U.S. patent application number 12/403777 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for manual spray cleaner.
This patent application is currently assigned to BISSELL Homecare, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher D. Barr, Michael R. Foote, Kevin L. Haley, Douglas J. Medema.
Application Number | 20090236363 12/403777 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44072527 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090236363 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haley; Kevin L. ; et
al. |
September 24, 2009 |
Manual Spray Cleaner
Abstract
A cleaning solution package comprising a dispensing container
having a body with a closed bottom and an open upper end forming a
neck and a dispensing valve mounted in the neck. A flexible pouch
is mounted within the container and has an open upper end that is
sealed to the dispensing valve. A cleaning composition containing
an oxidizing agent is stored in the flexible pouch. A pressurized
gas is between the container body and the flexible pouch to
pressurize the cleaning solution within the flexible pouch.
Inventors: |
Haley; Kevin L.; (Byron
Center, MI) ; Barr; Christopher D.; (Belmont, MI)
; Foote; Michael R.; (Ada, MI) ; Medema; Douglas
J.; (Belding, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGARRY BAIR PC
32 Market Ave. SW, SUITE 500
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503
US
|
Assignee: |
BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
Grand Rapids
MI
|
Family ID: |
44072527 |
Appl. No.: |
12/403777 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61036706 |
Mar 14, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/95 ;
222/105 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D 17/0043 20130101;
B65D 83/425 20130101; C11D 3/3947 20130101; C09K 3/30 20130101;
B32B 15/08 20130101; C11D 17/041 20130101; B65D 83/62 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/95 ;
222/105 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/28 20060101
B65D035/28 |
Claims
1. A cleaning solution package comprising: a dispensing container
having a body with a closed bottom and an open upper end forming a
neck and a dispensing valve mounted in the neck; a flexible pouch
mounted within the container having an open upper end that is
sealed to the dispensing valve; a cleaning composition including an
oxidizing agent within the flexible pouch; and a pressurized gas
between the container body and the flexible pouch to pressurize the
cleaning solution within the flexible pouch.
2. The cleaning solution package according to claim 1 wherein the
flexible pouch is essentially free from interacting with the
oxidizing agent.
3. The cleaning solution package according to claim 2 wherein the
flexible pouch comprises multiple laminated layers, and wherein at
least one of the multiple layers is a metallic layer.
4. The cleaning solution package according to claim 3 wherein the
flexible pouch includes at least one polyamide layer.
5. The cleaning solution package according to claim 3 wherein the
flexible pouch includes at least one polyethylene terephthalate
layer.
6. The cleaning solution package according to claim 3 wherein the
flexible pouch includes at least one polypropylene layer.
7. The flexible pouch according to claim 3 further comprising an
adhesive between at least two of the multiple layers.
8. The cleaning solution package according to claim 1 wherein the
oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide.
9. The cleaning solution package according to claim 1 and further
comprising an aqueous carrier and at least one surfactant.
10. The cleaning solution package according to claim 9 wherein the
aqueous carrier is deionized water.
11. The cleaning solution package according to claim 9 wherein the
at least one surfactant is biodegradable.
12. The cleaning solution package according to claim 1 and further
comprising at least one organic solvent.
13. The cleaning solution package according to claim 12 wherein the
at least one organic solvent is selected from the group consisting
of glycol ethers including propylene glycol methyl ether,
dipropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether,
and diethylene glycol n-butyl ether.
14. The cleaning solution package according to claim 13 further
comprising at least one of an anti-soil and anti-stain agent
selected from the group consisting of polymers and copolymers based
on acrylic monomers, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane monomers
and derivatives thereof.
15. The cleaning solution package according to claim 1 wherein the
cleaning composition is free of volatile organic carbon
compounds.
16. The cleaning solution package according to claim 15 further
comprising at least one organic acid in an effective amount to act
as a chelating agent and an oxidizing agent stabilizer and wherein
the solution package meets the United States Environmental
Protection Agency's "Design for the Environment" standards.
17. The cleaning solution package according to claim 16 wherein the
at least one organic acid is citric acid.
18. The cleaning solution package according to claim 1 wherein the
pressurized gas is free of volatile organic carbon compounds.
19. The cleaning solution package according to claim 18 wherein the
pressurized gas is selected from at least one of air and
nitrogen.
20. A method for making a cleaning solution package comprising:
sealing a flexible pouch having an open end to a dispensing valve;
positioning the flexible pouch within an open top container with
the dispensing valve in registry with the open top of the
container, to provide a space between the flexible pouch and an
inside surface of the container; sealing the dispensing valve to
the open top of the container; injecting a gas into the space
between the flexible pouch and an inside surface of the container
to pressurize the space; filling the flexible pouch with a cleaning
solution containing an oxidizing agent.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/036,706, filed Mar. 14, 2008, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a packaged pressurized spray
cleaner with an oxidizing composition to clean soft surfaces such
as carpets, rugs, upholstery and fabric. In one of its aspects, the
invention relates to a manual spray cleaner composition. In another
of its aspects, the invention relates to a system for cleaning and
protecting carpets and rugs. In yet another of its aspects, the
invention relates to a method for cleaning rugs and carpets. In
still another of its aspects, the invention relates to a method for
cleaning and protecting rugs and carpets.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Soft household surfaces such as carpets, rugs, upholstery
and fabric are often subject to contact with compositions, such as
spills, which can cause a stain on the surface. Such stains are
conventionally removed through the use of cleaning compositions,
either through manual application or using a cleaning appliance.
Many users prefer manually applicable cleaning compositions since
they can be quickly applied to a stain without needing a cleaning
appliance, many of which are expensive and cumbersome to use.
[0006] Numerous cleaning compositions are available for removing
soil and stains from carpet. A stain on carpet can penetrate
through the nap and into the backing, and even the padding beneath
the carpet. Some cleaning compositions only treat the stain formed
on the fibers or nap of the carpet. Other cleaning compositions
merely "push" the stain from the carpet surface through to the
carpet backing. While the stain appears to be gone to the user,
over time the stain can be pulled back into the fibers from the
backing or padding and reappear on the nap of the carpet.
