Patent Description:
Personalisation is becoming an important aspect of the laundry process. Consumers have the desire to tailor the ingredients used in their laundry process according to personal preference and depending on the material or type of garment being washed.

An example of this can be seen with regard to perfumes. Consumers often associate fragrance with cleanliness or simply enjoy the smell; accordingly, many laundry products comprise perfumes. However, the desired quantity of perfume varies from consumer to consumer and garment to garment. This is true for many fabric benefit agents.

<CIT> discloses compositions particularly suited for removing soils from textiles, in particular the removal of oily food soils, oily cosmetic soils, and industrial soils from textiles containing cotton, particularly those comprising one or more of surfactants, and cationic amines, or silicone compounds. Methods of making and using such compounds are also provided.

<CIT> discloses compositions for softening textile fabrics and which also contain a perfume and a deposition aid.

There is a need for products which can be used in addition to traditional laundry compositions, which enable consumers to tailor the benefit agents delivered to their laundry.

In a first aspect of the present invention is provided an ancillary laundry composition, also referred to as a serum, comprising:.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of delivering a benefit agent during the laundry process, wherein a serum comprising:.

is added to the laundry process in addition to a laundry liquid or powder wherein the benefit agent comprises <NUM> % to <NUM> % by weight of the composition free perfume and <NUM> % to <NUM> % by weight of the composition encapsulated perfume.

In a third aspect of the present invention is provided the use of a serum composition comprising:.

The term 'laundry liquid' is used to refer to traditional liquids used in the laundry process, particularly liquid laundry detergents and liquid laundry fabric conditioners/softener. In some aspects, a laundry liquid may be encapsulated by a film in a unit dose capsule.

The term 'laundry serum' is used to refer to a specific format of laundry product. This is a liquid product which is used in addition to the laundry detergent and/or the fabric conditioner to provide an additional or improved benefit to the materials in the wash or rinse cycle. A serum is defined by its physical interaction with laundry liquids. A serum will float on the laundry liquid with which it is designed to be used. A serum may also be referred to as a liquid ancillary composition.

Throughout this specification density is measured by weighing a known volume of sample using a 'Sheen' density cup with lid on a <NUM> figure balance.

Throughout this specification viscosity measurements were carried out at <NUM>, using a <NUM> diameter <NUM>°cone and plate geometry on a DHR-<NUM> rheometer ex. TA instruments.

In detail, all measurements were conducted using a TA-Instruments DHR-<NUM> rheometer with a <NUM> diameter <NUM> degree angle cone and plate measuring system. The lower Peltier plate was used to control the temperature of the measurement to <NUM>. The measurement protocol was a 'flow curve' where the applied shear stress is varied logarithmically from <NUM> Pa to <NUM> Pa with <NUM> measurement points per decade of stress. At each stress the shear strain rate is measured over the last <NUM> seconds of the <NUM> second period over which the stress is applied with the viscosity at that stress being calculated as the quotient of the shear stress and shear rate.

For those systems which exhibit a low shear viscosity plateau over large shear stress ranges, to at least <NUM> Pa, the characteristic viscosity is taken as being the viscosity at a shear stress of <NUM>. For those systems where the viscosity response is shear thinning from low shear stress the characteristic viscosity is taken as being the viscosity at a shear rate of <NUM>-<NUM>.

The serum composition is an aqueous composition. The laundry serum comprises non-ionic surfactant, benefit agent and water.

The serum composition of the present invention comprises non-ionic surfactant.

The serum comprises <NUM> to <NUM> w. % non-ionic surfactant, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> w. % non-ionic surfactant, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> w. % non-ionic surfactant. The correct amount of non-ionic surfactant is important to achieve the desired delivery of the benefit agent. The serum requires sufficient surfactant to carry the benefit agent, however too much surfactant will interfere with the action of the laundry liquid or powder with which it is used and will prevent release of the benefit agent due to insufficient dilution.

The non-ionic surfactants will preferably have an HLB value of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

Examples of non-ionic surfactant materials include: ethoxylated materials, polyols such as polyhydric alcohols and polyol esters, alkyl polyglucosides, EO-PO block copolymers (Poloxamers). Preferably, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from ethoxylated materials.

Preferred ethoxylated materials include: fatty acid ethoxylates, fatty amine ethoxylates, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, alkyl phenol ethoxylate, amide ethoxylates, Sorbitan(ol) ester ethoxylates, glyceride ethoxylates (castor oil or hydrogenated castor oil ethoxylates) and mixtures thereof.

More preferably, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from ethoxylated surfactants having a general formula:.

R1 preferably comprises <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and mixtures thereof, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and mixtures thereof most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and mixtures thereof. Preferably, R is selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and branched chain saturated and/or unsaturated hydrocarbon groups comprising an alcohol, carboxy or phenolic group. Preferably R is a natural or synthetic alcohol.

R2 preferably comprises at least <NUM>% C2H4, more preferably <NUM>% C2H4, most preferably R2 is C2H4.

x is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

Examples of commercially available, suitable non-ionic surfactants include: Genapol C200 ex. Clariant and Eumulgin CO40 ex.

The laundry serums of the present invention deliver one or more benefit agents to laundered fabrics. Benefit agents may be free in the serum or they may be encapsulated. Suitable encapsulating materials are outlined below in relation to perfumes.

The serums of the present invention comprise <NUM> to <NUM> w. % benefit agents by weight of the serum composition preferably <NUM> to <NUM> w. t % benefit agents, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> w. % benefit agents.

Examples of suitable benefit agents include:.

Preferably the benefit agent comprises a benefit agent selected from at least one of: perfumes, silicones, malodour agents, dye transfer inhibitors, fluorescent agents / optical brighteners, shading dyes, anti-microbials, soil release polymer. More preferably the benefit agent comprises perfumes and/or silicone.

The serum of the present invention comprises perfume ingredients. Perfume ingredients are provided as a free oil and in a microcapsule.

The serum of the present invention may comprise one or more perfume compositions. The perfume compositions are in the form of a mixture of encapsulated and free oil perfume compositions.

Preferably the serums of the present invention comprise <NUM> to <NUM> w. % perfume ingredients, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> w. % perfume ingredients, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> w. % perfume ingredients.

Useful perfume components may include materials of both natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components may be found in the current literature, e.g., in <NPL>; <NPL>and; or <NPL>). These substances are well known to the person skilled in the art of perfuming, flavouring, and/or aromatizing consumer products.

Particularly preferred perfume components are blooming perfume components and substantive perfume components. Blooming perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than <NUM> and a LogP greater than <NUM>. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than <NUM> and a LogP greater than <NUM>. Preferably a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a free oil perfume composition. In the compositions for use in the present invention there are three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components. An upper limit of <NUM> perfume ingredients is applied.

Free perfume is present in an amount from <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> %, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> %, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight, based on the total weight of the serum composition.

When perfume components are in a microcapsule, suitable encapsulating material, may comprise, but are not limited to: aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified cellulose, polyphosphate, polystyrene, polyesters or combinations thereof.

Perfume components contained in a microcapsule may comprise odiferous materials and/or pro-fragrance materials.

Particularly preferred perfume components contained in a microcapsule are blooming perfume components and substantive perfume components. Blooming perfume components are defined by a boiling point less than <NUM> and a LogP greater than <NUM>. Substantive perfume components are defined by a boiling point greater than <NUM> and a LogP greater than <NUM>. Preferably a perfume composition will comprise a mixture of blooming and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

It is commonplace for a plurality of perfume components to be present in a microcapsule. In the compositions for use in the present invention it is envisaged that there will be three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components in a microcapsule. An upper limit of <NUM> perfume ingredients may be applied. Encapsulated perfume is present in an amount from <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> %, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight, even more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> %, most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> % by weight, based on the total weight of the serum composition.

A particularly preferred benefit agent is silicone. Use of a silicone in the fragranced serum compositions according to the method of the present invention improves the softening effect of the silicone.

Silicone may be present at a level selected from: less than <NUM> %, less than <NUM> %, and less than <NUM> %, by weight of the serum composition. Silicone may be present at a level selected from: more than <NUM> %, more than <NUM> %, and more than <NUM> %, by weight of the serum composition. Suitably silicone is present in the serum composition in an amount selected from the range of from about <NUM> % to about <NUM> %, preferably from about <NUM> % to about <NUM> %, more preferably from about <NUM> % to about <NUM> %, by weight of the serum composition.

Silicones and their chemistry are described in, for example in <NPL>.

Silicones suitable for the present invention are fabric softening silicones. Non-limiting examples of such silicones include:.

Suitable non-functionalised silicones have the general formula:.

R1-Si(R3)<NUM>-O-[-Si(R3)<NUM>-O-]x-Si(R3)<NUM>-R2.

Suitable functionalised silicones may be anionic, cationic, or non-ionic functionalised silicones.

The functional group(s) on the functionalised silicones are preferably located in pendent positions on the silicone i.e. the composition comprises functionalised silicones wherein the functional group(s) are located in a position other than at the end of the silicone chain. The terms 'terminal position' and 'at the end of the silicone chain' are used to indicate the terminus of the silicone chain.

When the silicones are linear in nature, there are two ends to the silicone chain. In this case the anionic silicone preferably contains no functional groups located on a terminal position of the silicone.

When the silicones are branched in nature, the terminal position is deemed to be the two ends of the longest linear silicone chain. Preferably no functional group(s) are located on the terminus of the longest linear silicone chain.

Preferred functionalised silicones are those that comprise the anionic group at a mid-chain position on the silicone. Preferably the functional group(s) of the functionalised silicone are located at least five Si atoms from a terminal position on the silicone. Preferably the functional groups are distributed randomly along the silicone chain.

For best performance, it is preferred that the silicone is selected from: anionic functionalised silicone, non-functionalised silicone; and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the silicone is selected from: carboxy functionalised silicone; amino functionalised silicone; polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and mixtures thereof. Preferred features of each of these materials are outlined herein.

A carboxy functionalised silicone may be present as a carboxylic acid or an carbonate anion and preferably has a carboxy group content of at least <NUM> mol% by weight of the silicone polymer, preferably at least <NUM> mol%. Preferably the carboxy group(s) are located in a pendent position, more preferably located at least five Si atoms from a terminal position on the silicone. Preferably the caboxy groups are distributed randomly along the silicone chain. Examples of suitable carboxy functional silicones include FC <NUM> ex. Wacker Chemie and X22-3701E ex.

An amino functionalised silicone means a silicone containing at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine group, or a quaternary ammonium group. The primary, secondary, tertiary and/or quaternary amine groups are preferably located in a pendent position, more preferably located at least five Si atoms from a terminal position on the silicone. Preferably the amino groups are distributed randomly along the silicone chain. Examples of suitable amino functional silicones include FC222 ex. Wacker Chemie and EC218 ex. Wacker Chemie.

A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer has the general formula:.

R1-Si(CH3)<NUM>-O-[-Si(CH3)<NUM>-O-]x-Si(CH3)<NUM>-R2.

A suitable example of a PDMS polymer is E22 ex. Wacker Chemie.

Most preferably the silicone is an amino functionalised silicone as described above.

The molecular weight of the silicone polymer is preferably from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>, more preferably from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> even more preferably from <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

If the serum comprises microcapsules, a structurant may be required, non-limiting examples of suitable structurants include: pectine, alginate, arabinogalactan, carageenan, gellan gum, polysaccharides such as xanthum gum, guar gum, acrylates/acrylic polymers, water-swellable clays, fumed silicas, acrylate/aminoacrylate copolymers, and mixtures thereof.

Preferred dispersants herein include those selected from the group consisting of acrylate/acrylic polymers, gellan gum, fumed silicas, acrylate/aminoacrylate copolymers, water-swellable clays, polysaccharides such as xanthum gum and mixtures thereof. Most preferably the structurant is selected from polysaccharides such as xanthum gum, acrylate/acrylic polymers, acrylate/aminoacrylate copolymers, and water-swellable clays. Most preferred structurants are polysaccharides such as xanthum gum.

When present, a structurant is preferably present in an amount of <NUM>-<NUM> w. % percent, preferably from <NUM>-<NUM> w. %, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM> w.

The serum composition of the present invention is not a traditional laundry detergent or fabric conditioning composition. The present invention preferably comprises low levels or no surfactants anionic or cationic surfactant.

The liquid ancillary composition of the present invention comprises less than <NUM> w. % surfactant, even more preferably less than <NUM> w. % anionic and cationic surfactant and most preferably less than <NUM> w. % anionic and cationic surfactant.

The composition can be completely free of anionic and cationic surfactants.

In other words, the compositions comprise <NUM> to <NUM> w. % anionic and cationic surfactant, even more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> w. % and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> w. % anionic and cationic surfactant. The composition can be completely free of anionic and cationic surfactant.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the serum of the present invention may comprise rheology modifiers. These may be inorganic or organic, polymeric or non polymeric. A preferred type of rheology modifiers are salts.

The serum composition of the present invention preferably comprises preservatives. Preservatives are preferably present in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> w. % of the composition. More Preferably <NUM> to <NUM> w. t %, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> w. % of the composition.

Preservatives can include anti-microbial agents such as isothiazolinone-based chemicals (in particular isothiazol-<NUM>-one biocides) or glutaraldehyde-based products. Examples of suitable preservatives include Benzisothiazoline, Cloromethyl-isothiazol-<NUM>-one, Methyl-isothiazol-<NUM>-one and mixtures thereof. Suitable preservatives are commercially available as Kathon CG ex. Dow and Proxel ex Lonza.

The serums of the present invention may contain further optional laundry ingredients. Such ingredients include preservatives (e.g. bactericides), pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, hydrotropes, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-oxidants, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, anti-static agents, ironing aids, antifoams, colorants, pearlisers and/or opacifiers, natural oils/extracts, processing aids, e.g. electrolytes, hygiene agents, e.g. anti-bacterials and antifungals, thickeners and skin benefit agents.

The viscosity of the laundry composition is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mPa. s, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mPa. s, most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mPa. This viscosity provides the benefit that a laundry liquid can carry the serum into the laundry process.

Preferably the viscosity of the laundry serum composition is greater than the viscosity of a laundry liquid with which it is used, more preferably <NUM> mPa. s, most preferably <NUM> mPa. s greater than a laundry liquid with which it is used. The higher viscosity prevents mixing of the laundry serum composition and laundry liquid and provides the benefit that the entire serum composition is carried into the wash or rinse with the laundry liquid.

Preferably, the serum floats on the laundry liquid with which it is used. By float it is meant that the serum will remain at the surface of the laundry liquid for a period of at least <NUM> minutes, preferably <NUM> minutes and most preferably at least <NUM> minutes. Floating provides the benefit the laundry liquid carries the serum into the laundry process.

To enable the serum to float, it is not essential that it is less dense than the laundry liquid with which it is being used, however it is preferred that the serum is less dense than the laundry liquid with which it is used. This density provides the benefit the laundry liquid carries the serum into the laundry process.

The laundry serum composition is preferably not miscible with a laundry liquid with which it is used. The in-admissibility prevents mixing of the laundry serum composition and laundry liquid and ensures maximum performance of the serum.

One aspect of the present invention is a method of delivering a benefit agent during the laundry process, wherein a serum comprising:.

Preferably, the serum is added to the laundry process at the same time as a laundry liquid or powder. The serum may be added at any stage of the laundry process, for example in the wash or rinse stage.

The serum composition preferably comprises less than <NUM> w. % cationic and/or anionic surfactant (i.e. <NUM> to <NUM> w. The serum alone therefore does not deliver any detersive action, nor does it deliver fabric softening cationic surfactants. The serum is therefore used in combination with traditional laundry liquids or powder. When using a washing machine, a of delivering a laundry serum composition into the wash or rinse cycle, may preferably comprise the steps of:.

By drawer it as meant any one of the compartments in the washing machine drawer. By dosing ball is meant any form of container which would usually hold a laundry detergent composition and be placed directly in a washing machine. Preferably a laundry liquid or powder is poured into a washing machine drawer or a dosing ball, and then the serum is poured on top of the laundry liquid or powder in the drawer or dosing ball.

Pouring the laundry serum on top of the laundry liquid or powder provides the benefit that the laundry liquid or powder carries the serum into the wash or rinse with mixing with the two compositions. Preferably the serum is used in conjunction with a laundry liquid.

Alternatively, the serum may be used in a hand washing laundry process, in which the serum is simply poured into the wash liquor in addition to regular laundry liquids.

Preferably the serum is added to the laundry process in a volume of <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferably a volume of ml <NUM>-<NUM>, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM>. This volume delivers a desirable level of perfume into the wash in a volume which the consumer can easily dose.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide the use of a serum composition comprising:.

to deliver a benefit to fabric during the laundry process wherein the benefit agent comprises <NUM> % to <NUM> % by weight of the composition free perfume and <NUM> % to <NUM> % by weight of the composition encapsulated perfume. For example, this may be use to deliver perfume or use to deliver silicones.

When the serum composition comprises perfume, the serum is preferably used to provide fragrance to fabric during the laundry process.

Claim 1:
A laundry serum composition comprising:
a. <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % non-ionic surfactant;
b. <NUM> to <NUM> wt. % benefit agents; and
c. Water
wherein the benefit agent comprises <NUM> % to <NUM> % by weight of the composition free perfume comprising <NUM> to <NUM> perfume ingredients and <NUM> % to <NUM> % by weight of the composition encapsulated perfume
wherein the serum composition comprises less than <NUM> wt.% surfactant selected from anionic, cationic and mixtures thereof.