WO2000041736A1

WO2000041736A1 - Attachable freshener and method of using same

Info

Publication number: WO2000041736A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/000613
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gene R. Damaso; Mark Rockcastle
Original assignee: R.R. Street & Co. Inc.
Priority date: 1999-01-12
Filing date: 2000-01-11
Publication date: 2000-07-20
Also published as: AU2499900A

Abstract

A disposable form for freshening and deodorizing garments and other articles that have been dry cleaned or otherwise professionally laundered. The disposable form includes a body formed from a fragrance carrying material into which a desirable fragrance has been incorporated. The body is configured for atttachment to either a hanger or the dry cleaned article. By being placed in close proximity to the dry cleaned article, the disposable form imparts a pleasant fragrance to the dry cleaned article. The fragrance is released over a desired length of time. The invention also relates to a method of providing a freshening and deodorizing fragrance to dry cleaned articles.

Description

ATTACHABLE FRESHENER AND METHOD OF USING SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field Of The Invention

The present invention relates to improving customer satisfaction with articles of clothing and other textiles that require dry cleaning or other professional cleaning. The various solvents and additives presently used in the dry cleaning and other processes may leave a residual odor on cleaned articles. The present invention is useful for improving the customer's perception of the aroma of the dry or otherwise cleaned articles by providing a disposable form incorporated with a desirable fragrance. The disposable form may either be attached to the hanger on which the article is hung or to the article itself. The present invention also relates to a method of imparting a freshening and deodorizing fragrance to dry cleaned articles utilizing the disposable form of the invention.

Description Of Related Αx

Scent-bearing objects for deodorizing or providing a particular aroma are well known in the art. For example, various consumer products are available for deodorizing and aromatizing living spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements. The products are designed to deodorize and to provide a pleasant aroma to living spaces that may have lingering unpleasant smells from cooking, pets, mold and mildew, and the like.

The scent-bearing objects typically are constructed of a material capable of holding a concentrated form of the deodorizing/aromatizing composition so that the objects' scent-releasing function can be performed over a desired length of time. For some purposes, it is desirable to have an instantaneous, short release of a concentrated scent. An example of an instantaneous, short release use is an aerosol dispenser that is capable of deodorizing and providing a pleasant aroma in, for example, a bathroom. In other situations, it is desirable to have a continuous, slow release of the scent. Examples of household locations requiring a continuous, slow release of scent could include the kitchen, closets, storage cabinets or basements. Regardless of the rate at which the object releases the scent^', the deodorizing/aromatizing composition is eventually consumed and depleted.

While many fabrics and fabric blends can be laundered using wet washing techniques, there are fabrics and fabric blends that require dry cleaning. Traditional dry cleaning techniques involve exposing the fabric article to a solvent such as perchloroethylene, petroleum solvent or liquid carbon dioxide. In addition to the cleaning solvent, there are often detergents, brighteners and other additives that are added to the dry cleaning machine. After the cleaning cycle, the cleaning solvent and additives are extracted from the fabric articles utilizing evaporation or other known techniques. The fabric articles are then dried and pressed.

The traditional dry cleaning process is very successful at removing soils and contaminants from the fabric articles. However, the dry cleaning process may leave a somewhat unpleasant and undesirable odor associated with the fabric articles. In order to overcome the residual odor that may remain after dry cleaning, it is known in the art to add a fragrance composition directly to the dry cleaning machine during the cleaning cycle. Though the odor associated with the dry cleaned garments and other fabric articles is improved, residual odor remains. The residual odor remains because the fragrance, along with the cleaning solvent and other additives, is extracted from the articles being cleaned before they are dried and pressed.

