Aqueous Component Patents (Class 510/291)
  • 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: 5997586
    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 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: James A. Smith, George W. Kellett
  • 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: 5965504
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry-cleaning article suitable for use in the home. The article includes a sheet that is permeated with 51-98% by weight of organic solvent such as paraffins, olefins, acetylenes or mixtures thereof, 1-35% by weight of water, optionally with 1-14% by weight of emulsifier such as PEMULEN.TM., Carbopol.TM., Emuluin.TM. and/or Emulphor.TM. to allow the water to be uniformly mixed into the solvent. The composition can also include 1-5% by weight of perfume for scenting clothing, and 1-5 % by weight of nonionic and/or anionic surfactant to provide additional stain removal capability of the composition. The invented composition is thus organic-solvent-based and is particularly effective to remove body or cosmetic oil stains from garments. The invention is also directed to the composition and methods for using the sheet in a drying machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Rayvon E. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5955414
    Abstract: An aerosol foam cleaning composition for carpets and other soft-furnishings is provided. It has a volatile hydrocarbon propellant, a surfactant, a foam stabilizer polymer, a stain repellent fluorocarbon, an amine oxide foam booster, and water. The foam does not release hydrocarbon propellant at such a rate so as to create flammability problems, yet provides adequate residual stain repellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin W. Brown, Gerald L. Hart, David F. Holmes
  • 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: 5888250
    Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning garments which comprises treating them with an azeotropic solvent of propylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Rynex Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: William A. Hayday, Stephen P. Bates
  • Patent number: 5876461
    Abstract: Method includes the steps of (1) treating the textile with a predetermined amount of a non-durable sacrificial repellent material before putting the textile in service; (2) cleaning the textile with a mixture of a non-polar solvent and at least one cleaning additive to remove non-polar solvent soluble, insoluble and resistant contaminants from the textile; (3) washing the textile with a mixture of a polar solvent and at least one washing additive to remove polar solvent soluble contaminants from the textile; and (4) maintaining a predetermined amount of a non-durable sacrificial repellent material on the textile. The non-polar solvent may be perchloroethylene or the like, while the cleaning additive is a mixture of a dialkyl ketone, a carboxylic ester and a glycol ether. A second cleaning additive may be used to enhance contaminant removal. The polar solvent used is water, while the washing additive is a blend of surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: R. R. Street & Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Racette, James E. Schulte, Manfred Wentz
  • Patent number: 5877138
    Abstract: A scatterable dry cleaning composition containing: (a) cellulose powder adsorbent; (b) ground polyurethane foam absorbent; and (c) water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Alexander Ditze, Bernd-Dieter Holdt, Thomas Hahn, Franz Kresse, Theo Fleckenstein
  • Patent number: 5872090
    Abstract: Stains are removed from fabrics safely and effectively using a spot removal composition which contains peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jing-Feng You, Michael Peter Siklosi
  • Patent number: 5865852
    Abstract: A method of dry cleaning articles such as clothing and the like including the use of Dipropylene Glycol Monomethyl Etheracetate as the cleaning solvent and the use of vacuum to assist in the removal of solvent from the articles and the use of vacuum distillation of the solvent after a cleaning cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Dieter R. Berndt
  • 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: 5858022
    Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, water, a surfactant, and an organic co-solvent. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature. The surfactant may be either one that contains a CO.sub.2 -philic group or one that does not contain a CO.sub.2 -philic group. The organic co-solvent is preferably an alkane that has a flash point above 140.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: MiCell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Romack, David F. Cauble, James B. McClain
  • Patent number: 5840675
    Abstract: A cleaning composition is releasably contained in a controlled-release pad or sheet, preferably enveloped within an apertured, formed-film cover sheet to provide a spot removal article. The article is pressed against localized stained areas on fabric surfaces to release the cleaning composition in a controlled manner. The article and fabric are then placed in a bag and agitated in a hot air clothes dryer to dry clean the entire fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventor: Bruce Albert Yeazell
  • Patent number: 5804548
    Abstract: Articles especially adapted for in-home dry cleaning comprise a carrier sheet which is impregnated with a cleaning composition. The articles are designed to be folded for packaging, and to be unfolded during use. The articles are provided with holes which help maintain them in the unfolded configuration, especially during use in a hot-air clothes dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Maxwell Gregory Davis
  • Patent number: 5746776
    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: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Creative Products Resource, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Smith, George W. Kellett
  • Patent number: 5712237
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of removal of contaminants from textiles and related fabrics and garments utilizing compositions which pose no significant risk to groundwater and which are substantially biodegradable. Compositions according to the present invention are substantially non-toxic, substantially bio-degradable liquids at room temperature or higher and are effective in removing substantial quantities of contaminants from fabrics, especially including garments. The present compositions contain at least one dibasic ester, an alcohol, water and at least one surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Edwin B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5683473
    Abstract: A method of dry cleaning fabrics using a dry cleaning system is described. The system comprises densified carbon dioxide, preferably in a liquid phase, and a selected surfactant which is soluble in the densified CO.sub.2. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide or a halocarbon group which is a functional CO.sub.2 -philic moiety connected to a CO.sub.2 -phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Harriott Jureller, Judith Lynne Kerschner, Rosemarie Harris
  • Patent number: 5683977
    Abstract: A system for dry cleaning soils from fabrics comprising densified carbon dioxide and a surfactant in the densified CO.sub.2. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide and a halocarbon group which is a functional CO.sub.2 -philic moiety connected to a CO.sub.2 -phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Harriott Jureller, Judith Lynne Kerschner, Myongsuk Bae-Lee, Lisa Del Pizzo, Rosemarie Harris, Carol Resch, Cathy Wada
  • Patent number: 5676705
    Abstract: A method of dry cleaning fabrics using a dry cleaning system is described. The system comprises densified carbon dioxide and a surfactant in the densified CO.sub.2. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide and a halocarbon group which is a functional CO.sub.2 -philic moiety connected to a CO.sub.2 -phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Harriott Jureller, Judith Lynne Kerschner, Myongsuk Bae-Lee, Lisa Del Pizzo, Rosemarie Harris, Carol Resch, Cathy Wada
  • 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: 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: 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: 5584888
    Abstract: Bleaching compositions, laundry and automatic dishwashing detergent compositions comprising particular neutral or anionically charged substituted bleach activators are provided. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions which provide enhanced cleaning/bleaching benefits through the selection of perhydrolysis-selective bleach activators having specific leaving groups with a conjugate acid pK.sub.a above 13 and with specific ratios of the rate of perhydrolysis to the rate of hydrolysis and the rate of perhydrolysis to the rate of diacylperoxide production. Included are preferred activator compounds and methods for washing fabrics, hard surfaces, and tableware using the activators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventors: Gregory S. Miracle, Alan D. Willey, Kevin L. Kott, Michael E. Burns
  • Patent number: 5547476
    Abstract: A home dry cleaning process is provided. Thus, a carrier sheet releasably impregnated with solvents such as butoxy propoxy propanol, 1,2-octanediol as a wetting agent, water and an emulsifier 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: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael P. Siklosi, Timothy C. Roetker