WO2009095820A1 - Procédé pour rafraîchir des articles en tissu - Google Patents

Procédé pour rafraîchir des articles en tissu Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009095820A1
WO2009095820A1 PCT/IB2009/050236 IB2009050236W WO2009095820A1 WO 2009095820 A1 WO2009095820 A1 WO 2009095820A1 IB 2009050236 W IB2009050236 W IB 2009050236W WO 2009095820 A1 WO2009095820 A1 WO 2009095820A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fabric
active agent
refreshing
refreshing composition
fabric articles
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2009/050236
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English (en)
Inventor
Hiroshi Kirigakubo
Ryohei Ohtani
Kenichi Nakaoka
Original Assignee
The Procter & Gamble Company
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The Procter & Gamble Company filed Critical The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority to CA2709956A priority Critical patent/CA2709956A1/fr
Priority to EP09705400A priority patent/EP2247704A1/fr
Priority to JP2010543604A priority patent/JP2011510184A/ja
Publication of WO2009095820A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009095820A1/fr

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    • 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
    • C11D3/48—Medical, disinfecting agents, disinfecting, antibacterial, germicidal or antimicrobial compositions
    • 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
    • C11D3/0068—Deodorant compositions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for refreshing fabric articles. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for refreshing fabric articles, upon the refreshing treatment of the present invention, the fabric articles are ready for use without the need for any additional cleaning treatment.
  • aqueous laundry cleaning is carried out with relatively large amounts of water, typically in a washing machine at consumers' home.
  • washing machines and laundry detergents have become quite sophisticated, the conventional aqueous laundry process still exposes fabric articles to the risk of dye transfer and/or shrinkage, etc.
  • Most dry cleaning processes use non-aqueous solvents for cleaning. By avoiding water, the dry cleaning processes minimize the risk of shrinkage and wrinkling.
  • the need for handling and recovering large amounts of solvents makes the dry cleaning processes inconvenient and expensive, and thus unsuitable for use in consumers' home.
  • the present invention provides a method for refreshing fabric articles.
  • the method herein includes the steps of loading fabric articles to be treated into a drum of a home appliance, contacting said fabric articles with an aqueous fabric refreshing composition under a temperature of from about 30 0 C to about 120 0 C for about 1 minute to about 120 minutes, wherein said fabric refreshing composition contains from about 0.001% to about 1.0% by weight of an antimicrobial active agent and from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of an deodorizing active agent.
  • the method herein can substantially refresh fabric articles.
  • the method herein can substantially sanitize and/or remove microorganisms and malodors from the treated fabric articles.
  • the treated fabric articles are therefore ready for wear or use without the need for any additional cleaning treatment.
  • the method herein can be conveniently conducted by consumers at home using a common home appliance, such as a washing machine, dryer, etc. This avoids the inconvenience of having multiple different appliances at home.
  • fabric article means any article that is customarily cleaned in a conventional aqueous laundry cleaning process or dry cleaning process. As such, the term encompasses articles of clothing, linen and drapery, clothing accessories, and floor coverings. The term also encompasses other items made in whole or in part of fabric, such as tote bags, furniture covers, tarpaulins and the like.
  • the terms “refresh”, “refreshing” or “refreshed” when used in the context of treating fabric articles mean to at least substantially remove malodors from the fabric articles and substantially sanitize and/or remove microorganisms from the fabric articles. It should be understood that any additional benefits, include, but are not limited to wrinkle-reduction, softness, crispness, water and/or stain repellency, antistatic, anti-shrinkage, etc are not supposed to be excluded from the scope of refreshing treatment.
  • aqueous fabric refreshing composition means compositions comprising one or more antimicrobial active agent and one or more deodorizing active agent. Said active agents are dispersed or dissolved in a media composed mainly of water.
  • fabric articles to be treated are contacted with an aqueous fabric refreshing composition containing from about 0.001% to about 1.0%. or from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight of an antimicrobial active agent and from about 0.01% to about 20%, or from about 0.1% to about 5%, or from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of an deodorizing active agent.
  • an aqueous fabric refreshing composition containing from about 0.001% to about 1.0%. or from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight of an antimicrobial active agent and from about 0.01% to about 20%, or from about 0.1% to about 5%, or from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of an deodorizing active agent.
