ES2359751T3 - FABRIC WHITENESS GUIDE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Laundry container and fabric whiteness guide, comprising at least one visual whiteness scale, in which the guide is integral with a part of the container, characterized in that the guide comprises a plurality of discrete parts and said parts have 0.5 -4 cm in length or diameter.

Description

The present invention relates to a fabric whiteness guide for verifying the whiteness of a fabric.

In many circumstances, whiteness is extremely appreciated by consumers. In fact for some clothing (eg, expensive white dress shirts, uniforms) dull whites are perceived as unacceptable. In these cases, reduced whiteness can even lead to the clothing being discarded by the consumer. Wear from repeated wash cycles can reduce the whiteness of a garment.

The ability of washing powders to maintain / renew whiteness can be increased by the use of dyes that turn gray.

Document WO 0132097-A1 describes a dental grinding guide device and a package combination comprising a device that is brittle attached to the package.

US 2005059571-A1 describes a stain removal kit that includes a stain removal guide to provide a stain removal regimen based on a stain and fabric classification.

An object is to provide a device and a method for home consumer verification of changes in whiteness of a fabric and evaluation of the benefits of whiteness in a laundry composition.

Consequently, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a fabric whiteness guide according to claim 2.

The Fabric Whiteness Guide enables consumer home verification of a fabric's change in whiteness by matching the graying of the fabric to the graying of the whiteness visually displayed on the scale, without the need for complicated installation or training.

The scale (s) may show a range of whitenesses progressively varying from low whiteness at one end of the scale to high whiteness at the other end of the scale.

A whiteness scale (s) can be defined in terms of L * a * b * values (the CIE LAB color space (CIE 1976 L * a * b *), where L * is the brightness value, a * is the red-green value and b * is the yellow-blue value).

The variation in whiteness on the scale may be due to a combination of a change in luminosity (L *) and coloration (a * and / or b *).

***

The highest whiteness can be defined as L max, a max, b max (including UV) so that:

L * max is in the range of 85-100, preferably 91-98 a * max is in the range of -3 to +5, preferably -0.5 to +1.5 b * max is in the range of +5 to -15, preferably -2 to -12

***

and the minimum whiteness values as L min, a min, b min so that

ΔL * = L * max - L * min, where ΔL * is 3 to 20 units, preferably 5 to 10 units reflecting a graying of clothing Δa * = a * max - a * min, where Δa * is +/- 0 to 5 units, preferably +/- 0 to 2 units Δb * = b * max - b * min, where Δb * is -3 to -20 units, preferably -5 to -12 units, reflecting a change in yellowing of the clothing. The values of a * can be constant or at least +/- 1 unit, to restrict the scale to focus the image.

blue-yellow coloration instead of red-green. The observed values involved may be within the above extremes. The observed values

involved may be equally distributed. Alternatively, the values of L * and b * and a * can be lowered in alternate stages.

The scale (s) can be configured as regards the verification of changes in the observation due to a

5 increase or decrease of a particular color (for example yellow). Consequently, the values of b * can vary positive or negative with the values of a * and / or the values of L * kept constant or constant by at least +/- 1 unit.

The scale can be configured to verify changes in the observation due only to the change in

10 luminosity ("graying") of a fabric. Consequently, the values of L * can be varied and the values of a * and the values of b * can be kept constant within +/- 1 unit. The a * can be kept at zero or at least in the vicinity of zero (within +/- 1.0 and preferably within +/- 0.3 of zero). The values of b * can be held constant at a value (in +/- 1 unit) that is less than 2 and preferably less than -3 units.

The absolute values of b * may be raised above the level of the values of a * due to the addition of contrast agents that enhance the perceived appearance of the whiteness guide itself.

There are multiple scales that each show different changes in one or more different colors and luminosities so that the consumer can select the appropriate scale based on a particular coloration / graying of the

20 white cloth undergoing measurement. In this way, the consumer can identify and appreciate the cause of a decrease in whiteness by matching the fabric to the correct scale.

The whiteness scale can be continuous (in which the whiteness increases gradually) through the scale or it can be in stages. In the case of a staged scale, this will comprise a plurality of discrete parts, in

25 that progression from one part of the scale to another includes a stepwise change in whiteness.

In the case of a staged scale, the total color difference between adjacent grays is preferably such that graying of one part of the scale is easily and quickly distinguished by the naked eye from graying of an adjacent part. This means that a quick home test can be done by the busy consumer, without

30 need for laboratory conditions or facilities. However, at the same time, it is preferred that the scale is focused on slight changes in whiteness within a restricted range of high whiteness values.

Consequently the difference in whiteness between adjacent parts can be defined so that the color of

** *

35 each part has Lab values: L n, a n, b n, defined by:

in which the highest whiteness has n = 1, there are N grays or discrete whites on the scale and the grays 40 decrease in whiteness in equal steps (+/- 0.3 units) along the 3 axes.

Preferably, the total color difference represented by the value of ΔE (corresponding to the square root

** 2 ** 2 ** 2

positive of [(L n-L n-1) + [(a n-a n-1) + [(b n-b n-1)]) is preferably greater than or equal to 0.5 and, more preferably

0.5 to 2.0 (including UV).

Four. Five

The values of L * and b * can vary alternately on the scale, so that L * only changes when n is an even number and b * when n is an odd number.

The values of L * and b * can vary alternately on the scale so that b * only changes when n is an even number and L * when n is an odd number.

The value of L * can decrease linearly while the values of b * decrease for even values of n.

The value of b * can decrease linearly with each value of n, while the values of L * are only decreased by 55 for even values of n.

Parts may have a uniform graying of white. A uniformly gray part is easier for the consumer to match with the fabric.

By "continuous" it is meant that the change in whiteness appears (to the naked eye) continuous along the scale or scales. However, a continuous scale (s) include (s) demarcation by visual cues, for example lines in order to divide the scale into multiple parts. This makes it easier for the consumer to recall without recording roughly where the whiteness of the fabric falls on the scale.

The scale or scales may be labeled with visual directional cues to direct the user to hold the product in a predetermined orientation. The highest whiteness values can be on one side, that is, the right or left of the user (when facing the product).

The parts of the scale or scales may be labeled with numbers, names, anagrams, etc. applied, for example, by printing to facilitate verification.

The parts of the scale or scales may be arranged in a single straight row. Alternatively, the parts can be arranged in multiple rows. The row or rows can be straight or curved.

Preferably, the parts are of the same shape and size. This is advantageous in that no undue preference is given to any part (s) due to size. This provides a more accurate comparison between the whiteness of the parts and the fabric based on the whiteness.

The parts are 0.5 to 4 cm and can be greater than 2 cm in length / diameter. By length / diameter you want to indicate the highest length / diameter of a shape, for example, this will be the diameter of a circle, the largest diameter of an ellipse, the length of one side of a square and the length of the longest side of a rectangle.

The whiteness scale is preferably a diameter of preferably 1-4 cm and can be more than 2 cm in 10-12 cm.

The guide may comprise openings corresponding to the scale, whereby the fabric can be viewed through the openings to identify the level of whiteness according to the scale.

If the guide includes openings, it is preferred that the length or diameter of the parts are at least 1.3 times, more preferably twice the length or diameter of the openings. Preferably the parts are at least 1 cm in diameter and more preferably at least 3 cm. This allows a large area of the guide to surround the opening to match the fabric to be tested.

The openings may correspond to the parts and there may be one opening per part. Alternatively there may be more than one aperture per part, so that the whiteness of the fabric is seen through multiple apertures, which may be in a pattern or grid. The aperture or apertures may be completely included in the perimeter of the part or each of them.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the openings may be in the shape or conformation that is a cut in the perimeter of the part, that is, so that they are not encompassed by the perimeter, but are themselves part of the perimeter. .

The opening may have a curved perimeter. It can be circular or elliptical. A curved perimeter is advantageous as it can make shape estimation easier for the human eye.

The opening may have a wavy perimeter and the wavy lines may be such that the shape has multiple (two-dimensional) projecting parts.

Alternatively, the shape can be angular like a star shape.

Visually interesting shapes such as wavy or star shapes provide visual stimuli to the consumer, to entice the consumer to do the rehearsal and also provide visual stimuli during rehearsal.

The whiteness scale can have 3-20 parts, preferably 8-14 parts. A more complicated scale offers greater accuracy, however excessively complicated scales will leave many consumers out. Surprisingly, a very simple scale increases the use of the device by first-time users and verification becomes more common. There may be a choice of scales, a first scale that has 3-20 parts, and at least one other scale that has a lower number, such as half, than the first scale.

The scale can have less than 10 parts. This is advantageous for whiteness guides focused on a restricted range of whitenesses as previously described. This is the optimal range that provides parts that are easily visually distinguishable by the consumer.

The guide can be a flat member. By plane, it is meant less than 2 mm thick, preferably less than 1 mm. This has the advantage that the surface bearing the scale is not distanced (in thickness) from the fabric substrate during measurement, allowing more accurate comparisons.

Preferably, the guide is flexible enough so that it can flex to rest on a flexible substrate such as fabric. This has the advantage that the guide can be easily bent to conform to the shape of a garment to carry out the whiteness comparison.

Alternatively, the guide is integral with the container, for example printed on the side of the container. This produces a packaging material, prevents the guide from being accidentally lost, and the consumer is also reminded to use the guide each time it is dispensed from the packaging.

The scale can be initially integral with a part of the container but removable from it, for example, by cutting or by using weakened joints such as one or more areas / lines of perforations, thinning, etc.

The integral shaping guide can be internal or external with respect to the container. The guide may comprise an extension of the wall or flap of the container, so that removal of the guide by the user for use does not jeopardize the structure of the container.

The grinding guide can be provided adjacently or as part of a closure system that must be opened by the consumer to gain initial access. This draws the consumer's attention to the device and reduces the likelihood of it being lost, as might occur in the case of loose packaged guides.

The closure mechanism may incorporate one or more seals that tear open on the first opening. The guide can be attached to or adjacent to one or more of these stamps. There may be multiple seals for closure of the package prior to marketing and these multiple seals may feature pockets, inclusions or recesses. The guide can be at least partially included in these recesses, so that opening the guide reveals itself to the consumer.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of consumer measurement of the whiteness of a fabric, the method including the step of comparing the fabric to a whiteness scale of the first aspect of the invention that includes any optional and advantageous features, as described above.

The step of comparing can take place after washing with a laundry composition. Alternatively or additionally, it can also take place before washing. This allows the consumer to evaluate the effectiveness of the washing procedure in improving whiteness. The comparison step can take place before and / or after consecutive washes, for evaluation of the progressive improvement in whiteness of a particular wash composition. The guide can confirm the maintenance of whiteness due to a particular wash composition.

The invention also allows the consumer to compare different wash compositions or brands of compositions or other conditions such as wash temperature. The comparison step can take place after events affecting washing, for example drying or washing of fabrics outside, in sunlight, etc.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a package containing a laundry composition in combination with a fabric whiteness guide of the first aspect, including any optional advantageous features as described above and preferably together with instructions for use. of said fabric whiteness guide for measuring the whiteness of a fabric according to the method of the second aspect, including any optional advantageous features described above.

The provision of a whiteness guide along with the washing powder makes it possible for the consumer to effectively verify the efficacy of the powder and to appreciate the advantage of the bleaching agents added to the washing powder. Thus, the consumer is given greater control over the evaluation of different products and different washes and also the wash conditions.

The guide can be scented and the perfume of the guide can be equal to or corresponding to the perfume of the laundry composition.

The detergent powder may contain an agent to improve or maintain whiteness. The agent may comprise one or more colorants to increase perceived whiteness.

Preferably, the dye or dyes together have (have) a wavelength absorption peak on the

substrate cloth from 540nm to 650nm and further preferably from 570nm to 630nm.

Dyes that are substantive to fabrics can be used. The dyes can be a direct dye so that it is substantive for cotton or it can be dispersed dyes and solvents that are substantive for synthetic fibers, for example, polyester and nylon. The composition may contain a mixture of colorants in order to be substantive to both fibers.

The laundry composition may contain predominantly anionic surfactants. In this case, dyes containing acid groups are preferred. For use in products containing predominantly cationic surfactants, dyes containing basic groups are preferred. This is to avoid precipitation between the dye and the surfactant.

Suitable dyes for use in products containing predominantly anionic surfactants include those listed in the Color Index publication as direct violet dyes, direct blue dyes, acid blue and acid violet dyes.

Dyes that can be metabolized by carcinogenic amines should not be used. For example, dyes that when reduced release benzidene, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidene, 3,3'-dimethylbenzidene or 3,3'-dichlorobenzidene, should not be used.

twenty

The laundry composition may contain predominantly cationic surfactants. Suitable colorants in this case include those listed in the Color Index as basic blue and basic violet colorants.

The dyes may comprise one or more hydrophobic dyes selected from benzodifurans, methine,

25 triphenylmethanes, naphthalimides, pyrazole, naphthoquinone, anthraquinone and mono-azo or di-azo dyes. Hydrophobic dyes are dyes that do not contain any charged water solubilizing groups. Hydrophobic dyes can be selected from the groups of dispersed and solvent dyes. Blue and violet anthraquinone and mono-azo dyes are preferred.

Preferred colorants include solvent violet 13, dispersed violet 27, dispersed violet 26, dispersed violet 28, dispersed violet 63, and dispersed violet 77.

The graying dye (s) may be a direct violet dye. These are particularly useful for fabrics that contain cotton. Preferred colorants are selected from the group comprising bis-azo direct violet dyes of the formula:

where z is H or phenyl, ring A is preferably substituted with a methyl or methoxy group at the positions indicated by arrows, ring A can also be a naphthyl ring, group Y is a phenyl or naphthyl ring, which 40 it can be substituted with sulfonate groups and can be mono or di-substituted with methyl groups.

The graying dye (s) may comprise the dyes 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 and direct violet 99.

Four. Five

Direct dyes containing Cu such as direct violet 66 can also be used.

The graying dye (s) may comprise acid dyes to gray cotton and can be selected from Acid Blue 98, Acid Violet 17, Acid Violet 50, Acid Black 1, Acid Red 51, Acid Red 17 and Acid Blue 50 29. A preferred acid gray dye is Acid Blue 98.

The grayish colorant may comprise a photobleach covalently attached to another blue or violet chromophore.

The graying dye may comprise a reactive dye covalently bound to a solid polymer or particle.

The graying colorant may comprise a colorant adsorbed onto a solid particle, such as a clay.

For ease of incorporation into laundry products, it is preferred that the graying colorant is supplied in a liquid form.

The level of colorant in the laundry composition may be in the range of 0.000001 wt% to 0.01 wt%, preferably in the range of 0.0001 to 0.01 and preferably 0.0002 to 0.005 wt%.

The composition may comprise a contrast agent (optical brightener). Contrast agents are commercially available. The contrast agent can be supplied in the form of its alkali metal salts, for example the sodium salts. The total amount of the contrast agent (s) used in the composition may generally be 0.005 to 2 wt%, preferably 0.01 to 0.1 wt%.

15 Preferred classes of contrast agents are: di-styryl-biphenyl compounds, for example Tinopal (trade mark) CBS-X, di-amino-stilbene-disulfonic acid compounds, for example Tinopal DMS pure Xtra and Blankophor ( trademark) HRH and pyrazoline compounds, eg Blankophor SN. Preferred contrast agents are: (4-styryl-3-sulfophenyl) -2H-naphthol [1,2-d] tetrazole sodium, 4,4'-bis {[(4-anilino-6- (n-methyl disodium -n-2-hydroxyethyl) -amino-1,3,5-triacin-2-yl)] amino} stilbene-2,2'-disulfonate, 4,4'-bis {[(4-anilino-6-morpholino -1.3.5

Disodium triacin-2-yl)] amino} stilbene-2,2'-disulfonate and disodium 4,4'-bis (2-sulfostyryl) biphenyl.

The laundry composition and whiteness guide can include a common graying colorant or contrast agent, as described above.

The present invention relates to compositions that are used to treat laundry articles such as clothes. These compositions are preferably laundry detergent compositions used for washing (especially particulate detergents, liquid detergents, laundry bars, pastes, gels or tablets), laundry fabric conditioners used to soften fabrics, pre-treatment products, laundry products. post-treatment products, tumble dryer products, ironing products, etc. Preferably they are products of

30 laundry treatment that are applied in an aqueous environment.

Various non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the following Figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a packaged laundry composition according to embodiments of the invention, in which the package is a carton;

Figure 2 shows a laundry composition packaged according to embodiments of the invention, in which the package is a flexible bag; Y

Figure 3 shows an apertured whiteness guide according to further embodiments of the invention including a loose or removable whiteness guide.

Referring now to Figure 1, a cardboard carton 1 is shown, having a scale 3 45 printed thereon.

The container is preferably formed of cardboard or cardboard, but may include layers of metallic or plastic materials for barrier purposes, etc.

50 The scale consists of five 3 x 3 cm2 square parts, numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 from left to right. The parts have the following Lab values measured using a reflectometer, including UV:

L * to* b * 1 93.0 0.5 -3 two 92.0 0.5 -two 3 91.0 0.5 -1 4 90.0 0.5 0 5 89.0 0.5 +1

The board contains a granular casting composition A or B or C or D (as described below).

In a further embodiment, the cardboard is as described above, except that the scale consists of 5 square parts of 2 x 2 cm2. The boxes had the following L * a * b * values measured using a reflectometer with UV included:

7

L * to* b * 1 95.0 0.5 -6 two 93.0 0.5 -4 3 91.0 0.5 -two 4 89.0 0.5 0 5 87.0 0.5 +2

The cardboard contains 1 Kg of composition A or B or C or D.

Referring now to Figure 2, a flexible plastic bag 5 is shown. Bag 5 has a whiteness scale printed on the outside. The scale consists of five 2 x 2 cm2 square parts, numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 from left to right. The parts have the following L * a * b * values measured using a UV reflectometer included:

L * to* b * 1 90.0 0.5 -4 two 88.0 0.5 -two 3 86.0 0.5 0 4 84.0 0.5 +2 5 82.0 0.5 +4

10 The container contains 1 kg of a laundry composition A or B or C or D. A further embodiment comprises the plastic container as described above with reference to Figure 2, except that the parts have the following values of Lab measured using a reflectometer with UV included:

L * to* b * 1 90.0 0.5 -4 two 88.0 0.5 -4 3 88.0 0.5 -two 4 86.0 0.5 -two 5 86.0 0.5 0

fifteen

The package contains a laundry composition A or B or C or D.

In further embodiments, the above packages are provided with whiteness scales printed on a cardboard strip. The strip is provided loose on the inside or removable from the container so that it can be removed

20 at the first opening by the consumer. The parts can be 3 x 3 cm.

In further embodiments, the above cardboard strip 7 is 20 cm long and 6 cm wide. At the top of the card 7 in a space 2 cm in length and the width of the card, a registered trademark (not shown) is printed. The rest of the card is equally divided into 3 x 3 cm boxes, so that there are 12 boxes in

25 total. The whiteness of the boxes is as follows:

L * to* b * 1 92.5 0.5 -7 two 92.0 0.5 -6.2 3 91.5 0.5 -5.4 4 91.0 0.5 -4.6 5 90.5 0.5 -3.8 6 90.0 0.5 -3.0 7 89.5 0.5 -2.2 8 89.0 0.5 -1.4 9 88.5 0.5 -0.6 10 88.0 0.5 + 0.2 eleven 87.5 0.5 +1.0 12 87.0 0.5 +1.8

A circular 11 hole of 1 cm radius is cut in the center of each part.

The circular hole 11 allows the consumer to view the fabric through a window surrounded by a graying area of the whiteness of the scale. The area of the hole 11 relative to the size of the part is selected so that there is sufficient area of the graying of the whiteness to allow a fast and exact match of the fabric

8

with the graying of whiteness.

In one embodiment, the parts are arranged in a single row. In a further embodiment, the parts are in two rows (shown on dotted line B).

Examples of casting formulations A, B, C and D

Formulation TO B C D NaLAS fifteen twenty 10 12 NI (7EO) - - - 8 Na tripolyphosphate 7 fifteen - - Soap - - - 1 Zeolite A24 - - - 17 Sodium silicate 5 4 5 1 Sodium carbonate 2. 3 twenty 30 twenty Sodium sulfate 40 30 40 twenty Carboxymethylcellulose 0.2 0.3 - 0.5 Percarbonate two 3 - 10 TAED 0.5 0.8 - 4 Protease 0.005 0.1 - 0.005 Amylase 0.001 0.003 - - Cellulase - 0.003 - - Contrast agent 0.1 0.15 0.05 0.3 Direct Violet 9 0.0006 0.0008 0.0004 Direct Violet 99 - - 0.0004 - Solvent Violet 13 - 0.02 0 0.01 Zn sulfonated Phthalocyanine Photobleach 0.002 0.004 - - Water / impurity / minor components rest rest rest rest

Enzyme levels are given as a percentage of pure enzyme. Levels of Direct Violet 9, Direct Violet 10 99, Solvent Violet 13, and Zn sulfonated phthalocyanine photobleach are provided as neat colorant. NI (7EO) refers to R- (OCH2CH2) nOH where R is a C12 to C15 alkyl chain and n is 7.

The formulations are prepared by adding direct violet 9, direct violet 99 and sulfonated Zn phthalocyanine photobleach to the suspension, which is then spray dried. Alternatively, the colorants and the photobleach can be added through MgSO4 granules subsequently dosed.

Solvent violet 13 was dissolved in nonionic surfactant (7EO) and granulated into zeolite, to provide a granule containing 0.2 wt% dye. This was later dosed into the formulation.

Claims (1)

** 2 ** 2 ΔE value of the total color difference (corresponding to the positive square root of [(L nL n-1) + [(a na n-1) + **two [(b nb n-1)] between adjacent parts is greater than or equal to 0.5.

13.

Laundry container and fabric whiteness guide according to any of the preceding claims, including openings corresponding to the scale.

14.

Laundry container and fabric whiteness guide according to claim 13, in which the openings correspond to the parts.

fifteen.

Laundry container and fabric whiteness guide according to claim 14, in which the length or diameters of the parts are at least 1.3 times the length or diameter of the openings.

16.

Laundry container and whiteness guide according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said container contains a laundry composition.

17.

Laundry container and fabric whiteness guide according to claim 16, wherein the laundry composition contains an agent for improving or maintaining whiteness.

18.

A laundry container and fabric whiteness guide according to claim 17, wherein the agent for improving or maintaining whiteness comprises one or more colorants to increase perceived whiteness.

19. Laundry container and fabric whiteness guide according to claim 18, in which the colorant or colorants 5 together have (have) a wavelength absorption peak on the substrate cloth of 540 nm to 650 nm. 20. A method of measuring and / or verifying the whiteness of a fabric by a consumer, the method including the step of comparing the fabric to a whiteness scale from the guide of any of the preceding claims. 21. A laundry container and fabric whiteness guide according to any of claims 1-19, further including instructions for the use of said fabric whiteness guide to measure the whiteness of a fabric according to the method of claim 20.