US20050000031A1 - Fabric article treating system - Google Patents

Fabric article treating system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050000031A1
US20050000031A1 US10/877,593 US87759304A US2005000031A1 US 20050000031 A1 US20050000031 A1 US 20050000031A1 US 87759304 A US87759304 A US 87759304A US 2005000031 A1 US2005000031 A1 US 2005000031A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
fabric
liquor
rinse
agents
water
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/877,593
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kenneth Price
Shulin Zhang
Mark Gustwiller
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Priority to US10/877,593 priority Critical patent/US20050000031A1/en
Assigned to PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY, THE reassignment PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY, THE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PRICE, KENNETH NATHAN, ZHANG, SHULIN LARRY, GUTWILLER, MARC ERIC
Publication of US20050000031A1 publication Critical patent/US20050000031A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
    • D06F35/005—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
    • D06F35/006—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying for washing or rinsing only
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
    • C11D3/0005—Other compounding ingredients characterised by their effect
    • C11D3/001—Softening compositions
    • C11D3/0015—Softening compositions liquid
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D2111/00—Cleaning compositions characterised by the objects to be cleaned; Cleaning compositions characterised by non-standard cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/10—Objects to be cleaned
    • C11D2111/12—Soft surfaces, e.g. textile
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
    • C11D2111/00—Cleaning compositions characterised by the objects to be cleaned; Cleaning compositions characterised by non-standard cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/40—Specific cleaning or washing processes
    • C11D2111/44—Multi-step processes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B40/00—Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fabric article treating system, including the apparatus and the process, to provide improved fabric cleaning, fabric appearance and/or fabric care benefits. More particularly, the present invention relates to an effective and direct delivery system whereby detergent actives and rinse actives are directly deposited upon a fabric article being treated. The present invention also relates to novel detergent composition and fabric care composition for use in such apparatus and process. The system is water-saving and energy efficient, compared to conventional immersive aqueous laundry system, while providing enhanced fabric cleaning and fabric care.
  • aqueous-based laundering apparatuses and processes typically employ the immersive mode of laundering, that is, the amount of wash medium in the chamber is far above the absorptive capacity of the fabric load such that the fabric articles are bathed in “free” or excess wash medium.
  • complete immersion may not be an effective or economical way to deliver detergent actives or rinse actives.
  • When diluted in large quantity of aqueous wash medium only a small percentage of the actives come into contact with the fabric articles while most of the actives are lost in the wash and rinse fluids.
  • certain actives have a higher affinity for water than the affinity for the fabric surface such that these actives fail to partition out of the aqueous wash medium and onto fabric surface effectively even when the actives happen to contact fabric surface.
  • the actives are delivered via a low volume of wash medium or delivered to the fabric surface directly.
  • surfactants delivered only to certain areas and not to others would result in uneven cleaning, or even to unacceptable failure in cleaning performance.
  • perfume is an expensive and very potent active; therefore, a small volume of perfume is typically used in a fabric article treating process and substantially even distribution is necessary. In other words, it is not desirable to deliver perfume in such a manner that one treated fabric article is drenched in perfume while another treated fabric article receives only a drop of perfume in one area.
  • the present invention fulfills the need described above by providing a fabric article treating system that effectively deposits fabric article actives on fabric articles in need of treatment.
  • a fabric article treating process capable of effectively delivering specific rinse actives and/or fabric care actives to the fabric articles being treated.
  • the process comprises the steps of:
  • fabric article means any article, composed of fabrics and/or fibers, that is customarily cleaned in a conventional laundry process or in a dry cleaning process.
  • the term encompasses articles of clothing, bed linens, bath linens, table linens, drapery, furniture covers, carpets, and clothing accessories.
  • the term also encompasses other items made in whole or in part of fabric, such as tote bags, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, tents, and the like.
  • non-immersive means that essentially all of the wash fluid is in intimate contact with the fabric articles. There is at most minimal amounts of “free” wash fluid. It is unlike an “immersive” process where excess wash fluid forms a bath in which the fabric articles are submerged. A process is non-immersive if the fluid applied is less than about 100% of the dry weight of the fabric article; at this applied fluid level, the fluids are substantially absorbed by the fabric articles and there is minimal amount of free fluid.
  • fabric article treating/treatment composition or “treating liquor” means a composition that comprises one or more fabric treating actives, including detergent actives, rinse actives or combinations thereof, and optionally, a polar solvent.
  • the fabric article treating composition may be a detergent composition, a rinse composition or a rinse liquor.
  • Suitable forms of the treatment compositions include, but are not limited to, liquids, gels, pastes, particles or powders.
  • the composition may be mixed with a polar solvent, such as water, to form the liquors used in various steps of the fabric article treating process.
  • detergent active or “detergent adjunct” means a material or combination of materials that can deliver cleaning, soil/stain removal or soil/stain masking benefits to a fabric article.
  • rinse active or “rinse adjunct” means a material or combination of materials that can deliver one or more of the following fabric care or fabric finishing benefits to a fabric article: softening, crispness, water and/or stain repellency, refreshing, antistatic, anti-shrinkage, anti-microbial, durable press, wrinkle resistance, odor resistance, abrasion resistance, anti-felting, anti-pilling, appearance enhancement, and mixtures thereof.
  • Average molecular weight as used herein means the weight-average molecular weight of a polymer, as determined by gel permeation chromatography.
  • fabric article treating apparatus means any apparatus designed to treat fabric articles, such as an automatic washing machine, horizontal-axis or vertical-axis, preferably horizontal-axis. Further, the fabric article treating apparatus is preferably a polar solvent-based fabric article treating apparatus, wherein a polar solvent is the primary liquid for rinsing the fabric articles after the cleaning and/or care step has occurred.
  • the fabric article treating apparatus may comprise a source of the fabric article treatment composition comprising a reservoir for storing the fabric article treatment composition and an applicator for applying the fabric article treatment composition from the reservoir to the fabric article.
  • the fabric article treating apparatus preferably comprises a nozzle, more preferably a plurality of nozzles, suitable for delivering a fabric article treatment composition.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of apparatus for carrying out the fabric article treating process in accordance with the present invention.
  • the apparatus 70 comprises a fabric article treating chamber 1 capable of receiving a fabric article to be treated directly with a detergent composition, or with a wash or rinse liquor comprising water.
  • a fabric article to be treated is present in the chamber and a wash liquor is introduced into the fabric treating chamber 1 , the treating chamber 1 retains an amount of the wash liquor up to the non-immersive level of the fabric articles contained therein.
  • the treating chamber 1 can be a fluid pervious (e.g., via perforations in the side wall) chamber.
  • the apparatus 70 may optionally comprises an outer chamber 2 capable of receiving the wash or rinse liquor from the fabric article treating chamber 1 that is not retained in said fabric-treating chamber.
  • the outer chamber 2 is configured to house the chamber 1 .
  • the outer chamber 2 typically comprises an exit port or drain 7 through which the fluid received by the outer chamber 2 exits the outer chamber 2 . It is desirable that the exit of the fluid from the outer chamber 2 is at a rate such that the amount of wash liquor in the fabric treating chamber 1 does not exceed the non-immersive level of the fabrics contained within the fabric article treating chamber 1 .
  • treating chamber 1 and outer chamber 2 are of cylindrical construction and have a horizontal access opening 58 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the horizontal center line of the outer chamber which is typically stationary with respect to the chamber 1 coincides with the axis of rotation 100 of chamber 1 movably mounted within the outer chamber 2 .
  • the chamber 1 can in general have any suitable pattern of perforations or openings and is designed consistently with design principles for maximizing fluid flow through its perforated surface without weakening it to an unacceptable extent.
  • the chamber 1 is designed to remain fully rigid when rotated at a high speed in the presence of a load of fluid-containing fabric articles.
  • Chamber 1 may contain strengthening elements, such as struts, not shown, and has a back face not visible in FIG. 1 , which is typically flat, and may be perforated or non-perforated.
  • the appliance is configured to preferentially direct at least the wash liquor toward the fluid-pervious surfaces of chamber 1 , rather than toward the back face of the chamber 1 .
  • the rinse liquor contacts the fabric articles being treated by an indirect method, wherein the rinse liquor is first introduced into chamber 2 , which is located outside the fabric article treating chamber 1 , then the chambers are rotated such that the rinse liquor passes through the perforations and contacts the fabric articles inside the treating chamber 1 .
  • outer chamber 2 comprises a peripheral wall 62 , a back wall 63 secured to one edge of the peripheral wall, a front wall 64 secured to the opposite edge of the peripheral wall; said front wall has a tubular-shaped extension 55 having an access opening 58 used to load and unload laundry from the apparatus 70 .