  • An antimicrobial active agent is useful in sanitizing fabric articles. Typical concentrations of antimicrobial active agent in the aqueous fabric refreshing composition range from about 0.001% to about 1.0%, or from about 0.005% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition. There is no specific limitation on the antimicrobial active agent useful herein. Antimicrobial active agents commonly found in household cleaning consumer products can be used herein. Illustrative antimicrobial active agent includes, but is not limited to antibacterial halogenated compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, phenyl and phenolic compounds, metallic salts, organic acid and its salts.
  • Biguanides are a group of robust antimicrobial halogenated compounds which can function as disinfectants/sanitizers, and are useful in the fabric refreshing composition herein.
  • Illustrative biguanides include l,l'-hexamethylene bis(5- (p-chlorophenyl)biguanide), commonly known as chlorhexidine, and its salts, e.g., with hydrochloric, acetic and gluconic acids.
  • the digluconate salt is highly water-soluble, about 70% in water, and the diacetate salt has a solubility of about 1.8% in water.
  • Other useful biguanide compounds include Cosmoci ⁇ M CQTM Vantocil ⁇ M j ⁇ including poly(hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride.
  • Other useful biguanides include the bis-biguanide alkane and its water soluble salts, such as chlorides, bromides, sulfates, alkyl sulfonates such as methyl sulfonate and ethyl sulfonate, phenylsulfonates such as p-methylphenyl sulfonates, nitrates, acetates, gluconates, and the like.
  • Suitable bis-biguanide compounds are chlorhexidine; 1,6- bis-(2-ethylhexylbiguanidohexane)dihydrochloride; 1 ,6-di-(N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-phenyldiguanido-N5,N5')- hexane tetrahydrochloride; 1 ,6-di-(N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-phenyl-N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-methyldiguanido-N5,N5')-hexane dihydrochloride; l,6-di(N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-o-chlorophenyldiguanido-N5,N5')-hexane dihydrochloride; 1,6- di(N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-2,6-dichlorophenyldiguanido-N5,N5')hexane dihydrochloride; l,6-di[N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-bet
  • Preferred antimicrobials from this group are l,6-di-(N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-phenyldiguanido-N5,N5')-hexane tetrahydrochloride; 1,6- di(N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-o-chlorophenyldiguanido-N5,N5')-hexane dihydrochloride; l,6-di(N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-2,6- dichlorophenyldiguanido-N5,N5')hexane dihydrochloride; l,6-di(N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-2,4- dichlorophenyldiguanido-N5,N5')hexane tetrahydrochloride; l,6-di[N ⁇ ,N ⁇ '-.alpha.-(p- chlorophenyl) ethyldiguanido-N5,N5'] hexane dihydrochloride; omega, omega'
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds A wide range of quaternary ammonium compounds can also be used as antimicrobial active agents in the aqueous fabric refreshing composition herein.
  • useful quaternary ammonium compounds include: (1) benzalkonium chlorides and/or substituted benzalkonium chlorides such as commercially available Barquat ⁇ M (available from Lonza), Maquat ⁇ M (available from Mason), Variquat ⁇ M (available from Witco/Sherex), and HyamineTM (available from Lonza); (2) di(C 6 -Ci 4 )alkyl di- short chain (C 1 - 4 alkyl and/or hydroxy alky 1) quaternary ammonium compound, such as Bardac TM products of Lonza; (3) Mono(C 6 -Ci 4 ) alkyl tri-short chain (Ci_ 4 alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl) quaternary ammonium compound; (4) N-(3-chloroallyl) hexane
  • dialkyl quaternary ammonium compounds are di(C 8 -Ci 2 )alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride (BardacTM 22), and dioctyldimethylammonium chloride (BardacTM 2050).
  • Phenyl and Phenolic Compounds are: 4,4'-diamidino- ⁇ , ⁇ - diphenoxypropane diisethionate, commonly known as propamidine isethionate, with water solubility of about 16%; and 4,4'-diamidino- ⁇ , ⁇ -diphenoxyhexane diisethionate, commonly known as hexamidine isethionate.
  • benzyl alcohol with a water solubility of about 4%
  • 2-phenylethanol with a water solubility of about 2%
  • 2-phenoxyethanol with a water solubility of about 2.67%
  • typical effective level of phenyl and phenoxy alcohol is from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, by weight of the fabric refreshing composition.