[0007] The addition of hydrogen peroxide to cleaning compositions
offers improved cleaning performance. Hydrogen peroxide can
penetrate all the way to the backing and padding to treat and
remove certain types of stains. However, the use of hydrogen
peroxide creates challenges with respect to maximizing the shelf
life of such cleaning compositions, while minimizing the effects of
the inherent reactive nature of the chemical. The ability to
formulate an "all-in-one" cleaning composition, i.e. a cleaning
composition that includes both cleaning agents and hydrogen
peroxide in a single formulation, that can be packaged within a
single container presents many technical challenges, primarily
related to: (1) the chemical resistance of the container to the
hydrogen peroxide containing formula; (2) the chemical
compatibility of the various ingredients present in the cleaning
composition; (3) the shelf life of the active ingredients present
in the cleaning composition; and (4) the potential premature
activation of hydrogen peroxide present in the cleaning
composition. This is especially true when the single container is
in an aerosol form.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to the invention, the invention relates to a
cleaning solution package comprising a dispensing container having
a body with a closed bottom and an open upper end forming a neck
and a dispensing valve mounted in the neck. A flexible pouch is
mounted within the container and has an open upper end that is
sealed to the dispensing valve. A cleaning composition containing
an oxidizing agent is in the flexible pouch. A pressurized gas is
located between the container body and the flexible pouch to
pressurize the cleaning solution within the flexible pouch.
[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible
pouch is chemically inert to and essentially free from interaction
with the oxidizing agent. The flexible pouch can comprise multiple
laminated layers, one of which can be a metallic layer. The
flexible pouch can further include at least one polyamide layer, at
least one polyethylene terephthalate layer and at least one
polypropylene layer. The flexible pouch can further comprise an
adhesive between at least two of the layers.
[0010] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide.
[0011] According to another embodiment, the cleaning solution
package can comprise an aqueous carrier and at least one
surfactant. The aqueous carrier can be deionized water and the at
least one surfactant can be biodegradable.
[0012] According to another embodiment, the cleaning solution
package can comprise at least one organic solvent. The organic
solvent can be selected from the group consisting of glycol ethers
including propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl
ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether, and diethylene glycol
n-butyl ether.
[0013] According to yet another embodiment, the cleaning solution
package can contain at least one of an anti-soil and anti-stain
agent selected from the group consisting of polymers and copolymers
based on acrylic monomers, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
monomers and derivatives thereof.
[0014] According to another embodiment, the cleaning solution
package can be free of volatile organic compounds. The cleaning
solution package can further comprise citric acid in an effective
amount to act as a chelating agent and an oxidizing agent
stabilizer.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
pressurized gas can be free of volatile organic compounds. The
pressurized gas can be air or nitrogen.
[0016] As a result, the cleaning composition package meets the
United States Environmental Protection Agency's "Design for the
Environment" standards.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method
for making a cleaning solution package comprises sealing a flexible
pouch having an open end to a dispensing valve and positioning the
flexible pouch within an open top container with the dispensing
valve in registry with the open top of the container to provide a
space between the flexible pouch and an inside surface of the
container. The dispensing valve is sealed to the open top of the
container. A gas is injected into the space between the flexible
pouch and an inside surface of the container to pressurize the
space. The flexible pouch is then filled with a cleaning solution
containing an oxidizing agent.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
cleaning solution package can further comprise a nestable cap that
can be attached to the filled container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressurized dispenser
assembly according to the invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pressurized dispenser
assembly as shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cut-away perspective view of a cap of the
dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a partial section view taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pouch-on-valve assembly of
the dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 2.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a valve assembly of the
dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 2.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a partial section view taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 2
[0027] FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 2
[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram of a method of making a
cleaning solution package according to the invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a view like FIG. 4 of a partial section view of
the pressurized dispenser of FIG. 1 illustrating the operation of
the dispenser.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] According to the invention, an pressurized dispenser for
applying a cleaning composition onto a surface to be cleaned such
as carpets, rugs, upholstery and fabric, and the like is provided.
In one embodiment, an oxidizing cleaning composition is contained
within the pressurized dispenser. The cleaning composition
preferably contains hydrogen peroxide due to its superior cleaning
performance. The use of hydrogen peroxide as a cleaning composition
creates challenges with respect to maximizing shelf life while
minimizing the effects of the inherent reactive nature of the
chemical and requires specific dispenser design features as will be
described fully herein.
[0031] Pressurized Dispenser
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an pressurized dispenser 10
comprises a container 22, a pouch-on-valve assembly 38 for storing
a cleaning composition and regulating its dispending, an actuator
80 operably coupled to the pouch-on-valve assembly 38 for
selectively dispensing the cleaning composition onto the surface to
be cleaned, and a removable cap 12 that is selectively placed on
the container 22 to cover the actuator 80. The pouch-on-valve
assembly 38 comprises a pouch 74 received within the container 22
for storing a supply of cleaning composition and a valve assembly
50 that is hermetically sealed to the pouch 74 and on which the
actuator 80 is mounted. The valve assembly further comprises a
valve mounting cup 40 that mounts the pouch-on-valve assembly 38 to
the container 22.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 4, a cleaning composition 96, such as an
oxidizing cleaning composition, is contained within the pouch 74,
and a quantity of compressed propellant gas 98 is contained within
the can assembly 22 surrounding the pouch 74 to provide propellant
force necessary to dispense the cleaning composition 96 from the
dispenser 10.
[0034] The cleaning composition 96 is delivered to the surface to
be cleaned via the actuator 80, which is in fluid communication
with the push valve assembly 50 that is sealed to the flexible
pouch 74 containing the cleaning composition. The flexible pouch 74
containing the cleaning composition 96 resides within the metal can
assembly 22. Positive pressure inside the can assembly 22 is
generated by the propellant gas 98 that is injected during the can
filling process. The propellant gas 98 is filled to a level
sufficient for generating the required force to deliver the
cleaning composition 96 to the surface to be cleaned with a spray
character, i.e. the force of the spray, the diameter of the spray,
the type of particle sprayed, etc., that is desirable for the
intended application.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 3, the cap 12 comprises a
circular-shaped bottom edge 14 with a vertical wall 16 extending
therefrom that curves inwardly to form a top surface 18. An inner
vertical wall 19 spaced from the vertical wall 16 can project from
the top surface 18 and define an inner circular-shaped bottom edge
20.
[0036] The top surface 18 has a smaller diameter than the diameter
of the bottom edge 14 by virtue of the inwardly curved vertical
wall 16. The top surface 18 is generally planar but also includes a
plurality of concentric circular depressions 13. As can been seen
in FIG. 3, a sinusoidal wave pattern 21 is formed in cross-section
by the circular depressions 13.
