MXPA97006621A - Laundry article to avoid coloring transfer and indicator of the mi - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an effective washing additive article for inhibiting the transfer of non-garment dyes into a wash liquor and for indicating said inhibition, the article being characterized in that it comprises: a support matrix for introducing it into a wash liquor; a dye absorber fixedly associated with the support matrix and adapted to impart a detectable color change to the matrix, and a dye transfer inhibitor removably associated with the support matrix and adapted to prevent undesired discoloration of the garments, wherein the support matrix is selected from the group consisting of those having absorption capacity, those containing reactive groups and mixtures thereof, additionally wherein the reactive groups comprise portions of hydroxyl, acetyl and carboxyl , species derived from them and mixtures thereof, the dye absorber is selected from the g Ruppo consisting of quaternary hydroxyhaloalkylammonium compounds, salts of epoxyalkylammonium compounds, polyquaternary ammonium compounds, polyanothermic, quaternized starches, proteins, chitin, cytosans, choline chlorides, polyvinylamine, polyethyleneimine and mixtures thereof, the dye transfer inhibitor it is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylimidazole, polyamine N-oxides, cationic starches, magnesium aluminate, hydrotalcite, proteins, hydrolyzed proteins, polyethylenimines, polyvinyl-oxazolidone, enzymes, oxidants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, reaction products of propylene oxide, polyamino acids, block copolymers of alkylene oxides, polyamines, polyamides, methylcellulose, carboxyalkylcelluloses, guar gum, natural gums, alginic acid, polycarboxylic acids, cyclodextrins and mixtures thereof; The matrix of support matrix and the dye absorber originates at least an increase of 10% in a DELTAE value compared to a DELTAE value for the matrix alone, and wherein additionally the combination of support matrix, dye absorber and inhibitor of dye transfer causes a reduction of at most 75% of a DELTAE value compared to a DELTAE value for the combination of matrix and color absorber

Description

LAUNDRY ARTICLE TO AVOID COLORING TRANSFER AND INDICATOR OF THE SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention refers to a system for removing random, free-flowing foreign dyes from laundry applications that have laundry items for which the association of said dyes is inconvenient. More particularly, this invention is related to the sweep of accidental foreign colorants from laundry liquors, while concurrently providing an indicator system for the said station of said sweeping process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When one or more garments are washed, often the problem situation is found in which coloring matters are released from the clothes to be washed into the wash liquor. Although the firmness of color and the number of times and conditions under which a garment is washed are factors that can influence the amount of coloring matter released, invariably a certain amount of dye becomes separated from its original fabric or substrate. Said foreign dyes, which are also referred to as "fugitive dyes", can be deposited on, or associated with, other articles present in the same wash liquor. This phenomenon of dye transfer, commonly referred to as "dye transfer", causes undesirable discoloration and therefore causes an insatiable appearance for laundry. The result can be potentially harmful in terms of the overall efficiency that is perceived of the laundry detergent that was used, and therefore is highly inconvenient from a point < -ie view of the performance of the detergent. One method for treating the inconvenient transfer of dyes in washing applications has been to seek improvements in the affinity of the dye for the original cloth substrate to which it is applied. Towards this end, approaches have included the slow heating of dye liquors, pretreatment of textile fibers to improve affinity for the dye, subsequent treatment of colored textiles and improvements in color fastness of the dye or colorants used. More recently, alternative techniques for treating foreign dyes in washing liquors have included the use of specific quaternary dye sweepers that are supported on cellulosic substrates (U.S. Patent No. 4,380,453). Another approach taken to handle this problem presents a "filtration airmail approach" (U.S. Patent No. 4,494,264) to physically separate the dye generating materials from the remaining laundry garments. However, in practice it has been determined that the first colorant scavenging approach requires an impractical size for the dosing device to reduce discharge to manageable or even acceptable levels, and is restrictive in terms of possible substrate candidates that are compatible with the dye sweepers taught and claimed. The latter approach has the physical inconvenience of having to separate garments in a laundry confinement envelope, which can result in decreased cleaning due to restricted movement of the wrapped garments through the wash liquor, and does not provide a mechanism to prevent the transfer of laundry. coloring between garments in the envelope. Other approaches to handling the problem of foreign dyes in laundry liquors have included the use of dye transfer inhibitors added directly to a wash liquor, either as a laundry aid or as an auxiliary component of the laundry detergent itself. Numerous substances have been studied as dye transfer inhibitors. Some of these include polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (U.S. Patent No. 4,006,092), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (Canadian Patent No. 2,104,728), polyvinyl idazole (PVI) (DE 3,840,056), N-polyanine oxides (EP 579,295) , cationic starches (US Pat. No. 4,756,849; EP 4,033), minerals such as magnesium aluminate and hydrotalcite (U.S. Patent Nos. 4,392,961, 4,661,282, 4,929,381 and 5,149,456), polyethylene imines (DE 3,124,210), polyvinyloxazolidone (DE 2,814,329), enzymatic systems including peroxidases and oxidases (Patents US Patent Nos. 5,273,896 and 5,288,765 and UO 91 05 839), Oxidizers (US Patents Nos. 4,005,029, 4,123,376, 4,300,897 and 4,338,210), Cationic and Amphoteric Surfactants (U.S. Patent Nos. 4,239,659 and 4,261,869) , as well as propylene oxide reaction products (U.S. Patent No. 4,389,214). However, in the opinion of the applicants, none of these references of the prior art measure or attempt to place a limit on the effect of the dye transfer inhibitor on the foreign dye in the wash liquor. In addition, applicants have known the problem that too much of the dye transfer inhibitor present in the wash liquor can significantly cancel out any benefit derived from rinse-off agents or fluorescent laundry bleaching agents. Taken to the extreme, there is also evidence to suggest that the use of an excess dye transfer inhibitor in the wash liquor can actually cause deterioration of non-foreign dyes present in the laundry. In other words, even dyes that ordinarily do not cause discharge in the wash liquor, can be attacked by the excess of dye transfer inhibitor, causing discolored or non-uniform appearances of the washed clothes. In the view of the applicants, none of these references of the prior art teach or claim any restriction on the amount of dye transfer inhibitor used in the presence of foreign dyes. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an article for convenient control of foreign dyes that may be present in a wash liquor. A further object of the present invention is to provide an indicator to manifest the fact that foreign dyes, which could otherwise color the garments inconveniently in their washing, have been successfully prevented from doing so. Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry article that can prevent foreign dyes present in washing liquor from becoming redeposited on other items for which said redeposition is inconvenient, while simultaneously avoiding dangerous interactions with other laundry auxiliaries. as well as harmful effects on the non-foreign dyes present in the garments and simultaneously provide a perceptible manifestation to the consumer, preferably visual, of the successful operation of these processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system for removing unintentional, free-flowing foreign dyes from laundry applications, providing a novel unitary dispensing article that can circulate freely between garments by washing. The article also comprises a dye absorber and a dye transfer inhibitor, which are introduced into a wash liquor by means of a support nitride. The dye absorber maintains an association with the support matrix in the wash liquor, while the dye transfer inhibitor is freed from the support matrix towards the wash liquor and can be evenly distributed throughout the liquor. washed. The article of the present invention is, in one embodiment, a laundry article that provides a method to prevent the redeposition of foreign dyes on other washing articles, while simultaneously providing an indicator system for the cleaning station of said sweeping process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Unless specifically indicated otherwise, it is understood that all the quantities given in the text and the examples that follow are modified by the term "approximately" and it is understood that those figures expressed in terms of percentage (%) refer to percentage by weight. The present invention relates to a dye absorbent and a dye transfer inhibitor that are introduced into a liquid bath or aqueous wash medium to decrease the harmful effects of the dye materials that are released by the laundry items in the bath. Expressed in a different way, the laundry article of the present invention is comprised of a dye absorber and a dye transfer inhibitor together with a carrier or support matrix suitable therefor. A feature of the present invention is, therefore, that it handles the presence of freely flowing dyes in a liquid bath and essentially prevents them from becoming associated with other materials in the same bath or wash water, so that that undesired color is not imparted to said materials. A second attribute of the present invention is that it provides a means to discern that, in fact, a finite amount of dye transfer has been effected within the. liquid bath. This is achieved in the present invention by imparting the dye absorber a visual change of color to the support matrix, thereby causing a perceptible visual variation in the appearance of the "before" and "after" matrix. Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, neither the dye absorber nor the dye transfer inhibitor are harmful or cause destruction of colorants located initially on the surfaces of the garments to be washed. The dye absorber of the present invention is any substance that has a high dye affinity for foreign dyes that flow freely in a liquid bath. More particularly, a dye absorber is a substance that sweeps dyes from the liquor of the surrounding bath and is therefore used for its properties as a "dye uptake" substance. The dye absorber of the present invention also has the ability to impart a color to the underlying support matrix when used in a wash application. The combination of the dye absorber and the support matrix will be referred together together as the "signal". A color change in the signal thus functions as an indicator that provides visible evidence to a user of a laundry article in accordance with the present invention, that some color discharge has occurred in the wash, and that the foreign dye has been swept out of washing liquor. It is anticipated, and is within the scope of the present invention, that the dye absorber imparts a color or dye to the signal by any of several possible mechanisms. Examples of such possible mechanisms include, but are not necessarily limited to, retaining, adsorbing or absorbing, reacting, ionically pairing, hydrogen bonding, complexing, bonding or otherwise securing a colorant in, or on, the matrix of support.

The dye acceptor inhibitor is a counterpart of the dye absorber and has a complementary function. Although the dye absorber is initially introduced into the wash liquor and remains associated with the support matrix, the dye transfer inhibitor is any substance that can be found anywhere in the wash liquor of a liquid bath and forms complexes, it retains, binds, reacts, bonds ionically, hydrogen bonds, reduces the affinity of redeposition, forms complexes with, or otherwise binds to, a colorant in the wash liquor. The dye transfer inhibitor is introduced into the washing medium by the support matrix and subsequently becomes dissociated from it once it is inside the wash liquor bath. This results in a relatively uniform distribution and therefore a relatively uniform concentration of the dye transfer inhibitor throughout the wash as it freely dissociates within the wash liquor. In contrast, the dye absorber is essentially confined to the vicinity of the support matrix, and therefore is not evenly distributed throughout the wash. The support matrix fulfills the dual function of the visual aid and release system. With a release system, the support matrix is responsible for introducing the dye absorber and the dye transfer inhibitor into the bath or wash water. The dye absorber remains essentially associated with the support matrix, while the dye transfer inhibitor is essentially released from the matrix towards the surrounding wash liquor. As a visual aid, the support matrix also acts as a substrate on which the dye absorber can impart a color change. A change in the color * of the matrix is therefore an indication that different processes have taken place; first, that the foreign or fugitive dyes have left one or more garments in the wash, and second, that the dye absorber has registered the presence of these foreign dyes on the support matrix. Third, a color change of the support matrix provides subsequent manifestation that redeposition of foreign dyes has been successfully prevented in the wash bath due to the presence of the dye transfer inhibitor in the wash liquor and in the presence of of the dye absorber on the signal. Additional features of the dye absorber, the dye transfer inhibitor and the support matrix will now be handled individually.

Dye Absorbent A dye absorbent, in accordance with the present invention, is a substance that is introduced into a liquid laundry bath by a support matrix or vehicle and which also remains associated with that matrix throughout the washing process. . The nature of the relationship by which the dye absorber is associated with the support matrix can be characterized by one or more of the following: binding, adsorption or absorption; hydrogen bond; electrotest forces such as ion / ion / or lon / dipole interactions; intercalation, incorporation or insertion in the same, chemical or physical union, etc., or any suitable combination thereof. The dye absorber can be introduced into, or over, the support matrix by any of a variety of wet or dry techniques including, but not necessarily limited to the following: direct chemical reaction; copulation by an intermediary; precipitation; fusion; entanglement with the structure; impregnation; techniques that use pH, temperature, pressure or ultrasound; the use of electromagnetic energy also characterized as mflaroja (IR), ultraviolet (UV), microwave or plasma; or any combinations thereof. In addition to the scanning or absorption of foreign dyes from the washing solution, an additional function of the dye absorber is to impart a color change to the dye matrix with which it is associated, and by means of which it is released to a washing application in accordance with a method of the present invention. As previously described, the term "signal" is used herein to refer to the dye absorber-support matrix combination of the present invention. The extent of the color change that is associated with the signal, referred to herein as the "color signal", is a function of the particular dye absorber used, the composition of the support matrix, the amount and type of dye or dyes in the wash liquor, the washing temperature, the detergent formulation and the duration that the signal is exposed to the wash liquor. Materials that are suitable as dye absorbers for the laundry article of the present invention include: N-substituted quaternary ammonium hydroxy haloalkyl compounds such as 2-hydroxyl-3-chloropropyltrimethylammonium chloride.; salts of epoxyalkylarylonium compounds such as glycidi p ethylammonium chloride, which is described in US Pat. No. 4,380,453; polyquaternary ammonium compounds; polianfotépcos; Quaternary starches; proteins; chitin or its hydrolyzed form, cytosan; colma chloride; polymimlamma (PVArn); pol letiienimma (PEÍ); as well as combinations thereof.

Colorant Transfer Inhibitor A colorant transfer inhibitor (or TTC) in accordance with the present invention is any solubilized or dispersed substance that prevents undesirable discoloration of garments in a wash liquor by foreign or free flowing dyes that have been released. for the clothes that are washed. The dye transfer inhibitor can achieve this goal by various techniques including, but not necessarily limited to: suspending the dye in the wash liquor; solubilizing the dye in such a way that it is not available for redeposition on a laundry garment; reducing the affinity of the dye for a textile substrate; fix the colorant to the fabric; catch the dye; precipitate the dye; etc. Alternatively, the dye transfer inhibitor can also adsorb, absorb, or otherwise associate with any foreign dye present in the wash solution in a manner similar to that of the dye absorber. It is understood that the alternative terms "uptake", "elimination", "sweep" and "sequestration" are equivalent terms that will be used herein to refer to the mechanism or mechanisms by means of which the dye transfer inhibitor is responsible for prevent the undesirable discharge or redeposition of color of foreign dyes in the washing liquor that results in the laundry items from which the dyes do not originate. The dye transfer inhibitor is introduced into the wash liquor by means of the. laundry article of the present invention where it dissociates from the support matrix, thus losing any association it may initially have with the support matrix. A feature of the support matrix is therefore its ability to function as a release device and as a metering vehicle. Therefore, the appropriate amount of dye transfer inhibitor can be conveniently added to the laundry liquor or wash liquor * with each wash load or a single use article. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the proportion of dye transfer inhibitor that is released into the wash liquor by the support matrix is very large compared to the amount of dye transfer inhibitor present substantially. In relation to the amount of dye transfer inhibitor present essentially on a laundry article of the present invention, more than 70%, preferably more than 80%, and most preferably more than 90% of the dye transfer inhibitor is released. towards the wash liquor in a typical washing application. A key feature of the present invention is that the total amount of dye transfer inhibitor that is released must be less than the amount required for complete removal of all foreign liquor dyes. One reason for this is that the dye absorber requires a small amount of foreign dye to produce the color signal and thus indicate the successful operation of the laundry article of the present invention, as discussed below. Applicants have also known the fact that if there is a lot of dye transfer inhibitor present in the wash liquor, the dye transfer inhibitor can effect premature fading of the fabric. Without being bound by theory, the applicants believe that this is due to the disruption of the balance between the dye on the fabric and the dye released in the solution. In this way, dye transfer inhibitors that sweep foreign dyes to a large extension and force the balance so that more dye is released from the fabric. In addition, notwithstanding the total amount of foreign dye that could be prevented from being replaced on other washing articles by the dye transfer inhibitor.It is convenient that a certain amount of dye remains available for the dye absorber so that there is an observable color change in the appearance of the support matrix with which it is associated. Applicants have observed that when sufficient dye transfer inhibitor * is added to completely remove foreign dye, the dye transfer inhibitor * can significantly decrease the amount of fluorescent whitening agent deposited on washing articles and adversely affect the cleaning properties that they are perceived of the detergent. Without being limited to any particular theory, applicants believe that this is because the dye transfer inhibitor can decrease the fluorescent whitening or brightening characteristics of existing laundry detergents. This may be due to a competitive interaction between the ITC and the brightener. In fact, applicants have come to believe that different European detergents intended for use in color laundry have completely removed brighteners from their formulations, so that the performance of the dye transfer inhibitors is not diminished in any way with respect to dye transfer. An alternative theory that can explain the competition between fluorescent bleaches and dyes for complex formation with ITC is that fluorescent whitening agents can be absorbed in the ITC, leaving the ITC with reduced capacity to absorb or sweep dyes. The dye transfer inhibitor must therefore allow a finite amount of foreign dye to be captured by the signal, to generate a color signal as evidence that a dye sweep function has taken place. Expressed differently: Dtot = Ddti + abß + Drem = 100% (Equation I) where: Dtot is the total amount of foreign dye released by all laundry items in a laundry application; Ddti is the amount of foreign dye swept out of the wash liquor by the dye transfer inhibitor; Dabß is the amount of foreign dye swept out of the wash liquor by the dye absorber; and p is the amount of any foreign dye that remains in the wash liquor if Dtot? Ddti + D «be - Values for Dtot, Ddti, abß and Drem in the Equation I, can be determined by color-rich methods in accordance with normal procedures. The relative magnitude for the above parameters can be given by the TI equation: Ddti + Dab * > > Drßm (Equation II) In one embodiment of the present invention, the value A better appreciation of the scope of the present invention can be made by a more detailed examination of the relationships indicated in Equation II above in light of a certain prior art. The patent of E.U.A. No. 4,380,453 (the '453 patent), for example, described and claimed a cellulose-supported dye sweeping material that could be used to control undesirable or fortuitous dye transfer in a liquid bath. The dye-sweeping material taught and claimed comprised a 2-hydroxy-3-halo? Rop? Quaternary compound. However, from a study using increasing numbers of signal sheets in accordance with the '453 patent, applicants have shown that the performance of the' 453 product is far from optimal. For example, to achieve the same dye transfer inhibition performance as approximately 1.75 grams of PVP incorporated on a signal / ITC sheet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, applicants determined that approximately 32 individual signal sheets are required. of 20.3 cm x 28 cm, in accordance with the '453 patent. Additional studies confirmed that the levels of dye transfer inhibitor introduced on a signal sheet to generate a signal sheet / TTC could be optimized to simultaneously achieve an effective color signal, inhibit dye transfer, provide good tactile sensation and provide a reasonable sheet size at a reasonable cost, without adversely affecting the cleaning performance, brightness or whiteness of the detergent in the wash liquor. Materials that may be acceptable as dye transfer inhibitors include, but are not necessarily limited to: polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP); polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); polyvinylinidazole (PVI); Polyacrylamide N-oxides such as polyvinyl lpyridine N-oxide; PVP modified hydrophobic entity or cationic entity; copolymers of any of the foregoing; cationic starches; minerals such as magnesium alurninate and hydrotalcite; hydrolysed proteins and proteins; polyethylene inas; polyvinyloxazolidone; enzymatic systems that include peroxidases and oxidases; oxidants; cationic and amphoteric surfactants; well as reaction products of propylene oxide; polyammo acids such as polyaspartic or polyhistidic acid, block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, for example, those known under the trademark Pluroni * (BASF); polyarnines and polyamides; cationic starches; Rilethylcellulose; carboxyalkylcelluloses such as carboxymethyl and carboxyethylcellulose; guar gum and natural gums; alginic acid; polycarboxylic acids; cyclodextrins and other inclusion compounds; and mixtures thereof, etc. In addition to the above, and depending on the conditions and / or steps of the process, certain dye transfer inhibitors may also be comprised of the same material as the dye absorber, and vice versa. The amount of dye transfer inhibitor that is released by the matrix, from support to it. Wash liquor according to one embodiment of the present invention is sufficient to provide about 1 to 1,000 ppm of dye transfer inhibitor, preferably 2 to 750 ppm and u and preferably 5 to 500 pprn in the wash liquor. It is noted that the colorant scavenging efficiency of the dye transfer inhibitor in question will ultimately determine the amount of a particular dye transfer inhibitor to be used.

Support Matrix The dye absorber and dye transfer inhibitor described above are supported on an appropriate support matrix or carrier. This produces a dual function for the support matrix of the present invention. A feature of the support matrix is that it acts as a conduit for the release of a dye transfer inhibitor into a wash liquor. In this regard, the dye transfer inhibitor is associated or affiliated with the support matrix in some appropriate manner so that the dye transfer inhibitor can be released from the support matrix into the wash liquor, and subsequently ceases to be associated with the support matrix. A second characteristic of the support matrix is that it acts as a substrate on which the dye absorber can impart a color, so that the two function together as a signal which can indicate that foreign dyes have been swept, in fact, from the wash liquor and therefore that the transfer of dye to other garments in the wash has been prevented. Therefore, the addition of one or more dye transfer inhibitors to the signal sheet produces the descriptive term "dye transfer signal / inhibitor" or "signal / ITC" for reference to laundry articles of the present invention. . Additionally, the support matrix can be used as a vehicle to release other auxiliaries such as, but not necessarily limited to, brighteners, surfactants, and detergency builders, enzymes, unsightly agents, softeners, etc. The support matrix that can be used in accordance with the present invention may be comprised of any type of natural or synthetic material with which a dye absorber and a dye transfer inhibitor may become associated, provided that the material used has the attributes that it can both release the dye transfer inhibitor * into the wash liquor, as well as retain part of association with the dye absorber. In addition to its function as a vehicle for the dye absorber, the purpose of the support matrix is to provide a sufficient surface area on which the dye absorber is accessible to the bath or wash liquid in which the article is used. laundry It is also preferred that the total surface area of the support matrix be less than about 3225 crn2. Materials that may be suitable for support matrices of the present invention include both cellulose and non-cellulosic fibers in both co-woven and nonwoven form. In the case of certain non-woven materials that do not exhibit good washing resistance, it may be convenient to use auxiliaries, such as binders, to increase the life of the support matrix. Non-woven rayon is one such example of material with low wash resistance that can benefit from the addition of binders. In general, it is preferred that the support matrices are comprised of substances which are capable of absorption or contain reactive groups due to the ability of the latter to achieve a good visible color indication on the laundry articles of the present invention. In this context, it is understood that the reactive groups refer to entities such as hydroxyl, acetyl and carboxyl groups, as well as species derived therefrom such as acetates, amines, etc. It has been determined that cellulosic materials such as wood pulp, rayon and cotton are especially effective substances, in addition to having the additional advantage that they are available at a relatively low cost. It has also been determined that acetates, especially nonoacetates, are suitable. Synthetic polymeric materials such as polyester, polyethylene and polypropylene can be used as support matrices, alone or in combination with other support matrices or additives to improve the washing resistance of the fabrics under normal washing conditions. Synthetic polymers are generally considered as non-reactive towards the incorporation of dye absorbent. Applicants have found that the incorporation of binders with reactive groups, such as co or PVA, with these polymeric materials to form support matrices can be beneficial. In fact, the use of reactive binders may allow the use of larger amounts of polyester materials such as polyester, polyethylene and polypropylene. Other factors that are important in the selection of a suitable support matrix include considerations such as durability, feel to the touch, processability and cost. The sign / ITC laundry article should not peel off, tear excessively or separate during the washing process, nor should it become cloudy or sensitive to heat * to the degree of self-drying during drying after washing. The support matrix is considered to release the dye transfer inhibitor to the wash liquor according to the first invention when the amount of dye transfer inhibitor remaining associated with the support matrix, compared to the total initial amount of the dye transfer inhibitor associated with the support matrix, it is 20%, 15%, 10%, 7%, 4%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, with increasing preference in the order shown. Conversely, the support matrix is considered to function as a vehicle for the dye absorbent when the amount of dye absorber that remains associated with the support matrix in the wash liquor, as compared to the initial total amount of dye absorbent. associated with the support matrix is, 80%, 85%, 90%, 93%, 96%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, with increasing preference in the order shown. The form in which the support matrix can be found for the purposes of the present invention is virtually unlimited. In a relatively simple embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the support matrix may consist of a fiber or filament. A dye absorber can be introduced onto the fiber which can subsequently be incorporated in woven or non-woven form to generate a sheet. Other forms for the support matrix that are consistent with the laundry article of the present invention include configurations such as balls or fiber globules and reticulate shapes or other forms of interleaving supports, in addition to the more conventional form of ho a . Finally, any article or object that can be conveniently recovered from a wash load, either after washing or after drying, could be appropriate. Although the amount of foreign dye that will be converted by the signal will depend on the particular dye absorber and support matrix used, it is preferred that the color-before absorber captures or, in other words, removes sufficient foreign dye from the wash liquor. so that there is at least a 10% increase in the calculated value of delta F. for a washed signal in the presence of a dye source as compared to a support matrix without a present-color absorbent present (i.e. virgin support matrix) washed in the presence of the same dye source. aE averages the reactance changes of a garment before, and after, washing in accordance with: deltaE = C (LW-L0) 2 + (aw-a0) 2 + (bw-b0 2l1 / 2 Equation III in where L = reflectance; a = degree of red color / degree of green color; b = degree of color love lio / degree of blue color; 7R w = cloth after washing; or = cloth before washing. Larger deltaE values indicate larger levels of dye absorption. An alternative way to consider the function of the dye absorbent is to consider the absorbent combination of dye-mat of support, or signal, operating in a synergistic manner to avoid the redeposition of at least 5% of the foreign dyes present. in the wash liquor that is redeposited on other laundry items. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dye or signal absorbent will prevent redeposition of at least 10% of the foreign dyes, and in a highly preferred embodiment, the dye or signal absorber will prevent redeposition of at least 15% of the foreign dyes. % of foreign dyes. As to the operation of the dye transfer inhibitor, it is preferred that the dye transfer inhibitor entrain, complex with, or otherwise prevent, an amount of foreign dye in the wash being inconveniently redeposited, which could result in a maximum 75% reduction in the deltaE value for the signal alone. In other words, the combination of a dye transfer inhibitor with a signal to originate a signal product / ITC of the present invention, must originate an observed value for deltaE for the signal that is at least 25% of the value for deltaE that it could be observed under the same washing conditions in the absence of the dye transfer inhibitor *. With respect to the dye transfer inhibitor, it is preferred that the amount of dye swept, complexed, captured or bound, solubilized, sequestered, preferably complexed with, or otherwise prevented, from redeposition is 25% or more of the foreign or fugitive colorants present in the wash liquor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dye transfer inhibitor alone will prevent the redeposition of 25% of the foreign dyes, preferably 30% and most preferably 50% of the foreign dyes. The laundry article of the present invention can thus provide the following advantages over the related articles of the prior art: 1) considerably smaller amounts of color-ante absorbent and smaller support matrices can be used to achieve the same level of dye transfer prevention than that obtained up to now with dye absorbents due to the presence of the dye transfer inhibitor and its greater effectiveness in scanning foreign dye; 2) smaller support matrices are possible due to the synergistic benefits of the dye absorber and the dye transfer inhibitor working together. This leads correspondingly to lower costs and reduced wear of the support dies, providing additional environmental benefits. The present invention will be further understood with reference to the following specific examples. As will be readily apparent to the person skilled in the relevant art, the examples are illustrative only and represent a sampling of the different parameters and compositions that may be used in accordance with the present invention without limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Unless stated otherwise, all percentages, parts and relationships are expressed in terms of weight.

EXAMPLE GROUP I A number of experiments were carried out in which different materials were used to introduce a dye absorber onto a support matrix which, according to one embodiment of the invention, also comprises a cloth substrate. The incorporation of the fabric absorbent onto the fabric substrate is achieved by the use of either a coupling agent or a self-in-bond polymer. PH regulators were used, catalysts and wetting agents where it is indicated to increase the coupling of the dye absorber to the substrate. For the purposes of the following discussion, the combination of dye absorber and cloth substrate will be referred to subsequently as the "signal". The signals prepared according to the following procedure were white after rinsing in water and air drying. A garment that releases color toward washing is known as a "fountain" of color, or "fountain sheet." When a signal is washed in the presence of a source sheet, any colorant that is captured and imparts a color to the signal produces the term "signal color".

Normal Signal Preparation of Example Group I In each of Examples 1-16, a signal of 5.40 m2 was then prepared by immersing a sample of a fabric substrate in an aqueous mixture of the indicated components, usually by less than one minute. The fabric used was a blend of 54% wood pulp and 46% polyurethane, commonly known as Fabric Style 8838 (available from EIDu Pont de Nemours Co.), which has a nominal basis weight of 50.8g / rn2 The samples were immersed in the mixtures at room temperature, except where indicated. Then, the signals were treated using a Uerner Mat is laboratory pad and pin stretch frame. As will be familiar to those skilled in the field of textiles, impregnation is a process by which a substrate is immersed in a bath and then passed between two nip rollers to force liquid penetration into the substrate and remove excess liquid. The pressure of the impregnation was 4 bars, except where indicated otherwise. After impregnation, the outer edges of the signal fabric were pinned on a frame and the cloth was passed horizontally through a forced air oven to cure. The oven temperatures and curing times are indicated in Table I below.

TABLE I Example Temperature Components Time No. mixture of the oven curing (° C) (sec.) 1-1 lOOg of RetenR 203, 50g of Po ycupR 14 6 1884, 250g of water 200g of Calla ay 4030, 20g of Z-6040 177 60 Silane, g of acetic acid (20%), 200g of water T-3 200g of VRN Polymer, 5g of Stahl KM 149 15 101898, 195g of water 1-4 200g of Polymer VRN, 5g of Stahl UU 149 15 5345, 195g of water 1-5 400g of PolycupR 172 adjusted to pH 8 121 15 with dirnetii ammometii propanol (D MP) 1-6 400g of PolycupR 172 adjusted to pH 121 15 9.5 with in methyl propanol (AMP) 1-7 400g of PolycupR 1884 adjusted to pH 121 15 9.4 with aminometii propanol 1-8 ». ° 209g of Jayfloc 835, 140g of 178 30 Porrnafresh9 Lo Conc, 42g of Catalyst 531, 5g of l-rnet? L-2 ~ pyrrolidone, 2g of Mykon NRW-3, 2g of SurfadoneR LP-100 1-9 70g of PerrnafreshR Lo Conc, 21g of 177 30 Catalyst 531, 4g of Surfadone * LP-100, 2g of Mykon NRU-3, 5g of 1 -rnet? L-2-p? Rrol? Dona, I35g of MerquatR 100, 200g of water 1 -10 »I35g of Carta etín F-23, 70g of 177 30 Perrna reshR Lo Conc, 21g of Catalyst 531, 4g of SurfadoneR LP-100, 2g of Mykon NRU-3, 5g of 1 -rnet LI -2-p? rrolidone, 200g of water TABLE I (CONTINUED) Example Temperature Components Time No. mixture of the curing oven (° C) (sec.) I-Jl 7g of UCARER Polymer 3R-30M, 35g of 177 30 PerrnafreshR Lo Conc, 10.5g of Catalyst 531, 4g of Surfadone * LP-100, 2g of Mykon NRU-3, 5g of l-rnet? L-2- Rar? dona, 600g of water 1-12 7g of UCARER Polymer SR-10, 35g of 177 30 PerrnafreshR Lo Conc. 10.5g of Catalyst 531, 4g of SurfadoneR LP-100, 2g of Mykon NRW-3, 5g of l-rnet? i-2-p? rrolidone, 600g of water 1-13 135g of RetenR 203, 45g of PermafreshR 177 30 Lo Conc, 13.5g of Catalyst 531, lOg of Vapquat K1215, 200g of water Notes to Table T -. to. The mixture was heated to 49 ° C to immerse the fabric. b. The impregnation pressure in Example 1-8 was 1 bar.

Description of Materials Used in the Mixtures of Table T Polymer reams Callaway 4030 is an epichlorhydrindi ethylamine type polymer (Callaway Co.). Cartaretin F-23 is a copolymer of adipic acid / dirnetilarninohi roxypropyl-diethientriarnine (Sandoz Chemicals Corp.). Jayfloc 835 is a low molecular weight epichlorohydrophenylamine polymer (Callaway Co.). Merquat® 100 is a 40% aqueous solution of the kiln of dimethyldiallylammonium chloride polymer (Calgon). Both, UCARER JR-3DM Polymer and UCARF.R SR-0 Polymer (both of Amerchol) are hydroxyethykeneulose polyrnomer ammonium salts that reacted with a substituted trirnethylamide epoxide. Fl polymer 3R-30M has a viscosity of 1,000-2500 centipoiees (cps), and polymer SR-10 has a viscosity of 8,000-12,000 cps. The VRN polymer is a quaternary oligo-based dunethylamine and epichlorhydride (Sandoz Chemicals). RetenR 203 is a cationic resin of high density of charge and low to medium molecular weight (Hercules Incorporated).

Interlazadores PerrnafreshR Lo Conc is a modified imidazolidone (Sequa Chemicals, Inc.). Z-6040 If e is a rnetoxisilane gl? Cidox? (Epox?) Functional (Dow Corning Corp.). KM thal 101098 is a polymeric azipdin and Stahl UU 5345 is a low temperature coupling agent.

Self-Linking Resins Polyc? PR 1884 and Polycup.RTM. 172 are water-soluble epichlorohydrimolynide type materials effective as crosslinking agents for certain latices and other water soluble polymers (Hercules, Inc.).

Catalyst Catalyst 531 is a magnesium chloride / citric acid catalyst (Sequa Chemical Co.).

PH regulators Acetic acid was used as a 20% solution. The arninomethylpropanol (AMP) and the di-amino-amino-propropanol (DMAMP) are both bases that were used as received.

Wetting Agents Mykon NRU-3 is an amphoteric surfactant based on amide (Sequa). L-methyl-2-pyrrolidone was used as received (Fisher Scientific). SurfadoneR LP-1.00 is n-octylpyrrolidone (International Specialty Products). Variquat K1215 is a surfactant of rnetyl-bis (polyethoxyethanol) cocoammonium chloride (Uitco Co.).

EXAMPLE 1-14 An unwashed sample of the signal of Example 1-2 was impregnated by a 30% solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30 International Specialty Products, formerly GAF Chemicals Corp.), to give Example 1-14 with a wet pick-up of approximately 110%. Signs and targets of 1-2 and 1-14 were evaluated, before after washing, in accordance with the method described below. The signal of 1-14 was 5 units lighter than the signal of 1-2 and the white of 1-14 was 4.6 units lighter than that of 1-2 (see Table II below).

EXAMPLE 1-5 In this example, the signal was prepared from a 580 cm2 sample of a non-cellulosic fabric, Sontara 8005 (100% polyester, 67.8 g / cm2). The signal was impregnated with a mixture comprised of 135 g of Callaway 4030, 140 g of Perrnafresh® Lo Conc, 42 g of Catalyst 531, 1 g of citric acid and 82 g of water to give a dry gain of 115%. This sample was washed as described below. The values for deltaE are reported in table II.

EXAMPLE 1-16 One gram and one-half (1.5 g) of a solution of PVP K-30 LUVISKOLR (BASF) was added to a wash load containing a sample prepared in accordance with Example T-15 and washed as follows. described later. The value-s of deltaE are reported in table II.

Washing and Performance Evaluation of the Group I Example Signals were prepared in accordance with Table T above. To each wash load were added 1.36 Kg of stabilizer (0.68 Kg of rayon and 0.68 Kg of polyether), a white cloth of 20.3 cx 20.3 cm (124.7 g of unrestrained raw cotton twill), and a cloth that freed approximately 0.1 grams of direct red 80 (robe of Soliben 3BL of CIBA). The purpose of the white fabric was to serve as a dye receptor for any foreign dye that is not absorbed by the signal (or not captured by the dye transfer inhibitor in those examples in which a transfer inhibitor was included). Colorant). The entire complement was washed with 65 g of Ultra TideR laundry detergent. The washing conditions were, average level of water, in hot water with a cold water washer using a Kennore Heavy Duty Series 80 washing machine. Signals were evaluated to determine the dye sweeping capacity by comparing the readings before and after laundry using a CS3 spectrophotometer from Applied Color Systems Chrona Sensor (Hunter difference, 10 ° from the observer) using a cold white fluorescent light source. The extent of dye transfer was measured in terms of deltaE in accordance with equation III above, and is given in Table II below.

TABLE II EXAMPLE No, DELTAE WHITE SIGNAL deltaE 1-1 16.1 5.4 1-2 35.0 7.8 1-3 9.6 6.7 1-4 10.4 8.2 1-5 13.8 6.0 1-6 16.3 7.9 1-7 14.4 6.5 1-8 27.4 12.8 1 -9 26.2 nd 1-10 15.0 n.d. 1-11 15.5 n.d. 1-12 14.3 n.d. 1-13 19.2 n.d. T-14 30.0 n.d. 1-15 »31.8 10.1 T-16» 23.9 6.0 Control 8.1 n.d. Notes to table II n.d. indicates information not available. a non-cellulose fabric. b virgin support matrix.

Although the dye absorbers of the prior art have up to now been complexed primarily with cellulosic fabrics, the data of example group I above indicate that the dye absorbents can be successfully incorporated onto low cellulose fabrics as well as non-cellulosic fabrics. The above data also suggests that such combinations of the noncellulosic or low cellulose dye absorbent with the substrate can function as effective signals for sweeping foreign dye in a laundry situation and provides a visual indication of that effect. In the applicants' view, these results also suggest that there is a variety of promising new techniques for incorporating dye absorbers onto non-cellulosic signals, the techniques reported herein are unique in that a coupling agent or a self-polymer can be used. interlacing to form complex with a dye absorbent to a matrix support in the form of a fabric, resulting in an absorbent laundry article / ITC. This creates a virtually unlimited possibility for the use of different fabric substrates as backing matrices for dye absorbent in future washing applications.

EXAMPLE GROUP II Washing studies were carried out using laundry articles representing different embodiments of the present invention. In the examples that follow, signal sheets were generally prepared in accordance with step A, and signal sheets / ITC were prepared according to step B, except where otherwise indicated. For certain combinations of dye absorber, dye transfer inhibitor and dye matrix, it may be possible to combine more than one treatment step in a single operation.

Step A Samples of cloth were immersed with both high and low cellulose in an aqueous solution containing 4% sodium hydroxide and OUEABR 188 at 17% by weight (2-hydroxyl-3-chloropropyl chloride). -triinethylammonium; Degussa), unless otherwise indicated otherwise. There are no discernible differences in appearance and durability of the signal samples produced when the immersion times were of the order of a few seconds to a few hours. The samples were generally 20.3 cm x 27.9 cm and weighed approximately 2.85 g / sheet. After immersion in the above solution, the leaves were rinsed with water and dried. In certain cases, the samples were rinsed additionally with 5% HCl or acetic acid followed by a final rinse with water. Samples are usually air dried, but other drying techniques can also be used, such as passing on hot cans or rollers, hot air or steam drying *.

Step B: Dye transfer inhibitors were added to quaternized fabric signals from step A by immersing or impregnating the signal samples with an aqueous solution containing an appropriate dye transfer inhibitor such as PVP, PVA or other transfer inhibitor material. of appropriate colorant described above. Where PVP was used as a dye transfer inhibitor, the dry weight uptake of PVP was about 1.25 grams per 568 crn2 of sheet. The resulting signal / ITC sheets appeared white.

Washing Conditions The dye transfer signal / inhibitor sheets were washed in simulated laundry wash loads containing 2.7 kg of a cotton and polyester stabilizer, white starch samples to evaluate the dye transfer, and source sheets of dye which consisted in addition of colored cotton sheets with Direct Red 79 which has known discharge potential. Approximately 1.5 mmol of bicarbonate and 65.3 g of Ultra TIDER detergent were added and the water hardness was adjusted to approximately 100 ppm of calcium / magnesium ions during the wash studies. The washing was a wash in hot water with a rinse in cold water. The signal sheets were observed to detect changes of various shades from pink to red, either at the end of the wash cycle or by subsequent drying, which indicated that the misplaced dyes had been truly swept. The pink color signal could be measured mst rumentally by normal color p et procedures. A H? Nter laboratory colorimeter equipped with a UV filter was used to avoid interference by fluorescent whitening agents (ABF's) to measure the is-values before and after washing for L, a and b, in accordance with equation III above. The deltaE values were calculated for comparison purposes. The representative values are shown in table III.

EXAMPLE II-1 Signal sheets were tested in accordance with step A, and with the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,453 to determine the ability to inhibit dye transfer in a wash application. A level study using increasing amounts of signal sheets showed that it would turn approximately 32 signal sheets of 20.3 crn x 27.9 cm to equal the same dye transfer inhibition performance as 1.75 g of PVP incorporated into a signal sample / TTC of according to one embodiment of the present invention. Additional studies confirmed that the levels of dye transfer inhibitor introduced on a signal sheet to generate a signal sheet / ITC could be optimized to simultaneously achieve an effective color signal, inhibit dye transfer, provide good tactile sensation and provide a sheet of reasonable size at a reasonable cost and detergent performance levels.

EXAMPLE II-2 Parallel studies were performed in which signal sheets / ITC had been added to a first series of wash loads but were omitted from a second. The amount of dye transferred to the target samples in the charges with the signal / TTC sheets was dramatically reduced as compared to the amount of dye transferred to the target samples in the wash loads without the ITC / signal sheets. The values for deltaE observed for virgin support matrix, signal (support matrix plus dye absorber) and signal / ITC (support matrix plus dye absorber plus dye transfer inhibitor) are given in table ITT a with inuación.

TABLE III deltaE white deltaE signal Virgin support matrix 1.5 8.7 Support matrix + dye absorber 43.3 7.8 Support matrix + dye absorber + dye transfer inhibitor 26.6 1.4 Less significant difference (95% confidence level) 1.3 2.0 EXAMPLE II-3 Leaves were prepared of signal / i dye transfer syringe of a variety of fabrics in accordance with steps A and B above. The fabrics that were used consisted of cellulosic and non-cellulosic fibers as well as other auxiliaries, such as binders to increase durability. Fabrics containing reactive groups were determined as the most convenient to achieve a good "color signal" of the signal / TTC sheets. In this context, the good color signal was generally possible with species that provided reactive groups such as hydroxyl, acetyl and carboxyl groups, etc. It was found that cellulosic materials such as wood pulp, rayon, cotton, etc. They were especially effective and inexpensive materials. Materials such as p > Ol? ester and polypropylene can be particularly suitable additives since they tend to improve both wet fabric strength and durability under normal washing conditions as discussed above.

EXAMPLE II-4 Fabric samples containing multiple fibers (Tela Multi ibra # 43 from Test Fabrics, Inc.) were treated, in accordance with step A above. After being washed together with a dye source, strong pink bands appeared on the cotton, rayon, and mono- and tpacetate portions of the signals. These are examples of types of fabrics that can react effectively and relatively conveniently with the QUABR solution to produce useful signal sheets.

EXAMPLE II-5 The procedure set forth above in step A was carried out for several reaction times. For example, one sample was reacted overnight and another was allowed to react in excess of two days. Although both of these longer reaction samples produced stronger color signals, it was found that much larger reaction times of one hour begin to influence the durability of the fabric and only limited color capture benefits are obtained. The reaction time can be significantly reduced with the application of heat.

EXAMPLE II-6 The procedure described in step A was modified to evaluate the effects of changes in the concentrations of sodium hydroxide and QUABR. Although the increase in hydroxide levels caused a better reaction of QUABR with the fabric substrate, there was no significant improvement in the reaction above pH 13.5 and, in fact, there was some degradation of the fabric observed at excess pH values. of 14.0. As expected, the increased levels of QUABR concentration improved the "color signal" results EXAMPLE II-7 A cellulosic substrate was immersed for 30 seconds in the reaction solution prepared in accordance with step A, heated immediately between plates at 149 ° C for 30 seconds and then rinsed and dried. The color change of the signal after laundry was evaluated in the presence of a dye source as described above. It was determined that the color signal was similar to that obtained for the one hour reaction described in Example II-1.

EXAMPLE II-8 It was found that a mixed fabric of reactive and non-reactive fibers, such as rayon and polyester, significantly colors only the rayon. This example can be further modified and used to produce specific regions of material that reacts and does not react on a single substrate to generate regions of different functionality. Alternatively, the procedure in this example may be further modified so that color is applied only to those regions of the signal where a color signal is desired. Typical reasons for wanting such regions could be to increase color signal printing, introduce a design or hologram that could "develop" on a signal sheet, preserve the cost of the reagent, etc. Optionally, reagents can be impregnated over selected areas of the signal so that color signals appear only in those areas in which the solution has been added. Another method is to mechanically modify the cloth substrate to make it less absorbent in selected regions. For example, thermal bonding of the substrate tends to leave lighter and darker contrast dots on the resulting signal after it has been washed with a fountain sheet. Chemical treatment can also lead to similar results.

EXAMPLE II-9 Signal sheets prepared according to step A were coated with different levels and types of dye transfer inhibitors. Nonwoven sheets were coated with up to 215% by weight and with only up to 1% by weight in dye transfer inhibitor. The incorporation of both PVP, PVA and combinations thereof on signal sheets was effective in inhibiting dye transfer in the wash simultaneously exhibiting effective generation of color signal. An additional advantage of PVA is that laminated films commercially available on the signal fabric can be laminated. It is also possible to include other known dye transfer inhibitors, alone or in combination with the above. Examples of such materials include polyvinyl pyridine N-oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose and other washing auxiliaries, et c.

EXAMPLE 11-10 It was found that copolymers of polyethylene oxide and propylene oxide, for example those known by the trademark Pluron ™ cR (BASF), exhibit suitable binding characteristics for certain dyes. In washing studies, these species exhibited additional dye transfer inhibition properties and can be incorporated on signal / TTC sheets according to one embodiment of the invention.

EXAMPLE 11-11 To assist in preventing color loss by many wash cycles, additives such as dye fixatives may be added to the signal / TTC laundry articles, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. These additives have been shown to provide long-term color retention benefits.

EXAMPLES 11-12 TO 11-14 In the following three examples, QUABR 188 from step A was replaced with different color-absorbent materials. Substitutions were made as indicated.

EXAMPLE 11-12 In example 11-12, cytosine was used as a dye absorber. This material was introduced onto the fabric substrate by immersing it in a solution of chitin that had been soli? Ed in dilute acetic acid (ie, 5%). The fabric sample was then rinsed and dried as above. The efficacy of the tosan-containing signal was evaluated under the normal wash conditions described above to indicate that this material could be effectively used as a sustained dye absorbent.

EXAMPLE 11-13 In Example 11-13, fabric samples were first immersed in a polyaplate solution, followed by treatment with a quaternary ammonium compound, after which they were rinsed and dried as before. By washing the signal sheet generated in this way in the presence of a color-ante source, the development of color signals was observed.

EXAMPLE 11-14 In Example 11-14, polyethylene glycine was used as a dye absorber. This material was introduced onto the cloth substrate by the dipping technique described above in step A. After normal rinsing and drying, the signal was washed in the presence of a dye source.

EXAMPLE 11-15 In Example 11-15, a sample of polyester fabric (BOUNCER, Procter S Gamble) was treated, to remove any softening and anti-static active material, subsequently submerged in a lime solution. % and then dried. Then, the polyester fabric treated with PVA was treated with QUABR 188, as described in step A above. Signal to or significant color and produced deltaE values as reported in Table IV as below. Treatment of the same raw polyester fabric with QUABR 188 without the above pretreatment with PVA resulted in virtually no color pick-up under the laundry conditions described above, confirming the relative inertia of the polyester fabric towards reaction with epoxides. This demonstrates that the scale of possible substrates can be extended to include those fabrics that could be anticipated as non-reactive (towards absorbent dyes), provided that reactive binders are added, or after treatment of the fabrics is carried out.

TABLE IV deltaE signal Support matrix treated with PVA + color-absorbent 27.5 Support matrix + dye absorber < 2.0 Virgin support matrix < 2.0 EXAMPLE 11-16 In Example 11-16, applicants washed a sample as received from BOUNCER (fabric softener added to the dryer, Procter 8: Gamble) in accordance with the laundry conditions described above. Surprisingly, the applicants could not discern any signifying dye uptake in Example 11-16, in contrast to Example 11-15. It had been anticipated that there would be some noticeable color change in Example 11-16, since the B0UNCER sheets present a quaternary ammonium compound on a polyester substrate. If he. Dye sweeping is only a function of the deposit of quaternary species on a suitable substrate, applicants could anticipate some uptake of BOUNCER leaf dye and a change of color on the leaf. Surprisingly, this was not the case. The above Examples disclose that scanning foreign dye in a washing medium can be reduced by introducing a suitable dye transfer inhibitor onto a signal support, and also indicate that different dye absorbents have been associated with a suitable substrate for provide a color signal indicative of the fact that some dye transfer has taken place. Although the components and specific provisions of the novel laundry article have been indicated in the above description of preferred embodiments to avoid dye transfer in the wash where dye sweepers and a support matrix are used, other suitable materials may be used and minor variations in the different steps in the system as noted in this. In addition, other materials and steps may be added to those used herein, and variations may be made in the article to effect synergism, augment or otherwise modify the properties of, or increase uses for, the invention. It will be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to make other different changes in the details, materials, steps, part arrangements and uses that have been described and illustrated herein to explain the nature of the invention by reading this description, and that such changes are included within the principle and scope of this invention.

Claims (17)

5L NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - An effective washing additive article to inhibit the transfer of foreign dyes in a wash liquor; the article comprises: a support matrix for introduction into a washing liquor, a dye absorber fixedly associated with the support matrix and adapted to absorb a first portion of said foreign dyes, whereby the absorbed dyes cause a color change detectable matrix; a dye transfer inhibitor associated removably with the support matrix adapted to sweep a second portion of said foreign dyes; The dye absorber and the dye transfer inhibitor are present in an amount sufficient to prevent redeposition of a total of at least about 5% of said foreign dyes, and the combination of the support matrix and the dye absorber originates at minus a 10% increase in the deltaE value compared to a deltaE value for the single matrix.

2. The washing additive article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the support matrix contains reactive groups comprising hydroxyls, carboxyls, derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof. 3.- The washing additive article of conformity, with R? claim 2, further characterized in that it includes an interlacing agent for associating the support matrix with the dye absorber. 4. The washing additive article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the support matrix is a sheet of fabric. 5. The washing additive article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the support matrix includes a polymeric material. 6. The washing additive article according to claim 5, further characterized in that the polyrnomeric material is self-interlacing. 7. The washing additive article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the dye absorber is selected from the group consisting of N-substituted hydroxyhaloalkylammonium compounds, epoxy-alkylammonium compound-leaving salts; polyquaternary ammonium compounds; polyanothermic; quaternized starches; proteins; chitin; hydrolyzed chitin, cytosans; colin chlorides; polyvinylanine; polyethylenenirin; and mixtures thereof. 8. The washing additive article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the. dye transfer inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinylnidazole; N-oxides of polia ina; cationic starches; magnesium magnesium; hydrotalcite; Protein; hydrolyzed proteins; polyethylene inas; polyvinyloxazolidone; enzymes; oxidants; cationic surfactants; amphoteric surfactants; reaction products of propylene oxide; polyarnino acids; block copolymers of alkylene oxides; poiiamines; polyarnides; methylcellulose; carboxyalkylcelluloses; guar gum; natural gums; alginic acid; polycarboxylic acids; cyclodextrins; and mixtures thereof. 9. "The washing additive article according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least 70% of the dye transfer inhibitor associated with the support matrix is released into the wash liquor. washing according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least 80% of the dye absorber remains associated with the support matrix 11. A method of manufacturing an effective additive article of laundry to inhibit transfer of foreign dyes in a washing liquor and to indicate such inhibition, the method comprising: selecting a support matrix capable of retaining a dye absorber and releasably associating a dye transfer inhibitor, the matrix having a surface area no greater than about 3.225 ern2; and applying an effective absorbent amount of a dye absorbent and an effective inhibitory amount of a dye transfer inhibitor to the support, at least approximately 80% of the dye absorber will remain associated with the matrix and at least 70% of the inhibitor. of dye transfer will be released in the washing liquor. 12. The method according to claim 11, further characterized in that the support matrix is a sheet. 1

3. The method according to claim 11, further characterized in that the support matrix contains reactive groups comprising hydroxyls, carboxyls, derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof. 1

4. The method according to claim 11, further characterized in that the support matrix includes a polimeric material. 1

5. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that it includes an interlacing agent for associating the dye absorber with the support matrix. 1

6. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the dye absorber and the dye transfer inhibitor are simultaneously added to the support matrix. 1

7. - A method of inhibiting fugitive dye transfer during laundry, and indicating said inhibition; the method compri introducing into an washing liquor an article comprising a support matrix, a dye absorber fixed to the support matrix and adapted to absorb a first portion of said foreign dyes, whereupon the dyes absorbed thereby cause a detectable color change of the matrix, and a dye transfer inhibitor profoundly associated with the support matrix adapted to sweep a second portion of said foreign dyes; the dye absorber and the dye transfer inhibitor are present in an amount sufficient to prevent redeposition of a total of at least about 5% of said foreign dyes, and the combination of support matrix and dye absorber originates at least an increase of 10% in a deltaE value compared to a delta E value for the single matrix.