures thereof.

The solid may be a powder. By powder is meant herein that the detergent composition may comprise solid particles or may be a single homogeneous solid. Preferably, the powder detergent composition comprises granules. This means that the powder detergent composition comprises individual solid particles, as opposed to a solid which is a single homogeneous solid. The particles may be free flowing or may be compacted, preferably free flowing.

Preferably, the detergent composition is a laundry detergent composition, most preferably a liquid laundry detergent composition.

The laundry detergent composition may be used in a fabric hand washing operation or may be used in an automatic machine fabric washing operation, preferably an automatic machine fabric washing operation.

The laundry detergent composition comprises a non-soap surfactant, wherein the non-soap surfactant comprises an anionic non-soap surfactant and a nonionic surfactant. Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 60%, more preferably between 20% and 55% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of a non-soap surfactant.

The weight ratio of non-soap anionic surfactant to non-ionic surfactant is from 1 to 20, preferably from 3.

The non-soap anionic surfactant comprises linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, alkyl sulphate or a mixture thereof. The weight ratio of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to alkyl sulfate is from 1 to 9, preferably from 1 to 7, more preferably from 1.25.

Exemplary linear alkylbenzene sulfonates are C10-C16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acids or C11-C14 alkylbenzene sulfonic acids. By "linear" herein is meant that the alkyl group is linear. Alkyl benzene sulfonates are well known in the art.

The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may comprise alkoxylated alkyl sulfate or non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate or mixtures thereof. The alkoxylated alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant is preferably an ethoxylated alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant.

The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may comprise an ethoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, preferably having a molar average degree of ethoxylation of from 1 to 5, more preferably from 1 to 3, most preferably from 2 to 3.

The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may comprise non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfates and ethoxylated alkyl sulfates wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has a molar average degree of ethoxylation of from 1 to 5, more preferably from 1 to 3, and most preferably from 2 to 3.

The alkyl fraction of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant may preferably be derived from fatty alcohols, oxo alcohols, guerbet alcohols or mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 50%, more preferably between 15% and 45%, even more preferably between 20% and 40%, most preferably between 30% and 40% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of non-soap anionic surfactant.

Preferably, the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alcohol alkoxylates, oxo alcohol alkoxylates, guerbet alcohol alkoxylates, alkylphenol alcohol alkoxylates, or mixtures thereof.

The laundry detergent composition comprises between 0.01% and 10%, preferably between 0.01% and 8%, more preferably between 0.1% and 6%, most preferably between 0.15% and 5% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a nonionic surfactant.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises between 1.5% and 20%, more preferably between 2% and 15%, even more preferably between 3% and 10%, most preferably between 4% and 8% by weight of the laundry detergent composition of soap, preferably a fatty acid salt, more preferably an amine neutralised fatty acid salt, wherein preferably the amine is an alkanolamine, more preferably selected from monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine or mixtures thereof, more preferably monoethanolamine.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition, more preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises less than 15%, more preferably less than 12% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of water.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising a non-aqueous solvent selected from 1, 2-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition comprises between 10% and 40%, preferably between 15% and 30% by weight of the liquid laundry detergent composition of a non-aqueous solvent.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises perfume.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition comprises an adjunct ingredient selected from the group comprising: builders including enzymes, citrates, bleaches, bleach catalysts, dyes, shading dyes, brighteners, cleaning polymers including alkoxylated polyamines and polyethyleneimines, soil release polymers, surfactants, solvents, dye transfer inhibitors, chelants, encapsulated perfumes, polycarboxylates, structurants, pH modifying agents, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the laundry detergent composition has a pH of between 6 and 10, more preferably between 6.5 and 8.9, most preferably between 7 and 8, wherein the pH of the laundry detergent composition is determined at a product concentration of 10% in demineralized water at 20 ℃.

When the laundry detergent composition is a liquid, the laundry detergent composition may be newtonian or non-newtonian. Preferably, the liquid laundry detergent composition is non-newtonian. Without being bound by theory, non-Newtonian liquids have different properties than Newtonian liquids, more specifically, the viscosity of a non-Newtonian liquid depends on the shear rate, whereas a Newtonian liquid has a constant viscosity independent of the applied shear rate. The reduction in viscosity upon application of shear to the non-newtonian liquid is believed to further facilitate dissolution of the liquid detergent. The liquid laundry detergent compositions described herein may have any suitable viscosity depending on factors such as the formulation ingredients and the purpose of the composition.

Those skilled in the art will know how to formulate and prepare suitable detergent compositions using known knowledge and techniques.

Manufacture of

The skilled person will be aware of standard techniques and methods for manufacturing consumer products according to the present invention. One skilled in the art will know the method of making at least one water-soluble unit dose article 11.

