GB2336596A

GB2336596A - Chewing gum remover

Info

Publication number: GB2336596A
Application number: GB9908905A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Geoffrey Wheeler; Stephen Patrick Mcnay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-04-22
Filing date: 1999-04-20
Publication date: 1999-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 2019-04-20
Also published as: GB9808380D0; GB2336596B; GB9908905D0

Abstract

A chewing gum remover, e.g. a liquid for the removal of discarded chewing gum, from hard surfaces and fabrics. The product is made of a homogeneous mixture of solvent d-limonene, amine and monoethanolamine and water which is naturally viscous and adheres to chewing gum deposits. The formulation has a detergent effect on the chewing gum which allows any remaining deposit of gum to be washed away with water.

Description

1 CHEMqNG GUM REMOVER This invention relates to a chewing gum remover.

Chewing gum is a popular confectionery which is chewed to soften and release it's flavour. Once all the flavour is released the remaining gum is not swallowed but discarded. If the used chewing gum is discarded carelessly, the discarded gum hardens and becomes a nuisance. It is not easy to physically remove hardened chewing gum as it adheres to surfaces. An agent is therefore required to aid gum removal.

2336596 The most common method of removing chewing gum is a freeze spray which reduces the temperature of die gum to a level where it becomes hard enough to Eft easily from a surface. Lifting the hardened gum, however, can pull at and damage fabric fibres. The hardened gum is also brittle and small pieces can break- off as the larger piece is lifted.

Solvent based chewing gum removers are also used which dissolve chewing ginn. However, solvents do not naturally adhere to chewing gum and are difficult to apply to the domed surface of discarded gum. This is a particular problem when chewing gum is discarded on inclined or vertical surfaces.

Accordmig to the present invention there is provided a cliei,ng gum remover comprising a homogeneous mixture of solvent, amine andm-ater which is naturally viscous and adheres to chewmig gum deposits, regardless of their onientation. The chewing gum remover, adhering to the gum, allows die solvent mi die formulation to act on and soften the gum deposit. The softened gum can then be physically removed. The formulation has a detergent effect on the chewing gum which allows any reinainirig deposit of guin to be washed away with water or wiped away using a damp cloth.

A specific embodiment of die invention 11,111 now be described by way of exaniple:

A inixture of 25Yo(vol.) inonoedianolainine, 25% water and 50% dlilnonerie is mixed to produce a homogeneous solution.

The solution is applied directly on to chewing giim deposits. The solution can be poured, sprayed or applied with a brush.

1 - If the chewing gum is on an inclined surface such as a chair back its viscosity reduces the liquids tendency to run off the gum and allows the solvent time to act on and dissolve the gum deposit.

Once the gum has become soft it can be scraped off the surface and anyremaining gum residue wiped away with a cloth which has been moistened with water or a weak detergent solution. If less than 90% of the gum deposit is removed with the first treatment, a second treatment is recommended to ensure that all the gum is softened and mill be removed with wiping.

The treated area can then be left to air dry.

Claims

1 A liquid chewmig gum remover comprising a homogeneous mixture of solvent, ar rimie and water which is -,iscous and adheres to chewing gum deposits.

2 A liquid chewing gum remover as in Claim 1 where the soli-ent is dlimonene or other terpene derived from or-ange peel.

3 A liquid chewing gum remover as in Claim 1 where the solvent is a manufactured terpene not derived from citrus peel

4 A liquid chewing gum remover as Mi Claim 1 or Claim 2 comprising 25%(vol.) ann e' 25% water and 50% d-limonene.

A liquid chewing gum remover a-s in Claim 1 or Claim 2 comprising 20'8596(vol.) an-iine, 10-5096 water and 10-50% d-limonene.

6 A liquid chewmig gum remover as in any of the proceeding clamiis which is an aqueous solution of the composition described mi Claim 4 or Claim 5 winch adheres to chewing gum deposits.

7 A liquid chewing gum remover as claimed in any proceedig claim, ", herein the formulation is water nu"scible.

8 A liquid chewing gum remover as claimed in any proceeding claim, wherein the formulation enables the softened chewing gum deposit to be removed with the aid of water.

9 A liquid chewing gum remover as clairlied 'm any proceeding claim, wherein the formulation is the sole chernical product used to remove chewing gum or where the formulation is used 'm combination with other cleaning agents to remove clie%%ing gum deposits.

A liquid chewing gum remover as claimed in any proceeding claim,,,i, lierein the formulation is used to dissolve chewing gum, adhesive tape residues a-nd other gum based residues.