U.S. patent application number 12/363971 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for method for refreshing fabric articles.
Invention is credited to Hiroshi Kirigakubo, Kenichi Nakaoka, Ryohei Ohtani.
Application Number | 20090193593 12/363971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40547421 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090193593 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kirigakubo; Hiroshi ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
METHOD FOR REFRESHING FABRIC ARTICLES
Abstract
A method for refreshing fabric articles without the need for
additional cleaning treatment. The method comprises the steps of
loading fabric articles to be treated into a drum of a home
appliance, contacting said fabric articles with an aqueous fabric
refreshing composition containing both antimicrobial active agent
and deodorizing active agent under a temperature of from about
30.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C. for about 1 minute to about
120 minutes.
Inventors: |
Kirigakubo; Hiroshi; (Kobe,
JP) ; Ohtani; Ryohei; (Nishinomiya, JP) ;
Nakaoka; Kenichi; (Nishinomiya, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
40547421 |
Appl. No.: |
12/363971 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61063078 |
Jan 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 3/48 20130101; C11D
3/0068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/142 |
International
Class: |
D06L 1/20 20060101
D06L001/20 |
Claims
1. A method for refreshing a fabric article, comprising the steps
of loading the fabric article to be treated into a drum of a home
appliance, contacting said fabric article with an aqueous fabric
refreshing composition under a temperature of from about 30.degree.
C. to about 120.degree. C. for about 1 minute to about 120 minutes,
wherein said fabric refreshing composition comprises from about
0.001% to about 1.0% by weight of an antimicrobial active agent and
from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of an deodorizing active
agent.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein such refreshed fabric articles
are ready for use without the need for additional cleaning
treatment.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said fabric refreshing
composition is applied to said fabric articles in the form of fine
droplets having an average droplet size of from about 10 microns to
about 1000 microns.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said fine droplets have an
average droplet size of from about 20 microns to about 120
microns.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein weight ratio of said fabric
refreshing composition to said fabric articles to be treated is
from about 1:1000 to about 1:1.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said fabric refreshing
composition is applied to the fabric articles while said drum is
under rotation.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said home appliance is selected
from the group consisting of a washing machine and a dryer.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said antimicrobial active agent
is selected from the group consisting of an antibacterial
halogenated compound, a quaternary ammonium compound, a phenyl or
phenolic compound, a metallic salt, an organic acid or its salts
and a mixture thereof.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said antimicrobial active agent
is di-(C.sub.6-C.sub.14)alkyl di-(C.sub.1-C.sub.4)alkyl quaternary
ammonium compound.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said deodorizing active agent is
selected from the group consisting of a cyclodextrin, a
water-soluble polyionic polymer, a pH-adjusting mineral salt, a
zeolite, an activated carbon or a mixture thereof.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said fabric articles contact
with the fabric refreshing composition at a temperature of from
about 50.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C. for about 20 minutes to
about 45 minutes.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/063,078 filed on Jan. 31, 2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for refreshing
fabric articles. Specifically, the present invention relates to a
method for refreshing fabric articles, upon the refreshing
treatment of the present invention, the fabric articles are ready
for use without the need for any additional cleaning treatment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] After wearing or using fabric articles, consumers typically
clean the fabric articles by conventional aqueous laundry cleaning
or dry cleaning process for the next wear or use. Conventional
aqueous laundry cleaning is carried out with relatively large
amounts of water, typically in a washing machine at consumers'
home. Although washing machines and laundry detergents have become
quite sophisticated, the conventional aqueous laundry process still
exposes fabric articles to the risk of dye transfer and/or
shrinkage, etc. Most dry cleaning processes use non-aqueous
solvents for cleaning. By avoiding water, the dry cleaning
processes minimize the risk of shrinkage and wrinkling. However,
the need for handling and recovering large amounts of solvents
makes the dry cleaning processes inconvenient and expensive, and
thus unsuitable for use in consumers' home.
[0004] In addition to the conventional need for cleaning fabric
articles, there is also a need for "refreshing" fabric articles,
especially for fabric articles which are worn or used for a limited
times and without apparent soils on the articles. For such fabric
articles, it might be superfluous to clean the fabric articles by
conventional aqueous laundry cleaning or dry cleaning process for
the next use. In addition, as described above, repeated aqueous
laundry cleaning or dry cleaning will inevitably expose the fabric
articles to the risk of damages and will add excessive burden to
the environment. In fact, it is desirable to consumers that fabric
articles worn or used only limited times can be used again after a
simple and convenient refreshing treatment. It has been identified
by consumer research that degerming and deodorizing the treated
fabric articles by consumers from the refreshing treatment are the
key desirable benefits. In addition, it is desirable that consumers
can conduct the refreshing treatment at home with a common home
appliance. Known method in the art could not provide all of the
desired benefits to consumers.
