Packaged laundry product

Abstract

The utility model relates to a packaged product for washing clothes. The packaged product for washing clothes comprises a flexible package and a plurality of spice-containing particles contained in the flexible package. The present invention relates to a packaged laundry product comprising perfume-containing particles, the perfume-containing particles comprising a carrier; and a perfume; and wherein each of the particles has a mass of from 1 mg to 1 g and has a maximum size of less than 10 mm. The flexible package is made of a layered film material and comprises a top end, an opposite bottom end and two peripheral walls extending between the top end and the bottom end, wherein at least one or more portions of the flexible package are transparent or translucent. The flexible package is characterized in that the bottom end of the flexible package comprises one or more apertures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to packaged laundry products, in particular to particles containing perfume in a flexible package. Background Art

[0002] Fragrance is considered to be a source of pleasure for consumers when they wash their laundry. Consumers may associate certain fragrances with the performance of laundry products and as an indicator of the quality of laundry products. Laundry products provide consumers with a pleasant or enhanced fragrance experience when they dispense laundry products, transfer wet laundry from a washing machine to a dryer or drying rack or clothesline, or when they wear clothing that meets this personal need.

[0003] Accordingly, fragrance particles are becoming more and more popular as laundry fragrance additives. Fragrance particles can be used to impart new fragrances to laundry products, or to enhance existing fragrances in laundry products.

[0004] EP2661398A1 discloses a package comprising a bottle container containing a granular laundry fragrance additive, the bottle container having a "squeeze and sniff" mechanism that provides a fragrance attraction to the consumer.

[0005] Flexible packages (also called bags) have been widely used as refill packages to reduce bottle consumption and save shipping / storage space through simple packaging. The flexible package may contain a liquid laundry detergent product or a granular detergent product, or a solid laundry fragrance additive product (e.g., perfumed granules).

[0006] JP5225902B discloses a packaged softener containing a fragrance softener composition, having excellent performance in preventing fragrance substances from leaking to the outside, and having excellent fragrance stability of the contents.

[0007] JP6905333B discloses a bag-shaped softener product in which discoloration of the bag-shaped container is suppressed by incorporating a specific polyol-based water-soluble solvent into a softener composition containing a phenol-based fragrance component.

[0008] Today, many bags look similar to each other and it is difficult to distinguish between laundry products (especially different forms and / or functions) on the shelf during shopping or during use at home. This is especially useful for consumers with limited visual acuity. Especially for fragrance additive products, it is more desirable and attractive for consumers if they can smell the fragrance of the product and choose the product they like.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a packaged fragrance particle product that is filled in a flexible package that can delight consumers in terms of rapid visual recognition and olfactory sensation. Utility Model Content

[0010] The utility model provides a packaged laundry product, which comprises a flexible package and a plurality of perfumed particles contained in the flexible package, wherein each of the perfumed particles comprises: a carrier; and perfume; each of the particles has a mass of 1 mg to 1 g; and each of the particles has a maximum size less than 10 mm, wherein the flexible package is made of a layered film material and comprises a top end, an opposite bottom end and two peripheral walls extending between the top end and the bottom end, wherein at least one or more parts of the flexible package are transparent or translucent, and the bottom end of the flexible package comprises one or more holes.

[0011] Preferably, at least one or more portions of the wall of the flexible package are transparent, preferably the transparent portion has a light transmittance greater than 60%.

[0012] Preferably, the transparent portion is present in the front wall of the flexible package and is in the range of 5% to 95% of the total area of ​​the front wall of the flexible package.

[0013] Preferably, each of the one or more holes has a maximum dimension of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 0.9 mm.

[0014] Preferably, the flexible package further comprises a solid nozzle at or near the top end of the flexible package, the solid nozzle preferably having a diameter in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm, more preferably in the range of 21 mm to 28 mm; wherein preferably, the rigid nozzle is also characterized by a height in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm, preferably 30 mm to 40 mm, more preferably 32 mm to 38 mm.