Addition of a fragrance composition to the dry cleaning machine has other limitations. By adding the fragrance composition to the dry cleaning machine, all of the articles being cleaned in a particular cleaning operation, such as a batch, will have the same fragrance imparted to them. Further_* there is no way to avoid the presence of the fragrance on all of the articles cleaned in a particular batch. Use of the fragrance in the dry cleaning machine also contaminates the machine with that particular fragrance for subsequent batches. This is disadvantageous because consumers may have varying preferences for the type of fragrance imparted to their fabric articles and some customers may desire that no fragrance be used at all. Therefore, there remains a need for a way to deodorize and freshen fabric articles that have been dry cleaned or otherwise professionally laundered while providing flexibility in the type of fragrance used and providing flexibility in the occasions for which a fragrance is imparted. There also remains a need for a way to deodorize and freshen dry cleaned articles without "contaminating" the dry cleaning machine for subsequent batches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The purpose and advantages of the invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description and drawings that follow, as well as will be learned by practice of the invention. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the elements of the disposable form and method particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

The present invention relates to a disposable form for freshening and deodorizing dry cleaned, and otherwise professionally laundered, articles. The disposable form may be primarily flat, so as to lay against the dry cleaned or laundered article, or may be three dimensional. The disposable form can be of any shape or design appropriate for attachment to the dry cleaned article or the hanger on which the dry cleaned article is hung. The disposable form can also be in a variety of shapes or designs depending upon the season or time of year. For example, in the winter, the disposable form may be in the shape of a snowflake, a snowman, a Christmas tree, or a candy cane, around Valentine's Day, the disposable form may be in the shape of a heart, and around the Fourth of July, the disposable form may be in the shape of the American Flag. Any number of different shapes or designs can be used in conjunction with any season or holiday. Further, the disposable form can have a portion on which the cleaning date is marked so that the owner of the dry cleaned article knows when the article was last cleaned.

While the disposable form is typically removed from the dry cleaned article when the article is put into use, the disposable form can remain attached to a hangar to preserve the fresh smell of the article between cleanings. The disposable form is typically used by the consumer for a desired length of time but is not returned to the dry cleaner for re-use. As described herein, a dry cleaned article is any fabric or textile object that is cleaned according to a non- aqueous cleaning procedure. Such objects include, but are not limited to, garments, blankets, drapery, upholstery and other household furnishings. A wide variety of garments are typically cleaned by dry cleaning and include suits, coats, ties, scarves, dresses and any other items of clothing for which dry cleaning is recommended. A professionally laundered article is any fabric or textile object that is wet laundered. Professionally laundered articles include dress shirts and the like.

After undergoing professional cleaning procedures, dry cleaned and laundered articles may have an undesirable odor to them. In order to freshen and deodorize such articles, the disposable form of the invention is comprised of a body formed from a fragrance carrying material . The fragrance carrying material can be any material with the capability to hold and release a fragrance for a predetermined or desired length of time. Examples of fragrance carrying materials include, but are not limited to, paper, cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, foamboard, as well as woven and non-woven natural and synthetic materials. Therefore, the fragrance carrying material can be any natural or synthetic material capable of holding a fragrance for a predetermined or desired length of time. The length of time may be days, weeks, months, or any appropriate time that may elapse between when the article is picked up by the consumer and when the article is used. For example, seasonal items are used less frequently.

A fragrance can be incorporated into the fragrance carrying material of the disposable form. For example, the fragrance can be impregnated, coated, adsorbed or otherwise applied to the fragrance carrying material of the disposable form. The fragrance composition can be incorporated into the fragrance carrying material either at the time of fabrication of the fragrance carrying material or subsequent to the fabrication of that material. If incorporated subsequent to the fabrication of the fragrance carrying material, the fragrance composition can be applied by atomizing, spraying, coating, or adhesion to the material. Alternatively, the fragrance carrying material can be immersed in the fragrance composition. For example, the fragrance carrying material or individual disposable forms can be dipped in liquid fragrance composition and then dried. The drying is performed in such a way that fragrance-loss is minimized.

The fragrance composition can be either a pure fragrance or a carrier plus a fragrance. A carrier may be necessary if the fragrance by itself is too potent and requires dilution or if the fragrance requires an intermediate medium to be incorporated into the fragrance carrying material. The carrier can be any material that is known in the fragrance industry for the purpose of carrying a fragrance. The fragrance itself is any chemical or other material normally formulated by fragrance houses for use in consumer products such as perfumes, air fresheners and other articles with which a pleasant scent is normally associated. The fragrance composition may contain other components as are necessary to perform the function of the disposable form. For sxarr-ple, if the disposable form has an absorptive function, the fragrance composition may contain sodium bicarbonate. Additionally, another material may be added to the fragrance composition to either preserve the fragrance or to control the release of the fragrance.

