WO2014090824A1 - Consumer packaging containing a fabric treatment fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid, the fluid (i) having a viscosity in the range 200 - 1500 @ 21 s and (ii) comprising a volatile benefit agent and a thickening polymer and wherein the consumer package comprises (i) a reservoir containing the fluid (ii) a dispensing outlet located in an uppermost portion of the package such that the package can be tipped by the consumer to dispense the fluid via the dispensing outlet (iii) a neck region adjacent the dispensing outlet, the neck region comprising a mixing chamber adjacent and in fluid communication with the dispensing outlet and a weir member substantially bifurcating the neck region to define two discrete channels from the reservoir to the mixing chamber thereby providing, in a tipped orientation, a weir for disruption of the flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the dispensing outlet, characterized in that the mixing chamber has an upwardly curved upper wall and curved side walls and the ratio of the mixing chamber depth and channel width is in the range 1 :1.5 to 1 :4 and preferably 1 : 1.5 to 1 :2.

Description

CONSUMER PACKAGING CONTAINING A FABRIC TREATMENT FLUID

The present invention relates to packaging for low viscosity fabric treatment fluids which are dispensed by pouring into measuring devices which may themselves be emptied into further devices, such as a machine dispensing drawer or be placed directly into a washing receptacle such as a washing machine drum.

Packaging incorporating dispensers are known. For example laundry packaging may incorporate an outlet from which the fluid is poured into dosing 'ball' or 'shuttle' which then is used to dose the laundry fluid into a washing receptacle or machine directly or via a dispensing drawer.

Despite the prior art there remains a need for improved packaging which incorporates dispensers.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention provides a consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid, the fluid having a viscosity in the range 200 - 1500 cps @ 21 s^"1 and comprising a volatile benefit agent and wherein the consumer package comprises:

(i) a reservoir containing the fluid

(ii) a dispensing outlet located in an uppermost portion of the package such that the package can be tipped by the consumer to dispense the fluid via the dispensing outlet

(iii) a neck region adjacent the dispensing outlet, the neck region comprising a mixing chamber adjacent and in fluid communication with the dispensing outlet and a weir member bifurcating the reservoir region to define two discrete channels from the reservoir to the mixing chamber thereby providing, in a tipped orientation, a weir-disrupted flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the dispensing outlet via the mixing chamber; characterized in that the recess is substantially tubular and is substantially circular in cross section and the mixing chamber has an upwardly curved upper wall and curved side walls and the ratio of the mixing chamber depth and channel width is in the range 1 : 1 .5 to 1 :4 and preferably 1 : 1.5 to 1 :2.

The invention provides gently disrupted fluid flow to the mixing chamber prior to dispensing via the outlet. The disruption increases the amount of volatile benefit agent released on dispensing whilst the viscosity together with the relative dimensions of the mixing chamber and the channels prevents excessive flow rates which could otherwise cause uncontrollable and potentially eruptive egress of the fluid. It is important that disruption occurs within the mixing chamber and not during pouring. At the same time, the smoothly curved walls prevent pooling of viscous gels in corners. The weir also reduces the upstream water velocity which prevents uncontrollable fluid egress. The release of the volatile benefit agent advantageously provides for enhanced consumer experience of that benefit agent and also 'primes' the consumer for enhanced enjoyment during subsequent activities e.g. during hand washing or after washing and drying when handling the fabrics. The flow disruption will be greatest when the package has recently been purchased, and contains a greater amount of the fluid. This advantageous since this is when it is highly important for the consumer to fully appreciate the perfume, since it is more likely to be closely connected with the recent purchasing decision in favour of that particular perfume.

Preferably the viscosity is in the range 200 - 700 cPs at 21 s^"1 for excellent and rapid dynamic mixing following disruption by the weir. Preferably the viscosity is measured at room temperature (21 degrees) using a Brookfield Viscometer .

The fluid may be a liquid or a gel. Preferably the gel is pourable. Package

Preferably, the pack comprises a base portion, and this is at an opposite end to the dispensing portion, and the pack is stored standing on its base portion.

The terms "tipped" and "tipped orientation" as used herein are intended to mean that that the packaging is tilted or rotated by the consumer from an upright orientation to lie in at least a horizontal orientation, and preferably rotated beyond this so that the base is higher than the dispensing outlet whereby fluid of the stated viscosity flows from the reservoir to the dispensing outlet is effected or at least aided by gravity. However, a squeeze-activated package without or even against gravity is also included in the invention and with such embodiments, tipping would not need to place the dispensing outlet lower than the reservoir. Preferably the weir comprises an internal wall, and preferably a smoothly curved or flat internal wall. This enhances the effect of the weir to disrupt the flow.

Preferably the package comprises an external recess defined by one or more walls, and preferably the weir is provided by said one or more walls of the external recess.

As used herein "external recess" means that it is a recess applied to and visible from the outside of the package, as opposed to the reservoir which is an internal space within the interior of the package.

Preferably the external recess comprises a channel, traversing the package transversely. Preferably the recess is substantially tubular and may be

substantially circular in cross section. The package preferably comprises a walled structure and the recess traverses the package from one wall to another, preferably a front wall to a rear wall. Preferably the recess is located substantially horizontally central of the walls, so at a midpoint along a level/horizontal axis (when the pack is viewed standing upright on a level base). Centrality is preferably measured using a diametric horizontal line through the centre of the recess and then centralizing this line within the wall. Most preferably the centrality is such that the weir substantially bisects the neck region. This is highly advantageous where both the weir and/or recess are symmetrical. Preferably the weir is located nearer an upper dispensing outlet than the base and more preferably it is in an upper region, where "upper" refers to measuring along an upright axis with the pack supported on its base with the dispensing outlet at an opposite end. The neck portion is preferably tapered in the direction of the dispensing outlet to restrict and /or tapers the diameter of the channels and ensures each is oriented in a direction toward the mixing chamber and dispensing outlet ready where mixing takes place prior to dispensing. Most preferably the neck region may be present as a high waist to afford the package a carafe structure. This affords a larger reservoir section downstream of the weir, with a good quantity of fluid their and a smaller mixing chamber. The neck region is preferably offset from a central postion to allow for ease of pouring.

The mixing chamber is preferably 0.03 - 0.05 m high, and most preferably 0.035 - 0.045 m high. The mixing chamber is preferably 0.03 - 0.05 deep, most preferably 0.035 - 0.045 m, when viewed from either side. The mixing chamber is preferably 0.055 - 0.07 wide, most preferably 0.060 - 0.065m, when viewed from the front or the rear. This provides an advantageous mixing volume for disruption and flow performance with the viscosity range of the invention. The package may be elongate (such as a bottle) and the dispensing outlet may be offset from a central longitudinal axis of the package. The dispensing outlet may comprise a spout. The dispensing outlet may be part of a bottle fitment

comprising a collar arrangement with a spout and optionally a drain back aperture.