[0037] The cap 12 can be manufactured from plastic, such as
recyclable polypropylene resin, using injection molding. The cap 12
can be thin-walled, as compared to commonly known aerosol cap wall
thicknesses, with a nominal wall thickness of 0.79 mm (0.031
inches) and a range of 0.53 to 1.04 mm (0.021 to 0.041 inches) to
minimize plastic material content resulting in a reduced part
weight. The depressions 13 can have a nominal depth of 0.91 mm
(0.036 inches) and a range of 0.66 to 1.17 mm (0.026 to 0.046
inches).
[0038] One benefit offered by the aforementioned cap geometry is
that the cap 12 can be stacked with other caps 12 such that a
substantial portion of the vertical wall 16 overlaps the cap 12
underneath, thus reducing the overall height of a nested stack of
caps 12. The inward curve of the vertical wall 16 can be selected
such that a first cap 12 can be nested with a second cap 12 such
that the inner bottom edge 20 of the second cap 12 rests on the top
surface 18 of the first cap 12. This is particularly beneficial
when packing and shipping multiple caps 12, because the bulk
container packing density of the caps 12 can be maximized, thereby
reducing the shipping volume and overall energy costs associated
with bulk shipping to a facility for the final filling and assembly
of the dispenser 10.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2, and 4, the container 22 comprises a
body 24 that is generally cylindrical in shape with a closed bottom
26 and an open upper end 28 formed in an inwardly curving neck 29
of the body 24. The neck 29 further comprises a bead 30 defining
the periphery of the open upper end 28. The container 22 includes
an inner surface 32 and an outer surface 34 on which a polymer
coating can be applied. The container 22 may also include an
optional lithograph label 36 applied to the outer can surface 32
for decorative purposes such as product use and marketing
communications. The container 22 can be manufactured of
polymer-coated tin free steel stock T3CA temper with a nominal
thickness of about 0.23 mm (0.009 inches). The polymer coating on
the inner and outer surfaces 32 and 34 can comprise polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) film which offers an improved aesthetic
appearance and may also provide corrosion inhibiting
properties.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the valve mounting cup 40 is
mounted within the open end 28 of the container 22 to mount the
pouch-on-valve assembly 38 within the container 22 and to close the
open end 28. The valve mounting cup 40 comprises a central
cylindrical protrusion 46 having a dispensing opening 42 therein
and an annular lip 44 formed on the periphery of the valve mounting
cup 40. The annular lip 44 is sized to receive and seal the open
end 28 of the container 22. The annular lip 44 further includes a
gasket 72 to insure a leak proof seal to the bead 30 formed on the
container 22. The valve mounting cup 40 can be manufactured of a
tin steel material. The gasket 72 can be comprised of a butyl
rubber material.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the valve assembly 50 further
comprises a valve housing 58 that receives a hollow valve stem 52
having a solid plunger 62 mounted to a lower end thereof. The valve
housing 58, which is preferably injection molded polypropylene
material, comprises a hollow cylindrical upper portion 59 and a
reduced diameter hollow lower valve body portion 61, with a fluid
flow channel 60 formed therethough that is in fluid communication
with the cleaning composition 96 within the pouch 74. The exterior
shape of the lower valve body portion 61 forms an eye-shaped
cross-section, as shown in FIG. 7. This shape facilitates improved
sealing ability between the valve housing 58 and the flexible pouch
74.
[0042] The plunger 62 is received within the protrusion 46 of the
valve mounting cup 40, with the valve stem 52 extending through the
dispensing opening 42. The plunger 62 comprises a central opening
63 having a closed bottom end and an open top end. Three evenly
spaced vertical channels are provided on the central opening 63 and
form fluid flow orifices 64 when the plunger 62 is assembled with
the valve stem 52 that are in fluid communication with the hollow
valve stem 52 via a space 65 formed between the bottom end of the
valve stem 52 and the closed bottom of the central opening 63.
[0043] The plunger 62 is biased by a compression spring 68 to the
closed position of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 4. The
compression spring 68, which can be comprised of INOX AISI 302
stainless steel material, is positioned between a support rib 69
formed within the valve housing 58 and the solid plunger 62. A
gasket 70 is located between the valve housing 58 and the valve
mounting cup 40 and forms a valve seat for the plunger 62. The
gasket 70 can be a butyl rubber. Alternative suitable gasket
materials can include: buna-nitrile (buna-n), rubber, or ethylene
propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM).
[0044] The valve stem 52 can be manufactured using an injection
molded polyethylene material due to its chemical resistivity. The
plunger 62 can be manufactured using an injection molded acetal
material.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the pouch 74 comprises multiple
layers 76 of flexible material that are laminated together. As
shown herein, the pouch comprises seven layers 76A-76G of material.
The layers 76 of the pouch 74 can comprise, in order from the
outermost layer to the innermost layer, a 12 .mu.m polyethylene
terephthalate layer 76A, a first 3 .mu.m adhesive layer 76B, an 8
.mu.m aluminum layer 76C, a second 3 .mu.m adhesive layer 76D, a 15
.mu.m oriented polyamide layer 76E, a third 3 .mu.m adhesive layer
76F, and a 75 .mu.m polypropylene layer 76G, all of which are
hermetically sealed to the lower portion 61 of the valve housing
58, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. The external dimensions of the pouch
74 are nominally 180 mm tall by 115 mm wide (7.09 inches by 4.53
inches) and, when filled, 70 mm (2.76 inches) deep. The fill volume
of the pouch 74 is nominally 400 ml (13.5 fluid oz.). The outer
edges of the layers 76 are sealed by a heat seal bonding process
that uses heat and pressure to permanently bond the edges of the
layers 76 to form a hermetically sealed edge 77 on the pouch 74.
The pouch 74 is subsequently sealed to the valve housing 58 by a
heat seal bonding process that uses heat and pressure to
permanently bond the pouch 74 to the valve housing 58.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, the actuator 80 comprises a sidewall 81
with a circular base 92 that has a larger diameter than a top
surface 94. The top surface 94 further includes a curved depression
88 suitable for mating to a user's fingertip. Extending vertically
downward from the top surface 94 is a hollow cylinder 90 having a
spray tip orifice 82 that is surrounded by a conically-shaped
cut-out 86 formed in the sidewall 81. The hollow cylinder 90
fluidly couples the actuator 80 to the valve stem 52, thereby
creating a fluid connection between the spray tip orifice 82 and
the flexible pouch 74 containing the cleaning composition 96. The
spray tip orifice 82 is surrounded by a conically-shaped cut-out 86
formed in the sidewall 81, which has a terminal aperture 84 defined
in the side wall 81.
