IT202000026401A1 - INNOVATIVE AND LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SOLUTION FOR LAUNDRY. DETERGENT AND SOFTENER ON SOLID SUPPORT FOR SANITIZING LAUNDRY - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Attached to patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION entitled:

?Innovative and low environmental impact solution for laundry. Detergent and softener on solid support for sanitizing laundry.

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention refers to an innovative product with low environmental impact for sanitizing laundry, which consists of a multipurpose cloth pre-impregnated with a detergent, softener and deodorant solution.

STATE OF THE ART

Lately ? the attention on the part of companies and consumers, respectively, on the production and use of products with low environmental impact is constantly growing. Many companies are promoting the activities? research for the introduction of new systems capable of guaranteeing the promotion of the use of green raw materials, low environmental impact processes and the development of environmentally friendly products. To date, a green product? a sustainable product from the point of view of production processes (CO2 emissions, reduction of water use, waste management, energy saving); the characteristics of the packaging (material reduction, recycled, recyclable, biodegradable packaging); supply chain management (raw material procurement, transport, logistics and distribution); of the environmental footprint (PEF, LCA,); product certifications (Ecolabel, Nordic Swan, Blue Angel); of corporate certifications (ISO 14001, B Corp).

AND? This invention falls within this context, which aims to be a promoter of a product with low environmental impact, which guarantees the use of green raw materials, the reduction of the use and release of plastic into the environment, the minimum and controlled release of detergents into the environment. environment, the reduction of CO2 emissions related to the transport of products pi? concentrated and compact.

Currently, single-dose packages of detergent liquid are on the market, consisting of capsules of water-soluble and/or biodegradable materials for containing and releasing the detergent liquid. Generally, these capsules are made with walls in the form of thin films, inside which the product is directly mixed with the same water-soluble material that composes it. These capsules are not characterized by particular properties? mechanical, and, once washing has started inside the washing machine, they dissolve when they come into contact with water, consequently releasing the liquid detergent into the surrounding environment. In particular, once the release of the cleaning liquid has started, these capsules release the product into the surrounding environment instantaneously and not progressively.

Furthermore, there are ecological solutions for administering a softener product for laundry contained in water-soluble sachets as described in US patent 4, 356, 099 of

In the state of the art ? Pre-soaked wipes have been known to find wide application in the cleaning arena, particularly for cleaning hard surfaces.

These articles find wide approval from consumers as they are convenient, easy to use, manageable because they are? compact and small in size, they avoid the transport and storage of large bottles of detergent. An example ? provided in the patent EP211664 in which a cleaning article is described in which the surfactant ? trapped in a polymer and impregnated into a sheet-like substrate. Many other patents describe cloths impregnated with sanitizing solutions for disinfecting hard surfaces (US patent 8,557,178 B2 of )

There are also examples of the use of pre-soaked dishwashing wipes (US patent 2004/0147425A1 of ).

At the state of the art of the technique ? it is necessary to refer to inventions which present the use of water-soluble solid supports containing detergent and softening solutions and which are dry to the touch (e.g. patent WO 99/40168 of WO2018/141095 A1 of ; WO2018/141096 A1 of ; WO2018/141104 A1 Of ). What? as there are examples of wipes impregnated only with a laundry detergent solution (e.g.: patent WO 2012/18600 by ) or with only fabric softener and deodorant for the washing machine or dryer (e.g.: patent US2005/0192204 A1 by ; US2011/0094906 A1 et of ; US2017/0107458 A1 of ).

Surprisingly, the invention shown here offers a unique and complex solution that allows laundry to be sanitized, softened and perfumed in a persistent manner. Furthermore, the solution used for the softening action offers the advantage of not remaining trapped between the fibers of the washed fabrics and therefore prevents the onset of skin reactions in users of sanitized clothing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of this invention? to provide an innovative product for sanitizing laundry using a low environmental impact solution. This invention provides for the production of spunlace cloths impregnated with a 3 in 1 solution of detergent, softener and deodorant for washing laundry. The multi-purpose holder allows for the gradual release of cleaning liquid during machine washing, after which it can be cleaned again. be used as a dust trap. This invention avoids: unnecessary waste of detergent and softener products, the transport of large volumes of very diluted products, the use of large quantities of plastic for packaging. This innovative solution offers the possibility? to use a single product with both cleansing and softening action.

This invention therefore makes it possible to create an innovative product with low environmental impact, capable of sanitizing, softening and perfuming laundry.

