MXPA05001159A - Unit dose nonaqueous softener disposed in water soluble container. - Google Patents

Abstract

A water soluble container having disposed therein a nonaqueous liquid fabric softener composition. The water soluble container is formed by a water soluble polymer selected, inter alia, from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkyl celluloses, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides and derivatives of the above. The nonaqueous liquid fabric softener composition is based on amine fabric softening compounds and alpha hydroxy aliphatic acids.

Description

NON-AQUEOUS SOFTENER OF UNIT DOSE PLACED IN A WATER SOLUBLE CONTAINER Field of the Invention This invention relates to laundry compositions of unit dosage for softening or conditioning fabrics. More particularly, this invention relates to unit dose fabric softening compositions, which are contained in a water soluble container suitable for use in an automatic washing machine, wherein these compositions effectively deliver a fragrance to the fabric as well as benefits antistatic and softening of fabrics.

Background of the Invention Detergent compositions made in the form of compact detergent powder are known in the art. U.S. Patent No. 5,225,100, for example, discloses a compacted powder tablet comprising an anionic detergent compound, which will suitably be dispersed in the wash water.

Even though detergent compositions in the form of compacted granular tablets of various forms have received much attention in the patent literature, the use of such tablets to provide a unit dose fabric softener which will soften or condition the fabrics in the wash cycle without imparting detergency or otherwise compromising the cleaning benefits provided by the detergent composition is not known.

Laundry detergent compositions which also include a fabric softener to provide fabric softening or conditioning in the wash cycle of the washing operation are well known in the art and are described in the patent literature. See, for example, US Patents Nos. 4,605,506 granted to Wixon; 4,818,421 granted to Boris and others; 4,569,773 granted to Ramachandran and others, all assigned to Colgate-Palmolive Company and 4,851,138 granted to Akzo. U.S. Patent No. 5,972,870 issued to Anderson discloses a multi-layer laundry wash tablet which may include a detergent in the outer layer and a fabric softener, or a softener or fragrance in the inner layer . But this type of multi-benefit products suffers from a common disadvantage, namely, there is an inherent compromise that the user has to make between the cleaning and softening benefits provided by such products compared to the use of a separate detergent composition only for cleaning in the wash cycle and a separate softening composition only for softening in the rinse cycle. In essence, the user of such detergent softening compositions does not have the ability to independently use the amount of the detergent and softener added to the washing cycle of a machine in response to the cleaning and softening requirements of the particular washing load.

Some attempts have been made in the art to develop wash cycle active fabric softeners, typically in powder form. But these types of products are characterized by the same inconvenience inherent in the use of powdered detergents, namely, the problems of handling, of the filling in the container or in the washing cycle spout, and the need for a dosing device to deliver the desired amount of the active softener material to the wash water.

The use of a unit dose fabric softening composition contained in the container is water soluble such as a pouch offers numerous advantages. To be effective, fabric softener compositions of unit doses, contained in a pouch, must be capable of dispersing in the wash liquor in a short period of time to avoid any residue at the end of the wash cycle.

Typically, the wash cycle time can be as short as 12 minutes and as long as 90 minutes (in typical European washing machines) depending on the type of washing machine and washing conditions. Therefore, the water soluble film of the sachet must be soluble in the wash liquor before the end of the cycle.

Synthesis of the Invention The present invention provides a unit dose fabric softener composition contained in a water soluble container for smoothing or conditioning the reies in an automatic washing machine, said unit dose comprising (a) a water soluble container; and (b) placed in the water-soluble container is a fabric softening composition, the amount of the composition is sufficient to form a unit dose capable of providing effective delivery of the fragrance to the fabric, antistatic and softening benefits or conditioning the fabrics in a machine loves it.

The term "fabric softener" is used herein for convenience purposes to refer to materials which provide the softening and / or conditioning benefits to fabrics in the home or in the automatic washing machine as well as antistatic benefits effective delivery and fragrance to the fabric that is being cleaned.

The fabric softening composition is preferably composed of one or more fabric softening agents and a perfume.

According to a process aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for softening or conditioning the laundry which comprises contacting the laundry with an effective amount of the laundry composition for washing unit dose described above.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to a water soluble sachet containing a unit dose of a fabric softening composition, wherein the water soluble sachet is formed of a single layer of a water soluble thermoplastic film such as a polyvinyl alcohol. , wherein the inner surface of the film is in contact with the fabric softening composition and the outer surface of the film does not have a water soluble adhesive placed thereon.

