GB2428227A

GB2428227A - Packaging of cleaning tablets

Info

Publication number: GB2428227A
Application number: GB0613023A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andreas Wegner
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser NV
Current assignee: Reckitt Benckiser NV
Priority date: 2005-07-08
Filing date: 2006-06-29
Publication date: 2007-01-24
Also published as: AT502107A2; DE102006031337A1; GB0613023D0; DE202006010476U1; LU91263B1; AT502107A3; GB0514006D0; WO2007007033A1

Abstract

Packaging 1 for a cleaning tablet comprises a wrapper 10 for enclosing a cleaning tablet 3. When loaded with one or more tablets 3, the packaging measures at least 40mm in a first dimension and at least 30mm in a second dimension which extends substantially perpendicularly to the first dimension. Thus, the packaging 1 can not fit in a child's mouth. To help maintain the dimensions of the package, it may be filled with gas or contain a rigid support member (21, Figure 3). The tablets may comprise detergent and/or water-softening compositions for use in clothes or dish washing machines.

Description

ARTICLES

The present invention relates to packaging for cleaning tablets and to packaged products comprising such packaging.

It is known to provide cleaning compositions, by which we include detergent compositions and water-softening compositions, in various forms for use in ware washing machines such as dish and clothes washing machines.

One known form comprises tablets form. These are popular with consumers as they avoid the need to measure out powder or granules which can sometimes be somewhat is complicated and tiresome.

However, known tablets have a disadvantage compared to the use of powder or granules which is that they reduce the flexibility in measuring out the required quantity of detergent. Instead, it is usual for the same amount of detergent to be added to every washing cycle, which is determined by the size of the tablet, irrespective of whether the crockery or laundry to be cleaned is heavily or lightly soiled and/or whether the machine being operated has a full or reduced load.

Applicants aim to address such disadvantages associated with known tablets by providing smaller tablets which may be used alone or with one or more other tablets to provide a variable "dose" for use in a washing operation.

However, a problem associated with known tablets, and which may be more significant for smaller tablets, is that they can fit within the mouth of a child. This may be true of both packaged and unpackaged tablets.

Whilst it may be unlikely that a child would place a cleaning tablet in their mouth parents remain anxious about this risk. Thus it would be desirable for cleaning tablets to be provided in a "child-proof" form.

Accordingly, the present invention aims to address at least one disadvantage associated with the prior art whether discussed herein or otherwise.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging for a cleaning tablet wherein the is packaging comprises a wrapper for enclosing a cleaning tablet and is characterised in that the packaging is configured such that, when loaded with one or more tablets, the packaging measures at least 40mm in a first dimension and at least 30mm in a second dimension, extending substantially perpendicularly to the first dimension, such that the packaging can not fit in a child's mouth.

Suitably, the wrapper has minimum measurements in first and second dimensions which correspond to said minimum measurements in said first and second dimensions of the packaging.

Suitably, the wrapper is substantially water-impermeable.

The packaging suitably comprises a plastics or foil sheet forming the wrapper. Preferably, the wrapper comprises a plastics coated foil sheet (e.g. a metallised plastics foil) Suitably, the packaging comprises a wrapper formed by folding a plastics sheet and sealing the edges thereof to enclose a cleaning tablet.

When empty the wrapper may be substantially planar and the packaging may thus be substantially two dimensional.

Suitably, when loaded with one or more tablets the wrapper may adopt a more three dimensional form such that the io packaging may measure, for example, at least 2mm, more preferably at least 5mm in a third dimension which extends substantially perpendicular to both the first and second dimensions of the packaging.

It will thus be understood that when loaded the packaging may measure less in the first and/or second dimension than it does when unloaded since the wrapper suitably changes configuration when loaded.

Suitably, the packaging comprises means for assisting maintenance of said minimum measurements in the first and second dimensions. Said means may comprise gas, for example air, enclosed by the wrapper for assisting maintenance of the wrappers form. Alternatively, or in addition, said means may comprise a support member which may assist maintenance of the wrappers form.

The packaging may comprise a substantially rigid support member for adding rigidity to the packaging.

Suitably, the support member comprises a plastics or card sheet. Preferably, the support member comprises a card sheet located internal to the wrapper.

Suitably, the support member comprises a substantially planar sheet which may preferably be substantially rectangular.

Suitably, the support member has a length of at least 30mm and a width of at least 30mm. Suitably, the length and width of the support member correspond to first and second dimensions of the packaging respectively.

The support member may have a length and a width which are slightly less than the length and width of the wrapper respectively such that the support member and tablet or tablets can be enclosed by the wrapper. The length and width of the support member may thus, each independently, be within 20mm, preferably within 10mm, for example within 5mm of the measurements of the first and second dimensions of the loaded packaged respectively.

Suitably, the packaging comprises a front face, rear face, first and second opposed sides and first and second opposed ends.

Suitably, the first dimension corresponds to a lengthwise direction of the packaging. Suitably, the lengthwise direction extends between the first and second ends.

Suitably, the lengthwise direction extends substantially parallel to the front and rear faces. Suitably, the lengthwise direction extends substantially parallel to the first and second sides of the packaging.

Suitably, the second direction corresponds to a widthwise direction of the packaging. Suitably, the widthwjse

S

direction extends between the first and second sides.

Suitably, the widthwise direction extends substantially parallel to the front and rear faces. Suitably, the widthwise direction extends substantially parallel to the first and second ends of the packaging Suitably, the packaging measures at least 40mm, for example at least 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, 80mm, 85mm, 90mm, 95mm or 100mm in the first dimension when loaded.

Not all of the packaging need have said minimum measurement in the first dimension but at least a part thereof should. Preferably though the first dimension comprises an end to end direction of the packaging and the ends run substantially parallel to one another such that they are said minimum distance apart throughout their extent.

Suitably, the packaging measures at least 30mm, for example at least 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, 80mm, 85mm, 90mm, 95mm or 100mm in the second dimension when loaded.

Not all of the packaging need have said minimum measurement in the second dimension but at least a part thereof should. Preferably though the second dimension comprises a side to side direction of the packaging and the sides run substantially parallel to one another such that they are said minimum distance apart throughout their extent.

suitably, the packaging measures at least 5mm, for example at least 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm or 15mm in the third dimension when loaded.

Suitably, the packaging is not excessively large in the first, second or third dimensions so that it may still be practical to transport and store tablets packaged in the packaging.

Suitably the packaging measures no more than 110mm in the first, second or third dimension when loaded.

Preferably, the packaging measures between 40mm and 75mm in the first dimension, preferably between 50mm and 75mm, more preferably between 60mm and 75mm, for example between 70mm and 75mm, when loaded.

Preferably, the packaging measures between 30mm and 60mm in the second dimension, preferably between 40mm and 55mm, more preferably between 45mm and 55mm, for example between 50mm and 55mm, when loaded.

Preferably, the packaging measures 30mm or less in the third dimension, more preferably 20mm or less, for example 15mm or less, when loaded.

Preferably, the wrapper has measurements corresponding to those of the packaging described herein.

Preferably, the packaging is arranged to be loaded with one or more tablets. The packaging may be arranged to be loaded with one tablet. Alternatively, the packaging may be arranged to be loaded with two tablets. Preferably, the packaging is arranged such that it can be loaded with either one or two like tablets.

Suitably, the packaging is arranged to be used with one or more tablets whose largest dimension measures less than does the packaging in the first or second dimension when loaded. Suitably, said largest dimension of the tablet measures at least 10mm less than does the packaging in each of the first and second dimensions when loaded.

Suitably, the tablets used with the packaging may be generally rectilinear.

Suitably, the packaging is arranged to be loaded with a tablet having a length of 40mm or less, preferably 35mm or less, more preferably 30mm or less, for example 29mm, 28mm, 27mm, 26mm, 25mm, 24mm, 23mm, 22mm, 21mm, 19mm, 18mm, 17mm, 16mm, or 15mm or less.

Suitably, the packaging is arranged to be loaded with a tablet having a width of 40mm or less, preferably 35mm or less, more preferably 30mm or less, more preferably 25mm or less, more preferably 20mm or legs, for example 19mm, 18mm, 17mm, 16mm, 15mm, 14mm, 13mm, 12mm, 11mm, 10mm or less.

Suitably, the packaging is arranged to be loaded with a tablet having a thickness of 30mm or less, preferably 25mm or less, more preferably 20mm or less, more preferably 15mm or less, for example 14mm, 13mm, 12mm, 11mm, 10mm, 9mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, 5mm or less.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaged product comprising one or more cleaning tablets, for use in a washing operation and comprising a cleaning composition, loaded in a packet, wherein the packet comprises a wrapper enclosing said tablet(s) and characterised in that the packaged product measures at least 40mm in a first dimension and at least 30mm in a second dimension, extending substantially perpendicularly to the first dimension, such that the packaged product can not fit in a child's mouth.

Suitably, the packet comprises packaging according to the first aspect. The packaged product may thus comprise any feature as described in relation to the first aspect.

Suitably, the tablet or tablets may comprise the dimensions as described in the first aspect.

The packet may be loaded with one tablet. Alternatively the packet may be loaded with two or more, for example

two, tablets.

The packaged product may comprise a container housing a plurality of packets as described herein.

The or each tablet may have a mass of between ig and 15g such that it can be used singularly or with one or more other like tablets depending upon a required washing performance.

Hereafter reference is made to the tablet" for convenience but it is to be understood the packaged product may comprise more than one such tablet.

Preferably the tablet has a mass of no more than 14g. more preferably no more than 13g. more preferably no more than 12g. more preferably no more than hg, still more preferably no more than lOg. The tablet may have a mass of no more than 9g, for example of no more than 8g, 7g, 6g.

or 5g.

Preferably, the tablet has a mass of at least 2g. more preferably at least 3g. The tablet may have a mass of at least 4g, for example at least 5g, 6g, 7g or 8g..

Suitably, the cleaning tablet comprises a detergent tablet which comprises a cleaning composition comprising a detergent composition. Alternatively or in addition, the cleaning tablet may comprise a water- softening tablet which comprises a cleaning composition comprising a water- softening composition.

Suitably, the cleaning tablet comprises a tablet for use in an automatic ware washing machine.

Preferably, the cleaning tablet comprises a tablet for use in an automatic dishwashing machine. Suitably, the detergent tablet comprises a detergent composition together with a rinse aid function and/or dishwasher salt function. Alternatively, the detergent tablet may be arranged to be used in combination with a separate supply of dishwasher salt and/or rinse aid. Thus, the tablet may be substantially free from rinse aid function and/or dishwasher salt function. In either case the detergent tablet may comprise a detergent composition suitable for washing crockery.

The term "cleaning compositions is understood in the broad sense in the present application, namely as comprising all those substances and mixtures of substances which can be s used in connection with cleaning processes. These include not only the compositions which are actually active in cleaning, such as detergents, for example dishwasher detergents, and washing substances, but a].]. compositions which support cleaning functions concerned, such as water softeners, or which have the effect of providing protective care, such as fabric treaters or final rinses.

Included in the term t'cleaning composition" are mixtures of ingredients selected from: surfactant, builder, filler, bleach (optionally containing also bleach activator and/or a bleach catalyst) water-softening composition and enzymes. The cleaning composition may contain other minor ingredients such as dye, fragrance and optical brighteners.

By use of the term "water-softening composition" we mean a mixture of a water-softening active(s) with other compounds selected from those mentioned in the previous

paragraph, or elsewhere in this specification.

Suitably, the cleaning composition comprises a detergent composition. The cleaning composition may comprise a detergent composition together with other components which support a cleaning function. Alternatively, the cleaning composition may Consist essentially of a detergent composition.

As used herein the term "detergent composition" is understood to comprise all those substances and mixtures of substances which are active in cleaning, such as detergents and washing substances.

Included in the term "detergent composition" are mixtures of ingredients selected from: surfactant, builder, filler, bleach (optionally containing also bleach activator and/or a bleach catalyst) and enzymes.

The detergent composition may be substantially free of compositions which support cleaning functions, such as water-softeners, or which have the effect of providing protective care, such as fabric softeners or final rinses (rinse aids) Suitably, the tablet comprises a detergent composition in an amount of from ig to 12g, preferably an amount of from 2g to 8g, for example an amount of from 3g to 6g.

Suitably, the tablet comprises detergent composition in an amount of no more than 12g, preferably no more than 11g.

more preferably no more than log, for example no more than 9g. 8g, 7g, Gg, 5g. 4g. 3g or 2g.

Suitably, the tablet comprises a detergent composition in an amount of at least ig, preferably at least 2g. for example at least 3g, 49, 5g, 6g, 79 or 89.

The tablet may comprise a "mono-benefit" tablet. The tablet may comprise a single-function tablet for use in an automatic dish washer. Thus, at least 90% by weight of the cleaning composition may comprise detergent composition and the cleaning composition may preferably consist essentially of a detergent composition, which may suitably comprise fillers and/or tabletting aids in addition to the active components.

Suitably the tablet has a mass of between ig and 7g, preferably of between 2g and 6g, more preferably between 3g and 5g, for example around 4g.

Suitably, the tablet comprises a surface area of between 800mm2 and 1500mm2, more preferably between 1000mm2 and 1300mm2.

Alternatively, the tablet may comprise a "multi-benefit" tablet. The tablet may comprise a multi-function tablet for use in an automatic dish washer. The tablet may comprise a detergent composition in combination with other compositions which perform a function during a washing operation. Suitably, the tablet comprises a water- softening function composition. Suitably, the tablet comprises a rinse aid function.

A tablet according to the present invention may comprise a multi zone tablet, for example a multilayer tablet, with each zone having a distinct composition.

Suitably, the tablet has a mass of between 5g and 13g.

preferably between 7g and hg, more preferably between 8g and lOg, for example around 9g.

Suitably, the tablet comprises a surface area of between 1500mm2 and 2500mm2, more preferably between 1800mm2 and 2500mm2, more preferably between 1900mm2 and 2400mm2.

Suitably, the cleaning composition comprises detergent composition which comprises a substantially complete formulation for its respective use. Accordingly, it is S suitably not necessary to employ a nuffiber of tablets according to the present invention comprising different compositions. Difficulties associated with a consumer having to count out a selection of different tablets may thus be avoided.

Preferably, the tablet has a surface area of at least 800mm2, more preferably at least 900mm2, more preferably at least 1000mm2, for example at least 1100mm2, 1200mm2, 1300mm2, 1400mm22, 1500mm2, 1600mm2, 1700mm2, 1800mm2, 1900mm2, 2000mm2, 2100mm2, 2200mm2, 2300mm2, 2400mm2, 2500mm2, 2600mm2, 2700mm2, 2800mm2, 2900mm2, 3000mm2, 31000mm2, 3200mm2, 3300mm2 3400mm2 or 3500mm2.

Suitably, the tablet has a volume(mm3):surface area(mm2) ratio of between 1.5:1 and 3.2:1. Preferably, the tablet has a volume(mm3):surface area(mm2) ratio of between 1.5:1 and 3:1, for example of between 1.7:1 and 3.0:1, for example of around 1.8:1 or 3.0:1.

Arranging the tablet dimensions such that the volume (mm3) :surface area(mm2) ratio falls within the above selected ranges may provide a tablet having improved cleaning properties compared to one falling outside the given ranges. In particular, a detergent comprising tablet having a volume(mm3) :surf ace area(mm2) ratio in the range of 1.5:1 to 2. 0:1 or 2.7:1 to 3.2:1 may have surprisingly advantageous cleaning performance.

Preferably, the tablet has a volume (mm3) : surface area (mm2) ratio of 3. 1:1 or less, more preferably of 3:1 or less, for example of 2.9:1, 2.8:1, 2.7:1, 2.6:1, 2.5:1, 2.4:1, 2.3:1, 2.2:1, 2.1:1, 2:1, 1.9:1, 1.7:1 or 1.6:1 or less.

S

Suitably, the tablet has a volume(rnm3) :surf ace are(mm2) ratio of at least 1.5:1, for example of at least 1.6:]., 1.7:1, 1.8:1, 1.9:1, 2.0:1, 2.1:1, 2.2:1, 2.3:1, 2.4:1, 2.5:1, 2.6:1; 2.7:1, 2.8:1, 2.9:1, or 3.0:1.

Suitably, the tablet is free from phosphorus-containing compounds.

The cleaning tablet(s) may be arranged for a variety of uses. By way of example, we may refer to use as a dishwasher detergent, as a final rinse in dishwashers, as a detergent in a washing machine or for a hand wash, as a water softener or fabric softening rinse in a washing machine, or as a descaling agent. Other fields of use in the detergent sector are conceivable and possible, such as use as a detergent composition for disolutjon in water, for cleaning hard surfaces, such as floors.

Suitably, the packaged product comprises instructions for varying the "dose" of tablets employed to perform a washing method.

Suitably, to wash a load which substantially corresponds to a full load of a ware washing machine, and which load has a normal level of soiling, the method will use N tablets. Suitably, the packaged product comprises N like tablets. Suitably, N is 2.

Suitably, for a load having a heavy level of soiling and which load substantially corresponds to a full load of a ware washing machine the dose will be N + A tablets.

Suitably, for a load having a light level of soiling and which load substantially Corresponds to a full load of a ware washing machine the dose will be N - B tablets.

Suitably, for a load having a normal level of soiling and which load substantially corresponds to a half load of a ware washing machine the dose will be N - C tablets.

Suitably, the instructions include values for N, A, B and C. The present invention will now be illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packaged product showing hidden detail; Figure 2 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a packaged product showing hidden detail; and Figure 3 is a side view of the packaged product of Figure 2 showing hidden detail.

Figure 1 illustrates a packet (packaging) I loaded with two tablets 3 (shown in dotted outline). The packet 1 comprises a plastics coated foil sheet 5 which is folded and sealed along a longitudinal seem (omitted for clarity) and two end seems 7, 9 to form a wrapper 10.

The loaded packet 1 measures around 90mm in a first dimension extending between first and second ends 11, 13 as illustrated by arrow A. The loaded packet 1 measures around 60mm in a second dimension extending between first and second sides 15, 17 as illustrated by arrow B. The loaded packet 1 further measures around 11mm in a third dimension extending between front and rear faces (only front 19 shown) at it's widest point as illustrated by arrow C. The tablets 3 each have a length of around 26mm, a width of around 18mm and a thickness of around 11mm.

It will thus be appreciated that it is only in the third dimension that the size of the tablets 3 influences the measurement of the loaded packet 1. The packet 1 is substantially larger than the tablets 3 and is sized such that it can not fit into the mouth of a child.

In an alternative embodiment a packaged product is substantially as illustrated in Figure 1 but the wrapper is filled with gas, preferably air. This may serve to protect the tablets from damage during transport and storage. This may also serve to make it even harder for a child to manipulate the packaged product into a configuration which they can fit within their mouth as the gas effectively causes the wrapper to maintain its form.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an alternative enibodirnent of a packaged product comprising two tablets 3 loaded within a packet 1. This embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment and like parts are labelled accordingly.

The distinction is that the packet (packaging) 1 further comprises a support member 21 in the foxm of a card sheet (shown in dotted outline) located internal of the wrapper to add rigidity to the packet 1.

Again the wrapper 10 is formed from a plastics coated foil sheet 5 and the loaded packet measures around 90mm in a first dimension (first to second end 11, 13 direction) shown by arrow A, around 60mm in a second dimension (first to second side 15, 17 direction) shown by arrow B and around 11mm in a third dimension (front 19 to rear 23 direction) shown by arrow C. The support member is substantially planar and has a length of around 75mm (which extends in the first dimension) and a width of around 45mm (which extends in the second dimension) and a thickness of around 1mm (which extends in the third dimension). The support member is located against the rear face 23 of the wrapper 10 but may be arranged to move relative thereto.

In use, the extent to which the wrapper may be deformed may be limited by the support member. The support member may thus make it even more difficult for a child to manipulate the packaged product into a configuration which they can fit within their mouth.

It is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s).

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this

specification, or to any novel one, or any novel

combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. Packaging for a cleaning tablet wherein the packaging comprises

a wrapper for enclosing a s cleaning tablet and is characterised in that the packaging is configured such that, when loaded with one or more tablets, the packaging measures at least 40mm in a first dimension and at least 30mm in a second dimension, extending substantially perpendicularly to the first dimension, such that the packaging can not fit in a child's mouth.
2. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the packaging measures between 40mm and 75mm in the first dimension when loaded.
3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packaging measures between 30mm and 60mm in the second dimension when loaded.
4. Packaging according to any preceding claim wherein the packaging measures 30mm or less in a third dimension extending substantially perpendicularly to the first and second dimensions.
5. Packaging according to any preceding claim wherein the packaging comprises means for assisting maintenance of said minimum measurements in the first and second dimensions.
6. Packaging according to claim 5, wherein the packaging comprises gas enclosed by the wrapper.
7. Packaging according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the packaging comprises a support member.
8. Packaging according to claim 7, wherein the support member is substantially rigid and adds rigidity to the packaging.
9. Packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging is arranged to be loaded with two

tablets.
10. Packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the tablet is arranged to be used with a tablet having a length of 30mm or less, a width of 20mm or is less and a thickness of 10mm or less.
11. A packaged product comprising one or more cleaning tablets, for use in a washing operation and comprising a cleaning composition, loaded in a packet, wherein the packet comprises a wrapper enclosing said tablet(s) and characterised in that the packaged product measures at least 40mm in a first dimension and at least 30mm in a second dimension, extending substantially perpendicularly to the first dimension, such that the packaged product can not fit in a child's mouth.
12. A packaged product according to claim ii, wherein the packet comprises packaging according to any of claims 1 to 10.
13. A packaged product according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the or each tablet has a mass of between ig and 15g such that it can be used singularly or with one or more other like tablets depending upon a required washing performance.
14. A packaged product according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the packet is loaded with two tablets.
15. A packaged product according to any of claims 11 to 14 wherein the cleaning composition comprises a detergent composition
16. A packaged product according to any of claims 11 to wherein the cleaning composition comprises a water-softening Composition.
17. A packaged product according to any of claims 11 to 16 wherein tablet(s) comprise tablet(s) for a ware washing machine.
18. A packaged product according to claim 17 wherein the tablet(s) comprises tablet(s) for an automatic dish washing machine.
19. A packaged product according to any of claims 11 to 18 wherein the or each tablet has a mass of between ig and 79.
20. A packaged product according to any of claims 11 to 19 wherein the or each tablet has a mass of between 5g and 13g.