  • This flexible tubular-shaped extension 55 minimizes transmission of vibrations which occur during operation of the machine.
  • Access opening 58 forms a gas seal with front door 59 which is secured about its outermost periphery to the front wall 56 of the washing machine cabinet.
  • outer chamber 2 is supported by means of four suspension springs 47 (only two of which are shown) which are connected at one end to the uppermost portion of the outer chamber 2 and at their other end are secured to the fabric treating apparatus cabinet.
  • the top spring 47 a is connected to a load sensor 48 interfaced with controller.
  • any desirable high-speed suspension, load balancing or stabilizer system for example of types known or disclosed for modern European front-loader washing machines, can be adapted for use in the present apparatus.
  • chamber 1 comprises a fluid-pervious (e.g., perforated) peripheral wall 65 , a substantially imperforate back wall 66 secured to said peripheral wall and a substantially imperforate front wall 67 , secured to the opposite edge of said peripheral wall.
  • a fluid-pervious (e.g., perforated) peripheral wall 65 e.g., perforated) peripheral wall 65 , a substantially imperforate back wall 66 secured to said peripheral wall and a substantially imperforate front wall 67 , secured to the opposite edge of said peripheral wall.
  • Chamber 1 is rotatably secured to outer chamber 2 by means of drive shaft 49 . Power to rotate chamber 1 is transmitted by means of a concentrically mounted drive pulley 50 .
  • the drive system comprises a variable speed drive motor 54 secured to peripheral wall 62 of outer chamber 2 . Any movement of outer chamber 2 does not affect the speed of rotation of chamber 1 .
  • the output shaft 53 of drive motor 54 has a secured drive pulley 52 .
  • Pulley 52 is connected to pulley 50 by means of conventional drive belt 51 .
  • a possible alternative drive system not shown in the figures, has instead of a single drive pulley 52 , two drive pulleys, one eccentrically mounted and one concentrically mounted.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is configured to provide chamber 1 with more than one rotation speed with respect to the outer chamber 2 .
  • the variable rotation speed of treatment chamber 1 can be selected to achieve specific benefits during different stages of the wash/rinse cycle.
  • the treating chamber 1 is rotated at a speed of to generate a force of up to about 1 G, or from about 0.7 G to about 1 G, or from about 0.5 G to about 3 G, to tumble the fabric articles while the treating liquor is being applied such that more uniform deposition of the treating liquor on the fabric surface is achieved.
  • Low speed rotation also causes agitation of the fabric articles inside the chamber 1 .
  • the chamber 1 can be rotated to generate a centrifugal force of from about 50 G to about 450 G, or from about 150 G to about 400 G, such that the fabric articles are “spun” or pressed against the walls to effectively remove treating liquors from the fabric articles and/or the chamber.
  • the front wall 67 has a tubular-shaped extension 55 with an access opening 58 , which is used to load and unload laundry from the fabric treating apparatus 70 , and is concentrically aligned with the access opening 58 in outer chamber 2 .
  • Equally spaced on the inner circumference of peripheral wall 65 are three lifting vanes 60 , having cross-section that are substantially triangular or other shapes.
  • each of the vanes is symmetrically-shaped about a radially extending line originating at the axis of rotation 100 of chamber 1 and passing through its altitude. This permits rotation of chamber 1 in opposite directions with equal lifting effect on the articles being laundered.
  • the chamber 1 may comprise baffles or other structures a long its interior surface to aid in repositioning the fabrics contained therein.
  • the treating chamber 1 comprises at least two rotatable portions (not shown) and the drive system is capable of rotating the treating chamber 1 in such a manner that relative rotation is produces between adjacent rotatable portions. This allows the fabric articles inside chamber 1 to be agitated at a higher rate than in a single portion, unitary chamber typically found in a conventional laundering machine.
  • An example of such contra-rotation treating chamber is described in PCT publication WO 99/58753.
  • the applicator 26 may be a spray nozzle, an atomizer, a nebulizer or like device, of any suitable configuration.
  • Spray technology including spray qualities and nozzle types is well described in the reference Atomization and Sprays, by A. H. Lefebvre, Hemisphere Publishing Company, USA, 1989 . There are many ways to apply the treatment fluids via spray applicators in accordance with the present invention.
  • Sprays vary in pattern, penetration length, shape, and droplet size among others.
  • applicator 26 is configured to deliver a flat fan spray and/or a cone spray.
  • a solid cone spray is one wherein the droplets are fairly uniformly distributed throughout a solid conical spray volume.
  • a hollow cone spray is one wherein the droplets are concentrated at the outer edge of a conical spray pattern.
  • a fan spray or flat spray or flat fan spray produces a liquid sheet parallel to the major axis of the orifice, the spray pattern is in the shape of a sector of a circle of about a 75-degree angle and is elliptical in cross section.
  • a spray nozzle typically provides an average droplet size that is less than about 1200 microns, typically from about 100 to about 1000 microns, or from about 120 to about 500 microns, or from about 150 to about 300 microns. This average droplet size is measured by either a Malvern particle analyzer or high speed photography.
  • a spray nozzle is covered with a fine grid or a membrane to produce a finer mist of droplets with an average particle size of less than 100 microns, the spray pattern is typically disturbed by air movement in chamber 1 . Higher rotation speed of the chamber 1 , typically above 735 m/s 2 , requires larger droplets in spray pattern.
  • the pressure in the delivery conduit 25 may be adjusted and optionally, be accompanied with a heater for adjusting the temperature, the present apparatus is capable of applying all types of fluids, gels, pastes and other materials, including Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, shear-thinning and non-shear thinning fluids, multiphase mixtures, emulsions, microemulsions, and dynamically changing emulsion systems.
  • fluids gels, pastes and other materials, including Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, shear-thinning and non-shear thinning fluids, multiphase mixtures, emulsions, microemulsions, and dynamically changing emulsion systems.
  • a suitable spray nozzle is rated to deliver 0.5 gallons per minute (about 1.87 liters per minute) at 40 psi (about 275 kPa) fluid pressure, maximum pressure 100 psi (about 690 kPa), and forms a spray angle of 80°.
  • the treating liquor is delivered via multiple spray nozzles; each spray nozzle is positioned such that the liquor is sprayed from the multiple spray nozzles in a fashion to evenly distribute the fluid on the fabric articles being treated.
  • the apparatus has one nozzle for delivering the wash liquor and other nozzles for delivering the rinse liquor.
  • Such other spray nozzles can operate at any suitable cycle (such as washing, rinsing, or extracting) in a fabric treating process and can be sequential with or concurrent with application and/or removal or the treating liquors.
  • atomizers for example, atomizers, nebulizers, and like devices
  • Nebulizers, atomizers or like devices are well known to those skilled in the art. These devices are capable of disintegrating a quantity of fluid into fine droplets.
  • a typical applicator of this type is capable of providing droplets having average particle size less than about 100 microns, typically from about 0.1 to about 60 microns, or from about 0.5 to about 40 microns, or from about 1 to about 20 microns. Due to the small particle size, the droplets are more susceptible to air movement in the chamber 1 .
  • An air circulation device such as a fan, may be used to direct the droplets towards the walls 65 , 66 , 67 .
  • Some well known atomizers include orifice atomizers which employ high speed ejection to produce droplets, pressure atomizers which convert pressure into kinetic energy to produce droplets, and ultrasonic atomizers which employ high frequency vibration to release fine droplets from the fluid surface.
  • a suitable ultrasonic atomizer is commercially available under the tradename Acu Mist® from Sono Tek Corporation, Milton, N.Y. Still other examples of such devices are available from Omron Health Care, GmbH, Germany; and from Flaem Nuove, S.P.A, Italy.
  • aerosol delivery systems which are well known to the art, can be used to deliver the detergent and/or finishing compositions.
  • Electrostatic dispensing devices can also be used to dispense the compositions to the chamber 1 . Exemplary of such electrostatic dispensing devices are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/418,595 (P&G Case 8903) and PCT Publication WO 03/02291.
  • FIG. 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of applicator 26 , as a spray nozzle in the following embodiments.
  • the applicator 26 is shown in FIG. 2 as parallel to the axis of rotation 100 of the chamber 1 .
  • the applicator 26 is located on the axis of rotation 100 of the chamber 1 .
  • the applicator 26 is supported by a spraying arm 57 secured to the front door 59 .
  • the fluids are delivered to the nozzle 26 via duct 61 connecting fluid delivery conduit 25 to the nozzle 26 .
