Encapsulated composition with mixed particles

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to encapsulated compositions with mixed particles. A composition comprises: a plurality of first particles and a plurality of second particles, wherein each of the first particles has a mass of 5 mg to 500 mg; each of the first particles has a maximum size of less than about 10 mm, and each of the first particles has a first shape selected from the group consisting of a hemispherical shape, a compressed hemispherical shape, or a heightened hemispherical shape; wherein each of the second particles has a mass equal to or greater than the mass of the first particle; each of the second particles has a second shape different from the first shape of the first particle, where each of the second particles has an aspect ratio of more than 1 and less than 10, where the plurality of first particles and the plurality of second particles are in a package.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to encapsulated compositions comprising mixed particles. Background Art

[0002] Fragrance is considered a source of pleasure for consumers when doing laundry. Consumers may associate certain fragrances with the performance of laundry products and use them as indicators of the quality of laundry products. Laundry products that provide consumers with a pleasant or enhanced fragrance experience when dispensing laundry products, transferring a large load of wet laundry from a washing machine to a dryer, drying rack, or dryer line, or when wearing clothing, meet the needs of such consumers.

[0003] Accordingly, scenting particles are becoming increasingly popular as laundry scent additives.Scenting particles can be used to impart a new scent to laundry items, or to enhance an existing scent in laundry items.

[0004] The different shapes of particles can provide visual or aesthetic appeal to consumers, as well as signal different beneficial effects of the particles. However, there is the challenge of mixing particles with different shapes in a way that maintains good flowability during manufacturing and storage. It is also a challenge to provide a mixed particle composition that avoids potential segregation during storage and use in a consumer's home.

[0005] Therefore, there is a continuing need for mixed laundry compositions with mixed particles having different characteristics, particularly different shapes, and which exhibit desirable flow properties and avoid potential segregation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The fabric care compositions described herein provide mixed particles of different sizes or shapes so that the consumer can receive fresh visual pleasure or signals of different benefits while the mixed particles are uniformly blended with desired flowability and segregation stability.

[0007] The present invention provides a fabric care composition, comprising:

[0008] i) a plurality of first particles, wherein each of the first particles has a mass of 5 mg to 500 mg; each of the first particles has a maximum dimension of less than about 10 mm, and each of the first particles has a first shape selected from the group consisting of a hemispherical shape, a compressed hemispherical shape, or a heightened hemispherical shape; and

[0009] ii) a plurality of second particles, wherein each of the second particles has a mass equal to or greater than the mass of the first particle, and wherein each of the second particles has a second shape different from the first shape of the first particle, wherein each of the second particles has an aspect ratio greater than 1 and less than 10,

[0010] wherein the plurality of first particles and the plurality of second particles are in a package.

[0011] Preferably, each of the second particles has an aspect ratio of more than 1 to 7, preferably more than 1 to 5. Preferably, the plurality of first particles are present in the composition in an amount of 50% to 95% by weight, preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and the plurality of second particles are present in the composition in an amount of 5% to 50% by weight, preferably 10% to 30% by weight. Preferably, each of the second particles has a mass of 5 mg to 5 g; wherein the mass ratio of each of the second particles to each of the first particles is 1:1 to 50:1, preferably 1:1 to 20:1, and more preferably 1:1 to 10:1.

[0012] Preferably, the maximum dimension of the second particles is not less than the maximum dimension of the first particles, and preferably the ratio of the maximum dimensions of the first particles to the second particles is 1:1 to 1:10, and preferably 1:1 to 1:5, and more preferably 1:1.1 to 1:3.

[0013] Preferably, the volume ratio of each first particle to each second particle is 1:1 to 1:50, preferably 1:1.1 to 1:25, and more preferably 1:1.5 to 1:10.

[0014] Preferably, substantially all of the first particles have a substantially flat bottom and a height (H) measured normal to the bottom, and the first particles together have a height distribution, wherein the height distribution has an average height between 1 mm and 5 mm and a height standard deviation of less than 0.3 mm.

[0015] Preferably, substantially all of the second particles have a maximum dimension and a maximum secondary dimension orthogonal to the maximum dimension, wherein a ratio of the maximum dimension to the maximum secondary dimension is greater than about 1.2.

[0016] Preferably, each of the first particles has a mass of 5 mg to 450 mg, preferably 10 mg to 200 mg, more preferably 15 mg to 150 mg; wherein each of the second particles has a mass of 10 mg to 2 g, preferably 20 mg to 1 g, still more preferably 25 mg to 500 mg.

[0017] Preferably, each of the first particle and the second particle comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of perfume ingredients, water-soluble carriers, surfactants, fabric softener actives, cationic polymers, malodor control agents, colorants, enzymes, bleaching agents, and combinations thereof.

[0018] Preferably, each first particle of the first particles comprises a first fragrance ingredient and a first water-soluble carrier, and each second particle of the second particles comprises a second fragrance ingredient and a second water-soluble carrier, wherein the first fragrance ingredient and the second fragrance ingredient comprise free fragrance or breakable fragrance microcapsules, or preferably both, and the first water-soluble carrier and the second water-soluble carrier are each selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polymers, proteins, sugars, starches, saccharides, polysaccharides, water-soluble or water-dispersible fillers and combinations thereof.

[0019] The present invention provides a fabric care composition, comprising:

[0020] i) 50% to 95% by weight of a plurality of first particles, wherein each of the first particles has a mass of 5 mg to 500 mg; each of the first particles has a maximum dimension of less than about 10 mm, each of the first particles has a first shape selected from the group consisting of a hemispherical shape, a compressed hemispherical shape, or a raised hemispherical shape, wherein the first particles comprise a flavor ingredient; and

[0021] ii) 10% to 50% by weight of a plurality of second particles, wherein each of the second particles has a mass equal to or greater than the mass of the first particles; and each of the second particles has an aspect ratio greater than 1 and less than 10, wherein the second particles comprise one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of: a fragrance ingredient, a water-soluble carrier, a surfactant, a fabric softener active, a cationic polymer, a malodor control agent, a colorant, an enzyme, a bleaching agent, and combinations thereof;

[0022] wherein the plurality of first particles and the plurality of second particles are in a package.