[0015] Preferably, the flexible package has a laminated film structure comprising a plurality of layers selected from the group consisting of a nylon layer, a polyethylene layer such as a linear low-density polyethylene (L-LDPE) or a low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a polyethylene terephthalate layer, a layer made of a plastic having an aluminum vapor-deposited layer formed thereon, and an aluminum layer, and combinations thereof.

[0016] Preferably, the flexible package has a height in the range of 15 cm to 80 cm, preferably 20 cm to 60 cm, more preferably 30 cm to 50 cm; and a width in the range of 12 cm to 60 cm, preferably 15 cm to 40 cm, more preferably 20 cm to 40 cm. The flexible package has a foldable bottom end. When the flexible package is filled with fragrance particles, the bottom end is unfolded / flattened to a maximum thickness (maximum distance between the front wall and the rear wall) of less than 12 cm.

[0017] Preferably, each of said particles in the packaged laundry product comprises:

[0018] (a) 40% to 90% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, wherein the carrier comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polysaccharides, inorganic salts, and any combination thereof,

[0019] (b) 2 to 12% by weight of free fragrance,

[0020] (c) 2 to 20 wt% of breakable fragrance microcapsules, wherein the breakable fragrance microcapsules contain encapsulated fragrance, and

[0021] (d) 0% to 20% of one or more detersive actives selected from surfactants, builders, bleach actives, enzymes, polymers, chelating agents, softeners, suds suppressors, suds boosters, brighteners, dye transfer inhibitors, and any combination thereof.

[0022] Preferably, the flexible package is characterized by: (1) a height in the range of 15 cm to 80 cm, preferably 20 cm to 60 cm, more preferably 30 cm to 50 cm; and (2) a width in the range of 12 cm to 60 cm, preferably 15 cm to 40 cm, more preferably 20 cm to 40 cm.

[0023] Preferably, each of the particles is characterized by (1) a mass of 2 mg to 500 mg, preferably 5 mg to 300 mg; and / or (b) a maximum dimension in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably 3 mm to 9 mm, more preferably 4 mm to 8 mm; and / or (c) a substantially flat base and a height measured perpendicular to the base, and the particles collectively have a height distribution, wherein the height distribution has an average height of about 1 mm to about 5 mm and a height standard deviation of less than about 0.3.

[0024] The packaged laundry product of the present invention provides particles containing fragrances filled into a flexible package, and at least one or more portions of the flexible package on the wall are transparent / translucent. Through the transparent portion of the flexible package, consumers can easily identify the desired product and have a pleasant vision of the product from the first moment of shopping. The flexible package for the packaged laundry product of the present invention also includes one or more holes of a desired small size at the bottom end, so that when the consumer approaches the package, the fragrance in the fragrance particles can volatilize and make the consumer feel pleasant to the fragrance. This unique innovation is particularly suitable for fragrance bead products that are stably retained in the package. Surprisingly, one or more holes on the package can help reduce the possibility of flexible package delamination caused by fragrance volatilization.

[0025] One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a package that is flexible while maintaining the rigidity necessary to maintain its shape during dispensing and use of the product.

[0026] Another advantage of the present invention is that the transparent window shows the solid particles in one or more colors, making it easier to identify and use the product.

[0027] Another advantage of the present invention is that the package with transparent windows and holes can release a minimum amount of volatile substances so as to allow consumers to experience a small amount of freshness when storing laundry products, and can better select laundry products on the shelf, thereby reducing the risk of obtaining products with an unpleasant fragrance for consumers.

[0028] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the transparent bag enables the consumer to observe the fill level in the bag, thereby ensuring that the product is only repurchased when needed.

[0029] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the transparent bag ensures that the product is fully dispensed prior to disposal, thereby ensuring that no additional chemicals are disposed of as waste. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible package of the present invention, wherein reference numeral "A" represents a transparent portion on the flexible package. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The features and beneficial effects of 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 be apparent to those skilled in the art from this description and practice of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific form disclosed, and the present invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0032] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent both the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0033] As used herein, terms such as "a" and "an" when used in a claim should be understood to mean one or more articles protected or described by the claim. The terms "comprise / comprises / comprising", "contain / contains / containing", and "include / includes / including" are all meant to be non-limiting.