The method of providing a water-soluble unit dose article in a container to form a consumer product according to the present invention may comprise the steps of:

(i) Providing a first container comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article;

(ii) Providing a second container;

(iii) Attaching a first container to a second container; and

(iv) Covering the second container with a second container lid;

wherein the at least one water-soluble unit dose article comprises at least one water-soluble film oriented to produce at least one unit dose interior compartment, wherein the at least one unit dose interior compartment comprises a detergent composition; and is provided with

Wherein the first container comprises a first container interior compartment containing the at least one water-soluble unit dose article therein; wherein the first container comprises a first container inner surface and a first container outer surface; wherein the first container interior surface faces the first container interior compartment; wherein at least a portion of the first container interior surface is comprised of a paper based material such that the at least one water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper based material of said first container interior surface.

One skilled in the art will know standard methods of manufacturing the first container 10 and the second container 12. Preferably, the first container 10 is constructed from a paper-based blank. Preferably, the first container 10 made from a blank according to the invention is foldable. One advantage is that once the first container 10 is empty, it can be collapsed to a flat carton for ease of handling and recycling.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a cardboard blank 100 suitable for manufacturing a first container 10 for consumer goods 1. The fold line 101 may be preformed in the cardboard blank 100, for example, by printing, perforating, or scoring. The graphics 102 may be printed on the blank 100 to provide marketing information and/or visual cues to the consumer. The cardboard blank 100 may have an exterior length of 500mm and an exterior width of 240mm such that, when assembled, the first container 10 is sized and shaped to be gripped by a user to facilitate opening of the first container 10 in a hand-held position. The first container 10 may comprise a length of 170mm, a width of 70mm and a height of 100 mm.

Method of refilling

The present invention also relates to a method of refilling a consumer product with a water-soluble unit dose article, which may comprise the steps of:

(i) Providing a consumer product 1;

(ii) Removing the first container 10 from the second container 12;

(iii) Providing a third container comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article; and

(iv) A third container is attached to the second container 12.

The first container 10 and the second container 12 are movable relative to each other. This relative movement allows the first container 10 to be removed from the second container 12 in step (ii) when the user wishes to refill the consumer product 1 with a water-soluble unit dose article. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the user controls the movement of the first container 10 and the second container 12 relative to each other to accomplish this.

The movement of the first container 10 and the second container 12 relative to each other may be achieved in any suitable manner. Suitable means will be known to those skilled in the art. The first container 10 is slidable within the second container 12. The third container may be constructed substantially the same as the first container 10 of fig. 3. Specifically, the third container comprises a third container interior compartment containing the at least one water-soluble unit dose article therein; wherein the third container comprises a third container inner surface and a third container outer surface; wherein the third container interior surface faces the third container interior compartment; wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the third container is constructed of a paper based material such that the at least one water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper based material of the inner surface of said third container.

The following examples are intended to more fully illustrate the invention and are not to be construed as limitations of the invention, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. All parts, percentages and ratios used herein are expressed as weight percentages unless otherwise indicated.

Test method

Thermal shock test method

Consumers of soluble unit dose articles for laundry use have long felt dissatisfaction with leaking products. Temperature shock, particularly a strong temperature drop during storage exposure, has been identified as a central driver of leakage of unit dose articles in storage containers.

The thermal shock test method is used to assess whether the first container material and/or the second container material is capable of preventing leakage of unit dose articles contained in containers made of the container materials. The thermal shock test method comprises the following steps and test conditions:

step 1: test samples were made by placing unit dose articles into containers made of container material.

Step 2: each of these test samples was subjected to 5 thermal shock cycles (one cycle: 7 hours in a 50 ℃ climate chamber followed by 15 minutes in a 20 ℃ climate chamber).

And 2, step: at the end of each of the 5 thermal shock cycles, the test samples were visually inspected for leaks.

And 3, step 3: the average number of leaks for each of these test samples was recorded at the end of each cycle.

Method for testing 50-80 ℃ Relative Humidity (RH) ("RH disaster test method")

The RH hazard test method was carried out to assess the risk of leakage from unit dose articles under high temperature and high humidity conditions in the use environment of consumer products according to the invention.

The RH disaster testing method comprises the following steps:

step 1: the cap of each test sample was removed from the test sample to create an opening in each test sample to simulate a consumer opening the consumer product for the first use.

Step 2: the opening of each test sample was covered with a cap to simulate the consumer closing the consumer product after use.

And 3, step 3: the test samples were stored in a chamber at 50 ℃ and 80% Relative Humidity (RH).