The package may comprise further recesses or apertures acting as handles.

Preferably these are located downstream of the weir member, ("downstream" being construed in the context of fluid flowing from the reservoir to the dispensing aperture). When viewed stood on a level surface, the weir should be higher than any additional handle apertures.

The package may be a bottle, carton, tube, cavat etc. The recess may comprise a through-hole or be a 'blind' recess such that one end is closed off e.g. by a package wall.

Preferably the package comprises rigid portions such that the reservoir aperture is self supporting. Preferably the recess is provided in said rigid portions.

The package may further comprise a dosing device comprising a dosing recess, the device being releasably retained in the reservoir recess such that the respective recesses are in a nested configuration.

With this nested arrangement, the handle function of the package recess is replicated by that of the dispenser recess when this is in the storage position.

The Volatile Benefit Agent

The volatile benefit agent is an agent which is volatile and which confers a benefit to fabric. Suitable volatile benefit agents include but are not limited to perfumes, insect repellents, essential oils, sensates such as menthol and aromatherapy actives, preferably perfumes. Mixtures of volatile benefit agents may be used. The total amount of volatile benefit agent is preferably from 0.01 to 10 % by weight, more preferably from 0.05 to 5 % by weight, even more preferably from 0.1 to 4.0 %, most preferably from 0.15 to 4.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the fluid. Perfume

The preferred volatile benefit agent is a perfume.

Thus the consumer experience is greatly enhanced by a greater perfume sensation and this then 'primes' the consumer for enhanced enjoyment of the particular perfume during later activities e.g. during hand washing or after washing and drying when handling the fabrics. Accordingly preferably the volatile benefit agent or at least a portion of said agent evaporates at room temperature.

The perfumes of the of the invention preferably comprise an unconfined (also called non-encapsulated) volatile benefit agent. Where the volatile benefit agent is a perfume, the perfumes described below are suitable for use as the

encapsulated volatile benefit agent and also as the unconfined perfume

component. Any suitable perfume or mixture of perfumes may be used.

Useful components of the perfume include materials of both natural and synthetic origin. They include single compounds and mixtures. Specific examples of such components may be found in the current literature, e.g., in Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, 1975, CRC Press; Synthetic Food Adjuncts, 1947 by M. B. Jacobs, edited by Van Nostrand; or Perfume and Flavor Chemicals by S. Arctander 1969, Montclair, N.J. (USA). These substances are well known to the person skilled in the art of perfuming, flavouring, and/or aromatizing consumer products, i.e., of imparting an odour and/or a flavour or taste to a consumer product traditionally perfumed or flavoured, or of modifying the odour and/or taste of said consumer product.

By perfume in this context is not only meant a fully formulated product fragrance, but also selected components of that fragrance, particularly those which are prone to loss, such as the so-called 'top notes'.

Top notes are defined by Poucher (Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists 6(2):80 [1955]). Examples of well known top-notes include citrus oils, linalool, linalyl acetate, lavender, dihydromyrcenol, rose oxide and cis-3-hexanol. Top notes typically comprise 15-25%wt of a perfume liquid and in those embodiments of the invention which contain an increased level of top-notes it is envisaged at that least 20%wt would be present within the encapsulate.

Some or all of the perfume or pro-fragrance may be encapsulated, typical perfume components which it is advantageous to encapsulate, include those with a relatively low boiling point, preferably those with a boiling point of less than 300, preferably 100-250 Celsius and pro-fragrances which can produce such components.

It is also advantageous to include encapsulate perfume components which have a low Clog P (ie. those which will be partitioned into water), preferably with a Clog P of less than 3.0. These materials, of relatively low boiling point and relatively low Clog P have been called the "delayed blooming" perfume ingredients and include the following materials: Allyl Caproate, Amyl Acetate, Amyl Propionate, Anisic Aldehyde, Anisole,

Benzaldehyde, Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Acetone, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Formate, Benzyl Iso Valerate, Benzyl Propionate, Beta Gamma Hexenol, Camphor Gum, Laevo-Carvone, d-Carvone, Cinnamic Alcohol, Cinamyl Formate, Cis-Jasmone, cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate, Cuminic Alcohol, Cyclal C, Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinol, Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinol Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Aceto Acetate, Ethyl Amyl Ketone, Ethyl Benzoate, Ethyl Butyrate, Ethyl Hexyl Ketone, Ethyl Phenyl Acetate, Eucalyptol, Eugenol, Fenchyl Acetate, Flor Acetate (tricyclo Decenyl Acetate), Frutene (tricyclco Decenyl Propionate), Geraniol, Hexenol, Hexenyl Acetate, Hexyl Acetate, Hexyl Formate, Hydratropic Alcohol, Hydroxycitronellal, Indone, Isoamyl Alcohol, Iso Menthone, Isopulegyl Acetate, Isoquinolone, Ligustral, Linalool, Linalool Oxide, Linalyl Formate, Menthone, Menthyl Acetphenone, Methyl Amyl Ketone, Methyl Anthranilate, Methyl Benzoate, Methyl Benyl Acetate, Methyl Eugenol, Methyl Heptenone, Methyl Heptine Carbonate, Methyl Heptyl Ketone, Methyl Hexyl Ketone, Methyl Phenyl Carbinyl Acetate, Methyl Salicylate, Methyl-N-Methyl Anthranilate, Nerol, Octalactone, Octyl Alcohol, p-Cresol, p- Cresol Methyl Ether, p-Methoxy Acetophenone, p-Methyl Acetophenone, Phenoxy Ethanol, Phenyl Acetaldehyde, Phenyl Ethyl Acetate, Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol, Phenyl Ethyl Dimethyl Carbinol, Prenyl Acetate, Propyl Bornate, Pulegone, Rose Oxide, Safrole, 4-Terpinenol, Alpha-Terpinenol, and/or Viridine.