A wide variety of fragrances can be incorporated into the fragrance carrying materials, with these fragrances having a range of time-release properties. Therefore, the disposable form can release fragrance over either a short period or an extended period of time. Fragrances can be either natural or synthetic in nature. The fragrance of the disposable form can be easily varied to accommodate consumer preferences. Typically, the amount of fragrance composition incorporated -into the fragrance carrying material or disposable form is from about 5% to about 50% by weight. Preferably, the amount of fragrance composition incorporated is from about 15% to about 30% by weight.

The disposable form has a shaped portion associated with the body. For example, the shaped portion can be extending from or located in the body. The shaped portion includes an opening for combination with the cleaned article with which the disposable form is to be used, thus permitting the disposable form to be removably attached to either the cleaned article or to a hanger or other device on which the cleaned article is hung. For example, the shaped portion can include a hooked portion which can be attached to either a button, zipper or other portion of the cleaned article or can be attached to a hanger on which the cleaned article is hung. Attach er.--: of the hooked portion to a hanger may be appropriate when the dry cleaned article is a blanket or drapery as these articles are unlikely to have buttons or zippers associated with them. In another example, the opening of the shaped portion is a hole or slit within the fragrance carrying material. With this example, the disposable form may be attached to the dry cleaned article by placing the opening over a button on the dry cleaned article or over the hooked portion of a hanger. The shaped portion can also be in the form of an eyelet, with the opening being formed therethrough. Additionally, the shaped portion can be in the form of an expandable slit or in the form of a hole. The shaped portion of the disposable form thus permits ready attachment with the cleaned article but also permits easy removal from the cleaned article .

The objects and advantages of the present invention are further achieved by a method of imparting a freshening and deodorizing fragrance to dry cleaned or otherwise professionally laundered articles. The method includes a step of dry cleaning the desired articles. Various methods and techniques of dry cleaning are known in the art. Dry cleaning techniques often utilize a non-aqueous solvent, such as perchloroethylene, petroleum solvent, petroleum distillate or supercritical or liquid carbon dioxide, that is removed from the article by extraction after the cleaning is completed. After the dry cleaning step, the dry cleaned articles are pressed. Conventional techniques for pressing fabric and textile articles are employed to remove creases , wrinkles and other shape deformities caused by use and dry cleaning. After pressing into their original shape, the dry cleaned articles are hung on hangers for improved convenience and for retaining their pressed shapes.

After hanging the cleaned articles on hangers or other devices, a disposable form, which includes a fragrance carrying material, is attached to the hangers. As described herein, the fragrance carrying material can be any material capable of holding a fragrance. A wide variety of fragrances that are pleasant smelling can be incorporated into the fragrance carrying material. Therefore, each disposable form can have a different fragrance and each dry cleaned article

-S- can have a disposable form bearing a different fragrance attached to it. Furthermore, different fragrances may be used in conjunction with different shapes or designs of the disposable form depending on the time of year or on the proximity to certain holidays. The disposable form also has a shaped portion associated with the body. For example, the shaped portion can be extending from or located in the body of the disposable form for attachment either to the hanger on which the dry cleaned article is hung or to the dry cleaned article itself. One example of a shaped portion is a hooked portion that can be wrapped around the neck of the hanger.

The method further includes the step of covering the dry cleaned article with a protective bag or other material. Typically, a plastic bag is placed over the hanger and the dry cleaned article in order to protect the dry cleaned article from becoming resoiled or wet . Often consumers store their dry cleaned articles with the protective bag over them until it is time to use the article again. The disposable form is underneath the protective hag where it can freshen and deodorize the dry cleaned article by releasing its fragrance over a period of time. To further enhance fragrance over a period of time, the open end of the protective bag may be sealed so that the dry cleaned article and the disposable form are contained in an enclosed area. The period of time over which the fragrance is released may depend on, among other things, the type of fragrance used and the amount of fragrance that is incorporated into the fragrance carrying material of the disposable form. The method of the invention can also be practiced where the dry cleaned articles are placed in boxes, as may be done with dress shirts.

The method of the invention can be performed utilizing disposable forms having different fragrances depending on the nature of the fragrance desired by the consumer. For example, practitioners of the method can have supplies of disposable forms having different fragrances and can attach disposable forms to dry cleaned articles depending on the consumer's fragrance preference. As discussed above, a variety of different shapes and designs of the disposable form may be combined with a variety of different fragrances depending upon the time of the year and the proximity to various holidays. Alternatively, a disposable form can be attached to a dry cleaned article that does not impart a particular fragrance but rather merely absorbs the residual odor associated with the dry cleaning process.

It is to be understood ths-t both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and provided for purposes of explanation only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. However, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the overall scope of the invention described and claimed herein.

Fig. 1 is a front plan view of one embodiment of a shaped portion of the disposable form of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front plan view of another embodiment of a shaped portion of the disposable form of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a front plan view of one embodiment of the disposable form of the invention attached to a cleaned article.

Fig. 4 is a front plan view of another embodiment of the disposable form of the invention attached to a cleaned article. Figs. 5-8 are comprised of front plan views of various embodiments of the disposable fc-rm of the invention where there is a shaped portion associated with the body of the disposable form; Figs. 5 and 6 depict disposable forms having shaped portions extending from the bodies of the disposable forms; Figs. 7 and 8 depict disposable forms having shaped portions located in the bodies of the disposable forms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the disposable form of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference characters will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The method of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the disposable form for clarity.

The present invention relates to an object and a method of using such an object to freshen and deodorize articles that have been dry cleaned or otherwise professionally laundered. Traditional professional cleaning techniques may impart an unpleasant or undesirable "chemical" odor to the articles that are cleaned. The odor remains after the dry cleaning solvent, detergents and other additives are extracted from the articles that have been cleaned. An objective of the present invention is to improve the smell of dry cleaned or professionally laundered articles while at the same time allowing flexibility for consumer preference as to the amount and character of the fragrance imparted to the cleaned articles. Alternatively, an objective of the present invention is to absorb any residual odor imparted to cleaned articles from the cleaning process.

As used herein, dry cleaned articles refer to any fabric or textile articles that are cleaned utilizing nonaqueous solvent to remove soil and contaminants. The nonaqueous solvent and other dry cleaning compounds are extracted from the articles. Fabric and textile articles that may be dry cleaned include, but are not limited to, garments, blankets and other linens, draperies, floor coverings, upholstery and other home furnishings . Garments that are typically dry cleaned include, but are not limited to, suits, sweaters, scarves, dresses, neckties, blouses and other articles of clothing made of fabrics or fabric blends for which dry cleaning is desirable. The fabric or fabric blend of an article may dictate whether it is desirable to clean it using dry cleaning or wet washing techniques, although considerations besides fabric content may also be determinative. A professionally laundered article refers to any fabric or textile object that is wet laundered. Professionally laundered articles include dress shirts and the like. An exemplary embodiment of the disposable form of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1 and designated generally by reference character 100. Fig. 1 shows a disposable form 100 for freshening and deodorizing dry cleaned articles. The disposable form 100 is not limited to a particular shape, appearance or configuration. The disposable form 100 can be primarily two dimensional and, therefore, primarily flat or it can have a three dimensional configuration such as a sphere or cube. In alternate embodiments, the disposable form 100 can be in a variety of shapes or designs depending upon the season or time of year. For example, in winter, the disposable form 100 may be in the shape of a snowflake, a snowman, a Christmas tree, or a candy cane, around Valentine's Day, the disposable form 100 may be in the shape of a heart, and around the Fourth of July, the disposable form 100 may be in the shape of an American Flag. Any number of different shapes or designs can be used in conjunction with any season or holiday. Further, the disposable form 100 can be provided with a portion on which the cleaning date can be marked to indicate to the owner of the cleaned article the date of the last cleaning.

While the disposable form 100 can remain associated with a dry cleaned article for a length of time desired by the consumer, the disposable form 100 is not intended for reuse by the dry cleaner, although the form 100 could be designed ^'to be re-usable.

The disposable form 100 includes a body formed from a fragrance carrying material 120. The fragrance carrying material 120 may be any material which is capable of absorbing and holding a fragrance. The fragrance carrying material 120 then releases the fragrance over a predetermined or desired period of time. The fragrance carrying material 120 can also be composed of an odor absorbing material. Examples of suitable fragrance carrying materials 120 include, but are not limited to paper, cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, foamboard, and woven and non-woven natural and synthetic materials. Depending en the characteristics of the fragrance carrying material 120, fragrance may be released over varying lengths of time. Lengths of time include days, weeks, months or any appropriate time that may elapse between when the cleaned article is picked up by the consumer and then used.

The fragrance carrying material of the disposable form 100 has a fragrance incorporated into it. The fragrance can be incorporated through absorption, spraying, coating, adsorption or any other appropriate technique. Fragrance is incorporated into the fragrance carrying material 120 either before the material 120 is fabricated into the disposable form 100 or to the disposable form 100 itself. If incorporated subsequent to the fabrication of the disposable form 100, the fragrance composition can be incorporated by impregnating, atomizing, spraying, coating, or adhesion to the fragrance carrying material 120. Alternatively, the fragrance carrying material 120 can be immersed in the fragrance composition. For example, the fragrance carrying material 120 or individual disposable forms 100 can be dipped in liquid fragrance composition and then dried. The drying is performed in such a way that fragrance-loss is minimized.

The fragrance can be any composition or material that is capable of being absorbed by or applied to the fragrance carrying material 120. A wide variety of different fragrances may be desirable for freshening and deodorizing the dry cleaned article. Of course, fragrance preferences will vary from consumer to consumer. Different disposable forms 100 can have different fragrances added to them. Furthermore, different fragrances may be used in conjunction with different shapes or designs of the disposable form 100 depending on either the time of year or the proximity to certain holidays. Different fragrance compositions will have different release properties and may release their scent over differing periods of time. The concentration of fragrance added to the fragrance carrying material 120 will also affect the time release properties of the fragrance.

The fragrance composition can be either a pure fragrance or a carrier material plus a fragrance. Typically, the amount of fragrance composition incorporated into the fragrance carrying material 120 or disposable form 100 is from about 5% to about 50% by weight. Preferably, the amount of fragrance composition incorporated is from about 15% to about 30% by weight. A carrier may be necessary if the fragrance by itself is too potent and requires dilution or if the fragrance requires an intermediate medium to adhere to the fragrance carrying material 120. The carrier is any material or chemical composition that is known in the fragrance industry for imparting a fragrance. The fragrance itself is any material or chemical compound normally formulated by fragrance houses for use in consumer products such as perfumes, air fresheners and other articles with which a pleasant scent is normally associated.

The fragrance composition may contain other components as are necessary to perform the intended function of the disposable form 100. For example, if the disposable form 100 has an absorptive function, the fragrance composition may contain sodium bicarbonate. If the disposable form 100 is to be used in conjunction with a woolen or other articles susceptible to attack by moths or other insects, the fragrance composition may contain chemical compounds such as those found in mothballs to act as a repellant. Additionally, a compound may be added to the fragrance composition to either preserve the fragrance or to control the release of the fragrance. The disposable form 100, in order to freshen and deodorize the dry cleaned article, has a shaped portion associated with the body for attachment to either a hanger or to the dry cleaned article. The shaped portion can either extend from the body of the disposable form 100 or can be located in the body of the disposable form 100. Two examples of shaped portions are depicted in Figs. 1 and 2. In Fig. 1, the shaped portion extends from the body and includes a hooked portion 140. The hooked portion 140 has an opening 110. In Fig. 2, the shaped portion is located in the body and it defines an opening 110. Further in Fig. 2, the shaped portion is in the form of a hole 160 with the opening 110 formed through the body. Other exemplary forms of the shaped portion are shown in Figs. 5-8, where the shaped portion is generally denoted with the numeral 400. However, other attachment features are possible, such as a string attachment feature where the string is looped around a hanger, zipper, or button, with the string being attached at one end to the fragrance carrying material 120.

In Fig. 1, the shaped portion includes a hooked portion 140. The hooked portion 140 can either be latched around the neck of a hanger on which the dry cleaned article is hung or latched around a button or button hole of the dry cleaned article. As an example, Fig. 3 depicts a dry cleaned article 200 that is hung on a hanger 300. The disposable form 100 having the hooked portion 140, such as the disposable form 100 depicted in Fig. 1, is shown latched around the neck of the hanger 300. The disposable form 100 is in close enough proximity with the dry cleaned article 200 so as to have a freshening and deodorizing effect on any residual odors that may be associated with the dry cleaned article 200 as a result of the dry cleaning process. When the dry cleaned article 200 and the hanger 300 are covered with a plastic or other protective bag, the disposable form 100 will also be covered by that protective covering. Therefore, the fragrance associated with the disposable form 100 will be released near the dry cleaned article 200 and under the protective covering. To further enhance the fragrance over a period of time, the open end of the protective covering may be sealed so that the dry cleaned article 200 and the disposable form 100 are contained in an enclosed area. The hooked portion 140 thus gives the dry cleaner the option of adding or not adding a fragrance to the dry cleaned article 200 and also gives the option of the type of fragrance to be used. The options associated with the use of the disposable form 100 allow the dry cleaner to better meet consumer expectations. Eig. 2 depicts a disposable form 100 including a shaped portion 160 located in the body. The shaped portion 160 of Fig. 2 defines an opening 110 in the form of a hole through the body. The defined opening 110 can be used to attach the disposable form 100 to either a hanger or to a button on the dry cleaned article. If attached to a hanger, the hook end of the hanger is inserted through the opening 110 so that the disposable form 100 then rests on the neck portion of the hanger. If attached to a button, the opening 110 is placed around the button so that the disposable form 100 hangs from the button and against the dry cleaned article. Fig. 4 depicts a dry cleaned article 200 hung from a hanger 300. Attached to a button of the dry cleaned article 200 is a disposable form 100 having the conf guration depicted in Fig. 2. The disposable form 100 has a shaped portion 160 defining an opening that permits the disposable form 100 to be attached to a button of the dry cleaned article 200. .The disposable form 100 is thus in close proximity with the dry cleaned article 200 so as to have a freshening and deodorizing effect on any residual odors that may be associated with the dry cleaned article 200 as a result of the dry cleaning process. When the dry cleaned article 200 and the hanger 300 are covered with a protective plastic bag, the disposable form 100 will remain in close proximity with the dry cleaned article

200. The disposable form 100 can have a variety of fragrances depending on consumer preferences. The shaped portion 160 permits the dry cleaner to either add or not add the disposable form 100 to the dry cleaned article 200. Flexibility to use or not use a disposable form 100 with a particular dry cleaned article 200 and flexibility in the type of fragrε ce used allow the dry cleaner to better meet consumer expectations.

Exemplary forms of different embodiments of shaped portions are depicted in Figs. 5-8. The shaped portions are denoted generally by reference numeral 400. In Figs. 5 and 6, the shaped portion 400 extends from the body of the disposable forms 100. The shaped portions 400 include openings. In Fig. 5, the shaped portion 400 is in the form of an eyelet having an opening defined therethrough. In Fig. 6, the shaped portion 400 is in the form of an expandable slit. The shaped portions 400 of Figs. 5 and 6 can be either integrally formed with the bodies of the disposable forms 100 or can be formed from another material that can be attached in conventional ways, e.g. adhesively, to the bodies of the disposable forms 100. Adhesive attachment of the shaped portions 400 would permit the use by the dry cleaner of standard shaped disposable forms 100 and the attachment of shaped portions 400 to selected disposable forms 100. In Figs. 7 and 8, the shaped portion 400 is located in the body of the disposable form 100. The shaped portions 400 of Figs. 7 and 8 include expandable slits. The fragrance carrying material 120 of the disposable forms 100 depicted in Figs. 1 through 8 may additionally have the capacity to absorb unpleasant smells and odors from dry cleaned articles.

The present invention also relates to a method of providing a freshening and deodorizing fragrance to dry cleaned and otherwise professionally laundered articles. The method involves the dry cleaning of various articles, as described herein, using various dry cleaning techniques. Though extracted during the dry cleaning process, traditional dry cleaning solvents and additives may leave a residual odor associated with the articles that have been dry cleaned. Typically, after cleaning, the dry cleaned articles are pressed to remove deformities, such as wrinkles and creases, and to return the articles to their original shapes. Most dry cleaned articles are hung on hangers or other suitable forms after pressing in order to preserve the restored shape and appearance of the dry cleaned article. Positioning of dry cleaned articles en hangers also provides storage benefits to the dry cleaner and the customer. For example, the use of hangers conserves what may be limited storage space available to the dry cleaner.

After the dry cleaner has hung the dry cleaned articles on hangers, the dry cleaner then has the option of attaching a disposable form to either the hanger or the dry cleaned article itself. The disposable form is constructed so as to be capable of providing a freshening and deodorizing fragrance to the dry cleaned article. The disposable form includes a body formed from a fragrance carrying material and a fragrance incorporated into the fragrance carrying material . The fragrance carrying material and fragrance are as described previously. The disposable form has a shaped portion associated with the body. For example, the shaped portion can either extend from or be located in the body. The shaped portion includes or defines an opening. An example of a shaped portion is a hooked portion, for connecting the disposable form to either the hanger or to the dry cleaned article. A hooked portion permits the disposable form to be attached either to the necks of the hangers or to be wrapped around a button or through a button hole on the dry cleaned articles. The shaped portion can also be in the form of a hole, an eyelet, or an expandable slit. Such shaped portions fit over the hooks of the hangers or over buttons associated with the dry cleaned articles.

Attachment of disposable forms to dry cleaned articles gives the dry cleaner flexibility to vary the type of fragrance imparted to the dry cleaned articles, thereby better meeting consumer expectations. Rather than providing a particular fragrance to the dry cleaned article, the disposable form can also be used by the dry cleaner merely to absorb smells and odors away from dry cleaned articles. In addition to providing flexibility, the method of the invention overcomes the deficiencies of known methods of imparting fragrances to dry cleaned articles. By providing a fragrance as part of the disposable form, the dry cleaner avoids contamination of the dry cleaning or other laundering equipment with a particular fragrance. Fragrance is then not carried over to subsequent loads of articles that are cleaned in the dry cleaning or other laundering equipment.

The method of the invention further includes a step of covering the dry cleaning ar icles with a bag or other protective barrier. Typically, plastic bags are used to preserve the shape and appearance of the dry cleaned articles as well as to protect the article from soil or water. Though a protective barrier may be used to protect the dry cleaned article, the disposable form remains in close proximity with the dry cleaned article to have a freshening and deodorizing effect. In an alternate embodiment, the open end of the protective barrier can be sealed to further enhance the freshening and deodorizing effect of the disposable form. Although reference has been made to the use of particular shaped portions for the disposable forms of the present invention for the purpose of explanation, it is understood that alternative embodiments of the disposable form could also be used for freshening and deodorizing dry cleaned articles. It also will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the design and construction of the disposable form, as well as in the performance of the method, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specif cation and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What Is Claimed Is:

1. A disposable form for freshening and deodorizing dry cleaned articles, the disposable form comprising: a body formed from a fragrance carrying material; a fragrance incorporated in the fragrance carrying material; and a shaped portion associated with the body, the shaped portion including an opening.

2. The disposable form of claim 1 wherein the fragrance carrying material includes paper, cardboard, plastic, fiberboard, foamboard, and non-woven synthetic materials.

3. The disposable form of claim 1 wherein the shaped portion includes a hooked portion.

4. The disposable form of claim 1 wherein the shaped portion is in the form of an eyelet, with the opening being formed therethrough.

5. The disposable form of claim 1 wherein the shaped portion is in the form of an expandable slit.

6. The disposable form of claim 1 wherein the shaped portion is in the form of a hole through the body.

7. The disposable form of claim 1 wherein the fragrance is impregnated into, adsorbed onto or coated onto the fragrance carrying material.

8. The disposable form of claim 1 wherein the fragrance is from 5% to 50% by weight of the fragrance carrying material.

9. A method of providing a freshening and deodorizing fragrance to dry cleaned articles, the method comprising the steps of: dry cleaning articles; pressing the dry cleaned articles; hanging the dry cleaned articles on hangers; attaching disposable forms to the hangers, the disposable forms comprising a body formed from a fragrance carrying material, a fragrance incorporated in the fragrance carrying material, a shaped portion associated with the body, the shaped portion including an opening; and covering the articles with protective bags.