U.S. patent application number 10/876309 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for method of stain removal from garments worn on the body.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Hellings, Katrien Andrea Tony, Irvin, Ann Margaret, Sandbach, David Roy, Wevers, Jean.
Application Number | 20040231061 10/876309 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8238574 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040231061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Irvin, Ann Margaret ; et
al. |
November 25, 2004 |
Method of stain removal from garments worn on the body
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for fabric treatment.
More specifically the invention relates to a convenient to carry
fabric treatment applicator comprising a heat activatable compound
such as a peroxide bleach, which can be advantageously used on
clothes while they are worn. Claimed and described is a method for
the application of a fabric treatment composition comprising a heat
activatable compound such as a peroxide bleach onto a fabric
whereby the temperature of the composition is raised with regard to
the storage temperature. Further claimed is a fabric treatment
applicator comprising a heat activatable compound and a flow
interruption means, preferably a valve, to interrupt or allow the
flow of the fabric treatment composition.
Inventors: |
Irvin, Ann Margaret;
(Brussels, BE) ; Hellings, Katrien Andrea Tony;
(Strombeek-Bever, BE) ; Sandbach, David Roy;
(Overijse, BE) ; Wevers, Jean; (Steenhuffel,
BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
8238574 |
Appl. No.: |
10/876309 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10876309 |
Jun 24, 2004 |
|
|
|
10041170 |
Jan 8, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
8/115.51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 17/041 20130101;
C11D 11/0017 20130101; C11D 3/3947 20130101; C11D 3/386
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
008/115.51 |
International
Class: |
D06M 010/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 12, 1999 |
EP |
99113432.1 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for treating a fabric, comprising the application of a
fabric treatment composition to a portion of said fabric, said
fabric treatment composition comprising at least one heat
activatable compound, characterised in that the temperature of said
composition is raised by the body heat of a person.
2. A method for treating a fabric according to claim 1,
characterised in that said fabric is pre-heated by a user's
hands.
3. A method for treating a fabric according to claim 1,
characterised in that said fabric is comprised by a garment which
is not worn by said person.
4. A method for treating a fabric according to claim 1,
characterised in that said fabric is comprised by a garment which
is worn by said person.
5. A method for treating a fabric according to claim 4,
characterised in that said garment is in direct contact with the
skin of said person.
6. A method for treating a fabric according to claim 4,
characterised in that said garment is in indirect contact with the
skin of said person.
7. A method for treating a fabric according to any one of the
preceding claims, characterised in that said heat activatable
compound is a peroxide bleach.
8. A method for treating a fabric according to any one of the
preceding claims, characterised in that said heat activatable
compound is an enzyme.
9. A method for treating a fabric according to any one of the
preceding claims, characterised in that said fabric treatment
composition is applied to said fabric by an applicator.
10. A method for treating a fabric according to claim 9,
characterised in that said applicator comprises a housing and an
application device.
11. A fabric treatment applicator comprising a fabric treatment
composition, said fabric treatment composition comprising at least
one heat activatable compound characterised in that said fabric
treatment applicator comprises at least one flow interruption
means.
12. A fabric treatment applicator according to claim 11
characterised in that said fabric treatment applicator further
comprises a housing and said fabric interruptions means is internal
with said housing.
13. A fabric treatment applicator according to claim 12
characterised in that said fabric treatment applicator further
comprises a nib.
14. A fabric treatment applicator according to claim 13
characterised in that said flow interruption means has an open
position and a closed position and in that the position of the flow
interruption means is changed between said open position and said
closed position by a force applied to the nib.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/041,170, filed Jan. 8, 2002, which claims priority to
International Application No. PCT/US00/03085, filed Feb. 7, 2000,
which claims benefit of European Patent Application No. 99113432.1,
filed Jul. 12, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for fabric
treatment with an applicator. More specifically the invention
relates to a convenient to carry fabric treatment applicator
comprising a heat activatable compound, preferably a peroxide
bleach, which can be advantageously used on clothes while they are
worn. In another aspect the present invention relates to a fabric
treatment applicator comprising a heat activatable compound,
preferably a bleach, and further comprising a flow interruption
means to interrupt or allow the flow of the fabric treatment
composition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Portable stain removers for liquid compositions, for pre
laundry application, post laundry application or application on
fresh stains, are known articles of manufacture. Similarly,
portable applicators for the application of other liquid
compositions are known, for example in the field of ink removal.
Prior art in the former field includes the following documents:
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,420 discloses a stain removal
composition provided in form of a solid stick, which can be applied
to selected areas of a fabric in laundry preparations. Various
compositions are disclosed comprising surfactants, enzymes and
glycols. U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,268 discloses a stain removal
composition especially for carpets and upholstery comprising a
surfactant for an aerosol formulation. EP 0 205 999 discloses the
provision of a laundry preparation composition in the form of a
solid stick. WO 85/00782 discloses a kit comprising coloured fluids
and an eradicator for these fluids, which can be used on various
materials including clothing. DE 2422191 discloses a solution to be
used on stains provided in an applicator with a felt insert. DE
19536714 discloses an applicator for a stain removal fluid which
takes the form of a pen. WO 99/02769 discloses an impregnated
towelette to clean stains from clothes and upholstery, comprising
surfactant.
[0005] None of the above fabric treatment compositions comprises
bleach. Moreover, these patents do not give details concerning on
how the various applicators should be used.
[0006] Applicators comprising bleach are known in fields other than
fabric treatment: U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,131 discloses an applicator
for a liquid bleaching agent to be used to eradicate or remove an
emphasising ink. The applicator may be provided with a felt tip or
roller. U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,687 discloses an oral fluid, e.g. for
the teeth or the gum, and an applicator therefore comprising a
broad fibre tip or a roller ball.
[0007] Prior art documents which address the method of application
in some detail include the following documents:
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,407 describes an on-the-spot stain
removal kit, comprising four sponges, and teaches a four step stain
removal procedure for satisfactory results.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,158 discloses an applicator for an
enzyme-containing liquid detergent for the application in laundry
preparation. The applicator comprises a porous body made of a
synthetic plastic material. The heat resulting from the friction
produced by the applicator during application to a fabric is
assumed to contribute to a more rapid enzymatic reaction.
[0010] Fabric treatment compositions which comprise bleach and
surfactant are known from the following documents:
[0011] WO 97/20099 discloses an applicator for the post-laundry
treatment of fabrics comprising bleach and surfactant. A two step
process is taught which involves the use of an iron on one side of
the fabric and the use of an absorbent layer on the other side of
the fabric. The application of heat and/or pressure by means of an
iron is believed to affect the physical characteristics of the
stained fabric, such as its viscosity.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,090 discloses a stamp like applicator
for a fabric treatment composition comprising bleach and
surfactant, which is to be applied to a fabric in a rocking motion.
The treatment is preferably done on a table top and preferably
using an absorbent stain remover situated beneath the fabric and
followed by a post treatment process in a hot air clothes
dryer/tumble dryer.
[0013] The prior art does not disclose a fabric treatment method
which is easy to apply on fresh stains, which is suitable for very
delicate fabrics, which successfully removes a large variety of
stains, namely stains for example from wine, tomato sauce or
blood.
[0014] It is hence a main objective of the present invention to
provide a fabric treatment method, which can be successfully used
on a large variety of stains, namely on stains as from wine, tomato
sauce or blood.
[0015] It is hence a further main objective of the present
invention to provide a fabric treatment method, which can be
successfully used on a large variety of fabrics, particularly on
coloured fabrics and delicate fabrics.
[0016] It is a further objective of the present invention to
provide a fabric treatment method, which allows single step
application.
[0017] It is yet a further objective of the present invention to
provide a fabric treatment method, which does not leave residues
even when no rinsing or other post treatment of the fabric is
undertaken.
[0018] Moreover, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a mechanically optimised fabric treatment applicator.
[0019] In particular, it is an objective to provide a fabric
treatment applicator comprising a flow interruption means to
interrupt or allow the flow of the fabric treatment composition
[0020] These and other objectives, as apparent from the following
description, are addressed by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention relates to a method for fabric
treatment. More specifically the invention relates to a convenient
to carry fabric treatment applicator comprising a heat activatable
compound such as a peroxide bleach, which can be advantageously
used on clothes while they are worn. Claimed and described is a
method for the application of a fabric treatment composition
comprising a heat activatable compound such as a peroxide bleach
onto a fabric whereby the temperature of the composition is raised
with regard to the storage temperature. Further claimed is a fabric
treatment applicator comprising a heat activatable compound and a
flow interruption means, preferably a valve, to interrupt or allow
the flow of the fabric treatment composition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] It has now been found that heat activatable compounds such
as bleaches or enzymes are very beneficial for the removal of fresh
stains when applied to clothes which are worn on the body. Bleaches
are very efficient in removing various stains, such as stains
stemming from wine, tomato sauce, blood or grass, which make up a
considerable portion of stains found on clothing. On the other hand
bleaches who are known to affect the dyes typically utilised in
fabric manufacture. Hence the level of bleach in a fabric treatment
composition is to be carefully chosen and in view of delicate and
colourful fabrics a low level of bleach is preferred. It has now
been found that a low level of bleach or another heat activatable
compound suffices if the fabric treatment composition is applied
when the treated fabric is comprised by clothing worn on the body.
Without wishing to be bound by theory it believed that the increase
in temperature due to the body of the fabric provides the heat
activatable compounds so that satisfactory stain removal is
achieved even with low levels of these compounds. It is further
believed that the controlled application of such fabric treatment
compositions, particularly if comprising bleaches, is critical to
avoid fabric damage and to obtain satisfactory stain removal.
Preferred Compositions
[0023] Any composition which comprises at least one heat
activatable compound and which can be on a fabric is within the
scope of the present invention.
[0024] It is recognised that chemical reactions are often heat
activatable and/or proceed with a higher turnover at elevated
temperatures. Hence a heat activatable compound as used herein is
to be understood as one which upon application to a fabric delivers
a consumer noticeable benefit expressed by a difference of at least
one score unit per 20.degree. C. increase in temperature of the
fabric treatment composition as defined in the Heat effect test
described below. The temperature range for such a test can be any
temperature range below body temperature, which is assumed to be
about 37.degree. C. Such consumer noticeable benefits may be stain
removal, bleaching, softening of fabrics or the like.
[0025] Preferred heat activatable compounds are enzymes and
bleaches and mixtures thereof. Among bleaches the preferred
bleaches are peroxide bleaches, the most preferred being hydrogen
peroxide.
[0026] Particularly preferred compositions are bleaching
compositions and even more preferred compositions are stain removal
compositions as described below.
[0027] Stain Removal Compositions
[0028] One problem associated with known fabric stain removal
compositions is their tendency to leave visible residues on fabric
surfaces. Such residues are problematic and are preferably to be
avoided herein since the present process does not involve
conventional immersion or rinse steps. Accordingly, the stain
removal compositions herein should, most preferably, be
substantially free of various polyacrylate-based emulsifiers,
polymeric anti-static agents, inorganic builder salts and other
residue-forming materials, except at low levels of 0.1%-0.3%, and
preferably 0%, of the final compositions (%, as used herein,
denotes % by weight of 100% active). Water used in the compositions
should preferably be distilled, deionized or otherwise rendered
free of residue-forming materials.
[0029] Accordingly, in a preferred aspect of this invention there
are provided stain removal compositions which are substantially
free of materials which leave visible residues on the treated
fabrics. This necessarily means that the preferred stain removal
compositions are formulated to contain a high level of volatile
materials, and preferably comprise water, preferably at 95%, a
cleaning solvent such as BPP at a low, but effective, level,
typically 1% to 4%, preferably 2%, hydrogen peroxide at a level
from 1% to 3%, preferably 2%, and surfactant at levels of 0.1% to
1%. Advantageously, when thus formulated such compositions exist as
phase-stable aqueous solutions rather than as suspensions or
emulsions. Thus, such compositions do not require the use of
additional emulsifiers, thickening agents, suspending agents, and
the like, all of which can contribute to the formation of
undesirable visible residues on the fabric.
[0030] It is, of course, necessary that the stain removal
compositions herein perform their spot-removal function efficiently
and effectively. It has now been discovered that use of the
applicator in the manner disclosed herein, provides good spot and
stain removal performance in particular with the aforesaid high
water stain removal composition solutions. Further details of such
stain removal compositions are as exemplified hereinafter.
[0031] Indeed, as an overall proposition, the chemical compositions
which are used to provide the stain removal and the overall
cleaning and/or refreshment functions herein comprise ingredients
which are safe and effective for their intended use, and, as noted
above, do not leave unacceptable amounts of visible residues on the
fabrics. While conventional laundry detergents are typically
formulated to provide good cleaning on cotton and cotton/polyester
blend fabrics, the compositions herein must be formulated to also
safely and effectively clean and refresh fabrics such as wool,
silk, rayon, rayon acetate, and the like. In addition, the
compositions herein comprise ingredients which are specially
selected and formulated to minimize dye removal or migration from
the stain site of fugitive, unfixed dyes from the fabrics being
cleaned. The preferred compositions herein are formulated to
minimize or avoid these problems.
[0032] The dye removal attributes of the present compositions can
be compared with art-disclosed cleaners using photographic or
photometric measurements, or by means of a simple, but effective,
visual grading test, the dye removal test described below.
[0033] In addition to the foregoing considerations, the
compositions used herein are preferably formulated such that they
are easily dispensed and are not so viscous or self-adhesive in
nature that they render the stain removal applicator unhandy or
difficult to use. Preferably the fabric treatment compositions
described herein are formulated as liquid fabric treatment
compositions. In one alternative they may be provided as a gel. A
preferred stain removal composition according to the present
invention comprises:
[0034] (a) Bleach--The compositions herein comprise from 0% to
99.99%, preferably 0.001% to 7%, by weight, of bleach, preferably
peroxide bleach, most preferably hydrogen peroxide. More preferred
spot cleaners will comprise 0.5% to 3% hydrogen peroxide. It will
be appreciated that peroxide sources other than H.sub.2O.sub.2 can
be used herein. Thus, various per-acids, per-salts, per-bleaches
and the like known from the detergency art can be used. However,
such materials are expensive, difficult to formulate in liquid
products, can leave residues on fabrics and offer no special
advantages over H.sub.2O.sub.2 when used in the present manner.
[0035] (b) Solvent--The compositions herein may comprise from 0% to
99.99% preferably from 0% to 10% by weight, of butoxy propoxy
propanol (BPP) solvent or other solvents as described herein.
Organic solvents are preferred for use in the present compositions.
Preferred spot cleaners will comprise 1-4% BPP which is available
in commercial quantities as a mixture of isomers in about equal
amounts. The isomers, and mixtures thereof, are useful herein. The
isomer structures are as follows: 1
[0036] Other useful solvents are hydrotropes such as sodium toluene
sulfonate and sodium cumene sulfonate, short-chain alcohols such as
ethanol and isopropanol, and the like. They can be present in the
compositions as only solvents or in combination with other
solvents.
[0037] (c) Water--The preferred, low residue compositions herein
may comprise from 0% to 99.99%, preferably from 70% to 99.99%, more
preferably 90% to 99.9%, most preferably from 94.0% to 99.0%, by
weight, of water and hence are preferably aqueous solutions. Water
used in the compositions should preferably be distilled, deionized
or otherwise rendered free of residue-forming materials.
[0038] (d) Surfactant--The compositions herein may optionally
comprise from 0% to 99.99%, preferably from 0.05% to 5%, more
preferably 0.05% to 2% by weight of surfactants, such as
ethoxylated alcohols or alkyl phenols, alkyl sulfates, NaAES,
NH.sub.4AES, amine oxides, and mixtures thereof. As noted above,
use of surfactants limited to the lower end of the range is
preferred for some dyes and fabric types. Typically, the weight
ratio of BPP solvent:surfactant(s) is in the range of from about
10:1 to about 1:1. One preferred composition comprises 2% BPP/0.8%
AES. Also, nonionics such as the ethoxylated C.sub.10-C.sub.16
alcohols, e.g., NEODOL 23-6.5, can be used in the compositions. The
alkyl sulfate surfactants which may be used herein as cleaners and
to stabilize aqueous compositions are the C.sub.8-C.sub.18 primary
("AS"; preferred C.sub.10-C.sub.14, sodium salts), as well as
branched-chain and random C.sub.10-C.sub.20 alkyl sulfates, and
C.sub.10-C.sub.18 secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula
CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.X(CHOSO.sub.3.sup.-M- .sup.+) CH.sub.3 and
CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.y(CHOSO.sub.3.sup.-M.sup.+)
CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 where x and (y+1) are integers of at least 7,
preferably at least 9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation,
especially sodium, as well as unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl
sulfate. Alkyl ethoxy sulfate (AES) surfactants used herein are
conventionally depicted as having the formula R(EO)xSO3Z, wherein R
is C.sub.10-C.sub.16 alkyl, EO is --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--O--, x is
1-10 and can include mixtures which are conventionally reported as
averages, e.g., (EO).sub.2.5, (EO).sub.6.5 and the like, and Z is a
cation such as sodium ammonium or magnesium (MgAES). The
C.sub.12-C.sub.16 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactants can also
be used.
[0039] (e) Other Optionals--The compositions herein may comprise
minor amounts of various optional ingredients, including enzymes,
preservatives, anti-static agents, fragrances, odor absorbing
components, and the like. If used, such optional ingredients will
typically comprise from 0.0001% to 10%, more preferably from 0.01%
to 2%, by weight, of the compositions, having due regard for
residues on the cleaned fabrics. Preferred optionals are namely the
following:
[0040] Chelator--The chelating agent is selected from those which,
themselves, are stable in aqueous H.sub.2O.sub.2 and which
stabilize the H.sub.2O.sub.2 by chelating vagrant metal ions. Such
chelating agents are typically already present at low,
peroxide-stabilizing amounts (0.01-1%) in commercial sources of
hydrogen peroxide.
[0041] Enzymes--Besides the optional nonionic surfactants in the
stain removal compositions herein can contain enzymes to further
enhance cleaning performance. Lipases, amylases and protease
enzymes, or mixtures thereof, can be used If used, such enzymes
will typically comprise from 0.001% to 5%, preferably from 0.01% to
1%, by weight, of the composition. Commercial detersive enzymes
such as LIPOLASE, ESPERASE, ALCALASE, SAVINASE and TERMAMYL (all
ex. NOVO) and MAXATASE and RAPIDASE (ex. International
Bio-Synthesis, Inc.) can be usecd
[0042] It is preferred that a composition according to the present
invention comprises either a peroxide bleach or an enzyme.
[0043] Preservatives--The compositions herein can optionally be
preserved for storage using conventional preservatives such as
KATHON.RTM. at a level of 0.0001%- 1%, by weight.
[0044] Anti-static agents--If an antistatic benefit is desired, the
compositions used herein can contain an anti-static agent. If used,
such anti-static agents will typically comprise at least 0.5%,
typically from 2% to 8%, by weight, of the compositions. Preferred
anti-stats include the series of sulfonated polymers available as
VERSAFLEX 157, 207, 1001, 2004 and 7000, from National Starch and
Chemical Company
[0045] Fragrances--The odor absorbing composition of the present
invention can also optionally provide a "scent signal" in the form
of a pleasant odor which signals the removal of malodor from
fabrics. The scent signal is designed to provide a fleeting perfume
scent, and is not designed to be overwhelming or to be used as an
odor masking ingredient. When perfume is added as a scent signal,
it is added only at very low levels, e.g., from 0% to 0.5%,
preferably from 0.003% to 0.3%, more preferably from 0.005% to
0.2%, by weight of the usage composition.
[0046] Perfume can also be added as a more intense odor in product
and on surfaces. When stronger levels of perfume are preferred,
relatively higher levels of perfuime can be added. Any type of
perfume can be incorporated into the composition of the present
invention.
[0047] Odor absorbing components--The compositions of the present
invention may further comprise an optional cyclodextrin. This will
impart the composition with odour absorbing properties, which is
especially useful for application on inanimate surfaces to control
the malodour.
[0048] As used herein, the term "cyclodextrin" includes any of the
known cyclodextrins such as unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing
from six to twelve glucose units, especially, alpha-cyclodextrin,
beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or their derivatives
and/or mixtures thereof The preferred cyclodextrins are available,
e.g., from Cerestar USA, Inc. and Wacker Chemicals (USA), Inc.
[0049] Typical levels of cyclodextrin in usage compositions for
usage conditions are from 0.01% to 5%, preferably from 0.1% to 4%,
more preferably from 0.2% to 2% by weight of the composition.
[0050] The selected pH range of the stain removal compositions
assists in stabilising the hydrogen peroxide and is typically in
the acid-slightly basic range from about 3 to about 8, preferably
about 6.
[0051] Examples of stain removal compositions
[0052] Having due regard to the foregoing considerations, the
following illustrates preferred examples of stain removal
compositions, but is not intended to be limiting thereof
EXAMPLE 1
[0053]
1 % (wt) of 100% active component formula range BPP 1.0-2.0
Hydrogen peroxide 1.5-3.0 Alkyl sulfate surfactant 0.3-1.0 Perfume
0.005-0.01 Ethanol 0.3-1.0 EDTA <0.01 Water Balance
EXAMPLE 2
[0054]
2 % (wt) of 100% active component formula range BPP 1.0-2.0
Hydrogen peroxide 1.5-3.0 LIPOLASE 0.3-0.5 Alkyl sulfate surfactant
0.3-1.0 Perfume 0.005-0.01 Ethanol 0.3-1.0 EDTA <0.01 Water
Balance
[0055] The effect of heat on the performance of a stain removal
composition according to Example 1 has been studied by the Heat
effect test as described below.
[0056] Bleaching compositions
[0057] Another example of a preferred composition according to the
present invention is a bleaching composition.
[0058] A preferred bleaching composition comprises hydrogen
peroxide, water, and may in addition comprise other components such
as fragrance and solvents as described herein above. Preferred
levels in % by weight of 100% active component for these components
are given in the Example below:
3 % (wt) of 100% active component formula range Hydrogen peroxide
1.5-3.0 BPP 1.0-2.0 Perfume 0.005-0.01 Ethanol 0.3-1.0 EDTA
<0.01 Water Balance
[0059] A bleaching composition as disclosed herein may be used for
stain removal. A bleaching composition is most effective for stain
removal on bleachable stains, e.g. wine, tomato sauce, blood
stains.
[0060] Preferred applicators
[0061] Generally all convenient to carry applicators are within the
scope of the present invention. The choice of a particular
applicator will largely depend on the usage envisaged. For example
a wipe or a towelette applicator may be chosen. Such wipes or
towelettes may be packaged individually or a plurality of them may
be packaged together. Preferably such packaging prevents
evaporation of the compositions disclosed herein.
[0062] Other preferred applicators are those comprising a nib. Such
applicators typically also comprise a housing comprising a
reservoir for the storage of a composition. Such a housing may be a
bottle of any shape or size. Preferred shapes for such housings are
hollow barrel shapes, most preferably having a diameter to length
ratio from 1:30 to 1:2, so as to be convenient to hold in the
user's hand, use and store. More preferred are housings of a
diameter to length ratio from 1:20 to 1:5, which resemble in shape
a pen, e.g. a ball pen or a highlighter pen, and which are herein
referred to as pen-shaped. The reservoir may be filled with an
absorbent material, such as a wadding or a cartridge style device
such as those commonly found in ink pens able to release liquid on
demand. The housing may be made of any solid material, which may
also be flexible, such as glass or any plastic material. A
preferred material is polypropylene.
[0063] The housing may have one or more application devices. An
application device, as used herein, is a device which in use is in
contact with the surface on which the fabric treatment applicator
is used and delivers the fabric treatment composition to that
surface. One preferred application device according to the present
invention is a nib. Other preferred application devices include any
felt, non-woven material, sponge, or foam insert, for example in
the form of a porous pad. Another preferred application device is a
roller ball. Applicators comprising no other application device but
a nib are preferred.
[0064] Such a nib typically is a fibre-tip nib as commonly found in
children's colouring pens or highlighting pens. Preferably the nib
is cone-shaped or wedge-shaped. A cone or wedge shaped nib allows
the exertion of pressure on a relatively narrow area, which is
beneficial for mechanical stain removal, without leading to damage
of the nib, which is thicker and hence more stable closer to the
housing. A cone or wedge shaped nib also allows the application of
the fabric treatment composition to a small selected area which is
beneficial for low moistening of the fabric and low residues.
[0065] The application device should further be in contact with the
reservoir directly or indirectly so as to allow transfer of the
fabric treatment composition to the application device during use.
The nib may be made of any synthetic or man-made or natural
materials such as felt, open cell foam, closed cell foams,
polyethylene, nylon etc. A preferred material for the nib is felt,
even more preferred are synthetic fibres. The nib may have any
shape, cone style or `wedge shape` being preferred for the nib. The
nib while held by the housing has a section external to the
housing, this section preferably measures from 3.0 cm to 0.1 cm,
more preferably from 1.0 cm to 0.25 cm, most preferably from 0.75
cm to 0.5 cm in length.
[0066] The contact area--measured as given below--between the nib
and a flat surface preferably is from 0.25 mm.sup.2 to 400
mm.sup.2, more preferably from 1 mm.sup.2 to 100mm.sup.2, most
preferably from 4mm.sup.2 to 10 mm.sup.2. Such a contact area
ensures optimal mechanical stain removal and allows for application
of the fabric treatment composition to small selected areas.
[0067] Particularly preferred applicators according to the present
invention comprise a flow interruption means. A flow interruption
means, as used herein, is any means to temporarily interrupt the
flow of the fabric treatment composition and hence allows the
applicator to be in a "flow state" or in an "interruption state".
Preferably such means is integral with the applicator, more
preferably such means is comprised by the housing of the applicator
and more preferably internal with the housing. In one preferred
embodiment of the present invention the flow interruption means
comprises a valve.
[0068] The flow interruption means is preferably easy to operate
while holding and more preferably while using the applicator. Flow
of fabric treatment composition may for example be allowed or
interrupted by pressing a portion of the housing of the applicator.
More preferably such flow interruption means is operated via the
nib. "Operated via the nib", as used herein with regard to the flow
interruption means, denotes a way of operation which allows for
transition between the flow state and the interruption state of the
applicator under the influence of the nib, preferably by exerting
force onto the flow interruption means via the nib. Hence, in a
preferred embodiment of the present invention the flow interruption
means has an open position and a closed position and the position
of the flow interruption means is changed between the open position
and the closed position by a force applied to the nib.
[0069] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention a
threshold pressure on the nib will allow the flow of the fabric
treatment composition through the flow interruption means, while
the flow is interrupted when exceeding the threshold pressure onto
the nib is no longer exerted. Such valve embodiments are known e.g.
for writing and highlighting pens as "press-and-release
systems".
[0070] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the
applicator has a pen form and comprises a housing. The housing
comprises an orifice, which is temporarily sealed by a base plate
pressed against the orifice by means of a spring. The applicator in
this preferred embodiment further comprises a nib which is
mechanically attached to the base plate. Pressure onto the nib will
temporarily remove the base plate from the sealing engagement with
the orifice, so that fabric treatment composition flows past the
base plate and through the orifice and can be applied via the
nib.
[0071] In a further aspect the flow interruption means helps to
prevent the evaporation of the fabric treatment composition.
Evaporation is of particular concern for fabric treatment
composition comprises heat activatable compounds, which easily
evaporate when the applicator is e.g. stored in a pocket and
thereby already during storage subjected to body heat.
[0072] The fluid interruption means allows a very controlled
application of the fabric treatment composition. In absence of flow
interruption means the need to rub over the whole area of a stain
may result in the application of an unnecessary amount of fabric
treatment composition, which namely for a bleach comprising fabric
treatment composition may damage coloured and delicate fabrics. In
a preferred embodiment of the present invention the use of a flow
interruption means allows to release a certain amount of fabric
treatment composition and to then use the nib to work this amount
of fabric treatment composition into a fabric without thereby
applying further fabric treatment composition The threshold
pressure is preferably to be selected to allow such operation.
[0073] In another embodiment of the present invention the threshold
pressure is selected to allow fabric treatment composition flow
whenever the nib is used--be it only to softly spread fabric
treatment composition over the fabric--but to prevent evaporation
when the fabric treatment applicator is not in use.
[0074] Preferred application devices according to the present
invention also exhibit a certain delivery volume
efficiency--measured as described below. If the applicator
comprises a flow interruption means the delivery volume efficiency
is to be measured when the flow interruption means is in the flow
state. The delivery volume efficiency is defined as the amount of
fluid (ml) delivered to the fabric per unit time per unit area
(s.sup.-1mm.sup.-2). The right delivery volume efficiency ensures
that a sufficient but not too high amount of fabric treatment
composition is delivered giving the benefits of a sufficient and
constant flow rate and further the benefit of avoiding drying out
of the nib or the reservoir in between uses. The delivery volume
efficiency is preferably from 0.0005 ml mm.sup.-2 s.sup.-1 to 0.1
ml mm.sup.-2 s-1 and more preferably from 0.001 ml mm.sup.-2
s.sup.-1 to 0.01 ml mm.sup.-2 s.sup.-1.
[0075] The applicator may also comprise a cap to prevent
evaporation of the composition and to prevent any unattended
contact of the application device with objects when not used.
[0076] Methods of application
[0077] Methods according to the present invention involve raising
temperature of the fabric treatment composition. The composition
has storage temperature before the fabric treatment applicator is
used. Such storage temperature is typically the ambient temperature
of the space where the composition is stored, e.g. the temperature
inside a cupboard, a car, a handbag or a pocket, room temperature
or outside temperature.
[0078] Raising of the temperature of the composition, as used
herein, refers to a reference temperature T. The reference
temperature T, as used herein, is the maximum temperature of the
composition during application by the applicator or within the
first 5 minutes after completion of the application by the
applicator. The temperature of the composition is referred to as
raised if the reference temperature T is higher than the storage
temperature.
[0079] Methods according to the present invention afford a raise of
the reference temperature T versus the storage temperature from
0.1.degree. C. to 40.degree. C., more preferably from 0.5.degree.
C. to 30.degree. C., yet more preferably from 1.degree. C. to
20.degree. C., still more preferably from 2.degree. C. to
10.degree. C.
[0080] The compositions disclosed herein may find usage on any
surface of a material in direct or indirect contact with the human
body, which inter alia are all encompassed by the term fabric.
These surfaces are typically soft surfaces comprised by materials
such as soft plastic materials, leather and textile fabrics.
Textile fabrics are found in garments, including shirts, ties,
blouses, socks, skirts, trousers, jackets, underwear, watch straps,
etc.
[0081] Moreover these compositions can be used on fabrics comprised
by carpets, curtains or upholstery and the like.
[0082] One method according to the present invention is that the
user pre-heats the applicator by holding it with one or two hands
as to transfer body heat to the applicator and thereby the
composition. Alternatively the user could bring the applicator in
contact with any other part of the body in addition or instead of
holding it with one or two hands, for example the arm pitch or
crook. The pre-heating according to the present invention is done
for a time span of 2 seconds to 2 hours, more preferably 3 seconds
to 10 minutes, yet more preferably 5 seconds to 30 seconds. Such
pre-heating will result in a temperature raise of the composition
comprised by the applicator. This temperature raise will improve
the performance of a heat activatable compound comprised by the
composition, as demonstrated for a stain removal composition by the
heat effect test described herein.
[0083] Other methods according to the present invention involve
raising of the temperature of the composition during and/or after
application. This can be achieved by applying the fabric treatment
composition to fabrics which are in contact with the body of a
person, either the user of the applicator or another person. For
example, a fabric prior to heating, may be placed over the palm of
a hand, an arm, a leg, etc., so as to transfer body heat to the
fabric and thereby the fabric treatment composition during and/or
after applying the composition.
[0084] A preferred method of application involves applying the
fabric treatment composition to a fabric comprised by a garment
which is worn. Wearing of a garment, as used herein, refers to
wearing of a garment in the usual position on the body and can lead
to indirect or direct contact of the fabric with the human body, to
be understood as follows:
[0085] A garment like a shirt is often worn over an undergarment,
while a jumper is often worn over an undergarment and over a shirt
and while a coat is often worn over an undergarment, a shirt and a
jumper or jacket. While the undergarment typically has direct
contact, mostly skin contact, with the human body, those other
garments have only indirect contact with the human body.
[0086] The temperature of any of these garments--may they have
direct or indirect contact with the human body--will be raised with
regard to ambient temperature, i.e. room temperature, due to the
heat of the human body during wear (if the ambient temperature is
below the human body temperature). Thereby the temperature of the
composition will typically also be raised above storage temperature
and hence, the compositions comprising heat activatable compounds
can advantageously be used on any such garment, may it be in direct
or in indirect contact with the human body.
[0087] Preferably the fabric treatment composition is applied to
garments which are worn in their usual positions on the body and
hence have direct or indirect body contact before, during and after
the fabric treatment.
[0088] The exact use of any applicator with any composition
disclosed herein will depend on the applicator itself and also on
the fabric on which the applicator is to be used.
[0089] A towelette or wipe applicator is, if provided in a package,
unpacked and used on selected areas of an fabric by wiping or
rubbing the areas by a user using the hands.
[0090] For a fabric treatment applicator comprising a housing and
an application device, the cap covering the application device, if
present, is removed before application. The application device is
then brought into contact with a selected area of an fabric. For
some application devices exertion of pressure may be needed to
release the composition from the applicator. The pressure initially
needed for this purpose may be higher than the pressure needed to
ensure constant the flow of the composition. Wiping or otherwise
moving the application device over the selected application area
may also be required to deliver the composition to all parts of
this area and may help to uniformly apply the composition. Rubbing,
i.e. wiping while exerting pressure towards the fabric, may help in
the mechanical removal of stains.
[0091] The application of any composition disclosed herein, may be
one step of a more comprehensive treatment of a fabric. For
example, the application of a stain removal composition may be
followed by the application of a pre-laundry composition, by
laundering or may be followed by a rinsing or drying step. A
rinsing step may be carried out with a dedicated rinsing
composition such as alcohol, glycol or pure water. However, due to
the water content of the composition of the present invention such
an additional rinsing step is normally not needed. A drying step
may be a treatment with a dry or slightly moist wipe or an
absorbent pad. However, a drying step is normally not needed, since
the compositions disclosed herein promote quick drying and the
applicators disclosed herein allow application to small areas.
Test Methods
[0092] Dye removal test
[0093] An expert panel assists in visual grading. Thus, in one such
test, swatches of fabric are individually dyed with a dye from a
representative dye category such as from reactive dyes, sulphur
dyes, vat dyes, direct dyes and azoic dyes. A swatch of fabric is
prepared with a dye from each category. A measured area within each
swatch is treated with the fabric treatment composition and allowed
to dry. Any dye removal in the treated swatch is assessed visually
by comparing the treated area of the swatch with the surrounding
untreated area of the swatch. Numerical units ranging from: (0) `no
difference between both fabrics`, (1) `I think there is a
difference`, (2) `I'm sure there is a difference`, (3) `there is a
big difference`, (4) `there is a huge difference` are assigned by
panelists. The test is repeated three times of any swatch and an
average value is calculated.
Heat effect test
[0094] The following testing procedure can be used to assess the
effect of heat on a consumer noticeable benefit when a composition
is applied to a fabric.
[0095] Nine swatches of white cotton (number 1660, Habeco) are
individually treated with one drop of a filter coffee solution
(normal strength) from a I ml pipette (Elkay 127-P1511-000) held at
a distance of 10 cm from the fabric surface. The desired
temperature is achieved by heating the stain removal composition on
a heating plate until it reaches the target temperature (10.degree.
C. reference solution, 30.degree. C. or 50.degree. C.) as measured
by a temperature probe. When the desired temperature is achieved, a
pipette (described above) is used to apply one drop of the heated
stain removal solution as specified below to a stained swatch. The
stain removal solution is then massaged into the coffee stain with
a stain removal pen (described above) for 10 seconds. This is
repeated until three swatches have been treated with the solution.
The swatches are then allowed to dry for 24 hours at room
temperature in a sealed cupboard. This is performed with solutions
at all three temperatures. The level of stain removal for each
temperature is then visually assessed by comparing it to the level
of removal for the 10.degree. C. reference solution. Numerical
units ranging from: (0) `no difference between both swatches`, (1)
`I think there is a difference`, (2) `I'm sure there is a
difference`, (3) `there is a big difference`, (4) `there is a huge
difference` are assigned by expert panelists. A "+" sign indicates
improved performance versus the reference solution. The test is
repeated three times for any selected temperature and an average
value is calculated.
4 Stain removal solution used in heat effect test: % (wt) of 100%
active component formula range BPP 2.0 Hydrogen peroxide 2.0 Alkyl
sulfate surfactant 0.8 Perfume 0.01 Ethanol 0.7510 EDTA 0.005 Water
94.1368 Results Numerical unit 10.degree. C. solution Swatch
(reference) 30.degree. C. solution 50.degree. C. solution replicate
1 0 +2 +3.5 replicate 2 0 +2.75 +4 replicate 3 0 +2.5 +3.25 average
0 30 2.4 +3.6
[0096] Measurement of contact area
[0097] Measurements of the contact area of the nib are carried out
with a fabric treatment applicator which contains a dry nib and no
treatment composition. The dry nib is inked by pressing it against
an ink stamp pad and then clamping the fabric treatment applicator
to the load arm of a Plint dual axis reciprocating rig (such as
model TE75R, MRPRA RUBBER CONSULTANTS). A mark on a contact surface
which is representative of the contact area of the nib is obtained
by controlled lowering and raising of the Plint load arm towards
and away from the contact surface. The angle of the fabric
treatment applicator relative to the contact surface is adapted to
maximise the contact area. Angles of the fabric treatment
applicator relative to the contact surface for which the angle
between the vertical axis of the fabric treatment applicator (as
defined above) and the contact surface less than 45.degree. are not
considered (since they are not typical for a consumer preferred
application method). The contact time should be approximately 1s
while a 3N load is applied on the nib. The contact area can then be
calculated from the mean length and width of the mark determined
using a magnifing lens with a graticule. Average measurements with
the nib in final measuring position are repeated three times to
check reproducibility.
[0098] Measurement of Delivery Volume Efficiency
[0099] The application device, e.g. nib, is funnly inserted through
the bottom of a standard liquid container (such as a 50 ml
centrifuge tube available from Corning No. 25330-50). To ensure a
secure arrangement, the size of the orifice through which the
application device is inserted is cut to the size of the tip and a
silicone based sealant used. This unit is then clamped into
position beneath a compressor unit (such as a Lloyd LR5K
Compression meter). This arrangement provides a consumer realistic
vertical load of 3N. The application device is placed in contact
with an absorbent pad comprised of a bicomponent synthetic fibre
top layer above a fluffy pulp base layer. The pad allows rapid
transport away from the point of delivery so as not to reduce the
concentration gradient and hence reduce flow. The container is then
filled with the stain removing solution (such as Example 1) to a
level of 20 ml. The amount of fluid that flows per unit time is
measured by noting the loss of fluid from the reservoir over a
fixed period. The delivery volume efficiency (DVE) is calculated by
normalising the flow rate with respect to the total surface area of
contact (mm.sup.2) between the application device and the fabric.
Measurements are repeated three times to check reproducibility.
* * * * *