EP2217909A1 - Fabric colour measurement system - Google Patents

Fabric colour measurement system

Info

Publication number
EP2217909A1
EP2217909A1 EP08857293A EP08857293A EP2217909A1 EP 2217909 A1 EP2217909 A1 EP 2217909A1 EP 08857293 A EP08857293 A EP 08857293A EP 08857293 A EP08857293 A EP 08857293A EP 2217909 A1 EP2217909 A1 EP 2217909A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
colour
guide
fabric
guides
washing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08857293A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Nicola-Jane Morley
Stephen John Singleton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Original Assignee
Unilever PLC
Unilever NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unilever PLC, Unilever NV filed Critical Unilever PLC
Priority to EP08857293A priority Critical patent/EP2217909A1/en
Publication of EP2217909A1 publication Critical patent/EP2217909A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/29—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using visual detection
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/18—Condition of the laundry, e.g. nature or weight
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06H—MARKING, INSPECTING, SEAMING OR SEVERING TEXTILE MATERIALS
    • D06H3/00—Inspecting textile materials
    • D06H3/02—Inspecting textile materials visually
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
    • G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
    • G01J3/46—Measurement of colour; Colour measuring devices, e.g. colorimeters
    • G01J3/52—Measurement of colour; Colour measuring devices, e.g. colorimeters using colour charts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/36—Textiles
    • G01N33/367—Fabric or woven textiles
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/29—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using visual detection
    • G01N21/293—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using visual detection with colour charts, graduated scales or turrets

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a fabric colour guide for monitoring colour of a fabric.
  • fabric colour is extremely valuable to consumers. Indeed, for some garments (e.g. expensive coloured suit shirts, uniforms) precise colour is necessary so that dulling of the colour is perceived as unacceptable. In these cases, reduced colour may even result in the garment being discarded by the consumer. Repeated wash-wear cycles can reduce the colour of a garment.
  • washing powders to maintain and even rejuvenate colour may be increased by the use of shading dyes.
  • efficacy of such washing powders is often difficult for the consumer to evaluate as any analysis relies on consumer memory of the colour of a garment prior to washing.
  • An objective is to provide a highly accurate device and method for in-home consumer monitoring of the changes in colour of fabric and evaluation of the colour benefits of a laundry composition.
  • the present invention provides a fabric colour measurement system comprising at least one pair of corresponding colour guides, the or each pair comprising a first colour guide to be washed and a second colour guide to be dry-stored, wherein the guides comprise corresponding coloured fabric.
  • the invention allows the consumer to compare the washing/conditioning compositions of different brands or variants or to compare washing conditions.
  • the monitoring is effected simply by adding the first colour guide to a laundry load, whilst storing the second colour guide and then comparing the two guides after the wash has completed.
  • the invention provides a method of consumer measurement of fabric colour change due to a washing operation, the method using a fabric colour guide of the first aspect (including any optional/preferred features as set out herein) and including the steps of:
  • dry storing and “dry-stored” as used herein, means storing in any suitable place but not washing or wetting.
  • the invention provides a package containing a laundry composition in combination with a fabric colour measurement of the first aspect of the invention (including any optional/preferred features as set out herein) and preferably together with instructions for use of said fabric colour measurement system according to the method of the second aspect (including any optional/ preferred features as set out herein) .
  • a colour guide together with the washing powder enables the consumer to effectively monitor the effectiveness of the powder and appreciate the benefit of colour agents added to the washing powder. Thus the consumer is given more control over the evaluation of different products and different washing and also drying conditions .
  • the step of comparing may take place after other events which affect washing, for instance drying of washed fabrics in a tumble dryer, outside, in sunlight or in shade.
  • the step of comparing may take place after washing the first colour guide with a laundry composition.
  • the system comprises a plurality of first colour guides, and the method involves the step of using a fresh first colour guide for each washing operation.
  • a fresh guide is useful in the event colour damage occurs but consumers wish to monitor the colour changes on multiple occasions .
  • both guides have (before use) substantially common colours and preferably texture and further preferably the guides have (before use) identical colour and/or texture .
  • both guides are of a common material, and/or shape and/or size for ease of comparison. Most preferably the guides are (before use) identically visually.
  • first and second guides of one pair comprise identical fabrics.
  • the fabric preferably comprises a fibre based on cellulosics, polyester, nylon elastane, acrylic, cotton. Most preferably it comprises cellulosic cotton and polyester .
  • the fabric has a woven construction.
  • Woven fabrics are classified as to weave or structure according to the manner in which warp and weft cross each other.
  • the three fundamental weaves, of which others are variations, are the plain, twill, and satin. Further preferably the weave is plain and/or twill (as is used for denim fabrics) .
  • the fabric is preferably washable preferably can withstand temperatures of the wash up to 90 degrees and drying temperature up to 150 degrees.
  • the or each guide is shaped and/or sized to be visually distinct from remaining laundry items, so it can be easily picked out from the laundry load after washing. Accordingly it may be substantially smaller or may be a visually distinct shape. Visually interesting shapes such as those defined by a perimeter of undulating curves distinguish the guide from remaining laundry items.
  • the preferred size of the or each guide is less than 15cm (height and/or width) and further preferably less than 10cm (height and/or width) .
  • the guides may be shaped to visually distinct from remaining laundry items; so the first guide can be easily picked out from the laundry load after washing and to enable easy dry- storage of the second guide. Accordingly they may be shaped to resemble iconic articles of clothing such as the T-shirt or a pair of jeans etc., but very small size.
  • the waist line should be less than 15 cm and further preferably less than 10 cm, any may be even less than 5 cm.
  • At least the first colour guide comprises one or more apertures.
  • Such aperture or apertures may be defined by a strip of the guide so as to create a hook or loop. This offers the advantage of enabling the guide to be attached to a larger article which aids locating the guide at the end of the washing process.
  • the second colour guide may comprise a hook for ease of dry storage.
  • the guide may comprise a single colour.
  • the guide may comprise a colour palette of different colours.
  • the colours may be grouped according to hue, lightness, position in the spectrum or they may be in random order.
  • the guide may comprise a colour scale which displays a colour/range of colours varying progressively from low colour at one end of the scale to high colour at the other end of the scale.
  • L*a*b* values the CIE LAB colour space, (CIE 1976 L* a* b*)
  • the colours within any range may be according to a change in 10 colouration (a* and/or b*) and/or change in luminance/lightness (L *) .
  • the highest colour may be defined as L * max , a * max , b* max (UV- included) such that: 15
  • L * max is in the range 1-70, preferably 5-50 a * max is in the range -40 to +40, preferably -20.0 to + 20.0 b* max is in the range +40 to -40, preferably +20.0 to -20.0. and the minimum colour values as L * min , a * min , b* min such that 20 where ⁇ L* is 3 to 30 units preferably 5 to 10 units, reflecting the luminance of the coloured cloth
  • ⁇ b* is +/- (0 to 30) units, preferably +/- (0 to 10) units reflecting the blue/yellow value of the colour of the cloth.
  • the a* values may be constant or at least within +/- 1 unit, to restrict the guide to focus on blue-yellow colouration rather than red-green.
  • the b* values may be constant or at least within +/- 1 unit, to restrict the guide to focus on red-green colouration rather than blue-yellow.
  • the L* valves may be constant or at least within +/-1 unit to restrict the guide to focus on red-green and/or blue-yellow i.e. colour proper rather than on lightness or luminance .
  • L * max is in the range 1-30, preferably 5-15 a * max is in the range -8 to +8, preferably -4.0 to + 4.0 b* max is in the range +10 to -15, preferably 0 to -10.
  • ⁇ L* is preferably 3 to 30 units preferably 5 to 10 units.
  • ⁇ a* is preferably +/- (0 to 10) units, preferably +/- (0 to 5) units.
  • ⁇ b* is preferably +/-(0 to 30) units preferably +/- (0 to 10) .
  • Intervening colour values in any scale/palette or in any part of a scale/palette may be between the above extremes. The intervening colour values may be equally distributed. Alternatively, the L* and b* and a* values may be lowered in alternate steps.
  • the colour palette or scale may be continuous (where colour changes gradually) across the guide or scale it may be stepped. In the case of a stepped scale, this will comprise a plurality of discrete portions, wherein the progression from one portion of the scale to another portion, involves a step-change in colour and/or lightness.
  • the portions may be separate pieces of fabric, which are attached e.g. by stitching or fabric glue.
  • the difference in colour between adjacent portions may be defined such that the colour of each portion has Lab values: L * n , a * n , b * n , defined by:
  • the total colour difference represented as the ⁇ E value (corresponding to the positive square root of [ (L * n - L * n -i) 2 + (a * n - a * n -i) 2 + (b * n - b * n -i) 2 ] is preferably greater than or equal to 0.5, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.0, (UV- included) .
  • L* and b* may vary alternately on the scale, such L* only changes when n is an even number and b* when n is an odd number.
  • L* and b* may vary alternately on the scale, such b* only changes when n is an even number and L* when n is an odd number.
  • the L* value may decrease linearly whereas the b* values decrease for even values of n.
  • the b* value may decrease linearly with each value of n, whereas the L* values are only decreased for even values of n .
  • L* and a* may vary alternately on the scale, such L* only changes when n is an even number and a* when n is an odd number.
  • L* and a* may vary alternately on the scale, such a* only changes when n is an even number and L* when n is an odd number.
  • the L* value may decrease linearly whereas the b* values decrease for even values of n.
  • the a* value may decrease linearly with each value of n, whereas the L* values are only decreased for even values of n .
  • the portions may have a uniform shade of colour.
  • a uniformly shaded portion is easier for the consumer to match with the fabric.
  • continuous it is meant that the change in colour appears (to the naked eye) continuous along the scale or scales.
  • a continuous scale (s) may however, include demarcation by visual indicia e.g. lines, so as to divide up the scale into multiple portions.
  • the guide may be labelled with directional visual indicia to direct the user to hold the product in a predetermined orientation.
  • the portions of the scale or palette may be labelled with numbers, names, logos etc. applied by e.g. printing to ease monitoring.
  • the portions of the scale or palette may be arranged in a single, straight row. Alternatively, the portions may be arranged in multiple rows. The row or rows may be straight or curved.
  • the guide may include a planar section or sections.
  • planar it is meant less that 10mm thick, preferably less than 6 mm. This has the advantage that the surface carrying the scale is not distanced (by thickness) from the fabric substrate during measuring, which allows for more accurate comparisons .
  • the guide may be constructed with a 3-dimensional section or sections. This can aid retrieval after the washing process has been completed.
  • the 3-dimensional section/s may be formed by an arrangement of sections or panels attached e.g. by stitching.
  • the sections/panels may vary in colour, wherein such colour variations is as described herein.
  • the guide is sufficiently flexible so it can flex to lie against a flexible substrate such as fabric. This has the advantage that the guide can be easily flexed to conform to the shape of a garment to carry out the colour comparison .
  • the colour guide may be provided with the packaging, unattached and loose inside. This has the advantage that the guide is quickly obtained on opening the package.
  • the or each colour guide may be wrapped in packaging to protect it from the washing composition, so that when it is initially retrieved from the pack and used, it is not contaminated with the washing composition as this could interfere with colour measuring.
  • the guide may be perfumed, and the perfume of the guide may be the same as or correspond with the perfume of the laundry composition .
  • the detergent powder may contain an agent for improving rejuvenating or maintaining colour.
  • the agent may comprise one or more dyes for increasing perceived colour.
  • the colour/s of the guide correspond with the colour of the/or each dye whereby increase in the perceived colour can be measured/monitored using said guide using the human eye.
  • the dye, or dyes together has/have a peak absorption wavelength on the substrate fabric of 540 nm to 650 nm, and further preferably from 570 nm to 630 nm.
  • Reactive dyes are preferable, as these are highly substantive to fabrics.
  • the dyes may be disperse and/or solvent dyes which are substantive to synthetic fibres preferably, polyester.
  • the composition may contain a mixture of dye so as to be substantive to both fibres.
  • Reactive dyes are discussed in Industrial Dyes, K. Hunger ed. Wiley-VCH 2003 ISBN 3-527-30426-6.
  • the reactive dyes may be considered to be made up of a chromophore which is linked to an anchoring moiety.
  • the chromophore may be linked directly to the anchor or via a bridging group.
  • the chromophore serves to provide a colour and the anchor to covalently bind the dye to a textile substrate.
  • the reactive dye may have more than one anchor.
  • the dyes may comprise a chromophore and an anchor that are covalenly bound and may be represented in the following manner: Chromophore-anchor .
  • the reactive dye comprises a chromophore moiety covalently bound to an anchoring group, the anchoring group for binding to cotton, the anchoring group selected from the group consisting of: a heteroaromatic ring, preferably comprising a nitrogen heteroatom, having at least one -OH substituent covalently bound to the heteroaromatic ring, and SO 9 -C-C-OH
  • anchor group is of the form:
  • n takes a value between 1 and 3;
  • X is selected from the group consisting of: -Cl, -F, NHR, a quaternary ammonium group, -OR and -OH;
  • R is selected from: an aromatic group, benzyl, a C1-C6- alkyl; and, wherein at least one X is -OH. It is preferred that R is selected from napthyl, phenyl, and -CH3.
  • the anchor group is selected from the group consisting of:
  • the chromophore is selected from the group consisting of: azo, anthraquinone, phthalocyanine, formazan and triphendioaxazine .
  • Suitable examples of reactive dyes may be found in the colour index (4 th edition) and in the Procion and Remazol dye classes.
  • Dyes for polyester should be selected from the group of disperse dyes.
  • Disperse dyes are organic dyes which do not contain any charged solubilising groups at the pH of dyeing. Disperse dyes are discussed in Industrial Dyes, K. Hunger ed. Wiley-VCH 2003 ISBN 3-527-30426-6. Suitable examples of reactive dyes may be found in the colour index (4 th edition) .
  • the chromphore is selected from the group consisting of azo and anthraquinone.
  • the laundry composition may contain predominately anionic surfactants.
  • dyes containing acid groups are preferred.
  • dyes containing basic groups are preferred. This is to prevent precipitation between the dye and surfactant.
  • Suitable dyes for use in products containing predominately anionic surfactants include those listed in the Colour Index as Direct Violet Dyes Direct Blue dyes, Acid Blue and Acid Violet dyes.
  • Dyes which may be metabolised to carcinogenic amines should not be used.
  • dyes which when reduced release benzidene, 3, 3' -dimethoxybenzidene, 3, 3' -dimethybenzidene or 3, 3' -dichlorobenzidene should not be used.
  • the laundry composition may contain predominately cationic surfactants.
  • Suitable dyes here include those listed in the Colour Index as Basic Blue and Basic Violet Dyes.
  • the dyes may comprise one or more hydrophobic dyes selected from benzodifuranes, methine, triphenylmethanes, napthalimides, pyrazole, napthoquinone, anthraquinone and mono-azo or di-azo dyes.
  • Hydrophobic dyes are dyes which do not contain any charged water solubilising group. Hydrophobic dyes may be selected from the groups of disperse and solvent dyes. Blue and violet anthraquinone and mono- azo dye are preferred.
  • Preferred dyes include solvent violet 13, disperse violet 27 disperse violet 26, disperse violet 28, disperse violet 63 and disperse violet 77.
  • the shading dye(s) may be a direct violet dye. These are particularly useful for for cotton containing fabrics Preferred are dyes are selected from the group comprising bis-azo direct violet dyes of the formula:
  • the A ring is preferably substituted by a methyl and methoxy group at the positions indicated by arrows, the A ring may also be a naphthyl ring, the Y group is a phenyl or naphthyl ring, which may be substituted by sulphonate groups and may be mono or disubstituted by methyl groups .
  • the shading dye(s) may comprise the dyes 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.
  • Cu containing direct dyes such as direct violet 66 may also be used.
  • the shading dye(s) may comprise acid dyes for shading cotton and may be selected from acid blue 98, acid violet 17, acid violet 50, acid black 1, acid red 51, acid red 17 acid blue 29.
  • One preferred acid shading dye is acid blue 98.
  • the shading dye may comprise a photobleach covalently linked to another blue or violet chromophore.
  • the shading dye may comprise a reactive dye covalently linked to a polymer or a solid particle.
  • Pigments may be included to shade clothes. Dyes and pigments are listed in the Color Index International published by Society of Dyers and Colourists and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.
  • the shading dye may be a pigment.
  • Preferred pigments are pigment blue 1, 1:2, 1:3, 2, 2:1, 2:2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 10:1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:4, 15:6, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 61:1, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 79,
  • pigment violet 1 1:1, 1:2, 2, 3, 3:1, 3:3, 3:4, 5, 5:1, 7:1, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 35, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 50, 54, 55 and 56.
  • More Preferred organic pigments are pigment violet 1, 1:1, 1:2, 2, 3, 5:1, 13, 23, 25, 27, 31, 37, 39, 42, 44, 50 and Pigment blue 1, 2, 9, 10, 14, 18, 19, 24:1, 25, 56, 60, 61, 62, 66, 75, 79 and 80.
  • More preferred pigments are pigment violet 3, 13, 23, 27, 37, 39, pigment blue 14, 25, 66 and 75.
  • pigment violet 23 The most preferred is pigment violet 23.
  • the shading dye may comprise a dye adsorbed onto a solid particle, such as a clay.
  • a solid particle such as a clay.
  • the level of dye in the laundry composition may be in the range from 0.000001 wt % to 0.01 wt % preferably in the range from 0.0001 to 0.01 wt%.
  • the composition may comprise a fluorescent agent (optical brightener) .
  • fluorescent agents are available commercially.
  • the fluorescent agent may be supplied and used in the form of their alkali metal salts, for example, the sodium salts.
  • the total amount of the fluorescent agent or agents used in the composition may be generally from 0.005 to 2 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 0.1 wt %.
  • Preferred classes of fluorescer are: Di-styryl biphenyl compounds, e.g. Tinopal (Trade Mark) CBS-X, Di-amine stilbene di-sulphonic acid compounds, e.g. Tinopal DMS pure Xtra and Blankophor (Trade Mark) HRH, and Pyrazoline compounds, e.g. Blankophor SN.
  • Di-styryl biphenyl compounds e.g. Tinopal (Trade Mark) CBS-X
  • Di-amine stilbene di-sulphonic acid compounds e.g. Tinopal DMS pure Xtra and Blankophor (Trade Mark) HRH
  • Pyrazoline compounds e.g. Blankophor SN.
  • Preferred fluorescers are: sodium 2 (4-styryl-3-sulfophenyl) -2H-napthol [ 1, 2-d] trazole, disodium 4, 4 ' -bis ⁇ [ (4-anilino-6- (N methyl-N-2 hydroxyethyl) amino 1, 3, 5-triazin-2-yl) ] amino ⁇ stilbene-2-2 ' disulfonate, disodium 4,4'-bis ⁇ [ (4-anilino-6-morpholino-l, 3, 5-triazin-2- yl)] amino ⁇ stilbene-2-2' disulfonate, and disodium 4,4'- bis (2-sulfoslyryl) biphenyl .
  • the laundry composition and colour guide may include a common shading dye or fluorescer, as described above.
  • the present invention relates to compositions which are used to treat laundry items such as clothes.
  • Such compositions are preferably laundry detergent compositions used for washing (especially particulate detergents, liquid detergents, laundry bars, pastes, gels or tablets) , laundry fabric conditioners used for softening fabrics, pre- treatment products, post-treatment products, tumble dryer products, ironing products etc.
  • laundry treatment products which are applied in an aqueous environment .
  • Figure 1 shows a system according to embodiments of the invention, together with a laundry load
  • Figure 2 shows a package and a pair of colour guides of a colour measurement system of figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows a pair of alternative colour guides.
  • a fabric colour measurement system comprising one pair of corresponding colour guides 2,4 comprising a first colour guide 2 to be washed ( with "wash me” indicia) and a second colour guide 4 to be dry stored (in a dry place, without be washed or wetted) .
  • Visual indicia could be included on the second colour guide to inform the consumer of the dry storage requirements.
  • the measurement system is provided with a package 30 containing a laundry composition (not shown) in combination with a fabric colour measurement system of the invention.
  • the pack 30 contains lkg of laundry composition A or B or C or D (detailed hereinbelow) .
  • the consumer uses the measurement system by:
  • the invention allows the consumer to compare the washing/conditioning compositions of different brands or variants or to compare washing conditions such as temperature of the wash.
  • the monitoring is effected simply by adding the first colour guide to a laundry load, whilst storing the second colour guide and then comparing the two guides after the wash has completed.
  • a colour guide together with the washing powder enables the consumer to effectively monitor the effectiveness of the powder and appreciate the benefit of colour agents added to the washing powder.
  • the step of comparing may take place after events which follow a washing operation, for instance drying of washed fabrics in a tumble dryer, outside, in sunlight or in shade.
  • Both guides 2,4 shown are visually identical. They of identical size and shape and texture, comprise identical fabric (weft, warp, weave construction) , and identical colour: dark blue (reactive blue 5) .
  • Reactive dyes are used to dye the cellusolic component.
  • the guides are substantially similar, so that small variances are present, albeit difficult to distinguish with the human eye.
  • the guides comprises a washable fabric, and preferably cotton and polyester. This has a woven construction, the weave being plain.
  • the fabric can withstand (physically) temperatures of the wash up to 90 degrees and drying temperature up to 150 degrees.
  • the guides are shaped to be visually distinct from remaining laundry items, allowing the first guide to be easily picked out from the laundry load after washing and the second guide to be easily dry-shaped. Accordingly they are shaped to resemble iconic articles of clothing such as the T-shirt (or a pair jeans etc.) but very small size.
  • the waist and height is less than 15 cm and in this embodiment is 10 cm.
  • the first colour guide of figures 2 and 3 comprises a hole 40 for attachment to e.g. button of larger article to aid retrieval after the washing process has finished.
  • the second guide has a loop 42 to aid dry storage (e.g. on a clothes horse or frame or door knob) .
  • system comprises a plurality of the first colour guide 2 shown in figure 2. This allows a fresh guide 2 to be used for each washing operation in the case where colour damage occurs.
  • the guides 2,4 comprise a colour palette of different colours.
  • the colours can be grouped according to hue, lightness, position in the spectrum or they may be in random order.
  • the guide may comprise a colour scale which displays a colour/range of colours varying progressively from low colour at one end of the scale to high colour at the other end of the scale.
  • L*a*b* values the CIE LAB colour space, (CIE 1976 L* a* b*)
  • L* is the lightness value of the colour
  • a* is the red-green value (negative values indicate green while positive values indicate red)
  • b* is the yellow-blue value (negative values indicate blue and positive values indicate yellow.
  • the colours within any range may be according to a change in colouration (a* and/or b*) and/or change in luminance/ lightness (L *) .
  • Enzyme levels are given as percent pure enzyme. Levels of direct violet 9, direct violet 99, solvent violet 13 and Sulfonated Zn Pthalocyanine photobleach are given as pure dye.
  • NI (7EO) refers to R- (OCH 2 CH 2 ) n OH, where R is an alkyl chain of C12 to C15, and n is 7.
  • the formulations are prepared by adding direct violet 9, direct violet 99 and the Sulfonated pigment violet 23 into the slurry which is then spray dried. Alternatively, the dyes may be added via post-dosed MgSO 4 granules.
  • the solvent violet 13 was dissolved in non-ionic surfactant (7EO) and granulated onto zeolite, to give a granule containing 0.2 wt% dye. This was post-dosed to the formulation .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract

A fabric coulour measurement system comprising at least one pair of corresponding colour guides (2, 4), the or each pair comprising a first colour guide (2) to be washed and a second colour guide (4) to be dry-stored, wherein the guides comprise corresponding coloured fabric. The invention also comprises a method of consumer-measurement of colour change due to washing and a package containing a laundry composition in combination with the fabric colour measurement system of the invention.

Description

FABRIC COLOUR MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
The present invention concerns a fabric colour guide for monitoring colour of a fabric.
In many circumstances, fabric colour is extremely valuable to consumers. Indeed, for some garments (e.g. expensive coloured suit shirts, uniforms) precise colour is necessary so that dulling of the colour is perceived as unacceptable. In these cases, reduced colour may even result in the garment being discarded by the consumer. Repeated wash-wear cycles can reduce the colour of a garment.
The ability of washing powders to maintain and even rejuvenate colour may be increased by the use of shading dyes. However, the efficacy of such washing powders is often difficult for the consumer to evaluate as any analysis relies on consumer memory of the colour of a garment prior to washing.
An objective is to provide a highly accurate device and method for in-home consumer monitoring of the changes in colour of fabric and evaluation of the colour benefits of a laundry composition.
Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a fabric colour measurement system comprising at least one pair of corresponding colour guides, the or each pair comprising a first colour guide to be washed and a second colour guide to be dry-stored, wherein the guides comprise corresponding coloured fabric. The invention allows the consumer to compare the washing/conditioning compositions of different brands or variants or to compare washing conditions. The monitoring is effected simply by adding the first colour guide to a laundry load, whilst storing the second colour guide and then comparing the two guides after the wash has completed.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of consumer measurement of fabric colour change due to a washing operation, the method using a fabric colour guide of the first aspect (including any optional/preferred features as set out herein) and including the steps of:
(a) washing a first colour guide, (b) dry storing a second colour guide, followed by the step of (c) comparing the colour of the washed first colour guide with the colour of the second colour guide.
The terms "dry storing" and "dry-stored" as used herein, means storing in any suitable place but not washing or wetting.
In a third aspect, the invention provides a package containing a laundry composition in combination with a fabric colour measurement of the first aspect of the invention (including any optional/preferred features as set out herein) and preferably together with instructions for use of said fabric colour measurement system according to the method of the second aspect (including any optional/ preferred features as set out herein) . The provision of a colour guide together with the washing powder enables the consumer to effectively monitor the effectiveness of the powder and appreciate the benefit of colour agents added to the washing powder. Thus the consumer is given more control over the evaluation of different products and different washing and also drying conditions .
The step of comparing may take place after other events which affect washing, for instance drying of washed fabrics in a tumble dryer, outside, in sunlight or in shade.
The step of comparing may take place after washing the first colour guide with a laundry composition.
Advantageously, the system comprises a plurality of first colour guides, and the method involves the step of using a fresh first colour guide for each washing operation. A fresh guide is useful in the event colour damage occurs but consumers wish to monitor the colour changes on multiple occasions .
Preferably both guides have (before use) substantially common colours and preferably texture and further preferably the guides have (before use) identical colour and/or texture .
Preferably both guides are of a common material, and/or shape and/or size for ease of comparison. Most preferably the guides are (before use) identically visually.
Advantageously, first and second guides of one pair comprise identical fabrics. The fabric preferably comprises a fibre based on cellulosics, polyester, nylon elastane, acrylic, cotton. Most preferably it comprises cellulosic cotton and polyester .
Preferably the fabric has a woven construction. Woven fabrics are classified as to weave or structure according to the manner in which warp and weft cross each other. The three fundamental weaves, of which others are variations, are the plain, twill, and satin. Further preferably the weave is plain and/or twill (as is used for denim fabrics) .
The fabric is preferably washable preferably can withstand temperatures of the wash up to 90 degrees and drying temperature up to 150 degrees.
The or each guide is shaped and/or sized to be visually distinct from remaining laundry items, so it can be easily picked out from the laundry load after washing. Accordingly it may be substantially smaller or may be a visually distinct shape. Visually interesting shapes such as those defined by a perimeter of undulating curves distinguish the guide from remaining laundry items.
The preferred size of the or each guide is less than 15cm (height and/or width) and further preferably less than 10cm (height and/or width) . The guides may be shaped to visually distinct from remaining laundry items; so the first guide can be easily picked out from the laundry load after washing and to enable easy dry- storage of the second guide. Accordingly they may be shaped to resemble iconic articles of clothing such as the T-shirt or a pair of jeans etc., but very small size.
Where guides resemble clothing, preferably the waist line should be less than 15 cm and further preferably less than 10 cm, any may be even less than 5 cm.
Preferably at least the first colour guide comprises one or more apertures. Such aperture or apertures may be defined by a strip of the guide so as to create a hook or loop. This offers the advantage of enabling the guide to be attached to a larger article which aids locating the guide at the end of the washing process.
The second colour guide may comprise a hook for ease of dry storage.
The guide may comprise a single colour.
Alternatively the guide may comprise a colour palette of different colours. The colours may be grouped according to hue, lightness, position in the spectrum or they may be in random order. Alternatively or additionally the guide may comprise a colour scale which displays a colour/range of colours varying progressively from low colour at one end of the scale to high colour at the other end of the scale. The or each colour may be defined in terms of L*a*b* values (the CIE LAB colour space, (CIE 1976 L* a* b*), where L* is the lightness value of the colour (L*=O yields black and L*=100 yields white) , a* is the red-green value (negative 5 values indicate green while positive values indicate red) and b* is the yellow-blue value (negative values indicate blue and positive values indicate yellow.
The colours within any range may be according to a change in 10 colouration (a* and/or b*) and/or change in luminance/lightness (L *) .
The highest colour may be defined as L* max, a* max, b*max (UV- included) such that: 15
L* max is in the range 1-70, preferably 5-50 a* max is in the range -40 to +40, preferably -20.0 to + 20.0 b*max is in the range +40 to -40, preferably +20.0 to -20.0. and the minimum colour values as L* min, a* min, b*min such that 20 where ΔL* is 3 to 30 units preferably 5 to 10 units, reflecting the luminance of the coloured cloth
25 Δa* = a^
where Δa* is +/- (0 to 30) units, preferably +/- (0 to 10) units reflecting red/green value of the colour of the cloth = hLJ*mm-hLJ*max, where Δb* is +/- (0 to 30) units, preferably +/- (0 to 10) units reflecting the blue/yellow value of the colour of the cloth.
The a* values may be constant or at least within +/- 1 unit, to restrict the guide to focus on blue-yellow colouration rather than red-green.
The b* values may be constant or at least within +/- 1 unit, to restrict the guide to focus on red-green colouration rather than blue-yellow.
The L* valves may be constant or at least within +/-1 unit to restrict the guide to focus on red-green and/or blue-yellow i.e. colour proper rather than on lightness or luminance .
For dark colours a preferable range of L* max, a* max, b*max (UV- included) are:
L* max is in the range 1-30, preferably 5-15 a* max is in the range -8 to +8, preferably -4.0 to + 4.0 b*max is in the range +10 to -15, preferably 0 to -10.
