Patents Assigned to The Clorox Company
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Patent number: 11975366Abstract: A pre-loaded cleaning substrate, and related systems and methods for picking up particles with an aspect ratio (L/D) greater than 300 (e.g., hair), or greater than 1200 (e.g., particularly long hairs). The substrate (e.g., a nonwoven) may include only a single layer of material. The pre-loaded substrate is loaded (e.g., during manufacture) with a cleaning composition. The fibers of the substrate may have an average diameter less than 15 ?m, the substrate may have an air permeability of 35 ft3/min to 75 ft3/min, and the liquid cleaning composition may have a surface tension of less than about 50 dynes/cm. Together, the combination of the particular substrate and cleaning composition may facilitate markedly improved ability to pick up high L/D aspect ratio particle debris (e.g., such as hair), while retaining such particles (e.g., providing hair retention index values of at least 20).Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Ashish K. Jha, Nikhil P. Dani, David R. Scheuing, Nancy A. Falk, Bryan K. Parrish
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Patent number: 11965138Abstract: A flavor or aroma charcoal material, such as charcoal briquets, which is formulated to include a flavor or aroma component. The charcoal material may include a smoldering agent (e.g., limestone), wood particles (e.g., sawdust), a binder, and the flavor or aroma component (herbs and/or spices). The flavor or aroma charcoal material may not be configured as a fuel charcoal material, for example, it may be substantially void of char and/or coal. In an embodiment, the flavor or aroma charcoal material may be provided as part of a blend of different charcoal materials that includes both flavor or aroma briquets in combination with fuel briquets (e.g., which fuel briquets include char and/or coal, while the flavor briquets do not). The flavor briquets provide enhanced aroma and/or flavor to the grilling experience.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Stephen S. Fisher, Greg Maier, Marcus Wang, Tarric M. El-Sayed, Michelle E. Claudnic, Calvin daRosa, Allison Gregg, Jeremy Thuerk
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Patent number: 11959045Abstract: The present invention is for an acidic cleaning composition which has excellent cleaning performance, low toxicity and good antimicrobial efficacy. The inventive acidic cleaning compositions are capable of sanitizing or disinfecting a variety of hard surfaces. The inventive acidic cleaning compositions can take a variety of forms, such as: disinfecting wipes, all-purpose disinfecting sprays, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, toilet cleaners, etc. The compositions may meet EPA DfE requirements, EPA category III or IV requirements, and/or be safe for use on food contact surfaces without rinsing. The compositions may include citric acid, an anionic surfactant, a non-volatile glycol solvent, a fatty acid, and water. The compositions may be free of other sanitizing acids, quaternary ammonium compounds, biguanides, peroxides, hypohalites, etc., and have a pH of less than 2.5. The composition may provide sanitization or disinfection against a target microbe within 5 minutes or less, or 4 minutes or less.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Xuanrong Guo, Barbara Ekerdt, David R. Scheuing, Nancy A. Falk
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Patent number: 11932833Abstract: Peroxide treatment compositions for use in laundry capable of providing sanitization through the wash e.g., for use with a detergent, where a peroxide activator is stabilized without the presence of phosphorus-containing compounds (e.g., phosphorus-containing stabilizers), through use of a nonionic surfactant (e.g., alkoxylated alcohol) with a cloud point above 45° C. Use of a single nonionic surfactant, or a surfactant package that may include a small fraction (e.g., less than 0.5%) of sodium lauryl sulfate or another anionic surfactant has been found to be surprisingly effective at stabilizing the peroxide/activator combination, even where water content may be 85% or greater. The composition can have a pH of 5 or less (e.g., 3 to 4). The composition may be free of other anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, magnesium salts, borates and boric acid, hydroxides, chelating agents, various amine oxides, ethoxylated amines, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Nancy A. Falk, Timothy P. Mui, Evan Rumberger, Xuanrong Guo, Fanny Frausto, Michael Capracotta, Dennys D. Pena Calderon, David R. Scheuing, Claire E. J. Dentinger, Stephen F. Gross, Nicholas S. Norberg, Shakera Thamanna
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Patent number: 11918969Abstract: Animal litter comprising composite particles including powdered sodium bentonite and powdered activated carbon, agglomerated together into the composite particles, wherein the animal litter has a particle size distribution of 16/50 mesh (i.e., 300 ?m to 1180 ?m in size). The litter may include non-composite, granular clay particles (e.g., granular sodium bentonite) having the same particle size distribution (16/50 mesh). Such particle size characteristics significantly reduce dusting, without the need for a de-dusting agent, reduce clump depth and/or reduce clump width at the bottom of the clump (both acting to reduce risk of clumps sticking to the bottom of the litter box) and result in more efficient use of the litter in clumping (reduced clump weight) by increasing absorbency.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Anisa M. Nuanes, Jacob L. Orlowicz, Robert W. Peugh, Donald K. Swatling, Ahmed Drief
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Patent number: 11890390Abstract: This invention relates to systems, methods, and disinfecting compositions for spraying onto surfaces to be sanitized or disinfected. Methods may include providing an aqueous hypohalite disinfecting composition, and providing a spraying system that may include a hand-held spray nozzle through which the composition is sprayed during use, and a pump and associated tubing for conveying the composition to the hand-held spray nozzle. The tubing may be specifically selected to exhibit at least a 65% recovery (no more than 35% loss) of hypohalite after 24 hours of contact between the composition and the tubing. The method may further include conveying the composition from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and spraying the composition through the nozzle, e.g., onto the target surface. A related system may include similar components. A dilute hypohalite disinfecting composition may be provided for use with the system and/or method.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Barbara Ekerdt, William L. Smith, John Glauber
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Patent number: 11858238Abstract: Methods for forming multi-layer substrates including top and bottom surface layers and a melt softened thermoplastic material layer between the exterior surface layers, where the thermoplastic material includes polyethylene or has a tan delta value of 0.2 to 0.4 within the temperature range of 100° F.-350° F. The 3 (or more) layers are assembled, and heated, melt softening the thermoplastic material, causing bonding of the thermoplastic layer to the exterior surface layers. A cleaning composition may be loaded onto the multi-layer substrate, where a fluid pathway through the melted thermoplastic material allows the cleaning composition to travel between the surface layers. Adhesion between the surface layers and the thermoplastic layer is provided by the thermoplastic material itself, which bonds to groups of fibers in the surface layers. The process does not require chemical adhesives, any processing water, drying, or the like, so as to be possible with low capital investment.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Nikhil P. Dani, Joerg Hendrix, Scott Wood, Hubert Chan, Mark Pszczolkowski, Daniela Fritter
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Patent number: 11845916Abstract: Sanitizing and disinfecting compositions with relatively low levels of free available chlorine, with good effectiveness against microbes, included in a burstable pouch of a system also including a plurality of initially undosed (e.g., dry) wipes in a resealable package thereof. The composition may include less than 0.5% by weight hypochlorite or other free available chlorine level, with a pH less than 12. The composition is long term stable in the pouch, but upon bursting of the pouch and dosing of the wipes, exhibits only short-term stability. Because of the low level of hypochlorite, the dosed wipes exhibit improved surface compatibility and negligible “bleach” odor, while providing at least a 3-log reduction in C. diff population within 10 minutes.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventor: Timothy P. Mui
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Patent number: 11753603Abstract: The present invention is for an acidic cleaning composition which has excellent cleaning performance, low toxicity and good antimicrobial efficacy. The inventive acidic cleaning compositions are capable of sanitizing or disinfecting a variety of hard surfaces. The inventive acidic cleaning compositions can take a variety of forms, such as: disinfecting wipes, all-purpose disinfecting sprays, kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, toilet cleaners, etc. The inventive acidic cleaning compositions have good cleaning properties and low residue.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Nancy A. Falk, David R. Scheuing, Heather L. Day, Szu-Ying Chen, Bryan K. Parrish, Fanny Frausto, Eric G. Gharakhanian, William King
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Patent number: 11737465Abstract: Sanitizing and disinfecting compositions with relatively low levels of free available chlorine, with good effectiveness against microbes. The composition may include less than 0.5% by weight hypochlorite or other free available chlorine level, at least one nonionic or zwitterionic surfactant, with a pH from 8 to 12.5. The composition is characterized by an R value of greater than 0 (e.g., greater than 0.5, or equal to 1), where R is defined as the sum of the concentration of any nonionic, zwitterionic, and cationic surfactants divided by the total surfactant concentration (and total surfactant concentration may include any surfactant aids). The compositions may exhibit at least a 3-log reduction in M. bovis or C. diff population within 10 minutes (e.g., 4-6 minutes).Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Marisa Macnaughtan, Nipa Modi, Thomas Fahlen, Wenyu Zhang, Ashley Joseph, Timothy Mui
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Patent number: 11730336Abstract: The present invention teaches multilayer cleaning articles that include a substantially dry surface contact layer and a gripping layer. The contact layer may represent one exposed major face of the cleaning article (e.g., a cleaning pad), while the gripping layer may represent the opposite exposed major face of the cleaning article. The contact layer may include abrasive synthetic fibers, so as to be effective in scrubbing soils and spills from a surface. The contact layer includes a cleaning composition pre-loaded therein. The cleaning composition is such that the contact layer feels dry to the touch prior to use, before wetting with water. The cleaning composition may include about 1% to about 40% by weight water. The gripping layer includes at least 40% by weight of pulp fibers (e.g., natural cellulose pulp fiber), and exhibits a mean hand grip value that is at least 0.015 1/in2 (reciprocal inches squared).Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Elisa Calimano, Daniela Fritter, Kristina Perlas, Jason White, Chosu Khin, Janiece Hope, Bernard Hill, Stephen Fisher, Kelly Dickson, William Ouellette
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Patent number: 11684035Abstract: A clumpable animal litter comprises composite particles of filler materials, such as limestone and sand, and sodium bentonite. The filler materials have a lower bulk density as compared to a granular mixture of the same percentage of filler and sodium bentonite clay and contain up to eighty-five percent less clay.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Perry Nga, David Lyons, Ahmed Drief, Kaitlin Lawler
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Patent number: 11648575Abstract: A pump system may include a blown-in dip tube connected to a valve body and having a connection which may include an improved blown-in dip tube connector having one or more of a lip for sealing with a blown-in dip tube, a seal ring configured to mate with a blown-in dip tube and seal therewith, a dip tube lock for mating with a blown-in dip tube, or an o-ring for providing an improved seal with a blown-in dip tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: David L. DeJong, Eric C. Scheier, Joseph R. Krestine, Joseph K. Dodd, Alejandro Espinoza, Dennis J. Kelly, Lluis Costa Quintas, Robert J. Good, Steven L. Sweeton
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Patent number: 11643621Abstract: Pre-moistened wipes that include one or more characteristics correlated to desired properties, such as high durability, mileage, cleaning composition retention, efficacy, or the like are described. Pulp substrates typically include an anionic charge, which can result in binding or retention of a cationic biocide such as a quaternary ammonium compound while the remainder of the composition is released from the wipe (e.g., through squeezing, wiping or other compression). The present wipes are specifically tailored to release at least 20% of the quaternary ammonium compound to a target surface, and exhibit at least a 3-log reduction in Staphylococcus aureus population within about 10 seconds to 5 minutes. Such release and efficacy is achieved without the presence of any cationic biocide release agent (e.g., latex or a cationic salt) included in the cleaning composition or elsewhere within the pre-loaded disinfecting wipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventor: Nikhil P. Dani
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Patent number: 11634667Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions comprising polyelectrolyte complexes. The compositions include a water-soluble first polyelectrolyte bearing a net cationic charge or capable of developing a net cationic charge and a water-soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing a net anionic charge or capable of developing a net anionic charge. The total polyelectrolyte concentration of the first solution is at least 110 millimolar. The composition is free of coacervates, precipitates, latex particles, synthetic block copolymers, silicone copolymers, cross-linked poly(acrylic) and cross-linked water-soluble polyelectrolyte. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: David R. Scheuing, Thomas F. Fahlen, Jared Heymann, Mike Kinsinger, William Ouellette, William L. Smith
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Patent number: 11623818Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a trash bag retaining apparatus and system that secures a trash bag inside a trash receptacle and enables a sliding motion for subsequent removal of the secured trash bag. In particular, the apparatus includes a proximal end insertable into a support arm of a trash receptacle. The distal end includes a slide stop in addition to an abutment face that abuts the support arm upon insertion of the proximal end into the support arm. The abutment face is sized and shaped to match a size and shape of the support arm. Further, the distal end also includes one or more surfaces defining an inlet, positioned between the slide stop and the abutment face, where the trash bag retaining apparatus can secure a portion of the trash bag to the support arm.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2022Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Sarah A. Kuhl, Timothy P. Mui, Reema Shalan
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Patent number: 11596152Abstract: Sanitizing and disinfecting compositions with relatively low levels of free available chlorine, with good effectiveness against microbes. The composition may include less than 0.5% by weight hypochlorite or other free available chlorine level, at least one nonionic or zwitterionic surfactant, with a pH from 8 to 12.5. The composition is characterized by an R value of greater than 0 (e.g., greater than 0.5, or equal to 1), where R is defined as the sum of the concentration of any nonionic, zwitterionic, and cationic surfactants divided by the total surfactant concentration (and total surfactant concentration may include any surfactant aids). The compositions may exhibit at least a 3-log reduction in M. bovis or C. diff population within 10 minutes (e.g., 4-6 minutes).Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Marisa Macnaughtan, Nipa Modi, Thomas Fahlen, Wenyu Zhang, Ashley Joseph, Timothy Mui
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Patent number: 11578231Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous compositions of associative polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), optionally containing surfactants, biocidal agents and/or oxidants, which can provide surface protection to treated articles including reduced soiling tendency, reduced cleaning effort and improved soil repellancy, as well as providing bacteriostatic properties to treated surfaces that thereby gain resistance to water, environmental exposure and microbial challenge. Treatment means and compositions are provided that employ associative polyelectrolyte complexes formed by combining a water soluble cationic first polyelectrolyte with a water soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing groups of opposite charge to the first polyelectrolyte under suitable mixing conditions where the one polyelectrolyte present in molar excess is added in the form of a first aqueous solution during a mixing step to a second aqueous solution comprising the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte present in molar deficiency.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: David R. Scheuing, David J. Lestage, Carl W. Bennett, Mona M. Knock, Charles W. Scales, William L. Smith, Rui Zhang
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Patent number: D983034Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Kerry D. Azelton, Aaron J. Chun, Hyun Jin Ko
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Patent number: D1024769Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2022Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Meghan Green, Benjamin Ma, Jacob McMullen