CA2295442A1 - Rolled dry cleaning article - Google Patents

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 rolled for packaging, and to be unrolled for use. Rolling the articles help maintain them in an open configuration especially during use in a hot-air clothes dryer.

Description

ROLLED DRY CLEANING ARTICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to cleaning articles which are especially adapted for use in appliances such as laundry dryers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
By classical definition, the term "dry cleaning" has been used to describe processes for cleaning textiles using nonaqueous solvents. Dry cleaning is an old art, with solvent cleaning first being recorded in the United Kingdom in the 1860's.
Typically, dry cleaning processes are used with garments such as woolens which are subject to shrinkage in aqueous laundering baths, or which are judged to be too valuable or too delicate to subject to aqueous laundering processes. Various hydrocarbon and halocarbon solvents have traditionally been used in immersion dry cleaning processes, and the need to handle and reclaim such solvents has mainly restricted the practice of conventional dry cleaning to commercial establishments.
Together with the soil and stain removal aspects of a typical dry cleaning process, there is also a consumer need for what can be termed fabric "refreshment".
Thus, garments which have lint, hair or other solid debris clinging to their surfaces, or which may have adsorbed malodors, or which have become wrinkled or otherwise lost their fresh appearance, are often subjected to conventional commercial dry cleaning processes mainly to reestablish their freshness aspect.
Attempts have been made to provide in-home dry cleaning systems. One type of non-immersion, in-home system for cleaning and refreshing garments comprises multiple single-use Garner sheets containing various liquid or gelled cleaning agents and a re-usable plastic containment bag. The garments are placed in the bag together with a sheet, and then tumbled with heating in a conventional clothes dryer.
In one embodiment of such in-home products, multiple single-use sheets and a single multi-use plastic bag are provided in a single package. Since the planar sheets are relatively large, they are folded for ease-of packaging. In use, a planar-folded sheet is unfolded, placed in the reusable bag together with the fabrics to be cleaned, and tumbled in a conventional hot air clothes dryer. During the heating/tumbling, the cleaning composition is released from the sheet. Such release is most efficiently achieved when the sheet remains in a substantially open, unfolded configuration.
Unfortunately, it has been discovered that such sheets have a tendency to partially or completely re-close by re-folding along the "hard" creases which comprise their original packaging fold lines, thereby resulting in sub-optimal performance.

Importantly, the proper control of wrinkle prevention and the removal of malodor components from the bag are both dependent on delivery of the intended amount of vaporizing cleaning liquid.
PCT Application US 96/02886, published October 3, 1996, to Max Davis, discloses the problems associated with such sheet re-folding in an in-home, non-immersion cleaning/refreshment process. The patentee describes the use of macroscopic holes punched through the sheets to help prevent re-folding.
However, punching holes in the sheets requires an extra processing step during manufacture, at added expense. U.S. Patent 5,630,848, issued May 20, 1997 to Young, Bavely, Roetker & Davis, discloses the use of HYDRASPUNO sheets and bespeaks the advantage that re-folding is minimized, as compared with conventional non-wovens.
However, the re-fold problem is not completely solved. Moreover, when the HYDRASPUNO sheets are enrobed in a fibrous coversheet, as disclosed hereinafter, re-folding can again become problematic.
By the present invention, it has been discovered that cleaning/refreshment sheets can be packaged such that, in-use, they are maintained in a substantially open configuration. This is achieved by rolling or rolling/folding the sheets. The sheets provide improved cleaning/refreshment and minimize the formation of water marks on the fabrics being treated. In particular, the risk of reduced performance from inadequate delivery of vaporizing components from a dryer bag cleaning cloth is dramatically lowered by this packaging methodology. Moreover, the sheets herein can be packaged in pouches which are substantially smaller than pouches used with planar-fold sheets. This results in a savings of packaging material. These and other objects are secured herein, as will be seen from the following disclosure.
BACKGROUND ART
WO 97/00993A1, published January 9, 1997 to Weller, et al.; WO
97/00990A2, published January 9, 1997 to Tyerech, et ai.; GB 2,302,553A, published January 22, 1997 to Telesca, et al.; GB 2,302,878A, published February 5, 1997 to Weller, et al.; and GB 2,302,879A, published February 5, 1997 to Sidoti, et al. all relate to in-dryer fabric cleaning. U.S. 4,532,722, issued to S. H. Sax, August 6, 1985, relates to a fabric conditioning device for use in a laundry dryer. A
peracid-containing dry cleaning composition is described in U.S. 4,013,575, issued to H.
Castrantas, et al., March 22, 1977. Dry cleaning processes are disclosed in:
U.S.
5,591,236, issued January 7, 1997 to Roetker; U.S. 5,547,476, issued August 20, 1996, to Siklosi and Roetker; EP 429,172A1, published 29.05.91, Leigh, et al.;
and in U.S. 5,238,587, issued 8/24/93, Smith, et al. Other references relating to dry cleaning compositions and processes, as well as wrinkle treatments for fabrics, include: GB

1,598,911; and U.S. Patents 4,126,563, 3,949,137, 3,593,544, 3,647,354;
3,432;253 and 1,747,324; and German applications 2,021,561 and 2,460,239, 0,208,989 and 4,007,362. Cleaning/pre-spotting compositions and methods are also disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents 5,102,573; 5,041,230; 4,909,962; 4,115,061;
4,886,615;
4,139,475; 4,849,257; 5,112,358; 4,659,496; 4,806,254; 5,213,624; 4,130,392;
and 4,395,261. Sheet substrates for use in a laundry dryer are disclosed in Canadian 1,005,204. U.S. 3,956,556 and 4,007,300 relate to perforated sheets for fabric conditioning in a clothes dryer. U.S. 4,692,277 discloses the use of 1,2-octanediol in liquid cleaners. See also U.S. Patents 3,591,510; 3,737,387; 3,764,544;
3,882,038;
3,907,496; 4,097,397; 4,102,824; 4,336,024; 4,594,362; 4,606,842; 4,758,641;
4,797,310; 4,802,997; 4,943,392; 4,966,724; 4,983,317; 5,004,557; 5,062,973;

5,080,822; 5,173,200; EP 0 213 500; EPO 261 ?18; G.B. 1,397,475; WO 91/09104;
WO 91/13145; WO 93/25654 and Hunt, D.G. and N.H. Morris, "PnB and DPnB
Glycol Ethers", HAPPI, April 1989, pp. 78-82.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention encompasses a fabric cleaning/refreshment article comprising a flexible sheet carrier substrate releasably carrying a cleaning/refreshment composition, said sheet substrate being packaged in the form of a roll, whereby said sheet remains in an open configuration during its intended use. By "roll"
herein is meant the article having a configuration of a generally "cylindrical twist" or generally "tubular" shape. As shown in the Figures, the tubular roll need not be cylindrical in cross-section, but can also be in a more rectangular shape rather in the manner of a bolt of fabric. The article can be formed into said "roll" by wrapping the substrate around on itself or around a core material used in the manner of a spindle or mandrel to assist in the formation of said "roll". The substrate can comprise a woven, or preferably non-woven, web material, most preferably a hydroentangled web. In one preferred embodiment, the substrate is encased in a coversheet. In a typical article, the surface area of the sheet substrate (total of both sides) is from about 360 cm2 to about 3000 cm2.
The invention also encompasses a method for cleaning and refreshing fabrics, preferably in a tumbling or a tumbling/heating apparatus, comprising placing said fabrics in a container together with the article herein which is in an unrolled configuration, closing said container, and tumbling said fabrics together with said unrolled article. In the home, this process is conveniently conducted in a hot air clothes dryer. The container can be a bag, preferably one which is heat resistant and vapor-venting, as disclosed hereinafter.