[0005] Accordingly, there are unmet needs for a method for
refreshing fabric articles, which method can be conveniently
conducted by consumers at home and fabric articles upon the
refreshing treatment are ready for use without the need for any
additional cleaning treatment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a method for refreshing
fabric articles. The method herein includes the steps of loading
fabric articles to be treated into a drum of a home appliance,
contacting said fabric articles with an aqueous fabric refreshing
composition under a temperature of from about 30.degree. C. to
about 120.degree. C. for about 1 minute to about 120 minutes,
wherein said fabric refreshing composition contains from about
0.001% to about 1.0% by weight of an antimicrobial active agent and
from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of an deodorizing active
agent. Surprisingly, it has been found that the method herein can
substantially refresh fabric articles. In other words, the method
herein can substantially sanitize and/or remove microorganisms and
malodors from the treated fabric articles. The treated fabric
articles are therefore ready for wear or use without the need for
any additional cleaning treatment. In addition, the method herein
can be conveniently conducted by consumers at home using a common
home appliance, such as a washing machine, dryer, etc. This avoids
the inconvenience of having multiple different appliances at
home.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] As used herein, the term "fabric article" means any article
that is customarily cleaned in a conventional aqueous laundry
cleaning process or dry cleaning process. As such, the term
encompasses articles of clothing, linen and drapery, clothing
accessories, and floor coverings. The term also encompasses other
items made in whole or in part of fabric, such as tote bags,
furniture covers, tarpaulins and the like.
[0008] As used herein, the terms "refresh", "refreshing" or
"refreshed" when used in the context of treating fabric articles
mean to at least substantially remove malodors from the fabric
articles and substantially sanitize and/or remove microorganisms
from the fabric articles. It should be understood that any
additional benefits, include, but are not limited to
wrinkle-reduction, softness, crispness, water and/or stain
repellency, antistatic, anti-shrinkage, etc are not supposed to be
excluded from the scope of refreshing treatment.
[0009] As used herein, the term "aqueous fabric refreshing
composition" means compositions comprising one or more
antimicrobial active agent and one or more deodorizing active
agent. Said active agents are dispersed or dissolved in a media
composed mainly of water.
[0010] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an", when used in a
claim, are understood to mean one or more of the material that is
claimed or described.
[0011] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages and ratios are
calculated on weight basis.
Aqueous Fabric Refreshing Composition
[0012] According to the method for refreshing fabric articles
herein, fabric articles to be treated are contacted with an aqueous
fabric refreshing composition containing from about 0.001% to about
1.0%. or from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.01% to
about 0.1% by weight of an antimicrobial active agent and from
about 0.01% to about 20%, or from about 0.1% to about 5%, or from
about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of an deodorizing active
agent.
Antimicrobial Active Agent
[0013] An antimicrobial active agent is useful in sanitizing fabric
articles. Typical concentrations of antimicrobial active agent in
the aqueous fabric refreshing composition range from about 0.001%
to about 1.0%, or from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, or from about
0.01% to about 0.1% by weight of the aqueous fabric refreshing
composition. There is no specific limitation on the antimicrobial
active agent useful herein. Antimicrobial active agents commonly
found in household cleaning consumer products can be used herein.
Illustrative antimicrobial active agent includes, but is not
limited to antibacterial halogenated compounds, quaternary ammonium
compounds, phenyl and phenolic compounds, metallic salts, organic
acid and its salts.
[0014] Antibacterial Halogenated Compounds. Biguanides are a group
of robust antimicrobial halogenated compounds which can function as
disinfectants/sanitizers, and are useful in the fabric refreshing
composition herein. Illustrative biguanides include
1,1'-hexamethylene bis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide), commonly known
as chlorhexidine, and its salts, e.g., with hydrochloric, acetic
and gluconic acids. The digluconate salt is highly water-soluble,
about 70% in water, and the diacetate salt has a solubility of
about 1.8% in water. Other useful biguanide compounds include
Cosmoci.TM. CQ.TM., Vantocil.TM. IB, including poly(hexamethylene
biguanide)hydrochloride. Other useful biguanides include the
bis-biguanide alkane and its water soluble salts, such as
chlorides, bromides, sulfates, alkyl sulfonates such as methyl
sulfonate and ethyl sulfonate, phenylsulfonates such as
p-methylphenyl sulfonates, nitrates, acetates, gluconates, and the
like. Examples of suitable bis-biguanide compounds are
chlorhexidine;
1,6-bis-(2-ethylhexylbiguanidohexane)dihydrochloride;
1,6-di-(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-phenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')-hexane
tetrahydrochloride;
1,6-di-(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-phenyl-N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-methyldiguanido-N.sub.5,-
N.sub.5')-hexane dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-o-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')-hexane
dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-2,6-dichlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexa-
ne dihydrochloride;
1,6-di[N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-beta-(p-methoxyphenyl)diguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5']-
-hexane dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-alpha-methyl-beta-phenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5-
')-hexane dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-nitrophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexane
dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-2,4-dichlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexa-
ne tetrahydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-methylphenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexane
dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-2,4,5-trichlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')h-
exane tetrahydrochloride;
1,6-di[N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-.alpha.-(p-chlorophenyl)ethyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.-
sub.5']hexane dihydrochloride; omega.