Preferred non-encapsulated perfume ingredients are those hydrophobic perfume components with a ClogP above 3. As used herein, the term "ClogP" means the calculated logarithm to base 10 of the octanol/water partition coefficient (P). The octanol/water partition coefficient of a perfume raw material (PRM) is the ratio between its equilibrium concentrations in octanol and water. Given that this measure is a ratio of the equilibrium concentration of a PRM in a non-polar solvent (octanol) with its concentration in a polar solvent (water), ClogP is also a measure of the hydrophobicity of a material-the higher the ClogP value, the more

hydrophobic the material. ClogP values can be readily calculated from a program called "CLOGP" which is available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems Inc., Irvine Calif., USA. Octanol/water partition coefficients are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,563. Perfume components with a ClogP above 3 comprise: Iso E super, citronellol, Ethyl cinnamate, Bangalol, 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzaldehyde, Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, 2,6-Dimethyl-2-heptanol, Diisobutylcarbinol, Ethyl salicylate, Phenethyl isobutyrate, Ethyl hexyl ketone, Propyl amyl ketone, Dibutyl ketone, Heptyl methyl ketone, 4,5-Dihydrotoluene, Caprylic aldehyde, Citral, Geranial, Isopropyl benzoate, Cyclohexanepropionic acid, Campholene aldehyde, Caprylic acid, Caprylic alcohol, Cuminaldehyde, 1 -Ethyl-4-nitrobenzene, Heptyl formate, 4- Isopropylphenol, 2-lsopropylphenol, 3-lsopropylphenol, Allyl disulfide, 4-Methyl-1 - phenyl-2-pentanone, 2-Propylfuran, Allyl caproate, Styrene, Isoeugenyl methyl ether, Indonaphthene, Diethyl suberate, L-Menthone, Menthone racemic, p-Cresyl isobutyrate, Butyl butyrate, Ethyl hexanoate, Propyl valerate, n-Pentyl propanoate, Hexyl acetate, Methyl heptanoate, trans-3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexanol, 3,3,5- Trimethylcyclohexanol, Ethyl p-anisate, 2-Ethyl-1 -hexanol, Benzyl isobutyrate, 2,5-Dimethylthiophene, Isobutyl 2-butenoate, Caprylnitrile, gamma-Nonalactone, Nerol, trans-Geraniol, 1 -Vinylheptanol, Eucalyptol, 4-Terpinenol, Dihydrocarveol, Ethyl 2-methoxybenzoate, Ethyl cyclohexanecarboxylate, 2-Ethylhexanal, Ethyl amyl carbinol, 2-Octanol, 2-Octanol, Ethyl methylphenylglycidate, Diisobutyl ketone, Coumarone, Propyl isovalerate, Isobutyl butanoate, Isopentyl propanoate, 2-Ethylbutyl acetate, 6-Methyl-tetrahydroquinoline, Eugenyl methyl ether, Ethyl dihydrocinnamate, 3,5-Dimethoxytoluene, Toluene, Ethyl benzoate, n- Butyrophenone, alpha-Terpineol, Methyl 2-methylbenzoate, Methyl 4- methylbenzoate, Methyl 3, methylbenzoate, sec. Butyl n-butyrate, 1 ,4-Cineole, Fenchyl alcohol, Pinanol, cis-2-Pinanol, 2,4, Dimethylacetophenone, Isoeugenol, Safrole, Methyl 2-octynoate, o-Methylanisole, p-Cresyl methyl ether, Ethyl anthranilate, Linalool, Phenyl butyrate, Ethylene glycol dibutyrate, Diethyl phthalate, Phenyl mercaptan, Cumic alcohol, m-Toluquinoline, 6-Methylquinoline, Lepidine, 2-Ethylbenzaldehyde, 4-Ethylbenzaldehyde, o-Ethylphenol, p- Ethylphenol, m-Ethylphenol, (+)-Pulegone, 2,4-Dimethylbenzaldehyde,

Isoxylaldehyde, Ethyl sorbate, Benzyl propionate, 1 ,3-Dimethylbutyl acetate, Isobutyl isobutanoate, 2,6-Xylenol, 2,4-Xylenol, 2,5-Xylenol, 3,5-Xylenol, Methyl cinnamate, Hexyl methyl ether, Benzyl ethyl ether, Methyl salicylate, Butyl propyl ketone, Ethyl amyl ketone, Hexyl methyl ketone, 2,3-Xylenol, 3,4, Xylenol,

Cyclopentadenanolide and Phenyl ethyl 2 phenylacetate 2.

In the fluids of the present invention it is envisaged that there will be four or more, preferably five or more, more preferably six or more or even seven or more different perfume components from the list given of delayed blooming perfumes given above and/or the list of perfume components with a ClogP above 3 present in the perfume. Insect repellent

In chemical terms, most repellent actives belong to one of four groups: amides, alcohols, esters or ethers. Those suitable for use in the present invention are liquids or solids with a relatively low melting point and a boiling point above 150°C, preferably liquids. They evaporate slowly at room temperature. Where the volatile benefit agent is an insect repellent, the repellents described below are suitable for use as the encapsulated volatile benefit agent and also as the unconfined repellent component.

Many suitable insect repellents are related to perfume species (many fall into both classes). The most commonly used insect repellents include: DEET (N,N-diethyl- m-toluamide), essential oil of the lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora) and its active compound p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), lcaridin, also known as Picaridin, D- Limonene, Bayrepel, and KBR 3023, Nepetalactone, also known as "catnip oil", Citronella oil, Permethrin, Neem oil and Bog Myrtle. Preferred insect repellents are related to perfume species.

Known insect repellents derived from natural sources include: Achillea alpina, alpha-terpinene, Basil oil (Ocimum basilicum), Callicarpa americana (Beautyberry), Camphor, Carvacrol, Castor oil (Ricinus communis), Catnip oil (Nepeta species), Cedar oil (Cedrus atlantica), Celery extract (Apium graveolens), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, leaf oil), Citronella oil (Cymbopogon fleusus), Clove oil (Eugenic caryophyllata), Eucalyptus oil (70%+ eucalyptol, also known as cineol), Fennel oil (Foeniculum vulgare), Garlic Oil (Allium sativum), Geranium oil (also known as Pelargonium graveolens), Lavender oil (Lavandula officinalis), Lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora) essential oil and its active ingredient p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), Lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus), Marigolds (Tagetes species), Marjoram (Tetranychus urticae and Eutetranychus orientalis), Neem oil (Azadirachta indica), Oleic acid, Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Pyrethrum (from Chrysanthemum species, particularly C. cinerariifolium and C. coccineum), Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis), Spanish Flag Lantana camara (Helopeltis theivora), Solanum villosum berry juice, Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Thyme (Thymus species) and mixtures thereof. Preferred encapsulated insect repellents are mosquito repellents available from Celessence, Rochester, England. Celessence Repel, containing the active ingredient Saltidin™and Celessence Repel Natural, containing the active

Citrepel™ 75. Saltidin is a man made molecule developed originally by the Bayer Corporation. Citrepel is produced from eucalyptus oils and is high in p-menthane- 3,8-diol (PMD). A preferred non-encapsulated repellent is Citriodiol™ supplied by Citrefine. Aromatherapy Materials and essential oils

Another group of volatile benefit agents with which the present invention can be applied are the so-called 'aromatherapy' materials. These include components of essential oils such as Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Mace

Extract, Neroli, Nutmeg, Spearmint, Sweet Violet Leaf and Valerian.