[0047] In one embodiment, the shape of the spray tip orifice 82
comprises a circular through-hole with diameter of 0.51 mm (0.020
inches), which has been found to be effective for application of
the cleaning composition 96 in a relatively small diameter for
treating small stains and spills on the surface to be cleaned. The
spray tip orifice 82 can comprise any number of alternate shapes
depending on the desired spray pattern (for example straight line
stream, fan shaped, conical patterns, and the like). A combination
of the size of the spray tip orifice 82, the size of the terminal
aperture 84, and the pressure of the gas propellant 98 can be
optimized to achieve the desired spray flow rate and spray pattern
of the cleaning composition 96. The spray rate can be 5.5
grams/second (0.19 ounce/second) of cleaning composition, with a
range of 5.0 to 6.0 grams/second (0.18 to 0.21 ounce/second) and
the preferred spray pattern as measured at roughly 61 cm (24
inches) from the target surface to produce a "forceful stream".
[0048] Since the chemical composition of the invention contains an
oxidizing agent, as will be described more fully herein, it should
be understood that all surfaces of the dispenser 10 that come into
contact with the cleaning composition can be manufactured from
materials selected for their known resistance to the components of
the cleaning composition, such as hydrogen peroxide. For example,
the actuator 80 can comprise an injection molded acetal resin.
However, other materials can be used to manufacture the components
of the dispenser 10, depending on the cleaning composition 96 used
with the dispenser 10.
[0049] A suitable valve and pouch system can be purchased from
SeaquistPerfect Dispensing, Cary, Ill.
[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates a method 100 for assembling and filling
the pressurized dispenser 10 in schematic form. Prior to
installation in the container 22 and filling with cleaning
composition, the pouch 74 can be rolled into tube form and secured
in this rolled form near the top and bottom edges with commonly
known perforated adhesive tape 78, as shown in FIG. 4. This compact
rolled form allows easy installation of the laminated pouch 74 into
the open end 28 of the container. The method 100 begins in step
102, with the placement the pouch-on-valve assembly 38 in the
container 22. The rolled pouch 74 is inserted through the open end
28 and the valve mounting cup 40 is loosely placed on the bead 30.
In step 104, the propellant gas 98 is injected into the container
22 around the rolled pouch 74. Examples of suitable propellant
gases are nitrogen and compressed air due to their inert nature and
low-impact on the environment as opposed to traditional propellants
that are composed of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The total
VOC content for this improved pressurized design is roughly 0-2% by
weight versus 15-25 wt % for typical pressurized products within
this cleaning category. The pressure level during gas injection in
step 104 is controlled to a predetermined level, for example to a
preferred pressure level in the range of 35 to 45 psig (pound-force
per square inch gauge). This predetermined pressure level is
determined experimentally to ensure that the final container
pressure is such that it delivers the desired spray
characteristics, meets container safety standards, and is in
compliance with all government regulations related to the
manufacture and shipment of pressurized containers. In step 106,
the annular lip 44 on the valve mounting cup 40 is permanently
crimped onto the bead 30 while maintaining the propellant gas 98 in
a pressurized state. In step 108, the cleaning composition 96 is
pressure-filled through the valve assembly 50 and into the pouch
74. The maximum injection pressure can be controlled in order to
break the adhesive tape 78 and unroll the pouch, while avoiding
rupturing the pouch 74. For example, the maximum injection pressure
can be controlled to not exceed 435 psig in order to avoid pouch
rupture. The preferred post-fill nominal can pressure at 70.degree.
F. should be about 115 psig with a range of 110-120 psig. The
filling can be controlled according to the desired net weight of
the cleaning composition 96 in the dispenser 10, whereby the pouch
74 is filled with the cleaning composition 96 until the volume of
the cleaning composition 96 injected into the dispenser 10 reaches
a predetermined net weight. In step 110, the actuator 80 is secured
to the valve assembly 50 and the cap 12 is placed on the container
22.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 10, in use, the cleaning composition 96
can be dispensed onto a target surface to be cleaned, such as a
carpet, rug, upholstery or fabric, by depressing the actuator 80
and subsequently creating a fluid flow path between the pouch 74
and the spray tip orifice 82. Depression of the actuator 80 forces
the plunger 62 downward, compressing the spring 68, and breaking
the seal between the plunger 62 and the gasket 70 to create a space
between the gasket 70 and the plunger 62, thereby allowing fluid to
flow from the fluid flow channel 60 to valve stem through the fluid
flow orifices 64. The compressed propellant gas 98 induces a
positive pressure inside the container 22 and compresses the pouch
74, thereby forcing the cleaning composition 96 out of the
pressurized container 22 to be sprayed out of the spray tip orifice
82. When downward pressure on the actuator 80 is released, the
spring 68 forces the plunger 62 and valve stem 52 upward. The
plunger 62 seals against the internal gasket 70 and ceases the flow
of the cleaning composition 96. A user can hold the dispenser 10 in
various orientations during use, such as upright, inverted,
sideways, etc., and still achieve the same dispensing action.
[0052] Cleaning Composition
[0053] The cleaning composition according to the invention
comprises one or more oxidizing agents, one or more optional
anti-resoil agents, one or more optional solvents, one or more
surfactants and a carrier. Additional components such as an
anti-stain agent, a preservative, a stabilizer/pH controller, a
chelating agent, a peroxide stabilizer, a fragrance, or any
combination thereof may also be included. The cleaning composition
further has a pH ranging from 5.8 to 6.2, with an average pH of
6.0. The cleaning composition can be filled into the pouch 74 of
the pressurized dispenser 10 according to the method 100 given
above; however, it is understood that the cleaning composition of
the invention can be used with other types of dispensers.
[0054] The cleaning composition of the present invention includes
from 1.8 to 2.2 wt % of an oxidizing agent, preferably hydrogen
peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2). Cosmetic grade 35% hydrogen peroxide
such as is available from FMC Industrial Chemicals, trade name
"Super D 35", is the preferred source, due to its good stability
characteristics and extended shelf life. The preferred post-fill
hydrogen peroxide concentration level for the formulation is 2.0 wt
%, however a range of 1.98 to 2.02 wt % is acceptable. Other
suitable hydrogen peroxides are known by the trade names Hybrite
32.5%, Durox, Oxypure 35%, Standard 27.5 35%, Technical 35%,
Chlorate Grade 20%, Semiconductor Reg, Seg, RGS, RGS 2, RGS 2, 31%.