  • Metallic Salts can be used as the antimicrobial active agent of the fabric refreshing composition herein.
  • Useful metallic salts herein include, but is not limited to copper salts, zinc salts, silver salts and mixtures thereof.
  • Illustrative metallic salts useful herein include cupric abietate as a fungicide, copper acetate as a mildew inhibitor, cupric chloride as a fungicide, copper lactate as a fungicide, and copper sulfate as a germicide.
  • Metallic salts also possess some malodor control abilities, such as to absorb amine and sulfur-containing compounds of low molecular weight.
  • Low molecular weight sulfur-containing compounds e.g., sulfide and mercaptans and low molecular weight amines
  • malodors e.g., food odors (garlic, onion), body/perspiration odor, breath odor, etc. See also U. S. Pat. No. 3,172,817, Leupold, et al.
  • Organic Acid and its Salts Organic acid and its salts known for having antimicrobial effective in the technical field can be used as the antimicrobial active agent herein.
  • Suitable organic acid and its salts can be citric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid, tartaric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, propionic acid, acetic acid, dehydroacetic acid, benzoic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid and its salt.
  • Deodorizing active agent is useful in removing malodors from fabric articles.
  • Typical concentrations of deodorizing active agent in the aqueous fabric refreshing composition range from about 0.01% to about 20%, or from about 0.1% to about 5%, or from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition.
  • Illustrative deodorizing active agent includes, but is not limited to cyclodextrin, water-soluble polyionic polymer, pH-adjusting mineral salts, zeolite, activated carbon, etc.
  • Cyclodextrin includes any of the known cyclodextrins such as unsubstituted cyclodextrins containing from six to twelve glucose units, especially, alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or their derivatives and/or mixtures thereof.
  • the specific coupling and conformation of the glucose units give the cyclodextrins rigid, conical molecular structures with hollow interiors of specific volumes.
  • the unique shape and physical-chemical properties of the cavity enable the cyclodextrin molecules to absorb (form inclusion complexes with) organic molecules or parts of organic molecules which can fit into the cavity.
  • cyclodextrins and especially mixtures of cyclodextrins with different size cavities, can be used to control odors caused by a broad spectrum of organic odoriferous materials, which may, or may not, contain reactive functional groups.
  • the cavities within the cyclodextrin in the solution of the fabric refreshing composition should remain essentially unfilled (the cyclodextrin remains uncomplexed) while in solution, in order to allow the cyclodextrin to absorb various odor molecules when the solution is applied to a surface.
  • the cyclodextrins used herein are highly water-soluble such as, alpha-cyclodextrin and/or derivatives thereof, gamma-cyclodextrin and/or derivatives thereof, derivatised beta-cyclodextrins, and/or mixtures thereof.
  • the derivatives of cyclodextrin consist mainly of molecules wherein some of the -OH groups are converted to -OR groups.
  • Cyclodextrin derivatives include, e.g., those with short chain alkyl groups such as methylated cyclodextrins, and ethylated cyclodextrins, wherein R is a methyl or an ethyl group; those with hydroxyalkyl substituted groups, such as hydroxypropyl cyclodextrins and/or hydroxyethyl cyclodextrins, wherein R is a -CH2-CH(OH)-CH3 or a -CH2CH2-OH group; branched cyclodextrins such as maltose-bonded cyclodextrins; cationic cyclodextrins such as those containing 2-hydroxy-3-(dimethylamino)propyl ether, wherein R is -CH2-CH(OH)-CH2- N(CH3)2 which is cationic at low pH; quaternary ammonium, e.g., 2-hydroxy-3- (
  • Highly water-soluble cyclodextrins are those having water solubility of at least about 1O g in 100 ml of water at room temperature, preferably at least about 20 g in 100 ml of water, more preferably at least about 25 g in 100 ml of water at room temperature.
  • the availability of solubilized, uncomplexed cyclodextrins is essential for effective and efficient odor control performance. Solubilized, water-soluble cyclodextrin can exhibit more efficient odor control performance than non- water- soluble cyclodextrin when deposited onto surfaces, especially fabric.
