COLOR CHANGING HAND WASH SOAP WITH TWO COLOR TRANSITIONS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning or soap product, in particular personal care product, in particular hand washing soap, comprising a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for generating a first color transition of the cleaning or soap product, and a second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for generating a second color transition. Numerous embodiments and chemical-technical variants of the invention are disclosed.

Claims

1-31. (canceled)

32. A cleaning or soap product, in particular personal care product, in particular hand washing soap, comprising: a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for generating a first color transition of the cleaning or soap product, a second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for generating a second color transition.

33. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein a capsule-like structure, in particular gel capsule, is used in the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, wherein the first color transition is initiated and/or effected by a breaking, a mechanical shearing or a destruction of the capsule-like structure.

34. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein a capsule-like structure, in particular gel capsule, is used in the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, wherein the second color transition is initiated and/or effected by a breaking, a mechanical shearing or a destruction of the capsule-like structure.

35. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 33, wherein a capsule-like structure, in particular gel capsule, is used in the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, wherein the second color transition is initiated and/or effected by a breaking, a mechanical shearing or a destruction of the capsule-like structure and wherein the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism employs a capsule-like structure that differs from the capsule-like structure employed in the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, in particular if it differs in at least one aspect from: Size, thickness, material, surface finish.

36. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein the first and/or the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism is based on a chemical reaction wherein the chemical reaction comprises an involvement of at least a first and a second component, wherein the first component is arranged in a first capsule-like structure, in particular gel capsule.

37. The cleaning or soap product of claim 36, wherein the second component is disposed in the soap continuum.

38. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 36, wherein the second component is arranged in a second capsule-like structure, in particular gel capsule.

39. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism is based on a chemical reaction caused by contact with oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen and/or wherein the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism relies on a reaction involving a hydrolipid film.

40. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein a thermochromic substance is used in the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism.

41. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein in the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism a pH-value-indicating substance is used, in particular a pH-value-indicating substance which is suitable for indicating an envelope in the range from pH 4.5 to pH 9, in particular at least one of: Methyl red, alizarin red, chlorophenol red, p-nitrophenol, hematoxylin, litmus, azolitmin, bromothymol blue, phenol red, neutral red, cresol red, naphtholphthalein, in particular mixtures of at least two pH-indicating substances.

42. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein a carrier structure, in particular in the form of beads and/or powder form, in particular beads and/or powder comprising waxes, fats or oils, is used in the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, wherein the second color transition is initiated and/or effected by a melting of the carrier structure.

43. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein a pH-value-changing substance is used in the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism, in particular a pH-value-changing substance which is introduced into a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure, in particular beads and/or powder comprising waxes, fats or oils, in particular an acid and/or base, in particular citric acid and/or soda.

44. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein in the first and/or second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism a complex-forming and/or water hardness-degree-changing substance is used, which is introduced into a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure, in particular beads and/or powder comprising waxes, fats or oils, in particular complexing agents, in particular hardness formers in the sense of water hardness, in particular ions of alkaline earth metals, in particular calcium, magnesium, strontium and/or barium ions, and/or iron and/or aluminum ions.

45. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism produces a color transition that is substantially effected and visible at a time of a withdrawal and/or a start of use of the cleaning or soap product.

46. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein a red thermochromic dye is used, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure, and a green interval pigment, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure.

47. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein a substance comprising methylene blue and/or indigo carmine is brought into use, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure, and a substance comprising glucose, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure and/or wherein a substance comprising a hardness indicator, in particular eriochrome black T, and/or complexing agents, in particular murexide, ethylenediaminetetraacetate and/or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), dimethylglyoxime, alizarin, diphenylcarbazide, yellow and/or red blood leach salt, is used, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure, and a substance comprising complexing agents and/or hardness formers, in particular calcium and/or magnesium ions, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure.

48. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein the second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism operates on the basis of a limited and/or delayed onset solubility, in particular water solubility, of a substance, in particular a free substance and/or substance provided in a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure.

49. A process for preparing a cleaning or soap product, in particular personal care product, in particular hand washing soap, that comprises a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for generating a first color transition of the cleaning or soap product, and a second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism for generating a second color transition, the process comprising: providing a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism suitable for producing a first color transition of the cleaning or soap product, and providing a second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism suitable for producing a second color transition.

50. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 32, wherein a substance comprising a green color pigment is used, in particular a PGR7 color pigment, for example Puricolor PGR7, in particular in a capsule-like structure or another carrier structure.

51. The cleaning or soap product according to claim 50, wherein phenol red is used, in particular in the soap continuum and/or set free via the first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism.

Description

[0187] In all figures, identical or functionally identical elements and devices have been given the same reference signs unless otherwise indicated.

FIGURE DESCRIPTIONS

[0188] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to one embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid hand washing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum may be continuous and thereby, for example, liquid, but it may also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles or the like.

[0189] The capsule-like structure 101 is, for example, an alginate capsule 101, but numerous alternative materials exist. The capsule 101 may be transparent in design, but need not be. The capsule 101 is shown circular, but other shapes may be used.

[0190] In one example, the capsule is filled with a substance comprising a dye or pigment. For example, this is a thermochromic pigment. For example, the pigment is red below a threshold temperature. For example, the pigment is colorless above a threshold temperature.

[0191] For example, a user removes a quantity of soap and begins a use, cleaning, or hand washing process. During this process, the capsules 101 break open and the soap turns red due to the released pigment. Consecutive continuation of use, for example, adds hand heat to the soap due to thermal contact of the hands with the soap. This may, for example, cause the threshold to be exceeded (for example, 24, 26, 28, 30, or 32 degrees), causing the soap to take on the color “colorless.”

[0192] The capsule-like structure 102 is, for example, an alginate capsule 102, but numerous alternative materials exist, The capsule 102 may be transparent in design, but need not be. The capsule 102 is shown as oval, but other shapes may be used.

[0193] In one example, the capsule is filled with a substance comprising a dye or pigment. For example, this is a thermochromic pigment. For example, the pigment is a green interval pigment. For example, the pigment is colorless outside a certain temperature interval, while it is colored inside the temperature range. Colored here means green, for example.

[0194] The capsule-like structures 102 may be different from the capsule-like structures 101.

[0195] Merely, for example, the capsules 102 are different in thickness, size, and material. For example, as a result, the capsules 102 are more robust, whereby release of the contents by destruction of the capsules 102 is delayed, i.e., occurs later in time (sequentially), compared to release of the contents by destruction of the capsules 101. For example, the properties of the capsules 102 are adjusted so that a color change due to release of the contents of the capsules 102 is clearly produced during a usual hand washing process when the user has washed his hands for a certain time and with sufficient thoroughness. This may be the case, for example, after 15, 20, 30 or 40 seconds of thorough and intensive hand washing. Therrnochromic substances do not necessarily have to be used. Permanently colored pigments are also possible. Various mechanisms for producing a color change which are disclosed within the scope of this document and/or which are known to the skilled person can also be used in connection with a system of capsule-like structures or other carrier structures. For example, another carrier structure is provided by small particles or beads, in particular beads comprising waxes, fats or oils, into which is introduced by mixing a colored substance or a substance otherwise causing a color change when mixed with the soap continuum. For example, such beads melt during hand washing or are mechanically sheared or crushed, whereby a colored substance or a substance otherwise causing a color change when mixed with the soap continuum is released into the soap continuum and mixed.

[0196] Another suitable active ingredient system for producing the color change is given, for example, by methylene blue and glucose. Methylene blue exhibits a dyed state of blue color. Methylene blue can be deodorized by glucose, for example. It can be colored by oxygen. In particular, methylene blue can thus be successively, i.e., in particular reversibly, dyed blue and decolorized again. For example, methylene blue is present in blue, i.e. colored, form. Methylene blue can be reduced to the colorless leuco form, called leuco-methylene blue. For example, this is done by glucose, which is oxidized to gluconic acid in the process. In this process, leuco-methylene blue can be oxidized to the methylene blue with blue color by a suitable oxidizing agent. A suitable oxidizing agent can be oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen. This has the effect that a color transition in a soap, which occurs when the soap is used, can be effectively and inexpensively realized by the high surface contact of the soap with atmospheric oxygen during the soaping process. In particular, no separate substance, mechanism or oxidizing agent is required for this purpose.

[0197] However, if necessary, a deliberately used oxidizing agent, such as oxygen, can also be deliberately used. For example, a structure is used in which oxygen can be introduced or enriched. For example, such a structure may then be incorporated into a capsule-like structure or other support structure within the meaning of the invention.

[0198] Another suitable active substance system for producing the color change is given, for example, by Tillman's reagent and vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Here, for example, 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol can be used in the context of another compound or another salt. not only as a sodium salt. For example, a red color is present in an acidic environment. Here, for example, the ascorbic acid provides a decolorization of the system when the capsules are mixed or broken open.

[0199] Another suitable active ingredient system for producing the color change is given, for example, by Eriochrome Black T (Eriochromschwarz-T). For example, hardness formers (in the sense of water hardness), in particular calcium and/or magnesium ions, are involved in the system, especially in a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure. This can very effectively produce a red-green color transition, or alternatively a color change which is very similar to a red-green color change.

[0200] Another suitable active ingredient system for generating the color change is also provided, for example, by pH indicators. For example, a pH indicator is present in the soap continuum 100 or in a capsule-like structure 101. In one example, the active ingredient system further comprises at least one pig-changing substance. For example, these substances may comprise citric acid or soda ash. For example, these substances are incorporated in a capsule-like structure 102 or alternative carrier structure.

[0201] For example, during a hand washing process, first the contents of the capsule-like structure 101 are released and then, with a time delay, in particular assuming a sufficient washing intensity, the contents of the capsule-like structure 102. For example, at least two color changes occur. For example, one color change occurs at the beginning of a hand washing process and another after sufficient duration and/or intensity has occurred.

[0202] Other suitable pigments, pigment systems and chemically active systems can be found in the patent claims. The pigments, pigment systems and active chemical ingredient systems disclosed herein may be incorporated within the framework of a capsule-like structure, another/alternative carrier structure (such as wax or fat globules) or within the soap continuum. Often, especially in the case of two-part active ingredient systems to produce a color transition, both parts may be incorporated in capsules. These can, for example, be different capsules 101 and 102. However, there may also be, for example, a part of the active ingredient system in the soap continuum 100. For example, said part of the active ingredient system is then released as part of a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism by mechanical breaking/shearing of the capsules. This part then reacts with the other part already present in the soap continuum, during further mixing, to chemically produce a color change (in this case, therefore, a second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism).

[0203] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to one embodiment of the present invention, A soap, such as a substantially liquid hand washing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum may be continuous and thereby, for example, liquid, but it may also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles or the like.

[0204] The capsule-like structure 101 is, for example, an alginate capsule 101, but numerous alternative materials exist. The capsule 101 may be transparent in design, but need not be. The capsule 101 is shown circular, but other shapes may be used.

[0205] In one example, the capsule is filled with a substance comprising a dye or pigment. For example, this is a thermochromic pigment. For example, the pigment is red below a threshold temperature. For example, the pigment is colorless above a threshold temperature.

[0206] For example, a user removes a quantity of soap and begins a use, cleaning, or hand washing process. During this process, the capsules 101 break open and the soap turns red due to the released pigment. Consecutive continuation of use, for example, adds hand heat to the soap due to thermal contact of the hands with the soap, This may, for example, cause the threshold to be exceeded (for example, 24, 26, 28, 30, or 32 degrees), causing the soap to take on the color “colorless.”

[0207] The active ingredient systems discussed in connection with FIG. 1 can also be used, for example, in the context of a soap as shown in FIG. 2.

[0208] As shown, the soap of FIG. 2 has only one type of capsule-like structures 101, for example, a part of the active ingredient system that can cause color changes is arranged in the soap continuum 100.

[0209] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to one embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid hand washing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum may be continuous and thereby, for example, liquid, but it may also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles or the like.

[0210] The capsule-like structure 102 is, for example, an alginate capsule 102, but numerous alternative materials exist. The capsule 102 may be transparent in design, but need not be. The capsule 102 is shown as oval, but other shapes may be used.

[0211] In one example, the capsule is filled with a substance comprising a dye or pigment. For example, this is a thermochromic pigment. For example, the pigment is red below a threshold temperature. For example, the pigment is colorless above a threshold temperature.

[0212] For example, a user removes a quantity of soap and begins a use, cleaning, or hand washing process, During this process, the capsules 101 break open and the soap turns red due to the released pigment. Consecutive continuation of use, for example, adds hand heat to the soap due to thermal contact of the hands with the soap. This may, for example, cause the threshold to be exceeded (for example, 24, 26, 28, 30, or 32 degrees), causing the soap to take on the color “colorless.”

[0213] The active ingredient systems discussed in connection with FIG. 1 can also be used, for example, in the context of a soap as shown in FIG. 3.

[0214] As shown, the soap of FIG. 3 has only one type of capsule-like structures 101.

[0215] For example, part of the active ingredient system that can cause color changes is also arranged in the soap continuum 100.

[0216] A color transition in the sense of the invention can be a change from one color to another color, e.g. from red color to green color or vice versa. However, a color transition can also be a transition from colorless to a color or from a color to colorless. Black, white and transparent in particular are also to be considered as colors in the sense of the invention.

[0217] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to one embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid hand washing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum may be continuous and thereby, for example, liquid, but it may also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles or the like.

[0218] The capsule-like structure 102 is, for example, an alginate capsule 102, but numerous alternative materials exist. The capsule 102 may be transparent in design, but need not be. The capsule 102 is shown as oval, but other shapes may be used.

[0219] In one example, the capsule is filled with a substance comprising a dye or pigment. For example, this is a thermochromic pigment. For example, the pigment is red below a threshold temperature. For example, the pigment is colorless above a threshold temperature.

[0220] For example, a user removes a quantity of soap and begins a use, cleaning, or hand washing process. In the process, the capsules 102 break open and the soap turns red due to the released pigment.

[0221] The alternative carrier structure 103 is, for example, small beads of waxes, fats or oils. For example, these waxes, fats or oils are mixed with a dye or part of an active ingredient system enabling a color change. Thus, another carrier structure is provided, for example, by small particles or beads, in particular beads comprising waxes, fats or oils, into which is introduced by mixing a colored substance or a substance otherwise causing a color change when mixed with the soap continuum. For example, such beads melt during hand washing or are mechanically sheared or crushed, whereby a colored substance or a substance otherwise causing a color change when mixed with the soap continuum is released into the soap continuum and mixed.

[0222] In one example, a pigment is included in the beads 103. For example, this is phthalogreen or another green pigment. This creates, for example, an “alternative thermochromic effect” when the soap is used, as the beads 103 are mechanically pulverized or melted by heat, thereby releasing the dye or active ingredient. In one example, this releases phthalogreen and gives the soap a green coloration.

[0223] All dyes and active ingredient systems can be combined with the structure of the soap of FIG. 4. The capsule-like structures 102 and the carrier structures 103 already provide at least two mechanisms with which at least two color changes can be achieved.

[0224] The capsule-like structures 102 and the support structures 103 may be arranged such that, when the soap is used, the capsule-like structures 102 break first (for example, approximately at the beginning of a use), and, temporally later, the support structures 103 break or melt (for example, when the soap has been used sufficiently). However, this temporal sequence is merely exemplary. The time sequence can also be reversed, such that the carrier structures 103 are destroyed first and the capsule-like structures 102 are destroyed later.

[0225] The capsule-like structures 102 may differ greatly in nature from the support structures 103. The also includes properties such as size and robustness.

[0226] Thermochromic substances do not necessary have to be used. Permanently colored pigments are also possible. Various mechanisms for producing a color change which are disclosed within the scope of this document and/or which are known to the person skilled in the art can also be used in connection with a system of capsule-like structures and carrier structures.

[0227] Another suitable active ingredient system for producing the color change is given, for example, by methylene blue and glucose. Methylene blue exhibits a dyed state of blue color. Methylene blue can be decolorized by glucose, for example. It can be colored by oxygen. In particular, methylene blue can thus be successively, i.e., in particular reversibly, dyed blue and decolorized again. For example, methylene blue is present in blue, i.e. colored, form. Methylene blue can be reduced to the colorless leuco form, called leuco-methylene blue. For example, this is done by glucose, which is oxidized to gluconic acid in the process. In this process, leuco-methylene blue can be oxidized to the methylene blue with blue color by a suitable oxidizing agent. A suitable oxidizing agent can be oxygen, in particular atmospheric oxygen. This has the effect that a color transition in a soap, which occurs when the soap is used, can be effectively and inexpensively realized by the high surface contact of the soap with atmospheric oxygen during the soaping process. In particular, no separate substance, mechanism or oxidizing agent is required for this purpose.

[0228] However, if necessary, a deliberately used oxidizing agent, such as oxygen, can also be deliberately used. For example, a structure is used in which oxygen can be introduced or enriched. For example, such a structure may then be incorporated into a capsule-like structure or other support structure within the meaning of the invention.

[0229] Another suitable active substance system for producing the color change is given, for example, by Tillman's reagent and vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Here, for example, 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol can be used in the context of another compound or another salt, not only as a sodium salt. For example, a red color is present in an acidic environment.

[0230] Here, for example, the ascorbic acid provides a decolorization of the system when the capsules are mixed or broken open.

[0231] Another suitable active ingredient system for producing the color change is given, for example, by Eriochrome Black T (Eriochromschwarz-T). For example, hardness formers (in the sense of water hardness), in particular calcium and/or magnesium ions, are involved in the system, especially in a capsule-like structure or other carrier structure. This can very effectively produce a red-green color transition, or alternatively a color change which is very similar to a red-green color change.

[0232] Another suitable active ingredient system for generating the color change is also provided, for example, by pH indicators. For example, a pH indicator is present in the soap continuum 100 or in a capsule-like structure 101. In one example, the active ingredient system further comprises at least one pH-changing substance. For example, these substances may comprise citric acid or soda ash. For example, these substances are incorporated in a capsule-like structure 102 or alternative carrier structure.

[0233] For example, during a hand washing process, first the contents of the capsule-like structure 101 are released and then, with a time delay, in particular assuming a sufficient washing intensity, the contents of the capsule-like structure 102. For example, at least two color changes occur. For example, one color change occurs at the beginning of a hand washing process and another after sufficient duration and/or intensity has occurred.

[0234] Other suitable pigments, pigment systems and chemically active systems can be found in the patent claims. The pigments, pigment systems and active chemical ingredient systems disclosed herein may be incorporated within the framework of a capsule-like structure, another/alternative carrier structure (such as wax or fat globules) or within the soap continuum. Often, especially in the case of two-part active ingredient systems to produce a color transition, both parts may be incorporated in capsules. These can, for example, be different capsules 101 and 102. However, there may also be, for example, a part of the active ingredient system in the soap continuum 100. For example, said part of the active ingredient system is then released as part of a first chemical and/or mechanical mechanism by mechanical breaking/shearing of the capsules. This part then reacts with the other part already present in the soap continuum, during further mixing, to chemically produce a color change (in this case, therefore, a second chemical and/or mechanical mechanism).

[0235] A color transition in the sense of the invention can be a change from one color to another color, e.g. from red color to green color or vice versa. However, a color transition can also be a transition from colorless to a color or from a color to colorless. Black, white and transparent in particular are also to be considered as colors in the sense of the invention.

[0236] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to one embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid hand washing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum may be continuous and thereby, for example, liquid, but it may also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles or the like.

[0237] The soap of FIG. 5 employs at least two different alternative support structures 103, 104. The alternative carrier structures 103, 104 are, for example, small beads of waxes, fats or oils. For example, these waxes, fats or oils are mixed with a dye or part of an active ingredient system enabling a color change. Thus, another carrier structure is provided, for example, by small particles or beads, in particular beads comprising waxes, fats or oils, into which is introduced by mixing a colored substance or a substance otherwise causing a color change when mixed with the soap continuum. For example, such beads melt during hand washing or are mechanically sheared or crushed, whereby a colored substance or a substance otherwise causing a color change when mixed with the soap continuum is released into the soap continuum and mixed.

[0238] In one example, a pigment is included in the beads 103 and/or the beads 104. For example, this is phthalogreen or another green pigment. This creates, for example, an “alternative thermochromic effect” when the soap is used, as the beads 103 or 104 are mechanically pulverized or melted by heat, thereby releasing the dye or active ingredient. In one example, this releases phthalogreen and gives the soap a green coloration.

[0239] In one example, a green dye or an active ingredient that causes a green color change is released from the beads 103. In one example, a red dye or an active substance which causes a red color change is released from the beads 104. In particular, this can also be a substance which has red color but is successively decolorized by a mechanism.

[0240] For example, an effective red-green transition can be produced with successive use of the soap. For example, the beads 104 are destroyed first, at the start of a wash, and the beads 103 are destroyed after sufficient use of the soap.

[0241] All dyes and active ingredient systems can be combined with the structure of the soap of FIG. 5. The carrier structures 103 of the first type and the carrier structures 104 of the second type already provide at least two mechanisms with which at least two color changes can be achieved.

[0242] The support structures 103 of the first type and the support structures 104 of the second type may be arranged such that, when the soap is used, the support structures 104 of the second type break first (for example, approximately at the beginning of a use), and, temporally later, the support structures 103 of the first type break or melt (for example, when the soap has been used sufficiently). However, this temporal sequence is merely exemplary. The chronological sequence can also be reversed, so that the carrier structures 103 of the first type are destroyed first and the carrier structures 104 of the second type are destroyed only later.

[0243] The carrier structures 103 of the first type can differ greatly from the carrier structures 104 of the second type in their nature. The also includes properties such as size, carrier material, density, melting temperature and robustness.

[0244] Thermochromic substances do not necessarily have to be used, although this is of course also possible. Permanently colored pigments are also possible. Various mechanisms for producing a color change which are disclosed within the scope of this document and/or which are known to the skilled person can also be used in connection with a system of capsule-like structures and carrier structures.

[0245] The active ingredient systems discussed in connection with the other figures can also be used, for example, in the context of a soap as shown in FIG. 5.

[0246] As shown, the soap of FIG. 5 has at least two types of support structures 103, 104.

[0247] For example, part of an active ingredient system that can cause color changes is also arranged in the soap continuum 100.

[0248] A color transition in the sense of the invention can be a change from one color to another color, e.g. from red color to green color or vice versa. However, a color transition can also be a transition from colorless to a color or from a color to colorless. Black, white and transparent in particular are also to be considered as colors in the sense of the invention.

[0249] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to one embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid hand washing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum may be continuous and thereby, for example, liquid, but it may also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles or the like. The active ingredient systems discussed in connection with the other figures can also be used, for example, in the context of a soap as shown in FIG. 6.

[0250] As shown, the soap of FIG. 6 gets by with only one support structure 103.

[0251] For example, there may be a pigment in the carrier structure. For example, there may also be a part of an active ingredient system in the carrier structure 103. For example, part of an active ingredient system that can cause color changes is also arranged in the soap continuum 100.

[0252] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a cleaning or soap product according to one embodiment of the present invention. A soap, such as a substantially liquid hand washing soap, is symbolically represented by the soap continuum 100. The continuum may be continuous and thereby, for example, liquid, but it may also contain, for example, small particles, beads, bubbles or the like.

[0253] The soap of FIG. 7 has two carrier structures comprising two substances, the two substances being present within two capsule-like structures, the first capsule-like structure 102 forming a first core 105 within which the first substance and the second type capsule-like structure 102 are disposed. The second type capsule-like structure 102 forms a second core 106 within which the second substance is disposed. As a result, the two substances are present separately in a first core 105 and a second core 106.

[0254] The first substance is an indicator, in particular a pH indicator or a complex indicator. Indicators do not necessarily have to be used, although this is of course also possible. Permanent colored pigments are also possible.

[0255] In this regard, the first color transition is preferably a mechanical mechanism for producing a first color transition of the cleaning or soap product (i.e., mechanically induced color transition). Here, the first color transition is initiated and/or caused by a rupturing, mechanical shearing or disruption of the capsule-like structure 102, whereby the dye (e.g., the indicator) or the permanently colored pigments as well as the capsule-like structure of the second type 102 enclosed and/or embedded in the first core 105 are released into the soap continuum. The release of this first colored substance and the mixing thereof with the soap continuum causes the first color transition.

[0256] In FIG. 7, the second substance is released into the soap continuum only when the capsule-like structure of the second type 102 is broken open, mechanically sheared or destroyed. In this case, the second substance enclosed in the second core 106 may be another incorporated dye (for example, the indicator), a permanent colored pigment, a pH-indicating substance, and/or a complexing agent.

[0257] By releasing and distributing the second substance into the soap continuum causes the second color transition.

[0258] If the second substance is a pH-indicating substance and/or a complexing agent, the second color transition preferably occurs by way of a chemical mechanism as a result of which the first released substance changes color. By distributing the second substance or propagating the chemical reaction within the soap continuum, a color transition is indicated within the soap continuum.

[0259] If the second substance is an incorporated dye (e.g. the indicator) and/or a permanent colored pigment, the second color transition preferably occurs by way of a mechanical mechanism, wherein after the rupture of the capsule-like structure of the second type 102, the second released substance distributes itself in the soap continuum.

[0260] A color transition in the sense of the invention can be a change from one color to another color, e.g. from red color to green color or vice versa. However, a color transition can also be a transition from colorless to a color or from a color to colorless. Black, white and transparent in particular are also to be considered as colors in the sense of the invention.

Non-Limiting Examples

Example 1—Handwash Soap Comprising a First Mechanically Induced Color Transition and a Time Delayed Second Chemically Induced Color Transition

[0261] In a colorless soap solution, which has a pH of 4.8, two different types of capsules (so-called capsule-like structure) are presented, which have a particle size with an average particle diameter between 100-500 pm. A first type of capsules contains the indicator mixture comprising equal proportions of the dyes methyl red and bromocresol green (pK.sub.a value is about 4.90 and exhibits a color change from yellow to green to deep blue in a βH/pH range of 3.8-5.4), which constitute a total proportion of 0.05% by weight based on the mass of the total mixture within the volume of the first type of capsules. The second type of capsules (so-called capsule-like structure of the second type) contains a paraffin-based core in which sodium hydrogen carbonate is contained, the sodium hydrogen carbonate accounting for a total proportion of 0.5% by weight in relation to the mass of the total mixture within the volume of the second type of capsule.

[0262] The soap is applied to the hand, and rubbed on and inside the palms with the addition of water. Due to the defined bursting of the first type of capsules and distribution of the active ingredients in the soap solution, the soap solution on the hand initially turns red. With the bursting of the second type of capsules and respectively through increasing distribution of the sodium hydrogen carbonate, the pH value of the soap changes continuously to a value between 6.0-7.0, resulting in a color change to green.

Example 2—Handwashing Soap Comprising a First Mechanically Induced Color Transition and a Time-Delayed Second Chemically Induced Color Transition

[0263] In a colorless soap solution, which has a pH of 4.8, two different types of capsules (so-called capsule-like structure) are presented, which have a particle size with an average particle diameter between 100-500 pm. A first type of capsules contains the dye methyl red in a total amount of 0.03% by weight based on the mass of the total mixture within the volume of the first type of capsule. The second type of capsules contains a paraffin-based core in which sodium carbonate in a total proportion of 0.1% by weight and the color pigment Puricolor PGR7 (manufacturer BASF) in a total proportion of 0.02% by weight, each based on the mass of the total mixture within the volume of the second type of capsules.

[0264] The soap is applied to the hand and rubbed on and inside the palms with the addition of water. Due to defined bursting of the capsules and distribution of the active ingredients in the soap solution, the soap initially turns red. With increasing distribution of the sodium hydrogen carbonate and the Puricolor PGR7 color pigment, the pH of the soap changes continuously to a value between 6.0-7.0, resulting in a color change to green.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0265] 100 Soap/Soap continuum

[0266] 101 Capsule type structure

[0267] 102 Second type capsule type structure

[0268] 103 Alternative carrier structure/wax beads

[0269] 104 Alternative carrier structure/wax beads of the second type

[0270] 105 First core

[0271] 106 Second core