Packaged Composition

Abstract

The perfume-containing particles are provided to delight consumers with an enhanced olfactory experience during and after the laundry process. Each such particle contains a perfume, polyethylene glycol, and water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles, the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles being characterized by a particle size of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaged composition comprising a plurality of perfume-containing particles. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Correspondingly, scented particles have become increasingly popular as laundry fragrance agents, and there are a variety of packaged compositions containing perfume-containing particles for treating laundry. The scented particles can be used to impart a new scent to the items being washed or to enhance an existing scent.

[0004] Most of these fragrance particles contain one or more perfume ingredients mixed with one or more carrier materials. The perfume ingredients can be selected from the group consisting of free perfume, encapsulated perfume, and combinations thereof. Some fragrance particles can contain perfume microcapsules that encapsulate perfume within the capsule wall. The perfume microcapsules can be incorporated or deposited on the articles to be washed. When a consumer wears or uses the washed articles, the perfume microcapsules can burst and release a desired amount of perfume, which brings pleasure to the consumer. The carrier material may be selected from the group consisting of polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and derivatives thereof), proteins (e.g., gelatin, albumin, casein, etc.), sugars (e.g., dextrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, isoglucose, sucrose, etc.), polysaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose, or derivatives thereof), water-soluble or water-dispersible fillers (e.g., sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate / bicarbonate, zeolites, silica, clay, etc.), and combinations thereof. Some fragrance particles contain only one type of carrier material, while others may contain a mixture of two or more different carrier materials.

[0005] A particularly preferred type of fragrance particle contains a mixture of a polymer (such as polyethylene glycol or polyvinyl acetate) with a water-soluble or water-dispersible filler (such as sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, etc.). Such fragrance particles are typically prepared by first Fragrance ingredients and Water-soluble or water-dispersible filler - grains These perfume-containing particles are typically made by forming a viscous slurry containing a molten polymer mixed with an ester, followed by forming the viscous slurry into solid particles of the desired shape upon cooling and / or drying. However, significant compositional variation has been observed in the perfume-containing particles formed by this process, which can result in poor product quality control, an inconsistent user experience, and consumer dissatisfaction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide fragrance particles that exhibit reduced compositional variation. It is further desirable to meet the above needs with little or no increase in capital investment, operational costs, and / or processing complexity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the uneven distribution and sedimentation of water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles in the molten polymer during the particle manufacturing process can cause or at least exacerbate the compositional variation observed in the thus formed fragrance particles.Therefore, the inventors of the present invention employ water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles characterized by a specific particle size distribution, which can significantly reduce the compositional variation of the resulting fragrance particles.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a packaged composition comprising a plurality of perfume-containing particles, wherein each of the perfume-containing particles comprises: Fragrance ingredients, Polyethylene glycol, Water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles, about 80% to about 100% by weight of said water-soluble or water dispersible the filler particles are water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles characterized by a particle size ranging from about 5 micrometers to about 150 micrometers, preferably from about 10 micrometers to about 125 micrometers, more preferably from about 10 micrometers to about 105 micrometers, and most preferably from about 10 micrometers to about 90 micrometers; At the same time, each such perfume-containing particle has a mass of from about 0.1 mg to about 5 g and a maximum dimension of from about 3 mm to about 10 mm.

[0009] The water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles preferably comprise a filler material selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolite, silica, clay, and combinations thereof, and the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles preferably comprise sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, and combinations thereof. Such water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles may be present in each perfume-containing particle in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 90%, preferably from about 10% to about 70%, and more preferably from about 20% to about 60%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0010] Each of the above-described perfume-containing particles may contain one or more perfume ingredients selected from the group consisting of free perfume, encapsulated perfume, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the perfume-containing particles contain one or more free perfumes, preferably present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 15%, and more preferably from about 1% to about 10%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle. Additionally, the perfume-containing particles may contain an encapsulated perfume, either alone or in combination with the free perfume. Preferably, the encapsulated perfume is present in friable perfume microcapsules, while the friable perfume microcapsules are preferably present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10%, and more preferably from about 1% to about 5%, based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

[0011] The polyethylene glycol used in the present invention may have a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of about 2,000 to about 30,000 daltons, preferably about 3,000 to about 20,000 daltons, and more preferably about 4,000 to about 15,000 daltons. Such polyethylene glycol may be present in each flavor-containing particle in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 90%, preferably from about 10% to about 70%, and more preferably from about 20% to about 60%, based on the total weight of each flavor-containing particle.

[0012] Each of the above-mentioned perfume-containing particles may have a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape.