[0023] The present invention provides a method for treating a laundry article, the method comprising the steps of: providing a laundry article in a washing machine; and contacting the laundry article with a fabric care composition as described herein during a wash sub-cycle of the washing machine.

[0024] These and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The features and beneficial effects of the various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which includes examples of specific embodiments intended to provide a broad representation of the present invention. Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this description and from practice of the invention. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, and the present invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0026] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0027] As used herein, terms such as "a" and "an" when used in a claim are understood to refer to one or more of what is claimed or described. The terms "comprising," "including," and "comprising" are all meant to be non-limiting.

[0028] The term "fragrance-containing particles" refers to particles comprising one or more fragrance ingredients, such as free fragrance, pro-fragrance, encapsulated fragrance (including fragrance microcapsules), etc. Preferably, such fragrance-containing particles comprise fragrance encapsulated in fragrance microcapsules, especially breakable fragrance microcapsules.

[0029] The term "aspect ratio" refers to the ratio of the longest dimension of a particle to its shortest dimension. For example, when such particles have a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape, the aspect ratio is the ratio of the base diameter of the particle to its height.

[0030] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition contains less than about 1%, preferably less than about 0.5%, of ingredients other than those listed.

[0031] Furthermore, the term "substantially free" means that the indicated material is present in an amount of 0% to about 1% by weight, preferably 0% to about 0.5% by weight, and more preferably 0% to about 0.2% by weight. The term "substantially free" means that the indicated material is present in an amount of 0% to about 0.1% by weight, preferably 0% to about 0.01% by weight, and more preferably it is not present at an analytically detectable level.

[0032] As used herein, all concentrations and ratios are by weight unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, all temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (° C.). Unless otherwise specifically stated, all conditions herein are at 20° C. and atmospheric pressure. Unless otherwise specifically stated, all polymer molecular weights are measured as weight average molecular weight.

[0033] Since there are many tasks to be accomplished when washing clothes, such as cleaning, stain removal, brightening, fabric restoration, softening, fragrance, static control, etc., it is theoretically possible to provide a separate product for each task to be accomplished, and the consumer can fully customize the type and amount of each benefit agent applied in the wash. This can become too complicated for the consumer and require the consumer to distribute and store multiple products in his or her wash area and combine them in the optimal amounts. It is believed that the specific combination of tasks and benefits to be achieved may be desirable to the consumer in a single product, for which the dosage can be customized by the consumer.

[0034] The mixed particles of the fabric care compositions described herein can also provide additional benefits and address other challenges that consumers may encounter. For example, consumers want to add the additive fabric care composition to the washing machine along with the detergent before the wash cycle to save time and energy. However, there are challenges with this practice. For example, cationic materials contained in the additive composition may potentially agglomerate anionic detergent components, or acidic materials in the additive composition may hinder enzyme activity. The compositions described herein meet expectations and surprisingly address these issues by providing mixed particles with different shapes and surface areas, which can result in multiple releases (due to different dissolution times) throughout the wash cycle. This is particularly useful for materials that are incompatible with detergents or that will be washed away by detergents.

[0035] When the benefit agent is continuously released throughout the wash cycle, the probability of its deposition on the fabric is higher. It has also been found that the extruded particles described herein can have a longer dissolution period, even lasting to the rinse cycle. In addition, the mixed particles of the present invention can provide desired solubility or active substance release by specific shape design and active substance selection, so that the active substance does not compete with the detergent. In a word, the shape, surface area and bead density of the changes enable the active / benefit agent to be continuously released during the entire wash period, making it convenient to add all materials when the wash cycle begins.

[0036] Many consumers also desire to use fabric care products that are of natural origin or that contain ingredients that are made primarily or entirely of natural origin.The compositions described herein can provide fabric care additives that are of natural origin or that include ingredients that are primarily of natural origin.

[0037] Fabric care compositions

[0038] The fabric care composition described herein comprises a plurality of first particles and a plurality of second particles. Preferably, the fabric care composition comprises 50% to 95% by weight of the plurality of first particles and 5% to 50% by weight of the plurality of second particles. More preferably, the fabric care composition comprises 70% to 90% by weight of the plurality of first particles and 10% to 30% by weight of the plurality of second particles.

[0039] Each of the first particles has a mass of 5 mg to 500 mg; preferably 5 mg to 450 mg, preferably 10 mg to 200 mg, and more preferably 15 mg to 150 mg. Each of the first particles has a maximum dimension of less than about 10 mm, for example less than 9.5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 9 mm, and more preferably 2 mm to 8 mm. Each of the first particles may have a maximum dimension of about 0.003 cm 3 to about 0.15cm 3 , preferably about 0.005 cm 3 to about 0.12cm 3 volume.

[0040] The second particles have a different mass and a different size than the first particles. Preferably, the second particles have a greater mass and a greater size than the first particles.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, each of the second particles has a mass of 5 mg to 5 g, or 10 mg to 2 g, preferably 20 mg to 1 g, still more preferably 25 mg to 500 mg.

[0042] The mass ratio between each of the first particles and each of the second particles is more than 1:1 to 1:50, and preferably more than 1:1 to 1:20, and more preferably more than 1:1 to 1:10.