  • Examples of preferred water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives suitable for use herein are hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin, methylated alpha-cyclodextrin, methylated beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxyethyl beta-cyclodextrin, and hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin.
  • Hydroxyalkyl cyclodextrin derivatives preferably have a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 14, more preferably from about 1.5 to about 7, wherein the total number of -OR groups per cyclodextrin is defined as the degree of substitution.
  • Methylated cyclodextrin derivatives typically have a degree of substitution of from about 1 to about 18, preferably from about 3 to about 16.
  • a known methylated beta-cyclodextrin is heptakis-2,6-di-O-methyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin, commonly known as DIMEB, in which each glucose unit has about 2 methyl groups with a degree of substitution of about 14.
  • DIMEB heptakis-2,6-di-O-methyl- ⁇ -cyclodextrin
  • a preferred, more commercially available, methylated beta- cyclodextrin is a randomly methylated beta-cyclodextrin, commonly known as RAMEB, having different degrees of substitution, normally of about 12.6.
  • RAMEB is more preferred than DIMEB, since DIMEB affects the surface activity of the preferred surfactants more than RAMEB.
  • the preferred cyclodextrins are available, e.g., from Cerestar USA, Inc. and Wacker Chemicals (USA), Inc.
  • cyclodextrins absorb odors more broadly by complexing with a wider range of odoriferous molecules having a wider range of molecular sizes.
  • the cyclodextrins is alpha-cyclodextrin and its derivatives thereof, gamma-cyclodextrin and its derivatives thereof, and/or derivatised beta- cyclodextrin, more preferably a mixture of alpha-cyclodextrin, or an alpha-cyclodextrin derivative, and derivatised beta-cyclodextrin, even more preferably a mixture of derivatised alpha-cyclodextrin and derivatised beta-cyclodextrin, most preferably a mixture of hydroxypropyl alpha-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin, and/or a mixture of methylated alpha-cyclodextrin
  • Water-soluble Polyionic Polymers can be used in the aqueous fabric refreshing composition herein to provide deodorizing benefit.
  • Useful water- soluble polyionic polymer can be a cationic polymer, such as polyamines, or an anionic polymer, such as polyacrylic acids and their water-soluble salts.
  • Polyamines are those containing amino, amido, etc. functional groups.
  • Preferred polyacrylic acids and their salts have an average molecular weight of less than about 20,000, preferably less than 10,000, more preferably from about 500 to about 5,000.
  • Polymers containing sulfonic acid groups, phosphoric acid groups, phosphonic acid groups, and their water-soluble salts are also suitable.
  • Water-soluble polymers containing both cationic and anionic functionalities are also suitable. Examples of these polymers are given in U.S. Pat. 4,909,986, issued March 20, 1990 to N. Kobayashi and A. Kawazoe. Another example of water-soluble polymers containing both cationic and anionic functionalities is a copolymer of dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride and acrylic acid, commercially available under the trade name Merquat 280® from Calgon. Such polymers are believed to be useful herein to control certain amine-type odors or acid-type odors, such as odors associated with ammonia, trimethyl amine, triethylamine, isovaric acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, etc.
  • PH-adjusting Mineral Salts which adjust pH of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition to 8-12 can be used as the deodorizing active agent. By adjusting the pH of the fabric refreshing composition in the alkaline range, some acid type of odors can be neutralized by the fabric refreshing composition.
  • Illustrative pH-adjusting mineral salts useful herein include alkali metal salts or alkali earth metal salts of boric acid, carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid, triphosphoric acid, etc.
  • Specifically preferred pH-adjusting mineral salts useful herein include potassium phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium hydrogen pyrophosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium borate and a mixture thereof.
  • a preferred class of zeolites is characterized as "intermediate" silicate/aluminate zeolites.
  • the intermediate zeolites are characterized by Si ⁇ 2/Al ⁇ 2 molar ratios of less than about 10. Preferably the molar ratio of Si ⁇ 2/Al ⁇ 2 ranges from about 2 to about 10.
  • the intermediate zeolites have an advantage over the "high" zeolites.
  • the intermediate zeolites have a higher affinity for amine-type odors, they are more weight efficient for odor absorption because they have a larger surface area, and they are more moisture tolerant and retain more of their odor absorbing capacity in water than the high zeolites.
  • a wide variety of intermediate zeolites suitable for use herein are commercially available as Valfor" CP301-68, Valfor ® 300-63, Valfor ® CP300-35, and Valfor ® CP300-56, available from PQ Corporation, and the CBVlOO " series of zeolites from Conteka.
  • Zeolite materials marketed under the trade name Abscents ® and Smellrite ® available from The Union Carbide Corporation and UOP are also preferred. These materials are typically available as a white powder in the 3-5 micron particle size range. Such materials are preferred over the intermediate zeolites for control of sulfur- containing odors, e.g., thiols, mercaptans.
  • the carbon material suitable for use in the present invention is the material well known in commercial practice as an absorbent for organic molecules and/or for air purification purposes. Often, such carbon material is referred to as "activated” carbon or "activated” charcoal. Such carbon is available from commercial sources under such trade names as; Calgon-Type CPG ® ; Type PCB ® ; Type SGL ® ; Type CAL ® ; and Type OL ® . Carrier
  • Water is the main liquid carrier of antimicrobial active agent and deodorizing active agent in the aqueous fabric refreshing composition herein due to its low cost, availability, safety, and environmental compatibility.
  • water can be distilled, deionized, or tap water.
  • Water not only serves as a liquid carrier for the antimicrobial active agent and deodorizing active agent, but it also provides some odor controlling effect of its own. It has been discovered that the intensity of odor generated by some polar, low molecular weight organic amines, acids, and mercaptans is reduced when the odor-contaminated fabrics are treated with an aqueous solution. Water is also very useful for fabric wrinkle removal or reduction. Not to be bound by theory, it is believed that water breaks many intra-fiber and inter- fiber hydrogen bonds that keep the fabric in a wrinkle state. It also swells, lubricates and relaxes the fibers to help the wrinkle removal process.
  • the carrier in addition to water, can contain a low molecular weight organic solvent that is highly soluble in water, e.g., ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and the like, and mixtures thereof.
  • Low molecular weight alcohols can help the treated fabric articles to dry faster and also provide some antimicrobial benefit.
  • the optional water soluble low molecular weight solvent can be used at a level of up to about 50%, typically from about 1% to about 20%, preferably from about 2% to about 15%, more preferably from about 5% to about 10%, by weight of the total composition.
  • Factors that need to be considered when a high level of solvent is used in the composition are odor, flammability, and environment impact.
  • the fabric refreshing composition herein may further contain one or more optional ingredients typically used in fabric care product category.
  • optional ingredients include, but are not limited to surfactant, fabric wrinkle control agent, fabric softening agent, perfume, anti-static agent, chelating agent, insect and moth repelling agent, colorant, preservative, and mixtures thereof.
  • the total level of optional ingredients is low, preferably less than about 5%, or less than about 3%, or less than about 2%, by weight of the composition.
  • the aqueous fabric refreshing composition herein contains from about 0.005% to 0.1% or from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of a surfactant.
  • Surfactant provides a low surface tension that permits the composition to spread readily and more uniformly on hydrophobic surfaces, such as polyester and nylon. It has been found that the aqueous fabric refreshing composition containing surfactant spreads satisfactorily on fabric articles. The spreading of the composition also allows it to dry faster, so that the treated fabric articles are ready for use sooner. Furthermore, fabric refreshing composition containing a surfactant can penetrate hydrophobic, oily soil better for improved malodor control. The surfactant is also needed in the fabric refreshing composition herein that contains a wrinkle control agent such as silicone and/or shape retention polymer.
  • the surfactant is also needed, e.g., as a dispersing agent, an emulsifying agent and/or a solubilizing agent.
  • the surfactant for use in providing the required low surface tension in the composition herein should be compatible with other components in the composition. For example, it should not form a complex with cyclodextrin so as to diminish performance of the cyclodextrin and/or the surfactant. Complex formation diminishes both the ability of the cyclodextrin to absorb odors and the ability of the surfactant to lower the surface tension of the aqueous composition.
  • the fabric refreshing composition contains from about 0.1% to about 10%, or from about 0.5% to about 7%, or from about 1% to about 5%, by weight of a fabric wrinkle control agent, preferably selected from the group consisting of: silicone, shape retention polymer, hydrophilic plasticizer, lithium salt, and mixtures thereof.
  • a fabric wrinkle control agent preferably selected from the group consisting of: silicone, shape retention polymer, hydrophilic plasticizer, lithium salt, and mixtures thereof.
  • Silicone can be used herein to impart a lubricating property or increased gliding ability to fibers in fabric, particularly clothing.
  • the preferred silicones have pendant alkyl groups having less than about 8, preferably less than about 6, carbon atoms, and do not have pendant aryl groups.
  • Nonlimiting examples of useful silicones include noncurable silicones such as polydimethylsilicone and volatile silicones, and curable silicones such as aminosilicones and hydroxysilicones.
  • the composition can contain hydrophilic plasticizer to soften both the fabric fibers, especially cotton fibers.
  • hydrophilic plasticizers are short chain polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, sorbitol, erythritol or mixtures thereof, more preferably diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and mixtures thereof.
  • Lithium salts can be used in the aqueous fabric refreshing composition to improve fabric wrinkle control performance.
  • Non-limiting examples of lithium salts that are useful herein are lithium bromide, lithium bromide hydrate, lithium chloride, lithium chloride hydrate, lithium acetate, lithium acetate dihydrate, lithium lactate, lithium sulfate, lithium sulfate monohydrate, lithium tartrate, lithium bitartrate, and mixtures thereof.
  • fabric articles to be treated are loaded into a drum of a home appliance.
  • Aqueous fabric refreshing compositions and hot air are then charged into the drum. It is not critical whether the aqueous fabric refreshing composition and hot air are charged into the drum simultaneously or not; however the temperature in the drum shall be maintained within the range of from about 30 0 C to about 120 0 C, or from about 50 0 C to about 70 0 C during a substantial period of the refreshing treatment process.
  • the time that fabric articles contact with the aqueous fabric refreshing compositions are typically from about 1 minute to about 120 minutes or from about 20 to about 45 minutes.
  • the fabric refreshing composition is applied to the fabric articles while the drum is rotated.
  • Rotation of the drum can be either horizontal or vertical and the rotation speed is typically less than about 200 rotations per minute, RPM, or from about 10 RPM to 100 RPM, or from about 20 RPM to about 50 RPM. It has been found that an even distribution and penetration of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition can be achieved by rotating the drum while dispensing the aqueous fabric refreshing composition.
  • the aqueous fabric refreshing composition is preferably dispensed into the drum during the initial stage of the refreshing treatment process. For example, dispensing of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition can be completed within the first 30 seconds to about 5 minutes upon the initiation of the refreshing treatment.
  • the amount of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition charged into the drum is typically from about 0.1% to about 50% or from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the dry weight of loaded fabric articles. In other words, the weight ratio of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition to the dry load fabric articles is from about 1: 1000 to about 1: 1, or from about 1: 100 to about 1:10.
  • the method of the present invention can be conveniently conducted by consumers at home using known home appliances, for example, the method herein can be conducted in the existed drying cycle of washing machines or dryers. Alternatively, a refreshing cycle can be specifically programmed in the commercialized washing machines or dryers to conduct the method herein. In both circumstances, the home appliances will retain their original washing and/or drying functions.
  • Exemplary home appliances useful herein typically include:
  • an electric motor preferably has variable speed
  • the storage means can be integral with or non-detachable from the home appliances, or can be in detachable cartridge form, or can be a detachable container other than cartridge;
  • a dispensing device fluidly-conducted with the storage means.
  • the dispensing device is used for releasing or dispensing the aqueous fabric refreshing composition and for even application of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition on fabric articles;
  • a heater to heat aqueous fabric refreshing composition, fabric articles or air may include a heating element over which air must pass prior to entering into the drum.
  • a suitable heating element is a resistive coil, the temperature of which is adjusted by regulating coil voltage.
  • Alternative heating means may also be used, for example, an infrared radiation source, a heat-pump system or a microwave radiation source.
  • the air can be supplemented with steam;
  • a control system such as an electronic control device with a processing circuit, and input and output circuits. The control systems can for example enable the user to select the size of the fabric load, the time for the refreshing treatment, etc.
  • the user can use preset refreshing cycle, or the appliance can control the length of the cycle, based on any number of ascertainable parameters.
  • the appliances used may comprise a program selector. This selector may be in any suitable form, such as a dial, buttons, touch pads, panel (which would typically include buttons or assorted selection means) or combinations thereof;
  • one or more sensors such as a temperature sensor, a smell sensor, a humidity sensor, or a vapor and/or gas sensor.
  • the temperature can be sensed by a temperature sensor which is preferably of a thermistor type and sends a signal to the heater.
  • the temperature sensor is attached in the air duct (inlet/outlet) or the drum, etc. of the home appliance.
  • the temperature sensor can control the on and off of the heater switch so as to maintain the temperature of the fabric refreshing composition or the temperature in the drum to be under the flash point of the fabric refreshing composition.
  • a smell sensor for detecting odor level inside the drum of the home appliance is provided, such as in the air circuit lines and/or inlet/outlet air filters.
  • the smell sensor can be used to control the loading level of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition or to indicate the need for cleaning or change of air filter by detecting the odor level in the drum or in the air circuit filter.
  • a humidity sensor can be provided to control the loading level of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition or heating power, heating time or air force level suitably by measuring humidity level;
  • (x) one or more input devices such as a control panel switch, touch panel switch, wireless input system and/or a keypad;
  • the aqueous fabric refreshing composition is dispensed in the form of fine droplets having an average droplet size of less than about 5 mm, or from about 10 ⁇ m to about 1000 ⁇ m, or from about 20 ⁇ m to about 300 ⁇ m, or from about 30 ⁇ m to about 120 ⁇ m.
  • Fine droplets are preferred herein as it has been found that fine droplets provide an even distribution and better penetration of fabric refreshing composition in fabric articles and thus lead to a better degerming and deodorizing performance.
  • Dispensing devices discharging the aqueous fabric refreshing composition in the form of fine droplets are known in the art, such as spray nozzle or fluid atomizing nozzle.
  • a spray nozzle or a fluid atomizing nozzle typically provides an average droplet size that is less than about 1000 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.
  • the average particle size of the mist can be less than 100 microns.
  • Nebulizers, atomizers and the like devices well known in the art can also be used as the dispensing devices herein.
  • a suitable device for use herein is a nebulizer that has at least one ultrasonic sonotrode, or ultrasonic vibrating cell.
  • Typical nebulizer is commercially available under the tradename of Acu Mist® from Sono Tek Corporation, Milton, New York. Still other examples of such devices are available from Omron Health Care, GmbH, Germany; and from Flaem Nuove, S.P.A, Italy.
  • One or multiple nozzles can be used to dispense fabric refreshing composition in fine droplets.
  • the nozzles can be fixed or removably mounted on the home appliances.
  • an air-compressor is mounted in the home appliance, for example in the air circuit lines of the home appliance to increase pressure level in the drum of the home appliance. The higher pressure in the home appliance will be helpful in improving the penetration of the aqueous fabric refreshing composition into fabric articles for a better degerming and deodorizing performance.
  • the air may be ionized before it contacts the fabric articles, for example by corona discharge.
  • ozone may be added to the air before it contacts the fabric articles.
  • the ozone may be added to the rotatable drum through a system of conduits which is independent of the air circulation system.
  • BSA bovine serum albumin
  • the cotton knits prepared by the above steps are divided into three groups. Each group has 3 pieces of cotton knit;
  • Cotton knits of Group A and Group C are then put on the rack in a Sanyo washing machine (Model: Sanyo AQ-I manufacture by SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.) separately and treated with the ready-to-wear non tub-rotation cycle but without charging ozone to the drum by cutting the electrical supply line to the ozone generator.
  • a Sanyo washing machine Model: Sanyo AQ-I manufacture by SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
  • hot air is blown into the drum and the temperature inside the drum is gradually increased from about 25°C to about 70 0 C and is maintained around 70 0 C during the whole cycle for about 30 minutes;

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Treatments For Attaching Organic Compounds To Fibrous Goods (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Chemical Or Physical Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé pour rafraîchir des articles en tissu sans avoir besoin d'un traitement de nettoyage supplémentaire. Le procédé comprend les étapes consistant à charger les articles en tissu à traiter dans un tambour d'un appareil ménager, mettre en contact lesdits articles en tissu avec une composition aqueuse de rafraîchissement de tissu contenant à la fois un agent actif antimicrobien et un agent actif désodorisant à une température d'environ 30 °C à environ 120 °C pendant environ 1 minute à environ 120 minutes.
PCT/IB2009/050236 2008-01-31 2009-01-22 Procédé pour rafraîchir des articles en tissu WO2009095820A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2709956A CA2709956A1 (fr) 2008-01-31 2009-01-22 Procede pour rafraichir des articles en tissu
EP09705400A EP2247704A1 (fr) 2008-01-31 2009-01-22 Procédé pour rafraîchir des articles en tissu
JP2010543604A JP2011510184A (ja) 2008-01-31 2009-01-22 布地物品のリフレッシュの方法

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US6307808P 2008-01-31 2008-01-31
US61/063,078 2008-01-31

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009095820A1 true WO2009095820A1 (fr) 2009-08-06

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US (1) US20090193593A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2247704A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2011510184A (fr)
CA (1) CA2709956A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009095820A1 (fr)

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KR100556503B1 (ko) * 2002-11-26 2006-03-03 엘지전자 주식회사 건조기의 건조 시간제어 방법
DE102008008645B3 (de) * 2008-02-11 2009-06-10 Miele & Cie. Kg Verfahren zum Behandeln von Wäsche in einer Waschmaschine
US20120284930A1 (en) * 2011-05-10 2012-11-15 General Electric Company Automatic refresh of completed loads in a washer or dryer appliance
US10640403B2 (en) 2013-08-15 2020-05-05 Applied Silver, Inc. Antimicrobial batch dilution system
US11618696B2 (en) 2013-08-15 2023-04-04 Applied Silver, Inc. Antimicrobial batch dilution system
US9689106B2 (en) 2013-12-06 2017-06-27 Applied Silver, Inc. Antimicrobial fabric application system
US20170050870A1 (en) 2015-08-21 2017-02-23 Applied Silver, Inc. Systems And Processes For Treating Textiles With An Antimicrobial Agent
US10760207B2 (en) 2017-03-01 2020-09-01 Applied Silver, Inc. Systems and processes for treating textiles with an antimicrobial agent

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US4134838A (en) 1977-02-15 1979-01-16 Lever Brothers Company Fabric conditioning product
WO2001016265A2 (fr) 1999-09-02 2001-03-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Procedes de desodorisation et compositions non liquides concentrees correspondantes
US20020115581A1 (en) * 2000-08-18 2002-08-22 The Procter & Gamble Company Compositions and methods for odor and fungal control in ballistic fabric and other protective garments

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EP0692014B1 (fr) * 1993-03-31 1998-08-26 The Procter & Gamble Company Compositions de traitement des textiles, activees au sechage, a base de cyclodextrine non complexee
JP4219413B2 (ja) * 1997-06-09 2009-02-04 ザ、プロクター、エンド、ギャンブル、カンパニー 臭気およびシワ抑制用の未複合シクロデキストリン組成物
AR017716A1 (es) * 1998-04-27 2001-09-12 Procter & Gamble Articulo de manufactura en la forma de un expendedor atomizador operado no-manualmente
AU7092600A (en) * 1999-09-02 2001-03-26 Procter & Gamble Company, The Method of deodorizing and/or cleaning carpet using a composition comprising odorcontrol agent
EP1212395B1 (fr) * 1999-09-02 2006-05-24 The Procter & Gamble Company Procedes, compositions et articles de desodorisation ameliores
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EP1462512B1 (fr) * 2003-03-24 2007-08-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Compositions comprenant complexes de cyclodextrine et au moins un additif pour traitement de lavage

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US4134838A (en) 1977-02-15 1979-01-16 Lever Brothers Company Fabric conditioning product
WO2001016265A2 (fr) 1999-09-02 2001-03-08 The Procter & Gamble Company Procedes de desodorisation et compositions non liquides concentrees correspondantes
US20020115581A1 (en) * 2000-08-18 2002-08-22 The Procter & Gamble Company Compositions and methods for odor and fungal control in ballistic fabric and other protective garments

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20090193593A1 (en) 2009-08-06
JP2011510184A (ja) 2011-03-31
CA2709956A1 (fr) 2009-08-06
EP2247704A1 (fr) 2010-11-10

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