Omega'-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')m-xyl-
ene dihydrochloride;
1,12-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')dodecan-
e dihydrochloride;
1,10-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-phenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')-decane
tetrahydrochloride;
1,12-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-phenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')dodecane
tetrahydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-o-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexane
dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')-hexane
tetrahydrochloride; ethylene bis(1-tolyl biguanide); ethylene
bis-(p-tolyl biguanide); ethylene bis(3,5-dimethylphenyl
biguanide); ethylene bis(p-tert-amylphenyl biguanide); ethylene
bis(nonylphenyl biguanide); ethylene bis(phenyl biguanide);
ethylene bis(N-butylphenyl biguanide); ethylene
bis(2,5-diethoxyphenyl biguanide); ethylene bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl
biguanide); ethylene bis(o-diphenylbiguanide); ethylene bis(mixed
amyl naphthyl biguanide); N-butyl ethylene bis(phenylbiguanide);
trimethylene bis(o-tolyl biguanide); N-butyl trimethylene
bis(phenyl biguanide); and the corresponding pharmaceutically
acceptable salts of all of the above such as the acetates;
gluconates; hydrochlorides; hydrobromides; citrates; bisulfites;
fluorides; polymaleates; N-coconutalkylsarcosinates; phosphites;
hypophosphites; perfluorooctanoates; silicates; sorbates;
salicylates; maleates; tartrates; fumarates;
ethylenediaminetetraacetates; iminodiacetates; cinnamates;
thiocyanates; arginates; pyromellitates; tetracarboxybutyrates;
benzoates; glutarates; monofluorophosphates; and
perfluoropropionates, and mixtures thereof. Preferred
antimicrobials from this group are
1,6-di-(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-phenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')-hexane
tetrahydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-o-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')-hexane
dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-2,6-dichlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexa-
ne dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-2,4-dichlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexa-
ne tetrahydrochloride;
1,6-di[N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-.alpha.-(p-chlorophenyl)ethyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.-
sub.5']hexane dihydrochloride;
omega,omega'-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5'-
)m-xylene dihydrochloride;
1,12-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')dodecan-
e dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-o-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexane
dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')-hexane
tetrahydrochloride; and mixtures thereof; more preferably,
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-o-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')-hexane
dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-2,6-dichlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexa-
ne dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-2,4-dichlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexa-
ne tetrahydrochloride;
1,6-di[N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-.alpha.-(p-chlorophenyl)ethyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.-
sub.5']hexane dihydrochloride;
omega,omega'-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5'-
)m-xylene dihydrochloride;
1,12-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')dodecan-
e dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-o-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')hexane
dihydrochloride;
1,6-di(N.sub.1,N.sub.1'-p-chlorophenyldiguanido-N.sub.5,N.sub.5')-hexane
tetrahydrochloride; and mixtures thereof. As stated hereinbefore,
the bis biguanide of choice is chlorhexidine its salts, e.g.,
digluconate, dihydrochloride, diacetate, and mixtures thereof.
These materials are commercially available from various
suppliers.
[0015] Quaternary Ammonium Compounds. A wide range of quaternary
ammonium compounds can also be used as antimicrobial active agents
in the aqueous fabric refreshing composition herein. Non-limiting
examples of useful quaternary ammonium compounds include: (1)
benzalkonium chlorides and/or substituted benzalkonium chlorides
such as commercially available Barquat.TM. (available from Lonza),
Maquat.TM. (available from Mason), Variquat.TM. (available from
Witco/Sherex), and Hyamine.TM. (available from Lonza); (2)
di(C.sub.6-C.sub.14)alkyl di-short chain (C.sub.1-4 alkyl and/or
hydroxyalkyl) quaternary ammonium compound, such as Bardac.TM.
products of Lonza; (3) Mono(C.sub.6-C.sub.14)alkyl tri-short chain
(C.sub.1-4 alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl) quaternary ammonium compound;
(4) N-(3-chloroallyl)hexaminium chlorides such as Dowicide.TM. and
Dowicil.TM. available from Dow; (5) benzethonium chloride such as
Hyamine.TM. 1622 from Rohm & Haas; (6) methylbenzethonium
chloride represented by Hyamine.TM. 10.times. supplied by Rohm
& Haas, (7) cetylpyridinium chloride such as Cepacol chloride
available from Merrell Labs. Examples of preferred dialkyl
quaternary ammonium compounds are di(C.sub.8-C.sub.12)alkyl
dimethyl ammonium chloride, such as didecyldimethylammonium
chloride (Bardac.TM. 22), and dioctyldimethylammonium chloride
(Bardac.TM. 2050).
[0016] Phenyl and Phenolic Compounds. Non-limiting examples of
phenyl and phenolic compounds suitable for use as the antimicrobial
active agents herein are:
4,4'-diamidino-.alpha.,.omega.-diphenoxypropane diisethionate,
commonly known as propamidine isethionate, with water solubility of
about 16%; and 4,4'-diamidino-.alpha.,.omega.-diphenoxyhexane
diisethionate, commonly known as hexamidine isethionate. Other
examples are benzyl alcohol, with a water solubility of about 4%;
2-phenylethanol, with a water solubility of about 2%; and
2-phenoxyethanol, with a water solubility of about 2.67%; typical
effective level of phenyl and phenoxy alcohol is from about 0.1% to
about 0.5%, by weight of the fabric refreshing composition.
[0017] Metallic Salts. Metallic salts can be used as the
antimicrobial active agent of the fabric refreshing composition
herein. Useful metallic salts herein include, but is not limited to
copper salts, zinc salts, silver salts and mixtures thereof.
Illustrative metallic salts useful herein include cupric abietate
as a fungicide, copper acetate as a mildew inhibitor, cupric
chloride as a fungicide, copper lactate as a fungicide, and copper
sulfate as a germicide. Metallic salts also possess some malodor
control abilities, such as to absorb amine and sulfur-containing
compounds of low molecular weight. Low molecular weight
sulfur-containing compounds, e.g., sulfide and mercaptans and low
molecular weight amines, are components of many types of malodors,
e.g., food odors (garlic, onion), body/perspiration odor, breath
odor, etc. See also U.S. Pat. No. 3,172,817, Leupold, et al.
