CN216764833U

CN216764833U - Combination of reservoirs

Info

Publication number: CN216764833U
Application number: CN201890001393.XU
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·J·库克; D·穆尔菲尔德
Original assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Current assignee: Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2017-10-05
Filing date: 2018-09-20
Publication date: 2022-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-20
Also published as: DE212018000292U1; WO2019068473A1; TR202005218U5

Abstract

A combination of reservoirs providing a segregated store of components for a laundry product to enable a user to dispense multiple doses of the laundry product on demand for supply to a washing machine drum, the combination comprising: a first reservoir comprising a stock of a first composition comprising a detergent; and a second reservoir comprising a second composition comprising a laundry slurry comprising: from 2 to 60% by weight of a benefit agent; b. less than 4 wt% of an emulsifier, and c. water, characterized in that the benefit agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of lubricants, free perfume, encapsulated perfume, and mixtures thereof.

Description

Combination of reservoirs

The present invention relates to compositions, systems and methods for providing laundry products specifically tailored to the needs of the user.

In particular, the present invention provides compositions, systems and methods that allow users to customize detergent compositions as desired to suit their needs in their own homes.

For many consumers, no single laundry product meets all of their needs. As a result, many consumers purchase and store more than one laundry product, including both biological and non-biological detergent products as well as detergent products specifically formulated for white or colored colors. In addition to storing such laundry products, users often also store one or more additional detersive products and/or benefit agents. Overall, such combinations may require a large amount of memory space.

Other users may use only a single laundry product for all loads without regard to suitability. This may mean that unnecessary components (e.g. enzymes) are delivered in the wash, which may have a detrimental effect on the condition of the fabric and/or the environment or other components, such as specific perfumes, which may be undesirable for all users. The present invention seeks to address one or more of the problems identified in the prior art.

Benefit agents provide an improved sensory experience, however, their inclusion with other components may mean additional processing to maintain the effect in the presence of certain other ingredients. WO 2014/079621 discloses a laundry detergent composition comprising: surfactants, fabric softening silicones, and cationic polysaccharide polymers. The present invention relates to softening in laundry compositions. However, these are not ideal solutions and there is still a need to enhance the benefits delivered to fabrics during the laundering process.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a combination of reservoirs providing an isolated stock of components for a laundry product to enable a user to dispense multiple doses (doses) of the laundry product on demand for supply to a washing machine drum, the combination comprising: a first reservoir comprising a stock (stock) of a first composition comprising a detergent; and

a second reservoir comprising a second composition comprising a stock of laundry slurry comprising

From 2 to 60% by weight of a benefit agent;

b. less than 4% by weight of an emulsifier, and

c. the amount of water is controlled by the amount of water,

characterized in that the benefit agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of lubricants, free perfumes, encapsulated perfumes, and mixtures thereof.

The arrangement of the present invention separates the benefit agent from the other components in the first composition and allows delivery in slurry form, by which means the benefit agent provides superior performance compared to delivery from a conventional laundry detergent.

The ingredient store of the present invention is suitable for use with an apparatus for providing a laundry product comprising a dosing unit and dispensing means, wherein said means is operable to dispense a plurality of portions (locations) of the ingredient from said store to provide a dose (a dose) of the laundry product ready for use in a wash/rinse cycle in said dosing unit as instructed by a user.

The reservoir may contain a stock of the composition in an amount sufficient for two or more doses, preferably for three or more, more preferably for five or more doses of laundry product. In an embodiment of the invention, the reservoir contains a stock of the composition in an amount sufficient for at least ten doses, optionally at least fifteen doses, preferably at least twenty doses.

A multi-dose (multiple-dose) store of detergent composition according to the present invention may also be contained in a washing machine having a dispensing device operable to selectively dispense multiple portions of the components from the reservoir as instructed by a user to provide a dose of laundry product ready for a wash/rinse cycle.

The combination of the present invention may be a system comprising means operable to selectively dispense components from a reservoir as a result of user instruction, thereby dispensing multiple doses of laundry product on demand.

Thus, the present invention allows the user to combine benefit agents with other laundry treatment components, ready for use in a washing or rinsing process. This associates (decouples) the benefit agent with other components, such as perfume or enzymatic removal, allowing the user full control of the respective amounts.

This also decouples the benefit agent delivery technology from other technologies, as the benefit agent can be dosed separately, which can be achieved by: for example, by automatic continuous dosing when the dispensing device is connected to, and preferably integrated into, a washing machine; or by manual dosing, which may be assisted by a dual chambered shuttle (dual chambered shuttle), or the like.

The present invention also provides additional flexibility to the user in that it allows the benefit agents to be combined with other laundry product components in various ratios according to the recipe/guide/direction. This makes available a potentially versatile array of laundry product compositions from stock compositions. For example, higher/lower levels of benefit agent may be selected depending on the user's requirements for a particular wash load in terms of the nature and level of soiling and the type of fabric being washed. Thus, the body-building/athletic garment may be washed with anti-odor agents and higher doses of detergent but lower doses of perfume. The bedding article may be washed with higher doses of the various components. Thus, the present invention allows a home user to formulate a customized laundry product in a dosing unit ready for supply to a washing machine drum.

Embodiments of the present invention may also include a stock component for component multipart to provide guidance for dosing of laundry products.

Methods and devices for combining the contents of the reservoirs are described in more detail below.

A third or any further number of reservoirs containing one or more laundry product components may be provided.

Detergent composition

The detergent composition of the first reservoir may contain detergent actives such as anionic and/or nonionic surfactants.

Surface active agent

The detergent base composition may contain a surfactant system comprising one or more non-soap surfactant components. Preferred surfactant systems comprise at least anionic or nonionic surfactants. Preferably, the detergent base is a concentrated composition containing high levels of a surfactant system. Preferred embodiments contain at least 40 wt%, preferably at least 45 wt%, and most preferably at least 50 wt% of the non-soap surfactant system. Suitably, the detergent base composition contains up to 80 wt% non-soap surfactant, preferably up to 70 wt%. Soaps may also be included in the composition, as described below.

Anionic surfactants

Preferred anionic surfactants have anions selected from Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonate (LAS), Primary Alkyl Sulphate (PAS), Alkyl Ether Sulphate (AES) and mixtures thereof.

Preferred alkyl sulfonates are alkyl benzene sulfonates, especially having an alkyl chain length C₈-C₁₅Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonate (LAS) of (a). The counter ion of anionic surfactants is typically an alkali metal (e.g. sodium) or ammonium counter ion (e.g. MEA, TEA). Suitable anionic surfactant materials are commercially available as ' Genapol ' from Clariant '^TMAnd (4) series. A preferred linear alkylbenzene sulphonate surfactant is Detal LAS having an alkyl chain length of from 8 to 15, more preferably from 12 to 14. LAS are typically formulated as a composition in acid (i.e. in the form of HLAS) and then at least partially neutralized in situ. Other common anionic surfactants are usually in a pre-neutralized formThe formula (II) provides.

The composition may also contain a base to provide a counter ion for any anionic surfactant, with pH adjustment. Typically, the base provides a base selected from Na⁺、K⁺And a counter ion to the ammonium ion. Suitable bases include potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. Most preferred bases include potassium hydroxide and monoethanolamine. Mixtures of bases may be used. The composition may optionally contain 0.1 to 20 wt%, preferably 0.2 to 15 wt%, more preferably 1 to 10 wt% of a base.

The detergent base composition may optionally comprise an alkyl polyethoxylated sulphate anionic surfactant of formula (I):

RO(C₂H₄O)_xSO₃ ^-M⁺ (I)

wherein R is an alkyl chain having from 10 to 22 carbon atoms, in particular from 12 to 16 carbon atoms, and which is saturated or unsaturated, M is a cation which confers water solubility to the compound, in particular an alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium cation, and x is on average from 1 to 15, especially from 1 to 3. One example is the anionic surfactant Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES), which is the sodium salt of lauryl ether sulfonic acid, of which C is predominant₁₂The lauryl alkyl group has been ethoxylated with an average of 3 moles of ethylene oxide per mole.

Typically, the non-soap surfactant system contains less than 20 wt% of alkyl polyethoxy sulfate anionic surfactant.

Some alkyl sulfate surfactants (PAS), especially non-ethoxylated C, may be used_12-15Primary and secondary alkyl sulfates. An exemplary material commercially available from Cognis is sulfopon 1214G.

When included therein, the composition may contain from 0.1% to 50%, preferably from 0.2% to 50%, more preferably from 1% to 50%, and especially from 5 to 50% by weight of anionic surfactant.

Nonionic surfactant

Nonionic surfactants include primary and secondary alcohol ethoxylates, especially ethoxylated C having an average of from 1 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol₈-C₂₀Aliphatic alcohols, more particularly ethoxylated C's having an average of from 1 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol₁₀-C₁₅Aliphatic primary and secondary alcohols. Non-ethoxylated nonionic surfactants include alkyl polyglycosides, glycerol monoethers, and polyhydroxyamides (glucamides). Mixtures of nonionic surfactants may be used.

When included therein, the composition may contain from 0.1 to 50 wt%, preferably from 0.2 wt% to 50 wt%, more preferably from 1 wt% to 45 wt%, and especially from 5 to 40 wt% of a nonionic surfactant, such as an alcohol ethoxylate, nonylphenol ethoxylate, alkylpolyglycoside, alkyldimethylamine oxide, ethoxylated fatty acid monoethanolamide, polyhydroxyalkyl fatty acid amide, or an N-acyl N-alkyl derivative of glucosamine ("glucamide").

Nonionic surfactants which may preferably be used include primary and secondary alcohol ethoxylates, especially ethoxylated C having an average of from 1 to 35 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol₈-C₂₀Aliphatic alcohols, more particularly ethoxylated C's having an average of from 1 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol₁₀-C₁₅Aliphatic primary and secondary alcohols.

Preferred surfactant systems comprise nonionic and anionic surfactants in a ratio in the range of from 20:80 to 80:20, preferably in the range of from 20:60 to 80:20, more preferably in the range of from 30:60 to 70: 30.

A particularly preferred surfactant system consists of an anionic surfactant comprising Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonate (LAS) and a surfactant comprising C having 2 to 7 EO₁₀-C₁₅A nonionic surfactant of an alcohol ethoxylate.

Amine oxide surfactants

The surfactant system of the composition may contain an amine oxide of formula (2):

R¹N(O)(CH₂R²)₂ (2)

wherein R is¹Is a long chain moiety, and each CH₂R²Are short chain moieties. R²Preferably selected from hydrogen, methyl and-CH₂And (5) OH. In general, R¹Is a primary or branched hydrocarbyl moiety which may be saturated or unsaturated, preferably, R¹Is a primary alkyl moiety having a chain length of from about 8 to about 18 and R²Is H. These amine oxides are derived from C_12-14Alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, cetyl dimethyl amine oxide, stearyl amine oxide.

An exemplary amine oxide material is lauryl dimethyl amine oxide, also known as dodecyl dimethyl amine oxide or DDAO, available from Hunstman under the trade name

OB is commercially available.

Amine oxides suitable for use herein are also available from Akzo Chemie and Ethyl Corp. Alternative amine oxide manufacturers are described in the compilation of McCutcheon and review by Kirk-Othmer.

Preferably, the detergent composition contains less than 10 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, and especially less than 2 wt% of amine oxide surfactant.

Zwitterionic surfactants

Some zwitterionic surfactants may be present, such as sulphobetaines. One preferred zwitterionic material is that known by the name Huntsman

Betaine available to BB.

Preferably, the detergent composition contains less than 10 wt%, more preferably less than 5 wt%, and especially less than 2 wt% zwitterionic surfactant.

Cationic surfactant

The cationic surfactant is preferably substantially absent from the third composition which provides the detergent base composition.

Polymer system

The detergent base composition may preferably contain a polymer system comprising at least one of the following (bi) to (biii):

(bi) one or more particulate soil release polymers, and/or

(bii) one or more antiredeposition polymers, and/or

(biii) one or more soil release polymers.

The inclusion of such a polymer system results in enhanced weight efficiency of the composition. In particular, such polymer systems have been found to contribute to the good dissolution characteristics of the composition and allow for a reduction in the amount of other non-functional components and solvents required to obtain acceptable dissolution.

Exemplary compositions may preferably contain up to 25 wt%, more preferably up to 20 wt%, and especially up to 18 wt% of the polymer system. Preferably, the composition contains at least 5 wt%, preferably at least 6 wt%, and more preferably at least 7 wt% of the polymer system.

Embodiments may use ethoxylated polyethyleneimine polymers (EPEI) that may aid in particulate soil removal and/or perform anti-redeposition functions. Preferably, the EPEI is non-ionic. This means that it does not have any quaternary nitrogen or nitrogen oxides or any ionic species other than the possible pH-dependent protonation of nitrogen.

The polyethyleneimine (PEI, especially modified PEI) is a polyethyleneimine comprising the unit-CH₂CH₂NH-, and in the case of branching, the hydrogen on the nitrogen is replaced by another chain of ethyleneimine units. These polyethyleneimines can be prepared, for example, by polymerizing ethyleneimine in the presence of a catalyst (e.g., carbon dioxide, sodium bisulfite, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, etc.). Specific methods for preparing these polyamine backbones are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.2,182,306 to Ulrich et al, 12/5/1939; U.S. patent No.3,033,746 to Mayle et al, 5, 8, 1962;U.S. Pat. No.2,208,095 to Esselmann et al, 7, 16, 1940; U.S. Pat. No.2,806,839 to Crowther on 17.9.9.1957; U.S. Pat. No.2,553,696 to Wilson at 21.5.1951, and WO2006/086492 (BASF).

Preferably, the EPEI comprises a polyethyleneimine backbone, wherein the modification of the polyethyleneimine backbone is intended to keep the polymer non-quaternized. Such nonionic EPEI may be represented as PEI (X) YEO, where X represents the molecular weight of the unmodified PEI and Y represents the average moles of ethoxylation per nitrogen atom in the polyethyleneimine backbone. The ethoxylation number Y may range from 9 to 40 ethoxy moieties per modification, preferably it is in the range of 16 to 26, most preferably 18 to 22. X is selected from about 300 to about 10000 weight average molecular weight, and preferably is about 600.

A preferred exemplary EPEI is PEI (600)20 EO.

If present, polymers (bi) and/or (bii), such as ethoxylated polyethyleneimine polymers (EPEI), may generally be included in the composition at a level of from 0.01 to 20% by weight, and preferably at a level of at least 1% by weight and/or less than 18% by weight, more preferably at a level of 2% by weight and/or up to 15% by weight. Particularly preferred compositions contain from 3 to 10% by weight, especially from 5 to 10% by weight or from 4 to 10% by weight, of EPEI. The ratio of non-soap surfactant to EPEI may preferably be from 2:1 to 9:1, preferably from 3:1 to 8:1 or even from 3:1 to 7: 1.

In other embodiments, polymers (bi) and/or (bii) may be omitted.

Soil release polymers

The polymer system of the composition preferably comprises at least some soil release polymer for removing oily soil, especially oily soil from polyester.

When used at low levels in the detersive surfactant process of the present invention, the soil release polymer improves the main wash performance of the composition.

One preferred class of polymers are fabric-substantive polymers comprising polyol monomer units and at least one of (i) saccharides or (ii) dicarboxylic acids. Typically, these have soil release properties and, although they may have a primary stain removal effect, they often aid in subsequent cleaning. Preferably, these should be present at a level of at least 2 wt%, preferably at least 3 wt% of the composition.

If present, the soil release polymer (biii) typically comprises up to 12 wt%, preferably up to 9 or 10 wt% of the detergent composition. Preferably, they are used in an amount of at least 1 or 2% by weight. Most preferably, they are used in an amount of 1 to 9 wt%, more preferably 2 to 9 wt%, especially 2 to 8 wt%.

Typically, the soil release polymer for the polyester will comprise a polymer of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid and an alkylene glycol (including polymers containing polyalkylene glycols).

Polymeric soil release agents useful herein include in particular those having:

(a) one or more nonionic hydrophilic components consisting essentially of:

(i) a polyoxyethylene segment having a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or

(ii) An oxypropylene or polyoxypropylene segment having a degree of polymerization of 2 to 10, wherein the hydrophilic segment does not include any oxypropylene units unless it is bonded to an adjacent moiety at each end by an ether linkage, or

(iii) A mixture comprising oxyethylene and oxyalkylene units of 1 to about 30 oxypropylene units, wherein the mixture contains a sufficient amount of oxyethylene units such that the hydrophilic component has sufficient hydrophilicity to increase the hydrophilicity of conventional polyester synthetic fibers when the soil release agent is deposited on such surfaces, the hydrophilic segment preferably comprising at least about 25% oxyethylene units, and more preferably, particularly for such components having from about 20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at least about 50% oxyethylene units; or

(b) One or more hydrophobic components comprising:

(i)C₃oxyalkylene terephthalate chainA stage wherein if the hydrophobic component further comprises an oxyethylene terephthalate, then oxyethylene terephthalate C₃The ratio of oxyalkylene terephthalate units is about 2:1 or less,

(ii)C₄-C₆alkylene or oxy C₄-C₆An alkylene segment, or mixtures thereof,

(iii) a poly (vinyl ester) segment, preferably poly (vinyl acetate), having a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or

(iv)C₁-C₄Alkyl ethers or C₄A hydroxyalkyl ether substituent, or mixtures thereof, wherein said substituent is represented by C₁-C₄Alkyl ethers or C₄The hydroxyalkyl ether cellulose derivatives or mixtures thereof are present and such cellulose derivatives are amphiphilic whereby they have a sufficient level of C₁-C₄Alkyl ethers and/or C₄Hydroxyalkyl ether units to deposit on the surface of conventional polyester synthetic fibers and to retain a sufficient level of hydroxyl groups to increase the hydrophilicity of the fiber surface once adhered to such conventional synthetic fiber surface, or a combination of (a) and (b).

Typically, the polyoxyethylene segment of (a) (i) has a degree of polymerization of about 200, although higher levels may be used, preferably from 3 to about 150, more preferably from 6 to about 100. Suitable oxygen C₄-C₆Alkylene hydrophobic segments include, but are not limited to, end-caps (end-caps) of polymeric soil release agents, such as MO₃S(CH₂)_nOCH₂CH₂O-, wherein M is sodium and n is an integer from 4 to 6, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,721,580 to Gosselink on 26.1.1988.

Soil release agents characterized by a poly (vinyl ester) hydrophobic segment include graft copolymers of poly (vinyl ester), such as C grafted to a polyalkylene oxide backbone (e.g., polyethylene oxide backbone)₁-C₆Vinyl esters, preferably poly (vinyl acetate). See Kud et al, published European patent application 0219048 on 4/22 1987. Such commercially available soil release agents include SOKALAN-type materials available from BASF (West Germany),such as SOKALAN HP-22.

One type of preferred soil release agent is a copolymer having random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide (PEO) terephthalate. The polymeric soil release agent has a molecular weight in the range of about 25,000 to about 55,000. See U.S. Pat. No.3,959,230 to Hays on 5-25 1976 and U.S. Pat. No.3,893,929 to Basadur on 7-8 1975.

Another preferred polymeric soil release agent is a polyester having repeat units of ethylene terephthalate units containing from 10 to 15 weight percent ethylene terephthalate units and from 90 to 80 weight percent polyoxyethylene terephthalate units derived from polyoxyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of from 300 to 5000. Examples of such polymers include the commercially available materials ZELCON 5126 (from DuPont) and MILEASE T (from ICI). See also U.S. patent No.4,702,857 issued to Gosselink on 27.10.1987.

Another preferred polymeric soil release agent is the sulfonation product of a substantially linear ester oligomer comprising an oligomeric ester backbone of terephthaloyl and oxyalkylene repeat units and terminal moieties covalently attached to the backbone. These soil release agents are described in detail in U.S. patent No.4,968,451 issued to j.j.scheibel and e.p.gosselink on 6.11.1990. Other suitable polymeric soil release agents include the terephthalate polyester of U.S. Pat. No.4,711,730 to Gosselink et al, 12/8 1987, the anionic end-capped oligoester of U.S. Pat. No.4,721,580 to Gosselink, 1/26/1988, and the block polyester oligocompound of U.S. Pat. No.4,702,857 to Gosselink, 10/27 1987.

Preferred polymeric soil release agents also include the soil release agent of U.S. Pat. No.4,877,896 to Maldonado et al, 10/31/1989, which discloses anionic (particularly sulfoaroyl) end-capped terephthalates.

Yet another preferred soil release agent is an oligomer having repeating units of terephthaloyl units, sulfoisophthaloyl units, oxyethylene and oxy-1, 2-propylene units. The repeat units form the main chain of the oligomer and are preferably end-capped with a modified isethionate ester. A particularly preferred soil release agent of this type comprises about 1 sulfoisophthaloyl (sulfoisophthaloyl) unit, 5 terephthaloyl units, oxyethylene and oxy-1, 2-propyleneoxy units in a ratio of about 1.7 to about 1.8, and 2 end-capping units of sodium 2- (2-hydroxyethoxy) -ethanesulfonate. The soil release agent further comprises from about 0.5 to about 20 weight percent of an oligomer of a crystal reduction stabilizer, preferably selected from the group consisting of xylene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate and mixtures thereof.

Suitable soil release polymers are described in WO 2008095626 (Clariant); WO 2006133867 (Clariant); WO 2006133868 (Clariant); WO 2005097959 (Clariant); WO 9858044 (Clariant); WO 2000004120(Rhodia Chimie); US 6242404(Rhodia Inc); WO 2001023515(Rhodia Inc); WO 9941346 (Rhodia Chim); WO 9815346(Rhodia Inc); WO 9741197 (BASF); EP 728795 (BASF); US 5008032 (BASF); WO 2002077063 (BASF); EP 483606 (BASF); EP 442101 (BASF); WO 9820092(Proctor & Gamble); EP 201124(Proctor & Gamble); EP 199403(Proctor & Gamble); DE 2527793(Proctor & Gamble); WO 9919429(Proctor & Gamble); WO 9859030(Proctor & Gamble); US 5834412(Proctor & Gamble); WO 9742285(Proctor & Gamble); WO 9703162(Proctor & Gamble); WO 9502030(Proctor & Gamble); WO 9502028(Proctor & Gamble); EP 357280(Proctor & Gamble); US 4116885(Proctor & Gamble); WO 9532232 (Henkel); WO 9532232 (Henkel); WO 9616150 (Henkel); WO 9518207 (Henkel); EP 1099748 (Henkel); FR 2619393 (Colgate Palmolive); DE 3411941(Colgate Palmolive); DE 3410810 (Colgate Palmolive); WO 2002018474(RWE-DEA MINERALOEL & CHEM AG; SASOL GERMANY GMBH); EP 743358(Textil Color AG); PL 148326 (institut Ciezkiej Syntezy Organicznej "Blachwnia", Pol.); JP 2001181692(Lion Corp); JP 11193397A (lion Corp); RO 114357(s.c. "Prod creats" s.a., Bacau, Rom.); and US 7119056 (Sasol).

The most preferred soil release polymers are water soluble/water miscible or dispersible polyesters such as: rhodia (gerol) linear polyesters sold under the trademark reel-O-Tex, or linear polyesters sold under the trademark Texcare by Clariant, in particular Texcare SRN100 and SRN170, and also heavily branched polyesters, such as those available from Sasol and described in US 7119056. The polyester is preferably non-ionic and comprises a mid-block of spaced apart (spaced-apart) terephthalate repeat units and at least one end-block based on polyethylene glycol with a lower alkyl or hydrogen termination.

Exemplary soil release polymers may also be of the E-M-L-E type, wherein an ester mid-block M is linked to a generally hydrophilic end-block E, each comprising an end-capped oligomer of polyethylene glycol, and a linking moiety L having the form B-Ar-B, wherein B is a urethane, amide or ester moiety. Such soil release polymers are described in WO 2012/104159.

Particularly preferred polymer systems (bi), (bii) and (biii) are relatively high levels of EPEI, especially greater than 2.5% by weight based on the composition, in combination with soil releasing polymers.

The polymer system (b) may generally be present in an amount such that the ratio of polymer system (b) to surfactant system is in the range of from 0.15:1 to 0.4:1, preferably from 0.2:1 to 0.4:1, and more preferably from 0.2:1 to 0.3: 1.

Water (W)

The detergent base composition is intended to be highly weight efficient and may therefore contain relatively low levels of water, preferably up to 15 wt% added water. Preferred embodiments contain up to 12 wt%, and more preferably up to 10 wt% added water. The amount of water will vary depending on the desired dosage volume.

The composition may also contain water provided as a component of the raw material. Preferably, the total water content of the composition (provided by the raw materials and as added water) is less than 20 wt%, preferably less than 15 wt%, and more preferably less than 12 wt%.

Fatty acid/soap

The detergent base composition may comprise fatty acids and/or soaps, preferably in an amount of up to 10 wt%, in particular up to 8 wt%, and most preferably up to 5 or 6 wt% fatty acids. Generally, the composition may contain at least 0.1 wt% fatty acid, preferably at least 1 wt%.

Preferred exemplary fatty acids contain from 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably in a straight chain configuration, saturated or unsaturated. Particularly preferred fatty acids include those wherein the weight average number of carbons in the alkyl/alkenyl chain is from 8 to 24, more preferably from 10 to 22, most preferably from 12 to 18. Suitable fatty acids include linear and branched stearic, oleic, lauric, linoleic and tallow acids and mixtures thereof.

Particularly preferred commercially available fatty acid mixtures include: hydrogenated topped palm kernel fatty acids, and preferably coconut fatty acid saturated fatty acids. In addition to pre-forming builders and/or as defoamers, the fatty acids may also act as buffering agents. The fatty acid may form part of a buffer system which provides buffering in the pH range of 5 to 9. Preferably, the detergent compositions of the present invention have a pH in those ranges when measured at dilution of the liquid composition to 1% with demineralized water. The most preferred pH ranges vary depending on the polymer system, in particular, the soil release polymers may have reduced stability under certain pH conditions.

Alkali

As described above with respect to anionic surfactants, the detergent base composition may preferably contain a total of 1 to 15 wt%, more preferably 1 to 10 wt% of alkali, which can provide counter ions for any anionic surfactant and perform a pH adjusting function. Suitable bases include potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine. The most preferred base is monoethanolamine. Mixtures of bases may be used.

Solvents and hydrotropes

Since the detergent base composition of the present invention is intended to be highly weight efficient, it is proposed that the base composition contains less than 40 wt%, preferably less than 35 wt%, more preferably less than 30 wt%, and especially less than 20 wt% of any solvents and hydrotropes. Typically, the solvent is "non-amino functional".

In this regard, "non-amino-functional solvent" refers to any solvent that does not contain amino functional groups. It includes a non-surfactant solvent, e.g. C₁-C₅Alcohols (e.g. ethanol), C₂-C₆Diols (e.g. monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol) and C₃-C₉Triols (e.g., glycerol). In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is optionally selected from one or more of glycerol, monopropylene glycol (MPG) and ethanol.

The level of such solvents, including non-amino functional solvents, will vary depending on the desired dosage volume. Amino-functional materials are not included in the solvent class because they would be classified as bases by the skilled reader.

In the detergent base composition of the invention, the combined total amount of added water and solvent is preferably less than 45 wt%, more preferably less than 40 wt%.

Laundry slurry

The term "laundry slurry" is used to refer to a particular form of laundry product. This may be a liquid product in addition to the base detergent and/or fabric conditioner, for providing additional or improved benefits to the material in the wash or rinse cycle. The serum may be defined by its physical interaction with the laundry liquor. The slurry may float on at least the detergent base.

Throughout the specification, density was measured by weighing a known volume of sample on a 4-digit balance (4figure balance) using a "Sheen" density cup with a lid.

Throughout the specification, viscosity measurements were made at 25 ℃ using a 4cm diameter 2 ° cone and plate geometry on a DHR-2 rheometer from TA instruments.

In detail, all measurements were performed using a TA-Instruments DHR-2 rheometer with a 4cm diameter 2 degree cone and plate measurement system. The lower Peltier plate was used to control the measurement temperature at 25 ℃. The measurement protocol is a "flow curve" in which the applied shear stress varies logarithmically from 0.01 Pa to 400Pa, with 10 measurement points per decade of stress. At each stress, the shear strain rate was measured over the last 5 seconds of the 10 second period of applied stress, and the viscosity at that stress was calculated as the quotient of shear stress and shear rate.

For those systems that exhibit a low shear viscosity plateau to at least 1Pa over a large shear stress range, the intrinsic viscosity is considered to be the viscosity at a shear stress of 0.3 Pa. For those systems where the viscosity response is shear thinning from low shear stress, the intrinsic viscosity is considered to be at 21s^-1Viscosity at a shear rate of (a).

The slurry composition is an aqueous composition.

Benefit agent

The present invention relates to a method of delivering a slurry comprising a benefit agent. Benefit agents are materials that provide some form of benefit to the fabric. The benefit agent is typically a perceived benefit desired by the user, such as affecting the feel, look, or feel of the fabric.

The beneficial agents include: lubricants, free perfume and encapsulated perfume.

Preferably, the benefit agent comprises: a silicone-containing lubricant, free perfume and encapsulated perfume.

Further non-limiting examples of suitable benefit agents include: antifoams, fragrances, encapsulated fragrances, insect repellents, whiteness agents (e.g. shading or shading dyes and/or fluorescers), preservatives (e.g. bactericides), enzymes (e.g. proteases, lipases, cellulases, pectate lyases), dye transfer inhibitors, pH buffers, perfume carriers, antibacterial agents, fibre binders (e.g. starch, polyvinyl acetate), elastomers, antimicrobial agents, antiredeposition agents, soil release agents, softeners, polyelectrolytes, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkling agents, antioxidants, dyes, colorants, color enhancers, fluorescent agents, sunscreens, anti-corrosion agents, antistatic agents, chelating agents (preferably HEDP, which is an abbreviation for Etidronic acid or 1-hydroxyethane 1, 1-diphosphonic acid), color preservatives, fungicides, and ironing aids.

Further preferred benefit agents are: fiber binders (e.g. starch, polyvinyl acetate), elastomers, free perfumes and scents, encapsulated perfumes and scents, and/or perfume carriers, insect repellents, whiteness agents (e.g. shading or shading dyes and/or fluorescers), enzymes (e.g. proteases, lipases, cellulases, pectate lyases), dye transfer inhibitors, soil release agents, antishrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, dyes (including colorants and/or shading enhancers), sunscreens (including UV filters), antistatic agents, chelating agents (preferably HEDP, which is an abbreviation for etidronic acid or 1-hydroxyethane 1, 1-diphosphonic acid), or polyelectrolytes.

Lubricant agent：

The lubricant may be a silicone-based lubricant or a non-silicone-based lubricant. Examples of non-silicone based lubricants include clays, waxes, polyolefins, sugar polyesters, synthetic and natural oils.

For the purposes of the present invention, lubricants do not include fabric softening quaternary ammonium compounds.

Preferably, the lubricant is a silicone-based lubricant. Silicones and their chemistry are described, for example, in The Encyclopaedia of Polymer Science, volume 11, page 765.

The silicone suitable for use in the present invention is a fabric softening silicone. Non-limiting examples of such silicones include: non-functional silicones, for example polydialkylsiloxanes, in particular Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), alkyl (or alkoxy) functional silicones, and functional silicones or copolymers having one or more different types of functional groups, such as amino, phenyl, polyether, acrylate, silicon hydride, carboxylic acid, phosphate, betaine, quaternized nitrogen and mixtures thereof.

The molecular weight of the silicone is preferably 1,000 to 500,000, more preferably 2,000 to 250,000, even more preferably 5,000 to 100,000.

The silicone composition of the present invention may be in the form of an emulsion or as a silicone fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the silicone is in the form of a silicone emulsion.

When the silicone is in an emulsion, the particle size may be from about 1nm to 100 microns, preferably from about 10nm to about 10 microns, including microemulsions (<150nm), standard emulsions (from about 200nm to about 500 nm), and coarse emulsions (from about 1 micron to about 20 microns).

The fabric softening silicone may be an emulsion or a fluid, preferably an emulsion.

The preferred non-functional silicone is polydialkylsiloxane, and the most preferred non-functional silicone is Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

Preferred functionalized silicones are anionic functionalized silicones. Examples of fabric softening anionic silicones suitable for use in the present invention include silicones containing the following functional groups; carboxylic acid, sulfate, sulfonic acid, phosphate and/or phosphonate functional groups.

Preferably, the anionic silicones of the invention comprise silicones having functional groups selected from; carboxylic acid, sulphate, sulphonic acid, phosphate and/or phosphonate functions or mixtures thereof. More preferably, the anionic silicones of the invention comprise carboxy functional silicones. Most preferably, the anionic silicone of the present invention is a carboxy silicone.

For the purposes of the present invention, the anionic silicone may be in the acid or anionic form. For example, for carboxy-functional silicones, it may be present as a carboxylic acid or carboxylate anion.

Examples of commercially available anionic functional materials are: X22-3701E from Shin Etsu and Pecosil PS-100 from Pheonix Chemical.

Preferably, the anionic silicone has an anionic group content of at least 1 mole%, preferably at least 2 mole%.

The anionic silicone of the present invention preferably has one or more anionic groups located pendant from the silicone, i.e. the composition comprises an anionic silicone in which the anionic groups are located at positions other than at the end of the silicone chain. The terms "terminal position" and "at the end of the silicone chain" are used to indicate the end of the silicone chain.

When the silicone is linear in nature, the silicone chain has two ends. In this case, the anionic silicone preferably does not contain an anionic group at the terminal position of the silicone.

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

Preferred anionic silicones are those comprising an anionic group at a mid-chain position of the silicone. Preferably, the one or more anionic groups of the anionic silicone are located at least five Si atoms from the terminal position of the silicone. Preferably the anionic groups are randomly distributed along the silicone chain.

Most preferably, the silicone of the invention is selected from Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and carboxy-functional silicones, preferably carboxy silicones as described above.

When silicone is present, preferably the slurry comprises silicone in an amount of 1 to 60% by weight of the formulation, preferably 2 to 30% by weight of the formulation, more preferably 2.5 to 20% by weight of the formulation.

And (3) spice:

the slurry of the present invention preferably comprises a perfume composition. The perfume may be provided as a free oil and/or in microcapsules. The slurry of the present invention may comprise one or more perfume compositions. The perfume composition may be in the form of a mixture or a free perfume composition, a mixture of encapsulated perfume compositions or a mixture of encapsulated and free oil perfume compositions.

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, Feraroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients,1975, CRC Press; jacobs, Synthetic Food adjuns, 1947, edited by Van nonstrand; or s.arctander, Perfume and flavour 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.

Free oil flavors and aromas may be added to the slurry. These can cause the slurry to emit an odor, provide an odor during the wash or provide an odor to the fabric after washing.

Particularly preferred perfume components are perfume releasing (blooming) perfume components and substantive perfume components. The fragrance-releasing perfume component is defined as having a boiling point below 250 ℃ and a LogP above 2.5. The substantive perfume components are defined as having boiling points above 250 ℃ and LogP above 2.5. Preferably the perfume composition comprises a mixture of fragrance releasing and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise further perfume components.

The perfume component may be present in a free oil perfume composition. In the compositions for use in the present invention, it is envisaged that three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components will be present. An upper limit of 300 perfume ingredients may be applied. The free perfume may preferably be present in an amount of from 0.01 to 20 wt%, more preferably from 0.05 to 10 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 5.0 wt%, most preferably from 0.15 to 5.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. When the perfume component is in a microcapsule, 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. The perfume component contained in the microcapsules may comprise a flavourant material and/or a pro-flavourant material.

Particularly preferred perfume components comprised in the microcapsules are a fragrance-releasing perfume component and a substantive perfume component. The fragrance-releasing perfume component is defined as having a boiling point below 250 ℃ and a LogP above 2.5. Substantial perfume components are defined as having a boiling point above 250 ℃ and a LogP above 2.5. Preferably the perfume composition comprises a mixture of fragrance-releasing and substantive perfume components. The perfume composition may comprise further perfume components.

A variety of perfume components may be present in the microcapsules. In the compositions for use in the present invention, it is envisaged that three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more, most preferably six or more different perfume components will be present in the microcapsules. An upper limit of 300 perfume ingredients may be applied. The encapsulated perfume preferably may be present in an amount of from 0.01 to 20 wt%, more preferably from 0.05 to 10 wt%, even more preferably from 0.1 to 5.0%, most preferably from 0.15 to 5.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition.

The slurry may comprise one benefit agent or a combination of a variety of different benefit agents. The slurry comprises at least 2 wt% benefit agent, preferably from 2 wt% to 60 wt%, more preferably from 2.5 to 45 wt%, most preferably from 4 wt% to 40 wt% benefit agent. The wt% of benefit agent is the combined weight of all benefit agents in the slurry composition.

If the slurry contains microcapsules, a structuring agent may be required, non-limiting examples of suitable structuring agents include: pectin, alginate, arabinogalactan, carrageenan, gellan gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, acrylate/acrylic acid polymers, water swellable clays, fumed silica, acrylate/aminoacrylate copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Preferred dispersants herein include those selected from the group consisting of: acrylate/acrylic acid polymers, gellan gum, fumed silica, acrylate/aminoacrylate copolymers, water swellable clays, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the structuring agent is selected from the group consisting of acrylate/acrylic acid polymers, gellan gum, fumed silica, acrylate/aminoacrylate copolymers, water swellable clays and mixtures thereof.

When present, the structuring agent is preferably present in an amount of from 0.001 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.005 to 5% by weight, more preferably from 0.01 to 1% by weight.

Emulsifier

The slurry composition of the present invention comprises an emulsifier. This may be a surfactant. Surfactants are not traditional laundry detergent or fabric conditioning compositions as may be used in other reservoirs. The slurry may even contain low levels of emulsifiers or no emulsifiers, such as surfactants. Any surfactant present is preferably used for emulsification purposes, not for detergency or softening.

The slurry of the present invention comprises less than 4 wt% surfactant, preferably less than 2 wt% surfactant, more preferably less than 1 wt% surfactant, even more preferably less than 0.85 wt% surfactant, most preferably less than 0.5 wt% surfactant. The composition may be completely free of non-emulsifying surfactants (i.e., surfactants that are not used to emulsify the droplets).

In other words, the composition may comprise from 0 to 4 wt% surfactant, preferably the composition of the invention comprises from 0 to 2 wt% surfactant, more preferably from 0 to 1 wt% surfactant, even more preferably from 0 to 0.85 wt%, most preferably from 0 to 0.5 wt%. The composition may be completely free of non-emulsifying surfactants (i.e., surfactants that are not used to emulsify the droplets).

The term surfactant encompasses all classes of surfactants including: anionic, cationic, nonionic and zwitterionic surfactants. A number of surfactants have traditionally been used in laundry compositions: laundry detergent compositions typically comprise anionic and nonionic surfactants, whereas fabric conditioning compositions typically comprise cationic surfactants.

The compositions of the present invention are not conventional laundry detergent or fabric conditioning compositions. The present invention preferably contains low levels of surfactant or no surfactant. Any surfactant present is preferably used for the purpose of emulsifying the silicone, rather than for soil removal or softening.

Cationic polymers

The slurry of the present invention preferably comprises a cationic polymer. This refers to a polymer having an overall positive charge.

The cationic polymers may be naturally derived or synthetic. Examples of suitable cationic polymers include: acrylate polymers, cationic amino resins, cationic urea resins and cationic polysaccharides, including: cationic cellulose, cationic guar gum and cationic starch.

The cationic polymers of the present invention can be classified as polysaccharide-based cationic polymers or non-polysaccharide-based cationic polymers.

Polysaccharide-based cationic polymers:

polysaccharide-based cationic polymers include cationic cellulose, cationic guar gum and cationic starch. Polysaccharides are polymers composed of monosaccharide monomers linked together by glycosidic bonds.

The cationic polysaccharide-based polymer present in the composition of the present invention has a modified polysaccharide backbone modified such that additional chemical groups have reacted with some of the free hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide backbone to impart an overall positive charge to the modified cellulose monomeric units.

Non-polysaccharide based cationic polymers:

the non-polysaccharide based cationic polymers are composed of structural units, which may be nonionic, cationic, anionic or mixtures thereof. The polymer may comprise non-cationic structural units, but the polymer must have a net cationic charge.

The cationic polymer may consist of only one type of structural unit, i.e. the polymer is a homopolymer. The cationic polymer may be composed of two types of structural units, i.e. the polymer is a copolymer. The cationic polymer may be composed of three types of structural units, i.e. the polymer is a terpolymer. The cationic polymer may comprise two or more structural units. A structural unit can be described as a first structural unit, a second structural unit, a third structural unit, and the like. The structural units or monomers can be incorporated into the cationic polymer in random or block form.

The cationic polymer may comprise nonionic structural units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of: (meth) acrylamide, vinylformamide, N, N-dialkylacrylamide, N, N-dialkylmethacrylamide, acrylic acid C₁-C₁₂Alkyl esters, acrylic acid C₁-C₁₂Hydroxyalkyl esters, polyalkylene glycol acrylates, methacrylic acid C₁-C₁₂Alkyl esters, methacrylic acid C₁-C₁₂Hydroxyalkyl esters, polyalkylene glycol methacrylates, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl formamide, vinyl acetamide, vinyl alkyl ethers, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole, vinyl caprolactam, and mixtures thereof.

The cationic polymer may comprise cationic structural units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of: n, N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, N, N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, N, N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, N, N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylamide, methallyl (methacyl) amidoalkyl trialkylammonium salts, acrylamidoalkyl trialkylammonium salts, vinylamines, vinylimines, vinylimidazoles, quaternized vinylimidazoles, diallyldialkylammonium salts, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the cationic monomer is selected from: diallyldimethylammonium salt (DADMAS), N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAM), [2- (methacryloylamino) ethyl ] trimethylammonium salt, N-dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide (DMAPA), N-dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide (DMAPMA), acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium salt (APTAS), methacrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium salt (MAPTAS), Quaternized Vinylimidazole (QVi), and mixtures thereof.

The cationic polymer may comprise anionic structural units derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of: acrylic Acid (AA), methacrylic acid, maleic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, acrylamidopropylmethanesulfonic Acid (AMPS) and salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Some of the cationic polymers disclosed herein will require a stabilizer, i.e., a material that will exhibit a yield stress in the slurry of the present invention. Such stabilizers may be selected from: linear structuring systems, such as hydrogenated castor oil or trihydroxystearin, for example Thixcin, from Elementis Specialties, crosslinked polyacrylic acids, for example Carbopol, from Lubrizol, and gums, for example carrageenan.

Preferably, the cationic polymer is selected from; cationic polysaccharides and acrylate polymers. More preferably, the cationic polymer is a cationic polysaccharide.

The molecular weight of the cationic polymer is preferably greater than 20000g/mol, more preferably greater than 25000 g/mol. The molecular weight is preferably less than 2000000g/mol, more preferably less than 1000000 g/mol.

The slurry according to the invention preferably comprises the cationic polymer in an amount of 0.25 to 10% by weight of the formulation, preferably 0.35 to 7.5% by weight of the formulation, more preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight of the formulation.

Rheology modifier

In some embodiments of the invention, the slurry of the invention may comprise a rheology modifier. They may be inorganic or organic, polymeric or non-polymeric. A preferred type of rheology modifier is a salt.

Other ingredients

The product of the invention may contain pearlizing agents and/or opacifiers. It may also contain other optional laundry ingredients.

Physical Properties

Preferably, the viscosity of the laundry slurry composition is greater than the viscosity of the laundry detergent with which it is used, more preferably 300Pa · s greater, most preferably 500Pa · s greater than the laundry detergent with which it is used. The higher viscosity prevents the laundry slurry composition from mixing with the laundry liquor and provides the benefit of carrying the entire slurry composition with the laundry liquor into the wash or rinse.

The viscosity of the laundry composition is preferably 400-. This viscosity provides the benefit of the laundry liquid carrying the slurry into the laundry process. Preferably, the slurry floats on the laundry liquor with which it is used. By floating is meant that the slurry will remain on the surface of the laundry liquor for a period of at least 5 minutes, preferably 10 minutes, most preferably at least 15 minutes. Flotation provides the benefit of carrying the slurry into the laundry process. It is not essential that the slurry is less dense than the laundry detergent with which it is used in order to enable the slurry to float, however it is preferred that the slurry is less dense than the laundry detergent with which it is used. This density provides the benefit of the laundry liquid carrying the slurry into the laundry process.

The laundry slurry composition is preferably immiscible with the laundry liquor with which it is used. Thus, the laundry slurry composition and the laundry liquor comprise liquids that are immiscible with each other. This immiscibility prevents the laundry slurry composition from mixing with the laundry liquor and provides a non-homogeneous combination that ensures maximum performance of the slurry.

The laundry slurry composition may be dispensed after the other composition so that it is suspended on top of the other composition when dispensed into a dosing unit such as a dosing shuttle. The laundry slurry is poured onto at least the top of the base detergent. This provides the benefit of the laundry detergent carrying the slurry into the wash or rinse where the two compositions are mixed. Preferably, the slurry is added to the laundry process in a volume of 2-50ml, more preferably 2-30ml, most preferably 2-20 ml.

Slurry examples

Method of making example laundry formulations:

using Janke&The Kunkel IKA RW20 overhead mixer mixes together water and hydrotrope at a shear rate of 150rpm for 2-3 minutes at ambient temperature. The salt and base were added and mixed for 5 minutes, after which the surfactant and fatty acid were added. The mixture exothermed and was allowed to cool to < 30 ℃. Addition of deposition Polymer²(when present), silicone emulsions¹When present, and any remaining components such as perfumes, preservatives and dyes.

Method of making the example slurries:

addition of demineralized water to Silicone emulsions¹And use Janke&The Kunkel IKA RW20 overhead mixer was mixed at 250rpm for 15 minutes. Slowly adding solid deposition polymer at the top²And mixed for an additional 20 minutes, increasing the rotor speed to achieve visible bulk mixing.

Table 1: example compositions

Silicone¹-adding Silicone from Wacker Silicone as a 30% emulsion. The silicone contains carboxyl groups pendant in the chain.

Deposition of polymers²——Ucare^TMPolymer LR400, from Dow.

Comparison of formulations:

the wash cycle was performed using a 6(20cm x 20cm) thick lint towel and a polyester cotton ballast (polycotton ballast). The total wash load was 2.0 kg. Towels were mixed with the ballasted fabric in a random order and then added to the Miele front-loading washing machine. The following detergents were added: washing A: 100g of silicone-containing laundry detergent

Washing 1: 100g of silicone-free laundry detergent and 10g of serum to the wash drawer

The machine was programmed to a standard 40 ℃ cotton cycle. The towel samples were air dried between wash cycles. 5 washing cycles were performed.

Using a material from Nu Cybertek, Inc

The softness of the towel was measured.

Table 2: measurement of flexibility

	Average softness	Standard deviation of
			Prewashed sample	9.887	0.272
Washing A	9.654	0.155
			Washing 1	9.193	0.220

Despite a slightly lower level of silicone and deposition polymer in wash 1, the fabric was significantly softer.

Additional laundry reservoir

Fragrance reservoir

The perfume as described herein may be provided in a separate reservoir, for example for use as a perfume enhancer (boost).

Bleach reservoir

A bleach reservoir assembly comprising a bleach component suitable for use in laundry processes may be provided. Preferably, the bleach component comprises an oxygen bleach system. Such a bleaching system may be, for example, a peroxygen bleach or a peroxygen-based system or a peroxygen generating system.

Mixtures of bleaching agents may also be used.

Preferably, the bleach component is selected for ease of handling and storage according to the requirements for the least hazardous type of organic peroxide. This allows the first composition to be safely transported to and stored in a home environment.

A preferred class of bleaching agents includes percarboxylic acid bleaching agents, salts and precursors thereof, especially organic percarboxylic acids, salts and precursors thereof, especially aromatic percarboxylic acids and salts thereof, especially heteroaromatic peroxycarboxylic acids and salts thereof. A particularly preferred embodiment uses 6- (phthalimido) Peroxycaproic Acid (PAP) and salts thereof.

Suitable grade PAP is commercially available under the trade name Eureco. Exemplary liquid grades include Eureco LX5, LX10 and LX17, which are stable aqueous suspensions of PAP crystals.

Further examples of oxygen-based bleaches are available under the trade name Suprox.

Typically, the first composition may comprise up to 20 wt% of the bleach component, especially up to 19 wt% and preferably up to 18 wt%. Suitably, the first composition may comprise at least 1 wt%, especially at least 2 wt%, preferably at least 3 wt%, more preferably at least 4 wt% of a bleach component.

Peroxygen bleach, perborates and percarbonates may also be mixed with bleach activators, which result in the in situ generation of peroxyacids corresponding to the bleach activators during the wash process. Examples of preferred peroxyacid bleach precursors or activators are TAED (N, N' -tetraacetylethylenediamine) and SNOBS (sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate).

The first composition may be in the form of, for example, a liquid, a gel, or a powder. In a preferred embodiment, the first composition is in the form of a liquid, which may comprise a suspension of the bleach component. If the first composition and/or bleach component is in liquid form, the bleach activator may preferably be provided in a different reservoir than the bleach component.

First composition-solvent/vehicle

Various solvents and carriers commonly used in laundry detergent formulations may be included in the bleach composition, provided that they are compatible with the bleach component.

The bleach component may optionally comprise water and/or a non-aqueous carrier solvent in an amount of up to 85 wt%, preferably up to 80 wt%, more preferably up to 75 wt% or up to 70 wt%. Preferably, the first composition may contain the non-aqueous carrier solvent in an amount of up to 85 wt%, preferably up to 80 wt%, more preferably up to 75 wt% or up to 70 wt%. Exemplary solvents include glycols and other alcohols. Aqueous and non-aqueous mixtures may be used.

Chelating agents

In particular, in the case where the bleaching agent is in liquid form, it may contain a chelating agent in order to stabilize the bleaching agent component.

Exemplary chelating agents include HEDP (1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1, -diphosphonic acid), sold for example as Dequest 2010, and diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid or hephasodium DTPMP,

2066. typically, the composition may contain up to 2% by weight of the chelating agent.

A particularly preferred bleach composition may comprise a suspension of 6- (phthalimido) Peroxyhexanoic Acid (PAP) in water together with a chelant. PAP was commercially available in various liquid forms, such as Eureco LX5 (stabilized aqueous suspension with 5% PAP crystals), Eureco LX10 and LX17 (stabilized aqueous suspension with 10 and 17% PAP crystals, respectively).

Excellent stability of PAP was obtained at pH 3.7 +/-0.2.

Fluorescent agent

It may be advantageous to include a fluorescer in the composition, especially in bleach compositions. Generally, these fluorescent agents are provided and used in the form of their alkali metal salts. The total amount of fluorescer or fluorescers used in the composition is typically from 0.005 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.005 to 2 wt%, more preferably from 0.01 to 0.5 wt%.

A preferred class of fluorescent agents is: distyrylbiphenyl compounds such as Tinopal (trade mark) CBS-X and Tinopal CBS-CL, diamine distyrylbenzenesulfonic acid compounds such as Tinopal DMS pure Xtra, Tinopal 5BMGX and Blankophor (trade mark) HRH, and pyrazoline compounds such as Blankophor SN.

Preferred fluorescent agents are: the following salts: 2- (4-styryl-3-sulfophenyl) -2H-naphtho (napthol) [1,2-d ] triazole, 4' -bis { [ (4-anilino-6- (N-methyl-N-2-hydroxyethyl) amino-1, 3, 5-triazin-2-yl) ] amino } stilbene-2-2 ' -disulfonic acid, 4' -bis { [ (4-anilino-6-morpholinyl-1, 3, 5-triazin-2-yl) ] amino } stilbene-2-2 ' -disulfonic acid, and 4,4' -bis (2-sulfostyryl) biphenyl.

Hueing dyes

Hueing dyes are useful for improving the performance of detergent compositions and may optionally be included in the bleach or detergent composition. Preferred dyes are violet or blue. It is believed that the deposition of low levels of dyes having these hues onto the fabric masks yellowing of the fabric. A further advantage of hueing dyes is that they can be used to mask any yellow colour in the composition itself. Suitable and preferred classes of dyes are discussed below.

Direct dyes:

direct dyes (otherwise known as substantive dyes) are a class of water-soluble dyes that have an affinity for the fiber and are absorbed directly. Direct violet and direct blue dyes are preferred.

Preferably, a disazo or trisazo dye is used.

Most preferably, the direct dye is a direct violet of the structure:

wherein:

as shown, rings D and E can be independently naphthyl or phenyl;

R₁selected from: hydrogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl, preferably hydrogen;

R₂selected from: hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl and substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl, preferably phenyl;

R₄and R₅Independently selected from: hydrogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl, preferably hydrogen or methyl;

x and Y are independently selected from: hydrogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl and C₁-C₄-an alkoxy group; preferably, the dye has X ═ methyl(ii) a And, Y ═ methoxy, and n is 0, 1, or 2, preferably 1 or 2.

Preferred dyes are direct violet 7, direct violet 9, direct violet 11, direct violet 26, direct violet 31, direct violet 35, direct violet 40, direct violet 41, direct violet 51 and direct violet 99. A disazo copper-containing dye such as direct violet 66 may be used. Benzylidene (benzidene) based dyes are less preferred.

Preferably, the direct dye is present at 0.000001 to 1 wt%, more preferably 0.00001 wt% to 0.0010 wt% of the composition.

In another embodiment, the direct dye may be covalently linked to the photo-bleach, for example as described in WO 2006/024612.

Acid dye:

cotton substantive acid dyes impart benefits to cotton containing garments. Preferred dyes and dye mixtures are blue or violet. Preferred acid dyes are:

(i) azine dyes, wherein the dye has the following core structure:

wherein R is_a、R_b、R_cAnd R_dSelected from: H. branched or straight C1 to C7-alkyl chains, benzyl, phenyl and naphthyl;

the dye is coated with at least one SO₃ ^-or-COO^-Substituted by groups;

ring B does not carry a negatively charged group or salt thereof; and

ring a may be further substituted to form naphthyl; the dye is optionally selected from the group consisting of amine, methyl, ethyl, hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, phenoxy, Cl, Br, I, F and NO₂Is substituted with a group (b).

Preferred azine dyes are: acid blue 98, acid violet 50 and acid blue 59, more preferably acid violet 50 and acid blue 98.

Other preferred non-azine acid dyes are acid violet 17, acid black 1 and acid blue 29.

Preferably, the acid dye is present at 0.0005% to 0.01% by weight of the formulation.

Hydrophobic dyes:

the bleach composition may comprise one or more hydrophobic dyes selected from: benzodifuran, methine, triphenylmethane, naphthalimide, pyrazole, naphthoquinone, anthraquinone and monoazo or disazo dye chromophores. Hydrophobic dyes are dyes which do not contain any charged water-solubilizing groups. The hydrophobic dye may be selected from disperse dyes and solvent dyes. Blue and violet anthraquinone and monoazo dyes are preferred.

Preferred dyes include solvent violet 13, disperse violet 27, disperse violet 26, disperse violet 28, disperse violet 63 and disperse violet 77.

Preferably, the hydrophobic dye is present at 0.0001% to 0.005% by weight of the formulation.

Basic dye:

basic dyes are organic dyes with a net positive charge. They are deposited on cotton. They are particularly suitable for use in compositions containing primarily cationic surfactants. The dyes may be selected from basic violet and basic blue dyes listed in Color Index International.

Preferred examples include triarylmethane basic dyes, methane basic dyes, anthraquinone basic dyes, basic blue 16, basic blue 65, basic blue 66, basic blue 67, basic blue 71, basic blue 159, basic violet 19, basic violet 35, basic violet 38, basic violet 48; basic blue 3, basic blue 75, basic blue 95, basic blue 122, basic blue 124, basic blue 141.

Reactive dyes:

reactive dyes are dyes that contain an organic group that is capable of reacting with cellulose and linking the dye to the cellulose by a covalent bond. They are deposited on cotton.

Preferably, the reactive group is hydrolyzed or the reactive group of the dye has reacted with an organic substance, such as a polymer, to attach the dye to the substance. The dye may be selected from the reactive violet and reactive blue dyes listed in Color Index International.

Preferred examples include reactive blue 19, reactive blue 163, reactive blue 182 and reactive blue, reactive blue 96.

Dye conjugates:

dye conjugates are formed by binding a direct, acidic or basic dye to a polymer or particle via physical force. Depending on the choice of polymer or particles, they are deposited on cotton or synthetic fabrics. A description is given in WO 2006/055787.

Particularly preferred dyes are: direct violet 7, direct violet 9, direct violet 11, direct violet 26, direct violet 31, direct violet 35, direct violet 40, direct violet 41, direct violet 51, direct violet 99, acid blue 98, acid violet 50, acid blue 59, acid violet 17, acid black 1, acid blue 29, solvent violet 13, disperse violet 27, disperse violet 26, disperse violet 28, disperse violet 63, disperse violet 77 and mixtures thereof.

The hueing dye may be used in the absence of a fluorescent agent, but it is particularly preferred to use the hueing dye in combination with a fluorescent agent, for example to reduce yellowing due to chemical changes of adsorbed fluorescent agent.

Particularly preferred embodiments of the first composition comprise a bleach component in combination with at least one of (ia) a fluorescer and/or (ib) a hueing dye.

pHConditioning reservoir compositions

An additional reservoir may preferably act as a pH changer to enhance the performance of the bleach component during the wash cycle.

pH regulator

Exemplary pH adjustments may be achieved with: alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine MEA, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine TEA; alkali metal hydroxides such as NaOH and KOH; alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates, such as sodium carbonate/bicarbonate, and alkali metal silicates, such as sodium silicate. Mixtures of bases may be used.

Preferably, the composition for providing a pH shift has an in-reservoir pH of at least 8, preferably at least 9, more preferably at least 10, especially at least 11, most preferably at least 12 and optionally at least 13. The concentration of the base is selected so as to provide an in-wash pH of from 8 to 11, preferably from 8 to 10, optionally from 8 to 9.5, especially from 8 to 9.

Builders and chelating agents

The pH adjusting composition also preferably comprises a builder and/or a chelating agent. Examples include alkali metal carbonates, citrates, succinates, malonates, carboxymethylsuccinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates and polyacetylcarboxylates. Specific examples include sodium, potassium and lithium salts of oxydisuccinic acid, mellitic acid, benzene polycarboxylic acids, and citric acid. Other examples are the organic phosphonate sequestrants DEQUEST sold by Monsanto^TMAnd an alkane hydroxyphosphonate. Salts of carbonic acid and citric acid are preferred, especially sodium carbonate and sodium citrate.

Other suitable organic builders include the higher molecular weight polymers and copolymers known to have builder properties. For example, such materials include suitable polyacrylic acids, polymaleic acids and polyacrylic acid/polymaleic acid copolymers and salts thereof, for example under the trade name SOKALAN from BASF^TMThose that are sold.

The suitable amount of builder will depend on the product form of the composition, particularly whether it is a powder or a liquid. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second composition is in liquid form. Preferably, the second composition contains from 5 to 40 wt% of the builder component, in particular up to 30 wt%, more preferably up to 25 wt%, and most preferably up to 20 wt%.

Exemplary chelating agents are HEDP (1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1, -diphosphonic acid), such as sold as Dequest 2010, and diethylenetriaminepentamethylenephosphonic acid or hephasodium DTPMP,

2066. preferably, the composition contains up to 5 wt% of the chelating agent, especially 0.1 to 3 wt%.

The pH-adjusting composition may additionally contain detergent components, such as surfactants, which are stable at the pH within the reservoir of the composition. Additionally, or alternatively, a detergent may be provided in the third composition.

Enzyme reservoir

The device may comprise one or more reservoirs containing the enzyme composition. Although enzymes are powerful stain removers, for many wash loads (wash loads), some or all of the enzymes may be omitted. For example, different families of enzymes are effective on different classes of stains, with a large laundry load carrying no stains at all. Thus, the inclusion of enzymes in each wash can be wasteful.

The inventors have observed that certain enzymes cannot be stored in combination. For example, proteases and lipases generally cannot be combined in a single liquid composition because proteases can digest lipases upon storage. Similarly, the protease digests the cellulase when stored in a liquid. However, lipases provide superior benefits in terms of fat removal, while cellulases provide improved fabric treatment with colour retention and depilling and/or background whiteness benefits (depending on the cellulase used). This means that conventional laundry items usually contain enzyme mixtures.

By using more than one reservoir containing the enzyme composition, the present invention allows various benefits of these enzymes to be obtained under a single load. For example, the device may comprise a reservoir comprising a first composition comprising a protease and a reservoir comprising a second composition comprising a cellulase and/or a lipase. One or both of these compositions may then not be provided, depending on, for example, the type of staining.

Preferably, in terms of enzyme class, the first and second enzyme compositions are mutually exclusive. The composition of the first enzyme reservoir may optionally further comprise a pectate lyase.

The composition of the first enzyme reservoir may optionally further comprise a surfactant, such as sodium lauryl polyether sulfate (SLES). The additional surfactant can be used to increase detergency beyond and up to that of (over and about) detergent compositions, which can be beneficial in the case of a soil load. It is also known that certain surfactants are more suitable for enzymatic cleaning processes.

The device can dispense a composition for a first enzyme reservoir for stains such as grass and blood.

In certain embodiments, the composition of the second enzyme reservoir comprises cellulase and/or lipase and/or amylase. Preferably, the composition of reservoir (iii) comprises a lipase. Suitably, the composition of reservoir (iii) is protease free.

In some cases, the composition of the second enzyme reservoir comprises cellulase.

In some cases, the composition of the second enzyme reservoir comprises a lipase.

In some cases, the composition of the second enzyme reservoir comprises amylase.

Naturally, the composition of the second enzyme reservoir may comprise any combination of these enzymes.

The composition of the second enzyme reservoir may optionally further comprise a mannanase. The composition of the second enzyme reservoir may optionally further comprise a surfactant, such as SLES. As described for the first enzyme reservoir, such additional surfactants may be used to increase detergency beyond and up to that of the detergent composition, which may be useful in the context of a soil load.

The device can dispense a composition for a second enzyme reservoir for stains such as gravy, starch based stains, chocolate and chocolate products, fat cooking stains.

Up to 100% of additional ingredients

The composition may contain additional ingredients such as fragrances, colorants, pearlescers and/or opacifiers. Typically, such additional ingredients are present in a total amount of less than 10 wt%, more preferably less than 9 wt%, and especially less than 8 wt%. Additionally or alternatively, such further ingredients may be provided in one or more further reservoirs.

External structurant (structurant)

The rheology of the composition can be further modified by the use of one or more materials that form a structured network within the composition. Suitable structurants include hydrogenated castor oil, microfibrillar cellulose and naturally based structurants such as citrus pulp fibre. Citrus pulp fiber is particularly preferred, especially if the composition includes a lipase. Preferably, such external structurants, if used, are present in an amount of less than 2 wt%, preferably less than 1 wt%.

Visual cue

The composition may comprise a visual cue of solid material that is insoluble in the composition. Preferred visual cues are layered cues formed from a polymeric film and possibly comprising a functional ingredient that may not be as stable if exposed to an alkaline liquid. Enzymes and bleach catalysts are examples of such ingredients. Also fragrances, especially microencapsulated fragrances.

Packaging and dosing

The composition is preferably in liquid form. Each composition is preferably provided in a reservoir cartridge adapted for use with a dosing device operable to selectively dispense the multi-part composition from the reservoir into a dosing unit upon instruction from a user (e.g. in the manner described herein).

The reservoir cartridge may contain a stock of the composition in an amount sufficient for two or more doses, preferably for three or more, more preferably for five or more doses of laundry product. The cartridge may be disposable or designed to be refillable.

The combination of cartridges may provide a segregated stock of components in an amount sufficient to provide multiple doses of laundry product. Directions may be provided to guide the user in making certain selections depending on factors such as fabric type and stain properties. A dosing unit (e.g. a ball) may also be provided as part of a kit for dispensing multiple doses of laundry product.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for providing a laundry product comprising a dosing unit and a dispensing device having a reservoir for containing components of the laundry product, wherein the device is operable to selectively dispense multiple portions of the components from the reservoir as a result of user input so as to provide a dose of the laundry product in the dosing unit.

The device has a reservoir containing a composition comprising a detergent component and a second reservoir containing a second composition comprising a reservoir of a laundry slurry comprising:

from 2 to 60% by weight of a benefit agent;

b. less than 4% by weight of an emulsifier, and

c. and (3) water.

Preferably, the device has a computer programmed to cause the device to selectively dispense a component from the reservoir as a result of a user input.

The apparatus may be configured such that the dosing unit and the dispensing device are located outside the washing machine and the dosing unit is adapted to be placed manually in the washing machine, in particular in the washing machine drum. The dose of laundry product may also be supplied to the drum via a drawer.

In other embodiments, the apparatus may be associated with a laundry machine such that the dispensing device is located in the laundry machine and is operable to dispense multipart components from the reservoir into the laundry machine drum as a result of user input. The components may be dispensed directly into the water stream to form the wash liquor, or into a chamber or conduit through which the water then flows.

Additional reservoirs may be provided containing additional laundry product components, particularly active ingredients for laundry detergents. The individual reservoirs are typically separate and isolated from each other. Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least a third reservoir containing a store of detergent composition.

The method aspect of the present invention relates to combining the compositions from the reservoirs of the first and second aspects to provide laundry products and preferably liquid laundry detergent compositions. A preferred method involves activating a device such as according to the third aspect to combine multiple portions of stock composition from the reservoir to provide a dose of laundry product in a dosing unit, which is then supplied to the washing machine drum.

Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a kit for a user to configure a customized multi-dose laundry product, wherein the kit comprises a reservoir combination providing a segregated store of laundry product components as described herein, optionally together with directions for combining selected multiple portions of the store components to provide various alternative options for a dose of laundry product. Suitably by locating the dosing unit in the washing machine drum, the kit may optionally comprise a dosing unit for containing a dose of laundry product supplied to the washing machine.

In various aspects of the invention, the dosing unit may be a conventional dosing ball or may have one or more features designed to complement or otherwise interact with the dosing device.

For the appliance aspect of the invention, the laundry product may be dispensed by the computer module according to an input provided prior to the start of a wash or rinse cycle (in other words, prior to forming the wash/rinse liquor as the case may be). The input may be provided in various ways, such as by a user making a selection or providing a suggestion, or by sensing a mark or label on the item to be washed, such as a QR "quick response code". Suitably, the input is captured via a user interface on the device. The apparatus may include a Graphical User Interface (GUI). For example, the GUI may be presented to the user on a digital screen of a user interface. Input from the user may be captured through the user interface of the device via various user interaction mechanisms including: manipulation of buttons, touch screen, voice commands, gestures, or other suitable methods. The computer module may communicate with an external user device, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer or laptop computer, to receive user input from a user interface on an external device. Using this interface, the user can select the appropriate laundry product recipe, or the computer module can select, generate, or obtain a recipe based on input from the user (load type, stain, preferences, etc.). The recipe for the determined amount may be obtained from an internal memory within the device or may be obtained from an external memory, e.g. accessed via the internet.

The user interface may include tools for entering the grouped data, such as by requesting the user to select certain options or alternatives. Thus, the device may have or be in communication with a user interface via which a user can input data using at least two sets of options.

At least one set of options may prompt the user for stain properties (grass, chocolate, blood, etc.), and at least one set of options may prompt the user for fabric color and/or type (e.g., cotton, polyester).

Based on the data provided by each of these groups, an algorithm can be used to determine the optimal formulation to balance certain stains against other cleaning needs. The algorithm may be stored and accessed on the computer module of the device, or it may be obtained from an external source, such as the internet.

Thus, in some cases, the computer module is programmed with an algorithm to determine how much product to dose from each reservoir based on user input. Thus, in some cases, the computer module is programmed to communicate with an external source to access an algorithm and determine how much product to dose from each reservoir based on user input.

Each reservoir may be in controllable fluid communication with a dispensing nozzle that dispenses into the dosing unit. The compositions from the various reservoirs may be dispensed directly into the dosing unit (as it is not necessary to mix the various compositions prior to use), or may be dispensed via a pre-mixing chamber that mixes two or more compositions prior to dispensing.

The reservoirs may be integral to the housing of the device or, more preferably, they may be provided as pre-filled cartridges that mate with the housing of the device such that the composition in the reservoir is in fluid communication with a nozzle for dispensing the composition into a dosing unit or pre-mixing chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reservoir comprises individual, discrete cartridges.

The reservoir cartridge may have rigid walls. In other words, the cartridge may be form-retaining such that it can retain its shape regardless of the amount of laundry product in the reservoir. The reservoir cartridge may have a flexible wall. It will be appreciated that the cartridge may be configured to suit the overall design and shape of the device. The reservoir cartridge may be, without limitation, a pouch (pouch) or a hard plastic container.

Each reservoir cartridge may be securable to the device such that the contents of the reservoir may be sealed by the valve. Suitably, therefore, the cartridge comprises cooperating means configured to engage with complementary cooperating means on the appliance such that when in position the reservoir cartridge is securely held and laundry product within the reservoir cartridge is contained or released depending on whether the valve of the appliance is in a closed or open state. In other words, the cartridge may comprise a connection portion that mates with a complementary connection portion of the device.

Additionally or alternatively, the contents of the reservoir may be supplied by pressure and/or vacuum generated within the device. It will be appreciated that the device may have a pump to move the liquid from the reservoir to the dosing nozzle (optionally through the pre-mixing chamber) to be dispensed.

Thus, each reservoir cartridge may be securable to the device by a mating means configured to engage with a complementary mating means on the device such that when in place, the reservoir cartridge is securely held and the laundry product within the reservoir cartridge is contained or released depending on whether the pump is open or closed.

Detailed Description

Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example.

Device

Embodiments of the apparatus aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to the following diagrammatic drawings in which:

fig. 1 shows a representative diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a partially cut-away representative view of the apparatus described above, showing a portion of the cartridge arrangement.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a device for dispensing multiple doses of a composition of the invention, wherein the device is integrated into a washing machine.

The apparatus as illustrated in fig. 1 has a dispensing device 1 and a dosing unit 2. The apparatus is a stand-alone device designed to be placed on a table or the like. For example, it may be placed on a countertop in a kitchen or utility room, or may be placed on top of a washing machine.

As illustrated, the dosing unit 2 is a conventional dosing ball, typically made of a plastic material. In use, the dosing unit is placed in the dispensing area 3 below the nozzle 4. As illustrated, the dispensing area 3 is a recess provided in the housing of the device, and the dosing unit 2 rests on a surface provided in the housing. However, it will be appreciated that the housing may be shaped differently, such that, for example, in use the dosing unit is placed directly on the counter top (or other surface on which the device is placed).

Laundry product ingredients are dispensed into the dosing unit 2 via the nozzle 4. As shown, only one nozzle is used. However, it should be appreciated that more than one nozzle may be provided. For example, different reservoirs may be in fluid communication with different nozzles such that a first reservoir is in fluid communication with a first nozzle and a second reservoir is in fluid communication with a second nozzle.

The device has a control/information interface 5. As illustrated, this interface 5 is a touch screen provided in the housing, which displays information and allows selection and entry of information into a computer module (not shown).

However, in further embodiments, the device may be provided with a panel with buttons, dials or the like for entering information. In other implementations, the input may be communicated through instructions or gestures. It should be appreciated that a display screen in the housing of the device is not necessary. The device may be configured to be used without a display screen, or an external display screen on, for example, a phone or tablet may be connected to the device (e.g., via bluetooth or the like).

Figure 2 shows a partially cut-away view of the apparatus of figure 1. In this embodiment, three

reservoir cartridges

6a, 6b and 6c are housed internally. Each cartridge contains a store of ingredient composition.

For example, in this non-limiting illustrative embodiment, 6a contains a detergent base composition as described herein, 6b contains a conditioning slurry composition as described herein, and 6c contains an enzyme composition as follows.

6a detergent formulation

In this example, the surfactant system consists of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonate (LAS) and C with 2 to 7 EO₁₀-C₁₅Alcohol ethoxylated nonionic surfactant. In further embodiments, example components for the concentrated detergent base may include any of the aforementioned detergent components.

6b enzyme preparation

Device enzyme reservoir 6 b. Reservoir 6b contains a first composition of ingredients comprising a protease enzyme (without cellulase or lipase). A second further enzyme reservoir (not shown) may be included and comprises a second component composition comprising cellulase and/or lipase (without protease). These compositions may then be provided neither, one of them, or both, depending on, for example, the type of stain.

6c Care slurry Cartridge formulation

Component name	By weight%
		Silicone
¹	5
		Deposition of polymers ²	2
NaOH	To pH 7-8
		Minor ingredients	<5
Water (W)	To 100

Silicone¹-the Silicone is added as a 30% emulsion from Wacker Silicone. The silicone contains carboxyl groups pendant in the chain.

Deposition of polymers²——Ucare^TMPolymer LR400, from Dow.

Each

cartridge

6a, 6b, 6c has a valve 7 and each cartridge is in fluid communication with the nozzle through a flow path 8. The flow from the cartridge to the nozzle 4 (where it is dispensed) is controlled by a valve. Thus, in this embodiment, each valve is a metering valve, the metered volume being controlled by the computer module. The valve may be located at any point along the flow path, and other types of valves may be used. Metering of the ingredient composition may also be accomplished in other ways, such as by creating pressure in a reservoir to force the liquid out.

The figure shows the individual flows running from the respective reservoirs to the nozzle 4. It will be appreciated that the flow paths may meet before reaching the nozzle. For example, the device may have a pre-mixing chamber where different ingredient compositions meet before they are dispensed into the dosing unit.

In use, the dosing unit is located below the nozzle 4 (so that product dispensed through the nozzle enters the chamber of the dosing device). The user inputs information about the laundry load into the computer module. Typically, data may be entered in two or more groups, each group requiring some information from the user. For example, group I may be used to input the load type: white or colored. Group II can be used to input the presence or absence of staining, and optionally, stain type. Thus, the user can select white, grass, mud. Other data requirements may include the fabric type (cotton/polyester) as the optimal fabric care benefit agent and amount may be different in each case; fragrance selection (different family members may prefer different fragrances for their clothing, or it may be desirable to scent bedding and towels but not clothing); degree of soiling (e.g., large grass stains, only minor mud stains); load size (less product is needed for small loads). The treatment slurry may be dispensed as directed by the user input to "add-on-treatment slurry", or as part of a designed formula to add benefit agents.

An optimized cleaning composition is then determined and the appropriate amount dispensed from the associated cartridge. A computer module (not shown) controls the amount dispensed.

The recipe for the determined amount may be obtained from an internal memory within the device or may be obtained from an external memory, e.g. accessed via the internet. In general, algorithms can be employed to determine an optimized formulation, particularly where more than one stain type is present, balancing certain stains against other cleaning needs. It will be appreciated that various further reservoir cartridges may be provided, each containing one or more ingredients for a laundry product, to enhance the versatility of the system.

The user can select various options, such as the type of stain and the type of fabric, and the computer module can then dose the appropriate amount of the component from the associated reservoir cartridge into a dosing bulb ready to be introduced by the user into the washing machine drum.

The illustrative embodiment relates to a stand-alone device wherein the dispensing apparatus and dosing unit are located outside the washing machine.

In other embodiments, the dispensing device and/or dosing unit may be housed within the washing machine. The dosing unit may be arranged in fluid communication with the washing machine drum such that the dose of laundry product is supplied without the need for a user to operate it.

Fig. 3 illustrates the device integrated into the washing machine 10. The washing machine has a drum region 11 in which articles are washed. During the washing procedure, water and washing liquid enter the drum via the sprayer 12. Water enters the machine through an inlet 13 (shown schematically and only partially). The water and wash liquor drains from the drum region 11 into a sump 14 and may then be recirculated (direction indicated by arrows) by a recirculation pump 15 for re-spraying into the drum region, or may flow away through a waste outlet 16. As previously described,

reservoirs

6a, 6b and 6c contain a supply of components. As shown, these are cartridges that engage the dispensing means 18, although it will be appreciated that the reservoir may simply be provided as a container into which the composition is poured. The cartridge can be loaded and replaced through a channel flap 19.

The device has a computer module 20. As described herein, the computer module controls which cartridge dispenses and optionally how much of each cartridge dispenses. As shown here, the washing machine has a control panel 21 via which control panel 21 inputs can be provided to the computer module. As illustrated, the control panel is a touch screen. In this case, the control panel and computer module are also used to determine the machine program, although it will be appreciated that they may be separate.

As previously mentioned, in use, a user inputs information about the laundry load into the computer module 20. The optimum washing composition is then determined and the appropriate amount from the associated cartridge is dispensed by dispensing means 18 and may be combined, for example in a single conduit or chamber, before the water stream enters the machine. This may be referred to as a pre-mix zone 27. As illustrated, three individual conduits are combined into a single conduit through which product is metered. In other words, the dispensed ingredient composition may be at least partially pre-mixed prior to being diluted to provide a wash liquor. The computer module controls the amount dispensed.

Claims

1. A combination of reservoirs providing a segregated store of components for laundry product to enable a user to formulate multiple doses of laundry product on demand for supply to a washing machine drum, the combination comprising:

a first reservoir; and a second reservoir;

and in that the combination is adapted for use with a device operable to selectively dispense components from the reservoir as a result of user instruction, thereby configuring the multiple doses of laundry product on demand; wherein the laundry product is dispensed by the computer module according to an input provided prior to the start of a wash or rinse cycle; and wherein each reservoir cartridge is securable to the apparatus such that the contents of the reservoir are sealable by a valve.

2. A combination of reservoirs providing a segregated store of components for a laundry product to enable a user to dispense multiple doses of the laundry product on demand for supply to a washing machine drum, the combination comprising:

at least one reservoir;

and in that the combination is adapted for use with a device operable to selectively dispense components from the reservoir as a result of user instruction, thereby configuring the multiple doses of laundry product as required; wherein the laundry product is dispensed by the computer module according to an input provided prior to the start of a wash or rinse cycle; and wherein each reservoir cartridge is securable to the apparatus such that the contents of the reservoir are sealable by a valve.