Prior To Dry Cleaning Patents (Class 510/282)
  • Patent number: 8569221
    Abstract: A cleaning composition that can discharge the color of blood, menstrual fluids, or other organic stains is provided. In particular, the present invention achieves a balance between control of unwanted liquid spreading by lateral wicking on a stained textile fabric to lessen the size of wet spots and maintaining the cleaning efficacy of the composition by means of specific kinds of thickening agents. The composition includes an oxidizing agent such as peroxides, a cell-lysing agent, a chelating agent, an antioxidant, a thickener, and other optional ingredients that are selectively employed to achieve an aqueous based composition that exhibits good shelf stability and stain removal properties. The thickening agent may include a cellulosic or clay material, starch, gum, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, hydrophilic colloidal particles, polyoxyethylene glycol or polyoxyethylene glycol derivatives including fatty acid esters and ethers, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey Cunningham, Scott W. Wenzel, Chris Decker, Jeffrey R. Seidling
  • Publication number: 20130117946
    Abstract: The present invention proposes compositions and methods to use for the removal of stains and particularly of those that are notoriously difficult to remove such as deodorant, perspiration and ink stains from all kinds of garments, including water sensitive protein fibers such as wool, cashmere or silk without incurring surface damage or dye/color loss. The compositions of the present invention are preferentially applied as spot cleaning compositions to the stained area of garments without scrubbing before a unique cleaning cycle at low temperature in professional wet- or dry cleaning process or a regular household laundry cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Fariborz Dawudian
  • Publication number: 20100240568
    Abstract: Textile pretreatment agent comprising at least two water-insoluble layers connected to each other, a gel comprising active agent being disposed there between in a manner sealed against water vapor. The gel comprising active agent bonds more strongly to a textile web material than to the water-insoluble layers and can thus be applied to a stain easily and without undesired skin contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Peter Schmiedel, Matthias Sunder, Matthias Uwe Blana
  • Patent number: 7749950
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a durable excellent stain-proofing property to the surface of a coating formed on a substrate surface of a building board without deteriorating the surface of the coating. The present invention also, provides a stain-proofing agent containing silica fine particles, an aqueous solvent and, as a stain-proofing improver, an alkali metal compound and/or an alkaline earth metal compound and/or a phosphorus compound and/or a clay mineral. The present invention also provides a building board having an excellent stain-proofing property prepared by applying a coating composition onto the surface of a substrate to form a coat, and then applying a stain-proofing agent onto the coat while the coat is in an unhardened state or applying a stain-proofing agent onto the coat after subjecting the coat to a roughening treatment to enhance the adhesion of the stain-proofing layer to the coat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nichiha Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Ukai, Hiroyuki Yamauchi, Yasuhisa Imanishi
  • Patent number: 7442678
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for a fabric treatment composition and its application. More specifically the invention relates to a versatile, effective convenient to apply fabric treatment applicator and its method of application. Claimed and described is method for the application of a fabric treatment composition, which comprises bleach and which is left to evaporate after being applied to a fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Roy Sandbach, Jean Wevers, Gautier Engisch
  • Patent number: 7244699
    Abstract: A composition containing a silicone-containing polymer for cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, with lipophilic fluid provides improved cleaning of soils while providing excellent garment care, especially for articles sensitive to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Christopher Deak, Eugene Paul Gosselink, Randall Thomas Reilman
  • Patent number: 7125831
    Abstract: The invention can provide a detergent composition for dry cleaning which comprises a nonionic surfactant as the component (a), a cyclic polysiloxane as the component (b) and a polyether modified silicone having a HLB value of at most 6 as the component (c), wherein the content of the component (a) is 5 to 70% by weight based on the total weight of the components (a), (b) and (c), the content of the total of the components (b) and (c) is 30 to 95% by weight based on the same, and the ratio by weight of the component (b) to the component (c) {b/c} is 1/10 to 20/1 and a detergent liquid for dry cleaning using the above detergent composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: NOF Corporation
    Inventors: Takaya Azuma, Susumu Shirouzu
  • Patent number: 7018966
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning composition comprising an emulsion comprising a polar co-solvent, a non-polar co-solvent, and an alkylamine dispersed throughout the emulsion. The alkylamine serves to prevent the emulsion from inverting and forming a thick, slippery gel, which is known to interfere with the cleaning process and washing machine components. Further, the present invention relates to a method for preventing gel formation by adding an alkylamine to an emulsified cleaning composition and washing stained articles therein. In another aspect of the present invention a method for pre-treating a stained article is provided comprising applying a cleaning composition in the form of a gel comprising an emulsion of a polar co-solvent and a siloxane-based non-polar co-solvent, and a detergent to the article, allowing the cleaning composition to penetrate the stain; and laundering the article in a siloxane based cleaning composition comprising an alkylamine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Stoessel, Renu Aggarwal
  • Patent number: 6930079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a lipophilic fluid contained in an emulsion of water and lipophilic fluid. The process includes the steps of pretreating the emulsion, removing lipophilic fluid from the emulsion, and purifying the lipophilic fluid to remove at least a portion of the impurities collected during the use of the emulsion. Method options are provided for each of the aforementioned steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Christopher Deak, Paul Amaat France, Kristina Marie Rohal Gansle, Anna Vadimovna Noyes, Arseni V. Radomyselski, John Cort Severns, Christiaan Arthur Jacques Kamiel Thoen, Jean Wevers
  • Patent number: 6914040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a lipophilic fluid contained in an emulsion of water and lipophilic fluid. The process includes the steps of pretreating the emulsion, removing lipophilic fluid from the emulsion, and purifying the lipophilic fluid to remove at least a portion of the impurities collected during the use of the emulsion. Method options are provided for each of the aforementioned steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Christopher Deak, Paul Armaat France, Kristina Marie Rohal Gansle, Anna Vadimovna Radomyselski, Arseni V. Radomyselski, John Cort Severns, Christiaan Arthur Jacques Kamiel Thoen, Jean Wevers
  • Patent number: 6908893
    Abstract: A novel cleaning composition for dry cleaning applications is described. The cleaning composition utilizes a stain removal composition having a stain removal surfactant and a stain removal solvent, and the dry cleaning applications use a solvent which is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, a biodegradable functionalized hydrocarbon or a silicone comprising solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Stephen Murphy
  • Patent number: 6884765
    Abstract: A process for cleaning textile fabric without the need for conventional detergent systems comprising agitating the fabric in a composition comprising at least two immiscible liquids, for example, perchloroethylene or petroleum ether and water, having at least one liquid-liquid interface with an interfacial tension of at least 5 mN/m, preferably at least 10 mN/m, and where the concentration of the most polar liquid in the composition is from 10 to 90% by volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Vijaya Milind Bargaje
  • Patent number: 6831050
    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 inanimate surfaces are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    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: 6828295
    Abstract: A composition containing a polyoxyalkylene polymer for cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, with lipophilic fluid provides improved cleaning of soils while providing excellent garment care, especially for articles sensitive to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Proacter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Christopher Deak, Eugene Paul Gosselink, Randall Thomas Reilman, Donna Jean Haeggberg
  • Publication number: 20030148917
    Abstract: An cleaning composition loaded on a cleaning wipe having improved biocidal release from the cleaning wipe. The cleaning composition includes a cationic biocide, a biocide release agent and water. The cationic biocide release agent has an ionic strength in the cleaning composition of at least about 5×10−3 mol/l.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Shuman Mitra, Richard E. Simon, Wayne B. Scott, Kenneth Vieira, Glen A. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 6309425
    Abstract: A novel cleaning composition for dry cleaning applications is described. The cleaning composition utilizes a stain removal composition having a stain removal surfactant and a stain removal solvent, and the dry cleaning applications use a solvent which is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, a biodegradable functionalized hydrocarbon or a silicone comprising solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care, USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Stephen Murphy
  • Patent number: 6132474
    Abstract: A bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles is provided which comprises a fastening system that, when fastened provides a vapor impermeable container and an interior surface releasably impregnated with an effective amount of a gelled liquid dry-cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Custom Cleaner, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Smith, George W. Kellett
  • Patent number: 6102972
    Abstract: An improved method of removing rust stains from carpet and other textiles including application of ammonium bifluoride or other fluoride compounds to a rust stain. If the ammonium bifluoride is unable to remove the stain, an acidifying agent is added to the ammonium bifluoride to generate hydrofluoric acid on the stain. The unreacted hydrofluoric acid is then neutralized and removed along with the stain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Harris Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Ed Durrant
  • Patent number: 6086634
    Abstract: This invention relates to dry-cleaning systems which include dry-cleaning compositions which contain polysulfonic acid and water, and a bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles. The invention also relates to methods of using the dry-cleaning system and dry-cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Custom Cleaner, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6068665
    Abstract: An improved method for the removal of stains from textiles is disclosed. The method involves the use of novel mixtures of zeolites and imides. The method of the invention provides superior performance in the removal of stains, especially those from animal wastes or fluids. The zeolite/imide mixtures are useful to remove stains from various textile fabrics and fibers, e.g. carpets, clothing, and upholstered goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: OdorPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary J. Calton, John B. Cook
  • Patent number: 6048368
    Abstract: The present invention provides a more effective method of treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric, the method comprising the steps of: applying a detergent composition to the spot or stain; 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 heat and pressure, to the opposing side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain, preferably in the presence of a hydrophilic solvent, or water, so that some or all of the spot or stain is absorbed into the absorbent layer. The detergent composition can be applied to the textile fabric using a container having a cap to which a foam pad is secured. The cap has a small opening through which the detergent composition can pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eric Tcheou, Jose Luis Vega
  • Patent number: 6036727
    Abstract: This invention relates to dry-cleaning systems which include anhydrous dry-cleaning compositions which contain polysulfonic acid, and a bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles. In a first embodiment, the dry-cleaning compositions includes organic solvents, polysulfonic acid, and not more than about 10 wt % water. In a second embodiment, the dry-cleaning compositions includes organic solvents and polysulfonic acid, and not more than 1 about wt % water. The invention also relates to methods of using the dry-cleaning system and dry-cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Creative Products Resource, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6024767
    Abstract: A dryer dry cleaning and freshening system is provided with a containment bag, a dispenser means impregnated with liquid cleaning composition, and a absorber capable of 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: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Inc.
    Inventors: Josephine Telesca, Jeanne Marie Weller, Frank Anthony Lucia, III, Tracy Ann Ryan, Robert Henry Buckenmayer, Walter Ronald Paul, Ashwinkumar C. Gandhi
  • Patent number: 6010540
    Abstract: A dry cleaning and freshening system is provided including a containment bag, a single unit dispenser having dispensing means, a container, and absorbing means. The container is adapted to contain a quantity of liquid cleaning composition. The single unit dispenser and absorber means includes a dispensing part with absorbent material and a container for holding liquid cleaning composition and a retaining part of absorbent material capable of entraining loose particles and/or absorbing excess liquid cleaning composition. The liquid cleaning composition may include a fragrance composition. In a preferred embodiment the single unit dispenser and absorber means may be in the form of a ball with two hemispheres that split and may be screwed together. The single unit dispenser and absorber means may be used in a home clothes dryer for dry cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Inc.
    Inventors: Josephine Telesca, Frank Anthony Lucia, III
  • Patent number: 5976194
    Abstract: A method and means for cleaning silk fabric for the prompt and efficient removal of stains from silk fabric, for example a stain on a silk tie, without causing visible lasting changes in color and without unpleasant smell. By means of a cleaning tissue, made of, for example, a textile material, essentially in the form of a wet tissue, impregnated with a grease solvent and a neutralizing agent, a stain on a silk tie is easily removed without any traces by rubbing the stain with the tissue, whereby the stain is dissolved by the grease solvent and is absorbed by the tissue, the smell-neutralizing agent preventing any unpleasant smell from spreading. The grease solvent may be a special boiling point spirit of heptane type. The smell-neutralizing agent may be an oil of terpene type, such as lemon oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Silk & Clean International AB
    Inventor: Hans Franzen
  • Patent number: 5972041
    Abstract: A bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles is provided which comprises a fastening system that, when fastened provides a vapor impermeable container and an interior surface releasably impregnated with an effective amount of a gelled liquid dry-cleaning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Creative Products Resource, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Smith, George W. Kellett
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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