[0034] When referring to flexible packaging, the term "flexible" refers to packaging materials that are easily deformed and cannot maintain a fixed shape or be displayed independently at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

[0035] The term "rigid" refers to materials that are not easily deformed and can maintain a fixed shape or free-standing display at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

[0036] The term "detergent granules" refers to particles containing one or more detersive active substances (such as surfactants, builders, bleach active substances, enzymes, polymers, chelating agents, softeners, foam suppressors, foam boosters, brighteners, dye transfer inhibitors, etc.). Preferably, such detergent granules contain a sufficiently high content of fatty acids or salts thereof, for example at least 5%, and preferably at least 7%. Such detergent granules may also contain one or more non-soap surfactants, such as anionic surfactants and / or nonionic surfactants.

[0037] The term "additive particle" refers to a particle comprising one or more stain removal additives such as perfumes, enzymes, bleach and the like.

[0038] The term "fragrance-containing particles" or "fragrance particles" or "fragrance additive particles" refers to particles containing one or more fragrance ingredients, such as free fragrance, pro-fragrance, encapsulated fragrance (including fragrance microcapsules), etc. Preferably, such fragrance-containing particles contain fragrance encapsulated in fragrance microcapsules, especially fragile fragrance microcapsules.

[0039] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition contains less than about 1%, preferably less than about 0.5%, of ingredients other than the listed ingredients.

[0040] In addition, the term "substantially free of / substantially free from" means that the material is present in an amount of 0 wt% to about 1 wt%, preferably 0 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, more preferably 0 wt% to about 0.2 wt%. The term "essentially free of" means that the material is present in an amount of 0 wt% to about 0.1 wt%, preferably 0 wt% to about 0.01 wt%, more preferably the material is present in an amount that cannot be detected analytically.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, all concentrations and ratios used herein are by weight. Unless otherwise stated, all temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (° C.). Unless otherwise expressly stated, all conditions herein are 20° C. and at atmospheric pressure. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all polymer molecular weights are determined by weight average molecular weight.

[0042] Flexible packaging

[0043] The flexible packaging of the present invention is preferably formed of at least one flexible film material having a flexibility coefficient in the range of 1,000 N / m to 2,500,000 N / m. The flexible film material can be configured to have a flexibility coefficient of 1,000 N / m to 2,500,000 N / m, or any integer value of the flexibility coefficient of 1,000 N / m to 2,500,000 N / m, or in any range formed by any of these values, such as 1,000 N / m to 1,500,000 N / m, 1,500 N / m to 1,000,000 N / m, 2,500 N / m to 800,000 N / m, 5,000 N / m to 700,000 N / m, or 600 N / m to 800,000 N / m. 00N / m, 10,000N / m to 600,000N / m, 15,000N / m to 500,000N / m, 20,000N / m to 400,000N / m, 25,000N / m to 300,000N / m, 30,000N / m to 200,000N / m, 35,000N / m to 100,000N / m, 40,000N / m to 90,000N / m, or 45,000N / m to 85,000N / m, etc.

[0044] The flexible film material can be made of plastic, paper or a combination thereof. Preferably, the film is made of a plastic selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), oriented polypropylene (OPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and a combination thereof. The PE herein is selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE), and a combination thereof.

