Bleaching and dyeing; fluid treatment and chemical modification – Fluid treatment – Manipulation of liquid
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-18
2001-01-09
Stinson, Frankie L. (Department: 1743)
Bleaching and dyeing; fluid treatment and chemical modification
Fluid treatment
Manipulation of liquid
C068S23500R, C510S297000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06171346
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to devices which can be used to remove stains from fabrics. The process is especially useful as part of a dry cleaning operation, but can also be used under any circumstances where spot removal from fabrics is desired.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
By classical definition, the term “dry cleaning” has been used to describe processes for cleaning textiles using nonaqueous solvents. Dry cleaning is an old art, with solvent cleaning first being recorded in the United Kingdom in the 1860's. Typically, dry cleaning processes are used with garments such as woolens which are subject to shrinkage in aqueous laundering baths, or which are judged to be too valuable or too delicate to subject to aqueous laundering processes. Various hydrocarbon and halocarbon solvents have traditionally been used in immersion dry cleaning processes, and the need to handle and reclaim such solvents has mainly restricted the practice of conventional dry cleaning to commercial establishments.
While solvent-based dry cleaning processes are quite effective for removing oily soils and stains, they are not optimal for removing particulates such as clay soils, and may require special treatment conditions to remove proteinaceous stains. Ideally, particulates and proteinaceous stains are removed from fabrics using detersive ingredients and operating conditions which are more akin to aqueous laundering processes than to conventional dry cleaning.
In addition to the cleaning function, dry cleaning also provides important “refreshment” benefits. For example, dry cleaning removes undesirable odors and extraneous matter such as hair and lint from garments, which are then generally folded or pressed to remove wrinkles and restore their original shape. Of course, such refreshment benefits are also afforded by aqueous laundering processes.
As can be seen from the foregoing, and aside from the effects on certain fabrics such as woolens, there are no special, inherent advantages for solvent-based immersion dry cleaning over aqueous cleaning processes with respect to fabric cleaning or refreshment. Moreover, on a per-garment basis, commercial dry cleaning is much more expensive than aqueous cleaning processes. Accordingly, it would be of considerable benefit to consumers to provide non-immersion dry cleaning processes which can be used in the home.
One type of home dry cleaning system comprises a carrier sheet containing various cleaning agents, and a plastic bag. The garments to be cleaned are placed in the bag together with the sheet, and then tumbled in a conventional clothes dryer. In a commercial embodiment, multiple single-use flat sheets and a single multi-use plastic bag are provided in a package. Unfortunately, such processes may not satisfactorily remove stains from heavily soiled or “spotted” areas of the fabrics being dry cleaned.
As is well known, heavily stained garments may be “pre-spotted” using so-called “spot removal” compositions prior to cleaning. It has now been discovered that the use of water-based spot removal compositions on stained areas of fabrics can yield sub-optimal cleaning performance on some types of stains and fabrics. Conversely, non-aqueous compositions have now been found to be sub-optimal on other stains and fabrics. Moreover, it has also been noted that pre-spotting methods typically involve the vigorous back-and-forth rubbing of the garment with a cleaning composition and a towel, sponge or other implement. It has now further been determined that such rubbing can cause fabric damage and excessive wear.
By the present invention, a dual process is provided which allows the user to pre-spot fabrics using both a non-aqueous and a water-based cleaning composition. In a preferred mode, the process is conducted without resort to rubbing by the use of a device which loosens and removes stains via controlled mechanical action, thereby avoiding fabric damage. As will be seen hereinafter, the device is designed to gently implement Z-axis mechanics only, with respect to the fabric being treated.
BACKGROUND ART
Dry cleaning processes are disclosed in: EP 429,172A1, published May 29, 1991, Leigh, et al.; and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,587, issued Aug. 24, 1993, Smith, et al. Other references relating to dry cleaning compositions and processes, as well as wrinkle treatments for fabrics, include: GB 1,598,911; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,126,563, 3,949,137, 3,593,544, 3.647,354; 3,432,253 and 1,747,324; and German applications 2,021,561 and 2,460,239, 0,208,989 and 4,007,362. Cleaning/pre-spotting compositions and methods are also disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,102,573; 5,041,230; 4,909,962; 4,115,061; 4,886,615; 4,139,475; 4,849,257; 5,112,358; 4,659,496; 4,806,254; 5,213,624; 4,130,392; and 4,395,261. Sheet substrates for use in a laundry dryer are disclosed in Canadian 1,005,204. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,956,556 and 4,007,300 relate to perforated sheets for fabric conditioning in a clothes dryer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,692,277 discloses the use of 1,2-octanediol in liquid cleaners. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,591,510; 3,737,387; 3,764,544; 3,882,038; 3,907,496; 4,097,397; 4,102,824; 4,336,024; 4,606,842; 4,758,641; 4,797,310; 4,802,997; 4,943,392; 4,966,724; 4,983,317; 5,004,557; 5,062,973; 5,080,822; 5,173,200; EP 0 213 500; EP0 261 718; G.B. 1,397,475; WO 91/09104; WO 91/13145; WO 93/25654 and Hunt, D. G. and N. H. Morris, “PnB and DPnB Glycol Ethers”,
HAPPI
, April 1989, pp. 78-82.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, the user is afforded a selection of cleaning compositions which can be chosen for their ability to remove different types of stains and soils. Thus, a substantially non-aqueous cleaning composition comprising organic solvents can be used to remove oily stains, especially oily stains on rayon acetate or polyester fibers. The user can also employ water-based cleaning compositions, preferably as disclosed hereinafter, to effectively remove particulate soils and stains, i.e., a “dual” cleaning system. In a preferred mode, the process herein is conducted by first using the non-aqueous cleaning composition, followed by use of the aqueous cleaning composition.
The present invention is preferably conducted using a treatment means comprising a spot removal device, especially a device designed for hand-held use, comprising:
(a) a base member having a convex front treatment face and a rear face oppositely disposed from said treatment face;
(b) one or more treatment members extending outwardly from said treatment face; and
(c) optionally, a hand grip affixed to said rear face.
A preferred device herein is wherein the front treatment face is substantially hemispherical, or alternatively, inscribes a section of a hemisphere.
In one embodiment of the device, the face has a treatment member which comprises an absorbent material such as a sponge, a pad, or the like. In another embodiment, the treatment member comprises a multiplicity of protrusions, such as bristles. In yet another embodiment of the device, the treatment member comprises a sponge base having a multiplicity of protrusions extending outwardly therefrom.
In other less preferred embodiments, the treatment means need not be part of the device as noted, but can be simple pads, sheets (e.g., disposable paper toweling), cloth wipes, sponges, or the like, which can be pressed against the stained area of the fabric.
The invention also encompasses a method for removing stains from a stained area of fabrics, comprising the steps of:
(a) applying a non-aqueous cleaning composition to said stained area;
(b) concurrently or consecutively with Step (a), contacting the stained area of the fabrics with treatment means, preferably using a convex device as noted above;
(c) applying compressive force to the device, especially using a rocking or rolling motion imparted to the device; and
(d) repeating steps (a), (b) and (c) using an aqueous cleaning composition.
Reference is made to the FIGURE. In this preferred mode, the process is conducted using a holding tray or other suitable receptacle as a c
Siklosi Michael Peter
Yeazell Bruce Albert
Cook C. Brant
Miller Steven W.
Stinson Frankie L.
The Procter & Gamble & Company
William Zerby Kim
LandOfFree
Dual-step stain removal process does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Dual-step stain removal process, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dual-step stain removal process will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2469905