Title of Invention

LIQUID FABRIC SOFTENING FORMULATION AND METHOD OF REDUCING THE OCCURRENCE OF WRINKLES IN LAUNDERED CLOTHING USING THE FORMULATION

Abstract

The present application relates to the inclusion of one or more wrinkle reducing ingredients in a laundry fabric softening product. The benefits are delivered to the laundered item either during the rinse step of the washing procedure or in the dryer. The need for further wrinkle reducing steps when the items are taken from the dryer or after hang drying are thereby reduced. The wrinkle reducing ingredients may be chosen from ethoxylated organosilicones; polyalkyleneoxide modified polydimethylsiloxane; linear aminopolydimethylsiloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymers; sulphated/sulphonated vegetable oils; high molecular weight polyacrylamides; betaine siloxane copolymers; and alkylactam siloxane copolymers or from wrinkle reducing compounds that do not have a net positive charge when in neutral or alkaline medium.

Full Text

FORM-2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 OF 1970) COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See Section 10; rule 13) 1. TITLE OF INVENTION LIQUID FABRIC SOFTENING FORMULATION AND METHOD OF REDUCING THE OCCURRENCE OF WRINKLES INLAUNDERED CLOTHING USING THE FORMULATION 2. HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED, of Hindustan Lever House, 165/166 Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai -400 020, Maharashtra, India, a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913 The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. Technical Field The present invention relates to wrinkle reduction laundry product formulations and to methods of reducing the occurrence of wrinkles in laundered clothing. Background and Prior Art When textiles^such as clothing, linens and the like, are laundered, it is typically desired that wrinkles be _ eliminated.or minimized,after the cleaning and drying - process. reductionJ:echniques Such aS ^ heat add pressure (for example,ironing),have been used but can be time consuming and inconvenient, .; Known attempts to reduce "wrinkles by means of chemical-- "-ingredients in the wash include the use of zwitterionic surfactants, aminosilioones, curable aminosilicones, cellulase enzymes and alkyl amides. However, each of these . ingredients have one or more drawbacks. For example, zwitterionic surfactants are beiieved to work best in cold -ater. Aminosilicones can cause yellowing and can be difficult to formulate. Curable aminosilicones require the heat of .an iron to reduce wrinkles. Cellulase enzymes generally require several wash cycles before anti wrunkle benefits become noticeable. Alkyl amides are not very effective relative-to other wrinkle reducing agents Liquid fabric softeners have been sold commercially since the late 1950" s. They are preferably formulated to provide softening and fragrance benefits to fabrics (primarily cottons and cotton blends) when used in the rinse cycle of a washing machine. Liquid fabric softeners are generally formulated by making an aqueous dispersion of one or more cationic surfactants in water. The cationic surfactants are .--typically quartern!zed organonit-rogen compounds that contain one or more, preferably two, long carbon chains attached to one or more-nitrogen atoms This matrial provide the primary softening benefit by depositing from the rinse --solution onto the fabrics. Additional materials=typically -used in these formulations include preservatives,- pH control ,....agents, viscosity modifying, salts, _perfum£s,_ optical..,. brighteners-, colourants and -colour- _ca-re agents. By purchasing and using liquid fabric softeners, -the consumer, ie clearly interested; in achieving fabric care : benefits over and above those provided by known laundry detergents. Because wrinkles are generally undesirable, a liquid fabric softener that also decreases or eliminates wrinkles would be a welcomed additional benefit. Therefore, there is a need and perceived benefit for an effective and efficient means for eliminating or reducing wrinkles in textiles. To be effective and efficient, the ingredient should preferably work across a broad range of water temperatures, not require the use of an iron, have little to no discolouration effect on the laundered item and provide a noticeable wrinkle reducing benefit-. *s"er relatively few wash cycles. Consumer products are also available that deliver softening and static control benefits in the dryer. "Typically, these are in the form of fabric dryer sheets and are available under the tradenames Snuggle (Unilever) and Downy (Procter s= Gamble). While these products deliver desired benefits, additional benefits, such as wrinkle reduction, are also desirable. —;«^- -^, Therefore, there is also a need for wrinkle reducing agents that can deliver such benefits from-dryer sheets. US-A-3992332 discloses liquid compositions for treatment of fabrics having silicone,-glycol copolymer of noiiionic series, a. phosphate derivative-of—anionic series and a compatible, liquid base"/ "" ^TT " -~- ^.