Abstract:
A dispensing device delivers at least two detergent compositions in fixed amounts and fixed ratios. The device is refillable and may be used in a method of washing fabrics in a machine or by hand. The device may also be used for other applications such as dishwashing, floor cleaning, and the like.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/329,191, filed Oct. 12, 2001 (Attorney Docket No. 8739P). 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a method for laundering fabrics comprising the concurrent use of at least two compositions and a device for concurrent dispensing of at least two compositions.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    To provide effective cleaning, a detergent composition should be present in the wash liquor at appropriate concentrations. For this purpose, detergent manufacturers include specific dosage instructions on detergent packages. Additionally, many detergent products are supplied with measuring devices such as scoops and cups with measuring lines to assist the consumer in using the correct amount of detergent. However, with these current dosing methods the consumer can alter the dose of detergent, which can be detrimental to the cleaning performance. For example a consumer may use the supplied measuring device but only fill it part of the way. This results in a lower concentration of detergent in the wash liquor and consequently less than superior cleaning.  
           [0004]    It is also desirable to use different compositions during different stages of the washing process. For example, one may use a pre-treat composition before adding the detergent composition for the main wash, followed by a fabric softener and/or a rinse aid. Any number of combinations may be contemplated to enhance the end result. Each composition has its own effective concentration and therefore must be dosed in a different amount. There is no efficient way to deliver concurrently, into a single dosing implement, all of the compositions necessary to provide superior cleaning in their respective amounts. Additionally, there are certain detergent ingredients that are incompatible with other detergent ingredients or cannot be delivered in the same form. It is desirable to still be able to deliver the benefits of all of the ingredients in a single dose. Consumers have previously struggled with using several different dosing devices or compositions supplied with no dosing device.  
           [0005]    Accordingly the need remains for a device, which can deliver a precise amount of a detergent composition each use. There remains an additional need for a device, which can concurrently deliver the correct amount of at least two different detergent or fabric treatment compositions, which compositions may not be compatible. There is a further need for a device that is adjustable such that it can deliver the correct amount of at least two compositions and is adjustable based on the size of the wash load or the amount of soil. The need also remains for a device that is re-fillable. Still another need remains for a device which reduces the number of individual products consumers must purchase.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention meets the aforementioned needs by providing a method for laundering clothes comprising concurrently dispensing at least two compositions at a predetermined and fixed mixing ratio into a compartmentalized receiving cup; wherein said compositions are selected from the group consisting of powdered, granulated, liquid, gel and tablet; applying one said composition from the receiving cup directly to the fabrics; fabrics in a washing machine; placing the receiving cup containing the balance of the compositions into the washing machine or wash tub; adding water to the washing machine or wash tub, starting the washing machine cycle and allowing the cycle to run to completion or handwashing the fabrics. In a preferred embodiment said compositions are comprised of at least one composition selected from the group consisting of powder and granulated and at least one composition selected from the group consisting of liquid and gel.  
           [0007]    The present invention also meets the aforementioned needs by providing a dispensing device for providing concurrent delivery, into a receiving cup, of at least two compositions, said device comprising at least two storage reservoirs, each of said reservoirs including at least one opening for allowing communication between the interior of the reservoir and the exterior of the device; a receiving cup; dispensing means for delivering said compositions from said storage reservoirs to said receiving cup; and actuating means for causing said compositions to be transported from said reservoirs into said receiving cup via said dispensing means.  
           [0008]    All percentages, ratios, and proportions herein are on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated. All documents cited are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1. is a front perspective view of a device according to the present invention.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2. is a front perspective view of a device according to a second aspect of the present invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3. is a top plan view of a device according to the present invention with lid removed.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4. is a cross sectional side view of a device according to the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5. is a perspective view of a pump core according to the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6. is a perspective view of a compartmentalized cup according to one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7. is a perspective view of a compartmentalized cup according to a second aspect of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8. is a top view of the compartmentalized cup of FIG. 7. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]    The present invention provides a method for laundering clothes comprising concurrently dispensing at least two compositions at a pre-determined and fixed mixing ratio into a compartmentalized receiving cup wherein said compositions are comprised of at least one composition selected from the group consisting of powder and granulated and at least one composition selected from the group consisting of liquid and gel; applying the said liquid or gel composition from the receiving cup directly to the fabrics; placing fabrics in a washing machine; placing the receiving cup containing the balance of the liquid or gel and the powder or granulated composition into the washing machine; adding water to the washing machine, starting the washing machine cycle and allowing the cycle to run to completion. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the compositions are dispensed via a dispensing device as described in detail below.  
         [0018]    It is preferred that the compositions dispensed comprise at least one powdered composition and at least one liquid composition. Additionally, it is preferred that the compositions are dispensed into a compartmentalized receiving cup wherein at least one of the compositions remains separated from the others. The receiving cup may have a means, i.e., pour spout or roller device for application of the liquid compositions directly to fabrics for pre-treating purposes.  
         [0019]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. As discussed more fully hereafter, the present invention is directed to a method of cleaning and a device for providing concurrent delivery of at least two compositions, said device comprising at least two storage reservoirs, each of said reservoirs including at least one opening for allowing communication between the interior of the reservoir and the exterior of the device; a receiving cup; dispensing means for delivering said compositions from said storage reservoirs to said receiving cup; and actuating means for causing said compositions to be transported from said reservoirs into said receiving cup via said dispensing means. FIG. 1. shows a dispensing device  10  according to the present invention, having storage reservoirs  12 . In FIG. 1 the dispenser  10  has a hinged lid  14  (shown in the open position) at such an angle to make it easy to refill. The dispenser  10  comprises two or more storage reservoirs  12  in which detergent compositions, powder, liquid, tablet or other form can be stored for easy access and dispensing. Any combination of compositions is contemplated, i.e. two liquids and a powder, two powders and a liquid, two or more liquids, two or more powders, a liquid, a powder and a tablet etc.  
         [0020]    Situated at the opening of the storage reservoirs  12  of the dispenser  10  is a receiving cup  16 , which receives the compositions, which are dispensed from the storage reservoirs  12 . The cup may be slidingly engaged to the dispenser by bracketing means  18 . However, any other way of engaging receiving cup  16  with the device  10  wherein receiving cup  16  can be repeatedly and easily removed and replaced is suitable. The contents of the cup  16  can be unloaded into a manual or automatic washing machine. The cup  16  is then replaced in bracketing means  18  of the dispenser  10  to receive the next dose of detergent composition.  
         [0021]    Detergent compositions are dispensed from dispenser  10  by actuation of knob  20 , which is integrally connected to pump core  22  (not shown in FIG. 1). Actuation of the knob  20  may occur via several routes including but not limited to actuation by the consumer by manually actuating the knob  20 , actuation by the consumer performing some action such as pushing a button or operating a lever or switch which in turn initiates an electric motor or computer which operates the pump core  22 .  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2. is the same view of device  10  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein receiving cup  16  is of different shape.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3. is a top view of device  10  with lid  14  removed. This view shows the pump core  22  spanning the entire width of device  10 . FIG. 3 additionally shows measuring compartments  24  in pump core  22 .  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4. is a cross section of a device  10  showing one suitable mechanism by which compositions can be transported from the storage reservoirs  12  to the receiving cup  16 , which is comprised of knob  20  and pump core  22 . The pump core  22  is a single piece that rotates upon actuation of the knob  20  (not shown in FIG. 4.), providing communication between the storage reservoirs  12  and the receiving cup  16 . The pump core  22  is divided into measuring compartments  24 . Powder compositions are drawn by gravity in the pump core measuring compartments  24  when knob  20  is rotated. As the pump core  22  is rotated further the detergent compositions contained therein are emptied from the measuring compartments  24  into the receiving cup  16 . Liquid compositions are also drawn by gravity, and contained in plastic sleeves  26  into measuring compartments  24  in the pump core  22 . Liquids are further moved through the pump core  22  and into the receiving cup  16  via peristaltic movement, i.e. as the pump core  22  rotates, pressure is applied to the sleeve  26  pushing the compositions along in the sleeve  26 . Each full rotation of the pump core  22  will deliver one measured dose of at least two separate detergent compositions. The pump core  22  may be rotated more than once to adjust for the amount of soil on the fabrics and size of the load. Linear or rotational actuation of knob  20  can be achieved by any means including but not limited to manual actuation by the consumer, sliding mechanisms, movable levers, push buttons etc.  
