Clear or translucent aqueous fabric softener compositions containing high electrolyte and optional phase stabilizer

US6995131B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• Gayle Marie Frankenbach · Cincinnati, US
• Ellen Schmidt Baker · Cincinnati, US
• Rebecca Baker · Chicago, US
• Marc Johan Declercq · Strombeek-Bever, BE
• Hugo Jean Marie Demeyere · Merchtem, BE
• Ryan Matthew Heiden · Amelia, US
• Charles Albert Hensley · Cincinnati, US
• Brent Alan Kolb · Cincinnati, US
• Ruth Anne Murphy · Cincinnati, US
• Ronald Edward Pegoli · Batavia, US
• Toan Trinh · Maineville, US
• Errol Hoffman Wahl · Cincinnati, US
• Michael Rene Weaver · Cincinnati, US
• Dean Larry DuVal · Lebanon, US
• John Henry Shaw, Jr. · Cincinnati, US
• Masae Nogami · Suita, JP
• Ronghui Wu · Loveland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 10, 1999
• Grant date: Feb 7, 2006
• Expiry date: May 10, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C11D1/74
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Clear, or translucent fabric softener compositions comprise fabric softener compound, principal solvent system, and high electrolyte levels. The high electrolyte level allows for a broader range of principal solvents to be used and/or reduces the incidence of increased viscosity when low levels of principal solvent are used. Phase stabilizers which are primarily ethoxylated hydrophobic materials can be used to reduce the amount of principal solvent that is needed and/or to stabilize the compositions in the presence of the highest levels of electrolyte. Specific phase stabilizers provide additional benefits including improved softening. Specific electrolytes provide improved results. Addition of primary solvents and/or phase stabilizers to the softener compounds can improve the viscosity/handling of the compounds and the ability to create the finished compositions.