-/,^*^ ■■■" wo-A-98/56S90 discloses, odour - absorbing " compgsitions comprising uncomplexed cyclodextrin and a cyclodextrin compatible wrinkle control agent. US-A-5645751 discloses a ready-to-use fabric composition comprising a water-soluble polymer and a film-compatible silicone ironing aid/lubricant. WO-A-97/32917 discloses non-hydrclyzable block (AB)nA type copolymers comprising alternating units of polysiloxana and amine polyalkylene oxide, particularly for use in textile softeners. RO 84337 discloses a softener composition comprising a mono-ethanolamine salt, ethoxylated stearin and eulphated castor oil. EP-A-544493 discloses a fabric conditioning composition, particularly for use in tumble dryer sheets, comprising an emulsified mixture of a silicone oil and a silicone emulsifier WO-A-94/07980 discloses a fabric cleaning shampoo composition comprising 0.05 to 5wt% of betaine siloxane copolymer. There is-no reference to-softening. Ep-A.-025S711, discloses, siloxane-containing fabric softening —compositions with-50wt% to 99.9wt% of a cationic softener " and 0.l to 15wt% of the :polydiorgaTiosiloxane. ~ r ..: Definition of the Invention *" Accordingly, the present invention provides in a first embodiment a liquid fabric softening formulation comprising one or more wrinkle reducing agents selected from the group consisting of: ethoxylated organosilicones; polyalkyleneoxide modified polydimethylsiloxanes; linear aminopolydimethylsiloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymers? sulphated/sulphonated vegetable oils; betaine siloxane copolymers; and alkylactam siloxane copolymers. The invention further provides a detergent formulation comprising one or more quaternized organonitrogen compounds, fragrance, colourant, water and an effective amount-of-at least one wrinkle reducing agent providing a liquid fabric softening formulation comprising at least one wrinkle reducing agent for reducing the occurrence of wrinkles in laundered clothing, the at least cne wrinkle reducing agent being selected from the group consisting of; ethoxylated organosilicones; polyalkyleneoxide modified pclydimechylsiloxanes; linear aminopolydimethyl siloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymers; sulphated/sulphonated vegetable oils; high molecular weight polyacrylamides; betaine siloxane copolymers; and alkylaccam siloxane copolymers. ~: The invention further provides -a liquid fabric softening formulation comprising an effective amount of a wrinkle deducing agent for reducing the occurrence of wrinkles in -BLaundered clothing, the wrinkle reducing" agent Being a compund"rthat does riot "Save a net "positive charge when in an alkaline medium. ■- ■-■""■■■--, The invention further provides a method of reducing.the occurrence of wrinkles in laundered clothing comprising: i) providing a liquid fabric softening formulation comprising at least one wrinkle reducing agent selected from the group consisting of: ethoxylated organosilicones; polyalkyleneoxide modified polydimethylsiloxanes; linear aminopolydimethyl siloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymers; sulphated/sulphonated vegetable oils; betaine siloxane copolymers; and alkylactam siloxane copolymers; and ii) contacting the formulation with clothing subsequent to a washing procedure; and iii) allowing the clothing to dry; wherein the laundered clothing has fewer wrinkles present than clothing laundered and dried in a similar manner with a liquid softening formulation that excludes the at least one wrinkle reducing agent. The invention further^provides a method of reducing the occurrence of wrinkles in laundered clothing comprising; -,-i)- -providing a liquid .fabric softening formulation- #? comprising at-least one wrinkle reducing agent selected1 ■r-^ - from compounds that to do not have a net posTtive charge;, and -- "■"""- "•-■■■.-::^4^- ii) ^contacting the formulation -with clothing eubsequent to . a washing procedure; and iii) allowing the clothing to dry; wherein the laundered clothing has fewer wrinkles present than clothing laundered and dried in a similar manner with a liquid fabric softening formulation that excludes the at least one wrinkle reducing agent. The invention further provides a dryer sheet comprising a substrate^and one or more wrinkle reducing agents selected from the group consisting of ?