US 6,555,509 B2 · Multi-phase toilet articles and methods for their manufacture

Abstract

A multi-phase solid toilet article whose phases are separated by a membrane, and processes for making the article are described. Each phase is reproducibly fabricated to form an article allowing the user to sequentially or simultaneously derive benefits from the different materials contained in the article's layers. The membrane is either at least partially water soluble or dispersible in the case of a product used with water, or shearable in the case of a cosmetic product which is applied directly to or rubbed on the skin. The membrane material is selected to dissolve or disintegrate with product use, so as to accomplish its intended function of separating the different cosmetic materials until they are consumed. The flowable toilet or cosmetic formulations are simultaneously or separately transferred into the mold, simultaneously or separately allowed to harden, where the membrane divider is not removed and becomes a part of the finished product. The hardened multi-phase article is finally ejected from the mold.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A solid toilet cleansing or cosmetic article, comprising:

at least two layers, and a preformed membrane layer positioned therebetween for separating and adhesively bonding said layers;
wherein said layers may be the same or different;
and wherein the at least two layers are opaque;
each of said layers having a yield stress value from about 20 KPa to about 400 KPa at 25° C. and 50% RH;
said membrane is selected from a material that is at least partially water-soluble, at least partially water-dispersible, a water insoluble, non-thermoplastic, shearable material;
and a water insoluble, thermoplastic, shearable material;
said membrane being worn away as the toilet article is used;
and
said membrane is formed from a process selected from solution casting, dispersion casting, molding and extrusion prior to inserting said membrane between said layers;
and said non-thermoplastic shearable material is selected from hydrocarbon or silicone waxes, natural and synthetic resins, and derivatives and blends thereof.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-phase toilet articles and methods for their manufacture

Life of this patent

Multi-phase toilet articles and methods for their manufacture

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21