  • Applicator 26 is located parallel to the axis of rotation 100 , so that it directs a flat, fan-shaped spray to strike peripheral wall 65 , front wall 67 , and back wall 66 of the chamber 1 .
  • Spray arm 57 allows spraying onto the front wall of the chamber 1 without any of the garments in the discrete fabric articles been wrapped around the spray arm 57 during tumbling cycle and consequently inhibit or possibly even prevent efficient cleaning of the discrete fabric articles.
  • the applicator 26 can be directly secured to flexible tubular-shaped extension 55 , eliminating the need for spray arm 57 and duct 61 .
  • applicator 26 can be directly linked to fluid delivery conduit 25 .
  • Applicator 26 can be located in a position on the flexible tubular-shaped extension 55 which can allow it to direct a flat, fan-shaped spray to strike peripheral wall 65 , front wall 67 , and back wall 66 of the chamber 1 .
  • Different location and/or configuration of the applicator 26 and/or the spray arm 57 are also suitable so long as the applicator nozzle or plurality of nozzles is not located where the fabric articles in the chamber can get tangled with or wrapped around the spray arm 57 , applicator 26 , or any other structure associated with the applicator 26 , during an operating cycle (e.g., a tumbling cycle).
  • the location and/or configuration of the applicator 26 (in the form of a spray nozzle or a plurality of such nozzles) is selected such that the applicator 26 directs a flat, fan-shaped spray to strike preferentially at the fluid-pervious peripheral wall 65 , and optionally, to the front wall 67 and/or the back wall 66 as well.
  • the treating composition is delivered to the outer chamber 2 such that the fluid level in the outer chamber 2 is below the bottom of the fabric article inside treating chamber 1 .
  • the treating chamber 1 can rotate such that centrifugal forces and/or gravity pulls the treating composition through the perforations 46 of chamber 1 to come into contact with fabric articles inside chamber 1 .
  • the treating composition from chamber 1 can pass through the perforations 46 of chamber 1 , and down the outer surface of the chamber 1 until they reach the bottom (i.e., the lowest point) of the outer surface of the chamber 1 , pass through the perforations in chamber walls, then to the bottom of the inner surface of the outer chamber 2 .
  • Conduit 7 is located at this bottom (i.e., lowest point).
  • the inner surface of the outer chamber is designed to direct all fluids/droplets into conduit 7 . Fluids in conduit 7 , as well as those from conduit 37 , described in more detail hereinafter, are then fed into the filter 6 and tank 8 by means of a pump 3 having a maximum rated capacity of 3 gallons per minute and maximum pressure 50 psi (345 kPa).
  • the delivery conduit 7 typically has a diameter of 1 ⁇ 2′ (127 mm).
  • Another aspect of the present invention provides a fabric article treating process.
  • the process comprises the step of applying a low volume of detergent composition to the fabric articles such that the composition is substantially evenly distributed onto all portions of the fabric articles being treated and the subsequent steps of applying and extracting one or more rinse liquors sufficient to remove the detergent composition and/or soils, and to substantially evenly distribute rinse actives to all portions of the fabric articles being treated.
  • a finishing liquor comprising fabric care actives is applied to the fabric articles.
  • the fabric article is uniformly or substantially uniformly treated with the fabric article treatment composition such that the desired benefit is recognizable by a consumer.
  • the extent of uniformity can vary depending upon the fabric article actives present in the fabric article treatment composition. For example, a perfume may not need to be entirely uniformly applied if its benefit is recognizable by a consumer without being entirely uniformly applied.
  • an anti-wrinkle agent may need to be applied uniformly in order for its benefit to be recognized by a consumer.
  • the wash liquor for the present process can be a concentrated detergent composition applied to the fabric article “as is” or in its “neat form”.
  • the detergent composition is not diluted by any additional diluent, such as a polar solvent, prior to contacting the fabric article.
  • the fabric article treatment composition in neat form, contacts the fabric article prior to contacting any discrete diluent or other solution.
  • the fabric article treatment composition such as a detergent
  • the neat form can include water, in combination with fabric article actives. Water is typically present in liquid or paste detergent compositions in their neat forms.
  • the wash liquor can also be prepared by mixing the paste or liquid concentrate detergent composition with water or dissolving/suspending the granular detergent composition in water to form a wash liquor, which is applied to the fabric article.
  • the mixing or dissolving can be done outside of the apparatus, or can be done by placing the detergent composition in a wash liquor reservoir and fill it from a water supply line or in the case of a liquid concentrate, a flow through cell can be used to mix and prepare the wash liquor.
  • wash liquor is meant to encompass both the embodiment wherein the detergent composition is applied to the fabric article in its neat form, and the embodiment that a pre-dilute or pre-dissolved a detergent composition (e.g., liquid concentrate, paste, granules) is applied to the fabric article.
  • a pre-dilute or pre-dissolved a detergent composition e.g., liquid concentrate, paste, granules
  • the wash liquor is applied to the fabric article being treated to achieve substantially uniform distribution over all portions of the fabric article.
  • Non-uniform distribution of the wash liquor tends to create clean spots where disproportionate amount of the wash liquor contacts the fabric article and leaves the non-contacted portions or the less saturated portions of the fabric articles untreated or not as well cleaned. This is especially true where the amount of the wash liquor is about or below non-immersive level.
  • a combination of factors are employed in the system of the present invention to better achieve the substantially uniform distribution of the wash liquor to the fabric article, including, but not limited to, applying the wash liquor in fine droplets forms in a continuous manner or an intermittent/pulsed manner; moving or tumbling the fabric articles while the wash liquor is being applied such that all portion of the fabric article is exposed, wherein the moving or tumbling mode can be continuous or intermittent, forward or reverse, uni-, bi- or multi-directional; incorporating and/or using additional structural elements, such as lifting vanes, spray arms, contrarotating chamber sections, such that bundling of fabric articles during treatment is prevented or minimized.
  • the uniformity of the applied wash liquor can be determined by the following method.
  • a representative load of fabric articles (such as the mixed fabric load described in ASTM test D2960-98) is placed into the apparatus.
  • Also included in the load are eight tracers comprising 25 cm ⁇ 25 cm squares of white cotton fabric; each tracer is then marked with a wash-safe marker to subdivide the tracer into a grid of twenty-five 5 cm ⁇ 5 cm squares.
  • a wash liquor which has been spiked with 1% of a standard red dye solution is applied via the applicator to the amount of about 50% of the dry weight of the load.
  • the swatches are then removed, air-dried, and the color intensities of the tracers' 5 cm ⁇ 5 cm square regions are each graded visually on a scale of 0-10 where a grade of 0 corresponds to a reference cotton swatch, and a grade of 10 corresponds to a white cotton reference swatch totally submerged in the dye-spiked wash liquor solution for 10 seconds and then dried. From the 200 grades obtained from the tracers, an average grade and standard deviation are calculated.
  • the Spray Uniformity Index is the percentage of swatches whose grades fall within 0.5 standard deviation of the average grade.
  • the process of the present invention is capable of delivering a Spray Uniformity Index of greater than about 90.
  • the process is extremely efficient because the quantity of wash liquor used can be as low as about 0.25 times of the dry weight of the fabric articles.
  • the process also permits very effective detergent/soil interactions because no excess water is present to dilute the interactions.
  • the process permits the use of certain hydrophilic detergent actives that are not effective in conventional immersive aqueous wash system because such detergent actives have relatively poor fabric affinity and would prefer to remain in the aqueous bath rather than being deposited onto the fabric surface and interacting with the fabric/soil.
  • the present process can employ actives having an in-wash fabric-water partition ratio (Q i ) of less than about 0.3 as described below.
  • the amount of wash liquor used in the wash step is extremely low.
  • the resulting fabric articles are coated with a thin film of the wash liquor.
  • the detergent actives are in intimate contact with the fabric surface and are able to suspend and/or remove soils from fabric surface.
  • errand dye molecules are confined by the thin film and is less prone to transfer to another fabric surface.
  • the volume of the wash liquor applied during of the thin film wash step is less than about 75%, or less than about 50%, or less than about 25%, of the dry weight of the fabrics being treated. In another embodiment, the volume of the wash liquor applied is from about 50% to about 200%, or from about 75% to about 150%, of the dry weight of the fabrics being treated.
  • suitable applicator must be capable of producing an acceptable spray pattern that results in a uniform spray coverage, for example, having a Spray Uniformity Index of greater than 90, as described above.
  • the wash liquor may be applied in the form of a fog or a mist comprising droplets of the wash liquor, wherein at least 80% (D 80 ), or at least 90% (D 90 ) of the droplets have a droplet diameter of less than about 500 microns or less than 350 microns, or less than 200 microns.