[0045] The flexible package of the present invention can be made of multi-layer thin or single-layer film, preferably made of multi-layer film. Preferably, the multi-layer film includes an outer layer and an inner layer. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-layer film is a double-layer film including an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer contacts the fragrance particles contained in the flexible package, and the outer layer forms the outermost surface of the flexible package. The outer layer and the inner layer can be independently selected from nylon, PE, PET, OPP or BOPP. More preferably, the double-layer film is a PET / PE film (wherein PET serves as the outer layer), a BOPP / PE film (wherein BOPP serves as the outer layer) or a PE / PE film, and even more preferably, the double-layer film is a PE / PE film. In another embodiment, the multi-layer film is a three-layer film, and preferably, the middle layer of the three-layer film is BOPE. In yet another embodiment, the multi-layer film includes at least one foamed thin layer, and the at least one foamed thin layer includes bubbles, void volume or pores.

[0046] The flexible package may have a top end, an opposite bottom end and two peripheral walls extending between the top end and the bottom end. The two peripheral walls include a front wall and a rear wall. When displayed on a shelf, the front wall faces outward. The front wall and the rear wall and the bottom end may be made of different film materials or the same film material.

[0047] A portion, a plurality of portions, or the entirety of the flexible film material may be coated or uncoated, treated or untreated, processed or unprocessed in any manner known in the art. The flexible film material used to prepare the packaging disclosed herein may be formed in any manner known in the art, and may be joined together using any type of joining or sealing methods known in the art, including, for example, heat sealing (e.g., conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), welding, crimping, bonding, adhering, etc., and combinations of any of these methods.

[0048] In the present invention, one part, multiple parts or all of the flexible package is transparent or translucent. Preferably, the flexible package includes one or more transparent or translucent parts of the front wall. Preferably, the transparent part of the flexible package has a light transmittance greater than 60%.

[0049] Preferably, the transparent portion is present in the front wall of the flexible package and is in the range of 5% to 95% of the total area of ​​the front wall of the flexible package.

[0050] Preferably, the flexible package has one or more holes at the bottom end. The holes allow the fragrance to evaporate from the package, thereby allowing the user to identify the fragrance before opening the package, for example on the shelf. Each of the one or more holes has a maximum dimension of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 0.9 mm. The size of the one or more holes is much smaller than the size of the fragrance particles contained in the flexible package, so there is no risk of leakage.

[0051] A rigid nozzle is located at or near the top of the flexible package. Such a nozzle is in communication with the interior volume of the flexible package and is configured to dispense a granular laundry detergent composition from within the flexible package. Preferably, the nozzle is located at a corner between the top of the flexible package and a peripheral wall so that the granular laundry detergent composition can be dispensed through the corner at an oblique angle.

[0052] Preferably, the nozzle is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, which defines that the opening shape is circular or elliptical. Preferably, the nozzle has a diameter in the range of about 20mm to about 30mm, preferably about 21mm to about 28mm, more preferably about 22mm to about 26mm. The volume flow rate required for distributing granular laundry detergent products is generally about 50ml / sec to about 100ml / sec, as measured according to Test 2 below. It has been found that rigid nozzles with diameters in the above range are particularly suitable for distributing soap powder products with limited mobility. If the nozzle diameter is less than 20mm, such as about 15mm, the volume flow rate for distributing soap powder is only about 25ml / sec, which is too slow and may cause insufficient dosage. If the nozzle diameter is greater than 30mm, such as about 33mm, the volume flow rate for distributing soap powder is greater than 164ml / sec, which is too fast and may cause excessive dosage. The nozzle can have a height in the range of about 20mm to about 50mm, preferably about 30mm to about 40mm, more preferably about 32mm to about 38mm.

[0053] The flexible package also includes a cap that is removably engaged to a rigid nozzle, for example, via an internal thread that engages with a corresponding external thread on such a rigid nozzle to close the nozzle opening and prevent accidental leakage of a granular laundry detergent product. The flexible package of the utility model may also include a rigid shoulder that is located at the side of the base of the nozzle on both sides. This rigid shoulder can help provide structural support near the nozzle base and enable unimpeded distribution of granular laundry detergent compositions.

[0054] The nozzle, top cover and shoulder as described above are relatively rigid structures (compared with the flexible film forming the flexible package itself), and can be made of any suitable rigid material (such as glass, metal, polymer, etc.), but are preferably made of polymer. In particular, the nozzle, top cover and shoulder can be made of the same or different materials. Preferably, they are each independently made of a polymer material selected from the following items: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and combinations thereof.

