초록 ▼

The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing detergent into a washing machine. A container of particulate detergent includes a multilayer cover over the container mouth, the outer layer of which is removable to expose an inner layer of wire mesh. The relationship of the mesh size

The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing detergent into a washing machine. A container of particulate detergent includes a multilayer cover over the container mouth, the outer layer of which is removable to expose an inner layer of wire mesh. The relationship of the mesh size to the particulate detergent as one which prohibits passage of the detergent until dissolved at least partially by water. The receptacle is configured to receive and support the container above the inlet to the washing machine. The water sources provided within the receptacle to spray water and control the amounts through the wire mesh to dissolve the detergent. Once dissolved, the detergent can flow through the mesh and to the inlet of the washing machine.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for dispensing detergent to a washing machine comprising: (a) forming a container from plastic material with a shoulder and a neck portion integral therewith prior to insertion of detergent therein; (b) placing the detergent in particulate form within a container, said container having a mo

A method for dispensing detergent to a washing machine comprising: (a) forming a container from plastic material with a shoulder and a neck portion integral therewith prior to insertion of detergent therein; (b) placing the detergent in particulate form within a container, said container having a mouth for receiving the detergent; (c) covering the container mouth with a cover material which is impermeable to particulate matter while permitting passage of water, said covering step being made prior to delivery of said container to said washing machine; (d) said washing machine having an exterior portion and an interior portion, said washing machine having an inlet connected to said interior portion for receiving the detergent, said inlet being in communication with a fixed receptacle facing upwardly, said receptacle having a complementary portion for engaging said container mouth; (e) delivering said container to the vicinity of said washing machine; (f) arranging said container with respect to said receptacle to form a closed path between the container and said inlet, said particulate matter being supported above the inlet by said cover material, within the container and exposed to said inlet; (g) subjecting said particulate material while supported within said container above said inlet to controlled amounts of fluid to dissolve particulate material in the vicinity of the container mouth sufficiently to permit passage of detergent through said cover material and to said inlet; and (h) the step of subjecting said particulate material while supported within said container above and said inlet including spraying fluid from a position exterior to said container through said cover material to said mouth of said container to dissolve material in the vicinity of the mouth in the lower portion of the container while detergent in the upper part of the container remains substantially dry. A container for dispensing detergent in particulate form for use with a washing machine having a complementary receptacle comprising: (a) a hollow body portion containing particulate detergent therein: (b) said container having a shoulder portion and a neck portion integral therewith, said shoulder portion and said neck shaped to cooperate with said receptacle to form a substantially closed path therebetween; (c) a mouth connected to said neck portion to permit access to the interior of the container; and (d) said mouth being covered by a cover material impervious to the particulate detergent while being pervious to a fluid sprayed through said cover from a position exterior of said container for dissolving said detergent sufficiently to pass through said cover of the wire mesh, said cover material being fixed to said container independently of said receptacle.