[0018] Organic Acid and its Salts. Organic acid and its salts known
for having antimicrobial effective in the technical field can be
used as the antimicrobial active agent herein. Suitable organic
acid and its salts can be citric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid,
isoascorbic acid, tartaric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, malic
acid, malonic acid, propionic acid, acetic acid, dehydroacetic
acid, benzoic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid and its salt.
[0019] It is known in the art that certain type of odors is
generated by microbial. Therefore, by sterilizing and/or removing
microbial and/or prevent the growth of microbial, some
antimicrobial active agents may also performs as a deodorizing
active agent. Description of such material as an antimicrobial
active agent herein does not suppose to exclude executions of using
such materials as deodorizing active agent from the scope of the
present invention.
Deodorizing Active Agent
[0020] Deodorizing active agent is useful in removing malodors from
fabric articles. Typical concentrations of deodorizing active agent
in the aqueous fabric refreshing composition range from about 0.01%
to about 20%, or from about 0.1% to about 5%, or from about 0.5% to
about 2% by weight of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition.
Illustrative deodorizing active agent includes, but is not limited
to cyclodextrin, water-soluble polyionic polymer, pH-adjusting
mineral salts, zeolite, activated carbon, etc.
[0021] Cyclodextrin. 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 specific coupling and conformation of the glucose
units give the cyclodextrins rigid, conical molecular structures
with hollow interiors of specific volumes. The unique shape and
physical-chemical properties of the cavity enable the cyclodextrin
molecules to absorb (form inclusion complexes with) organic
molecules or parts of organic molecules which can fit into the
cavity. Many odorous molecules can fit into the cavity including
many malodorous molecules and perfume molecules. Therefore,
cyclodextrins, and especially mixtures of cyclodextrins with
different size cavities, can be used to control odors caused by a
broad spectrum of organic odoriferous materials, which may, or may
not, contain reactive functional groups. The cavities within the
cyclodextrin in the solution of the fabric refreshing composition
should remain essentially unfilled (the cyclodextrin remains
uncomplexed) while in solution, in order to allow the cyclodextrin
to absorb various odor molecules when the solution is applied to a
surface. Preferably, the cyclodextrins used herein are highly
water-soluble such as, alpha-cyclodextrin and/or derivatives
thereof, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or derivatives thereof, derivatized
beta-cyclodextrins, and/or mixtures thereof. The derivatives of
cyclodextrin consist mainly of molecules wherein some of the --OH
groups are converted to --OR groups. Cyclodextrin derivatives
include, e.g., those with short chain alkyl groups such as
methylated cyclodextrins, and ethylated cyclodextrins, wherein R is
a methyl or an ethyl group; those with hydroxyalkyl substituted
groups, such as hydroxypropyl cyclodextrins and/or hydroxyethyl
cyclodextrins, wherein R is a --CH.sub.2--CH(OH)--CH.sub.3 or a
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--OH group; branched cyclodextrins such as
maltose-bonded cyclodextrins; cationic cyclodextrins such as those
containing 2-hydroxy-3-(dimethylamino)propyl ether, wherein R is
--CH.sub.2--CH(OH)--CH.sub.2--N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 which is cationic
at low pH; quaternary ammonium, e.g.,
2-hydroxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propyl ether chloride groups, wherein
R is --CH.sub.2--CH(OH)--CH.sub.2--N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.3Cl.sup.-;
anionic cyclodextrins such as carboxymethyl cyclodextrins,
cyclodextrin sulfates, and cyclodextrin succinylates; amphoteric
cyclodextrins such as carboxymethyl/quaternary ammonium
cyclodextrins; cyclodextrins wherein at least one glucopyranose
unit has a 3-6-anhydro-cyclomalto structure, e.g., the
mono-3-6-anhydrocyclodextrins, as disclosed in "Optimal
Performances with Minimal Chemical Modification of Cyclodextrins",
F. Diedaini-Pilard and B. Perly, The 7th International Cyclodextrin
Symposium Abstracts, April 1994, p. 49, said references being
incorporated herein by reference; and mixtures thereof. Other
cyclodextrin derivatives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,426,011,
Parmerter et al., issued Feb. 4, 1969; U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,453,257;
3,453,258; 3,453,259; and 3,453,260, all in the names of Parmerter
et al., and all issued Jul. 1, 1969; U.S. Pat. No. 3,459,731,
Gramera et al., issued Aug. 5, 1969; U.S. Pat. No. 3,553,191,
Parmerter et al., issued Jan. 5, 1971; U.S. Pat. No. 3,565,887,
Parmerter et al., issued Feb. 23, 1971; U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,152,
Szejtli et al., issued Aug. 13, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,008,
Hirai et al., issued Oct. 7, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,598, Ogino
et al., issued Jul. 7, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,058, Brandt et
al., issued Jan. 20, 1987; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,734, Tsuchiyama
et al., issued May 24, 1988; all of said patents being incorporated
herein by reference.
[0022] Highly water-soluble cyclodextrins are those having water
solubility of at least about 10 g in 100 ml of water at room
temperature, preferably at least about 20 g in 100 ml of water,
more preferably at least about 25 g in 100 ml of water at room
temperature. The availability of solubilized, uncomplexed
cyclodextrins is essential for effective and efficient odor control
performance. Solubilized, water-soluble cyclodextrin can exhibit
more efficient odor control performance than non-water-soluble
cyclodextrin when deposited onto surfaces, especially fabric.
Examples of preferred water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives
suitable for use herein are hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin,
methylated alpha-cyclodextrin, methylated beta-cyclodextrin,
hydroxyethyl beta-cyclodextrin, and hydroxypropyl
beta-cyclodextrin. Hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin derivatives preferably
have a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 14, more
preferably from about 1.5 to about 7, wherein the total number of
--OR groups per cyclodextrin is defined as the degree of
substitution. Methylated cyclodextrin derivatives typically have a
degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 18, preferably from
about 3 to about 16. A known methylated beta-cyclodextrin is
heptakis-2,6-di-O-methyl-.beta.-cyclodextrin, commonly known as
DIMEB, in which each glucose unit has about 2 methyl groups with a
degree of substitution of about 14. A preferred, more commercially
available, methylated beta-cyclodextrin is a randomly methylated
beta-cyclodextrin, commonly known as RAMEB, having different
degrees of substitution, normally of about 12.6. RAMEB is more
preferred than DIMEB, since DIMEB affects the surface activity of
the preferred surfactants more than RAMEB. The preferred
cyclodextrins are available, e.g., from Cerestar USA, Inc. and
Wacker Chemicals (USA), Inc.
[0023] It is also preferable to use a mixture of cyclodextrins.
Such mixtures absorb odors more broadly by complexing with a wider
range of odoriferous molecules having a wider range of molecular
sizes. Preferably at least a portion of the cyclodextrins is
alpha-cyclodextrin and its derivatives thereof, gamma-cyclodextrin
and its derivatives thereof, and/or derivatized beta-cyclodextrin,
more preferably a mixture of alpha-cyclodextrin, or an
alpha-cyclodextrin derivative, and derivatized beta-cyclodextrin,
even more preferably a mixture of derivatized alpha-cyclodextrin
and derivatized beta-cyclodextrin, most preferably a mixture of
hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl
beta-cyclodextrin, and/or a mixture of methylated
alpha-cyclodextrin and methylated beta-cyclodextrin.
[0024] Water-soluble Polyionic Polymers. Water-soluble polyionic
polymers can be used in the aqueous fabric refreshing composition
herein to provide deodorizing benefit. Useful water-soluble
polyionic polymer can be a cationic polymer, such as polyamines, or
an anionic polymer, such as polyacrylic acids and their
water-soluble salts. Polyamines are those containing amino, amido,
etc. functional groups. Preferred polyacrylic acids and their salts
have an average molecular weight of less than about 20,000,
preferably less than 10,000, more preferably from about 500 to
about 5,000. Polymers containing sulfonic acid groups, phosphoric
acid groups, phosphonic acid groups, and their water-soluble salts
are also suitable. Water-soluble polymers containing both cationic
and anionic functionalities are also suitable. Examples of these
polymers are given in U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,986, issued Mar. 20, 1990
to N. Kobayashi and A. Kawazoe. Another example of water-soluble
polymers containing both cationic and anionic functionalities is a
copolymer of dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride and acrylic acid,
commercially available under the trade name Merquat 280.RTM. from
Calgon.
[0025] Such polymers are believed to be useful herein to control
certain amine-type odors or acid-type odors, such as odors
associated with ammonia, trimethyl amine, triethylamine, isovaric
acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, etc.
[0026] PH-adjusting Mineral Salts. PH-adjusting mineral salts which
adjust pH of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition to 8-12 can
be used as the deodorizing active agent. By adjusting the pH of the
fabric refreshing composition in the alkaline range, some acid type
of odors can be neutralized by the fabric refreshing composition.
Illustrative pH-adjusting mineral salts useful herein include
alkali metal salts or alkali earth metal salts of boric acid,
carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid, triphosphoric
acid, etc. Specifically preferred pH-adjusting mineral salts useful
herein include potassium phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate,
potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium hydrogen pyrophosphate,
sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium borate and a
mixture thereof.
[0027] Zeolites. A preferred class of zeolites is characterized as
"intermediate" silicate/aluminate zeolites. The intermediate
zeolites are characterized by SiO.sub.2/AlO.sub.2 molar ratios of
less than about 10. Preferably the molar ratio of
SiO.sub.2/AlO.sub.2 ranges from about 2 to about 10. The
intermediate zeolites have an advantage over the "high" zeolites.
The intermediate zeolites have a higher affinity for amine-type
odors, they are more weight efficient for odor absorption because
they have a larger surface area, and they are more moisture
tolerant and retain more of their odor absorbing capacity in water
than the high zeolites. A wide variety of intermediate zeolites
suitable for use herein are commercially available as Valfor.RTM.
CP301-68, Valfor.RTM. 300-63, Valfor.RTM. CP300-35, and Valfor.RTM.
CP300-56, available from PQ Corporation, and the CBV100.RTM. series
of zeolites from Conteka. Zeolite materials marketed under the
trade name Abscents.RTM. and Smellrite.RTM., available from The
Union Carbide Corporation and UOP are also preferred. These
materials are typically available as a white powder in the 3-5
micron particle size range. Such materials are preferred over the
intermediate zeolites for control of sulfur-containing odors, e.g.,
thiols, mercaptans.
[0028] Activated Carbon. The carbon material suitable for use in
the present invention is the material well known in commercial
practice as an absorbent for organic molecules and/or for air
purification purposes. Often, such carbon material is referred to
as "activated" carbon or "activated" charcoal. Such carbon is
available from commercial sources under such trade names as;
Calgon-Type CPG.RTM.; Type PCB.RTM.; Type SGL.RTM.; Type CAL.RTM.;
and Type OL.RTM..
