For Removing Stains (other Than Merely In The Course Of Laundering Or Dry-cleaning Operation) Patents (Class 510/281)
  • Patent number: 5968202
    Abstract: A method of cleaning textile fabrics comprising the steps of (i) dispensing a detergent foam from an aerosol container, (ii) dissolving the foam in water to form an aqueous solution; and either subsequently or simultaneously, (iii) agitating the textile fabrics in the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jan Hendrik Maria Verbiest, Jean Wevers
  • Patent number: 5968204
    Abstract: Sheets capable of developing a positive electostatic charge are used for a variety of surface cleaning operations. Polyester fabric, non-woven and chemically bonded with an acrylic latex is used to dust surfaces, to clean clothes, furniture and carpets. A light solvent such as isopropanol can be used with the sheets to loosen gummy soils. In one mode, the sheets are used in a hot air clothes dryer to remove soils and detritus from garments. Processes for cleaning a variety of fabric and hard surfaces are conducted using the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Rodney Mahlon Wise
  • Patent number: 5951716
    Abstract: A containment bag 1 which may be used in home dry cleaning is made of textile with an impermeable finish and an interior capable of absorbing loose particles and soil. The containment bag 1 is used in a home dryer dry cleaning and freshening system. The textile of the containment bag 1 has a layer of woven or knit fabric with an impermeable coating and a soft, hairy layer on its interior. The inside of the containment bag 1 is prewetted with cleaning composition. Preferably a liquid cleaning composition is employed and the cleaning composition may include a fragrance composition. A process for cleaning a garment is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Anthony Lucia, III, Stephen Vito Dente, Tracy Ann Ryan, Michael Richard Tyerech, Anthony Domenic Sidoti, Stanislaw Kepka
  • Patent number: 5946951
    Abstract: This invention is to be put in the washing machine vat with clothing and finely dividing hydro molecule cluster of the washing water by which the washing water permeates into the fiber of the clothing a generally disk shaped vessel main body is configured to be raised at its upper and lower surfaces where numerous water passing holes or perforations are formed for passing water there-through, a shock absorber is attached on the vessel main body at its side periphery face; a float is attached on the main body at its upper center, and a ceramic ball, tormaline resin, magnet and copper fiber are contained in the vessel main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Daikyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5942484
    Abstract: Phase stable liquid compositions comprise water, butoxy propoxy propanol and alkyl sulfate or alkyl ethoxy sulfate surfactants. The compositions are used to clean fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Timothy Clair Roetker, Ronald Anthony Masters, Michael Peter Siklosi
  • Patent number: 5916864
    Abstract: A laundry detergent composition is disclosed which comprises: (A) a nonionic surfactant represented by formula (1); (B) at least one cationic surfactant represented by formula (2) wherein the cationic surfactant has a whole iodine value of 40 to 100; (C) at least one sparingly water-soluble solvent selected from a solvent represented by formula (3) and a solvent represented by formula (4); and (D) at least one easily water-soluble solvent selected from a solvent represented by formula (5) and a solvent represented by formula (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Sunstar Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Fujino, Yumi Goto, Takenori Fukugaki, Yoshiaki Nakamura, Yuji Murakami
  • Patent number: 5914302
    Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Liquid formulations comprising detergent surfactant, such as oleate, alcohol ethoxylates, etc., and neutralized phosphoric acid are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits, especially wax. Articles for applying the compositions to produce by spraying are disclosed. Use of the compositions for disinfectancy/sanitization of produce and cleaning/disinfectancy/sanitization of non-food inantimate surfaces are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruce Prentiss Murch, Brian Joseph Roselle, Kyle David Jones, Keith Homer Baker, Thomas Edward Ward, Toan Trinh
  • Patent number: 5912408
    Abstract: Enzymes are used in a dry cleaning composition and process. Cleaning compositions comprising lipase, protease and/or amylase enzymes are applied to soiled fabrics in the presence of an organic solvent such as butoxy propoxy propanol to clean the fabrics. In a preferred mode, an enzyme-containing dry cleaning composition is releasably contained in a sheet substrate. The sheet is tumbled with soiled fabrics in a conventional home clothes dryer to clean soiled garments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Toan Trinh, Michael Peter Siklosi
  • Patent number: 5908473
    Abstract: Spot pretreatment compositions useful as stain cleaning compositions useful prior to a subsequent cleaning operation, including laundering or dry-cleaning. The spot cleaning compositions feature a major proportion of water, and minor amounts of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and organic solvents selected from alcohols and glycol ethers. The spot pretreatment compositions exhibit excellent stain dissolution characteristics. Processes for producing the spot cleaning compositions, and methods for their use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman
    Inventors: Jeanne Marie Weller, Frank Anthony Lucia, III, Stanislaw Kepka, Ashwinkumar C. Gandhi
  • Patent number: 5895504
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for use of a towelette to clean stains from clothing and upholstery. The towelette is impregnated with a cleaning solution that is primarily water, but also contains a volatile cleaning agent and a surfactant. The pH and surfactant concentrations of the cleaning solution are regulated. The wipe reduces the incidence of readily visible rings around treated stains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Sramek, Thomas A. Strash
  • Patent number: 5891197
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses a stain receiver article and its use in a fabric cleaning process. The invention also encompasses a kit, comprising: (a) an aqueous fabric cleaning/refreshment composition which is, optionally, releasably contained on a carrier substrate; a re-usable, preferably vapor-venting, containment bag; a stain receiver article according to this invention; optionally, but preferably, a fabric cleaning device, as disclosed herein; optionally, a re-usable holding tray; and optionally, a non-aqueous cleaning composition. The invention also encompasses the stain receiver article, itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Terrill Alan Young, John Richard Noel, Maxwell Gregory Davis
  • Patent number: 5883065
    Abstract: An emulsified detergent composition is provided. The detergent composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 70%, by weight of the detergent composition, of a detersive surfactant wherein at least from about 70% to about 90%, by weight of the detersive surfactant, is a nonionic surfactant. The detergent composition also includes an electrolyte, in an amount sufficient to render the cloud point of the detergent composition to be less than about 20.degree. C., and water. The detersive surfactant and the water are in two phases in a weight ratio of about 1:10 to about 10:1 in the detergent composition. Superior cleaning and stain removal results because the emulsified detergent composition provides separation of the water and surfactant phases in a low water wash system over a broad temperature range and allows for cleaning below the cloud point of the surfactant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ronald A. Swift, II, Stephen W. Morrall
  • Patent number: 5876462
    Abstract: A dryer dry cleaning and freshening system is provided with a containment bag, a dispenser means formed of an absorbent polymeric material usually impregnated with liquid cleaning composition, and optionally means for absorbing loose particles and excess cleaning composition. A process for cleaning a garment is also provided. The system and process may be used in a home clothes dryer for dry cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Inc.
    Inventors: Jeanne Marie Weller, Elizabeth C. Mason, Robert William Bogart, Frank Anthony Lucia, III, Tracy Ann Ryan
  • Patent number: 5865851
    Abstract: Home dry cleaning compositions useful in dry-cleaning of textiles and garments in a non-commercial environment are disclosed. The cleaning compositions useful in conjunction with a a domestic dry cleaning operation the cleaning compositions are contacted with a soiled garment or textile during a tumbling such as is possible with a domestic clothes dryer. The cleaning compositions contain a major proportion of water, and further include minor amounts of a nonionic alkoxylated alcohol, anionic surfactant selected from alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, as well as salt forms thereof, organic solvent selected from alcohols and glycol ethers, as well as optional constituents including fluorosurfactants, pH adjusting agents, fragrances, fragrance solubilizers, and preservatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Domenic Sidoti, Michael Richard Tyerech, Tracy Ann Ryan, Frank Anthony Lucia, III, Jeanne Marie Weller
  • Patent number: 5863299
    Abstract: A method for removing a water spot from a fabric article, wherein the fabric article has a first side and a second side and the water spot is on the first side. The method comprises the steps of:a) placing a clean cloth on a hard flat surface;b) placing the fabric article on the clean cloth such that the first side of the fabric article contacts the clean cloth;c) dampening the fabric article with an aqueous solution; andd) ironing the second side of the fabric article adjacent the water spot with a clothes iron.This method is preferably performed in conjunction with a non-immersion method for cleaning and refreshing fabric articles. Also, a product for treating fabric articles is provided, which product includes instructions for performing the method of removing water spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Henry Holt, Stephanie Kay Jones
  • Patent number: 5849039
    Abstract: A process for removing a stain from a localized stained area on a fabric. The process comprises the following steps: (a) placing the stained area of the fabric over and in contact with an absorbent stain receiver; (b) applying a fluid cleaning composition, which comprises at least about 95%, by weight water, to the stain from a container having a dispenser spout with a distal tip; and (c) rubbing or pressing the cleaning composition into the stain using the distal tip of the spout. This process causes the stain to be transferred into the stain receiver before the fabric is used or subjected to conventional laundering or dry-cleaning processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Janice Quintana Sadlowski
  • Patent number: 5837665
    Abstract: An effective carpet spot cleaner is provided which is comprised of sodium polyphosphate and/or sodium tripolyphosphate; sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and Butyl Cellosolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Young
  • Patent number: 5817154
    Abstract: A substituted phthalocyanine in which at least one of the peripheral carbon atoms in the 1-16 positions of the phthalocyanine nucleus (MnPc) as shown in Formula (1) ##STR1## is linked via an oxygen atom or a sulphur atom to an organic radical, the remaining peripheral carbon atoms being unsubstituted or substituted by any combination of atoms or groups and sulphonated derivatives thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventors: Peter Gregory, Stephen James Reynolds, Raymond Lesley White
  • Patent number: 5747442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pretreater or compositions in stick form which remove stains. The compositions contain 30 to 80 wt. % of a nonionic surfactant, 1 to about 20 wt. % of an anionic soap, and 0.1% to 10 wt. % of a hydrophobically modified polar polymer. A method of using the composition is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara Helen Bory, Walter Joseph Lunsmann, Dennis Stephen Murphy, Tamara Padron, Lucia Victoria Salas
  • Patent number: 5736494
    Abstract: Flowable granular carpet cleaning compositions which do not contain borax or boric acid salts and which are readily shaken or strewn onto a carpet needing cleaning is disclosed. The compositions comprise as essential constituents: comminuted cellulose, zeolite, a inorganic salt system comprising of an (a) alkali metal carbonate, (b) an alkali metal bicarbonate, and an (c) alkali metal sesquicarbonate wherein the weight ratios of (a):(b):(c) are 1:0.5-2.5:0.5-2.5, one or more organic solvents, an organic or inorganic acid, anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant and, water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Colurciello, Jeanne M. Weller
  • Patent number: 5686402
    Abstract: Laundry detergent compositions containing a detergent surfactant, a detergent builder, and from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight ethylene dicysteate or its acid form are disclosed. These compositions provide enhanced removal of organic stains, such as food and beverage stains particularly polyphenolic stains such as wine, blueberry, tea, coffee, morello juice and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Eddie Nelson Gutierrez, Shang-Ren Wu, Robert Vermeer
  • Patent number: 5681355
    Abstract: A dry cleaning process is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer using a containment bag. The bag is constructed using heat resistant polymers, such as nylon, to avoid unanticipated hot spots in the dryer. The bag retains its integrity and can be re-used in subsequent dry cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Maxwell Gregory Davis, Bradford Scott Barron, Andrew Julian Wnuk, Julius Saslow
  • Patent number: 5669937
    Abstract: Iodine stains may be removed from a substrate, such as a textile, by applying a solution of carboxyalkene, having a site of unsaturation at the 4, 5-, 5, 6- or 6, 7- position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel T. McBride, John D. Bruhnke
  • Patent number: 5632780
    Abstract: 1,2-Octanediol is used to clean soiled fabrics. Thus, cleaning compositions comprising 1,2-octanediol, preferably in combination with solvents, are impregnated into carrier sheets. The sheets are tumbled with soiled fabrics inside of a plastic bag. The resulting home dry cleaning process leaves the fabrics clean and refreshed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Michael P. Siklosi
  • Patent number: 5630848
    Abstract: A home dry cleaning article is provided. Thus, a hydroentangled carrier sheet comprising mixed cellulosic, rayon, polyester and optional bicomponent fibers which is releasably impregnated with solvents such as butoxy propoxy propanol, 1,2-octanediol as a wetting agent, water and an emulsifier is prepared. The article is placed in a plastic bag with soiled garments and tumbled in a hot-air clothes dryer. The garments are cleaned and refreshed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Terrill A. Young, Jane L. Bavely, Timothy C. Roetker, Maxwell G. Davis
  • Patent number: 5630847
    Abstract: Efficient dry cleaning compositions with pleasant odor qualities comprise water, butoxy propoxy propanol cleaning solvent and a perfume ingredient. The compositions also comprise 1,2-octanediol as a wetting agent, and a polyacrylate emulsifier. Dry cleaning sheets impregnated with the composition are suitable for inhome use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Timothy C. Roetker
  • Patent number: 5613984
    Abstract: A process for laundering garments soiled with a one component paint, a two component paint, a waterborne paint, a powder coat paint or a mixture thereof comprising the steps of exposing the soiled garment to an acid ester; subsequently washing the garment by exposing the garment to at least one detergent and to at least one alkali to remove paint solids adhered to the garment in the presence of a coating solvent to prevent the redeposition of the paint solids removed from the garment by the detergent and the alkali and, subsequently drying the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Exfoliation Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert I. Nightingale, Charles W. Berndt
  • Patent number: 5591236
    Abstract: Aqueous cleaning compositions containing solvents such as butoxy propoxy propanol (BPP) are emulsified using low levels of polyacrylate emulsifiers. Thus, an emulsion comprising BPP, a polyacrylate, optional surfactants, optional 1,2-octanediol and water is applied to fabrics in a home dry cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Timothy C. Roetker
  • Patent number: 5565135
    Abstract: Low cost, effective aqueous heavy duty liquid laundry detergent compositions are provided. Such compositions contain relatively low levels of an anionic/nonionic-based surfactant system along with a protease-containing enzyme component and relatively large amounts of water. The anionic component of the surfactant system comprises a combination of alkyl sulfate and alkyl ether sulfate. The nonionic component of the surfactant system comprises fatty alcohol ethoxylates. Only minimal amounts of other detergent composition adjuvants are permitted in such compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Shelley L. Dauderman, Linda C. McWilliams, Hari A. Nair, Gary G. Staud
  • Patent number: 5560749
    Abstract: A bleaching composition and method is described that includes contacting a substrate with a peroxygen compound and a polymeric bleach precursor which has a monomer repeating unit of the structure: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 radical selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl and aryl radicals; andR.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.40 radical selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl and aryl radicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Madison, Pamela C. Lam
  • Patent number: 5531927
    Abstract: This invention relates to a stain removing composition comprising (A) from about 5 to about 80 percent by weight of a polyol having from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms and 2 to about 6 hydroxyl groups, (b) from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight ammonia, (C) from 1 to about 20 percent by weight of an ester, and (D) water. The compositions may additionally contain (E) a cleaner or surfactant. The invention also includes methods of removing stains from textiles. The stain removing compositions are effective in removing food dyes while not reacting with aniline (textile) dyes. The stain remover works on delicate fabrics, including silks. The stain removing compositions are environmentally safe and are free of chlorinated and petroleum distillate solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Bio-Safe Specialty Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald F. Peters