Examples

Example I: effect of a consumer product having a first container, a second container, and a gap

In this example, comparative consumer goods comprising unit dose articles (

test samples

1,2, 3, 4, 5) were evaluated according to the thermal shock test method described above to show the technical effect of disposing a first container in a second container, wherein there is a gap between the first and second containers according to the present invention. Table 1 below shows the percent of leaks for each of these test samples. The unit dose articles in each of

test samples

1,2, 3, 4 and 5 were made from PVA film and a laundry detergent composition.

TABLE 1

Referring to table 1, the above results for each of the

test samples

1,2 and 3 show that placing the first container (cylindrical tub) of unit dose article in the second container with a gap therebetween allows a further reduction in the number of leaked articles relative to the bag of unit dose article (test samples 3 and 4 showing 100% leaked articles).

Example II: influence of the first container Material

Inventive samples

1 and 2 were prepared using the test materials shown in table 2 below and evaluated according to the procedure of the thermal shock test method, except that they were evaluated in four test groups under the following test conditions listed in table 3 below.

TABLE 2

TABLE 3

ΔT	Initial temperature	End temperature
			Δ：30℃	45 to 24 hours	15 to 24 hours

No leakage was observed in each of

inventive samples

1 and 2.

Example III

The two different paper based materials used for manufacturing the inner surface of the first container and the first container were evaluated for leakages according to the RH disaster test method described above, with a test period of 11 days. Table 4 shows the materials of inventive sample 3 and comparative sample 4 and the corresponding results.

TABLE 4

The above results show that the first container made from 400gsm white FBB did not leak, specifically, having a first container interior surface paper may enable moisture to transfer from the unit dose article to the environment outside the first container, thereby eliminating the leak.

Example IV: influence of the container material

Paper-based containers are a single variable compared to the traditional plastic type containers on the market according to the thermal shock test method.

Thus, a similarly sized closed package comprising 38 water-soluble unit dose articles was exposed to 5 thermal shock cycles (one cycle: 7 hours in a 50 ℃ climate chamber followed by 15 minutes in a 20 ℃ climate chamber). Commercial plastic bags were also added in the comparison. No additional mechanical action (vibration) was added during the test. After each cycle, the packages were visually inspected for leaks. 5 replicates of each container type were tested and the average number of leaks reported.

Material：

Water-soluble unit dose articles: ariel 3in 1Pods, as marketed in the UK 4 months in 2019

Plastic tub and lid: ariel 3in 1Pods polypropylene tubs and lids as commercially available in the UK 4.2019 (size: length =250mm; height =135mm; width =106mm, count size: 38)

Plastic bags: fairy platinum multilayer (polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate) bags, as marketed in the UK 4 months of 2019 (size: length =278mm; height =214mm; width =87mm, count size: 38)

Cardboard container (dimensions: length =245mm; height =135mm; width =96mm, material: 100% original fiber GN4 480gsm, commercially available from BillerudKorsnas Carry under the reference number BKC480, count size: 38)

Corrugated fiberboard container (size: length =245mm; height =135mm; width =96mm, material: E-flute corrugated board 382gsm KW2/RF 1 90/board KW2 135, count size: 38)

The leakage results in table 5 clearly show that, unlike plastic tubs or bags, the first container 10 comprising a paper based material according to the present invention exhibits no leakage under the influence of thermal shock exposure.

TABLE 5：

Average number of water-soluble unit dose articles that leak upon thermal shock cycling

Number of leaking products	Cycle	1	Cycle 2	Cycle 3	Cycle 4	Cycle 5
							Plastic bucket	1.4	3.4	4	4.2	4.6
Plastic bag	2	4.6	7	8.5	9.5
						Common paperboard barrel	0	0	0	0	0
Corrugated paper barrel	0	0	0	0	0

Example V: effects of lamination

The effect of lamination on leak formation upon thermal shock exposure was tested by adding paper layers (A4-80 gsm paper glued on the surface) on the entire inside and the entire outside of a 38ct plastic polypropylene pail (as in example IV), respectively. These two sides are therefore designed to have the same thermal inertia upon thermal shock, with the aim of evaluating the effect of the single variable, i.e. the laminate layer. Two tubs were again filled with 38 bags and exposed by 5 thermal shock cycles as described above.

As a result: the leakage results in table 6 clearly show that although laminating the paper based material with the secondary plastic material does not discard what was learned in the previous example IV above, it is critical that the paper based material be inside the storage container when laminated.

TABLE 6：

Number of leaking products	Cycle	1	Cycle 2	Cycle 3	Cycle 4	Cycle 5
							Lamination of outer paper	2	4	4	4	5
Lamination of inner paper	0	0	0	0	0

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40mm" is intended to mean "about 40mm".

