Dosage Element and a Method of Manufacturing a Dosage Element

Abstract

This invention concerns dosage elements for a ware washing machine and a method of manufacturing such dosage elements. In embodiments of the invention a dosage element comprises first ( 10 ) and second ( 20 ) joined parts, wherein the first part ( 10 ) is a part which, prior to joining with the second part ( 20 ), comprised an open receptacle and wherein the second part ( 20 ) comprises a substrate carrying a plurality of mutually separated substances A, B, C arranged in side by side relation. The second part ( 20 ) is joined to said first part ( 10 ) so as to close said receptacle and enclose said substances within it. Dosage elements produced in the inventive method are pleasant to handle, whilst being surprisingly resistant to damage in handling or transit.

1 . A dosage element to be consumed in use in a ware washing machine, the dosage element comprising first and second joined parts, wherein the first part is a part which, prior to joining with the second part, comprised an open receptacle and wherein the second part comprises a substrate carrying a plurality of substances arranged in side by side relation, and wherein the second part is joined to said first part so as to close said receptacle and enclose said substances within it. 
     
     
         2 . The dosage element of  claim 1 , wherein said first part and said second part are brought together during a manufacturing step in which said first part covers said substances. 
     
     
         3 . The dosage element of  claim 1 , wherein said second part comprises a plurality of cores of said substances adhered to said substrate in spaced apart relation. 
     
     
         4 . The dosage element of  claim 1 , wherein said second part comprises a plurality of compartments supported by said substrate and, each of which compartments contains one of said plurality of substances. 
     
     
         5 . The dosage element of  claim 4 , wherein said second part comprises first and second elements, wherein said second element comprises a multi-compartment pocket for receiving a substance in each compartment thereof and wherein said first element closes said pocket to contain each substance within its respective compartment. 
     
     
         6 . The dosage element of  claim 1 , wherein said first part and said second part are relatively flexible in isolation, but when joined to one another the dosage element formed is relatively shape-stable, 
     
     
         7 . A method of manufacturing a dosage element to be consumed in use in a ware washing machine, the method comprising:
 (a) forming a first part into an open receptacle;   (b) forming a second part into a substrate carrying a plurality of substances arranged in side by side relation; and   (c) closing said open receptacle of said first part by joining the first and second parts to one another so as to enclose said substances within said first and second parts.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said step (b) comprises the sub-steps of: (b1) forming a multi-chambered pocket; (b2) introducing said substances to chambers of said pocket; and (b3) closing said chambers with a top film. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the mould geometry for forming said first part is designed such that the first part forms a chamber able to embrace tightly said substances of the second part. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein in said step (c) the first part is sealed to the second part. 
     
     
         11 . A dosage element manufactured by a method of  claim 7 . 
     
     
         12 . A method of ware washing, especially dishwashing, using a dosage element of  claim 1 .