CN111225971A

CN111225971A - Improvements in and relating to refreshing of laundry

Info

Publication number: CN111225971A
Application number: CN201880066786.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·博德曼; J·卡伦; G·F·尤纳里
Original assignee: Unilever PLC
Current assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2017-11-29
Filing date: 2018-11-27
Publication date: 2020-06-02
Also published as: CN111212897A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing refreshing product comprising: a laundry refreshment composition; and a hand-held spray device manually operable to produce a spray of the composition; the composition comprises one or more fabric curing components.

Description

Improvements in and relating to refreshing of laundry

The present invention relates to laundry refreshment (revive) between main washes, particularly but not exclusively to laundry refreshment spray products, and method uses for refreshing laundry between main washes.

So-called "freshening" products have been proposed previously, such as hand-held sprayable "air fresheners" or carpet and upholstery fresheners that contain odor masking compounds and/or fragrances. Such compositions are sprayed onto carpet/upholstery surfaces or into the air to make freshness by neutralizing and/or masking unpleasant odors. There are also "freshness" spray products which perfume the laundry, aiming to prolong its acceptable use between washes.

However, despite the presence of such products on the market, the user acceptance of an intermediate "freshness" spray for prolonged laundry use between washes is low. Potential savings in both water/energy from freshening products have not been realized.

One problem is that some items that are potentially suitable for intermediate freshness due to low stain/soil/odor (e.g., uniforms, smart shirts or pants) have specific visual properties that suggest cleanliness, and these are not improved by odor masking/fragrance. Thus, for example, a smart shirt may be worn briefly, after which it is not soiled, has low/no off-flavors, but still appears "through", even if freshened by odor masking/fragrance. One key visual quality of a garment is its structure, more particularly its rigidity, which can impart a specific three-dimensional shape and/or its characteristic creases, in particular ironed creases, such as elongated creases extending along sleeves or legs. Either/both of these characteristics may be lost through wear, causing the garment to appear baggy (baggy) or stretched. The use of conventional aqueous sprays does not alleviate this problem, and such use may actually exacerbate sagging/stretching.

The refreshing fragrance spray does not provide any confidence to the user regarding re-wear (unwashed) because they feel that the laundry does not visually convey a clean, freshly washed impression to others. This is often what others feel in visual appearance, rather than their own view of smart apparel. Thus, this may be a major driver to avoid intermediate treatments and options, rather than a washing process.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved laundry treatment product for use between washes.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a laundry refreshment product comprising: a laundry refreshment composition; and a hand-held spray device that is manually operable to produce a spray of the composition, the composition comprising one or more fabric curing components.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a garment refreshment system using a garment refreshment delivery apparatus for delivering a garment refreshment composition, the composition comprising one or more fabric curing components. The delivery device may be a hand-held spray device which is manually operable to produce a spray of the composition.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a laundry refreshing method using a laundry refreshing product, the laundry refreshing product comprising: a laundry refreshment composition comprising a fabric curing component, and a hand-held spray device which is manually operable to produce a spray of the composition, the method comprising the step of spraying the laundry by operating the spray device so as to direct the spray output of the device onto the laundry. In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a garment refreshment product for applying a garment setting component to a garment in order to refresh the garment structure.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a fabric curing component for refreshing a garment structure.

As used herein, "aerosol" refers to a colloid of dry particles or droplets (of a laundry refreshing composition) suspended in air. Droplets are of particular interest. Aerosols may be produced with or without a propellant (in which case the spray device may be referred to in informal terms as an "aerosol-type device"). As noted elsewhere, the present invention is particularly directed to propellant-free devices.

The curing component advantageously resets the mechanical properties to provide a just washed (just washed) rigidity. With the arrangement of the present invention, the user can improve the key visual and tactile characteristics of the cue cleanliness: three-dimensional shape/form and specific feature creases seen and felt. The applicant has found that such a construction quality indicates a "freshly washed and ironed" cleanliness level, which is most advantageous for, for example, pleated skirts, school uniforms, smart pants. The observer actually infers cleanliness from the characteristic creases and/or garment structure. These shape characteristics, which are inevitably lost by wearing, can be reproduced without washing and/or ironing purely by spraying. Moreover, by providing a spray adapted to the user's preference for cleanliness cues and tailored to the refreshment of the structured garment such that the user's confidence is improved, the use of the product will increase, and preferably become habitual, thereby reducing the frequency of washing. And thus a reduction in the use of water, cleaning actives and energy may be achieved. This is a valuable contribution, especially in view of the large volume of water used in the washing machine. In this way, the presence of the fabric solidifying component converts the product from a refreshing product that simply refreshes fabrics to a fabric refreshing product that refreshes the look and feel of freshly washed fabrics.

Preferably, the composition further comprises an anti-wrinkle agent.

While the inclusion of both an anti-wrinkle agent and a fabric curing component may appear counterintuitive, this has the effect of simultaneously removing the wear imparted creases (creases) and then allowing the user to reset those desired creases. The ability to visually reset the garment to a "freshly washed and ironed" condition further improves the user's confidence that the garment will be re-worn without washing.

Preferably, the composition is an aqueous composition.

Preferably, the composition comprises an anti-odour agent.

Preferably, the composition further comprises a perfume.

With the present invention, the applicant has found a further benefit in that ambient compression of the desired crease can be obtained. The avoidance of heat (e.g., by avoiding the use of a hot iron) and the use of ambient temperature protects components such as fragrances as described herein.

Accordingly, the method may further comprise the step of manually pressing the laundry. Preferably, this step is at ambient/room temperature, thus no heat is added. The pressing may be fully manual, i.e. using only the user's hand, or with a pressing tool. Hot ironing is not required, but does not exclude cold pressing tools. The pressing may be simultaneous with the spraying, or may be subsequent to the spraying.

The method may include the step of hanging the article from a frame, such as a hanger, and spraying at that location.

The method may further comprise the step of spraying non-wrinkled, curved wrinkles to impart bulk to the garment. The method may further comprise the steps of spraying the garment at a plurality of angles, thereby rotating the spraying device about at least one orthogonal axis, preferably two axes, more preferably three axes, and spraying the garment to impart a three-dimensional structural form to the garment. This can be used to increase the bulk of a skirt or shirt (blouse) or trousers, for example, where a "box-like" is required, or to give the trousers a given bulk.

The method may include the step of pressing a garment, the garment being supported on a support surface. The support surface may be a horizontal, flat surface. The support surface may be a bed or a table top.

The method may include the step of pressing the garment to create one or more creases therein. The creases may comprise elongated creases extending along the arms or legs of the garment.

The invention improves the confidence of the wearer that others will think the garment is clean. This is often important to the user as his own view. Therefore, in the case where it has not been possible to wash the shirt after wearing, it can be quickly and conveniently renewed without any means for washing or heating.

Further preferred features of the invention are provided below.

Spraying device

Spraying mechanism

Suitably, the spray device is a manually operable spray device in the sense that the spray mechanism is manually operable to discharge a dose of said composition from the nozzle.

Suitably, the spraying mechanism is operated by an actuator. The actuator may be a push actuator or a pull actuator. The actuator may comprise a trigger.

The spray mechanism may comprise a hand operable pump.

Optionally, the pump is one of: a positive displacement pump; a self-priming pump; a reciprocating pump.

The spray device may include a trigger sprayer, a continuous/semi-continuous sprayer, a finger pump sprayer, a vibrating screen device output sprayer.

A pressurized spray device is preferred, but more preferably, the spray device can be operated without the use of a propellant. In practice, propellant-free spraying devices are preferred. This allows the spray to maintain product integrity and purity, be free of propellant contamination and be environmentally preferred.

Pressurization improves spray duration and speed. Preferably, the spraying device is pressurised by a gas chamber separate from the reservoir containing the composition. The gas is preferably air or nitrogen.

The spray device may comprise an outer container containing the composition and the pressurising agent, wherein the composition is separated from the pressurising agent by being contained (preferably hermetically sealed) in a flexible pouch. This maintains the integrity of the entire formulation such that only pure (i.e., pressurant excluded) compositions are dispensed. A preferred system is the so-called bag-in-can (or BOV, bag-on-valve) technology).

The outer container is preferably sufficiently rigid to contain the pressurizing agent. The pressurizing agent is preferably a gas such as air or nitrogen. The flexible pouch is preferably a laminar pouch. The flexible pouch is suitably in fluid connection with the nozzle. With such a spray device, pressurized air or nitrogen gas can be charged into the outer container and the aerosol valve with attached bag is press-fit connected (crimp) to the container. The formulation is forced through the aerosol valve stem to fill the bag. Finally, the actuator and cover are put in place. One advantage of using such a spray device is that it can provide a 360 degree dispense for spraying the product. This is particularly useful for spray methods for imparting volume, structural features as described above.

The spray device may include a piston barrier mechanism, such as Earth safe by Crown Holdings.