The invention thus provides a dry cleaning composition in kit form, comprising the following components:
(a) multiple rolled articles according to Claim 1;
(b) a reusable container suitable for use in a hot air clothes dryer; and (c) an outer package containing said components (a) and (b).
In a preferred mode, each article in such kit is individually packaged in a retaining pouch (i.e., a water-impermeable pouch or other equivalent container which retains the moisture and other components of the cleaning/refreshment compositions used in the articles during storage) preferably after being folded approximately in half.
All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified. All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows the article of the present type in a spiral rolled configuration having a generally cylindrical cross-section.
Figure 2 shows the article of Figure 1 folded at approximately its mid-point (101) and ready for placement in a retaining pouch.
Figure 3 shows the article in a flattened, rather than cylindrical, roll.
Figure 4 shows the article of Figure 3 folded at its mid-point for packaging.
Figure 5 shows an article which is folded, then rolled into a somewhat flat configuration. Optionally, it could be folded and then rolled into a more cylindrical configuration.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of a sheet-form article ( I ) with coversheet useful in the present invention in a pre-assembled state.
Figure 7 is a perspective of the assembled cleaning/refreshing article (1).
Figure 8 is a perspective of the unrolled article loosely resting on a notched, vapor-venting containment bag which is in a pre-folded condition.
Figure 9 is a perspective of the unrolled article within the bag which is ready to receive fabrics or other articles to be treated in a hot air clothes dryer, or similar apparatus.
Figure 10 is a partial view of the notched wall of the bag and its disposition relative to the closure flap.
Figu r I is a perspective of an un-notched vapor-venting bag containing a loose, unrolle~ sheet-form article used in the manner of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The individual materials employed to assemble the fabric cleaning/refreshment articles of the present invention are commercially available. The terms used herein to describe such materials have their conventional meanings. For purposes of clarity, certain terms used herein are defined in the text.
By "cleaning" herein is meant the removal of soils and stains from fabrics. By "refreshment" herein is meant the removal of malodors and/or wrinkles from the overall fabrics, or the improvement of their overall appearance, other than primarily removing soils and stains, although some soil and stain removal can occur concurrently with refreshment. Typical fabric cleaning refreshment/compositions herein can comprise more water (95-99.9%, preferably greater than 95% up to about 99%) and fewer cleaning ingredients than conventional cleaning or pre-spotting compositions.
Carner - When used in the in-dryer step of the present process, the cleaning/refreshment compositions are used in combination with an absorbent carrier substrate. The carrier releasably contains the compositions. By "reteasably contains"
means that the compositions are effectively released from the carrier onto the soiled fabrics as part of the non-immersion cleaning/fabric refreshment processes herein.
This release occurs by contact between the substrate and the fabrics and/or by volatilization of the composition from the carrier substrate through the vapor-permeable coversheet, or by a combination of vapor and liquid transfer.
It is highly preferred that the carrier be in the form of an integral pad or sheet which substantially maintains its structural integrity throughout the process.
Such pads or sheets can be prepared, for example, using well-known methods for manufacturing non-woven sheets, paper towels, fibrous batts, cores for bandages, diapers and catamenials, and the like, using materials such as wood pulp, cotton, rayon, polyester fibers, and mixtures thereof. Woven cloth pads may also be used, but are not preferred over non-woven pads due to cost considerations. Integral Garner pads or sheets may also be prepared from natural or synthetic sponges, foams, and the like.
The carriers are designed to be safe and effective under the intended operating conditions of the present process. The carriers must not be flammable during the process, nor should they deleteriously interact with the cleaning or refreshment . composition or with the fabrics being cleaned. In general, non-woven polyester-based pads or sheets are quite suitable for use as the carrier herein.
The Garner used herein is most preferably non-tinting. By "non-tinting" herein is meant a Garner which resists the shedding of visible fibers or microfibers onto the fabrics being cleaned, i.e., the deposition of what is known in common parlance as "lint". A Garner can easily and adequately be judged for its acceptability with respect to its non-Tinting qualities by rubbing it on a piece of dark blue woolen cloth and visually inspecting the cloth for lint residues.
The non-Tinting qualities of sheet or pad carriers used herein can be achieved by several means, including but not limited to: preparing the carrier from a single strand of fiber; employing known bonding techniques commonly used with nonwoven materials, e.g., point bonding, print bonding, adhesive/resin saturation bonding, adhesive/resin spray bonding, stitch bonding and bonding with binder fibers.
The size of the earner should not be so large as to be unhandy for the user.
Typically, the dimensions of the carrier will be sufficient to provide a macroscopic surface area (both sides of the carrier) of at least about 360 cm2, preferably in the range from about 360 cm2 to about 3000 cm2. For example, a generally rectangular carrier may have the dimensions (X-direction) of from about 20 cm to about 35 cm, and (Y-direction) of from about 18 cm to about 45 cm.
The carrier is intended to contain a sufficient amount of the cleaning/refreshment compositions to be effective for their intended purpose.
The capacity of the carrier for such compositions will vary according to the intended usage. For example, pads or sheets which are intended for a single use in cleaning/refreshing fabrics will require less capacity than such pads or sheets which are intended for multiple uses. For a given type of carrier the capacity for the cleaning or refreshment composition will vary mainly with the thickness or "caliper"
{Z-direction; dry basis) of the sheet or pad. For purposes of illustration, typical single-use polyester sheets used herein will have a thickness in the range from about 0.1 mm to about 0.7 mm and a basis weight in the range from about 30 g/m2 to about 100 g/m2. Typical multi-use polyester pads herein will have a thickness in the range from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm and a basis weight in the range from about 40 g/m2 to about 150 g/m2. Open-cell sponge sheets will range in thickness from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm. Of course, the foregoing dimensions may vary, as long as the desired quantity of the cleaning/refreshment composition is effectively provided by means of the carrier.
A preferred earner herein comprises a binderless (or optional low binder), hydroentangled absorbent material, especia'iy a material which is formulated from a blend of cellulosic, rayon, polyester and optional bicomponent fibers. Such materials are available from Dexter, Non-Wovens Division, The Dexter Corporation as HY~DRASPUN~, especially Grades 10244 and 10444. The manufacture of such materials forms no part of this invention and is already disclosed in the literature.
See, for example, U.S. Patents 5,009,747, Viazmensky, et al., April 23, 1991 and 5,292,581, Viazmensky, et al., March 8, 1994, incorporated herein by reference.
Preferred materials for use herein have the following physical properties.
Grade Optional 10244 Targets Range Basis Weight gm/m2 SS 35-75 Thickness microns 355 100-1500 Density gm/cc 0.155 0.1-0.25 Dry Tensile gm/25 mm Wet Tensile gm/25 mm MD* 700 200-1250 CD* 300 100-500 Brightness % 80 60-90 Absorption Capacity % 735 400-900 (H20) Dry Mullen gm/cm2 1050 700-1200 *MD - machine direction; CD - cross direction As disclosed in U.S. 5,009,747 and 5,292,281, the hydroentangling process provides a nonwoven material which comprises cellulosic fibers, and preferably at least about 5% by weight of synthetic fibers, and requires less than 2% wet strength agent to achieve improved wet strength and wet toughness.
Coversheet - The coversheets which are optionally, but preferably, employed herein to enrobe the carrier sheet are distinguished from the carrier substrate sheets, inasmuch as the coversheets are relatively non-absorbent to the liquid cleaning/refreshment compositions as compared with the carrier sheets. The coversheets are constructed from hydrophobic fibers which tend not to absorb, "wick" or otherwise promote the transfer of fluids. While fluids can pass through the void spaces between the fibers of the coversheet, this occurs mainly when excessive pressure is applied to the article. Thus, under typical usage conditions the coversheet provides a physical barrier which keeps the absorbent carrier, which is damp from its load of aqueous cieaning/refreshment composition, from coming into direct contact with the fabrics being treated. Yet, the permeable coversheet does allow vapor transfer of the cleaning/refreshment composition from the carrier through the coversheet and into the containment bag, and thence onto the fabrics being treated.
One type of coversheet herein comprises a fibrous, permeable nonwoven or woven fabric. Such nonwoven or woven fibrous coversheets offer advantages over formed-film type coversheets known in the catamenials art. For example, formed-film coversheets (as described hereinafter) are often manufactured by hydroforming processes which are particularly suitable with polymer films such as polyethylene.
While polyethylene can be used herein, there is some prospect that, due to its lower melting point, high dryer temperatures can cause its softening and/or melting in-use.
This is particularly true if the article herein were to be released from the containment bag and fall into the hot dryer drum. While it is possible to prepare formed-film topsheets using nylon, polyester or other heat resistant polymeric sheets, such manufacture becomes somewhat more difficult and, hence, more expensive.
It has now also been determined that the coversheet herein should be of a thickness which effectively provides the physical barrier function. Even though made from hydrophobic fibers, if the coversheet is too thin, fluid passage can occur under the intended usage conditions. Accordingly, it has now been determined that the thickness of the fibrous coversheet should preferably be at least about 7 mils (0.18 mm), preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm. It has also been determined that the fibers used in the coversheet are preferably hydrophobic and preferably have a melting point above about 240°C.
Fibrous coversheets for use herein can readily be made from non-heat resistant fibers such as polyethylene. However, it has now been determined that preferred fibrous coversheets can be prepared using nylon (especially nylon-6), polyester, and the like, heat-resistant fibers which can withstand even inadvertent misuse in the present process. The flexible, cloth-like, permeable topsheets made therefrom are conventional materials in the art of nonwoven and woven fabric making, and their manufacture forms no part of the instant invention. Nonwoven fabrics for use as coversheets are available commercially from companies such as Reemay, Inc., Hickory, TN. Such coversheets also pick up solid dust particles, vagrant lint and other fibers from the fabrics being treated in the present process, thereby enhancing the overall clean/refreshed appearance of the fabrics following the treatment herein.
Such nonwoven or woven fibrous sheet materials can be used in a flat single layer or as multiple layers as the coversheet for the absorbent carrier core herein. In another embodiment, the absorbent core carrying the cleaning/refreshn~ent comps rn is enrabed in a polyester or polyamide fibrous coversheet whicj gas been r~ oiled or otherwise crimped to provide three dimensional bulk.
Optionally, this coversheet may be further covered by a second coversheet in an uncrimped configuration.
Such fibrous, preferably heat resistant and, most preferably, hydrophobic, coversheets thus provide various embodiments of the article herein. Suitable combinations can be employed, according to the desires of the manufacturer, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. If desired, the coversheet can be provided with macroscopic fenestrations through which the lint, fibers or particulate soils can pass, thereby further helping to entrap such foreign matter inside the article, itself.
A typical spun-bonded fibrous coversheet herein is commercially available from Reemay and has the following characteristics.
(a) Fabric Type - Non-woven, semi-dull, whitened homopolymer 100% virgin, spun-bonded polyester.
(b) Fiber Type - 6.0 Denier straight, tri-lobal continuous fiber, copolymer polyester.
Web Properties Target Ranee a) Basis weight, roll average oz/yd2 0.54 0.52 to 0.59 b) Thickness 8 mil 7-8 mil c) Fuzz level As measured by Reemay sled/drag method based on 0-5 scale. 5 being no fizz level.
Belt side 2.5 5,0 l.g Jet side 3.4 5.0 2.6 As noted above, another type of coversheet which can be used with the articles herein comprises the apertured "formed film" coversheets known in the art and from commercial use on catamenials. Apertured formed films are pervious to the liquid cleaning and/or refreshment compositions and vapors thereof, and yet non-absorbent. Thus, the surface of the formed film which is in contact with the fabrics remains relatively dry, thereby reducing water spotting and dye transfer. As with the fibrous coversheets, the apertured formed films capture and retain lint, fibrous matter such as pet hair, and the like, from the fabric being treated, thereby enhancing the cleaning/refreshment benefits afforded by the present articles. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135, entitled "Absorptive Structure Having Tapered Capillaries", issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Pat. No.
4,324,246, entitled "Disposable Absorbent Article Having A Stain Resistant Coversheet", issued to Mullane and Smith on April 13, 1982; U.S. Pat. No.
4,342,314, entitled "Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties", issued to Radel and Thompson on August 3, 1982; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045, entitled "Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression", issued to Ahr, Louis, Mullane and Ouellete on July 31, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,819 issued to Ouellette, Alcombright & Curro on January 20, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,518 issued to Curro, Baird, Gerth, Vernon & Linman on September 2, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,642 issued to Kernstock on December 16, 1986; and EPO Pat. No. 0,165,807 of Osborn published 8/30/89; all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The apertures in such coversheets may be of uniform size or can vary in size, as disclosed in the foregoing published documents, which can be referred to for technical details, manufacturing methods, and the like. Such apertures may also vary in diameter in the manner of so-called "tapered capillaries". Such formed-film cover-sheets with tapered capillary apertures preferably are situated over the carrier sheet such that the smaller end of the capillary faces the carrier sheet and the larger end of the capillary faces outward. This helps prevent bulk liquid transfer, thereby minimizing water spotting on the fabrics being treated. In the main, apertures in the formed film coversheets used herein can have diameters in the range of from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, or as disclosed in the aforesaid patent references.
As shown in Figure 6, an unrolled article ( 1 ) of the present type can be assembled as a laminate comprising a topmost fibrous sheet ( 1 a), an absorbent Garner sheet as the core (lb) and a bottommost fibrous sheet (lc). The combination of topsheet and bottomsheet comprises the "coversheet" in the preferred embodiment of the articles herein.
The assembled, unrolled laminate article ( 1 ) is shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 also shows the bond (lf) which extends around the periphery of the article.
The purpose of this bond is to ensure that the absorbent carrier core maintains its original configuration relative to the coversheet when the article is being used in the manner of this invention. Stated simply, it has been discovered that if the absorbent sheet which comprises the core is not bonded to the "envelope" provided by the coversheet in-use, the Garner sheet tends to crumple and bunch-up inside the coversheet.
This can interfere with the delivery of the cleaning/refreshment composition to the fabrics being treated.
Moreover, it has also been discovered that it is not preferred to tightly bond the coversheet to the carrier sheet across - a entire face of the carrier sheet. Tightly bonding the coversheet closely to the cart ~~r sheet can allow some liquid transfer to occur through the coversheet. Accordingly, the carrier sheet is bonded to the coversheet only in discrete areas. In one embodiment as shown in Figure 7, this bonding is only around the periphery of the article. In another embodiment, spot-bonding at discrete areas across the face of the article can be employed.
Various other bond patterns can be used. Preferably, the bonding is done at no more than about 50% of the area of the article, more preferably no more than about 10%
of.the area of the article, most preferably no more than about 1 % of the area of the article.
Compositions - The user of the present process can employ various cleaning/refreshment compositions to practice the invention. However, one potential problem associated with many known fabric treatment 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 compositions used herein should, most preferably, be substantially free of various gelling agents, polyacrylate-based emulsifiers, polymeric anti-static agents, inorganic builder salts and other residue-forming materials, except at low levels of about 0.1%-0.3%, and preferably 0%, of the final compositions. Water used in the compositions should preferably be distilled, deionized or otherwise rendered free of residue-forming materials.
Stated otherwise the compositions herein should preferably be formulated so as to leave substantially no visible residue on fabrics or other solid surfaces being treated according to the practice of this invention.
Accordingly, in a preferred aspect of this invention there are provided cleaning/refreshment/sanitization compositions which are substantially free of quantities of materials which are sufficient to leave visible residues on the treated fabrics.
Aqueous Compositions (a) Water -The preferred, low residue compositions herein may comprise from about 90%, preferably from about 95.5% to about 99.9%, by weight, of water.
(b) Surfactant - The compositions herein may optionally comprise from about 0.05% to about 2%, by weight, of surfactants, such as MgAES
and NH4AES, amine oxides, ethoxylated alcohols and alkyl phenols, anionics such as alkyl sulfates, and mixtures thereof. Nonionics such as the ethoxylated C 10-C 16 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 Cg-C 1 g primary ("AS"; preferred C 10-C 14, sodium salts), as well as branched-chain and random C 10-C20 alkyl sulfates, and C 10-C 18 secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formula CH3(CH2)x(CHOS03-M+) CH3 and CH3 (CH2)y(CHOS03-M+) CH2CH3 where x and (y + 1 ) are integers of at least about 7, preferably at least about 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)xS03Z, wherein R is C 1 p-C 16 alkyl, EO is -CH2CH2-O-, x is I-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. A preferred mixture comprises MgAE I S/C 12 dimethyl amine oxide at a weight ratio of about 10:1. Other surfactants which improve phase stability and which optionally can be used herein include the polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, e.g., C 12-C 14 N-methyl glucamide. AS stabilized compositions preferably comprise 0.1%-0.5%, by weight, of the compositions herein. MgAES and amine oxides, if used, can comprise 0.01%-2%, by weight, of the compositions. The other surfactants can be used at similar levels.
(c) Optionals - The compositions herein may comprise minor amounts of various optional ingredients, including preservatives, bleach stabilizers, perfumes, pH adjusters, buffers, and the like. If used, such optional ingredients will typically comprise from about 0.05% to about 2%, by weight, of the compositions, having due regard for residues on the cleaned fabrics.
The following illustrates preferred ranges for cleaning/refreshment compositions for use herein, but is not intended to be limiting thereof.
In reg diem % (wt.} Formula Range Surfactant 0-2 Perfume 0-1. S
Water Balance pH range from about 6 to about 8.
Preferred compositions for use in the in-dryer cleaning/refreshment process herein are as follows.
Ingredient % wt. Range (% wt.l Water 99.0 95.1-99.9 Perfume 0. 5 0-1. 5 Surfactant* 0. 5 0.05-2.0 Ethanol or Isopropanol 0 Optional to 4%
*Especially ethoxylated alcohols, as disclosed herein. The fabric refreshment compositions may also contain anionic surfactants. Such anionic surfactants are well-known in the detergency arts. Commercial surfactants available as TWEEN~, SPAN~, AEROSOL OT~ and various sulfosuccinic esters are especially useful herein.
Perfume - It has been determined that higher molecular weight, high boiling point, malodorous chemicals tend to be retained on the fabrics, at least to some degree. These malodors can be overcome, or "masked", by perfumes. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the perfumer should select at least some perfume chemicals which are sufficiently high boiling that they are not entirely lost during the process. A
wide variety of aldehydes, ketones, esters, acetals, and the like, perfumery chemicals which have boiling points above about 50°C, preferably above about 85°C, are known. Such ingredients can be delivered to the fabrics being treated by means of the Garner substrate herein during the processes herein, thereby helping to reduce the user's perception of malodors. Non-limiting examples of perfume materials with relatively high boiling components include various essential oils, resinoids, and resins from a variety of sources including but not limited to orange oil, lemon oil, patchouli, Peru balsam, Olibanum resinoid, styrax, labdanum resin, nutmeg, cassia oil, benzoin resin, coriander, lavandin and lavender. Still other perfume chemicals include phenyl ethyl alcohol, terpineol and mixed pine oil terpenes, linalool, linalyl acetate, geraniol, nerol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-cyclohexanol acetate, orange terpenes and eugenol. Of course, lower boiling materials can be included, with the understanding that some loss will occur due to venting.
Containment Bay - The compositions are loaded on the carrier substrate which is preferably encased in the coversheet and the finished article is stored in its rolled configuration in a pouch until time-of use. The article is then unrolled and placed in a bag environment for use in a heated operating clothes dryer, or the like, to treat fabrics as a dry cleaning alternative or fabric refreshment process. The warm, humid environment created inside this bag volatilizes malodor components in the manner of a "steam distillation" process, and moistens fabrics and the soils thereon.
This moistening of fabrics can loosen pre-set wrinkles, but it has now been discovered that overly wet fabrics can experience setting of new wrinkles during the drying stage toward the end of the dryer cycle. Proper selection of the amount of water used in the process and, importantly, proper venting of the bag in the present manner can minimize wrinkling. Moreover, if the bag is not vented, the volatilized malodorous materials removed from the fabrics can undesirably be re-deposited thereon.
In a highly preferred mode, the process of the present invention employs a vapor-venting containment bag. The bag is preferably designed for multiple uses and reuses, and is especially adapted for use by the consumer in any conventional hot air clothes dryer apparatus, such as those found in the home or in commercial laundry/cleaning establishments. The bag is designed to vent water and other vapors (including malodorous materials) which emanate from within the bag when used in the manner described herein. The vapors released from the bag are thence exhausted through the air vent of the dryer apparatus.
As described more fully hereinafter, the preferred venting bag is provided with a vapor-venting closure which provides one or more gaps through which vapors are released from the bag, in-use. In a preferred embodiment, the size of this gap is selected to provide controlled vapor release from the bag under the indicated operating conditions. While other gap sizes and operating conditions can be used, a preferred balance between vapor containment within the bag to perform the sanitization of the fabrics along with the cleaning/refreshment function and vapor release from the bag has now been determined using the principles disclosed hereinafter.
Alternatively, the bag can be provided with a series of holes or other fenestrations which provide vapor venting. However, such venting is not as effective as the vapor-venting closure.
In one mode, the present invention employs a vapor-venting containment bag comprising an open end, a closed end and flexible side walls having inner and outer surfaces, the open end of said bag having a section of one side wall extending beyond said open end to provide a flexible flap, said flap having first fastening device affixed thereto, said flap being foldable to extend over a portion of the outside surface of the opposing side wall, said flap being affixable to the outer surface of the opposing wall of the bag by engaging said first fastening device on the inside face of the flap with a second fastening device present on the outside face of said opposing side wall, said first and second fastening devices, when thus engaged, forming a fastener, thereby providing a closure for the open end of the bag. Said first and second fastening devices are disposed so as, when engaged, to provide vapor-venting along said closure, especially at the lateral edges of the closure. The bag herein is most preferably formed from film which is heat resistant up to at least about 204°C-260°C.
Nylor r,s a preferred film material for formiv .. the bag. In another embodiment, the edge :~f one wall of the bag is notched along a substantial portion of its width to facilitate and optimize vapor venting.
In an alternate mode, the flap can be folded to provide the closure, tucked inside the opposing side wall, and secured there by a fastener. In this mode, vapors are vented along the closure and especially at the lateral edges of the closure. In yet another mode, the side walls are of the same size and no flap is provided.
Fastening devices placed intermittently along portions of the inner surfaces of the side walls are engaged when the lips of the side walls are pressed together to provide closure. One or more vapor-venting gaps are formed in those regions of the closure where no fastening device is present.
While the fastening devices herein can comprise chemical adhesives, the bag is preferably designed for multiple uses. Accordingly, reusable mechanical fasteners are preferred for use herein. Any reusable mechanical fastener or fastening means can be used, as long as the elements of the fastener can be arranged so that, when the bag is closed and the fastener is engaged, a vapor-venting closure is provided. Non-limiting examples include: bags wherein said first and second fastening devices, together, comprise a hook and loop (VELCRO~-type) fastener; hook fasteners such as described in U.S. Patent 5,058,247 to Thomas & Blaney issued October 22, 1991;
bags wherein said first and second fastening devices, together, comprise a hook and string type fastener; bags wherein said first and second fastener devices, together, comprise an adhesive fastener; bags wherein said first and second fastening devices, together, comprise a toggle-type fastener; bags wherein said first and second fastening devices, together, form a snap-type fastener; as well as hook and eye fasteners, ZIP LOK~-style fasteners, zipper-type fasteners, and the like, so long as the fasteners are situated so that vapor venting is achieved. Other fasteners can be employed, so long as the vapor-venting is maintained when the bag is closed, and the fastener is sufficiently robust that the flap does not open as the bag and its contents are being tumbled in the clothes dryer. The fastening devices can be situated that the multiple vapor-venting gaps are formed along the closure, or at the lateral edges, or so that the gap is offset to one end of the closure. In yet another embodiment, both ends of the bag are provided with a vapor venting closure.
The design of the venting ability of the bag achieves a proper balance of the above effects. A tightly-sealed, vapor impermeable "closed" bag will not purge malodors and will overly moisten the fabrics, resulting in wrinkling. An overly "open" bag design will not sufficiently moisten the fabrics or soils to mobilize heavier malodors or to remove pre-existing fabric wrinkles. Further, the bag must be "closed" enough to billow and create a void volume under water vapor pressure, wherein the fabrics can tumble freely within the bag and be exposed to the vapors.
The bag is designed with sufficient venting to trap a portion of water vapors (especially early in the dryer cycle) but to allow most of the water to escape by the end of the cycle. Said another way, the rate of vapor release is, preferably, optimized to secure a balance of vapor venting and vapor trapping. A preferred bag design employs a water vapor impermeable film such as nylon, with a the closure flap (preferably with a hook-and-loop VELCRO~-type fastener) like that of a large envelope. The degree of slack in the fold-over portion of the closure flap can be varied to provide a vapor-venting air gap or partial opening which controls the rate of vapor venting from of the bag. In another mode, a notch is cut along the edge of the side wall opposite the flap to further adjust the venting. The fastener devices shown in the Figures run only partly along the closure, thereby allowing venting to also occur at the lateral edges of the closure.
The following is intended to assist the formulator in the manufacture and use of vapor-venting bags in the manner of this invention, but is not intended to be limiting thereof.
Bag Dimensions - Figure 9 shows the overall dimensions of a notched bag:
i.e., length (7) to fold line 27 5/8 inches (70.2 cm); width (8) of bag 26 inches (66 cm), with a flap to the base of the fold line ( I I ) of 2 3/8 inches (6 cm). In the Tests reported hereinafter, this bag is referred to by its open dimensions as "26 in. x 30 in." (66.04 cm x 76.20 cm).
Figure 10 gives additional details of the positioning of the various elements of the notched bag. In this embodiment, all dimensions are the same for both the left hand and right hand sides of the bag. The dimensions herein are for an opened bag which is about 30 inches (76.2 cm) in overall length (including the flap) and about 26 inches (66 cm) wide. The distance (9) from the lateral edge of the bag to the outermost edge of the fastening device (3) located on the inside of the flap (S) is about 2 inches (5 cm). In this embodiment, the fastening device (3) on the inside of wall (2a) comprises the loop portion of a VELCRO~-type strip whose width (13) is about 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) and whose total length is about 22 inches (55.9 cm).
Fastening device (6) is similarly situated on the outside of wall 2(b) and comprises the hook portion of a 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) VELCRO~-type strip. Distance (9) can be decreased or increased to decrease or increase venting at the edges of the flap when the bag is closed and the fastener is engaged. The distance (10) between the uppermost edge of the flap and the base of the notch is about 2 7/8 inches (7.3 cm).
The distance (14) between the lateral edge of the bag and the lateral edge of the notch is about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). The distance (I S) between the uppermost edge of the flap and the fold (11) is about 2 3/8 inches (6 cm). The distance (16) between the uppermost edge of the flap and the leading edge of the VELCRO~-type strip (3) afl'lxed to the flap is about 3/8 inches (0.95 cm). The distance (17) between fold (11) and the lowermost edge of the notch is about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm). This distance also can be varied to decrease or increase vapor venting. A range of 0.25-1.5 inches (0.64-3.81 cm) is typical. The distance (18) between the uppermost edge of the VELCRO~-type strip (6) and the bottom edge of the notch is about 3/4 inches ( 1.9 cm). The distance ( 19) between the bottommost edge of the VELCRO~-type strip (3) and the fold (11) is about 1 1/4 inches (3.17 cm).
Figure 11 gives additional details of the dimensions of an un-notched envelope bag of the foregoing overall size comprising sidewaIls (2a) and (2b).
Again, each VELCRO~-type strip (3) and (6) is about 3/4 inches (1.9 cm) in width and about 22 inches (55.9 cm) in length. Each strip is positioned so as to be inboard from each of the lateral edges of the finished bag wall and flap by about 2 inches (5 cm).
The distance (12) between the leading edge of the sidewall (2b} to the base edge of the fastener strip (3) on the flap portion of the bag is about 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm).
The distance (20) between the base edge of the fastener strip (6} to the leading edge of the sidewall (2b) is about 2.25 inches (5.7 cm). The distance (21 ) between the leading edge of the fastener strip (6) to the leading edge of the sidewall is about 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm). The distance (22) between fold (11) and the base edge of the fastener strip (3) is about 2 inches (5 cm). The distance (23) between the leading edge of fastener strip (3) and the uppermost edge of the flap which is an extension of sidewall (Za) is about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). Distance (24) is about 3 S/8 inches (9.2 cm). As in the foregoing notched bag, the positioning and length of the fasteners can be adjusted to decrease or increase venting.
The construction of the preferred, heat-resistant vapor-venting bag used herein to contain the fabrics in a hot air laundry dryer or similar device preferably employs thermal resistant films to provide the needed temperature resistance to internal self sealing and external surface deformation sometimes caused by overheated clothes dryers. In addition, the bags are resistant to the chemical agents used in the cleaning or refreshment compositions herein. By proper selection of bag material, unacceptable results such as bag melting, melted holes in bags, and sealing of bag wall-to-wall are avoided. In a preferred mode, the fastener is also constructed of a thermal resistant material. As shown in the Figures, in one embodiment, 1 to 3 mil (0.025-0.076 mm) heat-resistant Nylon-6 film is folded and sealed into a containment bag. Sealing can be done using standard impulse heating equipment. In an alternate mode, a sheet of nylon is simply folded in half and sealed along two of its edges. In yet another mode, bags can be made by air blowing operations. The method of assembling the bags can be varied, depending on the equipment available to the manufacturer and is not critical to the practice of the invention.
The dimensions of the containment bag can vary, depending on the intended end-use. For example, a relatively smaller bag can be provided which is sufficient to contain one or two silk blouses. Alternatively, a larger bag suitable for handling a man's suit can be provided. Typically, the bags herein will have an internal volume of from about 10,000 cm3 to about 25,000 cm3. Bags in this size range are sufficient to accommodate a reasonable load of fabrics (e.g., 0.2-S kg} without being so large as to block dryer vents in most U.S.-style home dryers. Somewhat smaller bags may be used in relatively smaller European and Japanese dryers.
The bag herein is preferably flexible, yet is preferably durable enough to withstand multiple uses. The bag also preferably has sufficient stiffness that it can billow, in-use, thereby allowing its contents to tumble freely within the bag during use. Typically, such bags are prepared from 0.025 mm to 0.076 mm (1-3 mil) thickness polymer sheets. If more rigidity in the bag is desired, somewhat thicker sheets can be used.
In addition to thermally stable "nylon-only" bags, the containment bags herein can also be prepared using sheets of co-extruded nylon and/or polyester or nylon and/or polyester outer and/or inner layers surrounding a less thermally suitable inner core such as polypropylene. In an alternate mode, a bag is constructed using a nonwoven outer "shell" comprising a heat-resistant material such as nylon or polyethylene terephthalate and an inner sheet of a polymer which provides a vapor barrier. The non-woven outer shell protects the bag from melting and provides an improved tactile impression to the user. Whatever the construction, the objective is to protect the bag's integrity under conditions of thermal stress at temperatures up to at least about 400-500°F (204°C to 260°C). Under circumstances where excessive heating is not of concern, the bag can be made of polyester, polypropylene or any convenient polymer material.
Vapor Venting Evaluation - In its broadest sense, the preferred vapor-venting containment bag used herein is designed to be able to vent at least about 40%, preferably at least about 60%, up to about 90%, preferably no more than about 80%, by weight, of the total moisture introduced into the bag within the operating cycle of the clothes dryer or other hot air apparatus used in the process herein. (Of course most, if not .all, of organic cleaning solvents, if any, will also be vented during together with the water. However, since water comprises by far the major portion of the clearung/refreshment compositions '~ :in, it is more convenient to measure and report the venting as water vapor venting.) It will be appreciated by those knowledgeable about the operation of hot air clothes dryers and similar apparatus that the rate of venting will usually not be constant over the entire operating cycle. All dryers have a warm-up period at the beginning of the operating cycle, and this can vary according to the specifications of the manufacturer. Most dryers have a cool-down period at the end of the operating cycle. Some venting from the containment bag can occur during these warm-up and cool-down periods, but its rate is generally less than the venting rate over the main period of the drying cycle. Moreover, even during the main period of the cycle, many modern dryers are constructed with thermostat settings which cause the air temperature in the dryer to be increased and decreased periodically, thereby preventing overheating. Thus, an average, rather than constant, dryer operating temperature in the target range of from about 50°C to about 85°C
is typically achieved.
Moreover, the user of the present containment bag may choose to stop the operation of the drying apparatus before the cycle has been completed. Some users may wish to secure fabrics which are still slightly damp so that they can be readily ironed, hung up to dry, or subjected to other finishing operations.
Apart from the time period employed, the Vapor-Venting Equilibrium ("VVE") for any given type of vapor-venting closure will depend mainly on the temperature achieved within the dryer - which, as noted above, is typically reported as an average "dryer air temperature". In point of fact, the temperature reached within the containment bag is more significant in this respect, but can be difficult to measure with accuracy. Since the heat transmittal through the walls of the bag is rather efficient due to the thinness of the walls and the tumbling action afforded by conventional clothes dryers, it is a reasonable approximation to measure the VVE
with reference to the average dryer air temperature.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that the vapor-venting from the containment bag should not be so rapid that the aqueous cleaning/refreshment composition does not have the opportunity to moisten the fabrics being treated and to mobilize and remove the soils/malodors therefrom. However, this is not of practical concern herein, inasmuch as the delivery of the composition from its carrier substrate onto the fabrics afforded by the tumbling action of the apparatus occurs at such a rate that premature loss of the composition by premature vaporization and venting is not a significant factor. Indeed, the preferred bag herein is designed to prevent such premature venting, thereby allowing the liquid and vapors of the cleaning/refreshment composition to remain within the bag for a period which is sufficiently long to perform its intended functions on the fabrics being treated.
The following Vapor-Venting Evaluation Test (VVET} illustrates the foregoing points in more detail. Larger or smaller containment bags can be used, depending on the volume of the dryer drum, the size of the fabric load, and the like.
As noted above, however, in each instance the containment bag is designed to achieve a degree of venting, or VVE "score", of at least about 40% (40 VVE), preferably at least about 60% (60 VVE), up to about 90% (90 VVE).
VAPOR-VENTING EVALUATION TEST
Materials:
Envelope or "Standard", i.e., Control Containment Bag to be evaluated for VVE.
Carrier Substrate (15"x11"; 38.1 cm x 27.9 cm) I-II'DRASPUN~ carrier substrate sheet from Dexter with (10444) or without (10244) Binder Wool Blouse: RN77390, Style 12288, Weight approx. 224 grams Silk Blouse: RN40787, Style 0161, Weight approx. 81 grams Rayon Swatch: 45"x17" (114.3 cm x 43.2 cm), Weight approx. 60 grams Pouch: 5 "x6.375" { 12.7 cm x 16.2 cm) to contain the Carrier Substrate and water De-ionized Water; Weight is variable to establish VVE.
Pretreatment of Fabrics:
1. The wool, silk, and rayon materials are placed in a Whirlpool dryer (Model LEC7646DQ0) for 10 minutes at high heat setting, with the heating cycle ranging from about 140°F-165°F to remove moisture picked up at ambient condition.
2. The fabrics are then removed from the dryer and placed in sealed nylon or plastic bags (minimum 3 mil. thickness) to minimize moisture pick up from the atmosphere.
Test Procedure:
1. Water of various measured weights from 0 to about 40 grams is applied to the Garner substrate a minimum of 30 minutes before running a vented bag test.
The substrate is folded, placed in a pouch and sealed.
2. Each fabric is weighed separately and the dry weights are recorded. Weights are also recorded for the dry carrier substrate, the dry pouch containing the substrate, and the dry containment bag being evaluated.
3. Each garment is placed in the bag being evaluated for vapor venting along with the water-containing substrate (removed from its pouch and unfolded).
4. The bag is closed without expressing the air and placed in the Whirlpool Dryer for 30 minutes at the high heat setting, with tumbling per the standard mode of operation of the dryer.
5. At the end of 30 minutes the bag is removed from the dryer and each fabric, the carrier substrate, the bag and the pouch are weighed for water weight gain relative to the dry state. (A possible minor loss in weight for the containment bag due to dryer heat is ignored in the calculations.) 6. The weight gain of each garment is recorded as a percent of the total moisture applied to the carrier substrate.
7. The remaining unmeasured moisture divided by the total moisture is recorded as percent vented from the dryer bag.
8. When a series of total applied moisture levels are evaluated, it is seen that above about 1 S-20 grams of water the % vented becomes essentially constant, and this is the Vapor-Venting Equilibrium value, or VVE, for the particular bag venting design.
It can be seen from examining a series of VVET results at various initial moisture levels that the water at lower initial levels is being disproportionately captured by the garment load, the headspace, and the nylon bag, such that venting of water and volatile malodors begins in earnest only after the VVE value is achieved.
Since this occurs only when about 15-20 grams or more of water is initially charged, it is seen that a VVE of greater than about 40 is needed to avoid excessive wetting of garments; leading to unacceptable wet-setting of wrinkles, as discussed herein.
Malodor and Wrinkle Removal One assessment of the process using the vapor-venting bag herein with respect to malodors comprises exposing the fabrics to be tested to an atmosphere which contains substantial amounts of cigarette smoke. In an alternate mode, or in conjunction with the smoke, the fabrics can be exposed to the chemical components of synthetic perspiration, such as the composition available from IFF, Inc.
Expert olfactory panelists are then used to judge odor on any convenient scale. For example, a scale of 0 (no detectable odor) to 10 (heavy malodor) can be established and used for grading purposes. The establishment of such tests is a matter of routine, and various other protocols can be devised according to the desires of the formulator.
For example, garments to be "smoked" are hung on clothing hangers in a fume hood where air flow has been turned off and vents blocked. Six cigarettes with filters removed are lighted and set in ashtrays below the garments. The hood is closed and left until the cigarettes have about half burned. The garments are then turned 180° to get even distribution of smoke on all surfaces. Smoking is then continued until all cigarettes are consumed. The garments are then enclosed in sealed plastic bags and allowed to sit overnight.
After aging for about one day, the garments are treated in the cleaning/refreshment process using the venting bag. The garments are removed promptly from the containment bag when the dryer cycle is finished, and are graded for malodor intensity. The grading is done by an expert panel, usually two, of trained odor and perfume graders. The malodor intensity is given a grade of 0 to 10, where is full initial intensity and 0 is no malodor detected. A grade of 1 is a trace detection of malodor, and this grade is regarded as acceptably low malodor to most users.
In the absence of perfume ingredients in the cleaning cloth composition, the grading of residual malodor intensity is a direct indication of degree of cleaning or removal of malodorous chemicals. When perfumed compositions are used, the grading panelists can also determine a score for perfume intensity and character (again on a 0 to 10 scale), and the malodor intensity grading in this case would indicate the ability of the residual perfume to cover any remaining malodorous chemicals, as well as their reduction or removal.
After the garment odor grading taken promptly after the cleaning/refreshment process, the garments are hung in an open room for one hour and graded again.
This one-hour reading allows for an end-effect evaluation that would follow cool-down by the garments and drying of the moisture gained in the dryer cycle treatment.
The initial out-of bag grading does reflect damp-cloth odors and a higher intensity of warm volatiles from the bag, and these are not factors in the one-hour grades.
Further garment grading can be done at 24 hours and, optionally, at selected later times, as test needs dictate.
Likewise, fabric wrinkles can be visually assessed by skilled graders. For example, silk fabric, which wrinkles rather easily, can be used to visually assess the degree of wrinkle-removal achieved by the present processes using the vapor-venting bag. Other single or multiple fabrics can optionally be used. A laboratory test is as follows.
DE-WRINKLING TEST
MATERIALS:
As above for V~rET.
De-ionized Water, Weight range (0-38 grams) Pretreatment of Fabrics:
The silk fabric is placed in a hamper, basket, or drum to simulate normal conditions that are observed after wearing. These storage conditions produce garments that are severely wrinkled (well defined creases) and require a moist environment to relax the wrin_les.
TEST f?OCEDURE:
I. One silk fabric is placed in a containment bag being tested.
2. Water (0-38 grams) is applied to the carrier substrate a minimum of 30 minutes before running the test, placed in a pouch and sealed.

3. The silk garment is placed in the test containment bag along with the water-containing substrate (removed from its pouch and unfolded).
4. The bag is closed and placed in a Whirlpool Dryer (Model LEC7646DQ0) for 30 minutes at high heat (48-74C cycle).
5. At the end of 30 minutes, the dryer bag is removed from the dryer EVIMEDIATELY and the silk garment is placed on a hanger.
6. The silk garment is then visually graded versus the Control Garment from the same Pretreatment Of Fabrics.
In laboratory tests of the foregoing type, the in-dryer, non-immersion clearung/refreshment processes herein typically provide malodor (cigarette smoke and/or perspiration) malodor grades in the 0-1 range for smoke and somewhat higher for perspiration malodors, thereby indicating good removal of malodor components other than those of sufficiently high molecular weights that they do not readily "steam vaporize" from the fabrics. Likewise, fabrics (silks) have wrinkles removed to a sufficient extent that they are judged to be reasonably suitable for wearing with little, or no, ironing.
PROCESS COMPONENTS
The use of the article with the vapor-venting bag, the compositions and the processes of this invention are described in more detail hereinafter. Such disclosure is by way of illustration and not limitation of the invention herein.
Figure 8 illustrates one form of a pre-formed, notched containment bag in an open configuration with the loose, unrolled article (1), first side wall (2a), second side wall (2b), first fastening device (3), side seal (4) for the bag and flexible flap (5).
In use, flexible flap (S) is folded along fold line (11) to provide the vapor-venting closure for the bag.
Figure 9 shows the "envelope-style" notched bag in a finished configuration and containing the loose, unrolled article (1). In-use, the fabrics to be cleaned/refreshed are placed in the bag with the article (1} and flap (S) is folded along fold line {11) to engage first fastening device (3) with the opposing second fastening device (6} to fasten the flap, thereby providing a vapor-venting closure which is sufficiently stable to withstand tumbling in a hot air clothes dryer or similar device.
Figure 10 shows a cut-away view of the corner of the notched containment bag illustrating the interior of the first side wall (2a) and second side wall (2b), first fastening device (3), second fastening device (6), flap (5), and fold line (11). The distance between the edge of the bag (9) and the depth of the notch ( 11 ) in second side wall (2b) are dimensions which are set forth hereinabove.

Figure 11 depicts an un-notched venting bag with the article (1) loosely contained therein.
As noted above, the Bag Dimensions given hereinabove are for containment bags which are designed to tumble freely within the drum of a conventional, U.
S.-style in-home hot air clothes dryer having a drum volume of about 170-210 liters (home size). The bag of the stated dimensions is designed to treat up to about 5 kg fabric load in a single use. The dimensions can be adjusted proportionately for larger or smaller bags to achieve the desired ~ and to ensure effective use in dryers with larger or smaller drums. For example, the total volume of a containment bag constructed for use in an average European home clothes dryer (or U.S.
"apartment"
size; ca. 90 liter drum volume) would be about 60% of the volume for an average U. S. dryer.
OVERALL PROCESS
The overall process is conveniently conducted in a tumbling apparatus, preferably in the presence of heat. The nylon or other heat-resistant vapor-venting bag with the article herein plus aqueous cleaning/refreshment composition and containing the fabric being treated is closed and placed in the drum of an automatic hot air clothes dryer at temperatures of 40°C-1 SO°C. The drum is allowed to revolve, which imparts a tumbling action to the bag and agitation of its contents concurrently with the tumbling. By virtue of this agitation, the fabrics come in contact with the article containing the composition. The tumbling and heating are carried out for a period of at least about 10 minutes, typically from about 20 minutes to about 60 minutes. This step can be conducted for longer or shorter periods, depending on such factors as the degree and type of soiling of the fabrics, the nature of the soils, the nature of the fabrics, the fabric load, the amount of heat applied, and the like, according to the needs of the user. During the step, greater than about 40%, typically 40% to about 80%, of the moisture is vented from the bag.
With respect to the wrinkle-removing function of the process and compositions herein, it will be appreciated that wrinkling can be affected by the type of fabric, the fabric weave, fabric finishes, and the like. For fabrics which tend to v--vkle, it is preferred not to overload the vapor-venting bag used herein.
Thus, for with, for example, an operationa; ..apacity of up to about S kg of fabrics, it may b.; ~~st to process up to only about v0% of capacity, (i.e., up to about 3 kg) of fabrics to further minimize wrinkling.
The following examples further illustrate the invention, but are not intended to be limiting thereof.

EXAMPLE I
A low residue liquid fabric cleaning/refreshment product for use preferably in a vented dryer bag is prepared, as follows.
In redient % wt.
Emulsifier (TWEEN 20)* 0.5 Perfume 0. S
KATHON~* * 0.0003 Sodium Benzoate 0.1 Water Balance *Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate available from ICI Surfactants.
* *Preservative A 10 1/4 in. x 14 1/4 in. (26 cm x 36 cm) carrier sheet of HYDRASPLJN~ is prepared. The carrier sheet is covered on both sides with a topsheet and a bottomsheet of 8 mil (0.2 mm) Reemay fabric coversheet material of the type described hereinabove. The coversheet (i.e., both topsheet and bottomsheet) are bonded to the carrier sheet by a Vertrod~ or other standard heat sealer device, thereby bonding the laminate structure together around the entire periphery of the Garner sheet. The edges of the Garner sheet around its periphery are intercalated between the topsheet and bottomsheet by the bond. The width of the bond is kept to a minimum and is about 0.25 in. (6.4 mm).
The bonded laminate structure thus prepared is rolled somewhat loosely around a cylindrical void into a generally tubular shape of about 26 cm length and a diameter of about 2-3 cm. The rolled article is then folded to half its length at about its mid-point by means of a thrusting blade which also serves to insert the article into a retaining pouch. It is observed that, with the rolling method herein, essentially no severely sharp creases are formed, and the final doubling of the rolled tube is under such stress that only in the very center of the bend are a few sharper creases formed.
The result is that permanent refolding along crease lines is essentially avoided, and release of the cleaning/refreshment composition from the article in-use is optimized.
Any plastic or flexible pouch which does not leak is suitable for use herein.
For example, a foil laminated pouch of the type used in the food service industry can be employed. Such pouches are well-known in the industry and are made from materials which do not absorb food flavors. In like manner, the formulator herein may wish to avoid absorption of the perfume used in the cleaning/refreshment composition by the pouch. Various pouches are useful herein and are commercially available on a routine basis. As a point of comparison, the pouch containing the rolled/folded article herein has overall dimensions of about 8.5 cm x 17.7 cm, whereas a pouch for a similar planar-folded article is about 13 cm x 17.7 cm. A
savings in material of about 30-40% is thus achieved.
23 Grams of the liquid product are poured onto the article within the pouch and allowed to absorb into it for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably for at least about 4 hours. The pouch is sealed immediately after the liquid product is introduced into the pouch and stored until time-of use.
As an entirely optional matter, the carrier sheet can also have holes punched therethrough in order to further maximize its ability to maintain an open configuration in-use. Indeed, the holes can be punched through the entire article, including the coversheet, itself. For an article having the overall dimensions of about 27 cm x 37 cm, 16 round holes, each about 0.5 in. (1.27 cm) in diameter are evenly spaced across the HYDRASPUN carrier sheet. Slits or other perforations may be used in like manner.
The fabric to be treated is placed into a 26 in. x 30 in. (66 x 76 cm) vapor-venting nylon bag as shown in the Figures together with the sheet (which is removed from its storage pouch, unfolded and unrolled) releasably containing the aforesaid cleaning/refreshment product. The mouth of the bag is closed to provide vapor-venting, and the bag and its contents are placed in the drum of a conventional hot air clothes dryer. The dryer is operated in standard fashion for 20-60 minutes at a high heat setting (an air temperature range of about 140-170°F; 60-70°C). After the tumbling action of the dryer ceases, the cleaned and refreshed fabric is removed from the bag. The used sheet is discarded. The fabric (which is preferably still slightly damp) is preferably hung on a conventional hanger to complete the drying process thereby further avoiding wrinkles.
EXAMPLE II
The article of Example I is prepared from a non-woven fabric (preferably hydroentangled} but without the coversheets. The article is rolled, soaked in grams of the cleaning/refreshment composition, and packaged for shipment, all as disclosed in Example I.
EXAMPLE III
Other compositions for use on a sheet substrate in a hot air clothes dryer in the manner disclosed herein, are as follows.
INGREDIENT PERCENT (wt.} RANGE
NEODOL 23 - 6. 5 1.00 0. I -1. 5 BPP* 9.2 0-5 1,2-Octanediol 0.65 0-1.0 Perfume 1.00 0-1.5 PEMULEN~ TR-1 * * 0.125 0-0. 2 KOH 0.063 0.024-0. I 0 KCl 0.075 0.02-0.20 KATHON~ CG 0.0003 0.0001-0.001 Water Balance Balance *Butoxypropoxy propanol **PEMIJLEN TR-2, B. F. Goodrich, may be substituted.
Besides the other ingredients, the foregoing compositions 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 about 0.001 % to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01 % to about 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.
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 about 0.5%, typically from about 2% to about 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.
It will be understood that the articles herein can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a variation that can make the substrate a bit easier to fold and insert into the pouch is to elongate the spiral fold pattern out, such that the rolled fabric resembles a "bolted"
roll of fabric. This bolting reduces the number of cross-sectional layers versus a circular spiral, thus causing less bunching and bulging along the center fold.
Another variation is to fold the substrate first, preferably along its longest dimension, and then "bolt" or roll it as shown in Figure 5. This pattern and the internal bunching of the layers produce a "springiness" to help keep the spiral pattern pushed open and prevent the folds from reforming in-use. All such variations are encompassed by the terms "roll" or "rolled", as used herein. Alternatively, the rolled article can be folded into thirds, rather than half, to further minimize the use of packaging materials.
Various logos, patterns, colors, and the like can be used to enhance the appearance of the articles.

Claims (10)

What is claimed is:

1. A fabric cleaning/rofreshment article characterized by a flexible sheet carrier substrate releasably carrying a cleaning/refreshment composition, said sheet substrate being packaged in the form of a roll.

2. An article according to Claim 1 wherein the substrate is a non-woven web.

3. An article according to Claims 1 or 2 wherein the substrate is a hydroentangled web.

4. An article according to any of Claims 1-3 wherein the substrate is encased in a coversheet.

5. An article according to any of Claims 1-4 wherein the surface area of the sheet substrate is from about 360 cm2 to about 3000 cm2.

6. A method for cleaning and refreshing fabrics in a tumbling apparatus, characterized by placing said fabrics in a container together with an article according to Claim 1 which is in an unrolled configuration, closing said container, and tumbling said fabrics together with said unrolled article.

7. A method according to Claim 6 which is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer.

8. A method according Claims 6-7 wherein the container is a bag that is heat resistant and vapor-venting.

9. A dry cleaning composition in kit form, characterized by the following components:
(a) multiple rolled articles according to any of Claims 1-5;
(b) a reusable container suitable for use in a hot air clothes dryer; and (c) an outer package containing said components (a) and (b).

10. A kit according to Claims 1-9 wherein each article is individually folded and packaged in a retaining pouch.