MXPA00010542A - Garment conditioning composition - Google Patents

Abstract

A conditioning composition for garments to be used before or after conventional washing and drying operations is disclosed. The compositions are suitable for conditioning dry clean only garments. The composition is an aqueous mixture containing a garment conditioning agent wherein the mixture has a fluid viscosity of from about 1 cps to about 100 cps and a fluid surface tension of from about 20 dynes/cm to about 55 dynes/cm. The conditioning composition is in fog form to improve composition depositionon the garments.

Description

CONDITIONING COMPOSITION OF CLOTHES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a garment conditioning composition that can be applied directly to a garment in a wide range of household appliances such as cabinet type apparatus. The conditioning composition "conditions" garments in that they are cleaned, cooled, dewatered, deodorized or softened as a result of being subjected to the conditioning composition. The conditioning composition of the invention is especially suitable for garments that require only dry cleaning and / or are susceptible to damage during domestic laundry operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION By classical definition, the term "dry cleaning" has been used to describe procedures for cleaning textiles using non-aqueous solvents. Dry cleaning is an old technique, with the first solvent-based wash registered in the United Kingdom in the 1860s. Traditionally, dry-cleaning procedures are used in garments such as wool that are susceptible to shrinkage in the aqueous wash baths, or that are considered too valuable or too delicate to be subjected to aqueous washing procedures. Various hydrocarbon and halogencarbon solvents have traditionally been used in immersion washing processes, and the need to handle and claim such solvents has restricted the practice of conventional dry cleaning primarily to commercial establishments. In addition to the wash function, dry cleaning also provides important "freshness" benefits. For example, dry cleaning removes odors and foreign materials such as hair and lint from garments, which are then usually folded or ironed to remove wrinkles and restore their original shape. One type of domestic dry cleaning system comprises a carrier sheet containing several cleaning agents, and a plastic bag. The bag may be sealed so that it is substantially airtight or it may be a bag with vapor ventilation. The garments that are going to be cleaned are sealed in the bag together with the sheet, and then put to spin in a conventional clothes dryer. In its commercial modality, individual smooth sheets and a plastic bag of multiple use in a package are offered. However, the bag requires storage between uses and this can substantially increase the cost of dry cleaning equipment. In addition, the bag restricts the number / volume of items that can be dry-cleaned and only partially helps to de-load items. Thus, there is a need for a freshness / dry cleaning system which can be used additionally, or as an alternative, to the aforementioned dry cleaning system, but which retains the convenience of achieving said dry cleaning in the household of the user. The technique has suggested methods by which these objectives can be achieved. For example, the prior art discloses a method of finishing garments by hanging them in a sealed chamber, rolling them a finishing agent that gives them cleaning and freshness benefits, and then or simultaneously with this, applying steam to the garments entirely. In the final stage, hot air is introduced into the sealed chamber to dry the garments. This system has the disadvantage of requiring the use of "steam" to give the desired benefits. The requirement of "total vaporization" of this procedure unnecessarily increases the cost and time dedicated to the cleanliness and freshness of the garments. In this way, it would be convenient to have a composition that can be used to freshen, unroll and / or clean garments without the need for the steam phase. Accordingly, despite numerous discoveries in the prior art, there is still a need for a conditioning composition that can conveniently condition delicate laundry items in the consumer's home. There is also a need for such a composition that is cost and time effective in not requiring the use of steam for effective conditioning of the garment.

ANTECEDENTS OF THE TECHNIQUE Garment finishing methods are described in: U.S.A. 4,761, 305 issued 2/8/88 to Ochiai; patent of E.U.A. 4,519,222, issued May 28, 1985 to Kannegiesser et al; and patent of E.U.A. 4,391, 602 issued 5/7/83 to Stichnoth et al .. Dry cleaning procedures were disclosed in: U.S.A. 5,547,476 issued 8/20/96 to Siklosi & Roetker; patent of E.U.A. 5,591, 236 issued 7/1/97 to Roetker; patent of E.U.A. 5,630,847 issued 5/20/97 to Roetker; patent of E.U.A. 5,630,848 issued May 20, 1997 to Young, et al .; and in patent of U.S.A. 5,632,780 issued 5/27/97 to Siklosi.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention that provides a conditioning composition for applying to garments before or after conventional washing and drying operations, meets the needs of the technique identified above. More importantly, the composition is suitable for garments that can only be dry-cleaned. The composition is an aqueous mixture containing a garment conditioning agent, characterized in that the mixture has a fluid viscosity of about 1 cps to about 10 cps and a fluid surface tension of about 20 dynes / cm to about 55 dynes / cm. The conditioning composition is in the form of a nebula to improve the application of the composition in the garments. As used herein, the term "condition" means to wash, freshen, de-oiling, deodorizing, softening and / or other textile benefits that can be given to garments. As used herein, the phrase "nebulous form" means mist, vapor, gas, atomized droplets, or the like which may contain fine particles. As used herein, the word "cabinet" means any apparatus in which a garment may be placed, characterized in that the apparatus does not necessarily have to be completely closed. As used herein, the term "steam" means water vapor, traditionally at temperatures above 80 ° C. All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified. All the cited documents are partly important incorporated herein by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY In its broadest aspect, the invention is directed to a composition that includes a garment conditioning agent characterized in that the mixture has a fluid viscosity of about 1 cps at about 100 cps and a fluid surface tension of about 20 dynes / cm at approximately 55 dynes / cm. More preferably, the fluid surface tension is from about 20 dynes / cm to about 30 dynes / cm, and more preferably from about 25 dynes / cm to about 30 dynes / cm. The lower surface tension of the conditioning composition improves effective distribution by increasing the absorption and surface spray of the conditioning composition in the garment fabric. It has been observed that compositions having the aforementioned selected fluid surface tension unexpectedly result in a more effective spray of the composition on fabrics such as wool, nylon, acrylics and the like which are typically found in delicate laundry or laundry garments. only dry cleaning. In addition, it is more preferable that the conditioning composition have a fluid viscosity of about 1 cps to about 50 cps, and more preferably, about 1 cps to about 20 cps as measured by a standard Brookfield viscometer. Unexpectedly, it has been observed that the selection of fluid viscosity in combination with the surface tension of the fluid within the aforementioned scales results in a composition that can be effectively distributed in the garments that are to be conditioned. The selection of these two physical parameters of the composition described herein has the best effect on the uniform distribution of the composition in the garments. The uniform distribution of the composition is important in order to achieve the desired conditioning of the garments.