ΔL* is preferably 3 to 30 units preferably 5 to 10 units.
Δa* is preferably +/- (0 to 10) units, preferably +/- (0 to 5) units.
Δb* is preferably +/-(0 to 30) units preferably +/- (0 to 10) . Intervening colour values in any scale/palette or in any part of a scale/palette may be between the above extremes. The intervening colour values may be equally distributed. Alternatively, the L* and b* and a* values may be lowered in alternate steps.
The colour palette or scale may be continuous (where colour changes gradually) across the guide or scale it may be stepped. In the case of a stepped scale, this will comprise a plurality of discrete portions, wherein the progression from one portion of the scale to another portion, involves a step-change in colour and/or lightness. Where the guide comprises a fabric, the portions may be separate pieces of fabric, which are attached e.g. by stitching or fabric glue.
Accordingly, the difference in colour between adjacent portions may be defined such that the colour of each portion has Lab values: L* n, a* n, b* n, defined by:
where the highest colour has n=l, there are N discrete shades of whites in the scale and the shades decrease in colour in equal steps (+/- 0.3 units) along the 3 axes. Preferably, the total colour difference represented as the ΔE value (corresponding to the positive square root of [ (L* n- L* n-i)2 + (a* n- a* n-i)2 + (b* n- b* n-i)2] is preferably greater than or equal to 0.5, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.0, (UV- included) .
The values of L* and b* may vary alternately on the scale, such L* only changes when n is an even number and b* when n is an odd number.
The values of L* and b* may vary alternately on the scale, such b* only changes when n is an even number and L* when n is an odd number.
The L* value may decrease linearly whereas the b* values decrease for even values of n.
The b* value may decrease linearly with each value of n, whereas the L* values are only decreased for even values of n .
The values of L* and a* may vary alternately on the scale, such L* only changes when n is an even number and a* when n is an odd number.
The values of L* and a* may vary alternately on the scale, such a* only changes when n is an even number and L* when n is an odd number.
The L* value may decrease linearly whereas the b* values decrease for even values of n. The a* value may decrease linearly with each value of n, whereas the L* values are only decreased for even values of n .
The portions may have a uniform shade of colour. A uniformly shaded portion is easier for the consumer to match with the fabric.
By "continuous", it is meant that the change in colour appears (to the naked eye) continuous along the scale or scales. A continuous scale (s) may however, include demarcation by visual indicia e.g. lines, so as to divide up the scale into multiple portions.
The guide may be labelled with directional visual indicia to direct the user to hold the product in a predetermined orientation. The portions of the scale or palette may be labelled with numbers, names, logos etc. applied by e.g. printing to ease monitoring.
The portions of the scale or palette may be arranged in a single, straight row. Alternatively, the portions may be arranged in multiple rows. The row or rows may be straight or curved.
The guide may include a planar section or sections. By planar, it is meant less that 10mm thick, preferably less than 6 mm. This has the advantage that the surface carrying the scale is not distanced (by thickness) from the fabric substrate during measuring, which allows for more accurate comparisons . The guide may be constructed with a 3-dimensional section or sections. This can aid retrieval after the washing process has been completed.
The 3-dimensional section/s may be formed by an arrangement of sections or panels attached e.g. by stitching. The sections/panels may vary in colour, wherein such colour variations is as described herein.
Preferably the guide is sufficiently flexible so it can flex to lie against a flexible substrate such as fabric. This has the advantage that the guide can be easily flexed to conform to the shape of a garment to carry out the colour comparison .
The colour guide may be provided with the packaging, unattached and loose inside. This has the advantage that the guide is quickly obtained on opening the package. The or each colour guide may be wrapped in packaging to protect it from the washing composition, so that when it is initially retrieved from the pack and used, it is not contaminated with the washing composition as this could interfere with colour measuring.
The guide may be perfumed, and the perfume of the guide may be the same as or correspond with the perfume of the laundry composition .
The detergent powder may contain an agent for improving rejuvenating or maintaining colour. The agent may comprise one or more dyes for increasing perceived colour. Preferably the colour/s of the guide correspond with the colour of the/or each dye whereby increase in the perceived colour can be measured/monitored using said guide using the human eye.
Preferably the dye, or dyes together, has/have a peak absorption wavelength on the substrate fabric of 540 nm to 650 nm, and further preferably from 570 nm to 630 nm.
Reactive dyes are preferable, as these are highly substantive to fabrics. Alternatively or additionally the dyes may be disperse and/or solvent dyes which are substantive to synthetic fibres preferably, polyester. The composition may contain a mixture of dye so as to be substantive to both fibres.
Reactive dyes are discussed in Industrial Dyes, K. Hunger ed. Wiley-VCH 2003 ISBN 3-527-30426-6.
The reactive dyes may be considered to be made up of a chromophore which is linked to an anchoring moiety. The chromophore may be linked directly to the anchor or via a bridging group. The chromophore serves to provide a colour and the anchor to covalently bind the dye to a textile substrate.
The reactive dye may have more than one anchor.
The dyes may comprise a chromophore and an anchor that are covalenly bound and may be represented in the following manner: Chromophore-anchor . The linking between the chromophore and an anchor are preferably provided by -NH-CO- , -NH-, NHCO-CH2CH2-, -NH-CO-, or -N=N-.
Preferably the reactive dye comprises a chromophore moiety covalently bound to an anchoring group, the anchoring group for binding to cotton, the anchoring group selected from the group consisting of: a heteroaromatic ring, preferably comprising a nitrogen heteroatom, having at least one -OH substituent covalently bound to the heteroaromatic ring, and SO9-C-C-OH
H0 H^
It is preferred that the anchor group is of the form:
wherein : n takes a value between 1 and 3;
X is selected from the group consisting of: -Cl, -F, NHR, a quaternary ammonium group, -OR and -OH; R is selected from: an aromatic group, benzyl, a C1-C6- alkyl; and, wherein at least one X is -OH. It is preferred that R is selected from napthyl, phenyl, and -CH3. Most preferably the anchor group is selected from the group consisting of:
Preferably, the chromophore is selected from the group consisting of: azo, anthraquinone, phthalocyanine, formazan and triphendioaxazine .
Suitable examples of reactive dyes may be found in the colour index (4th edition) and in the Procion and Remazol dye classes.
Polyester
Dyes for polyester should be selected from the group of disperse dyes. Disperse dyes are organic dyes which do not contain any charged solubilising groups at the pH of dyeing. Disperse dyes are discussed in Industrial Dyes, K. Hunger ed. Wiley-VCH 2003 ISBN 3-527-30426-6. Suitable examples of reactive dyes may be found in the colour index (4th edition) . Preferably the chromphore is selected from the group consisting of azo and anthraquinone.
The laundry composition may contain predominately anionic surfactants. In this case dyes containing acid groups are preferred. For use in products which contain predominantly cationic surfactants, dyes containing basic groups are preferred. This is to prevent precipitation between the dye and surfactant. Suitable dyes for use in products containing predominately anionic surfactants include those listed in the Colour Index as Direct Violet Dyes Direct Blue dyes, Acid Blue and Acid Violet dyes.
Dyes which may be metabolised to carcinogenic amines should not be used. For example dyes which when reduced release benzidene, 3, 3' -dimethoxybenzidene, 3, 3' -dimethybenzidene or 3, 3' -dichlorobenzidene should not be used.
The laundry composition may contain predominately cationic surfactants. Suitable dyes here include those listed in the Colour Index as Basic Blue and Basic Violet Dyes.
The dyes may comprise one or more hydrophobic dyes selected from benzodifuranes, methine, triphenylmethanes, napthalimides, pyrazole, napthoquinone, anthraquinone and mono-azo or di-azo dyes. Hydrophobic dyes are dyes which do not contain any charged water solubilising group. Hydrophobic dyes may be selected from the groups of disperse and solvent dyes. Blue and violet anthraquinone and mono- azo dye are preferred.
Preferred dyes include solvent violet 13, disperse violet 27 disperse violet 26, disperse violet 28, disperse violet 63 and disperse violet 77.
The shading dye(s) may be a direct violet dye. These are particularly useful for for cotton containing fabrics Preferred are dyes are selected from the group comprising bis-azo direct violet dyes of the formula:
where Z is H or phenyl, the A ring is preferably substituted by a methyl and methoxy group at the positions indicated by arrows, the A ring may also be a naphthyl ring, the Y group is a phenyl or naphthyl ring, which may be substituted by sulphonate groups and may be mono or disubstituted by methyl groups .
The shading dye(s) may comprise the dyes 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.
Cu containing direct dyes such as direct violet 66 may also be used.
The shading dye(s) may comprise acid dyes for shading cotton and may be selected from acid blue 98, acid violet 17, acid violet 50, acid black 1, acid red 51, acid red 17 acid blue 29. One preferred acid shading dye is acid blue 98.
The shading dye may comprise a photobleach covalently linked to another blue or violet chromophore. The shading dye may comprise a reactive dye covalently linked to a polymer or a solid particle.
Pigments may be included to shade clothes. Dyes and pigments are listed in the Color Index International published by Society of Dyers and Colourists and the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.
The shading dye may be a pigment.
Preferred pigments are pigment blue 1, 1:2, 1:3, 2, 2:1, 2:2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 10:1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:4, 15:6, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 61:1, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 79,
80, 83 and pigment violet 1, 1:1, 1:2, 2, 3, 3:1, 3:3, 3:4, 5, 5:1, 7:1, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 35, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 50, 54, 55 and 56.
More Preferred organic pigments are pigment violet 1, 1:1, 1:2, 2, 3, 5:1, 13, 23, 25, 27, 31, 37, 39, 42, 44, 50 and Pigment blue 1, 2, 9, 10, 14, 18, 19, 24:1, 25, 56, 60, 61, 62, 66, 75, 79 and 80.
More preferred pigments are pigment violet 3, 13, 23, 27, 37, 39, pigment blue 14, 25, 66 and 75.
The most preferred is pigment violet 23.
The shading dye may comprise a dye adsorbed onto a solid particle, such as a clay. For ease of incorporation into laundry products it is preferred if the shading dye is supplied in a liquid form. The level of dye in the laundry composition may be in the range from 0.000001 wt % to 0.01 wt % preferably in the range from 0.0001 to 0.01 wt%.
The composition may comprise a fluorescent agent (optical brightener) . Fluorescent agents are available commercially. The fluorescent agent may be supplied and used in the form of their alkali metal salts, for example, the sodium salts. The total amount of the fluorescent agent or agents used in the composition may be generally from 0.005 to 2 wt %, preferably 0.01 to 0.1 wt %.
Preferred classes of fluorescer are: Di-styryl biphenyl compounds, e.g. Tinopal (Trade Mark) CBS-X, Di-amine stilbene di-sulphonic acid compounds, e.g. Tinopal DMS pure Xtra and Blankophor (Trade Mark) HRH, and Pyrazoline compounds, e.g. Blankophor SN. Preferred fluorescers are: sodium 2 (4-styryl-3-sulfophenyl) -2H-napthol [ 1, 2-d] trazole, disodium 4, 4 ' -bis { [ (4-anilino-6- (N methyl-N-2 hydroxyethyl) amino 1, 3, 5-triazin-2-yl) ] amino } stilbene-2-2 ' disulfonate, disodium 4,4'-bis{ [ (4-anilino-6-morpholino-l, 3, 5-triazin-2- yl)] amino} stilbene-2-2' disulfonate, and disodium 4,4'- bis (2-sulfoslyryl) biphenyl .
The laundry composition and colour guide may include a common shading dye or fluorescer, as described above. The present invention relates to compositions which are used to treat laundry items such as clothes. Such compositions are preferably laundry detergent compositions used for washing (especially particulate detergents, liquid detergents, laundry bars, pastes, gels or tablets) , laundry fabric conditioners used for softening fabrics, pre- treatment products, post-treatment products, tumble dryer products, ironing products etc. Preferably they are laundry treatment products which are applied in an aqueous environment .
Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the following figures in which:
Figure 1 shows a system according to embodiments of the invention, together with a laundry load;
Figure 2 shows a package and a pair of colour guides of a colour measurement system of figure 1; and
Figure 3 shows a pair of alternative colour guides.
Referring to figure 2, a fabric colour measurement system is shown, comprising one pair of corresponding colour guides 2,4 comprising a first colour guide 2 to be washed ( with "wash me" indicia) and a second colour guide 4 to be dry stored (in a dry place, without be washed or wetted) .
Visual indicia could be included on the second colour guide to inform the consumer of the dry storage requirements.
The measurement system is provided with a package 30 containing a laundry composition (not shown) in combination with a fabric colour measurement system of the invention. The pack 30 contains lkg of laundry composition A or B or C or D (detailed hereinbelow) .
Instructions for use of said fabric colour measurement system are included on the packaging, inside (on a leaflet) and on the guides themselves.
The consumer uses the measurement system by:
(a) washing the first colour guide 2,
(b) dry storing a second colour guide 4, followed by the step of
(c) comparing the colour of the washed first colour guide 2 with the colour of the second colour guide 4.
The invention allows the consumer to compare the washing/conditioning compositions of different brands or variants or to compare washing conditions such as temperature of the wash. The monitoring is effected simply by adding the first colour guide to a laundry load, whilst storing the second colour guide and then comparing the two guides after the wash has completed.
The provision of a colour guide together with the washing powder enables the consumer to effectively monitor the effectiveness of the powder and appreciate the benefit of colour agents added to the washing powder. Thus the consumer is given more control over the evaluation of different products and different washing and also drying conditions. The step of comparing may take place after events which follow a washing operation, for instance drying of washed fabrics in a tumble dryer, outside, in sunlight or in shade. Both guides 2,4 shown are visually identical. They of identical size and shape and texture, comprise identical fabric (weft, warp, weave construction) , and identical colour: dark blue (reactive blue 5) .
Reactive dyes are used to dye the cellusolic component.
In alternative embodiments the colour is light blue
(reactive black 17), cardinal red (Procion Crimson H-EXL) or dark blue (reactive blue 5) .
In further alternative embodiments, the guides are substantially similar, so that small variances are present, albeit difficult to distinguish with the human eye.
The guides comprises a washable fabric, and preferably cotton and polyester. This has a woven construction, the weave being plain.
The fabric can withstand (physically) temperatures of the wash up to 90 degrees and drying temperature up to 150 degrees.
The guides are shaped to be visually distinct from remaining laundry items, allowing the first guide to be easily picked out from the laundry load after washing and the second guide to be easily dry-shaped. Accordingly they are shaped to resemble iconic articles of clothing such as the T-shirt (or a pair jeans etc.) but very small size. The waist and height is less than 15 cm and in this embodiment is 10 cm.
Alternative visually interesting shapes are shown in figure 3, and these are defined by a perimeter of undulating curves to distinguish the guide from remaining laundry items.
The first colour guide of figures 2 and 3 comprises a hole 40 for attachment to e.g. button of larger article to aid retrieval after the washing process has finished. The second guide has a loop 42 to aid dry storage (e.g. on a clothes horse or frame or door knob) .
In further embodiments the system comprises a plurality of the first colour guide 2 shown in figure 2. This allows a fresh guide 2 to be used for each washing operation in the case where colour damage occurs.
In alternative embodiments, the guides 2,4 comprise a colour palette of different colours. The colours can be grouped according to hue, lightness, position in the spectrum or they may be in random order. Alternatively or additionally the guide may comprise a colour scale which displays a colour/range of colours varying progressively from low colour at one end of the scale to high colour at the other end of the scale.
The or each colour may be defined in terms of L*a*b* values (the CIE LAB colour space, (CIE 1976 L* a* b*), where L* is the lightness value of the colour (L*=O yields black and L*=100 yields white) , a* is the red-green value (negative values indicate green while positive values indicate red) and b* is the yellow-blue value (negative values indicate blue and positive values indicate yellow.
The colours within any range may be according to a change in colouration (a* and/or b*) and/or change in luminance/ lightness (L *) .
Enzyme levels are given as percent pure enzyme. Levels of direct violet 9, direct violet 99, solvent violet 13 and Sulfonated Zn Pthalocyanine photobleach are given as pure dye. NI (7EO) refers to R- (OCH2CH2) nOH, where R is an alkyl chain of C12 to C15, and n is 7. The formulations are prepared by adding direct violet 9, direct violet 99 and the Sulfonated pigment violet 23 into the slurry which is then spray dried. Alternatively, the dyes may be added via post-dosed MgSO4 granules.
The solvent violet 13 was dissolved in non-ionic surfactant (7EO) and granulated onto zeolite, to give a granule containing 0.2 wt% dye. This was post-dosed to the formulation .
It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example only.

Claims

1. A fabric colour measurement system comprising at least one pair of corresponding colour guides, the or each pair comprising a first colour guide to be washed and a second colour guide to be dry-stored, wherein the guides comprise corresponding coloured fabric.
2. A system according to claim 1 comprises a plurality of first colour guides.
3. A system according to any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the guides have (before use) substantially common colours.
4. A system according to claim 3 wherein the guides have (before use) a substantially common texture.
5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the guides comprise identical fabric.
6. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the guides are of a common preferably identical shape and/or size.
7. A system according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 10 wherein the guides are (before use) identically visually.
8. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the fabric comprises a fibre based on cellulosics, polyester, nylon elastane, acrylic, cotton.
9. A system according to claim 8 wherein the fabric comprises a fibre based on cellulosic cotton and/or polyester .
10. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the fabric has a woven construction.
11. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the or each guide is shaped and/or sized to be visually distinct from remaining laundry items.
12. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the guides are defined by a perimeter of undulating curves.
13. A system according to any preceding claim wherein at least the first colour guide comprises one or more apertures .
14. A method of consumer measurement of fabric colour change due to a washing operation, the method using a fabric colour measurement system according to any of claims 1-13 and including the steps of:
(a) washing a first colour guide, (b) dry storing a second colour guide, followed by the step of (c) comparing the colour of the washed first colour guide with the colour of the second colour guide.
15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the step of comparing takes place following washing the first colour guide with a laundry composition.
16. A method according to claim 15 wherein a fresh first colour guide is used for each washing operation.
17. A package containing a laundry composition in combination with a fabric colour measurement system of any of claims 1-13.
18. A package according to claim 17 together with instructions for use of said fabric colour measurement system according to the method of any of claims 14-16.
EP08857293A 2007-12-04 2008-11-12 Fabric colour measurement system Withdrawn EP2217909A1 (en)

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