The fabric softening composition contained in a water soluble container which is formed of a water soluble polymer which is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers such as polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone, acetate polyvinyl partially hydrolyzed, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkyl celluloses such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, ethers and esters of alkyl celluloses of alkyl celluloses, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose sodium, dextrin, maltodextrin, such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, water-soluble polyacrylates, water-soluble polyacrylamides and acrylic acid / maleic anhydride copolymers comprising approximately by weight: (a) 48% to 82% of at least one amine fabric softener active compound; (b) 0.1% to 18% of an alpha hydroxy aliphatic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and mixtures thereof, wherein the amine fabric softening active at least partially reacts in the place with the alpha hydroxy acid to form an amine salt of the alpha hydroxy acid; (c) 0.5% to 6% of a cationic surfactant; (d) 1% to 9% of a cationic softener; (e) 4% to 14% of a perfume; Y (f) less than 6% water, where the composition does not contain an anionic sulfate surfactant, a surfactant of anionic sulfonate, a hexylene glycol or an amine oxide surfactant.

Another fabric softening composition contained in the water soluble sachet comprises approximately by weight: (a) 50% to 70% of at least one active fabric softener active compound; (b) 13% to 23% of an alpha hydroxy acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid and lactic acid, and mixtures thereof, wherein the amine fabric softening active at least partially reacts in place with alpha hydroxy acid to form an amine salt of alpha hydroxy acid; (c) 0.5% to 6% of a cationic surfactant; (d) 3% to 12% of a perfume; Y (e) less than 9% water, wherein the composition does not contain an anionic sulfate surfactant, an anionic sulphonate surfactant, a hexylene glycol or an amine oxide surfactant.

Another fabric softening composition contained in a water soluble container which is formed of polymers water soluble is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers such as polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkyl celluloses such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, ethers and esters of alkyl celluloses of alkyl celluloses, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose sodium, dextrin, maltodextrin, such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, water soluble polyacrylates, water soluble polyacrylamides and copolymers of acrylic acid / maleic anhydride comprising approximately by weight: (a) 28% to 42% of at least one amine fabric softener active compound; (b) 5% to 15% of an alpha hydroxy acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid and lactic acid, and mixtures thereof, wherein the active amine fabric softening compound at least partially reacts in place with alpha hydroxy acid to form an amine salt of alpha hydroxy acid; (c) 0.1% to 4% of a cationic surfactant; (d) 4% to 12% of a perfume; (e) 25% to 50% of an alkali metal sulfate such as sodium sulfate; Y (f) less than 5% water, wherein the composition nc contains an anionic sulfate surfactant, an anionic sulphonate surfactant, a hexylene glycol or an amine oxide surfactant.

The present compositions do not contain a detergent builder salt, a glycol silicone copolymer, a nonionic surfactant, a green dye, a yellow dye or a poly (oxyalkylene) subtracted dye.

As used herein and in the clauses that follow the term "perfume" is used in its ordinary sense to refer to and include any fragrant substance or mixture not soluble in water of substances including natural odoriferous substances (e.g. obtained by extracting flowers, herbs, fluorescence or plants), artificial (for example, mixture of natural oils or oil constituents) and a synthetically produced substance). Typically, perfumes are complex mixtures of combinations of various organic compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, ethers, aromatics and varying amounts of essential oils (e.g. terpenes) such as from 0% to 80%, usually from 10% to 70% by weight, the essential oils themselves being volatile odoriferous compounds and also serve to dissolve the other perfume components.

In the present invention the precise composition of the perfume is not of a particular consequence for the performance of the softening as long as it satisfies the criterion of immissibility in water and has a pleasant smell. Naturally, of course, essentially for the softening compositions intended for use in the home, the perfume, as well as all other ingredients must be cosmetically acceptable, for example, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, etc.

The fabric softening active is an amidoamine of the formula (I): (j> H? 3 R2- i | j- < CHZ) rr ~ N (CH2 &rt- In the above formula Rj and R, are each, independently, long chain alkyl alkenyl groups having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, such as, for example, octyl, octenyl, decyl, decenyl, dodecyl, dodecenyl, octadecyl, octadecenyl. Typically, Rx and R2, and more generally RjCO and RCO, will be derived from natural oils containing fatty acids or mixtures of fatty acids, such as from coconut oil, palm oil, tallow, turnip oil and oil. fish.