[0013] In another aspect, the invention relates to a process for treating laundry comprising the step of loading into a washing machine or laundry tub about 13 g to about 27 g of the above-described packaged composition.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of making a perfume-containing particle, comprising: a. forming a viscous slurry by mixing a perfume ingredient, molten polyethylene glycol, water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles, and optionally one or more other ingredients, wherein the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are capable of passing through a sieve characterized by a mesh size of about 150 μm; b. forming perfume-containing particles from the viscous slurry, wherein each of the perfume-containing particles so formed has a mass of from about 0.1 mg to about 5 g and a maximum dimension of from about 3 mm to about 10 mm.

[0015] Preferably, the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles used in step (a) above are capable of passing through a second sieve characterized by a mesh size of about 125 μm, and more preferably, the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are capable of passing through a third sieve characterized by a mesh size of about 106 μm.

[0016] Additionally, the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles used in step (a) above are preferably unable to pass through a fourth sieve characterized by a mesh size of about 5 μm, and more preferably, such water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are unable to pass through a fifth sieve characterized by a mesh size of about 10 μm.

[0017] These and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from a reading of the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, including examples of specific embodiments intended to give a broad expression 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.

[0019] 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."

[0020] 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.

[0021] The term "perfume-containing particle" refers to a particle containing 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.

[0022] The term "aspect ratio" refers to the ratio of the longest dimension to the shortest dimension of a perfume-containing particle. For example, if such a perfume-containing particle has a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape, the aspect ratio is the ratio of the base diameter to the height of the perfume-containing particle.

[0023] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition contains less than about 1%, and preferably less than about 0.5%, of ingredients other than the listed ingredients.

[0024] 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 concentrations.

[0025] 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.

[0026] fragrance-containing particles The flavor-containing particles of the present invention may each have a longest dimension of about 3 mm to 10 mm, preferably about 4 mm to about 9 mm, and more preferably about 5 mm to about 8 mm. Preferably, each such flavor-containing particle may have an aspect ratio of about 5 or less, for example, about 1 to about 5, preferably about 1.5 to about 4, and more preferably about 2 to about 4.

[0027] The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may have any shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, cylindrical, disk, circular, bean-shaped, ellipsoid, cubic, rectangular, star-shaped, flower-shaped, and any combination thereof. A bean-shaped particle refers to the shape of a lentil. A compressed hemispherical particle refers to a shape corresponding to an at least partially flattened hemisphere such that the curvature of the surface is, on average, less than that of a hemisphere having the same radius. Compressed hemispherical particles may have an aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of their base diameter to their 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. An ellipsoid-shaped particle refers to a particle having a maximum dimension and a secondary dimension perpendicular to the maximum dimension, wherein 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.

[0028] Preferably, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention have a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape.

[0029] Each fragrance-containing particle is approximately 0.003 cm 3 ~about 0.15cm 3 Additionally, the individual perfume-containing particles of the present invention may each have a mass of from about 0.1 mg to about 5 g, preferably from about 1 mg to about 1 g, more preferably from about 5 mg to about 500 mg, even more preferably from about 10 mg to about 250 mg, and even more preferably from about 15 mg to about 125 mg, as well as alternative combinations thereof and any integer or range of integers in the foregoing ranges.

[0030] 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 of about 0.5 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.98g / cm 3 , preferably about 0.7 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.95g / cm 3 , more preferably about 0.8 g / cm 3 ~Approx. 0.9g / cm 3 The density may range from 0.01 to 0.01.

[0031] The plurality of perfume-containing particles of the present invention can have different shapes, sizes, masses, and / or densities.

[0032] Each such perfume-containing particle may comprise a perfume ingredient, polyethylene glycol, water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles characterized by a particular particle size distribution, and, optionally, one or more auxiliary ingredients as described in detail below.

[0033] 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, pre-fragrance, encapsulated fragrance (including fragrance microcapsules), etc.

[0034] In one embodiment, the perfume-containing particles comprise free perfume and are substantially or essentially free of encapsulated perfume. In such an 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.

[0035] In another embodiment, each perfume-containing particle comprises an encapsulated perfume (i.e., perfume supported by a carrier material such as starch, cyclodextrin, silica, zeolite, or clay, or perfume in the form of perfume microcapsules), but is substantially or essentially free of free perfume. Preferably, the perfume-containing particle comprises a perfume encapsulated in a perfume microcapsule (PMC), which is preferably friable (e.g., verses moisture-activated PMC), but may be moisture-activated. For purposes of the present invention, the term "perfume microcapsule" or "PMC" describes both perfume microcapsules and perfume nanocapsules. In such embodiments, each perfume-containing particle may each comprise from about 0.1% to about 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%, or combinations thereof, of perfume microcapsules (preferably friable perfume microcapsules) by weight of the particle.

