Coating implements with material supply – Material flows through porous tool – Wick feed from within reservoir to tool
Reexamination Certificate
2002-01-08
2003-11-11
Huson, Gregory L. (Department: 3751)
Coating implements with material supply
Material flows through porous tool
Wick feed from within reservoir to tool
C401S196000, C401S267000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06644879
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an applicator for a fabric treatment composition and its application. More specifically the invention relates to a convenient to carry fabric treatment applicator comprising an application device, such as a nib, which is optimised with regard to the frictional stress induced upon a fabric and which comprises a fabric treatment composition which does not require post-treatment rinsing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portable stain removers for pre laundry application, post laundry application or application on fresh stains, also in forms of applicators for a liquid composition are known articles of manufacture. Similarly, portable applicators for the application of other liquid compositions are known, for example in the field of ink removal. Prior art in this field includes the following documents:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,420 discloses a stain removal composition provided in form of a solid stick, which can be applied to selected areas of a fabric in laundry preparations. Various compositions are disclosed comprising surfactants, enzymes and glycols. U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,268 discloses a stain removal composition especially for carpets and upholstery comprising surfactant for an aerosol formulation. EP 0 205 999 discloses to provide a laundry preparation composition in the form of a solid stick. WO 85/00782 discloses a kit comprising coloured fluids and an eradicator for these fluids, which can be used on various materials including clothing. DE 2422191 discloses a solution to be used on stains provided in an applicator with a felt insert. DE 19536714 discloses an applicator for a stain removal fluid which takes the form of a pen. WO 99/02769 discloses an impregnated towelette to clean stains from clothes and upholstery, comprising surfactant.
Applicators comprising bleach are known in other fields than fabric treatment: U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,131 discloses an applicator for a liquid bleaching agent to be used to eradicate or remove an emphasising ink. The applicator may be provided with a felt tip or roller. U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,687 discloses an oral fluid, e.g. for the teeth or the gum, and an applicator for it comprising a broad fibre tip or a roller ball.
None of the above patents gives details how the various applicators should be used. Prior art documents which address the application of the respective compositions with some detail include the following documents:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,407 describes an on-the-spot stain removal kit, comprising four sponges, and teaches a four step stain removal procedure for satisfactory results.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,158 discloses an applicator for an enzyme-containing liquid detergent for the application in laundry preparation. The applicator comprises a porous body made of a synthetic plastic material. The heat resulting from the friction produced by the applicator during application to a fabric is assumed to contribute to a more rapid enzymatic reaction.
WO 97/20099 discloses an applicator for the post-laundry treatment of fabrics. A two step process is taught which involves the use of an iron on one side of the fabric and the use of an absorbent layer on the other side of the fabric. The application of heat and/or pressure by means of an iron is believed to affect the physical characteristics of the stained fabric, such as its viscosity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,090 discloses a stamp like applicator for a fabric treatment composition comprising bleach and surfactant, which is to be applied to a fabric in a rocking motion. The treatment is preferably done on a table top and preferably using an absorbent stain remover situated beneath the fabric and followed by a post treatment process in a hot air cloth dryer. A rubbing action as opposed to a rocking action is expressly taught to be of disadvantage as to minimise fabric damage.
The Helmac Stain Eraser, as marketed on the internet by the Helmac Products Corporation, incorporates a plastic tip for rubbing. The device according to the usage instructions is not recommended for use on silk, suede or leather. A stain removal treatment with this device further requires a post-treatment step of removing the stain or residues of the fabric treatment liquid by rinsing the stain away with water or blotting with a moist cloth.
None of the mentioned prior art has recognised the advantage of the careful selection of the properties of the application device, e.g. nib or sponge, with regard to the frictional stress induced upon fabric in the stain removal process.
It is hence an objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a fabric treatment composition, which allows effective mechanical stain removal.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a fabric treatment composition, which allows single step application.
It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a fabric treatment composition, which does not leave residues even when no rinsing or other post treatment of the fabric is undertaken.
It is yet a further one objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a fabric treatment composition, which is easy to use.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a fabric treatment composition, which is convenient to store and to carry.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a fabric treatment composition, which does not dry out when stored over extended periods of time.
It is still an additional objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a fabric treatment composition, which can be successfully used on a large variety of stains and fabrics.
These and other objectives, as apparent from the following description, are addressed by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an applicator for a fabric treatment composition and its application. More specifically the invention relates to a versatile, effective convenient to apply fabric treatment applicator. Claimed and described is an applicator for a fabric treatment composition, which does not require rinsing, comprising an application device, which induces a certain frictional stress upon fabric.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention a fabric treatment applicator is optimised with regard to its mechanical performance so as to induce a certain frictional stress upon fabric. The optimally chosen frictional stress supports effective fabric treatment, namely stain removal, and is at the same time kind to the fabric. The frictional stress should not be so high as to induce damage upon the fabric. However, the frictional stress should be high enough as to ensure good mechanical stain removal and good delivery of the fabric treatment composition into the fabric and therefore allow fabric treatment with fabric friendly chemical compounds at low levels, thus making the present invention suitable for delicate fabrics including silk and a no rinse treatment.
Preferred Compositions
Any no rinse composition which can be used for fabric treatment is within the scope of the present invention. Preferred are fabric friendly compositions, in particular stain removal compositions as described below.
Rinsing, as used herein, refers to localised a post-treatment step immediately following the fabric treatment, e.g. stain removal step. For example, rinsing encompasses treatment with a moist cloth and any localised application of for example any fluid, such as water, a solvent and the like. A no rinse fabric treatment composition, as used herein, is a composition, which does not leave visible residues on a treated fabric when the fabric is not rinsed. Residues are considered not visible, when they receive a rating of less than 2.5 panel score unit in the Residue Test Method described below. Preferred no rinse fabric treatment composition afford a rating of less than 1.5, more preferably less than 1.0, yet more preferably less than 0.5 panel score units.
Stain Re
Irvin Ann Margaret
Meredith Paul
Sandbach David Roy
Wevers Jean
Corstanje Brahm J.
Glazer Julia A.
Huson Gregory L.
Prunner Kathleen J.
The Procter & Gamble & Company
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