A typical conditioning operation utilizing the composition consists in hanging only dry laundry items or washing and ironing clothes in a cabinet or similar apparatus in which the air circulates, and spraying a considerable amount of a conditioning composition in the cabinet to distribute it in the garments. The use of steam to condition the garment is not necessary. A more efficient distribution of the conditioning composition is achieved by selecting the nebulous form of the conditioning composition. More preferably, the average macroparticle diameter size of the nebula is optimally chosen. For this purpose, the average particle size diameter of the nebula of the conditioning composition is preferably about 3 microns to about 50 microns, more preferably about 5 microns to about 30 microns, and more preferably about 10 microns. at about 20 microns. In addition, it is preferable that the particle diameter size have a narrow particle size distribution, to further improve the distribution of the conditioning composition. It has been observed that a wide variety of other processing parameters can be optimally selected as described in detail below to ensure the effective distribution and application of the conditioning composition in the garments, as well as providing other textile benefits. The cabinet or other appliances used in the conditioning operation can have various shapes, one of which is a closed appliance having a region or interior space to which a hinged door is attached. A rod or other means for hanging (for example, one or more hooks are placed in the interior region of the cabin) The cabin preferably has a lower compartment in which a heater and a fan are arranged to circulate air inside the cabin and, optionally, heating this circulating air.The conditioning composition of the invention can be effectively distributed in the garments inside the cabinet by spraying the composition in the form of a nebula, having the particle size described above in the circulating air inside the cabinet. Spraying phase occurs in a free deceleration zone prior to contact with the garments inside the cabinet.Thus, the steam of the conditioning composition can circulate smoothly in the air of the cabinet in such a way that it moves freely, between and around the The garments are distributed uniformly in the garments, in this respect, it is preferable that the cabinet has at least about 15 cm, preferably 25 cm, of "dead" space at the top or front of the cabinet to serve as the free deceleration zone for the conditioning composition in the cabinet. This facilitates the effective distribution of the conditioning composition in the garments. In order to improve the effective distribution of the conditioning composition in the garments and ensure that the desired particle size of the composition is achieved, spray apparatus such as a hydraulic nozzle, a sonic nebulizer, high pressure nebulizer nozzle can be used. , and similar. However, this is preferably achieved by using a relatively low volume atomizing air nozzle. For example, commercially available roll nozzles in Spray Systems, Inc. (Model Nos. 850, 1050, 1250, 1450 and 1650) are more suitable for the process. The dew phase is carried out for a period of about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, more preferably about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes. Dew times will vary depending on the different operating parameters selected as described herein. In one mode of operation, the liquid conditioning composition is nebulized by combining it with air flow under pressure and passing through the atomization nozzle to the cabinet. This is achieved by using an air flow having a pressure of about 0.35 kg «cm2 to about 2.1 kg * cm2. Optionally, the temperature of the air flow and / or the conditioning composition can be raised to improve the distribution and application of the conditioning composition in the garments. In this regard, the temperature of the air flow and / or the conditioning composition is preferably from about 40 ° C to about 80 ° C, more preferably from about 40 ° C to about 70 ° C, and more preferably, from around 45 ° C to about 50 ° C. By having the air flow and / or the conditioning composition at the above-mentioned elevated temperatures, it has been observed that superior dewrinkle benefits are achieved.

The particular conditioning composition may include a variety of complementary ingredients depending on the particular benefit desired. However, in preferred modes of operation the conditioning composition will contain complementary ingredients that can be effective on a variety of garment fabrics. For example, the conditioning composition will preferably be better suited for "dry cleaning" only garments as well as for pure cotton dress shirts that traditionally require a considerable dewrinkling operation after conventional washing operations (e.g. of domestic drying). As an example, a suitable composition that provides deodorization, freshness and dewrinkle benefits, comprises, by weight, from about 0.001% to about 10% of a copolymer of acrylic acid and t-butyl acrylate; about 0.001% to about 10% of a diethylene glycol; about 0.01% to about 10% of a beta cyclodextrin; about 0.001% to about 5% of a surface active agent; from about 0% to about 2% of a preservative; and the rest is water. A preferable level of the polymer is from about 0.1% to about 1%, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 1.5%, by weight. Preferred levels of diethylene glycol comprise from about 0.1% to about 2%, and more preferably from about 0.1% to about 1%. It should be understood that other humectants in addition to diethylene glycol can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Also preferred levels of cyclodextrin comprise from about 0.1% to about 4%, and more preferably, from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. Preferred cyclodextrins include those selected from the group of beta cyclodextrins, alpha cyclodextrins, gamma cyclodextrins, derivatives of said cyclodextrins, and mixtures thereof. The cyclodextrin derivatives are preferably selected from the group consisting of methyl substituted cyclodextrins, ethyl substituted cyclodextrins, hydroxyalkyl substituted cyclodextrins, branched cyclodextrins, cationic cyclodextrins, quaternary ammonium cyclodextrins, anionic cyclodextrins, amphoteric cyclodextrins, cyclodextrins characterized by at least one unit of giucopyranose has a 3-6 anhydrocyclomal structure, and mixtures thereof. Preferred levels of the surfactant comprise from about 0.1% to about 2%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight. The preferred surfactant is polydimethylsiloxane modified with polyalkylene oxide, and can be purchased commercially from the Witco Corporation under the trade name Silwet L-7600. A preferred optional ingredient is a preservative such as Kathon, commercially available from Rhom & Haas Company at a level of around 0.0001% to approximately 0.001%. Other optional ingredients include perfumes, pH and alcohol control agents. In this composition containing preferable polymers, the pH is from about 6.5 to about 10, more preferably from about 9.5. In some cases where the polymers are not included in the composition, the pH may vary from about 4 to about 10. The following example better illustrates the present invention, but should not be considered limiting thereof.

EXAMPLES l-H These examples illustrate compositions of the invention and an example of use for such compositions. The compositions will be used to treat three 100% oxford cotton dress shirts that will be hung on a horizontal rod inside a 60 cm x 30 cm x 120 cm cabinet that has a lower compartment equipped with a fan and a heater so that the air can circulate continuously around the cabinet. A No. 1050 model air atomizer skimmer from Spray Systems Inc. is used to convert the conditioning composition to cloudy form. The ingredients and relative proportions of the compositions are set forth below. 1 Copolymer of acrylic acid and polyalkylene oxide-modified 2-polydimethylsiloxane t-butylacrylate commercially available from Witco Corporation under the trade name Silwet L-7600. The above conditioning compositions are converted to nebula form at room temperature with 1.4 kg "cm2 of air, by means of the air atomizing nozzle. The mean particle size diameter of the nebula is approximately 10.5 microns. Typical conditioning operations take 25 minutes, after which a drying operation is carried out. The garments that have been exposed to the conditioning composition are deodorized, refreshed, and dewatered in an unexpectedly improved manner compared to compositions outside the scope of the invention, for example compositions that are in liquid form. Accordingly, having thus described the invention in detail, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes must be made without departing from the scope of the invention and that the invention should not be considered limited to what is described in the specification.

Claims (14)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A garment conditioning composition formed by: an aqueous mixture containing a garment conditioning agent characterized in that said mixture has a fluid viscosity of about 1 cps at about 100 cps and a fluid surface tension of about 20 dynes / cm at about 55 dynes / cm, said mixture being nebulized.

2. The composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that said nebula is substantially free of steam.

3. The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that said nebula includes particles having an average particle size diameter of about 3 microns to about 50 microns.

4. The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that said nebula has a temperature of about 20 ° C to about 80 ° C.

5. The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that said nebula has a mean particle size diameter of about 5 microns to about 30 microns.

6. The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that the conditioning agent is a copolymer of acrylic acid and t-butyl acrylate.

7. The composition according to claim 6 further characterized in that said copolymer of acrylic acid and t-butyl acrylate is grafted with silicone.

8. The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that the conditioning agent contains about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of diethylene glycol.

9. The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that said conditioning agent contains about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of cyclodextrin.

10. The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that said cyclodextrin is a beta cyclodextrin.

11. The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that said conditioning agent contains about 0.001% to about 5% of a surfactant.

12. - The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that said aqueous mixture contains a preservative.

13. The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that the pH of said composition is approximately 9.5.

14. The composition according to claim 1 further characterized in that the pH of said composition is from about 4. to 10.