Liquid Composition Patents (Class 510/527)
  • Patent number: 6806248
    Abstract: A fabric conditioning composition comprises: (a) from about 7.5 to 80% by weight of an ester-linked quaternary ammonium fabric softening material comprising comprising at least one mono-ester linked component and at least one tri-ester linked component; (b) 0.9% to 15% by weight of a fatty complexing agent; (c) an emulsified silicone wherein the weight ratio of the monoester linked component of compound (a) to compound (c) is from 5:1 to 1:5 and the emulsifier for the silicone comprises a nonionic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care, USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: David Stephen Grainger, Llyr Glyndwr Griffiths, Jane Howard, Mansur Sultan Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 6800602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of use of a softener composition for enhancing the abrasion resistance of textile fiber 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, or a mixture thereof, and d) a polyurethane, or a mixture thereof; and C) a selected polyorganosiloxane compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Petr Kvita, Peter Otto, Mario Dubini, Harald Chrobaczek, Michael Geubtner, Ralf Goretzki, Barbara Weber, Emmanuel Martin
  • Patent number: 6797688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous stable, preferably concentrated, aqueous liquid textile softening compositions comprising fabric softener active and cationic polymer in the continuous aqueous phase to provide improved softening. The compositions of the present invention preferably contain diester quaternary ammonium compounds wherein the fatty acyl groups have an Iodine Value of from greater than about 5 to less than about 140. The cationic polymers can provide additional benefits such as dye transfer inhibition, chlorine scavenging to protect fabrics, cotton soil release benefits, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Megan A. Cooper, Toan Trinh, Errol Hoffman Wahl, Richard Martin Ward
  • Patent number: 6759383
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable softener compounds with an acid value of no more than 6.5. A process for making said compound is also provided. The softener can be incorporated into softener compositions to form solid and liquid compositions, including liquid dispersions and clear compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Hugo Jean-Marie Demeyere, Robert Otis Keys, Jans-Jürgen Köhle, Johan De Poortere, Errol Hoffman Wahl
  • Patent number: 6686331
    Abstract: Principal solvents, especially mono-ol and diol principal solvents, having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 0.64, preferably from about 0.25 to about 0.62, and more preferably from about 0.40 to about 0.60, are disclosed that have the ability to make clear aqueous fabric softener compositions containing relatively high concentrations of fabric softener actives having highly unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties or branched chains in two long-chain hydrophobic groups with specific cis/trans ratios and having long chain hydrocarbon groups with an IV of from about 70 to about 140 for the unsaturated groups corresponding to fatty acids with the same number of carbons and the same configuration, and the said principal solvents are used at levels of less than about 40%. The fabric softener actives are preferably prepared in the presence of chelating agent and/or antioxidant, as disclosed herein. Such materials are new. Other solvents can be present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Toan Trinh, Errol Hoffman Wahl, Chad James Oler
  • Patent number: 6680290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to softening formulations, and especially fabric softening formulations, which remain clear at relatively low temperatures and at relatively low concentrations of the active fabric softening ingredients. The formulations comprise an active fabric softening composition and an additive corresponding to the formula: R1—Q—(AO)n—R3, where R1 is C1-18 alkyl; Q is O, C(O)0, or NR1; A is CH2CHR2; R2 and R3 are independently at each occurrence H or C1-4alkyl; and n is 2 to 13; with the proviso that at least one R2 is H and at least one R2 is not H. The formulations preferably also contain water and a solvent which can be aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, aryl alkyl alcohols; aliphatic polyalcohols and their alkoxylates, aliphatic ethers, aliphatic esters, or alkylene carbonates and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Dow Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Marie Lenoir
  • Patent number: 6664223
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Marianne Zappone, Dixie June Umstead, Marija Heibel, Sayed Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 6653275
    Abstract: The invention relates to fabric softener formulations based on one or more cationic surfactants and at least one further component, which give the overall formulation a transparent and clear appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Goldschmidt Rewo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Fender, Hans-Jurgen Kohle, Simone Schussler, Klaus Stark
  • Patent number: 6630441
    Abstract: Amine fabric softener actives are prepared in dispersion and/or clear form with materials to improve performance by increasing the cationic charge density. These materials include polycationic compounds, especially cationic polymers; single long-chain cationic compounds; and carboxylic acids that increase the acidity in the rinse, thus lowering pH and increasing the percentage of amine fabric softener active that is protonated. Antistatic properties are also improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kimberly Ann Grimm, Dennis Ray Bacon, Toan Trinh, Errol Hoffman Wahl, Helen Bernardo Tordil
  • Patent number: 6608024
    Abstract: Clear or translucent rinse-added fabric softening compositions are provided via the present invention which have reduced solvent or solvatrope levels. The composition according to the invention comprise: a) a fabric softening active; b) a principal solvent; c) a principal solvent extender, and d) the balance carriers and adjunct ingredients. Preferred enbodiments include low perfume level formulations. A preferred class of principal solvent extenders includes hydrophobic oils that aids in fluidizing the system which is characterized by a freezing point of less than 22° C. for in a mixture of the principle solvent extender and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol (20%/80% by wt.) These principal solvent extenders include materials such as benzyl benzoate, methyl esters derived from canola oil, and mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the preferred principal solvent extenders include cumene sulfonates, xylene sulfonates, toluene sulfonates, C6-C14 sulfonates and sulfates, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dean Larry DuVal, Gayle Marie Frankenbach, Errol Hoffman Wahl, Toan Trinh, Hugo Jean Marie Demeyere, John Henry Shaw, Jr., Masae Nogami
  • Patent number: 6593289
    Abstract: Fabric softener compositions comprising certain red colorants that exhibit excellent deep, dark red colorations (for aesthetic purposes) and mix very well with other colorants to provide differing red shades and tints therein, which simultaneously exhibit very low, if any staining capabilities on fabrics treated therewith, are provided. Such deep and dark red colorations have heretofore been unavailable within fabric softener formulations due to the tendency of such prior colorants to exhibit unacceptable staining levels, particularly when formulated at similar deep and dark shades as now provided within the inventive low-staining formulations. Apparently, and quite unexpectedly, the colorants present therein react favorably with quaternary ammonium salt softening agents in a manner to prevent reaction with the fibers of the treated fabrics themselves, thereby preventing staining thereon and therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Co.
    Inventor: James E. Stavrakas
  • Publication number: 20030119701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable softener compounds with an acid value of no more than 6.5. A process for making said compound is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Hugo Jean-Marie Demeyere, Robert Otis Keys, Jans-Jurgen Kohle, Johan De Poortere, Errol Hoffman Wahl
  • Patent number: 6559117
    Abstract: Viscosity stable, concentrated, aqueous, liquid fabric softening compositions contain a mixture of biodegradable diester quaternary ammonium softening materials and specific co-active fabric softening materials which include substituted imidazoline compounds and specific quaternary ammonium salts. The compositions have superior stability at both normal and lower temperatures. The best process for preparing such compositions uses a molten premix of the fabric softening materials which is dispersed in an aqueous phase through the use of high shear milling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Cort Severns, Alice Marie Vogel, Errol Hoffman Wahl, Robert Mermelstein
  • Patent number: 6525016
    Abstract: A high-viscosity, low-solids rinse cycle fabric softener formulation including a homogeneous blend of (a) 50-90% by weight of at least one imidazolinium quaternary ammonium compound; and (b) 10-50% by weight of at least one amido amine quaternary ammonium compound, wherein said at least one imidazolinium quaternary ammonium compound and said at least one amido amine quaternary ammonium compound do not contain any unsaturated alkyl groups, dispersed in water. A method of preparing the high-viscosity, low-solids rinse cycle fabric softener formulation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Goldschmidt Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Jen Farn Liew
  • Patent number: 6521589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable softener compounds of the formula (1): [(R)4-m—N(+)—[(CH2)n—Y—R1]m]X(−) with an acid value of no more than 6.5. A process for making said compound is also provided. The softener can be incorporated into softener compositions to form solid and liquid compositions, including liquid dispersions and clear compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Hugo Jean-Marie Demeyere, Robert Otis Keys, Jans-Jürgen Köhle, Johan De Poortere, Errol Hoffman Wahl
  • Patent number: 6492322
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous stable, preferably concentrated, aqueous liquid textile softening compositions comprising fabric softener active and cationic polymer in the continuous aqueous phase to provide improved softening. The compositions of the present invention preferably contain diester quaternary ammonium compounds wherein the fatty acyl groups have an Iodine Value of from greater than about 5 to less than about 140. The cationic polymers can provide additional benefits such as dye transfer inhibition, chlorine scavenging to protect fabrics, cotton soil release benefits, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Megan A. Cooper, Toan Trinh, Errol Hoffman Wahl, Richard Martin Ward
  • Patent number: 6486121
    Abstract: Fabric softener compounds having the formula: [RC(O)]nN+(R1)mX− wherein each R in a compound is a C6-C22 hydrocarbyl group, preferably having an IV from about 70 to about 140 based upon the IV of the equivalent fatty acid, n is a number from 1 to three on the weight average in any mixture of compounds, each R1 in a compound is a C1-3 alkyl or hydroxy alkyl group, the total of n and the number of R1 groups that are hydroxyethyl groups equaling 3, n+m=4 and X is a softener compatible anion, preferably methyl sulfate, the compound, or mixtures of such compounds, having (a) either a Hunter “L” transmission of at least about 85, typically from about 85 to about 95, preferably from about 90 to about 95, more preferably above about 95, if possible, (b) only non-detectable levels, at the conditions of use, of odorous compounds selected from the group consisting of: isopropyl acetate, which should be, less than about 5, preferably less than about 3, and more preferably less
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Errol Hoffman Wahl, Toan Trinh, Eugene Robert Carr, James J. MacDonald, Zaiyou Liu, Alex Haejoon Chung
  • Patent number: 6465416
    Abstract: A thickened aqueous fabric softener composition comprising at least one surfactant and a polymeric rheology modifier, wherein said polymeric rheology modifier is the polymerization product of (i) an alkyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid; (ii) a monomer selected from the group consisting of a vinyl-substituted heterocyclic compound containing at least one nitrogen or sulfur atom, (meth)acrylamide, a mono- or di-alkylamino alkyl(meth)acrylate, and a mono or di-alkylamino alkyl(meth)acrylamide; and (iii) an associative monomer. The polymeric rheology modifier does not require a make down step to slurry or disperse it into a fabric softener composition. The thickened fabric softener compositions do not affect rewettability, nor do they build up on cloth in multi-cycle washing. In addition, the thickened fabric softener compositions provide softening and reduce the formation of wrinkles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel W. Verstrat, Joseph S. Maxim, Jr., James Rosie
  • Patent number: 6436896
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of an aqueous fabric softening composition comprising; (i) at least one cationic fabric softening compound having two or more alkyl or alkenyl chains each having an average chain length equal to, or greater than, C8 and (ii) at least one oily sugar derivative, wherein the cationic fabric softening compound (i), and/or the oily sugar derivative (ii) is/are separately mixed with another active component of the fabric softening composition to form a pre-mixture prior to the admixing of the softening compound (i) with the oily sugar derivative (ii). The invention also provides an aqueous based fabric softening composition produced by the method of the invention, and, a method of treating fabrics with the composition so produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, a divison of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian David Charlton, David Stephen Grainger, Mansur Sultan Mohammadi, Prabhat Sakya
  • Patent number: 6432911
    Abstract: An aqueous fabric conditioning composition comprises a cationic surfactant, an oil, a solvent and is in the form of a water-in-oil micro-emulsion. The cationic surfactant comprises either (a) quaternary ammonium compounds having at least one ester group and being formed from a parent fatty acid having a degree of unsaturation represented by an iodine value of from 20 to 140 or (b) quaternary ammonium compounds having two C8-C28 alkyl or alkenyl chains directly attached to the nitrogen and being formed from a parent fatty acid having a degree of unsaturation represented by an iodine value of from 0 to 20 or (c) mixtures of (a) and (b). The invention also relates to a process for treating fabrics and a method for preparing a fabric treatment composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Helene Sylvie Buron, Craig Warren Jones, Pablo Martinez-Escolano, Laurent Soubiran
  • Patent number: 6410501
    Abstract: A fabric conditioner concentrate is produced comprising a liquid or soft solid derivative of cyclic polyol or a reduced saccharide resulting from 35 to 100% of the hydroxyl groups in the cyclic polyol or reduced saccharide being esterified or etherified, the derivative having at least two or more ether groups independently attached to a C8-C22 alkyl or alkenyl chain or mixtures thereof, containing at least 35% tri- or higher esters, an emulsifying agent, a deposition aid and less than 30% by weight water. The nonionic fabric softening component dissolves the deposition aid, which, if it is a cationic deposition aid, can also act as an emulsifying agent, allowing the composition to emulsify easily on mixing with water. Fabric conditioning concentrates according to the present invention maybe in the form of clear isotropic compositions or clear water-in-oil micro-emulsions. The deposition aid allows the nonionic fabric softening component to deposit onto fabric from the emulsion during a rinse step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Warren Jones, Mansur Sultan Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 6395790
    Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion composition comprising 0.5% to 20% by weight of a cationic emulsifier, up to 75% by weight of siloxane and water, wherein the siloxane is liquid and has units according to the formula Ra Si O4−a/2 wherein R is hydrocarbon or OH and a is 0 to 3 and wherein the cationic emulsifier is free from halogen in its counter ion, preferably methosulphate, etho-sulphate, acetate, tosylate, phosphate or nitrate. The siloxane preferably has a viscosity at 25° C. of from 10,000 to 1,000,000 mPa.s and is selected from polydimethyl siloxanes and polydimethyl polymethyl phenyl siloxanes. Also covered is a process of depositing siloxanes from such siloxanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Dow Corning S. A.
    Inventors: Serge Firmin Alain Creutz, Benoit Charles Jean Paul Henault
  • Patent number: 6376456
    Abstract: The present application relates to the inclusion of one or more wrinkle reducing ingredients in a laundry fabric softening product. The benefits are delivered to the laundered item either during the rinse step of the washing procedure or in the dryer. The need for further wrinkle reducing steps when the items are taken from the dryer or after hang drying are thereby reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Stephen Murphy, Daniel Joseph Fox, Francoise Meyer
  • Patent number: 6376448
    Abstract: Hard surface cleaning and disinfecting compositions include a film-forming, organosilicone quaternary ammonium compound providing a protective layer for water and stain repellency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Francis Colurciello, Jr., Mark Timothy Bennett
  • Patent number: 6369025
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an aqueous, concentrated, stable, translucent, or preferably, clear, rinse added liquid fabric softening compositions which provide excellent water dispersibility in rinse water, comprising a fabric softening active and a principal solvent having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 0.64, and an asymmetric structure. In order to achieve the main object of the invention, namely excellent water dispersibility, the molar ratio of a principal solvent of a fabric softening active should be not less than 3, preferably from about 3.6 to about 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Toan Trinh, Helen Bernardo Tordil, Errol Hoffman Wahl, Jennifer Lea Rinker, Hugo Jean Marie Demeyere, Marc Johan Declercq, Eugene Paul Gosselink, James Carey Letton, Deborah Jean Back, John Cort Severns, Mark Robert Sivik, Alice Marie Vogel
  • Patent number: 6362158
    Abstract: An aqueous multi-phase liquid fabric softener composition comprised of at least two phases, all of said phases being transparent or translucent, said fabric softener composition comprising: (a) from about 5% to about 45%, by weight, of a cationic softening material; (b) from about 5% to about 15%, by weight, of a solvent having a partition coefficient of log P of from about 0.70 to about 2.0; (c) from about 0.2% to about 1.5%, by weight, of a mineral electrolyte; (d) a water-immiscible oil-based perfume in an amount sufficient to provide the desired degree of fragrance; and (d) balance water whereby said multi-phase softener composition is capable of being converted to a milky macroemulsion upon dilution with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Grandmaire, Anita Hermosilla
  • Patent number: 6350287
    Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning garments which comprises treating the garments with a mixture of dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPTB) and water for a period of time sufficient to effect dry-cleaning, wherein the weight ratio of DPTB to water is at least 9:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Rynex Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventor: William A. Hayday
  • Patent number: 6335315
    Abstract: Principal solvents, especially mono-ol and diol principal solvents, having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 0.64, preferably from about 0.25 to about 0.62, and more preferably from about 0.40 to about 0.60, are disclosed that have the ability to make clear aqueous fabric softener compositions containing relatively high concentrations of fabric softener actives having highly unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties or branched chains in two long-chain hydrophobic groups with specific cis/trans ratios and having long chain hydrocarbon groups with an IV of from about 70 to about 140 for the unsaturated groups corresponding to fatty acids with the same number of carbons and the same configuration, and the said principal solvents are used at levels of less than about 40%. The fabric softener actives are preferably prepared in the presence of chelating agent and/or antioxidant, as disclosed herein. Such materials are new. Other solvents can be present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Toan Trinh, Errol Hoffman Wahl, Chad James Oler
  • Patent number: 6323172
    Abstract: Principal solvents, especially mono-ol and diol principal solvents, having a ClogP of from about 0.15 to about 0.64, preferably from about 0.25 to about 0.62, and more preferably from about 0.40 to about 0.60, are disclosed that have the ability to make clear aqueous fabric softener compositions containing relatively high concentrations of fabric softener actives having ester linkages in their long, hydrophobic chains. The fabric softener actives are either unsaturated, or have intermediate length chains (˜C12-14) and the said principal solvents are used at levels of less than about 40%. Other solvents may be present. Some of the said principal solvents are novel compounds and/or novel mixtures. Premixes of the fabric softening actives, the principal solvents, and, optionally, other solvents are useful in the preparation of complete formulations by obviating/limiting the need for heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Toan Trinh, Helen Bernardo Tordil, Errol Hoffman Wahl, Jennifer Lea Rinker, Hugo Jean Marie Demeyere, Marc Johan Declercq, Eugene Paul Gosselink, James Carey Letton, Deborah Jean Back, John Cort Severns, Mark Robert Sivik, Alice Marie Vogel
  • Patent number: 6303565
    Abstract: The invention provides a process of improving the viscosity stability upon storage at temperatures of 25° C. or more but below 40° C. of a fabric softening composition comprising: (a) a 8 to 50% by weight of a cationic fabric softening agent; and (b) perfume by the inclusion of 3.5% to 15% by weight of an emulsified silicone, based upon the total amount of the composition, which has been emulsified with one or more cationic surfactants. In one aspect, the viscosity of the silicone before emulsification is from 10,000 cSt to 400,000 cSt, preferably from 20,000 cSt to 350,000 cSt, more preferably from 25,000 cSt to 250,000 cSt and the emulsion is a macro-emulsion. In another aspect, the median emulsified silicone droplet size is at least 0.2 &mgr;m, preferably at least 0.25 &mgr;m, more preferably at least 0.39 &mgr;m, preferably also no greater than 25 &mgr;m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Divison of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ellis Clarke, Samantha Small
  • Patent number: 6273919
    Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning garments which comprises treating the garments with a mixture of dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPTB) and water for a period of time sufficient to effect dry-cleaning, wherein the weight ratio of DPTB to water is at least 9:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Rynex Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: William A. Hayday
  • Patent number: 6271192
    Abstract: A thickened aqueous fabric softener composition comprising at least one surfactant and a polymeric rheology modifier, wherein said polymeric rheology modifier is the polymerization product of (i) an alkyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid; (ii) a monomer selected from the group consisting of a vinyl-substituted heterocyclic compound containing at least one nitrogen or sulfur atom, (meth)acrylamide, a mono- or di-alkylamino alkyl(meth)acrylate, and a mono or di-alkylamino alkyl(meth)acrylamide; and (iii) an associative monomer. The polymeric rheology modifier does not require a make down step to slurry or disperse it into a fabric softener composition. The thickened fabric softener compositions do not affect rewettability, nor do they build up on cloth in multi-cycle washing. In addition, the thickened fabric softener compositions provide softening and reduce the formation of wrinkles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Company
    Inventors: Daniel W. Verstrat, Joseph S. Maxim, Jr., James Rosie
  • Patent number: 6255271
    Abstract: A fabric care composition comprises an amine or amide-epichlorohydrin resin or derivative thereof, a silicone component and, optionally, a textile compatible carrier. The textile compatible carrier facilitates contact between the resin and a fabric. The composition is adapted for use in the rinse cycle of a laundering process and may be used, as part of such a process, in the treatment of fabric to reduce creasing of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care, USA, division of Conopco
    Inventors: Robert John Carswell, Anthony Nicholas Jarvis, Adelle Louise Killey, William Mooney, Andrew Philip Parker, Emily Jane Peckham, Zhengwu Shen
  • Patent number: 6251850
    Abstract: A fabric softening composition comprising: (a) a cationic fabric softening compound; and (b) an emulsified silicone. In one aspect the viscosity of the silicone before emulsification is from 10,000 cSt to 1,000,000 cSt, preferably from 30,000 cSt to 750,000 cSt, more preferably from 40,000 cSt to 400,000 cSt, most preferably 45,000 cSt to 250,000 cSt, eg 45,000 cSt to 200,000 cSt and the emulsion is a macro-emulsion. In another aspect, the median silicone droplet size in the emulsion is at least 0.2 &mgr;m, preferably at least 0.25 &mgr;m, more preferably at least 0.39 &mgr;m, preferably also no greater than 25 &mgr;m and is emulsified with an emulsifier comprising one or more cationic surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ellis Clarke, Serge Firmin Creutz, Benoit Henault, Samantha Small
  • Patent number: 6232283
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid detergent composition having high detergency without damaging styrene-based resin. The liquid detergent composition comprising (a) 0.1 to 50% by weight of a mixture of at least two different compounds from each other in view of their strutural isomers and/or their number of carbon atoms, selected from glyceryl-ether compounds having the formula (I): R—OCH2CH(OH)CH2OH (I) wherein R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 11 carbon atoms; (b) 0.01 to 30% by weight of a surfactant; (c) 0.01 to 30% by weight of a builder or an alkali agent; and (d) the balance of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Takumi Inoue, Kazunori Tsukuda, Mitsuru Uno, Noriyuki Morii
  • Patent number: 6218354
    Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing a liquid softening composition comprising a fabric softener, a nonionic alkoxylated stabilizing agent, and a dye component, whereby the resulting softening composition exhibits effective freeze-thaw recovery properties and good dye homogeneity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Hugo Jean Marie Demeyere, Johan De Poortere
  • Patent number: 6180594
    Abstract: The invention relates to a low-concentration, high-viscosity aqueous laundry fabric softener dispersion based on quaternary triethanolamine fatty acid esters and having a defined ratio of triethanolamine to fatty acid, the fatty component having a specific degree of saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Witco Surfactants GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Fender, Hans-Jurgen Kohle, Simone Schussler
  • Patent number: 6174854
    Abstract: There is provided a stable, concentrated fabric rinse composition comprising 0.1 to 20, preferably 1 to 10% by weight of a UV absorber selected from a hydroxyaryl-1,3,5-triazine, a sulphonated-1,3,5-triazine, an o-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole or a 2-aryl-2H-benzotriazole, based on the total weight of the composition, and a fabric care ingredient, preferably a fabric softener, a stain release or stain repellant ingredient or a water-proofing agent, the remainder being substantially water. The fabric rinse composition is preferably a fabric softener composition comprising 5 to 25, preferably 10 to 20% by weight of a cationic fabric softening agent and 0.1 to 20, preferably 1 to 10% by weight of a UV absorber selected from a hydroxyaryl-1,3,5-triazine, a sulphonated-1,3,5-triazine, an o-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole or a 2-aryl-2H-benzotriazole, each based on the total weight of the composition, the remainder being substantially water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Urs Hofer, Werner Kaufmann, Manfred Rembold
  • Patent number: 6110887
    Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous laundry fabric softener dispersions based on quaternary triethanolamine fatty acid esters having a defined ratio of triethanolamine to fatty acid, the fatty component having a specific degree of saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Witco Surfactants GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Euler, Michael Fender, Hans-Jurgen Kohle, Hans-Georg Schieber
  • Patent number: 6063754
    Abstract: The invention concerns fabric conditioning compositions comprising at least 2 wt. % of a water insoluble cationic fabric softening agent and a perfume, characterized in that they further comprise a di- or tri-ester as set out under I, II and III: I. Diesters of monobasic acids and diols (a) where R.sub.1, R.sub.2 are independently C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl chains or C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkenyl chains, and R.sub.3, R.sub.4 are independently H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl chains and n=0-8. II. Diesters of monohydric alcohols and dioic acids (b) where R.sub.1, R.sub.2 are independently C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl chains or C.sub.2 -C.sub.18 alkenyl chains, and R.sub.3, R.sub.4 are independently H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl chain and n=0-10. III. Triesters of glycerol and aliphatic carboxylic acids of up to 12 carbon atoms. Preferably the cationic fabric softening agents comprise two C12-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups connected to a quaternary nitrogen via an ester link. The perfumes are preferably present in an amount of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Quest International B.V.
    Inventors: Jeremy Nicholas Ness, Keith Douglas Perring
  • Patent number: 6057285
    Abstract: Rinse cycle fabric softeners are described which are stable and pourable and which contain a quaternary diester fabric softener such as N-methyl, N,N,N-triethanolamine ditallow ester quaternary ammonium salt in combination with glycerol monostearate and a fatty alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant as the emulsifier having an HLB value above 7.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: Jose Javier Tovar Pescador, Salvador Jantes Hernandez, Alain Jacques
  • Patent number: 6040287
    Abstract: The present invention provides laundry concentrate compositions comprising a mixture of at least one non-ionic surfactant and at least one water insoluble, polar group--containing oil, wherein the concentrate is characterized by a viscosity in excess of about 10 cps, preferably in excess of 100 cps, and further characterized that, upon dilution with at least about one volume of water per volume of concentrate, the concentrate is converted at least partially into a liquid crystal phase dispersion, providing a diluted concentrate having a viscosity of at least about 50 cps.Preferred concentrates are fabric softeners in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion and also containing a cationic or non-ionic fabric softener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co
    Inventors: Andrea Lee Motyka, Guy Broaze, Alison Kugler
  • Patent number: 6030933
    Abstract: The present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising one or more enzymes which are immobilized by a covalent binding on an activated polymer. Such enzymes are preferably bound to the activated polymer via a spacer molecule. The enzymes are selected from a variety of enzymes including, for example, cellulases, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, glucoamylases, amylases, lipases, cutinases, pectinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, laccases, ligninases, pullulanases, xylanases, tannases, pentosanases, manlanases, .beta.-glucanases, arabinosidases, and mixtures thereof. The polymer is selected from a variety of polymers. A preferred polymer for use in the present invention is polyethylene glycol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ivan Maurice Alfons Jan Herbots, Madeleine Petronella Jansen, Andre Cesar Baeck, Jean Wevers
  • Patent number: 6022845
    Abstract: The subject invention involves liquid fabric softener compositions for use in the rinse cycle of a laundering process, and concentrates of such compositions, the compositions and concentrates comprising: (a) from about 0.4% to about 24% cationic fabric softener; (b) from about 0.3% to about 10% hydrophobic perfume; (c) from about 0.4% to about 20% nonionic surfactant; (d) from 0% to about 3% water-soluble ionizable inorganic salt; (e) from about 60% to about 98.5% water; and (f) from 0% to about 10% other ingredients; the composition having a ratio of cationic softener to perfume of from about 1:3 to about 5:1, and a ratio of cationic softener to nonionic surfactant of from about 1:2 to about 4:1, the amount of cationic softener plus nonionic surfactant being from about 1% to about 30%; and the composition being a liquid aqueous phase with discrete hydrophobic particles dispersed substantially uniformly therein. The subject invention also involves processes for making such compositions and concentrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Ma. Cristina Avila-Garcia, Roberto Escobosa-Reinosa, Miriam Coria-Aguilar
  • Patent number: 6020304
    Abstract: A liquid fabric softening composition comprising a) from 0.01% to 10% by weight of a fabric softener component; b) at least 0.001% of a thickening agent selected from the group consisting of I) associative polymers having a hydrophilic backbone and at least two hydrophilic groups per molecule attached to the hydrophilic backbone; ii) cross-linked cationic polymers that are derivable from a water-soluble cationic ethylenically unsaturated monomer or blend of monomers which is cross-linked by 5 to 45 ppm of a cross-linking agent comprising polyethylenic functions; and iii) mixtures thereof; c) a component capable of sequestering metal ions and selected from the group consisting of: aminocarboxylic acids, organo aminophosphonic acids, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Raphael Angeline Alfons Ceulemans, Franciscus Joseph Madeleine De Block, Bruno Albert Jean Hubesch
  • Patent number: 5985820
    Abstract: A fabric conditioning composition comprising;i) a quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound containing at least one ester group and;ii) a polymeric nonionic surfactant with a molecular weight of less than 15,000 and having two long chain alkyl groups in which the two long chains are separated from each other by a hydrophilic moiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Abid Nadim Khan-Lodhi, Christopher Whaley
  • Patent number: 5965517
    Abstract: A method of treating fabric comprising:i) applying a composition comprising a polycarboxylic acid or derivative thereof; and ii) curing the composition using a domestic process, is described herein. The invention also relates to compositions for use in said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco,Inc.
    Inventor: William Mooney
  • Patent number: 5945396
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compound having the formula: ##STR1## in which each R.sub.d is the same or different and each is --NH--Z--N(R.sub.a)(R.sub.b) or --N--?Z--N(R.sub.a)(R.sub.b)!.sub.2 in which Z is C.sub.2 -C.sub.14 alkylene or optionally substituted arylene, R.sub.a and R.sub.b are the same or different and each is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, or R.sub.a and R.sub.b, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are each attached, form a morpholino, piperidino or piperazino ring; each R.sub.c is the same or different and is NH.sub.2, NH(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl), N(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl).sub.2, N(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH).sub.2, O--C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, ##STR2## alkali metal atom, ammonium or a cation formed from an amine; or a quaternized form thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Claude Eckhardt, Georges Metzger, Dieter Reinehr, Hanspeter Sauter, Mario Dubini
  • Patent number: 5919750
    Abstract: A fabric softener composition with improved fabric softening performance is based upon a mixture of quaternary ammonium fatty acid derivatives one of which is obtained from partially hydrogenated soy triglyceride or fatty acids derived from such triglyceride possessing certain properties of cis/trans isomer ratio and iodine value and the other of which is obtained from tallow acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventor: Paul Iacobucci
  • Patent number: 5919751
    Abstract: A rinse conditioner giving excellent deposition of a fabric treatment agent onto fabric. The rinse conditioner comprising a fabric softening compound, a water insoluble oil and from 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition of a Fabric Treatment Agent, wherein the Fabric Treatment Agent has a c.logP of 3.0 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Nigel Peter Bird, Timothy David Finch, Stuart Bernard Fraser, Christopher Maddison, Christopher Whaley