U.S. patent application number 10/113714 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for fabric cleaning.
This patent application is currently assigned to Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.. Invention is credited to Goldoni, Francesca, Hutchinson, Wendi, Kevelam, Jan, Leerink, Arinus Frederikus, van der Vlist, Pieter, van Reeven, Pieter W..
Application Number | 20020183225 10/113714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27224325 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020183225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldoni, Francesca ; et
al. |
December 5, 2002 |
Fabric cleaning
Abstract
A device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning
composition a device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid
cleaning composition suitable for multiple uses, said device
comprising more than one absorbent means for absorbing at least
some of the applied composition from the fabric and holding means
for storing the more than one absorbent means. In a method of use,
the liquid cleaning composition is applied to the fabric with an
applicator and some of the composition so applied is absorbed into
the absorbent means.
Inventors: |
Goldoni, Francesca; (Breda,
NL) ; Kevelam, Jan; (Vlaardingen, NL) ;
Leerink, Arinus Frederikus; (Zwijndrecht, NL) ; van
Reeven, Pieter W.; (Vlaardingen, NL) ; van der Vlist,
Pieter; (Vlaardingen, NL) ; Hutchinson, Wendi;
(Leeds, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
UNILEVER
PATENT DEPARTMENT
45 RIVER ROAD
EDGEWATER
NJ
07020
US
|
Assignee: |
Unilever Home & Personal Care
USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
27224325 |
Appl. No.: |
10/113714 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
510/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 17/046 20130101;
C11D 1/83 20130101; C11D 1/94 20130101; A47L 25/08 20130101; C11D
1/825 20130101; C11D 17/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
510/267 |
International
Class: |
D06M 010/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 2, 2001 |
GB |
0108196.7 |
Oct 29, 2001 |
EP |
01204120.8 |
Dec 21, 2001 |
EP |
01205064.7 |
Claims
1. A device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning
composition suitable for multiple uses, said device comprising more
than one absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the applied
composition from the fabric and holding means for storing the more
than one absorbent means.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device additionally
comprises discarding means to discard the used absorbent means.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device additionally
comprises positioning means to position an unused absorbent means
for the next use.
4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device additionally
comprises removable cap to protect the absorbent means in between
uses.
5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further
comprises a reservoir for holding the composition, an applicator
for applying the composition from the reservoir to the fabric
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the wherein the absorbent
means is capillary active perpendicular to the working surface of
the absorbent means
7. A device according to claim 5 wherein the absorbent means
comprises fibres which are oriented parallel to each other and
perpendicular to the working surface of the absorbent means.
8. A device according to claim 5 in the form of a member having a
first end and a second end, wherein the reservoir is located within
or forms at least part of the member.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein one of the applicator and
the absorbent means is located at one of said first and second ends
of the member and the other of the applicator and the absorbent
means is located at the other of the first and second ends of the
member.
10. A device according to claim 8, wherein both the applicator and
the absorbent means are located at the same first end or second end
of the member.
11. A device according to claim 5, wherein mesh means is provided
for rubbing the fabric so that liquid absorbed by the absorbent
means from the fabric passes through the mesh means.
12. A device according to claim 5, wherein said applicator
comprises a slot or hole of dimensions for restricting the out-flow
of the liquid composition.
13. A device according to claim 5, wherein a removable cap is
provided for covering the applicator when not in use.
14. A device according to claim 5, wherein the liquid composition
comprises water, at least one organic solvent and optionally,
surfactant.
15. A method of spot cleaning a fabric by applying a liquid
cleaning composition to the fabric with an applicator of a device
according to claim 1 and absorbing at least some of the applied
liquid cleaning composition so applied with the absorbent means of
said device.
16. A method of spot cleaning according to claim 15 when dependent
upon claim 11, wherein the mesh means is used to rub the fabric
after application of the liquid composition.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a liquid cleaning
composition and a device for spot cleaning of a fabric.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, there has been interest in providing
products for spot removal of stains on fabrics, particularly
garments. This may for example be for removal of stains due to food
spillage or other stains which are stained during wear, as well as
the localised cleaning of collars and cuffs prior to a main wash.
As used herein, in the broadest sense, "spot cleaning" refers to
cleaning of any part of a fabric other than the whole item.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,158 discloses a method and device for
accelerating cleaning of soiled parts of clothes by rub coating
with an enzyme-containing liquid detergent. An applicator device
comprises a container closed by a porous body made of a heated and
sintered synthetic plastics material. This is used to rub the
garment to apply the liquid composition.
[0004] WO-A-97/20099 discloses a method of treating a spot or stain
on a textile by applying a detergent composition, then placing an
absorbent layer adjacent to one side of the textile fabric in the
region of the spot or stain and applying heat, pressure or both to
the opposing side. The detergent composition is applied in the form
of a liquid composition, preferably comprising an organic solvent,
optionally also containing a surfactant. The composition is
dispensed from a container closed by an applicator device such as a
porous plug with fabric or brush texturing, or a roller-ball
device.
[0005] WO-A-99/02769 discloses a method for spot cleaning a stain
spot on a fabric by wiping with an applicator impregnated with a
cleaning solution comprising water, an alcohol, glycol,
glycol-ether or glycerine and from 0.0001-1% by weight of
surfactant. The applied solution is allowed to migrate outwardly
from the spot and the volatile components evaporate. The wiping
applicator is preferably stored in an airtight container and is
preferably a polymer towelette. The cleaning solution may also
contain enzyme. This product has a disadvantage of felting of the
wipe if too much pressure is applied. Further, outward migration of
the solvent tends to produce a "halo" effect on drying. Moreover,
when a towelette is contacted with a stain and the stain is
absorbed, it typically spreads in the same plane as the working
surface of the towelette roughly in an increasing circle and often
redeposits on the fabric to be cleaned.
[0006] WO-A-01/04260 discloses a fabric treatment applicator which
is constructed in a form generally analogous to a felt-tipped pen.
A synthetic fibre nib is used to apply a liquid composition
contained in the body of the pen-like device. The liquid
composition must contain at least one bleach and at least one
surfactant. The absence of means to absorb the applied solution
means that soil is largely redistributed on the fabric rather than
removed.
[0007] WO-A-01/04407 discloses and claims an applicator for
applying a spot-treatment stain removal aqueous solution to a
textile fabric. The liquid composition preferably contains a bleach
and the application device is preferably a nib. The application
device must have a frictional stress of from 0.05 N mm.sup.-2 to 10
N mm.sup.-2. Again, the absence of means to absorb the applied
solution means that soil is largely redistributed on the fabric
rather than removed.
[0008] Other applicators are simply too hard and may damage
delicate fabrics during the cleaning process. Alternatively,
applicators may be too soft and felt during the cleaning process
leaving unsightly residues. Thus there is a continuing need for a
method of spot cleaning fabric which delivers effective spot
cleaning, good garment care and/or without the need to rinse.
[0009] Furthermore, none of the prior proposals teaches an
apparatus whereby a cleaning composition can be applied to a spot
or stain on a textile fabric in optimal manner and then absorbed,
together with stain material, using the same device and without the
need for a separate absorbent pad or cloth which is not convenient
for cleaning garments whilst being worn. Unexpectedly, we have
found a method and device for spot cleaning fabric which overcomes
one or more of drawbacks mentioned above.
DEFINITION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention a
method and device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning
composition suitable for multiple uses is provided, said device
comprising more than one absorbent means for absorbing at least
some of the applied composition from the fabric and holding means
for storing the more than one absorbent means.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition is
provided comprising the steps of
[0012] a) applying the composition to the fabric
[0013] b) absorbing at least some of the applied liquid cleaning
composition from the fabric with an absorbent means whereby the
absorbent means is capillary active in a plane different to the
working surface of the absorbent means.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention a
device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning
composition is provided, the device comprising a reservoir for
holding the composition, an applicator for applying the composition
from the reservoir to the fabric and absorbent means for absorbing
at least some of the applied liquid cleaning composition from the
fabric wherein the absorbent means is preferably according to the
previous aspect of the invention.
[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention a
method of spot cleaning a fabric is provided said method comprising
applying a liquid cleaning composition to the fabric with an
applicator or a device according to the previous aspect of the
present invention, and absorbing at least some of the applied
liquid cleaning composition with the absorbent means of said
device.
[0016] According to still another aspect of the invention, a device
and method for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning
composition is provided, said device comprising at least one
absorbent means for absorbing at least some of said composition
from the fabric wherein the ratio of the working surface and the
thickness or height of the absorbent means is preferably lower than
3000 mm.
[0017] According to still another aspect of the invention, a method
and liquid cleaning composition for spot cleaning a fabric with
liquid cleaning composition is provided comprising the steps of
[0018] a) applying the composition to the fabric
[0019] wherein the liquid cleaning composition comprises
[0020] from 0.001 to 2 wt. %, preferably from 0.01 to 1.5 wt. %,
more preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 wt. % of a amphoteric or
zwitterionic surfactant;
[0021] from 0.001 to 2 wt. %, preferably from 0.01 to 1.5 wt. %,
more preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 wt. % of a nonionic
surfactant;
[0022] from 0 to 2 wt. % preferably from 0.01 to 1.5 wt. %, more
preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 wt. % of an anionic surfactant; and
[0023] b) absorbing the excess liquid cleaning composition with an
absorbent means.
[0024] The method, device and liquid cleaning composition according
to the invention deliver effective spot cleaning by for example
effectively absorbing the stain material, reducing the redeposition
of the stain on the fabric to be cleaned, while being safe to
delicate fabrics and/or leaving no unwanted residues.
[0025] We may also claim the device of this aspect of the invention
in the form where the reservoir actually contains the liquid
cleaning composition. These and other aspects of the invention are
described in more detail below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] We have unexpectedly found an improved a method and device
for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition
suitable for multiple uses, said device comprising more than one
absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the applied
composition from the fabric and holding means for storing the more
than one absorbent means.
[0027] The absorbent means must be capable of absorbing the applied
liquid cleaning composition from the fabric, preferably having at
least some of the stain dissolved or dispersed therein if the stain
dissolves or disperses in the cleaning liquid. With bleachable
stains obviously none of the stain may be absorbed. In that case it
is desirable that the absorbent means is able to absorb the excess
cleaning liquid applied to the stain. The liquid cleaning
composition may be applied in any suitable way for example with a
special applicator. However, it may be convenient to combine these
such that the liquid cleaning composition is applied from a device
for spot cleaning a fabric and said device also comprises said
absorbing means. The device may also comprise more than one
absorbing means as described below. Usually the absorbent means
will comprise fibres. A fibre can be made of any substance,
natural, or manmade, and has a high length-to-width ratio.
Towelettes and wipes may also comprise fibres, but these fibres are
typically oriented randomly but in the same plane as the working
surface of the towelette or wipe.
[0028] One of the advantages of the absorbent means according to
this aspect of the invention is that it can be used to rub the
applied cleaning liquid on the stain. For some stains, the process
for spot cleaning preferably includes rubbing the applied cleaning
liquid on the stain with the absorbent means thereby dissolving or
otherwise removing the stain and, more or less at the same time,
absorbing at least some of the excess liquid and loosened stain
material, if any. Thus, the fabric which is spot cleaned according
to the present invention does not have excess cleaning liquid and
does not need rinsing. The absorbent means should preferably have
such a combination of absorbing capacity and dimensions to be able
to absorb at least 0.2 ml more preferably, at least 0.4 ml most
preferably at least 0.6 ml of the used cleaning liquid. In contrast
to 2 dimensional wipes which can also be described as a layer,
sheet web or laminate, the absorbent means according to this aspect
of the invention is preferably a body, i.e., 3 dimensional object
with sufficient height to absorb these quantities. This height or
thickness will depend on the exact nature of the absorbing means
such as the absorbing capacity of the material used and the way it
is processed and structured. Often, the height of the absorbing
means is from 1 to 50 mm, more preferably from 2 to 30 mm, most
preferably from 3 to 20 mm. The body of the absorbent means may
have any form suitable for this purpose. One preferred form is a
disc form having a diameter of from 0.5 to 5 cm, more preferably
from 0.7 to 3 cm most preferably from 0.9 to 2 cm. The working
surface of the absorbent means may have any suitable form but is
preferably flat. It may also be cone shaped or even curved like for
example when the body has a dome shape.
[0029] According to one aspect of the invention an improved method
for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition is
provided comprising the steps of
[0030] a) applying the composition to the fabric
[0031] b) absorbing at least some of the applied liquid cleaning
composition from the fabric with an absorbent means whereby the
absorbent means is capillary active in a plane different to the
working surface of the absorbent means. Preferably said plane is
perpendicular to the working surface of the absorbent means as
defined below.
[0032] Preferably, the absorbent means comprises a capillary active
continuous body of fibres which are as a whole longitudinally
aligned, and which are, in the aggregate, in a parallel
orientation.
[0033] As used herein the terms capillary and capillarity are used
to refer to passageways within the absorbent means which are
capable of liquid transport in accordance with the principles of
capillarity generally represented by the Young/Laplace equation.
This equation states that fluids will rise in a channel or column
until the pressure differential between the weight of the liquid
and the forces pushing it through the channel are equal.
Dp=(2g cosq)/r
[0034] In the equation, Dp is the capillary pressure differential
across the surface, g is the surface tension of the liquid, q is
the contact angle between the liquid and the walls of the channel,
and r is the radius of the cylinder.
[0035] Capillary active absorbent means comprising fibres forming
capillary active passageways can be used advantageously by
transporting liquid effectively in a short period of time away from
the working surface and minimise the redeposition of cleaning
liquid and any stain material.
[0036] According to one preferred embodiment, the capillary active
absorbent means comprises of fibres which are oriented parallel to
each other and perpendicular to the working surface of the
absorbent means. Just to avoid confusion, the term "perpendicular
to the working surface" intended to describe the general
orientation of the fibres independent from the exact form of the
absorbent means as the exact form may differ in different
embodiments. For this purpose, we start from the absorbent means
having a cylindrical form whereby the ends are flat. The end of
such a cylinder can be used as the working surface. The term
"perpendicular to the working surface" is intended to describe that
the longest axis of the fibres or capillary activity makes an angle
of between 70 and 110 degrees with the working surface of the
absorbent means at least at the point of contact with the working
surface. It is desirable that the fibres are continuous over the
height or thickness of the absorbent means. The uniformity of the
continuity or orientation of the fibres will depend on various
factors such as the exact method of processing the fibres and the
absorbent pad. Usually more than 50% of the fibres will be
continuous respectively oriented parallel to each other and
perpendicular to the working surface of the absorbent means at the
point of contact. The fibres or filaments may also be twisted
whereby the longitudinal axis is preferably still oriented
perpendicular to the working surface of the absorbent means.
Preferable absorbent means comprising twisted yarn fibres and a
process for the preparation thereof are for example described in WO
89105235 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,808. Obviously, it is intended
that the invention encompasses embodiments whereby the absorbent
means are processed into another form than a cylinder or disc. The
ends of a cylinder may for instance be processed to form a dome or
a cone shape. Alternatively, starting from a cylinder, this
cylinder may be transsected under an angle of less than 90 degrees
with the longitudinal axis. The skilled person may choose any
suitable form starting from the absorbent means as defined
above.
[0037] In general, many fibrous materials developed for use as
filters in cigarettes or for use in the ink industry such as ink
reservoirs may be suitable depending on the requirements described.
For example, the fibres of the absorbent means may be a filamentary
tow as defined in U.S. Pat. No. 3,094,736 forming a continuous body
of fibres "randomly oriented primarily in a longitudinal
direction." The term "randomly oriented primarily in a longitudinal
direction" as used in this specification and the appended claims,
is intended to describe the condition of a body of fibres which are
as a whole longitudinally aligned, and which are, in the aggregate,
in a parallel orientation, but which have short portions running
more or less at random in non-parallel diverging and converging
directions.
[0038] Normally, the absorbent means will comprise of continuous
fibres or filaments randomly oriented primarily in a longitudinal
direction, preferably perpendicular to the working surface as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,111,702. Alternatively, the absorbent
means may be formed of coherent sheet of flexible thermoplastic
fibrous material composed of an interconnecting network of randomly
arranged, highly dispersed, continuous-filament junctions as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,808.
[0039] Preferable absorbent means include, but are not limited to,
absorbent means prepared from Transorb.TM. material available from
American Filtrona Corporation such as Transorb Reservoir R20865.
Preferably, the material for the fibres may be selected from the
group comprising polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyolefin
cellulose acetate material and mixtures thereof.
[0040] According to one aspect of the invention an unexpectedly
effective method and absorbent means for spot cleaning a fabric
with a liquid cleaning composition is provided. We have found that
the ratio of the working surface and the thickness or height of the
absorbent means is preferably lower than 3000 mm. More preferably,
this ratio is from 0.01 to 3000 mm, even more preferably from 0.05
to 1000, most preferably from 0.1 to 500 mm. When the working
surface is not a single flat plane, the working surface can be
defined as the contact area is defined in WO-A-01/04260. If the
thickness of the working surface is variable, preferably the
maximum thickness should be taken. Thus one preferable method for
spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition
comprises
[0041] a) applying the composition to the fabric;
[0042] b) absorbing at least some of the applied liquid cleaning
composition from the fabric with an absorbent means whereby ratio
of the working surface and the thickness or height of the absorbent
means is preferably lower than 3000 mm. Desirable features of the
absorbent means and method are as described above.
[0043] The absorbent means is preferably part of a device for spot
cleaning a fabric. The device may have any form as long as it is
suitable for spot cleaning a fabric. Preferably, the device
comprises holding surfaces so it can be used as a hand held device
during the process of spot cleaning like for example a pen or even
an eraser. Preferably, the device also comprises a holding means to
hold the absorbent means. The absorbent means may for example be
held in a chamber, compartment, recess, on support member or a
surface of the device by any suitable means. The absorbent means
may be glued, simply wedged or held by any other suitable manner in
the holding means. The holding means for the absorbent means is
preferably a non detachable part of the device. The absorbent means
will usually be much smaller than the device. So small that the
absorbent means itself may be difficult to hold when it is rubbed
against the stain. One advantage according to this aspect of the
invention is that the absorbent means is held in place by the
holding means of the device and the user can still transfer an
effective force to remove the stain by holding the device and
rubbing the absorbent means, optionally covered by mesh means,
against the stain.
[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention a
device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning
composition is provided, the device comprising a reservoir for
holding the composition, an applicator for applying the composition
from the reservoir to the fabric and absorbent means for absorbing
at least some of the applied liquid cleaning composition from the
fabric wherein the absorbent means is preferably as described
above.
[0045] The body of the device may be in any convenient shape, e.g.
elongate, spherical or partly spherical or having any aesthetically
appealing or novelty shape. However, most preferably, the device is
in the form of a member having a first end and a second end,
wherein the reservoir is located within or forms at least part of
the member. Thus, the first and second ends may be respective ends
of a tubular or other elongate member having any cross-section. It
may also have one or more bends or angles therein, e.g. so that one
part can act as a handle whilst the other end is being applied to
the fabric.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, one of the applicator and the
absorbent means is located at the first end of the member and the
other is located at the second end of the member. Alternatively, in
another preferred embodiment, both the applicator and the absorbent
means are located at the same first end or second end of the
member. In that case, one of the applicator and the absorbent means
may be arranged concentric to the other, and preferably also with
at least the adjacent part of the reservoir member, for simplicity
of use. The arrangement may also be such that the applicator has a
point or region of exit for the composition and the absorbent means
surrounds the point or region of exit.
[0047] In yet another preferred embodiment, a device for spot
cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition suitable for
multiple uses is provided, the device comprising more than one
absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the applied liquid
cleaning composition from the fabric and holding means for holding
or storing more than one absorbent means.
[0048] Preferably, the device further comprises a reservoir for
holding the composition, an applicator for applying the composition
from the reservoir to the fabric, The holding means may store 2 or
anything up to 15 absorbent means. The more than one absorbent
means can each be conveniently used for separate stains but if
desired for one stain. Preferably, the holding means stores the
absorbent means in such a way that at least one absorbent means can
be used directly. The form of the holding means will depend on the
form of the absorbent means. For example, when the absorbent means
have the form of discs, the holding means may have the form of a
column to hold say 4 to 10 discs stacked on each other whereby the
absorbent disc facing out, can be used directly. The absorbent
means may be absorbent on one side but impermeable on the other to
prevent cross contamination of other absorbent means when these are
stacked.
[0049] It is desirable that the device also includes discarding
means to discard the used disc and preferably at the same time to
position a subsequent unused absorbent means for use. The
discarding and/or positioning means may for example include
material with a spring action in the bottom of the storage means or
other systems known to the skilled person used for lipsticks or
deodorant stick dispensers. For example, a system where by rotating
the holding means of the device vis a vis another part of the
device, the rotation is translated into an axial movement of an
elevator means located in the holding means, elevating a number of
absorbent means held by the holding means whereby the most outward
facing absorbent means is discarded and at the same time a fresh
absorbent means is exposed and positioned for use. The device may
also comprise a removable cap to protect the absorbent means in
between uses. The reservoir for the cleaning liquid will preferably
comprise sufficient cleaning liquid for the multiple uses and will
be reclosable for example with a removable cap. Both the reservoir
and holding means may be designed to allow refilling by the
consumer.
[0050] Preferably, mesh means is also provided for rubbing the
fabric so that the liquid absorbed by the absorbent means from the
fabric passes through the mesh means. The absorbent member is
conveniently held in a chamber having an opening covered by a mesh
means. Alternatively, the absorbent means may be mounted on a
support member and covered by the mesh means. In a coaxial form of
such an arrangement, an outlet of the applicator may pass through
the support and absorbent means. The mesh can assist soil removal
by rubbing. The loosened soil then passes through the mesh to be
absorbed by the absorbent means, before it can be redistributed on
the fabric. Further, hydrophobic soil such as lipstick can be
removed by adhering directly to the mesh means. If a mesh means is
not present, such hydrophobic soil will be directly absorbed by the
absorbent means and/or adhere to it.
[0051] The mesh means is preferably a mesh of natural or synthetic
polymer e.g. made of polyethylene, polyester or nylon The mesh size
is to be understood as the opening or clear space between the
wires. Preferably the average mesh size is greater than 200,
preferably greater than 250, more preferably greater than 300
micrometers. The average mesh size is preferably smaller than 2000,
more preferably smaller than 1500 and even more preferably smaller
than 1000 micrometers. A mesh thickness of from 50 micrometers to
500 micrometers is typical and is preferably of from 150
micrometers to 400 micrometers. The wire diameter is preferably
from 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers and is more preferably from
150 micrometers to 400 micrometers. The mesh means may even be a
coarsely woven fabric.
[0052] The applicator closes the reservoir but allows the liquid
composition to flow-out in controlled manner. It may for example,
comprise a simple slot or hole of dimensions such that the out-flow
of the liquid composition is restricted. It can also comprise a nib
of metal or plastics construction, or a permeable member such as of
foam or sintered composition or a fibre member. Optionally, a
snap-off, pull-off or cut-off seal or else a cap or plug may be
provided for sealing before first use. After opening, a removable
cap may be provided for covering the applicator before repeat use,
so that liquid cannot evaporate or escape.
[0053] To assist removal of the composition from the reservoir, the
reservoir may in whole or in part, be formed of a flexible material
so that it may be squeezed. The reservoir may also be provided with
a plunger (e.g. rod and piston) arrangement to assist dispensing of
the liquid.
[0054] The liquid composition is preferably aqueous, although the
present invention also extends to compositions wherein a
substantially non-aqueous liquid composition is applied, e.g.
having less than 25% by weight or less, preferably 20% by weight or
less, more preferably 15% by weight or less, e.g. 10% by weight or
less, most preferably 5% by weight or less of water.
[0055] In the case of the aqueous compositions, it is also
preferred to have at least one organic solvent present, which
preferably should be water-miscible. Preferred organic solvents are
selected from alcohols, ketones, esters, glycol ethers and mixtures
thereof. If present, preferably the organic solvent content is from
0.1 to 75 % by weight of the composition, more preferably from 1 %
to 10 % by weight.
[0056] It is also preferred in some embodiments for the composition
to contain a surfactant component comprising one or more
surfactants selected from an ionic, cationic, zwitterionic and
amphoteric surfactant. In general, surfactants can be selected from
those known in the art of laundry detergent compositions. When
present, the surfactant component is preferably present from
0.00001% to 10%, more preferably from 0.0001% to 1% by weight of
the composition. The presence of surfactant is beneficial for
removing oily stains from hydrophobic fabrics such as polyester.
However, the case of oily stains on hydrophilic fabrics such as
cotton, it may be preferably to avoid surfactant, i.e. to have less
than 1 wt %, preferably less than 0.1 wt. %, most preferably no
surfactant by weight of the liquid cleaning composition.
[0057] According to one aspect of the invention surprisingly a
effective liquid cleaning composition and method for spot cleaning
a fabric with said liquid cleaning composition is provided, the
method comprising the steps of
[0058] a) applying the composition to the fabric
[0059] wherein the liquid cleaning composition comprises
[0060] i) from 0.001 to 2 wt. %, preferably from 0.01 to 1.5 wt. %,
more preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 wt. % of a amphoteric or
zwitterionic surfactant;
[0061] ii) from 0.001 to 2 wt. %, preferably from 0.01 to 1.5 wt.
%, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 wt. % of a nonionic
surfactant;
[0062] iii) from 0 to 2 wt. % preferably from 0.01 to 1.5 wt. %,
more preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 wt. % of an anionic surfactant;
and
[0063] b) absorbing the excess liquid cleaning composition with an
absorbent means.
[0064] Preferably, the liquid cleaning composition comprises an
amphoteric surfactant such as a betaine surfactant. It will be
obvious that this aspect of the invention can be combined with the
features of other aspects of the invention such as the absorbent
means or device for spot cleaning.
[0065] For effective cleaning, it is advantageous for the viscosity
of the liquid composition to be preferably from 0.1 mPaS to 1000
mPaS, more preferably from 10 mPaS to 500 mPaS. If the inherent
viscosity of the composition is not already within such a range, a
thickener e.g. of polymeric type may be included. For the avoidance
of doubt, in the case of non-Newtonian liquid compositions (which
is preferable), the viscosity is that measured at a shear rate of
Optionally, other components may be dissolved or dispersed in the
liquid compositions, e.g. selected from detergency builders,
bleaches and bleach systems, enzymes, fluorescers and other
materials which are conventional in laundry wash compositions for
hand or machine washing. The pH of the liquid cleaning composition
is preferably from 3 to 10, more preferably from 5 to 9, most
preferably from 6 to 8.
[0066] The amount of liquid cleaning composition in the reservoir
means is sufficient for the number of uses the device is designed
for. For example 0.1 to 2 ml per single use. Preferably from 0.001
to 10 ml or even 20 ml, more preferably from 0.1 ml to 5 ml or even
0.1 to 1 ml for a single use. For a device designed for 8 uses a
reservoir of 14 ml would usually be sufficient.
[0067] For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the
present invention may be utilised in any other aspect of the
invention.
[0068] The present invention will now be explained in more detail
by way of the following description of preferred embodiments, and
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0069] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section through a first embodiment of a
device according to one aspect of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0070] As shown in FIG. 1, there is shown a cross section of a
second embodiment of a spot cleaning device for multiple use
according to one aspect of the present invention in the form of a
pen. The total length is 151.19 mm and the outer diameter is 23.75
mm.
[0071] The device comprises an elongate member 3 having a first end
5 and a second end 7. The elongate member 3 contains applicator 13
and a squeezable reservoir 9 (14 ml) into which is filled a liquid
cleaning composition 11.
[0072] At the first end 5 of the elongate member 3, is located an
applicator 13 which comprises a frusto-conical extension 15 of the
elongate member 3 and integral therewith, narrowing to a restricted
opening 17 with roll-on applicator 31 (Dab-O-Matic.RTM. assembly).
Applicator 13 may be closed with a removable cap 32.
[0073] At the second end 7 of the elongate member 3, there is a
chamber member 21 rotatably connected to reservoir 9. Contained
within the chamber 21 is eight absorbent discs 25 of Transorb
Reservoir R20865 (ex American Filtrona Corporation) within inner
sleeve 33. Optionally, each disc may be covered by mesh means. The
discs inside chamber member 21 are held by inner sleeve 33 attached
to reservoir 9. The chamber member 21 has an open end 27 wherein
disc 25 is retained by retaining ring 34 When the device is not
used a removable cap 36 protects the absorbent disc 25 facing out.
After use, a disc may be discarded by rotating chamber member 21
vis a vis the reservoir 9 to elevate elevator 35 within inner
sleeve 33 thereby ejecting an absorbent disc and at the same time
exposing a fresh disc for use. Inner sleeve 33, chamber member 21
and elevator 35 are engaged in such a manner that rotation of the
chamber member 21 is translated into an axial movement of the
elevator. Reservoir 9 and chamber 21 may be refillable.
[0074] The liquid cleaning composition 11 used in the above
embodiments may have the following formulation:
EXAMPLE 1
[0075]
1 Trade Name Supplier Material Type wt. % Permulen TR 2 BF Goodrich
polymeric emulsified 0.1 Lialet 111-5.5 Condea Augusta nonionic
surfactant 0.2 Admox 12 Albermarle tertiary amine oxide 0.15 Sodium
dioctyl Sigma wetting agent 0.3 sulfosuccinate KOH Baker pH control
0.021 (to pH = 7.0) Kathon CG-ICP Rohm & Haas Biocide 0.0003
Water balance
EXAMPLE 2
[0076]
2 Trade Name Supplier Material Type wt. Permulen TR2 BF Goodrich
Polymeric emulsifier 0.10 Lialet 111-5.5 Condea Augusta Nonionic
surfactant 0.20 Admox 12 Albemarle Tertiary amine oxide 0.15 Sodium
dioctyl Sigma Anionic surfactant/wet 0.30 sulfo succinate Kathon
CG-ICP Rohm and Haas Biocide 0.0003 KOH to pH 7.0 Water balance
EXAMPLE 3
[0077]
3 Material Chemical Trade Name Supplier Type structure wt. Imbentin
AG- Dr Kolb AG Nonionic C<12-14>, 0.47 124S/065 surfactant
6.5 mol EO Amphoteen 24 Akzo Nobel Amphoteric Coco di- 0.13
surfactant methylbetaine Nansa HS 90 PF Albright & Anionic
C10-C14 0.05 Wilson surfactant benzene sulphonate, Na salt Kathon
CG/ICP Rohm and Preservative Preservative; 0.00075 Haas class of
iso- thiazolinones Disodium EDTA J. T. Baker Buffer, Disodium 0.1
chelating EDTA agent, preservative KOH pH to 7 Water Balance
EXAMPLE 4
[0078]
4 Trade Name Supplier Material Type wt. Permulen TR2 BF Goodrich
Polymeric emulsifier 0.10 Lialet 111-5.5 Condea Augusta Nonionic
surfactant 0.20 Admox 12 Albemarle Tertiary amine oxide 0.15 Dynol
604 Air Products nonionic surfactant/ 0.30 wet Kathon CG-ICP Rohm
and Haas Biocide 0.0003 KOH to pH 7.0 Water Balance
[0079] In an alternative formulation, the amount of Permulen TR2 is
0.1 wt. and 0.75 wt. is the amount of Lialet 111-5.
EXAMPLE 5.
[0080] Two drops (about 80 microlitres) of full fat chocolate milk
(Chocomel ex Nutricia (NL)) are applied onto an absorbent material.
The soiled absorber is left for 30 seconds and then pressed against
a white cotton swatch for 1 second (CN1 ex CFT) using a range of
pressures. The reflectance expressed as dE of the cotton swatch was
measured before and after the treatment with the soiled absorber,
as well as the diameter of the resulting stain and the amount of
chocolate milk that was transferred.
[0081] A. Absorbent means: disc (diameter 13 mm, height 8 mm) of
Transorb Reservoir R20865 ex American Filtrona Corporation.
5 Pres. Drop Weight Drop on textile gr/cm{circumflex over ( )}2 Mg
mg 800 57 5 500 57 8 200 81 7 200 52 3 100 70 1
[0082] B. Absorbent means: wipe of non-woven material SVS 49 (ex
BFF Non wovens)
6 Pres. Drop Weight Drop on textile gr/cm{circumflex over ( )}2 Mg
mg 200 75 60 200 22 19
[0083] Absorbent means A according to one aspect of the invention
performed better than comparative absorbent means B. Thus in case
B, much more of the stain is relocated from the absorber into the
cotton fabric. The transfer of the stain is significantly higher in
case B, the stain is heavier and the diameter is larger.
EXAMPLE 6.
[0084] Two drops (about 80 microlitres) of full fat chocolate milk
(Chocomel ex Nutricia) are applied onto a glass plate. An absorbent
material is contacted with the drop of chocolate milk by pressing
it onto the soiled glass plate for 5 seconds (force 20 g/cm2). As a
result, the absorber takes up a certain amount of chocolate milk.
The soiled absorber is left for 30 seconds and ten pressed against
a white cotton swatch for 1 second (CN1 ex CFT) using a force of
200 g/cm2. The reflectance of the cotton swatch was measured before
and after the treatment with the soiled absorber, as well as the
diameter of the resulting stain and the amount of chocolate milk
that was transferred.
[0085] A. Absorbent means: disc (diameter 13 mm, height 8 mm) of
Transorb Reservoir R20865 ex American Filtrona Corporation.
[0086] B. Absorbent means: wipe of non-woven material SVS 49 (ex
BFF Non wovens)
[0087] Absorbent means A according to one aspect of the invention
performed better than comparative absorbent means B showing less
resoiling. Thus in case of B, much more of the stain was relocated
from the absorber into the cotton, the stain was heavier and the
diameter of the stain was larger.
* * * * *