Packaged Laundry Products

Abstract

To provide a packaged laundry product including a flexible package and a plurality of perfume-containing particles contained in the flexible package, which can provide comfort to a consumer not only through olfactory sensation but also through immediate visual recognition. The packaged laundry product includes perfume-containing particles that include a carrier and a perfume, each particle having a mass between 1 mg and 1 g and a maximum dimension of less than 10 mm. The flexible package is made of a layered film material and includes a top end, an opposing bottom end, and two peripheral walls extending between the top and bottom ends, and at least a portion or portions of the flexible package are transparent or translucent. The flexible package is characterized in that the bottom end of the flexible package includes one or more holes.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to packaged laundry products, particularly perfume-containing particles in flexible packaging. [Background technology]

[0002] Scent is perceived to provide a pleasant feeling to consumers when they do their laundry. Consumers can associate a particular scent with the performance of a laundry product and as an indicator of the quality of the laundry product. Laundry products that provide a pleasant or enhanced scent experience to consumers when they dispense the laundry product, when they transfer wet laundry from the washer to the dryer or onto the drying rack or line, or when they wear the garment, fulfill this consumer need.

[0003] Correspondingly, perfume particles have become increasingly popular as laundry fragrance additives. They can be used to impart new fragrances or enhance existing fragrances to the items being washed.

[0004] European Patent Publication No. 2 661 398 A1 discloses a package comprising a bottle container containing a particulate laundry fragrance additive, the bottle container having a "squeeze and sniff" mechanism capable of providing the fragrance appeal to a consumer.

[0005] Flexible packaging (also called pouches) are widely used as refill packaging because they are easy to pack, reduce bottle consumption, and save space during shipping / storage. Flexible packaging can contain either liquid laundry detergent products, particulate detergent products, or solid laundry fragrance additive products (e.g., perfume-containing particles).

[0006] Japanese Patent No. 5225902(B) discloses a packaged fabric softener that contains a fragrance-containing fabric softener composition, has excellent properties for preventing the fragrance from leaking out, and has excellent fragrance stability of the contents.

[0007] Japanese Patent No. 6905333(B) discloses a bag-shaped fabric softener article in which discoloration of the bag-shaped container is suppressed by combining a fabric softener composition containing a phenol-based fragrance component with a specific polyol-based water-soluble solvent.

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

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a packaged perfume particle product loaded into a flexible package that can provide consumer comfort not only through olfactory sensation but also through immediate visual perception. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention provides a packaged laundry product comprising a flexible package and a plurality of perfume-containing particles contained within the flexible package, each perfume-containing particle comprising a carrier and a perfume, each particle having a mass between 1 mg and 1 g, each particle having a maximum dimension of less than 10 mm, the flexible package being made of a layered film material and having a top end, an opposing bottom end, and two peripheral walls extending between the top and bottom ends, at least a portion or portions of the flexible package being transparent or translucent, and the bottom end of the flexible package comprising one or more holes.

[0011] Preferably, at least a portion or portions of the wall of the flexible packaging are transparent, and preferably the transparent portion has a light transmission of greater than 60%.

[0012] Preferably, the transparent portion is present in the front wall of the flexible package, and the transparent portion occupies a 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 2mm, preferably less than 1mm, more preferably less than 0.9mm.

[0014] Preferably, the flexible packaging further comprises a rigid spout located at or near the top end of the flexible package, preferably having a diameter in the range of 20mm to 30mm, more preferably in the range of 21mm to 28mm, and preferably said rigid spout is further characterized by a height in the range of 20mm to 50mm, preferably 30mm to 40mm, more preferably 32mm to 38mm.

[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 linear low density polyethylene (L-LDPE) or low density polyethylene (LDPE), a polyethylene terephthalate layer, a layer made of a plastic having an aluminum vapor deposition layer formed thereon, 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 perfume particles, the bottom end is unfolded / flattened such that the maximum thickness (maximum distance between the front wall and the back wall) is less than 12 cm.

[0017] Preferably, each said particle in the packaged laundry product comprises: (a) 40% by weight to 90% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, the water-soluble carrier comprising a material selected from polyethylene glycol, polysaccharides, inorganic salts, and any combination thereof; (b) 2% by weight to 12% by weight of a free fragrance; (c) 2% to 20% by weight of friable fragrance microcapsules, the friable fragrance microcapsules comprising an encapsulated fragrance; and (d) 0% to 20% of one or more cleaning actives selected from the group consisting of surfactants, builders, bleach actives, enzymes, polymers, chelating agents, softeners, suds suppressors, foam boosters, whitening agents, dye transfer inhibitors, and any combination thereof.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Preferably, each particle is characterized by (1) a mass of from 2 mg to 500 mg, preferably from 5 mg to 300 mg, and / or (b) a maximum dimension in the range of from 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 9 mm, more preferably from 4 mm to 8 mm, and / or (c) a substantially flat base and a height measured perpendicular to the base, wherein the particles have a height distribution throughout, the height distribution having an average height of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm and a height standard deviation of less than about 0.3.

[0020] The packaged laundry product of the present invention provides perfume-containing particles loaded in a flexible package with at least a portion or portions of the wall being transparent / semi-transparent. The transparent portion of the flexible package allows consumers to easily recognize the desired product and obtain a pleasant visual of the product from the first moment of shopping. The flexible package for the packaged laundry product of the present invention also has one or more holes with a desired small size at the bottom end, so that when consumers approach the package, the perfume in the perfume particles can evaporate and make consumers comfortable with the scent. Such a unique innovation is particularly suitable for perfumed bead products that are stably held in the package. Surprisingly, one or more holes in the package can help reduce the possibility of peeling of the flexible package caused by the evaporation of perfume.

[0021] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a package that has flexibility while maintaining the rigidity necessary to maintain its configuration during product dispensing and use.

[0022] Another advantage of the present invention is that the transparent window revealing the solid particles of one or more colors makes the product easier to identify and use.

[0023] Another advantage of the present invention is that the packaging with the transparent window and holes allows for the release of minimal amounts of volatile materials, allowing the consumer to experience a little more cleanliness while the laundry products are stored, allowing for better selection of laundry products on the shelf, and reducing the risk of the consumer getting a product with an unpleasant smell.

[0024] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the transparent pouch allows the consumer to see the fill level within the pouch, ensuring that the product is only repurchased when needed.

[0025] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the transparent pouch can ensure that the product is completely dispensed before disposal, thus ensuring that no additional chemicals are discarded as waste. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible package of the present invention, where reference character "A" denotes a transparent portion of the flexible package. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, including examples of specific embodiments that are intended to provide a broad depiction of the invention. Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this description and practice of the invention. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, and the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0028] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, 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."

[0029] As used herein, terms such as "a" and "an," when used in a claim, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described. The terms "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," "contain," "contains," "containing," "include," "includes," and "including" are all meant to be open-ended.

[0030] The term "flexible," when referring to flexible packaging, refers to easily deformable packaging materials that are not capable of retaining a fixed shape or being self-supporting at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

[0031] The term "rigid" refers to a material that is not easily deformable and can retain a fixed shape or be self-supporting at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

[0032] The term "detergent granule" refers to a particle comprising one or more cleaning actives such as surfactants, builders, bleach actives, enzymes, polymers, chelating agents, softeners, suds suppressors, foam boosters, brighteners, dye transfer inhibitors, etc. Preferably, such detergent granules contain a sufficiently high level of fatty acids or salts thereof, for example at least 5%, preferably at least 7%. Such detergent granules may further contain one or more non-soap surfactants, such as anionic surfactants and / or non-ionic surfactants.

[0033] The term "additive particle" refers to a particle that includes one or more cleaning additives, such as fragrances, enzymes, bleaches, etc.

[0034] The terms "perfume-containing particle", "perfume particle" or "scent additive particle" refer to particles that contain one or more perfume ingredients, such as free perfume, pro-perfume, encapsulated perfume (including perfume microcapsules), etc. Preferably, such perfume-containing particles contain perfume encapsulated in perfume microcapsules, particularly friable perfume microcapsules.

