Cleaning device and its use

Abstract

A device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition, the device comprising a reservoir for holding the composition, an applicator for applying the composition from the reservoir to the fabric and absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the composition from the fabric. In a method of use, the liquid cleaning composition is applied to the fabric with the applicator and some of the composition so applied is absorbed into the absorbent means.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for spot cleaning of a fabric and use of that device in a method of spot cleaning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In recent years, there has been interest in providing products for spot removal of stains on fabrics, particularly garments. This may for example be for removal of stains due to food spillage or other stains which are stained during wear, as well as the localised cleaning of collars and cuffs prior to a main wash. As used herein, in the broadest sense, “spot cleaning” refers to cleaning of any part of a fabric other than the whole item.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,158 discloses a method and device for accelerating cleaning of soiled parts of clothes by rub coating with an enzyme-containing liquid detergent. An applicator device comprises a container closed by a porous body made of a heated and sintered synthetic plastics material. This is used to rub the garment to apply the liquid composition.

[0004] WO-A-97/20099 discloses a method of treating a spot or stain on a textile by applying a detergent composition, then placing an absorbent layer adjacent to one side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain and applying heat, pressure or both to the opposing side. The detergent composition is applied in the form of a liquid composition, preferably comprising an organic solvent, optionally also containing a surfactant. The composition is dispensed from a container closed by an applicator device such as a porous plug with fabric or brush texturing, or a roller-ball device.

[0005] WO-A-99/02769 discloses a method for spot cleaning a stain spot on a fabric by wiping with an applicator impregnated with a cleaning solution comprising water, an alcohol, glycol, glycol-ether or glycerine and from 0.0001-1% by weight of surfactant. The applied solution is allowed to migrate outwardly from the spot and the volatile components evaporate. The wiping applicator is preferably stored in an airtight container and is preferably a polymer towelette. The cleaning solution may also contain enzyme. This product has a disadvantage of felting of the wipe if too much pressure is applied. Further, outward migration of the solvent tends to produce a “halo” effect on drying.

[0006] WO-A-01/04260 discloses a fabric treatment applicator which is constructed in a form generally analogous to a felt-tipped pen. A synthetic fibre nib is used to apply a liquid composition contained in the body of the pen-like device. The liquid composition must contain at least one bleach and at least one surfactant. The absence of means to absorb the applied solution means that soil is largely redistributed rather than removed.

[0007] WO-A-01/04407 discloses and claims an applicator for applying a spot-treatment stain removal aqueous solution to a textile fabric. The liquid composition preferably contains a bleach and the application device is preferably a nib. The application device must have a frictional stress of from 0.05 N mm−2 to 10 N mm−2. Again, the absence of means to absorb the applied solution means that soil is largely redistributed rather than removed.

[0008] However, none of the prior proposals teaches an apparatus whereby a cleaning composition can be applied to a spot or stain on a textile fabric in optimal manner and then absorbed, together with stain material, using the same device and without the need for a separate absorbent pad or cloth which is not convenient for cleaning garments whilst being worn. The present invention solves the problem of providing these functions in a single device.

DEFINITION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition, the device comprising a reservoir for holding the composition, an applicator for applying the composition from the reservoir to the fabric and absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the composition from the fabric.

[0010] We may also claim the device of the first aspect of the invention in the form where the reservoir actually contains the liquid cleaning composition.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of spot cleaning a fabric by applying a liquid cleaning composition to the fabric with an applicator or a device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and absorbing at least some of the composition so applied with the absorbent means of said device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The body of the device may be in any convenient shape, eg. elongated, spherical or partly spherical or having any aesthetically appealing or novelty shape. However, most preferably, the device is in the form of a member having a first end and a second end, wherein the reservoir is located within or forms at least part of the member. Thus, the first and second ends may be respective ends of a tubular or other elongated member having any cross-section. It may also have one or more bends or angles therein, eg. so that one part can act as a handle whilst the other end is being applied to the fabric.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, one of the applicator and the absorbent means is located at the first end of the member and the other is located at the second end of the member. Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment, both the applicator and the absorbent means are located at the same first end or second end of the member. In that case, one of the applicator and the absorbent means may be arranged concentric to the other, and preferably also with at least the adjacent part of the reservoir member, for simplicity of use. Each of the applicator and absorbent means may be protected by removable cap.

[0014] Preferably, mesh means is also provided for rubbing the fabric so that the liquid absorbed by the absorbent means from the fabric passes through the mesh means. The absorbent member is conveniently held in a holding means such as a chamber having an opening covered by a mesh means. Alternatively, the absorbent means may be mounted on a support member and covered by the mesh means. In a coaxial form of such an arrangement, an outlet of the applicator may pass through the support and absorbent means. The mesh can assist soil removal by rubbing.

[0015] The loosened soil then passes through the mesh to be absorbed by the absorbent means, before it can be redistributed on the fabric. Further, hydrophobic soil such as lipstick can be removed by adhering directly to the mesh means. If a mesh means is not present, such hydrophobic soil will be directly absorbed by the absorbent means and/or adhere to it. Preferably, the device also comprises a holding means to hold the absorbent means. The absorbent means may for example be held in a chamber, compartment, recess, on support member or a surface of the device by any suitable means. The absorbent means may be glued, simply wedged or held by any other suitable manner in the holding means. The holding means for the absorbent means is preferably a non detachable part of the device. The absorbent means will usually be much smaller than the device. So small that the absorbent means itself may be difficult to hold when it is rubbed against the stain. One advantage according to this aspect of the invention is that the absorbent means is held in place by the holding means of the device and the user can still transfer an effective force to remove the stain by holding the device and rubbing the absorbent means, optionally covered by mesh means, against the stain.

[0016] The applicator closes the reservoir but allows the liquid composition to flow-out in controlled manner. It may for example, comprise a simple slot or hole of dimensions such that the out-flow of the liquid composition is restricted. It can also comprise a nib of metal or plastics construction, or a permeable member such as of foam or sintered composition or a fibre member. Optionally, a snap-off, pull-off or cut-off seal or else a cap or plug may be provided for sealing before first use. After opening, a removable cap may be provided for covering the applicator before repeat use, so that liquid cannot evaporate or escape.

[0017] To assist removal of the composition from the reservoir, the reservoir may in whole or in part, be formed of a flexible material so that it may be squeezed. The reservoir may also be provided with a plunger (e.g. rod and piston) arrangement to assist dispensing of the liquid.

[0018] The mesh means is preferably a mesh of natural or synthetic polymer eg. made of polyethylene, polyester or nylon The mesh size is to be understood as the opening or clear space between the wires. Preferably the average mesh size is greater than 200, preferably greater than 250, more preferably greater than 300 micrometers. The average mesh size is preferably smaller than 2000, more preferably smaller than 1500 and even more preferably smaller than 1000 micrometers. A mesh thickness of from 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers is typical and is preferably of from 150 micrometers to 400 micrometers. The wire diameter is preferably from 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers and is more preferably from 150 micrometers to 400 micrometers. The mesh means may even be a coarsely woven fabric.

[0019] The absorbent means must be capable of absorbing liquid composition from the fabric, having at least some of the stain absorbed or dispersed therein. It may for example be of cotton or synthetic fibre absorbent wool, woven or non-woven natural or synthetic fabric, or it may be a super absorbent polymer such as Hysorb™ (ex BASF) or OASIS™ fibre (ex Courtaulds).

[0020] The liquid composition is preferably aqueous, although the present invention also extends to compositions wherein a substantially non-aqueous liquid composition is applied, eg. having less than 25% by weight or less, preferably 20% by weight or less, more preferably 15% by weight or less, eg. 10% by weight or less, most preferably 5% by weight or less of water.

[0021] In the case of the aqueous compositions, it is also preferred to have at least one organic solvent present, which preferably should be water-miscible. It is also preferred in some embodiments for the composition to contain a surfactant component comprising one or more surfactants selected from an ionic, cationic, zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactant. If present, preferably the organic solvent content is from 0.1 to 75% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 1% to 110% by weight. When present, the surfactant component is preferably present from 0.00001% to 10%, more preferably from 0.0001% to 1% by weight of the composition. The presence of surfactant is beneficial for removing oily stains from hydrophobic fabrics such as polyester. However, in the case of oily stains on hydrophilic fabrics such as cotton, it may be preferably to avoid surfactant, i.e. to have less than 1 wt %, preferably less than 0.1 wt %, most preferably no surfactant by weight of the liquid cleaning composition.

[0022] Preferred organic solvents are selected from alcohols, ketones, esters, glycol ethers and mixtures thereof.

[0023] For optional cleaning, it is advantageous for the viscosity of the liquid composition to be preferably from 0.1 mPaS to 1000 mPaS, more preferably from 10 mPaS to 500 mPaS. If the inherent viscosity of the composition is not already within such a range, a thickener e.g. of polymeric type may be included. For the avoidance of doubt, in the case of non-Newtonian liquid compositions (which is preferable), the viscosity is that measured at a shear rate of 100 s31 1.

[0024] Optionally, other components may be dissolved or dispersed in the liquid compositions, eg. selected from detergency builders, bleaches and bleach systems, enzymes, fluorescers and other materials which are conventional in laundry wash compositions for hand or machine washing.

[0025] The amount of liquid cleaning composition in the reservoir means is preferably from 0.001 to 10 ml, more preferably from 0.1 ml to 1 ml.

[0026] According another aspect of the present invention a device is provided for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition, the device comprising a reservoir for holding the composition, an applicator for applying the composition from the reservoir to the fabric and chemical heating means, wherein the chemical heating means comprises at least one substance which produces heat when wetted by liquid composition from the fabric.

[0027] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a method of spot cleaning a fabric by applying a liquid cleaning composition to the fabric with an applicator or a device according to the first aspect of the present invention, and contacting at least some of the composition so applied and the chemical means of said device.

[0028] The chemical heating means produces heat when wetted by the liquid cleaning composition from the fabric.

[0029] One class of suitable substance for producing heat when wetted comprises anhydrous substances which exhibit an exothermic effect when wetted. Preferred anhydrous substances are anhydrous aluminosilicates, metal oxides, and the like. Examples of aluminosilicates include anhydrous Molecular Sieves (ex Aldrich), zeolite type A (having sodalite cages), zeolite type X. chabazite, and the like. Suitable examples of metal oxides include calcium oxide or magnesium oxide. Other metal salts may be employed as well, e.g. (partially) dehydrated calcium sulphate (gypsum). It is preferred that these compounds are in a suitable granular form so that the compound can be easily retained by a matrix and not dust or powder escapes from the device during use or storage. The compounds may be employed as such or as mixtures.

[0030] Alternatively, the material for producing the heat may comprise at least two different chemical species which undergo an exothermic chemical reaction when wetted, for solid acids and solid bases, such as sodium hydrogen sulphate and sodium carbonate or citric acid and sodium carbonate. Preferably, these solids are intimately admixed.

[0031] As used herein, reference to “wetting” refers to hydration with water, other aqueous solutions or dispersions, and equivalent wetting semi-aqueous liquids or non-aqueous liquids which form the liquid composition and which trigger the exothermic on. However, water and aqueous liquid solutions or dispersions will be the liquid of choice in most cases.

[0032] It is also preferred if the device can physically absorb a significant quality of liquid composition from the fabric, together with at least some stain or soil. Many materials which produce heat when wetted are also absorbent, especially if provided in finely powdered or sintered form. However, if the chemical heating means is not in itself very absorbent, separate absorbent means may also be provided. Separate absorbent means may also be provided, even if the chemical heating means is quite absorbent in itself.

[0033] According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides a device for spot cleaning a fabric using a first liquid composition and a second liquid composition, the device comprising reservoir means which comprises a first reservoir for holding the first liquid composition and a second reservoir for holding the second liquid composition, the device further comprising applicator means for applying the first and second liquid compositions from the reservoir means to the fabric.

[0034] For the avoidance of doubt, any optional or preferable feature of any aspect of the present invention may be utilised in any other aspect of the invention.

[0035] The present invention will now be explained in more detail by way of the following description of preferred embodiments, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section through a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section through a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention; and

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through a third embodiment of a device according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a spot cleaning device 1 according to the present invention. Overall, it is of a size to be hand-held

[0040] The device comprises an elongate member 3 having a first end 5 and a second end 7. The elongate member 3 contains a reservoir 9 into which is filled a liquid cleaning composition 11.

[0041] At the first end 5 of the elongate member 3, is located an applicator 13 which comprises a frusto-conical extension 15 of the elongate member 3 and integral therewith, narrowing to a restricted opening 17. This restricted opening is sealed before sale and use with a snap-off member 19.

[0042] At the second end 7 of the elongate member 3, there is attached thereto, a chamber member 21 attached to the elongate member by a frustoconical section 23. Thus, the elongate member 3 and the chamber 21 and frustoconical connector 23 are cylindrical in cross-section but the chamber member 21 is of wider diameter than the elongate member 3.

[0043] Contained within the chamber 21 is a particulate super-absorbent polymer material (Hysorb™) designated 25. Optionally, this may also occupy the frustoconical section 23. The chamber member 21 has an open end 27 which is closed by a mesh (net) 29 made of nylon. The mesh size is approximately 450 micrometers. The mesh size is in any event smaller than the average particle size of the polymer 25. The elongate member 3, frustoconical sections 15 and 23 and the chamber 21 together with the snap-off member 19 are conveniently moulded as one-piece construction, eg. by injection moulding of high density polypropylene.

[0044] In use, the consumer snaps-off member 17 and tips the device so that an appropriate amount of liquid cleaning composition is dispensed through narrow opening 17 to the stain. The pen is then inverted and the stain and surrounding fabric, which is wetted with the liquid composition, is rubbed/scrubbed with the mesh member 29. In this way, the liquid composition on the fabric, together with stain material dispersed or dissolved therein, is absorbed into the absorbent polymer 25 and/or the soil adheres to the mesh and/or polymer.

[0045] Turning now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, there is shown a second embodiment of a spot cleaning device 31 according to the present invention.

[0046] In the device of this embodiment, a hard disc 33, preferably of a plastic material such as polypropylene, has formed through its centre, a channel 35. Situated above the disc, is a reservoir in the form of a cylinder 37 in which is located an aqueous liquid cleaning composition 39. The reservoir cylinder 37 is coaxial with the channel 35 formed in the hard disc 33. A dosing knob 41 is located at the top 43 of the reservoir cylinder, i.e. at the end remote from the hard disc 33. Attached to the dosing knob 41 is a push rod 45 which extends through a hole 47 in the top 49 of the cylinder. The push rod 45 is attached to a plunger or piston 51 which is located above and communicating with the liquid cleaning composition 39.

[0047] The bottom end 53 of the reservoir cylinder 37, remote from the top end 49, rests on an upper surface 55 of the hard disc 33.

[0048] Attached to the underside surface 57 of the hard disc 33, is a mass 59 of the same super-absorbent material as used in the first embodiment, contained in a fabrics bag (not shown). This mass 59 has a channel 61 formed therethrough, communicating with and extending from, the channel 35 through the hard disc 33. The channel 61 terminates in an opening 62 which before use is sealably closed with a soft polymer plug (not shown).

[0049] A nylon net 63 of the same construction used in the first embodiment, covers the pad and is attached to the circumference 65 of the hard disc 33. Thus, the super absorbent pad 59 is enclosed by the nylon net 63 and the underside 57 of the hard disc 33.

[0050] In use, the plug is removed from the opening 62 at the bottom of channel 61. The device is then lowered onto the stain 67 so that the nylon net 63 is directly in contact therewith and in contact with the surrounding fabric and liquid cleaning composition 39 is ejected through the channel 35 hard disc and channel 61 in the super-absorbent pad, to be ejected through the net to wet the stain 67 and surrounding fabric 69. This is effected by pushing upon dosing knob 41, which moves the push rod 45 and thus, the plunger or piston 51 to force the liquid composition out of the device through the opening 62. Simultaneously, manual pressing and rotating causes both stain soil together with liquid composition absorbed by the fabric to be absorbed into the super-absorbent 59.

[0051] There is now shown in FIG. 3, a third embodiment of a device 71 according to the present invention.

[0052] In this embodiment, a reservoir in the form of a “pipette” 73, i.e. a flexibly deformable plastics container, is filled with a liquid cleaning composition 75. The body 77 of the pipette tapers at its lower end 79 into a frustoconical section 81 and thence into a tubular nozzle 83 which terminates in a nipple 85 which is cut-off before use.

[0053] The nozzle 83 is surrounded by a mass of super-absorbent material 87 held in a woven fabric bag (not shown). This is the same material as utilised in the first and second embodiments. The top 89 of the mass of super absorbent material is attached to a plastics collar 91 which surrounds the upper part 93 of the nozzle 83.

[0054] Surrounding the mass super-absorbent material 87 is a nylon net 95 which is the same form of nylon net as used in the first and second embodiments.

[0055] Operation of the device according to the third embodiment is essentially analogous to the device of the second embodiment, except that the nipple 85 is first cut-off. Again, after positioning the device above the stain, the device is then lowered to touch the fabric. Instead of pushing a dosing knob, as in the previous embodiment, liquid cleaning composition is ejected by squeezing the pipette reservoir 73, so that it is ejected through the opening 85 of the nozzle 83, through the bottom of the nylon mesh 95. The underside of the net 95 abrades the stain through a pressing and rotating action, so that liquid composition absorbed by the fabric and also stain material is absorbed.

[0056] The liquid cleaning compositions 11, 39, 75 used in the above embodiments may have the following formulations: 1 Trade Name Supplier Material Type wt. % Permulen TR 2 BF Goodrich polymeric emulsified 0.1 Lialet 111-5.5 Condea Augusta nonionic surfactant 0.2 Admox 12 Albermarle tertiary amine oxide 0.15 Sodium dioctyl Sigma wetting agent 0.3 sulfosuccinate KOH Baker pH control 0.021 Kathon CG-ICP Rohm & Haas Biocide 0.0003 Water balance pH = 7.0 Example 2 Trade Name Supplier Material Type wt. % Permulen TR2 BF Goodrich Polymeric emulsifier 0.10 Lialet 111-5.5 Condea Augusta Nonionic surfactant 0.20 Admox 12 Albemarle Tertiary amine oxide 0.15 Sodium dioctyl Sigma Anionic surfactant/wet 0.30 sulfosuccinate Kathon CG-ICP Rohm and Haas Biocide 0.0003 KOH to pH 7.0 Water balance Example 3 Trade Name Supplier Material Type wt. % Permulen TR2 BF Goodrich Polymeric emulsifier 0.10 Lialet 111-5.5 Condea Augusta Nonionic surfactant 0.20 Admox 12 Albemarle Tertiary amine oxide 0.15 Dynol 604 Air Products nonionic surfactant/ 0.30 wet Kathon CG-ICP Rohm and Haas Biocide 0.0003 KOH to pH 7.0 Water Balance

[0057] In an alternative formulation, the amount of Pemulen TR2 is 0.1 wt % and 0.75 wt % is the amount of Lialet 111-5.

Claims

1. A device for spot cleaning a fabric with a liquid cleaning composition, the device comprising a reservoir for holding the composition, an applicator for applying the composition from the reservoir to the fabric and absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the composition from the fabric.

2. A device according to claim 1, in the form of a member having a first end and a second end, wherein the reservoir is located within or forms at least part of the member.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein one of the applicator and the absorbent means is located at one of said first and second ends of the member and the other of the applicator and the absorbent means is located at the other of the first and second ends of the member.

4. A device according to claim 2, wherein both the applicator and the absorbent means are located at the same first end or second end of the member.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the applicator and absorbent means are concentric with each other and at least part of the member which is adjacent to the first or second end at which the applicator or absorbent means are located.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the applicator has a point or region of exit for the composition and the absorbent means surrounds the point or region of exit.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein mesh means is provided for rubbing the fabric so that liquid absorbed by the absorbent means from the fabric passes through the mesh means.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the absorbent member is held in a chamber having an opening covered by said mesh means.

9. A device according to claim 7, wherein the absorbent means is held by a holding means and is covered by said mesh means.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein said applicator comprises a slot or hole of dimensions for restricting the out-flow of the liquid composition.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a liquid permeable member.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein a removable cap is provided for covering the applicator when not in use.

13. A device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid composition comprises water, at least one organic solvent and optionally, surfactant.

14. A method of spot cleaning a fabric by applying a liquid cleaning composition to the fabric with an applicator of a device according to claim 1 and absorbing at least some of the composition so applied with the absorbent means of said device.

15. A method of spot cleaning according to claim 14 when applying a device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the mesh means is used to rub the fabric after application of the liquid composition.