CN107407046B

CN107407046B - Fibrous element, fibrous structure and product comprising a deterrent agent and methods of making the same

Info

Publication number: CN107407046B
Application number: CN201680013603.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·T·威斯曼; M·R·斯维克; M·W·黑姆斯基; P·D·乔克翰
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2015-03-04
Filing date: 2016-03-01
Publication date: 2022-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-01
Also published as: JP6748097B2; US20160258083A1; CA2977387C; CA2977387A1; EP3265606A1; JP2018509531A; RU2683101C1; CA3074394C; BR112017018960A2; CA3074394A1; CN107407046A; WO2016140942A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a fibrous element comprising a deterrent agent and/or a fibrous structure comprising such a fibrous element and/or an article comprising the fibrous element and the fibrous structure and methods of making the same.

Description

Fibrous element, fibrous structure and product comprising a deterrent agent and methods of making the same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, fibrous structures comprising such fibrous elements, and products comprising such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures, and more particularly to fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products comprising one or more deterrent agents, and methods of making the same.

Background

Bitterants are known in the art for use with films. For example, it is known to apply the bittering agent to the film, for example by spraying, printing and/or dusting the bittering agent onto the surface of the film.

In the field of fiber elements and/or fiber structures, there are fiber elements designed for ingestion by humans and/or animals, such as fiber elements comprising active agents, and/or fiber structures comprising such fiber elements, and products comprising said fiber elements and said fiber structures, however, there are also some fiber elements not designed for ingestion by humans and/or animals, even fiber elements comprising active agents, and/or fiber structures comprising such fiber elements and/or products comprising said fiber elements and said fiber structures. Thus, there is a problem of mitigating the risk of accidental ingestion by humans and/or animals of such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products comprising such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures which are not designed for ingestion. To date, such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products do not incorporate deterrent agents, such as bitterants and/or stimulants and/or emetics, to deter ingestion by humans and/or animals.

Thus, one problem facing formulators of fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products comprising such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures (such as those of the present invention not designed for ingestion by humans and/or animals) is how to prevent and/or mitigate the risk of ingestion by humans and/or animals, e.g., accidental ingestion of such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products comprising such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures.

In light of the foregoing, there is a clear need for preventing and/or mitigating the risk of ingestion (e.g., accidental ingestion) of fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products including such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures (e.g., fibrous elements including one or more active agents) that are not designed for ingestion by humans and/or animals by including one or more deterrent agents, such as bittering agents and/or stimulants and/or emetics, in and/or on the fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products including such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures, and methods of making the same.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention meets the above-described needs by providing a fibrous element and/or fibrous structure comprising such a fibrous element and/or a product comprising such a fibrous element and/or fibrous structure that is not designed to be ingested by humans and/or animals, e.g., a fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising one or more active agents that are not designed to be ingested by humans and/or animals, to include a deterrent agent within and/or on the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product.

One solution to the above-mentioned problems is to add one or more deterrent agents to the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product, e.g., a fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising one or more active agents, to discourage ingestion or attempted ingestion by humans and/or animals of such fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product of the present invention.

In one example of the present invention, there is provided a fibrous element, e.g. a filament and/or a fibre, which is not designed for and/or not suitable for ingestion by humans and/or animals, wherein the fibrous element comprises one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more deterrent agents, e.g. wherein the one or more deterrent agents are present within the fibrous element, such as a mixture of fibrous element-forming materials and deterrent agents, and/or on a surface of the fibrous element, such as in the form of a coating composition and/or printed on a surface.

In another example of the present invention, a fibrous element, e.g., a filament and/or a fiber, is provided that is not designed for and/or is not suitable for ingestion by humans and/or animals, wherein the fibrous element comprises one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more active agents, e.g., present within the fibrous element, such as within a mixture comprising the fibrous element-forming materials, the active agents, and the deterrent agents, and/or present on a surface of the fibrous element, such as in the form of a coating composition, and/or printed on a surface, such as a mixture of the fibrous element-forming materials and the active agents, which are releasable from the fibrous element, e.g., when exposed to conditions of intended use, and one or more deterrent agents, e.g., present within the fibrous element, such as within a mixture comprising the fibrous element-forming materials, the active agents, and the deterrent agents, and/or printed on a surface of the fibrous element, such as in the form of a coating composition, and/or printed on a surface.

In another example of the present invention, there is provided a fibrous element-forming composition, e.g., a filament-forming composition, comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more deterrent agents, and optionally one or more polar solvents (such as water) suitable for use in preparing the fibrous element of the present invention, e.g., by a spinning process.

In another example of the present invention, a fibrous element-forming composition, e.g., a filament-forming composition, suitable for use in preparing the fibrous elements of the present invention, e.g., by a spinning process, is provided that comprises one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents, one or more deterrent agents, and optionally one or more polar solvents (such as water).

In even another example of the present invention, a fibrous element, e.g., a filament and/or a fiber, is provided that is not designed for and/or is not suitable for ingestion by humans and/or animals, wherein the fibrous element comprises one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents, e.g., a mixture of a fibrous element-forming material and an active agent, and one or more deterrent agents, e.g., wherein the one or more deterrent agents are present within the fibrous element, such as within a mixture comprising a fibrous element-forming material, an active agent, and a deterrent agent, and/or on a surface of the fibrous element, such as in the form of a coating composition, and/or printed on a surface, wherein the active agent comprises one or more surfactants, one or more enzymes, one or more suds suppressors, and/or one or more perfumes.

In even another example of the present invention, there is provided a fibrous structure comprising one or more fibrous elements, e.g. filaments and/or fibers, wherein the fibrous structure comprises one or more active agents, e.g. within one or more fibrous elements, such as within a mixture comprising a fibrous element-forming material and an active agent, and/or on a surface of one or more fibrous elements, and/or within the fibrous structure, such as between fibrous elements, e.g. within a void of the fibrous structure (such as a coform fibrous structure comprising one or more particles with one or more active agents) and/or between two or more fibrous structures directly or indirectly attached to each other, and/or between two or more layers of fibrous elements forming the fibrous structure, and/or on a surface of one or more of the fibrous elements, and/or one or more deterrent agents, e.g. within one or more fibrous elements, such as within a fibrous element, a void comprising an active agent, and/or a mixture comprising a fibrous element, and/or a deterrent agent, e.g. between two or more fibrous elements, such as between fibrous elements, and/or more fibrous elements, and/or a deterrent agent, and/or a fibrous structure, such as between two or more fibrous elements, and/or a deterrent agent, and/or on the surface of one or more of the fibrous elements.

In another example of the present invention, a method for making a fibrous element, such as a filament and/or fiber, is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents, and one or more deterrent agents, and optionally one or more polar solvents (such as water); and

b. the fibrous element-forming composition is spun into one or more fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents, such as those releasable from the fibrous element and/or releasable from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions of intended use of the fibrous element, and one or more deterrent agents. In one example, the total content of the fibrous element-forming material present in the fibrous element is 80% or less, and/or 70% or less, and/or 60% or less, and/or 50% or less, and/or 40% or less, and/or 30% or less, and/or 20% or less by weight of the dry fibrous element, and the total content of the active agent present in the fibrous element is 20% or more, and/or 30% or more, and/or 40% or more, 50% or more, and/or 60% or more, and/or 70% or more, and/or 80% or more by weight of the dry fibrous element.

a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents, and optionally one or more polar solvents (such as water);

b. spinning a fibrous element-forming composition into one or more fibrous elements, e.g., filaments and/or fibers, the fibrous elements comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents, e.g., releasable from the fibrous element and/or releasable from the fibrous element upon exposure to conditions of intended use of the fibrous element; and

c. one or more deterrent agents (e.g., in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as particles containing deterrent agents) are applied to a surface of one or more of the fibrous elements. In one example, the total content of the fibrous element-forming material present in the fibrous element is 80% or less, and/or 70% or less, and/or 60% or less, and/or 50% or less, and/or 40% or less, and/or 30% or less, and/or 20% or less by weight of the dry fibrous element, and the total content of the active agent present in the fibrous element is 20% or more, and/or 30% or more, and/or 40% or more, 50% or more, and/or 60% or more, and/or 70% or more, and/or 80% or more by weight of the dry fibrous element.

In another example of the present invention, a method for making a fibrous structure is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a fibrous structure, e.g. comprising one or more fibrous elements of the invention, and

b. one or more deterrent agents (e.g., in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as particles containing deterrent agents) are applied to the surface of the fibrous structure.

a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents, one or more deterrent agents, and optionally one or more polar solvents (such as water);

b. spinning a fibrous element-forming composition into one or more fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, the fibrous element comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents that are releasable from the fibrous element and/or from the fibrous element, such as upon exposure to conditions of intended use of the fibrous element, and one or more deterrent agents; and

c. collecting a plurality of fibrous elements on a collecting device such as a belt or fabric such that the fibrous elements are intertwined with each other to form a fibrous structure; and

d. optionally, one or more deterrent agents (e.g., in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as particles containing deterrent agents) are applied to the surface of one or more of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure.

b. spinning a fibrous element-forming composition into one or more fibrous elements, e.g., filaments and/or fibers, comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more active agents, e.g., releasable from the fibrous element and/or releasable from the fibrous element upon exposure to conditions of intended use of the fibrous element;

c. applying one or more deterrent agents (e.g., in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as particles containing deterrent agents) to a surface of one or more of the fibrous elements; and

d. collecting a plurality of fibrous elements on a collecting device such as a belt or fabric such that the fibrous elements are intertwined with each other to form a fibrous structure; and

e. optionally, one or more deterrent agents (e.g., in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as particles containing deterrent agents) are applied to the surface of the fibrous structure.

d. one or more deterrent agents (e.g., in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as particles containing deterrent agents) are applied to a surface of one or more of the fibrous elements and/or a surface of the fibrous structure.

In even another example of the present invention, a method for making a fibrous structure is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

b. spinning a fibrous element-forming composition into one or more fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, the fibrous element comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents that are releasable from the fibrous element and/or releasable from the fibrous element upon exposure to conditions of intended use of the fibrous element, and one or more deterrent agents;

b. spinning a fibrous element-forming composition into a plurality of fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, the fibrous elements comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more active agents, such as being releasable from the fibrous elements and/or releasable from the fibrous elements upon exposure to conditions of intended use of the fibrous elements;

c. combining a plurality of particles comprising one or more deterrent agents with a plurality of fibrous elements to form a mixture; and

d. collecting the mixture on a collecting device, such as a belt or fabric, such that the fibrous elements are intertwined with the particles to form a fibrous structure; and

e. optionally, one or more deterrent agents (e.g., in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as particles containing deterrent agents) are applied to the surface of one or more of the fibrous elements and/or the surface of the fibrous structure.

b. spinning a fibrous element-forming composition into a plurality of fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, the fibrous elements comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents that are releasable from the fibrous element and/or from the fibrous element, such as upon exposure to conditions of intended use of the fibrous element, and one or more deterrent agents;

a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, and optionally one or more active agents, one or more deterrent agents, and/or one or more polar solvents (such as water);

b. spinning a fibrous element-forming composition into a plurality of fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, the fibrous elements comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, and optionally one or more active agents, such as one or more deterrent agents, releasable from the fibrous element and/or releasable from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions of intended use of the fibrous element;

c. combining a plurality of particles comprising one or more active agents and/or one or more deterrent agents with a plurality of fibrous elements to form a mixture; and

e. optionally, one or more deterrent agents (e.g., in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as particles containing deterrent agents) are applied to the surface of one or more of the fibrous elements and/or the surface of the fibrous structure. In one example, one or more of the particles may comprise a coating composition comprising one or more deterrent agents coating or partially coating the particles.

In even another example of the present invention, there is provided a product, such as a laundry detergent product, and/or a dishwashing detergent product, and/or a hard surface cleaning product, and/or a hair care product, comprising one or more fibrous elements and/or one or more fibrous structures of the present invention and one or more deterrent agents. In one example, the product may comprise a film in addition to the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure. In one example, the film may comprise one or more deterrent agents present within the film and/or on the surface of the film.

Even though the examples provided herein refer to fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers made from the filaments of the present invention, such as by cutting the filaments into fibers, the fibrous structures of the present invention may comprise a mixture of fibrous elements, such as a mixture of filaments and fibers.

Accordingly, the present invention provides fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, and/or fibrous structures comprising fibrous elements, and/or products comprising such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures comprising one or more deterrent agents, and methods of making the same.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example of a fibrous element according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example of a soluble fibrous structure according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an example of a process for making a fibrous element of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a die with an enlarged view for use in the process of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an example of a set of equipment used in measuring dissolution in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5; and is

Fig. 7 is a partial top view of fig. 5.

Detailed Description

Definition of

As used herein, "fibrous structure" refers to a structure comprising one or more fibrous elements. In one example, a fibrous structure according to the present invention refers to the association of fibrous elements and particles that together form a structure capable of performing a function, such as a unitary structure.

The fibrous structures of the present invention may be uniform or may be layered. If layered, the fibrous structure may comprise at least two and/or at least three and/or at least four and/or at least five layers, such as one or more layers of fibrous elements, one or more layers of particles and/or one or more layers of fibrous element/particle mixtures. In one example, in a multi-ply fibrous structure, one or more plies may be formed and/or deposited directly on an existing ply to form the fibrous structure, whereas in a multi-ply fibrous structure, one or more existing fibrous structure plies may be combined with one or more other existing fibrous structure plies to form a multi-ply fibrous structure, for example, by thermal bonding, gluing, embossing, meshing, rotary blade aperturing, needling, embossing, tufting, and/or other mechanical combining methods.

In one example, the fibrous structure is a multi-ply fibrous structure exhibiting less than 10000g/m as measured according to the basis weight test method described herein²And/or less than 7500g/m²And/or less than 5000g/m²And/or less than 3000g/m²And/or greater than 50g/m²And/or greater than 100g/m²And/or greater than 250g/m²And/or greater than 500g/m²Basis weight of (c).

In one example, a fibrous structure is a sheet of fibrous elements (fibers and/or filaments, such as continuous filaments) of any nature or origin that has been formed into a fibrous structure by any means and that can be bonded together by any means other than weaving or knitting. The felt obtained by wet milling is not a soluble fibrous structure. In one example, a fibrous structure according to the present invention refers to an ordered arrangement of filaments within a structure to perform a function. In another example, the fibrous structures of the present invention are arrangements comprising groups of two or more and/or three or more fibrous elements that are entangled or otherwise associated with each other to form a fibrous structure. In another example, the fibrous structures of the present invention may comprise one or more solid additives such as particulates and/or fibers in addition to the fibrous elements of the present invention.

In one example of the present invention, the fibrous structure of the present invention comprises one or more fibrous elements, e.g. filaments and/or fibers, wherein the fibrous structure comprises one or more active agents, such as in the form of a liquid and/or a solid (e.g. particles), within one or more fibrous elements and/or on the surface of one or more fibrous elements and/or within the fibrous structure, such as between fibrous elements, e.g. within the interstices of the fibrous structure and/or between two or more fibrous structures attached directly or indirectly to each other, and/or between two or more layers of fibrous elements forming the fibrous structure and/or on the surface of one or more of the fibrous elements, and one or more deterrent agents, e.g. within one or more fibrous elements and/or on the surface of one or more fibrous elements and/or within the fibrous structure, such as between fibrous elements, e.g. within the interstices of the fibrous structure and/or between two or more fibrous elements attached directly or surface of each other, and/or two or more fibrous elements forming the fibrous structure and/or two or more fibrous elements attached directly or on the fibrous structure and/or two or more layers of the fibrous structure and/or the fibrous structure.

In another example, the fibrous structures of the present invention may comprise one or more active agents that are present within the fibrous structure at the time of initial manufacture, but that are collected at the surface of the fibrous structure prior to and/or while being exposed to the conditions of intended use of the fibrous structure.

Additionally or alternatively, the fibrous structures of the present invention may comprise one or more active agents that are present in the fibrous structure at the time of initial manufacture, but that are collected at the surface of the fibrous structure prior to and/or upon exposure to the conditions of intended use of the fibrous structure.

The fibrous structure and/or the product comprising the fibrous structure may have a shape and size, for example, suitable for dosing in a washing machine and/or a dishwashing machine, and the total content (by weight) of active agent comprised is such that more than 1g and/or more than 3g and/or more than 5g and/or more than 8g and/or more than 10g of active agent is delivered during use of the fibrous structure and/or the product, such as washing clothes in a washing machine and/or in a washbasin and/or washing dishes in a dishwashing machine.

In one example, the fibrous structure of the present invention is a "unitary fibrous structure".

As used herein, a "unitary fibrous structure" is an arrangement comprising a plurality of groups of two or more and/or three or more fibrous elements entangled or otherwise associated with each other to form a fibrous structure. The unitary fibrous structure of the present invention may be one or more layers within a multi-layer fibrous structure. In one example, the unitary fibrous structure of the present invention may comprise three or more different fibrous elements. In another example, a unitary fibrous structure of the present invention may comprise two different fibrous elements, such as a coform fibrous structure having different fibrous elements deposited thereon to form a fibrous structure comprising three or more different fibrous elements. In one example, the fibrous structure may include soluble, e.g., water-soluble, fibrous elements and insoluble, e.g., water-insoluble, fibrous elements.

As used herein, "coform fibrous structure" refers to a fibrous structure that comprises a mixture of at least two different materials, wherein at least one of the materials comprises a fibrous element and at least one other material that comprises particles, such as particles that comprise an active agent and/or an arresting agent.

As used herein, "soluble fibrous element" refers to a fibrous structure and/or component thereof, e.g., greater than 0.5% by weight and/or greater than 1% by weight and/or greater than 5% by weight and/or greater than 10% by weight and/or greater than 25% by weight and/or greater than 50% by weight and/or greater than 75% by weight and/or greater than 90% by weight and/or greater than 95% by weight and/or about 100% by weight of the fibrous structure is soluble, e.g., is polar solvent soluble, such as water soluble. In one example, the soluble fibrous structure comprises fibrous elements wherein at least 50% by weight and/or greater than 75% by weight and/or greater than 90% by weight and/or greater than 95% by weight and/or about 100% by weight of the fibrous elements within the soluble fibrous structure are soluble.