Each document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or its benefits, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with any disclosure of the invention or the claims herein or that it alone, or in combination with any one or more of the references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A consumer product (1) comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article (11), a first container (10) and a second container (12, 50);

wherein the at least one water-soluble unit dose article (11) comprises at least one water-soluble film oriented to produce at least one unit dose interior compartment, wherein the at least one unit dose interior compartment comprises a detergent composition; and is

Wherein the first container (10) comprises a first container interior compartment (15) containing the at least one water-soluble unit dose article (11) therein; wherein the first container (10) comprises a first container inner surface (20) and a first container outer surface (21); wherein the first container interior surface (20) faces the first container interior compartment (15); wherein at least a portion (22) of the first container interior surface (20) is constructed of a paper based material such that the at least one water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article (11) directly contacts the paper based material of the first container interior surface (20); and is

Wherein the second container (12, 50) comprises a second container interior compartment (23) in which the first container (10) is housed; wherein the second container (12) comprises a second container inner surface (24) and a second container outer surface (25); wherein the second container inner surface (24) faces the second container inner compartment (23) and the first container outer surface (21) of the first container (10); wherein at least a portion (28) of the second container inner surface (24) is comprised of a plastic based material.

2. The consumer product (1) according to claim 1, wherein the entire second container inner surface (24) is constituted by a plastic based material, preferably wherein the second container (12) consists essentially of a plastic based material.

3. The consumer product (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second container (50) comprises at least one ventilation opening (52).

4. The consumer product (1) according to claim 3, wherein the second container (50) comprises a side wall between the second container inner surface and the second container outer surface, wherein the at least one ventilation opening is provided in the side wall.

5. The consumer product (1) according to claim 3, wherein the second container (50) comprises a bottom wall (51) between the second container inner surface (54) and the second container outer surface (55), wherein the at least one ventilation opening (52) is provided in the bottom wall (51).

6. The consumer product (1) according to claim 1, wherein the entire first container inner surface (20) of the first container (10) consists of a paper based material, preferably wherein the first container (10) consists essentially of a paper based material.

7. The consumer product (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first container (10) comprises a first container opening for accessing the first container interior compartment and a first container cover covering the first container opening, preferably the first container cover is a peel-off cover.

8. The consumer product (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first container (10) comprises a first container opening (17) for accessing the first container interior compartment (15), and a rim (26) around a perimeter of the first container opening (17), wherein the rim (26) engages a support surface (27) on the second container (12) such that the first container (10) is connected to and supported by the second container (12).

9. The consumer product (1) according to claim 8, wherein the edge (26) engages the support surface (27) in a mating relationship.

10. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic based material comprises polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol or mixtures thereof.

11. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the paper based material comprises paper, cardboard or a mixture thereof, wherein preferably cardboard comprises paperboard, corrugated fiberboard or a mixture thereof.

12. Consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the first container inner compartment (15) is between 500ml and 5000ml, preferably between 800ml and 4000 ml.

13. The consumer product (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water-soluble film comprises a polymer, wherein the polymer comprises a polyvinyl alcohol selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylic acid, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, polyvinyl acetate, polycarboxylic acids and salts, polyaminoacids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, copolymers of maleic/acrylic acid, polysaccharides including starch and gelatin, homopolymers, copolymers of xanthan gum, carrageenan or mixtures thereof, preferably a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer and/or an anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymer selected from sulfonated and carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, especially carboxylated anionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers.

14. A method of providing a water-soluble unit dose article in a container to form a consumer product (1), the method comprising the steps of:

(i) Providing a first container (10) comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article;

(ii) Providing a second container (12, 50);

(iii) Attaching the first container (10) to the second container (12); and

(iv) Covering the second container (12, 50) with a second container lid (2);

Wherein the first container (10) comprises a first container interior compartment (15) containing the at least one water-soluble unit dose article (11) therein; wherein the first container (10) comprises a first container inner surface (20) and a first container outer surface (21); wherein the first container interior surface (20) faces the first container interior compartment (15); wherein at least a portion (22) of the first container interior surface (20) is constructed of a paper based material such that the at least one water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper based material of the first container interior surface (20).

15. A method of refilling a consumer product (1) with a water-soluble unit dose article, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) Providing a consumer product (1) according to claim 1;

(ii) -extracting the first container (10) from the second container (12, 50); and

(iii) Providing a third container comprising at least one water-soluble unit dose article;

Wherein the third container comprises a third container interior compartment containing the at least one water-soluble unit dose article therein; wherein the third container comprises a third container inner surface and a third container outer surface; wherein the third container interior surface faces the third container interior compartment; wherein at least a portion of the third container interior surface is comprised of a paper-based material such that the at least one water-soluble film of the at least one unit dose article directly contacts the paper-based material of the third container interior surface; and

(iv) Attaching the third container to the second container (12).