Automatic washing machine detergent dispensing device

• US 20060157084A1
• Filed: 06/03/2004
• Published: 07/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V. (Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V. (Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC)
• Inventors: Mohrhard, Karl-Heinz, Wiedemann, Ralf, Preuschen, Judith
• Application Number:
  US10/560,207
• Publication Number:
  US 20060157084A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/25.200
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4445 Detachable devices

Abstract

An automatic washing machine detergent dispensing device comprises a bar of detergent disposed within a channel. The detergent bar completely fills at least a portion of the channel across the entire bore of the channel. The channel has an inlet aperture which is in communication therewith.

Claims

1. An automatic washing machine detergent dispensing device comprising a detergent bar comprising a detergent composition, a detergent additive, or a detergent composition which includes a detergent additive, said detergent bar disposed within a channel, wherein the detergent bar completely fills at least a portion of the channel across the entire bore of the channel, the channel having an inlet aperture which is in communication therewith.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the channel has a uniform bore, along its length or at least along the portion filled by the detergent bar.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the channel is a tube.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the channel has one open end which communicates with the inlet aperture.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the channel comprises a form similar to a drinking glass.

7. A device according to claim 1 wherein the channel has a plurality of open ends each of which being in communication with an inlet aperture.

8. A device according to claim 5, wherein the channel comprises a tube both ends of which are open.

9. A device according to claim 5, wherein the open end of the channel comprises the inlet aperture.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the channel has a secondary aperture.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the secondary aperture comprises a slit in the side of the channel.

12. A device according to claim 10, wherein the secondary aperture may comprise a plurality of separate apertures.

13. A device according to claim 1, wherein a barrier is arranged around the periphery of the channel.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the barrier comprises a sleeve arranged around the exterior of the channel.

15. A device according to claim 10, wherein the diameter of the secondary aperture is larger than the holes of the dishwasher sieve.

16. A device according to claim 10, wherein the diameter of the secondary aperture is less than 5 mm.

17. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a means to control the amount of wash liquor which contacts the detergent bar.

18. A device according to claim 17claim 17, wherein the means comprises a collecting funnel.

19. A device according to claim 18, wherein the collecting funnel has a drainage opening in its collecting portion.

20. A device according to claim 1, wherein the channel comprises a water-resistant or water insoluble material.

4. A device according to claim 4, wherein the tube is cylindrical.

21. The use of an automatic washing machine detergent dispensing device in an automatic washing machine in an automatic washing machine process, wherein the device comprises a bar of detergent disposed within a channel, the detergent bar completely filling at least a portion of the channel across the entire bore of the channel, the channel having an aperture which is in communication therewith.

22. An automatic washing machine process, comprising the step of providing to an automatic washing machine a detergent dispensing device, wherein the device comprises a bar of detergent disposed within a channel, the detergent bar completely filling at least a portion of the channel across the entire bore of the channel, the channel having an aperture which is in communication therewith.