All-in-one laundry detergent article

Abstract

To provide a sheet-shaped laundry detergent article capable of freely incorporating a fabric hue agent without imparting an adverse effect to appearance, and with almost no stain of a treated fabric.SOLUTION: An integrated laundry detergent structure comprising two or more non-fibrous sheets and at least one fabric hue dye placed between the non-fibrous sheets, the structure being water-soluble, each of the non-fibrous sheets comprising at least one film-forming agent and a first surfactant, each of the non-fibrous sheets having a thickness of 0.1 mm-10 mm, a length to thickness aspect ratio of at least 5:1, and a width to thickness aspect ratio of at least 5:1, and each of the non-fibrous sheets including, relative to a total amount of each non-fibrous sheet, 20 wt.% to 90 wt.% of a first surfactant selected from C6-C20 linear alkyl benzenesulfonate, C6-C20 linear or branched alkyl sulphate, and a combination thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an all-in-one laundry detergent article that is water-soluble. [Background technology]

[0002] Completely or substantially water-soluble sheet laundry detergent articles are known in the art. They are easier to handle than both powder and liquid laundry detergents. In contrast to powder laundry detergents, which can easily spill during use or absorb moisture from the ambient air and form clumps (i.e., solidify), these laundry detergent sheets have an integrated or monolithic structure that significantly reduces the risk of spillage or solidification. Unlike liquid laundry detergents, these laundry detergent sheets contain little or no water. As a result, the sheets are extremely concentrated, posing little or no risk of leakage and making transportation and handling much easier. Furthermore, they are chemically and physically stable during shipping and storage, and have a significantly smaller physical and environmental footprint. In recent years, these sheet laundry detergent articles have made significant advances in various aspects, such as increasing surfactant content by using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the primary film-forming agent and improving processing efficiency by using a rotary drum drying process. Therefore, such articles have become increasingly commercially available and popular among consumers.

[0003] It is also known to incorporate tinting or hueing agents into conventional powder and liquid laundry detergent compositions to improve the aesthetic appearance of treated fabrics. Such fabric hueing agents impart a slightly colored hue or tint, such as a green, blue, or purple hue, to the treated fabric, which can effectively increase the apparent whiteness of such treated fabrics, making them more aesthetically pleasing to the consumer's eye than fabrics lacking such a hue.

[0004] However, incorporating fabric hueing agents into novel sheet laundry detergent articles can present certain unique aesthetic and technical challenges. For example, most currently commercially available sheet laundry detergent products incorporate fabric hueing agents uniformly throughout, inevitably imparting the resulting product with the green, blue, or purple color characteristic of the incorporated fabric hueing agent. When the amount of incorporated fabric hueing agent reaches a certain level, the product color may become too dark for consumer preferences, particularly for Asian consumers, who may perceive dark-colored detergent products as containing more chemicals and thus as more unnatural or harsh and unpleasant in color. Furthermore, because fabric hueing agents can cause undesirable staining (also known as "mottle") on treated fabrics, it is also necessary to limit and carefully control the total amount of such fabric hueing agents incorporated into sheet laundry detergent products. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a sheet laundry detergent article that can freely incorporate fabric hueing agents in an amount sufficient to effectively improve the aesthetic appearance of treated fabrics, but without the above-mentioned adverse effects on the overall appearance of the sheet laundry detergent product and / or with little or no staining / spotting on the treated fabrics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a water-soluble, all-in-one laundry detergent article containing at least one fabric hueing agent sandwiched between two or more surfactant-containing non-fibrous sheets. Such an all-in-one laundry detergent article allows for the incorporation of more fabric hueing agents with little or no adverse effect on the overall appearance of the product. Furthermore, when the fabric hueing agent is sandwiched between surfactant-containing non-fibrous sheets, fabric staining or spotting is surprisingly and unexpectedly reduced compared to when the fabric hueing agent is not so sandwiched.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a one-piece laundry detergent structure comprising two or more non-fibrous sheets and at least one fabric hueing agent disposed between the two or more non-fibrous sheets, wherein the one-piece laundry detergent structure is water-soluble and each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets comprises at least one film-forming agent and a first surfactant. Preferably, each of the non-fibrous sheets has a thickness ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm, a length-to-thickness aspect ratio of at least about 5:1, and a width-to-thickness aspect ratio of at least about 5:1.

[0008] The fabric hueing agent can be present in any form or structure, as long as it is located between two or more surfactant-containing non-fibrous sheets. For example, the fabric hueing agent can be applied directly to one or more inner surfaces of two or more non-fibrous sheets. In another example, it can be present in (a) a water-soluble fibrous structure disposed between such two or more non-fibrous sheets, (b) a water-soluble non-fibrous sheet structure disposed between such two or more non-fibrous sheets, (c) a water-soluble paste-like structure disposed between such two or more non-fibrous sheets, (d) discrete water-soluble particles disposed between such two or more non-fibrous sheets, or (e) a combination thereof.

[0009] Preferably, but not necessarily, the fabric hueing agent is present in a water-soluble fibrous structure disposed between two or more non-fibrous sheets, the water-soluble fibrous structure comprising a plurality of fibrous elements, each of which comprises from about 0.01% to about 30%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 20%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 15%, and most preferably from about 0.5% to about 10% of the fabric hueing agent based on the total dry weight of each such fibrous element. Each of the fibrous elements may further comprise from about 10% to about 90%, preferably from about 20% to about 80%, and more preferably from about 30% to about 70% of a filament-forming material. Exemplary filament-forming materials may be selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, starch, cellulosic polymers, polyethylene oxide, and combinations thereof.

[0010] The fabric hueing agent of the present invention can be selected from the group consisting of dyes, dye-clay complexes, organic pigments, inorganic pigments, optical brighteners, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the fabric hueing agent is a fabric hue dye. Exemplary fabric hue dyes can include, but are not limited to, direct dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, solvent dyes, disperse dyes, and combinations thereof.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric hueing agent has the following chemical structure: (a)

[0012] [ka] wherein the values ​​of the subscripts x and y are independently selected from 1 to 10; or (b)

[0013] [ka] wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkyleneoxy, alkyl-capped alkyleneoxy, urea, and amide; R3 is a substituted aryl group; and X is a substituent comprising a sulfonamide moiety and optionally an alkyl and / or aryl moiety, wherein the substituent is composed of at least one alkyleneoxy chain comprising an average molar distribution of at least four alkyleneoxy moieties.

[0014] Alternatively, the fabric hueing agent may be an optical brightener. Exemplary optical brighteners may include, but are not limited to, diaminostilbene, distyrylbiphenyl, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the optical brightener is selected from the group consisting of: (1) disodium 4,4′-bis{[4-anilino-6-morpholino-s-triazin-2-yl]-amino}-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate; (2) disodium 4,4″-bis[(4,6-di-anilino-s-triazin-2-yl)-amino]-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate, (3) disodium 4,4′-bis{[4-anilino-6-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-s-triazin-2-yl]-amino}-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate, (4) disodium 2,2′-([1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diyldi-2,1-ethanediyl)bis-benzenesulfonate, and (5) combinations thereof. More preferably, the optical brightener is disodium 2,2'-([1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diyldi-2,1-ethanediyl)bis-benzenesulfonate.

[0015] Preferably, each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets contains (1) about 5% to about 90% by weight, preferably about 20% to about 90%, more preferably about 30% to about 90%, and most preferably about 50% to about 90% of the first surfactant, based on the total weight of each non-fibrous sheet, and (2) about 1% to about 70%, preferably about 2% to about 60%, more preferably about 5% to about 50%, and most preferably about 10% to about 40% of the at least one film-forming agent, based on the total weight of each non-fibrous sheet. More preferably, the first surfactant is present as the primary surfactant in each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets.

[0016] The first surfactant in the two or more non-fibrous sheets is preferably characterized by a hydrophilicity index (HI) of 7.5 or less. Exemplary first surfactants for practicing the present invention include C6 to C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), C6-C 20The first surfactant may include, but is not limited to, linear or branched chain alkyl sulfates (AS), and combinations thereof. Preferably, the first surfactant is a non-alkoxylated C6-C 18 Linear or branched chain AS surfactants, more preferably non-alkoxylated C 12 ~C 14 It is a linear or branched chain AS surfactant.

[0017] At least one film-forming agent in each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets is preferably a water-soluble polymer. Exemplary water-soluble polymers that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, polyalkylene glycol, starch or modified starch, cellulose or modified cellulose, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and combinations thereof. More preferably, the water-soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyalkylene glycol, and combinations thereof. Preferably, at least one film-forming agent in each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets is polyvinyl alcohol characterized by (1) a weight average molecular weight ranging from 10,000 to 140,000 daltons, preferably from about 15,000 to about 120,000 daltons, and / or (2) a degree of hydrolysis ranging from about 40% to about 100%, preferably from about 50% to about 95%, more preferably from about 70% to about 92%.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the above-described integrated laundry detergent article to pre-treat and / or clean fabrics. Preferably, the pre-treatment and / or cleaning is carried out by wetting the portions of the fabrics in need of pre-treatment and / or cleaning and then directly contacting such wetted portions of the fabrics with at least a portion of the integrated laundry detergent article.

[0019] These and other aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from a reading of the following detailed description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an all-in-one laundry detergent article comprising a fabric hueing agent sandwiched between two surfactant-containing non-fibrous sheets according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an all-in-one laundry detergent article according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprising a fibrous structure sandwiched between two surfactant-containing non-fibrous sheets, the fibrous structure being formed by a plurality of fibrous elements each containing a fabric hueing agent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 "approximately 40 mm."

[0023] As used herein, articles such as "a" and "an" 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.

[0024] As used herein, the term "unitary" refers to a structure that includes multiple distinct parts that combine together to form a visually cohesive, structurally integrated article.

[0025] As used herein, the term "non-fibrous" refers to a structure that does not include or is substantially free of fibrous elements. The terms "fibrous element" and "filament" are used interchangeably herein to refer to elongated particles having a length that significantly exceeds their average cross-sectional diameter, i.e., a length-to-diameter aspect ratio of at least 10:1; preferably, such elongated particles have an average cross-sectional diameter of 1 mm or less.

[0026] As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a three-dimensional shape having a thickness, a length, and a width, wherein the length-to-thickness aspect ratio and the width-to-thickness aspect ratio are both at least about 5:1, and the length-to-width aspect ratio is at least about 1:1. Preferably, the length-to-thickness aspect ratio and the width-to-thickness aspect ratio are both at least about 10:1, and the length-to-width aspect ratio is at least about 1.2:1. More preferably, the length-to-thickness aspect ratio and the width-to-thickness aspect ratio are both at least about 15:1, and the length-to-width aspect ratio is at least about 1.5:1. Most preferably, the length-to-thickness aspect ratio and the width-to-thickness aspect ratio are both at least about 20:1, and the length-to-width aspect ratio is at least about 1.618:1.

[0027] As used herein, the term "discrete" refers to particles that are structurally distinct from one another under the naked human eye or under electronic imaging devices such as scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) and transmission electron microscopes (TEMs). Preferably, the discrete particles of the present invention are structurally distinct from one another to the naked human eye.

[0028] As used herein, the term "particle" refers to minute amounts of solid matter, such as powders, granules, capsules, microcapsules, and / or small spheres. The particles of the present invention may be spheres, rods, plates, tubes, squares, rectangles, disks, stars, or flakes of regular or irregular shapes, but are non-fibrous. The particles of the present invention may have a median particle size of 2000 μm or less, as measured according to the Median Particle Size Test described herein. Preferably, the particles of the present invention have a median particle size in the range of about 1 μm to about 2000 μm, more preferably about 10 μm to about 1800 μm, even more preferably about 50 μm to about 1700 μm, even more preferably about 100 μm to about 1500 μm, even more preferably about 250 μm to about 1000 μm, and most preferably about 300 μm to about 800 μm, as measured according to the Median Particle Size Test described herein.

[0029] As used herein, the term "water soluble" refers to the ability of such a material to completely dissolve or disperse in water without leaving any visible solids or forming any visible separate phase when at least about 25 grams, preferably at least about 50 grams, more preferably at least about 100 grams, and most preferably at least about 150 grams of sample material is placed in one liter (1 L) of deionized water at 20° C. and atmospheric pressure with sufficient agitation.

[0030] As used herein, the "hydrophilicity index" or "HI" of a surfactant is calculated by the following equation:

[0031]

number

[0032] As used herein, the term "primary surfactant" refers to a surfactant present in an article in an amount of 50% or greater, based on the total weight of all surfactants in such article.

[0033] As used herein, the term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition does not contain ingredients that interfere with the benefit or function of the explicitly disclosed ingredients. Furthermore, the terms "substantially free of" or "substantially free from" mean that the specified material is present in an amount of 0% to about 5% by weight, preferably 0% to 3% by weight. The term "essentially free" means that the specified material is present in an amount of 0% to about 1% by weight, preferably 0% to about 0.5% by weight, more preferably 0% to about 0.1% by weight, and most preferably not present at analytically detectable concentrations.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Non-fibrous sheet The non-fibrous sheet used to hold or contain the fabric hueing agents in the all-in-one laundry detergent article of the present invention is water-soluble, that is, it does not contain any water-insoluble substrates, as do some conventional laundry detergent sheets.

[0036] Each such non-fibrous sheet contains at least one film-forming agent and a first surfactant. The first surfactant has relatively low hydrophilicity (compared to the second surfactant contained in discrete particles), characterized by a hydrophilicity index (HI) of 7.5 or less. Compared to the second surfactants discussed below, such first surfactants are less likely to form a viscous, gel-like, hexagonal phase during dilution. Therefore, by using such first surfactants in forming the non-fibrous sheet, the present invention can effectively reduce gel formation during washing, thereby allowing the resulting monolithic laundry detergent structure to dissolve quickly and leave little or no insoluble residue.

[0037] The non-fibrous sheet can have any shape or dimension, so long as its thickness, its length, and its width are characterized by (1) a length-to-thickness aspect ratio of at least about 5:1, (2) a width-to-thickness aspect ratio of at least about 5:1, and (3) a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least about 1:1. All of the following size- and / or shape-related parameters for the integrated laundry detergent article also apply to each of the non-fibrous sheets.

[0038] Each such non-fibrous sheet is characterized by a sufficiently high total surfactant content, for example, at least about 30%, preferably at least about 40%, more preferably at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 60%, and most preferably at least about 70%, based on the total weight of such non-fibrous sheet.

[0039] Preferably, the first surfactant is the primary surfactant in each of the non-fibrous sheets, i.e., is present in an amount of about 50% or more based on the total weight of all surfactants in such sheets. The first surfactant is characterized by an HI of about 7.5 or less, preferably about 4 to 7.5, and more preferably 4.5 to 7.

[0040] Suitable surfactants for use as the first surfactant in the present invention include non-alkoxylated C6-C 20Linear or branched alkyl sulfate (AS), C6-C 20 A particularly preferred class of surfactants for use as the first surfactant in the non-fibrous sheets of the present invention are non-alkoxylated C6-C 18 AS, hereinafter referred to as "mid-cut AS," has branched or straight-chain, non-alkoxylated alkyl groups, each containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms. In particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, mid-cut AS is present in the non-fibrous sheet as the primary surfactant, i.e., in an amount of at least about 50%, based on the total weight of all surfactants in the sheet, while another surfactant, such as LAS, is present as a co-surfactant.

[0041] The mid-cut AS of the present invention is RO-SO3 - M + wherein R is a branched or linear non-alkoxylated C-C 18 is an alkyl group, and M is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or ammonium cation. Preferably, the R group of the AS surfactant contains from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 10 to about 14 carbon atoms, and most preferably from about 12 to about 14 carbon atoms. R may be substituted or unsubstituted, and is preferably unsubstituted. R is substantially free of any alkoxylation. M is preferably a sodium, potassium, or magnesium cation, and more preferably, M is a sodium cation.

[0042] The amount of mid-cut AS surfactant used in the present invention may range from about 5% to about 90%, preferably from about 10% to about 80%, more preferably from about 20% to about 75%, and most preferably from about 30% to about 70%, based on the total weight of each of such two or more non-fibrous sheets. Such mid-cut AS surfactant preferably functions as the primary surfactant in the surfactant system of each of the sheets. In other words, the mid-cut AS surfactant is present in an amount greater than 50% based on the total weight of all surfactants in each of the non-fibrous sheets.

[0043] Preferably, the surfactant system of the sheet comprises more than about 50% by weight, preferably more than about 60% by weight, more preferably more than 70% or 80% by weight, most preferably more than 90% by weight, or even 100% by weight (i.e., substantially pure) surfactants such as C6, C8, C 10 , C 12 , C 14 , C 16 , and C 18 The AS surfactants may contain a mixture of mid-cut AS surfactants, including linear AS surfactants having an even number of carbon atoms, including AS surfactants of the formula:

[0044] More preferably, the surfactant system of the sheet is C6 to C 14 The mixture contains a mixture of mid-cut AS surfactants, wherein the AS surfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 85% to about 100% based on the total weight of the mixture of mid-cut AS surfactants. 14 It is sometimes called a "rich AS mixture." More preferably, such C6 to C 14 The rich AS mixture may be about 90% to about 100% by weight, or 92% to about 98% by weight, or about 94% to about 96% by weight, or 100% by weight (i.e., pure) C6-C 14 Contains AS.