„ ethoxylated organosilicones? polyalkyleneoxide modified polydimethylsiloxanes; linear ii) contacting the dryer sheet with clothing, in a drying procedure subseouent to a -washing-procedure; wherein the clothing has fewer wrinkles present than clothing laundered and dried in a similar manner with a-dryer sheet that excludes the at least one wrinkle reducing agent. Detailed Peacripfcion of the Invention The present application relates in one embodiment to the inclusion of one or more wrinkle reducing ingredients in a licjuid fabric softening product. The benefits are delivered to the laundered item during the rinse step of che laundry cycle (when the fabric softener is typically added) and, therefore, reduces the need for further wrinkle reducing steps when the items are taken from the dryer or after hang drying. The present application also relates to the inclusion of one or more wrinkle reducing ingredients in dryer sheets. _ .The ingredients that facilitate the benefit of .wrinkle -reduction are believed to lubricate fibre surface"s7 By ^lubricating the fibre surfaces of garments,, for example the fibres slide more easily relative to each other and are less "-likely to entangle, resulting in lees wrinkles.- TheJ ~" -preferred fibre lubricants disclosed--herein_Jhave-been shown _;to-noticeably reduce the number of wrinkles. The_preferred embodiments also overcome one or more of the above noted -disadvantages of prior wrinkle"reducing agents or methods. LIQUID ?ABRIC SOFTENER FORMULATIONS Several molecules have been identified for wrinkle reduction benefits when included in known liquid fabric softener formulations. Using the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) method # 124 (described in greater detail, below), the following molecular classes were found to reduce the number of wrinkles on test cloths: ethoxylated organosilicones; polyalkyleneoxide modified polydimethylsiloxanes; linear aminopolydimethylsiloxane pblyalkyleneoxide copolymers; sulphated/sulphonated vegetable oils; high molecular weight polyacrylamidea; betaine siioxane copolymers; and alkylactam silcocane copolymers. Of the foregoing, the most preferred wrinkle reducing agent is a linear aminopolydimethylsiloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymer sold under the name Magnasoft SRS (available from Witco, Greenwich, CT, USA) . silsoft A-843, another aminopoiydimethylsiloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymer available from Witco, iB also a particularly "preferred wrinkle reducing agent. Another preferred class of wrinkle reduction compounds are eulphated castor oils sold, for example,,^:under the tradename Freedom SCO-75 (available from Freedom chemical Co., Charlotte, NC, USA). One or more of the molecjales/compounds from the above-.., identified classes are preferably included in- -known fabric softener formulations "in~an amount from 0.1 to 10 wt %, 0_.T" "wt % to,5„wt %, 0.3 to__lJ5„wt.% and, most.preferably, from, 0,3"wt_% to S wt %. "Suitable liquid fabric softener formulations are described, for example, in UlS. Patent Nos.: RE 34,-062 (Wells); 5,288,417-(Bauer et airr) r- 5,403,49? (Kiefer et al.); 5,411,671 (Bauer .et. al,X,r 5,460,73 6 (Trinh et al.) ,-5,545,350 (Baker et al.); and 5,562,849 (Wahl et al.) . An additional advantage of the above-identified wrinkle reducing ingredients is that the molecul.es/compcunds do not have a net positive charge in a neutral or alkaline medium, i.e. a medium having a pH greater than or equal to about S.5. Lack of a net positive charge reduces the likelihood that precipitates will result when the above-identified wrinkle reducing ingredients come in contact liquid detergents containing anionic surfactants, such as in the rinse cycle of the laundering process. More specif lly, they are less likely to precipitate with negatively charged surfaccants, DRYER SHEET Dryer sheets are well known in the art. They generally include a substrate, upon which active ingredients are disposed. The dryer sheet is typically added to a hot air_ ."dryer with wet clothing after a laundering cycle. . The „ .present disclosure relates to the addition of ohe: or more" wrinkle reducing agents to known dryer sheet formulations. ^The -wrinkle reducing agents can be added from-~0-.l~wt % to" 25 _vt,%^ Higner wt %" levels of wrinkle reducing agents- f or- dryer applications are desirable because.it typically takes "higher wt %" levels "of active ingredients-in the -dryer,__ such as"with. dryer sheets^ to deliver the benefits"to"the same" weight of fabrics as compared to a rinse conditioner, ""in use/ the dryer sheet is preferably added to a hot air___ clothes dryer with damp clothing. The sheet is allowed to come in contact with the clothing during the drying cycle. During this contact, ingredients disposed on the dryer sheet, such as the wrinkle "reducing agents, are transferred to the clothing. In a most preferred embodiment, the wrinkle reducing agent is a linear aminopolydimethylsiloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymer or a sulphated castor oil. In addition, perfume is preferably added in a range from 1 wt % to 25 wt%, preferably 1 wt% to 4 wt %, wherein 2.5 wt % is most-preferred. The fabric sheet formulation is applied to the substrate and packaged for use. Teat Method Examples The invention will bs further illustrated by the following examples. Further modifications within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. Formulations 1 to 5 inclusive are liquid fabric softener £o:raulation¥™^Forituila-fe-ion 6 is a dryer sheet formulation. Formulation 1 The following-formulation containing a wrinkle reduction" " ingredient~waV produced: ~ *Wrinkle reduction agent - a linear aminopolydimethylsiloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymer from Witco Chemical Co. 1? Formulation 2: The same as forniulation 1 without the wrinkle reduction agent present. Laboratory tests have shown wrinkle reduction benefits for Formulation 1 are greater than that of Formulation 2. Wrinkle Test Results Using the AATCC fabric smoothness test method as described above, several fabric types were laun"dered;"SS:ing either formulation 1 with Magnasoft SRS at 0.5% oF^he same «:-,. formulation without any wrinkle reduction additive (Formulation2). Results of the"testing_after_four .-^Laundering cycles-show -wrinkle reduction-benefits with-use ."-.-■..of Magnaaoft SRS (Formulation 1) on—rayo_n>- eilk, linen and 100% cotton." The results are significant""at the "95%- -T";""". confidence level. -^Fabric Smoothness Scores?^: Silk Rayon Linen Cotton Form. 1 3.28 2.11 2.72 2.20 Form. 2 3.00 1.78 2.28 1.89 The following are other preferred formulations containing at least one wrinkle reducing agent: Formulation 3 -* Wrinkle reducupsn^age-nlfeirb-a"--linear T i -^amiriopolydimetHylsiilpxaiie■- polyalkyieneoxide^copolymer f rott Witco Chemical Co. ..;_— ._^ - - Formulation 4 - - ._ ~— - -■--- - - \?UL * "Wrinkle reduction agent - a ■sulphated--castc-r--G.il -fro Freedom Chemical Company. Formulation 5 * Wrinkle reduction agent - a eulphated castor oiL-.from Freedom Chemical Company. Preferred-Method of Formula Preparation The above cited formulae were prepared as follows: "The quaternary fabric softener actives were mixed together under moderate agitation and heated to 160 degrees F (approximately 7l»C) . The water and some minor ingredients (colourants and preservatives) were combined in a second mixing vessel and were also heated to 160 degrees F (approximately 7i°c) . The two mixes were then combined by addition of the actives premix to the main batch under vigorous agitation. Viscosity control salts were added to the mixture in neveral increments while the batch was cooled to 100 degrees if (approximately 38°C) . The fragrance and the wrinkle reduction compounds were then added under moderate agitation and the batch -was further cooled to room temperature. The resultant product was uniform and free flowing and remained staple and pcurable over tirae. Formulation 6 *• Formulation for a. Dryer Sheet The above example presents a formulation having 10 wt % wrinkle reducing agent for a dryersheet.- All cptnponent percentages herein are by weight based upon the total weight of the composition, unless otherwise indicated- WE CLAIM : 1. A liquid fabric softening formulation comprising from 8 wt % to 80wt% of cationic fabric conditioning agents and from 0.3 wt % to 5 wt % of one or more wrinkle reducing agents selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated organosilicones; polyalkyleneoxide modified polydimethylsiloxane; linear aminopolydimethylsiloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymers; sulfated/sulfonated vegetable oils; polyacrylamides; betaine siloxane copolymers; and alkylactam siloxanecopolymers. 2. The formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wrinkle reducing agent is a linear aminopolydimethylsiloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymer. 3. The formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wrinkle reducing agent is sulfated castor oil. 4. The formulation as claimed in to claim 1, wherein at least one of the wrinkle reducing agents is present in the formulation in an amount from 0.5 wt % to 3.0 wt % of the formulation. 5. A method of reducing the occurrence of wrinkles in laundered clothing comprising: providing a liquid fabric softening formulation comprising from 8wt% to 80wt% of cationic fabric conditioning agents and from 0.3wt% to 5.0wt% of at least one wrinkle reducing agent selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated organosilicones; polyalkyleneoxide modified polydimethylsiloxane; linear aminopolydimethylsiloxane polyalkyleneoxide copolymers; sulfated/sulfonated vegetable oils; polyacrylamides; betaine siloxane copolymers; and alkylactam siloxane copolymers; contacting the formulation with clothing subsequent to a washing procedure; and allowing the clothing to dry; wherein the laundered clothing has fewer wrinkles present than clothing laundered and dried in an identical manner with a liquid softening formulation that excludes the at least one wrinkle reducing agent. Dated this 19th day of April 2001 Dr.Sanchita Gaftguli OfS.MAJUMDAR&CO Applicant"s Agent

Documents:

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-ABSTRACT(AMENDED)-(26-2-2004).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-abstract(granted)-(4-10-2007).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3(13-8-2001).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3(20-11-2003).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-CANCELLED PAGES(1-10-2005).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-CLAIMS(19-4-2001).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(1-10-2005).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(21-10-2004).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-claims(granted)-(19-10-2004).doc

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-claims(granted)-(19-10-2004).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-claims(granted)-(4-10-2007).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-correspondence 1(19-04-2001).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-correspondence 2(12-11-2007).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-CORRESPONDENCE(2-11-2006).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-CORRESPONDENCE(8-2-2012).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-CORRESPONDENCE(IPO)-(2-11-2007).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-correspondence(ipo)-(29-9-2004).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-DESCRIPTION(COMPLETE)-(19-4-2001).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-description(granted)-(4-10-2007).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-form 19(23-6-2003).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-form 1a(26-2-2004).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-form 2(granted)-(19-10-2004).doc

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-form 2(granted)-(19-10-2004).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-form 2(granted)-(4-10-2007).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-form 2(title page)-(granted)-(4-10-2007).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-form 3(19-4-2001).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-form 5(19-4-2001).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-form-pct-ipea-409(26-2-2004).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-form-pct-isa-210(26-2-2004).pdf

in-pct-2001-00421-mum-petition under rule 138(21-10-2004).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-SPECIFICATION(AMENDED)-(26-2-2004).pdf

IN-PCT-2001-00421-MUM-WO INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION REPORT(19-4-2001).pdf