[0036] 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, and further alternatively from about 1:3 to about 3:1. In another embodiment, the perfume-containing particle may comprise 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 any combination thereof, of PMC 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 matched 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 multiple perfume-containing particles with the scent of APRIL FRESH, thereby matching the scent experience of washing laundry with the scent experience obtained by using APRIL FRESH. The perfume-containing particles of the present invention may be sold as a product array (with laundry detergent and / or fabric softener) with a matched scent.

[0039] Polyethylene glycol The perfume-containing particles of the present invention further comprise a water-soluble polymer, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG).PEG is relatively low-cost, can be formed into many different shapes and sizes, minimizes the diffusion of free perfume, and is highly soluble in water.As used herein, the term "polyethylene glycol" or "PEG" includes homopolymers containing ethylene oxide repeat units, random copolymers containing ethylene oxide and propylene oxide repeat units, block copolymers containing polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide blocks, and combinations thereof.

[0040] Preferably, each of the perfume-containing particles 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, and 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.

[0041] Suitable PEGs include homopolymers commercially available from BASF under the trade name Pluriol® E 8000.

[0042] Particularly preferred PEGs within the meaning 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.

[0043] Preferably, the copolymer comprises 10% to 90%, preferably 15% to 50%, and most preferably 15% to 25% of the copolymer as a composite ethylene oxide block. Most preferably, the total ethylene oxide content is divided equally between the two ethylene oxide blocks. By equally divided in this context, we mean that each ethylene oxide block contains, 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 percentages of both ethylene oxide blocks adding up to 100%. Some ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EOx1POyEOx2) triblock copolymers improve cleaning.

[0044] Suitable ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymers are commercially available from BASF as the Pluronic series or from Dow Chemical as the Tergitol L series. A particularly suitable material is Pluronic® PE 9200. Other suitable materials include Pluronic® F38, F68, and F108.

[0045] Water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles In addition to the perfume ingredients and PEG described above, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention further comprise a water-soluble or water-dispersible filler material in the form of fine particles.

[0046] The filler material may be or may include a water-soluble substance 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.

[0047] The alkali metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, lithium salts, sodium salts, and potassium salts, and any combination thereof. Useful alkali metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, alkali metal fluorides, alkali metal chlorides, alkali metal bromides, alkali metal iodides, alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal bisulfates, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal monohydrogen phosphates, alkali metal dihydrogen phosphates, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal monohydrogen carbonates, alkali metal acetates, alkali metal citrates, alkali metal lactates, alkali metal pyruvates, alkali metal silicates, alkali metal ascorbates, and combinations thereof. Preferred alkali metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium phosphate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, sodium tartrate, sodium silicate, sodium ascorbate, potassium fluoride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium carbonate, potassium monohydrogen carbonate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium lactate, potassium tartrate, potassium silicate, potassium, ascorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0048] The alkaline earth metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal fluorides, alkaline earth metal chlorides, alkaline earth metal bromides, alkaline earth metal iodides, alkaline earth metal sulfates, alkaline earth metal bisulfates, alkaline earth metal phosphates, alkaline earth metal monohydrogen phosphates, alkaline earth metal dihydrogen phosphates, alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal monohydrogen carbonates, alkaline earth metal acetates, alkaline earth metal citrates, alkaline earth metal lactates, alkaline earth metal pyruvates, alkaline earth metal silicates, alkaline earth metal ascorbates, and combinations thereof. Preferred alkaline earth metal salts may be selected from the group consisting of magnesium salts, calcium salts, and the like and combinations thereof, including, for example, magnesium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium monohydrogen phosphate, magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium monohydrogen carbonate, magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium silicate, magnesium ascorbate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, calcium monohydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium monohydrogen carbonate, calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium tartrate, calcium silicate, calcium ascorbate, and combinations thereof.

[0049] The filler material may also be a water-dispersible material selected from the group consisting of starch (including modified starch), cellulose (including modified cellulose), zeolite, silica, clay, and combinations thereof.

[0050] Particularly preferred filler materials for the practice of the present invention include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium bicarbonate, zeolites, silica, clays, and combinations thereof. The most preferred filler materials are sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, or combinations thereof.

[0051] The water-soluble or water-dispersible filler material is present in the perfume-containing particles in the form of fine particles, i.e., as discrete particles with a specific particle size distribution. Such a specific particle size distribution is particularly effective in reducing the compositional variation of the perfume-containing particles between batches. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles may not dissolve in the molten polymer blend during the perfume particle manufacturing process, so that such filler particles settle to the bottom of the mixing tank, thereby causing compositional variation of the perfume particles thus formed. One way to alleviate this problem is to provide constant and increased stirring in the mixing tank to reduce settling, but this approach significantly increases capital investment, operating costs, and processing complexity. The inventors of the present invention have discovered that by using filler particles with a primary particle size of 150 micrometers or less, the compositional variation of such perfume particles can be significantly reduced (compared to the use of filler particles with a primary particle size of more than 150 micrometers) without the need for constant and increased stirring in the mixing tank. Thus, the present invention effectively solves or reduces settling problems with little or no increase in capital investment, operational costs, and / or processing complexity.

[0052] Specifically, about 80% to 100% by weight of such discrete particles, preferably about 85% to 100% by weight, more preferably about 90% to 100% by weight, even more preferably about 95% to 100% by weight, even more preferably about 98% to 100% by weight, and most preferably about 99% to 100% by weight, have a particle size of 150 micrometers or less. Preferably, about 80% to 100% by weight of such discrete particles have a particle size of about 5 micrometers to about 150 micrometers, preferably about 10 micrometers to about 125 micrometers, more preferably about 10 micrometers to about 105 micrometers, and most preferably about 10 micrometers to about 90 micrometers. The particle size of the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles in the perfume-containing particles can be easily determined by a micro-CT test described in Test Method 1 below.

[0053] Preferably, each of the perfume-containing particles 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 water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles.

[0054] Optional / auxiliary 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.

[0055] 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 those 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 (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.

[0056] 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, one 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%, alternatively less than about 2%, alternatively less than about 1%, or alternatively less than about 0.1% laundry actives and / or fabric softener actives (or combinations thereof) by weight of the perfume-containing particle. Laundry actives may include detergent surfactants, detergent builders, bleaches, enzymes, mixtures thereof, and the like. It is particularly preferred that the perfume particles of the present invention be substantially or essentially free of surfactants, since the presence of such surfactants can 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 help solubilize the perfume contained in the composition. More preferably, the perfume particles of the present invention are substantially free or essentially free of any cleaning actives.

[0057] 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 2000, and mixtures thereof.

[0058] The perfume-containing particles may further contain an antioxidant. The antioxidant may help to improve the color or odor stability of the particles from the time of production to the time of use. The perfume-containing particles may contain about 0.001% to about 2% by weight of such an antioxidant, preferably 0.01% to about 1% by weight, and more preferably about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight. The antioxidant may be butylated hydroxytoluene.

[0059] Method for producing fragrance-containing particles The flavor-containing particles of the present invention can be formed by methods known in the art for producing pastilles. The flavor-containing particles of the present invention can be prepared in either batch or continuous mode. In batch mode, molten PEG is charged into a temperature-controlled mixing vessel. The flavor ingredients (e.g., free flavor and / or PMC), water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles (e.g., sodium chloride particles, sodium sulfate particles, sodium carbonate particles, etc.), and optional ingredients (dyes, pigments, solvents, etc.) are then added and mixed with the molten PEG until homogeneous. In continuous mode, the molten PEG is mixed with the flavor ingredients, filler particles, and optional ingredients in an in-line mixer, such as a static mixer or a high-shear mixer, and the resulting homogeneous mixture is then used to form the pastille. The flavor ingredients, filler particles, and optional ingredients can be added to the molten PEG in any order or simultaneously in a step prior to forming the pastille.

[0060] The flavor-containing particles may be manufactured by a pastry tablet forming process. The desired composition containing the above-mentioned molten PEG, flavor component, filler particles, and optional ingredients is provided as a viscous slurry. The viscous slurry may be provided at a processing temperature that is less than about 20 degrees Celsius higher than the onset of the solidification temperature of the PEG material as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. In one embodiment, the PMC can be added to the molten PEG and free flavor as a slurry to form a viscous slurry. The PMC can also be added to the molten PEG and free flavor as a powder to form a viscous slurry.

[0061] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gas or gas generating component may be added to the viscous slurry to form an aerated viscous slurry.

[0062] The aerated or non-aerated viscous slurry can then be formed into flavor-containing particles (particularly in the form of pastilles) using a ROTOFORMER available from Sandvik Materials Technology. Specifically, the viscous slurry can be dispensed into a stator through a feed tube. A cylinder is provided for rotation around the stator along the longitudinal axis L of the cylinder, the cylinder having a periphery with a plurality of openings disposed around the periphery. The viscous slurry is then passed through the openings of the cylinder onto a moving conveyor below the cylinder to form droplets of the viscous slurry. These droplets of the viscous slurry are cooled below the glass transition temperature of the PEG material on the moving conveyor, thereby forming a plurality of pastilles having a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape (depending on the viscosity of the slurry). This method can be performed using any of the devices disclosed herein.

[0063] To control the particle size distribution of the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles added to the molten PEG to reduce compositional variation in the perfume particles so formed, the present invention can either select filler particles that already have the desired particle size distribution as described above, or treat the filler particles (e.g., by grinding and sieving) to achieve the desired particle size distribution.

[0064] For example, larger water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles can be crushed and / or sieved to provide smaller particle size filler particles. The following sieves can be readily used for such purposes: Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 100 (with a mesh size of 150 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 115 (with mesh size 125 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 150 (with a mesh size of 106 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 170 (with a mesh size of 90 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 200 (with mesh size 75 micrometers)

[0065] Additionally, the smaller water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles can be sieved to provide the desired particle size distribution. The following sieves can be readily used for such purposes: Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 325 (with a mesh size of 45 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 400 (with a mesh size of 38 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 625 (with mesh size 20 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 800 (with a mesh size of 15 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 1250 (with a mesh size of 10 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 2500 (with a mesh size of 5 micrometers)

[0066] For example, a raw material containing water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles can be first sieved, either ground or not, through a sieve, i.e., sieve #100 standard Tyler mesh having a mesh size of 150 micrometers. Correspondingly, all filler particles passing through this first sieve will have a particle size of about 150 micrometers or less. Alternatively, the filler particle raw material can be sieved through sieve #115 standard Tyler mesh having a mesh size of 125 micrometers, so that all filler particles passing through this sieve will have a particle size of about 125 micrometers or less. Alternatively, the filler particle raw material can be sieved through sieve #150 standard Tyler mesh having a mesh size of 106 micrometers, so that all filler particles passing through this sieve will have a particle size of about 106 micrometers or less.

[0067] Furthermore, the filler particle raw material can be further sieved through a sieve #standard Tyler mesh 2500 having a mesh size of 5 micrometers. Since all particles passing through this sieve will have a particle size of about 5 micrometers or less, the passing particles can be removed, and the non-passing particles can ensure that the filler particles used have a primary particle size of at least 5 micrometers. Similarly, the filler particle raw material can be further sieved through a sieve #standard Tyler mesh 1250 having a mesh size of 10 micrometers, and the passing particles can be removed, ensuring that the retained particles (i.e., the non-passing particles) have a primary particle size of at least 10 micrometers.

[0068] Packaged Composition A unit dose or a plurality of such unit doses of the perfume-containing particles thus formed may be contained in a package to form a packaged composition. The package may be a bottle, a bag, or other container. In one embodiment, the package is a bottle, preferably a PET bottle containing a translucent portion to reveal the perfume-containing particles to a viewing consumer. In one embodiment, the package contains a single unit dose (e.g., a trial-size sachet) or a plurality of unit doses (e.g., about 15 unit doses to about 30 unit doses).

[0069] Administration A plurality of perfume-containing particles may collectively comprise a unit dose for dispensing into a washing machine or laundry basin. A single unit dose of perfume tablet may comprise from about 13 g to about 27 g, alternatively from about 14 g to about 20 g, alternatively from about 15 g to about 19 g, alternatively from about 16 g to about 18 g, or a combination thereof.

[0070] The aforementioned packages may include a dosing means for dispensing the perfume-containing particles from the package into a washing machine (or laundry tub for hand-washing applications). A user may use the dosing means to measure out a recommended unit dose, or may simply use the dosing means to measure out the perfume-containing particles according to the user's unique scent preference. Examples of dosing means may be a dispensing cap, dome, or the like operatively attached to the package. The dosing means may be releasably detachable from the package and reattachable to the package, such as a cup attachable to the package. The dosing means may be connected (e.g., by a hinge or string) to the remaining (or alternatively unattached) portion of the package. The dosing means may have one or more boundaries (e.g., a fill line) to indicate a recommended unit dose. The packaging may include instructions instructing the user to open a removable opening in the package and dispense (e.g., pour) the perfume-containing particles contained within the package into the dosing means. The user may then be instructed to dispense the perfume-containing particles in the dosing means into the washing machine or laundry tub. The perfume-containing particles of the present invention can be used to add a clean feeling to laundry.The package containing the dispensing means may be made of plastic.

[0071] In one embodiment, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention can be administered to a laundry machine used during the "wash cycle" of the washing machine (although a "rinse cycle" may also be used). In another embodiment, the perfume-containing particles of the present invention are administered to a laundry basin during washing and / or rinsing of the laundry. For laundry hand rinse applications, the perfume-containing particles may further comprise an "anti-foaming agent," such as those available from Wacker.

[0072] Test Method Test Method 1: Micro-CT Test for Measuring the Particle Size of Water-Soluble or Water-Dispersible Filler Particles in Perfume-Containing Particles X-ray micro-CT is used to acquire and analyze images of water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles in a sample for particle size measurement according to the present invention.

[0073] A 10 mm diameter punch is used to physically extract a representative area of ​​the sample. The punched sample (approximately 10 mm in diameter) is then mounted on a sample holder. The sample holder is then placed in an X-ray scanner, such as a GE Phoenix v|tome|xm (GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH, Niels-Bohr-Str. 7 31515 Wunstorf, Germany). The scanning parameters used are: microtube, voltage: 180 kV, current: 120 μA, tube mode: 1, timing: 1000 ms, averaging: 2, skip frame: 1, number of images: 1500. The resulting dataset is 2014 x 2014 x 2014 voxels with attenuation values ​​expressed as 16-bit integers. Each voxel has a diameter of 7 micrometers.

[0074] To measure the particle size distribution in a sample, the following steps can be performed. 1. An automatic thresholding algorithm (the Otsu method, a well-known thresholding method implemented in Matlab; see "A Threshold Selection Method from Gray-Level Histograms", Nobuyuki Otsu, 2EEE Transactions on Systems Man, and Cybernetics, VOL. SMC-9, NO. 1, January 1979) is applied to each of the datasets, resulting in labeled images representing particles (gray level 2), matrix (gray level 1), and voids (gray level 0). 2. The labeled image dataset is imported into Fiji (v1.51u) followed by a further thresholding step where particles are set to grey level 255 and the rest are set to grey level 0. 3. Next, we use a built-in Fiji plugin called "3D watershed segmentation" to separate particles next to each other and give each particle a unique ID in 3D space (see J. Ollion, J. Cochennec, F. Loll, C. Escude, T. Boudier. (2013) TANGO: "A Generic Tool for High-throughput 3D Image Analysis for Studying Nuclear Organization", Bioinformatics 2013 Jul 15;29(14):1840-1). 4. The calculated "3D watershed segmentation" dataset was imported into the Fiji plugin "3D Manager" to measure the minimum distance from the center to the surface (DCmin). Distances from the center to the surface (DCmin) of less than 1 voxel were removed as noise. The minimum diameter (Dmin) was calculated as Dmin = DCmin. * 2 and recorded as the size of each particle. [Example]

[0075] Example 1: Comparative study demonstrating the effect of NaCl filler particle size on batch-to-batch compositional variation of perfume-containing beads First, PEG4000 raw material (from Jiangsu Hai'an PetroChemical Plant) is heated overnight in an oven at 75°C to form a molten PEG slurry. NaCl particles (from Guangzhou Shengxin Chemical Technology) are ground using a grinder (Fritsch Pulverisette 14) at a 45% filling rate, an RPM of approximately 6000 rpm, and a mesh size of approximately 0.5 mm. The ground NaCl particles are then sieved through three sieves: Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 325 (with a mesh size of 45 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 150 (with a mesh size of 106 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 100 (with a mesh size of 150 micrometers)

[0076] As a result, the crushed NaCl particles are separated into three parts as follows: Part 1: having a particle size of more than 150 micrometers (probably 150-250 micrometers), Part 2: having a particle size of 106 to 150 micrometers, and Part 3: Has a particle size of 45 to 106 micrometers.

[0077] Suitable amounts of each of the molten PEG slurry, sieved NaCl particles, perfume microcapsules, and free perfume are measured and mixed to form each perfume-containing composition with specific composition breakdowns as shown in the table below.

[0078] [Table 1]

[0079] Each separate sieved portion of NaCl particles is placed in a clean beaker equipped with a stirrer and heated in an oven at 75°C for approximately 1 hour, followed by the addition of the appropriate amounts of molten PEG slurry, perfume microcapsules, and free perfume as described above. Weighing is performed within 2 minutes to avoid solidification of the raw materials.

[0080] The mixture is mixed by hand for approximately 2 minutes to form a viscous, homogeneous slurry (this can also be done with a motor-driven stirrer), while the beaker is placed on a heater to maintain the mixture at a temperature of approximately 75°C.

[0081] The viscous slurry is then poured into a mold containing a bead-shaped cavity as follows approximately 30 seconds after the mixing process is completed. · First, pour 1 / 3 of the viscous slurry from the heated beaker into the first mold (this first batch represents the top layer of the slurry); · Then pour another 1 / 3 of the viscous slurry from the warmed beaker into the second mold (this second batch represents the middle layer of the slurry); Finally, pour the final third of the viscous slurry from the heated beaker into a third mold (this third batch represents the bottom layer of the slurry).

[0082] The interval between each injection should not be longer than 5 seconds. The viscous slurry cools to ambient temperature in the corresponding mold, thereby forming solidified, bead-shaped perfume-containing particles.

[0083] Each batch of perfume-containing particles thus formed is then weighed to obtain a sample of 1.5 g (+ / - 0.0002 g), which is then dissolved in a 1000 mL flask filled with deionized water. The solution is stirred for about 60 minutes to ensure complete dissolution of the sample perfume-containing particles.

[0084] Using a pipette, approximately 10 mL of the solution is taken and diluted to 100 mL with deionized water. Then, using a syringe with a 0.45 μm nylon syringe filter, approximately 1 mL of the diluted solution is taken and placed in a glass vial for measuring the respective concentrations of NaCl in the diluted solution through ion chromatography analysis using a DIONEX ICS3000 DP / DC / AS with a conductivity detector.

[0085] Three samples are taken from each batch of perfume-containing particles to measure the NaCl concentration in the sample. Below are the resulting NaCl concentrations measured from perfume-containing particles made with different batches (i.e., top layer / middle layer / bottom layer) of different viscous slurries containing NaCl filler particles of different sizes (i.e., 45-106 / 106-150 / 150+ micrometers).

[0086] [Table 2]

[0087] It can be seen from the above data that when the NaCl particle size is 150 microns or less, the overall compositional variation (as indicated by the overall % RSD of NaCl concentration across batches) is significantly reduced.

[0088] Example 2: Comparative study showing the effect of NaSO filler particle size on batch-to-batch compositional variation of perfume-containing beads First, PEG4000 raw material (from Jiangsu Hai'an Petrochemical Plant) is heated overnight in an oven at 75°C to form a molten PEG slurry. Na2SO4 particles (from Hongya Qingyijiang Chemical Industry) are ground using a grinder (Fritsch Pulverisette 14) at a 45% filling rate, an RPM of approximately 6000 rpm, and a mesh size of approximately 0.5 mm. The ground Na2SO4 particles are then sieved through the following three sieves: Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 325 (with a mesh size of 45 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 150 (with a mesh size of 106 micrometers) Sieve # Standard Tyler mesh 100 (with a mesh size of 150 micrometers)

[0089] As a result, the ground Na2SO4 particles are separated into three parts as follows: Part 1: having a particle size of more than 150 micrometers (probably 150-250 micrometers), Part 2: having a particle size of 106 to 150 micrometers, and Part 3: Has a particle size of 45 to 106 micrometers.

[0090] Suitable amounts of each of the molten PEG slurry, sieved NaSO particles, perfume microcapsules, and free perfume are measured and mixed to form each perfume-containing composition with specific composition breakdowns as shown in the table below.

[0091] [Table 3]

[0092] Each separate sieved portion of NaSO filler particles is placed in a clean beaker equipped with a stirrer and heated in an oven at 75°C for about 1 hour, followed by adding the appropriate amounts of molten PEG slurry, perfume microcapsules, and free perfume as described above. Weighing is performed within 2 minutes to avoid solidification of the raw materials.

[0093] The mixture is mixed by hand for approximately 2 minutes to form a viscous, homogeneous slurry (this can also be done with a motor-driven stirrer), while the beaker is placed on a heater to maintain the mixture at a temperature of approximately 75°C.

[0094] The viscous slurry is then poured into a mold containing a bead-shaped cavity as follows approximately 30 seconds after the mixing process is completed. · First, pour 1 / 3 of the viscous slurry from the heated beaker into the first mold (this first batch represents the top layer of the slurry); · Then pour another 1 / 3 of the viscous slurry from the warmed beaker into the second mold (this second batch represents the middle layer of the slurry); Finally, pour the final third of the viscous slurry from the heated beaker into a third mold (this third batch represents the bottom layer of the slurry).

[0095] The interval between each injection should not be longer than 5 seconds. The viscous slurry cools to ambient temperature in the corresponding mold, thereby forming solidified, bead-shaped perfume-containing particles.

[0096] Each batch of perfume-containing particles thus formed is then weighed to obtain a sample of 1.5 g (+ / - 0.0002 g), which is then dissolved in a 1000 mL flask filled with deionized water. The solution is stirred for about 60 minutes to ensure complete dissolution of the sample perfume-containing particles.

[0097] Using a pipette, approximately 10 mL of the solution is taken and diluted to 100 mL with deionized water. Then, using a syringe with a 0.45 μm nylon syringe filter, approximately 1 mL of the diluted solution is taken and placed in a glass vial for measuring the concentration of NaSO in the diluted solution through ion chromatography analysis using a DIONEX ICS3000 DP / DC / AS with a conductivity detector.

[0098] Three samples are taken from each batch of perfume-containing particles to measure the Na2SO4 concentration in the samples. Below are the resulting Na2SO4 concentrations measured from perfume-containing particles made with different batches (i.e., top layer / middle layer / bottom layer) of different viscous slurries containing Na2SO4 filler particles of different sizes (i.e., 45-106 / 106-150 / 150+ micrometers).

[0099] [Table 4]

[0100] It can be seen from the above data that when the Na2SO4 particle size is 150 micrometers or less, the overall compositional variation (as indicated by the overall % RSD of Na2SO4 concentration across batches) is significantly reduced.

[0101] All documents cited in this application, including any cross-referenced or related patents or patent 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 stated to the contrary. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or to teach, suggest, or disclose such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference(s). Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

[0102] 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 to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. 1. A packaged composition comprising a plurality of perfume-containing particles, each of said perfume-containing particles comprising: 0.1% to 20% of a fragrance component based on the total weight of each fragrance-containing particle; 5% to 90% polyethylene glycol based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle; and 5% to 90% water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle; 80% to 100% by weight of said water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are characterized by a particle size ranging from 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers; the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles comprise a filler material selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and combinations thereof; A packaged composition wherein each of said perfume-containing particles has a mass of 0.1 mg to 5 g and a maximum dimension of 3 mm to 10 mm.

2. 10. The packaged composition of claim 1, wherein 80% to 100% by weight of the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are characterized by a particle size ranging from 10 micrometers to 125 micrometers.

3. 3. The packaged composition of claim 1, wherein the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are present in each perfume-containing particle in an amount ranging from 10% to 70% based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

4. 4. The packaged composition of claim 1, wherein each of the perfume-containing particles comprises one or more free perfumes present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 20% based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

5. 5. The packaged composition of claim 1, wherein each of the perfume-containing particles comprises an encapsulated perfume present in friable perfume microcapsules, the friable perfume microcapsules being present in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 20% based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

6. 6. The packaged composition of claim 1, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 2,000 to 30,000 Daltons, and the polyethylene glycol is present in each perfume-containing particle in an amount ranging from 10% to 70% based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

7. 7. The packaged composition of claim 1, wherein each of the perfume-containing particles comprises one or more other ingredients selected from the group consisting of colorants, solvents, softening actives, and combinations thereof, wherein the one or more ingredients are present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 10% based on the total weight of each perfume-containing particle.

8. 8. The packaged composition of claim 1, wherein each of the perfume-containing particles has a hemispherical or compressed hemispherical shape.

9. A process for treating laundry comprising the step of adding to a washing machine or laundry tub 13 g to 27 g of a packaged composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for producing the flavor-containing particles of claim 1, comprising: a. forming a viscous slurry by mixing a perfume ingredient, molten polyethylene glycol, water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles, and optionally one or more other ingredients, wherein the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are capable of passing through a sieve characterized by a mesh size of 150 μm; b. forming perfume-containing particles from said viscous slurry, wherein each of said perfume-containing particles so formed has a mass of between 0.1 mg and 5 g and a maximum dimension of between 3 mm and 10 mm.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are capable of passing through a second sieve characterized by a mesh size of 125 μm and the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are capable of passing through a third sieve characterized by a mesh size of 106 μm.

12. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are unable to pass through a fourth sieve characterized by a mesh size of 5 μm, and the water-soluble or water-dispersible filler particles are unable to pass through a fifth sieve characterized by a mesh size of 10 μm.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the one or more other ingredients are selected from the group consisting of colorants, solvents, softening actives, and combinations thereof.

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