Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02929357 2016-05-09
TITLE: Laundry Additive and Drum Treatment
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry additive composition and
methods
for its use in treating laundry and a washing machine drum.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] All publications referred to herein are specifically incorporated
herein by
reference in their entirety.
[0003] Laundry detergents and laundry additives are well known. Laundry
detergents can include surfactants, builders, alkalis, anti-redeposition
agents,
optionally enzymes, bleaches, antimicrobials, softeners, fragrances, optical
brighteners, preservatives, processing aids, foam regulators and corrosion
inhibitors.
Some laundry detergents optionally include malodor neutralizing agents. For
example, US2007/00495l l Al d;scloses a laundry detergent composition that
comprises conventional additives such as cationic and amphoteric surfactants,
an
optical brightener, a coloring agent, a fragrance, an enzyme, a builder, an
electrolyte,
a UV absorber, a bleach, a chelating agent, a preservative, a redeposition
inhibitor, a
dye transfer inhibitor, a thickener, a crease control agent, a pearl luster
agent, a fabric
softener, and/or mixtures thereof. This detergent also includes, as a malodor
neutralizing agent, metallic salts, with zinc ricinoleate being most
preferred.
[0004] Laundry detergents are often satisfactory for use alone to wash
laundry
items. There are times when the detergent is not deemed adequate to clean the
laundry items as desired. In such instances, a laundry additive can be added
to reach
the desired objective. For example, for removing stains, a bleach additive can
be
added. Or Extra fabric softeners or wrinkle removers can be added.
[0005] Laundry washing machines use various amounts of washing water to
which detergent is added for washing laundry. A problem with some laundry
washing machines is that after a number of uses with detergent and/or laundry
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additive(s), the inside (drum) of the washing machine develops an offensive
odor. It
is believed that the odor results from the development of mierobials in the
drums. To
remedy this odor problem, a number of commercial washing machine cleaning
products are available. For the most part, these products are based on strong
oxidizing agents such as sodium hypochlorite and sodium percarbonate.
Apparently
due to the potential for these cleaners to harm fabrics being washed, the
metal
container (drum) and gaskets, most of these cleaning products recommend use in
a
separate wash/rinse cycle without any laundry or detergent present in the
washing
machine during the separate cycle.
[0006] Accordingly, laundry additives which treat laundry and which can
also
treat the washing machine drum for odor would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to liquid laundry additive
compositions and
to their methods of use. According to an embodiment of the invention, the
liquid
laundry additive composition comprises:
a. zinc ricinoleate;
b. carboxyalkyl cellulose; and
c. at least one surfactant,
wherein the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate, on a dry basis, is
decreased
without increasing the content of the zinc ricinoleate in the total
formulation on a wet
basis. It was unexpectedly found that by controlling the total amount of
surfactant, on
a dry basis, relative to the zinc ricinoleate, not only was the composition a
superior
laundry additive for removing odor from laundry, but the composition also
reduced
drum odor. This was unexpectedly accomplished without using an excessive
amount
of zinc ricinoleate on a wet basis. For example, known laundry detergents or
laundry
treatments disclose using zinc ricinoleate in amounts up to about 10% of the
total
composition on a wet basis. For example, US200701005745 Al discloses a fabric
softener comprising up to 5% zinc ricinoleate. This publication discloses a
fabric
softener comprising from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of zinc ricinoleate
and
about 1.0% to about 90% by weight of a cationic surfactant. Thus, at the lower
end of
both ranges the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate, on a dry basis,
is 100:1, and
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at the upper end of the ranges it is 18:1. Using the end points at the
preferred ranges
of about 0.2% to about 1.0% for zinc ricinoleate and most preferred range of
about
3% to about 15% for cationic surfactant, the ratio, on a dry basis, of total
surfactant to
zinc ricinoleate is 15:1 at both the lower end and the upper end. In the
formulations
exemplified in the table in paragraph [0070] of this publication, the dry
basis ratio of
surfactant (TEA Estcrquat or Diamidoaminc Quaternary Ammonium compound) to
TegoSorb Conc. 50 (described as 50% active zinc ricinolcate by supplier Evonik
Industries) varies from 15.87:1 to 55.6: 1. US20070049511 Al discloses a
laundry
detergent composition that comprises from about 1.0% to about 10% by weight of
a
non-ionic surfactant, from about 1% to about 15% of an an-ionic surfactant,
and from
about 0.01% to about 3% by weight of zinc ricinoleate. Again, using the end
points
of these ranges, this reference discloses a ratio of total surfactant to zinc
ricinoleate
(an-ionic plus non-ionic surfactant), on a dry basis, of from about 8.3:1 to
about
200:1. In the example formulation disclosed in paragraph [0137] on page 11 of
this
publication, the dry basis ratio of total active surfactant (Linear Alkyl
Sulfonate, AES
and Alcohol Ethoxyolatc) to TegoSorb Conc. 50 is 58.8:1. W02008/084460
discloses a fabric color restoration spray for laundry that comprises up to
10% zinc
ricinoleate. According to one embodiment in accordance with the present
invention,
the liquid laundry additive comprises zinc ricinoleate in an amount of about
10% or
less on a wet basis (includes liquid solvent) and the ratio of total
surfactant to zinc
ricinoleate, on a dry basis, is less than about 4:1.
[0008] According to one embodiment, the laundry additive is added to a
laundry
wash together with detergent, resulting in odor reduction/abatement of the
laundry.
The detergent and the additive can be pre-mixed before addition to the laundry
or can
be added separately or sequentially with regard to the detergent.
[0009] According to one embodiment, the laundry additive is added to a
laundry
wash together with detergent, resulting in both odor reduction/abatement of
the
laundry and, unexpectedly, odor reduction/abatement of the drum. This result
was
unexpected because the amount of zinc ricinoleate on a wet basis did not
exceed
normal amounts disclosed in prior art formulations.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
100101 All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein,
whether
supra or infra, are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety
to the same
extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically
and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Further,
when an
amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as either a range,
preferred range, or a list of upper preferable values and lower preferable
values, this is
to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of
any
upper range limit or preferred value and any lower range limit or preferred
value,
regardless of whether ranges are separately disclosed. Where a range of
numerical
values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated, the range is intended to
include the
endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not
intended
that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific values recited when
defining
a range.
[OG11] It noted that, as used in this specification and the appended
claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content
clearly
dictates otherwise. Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all amounts
are
based on weight. "Dry basis" means amounts specified in the absence of liquid
carrier or water. "Wet basis" means amount as specified including liquid
carrier or
water. "Pourable" means a composition which is liquid and can be poured at
temperatures above 40 degrees Farenheit. "Biocide" means an agent that
inhibits the
growth of microorganisms, or functions as a preservative to increase liquid
product
shelf life at the usage levels illustrated herein, and includes
antimicrobials, fungicides
and algicides. "Essentially free" allows for trace amounts of an item or
amounts that
do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)" of the
invention
disclosed herein. "Total surfactant" means the sum total, on a weight basis,
of all
surfactants in the composition. For example, Flexisorb OD 120ZnR from
Innovative Chemical Technologies, Inc. contains 1.4000 weight % anionic
surfactant
which surfactant is to be included in determining the total surfactant in a
composition.
[04112] According to one embodiment, a liquid laundry additive comprises:
a. zinc ricinoleate;
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b. carboxyalkyl cellulose; and
c. at least one surfactant;
wherein the zinc ricinoleate is present, on a wet basis, in an amount of about
10% or
less, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate, on a dry basis, is
less than about
4:1, and the additive is pourable. The composition can comprise a solvent
(carrier).
The preferred solvent is water.
[0013] According to one embodiment, a liquid laundry additive comprises:
a. zinc ricinoleate;
b. carboxyalkyl cellulose; and
c. at least one surfactant;
wherein the zinc ricinoleate is present, on a wet basis, in an amount of about
7% or
less, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate, on a dry basis, is
less than about
2:1, and the additive is pourable.
[0014] According to another embodiment, a liquid laundry additive
comprises:
a. zinc ricinoleate;
b. carboxyalkyl cellulose; and
c. surfactant;
wherein the zinc ricinoleate is present, on a wet basis, in an amount of about
5% or
less, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate, on a dry basis, is
less than about
1:1, and the additive is pourable.
[0015] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for treating laundry
in a
washing machine comprises adding to the washing machine in combination:
a. laundry to be treated;
b. detergent; and
c. liquid laundry additive comprising:
i. zinc ricinoleate;
carboxyalkyl cellulose; and
iii. at least one surfactant;
wherein the zinc ricinoleate, on a wet basis, is about 10% or less of the
liquid laundry
additive, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate, on a dry basis,
is less than
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about 4:1, and the additive is pourable. It is understood that water is also
used in the
washing machine.
[0016] Detergents are well known in the art for cleaning laundry items and
typically include many of the following components:
a. surfactants for penetrating and wetting fabric, loosening soil, and
emulsifying soils to keep them suspended in the wash solution;
b. builders for enhancing the action of surfactants by, for example,
softening the water, helping to disperse soils and prevent their
redeposition out of solution, and assisting in dissolving oil-based soils;
c. alkalis to raise the pH of wash water;
d. anti-redeposition agents to prevent dislodged soils from being
redeposited;
c. enzymes to effect stain removal and provide color and fabric care;
f. active bleaches to improve fabric whiteness and brightness;
g. antimicrobial agents to hygienically clean fabrics;
h. fabric softeners to impart softness, reduce static electricity and reduce
crinkling;
i. fragrances to neutralize odor in both the detergent chemicals and the
soils in the laundry wash;
j. optical brighteners to enhance the light reflected from washed fabric to
make the fabric look whiter and brighter;
k. preservatives to prevent detergent spoilage during storage;
1. solubizcrs to help maintain the pouring characteristics of liquid
detergent;
m. processing aids to maintain the physical characteristics of laundry
detergents during process, storage and use;
n. foam regulators to inhibit the formation of suds during washing; and
o. corrosion inhibitors to inhibit corrosion of metallic parts in the
washing machine.
[0017] The laundry, detergent and additive can be added in any desired
order,
either sequentially or simultaneously. Alternatively, they can be mixed before
adding
to the wash. For example, the laundry to be treated can be added first to the
washing
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machine followed by addition of either one of detergent or additive, or
followed by
simultaneous addition of detergent and additive.
[0018] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for treating laundry
in a
washing machine comprises adding to the washing machine in combination:
a. laundry to be treated;
b. detergent; and
c. liquid laundry additive comprising:
i. zinc ricinoleate;
carboxyalkyl cellulose; and
iii. at least one surfactant;
wherein the zinc ricinoleate is present, on a wet basis, in an amount of about
7% or
less of the liquid laundry additive, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc
ricinoleate is
less than about 2:1 on a dry basis, and the liquid laundry additive is
pourable.
[0019] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for treating laundry
in a
washing machine comprises adding to the washing machine in combination:
a. laundry to be treated;
b. detergent; and
c. liquid laundry additive comprising:
i. zinc ricinoleate;
carboxyalkyl cellulose; and
iii. at least one surfactant;
wherein the zinc ricinoleate is present, on a wet basis, in an amount of less
than about
5% of the liquid laundry additive, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc
ricinoleate is less
than about 1:1 on a dry basis, and the liquid laundry additive is pourable.
[0020] In accordance with a further embodiment, a method for treating
laundry
washing machine drum odor, comprises:
a. adding to the washing machine a liquid laundry additive comprising:
i. zinc ricinoleate;
carboxyalkyl cellulose; and
iii. at least one surfactant;
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wherein the zinc ricinoleate, on a wet basis, is 10% or less of the liquid
laundry
additive, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate is less than about
4:1 on a dry
basis, and the additive is pourable. According to one embodiment, the washing
machine contains laundry to be washed. According to another embodiment,
detergent
is also added in combination with the liquid laundry additive composition. The
additive and detergent can be added in any order. For example, they can be
added
sequentially or combined before addition to the washing machine. The additive
can
further comprise biocide.
[0021] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for treating laundry
washing machine drum odor, comprises:
a. adding to the washing machine a liquid laundry additive comprising:
i. zinc ricinoleate;
carboxyalkyl cellulose; and
iii. at least one surfactant
wherein the zinc ricinoleate is present, on a wet basis, in an amount of about
7% or
less of the liquid laundry additive, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc
ricinoleate is
less than about 2:1 on a dry basis, and the additive is pourable. According to
one
embodiment, the washing machine contains laundry to be washed. According to
another embodiment, detergent is also added in combination with the liquid
laundry
additive composition. The additive and detergent can be added in any order.
For
example, they can be added sequentially or combined before addition to the
washing
machine. The additive can further comprise biocide.
[0022] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for treating laundry
washing machine drum odor, comprises:
a. adding to the washing machine containing laundry to be washed,
detergent and an additive comprising:
i. zinc ricinoleate;
carboxyalkyl cellulose;
iii. at least one surfactant;
wherein the zinc ricinoleate is present, on a wet basis, in an amount of about
5% or
less of the additive, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate is
less than about
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1:1 on a dry basis, and the additive is pourable. According to one embodiment,
the
washing machine contains laundry to be washed. According to another
embodiment,
detergent is also added in combination with the liquid laundry additive
composition.
The additive and detergent can be added in any order. For example, they can be
added sequentially or combined before addition to the washing machine. The
additive
can further comprise biocide.
[0023] According to another embodiment, a liquid laundry additive
comprises:
a. zinc ricinolcatc;
b. carboxyalkyl cellulose;
c. amphoteric surfactant;
d. optionally, nonionic surfactant;
e. anionic surfactant;
f. biocide;
g. fragrance; and
h. colorant;
wherein the zinc ricinoleate is present, on a wet basis, in an amount of less
than about
10% and the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate on a dry basis is
less than
about 4:1, and the additive is pourable. According to further embodiments, the
zinc
ricinoleate is present, on a wet basis, in an amount of less than 7% or 5%.
According
to other embodiments, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate is
less than about
2:1 or less than about 1:1.
[0024] In accordance with one aspect, zinc ricinoleate is used effectively
as a
malodor neutralizing agent. For example, malodor neutralizing agent may
comprise a
water-soluble zinc ricinoleate. According to one embodiment, the zinc
ricinoleate is
present in the liquid laundry additive composition in an amount that is less
than 10%
on a wet basis. According to one embodiment, the zinc ricinoleate is present
in an
amount of less than about 7% of the additive on a wet basis. According to
another
embodiment, the zinc ricinoleate is present in an amount of less than about 5%
of the
additive on a wet basis. According to a further embodiment, the zinc
ricinoleate is
present in amount of from about 2% to about 10% on a wet basis. According to
one
embodiment, the zinc ricinoleate is present in an amount of about 3 to about
6%. This
agent is described in detail in US4968496, US7226584 B2 and US8318806 B2. Zinc
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ricinoleate controls malodors selectively through a chemical binding of low
molecular
weight organic compounds containing the osmogene functional groups. On the
other
hand, zinc ricinoleate generally has no effect on carbonylic groups, such as
aldehydes
and ketones, which comprise typical fragrance and fragrance components. In one
embodiment, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc ricinoleate, on a dry basis,
is less than
about 4:1. In another embodiment, the ratio of total surfactant to zinc
ricinoleate, on a
dry basis, is less than about 2:1. In a further embodiment, the ratio of total
surfactant
to zinc ricinoleate, on a dry basis, is less than about 1:1. According to
another
embodiment, the biocide comprises less than 1% of the additive composition.
[0025] Beneficially, zinc ricinoleate may stably complex with malodor
molecules.
The mode by which zinc ricinoleate complexes with malodors is similar to and
can be
compared to the iron binding and transport of oxygen in hemoglobin-the zinc
acts as a
catalyst to bind the malodor molecules, complcxing it with the fatty acid side
chains
of the zinc ricinoleate molecule, in this way, the zinc ricinoleate
neutralizes the
malodors-that is, it reduces the level of undesirable malodors available for
human
perception.
[0026] Zinc ricinoleate molecules complex with one or more malodor
molecules,
depending on the size and shape of the malodor molecule(s). Once the complex
is
formed, it is a stable (irreversible) complex, that is, the malodor molecule
will not be
released from the zinc ricinoleate, even when the substrate dries. In
comparison when
malodor is treated with cyclodextrin, the cyclodextrin is best described as
forming a
cage-like structure around the malodor molecule which is reversible.
[0027] In one embodiment, the zinc ricinoleate is zinc ricinoleate, for
example as
that commercially available under the trade name Tego Sorb conc. from Evonik
Industries or Flexisorb OD 120ZnR from Innovative Chemical Technologies, Inc.
[0028] in accordance with one aspect, a liquid laundry additive composition
comprises carboxyalkyl cellulose, for example a CI ¨ C4 carboxyalkyl
cellulose. This
component acts as a rheology modifier in the composition. In one embodiment,
the
carboxyalkyl cellulose is methylcarboxy cellulose, such as CMC 9H4F Cellulose
Gum an Aqualon product available from Ashland Inc.
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[0029] According to one embodiment, the liquid laundry additive further
comprises at least one surfactant. Suitable surfactants for use therein
include any
known anionic, amphoteric and, optionally, nonionic surfactant(s).
[0030] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid
laundry additive composition comprises anionic surfactant. Illustrative
examples of
anionic surfactants include alkali salts of fatty acids, alkyl ethoxysulfatc
acting as an
anionic surfactant, sodium linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, those of the
sulfonatc type
and of the sulfate type, such as C9-13-alkylbenzenesulfonates, olefin
sulfonates, i.e.
mixtures of alkenesulfonates and hydroxyalkanesulfonates and also
disulfonates, as
are obtained, for example, from C12-18-monoolefins having a terminal or
internal
double bond by sulfonating with gaseous sulfur trioxide followed by alkaline
or acidic
hydrolysis of the sulfonation products. Other examples are alkancsulfonates,
which
are obtained from C12_18-alkanes, for example by sulfochlorination or
sulfoxidation
with subsequent hydrolysis or neutralization, respectively. Likewise suitable,
in
addition, are the esters of a-sulfo fatty acids (ester sulfonatcs), e.g. the a-
sulfonatcd
methyl esters of hydrogenated coconut, palm kernel or tallow fatty acids.
Further
exemplary anionic surfactants are sulfated fatty acid glycerol esters which
are the
monoesters, diesters and triesters, and mixtures thereof, as obtained in the
preparation
by esterification of a monoglycerol with from 1 to 3 mol of fatty acid or in
the
trausesterification of triglycerides with from 0.3 to 2 mol of glycerol.
Preferred
sulfated fatty acid glyccryl esters are sulfation products of saturated fatty
acids of 6 to
22 carbon atoms, e.g., of capric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic
acid, lauric
acid, palmitic acid, stcaric acid or behenic acid. Mixtures arc included. Such
surfactants are described, for example, in US20060223738 Al and US20060229230
Al.
[0031] Examples of alk(en)yl sulfates are (including mixtures) the alkali
metal
salts, and especially the sodium salts, of the sulfuric monoesters of C12-C18
fatty
alcohols, such as those of coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol,
lauryl, myristyl,
cetyl or stearyl alcohol, or of C10-C20 oxo alcohols, and those monoesters of
secondary alcohols of this chain length. Also included are alk(en)yl sulfates
of said
chain length which contain a synthetic straight-chain alkyl radical prepared
on a
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petrochemical basis, these sulfates possessing degradation properties similar
to those
of the corresponding compounds based on fatty-chemical raw materials, such as
C12-
s-alkyl sulfates and C12-C15- alkyl sulfates, and also C14-C15 alkyl sulfates.
Also
included are 2,3-alkyl sulfates, sulfuric monoesters of the straight chain or
branched
C7_21 alcohols ethoxylated with from 1 to 6 mol of ethylene oxide, such as 2-
methyl-
branched C9-11 alcohols containing on average 3.5 mol of ethylene oxide (EO)
or C12-
18 fatty alcohols containing from 1 to 4 EO which are known as fatty alcohol
ether
sulfates. Anionic surfactants further include the salts of alkylsulfosuccinic
acid,
which are also referred to as sulfosuccinates or as sulfosuccinic esters and
which
constitute the monoesters and/or diesters of sulfosuccinic acid with alcohols,
such as
fatty alcohols and ethoxylated fatty alcohols. Sulfosuccinates comprise C8-18
fatty
alcohol radicals or mixtures thereof, such as sulfosuccinates containing a
fatty alcohol
radical derived from ethoxylated fatty alcohols which themselves represent
nonionic
surfactants. Further examples in include sulfosuccinates whose fatty alcohol
radicals
are derived from ethoxylated fatty alcohols having a narrowed homolog
distribution.
Similarly, it is also possible to use alk(en)ylsuccinic acid containing 8 to
18 carbon
atoms in the alk(en)yl chain, or salts thereof.
[0032] Further examples of anionic surfactants are soaps. Suitable soaps
include
fatty acid soaps, such as the salts of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic
acid, stearic
acid, hydrogenated erucic acid and behenic acid, and, in particular, mixtures
of soaps
derived from natural fatty acids,e.g., coconut, palm kernel, or tallow fatty
acids, and
mixtures thereof. The anionic surfactants, including the soaps, may be present
in the
form of their sodium, potassium or ammonium salts and also as soluble salts of
organic bases, such as mono-, di- or triethanolamine. The anionic surfactants
can be
in the form of their sodium or potassium salts, in particular in the form of
the sodium
salts and ammonium salts, such as the salts of organic bases, as for example
of
isopropylamine. A further class of anionic surfactants is the class of ether
carboxylic
acids which is obtainable by reacting fatty alcohol ethoxylates with sodium
chloroacetate in the presence of basic catalysts.
[0033] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid
laundry additive composition, optionally, comprises nonionic surfactant.
Classes of
nonionic surfactants include alcohols, alkanolamides, amine oxides, esters,
and ethers.
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Nonionic alcohols are, for example, hydroxy derivatives of long-chain C8-C18,
alkane
hydrocarbons, such as cetearyl alcohol, hydrogenated tallow alcohol, lanolin
alcohols,
alkanolamides, and the like. Alkanolamides contain at least one alkoxyl or one
polyoxyethylene grouping and include alkanol-derived amides, such as acylamide
DEA, N-alkyl pyrrolidone, palmamide MEA, peanutamide MIPA, and the like and
ethoxylated amides, such as PEG-50 tallow amidc. Amine oxides include
alkylamine
oxides, such as lauramine oxide; and acylamidopropyl morpholinc oxides, such
as
cocamidopropylamine oxide; and the like. Esters include ethoxylated carboxylic
acids,
ethoxylated glycerides, glycol esters and derivatives thereof, monoglyccrides,
such as
glyceryl myristate, glyceryl palmitate lactate, and the like; polyglyceryl
esters, such as
polyglycery1-6-distearate, polyglycery1-4 oleyl ether, and the like,
polyhydric alcohol
esters and ethers, such as methyl gluceth-20 sesquistearate, sucrose
distearate; and the
like; sorbitan/sorbitol esters, such as polysorbate-60, sorbitan
sequiisostearate, and the
like; and tricsters of phosphoric acid, such as trideceth-3 phosphate,
triolcth-8
phosphate, and the like. Ethers include ethoxylated alcohols, such as
cetcareth-10,
nonoxyno1-9, and the like; ethoxylated lanolin, such as PEG-20 lanolin, PPG-12-
PEG-65 lanolin oil, and the like; propoxylated POE ethers, such as meroxapol
314,
poloxamer 122, PPG-5-ceteth-20, polyalkylene glycol including, for example,
polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the like; and alkyl polyglycosides, such as
lauryl
glucose, and mixtures thereof.
[0034] More non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants include alkyl
ethoxylated surfactants, block copolymer surfactants, castor oil surfactants,
sorbitan
ester surfactants, polycthoxylated fatty alcohol surfactants, glycerol mono-
fatty acid
ester surfactants, polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester surfactants, and
mixtures thereof.
These nonionic surfactants are described in more detail in U.S. Patent
Application
Pub. No. US 2002/0011584 Al. Castor oil surfactants include polyoxyethylene
castor
oil ethers or polyoxyethylene hardened castor oil ethers, which are either
partially or
fully hydrogenated. Nonionic surfactants are exemplified in US20130034505 Al
and
US20060258768 Al.
[0035] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid
laundry additive composition comprises amphotcric surfactant. Exemplary non-
limiting nonionic surfactants are illustrated in US20070089244 Al and include
amine
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oxides, alkylamidoalkylamines, alkyl-substituted amino acids, acylated amino
acids
alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated or ethoxylated and propoxylated, fatty
acid alkyl
esters, preferably having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, especially
fatty acid
methyl esters. Further suitable surfactants include those known as "gemini
surfactants". This term is used generally to refer to those compounds which
possess
two hydrophilic and two hydrophobic groups per molecule. These groups are
generally separated from one another by what is known as a spacer. This spacer
is
generally a carbon chain, which should be long enough to keep the hydrophilic
groups
at a distance sufficient to allow them to act independently of one another.
Surfactants
of this kind are generally notable for an unusually low critical micelle
concentration
and the ability to reduce greatly the surface tension of water. In exceptional
cases,
however, the expression gemini surfactants is used to embrace not only dimeric
but
also trimeric surfactants. Examples of gemini surfactants are sulfated hydroxy
mixed
ethers, dimer alcohol bis- and trimer alcohol tris-sulfates and ether
sulfates. Tipped
dimcric and trimeric mixed ethers are notable in particular for their bi- and
multifunctionality. However, gemini-polyhydroxy fatty acid amides and
polypolyhydroxy fatty acid amides arc also examples. Further examples of
amphoteric surfactants are illustrated in US20070049511 Al and include the
alkylbetaines of the formula (Ia), the alkylamidobetaines of the formula (Ib
), the
sulfobetaines of the formula (Ic) and the amidosulfobetaines of the formula
(Id),
R1-N+(CH3)2-CH2COORI- (Ia)
CO-NH-(CH2)1-N h(CH3)2-CH2COORI- (lb)
N F(CH3)2-CH2CH(OH)CH2S03- (Ic)
RI-CO-NH-(CH2)3-W(CH3)2-CH2CH(OH)CH2S03- (Id)
in which R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C6_22-alkyl radical, a C8_18-alkyl
radical, or a
saturated C10_16-alkyl radical, for example a saturated C12_14-alkyl radical,
and
mixtures thereof.
[0036] Illustrative Examples of suitable betaines and sulfobetaines are the
following compounds named according to INCI: Almondamidopropyl Betaine,
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Apricotamidopropyl Betaine, Avocadamidopropyl Betaine, Babassuamidopropyl
Betaine, Behenamidopropyl Betaine, Behenyl Betaine, Betaine, Canolamidopropyl
Betaine, Capryl/Capramidopropyl Betaine, Carnitine, Cetyl Betaine,
Cocamidoethyl
Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Betaine,
Coco-Hydroxysultaine, Coco/Oleamidopropyl Betaine, Coco-Sultaine, Decyl
Betaine,
Dihydroxyethyl Olcyl Glycinate, Dihydroxycthyl Soy Glycinatc, Dihydroxyethyl
Stearyl Glycinatc, Dihydroxyethyl Tallow Glycinatc, Dimethiconc Propyl PG-
Betaine,
Erucamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Hydrogenated Tallow Betaine,
Isostearamidopropyl Bctainc, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Betaine, Laury!
Hydroxysultaine, Laury! Sultaine, Milkamidopropyl Betaine, Minkamidopropyl
Betaine, Myristamidopropyl Betaine, Myristyl Betaine, Oleamidopropyl Betaine,
Oleamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, ()ley' Betaine, Olivamidopropyl Betaine,
Palmamidopropyl Betaine, Palmitamidopropyl Betaine, Palmitoyl Camitine, Palm
Kernelamiodopropyl Maine, Polytetrafluoroethylene Acctoxypropyl Betaine,
Ricinolcamidopropyl Bctainc, Sesamidopropyl Bctaine, Soyamidopropyl Betaine,
Stearamidopropyl Betaine, Stearyl Betaine, allowamidopropyl Betaine,
Tallowamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Tallow Betaine, Tallow Dihydroxycthyl
Betaine, Undecylenamidopropyl Betaine and Wheat Germamidopropyl Betaine, and
mixtures therof.
[0037] Further examples
of amphotcric surfactants, illustrated in US20070054829
Al, are from the group of alkyl acrylamide/acrylic acid copolymers, of alkyl
acrylamide/methacrylic acid copolymers, of alkyl acrylamide/methyl mcthacrylic
acid
copolymers, of alkyl acrylamide/acrylic acid/alkyl aminoalkyl(meth)acrylic
acid
copolymers, of alkyl acrylamidc/methacrylic acid/alkyl aminoalkyl(mcth)acrylic
acid
copolymers, of alkyl acrylamide/methyl methacrylic acid/alkyl aminoalkyl
(meth)acrylic acid copolymers, of alkyl acrylamide/alkyl meth acrylate/alkyl
aminoethylmethacrylate/alkyl methacrylate copolymers as well as the copolymers
from unsaturated carboxylic acids, cationically derivatized unsaturated
carboxylic
acid, and polymers which, in addition to one or more anionic monomers, also
comprise methacrylamidoalkyl trialkyl ammonium chloride and
dimethyl(diallyl)ammonium chloride as cationic monomers, and mixtures therof.
CA 02929357 2016-05-09
[0038] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid
laundry additive comprises a biocide. At the dosage levels illustrated herein,
tilhe
biocide functions to stabilize the shelf life of the additive composition.
Examples of
biocides are illustrated in US20100162923 Al such as carbendazim,
chlorothalonil, 3-
iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate (IPBC), 1,2-benzisothaiazolin-3-one (BIT),
sodium
omadinc, zinc omadinc, zinc oxide, tetrahydro-3,5-dimethy1-2H-1,3,5-
thiadiazine-2 -
thione solution, 5-hydroxymethoxymethy1-1 -AZA-3,7-dioxabicyclo [3.3.0] octane
formaldehyde release type preservative, 2-n-octy1-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 1 -(3-
chloroally1)-3,5,7-triaza- 1-azoniaadamantanc chloride. Various such biocides
or
fungicides are commercially available such as Mergal brand products from Troy
Chemical Company, Inc., Promex¨ brand products from PromChem Ltd., Nuocide
960 Arch Zinc Omadinc and Proxcl GXL.'" antimicrobial from Arch Chemicals,
and
mixtures thereof.
[0039] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid
laundry additive composition comprises fragrance. Any known fragrance or
mixtures
thereof that adds a pleasant aroma to the composition is suitable for use. Non-
limiting
illustrative examples of fragrances, for example those illustrated in
US20060223738
Al, are the synthetic products of the ester, ether, aldehyde, ketone, alcohol
and
hydrocarbon type. Odorant compounds of the ester type are, for example, benzyl
acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyratc, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl
acetate,
dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl
formate,
ethyl methyl phenylglycinate, allyl cyclohexylpropionate, styrallyl propionate
and
benzyl salicylatc. The ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether; the
aldehydes
include, for example, the linear alkanals having 8-18 carbon atoms, citral,
citronella],
citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, filial and
bourgeonal; the ketones include, for example, the ionones, a-isomethylionone
and
methyl cedryl ketone; the alcohols include anethole, citronellol, eugenol,
geraniol,
linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpincol; the hydrocarbons include
primarily the
terpenes such as limoncne and pinenc. Mixtures of fragrances which together
produce
a pleasing fragrance note can also be used. Such fragrance oils may also
comprise
natural odorant mixtures, as are obtainable from vegetable sources, for
example pine
oil, citrus oil, jasmine oil, patchouli oil, rose oil or ylang-ylang oil.
Likewise are
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muscatel, sage oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, balm oil, mint oil, cinnamon
leaf oil, lime
blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, galbanum oil and
labdanum
oil, and also orange blossom oil, neroli oil, orange peel oil and sandalwood
oil.
[0040] In another embodiment, the liquid laundry additive is essentially
free of at
least one of enzyme, bleach, organic solvent, siloxanc, solids, citrate,
polysaccharide,
cationic surfactant and isoprenoid. In a further embodiment, the liquid
laundry
additive is additionally or alternatively essentially free of at least one of
silicone and
cyclodextrin.
100411 According to one embodiment, a laundry care article comprises a pour
bottle containing the liquid laundry additive. According to another
embodiment, the
pour bottle is plastic, preferably a plastic squeeze bottle.
[0042] According to one embodiment, the liquid laundry additive, whether
being
used to treat laundry in a washing machine and/or treating washing machine
drum
odor, is added in an amount effective for the purpose. For example, the
additive can
be added for either purpose in an amount of at least about 1, 2, 3 or 4
ounces. It is
believed that there is no upper limit for the amount added; however, from a
cost-
performance basis the additive can be added in amounts of up to about 6, 7, 8,
9 or
even 10 ounces.
EXAMPLES
[0043] Following is a non-limiting illustrative example of liquid laundry
detergent
composition made in accordance with the teachings of this invention.
Component Weight A)
Deionized water 78.1471
Promex Clear' 0.1000
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CMC 9HF Cellulose gum2 0.6000
Flexisurf LDP3 1.0000
Green Ordenone4 0.1000
Flexisorb OD 120ZnR5 20.0000
Water (12.0000 wt.%)
zinc ricinolcate (4.0000 wt.%)
glycols (2.6000 wt.%)
anionic surfactant (1.4000 wt.%)
Fresh & Clean WS 119U52 0.0500
Key acid brilliant blue' 0.0029
1PromChem Ltd.
2Aqualon Product Manufactured by Ashland, Inc.
3Innovative Chemical Technologies, Inc.
4Belle Aire Fragrances
5Innovative Chemical Technologies, Inc.
Flavors & Fragrances Specialties, Inc.
'Keystone, Inc.
[0044] Six bath towels were washed in a front load washing machine with
Tide
brand laundry detergent alone, added according to the label instructions and
then left
overnight. When the washing machine was opened the next day to remove the
towels,
a noticeable objectionable (musty) odor was quite evident from both the towels
and
the washing machine drum upon removal of the towels therefrom. A liquid
laundry
additive composition according to the above formulation was then added in an
amount of about 4 ounces and the towels without detergent were sent through a
normal wash cycle. Upon completion of the wash cycle, the towels were removed
and the objectionable odor was gone; a fresh aroma was detected. The odor was
no
longer present in the washing machine drum.
[0045] A quart sized glass jar with a round hinged metal lid, polymer lid
gasket
and closure clasp, to which a 3 inch square by 1/8 inch thick piece of
silicone rubber
to simulate a washing machine gasket, was used to simulate a small scale
washing
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=
machine "test drum". The premise was that the inert glass surface, the lid's
gasket and
clasped closure would simulate a washing machine cycle on bench-top scale.
To create a silage odor in two "test drums", each was charged with about a
quarter
cup of fresh dry hay and sufficient water to substantially wet the rubber and
hay. The
lid clasps were then snapped shut forcing the polymer gaskets against the
"test drum"
opening to create a seal. Under these condition microbes present in the hay
convert
the hay to silage which has a distinct volatile odor profile.
The "test drums" were allowed to stand sealed for three weeks. Upon opening
both
"test drums" a noticeable silage odor was detected. The "test drums" were
emptied
and then washed with detergent simulating a wash cycle. After drying both
"test
drums" still retained detectable silage odor.
One "test drum" was then dosed with two ounces of Zero Odor laundry additive
and
about 12 ounces of fresh warm water. The "test drum" was resealed and
vigorously
agitated by manual shaking for about five minutes. After the dosed "test drum"
was
emptied of its contents it was rinsed with fresh warm water simulating a wash
cycle.
Afterward the dry "test drum" had no detectable odor of any kind whatsoever.
19
