Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
DRY-CLEANING ARTICLE,
COMPOSITION AND METHODS
Field of the Invention
This invention is directed generally to dry-cleaning compositions,
articles and methods, and more particularly to dry-cleaning compositions,
articles and
methods for use with dryers, such as found in households and laundromats.
Backg,round of the Invention
U.S. Patent No. 5,547,476 (hereinafter referred to as "the '476 patent")
issued August 20,
1996 to Siklosi et al. discloses a home dry-cleaning process. In the process
of the
'476 patent, a carrier sheet is releasably impregnated with a cleaning
composition.
The sheet and clothing to be cleaned are sealed in an air-tight bag that is
placed in a
dryer. As the dryer's drum heats and rotates, the sheet releases the cleaning
composition to clean the clothes contained in the bag. The cleaning
composition
disclosed in the '476 patent includes water, etherfied propanol solvent, 1,2-
octanediol,
and an emulsifier. The specific requirement to use etherfied propanol solvent
is
disadvantageous in that there are many types of common garment stains that
cannot
be cleaned effectively with this substance. In addition, etherfied propanol
can remove
colors, particularly in garments made of silk. In addition, 1,2-octanediol is
not a
widely available substance, and the requirement that it be used in the
composition of
the '476 patent increases the cost of the composition. In addition, all
embodiments of
the '476 patent disclose water-based compositions in which water constitutes
the
largest constituent. Although such water-based compositions are effective in
removing some types of garment stains, commonly occurring stains such as body
or
cosmetic oils are not effectively removed with water-based cleaning
compositions,
and such large amounts of water can remove color from garments.
U.S. Patent No. 5,238,587 (hereinafter referred to as "the '587 patent")
discloses a
composite fabric-cleaning article including a flexible porous base sheet with
a coating
of a gelled cleaning composition. In a manner similar to the '476 patent, the
sheet is
placed in an air-tight bag with clothing, which is sealed'and placed in a
dryer. The
composition includes about 60 - 90% water, about 0.25 - 5% gelling agent,
about 2 -
32% of a water miscible organic solvent and about 5 - 10% surfactant. Thus,
like the
CA 02393521 2005-09-26
composition of the '476 patent, the composition of the '587 patent is water-
based
and accordingly relatively ineffective in cleaning garment stains caused by
body
or cosmetic oils, and such large amounts of water can remove color from some
garments.
Summary of the Invention
This invention provides a dry-cleaning article for use in a drying
machine, the dry-cleaning article comprising: a carrier adapted to receive and
selectively dispense a dry-cleaning composition; and a dry-cleaning
composition
received by the carrier, wherein the dry-cleaning composition includes active
components comprising water and at least one organic solvent, and further
wherein the at least one organic solvent forms the greatest individual
percentage
by weight of the active components.
This invention also provides a cleaning article, comprising: a
fluid-impervious container that defines an internal compartment; a cleaning
composition disposed within the internal compartment, wherein the cleaning
composition is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and includes active components
comprising water and at least one organic solvent that forms the greatest
individual percentage by weight of the active components.
This invention also provides a method for cleaning garments, the
method comprising: placing at least one garment to be cleaned and a dry-
cleaning composition in a drying machine normally adapted for drying wet
garments from a washing machine, wherein the dry-cleaning composition
comprises: at least one organic solvent; water, wherein the at least one
organic
solvent forms the greatest individual weight percentage of the dry-cleaning
composition; and tumbling the at least one garment and the dry-cleaning
composition in the drying machine in heated air generated by the machine.
This invention also provides a dry-cleaning article for use in a
drying machine, the dry-cleaning article comprising: a carrier; and a dry-
cleaning composition received by the carrier and adapted to be selectively
dispensed from the carrier, wherein the dry-cleaning composition includes
active
components comprising at least one organic solvent, wherein the at least one
organic solvent includes at least one organic solvent selected from the group
consisting of siloxanes, acetates, chloro-fluorocarbons, glycols and mixtures
2
CA 02393521 2005-09-26
thereof, and further wherein the at least one organic solvent forms the
greatest
individual percentage by weight of the active components.
This invention also provides a method for cleaning garments, the
method comprising: placing at least one garment to be cleaned and a dry-
cleaning composition in a drying machine normally adapted for drying wet
garments from a washing machine, wherein the dry-cleaning composition
comprises: at least one organic solvent, wherein the at least one organic
solvent
includes at least one of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting
of
siloxanes, acetates, chloro-fluorocarbons, glycols and mixtures thereof;
water,
wherein the at least one organic solvent forms the greatest individual weight
percentage of the dry-cleaning composition; and tumbling the at least one
garment and the dry-cleaning composition in the drying machine in heated air
generated by the machine.
This invention also provides a method for cleaning garments, the
method comprising: placing at least one garment to be cleaned and a dry-
cleaning composition in a drying machine normally adapted for drying wet
garments from a washing machine, wherein the dry-cleaning composition
comprises: at least one organic solvent, wherein the at least one organic
solvent
includes at least one of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting
of
siloxanes, acetates, chloro-fluorocarbons, glycols and mixtures thereof,
wherein
the at least one organic solvent forms the greatest individual weight
percentage
of the dry-cleaning composition; and tumbling the at least one garment and the
dry-cleaning composition in the drying machine in heated air generated by the
machine.
This invention also provides an article for use in a drying
machine, the article comprising: an application-specific treatment
composition,
wherein the treatment composition includes at least one or more of a dry-
cleaning composition, sizing, a moth repellent, a water repellent, a UV-
inhibitor,
a stain repellent, a brightener, a dewrinkler and an odor-removing substance;
and
a binder adapted to form a solid article from the composition.
2a
CA 02393521 2005-09-26
The present invention provides an organic solvent-based dry cleaning
composition and articles incorporating the same that are suitable for use in
conventional household-type dryers, such as in households, apartments and
laundromats. The composition and articles utilizing the same are effective in
cleaning
the oil-based and other garment stains for which dry-cleaning is most often
required.
Many other features of the present invention will become manifest to
those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description
which follows
and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which prefen,ed embodiments
incorporating
the principles of this invention are disclosed as illustrative examples only.
Brief Descrintion of the Drawing;
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a dry-cleaning article according to the present
invention.
Fig. 2 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the article of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the article ofFig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the
article of Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the article of Fig. 1.
Fig. 6 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the article of Fig. 1.
Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a packaged article according to the present
invention.
Fig. 8 is a schematic side elevation view showing another embodiment of
a packaged article according to the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a schematic side elevation view showing a variation of the
article of Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a schematic side elevation view showing another embodiment
of a packaged article according to the present invention.
Fig. 11 is a schematic side elevation view showing a variation of the
article of Fig. 10.
2b
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
Fig. 12 is a schematic side elevation view showing another embodiment
of a packaged article according to the present invention.
Fig. 13 is a schematic side elevation view showing another embodiment
of a packaged article according to the present invention.
Fig. 14 is a fragmentary side elevation view showing another
embodiment of a packaged article according to the present invention.
Fig. 15 is a schematic side elevation view showing a variation of the
article of Fig. 14.
Detailed Description and Best Mode of the Invention
As discussed, the invented dry cleaning composition is an organic
solvent-based composition in which an organic solvent forms the primary active
constituent. Typically, the organic solvent will form at least 35% by weight
of the
composition, with a range of between approximately 51 wt% and approximately 98
wt% being preferred. The organic solvent may be any suitable organic solvent
that
15= effectively removes garment stains, and particularly oil-based garment
stains, without
damaging the garment being cleaned. Examples of suitable solvents include
paraffms, olefins, acetylenes, siloxanes, acetates, chloro-fluorocarbons,
glycols and
mixtures thereof. One example of a suitable organic solvent is referred to in
the
chemical industry as "QED2," and is commercially available from Sentry
Chemical,
Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia. QED2 organic solvent is particularly advantageous
for use
in the invention because it is safe for home use, i.e., it has relatively low
toxicity, in
contrast to other types of chemicals such as perchloroethylene ("perc") which
is
widely used in the dry-cleaning industry but which is toxic and therefore
requires
commercial equipment for containment.
Other suitable organic solvents include Exxon's ISOPART"' line,
including its ISOPAR V and ISOPAR M brands. Similarly, Exxon's NORPARTm line
may also be used, including its NORPAR 13 and NORPAR 15 brands. Still others
include PARAFLEX HT-3*from PetroCanada, PB23 from Whittaker Oil, CALUMET
600 Solvent from Calumet Refining and PD-23 from Witco.
Unlike perc, or other toxic and/or carcinogenic chemicals that require
specialized containment structures and safety procedures, the compositions
according
to the present invention are non-toxic in the percentages disclosed herein.
Furthermore, they are not carcinogenic and may be used in dryers that operate
at or
*Trade-mark 3
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCTIUSOO/33888
near ambient pressures and which vent to the atmosphere. It should be
understood
that the invented compositions may be used in recirculating dryers, but a
recirculating,
or environmentally sealed, dryer is not required.
The invented dry-cleaning composition is also characterized by a water
component, typically in the range of approximately 0 wt% and 40 wt% of the
active
components of the composition. It should be understood that the water
component
may form greater than 40 wt% of the dry-cleaning composition, such as between
approximately 40 wt% and approximately 50 wt%; however, organic solvents will
still form the greatest individual percentage of active ingredients in the
composition,
even with when the composition includes a significant water component.
Typically,
the organic solvents will form at least 50% by weight of all of the active
components
in the composition, and in many embodiments, the organic solvents will form at
least
50% by weight of all of the components in the composition; however, it is
within the
scope of the invention that the organic solvents may form less than 50% by
weight of
the components of the composition but still be present is the greatest
individual
weight percentage of the active components in the composition. For example,
the
organic solvent or solvents may form 45% by weight of the active components of
the
composition, with water forming less than 45% by weight and the other active
components collectively forming the remaining weight percentage. Preferably,
the
percentage of water in the composition is selected so that the water will
readily
stabilize when mixed with the other substances included in the invented
composition.
Compositions with approximately 30 wt% and less than 25 wt% have proven
effective, although it should be understood that the optimum percentage of
water used
in a particular composition may vary depending upon the other components and
relative percentages thereof in the composition.
The water in the composition serves several purposes. For one, water
is effective in the removal of water-soluble stains from clothing, so its
inclusion in the
invented composition in limited amounts that will not remove significant color
from
garments is beneficial for this reason. Also, water is an effective agent in
removing
wrinkles from articles of clothing or other fabric items. Another factor which
makes
the inclusion of water beneficial in the invented composition is that organic
solvents
such as QED2 solvent ordinarily will ignite at relatively low temperatures,
i.e., they
generally have relatively low flashpoints. For example, QED2 solvent ignites
at
4
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCT/US00/33888
approximately 110 Celsius. The inclusion of water with the organic solvent in
the
invented composition is thus useful in raising the flashpoint of the
composition so that
it is much less likely to be accidentally ignited.
Because organic solvents and water are generally immiscible, the
invented composition may include an emulsifier to promote mixing between the
water
and the selected solvent or mixture of solvents. The selected emulsifier may
also
include both nonionic and anionic components. In experiments, a percentage of
emulsifier in the range of approximately 1 wt% and approximately 14 wt% has
proven effective, with a mixture of 4 wt% nonionic emulsifier and 1 wt%
anionic
lo emulsifier being presently preferred. It should be understood, however,
that the
amount and makeup of emulsifier for a particular embodiment of the invented
composition may tend to vary depending upon the particular substances and
relative
weight percentages thereof used in the composition. For example, the
emulsifier may
form less than one percent by weight of the active components in the
composition,
such as being present in the range of approximately 0.001 wt% and
approximately 1
wt%. Similarly, it is within the scope of the invention that the emulsifier
may form
greater than 14 wt% of the active components in the composition.
The selected emulsifier, or combination of emulsifiers, should be
selected to be suitable for use with the particular solvent in the
composition, and not
to degrade or react adversely to the operating conditions discussed herein.
Examples
of suitable emulsifiers include acrylates (e.g., acrylic acid, C10-30 alkyl
acrylate
crosspolymer, alkyl methacrylate copolymer), polyacrylic acid, carbomers
(e.g.,
carboxyvinyl polymer), and oleyl alcohol 20 mole ethoxylate. Examples of
anionic
emulsifiers include substances commercially available under the trademarks
PEMULENTM and CARBOPOLTM, and examples of nonionic emulsifiers include
substances commercially available under the trademarks EMULIUNTM and
EMULPHORTM. Such emulsifiers are commercially available from a large number of
sources, including B.F. Goodrich Company of Richfield, Ohio, Stepan Company of
Northfield, Illinois, and Sentry Chemical Co. of Atlanta, Georgia.
In addition to effectively removing oil-based and other stains from
garments, the invented composition preferably has a flashpoint that is higher
than the
operating temperature of the dryer within which it will be used. For example,
most
household and commercial dryers operate at a temperature of approximately 60-
70 C
5
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCT/US00/33888
(140-160 F). Preferably, the invented composition has a flashpoint that is
greater
than approximately 1500 F, preferably greater than 170 F and even more
preferably
greater than 200 F. For example, the composition described herein has a
flashpoint
of approximately 232 F. Furthermore, it is nonflammable and noncombustable.
Therefore, the invented composition, and articles produced therefrom, are safe
for use
in all household-type dryers, including compact dryers and higher-temperature
dryers
like those commonly used in laundromats, without requiring the use of a bag or
other
container to enclose the composition and articles during use. It should be
understood
that as used herein "household-type" dryers refers to conventional dryers used
by
consumers, such as in their homes, laundromats, etc., and may include various
sizes,
capacities and operating temperatures. For example, full size household dryers
typically operate at temperatures between 140 F and 160 F and are designed
to hold
15-20 pounds of articles to be dried, compact dryers typically operate at
temperatures
between 150 F and 170 F and are designed to hold approximately 10 pounds of
articles to be dried, and dryers at laundromats typically operate at
temperatures
between 180 F and 200 F, or more, and are designed to hold approximately 30
pounds of articles to be dried. Furthermore, when dryers that are designed to
operate
at temperatures greater than 200 F often operate at temperatures above 200
F, such
as temperatures in the range of approximately 200 F and approximately 220 F,
such
as when not properly used and/or maintained.
Unlike the composition described herein, known water-based dry
cleaning compositions have a flashpoint of approximately 105 F, which is
lower than
the operating temperatures of most household dryers. This limits the use of
these
compositions, generally requiring the composition or composition-impregnated
sheet
to be placed within an airtight bag or other container that prevents or
effectively limits
the flow of air to the composition. Even with this protective enclosure, these
lower
flashpoint compositions is not suitable for use in compact and most commercial
dryers, thereby limiting the range of uses for these compositions to a subset
of the
entire market for these household dry-cleaning products.
As discussed, the invented composition includes one or more organic
solvents and water, and typically will include some percentage of one or more
emulsifiers. To increase the stain-removal capacity of the composition, it may
include
one or more surfactants. Anionic and nonionic surfactants have proven
effective,
6
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
typically in the range of approximately 0 wt% to approximately 5 wt%. An
example
of a suitable surfactant is nonyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol commercially
available
from Sentry Chemical of Atlanta, Georgia. Others include Tergitol's N4,Ngkand
Ng'
*
brand of surfactants, as well as Stepan Chemical's Ninate 411 brand
surfactant.
Anther suitable type of surfactant is a fluorosurfactant, which offers the
advantage
that proportionally less of this surfactant is required to stabilize the
emulsification
between the organic solvent and water. For example, approximately 0.25 wt% to
approximately 1 wt% has proven effective. One or more fluorosurfactants may be
used in place of the other surfactants disclosed herein, or alternatively, as
a
io cosurfactant with one of the other surfactants disclosed herein. An example
of a
suitable fluorosurfactant is available from DuPont and sold under the trade
name
ZonylfsoT".
It may be desirable to include a perfume. or other suitable scented
substance to the composition itself, or to articles incorporating the
composition. It
should be understood that a suitable perfume will not react adversely with the
other
components of the composition and will not damage garments on which the
composition is used. Any suitable scent may be selected, for example,
depending
upon the intended users of the composition. As an example, suitable scent-
enhancing
substances may be obtained from Ungurer, Inc. of Lincoln Park, New Jersey.
When a
perfume or other scent-enhancing substance is added to the composition, a
percentage
in the range of approximately 0 wt% and approximately 5 wt% has proven
effective.
It should be understood, however, that the amount of such a substance may vary
and
is not essential to the present invention. For example, the desirable amount
to be used
may vary upon such factors as user preferences, the strength of the particular
substance to be added, etc.
The invented composition may also include a biocide, such as to
protect against long-term degradation of the composition and to inhibit
biological
growth. Any suitable biocide or combination thereof may be used, so long as
the
overall effectiveness of the resulting composition is not impaired. Examples
of
suitable biocides include quaternary ammonium chloride and benzalkonium
chloride.
Typically, no more than a few percent of biocide is required, with experiments
demonstrating that as little as 0.1 wt% biocide is sufficient. Of course,
larger amounts
may be used, subject to the conditions described herein.
*Trade-mark 7
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCT/US00/33888
The above-described dry-cleaning composition may also be adapted to
specific applications, such as through the inclusion of an additional
component or
components, such as those described below. Alternatively, one or more of the
above
components may be replaced by one or more application substances.
For example, the composition may include a solvent or combination of
solvents specifically adapted for treating a certain type of stain. Commonly
occurring
stains for which specific formulations may be used include one or more of the
following: ink, rust, red wine, food stains, and other beverage stains. Other
materials
that may be incorporated into the composition, either along with or in place
of the
above-described compositions, include one or more of the following: sizing,
moth
repellents, water repellents, UV-inhibitors, stain repellents, brighteners,
dewrinklers
and odor-removing substances, such as substances adapted to remove smoke,
urine,
and pet odors.
One suitable method for making the invented composition is by mixing
appropriate amounts of the emulsifier with the water in a containment vessel
using a
glass rod or the like. The resulting mixture is poured into the organic
solvent in
another containment vessel while stirring until a stable emulsion forms.
Generally,
water is preferred to be used in the composition in a quantity sufficient that
the
mixture forms a stable emulsion upon mixing the solvent, water and emulsifier
together. As discussed, a weight percentage of less than approximately 35%
water
has proven effective. If used, the perfume and surfactant can be mixed into
the
emulsion to finish the formulation of the invented composition.
As discussed above, the components of the invented composition may
vary, as may the relative concentrations of the components. Regardless, the
invented
composition is always an organic-based composition, in which one or more
organic
solvents will form a primary percentage of the active components. For purposes
of
illustration, the following are illustrative compositions that have proven
effective. It
should be understood that each of these compositions may vary in components
and
composition, such as discussed above. When those variations eliminate a
component,
it should be understood that the compositions of the remaining components will
be
increased proportionately.
8
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCT/US00/33888
COMPOSITION #1
Active Component Wt %
Isopar V (organic solvent) 63.6
Ninate 411 (surfactant) 3
Diethyl Phthalate (emulsifier) 2.75
Water 30
Fragrance 0.6
Kathlon (biocide) 0.05
Aminomethyl propanol (pH balancer) 0.001
COMPOSITION #2
Active Component Wt %
Isopar M 63.60
Ninate 411 3.00
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Fragrance 0.60
Water 30.00
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
COMPOSITION #3
Active Component Wt %
MINERAL Seal Oil (MSO)/ 75.23
Kerr-Mac 600
Ninate 411 0.27
Nonylhenol-4 (N4) 4.65
Nonylhenol-8 (N8) 0.99
Diethyl Phthalate 2.80
Fragrance 0.96
Water 15.05
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
9
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCTIUSOO/33888
COMPOSITION #4
Active Component Wt %
Paraflex HT-3 75.23
Ninate 411 0.27
Nonylhenol-4 (N4) 4.65
Nonylhenol-8 (N8) 0.99
Diethyl Phthalate 2.80
Fragrance 0.96
Water 15.05
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
COMPOSITION #5
Active Component Wt %
PB23 75.23
Ninate 411 0.27
Nonylhenol-4 (N4) 4.65
Nonylhenol-8 (N8) 0.99
Diethyl Phthalate 2.80
Fragrance 0.96
Water 15.05
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCT/US00/33888
COMPOSITION #6
Active Component Wt %
Isopar V 75.23
Ninate 411 0.27
Nonylhenol-4 (N4) 4.65
Nonylhenol-8 (N8) 0.99
Diethyl Phthalate 2.80
Fragrance 0.96
Water 15.05
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
COMPOSITION #7
Active Component Wt %
Isopar V 50.88
Isopar M 12.72
Ninate 411 3.00
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Fragrance 0.60
Water 30.00
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
COMPOSITION #8
Active Component Wt %
Isopar V 68.60
Ninate 411 3.00
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Fragrance 0.60
Water 25.00
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
11
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCTIUSOO/33888
COMPOSITION #9
Active Component Wt %
Paraflex HT-3 68.60
Ninate 411 3.00
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Fragrance 0.60
Water 25.00
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
COMPOSITION #10
Active Component Wt %
PB23 68.60
Ninate 411 3.00
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Fragrance 0.60
Water 25.00
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
COMPOSITION #11
Active Component Wt %
MSO 68.60
Ninate 411 3.00
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Fragrance 0.60
Water 25.00
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
12
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCT/US00/33888
COMPOSITION #12
Active Component Wt %
Isopar V 73.60
Ninate 411 3.00
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Fragrance 0.60
Water 20.00
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
COMPOSITION #13
Active Component Wt %
Paraflex HT-3 73.60
Ninate 411 3.00
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Fragrance 0.60
Water 20.00
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
COMPOSITION #14
Active Component Wt %
PB23 73.60
Ninate 411 3.00
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Fragrance 0.60
Water 20.00
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
13
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCTIUSOO/33888
COMPOSITION #15
Active Component Wt %
MSO 73.60
Ninate 411 3.00
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Fragrance 0.60
Water 20.00
Kathon 0.05
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
COMPOSITION #16
Active Component Wt %
Transcutol CG 34
Isohexadecane 30
N4 5
N9 1
Ninate 411 0.3
Diethyl Phthalate 2
Water 27
Kathon 0.05
Fragrance 0.6
Tetrasodium 0.05
Citric Acid 0.001
14
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCT/USOO/33888
COMPOSITION #17
Active Component Wt %
Water 45
Tetrasodium Edta 0.05
Isopar M 20
Isopar V 33
Ninate 411 1
Pemulen TR-2 0.15
Triethanolamine 0.15
Kathon 0.05
Fragrance 0.6
COMPOSITION #18
Active Component Wt %
Water 45
Tetrasodium Edta 0.05
Isopar M 20
Isopar V 33
Ninate 411 1
Pemulen TR-2 0.15
Triethanolamine 0.15
Kathon 0.05
Fragrance 0.6
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCTIUSOO/33888
COMPOSITION #19
Active Component Wt %
Water 45
Tetrasodium Edta 0.05
Isopar M 33
Isopar V 20
Ninate 411 1
Pemulen TR-2 0.15
Triethanolamine 0.15
Kathon 0.05
Fragrance 0.6
Aminomethyl Propanol .001%
COMPOSITION #20
Active Component Wt %
Water 45
Tetrasodium Edta 0.05
Isopar M 40
Isopar V 13
Ninate 411 1
Pemulen TR-2 0.15
Triethanolamine 0.15
Kathon 0.05
Fragrance 0.6
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
16
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCT/US00/33888
COMPOSITION #21
Active Component Wt %
Water 43.25
Tetrasodium Edta 0.05
Isopar M 50
Ninate 411 3
Diethyl Phthalate 2.75
Pemulen TR-2 0.15
Triethanolamine 0.15
Kathon 0.05
Fragrance 0.6
Aminomethyl Propanol 0.001
COMPOSITION #22
Active Component Wt %
Water 27
Tetrasodium Edta 0.05
Isohexadecane 30
Transcutol 34
N4 5
N9 1
Ninate 411 0.3
Diethyl Phthalate 2.0
Kathon 0.05
Fragrance 0.6
Citric Acid 0.001
The article of this invention includes any suitable carrier or substrate
the may be permeated with the invented composition. Examples of suitable
carriers
include permeable sheet-like materials, objects, containers adapted to hold a
volume
of the invented composition, and the like. For example, the composition may be
contained in a dispenser, such as an aerosol, pump or pressurized spray bottle
or
17
CA 02393521 2005-09-26
vessel, which receives and stores in an internal chamber a volume of the
composition
for selective dispensing. Alternatively, the composition may be mixed with a
suitable
gelling agent or binder to form a solid object that may be manually applied,
or
dispensed, to the garments or other article to be cleaned, which may be placed
in the
dryer to tumble with the articles to be cleaned, or which may be fastened
inside the
drying compartment of the dryer. For purposes of discussion, the following
description will describe an article in the form of a sheet, however, it
should be
understood that articles having other forms are within the scope of the
invention so
long as they include one or more of the invented compositions. As used herein,
"permeated" is intended to broadly mean any suitable method for applying,
infusing,
absorbing, impregnating or otherwise preparing a substrate, such as the
subsequently
described sheets, to dispense one or more of the invented compositions, such
as
through contact with the gannents or other objects to be cleaned.
In Fig. 1, a schematic illustration of a dry-cleaning article according to
the present invention is generally indicated at 10. Article 10 includes a
substrate 12,
such as a sheet-like material, permeated with the invented composition, which
is
generally indicated at 14. Alternatively, the same or different portions of
the sheet
can be permeated with organic solvent and water, and optionally also perfume
and
surfactant.
In some embodiments, it may be desirable to permeate some regions of
the sheet may be permeated with one embodiment of the composition, with one or
more other region being permeated with at least one other embodiment. For
example,
a portion of the sheet may include an all-purpose composition according to the
above-
description, with one or more other portions including one or more specialized
compositions, such as to treat a specific type of stain or to protect against
a certain
type of damage. For example, the sheet may provide an organic-based dry-
cleaning
composition while also providing a moth repellent, water repellent, stain
repellent,
brightener and/or UV-inhibitor.
An example of such an article is shown in Fig. 2 and includes a region
16 permeated with a first composition 18, and a second region 20 permeated
with
another composition 22. In Fig. 3, a plurality of regions 24, 26, and 28 are
shown, each
permeated with a selected composition 30, 32, and 34. It should be understood
that the
size and shape of articles 10 and the relative sizing and placement of the
regions therein
18
CA 02393521 2005-09-26
have been schematically shown in Figs. 1-3 and may vary in actual
implementation.
For example, the compositions may be permeated into opposing sides of the
article,
and the article may also include a impermeable layer separating the regions
into
which the compositions are permeated. An example of such a construction is
shown
in Fig. 4, with article 10 including a barrier layer 36 separating sheets of
materia138
and 40 on which one or more compositions 42 and 44 are permeated. As another
example, a plurality of compositions 46 and 48 may be overlapped or otherwise
permeated into the same region 50 of an article, such as shown generally in
Fig. 5.
When permeating or otherwise applying the composition to the sheet,
lo other substances, including inert materials or substances that are
unrelated to the dry-
cleaning effectiveness of the sheet, may be added as well. For example, the
sheets
may contain some percentage of filler or other material impregnated therein in
addition to any of the compositions described herein. Such a sheet is still
within the
scope of the present invention, even though the percentage of a particular
component
of the composition may vary from those described above if considered in the
context
of the overall weight percentages of all materials permeated into the sheet.
Similarly,
adding an inert or filler material to the composition would still produce a
composition
within the scope of the present invention in that the weight percentages of
the active
components (i.e. organic solvents, water, surfactant, biocide, perfume,
emulsifier,
etc.) of the composition would still be within the ranges discussed herein.
The sheet is preferably formed from a pliable material that is absorbent
to allow the substances to be permeated therein, and that is also not prone to
deterioration in a dryer. Examples of suitable materials include a non-woven
fabric,
paper towel, fibrous batting or the like made from cotton, rayon, polyester
fibers,
wood pulp, open-cell foam, polypropylene and the like. The sheet may also
include
one or more slits that promote airflow through the sheet and contact between
the sheet
and the garment or garments being cleaned. For example, in Fig. 6, a sheet-
like
article is generally indicated at 52. The article includes one or more
compositions,
which are generally indicated at 56, and further includes a plurality of
spaced-apart
slits 58. The sheet may also be formed of a suitable material that
disintegrates, or
otherwise breaks into smaller pieces, when subjected to the operating
conditions of a
dryer, namely, the heat and/or tumbling action. With such a construction, the
sheet
19
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCTIUSOO/33888
will essentially disappear from the drying compartment and will be at least
substantially collected in the lint filter of the dryer.
The sheets may be formed of any suitable shape and size. The sheet
should be sufficiently large to absorb the desired quantity of the invented
composition
and to provide sufficient surface area to contact and effectively clean the
garments
being cleaned. Generally rectangular or square sheets have proven effective,
although
other shapes are certainly within the scope of the invention. Similarly, sizes
in the
range of approximately 10 and approximately 1000 square centimeters have
proven
effective, although larger and smaller sizes may be used. For example, 10.25"
by 12"
sheets have proven effective.
In practice, approximately 5-20 cubic centimeters of composition have
proven effective, however, the quantity of composition permeated into the
sheet may
vary. For example, approximately 1/3 of an ounce (approximately 10 cubic
centimeters) of composition has proven suitable for most applications. It
should be
understood that if the composition includes filler or other materials not
directed to
dry-cleaning, then a larger total volume may be necessary. When the sheet
contains a
general purpose composition and one or more application-specific compositions,
the
total volume of compositions permeated into the sheet will tend to be larger
than if
only a general purpose composition is used. It follows, that the size of the
sheet may
also tend to increase when more than one composition is to be permeated
therein.
A suitable method for producing the invented articles in larger
quantities is to dispense one or more of the invented compositions from one or
more
perforated conduits onto a continuous sheet moving on a conveyor, for example,
down a production line. The composition can be spread with a doctor's blade, a
rod
or other suitable device positioned closely to the sheet material downstream
of the
conduit with respect to the direction of movement of the sheet material in the
production line. The composition is thus spread out so that it permeates or is
otherwise applied to the sheet relatively uniformly. Alternatively, the
composition
can be provided to the conduit under pressure and sprayed through its
perforations
onto the sheet material as it advances along the conveyor. If the organic
solvent and
water are not mixed into a composition with an emulsifier, separate conduits
and/or
spray nozzles can be provided for the organic solvent, water and optionally
also
perfume and/or surfactant, and used to apply these substances to the same or
different
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCT/US00/33888
portions of the sheet. The elongated sheet then can be cut with a knife, die
cutter or
other suitable device adapted to cut the sheets into sections. After being
sized, the
sheets are preferably enclosed within a protective wrapper, and preferably a
wrapper
or enclosure that is at least substantially air-tight, such indicated
generally at 60 in
Fig. 7. Individual foil packets have proven effective, although resealable
containers
may be used as well, especially when more than one sheet are to be packaged
together.
One method for using an article according to the present invention is to
place the sheet directly into a dryer, such as in a household or laundromat,
along with
the garments that are to be dry-cleaned. The clothing is then tumbled with the
sheet
for 5 to 45 minutes in air heated to a temperature of 40 - 90 Celsius.
Tumbling the
garments with the sheet for at least 15 minutes at an air temperature over 50
Celsius
has proven effective. However, the optimum time and temperature may tend to
vary,
depending upon the number of garments to be cleaned and the precise dry-
cleaning
composition being used. Due to the action of the substances released from the
sheet
by the heat of the dryer as well as the contact of the sheet with the clothing
during
tumbling, the clothing is cleaned of oil-based stains such as body or cosmetic
oils as
well as water-soluble materials. After tumbling, the clothing can be removed
from
the drying machine and worn.
In some applications, it may be desirable to place the garments and
sheet in a container to protect the garments from damage during the drying
cycle. For
example, garments with buttons and delicate lace could be damaged during the
tumbling action of a conventional dryer. Preferably, the container is an air-
permeable
container that may be selectively sealed once the garments and sheet are
inserted
therein. For example, the container may be perforated or otherwise include
vents to
enable air flow to the garments to prevent or reduce wrinkling of the
garments.
Preferably, the vents or perforations are sized so that buttons and other
portions of the
garments are prevented from passing therethrough.
After placing the garment or garments and the sheet in the container,
the container is then closed and placed inside of the drying machine. The
container is
tumbled inside of the drying machine under similar air temperature conditions
and
time durations as stated above with respect to the first invented method, to
clean the
clothing in the container. After tumbling in the drying machine, the container
is
21
CA 02393521 2005-09-26
removed from the machine and the container is opened to extract the clothing
that is
ready to be wom.
An example of a suitable container is a pliable bag formed from nylon
or another suitable material that can withstand the elevated temperatures in
the drying
machine. So that clothing can be readily placed into or taken out of the bag,
the bag
preferably defines a sealable opening that can be closed with a drawstring,
snaps, a
zipper or any other other mechanism for selective sealing of the bag to retain
the
garments and sheet therein. The bag may be used repeatedly or may be
disposable.
As discussed, the invented composition may be used in larger and
smaller quantities than those described above. Illustrative examples of larger
and
smaller quantity applications are described below.
The invented composition may also be used in commercial dryers for
dry cleaning larger quantities of articles to be cleaned. For example, hotels,
cruise
ships and other establishments with high laundry and dry cleaning demands
typically
will have large-capacity commercial dryers. By "commercial dryers," reference
is
made to large-capacity dryers that are adapted to hold between approximately
40 to
approximately 200 pounds of articles to be cleaned or more. Typically, these
dryers
operate at temperatures between approximately 100 C and 200 C.
It should be understood that with such a larger capacity, the
corresponding amount of the invented dry cleaning composition will also
increase
proportionately. Typically, an absorbent towel, such as the size of
conventional hotel
towels, should be of sufficient size and absorbency. The towel may be formed
of any
suitable absorbent material, including any of these discussed above. One
method for
using the invented composition for these commercial dryers is to sell the
permeated
towels prepackaged in an air-tight container. For example, in Fig. 8, a
container 100
is shown housing a towel 102 permeated with the invented composition 104. As
shown, the container has a sealable opening that is sealed with a closure 106.
Closure
106 has either a single-use closure, such as a removable foil cover 108 (shown
in
Fig. 8), or a resealable closure, such as a threaded cap 109 (shown in Fig.
9). Other
examples of suitable resealable closures include friction fit lids and baglike
plastic
containers that are sealed by pressing ribs into connection with each other,
such as
sold under the trade name ZIPLOCKTM. In essence, this is a larger-scale
version of
the invented articles described above. As such, it should be understood that
the towel
22
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCT/US00/33888
may include any of the additional features described above and illustrated in
the
figures, such as multiple compositions, stain-specific compositions, slits,
etc. In
Fig. 8 and the subsequently described Figs. 9-12, the containers are
schematically
illustrated as being generally rectangular transparent containers for purposes
of
illustration. It should be understood that any suitable size, shape and color
of
container may be used.
Another method for utilizing the invented composition for use in
commercial dryers is to sell the composition in a liquid that can be applied
to a towel
in a premeasured, or measured onsite, volume. For example, defined volumes of
the
composition may be sold in prepackaged containers, such as shown in Fig. 10
and
indicated generally at 110. Container 110 holds a volume of the invented
composition
112 and includes a sealable opening 114. When container 110 is sized for a
single
use, in which the entire contents of the container will be applied to a towel,
then
opening 114 typically will be sealed with a single-use closure 116, such as a
foil cover
118. Alternatively, container 110 may contain a sufficient volume of
composition
112 for multiple uses, in which case the container should include a resealable
closure
120, such as a threaded lid 122. An example of such a resealable container
containing
a sufficient volume of composition for multiple uses is shown in Fig. 11.
In some applications, the composition may contain components that
are not mixed until it is time to use the composition. In such a situation,
the
composition will be sold in a plurality of single- or multi-use containers,
such as those
described above. An example of such a packaged article is shown in Fig. 12 at
124.
As shown, article 124 includes a pair of containers 125 and 126 that
respectively
contain components 127 and 128 of a selected version of the invented
composition.
In a further variation, a selected one of the containers may contain the basic
dry
cleaning composition, while one or more other containers include application-
specific
compositions that may be selectively added when needed. Examples of these
application-specific compositions, as described above, include sizing, moth
repellents,
UV inhibitors, brighteners, stain-specific compositions, water repellents,
odor
removers, fragrances, etc.
Regardless of the particular container, the composition in the container
can be applied to a towel prior to use, and then the towel can be added to the
dryer
along with the articles to be dry cleaned. In a variation of this version, the
23
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCTIUSOO/33888
prepackaged article 130 includes a supply of one or more premeasured
containers 134
of composition 136 and one or more towels or other suitable sheets or
absorbent
media 138 to which the composition may be applied prior to use, such as shown
in
Fig. 13 (not necessarily to scale).
An example of an application for smaller quantities of the invented
composition is a relatively small hand and object cleaner. Because the
invented
composition is safe and non-toxic, it may be safely applied to a user's hands
and
body. Similarly, because the organic-based composition is particularly well-
suited for
removing oil stains, it works well as a hand-cleaner, paint remover, etc.
Therefore,
the composition may be prepackaged in a relatively small single-use container,
such
as a sealed foil and/or plastic packet, or container, 140, such as shown in
Fig. 14.
Packet 140, which typically is a relatively small pouch approximately 1-3
inches on
each side, or a relatively small single-use canister contains a quantity of
the invented
composition 142 impregnated on a towelette 144 of any suitable absorbent
media,
such as nonwoven sheets and others previously disclosed herein. Similar to
conventional prepackaged towelettes, such as those sold under the brand name
HANDI WIPESTM, packets 140 may be readily carried by users, such as in their
pockets, brief cases, purses, wallets, backpacks, etc. A variation of the
packet is
shown in Fig. 15. In this version, the packet contains a selected embodiment
of the
invented composition 142 without any towelette or other absorbent media. This
version of the packet may be used, for example, as a hand cleaner that can be
dispensed into a user's hands from the packet.
It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple
distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions
has been
disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed
and
illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous
variations
are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-
obvious
combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions
and/or
properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite "a" or "a
first" element
or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include
incorporation
of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such
elements.
24
CA 02393521 2002-06-03
WO 01/44560 PCTIUSOO/33888
It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain
combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed
inventions
and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and
subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be
claimed
through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this
or a
related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to
a
different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different,
broader,
narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as
included within
the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.
Industrial Applicability
The invented article, composition and methods are applicable to the
dry-cleaning industry. More specifically, the invented articles, compositions
and
methods are applicable to dry-cleaning of clothing or other objects in dryers
conventionally used with washing machines.