This invention? composed by:

a) a multipurpose slow release carrier of a 3 in 1 solution of detergent, fabric softener and deodorizer for washing laundry;

b) the support at the end of the washing machine pu? be used as a dust catcher for cleaning surfaces and floors;

b) the formulation used to pre-impregnate the cloth? very concentrated therefore pu? be used in small quantities? (10 ? 20 ml) to sanitize laundry (1 pre-soaked cloth for half a load of laundry, 2 cloths for a full load)

c) innovative composition of the formulation with a water concentration between 40 and 50%; non-ionic surfactants between 20 and 25% by weight; anionic surfactants between 5 and 10% by weight; fatty acids of vegetable origin between 1 ? 3% by weight; hydrotropes between 10 ? 15% by weight; additive with softening action and capable of acting as an ion exchanger avoiding the use of phosphonates between 5? 10% by weight; citric acid; deodorant agents, microencapsulated fragrances between 0.025 and 1%.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an innovative system for sanitizing laundry. This invention provides for the production of a multipurpose support with a gradual release of a 3 in 1 solution of detergent, softener and deodorant for washing laundry. Pi? in detail, the invention relates to a support of flexible and absorbent material, impregnated with a quantity? predetermined amount of detergent liquid, able to be inserted into a washing machine, capable of releasing this liquid gradually during the laundry washing operations, and subsequently usable as a duster. The innovative blend with cleansing and softening action contains products of natural origin, biodegradable and with low environmental impact.

Still from the point of view of environmental impact, the multipurpose support with gradual release of liquid detergent according to the present invention involves optimal management of the detergent, avoiding any waste. In fact, each cloth contains a pre-established dose of liquid detergent sufficient for a half load wash, while two cloths contain an amount just right for a full load wash. The three-in-one product, an integral part of this invention, does not contain quaternary ammonium salts, typically contained in common softeners, which, remaining trapped in the fibers and coming into contact with the skin, could cause skin irritation and allergies. The softener contained in the mixture carries out a mechanical action on the fibres, stretching the fabric without leaving any residue on the laundry and ? therefore indicated for all those who are allergic to traditional liquid softeners.

This invention will come now described, by way of illustration, but not by way of limitation.

Description of the cleaning solutions and composition of the solutions

Purpose of the present invention? that of preparing and using a new stabilized detergent and softener formulation for the sanitization of laundry.

The invention? able to act as a liquid detergent, sanitizer, deodorant and softener in order to offer a concentrated version of product for laundry hygiene, reduce the environmental impact and the release of toxic substances into the environment.

AND? the use of detergent products for washing laundry and the problems associated with their use are known in the state of the art: high and not well controlled dosage, irritating and allergenic effect for the skin, introduction of polluting substances into waste water, transport of too diluted solutions with relative increase in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

The use of the formulation based on natural surfactants and components of vegetable origin facilitates the reduction of pollution of waste water and ecosystems, as the substances are easily degraded by microorganisms present in the environment.

The invention? active for cleansing and sanitizing white and/or colored laundry, cotton, synthetic or delicate fabrics (e.g. wool, viscose, silk?) for the exclusive or mainly purpose of cleaning, softening, perfuming, removing stains, protecting, maintaining it in good condition or eliminate bad smells.

In this invention we have surprisingly obtained a mixture based on surfactants of natural origin, primary surfactants, hydrotropes, perfumes, additives and a reduced concentration of water, which is very stable.

The innovative formulation foresees water concentration < 50% by weight, in particular between 40 and 50% greatly reducing the addition of water and the transport of very diluted detergent solutions; non-ionic surfactants of natural origin, obtained from renewable and completely biodegradable sources (such as ethoxylated C12 ? 15 alcohol, ethoxylated coconut fatty acids, and compounds belonging to the cocamide family, between 20 and 25% by weight); anionic surfactants (in particular dodecylbenzenesulphonic acid between 5 and 10% by weight); fatty acids of vegetable origin (such as tall oil fatty acids at a concentration between 1 and 3% by weight) hydrotropes, i.e. substances that improve the solubility in the water of the components of which ? compound the detergent itself, avoiding unsightly phase separations and the formation of precipitates (propylene glycol, ethanol, triethanolamine at a concentration between 10 and 15% by weight); suspension additive, viscosifier, with a softening action and capable of acting as an ion exchanger, avoiding the use of phosphonates (bentonites and montmorillonites at a concentration between 5 and 10% by weight); citric acid in a concentration between 1 and 1.5%; deodorant agents, microencapsulated, hypoallergenic fragrances that do not require the use of formaldehyde, but ensure the permanence of the perfume on washed and dried laundry even if used at a low concentration between 0.025 and 1%.

The product two in one cos? formulated does not contain quaternary ammonium salts, typically contained in common softeners, which come into operation only after the washing phase, are deposited on the fibers giving a feeling of volume and softness of the fabrics themselves, but which remaining trapped when in contact with skin could cause skin irritation and allergies.

The mineral softener contained in the mixture of this invention works thanks to the mechanical action of bentonite, which has the property to stretch the fibers of the fabrics. Such clay? then mixed with citric acid which, by softening the water from the beginning of the wash, improves the performance of the laundry detergent; does not leave any residue on the laundry and ? therefore indicated for all those who are allergic to traditional liquid softeners.

This mixture allows you to combine the properties detergents and sanitizers of surfactants, the capabilities? softeners of mineral agents and the properties? deodorants of essential oils and fragrances.

The detergent composition formulated has the advantage of introducing stabilizing agents with a synergistic action, and in its degradative process it does not produce irritating and/or toxic substances.

This solution allows the use of reduced volumes of concentrated product with a considerable energy saving for the transport of the same. This solution is therefore also advantageous in terms of reducing the carbon dioxide emissions released for the transport of the product. Furthermore, the easy transport by consumers is also an advantage.

Support description

An innovative aspect of this laundry washing system? the selection of the substrate to be impregnated with the cleaning solution, ? You can use a spunlace cloth.

The spunlace cloths can have variable composition and contain: viscose, rayon, polyester, wood pulp, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon and cotton (US 2012/0034287 A1; US 9,655,367 B2). The spunlace cloths used for the system presented here are two-component polyester and viscose respectively in percentages of 60-80% and 40-20% and can be knitted, wet or dry. They can consist of a single layer or they can be multilayered. This invention provides for the use of multilayer spunlace cloths (US 8,859,481 B2). The spunlace cloths used for this system weigh between about 20 g and about 100 g/m<2>.

The disposable wipes of the present invention are suitable for use with disinfectants, solvents and cleaners.

The support in spunlace in conformity? with the present invention it is pre-impregnated with the detergent and softener mixture with a volume ranging from about 5 times the original weight of the cloth to about 30 times its original weight, preferably between about 12 and 20 times.

Spunlace cloths can have many shapes, including, but not limited to, circular, oval, square, rectangular or irregularly shaped and different sizes, usually 20?4 x 27?5 cm.

All pre-soaked wipes used in this system are sealed in specific resealable bags to prevent evaporation and leakage of the product.

According to the present invention, which aims to provide a support of absorbent material impregnated with cleaning liquid and capable of releasing said cleaning liquid gradually and which can be packaged individually or together with other supports of the same type inside a flexible plastic package that can be opened and resealed, to allow the extraction of one or more? supports at a time.

The multipurpose support with gradual release of liquid detergent according to the present invention is used by inserting it into the drum of a washing machine together with the laundry. The release of the cleaning liquid ? gradual and the result? optimal.

Once washed, what will the multipurpose support have? released all the liquid detergent which was impregnated, can? be used as a multi-purpose cleaning cloth, in particular, for dusting high surfaces and also floors, being able to effectively retain dust, having characteristics compatible with those of disposable dust-catching cloths already? present on the market.

The present invention ? been described for illustrative, but non-limiting purposes, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, but ? it should be understood that variations and/or modifications may be made by experts in the art without thereby departing from the relative scope of protection, as defined by the attached claims.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS Attached to patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION entitled: ?Innovative and low environmental impact solution for laundry. Detergent and softener on solid support for sanitizing laundry. 1. The invention includes a multipurpose support of absorbent material with various shapes, including, but not limited to, circular, oval, square, rectangular or irregularly shaped and different sizes, usually 20?4 x 27?5 cm pre-impregnated of laundry treatment solution. 2. Multipurpose support according to claim 1, characterized in that said absorbent material ? in non-woven fabric, spunlace, but not only in cotton, microfibre. The multipurpose support according to claim 1, pre-impregnated with the detergent, sanitizer, softener and deodorant mixture with a volume ranging from about 5 times the original weight of the cloth to about 30 times its original weight. 4. The multipurpose supports according to claim 1, used in this system are sealed in specific resealable bags with an open-close system to prevent evaporation and leakage of the product. 5. Formulated with a cleansing, softening and deodorant action including: a) from 1 to 50% by weight, in particular from 40 to 50%, with respect to the total weight of the water composition; b) from 1 to 40% by weight, in -2p -articular from 20 to 25%, with respect to the total weight of the composition, of non-ionic surfactants; c) from 1 to 20% by weight, in particular from 5 to 10%, with respect to the total weight of the composition, of anionic surfactants; d) from 0.1 to 1% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition, of stabilizing agents; e) from 1 to 20% by weight, in particular from 10 to 15%, with respect to the total weight of the composition, of hydrotropic agents; f) from 1 to 20% by weight, in particular from 5 to 10%, with respect to the total weight of the composition, of agent with ion exchange and softening action; g) from 0.001 to 1% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition, of fragrance deodorant agents and microencapsulated essential oils. 6. Composition according to claim 5, characterized in that said hydrotropic agent compounds are identified as propylene glycol, ethanol and triethanolamine. 7. Composition according to claim 5, characterized in that said agent with ion exchange and softening action? made up of bentonites and montmorillonites. 8. Composition according to claim 5, characterized in that said compound of fragrances and essential oils is identified as biodegradable and sustainable perfumes.