  • a spray nozzle is employed, which is capable of delivering a flat fan spray in a solid cone spray volume wherein the droplet size falls within the ranges described above.
  • an atomizer is employed, which is capable of producing a fine mist or fog comprising fine droplets with droplet size falling well within the ranges described above. Suitable applicators are described herein above in the Apparatus Section.
  • the wash liquor application process employs an amount of wash liquor to achieve an optimal wash liquor to fabric ratio, which is described below. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the optimal wash liquor to fabric ratio is useful in achieving the following: (1) to ensure most of detergent is in intimate contact with the fabric, (2) to reduce dye transfer, soil redeposition, and suds, and (3) to preserve the inherent efficiency of the process. On one hand, if not enough fluid is added, the garments are not completely contacted with wash liquor; on the other hand, too much fluid is added, free (mobile) wash liquor is present, the concentrated wash liquor can migrate from one garment to another and cause problems such as dye crocking.
  • the optimal wash liquor to fabric dry weight ratio is between 3 ⁇ 4:1 and 1 ⁇ fraction ( 1 / 2 ) ⁇ : 1 . It has now been found that a thin film wash process can be improved or refined by taking into account factors, such as the variety of fabric materials, their form of weave and thickness, their degree of soiling, and other unforeseen factors which are beyond control of the detergent formulator. This is so because different fabric types and weaves can vary greatly in their degree of water absorptivity. For example, certain thin fabrics made from synthetic fibers will only absorb substantially less than 100% of their dry weight before additional water becomes “free” wash fluid, whereas thick cotton fabrics may absorb substantially more than 100% (e.g. sometimes more than 200%) of their dry weight before additional water becomes “free” wash fluid. If the overall load is skewed toward one or the other of fabric types, the optimal amount of wash liquor could vary significantly from the amount determined simply from the dry weight of the fabrics.
  • an improved or refined wash liquor to fabric ratio namely the “absorptive capacity-weighted wash liquor to fabric ratio”
  • n the number of different types/weaves of fabrics
  • Bn is the mass in kilograms of that portion of the fabric load comprising a given fabric/weave type
  • An is the absorption coefficient for a given fabric/weave type, and is equal to [M/100] where M is the amount of water in g that are absorbed by a 100 g swatch of said given fabric weave/type after said fabric is immersed in water and then centrifuged in a perforated basket for 5 minutes at 400 rpm.
  • the process of the present invention employs an optimal amount of wash liquor to deliver an improved fabric cleaning benefit in the range from about 0.25 to about 2, or from about 0.5 to about 2, or from about 0.75 to about 1.5, based on the absorptive capacity-weighted wash liquor to fabric ratio.
  • the optional incubation step allows the fabric articles and the wash liquor to remain in contact for a period of time sufficient to allow the detergent actives and water in the wash liquor to interact with soils, stains, fabric surfaces.
  • the incubation period may last at least about 1 minute, or at least about 3 minutes, or at least about 5 minutes.
  • the incubation period may last less than about 30 minutes, or less than about 15 minutes, or less than about 10 minutes.
  • the incubation period can involve the thermal or non-thermal (e.g. by means of non-heated air circulation and/or venting) evaporative removal of water to further concentrate the thin film of wash liquor.
  • Thermal energy may raise the temperature sufficiently to cause the wash liquor on the fabric surface to partially lose its water content such that the wash liquor becomes more concentrated to promote interactions at fabric surface, formation of middle phase, and ultimately, detergency.
  • Thermal energy may activate the bleach, inorganic peroxide salt activators or peroxyacids; non-limiting examples of these heat activatable materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,928; U.S. Pat. No. 4,220,562 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,095. Thermal energy may also promote enzyme activity.
  • an effective rinse can be accomplished by flushing the system with a large quantity of a first rinse liquor to produce enough free water on the fabric surface to adequately suspend the detergent actives, soils and dyes so that these materials are substantially removed by the first rinse.
  • a first rinse liquor to produce enough free water on the fabric surface to adequately suspend the detergent actives, soils and dyes so that these materials are substantially removed by the first rinse.
  • more than one rinse liquors are needed to remove all of the detergent actives, soils and dyes.
  • the subsequent rinses need not use as much water as the first rinse liquor.
  • the amount of the first rinse liquor is from about 5 to about 20 times the dry weight of the fabric articles
  • the amount of the subsequent rinse liquor is from about 1 to about 10 times of the dry weight of the fabric articles, or about 1 ⁇ 5 to about 1 ⁇ 2 of the first rinse liquor
  • the total amount of water used in the rinse step(s) is from about 5 to about 50 liters, or from about 5 to about 20 liters.
  • the complete rinse step comprises two to five cycles, or frequently, two to three cycles.
  • the first rinse liquor is typically of pure water and the last rinse liquor may comprise water and optionally, rinse actives.
  • Each cycle lasts about 1 to about 15 minutes, or about 3 to about 10 minutes, and each cycle need not be of the same length of time.
  • the rinse liquor is removed. Removal or extraction of rinse liquor can be achieved by rotating or spinning the treating chamber 1 at high speed to produce a centrifugal force of from about 50 G to about 450 G, or from about 150 to about 400 G.
  • Other ways to remove the rinse liquor include, but are not limited to, using an inflatable bladder to squeeze out the rinse liquor, contacting sponge-like material to suck out the rinse liquor, using a vacuum pump to suck out the rinse liquor.
  • the rinse liquor is applied to the fabric articles in the treating chamber indirectly. That is, the rinse liquor is delivered to the outer chamber 2 to a level just below the bottom of the treating chamber 1 , and by rotating or tumbling the treating chamber 1 , the rinse liquor passes through the perforations on the wall of the treating chamber 1 and contacts the fabric articles therein.
  • the advantage of the indirect method is that the fabric articles are not bathed in the rinse liquor and are in constant motion, thus, soil redeposition and/or dye transfer are minimized.
  • Tumbling, rotating or other movements of the fabric articles during the rinse step promotes even distribution of the rinse liquors.
  • such movements need not be at high speed (e.g., less than 1 G). This is so to minimize the potential of wrinkling and/or bundling of the fabric articles.
  • Even the removal of rinse liquors between cycles need not be performed at very high speed such that the fabric articles are not pinned to the wall of the treating chamber.
  • a finishing liquor similar to the subsequent rinse liquor or having lower water content than the subsequent rinse liquor, can be applied to the fabric article in the same way as the rinse liquor application such that the fabric articles are substantially uniformly contacted by the finishing liquor.
  • the finishing liquor comprises a fabric care active that is meant to be left on the fabric article.
  • partial removal of the finishing liquor is optional, and in some embodiments, application of the finishing liquor is followed immediately with the drying step.
  • the drying step can be conducted in the same apparatus after the last rinse cycle.
  • the dual mode apparatus i.e, washer and dryer in one apparatus
  • This option provide the added advantage of enabling the consumer to perform the entire (dry to dry) laundering process in a single apparatus and in continuous fashion, thus, a potential time saver.
  • compositions of the present invention comprise at least one fabric treating active.
  • the fabric treating actives may include detergent adjuncts and/or rinse actives.
  • the fabric article active may be any suitable fabric article adjunct for fabric cleaning, fabric finishing, or fabric care.
  • the fabric article active may be detergent actives, rinse actives and mixtures thereof.
  • Nonlimiting examples of polar solvents suitable for use in the fabric article treatment composition of the present invention include: water, alcohols, glycols, polyglycols, ethers, carbonates, dibasic esters, ketones, other oxygenated solvents, and mixutures thereof.
  • Further examples of alcohols include: C1-C126 alcohols, such as propanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, etc, benzyl alcohol, and diols such as 1,2-hexanediol.
  • the Dowanol® series by Dow Chemical are examples of glycols and polyglycols useful in the present invention, such as Dowanol® TPM, TPnP, DPnB, DPnP, TPnB, PPh, DPM, DPMA, DB, and others. Further examples include propylene glycol, butylene glycol, polybutylene glycol and more hydrophobic glycols. Examples of carbonate solvents are ethylene, propylene and butylene carbonates such as those available under the Jeffsol® tradename. Polar solvents for the present invention can be further identified through their dispersive ( ⁇ D ), polar ( ⁇ p ) and hydrogen bonding ( ⁇ H ) Hansen solubility parameters.
  • the polar solvent comprises from about 0% to about 50% and/or from about 0.01 to about 20% by weight of water.
  • the present fabric article treating system is unique in that it permits the use of certain detergent actives that are not effective in treating fabrics when used in the conventional aqueous bath treating system.
  • These detergent actives have a relatively low affinity for fabric surface (i.e., low fabric-water partition ratio) such that these actives would prefer to remain in the aqueous bath rather than being deposited onto the fabric surface.
  • Detergent actives suitable for use herein have low fabric-water partition ratios, specifically, low “intra-wash fabric-water partition ratios”.
  • the “intra-wash fabric-water partition ratio” is applicable to those actives whose presence at the fabric surface are desirable during the washing stage and that may be later rinsed away (e.g. bleaches, chelators).
  • the term “intra-wash fabric-water partition ratio” is defined as ⁇ (X ⁇ Y)/X ⁇ , where X is the mass of the active (which can be present as a component of a full detergent composition) added to a conventional immersive North American or European washing machine operating at the recommended water level and setting and a typical mixed fabric load, and Y is the mass of said active remaining in the collected effluent wash solution after the fabrics have been agitated for 10 minutes followed by removal of the wash liquor by drainage and spinning.
  • a “mixed fabric load” is of the type described in Test #D2960-98 of the American Society for Testing and Materials. A Kenmore 3.2 cu. Ft. super capacity 27 in.
  • top load washer can be used, with the machine setting at “Heavy Duty” and the water fill to approximately 17 gallons.
  • a Miele Novotronic W918 washer can be used, with the machine setting at normal cycle (i.e., the short button) and water fill to about 11 liters for the wash and about 37 liters for 4 rinses.
  • the present process can also employ hydrophilic detergent actives having an HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) value of at least about 8, or at least about 9, or from about 8 to about 12.
  • HLB hydrophilic-lipophilic balance
  • the composition comprises representative surfactants having a suitable Q value for use in the present invention; these include but are not limited to, short (i.e., non-fatty) chain surfactants such as C6-C10 alkyl or aryl sulfonates, C6-C10 alcohols and their sulfonates, ethoxysulfonates, ethoxycarboxylates, and ethoxylate or alkoxylate derivatives.
  • the detergent composition comprises from about 1% to about 30%, or from about 3% to about 20%, or from about 5% to about 15% by weight of the composition of the hydrophilic surfactant.
  • detergent adjuncts include, but are not limited to, builders, surfactants, other than those described above with respect to the surfactant component, enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants, odor control agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, anti-abrasion agents, fabric-enhancement amines, dye-fixative agents, fabric-rejuvenating agents, fiber-water protection agents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidants, anti-redeposition agents, polymer dispersants, soil release polymers, electrolytes, pH modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalent ions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates
  • Suitable odor control agents which may optionally be used as finishing actives, include cyclodextrins, odor neutralizers, odor blockers and mixtures thereof.
  • Suitable odor neutralizers include aldehydes, flavanoids, metallic salts, water-soluble polymers, zeolites, activated carbon and mixtures thereof.
  • Perfumes and perfumery ingredients useful in the compositions of the present invention comprise a wide variety of natural and synthetic chemical ingredients, including, but not limited to, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and the like. Also included are various natural extracts and essences which can comprise complex mixtures of ingredients, such as orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk, patchouli, balsamic essence, sandalwood oil, pine oil, cedar, and the like. Finished perfumes may comprise extremely complex mixtures of such ingredients.
  • Pro-perfumes are also useful in the present invention. Such materials are those precursors or mixtures thereof capable of chemically reacting, e.g., by hydrolysis, to release a perfume, and are described in patents and/or published patent applications to Procter and Gamble, Firmenich, Givaudan and others.
  • Bleaches especially oxygen bleaches, are another type of detergent adjunct suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention.
  • Such bleach activators as nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate and/or any of its linear or branched higher or lower homologs, and/or tetraacetylethylenediamine and/or any of its derivatives or derivatives of phthaloylimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP) or other imido- or amido-substituted bleach activators including the lactam types, or more generally any mixture of hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic bleach activators (especially acyl derivatives including those of the C 6 -C 16 substituted oxybenzenesulfonates).
  • PAP phthaloylimidoperoxycaproic acid
  • other imido- or amido-substituted bleach activators including the lactam types, or more generally any mixture of hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic bleach activators (especially acyl derivatives including those
  • organic or inorganic peracids both including PAP and other than PAP.
  • Suitable organic or inorganic peracids for use herein include, but are not limited to: percarboxylic acids and salts; percarbonic acids and salts; perimidic acids and salts; peroxymonosulfuric acids and salts; persulphates such as monopersulfate; peroxyacids such as diperoxydodecandioic acid (DPDA); magnesium peroxyphthalic acid; perlauric acid; perbenzoic and alkylperbenzoic acids; and mixtures thereof.
  • DPDA diperoxydodecandioic acid
  • magnesium peroxyphthalic acid perlauric acid
  • perbenzoic and alkylperbenzoic acids and mixtures thereof.
  • Hydrogen peroxide is a highly useful bleaching agent.
  • detergent adjuncts suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, builders including the insoluble types such as zeolites including zeolites A, P and the so-called maximum aluminum P as well as the soluble types such as the phosphates and polyphosphates, any of the hydrous, water-soluble or water-insoluble silicates, 2,2′-oxydisuccinates, tartrate succinates, glycolates, NTA and many other ethercarboxylates or citrates; chelants including EDTA, S,S′-EDDS, DTPA and phosphonates; water-soluble polymers, copolymers and terpolymers; soil release polymers; optical brighteners; processing aids; fillers; anti-redeposition agents; humectant; other perfumes or pro-perfumes; photobleaches; thickeners; simple salts; alkalis such as those based on sodium or potassium including the hydroxides, carbonates, bicarbonates and sulfates and the
  • detergent-soil mixing promoting agents Another class of detergent adjuncts suitable for use herein are called “detergent-soil mixing promoting agents”. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that such agents assist the wash process in the following manner. Whereas shear mixing normally takes place in conventional aqueous washing processes, in the presence of a bath of free wash liquor, the extremely low wash liquor to fabric ratio in the thin film wash step of the present invention prevents a favorable degree of fluid shear at the fabric surface, resulting in a less than optimal degree of soil-detergent mixing.
  • the “detergent soil mixing promoting agents” compensate for this deficiency by chemically promoting the mixture of soils with the aqueous detergent liquor within the thin film.
  • nanoparticles include nanoparticles and/or functional colloidal particles selected from the group consisting of (a) inorganic metal oxides, natural clays, synthetic clays and mixtures thereof; (b) synthetic clays selected from the group consisting of kaolinite, montmorillinite/smectite, hectorite, synthetic fluorohectorite, illite, variants and isomorphous substitutions of the synthetic clay groups, and mixtures thereof; and (c) synthetic clays selected from the group consisting of layered hydrous silicate, layered hydrous aluminum silicate, fluorosilicate, mica-montmorillonite, hydrotalcite, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium fluorosilicate, and mixtures thereof.
  • a suitable naoaparticle material is commercially available as LAPONITE® from Southern Clay Products, Inc, Austin, Tex.
  • Nonlimiting examples of polymers suitable for use as the soil repellent agent include polyethylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight from about 1,000 to about 5,000,000 Daltons, polyacrylates having a weight average molecular weight from about 1,000 to about 5,000,000 Daltons, and carboxymethylcellulose having a weight average molecular weight from about 1,000 to about 5,000,000 Daltons.
  • each detergent active comprises at least about 0.01%, or at least 0.1% or at least 1%, by weight of the detergent composition; and less than 99%, or less than 50% or less than 10%, by weight of the detergent composition.
  • Rinse actives suitable for use in the first rinse liquor include but are not limited to soil suspednig agents, hydrotropes, rinse activators, pH modifiers, and mixtures thereof.
  • Nonlimiting examples of soil suspending agents are selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated amines, zwitterionic polymers, polycarboxylates, polyalkyleneglycols, polyaminoacids, and combinations thereof.
  • One class of the soil suspending agent is an ethoxylated amine selected from the group consisting of (a) a polyethyleneimine having an average molecular weight of about 189 to about 1800 daltons, each nitrogen in the backbone has a substituent (EO) x wherein x is an integer from 7 to 30, and some or all of the terminal OH groups have been substituted with sulfate groups and/or some or all of the amine groups have been quaternized with methyl, ethyl, or benzyl groups; (b) a polyhexamethyleneimine having an average molecular weight of about 116 to about 550 daltons, each nitrogen in the backbone has a substituent (EO) x wherein x is an integer from 7 to 30, and some or all of the terminal OH groups have been substituted with sulfate groups and/or some or all of the amine groups have been quaternized with methyl, ethyl, or benzyl groups; and (c) mixtures thereof
  • Another class of the soil suspending agent is a polycarboxylate selected from the group consisting of water-soluble salts of polyacrylic acid, water soluble salts of poly(maleic acid)-co-poly(acrylic acid), carboxymethylcellulose, and mixtures thereof.
  • Nonlimiting examples of rinse activator is selected from the group consisting of fatty mono- or oligo- amines, wherein one or more of the nitrogen in the backbone has backbone has a substituent (EO) x wherein x is an integer from 7 to 30, and some or all of the terminal OH groups have been substituted with sulfate groups and/or some or all of the amine groups have been quaternized with methyl, ethyl, or benzyl groups; analogs of the ethoxylated fatty amines or quaternized fatty ethoxylated; and mixtures thereof.
  • EO substituent
  • Nonlimitng examples of dye transfer inhibition polymers are selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyridine-N-oxide, poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-co-poly(vinylimidazole), manganese phthalocyanine, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof.
  • PH modifiers include commonly known pH buffer materials.
  • Fabric care actives can be incorporated into the subsequent rinse liquor or the finishing liquor, the latter is intended to be left on the treated fabric articles, that is, the finishing step is not followed by subsequent rinse step.
  • Fabric care actives suitable for use herein have low fabric-water partition ratios, specifically, low “post-rinse fabric-water partition ratios”.
  • post-rinse fabric-water partition ratio is defined as ⁇ (X ⁇ Z)/X ⁇ , where X is defined as above, and where Z is the mass of said active remaining in the collected combined effluent wash and rinse liquor(s) after the fabrics have been washed and rinsed on a “mixed fabric load” according to the machine setting and water level as described above.
  • the “post-rinse fabric-water partition ratio” is applicable to those actives which are desired to remain on the fabric into the drying and/or wearing period (e.g. aesthetic benefit agents, soil repellent finishes, perfumes, etc.)
  • Fabric care actives suitable for use herein have a post-rinse fabric-water partition ratio (Q p ) of greater than about 0.2, or greater than about 0.3.
  • Suitable fabric care actives include, but are not limited to, anti-abrasion agents, fabric enhancement agents, crystal growth inhibitors, dye fixative agents, fabric softening agents, fabric rejuvenating agents, fiber/water protection agents, soil repellent agents, and mixtures thereof. Some of these fabric care actives are disclosed in details below.
  • Non-limiting examples of anti-abrasion agents are selected from the group consisting essentially of homo or copolymers containing any one or more of the following monomers: acrylamide, vinylamine, 3-trimethylammoniopropyl acrylate, N-alkylvinylpyridine, N-oxide-vinylpyridine, vinylalcohol, dialkyldiallylammonium chloride, N,N-dialkylamino alkylmethacrylate, N,N-dialkylamino alkylacrylate, N,N-dialkylamino alkylacrylamide, N,N-dialkylamino alkylmethacrylamide, and the quaternized derivatives thereof.
  • Non-limiting examples of dye fixative agents may be selected from the group consisting of the SandofixTM, SandolecTM, Lupasol-SKTM, and CartafixTM varieties; copolymers of epichlorohydrin and amines such as imidazole, dimethylaminopropylamine; polyvinylamine; water soluble salts of magnesium(II) and zinc(II), and aluminum (III); the hydrochloride, acetate, metosulphate and benzyl hydrochloride salts of diamine esters, the N-oxides of tertiary amines; derivatives of polymeric alkyldiamines, polyamine-cyanuric chloride condensates, and aminated glycerol dichlorohydrins.
  • Non-limiting examples of fabric enhancement agents are amines selected from the group consisting of triethanolamine; monoethanolamine; N,N′-bis(3-aminopropyl)-1,3-propylenediamine (TPTA), dipropylenetriamine (5-N′-methyl dipropylenetriamine), 1,4-piperazines, their N-alkylated and N-hydroxyalylated derivatives, and mixtures thereof.
  • TPTA N,N′-bis(3-aminopropyl)-1,3-propylenediamine
  • TPTA N,N′-bis(3-aminopropyl)-1,3-propylenediamine
  • TPTA N,N′-bis(3-aminopropyl)-1,3-propylenediamine
  • TPTA N,N′-bis(3-aminopropyl)-1,3-propylenediamine
  • dipropylenetriamine (5-N′-methyl dipropylenetriamine)
  • Preferred fabric rejuvenating agents are selected from the group consisting essentially of aminopropylated polydimethylsiloxane, aminopropyl-aminoethylated polydimethylsiloxane, aminosilicones, cationic aminosilicones, polydimethylsiloxanes; polydimethylsiloxanes or trisiloxanes with pendant polyethylene or polyethylene/polypropylene sidechains, alkylated or hydroxyalkylated celluloses
  • Non-limiting examples of crystal growth inhibitors may be selected from the group consisting of glycolic acid, phytic acid, polycarboxylic acids, polymers and co-polymers of carboxylic acids and polycarboxylic acids, ether hydroxypolycarboxylates, polyacrylate polymers, copolymers of maleic anhydride and the ethylene ether or vinyl methyl ethers of acrylic acid, citric acid and soluble salts thereof, 3,3-dicarboxy-4-oxa-1,6-hexanedioates, alkyl and alkenyl succinic acid and salts thereof, organo-diphosphonic acids or salts such as ethylene diphosphonic acid, alpha-hydroxy-2 phenyl ethyl diphosphonic acid, methylene diphosphonic acid, vinylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, 1,2-dihydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid, hydroxy-ethane 1,1 diphosphonic acid, the salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.
  • Non-limiting examples of fiber-water protecting agents may be selected from the group consisting of low molecular weight aliphatic or aromatic alcohols, low molecular weight alkylene glycols, low molecular weight alkylene glycol ethers, low molecular weight esters, or low molecular weight alkylene amines or alkanolamines.
  • low molecular weight means the molecule's backbone length is less than 12 carbons, or is about C 6 -C 10 in length.
  • Nonlimitng examples of fabric softening agents may be cationic dialkyl or sister quaternary ammonium salts.
  • each rinse active comprises at least about 0.01%, or at least 0.05% or at least 0.1%, by weight of the detergent composition; and less than 99%, or less than 10% or less than 5%, by weight of the rinse active composition.
  • Nonlimiting Formulation Examples (A) Detergent Formulas (weight %) ingredient 1 2 3 4 5 6 Linear alkyl benzene sulfonate — 5 — — — — — surfactant (e.g. LAS) Alkyl ethoxylate sulfate 10 10 10 — — — surfactant (C25AE 1.1 S) Alkyl ethoxylate sulfate — — 2 10 10 12 surfactant 1 amine oxide surfactant — — 0.5 0.5 — — Citric acid 2 2 — 2 2 — Enzymes (savinase, duramyl, 1 1 — 1 1 — and mixtures thereof) Ethoxylated Amine Polymers 2 — 1 2 — 1 2 Water and minors 3 balance balance balance balance balance balance balance balance balance 1 Neodol ® 23-9, Neodol ® 45-7 and mixtures thereof.
  • surfactant e.g. LAS
  • PEI 189 E 15 -E 18 Ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine (PEI 189 E 15 -E 18 ) according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,898 Vander Meer issued Jul. 1, 1986; PEI 1800 E 7 (according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,145 Watson et al., issued Oct. 15, 1996); PEI-600-E 20 ; quaternized, sulfonated ethoxylated hexamethylenediamine according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,839 Price et al. issued Jun. 17, 2003.
  • Minors may include additional actives such as optical brightener, perfume, suds suppresser, soil dispersant, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, additional water, enzyme stabilizers, buffers, solvents, solvatropes, aethetics, and fillers.
  • additional actives such as optical brightener, perfume, suds suppresser, soil dispersant, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, additional water, enzyme stabilizers, buffers, solvents, solvatropes, aethetics, and fillers.