The dissolvable fibrous structure comprises a plurality of fibrous elements. In one example, the soluble fibrous structure comprises two or more and/or three or more different fibrous elements.

The soluble fibrous structure and/or the fibrous elements thereof, e.g., filaments, that make up the soluble fibrous structure can comprise one or more actives, e.g., fabric care actives, dishwashing actives, hard surfactants, hair care actives, floor care actives, skin care actives, oral care actives, pharmaceutical actives, and mixtures thereof. In one example, the soluble fibrous structures and/or fibrous elements thereof of the present invention comprise one or more surfactants, one or more enzymes (such as in the form of enzyme granules), one or more fragrances, and/or one or more suds suppressors. In another example, the soluble fibrous structure of the present invention and/or fibrous element thereof comprises a builder and/or a chelant. In another example, the soluble fibrous structures of the present invention and/or fibrous elements thereof comprise a bleaching agent (such as an encapsulated bleaching agent). In another example, the soluble fibrous structures and/or fibrous elements thereof of the present invention comprise one or more surfactants, and optionally, one or more perfumes.

In one example, the soluble fibrous structure of the present invention is a water-soluble fibrous structure.

In one example, the soluble fibrous structures of the present invention exhibit a structure as described according to the present disclosureBasis weight of less than 10000g/m as measured by the basis weight test method²And/or less than 5000g/m²And/or less than 4000g/m²And/or less than 2000g/m²And/or less than 1000g/m²And/or less than 500g/m²And/or greater than 10g/m²And/or greater than 25g/m²And/or greater than 50g/m²And/or greater than 100g/m²And/or greater than 250g/m²Basis weight of (a).

As used herein, "fibrous element" refers to an elongated particle having a length that substantially exceeds its average diameter, i.e., having a ratio of length to average diameter of at least about 10. The fibrous elements may be filaments or fibers. In one example, the fibrous element is a single fibrous element or a yarn comprising a plurality of fibrous elements. In another example, the fiber element is a single fiber element.

The fibrous elements of the present invention can be spun from a fibrous element-forming composition (also referred to as a fibrous element-forming composition) via a suitable spinning process operation, such as melt blowing, spunbonding, electrospinning, and/or rotary spinning.

The fibrous elements of the present invention may be monocomponent and/or multicomponent. For example, the fibrous element may comprise bicomponent fibers and/or filaments. The bicomponent fibers and/or filaments can be in any form, such as side-by-side, core-sheath, islands-in-the-sea, and the like.

In one example, the fibrous element (which may be a filament and/or a fiber and/or a filament that has been cut into smaller segments of a filament (fiber)) may exhibit a length of greater than or equal to 0.254cm (0.1 inch) and/or greater than or equal to 1.27cm (0.5 inch) and/or greater than or equal to 2.54cm (1.0 inch) and/or greater than or equal to 5.08cm (2 inch) and/or greater than or equal to 7.62cm (3 inch) and/or greater than or equal to 10.16cm (4 inch) and/or greater than or equal to 15.24cm (6 inch). In one example, the fibers of the present invention exhibit a length of less than 5.08cm (2 inches).

As used herein, "filament" refers to an elongated microparticle as described above. In one example, the filaments exhibit a length of greater than or equal to 5.08cm (2 inches) and/or greater than or equal to 7.62cm (3 inches) and/or greater than or equal to 10.16cm (4 inches) and/or greater than or equal to 15.24cm (6 inches).

Filaments are generally considered to be continuous or substantially continuous in nature. The filaments are relatively longer than the fibers. The filaments are relatively longer than the fibers. Non-limiting examples of filaments include meltblown and/or spunbond filaments.

In one example, one or more fibers may be formed from the filaments of the present invention, such as when the filaments are cut to shorter lengths. Thus, in one example, the invention also includes fibers made from filaments of the invention, such as fibers comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more additives, such as active agents. Accordingly, reference to a filament and/or plurality of filaments in accordance with the present invention also includes fibers made from such filaments and/or plurality of filaments, unless otherwise indicated. Fibers are generally considered to be naturally discontinuous relative to filaments, which are considered to be naturally continuous.

Non-limiting examples of fibrous elements include meltblown and/or spunbond fibrous elements. Non-limiting examples of polymers that can be spun into the fibrous element include natural polymers (such as starch, starch derivatives, cellulose such as rayon and/or lyocell, and cellulose derivatives, hemicellulose derivatives), and synthetic polymers (including, but not limited to, thermoplastic polymer fibrous elements such as polyesters, nylons, polyolefins (such as polypropylene filaments, polyethylene filaments), and biodegradable thermoplastic fibers such as polylactic acid filaments, polyhydroxyalkanoate filaments, polyesteramide filaments, and polycaprolactone filaments). Depending on the polymer and/or composition from which the fibrous element is made, the fibrous element may be soluble or insoluble.

As used herein, "fibrous element-forming composition" refers to a composition suitable for use in making (such as by melt-blowing and/or spunbonding) fibrous elements, e.g., filaments, of the present invention. The fibrous element-forming composition comprises one or more fibrous element-forming materials that exhibit properties that make them suitable for spinning into fibrous elements, such as filaments. In one example, the fibrous element-forming material comprises a polymer. In addition to one or more fibrous element-forming materials, the fibrous element-forming composition may also include one or more additives, such as one or more active agents. In addition, the fibrous element-forming composition may comprise one or more polar solvents such as water, in which one or more (e.g., all) of the fibrous element-forming materials and/or one or more (e.g., all) of the active agents are dissolved and/or dispersed.

In one example as shown in fig. 1, for example, a fibrous element 10, e.g., a filament, of the present invention made from a fibrous element-forming composition of the present invention is one in which one or more active agents 12 may be present in the fibrous element 10 (e.g., a filament) rather than on the fibrous element 10 (such as a coating). The total content of the fibrous element-forming material and the total content of the active agent present in the fibrous element-forming composition can be any suitable amount so long as the fibrous elements, e.g., filaments, of the present invention are produced therefrom. In addition to the active agent 12 present within the fibrous element 10, the fibrous element 10 may also include one or more deterrent agents (not shown) present within and/or on the surface of the fibrous element. Additionally, in addition to, or alternatively to, the active agent 12 being present within the fibrous element 10, the fibrous element 10 may also contain one or more active agents 12 on the surface of the fibrous element 10.

In another example, the fibrous element of the present invention may comprise one or more active agents that are present in the fibrous element when initially prepared, but that accumulate at the surface of the fibrous element prior to and/or upon exposure to conditions of intended use of the fibrous element.

As used herein, "fibrous element-forming material" refers to a material that exhibits properties suitable for use in making a fibrous element, such as a polymer or a monomer capable of producing a polymer. In one example, the fibrous element-forming material comprises one or more substituted polymers such as anionic polymers, cationic polymers, zwitterionic polymers, and/or nonionic polymers. In another example, the polymer may comprise a hydroxyl polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol ("PVOH"), and/or a polysaccharide such as starch and/or a starch derivative such as ethoxylated starch and/or acid hydrolyzed starch. In another example, the polymer may comprise polyethylene and/or terephthalic acid. In another example, the fibrous element-forming material is a polar solvent soluble material.

As used herein, "particulate" refers to solid additives such as powders, granules, capsules, microcapsules, and/or spheroids. In one example, the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure of the present invention may comprise one or more particulates. The particles can be internal to the fibrous element (within the fibrous element, such as an active agent and/or a containment agent), on the surface of the fibrous element, such as a coating composition, and/or between the fibrous elements (between the fibrous elements within a fibrous structure (e.g., a soluble fibrous structure)). Non-limiting examples of fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures comprising particles are described in US 2013/0172226, which is incorporated herein by reference. In one example, the particles exhibit a median particle size of 1600 μm or less as measured according to the median particle size test method described herein. In another example, the particles exhibit a median particle size of from about 1 μm to about 1600 μm and/or from about 1 μm to about 800 μm and/or from about 5 μm to about 500 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 300 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 100 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 50 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 30 μm as measured according to the median particle size test method described herein. The shape of the particles may be in the form of: spherical, rod-like, plate-like, tubular, square, rectangular, disk-like, star-like, fibrous, or have a random shape, regular or irregular.

As used herein, "deterrent agent-containing particles" refers to a solid additive comprising one or more deterrent agents. In one example, the deterrent-containing particles are the deterrent agent in the form of granules (in other words, the granules contain 100% of one or more deterrent agents). The particles containing a deterrent agent can exhibit a median particle size of 1600 μm or less as measured according to the median particle size test method described herein. In another example, the active agent-containing particles exhibit a median particle size of from about 1 μm to about 1600 μm and/or from about 1 μm to about 800 μm and/or from about 5 μm to about 500 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 300 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 100 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 50 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 30 μm as measured according to the median particle size test method described herein. In one example, one or more of the deterrent agents is in the form of particles exhibiting a median particle size of 20 μm or less as measured according to the median particle size test method described herein.

As used herein, "active agent-containing particle" refers to a solid additive comprising one or more active agents. In one example, the active agent-containing particle is an active agent in the form of a particle (in other words, a particle contains 100% of one or more active agents). The active agent-containing particles can exhibit a median particle size of 1600 μm or less as measured according to the median particle size test method described herein. In another example, the active agent-containing particles exhibit a median particle size of from about 1 μm to about 1600 μm and/or from about 1 μm to about 800 μm and/or from about 5 μm to about 500 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 300 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 100 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 50 μm and/or from about 10 μm to about 30 μm as measured according to the median particle size test method described herein. In one example, one or more of the active agents are in the form of particles exhibiting a median particle size of 20 μm or less as measured according to the median particle size test method described herein.

In one example of the invention, the fibrous structure comprises a plurality of particles, e.g., active agent-containing particles, and a plurality of fibrous elements, the weight ratio of particles, e.g., active agent-containing particles, to fibrous elements being 1.

In another example of the present invention, the fibrous structure comprises a plurality of particles, e.g., active agent-containing particles, and a plurality of fibrous elements, the weight ratio of particles, e.g., active agent-containing particles, to fibrous elements being from about 7.

In another example of the present invention, the fibrous structure comprises a plurality of particles, e.g., active agent-containing particles, and a plurality of fibrous elements, the weight ratio of particles, e.g., active agent-containing particles, to fibrous elements being from about 1 to about 1.

In another example, the fibrous structures of the present invention comprise a plurality of particles, e.g., active agent-containing particles, having a basis weight of greater than 1g/m as measured by the basis weight test method described herein²And/or greater than 10g/m²And/or greater than 20g/m²And/or greater than 30g/m²And/or greater than 40g/m²And/or about 1g/m²To about 5000g/m²And/or to about 3500g/m²And/or to about 2000g/m²And/or about 1g/m²To about 1000g/m²And/or about 10g/m²To about 400g/m²And/or about 20g/m²To about 300g/m²And/or about 30g/m²To about 200g/m²And/or about 40g/m²To about 100g/m²。

In another example, the fibrous structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of fibrous elements having a basis weight of greater than 1g/m as measured by the basis weight test method described herein²And/or greater than 10g/m²And/or greater than 20g/m²And/or greater than 30g/m²And/or greater than 40g/m²And/or about 1g/m²To about 10000g/m²And/or about 10g/m²To about 5000g/m²And/or to about 3000g/m²And/or to about 2000g/m²And/or about 20g/m²To about 2000g/m²And/or about 30g/m²To about 1000g/m²And/or about 30g/m²To about 500g/m²And/or about 30g/m²To about 300g/m²And/or about 40g/m²To about 100g/m²And/or about 40g/m²To about 80g/m². In one example, the fibrous structure comprises two or more layers, wherein the fibrous elements are at about 1g/m²To about 500g/m²Is present in at least one of the layers.

As used herein, "additive" refers to any material present in the fibrous element of the present invention, not in the fibrous element-forming material. In one example, the additive comprises an active agent. In another example, the additive comprises a deterrent agent. In another example, the additive comprises a processing aid. In another example, the additive comprises a filler. In one example, the additive comprises any material present in the fibrous element, the absence of which in the fibrous element will not cause the fibrous element to lose its fibrous element structure, in other words, its absence will not cause the fibrous element to lose its solid form. In another example, the additive, such as an active agent, comprises a non-polymeric material.

In another example, the additive comprises a plasticizer for the fibrous element. Non-limiting examples of suitable plasticizers for the present invention include polyols, copolyols, polycarboxylic acids, polyesters, and dimethicone copolyols. Examples of useful polyols include, but are not limited to, glycerol, diglycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, cyclohexanedimethanol, hexylene glycol, 2, 4-trimethylpentane-1, 3-diol, polyethylene glycol (200-600), pentaerythritol, sugar alcohols (such as sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol), and other mono-and polyhydric low molecular weight alcohols (e.g., C2-C8 alcohols); monosaccharides, disaccharides, and oligosaccharides such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, high fructose corn syrup solids and dextrins, and ascorbic acid.

In one example, the plasticizer comprises glycerol and/or propylene glycol and/or a glycerol derivative such as propoxylated glycerol. In another example, the plasticizer is selected from: glycerol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycidol, urea, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, sugar, ethylene bisformamide, amino acids, sorbates, and mixtures thereof.

In another example, the additive comprises a crosslinking agent suitable for crosslinking one or more of the fibrous element-forming materials present in the fibrous element of the present invention. In one example, the crosslinking agent includes a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the hydroxyl polymers together (e.g., via the hydroxyl moieties of the hydroxyl polymers). Non-limiting examples of suitable crosslinking agents include imidazolinones, polycarboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof. In one example, the crosslinking agent includes a urea glyoxal adduct crosslinking agent, for example, a dihydroxy imidazolidinone such as dihydroxy ethylene urea ("DHEU"). A crosslinking agent may be present in the fibrous element-forming composition and/or fibrous element of the present invention to control the solubility of the fibrous element and/or dissolution in a solvent, such as a polar solvent.

In another example, the additive comprises a rheology modifier such as a shear modifier and/or an extension modifier. Non-limiting examples of rheology modifiers include, but are not limited to, polyacrylamides, polyurethanes, and polyacrylates useful in the fibrous elements of the present invention. Non-limiting examples of rheology modifiers are commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, MI).

In another example, the additive comprises one or more colorants and/or dyes incorporated into the fibrous element of the present invention to provide a visual signal when the fibrous element is exposed to conditions of intended use and/or when the active agent is released from the fibrous element and/or when the morphology of the fibrous element changes.

In another example, the additive comprises one or more release agents and/or lubricants. Non-limiting examples of suitable release agents and/or lubricants include fatty acids, fatty acid salts, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, sulfonated fatty acid esters, fatty amides of acetic acid, fatty acid amides, silicones, aminosilicones, fluoropolymers, and mixtures thereof. In one example, the debonding agent and/or lubricant is applied to the fibrous element, in other words, after the fibrous element is formed. In one example, one or more debonding/lubricating agents are applied to the fibrous element prior to collecting the fibrous element on the collection device to form the dissolvable fibrous structure. In another example, one or more debonding/lubricating agents are applied to the dissolvable fibrous structures formed from the fibrous elements of the present invention prior to contacting one or more dissolvable fibrous structures, such as in a stack of dissolvable fibrous structures. In another example, one or more debonding/lubricating agents are applied to the fibrous element of the present disclosure and/or the dissolvable fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element before the fibrous element and/or the dissolvable fibrous structure contacts a surface, such as a surface of an apparatus used in a processing system, to facilitate removal of the fibrous element and/or the dissolvable fibrous structure and/or to avoid the layers of the fibrous element and/or the dissolvable fibrous structure of the present disclosure from adhering to one another, even if inadvertently. In one example, the stripper/lubricant comprises particulates.

In another example, the additive comprises one or more antiblocking agents and/or antiblocking agents. Non-limiting examples of suitable antiblocking and/or antiblocking agents include starch, starch derivatives, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, metal oxides, calcium carbonate, talc, mica, and mixtures thereof.

As used herein, "intended use conditions" refer to the temperature, physical, chemical, and/or mechanical conditions to which the fibrous element of the present invention is exposed when it is used in one or more of its intended uses. For example, if the fibrous element and/or the soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element is designed for use in a laundry washing machine for laundry care purposes, the expected use conditions will include temperature conditions, chemical conditions, physical conditions and/or mechanical conditions present in the laundry washing machine during the laundry washing operation, including any wash water. In another example, if the fibrous elements and/or the soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous elements are designed for hair care purposes to be used by a human shampoo, the expected conditions of use will include temperature conditions, chemical conditions, physical conditions, and/or mechanical conditions present during the washing of human hair with the shampoo. Likewise, if the fibrous element and/or the soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element is designed for use in a dishwashing operation by hand washing or by a dishwashing machine, it is contemplated that the conditions of use will include temperature conditions, chemical conditions, physical conditions, and/or mechanical conditions present in the dishwashing water and/or the dishwashing machine during the dishwashing operation.

As used herein, "active agent" refers to an additive that produces a desired effect in the environment external to a fibrous element and/or a soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element of the present invention, such as when the fibrous element is exposed to conditions of intended use of the fibrous element and/or the soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element. In one example, the active agent comprises an additive that treats a surface such as a hard surface (i.e., countertop in a kitchen, bathtub, lavatory, toilet, sink, floor, wall, tooth, vehicle, window, mirror, dish) and/or a soft surface (i.e., fabric, hair, skin, carpet, crop, plant). In another example, the active agent comprises an additive that produces a chemical reaction (i.e., foaming, bubbling, coloring, warming, cooling, foaming, disinfecting, and/or clarifying and/or chlorinating, such as producing a chemical reaction in clarified and/or disinfected and/or chlorinated water). In another example, the active agent comprises an additive that treats the environment (i.e., deodorizes, purifies, scents the air). In one example, the active agent is formed in situ, e.g., during the formation of the fibrous element comprising the active agent, e.g., the fibrous element can comprise a water soluble polymer (e.g., starch) and a surfactant (e.g., anionic surfactant), which can create a polymer complex or aggregate that acts as an active agent for treating the surface of the fabric.

As used herein, "treating" with respect to treating a surface means that the active agent provides a benefit to the surface or environment. Treatments include conditioning and/or immediately improving the appearance, cleanliness, odor, purity, and/or feel of a surface or environment. Treatment in one example that relates to treating the surface of keratinous tissue (e.g., skin and/or hair) refers to regulating and/or immediately improving the cosmetic appearance and/or feel of the keratinous tissue. For example, "regulating skin, hair, or nail (keratinous tissue) condition" includes: thickening the skin, hair or nails (e.g., the epidermis and/or dermis and/or subcutaneous [ e.g., subcutaneous fat or muscle ] layers that make up the skin, and the stratum corneum of the applicable nails and hair shafts) to reduce atrophy of the skin, hair or nails; increase the curl of the dermal-epidermal border (also known as the limbus); preventing loss of skin or hair elasticity (loss, destruction and/or inactivation of functional skin elastin) recoil such as elastosis, sagging, skin loss or hair deformation; preventing melanin or non-melanin from changing the color of the skin, hair, or nails, such as under-eye bags, blotchiness (e.g., uneven redness caused by, for example, rosacea) (hereinafter referred to as "erythema"), sallowness (gray), discoloration caused by telangiectasia or spider vessels, and graying of hair.

In another example, treating refers to removing stains and/or odors from fabric articles such as clothes, towels, linens, and/or hard surfaces such as countertops and/or dishes, including pots and pans.

As used herein, "fabric care active" refers to an active that provides a benefit and/or improves fabric when applied to fabric. Non-limiting examples of benefits and/or improvements to fabrics include cleaning (e.g., by surfactants), stain removal, stain reduction, wrinkle removal, color restoration, static control, wrinkle resistance, durable press, wear reduction, abrasion protection, pilling/pill removal, anti-pilling/pill, soil removal, soil control (including soil release), shape retention, shrinkage reduction, softness, aroma, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-odor, and odor removal.

As used herein, "dishwashing active" refers to an active that provides benefits and/or improvements to dishes, glassware, plastic articles, cans, dishes, and/or cooking plates when applied to dishes, glassware, cans, dishes, utensils, and/or cooking plates. Non-limiting examples of benefits and/or improvements to dishes, glassware, plastic articles, pots, plates, utensils, and/or cooking plates include removing food and/or dirt, cleaning (e.g., by surfactant cleaning), stain removal, stain reduction, grease removal, water stain removal and/or water stain prevention, glass and metal care, sanitization, brightening, and polishing.

As used herein, "hard surfactant" refers to an active that provides a benefit and/or improvement to a floor, countertop, sink, window, mirror, shower, bath, and/or lavatory when applied to the floor, countertop, sink, window, mirror, shower, bath, and/or lavatory. Non-limiting examples of benefits and/or improvements to floors, countertops, sinks, windows, mirrors, showers, bathtubs, and/or toilets include removing food and/or dirt, cleaning (e.g., by surfactants), removing stains, reducing stains, removing grease, removing water stains and/or preventing water stains, removing scale, disinfecting, brightening, polishing, and freshening.

As used herein, "cosmetic benefit agent" refers to an agent capable of delivering one or more cosmetic benefits.

As used herein, "skin care active" refers to an active that provides a benefit or improves the skin when applied to the skin. It is understood that skin care actives are useful not only for application to the skin, but also to hair, scalp, nails, and other mammalian keratinous tissue.

As used herein, "hair care active" refers to an active that provides a benefit and/or improves hair when applied to mammalian hair. Non-limiting examples of benefits and/or improvements to hair include softness, static control, hair repair, dandruff removal, anti-dandruff, hair coloring, shape retention, hair retention, and hair growth.

As used herein, "weight ratio" refers to the ratio of the weight (g or%) of dry fibrous elements, e.g., filaments and/or dry fibrous element-forming material in a fibrous element, e.g., filament, on a dry weight basis to the weight (g or%) of additives, e.g., active agents, in a fibrous element, e.g., filament, on a dry weight basis.

As used herein, "hydroxyl polymer" includes any hydroxyl-containing polymer that can be incorporated into a fibrous element of the present invention, for example, as a fibrous element-forming material. In one example, the hydroxyl polymer of the present invention comprises greater than 10% and/or greater than 20% and/or greater than 25% by weight hydroxyl moieties.

As used herein, "biodegradable" with respect to a material such as the entirety of a fibrous element and/or a polymer within a fibrous element such as a fibrous element-forming material means that the fibrous element and/or polymer is capable of physical, chemical, thermal, and/or biological degradation occurring and/or does occur in a municipal solid waste composting plant such thatAt least 5% and/or at least 7% and/or at least 10% of the original fibrous elements and/or polymers are converted to carbon dioxide after 30 days according to OECD (1992) guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals 301B; ready Biodegradability-CO₂Evolution (Modified Sturm Test) Test measurement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein, "non-biodegradable" with respect to materials such as the entirety of a fibrous element and/or polymers within a fibrous element such as a fibrous element-forming material means that the fibrous element and/or polymers are not capable of physical, chemical, thermal and/or biological degradation in a municipal solid waste composting plant such that at least 5% of the original fibrous element and/or polymers are converted to carbon dioxide after 30 days, according to OECD (1992) guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals 301B; ready Biodegradability-CO₂Evolution (Modified Sturm Test) Test measurement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein, "non-thermoplastic" with respect to a material such as the entirety of a fibrous element and/or a polymer within a fibrous element such as a fibrous element-forming material means that the fibrous element and/or polymer exhibits no melting and/or softening point, which allows it to flow under pressure in the absence of plasticizers such as water, glycerin, sorbitol, urea, and the like.

As used herein, "non-thermoplastic, biodegradable fibrous element" refers to a fibrous element that exhibits biodegradable and non-thermoplastic properties as defined above.

As used herein, "non-thermoplastic, non-biodegradable fibrous element" refers to a fibrous element that exhibits non-biodegradable and non-thermoplastic properties as defined above.

As used herein, "thermoplastic" with respect to a material, such as the entirety of a fibrous element, and/or a polymer within a fibrous element, such as a fibrous element-forming material, means that the fibrous element and/or polymer exhibits a melting point and/or softening point at a temperature that allows it to flow under pressure in the absence of a plasticizer.

As used herein, "thermoplastic, biodegradable fibrous element" refers to a fibrous element that exhibits the biodegradable and thermoplastic properties as defined above.

As used herein, "thermoplastic, non-biodegradable fibrous element" refers to a fibrous element that exhibits non-biodegradable and thermoplastic properties as defined above.

As used herein, "cellulose-free" means that less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% and/or less than 0.1% and/or 0% by weight of cellulose polymer, cellulose derivative polymer and/or cellulose copolymer is present in the fibrous element. In one example, "cellulose-free" means that less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% and/or less than 0.1% and/or 0% by weight of cellulosic polymer is present in the fibrous element.

As used herein, "polar solvent soluble material" refers to a material that is miscible in a polar solvent. In one example, the polar solvent soluble material is miscible in alcohol and/or water. In other words, a polar solvent soluble material is a material that is capable of forming a stable (no phase separation occurs after more than 5 minutes of forming a homogeneous solution) homogeneous solution with a polar solvent such as alcohol and/or water under ambient conditions.

As used herein, "alcohol-soluble material" refers to a material that is miscible in an alcohol. In other words, it is a material that is capable of forming a stable (no phase separation occurs after more than 5 minutes of forming a homogeneous solution) homogeneous solution with alcohol under ambient conditions.

As used herein, "water-soluble material" refers to a material that is miscible in water. In other words, it is a material that is capable of forming a stable (no separation occurs more than 5 minutes after forming a homogeneous solution) homogeneous solution with water under ambient conditions.

As used herein, "non-polar solvent soluble material" refers to a material that is miscible in a non-polar solvent. In other words, a material that is soluble in a non-polar solvent is a material that is capable of forming a stable (no phase separation occurs after more than 5 minutes from forming a homogeneous solution) homogeneous solution with the non-polar solvent.

As used herein, "ambient conditions" refers to 73 ℉. + -4 deg.F (about 23 deg.C. + -2.2 deg.C.) and 50% + -10% relative humidity.

As used herein, "weight average molecular weight" refers to the weight average molecular weight as determined using the weight average molecular weight test method described herein.

As used herein, "length" with respect to a fibrous element refers to the length along the longest axis of the fibrous element from one end to the other. The length is the length along the complete path of the fiber element if there is a knot, crimp or bend in the fiber element.

As used herein, with respect to a fibrous element, "diameter" is measured according to the diameter test method described herein. In one example, the fibrous element of the present invention exhibits a diameter of less than 100 μm and/or less than 75 μm and/or less than 50 μm and/or less than 25 μm and/or less than 20 μm and/or less than 15 μm and/or less than 10 μm and/or less than 6 μm and/or more than 1 μm and/or more than 3 μm.

As used herein, "trigger condition" refers in one example to any action or event for stimulating or initiating or causing a change in a fibrous element, such as loss or alteration of the physical structure of the fibrous element and/or release of an additive such as an active agent. In another example, when the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure and/or film of the present invention is added to water, a triggering condition may exist in the environment, such as water. In other words, there is no change in water other than the fact that the fibrous element and/or the soluble fibrous structure and/or the membrane of the present invention is added to water.

As used herein, with respect to a morphological change of a fibrous element, "morphological change" means that the fibrous element undergoes a change in its physical structure. Non-limiting examples of morphological changes of the fibrous elements of the present invention include dissolving, melting, swelling, wrinkling, breaking into segments, expanding, lengthening, shortening, and combinations thereof. When a fibrous element of the present invention is exposed to conditions of intended use, it may lose its fibrous element physical structure completely or substantially or may change its morphology or it may retain or substantially retain its fibrous element physical structure.

"by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or by weight on a dry soluble fibrous structure" means the weight of the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure measured immediately after conditioning the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure in a conditioning chamber for 2 hours at a temperature of 23 ℃ ± 1 ℃ and a relative humidity of 50% ± 2%. In one example, "based on dry fibrous element weight and/or based on dry soluble fibrous structure weight" means that the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure comprises less than 20% and/or less than 15% and/or less than 10% and/or less than 7% and/or less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or to 0% and/or to greater than 0% moisture, such as water, e.g., free water, based on the weight of the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure, as measured according to the moisture content test method described herein.

As used herein, the amount of active agent present in the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure, e.g., relative to the total amount of active agent or agents present in the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure, "Total content" refers to the sum of the weights or weight percentages of all subject materials, e.g., active agents. In other words, the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure may comprise 25% anionic surfactant by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, 15% nonionic surfactant by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, 10% chelant by weight, and 5% perfume, such that the total level of active present in the fibrous element is greater than 50%; i.e., 55% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry dissolvable fibrous structure.

As used herein, "detergent product" refers to a solid form, e.g., a rectangular solid, sometimes referred to as a tablet, comprising one or more actives, e.g., fabric care actives, dishwashing actives, hard surfactants, and mixtures thereof. In one example, the detergent product of the present invention comprises one or more surfactants, one or more enzymes, one or more perfumes and/or one or more suds suppressors. In another example, the detergent product of the present invention comprises a builder and/or a chelant. In another example, the detergent product of the present invention comprises a bleaching agent.

In one example, the detergent product comprises a fibrous structure, for example a soluble fibrous structure.

As used herein, "and 8230; \ 8230"; different "or" different "with respect to a material, such as a fibrous element throughout and/or a fibrous element-forming material within a fibrous element, and/or an active agent within a fibrous element, means that one material, such as a fibrous element and/or a fibrous element-forming material, and/or an active agent, is chemically, physically, and/or structurally different from another material, such as a fibrous element and/or a fibrous element-forming material, and/or an active agent. For example, the fibrous element-forming material in the form of filaments is different from the same fibrous element-forming material in the form of fibers. Also, starch is different from cellulose. However, for the purposes of the present invention, the same materials of different molecular weights, such as starches of different molecular weights, are not different materials from each other.

As used herein, "random mixture of polymers" refers to the random combination of two or more different fibrous element-forming materials to form a fibrous element. Thus, for the purposes of the present invention, two or more different fiber element-forming materials that are sequentially combined to form a fiber element, such as a coresheath bicomponent fiber element, are not random mixtures of different fiber element-forming materials.

As used herein, with respect to fibrous elements and/or particles, "Association", "Associated", "Association", and/or "Associating" means that the fibrous elements and/or particles are in direct contact and/or indirect contact to combine such that a fibrous structure is formed. In one example, the associated fibrous elements and/or particles may be bonded together, for example, by an adhesive and/or thermal bonding. In another example, the fibrous elements and/or particles may be associated with each other by deposition onto the same fibrous structure preparation belt and/or patterned belt.

As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" when used herein, e.g., "an anionic surfactant" or "a fiber" are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

All percentages and ratios are by weight unless otherwise indicated. All percentages and ratios are calculated based on the total composition, unless otherwise indicated.

Unless otherwise indicated, all component or composition levels are in reference to the active level of that component or composition, and are exclusive of impurities, such as residual solvents or by-products, which may be present in commercially available sources.

Fiber structure

The fibrous structures, e.g., soluble fibrous structures, of the present invention comprise a plurality of fibrous elements, e.g., a plurality of filaments, one or more active agents and one or more deterrent agents. In one example, a plurality of fibrous elements are intertwined with one another to form a fibrous structure, such as a dissolvable fibrous structure.

In one example of the present invention, the fibrous structure is a soluble fibrous structure.

In one example of the present invention, the soluble fibrous structure is a water-soluble fibrous structure.

In another example of the present invention, the fibrous structure is an open-celled fibrous structure. In one example, the fibrous structure is a water-soluble fibrous structure comprising a plurality of open pores. The apertures may be arranged in a non-random repeating pattern within the fibrous structure of the present invention.

When present in the fibrous structure, the apertures can have virtually any shape and size. In one example, the apertures are generally circular or oval in a regular pattern of spaced apart openings. The apertures may each have a diameter of about 0.1mm to about 2mm and/or about 0.5mm to about 1 mm. The apertures may form about 0.5% to about 25% and/or about 1% to about 20% and/or about 2% to about 10% open area within the apertured water-soluble fibrous structure. It is believed that the benefits of the present invention can be achieved by non-repeating and/or irregular patterns of openings having various shapes and sizes. The aperturing of the fibrous structure, e.g., water-soluble fibrous structure, can be accomplished by a variety of techniques. For example, the apertures may be achieved by a variety of methods, including bonding and stretching, such as those described in U.S. Pat. nos. 3,949,127 and 5,873,868. In one embodiment, the apertures may be formed by forming a plurality of spaced apart melt stabilized regions, and then ring rolling the fibrous structure to draw the fibrous structure and form the apertures in the melt stabilized regions, as described in U.S. Pat. nos. 5,628,097 and 5,916,661, both incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, the apertures may be formed in a multi-ply fibrous structure configuration by the methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,830,800 and 6,863,960, which are hereby incorporated by reference. Another Method For aperturing Fibrous structures is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,241,543, entitled "Method And Apparatus For Making An And Apertured fiber structure," which is incorporated herein by reference.

In one example, a fibrous structure, such as a soluble fibrous structure, comprises a plurality of compositionally identical or substantially identical fibrous elements according to the present invention. In another example, a fibrous structure, such as a soluble fibrous structure, may comprise two or more different fibrous elements according to the present invention. Non-limiting examples of differences in the fibrous elements may be physical differences such as differences in diameter, length, texture, shape, stiffness, elasticity, etc.; chemical differences such as level of crosslinking, solubility, melting point, tg, active agent, fibrous element-forming material, color, active agent content, basis weight, fibrous element-forming material content, presence of any coating on the fibrous element, biodegradability, hydrophobicity, contact angle, and the like; whether the fibrous element loses its difference in physical structure when exposed to conditions of intended use; a difference in whether the morphology of the fibrous element changes when the fibrous element is exposed to conditions of intended use; and a difference in the rate at which the fibrous element releases one or more of its active agents when exposed to conditions of intended use. In one example, two or more fibrous elements and/or particles within the soluble fibrous structure can comprise different active agents. This may be the case where different actives may be incompatible with each other, for example anionic surfactants (such as shampoo actives) and cationic surfactants (such as hair conditioner actives).

In another example, a fibrous structure, e.g., a soluble fibrous structure, may exhibit different regions, such as regions of different basis weights, densities, and/or thicknesses. In another example, a fibrous structure, such as a soluble fibrous structure, may comprise a texture on one or more surfaces thereof. The surface of a fibrous structure, e.g., a soluble fibrous structure, can comprise a pattern, such as a non-random repeating pattern. Fibrous structures, such as soluble fibrous structures, may be embossed with an embossing pattern.

In one example, the fibrous structure may comprise discrete regions of fibrous elements that are distinct from other portions of the soluble fibrous structure. Non-limiting examples of different regions within a fibrous structure are described in U.S. published patent applications 2013/0171421 and 2013/0167305, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The fibrous structures of the present invention can comprise a plurality of particles, such as particles comprising an active agent, particles comprising a deterrent agent, and particles comprising an active agent and a deterrent agent. Non-limiting examples of fibrous structures comprising particles with an active agent are described in U.S. published patent application 2013/0172226, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The fibrous structures of the present invention may be used as is or may be coated with one or more active agents and/or one or more deterrent agents.

In one example, the fibrous structure of the present invention exhibits a thickness of greater than 0.01mm and/or greater than 0.05mm and/or greater than 0.1mm and/or to about 100mm and/or to about 50mm and/or to about 20mm and/or to about 10mm and/or to about 5mm and/or to about 2mm and/or to about 0.5mm and/or to about 0.3mm as measured according to the thickness test method described herein.

In another example, the fibrous structures of the present invention exhibit a Geometric Mean (GM) tensile strength of about 200g/cm or greater, and/or about 500g/cm or greater, and/or about 1000g/cm or greater, and/or about 1500g/cm or greater, and/or about 2000g/cm or greater and/or less than 5000g/cm and/or less than 4000g/cm and/or less than 3000g/cm and/or less than 2500g/cm, as measured according to the tensile test method described herein.

In another example, the fibrous structure of the present invention exhibits a Geometric Mean (GM) peak elongation of less than 1000% and/or less than 800% and/or less than 650% and/or less than 550% and/or less than 500% and/or less than 250% and/or less than 100% as measured according to the tensile test method described herein.

In another example, the fibrous structure of the present invention exhibits a Geometric Mean (GM) tangent modulus of less than 5000g/cm and/or less than 3000g/cm and/or greater than 100g/cm and/or greater than 500g/cm and/or greater than 1000g/cm and/or greater than 1500g/cm as measured according to the tensile test method described herein.

In another example, the fibrous structure of the present invention exhibits a Geometric Mean (GM) secant modulus of less than 5000g/cm and/or less than 3000g/cm and/or less than 2500g/cm and/or less than 2000g/cm and/or less than 1500g/cm and/or greater than 100g/cm and/or greater than 300g/cm and/or greater than 500g/cm as measured according to the tensile test method described herein.

One or more, and/or more, of the fibrous elements of the present invention can be formed into a fibrous structure by any suitable method known in the art. Fibrous structures may be used to deliver active agents from the fibrous elements of the present invention when the fibrous structure is exposed to the fibrous element and/or the conditions of intended use of the fibrous structure.

The fibrous structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of compositionally identical or substantially identical fibrous elements according to the present invention. In another example, the fibrous structure may comprise two or more different fibrous elements according to the present invention. Non-limiting examples of differences in the fibrous elements may be physical differences such as differences in diameter, length, texture, shape, rigidity, elasticity, and the like; chemical differences such as level of crosslinking, solubility, melting point, tg, active agent, fibrous element-forming material, color, active agent content, fibrous element-forming material content, presence of any coating on the fibrous element, whether biodegradable, whether hydrophobic, contact angle, and the like; whether the fibrous element loses its difference in physical structure when exposed to conditions of intended use; a difference in whether the morphology of the fibrous element changes when the fibrous element is exposed to conditions of intended use; and a difference in the rate at which the fibrous element releases one or more of its active agents when exposed to conditions of intended use. In one example, two or more fibrous elements within a soluble fibrous structure may comprise the same fibrous element-forming material, but with different active agents. This may be a situation where different actives may not be compatible with each other, for example anionic surfactants (such as shampoo actives) and cationic surfactants (such as hair conditioner actives).

As shown in fig. 2, the fibrous structure 14 of the present invention may comprise two or more distinct layers 16,18 (in the Z-direction of the dissolvable fibrous structure 14) of fibrous elements 10 (e.g., filaments) of the present invention forming the fibrous structure 14. The fibrous elements 10 in layer 16 may be the same as or different from the fibrous elements 10 in layer 18. Each

layer

16,18 may comprise a plurality of identical or substantially identical or different fibrous elements 10. For example, a fibrous element 10 that can release its active agent at a faster rate than other fibrous elements within the fibrous structure 14 may be positioned at an outer surface of the fibrous structure 14. In addition to the fibrous elements 10, one or more of the layers may also contain one or more particles (not shown), such as particles containing an active agent and/or particles containing a deterrent agent, dispersed in the

layers

16,18 and/or dispersed in the fibrous structure 14. Additionally and/or alternatively, one or more surfaces of the fibrous structure may comprise one or more active agents and/or one or more deterrent agents.

Non-limiting examples of uses of the fibrous structures of the present invention include, but are not limited to, laundry dryer substrates, washing machine substrates, towels, hard surface cleaning and/or polishing substrates, floor cleaning and/or polishing substrates, as a battery component, baby wipes, adult wipes, feminine hygiene wipes, toilet paper wipes, window cleaning substrates, oil inhibitor and/or oil scavenger substrates, insect repellent substrates, swimming pool chemical substrates, food products, breath fresheners, deodorants, garbage disposal bags, packaging films and/or wraps, wound dressings, drug delivery, building insulation, crop and/or plant coverings and/or placements, glue substrates, skin care substrates, hair care substrates, air care substrates, water treatment substrates and/or filters, toilet bowl cleaning substrates, candy substrates, pet food, livestock placements, tooth whitening substrates, carpet cleaning substrates, and other suitable uses of the active agents of the present invention.

The soluble fibrous structures of the present invention can exhibit an average disintegration time of about 60 seconds(s) or less, and/or about 30s or less, and/or about 10s or less, and/or about 5s or less, and/or about 2.0s or less, and/or about 1.5s or less, as measured according to the dissolution test method described herein.

The soluble fibrous structures of the present invention can exhibit an average dissolution time of about 600 seconds(s) or less, and/or about 400s or less, and/or about 300s or less, and/or about 200s or less, and/or about 175s or less, and/or about 100s or less, and/or about 50s or less, and/or greater than 1s, as measured according to the dissolution test method described herein.

The soluble fibrous structures of the present invention can exhibit an average disintegration time per gsm sample of about 1.0 seconds per gsm (s/gsm) or less, and/or about 0.5s/gsm or less, and/or about 0.2s/gsm or less, and/or about 0.1s/gsm or less, and/or about 0.05s/gsm or less, and/or about 0.03s/gsm or less, as measured according to the dissolution test method described herein.

The soluble fibrous structures of the present invention having such fibrous elements may exhibit an average dissolution time per gsm sample of about 10 seconds per gsm (s/gsm) or less, and/or about 5.0s/gsm or less, and/or about 3.0s/gsm or less, and/or about 2.0s/gsm or less, and/or about 1.8s/gsm or less, and/or about 1.5s/gsm or less, as measured according to the dissolution test method described herein.

In one example, the soluble fibrous structures of the present invention exhibit a thickness of greater than 0.01mm and/or greater than 0.05mm and/or greater than 0.1mm and/or to about 20mm and/or to about 10mm and/or to about 5mm and/or to about 2mm and/or to about 0.5mm and/or to about 0.3mm as measured according to the thickness test method described herein.

In certain embodiments, suitable fibrous structures may have a water content (% moisture) of from 0% to about 20% as measured according to the water content test method described herein; in certain embodiments, the fibrous structure may have a water content of from about 1% to about 15%; and in certain embodiments, the fibrous structure may have a water content of from about 5% to about 10%.

Fiber element

The fibrous elements, such as filaments and/or fibers, of the present invention comprise one or more fibrous element-forming materials. In addition to the fibrous element-forming material, the fibrous element may further comprise one or more active agents present within the fibrous element, such as may be released from the fibrous element, e.g., a filament, when the fibrous element and/or a dissolvable fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element is exposed to conditions of intended use. In one example, the total content of the one or more fibrous element-forming materials present in the fibrous element is less than 80% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, and the total content of the one or more active agents present in the fibrous element is greater than 20% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure.

In one example, the fibrous element of the present invention comprises about 100% and/or greater than 95% and/or greater than 90% and/or greater than 85% and/or greater than 75% and/or greater than 50% of one or more fibrous element-forming materials, based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry dissolvable fibrous structure. For example, the fibrous element-forming material can comprise polyvinyl alcohol, starch, modified starches such as propoxylated and/or ethoxylated starches, modified celluloses such as carboxymethyl cellulose and/or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and other suitable polymers, particularly hydroxyl polymers.

In another example, the fibrous element of the present invention comprises one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more active agents, wherein the fibrous element-forming materials are present in the fibrous element at a total content of from about 5% to less than 80% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure and the active agents are present in the fibrous element at a total content of from greater than 20% to about 95% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure.

In one example, the fibrous element of the present invention comprises at least 10% and/or at least 15% and/or at least 20% and/or less than 80% and/or less than 75% and/or less than 65% and/or less than 60% and/or less than 55% and/or less than 50% and/or less than 45% and/or less than 40% of a fibrous element-forming material, based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, and greater than 20% and/or at least 35% and/or at least 40% and/or at least 45% and/or at least 50% and/or at least 60% and/or less than 95% and/or less than 90% and/or less than 85% and/or less than 80% and/or less than 75% of an active agent, based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure.

In one example, the fibrous element of the present invention comprises at least 5% and/or at least 10% and/or at least 15% and/or at least 20% and/or less than 50% and/or less than 45% and/or less than 40% and/or less than 35% and/or less than 30% and/or less than 25% of a fibrous element-forming material, based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or the dry soluble fibrous structure, and greater than 50% and/or at least 55% and/or at least 60% and/or at least 65% and/or at least 70% and/or less than 95% and/or less than 90% and/or less than 85% and/or less than 80% and/or less than 75% of an active agent, based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or the dry soluble fibrous structure. In one example, the fibrous element of the present invention comprises greater than 80% active agent by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure.

In another example, the one or more fibrous element-forming materials and the active agent are present in the fibrous element in a ratio of the total content of fibrous element-forming materials to the weight of the active agent of 4.0 or less and/or 3.5 or less and/or 3.0 or less and/or 2.5 or less and/or 2.0 or less and/or 1.85 or less and/or less than 1.7 and/or less than 1.6 and/or less than 1.5 and/or less than 1.3 and/or less than 1.2 and/or less than 1 and/or less than 0.7 and/or less than 0.5 and/or less than 0.4 and/or less than 0.3 and/or greater than 0.1 and/or greater than 0.15 and/or greater than 0.2.

In another example, the fibrous element of the present invention comprises from about 10% and/or from about 15% to less than 80% fibrous element-forming material, such as a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, a starch polymer, and/or a carboxymethyl cellulose polymer, by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, and from greater than 20% to about 90% and/or to about 85% active agent, by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure. The fibrous element may also comprise a plasticizer such as glycerin and/or a pH adjusting agent such as citric acid.

In another example, the fibrous element of the present invention comprises from about 10% and/or from about 15% to less than 80% fibrous element-forming material, such as a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, a starch polymer, and/or a carboxymethyl cellulose polymer, by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, and from greater than 20% to about 90% and/or to about 85% active agent by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, wherein the weight ratio of fibrous element-forming material to active agent is 4.0 or less. The fibrous element may also comprise a plasticizer such as glycerin and/or a pH adjusting agent such as citric acid.

In even another example of the present invention, the fibrous element comprises one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more active agents that are releasable and/or released when the fibrous element and/or a dissolvable fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element is exposed to conditions of intended use, the active agent being selected from the group consisting of: enzymes, bleaches, builders, chelating agents, sensates, dispersants, and mixtures thereof. In one example, the fibrous element comprises a fibrous element-forming material having a total content of less than 95% and/or less than 90% and/or less than 80% and/or less than 50% and/or less than 35% and/or to about 5% and/or to about 10% and/or to about 20% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, and an active agent selected from the group consisting of enzymes, bleaches, builders, chelants, perfumes, antimicrobial agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, and mixtures thereof, at a total content of greater than 5% and/or greater than 10% and/or greater than 20% and/or greater than 35% and/or greater than 50% and/or greater than 65% and/or to about 95% and/or to about 90% and/or to about 80% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure. In one example, the active agent comprises one or more enzymes. In another example, the active agent comprises one or more bleaching agents. In another example, the active agent comprises one or more builders. In another example, the active agent comprises one or more chelating agents. In another example, the active agent comprises one or more fragrances. In even another example, the active agent comprises one or more antimicrobial, antibacterial, and/or antifungal agents.

In another example of the present invention, the fibrous elements of the present invention may contain active agents that may create health and/or safety issues if they become airborne. For example, the fibrous element may be used to inhibit enzymes within the fibrous element from becoming airborne.

In one example, the fibrous element of the present invention may be a meltblown fibrous element. In another example, the fibrous element of the present invention can be a spunbond fibrous element. In another example, the fibrous element can be a hollow fibrous element before and/or after release of one or more of its active agents.

The fibrous elements of the present invention may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The fibrous elements may be surface treated and/or internally treated to alter the inherent hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties of the fibrous elements.

In one example, the fibrous element exhibits a diameter of less than 100 μm and/or less than 75 μm and/or less than 50 μm and/or less than 25 μm and/or less than 10 μm and/or less than 5 μm and/or less than 1 μm as measured according to the diameter test method described herein. In another example, the fibrous element of the present invention exhibits a diameter of greater than 1 μm as measured according to the diameter test method described herein. The diameter of the fibrous element of the present invention can be used to control the release rate and/or loss rate of one or more active agents present in the fibrous element and/or to alter the physical structure of the fibrous element.

The fibrous element may comprise two or more different active agents. In one example, the fibrous element comprises two or more different active agents, wherein the two or more different active agents are compatible with each other. In another example, the fibrous element comprises two or more different active agents, wherein the two or more different active agents are incompatible with each other.

In one example, the fibrous element can comprise an active agent within the fibrous element and an active agent on an outer surface of the fibrous element, such as an active agent coating on the fibrous element. The active agent on the outer surface of the fibrous element may be the same as or different from the active agent present in the fibrous element. If different, the active agents may or may not be compatible with each other.

In one example, the one or more active agents may be uniformly distributed or substantially uniformly distributed throughout the fibrous element. In another example, one or more active agents may be distributed as discrete regions within the fibrous element. In another example, at least one active agent is uniformly or substantially uniformly distributed throughout the fibrous element, and at least one other active agent is distributed as one or more discrete regions within the fibrous element. In another example, at least one active agent is distributed as one or more discrete regions within the fibrous element and at least one other active agent is distributed as one or more discrete regions different from the first discrete region within the fibrous element.

The fibrous structures and/or products of the present invention may further comprise graphics or indicia that communicate and/or convey to a user or viewer of the fibrous structure and/or product that the fibrous structure and/or product comprises one or more deterrent agents. While it is important for the fibrous structure and/or product to simply include one or more deterrent agents, the transmission of a visual signal that the presence of and/or pre-association of one or more deterrent agents may help further serve the purpose of mitigating the risk of accidental ingestion by a person. Alternatively, the graphic or indicia itself may include both the visual signal graphic and the one or more deterrent agents. Other non-limiting examples of fibrous structures and/or products that include graphics and/or indicia can be found in U.S. patent application 14/558,829, 2014, filed 12-3-months, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The term "graphic" or "indicia" refers to an image or design made up of figures (e.g., lines), symbols or characters, single color symbols or characters, color differences or transitions of at least two colors, multiple color symbols or characters, and the like. Graphics may include aesthetic images or designs that may provide certain benefits when viewed. The graphic may be in the form of a photographic image. The graphic may also be in the form of a 1-dimensional (1-D) or 2-dimensional (2-D) barcode or a Quick Response (QR) barcode. The pattern design is determined by the following factors: for example, one or more colors used in the graphic (single solid ink or spot colors and toned process colors), the size of the entire graphic (or graphic assembly), the position of the graphic (or graphic assembly), the motion of the graphic (or graphic assembly), the geometry of the graphic (or graphic assembly), the number of colors in the graphic, variations in the combination of colors in the graphic, the number of graphics printed, the disappearance of one or more colors in the graphic, and the text message content in the graphic.

Fibrous element forming material

The fibrous element-forming material is any suitable material, such as a polymer or a monomer capable of producing a polymer that exhibits properties suitable for use in making the fibrous element, such as by a spinning process.

In one example, the fibrous element-forming material can comprise a polar solvent-soluble material, such as an alcohol-soluble material and/or a water-soluble material.

In another example, the fibrous element-forming material may comprise a non-polar solvent soluble material.

In another example, the filament-forming material may comprise polar solvent soluble material and be free (less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% and/or 0% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure) of non-polar solvent soluble material.

In another example, the fibrous element-forming material may be a film-forming material. In another example, the fibrous element-forming material may be of synthetic or natural origin, and it may be chemically, enzymatically, and/or physically modified.

In even another example of the present invention, the fibrous element-forming material may comprise a polymer selected from the group consisting of: polymers derived from acrylic monomers such as ethylenically unsaturated carboxyl monomers and ethylenically unsaturated monomers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, copolymers of acrylic acid and methyl acrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxides, starch and starch derivatives, pullulan, gelatin, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose.

In another example, the fibrous element-forming material may comprise a polymer selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol derivatives, starch derivatives, cellulose derivatives, hemicellulose derivatives, proteins, sodium alginate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, chitosan derivatives, polyethylene glycol, tetramethylene ether glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

In another example, the fibrous element-forming material comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of: pullulan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, dextrin, pectin, chitin, levan, elsinan, collagen, gelatin, zein, gluten, soy protein, casein, polyvinyl alcohol, starch derivatives, hemicellulose derivatives, proteins, chitosan derivatives, polyethylene glycol, tetramethylene ether glycol, hydroxymethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

Polar solvent soluble materials

Non-limiting examples of polar solvent soluble materials include polar solvent soluble polymers. The polar solvent soluble polymer may be of synthetic or natural origin and may be chemically and/or physically modified. In one example, the polar solvent soluble polymer exhibits a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000g/mol and/or at least 20,000g/mol and/or at least 40,000g/mol and/or at least 80,000g/mol and/or at least 100,000g/mol and/or at least 1,000,000g/mol and/or at least 3,000,000g/mol and/or at least 10,000,000g/mol and/or at least 20,000,000g/mol and/or to about 40,000,000g/mol and/or to about 30,000,000g/mol.

In one example, the polar solvent soluble polymer is selected from: alcohol soluble polymers, water soluble polymers, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of water-soluble polymers include water-soluble hydroxyl polymers, water-soluble thermoplastic polymers, water-soluble biodegradable polymers, water-soluble non-biodegradable polymers, and mixtures thereof. In one example, the water-soluble polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol. In another example, the water-soluble polymer comprises starch. In another example, the water-soluble polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol and starch.

a. Water-soluble hydroxyl polymerNon-limiting examples of water-soluble hydroxyl polymers according to the invention include polyols such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, starch derivatives, starch copolymers, chitosan derivatives, chitosan copolymers, cellulose derivatives such as cellulose ether and cellulose ester derivatives, cellulose copolymers, hemicelluloses, hemicellulose derivatives, hemicellulose copolymers, gums, arabinans, galactans, proteins and various other polysaccharides and mixtures thereof.

In one example, the water-soluble hydroxyl polymer of the present invention comprises a polysaccharide.

As used herein, "polysaccharide" refers to natural polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives and/or modified polysaccharides. Suitable water-soluble polysaccharides include, but are not limited to, starch derivatives, chitosan derivatives, cellulose derivatives, hemicellulose derivatives, gums, arabinans, galactans, and mixtures thereof. The water-soluble polysaccharide may exhibit a weight average molecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 40,000,000g/mol and/or greater than 100,000g/mol and/or greater than 1,000,000g/mol and/or greater than 3,000,000g/mol and/or greater than 3,000,000 to about 40,000,000g/mol.

The water-soluble polysaccharide may comprise a non-cellulosic and/or non-cellulosic derivative and/or non-cellulosic copolymer water-soluble polysaccharide. Such non-cellulosic water-soluble polysaccharides may be selected from: starch, starch derivatives, chitosan derivatives, hemicellulose derivatives, gums, arabinans, galactans and mixtures thereof.

In another example, the water-soluble hydroxyl polymer of the present invention comprises a non-thermoplastic polymer.

The water soluble hydroxyl polymer can have a weight average molecular weight of from about 10,000g/mol to about 40,000,000g/mol, and/or greater than 100,000g/mol, and/or greater than 1,000,000g/mol, and/or greater than 3,000,000g/mol to about 40,000,000g/mol. Higher and lower molecular weight water-soluble hydroxyl polymers can be used in combination with a hydroxyl polymer having some desired weight average molecular weight.

Well known modifications of water soluble hydroxyl polymers such as native starch include chemical and/or enzymatic modifications. For example, native starch may be acid hydrolyzed, hydroxyethylated, hydroxypropylated, and/or oxidized. In addition, the water-soluble hydroxyl polymer may comprise dent corn starch.

Naturally occurring starches are generally mixtures of amylose and amylopectin polymers of D-glucose units. Amylose is essentially a linear polymer of D-glucose units linked by (1, 4) - α -D bonds. Amylopectin is a highly branched polymer of D-glucose units linked at the branching point by a (1, 4) - α -D bond and a (1, 6) - α -D bond. Naturally occurring starches typically contain relatively high amounts of amylopectin, such as corn starch (64% -80% amylopectin), waxy corn (93% -100% amylopectin), rice (83% -84% amylopectin), potato (about 78% amylopectin), and wheat (73% -83% amylopectin). While all starches are potentially useful herein, the most common of the present invention is high amylopectin native starch, which is derived from agricultural sources, which has the advantages of being in abundant supply, easily replenishable, and inexpensive.

As used herein, "starch" includes any naturally occurring unmodified starch, modified starch, synthetic starch, and mixtures thereof, as well as mixtures of amylose or amylopectin fractions; the starch may be modified by physical, chemical, or biological methods, or a combination thereof. The choice of unmodified or modified starch in the present invention may depend on the desired end product. In one embodiment of the invention, the starch or starch mixture useful in the present invention has an amylopectin content of from about 20% to about 100%, more typically from about 40% to about 90%, even more typically from about 60% to about 85%, by weight of the starch or mixture thereof.

Suitable naturally occurring starches can include, but are not limited to, corn starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, wheat starch, sago palm starch, tapioca starch, rice starch, soybean starch, arrowroot starch, amylopectin (amioca starch), fern starch, lotus root starch, waxy corn starch, and high amylose corn starch. Naturally occurring starches, especially corn starch and wheat starch, are preferred starch polymers because of their economy and availability.

The polyvinyl alcohols herein may be grafted with other monomers to alter their properties. A number of monomers have been successfully grafted onto polyvinyl alcohol. Non-limiting examples of such monomers include vinyl acetate, styrene, acrylamide, acrylic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, 1, 3-butadiene, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, sodium vinyl sulfonate, sodium allyl sulfonate, sodium methallyl sulfonate, sodium phenyl allyl ether sulfonate, sodium phenyl methallyl ether sulfonate, 2-acrylamide-methylpropanesulfonic Acid (AMP), vinylidene chloride, vinyl amine, and various acrylates.

In one example, the water-soluble hydroxyl polymer is selected from: polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable polyvinyl alcohols include those available under the trade name Sekisui Specialty Chemicals America, LLC (Dallas, TX)

Those commercially available. Non-limiting examples of suitable hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses include those available under the trade name Dow Chemical Company (Midland, mich.) from Dow Chemical Company

Those commercially available, including combinations with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose mentioned above.

b. Water soluble thermoplastic polymersNon-limiting examples of suitable water-soluble thermoplastic polymers include thermoplastic starch and/or starch derivatives, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactones, polyesteramides and certain polyesters, and mixtures thereof.

The water-soluble thermoplastic polymers of the present invention may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The water-soluble thermoplastic polymer may be surface treated and/or internally treated to alter the inherent hydrophilic or hydrophobic character of the thermoplastic polymer.

The water soluble thermoplastic polymer may comprise a biodegradable polymer.

Any suitable weight average molecular weight of the thermoplastic polymer can be used. For example, thermoplastic polymers according to the present invention have a weight average molecular weight greater than about 10,000g/mol and/or greater than about 40,000g/mol and/or greater than about 50,000g/mol and/or less than about 500,000g/mol and/or less than about 400,000g/mol and/or less than about 200,000g/mol.

Non-polar solvent soluble materials

Non-limiting examples of non-polar solvent soluble materials include non-polar solvent soluble polymers. Non-limiting examples of suitable non-polar solvent soluble materials include cellulose, chitin derivatives, polyolefins, polyesters, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of polyolefins include polypropylene, polyethylene, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of polyesters include polyethylene terephthalate.

The non-polar solvent soluble material may comprise non-biodegradable polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and certain polyesters.

Any suitable weight average molecular weight of the thermoplastic polymer can be used. For example, the thermoplastic polymers according to the present invention have a weight average molecular weight of greater than about 10,000g/mol and/or greater than about 40,000g/mol and/or greater than about 50,000g/mol and/or less than about 500,000g/mol and/or less than about 400,000g/mol and/or less than about 200,000g/mol.

Active agent

Active agents are a class of additives designed and intended to provide a benefit to something other than the fibrous element and/or particle and/or the soluble fibrous structure itself, such as to the environment outside the fibrous element and/or particle and/or the soluble fibrous structure. The active agent can be any suitable additive that produces the desired effect under the conditions of intended use of the fibrous element. For example, the active agent may be selected from: personal cleansing and/or conditioning agents such as hair care agents such as shampoos and/or hair colorants, hair conditioning agents, skin care agents, sunscreens, and skin conditioning agents; laundry care and/or conditioning agents such as fabric care agents, fabric conditioning agents, fabric softeners, fabric anti-wrinkle agents, fabric care antistatic agents, fabric care detergents, dispersants, suds suppressors, suds boosters, anti-foam agents, and fabric refreshers; liquid and/or powder dishwashing agents (for hand dishwashing and/or automatic dishwashing machine applications), hard surface conditioning agents, and/or conditioning agents and/or polishing agents; other cleaning and/or conditioning agents such as antimicrobial agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, fabric hueing agents, perfumes, bleaching agents (such as oxygen-containing bleaching agents, hydrogen peroxide, percarbonate bleaching agents, perborate bleaching agents, chlorine bleaching agents), bleach activators, chelants, builders, lotions, brighteners, air care agents, carpet care agents, dye transfer inhibitors, clay soil removal agents, antiredeposition agents, polymeric detergents, polymeric dispersants, alkoxylated polyamine polymers, alkoxylated polycarboxylate polymers, amphiphilic graft copolymers, dissolution aids, buffer systems, water softeners, water hardeners, pH adjusters, enzymes, flocculants, effervescing agents, preservatives, cosmetic agents, makeup removers, foaming agents, deposition aids, aggregate formers, clays, thickeners, latexes, silica, drying agents, odor control agents, antiperspirants, coolants, warming agents, water absorbing gelling agents, anti-inflammatory agents, dyes, pigments, acids, and bases; a liquid treatment active; an agricultural active agent; an industrial active agent; ingestible active agents such as medicaments, tooth whiteners, tooth care agents, mouth washes, periodontal gum care agents, edible agents, dietary therapy agents, vitamins, minerals; water treatment agents such as water purification and/or water disinfectants, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of suitable Cosmetic agents, skin care agents, skin conditioning agents, hair care agents, and hair conditioning agents are described in CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, second edition, the Cosmetic, toiletries, and france Association, inc.1988, 1992.

One or more classes of chemicals may be used for one or more of the active agents listed above. For example, surfactants can be used for any number of the above-mentioned active agents. Likewise, bleaching agents can be used for fabric care, hard surface cleaning, dishwashing and even tooth whitening. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the active agent will be selected based on the desired intended use of the fibrous element and/or particle and/or the soluble fibrous structure made therefrom.

For example, if the fibrous elements and/or particles and/or the soluble fibrous structures made therefrom are used for hair care and/or conditioning, one or more suitable surfactants, such as a lathering surfactant, may be selected to provide a desired benefit to the consumer upon exposure to the intended use conditions of the fibrous elements and/or particles and/or the soluble fibrous structures incorporating the same.

In one example, if the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure made therefrom is designed or intended for use in washing laundry in a laundry washing operation, one or more suitable surfactants and/or enzymes and/or builders and/or perfumes and/or suds suppressors and/or bleaches may be selected to provide the desired benefit to the consumer upon exposure to the conditions of intended use of the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure incorporating the same. In another example, if the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure made therefrom is designed for use in washing laundry in a washing operation and/or cleaning dishes in a dishwashing operation, the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure may comprise a laundry detergent composition or a dishwashing detergent composition or an active agent for use in such compositions. In another example, if the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure made therefrom is designed to clean and/or disinfect a toilet bowl, the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure made therefrom may comprise a toilet bowl cleaning composition and/or an effervescent composition and/or an active agent for use in such compositions.

In one example, the active agent is selected from: surfactants, bleaches, enzymes, suds suppressors, suds boosters, fabric softeners, denture cleansers, hair care agents, personal health care agents, toners, and mixtures thereof.

In one example, at least one of the active agents is selected from: skin benefit agents, medicaments, lotions, fabric care agents, dishwashing agents, carpet care agents, surface care agents, hair care agents, air care agents, and mixtures thereof.

Release of active agents

The one or more active agents may be released from the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure when the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure is exposed to a triggering condition. In one example, one or more active agents may be released from the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure or portion thereof when the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure or portion thereof loses its characteristics, in other words loses its physical structure. For example, the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure loses its physical structure when the fibrous element-forming material dissolves, melts, or undergoes some other conversion step such that its structure is lost. In one example, the one or more active agents are released from the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure when the morphology of the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure changes.

In another example, one or more active agents may be released from the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure or portion thereof when the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure or portion thereof changes its characteristics, in other words changes its physical structure without losing its physical structure. For example, the fibrous elements and/or particles and/or fibrous structure change its physical structure as the fibrous element-forming material swells, shrinks, lengthens, and/or shortens, but retains its fibrous element-forming characteristics.

In another example, one or more active agents may be released from the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure without changing its morphology (without losing or changing its physical structure).

In one example, the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure may release the active agent upon exposure of the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to a triggering condition that causes the release of the active agent, for example, by causing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to lose or change its characteristics, as described above. Non-limiting examples of triggering conditions include exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to a solvent, a polar solvent such as alcohol and/or water, and/or a non-polar solvent, which may be sequential, depending on whether the fibrous element-forming material comprises a polar solvent-soluble material and/or a non-polar solvent-soluble material; exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure to heat, such as to a temperature greater than 75 ° f and/or greater than 100 ° f and/or greater than 150 ° f and/or greater than 200 ° f and/or greater than 212 ° f; exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure to cold, such as to a temperature of less than 40 ° f and/or less than 32 ° f and/or less than 0 ° f; exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure to a force, such as a stretching force applied by a consumer using the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure; and/or exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to a chemical reaction; exposing the fibrous elements and/or particles and/or fibrous structures to conditions that cause a phase change; exposing the fibrous element and/or the particles and/or the fibrous structure to a change in pH and/or a change in pressure and/or a change in temperature; exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to one or more chemicals that cause the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to release one or more of its active agents; exposing the fibrous elements and/or particles and/or fibrous structures to ultrasound; exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to light and/or a specific wavelength; exposing the fibrous elements and/or particles and/or fibrous structures to different ionic strengths; and/or exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to an active agent released from another fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure.

In one example, one or more active agents may be released from a fibrous element and/or particle of the present invention when a fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element and/or particle is subjected to a triggering step selected from the group consisting of: pretreating stains on the fabric article with the fibrous structure; forming a washing liquid by contacting the fibrous structure with water; tumbling the soluble fibrous structure in a dryer; heating the fibrous structure in a dryer; and combinations thereof.

Fiber element forming composition

The fibrous element of the present invention is made from a fibrous element-forming composition. The fibrous element-forming composition is a polar solvent-based composition. In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition is an aqueous composition comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more active agents.

Although the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure of the present invention is in solid form, the fibrous element-forming composition used to prepare the fibrous element of the present invention can be in liquid form.

When the fibrous element is prepared from the fibrous element-forming composition, the fibrous element-forming composition can be processed at a temperature of from about 20 ℃ to about 100 ℃ and/or from about 30 ℃ to about 90 ℃ and/or from about 35 ℃ to about 70 ℃ and/or from about 40 ℃ to about 60 ℃.

In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition may comprise at least 20 wt% and/or at least 30 wt% and/or at least 40 wt% and/or at least 45 wt% and/or at least 50 wt% to about 90 wt% and/or to about 85 wt% and/or to about 80 wt% and/or to about 75 wt% of one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents, and mixtures thereof. The fibrous element-forming composition may comprise from about 10% to about 80% by weight of a polar solvent, such as water.

In one example, the non-volatile components of the fibrous element-forming composition can comprise about 20 wt% and/or 30 wt% and/or 40 wt% and/or 45 wt% and/or 50 wt% to about 75 wt% and/or 80 wt% and/or 85 wt% and/or 90 wt%, based on the total weight of the fibrous element-forming composition. The non-volatile component can be comprised of fibrous element-forming materials, such as backbone polymers, active agents, and combinations thereof. The volatile components of the fiber element-forming composition will comprise the remaining percentages and range from 10 to 80 weight percent based on the total weight of the fiber element-forming composition.

In a fiber element spinning process, the fiber element needs to have initial stability as it exits the spinning die. The capillary number is used to characterize this initial stability criterion. Under the conditions of the die, the capillary number may be at least 1 and/or at least 3 and/or at least 4 and/or at least 5.

In one example, the fiber element-forming composition exhibits a capillary number of at least about 1 to about 50 and/or at least about 3 to about 50 and/or at least about 5 to about 30, such that the fiber element-forming composition can be effectively polymer processed into a fiber element.

As used herein, "polymer processing" refers to any spinning operation and/or spinning process whereby a fibrous element comprising the treated fibrous element-forming material is formed from a fibrous element-forming composition. The spinning operations and/or processes may include spunbond, meltblown, electrospinning, rotary spinning, continuous filament preparation, and/or tow fiber preparation operations/processes. As used herein, "treated fibrous element-forming material" refers to any fibrous element-forming material that has undergone a melt processing operation and subsequent polymer processing operations that produce fibrous elements.

The capillary number is a dimensionless number used to characterize the likelihood of such droplet breakup. A larger capillary number indicates more stability of the fluid as it exits the die. The capillary number is defined as follows:

v is the fluid velocity (in length per time) at the die exit,

η is the fluid viscosity (in mass per length time) at die conditions,

σ is the surface tension of the fluid (unit is mass per time)²). When the velocity, viscosity and surface tension are expressed in a set of uniform units, the resulting capillary number will not have its own units; the individual units will cancel out.

The capillary number is defined for the conditions at the die exit. Fluid velocity is the average velocity of fluid flowing through the die opening. The average speed is defined as follows:

vol' = volumetric flow rate (unit is length)³Every time),

area = cross-sectional Area (unit is length) at die exit²)。

When the die opening is a circular hole, then the flow velocity can be defined as follows

R is the radius of the circular hole (unit is length).

The fluid viscosity will depend on the temperature and may depend on the shear rate. The definition of shear thinning fluid includes dependence on shear rate. The surface tension will depend on the fluid composition and the fluid temperature.

In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition may comprise one or more debonding agents and/or lubricants. Non-limiting examples of suitable release agents and/or lubricants include fatty acids, fatty acid salts, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, sulfonated fatty acid esters, acetic acid fatty amines and fatty acid amides, silicones, aminosilicones, fluoropolymers, and mixtures thereof.

In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition can comprise one or more antiblocking and/or antiblocking agents. Non-limiting examples of suitable antiblocking and/or antiblocking agents include starch, modified starch, crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, metal oxides, calcium carbonate, talc, and mica.

The active agents of the present invention may be added to the fibrous element-forming composition before and/or during the formation of the fibrous element, and/or may be added to the fibrous element after the formation of the fibrous element. For example, after forming the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure according to the present invention, the perfume active agent may be applied to the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element. In another example, the enzymatic active agent can be applied to the fibrous element and/or the soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element after forming the fibrous element and/or the soluble fibrous structure according to the present invention. In another example, after forming a fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure according to the present disclosure, one or more particles may be applied to the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element that may not be suitable for passage through the spinning process used to make the fibrous element.

In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition of the present invention exhibits a viscosity value of less than about 100 Pa-s and/or less than about 80 Pa-s and/or less than about 60 Pa-s and/or less than about 40 Pa-s and/or less than about 20 Pa-s and/or less than about 10 Pa-s and/or less than about 5 Pa-s and/or less than about 2 Pa-s and/or less than about 1 Pa-s and/or greater than 0 Pa-s as measured according to the viscosity value test method described herein.

Extension aid

In one example, the fibrous element comprises an extension aid. Non-limiting examples of extension aids can include polymers, other extension aids, and combinations thereof.

In one example, the extension aid has a weight average molecular weight of at least about 50,000da. In another example, the weight average molecular weight of the extension aid is from about 50,000 to about 25,000,000 and/or from about 100,000 to about 25,000,000 and/or from about 250,000 to about 25,000,000 and/or from about 500,000 to about 25,000,000, in another example from about 800,000 to about 22,000,000, in another example from about 1,000,000 to about 20,000,000, and in another example from about 2,000,000 to about 15,000,000. High molecular weight extension aids are particularly suitable in some instances of the present invention due to their ability to increase the extension melt viscosity and reduce melt fracture.

When used in a melt-blowing process, an effective amount of a stretching aid is added to the composition of the present invention to visually reduce melt fracture and capillary breakup of the fibers during the spinning process, enabling substantially continuous fibers of relatively consistent diameter to be melt-spun. Regardless of the method used to make the fibrous element and/or particle, when used, the extension aid can be present in about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry particle and/or dry soluble fibrous structure in one example, and in about 0.005% to about 5% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry particle and/or dry soluble fibrous structure in another example, in about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry particle and/or dry soluble fibrous structure in another example, and in about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry particle and/or dry soluble fibrous structure in another example.

Non-limiting examples of polymers that may be used as a spreading aid may include alginates, carrageenans, pectins, chitin, guar gum, gum tragacanth, agar, gum acacia, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, locust bean gum, alkyl celluloses, hydroxyalkyl celluloses, carboxyalkyl celluloses, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of other extension aids can include modified and unmodified polyacrylamides, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene imine, polyamides, polyalkylene oxides (including polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyethylene propylene oxide), and mixtures thereof.

Dissolution aid

When the fibrous element comprises more than 40% surfactant or when the surfactant composition is used in cold water, the fibrous element of the present invention may incorporate a dissolution aid to accelerate dissolution, thereby reducing the formation of insoluble or poorly soluble surfactant aggregates (which may sometimes form). Non-limiting examples of dissolution aids include sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, magnesium chloride, and magnesium sulfate.

Buffer system

The fibrous element of the present invention can be formulated such that during use in an aqueous cleaning operation, for example, washing clothes or dishes and/or washing hair, the wash water will have a pH of between about 5.0 and about 12 and/or between about 7.0 and 10.5. In the case of a dishwashing operation, the pH of the wash water is typically between about 6.8 and about 9.0. In the case of laundry washing, the pH of the wash water is typically between 7 and 11. Techniques for controlling pH at recommended usage levels include the use of buffers, bases, acids, and the like, and are well known to those skilled in the art. These include the use of sodium carbonate, citric acid or sodium citrate, monoethanolamine or other amines, boric acid or borates, and other pH adjusting compounds well known in the art.

The present invention includes fibrous elements and/or soluble fibrous structures that are useful as "low pH" detergent compositions, and which are particularly useful in the surfactant systems of the present invention and can provide an application pH of less than 8.5 and/or less than 8.0 and/or less than 7.0 and/or less than 5.5 and/or to about 5.0.

The present invention includes a dynamic in-wash pH-characterized fibrous element. Such fibrous elements may use wax-covered citric acid particles in combination with other pH control agents such that (i) after 3 minutes of contact with water, the pH of the wash liquor is greater than 10; (ii) After 10 minutes of contact with water, the pH of the wash liquor is less than 9.5; (iii) After 20 minutes of contact with water, the pH of the wash liquor is less than 9.0; and (iv) optionally, wherein the equilibrium pH of the wash liquor is in the range of from above 7.0 to 8.5.

Suppressing agent

One or more fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures of the present invention further comprise one or more deterrent agents; i.e. an agent intended to prevent the intake and/or consumption of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure of the invention and/or a product comprising said fibrous element and fibrous structure and/or to cause vomiting by e.g. an emetic, e.g. by bitter and/or pungent taste and/or pungent odour. Non-limiting examples of suitable deterrent agents for use in and/or on and/or within one or more of the fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures of the invention and/or products made therefrom (such as mats) include bitterants, stimulants, emetics, and mixtures thereof.

In one example, the total amount of the deterrent associated with (e.g., present in or on) the fibrous element, fibrous structure, and/or product of the present invention can be at least an amount that results in a desired deterrent effect, and can depend on characteristics of the particular deterrent, such as bitterness value, but not an amount that can result in undesirable transfer of the deterrent to humans and/or animals, such as to hands, eyes, skin, and/or other portions of humans and/or animals. In another example, an effective amount of a deterrent agent in and/or on the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product may be based on the efficacy of the particular deterrent agent, such that greater than 50% of the people experience a deterrent effect when exposed to the deterrent agent.

a.Bittering agent

Non-limiting examples of suitable bittering agents include denatonium salts or derivatives thereof. In one example, the bittering agent is a denatonium salt selected from the group consisting of: denatonium chloride, denatonium citrate, denatonium sugar, denatonium carbonate, denatonium acetate, denatonium benzoate, and mixtures thereof. The bittering agent may be present in and/or on one or more fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures of the present invention.

In one example, the bittering agent is denatonium benzoate, which is referred to as phenylmethyl- [2- [ (2, 6-dimethylphenyl) amino]-2-oxyethyl group]Ammonium diethylbenzoate, CAS number 3734-33-6. Benzeneammonium is commercially available under the trade name Benzeneammonium

Sold commercially from Macfarlan Smith, edinburgh, scotland, UK.

The bittering agent may be a natural bitter substance. Bitterants, such as natural bitter tasters, may exhibit a bitterness value of greater than 1,000 and/or greater than 5,000 and/or greater than 10,000 and/or greater than 20,000 and/or less than 200,000 and/or less than 150,000 and/or less than 100,000 and/or from about 1,000 to about 200,000 and/or from about 5,000 to about 200,000 and/or from about 10,000 to about 200,000. The natural bitter tasting substance is selected from glycosides, isoprenoids, alkaloids, amino acids, and mixtures thereof. For example, suitable bittering agents also include: quercetin (3, 3',4',5, 7-pentahydroxyflavone); naringin (4', 5, 7-trihydroxyflavone-7-rhamnoside); phellopterin is selected; amygdalin; dihydrofollimentin; gentiopicroside; gentiopicroside; swertiamarin; sweroside; genioflavid; centaurosid; methiafolin; harpagoside; centapikrin; sailicin; KANGDURANJING; artemisinin; absinthin; silymarin; lactucin; lactucin; salonitenoid; alpha-thujone; beta-thujone; (ii) a deoxy limonene; limonin; vanillin (Ichangin); iso-phellodendron keto acid; obacunone; phellodendron keto acid; nomilin; a citronellyl picrinide; nomilin acid; marrubiin;

carnosol; carnosic acid; a quassin; brucine; quinine hydrochloride; quinine sulfate; quinine dihydrochloride(ii) a A Columbine; caffeine; threonine; methionine; phenylalanine; tryptophan; arginine; (ii) histidine; valine; aspartic acid; sucrose octaacetate; and mixtures thereof. Other suitable bitterants include quinine bisulfate and hops extract (e.g., humulone).

The fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising said fibrous element and/or fibrous structure may comprise a sufficient amount of bittering agent to provide a bitter taste, for example from about 0.00001% to about 1% and/or from about 0.0001% to about 0.5% and/or from about 0.001% to about 0.25% and/or from about 0.01% to about 0.1% of bittering agent, by weight of said fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product, respectively.

The bittering agent or portion thereof associated with the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising said fibrous element and/or fibrous structure may be present on the surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising said fibrous element and/or fibrous structure. The bitterant may migrate from the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising said fibrous element and/or fibrous structure to the outer surface thereof such that humans and animals experience a bitter taste therein when the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comes into contact with their mouth. Additionally or alternatively, the bittering agent may be applied to the surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising the same, such as in the form of a coating composition comprising the bittering agent, for example by spraying and/or printing and/or atomizing and/or powdering and/or dusting and/or coating and/or otherwise depositing the bittering agent and/or composition comprising the bittering agent directly onto the surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product after formation thereof. In one example, the bittering agent is present in and/or on the surface of a fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or a product comprising the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure at a level of at least 10ppb and/or at least 50ppb and/or from about 10ppb to about 10,000ppm and/or from about 50ppb to about 5,000ppm and/or from about 50ppb to about 1,000ppm and/or from about 100ppb to about 500ppm and/or from about 10ppm to about 250ppm, as determined after storage of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product for one month at 25 ℃ and 60% relative humidity.

When the bittering agent and/or the composition comprising the bittering agent is sprayed and/or printed and/or atomized and/or otherwise deposited on the surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product, the bittering agent and/or the composition comprising the bittering agent may be non-aqueous, by which is meant that it comprises less than 20% and/or less than 15% and/or less than 10% and/or less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% and/or about 0% and/or 0% water by weight. A composition comprising a bittering agent may comprise 100% and/or 80% and/or 60% and/or 40% and/or 35% and/or 30% and/or greater than 0% to about 100% and/or about 0.001% to about 80% and/or about 0.001% to about 60% and/or about 0.001% to about 40% and/or about 0.1% to about 35% and/or about 5% to about 30% of the bittering agent by weight.

Non-limiting examples of bitterants suitable for use in the present invention are described in BitterDB: (http:// bitterdb.agri.huji.ac.il/dbbitter.php) It is a free searchable Database of bitterants, containing over 680 bitterants and their associated 25 human bitter taste receptors (hT 2 Rs) obtained from the literature and Merck index, and in the corresponding paper Ayana Wiener, marina Shudler, ant Levit, masha Y. Niv. BitterDB: a Database of bits compounds, nucleic Acids Res 2012,40 (Database issue): D413-419.

In addition to the above, one or more bittering agents may also be present in and/or on the surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product of the present invention at a level of from about 0.01ppm to about 10% and/or from about 0.01ppm to about 8% and/or from about 0.01ppm to about 5% and/or from 0.01ppm to about 4% by weight of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product.

b.Irritant agents

Non-limiting examples of suitable irritants are selected from: capsaicin (including capsaicin), vanillyl ethyl ether, vanillyl propyl ether, vanillyl butyl ether, vanillyl propylene glycol acetal, ethyl vanillyl propylene glycol acetal, capsaicin, gingerol, 4- (1-menthoxymethyl) -2- (3 '-methoxy-4' -hydroxy-phenyl) -1, 3-dioxolane, pepper oil, pepper oleoresin, ginger oleoresin, vanillylnonanamide nonanoate, syzygium jambos oleoresin, ash bark extract, sanshool, black pepper extract, piperine, spilanthol, and mixtures thereof. Other suitable stimulants include polygodial, piper berry extract, capsicum extract, or mixtures thereof. In one example, the stimulant comprises a capsaicin, such as capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and/or nonivamide. In one example, the stimulant comprises capsaicin.

Suitable commercially available stimulants include OPTAHEAT (Symise Flavors), HOTACT (Lipo Chemicals), and HEAT (Sensient Flavors).

The fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or a product comprising said fibrous element and/or fibrous structure may comprise a sufficient amount of a pungent agent to deliver a pungent taste and/or a pungent odor, such as a controllable degree of irritation to the user (sufficient to contain ingestion but not so much as to cause physical discomfort or accidental transfer in large quantities to the user's hands). In one example, the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or a product comprising the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure can comprise greater than 0.0001% and/or greater than 0.001% and/or greater than 0.01% and/or greater than 0.1% and/or less than 20% and/or less than 15% and/or less than 10% and/or less than 5% and/or less than 2% and/or less than 1% and/or less than 0.5% and/or from about 0.0001% to about 10%, or from about 0.001% to about 2%, or from about 0.01% to about 1%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight of the irritants.

The irritants or portions thereof associated with the fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products comprising the same may be present on the surface of the fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products comprising the same. The irritating agent may migrate from the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or the product comprising said fibrous element and/or fibrous structure to the outer surface thereof, so that the person or animal experiences an irritating taste and/or smell therein when the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or the product is almost in contact or in actual contact with his mouth. Additionally or alternatively, the stimulus may be applied to the surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising said fibrous element and/or fibrous structure, such as in the form of a stimulus-containing coating composition, for example by spraying and/or printing and/or atomizing and/or powdering and/or dusting and/or coating and/or otherwise depositing the stimulus and/or stimulus-containing composition directly onto the surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product. In one example, the stimulating agent is present on the surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or a product comprising the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure at a level of at least 10ppb and/or at least 50ppb and/or from about 10ppb to about 10,000ppm and/or from about 50ppb to about 5,000ppm and/or from about 50ppb to about 1,000ppm and/or from about 100ppb to about 500ppm and/or from about 10ppm to about 250ppm, as determined after storage of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product for one month at 25 ℃ and 60% relative humidity.

When the stimulant and/or stimulant-containing composition is sprayed and/or printed and/or atomized and/or dusted and/or coated and/or otherwise deposited on the surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product, the stimulant and/or stimulant-containing composition may be non-aqueous, by which is meant that it contains less than 20% and/or less than 15% and/or less than 10% and/or less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% and/or about 0% and/or 0% by weight of water. A composition comprising a stimulant may comprise 100% and/or 80% and/or 60% and/or 40% and/or 35% and/or 30% and/or greater than 0% to about 100% and/or about 0.001% to about 80% and/or about 0.001% to about 60% and/or about 0.001% to about 40% and/or about 0.1% to about 35% and/or about 5% to about 30% by weight of the stimulant.

The irritancy of a stimulant can be measured according to well known Schwarville guidelines and can be recorded in Schwarville thermal units (SHU). The irritants may be selected from irritants having an irritancy level of at least about 1,000,000shu and/or at least about 5,000,000shu and/or at least about 10,000,000shu and/or at least about 15,000,000shu. For comparison, capsaicin has a level of irritation of about 16,000,000shu. Irritation may also be measured by high performance liquid chromatography and determined in american society for fragrance trade (ASTA) irritation units. A measure of one part per million capsaicin corresponds to about 15 schwarveunits, and the ASTA stimulatory units can be multiplied by 15 and recorded as schwarveunits.

Because it is desirable that the irritants be detectable in order to be effective deterrent agents, it is generally desirable that the irritants not be masked by other agents, such as cooling agents, e.g., menthol and the like. In one example, the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or a product comprising the same is free of, e.g., less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% and/or less than 0.1% and/or less than 0.01% and/or less than 0.001% and/or about 0% and/or 0% by weight of a cooling agent, such as menthol and/or eucalyptus.

For similar reasons, it is often desirable that the irritants be readily available to users of the fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products comprising the same.

c.Emetic agent

There are two main types of emetics: 1) Those that act directly on the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, and 2) those that act indirectly by stimulating brain regions that control emesis. Non-limiting examples of suitable emetics that act directly on the gastrointestinal tract are selected from ipecac (ipecac pulp and/or ipecac powder) from brazil ipecacha, lobelia chinensis from Lobelia inflata (Lobelia inflata), mustard seed from mustard (Brassica juncea), vomitoxin from Fusarium graminearum (Fusarium graminearum), copper sulfate, and mixtures thereof. An example of an emetic that acts indirectly by stimulating brain regions that control emesis is apomorphine (apomorphine hydrochloride).

Non-limiting examples of methods for making fibrous elements

Fibrous elements of the present invention, such as filaments, comprising one or more deterrent agents present within and/or on the fibrous element can be prepared as shown in fig. 3 and 4. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, a method 20 for making a fibrous element 10 (e.g., a filament) according to the present invention includes the steps of:

a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition 22 comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or more deterrent agents, and optionally, one or more active agents and/or one or more polar solvents (such as water), such as from a tank 24; and

b. the fibrous element-forming composition 22 is spun, such as via a spinning die 26, into one or more fibrous elements 10, such as filaments, comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials and, optionally, one or more active agents and one or more deterrent agents. In one example, one or more containment agents may be applied to a surface of one or more fibrous elements and/or a fibrous structure including the fibrous elements. In another example, the fibrous element may be free or substantially free of a deterrent agent, in which case it may be desirable to apply one or more deterrent agents to the surface of the fibrous element during and/or after spinning of the fibrous element.

The fiber element-forming composition may be delivered via a suitable conduit 28 between the tank 24 and the spinning die 26, with or without a pump 30. In one example, a pressurized tank 24 suitable for batch operation is filled with a fiber element-forming composition 22 suitable for spinning. A pump 30 (such as

Model PEP II, with a capacity of 5.0 cubic centimeters per revolution (cc/rev), manufactured by Colfax corporation, division Zenith Pumps (Monroe, n.c., USA) to facilitate delivery of the fiber element-forming composition 22 to the spinning die 26. The flow of the fiber element-forming composition 22 from the pressurized trough 24 to the spinning die 26 can be controlled by adjusting the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the pump 30. Conduit 28 is used to connect plenum 24, pump 30, and spinning die 26, so that fiber element-forming composition 22 from trough 24 is conveyed (indicated by arrows) to pump 30, and into die 26.

The total content of the one or more fibrous element-forming materials present in the fibrous element 10, when active agents are present therein, may be less than 80% and/or less than 70% and/or less than 65% and/or 50% or less, based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, and the total content of the one or more active agents, when present in the fibrous element, may be greater than 20% and/or greater than 35% and/or 50% or greater, 65% or greater, and/or 80% or greater, based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry soluble fibrous structure.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, spinning die 26 may include a plurality of fiber element forming orifices 32 including melt capillaries 34 surrounded by concentric attenuating fluid orifices 36 through which a fluid, such as air, passes to help attenuate fiber element forming composition 22 into fiber element 10 as it exits fiber element forming orifices 32.

In one example, the spinning die 26 shown in FIG. 4 has two or more rows of annular extrusion nozzles (fiber element forming apertures 32) spaced apart from one another at a pitch P of about 1.524 millimeters (about 0.060 inches). The nozzle had a single inner diameter of about 0.305 millimeters (about 0.012 inches) and a single outer diameter of about 0.813 millimeters (about 0.032 inches). Each individual nozzle includes a melt capillary 34 surrounded by an annular and diverging trumpet orifice (concentric damping fluid orifice 36) to provide damping air to each individual melt capillary 34. The fibrous element-forming composition 22 extruded through the nozzle is surrounded and attenuated by a generally cylindrical stream of humid air provided through the orifice to produce the fibrous element 10.

The attenuating air may be provided by heating compressed air from a source with a resistive heater, such as a heater manufactured by Chromalox division of Emerson Electric of Pittsburgh (pa., USA). An appropriate amount of air flow is added to saturate or nearly saturate the heated air under electrically heated, thermostatically controlled delivery conduit conditions. The condensate is removed in an electrically heated, thermostatically controlled separator.

The embryonic fibrous element is dried by a stream of drying air having a temperature of from about 149 ℃ (about 300 ° f) to about 315 ℃ (about 600 ° f) by an electrical resistance heater (not shown) provided by the drying nozzle; and discharged at an angle of about 90 deg. relative to the general direction of the embryonic fibrous element being spun. The dried fibrous element can be collected on a collection device, such as a belt or fabric, which in one example is capable of imparting a pattern, e.g., a non-random repeating pattern, to the formed soluble fibrous structure as a result of collecting the fibrous element on the belt or fabric. The addition of a vacuum source directly below the forming zone can be used to assist in the collection of the fibrous element on the collection device. The spinning and collection of the fibrous elements produces a dissolvable fibrous structure comprising intermingled fibrous elements, e.g., filaments.

In one example, any volatile solvent, such as water, present in the fibrous element-forming composition 22 is removed during the spinning step, such as by drying, when forming the fibrous element 10. In one example, greater than 30% and/or greater than 40% and/or greater than 50% by weight of the volatile solvent, such as water, of the fibrous element-forming composition is removed during the spinning step, such as by drying the resulting fibrous element 10.

The fibrous element-forming composition can comprise any suitable total content of fibrous element-forming material and any suitable content of active agent, provided that the fibrous element produced from the fibrous element-forming composition comprises a fibrous element-forming material in a total content of from about 5% to 50% or less of the fibrous element, based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry particulate and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, and an active agent in a total content of from 50% to about 95% of the fibrous element, based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry particulate and/or dry soluble fibrous structure.

In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition can comprise any suitable total content of fibrous element-forming material and any suitable content of active agent, provided that fibrous elements made from the fibrous element-forming composition comprise fibrous element-forming material comprising from about 5% to 50% or less of the fibrous element and/or particles in total based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry particulate and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, and active agent comprising from 50% to about 95% of the fibrous element and/or particles in total based on the weight of the dry fibrous element and/or dry particulate and/or dry soluble fibrous structure, wherein the weight ratio of fibrous element-forming material to total active agent content is 1 or less.

In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition comprises from about 1% and/or from about 5% and/or from about 10% to about 50% and/or to about 40% and/or to about 30% and/or to about 20%, by weight of the fibrous element-forming composition, of a fibrous element-forming material; from about 1% and/or from about 5% and/or from about 10% to about 50% and/or to about 40% and/or to about 30% and/or to about 20%, by weight of the fibrous element-forming composition, of an active agent; and about 20% and/or about 25% and/or about 30% and/or about 40% and/or to about 80% and/or to about 70% and/or to about 60% and/or to about 50% by weight of the fibrous element-forming composition of a volatile solvent such as water. The fibrous element-forming composition may comprise minor amounts of other active agents such as less than 10% and/or less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% of plasticizers, pH adjusting agents, and other active agents by weight of the fibrous element-forming composition.

The fibrous element-forming composition is spun into one or more fibrous elements and/or particles by any suitable spinning process, such as melt blowing, spunbonding, electrospinning, and/or rotational spinning. In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition is spun by meltblowing into a plurality of fibrous elements and/or particles. For example, the fibrous element-forming composition can be pumped from a tank into a melt blowing spinneret. The fiber element-forming composition is attenuated with air upon exiting one or more of the apertures formed by the fiber elements in the spinneret, thereby producing one or more fiber elements and/or particles. The fibrous element and/or particles may then be dried to remove any residual solvent such as water used for spinning.

The fibrous elements and/or particles of the present invention can be collected on a belt (not shown), such as a patterned belt, for example, in an entangled manner with one another such that a dissolvable fibrous structure comprising the fibrous elements and/or particles is formed.

Method of use

In one example, a soluble fibrous structure comprising one or more fabric care actives according to the present disclosure can be utilized in a method for treating a fabric article. The method of treating a fabric article may comprise one or more steps selected from the group consisting of: (ii) (a) pretreating the fabric article prior to washing the fabric article; (b) Contacting the fabric article with a wash liquor formed by contacting the soluble fibrous structure with water; (c) Contacting the fabric article with a soluble fibrous structure in a dryer; (d) Drying the fabric article in the presence of the soluble fibrous structure in a dryer; and (e) combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of pre-wetting the soluble fibrous structure prior to contacting it with the fabric article to be pretreated. For example, the soluble fibrous structure can be pre-wetted with water and then adhered to a portion of the fabric containing the stain to be pre-treated. Alternatively, the fabric may be wetted and the fibrous structure placed on or adhered to it. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of selecting only a portion of the soluble fibrous structure for treating the fabric article. For example, if only one fabric care article is to be treated, a portion of the soluble fibrous structure may be cut or cut and placed on or attached to the fabric, or placed in water to form a relatively small amount of wash liquor, which may then be used to pre-treat the fabric. In this way, the user can customize the fabric treatment process to the task at hand. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the soluble fibrous structure can be applied to a fabric to be treated using a device. Exemplary devices include, but are not limited to, brushes and sponges. Any one or more of the foregoing steps may be repeated to achieve the desired fabric treatment benefits.

In another example, a soluble fibrous structure comprising one or more hair care actives according to the present invention can be utilized in a method for treating hair. The method of treating hair may comprise one or more steps selected from the group consisting of: (a) pretreating the hair prior to washing the hair; (b) Contacting the hair with a wash liquor formed by contacting the soluble fibrous structure with water; (c) post-treating the hair after washing the hair; (d) Contacting the hair with a conditioning fluid formed by contacting the soluble fibrous structure with water; and (e) combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples

Example 1Fibrous elements, such as filaments, comprising a deterrent agent are prepared as follows. The fibrous element-forming composition was prepared by adding 54 wt.% deionized water to an appropriately sized and cleaned vessel with agitation at 100-150 rpm. Weighing of low-hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin powder: 10% by weight of a low-hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin powder (fibrous element-forming material) ((R))

PVA 505, commercially available from Kuraray co.ltd. (Houston, TX), and 5 wt% low hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin powder (fiber element-forming material) ((fiber element-forming material))

PVA 420H, commercially available from Kuraray co.ltd. (Houston, TX) into a suitable vessel and slowly added to the water in small increments using a spatula while stirring continuously to avoid formation of significant lumps. The mixing speed was adjusted to minimize foam formation. The mixture was then slowly heated to 75 ℃ for 2 hours, after which 20 wt% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (active-anionic surfactant) and 10 wt% alkyl alkoxy sulphate surfactant (active-anionic surfactant) were added and then 1 wt% of the inhibitor described herein was added to the mixture. The mixture was then heated to 75 ℃ while stirring was continued for 45 minutes, then allowed to cool to 23 ℃ to form a premix. The premix is then ready for spinning into a fibrous element as described herein. In one example, a plurality of spun fibrous elements may be intertwined with one another and collected on a collection device to form a fibrous structure comprising the fibrous elements.

Example 2Fibrous elements, such as filaments, comprising a deterrent agent are prepared as follows. By at 100The fibrous element-forming composition was prepared by adding 54 wt.% deionized water to an appropriately sized and cleaned vessel with 150rpm agitation. 14% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (fibrous element-forming material) and 1% by weight of the extending aid (polyacrylamide) are weighed into a suitable container and slowly added to the water in small increments using a spatula while stirring is continued to avoid the formation of noticeable lumps. The mixing speed was adjusted to minimize foam formation. The mixture was then slowly heated to 75 ℃ for 2 hours, after which 20 wt% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (active-anionic surfactant) and 10 wt% alkyl alkoxy sulphate surfactant (active-anionic surfactant) were added and then 1 wt% of the inhibitor described herein was added to the mixture. The mixture was then heated to 75 ℃ while stirring was continued for 45 minutes, then allowed to cool to 23 ℃ to form a premix. The premix is then ready for spinning into a fibrous element as described herein. In one example, a plurality of spun fibrous elements may be intertwined with one another and collected on a collection device to form a fibrous structure comprising the fibrous elements.

Example 3Fibrous elements, e.g. filaments, comprising a deterrent agent are prepared as follows. The fibrous element-forming composition was prepared by adding 54 wt.% deionized water to an appropriately sized and cleaned vessel with agitation at 100-150 rpm. Weighing of low-hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin powder: 11% by weight of a low-hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin powder (fibrous element-forming material) ((R))

PVA 505, commercially available from Kuraray co.ltd. (Houston, TX), and 5 wt% low hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin powder (fiber element-forming material) ((PVA 505))

PVA 420H, commercially available from Kuraray co.ltd. (Houston, TX) into a suitable container and slowly added to the water in small increments using a spatula while holdingStirring was continued to avoid formation of significant lumps. The mixing speed was adjusted to minimize foam formation. The mixture was then slowly heated to 75 ℃ for 2 hours, after which 20 wt% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (active-anionic surfactant) and 10 wt% alkyl alkoxy sulphate surfactant (active-anionic surfactant) were added to the mixture. The mixture was then heated to 75 ℃ while stirring was continued for 45 minutes, then allowed to cool to 23 ℃ to form a premix. The premix is then ready for spinning into a fibrous element as described herein. The fibrous element is then contacted with denatonium benzoate (a suppressing agent), for example in solution and/or powder form, to coat the fibrous element. In one example, a plurality of spun fibrous elements (coated or uncoated with a deterrent agent) may be intertwined with each other and collected on a collection device to form a fibrous structure comprising the fibrous elements, and then at least one surface of the fibrous structure may be contacted with benzalkonium (deterrent agent), e.g., in solution and/or powder form, to coat the surface of the fibrous structure.

Example 4Fibrous elements, such as filaments, comprising a deterrent agent are prepared as follows. The fibrous element-forming composition was prepared by adding 54 wt.% deionized water to an appropriately sized and cleaned vessel with agitation at 100-150 rpm. 15% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (fibrous element-forming material) and 1% by weight of a stretching aid (polyacrylamide) are weighed into a suitable container and slowly added to the water in small increments using a spatula while stirring is continued to avoid the formation of noticeable lumps. The mixing speed was adjusted to minimize foam formation. The mixture was then slowly heated to 75 ℃ for 2 hours, after which 20 wt% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (active-anionic surfactant) and 10 wt% alkyl alkoxy sulphate surfactant (active-anionic surfactant) were added to the mixture. The mixture was then heated to 75 ℃ while stirring was continued for 45 minutes, then allowed to cool to 23 ℃ to form a premix. The premix is then ready for spinning into a fibrous element as described herein. The fibrous element is then contacted with denatonium benzoate(suppressant) to coat the fibrous element, for example in solution. In one example, a plurality of spun fibrous elements (coated or uncoated with a deterrent agent) may be intertwined with each other and collected on a collection device to form a fibrous structure comprising the fibrous elements.

The fibrous element is then contacted with denatonium benzoate (a suppressing agent), for example in solution and/or powder form, to coat the fibrous element.

In one example, a plurality of spun fibrous elements may be intertwined with one another and collected on a collection device to form a fibrous structure comprising the fibrous elements, and then at least one surface of the fibrous structure may be contacted with benzalkonium (a containment agent), for example in solution and/or powder form, to coat the surface of the fibrous structure.

Test method

Unless otherwise indicated, all tests described herein (including those described in the definitions section and the test methods below) were performed on samples that had been conditioned for 2 hours in a conditioning chamber at a temperature of 23 ℃ ± 1 ℃ and a relative humidity of 50% ± 2% (unless otherwise indicated) prior to testing. For the purposes of the present invention, a sample conditioned as described herein is considered a dry sample (such as a "dry fibrous element"). Furthermore, all tests were performed in such a conditioning chamber.

Water content testing method

The water (moisture) content present in the filaments and/or fibers and/or soluble fibrous structures was measured using the water content test method.

The filaments and/or soluble fibrous structures or portions thereof ("samples") are placed in a conditioning chamber at a temperature of 23 ℃ ± 1 ℃ and a relative humidity of 50% ± 2% for at least 24 hours prior to testing. When no further change in weight was detected over a period of at least 5 minutes, the sample weight was recorded. This weight is recorded as the "balance weight" of the sample. Next, the sample was placed in a drying oven for 24 hours to dry the sample, the oven temperature being 70 ℃ and the relative humidity being about 4%. After drying for 24 hours, the samples were weighed immediately. This weight is recorded as the "dry weight" of the sample. The water (moisture) content of the sample was calculated as follows:

the% water (moisture) in the 3 aliquot samples was averaged to provide the reported% water (moisture) in the samples.

Dissolution test method

Devices and materials (FIGS. 5-7)：

600mL beaker 38

Magnetic stirrer 40 (Labline 1250 type or equivalent)

Magnetic stirring rod 42 (5 cm)

Thermometer (1 to 100 ℃ C. +/-1 ℃ C.)

Cutting die- -stainless steel cutting die with dimensions of 3.8cm by 3.2cm

Timer (0-3,600 seconds or 1 hour) accurate to seconds. If the sample exhibits a dissolution time of greater than 3,600 seconds, the timer used should have a sufficient total time measurement range. However, the timer needs to be accurate to seconds.

Polaroid 35mm slider frame 44 (commercially available from Polaroid Corporation or equivalent)

35mm slide frame retainer 46 (or equivalent)

Water or equivalent from the city of cincinnati has the following properties: total hardness =155mg/L as CaCO₃Counting; calcium content =33.2mg/L; magnesium content =17.5mg/L; phosphate content =0.0462.

Test protocol

Equilibrating the sample for at least 2 hours in a constant temperature and humidity environment of 23 ℃. + -. 1 ℃ and 50% RH. + -. 2%.

The basis weight of the sample material was measured using the basis weight method defined herein.

Three dissolution samples were cut from a sample of the soluble fibrous structure using a cutting die (3.8 cm x 3.2 cm) to fit within a 35mm slide frame 44 having an open area size of 24mm x 36 mm.

Each sample is locked in a separate 35mm slide frame 44.

A magnetic stir bar 42 was placed into the 600mL beaker 38.

Tap water flow (or equivalent) is turned on and the water temperature is measured with a thermometer and, if necessary, hot or cold water is adjusted to maintain it at the test temperature. The test temperature is 15 ℃ +/-1 ℃ water. Once at the test temperature, beaker 240 was filled with 500mL + -5 mL of 15 deg.C + -1 deg.C tap water.

The entire beaker 38 was placed on a magnetic stirrer 40, the stirrer 40 was turned on, and the stirring speed was adjusted until a vortex was formed with the bottom of the vortex at the 400mL mark of the beaker 38.

The 35mm slide frame 44 is secured in the spring clip 48 of the 35mm slide frame holder 46 so that the long end 50 of the slide frame 44 is parallel to the water surface. The spring clip 48 should be positioned in the middle of the long end 50 of the slider frame 44. The depth adjuster 52 of the retainer 46 should be set so that the distance between the bottom of the depth adjuster 52 and the bottom of the spring clip 48 is 11 + -0.125 inches. This configuration will position the sample surface perpendicular to the water flow direction. An example of a slightly modified arrangement of a 35mm slide frame and slide frame holder is shown in figures 1-3 of U.S. patent 6,787,512.

In one motion, the fixed slide and clamp drop into the water and start the timer. The sample dropped so that the sample was centered in the beaker. Disintegration occurs when the soluble fiber structure breaks down. This was recorded as disintegration time. When all visible soluble fibrous structures were released from the slide frame, the slide frame was raised to the water while continuing to monitor the solution of undissolved soluble fibrous structure fragments. Dissolution occurs when all soluble fibrous structure fragments are no longer visible. This was recorded as the dissolution time.

Each sample was run in triplicate and the average disintegration and dissolution times were recorded. The average disintegration and dissolution times are in seconds.

The average disintegration and dissolution times are normalized to basis weight by dividing each by the sample basis weight as determined by the basis weight method defined herein. Normalized by basis weightDisintegration and dissolution time in seconds per gsm sample (s/(g/m)²) In units of).

Diameter testing method

The diameter of the discrete fibrous elements or the fibrous elements within the soluble fibrous structure or membrane is determined by using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) or optical microscope and image analysis software. The magnification of 200 to 10,000 times is selected so that the fiber element is suitably magnified for the measurement. When using SEM, these samples were sputtered with gold or palladium compounds to avoid charging and vibration of the fiber elements in the electron beam. Manual protocol for determining fiber element diameter from images (on a monitor screen) captured with SEM or optical microscope was used. Using a mouse and cursor tool, the edge of a randomly selected fiber element is searched and then measured across its width (i.e., perpendicular to the fiber element direction at that point) to the other edge of the fiber element. Scaling and calibration the image analysis tool provides scaling to obtain the actual reading in μm. For fibrous elements within a soluble fibrous structure or membrane, a plurality of fibrous elements are randomly selected throughout a sample of the soluble fibrous structure or membrane using SEM or optical microscopy. At least two portions of the soluble fibrous structure or film (or fibrous structure within the product) are cut and tested in this manner. A total of at least 100 such measurements were made and then all data were recorded for statistical analysis. The data recorded were used to calculate the mean of the fiber element diameters, the standard deviation of the fiber element diameters, and the median of the fiber element diameters.

Another useful statistic is to calculate the number of populations of fiber elements below a certain upper limit. To determine this statistic, the software is programmed to count how many fiber element diameters are below an upper limit of the result, and the number (divided by the total number of data and multiplied by 100%) is recorded as a percentage below the upper limit, such as, for example, a percentage below 1 micron diameter or% -submicron. We denote the measured diameter (in microns) of a single round fiber element as di.

In the case of a fiber element having a non-circular cross section, the measurement of the fiber element diameter is determined and set equal to the hydraulic diameter, which is four times the cross-sectional area of the fiber element divided by the circumference (outer circumference in the case of a hollow fiber element) of the cross section of the fiber element. The number average diameter, or average diameter, is calculated as follows:

thickness method

The thickness of the soluble fibrous structure or film is measured as follows: each cut sample was sized to be larger than the loading foot loading surface of a model II VIR electronic thickness gauge available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company (philiadelphia, PA) by cutting 5 samples from a soluble fibrous structure or film sample. The loading foot loading surface typically has a height of about 3.14 inches²Circular surface area of (a). The sample is confined between a horizontal plane and the loading foot loading surface. The confining pressure exerted by the loading foot loading surface on the sample was 15.5g/cm². The resulting gap between the flat surface and the loading foot loading surface is the thickness of each sample. The average thickness of the five samples was calculated as the thickness. Results are reported in millimeters (mm).

Basis weight test method

Basis weight of the fibrous structure samples was measured by selecting twelve (12) individual fibrous structure samples and preparing two stacks of six individual samples each. If the individual samples are connected to each other by a perforation line, the perforation lines must be aligned on the same side when stacking the individual samples. Each stack was cut exactly 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches square using a precision cutter. The two stacked cut squares were combined to make a basis weight mat twelve squares thick. The basis weight pad was then weighed on a top-loading balance with a minimum precision of 0.01g. Top-loading balances must be protected from air currents and other disturbances using a draft shield. The weight was recorded when the reading on the top-loading balance was constant. Basis weight is calculated as follows:

if the fibrous structure sample is less than 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches, a smaller sampling area can be used for basis weight determination along with the associated calculated change.

Weight average molecular weight test method

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of a material such as a polymer is determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), using a mixed bed column. Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), having the following components:

model 600E pump, system controller and controller software version 3.2, model 717 plus autosampler and CHM-009246 column heater, all manufactured by Waters Corporation (Milford, MA, USA). The column was a PL gel 20 μm Mixed A column (gel molecular weight range 1,000g/mol to 40,000,000g/mol) 600mm long and 7.5mm internal diameter and the guard column was PL gel 20 μm, length 50mm,7.5mm ID. The column temperature was 55 ℃ and the injection volume was 200. Mu.L. The detector is

Enhanced Optical System (EOS) comprising

Software, version 4.73.04 detector software, manufactured by Wyatt Technology (Santa Barbara, CA, USA), laser light scatter detector, laser light with K5 unit and 690 nm. The gain on the odd detector is set to 101. The gain on the even detector is set to 20.9.Wyatt Technology' s

The differential refractometer was set at 50 ℃. The gain is set to 10. The mobile phase is HPLClass C dimethyl sulfoxide with 0.1% w/v LiBr and mobile phase flow rate of 1mL/min, isocratic. The run time was 30 minutes.

Samples were prepared by dissolving the material in the mobile phase, nominally 3mg material/1 mL mobile phase. The sample was capped and then stirred using a magnetic stirrer for about 5 minutes. The samples were then placed in a convection oven at 85 ℃ for 60 minutes. The sample was then allowed to cool naturally to room temperature. The sample was then filtered through a5 μm nylon membrane, model Spartan-25, manufactured by Schleicher & Schuell (Keene, NH, USA) using a 5mL syringe to filter the sample into a 5mL (mL) autosampler vial.

For each series of samples (3 or more material samples) measured, a solvent blank sample was injected into the column. Test samples were then prepared in a similar manner to that described above in connection with the samples. The test sample contained 2mg/mL of pullulan (Polymer Laboratories) having a weight average molecular weight of 47,300g/mol. The test samples were analyzed prior to analyzing each set of samples. Blank samples, test samples and material test samples were tested in parallel. Finally, a blank sample is tested. Light Scattering Detector and differential refractometer according to "Dawn EOS Light Scattering Instrument Manual" and "

DSP Interferometric Refractometer Hardware Manual, "both manufactured by Wyatt Technology Corp. (Santa Barbara, calif., USA), and both incorporated herein by reference.

The weight average molecular weight of the sample was calculated using the detector software. A dn/dc (refractive index as a function of concentration difference) value of 0.066 was used. The baselines of the laser detector and refractive index detector are corrected to remove the effects of detector dark current and solvent scattering. If the laser detector signal is saturated or shows excessive noise, it is not used to calculate the molecular weight. The regions of molecular weight characterization were chosen such that the signals of the 90 ° δ detectors for laser scattering and refractive index were 3 times their respective baseline noise levels. Typically the high molecular weight side of the chromatogram is defined by the refractive index signal and the low molecular weight side by the laser signal.

The weight average molecular weight can be calculated using a "first order schimmers plot" as defined by the detector software. If the weight average molecular weight of the sample is greater than 1,000,000g/mol, first and second order schimmers are calculated and the molecular weight is calculated using the result with the least regression fit error. The reported weight average molecular weight is the average of two runs of material test samples.

Tensile test method: elongation, tensile Strength, TEA and modulus

Elongation, tensile strength, TEA, secant modulus and tangent modulus were measured using load cells on a constant-speed extension tensile tester with a computer interface (a suitable instrument is MTS instrument using testworks4.0 software, such as the instrument available from MTS Systems corp. (Eden Prairie, MN)), with measured forces within 10% to 90% of the sensor limits. Both the movable (upper) and the fixed (lower) pneumatic jaws were equipped with rubber-faced grips, which were 25.4mm in height and wider than the width of the specimen. Air pressure of about 80psi was supplied to the jaws. All tests were conducted in a conditioning chamber maintained at about 23 ℃ ± 1 ℃ and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity. The samples were conditioned under the same conditions for 2 hours before the test was performed.

Eight samples of the soluble fibrous structure and/or the solubilized fibrous structure were divided into two stacks of four samples each. The samples in each stack were consistently oriented with respect to the Machine Direction (MD) and Cross Direction (CD). One of the stacks is designated for testing in the machine direction and the other in the cross direction. Four MD strips are cut from one stack and four CD strips are cut from the other stack using a one inch precision cutter (Thwing Albert JDC-1-10, or the like) having dimensions of 2.54cm ± 0.02cm wide by at least 50mm long.

The tensile tester was programmed to perform an extension test, collecting force and extension data at a collection rate of 100 Hz. The grips were initially lowered by 6mm at a rate of 5.08cm/min to introduce slack in the sample, and then raised at a rate of 5.08cm/min until the sample broke. The fracture sensitivity was set at 80%, i.e. the test was terminated when the measured force dropped to 20% of the maximum peak force, after which the collet was returned to its original position.

The gauge length was set to 2.54cm. And (4) a zero clamp. The sample is inserted into the upper clamp, aligned vertically within the upper and lower jaws, and the upper clamp is closed. With the sample suspended from the top clamp, the load cell is zeroed. The sample is inserted into the lower clamp and the lower clamp is closed. With the grips closed, the sample should be under sufficient tension to take up any slack, but exhibit a force on the load cell of less than 3.0 g. The tensile tester was started and data collection commenced. Repeat testing was performed in a similar manner for all four transverse and four longitudinal samples.

The software was programmed to calculate from the constructed force (g) versus extension (cm) curve as follows:

tensile strength is the maximum peak force (g) divided by the sample width (cm) and is reported in g/cm to the nearest 1.0g/cm.

The adjusted gauge was calculated as the extension measured when 3.0g force (cm) was added to the initial gauge (cm).

Elongation was calculated as extension at maximum peak force (cm) divided by the adjusted gauge (cm) times 100 and reported as% to the nearest 0.1%.

The Total Energy (TEA) was calculated as the area under the force curve (g cm) extending from zero to the integral of the extension at the maximum peak force, divided by the product of the adjusted gauge (cm) and the sample width (cm), and recorded to the nearest 1g cm/cm²。

The force (g) versus extension (cm) curve was re-plotted as force (g) versus strain (%). Strain is defined herein as extension (cm) divided by the adjusted gauge (cm) x 100. The software was programmed to calculate from the constructed force (g) versus strain (%) curve as follows:

secant modulus is calculated from a least squares linear fit of the steepest slope of the force versus strain curve using a line having a rise of at least 20% peak force. The slope was then divided by the sample width (2.54 cm) and recorded to the nearest 1.0g/cm.

The tangent modulus is calculated as the slope of the line drawn between the two data points on the force (g) versus strain (%) curve. The first data point used was the point recorded at 28g force and the second data point used was the point recorded at 48g force. The slope was then divided by the sample width (2.54 cm) and recorded to the nearest 1.0g/cm.

The tensile strength (g/cm), elongation (%), total energy (g cm/cm) were calculated for four transverse samples and four longitudinal samples²) Secant modulus (g/cm) and tangent modulus (g/cm). The average of each independent parameter for the transverse and longitudinal samples is calculated.

Computing：

Total dry tensile Strength (TDT) = longitudinal tensile Strength (g/cm) + transverse tensile Strength (g/cm)

Geometric mean tension = [ tensile strength in the machine direction (g/cm) × (tensile strength in the transverse direction (g/cm) ] square root

Stretch ratio = longitudinal tensile strength (g/cm)/transverse tensile strength (g/cm)

Geometric mean peak elongation = [ longitudinal elongation (%) × transverse elongation (%) ], and the square root thereof

Total TEA = MD TEA (g × cm/cm)²)+CD TEA(g*cm/cm²)

Geometric mean TEA = [ MD TEA (g cm/cm)²)×CD TEA(g*cm/cm²)]Square root of

Geometric mean tangent modulus = [ longitudinal tangent modulus (g/cm) × transverse tangent modulus (g/cm) ]square root

Total tangent modulus = longitudinal tangent modulus (g/cm) + transverse tangent modulus (g/cm)

Geometric mean secant modulus = [ longitudinal secant modulus (g/cm) × transverse secant modulus (g/cm) ]square root

Total secant modulus = longitudinal secant modulus (g/cm) + transverse secant modulus (g/cm)

Plate rigidity testing method

As used herein, the "plate stiffness" test is a measure of the stiffness of a flat sample as it is deformed downward to form a hole beneath the sample. For testing, the sample was molded into an infinite flat plate of thickness "t" that was located on a flat surface with the wireless flat plate centered over an aperture of radius "R". A central force "F" applied to the tissue immediately above the center of the perforation deflects the tissue downward into the perforation a distance "w". For linear elastic materials, the deflection can be predicted by the following equation:

where "E" is the effective linear modulus of elasticity, "v" is the Poisson's ratio, "R" is the pore radius, and "t" is the tissue thickness, measured in millimeters for a stack of 5 tissues under a load of about 0.29 psi. Taking the poisson ratio to 0.1 (poisson's solution is not highly sensitive to this parameter, so the inaccuracy resulting from the assumed value may be slight), the above equation may be rewritten for "w" to estimate the effective modulus as a function of the flexibility test results:

the test results were obtained using an MTS Alliance RT/1 tester (MTS Systems corp., eden Prairie, minn.) with a 100N load cell. A blunt tip probe with a radius of 3.15mm was lowered at a rate of 20mm/min when a stack of five tissue sheets of at least 2.5 square inches was centered over the aperture (radius 15.75 mm) in the support plate. The test is terminated when the probe tips drop 1mm below the plane of the support plate. The maximum specific drop (in grams force/mm) over any 0.5mm span was recorded during the test (this maximum specific drop typically occurs at the end of the stroke). The load cell monitors the applied force and also monitors the position of the probe tip relative to the plane of the support plate. The peak load is recorded and "E" is estimated using the above formula.

The sheet stiffness per unit width "S" can then be calculated as:

and is expressed in units of newton millimeters. The Testworks program uses the following formula to calculate stiffness:

S＝(F/w)[(3+v)R²/16π]

where "F/w" is the maximum slope (force divided by deflection), "v" is the Poisson's ratio taken at 0.1, and "R" is the ring radius.

Method for testing composition of fiber element

To prepare the fibrous element for use in the measurement of the composition of the fibrous element, the fibrous element must be conditioned by removing any coating compositions and/or materials that are removably present on the outer surface of the fibrous element. Chemical analysis of the conditioned fibrous element is then completed to determine the fibrous element compositional make-up with respect to the fibrous element forming material and active agent and the content of the fibrous element forming material and active agent present in the fibrous element.

The fiber element compositional make-up can be determined for the fiber element forming material and active agent by performing cross-sectional analysis using TOF-SIM or SEM. Another method for determining the compositional make-up of a fibrous element uses a fluorescent dye as a label. In addition, in general, the manufacturer of the fibrous element should know the composition of its fibrous element.

Median particle size test method

The median particle size must be determined using this test method.

Median Particle Size tests were performed to determine the median Particle Size of the seed material using ASTM D502-89, "Standard Test Method for Particle Size of seeds of the Soaps and Other Detergents", approved on 26.5.1989, with the specifications used in the analysis. According to section 7 "Procedure using machine-sizing method", a set of clean and dry sieves comprising US standard (ASTM E11) sieves #8 (2360 um), #12 (1700 μm), #16 (1180 um), #20 (850 μm), #30 (600 μm), #40 (425 μm), #50 (300 μm), #70 (212 μm), #100 (150 μm) is required. The above described set of screens is used for a given machine screening method. Seed material may be used as a sample. Suitable screen shakers are available from w.s.tyler Company (Mentor, ohio, u.s.a.).

By plotting the micron-sized openings of each sieve against the abscissa of the logarithm and using the cumulative mass percentage (Q)₃) The data is plotted on a linear ordinate, plotted on a semi-logarithmic graph. An example of the Representation of the above data is shown in ISO 9276-1, 1998 "registration of results of particulate size analysis-Part 1", FIG. A.4. For the purposes of the present invention, the median particle size (D) of the seed material₅₀) The abscissa value, defined as the point where the cumulative mass percentage is equal to 50%, and is calculated by linear interpolation between the data points directly above (a 50) and below (b 50) the 50% value, using the following formula:

D₅₀＝10^[Log(D_a50)-(Log(D_a50)-Log(D_b50))*(Q_a50-50％)/(Q_a50-Q_b50)]

wherein Q_a50And Q_b50Cumulative mass percentage values directly above and below the 50 th percentage data, respectively; and D_a50And D_b50Are the micron mesh values corresponding to these data.

In the event that the 50 th percentage value is below the finest mesh (150 um) or above the coarsest mesh (2360 um), after a geometric progression of no more than 1.5, additional screens must be added to the screen set until the median value falls between the two measured meshes.

The distribution span of the seed material is a measure of the width of the seed particle size distribution near the median. The calculation can be made according to the following formula:

span = (D)₈₄/D₅₀+D₅₀/D₁₆)/2

Wherein D₅₀Is median particle size and D₈₄And D₁₆The particle sizes at sixteen percent and eighty-four percent, respectively, on the graph are retained for cumulative mass percent.

At D₁₆In the event that the value is below the finest mesh (150 um), then the span is calculated according to:

span = (D)₈₄/D₅₀)。

At D₈₄Value higher than the coarsest mesh (2360 um)In the event of (2), then the span is calculated according to:

span = (D)₅₀/D₁₆)。

At D₁₆Value lower than the finest mesh (150 um) and D₈₄In the event that the value is above the coarsest mesh (2360 um), then the distribution span assumes a maximum value of 5.7.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40mm" is intended to mean "about 40mm".

Each document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or its benefits, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. Use of a fibrous structure comprising a plurality of fibrous elements, the fibrous elements comprising:

one or more filament-forming materials, wherein at least one filament-forming material comprises a polar solvent-soluble material,

one or more active agents selected from the group consisting of: medicaments, fabric care agents, dishwashing agents, carpet care agents, surface care agents, hair care agents, air care agents, and mixtures thereof, and

one or more deterrent agents, wherein at least one of the deterrent agents comprises a bitterant, stimulant, emetic, and mixtures thereof,

wherein, when present, the bittering agent comprises 0.01% to 1% by weight of the fibrous element,

wherein, when present, the stimulant comprises from 0.1% to 1% by weight of the fibrous element,

wherein the at least one filament-forming material comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of: pullulan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, gum arabic, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, dextrin, pectin, chitin, levan, elsinan, collagen, gelatin, zeatin, polyvinyl alcohol, starch derivatives, hemicellulose derivatives, proteins, chitosan derivatives, polyethylene glycol, tetramethylene ether glycol, hydroxymethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof,

wherein the fibrous structure exhibits an average disintegration time of 2.0s or less, and/or the fibrous structure exhibits an average dissolution time of 50s or less, as measured at a temperature of 15 ℃ ± 1 ℃,

wherein the fibrous structure comprises a plurality of particles present within the interstices of the fibrous structure, an

Wherein the fibrous structure is a coform fibrous structure.

2. The use of claim 1, wherein the active agent is a skin benefit agent.

3. The use of claim 1, wherein the active agent is a lotion.

4. The use according to claim 1, wherein the protein is selected from the group consisting of gluten, soy protein and casein.

5. The use of claim 1, wherein at least one of the active agents is releasable from the fibrous element upon exposure of the fibrous element to conditions of intended use.

6. The use of claim 1, wherein the polar solvent soluble material comprises a water soluble material.

7. Use according to claim 1, wherein the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

8. Use according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous element further comprises an extension aid.

9. Use according to claim 1, wherein the bittering agent is selected from: denatonium chloride, denatonium citrate, denatonium sugar, denatonium carbonate, denatonium acetate, denatonium benzoate, and mixtures thereof.

10. The use according to claim 1, wherein the stimulating agent is selected from the group consisting of: capsaicin; vanillyl ethyl ether; vanillyl propyl ether; vanillyl butyl ether; vanillin propylene glycol acetal; ethyl vanillin propylene glycol acetal; gingerol; 4- (1-menthoxymethyl) -2- (3 '-methoxy-4' -hydroxy-phenyl) -1, 3-dioxolane; pepper oil; pepper oleoresin; ginger oleoresin; vanillylnonanoic acid amide; syzygium jambos oleoresin; an extract of the bark of ash tree; sanshool; sanshool; black pepper extract; piperine; piperine; spilanthol; and mixtures thereof.

11. The use of claim 1, wherein the emetic comprises ipecac.

12. The use of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of particles comprises a deterrent agent.

13. The use according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the deterrent agents is present on a surface of the fibrous structure.

14. The use according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the deterrent agents is present within at least one of the fibrous elements.

15. The use of claim 1, wherein the fibrous structure comprises at least one active agent that is releasable from the fibrous structure when the fibrous structure is exposed to conditions of intended use.

16. The use of claim 1, wherein the active agent comprises particles present within the fibrous structure.