[0045] In particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, the surfactant system comprises from about 30% to about 100% by weight, or from about 50% to about 99% by weight, preferably from about 60% to about 95% by weight, more preferably from about 65% to about 90% by weight, and most preferably from about 70% to about 80% by weight of C 12 ~C 14 AS (these are "C 12 ~C 14 The present invention also includes a mixture of mid-cut AS surfactants, including those with a high AS content (sometimes referred to as a "rich AS mixture"). 12 ~C 14 The rich AS mixture is mostly C 12 In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surfactant system contains AS of C 12 and / or C. 14 AS surfactant, e.g., 100% C 12 AS, or about 70% by weight to about 80% by weight of C 12 AS and 20% to about 30% by weight of C 14 It contains a mixture of mid-cut AS surfactants consisting of AS and little or no other AS surfactants.

[0046] In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the non-fibrous sheets comprises from about 10% to about 70%, preferably from about 20% to about 60%, by weight of pure C based on the total weight of such non-fibrous sheet. 12 AS or C 12 ~C 14 Rich AS mixture, provided that the C 12 ~C 14 Rich AS mixtures contain about 70 wt. % to about 80 wt. % C based on the total weight of such mixture. 12 AS and 20% to about 30% by weight of C 14 Contains AS.

[0047] A commercially available mid-cut AS mixture particularly suitable for the practice of the present invention is Texapon® V95G from Cognis (Monheim, Germany).

[0048] Another preferred class of surfactants for use as the first surfactant in the non-fibrous sheets of the present invention are C6-C 20 A linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) may be present in the sheet either alone or in combination with the mid-cut AS described above. The LAS may be present in the non-fibrous sheet either as the primary surfactant or as a co-surfactant for the mid-cut AS. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the LAS is present in the non-fibrous sheet as a co-surfactant for the mid-cut AS in a weight ratio ranging from, for example, about 1:15 to about 1:2, preferably from about 1:10 to about 1:3, and more preferably from about 1:8 to about 1:4.

[0049] LAS surfactants are well known in the art and are readily available by sulfonating commercially available linear alkylbenzenes. Exemplary C6-C8 surfactants that can be used in the present invention include: 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates include C6 to C 20 Alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, or ammonium salts of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, and preferably C 11 ~C 18 Or C 11 ~C 14 Examples include sodium salts, potassium salts, magnesium salts, and / or ammonium salts of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid. 12 The sodium or potassium salt of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid is preferably C 12 The sodium salt of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, i.e., sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate. When present, the amount of LAS in the non-fibrous sheets may range from about 1% to about 90%, preferably from about 2% to about 70%, and more preferably from about 5% to about 40%, based on the total weight of each of the non-fibrous sheets. In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the non-fibrous sheets contains from about 5% to about 20% by weight of C, based on the total weight of each such non-fibrous sheet. 12It contains sodium, potassium, or magnesium salts of linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid.

[0050] Each non-fibrous sheet of the present invention may comprise at least one additional surfactant selected from the group consisting of other anionic surfactants (i.e., other than AS and LAS), nonionic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, cationic surfactants, and combinations thereof.

[0051] Other anionic surfactants suitable for inclusion in the non-fibrous sheets of the present invention include C6-C 20 Linear or branched alkyl sulfonates, C6-C 20 Linear or branched alkyl carboxylates, C6-C 20 Linear or branched alkyl phosphates, C6-C 20 Linear or branched alkyl phosphonates, C6-C 20 Alkyl N-methyl glucose amide, C6-C 20 methyl ester sulfonates (MES), and combinations thereof.

[0052] Suitable nonionic surfactants include alkoxylated fatty alcohols. Nonionic surfactants have the formula R(OC2H4) n OH ethoxylated alcohols and ethoxylated alkylphenols, where R is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon groups containing from about 8 to about 15 carbon atoms and alkylphenyl groups where the alkyl group contains from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms, and the average value of n is from about 5 to about 15. Non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants useful herein include C8-C 18 Alkyl ethoxylates, such as NEODOL® nonionic surfactants from Shell; C6-C6 alkyl ethoxylates, where the alkoxylate units can be ethyleneoxy units, propyleneoxy units, or mixtures thereof. 12 Alkylphenol alkoxylate, C 12~C 18 C6-C with alcohol and ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block polymer 12 Alkylphenol condensates, such as Pluronic® from BASF, C 14 ~C 22 Medium-chain branched alcohols (BA); C 14 ~C 22 Suitable nonionic detersive surfactants include medium-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates (BAEx, where x is 1 to 30); alkyl polysaccharides; specifically alkyl polyglycosides; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, and ether-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants. Suitable nonionic detersive surfactants also include alkyl polyglucosides and alkyl alkoxylated alcohols. Suitable nonionic surfactants also include those sold by BASF under the trade name Lutensol®.

[0053] Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium surfactants, which may have up to 26 carbon atoms, including alkoxylate quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactants; dimethylhydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium; dimethylhydroxyethyl lauryl ammonium chloride; polyamine cationic surfactants; cationic ester surfactants; and amino surfactants, such as amidopropyldimethylamine (APA). Suitable cationic detersive surfactants also include alkylpyridinium compounds, alkylquaternary ammonium compounds, alkylquaternary phosphonium compounds, alkyl tertiary sulfonium compounds, and mixtures thereof.

[0054] Suitable cationic detersive surfactants are quaternary ammonium compounds having the general formula: (R)(R1)(R2)(R3)N + X - wherein R is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C 6~18R1 and R2 are independently selected from methyl or ethyl moieties, R3 is a hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl moiety, and X is an anion that provides charge neutrality; suitable anions include halides, such as chloride, sulfate, and sulfonate. Suitable cationic detersive surfactants include mono-C 6~18 Alkyl mono-hydroxyethyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium chloride. A highly suitable cationic detersive surfactant is mono-C 8~10 Alkyl mono-hydroxyethyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium chloride, mono-C 10~12 Alkyl mono-hydroxyethyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium chloride, and mono-C 10 Alkyl mono-hydroxyethyl dimethyl quaternary ammonium chloride.

[0055] Suitable examples of zwitterionic surfactants include derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, including derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines; derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium, or tertiary sulfonium compounds; betaines, including alkyl dimethyl betaines, cocodimethylamidopropyl betaines, and sulfo and hydroxy betaines; C8-C 18 (Preferably C 12 ~C 18 ) amine oxide; N-Alkyl-N,N-dimethylamino-1-propanesulfonate (alkyl group is C8-C 18 (which may be

[0056] Suitable amphoteric surfactants include the aliphatic derivatives of secondary or tertiary amines, or the aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, wherein the aliphatic group can be linear or branched, and one of the aliphatic substituents contains at least about 8 carbon atoms or about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains an anionic water-solubilizing group, such as carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate.Suitable amphoteric surfactants also include sarcosinate, glycosinate, taurinate, and their mixtures.

[0057] In a particularly preferred, but not required, embodiment of the present invention, the non-fibrous sheet may have a surfactant system containing only anionic surfactants, for example, either a single anionic surfactant or a combination of two or more different anionic surfactants. Alternatively, the non-fibrous sheet may comprise a composite surfactant system containing, for example, a combination of one or more anionic surfactants with one or more nonionic surfactants, or a combination of one or more anionic surfactants with one or more zwitterionic surfactants, or a combination of one or more anionic surfactants with one or more amphoteric surfactants, or a combination of one or more anionic surfactants with one or more cationic surfactants, or a combination of all of the above types of surfactants (i.e., anionic, nonionic, amphoteric, and cationic).

[0058] Specifically, each non-fibrous sheet may contain a small amount of a surfactant having relatively high hydrophilicity (compared to the first surfactant described above), characterized by a hydrophilicity index (HI) greater than 7.5, i.e., a second surfactant, as described below. The amount of such second surfactant in each non-fibrous sheet is sufficiently small so as not to affect its processing stability and film dissolution, e.g., 0% to 15%, preferably 0% to 10%, more preferably 0% to 5%, and most preferably 0% to 1%, based on the total weight of each such non-fibrous sheet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each non-fibrous sheet is substantially free, more preferably essentially free, of alkyl alkoxylated sulfate, a preferred choice for the second surfactant of the present invention. When dissolved in water, alkyl alkoxylated sulfate may undergo a highly viscous hexagonal phase at a certain concentration range, e.g., 30 to 60% by weight, resulting in a gel-like substance. Thus, when incorporated into non-fibrous sheets in significant amounts, alkyl alkoxylated sulfates can significantly slow the dissolution of such non-fibrous sheets in water, and even worse, leave behind undissolved solids. Correspondingly, in the present invention, the majority of such surfactants are incorporated into the central fabric hueing agent-containing structure of the integrated laundry detergent article, rather than into the non-fibrous sheets on either side of such articles, which not only helps minimize gel formation by such surfactants, but also reduces the impact of such gel formation on the dissolution of other ingredients in the integrated laundry detergent article of the present invention.

[0059] In addition to the surfactants described above, each of the non-fibrous sheets contains at least one film-forming agent, which may be selected from water-soluble polymers of either synthetic or natural origin, and which may be chemically and / or physically modified.

[0060] Examples of water-soluble polymers suitable for implementing the present invention include polyvinyl alcohol, polyalkylene glycols (also referred to as polyalkylene oxides or polyoxyalkylenes), polysaccharides (such as starch or modified starch, cellulose or modified cellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, and carrageenan), polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyvinylpyrrolidones, and proteins / polypeptides or their hydrolysates (such as collagen and gelatin). Preferably, the film-forming agent used in the present invention is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyalkylene glycols, starch or modified starch, cellulose or modified cellulose, and combinations thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the non-fibrous sheets contains polyvinyl alcohol.

[0061] In the implementation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), the PVA may be unmodified or modified, for example, carboxylated or sulfonated, or may be a copolymer of vinyl alcohol or vinyl ester monomers with one or more other monomers. Preferably, the PVA is partially or completely alcoholized or hydrolyzed. For example, the PVA may be about 40% to 100%, preferably about 50% to about 95%, and more preferably about 70% to about 92% alcoholized or hydrolyzed. The degree of hydrolysis is known to affect the temperature at which PVA begins to dissolve in water; for example, 88% hydrolysis corresponds to a PVA film that is soluble in cold water (i.e., room temperature), while 92% hydrolysis corresponds to a PVA film that is soluble in warm water. The weight-average molecular weight of the PVA may range from 10,000 to 140,000 daltons, preferably 15,000 to 120,000 daltons. An example of a preferred PVA is ethoxylated PVA. A more preferred example of PVA is commercially available from Sekisui Specialty Chemicals America, LLC (Dallas, Texas) under the trade name CELVOL®. Another more preferred example of PVA is the so-called G polymer, commercially available from Nippon Ghosei.

[0062] In the implementation of polyalkylene glycols, preferably polyethylene glycols (PEGs), these may be selected from poly(ethylene glycol) homopolymers and poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers having a weight average molecular weight of about 200 to about 100,000 daltons, preferably about 500 to about 20,000 daltons, more preferably about 1000 to 15,000 daltons, and most preferably 2000 to 8000 daltons. Suitable poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers preferably contain at least about 50% by weight PEG and include poly(lactide-block-ethylene glycol), poly(glycolide-block-ethylene glycol), poly(lactide-co-caprolactone)-block-poly(ethylene glycol), poly(ethylene glycol-co-lactic acid), poly(ethylene glycol-co-glycolic acid), poly(ethylene glycol-co-poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid), poly(ethylene glycol-co-propylene glycol), poly(ethylene oxide-block-propylene oxide-block-ethylene oxide), poly(propylene oxide-block-ethylene glycol-block-propylene glycol), and poly(ethylene glycol-co-caprolactone). Representative poly(ethylene glycol) homopolymers are commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich or Dow under the trade name CARBOWAX™, or from BASF under the trade name Pluriol®. Exemplary poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers are commercially available from BASF under the trade names Pluronic® F127, Pluronic® F108, Pluronic® F68, and Pluronic® P105, which contain propylene oxide (PO) blocks and ethylene oxide (EO) blocks. Particularly preferred PEGs for the practice of the present invention are poly(ethylene glycol) homopolymers having a weight average molecular weight of about 4000 to about 8000 daltons.

[0063] The film-forming agent may be present in the non-fibrous sheets of the present invention in an amount of about 1% to about 70%, preferably about 2% to about 60%, more preferably about 5% to about 50%, and most preferably about 10% to about 40%, based on the total weight of each such non-fibrous sheet. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, each non-fibrous sheet contains both PVA and PEG, preferably in a weight ratio ranging from about 20:1 to about 1:2, more preferably from about 15:1 to about 1:1, and most preferably from about 10:1 to about 2:1. For example, PVA may be present in an amount ranging from about 10% to about 40%, preferably from 15% to about 30%, based on the total weight of each such non-fibrous sheet, and PEG may be present in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 20%, preferably from 5% to 10%.

[0064] In addition to the film-forming agent, the non-fibrous sheet may also contain suitable additives, such as plasticizers and solids, to modify the properties of the film-forming agent. Suitable plasticizers include, for example, pentaerythritol, such as dipentaerythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, glycerin, and glycols, such as glycerol or ethylene glycol. The plasticizer is generally used in an amount of up to about 30% by weight, for example, about 0.1 to about 20% by weight, preferably about 0.5 to about 15% by weight, and more preferably about 1 to about 5% by weight. Solids, such as zeolite, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, zinc stearate, or colloidal silica, may also be used in an amount generally ranging from about 0.5 to about 5% by weight.

[0065] The two or more non-fibrous sheets of the present invention may optionally contain one or more other adjunct detergent ingredients to assist or enhance cleaning performance or to alter the aesthetics of the non-fibrous sheets. Representative examples of such auxiliary detergent ingredients include: (1) carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulfates, phosphates (exemplified by tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, and glassy polymer metaphosphates), phosphonates, phytic acid, silicates, zeolites, citrates, polycarboxylates and their salts (e.g., mellitic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and their soluble salts), ether hydroxypolycarboxylates, copolymers of maleic anhydride and ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene-2,4,6-trisulfonic acid, 3,3-dicarboxy-4-oxa-1,6-hexanedioic acid, polyacetic acid (e.g., ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid) and its salts, fatty acids (e.g., C 12 ~C 18 (2) inorganic and / or organic builders such as iron and / or manganese chelating agents selected from the group consisting of aminocarboxylates, aminophosphonates, polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents, and mixtures thereof; (3) clay soil removal / anti-redeposition agents such as water-soluble ethoxylated amines (especially ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine); (4) polymeric polycarboxylates and polyethylene glycols, acrylic acid / maleic acid copolymers and their water-soluble salts, hydroxypropyl acrylate, maleic acid, and the like. (5) polymeric dispersants, such as vinyl acid / acrylic acid / vinyl alcohol terpolymers, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyaspartate, and polyglutamate; (6) optical brighteners, including, but not limited to, derivatives of stilbenes, pyrazolines, coumarins, carboxylic acids, methine cyanines, dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered heterocycles, and the like; (7) monocarboxylic fatty acids and their soluble salts, high molecular weight hydrocarbons (e.g., paraffins, haloparaffins, fatty acid esters, fatty acid esters of monohydric alcohols, aliphatic C18 ~C 40 ketones, N-alkylated aminotriazines, propylene oxide, monostearyl phosphate, silicones or their derivatives, secondary alcohols (e.g., 2-alkylalkanols), and mixtures of such alcohols with silicone oils; (7) C 10 ~C 16 Alkanolamides, C 10 ~C 14(8) suds boosters such as monoethanol and diethanolamides, high foaming surfactants (e.g., amine oxides, betaines, and sultaines), and soluble magnesium salts (e.g., MgCl, MgSO, etc.); (9) dye transfer inhibitors such as polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese phthalocyanines, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof; (10) enzymes such as proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, and peroxidases, and mixtures thereof; (11) water-soluble sources of calcium and / or magnesium ions. (12) enzyme stabilizers, including boric acid or borate salts (such as boron oxide, borax, and other alkali metal borates); (13) bleaching agents, such as percarbonates (e.g., sodium carbonate perhydrogen peroxide, sodium pyrophosphate perhydrogen peroxide, urea perhydrogen peroxide, and sodium peroxide), persulfates, perborates, magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate, magnesium salt of metachloroperbenzoic acid, 4-nonylamino-4-oxoperoxybutyric acid and diperoxydodecanedioic acid, 6-nonylamino-6-oxoperoxycaproic acid, and photoactivated bleaching agents (e.g., sulfonated zinc and / or aluminum phthalocyanine); (14) nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS) bleach activators such as amide-derived bleach activators, including (6-octanamidocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-nonanamidocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-decaneamidocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, and mixtures thereof, benzoxazine-type activators, acyl lactam activators (especially acylcaprolactam and acylvalerolactam); and (14) any other known detergent adjunct ingredients, including, but not limited to, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, dyes or pigments (especially hueing dyes), perfumes (including both pure perfumes and perfume microcapsules), and solid fillers.

[0066] The non-fibrous sheet of the present invention can be made by any suitable film-forming method, such as casting, molding, pressing, extrusion / extrusion-coating, calendar rolling, solution deposition, skiving, and lamination. In a particular embodiment, the sheet can be formed by first preparing a slurry containing raw materials dissolved or dispersed in water, and then forming the slurry into a sheet-like form, for example, by pouring the slurry into a shallow mold or coating the slurry on a heated rotatable cylinder. Drying of the sheet-like form can be performed either simultaneously with or after the forming process to remove water and form a finished sheet with little or no moisture content (e.g., less than 3% by weight water).

[0067] A preferred, but non-limiting, process for making the non-fibrous sheet is by using a cylinder sheet production system, as described below. The cylinder sheet manufacturing system includes a base bracket on which a heated, rotatable cylinder is mounted. The heated, rotatable cylinder is driven by a motorized drive mounted on the base bracket and can operate at a predetermined rotational speed. The heated, rotatable cylinder is preferably coated on its outer surface with a non-stick coating.

[0068] Also provided is a feeding mechanism on a base bracket for applying a preformed slurry containing all or some of the raw materials (e.g., surfactants, film formers, and auxiliary detergent ingredients) described herein onto a heated, rotatable cylinder. The feeding mechanism is mounted on the base bracket and includes a feeding rack with at least one (preferably two) feeding hopper(s) mounted thereon, an imaging device for dynamic observation of the feeding, and an adjustment device for adjusting the position and tilt angle of the feeding hopper.

[0069] A heat shield is also installed on the base bracket to prevent rapid heat loss. Otherwise, the slurry may rapidly solidify on the heated rotatable cylinder. The heat shield can also effectively save the energy required by the heated rotatable cylinder, thereby reducing energy consumption and providing cost savings. The heat shield is a modular assembly structure or an integrated structure and can be freely removed from the base bracket. A suction device is also installed on the heat shield to suck out hot steam and prevent water condensation from falling onto the laundry detergent sheet being formed. A feed start mechanism is also installed on the base bracket to scoop up the laundry detergent sheet already formed by the heated rotatable cylinder.

[0070] The manufacturing process of the non-fibrous sheet is as follows: First, a heated rotatable cylinder with an anti-adhesive coating on a base bracket is driven by an electric drive; Second, an adjustment device adjusts the feeding mechanism so that the distance between the feeding hopper and the outer surface of the heated rotatable cylinder reaches a preset value; Meanwhile, the feeding hopper adds a preformed slurry containing all or some of the raw materials for making the non-fibrous sheet onto the heated rotatable cylinder; and a suction device of the heat shield sucks the hot steam generated by the heated rotatable cylinder.

[0071] A feed start mechanism then picks up the dried sheets, which can then be sliced ​​or cut to the desired size by a slicing / cutting device downstream of the heated rotatable cylinder. Optionally, each sheet is further embossed with lines, patterns, logos, etc. by an embossing device downstream of the heated rotatable cylinder.

[0072] Fabric hue agent The fabric hueing agent used in the present invention may be any colorant that can be incorporated into a laundry detergent composition and deposited on fabrics from the wash liquor to improve the perceived whiteness of the fabric. The fabric hueing agent may be blue or purple, and preferably, such fabric hueing agent has a peak absorption wavelength of about 550 nm to about 650 nm or about 570 nm to about 630 nm. In a specific embodiment, the fabric hueing agent may be a combination of colorants that, together, visually affect the human eye as a single colorant having a peak absorption wavelength of about 550 nm to about 650 nm, or about 570 nm to about 630 nm on polyester. This may be achieved, for example, by mixing a red colorant with a blue-green colorant to produce a blue or purple hue.

[0073] The fabric hueing agent may be selected from the group consisting of dyes, dye-clay complexes, organic pigments, inorganic pigments, optical brighteners, and combinations thereof.

[0074] Dyes are colored organic molecules that are typically soluble in aqueous media containing surfactants (as opposed to pigments, which are typically not soluble in aqueous media). Dyes can include small molecule dyes and polymeric dyes.

[0075] Suitable small molecule dyes may be selected from the group consisting of direct dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, solvent dyes, disperse dyes, and combinations thereof. More preferably, suitable small molecule dyes may be selected from the group consisting of dyes that fall under the Color Index (CI) classification of Direct Blue, Direct Violet, Acid Blue, Acid Violet, Basic Blue, Basic Violet, and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable dyes include Violet DD, Direct Violet 7, Direct Violet 9, Direct Violet 11, Direct Violet 26, Direct Violet 31, Direct Violet 35, Direct Violet 40, Direct Violet 41, Direct Violet 51, Direct Violet 66, Direct Violet 99, Acid Violet 50, Acid Blue 9, Acid Violet 17, Acid Blue 29, Solvent Violet 13, Disperse Violet 27, Disperse Violet 26, Disperse Violet 28, and Disperse Violet 6. 3, Disperse Violet 77, Basic Blue 16, Basic Blue 65, Basic Blue 66, Basic Blue 67, Basic Blue 71, Basic Blue 159, Basic Violet 19, Basic Violet 35, Basic Violet 38, Basic Violet 48; Basic Blue 3, Basic Blue 75, Basic Blue 95, Basic Blue 122, Basic Blue 124, Basic Blue 141, Reactive Blue 19, Reactive Blue 163, Reactive Blue 182, Reactive Blue 96, thiazolium dyes, Liquitint® Violet CT (Milliken, Spartanburg, USA), and Azo-CM-Cellulose (Megazyme, Bray, Republic of Ireland). Other suitable hueing agents are hueing dye-photobleaching agent complexes, such as a complex of sulfonated zinc phthalocyanine and Direct Violet 99. Particularly suitable hueing agents are a combination of Acid Red 52 and Acid Blue 80, or a combination of Direct Violet 9 and Solvent Violet 13.

[0076] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric hueing agent has the following structure:

[0077] [ka] where the values ​​of the subscripts x and y are independently selected from 1 to 10. This fabric hueing agent is commercially available under the trade name Liquitint Violet 200 from Milliken Chemical (South Carolina, USA).

[0078] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric hueing agent has the following structure:

[0079] [ka] wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkyleneoxy, alkyl-capped alkyleneoxy, urea, and amide; R3 is a substituted aryl group; and X is a substituent comprising a sulfonamide moiety and optionally an alkyl and / or aryl moiety, wherein the substituent is composed of at least one alkyleneoxy chain comprising an average molar distribution of at least four alkyleneoxy moieties.

[0080] Optical brighteners are another group of compounds that can be used, either alone or in combination with the dyes described above, to achieve fabric hue effects. Suitable optical brighteners include, but are not limited to, diaminostilbene, distyrylbiphenyl, and combinations thereof. Preferably, such fluorescent dye is selected from the group consisting of disodium 4,4′-bis{[4-anilino-6-morpholino-s-triazin-2-yl]-amino}-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate (also referred to as “Fluorescent Brightener 260”), disodium 4,4″-bis[(4,6-di-anilino-s-triazin-2-yl)-amino]-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate, disodium 4,4′-bis{[4-anilino-6-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-s-triazin-2-yl]amino}-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate, disodium 2,2′-([1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′diyldivinylene)bis(benzenesulfonate) (also referred to as “Fluorescent Brightener 351”), and combinations thereof. A particularly preferred optical brightener for incorporation into the all-in-one laundry detergent article of the present invention is Optical Brightener 351. The optical brightener may be in micronized particulate form having a weight average particle size ranging from 3 to 30 μm, or 3 to 20 μm, or 3 to 10 μm. The optical brightener may be in the alpha or beta crystalline form.

[0081] The fabric hueing agent may be applied directly to one or more interior surfaces of the two or more non-fibrous sheets, for example, by dusting, sprinkling, spraying, coating, or other direct deposition techniques known in the art. As used herein, the term "interior surface" refers to the surface that is not exposed to the external environment when the two or more non-fibrous sheets are assembled into the unitary laundry detergent article of the present invention.

[0082] Alternatively, the fabric hueing agent may first be incorporated into a structure, which is then placed between two or more non-fibrous sheets. For example, the fabric hueing agent may be incorporated into (a) a water-soluble fibrous structure, (b) a water-soluble non-fibrous sheet structure, (c) a water-soluble paste-like structure, (d) discrete water-soluble particles, or (e) a combination thereof, which is then placed between two or more sheets.

[0083] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fabric hueing agent is present in a water-soluble fibrous structure disposed between two or more non-fibrous sheets as described above. The water-soluble fibrous structure may comprise a plurality of fibrous elements, each of which comprises from about 0.01% to about 30%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 20%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 15%, and most preferably from about 0.5% to about 10% of the fabric hueing agent based on the total dry weight of each such fibrous element. Each of the fibrous elements may further comprise from about 10% to about 90%, preferably from about 20% to about 80%, more preferably from about 30% to about 70% of a filament-forming material, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, starch, cellulosic polymers (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose), polyethylene oxide, and combinations thereof. The filament-forming material may have a weight-average molecular weight of from about 50,000 g / mol to about 3,000,000 g / mol. In this range, it is believed that the filament-forming material can provide an extensional rheology that is not so elastic that fiber attenuation is inhibited during the fiber production process. The fiber element may further include a plasticizer, such as glycerin, and / or a pH adjuster, such as citric acid.

[0084] In addition to the fabric hueing agent, each of the fiber elements may further comprise one or more active agents selected from the group consisting of a second surfactant, a structurant, a builder, a polymeric dispersant, an enzyme, an enzyme stabilizer, a bleaching system, a brightener, a chelating agent, a suds suppressor, a conditioning agent, a moisturizer, a perfume, a perfume microcapsule, a filler or carrier, an alkalinity system, a pH control system, a buffer, an alkanolamine, a mosquito repellent, and mixtures thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the fiber elements may be selected from the surfactants described above for the non-fibrous sheet, but preferably further comprises a second surfactant different from the first surfactant. The fiber elements may comprise two or more different active agents described above, which may be compatible or incompatible with each other.

[0085] Generally, fiber elements or filaments are elongated particles having a length significantly exceeding their average cross-sectional diameter, i.e., a length-to-diameter aspect ratio of at least 10:1. The fiber elements or filaments of the present invention preferably have an average cross-sectional diameter of about 1 mm or less, and / or about 300 μm or less, and / or about 75 μm or less, and / or about 50 μm or less, and / or about 25 μm or less, and / or about 10 μm or less, and / or about 5 μm or less, and / or about 1 μm or less, as measured according to the Diameter Test Method described herein. More preferably, the fiber elements or filaments have lengths ranging from about 1 cm to about 20 cm, preferably from about 2 cm to about 15 cm, more preferably from about 3 cm to about 10 cm, and most preferably from about 5 cm to about 8 cm. The diameter and length of the fiber elements can be used to control the dissolution and / or release rate of fabric hueing agents and / or active agents present therein and / or the rate of loss and / or change in the physical structure of the fiber elements.

[0086] The fabric hueing agent may also be incorporated into or onto discrete water-soluble particles, which are then sandwiched between the non-fibrous sheets described above. Discrete particles suitable for use in the present invention may be any shape selected from the group consisting of spheres, rods, plates, tubes, squares, rectangles, disks, stars, regular or irregularly shaped flakes, and combinations thereof, so long as they are non-fibrous. The particles may have a median particle size of 2000 μm or less, as measured according to the Median Particle Size Test described herein. Preferably, such discrete particles have a median particle size in the range of about 1 μm to about 2000 μm, preferably about 10 μm to about 1800 μm, more preferably about 50 μm to about 1700 μm, even more preferably about 100 μm to about 1500 μm, even more preferably about 250 μm to about 1000 μm, and most preferably about 300 μm to about 800 μm, as measured according to the Median Particle Size Test described herein. The bulk density of such discrete particles may range from 500 g / L to 1000 g / L, preferably from 600 g / L to 900 g / L, more preferably from 700 g / L to 800 g / L.

[0087] In addition to the fabric hueing agent, each of the discrete particles may further comprise one or more active agents as described above for water-soluble fibrous structures. Additionally, the discrete particles of the present invention may optionally comprise one or more other adjunct detergent ingredients to assist or enhance cleaning performance or to alter its aesthetics. Illustrative examples of such auxiliary detergent ingredients include: (1) rheology modifiers, such as alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines and polyalkylene glycols; (2) carbonates (including bicarbonates and sesquicarbonates), sulfates, phosphates (exemplified by tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, and glassy metaphosphate polymers), phosphonates, phytic acid, silicates, zeolites, citrates, polycarboxylates and their salts (e.g., mellitic acid, succinic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, and soluble salts thereof), ether hydroxypolycarboxylates, copolymers of maleic anhydride and ethylene or vinyl methyl ether, 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene-2,4,6-trisulfonic acid, 3,3-dicarboxy-4-oxa-1,6-hexanedioate, polyacetic acids (e.g., ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and nitrilotriacetic acid) and their salts, fatty acids (e.g., C 12 ~C 18 (3) chelating agents, such as iron and / or manganese chelating agents selected from the group consisting of aminocarboxylates, aminophosphonates, polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents, and mixtures thereof; (4) clay soil removal / anti-redeposition agents, such as water-soluble ethoxylated amines (especially ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine); (5) polymeric dispersants, such as polymeric carboxylates, acrylic acid / maleic acid copolymers and their water-soluble salts, hydroxypropyl acrylate, maleic acid / acrylic acid / vinyl alcohol terpolymers, polyaspartates, and polyglutamates; (6) monocarboxylic acid fatty acids and their soluble salts, high molecular weight hydrocarbons (e.g., paraffins, haloparaffins, fatty acid esters, fatty acid esters of monohydric alcohols, aliphatic C 18 ~C 40ketones, N-alkylated aminotriazines, propylene oxide, monostearyl phosphate, silicones or their derivatives, secondary alcohols (e.g., 2-alkylalkanols), and mixtures of such alcohols with silicone oils; (7) C 10 ~C 16 Alkanolamides, C 10 ~C 14(8) suds boosters such as monoethanol and diethanolamides, high foaming surfactants (e.g., amine oxides, betaines, and sultaines), and soluble magnesium salts (e.g., MgCl, MgSO, etc.); (9) dye transfer inhibitors such as polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, manganese phthalocyanines, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof; (10) enzymes such as proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, and peroxidases, and mixtures thereof; (11) water-soluble sources of calcium and / or magnesium ions. (12) enzyme stabilizers, including boric acid or borate salts (such as boron oxide, borax, and other alkali metal borates); (13) bleaching agents, such as percarbonates (e.g., sodium carbonate perhydrogen peroxide, sodium pyrophosphate perhydrogen peroxide, urea perhydrogen peroxide, and sodium peroxide), persulfates, perborates, magnesium monoperoxyphthalate hexahydrate, magnesium salt of metachloroperbenzoic acid, 4-nonylamino-4-oxoperoxybutyric acid and diperoxydodecanedioic acid, 6-nonylamino-6-oxoperoxycaproic acid, and photoactivated bleaching agents (e.g., sulfonated zinc and / or aluminum phthalocyanine); (14) nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS) bleach activators such as amide-derived bleach activators, including (6-octanamidocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-nonanamidocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, (6-decaneamidocaproyl)oxybenzenesulfonate, and mixtures thereof, benzoxazine-type activators, acyl lactam activators (especially acylcaprolactam and acylvalerolactam); and (14) any other known detergent adjunct ingredients, including, but not limited to, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, perfumes (including both pure perfumes and perfume microcapsules), and solid fillers.

[0088] All-in-one laundry detergent article The all-in-one laundry detergent article of the present invention contains the above-described fabric hueing agent sandwiched between two or more of the above-described non-fibrous sheets. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an all-in-one laundry detergent article 10 containing a fabric hueing agent 15 sandwiched between two surfactant-containing non-fibrous sheets 12 and 14. The fabric hueing agent 15 can be present in any form as described above.

[0089] Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that such a sandwich structure, i.e., surfactant-containing non-fibrous sheets on both sides and a fabric hueing agent in the center, functions to improve (rather than inhibit) dissolution of the fabric hueing agent into the wash liquor during the wash cycle, thereby reducing or eliminating the problem of fabric staining or spotting that is typically seen when fabric hueing agents are provided in relatively large amounts. Furthermore, such a sandwich structure allows for relatively large amounts of fabric hueing agent to be incorporated into the finished product in a relatively "invisible" manner, thereby minimizing any adverse impact such fabric hueing agents may have on the overall product appearance.

[0090] Preferably, the fabric hueing agent is first incorporated into a water-soluble fibrous structure, which is then placed between two non-fibrous surfactant-containing sheets. Such a water-soluble fibrous structure further functions to further improve dissolution of the fabric hueing agent, while the non-fibrous surfactant-containing sheets provide improved structural integrity and better consumer perception of the finished product. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an integrated laundry detergent article 20 comprising a water-soluble fibrous structure made of a plurality of fibrous elements 27 sandwiched between two non-fibrous surfactant-containing sheets 22 and 24. Each of the fibrous elements 27 contains a fabric hueing agent (not shown) as described above.

[0091] The one-piece laundry detergent article of the present invention can have any shape or size, and is preferably a laminated article having (1) a thickness ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm, (2) a length-to-thickness aspect ratio of at least about 5:1, and (3) a width-to-thickness aspect ratio of at least about 5:1. Furthermore, the one-piece laundry detergent article preferably has a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least about 1:1. Preferably, the length-to-thickness aspect ratio and width-to-thickness aspect ratio are both at least about 10:1, and the length-to-width aspect ratio is at least about 1.2:1. More preferably, the length-to-thickness aspect ratio and width-to-thickness aspect ratio are both at least about 15:1, and the length-to-width aspect ratio is at least about 1.5:1. Most preferably, the length-to-thickness aspect ratio and width-to-thickness aspect ratio are both at least about 20:1, and the length-to-width aspect ratio is at least about 1.618:1. The thickness of the all-in-one laundry detergent article of the present invention is preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 5 mm, more preferably from about 0.3 mm to about 4 mm, and most preferably from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. The width of such articles can range from about 2 cm to about 1 meter, preferably from about 5 cm to about 50 cm, and more preferably from about 10 cm to about 40 cm. The length of such articles can range from about 2 cm to about 50 meters, preferably from about 5 cm to about 1 meter, and more preferably from about 10 cm to about 80 cm.

[0092] In a preferred, but not required, embodiment of the present invention, the one-piece laundry detergent article of the present invention has a golden ratio rectangular shape (i.e., has a length-to-width aspect ratio of about 1.618:1), characterized by a width of about 10-15 cm and a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. Because such golden ratio rectangular shapes are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to consumers, multiple articles of such shapes may be stacked and packaged together for sale in a container characterized by a similar golden ratio rectangular shape.

[0093] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the all-in-one laundry detergent article has an elongated shape (i.e., has a length-to-width aspect ratio of about 10 to 50:1) and is characterized by a width of about 10 to 15 cm and a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. Such an elongated shape allows such articles to be rolled or folded into a compact unit for ease of packaging, storage, shipping, and display.

[0094] Preferably, the all-in-one laundry detergent article of the present invention has certain attributes that make it aesthetically pleasing to consumers. For example, the article may have a relatively smooth surface (provided by the non-fibrous surfactant-containing sheets on both sides), thereby providing a pleasant feel to the consumer when touched. Furthermore, it is desirable that such an article have few or no perceptible pores on its surface. It is also desirable that the all-in-one laundry detergent article of the present invention be strong enough to withstand substantial mechanical forces without losing its structural integrity, yet at the same time be flexible enough to allow for easy packaging and storage.

[0095] Preferably, the integrated laundry detergent article is capable of dissolving completely, i.e., without leaving any visible residue in solution, in 1 liter of deionized water at 20°C and atmospheric pressure without any agitation within 15 seconds, more preferably within 10 seconds, more preferably within 5 seconds.

[0096] The integrated laundry detergent article can be formed by first forming the surfactant-containing non-fibrous sheet and the fabric color element (either as is or incorporated into a structure as described above) separately and then assembling them together into the integrated article.

[0097] For example, a first formed non-fibrous sheet may be placed on a flat surface, such as a conveyor belt, while a pre-formed fibrous / non-fibrous / pasty / particulate structure containing a fabric hueing agent may be deposited on the first flat surface of the first formed non-fibrous sheet. A second formed non-fibrous sheet is then placed on top of the fibrous / non-fibrous / pasty / particulate structure to form a sandwich structure with the fibrous / non-fibrous / pasty / particulate structure disposed between the first and second non-fibrous sheets.

[0098] Alternatively, the non-fibrous sheets and fabric hueing agent can be formed simultaneously and assembled together into a unitary article to form the unitary laundry detergent article. In such embodiments, the fabric hueing agent, either in the form of a dry powder or an aqueous solution containing it, can be placed directly onto one or more non-fibrous sheets as the sheets are formed, and two or more such non-fibrous sheets are immediately fed to a continuous roller and sealed together under pressure and / or heat to form the unitary laundry detergent article of the present invention.

[0099] The all-in-one laundry detergent articles of the present invention may further comprise any number of additional layers (fibrous or non-fibrous) as desired, which may or may not contain fabric hueing agents.

[0100] The unitary laundry detergent article thus formed may be further processed by heat pressing or heat sealing along its periphery, throughout the article, or intermittently in specific portions or areas of such an article to enhance its structural integrity. Furthermore, the unitary laundry detergent article may be cut into different shapes, embossed, perforated, printed with different colors or graphic patterns, folded, rolled, or otherwise packaged to improve its aesthetic appearance and user friendliness.

[0101] Correspondingly, the above-described integrated laundry detergent article can be easily used to pre-treat and / or clean fabrics, particularly to remove stains and / or odors from fabrics. Preferably, the above-described integrated laundry detergent article of the present invention is used to pre-treat fabrics before washing, which is particularly effective in removing stubborn stains, such as collar stains, food grease, grass stains, clay, or other difficult-to-remove soils or grime. When used for pre-treatment and / or cleaning, the portion of the fabric that needs pre-treatment and / or cleaning may be first wetted, and then such an integrated laundry detergent article or a piece thereof may be directly contacted with the wetted portion of the fabric.

[0102] The present invention also encompasses a laundry method using an article according to the present invention, comprising the steps of placing at least one article according to the present invention into a washing machine together with laundry to be washed, and carrying out a washing or cleaning operation.

[0103] Any suitable washing machine may be used. Those skilled in the art will recognize washing machines suitable for the relevant cleaning tasks. The all-in-one laundry detergent article of the present invention may be used in conjunction with other compositions such as fabric additives, fabric softeners, rinse aids, etc.

[0104] The washing temperature may be below 30°C. The washing process may include at least one washing cycle having a duration of 5 to 20 minutes. The automatic washing machine may include a rotating drum, and during at least one washing cycle, the drum has a rotation speed of 15 to 40 rpm, preferably 20 to 35 rpm.

[0105] Measurement method Various techniques are known in the art for determining the properties of the integrated laundry detergent articles of the present invention or their components. However, in order to be able to fully understand the invention as described and claimed herein, it is necessary to use the following assays.

[0106] Test 1: Diameter test method The diameter of discrete fiber elements or fiber elements within a fiber structure is determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or optical microscope and image analysis software. A magnification of 200x to 10,000x is selected to adequately magnify the fiber elements for measurement. When using an SEM, the sample is sputtered with gold or palladium compounds to prevent charging and vibration of the fiber elements in the electron beam. A manual procedure is used to measure the diameter of fiber elements from images (on a monitor screen) obtained with an SEM or optical microscope. Using the mouse and cursor tools, locate the edge of a randomly selected fiber element and then measure across its width (i.e., perpendicular to the orientation of the fiber element at that point) to the other edge of the fiber element. A calibrated image analysis tool with a scale provides a scale for obtaining actual readings in μm. For fiber elements within a fiber structure, several fiber elements are randomly selected from the entire fiber structure sample using an SEM or optical microscope. At least two sections of the fiber structure are cut and tested in this manner. A total of at least 100 such measurements are performed and all data is then recorded for statistical analysis, which is used to calculate the mean (average) fiber element diameter, the standard deviation of the fiber element diameter, and the median fiber element diameter.

[0107] Another useful statistic is to calculate the amount of fiber element population that is smaller than a certain upper limit. To determine this statistic, the software is programmed to count how many of the fiber element diameter results are smaller than the upper limit, and the count (divided by the total number of data points and multiplied by 100%) is recorded as a percentage, i.e., percent smaller than the upper limit (e.g., percent smaller than 1 μm in diameter or submicron %). We refer to the measured diameter (in μm) of an individual circular fiber element as di.

[0108] If the fiber element has a non-circular cross section, the diameter measurement of the fiber element is taken as the hydraulic diameter and set equal to the hydraulic diameter, which is the cross-sectional area of ​​the fiber element multiplied by 4 divided by the perimeter of the cross section of the fiber element (or the outer perimeter in the case of hollow fiber elements). The number-average diameter, or mean diameter, is calculated as follows:

[0109]

number

[0110] Test 2: Median particle size test method As stated above, this test method must be used to determine the median particle size of discrete particles.

[0111] A median particle size test is conducted to determine the median particle size of the seed material using ASTM D 502-89, "Standard Test Method for Particle Size of Soaps and Other Detergents," approved May 26, 1989, with further specifications for the sieve sizes used in the analysis. According to Section 7, "Procedure using machine-sieving method," clean, dry nested sieves are required, including American Standard (ASTM E11) sieves #8 (2360 um), #12 (1700 um), #16 (1180 um), #20 (850 um), #30 (600 um), #40 (425 um), #50 (300 um), #70 (212 um), and #100 (150 um). The specified machine-sieving method is used with the nested sieves listed above. The seed material is used as the sample. A suitable sieve shaker is available from WS Tyler Company (Mentor, Ohio, USA).

[0112] The data are plotted on a semi-log plot where the opening size in μm for each sieve is plotted against the logarithmic horizontal axis and the cumulative mass percent (Q3) is plotted against the linear vertical axis. An example of such data representation is given in Figure A.4 of ISO 92761:1998, "Representation of results of particle size analysis - Part 1: Graphical Representation." For the purposes of this invention, the median particle size (D) of the seed material is used. 50 ) is defined as the abscissa value at the point where the cumulative mass percent equals 50 percent and is calculated by linear interpolation between the data points just above (a50) and just below (b50) the 50% value using the following equation: D 50 =10^[Log(D a50 )-(Log(D a50 )-Log(D b50 )) * (Q a50 -50%) / (Q a50 -Q b50 )] (In the formula, Q a50 and Q b50 are the cumulative mass percentiles of the data just above and just below the 50th percentile, respectively, and D a50 and D b50 are the sieve size values ​​in μm corresponding to these data).

[0113] If the 50th percentile value is smaller than the finest sieve size (150 um) or larger than the coarsest sieve size (2360 um), additional sieves should be added to the nest according to a geometric progression of 1.5 or less until the median falls between the two measured sieve sizes.

[0114] The distribution span of seed material is a measure of the total width of the seed size distribution around the median. It is calculated according to: Span = (D 84 / D 50 +D 50 / D 16 ) / 2 (In the formula, D 50is the median particle size, and D 84 and D 16 are the particle sizes at the 16th and 84th percentiles, respectively, on the cumulative mass percent retention plot).

[0115] D 16 If the value is smaller than the finest sieve size (150 um), the span is calculated as follows: Span=(D 84 / D 50 ).

[0116] D 84 If the value is greater than the coarsest sieve size (2360 um), the span is calculated as follows: Span=(D 50 / D 16 ).

[0117] D 16 The value is smaller than the finest sieve size (150 μm) and D 84 If the value is greater than the coarsest sieve size (2360 um), the distribution span is set to a maximum value of 5.7. [Example]

[0118] Example 1: Non-fibrous sheet formulation

[0119] [Table 1] * Has an average degree of ethoxylation of about 1 ** It has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 48,000 Daltons. *** It has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 4000 Daltons. **** Contains fragrances, chelating agents, etc.

[0120] Example 2: Fabric hueing agent-containing structure

[0121] [Table 2]

[0122] Example 3: Comparative Test Showing Fabric Stain / Spot Reduction with an All-in-One Laundry Detergent Article of the Present Invention An integrated laundry detergent article of the present invention is provided, comprising two non-fibrous surfactant-containing sheets S5 as described in Example 1, sandwiched between which is a fabric hueing agent-containing fibrous structure A as described in Example 2. Each of the non-fibrous sheets S5 has a length of about 5.5 cm, a width of about 5.5 cm, a thickness of about 0.95 mm, and a weight of about 1.5 grams, resulting in a total weight of about 3 grams for the non-fibrous sheets. Fibrous structure A has the same length and width as non-fibrous sheet S5, but a thickness of about 1.2 mm and a weight of about 0.5 grams. Fibrous structure A is placed between the non-fibrous sheets S5, which are then sealed together under pressure and heat to form the integrated laundry detergent article of the present invention.

[0123] A comparative laundry detergent article is also provided containing the same two non-fibrous sheets S5 and the same fabric hueing agent-containing fibrous structure A, but which are not sealed together and remain separate from one another.

[0124] Both the laundry detergent article of the present invention and the comparative laundry detergent article are used to treat fabrics under the following test conditions and procedures.

[0125] Test conditions ●Washing machine used: Electrolux W565H; Wash cycle: Main wash - 10 minutes; ○ 1st rotation - about 800 rpm for 1 minute 35 seconds; ○ First rinse: 4 minutes; ○ Second rotation - about 1000 rpm for 1 minute 10 seconds; ○ Second rinse: 4 minutes; ○ Third rotation - about 1000 rpm for 1 minute 10 seconds; ●Water supply: Beijing city tap water; ●Water level: Approximately 13L for both main wash and rinse; ●Size and type of fabric load: 13 pieces of white ballast fabric, each having a fabric size of 50cm x 50cm and a total weight of approximately 1.7kg; ○Contains 60% cotton and 40% 50 / 50 polyester / cotton blend.

[0126] Test procedure: 1. Rinse the washing machine using two 4-minute rinse cycles before each test. 2. Place the inventive or comparative test sample in the bottom of the washing machine's wash tub. 3. Place a piece of cotton ballast fabric flat on top of the inventive or comparative test sample. 4. Place the other ballast fabric loosely into the wash tank. 5. Close the washer door and start the wash cycle. 6. After one cleaning cycle is completed, open the door and remove the ballast. 7. Allow the ballast to air dry overnight in a dry room at approximately 22°C. 8. The dried fabric ballast is collected the next morning for spot evaluation. 9. Using a single lens reflex camera (zoomed to a frame size of 10 cm x 10 cm), take pictures of any stain / spot areas on the white fabric piece under the same light source and at the same distance. 10. Image analysis tools are used to quantify the mottle intensity, which is calculated as the percentage of the mottle area on the treated fabric divided by the total frame area of ​​the fabric photograph taken.

[0127] The test results are as follows:

[0128] [Table 3] *There are a total of 10 stained / spotted fabric swatches out of a total of 52 fabric swatches (i.e., 4 replicates with 13 fabric swatches per test) treated with the article of the present invention. Images of the stained / spotted area on each fabric swatch are captured by a single-lens reflex camera zoomed to a frame size of 10 cm x 10 cm, and the images are then analyzed to calculate the spot intensity. ** There are a total of 11 stained / spotted fabric pieces out of a total of 52 fabric pieces treated with the comparative article (i.e., 4 replicates with 13 fabric pieces per test). Images of the stained / spotted area on each fabric piece are captured by a single-lens reflex camera zoomed to a frame size of 10 cm x 10 cm, and the images are then analyzed to calculate the spot intensity.

[0129] The inventive laundry detergent article and the comparative laundry detergent article produce similar numbers of stained / spotted fabric pieces, but the spots on the fabric pieces treated with the comparative laundry detergent article are much more severe than those treated with the inventive laundry detergent article of the present invention.

[0130] 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 "approximately 40 mm."

[0131] All documents cited in this application, including all cross-referenced or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent 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 that it alone, or when combined with any other reference(s), teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention(s). Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with a 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.

[0132] 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. An integrated laundry detergent structure comprising two or more non-fibrous sheets and at least one fabric hue dye disposed between said two or more non-fibrous sheets, said integrated laundry detergent structure being water-soluble, and each of said two or more non-fibrous sheets comprising at least one film-forming agent and a first surfactant; each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets having a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, a length to thickness aspect ratio of at least 5:1, and a width to thickness aspect ratio of at least 5:1; Each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets comprises 20% to 90% by weight of C, based on the total weight of each non-fibrous sheet. ６ ~C ２０ Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), C ６ ~C ２０ 1. An all-in-one laundry detergent structure comprising a first surfactant selected from the group consisting of linear or branched chain alkyl sulfates (AS), and combinations thereof.

2. 10. The integrated laundry detergent structure of claim 1, wherein the fabric hue dye is present in: (a) a water-soluble fibrous structure disposed between the two or more non-fibrous sheets; (b) a water-soluble non-fibrous sheet structure disposed between the two or more non-fibrous sheets; (c) a water-soluble pasty structure disposed between the two or more non-fibrous sheets; (d) discrete water-soluble particles disposed between the two or more non-fibrous sheets; or (e) a combination thereof.

3. 3. The integrated laundry detergent structure of claim 1, wherein the fabric hue dye is present in a water-soluble fibrous structure disposed between the two or more non-fibrous sheets, the water-soluble fibrous structure comprising a plurality of fibrous elements each comprising 0.01% to 30% of the fabric hue dye based on the total dry weight of each fibrous element.

4. 4. The integrated laundry detergent structure of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one fabric hue dye is selected from the group consisting of direct dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, solvent dyes, disperse dyes, and combinations thereof.

5. The all-in-one laundry detergent structure of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fabric hue dye has the following chemical structure: (a) 【Chemistry 1】 wherein the values ​​of the subscripts x and y are independently selected from 1 to 10; or (b) 【Chemistry 2】 wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, alkyleneoxy, alkyl-capped alkyleneoxy, urea, and amide; R3 is a substituted aryl group; and X is a substituent comprising a sulfonamide moiety and optionally an alkyl and / or aryl moiety, wherein the substituent is composed of at least one alkyleneoxy chain comprising an average molar distribution of at least four alkyleneoxy moieties.

6. The integrated laundry detergent structure of claims 1-5, wherein said fabric hue dye is an optical brightener.

7. 7. The all-in-one laundry detergent structure of claim 6, wherein the optical brightener is selected from the group consisting of: (1) disodium 4,4′-bis{[4-anilino-6-morpholino-s-triazin-2-yl]-amino}-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate, (2) disodium 4,4″-bis[(4,6-di-anilino-s-triazin-2-yl)-amino]-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate, (3) disodium 4,4′-bis{[4-anilino-6-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-s-triazin-2-yl]-amino}-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonate, (4) disodium 2,2′-([1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diyldi-2,1-ethanediyl)bis-benzenesulfonate, and (5) combinations thereof.

8. 8. The unitary laundry detergent structure of claim 1, wherein each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets comprises 30% to 90% of the first surfactant, based on the total weight of each non-fibrous sheet.

9. 9. The unitary laundry detergent structure of claim 1, wherein each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets comprises 1% to 70% of the at least one film-forming agent, based on the total weight of each non-fibrous sheet.

10. The first surfactant is a non-alkoxylated C ６ ~C １８ The integrated laundry detergent structure of any one of claims 1 to 9, which is a linear or branched chain AS surfactant.

11. The monolithic laundry detergent structure of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one film former in each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets is a water-soluble polymer.

12. 12. The monolithic laundry detergent structure of claim 11, wherein the water-soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyalkylene glycol, starch or modified starch, cellulose or modified cellulose, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and combinations thereof.

13. 13. The monolithic laundry detergent structure of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one film-forming agent in each of the two or more non-fibrous sheets is a polyvinyl alcohol characterized by: (1) a weight average molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to 140,000 Daltons; and / or (2) a degree of hydrolysis in the range of 40% to 100%.

14. Use of the integrated laundry detergent structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for pre-treating and / or cleaning fabrics.

Images