[0055] The flexible package of the present invention may also include one or more handles, which are located at or near the top of the package, or are arranged along the peripheral wall of the package. Such handles may be through handles (i.e., a completely open space through which a finger and / or thumb can be inserted) formed by sealing one or more parts of the flexible package and then cutting / piercing such sealed parts.

[0056] Particles containing spices

[0057] The fragrance-containing particles contained in the flexible package of the utility model can each have a specific shape and size. Each of these fragrance-containing particles has a mass of 1 mg to 1 g and a maximum size of 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0058] Preferably, the mass of each flavored particle may be from about 2 mg to about 500 mg, preferably from about 5 mg to about 300 mg, more preferably from about 10 mg to about 200 mg, still more preferably from about 20 mg to about 125 mg and alternative combinations thereof, as well as any integer or integer range of mg within any of the foregoing ranges.

[0059] The spice-containing particles of the present invention may have any shape selected from the following: spherical, hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, cylindrical, disc-shaped, circular, lentil-shaped, elliptical, cubic, rectangular, star-shaped, flower-shaped, and any combination thereof. Lentil-shaped refers to the shape of lentils. Preferably, the spice-containing particles of the present invention have a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape. The 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 on average less than the curvature of a hemisphere with the same radius.

[0060] The fragrance-containing particles of the present invention may each have a maximum dimension of about 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably about 3 mm to about 9 mm, more preferably about 4 mm to about 8 mm. The particles may have a substantially flat base and a height measured perpendicular to the base, and the particles collectively have a height distribution, wherein the height distribution has an average height of about 1 mm to about 5 mm and a height standard deviation of less than about 0.3.

[0061] The particles may have a compressed hemispherical shape having an aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of its base diameter to its height perpendicular to the base) of about 2.0 to about 5, alternatively about 2.1 to about 4.5, alternatively about 2.2 to about 4. Elliptical particles refer to particles having a maximum dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the maximum dimension, wherein the ratio of the maximum dimension to the second dimension is greater than about 1.2, preferably greater than about 1.5, and more preferably greater than about 2.

[0062] Individual fragrance-containing particles may have a diameter of about 0.003 cm 3 To about 0.15cm 3 , preferably about 0.005cm 3 To about 0.12cm 3 volume.

[0063] In a preferred but not essential embodiment of the present invention, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention have a density lower than that of water, so that they can float on water. For example, such perfume-containing particles may have a density of about 0.5 g / cm 3 To about 0.98g / cm3 , preferably about 0.7g / 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.

[0064] The various flavor-containing particles of the present invention may have different shapes, sizes, masses and / or densities.

[0065] The perfume-containing particles prepared by the method of the present invention may comprise: perfume ingredients; polyethylene glycol; water-soluble or water-dispersible second carrier particles characterized by a specific particle size distribution; and optionally one or more auxiliary ingredients, as described in detail below.

[0066] Fragrance ingredients

[0067] The fragrance-containing particles of the present invention may contain about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt %, preferably about 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt %, more preferably 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.

[0068] In one embodiment, the perfume-containing particles contain free perfume and are substantially or essentially free of encapsulated perfume. In such an embodiment, each perfume-containing particle may contain 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 perfume, based on the weight of such particles.

[0069] In another embodiment, the fragrance-containing particles each contain encapsulated fragrance (i.e., fragrance carried by a carrier material such as starch, cyclodextrin, silica, zeolite or clay, or fragrance in the form of fragrance microcapsules), but are substantially or substantially free of free fragrance. Preferably, the fragrance-containing particles contain fragrance oils encapsulated in fragrance microcapsules (PMC), which are preferably fragile (relative to, for example, moisture-activated PMCs), but can also be moisture-activated. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "fragrance microcapsules" or "PMC" describes both fragrance microcapsules and fragrance nanocapsules. In such an embodiment, each fragrance-containing particle may each contain fragrance microcapsules (preferably fragile fragrance microcapsules) by weight of the particle, preferably 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 from a combination thereof.