Viscosity Modifier

The viscosity of the fluid may be achieved intrinsically, arising from the particular ingredients / combinations of the fabric treatment fluid.

The fabric treatment fluid may also comprise a viscosity modifier added to regulate viscosity so that it lies within the range of the invention. The viscosity modifier may comprise any component or combination of components as described hereinbelow which modifies e.g. increases or decreases the viscosity of the composition.

The viscosity modifier may comprise a hydrotrope . The hydrotrope may be a short-chain functionalized amphiphiles. Examples of short-chain amphiphiles include the alkali metal salts of xylenesulfonic acid, cumenesulfonic acid and octyl sulphonic acid, and the like. In addition, organic solvents and monohydric and polyhydric alcohols with a molecular weight of less than about 500, such as, for example, ethanol, isoporopanol, acetone, propylene glycol and glycerol, may also be used as hydrotropes. The viscosity modifier may comprise one or more salts e.g. CaC , MgC , NaCI or other salts or combinations thereof containing other alkali or alkaline earth metal cations and halide anions, and the like and any combination thereof.

The viscosity modifier may comprise one or more polysaccharide e.g. GuarGum, Xanthan Gum. The viscosity modifier may comprise one or more external structurant for example a cellulosic structurant such as micro-fibrous cellulose (MFC) or carboxy methyl cellulos or a clay or citrus pulp material or any combination thereof.

The viscosity modifier may comprise one or more diluents.

The viscosity modifier may comprise one or more polymers as described below. Dye-transfer Inhibitor polymers

The polymers may be a so-called 'dye-transfer inhibitors' to prevent migration of dyes, especially during long soak times. The dye-transfer inhibition polymer may include polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof.

Nitrogen-containing, dye binding, DTI polymers are preferred. Of these polymers and co-polymers of cyclic amines such as vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), and/or vinyl imidazole (PVI) are particularly preferred. Polyamine N-oxide polymers suitable for use herein contain units having the following structural formula: R-Αχ-Ρ; wherein P is a polymerizable unit to which an N-O group can be attached or the N-O group can form part of the polymerizable unit; A is one of the following structures: -NC(O)-, -C(O)O- -S-, -O-, -N=; x is 0 or 1 ; and R is an aliphatic, ethoxylated aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic group or combination thereof to which the nitrogen of the N-O group can be attached or the N-O group is part of these groups, or the N-O group can be attached to both units.

Preferred polyamine N-oxides are those wherein R is a heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrrolidine, piperidine and derivatives thereof. The N- 0 group can be represented by the following general structures: N(0)(R')o-3 , or =N(0)(R')o-i , wherein each R' independently represents an aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic group or combination thereof; and the nitrogen of the N-0 group can be attached or form part of any of the aforementioned groups. The amine oxide unit of the polyamine N-oxides has a pKg<10, preferably pK_a<7, more preferably pKg< 6.

Any polymer backbone can be used provided the amine oxide polymer formed is water-soluble and has dye transfer inhibiting properties. Examples of suitable polymeric backbones are polyvinyls, polyalkylenes, polyesters, polyethers, polyamides, polyimides, polyacrylates and mixtures thereof. These polymers include random or block copolymers where one monomer type is an amine N- oxide and the other monomer type is an N-oxide. The amine N-oxide polymers typically have a ratio of amine to the amine N-oxide of 10: 1 to 1 : 1 ,000,000.

However, the number of amine oxide groups present in the polyamine oxide polymer can be varied by appropriate copolymerization or by an appropriate degree of N-oxidation. The polyamine oxides can be obtained in almost any degree of polymerization. Typically, the average molecular weight is within the range of 500 to 1 ,000,000; more preferably 1 ,000 to 500,000; most preferably 5,000 to 100,000. This preferred class of materials is referred to herein as "PVNO". A preferred polyamine N-oxide is poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide) which as an average molecular weight of about 50,000 and an amine to amine N-oxide ratio of about 1 :4. Copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole polymers (as a class, referred to as PVPVI) are also preferred. Preferably the PVPVI has an average molecular weight range from 5,000 to 1 ,000,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 200,000, and most preferably from 10,000 to 20,000, as determined by light scattering as described in Barth, et al., Chemical Analysis, Vol. 1 13. "Modern Methods of Polymer Characterization". The preferred PVPVI copolymers typically have a molar ratio of N-vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1 : 1 to 0.2: 1 , more preferably from 0.8: 1 to 0.3: 1 , most preferably from 0.6: 1 to 0.4: 1. These copolymers can be either linear or branched. Suitable PVPVI polymers include Sokalan^(TM) HP56, available commercially from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany.

Also preferred as dye transfer inhibition agents are polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers (PVP) having an average molecular weight of from about 5,000 to about 400,000, preferably from about 5,000 to about 2000,000, and more preferably from about 5,000 to about 50,000. PVP's are disclosed for example in EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-256,696. Suitable PVP polymers include Sokalan^(TM) HP50, available commercially from BASF. Compositions containing PVP can also contain polyethylene glycol (PEG) having an average molecular weight from about 500 to about 100,000, preferably from about 1 ,000 to about 10,000. Preferably, the ratio of PEG to PVP on a ppm basis delivered in wash solutions is from about 2: 1 to about 50: 1 , and more preferably from about 3: 1 to about 10: 1 .

Also preferred as dye transfer inhibiting agents are those from the class of modified polyethyleneimine polymers, as disclosed for example in WO-A- 0005334. These modified polyethyleneimine polymers are water-soluble or dispersible, modified polyamines. Modified polyamines are further disclosed in US-A-4,548,744; US-A-4,597,898; US-A- 4,877,896; US-A- 4,891 , 160; US-A- 4,976,879; US-A-5,415,807; GB-A-1 ,537,288; GB-A-1 ,498,520; DE-A-28 29022; and JP-A-06313271 .

The modified ethoxylated polyamines (EPEI) are described above and are generally linear or branched poly (>2) amines. The amines may be primary, secondary or tertiary. A single or a number of amine functions are reacted with one or more alkylene oxide groups to form a polyalkylene oxide side chain. The alkylene oxide can be a homopolymer (for example ethylene oxide) or a random or block copolymer. The terminal group of the alkylene oxide side chain can be further reacted to give an anionic character to the molecule (for example to give carboxylic acid or sulphonic acid functionality).

Preferably the composition according to the present invention comprises a dye transfer inhibition agent selected from polyvinylpyrridine N-oxide (PVNO), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl imidazole, N-vinylpyrrolidone and N- vinylimidazole copolymers (PVPVI), copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of dye transfer inhibition agent in the composition according to the present invention will be from 0.01 to 10 %, preferably from 0.02 to 8, or even to

5%, more preferably from 0.03 to 6, or even to 2 %, by weight of the composition.

It will be appreciated that the dye transfer inhibition agents will assist in the preservation of whiteness by preventing the migration of dyes from place to place.

This preservation of whiteness assists in cleaning and counteracts the reduction in surfactants present in the wash liquor.

Anti-redeposition polymers

The polymer may comprise an anti-redeposition polymer; which may comprise polycarboxylate materials. Polycarboxylate materials, which can be prepared by polymerizing or copolymerizing suitable unsaturated monomers, are preferably admixed in their acid form. Unsaturated monomeric acids that can be

polymerized to form suitable polycarboxylates include acrylic acid, maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic acid. The presence in the polycarboxylates herein of monomeric segments, containing no carboxylate radicals such as vinylmethyl ether, styrene, ethylene, etc. is suitable provided that such segments do not constitute more than about 40% by weight of the polymer.

Particularly preferred polycarboxylates can be derived from acrylic acid. Such acrylic acid-based polymers which are useful herein are the water-soluble salts of polymerized acrylic acid. The average molecular weight of such polymers in the acid form preferably ranges from about 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably from about 4,000 to 7,000 and most preferably from about 4,000 to 5,000. Water- soluble salts of such acrylic acid polymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Soluble polymers of this type are known materials. Use of polyacrylates of this type in detergent compositions has been disclosed, for example, in Diehl, U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,067, issued Mar. 7, 1967. In the present invention, the preferred polycarboxylate is sodium

polyacrylate.

Acrylic/maleic-based copolymers may also be used as a preferred component of the anti-redeposition agent. Such materials include the water-soluble salts of copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid. The average molecular weight of such copolymers in the acid form preferably ranges from about 2,000 to 100,000, more preferably from about 5,000 to 75,000, most preferably from about 7,000 to 65,000. The ratio of acrylate to maleate segments in such copolymers will generally range from about 30: 1 to about 1 : 1 , more preferably from about 10: 1 to 2: 1 . Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts.

Soluble acrylate/maleate copolymers of this type are known materials which are described in European Patent Application No. 66915, published Dec. 15, 1982, as well as in EP 193,360, published Sep. 3, 1986, which also describes such polymers comprising hydroxypropylacrylate. Still other useful polymers

maleic/acrylic/vinyl alcohol terpolymers. Such materials are also disclosed in EP 193,360, including, for example, the 45/45/10 terpolymer of acrylic/maleic/vinyl alcohol.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can act as a clay soil removal-anti-redeposition agent. Typical molecular weight ranges for these purposes range from about 500 to about 100,000, preferably from about 1 ,000 to about 50,000, more preferably from about 3,000 to about 10,000. Polyaspartate and polyglutamate dispersing agents may also be used. Any polymeric soil release agent known to those skilled in the art can optionally be employed in compositions according to the invention.

Polymeric soil release agents are characterized by having both hydrophilic segments, to hydrophilize the surface of hydrophobic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, and hydrophobic segments, to deposit upon hydrophobic fibres and remain adhered thereto through completion of washing and rinsing cycles and, thus, serve as an anchor for the hydrophilic segments. This can enable stains occurring subsequent to treatment with the soil release agent to be more easily cleaned in later washing procedures.

The amount of anti redeposition polymer in the composition according to the present invention will be from 0.01 to 10 %, preferably from 0.02 to 8 %, more preferably from 0.03 to 6 %, by weight of the composition.

Soil Release Polymers:

The polymer may comprise soil release polymers for polyester comprising polymers of aromatic dicarboxylic acids and alkylene glycols (including polymers containing polyalkylene glycols).

The polymeric soil release agents useful herein especially include those soil release agents having:

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

(i) polyoxyethylene segments with a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or oxypropylene or polyoxypropylene segments with a degree of polymerization of from 2 to 10, wherein said hydrophile segment does not encompass any oxypropylene unit unless it is bonded to adjacent moieties at each end by ether linkages, or

(iii) a mixture of oxyalkylene units comprising oxyethylene and from 1 to about 30 oxypropylene units wherein said mixture contains a sufficient amount of oxyethylene units such that the hydrophile component has hydrophilicity great enough to increase the hydrophilicity of conventional polyester synthetic fiber surfaces upon deposit of the soil release agent on such surface, said hydrophile segments preferably comprising at least about 25% oxyethylene units and more preferably, especially for such components having about 20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at least about 50% oxyethylene units; or (b) one or more hydrophobe components comprising: C3 oxyalkylene terephthalate segments, wherein, if said hydrophobe components also comprise oxyethylene terephthalate, the ratio of oxyethylene terephthalate: C3 oxyalkylene terephthalate units is about 2: 1 or lower,

C₄ -C6 alkylene or oxy C₄ -Ce alkylene segments, or mixtures therein,

(iii) poly (vinyl ester) segments, preferably polyvinyl acetate), having a degree of polymerization of at least 2, or (iv) Ci -C₄ alkyl ether or C₄ hydroxyalkyl ether substituents, or mixtures therein, wherein said substituents are present in the form of Ci -C₄ alkyl ether or C₄ hydroxyalkyl ether cellulose derivatives, or mixtures therein, and such cellulose derivatives are amphiphilic, whereby they have a sufficient level of Ci -C₄ alkyl ether and/or C hydroxyalkyl ether units to deposit upon conventional polyester synthetic fiber surfaces and retain a sufficient level of hydroxyls, once adhered to such conventional synthetic fiber surface, to increase fiber surface hydrophilicity, or a combination of (a) and (b).

Preferably, the polyoxyethylene segments of (a)(i) will have a degree of polymerization of from about 200, although higher levels can be used, preferably from 3 to about 150, more preferably from 6 to about 100. Suitable oxy C₄ -Ce alkylene hydrophobe segments include, but are not limited to, end-caps of polymeric soil release agents such as MO3 S(CH₂)_n OCH₂ CH₂ 0-, where M is sodium and n is an integer from 4-6, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,721 ,580, issued Jan. 26, 1988 to Gosselink.

Soil release agents characterized by polyvinyl ester) hydrophobe segments include graft copolymers of polyvinyl ester), e.g. , Ci -C6 vinyl esters, preferably polyvinyl acetate) grafted onto polyalkylene oxide backbones, such as

polyethylene oxide backbones. See European Patent Application 0 219 048, published Apr. 22, 1987 by Kud, et al. Commercially available soil release agents of this kind include the SOKALAN type of material, e.g., SOKALAN HP-22, available from BASF (West Germany).

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

Another preferred polymeric soil release agent is a polyester with repeat units of ethylene terephthalate units contains 10-15% by weight of ethylene terephthalate units together with 90-80% by weight of polyoxyethylene terephthalate units, derived from a polyoxyethylene glycol of average molecular weight 300-5,000. Examples of this polymer include the commercially available material ZELCON 5126 (from DuPont) and MILEASE T (from ICI). See also U.S. Pat. No.

4,702,857, issued Oct. 27, 1987 to Gosselink.

Another preferred polymeric soil release agent is a sulfonated product of a substantially linear ester oligomer comprised of an oligomeric ester backbone of terephthaloyl and oxyalkyleneoxy repeat units and terminal moieties covalently attached to the backbone. These soil release agents are described fully in U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,451 , issued Nov. 6, 1990 to J.J. Scheibel and E. P. Gosselink. Other suitable polymeric soil release agents include the terephthalate polyesters of U.S. Pat. No. 4,71 1 ,730, issued Dec. 8, 1987 to Gosselink et al, the anionic end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. Pat. No. 4,721 ,580, issued Jan. 26, 1988 to Gosselink, and the block polyester oligomeric compounds of U.S. Pat. No.

4,702,857, issued Oct. 27, 1987 to Gosselink. Preferred polymeric soil release agents also include the soil release agents of U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,896, issued Oct. 31 , 1989 to Maldonado et al, which discloses anionic, especially sulfoarolyl, end-capped terephthalate esters.

If utilized, soil release agents will generally comprise from about 0.01 % to about 10.0%, by weight, of the detergent composition, typically greater than or equal to 0.2 wt% even from 3 wt% to 9 wt%, but more preferably they are used at greater than 1 wt%, even greater than 2 wt% and most preferably greater than 3 wt%, even more preferably greater than 5 wt%, say 6 to 8 wt% in the composition. Still another preferred soil release agent is an oligomer with repeat units of

terephthaloyl units, sulfoisoterephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1 ,2- propylene units. The repeat units form the backbone of the oligomer and are preferably terminated with modified isethionate end-caps. A particularly preferred soil release agent of this type comprises about one sulfoisophthaloyl unit, 5 terephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1 ,2-propyleneoxy units in a ratio of from about 1 .7 to about 1 .8, and two end-cap units of sodium 2-(2- hydroxyethoxy)-ethanesulfonate. Said soil release agent also comprises from about 0.5% to about 20%, by weight of the oligomer, of a crystalline-reducing 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 9741 197 (BASF); EP 728795 (BASF); US 5008032 (BASF); WO 2002077063 (BASF); EP 483606 ( BASF); EP 442101 (BASF); WO 9820092 (Proctor & Gamble); EP 201 124 (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 41 16885 (Proctor & Gamble); WO 9532232 (Henkel); WO 9532232 (Henkel); WO 9616150 (Henkel); WO 9518207 (Henkel); EP 1099748 (Henkel); FR 2619393 (Colgate Palmolive); DE 341 1941 (Colgate Palmolive); DE 3410810 (Colgate Palmolive); WO 2002018474 (RWE-DEA MINERALOEL & CHEM AG; SASOL GERMANY GMBH); EP 743358 (Textil Color AG); PL 148326 (Instytut Ciezkiej Syntezy Organicznej "Blachownia", Pol.); JP 2001 181692 (Lion Corp); JP

1 1 193397 A (Lion Corp); RO 1 14357 (S.C. "Prod Cresus" S.A., Bacau, Rom.); and US 71 19056 (Sasol).

Particularly preferred are combinations of relatively high levels of EPEI (>5wt% on the composition) with soil release polymers, especially, but not exclusively, if betaine is included in the surfactant system.

Particularly preferred are combinations of EPEI and soil release polymers of the above types for enabling increased performance at lower surfactant levels compared to 1 .0g/L or higher non soap surfactant wash liquors with betaine but without either EPEI or SRP. This effect is particularly visible on a range of stains on polyester, most particularly red clay. The effect of the combination on sunflower oil and foundation is also beneficial. SRP performance is enhanced significantly by repeated pre-treatment. There is some evidence of a build-up effect of EPEI performance.

The most preferred soil release polymers are the water soluble/miscible or dispersible polyesters such as: linear polyesters sold under the Repel-O-Tex brand by Rhodia (gerol), lightly branched polyesters sold under the Texcare brand by Clariant, especially Texcare SRN170, and heavily branched polyesters such as those available from Sasol and described in US 71 19056. The viscosity modifier may comprise a thickening polymer.

The thickening polymer comprises linear/crosslinked alkali swellable acrylic copolymers/ ASE/ HASE/ C-HASE.

The preferred thickening polymers are linear/crosslinked alkali swellable acrylic copolymers/ ASE/ HASE/ C-HASE. Polymers that require alkaline conditions to swell and so to provide thickening of the detergent fluid should be added such that they are exposed to alkaline conditions at least during the manufacture of the fluid. It is not essential that the finished fluid is alkaline.

The thickening polymer is a water swellable polyacrylate. Such polymers may be alkali swellable copolymers (ASE) optionally with a hydrophobic modification on at least one of the monomers (HASE) or with crosslinking groups (CASE) and possibly with both hydrophobic modification and crosslinking (C-HASE).

As used herein the term "(meth)acrylic" refers to acrylic or methacrylic, and "(meth)acrylate" refers to acrylate or methacrylate. The term "acrylic polymers" refers to polymers of acrylic monomers, i.e., acrylic acid (AA), methacrylic acid (MAA) and their esters, and copolymers comprising at least 50% of acrylic monomers. Esters of AA and MAA include, but are not limited to, methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), butyl methacrylate (BMA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), methyl acrylate (MA), ethyl acrylate (EA), butyl acrylate (BA), and hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), as well as other alkyl esters of AA or MAA.

Preferably, acrylic polymers have at least 75% of monomer residues derived from (meth)acrylic acid or (meth)acrylate monomers, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, and most preferably at least 98%. The term "vinyl monomer" refers to a monomer suitable for addition polymerization and containing a single polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond.

Hydrophobic properties may be imparted by use of lipophilically-modified

(meth)acrylate residues each of which may contain either one, or a plurality of, lipophilic groups. Such groups are suitably in the same copolymer component as and attached to hydrophilic chains, such as for example polyoxyethylene chains. Alternatively the copolymer may contain a vinyl group which may be used to copolymerize the polymer to other vinyl-containing entities to alter or improve the properties of the polymer. Polymerizable groups may be attached to lipophilic groups directly, or indirectly for example via one or more, for example up to 60, preferably up to 40, water-soluble linker groups, for example, -CH[R]CH20- or - CH[R]CH2NH- groups wherein R is hydrogen or methyl. Alternatively, the polymerizable group may be attached to the lipophilic group by reaction of the hydrophilic, for example polyoxyethylene, component with a urethane compound containing unsaturation. The molecular weight of the lipophilic-modifying group or groups is preferably selected together with the number of such groups to give the required minimum lipophilic content in the copolymer, and preferably, for satisfactory performance in a wide range of liquids.

The amount of lipophilically-modified component in the copolymers preferably is at least 5%, more preferably at least 7.5%, and most preferably at least 10%; and preferably is no more than 25%, more preferably no more than 20%, more preferably no more than 18%, and most preferably no more than 15%.

The lipophilic-modifying groups themselves are preferably straight chain saturated alkyl groups, but may be aralkyl or alkyl carbocyclic groups such as alkylphenyl groups, having at least 6, and up to 30 carbon atoms although branched chain groups may be contemplated. It is understood that the alkyl groups may be either of synthetic or of natural origin and, in the latter case particularly, may contain a range of chain lengths.

The chain length of the lipophilic-modifying groups is preferably is below 25, more preferably from 8 to 22, and most preferably from 10 to 18 carbon atoms. The hydrophilic component of the lipophilically-modified copolymer may suitably be a polyoxyethylene component preferably comprising at least one chain of at least 2, preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 10, and up to 60, preferably up to 40, more preferably up to 30 ethylene oxide units. Such components are usually produced in a mixture of chain lengths.

Preferably, the C2-C4 alkyl (meth)acrylate residues in the copolymer are C2-C3 alkyl (meth)acrylate residues, and most preferably EA. Preferably, the amount of C2-C4 alkyl (meth)acrylate residues is at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40% and most preferably at least 50%. Preferably, the amount of C2-C4 alkyl (meth)acrylate residues is no more than 75%, more preferably no more than 70%, and most preferably no more than 65%. Preferably, the amount of acrylic acid residues in the copolymer used in the present invention is at least 5%, more preferably at least 7.5%, more preferably at least 10%, and most preferably at least 15%. Preferably, the amount of acrylic acid residues is no more than 27.5%, more preferably no more than 25%, and most preferably no more than 22%. Acrylic acid residues are introduced into the copolymer by inclusion of either acrylic acid, or an acrylic acid oligomer having a polymerizable vinyl group, in the monomer mixture used to produce the copolymer. Preferably, the copolymer contains residues derived from methacrylic acid in an amount that provides a total acrylic acid plus methacrylic acid content of at least 15%, more preferably at least 17.5%, and most preferably at least 20%. Preferably, the total acrylic acid plus methacrylic acid content of the copolymer is no more than 65%, more preferably no more than 50%, and most preferably no more than 40%. Optionally, the copolymer also contains from 2% to 25%, preferably from 5% to 20%, of a hydrophilic comonomer, preferably one having hydroxyl, carboxylic acid or sulphonic acid functionality. Examples of hydrophilic comonomers include 2- hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate (HEMA or HEA), itaconic acid and acrylamido-2- methylpropanesulfonic acid.

The fluids of the present invention contain from 0.1 % and preferably no more than 10% of thickening polymer; i.e., the total amount of copolymer(s) is in this range. Preferably, the amount of copolymer in the fluid is at least 0.3%, more preferably at least 0.5%, more preferably at least 0.7%, and most preferably at least 1 %. Preferably, the amount of copolymer in the aqueous fluid is no more than 7%, more preferably no more than 5%, and most preferably no more than 3%.

Preferably, the copolymer is an acrylic polymer. The copolymer, in aqueous dispersion or in the dry form, may be blended into an aqueous system to be thickened followed, in the case of a pH-responsive thickener, by a suitable addition of acidic or basic material if required. In the case of copolymeric pH- responsive thickeners, the pH of the system to be thickened is at, or is adjusted to, at least 5, preferably at least 6, more preferably at least 7; preferably the pH is adjusted to no more than 13. The neutralizing agent is preferably a base such as an amine base or an alkali metal or ammonium hydroxide, most preferably sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide or triethanolamine (TEA). Alternatively, the copolymer may first be neutralized in aqueous dispersion and then blended. The surfactant preferably is blended into the aqueous fluid separately from the copolymer prior to neutralization.

The molecular weight of uncrosslinked polymer is typically in the range of about 100,000 to 1 million.

In the case that the polymer is crosslinked, a crosslinking agent, such as a monomer having two or more ethylenic unsaturated groups, is included with the copolymer components during polymerization. Examples of such monomers include diallyl phthalate, divinylbenzene, allyl methacrylate, diacrylobutylene or ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. When used, the amount of crosslinking agent is typically from 0.01 % to 2%, preferably from 0.1 to 1 % and more preferably from 0.2 to 0.8%, based on weight of the copolymer components.

The copolymer may be prepared in the presence of a chain transfer agent when a crosslinking agent is used. Examples of suitable chain transfer agents are carbon tetrachloride, bromoform, bromotrichloromethane, and compounds having a mercapto group, e.g., long chain alkyl mercaptans and thioesters such as dodecyl- octyl-, tetradecyl- or hexadecyl-mercaptans or butyl-, isooctyl- or dodecyl-thioglycolates. When used, the amount of chain transfer agent is typically from 0.01 % to 5%, preferably from 0.1 % to 1 %, based on weight of the copolymer components. If the crosslinking agent is used in conjunction with a chain transfer agent, which are conflicting operations for polymerization purposes, not only is exceptional efficiency observed but also very high compatibility with hydrophilic surfactants, as manifested by increased product clarity.

Hydrophobically modified polyacrylate thickening polymers are available as Acusol polymers from Dow.

An alternative or additional polymer type that may be utilised is described in WO201 1/1 17427 (Lamberti). These polymers comprise:

i) from 0.2 to 10 % by weight of a thickening agent which is a crosslinked alkali swellable polyacrylate obtainable by polymerization of:

a) from 20 to 70% by weight of a monoethylenically unsaturated monomer

containing a carboxylic group;

b) from 20 to 70% by weight of a (meth)acrylic acid ester;

c) from 0.05 to 3% by weight of an unsaturated monomer containing one or more acetoacetyl or cyanoacetyl groups; d) from 0.01 to 3% by weight of a polyethylenically unsaturated monomer; e) from 0 to 10% by weight of a nonionic acrylic associative monomer; ii) from 5 to 60% by weight of a detergent component consisting of at least one compound selected from anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants and mixture thereof.

Such crosslinked alkali swellable polyacrylates containing one or more

acetoacetyl or cyanoacetyl groups possess high thickening capability in the presence of surfactants and electrolytes, provide homogeneous and clear solutions and possess improved suspending and thickening properties in comparison with crosslinked alkali swellable polyacrylates of the prior art.

Crosslinked thickening polymers of this type are available as Viscolam thickening polymers from Lamberti.

The fluid may be a fabric or hard surface treatment liquid.

Fluid s according to the invention may also contain various functional ingredients: surfactants, builders, various adjuncts, sequesterants, optical brighteners, dyes, softeners etc.

Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the following figures in which: Exemplary Packaging and Formulations

Non-Limiting Examples of of the Invention are described below.

Unless stated otherwise, all proportions are given in weight percent by weight of the total fluid. Exemplary Fabric Treatment (Washing) Liquid

*Ci2-Ci5 alkoxylated (9EO) chain group

Figure 1 is a front view of a package according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawing, a consumer packaged fluid (in this example a liquid) is shown, the liquid according to any of the above examples.

The consumer package 1 comprises a rigid plastic bottle having a carafe structure (described below) having:

(i) a reservoir 3 containing the liquid indicated at 5 and visible in transparent or translucent embodiments; (ii) a dispensing outlet comprising a spout 21 with an overcap 23 located in an uppermost portion of the package 1 such that the package 1 can be tipped by the consumer to dispense the liquid 5 via the dispensing outlet 21 ;

(iii) a neck region 15 adjacent the dispensing outlet 21 the neck region 15

comprising a mixing chamber 25 adjacent and in fluid communication with the dispensing outlet 21 and a weir member 17 bifurcating the neck region 15 to define two discrete channels 30a and 30b from the reservoir 3 to the mixing chamber thereby providing, in a tipped orientation, a weir-disrupted flow of the liquid from the reservoir to the dispensing outlet via the mixing chamber.

The package has a base portion 32, front wall 27 and side walls and rear wall (not shown). The weir 17 comprises an internal wall 17a, and this is smoothly curved

enhancing the effect of the weir 17 to disrupt the flow.

The weir provides an external recess 9 which is defined by the wall 17a. Preferably the external recess 9 comprises a channel (not shown), traversing the package 1 transversely from a front wall 27 to a rear wall (not shown). It is tubular and substantially circular in cross section when viewed from the front. The recess is located centrally along a transverse axis of the both the front wall 27 and the rear wall. Centrality can be measured using a diametric horizontal line through the centre of the recess and then centralizing this line within the wall.

As can be seen the weir 17 is located nearer to the dispensing outlet 21 than the base portion 32 is in an upper region, where "upper" refers to measuring along an upright axis with the package 1 supported on its base 32 with the dispensing outlet 21 at an opposite upper end as shown in the drawing. The neck region 15 is tapered in the direction of the dispensing outlet 21 and this results in a tapering of the channels 30a_and 30b_ and ensures each is directed toward the mixing chamber 25 and then on to the dispensing outlet 21 ready where mixing takes place prior to dispensing. In this embodiment the neck region 15 is present as a high waist in the packaging which flares in the overcap 23 aspect, to afford the package a carafe structure.

This affords a larger reservoir section 3 downstream of the weir, with a good quantity of liquid 5 there and a relatively smaller mixing chamber 25 for good flow and weir-disruption at the same time.

The dispensing outlet 21 is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the package 1 . The dispensing outlet comprises a spout shown schematically at 1 . This further disrupts the flow .

The package comprises a dosing device (not shown) comprising a cup-shaped dosing device which can be releasably retained in the external recess 9 such that the respective recesses 9 and are in a nested configuration. With this nested arrangement, the handle function of the package recess 9 is not interfered with when the dosing device is stored in the recess 9.

The package 1 is tipped by holding using the recess 9 as a handle and it is tilted or rotated from an upright orientation to lie in at least a horizontal orientation, and preferably rotated beyond this so that the base 32 is higher than the dispensing outlet whereby liquid of the stated viscosity flows from the reservoir to the dispensing outlet 21 is effected or at least aided by gravity. However, a squeeze- activated package 1 without or even against gravity is also included in the invention and with such embodiments, tipping would not need to place the dispensing outlet lower than the reservoir. The rigidity needed is for a self standing package and for the weir structure.

However, the package walls by virtue of increased surface area versus thickness do have a degree of flexibility to allow squeeze-actuated egress of product into the dispenser 7. Resilience allows walls to snap back into position after squeezing.

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 consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid, the fluid:

(i) having a viscosity in the range 200 - 1500 cps @ 21 s^"1 and comprising a volatile benefit agent and wherein the consumer package comprises:

(ii) a reservoir containing the fluid

(iii) a dispensing outlet located in an uppermost portion of the package such that the package can be tipped by the consumer to dispense the fluid via the dispensing outlet

(iv) a neck region adjacent the dispensing outlet, the neck region comprising a mixing chamber adjacent and in fluid communication with the dispensing outlet and a weir member bifurcating the reservoir region to define two discrete channels from the reservoir to the mixing chamber thereby providing, in a tipped orientation, a weir-disrupted flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the dispensing outlet via the mixing chamber, characterized in that the recess is substantially tubular and is substantially circular in cross section and the mixing chamber has an upwardly curved upper wall and curved side walls and the ratio of the mixing chamber depth and channel width is in the range 1 : 1 .5 to 1 : 4 and preferably 1 : 1 .5 to 1 :2.

2. A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid according to claim 1 where the weir comprises an internal wall.

3. A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid according to claim 2 wherein the package comprises an external recess defined by one or more walls, the weir being provided by said one or more walls of the external recess.

4. A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid according to any of claims 2-3 wherein the internal wall is flat or smoothly curved. A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid according to any of claims 3-4 wherein the external recess comprises a channel traversing the package transversely.

A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid according to any preceding claim wherein the package preferably comprises a walled structure and the recess traverses the package from one wall to another.

A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid according to any preceding claim wherein the recess is located centrally of the walls.

A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid according to any preceding claim wherein the neck region is tapered in the direction of the dispensing outlet.

A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid according to any preceding claim wherein the neck region a high waist to afford the package a carafe structure.

A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid according to any preceding claim wherein the package comprises a dosing device comprising a dosing recess, the device being releasably retained in the reservoir recess such that the recesses are in a nested configuration.

A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid according to any preceding claim wherein the volatile benefit agent comprises a perfume or aromatherapy material. A consumer package containing a fabric treatment fluid substantially described and/or illustrated herein.