Carrier
[0029] Water is the main liquid carrier of antimicrobial active
agent and deodorizing active agent in the aqueous fabric refreshing
composition herein due to its low cost, availability, safety, and
environmental compatibility. As used herein, water can be
distilled, deionized, or tap water. Water not only serves as a
liquid carrier for the antimicrobial active agent and deodorizing
active agent, but it also provides some odor controlling effect of
its own. It has been discovered that the intensity of odor
generated by some polar, low molecular weight organic amines,
acids, and mercaptans is reduced when the odor-contaminated fabrics
are treated with an aqueous solution. Water is also very useful for
fabric wrinkle removal or reduction. Not to be bound by theory, it
is believed that water breaks many intra-fiber and inter-fiber
hydrogen bonds that keep the fabric in a wrinkle state. It also
swells, lubricates and relaxes the fibers to help the wrinkle
removal process.
[0030] Optionally, in addition to water, the carrier can contain a
low molecular weight organic solvent that is highly soluble in
water, e.g., ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and the like, and
mixtures thereof. Low molecular weight alcohols can help the
treated fabric articles to dry faster and also provide some
antimicrobial benefit. The optional water soluble low molecular
weight solvent can be used at a level of up to about 50%, typically
from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 2% to about 15%,
more preferably from about 5% to about 10%, by weight of the total
composition. Factors that need to be considered when a high level
of solvent is used in the composition are odor, flammability, and
environment impact.
Optional Ingredients
[0031] The fabric refreshing composition herein may further contain
one or more optional ingredients typically used in fabric care
product category. Illustrative optional ingredients include, but
are not limited to surfactant, fabric wrinkle control agent, fabric
softening agent, perfume, anti-static agent, chelating agent,
insect and moth repelling agent, colorant, preservative, and
mixtures thereof. The total level of optional ingredients is low,
preferably less than about 5%, or less than about 3%, or less than
about 2%, by weight of the composition.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous fabric refreshing
composition herein contains from about 0.005% to 0.1% or from about
0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of a surfactant. Surfactant provides
a low surface tension that permits the composition to spread
readily and more uniformly on hydrophobic surfaces, such as
polyester and nylon. It has been found that the aqueous fabric
refreshing composition containing surfactant spreads satisfactorily
on fabric articles. The spreading of the composition also allows it
to dry faster, so that the treated fabric articles are ready for
use sooner. Furthermore, fabric refreshing composition containing a
surfactant can penetrate hydrophobic, oily soil better for improved
malodor control. The surfactant is also needed in the fabric
refreshing composition herein that contains a wrinkle control agent
such as silicone and/or shape retention polymer. For such agents,
the surfactant is also needed, e.g., as a dispersing agent, an
emulsifying agent and/or a solubilizing agent. The surfactant for
use in providing the required low surface tension in the
composition herein should be compatible with other components in
the composition. For example, it should not form a complex with
cyclodextrin so as to diminish performance of the cyclodextrin
and/or the surfactant. Complex formation diminishes both the
ability of the cyclodextrin to absorb odors and the ability of the
surfactant to lower the surface tension of the aqueous
composition.
[0033] In another preferred embodiment herein, the fabric
refreshing composition contains from about 0.1% to about 10%, or
from about 0.5% to about 7%, or from about 1% to about 5%, by
weight of a fabric wrinkle control agent, preferably selected from
the group consisting of: silicone, shape retention polymer,
hydrophilic plasticizer, lithium salt, and mixtures thereof.
Silicone can be used herein to impart a lubricating property or
increased gliding ability to fibers in fabric, particularly
clothing. The preferred silicones have pendant alkyl groups having
less than about 8, preferably less than about 6, carbon atoms, and
do not have pendant aryl groups. Nonlimiting examples of useful
silicones include noncurable silicones such as polydimethylsilicone
and volatile silicones, and curable silicones such as
aminosilicones and hydroxysilicones. Optionally, the composition
can contain hydrophilic plasticizer to soften both the fabric
fibers, especially cotton fibers. Examples of preferred hydrophilic
plasticizers are short chain polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol,
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene
glycol, sorbitol, erythritol or mixtures thereof, more preferably
diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, propylene
glycol and mixtures thereof. Lithium salts can be used in the
aqueous fabric refreshing composition to improve fabric wrinkle
control performance. Non-limiting examples of lithium salts that
are useful herein are lithium bromide, lithium bromide hydrate,
lithium chloride, lithium chloride hydrate, lithium acetate,
lithium acetate dihydrate, lithium lactate, lithium sulfate,
lithium sulfate monohydrate, lithium tartrate, lithium bitartrate,
and mixtures thereof.
Method and Home Appliances
[0034] According to the method herein, as the first step, fabric
articles to be treated are loaded into a drum of a home appliance.
Aqueous fabric refreshing compositions and hot air are then charged
into the drum. It is not critical whether the aqueous fabric
refreshing composition and hot air are charged into the drum
simultaneously or not; however the temperature in the drum shall be
maintained within the range of from about 30.degree. C. to about
120.degree. C., or from about 50.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C.
during a substantial period of the refreshing treatment process.
The time that fabric articles contact with the aqueous fabric
refreshing compositions are typically from about 1 minute to about
120 minutes or from about 20 to about 45 minutes. Surprisingly, it
has been found that fabric articles treated by the method herein
are substantially degermed and deodorized and therefore are ready
for the next wear or use without the need for any additional
cleaning treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric
refreshing composition is applied to the fabric articles while the
drum is rotated. Rotation of the drum can be either horizontal or
vertical and the rotation speed is typically less than about 200
rotations per minute, RPM, or from about 10 RPM to 100 RPM, or from
about 20 RPM to about 50 RPM. It has been found that an even
distribution and penetration of the aqueous fabric refreshing
composition can be achieved by rotating the drum while dispensing
the aqueous fabric refreshing composition.
[0035] The aqueous fabric refreshing composition is preferably
dispensed into the drum during the initial stage of the refreshing
treatment process. For example, dispensing of the aqueous fabric
refreshing composition can be completed within the first 30 seconds
to about 5 minutes upon the initiation of the refreshing treatment.
The amount of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition charged
into the drum is typically from about 0.1% to about 50% or from
about 1% to about 10% by weight of the dry weight of loaded fabric
articles. In other words, the weight ratio of the aqueous fabric
refreshing composition to the dry load fabric articles is from
about 1:1000 to about 1:1, or from about 1:100 to about 1:10.
[0036] The method of the present invention can be conveniently
conducted by consumers at home using known home appliances, for
example, the method herein can be conducted in the existed drying
cycle of washing machines or dryers. Alternatively, a refreshing
cycle can be specifically programmed in the commercialized washing
machines or dryers to conduct the method herein. In both
circumstances, the home appliances will retain their original
washing and/or drying functions. Exemplary home appliances useful
herein typically include:
[0037] (i) a fluid-impervious stationary containment chamber;
[0038] (ii) a fluid-pervious drum arranged to receive and retain a
load of fabric articles, said drum being driven by;
[0039] (iii) an electric motor, preferably has variable speed;
[0040] (iv) motor speed control means for controlling the speed of
said motor;
[0041] (v) a storage means for storing the aqueous fabric
refreshing composition. The storage means can be integral with or
non-detachable from the home appliances, or can be in detachable
cartridge form, or can be a detachable container other than
cartridge;
[0042] (vi) a dispensing device fluidly-conducted with the storage
means. The dispensing device is used for releasing or dispensing
the aqueous fabric refreshing composition and for even application
of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition on fabric
articles;
[0043] (vii) a heater to heat aqueous fabric refreshing
composition, fabric articles or air. The heater may include a
heating element over which air must pass prior to entering into the
drum. A suitable heating element is a resistive coil, the
temperature of which is adjusted by regulating coil voltage.
Alternative heating means may also be used, for example, an
infrared radiation source, a heat-pump system or a microwave
radiation source. In an alternative embodiment, the air can be
supplemented with steam;
[0044] (viii) a control system, such as an electronic control
device with a processing circuit, and input and output circuits.
The control systems can for example enable the user to select the
size of the fabric load, the time for the refreshing treatment,
etc. Alternatively, the user can use pre-set refreshing cycle, or
the appliance can control the length of the cycle, based on any
number of ascertainable parameters. In one embodiment herein, the
appliances used may comprise a program selector. This selector may
be in any suitable form, such as a dial, buttons, touch pads, panel
(which would typically include buttons or assorted selection means)
or combinations thereof;
[0045] (viiii) one or more sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a
smell sensor, a humidity sensor, or a vapor and/or gas sensor. The
temperature can be sensed by a temperature sensor which is
preferably of a thermistor type and sends a signal to the heater.
In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor is attached in
the air duct (inlet/outlet) or the drum, etc. of the home
appliance. The temperature sensor can control the on and off of the
heater switch so as to maintain the temperature of the fabric
refreshing composition or the temperature in the drum to be under
the flash point of the fabric refreshing composition. In another
preferred embodiment herein, a smell sensor for detecting odor
level inside the drum of the home appliance is provided, such as in
the air circuit lines and/or inlet/outlet air filters. The smell
sensor can be used to control the loading level of the aqueous
fabric refreshing composition or to indicate the need for cleaning
or change of air filter by detecting the odor level in the drum or
in the air circuit filter. In another embodiment, a humidity sensor
can be provided to control the loading level of the aqueous fabric
refreshing composition or heating power, heating time or air force
level suitably by measuring humidity level;
[0046] (x) one or more input devices, such as a control panel
switch, touch panel switch, wireless input system and/or a
keypad;
[0047] (xi) one or more indicating devices, such as color lights or
LED's.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous fabric refreshing
composition is dispensed in the form of fine droplets having an
average droplet size of less than about 5 mm, or from about 10
.mu.m to about 1000 .mu.m, or from about 20 .mu.m to about 300
.mu.m, or from about 30 .mu.m to about 120 .mu.m. Fine droplets are
preferred herein as it has been found that fine droplets provide an
even distribution and better penetration of fabric refreshing
composition in fabric articles and thus lead to a better degerming
and deodorizing performance. Dispensing devices discharging the
aqueous fabric refreshing composition in the form of fine droplets
are known in the art, such as spray nozzle or fluid atomizing
nozzle. A spray nozzle or a fluid atomizing nozzle typically
provides an average droplet size that is less than about 1000
microns, typically from about 100 to about 1000 microns, or from
about 120 to about 500 microns, or from about 150 to about 300
microns. When a spray nozzle is covered with a fine grid or a
membrane to produce a finer mist, the average particle size of the
mist can be less than 100 microns. Nebulizers, atomizers and the
like devices well known in the art can also be used as the
dispensing devices herein. A suitable device for use herein is a
nebulizer that has at least one ultrasonic sonotrode, or ultrasonic
vibrating cell. Typical nebulizer is commercially available under
the tradename of Acu Mist.RTM. from Sono Tek Corporation, Milton,
N.Y. Still other examples of such devices are available from Omron
Health Care, GmbH, Germany; and from Flaem Nuove, S.P.A, Italy. One
or multiple nozzles can be used to dispense fabric refreshing
composition in fine droplets. Also the nozzles can be fixed or
removably mounted on the home appliances. In one embodiment, an
air-compressor is mounted in the home appliance, for example in the
air circuit lines of the home appliance to increase pressure level
in the drum of the home appliance. The higher pressure in the home
appliance will be helpful in improving the penetration of the
aqueous fabric refreshing composition into fabric articles for a
better degerming and deodorizing performance.
[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the air may be ionized before
it contacts the fabric articles, for example by corona discharge.
In another alternative embodiment, ozone may be added to the air
before it contacts the fabric articles. Alternatively, the ozone
may be added to the rotatable drum through a system of conduits
which is independent of the air circulation system.
[0050] More detailed disclosure of apparatus, components and
elements can be found in U.S. patent application No. 60/191,965 to
Noyes et. al., filed Mar. 24, 2000.
Test Method
[0051] The de-germing effect of the method herein can be tested by
the following test method: [0052] 1) Cut cotton knit into pieces of
19 cm.times.9.5 cm (about 4 grams each piece), and sterilize the
cotton knit in an autoclave at about 120.degree. C. for about 25
min; [0053] 2) Incubate Proteus mirabilis stock culture on a fresh
nutrient tryptic soy agar; [0054] 3) After 1 day incubation, add 5
mL of phosphate buffer solution to the incubated agar and remove
activated germ from the surface of the agar; [0055] 4) Add the germ
suspended solution into a flask containing 5 g of sterile glass
beads; [0056] 5) Add 5 mL of phosphate buffer into the flask to
make homogenized germ solution, and mix it well for a few minutes;
[0057] 6) Prepare a 0.6% by weight of bovine serum albumin (BSA)
solution; [0058] 7) Mix the germ suspension with BSA solution in a
volume ratio of about 1:1. The mixture is used as inoculum; [0059]
8) Spike 1 mL of the inoculum to each piece of the sterile cotton
knit and leave the inoculum for 15 minutes. The amount of Proteus
mirabilis on each piece of the cotton knit is 1.9.times.10.sup.9
cfu (colony formation unit, about 9.27 log); [0060] 9) The cotton
knits prepared by the above steps are divided into three groups.
Each group has 3 pieces of cotton knit; [0061] 10) About 3 grams of
the aqueous fabric refreshing composition as described in the
following Table 2 is sprayed onto each piece of the cotton knit of
Group A and Group B. Leave the cotton knits for about 20 minutes.
Cotton knits of Group C are kept on the lab bench without any
treatment during this period. [0062] 11) Cotton knits of Group A
and Group C are then put on the rack in a Sanyo washing machine
(Model: Sanyo AQ-1 manufacture by SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.)
separately and treated with the ready-to-wear non tub-rotation
cycle but without charging ozone to the drum by cutting the
electrical supply line to the ozone generator. During the
refreshing treatment in the Sanyo washing machine, hot air is blown
into the drum and the temperature inside the drum is gradually
increased from about 25.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C. and is
maintained around 70.degree. C. during the whole cycle for about 30
minutes; [0063] 12) Cotton knits of Group B are left under room
temperature without any additional treatment; [0064] 13) The
treated cotton knits are put into a sterile bag separately. Add 50
mL water solution containing 0.85% saline, 0.2% Tween 80, 0.5%
sodium thiosulfate and balance of sterilized pure water to the bag;
[0065] 14) Use Stomacher (Model: Stomacher 400T manufacture by
ORGANO Corporation) to extract the leftover Proteus mirabilis germs
on the treated cotton knits for 5 minutes; [0066] 15) Make a series
of dilutions by 0.00425% phosphate buffer solution. Take 1 mL
diluted solution, and pour-plate with nutrient agar (TSA); [0067]
16) Once the agar is hardened, incubate the hardened agar plate at
35.degree. C. for 2 days in an incubator. After the incubation,
count the number of colonies formed on the incubated agar plate.
The number of residual germs on each piece of the cotton knits
treated are shown in the below Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 [0067] TABLE 1 Group B: Group A: Cotton Cotton knits
knits treated treated with fabric Group C: Cotton with a method
refreshing knits subjected to the present composition heating
treatment invention only only Residual #1 2.50 6.08 4.87 germ level
#2 2.70 5.69 4.70 (log)* #3 2.71 5.80 4.74 Average* 2.64 5.86 4.77
*The number is germ count level, small number is showing better
degerming efficacy
[0068] The above data shows that the method of the present
invention (refreshing treatment with fabric refreshing composition
and heat: Group A) provides a significant better degerming efficacy
versus method of treating fabrics with refreshing composition only
(Group B) and method of treating fabrics with heat only (Group
C).
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Aqueous Fabric Refreshing Composition
Ingredient Function % by weight Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride
antimicrobial 0.27 active agent Citric Acid chelator 0.10
2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin deodorizing 2.50 active agent
Glycerol-Polyethylene Glycol surfactant 0.17 Oxystearate
Poly(Dimethylsiloxane-Co-Me-(3-Oh- surfactant 0.10
Propyl)-Siloxane) Perfume 0.02 Water and balance carrier
Balance
[0069] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0070] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document
conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
[0071] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *