Patent EP-0233027-A2 (EP)
Inventor: KLEMM STEVEN R
IPC: D06M23/02
Filed: 1987-01-30
Abstract: A package from which a mixed quantity of first and second distinct materials can be released in a phased sequence under first and second sets of conditions, which comprises a pouch-like container formed of a porous fabric material containing the first distinct material which is substantially fully water soluble under a first set of conditions and the second distinct material which has a melting point which is above the temperatures normally encountered in the first set of conditions and which is no more than partially water soluble under the first set of conditions; 
     the porous fabric material having a porosity permitting passage of water and the second distinct material when it is in its melted condition but normally preventing passage of either of the first and second distinct materials therethrough when the package is kept out of water and below the melting point of the second distinct material. 
     A method of packaging a mixed quantity of first and second distinct materials for subsequent release in a phased sequence whereby substantially all of the first distinct material but less than a majority of the second material will be automatically released from the package under a first set of conditions and the majority of the second distinct material will automatically be released from the package under a second set of conditions, the first distinct material being substantially fully water soluble under the first set of conditions, and the second distinct material having a melting point which is above the temperatures normally encountered in the first set of conditions and which is no more than partially soluble under the first set of conditions; which comprises forming a pouch-like container of a porous fabric material which has a porosity permitting passage of water and the second distinct material when it is in its melted condition but normally preventing passage of either of the first and second distinct materials therethrough when the package is kept out of water and below the melting point of the second material, 
     forming supplementary openings in the package, which openings are normally in a substantially closed position so that no more than an insignificant amount of the first distinct material and substantially none of the second material will pass therethrough during normal handling of the package before subjection to the first set of conditions, but said supplementary openings tending to enlarge when the package is exposed to the first set of conditions whereby an increased rate of water flow into and out of the package will effect complete dispensing of undissolved and dissolved portions of the first distinct material from the package while still being small enough relative to the form and dimensions of the second distinct material to prevent dispensing of the second distinct material from the package under the first set of conditions. 
     and placing a desired mixture of the first and second distinct materials into the package and closing the package except for the pores of the porous fabric and the supplementary openings.