  • Minors may include optical brightener, perfume, suds suppresser, soil dispersant, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, additional water, enzyme stabilizers, buffers, solvents, solvatropes, aethetics, and fillers.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
US10/877,593 2003-06-27 2004-06-25 Fabric article treating system Abandoned US20050000031A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/877,593 US20050000031A1 (en) 2003-06-27 2004-06-25 Fabric article treating system

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US48315303P 2003-06-27 2003-06-27
US48315503P 2003-06-27 2003-06-27
US10/877,593 US20050000031A1 (en) 2003-06-27 2004-06-25 Fabric article treating system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050000031A1 true US20050000031A1 (en) 2005-01-06

Family

ID=33567672

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/876,860 Abandoned US20040261194A1 (en) 2003-06-27 2004-06-25 Fabric article treating system
US10/877,593 Abandoned US20050000031A1 (en) 2003-06-27 2004-06-25 Fabric article treating system

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/876,860 Abandoned US20040261194A1 (en) 2003-06-27 2004-06-25 Fabric article treating system

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (2) US20040261194A1 (ja)
EP (2) EP1639065A1 (ja)
JP (2) JP2007521414A (ja)
BR (2) BRPI0411753A (ja)
CA (2) CA2525321A1 (ja)
WO (2) WO2005003268A1 (ja)

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070151129A1 (en) * 2005-12-30 2007-07-05 Mcallister Karl D Nebulizer system for a fabric treatment appliance
US20070283506A1 (en) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-13 Nyik Siong Wong Steam washing machine operation method having dual speed spin pre-wash
US20080092602A1 (en) * 2006-10-19 2008-04-24 Quddus Mir A Washer with bio prevention cycle
US20080092928A1 (en) * 2006-10-19 2008-04-24 Whirlpool Corporation Method and Apparatus for Treating Biofilm in an Appliance
US20080276382A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2008-11-13 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment Appliance Control Panel and Associated Steam Operations
US20090056387A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment Appliance with Steam Backflow Device
US20090056389A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment Appliance with Steam Generator Having a Variable Thermal Output
US20090056175A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment Appliance with Steam Generator Having a Variable Thermal Output
US20090056388A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment Appliance with Steam Backflow Device
US20090286712A1 (en) * 2006-07-06 2009-11-19 Clariant (Brazil) S.A. Concentrated Esterquat Composition
US20090318328A1 (en) * 2006-07-06 2009-12-24 Clariant (Brazil) S.A. Liquid Softener Composition
US7841219B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-11-30 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treating appliance utilizing steam
US7861343B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-01-04 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance
US7886392B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2011-02-15 Whirlpool Corporation Method of sanitizing a fabric load with steam in a fabric treatment appliance
US7904981B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2011-03-15 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance
US7913339B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2011-03-29 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance using a temperature sensor
US7941885B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2011-05-17 Whirlpool Corporation Steam washing machine operation method having dry spin pre-wash
US7966683B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-06-28 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance
US8037565B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-10-18 Whirlpool Corporation Method for detecting abnormality in a fabric treatment appliance having a steam generator
US8844160B2 (en) 1997-04-29 2014-09-30 Whirlpool Corporation Modular fabric revitalizing system
US20140331413A1 (en) * 2011-04-04 2014-11-13 Whirlpool Corporation Method and apparatus for rinsing laundry in a laundry treating appliance
US9044002B2 (en) 2011-01-12 2015-06-02 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited Method of controlling harmful arthropod, composition, and electrostatic spray device
US9624615B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-04-18 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US9702074B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-07-11 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
CN109989051A (zh) * 2019-04-03 2019-07-09 盐城工学院 一种棉织物改性及化学镀铜的方法
US11668039B2 (en) * 2017-08-29 2023-06-06 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Method for washing laundry of a wash load

Families Citing this family (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8814953B1 (en) * 2003-06-23 2014-08-26 Hbi Branded Apparel Enterprises, Llc System and method for spray dyeing fabrics
JP3761892B1 (ja) * 2004-10-19 2006-03-29 シャープ株式会社 繊維構造体に制電性を付与する方法およびその方法によって制電性が付与された繊維構造体
US7665227B2 (en) 2005-12-30 2010-02-23 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric revitalizing method using low absorbency pads
US7735345B2 (en) 2005-12-30 2010-06-15 Whirlpool Corporation Automatic fabric treatment appliance with a manual fabric treatment station
EP1946786A1 (en) 2007-01-19 2008-07-23 Coloplast A/S An irrigation system with a pump
EA021348B1 (ru) 2009-08-19 2015-05-29 Юнилевер Н.В. Система для чистки изделия, такого как матерчатое изделие
EP2611898A1 (en) * 2010-08-30 2013-07-10 Novozymes A/S A concentrated soak wash
WO2012028482A1 (en) * 2010-08-30 2012-03-08 Novozymes A/S A two-soak wash
DE102010042514A1 (de) * 2010-10-15 2012-04-19 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Verfahren zum Steuern einer Waschmaschine
CA2846846C (en) * 2011-09-01 2017-02-28 The Procter & Gamble Company Cleaning compositions and soil capture agent for cleaning objects
GB201200155D0 (en) 2012-01-06 2012-02-15 Statoil Asa Process
EP2636727A1 (en) * 2012-03-08 2013-09-11 The Procter and Gamble Company Washing method
GB201305416D0 (en) 2013-03-25 2013-05-08 Univ Leeds Novel method for coloration and treatment of substrates
MX358858B (es) * 2013-07-04 2018-09-05 Mabe Sa De Cv Boquilla de rocío para baja presión.
US11236464B1 (en) * 2013-11-01 2022-02-01 Levi Strauss & Co. Ozone mist fabric finishing
DE102014202990A1 (de) 2014-02-19 2015-08-20 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Konzentrate
US10745842B2 (en) * 2014-03-24 2020-08-18 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Washing machine appliances and methods for operating the same
DE102014213314A1 (de) 2014-07-09 2016-01-14 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Neuartiges Waschverfahren
DE102016204268A1 (de) 2016-03-15 2017-09-21 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Waschmittelzusammensetzung
DE102016204390A1 (de) 2016-03-16 2017-09-21 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Verfahren zum Reinigen von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine sowie eine Waschmaschine
JP7313377B2 (ja) 2018-04-20 2023-07-24 ポストプロセス テクノロジーズ インク 仕上げ媒体および仕上げ懸濁液
EP4006131A1 (en) * 2020-11-30 2022-06-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Method of laundering fabric
DE102022206864A1 (de) 2022-07-05 2024-01-11 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Waschmaschine und Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Waschmaschine
DE102022207456A1 (de) 2022-07-21 2024-02-01 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Waschmaschine und Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Waschmaschine
DE102022207454B3 (de) 2022-07-21 2024-02-01 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Waschmaschine und Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Waschmaschine

Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4489574A (en) * 1981-11-10 1984-12-25 The Procter & Gamble Company Apparatus for highly efficient laundering of textiles
US4489455A (en) * 1982-10-28 1984-12-25 The Procter & Gamble Company Method for highly efficient laundering of textiles
US4555019A (en) * 1981-11-10 1985-11-26 The Procter & Gamble Company Packaged detergent composition with instructions for use in a laundering process
US4784666A (en) * 1986-08-08 1988-11-15 Whirlpool Corporation High performance washing process for vertical axis automatic washer
US5191668A (en) * 1992-01-02 1993-03-09 Whirlpool Corporation Spin method of rinsing fabric in a horizontal axis washer
US5191669A (en) * 1992-01-02 1993-03-09 Whirlpool Corporation Spin method of washing fabric in a horizontal axis washer
US5219370A (en) * 1992-01-02 1993-06-15 Whirlpool Corporation Tumbling method of washing fabric in a horizontal axis washer
US5233718A (en) * 1992-01-02 1993-08-10 Whirlpool Corporation Tumble method of rinsing fabric in a horizontal axis washer
US5345637A (en) * 1993-04-27 1994-09-13 Whirlpool Corporation High performance washing system for a horizontal axis washer
US5461742A (en) * 1994-02-16 1995-10-31 Levi Strauss & Co. Mist treatment of garments
US5883065A (en) * 1996-01-22 1999-03-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Phase separated detergent composition
US6348441B1 (en) * 1999-11-15 2002-02-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Method of laundering soiled fabrics by non-aqueous detergent formulated to control dye transfer and sudsing in high efficiency washing machines
US6381790B2 (en) * 1998-05-12 2002-05-07 Dyson Limited Method and apparatus for containing and agitating the contents of a container
US6500796B1 (en) * 1997-11-24 2002-12-31 The Procter & Gamble Company Stabilized fabric softening compositions
US6949498B2 (en) * 2003-02-03 2005-09-27 Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa A Division Of Conopco, Inc. Laundry cleansing and conditioning compositions

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT344123B (de) * 1975-07-02 1978-07-10 Henkel Kgaa Verfahren und vorrichtung zum waschen von textilien
US4222905A (en) * 1978-06-26 1980-09-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Laundry detergent compositions having enhanced particulate soil removal performance
US4284532A (en) * 1979-10-11 1981-08-18 The Procter & Gamble Company Stable liquid detergent compositions