Preferred examples include the so-called "plastic aerosol", Plastipak, SprayPET packaging. The aerosol spray device may comprise a bag-on-valve dispensing mechanism. The preferred dispensing mechanism is Power Container Corporation, US Power Pouch.

Preferably, the spraying device is plastic. Preferably, the plastic comprises PET.

Alternatively or additionally, the plastic material is selected from: polyethylene (PE), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE); polypropylene (PP), poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), Polystyrene (PS), Polycarbonate (PC) and Polyamide (PA), and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the spraying device comprises a biodegradable plastic material.

Preferably, the spraying device comprises a recyclable plastic material, and it may be a recycled (recycled) polymer such as recycled polypropylene. Suitably, the recycled polypropylene comprises at least 50%, more preferably at least 80%, and more preferably at least 95% isotactic polypropylene matrix resin.

As used herein, "reclaimed polymer" or "reclaimed polypropylene" refers to polymer or polypropylene, respectively, that is used for the purposes described above and then recovered for further processing.

As used herein, the term "matrix resin" refers to a polymeric resin used to form an article that has not been combined with an additive or mixture of additives (i.e., a colorant masterbatch) that may be used during the preparation of the article. The matrix resin is often combined with the additive or additive mixture simultaneously during the preparation of the article.

Preferably, the plastic material comprises a bio-based plastic or bioplastic, which may suitably be derived from a biological source, such as biomass. Exemplary bioplastics include polyethylene furanoate, starch-based fabrics, which may be combined with biodegradable polyesters such as starch/polylactic acid, starch/polycaprolactone or starch/Ecoflex^TM(polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate by BASF) blend blends; cellulose-based plastics, protein-based plastics, aliphatic biopolyesters Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), Polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) and Polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH), polyamides, for example PA 11, which are biopolymers derived from natural oils; rilsan B, commercialized by Arkema; PA12 and PA 410; biologically derived polyethylene derived from ethanol, which has been produced by fermentation of agricultural feedstocks such as sugar cane or corn. BioPET plastics may include bio-based MEG (monoethylene glycol).

Preferably, any flexible component (e.g., a pouch contained within an outer container as described herein) comprises a laminate, wherein the laminate may comprise a mixture of different plastic materials. Preferred laminates include an outer paper layer for aesthetic reasons or a metal layer that further limits the moisture permeability of the package, or a mixture thereof.

Atomizer

Conveniently, the laundry refreshment composition is provided as a liquid and the spray mechanism may comprise an atomiser configured to break up the liquid dose into droplets, thereby facilitating formation of the fine aerosol in the form of a mist.

Conveniently, the atomiser may comprise at least one of: a swirl chamber and a lateral dispersion chamber.

Suitably, the atomiser functions to mix air with the laundry refreshment composition.

Reservoir/container

Suitably, the internal volume of the container, i.e. the size/capacity of the reservoir, is selected from: at least 100ml, at least 200ml, at least 300ml and at least 400 ml. Suitably, the volume/size of the reservoir is selected from: no more than 1000ml, no more than 800ml, no more than 600ml, no more than 500ml, no more than 400ml and no more than 300 ml. Suitable ranges are selected from: 100 to 300ml, and 100 to 200 ml. Other suitable ranges are selected from 200 to 600ml, 200 to 500ml, and 300 to 500 ml.

The spray reservoir may be an unpressurized, manually or mechanically pre-pressurized device. The above is also a removable/refillable reservoir.

Preferably, the container has a waist region. This allows for improved grip when the bottle is rotated in use. This is highly useful when the spray is applied to clothing hanging from a frame (container) during spraying.

Duration of spray

Suitably, the spray has a duration in the range of at least 0.4 seconds after actuation. Preferably, the spray has a duration of at least 0.8 seconds. Longer durations minimize the effort by maximizing coverage per actuation of the spray device. This is an important factor for products designed to be used on all areas of the garment.

Preferably, the spray duration is directly related to the actuation such that the spray output continues as long as the actuator is activated (e.g., as long as a button or trigger is pressed).

Replacement reservoir and kit

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a replacement reservoir for a laundry refreshment spray product according to the above aspect, the replacement reservoir being pre-filled with a volume of the laundry refreshment composition for replenishment of the product.

The replacement reservoir may be rigid or flexible. The replacement reservoir may comprise one or more rigid walls and/or one or more flexible walls. In the case of a flexible reservoir, the reservoir may take the form of a pouch.

Suitably, the replacement reservoir is elongate and has an engagement portion extending axially along the longitudinal axis of the elongate reservoir for engagement with a receiving or mating portion of the spraying device. Suitably, the engagement portion of the releasable reservoir comprises a threaded portion for threaded engagement with a receiving portion of the spray device. For example, the replaceable reservoir may comprise an upstanding annular lip provided with external threads for threaded engagement with a re-entry region of the shroud containing an internally threaded recess.

Conveniently, a replacement reservoir may be provided in the kit. Indeed, a further aspect relating to the second aspect of the invention is a kit comprising a replacement reservoir.

A suitable "refill kit" includes one or more reservoirs. In the case of more than one reservoir, for example two, three, four, five or more reservoirs, the contents of each reservoir (laundry refreshment composition) may be the same or different from the other reservoirs. For example, a kit may include a plurality of reservoirs each containing a composition comprising an anti-odorant and/or a different anti-wrinkle agent and/or a fragrance.

The kit may contain instructions, for example, regarding connecting/disconnecting the reservoir to the spray mechanism/shield.

In the case where the kit includes reservoirs with different laundry freshening compositions (e.g., containing different fragrances), the instructions may also provide guidance as to the selection of the reservoir to match the intended use (e.g., the type of laundry to be freshened).

In an embodiment, the kit comprises the spray device of any one of the preceding aspects, and at least one, suitably two or more replacement reservoirs.

Spray characteristics

Suitably, the spray mechanism is manually operable to discharge the composition from the product in the form of a fine mist or aerosol. Suitably, the spray mechanism comprises a nozzle and is operable to discharge a dose of said composition from the nozzle in the form of a fine aerosol.

Suitably, the nozzle has a discharge orifice configured to produce the fine aerosol in a spray having a wide cone angle, which promotes uniform application of the composition to the laundry.

Suitably, the spray has a cone angle of at least 50 degrees, preferably at least 55 degrees, more preferably at least 60 degrees.

Suitably, the spray has a cone angle of no more than 90 degrees, preferably no more than 85 degrees, more preferably no more than 80 degrees.

Suitable taper angles are selected from the range of 50 to 90 degrees, suitably 55 to 80 degrees, suitably 60 to 80 degrees.

Advantageously, the discharge orifice may be configured to generate the fine aerosol in a substantially circular spray pattern.

As discussed below, it is proposed that the composition may be provided in liquid form, such that the fine aerosol generated will suitably take the form of a fine mist of liquid droplets.

Dosage form

Conveniently, the laundry refreshment composition is provided as a liquid and the spray mechanism is operable to expel a dose of at least 0.1ml, preferably at least 0.2ml, more preferably at least 0.25ml, more preferably at least 0.3ml, more preferably at least 0.35ml, more preferably at least 0.4ml, more preferably at least 0.45ml and most preferably at least 0.5 ml.

Suitably, the dose does not exceed 2ml, preferably does not exceed 1.8ml, preferably does not exceed 1.6ml, more preferably does not exceed 1.5ml, more preferably does not exceed 1.4ml, more preferably does not exceed 1.3ml and most preferably does not exceed 1.2 ml.

Suitably, the dose is from 0.1 to 2ml of the liquid laundry refreshment composition, preferably from 0.2 to 1.8ml, more preferably from 0.25 to 1.6ml, more preferably from 0.25 to 1.5ml, and most preferably from 0.25 to 1.2 ml.

These doses have been found to be particularly effective in achieving the desired garment refreshment effect (e.g. wrinkle resistance) without unsightly and wasteful large droplet formation.

Droplet size

Suitably, the spray comprises droplets and the particle size of the formulation when sprayed preferably does not exceed 300 μm, preferably does not exceed 250 μm, preferably does not exceed 150 μm, preferably does not exceed 125 μm, preferably does not exceed 100 μm. When sprayed, the particle size of the formulation is preferably at least 5 μm, preferably at least 10 μm, preferably at least 15 μm, preferably at least 20 μm, preferably at least 30 μm, preferably at least 40 μm. Suitably, the spray comprises droplets having an average diameter in the range of preferably 5 to 300 μm, more preferably 10 to 250 μm, most preferably 15 to 150 μm. This size allows a balance between uniform distribution and sufficient wetting of the fabric without potential fabric damage due to overdosing of some of the ingredients. The droplet size can be measured on a Malvern spheytechnical instrument, with the peak maximum corresponding to the average droplet size. The parameter droplet size is the volume mean diameter D [4,3 ].

By providing improved aerosols (particularly fine mist), the laundry refreshment composition is used more efficiently. Not only can a greater proportion of the sprayed laundry refreshment composition be deposited on the fabric, but the effectiveness of the deposited laundry refreshment composition can be improved. In particular, droplet sizes within the ranges disclosed herein may achieve a reasonably uniform or homogeneous distribution of active on the laundry, which in turn optimizes the laundry freshening effect.

In embodiments, the spray device can apply a large amount of the laundry refreshment composition to a large area of the laundry, with uniform coverage and without visible wetting or marking. This is particularly advantageous for larger garments such as jackets, jackets and other outerwear.

Laundry refreshment compositions

The laundry refreshment composition may be in any physical form, for example a solid, such as a powder or granules; or as a liquid, such as an aqueous liquid. The solid form may be mixed with water prior to spraying.

Liquids are preferred.

Fabric curing component

Preferably, the fabric curing component is capable of setting the mechanical properties of the fabric.

The curing component may comprise a mechanically-heavy structuring component.

Preferably, the one or more fabric curing components comprise one or more curing polymers.

The one or more fabric curing components preferably comprise one or more curing polymers.

As used herein, "cured polymer" refers to any polymer, which refers to a polymer that has the properties of a film-forming, adherent, or deposited coating on the surface to which it is applied.

The cured polymer may be present in an amount selected from: less than 10%, less than 7.5%, and less than 5% are present. The cured polymer may be present in an amount selected from: greater than 0.5%, greater than 1%, and greater than 1.5% are present. Suitably, the cured polymer is present in the spray composition in an amount selected from the range of from about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 7.5%, more preferably from about 1.5% to about 5%, by weight of the laundry refreshment composition.

The molecular weight of the cured polymer is preferably from 1,000 to 500,000, more preferably from 2,000 to 250,000, even more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000.

The cured polymer according to the present invention may be any water soluble or water dispersible polymer. Preferably, the polymer is a film-forming polymer or a mixture of such polymers. This includes homopolymers or copolymers of natural or synthetic origin having functional groups such as hydroxyl, amine, amide or carboxyl groups which render the polymer water-soluble. The cured polymer may be cationic, anionic, nonionic or amphoteric. The polymer may be a single type of polymer or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the cured polymer is selected from: anionic polymers, nonionic polymers, amphoteric polymers, and mixtures thereof. For all polymers described herein, it is intended to encompass both acids and their salts.

Suitable cationically curable polymers are preferably selected from: quaternized acrylates or methacrylates; quaternary ammonium homopolymers or copolymers of vinylimidazole; a homopolymer or copolymer comprising quaternary ammonium dimethyldiallylammonium chloride; a cationic polysaccharide; a cationic cellulose derivative; chitosan and its derivatives; and mixtures thereof.

The quaternized acrylates or methacrylates are preferably selected from the group consisting of: a) at least one of the following: quaternized dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamides (e.g., quaternized dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide); or quaternized dialkylaminoalkyl acrylates (e.g., quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), and b) one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of: vinyl lactams, such as vinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl caprolactam; acrylamides, methacrylamides, which may or may not be substituted on the nitrogen by lower alkyl groups (C1-C4) (e.g. N-tert-butylacrylamide); esters of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid (e.g., C1-C4 alkyl acrylates, methyl acrylates, ethyl acrylates, t-butyl acrylates, and methacrylate derivatives of these); acrylates grafted onto polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol (e.g., poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate); hydroxy acrylates (e.g., hydroxyethyl methacrylate); hydroxyalkylated acrylamides; aminoalkylated acrylamides (e.g., dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide); alkyl acrylamides (e.g., t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate); alkyl ether acrylates (e.g., 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate); monovinyl monomers such as ethylene, styrene; vinyl esters (e.g., vinyl acetate or propionate, vinyl tert-butylbenzoate); vinyl esters grafted to polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol; a vinyl ether; a vinyl halide; a phenyl vinyl derivative; and allyl esters or methallyl esters; and mixtures thereof. The counterion may be a methylsulfate anion or a halide, such as chloride or bromide.

The quaternary ammonium homopolymer or copolymer of vinylimidazole is preferably selected from: a copolymer comprising: a) quaternized vinylimidazole, and b) one or more further monomers. The other monomers may be selected from: vinyl lactams such as vinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl caprolactam such as vinyl pyrrolidone/quaternized vinyl imidazole (PQ-16) such as sold by BASF as Luviquat FC-550; acrylamides, methacrylamides, which may or may not be substituted on the nitrogen by lower alkyl groups (C1-C4) (e.g., N-tert-butylacrylamide); esters of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid (e.g., C1-C4 alkyl acrylates, methyl acrylates, ethyl acrylates, t-butyl acrylates, and methacrylate derivatives of these); acrylates grafted onto polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol (e.g., poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate); hydroxy acrylates (e.g., hydroxyethyl methacrylate); hydroxyalkylated acrylamides; aminoalkylated acrylamides (e.g., dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide); alkyl acrylamides (e.g., t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate); alkyl ether acrylates (e.g., 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate); monovinyl monomers such as ethylene, styrene; vinyl esters (e.g., vinyl acetate or propionate, vinyl tert-butylbenzoate); vinyl esters grafted to polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol; a vinyl ether; a vinyl halide; a phenyl vinyl derivative; allyl esters or methallyl esters; and mixtures thereof. The counterion may be a methylsulfate anion or a halide, such as chloride or bromide.

Dimethyldiallylammonium chloride is preferably selected from: comprising a homopolymer or copolymer of quaternary ammonium dimethyldiallylammonium chloride and another monomer. The further monomer may be selected from: acrylamides, methacrylamides which may or may not be substituted on the nitrogen with lower alkyl groups (C1-C4) (e.g., N-tert-butylacrylamide); vinyl lactams, such as vinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl caprolactam; esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid (e.g., C1-C4 alkyl acrylates, methyl acrylates, ethyl acrylates, t-butyl acrylates, and methacrylate derivatives of these); acrylates grafted onto polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol (e.g., poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate); hydroxy acrylates (e.g., hydroxyethyl methacrylate); hydroxyalkylated acrylamides; aminoalkylated acrylamides (e.g., dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide); alkyl acrylamides (e.g., t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate); alkyl ether acrylates (e.g., 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate); monovinyl monomers such as ethylene, styrene; vinyl esters (e.g., vinyl acetate or propionate, vinyl tert-butylbenzoate); vinyl esters grafted to polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol; a vinyl ether; a vinyl halide; a phenyl vinyl derivative; allyl esters or methallyl esters; and mixtures thereof. The counterion may be a methylsulfate anion or a halide, such as chloride or bromide.

The cationic polysaccharide is preferably selected from: a cationic cellulose; a cationic starch; cationic glycogen; a cationic chitin; cationic guar gums, such as those containing trialkylammonium cationic groups, for example, such as guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, available from Ashland as N-Hance 3269; and mixtures thereof.

The cationic cellulose derivative is preferably selected from: copolymers of cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyalkyl celluloses (e.g., hydroxymethyl-, hydroxyethyl-or hydroxypropyl celluloses) grafted with quaternary ammonium containing water soluble monomers (e.g., glycidyl trimethyl ammonium, methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium, or methacrylamidopropyl trimethyl ammonium, or dimethyl diallyl ammonium salts) and mixtures thereof. For example, hydroxyethylcellulose dimethyldiallylammonium chloride [ PQ4] as sold by Akzo Nobel as Celquat L200, or quaternized hydroxyethylcellulose [ PQ10] as sold by Dow Personal Care as UCARE JR 125.

The chitosan and derivatives thereof are preferably selected from: chitosan and salts of chitosan. The salt may be chitosan acetate, lactate, glutamate, gluconate or pyrrolidine carboxylate, preferably having a degree of hydrolysis of at least 80%; and mixtures thereof. Suitable chitosans include Hydagen HCMF from Cognis.

Suitable anionically curing polymers may be selected from polymers containing groups derived from carboxylic or sulfonic acids. The copolymers comprising acid units are generally used in their partially or fully neutralized form, more preferably in fully neutralized form. Suitable anionically cured polymers may include: (a) at least one monomer derived from: carboxylic acids such as acrylic or methacrylic acid or crotonic acid or salts thereof, or C4-C8 monounsaturated polycarboxylic acids or anhydrides (e.g., maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid and anhydrides thereof), or sulfonic acids such as vinyl sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid, naphthalene sulfonic acid, propenyl alkylsulfonic acid, acrylamidoalkylsulfonic acid or salts thereof, and (b) one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of: esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid (e.g., C1-C4 alkyl acrylates, methyl acrylates, ethyl acrylates, t-butyl acrylates, and methacrylate derivatives of these); acrylates grafted onto polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol (e.g., poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate); hydroxy acrylates (e.g., hydroxyethyl methacrylate); acrylamides, methacrylamides which may or may not be substituted on the nitrogen by lower alkyl groups (C1-C4); n-alkylated acrylamides (e.g., N-t-butylacrylamide); hydroxyalkylated acrylamides; aminoalkylated acrylamides (e.g., dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide); alkyl acrylamides (e.g., t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate); alkyl ether acrylates (e.g., 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate); monovinyl monomers such as ethylene, styrene; vinyl esters (e.g., vinyl acetate or propionate, vinyl tert-butylbenzoate); vinyl esters grafted to polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol; a vinyl ether; a vinyl halide; a phenyl vinyl derivative; allyl esters or methallyl esters; vinyl lactams, such as vinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl caprolactam; alkyl maleimides, hydroxyalkyl maleimides (e.g. ethyl/ethanol maleimide); and mixtures thereof. When present, the anhydride functionality of these polymers may optionally be mono-esterified or mono-amidated.

Alternatively, the anionically cured polymer may be selected from water soluble polyurethanes. The polyurethane is preferably dispersed in water. Suitable polyurethanes include those such as adipic acid, 1, 6-hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, isophorone diisocyanate, isophorone diamine, N- (2-aminoethyl) -3-aminoethane sulfonic acid, sodium salt (also known as polyurethane-48), as sold by Bayer as BauscusanC 1008; and such as isophorone diisocyanate, dimethylolpropionic acid, 4-isopropylidenediphenol/propylene oxide/ethylene oxide (also known as polyurethane-14), as sold by Akzo Nobel under the name DynamX H20 as a mixture; and mixtures thereof.

Alternatively, the anionically cured polymer may be selected from anionic polysaccharides. The anionic polysaccharide is preferably selected from: anionic cellulose; an anionic starch; anionic glycogen; an anionic chitin; an anionic guar gum; and mixtures thereof.

Preferred anionically cured polymers may be selected from: copolymers derived from acrylic acid, such as acrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/N-tert-butylacrylamide terpolymers, as sold by BASF as Ultrahold 8; octylacrylamide/acrylate/butylaminoethyl/methacrylate copolymers such as the acrylate/octylacrylamide copolymer sold by Akzo Nobel as Amphomer, preferably as Amphomer 4961; methacrylic acid/acrylate/methacrylate, as sold by Akzo Nobel as Balance CR; copolymers of butyl acrylate/methacrylic acid/methyl methacrylate; octylacrylamide/acrylates/butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymers, such as sold by akzo nobel as Balance 47; methacrylic acid/hydroxyethyl methacrylate/various acrylates such as those sold by dow chemical under the designation Acudyne 1000; acrylates/hydroxyethyl methacrylate, such as sold by dow chemical as Acudyne 180; methacrylic acid/hydroxyethyl methacrylate/various acrylates, such as sold by Dow Chemical as Acudyne DHR; n-butyl methacrylate/methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymers such as sold by DSM as Tilamar Fix A-1000; copolymers derived from crotonic acid, such as vinyl acetate/vinyl tert-butylbenzoate/crotonic acid terpolymers and crotonic acid/vinyl acetate/vinyl neododecanoate terpolymers, such as sold by Akzo Nobel as Resin 282930. Preferred sulfonic acid-derived cured polymers include: sodium polystyrene sulfonate sold by Ashland as Flexan 130; sulfopolyester (also known as polyester-5), as sold by Eastman as Eastman AQ 48; sulfopolyester (also known as polyester-5), as sold by Eastman as Eastman AQ S38; sulfopolyester (also known as polyester-5), as sold by Eastman as Eastman AQ 55; and mixtures thereof.

More preferably, the anionic polymer is selected from: copolymers derived from acrylic acid, such as acrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/N-t-butylacrylamide terpolymer; octylacrylamide/acrylates/butylaminoethyl/methacrylate copolymers; methacrylic acid/acrylate/methacrylate esters; octylacrylamide/acrylates/butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymers; methacrylic acid/hydroxyethyl methacrylate/various acrylates; acrylates/hydroxyethyl methacrylate; methacrylic acid/hydroxyethyl methacrylate/various acrylates; n-butyl methacrylate/methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate copolymer; copolymers derived from crotonic acid, such as vinyl acetate/vinyl tert-butylbenzoate/crotonic acid terpolymers; copolymers of butyl acrylate/methacrylic acid/methyl methacrylate; crotonic acid/vinyl acetate/vinyl neododecanoate terpolymer; isophorone diisocyanate; dimethylol propionic acid, 4, 4-isopropylidenediphenol/propylene oxide/ethylene oxide (also known as polyurethane-14), as sold as a mixture under the name DynamXH20 by Akzo Nobel; and mixtures thereof.

The non-ionic curable polymer may be natural, synthetic or mixtures thereof. The synthetic non-ionic curable polymer is selected from: homopolymers and copolymers comprising: (a) at least one of the following main monomers: vinyl pyrrolidone; vinyl esters grafted to polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol; acrylates grafted onto a polyalkylene glycol such as polyethylene glycol or acrylamide, and (b) one or more other monomers such as vinyl esters (e.g., vinyl acetate or propionate, vinyl tert-butylbenzoate); alkyl acrylamides (e.g., t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate); vinyl caprolactam; hydroxyalkylated acrylamides; aminoalkylated acrylamides (e.g., dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide); a vinyl ether; alkyl maleimides, hydroxyalkylmaleimides (e.g., ethyl/ethanoldiimide); and mixtures thereof.

Suitable natural non-ionic curable polymers are water soluble. Preferred natural nonionic polymers are selected from: a nonionic polysaccharide comprising: nonionic cellulose, nonionic starch, nonionic glycogen, nonionic chitin, and nonionic guar gum; cellulose derivatives, such as hydroxyalkyl celluloses (e.g., hydroxymethyl-, hydroxyethyl-, or hydroxypropyl celluloses), and mixtures thereof.

The non-ionic curable polymer is preferably selected from vinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers, such as vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers.

The amphoteric curable polymer may be natural, synthetic or mixtures thereof. Suitable synthetic amphoteric cured polymers include those comprising: acid and base like monomers; a carboxybetaine or sulfobetaine zwitterionic monomer; and alkyl amine oxide acrylates.

Suitable amphoteric curing polymers comprising acid and base monomers are preferably selected from: (a) at least one monomer containing a basic nitrogen atom, such as a quaternized dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide (e.g., quaternized dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide), or a quaternized dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate (e.g., quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), and (b) at least one acid monomer comprising one or more carboxyl or sulfo groups, such as acrylic acid, or methacrylic acid, or crotonic acid, or salts thereof, or C4-C8 monounsaturated polycarboxylic acids or anhydrides (e.g., maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, and anhydrides thereof), and (C) one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of: acrylamides, methacrylamides, which may or may not be substituted on the nitrogen by lower alkyl groups (C1-C4) (e.g., N-tert-butylacrylamide); vinyl lactams, such as vinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl caprolactam; esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid (e.g., C1-C4 alkyl acrylates, methyl acrylates, ethyl acrylates, t-butyl acrylates, and methacrylate derivatives of these); acrylates grafted onto polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol (e.g., poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate); hydroxy acrylates (e.g., hydroxyethyl methacrylate); hydroxyalkylated acrylamides; aminoalkylated acrylamides (e.g., dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide); alkyl acrylamides (e.g., t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate); alkyl ether acrylates (e.g., 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate); monovinyl monomers such as ethylene, styrene; vinyl esters (e.g., vinyl acetate or propionate, vinyl tert-butylbenzoate); vinyl esters grafted to polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol; a vinyl ether; a vinyl halide; a phenyl vinyl derivative; allyl esters or methallyl esters; and mixtures thereof.

Suitable amphoteric curing polymers comprising carboxybetaine or sulfobetaine zwitterionic monomers are preferably selected from: carboxybetaine methacrylate and sulfobetaine methacrylate. For example: (a) at least one carboxybetaine or sulfobetaine zwitterionic monomer, such as carboxybetaine methacrylate and sulfobetaine methacrylate; and (b) a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylamides, methacrylamides (e.g., N-t-butylacrylamide), which may or may not be substituted on the nitrogen with a lower alkyl group (C1-C4); vinyl lactams, such as vinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl caprolactam; esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid (e.g., C1-C4 alkyl acrylates, methyl acrylates, ethyl acrylates, t-butyl acrylates, and methacrylate derivatives of these); acrylates grafted onto polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol (e.g., poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate); hydroxy acrylates (e.g., hydroxyethyl methacrylate); hydroxyalkylated acrylamides; aminoalkylated acrylamides (e.g., dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide); alkyl acrylamides (e.g., t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate); alkyl ether acrylates (e.g., 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate); monovinyl monomers such as ethylene, styrene; vinyl esters (e.g., vinyl acetate or propionate, vinyl tert-butylbenzoate); vinyl esters grafted to polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol; a vinyl ether; a vinyl halide; a phenyl vinyl derivative; allyl esters or methallyl esters; and mixtures thereof.

Suitable amphoteric cured polymers comprising alkyl amine oxide acrylates are preferably selected from: (a) ethyl amine oxide methacrylate; and (b) a monomer selected from the group consisting of: acrylamides, methacrylamides, which may or may not be substituted on the nitrogen by lower alkyl groups (C1-C4) (e.g., N-tert-butylacrylamide); vinyl lactams, such as vinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl caprolactam; esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid (e.g., C1-C4 alkyl acrylates, methyl acrylates, ethyl acrylates, t-butyl acrylates, and methacrylate derivatives of these); acrylates grafted onto polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol (e.g., poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate); hydroxy acrylates (e.g., hydroxyethyl methacrylate); hydroxyalkylated acrylamides; aminoalkylated acrylamides (e.g., dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide); alkyl acrylamides (e.g., t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate); alkyl ether acrylates (e.g., 2-ethoxyethyl acrylate); monovinyl monomers such as ethylene, styrene; vinyl esters (e.g., vinyl acetate or propionate, vinyl tert-butylbenzoate); vinyl esters grafted to polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol; a vinyl ether; a vinyl halide; a phenyl vinyl derivative; allyl esters or methallyl esters. One example of such an amphoteric curing polymer is the acrylate/ethyl amine oxide methacrylate sold by Clariant as diafaromer Z731N; and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the cured polymer is selected from the group consisting of acrylate polymers, copolymers comprising acrylate monomers, starch, cellulose, derivatives of cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

Most preferably, the cured polymer is selected from: copolymers of acrylates and two or more acrylate monomers, such as: (meth) acrylic acid or one of its simple esters; octylacrylamide/acrylate/butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymers; acrylate/hydroxy acrylate copolymers of butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate; polyurethane-14/AMP-acrylate copolymer blends; and mixtures thereof. This includes both acids and their salts.

Wrinkle-resisting agent

The composition of the invention may comprise an anti-wrinkle agent, which may comprise a silicone, preferably it is in an emulsion.

The silicone may be present at a level selected from less than 10%, less than 8% and less than 6% by weight of the spray composition. The silicone may be present in an amount selected from: greater than 0.5%, greater than 1%, and greater than 1.5% are present. Suitably, the silicone is present in the spray composition in an amount selected from: is present in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 8%, more preferably from about 0.5% to about 6%.

Silicones and their chemical properties are described, for example, in The Encyclopaedia of Polymer Science, volume 11, page 765.

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

non-functionalized silicones, such as Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS),

functionalized silicones, such as alkyl (or alkoxy) functionalized, alkylene oxide functionalized, amino functionalized, phenyl functionalized, hydroxyl functionalized, polyether functionalized, acrylate functionalized, silane (silicone hydride) functionalized, carboxyl functionalized, phosphate functionalized, sulfate functionalized, phosphonate functionalized, sulfonate (sulphonic) functionalized, betaine functionalized, quaternary nitrogen functionalized, and mixtures thereof.

Copolymers, graft copolymers and block copolymers having one or more different types of functional groups such as alkyl, alkylene oxide, amino, phenyl, hydroxyl, polyether, acrylate, silane, carboxyl, phosphate, sulfonate, phosphonate, betaine, quaternary nitrogen and mixtures thereof.

Suitable non-functionalized silicones have the general formula:

R¹-Si(R³)₂-O-[-Si(R³)₂-O-]_x-Si(R³)₂-R²

r1 ═ hydrogen, methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, propoxy, and aryloxy groups.

R2 ═ hydrogen, methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, propoxy, and aryloxy groups.

R3 ═ alkyl, aryl, hydroxy, or hydroxyalkyl groups, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable functionalized silicones may be anionic, cationic or nonionic functionalized silicones.

The functional groups on the functionalized silicone are preferably located at pendant positions on the silicone, i.e., the composition comprises a functionalized silicone in which the functional groups are located at positions other than the ends of the silicone chain. The terms "terminal position" and "at the end of a silicone chain" are used to refer to the end of a silicone chain.

When the silicone is substantially linear, there are two ends on the silicone chain. In this case, the anionic silicone preferably does not contain a functional group located at a terminal position of the silicone.

When the silicone is substantially branched, the terminal positions are considered to be the two ends of the longest linear silicone chain. Preferably, no functional groups are located at the end of the longest linear silicone chain.

Preferred functionalized silicones are those comprising an anionic group at an in-chain position on the silicone. Preferably, the functional group of the functionalized silicone is located at least five Si atoms away from the terminal position on the silicone. Preferably, the functional groups are randomly distributed along the silicone chain.

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

The carboxy functional silicone may be present as a carboxylic or carbonate anion, preferably having a carboxy content of at least 1 mol%, preferably at least 2 mol%, by weight of the silicone polymer. Preferably, the carboxyl group is located at a pendant position, more preferably at least five Si atoms from a terminal position on the silicone. Preferably, the carboxyl groups are randomly distributed along the silicone chain. Examples of suitable carboxy-functional silicones include FC 220 from Wacker Chemie and X22-3701E from Shin Etsu.

Amino-functional silicones refer to silicones containing at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine group or a quaternary ammonium group. The primary, secondary, tertiary and/or quaternary amine groups are preferably located at pendant positions, more preferably at least five Si atoms from a terminal position on the silicone.

Preferably, the amino groups are randomly distributed along the silicone chain. Examples of suitable amino-functional silicones include FC222 from Wacker Chemie and EC218 from Wacker Chemie.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymers have the general formula:

R¹-Si(CH₃)₂-O-[-Si(CH₃)₂-O-]_x-Si(CH₃)₂-R²

r1 ═ hydrogen, methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, propoxy, and aryloxy groups.

R2 ═ hydrogen, methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, hydroxy, propoxy, and aryloxy groups.

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

The molecular weight of the silicone polymer is preferably from 1,000 to 500,000, more preferably from 2,000 to 250,000, even more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000.

The silicones of the invention are in the form of emulsions. The silicone is preferably emulsified prior to addition to the composition of the present invention. The silicone composition is typically supplied from the manufacturer in the form of an emulsion.

The average particle size of the emulsion is in the range of about 1nm to 30 microns, preferably about 10nm to about 20 microns. These include microemulsions (< 100nm, preferably 1 to 100nm, more preferably 1 to 60nm), and macroemulsions (about 100nm to about 30 microns, preferably greater than 150nm, and preferably less than 20 microns); and mixtures thereof. The particle size is measured as the volume mean diameter D [4,3], which can be measured using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 from Malvern instruments.

The particle size of the silicone emulsion will provide different fabric benefits. In one embodiment, the emulsion may be in the form of a microemulsion, providing shape recovery while reducing staining. In an alternative embodiment, the emulsion may be in the form of a coarse emulsion, providing color reversion.

Aqueous composition

The laundry refreshment composition is suitably an aqueous laundry refreshment composition.

Aqueous solutions are preferred for odor control. The dilute aqueous solution provides maximum separation of the anti-odor agent (e.g., cyclodextrin molecules) on the fabric, thereby maximizing the likelihood that the odor molecules will interact with the anti-odor agent.

The preferred carrier of the present invention is water. The water used may be distilled, deionized or tap water. Not only does water act as a liquid carrier for the anti-odor agent, such as cyclodextrin, it also promotes the complexation reaction between the anti-odor agent (e.g., cyclodextrin molecules) and any odor molecules on the laundry.

Suitably, the water is present in the laundry refreshment composition at least 60% and more preferably at least 70% by weight of the laundry refreshment composition.

Preferably, the carrier further comprises an emulsifier. The emulsifier may comprise a surfactant as described herein.

In embodiments, one or more of the components in the laundry refreshment composition (e.g., anti-odor agent, anti-wrinkle agent, and perfume) are provided as or as an encapsulate. Microcapsules are preferred.

Anti-odor agent

The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise an anti-odour ingredient. The anti-odour ingredients may be in addition to conventional free perfume ingredients.

The anti-odor agent may be selected from: less than 20%, less than 10% and less than 5% are present. Suitably, the anti-odor agent is present in the laundry refreshment composition in an amount selected from the range of about 0.01% to about 5%, preferably about 0.1% to about 3%, more preferably about 0.5% to about 2%, by weight of the laundry refreshment composition.

Any suitable anti-odor agent may be used. Indeed, the anti-odour effect may be achieved by any compound or product that effectively "traps", "absorbs" or "destroys" odour molecules to thereby separate or remove odour from the laundry or act as an "odour counteractant".

The odour control agent may be selected from: uncomplexed cyclodextrin; an odor blocker; a reactive aldehyde; a flavonoid; a zeolite; activated carbon; a mixture of zinc ricinoleate or a solution thereof and a substituted monocyclic organic compound; and mixtures thereof.

As mentioned above, a suitable anti-odour agent is a cyclodextrin, suitably a water-soluble uncomplexed cyclodextrin. Suitably, the cyclodextrin is present at a level selected from 0.01% to 5%, 0.1% to 4%, and 0.5% to 2% by weight of the laundry refreshment composition.

The term "cyclodextrin" as used herein includes any known cyclodextrin, such as unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing six to twelve glucose units, especially α -cyclodextrin, β -cyclodextrin, γ -cyclodextrin and/or derivatives thereof and/or mixtures thereof α -cyclodextrin consists of six glucose units, β -cyclodextrin consists of seven glucose units, and γ -cyclodextrin consists of eight glucose units arranged in a doughnut.

Preferably, the cyclodextrin is highly water soluble, such as α -cyclodextrin and/OR its derivatives, γ -cyclodextrin and/OR its derivatives, derivatized β -cyclodextrin, and/OR mixtures thereof the derivatives of cyclodextrin consist essentially of molecules in which some of the OH groups are converted to OR groups the cyclodextrin derivatives include, for example, those having short chain alkyl groups, such as methylated cyclodextrins and ethylated cyclodextrins, where R is methyl OR ethyl, those having hydroxyalkyl substituent groups, such as hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin and/OR hydroxyethyl cyclodextrin, where R is-CH 2-CH OH) -CH 7 OR-CH 2CH2-OH groups, branched cyclodextrins, such as maltose-bonded cyclodextrins, cationic cyclodextrins, such as those containing 2-hydroxy-3- (dimethylamino) propyl ether, where R is CH2-CH (5631 OH) -CH2-N (CH3)2, which is cationic at low pH, quaternary ammonium chloride, such as 2-hydroxy-3- (dimethylamino) propyl ether, where R is CH 355631-CH 2-N (CH3)2, which is a quaternary ammonium chloride, such as 2-hydroxy-3- (trimethylammoniumsylate), where R is CH 3- (5634) propyl ether, where R is a methyl-N (CH 3-methyl-cyclodextrin, such as a quaternary ammonium chloride, a salt, such as a quaternary ammonium chloride-cyclodextrin, a salt, a quaternary ammonium chloride-cyclodextrin, such as a salt, and a mixture thereof, such as a salt, and a salt of maltodextrin, such as a quaternary ammonium salt, and a salt of a quaternary ammonium salt.

Highly water-soluble cyclodextrins are those having a water solubility at room temperature of at least about 10g in 100ml of water, preferably at least about 20g in 100ml of water, more preferably at least about 25g in 100ml of water at room temperature. The availability of dissolved uncomplexed cyclodextrin is essential for effective and efficient odor control performance. When deposited on surfaces, especially fabrics, the dissolved water-soluble cyclodextrins can exhibit more effective odor control properties than non-water-soluble cyclodextrins.

Examples of preferred water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives suitable for use herein are hydroxypropyl α -cyclodextrin, methylated α -cyclodextrin, methylated β -cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl β -cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl β -cyclodextrin hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin derivatives preferably having a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 14, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 7, wherein the total number of OR groups per cyclodextrin is defined as the degree of substitution the methylated cyclodextrin derivatives typically having a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 18, preferably from about 3 to about 16 one known methylated β -cyclodextrin is hepta-2, 6-di-O-methyl- β -cyclodextrin, commonly referred to as DIMEB, wherein for glucose units having about 2 methyl groups the degree of substitution is about 14 one preferred more commercially available methylated β -cyclodextrin is random methylated β -cyclodextrin, commonly referred to as RAMEB, having a different degree of substitution, typically about 12.6. memb is more preferred than dime.g. ram as affecting the surface activity of the cyclodextrin more preferred from metals.

In embodiments, a mixture of cyclodextrins is used. An "odor blocker" may be used as an anti-odor agent to mitigate the effects of off-flavors. Non-limiting examples of odor blockers include 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-2-pentanone, 4-ethylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 4-isopropylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, cyclohexylmethyl ketone, 3-methylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 4-tert-butylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 2-methyl-5-isopropylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 4-methylcyclohexylisopropyl ketone, 4-methylcyclohexyl sec-butyl ketone, 4-methylcyclohexylisobutyl ketone, 2, 4-dimethylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 2, 3-dimethylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 2-dimethylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 3-dimethylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 4-dimethylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 2, 4-dimethylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 4-cyclohexylmethyl ketone, 2-methyl ketone, 3,3, 5-trimethylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, 2, 6-trimethylcyclohexylmethyl ketone, ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-1-carboxylate, ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-1-acetate, ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-1-propionate, ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-1-isobutyrate, ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-1-n-butyrate, propyl 1-cyclohexyl-1-acetate, propyl 1-cyclohexyl-1-n-butyrate, propyl 1-cyclohexyl-2-methyl-1-acetate, propyl 2-cyclohexyl-2-propionate, propyl 2-cyclohexyl-2-isobutyrate, propyl 2-cyclohexyl-1-isobutyrate, ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-1-acetate, ethyl 1-cyclohexyl-1-isobutyrate, ethyl 2-cyclohexyl-2-isobutyrate, 2-cyclohexyl-2-n-butyl propyl ester, 5-dimethyl-1, 3-cyclohexanedione (dimedone), 2-dimethyl-1, 3-dioxane-4, 6-dione (Meldrum's acid), spiro- [4.5] -6, 10-dioxa-7, 9-dioxodecane, spiro- [5.5] -1, 5-dioxa-2, 4-dioxoundecane, 2-hydroxymethyl-1, 3-dioxane-4, 6-dione and 1, 3-cyclohexyldione. Odor blockers are disclosed in more detail in US4,009,253; US4,187,251; US4,719,105; US5,441,727; and US5,861,371, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Examples of suitable reactive aldehydes include class I aldehydes and class II aldehydes, examples of class I aldehydes include anisaldehyde, o-allyl-vanillin, benzaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, ethyl anisaldehyde (ethylaubepin), ethyl vanillin, piperonal, tolyl aldehyde, and vanillin examples of class II aldehydes include 3- (4 '-tert-butylphenyl) propanal, 2-methyl-3- (4' -isopropylphenyl) propanal, 2-dimethyl-3- (4-ethylphenyl) propanal, cinnamaldehyde, α -pentyl-cinnamaldehyde, and α -hexylcinnamaldehyde examples of these reactive aldehydes are described in more detail in US5,676,163 when used, reactive aldehydes may include a combination of at least two aldehydes, wherein one aldehyde is selected from the group consisting of acyclic aliphatic aldehydes, non-terpene aldehydes, non-alicyclic terpene aldehydes, alkenylaldehydes, aliphatic aldehydes substituted with aromatic groups, and difunctional acetals of the aldehydes and acetals of these aldehydes are selected from the group consisting of the cyclic acetal, and ketal when used, the reaction of these aldehydes is carried out with a material which is either a, a compound which reacts with at least one of the cyclic aldehyde, acetal, a compound of these aldehydes, a cyclic aldehyde, a compound of a cyclic aldehyde, a compound which is selected from the cyclic aldehyde, a compound which is used in which is selected from the cyclic aldehyde, a compound which is selected from the cyclic aldehyde, a cyclic aldehyde, a compound which is selected from the cyclic aldehyde, a compound which is used, a compound which is not a, a cyclic aldehyde, or a compound which is.

Flavonoids may also be used as anti-odorants. The flavonoids are based on C₆-C₃-C₆Such oils include those extracted by dry distillation from conifers and grasses (e.g., cedar, hinoki, eucalyptus, japanese red pine, dandelion, low striped bamboo, and longus), and may contain terpenoids such as α -pinene, β -pinene, myrcene, and the like,phencone and camphene. Also comprises tea extract. A description of such materials can be found in JP02284997 and JP 04030855,.

Metal salts may also be used as anti-odor agents to achieve odor control benefits. Examples include metal salts of fatty acids. Ricinoleic acid is a preferred fatty acid. Zinc salts are preferred metal salts. The zinc salt of ricinoleic acid is particularly preferred. A commercially available product is TEGO Sorb a30 from Evonik. Further details of suitable metal salts are provided below.

Zeolites can be used as anti-odor agents. One useful class of zeolites is characterized as "intermediate" silicate/aluminate zeolites. The intermediate zeolite (zeolite) is characterized by SiO₂/AlO₂The molar ratio is less than about 10. Preferably, SiO₂/AlO₂In the range of about 2 to about 10. Intermediate zeolites may have advantages over "high" zeolites. Intermediate zeolites have a higher affinity for amine-type odors, they are more weight efficient for odor absorption because they have a larger surface area, and they are more resistant to moisture than high zeolites and retain a higher odor absorption capacity in water. A wide range of intermediate zeolites suitable for use herein may be mentioned

CP301-68、

300-63、

CP300-35 and

CP300-56 is commercially available from PQ Corporation, and as

The series of zeolites was purchased from Conteka. Available under the trade name of the Union Carbide Corporation and UOP

And

zeolitic materials which are sold are also preferred. Such materials offer superior control of sulfur-containing odors (e.g., thiols, mercaptans). Suitably, the zeolite material has a particle size of less than about 10 microns and is present in the laundry refreshment composition at a level of less than 1 wt% of the laundry refreshment composition.

Activated carbon is another suitable anti-odor agent. Suitable carbon materials are known absorbents for organic molecules and/or for air purification purposes. Typically, such carbon materials are referred to as "activated" carbon or "activated" carbon. Such carbons are available from commercial sources under the following trade names: such as Calgon-Type

Type

Type

Type

And Type

Suitably, the activated carbon preferably has a particle size of less than about 10 microns and is present in the laundry refreshment composition at a level of less than about 1% by weight of the laundry refreshment composition.

Exemplary anti-odor agents are as follows.

ODOBAN^TMIs manufactured and distributed by Clean Central corp. of Warner Robins, Ga. The active ingredient was alkyl (C1450%, C1240% and C1610%) dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, which is an antibacterial quaternary ammonium compound. Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride is in solution with water and isopropanol. Another product of Clean Control Corp. is BIOODOUR CONTROL^TMComprising water, bacterial spores, alkylphenol ethoxylates and propylene glycol.

ZEOCRYSTAL FRESH AIR MIST^TMIs manufactured and distributed by Zeo Crystal Corp, Crestwood, Ill (a/k/aAmerican Zeolite Corporation). The liquid comprises chlorite, oxygen, sodium, carbonate, and citrus extract, and may comprise zeolite.

Odour control agents may include odour counteractants (counteracts) as described in US2005/0113282a1, which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, such off-flavour counteractants may comprise a mixture of zinc ricinoleate or a solution thereof and a substituted monocyclic organic compound as described in paragraph 17, page 2, wherein the substituted monocyclic organic compound is one or more of the following, alternatively or in combination:

1-cyclohexyleth-1-ylbutyrate;

1-cyclohexyleth-1-yl acetate;

1-cyclohexylethan-1-ol;

1- (4' -methylethyl) cyclohexyleth-1-ylpropionate; and

2 '-hydroxy-1' -ethyl (2-phenoxy) acetate.

Synergistic combinations of odor counteractants as disclosed in paragraphs 38-49 are suitable, for example, the compositions comprise:

(i) about 10 to about 90 parts by weight of at least one substituted monocyclic organic compound-containing material which is:

(a) 1-cyclohexyleth-1-ylbutyrate having the following structure:

(b) 1-cyclohexyleth-1-ylacetate, having the following structure:

(c) 1-cyclohexylethan-1-ol having the following structure:

(d)1- (4' -methylethyl) cyclohexyleth-1-ylpropionate having the following structure:

and

(e)2 '-hydroxy-1' -ethyl (2-phenoxy) acetate having the structure:

and

(ii) from about 90 to about 10 parts by weight of a composition containing zinc ricinoleate which is a zinc ricinoleate and/or a zinc ricinoleate solution containing greater than about 30% by weight of zinc ricinoleate. Preferably, the aforementioned zinc ricinoleate-containing composition is a mixture of about 50% by weight of zinc ricinoleate and about 50% by weight of at least one 1-hydroxy-2-ethoxyethyl ether. More specifically, preferred compositions useful in combination with the zinc ricinoleate component are mixtures of:

(A) 1-cyclohexyleth-1-ylbutyrate;

(B) 1-cyclohexyleth-1-yl acetate; and

(C)1- (4' -methylethyl) cyclohexyleth-1-ylpropionate.

More preferably, the weight ratio of the aforementioned components of the mixture containing zinc ricinoleate is such that the composition containing zinc ricinoleate: 1-cyclohexyleth-1-ylbutyrate: 1-cyclohexyleth-1-ylacetate: 1- (4' -methylethyl) cyclohexylalk-1-ylpropionate is about 2:1:1: 1.

Another preferred composition that can be used in combination with the zinc ricinoleate component or solution is a mixture of:

(A) 1-cyclohexyleth-1-yl acetate; and

(B)1- (4' -methylethyl) cyclohexyleth-1-ylpropionate.

More preferably, the weight ratio of the aforementioned components of the mixture containing zinc ricinoleate is such that the composition containing zinc ricinoleate 1-cyclohexyleth-1-ylacetate 1- (4' -methylethyl) cyclohexyleth-1-ylpropionate is about 3:1: 1.

The odour resistant materials of the present invention may be "free" in the composition, or they may be encapsulated. Suitable encapsulating materials may include, but are not limited to, aminoplasts, proteins, polyurethanes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polysaccharides, polyamides, polyolefins, gums, silicones, lipids, modified celluloses, polyphosphates, polystyrenes, polyesters, or combinations thereof.

Particularly preferred encapsulating materials are aminoplasts, such as melamine formaldehyde or urea formaldehyde. The microcapsules of the present invention may be friable microcapsules and/or moisture activated microcapsules. Friability means that the perfume microcapsules will rupture when force is applied. Moisture activation refers to the release of perfume in the presence of water.

In case any material described herein as an odour control agent might also be classified as another component as described herein, such material shall for the purpose of the present invention be classified as an odour control agent.

Free perfume

The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise free perfume.

The free perfume may be present in an amount selected from: less than 10%, less than 8% and less than 5% are present. The free perfume may be present in an amount selected from: greater than 0.0001%, greater than 0.001%, and greater than 0.01%. Suitably, the free perfume is present in the spray composition in an amount selected from about 0.0001% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.001% to about 8%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, by weight of the laundry refreshment composition.

Useful perfume components may include materials of both natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components can be found in the literature, for example, in the Feraroli's Handbook of FlavIngredients, 1975, CRC Press; synthetic Food adjacents, 1947 by jacobs, edited by vannonstrand; or, S.arctander's Perfuel and Flavor Chemicals, 1969, Montclair, N.J. (USA). These substances are well known to those skilled in the art of perfuming, flavoring and/or aromatizing consumer products.

A wide variety of chemicals are known for perfumery applications, including materials such as aldehydes, ketones, esters, and the like. More generally, naturally occurring plant and animal oils and exudates comprising complex mixtures of various chemical components are known for use as perfumes, and such materials may be used herein. Typical perfumes may include, for example, woody/earthy bases containing exotic materials such as sandalwood oil, cat oil and patchouli oil. The fragrance may also have a light floral aroma, such as rose or violet extract. Further, the flavors can be formulated to provide a desired fruit odor, such as lime, lemon, or citrus.

Specific examples of useful perfume components and compositions are anethole (anethole), benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl formate, isobornyl acetate, camphene, cis-citral (neral), citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, p-cymene, decanal, dihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol, dimethylbenzyl alcohol, eucalyptol, geranial, geraniol, geranyl acetate, geranylnitrile, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, hydroxycitronellal, d-limonene, linalool oxide, linalyl acetate, linalyl propionate, methyl anthranilate, α -methylionone, methylnonyl acetaldehyde, methylbenzyl acetate, levo-menthyl acetate, menthone, isomenthone, myrcene, myrcenol acetate, nerol acetate, neryl acetate, nonyl acetate, phenylethyl alcohol, α -limonene, α -0-cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl ketone, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl ketone, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl aldehyde, terpinyl acetate, cinnamyl aldehyde, terpinyl acetate, cinnamyl aldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl aldehyde, terpinyl acetate, cinnamyl aldehyde, terpinyl acetate, cinnamyl alcohol, terpinyl acetate, cinnamyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, terpinyl acetate, cinnamyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, cinnamyl alcohol, p-ethyl-7-8-ethyl-8-ethyl-butyl ketone, cinnamyl alcohol (3-ethyl-8-ethyl-7-8-ethyl-8-butyl ketone, cinnamyl alcohol (3-ethyl-7-8-ethyl.

The free perfume composition of the present composition comprises a fragrance releasing (blooming) perfume ingredient. The fragrance-releasing perfume component is defined as having a boiling point below 250 ℃ and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably, the free perfume composition of the present invention comprises at least 10 wt% of perfume releasing ingredients, more preferably at least 20 wt% of perfume releasing ingredients, most preferably at least 25 wt% of perfume releasing ingredients. Preferably, the free perfume composition of the present invention comprises less than 58 wt% of perfume releasing ingredients, more preferably less than 50 wt% of perfume releasing ingredients, most preferably less than 45 wt% of perfume releasing ingredients. Suitably, the free perfume composition of the present composition comprises from 10 to 58 wt% of perfume releasing ingredients, preferably from 20 to 50 wt% of perfume releasing ingredients, more preferably from 25 to 45 wt% of perfume releasing ingredients.

Examples of suitable perfume releasing ingredients include alloocimene (Allo-ocimene), allyl heptanoate, trans-anethole, benzyl butyrate, camphene, carvacrol, cis-3-hexenyl tiglate, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, citronellonitrile, cyclohexylethyl acetate, decanal (decanal), dihydromyrcenol, dihydromyrcenyl acetate, 3, 7-dimethyl-1-octanol, fenchyl acetate, geranyl formate, geranyl nitrile, cis-3-hexenyl isobutyrate, neohexanoate, hexyl tiglate, α -ionone, isobornyl acetate, isobutyl benzoate, isononyl acetate, isononyl alcohol, isopulegolyl acetate, lauryl aldehyde, linalyl acetate, Lorysia, D-limonene, Lymolelene, (-) -L-menthyl acetate, methyloxyphenol (estrenol), methyl n-nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl n-octyl acetate, linalyl acetate, Verinolyl acetate, Verinonyl acetate, Verinolin acetate (α), Verinolin acetate, Verinolin (Verinolin, Verinolin acetate), Verinolin acetate, Verinolin acetate.

Other useful perfume ingredients include direct (substantive) perfume ingredients. Direct perfume components are defined as having a boiling point greater than 250 ℃ and a LogP greater than 2.5. Preferably, the free perfume composition further comprises a direct perfume ingredient.

The boiling point is measured at standard pressure (760mm Hg). Preferably, the perfume composition will comprise a mixture of fragrance-releasing and direct perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise other perfume components.

logP of many perfume ingredients has been reported; for example, the Pomona92 database available from Daylight Chemical information systems, Inc. (Daylight CIS), Irvine, Calif. contains many, as well as references to the original literature. However, the logP value is most conveniently calculated by the "CLOGP" program also available from dayright CIS. The program also lists experimental logP values as they are available in the Pomona92 database. "calculated logP" (ClogP) is determined by the fragment method of Hansch and Leo (see, a Leo, Comprehensive medical Chemistry, volume 4, c.hansch, p.g. sammes, j.b. taylor and c.a. ramsden, p.295, Pergamon Press,1990, incorporated herein by reference). The fragmentation method is based on the chemical structure of each perfume ingredient and takes into account the number and type of atoms, atomic connections, and chemical bonding.

In selecting the perfume ingredients herein, the most reliable and widely used ClogP for estimating this physicochemical property is used instead of the experimental logP value.

It is common for a variety of perfume components to be present in free oil perfume compositions. In the compositions for use in the present invention, the presence of three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components is envisaged. An upper limit of 300 perfume components may be applied.

The free perfume of the present invention is in the form of an emulsion. The particle size of the emulsion may be in the range of about 1nm to 30 microns, preferably about 100nm to about 20 microns. The particle size is measured as the volume mean diameter D [4,3], which can be measured using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 from Malverninstruments.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that free perfume having the particle size of the emulsion will interact with the silicone emulsion to provide improved perfume longevity on the article being sprayed.

In the compositions of the invention, the free oil fragrance forms an emulsion. The emulsion may be formed either externally to the composition or in situ. When formed in situ, at least one emulsifier is preferably added with the free oil fragrance to stabilize the emulsion. Preferably, the emulsifier is anionic or nonionic. Examples of suitable anionic emulsifiers for free oil fragrances are alkylarylsulfonates, for example sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, alkylsulfates, for example sodium lauryl sulfate, alkylethersulfates, for example sodium laureth sulfate nEO, where n is from 1 to 20, alkylphenol ether sulfates, for example octylphenol ether sulfate nEO, where n is from 1 to 20, and sulfosuccinates, for example sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate. Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants for use as emulsifiers for free oil fragrances are alkylphenol ethoxylates, for example nonylphenol ethoxylate nEO, where n is from 1 to 50, alcohol ethoxylates, for example lauryl alcohol nEO, where n is from 1 to 50, ester ethoxylates, for example polyoxyethylene monostearate, where the number of oxyethylene units is from 1 to 30, and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil.

Other constituent features

Other optional ingredients may be present in the aqueous spray compositions of the present invention. For example, the aqueous spray composition may further comprise: colorants/dyes, preservatives, viscosity control agents, microcapsules containing benefit agents, structuring/dispersing agents, solvents, defoamers for processing aids, and the like.

Suitably, the laundry refreshment composition is substantially free, suitably free of any material that would stain or stain the fabric of laundry under the conditions of use.

Clothing article

The garment may be any article of clothing. In particular, garments may include those containing characteristic creases. Such characteristic creases include, for example, leg creases and shirt sleeve creases, where such creases are typically obtained by hot ironing after main washing. The characteristic crease signals to the viewer or wearer that the garment has been ironed and is therefore clean or freshly washed.

The applicant has observed that agents causing creases, bad-looking, causing odours and odours, and indeed the mode of accumulation of such agents causing creases, odours and odours is characteristic of clothing and is different from other materials, such as hard surfaces and household furnishings. In the same way as laundry washing which benefits from a cleaning formulation and cleaning process tailored to the laundry (as opposed to differently tailored formulations and methods for e.g. upholstery), the laundry refreshment composition (and its associated spray device) can therefore be tailored to the laundry refreshment.

As used herein, "garment" refers to a garment/dress. It does not include materials or fabrics that are part of home furniture, carpeting, drapes, and the like. Thus, reference herein to "fabric" is to "garment fabric" unless indicated to the contrary.

Each of the proposals and related aspects and optional features may be combined with any one or more of the other proposals and related aspects and optional features thereof.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the invention may be more readily understood and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a fabric refreshing product in use, spraying a pleated skirt (pleatedskirt) for ambient pressure; and

fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a fabric refreshment product in use showing multiple spray positions to spray a pleated skirt with non-pleated pleats to add structure and bulk.

Referring to fig. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a fabric refreshing product according to the present invention is shown in use. The hand-held spray device comprises a spray device 1 for spraying a pleated skirt 3 shown supported on a table 5, said pleated skirt 3 having a skirt (pleat) 3 a.

The spray device comprises an outer container containing the composition and the pressurising agent, wherein the composition is separated from the pressurising agent by being contained in a flexible pouch by a hermetic seal. This maintains the integrity of the entire formulation such that only pure (i.e., pressurant excluded) compositions are dispensed. This may be referred to as "bag-in-can" (or BOV, bag-on-valve technology).

The outer container is preferably sufficiently rigid to contain the pressurizing agent. The pressurizing agent is preferably a gas such as air or nitrogen. The flexible pouch is preferably a laminar pouch. The flexible pouch is in fluid connection with the nozzle. With such a spray device, pressurized gas is charged into an outer container and an aerosol valve with an attached bag is press-fit attached to the container. The formulation is forced through the aerosol valve stem to fill the bag and the actuator is placed in position.

One advantage of using such a spray device is that it can provide a 360 degree dispense for spraying the product. This is particularly useful for spraying details (e.g., skirts with different orientations in fig. 1) and methods for imparting bulk, structural features (as shown in fig. 2).

In fig. 1, the garment is supported on a table and sprayed by a user (not shown for clarity) pressing on the actuator 11. The garment was then pressed by hand, noting the crease lines. It can then be hung or left on a table for drying.

Turning now to consider fig. 2, a further garment is shown, which is a gathered skirt (7) having non-creased gathers 7 a. The characteristic "look" of the garment is its volume. To treat the garment, it is suspended from a frame, such as a hanger 9, and sprayed in multiple directions using the spraying apparatus 1. It can then be hung to dry.

When used in this specification and claims, the term "comprises" and variations thereof is meant to encompass a particular feature, step or integer. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or integers.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A clothing refreshing product, comprising: a laundry refreshment composition contained in a hand-held spray device, the device being manually operable to produce a spray of the composition; the composition comprises one or more fabric curing components.

2. The garment refreshment product of claim 1, wherein the one or more fabric curing components comprise one or more curing polymers.

3. The garment refreshment product of any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the spray apparatus comprises plastic.

4. The garment refreshing product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spraying device comprises a biodegradable plastic material.

5. The clothing refreshing product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spraying device comprises a bio-plastic material.

6. A laundry refreshment spray formed from a laundry refreshment composition, wherein the composition further comprises an anti-wrinkle agent.

7. A laundry refreshment product or spray according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is an aqueous composition.

8. A laundry refreshment product or spray according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises an anti-odor agent.

9. A laundry refreshment product or spray according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said composition further comprises a perfume.

10. A garment refreshment system using a garment refreshment delivery apparatus for delivering a garment refreshment composition, the composition comprising one or more fabric curing components.

11. A clothing refreshing method using a clothing refreshing product, the clothing refreshing product comprising: a laundry refreshment composition comprising one or more fabric curing components; and a hand-held spray device manually operable to produce a spray of the composition, the method comprising the step of spraying the laundry by operating the spray device so as to direct a spray output of the device onto the laundry.

12. A garment refreshing method according to claim 11, comprising the steps of hanging the garment from a frame and spraying the hung garment.

13. A garment refreshing method according to any of claims 11-12, comprising the step of spraying non-creased, curved wrinkles to impart bulk to the garment.

14. Use of a laundry refreshment spray according to any of claims 1-9 for refreshing laundry.

15. A laundry refreshment spray and/or a method and/or system as herein described and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.