Abstract: Fabric care compositions that include perfume encapsulates and a quaternary ammonium ester compound, where the shell of the encapsulates include an acrylate or methacrylate material. Related methods of using and making such compositions.

Abstract: The following steps are provided for producing a sheet cellulose material, for instance a handkerchief, comprising at least one adjuvant substance for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: generating an aqueous nano- or micro-emulsion containing nano- or micro-droplet of said at least one substance encapsulated in a protective layer comprising a non-ionic surface-active agent; applying the nano- or micro-emulsion to the cellulose material; evaporating water, leading to the formation of nano- or micro-capsules anchored to the cellulose fibers.

Abstract: Embodiments of a gravity filter for potable water comprise a loose filter bed comprising ion exchange resin particles and activated carbon particles, and a porous non-woven filter substrate disposed downstream of the loose filter bed, wherein the porous non-woven filter substrate comprises an impregnated heavy metal scavenger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lipid nano-particles, which allow nucleic acids to be easily introduced into cells, comprising a cationic lipid represented by formula (I) (wherein: R1 and R2 are, the same or different, alkenyl, etc, and X3 is absent or is alkyl, etc, X1 and X2 are hydrogen atoms, or are combined together to form a single bond or alkylene, and Y1 is absent or anion, L1 is a single bond, etc, R3 is alkyl, etc), and the like.

Abstract: Methods of treating fabric in a dryer and the fabric treatment devices used to provide the fabric treatment composition to the fabric are disclosed. More particularly, methods of treating fabric in a dryer that provides treatment of fabric, including fragrance delivery onto the fabrics, during a multiple of treatment device uses, which may be useful in laundry drying applications and may also provide effective fragrance delivery to the laundered and dried fabrics are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions that are characterized by the presence of ester quats with specific characteristics that promote dispersibility at low temperature. Among the important characteristics of the ester quats are an iodine value of 65-85 and distribution of: 33-38% monoesters, 50-55% diesters and 7-12% triesters.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning articles containing a particulate lubricant agent comprising a platelet which is optionally hexagonal in shape, said platelet optionally having a planar aspect ratio of particle size to thickness of from about 50 to about 300. Non-limiting examples of suitable particulate lubricant agents can include materials such as a boron nitride, a tungsten disulfide, a molybdenum disulfide, a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), a talc, a calcium fluoride, a cerium fluoride and a tungsten disulfide, and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Fabric conditioner dispensers capable of being maintained with one hand.

Abstract: A dryer sheet is provided that includes a nonwoven substrate comprising a mixture of natural fiber and regenerated cellulose fiber, and a fabric conditioning agent. The dryer sheet, if desired, can be provided so that it satisfies the test for biodegradability according to ASTM D 6868-03. A method for manufacturing and a method for using a dryer sheet are provided.

Abstract: Dryer products that impart antistatic properties to textiles and methods for fabricating such dryer products are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a dryer product comprises a water-insoluble, moisture-permeable, enclosed container and a desiccant within the water-insoluble, moisture-permeable, enclosed container. The desiccant is adapted to impart antistatic properties to the textiles during a drying cycle. In another exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating a reusable antistatic dryer product comprises the steps of providing a desiccant adapted to absorb moisture and be solubilized in the moisture, depositing the desiccant in a water-insoluble, moisture-permeable container, and enclosing the desiccant within the water-insoluble, moisture-permeable container.

Abstract: A dryer sheet is provided that includes a nonwoven substrate comprising a mixture of natural fiber and polylactide fiber, and a fabric conditioning agent. The dryer sheet, if desired, can be provided so that it satisfies the test for biodegradability according to ASTM D 6868-03. A method for manufacturing and a method for using a dryer sheet are provided.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning articles containing a particulate lubricant agent comprising a platelet which is optionally hexagonal in shape, said platelet optionally having a planar aspect ratio of particle size to thickness of from about 50 to about 300. Non-limiting examples of suitable particulate lubricant agents can include materials such as a boron nitride, a tungsten disulfide, a molybdenum disulfide, a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), a talc, a calcium fluoride, a cerium fluoride and a tungsten disulfide, and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Dryer-added fabric conditioning articles that comprise friable perfume microcapsules provide consumers an impactful freshness experience while wearing clothing that is treated by the article. Manufacturing processes of incorporating friable perfume microcapsules into dryer-added articles that maximizes the yield of unruptured microcapsules are provided.