[0043] Each of the first particles has a first shape selected from the group consisting of: hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, elevated hemispherical, lentil-shaped, or oblong. Compressed hemispherical refers to a shape corresponding to a hemisphere that is at least partially flattened so that the curvature of the curved surface is less than the curvature of a hemisphere with the same radius on average. A compressed hemispherical tablet may have a height-to-diameter ratio of about 0.01 to about 0.49, alternatively about 0.1 to about 0.45, alternatively about 0.2 to about 0.4. An elevated hemispherical tablet may have a shape corresponding to a hemisphere that is at least partially elevated so that the curvature of the curved surface is greater than the curvature of a hemisphere with the same radius on average. An elevated hemispherical tablet may have a height-to-diameter ratio of about more than 0.5 to about 0.9, alternatively about 0.55 to about 0.75, alternatively about 0.6 to about 0.7. A lentil-shaped tablet refers to the shape of a lentil. Rectangular refers to a shape having a maximum dimension and a maximum second dimension orthogonal to the maximum dimension, wherein the ratio of the maximum dimension to the maximum second dimension is greater than about 1.2. The ratio of the maximum dimension to the maximum second dimension of a rectangle may be greater than about 1.5. The ratio of the maximum dimension to the maximum second dimension of a rectangle may be greater than about 2. Rectangular particles may have a maximum dimension of about 2 mm to about 6 mm, and a maximum second dimension of about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, substantially all of the first particles have a substantially flat bottom and a height (H) measured normal to the bottom, and the first particles together have a height distribution, wherein the height distribution has an average height between 1 mm and 5 mm and a height standard deviation of less than 0.3 mm.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the maximum dimension of the second particles is not less than the maximum dimension of the first particles, and preferably the ratio of the maximum dimensions of the first particles to the second particles is from 1:1 to 1:10, and preferably from 1:1 to 1:5, and more preferably from 1:1.1 to 1:3.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the volume ratio of each first particle to each second particle is 1:1 to 1:50, preferably 1:1.1 to 1:25, and more preferably 1:1.5 to 1:10.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, substantially all of the second particles have a maximum dimension and a maximum second dimension orthogonal to the maximum dimension, wherein the ratio of the maximum dimension to the maximum second dimension is greater than about 1.2.

[0048] In a preferred, but not essential, embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and / or second particles has a density lower than that of water, such that they float on water. For example, such particles may have a density of about 0.5 g / cm 3 to about 0.98g / cm 3 , preferably about 0.7 g / cm 3 to about 0.95g / cm 3 , more preferably about 0.8 g / cm 3 to about 0.9g / cm 3 Density within the range.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the second particles have a different shape than the first particles. Preferably, each of the second particles has an aspect ratio of less than 10, preferably greater than 1 to 7, and more preferably greater than 1 to 5. The term "aspect ratio" refers to the ratio of the longest dimension of a particle to its shortest dimension. This specific aspect ratio defines second particles that have good compatibility with the first particles when uniformly mixed in a package and exhibit good flowability during manufacturing or storage. Furthermore, the mixed first and second particles in the composition of the present invention exhibit good stability against segregation.

[0050] The second particles of the present invention may have any shape different from the first particles, the shape selected from the group consisting of sphere, cylinder, disc, circle, lentil, oblong, cube, rectangle, star, flower, and any combination thereof.

[0051] Either the first particle or the second particle may comprise a fabric care active selected from the group consisting of a perfume, a fabric softener active, a cationic polymer, a dye transfer inhibitor, a malodor control agent, and mixtures thereof. Either the first particle or the second particle may comprise a surfactant or be surfactant-free. Either the first particle or the second particle may further comprise a carrier agent selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, a polymer, a protein, a sugar, a starch, a saccharide, a polysaccharide, a water-soluble or water-dispersible filler, and combinations thereof.

[0052] Spice ingredients

[0053] The first and / or second particles in the composition of the present invention may comprise from about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt %, preferably from about 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt %, more preferably from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % of one or more fragrance ingredients, such as free fragrance, pro-fragrance, encapsulated fragrance (including fragrance microcapsules), etc.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first and / or second particles comprise free fragrance and are substantially or essentially free of encapsulated fragrance. In such embodiments, each particle may comprise, by weight of such particle, no more than about 25%, preferably no more than about 20% (e.g., from about 0.1% to about 20%), more preferably from about 0.5% to about 15%, most preferably from about 1% to about 10%; alternatively from about 9% to about 20%; alternatively from about 10% to about 18%; alternatively from about 11% to about 13%, alternatively combinations thereof, of free fragrance.

[0055] In another embodiment, each of the first and / or second particles comprises encapsulated fragrance (i.e., fragrance supported by a carrier material such as starch, cyclodextrin, silica, zeolite, or clay, or in the form of fragrance microcapsules), but is substantially or essentially free of free fragrance. Preferably, the particles comprise fragrance oil encapsulated in fragrance microcapsules (PMCs), which are preferably breakable (as opposed to, for example, moisture-activated PMCs), but may also be moisture-activated. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "fragrance microcapsules" or "PMCs" describes both fragrance microcapsules and fragrance nanocapsules. In such embodiments, the particles may each comprise, by weight of the particle, from about 0.1% to 20%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, more preferably from about 1% to about 5%, alternatively from about 4% to about 7%, alternatively from about 5% to about 7%, alternatively combinations thereof, of fragrance microcapsules (preferably breakable fragrance microcapsules).

[0056] In another embodiment, each of the first and / or second particles comprises both free fragrance and encapsulated fragrance (preferably in the form of fragrance microcapsules, more preferably in the form of breakable fragrance microcapsules), for example, in a weight ratio ranging from about 1:5 to about 5:1, alternatively from about 1:4 to about 4:1, and yet alternatively from about 1:3 to about 3:1. In another embodiment, the first and / or second particles may comprise PMCs in an amount of from about 1% to about 10%, alternatively from about 2% to about 12%, alternatively from about 2% to about 8%, alternatively from about 3% to about 8%, alternatively from about 4% to about 7%, alternatively from about 5% to about 7%, or combinations thereof, based on the weight of the particle. In this embodiment, the fragrance encapsulated by the PMCs may comprise from about 0.6% to about 4% of fragrance based on the weight of the particle.

[0057] In one embodiment, the PMC comprises a melamine / formaldehyde shell, which is commercially available from Appleton, Quest International, International Flavor & Fragrances, or other suitable sources. In a preferred embodiment, the shell of the PMC is coated with a polymer to enhance the ability of the PMC to adhere to fabric.

[0058] softener

[0059] Quaternary ammonium compounds

[0060] The first particles and / or the second particles may comprise a quaternary ammonium compound so that the particles can provide a softening benefit to the washed fabrics throughout the wash cycle, particularly during the wash sub-cycle of a washing machine having a wash and rinse sub-cycle. The quaternary ammonium compound (quat) may be an ester quat. Suitable quats include, but are not limited to, substances selected from the group consisting of ester quats, amide quats, imidazoline quats, alkyl quats, amide ester quats, and combinations thereof. Suitable ester quats include, but are not limited to, substances selected from the group consisting of monoester quats, diester quats, triester quats, and combinations thereof. Suitable quats may include those described in US 10,487,293 B2, incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] Siloxane

[0062] The first particle and / or the second particle may comprise from about 0.1% to about 60% silicone, by weight of the particle. In a preferred embodiment, the first particle does not contain silicone and the second particle comprises silicone. The second particle may comprise from about 3% to about 50% silicone, by weight of the second particle. The second particle may comprise from about 10% to about 40% silicone, by weight of the second particle. The second particle may comprise from about 20% to about 35% silicone, by weight of the second particle. The second particle may comprise from about 28% to about 32% silicone, by weight of the second particle.

[0063] The first particle may comprise less than 0.1% siloxane by weight of the first particle. The first particle may comprise less than 1% siloxane by weight of the first particle. The first particle may comprise less than 3% siloxane by weight of the first particle.

[0064] Cationic polymers

[0065] The first particle and / or the second particle may comprise a cationic polymer.The cationic polymer may provide the benefit of a deposition aid which aids deposition of the quaternary ammonium compound onto the fabric and possibly some other benefit agent contained in the particle.

[0066] The particles may contain from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the cationic polymer. Optionally, the particles may contain from 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the cationic polymer, or even from about 1% to about 5% by weight, or even from about 2% to about 4% by weight of the cationic polymer, or even about 3% by weight of the cationic polymer. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the cleaning performance of the laundry detergent in the wash decreases as the cationic polymer content in the particle increases, and acceptable cleaning performance of the detergent can be maintained within the above ranges.

[0067] The cationic polymer may have a cationic charge density of greater than about 0.05 meq / g (meq means milliequivalent) to 23 meq / g, preferably from about 0.1 meq / g to about 4 meq / g, even more preferably from about 0.1 meq / g to about 2 meq / g, and most preferably from 0.1 meq / g to about 1 meq / g.

[0068] The cationic charge density mentioned above may be at a pH of about 3 to about 9, optionally about 4 to about 9, at the pH of intended use.

[0069] Non-limiting examples of cationic polymers are cationic or amphoteric polysaccharides, proteins and synthetic polymers. Cationic polysaccharides include cationic cellulose derivatives, cationic guar gum derivatives, chitosan and derivatives thereof, and cationic starch. Cationic polysaccharides have a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 2 million, preferably about 100,000 to about 800,000. Suitable cationic polysaccharides include cationic cellulose ethers, especially cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose and cationic hydroxypropyl cellulose.

[0070] Specific examples of cationic polymers include those described in US 10,487,293 B2 (incorporated herein by reference).

[0071] Dye transfer inhibitors

[0072] The first particle and / or the second particle may comprise a dye transfer inhibiting agent.The dye transfer inhibiting agent may be a graft copolymer.

[0073] The graft copolymer may comprise: (a) a polyalkylene oxide having a number average molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 20,000 Da and being based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or butylene oxide; and (b) a vinyl ester derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; wherein (a) and (b) are present in a weight ratio of (a):(b) of about 1:0.1 to about 1:2. The polyalkylene oxide may be based on ethylene oxide. The vinyl ester may be derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms. The vinyl ester is vinyl acetate or a derivative thereof. (a) and (b) may be present in a weight ratio of (a):(b) of about 1:0.1 to about 1:1.7. About 1 mol% to about 60 mol% of (b) may be hydrolyzed. The graft copolymer may be graft copolymer VAc-gPEG4000, available from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany. The synthesis of the graft copolymer VAc-gPEG4000 is described in WO 01 / 05874.

[0074] The graft copolymer may comprise (a) a polyalkylene oxide having a number average molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 20,000 Da and based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or butylene oxide; (b) N-vinyl pyrrolidone; and (c) a vinyl ester derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; wherein (a) and (b) are present in a weight ratio of (a) to (b) of about 1:0.1 to about 1:1; wherein (a) is present in an amount greater than (c) by weight; wherein the order of addition of (b) and (c) in the graft polymerization is not important. The polyalkylene oxide may be based on ethylene oxide. The vinyl ester is derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms. The vinyl ester may be vinyl acetate or a derivative thereof. (a) and (b) may be present in a weight ratio of (a):(b) of about 1:0.2 to about 1:0.7. (a) and (c) may be present in a weight ratio of (a):(c) of about 1:0.1 to about 1:0.8. (b) and (c) may be present in a weight ratio of (b):(c) of about 1:0.1 to about 1:4. About 1 mol% to about 60 mol% of (c) may be hydrolyzed.

[0075] Each particle of the first particle or the second particle can contain from about 0.1% to about 50%, optionally from about 0.1% to about 40%, optionally from about 0.1% to about 20%, optionally from about 1% to about 20%, optionally from about 0.1% to about 15%, optionally from about 0.1% to about 12%, optionally from about 1% to about 15%, optionally from about 2% to about 20%, optionally from about 8% to about 10% dye transfer inhibiting agent by weight.

[0076] Odor control agents

[0077] The fabric care active agent can be a malodor control agent. The malodor control agent can be any material capable of absorbing, containing, neutralizing, and / or eliminating malodors. The malodor control agent can be selected from the group consisting of host-guest compounds, malodor-binding materials, malodor-neutralizing materials, and combinations thereof. The malodor control agent can be selected from the group consisting of α-cyclodextrin, α-cyclodextrin derivatives, β-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin derivatives, γ-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin derivatives, d-cyclodextrin, d-cyclodextrin derivatives, zinc salts of C16-C18 fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.

[0078] Each particle of the first particle and / or the second particle may contain from about 0.1% to about 20% malodor control agent by weight of the particle, optionally from about 0.1% to about 15%, optionally from about 0.1% to about 12%, optionally from about 1% to about 15%, optionally from about 2% to about 20% malodor control agent by weight of the particle.

[0079] Anti-caking agents

[0080] An anti-caking agent can be provided to reduce the tendency of the particles to adhere to each other after manufacture. The anti-caking agent can be applied to the outer surface of the particles. The anti-caking agent can be a desiccant. The anti-caking agent can be selected from the group consisting of the following items: silicon dioxide, zeolite, unmodified corn starch, cellulose, rock dust, clay and their combinations. The anti-caking agent can be calcium and magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, silicate, talc, flour, starch. The anti-caking agent can be selected from the group consisting of the following items: tricalcium phosphate, powdered cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium ferrocyanide, potassium ferrocyanide, calcium ferrocyanide, calcium phosphate, sodium silicate, silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, talc, sodium aluminosilicate, potassium aluminosilicate, calcium aluminosilicate, bentonite, aluminum silicate, stearic acid, polydimethylsiloxane and their combinations.

[0081] Each particle of the first particle or the second particle may contain from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, optionally from about 0.1% to about 7% by weight, optionally from about 0.5% to about 7%, optionally from about 0.1% to about 3%, optionally from about 0.1% to about 2% anti-caking agent.

[0082] The particles of the present invention may be substantially free of laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives. To reduce costs and avoid formulation issues, one aspect of the present invention may include first and second particles that are substantially free of or completely free of laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives. In one embodiment, each of the first and second particles contains less than about 3%, alternatively less than about 2%, alternatively less than about 1%, alternatively less than about 0.1% laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives (or combinations thereof) by weight of the particle. Laundry actives may include detergent surfactants, detergent builders, bleaching agents, enzymes, mixtures thereof, and the like. It is particularly preferred that the first and / or second particles of the present invention be substantially free of or substantially free of surfactants, as the presence of such surfactants may accelerate the dissolution of the perfume particles in water, which is undesirable in the context of the present invention.

[0083] Depending on the application, the particles of the present invention may comprise a solvent selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polypropylene glycol, isopropyl myristate, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, and PEG having a weight average molecular weight of less than 2,000, and mixtures thereof.

[0084] The granules may also contain an antioxidant. Antioxidants can help maintain the color and odor stability of the granules over time, between production and use. The granules may contain between about 0.001% and about 2% by weight, preferably between 0.01% and about 1%, and more preferably between about 0.05% and about 0.5% by weight of such antioxidants. The antioxidant may be butylated hydroxytoluene.

[0085] carrier

[0086] Each of the first particles comprises a first water-soluble carrier, and each of the second particles comprises a second water-soluble carrier, wherein the first water-soluble carrier and the second water-soluble carrier are each selected from the group consisting of: polyalkylene glycol, inorganic alkali metal salt, inorganic alkaline earth metal salt, organic alkali metal salt, organic alkaline earth metal salt, carbohydrate and its derivatives, clay, zeolite, silica, silicate, citric acid and its salt, fatty alcohol, glycerol, diglyceride of hydrogenated tallow, water-soluble polymer and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, each of the particles comprises a polyalkylene glycol water-soluble carrier. In some embodiments, each of the particles comprises a polyalkylene glycol and at least one additional water-soluble carrier.

[0087] Preferably, the polyalkylene glycol water-soluble carrier can be a material selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers and combinations thereof. For example, the water-soluble carrier can be polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG has a lower cost, can be formed into many different shapes and sizes, minimizes the diffusion of free fragrances, and dissolves well in water. As used herein, the term "polyethylene glycol" or "PEG" includes homopolymers comprising repeating units of ethylene oxide, random copolymers comprising repeating units of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, block copolymers comprising blocks of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, and combinations thereof.

[0088] The first or second particles may comprise from about 25% to about 99% PEG particles by weight. Optionally, the particles may comprise from about 35% to about 99% PEG by weight of the respective particles, optionally from about 40% to about 99%, optionally from about 50% to about 99%, optionally combinations thereof, and any integer percentage or range of integer percentages within any of the foregoing ranges. Preferably, the PEG present in the particles is characterized by a weight average molecular weight (Mw) ranging from about 2,000 Daltons to about 20,000 Daltons, optionally from about 2000 Da to about 15,000 Daltons, alternatively from about 4000 Da to about 20,000 Daltons, alternatively from about 4000 Da to about 15,000 Daltons, alternatively from about 4000 Da to about 12,000 Daltons, alternatively from about 5000 Da to about 11,000 Daltons, alternatively from about 6000 Da to about 10,000 Daltons, alternatively from about 7000 Da to about 9000 Daltons, alternatively combinations thereof. Suitable PEGs include those available under the trade name E8000 is a homopolymer commercially available from BASF.

[0089] Alternatively, the polyalkylene glycol water-soluble carrier may be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymer, preferably having an average ethylene oxide chain length of between about 2 and about 90, preferably between about 3 and about 50, more preferably between about 4 and about 20 ethylene oxide units, and an average propylene oxide chain length of between 20 and 70, preferably between 30 and 60, more preferably between 45 and 55 propylene oxide units. More preferably, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymer has a molecular weight of about 2000 Daltons to about 30,000 Daltons, preferably about 3000 Daltons to about 20,000 Daltons, more preferably about 4000 Daltons to about 15,000 Daltons.

[0090] Preferably, the copolymer comprises a combined ethylene oxide block of between 10% and 90%, preferably between 15% and 50%, most preferably between 15% and 25%, by weight of the copolymer. Most preferably, the total ethylene oxide content is equally divided over the two ethylene oxide blocks. Equally divided herein means that each ethylene oxide block comprises, on average, between 40% and 60%, preferably between 45% and 55%, even more preferably between 48% and 52% of the total number of ethylene oxide units, most preferably 50%, the % totaling to 100% for the two ethylene oxide blocks. Some ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers improve cleaning.

[0091] Suitable ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymers are commercially available from BASF Corporation under the tradename Pluronic series or from The Dow Chemical Company under the tradename Tergitol L series. Particularly suitable materials are PE 9200. Other suitable materials include F38, F68 and F108.

[0092] The polyalkylene glycol water-soluble carrier also includes "end-capped" polyalkylene glycol. Typically, the polyalkylene glycol has two -OH groups at both ends of the polymer chain, and "end-capped" means that at least one or both of the -OH groups react and are connected to an end-capping organic group different from the polyalkylene glycol. Preferably, the end-capping organic group R is connected to the -OH group of the polyalkylene glycol via an ether bond (-OR) and / or an ester bond (-O-(C=O)-R), wherein R is a linear or branched C1-C 30 Alkyl groups, cycloalkyl groups having 5 to 9 carbon atoms, C6-C 30 Arylalkyl groups, C6-C 30 More preferably, R is a linear or branched C1-C 30 An alkyl group, even more preferably a straight-chain C1-C6 alkyl group, and even more preferably a methyl group (CH3).

[0093] Examples of suitable "end-capped" polyalkylene glycols include polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ethers of the formula:

[0094] H3C-(CH-2) t -O-[CH2-CH2-O] q -(CH2) t -CH3

[0095] in

[0096] q is a number ranging from 30 to 250 based on a molar average value.

[0097] t is a number ranging from 0 to 30 based on a molar average value.

[0098] Examples of suitable "end-capped" polyalkylene glycols include polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol esters of the formula:

[0099] H3C-(CH-2) t -(C=O)-O-[CH2-CH2-O] q -(C=O)-(CH2) t -CH3

[0100] in

[0101] q is a number ranging from 30 to 250 based on a molar average value.

[0102] t is a number ranging from 0 to 30 based on a molar average value.

[0103] Other water-soluble carriers

[0104] The water-soluble carrier present in the granules of the present invention can also be selected from inorganic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, organic alkali metal salts, organic alkaline earth metal salts, carbohydrates and their derivatives, clays, zeolites, silica, silicates, citric acid and its salts, fatty alcohols, glycerol, diglycerides of hydrogenated tallow, water-soluble polymers, etc.

[0105] Suitable inorganic alkali metal salts can be selected from the group consisting of sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium phosphate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium silicate, potassium fluoride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium carbonate, potassium monohydrogen carbonate, potassium silicate, and combinations thereof.

[0106] Suitable inorganic alkaline earth metal salts can be selected from the group consisting of magnesium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium monohydrogen phosphate, magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium monohydrogen carbonate, magnesium silicate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium monohydrogen carbonate, calcium silicate, and combinations thereof.

[0107] Organic salts, such as organic alkali metal salts and organic alkaline earth metal salts, contain carbon.

[0108] Suitable organic alkali metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, sodium tartrate, sodium ascorbate, sodium sorbate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium lactate, potassium tartrate, potassium ascorbate, potassium sorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0109] Suitable organic alkali metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium tartrate, calcium ascorbate, calcium sorbate, magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium sorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0110] The carbohydrate may be selected from the group consisting of monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0111] Suitable monosaccharides may be selected from the group consisting of erythrose, ribose, arabinose, xylose, glucose, isoglucose, dextrose, galactose, mannose, erythrulose, ribulose, fructose, sorbose, rhamnose, fucose, deoxyribose, ribose, and combinations thereof.

[0112] Suitable disaccharides may be selected from the group consisting of sucrose, maltose, lactose, isomaltose, trehalose, cellobiose, melibiose, gentiobiose, and combinations thereof.

[0113] Suitable oligosaccharides may be selected from the group consisting of maltotriose, raffinose, stachyose and combinations thereof.

[0114] Preferably, the sugar is selected from the group consisting of fructose, glucose, isoglucose, galactose, raffinose and combinations thereof. More preferably, the sugar comprises or is sucrose.

[0115] Suitable polysaccharides may be selected from the group consisting of homopolysaccharides, heteropolysaccharides and combinations thereof.

[0116] Suitable polysaccharides can be selected from the group consisting of starch, corn starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, modified starches, cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, propyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cellulose esters, cellulose amides, glycogen, pectin, dextrin, maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, alginates, xyloglucans, xylans, glucuronoxylans, arabinoxylans, mannans, glucans, glucomannans, galactoglucomannans, xanthan gum, carrageenan, locust bean gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, and combinations thereof.

[0117] The carbohydrate derivative may be selected from the group consisting of amino sugars, deoxy sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar acids, and combinations thereof.

[0118] Suitable sugar alcohols may be selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol, erythritol and combinations thereof. Preferably, the sugar alcohol is selected from the group consisting of mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol and combinations thereof.

[0119] The water-soluble carrier may be selected from the group consisting of clay, zeolite, silica, silicates, citric acid and its salts, fatty alcohols, diglycerides of hydrogenated tallow, and combinations thereof.

[0120] The water-soluble carrier can be a water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), modified PVA; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; PVA copolymers, such as PVA / polyvinyl pyrrolidone and PVA / polyvinyl amine; partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate; polyglycerol esters, acrylamide; polyvinyl acetate; polycarboxylic acids and their salts, sulfonated polyacrylates, polyamino acids or peptides, polyamides, polyacrylamides, maleic acid / acrylic acid copolymers, gelatin, and combinations thereof.

[0121] Plasticizer polyol

[0122] The particles may contain 0% to 3% by weight of a plasticizer polyol. The particles may contain 0% to 3% by weight of a plasticizer polyol that is liquid at 20° C. and 1 atmosphere. The optional plasticizer polyol may help mix the formulation components of the particles. Excessive plasticizer polyol may hinder the formation and stability of the particles. The plasticizer polyol may be glycerol. The plasticizer polyol may be dipropylene glycol. The plasticizer polyol may be propylene glycol. The plasticizer polyol may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0123] Method for preparing particles

[0124] Rotational molding can be a practical method for forming first and second particles from a melt. A suitable rotational molding apparatus is the Sandvik ROTOFORM 3000, which has a belt width of 750 mm and a length of 10 m. The distributor of the rotational molding apparatus is a rotating cylinder. The cylinder can have 2 mm diameter holes spaced 10 mm apart in the transverse direction and 9.35 mm apart in the longitudinal direction. The cylinder can be positioned approximately 3 mm above the belt. The belt speed and the rotational speed of the cylinder can be set to approximately 10 m / min.

[0125] Other methods may also be used to prepare the first and second particles. For example, granulation or pressurized agglomeration may be suitable methods. In granulation, the precursor material is compacted and homogenized by a rotating mixing tool, and granulated to form the first and second particles. For a substantially water-free precursor material, first and second particles of various particle sizes may be prepared.

[0126] In pressure agglomeration, the precursor materials are compacted and plasticized under pressure and shear forces, homogenized, and then discharged from the pressure agglomerator via a forming / shaping process. Pressure agglomeration techniques include extrusion, roller compaction, granulation, and tableting.

[0127] The precursor material can be delivered to a planetary roller extruder or a twin-screw extruder with co-rotating or counter-rotating screws. Barrel and extrusion pelletizing head can be heated to required extrusion temperature. The precursor material can be compacted under pressure, plasticized, extruded in strand form and sized using a cutting blade by the porous extrusion die in the extruder head. The aperture of the extruder head can be selected to provide the first and second particles of appropriate size. Mould can be used to shape the first and second particles of extrusion to provide the particles with any specific desired shape.

[0128] Optionally, the extrusion and compression steps can be carried out in a low pressure extruder, such as a flat die pelletizing press available from Amandus Kahl, Reinbek, Germany. Optionally, the extrusion and compression steps can be carried out in a low pressure extruder, such as a BEXTRUDER available from Hosokawa Alpine Aktiengesellschaft, Augsburg, Germany.

[0129] Roller pressing can be used to produce the first and second particles. In a roller press, the precursor material is introduced between two rollers and rolled under pressure between the two rollers to form a dense sheet. The rollers provide high linear pressure on the precursor material. The rollers can be heated or cooled as needed, depending on the processing characteristics of the precursor material. The dense sheet is broken into small pieces by cutting. The small pieces can be further shaped, for example, using a pelletizer.

[0130] How to use

[0131] The first and second particles disclosed herein can be conveniently used to treat clothing articles. The method can include providing such first and second particles comprising the formulation components disclosed herein. A dose of the first and second particles can be placed in a measuring cup. The measuring cup can be a closure of a package containing the particles. The measuring cup can be a detachable and attachable measuring cup that is detachable and attachable to a package containing the first and second particles or a closure of such a package. The doses of the first and second particles in the measuring cup can be distributed in a washing machine. The step of distributing the particles in the washing machine can be performed by pouring the first and second particles into the washing machine or by placing the measuring cup and the particles contained therein in the washing machine.

[0132] The compositions of first and second particles disclosed herein can be conveniently metered by consumers into washing machines. For example, consumers can pour the composition from a package containing the first and second particles. The first and second particles can be a mixture of such particles within a single compartment of the package.

[0133] Optionally, the consumer can pour the first and second granules into a measuring cup that is separate from the package in which the composition is provided, or into a measuring cup that is part of the package in which the composition is provided. The measuring cup can be a closure of the package in which the composition is provided. The measuring cup can be attached to and detached from the closure of the package in which the composition is provided.

[0134] The composition of the mixture of the first particles and the second particles may have a uniformity coefficient of less than 2. Having a uniformity coefficient of less than 2 can help reduce the likelihood of particles segregating when packaged together in a single compartment of a package, compared to a mixture of particles having a uniformity coefficient greater than 2. Particle size, uniformity coefficient, D50, and D10 are measured according to ASTM D6913-04 (2009) e1.

[0135] Test Method

[0136] Dispersion time is determined according to the dispersion test method described in US2017 / 035389 (incorporated herein by reference). For shorter wash cycles, particles with shorter dispersion times may be preferred.

[0137] The first and second particles may have different dispersion times. For example, the first particles may have a shorter or longer dispersion time than the second particles. It may be practical to have the first particles have a shorter dispersion time than the second particles. In the case where the first particles are fragrance particles and the second particles are softening particles containing silicone, this can provide for early release of the fragrance in the room as the first particles are dispersed during the wash, and then the silicone is significantly released from the second particles to be deposited on the fabric. If, for certain wash conditions, cycles, silicones, and fragrances, it is desired that the silicone be released before the fragrance, the second particles may have a shorter dispersion time than the first particles.

[0138] The average particle size of the silicone in the compositions of the present invention can be determined using the Average Particle Size Test Method as described in US 2017 / 035389 (incorporated herein by reference).

[0139] Melting onset was determined using the Melting Onset Test Method as described in US 2017 / 035389 (incorporated herein by reference).

[0140] The flow test and the pile segregation simulation test are described in detail below.

[0141] Example

[0142] Example 1: Flow Test

[0143] set up:A cylinder with a radius of 40 mm is filled with 200 g of an embodiment of the composition according to the present invention. This embodiment of the composition consists of 80% of a plurality of first particles and 20% of a plurality of second particles. Each of the first particles has a hemispherical shape with a radius of 2.5 mm. Second particles of different sizes are prepared, wherein the mass of the second particles is 4 to 10 times the mass of the first particles, and wherein the aspect ratio of the second particles is in the range of 1 to 10. Specifically, Example A to Example D are samples of compositions in which the mass ratio of the second particles to the first particles is 4 and the aspect ratios of the second particles are 1, 4, 7 and 10, respectively. Example E to Example H are samples of compositions in which the mass ratio of the second particles to the first particles is 10 and the aspect ratios of the second particles are 1, 4, 7 and 10, respectively. Either the first particles or the second particles have a particle size of 1.2 g / cm 3 density.

[0144] The composition of the present invention (comprising the first and second particles mixed) is inserted into a cylinder to obtain a total mass of 200 g. It is allowed to settle under gravity. After filling the cylinder, the plug at the bottom of the cylinder is removed to obtain a central hole with a radius of 10 mm and allow the material to flow out. The cylinder is attached to an electronic balance with a support. The weight loss of the remaining particle weight is tracked by an electronic balance. Each test is repeated 3 times. At the 4th second, 3 times the mean value of the mixed particle remaining weight in the cylinder is reported in the following table 1.

[0145] Table 1: Flow test simulation examples and results

[0146] Example Mass ratio of the second particles to the first particles Aspect ratio of the second particle Remaining weight / g A 4 1 107 B 4 4 173 C 4 7 184 D 4 10 196 E 10 1 162 F 10 4 174 G 10 7 186 H 10 10 190

[0147] Example 2: Binned Pile Segregation Test Setup

[0148] A tapered funnel with a stopper is filled with 500 g of a sample of the composition comprising the first and second particles. The funnel has a diameter of 295 mm, a height of 275 mm and an opening of 30 mm. Examples A to H are prepared in the same manner as in "Example 1: Flow Test". Once filled, the stopper is removed and the sample of the composition flows from the funnel into a narrow slot, forming a pile in the box. The narrow slot has a width of 30 mm, a length of 305 mm and a height of 325 mm. The pile is divided into 18 equally spaced intervals, and the mass fraction of the second particles in each interval is calculated. The standard deviation of the 18 mass fraction data is calculated as an indicator of the segregation between the second particles and the first particles. Each test is repeated 3 times. The 3 average results are listed in Table 2 below.

[0149] Table 2: Cased Stack Segregation Test Examples and Results

[0150]

[0151] *The mixture blocks the opening and cannot flow out of the cylinder.

[0152] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present inventions disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0153] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention be encompassed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fabric care composition comprising: i) a plurality of first particles, wherein each of the first particles has a mass of 5 mg to 500 mg; each of the first particles has a maximum dimension of less than about 10 mm, and each of the first particles has a first shape selected from the group consisting of a hemispherical shape, a compressed hemispherical shape, or a heightened hemispherical shape; and ii) a plurality of second particles, wherein each of the second particles has a mass equal to or greater than the mass of the first particle, and wherein each of the second particles has a second shape different from the first shape of the first particle, wherein each of the second particles has an aspect ratio greater than 1 and less than 10, wherein the plurality of first particles and the plurality of second particles are in a package.

2. The fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first particles are present in the composition in an amount of 50% to 95%, preferably 70% to 90% by weight, and the plurality of second particles are present in the composition in an amount of 5% to 50%, preferably 10% to 30% by weight.

3. The fabric care composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mass of each of the second particles is from 5 mg to 5 g; wherein the mass ratio of each of the second particles to each of the first particles is from 1:1 to 50:1, and preferably from 1:1 to 20:1, and more preferably from 1:1 to 10:

1.

4. A fabric care composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the second particles has an aspect ratio of greater than 1 to 7, preferably greater than 1 to 5.

5. A fabric care composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum dimension of the second particles is not less than the maximum dimension of the first particles, and preferably the ratio of the maximum dimensions of the first particles to the second particles is from 1:1 to 1:10, and preferably from 1:1 to 1:5, and more preferably from 1:1.1 to 1:

3.

6. A fabric care composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the volume ratio of each first particle to each second particle is from 1:1 to 1:50, preferably from 1:1.1 to 1:25, more preferably from 1:1.5 to 1:

10.

7. A fabric care composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein substantially all of the first particles have a substantially flat base and a height (H) measured normal to the base, and the first particles together have a height distribution, wherein the height distribution has a mean height of between 1 mm and 5 mm and a standard deviation of height of less than 0.3 mm.

8. A fabric care composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein substantially all of the second particles have a maximum dimension and a maximum second dimension orthogonal to the maximum dimension, wherein the ratio of the maximum dimension to the maximum second dimension is greater than about 1.

2.

9. A fabric care composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first particles has a mass of 5 to 450 mg, preferably 10 to 200 mg, more preferably 15 to 150 mg; and wherein each of the second particles has a mass of 10 to 2 g, preferably 20 to 1 g, and more preferably 25 to 500 mg.

10. The fabric care composition of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second particles comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of perfume ingredients, water-soluble carriers, surfactants, fabric softener actives, cationic polymers, malodor control agents, colorants, enzymes, bleaching agents, and combinations thereof.

11. The fabric care composition of claim 10, wherein each first particle of the first particles comprises a first perfume ingredient and a first water-soluble carrier, and each second particle of the second particles comprises a second perfume ingredient and a second water-soluble carrier, wherein the first perfume ingredient and the second perfume ingredient comprise free perfume or breakable perfume microcapsules, or preferably both, and the first water-soluble carrier and the second water-soluble carrier are each selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycols, inorganic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, organic alkali metal salts, organic alkaline earth metal salts, carbohydrates and derivatives thereof, clays, zeolites, silica, silicates, citric acid and salts thereof, fatty alcohols, glycerol, diglycerides of hydrogenated tallow, water-soluble polymers, and combinations thereof.

12. A fabric care composition comprising: i) 50% to 95% by weight of a plurality of first particles, wherein each of the first particles has a mass of 5 mg to 500 mg; each of the first particles has a maximum dimension of less than about 10 mm, each of the first particles has a first shape selected from the group consisting of a hemispherical shape, a compressed hemispherical shape, or a raised hemispherical shape, wherein the first particles comprise a flavor ingredient; and ii) 5% to 50% by weight of a plurality of second particles, wherein each of the second particles has a mass equal to or greater than the mass of the first particles; and each of the second particles has an aspect ratio greater than 1 and less than 10, wherein the second particles comprise one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of: a fragrance ingredient, a water-soluble carrier, a surfactant, a fabric softener active, a cationic polymer, a malodor control agent, a colorant, an enzyme, a bleaching agent, and combinations thereof; wherein the plurality of first particles and the plurality of second particles are in a package.

13. A method for treating an article of clothing, the method comprising the steps of: providing articles of clothing in a washing machine; as well as The laundry article is contacted with a fabric care composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12 during a wash sub-cycle of the washing machine.

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