[0035] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition contains less than about 1%, and preferably less than about 0.5%, of components other than the recited components.

[0036] Additionally, the terms "substantially free of" or "substantially free from" mean that the specified 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 "essentially free" means that the specified 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 is not present at analytically detectable levels.

[0037] As used herein, all concentrations and ratios are by weight unless otherwise specified. All temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (°C) unless otherwise specified. All conditions herein are at 20°C and atmospheric pressure unless otherwise specified. All molecular weights of polymers are determined by weight average number molecular weight unless otherwise specified.

[0038] Flexible Packaging The flexible package of the present invention is preferably formed by at least one flexible film material having a flexibility factor in the range of 1,000 to 2,500,000 N / m. The flexible film material may have a flexibility factor of 1,000 to 2,500,000 N / m, or any integer value in the range of 1,000 to 2,500,000 N / m, or any range formed by any of these values, for example, 1,000 to 1,500,000 N / m, 1,500 to 1,000,000 N / m, 2,500 to 800,000 N / m, 5,000 to 700,000 N / m, 6,000 to 800,000 N / m, 8,000 to 1000,000 N / m, 9,000 to 1200,000 N / m, 10,000 to 1400,000 N / m, 15,000 to 1600,000 N / m, 20,000 to 300,000 N / m, 30,000 to 400,000 N / m, 40,000 to 500,000 N / m, 50,000 to 600,000 N / m, 60,000 to 800,000 N / m, 70,000 to 1000,000 N / m, 80,000 to 1200,000 N / m, 90,000 to 1400,000 N / m, 100,000 to 1600,000 N / m, 150,000 to 1600,000 N / m, 20, The deflection coefficient may be 10,000 to 600,000 N / m, 15,000 to 500,000 N / m, 20,000 to 400,000 N / m, 25,000 to 300,000 N / m, 30,000 to 200,000 N / m, 35,000 to 100,000 N / m, 40,000 to 90,000 N / m, or 45,000 to 85,000 N / m.

[0039] The flexible film material may 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 combinations thereof. 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 combinations thereof.

[0040] The flexible packaging of the present invention may be made from a multilayer film or a monolayer film, preferably a multilayer film. Preferably, the multilayer film comprises an outer layer and an inner layer. In a preferred embodiment, the multilayer film is a two-layer film comprising an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer contacts the perfume particles contained in the flexible packaging, and the outer layer forms the outermost surface of the flexible packaging. The outer layer and the inner layer may be independently selected from nylon, PE, PET, OPP, or BOPP. More preferably, the two-layer film is a PET / PE film, in which PET serves as the outer layer, a BOPP / PE film, in which BOPP serves as the outer layer, or a PE / PE film, and even more preferably, the two-layer film is a PE / PE film. In another embodiment, the multilayer film is a three-layer film, and preferably the middle layer of the three-layer film is BOPE. In yet another embodiment, the multilayer film comprises at least one foamed thin layer comprising bubbles, void volume, or air bubbles.

[0041] The flexible package may have a top end, an opposing bottom end, and two peripheral walls extending between the top and bottom ends. The two peripheral walls include a front wall and a rear wall. The front wall faces outward when standing on a shelf. The front wall, rear wall, and bottom end may be made of different film materials or the same film material.

[0042] A portion, portions, or all 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 materials used to make the packages disclosed herein may be formed in any manner known in the art and may be joined together using any type of joining or sealing method known in the art, including, for example, heat sealing (e.g., conductive sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.), fusing, crimping, bonding, gluing, etc., and any combination thereof.

[0043] In the present invention, a portion, portions, or all of the flexible packaging is transparent or translucent. Preferably, the flexible packaging has a portion or portions of the front wall that are transparent or translucent. Preferably, the transparent portion of the flexible packaging has a light transmittance of more than 60%.

[0044] Preferably, the transparent portion is present in the front wall of the flexible package, and the transparent portion occupies a range of 5% to 95% of the total area of ​​the front wall of the flexible package.

[0045] Preferably, the flexible package has one or more holes at the bottom end. This allows the perfume to evaporate from the package, so that the user can identify the scent, for example, on a shelf, before opening the package. 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 perfume particles contained in the flexible package, so there is no risk of leakage.

[0046] The rigid spout is located at or near the top of the flexible package. Such spout is in communication with the interior volume of the flexible package and is configured to dispense the particulate laundry detergent composition from within the flexible package. Preferably, the spout is located at a corner between the top of the flexible package and one of the peripheral walls, allowing the particulate laundry detergent composition to be dispensed at an oblique angle through such corner.

[0047] Preferably, the spout is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical and defines an opening that is either circular or elliptical in shape. Preferably, the spout has a diameter in the range of about 20 mm to about 30 mm, preferably about 21 mm to about 28 mm, more preferably about 22 mm to about 26 mm. The desired volumetric flow rate for dispensing particulate laundry detergent products is generally about 50 mL / sec to about 100 mL / sec, as measured according to Test 2 below. It has been discovered that rigid spouts with diameters in the above range are particularly suitable for dispensing powdered soap products with limited flowability. If the spout diameter is less than 20 mm, for example about 15 mm, the volumetric flow rate for dispensing powdered soap is only about 25 mL / sec, which is too slow and may lead to underdosing. If the spout diameter is more than 30 mm, for example about 33 mm, the volumetric flow rate for dispensing powdered soap is more than 164 mL / sec, which is too fast and may lead to overdosing. The spout may have a height in the range of about 20 mm to about 50 mm, preferably about 30 mm to about 40 mm, and more preferably about 32 mm to about 38 mm.

[0048] The flexible package further comprises a cap, for example, removably engageable with a rigid spout by internal threads that engage corresponding external threads of such rigid spout to close the spout opening and prevent accidental leakage of the particulate laundry detergent product. The flexible package of the present invention may further comprise rigid shoulders on either side that sandwich the base of the spout. Such rigid shoulders may help provide structural support near the base of the spout to allow for unhindered dispensing of the particulate laundry detergent composition.

[0049] The spout, cap, and shoulder described herein above are relatively rigid structures (compared to the flexible film that forms the flexible package itself) and may be made of any suitable rigid material, such as glass, metal, polymer, etc., but are preferably made of polymer. In particular, the spout, cap, and shoulder may be made of the same material or different materials. Preferably, each of the spout, cap, and shoulder is independently made of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and combinations thereof.

[0050] Flexible packages of the present invention may further comprise one or more handles located at or near the top edge or along the peripheral wall of such packages. Such handles may be through handles (i.e., fully open spaces into which fingers and / or thumbs can be inserted) formed by sealing one or more sections of the flexible package and then cutting / perforating such sealed sections.

[0051] fragrance-containing particles The perfume-containing particles contained in the flexible packages of the present invention may each have a particular shape and size, with each perfume-containing particle having a mass between 1 mg and 1 g and a maximum dimension between 3 mm and 10 mm.

[0052] Preferably, the mass of each flavor-containing particle is 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, even more preferably from about 20 mg to about 125 mg, or alternative combinations thereof, and any integer or range of integer mg within any of the aforementioned ranges.

[0053] The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may have any shape selected from the group consisting of sphere, hemisphere, compressed hemisphere, cylinder, disk, circle, bean, ellipse, cube, rectangle, star, flower, and any combination thereof. Bean refers to the shape of a lentil. Preferably, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention have a hemisphere or compressed hemisphere. Compressed hemisphere refers to a shape that corresponds to a hemisphere that is at least partially flattened so that the curvature of the curved surface is smaller on average than the curvature of a hemisphere with the same radius.

[0054] The flavorant-containing particles of the present invention may each have a maximum dimension of from about 2 mm to about 10 mm, preferably from about 3 mm to about 9 mm, more preferably from about 4 mm to about 8 mm. The particles may have a substantially flat base and a height measured perpendicular to the base, the particles having a height distribution throughout, the height distribution having an average height of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm and a height standard deviation of less than about 0.3.

[0055] The particles can have the shape of a compressed hemisphere having an aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of the diameter of the base to its height perpendicular to the base) of from about 2.0 to about 5, alternatively from about 2.1 to about 4.5, alternatively from about 2.2 to about 4. Elliptical shaped particles refer to particles having a maximum dimension and a secondary dimension perpendicular to the maximum dimension, where the ratio of the maximum dimension to the secondary dimension is greater than about 1.2, preferably greater than about 1.5, and more preferably greater than about 2.

[0056] Each individual fragrance-containing particle is approximately 0.003 cm 3 ~about 0.15cm 3 , preferably about 0.005 cm 3 ~about 0.12cm 3 may have a volume of

[0057] In a preferred, but not required, embodiment of the present invention, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention have a density less than that of water so that they can float on water. For example, such perfume-containing particles have a density less than about 0.5 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.98g / cm 3 , preferably about 0.7 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.95g / cm3 , more preferably about 0.8 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.9g / cm 3 The density may range from 0.1 to 1.0 μm.

[0058] The plurality of perfume-containing particles of the present invention can have different shapes, sizes, masses, and / or densities.

[0059] The perfume-containing particles produced by the method of the present invention may comprise a perfume ingredient, polyethylene glycol, water-soluble or water-dispersible second carrier particles characterized by a particular particle size distribution, and optionally one or more auxiliary ingredients as described in detail below.

[0060] Fragrance ingredients The fragrance-containing particles of the present invention may contain about 0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight, preferably about 0.5% by weight to about 15% by weight, and more preferably about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight of one or more fragrance components, such as free fragrance, pro-fragrance, encapsulated fragrance (including fragrance microcapsules), etc.

[0061] In one embodiment, the perfume-containing particles comprise free perfume and are substantially or essentially free of encapsulated perfume. In one such embodiment, each perfume-containing particle may comprise about 25% or less, preferably about 20% or less (e.g., from about 0.1% to about 20%), more preferably from about 0.5% to about 15%, and 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%, or combinations thereof, of free perfume by weight of such particle.

[0062] In another embodiment, the perfume-containing particles each comprise encapsulated perfume (i.e. perfume carried by a carrier material such as starch, cyclodextrin, silica, zeolite, or clay, or perfume in the form of perfume microcapsules), but are substantially or essentially free perfume-free. Preferably, the perfume-containing particles comprise perfume oil encapsulated in perfume microcapsules (PMC), the PMC being preferably friable (e.g., verses moisture-activated PMC), but may also be moisture-activated. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "perfume microcapsule" or "PMC" describes both perfume microcapsules and perfume nanocapsules. In one such embodiment, each perfume-containing particle may each comprise from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the particle, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, more preferably from about 1% to about 5% by weight, alternatively from about 4% to about 7% by weight, alternatively from about 5% to about 7% by weight, or combinations thereof, of perfume microcapsules (preferably friable perfume microcapsules).

[0063] In yet another embodiment, each perfume-containing particle contains both free perfume and encapsulated perfume (preferably in the form of perfume microcapsules, more preferably in the form of friable 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, alternatively from about 1:3 to about 3:1. In another embodiment, the perfume-containing particle 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%, or combinations thereof, by weight of the particle. In this embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMC may comprise from about 0.6% to about 4% perfume by weight of the particle.

[0064] In one embodiment, the PMC comprises a melamine / formaldehyde shell commercially available from Appleton, Quest International, International Flavor & Fragrances, or other suitable source. In a preferred embodiment, the shell of the PMC is coated with a polymer to enhance the ability of the PMC to adhere to fabrics.

[0065] In yet another embodiment, the perfume-containing particles may include a formaldehyde scavenger. In yet another embodiment, the scent of the perfume-containing particles is integrated with the scent of other fabric care products (e.g., laundry detergent, fabric softener). In this way, consumers who like the scent of APRIL FRESH can use a packaged composition containing a plurality of perfume-containing particles with the scent of APRIL FRESH, thereby integrating the scent experience of washing laundry with the scent experience obtained by using APRIL FRESH. The perfume-containing particles of the present invention can be sold as a product array (including laundry detergent and / or fabric softener) with an integrated scent.

[0066] Carrier The perfume-containing particles of the present invention include about 5% to about 99% of a carrier. The carrier in the perfume-containing particles may include a water-soluble and heat-meltable material, preferably having a melting point of 35°C to 70°C. The carrier may be a material selected from polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, non-ionic surfactants, and combinations thereof. For example, the carrier may be polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is relatively low cost, can be formed into many different shapes and sizes, minimizes diffusion of free perfume, and dissolves well in water. As used herein, the term "polyethylene glycol" or "PEG" includes homopolymers containing repeat units of ethylene oxide, random copolymers containing repeat units of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, block copolymers containing blocks of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, and combinations thereof.

[0067] Preferably, each perfume-containing particle comprises about 5% to about 90% by weight, preferably about 10% to about 70% by weight, more preferably about 20% to about 60% by weight of PEG, more preferably such PEG is characterized by a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of about 2,000 to about 30,000 daltons, preferably about 3,000 to about 20,000 daltons, more preferably about 4,000 to about 15,000 daltons. Suitable PEGs include homopolymers commercially available from BASF under the trademark Pluriol® E 8000.

[0068] Particularly preferred PEGs in the sense of the present invention are ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers, preferably having 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 copolymers have a molecular weight of about 2000 to about 30,000 daltons, preferably about 3000 to about 20,000 daltons, more preferably about 4000 to about 15,000 daltons.

[0069] Preferably, the copolymer comprises 10% to 90%, preferably 15% to 50%, and most preferably 15% to 25% by weight of the copolymer of multiple ethylene oxide blocks. Most preferably, the total ethylene oxide content is equally divided between the two ethylene oxide blocks. Equally divided in this specification means that each ethylene oxide block constitutes on average 40% to 60%, preferably 45% to 55%, even more preferably 48% to 52%, and most preferably 50% of the total number of ethylene oxide units, with the % of both ethylene oxide blocks adding up to 100%. Some ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers improve cleaning properties.

[0070] Suitable ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymers are commercially available from BASF company as the Pluronic series or from Dow Chemical Company as the Tergitol L series. A particularly suitable material is Pluronic® PE 9200. Other suitable materials include Pluronic® F38, F68 and F108.

[0071] In the present invention, the carrier may further be or include a water-soluble material selected from the group consisting of 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 the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolites, silica, clay, and combinations thereof.

[0072] The carrier may further be or include a polysaccharide, for example selected from starch, cellulose, or derivatives thereof.

[0073] Optional / Adjunct Ingredients The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may optionally contain one or more optional / adjunct ingredients including colorants, solvents, softening actives, and combinations thereof in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight, preferably from about 0.02% to about 8% by weight, and more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

[0074] The colorant can impart a color to the perfume-containing particles selected from the group consisting of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, gray, etc. The colorant may be selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the colorant comprises at least one dye selected from dyes typically used in laundry detergents or fabric softeners. 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. When dyes are used, the perfume-containing particles may comprise less than about 0.1% by weight of the particle, alternatively from about 0.001% to about 0.1%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 0.02%, or combinations thereof.

[0075] The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may be substantially free of laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives. To reduce costs and avoid formulation capacity issues, an aspect of the present invention may include perfume-containing particles that are essentially free or completely free of laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives. In one embodiment, each perfume-containing particle contains less than about 3% by weight of the perfume-containing particle, alternatively less than about 2% by weight, alternatively less than about 1% by weight, alternatively less than about 0.1% by weight of laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives (or combinations thereof). Laundry actives may include detergent surfactants, detergent builders, bleaching agents, enzymes, polymers, chelating agents, softening agents, suds suppressors, foam boosters, brighteners, dye transfer inhibitors, and the like. It is particularly preferred that the perfume particles of the present invention are substantially free or essentially free of surfactants, because 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. It is understood that non-detergent levels of surfactants may be used to aid in solubilizing the perfume contained in the composition.More preferably, the perfume particles of the present invention are substantially free or essentially free of any detergent actives.

[0076] Depending on the application, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention may comprise a solvent selected from the group consisting of glycerin, polypropylene glycol, isopropyl myristate, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, and PEG having a weight average molecular weight of less than 2,000, and mixtures thereof.

[0077] The perfume-containing particles may further comprise an antioxidant. The antioxidant may help to promote color and / or odor stability of the particles over time between manufacture and use. The perfume-containing particles may comprise 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 an antioxidant. The antioxidant may be butylated hydroxytoluene.

[0078] Test methods and examples Test 1: Light transmittance Light transmittance can be used to test the transparency of a flexible package. The higher the transmittance, the more transparent it is. For example, the flexible package of the present invention exhibits a transmittance of more than 60%.

[0079] Test 2: Package Product Compatibility Test (PPCT) PPCT is a test to measure the stability of packaged products, and is performed by observing the packaging after storing the product at 40°C and 75% RH for three months.

[0080] Test 3: Plastic film stiffness test A plastic film stiffness test can be performed to test the bending stiffness of the package. For different films, an Instron is used to apply a compressive load to the arched film. The squeeze of different films is recorded to compare the stiffness performance. EXAMPLES

[0081] FIG. 1 shows an example of a flexible package in a folded state before being filled with perfume particles. The flexible package has a top end, a bottom end, a front wall, and a back wall, and the bottom end is foldable between the front wall and the back wall. The flexible package has a spout on one side of the top end. The front wall has two transparent space portions (labeled "A" in FIG. 1). The bottle shape of the package has a design printed on the front wall, and this area is not transparent.

[0082] Examples 1 and 2 are packaged products with perfume beads filled in an opaque pouch, the pouch having a size of 310 mm x 210 mm x 50 mm. Example 2 has 8 vent holes at the bottom end of the pouch, whereas Example 1 has no vent holes. The filled beads in Examples 1 and 2 are commercially available beads (Downy laundry scent beads).

[0083] Examples 3 and 4 are packaged products with perfume beads filled in a transparent pouch with a transparent area on the front wall as shown in Figure 1. The pouch size is 310mm x 210mm x 50mm. Example 4 of the present invention has 8 vent holes at the bottom end of the flexible package, while Example 3 has no vent holes. The filled beads in Examples 3 and 4 are commercially available beads (Downy laundry scent beads).

[0084] A panel of five people (ages 20-45) is asked to rate the four examples based on appearance and scent. Rating scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating higher levels of preference. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0085] [Table 1]

[0086] The results show that transparent packages with holes have the highest scores and are the most preferred, while opaque packages without holes have the lowest scores.

[0087] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, 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."

[0088] All documents 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, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that the document is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or that the document alone, or in any combination with any other reference, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this specification 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 specification shall control.

[0089] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. [1] A packaged laundry product comprising a flexible package and a plurality of perfume-containing particles contained in the flexible package, Each of the fragrance-containing particles is A carrier; A fragrance, each particle has a mass between 1 mg and 1 g; each said particle having a maximum dimension of less than 10 mm; the flexible package is made from a layered film material and has a top end, an opposing bottom end, and two peripheral walls extending between the top end and the bottom end; At least a portion or portions of the flexible package are transparent or translucent; 13. A packaged laundry product, wherein the bottom end of the flexible package comprises one or more holes. [2] 1. The packaged laundry product of claim 1, wherein the at least one portion or portions of the wall of the flexible package are transparent, preferably the transparent portion having a light transmittance of greater than 60%. [3] The packaged laundry product according to [1] or [2], wherein the transparent portion is present in the front wall of the flexible package, and the transparent portion occupies a range of 5% to 95% of the total area of ​​the front wall of the flexible package. [4] The packaged laundry product of any of [1] to [3], wherein each of the one or more holes has a maximum dimension of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, and more preferably less than 0.9 mm. [5] The packaged laundry product of any of [1] to [4], wherein the flexible package further comprises a rigid spout located at or near the top end of the flexible package, preferably having a diameter in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm, more preferably in the range of 21 mm to 28 mm, and preferably the rigid spout is further 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. [6] The packaged laundry product according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the flexible package has a laminated film structure including multiple layers selected from the group consisting of a nylon layer, a polyethylene layer such as linear low-density polyethylene (L-LDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a polyethylene terephthalate layer, a layer made of a plastic having an aluminum vapor-deposited layer formed thereon, an aluminum layer, and combinations thereof. [7] The packaged laundry product according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein 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. [8] Each of the particles is (a) 40% by weight to 90% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, the water-soluble carrier comprising a material selected from polyethylene glycol, polysaccharides, inorganic salts, and any combination thereof; (b) 2% by weight to 12% by weight of a free fragrance; (c) 2% to 20% by weight of friable fragrance microcapsules, the friable fragrance microcapsules comprising an encapsulated fragrance; and (d) 0% to 20% of one or more cleaning actives selected from the group consisting of surfactants, builders, bleach actives, enzymes, polymers, chelating agents, softeners, suds suppressors, foam boosters, whitening agents, dye transfer inhibitors, and any combination thereof. [9] 10. The packaged laundry product of claim 1, wherein each particle is characterized by: (1) a mass of from 2 mg to 500 mg, preferably from 5 mg to 300 mg; and / or (b) a maximum dimension in the range of from 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 9 mm, more preferably from 4 mm to 8 mm; and / or (c) a substantially flat base and a height measured perpendicular to the base, wherein the particles have a height distribution throughout, the height distribution having an average height of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm and a height standard deviation of less than about 0.3.

Claims

1. A packaged laundry product comprising a flexible package and a plurality of perfume-containing particles contained in the flexible package, Each of the fragrance-containing particles is A carrier; A fragrance, each said particle having a mass between 1 mg and 1 g; each said particle having a maximum dimension of less than 10 mm; the flexible package is made from a layered film material and has a top end, an opposing bottom end, and two peripheral walls extending between the top end and the bottom end; the flexible package comprising a rigid spout located at or near the top end of the flexible package and having a diameter in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm; the flexible package comprising a cap removably engaging the rigid spout with internal threads that engage corresponding external threads of the rigid spout to close an opening of the rigid spout; At least a portion or portions of the flexible package are transparent or translucent; A packaged laundry product, wherein the bottom end of the flexible package comprises one or more holes.

2. 10. The packaged laundry product of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion or portions of the wall of the flexible package are transparent, the transparent portion having a light transmission of greater than 60%.

3. 3. The packaged laundry product of claim 2, wherein the transparent portion is in a front wall of the flexible package, and the transparent portion occupies between 5% and 95% of the total area of ​​the front wall of the flexible package.

4. 3. The packaged laundry product of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the one or more holes has a maximum dimension of less than 2 mm.

5. 3. The packaged laundry product of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigid spout has a diameter in the range of 21 mm to 28 mm.

6. 3. The packaged laundry product of claim 1 or 2, wherein 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 linear low density polyethylene (L-LDPE) or low density polyethylene (LDPE), a polyethylene terephthalate layer, a layer made of a plastic having an aluminum vapor deposition layer formed thereon, an aluminum layer, and combinations thereof.

7. 3. The packaged laundry product of claim 1 or 2, 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.

8. Each of the particles is (a) 40% to 90% by weight of a water-soluble carrier, the water-soluble carrier comprising a material selected from polyethylene glycol, polysaccharides, inorganic salts, and any combination thereof; (b) 2% to 12% by weight of free flavor; (c) 2% to 20% by weight of friable perfume microcapsules, the friable perfume microcapsules comprising an encapsulated perfume; 3. The packaged laundry product of claim 1 or 2 comprising: (d) 0% to 20% of one or more cleaning actives selected from the group consisting of surfactants, builders, bleach actives, enzymes, polymers, chelating agents, softeners, suds suppressors, foam boosters, whitening agents, dye transfer inhibitors, and any combination thereof.

9. 3. The packaged laundry product of claim 1 or 2, wherein each particle is characterized by: (1) a mass of 2 mg to 500 mg; and / or (b) a maximum dimension in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm; and / or (c) a substantially flat base and a height measured perpendicular to the base, wherein the particles have a height distribution throughout, the height distribution having an average height of about 1 mm to about 5 mm and a height standard deviation of less than about 0.3.

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