Examples of alternative oxidizing agents include: preformed peracid
compounds selected from the group consisting of percarboxylic acid
and salts, percarbonic acids and salts, perimidic acids and salts,
peroxymonosulfuric acids and salts, and mixtures thereof, a persalt
such as perborate compounds, percarbonate compounds, perphosphate
compounds and mixtures thereof; or a peroxide compound.
[0055] The inventive cleaning composition can also include can also
include optional anti-stain/resoil agents such as polymers or
copolymers derived from, but not limited to, acrylic or polyhedral
oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) monomers and derivatives thereof.
Examples of suitable acrylic monomers include acrylic acid,
methacrylic acid, methacrylate, methylmethacrylate and
ethylacrylate. Syntran DX6-125 is an example of a suitable
anti-resoil agent that is a copolymer derived from acrylic
monomers. If an anti-soil agent is present, the preferred
concentration of Syntran DX6-125 can be 3 wt %. PM-1870,
manufactured by the 3M Company, is an example of an
anti-stain/resoil agent derived from POSS monomers. Another example
of an anti-stain/resoil agent is PM-1874, a sulfo-methacrylate
resin, manufactured by the 3M Company. If present, the
anti-stain/resoil agent is typically present in the cleaning
composition from 0.50 to 5 wt %.
[0056] The inventive cleaning composition can also include an
optional solvent or solvent system (a mixture of one or more
solvents), preferably chosen from the family of glycol ethers.
Suitable solvents include propylene glycol methyl ether,
dipropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether,
and diethylene glycol n-butyl ether. DOWANOL DPM (dipropylene
glycol methyl ether) and DOWANOL PM (propylene glycol methyl
ether), both from Dow Chemical Company, are examples of preferred
solvents. If present, the preferred concentration range for each
solvent used is in the range of 0.9 to 1.1 wt %. Alternatively, the
cleaning composition can be formulated without any solvents,
thereby eliminating VOCs from the composition. Eliminating VOCs
from the cleaning composition can make the composition more
environmentally friendly and can also qualify the composition for
certification by various environmental stewardship programs such as
U.S. EPA's "Design for Environment (DfE)".
[0057] Examples of suitable surfactants include anionic, cationic,
nonionic and zwitterionic surfactants. Preferably, the inventive
cleaning composition contains a mixture of anionic, nonionic and/or
zwitterionic surfactants. Suitable anionic surfactants include
alcohol sulfates and sulfonates, alkyl and alkylaryl sulfonates,
sulfonated amines and amides and sarcosinates. The surfactants may
contain branched or linear components. Nonionic surfactants
suitable for use in the inventive cleaning composition include
linear or branched alcohol ethoxylates and propoxylates,
ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty acids, ethylene oxide/propylene
oxide polymers or copolymers, amine oxides and fatty amine
oxides.
[0058] Preferably, the inventive cleaning composition can comprise
a surfactant mixture in the range of 0.75 to 4.5 wt %. For example,
if the cleaning composition includes a solvent system comprising
VOCs, the surfactant mixture can comprise 0.75 to 2.0 wt % Hamposyl
LS-30/Crodasinic LS-30 (sarcosinate), 0.75 to 2.0 wt % Stepanol
WAC/Stepanol WA-Extra (lauryl sulfate), 0.25 wt % Tergitol 15-S-9
(alcohol ethoxylate) and 0.25 wt % Surfox LO (amine oxide). These
surfactants are readily biodegradable for a reduced environmental
impact compared to other commonly known surfactants, although it
should be noted that other, non-biodegradable surfactants can be
used in the cleaning composition as well. The components of the
surfactant mixture can be selected depending on the other
components present in the cleaning composition. For example, some
surfactants are more suitable than others depending on whether the
cleaning composition includes a solvent system comprising VOCs. For
example, if the cleaning composition does not contain any VOCs, the
surfactant mixture can comprise Hamposyl LS-30/Crodasinic LS-30
(sarcosinate), Stepanol WAC/Stepanol WA-Extra and Tergitol
15-S-9.
[0059] Deionized or Reverse Osmosis (RO) water has several
advantages as a suitable carrier for the inventive cleaning
composition. The use of deionized water reduces contamination of
the cleaning composition by trace metals that could trigger
activation of the oxidizing agent inside the container prior to
use. Premature activation of the oxidizing agent could reduce the
cleaning efficacy of the cleaning composition and create an
undesirable increase in internal can pressure due to a reaction
between the oxidizing agent and the contaminants. An additional
advantage associated with using deionized water as the carrier is
that it evaporates with little or no residue after delivering the
cleaning composition to the surface to be cleaned. Deionized water
preferably comprises approximately 80-94 wt % of the cleaning
composition.
[0060] An example of a preferred cleaning composition according to
the present invention contains from about 1.98 to 2.02 wt % of an
oxidizing agent, from about 0.59 to 0.61 wt % anti-resoil agents,
from about 1.8 to 2.02 wt % of one or more solvents, from about
0.75 to 4 wt % of one or more surfactants and from 84 to 95 wt % of
an environmentally-friendly carrier such as water.
[0061] In an alternate embodiment, the cleaning composition can be
a foaming or foamable composition. A foamable cleaning composition
can be achieved through the addition of a foaming agent or by
selecting a suitable surfactant. Additionally, the spray character
of the cleaning composition can be optimized for the generation of
foam.
[0062] In another alternate embodiment, the cleaning composition
can be a zero VOC formulation. The zero VOC formulation can be
achieved by eliminating the VOC solvent system from the composition
and replacing it with deionized water. In this embodiment, the
composition can also include an organic acid, such as citric acid,
to act as a chelating agent and increase the stability of the
oxidizing agent. Citric acid is also an environmentally friendly
chemical that meets DfE requirements.
[0063] The cleaning composition can be formulated as an
"all-in-one" composition, that can be packaged within an
pressurized dispenser, such as the dispenser 10 described above.
Testing of the formulation described below resulted in unexpected
superior performance with respect to the cleaning composition's
compatibility with a laminated pouch, such as pouch 74, extended
shelf life, and cleaning ability. Alternate formulations were
evaluated and the results were not successful. Specifically, a
formulation containing 0.53% Baypure CX100, 1.17% Tomadol 23-6.5
surfactant, 2% Hydrogen Peroxide, 0.17% fragrance, and with the
balance being RO water was tried. It was experimentally determined
that this alternate formula severely delaminated the pouch,
resulting in lamination material plugging the valve orifices and
premature failure of the package. As organic molecules are
interactive permeants, the observed delamination may be attributed
to sorption of this alternate formula by the multilayer pouch
material.
EXAMPLES
[0064] Exemplary cleaning compositions are presented in Tables 1-4,
which give the relative concentration of the ingredients in the
exemplary carpet cleaning composition. Table 1 presents an
exemplary range of ingredient concentrations for an exemplary
carpet cleaning composition, while Table 2 gives specific
ingredient concentrations. Table 3 presents an exemplary range of
ingredient concentrations for an exemplary zero VOC carpet cleaning
composition, while Table 4 gives specific ingredient
concentrations.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Exemplary Carpet Cleaning Composition
CONCENTRATION INGREDIENT (Weight %) Deionized Water 84.39-86.09
Stepanol WAC/Stepanol WA-Extra (Surfactant) 1.09-2.02 Hamposyl
L-30/Crodasinic LS-30 (Surfactant) 0.74-0.76 Surfox LO (Amine Oxide
Surfactant) 0.248-0.253 Tergitol 15-S-9 (Nonionic Surfactant)
0.248-0.253 Glycol Ether DPM (Solvent) 0.99-1.01 Glycol Ether PM
(Solvent) 0.99-1.01 Syntran DX6-125 (Aqueous Polymer; anti-resoil
2.97-3.03 agent) Surcide P (Preservative) 0.099-0.101 Dequest 2010
(Chelating Agent) 0.396-0.404 Hydrogen Peroxide, 35% Super D
Cosmetic 5.65-5.77 Grade\ (Oxidizing Agent) WY-26 Outdoor Fresh
(Fragrance) 0.297-0.303
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Exemplary Carpet Cleaning Composition
CONCENTRATION INGREDIENT (Weight %) Deionized Water (Carrier) 85.24
Stepanol WAC/Stepanol WA-Extra (Surfactant) 2.00 Hamposyl
L-30/Crodasinic LS-30 (Surfactant) 0.75 Surfox LO (Amine Oxide
Surfactant) 0.25 Tergitol 15-S-9 (Nonionic Surfactant) 0.25 Glycol
Ether DPM (Solvent) 1.00 Glycol Ether PM (Solvent) 1.00 Syntran
DX6-125 (Aqueous Polymer; anti-resoil 3.00 agent) Surcide P
(Preservative) 0.10 Dequest 2010 (Chelating Agent) 0.40 Hydrogen
Peroxide, 35% Super D Cosmetic 5.71 Grade (Oxidizing Agent) WY-26
Outdoor Fresh (Fragrance) 0.30
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Exemplary Zero VOC Carpet Cleaning
Composition CONCENTRATION INGREDIENT (Weight %) Deionized Water
87.03-88.63 Stepanol WAC/Stepanol WA-Extra (Surfactant) 1.09-2.02
Hamposyl L-30/Crodasinic LS-30 (Surfactant) 0.74-0.76 Tergitol
15-S-9 (Nonionic Surfactant) 0.248-0.253 Syntran DX6-125 (Aqueous
Polymer; anti-resoil 2.97-3.03 agent) Surcide P (Preservative)
0.099-0.101 Citric Acid (Chelating Agent/Stabilizer) 0.05-0.20
Hydrogen Peroxide, 35% Super D Cosmetic 5.65-5.77 Grade\ (Oxidizing
Agent) WY-26 Outdoor Fresh (Fragrance) 0.197-0.203
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Exemplary Zero VOC Carpet Cleaning
Composition CONCENTRATION INGREDIENT (Weight %) Deionized Water
(Carrier) 87.83 Stepanol WAC/Stepanol WA-Extra (Surfactant) 2.00
Hamposyl L-30/Crodasinic LS-30 (Surfactant) 0.75 Tergitol 15-S-9
(Nonionic Surfactant) 0.25 Syntran DX6-125 (Aqueous Polymer;
anti-resoil 3.00 agent) Surcide P (Preservative) 0.10 Citric Acid
(Chelating Agent/Stabilizer) 0.16 Hydrogen Peroxide, 35% Super D
Cosmetic 5.71 Grade (Oxidizing Agent) WY-26 Outdoor Fresh
(Fragrance) 0.20
[0065] Proof of the superior cleaning performance of the chemical
composition of the invention is detailed in the following test
results. The exemplary cleaning compositions given in Tables 2 and
4 were tested against three other known cleaning compositions,
including OxyDeep.RTM. 2.times. Pet or OxyDeep.RTM. Power Shot.RTM.
(Woolite), Spot Shot.RTM. Instant Carpet Stain Remover (WD-40
Company), and Resolve.RTM. Spot Magic.RTM. Carpet Cleaner (Reckitt
Benckiser). The material or substrate on which the cleaning
compositions were tested was a carpet (Mohawk 814 Viva cut pile
carpet) stripped of any manufacturer-applied soil or stain blocking
agents, and comprising one of the stain-forming compositions listed
in Table 5. Table 5 further lists the amount of each stain-forming
composition applied to the carpet.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Stain-Forming Compositions AMOUNT
STAIN-FORMING COMPOSITION (grams) Coffee 5.0 Welch's 100% Grape
Juice 5.0 Livingston Cabernet Sauvignon Wine 5.0 Dirty Motor Oil
0.1 Revlon's Cover Girl, Love That Red Lipstick 0.1 Heinz Beef Au
Jus Gravy 1.0 Mud 1.0 Diet Coke 5.0 Artificial Dog Vomit 1.0 Cat
Urine 5.0 Tea 5.0 Cow Blood* 5.0 Tomato Sauce* 1.0
[0066] The procedure used to compare the cleaning performance of
the inventive cleaning compositions to the three other known
cleaning compositions is as follows: [0067] (1) The L*a*b color
space of untreated carpet samples were measured using a Minolta
Chroma Meter CR-410 colorimeter. [0068] (2) The stain-forming
compositions were applied to the untreated carpet samples. All 5
gram stain-forming compositions were applied to untreated carpet
using an adjustable trigger sprayer. Each stain-forming composition
was applied within a 2-inch ring and allowed to dwell overnight.
