Field of the invention
-
The present invention relates to an applicator for a fabric treatment composition
and its application. More specifically the invention relates to a convenient to
carry fabric treatment applicator comprising a nib for application and a fabric
treatment composition comprising a surfactant and a peroxide bleach.
Background of the invention
-
Portable stain removers for a liquid composition, for pre laundry application, post
laundry application or application on fresh stains, are known articles of
manufacture. Similarly, portable applicators for the application of other liquid
compositions are known, for example in the field of ink removal. Prior art in this
field includes the following documents:
-
US 5,288,420 discloses a stain removal composition provided in form of a solid
stick, which can be applied to selected areas of a fabric in laundry preparations.
Various compositions are disclosed comprising surfactants, enzymes and
glycols. US 3,748,268 discloses a stain removal composition especially for
carpets and upholstery comprising a surfactant for an aerosol formulation. EP 0
205 999 discloses the provision of a laundry preparation composition in the form
of a solid stick. WO 85/00782 discloses a kit comprising coloured fluids and an
eradicator for these fluids, which can be used on various materials including
clothing. DE 2422191 discloses a solution to be used on stains provided in an
applicator with a felt insert. DE 19536714 discloses an applicator for a stain
removal fluid which takes the form of a pen. WO 99/02769 discloses an
impregnated towelette to clean stains from clothes and upholstery, comprising
surfactant.
-
None of the above fabric treatment compositions comprises bleach. Moreover,
these patents do not give details how the various applicators should be used.
-
Applicators comprising bleach are known in fields other than fabric treatment:
US 5,324,131 discloses an applicator for a liquid bleaching agent to be used to
eradicate or remove an emphasising ink. The applicator may be provided with a
felt tip or roller. US 5,611,687 discloses an oral fluid, e.g. for the teeth or the
gum, and an applicator for it comprising a broad fibre tip or a roller ball.
-
Prior art documents which address the application of the respective
compositions in some detail include the following documents:
-
US 5,765,407 describes an on-the-spot stain removal kit, comprising four
sponges, and teaches a four step stain removal procedure for satisfactory
results.
-
US 5,122,158 discloses an applicator for an enzyme-containing liquid detergent
for the application in laundry preparation. The applicator comprises a porous
body made of a synthetic plastic material. The heat resulting from the friction
produced by the applicator during application to a fabric is assumed to contribute
to a more rapid enzymatic reaction.
-
Fabric treatment applicators which comprise bleach and surfactant are known
from the following documents:
-
WO 97/20099 discloses an applicator for the post-laundry treatment of fabrics
comprising bleach and surfactant. The applicator is designed for in-house use, in
a preferred embodiment comprising an open channel for liquid delivery. A two
step process is taught which involves the use of an iron on one side of the fabric
and the use of an absorbent layer on the other side of the fabric. The application
of heat and/or pressure by means of an iron is believed to affect the physical
characteristics of the stained fabric, such as its viscosity.
-
US 5,872,090 discloses a stamp like applicator for a fabric treatment
composition comprising bleach and surfactant, which is to be applied to a fabric
in a rocking motion. The treatment is preferably done on a table top and
preferably using an absorbent stain remover situated beneath the fabric and
followed by a post treatment process in a hot air cloth dryer.
-
In view of the above prior art it remains a challenge to provide an efficient stain
removal applicator, especially for convenient transport and immediate
application to fresh stains, which is also suitable for some very delicate fabrics.
-
It is hence a main objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a
fabric treatment composition, which allows effective mechanical stain removal.
-
It is a further main objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for
a fabric treatment composition, which can be successfully used on a large
variety of stains and fabrics.
-
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a
fabric treatment composition, which is easy to use.
-
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a
fabric treatment composition, which is convenient to store and to carry.
-
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a
fabric treatment composition, which does not dry out when stored over extended
periods of time.
-
It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide an applicator for a
fabric treatment composition, which allows single step application.
-
It is yet even a further objective of the present invention to provide an applicator
for a fabric treatment composition, which has self cleaning properties.
-
It is still an additional objective of the present invention to provide an applicator
for a fabric treatment composition, which does not leave residues even when no
rinsing or other post treatment of the fabric is undertaken.
-
These and other objectives, as apparent from the following description, are
addressed by the present invention.
Summary of the invention
-
The present invention relates to an applicator for a fabric treatment composition
and its application. More specifically the invention relates to a versatile
convenient to carry and to apply fabric treatment applicator. Claimed and
described is an applicator comprising a nib (10) and further comprising a fabric
treatment composition comprising bleach and surfactant.
Brief description of the drawings
-
It is believed that the invention will be better understood from the foregoing
description in conjunction with the following drawings:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fabric treatment applicator according to the
present invention.
- Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the nib of the fabric treatment applicator
according to Figure 1.
-
Detailed description of the invention
-
The present invention combines an advantageous fabric treatment applicator
with an advantageous fabric treatment composition. According to the present
invention the fabric treatment applicator comprises a nib (10). The preferred
fabric treatment composition comprises bleach and surfactant.
-
It has now been found that superior fabric treatment and particularly stain
removal can be achieved by effective mechanical stain removal in combination
with effective chemical stain removal. According to the present invention effective
mechanical stain removal is accomplished by the incorporation of a nib (10) into
the fabric treatment applicator. This allows the use of fabric friendly chemical
compounds at low levels, thus making the present invention suitable also for
delicate fabrics including silk.
-
In another aspect of the present invention the fabric treatment applicator has
been found to have self cleaning properties. The nib (10) if present in a
conventional fabric treatment applicator tends to acquire dirt and stain material
stemming in particular from treated stains. Such stain material is potentially
redeposited onto fabrics treated later. As has now been found such stain
material can be effectively removed and/or made less visible by incorporating a
bleach into the fabric treatment composition. This largely improves the
functioning, the aesthetic appearance and consumer acceptance of the fabric
treatment applicator.
Preferred fabric treatment compositions
-
Fabric treatment compositions according to the present invention comprise a
bleach and a surfactant. They may also comprise numerous other components as
listed below. Importantly, the fabric treatment compositions are optimised to leave
minimal residues.
-
One problem associated with known fabric treatment compositions hereinafter
referred to as stain removal compositions is their tendency to leave visible
residues on fabric surfaces. Such residues are problematic and are preferably to
be avoided herein since the present process does not involve conventional
immersion or rinse steps. Accordingly, the stain removal compositions herein
should, most preferably, be substantially free of various polyacrylate-based
emulsifiers, polymeric anti-static agents, inorganic builder salts and other residue-forming
materials, except at low levels of 0.1% - 0.3%, and preferably 0%, of the
final compositions (%, as used herein, denotes % by weight of 100% active).
Water used in the compositions should preferably be distilled, deionized or
otherwise rendered free of residue-forming materials.
-
Accordingly, in a preferred aspect of this invention there are provided stain
removal compositions which are substantially free of materials which leave visible
residues on the treated fabrics. This necessarily means that the preferred stain
removal compositions are formulated to contain a high level of volatile materials,
preferably water, preferably 95%, a cleaning solvent such as BPP at a low, but
effective, level, typically 1% to 4%, preferably 2%, hydrogen peroxide at a level
from 1% to 3%, preferably 2%, and surfactant at levels of 0.1% to 1%.
Advantageously, when thus formulated such compositions exist as phase-stable
aqueous solutions rather than as suspensions or emulsions. Thus, such
compositions do not require use of additional emulsifiers, thickening agents,
suspending agents, and the like, all of which can contribute to the formation of
undesirable visible residues on the fabric.
-
Indeed, as an overall proposition, the chemical compositions which are used to
provide the stain removal and the overall cleaning and/or refreshment functions
herein comprise ingredients which are safe and effective for their intended use,
and, as noted above, do not leave unacceptable amounts of visible residues on
the fabrics. While conventional laundry detergents are typically formulated to
provide good cleaning on cotton and cotton/polyester blend fabrics, the
compositions herein must be formulated to also safely and effectively clean and
refresh fabrics such as wool, silk, rayon, rayon acetate, and the like. In addition,
the compositions herein comprise ingredients which are specially selected and
formulated to minimize dye removal or migration from the stain site of fugitive,
unfixed dye from the fabrics being cleaned. The preferred compositions herein
are formulated to minimize or avoid these problems.
-
The dye removal attributes of the present compositions can be compared with
art-disclosed cleaners using photographic or photometric measurements, or by
means of a simple, but effective, visual grading test, the dye removal test
described below.
-
In addition to the foregoing considerations, the compositions used herein are
preferably formulated such that they are easily dispensed and not so viscous or
self-adhesive in nature that they render the stain removal applicator unhandy or
difficult to use. Preferably the fabric treatment compositions described herein are
formulated as liquid fabric treatment compositions. In one alternative they may be
provided as a gel. A stain removal composition according to the present invention
comprises:
- (a) Bleach - The compositions herein comprise from 0.001% to 99.99%,
preferably 0.001% to 7%, by weight, of bleach, preferably peroxide
bleach, most preferably hydrogen peroxide. More preferred spot
cleaners will comprise 0.5% to 3% hydrogen peroxide. It will be
appreciated that peroxide sources other than H2O2 can be used
herein. Thus, various per-acids, per-salts, per-bleaches and the like
known from the detergency art can be used. However, such
materials are expensive, difficult to formulate in liquid products, can
leave residues on fabrics and offer no special advantages over H2O2
when used in the present manner.
- (b) Surfactant - The compositions herein comprise from 0.001% to
99.99%, preferably 0.05% to 5%, more preferably 0.05% to 2% by
weight of surfactants, such as ethoxylated alcohols or alkyl phenols,
alkyl sulfates, NaAES, NH4AES, amine oxides, and mixtures
thereof. As noted above, use of surfactants limited to the lower end
of the range is preferred for some dyes and fabric types. Typically,
the weight ratio of BPP solvent:surfactant(s) is in the range of from
about 10:1 to about 1:1. One preferred composition comprises 2%
BPP/0.8% AES. Also, nonionics such as the ethoxylated C10-C16
alcohols, e.g., NEODOL 23-6.5, can be used in the compositions.
The alkyl sulfate surfactants which may be used herein as cleaners
and to stabilize aqueous compositions are the C8-C18 primary
("AS"; preferred C10-C14, sodium salts), as well as branched-chain
and random C10-C20 alkyl sulfates, and C10-C18 secondary (2,3)
alkyl sulfates of the formula CH3(CH2)x(CHOSO3-M+) CH3 and
CH3 (CH2)y(CHOSO3-M+) CH2CH3 where x and (y + 1) are
integers of at least 7, preferably at least 9, and M is a water-solubilizing
cation, especially sodium, as well as unsaturated
sulfates such as oleyl sulfate. Alkyl ethoxy sulfate (AES) surfactants
used herein are conventionally depicted as having the formula
R(EO)xSO3Z, wherein R is C10-C16 alkyl, EO is -CH2CH2-O-, x is
1-10 and can include mixtures which are conventionally reported as
averages, e.g., (EO)2.5, (EO)6.5 and the like, and Z is a cation such
as sodium ammonium or magnesium (MgAES). The C12-C16 alkyl
dimethyl amine oxide surfactants can also be used.
- (c) Solvent - The compositions herein may comprise from 0% to 99.99%
preferably from 0% to 10% by weight, of butoxy propoxy propanol
(BPP) solvent or other solvents as described herein. Organic
solvents are preferred for use in the present compositions.
Preferred spot cleaners will comprise 1 - 4% BPP which is available
in commercial quantities as a mixture of isomers in about equal
amounts. The isomers, and mixtures thereof, are useful herein. The
isomer structures are as follows:
Other useful solvents are hydrotropes such as sodium toluene
sulfonate and sodium cumene sulfonate, short-chain alcohols such
as ethanol and isopropanol, and the like. They can be present in the
compositions as only solvents or in combination with other solvents.
- (d) Water - The preferred, low residue compositions herein may comprise
from 0% to 99.99%, preferably from 70% to 99.99%, more
preferably 90% to 99.9%, most preferably from 94.0% to 99.0%, by
weight, of water and hence are preferably aqueous solutions. Water
used in the compositions should preferably be distilled, deionized or
otherwise rendered free of residue-forming materials.
- (e) Other Optionals - The compositions herein may comprise minor
amounts of various optional ingredients, including enzymes,
preservatives, anti-static agents, fragrances, odor absorbing
components, and the like. If used, such optional ingredients will
typically comprise from 0.0001% to 10%, more preferably from
0.01% to 2%, by weight, of the compositions, having due regard for
residues on the cleaned fabrics. Preferred optionals are namely the
following:
- Chelator -The chelating agent is selected from those which,
themselves, are stable in aqueous H2O2 and which stabilize the
H2O2 by chelating vagrant metal ions. Such chelating agents are
typically already present at low, peroxide-stabilizing amounts
(0.01%-1%) in commercial sources of hydrogen peroxide.
- Enzymes - Besides the optional surfactants in the stain removal
compositions herein can contain enzymes to further enhance
cleaning performance. Lipases, amylases and protease enzymes,
or mixtures thereof, can be used. If used, such enzymes will
typically comprise from 0.001% to 5%, preferably from 0.01% to 1%,
by weight, of the composition. Commercial detersive enzymes such
as LIPOLASE, ESPERASE, ALCALASE, SAVINASE and
TERMAMYL (all ex. NOVO) and MAXATASE and RAPIDASE (ex.
International Bio-Synthesis, Inc.) can be used.
- Preservatives - The compositions herein can optionally be
preserved for storage using conventional preservatives such as
KATHON® at a level of 0.0001%-1%, by weight.
- Anti-static agents - If an antistatic benefit is desired, the
compositions used herein can contain an anti-static agent. If used,
such anti-static agents will typically comprise at least 0.5%, typically
from 2% to 8%, by weight, of the compositions. Preferred anti-stats
include the series of sulfonated polymers available as VERSAFLEX
157, 207, 1001, 2004 and 7000, from National Starch and Chemical
Company
- Fragrances - The odor absorbing composition of the present
invention can also optionally provide a "scent signal" in the form of a
pleasant odor which signals the removal of malodor from fabrics.
The scent signal is designed to provide a fleeting perfume scent,
and is not designed to be overwhelming or to be used as an odor
masking ingredient. When perfume is added as a scent signal, it is
added only at very low levels, e.g., from 0% to 0.5%, preferably
from 0.003% to 0.3%, more preferably from 0.005% to 0.2%, by
weight of the usage composition.
Perfume can also be added as a more intense odor in product and
on surfaces. When stronger levels of perfume are preferred,
relatively higher levels of perfume can be added. Any type of
perfume can be incorporated into the composition of the present
invention.
- Odor absorbing components - The compositions of the present
invention may further comprise an optional cyctodextrin. This will
impart the composition with odour absorbing properties, which is
especially useful for application on inanimate surfaces to control the
malodour.
As used herein, the term "cyclodextrin" includes any of the known
cyclodextrins such as unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing from
six to twelve glucose units, especially, alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin,
gamma-cyclodextrin and/or their derivatives and/or
mixtures thereof. The preferred cyclodextrins are available, e.g.,
from Cerestar USA, Inc. and Wacker Chemicals (USA), Inc.Typical levels of cyclodextrin in usage compositions for usage
conditions are from 0.01% to 5%, preferably from 0.1% to 4%, more
preferably from 0.2% to 2% by weight of the composition.
-
-
The preselected pH range of the stain removal compositions assists in stabilising
the hydrogen peroxide present and is typically in the acid-slightly basic range
from about 3 to about 8, preferably about 6.
-
A stain removal composition comprising water, surfactant and bleach is efficient
in treating a large variety of stains. It is known that various greasy stains are best
treated with a surfactant whereas other common stains as from grass, tomato
sauce or wine are best treated with bleach, while water soluble stains can
normally effectively removed with water.
-
While referring to stain removal compositions, the compositions disclosed herein
may also favourably be used in other contexts, for example for bleaching and/or
sanitation of non-stained fabrics.
Examples of stain removal compositions
-
Having due regard to the foregoing considerations, the following illustrates
preferred examples of stain removal compositions, but is not intended to be
limiting thereof.
Example 1
-
| |
% (wt) of 100% active component formula range |
| BPP |
1.0-2.0 |
| Hydrogen peroxide |
1.5-3.0 |
| Alkyl sulfate surfactant |
0.3-1.0 |
| Perfume |
0.005-0.01 |
| Ethanol |
0.3-1.0 |
| EDTA |
<0.01 |
| Water |
Balance |
Example 2
-
| |
% (wt) of 100% active component formula range |
| BPP |
1.0-2.0 |
| Hydrogen peroxide |
1.5-3.0 |
| LIPOLASE |
0.3-0.5 |
| Alkyl sulfate surfactant |
0.3-1.0 |
| Perfume |
0.005-0.01 |
| Ethanol |
0.3-1.0 |
| EDTA |
<0.01 |
| Water |
Balance |
Applicators
-
Generally any applicator comprising a nib (10) is within the scope of the present
invention. The choice of a particular applicator will largely depend on the usage
envisaged. One preferred applicator is shown in Figures 1 and 2.
-
Such applicators comprise a housing (30) comprising a reservoir for the storage
of a composition. Such a housing (30) may be a bottle of any shape or size.
Preferred shapes for such housings (30) are hollow barrel shapes, most
preferably having a diameter to length ratio from 1:30 to 1:2, so as to be
convenient to hold in the user's hand, use and store. More preferred are
housings (30) of a diameter to length ratio from 1:20 to 1:5, which resemble in
shape a pen, e.g. a ball point pen or a highlighter pen, and which are herein
referred to as pen-shaped. The reservoir may be filled with an absorbent
material, such as a wadding or a cartridge style device such as those commonly
found in ink pens which is able to release liquid on demand. The housing (30)
may be made of any solid material, which may also be flexible, such as glass or
any plastic material. A preferred material is polypropylene.
-
The housing (30) may have one or more application devices. The term
application device, as used herein, is a device which in use is in contact with the
surface on which the fabric treatment applicator is used and delivers the fabric
treatment composition to that surface. According to the present invention at least
one application device is a nib (10). Other preferred application devices include
any sponge, or foam insert, for example in the form of a porous pad, for example
made of felt or a non-woven material. Another preferred application device is a
roller ball. Other preferred application devices are all those used to apply a
writing fluid to paper, e.g. as used in a fountain pen. Applicators comprising no
application device other than a nib are preferred.
-
In other applicator embodiments according to the present invention the housing
may comprise more than one reservoir, preferably two, three or four reservoirs.
Not all of these reservoirs need to comprise fabric treatment compositions which
comprise a bleach and a surfactant. For example one reservoir may comprise a
bleach or another heat-activatable compound and another reservoir may
comprise a surfactant. Preferably the reservoir comprising a bleach does not
comprise a surfactant and the reservoir comprising a surfactant does not
comprise a bleach. Further reservoirs, if present, may comprise other fabric
treatment compositions known in the art.
-
While each reservoir may be an integral part of the housing (30), in one
preferred embodiment of the present invention the reservoirs are provided in the
form of replaceable cartridges.
-
An applicator comprising such a plurality of reservoirs may comprise a single
application device or a plurality of application devices. A plurality of reservoirs
may be in liquid communication with a single application device and a plurality of
reservoirs may each be in liquid communication with a single application device.
-
One preferred embodiment of the present invention is an applicator with two
reservoirs and one application device. One of these reservoirs comprises a
fabric treatment composition comprising bleach and the other reservoir
comprises a fabric treatment composition comprising a surfactant but no bleach.
Both are in liquid communication with the same application device, e.g. a nib
(10).
-
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is an applicator with two
reservoirs and two application devices. One of these reservoirs comprises a
fabric treatment composition comprising bleach and the other reservoir
comprises a fabric treatment composition comprising a surfactant and no bleach.
-
Each of the two reservoirs is in liquid communication with one of the two
application devices. This allows to use the applicator selectively on different
types of stains, but makes it unnecessary to carry more than one applicator.
-
The term nib (10) as used according to the present invention does not comprise
nibs (10) which comprise a single opening or channel to deliver the fabric
treatment composition. Such an opening or channel does not allow the delivery
of the fabric treatment composition in a controlled manner as a nib (10). Hence,
either insufficient composition will be delivered for effective cleaning or
unnecessary large amounts of composition may be delivered, the latter leading
to longer drying times for the treated fabric or in some cases possibly even to
residues. Moreover, an opening or channel leading to the reservoir promotes the
evaporation of volatile compounds of the composition stored therein and may
further induce leaking when the fabric treatment applicator is transported. The
same disadvantages are associated with a porous application device, e.g. a
porous pad. Hence, a nib (10) in accordance with the present invention has an
average pore size of less than 300 µm. Preferably pores which may be present
in the nib (10) according to the present invention have an average size from 1
µm to 200 µm, more preferably from 5 µm to 100 µm, more preferably from 10
µm to 50 µm.
-
Preferably the nib (10) is cone-shaped as defined below. A cone-shaped nib (10)
allows the exertion of pressure on a relatively narrow area, which is beneficial for
mechanical stain removal, without leading to damage of the nib (10), which is
thicker and hence more stable closer to the housing (30). A cone-shaped nib
(10) also enables the application of the fabric treatment composition to a small
selected area as beneficial for low moistening of the fabric and low residues.
-
The term cone-shaped as used with regard to the nib (10) is to be understood
from the following definitions: The centre of the contact area, defined as given
below, is referred to as contact point. A line connecting this contact point with
the centre of mass of the fabric treatment applicator defines a vertical axis. A
horizontal cross section is a cross section along any plane perpendicular to the
vertical axis. The horizontal cross section of the nib (10) which is closest to the
housing (30), but does not comprise any portion of the housing (30) is referred to
as rod cross section. The surface area of the nib (10) in the rod cross section,
referred to as rod area, is to be compared with the contact area of the nib (10). A
nib (10) is cone-shaped if the contact area of the nib (10) is less than 80% of the
rod area. For a preferred nib (10) the rod area is less than 60%, more preferably
less than 40%, yet more preferably less than 20% of the rod area. The nib (10)
may have any shape, cone style or 'wedge shape' being preferred for the nib
(10). A particular preferred cone-shaped nib (10) is wedge-shaped, as depicted
in Figure 2.
-
The nib (10) and any other application device should be in contact with the
reservoir, directly or indirectly, so as to allow transfer of the fabric treatment
composition to the nib (10) during use. The nib (10) may be made of any
synthetic or man-made or natural materials such as felt, open cell foam, closed
cell foams, polyethylene, nylon etc. A preferred material for the nib (10) is felt,
most preferably provided from synthetic fibres. The nib (10) while being held by
the housing (30) has a section external to the housing (30), this section
preferably measures from 3.0 cm to 0.1 cm, more preferably from 1.0 cm to
0.25 cm, most preferably from 0.75 cm to 0.5 cm in length. Preferably the
maximum diameter measured in the rod cross section of the nib (10) (as defined
above) is from 1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably from 3 mm to 10 mm, most
preferably from 5 mm to 8 mm.
-
The contact area - measured as given below - between the nib (10) and a flat
surface preferably is from 0.25mm2 to 400mm2, more preferably from 1mm2 to
100mm2, most preferably from 4mm2 to 10mm2. Such a contact area ensures
optimal mechanical stain removal and allows for application of the fabric
treatment composition to small selected areas.
-
Preferred application devices according to the present invention also exhibit a
certain delivery volume efficiency - measured as described below. The delivery
volume efficiency is defined as the amount of fluid (ml) delivered to the fabric per
unit time per unit area (s-1mm-2). The right delivery volume efficiency ensures that
a sufficient but not too high amount of fabric treatment composition is delivered
giving the benefits of a sufficient and constant flow rate and further the benefit of
avoiding drying out of the nib (10) or the reservoir in between uses. The delivery
volume efficiency is preferably from 0.0005 ml mm-2 s-1 to 0.1 ml mm-2 s-1 and
more preferably from 0.001 ml mm-2 s-1 to 0.01 ml mm-2 s-1.
-
The applicator may also comprise a cap (20) to prevent evaporation of the
composition and to prevent any unattended contact of the nib (10) with objects
when not used.
-
Figure 1 shows an applicator (100) with a pen-shaped housing (30) comprising a
cap (20). As best seen from Figure 2 the nib (10) has a preferred wedge shape.
Preferred methods of application
-
The compositions disclosed herein may find usage on any surface of a material
in direct or indirect contact with the human body, which inter alia are all
encompassed by the term fabric. Those surfaces are typically soft surfaces
comprised by materials such as soft plastic materials, leather and textile fabrics.
Textile fabrics namely are found in clothing, including shirts, ties, blouses, socks,
skirts, trousers, jackets, underwear, watch straps etc.
-
Moreover these compositions can be used on fabrics comprised by carpets,
curtains or upholstery and the like.
-
The use of any applicator with any composition disclosed herein will depend on
the applicator itself and also on the object on which the applicator is to be used.
-
For a fabric treatment applicator as shown in Figure 1 comprising a housing (30)
and an application device a cap (20) covering the application device, if present,
is removed before application. The application device is then brought in contact
with a selected area of an object. For some application devices exertion of
pressure may be needed to release the composition from the applicator. The
pressure initially needed for this purpose may be higher than the pressure
needed to keep up the flow of composition. Wiping or otherwise moving the
application device over the selected application area may be required to deliver
the composition to all parts of this area and may help to uniformly apply the
composition. Rubbing, i.e. wiping while exerting pressure towards the object,
may help in the mechanical removal of stains.
-
The application of any composition disclosed herein, may be one step of a more
comprehensive treatment of an object, namely a fabric. For example, the
application of a stain removal composition may be followed by the application of
a pre-laundry composition, by laundry, or may be followed by a rinsing or drying
step. A rinsing step may be carried out with a dedicated rinsing composition
such as alcohol, glycol or pure water. However, due to the water content of the
composition of the present invention such an additional rinsing step is normally
not needed. A drying step may be a treatment with a dry or slightly moist wipe or
an absorbent pad. However, a drying step is normally not needed, since the
compositions disclosed herein promote quick drying and the applicators
disclosed herein allow application to small areas.
Test Methods
Dye removal test
-
An expert panel assists in visual grading. Thus, in one such test, swatches of
fabric are individually dyed with a dye from a representative dye category such
as from reactive dyes, sulphur dyes, vat dyes, direct dyes and azoic dyes. A
swatch of fabric is prepared with a dye from each category. A measured area
within each swatch is treated with the fabric treatment composition and allowed
to dry. Any dye removal in the treated swatch is assessed visually by comparing
the treated area of the swatch with the surrounding untreated area of the
swatch. Numerical units ranging from: (0) 'no difference between both fabrics',
(1) ' I think there is a difference', (2) ' I'm sure there is a difference' , (3) 'there is
a big difference', (4) 'there is a huge difference' are assigned by panelists. The
test is repeated three times of any swatch and an average value is calculated.
Measurement of contact area
-
Measurements of the contact area of the nib (10) are carried out with a fabric
treatment applicator which contains a dry nib (10) and no treatment composition.
The dry nib (10) is inked by pressing it against an ink stamp pad and then
clamping the fabric treatment applicator to the load arm of a Plint dual axis
reciprocating rig (such as model TE75R, MRPRA RUBBER CONSULTANTS). A
mark on a contact surface which is representative of the contact area of the nib
(10) is obtained by controlled lowering and raising of the Plint load arm towards
and away from the contact surface. The angle of the fabric treatment applicator
relative to the contact surface is adapted to maximise the contact area. Angles
of the fabric treatment applicator relative to the contact surface for which the
angle between the vertical axis of the fabric treatment applicator (as defined
above) and the contact surface less than 45° are not considered (since they are
not typical for a consumer preferred application method). The contact time
should be approximately 1s while a 3N load should be applied on the nip (10).
The contact area can then be calculated from the mean length and width of the
mark determined using a magnifying lens with a graticule. Measurements with
the nib (10) in final measuring position are repeated three times to check
reproducibility.
Measurement of Delivery Volume Efficiency
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The nib (10) is firmly inserted through the bottom of a standard liquid container
(such as a 50ml centrifuge tube available from Corning No. 25330-50). To
ensure a secure arrangement, the size of the orifice through which the nib (10) is
inserted is cut to the size of the nib (10) and a silicone based sealant used. This
unit is then clamped into position beneath a compressor unit (such as a Lloyd
LR5K Compression meter). This arrangement provides a consumer realistic
vertical load of 3N. The nib (10) is placed in contact with an absorbent pad
comprised of a bicomponent synthetic fibre top layer above a fluffy pulp base
layer. The pad allows rapid transport away from the point of delivery so as not to
reduce the concentration gradient and hence reduce flow. The container is then
filled with the stain removing solution (such as Example 1) to a level of 20 ml.
The amount of fluid that flows per unit time is measured by noting the loss of
fluid from the reservoir over a fixed period. The delivery volume efficiency is then
calculated by normalising the flow rate with respect to the total surface area of
contact (mm2) between the nib (10) and the fabric. Measurements are repeated
three times to check reproducibility.