[0070] In yet another embodiment, each of these perfume-containing particles contains both free perfume and encapsulated perfume (preferably in the form of perfume microcapsules, and more preferably in the form of fragile perfume 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, further alternatively from about 1:3 to about 3:1. In another embodiment, the perfume-containing particles may contain 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%, alternatively combinations thereof, based on the weight of the particles. In this embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMC may contain from about 0.6% to about 4% perfume by weight of the particles.

[0071] In one embodiment, the PMC comprises a melamine / formaldehyde shell, which are 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 to adhere the PMC to fabric.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the perfumed particles may contain a formaldehyde scavenger. In yet another embodiment, the fragrance of the perfumed particles is coordinated with the fragrance of other fabric care products (e.g., laundry detergents, fabric softeners). In this way, consumers who like the APRIL FRESH fragrance can use a packaged composition containing a variety of perfumed particles with the APRIL FRESH fragrance to coordinate their fragrance experience of washing clothes with their fragrance experience of using APRIL FRESH. The perfumed particles of the utility model can be sold as a product set with a coordinated fragrance (together with laundry detergents and / or fabric softeners).

[0073] Carrier

[0074] The perfumed particles of the present invention contain about 5% to about 99% of a carrier. The carrier in the perfumed particles may include water-soluble and hot-melt materials, preferably with a melting point of 35°C to 70°C. The carrier may be a material selected from the following items: polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, nonionic surfactants, and combinations thereof. For example, the carrier may be polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG has a relatively low cost and can be formed into many different shapes and sizes, thereby minimizing the diffusion of free perfumes and making them well soluble in water. The term "polyethylene glycol" or "polyPEG" used herein includes homopolymers containing ethylene oxide repeating units, random copolymers containing ethylene oxide and propylene oxide repeating units, block copolymers containing polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide blocks, and combinations thereof.

[0075] Preferably, each of these perfumed particles comprises from about 5% to about 90% by weight, preferably from about 10% to about 70% by weight, more preferably from about 20% to about 60% by weight of PEG, and more preferably such PEG is characterized by a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of from about 2,000 Daltons to about 30,000 Daltons, preferably from about 3,000 Daltons to about 20,000 Daltons, more preferably from about 4,000 Daltons to about 15,000 Daltons. Suitable PEGs include those available under the trade name 8000 is a homopolymer commercially available from BASF.

[0076] Particularly preferred PEG within the meaning of the present invention is an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymer, which preferably has an average ethylene oxide chain length of about 2 to about 90, preferably about 3 to about 50, more preferably about 4 to about 20 ethylene oxide units, and an average propylene oxide chain length of 20 to 70, preferably 30 to 60, more preferably 45 to 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.

[0077] Preferably, the copolymer comprises 10% to 90%, preferably 15% to 50%, most preferably 15% to 25% of the combined ethylene oxide blocks by weight of the copolymer. Most preferably, the total ethylene oxide content is evenly distributed over the two ethylene oxide blocks. Average distribution herein means that each ethylene oxide block contains an average of 40% to 60%, preferably 45% to 55%, even more preferably 48% to 52%, most preferably 50% of the total number of ethylene oxide units, the % of the two ethylene oxide blocks adding up to 100%. Some ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers improve cleaning effects.

[0078] Suitable ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymers are commercially available from BASF Corporation as the Pluronic series or from Dow Chemical Company as the Tergitol L series. Particularly suitable materials are PE 9200. Other suitable materials include F38, F68 and F108.

[0079] In the present invention, the carrier may also be or include a water-soluble material selected from the following items: water-soluble inorganic alkali metal salts, water-soluble alkaline earth metal salts, water-soluble organic alkali metal salts, water-soluble organic alkaline earth metal salts, water-soluble carbohydrates, water-soluble silicates, water-soluble urea, and any combination thereof. Preferably, the carrier may be selected from sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolite, silicon dioxide, clay, and combinations thereof,

[0080] The carrier may also be or comprise a polysaccharide, for example selected from starch, cellulose or derivatives thereof.

[0081] Optional / auxiliary ingredients

[0082] The perfumed particles of the present invention may optionally contain one or more optional / auxiliary ingredients, including colorants, solvents, softening active substances and combinations thereof, in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt % to about 10 wt %, preferably from about 0.02 wt % to about 8 wt %, more preferably from about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %.

[0083] Coloring agents can impart a color selected from the following items to the particles containing perfume: blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, gray, etc. Coloring agents can be selected from dyes, pigments, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the coloring agent includes at least one dye selected from a laundry detergent or fabric softener that is commonly used. Examples of suitable dyes include, but are not limited to, LIQUITINT BLUE BL, LIQUITINT PINK AM, AQUA AS CYAN 15, and VIOLET FL available from Milliken Chemical. If dyes are used, the particles containing perfume can contain such dyes less than about 0.1%, alternatively about 0.001% to about 0.1%, alternatively about 0.01% to about 0.02%, alternatively combinations thereof, based on the weight of the particles.

[0084] The perfumed particles of the present invention may be substantially free of laundry active substances and / or fabric softener active substances. In order to reduce costs and avoid formulation capacity problems, one aspect of the present invention may include perfumed particles that are substantially free of or completely free of laundry active substances and / or fabric softener active substances. In one embodiment, each perfumed particle in these perfumed particles contains less than about 3%, alternatively less than about 2%, alternatively less than about 1%, alternatively less than about 0.1% of laundry active substances and / or fabric softener active substances (or combinations thereof) by weight of the perfumed particles. Laundry active substances may include: detergent surfactants, detergent builders, bleaching agents, enzymes, polymers, chelating agents, softeners, foam suppressants, foam enhancers, brighteners, dye transfer inhibitors, etc. It is particularly preferred that the perfumed particles of the present invention are substantially free of or substantially free of surfactants, because the presence of such surfactants may accelerate the dissolution of perfumed particles in water, which is undesirable in the context of the present invention. It should be understood that non-decontamination level surfactants can be used to help dissolve the perfume contained in the composition. More preferably, the perfume particles of the present invention are substantially free or essentially free of any detersive active materials.

[0085] Depending on the application, the fragrance-containing particles of the present invention may include 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.

[0086] The flavored particles may also contain an antioxidant. Antioxidants may help promote the stability of the color and / or odor of the particles from production to use. The flavored particles may contain from about 0.001% to about 2% by weight, preferably from 0.01% to about 1% by weight, more preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight of such antioxidants. The antioxidant may be butylated hydroxytoluene.

[0087] Test methods and examples

[0088] Test 1: Light transmittance

[0089] Light transmittance can be used to test the transparency of flexible packaging. The higher the transmittance, the higher the transparency level. For example, the flexible packaging of the present invention shows a transmittance higher than 60%.

[0090] Test 2: Packaged Product Compatibility Test (PPCT)

[0091] PPCT is a test to measure the stability of packaged products and the product is stored at 40°C and 75% RH and then packaged and observed for 3 months.

[0092] Test 3: Plastic film stiffness test

[0093] Plastic film stiffness testing can be performed to test the flexural stiffness of a package. For different films, a compressive load is added to the domed film using an Instron. The squeeze of the different films is recorded to compare the stiffness performance.

[0094] Example

[0095] Figure 1 An embodiment of a flexible package in a folded state before being filled with fragrance particles is shown. The flexible package has a top end and a bottom end and a front wall and a rear wall, wherein the bottom end is foldable between the front wall and the rear wall. The flexible package has a nozzle on the top end of one side. There are two parts of transparent space on the front wall (in Figure 1 The bottle shape on the package is the artwork printed on the front wall, and this area is opaque.

[0096] Examples 1 and 2 are packaged products containing fragrance beads filled in an opaque bag having dimensions of 310 mm x 210 mm x 50 mm. Example 2 has eight (8) vent holes at the bottom end of the bag, while Example 1 does not. The beads filled in Examples 1 and 2 are commercially available beads (Downy laundry fragrance beads).

[0097] Examples 3 and 4 contain fillings such as Figure 1 Packaged product of fragrance beads in a transparent bag with a transparent area on the front wall. Bag dimensions are 310 mm x 210 mm x 50 mm. Example 4 of the present invention has eight (8) vent holes at the bottom end of the flexible package, while Example 3 does not. The beads filled in Examples 3 and 4 are commercially available beads (Downy laundry fragrance beads).

[0098] A panel of 5 people (aged between 20 and 45) was asked to rate the 4 examples based on appearance and fragrance. The rating scale was 1 to 5, with the higher the rating, the higher the preference level. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0099] Table 1

[0100] Example 1 2 3 4 score Opaque bag without holes Perforated opaque bags Transparent bag without holes Transparent bag with holes Group 1 3 3 4 5 Group 2 1 3 3 5 Group 3 2 3 4 5 Group 4 2 4 3 5 Group 5 2 3 4 5 average value 2 3.2 3.6 5

[0101] The results showed that the transparent packaging with holes had the highest rating and was the most popular, while the opaque packaging without holes had the lowest rating.

[0102] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent both the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0103] Each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patents or applications and any patent applications or patents to which this application claims priority or benefit, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any utility model disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone or in any combination with any other reference or references teaches, proposes or discloses any such utility model. In addition, if 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 the term in this document shall prevail.

[0104] Although the 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 can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention are covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packaged laundry product comprising a flexible package and a plurality of fragrance-containing particles contained in the flexible package, Each of the perfumed particles comprises: carrier; and spices; wherein each of the particles has a mass of 1 mg to 1 g; and wherein each of the particles has a maximum dimension of less than 10 mm, wherein the flexible package is made of a layered film material and comprises a top end, an opposite bottom end and two peripheral walls extending between the top end and the bottom end, It is characterized in that At least one or more portions of the flexible package are transparent or translucent, and Characterized in that the bottom end of the flexible package includes one or more holes.

2. The packaged laundry product of claim 1 wherein the at least one or more portions of the walls of the flexible package are transparent.

3. The packaged laundry product of claim 2, wherein the one or more transparent portions of the wall of the flexible package have a light transmittance greater than 60%.

4. A packaged laundry product according to claim 3, wherein the transparent portion is present in the front wall of the flexible package and is in the range of 5% to 95% of the total area of ​​the front wall of the flexible package.

5. A packaged laundry product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the one or more apertures has a maximum dimension of less than 2 mm.

6. A packaged laundry product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible package further comprises a solid nozzle located at or near the top end of the flexible package, the solid nozzle having a diameter in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm.

7. The packaged laundry product of claim 6, wherein the solid nozzle is further characterized by a height in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm.

8. The packaged laundry product of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible package has a laminate film structure comprising a plurality of layers selected from the group consisting of a nylon layer, a polyethylene layer, a polyethylene terephthalate layer, an aluminum layer, and combinations thereof.

9. The packaged laundry product of claim 8, wherein the polyethylene layer is a linear low density polyethylene layer.

10. The packaged laundry product of claim 8, wherein the polyethylene layer is a low density polyethylene layer.

11. A packaged laundry product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible package is characterized by: (1) a height in the range of 15 cm to 80 cm; and (2) a width in the range of 12 cm to 60 cm.

12. A packaged laundry product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the particles is characterized by (1) a mass of 2 mg to 500 mg; and / or (2) a maximum dimension in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm; and / or (3) a flat base and a height measured perpendicular to the base, and the particles collectively have a height distribution, wherein the height distribution has a mean height of 1 mm to 5 mm and a height standard deviation of less than 0.3.

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