         [0025]    Additional means for transporting compositions from the storage reservoirs  12  to the receiving cup  16  are also contemplated. These means can include Archimedes screw mechanisms wherein the system is designed such that the compositions are transported via rotations of the screw, rotating belts, vibratory feeders which use gravity combined with vibration, drawer systems, and diaphragm systems are also contemplated. For transport of liquid or viscous fluid compositions methods of transport can include centrifugal systems, capillary systems, membrane systems and connecting vessel systems. This list is not meant to be exclusive.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 5. shows a detailed representation of pump core  22 , knob  20 , measuring compartments  24  and sleeves  26 .  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 6. shows one embodiment of the receiving cup  16  wherein the cup  16  is compartmentalized with the number of compartments  28  equal to or less than the number of storage reservoirs  12  present in the dispenser  10 . Therefore, each detergent composition may be dispensed into separate compartments  28  of the cup  16 , so as to not come in contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 6., the cup  16  may further comprise an adjustable lid  30 . The lid  30  may further comprise an opening  32  that is moveable over the compartments  28 . Further, the opening  32  in the lid  30  can be moved to allow emptying of one compartment  28  of the cup  16  while the other compartments  28  may remain closed. It is also contemplated that receiving cup  16  may have less compartments  28  than the number of storage reservoirs  12  allowing two or more compositions to be mixed upon dispensing.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIGS. 7. and  8 . show alternative embodiments of receiving cup  16 . In FIGS. 7. and  8 . receiving cup  16  is divided into two compartments  28  and does not have a lid. This embodiment of receiving cup  16  is equipped with a pour spout  34  from which liquids present in one of compartments  28  can be dispensed directly onto soiled fabrics for pretreatment purposes. The pour spout  34  may also take the form of a roller ball or scrubbing device. This receiving cup  16  can then be added directly to the wash solution for dispensing of the remainder of its contents. This embodiment of receiving cup  16  may be made from rigid plastic materials or other suitable rigid material. However, one preferred embodiment is wherein the compartment for receiving a powdered detergent composition is made of a woven or non-woven material that is pervious to the aqueous wash solution. This promotes faster dissolution of the powdered detergent material in the wash solution. The material of manufacture should be chosen such that the receiving cup  16  can withstand repeated wash cycles.  
         [0029]    Independent of which embodiment of the receiving cup  16  is chosen, the cup  16  and the device  10  should be designed such that the cup  16  fits engagingly within the device. This can be achieved by including bracketing means  18  as indicated in FIG. 1. as well as providing a reciprocal link on the cup  16  itself. There are several mechanisms by which receiving cup  16  can be engaged to the device  10 , including but not limited to a drawer guide system, locking mechanism, rotating click mechanism, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, plug systems, lock and key systems etc. In a preferred embodiment the receiving cup  16  has a flattened portion on its underside which allows it to stand on its own.  
         [0030]    The individual storage reservoirs  12  of the dispensing device  10  can be filled with laundry or cleaning compositions either separately or via the use of a disposable re-fill which can take the form of a flexible pouch, bottle, rigid cardboard or plastic or other container adapted for containing two or more compositions maintained separately. In a preferred embodiment the reservoirs  12  are filled using disposable refill pouches. The pouches contain detergent compositions in a predetermined dispensing ratio for obtaining superior cleaning results. In the instance wherein a refill is used to fill the dispensing device it is preferred to include a means for opening the refill after it has been placed in the device. For example as illustrated in FIG. 1., a lever  11  placed on the outside of the device can operate a cutting blade on the interior of the device. When operated the cutting blade cuts the refill pouch allowing the compositions to enter the storage reservoirs. It is also desirable that the refill engages the dispensing device in a lock and key fashion. It is further contemplated that the re-fill be designed wherein it fits to the dispensing mechanism such that the reservoirs of the refill serve as the reservoirs  12  of the device when fitted to the device.  
         [0031]    Use of the Dispensing Device  
         [0032]    A dispensing device according to the present invention may be designed as a freestanding or wall mounted unit. The storage reservoirs of the device are filled with laundry or cleaning compositions either manually or via the use of a disposable re-fill containing two or more compositions wherein at least one composition is a powder and at least one composition is a liquid. The refill may be in the form of a flexible pouch or bottle or made of any material compatible with the compositions contained therein including biodegradable materials. In a preferred embodiment the dispensing device and the refill fit together in a lock-and-key fashion as do the receiving cup and the dispensing device. The consumer determines the load size to be washed and then selects the number of rotations of the pump core necessary to achieve the desired dose. However, the consumer may not adjust the pre-determined dispensing ratio of the components relative to one another. Because dosing ratio cannot be adjusted the products contained in the reservoirs are consumed at the same rate even though they are present in different amounts. Therefore, the consumer does not run out of one before he runs out of the other. Once the receiving cup is full the consumer has the flexibility, depending upon the type of cup used, to use the cup as a pre-treating device to add liquid directly to stains and then adding the whole receiving cup to the wash solution for dosing of the powder portion or manually dosing each individual ingredient via the cup with the sliding lid.