Abstract: Dryer-added fabric conditioning articles that comprise friable perfume microcapsules provide consumers an impactful freshness experience while wearing clothing that is treated by the article. Manufacturing processes of incorporating friable perfume microcapsules into dryer-added articles that maximizes the yield of unruptured microcapsules are provided.

Abstract: A controlled delivery system for active ingredients, like a fragrance, for use in fabric softener products, such as tumble dryer sheets, rinse added liquids, and similar products, is disclosed. The delivery system enhances performance of an active ingredient, such as a fragrance. The controlled delivery system contains polymeric micro-particles highly loaded with the active ingredient. Other active ingredients that can be incorporated into a fabric softener composition using the delivery system include ironing aides, silicone fluids, antiwrinkle agents, antistatic agents, optical brighteners, fabric crisping agents, bleaching agents, germicides, fungicides, flow agents, and surfactants.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning sheet comprising a three-dimensional textured substrate formed from a thermoplastic film which has a substantially planar surface yet defines at least one three-dimensional macroscopic deformation extending away from said substantially planar surface; with a fabric conditioning compound being releasably affixed upon at least a portion of said three-dimensional textured substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for improving at least one of the water-resistance, stain resistance, and/or oil resistance of a fabric by treating the fabric with a composition comprising a wetting-agent, a fluorocarbon repellant, and a carrier.

Abstract: A cleaning method employs a textile article immersed in or retaining water. The textile article has calcium-binding moieties to soften the wash water and improve cleaning.

Abstract: A kit for caring for a fabric article includes multiple products such as a fabric treatment composition and a laundry detergent composition, a fabric conditioning composition, and/or a second fabric treatment composition. Each of the multiple products contains a coordinated element, such as a brand name, a characteristic ingredient, container graphics, containers, dosages per container, a dye, a perfume, a trade dress, a set of usage instructions, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: Multiple use fabric conditioning composition comprising improved perfume are useful for softening laundry in a dryer.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising a xyloglucan conjugate and processes for making and using such compositions including the use of such compositions to clean and/or treat a situs.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for improving the sensory properties of fabrics. The fabrics are treated with a water-based preparation which contains alkyl oligoglycosides in combination with mixtures of mono- and diesters of saturated and unsaturated C16-22 fatty acids with diol and polyols, for example as a spray or in the form of a dryer sheet. The compositions may additionally contain auxiliaries and additives, preferably thickeners, such as in particular polymeric thickeners.

Abstract: A composition for treating fabrics, comprising: a) a fabric shrinkage reducing composition selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, all isomers of propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, hexanediol and mixtures thereof; b) a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition. The fabric shrinkage reducing composition and the liquid cleaning/refreshment composition are releasably absorbed in a substrate in a weight ratio of from about 1:2 to about 1:5. The fabric shrinkage reducing composition helps to reduce shrinkage of the fabrics treated in an in-home, non-immersion cleaning and refreshing process which is conducted in a clothes dryer, or the like apparatus. Also provided are non-immersion cleaning/refreshment processes using this composition, a kit containing the necessary items to conduct the processes of this invention and a sheet for releasably absorbing the compositions of this invention.

Abstract: Dryer-added fabric conditioning articles comprising a reactive aldehyde moiety treat or prevent malodor on fabric.

Abstract: A membrane comprising a polymer having repeating units represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 may be the same with or different from each other and are substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a is a number of 0, 1, 2 or a mixture thereof, and b is a number of 0, 1, 2 or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Fabric softening compositions are disclosed comprising: (a) from 0.01% to 50% by weight of a cationic or non-ionic softening compound; (b) at least 0.001% by weight of a water dispersible cross-linked cationic polymer derived from the polymerization of from 5 to 100 mole percent of a cationic vinyl addition monomer, from 0 to 95 mole percent of acrylamide, and from 5 to 500 ppm of a difunctional vinyl addition monomer cross-linking agent (c) from 0 to 5% by weight of a non-confined fragrance oil, (d) an effective amount of at least one fabric or skin beneficiating ingredient encapsulated within a first polymer material to form a polymer encapsulated beneficiating ingredient, said encapsulated ingredient being further coated with a cationic polymer and; (e) balance water and optionally one or more adjuvant materials.

Abstract: Fabric softening compositions are disclosed comprising: (a) from 0.01% to 50% by weight of a cationic or non-ionic softening compound; (b) at least 0.001% by weight of a water dispersible cross-linked cationic polymer derived from the polymerization of from 5 to 100 mole percent of a cationic vinyl addition monomer, from 0 to 95 mole percent of acrylamide, and from 5 to 500 ppm of a difunctional vinyl addition monomer cross-linking agent (c) from 0 to 5% by weight of a non-confined fragrance oil, (d) an effective amount of at least one fabric or skin beneficiating ingredient encapsulated within an organic polymer core and having at the exterior of the core a hydroxy functional polymer attached to the core so as to form a shell at least partially about said core, said shell being permeable to perfume and said hydroxy functional polymer not being removed from the core in water; and (e) balance water and optionally one or more adjuvant materials.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning article for use in a clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning article having a flexible sheet and a fabric conditioning composition deposited on the sheet. The fabric conditioning composition includes a fabric conditioning agent, perfumed particles and minor components. The perfume particles are a perfume composition incorporated into a porous mineral carrier such as clay and/or zeolite. Optionally, the perfume composition comprises low levels of unstable perfume components. Alternatively, the perfumed particles have a coating material encapsulating at least a portion of the particles. Optionally, the articles are packaged in a container having a moisture barrier to prevent premature release of the perfume therefrom.

Abstract: A fabric treatment article for use in a conventional home clothes dryer is described that deodorizes and freshens clothing in need of freshening without imparting additional stains. The product is particularly suited for delivering a fragrance to relatively dry clothing and can be added directly to the dryer without the need for a bag to contain the product and clothing during the dryer cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabric care compositions, methods, and articles of manufacture for treating fabrics, comprising an effective amount of fabric care polysaccharides with globular structure. Optionally, the composition can contain other ingredients to improve performance and formulatability. The compositions can be applied to fabric by spraying, soaking, dipping, and can also be used for pre-wash treatment, adding to the wash cycle, adding to the rinse cycle, and/or adding to the drying cycle. Preferably the compositions are applied from spray containers which preferably are in association with instructions for use.

Abstract: Disclosed are automatic dryer added fabric conditioning articles and methods utilizing fabric conditioning compositions comprising from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by weight of a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, and between about 80 percent to about 20 percent by weight of a mixture of glycerin and glyceryl esters, wherein the fabric conditioning compositions possess a melting point of about 30° C. to about 65° C. The conditioning compositions of the present invention are preferably employed in combination with a dispensing means adapted for use in an automatic clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning compositions may be coated onto substrates, and the fabric conditioning articles thereby obtained used to impart softness and anti-static properties to fabric. The method portion of the invention involves the commingling of damp fabrics with the fabric conditioning compositions in an automatic clothes dryer to impart softness and anti-static properties to the fabric.

Abstract: Described is a method for imparting a substantive fragrance to fabrics being washed or dried in a washing machine or clothes dryer by means of tumbling the fabrics with one or more sachets, each of which contains fragrance-containing particles. The polymer particles comprise an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a blend of polyethylene and an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, an ester-terminated polyamide, a blend of an ester-terminated polyamide and a polysaccharide and/or a C1–C4 alkyl methacrylate polymer. A method for producing fragrance-containing particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are automatic dryer added fabric conditioning articles and methods utilizing fabric conditioning compositions comprising from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by weight of a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, and between about 80 percent to about 20 percent by weight of a mixture of glycerin and glyceryl esters, wherein the fabric conditioning compositions possess a melting point of about 30° C. to about 65° C. The conditioning compositions of the present invention are preferably employed in combination with a dispensing means adapted for use in an automatic clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning compositions may be coated onto substrates, and the fabric conditioning articles thereby obtained used to impart softness and anti-static properties to fabric. The method portion of the invention involves the commingling of damp fabrics with the fabric conditioning compositions in an automatic clothes dryer to impart softness and anti-static properties to the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer including a holder having at least one securement device for retaining a dryer sheet. The holder is inherently form-retaining and of such shape as to be readily tumbled with laundry in a tumble dryer, or it can be mounted to the inside surface of said tumble dryer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of use of a softener composition for imparting hydrophylicity to textile fibre materials in domestic applications, which softener composition comprises: A) a fabric softener; B) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a) a polyethylene, or a mixture thereof, b) a fatty acid alkanolamide, or a mixture thereof, c) a polysilicic acid, and d) a polyurethane; C) selected polyorganosiloxanes.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning article for use in a clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning article having a flexible sheet and a fabric conditioning composition deposited on the sheet. The fabric conditioning composition includes a fabric conditioning agent, perfumed particles and minor components. The perfume particles are a perfume composition incorporated into a porous mineral carrier such as clay and/or zeolite. Optionally, the perfume composition comprises low levels of unstable perfume components. Alternatively, the perfumed particles have a coating material encapsulating at least a portion of the particles. Optionally, the articles are packaged in a container having a moisture barrier to prevent premature release of the perfume therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved bag-type containers for use in a non-immersion fabric care process for dry clean only fabrics. The outer shell of the bags are made from fabric such that the bags resist melting at higher temperatures than conventional non-fabric plastic bags and/or the bags are more pliable and/or supple than conventional non-fabric plastic bags and/or the bags retain more of their pliability and/or suppleness than conventional non-fabric plastic bags after being subjected to heat and/or the bags produce less noise during use than the conventional non-fabric plastic bags and/or the bags retain their shape and/or resist wrinkling during use better than the conventional non-fabric plastic bags. The bags of this invention are used in fabric care or “refreshment” processes are conducted in a hot air environment, preferably dryers, in the presence of a cleaning/refreshment composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing fragrance loss in a substrate. This process includes preparing a protected fragrance matrix that contains a perfume, an optional fixative and a solid absorbent. The process further includes combining a substrate conditioner with the fragrance matrix and a substrate. Products, especially fabric softener sheets, made from these processes are also provided.

Abstract: An aqueous fabric care composition for use in the wash or rinse cycle of a washing machine for cleaning or softening of fabrics concomitant with providing improved benefits to treated fabrics relating to moisture absorption, fragrance deposition, soil removal, reduced wrinkling prior to ironing and better appearance after ironing, said composition comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 30%, by weight, of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic and cationic surfactants, and wherein said surfactant is not derived from hydrazine; (b) from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of (i) a polymer derived from a polycarboxylic acid; and (ii) a compound derived from urea; and (c) balance water and adjuvants.

Abstract: The crease recovery of fabrics can be improved using C20-C40 saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons which have melting points below 0° C., such as squalane. The hydrocarbons may be included in garment care products adapted for use in a tumble dryer, such as flexible sheets, in sprayable formulations or in fabric care compositions, such as fabric conditioning compositions which comprise a fabric softening agent. Fabrics may be treated with the hydrocarbons as part of a domestic laundering process.

Abstract: Disclosed are automatic dryer added fabric conditioning articles and methods utilizing fabric conditioning compositions comprising from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by weight of a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, and between about 80 percent to about 20 percent by weight of a mixture of glycerin and glyceryl esters, wherein the fabric conditioning compositions possess a melting point of about 30° C. to about 65° C. The conditioning compositions of the present invention are preferably employed in combination with a dispensing means adapted for use in an automatic clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning compositions may be coated onto substrates, and the fabric conditioning articles thereby obtained used to impart softness and anti-static properties to fabric. The method portion of the invention involves the commingling of damp fabrics with the fabric conditioning compositions in an automatic clothes dryer to impart softness and anti-static properties to the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a softener composition which contains a softening base having an excellent softening effect and satisfactory biodegradability. That is, the present invention provides the softener composition that has (A) a nonionic compound which has at least one C5-C36 alkyl or alkenyl group and an amide bond but contains no dissociative group of amino or carboxyl group; and (B) at least one member selected among (B-&agr;) cationic or ampholytic surfactants having one C5-C36 alkyl or alkenyl group or one optionally substituted aryl group and (B-&bgr;) amino compounds, having at least one C5-C36 alkyl or alkenyl group and salts of the compunds.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning article for use in a clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning article having a flexible sheet and a fabric conditioning composition deposited on the sheet. The fabric conditioning composition includes a fabric conditioning agent, perfumed particles and minor components. The perfume particles are a perfume composition incorporated into a porous mineral carrier such as clay and/or zeolite. Optionally, the perfume composition comprises low levels of unstable perfume components. Alternatively, the perfumed particles have a coating material encapsulating at least a portion of the particles. Optionally, the articles are packaged in a container having a moisture barrier to prevent premature release of the perfume therefrom.

Abstract: A method of treating fabric which provides improved benefits to treated fabrics relating to moisture absorption, fragrance deposition, soil removal, reduced wrinkling prior to ironing and better appearance after ironing, said process comprising applying to the fabric a dryer sheet comprising a substrate and a coating composition comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 30%, by weight, of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic and cationic surfactants, and wherein said surfactant is not derived from hydrazine; (b) from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of (i) a polymer derived from a polycarboxylic acid; and (ii) a compound derived from urea; and (c) balance water and adjuvants.

Abstract: A process for applying relatively volatile or heat sensitive ingredients, such as perfume, to fabric dryer sheets minimizes the loss of the ingredients to the atmosphere or through degradation.

Abstract: An odorizer or freshener article for use in odorizing and freshening drawers, closets, cabinets, rooms and the like comprises a rod made of a gathered web or filamentary tow material in which a fragrance is embedded or injected in liquid or powder form or in a breakable fragrance-containing capsule and about which a sheet material is overwrapped. An anti-static additive may be incorporated into the rod for use in a clothes dryer. The components of the article are especially designed to be fabricated using conventional cigarette filter making and cigarette packaging machinery.

Abstract: A flexible container in the form of a bag is described for use in a non-immersion dry cleaning process. Bag walls that are appropriately stiff and slick are preferred (preferred Kawabata Evaluation System stiffness and surface friction values are given), as are bag designs that are inherently three-dimensional and self-supporting. A preferred embodiment is a tetrahedral bag having a slick polymeric coating on the interior surface.

Abstract: A soil-repellent treatment method for articles based on woven cotton, wherein an amphiphilic soil-repellent agent soluble or dispersible in the treatment medium is deposited on the article during one or more washing, rinsing and/or softening or dying steps, is disclosed. Said soil-repellent agent comprises at least one unit with a function (FAd) capable of being absorbed onto the surface of the cotton by electrostatic interaction; and at least one hydrophobic unit (MH) capayble of configuring said agent at the cotton/water interface. A soil-repellent agent comprising at least one unit with a cationic function (MC) capable of being absorbed onto the surface of the cotton, and the counter-ion thereof, as well as at least one hydrophobic unit (MH) containing at least four carbon atom chemically bonded to the unit having said cationic function (MC) via an oligomeric, polymeric or copolymeric vinyl alcohol chain, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for applying relatively volatile or heat sensitive ingredients, such as perfume, to fabric dryer sheets minimizes the loss of the ingredients to the atmosphere or through degradation.

Abstract: Non-woven fabrics prepared from fibers having two different deniers useful as substrates in the preparation of dryer-activated fabric conditioning articles. By combining lower denier fibers with higher denier fibers, a substrate is produced that has the tensile strength similar to that of the lower denier substrate combined with the thickness and coating capacity similar to that of the higher denier substrate. Articles comprising said substrates contain: (A) at least about 5% fabric conditioning composition comprising fabric conditioning active; and (B) said substrate.