Chemically synthesized fatty acids are also used. Saturated fatty acids or mixtures of fatty acids, and especially hydrogenated tallow acid (tallow-H) (also referred to as hard fat) are preferred. Generally and preferably, Rx and R are derivatives of the same fatty acid or of the fatty acid mixture.

R, represents (CH2CH20) pH, CH3 or H, or mixtures thereof may also be present. When R- represents the preferred group (CH2CH20) pH, p is a positive number representing the average degree of ethoxylation, and is preferably from 1 to 10, especially from 1.5 to 6, and more preferably from 2 to 4. , such as 2.5 n and m are each integers from 1 to 5, preferably 2 to 4, especially 2. The compounds of the formula (I) in which R3 represents the preferred group (CH2CH70) pH are widely mentioned herein as amidoamines ethoxylated, and the term x xhydroxyethyl "is also used to describe the group (CH, CH; 0) pH.

Especially preferred is the compound of the formula (I) which is commercially available as Varisoft1Mru < < 510, from Sherex Chemical Company, which is a bis (hydrogenated tallow-amidoethyl) -hydroxyethyl amine of the formula: II (H-sebo-C-NH-NH- CH2CH2) 2- N (CH2CH20) 2.5H Another preferred fabric softener active compound is an amine such as Adogenmark 343 available from Degussa, Goldschmidt Textile Care which is bis (hydrogenated tallow) -methylamine. Another useful amine which is available from BASF Kaosoft PH, from Kao Corporation S.A. is di (hydrogenated tallow) diester of methyl diethanol amine.

An especially preferred composition consists of a mixture of Varisoft 510 and Adogen 343 in a weight ratio of 1.5: 1 to 1: 0.75.

Instead of the Varisoft 510, or in combination with it, the corresponding mild (non-hydrogenated) tallow derivative, available from Sherex as Varisoft 512, can be used. Varisoft 512 is ethoxylated with 3.5 moles, on average, rather than 2.5 moles of ethylene oxide as in the Varisoft 510. The softening performance of the hard tallow derivative is somewhat better than that of the soft tallow. It has been found that when Varisoft 510 and Varisoft 512 are used in combination, preferable proportions of about 10: 1 to about 1.5: 1, preferably from 8: 1 to 2: 1, especially 6: 1 to 3. : 1, both the smoothing performance and the stability are improved.

The cationic softener is represented by the following formula: wherein R x and R can independently be a C 12 -C 22 alkyl or alkenyl group and R 3 and R 4 are methyl groups and B is an inorganic anion selected from the group consisting of chloride sulfate, hydrogen sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, and dehydrogen phosphate and preferably chloride. A preferred cationic softener is Arosulfnarca TA-100 available from Degussa, from Goldschmidt Textile Care where the Arosurfmarca TA-100 is a dimethyl ammonium chloride.

The cationic surfactant which can be used in the present composition has the formula (I): wherein Pl is an alkyl or alkenyl radical containing from 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, R., is an alkyl group of not more than 6 carbon atoms, F and R. which may be the same or different are selected from the group consisting of alkyl of not more than 6 carbon atoms and (R50) n H, wherein FU is an alkylene of 2 to 4 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1 to 25, and X ~ is a water-soluble anion such as chloride or CH, S04 methyl sulfate. A preferred cationic surfactant is stearyl 15 ethylene oxide methyl ammonium sulfate available from Adogen 66 also from Degussa, Goldschmidt Textile Care.

The water-soluble container (pouch) which may be in the form of a pouch, a blow molded capsule or other molded and blown shapes, an injection molded vial or other injection molded shapes, or rotationally molded capsules or spheres are formed of a thermoplastic resin soluole in water. The water-soluble polymers are selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers such as polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkyl celluloses such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl. cellulose, ethers and esters of alkyl celluloses of alkyl celluloses, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose sodium, dextrin, maltodextrin, such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, polyacrylates water-soluble, water-soluble polyacrylamides and copolymers of maleic anhydride / acrylic acid. Especially preferred water-soluble plastics which can be considered to form the container include chemically modified and / or low molecular weight polylactides; such polymers have been produced by Chronopol, Inc., and have been sold under the Heplon brand. Melt-processable poly (vinyl) alcohol resins (PVA) are also included in the family of water-soluble polymers; Such resins are produced by Texas Polymer Services, Inc., under the Vmex brand and are produced under license from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and the Monosol film produced by Monosol LLC. Other suitable resins include poly (ethylene oxide) and the water soluble carbohydrates derived from cellulose. The former are produced by Union Carbide, Inc., and sold under the trade name Polyox, - the latter are produced by Dow Chemical, Inc., and sold under the Methocel brand. Typically, water soluble polymers derived from cellulose are not processable with easy melting. The preferred water-soluble thermoplastic resin for this application is PVA produced by Monosol LLC. Any number or combination of PVA resins can be used. The preferred grade, considering the processability of the resin, the durability of the container, the water solubility characteristics, and the commercial viability is the Monosol film which has a weight average molecular weight range of about 55,000 to 65,000 and a range of average molecular weight of number of about 27, 000 to 33, 000.

The pouch can be formed from a polyvinyl alcohol film. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resin, processable with melted and previously dried and pelletized, is fed by a film extruder. The delivery material may also contain a pre-dried color concentrate which uses a polyvinyl alcohol carrier resin. Other, similarly prepared additives, such as antioxidants, ultraviolet stabilizers, anti-blocking additives, etc., can be added to the extruder. The resin and the concentrate are mixed with melted to the extruder. The extruder die may consist of a circular die to produce a blown film or a bag hanger die to produce a set film. The circular matrices may have rotating matrix lips and / or mandrels to modify the visual appearance and / or properties. Alternatively, the PVA resins can also be dissolved and formed into films through a solution setting process, wherein the PVA resin or resins are dissolved and mixed in an aqueous solution together with the additives. This solution is set through a bag hanger matrix or on the front of a doctor blade or through a setting box to produce a solution layer of consistent thickness. This solution layer is set or coated on a drum with a suitable substrate setting band to take it through an oven or a series of ovens to reduce the moisture content to an appropriate level. The extruded or set film is cut to an appropriate width and wound onto the core. Each core holds a film reel.

Typical film properties are: 1. Resistance to tension (125 mils, break, 50% relative humidity (= 4,700 to 5,700 pounds per square inch) 2. Tension module (125 thousandths of an inch, 125 relative humidity) = 47,000 to 243,000 pounds per square inch; Preferred range is 140,000 to 150,000 pounds per square inch. 3. Tear resistance (medium) (ASTM-D-199 gm / ml) = 900-1500. 4. Impact resistance (medium) (ASTM-D-1709 gm / ml) = 600-1,000. 5. 100% elongation (medium) (ASTM-D-882) pounds per square inch) = 300-600. 6. Oxygen Transmission (1.5 thousandths of an inch, 0% RH, 1 atm) = 0.0350 to 0.450 cc / 100 square inches / 24 hours. 7. Oxygen transmission (1.5 mils, 50% RH lat. = 1.20 to 1.50 cc / 100 square inches / 24 hours. 8. 100% module (medium) (ASTM-D-882 pounds per square inch) = 1000-3000. 9. Solubility (sec) (MSTM-205, 75 ° F) disintegration = 1-15; dissolution = 10-30.

Typical resin properties are: 1. Glass transition temperature (° C) 28 to 38; the preferred one is from 28 to 33. 2. Weight average molecular weight (Mw) = 15,000 to 95,000; preferred is 55,000-65,000. 3. Average molecular weight of number (Mn) = 7,500 to 60,000; the preferred one is from 27,000 to 33,000. The preferred polyvinyl alcohol film is formed of Monosol 7030 or Monosol 8630.

The cut film reels are fed to a seal, fill and shape machine (FFS). The seal, filler, and form machine (FFS) manufactures the appropriate pouch (cylinder, square, pillow, oval, etc.) shape of the film, fills the pouch with the product, and seals the pouch.

There are many types of form, fill and seal machines that can convert water-soluble films, including vertical, horizontal and rotating machines. To make the appropriate pouch form, one or multiple films can be used. The pouch form can be folded into the film, mechanically formed in the film, or thermally formed in the film. The shaped pouch can also utilize the thermal bonding of multiple film layers or solvent bonding of multiple layers of film. When using poly (vinyl) alcohol the most common solvent is water. Once the appropriately shaped pouch is filled with the product, the pouch can be sealed using either the thermal bond of the film or the solvent bond of the film.

The blow molded capsules are formed from the polyvinyl alcohol resin having a molecular weight of about 50,000 to about 70,000 and a glass transition temperature of about 28 to 33 ° C. Concentrated pelletized resin and concentrate are suitably fed into an extruder. The extruder inside which these are fed has a circular, oval, square or rectangular matrix and a suitable mandrel. The molten polymer mass leaves the matrix and assumes the shape of the matrix / mandrel combination. The air blown inside the interior volume of the extrudate (hollow tube) while the extrudate makes contact with a pair of split molds. The molds control the final shape of the package. While they are in the mold, the package is filled with the appropriate volume of liquid. The mold tempers the plastic. The liquid is contained within the interior volume of the molded or blown package.

A molded injection capsule or ampule is formed of the polyvinyl alcohol resin having a molecular weight of about 50,000 to about 70,000 and a glass transition temperature of about 28 to 38 ° C. The resin in pellets and the concentrate or concentrates are fed to the throat of a reciprocating screw, of the injection molding machine. The rotation of the screw pushes the mass with pellets forward while increasing the diameter of the screw that compresses the pellets and 1 forces them to make contact with the heated barrel with the machine. The combination of heat, driven the pellets by the barrel and the heat generated by the contact of the pellets with the rotating screw, melts the pellets when they are pushed forward. The melted polymer mass is connected in front of the screw by turning the screw and starting to retract to the back of the machine. At the appropriate time, the screw moves forward forcing the melt through the nozzle at the tip of the machine and into a mold or hot running system which feeds various molds. The molds control the shape of the finished package. The package can be filled with liquid either while in the mold or after injection from the mold. The filling port of the package is heated with sealing after the filling is completed. This process can be conducted either online or offline.

A rotationally molded capsule or sphere is formed of the polyvinyl alcohol resin having a molecular weight of about 50,000 to about 70,000 and a glass transition temperature of about 28 to 38 ° C. The pellet resin and the concentrate are sprayed to an appropriate mesh size typically of 35 mesh. A specific weight of the powdered resin is fed to a cold mold having the desired shape and volume. The mold sealed and heated while spinning simultaneously in three directions. The powder melts and covers the entire interior surface of the mold. While rotating continuously, the mold is cooled so that the resin solidifies in the form which duplicates the size and texture of the mold. After rejection of the finished package, the liquid is injected into the hollow package using a heated needle or probe after filling, the injection port of the package is sealed with heat.

Typical unit dose compositions for use herein may vary from about 5 to about 20 milliliters and correspond on a basis weight of about 5 to about 20 grams (which includes the weight of the capsule).

The following examples illustrate the fabric softening compositions of the described invention. Unless specified otherwise, the proportions in the film and in other parts of the description are by weight.

Ahem 1 The following fabric softener that is to be used in the wash cycle was prepared comprising the following ingredients: The previous formula was the result of the evaluation of the individual amines and a range of mixtures. The single acid systems and the mixed acid systems were also evaluated. The least dispersible formulas in water exclusively contained 343 Adogen and citric acid. These systems delivered the best anti-static benefits. The majority of water dispersible systems exclusively contained Varisoft 510 and glycolic acid. These systems delivered the least effective antistatic. Formula optimization depends on the size, shape and thickness of the chosen soft solid dose. The production escalation can be better executed by vertical filling (with melted product) of the rectangular PVA bags and leaving the bag lying flat while the product solidifies. The previous formula was evaluated in this way in bags of 6.5 centimeters by 7 centimeters and showed an effective fragrance delivery, good antistatic benefits, good fabric softening and a 1-2% residual.

The above formula was evaluated in the form of a flat cylinder 2-3 millimeters thick and 6 grams sealed in a water soluble bag of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Two 6-gram doses are used per 6.5-pound cloth load. In the washes with 85 grams of liquid Tide as the detergent the following profile was observed: In the washes with 125 grams of Tide powder as the detergent, the following profile was observed: Temperature Attic Residual 90 ° F very light none 70 ° F none none 50 ° F none 5.1% The waste profile is good but at the most desirable level of all washing temperatures. There is a sufficient residue at 50 ° F that an occasional staining can be expected in the dryer. A fabric softening panel with treated towels showed a smoothing equal to 30 grams per PDT fabric softening system / washing clay for both towels washed in liquid Tide and towels washed in Tide powder. The results of fragrance delivery were 31% of the rinse cycle for the washings in the liquid Tide and 32% of the rinse cycle for washing in the Tide powder multiple analysis multiple.

EXAMPLE 2 The following fabric softening composition formula to be used in the wash cycle was prepared in percent by weight by simple mixing: % by Weight Adopt 343 64.3 Citrus Acid 17.6 Adogen 66 3.5 Perfume 6.8 Acua 7.7 Two fractions of rough particle size were prepared. The first fraction comprised the material passed through a 10 mesh screen (1,700 micrometers) and did not pass through a 20 mesh screen (850 micrometers). The second fraction comprised the material passed through the 20 mesh screen.

Larger particles were needed to provide effective antistatic benefits at the lowest level of use with clay / PDT. The smaller particles were very dispersible to deliver antistatic. The effective antistatic can be achieved at 3 grams on a powder of 20 meshes per wash (1.5 grams per bag).

In the washes with 85 grams of liquid Tide as the detergent the following profile was observed: As when the complex of Adogen 343 citric acid was used as cylinders there was a residue at 50 ° F. The 13.4 residue is at an amount of 0.402 grams of particle little. This level of residue will not cause Quat staining in the dryer. Soft solid studies showed that the remaining 0.12 grams did not cause a Quat spotting with much larger particles.

Additional formula modifications will be made to try to improve dispersion in cold water while not losing the effective antistatic at 90 ° F. Any amine acid complex powder will need to be coated to provide particle integrity during the 45-year aging. C. The amine acid complex powder was effectively coated in a mini-fluid bed system with polyethylene glycol of molecular weight of 8,500, which had a melting point of 85 ° C. A modified powder was prepared for improve the ability to grind mild amine citrate in a powder form. The solid sodium sulfate was added to the melted amine acid complex and mixed until uniform. Then the system was cooled until it solidified.

EXAMPLE 3 The following fabric softening composition formulas to be used in the wash cycle were prepared in percent by weight by simple mixing: In the washes with 85 grams of liquid Tide as the detergent the following profiles were observed: The system with sodium sulfate used at 6 grams per wash (3 grams per bag). Used as a 10 mesh trough on a particle size of 20 mesh the size of the formula delivered an excellent antistatic and residue in grams always less than 0.1 grams. This system will not be expected to cause cloth staining. Interestingly, the system with sodium sulfate used as a trough of 20 meshes 6 grams of powder per wash delivered a complete static reduction and also little residue.

In washes with 85 grams of Tide liquid detergent the following profile was observed: EXAMPLE 4 The following fabric softening composition formulas that are to be used in the rinse cycle were prepared in percent by weight by simple mixing: In the washes with 85 grams of Tide liquid detergent the following profile was observed: EXAMPLE 5 The following fabric softening composition formulas that are to be used in the rinse cycle were prepared in percent by weight by simple mixing: In the washes with 85 grams of Tide liquid detergent the following profile was observed: Temperature Example 5 12 grams / wash Static Residue 90 ° F very light none 70 ° F very light none 50 ° F very light none

Claims (14)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A softening system which includes: (a) a water soluble container which is formed of a water soluble polymer which is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers such as polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkyl celluloses such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, ethers and esters of alkyl celluloses of alkyl celluloses, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose sodium, dextrin, maltodextrin, such as methyl cellulose , ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, water-soluble polyacrylates, water-soluble polyacrylamides and maleic anhydride / acrylic acid copolymers; (b) a fabric softening composition comprising approximately: (i) 48% to 82% of at least one active amine fabric softening compound which is selected from the group consisting of di (hydrogenated tallow) diester of methyl diethanolamine and bis (hydrogenated tallow) -methyl amine and mixtures thereof; (ii) 0.1% to 18% of an alpha hydroxy aliphatic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5% to 6% of a cationic surfactant; (iv) 1% to 9% of a cationic softener; (v) 4% to 14% of a perfume; Y (vi) less than 6% water.

2. The system as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the container is formed of a processable polymer with melt and soluble in water.

3. The system as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said container is formed of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

4. The system as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said container is a sachet, ampule, capsule or sphere.

5. A softening system which includes: (a) a water-soluble container which is formed of water-soluble polymers which are selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers such as polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkyl celluloses such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, ethers and esters of alkyl celluloses of alkyl celluloses, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose sodium, dextrin, maltodextrin, such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, water-soluble polyacrylates, water-soluble polyacrylamides and maleic anhydride / acrylic acid copolymers; (b) a liquid fabric softening composition placed in said water soluble container, wherein said fabric softening composition comprises approximately by weight: (i) 50% to 70% of at least one amine fabric softening active compound which is selected from the group consisting of di (hydrogenated tallow) diester of methyl diethyl amine and bis (hydrogenated tallow) -methyl amine and mixtures thereof; (ii) 13% to 23% of an alpha hydroxy aliphatic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5% to 6% of a cationic surfactant; (iv) 3% to 12% of a perfume; Y (vi) less than 9% water.

6. The system as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that the container is formed of a processable polymer with melt and soluble in water.

7. The system as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that the container is formed of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or a polyvinyl alcohol polymer.

8. The system as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that said container is a pouch, ampule, capsule or sphere.

9. A softening system which includes: (a) a water-soluble container which is formed of water-soluble polymers which are selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol, such as polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkyl celluloses such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, ethers and esters of alkyl celluloses of alkyl celluloses, hydroxy ethyl cellulose , hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, dextrin, maltodextrin, such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, water-soluble polyacrylates, water-soluble polyacrylamides, and rhelic acid anhydride / acrylic acid copolymers; (b) a fabric softening composition placed in said water soluble container wherein said fabric softening composition comprises approximately by weight: (i) 28% to 42% of at least one active amine fabric softening agent which is selected from the group consisting of di (hydrogenated tallow) diester of methyl diethanolamine and bis (hydrogenated tallow) -methyl amine and mixtures of them; (ii) 5% to 15% of an alpha hydroxy aliphatic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.11 to 4% of a cationic surfactant; (iv) 4% to 12% of a perfume; (v) 25% to 50% of an alkali metal sulfate such as sodium sulfate; (vi) less than 5% water.

10. A softening system which includes: (a) a water-soluble container which is formed of water-soluble polymers which are selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkyl celluloses such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, ethers and esters of alkyl celluloses of alkyl celluloses, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose sodium, dextrin, maltodextrin, such as methyl cellulose , ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, water-soluble polyacrylates, water-soluble polyacrylamides and maleic anhydride / acrylic acid copolymers; (b) a fabric softening composition placed in said water soluble container, wherein said fabric softening composition comprises approximately by weight: (i) 28% to 42% of at least one active amine fabric softening agent which is selected from the group consisting of di (hydrogenated tallow) diester of methyl diethanolamine and bis (hydrogenated tallow) -methyl amine and mixtures thereof; (ii) 5% to 15% of an alpha hydroxy aliphatic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.1% to 4% of a cationic surfactant; (iv) 4% to 12% of a perfume; (v) 25% to 50% of an alkali metal sulfate such as sodium sulfate; (vi) 0.1% to 1% of a mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid; (vii) less than 5% water.

11. A softening system which includes: (a) a water soluble container which is formed of water soluble polymers which are selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol, such as polyvinyl alcohol / polyvinyl pyrrolidone, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkyl celluloses such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, ethers and esters of alkyl celluloses of alkyl celluloses, hydroxy ethyl cellulose , hydroxy propyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, dextrin, maltodextrin, such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and propyl cellulose, water-soluble polyacrylates, water-soluble polyacrylamides and copolymers of maleic anhydride / acrylic acid; (b) a fabric softening composition placed in said water soluble container wherein said fabric softening composition comprises approximately by weight: (i) 28% to 42% of at least one active amine fabric softening agent which is selected from the group consisting of di (hydrogenated tallow) diester of methyl diethanolamine and bis (hydrogenated tallow) -methyl amine and mixtures thereof; (ii) 5% to 15% of an alpha hydroxy aliphatic acid selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.1% to 10% of a cationic surfactant; (iv) 0.1% to 8% of a fatty acid selected from the group consisting of stearic acid, palmitic acid and myristic acid; (v) 4% to 12% of a perfume; (vi) 25% to 50% of an alkali metal sulfate such as sodium sulfate; (vii) less than 5% water.

12. The system as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that said container is formed of a meltable and water soluble processable polymer.

13. The system as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the container is formed of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer.

14. The system as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that said container is a pouch, ampule, capsule or sphere. SUMMARY A water soluble container having there placed a non-aqueous liquid fabric softening composition. The water-soluble container is formed by a water-soluble polymer selected from, among others, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alkyl celluloses, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides and derivatives thereof. The non-aqueous liquid fabric softening composition is based on amine fabric softening compounds and alpha hydroxy aliphatic acids.