US-12616645-B2 - Water soluble shampoo container

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a single-use cleanser pod including a cleanser that is substantially free of water. The cleanser may be made up of a surfactant and a thickening agent. A water-soluble film may surround the cleanser. The film may have an outer surface configured to interact with an external environment, and an inner surface defining a cavity that retains the cleanser. The cleanser may be configured to form a cleaning solution when mixed with a measured amount of water.

Inventors

• Gaylin Shamp

Assignees

• Furlosophy Petcare LLC

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20230713

Claims (20)

1. 1 . A cleanser pod comprising: a cleanser that is free of water in powder form, the cleanser including: a surfactant, and a thickening agent; and a water-soluble film surrounding the cleanser, the film comprising an outer surface configured to interact with an external environment, and an inner surface defining a cavity that retains the cleanser; wherein the cavity is sized to retain approximately five grams of the cleanser; and wherein the cleanser is configured to form a cleaning solution when mixed with a measured amount of water.
2. 2 . The cleanser pod of claim 1 , wherein the film comprises a cold-water soluble film.
3. 3 . The cleanser pod of claim 2 , wherein the film has a thickness of approximately 50 microns.
4. 4 . The cleanser pod of claim 1 , wherein the surfactant comprises sodium cocoyl isethionate.
5. 5 . The cleanser pod of claim 4 , wherein the cleanser comprises sodium cocoyl isethionate in a range of 55 wt %-90 wt %.
6. 6 . The cleanser pod of claim 4 , wherein the thickening agent comprises one or more of Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium CL and xanthan gum.
7. 7 . The cleanser pod of claim 6 , wherein the cleanser comprises Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium CL in a range of 4 wt %-15 wt % and xanthan gum in a range of 5 wt %-25 wt %.
8. 8 . A cleanser pod system comprising: the cleanser pod of claim 1 ; and a mixing device comprising: a container configured to receive and retain a measured amount of water, and a mechanical agitator that facilitates mixing of the cleanser with water in the container.
9. 9 . The cleanser pod system of claim 8 , further comprising a lid configured to seal the container.
10. 10 . The cleanser pod system of claim 9 , wherein the mechanical agitator comprises a wire whisk.
11. 11 . The cleanser pod system of claim 8 , wherein the mechanical agitator comprises a stirrer.
12. 12 . The cleanser pod system of claim 8 , wherein the mechanical agitator comprises a blender.
13. 13 . A method comprising: providing a single-use cleanser pod, the single use cleanser pod including: a cleanser that is free of water in powder form, the cleanser including: a surfactant, and a thickening agent; and a water-soluble film surrounding the cleanser, the film comprising an outer surface configured to interact with an external environment, and an inner surface defining a cavity that retains the cleanser; wherein the cavity is sized to retain approximately five grams of the cleanser; introducing the cleanser pod to a measured amount of water, such that the water-soluble film dissolves; and agitating the cleanser and the water to form a cleaning solution.
14. 14 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising: applying the cleaning solution to an object to be cleaned; and rinsing the solution from the object to be cleaned.
15. 15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the object to be cleaned comprises one of: a human, an animal, an article of clothing, or an upholstery fabric.
16. 16 . A cleanser mixing system comprising: a container configured to hold a measured amount of water; a mechanical agitator positioned within the container, the mechanical agitator selected from the group consisting of a whisk, a stirrer, and a blender; and a cleanser pod configured to be introduced into the container, the cleanser pod comprising: a cleanser that is free of water in powder form, the cleanser including a surfactant and a thickening agent; and a water-soluble film surrounding the cleanser, the film comprising an outer surface configured to interact with the water as an external environment, and an inner surface defining a cavity that retains the cleanser; wherein the cavity is sized to retain approximately five grams of the cleanser; and wherein the mechanical agitator is configured to agitate the cleanser and the water to form a cleaning solution after the water-soluble film dissolves.
17. 17 . The cleanser pod of claim 1 , wherein the surfactant comprises sodium cocoyl isethionate and the thickening agent comprises Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium CL.
18. 18 . The cleanser pod of claim 1 , wherein the cleanser further comprises a fragrance agent.
19. 19 . The cleanser pod of claim 1 , wherein the water-soluble film comprises polyvinyl alcohol.
20. 20 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the measured amount of water is between 100 mL and 500 mL.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(g), the Applicant claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/389,188 filed on Jul. 14, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. It is intended that each of the referenced applications may be applicable to the concepts and embodiments disclosed herein, even if such concepts and embodiments are disclosed in the referenced applications with different limitations and configurations and described using different examples and terminology. FIELD OF DISCLOSURE The present disclosure generally relates to cleanser containers, and more specifically to water-soluble single-use containers for a cleanser. BACKGROUND Cleansers, such as shampoos for animals (e.g., pets), humans, upholstery, and/or other items are typically sold in liquid/gel or powder formats. In some situations, the cleanser may be packaged for single use. Such single use packages can render the cleanser relatively bulky and difficult to store. Moreover, the single use packages create excessive plastic waste. Non-refillable bulk packaging can also be larger than needed and difficult to store. Still further, traditional shampoos contain a relatively high percentage of water, increasing both weight and volume for storage. The increased weight and volume are not typical issues for most household storage, but may be undesirable in some situations, such as when camping or backpacking. Moreover many cleansers contain myriad harsh chemicals, which can cause allergic reaction upon exposure to a user's skin, or can cause discomfort, illness, or death upon ingestions. When using cleansers, rinse time can be a factor for ease of use. In particular, for pets, a bath can be stress-inducing, as it is unfamiliar and constraining. Moreover, for some users (e.g., professional groomers), rinse time can affect a number of groomings possible in a single day, both in terms of the length of time a single grooming takes, and the amount of water required to rinse the cleanser from the animal. Thus, there is a need for a bulk-free single-use packaging for a simple, safe cleanser that does not create excess plastic waste, and for a cleanser that rinses away quickly and efficiently. BRIEF OVERVIEW This brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This brief overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope. In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a single-use cleanser pod including a cleanser that is substantially free of water. The cleanser may be made up of a surfactant and a thickening agent. A water-soluble film may surround the cleanser. The film may have an outer surface configured to interact with an external environment, and an inner surface defining a cavity that retains the cleanser. The cleanser may be configured to form a cleaning solution when mixed with a measured amount of water. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method comprising providing a single-use cleanser pod. The single use cleanser pod may include a cleanser that is substantially free of water, the cleanser being formed from a surfactant and a thickening agent. The pod may further include a water-soluble film surrounding the cleanser, the film comprising an outer surface configured to interact with an external environment, and an inner surface defining a cavity that retains the cleanser. The method further includes introducing the cleanser pod to a measured amount of water, such that the water-soluble film dissolves, and agitating the cleanser and the water to form a cleaning solution. Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicant. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the Applicant. The Applicant retains and reserves all rights in its trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grants permission to reproduce the material only in connection with re