STAIN REMOVAL KIT AND METHOD

Abstract

A stain removal kit includes a cleaning formula, rinse agent and a super absorbent cloth for stain removal. A stain removal guide is preferably included to provide a stain removal regimen. Cleaning formula and a rinse agent or agents are alternately applied to the fabric in the presence of the super absorbent cloth. The cleaning formula and rinse agent are absorbed into the super absorbent cloth with the stain material to completely remove stains The kit is preferably provided as a portable packet or container easily used or stored in a variety of locations where stain removal may be desired.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to removing stains from fabrics, and relates more particularly to a kit and method for treating stains according to specified criteria.

Related Art

Stains and soaked-in spots on fabrics including apparel are often difficult to remove in a timely fashion or with given user requirements. For example, a person wearing a particular item of clothing that becomes stained will often not wish to or be able to submit the clothing item to professional cleaning services, which can be both time consuming and costly. Getting apparel to a cleaning service such as a dry cleaner can also take a large amount of time, during which time a stain is more likely to set and becomes harder to remove. The stain is more likely to set over a period of non-treatment because the stain material tends to oxidize and form bonds with the fabric over time and become increasingly more difficult to eradicate safely. Stain removal can be difficult because a number of other factors for satisfactory cleaning must be considered. For example, the type of stained material should be considered in selecting an appropriate technique for removing the stain. In addition, the fabric to be treated for stain removal should be considered to determine if an appropriate stain treatment may damage the fabric. It would be desirable to quickly and easily diagnose a stain and the stained fabric for an appropriate treatment to rapidly remove the stain without damaging the fabric.

One drawback in stain removal processes is that an applied stain removal agent can soak into the stained fabric and be dispersed into the fabric outside the area of the stain. The dispersion of the stain removal agent can draw the stain material into unstained areas of the fabric, creating a larger stain area and potentially discoloring a larger area of the fabric than is the case with the original stain. It would be desirable to provide a means for preventing dispersion of the stain removal agent outside an area of the stain and to focus the cleaning power of the stain removal agent in the stain area.

In addition, if the fabric is soaked with a cleaning formula and not rinsed out, the final results can be poor. For example, stain particles and cleaning formula residue can be left in the fabric if not rinsed out, which can have an adverse effect on the fabric, including leaving a ring around the stained areas.

Another drawback in stain removal that should be avoided is improper use of a cleaning agent that can result in further setting the stain into the fabric rather than removing it. Many cleaning agents have strict packaging and handling requirements, and require special application methods. It has often been the case that properly disposing of the cleaning agents or solvents is a sizeable task, often limited because of practical considerations to commercial dry cleaning establishments.

Attempts to provide cleaning agents for personal use in a simplified product have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,980,941 to Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 3,686,125 to Miller and U.S. Pat. No. 3,993,190 to Schmidgall. These stain removing systems provide techniques for delivering a cleaning solution to a stained area for stain removal. These approaches provide a simplistic approach to removing a stain, however a given single cleaning agent may not be useful for all types of fabrics, or to remove all types of stained material, such as in the case of combination stains.

Another approach to remove particular stain combinations in a number of different types of fabric is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,614 to Mahdessian, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. Mahdessian discloses the use of alternate cleaning formulas and rinses to remove a variety of stains in a variety of materials according to a particular application sequence. The approach by Mahdessian works well in removing a number of types of stains because of the application of different cleaning formulas directed at different stain types responsive to the particular cleaning formula. According to this approach, complex stains can be removed with a particular cleaning formula sequence with rinses applied after each cleaning formula application. However, it would be desirable to improve this approach to overcome the drawback of cleaning formula and stain dispersion in the fabric to be cleaned.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a stain removal kit and method that provides stain removal using application of a cleaning solution and a rinse agent in conjunction with a super absorbent material to soak up the cleaning solution, rinse agent and stain material.

A stain removal kit in accordance with and embodiment of the present application includes a cleaning formula for cleaning a stained fabric, a rinse solution for rinsing the fabric after application of the cleaning formula and a super absorbent material for absorbing at least one of the cleaning formula with stain material and the rinse solution.

A stain removal kit in accordance with another embodiment of the present application includes a cleaning formula for cleaning a stained fabric, a rinse solution for rinsing the fabric after application of the cleaning formula, a stain guide including information for treatment of stains through the application of a sequence of the cleaning formula and rinse solution and a super absorbent material for absorbing at least one of the cleaning formula with stain material and the rinse solution.

A method of removing a stain in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes applying a super absorbent material to the stain to remove stain material, positioning other super absorbent material under the fabric and the stain, applying a cleaning solution to the stain and applying a rinse solution to the stain after applying the cleaning solution to rinse the cleaning solution and stain material from the fabric.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in greater detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of the items comprising a kit according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of cleaning formula packet labeling according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of rinse packet labeling according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is an illustration of absorbent cloth labeling according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an abstract flow chart indicating generalized examples of steps for application of the present invention to remove stains;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show general forms of stain guides according to the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show specific stain guide information for application of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a complex stain removal process guide according to the present invention;

FIG. 8A is an exemplary illustration of a front view of the items accompanying a kit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is an exemplary illustration of a rear view of the items accompanying the kit of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an outer surface of an exemplary container in which the items of FIGS. 8A and 8B are stored;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the inner surface of the container of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stain removal tool suitable for use in the kit of FIG. 8A; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of the tool of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, an illustration of an exemplary kit and components according to the present invention is shown generally as kit 10. Kit 10 includes an envelope 12 for holding the kit contents and providing guide instructions for use of the kit. Packet combinations 14-16 provide a combination cleaning formula packet and rinse packet for application to a stained fabric in accordance with the present invention. A packet 13 contains super absorbent cloths that are used with combination packets 14-16 in removing a stain. Packets 13-16 fit into envelope 12 to provide a compact and easy package for use as a stain removal kit and system.

When treating stained fabric, time is an important factor in successfully removing a stain from the soiled fabric. The sooner the stain is properly treated, the easier and safer it is to remove the stain. The longer a stain remains untreated, the sooner the stain material will oxidize and set into the fabric. Accordingly, stain removal kit 10 is made portable and compact to be taken along or stored in any location convenient to where a stain may be incurred.

In FIG. 1, three different cleaning formula packets are illustrated in combination with rinse packets shown as combination packets 14-16. Combination packets 14-16 are composed of two separate packets separated by a perforation 11, so that the special formula packet and the rinse packet can be separated and applied to a stained fabric separately. By providing combination packets 14-16, a rinse packet is conveniently accessible with the cleaning formula packet, so that a rinse can be applied conveniently after the cleaning formula is applied.

Combination packets 14-16 include cleaning formula packets 17-19, each of which includes an absorbent cloth 22-24, respectively, saturated with a separate cleaning formula. Preferably, three different cleaning formulas F1, F2 and F3 are available in cleaning formula pockets 17-19, respectively. For example, packet 17 includes cloth 22 saturated with a cleaning formula for cleaning earth based stains, such as, for example, fruit juices, teas, colas, liquors and so forth. Packet 18 includes a cloth 23 saturated with a cleaning formula for cleaning protein and dairy based stains, such as, for example, blood, perspiration, milk, eggs and so forth. Packet 19 includes a cloth 24 saturated with a cleaning formula for cleaning oil based stains, such as, for example, vegetable, mineral or petroleum oils, animal fat, salad dressings and so forth.

Each cleaning formula saturated into cloths 22-24, in packets 17-19, is accompanied by a rinse packet 20, generally referred to or labeled as R, that has a cloth 25 saturated with a rinsing agent. Preferably, the rinsing agent saturating cloth 25 is distilled water. However, it should be apparent that a number of rinsing agents are available for use with kit 10, and may be matched individually with the separate cleaning formulas in packets 17-19. For example, rinse packet 20 accompanying cleaning formula packet 17 in combination packet 14 can contain a rinsing agent that is specially formulated to rinse the cleaning formula saturated into cloth 22, and likewise for the other cleaning formulas and rinse packets.

A packet 13, generally labeled S, preferably includes three super absorbent cloths 27 that are used in conjunction with the application of the cleaning formulas and rinsing agents supplied with packets 17-20. It should be apparent that other types of absorbent material may be used in place of the super absorbent cloths. For example, absorbent cotton balls, pads, sponges and the like that are capable of absorbing fluid from a fabric can be used.

Super absorbent cloths 27 can be used as a first treatment for removing stain material from fabric. That is, cloth 27 can be applied initially to the stained fabric to soak up the stain material and remove excess stain material to reduce the amount of stain that must be cleaned. Cloth 27 is also applied to an opposite side of the stained fabric than that to which the cleaning formulas and rinsing agents are applied. By placing super absorbent cloth 27 on an opposite side of the stained fabric, application of the cleaning formulas and rinsing agents helps to transfer the stain material through the fabric and into super absorbent cloth 27. Super absorbent cloth 27 thus draws the cleaning formulas, the rinsing agent and the stain material through the fabric to be cleaned to help provide a mechanical flow for removal of stain material. In addition, the use of super absorbent cloth 27 tends to keep the stain from being dispersed further into the fabric. That is, super absorbent cloth 27 draws the cleaning formulas and rinses through the fabric, without a substantial amount of spread within the fabric. It is typically the case that application of conventional stain treatments causes the stain material to be dispersed into the fabric, resulting in a larger stain area. By using super absorbent cloth 27 in conjunction with careful application of the cleaning formulas and the rinsing agents, a stain can be contained to its original area without further spreading into the fabric.

Stain kit 10 also includes an envelope 12 for housing packets 13 and combination packets 14-16. Envelope 12 provides a pocket (not shown) for storing packets 13 and combination packets 14-16 in an easy to use and simple storage compartment. Envelope 12 preferably folds over several times to provide a compact carrying case for stain kit 10 with stain treating information and guides provided in several sections of envelope 12. In addition, envelope 12 is printed with instructions for using kit 10, in addition to providing a guide for stain removal, discussed in greater detail below.

Packets 13 and combination packets 14-16 are also preferably printed with identifiers and instructions for use. For example, packet 17 may be printed with an identifier for a cleaning formula 1, while packets 18 and 19 may be printed with identifiers for a cleaning formula 2 and 3, respectively. Packets 20 are preferably printed with a rinse identifier are for easily discerning the rinsing agent and its purpose from that of the cleaning formulas. Packets 17-19 are also preferably printed with instructions for application of the respective cleaning formula to the stained fabric.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary illustration of printed instructions provided on an outside of each of packets 17-19 is shown. In addition to providing instructions for use, the packets printing also provides warning information for use with sensitive fabrics, as well as a caution for safe and proper use. The instructions call for absorbent cloth 27 to be placed on an opposite side of the fabric to be treated with the relevant cleaning formula.

The instructions on packets 17-19 also describe a preferable technique for applying the cleaning formula with any of cloths 22-24. In addition to containing the stain with the use of super absorbent cloths 27, the technique provided in step 2 of FIG. 2 helps to draw stain material towards a center of the stain, rather than spreading the stain material further into the fabric. According to this preferred application, the saturated cloth 22-24 is tapped lightly on the fabric in a circular motion around the edge of the stain and worked towards the center of the stain area. This technique releases cleaning formula into the stained fabric, while containing the stain in a small localized area. Step 2 also indicates that all areas of cloth 22-24 should be used in treating the stain area. By using all areas of cloth 22-24, a stain material picked up in cloth 22-24 is not transferred into the fabric again or into other areas of the fabric. In addition, by using all areas of cloths 22-24, the relevant cleaning formula is supplied to the stained fabric is less contaminated with stain material than would otherwise be the case, resulting in better stain removal. The instructions in step 3 of FIG. 2 indicate that a rinse packet 20 should be used following the application of the cleaning formula in cloths 22-24. Cloths 25 are removed from rinse packets 20 and applied to rinse the fabric of the relevant cleaning formula and further provide a flow for the stain material to exit the fabric. Super absorbent cloth 27 also absorbs the supplied rinsing agent to further conduct stain material out of the stained fabric.

Rinse packets 20 also include instructions for use, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 3A. In accordance with step 2 of FIG. 3A, cloth 25 saturated with the rinsing agent is applied to the stain area near the center, and worked over the entire stain in a circular pattern while moving towards the perimeter of the stain. If no other cleaning formulas are to be applied, another super absorbent cloth 27 is used to further dry the fabric area to remove the rinsing agent from the fabric.

Packet 13 also includes printed instructions and identification, indicating that the stain removal process should be started with the application of one of super absorbent cloths 27. Referring to FIG. 3B, several steps for use of super absorbent cloth 27 are illustrated. In accordance with step one of FIG. 3B, super absorbent cloth 27 is moved or rotated to permit all areas of super absorbent cloth 27 to be used to soak up cleaning formula, rinsing agent and stain material.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rinsing agent saturating cloths 25 is distilled water. Distilled water is helpful in flushing stain particles and cleaning formula from the stained fabric, and is easily absorbed into super absorbent pads 27. In addition, distilled water permits the fabric to dry without leaving a ring, such as would be the case with typical tap water containing iron and various other minerals. It is often the case that tap water used in a localized area of a fabric for rinsing will leave a yellow ring that is directly the result of iron and other minerals in the tap water.

To use stain removal kit 10, the stain guide is consulted to determine the appropriate cleaning formulas and sequence for removing the given stain. Super absorbent cloth 27 is placed on one side of the stained fabric.

Cleaning agents are then applied to another side of the stained fabric, for example, cleaning formula 1, 2 or 3 in packets 17-19, respectively, for example. Using these cleaning formulas in various combinations, any type of stain can be removed with excellent results. Cleaning formula 1 is preferably designed to remove earth based stains, while cleaning formulas 2 and 3 are designed to remove protein and oil based stains, respectively. These cleaning formulas are commercially available in proper dilutions and with appropriate additives suitable for direct contact with fabrics.

In an exemplary embodiment, cleaning agents 1, 2 and 3 are saturated into cloths 22-24, respectively. Since these cleaning formulas are typically applied in liquid form, the cloth or web material to be saturated is selected to avoid chemical interaction with the cleaning formulas, and to serve as a cleaning tool. For example, the cloth material is a non-woven, embossed applicator having a 3 to 1 rayon/polypropylene blend and is available under the trade name NOVONETTE sold by Veratec. The embossing on the applicator provides a textured surface that enhances mechanical cleaning action while providing recesses to contain soil material taken from the fabric surface being cleaned. Preferably, the same cloth material is used in packets 14-19. It should be apparent that other synthetic blends or treated natural fibers can be used for the cloth or web material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the packets themselves are created from laminates 30, which are cut into paired blanks and heat sealed along their peripheries. Any suitable vapor impervious laminate may be used that avoids chemical interaction with the cleaning formulas. Laminates 30 contain an outer paper layer, an intermediate foil layer and an inner modified polyethylene ionomer layer which is heat-sealable.

In an exemplary embodiment, rinse packets 20 preferably contain cloths saturated with distilled water. Packets 17-19 are labeled to indicate that rinse agents in packets 20 should be applied after the cleaning formulas. Packets 20 are labeled to indicate that super absorbent cloth 27 is used before and potentially after a complete sequence of cleaning formula applications and rinses, or the fabric may be air dried until completely dry. The labeling on packets 20 also indicates how super absorbent cloths 27 should be used, i.e., from outer edges of the wet area towards a center with circular motions (FIGS. 3A and 3B). Packet 13 is preferably labeled to indicate application prior to the use of the cleaning formulas, as well.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, use of the kit begins with identification of the stain in block 40 and obtaining the stain treatment from the stain guide in block 42. If the stain type is unknown, as shown in block 44, the packets are applied in the order of packet 19, 20, 17, 20, 18, 20, with super absorbent cloth 27 in place behind the stained fabric. Super absorbent cloth 27 is preferably positioned on an opposite side of the fabric that will be treated with the cleaning formulas and rinses according to the stain guide.

The stain guide lists a number of combination stains that are effectively treated with a specific sequence of cleaning formulas and rinses. For example, in block 46 a particular wet stain type calls for the application of packets 18, 20, 19, 20, 13 after placement of super absorbent cloth 27. A third stain type is treated with permutation 3 in box 48 by applying packets 17, 18, 20, 13 in the presence of super absorbent cloth 27. Many other stain types and permutations are provided as indicated in FIGS. 5A-5B. FIG. 5A illustrates a general form for a stain guide that calls for a single cleaning formula. For example, packets 17 and 18 call for the subsequent use of packets 20 after the application of each cleaning formula, and the further subsequent use of packet 13 to dry the fabric.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, in an exemplary embodiment, another portion of the stain guide is illustrated in a general form. The stains handled according to the applications in FIG. 5B include combination stains that are removable with two or more recommended cleaning formulas. For a combination stain, the stain guide contains detailed indications of each packet that is to be applied and the order of application. Note that it is possible to apply two cleaning formulas at once, followed by a rinse for both.

Super absorbent cloth 27 provides a means for absorbing not only stain material that is dissolved or loosened by application of one or more cleaning formulas and rinses, but also absorbs the cleaning formulas and rinses themselves. Accordingly, super absorbent cloth 27 soaks up the cleaning formulas, rinses and stain material to provide a fluid flow through and out of the stained fabric to obtain a mechanical means for removing stain material. As further solvent and/or rinse is applied to the fabric, the flow through the fabric to super absorbent cloth 27 is enhanced, thereby contributing to removing the stain material from the fabric.

Moreover, super absorbent cloth 27 tends to prevent cleaning formulas, rinses and stain material from spreading further in the fabric. By drawing the cleaning formulas and rinses through the fabric, there is less of an opportunity for the dispersion of the cleaning formulas or rinses into the fabric. When the area of fabric absorbing the cleaning formulas, rinses, and potentially the stain material, is reduced, the stain removal process achieves increased effectiveness and produces better results.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B, further exemplary stain removal guides are illustrated as guides 82 and 84. A user simply follows the instructions for using the stain kit according to guide 82. Guide 84 illustrates the type of stains that are treated with each of the special formulas contained in the respective packets in the kit of the present invention.

As described in guide 82, cleaning a particular stain is addressed by applying super absorbent cloth 27 to one side of the stained fabric, selecting the appropriate packets indicated by guide 84 and sequentially opening and applying the packet contents to the side of the stained fabric opposite super absorbent cloth 27. The cloth or web from the selected packet is preferably lightly tapped in contact with the stained fabric, and super absorbent cloth 27 draws the cleaning formula, rinse and stain material through and out of the stained fabric. Once the fabric has been sufficiently saturated with the cleaning agent that is drawn through the fabric with the stain material, the used cloth or web is simply discarded and the next steps in the sequence are applied. If a combination stain is to be treated, i.e., one involving two or more materials listed in different columns of guide 84, a sequence of formula applications is called for.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in an exemplary embodiment, a guide for a complex stain removal process is shown generally as a guide 86. Guide 86 is, for example, a package cover or label on packaging for a stain removal kit. An individual using guide 86 reviews the list of stains covered by the complex stain removal process to identify the stain to be removed and the process for removing the stain. If the stain is not listed, the complex stain is treated as an unknown stain and the unknown stain sequence is used. Alternately, the user can consult the items listed in guide 84 to determine if the unlisted complex stain can be treated as a combination of items in the different columns of guide 84.

For example, guide 84 (FIG. 6B) may list components of a complex stain in different categories that points to the application of a stain removal sequence provided in guide 86. In guide 84, a black coffee stain is removed with special formula 1, while milk is removed by application of special formula 2. Referring to guide 86, a stain consisting of coffee with milk is treated with the application of special formula 1, followed by a rinse step, and then special formula 2 followed by a rinse.

Guide 86 further notes that when treating a complex stain, the sequence of applications can be truncated if the stain is completely removed before the end of the sequence. Rinse packets are preferably applied after the cleaning formula applications to remove both the cleaning formula and any stain material remaining. The cleaning formulas, rinse material (preferably distilled water) and stain material are all absorbed by the super absorbent cloth to assist in fluid flow and stain removal throughout the treatment process. Used packets and the super absorbent cloth may be simply discarded after the treatment process.

By classifying the stain material and fabric to be treated, a self contained kit with three different cleaning formulas is provided, capable of cleaning all types of stains. The packets and guide are packaged together as a kit that is completely portable and suitable for transportation in a car, jacket, pocket, purse, or stored at home or office, or in a restaurant, hotel or other establishment in which ready treatment for stains is desired. The comprehensive stain cleaning kit achieves excellent cleaning results for all types of material and all stains.

In an alternate embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B, the cleaning kit 10 may utilize a single cleaning solution in place of the three different cleaning solutions discussed above with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, packet combination 114-116 provides a combination cleaning formula packet with a single cleaning formula, a rinse solution or agent packet and a super absorbent cloth or other super absorbent material packet. FIG. 8A illustrates a front of the packet combination 114-116, while FIG. 8B illustrates a rear of the packet combination. Packet 114 contains at least one super absorbent cloth or other super absorbent material that may be used with the cleaning formula and rinse solution in removing a stain. The packets 114-116 preferably fit into the envelope 12 discussed above to provide a compact and easy package for use as a stain removal kit and system. In this embodiment, the envelope 12 may be slightly modified, as illustrated in FIGS. 9-10.

The packet combination 114-116 is preferably composed of individual packets 114, 115, 116 separated by perforations 111, so that the super absorbent cloth packet 114, cleaning formula packet 115 and the rinse packet 116 may be separated and the contents applied to a stained fabric separately. If preferred, super absorbent cloth packet 114, cleaning formula packet 115 and the rinse solution packet 116 may be provided as separate packets that are not joined together. As indicated in FIGS. 8A-8B, a perforation 111 is also provided near a top edge of each packet 114, 115, 116 to allow for easy opening. By providing combination packet 114-116, the rinse packet 116 is conveniently accessible with the cleaning formula packet 115 and the super absorbent cloth packet 114, so that a rinse agent may be applied conveniently after the cleaning formula is applied, for example.

The cleaning formula packet 115 preferably includes a cloth, or web, similar to the cloth 22 discussed above, infused with a cleaning formula or solution. The cleaning formula is preferably usable on a wide variety of stains regardless of the stain material. The rinse solution packet 116 preferably has a cloth saturated with a rinsing agent, similar to the cloth 25 discussed above. The rinsing agent in the cloth is preferably distilled water, however, a number of rinsing agents may be used.

The packet 114 preferably includes at least one super absorbent cloth or other super absorbent material, similar to the cloths 27 discussed above, that are used in conjunction with the application of the cleaning formula and rinsing agent supplied with packets 115 and 116. Additional super absorbent cloths may be included in the packet 114. A variety of absorbent materials may be used in place of the super absorbent cloths, for example, absorbent cotton balls, pads, sponges and the like that may be used to absorb fluid from a fabric. The super absorbent cloth may also be used as a first treatment for removing stain material from fabric. That is, the super absorbent cloth may be applied to the stain initially to soak up stain material to reduce the amount of stain that must be cleaned. Alternatively, stain material may be removed initially using a spoon or other rounded implement that will not damage or otherwise affect the fabric of the garment. FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a tool 200 with a rounded end that may be used to remove excess stain material. FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the tool 200. In a preferred embodiment, the tool 200 is white or another light color such that stain material easily visible on it. The tool 200 is optionally included in the stain kit 10. The super absorbent cloth is preferably applied to an opposite side of the stained fabric than that to which the cleaning formulas and rinsing agents are applied. It is preferred that a different super absorbent cloth be positioned on the opposite side of the stain if the super absorbent cloth is used to absorb excess stain material as a first step. By placing super absorbent cloth or other super absorbent material on an opposite side of the stained fabric from the stain, application of the cleaning formula and rinsing agent helps to transfer the stain material through the fabric and into the super absorbent cloth. The super absorbent cloth thus draws the cleaning formula, the rinsing agent and the stain material through the fabric to be cleaned to help provide a mechanical flow for removal of stain material. In addition, the use of super absorbent cloth tends to keep the stain from being dispersed further into the fabric. That is, super absorbent cloth draws the cleaning formula and rinse agent through the fabric, without a substantial amount of spread within the fabric which avoids the stain from spreading as is common with conventional cleaning kits.

The stain kit 10 preferably includes the envelope 12 mentioned above for storing packets 114, 115 and 116. Envelope 12 provides a pocket (not shown) or other space for storing the packets 114, 115, 116 in an easy to use and simple storage compartment. Envelope 12 preferably folds over to provide a compact carrying case for stain kit 10. Stain treating information and guides may be provided in several sections of envelope 12. FIG. 9 illustrates an outer surface of an exemplary embodiment of the envelope 12, which illustrates exemplary branding information. FIG. 10 illustrates the inside surface of the envelope 12 modified slightly include instructions for use with the packets 114, 115, 116. The envelope 12 in FIGS. 9-10 is illustrated in an unfolded configuration, but is foldable along the dotted lines illustrated therein to provide an inner pocket, or other storage space, to store the packet combination 114-116, or the packets individually if they are separated. While an envelope 12 is illustrated, any suitable container may be used as desired to hold the packets 114, 115 and 116, although it is preferred that any such container be relatively small and thin to allow for easy portability.

As can be seen FIGS. 8A-8B, each of the packets 114, 115 and 116 of the combination packet 114-116 is preferably labeled with identifiers and instructions for use. Packet 115 may be labeled on its front to identify the cleaning formula. Packet 116 may be labeled a rinse formula or rinse agent on its front. If desired, additional identification information may be included, for example, the name of the specific rinse agent or cleaning formula in use. The rear of each packet 114, 115, 116 is preferably labeled with instructions for its use, as can be seen in FIG. 8B. The packets 114, 115, 116 may also include warning information regarding use with sensitive fabrics, for example, as well as information related to safe and proper use of the packets 114, 115, 116 and their contents.

FIG. 10 provides an exemplary illustration of printed instructions for use of all of the packets 114, 115, 116 provided on the inner surface of the envelope 12, for convenience. If desired, a separate insert may be provided that includes these instructions and is stored in the envelope 12.

The instructions on the packets 114, 115, 116 and on the envelope 12 describe placing the super absorbent cloth, or other super absorbent material, from packet 114 under the stained portion of the fabric. The instructions further describe a preferable technique for applying the cleaning formula with cloths such as cloth 22. The technique used maybe similar to that described above with respect to the cloth 22. Step 2 of FIGS. 8B and 10 highlights that all areas of cloth 22 should be used in treating the stain area to minimize the chance of transferring stain material back into the fabric or other areas of the fabric. The instructions in step 3 of FIGS. 8B and 10 indicate that the rinse packet 116 is used following the application of the cleaning formula. Cloths similar to cloth 25 discussed above may be removed from rinse packet 116 and applied to rinse the fabric of the cleaning formula and further provide a flow for the stain material to exit the fabric. The super absorbent cloth or other super absorbent material from packet 114 absorbs the supplied rinsing agent to further conduct stain material out of the stained fabric. After the rinse formula is applied and absorbed, another super absorbent cloth may be used to further dry the fabric as indicated in Step 3 of FIGS. 8B and 10.

The packet 114 includes printed instructions indicating that the stain removal process should be started with the application of one of super absorbent cloths such as the cloth 27 discussed above. The super absorbent cloth(s) in the packet 114 are preferably similar to the cloths 27 discussed above and are preferably used in a similar manner. As noted above, prior to positioning a super absorbent cloth under the fabric and stain, a super absorbent cloth may be used on the stain side of the fabric to remove stain material.

One advantage of the embodiment of the kit 10 described with reference to FIGS. 8-10 is that the use of a single cleaning solution that may be used on stain material of different types simplifies use of the kit and reduces packaging. While the kit 10 includes at least one combination package 114-116, additional combination packages may be included in envelope 12, if desired. In addition, additional packets 114, 115, 116 may be stored in the envelope 12, whether in a combination package or individually. As noted above, the packet 114 includes at least one super absorbent cloths, however, additional super absorbent cloths may be used if desired. Similarly, addition cloths with cleaning solution, such as cloth 22, may be provided in the packet 115 and additional cloths with rinsing agent such as cloth 25, may be included in packet 116. While the present application discusses the use of packets 114, 115, 116 to hold the cleaning solution, rinse agent and super absorbent material, the present invention is not limited to use with packets and any suitable containers may be used.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.

Claims

1. A stain removal kit, comprising:

a cleaning formula for cleaning a stained fabric;

a rinse solution for rinsing the fabric after application of the cleaning formula; and

a super absorbent material for absorbing at least one of the cleaning formula with stain material and the rinse solution.

2. The stain removal kit according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one vapor impervious packet enclosing at least one of the cleaning formula and the rinse solution, the at least one vapor impervious packet includes identifying information.

3. The stain removal kit according to claim 2, further comprising:

a packet enclosing at least the super absorbent material.

4. The stain removal kit according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first vapor impervious packet enclosing the cleaning formula; and

a second vapor impervious packet enclosing the rinse solution.

5. The stain removal kit according to claim 4, further comprising:

a packet enclosing at least the super absorbent material.

6. The stain removal kit according to claim 2, wherein the at least one vapor impervious packet includes information to apply the cleaning formula and the rinse solution and to use the super absorbent material.

7. The comprehensive stain removal kit according to claim 1, further comprising a first cloth including the cleaning formula and a second cloth including the rinse solution.

8. The comprehensive stain removal kit according to claim 7, wherein the first and second cloths are non-woven, embossed webs.

9. The comprehensive stain removal kit according to claim 8, wherein the webs are selected from the group consisting of treated fibers, natural fibers, synthetic fibers and micro fibers.

10. The comprehensive stain removal kit according to claim 5, wherein the webs are made from rayon and polyester.

11. The stain removal kit of claim 1, wherein the super absorbent material is a cloth made of a super absorbent substance.

12. The stain removal kit of claim 1, wherein the super absorbent material is an absorbent material selected from the group consisting of cotton balls, pads and sponges.

13. The stain removal kit of claim 1, further comprising a container configured to store the cleaning formula, the rinse solution and the super absorbent material.

14. The stain kit of claim 12, wherein the container is an envelope.

15. The stain kit of claim 3, further comprising a container configured to store the at least one vapor impervious packet and the packet enclosing the super absorbent material.

16. The stain kit of claim 5, further comprising a container configured to store the first vapor impervious packet, the second impervious packet and the packet enclosing the super absorbent material.

17. The stain kit of claim 1, further comprising a stain guide including information for treatment of stains through application of a sequence of the cleaning formula and rinse solution.

18. The stain kit of claim 1 further comprising a tool with a rounded end configured to remove stain material from the fabric.

19. A stain removal kit comprising:

a cleaning formula for cleaning a stained fabric;

a rinse solution for rinsing the fabric after application of the cleaning formula;

a stain guide including information for treatment of stains through the application of a sequence of the cleaning formula and rinse solution; and

a super absorbent material for absorbing at least one of the cleaning formula with stain material and the rinse solution.

20. A method of removing a stain from fabric comprising steps of:

positioning super absorbent material under the fabric and the stain;

applying a cleaning solution to the stain opposite the superabsorbent material; and

applying a rinse solution to the stain after applying the cleaning solution to rinse the cleaning solution and stain material from the fabric.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising applying a super absorbent material to the stain to remove stain material prior to the positioning step.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising a step of drying the fabric in the area of the stain using additional super absorbent material.