The dried stains were then vacuumed to remove any loose soil. All
remaining stain-forming compositions were applied to untreated
carpet using a 2-inch plastic applicator. These stains were allowed
to dwell on the carpet for fifteen minutes. Four stained carpet
samples were prepared for each stain-forming composition. [0069]
(3) The L*a*b color space of the stained carpet samples were
measured using the calorimeter and recorded. [0070] (4) The stained
carpet samples were then treated with one of the four cleaning
compositions. Twenty-five grams of each cleaning composition was
sprayed on one of the stained carpet samples and allowed to dwell
for five minutes. Any excess foam and/or liquid was then removed
with a sponge (Ace Hardware General Purpose Cellulose Sponge, UPC 0
82901 10418 6 PN 10418). The stain was then blotted 30 times using
a manual blotting cloth (3-inch diameter, 2.5 pound) and a
bi-folded wipe (Four Star Converting Corp. Item No. 4035 (Bissell
PN X0711) 61/2.times.61/2Quilted Wipe). A clean and dry portion on
the bi-folded wipe was used every 5 blots. The cleaned stains were
allowed to dry overnight and then were vacuumed thoroughly to
remove any additional loose soil. [0071] (5) The L*a*b color space
of the cleaned carpet samples were measured using the calorimeter
and recorded.
[0072] The average percent clean (% clean) that each cleaning
composition had on each stain-forming composition is given in
Tables 6 and 7 below. Table 6 illustrates the effectiveness of the
exemplary cleaning composition from Table 2 compared to existing
commercially available cleaning compositions. Table 7 illustrates
the effectiveness of the exemplary zero VOC cleaning composition
from Table 4 compared to existing commercially available cleaning
compositions.
[0073] The boldface value for each stain-forming composition shows
which cleaning composition had the highest % clean, thereby
indicating which cleaning composition was most effective at
treating the stain-forming composition on the carpet fibers.
[0074] As illustrated in Table 6, for the majority of stain-forming
compositions, eight out of eleven, the exemplary cleaning
composition from Table 2 had the highest % clean compared to
existing commercially available cleaning compositions.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Average Percent Clean (% Clean) CLEANING
COMPOSITION Cleaning Resolve .RTM. STAIN-FORMING Composition
OxyDeep .RTM. Spot Spot COMPOSITION from Table 2 2X Pet Shot .RTM.
Magic .RTM. Coffee 30.97 22.05 4.48 -3.04 Welch's 100% Grape 77.65
53.45 74.89 70.76 Juice Livingston Cabernet 86.68 88.31 81.58 75.81
Sauvignon Wine Dirty Motor Oil 89.91 80.61 52.91 67.96 Revlon's
Cover Girl, 22.46 12.77 44.89 25.07 Love That Red Lipstick Heinz
Beef Au Jus 91.76 88.35 85.15 83.29 Gravy Mud 65.12 44.52 68.53
71.27 Diet Coke 78.52 65.92 67.15 63.33 Artificial Dog Vomit 88.02
79.56 77.21 81.06 Cat Urine 24.61 2.84 14.66 -0.31 Tea 84.68 81.72
54.18 40.71
[0075] As illustrated in Table 7, for the majority of stain-forming
compositions, the zero VOC cleaning composition from Table 4 was
just as good or better at removing stains compared to existing
commercially available cleaning compositions.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Average Percent Clean (% Clean) Zero VOC
formulation CLEANING COMPOSITION Zero VOC Cleaning OxyDeep .RTM.
Resolve .RTM. STAIN-FORMING Composition Power Spot Spot COMPOSITION
from Table 4 Shot .RTM. Shot .RTM. Magic .RTM. Coffee 61.83 56.92
62.10 57.25 Welch's 100% Grape 84.02 84.79 91.72 89.32 Juice
Livingston Cabernet 90.09 91.24 85.52 80.01 Sauvignon Wine Dirty
Motor Oil 47.93 57.34 53.00 63.86 Cow Blood 73.31 67.73 24.99 32.65
Heinz Beef Au Jus 66.61 69.82 53.66 64.22 Gravy Mud 41.49 26.33
32.07 8.91 Diet Coke 78.20 77.12 80.21 84.95 Artificial Dog Vomit
63.46 63.97 52.29 68.94 Cat Urine 63.66 62.35 65.43 73.16 Tea 62.87
69.71 82.56 72.61 Tomato Sauce 66.10 67.36 53.68 56.30
[0076] The cleaning performance of each cleaning composition on the
carpet backing was visually evaluated after treatment of the stain
and the results are tabulated in Tables 8 and 9. "P(+)" indicates
that the cleaner penetrated to the backing and removed the stain
from the backing. "NP" indicates that the stain did not penetrate
to the backing and therefore there was no opportunity for the
cleaning composition to remove the stain from the backing. "P(-)"
indicates that the stain did not penetrate to the backing, but that
application of the cleaner drove the stain to the backing. "DNR"
indicates that the stain penetrated the backing, but that the
cleaning composition did not remove the stain from the backing.
[0077] As illustrated in Table 8, the exemplary cleaning
composition from Table 2 had the best overall performance, cleaning
the stain all the way through to and visually removing it from the
backing of the carpet for six of the eleven stain-forming
compositions. OxyDeep.RTM. only visually removed the stains from
the carpet backing for three stain-forming compositions, while Spot
Shot.RTM. and Resolve.RTM. Spot Magic.RTM. did not visually remove
the stains from the carpet backing for any of the stain-forming
compositions.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Stain Penetration and Cleaner Performance
CLEANER Cleaning Composition Resolve .RTM. STAIN-FORMING from
OxyDeep .RTM. Spot Spot COMPOSITION Table 2 2X Pet Shot .RTM. Magic
.RTM. Coffee P(+) DNR DNR DNR Welch's 100% Grape P(+) DNR DNR DNR
Juice Livingston Cabernet P(+) P(+) DNR DNR Sauvignon Wine Dirty
Motor Oil NP NP NP NP Revlon's Cover Girl, P(-) P(-) P(-) P(-) Love
That Red Lipstick Heinz Beef Au Jus NP NP NP NP Gravy Mud DNR DNR
DNR DNR Diet Coke P(+) P(+) DNR DNR Artificial Dog Vomit NP NP NP
NP Cat Urine P(+) DNR DNR DNR Tea P(+) P(+) DNR DNR
[0078] As illustrated in Table 9, the exemplary zero VOC cleaning
composition from Table 4 was just as good or better than the
existing commercially available cleaning compositions, cleaning the
stain all the way through to the backing and visually removing it
from the backing of the carpet for six of the twelve stain-forming
compositions. OxyDeep.RTM. Power Shot visually removed the stains
from the carpet backing for six of the stain-forming compositions,
while Spot Shot.RTM. and Resolve.RTM. Spot Magic.RTM. did not
visually remove the stains from the carpet backing for any of the
stain-forming compositions.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Stain Penetration and Cleaner Performance
(Zero VOC formulation) CLEANER Zero VOC Cleaning Composition
OxyDeep .RTM. Resolve .RTM. STAIN-FORMING from Power Spot Spot
COMPOSITION Table 4 Shot .RTM. Shot .RTM. Magic .RTM. Coffee P(+)
P(+) DNR DNR Welch's 100% Grape P(+) P(+) DNR DNR Juice Livingston
Cabernet P(+) P(+) DNR DNR Sauvignon Wine Dirty Motor Oil DNR DNR
P(-) P(-) Cow Blood DNR DNR DNR DNR Heinz Beef Au Jus NP NP NP NP
Gravy Mud DNR P(-) P(-) P(-) Diet Coke P(+) P(+) DNR DNR Artificial
Dog Vomit DNR DNR P(-) P(-) Cat Urine P(+) P(+) DNR DNR Tea P(+)
P(+) DNR DNR Tomato Sauce NP NP NP NP
[0079] Tables 10 and 11 illustrate the color difference indicia
(Delta E) between the untreated and the cleaned carpet samples for
each cleaning composition. Lower Delta E values correlate to better
cleaning performance. The data in Table 10 illustrates the overall
improved cleaning performance of the exemplary cleaning composition
from Table 2 compared to the existing commercially available
cleaning compositions.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Delta E Values CLEANING COMPOSITION
Cleaning Composition Resolve .RTM. STAIN-FORMING from OxyDeep .RTM.
Spot Spot COMPOSITION Table 2 2X Pet Shot .RTM. Magic .RTM. Coffee
6.5 7.98 8.83 9.87 Welch's 100% Grape 4.38 8.84 4.69 5.61 Juice
Livingston Cabernet 2.81 2.4 3.87 4.98 Sauvignon Wine Dirty Motor
Oil 2.66 5.2 12.29 8.56 Revlon's Cover Girl, 59.28 66.33 42.72
58.46 Love That Red Lipstick Heinz Beef Au Jus 1.96 2.68 3.46 3.87
Gravy Mud 13.21 21.33 11.42 10.46 Diet Coke 0.99 1.67 1.64 1.82
Artificial Dog Vomit 3.15 5.48 5.67 4.77 Cat Urine 2.07 2.83 2.31
2.85 Tea 0.84 0.99 2.8 3.58
[0080] The data in Table 11 illustrates that the zero VOC cleaning
composition from Table 4 performed equally well at removing stains
compared to the existing commercially available cleaning
compositions.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Delta E Values (Zero VOC formulation)
CLEANING COMPOSITION Zero VOC Cleaning Composition OxyDeep .RTM.
Resolve .RTM. STAIN-FORMING from Power Spot Spot COMPOSITION Table
4 Shot .RTM. Shot .RTM. Magic .RTM. Coffee 8.4 8.11 8.22 7.48
Welch's 100% Grape 17.26 17.90 17.97 17.32 Juice Livingston
Cabernet 27.13 28.12 25.22 24.10 Sauvignon Wine Dirty Motor Oil
15.61 17.14 14.39 17.64 Cow Blood 31.17 31.53 10.06 11.54 Heinz
Beef Au Jus 11.67 12.80 8.93 10.58 Gravy Mud 13.16 9.88 11.17 3.46
Diet Coke 6.69 6.78 6.25 5.96 Artificial Dog Vomit 13.78 14.31
10.60 14.43 Cat Urine 4.34 4.08 3.76 3.95 Tea 5.26 6.17 6.45 5.59
Tomato Sauce 17.06 16.59 12.86 14.56
[0081] The pressurized dispenser and cleaning solution described
herein provides several advantages over previous dispensers and
cleaning. One such advantage is the ability to provide a
pressurized cleaning solution containing hydrogen peroxide in a
single dispenser. The specific formulation of the hydrogen peroxide
cleaning solution is surprisingly compatible with the flexible
pouch and provides a stable, single pressurized package for storing
and delivering a cleaning solution containing hydrogen
peroxide.
[0082] Another advantage of the inventive dispenser and hydrogen
peroxide cleaning solution package described herein is the impact
of the package on the environment and human health. There is
currently increasing pressure in society, in both the market place
and in the government, to promote development of products that have
minimal impact on the environment and human health. Large retailers
are increasingly pressuring vendors and suppliers to provide
products that reduce waste and have a decreasing impact on the
environment and human health. The United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) has also initiated a program called "Design
for the Environment" (DfE) that certifies products as meeting
stringent standards for environmental and health impacts.
[0083] The inventive dispenser and cleaning solution described
herein provides a dispenser for delivering a hydrogen peroxide
cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned under pressure without
the disadvantages of traditional aerosol dispensers. Aerosol
dispensers that utilize propellants such as volatile organic
carbons and compressed gasses like nitrous oxide can contribute to
ground-level ozone levels. Traditional dispensers such as these are
believed to be currently not being considered by the EPA for the
DfE program.
[0084] The inventive pressurized dispenser described herein relies
on air or nitrogen gas, which have minimal environmental impact, to
pressurize the cleaning solution. In addition, the cleaning
solution can also be provided free of volatile organic compounds,
resulting in a dispenser and cleaning solution package that is free
of volatile organic compounds and has minimal impact on the
environmental and human health.
[0085] The unique combination of a pressurized dispenser and a
hydrogen peroxide cleaning composition that does not contain
volatile organic carbons provides a product that is able to meet
the DfE standards set by the EPA. A pressurized dispenser and
hydrogen peroxide cleaning solution based on the exemplary zero VOC
composition described herein recently became the first pressurized
product to be granted the DfE label by the EPA. The DfE label is
based on an evaluation of all of the components of the product,
including all of the components of the cleaning solution. One of
the factors in the EPA's approval of the product based on the
inventive disclosure above is the use of citric acid to stabilize
the hydrogen peroxide and act as a chelating agent.
[0086] The hydrogen peroxide cleaning solution described herein
provides a cleaning composition that is stable under pressure, can
contain little or no VOCs and can be provided in a single,
pressurized dispenser for delivery to a surface to be cleaned under
pressure. The hydrogen peroxide cleaning solution package described
herein has the additional benefit of containing no VOCs and meeting
high standards for environmental and human health impacts while
performing just as well or better than traditional cleaners that do
not have the same environmental and human health benefits.
[0087] While this invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible
within the scope of the foregoing description and drawings without
departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *