Detergent Dispensing Device

• US 20070295036A1
• Filed: 08/22/2005
• Published: 12/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V. (Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V. (Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC)
• Inventors: Brandt, Guido, Enkel, Thomas, Gibis, Karl-Ludwig, Hahl, Michael, Rogers, Brendyn, Housmekerides, Chris
• Application Number:
  US11/573,754
• Publication Number:
  US 20070295036A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 68/17.00R
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4445 Detachable devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4463 Multi-dose dispensing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4472 Blister packaging or refill cartridges

Abstract

A free standing detergent dispensing device removably insertable into an automatic washing machine, the device comprising a cartridge having a plurality of unsealed chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, a directing means to direct wash liquor selectively into a chamber of the cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein, each chamber having an inlet in the form of a tortuous path to obstruct unwanted flow of wash liquor into an unselected chamber.

Claims

1. A free standing detergent dispensing device removably insertable into an automatic washing machine, the device comprising a cartridge having a plurality of unsealed chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, a directing means to direct wash liquor selectively into a chamber of the cartridge to contact the detergent composition therein, each chamber having an inlet in the form of a tortuous path to obstruct unwanted flow of wash liquor into an unselected chamber.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the tortuous path comprises a weir.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device has a common outlet from all of the chambers which only permits substantially uni-directional flow.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the outlet is provided with a tortuous path to allow the unidirectional flow.

5. A device according to claim 3, wherein the outlet has a plurality of baffles which serve to deflect liquid entering the outlet back out of the outlet.

6. A device according to claim 3, wherein the cartridge is spaced from the outlet.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein the directing means has an opening which is selectively alignable with each chamber.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the directing means comprises a spout which is rotatable into alignment with an opening to a respective chamber.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the spout is arranged to block access of the wash liquor to unselected chambers.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device is provided with a funnel leading to the directing means.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein the directing means or cartridge are movable manually to select a subsequent chamber.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein the directing means or cartridge are automatically movable to select a subsequent chamber.

13. A device according to claim 1, wherein user intervention is necessary either to move the directing means or cartridge which are then reset during operation of the machine.

14. A device according to claim 1, wherein user intervention is necessary to reset the directing means or cartridge which are then moved during operation of the machine.

15. A device according to claim 12, wherein the device is arranged to react to a parameter which occurs during the operation of the washing machine.

16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the device contains a thermally reactive element and the parameter is temperature.

17. A device according to claim 11, wherein the device is configured to be operated by the hand of a user.

18. A device according to claim 11, wherein the device is configured to be operated by the door of the machine.

19. A device according to claim 1, wherein the directing means is arranged to be movable and the cartridge is stationary.

20. A device according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is removable from the device.

21. A cartridge adapted for use with a dispensing device according to claim 1, the cartridge having a plurality of unsealed chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, each chamber having an inlet in the form of a tortuous path to obstruct unwanted flow of wash liquor to an unselected chamber.