EP0616027A1 (en) * 1993-03-19 1994-09-21 The Procter & Gamble Company Concentrated cleaning compositions
WO1997012022A1 (en) * 1995-09-29 1997-04-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Stable aqueous laundry detergent compositions comprising quaternary surfactants and amine oxides and having improved suspension properties
EP0924293B2 (en) * 1997-11-24 2009-11-11 The Procter & Gamble Company Use of a crystal growth inhibitor to reduce fabric abrasion
DE19906367A1 (de) * 1999-02-16 2000-08-17 Clariant Gmbh Verwendung von Kammpolymeren als Schutzablösepolymere
GB9914674D0 (en) * 1999-06-24 1999-08-25 Albright & Wilson Uk Ltd Surfactant emulsions and structured surfactant systems
WO2001016262A2 (en) * 1999-09-02 2001-03-08 Colgate-Palmolive Company Fabric care composition containing polycarboxylate polymer and compound derived from urea
JP3423270B2 (ja) * 2000-03-30 2003-07-07 三洋電機株式会社 ドラム式洗濯機
US6691536B2 (en) * 2000-06-05 2004-02-17 The Procter & Gamble Company Washing apparatus

Patent Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4489574A (en) * 1981-11-10 1984-12-25 The Procter & Gamble Company Apparatus for highly efficient laundering of textiles
US4555019A (en) * 1981-11-10 1985-11-26 The Procter & Gamble Company Packaged detergent composition with instructions for use in a laundering process
US4489455A (en) * 1982-10-28 1984-12-25 The Procter & Gamble Company Method for highly efficient laundering of textiles
US4784666A (en) * 1986-08-08 1988-11-15 Whirlpool Corporation High performance washing process for vertical axis automatic washer
US5191668A (en) * 1992-01-02 1993-03-09 Whirlpool Corporation Spin method of rinsing fabric in a horizontal axis washer
US5191669A (en) * 1992-01-02 1993-03-09 Whirlpool Corporation Spin method of washing fabric in a horizontal axis washer
US5219370A (en) * 1992-01-02 1993-06-15 Whirlpool Corporation Tumbling method of washing fabric in a horizontal axis washer
US5233718A (en) * 1992-01-02 1993-08-10 Whirlpool Corporation Tumble method of rinsing fabric in a horizontal axis washer
US5345637A (en) * 1993-04-27 1994-09-13 Whirlpool Corporation High performance washing system for a horizontal axis washer
US5461742A (en) * 1994-02-16 1995-10-31 Levi Strauss & Co. Mist treatment of garments
US5595071A (en) * 1994-02-16 1997-01-21 Levi Strauss & Co. Mist treatment of garments
US5883065A (en) * 1996-01-22 1999-03-16 The Procter & Gamble Company Phase separated detergent composition
US6500796B1 (en) * 1997-11-24 2002-12-31 The Procter & Gamble Company Stabilized fabric softening compositions
US6381790B2 (en) * 1998-05-12 2002-05-07 Dyson Limited Method and apparatus for containing and agitating the contents of a container
US6348441B1 (en) * 1999-11-15 2002-02-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Method of laundering soiled fabrics by non-aqueous detergent formulated to control dye transfer and sudsing in high efficiency washing machines
US6949498B2 (en) * 2003-02-03 2005-09-27 Unilever Home & Personal Care Usa A Division Of Conopco, Inc. Laundry cleansing and conditioning compositions

Cited By (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8844160B2 (en) 1997-04-29 2014-09-30 Whirlpool Corporation Modular fabric revitalizing system
US20070151129A1 (en) * 2005-12-30 2007-07-05 Mcallister Karl D Nebulizer system for a fabric treatment appliance
US7921578B2 (en) * 2005-12-30 2011-04-12 Whirlpool Corporation Nebulizer system for a fabric treatment appliance
US7941885B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2011-05-17 Whirlpool Corporation Steam washing machine operation method having dry spin pre-wash
US20070283506A1 (en) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-13 Nyik Siong Wong Steam washing machine operation method having dual speed spin pre-wash
US7765628B2 (en) * 2006-06-09 2010-08-03 Whirlpool Corporation Steam washing machine operation method having a dual speed spin pre-wash
US20090286712A1 (en) * 2006-07-06 2009-11-19 Clariant (Brazil) S.A. Concentrated Esterquat Composition
US20090318328A1 (en) * 2006-07-06 2009-12-24 Clariant (Brazil) S.A. Liquid Softener Composition
US7913339B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2011-03-29 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance using a temperature sensor
US7904981B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2011-03-15 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance
US7886392B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2011-02-15 Whirlpool Corporation Method of sanitizing a fabric load with steam in a fabric treatment appliance
US7841219B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-11-30 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treating appliance utilizing steam
US7753009B2 (en) 2006-10-19 2010-07-13 Whirlpool Corporation Washer with bio prevention cycle
US20080092928A1 (en) * 2006-10-19 2008-04-24 Whirlpool Corporation Method and Apparatus for Treating Biofilm in an Appliance
US20080092602A1 (en) * 2006-10-19 2008-04-24 Quddus Mir A Washer with bio prevention cycle
US20080276382A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2008-11-13 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment Appliance Control Panel and Associated Steam Operations
US8393183B2 (en) 2007-05-07 2013-03-12 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance control panel and associated steam operations
US10844533B2 (en) 2007-05-07 2020-11-24 Whirlpool Corporation Method for controlling a household washing machine
US11993886B2 (en) 2007-05-07 2024-05-28 Whirlpool Corporation Method for controlling a household washing machine
US7966683B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-06-28 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance
US8555675B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2013-10-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam backflow device
US7905119B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-03-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam generator having a variable thermal output
US7861343B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-01-04 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance
US8037565B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-10-18 Whirlpool Corporation Method for detecting abnormality in a fabric treatment appliance having a steam generator
US20090056388A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment Appliance with Steam Backflow Device
US8555676B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2013-10-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam backflow device
US7918109B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-04-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment appliance with steam generator having a variable thermal output
US20090056175A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment Appliance with Steam Generator Having a Variable Thermal Output
US20090056389A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment Appliance with Steam Generator Having a Variable Thermal Output
US20090056387A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric Treatment Appliance with Steam Backflow Device
US9044002B2 (en) 2011-01-12 2015-06-02 Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited Method of controlling harmful arthropod, composition, and electrostatic spray device
US20140331413A1 (en) * 2011-04-04 2014-11-13 Whirlpool Corporation Method and apparatus for rinsing laundry in a laundry treating appliance
US10351985B2 (en) * 2011-04-04 2019-07-16 Whirlpool Corporation Method and apparatus for rinsing laundry in a laundry treating appliance
US9644301B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-05-09 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US9702074B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-07-11 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US9758914B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-09-12 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US10011935B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-07-03 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US10017893B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-07-10 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US10072373B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-09-11 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US10266981B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-04-23 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US9689101B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-06-27 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US9631310B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-04-25 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US9624615B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-04-18 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and compositions for treating laundry items
US11668039B2 (en) * 2017-08-29 2023-06-06 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Method for washing laundry of a wash load
CN109989051A (zh) * 2019-04-03 2019-07-09 盐城工学院 一种棉织物改性及化学镀铜的方法
CN109989051B (zh) * 2019-04-03 2021-03-30 盐城工学院 一种棉织物改性及化学镀铜的方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BRPI0411876A (pt) 2006-08-08
EP1639065A1 (en) 2006-03-29
CA2525321A1 (en) 2005-01-13
JP2007529634A (ja) 2007-10-25
US20040261194A1 (en) 2004-12-30
JP2007521414A (ja) 2007-08-02
WO2005003268A1 (en) 2005-01-13
CA2525319A1 (en) 2005-01-13
EP1639064A1 (en) 2006-03-29
WO2005003267A1 (en) 2005-01-13
BRPI0411753A (pt) 2006-08-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20050000031A1 (en) Fabric article treating system
AU2012206446B2 (en) Improved cleaning method
KR101669071B1 (ko) 개량된 세척 장치 및 방법
US9850455B2 (en) Cleaning method
JP6451731B2 (ja) 改善された洗浄機および洗浄法
EP2976453B1 (en) New cleaning apparatus and method
AU2012206446A1 (en) Improved cleaning method
US20150128358A1 (en) Cleaning method and apparatus
TW201529927A (zh) 清潔裝置及方法
WO2014080192A1 (en) Improved cleaning apparatus and method
CN1813048A (zh) 织物制品处理系统
CN1813047A (zh) 织物制品处理方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY, THE, OHIO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:PRICE, KENNETH NATHAN;ZHANG, SHULIN LARRY;GUTWILLER, MARC ERIC;REEL/FRAME:015018/0359;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040714 TO 20040720

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION