EP1115936B1 - Dye scavenging article - Google Patents
Dye scavenging article Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1115936B1 EP1115936B1 EP99926081A EP99926081A EP1115936B1 EP 1115936 B1 EP1115936 B1 EP 1115936B1 EP 99926081 A EP99926081 A EP 99926081A EP 99926081 A EP99926081 A EP 99926081A EP 1115936 B1 EP1115936 B1 EP 1115936B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- article
- dye
- substrate material
- dye scavenging
- washing machine
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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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
- C11D3/0005—Other compounding ingredients characterised by their effect
- C11D3/0021—Dye-stain or dye-transfer inhibiting compositions
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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
- C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
- C11D17/04—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties combined with or containing other objects
- C11D17/041—Compositions releasably affixed on a substrate or incorporated into a dispensing means
- C11D17/046—Insoluble free body dispenser
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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
- C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
- C11D17/04—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties combined with or containing other objects
- C11D17/049—Cleaning or scouring pads; Wipes
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to an article for removing random dyes from laundry washing applications, and more particularly, to a dye scavenging article for scavenging extraneous random dyes from laundry washing solutions during a complete laundering cycle, including both wash and rinse waters.
- the cotton substrate is modified by phosphorylation and chemisorption of the polymeric amine.
- Edwards' related U. S. Patent No.3,673,110 there is disclosed the use of both the tertiary polymeric amines and quaternary ammonium compounds as the dye scavenging material.
- the latter Edwards Patent discloses other processes for chemically affixing the dye scavenger compounds to a cellulosic material substrate also for use in controlling undesirable random dyes in a liquid bath such as when laundering textile articles.
- the hydroxylated surface of the cellulosic material is chemically modified to establish anionic functional groups.
- Each of the anionic functional groups are capable of chemically binding nitrogen compounds such as the aforementioned disclosed dye scavenger compounds.
- U. S. Patent No. 3,816,321 there is disclosed a dye scavenging article for scavenging anionic dyes released from dyed fabrics being laundered to prevent dye transfer during the laundry process.
- the dye scavenging article includes a support matrix such as a polyurethane material to which there is chemically bonded a dye scavenging compound.
- the dye scavenging compound includes polyquaternary ammonium compounds.
- U. S. Patent No. 4,380,453 discloses generally the use ofN-trisubstituted ammonium-2-hydroxy-3-halopropyl compounds and salts of epoxy propyl ammonium as dye scavenger compounds.
- the preferred dye scavenger compound is glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride which is applied to, adsorbed by or impregnated in the cellulosic material substrate.
- the resulting cellulosic material substrate is disclosed as being suitable for use in conventional washing machines for laundering clothes to eliminate random dyes from the wash and rinse waters, thereby eliminating undesirable discoloration of the clothes from fading of dyes from other clothes in the washing machine.
- dye scavenger compounds for example, quaternary ammonium compounds and tertiary polymeric amines, and polymers thereof, which are chemically affixed to a cellulosic material substrate for use in laundry machines for dye scavenging.
- the dye scavenger compounds disclosed in the aforementioned patents are incorporated herein by reference.
- the laundry article includes two components, a dye absorber and a dye transfer inhibitor which are introduced into the wash water via a support matrix.
- the dye absorber is chemically attached to the support matrix to maintain a relational association during the laundry washing application.
- the dye transfer inhibitor is released from the support matrix into the wash water to be evenly distributed during the laundry washing application.
- Materials disclosed in Johnson, et al. which are suitable as dye absorbers for the laundry article include quaternary N-substituted ammonium)-hydroxyhaloalkyl compounds such as 2-hydroxy-3chloropropoyltrimethylammonium chloride; polyquaternary ammonium compounds; polyamphoterics; quaternized starches; proteins; chitin or its hydrolyzed form, chitosan; choline chloride; polyvinyl amine (PVAm); polyethylene imine (PEI); as well as combinations thereof
- Dye transfer inhibitors include polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl imidazole, polyamine-N-oxides, cationic starches, magnesium aluminate, hydrotalcite, proteins, hydrolyzed proteins, polyethylene imines, polyvinyl oxazolidone, enzymes, oxidants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, propylene oxide reaction products, polyamin
- a laundry article In order for a laundry article to be effective as a dye scavenger, it is required that the article be free to circulate within the washing machine to be exposed to the entire volume of wash and rinse waters. In the event the laundry article becomes trapped or commingled within the clothing, the article would only be exposed to a small portion of the wash or rinse waters. As a result, extraneous random dye within the wash or rinse waters would be free to redeposit on clothing items being laundered. This dye transfer can cause undesirable discoloration resulting in unsatisfactory appearance of clothing being laundered, particularly, when the clothes are of a different color than the random dye.
- Dugger, et al. U. S.Patent No. 4,026,131 , a laundry additive dispenser which is removably attached to a laundry machine agitator.
- a pouch is formed for receiving a laundry additive to be released during the rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine.
- the disclosed additives can be bleaches, soil release finishers, rinsing aids, freshening aids, antibacterial agents, anti-static agents, antipilling agents, fabric strengthening agents, stain removal agents, water softening materials, antiyellowing agents, etc.
- the dispenser is removably attached to the agitator of a washing machine by a rectangular top section having an enlarged opening.
- a pair of flexible strips are attached to the dispenser so as to tie the dispenser to the agitator.
- Other attachment examples are disclosed, for example, the use of wire, string, foil, water, impermeable glue or adhesive for attaching the dispenser to the agitator.
- the dispenser is operative during the rinse cycle only as the centrifugal force created during the spin cycle causes the dispenser to open via a rupturable seal thereby discharging its contents after the wash period.
- a water insoluble, water permeable pouch containing a detergent composition to be dispensed only during the wash cycle.
- the detergent composition may include other laundry aids such as bleach activators, flow aids, suds boosters, dyes, germacides, enzymes, chelating agents, etc.
- the pouch is releasably attached over the agitator by means of elongated strips which form a circular loop so as to be loosely fitted over the agitator.
- the detergent composition and/or other laundry aids dissolve out of the water permeable pouch by the force of the agitator and the wash water.
- the laundry additive dispenser of Dugger, et al. and the pouch of Baker, et al. are not suitable for use as a dye scavenging article.
- the dye scavenging compounds are water soluble, they must be chemically bonded to a support matrix to prevent their dissolving in the wash and rinse waters.
- the laundry additives and detergent compositions of Dugger, et al. and Baker, et al. rely upon their water solubility for dispensing during the rinse and wash cycles.
- the laundry additive dispenser of Dugger, et al. and detergent pouch of Baker, et al. are operative only for dispensing the laundry aids during a selected cycle during the laundry washing process, i. e., either the rinse cycle or the wash cycle.
- neither Baker, et al. nor Dugger, et al. provide for the treatment of both the wash and rinse waters for all cycles of the washing process.
- Haffner, et al., U. S. Patent No. 3,212,303 discloses a hook for holding soiled articles in a water closet for cleaning.
- Clarke, et al., U. S. Patent No. 4,348,293 discloses a water-permeable, water-insoluble bag containing a laundry aid such as a detergent powder for use in a washing machine.
- Hortel, et al., U. S. Patent No. 4,740,326 discloses a single sheet, pouch or bag supporting a soil release polymer which contains a detergent and/or breaching composition.
- 4,882,917 discloses a wash additive article such as a fabric softener which is supported on top of the washing machine agitator for ejection into the rinse water during the high speed spinning of the agitator.
- Filapak, U. S. Patent No. 3,670,530 and Bochan, U. S. Patent No. 3,575,021 each disclose dispensers attached to the laundry machine agitator which are operative by the centrifugal force created during the spin cycle.
- Lucas, et al., U. S. Patent No. 3,048,993 discloses a porous cotton bag which is initially attached to the laundry machine agitator and discharged into the wash water by the centrifugal force created during the spin cycle.
- the present invention provides an article for use in a washing machine operative for washing textile items in a liquid said article comprising a woven or non-woven cellulosic substrate material to which is chemically bonded dye scavenging compound, wherein said woven or non-woven cellulosic substrate is in the form of rectangular, oval, triangular or polygonyl sheet, wherein the article comprises a stiffening member to which the edges of the substrate are attached.
- the present invention also provides a method for controlling random dye in a liquid containing textile items during the operation of a washing machine, said method comprising placing in the liquid an article as defined above.
- the article preferably is disposable after its intended use.
- the article preferably has a chemically bonded polyquaternary ammonium compound.
- the article preferably has buoyant properties.
- Dye scavenging compounds found suitable for use in accordance with the present invention comprise the general class of compounds known as polyquaternary ammonium compounds.
- the preferred compound comprises a quaternary salt of dimethylamine x epichlorohydrin having the general formula (C 3 H 5 ClO.C 2 H 7 N) n , and more specifically: wherein n shows a polymerization degree and is a whole number in the range from about 10 to about 100.
- a polyquaternary ammonium compound of the above general formula is available from Clariant Corporation of Charlotte, North Carolina under the trademark VRN.
- the dye scavenging compounds disclosed in the aforementioned patents can also be chemically bonded to a substrate such as cellulosic materials for use in accordance with the present invention.
- the substrate material for use in the present invention must be substantially water insoluble.
- the substrate material will generally have anionic functional groups on its surface which are free to chemically react with the aforementioned dye scavenger compounds. Since these materials do not generally exist, it is necessary to chemically modify the surface of a suitable material to establish the requisite anionic groups.
- One type of functional group found on the surface of cellulosic materials is the hydroxyl group which can be converted to anionic functional groups.
- Exemplary cellulosic materials include rayon, cotton, in any of its forms, for example, purified cotton cellulose, cellulose sponge and the like.
- the substrate may further be provided in any physical form such as woven, non-woven, braided, knitted fabric or any other desirable configuration.
- the substrate may comprise any desirable material, such as cellulosic material, polyurethane material and the like, to which a polyquaternary ammonium compound or other suitable dye scavenger compound can be attached, as well as taking any desirable form.
- Cellulosic material is preferred in view of its hydroxylated surface, as well as possessing sufficient web strength and sufficient abrasion strength to maintain its integrity as a dye scavenging article when used in a washing machine.
- a polyquaternary ammonium compound by way of example one having the general formula (C 3 H 5 ClO.C 2 H 7 N) n may be chemically attached to a cellulosic material substrate, and preferably a pure cotton towel having a large surface area.
- a method of chemically attaching the polyquaternary ammonium compound to the cellulosic material substrate is, for example, described in U. S. Patent Application No. 09/026,714 entitled"Method of Bonding a Polyquaternary Ammonium Compound to Cellulosic Material", filed on February 20,1998 in the name of James O. Threlkeld, which application is assigned to the assignee of the present application.
- the disclosed method covalently bonds to a cellulosic material substrate a polyquaternary ammonium compound of the aforesaid general formula which exhibits dye scavenging properties for use in controlling extraneous undesirable random dye in a liquid bath containing a source of undesirable random dye and textile articles.
- a polyquaternary ammonium compound of the aforesaid general formula which exhibits dye scavenging properties for use in controlling extraneous undesirable random dye in a liquid bath containing a source of undesirable random dye and textile articles.
- an aqueous solution containing the aforementioned quaternary ammonium compound is adjusted to a pH in the range of about 10 to about 12.5 using sodium hydroxide.
- a cellulosic material substrate is padded with the pH adjusted solution and subjected to heating at an elevated temperature in the range of about100°C to about120°C.
- the cellulosic material substrate is held at temperature for about fifteen minutes to dry the substrate and to chemically bond the compound to the substrate. Any residual sodium hydroxide on the substrate is neutralized by placing the substrate in an aqueous bath containing an acid in sufficient amount to maintain the pH of the bath in the range of about 5-6.
- Fig. 1 a perspective view of a dye scavenging article and generally designated by reference numeral 100.
- the article 100 of Fig. 1 is constructed in the shape of a continuous ring 102 defining an enlarged opening 104.
- the dye scavenging article 100 can be constructed from a rectangular piece of cellulosic material to which a polyquaternary ammonium compound or other suitable dye scavenging material has been chemically attached thereto, for example, through absorption, adsorption, chemical reaction or other suitable means for adhering the water soluble compound thereto.
- the dye scavenging article 100 can be rolled or folded into an elongated shape such that its ends can be attached together as shown in Fig. 1 .
- the dye scavenging article100 can also be constructed as an elongated strip so as to avoid the necessity of folding or rolling.
- the elongated sheet or strip of cellulosic material may be secured at its free ends, such as by stitching generally designated by reference numeral 106.
- the ring 102 can also be formed, for example, where a sheet of cellulosic material is woven or knitted so as to form the continuous ring.
- the free ends of the ring 102 may be attached together by other suitable means, such as stapling, tying, adhesive bonding and the like.
- the ring 102 it is also possible to provide elastic strips running throughout the dye scavenging article which will allow the opening 104 to expand and contract to aid in affixing the dye scavenging article 100 to, for example, the agitator of a washing machine.
- a conventional automatic washing machine 108 generally includes an outer housing 110 which rotationally supports an internal laundry tub 112.
- An agitator 114 is rotatably supported within the laundry tub 112 to effect agitation and commingling of the clothing items 116 within the wash and rinse waters 118 during the laundering process.
- the washing machine 108 is merely exemplary of a washing machine for washing clothing items 116 during a laundry washing process having suitability for use with a dye scavenging article 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- a washing machine 108 of the front loading type which eliminates an agitator 114 is also suitable for use with dye scavenging articles constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- a dye scavenging article 100 such as disclosed in Fig. 1 in the shape of a ring 102, is positioned about the agitator 114 by receiving the upper end of post 120 within the opening 104.
- the size of the opening 104 may be dimensioned so as to loosely receive the post 120.
- the size of the opening 104 may be constructed to receive the post 120 in friction fit by requiring that the dye scavenging article 100 be slightly stretched.
- the ring 102 will compress about the post 120 to provide a snug fit.
- the dye scavenging article100 by virtue of its inner facing portions forming the boundaries of the opening 104 holds the article in position within a central region of the laundry tub 112 by post 120 of the agitator 114. This prevents the dye scavenging article 100 from becoming trapped and/or commingled with the clothing items 116 during the entire washing cycle which includes both the wash and rinse cycles. Due to the turbulence created within the wash and rinse waters by the agitator 114, the entire volume of the wash and rinse waters are exposed to the dye scavenging article100 so as to scavenge extraneous random dye which may be present as a result of the clothing items 116.
- the dye scavenging article 100 is so as to preclude its being trapped and/or commingled with the clothing items 116 within the wash and rinse waters 118 during the laundering operation. As described with respect to Fig. 1 , the dye scavenging article 100 is constructed in the shape of a ring having an opening 104 so as to be retained about the agitator 114 of the washing machine 108. However, it is to be understood that the dye scavenging article 100 can be constructed in other shapes and provided with other features which will preclude the dye scavenging article from becoming trapped and/or commingled with the clothing items 116.
- a portion of a dye scavenging article 100 which, as shown in Fig. 2 , can be in the form of a rectangular or other shaped body of cellulosic material, e. g., oval, round, triangular, irregular and the like.
- Attached to at least one portion of the dye scavenging article 100 is a clip 122.
- the clip 122 may be constructed in a variety of configurations, all ofwhich are adapted for releasably securing the dye scavenging article 100 to a portion of the washing machine 108.
- the clip 122 will be releasably attachable to a portion of the agitator 114, a portion of the laundry tub 112 or a portion of the housing 110.
- the dye scavenging article100 will hang or extend into the laundry tub 112 so as to be in fluid contact with the wash and rinse waters 118 during the entire laundry operation.
- the clip 122 the dye scavenging article 100 will be precluded from becoming trapped and/or commingled with the clothing items 116.
- the clip 122 will typically include some form of clasp 124 which will resiliently engage a portion of the agitator 114, laundry tub 112 or housing 110.
- the clasp 124 will provide sufficient strength to prevent the dye scavenging article 100 from being pulled into the laundry tub 112 with the clothing items 116, such as by operation of the agitator 114, during the laundry process.
- the clip 122 may be in contact with the wash and rinse waters, it is preferred that the clip be made of material such as plastic to prevent corrosion.
- the dye scavenging article 100 incorporates Velcro® material including one component 126 attached to the cellulosic material and a second mating component 128.
- the mating component 128 may be attached to a portion of the interior of the washing machine 108 such as within the laundry tub 112 or to the agitator 114 using suitable means, such as an adhesive.
- the Velcro material allows the dye scavenging article100 to be removable yet secured when the components 126,128 are mated.
- a magnetic arrangement may be used for removably attaching the dye scavenging article 100 to the interior of the washing machine 108.
- a magnet 130 may be attached to dye scavenging article100, while a magnetizable metal 130 maybe secured to the interior of the washing machine 108.
- the magnetizable material 130 can be constructed of a polymer base so as to prevent corrosion within the wash and rinse waters.
- the magnetizable component 132 may be formed from a polymer base.
- either of the components 130,132 may be attached to the dye scavenging article 100, the other component to the laundry tub 112, agitator 114 or housing 110.
- the dye scavenging article 100 includes, at least one, and preferably two or more flotation balls 134.
- the flotation balls 134 have a tendency to keep the dye scavenging article 100 within the upper layers of the rinse and wash waters due to their buoyancy to prevent the article from being pulled down by operation of the agitator 114 to become trapped or commingled with the clothing items 116 being washed.
- the flotation balls 134 may be of any construction, for example, hollow plastic balls, Styrofoam balls, or any other suitable body which will be buoyant so as to float within the wash and rinse waters.
- a dye scavenging article 100 is positioned within a hollow ball 136 having a plurality of enlarged openings 138.
- the openings 138 allow the wash and rinse waters to freely flow through the ball 136 so as to be exposed to the dye scavenging article 100.
- the ball 136 may desirably be attached to the washing machine 106 using a suitable clasp 122 which is tethered to the ball by means of a rope 140.
- a dye scavenging article 140 includes a cellulosic material 142 to which there is chemically bonded a polyquaternary ammonium compound.
- the cellulosic material 142 is covered over a flotation ball 134 (not shown).
- the flotation ball will be of sufficient size to prevent its entrapment or commingling with the clothing items being laundered.
- the dye scavenging article 140 can be tethered as previously described with respect to Fig. 8 .
- a dye scavenging article 100 is attached to a ring 144, preferably of plastic material, having an enlarged opening 146.
- the ring may be placed over the post 120 of a washing machine agitator 114 in a similar manner to ring 102 as shown in Fig. 3 .
- the dye scavenging article 100 of the present invention may be constructed in a variety of shapes and forms for use in scavenging extraneous dye during a laundry process for dyed textile articles and the like.
- the dye scavenging article includes a support matrix, for example, a cellulosic material, polyurethane, and the like to which there is affixed a dye scavenging compound.
- the dye scavenging article comprises a cellulosic substrate to which there is chemically attached a polyquaternary ammonium compound.
- the dye scavenging article 100 In order to be the most effective, it is a requirement that the dye scavenging article 100 be freely exposed to the entire volume of wash and rinse waters during the entire laundry process. To this end, the construction of the dye scavenging article100 should preclude its entrapment or comminglement with the clothing items being laundered.
- the dye scavenging article can be constructed in the shape of a ring which can be placed over an agitator of the washing machine to prevent its entrapment or comminglement with the clothing items being washed.
- various clips and other devices may be used, such as Velcro material, magnetizable materials, flotation devices, and the like to keep the dye scavenging article 100 free from the clothing items.
- the dye scavenging article 100 may be provided with suitable adhesives, ropes, wires, elongated strips extending from the article and the like for attaching same to a portion of the washing machine, for example, the agitator 114.
- the dye scavenging article100 includes at least one, and preferably two or more floatation balls 134.
- the floatation balls 134 have a tendency to keep the dye scavenging article 100 within the upper layers of the rinse and wash waters due to their buoyancy to prevent the article from being pulled down by operation of the agitator 114 to become trapped or commingled within the clothing items 116 being washed.
- a dye scavenging article 148 which includes a rectangular piece of cellulosic substrate material 150 to which a polyquarternary ammonium compound or other suitable dye scavenging material has been chemically attached, for example, through absorption, adsorption, chemical reaction or other suitable means for adhering the water soluble compound thereto.
- a buoyant or floatation member 152 is attached to the substrate material 150 along one edge 154 thereof
- the floatation member 152 may be constructed in a variety of shapes from a variety of materials.
- one function of the floatation member 152 is to provide buoyancy to the dye scavenging article 148.
- the buoyancy of the floatation member 152 is greater than the buoyancy of the substrate material 150, and in particular, having a buoyancy which will cause the floatation member to float in the wash and rinse waters during the laundry process.
- the floatation member 152 can be constructed from materials having a density less than one, for example, rigid Styrofoam, closed cell foam and other polymer materials, and preferably foamed rigid materials, natural materials such as cork and the like.
- the floatation member 152 can be constructed from a closed hollow rigid tube from plastic or other materials which will not rust or be affected by the wash and rinse liquids, as well as laundry additives such as bleach and the like.
- the floatation member 152 may be constructed as a single unitary member or a plurality of members having any desirable cross-sectional shape and length. For example, as shown in Figs. 16-18 , the floatation member 152 may have a polygonal shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, an oval or round shape and the like.
- the floatation member 152 may be attached to the substrate material 150 by any suitable means.
- the floatation member 152 is attached to the substrate material 150 by means of a web 156.
- the web 156 may be formed of any suitable material, such as the same material as or portion of the substrate material 150, a polymer material such as nylon or polyester mesh material and the like.
- the web 156 can be adhered, for example, along edge 154 of the substrate material 150 and to the floatation member 152 such as by stitching, gluing, plastic staples or any other suitable means.
- the floatation member 152 is attached to the substrate material 150 by means of a pair of straps 158 which may be attached at either ends of the floatation member.
- the straps 158 may be constructed from similar materials as described with respect to the web 156.
- a web 160 may have its free ends attached to edge 154 of the substrate material 150 to define an elongated open pouch 162.
- the pouch 162 is sized to receive the floatation member 152 which may be removed therefrom so as to be reusable once the substrate material 150 has expired.
- the floatation member 152 may be adhered within the pouch 162 by any suitable means, for example, by stitching, gluing and the like.
- the pouch 162 by virtue of its generally flexible construction will accommodate any shape floatation member 152.
- the floatation member 152 has been thus far described as being attached to one edge 154 of the substrate material 150, it is to be understood that a plurality of floatation members along adjacent or opposite edges of the substrate material may also be provided. In addition, the floatation member 152 may be adhered to any other portion of the substrate material 150 as will be apparent from the operation of the floatation member as now to be described.
- the dye scavenging article 158 is placed within the interior of a washing machine 108 such as shown in Fig. 3 .
- the washing machine 108 is filled with the wash or rinse waters
- the floatation member 152 will float holding the substrate material 150 hanging downwardly into the wash and rinse waters thereby exposing extraneous random dye to the dye scavenging compound. Due to the turbulence created within the wash and rinse waters by the agitator 114, the entire volume of the wash and rinse waters are exposed to the dye scavenging article 148.
- the downward force created by one rotation cycle of the agitator 114 will temporarily suck the floatation member 152 under the surface of the wash and rinse waters until the agitator reverses its rotation cycle allowing the floatation member to return to the surface of the rinse and wash waters.
- the floatation member 152 will essentially bob up and down within the upper surface layer of the rinse and wash waters while the substrate material 150 is allowed to hang down into the rinse and wash waters.
- the floatation member 152 due to its buoyancy will prevent the dye scavenging article from becoming trapped within the clothing items 116 within the rinse and wash waters during the laundering process.
- the substrate material 150 be maintained in a physical form which will expose the greatest surface area of the substrate material to the wash and rinse waters, and hence, to the extraneous random dyes therein.
- This can be achieved, for example, as shown in Fig. 19 by providing a stiffening member 164 attached to one edge 154 of the substrate material 150.
- the stiffening member 154 may be any suitable material such as a rigid polymer which will maintain the substrate material 150 in an open state.
- the stiffening member 164 may be constructed to have any desired shape as thus far described, see Figs. 15-18 with respect to the floatation member 152.
- the stiffening member 164 can be attached to the substrate material 150 in any similar manner as described with respect to the floatation member 152, for example, the use of spaced apart straps 166, pouch 162 and the like.
- the stiffening member 164 may be used in addition to the floatation member 152. Accordingly, the stiffening member 164 may be placed along one edge 154 of the substrate material 150, while a floatation member 152 may be placed along the same or another edge of the substrate material. In addition, it is specifically contemplated that the stiffening member 164 and the floatation member 152 may be a single element which provides both functions of buoyancy and preventing the substrate material 150 from collapsing into a closed state. The use of the previous materials for the floatation member 152, such as rigid, closed cell foams, closed hollow plastic tubes and the like will provide the requisite stiffness to function both as a stiffening member 164 and a floatation member 152.
- the floatation member 152 may be formed from nonrigid or flexible materials and optionally provided with a separate stiffening member 164.
- a stiffening member 164 may be inserted into the pouch 162 in combination with a floatation member 152 as shown in Fig. 13 .
- a stiffening member 168 is constructed in the nature of a thin rectangular frame from suitably stiff plastic material so as to maintain its shape.
- the stiffening member 168 has been shown as having a rectangular shape, it is to be understood that other shapes such as triangular, oval, polygonal, circular and the like may also be used for the stiffening member.
- a substrate material 150 is attached to the stiffening member 168 by any number of adhering techniques.
- the substrate material 150 may be glued, sewn, bonded or otherwise attached about its periphery to the stiffening member 168.
- the stiffening member 168 may also be in the form of individual elongated segments which may be sewn to the edges of the substrate material 150 so as to maintain the substrate material in an open state during use.
- a reusable stiffening member 170 is formed from a pair of rectangular support members 172,174 having a plurality of elongated openings 176 therein.
- the support members 172,174 are attachable to each other in overlying relationship, as shown in Fig. 23 , so as to define a space 178 therebetween for the receipt of the substrate material 150.
- the support members 172,174 may be attached to each other by any suitable means, for example, by one or more hinges 180 attached to their peripheral edges. It is also contemplated that a living hinge formed from an integral portion between the two support members 172, 174 may also be used.
- the support members 172,174 may be provided as separate members and connectable to each other by any suitable means such as by a latch, clip and the like.
- the shape, size and location of the openings 176 may be in an infinite number of variations. Functionally, it is only required that the openings 176 create a sufficient opening to allow the wash and rinse liquids to freely flow into contact with the substrate material 150 to provide effective dye scavenging, while at the same time, maintaining the substrate material in an open state. It is further contemplated that a portion or all of the support members 172,174 can be constructed from buoyant material to allow the stiffening member 170 to float or bob up and down in the wash and rinse liquids during the washing process.
- the dye scavenging article is constructed from an inner body 184 of buoyant material, such as Styrofoam, cork and the like formed into a predetermined shape, for example, a football shape as shown in Fig. 24 or a spherical shape as shown in Fig. 25 , as well as other shapes such as polygonal, triangular, etc.
- the substrate material 150 is formed so as to surround or encapsulate the body 184.
- the resulting dye scavenging article 182 accordingly has buoyant properties by the body 184 functioning as a floatation member, while at the same time, functioning as a stiffening member to maintain the substrate material 150 in an open state.
- the present invention can be applied in laundering of fabric.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
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- 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)
Description
- The present invention relates in general to an article for removing random dyes from laundry washing applications, and more particularly, to a dye scavenging article for scavenging extraneous random dyes from laundry washing solutions during a complete laundering cycle, including both wash and rinse waters.
- Undesirable dye staining of textile articles during laundering occurs when articles which have been dyed with dyes ofpoor wash fastness are washed together with articles which are either undyed or with articles dyed with dyes which have adequate fastness to washing. This problem, commonly known as "fading", results in the dye of one article bleeding onto an article of another color. If dye staining or bleeding occurs, the articles affected may be rendered unsuitable for further use unless rewashed with suitable oxidizing agents, such as chlorine bleaches, so as to remove the unwanted color. Unfortunately, many types of fabrics are not suitable for treatment with harsh oxidizing agents. This problem becomes more difficult since articles from which loosely held dyes are liable to bleed are not always identified nor is it possible to predict whether a dyed fabric will exhibit adequate wash fastness merely by visual examination.
- Various attempts have been made to overcome the problem of dye staining or fading. For example,
Coe, et al., U. S. Patent No. 4,065,257 discloses the use of high molecular weight polyquaternary ammonium compounds as dye staining inhibitors. The dye staining inhibitors are employed as part of the soap or detergent composition suitable for washing textile articles. InEdwards, U. S. Patent No. 3,694,364 , there is disclosed the use of tertiary polymeric amines which function as anionic dye scavengers. The polymeric amines are chemically affixed on the surface of a substrate material such as cellulosic materials, for example, cotton in any of its forms, purified cotton cellulose, cellulose sponge and the like. To affix the polymeric amines, the cotton substrate is modified by phosphorylation and chemisorption of the polymeric amine. In Edwards' relatedU. S. Patent No.3,673,110 , there is disclosed the use of both the tertiary polymeric amines and quaternary ammonium compounds as the dye scavenging material. The latter Edwards Patent discloses other processes for chemically affixing the dye scavenger compounds to a cellulosic material substrate also for use in controlling undesirable random dyes in a liquid bath such as when laundering textile articles. For example, the hydroxylated surface of the cellulosic material is chemically modified to establish anionic functional groups. Each of the anionic functional groups are capable of chemically binding nitrogen compounds such as the aforementioned disclosed dye scavenger compounds. - In
Kleinschmidt, U. S. Patent No. 3,816,321 there is disclosed a dye scavenging article for scavenging anionic dyes released from dyed fabrics being laundered to prevent dye transfer during the laundry process. The dye scavenging article includes a support matrix such as a polyurethane material to which there is chemically bonded a dye scavenging compound. The dye scavenging compound includes polyquaternary ammonium compounds. -
Claiborne, U. S. Patent No. 4,380,453 discloses generally the use ofN-trisubstituted ammonium-2-hydroxy-3-halopropyl compounds and salts of epoxy propyl ammonium as dye scavenger compounds. The preferred dye scavenger compound is glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride which is applied to, adsorbed by or impregnated in the cellulosic material substrate. The resulting cellulosic material substrate is disclosed as being suitable for use in conventional washing machines for laundering clothes to eliminate random dyes from the wash and rinse waters, thereby eliminating undesirable discoloration of the clothes from fading of dyes from other clothes in the washing machine. - There is therefore known the use of a number of dye scavenger compounds, for example, quaternary ammonium compounds and tertiary polymeric amines, and polymers thereof, which are chemically affixed to a cellulosic material substrate for use in laundry machines for dye scavenging. The dye scavenger compounds disclosed in the aforementioned patents are incorporated herein by reference.
- In
Johnson, et al., U. S. Patent No.5,698,476 there is disclosed an article for removing extraneous, random free-flowing dyes from laundry washing applications. The laundry article includes two components, a dye absorber and a dye transfer inhibitor which are introduced into the wash water via a support matrix. The dye absorber is chemically attached to the support matrix to maintain a relational association during the laundry washing application. On the other hand, the dye transfer inhibitor is released from the support matrix into the wash water to be evenly distributed during the laundry washing application. - Materials disclosed in Johnson, et al. which are suitable as dye absorbers for the laundry article include quaternary N-substituted ammonium)-hydroxyhaloalkyl compounds such as 2-hydroxy-3chloropropoyltrimethylammonium chloride; polyquaternary ammonium compounds; polyamphoterics; quaternized starches; proteins; chitin or its hydrolyzed form, chitosan; choline chloride; polyvinyl amine (PVAm); polyethylene imine (PEI); as well as combinations thereof Dye transfer inhibitors include polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl imidazole, polyamine-N-oxides, cationic starches, magnesium aluminate, hydrotalcite, proteins, hydrolyzed proteins, polyethylene imines, polyvinyl oxazolidone, enzymes, oxidants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, propylene oxide reaction products, polyamino acids, block co-polymers of alkylene oxides, polyamines, polyamides, methyl cellulose, carboxyalkyl, celluloses, guar gum, natural gums, alginic acid, polycarboxylic acids, cyclodextrins and mixtures thereof
- In order for a laundry article to be effective as a dye scavenger, it is required that the article be free to circulate within the washing machine to be exposed to the entire volume of wash and rinse waters. In the event the laundry article becomes trapped or commingled within the clothing, the article would only be exposed to a small portion of the wash or rinse waters. As a result, extraneous random dye within the wash or rinse waters would be free to redeposit on clothing items being laundered. This dye transfer can cause undesirable discoloration resulting in unsatisfactory appearance of clothing being laundered, particularly, when the clothes are of a different color than the random dye.
- There is known from
Dugger, et al., U. S.Patent No. 4,026,131 , a laundry additive dispenser which is removably attached to a laundry machine agitator. In Dugger, et al., a pouch is formed for receiving a laundry additive to be released during the rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine. By way of example, the disclosed additives can be bleaches, soil release finishers, rinsing aids, freshening aids, antibacterial agents, anti-static agents, antipilling agents, fabric strengthening agents, stain removal agents, water softening materials, antiyellowing agents, etc. The dispenser is removably attached to the agitator of a washing machine by a rectangular top section having an enlarged opening. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of flexible strips are attached to the dispenser so as to tie the dispenser to the agitator. Other attachment examples are disclosed, for example, the use of wire, string, foil, water, impermeable glue or adhesive for attaching the dispenser to the agitator. The dispenser is operative during the rinse cycle only as the centrifugal force created during the spin cycle causes the dispenser to open via a rupturable seal thereby discharging its contents after the wash period. - There is also known from
Baker, et al., U. S.Patent No. 4,925,586 , a water insoluble, water permeable pouch containing a detergent composition to be dispensed only during the wash cycle. The detergent composition may include other laundry aids such as bleach activators, flow aids, suds boosters, dyes, germacides, enzymes, chelating agents, etc. The pouch is releasably attached over the agitator by means of elongated strips which form a circular loop so as to be loosely fitted over the agitator. The detergent composition and/or other laundry aids dissolve out of the water permeable pouch by the force of the agitator and the wash water. - The laundry additive dispenser of Dugger, et al. and the pouch of Baker, et al. are not suitable for use as a dye scavenging article. In particular, as the dye scavenging compounds are water soluble, they must be chemically bonded to a support matrix to prevent their dissolving in the wash and rinse waters. On the other hand, the laundry additives and detergent compositions of Dugger, et al. and Baker, et al. rely upon their water solubility for dispensing during the rinse and wash cycles. Still further, the laundry additive dispenser of Dugger, et al. and detergent pouch of Baker, et al. are operative only for dispensing the laundry aids during a selected cycle during the laundry washing process, i. e., either the rinse cycle or the wash cycle. Thus, neither Baker, et al. nor Dugger, et al. provide for the treatment of both the wash and rinse waters for all cycles of the washing process.
- In addition to the foregoing prior art,
Haffner, et al., U. S. Patent No. 3,212,303 discloses a hook for holding soiled articles in a water closet for cleaning.Clarke, et al., U. S. Patent No. 4,348,293 discloses a water-permeable, water-insoluble bag containing a laundry aid such as a detergent powder for use in a washing machine.Hortel, et al., U. S. Patent No. 4,740,326 discloses a single sheet, pouch or bag supporting a soil release polymer which contains a detergent and/or breaching composition.Mizusawa, et al., U. S. Patent No. 4,882,917 discloses a wash additive article such as a fabric softener which is supported on top of the washing machine agitator for ejection into the rinse water during the high speed spinning of the agitator.Filapak, U. S. Patent No. 3,670,530 andBochan, U. S. Patent No. 3,575,021 , each disclose dispensers attached to the laundry machine agitator which are operative by the centrifugal force created during the spin cycle.Lucas, et al., U. S. Patent No. 3,048,993 discloses a porous cotton bag which is initially attached to the laundry machine agitator and discharged into the wash water by the centrifugal force created during the spin cycle. - Notwithstanding the foregoing, there exists the need to develop a dye scavenging article for use in washing machines and the like which will prevent its being trapped and/or commingled with the clothing being washed during the entire laundry cycle, including both the wash and rinse cycles. In the absence of the laundry article being free to circulate within the washing machine so as to be exposed to the entire volume of wash and rinse waters, the article will be ineffective as a dye scavenger.
- The present invention provides an article for use in a washing machine operative for washing textile items in a liquid said article comprising a woven or non-woven cellulosic substrate material to which is chemically bonded dye scavenging compound, wherein said woven or non-woven cellulosic substrate is in the form of rectangular, oval, triangular or polygonyl sheet, wherein the article comprises a stiffening member to which the edges of the substrate are attached.
- The present invention also provides a method for controlling random dye in a liquid containing textile items during the operation of a washing machine, said method comprising placing in the liquid an article as defined above.
- The article preferably is disposable after its intended use.
- The article preferably has a chemically bonded polyquaternary ammonium compound.
- The article preferably has buoyant properties.
- The above description, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description of a dye scavenging article, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dye scavenging article; -
Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of a dye scavenging article; -
Fig. 3 is a front elevational view, in partial cross-section, showing an automatic laundry machine during use thereof with a dye scavenging article; -
Fig. 4 is a partial view of a dye scavenging article having an assembly for removably attaching the dye scavenging article to a portion of a laundry machine; -
Fig. 5 is a partial view of a dye scavenging article having an assembly for removably attaching the dye scavenging article to a portion of a laundry machine; -
Fig. 6 is a partial view of a dye scavenging article having an assembly for removably attaching the dye scavenging article to a portion of a laundry machine; -
Fig. 7 is a front elevational view of a dye scavenging article having an assembly; -
Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of a dye scavenging article having an assembly; -
Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of a dye scavenging article having an assembly; -
Fig. 10 is a partial view of a dye scavenging article having an assembly; -
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a dye scavenging article; -
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a dye scavenging article; -
Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view of a dye scavenging article; -
Fig. 14 is a front elevational view showing a dye scavenging article; -
Figs. 15,16,17 and 18 are partial end views of a dye scavenging article; -
Fig. 19 is a partial perspective view of a dye scavenging article; -
Fig. 20 is a front elevational view of a stiffening member for use in combination with a dye scavenging article; -
Fig. 21 is a front elevational view of a dye scavenging article incorporating a stiffening member as shown inFig. 20 ; -
Fig. 22 is a front elevational view of a stiffening member shown in an open state constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the stiffening member shown inFig. 22 in a closed state; -
Fig. 24 is a front elevational view of a dye scavenging article; and -
Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a dye scavenging article. - Dye scavenging compounds found suitable for use in accordance with the present invention comprise the general class of compounds known as polyquaternary ammonium compounds. In particular, the preferred compound comprises a quaternary salt of dimethylamine x epichlorohydrin having the general formula (C3H5ClO.C2H7N)n, and more specifically:
- The substrate material for use in the present invention must be substantially water insoluble. The substrate material will generally have anionic functional groups on its surface which are free to chemically react with the aforementioned dye scavenger compounds. Since these materials do not generally exist, it is necessary to chemically modify the surface of a suitable material to establish the requisite anionic groups. One type of functional group found on the surface of cellulosic materials is the hydroxyl group which can be converted to anionic functional groups. Exemplary cellulosic materials include rayon, cotton, in any of its forms, for example, purified cotton cellulose, cellulose sponge and the like. The substrate may further be provided in any physical form such as woven, non-woven, braided, knitted fabric or any other desirable configuration.
- It should therefore be appreciated that the substrate may comprise any desirable material, such as cellulosic material, polyurethane material and the like, to which a polyquaternary ammonium compound or other suitable dye scavenger compound can be attached, as well as taking any desirable form. Cellulosic material is preferred in view of its hydroxylated surface, as well as possessing sufficient web strength and sufficient abrasion strength to maintain its integrity as a dye scavenging article when used in a washing machine.
- By way of example, a polyquaternary ammonium compound, by way of example one having the general formula (C3H5ClO.C2H7N)n may be chemically attached to a cellulosic material substrate, and preferably a pure cotton towel having a large surface area. A method of chemically attaching the polyquaternary ammonium compound to the cellulosic material substrate is, for example, described in
U. S. Patent Application No. 09/026,714 entitled"Method of Bonding a Polyquaternary Ammonium Compound to Cellulosic Material", filed on February 20,1998 in the name of James O. Threlkeld, which application is assigned to the assignee of the present application. - The disclosed method covalently bonds to a cellulosic material substrate a polyquaternary ammonium compound of the aforesaid general formula which exhibits dye scavenging properties for use in controlling extraneous undesirable random dye in a liquid bath containing a source of undesirable random dye and textile articles. By way of example, an aqueous solution containing the aforementioned quaternary ammonium compound is adjusted to a pH in the range of about 10 to about 12.5 using sodium hydroxide. A cellulosic material substrate is padded with the pH adjusted solution and subjected to heating at an elevated temperature in the range of about100°C to about120°C. The cellulosic material substrate is held at temperature for about fifteen minutes to dry the substrate and to chemically bond the compound to the substrate. Any residual sodium hydroxide on the substrate is neutralized by placing the substrate in an aqueous bath containing an acid in sufficient amount to maintain the pH of the bath in the range of about 5-6.
- Other suitable compounds for use as the dye scavenger and methods for attaching same to a substrate material are disclosed in the aforementioned U. S. patents, for example, chemically bonding polyquaternary ammonium compounds to polyurethane material as disclosed in
U. S. Patent No. 3,816,321 . - Turning now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, there is shown in
Fig. 1 a perspective view of a dye scavenging article and generally designated byreference numeral 100. Thearticle 100 ofFig. 1 is constructed in the shape of acontinuous ring 102 defining anenlarged opening 104. As shown inFig. 2 , thedye scavenging article 100 can be constructed from a rectangular piece of cellulosic material to which a polyquaternary ammonium compound or other suitable dye scavenging material has been chemically attached thereto, for example, through absorption, adsorption, chemical reaction or other suitable means for adhering the water soluble compound thereto. Thedye scavenging article 100 can be rolled or folded into an elongated shape such that its ends can be attached together as shown inFig. 1 . In addition, the dye scavenging article100 can also be constructed as an elongated strip so as to avoid the necessity of folding or rolling. The elongated sheet or strip of cellulosic material may be secured at its free ends, such as by stitching generally designated byreference numeral 106. Thering 102 can also be formed, for example, where a sheet of cellulosic material is woven or knitted so as to form the continuous ring. In addition, the free ends of thering 102 may be attached together by other suitable means, such as stapling, tying, adhesive bonding and the like. In forming thering 102, it is also possible to provide elastic strips running throughout the dye scavenging article which will allow theopening 104 to expand and contract to aid in affixing thedye scavenging article 100 to, for example, the agitator of a washing machine. - Referring now to
Fig. 3 , a conventionalautomatic washing machine 108 generally includes anouter housing 110 which rotationally supports aninternal laundry tub 112. Anagitator 114 is rotatably supported within thelaundry tub 112 to effect agitation and commingling of theclothing items 116 within the wash and rinsewaters 118 during the laundering process. It is to be understood that thewashing machine 108, as thus far described, is merely exemplary of a washing machine for washingclothing items 116 during a laundry washing process having suitability for use with adye scavenging article 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention. In this regard, as will become apparent from a further description of the construction and application of thedye scavenging articles 100 of the present invention, awashing machine 108 of the front loading type which eliminates anagitator 114 is also suitable for use with dye scavenging articles constructed in accordance with the present invention. - In use, a
dye scavenging article 100, such as disclosed inFig. 1 in the shape of aring 102, is positioned about theagitator 114 by receiving the upper end ofpost 120 within theopening 104. The size of theopening 104 may be dimensioned so as to loosely receive thepost 120. Alternatively, the size of theopening 104 may be constructed to receive thepost 120 in friction fit by requiring that thedye scavenging article 100 be slightly stretched. Still alternatively, should thedye scavenging article 100 includes elastic fibers, thering 102 will compress about thepost 120 to provide a snug fit. In either cases, the dye scavenging article100 by virtue of its inner facing portions forming the boundaries of theopening 104 holds the article in position within a central region of thelaundry tub 112 bypost 120 of theagitator 114. This prevents thedye scavenging article 100 from becoming trapped and/or commingled with theclothing items 116 during the entire washing cycle which includes both the wash and rinse cycles. Due to the turbulence created within the wash and rinse waters by theagitator 114, the entire volume of the wash and rinse waters are exposed to the dye scavenging article100 so as to scavenge extraneous random dye which may be present as a result of theclothing items 116. - The
dye scavenging article 100 is so as to preclude its being trapped and/or commingled with theclothing items 116 within the wash and rinsewaters 118 during the laundering operation. As described with respect toFig. 1 , thedye scavenging article 100 is constructed in the shape of a ring having anopening 104 so as to be retained about theagitator 114 of thewashing machine 108. However, it is to be understood that thedye scavenging article 100 can be constructed in other shapes and provided with other features which will preclude the dye scavenging article from becoming trapped and/or commingled with theclothing items 116. - Referring to
Fig. 4 , there is shown a portion of adye scavenging article 100 which, as shown inFig. 2 , can be in the form of a rectangular or other shaped body of cellulosic material, e. g., oval, round, triangular, irregular and the like. Attached to at least one portion of thedye scavenging article 100 is aclip 122. Theclip 122 may be constructed in a variety of configurations, all ofwhich are adapted for releasably securing thedye scavenging article 100 to a portion of thewashing machine 108. By way of illustration, theclip 122 will be releasably attachable to a portion of theagitator 114, a portion of thelaundry tub 112 or a portion of thehousing 110. In this regard, the dye scavenging article100 will hang or extend into thelaundry tub 112 so as to be in fluid contact with the wash and rinsewaters 118 during the entire laundry operation. By virtue of theclip 122, thedye scavenging article 100 will be precluded from becoming trapped and/or commingled with theclothing items 116. - The
clip 122 will typically include some form ofclasp 124 which will resiliently engage a portion of theagitator 114,laundry tub 112 orhousing 110. Theclasp 124 will provide sufficient strength to prevent thedye scavenging article 100 from being pulled into thelaundry tub 112 with theclothing items 116, such as by operation of theagitator 114, during the laundry process. As theclip 122 may be in contact with the wash and rinse waters, it is preferred that the clip be made of material such as plastic to prevent corrosion. - Referring to
Fig. 5 , thedye scavenging article 100 incorporates Velcro® material including onecomponent 126 attached to the cellulosic material and asecond mating component 128. Themating component 128 may be attached to a portion of the interior of thewashing machine 108 such as within thelaundry tub 112 or to theagitator 114 using suitable means, such as an adhesive. The Velcro material allows the dye scavenging article100 to be removable yet secured when the components 126,128 are mated. - As shown in
Fig. 6 , a magnetic arrangement may be used for removably attaching thedye scavenging article 100 to the interior of thewashing machine 108. For example, amagnet 130 may be attached to dye scavenging article100, while amagnetizable metal 130 maybe secured to the interior of thewashing machine 108. Themagnetizable material 130 can be constructed of a polymer base so as to prevent corrosion within the wash and rinse waters. Similarly, themagnetizable component 132 may be formed from a polymer base. In addition, either of the components 130,132 may be attached to thedye scavenging article 100, the other component to thelaundry tub 112,agitator 114 orhousing 110. - Referring to
Fig. 7 , thedye scavenging article 100 includes, at least one, and preferably two ormore flotation balls 134. Theflotation balls 134 have a tendency to keep thedye scavenging article 100 within the upper layers of the rinse and wash waters due to their buoyancy to prevent the article from being pulled down by operation of theagitator 114 to become trapped or commingled with theclothing items 116 being washed. Theflotation balls 134 may be of any construction, for example, hollow plastic balls, Styrofoam balls, or any other suitable body which will be buoyant so as to float within the wash and rinse waters. - Turning to
Fig. 8 , adye scavenging article 100 is positioned within ahollow ball 136 having a plurality ofenlarged openings 138. Theopenings 138 allow the wash and rinse waters to freely flow through theball 136 so as to be exposed to thedye scavenging article 100. Theball 136 may desirably be attached to thewashing machine 106 using asuitable clasp 122 which is tethered to the ball by means of arope 140. - Turning to
Fig. 9 , adye scavenging article 140 includes acellulosic material 142 to which there is chemically bonded a polyquaternary ammonium compound. Thecellulosic material 142 is covered over a flotation ball 134 (not shown). The flotation ball will be of sufficient size to prevent its entrapment or commingling with the clothing items being laundered. In addition, thedye scavenging article 140 can be tethered as previously described with respect toFig. 8 . - Turning to
Fig. 10 , adye scavenging article 100 is attached to aring 144, preferably of plastic material, having anenlarged opening 146. The ring may be placed over thepost 120 of awashing machine agitator 114 in a similar manner to ring 102 as shown inFig. 3 . - The
dye scavenging article 100 of the present invention may be constructed in a variety of shapes and forms for use in scavenging extraneous dye during a laundry process for dyed textile articles and the like. In this regard, the dye scavenging article includes a support matrix, for example, a cellulosic material, polyurethane, and the like to which there is affixed a dye scavenging compound. Preferably, the dye scavenging article comprises a cellulosic substrate to which there is chemically attached a polyquaternary ammonium compound. - In order to be the most effective, it is a requirement that the
dye scavenging article 100 be freely exposed to the entire volume of wash and rinse waters during the entire laundry process. To this end, the construction of the dye scavenging article100 should preclude its entrapment or comminglement with the clothing items being laundered. The dye scavenging article can be constructed in the shape of a ring which can be placed over an agitator of the washing machine to prevent its entrapment or comminglement with the clothing items being washed. In addition, various clips and other devices may be used, such as Velcro material, magnetizable materials, flotation devices, and the like to keep thedye scavenging article 100 free from the clothing items. These latter embodiments are particularly suitable to washing machines which do not include an agitator, such as front loading machines. Still further, thedye scavenging article 100 may be provided with suitable adhesives, ropes, wires, elongated strips extending from the article and the like for attaching same to a portion of the washing machine, for example, theagitator 114. - As disclosed in
Fig. 7 , the dye scavenging article100 includes at least one, and preferably two ormore floatation balls 134. Thefloatation balls 134 have a tendency to keep thedye scavenging article 100 within the upper layers of the rinse and wash waters due to their buoyancy to prevent the article from being pulled down by operation of theagitator 114 to become trapped or commingled within theclothing items 116 being washed. Referring now toFig. 11 , there is shown adye scavenging article 148 which includes a rectangular piece ofcellulosic substrate material 150 to which a polyquarternary ammonium compound or other suitable dye scavenging material has been chemically attached, for example, through absorption, adsorption, chemical reaction or other suitable means for adhering the water soluble compound thereto. - A buoyant or
floatation member 152 is attached to thesubstrate material 150 along oneedge 154 thereof Thefloatation member 152 may be constructed in a variety of shapes from a variety of materials. In this regard, one function of thefloatation member 152 is to provide buoyancy to thedye scavenging article 148. In this regard, the buoyancy of thefloatation member 152 is greater than the buoyancy of thesubstrate material 150, and in particular, having a buoyancy which will cause the floatation member to float in the wash and rinse waters during the laundry process. It can therefore be appreciated that thefloatation member 152 can be constructed from materials having a density less than one, for example, rigid Styrofoam, closed cell foam and other polymer materials, and preferably foamed rigid materials, natural materials such as cork and the like. In addition, thefloatation member 152 can be constructed from a closed hollow rigid tube from plastic or other materials which will not rust or be affected by the wash and rinse liquids, as well as laundry additives such as bleach and the like. Thefloatation member 152 may be constructed as a single unitary member or a plurality of members having any desirable cross-sectional shape and length. For example, as shown inFigs. 16-18 , thefloatation member 152 may have a polygonal shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, an oval or round shape and the like. - The
floatation member 152 may be attached to thesubstrate material 150 by any suitable means. For example, as shown inFig. 11 , thefloatation member 152 is attached to thesubstrate material 150 by means of aweb 156. Theweb 156 may be formed of any suitable material, such as the same material as or portion of thesubstrate material 150, a polymer material such as nylon or polyester mesh material and the like. Theweb 156 can be adhered, for example, alongedge 154 of thesubstrate material 150 and to thefloatation member 152 such as by stitching, gluing, plastic staples or any other suitable means. - In another embodiment as shown in
Fig. 12 , thefloatation member 152 is attached to thesubstrate material 150 by means of a pair ofstraps 158 which may be attached at either ends of the floatation member. Thestraps 158 may be constructed from similar materials as described with respect to theweb 156. - Referring to
Fig. 13 , aweb 160 may have its free ends attached to edge 154 of thesubstrate material 150 to define an elongatedopen pouch 162. Thepouch 162 is sized to receive thefloatation member 152 which may be removed therefrom so as to be reusable once thesubstrate material 150 has expired. In the alternative, thefloatation member 152 may be adhered within thepouch 162 by any suitable means, for example, by stitching, gluing and the like. As shown, thepouch 162 by virtue of its generally flexible construction will accommodate anyshape floatation member 152. Although thefloatation member 152 has been thus far described as being attached to oneedge 154 of thesubstrate material 150, it is to be understood that a plurality of floatation members along adjacent or opposite edges of the substrate material may also be provided. In addition, thefloatation member 152 may be adhered to any other portion of thesubstrate material 150 as will be apparent from the operation of the floatation member as now to be described. - Turning to
Fig. 14 , thedye scavenging article 158 is placed within the interior of awashing machine 108 such as shown inFig. 3 . When thewashing machine 108 is filled with the wash or rinse waters, thefloatation member 152 will float holding thesubstrate material 150 hanging downwardly into the wash and rinse waters thereby exposing extraneous random dye to the dye scavenging compound. Due to the turbulence created within the wash and rinse waters by theagitator 114, the entire volume of the wash and rinse waters are exposed to thedye scavenging article 148. It is contemplated that during the washing and rinse cycles, the downward force created by one rotation cycle of theagitator 114 will temporarily suck thefloatation member 152 under the surface of the wash and rinse waters until the agitator reverses its rotation cycle allowing the floatation member to return to the surface of the rinse and wash waters. In other words, it is contemplated that thefloatation member 152 will essentially bob up and down within the upper surface layer of the rinse and wash waters while thesubstrate material 150 is allowed to hang down into the rinse and wash waters. Thefloatation member 152 due to its buoyancy will prevent the dye scavenging article from becoming trapped within theclothing items 116 within the rinse and wash waters during the laundering process. - During the laundry process, it is desirable that the
substrate material 150 be maintained in a physical form which will expose the greatest surface area of the substrate material to the wash and rinse waters, and hence, to the extraneous random dyes therein. Thus, it is desirable to prevent thesubstrate material 150 from balling up or folding upon itself, L e., a closed state, during the laundry process which would potentially decrease the efficiency of the dye scavenging function of thedye scavenging article 148. This can be achieved, for example, as shown inFig. 19 by providing a stiffeningmember 164 attached to oneedge 154 of thesubstrate material 150. The stiffeningmember 154 may be any suitable material such as a rigid polymer which will maintain thesubstrate material 150 in an open state. By way example, the stiffeningmember 164 may be constructed to have any desired shape as thus far described, seeFigs. 15-18 with respect to thefloatation member 152. In addition, the stiffeningmember 164 can be attached to thesubstrate material 150 in any similar manner as described with respect to thefloatation member 152, for example, the use of spaced apart straps 166,pouch 162 and the like. - The stiffening
member 164 may be used in addition to thefloatation member 152. Accordingly, the stiffeningmember 164 may be placed along oneedge 154 of thesubstrate material 150, while afloatation member 152 may be placed along the same or another edge of the substrate material. In addition, it is specifically contemplated that the stiffeningmember 164 and thefloatation member 152 may be a single element which provides both functions of buoyancy and preventing thesubstrate material 150 from collapsing into a closed state. The use of the previous materials for thefloatation member 152, such as rigid, closed cell foams, closed hollow plastic tubes and the like will provide the requisite stiffness to function both as a stiffeningmember 164 and afloatation member 152. It is further contemplated that thefloatation member 152 may be formed from nonrigid or flexible materials and optionally provided with aseparate stiffening member 164. For example, a stiffeningmember 164 may be inserted into thepouch 162 in combination with afloatation member 152 as shown inFig. 13 . - Referring now to
Fig. 20 , a stiffeningmember 168 is constructed in the nature of a thin rectangular frame from suitably stiff plastic material so as to maintain its shape. Although the stiffeningmember 168 has been shown as having a rectangular shape, it is to be understood that other shapes such as triangular, oval, polygonal, circular and the like may also be used for the stiffening member. In this regard, as shown inFig. 21 , asubstrate material 150 is attached to the stiffeningmember 168 by any number of adhering techniques. For example, thesubstrate material 150 may be glued, sewn, bonded or otherwise attached about its periphery to the stiffeningmember 168. It is contemplated that the stiffeningmember 168 may also be in the form of individual elongated segments which may be sewn to the edges of thesubstrate material 150 so as to maintain the substrate material in an open state during use. - The stiffening
members 168 as thus far described are generally not reusable due to their adherence to thesubstrate material 150. As shown inFig. 22 , areusable stiffening member 170 is formed from a pair of rectangular support members 172,174 having a plurality ofelongated openings 176 therein.
The support members 172,174 are attachable to each other in overlying relationship, as shown inFig. 23 , so as to define aspace 178 therebetween for the receipt of thesubstrate material 150. The support members 172,174 may be attached to each other by any suitable means, for example, by one ormore hinges 180 attached to their peripheral edges. It is also contemplated that a living hinge formed from an integral portion between the twosupport members openings 176 may be in an infinite number of variations. Functionally, it is only required that theopenings 176 create a sufficient opening to allow the wash and rinse liquids to freely flow into contact with thesubstrate material 150 to provide effective dye scavenging, while at the same time, maintaining the substrate material in an open state. It is further contemplated that a portion or all of the support members 172,174 can be constructed from buoyant material to allow the stiffeningmember 170 to float or bob up and down in the wash and rinse liquids during the washing process. - Turning now to
Figs. 24 and 25 , there is disclosed a further embodiment of adye scavenging article 182. The dye scavenging article is constructed from aninner body 184 of buoyant material, such as Styrofoam, cork and the like formed into a predetermined shape, for example, a football shape as shown inFig. 24 or a spherical shape as shown inFig. 25 , as well as other shapes such as polygonal, triangular, etc. Thesubstrate material 150 is formed so as to surround or encapsulate thebody 184. The resultingdye scavenging article 182 accordingly has buoyant properties by thebody 184 functioning as a floatation member, while at the same time, functioning as a stiffening member to maintain thesubstrate material 150 in an open state. - The present invention can be applied in laundering of fabric.
Claims (10)
- An article for use in a washing machine operative for washing textile items in a liquid, said article comprising a woven or non-woven cellulosic substrate material to which is chemically bonded dye scavenging compound, wherein said woven or non-woven cellulosic substrate is in the form of a rectangular, oval, triangular or polygonyl sheet, characterised in that the article comprises a stiffening member to which the edges of the substrate are attached.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said substrate material is constructed to have a portion thereof releasably attachable to said washing machine or includes means for removably securing said substrate material within said washing machine during the operation thereof.
- The article of claim 2 wherein the means for removably securing said substrate material comprises a fastener for releasably attaching said substrate material to said washing machine, a ring, at least one floatation device or a hollow housing having a plurality of openings confining said substrate material.
- The article of claim 1, 2, or 3 wherein said means is a flotation member attached along one edge of said substrate material.
- The article of claim 4 wherein said floatation member comprises a closed hollow body.
- The article of claim 4 wherein said floatation member comprises a body of Styrofoam.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said stiffening member comprises at least one elongated member attached.
- The article according to claim 6 wherein said stiffening member has a buoyancy greater then the buoyancy of said substrate material.
- The article of claim 1 wherein said substrate material is in the form of a rectangular sheet.
- A method for controlling random dye in a liquid containing textile items during the operation of a washing machine, said method comprising placing in the liquid an article as defined in any one of the preceding claims.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/088,511 US5881412A (en) | 1998-06-01 | 1998-06-01 | Dye scavenging article |
US88511 | 1998-06-01 | ||
US267806 | 1999-03-12 | ||
US09/267,806 US6035473A (en) | 1998-06-01 | 1999-03-12 | Dye scavenging article |
PCT/US1999/012043 WO1999063142A1 (en) | 1998-06-01 | 1999-05-28 | Dye scavenging article |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1115936A1 EP1115936A1 (en) | 2001-07-18 |
EP1115936A4 EP1115936A4 (en) | 2003-08-13 |
EP1115936B1 true EP1115936B1 (en) | 2008-08-27 |
Family
ID=26778751
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99926081A Expired - Lifetime EP1115936B1 (en) | 1998-06-01 | 1999-05-28 | Dye scavenging article |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1115936B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002517264A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1306588A (en) |
AU (1) | AU747187B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9910835A (en) |
PL (1) | PL344583A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999063142A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102005049015A1 (en) | 2005-10-11 | 2006-03-30 | Gebr. Becker Gmbh | Cationically equipped partially knitted textile material, useful for preventing discoloration and/or repulsion of textiles during washing and/or for inhibiting deposition of color on textile, comprises textile fabric from textile fiber |
DE102008007759B4 (en) | 2007-12-04 | 2009-09-24 | Atlantichem Gmbh | Agent for preventing discoloration when washing textiles |
EP2220203B1 (en) | 2007-12-04 | 2012-02-15 | Atlantichem Gmbh | Agent for avoiding discoloration during the washing of textiles |
DE102009052548B4 (en) | 2009-11-05 | 2012-11-08 | Atlantichem Gmbh | Rotationally symmetric shaped bodies, processes for their preparation and their use |
EP2678412A1 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2014-01-01 | Atlantichem Gmbh | Compact shaped body that can be unfolded, method for producing same, and use thereof for cleaning purposes and for distributing active ingredients |
US8932843B2 (en) * | 2011-09-07 | 2015-01-13 | Therapeutic Proteins International, LLC | Buoyant protein harvesting method |
FR2982883B1 (en) * | 2011-11-18 | 2013-11-29 | Fagorbrandt Sas | WATER TANK FOR WASHING AND / OR RINSING A WASHING MACHINE AND WASHING MACHINE FOR THE LAUNDRY |
CN105533865A (en) * | 2016-01-24 | 2016-05-04 | 耿云花 | Color-mixing-prevention medical garment easy to clean |
CN106917233A (en) * | 2017-03-09 | 2017-07-04 | 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 | For the color protection device and washing machine of washing machine |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1356642A (en) * | 1971-04-15 | 1974-06-12 | Procter & Gamble Ltd | Modified polymeric substances as washing assistants |
US3816321A (en) * | 1972-05-03 | 1974-06-11 | Procter & Gamble | Laundering aid |
US4026131A (en) * | 1975-08-27 | 1977-05-31 | Lever Brothers Company | Laundry additive dispenser |
US4380453A (en) * | 1980-02-06 | 1983-04-19 | Dixie Yarns, Inc. | Extraneous dye or colorant scavenging system in laundry |
DE3071468D1 (en) * | 1980-02-06 | 1986-04-10 | Dixie Yarns | A method of controlling undesirable random dyes in a liquid laundry bath |
FR2530589B1 (en) * | 1982-07-20 | 1986-01-03 | Anvar | MATERIAL FOR WASHING A MIXTURE OF TEXTILE ARTICLES IN THE SAME BATH AND WASHING METHOD USING SUCH A MATERIAL |
DE3834698A1 (en) * | 1988-01-27 | 1989-08-10 | Henkel Kgaa | DEVICE FOR RECEIVING AND DELIVERING A TREATMENT AGENT |
JPH0637833Y2 (en) * | 1990-11-30 | 1994-10-05 | 信隆 小林 | Water-active granule-containing storage case with float ring for washing |
-
1999
- 1999-05-28 JP JP2000552331A patent/JP2002517264A/en active Pending
- 1999-05-28 BR BR9910835A patent/BR9910835A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-05-28 CN CN99807668A patent/CN1306588A/en active Pending
- 1999-05-28 WO PCT/US1999/012043 patent/WO1999063142A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-05-28 PL PL34458399A patent/PL344583A1/en unknown
- 1999-05-28 AU AU42241/99A patent/AU747187B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-05-28 EP EP99926081A patent/EP1115936B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1115936A4 (en) | 2003-08-13 |
WO1999063142A1 (en) | 1999-12-09 |
EP1115936A1 (en) | 2001-07-18 |
AU4224199A (en) | 1999-12-20 |
PL344583A1 (en) | 2001-11-05 |
CN1306588A (en) | 2001-08-01 |
JP2002517264A (en) | 2002-06-18 |
BR9910835A (en) | 2002-01-29 |
AU747187B2 (en) | 2002-05-09 |
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